Category: General

Gauteng MEC for Transport and Logistics, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, has reflected on the strides the Department has made during the 2022/23 financial year.

Tabling of the 2022/23 annual report, the MEC said the Department has been bestowed with the most improved Department in the Province on Audit Outcomes for the year under review.

“Our fleet management entity g-Fleet was also recognised for improvements in audit outcomes, while our Gautrain Management Agency maintained its clean audit outcome. All this is the testament to our clear strategy and efforts by our officials to transform this department into a capable arm of the state that is fit to deliver services to the people of our province efficiently and without wastage,” Diale-Tlabela said on Thursday.

In the Department’s pursuit of economic revival, it embarked on significant infrastructure projects, including the rehabilitation of key roads such as P39/1 and P156/3.

These endeavours have not only contributed to economic resurgence but have also ignited the flames of job creation and community empowerment.

“We recognised the pressing need to address unemployment head-on, a consequence of the pandemic’s impact. To this end, we harnessed the power of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), launching initiatives like the COVID-19 Transport Cadet Programme and the Departmental Internship Programme. Through these efforts, we have not only provided employment opportunities but have also nurtured skill development, particularly among our youth, women, and persons with disabilities,” the MEC said.

She affirmed that safety has remained paramount in the Department’s endeavours.

“The establishment of impound facilities, the introduction of the Public Transport Arbitration Office, and the implementation of a new Vehicle Number Plate System showcase our resolute commitment to combating crime and ensuring the well-being of all who utilize our transportation systems.

“I am immensely proud to highlight that despite challenges such as cash flow issues, community stoppages, and disruptions from external factors like load shedding, our Department has demonstrated strategic acumen, fostering engagements with stakeholders and forming partnerships within our communities. These interventions have enabled us to navigate these challenges effectively and emerge stronger,” the MEC said.

She said through efficient revenue collection, tariff reviews, and collaborative efforts with stakeholders, the department has achieved financial resilience and this has allowed the Department to maintain a robust revenue contribution to the provincial government.

“This, in turn, strengthens our capacity to continue uplifting our beloved province. The Department of Roads and Transport in Gauteng stands as a beacon of resilience, adaptability, and dedication. Our initiatives have aligned seamlessly with the province’s priorities, resulting in tangible contributions to economic growth, job creation, and public safety.

“Our achievements in infrastructure development, smart mobility solutions, and revenue generation reflect our unyielding commitment to the well-being and prosperity of our citizens,” the MEC said.

Source: South African Government News Agency

Families who lost loved ones in the Johannesburg Usindiso Building fire can go and identify their family members at the Diepkloof mortuary from today.

At least 74 people died in the tragic incident when a fire broke out in the building they were living in on Thursday.

“A family member or relative who wishes to identify their loved one should have their original Identity Document (ID), ID of the deceased or birth certificate if the deceased is a child.

“If the deceased is a foreign national, a passport, asylum seeker certificate or a letter from [the] country of origin confirming who the deceased is and to whom the remains should be handed over to is needed. The Diepkloof Forensic Pathology Service (FPS) is located at 2 Collinder Road Berthsam, Diepkloof, Soweto.

“Identification of the deceased bodies at the Diepkloof FPS will take place on Friday. The facility will also open on Saturday and Sunday from 9am and 3pm. Counselling services will be offered to the bereaved families,” the Gauteng Provincial Health Department said in a statement.

Those who died include at least ten people whose gender could not be identified because of the extent of their burns.

In this regard, the department will use other means in an attempt to identify them.

“The Gauteng FPS will use the Digital Fingerprint System to identify unknown bodies who have visible fingerprints. The system uses biometric scanners and third-party access to the databases of Department of Home Affairs, South African Police Service and National Credit Bureau to identify deceased bodies.

“Bodies that been burnt beyond recognition and without fingerprints will be identified through DNA process,” the department said.

Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko said: “As soon as we learned of the incident, we immediately activated our emergency protocols to ensure that we respond as speedily as possible to those that needed medical attention. The Gauteng Emergency Medical Services has been on the ground contributing to emergency and rescue efforts as part of the provincial disaster management response.

“We have further deployed counselling and other psycho-social support services to compliment interventions from the City of Joburg and provincial department of Social Development”.

Those family members who are looking to trace loved ones can call the toll-free hotline number on 0800 203 886 or direct line during office hours on 0113553048/0112415707.

“Those enquiring would need to provide their personal details including the name and last name of the family member they are tracing,” the department said.

Source: South African Government News Agency

President Hage Geingob has extended a message of condolences to the wife, children and the entire family of former ambassador to Nordic countries, Hadino Hishongwa, who died on Friday at the age of 80.

Geingob, in a statement availed by the Presidency, here described the late Hishongwa as a leader who walked the difficult path of a freedom fighter and worked hard for the betterment of the Namibian people after independence.

“Through his exemplary deeds throughout his life, Ambassador Hishongwa personified selfless sacrifice towards the cause of Namibia’s independence. His life was filled with hard work in the pursuit of freedom, including on the diplomatic front where he fought tirelessly for Namibians to emerge victorious in their pursuit of their inalienable right to self-determination and self-rule”, he said.

Geingob further said Hishongwa made stellar contributions to the architecture of the liberation movement, SWAPO, the SWAPO Party Youth League, the work of the Constituent Assembly in 1989 and subsequently that of an independent Namibia, through the various roles he has served in the executive and diplomatic missions.

During this difficult time of bereavement, Namibia mourns a true son of the soil, a hero of the Namibian liberation struggle and one whose commitment to the development of the Namibian people shall not be forgotten by current and future generations, President Geingob added.

“On behalf of the people and the Government of the Republic of Namibia, I convey my heartfelt condolences to his wife Esther Litauleni Hishongwa, children and grandchildren.

Ambassador Hishongwa served as the Swapo Chief Representative to Nordic countries, West and East Africa, Swapo Organizer for Returning Exiles, for Youth and Elections and Foreign Secretary of the National Union of Namibian Workers.

He also served in the executive as Deputy Minister of Youth and Sport, Deputy Minister of Labour and Human Resources Development and has been a member of the National Assembly for 15 years. Following his retirement from public office, Ambassador Hishongwa went on to serve the community as Senior Headman of Omhedi District in the Oukwanyama Traditional Authority until his death.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency

The youth at Oshakati on Friday gathered at the town’s Independence Stadium to commemorate the annual International Youth Day.

The day started with a street parade from the Ministry of Sport, Youth and National Service (MSYNS) office to the Independence Stadium.

In a speech read on his behalf, Oshana Region Governor Elia Irimari, said as Africa, Namibia embraces the Agenda 2063, Africa’s blueprint to achieving inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development.

“We want the youth to champion, be in the forefront, and realise this vision so that in unison they can create a better future for the people.

Therefore, the government remains committed to empowering the youth, and integrating the youth within mainstream economy,” he said.

He further said a sustainable future is possible, and it is crucial to mobilise the young generation to forge a revitalised global partnership towards a common goal.

Speaking at the same occasion MSYNS Executive Director Erastus Haitengela said the International Youth Day offers a platform to honour the qualities of youth and the potential they hold towards developing Namibia and the world while acknowledging the challenges they face.

“Many young people contribute towards community development, protecting the environment and volunteering in various social projects,” he said.

He added that the MSYNS is playing its part by ensuring that the youth are included in socio-economic development by implementing the National Youth Policy.

The International Youth Day is held annually on 12 August, but the commemoration in Namibia was postponed, due to the busy schedule of the MSYNS.

This year’s commemoration was held under the theme ‘Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World’.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency

Oshakati Mayor, Leonard Hango, officially launched the new Oshakati Town Council logo on Friday.

The logo displays an Oshakati Broadcasting Tower and sun rising from the horizon, replacing old logo that carries a palm tree and hoes.

In his remarks, at the event, Hango said the new council logo captures the essence of the town, it’s vibrant energy, it’s unity in diversity and it’s forward looking ambition.

According to him, the colours, shapes and elements of the logo symbolize the various facets that make up the community.

“A community that stands together and embraces progress while cherishing its roots. The rebranding effort is more than just a change in appearance, a statement of commitment to growth and development,” he said.

Hango further noted that the new logo is a pledge to provide better services, improved infrastructure and high quality of life to the residents.

With the new logo, Hango said council embarks on a new chapter, one filled with promise, potential and endless opportunities.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has called on Defence Attachés of allied countries in Nigeria to close ranks with the Nigerian Army in identifying and tackling issues of mutual interest.

Lagbaja made the call when the Chief of Defence Intelligence (CDI), Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye led defence attachés from 27 countries for interaction with the COAS on Thursday in Abuja.

He commended the attachés for their observations on issues of concern, and pledged to take necessary measures to address some of the issues raised during the discussion.

Lagbaja assured neighbouring countries of the commitment of the Nigerian army to continue to work on mechanisms that would curtail movement of cross-border criminals.

“We look forward to fruitful engagement with all other countries to deny criminal elements and dissident groups from incubating their nefarious activities abroad and bringing them home to perpetrate.

“I look forward to more avenues of engagement with all the DAs; we will try as much as possible to establish other social avenues, sporting avenues through which we can engage and interact.

“So that we can share ideas and experiences towards moving forward the relationship that exists between the Nigerian Army and the various countries that you represent.

“I want to promise you that the Nigerian army is disposed to continue engaging with your various countries. Lines of communications are open,” he said.

Earlier, the Chief of Defence Intelligence said the engagement was the first of its kind, to enable the attachés discuss and interact in commonality, and present their concerns and challenges.

Undiandeye said the DIA was the convent and the interchange point of exchange and interaction with all defence attachés in the country.

He said that the meeting would afford them the opportunity to discuss issues that affect them individually and collectively.

The Defence Attaché of India, Col. Legha Romi, who spoke on behalf of the DAs, thanked the COAS for the combined interaction, which he said, had never been done before.

He therefore called for frank and constructive contributions during the meeting.

Romi said the attachés had been interacting with the DIA, Army and the other service headquarters over the years, but said the combined engagement was different.

He said it was an opportunity to learn from each other for the mutual benefit of their countries.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria