Day: August 30, 2024

Premier and Minister deeply concerned over, commit to collaborative policing MoU

The Western Cape Government (WCG) notes with deep concern the crime statistics for the fourth quarter of the 2023/24 financial year and the first quarter of the 2024/25 financial year, which were released earlier today by the Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu.

The figures are disappointing and are a clear indication that fresh approaches to combatting crime will have to be explored and implemented with urgency.

Premier Alan Winde said that the numbers are deeply concerning and must make us redouble our efforts. He stated, “These statistics, as well as the findings of the latest Victims of Crime Survey, reflect the reality so many of our residents have to endure daily. This is not lost on us. The figures must shock us into decisive action, where collaboration and partnerships, not cheap politicking, guide us in how best to combat crime in all its forms. While we analyse and digest the data, we must also commit to urgently implem
enting the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which the WCG, City of Cape Town (CoCT) and national government signed today in Cape Town. This is an important occasion signalling a commitment from all of us to work closely together to tackle the scourge of crime. Our residents look to us for action and hope. We must not fail them.”

With the Western Cape accounting for seven out of the ten policing precincts with the highest murder rate in the country, and increases in the murder rate in Western Cape precincts such as Nyanga (65% increase), Philippi East (76,5% increase) and Khayelitsha (44% increase), a lot of work, dedication and planning will be required. Overall, the Western Cape’s murder rate increased by 27,5% in quarter 4 of 2023/24 by 21,2% in quarter 1 of 2024/25.

Premier Winde urged all stakeholders to set aside their political differences and work together to make all of our communities places of safety and economic growth.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) must focus on ensuring that the SAPS
in the Western Cape is adequately resourced; that crime intelligence is shared among stakeholders; and that resources are concentrated in areas that require them the most and are allocated and deployed according to a data and evidence-led approach, which the WCG has adopted in its Safety Plan.

This is why closer cooperation between the provincial government, the national government, the Western Cape SAPS and municipal law enforcement efforts is imperative. The MoU signed between the provincial and national governments, SAPS and the City of Cape Town is a strong example of such co-operation, because crime levels can only be brought down if everyone does their part.

Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety Anroux Marais expressed her deep disappointment and concern over the latest crime statistics.

‘In the fight against crime, the Western Cape Department of Police Oversight and Community Safety will continue to fund the LEAP programme, to assist and support the SAPS in stabilising the a
reas which are the worst hotspots for contact crimes. The agreement signed today should assist in growing the capacity of programmes like LEAP, Rural Safety and K9 units, to assist investigative capacity, improve prosecutorial success rates and combat lawlessness. Visible policing, in which our programmes assist the SAPS are extremely valuable to stabilise areas of hostility. We also have reason to believe that SAPS will be focusing more on improved crime intelligence, which is imperative if the fight against crime is to be won,’ she said.

‘I will be meeting with Western Cape Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Thembisile Patekile and his leadership to offer every possible assistance. SAPS, the provincial government and municipalities in our province will have to brainstorm and strategise anew. The only way to beat crime is for all of us to step up and play our part. We will not be deterred,’ concluded Minister Marais.

Media enquiries:

Regan Thaw

Media Liaison Officer

Office of the Premier

083 627 72
46

Email: [email protected]

Source: South African Government News Agency

SIU authorised to investigate allegations of corruption and maladministration in nine Eskom contracts and amendment of the Department Of Rural Development And Land Reform investigation

President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed has two proclamations- one new and one amendment- authorising the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to investigate allegations of corruption and maladministration in the affairs of Eskom Holdings SOC Limited and the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform and recover any losses suffered by the State. Eskom investigations Proclamation 178 of 2024 authorises the SIU to investigate allegations of corruption and maladministration at Eskom regarding the following contracts:

The procurement of and contracting for coal from Tegeta Exploration and Resources (Pty) Limited for coal supplied by Optimum Coal Mine (Pty) Limited and the Brakfontein Colliery Mine.

Procuring and contracting for coal information technology services under a master services agreement concluded with T Systems Interna
tional GmbH.

The procurement of and contracting for information technology services related to software licence and support agreements concluded with SAP South Africa (Pty) Limited.

Procurement of and contracting for coal services concerning Task Order SM008 for “capital scrubbing”.

The procurement of and contracting for coal security services from Combined Private Investigations (Pty) Limited.

The procurement of and contracting for coal forensic investigation services from Kapditwala Incorporated, trading as Dentons South Africa.

The procurement of and contracting for information technology services from Cutting Edge Commerce (Pty) Limited (formerly Leonardo Business Consulting).

Serious maladministration in connection with the affairs of Eskom relating to a pre-payment by Eskom of approximately R1.68 billion for coal from Optimum Coal Mine to Hendrina Power Station, which pre-payment was later changed to a guarantee.

Serious maladministration in connection with the affairs of Eskom relating to a pre-
payment by Eskom of approximately R659 million to Tegeta Exploration and Resources (Pty) Limited.

Additionally, the SIU will investigate any unauthorised, irregular, fruitless, or wasteful expenditure incurred by Eskom or the State. The investigation will encompass any unlawful or improper conduct by Eskom officials, employees, suppliers, service providers, or any other involved parties. The Proclamation covers allegations of unlawful and improper conduct that occurred between 1 March 2006 and 30 August 2024, as well as any related activities before 1 March 2006 and after the date of the Proclamation that are pertinent to the matters under investigation or involve the same persons, entities, or contracts.

Department of Rural Development and Land Reform Proclamation 178 of 2024 amends Proclamation No. R.24 of 2017, within the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform. The amendment results from the SIU’s investigations, which revealed that the SIU needs to investigate further areas that the existing pr
oclamations did not cover. The SIU requested a Proclamation amendment in terms of time and focus areas.

The amendment authorises the SIU to investigate the following areas in the Department: The acquisition by the Department or beneficiaries of:

the Bekendvlei, Nirwanda, Wonderhoek, Mont Piquet, Appelkloof and Rietvlei farms.

Mike’s Chicken (Pty) Limited, immovable assets and animals for Project Harmonie, Project Uitkyk and Project Dipalemo.

Shares in Bambanani Fruits BEE (Pty) Limited regarding the Department’s Proactive Land Acquisition Strategy or the Land Redistribution for Agricultural Development Policy and identifying, selecting, and appointing strategic partners and beneficiaries.

Additionally, the SIU will investigate any unauthorised, irregular, fruitless, or wasteful expenditure incurred by the department or the State. The investigation will encompass any unlawful, improper or corrupt conduct by Department Officials, employees, suppliers, service providers, or any other involved parties. Beyon
d investigating maladministration, corruption, and fraud, the SIU will identify systemic failures and recommend measures to prevent future losses.

In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996 (SIU Act), the SIU will refer any evidence of criminal conduct uncovered during its investigation to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for further action. The SIU is also authorised under the SIU Act to initiate a civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal in its name to address any wrongdoing identified during its investigation resulting from acts of corruption, fraud, or maladministration.

Source: South African Government News Agency

His Excellency Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will, tomorrow Saturday, 31 August 2024, participate in the High-Level Energy Seminar, under the auspices of the BRICS 9th Annual New Development Bank Ministers Meeting taking place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), Cape Town, South Africa.

Under the theme: ‘Securing South Africa’s Future’ the Energy Seminar’s primary objectives are to draw insights from the experiences of BRICS Member States and New Development Bank’s (NDB) new member countries, namely, People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Arab Republic of Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, to identify opportunities for collaboration.

By bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders, including Senior Government Officials, energy experts, academics and BRICS Representatives, the seminar seeks to foster knowledge exchange, critical dialogue and collaborative problem-solving, which would generate pragmatic and implementable solutions.

This is in line with the critical area o
f strategic priorities of BRICS countries, that includes the development of technical co-operation to leverage both lessons learnt and foster innovation.

Deputy President Mashatile is envisaged to outline a series of interventions and energy sector reforms by the South African Government aimed at helping the country achieve a sustainable energy future.

In this context, the experiences of fellow BRICS member states, having already embarked on energy sector reforms, will offer valuable lessons and insights to improve grid stability, increase renewable energy integration and foster public-private partnerships in South Africa.

Source: South African Government News Agency

Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) will host a service delivery activation during the celebration of the 30 years of Freedom and Democracy under the theme ’30 years of Democracy; Partnership and Growth’, at Mabopane Train Station in the build-up for the upcoming launch of the Democracy Train project in partnership with the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA).

The activation will highlight partnerships with stakeholders from all sectors of society who are committed to growing the economy, creating jobs and bringing hope for a better tomorrow and building an inclusive economy. Various government departments will also provide services on wheels, through mobile service bus/trucks to the community of Mabopane, disseminate information and engage with the communities on the programmes of government.

GCIS will have a series of community activations in all nine provinces in line with service delivery initiatives and community engagements as part of the commemoration of the 30 years of
Freedom and Democracy and details can be found on government website, www.gov.za and social media handles as follows:

Source: South African Government News Agency

The department of social development has been requested by Parliament to have a country position on inter-country adoptions. This follows the position of some countries that have announced their intention to discontinue this program.

The Netherlands has indicated its intention to cease working with South Africa in a phased approach and will communicate its update next month. Norway stopped working with South Africa while Sweden will be visiting our shores in October, and will communicate its intention thereafter.

The department envisages a possibility of the withdrawal of France, based on the previous Head of Central Authority who has left. Denmark is also working on its withdrawal, however, not definite.

It should be noted that this is not unique to South Africa but other countries as well. Adoptees have discovered in their search that data is sometimes incorrect, or some adoptions were conducted illegally as a result, they are unable to find the answers to the existential questions about the origin and
identity of adopted children.

The general picture emerging from receiving countries is that throughout the period of intercountry adoption, serious structural abuses occurred and that some countries and their intermediaries have been aware of this since the 1960s.

In light of the above countries are showing less interest in pursuing intercountry adoptions.

HISTORY OF INTER-COUNTRY ADOPTIONS

Prior to the year 2000, South Africa no inter-country adoption.

Section 18(4)(f) of the Child Care Act prohibited the adoption of South African children by non- SA citizens.

In the case of Minister of Welfare and Population Development vs Fitzpatrick this was changed. The Constitutional Court found section 18(4)(f) of the Child Care Care Act to be unconstitutional as it did not allow fulfilment of the best interest of the child principle.

Inter-country adoptions therefore began in 2000 as the Constitutional Court order was put into effect immediately.

South Africa then acceded to the Hague Convention on the Protect
ion of children and cooperation in respect of intercountry adoption (29 May 1993). In December 2003, the Convention was used in drafting Chapter 16 of the Children’s Act 38 of 2005.

The Convention embraces certain basic principles and forces a country to comply with the following:

a) the establishment of a Central Authority to regulate Intercountry adoptions,

b) put structures in place to prevent child trafficking

c) allow a system of accreditation of child protection organisations (CPO),

d) prevent inappropriate financial gain, and

e) ensure the recognition of Adoption Orders in both countries.

The purpose of the chapter on intercountry adoptions was to give effect to The Hague Convention, provide for recognition of certain foreign adoptions, find fit and proper prospective adoptive parents for adoptable children, regulate intercountry adoptions and promote and facilitate international co-operation between countries with regard to the conducting of inter country adoptions.

Parliament also requested t
he department to have a policy position on baby savers and the traditional aspect of parental rights and responsibilities of unmarried fathers.

Source: South African Government News Agency

Western Cape Provincial Minister for Mobility, Isaac Sileku welcomes and supports the decision of President Cyril Ramaphosa to give national ministers the shareholder responsibilities for several state-owned enterprises.

‘The decision that the National Minister of Transport, Ms. Barbara Creecy, will, in terms of the presidential proclamation, now be responsible for Transnet, South African Airways and South African Express is good news for the Western Cape, as it will bring all modes of transport under one umbrella,’ said Minister Sileku.

The proclamation, signed by the President, transferred the administrative powers and functions of the transport entities to the National Transport Minister.

Minister Sileku said that there is an indisputable link between road, rail, sea and air transport and by signing the proclamation, the President paved the way for the transport network to operate in an integrated, sensible, effective, and sustainable manner.

‘The broader concept of mobility includes all spheres of tr
ansport and from this perspective the President’s decision will create a seamless integrated environment in which all transport modes can cooperate and integrate as a combined collective here in the Western Cape and across South Africa,’ Minister Sileku said.

Since the inception of the Western Cape Mobility Department in April 2023, the Department integrated most forms of transport in one environment.

‘President Ramaphosa’s decision is complementary to my own ministerial priorities here in the Western Cape, which is to facilitate efficient and effective freight, logistic and public transport networks. I am looking forward to my imminent engagement with Minister Creecy and the unpacking of the proclamation and the integration of Transnet and others into her department in a manner that will give expression to the needs of commuters and industries in this province.’

The Minister said the Western Cape Department of Mobility will offer its full support with the integration of Transnet into the provincial mobili
ty networks.

Source: South African Government News Agency