GAUTENG LOCAL GOVERNMENT TURNAROUND SUMMIT DECLARES COMMITMENT TO BUILDING SMART AND RESILIENT MUNICIPALITIES @KASIBCNEWS

GAUTENG LOCAL GOVERNMENT TURNAROUND SUMMIT DECLARES COMMITMENT TO BUILDING SMART AND RESILIENT MUNICIPALITIES @KASIBCNEWS 

The Gauteng Local Government Turnaround Summit, held at Misty Hills Hotel and Conference Centre in Mogale City, West Rand Region, on the 23rd and 24th of October 2024, opened and closed by Premier Panyaza Lesufi, concluded with a firm commitment from participants to drive transformative change in local municipalities. Themed “Building Smart and Resilient Municipalities of the Future,” the summit brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from eleven (11) municipalities, Provincial Government Departments, National Government Departments, State-Owned Entities, and experts in local government. 

The summit was facilitated by former Statistician-General, Dr Pali Lehohla and received reports from various institutions including the Gauteng City Region Observatory (GCRO), AGSA, Stats SA, South African Cities Network. Attended by the two Royal Houses in Gauteng other traditional leaders, Mayors and Members of Mayoral Committees from across the city region, the summit delved into issues that face the local sphere of government and through its commissions produced a plan on solutions to address these. Speaking during the opening ceremony Deputy Minister for the National Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) Dr Dickson Masemola emphasised the importance of professionalizing local government through the appointment of suitably qualified people in the right positions, adding that there was a review of the white paper on the funding model for municipalities. 

The summit also took a report on the financial state of Gauteng municipalities from MEC of Finance and Economic Development Mr Lebogang Maile who remarked that the provincial Treasury had appointed technical advisors that would provide municipalities with financial management and would assist them in implementing Financial Recovery Plans.

MEC for Infrastructure Development and COGTA Mr Jacob Mamabolo announced that an implementation monitoring committee comprising MMC’s of Corporate Services and Municipal Managers from all municipalities would be established to ensure that decisions of the summit were implemented.

In the declaration issued at the summit’s conclusion, participants acknowledged that local governments face persistent challenges across governance, finance, infrastructure, service delivery, local economic development, spatial restructuring, and safety and security.

Key Issues Addressed: 

• Local governments face serious challenges in governance, financial sustainability, and service delivery. 

• Governance is complicated by coalition arrangements in many municipalities. 

• Infrastructure decay hampers service delivery and local economic growth. 

• Financial viability remains a pressing issue for most municipalities. 

• The global digital shift is transforming service provision. 

The summit celebrated 25 years of achievements in local governance and service delivery, but participants recognised that Gauteng municipalities must do more to meet their constitutional mandates and address emerging challenges, including climate change and rapid urbanisation. Reaffirmation of the District Development Model (DDM) A key outcome of the summit was the reaffirmation of the District Development Model (DDM) as the main approach to tackling municipal challenges. The DDM One Plan will guide turnaround efforts across municipalities in the Gauteng City Region (GCR).

Commitment to turnaround Participants pledged to transformative actions grounded in cooperative governance, intergovernmental collaboration, strategic partnerships, and social compacts. 

Strategic themes identified for the turnaround included: 

• Municipal Governance: Promoting clean, accountable, and ethical governance. 

• Municipal Administration: Committing to the professionalisation and continuous development of municipal administration. 

• Municipal Finance: Strengthening accountable financial management, with sound budgeting, reporting, and accountability processes. 

• Infrastructure and Service Delivery: Delivering projects on time, within budget, and to high standards, with active public participation. 

• Local Economic Development: Driving local economic growth in alignment with the Township Economy Development Act. 

• Spatial Restructuring: Redressing apartheid spatial planning and fostering inclusive development. 

• Municipal Digital Transformation: Advancing the digitalisation and modernisation of governance and service delivery systems.

• Safety and Security: Focusing on community safety and infrastructure protection. 

In closing, Gauteng Premier Lesufi thanked the collective leadership for addressing critical local government challenges and outlined priority areas: 

• Upgrading aging water, electricity, and sewer infrastructure. 

• Preparing for anticipated water shortages.

• Tackling municipal revenue challenges. 

• Addressing issues related to undocumented foreign nationals and businesses. 

• Combating high levels of crime, corruption, and government property vandalism. 

• Preventing land invasion and creating opportunity in waste management 

• Improving townships, hostels, and informal settlements, and implementing Central Business Districts (CBD) revitalisation, with a focus on the Johannesburg CBD 

• The repurposing of the Gauteng Infrastructure Financing Agency to support bulk services and infrastructure development 

• The modernisation of the indigent register • Tackling climate change and augmenting disaster management

“We are pleased that for the first time since the 2021 Local Government Elections, all municipalities, without exception, today we are meeting here to work together. We are now planning together from the centre as one province, with one plan and one execution plan,” said the Premier. He emphasised that the summit was a seminal point of reference point marking a period where the provincial government and local government commit to doing things differently. 

“We must all pull our resources together for the benefit of everyone in our province,” said Premier Lesufi.

Senior Citizens enjoy relaxed and fun picnic at Johannesburg ZOO #KASIBCNEWS

Senior Citizens enjoy relaxed and fun picnic at Johannesburg ZOO #KASIBCNEWS 

Dozens of senior citizens gathered at the Johannesburg Zoo this week for a special “picnic in the park” event organised by the City of Johannesburg’s Citizen Relationship and Urban Management (CRUM Region F) in collaboration with the Social Development and Sport & Recreation Departments.

Elderly residents from Wards 54 and 125 in Region F2 attended the event accompanied by their ward councillors, Cllr Matsobane Sekhu of Ward 125 and Cllr Stuart Marais of Ward 54. This was the second picnic for the elderly this month after a successful event on the International Day of Older Persons, 1 October, where hundreds of seniors from various wards took part.

The picnic provided a refreshing break from daily routines, offering a chance for seniors to enjoy nature, socialise, participate in fun games, and engage in activities that promote emotional and psychological well-being.

October, designated by the United Nations to honour and appreciate senior citizens, carries the theme “Aging with Dignity” this year, serving as a reminder to respect and support the health and well-being of our elders.

The day was all about giving back to our cherished elders, with every detail thoughtfully planned to ensure relaxation, enjoyment, and the creation of lasting memories. Seniors explored the zoo, viewed animals, and enjoyed nature, leaving them feeling refreshed and uplifted.

Throughout the morning, participants joined in fun games such as tug of war, swing ball, juskei, ring the stick, morabaraba, and more. They were also treated to fresh fruit, water, and juice.

In his welcoming speech, Cllr Marais addressed the attendees, saying: “This day is for you. We want to bring variety into your life. Whether you’re busy or spend much time at home, today is your day to relax and have fun. We’re grateful to CRUM and the other departments for organising such a beautiful event, and we hope you enjoy yourselves.”

Meshack Maluleke, Regional Manager of Social Development in Region F, echoed this sentiment, adding: “We’re so pleased to host you today. As senior citizens, you hold immense value as keepers of knowledge and history. Today, we want you to relax and enjoy yourselves without worry. It’s important that our elderly have the resources to enjoy their golden years with health, dignity, and a sense of belonging.”

“October is Senior Citizens’ Month, and we want to remind you that the city has services designed for you. Today we are joined by social workers from your areas; please don’t hesitate to contact them when needed,” said Maluleke.

One active participant from Ward 125 shared, “I walk three times a week with a group of over 10 grannies, and we also hike on weekends. We believe staying fit is essential for our health, and we love being outdoors and enjoying nature.”

Research has shown that interacting with animals can help lower blood pressure, reduce heart rates, decrease stress levels, and provide a calming sense of well-being. The zoo’s surroundings certainly contributed to a serene experience for everyone who attended.

RISE OF KIDNAPPINGS AND THEIR LINK TO EXTORTION IN SOUTH AFRICA @KASIBCNEWS 

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) strongly condemns the alarming rise in kidnappings across South Africa, which has seen a staggering increase of over 260% in the last decade. With more than 17,000 kidnappings recorded in the past year alone, recent reports show that this surge is directly connected to the growing extortion crisis that continues to terrorise communities, businesses, and individuals throughout the country. Kidnapping has become a central feature of the extortion rackets that have taken root in South Africa, with criminal groups exploiting the vulnerability of citizens and using violence and coercion to extract ransom payments. 

This trend mirrors global patterns of organised crime, where extortion and kidnapping are intertwined, creating a toxic cycle of violence and fear. These criminals, armed and highly organised, have turned communities into hunting grounds for their illicit activities, leaving thousands of South Africans living in terror. In fact, South Africa is now considered the sixth highest country for kidnappings.

The EFF has repeatedly raised the issue of extortion and the criminal networks behind it in Parliament, demanding urgent and decisive action from the government. Yet, despite our calls, the ruling government and its law enforcement agencies have been slow to respond. Extortion first emerged as a significant problem in KwaZulu-Natal around 2014, but by 2019, it had spread to other provinces, embedding itself into township economies, rural areas, construction sites, and even public services. This slow and inadequate state response has allowed the criminal practice of extortion to become normalised and entrenched across the country.

The failure to combat extortion at its roots has contributed to the surge in kidnappings, as criminals exploit a state that is both unwilling or unable to protect its people. Business owners, community leaders, and ordinary citizens are being brutalised into compliance with criminal gangs, while the state has remained largely ineffective in providing the necessary protection and justice. In September, our Commander-in-Chief Julius Malema brought forward a draft resolution to fight for the safety and security of South Africans. Our proposed resolution calls for the formation of an Ad Hoc Committee dedicated to investigating the widespread issue of extortion across South Africa. 

This committee will hold public hearings, seek input from small business owners, civil society groups, and subject matter experts, and develop comprehensive policy and legislative recommendations to eliminate this crime. Parliament must take a central role in holding the government accountable and ensuring robust oversight in the ongoing battle against extortion. We will continue to lobby for the adoption of this resolution demand as we cannot allow extortion and kidnapping to become part of the fabric of our society. Additionally, the EFF will continue to expose these injustices and hold the state accountable for its failure to protect our people from the violence of organised crime.

President Cyril Ramaphosa BRICS Summit Russia 2024 @KASIBCNEWS

 

President Cyril Ramaphosa BRICS Summit Russia 2024 @KASIBCNEWS

Your Excellency, President Vladimir Putin,
Your Excellencies, Leaders of BRICS nations,
Your Excellencies, Leaders of Global and Regional Institutions, 
Antonio Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations
Honourable Ministers,
Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

Allow me to begin by congratulating the Russian Federation and President Putin on chairing a successful BRICS Summit, as well as leading us all on adopting an excellent declaration.

The BRICS Outreach and BRICS Plus engagements are important platforms for developing strong ties among countries from the greater Global South and emerging markets.

We should use these platforms to foster meaningful engagement.

We should use the BRICS platform to contribute to social, economic and cultural development of our peoples.

We welcome the Russian initiatives that are aimed at strengthening a number of BRICS countries through the various networks aimed at improving the future of BRICS countries’ transport networks and connectivity under the theme ‘Innovation and Digitalisation of Transport’.

This will help us find ways to integrate and deepen our inter-connectedness in new and imaginative ways.

Work has already begun in this regard through initiatives like the International North-South Transport Corridor, which is a multimodal transportation corridor established from St Petersburg to Mumbai.

This corridor is an opportunity for this region to unlock new trade flows and trade routes in an increasingly multipolar world.

On the African continent, the African Continental Free Trade Area will unlock opportunities for trade and investment for local and global businesses.

It will create a number of opportunities that will lead to an integrated and connected continent.

The Single African Air Transport Market is another flagship project of the African Union Agenda 2063.

This is an initiative of the African Union to create a single unified air transport market in Africa to support the continent’s economic integration.

For BRICS and friends of BRICS, we need to use these projects to further connect the greater Global South.

The promotion of greater regional connectivity and trade facilitation can only succeed in an environment of peace and stability.

Excellencies,

South Africa is concerned about the military aggression by Israel against the people of Gaza, which we have characterised as genocide. This genocide led South Africa to approach the International Court of Justice with a view to stopping the killing of innocent women and children in Gaza. We believe the world cannot sit by and watch the suffering.

The world cannot afford a region-wide escalation of the conflict.

South Africa has been unwavering in advocating for a two state solution that would see an independent Palestinian state along the borders set out in 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital. This would be in line with UN resolutions,  international law and internationally agreed parameters.

We call on the international community and the UN Security Council in particular to address the spiralling conflict.

On our own continent, Sudan enters its second year of horrific conflict and devastation. This is another conflict the world seems to have forgotten about.

The protracted conflicts in the Sahel and Great Lakes regions in Africa persist.

We must find lasting solutions to all these conflicts.

We must remain committed to the peaceful resolution of all disputes through negotiation and inclusive dialogue.

We must safeguard the ability of states to pursue independent foreign policy.

We must safeguard the multilateral system, because it is the cornerstone of international relations, and foster an environment of peace and development.

Existing global institutional mechanisms need to be both strengthened and reformed to play a constructive role in international peace and security.

We cannot allow conflicts to continue in perpetuity.

We need to find paths to peace.

In our quest for a more interconnected, just and prosperous world, we have the ability to foster an environment of peace through a focus on sustainable development.

We must continue to support nations and peoples who seek to end the cycle of conflict and choose the path of peace.

I thank you. President Cyril Ramaphosa

INCREASED VISITATION AND TOURISM REVENUE IN GAUTENG @KASIBCNEWS

INCREASED VISITATION AND TOURISM REVENUE IN GAUTENG @KASIBCNEWS

The Spring to Summer period in Gauteng continue to be a favourable period for high impact quality glocal signature events hosting. These events not only do they contribute immensely to our destination competitiveness but plays a critical role in driving increased visitation, high tourism revenue, spend and more bed nights as visitors explore and fall in love with the golden province more. September, which is celebrated as Tourism and Heritage month had set the tone for what visitors and locals can do, expect, and enjoy more from the destination offerings ranging from global sporting, lifestyle, entertainment and creative arts circuit events, personal and business shopping, visiting friends and relatives and most importantly taking holiday trips and power weekend breaks in the golden province. 

Amongst others, the Dstv Delicious International Food & Music and the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festivals attracted over 50 000 revelers and visitors in back-to-back weekends, Comic Con Africa alone attracted over 70 000 participants making it one of the biggest pop culture and gaming festivals on the African continent. On the #SportingGP front, the province continue to be the undisputed Home Of Champions with record breaking attendance at the Springbok New Zealand test match, Betway Premiership matches and the recently held Red Bull Formula 1 Street Showdown in Sandton attracting over 20 000 spectators. 

In total, over 490 000 spectators, fans and participants graced the Gauteng golden events circuit injecting over R2.1billion into the provincial visitor’s economy and increasing visitor’s length of stay to 5.7 bed nights just in the month of September 2024.

 

“For us in Gauteng, these are not statistics or numbers to throw around, this represent actual improvement in the livelihoods of our residents, bread on the tables of our entrepreneurs, tour operators and important market access opportunities for our SMMEs and positive advert for the golden province locally, regionally, and global”, explained Gauteng MEC for Finance & Economic Development Lebogang Maile. 

This month of October, which is celebrated as Transport and Pride Month, we draw inspiration from the dialectical relations between transport and tourism and our cosmopolitan and inclusive city region position for the LGBTIQ+ community. Gauteng and its people are a powerful symbol of Queer inclusivity and resilience. We welcome the raising of the LGBTQIA+ flag on 2nd October 2024 at the now World Heritage Site of Constitution Hill to mark the start of Pride Month. Accordingly, Pride Month offers us further an opportunity co-create and collaborate with the community sustainable pink tourism routes and experiences development in the province as we continue to diversify our tourism portfolio to cater for diverse and ever-changing travel and tourism consumption needs. 

Leveraging on our quality transport infrastructure network, we are looking forward to an empowering partnership with the city’s legendary pride parade, 35 Johannesburg Pride which takes place on 26th of October 2024 in Sandton and the M Fest Festival which returns to Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit after 2 years absence from the 25 - 27 October promising to be more than a festival but a full #GPLifestyle weekend experience. “The vibrancy is here! Spring to Summer season in Gauteng is going to feel like a fantasy, and everyone is welcome to experience the warmth and exceptional quality services provided by various Gauteng products, attractions, experiences, events, and accommodation establishments. 

Without a doubt, the hosting of quality glocal events in our destination not only improves our tourism offerings but helps in the creation of sustainable jobs and the building of a resilient eventing sector with the required skills set and consistent events circuit in Gauteng” concluded Gauteng Tourism Authority CEO Sthembiso Dlamini.

ARREST OF THE ALLEGED SUSPECT OF THE RAPE AND MURDER OF 6-YEAR-OLD AMANTLE SEMANE @KASIBCNEWS

ARREST OF THE ALLEGED SUSPECT OF THE RAPE AND MURDER OF 6-YEAR-OLD AMANTLE SEMANE @KASIBCNEWS

MMC for Public Safety in the City of Johannesburg Cllr Dr. Mgcini Tshwaku has lauded the speedy arrest of the alleged rape and murder suspect of Amantle Semane by the law enforcement agencies including JMPD, TRU, and SAPS yesterday. 

The alleged incident happened in Orlando East, Soweto. Amantle was allegedly killed by a Mozambican national and was discovered in a shack in Soweto after she disappeared while playing with friends. “We emphasize that we will continue to protect the vulnerable members of society, particularly children. Such heinous crimes will not be tolerated, accepted, or condoned in our city”, said Dr. Mgcini Tshwaku. We have zero tolerance for crime, child abuse, and murder. 

We encourage community vigilance and reporting of suspicious activities. Together we can create a safer environment for all our citizens including children.

In-Depth Assessment of Oncology Services in Gauteng Province @KASIBCNEWS

 

In-Depth Assessment of Oncology Services in Gauteng Province @KASIBCNEWS

The Health and Wellness Portfolio Committee comprised of multi-party members of the Provincial Legislature recently conducted a focused intervention study to evaluate the pressure points and operational efficiency of oncology services across Gauteng Province. The visits, carried out from 22 October to 23 October 2024, included key central hospitals: Dr. George Mukhari Academic, Steve Biko Academic, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic, and Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospitals. This initiative provided the Committee with a deeper understanding of the complex challenges involved in delivering cancer treatment and care within the public healthcare sector. Contrary to perceptions, oncology services require sophisticated coordination, far beyond what is often assumed.

Key Findings and Challenges: 

Treatments Expanding Beyond Gauteng and South Africa Oncology services at these central hospitals extend not only beyond the province but also across national borders, offering highly specialized care that is difficult to replicate at tertiary and district hospitals, which often lack essential surgical, diagnostic, and pathological capabilities. Consequently, these hospitals face a high volume of referrals from other provinces, such as Northwest, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga, further straining an already overburdened system. The allocation of beds becomes increasingly complex as they accommodate patients from outside Gauteng, who are likely to require inpatient care based on clinical treatment guidelines, particularly due to their proximity to the hospitals.

With a population of over 15 million, Gauteng bears the highest cancer care burden in South Africa. The central hospitals, originally not designed to accommodate the current patient load, are now stretched beyond capacity in providing both cancer treatment and overall healthcare services. Additionally, the backlog is exacerbated by the significant number of foreign nationals seeking cancer treatment and other healthcare services in these facilities. Over R700 million is currently owed to Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital, while at Steve Biko Academic, the bill stands at over R400 million for the treatment of foreign nationals; further intensifying the financial strain on the system. Human Resource Planning The Committee observed that the human resource planning for oncology services is outdated and does not meet the growing demands of Gauteng’s population. This mismatch has led to significant pressure on healthcare professionals, with unfavourable staff-to-patient ratios affecting service delivery.

 Additionally, there is a critical shortage of oncology, radiology, and other specialized healthcare workers, compounded by the private sector's ability to offer more competitive compensation for these sought-after skills. The Occupation Specific Dispensation (OSD) in the health sector, a national competency, directly impacts the retention of scarce skills in public healthcare. This impact was clearly illustrated at one of the hospitals where one of the major contributions to the backlog was owed to the shortage of specialised nurses in the operating theatres and Intensive Care Units. These nurses play a crucial role in the value chain of cancer treatment and care. 

The Committee urges the Department of Health to fast-track the approval and implementation of revised staffing plans, already proposed by hospitals, to address these shortages. While the Committee recognizes the budget constraints caused by austerity measures, addressing the critical need for specialised personnel must remain a top priority to meet growing healthcare demands. Infrastructure needs Gauteng historically had only two main radiology centres. However, the Committee was encouraged to see that Dr. George Mukhari Hospital is advancing plans to construct an additional oncology facility. Once completed, this facility will relieve pressure on existing services and enhance treatment capacity for cancer patients. However, it is essential to ensure that infrastructure expansions are matched by an increase in specialized personnel to operate the facility effectively. 

The Committee will closely monitor the project’s progress to ensure it meets deadlines and improves access to care. The Committee now fully understands the multi-faceted factors contributing to the backlog in oncology services. The entire value chain—from diagnosis to treatment—requires a coordinated approach, guided by clinical guidelines. With limited institutions providing cancer care, the burden on these facilities is inevitable. As the National Health Insurance (NHI) implementation progresses, it is expected that greater cooperation and system improvements will help address some of the current challenges in the healthcare sector.

Appreciation of Healthcare Professionals The tireless efforts of healthcare workers who continue to deliver essential oncology services under immense pressure is admirable. Their unwavering commitment to patient care, despite resource limitations, reflects their professionalism and compassion. The Committee and the broader community deeply appreciate their dedication. “We remain committed to supporting Gauteng’s healthcare system and will continue working with the Department of Health to tackle these challenges. Our goal is to enhance oncology services, ensuring all patients receive the high-quality care they deserve, despite the complexities involved in providing such specialized treatment,” concluded Adv. Ezra Letsoalo, Chairperson of the Health and Wellness Portfolio Committee.