ESKOM LOADSHEDDING SUSPENDED @KASIBCNEWS  Loadshedding remains suspended for over nine months, resulting in year-on-year diesel savings of R16.20 billion Eskom has reached a significant milestone in its commitment to providing reliable electricity to South Africa. As of today, Eskom has successfully completed over nine months (275 consecutive days) without implementing loadshedding since 26 March 2024. This achievement underscores Eskom’s dedication to addressing the country’s energy challenges through its investment in the Generation Recovery Plan and enhanced maintenance protocols. Eskom continues to utilise the December summer break to increase planned maintenance activities to further improve the reliability of its generation fleet as many industries have shut down for this period, with maintenance averaging at ~8 000MW. The recovery plan significantly improved operational performance, particularly by reducing unplanned outages by ~8.1% compared to the same period last year. Ad...

Western Cape Fire Disaster at Informal Settlements @KASIBCNEWS  Ministry of Human Settlements concludes a successful government intervention in the Western Cape fire disaster affected informal settlements Minister of Human Settlements, Thembi Simelane, Deputy Minister Tandi Mahambehlala, joined by the Deputy Minister in Presidency Nonceba Mhlauli and the Western Cape Provincial Government, the City of Cape Town and relevant stakeholders, concluded a successful government intervention programme in ensuring that the families of the Siyahlala, Zulwini and Ekuphumuleni in the Du Noon informal settlement, City of Cape Town who were displaced by the recent fire disasters on 18 December 2024 and Christmas Eve received the necessary government interventions to assist them to rebuild their homes and reunite with their families before the new years. In line with the National Department of Human Settlement’s Emergency Housing Guidelines, Minister Simelane deployed teams to the various informa...

Dear Fellow South African @KASIBCNEWS By President Cyril Ramaphosa We are nearing the end of another year, marked by both triumphs and struggles.   We celebrated thirty years since the birth of our democratic nation. We reflected on the considerable progress we have made in building a constitutional order anchored on freedom, equality and human rights for all.   We held our seventh successful, free and fair general elections since 1994. It was a landmark poll, with an unprecedented 70 political parties contesting. The election was a credit to the Independent Electoral Commission, which acquitted itself with distinction, the political parties who campaigned in a spirit of respect and tolerance, and to all South Africans who exercised their right to vote.   Our democracy has evolved and matured. We have a Government of National Unity comprised of 10 political parties from across the political spectrum. They have agreed on three strategic priorities for this ...

  Reconciliation Day: Reflecting on the past, building a united future @KASIBCNEWS By Nomonde Mnukwa The act of forgiveness and reconciliation has been central to the story of South Africa since 1994. Reconciliation Day came into effect in 1994 and was intended to help build a united and prosperous South Africa. This day and in subsequent years, Reconciliation Month has become synonymous with our drive to nurture and entrench new values in our society. The annual commemoration of Reconciliation Day allows us to reflect on the many positive strides we have made since 1994, while acknowledging that much work remains. Even now 30 years into democracy the lives of many continue to be shaped by the circumstances of their birth. We cannot accept this reality as a nation, and we must therefore all do more to address the untold damage wrought by apartheid and colonialism. If we don’t act and find ways to work together our future will continue to be shaped by our ugly past. National Recon...

  Festive Season Road Safety 2024 @KASIBCNEWS  By Dr Ntombi Nala The end of the year is a special time, characterised by family and festive celebrations that are eagerly anticipated by everyone. During this period, many people travel far and wide to spend their holidays with family and friends. The festive season is unfortunately also a time when many incidents and accidents occur on the roads as a result of higher than usual traffic volumes that accompany the holiday season. To prevent incidents and ensure safety is prioritised on our roads, the Department of Transport recently launched its National Safer Festive Season Operations. This 46-day campaign starting from 1 December 2024 to middle January 2025, aims to ensure increased police visibility across the country during the festive period, especially in high-risk zones. The launch of the road safety campaign coincided with the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims (WDR). WDR acknowledges the millions of in...

PUBLIC SAFETY’S DECISIVE ACTION AGAINST CRIME AND OFFICER ACCOUNTABILITY @KASIBCNEWS  The MMC for Public Safety Dr, Mgcini Tshwaku is deeply outraged by the reckless criminal acts on the N1 North between the Soweto Highway and Maraisburg Off-ramps and the N1 South between Maraisburg and Rand Show Road Off-ramps. The deliberate placement of rocks on these routes has caused multiple accidents, jeopardizing the lives of innocent motorists. This is an attack on the safety and dignity of our residents.  We have directed the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) in partnership with the South African Police Service (SAPS) act to decisively root out these criminal elements. Joint operations are underway across our freeways and highways, ensuring no road user is vulnerable. During this festive season, we prioritize the safety of every citizen and visitor traveling through Johannesburg.   Equally troubling are reports alleging that JMPD officers failed to assist a motori...

NATSJOINTS Illegal Miners in Stilfontein @KASIBCNEWS NATSJOINTS Clarifying the Situation of Illegal Miners in Stilfontein Recent developments have seen a number of illegal miners, known as Zama Zamas,  voluntarily emerging from the disused mine shafts in Stilfontein. This trend indicates that these individuals have the capability to exit the underground tunnels independently. Their delayed emergence appears to be a tactic to evade arrest by law enforcement agencies. | Addressing Misinformation Contrary to claims that food underground ran out months ago, evidence suggests that the miners have had access to supplies until recently.  Assertions that aid sent down is shared equally among miners are unverified. Government has not sanctioned any official aid deliveries to individuals engaged in illegal activities.  Reports indicate that any supplies reaching the miners are controlled by underground syndicates, often leading to unequal distribution and exploitation. The notion t...

  EFF ON THE ONGOING PROTEST AND VIOLENCE IN MOZAMBIQUE @KASIBCNEWS  The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) notes the concerning and destructive protest and violence in Mozambique following the October elections and the official proclamation by the Constitutional Council affirming the results. The election outcomes, widely criticised as fraudulent, have ignited widespread unrest, leading to the deaths of more than 20 people, including two police officers, with over 390 injured and 800 detained.  This crisis is a direct result of a liberation movement, now led by corrupt and selfserving individuals, clinging to power by undermining democratic institutions and manipulating elections.  The Mozambican government has failed to address the basic needs of its people, as evidenced by declining education, health, and economic growth. This mismanagement has fuelled public outrage, which the state is repressing with excessive force.  The EFF calls for the Mozambican governmen...

ANCWL ON TEENAGE PREGNANCY @KASIBCNEWS  The African National Congress Women's League (ANCWL) expresses profound concern over the rising rate of teenage pregnancy in our communities. This alarming trend not only jeopardizes the health and future prospects of our young girls but also underscores the critical issues surrounding broken homes, inadequate parenting structures, and the overall social fabric of our society.  Teenage pregnancy is a multifaceted issue rooted in a variety of societal challenges, including poverty, lack of access to education, and limited awareness regarding sexual and reproductive health. Young women who become pregnant during their teenage years often face significant challenges that can affect their emotional, physical, and mental well-being.  The demands of motherhood at such a young age can lead to a cascade of difficulties, including the interruption of their education and limited employment opportunities. This, in turn, perpetuates a cycle of ...

DA rejects attempts to fire Minister of Education Gwarube @KASIBCNEWS  The Democratic Alliance (DA) rejects any attempt by a faction of the ANC to influence the president to fire Minister Siviwe Gwarube, or any other DA minister, for doing their jobs. Doing so would signal an end to the Government of National Unity (GNU). This amid misinformation around the consultation process which has been taking place since the president signed the BELA Act into law nearly 3 months ago, withholding clauses 4 and 5, to allow for further consultation from concerned parties. These consultations are ongoing through the clearing house mechanism within the GNU. During this time, the minister has met with members from Solidarity, and the Presidency, at NEDLAC after a dispute was lodged by the Union. This process is entirely separate from the consultation process, and conflating the two is misleading, and factually incorrect. This was a mandatory process, in terms of the law, to prevent strike action a...

Gauteng Prioritises Service Delivery @KASIBCNEWS The Gauteng Local Government Turnaround Committee, also referred to as the Turnaround Committee, held its inaugural meeting today, 6 December 2024, in Johannesburg. The committee was established following the successful Gauteng Local Government Turnaround Summit held on 23–24 October 2024 in Mogale City, West Rand District. Its core mandate is to lead and oversee the implementation of decisions made during the summit. Building on the resolutions of the summit and directives from Premier Panyaza Lesufi, the Turnaround Committee has pledged to prioritise improvements in critical bulk infrastructure, including water, energy, waste management, roads, and disaster management. Additionally, the committee will intensify efforts to combat crime and improve community safety as it begins its work.  The committee is composed of Members of Mayoral Committees (MMCs) delegated by Mayors, as well as Municipal Managers, who have been tasked with lea...

ANC SECRETARY GENERAL  FIKILE MBALULA @KASIBCNEWS We have convened this Press Conference to take the nation into confidence against developments taking place in the country  and as a way of closing the vacuum against a false narrative that the country is rudderless.  These falsehoods instil uncertainty and worry in society.  The leadership role of the African National Congress is uncontested. We therefore reaffirm our ability to address problems confronting the country and we call upon society to defend democracy and collectively explore solutions. The African National Congress (ANC), as the leader of society and the custodian of the aspirations of the people, takes this opportunity to address critical issues facing our nation.  We assure our people that the ANC will not stand idle while lawlessness, criminality, and opportunism undermine the sovereignty of our country and the well-being of our citizens.  LOCAL GOVERNMENT BY ELECTIONS   The African Na...

Water and Sanitation on Water Storage Levels @KASIBCNEWS  Water Supply Systems remain stable although a slight decrease is observed in some of the storage reservoirs around the country. The declining water levels are attributed to climate conditions including lack of rainfall in most parts of the country as well as heatwaves that are being experienced in provinces such as Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, central and eastern regions of North West, northern areas of Free State, and the northern parts of KwaZulu-Natal.  The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) calls on all domestic, agricultural and industrial water users to continue using water with extreme caution during this time.  Members of the public are urged to keep hydrated by consuming enough liquids, keep away from direct sunlight, while being considerate in the use of available potable water in the system to ensure equitable access for all users during this heatwave.  The Department also warns communities t...

EFF BY-ELECTION OUTCOMES @KASIBCNEWS  The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) extends its gratitude to the people of Thabazimbi in Limpopo and Maquassi Hills in the North West for coming out in large numbers to exercise their democratic right in the recent municipal byelections. Your participation is a powerful affirmation of your commitment to building a better future and holding those in power accountable.  We are particularly proud of the growing support that the EFF has received in both Thabazimbi and Maquassi Hills. In the 2021 local government elections, the EFF secured 2 seats with 10.32% of the votes in Thabazimbi, and now following these by-elections, our support has grown to 13.32%, earning us 3 council seats. Similarly, in 2021, the EFF secured 5.78% of the votes in Maquassi Hills. In this 2024 by-election, this support has surged to an impressive 20.04%, a powerful testament to the growing strength and undeniable impact of the EFF.  This increase of votes reflect...

Employment Equity Amendment Act @KASIBCNEWS  The Minister of the Department of Employment and Labour, Ms. Nomakhosazana Meth, is pleased to announce that the Employment Equity Amendment Act, aimed at reducing the regulatory burden for small employers to allow them to focus on job creation, will come into effect on 1 January 2025.  President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the proclamation notice giving effect to the start date of implementation of the Employment Equity (EE) Amendment Act, No. 4 of 2022.  In terms of the notice gazetted on 28 November 2024, small businesses that employ less than 50 employees are no longer bound to comply with Chapter III of the Employment Equity Act, 1998 (EEA) for example, in relation to the submission of their EE reports starting from 2025 EE Reporting period. In terms of the 2024 EE report submission, which closes on 15 January 2025, employers must use the current legislation (EEA) to comply with the reporting requirements as per section 21 of t...

BY-LAW INSPECTION AT MZI CARWASH IN NEWTOWN @KASIBCNEWS  The Office of Member of the Mayoral Committee for Public Safety in the City of Johannesburg conducted a by-law inspection at Mzi Carwash in Newtown, Johannesburg, today. The inspection followed complaints from residents in the area and was also part of the City's ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with its by-laws and to maintain a safe and healthy environment for residents and visitors.  During the inspection, the team comprising JMPD, Building Control, Town Planning, and EMS checked for compliance with various by-laws, including those related to health and safety, waste management, and zoning. The inspection found several areas of non compliance which include inadequate waste management practices, non-compliance with health and safety regulations, and several illegal unauthorized structures and zoning non-compliance. A 14-day notice has been issued to the property occupants to submit building plans and other related ...