FOOD POISONING IN SOUTH AFRICA @KASIBCNEWS

FOOD POISONING IN SOUTH AFRICA  @KASIBCNEWS

The African National Congress Women’s League (ANCWL) is deeply concerned by the alarming rate of food poisoning incidents that have claimed the lives of many children- with 19 lives lost and 437 affected in Gauteng, and also affecting more than a thousand of children across the country. The cause of the deaths is linked to organophosphate contamination, and this has had the most impact on children between the ages of 4- 9 years old. 

This is not just a public health crisis; it is a call for us to act with both urgency and compassion. We recognise that among those impacted by these incidents, are women street vendors most of whom are our sisters, mothers and grandmothers, striving to make an honest living by selling snacks and foods to our communities. It is essential to acknowledge that these vendors find themselves vulnerable to this tragic contamination of food that threatens their children, their livelihoods and their dignity. 

They are not only sellers but are caregivers and community members who wish to provide safe, nutritious options for our children and families- and their struggle is our struggle. As the ANCWL, we stand in solidarity with these women. We are committed to ensuring that they are empowered with the knowledge and resources necessary to uphold food safety standards and the tools to detect contamination. 

We advocate for immediate action through stronger food safety regulations and support for training programs that can educate vendors on safe food handling practices, identifying contamination, and the unseen dangers posed by harmful substances like organophosphates that have so devastatingly crept into our communities. 

We therefore urge the government to declare a state of emergency and take immediate action to safeguard public health and demand the following: 

1. Thorough Investigation: Identify sources of food poisoning and contaminated products. 

2. Public Awareness: Intensify education campaigns on food safety and handling practices. 

3. Support for Affected Families: Provide medical and financial assistance 

4. Interagency Collaboration: Health, education, and law enforcement departments must work together to prevent future incidents. 

5. Immediate Closure: Shut down spaza shops selling contaminated food. 

Furthermore, we call upon local health authorities to work collaboratively with these vendors during health inspections and food safety blitzes to ensure that they are not disproportionately penalised or stigmatised.

We must foster a spirit of unity, treating them not as culprits but as partners in our journey towards a safe and healthy environment for all. Instead, let us create an environment that supports their efforts to provide safe food options while safeguarding our children's health. Let this crisis be our call to action and a rallying cry to secure our communities against threats to our health and dignity. 

The ANCWL is dedicated to mobilising all efforts and our communities to collaborate on this pressing issue and to advocate for policy changes that protect our children and empower our street vendors. Together, let us create a safer food environment and ensure that the most vulnerable among us can thrive without the fear of contamination. 

In memory of our young lives lost, we commit to continue to work tirelessly to bring awareness to this crisis, support initiatives that promote food safety, and uplift the voices of women street vendors who are integral to the fabric of our communities. Together, let us ensure that no family, no mother, no child, ever has to endure this pain again. 

COMMEMORATION RELEASE OF COMRADE GOVAN MBEKI FROM ROBBEN ISLAND @KASIBCNEWS

COMMEMORATION RELEASE OF COMRADE GOVAN MBEKI FROM ROBBEN ISLAND @KASIBCNEWS 

The African National Congress (ANC) commemorates the release of Isithwalandwe, the late Comrade Govan Mbeki, famously known as Oom Gov, a communist, a stalwart of the South African revolution, Umkhonto we Sizwe High Commander, and a Rivonia Trialist who spent 24 years on Robben Island for treason and terrorism against the unjust apartheid state before his release on the 5th of November 1987. 

Today, as we remember Oom Gov, we honour him as a revolutionary intellectual dedicated to the struggle for freedom and liberation for all South Africans. His hatred for poverty and racial oppression is clear in his seminal work, “The Peasants Revolt,” which analysed peasant struggles in the Transkei and exposed apartheid injustices, serving as a guide for freedom fighters. Oom Gov consistently placed the people’s needs and security above his own, working fulltime as a political reporter and editor for New Age, exposing colonial-apartheid evils in the movement’s newspaper until its ban in 1962 by John Vorster. 

We reflect on the commitment to education transformation and access to learning today through the historical lens of the Freedom Charter, which Oom Gov believed in and how it symbolises our advance towards a South Africa where “The Doors of Learning and Culture Shall Be Opened” for all. Yet, on this day that must celebrate a giant of our struggle who gave his all for freedom and equality in South Africa, we witness the Democratic Alliance (DA), Freedom Front Plus, and Afriforum holding a socalled protest rally at the Voortrekker Monument. 

This gathering signals their intent to further consolidate and revive the divisive system of our dark past under the pretence of opposing the progressive Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act, which has been signed into law by President Ramaphosa. Their protest against the implementation of the BELA Act, which seeks to promote social cohesion and provide dual mediums of instruction, is emblematic of their commitment to preserving apartheid-era policy thinking. 

The Voortrekker Monument was completed in 1949 and inaugurated as apartheid's symbol of Afrikaner supremacy just after the National Party adopted its system of apartheid, and this protest symbolically represents a painful era of exclusion, dispossession, and oppression. Their choice to protest there is not coincidental; it is a calculated move that aligns itself with the values of a South Africa we fought against and are consistent in dismantling and burying in our efforts for a true united non-racial South Africa that has no place for discrimination and exclusions of any form. 

As we reflect on this protest, we cannot deliberately ignore or imagine away the historical connection of the evil John Vorster, whose oppressive system of apartheid unjustly threw Oom Gov and other Rivonia Trialists into jail during his tenure as Minister of Justice. Vorster’s strong influence and direction in the apartheid regime’s language policies was significant, exemplified by his declaration of 1975 as Language Year when he was President. 

This immoral and heartless apartheid head diametrically opposed the progress of a black child and his government forcefully imposed Afrikaans as a medium of instruction in black schools, to deeply entrench historic inequality and cultural hegemony. The intensification of oppressive policies sharpened contradictions ultimately pushing student struggles to a point of no return against his reactionary policies that ended in the bloody, tragic and painful 1976 student massacre. 

His rhetoric then during the unveiling of the Language Monument reflected a desperate attempt to assert a false Afrikaner identity over others, dismissing the rightful claims of the black majority to their languages and cultures, as well as their right to a South Africa that allows all to learn without limitations. 

Today’s protest at the Voortrekker Monument symbolises the ongoing resistance against the struggle for language equality by the masses, representing a continuation of that oppressive legacy that created exclusivity and superiority. It fails to recognise that inclusion does not demean or diminish any language. Instead, it clearly stands as a refusal to acknowledge past injustices and undermines efforts to address inequalities and improve access to quality education.

The ANC will never support any restrictions to limit a single language against another as such actions are against the freedoms and rights in the Constitution that was established through blood and painful sacrifices of our people and this is  inconsistent with the values of Oom Gov’s organisation, which opposed Vorster’s apartheid policies. Afrikaans is a South African language spoken by many across society including Coloured compatriots in the townships across South Africa where dual language policies are not an issue. 

The Act stipulates that if a school has a single language of instruction and an additional language is needed, discussions will be held to address this barrier to access. This is important to ensure there are no exclusions based on language, especially in rural schools. Opposing the Act derails and delays the progress we are making on social cohesion and transformation of education, and seeks to maintain privilege at the cost of equality, denying African children equal access to quality education and recognition of their language heritage that Oom Gov and the people’s movement fought for. In contrast, the ANC has always stood unwavering in its commitment to a South Africa that belongs to all who live in it, black and white. 

The Freedom Charter, which is our guiding document and a foundational anchor of the South African Constitution was once denounced as “high treason” which Oom Gov was charged and condemned for by the apartheid state, yet it is precisely this vision of a just and equal society that the ANC has fought tirelessly to uphold. Today, we continue to defend this vision against those who would drag us back to a shameful past. 

We call on all South Africans to support the BELA Act and reject the DA’s agenda to undermine the hard fought unity of the people of South Africa. In honouring Oom Gov’s legacy, let us all reaffirm our shared commitment to building a South Africa that belongs to all who champion equality and seek to open the doors of learning and opportunity to every South African. 

The ANC remains committed to building a society that embodies the dreams of our freedom fighters and fulfils the aspirations of the millions who sacrificed their lives for this South Africa we live in and share. 

Mzansi Golden Economy (MGE) Grant Funding @KASIBCNEWS

Mzansi Golden Economy (MGE)  Grant Funding @KASIBCNEWS 

DSAC announces the opening of Mzansi Golden Economy (MGE) & target groups: arts and social development applications grant funding applications (at 12:00) to the cultural and creative industries/ arts, culture and heritage fraternity

The National Department of Sport, Arts and Culture officially announces the opening of Mzansi Golden Economy (MGE) and Target Group: Arts and Social Development call for grant funding applications to the cultural and creative industries/ Arts, Culture and Heritage Fraternity. A call for application opens from today, 08 November to Friday, 06 December 2024. 

1. Mzansi Golden Economy (MGE)

Launched with a mandate to increase economic growth and to create jobs in the country, the Mzansi Golden Economy strategy considers the arts, culture, and heritage sector as the “new gold” which has the potential to reposition the sector as the key market player in the country’s economic development. With improved investment in key creative economy areas, the department believes the strategy has the potential to enhance job creation, productivity as well as to increase the sector’s global competitiveness.

The Open Call is for the following streams:

• Cultural and Creative Industries Projects (CCIPs) and

• Touring Ventures 

• Support will be provided to projects that will be implemented from May (2025) to January (2026) for Cultural and Creative Industries Projects and April (2025) to March (2026 or Touring Ventures.

2. Target Groups: Arts and Social Development 

The Target Groups: Arts and Social Development funding is earmarked for Non-Profit Organisations that facilitate participation and development of targeted groups: 

• Children

• Persons living with Disabilities

• Older Persons

• Women

• 

Registered NPOs/NPCs from all nine (9) provinces are invited to submit proposals. This 2025/26 Call for Proposals is for projects/programmes that will be implemented between April 2025 and March 2026.

Priority will be given to projects that integrate Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Prevention Programmes and prior funding within the last three years disqualifies applicants.

NB:-  The grant funding programme of DSAC is a competitive processes, the funding 

          is provided based on the following:

• Current needs and emerging challenges of the arts, culture, and heritage sectors.

• Funding is based on the merits of the submitted applications. 

• Applications are reviewed for eligibility and completeness and NO applicant is automatically entitled to funding. 

The Department is inviting interested organizations (NPOs and Pty Ltd) to visit www.eservices.gov.za  to make their applications from today 08 November at 12h00 until 06 of December 2024. Please note that DSAC will not accept hand-delivered or emailed applications.

View Mzansi Golden Economy (MGE) 2025/26 Grant Funding Open Call here: https://www.dsac.gov.za/Mzansi-Golden-Economy-MGE-2025/2026-Guidelines

Warning Parents to be Vigilant of what their Children Consume @KASIBCNEWS

Warning Parents to be Vigilant of what their Children Consume @KASIBCNEWS 

The Gauteng Provincial Government convened a special Executive Council meeting on Wednesday, 6 November 2024 to consider actions to be taken in response of the food borne illness in the country. The provincial government has called on parents and guardians to be vigilant and to closely monitor what their children consume, particularly items purchased in spaza shops and vendors outside school premises. 

 This comes after the death and hospitalisation of numerous children in the province after they consumed snacks purchased in local spaza shops. The Acting Premier, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, together with MEC for Finance and Economic Development, Lebogang Maile visited families in Katlehong on Tuesday, 5 November 2024 following the deaths of two children from suspected food poisoning. “As parents, let’s encourage our children not to buy these snacks as they have no health benefits, instead they are harmful,” said Diale-Tlabela. She further called on South Africans who have outsourced their facilities such as garages and homes to those who run spaza shops to be aware of what is being sold in those facilities. 

MEC Maile lamented the frequency at which children are being harmed. “We renew our pledge that we will not tire, we are relentless, and we will fight with everything we have. Government is making every resource available to us to bring law and order and ensure that these spaza shops and other retail shops in our communities are run properly. “We are asking the national government to declare this situation a disaster. It’s getting out of hand, and we must do something drastic,” said Maile. Communities are encouraged to take proactive measures to educate children about food safety and empower them to make informed choices. Vendors, food producers, and consumers are urged to adhere to strict hygiene practices, including proper food storage, thorough cooking, and maintaining clean preparation areas. 

Part of government’s advocacy work includes reaching out to vendors and spaza shops in the province to check compliance in terms of the foodstuffs, Disinfectants Act and food labelling regulations. In addition, Gauteng government urges the public to visit their nearest health facilities when they present with symptoms such as vomiting, sudden chest pains, body aches, fever or foam in the mouth. Meanwhile, government urges the public to only use pesticides that are registered for control of rats and cockroaches as illegal use of highly hazardous pesticides is a health risk. 

The law prohibits anyone to be in possession of banned pesticides, such as aldicarb (carbamate) popularly known as “ha le phirime”, and Terbufos (organophosphates). Government has imposed restrictions on access and use of Terbufos except by registered professional trained applicators. Members of the Executive Council (MECs) and government officials will continue crisscrossing the province to engage residents on consumer education, food safety protocols and compliance. The public is urged to report any use, trade, marketing and manufacturing of illegal chemicals to the nearest police station.   

BOLT SOUTH AFRICA GLOBAL SAFETY CAMPAIGN LAUNCH @KASIBCNEWS

BOLT SOUTH AFRICA GLOBAL SAFETY CAMPAIGN LAUNCH  @KASIBCNEWS 

On the 7th of November 2024, the Gauteng MEC for Finance and Economic Development, Lebogang Maile, delivered a keynote address at Bolt South Africa's Global Safety Campaign launch in Johannesburg. The campaign is aimed at improving safety in the e-hailing industry.  Earlier this year, Women for Change released a report on the assessment of the current state of safety in e-hailing services in South Africa. The report revealed concerning insights about the perception of safety in e-hailing services. A staggering 73 percent of users reported that they do not feel safe using e-hailing services. 

The results also showed that 22 percent of respondents reported experiencing harassment or verbal abuse at least once during a trip, while 8 percent reported facing harassment often. Furthermore, the responses revealed that 48 percent of participants knew someone who had been harassed or assaulted by a driver. These statistics highlight a critical issue in the e-hailing industry, emphasising the urgent need for improved safety measures to ensure user confidence and security. It is for this reason that Bolt’s Global Safety Campaign, and other initiatives by the company which aim to raise awareness of safety features, safety initiatives, and scaling preventative measures to prevent incidents of harassment and violence, are especially welcome in a South Africa that is battling the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide. Gauteng, the most populous province in the country, with a population of over 15.1 million people, is necessarily an important place for the launch of this campaign. 

The province's unique economic and demographic profile, which have a direct link to crime levels higher than the national average, make safety interventions crucial. For this reason, the Gauteng Provincial Government commends Bolt South Africa for making safety a key priority as it deems safety in the e-hailing industry both a social and an economic imperative.  

Urban mobility is a serious issue in Gauteng and the African continent broadly. African cities are facing an unprecedented challenge of urbanisation. In just 30 years, the number of cities in Africa has doubled. In 1990, there were 3,300 on the continent. By 2022, this number had increased to 7,600. According to Africa’s Urbanisation Dynamics 2022: The Economic Power of Africa’s Cities report published by the African Development Bank, the cumulative population of African cities has increased by 500 million people since 1990. Africa’s cities are the most rapidly growing cities in the world. According to the United Nations World's Cities in 2018 Data Booklet, the ten fastest-growing cities in the world are all located in Africa and the urban population will increase by around 900 million people by 2050. 

 

This growth, occurring in the context of rising levels of inequalities, has presented significant problems for African cities as they are growing fast and in sprawling ways that have resulted in the unequal provision of services, particularly transport. A lack of financing, investments and infrastructure for sustainable public transportation has resulted in Africa having the highest rates of road fatalities in the world. 

This situation highlights a need for investment in sustainable urban mobility in Africa because cities play a crucial role in the growth and development of our economies. Africa’s cities significantly outperform the countries in which they are located. The gap between the performance of African cities and the national averages is larger than in many other parts of the world. 

This is evidenced in the economic profile of Gauteng, the nerve-centre of the national and regional economy, contributing a third of South Africa’s total gross domestic product. The centrality of cities in the growth and development on national economies has been established. Urban mobility is a significant component of this economic growth and development as the movement of both people and goods impacts the rate of increase in the real and nominal gross domestic product. In the context of South Africa, urban mobility is also a question of spatial inclusion. 

The Gauteng City Region is geographically complex due to urbanisation as well as the persistent legacy of apartheid spatial planning. The construction of the apartheid city, which we have inherited in the province, means that economic activities largely occur within the central business district and suburban areas within close proximity. However, large density areas, mainly townships, hostels and informal settlements, have limited economic activity and economic opportunities. It is for this reason that the Gauteng Provincial Government adopted the Township Economic Development Act, which aims to facilitate and promote inclusive economic growth along a transformative paradigm. 

The Gauteng Department of Economic Development has invested significantly in township development, using both financial and non-financial instruments to support the development of infrastructure and industries in townships. The development of township economies is a sustainable path to spatial inclusion and our transformation efforts.

Thus, the department views safety in mobility as a core priority not only for economic and spatial development, but for inclusion and transformation. The Gauteng Department of Economic Development supports efforts to improve safety in the e-hailing industry and will continue to support initiatives by Bolt South Africa and the private sector broadly, to ensure the safety and security of users of e-hailing services.