CALL FOR PROPOSALS : GOVERNMENT FUNDING NPO @KASIBCNEWS

CALL FOR PROPOSALS : GOVERNMENT FUNDING NPO @KASIBCNEWS

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IMPROVE MOTHER AND CHILD HYGIENE @KASIBCNEWS

IMPROVE MOTHER AND CHILD HYGIENE @KASIBCNEWS 

The launch of the In Safe Hands training programme through a partnership between the Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) and Dettol will go a long way in improving hygiene practices among mothers and children, focusing on reducing preventable infections linked to poor hygiene.

According the Saving Mothers Report of 2020 – 2022, statistics show that for every 100,000 live births, 126 mothers lose their lives, while the National Department of Health Strategic Plan for 2020 – 2025 reports that there are 32 deaths per 1000 live births for children under five years. Someof these deaths are caused by infections, which could have been prevented through simple hygiene practices.

The training which was unveiled among healthcare workers gathered at Melrose Arch today (03 October) will educate healthcare professionalssuch as nurses and midwives to empower pregnant women and new mothers with the knowledge to adopt better hygiene practices at home.

The collaboration with Dettol is part of a broader effort to address maternal and infant mortality caused by preventable infections.

Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko,emphasised the importance of hygiene in reducing preventable infections.

“We know that clean hands can save lives, particularly those of vulnerable mothers and newborns. This programme is an investment in the future of maternal and child health. By equipping our healthcare workers with these skills, we can make a significant impact in preventing infections and improving health outcomes.”

The programme is being piloted across 16 health facilities comprising of hospitals and clinics in Gauteng with the aim of eventually rolling it out to other provinces.

Dettol’s Global Marketing Director, Issaih Haruna, highlighted the brand’s global commitment to improving hygiene-related health outcomes. “With initiatives such as this, Dettol is looking at reducing hygiene-related infections or diseases in children, through educating mothers and the community about the importance of good hygiene and influencing behavior change.”

This initiative is not only aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 3, which seeks to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being, but it also supports the South African government’s National Development Plan 2030, which includes reducing maternal and child mortality.

The program will equip healthcare workers with essential training and educational materials to support new mothers in maintaining proper hygiene practices. The pilot aims to foster long-term hygiene behaviour change, improving both maternal and infant health outcomes.

South African Human Settlements Priorities @KASIBCNEWS

South African Human Settlements Priorities @KASIBCNEWS 

Minister of Human Settlements, Mmamoloko Kubayi, convened an important second meeting, yesterday, Thursday 03 October 2024, with Members of Executive Councils (MECs) responsible for Human Settlements across South Africa, focusing on the 2024/2025 human settlements priorities.

This meeting, the second in the seventh administration, included mayors and MMCs for Human Settlements in metropolitan municipalities and representatives from the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) to tackle key critical areas, including prioritizing vulnerable groups in house allocation, the title deeds restoration programme, housing for military veterans, emergency housing, and an update on the Human Settlements White Paper.

Comprehensive presentations were made on each of these critical areas, demonstrating the Minister's commitment to driving meaningful change in human settlements. This collaborative effort with MECs and SALGA representatives aims to accelerate progress towards achieving the 2024/2025 priorities and beyond.

Minister Kubayi launched the meeting by introducing the department's plan to enhance natural disaster response, a critical move amidst South Africa's escalating natural disaster crisis that severely impacts government services, particularly in Human Settlements as they leave families homeless and destitute.

To address this, the Minister announced that the department intends to partner with traditional leaders, utilizing geo-mapping to identify disaster-resilient areas suitable for human settlements development.

This collaborative initiative aims to enable traditional leaders to identify safe land parcels for settlement purposes and avoid disaster-prone areas in vulnerable provinces. 

The department intends to pilot this approach in rural KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo provinces, paving the way for proactive disaster mitigation and sustainable human settlements.

By leveraging geo-mapping technology, the department aims to inform decision makers to make better land allocation decisions, ensuring the safety and well-being of communities.

“We cannot be chasing after or reacting to disasters. We must be proactive and put measures in place to mitigate future disasters”, said Minister Kubayi.

“Climate change is upon us, and we should be better prepared and be in a position to respond accordingly”, continued Minister Kubayi.

Minister Kubayi also underscored the importance of building integrated communities including rural areas saying, “Our human settlements should be where people are, feel safe and have access to economic opportunities and social amenities”.

Accordingly, the government has availed resources to build social amenities in rural areas including community halls and other facilities to encourage development within the communities.

TOWARDS THE FINAL 2024-2029 MEDIUM-TERM DEVELOPMENT PLAN

A major focus was on the draft 2024-2029 Medium Term Development Plan (MTDP), a 5-year plan, outlining sector targets for housing delivery in the 7th administration.

Yet to be considered by Cabinet, the plan seeks to develop liveable neighbourhoods in rural and urban environments, achieve spatial transformation and increase access to adequate housing through various programmes such as fully subsidized houses (BNG), social housing and affordable housing.

Thus, between 2024 and 2029 the current draft indicates that the department plans to deliver 237 000 units, 314 000 serviced sites, 15 000 social rental units, 150 000 units for the missing middle through First Home Finance and upgrade over 4000 informal settlements.

UPDATE ON DRAFT WHITE PAPER FOR HUMAN SETTLEMENTS

Additionally, the meeting discussed the finalisation of the White Paper for Human Settlements. MINMEC was informed that extensive consultations have been undertaken to ensure that all sectors of the community took part in shaping the new human settlements policy. Sectors that were consulted include NGOs, civil society, labour, academics, developers and contractors, and identified government departments.

Approved by the Cabinet in 2023 for public consultation, the draft White Paper seeks to address the prevailing gaps and inconsistencies in the housing and human settlements sector by responding comprehensively to contemporary sector reforms.

The draft White Paper will be presented to the Cabinet for approval.

Once approved, a nationwide awareness campaign will be launched to educate the public on the policy's key points through various media channels.  

By prioritizing these vulnerable groups, the department aims to ensure their well-being and dignity

TITLE DEEDS RESTORATION PROGRAMME

MINMEC has resolved to boost title deed delivery by seeking an exemption under section 55 of the Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act (SPLUMA) from Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) for existing townships.

This exemption, however, will exclude townships or houses located in flood-prone areas or those that may disrupt traffic flow.

Following yesterday’s MINMEC meeting, a performance review Ministerial meeting will convene later today with the Free State Provincial Department of Human Settlements and Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality to discuss key performance indicators and progress on housing delivery.

This meeting aims to address concerns such as the slow pace of issuing title deeds, removal of asbestos roofs, and unblocking of stalled projects

SAPS MISSING AND STOLEN FIRE ARMS @KASIBCNEWS

SAPS MISSING AND STOLEN
FIRE ARMS @KASIBCNEWS 

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) expresses serious concern over the alarming number of missing and stolen firearms from the South African Police Service (SAPS), as reported by the responsible Minister, Mr. Senzo Mchunu.

In just six months, SAPS has lost a staggering 350 pistols, 5 R1 rifles, 12 R5 rifles, and 4 shotguns, effectively placing these dangerous weapons in the hands of criminals who continue to terrorise our communities. 

These firearms will undoubtedly be used to perpetrate heinous crimes and exacerbate the rising rates of extortion and violence in our neighbourhoods.

This troubling trend raises significant alarm, particularly when reflecting on the lessons of the past. In 2016, two former police colonels admitted to selling 2,000 firearms to criminal gangs, thereby disempowering both the community and the police in the fight against crime. With SAPS now losing 400 firearms in a short six-month span, it appears we are on the brink of reliving the same catastrophic experience.

We have seen first-hand how these firearms amplify the deadly power of criminals, contributing to the sharp rise in violent crime, extortion, and mass killings. Recently, in Lusikisiki, a horrific mass shooting left 18 people dead, and it is precisely these kinds of tragedies that are enabled when firearms go missing from police control. 

The ripple effect is felt throughout society, where guns flood into our communities, fuelling violence, gangsterism, and leaving families devastated.

The ANC has consistently failed to address the root of this systemic issue, allowing the rot to persist in law enforcement. Under the ANC’s watch, SAPS has become infiltrated by criminal elements and this is no accident; it is part of a wider pattern of corruption, where even some ANC leaders have been linked to violent crimes such a heists. 

The ANC has betrayed the people of South Africa by allowing these crimes to flourish and failing to protect the citizens it claims to serve.

The EFF firmly believes that this situation vindicates our longstanding position that SAPS must conduct regular vetting of its members. It is increasingly evident that there are individuals within the ranks who are part of a cartel, while masquerading as law enforcement agents.

The EFF has consistently called for SAPS to implement stringent measures to control the use and management of firearms within its ranks. Additionally, we recommend SAPS to explore the deployment of discreet, permanent GPS tracking devices that would enable the location of each firearm, thus enhancing accountability and security.

The safety and security of our communities depend on the integrity and professionalism of our police service. It is imperative that immediate action be taken to address this critical issue before it spirals further out of control. 

The EFF will continue to advocate for the safety of all South Africans and will hold police leadership accountable for ensuring that firearms are handled responsibly and transparently.

 

58th Anniversary of Independence of The Kingdom of Lesotho @KasiBCNews

58th Anniversary of Independence of The Kingdom of Lesotho @KasiBCNews 

Speech by President Cyril Ramaphosa on the occasion of the Bicentenary of the Founding the Basotho Nation and the 58th Anniversary of Independence of The Kingdom of Lesotho, Friday, 04 October 2024, Maseru, Lesotho

Programme Director,

His Majesty, King Letsie III and Queen Mohato Seeiso, 

The Right Honourable Samuel Matekane, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Lesotho, 

Eminent Majesties, Excellencies, Heads of State and Government, 

The Deputy President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Honourable, Kembo Mohadi

United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Ms Amina J. Mohammed

Honourable Ministers,

Senior Government Officials,

Members of the Media,

Dumelang Basotho ba batle.

It is an honour and a privilege to be invited to this auspicious occasion.

I convey the well wishes of the people of South Africa to His Majesty and the people of Lesotho on the 58th anniversary of independence and the Bicentennial of the founding of this great nation in 1824.

South Africa and Lesotho are bound together by history, geography, culture and language.

We share a common destiny.

The Mountain Kingdom has made – and continues to make – a great contribution to African society, knowledge and development.

Lesotho is as solid as the majestic Maluti mountains, which overlook the vast splendour of the valleys and cliffs of this beautiful country.

Marena a Lesotho, those brave monarchs that built this nation, are looking down from the great beyond with pride, celebrating what are momentous achievements.

As you celebrate this Bicentennial, we pay homage to the benevolent nation builder, father of the Basotho people, King Moshoeshoe I.

We pay homage to his vision, his wisdom and the bravery with which he fought for the liberty of his people.

He formed a unified nation that today still embodies his commitment to peaceful coexistence.

Morena Letsie III, you have under your rule and stewardship continued this great tradition with vigour, wisdom, compassion and love of the people of the Kingdom.

As your neighbours in Southern Africa and across the African continent, we appreciate your excellent leadership, your commitment to peace and development and your contribution to the cause of humanity.

We celebrate the deep bonds of friendship and solidarity between Basotho and South Africans.

This is a relationship forged through a collective past and shared aspirations for the future.

I stand here today, representing my government and the people of South Africa, deeply aware of the heroic sacrifices Basotho made in support of the struggle against apartheid.

Against enormous odds and at a great cost, the people of Lesotho extended a hand of friendship and solidarity.

They offered refuge to our freedom fighters.

As Basotho, you stood with our people even as the brutal apartheid armed forces crossed the border to kill and maim.

We mourn the many Basotho who lost their lives alongside those of their South African sisters and brothers.

We will remain forever grateful for these acts of selfless solidarity. Re a leboga.

Speaking on the occasion of a State Banquet hosted in Maseru by His Majesty King Moshoeshoe II, on the 12th of July 1995, President Nelson Mandela said:

“I am mindful of being amongst a people who have fought so valiantly for our freedom as for your own.

“Although the ties between our people go back so many years, only now can they flourish to their full potential, under conditions of our own choosing.”

The excellent relationship that has existed since then, has reached even greater heights today.

Both countries continue to work together in many areas of mutual interest for the benefit of our respective peoples.

As we gather here today on this historic occasion, we extend once again our congratulations to His Majesty King Letsie III and the government and people of the Kingdom of Lesotho.

Your achievements are to be celebrated with joy.

A glorious future beckons for this great nation and its people.

Re le lakaletsa letsatsi le monate la boipuso. Khotso, Pula, Nala!

I thank you.

 

STEINHOFF BIGGEST HEIST IN CORPORATE HISTORY GUILTY CONVICTIONS @KASIBCNEWS

 

STEINHOFF BIGGEST HEIST IN CORPORATE HISTORY GUILTY CONVICTIONS @KASIBCNEWS 

The African National Congress (ANC) welcomes the conviction of Former CFO of Steinhoff, Andries “Ben” la Grange who has been sentenced to a 10 year imprisonment, with 5 years suspended by the Pretoria Specialised Crimes Court. 

He pleaded guilty and agreed to assist the state in its further prosecutions of other involved parties in South Africa’s largest corruption scandal to date. 

This conviction is an improvement on the disappointing 5 year suspended sentence that was handed down last week to Dr. Gerhardus Diedricks Burger, another Steinhoff criminal who was charged with insider trading.

His sentencing gives hope for stronger convictions against other involved parties still under prosecution in the Steinhoff corruption case, The punishment does not adequately mirror the devastating impact of Steinhoff’s fraud on workers and pensioners. 

However, we are not to pretend that there is no progress in combatting corporate crime as the five-year imprisonment sentence is in line with our call for a deterrent message to be sent against offenders. Corporate corruption, like public sector corruption, must be met with severe consequences. 

The ANC reiterates its stance that corporate greed, enabled by weak regulation, has destroyed livelihoods, and these convictions should be the start of tougher actions against white-collar crime in South Africa.

It is prudent to highlight that these convictions are critical as South Africa navigates the multi-layered environment of corporate fraud, particularly in scandals like Steinhoff. Adherence to Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards is crucial in strengthening South Africa’s financial integrity. 

The Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) has taken punitive measures against non-compliant entities within the financial sector as part of the broader effort to meet FATF requirements and ensure our removal from the grey list.

Compliance with FATF guidelines must inform the actions of all stakeholders, reinforcing transparency and regulatory oversight. As a nation, fulfilling these requirements is a necessary step in restoring public trust and building robust, pre-emptive measures to prevent future exploitation of our financial system.

The ANC acknowledges the good work of the NPA and judiciary, urging them to intensify their efforts in prosecuting all involved in the Steinhoff scandal to ensure justice for the victims, especially workers and their pensions. 

Corporate criminals must never expect to evade accountability through lenient sentences that weaken the fight against corruption