Day: August 28, 2024

In a field that is dominated by men, one woman police diver is making waves in the province of Gauteng.

Meet Warrant Officer Charlene van der Berg, the only female police diver attached to the Water Police and Diving Services Unit in Sedibeng, Gauteng.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) is observing Women’s Month by celebrating its women in blue who not only go beyond the call of duty, but who also continue to break barriers in male dominated environments.

Van der Berg, 42, hails from Springs. She joined the service in 2002 as a student constable.

She made a stint in the SAPS Bike Squad before joining the Water Wing after completing a Commercial Divers Level IV Course in 2014.

As a police diver, Van der Berg’s duties include attending to various water related incidents, including search and rescue operations.

Van der Berg says the majority of her work as a police diver takes place in water with zero visibility. She uses her sense of touch, often in depths shallower than 10 metres.

“I am required
to enter water conditions that are extreme or challenging. If there is a potential to save a life, I never hesitate to jump in,” said Van der Berg.

To date, Van der Berg has accumulated about 120 dives, which calculates roughly to 64.5 hours. This includes diving operations to recover bodies, firearms and exhibits, as well as search and rescue missions and training purposes.

In 2016, van der Berg played an instrumental role as part of the team that was deployed for a search and rescue operation during the flash floods in Johannesburg.

During this incident, a number of vehicles were swept away by strong currents, and people lost their lives. The team managed to rescue a number of people and also retrieved vehicles.

Moreover, in 2018, Van der Berg and her colleagues were also deployed to assist during the flash floods in the Free State province.

They rescued children from a bus that was stuck in a low-lying bridge on a flooded road, and also put their lives at risk in fast flowing water to save the lives o
f a father and his daughter by means of rope work.

The team also rescued three men stranded on top of a vehicle while drifting off in the fast flowing water.

Van der Berg was also part of the team of six members, who were awarded monetary awards and commendation certificates for the sterling work done by putting their lives at risk to rescue and save lives during the flash floods.

‘If I had to think of all the dangers that I sometimes experience, I will not be doing what I am doing if it is not my calling. I am committed and dedicated to my work. I care for people and their families. I would also not hesitate to dive to save a life in danger.

‘After my first dive I knew I had not only found my calling; I had also discovered a world full of unlimited possibilities.

“I am very proud to be a member of the SAPS Water and Diving Services and to perform diving duties. But the most rewarding part of my job as a police diver is bringing closures to families by reuniting them with their loved ones,’ said Van der
Berg.

Source: South African Government News Agency

An inquiry has been launched into the escape of an inmate from the Waterval Correctional Centre in KwaZulu-Natal, says the Department of Correctional Services (DCS).

DCS National Commissioner, Makgothi Thobakgale said: ‘A thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the escape is underway and the findings will identify any lapses. Those found to be responsible will face appropriate consequences’.

According to the department, inmate Dumisani Mthethwa escaped from the correctional centre on Monday and has since been rearrested.

‘The apprehension was successfully executed through the relentless efforts of our departmental officials.

‘Dumisani Mthethwa is scheduled to appear in court on charges related to his escape. Additionally, his security classification will be reviewed, and he will be transferred to a different correctional facility to ensure heightened security measures.

‘The safety and security of our correctional facilities are paramount for the Department of Correctional Services. We
are taking all necessary measures to avert security breaches. Hence, the department remains steadfast in its mission to apprehend those who escape from custody. Escaping from lawful custody is a serious criminal offence, and those who aid in such acts shall be spared no mercy,’ the department said.

Source: South African Government News Agency

Legislation previously administered by the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy has now been transferred to the Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources and the Minister of Electricity and Energy.

This as President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the new Cabinet of the seventh administration in June. In announcing the new Cabinet, the President also announced some changes to government departments that involved the merger of the Ministries of Electricity and Energy as well as the announcement of a separate Ministry of Mineral and Petroleum Resources.

‘In terms of section 97 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, President Ramaphosa has transferred the administration, powers and functions previously entrusted by legislation to the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy,’ the Presidency said in a statement on Tuesday.

The legislation has been transferred as follows:

Legislation transferred to the Minister of Electricity and Energy:

Abolition of the National Energy Council Act, 1991
(Act No. 95 of 1991)

Nuclear Energy Act, 1993 (Act No. 131 of 1993)

Nuclear Energy Act, 1999 (Act No. 46 of 1999)

National Nuclear Regulator Act, 1999 (Act No. 47 of 1999)

Gas Act, 2001 (Act No. 48 of 2001)

Gas Regulator Levies Act, 2002 (Act No. 75 of 2002)

National Energy Regulator Act, 2004 (Act No. 40 of 2004)

Electricity Regulation Act, 2006 (Act No. 4 of 2006)

National Energy Act, 2008 (Act No. 34 of 2008)

National Radioactive Waste Disposal Institute Act, 2008 (Act No. 53 of 2008)

Legislation transferred to the Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources:

Central Energy Fund Act, 1977 (Act No. 38 of 1977)

Petroleum Products Act, 1977 (Act No. 120 of 1977)

Petroleum Pipelines Act, 2003 (Act No. 60 of 2003)

Petroleum Pipelines Levies Act, 2004 (Act No. 28 of 2004)

Mines and Works Act, 1956 (Act No. 27 of 1956)

Mining Titles Registration Act, 1967 (Act No. 16 of 1967)

Diamonds Act, 1986 (Act No. 56 of 1986)

Mineral Technology Act, 1989 (Act No. 30 of 1989)

Geoscience A
ct, 1993 (Act No. 100 of 1993)

Mine Health and Safety Act, 1996 (Act No. 29 of 1996)

Abolition of Lebowa Mineral Trust Act, 2000 (Act No. 67 of 2000)

Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 (Act No. 28 of 2002)

Precious Metals Act, 2005 (Act No. 37 of 2005)

‘The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy [DMRE] will continue to exist until the legislation and relevant human and financial resources are transferred. The DMRE will then be replaced by two departments: the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources and the Department of Electricity and Energy.

‘As an interim arrangement, the Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources has been assigned responsibility for [the] DMRE. A Memorandum of Agreement will be entered into to ensure that DMRE provides the necessary support to the Minister of Electricity and Energy for the remainder of the 2024/2025 financial year and until a new Department of Electricity and Energy is established and resourced,’ the Presidency explained.

Source:
South African Government News Agency

President Cyril Ramaphosa has enacted a legislation that will enable South Africa to expand bulk water infrastructure and improve the management of existing water assets to ensure water security over the next decade.

President Ramaphosa assented to the South African National Water Resources Infrastructure Agency SOC Ltd Bill which establishes a new agency that will be responsible for developing and managing national water infrastructure, and will be able to mobilise finance for new projects through innovative models to crowd in private investment.

The new legislation, signed by the President, forms part of reforms in the water sector aimed at increasing investment in the maintenance and construction of water infrastructure and improved water quality.

These reforms are driven by Operation Vulindlela – a joint initiative of the Presidency and National Treasury to accelerate the implementation of structural reforms and support economic recovery.

‘The initiative aims to modernise and transform network indust
ries, including electricity, water, transport, and digital communications. The new law flows from a project of the Department of Water and Sanitation to restructure the South African national water resources infrastructure,’ the Presidency said in a statement.

The Presidency said over the past few years, there has been an emerging recognition of the need for a stronger public sector in the key area of infrastructure development, effective maintenance, operation, and management of existing infrastructure, and to support social and economic development.

The South African National Water Resources Infrastructure Agency SOC Ltd Act establishes the National Water Resources Infrastructure Agency SOC Limited as a vehicle to achieve the strategic objectives of government to eradicate poverty and to ensure sustainable and equitable development, including promoting the State’s socio-economic and transformation objectives.

The law seeks to address the current fragmentation in water resource management between the Depa
rtment of Water and Sanitation, the Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA) and the Water Trading Entity, and to establish an agency that is able to raise funds on its own balance sheet to increase investment in water infrastructure.

The Act outlines the establishment of the Agency as a State-owned Company and major public entity.

Source: South African Government News Agency

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Thursday afternoon account to the nation on the work of government when he responds to Questions for Oral Reply in the National Assembly in Parliament, Cape Town.

During this session, President Ramaphosa will, among other questions, brief Parliament on steps government is taking to encourage private sector investments to improve ports, railways and other infrastructure to drive economic growth.

‘This will also include expansion of access to agricultural markets for small-scale and emerging farmers as productive sectors of the economy.

‘The President will reflect on the alignment of South Africa’s foreign policy with the needs of the African continent and steps being taken to ensure that South Africa continues to contribute to promoting African unity and self-determination,’ the Presidency said in a statement.

Other international issues such as combating illicit trade in illegal substances will also be addressed.

Furthermore, the President will provide updates on the dev
elopment and strategic goals of the Sovereign Wealth Fund and progress in building housing for the residents of Alexandra.

Source: South African Government News Agency

The upgrading of the Wits Roy McAlpine Burns Unit at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital (CHBAH) will go a long way in positioning the facility as one of the leading centres in Africa, focusing on the treatment of burns.

This is according to Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, who opened the new extended wing together with Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Wits University, Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, and the Roy McAlpine Foundation.

The additional wing is expected to enhance critical care and specialist training.

Since its establishment 33 years ago, the burns unit at the hospital has admitted over 30 000 patients and performed more than 40 000 burn-related surgical procedures.

‘The opening of this new wing is more than just an expansion of physical space; it represents a crucial step forward in our ability to provide lifesaving world-class care to the hundreds of patients who depend on the public health system.

‘This centre of excellence will go a long way in ensuring that m
ore patients, both adults and children, can be counted among those whose dignity was restored post severe burns,’ explained Nkomo-Ralehoko.

According to the CHBAH Head of Burns Unit, Professor Adelin Muganza, the facility’s expansion includes 12 newly- equipped intensive care unit (ICU) beds and a new operating theatre to reduce delays in surgical procedures – a critical factor in treating severe burns.

The unit also boasts office space, a large outpatient service area ensuring that more patients receive timely follow-up care, and rehabilitation spaces for occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech therapy, and recreational activities.

According to Muganza, all these are essential for the holistic recovery of burn victims, including a skin substitute laboratory to improve the training of specialists and patient outcomes through cutting-edge research.

The impact of this expansion is already being felt by patients such as 29-year-old Nontleko Sithole from George Goch in Johannesburg who suffered burns to h
er body and face.

She was admitted to the Wits Roy McAlpine Burns Unit earlier this month after a devastating fire at her home, which sadly claimed her grandmother.

‘I am impressed and happy with how the hospital treated my wounds and amazed about the progress I am making so far. I never thought I was going to recover so quickly, but now I am positive because of the work done on me by the healthcare workers,’ she said.

Another patient, Bafana Alex Ntombela from Pimville, Soweto, was severely burned after collapsing onto a hotplate stove, causing significant injuries to the lower part of his body.

‘I thought my life was over after seeing how badly I was burned. I underestimated Bara and its staff, but they surprised me with the treatment they gave me. They counselled me, and I have hope that I will recover. The progress of my healing is amazing.’

The facility is set to recruit additional specialists, medical officers, and nurses, further strengthening its capacity to meet the growing healthcare needs of t
he community.

This milestone underlines the GDoH’s commitment to enhancing healthcare infrastructure and preparing for the National Health Insurance (NHI) by expanding and upgrading facilities to meet the increasing demand for healthcare services.

The facility will also significantly improve burns services not only in Gauteng but also across South Africa and the broader Southern African Development Community region.

Source: South African Government News Agency