South Africa Vision

Spokesperson to President Cyril Ramaphosa, Vincent Magwenya, has called on all stakeholders to work with government to resolve the energy shortage that South Africa is experiencing.

Magwenya was speaking at a media briefing on the President’s schedule for the rest of this month.

Magwenya’s call comes on the back of President Ramaphosa’s announcement during the State of the Nation Address (SONA) of a National State of Disaster to address the electricity crisis, and the addition of a Minister of Electricity in the Presidency to work with the National Energy Committee (NECOM).

“This is not the time for finger pointing or politically motivated court actions or law-fare. This is the time to look past ideological and political differences and work together in the interest of our nation, [and] growing the economy and sustaining livelihoods.

“Even those who harbour reservations about the approach the President has chosen are expected to join in and put shoulder to the wheel because ultimately, we are all working towards the same goal,” Magwenya said.

Regarding concerns that the National State of Disaster process may be abused for personal gains, Magwenya reiterated the President’s assertion that no State coffers will be looted.

“President Ramaphosa announced measures to deal with any form of abuse. Over and above the Auditor General keeping a close eye on various processes as they roll out, the President expects law enforcement agencies to be vigilant and to act with speed in dealing with those who will seek to take advantage of the situation,” he said.

Magwenya explained that the decision to declare the National State of Disaster was taken in consultation with a wide range of stakeholders.

“South Africa is facing an enormous crisis, which threatens both economic and social stability. In consultation with business, labour, interfaith leaders, community organisations and the Presidential Coordinating Council, President Ramaphosa was being urged to take bold measures that will effectively deal with the current electricity crisis.”

On disruptions that occurred during President Ramaphosa State of the Nation Address, Magwenya described the scenes that played out as “unfortunate and disturbing”.

“The energetic and focused manner in which [the President] delivered his State of the Nation Address showed a President who remains resolute on the task of resolving the myriad of challenges facing the country and importantly, who remains accountable to the nation about the work of his Administration,” Magwenya said, adding that the National Assembly will hold a debate on the SONA on Tuesday and Wednesday, with the President expected to respond to the debate on Thursday.

Presidential diary

Magwenya said President Ramaphosa is scheduled to attend several engagements over the next two weeks, including the African Union Summit in Ethipoia, national Armed Forces Day in Richard’s Bay, the national Budget Speech in Cape Town and the opening of the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders.

“The President will participate in the 36th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union from 17 to 19 February in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Africa’s political leadership will convene under the economically focused theme, ‘Accelerating the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement’. The President will also chair the AU Peace and Security Summit on the situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

“On Tuesday, 21 February, President Ramaphosa will, in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of our armed forces, officiate Armed Forces Day in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. This is an occasion on which South Africans can witness and take pride in the human and technological capabilities of our armed forces.

“On Thursday, 23 February, President Ramaphosa will officiate the annual Opening of the National House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders. [It] is a body composed of traditional leaders who are delegates from the Provincial Houses of Traditional Leaders of South Africa, representing the Provincial Houses at national level,” Magwenya said.

At the end of the month, President Ramaphosa is expected to host Republic of Uganda President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni during an official State Visit.

“South Africa and Uganda enjoy longstanding historical relations dating back to the struggle against apartheid. Uganda hosted and trained South African anti-apartheid activists and freedom fighters in the late 1980s. Political and economic relations between South Africa and Uganda have been improving since 1994.

“The South Africa-Uganda Joint Commission seeks to strengthen and deepen bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries, consolidate political, economic and social cooperation, and oversee the implementation of the signed agreements and Memoranda of Understanding,” Magwenya explained.

Source: South African Government News Agency

Four municipal ward by-elections will take place in KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape provinces on Wednesday, 15 February.

The by-elections will be contested by two independent candidates and 18 candidates from 10 political parties.

The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) said in KwaZulu-Natal, Ward 31 in Newcastle Municipality (KZN252) will be contested by Nkosingiphile Patrik Shabalala, an independent candidate; Nkosinathi Vusi Vilane of the African National Congress (ANC); Linda Mnguni of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF); Mxolisi Andries Mkhwanazi of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), and Sindisiwe Brenda Mashazi of the Team Sugar South Africa (TSSA).

“The ward was previously represented by TSSA and became vacant as a result of the councillor’s death. The voter turnout for this ward in the 2021 Municipal Elections was 44.23%,” the IEC said.

Ward 4 in Mtubatuba Municipality (KZN275) will be contested by Mandla Ndoda Kunene of the ANC; Kenneth Sifiso Sithembiso Mngadi of the EFF; Ntokozo Sikhumbuzo Mtimkhulu of the IFP, and Thokozani Sydney Zungu of the United Christian Democracy Party (UCDP).

“The ward was previously represented by the ANC and became vacant as a result of the councillor’s resignation. The voter turnout for this ward in the 2021 Municipal Elections was 40.44%,” said the IEC.

In Western Cape, Ward 6 in Cederberg Municipality (WC012) will be contested by Paul Jacques Wynand of the ANC; Andre Grant Mouton of the Cederberg First Residents Association (CFRA); Marlene Shirene Zass of the EFF, and Thomas Francois Waldeck from the Patriotic Alliance (PA).

“The ward was previously represented by Cederberg First Residents Association and became vacant as a result of the councillor’s resignation. The voter turnout for this ward in the 2021 Municipal Elections was 47.51%,” said the IEC.

Ward 5 Cape Agulhas Municipality (WC033) will be contested by Gerhard Jakobus Olwage, an independent candidate; Shade Elisma Williams of the ANC; Andries Stephanus Eksteen of the Democratic Alliance (DA); Ayanda Balintulo of the EFF; Andre Josef Hamer of the GOOD party; Frederick Christie Afrika of the PA, and Elosie Krige of the Vryheidsfront Plus (VF+).

The ward was previously represented by the DA and became vacant as a result of the councilor’s membership being terminated from the party.

The voter turnout for this ward in the 2021 Municipal Elections was 64.61%.

Source: South African Government News Agency

MALAMULELE – Police in Malamulele continued with Safer Schools awareness campaign at Mbhanyele secondary school in Mapapila village on Friday, 10 February 2023.

Sergeant Mabedle Dunisani, school safety coordinator, Sergeant Maswanganyi Tsakani, Sergeant Mabasa Nicolus, Constable Mabasa P and Constable Chauke MM honored the invitation from Mbhanyele Secondary School.

Pastor K. L opened the program with a prayer and welcomed all the other stakeholders in attendance such as department of social development, health and correctional services.

The department of social development representatives in their presentation outlined social ills such as lack of discipline and consequences of bad decision making.

Sgt Mabedle Dunisani addressed assault, rape intimidation, gangsterism, theft, shoplifting, bullying, domestic violence, substance abuse and possession of dangerous weapons amongst others.

Whereas, Correctional Services touched on the consequences of having a criminal record and life behind bars and beyond. Learners were also encouraged to refrain from criminal activities.

The other speakers included representatives of Soul City and Love Life and they encouraged learners to seek help immediately when faced with challenges.

The learners were also addressed about teenage pregnancy and HIV and AIDS.

In conclusion, Dr Mabasa addressed dangers of social media, self-respect and encouraged learners to focus on school activities.

Source: South African Police Service

DURBAN – Police in KwaZulu-Natal are investigating two counts of murder following the murder of two men who are aged 34 and 35. The two were fatally wounded in Florida Road in Morningside, Durban just after 10pm on Friday night, 10 February 2023.

Information at police’s disposal at this stage indicate that the men were walking towards their vehicle from a restaurant when they were allegedly approached by two armed suspects who walked to them from across the street and shot the victims at close range. The suspects are reported to have fled from the scene on foot.

Both victims were declared dead at the scene. The motive of the shooting is unknown at this stage and police investigations are ongoing.

Police are pleading with anyone who may have information which can assist in the investigation and lead to the apprehension of the suspects to contact the nearest police station or Crime Stop on 08600 10111, alternatively, tip-offs can be relayed via the MySAPS App.

Source: South African Police Service

POLOKWANE – The Police in Limpopo are determined to eradicate illegal mining activities through continued disruptive operations in the affected areas. This comes after a successful joint disruptive operation that resulted in the arrest of two suspected illegal miners aged 37 and 48 at Bergenek in Westenburg policing area outside Polokwane yesterday, Friday 10 February 2023.

The joint operation was led by the acting Capricorn District Commissioner, Brigadier Sivhula joined by the Station Commander of Westenburg Lieutenant Colonel Pilusa. When the team pounced on the group, they were busy with illegal mining activities and two suspects were arrested. The other suspects managed to evade the arrest by fleeing the scene on foot.

The following were seized during the operation:

Pendukas, three generators, spades, soil extracts from the mines and corrugated irons.

Police also arrested four suspects aged between 19 and 38 during the same operation for contravention of the Immigration Act.

The six suspects will appear in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 13 February 2023.

Police investigations are still continuing.

Source: South African Police Service

NORTHERN CAPE – The alertness and vigilance of members of the Provincial FLASH office led to the apprehension and arrest of a suspect on 10 February 2023.

The members spotted a suspicious gold Toyota Corolla on the R31 road between Kimberley and Barkly West.

The police tried flagging down the vehicle but the driver drove away. Police ensued and managed to stop the vehicle and searched it.

The members found six 25 litre drums filled with diesel stashed in the boot that was allegedly stolen.

The 33-year-old man could not account for the R10 000-00 worth of diesel and wasarrested for possession of suspected stolen goods.

The suspect will be appearing in the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court soon. The investigation continues.

Source: South African Police Service