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 leading and championing the turnaround initiatives. “We are extremely pleased as the Gauteng Provincial Government with the commitment our municipalities have shown towards a unified provincial strategy to transform municipal governance and service delivery. The Monitoring Committee has identified seven key focus areas that will guide their interventions going forward,” said MEC for Infrastructure Development and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Jacob Mamabolo. 

The committee reaffirmed the importance of public participation and announced plans to consult communities across all municipalities to ensure inclusive decision-making. Broader engagements with key stakeholders, including organised labour, businesses, academia, and civil society, will also form a critical part of the process. These efforts align with the Turnaround Summit’s emphasis on cooperative governance, intergovernmental collaboration, and fostering strategic partnerships to address municipal challenges and improve service delivery across the Gauteng City Region. 

The Turnaround Committee also resolved to convene an Imbizo to provide Ward Councillors with updates on key issues such as water security, by-law enforcement, energy, and community safety. 

ANC SECRETARY GENERAL FIKILE MBALULA @KASIBCNEWS

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 National Congress expresses heartfelt gratitude to South Africans for the electoral support in the December 4th by-elections across the country. This reaffirms the people's trust in the ANC as the custodian of their aspirations. From expanded access to essential services like water, electricity, and healthcare to equity in opportunities and South Africa’s respected standing in the global community, our 30-year transformation journey proves that South Africa today is a better place than we found it. 

This electoral outcome is a solemn mandate for the ANC to deliver, act, and lead decisively. We direct all ANC-led municipalities to act with urgency and discipline, ensuring the swift implementation of service delivery projects. Leaders must serve with humility, remain accessible, responsive, and transparent, particularly prioritizing the needs of women, youth, and people with disabilities, as they represent not just their offices but the millions who entrust the ANC with hope for progress. 

The ANC will not tolerate underperformance, inefficiency, or corruption within its structures. Leaders who fail to meet their mandate must rise to the challenge or step aside. We expect all our deployees to be guided by revolutionary morality in discharging their public duty. When services are delayed or promises broken, it is the ANC as a whole that is held accountable. 

We call on all leaders to honour the trust placed in them and work tirelessly to restore dignity and hope to our communities. South Africa cannot afford complacency, and the ANC will not allow self-interest to undermine progress. 

The time to act is now! 

INCLUSIVE GROWTH AND SHARED PROSPERITY THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS, COLLABORATIONS AND AFRICAN UNION AGENDA 2063 

We reaffirm the ANC’s commitment to South Africa’s partnerships with nations across the globe, particularly the African nations with whom we share common developmental objectives, based on mutual growth and shared prosperity. In furtherance of this developmental vision, Nigeria is one of the countries with whom we share mutual interests and reciprocal growth. 

The relationship with Nigeria has strengthened trade, cultural exchange, and economic cooperation between the two countries. The call to have more Nigerian products on the shelves of South Africa is informed by the fact that we have less than 10 Nigerian companies operating in South Africa, while we have hundreds of South African companies operating in Nigeria. Our trade exchange value amounts to around US$ 3 billion in 2023, a significant partnership representing over 65% of trade, the highest in West Africa. However, to all immigrants residing in South Africa, whether from Africa or elsewhere in the world, we are clear: you are welcome here only if you respect the laws of our country and contribute positively to our society. 

There are those who exploit South Africa’s generosity and believe they can operate outside the law without consequences. We make it abundantly clear: South Africa is not a playground for lawlessness. As the President said, the relation of VISA laws as they relate to Nigerians does not equal entry into the country without a passport including necessary administration requirements. Anyone who undermines our legal system or compromises the safety and economic opportunities of South Africans will face the full might of the law. This includes immigrants who engage in criminal activities and South Africans who enable this criminality by illegally registering businesses or aiding criminal behaviour, zama-zamas, drug peddlers and drug laboratories and illegal immigrants. 

Our patience has been overstretched. South Africa’s hospitality must never be mistaken for weakness. Our communities cannot live in fear. The law must be enforced. The time is now!! As an organisation we continue to make strides in reclaiming the spaza shop sector as part of revitalizing township and rural economies. Many spaza shop owners are registering in-line with the President’s call, ensuring that South Africans benefit from this important sector of our economy, women, youth and people with disabilities.

The R500 million allocated to this initiative will impact thousands of lives, creating opportunities, economic growth and jobs. The time has come to enforce compliance more rigorously. We must not falter in ensuring that the laws of the country are fully implemented. This includes ensuring that no illegal immigrants are allowed to operate tuck shops. Those who are legally in the country, they must proof investment in the business of over R 5 million as required by the law. 

We are pleased that as of last night, 51 788 spaza shops have been registered with 45 percent being KwaZulu-Natal. 800 Spaza shops have been closed to date. With 93% of these being foreign owned. We call on the government to employ additional inspectors to monitor the sector and ensure that it serves its intended purpose: empowering South Africans and restoring economic dignity to our communities.  

The spaza shops that are not compliant as  per the President’s grace period should cease operating or face the law. We cannot watch when our children die, and the local economy suffer as a result of lawlessness.

COMRADE THEMBI SIMELANE’S MATTER 

On the matter of Comrade Thembi Simelane, the ANC is guided by its principles of integrity and ethical leadership. While the Integrity Committee addresses this matter internally, state investigations are continuing independently. The ANC does not prejudge the outcomes of these processes, but we remain resolute in our principle of stepping aside when charged, as a demonstration of accountability. The ANC respects the constitutional prerogative of the President when it comes to Cabinet appointments. We however note the heavy strain and impact of this matter on the organisational brand and image and the voices of civil society for her to step aside pending a full inquiry and other legal processes and independent bodies. We believe and trust in the ability of the independent bodies to discharge their mandate and responsibilities. 

 THE RELEASE OF JANUSZ WALUŚ 

Today, the murderer of our leader, Janusz Waluś will be released from prison, taking with him to his homeland the truth of the assassination of our leader, Comrade Martin Thembisile Chris Hani. We are reminded of the immense loss inflicted on our movement and our nation. Janusz Waluś deprived South Africa of one of its greatest leaders, and his release without a full confession of his actions and conspiracies remains an injustice. The heavy blow that he inflicted on the nation is palpably fresh, considering its painful effect on Comrade Chris’ children and his wife Cde Limpho. The assassination of Comrade Chris Hani was a well-orchestrated scheme designed to plunge the country into chaos, an attempt to subvert the course for a negotiated political settlement, thus deferring a dream for a democratic South Africa after many years of apartheid subjugation. This move was well calculated.  

Ironically, the brutal killing of Comrade Chris Hani, his selfless dedication to the struggle as a disciplined commissar of Umkhonto we Sizwe, the People’s Army, brought us the freedom and rights we enjoy today. This is a sad and painful moment for the Hani family, the ANC, the working class and the poor and the South African Communist Party for which he was the General Secretary. We to the conscience Janusz Waluś to tell the whole truth about the forces that orchestrated this heinous act. We call for a comprehensive inquiry into the assassination of Comrade Chris Hani to expose the full scope of this crime and bring closure to his family, the ANC, and the people of South Africa. South Africa is no home for assassins and murderers. Walus must leave the country now. 

SO-CALLED NATIONAL SHUTDOWN 

We dismiss the so-called national shutdown as nothing more than a failed attempt to sow chaos. These opportunists have no plan for building South Africa but only destruction. To our people, we say reject these distractions and remain focused on rebuilding our communities and creating opportunities for all. The ANC remains resolute in defending South Africa’s sovereignty, uplifting its people, and ensuring that our country is a home for all who respect its laws and contribute positively to its growth. We are here to lead, and we will not falter in this responsibility. 

We will not betray our values and principles nor abandon our goal of a non-racial, non-sexist democratic South Africa and a cause of “A better life for All.” Our democratically elected President, Comrade Cyril Ramaphosa remains our president and will be defended. The People Shall Govern!  

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 to avoid using water bodies such as rivers, dams, quarries and water canals to try and cool off or carry out extramural activities such as swimming as they may pose life threatening risks. Parents are urged to keep children away from water bodies as it may endanger their lives.

The country has been experiencing varying weather patterns in various parts of the nine provinces including sporadic heavy rainfall to above normal hot temperatures leading to a decrease in surface water storage in dams due to increased water demand and evaporation rates in dams. The national surface water storage is currently at 75.9% of full supply capacity, a 0.6% decrease from the previous week.

Eastern Cape provincial surface water storage has declined from 85.6% to 84.4 this week, Free State from 73.5% to 72.8%, Gauteng from 84.4% to 84.3%, KwaZulu-Natal from 79.6% to 79.4%, Mpumalanga from 77.9% to 76.9%, Limpopo from 69.4% to 68.8%, and Western Cape from 93.2% to 92.7%.

Storage capacity in 10 out of the 14 country’s major Water Supply Systems (WSS) has shown slight decline by below 1% on average. The Integrated Vaal River System (IVRS) which consists of 14 dams has dropped from 72.2% to 71.5% this week. Last year at time, the water levels were sitting at 86.0%. The Vaal Dam, one of the country's largest dams in the IVRS, is at the lowest level of 28.2% of full supply capacity, when compared to other major dams in the country. 

In the Eastern Cape, Amathole WSS has dropped from 101.9% to 100.6% this week. The system has a total of six dams which serve Bhisho, Buffalo City and East London. Klipplaat WSS which serves Chris Hani District Municipality has also dropped from 96.3% to 95.9%. 

Meanwhile, Algoa and Butteworth Water Supply Systems have experienced an increase this week. Algoa which supplies Nelson Mandela Bay Metro, Sarah Baartman District, Kouga Local Municipality and Gamtroos Irrigation, has slightly increased from 84.7% to 84.9%. Butterworth Water Supply System has increased from 95.5% to 97.3%.

Luvuvhu WSS in Limpopo, serving Thohoyandou has dropped from 88.3% to 87.8%, while Polokwane WSS has also declined from 79.3% to 78.8%.

In the Free State, Bloemfontein WSS which serves Bloemfontein, Botshabelo and Thaba Nchu has dropped from 75.4% to 75.1%.

Orange WSS which supplies Free State and Northern and Eastern Cape provinces has moved from 79.6% to 79.2%.

Crocodile West WSS which serves Tshwane in Gauteng and Rustenburg in North West, has dropped from 75.0% to 74.2%.

Crocodile East WSS serving Nelspruit, KaNyamazane, Matsulu, Malelane and Komatipoort in Mpumalanga is also down from 63.3% to 60.8% this week.

Although the dam levels are relatively high in the Western Cape, the Cape Town WSS has dropped from 97.2% to 96.3% this week.

In KwaZulu-Natal, the water supply systems have experienced an increase this week, with UMgeni slightly rising from 86.1% to 86.5% and uMhlathuze from 89.8% to 90.0%.

The North West province, a largely semi-arid region, has experienced a continuous decline of its surface water storage which is sitting at 56.7% this week, as compared to last week’s 57.6%. Last year at this time, the province’s water levels stood at 75.8%. The province has a total number of 28 dams, and 14 of them are below 50% mark and only one dam, Elands Dam in Swartruggens River is at a low level with 10%. 

Northern Cape province is the only province which has increased water levels by 1.8% this week. The province’s surface water storage is 66.9% this week, a dramatic increase from last week’s 65.1%.

The following district municipalities have surface water storage below 50%: Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality in North-West has 30.8% this week. Mopani and Capricorn Districts in Limpopo are at 32% and 21.8% respectively. Sedibeng District in the Free State is at 29.6%. Parts of the districts have been experiencing moderate to extreme drought conditions in the past 24 months as a result of persistent below-normal rainfall in these areas.

Although there is an expectation of isolated to scattered rainfall over parts of the Eastern Cape, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape provinces this week, DWS has called on the citizens to continue to use water sparingly. 

It is predicted that wetter conditions over the interior of the country during the early and midsummer seasons may improve water levels, particularly in regions that receive most of the rainfall in the summer season.

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 reflects the growing trust the people in South Africa have in the EFF and our revolutionary vision for economic freedom and justice. We take pride in these results, as they reaffirm that, despite relentless attempts to predict our demise, the EFF remains a force and a clear choice for many South Africans. Our enduring presence in governance across numerous municipalities is a testament to the trust and confidence the people place in us. 

The EFF will, therefore, ensure that we serve all residents to the best of our ability, and remain a vibrant, present and reliable leadership that attends to all the needs of those we represent. The EFF is ready to deliver radical and meaningful change in Thabazimbi and Maquassi Hills, addressing poor service delivery and corruption.  

Employment Equity Amendment Act @KASIBCNEWS

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 the EEA.

The latest EE amendments draw their genesis in 2019 when the Department and Commission for Employment Equity (CEE) initiated sector engagements with the intention of the setting of sector EE targets to give workplace transformation impetus. 

The main objectives of the Employment Equity Amendment legislation are as follows: 
• To reduce the regulatory burden for small employers (employers employing between 1 to 49 employees) – will be excluded from complying with the provisions of Chapter III of the EE Act;
• To empower the Minister to regulate the sector specific numerical EE targets;
• To promulgate Section 53; and
• To strengthen compliance, including the issuing of EE compliance certificates.Minister Meth is positive that the regulatory flexibility will enable small businesses to now focus on growing their businesses and create jobs.


“In the next 2025 EE reporting cycle starting on 1 September 2025, employers will have to use the published EE amended legislation to submit their EE reports. We are excited by the latest developments that small businesses will no longer have to go around spending their money on consultancy fees to source legal assistance to develop EE plans and submission of EE Reports. We hope that the new amendments to Employment Equity, will impact positively on job creation and the unemployment rate,” said Minister Meth. 

The EE Amendment Bill was assented into law on 6 April 2023 by President Cyril Ramaphosa. The new legislation will allow employers to comply with their own set annual EE targets towards the achievement of the five-year sector EE targets. 

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 documents. 

Secondly building control, EMS, and Town planning will submit the reports in the next 5 days that will be submitted to Johannesburg Property Company (JPC) to review the lease for the tenants who are currently occupying the property. Additionally, during the inspection of the property, JMPD Officers also intercepted a motor vehicle that was involved in the commission of a crime, and an arrest was made. 

In closing the Public Safety MMC Cllr Dr. Mgcini Tshwaku.said “We take by-law enforcement seriously and we will continue to conduct regular inspections to ensure compliance. We also urge all businesses and residents to work with the City to maintain a clean, safe, and healthy environment for everyone” The City will work with the management of Mzi Carwash to address these issues and ensure compliance with the relevant by-laws. 

ANC WELCOMES BY-ELECTION RESULTS @KASIBCNEWS

The African National Congress (ANC) acknowledges the outcomes of the December 4th by-elections as an important step forward for our movement. While these results reflect continued trust from the people, they also serve as a reminder that we are not out of the woods yet. 

The journey of rebuilding and renewing our movement, and delivering on the needs of our people, requires intensified effort and collective commitment. In Thabazimbi, Limpopo, we secured 10 wards, reflective of the support the ANC enjoys though much more could have been achieved. A significant victory in the Northern Cape saw the ANC reclaim a ward previously held by the Democratic Alliance (DA), signaling growing confidence in the ANC’s transformative agenda. 

Moreover, in KwaZulu-Natal, the ANC achieved notable growth in a historically Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) ward, increasing its votes from 659 in 2021 and 211 on 29 May, to 914 votes in the latest by-election. These gains highlight the progress made in challenging spaces, even as we recognize the work still needed to solidify our support base. 

We do not take these results lightly. They come with a clear message: we must redouble our efforts to tackle corruption, improve basic service delivery, and rebuild trust in communities that have felt neglected. 

The ANC remains committed to confronting its shortcomings and ensuring that we deliver on the mandate entrusted to us by the people. The ANC extends its gratitude to the voters for their continued support and to our volunteers for their tireless dedication to the campaign. Your hard work is a testament to the resilience and strength of the ANC on the ground. As we move forward, the ANC calls on all its members, supporters, and structures to intensify efforts in rebuilding our movement and addressing the challenges that persist.

Together, we can and must deliver on the aspirations of South Africans and build a better future for all.