MINE HEALTH AND SAFETY STATISTICS #KASIBCEVENTS 

The Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Mr. Gwede Mantashe (MP) will on Thursday, 23 January 2025 release the Mine Health and Safety statistics for the 2024 calendar year.

Following the 2024 Mine Occupational Health and Safety Tripartite Summit which aimed to achieve “Zero harm in our lifetime”, the Minister will be releasing the statistics and performance of the mining industry in terms of fatalities, injuries and occupational diseases.

The Department remains committed to ensuring the health and safety of mineworkers by enforcing the Mine Health and Safety Act and fostering cooperation with all stakeholders for the long-term sustainability of the sector.

The Minister will be joined by the Deputy Minister, Director-General, Chief Inspector of Mines, Organised Business, Organised Labour, and Professional Associations.

Members of the media are invited to cover the official release of the statistics scheduled as follows:

Date: Thursday, 23 January 2025
Time: 13:45 for 14h00
Venue: GCIS, Ronnie Mamoepa Media Centre, Tshedimosetso House, 1035 cnr Francis Baard and Festival Streets, Hatfield, Pretoria

GAUTENG WORKSHOP ON NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES @KASIBCEVENTS 

GAUTENG MEC FOR HEALTH AND WELLNESS TO LEAD WORKSHOP ON NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES 

Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Ms. Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, will on Thursday, 23 January 2025, lead a workshop on Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) at Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg. 

The workshop, themed “Unite. Act. Eliminate NTDs,” will bring together health workers, experts, and stakeholders to strengthen efforts to combat NTDs, which disproportionately affect marginalised and vulnerable populations in Gauteng.  It will focus on raising awareness about the diseases, sharing insights on the province’s progress, and aligning strategies with the World Health Organization’s roadmap and the Sustainable Development Goals. 

Key activities of the day will include presentations on the state of NTDs in Gauteng, including Schistosomiasis, Rabies, and Leprosy, along with expert discussions on challenges, innovative solutions, and integrating NTD programs into primary healthcare. 

Stakeholder engagement will also emphasize partnerships and public health education. Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the event as follows:  

Date: Thursday, 23 January 2025 
Time: 09:00 am 
Venue: Birchwood Hotel, Boksburg 

MOVIES MADE IN KIMBERLEY @KASIBCNEWS

MOVIES MADE IN KIMBERLEY @KASIBCNEWS 

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture is thrilled to announce that an exciting new film is set to begin production in the heart of the Northern Cape Province, Kimberley. This cinematic venture is poised to bring significant exposure to the region while addressing pressing social issues through a gripping narrative that promises to captivate audiences worldwide.

This up-and-coming film, with its compelling themes and unexpected plot twists, is not only a creative milestone but also a platform for exploring the social challenges faced by communities. The Department is proud to support a project that reflects the resilience, depth, and vibrancy of South African storytelling. The movie, Poachers Moon written by Mr Tom Datnow tells the story of a bond between two friends with different racial and economic backgrounds during apartheid South Africa.

The production is expected to have a profound economic and cultural impact on the province. Local businesses, from hospitality to logistics, stand to benefit immensely from the influx of cast, crew, and other stakeholders. Additionally, the project will create temporary job opportunities for local artists and highlight Kimberley’s unique landscapes and heritage as a prime filming destination.

The Department remains committed to supporting creative industries that not only entertain but also educate and inspire. This film stands as a testament to the power of storytelling in bringing attention to vital social issues and fostering cultural pride. 

Filming is set to commence on January 20, 2025, with further updates to be provided as production progresses. The Department encourages the community to embrace this exciting development and extend their warm hospitality to the visiting filmmakers.

AMAKHOSI ASSISTANCE WITH SPAZA SHOPS BYLAWS @KASIBCNEWS

AMAKHOSI ASSISTANCE WITH SPAZA SHOPS BYLAWS @KASIBCNEWS 

The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Mr Velenkosini Hlabisa earlier today, engaged with Amakhosi on pressing matters of the sector at the two-day KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Strategic Workshop.

The KZN Workshop of Amakhosi was organised by the MEC of CoGTA, Rev. Thulasizwe Buthelezi and also attended by Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli.

Opening his address, Minister Hlabisa acknowledged the diverse representation reflected by intergenerationality and women participation in the workshop. The Minister further undertook to meet with the KZN Provincial House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders before the end of February 2025.

Efforts are actively underway at the national level to address key issues raised by Amakhosi, including their safety and security. The National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders is consistently apprised on these matters, ensuring that the concerns of Amakhosi are prioritized. Notably, engagements with the Minister of Finance have resulted in a commitment to reassess the budget framework for traditional leadership, paving the way for meaningful improvements.

Deliberations at the workshop were anchored on two main processes currently underway namely, the constitution/reconstitution of Traditional Councils, and the streamlining of inputs into the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Bill (TKLB) aimed at cultivating developmental institutions of traditional leadership/Amakhosi, respectively.

The workshop provided invaluable contributions to both processes under discussion. Regarding the establishment or reestablishment of Traditional Councils (TCs), key challenges highlighted included the mapping of areas of jurisdiction and the compensation of council members. Inputs on the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Bill (TKLB) focused on critical issues such as the recognition of Headmen and Headwomen, as well as the powers and functions of Amakhosi

On the matter of powers and functions of Traditional Leaders/Amakhosi, Minister Hlabisa indicated that they will be subjected to review as part of the broader public consultation processes of TKLB. Furthermore, the Minister remarked that amendments to the current nullified Act will be prudent to fast-tracking the promulgation of the Bill.

In relation to the TCs, Minister indicated that the permissible provisions for extension of the period for the constitution/reconstitution of Traditional Councils have lapsed, however this period can be profitably utilized by Amakhosi to map areas of their jurisdiction.

Moreover, the Forum of Kings was successfully launched last year, marking a significant step towards adequately addressing matters that affect Kingships, and equally, the launch of the Forum for Queens is scheduled for March 2025.

This important workshop strategically contributes to the ongoing work undertaken by Minister Hlabisa to restore the dignity of the institution of traditional leadership as a pillar of hope in society, especially traditional communities. The approach to realising this noble commitment is anchored on the following principles:
1. meaningful engagements targeting traditional leaders across the country;
2. enhanced support to traditional leaders and structures;
3. strengthened capacity for the institution of traditional leadership; and
4. sustained mutual collaboration between government and traditional leaders to advance development and service delivery in traditional communities.

Additionally, Minister implored Amakhosi to assist government in the regularisation of Spaza shops in areas of traditional leadership, by ensuring compliance with the requirements of registration of small businesses to safeguard township and village economies within the 28 February deadline.

SASSA SERVICES UPGRADES @KASIBCNEWS 

Social Development Minister Nokuzola Sisisi Tolashe pledged her support and commitment to improving SASSA services as she addressed SASSA senior managers at a strategic planning session in Cape Town on Tuesday, 21 January 2025.

 Minister Tolashe expressed her heartfelt congratulations to the many social grant beneficiaries who excelled in the 2024 matric exams. Of the 724 156 full time learners who registered for the National Senior Certificate (NSC), 572 338 are social grant beneficiaries, representing 81% of the registered pupils in the education sector. These learners achieved a commendable pass rate of 86%. “This indicates that the investment government is making in the lives of poor and vulnerable children is yielding positive impacts, in breaking intergenerational poverty”, said Minister Tolashe. 

Reflecting on recent achievements, the Minister highlighted key milestones and ongoing priorities. She committed to urgently addressing the issue of permanent leadership appointments and the shortage of personnel at most local offices. 

Furthermore, the Minister highlighted the need for community-based engagements and outreach activities. “Our community is waiting for our immense intensification of community outreach where we prioritize underserved areas to bring services closer to our people”, she reiterated. 

With regards to SASSA systems Minister Tolashe urged management to prioritize improving and modernizing systems to improve accessibility, queue management and prevent fraud. In addition, the Minister has requested SASSA Acting CEO, Themba Matlou to provide a plan that seeks to resolve the challenges of payment channels in rural areas by providing an alternative solution for payments. 

“We commit ourselves to work with you as Minister and Deputy Minister of Social Development, we are available at all times to address the challenges together. We all need to be solution-driven in our course to make changes to the lives of our people through concerted efforts”, she concluded. 

MPUMALANGA WATER LEVELS @KASIBCNEWS

The latest Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) weekly state of reservoirs report dated 20 January 2025 shows that water levels continue to improve in most of the listed dams and water management areas in the Mpumalanga Province.

According to the report, the average dam levels in the Mpumalanga province recorded an increase from 93.1% to 94.9%. In terms of the Water Management Areas (WMA), the Limpopo-Olifants WMA increased from 83.0% to 84.6% and the Inkomati-Usuthu WMA increased from 88.6% to 91.0%. 

Water levels also improved in the three districts with Ehlanzeni increasing from 80.4% to 85.4%, Gert Sibande from 97.5% to 97.8%, and Nkangala from 97.6% to 98.9%.

The majority of listed dams in the Lowveld and Ehlanzeni District recorded improvements in water volumes except for Buffelskloof Dam which recorded a drop from 105.2% to 101.0%. 

The listed dams which recorded improvements include Blyderivierpoort increasing from 100.3% to 101.0%, Driekoppies from 83.5% to 85.4%, Longmere from 92.8% to 98.2%, Klipkopjes from 75.0% to 84.9%, Witklip from 81.9% to 94.0%, Primkop from 86.7% to 100.0%, Kwena from 73.8% to 83.4%, Da Gama from 87.3% to 97.9%, Inyaka from 77.8% to 82.7%, and Ohrigstad from 26.9% to 37.1%.

Most listed dams in Gert Sibande District some improvements with a few recording some declines. On the positive, Grootdraai Dam increased from 103.3% to 103.8%, Jericho increased from 77.7% to 80.4%, Westoe increased from 71.4% to 89.3%, and Morgenstond increased from 62.2% to 75.9%.

The dams which recorded declines include Nooitgedacht from 104.6% to 99.0%, Vygeboom from 105.7% to 101.1%, and Heyshope from 104.2% to 100.7%. 

In the Nkangala District, Witbank and Rhenosterkop dams recorded improvements, increasing from 97.7% to 99.1% and 89.0% to 95.8%, respectively.

Middelburg and Loskop dams recorded declines, dropping from 95.6% to 94.7% and 102.7% to 101.2%, respectively.

The Department of Water and Sanitation continue to encourage citizens to use water wisely and sparingly given that South Africa is a water scarce country. DWS further urges the public to conserve water and make every drop count. Additionally, the public is encouraged to prevent water losses by fixing and reporting leaks.

ADELAIDE TAMBO HOSPITAL IN EASTERN CAPE @KASIBCNEWS 

The Eastern Cape Department of Health has launched an investigation into a malicious document that has been circulating on social media claiming there are no doctors at Oliver and Adelaide Tambo District Hospital in Mbizana.

We want to put it on record that this is malicious fake news because there are 16 doctors at the hospital.

Contrary to the document, there will be no days whereby there are no doctors at the hospital.

We want to categorically state that the Mbizana community will continue to receive quality healthcare services from Oliver and Adelaide Tambo District Hospital.

In anticipation of the facility becoming a regional hospital in the future, we have been recruiting medical officers to start at the hospital from the 1 February 2025.  

Appropriate action will be taken against anyone found to be responsible for the malicious document that threatens to cause reputational damage to the Eastern Cape Department of Health.

We are prevailing on the public  to stop sharing the document as the fake news is causing unnecessary consternation and panic.

RAPE EVERY 72 HOURS SAPS @KASIBCNEWS

KASIBCAUDIO

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jGd9vi_XeSwb7L53WtSh5zpGdfeRDM-K/view?usp=drivesdk

The DA is sickened by revelations from IPID (Independent Police Investigative Directorate) of South African Police Service Officers (SAPS) being accused of committing rape on average every 72 hours.

The DA has written to Portfolio Committee Chairperson, Ian Cameron MP, to request the appearance of SAPS Senior Management, to account for this scourge of sexual violence within law enforcement.

We demand answers on these investigations, and what precautions are being taken to ensure that one officer who is investigating, is not protecting another officer who is accused.

Individuals in the very institution meant to protect us from crime, are now accused of violating vulnerable South Africans at an alarmingly high rate.

Importantly, this is not a complete reflection of SAPS - but rather a rotten few. SAPS must rid all delinquent officers within its ranks, who tarnish the good work done by many officers in the line of duty.

The DA wants SAPS to work well, and we have introduced numerous proposals aimed at strengthening our police services. Importantly,

• Devolving police resources to where communities are;
• Strengthening crime intelligence to prevent crime and dismantle syndicates;
• Bolstering detective capabilities to ensure criminals are brought to book;
• Conducting lifestyle audits of police personnel to stem corruption;
• Establishing an independent anti-crime and prosecution body to ensure cases are sentenced.

Our fight against crime in general requires a whole of society approach, and we need SAPS to play its part.

We cannot have South Africans losing confidence or being fearful of police officers.

Police officers found to have committed rape only deserve the harshest consequences of the law they are meant to uphold.

MAFUBE CLEAN WATER @KASIBCNEWS

KASIBCAUDIO https://drive.google.com/file/d/1j9LIyBusXpxCGlmJ9ovkuJK5hLSqK1Nn/view?usp=drivesdk

The Democratic Alliance (DA) will intensify oversight of the Mafube Local Municipality and demand immediate action to ensure clean, reliable water for all residents. The failure to address water quality and supply issues in Frankfort, Tweeling, and surrounding areas continues to harm the community despite adequate rainfall and ongoing projects.

On 14 January 2024, during a monthly feedback meeting on the Lesotho Highlands Water Project shutdown, DA Councillor Suzette Steyn represented the interests of Mafube residents. The meeting covered updates on the maintenance-related tunnel closure, municipal interventions during this period, and the condition of local rivers.

At the previous meeting on 11 December 2024, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) official, Ms G Venter, committed to discussing water quality testing results with Mr S Thejane, Mafube’s acting technical director. However, at the January meeting, Mr Thejane admitted to failing to meet this request. He attributed the lack of water quality control in Frankfort and Tweeling to high turbidity levels in the Wilge River and Liebenbergsvlei.

Additionally, he revealed that three of the six sand filters at Frankfort’s water treatment plant are non-operational, with the plant upgrade only expected to be completed by October 2025.

The ongoing Frankfort abstraction and raw water supply upgrade project aims to resolve these issues. Key benefits of this project include implementing an immediate temporary pumping solution at the Frankfort abstraction works; refurbishing Frankfort’s water treatment plant; and replacing the current pipeline, prone to frequent bursts, with a more durable 630mm HDPE pipe that will increase capacity from 160 l/s to 267 l/s (23 ml/day).

Construction is already underway. However, Engineer Philip de Wet from the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) criticised Mafube Local Municipality’s poor project management, underspending, and slow progress, which limit the department’s ability to allocate additional funds. He also highlighted severe waste dumping near the Frankfort water extraction point, warning it could lead to contamination. Immediate action to clean this area is critical. Mr Thejane noted that a request for assistance with debris removal was submitted to the Department of Environmental Affairs, but feedback is still pending.

The water crisis in Tweeling also remains dire. Residents have endured an eight-day outage without any prior communication. Mr Thejane explained that a burnt-out cable required a new pump motor, while delays in upgrading the Tweeling pump station exacerbated the situation.

Rural Free State has since begun upgrading the electrical system, but persistent low water pressure continues to affect higher-lying areas. This issue can only be resolved when six new boreholes are equipped and operational. Unfortunately, the borehole pump house’s relocation due to flood line issues has delayed progress. DWS confirmed they have received the updated servitude request.

The DA is deeply alarmed by Mafube’s insufficient water quality control measures. The reliance on “jar tests” conducted by chemical suppliers is inadequate to ensure potable water for our communities. Complaints about yellow, foul-smelling water are increasing daily, raising serious public health concerns.

To address these challenges, the DA will:

• Submit formal questions to the Department of Water and Sanitation regarding water quality testing processes and timelines for infrastructure upgrades;
• Demand Mafube Municipality urgently expedite all outstanding processes, including the relocation of the Tweeling pump house and the completion of Frankfort’s water treatment plant upgrade;
• Insist on immediate waste removal near Frankfort’s water extraction point to prevent contamination; and
• Strengthen our oversight efforts to hold the municipality accountable for providing safe, clean drinking water—a basic human right.

The neglect of Mafube’s water systems continues to harm residents’ health and daily lives. The DA calls on the municipality to prioritise action and restore dignity to our communities.