LIMPOPO CLINIC REOPEN @KASIBCNEWS

LIMPOPO CLINIC REOPEN @KASIBCNEWS 

The Limpopo Department of Health announces today that the decision to reopen the Chuene Clinic, which was previously set to resume operations following a four-day closure, has been rescinded. The clinic will remain closed indefinitely until further notice.

This decision follows a thorough reassessment of the impact that the devastating incidents, including break-ins, robbery, abduction, and sexual assault of the nursing staff, have had on the affected personnel. After careful consideration of the emotional and psychological toll these traumatic events have had on the staff, as well as taking heed of their legitimate safety concerns, the department believes it is in the best interest of both healthcare workers and the community to temporarily halt the clinic’s operations.

We acknowledge and deeply regret the trauma that the healthcare workers at Chuene Clinic have experienced. The safety, well-being, and mental health of our healthcare professionals are of utmost importance, and their concerns must be addressed before any resumption of services can take place.

The department is committed to improving security measures at all healthcare facilities across the province to ensure that our healthcare workers can perform their duties without fear for their safety. The department will work closely with relevant stakeholders, including law enforcement and community leaders, to ensure that adequate protections are in place at the clinic before it is reopened.

In the meantime, community members are advised to continue seeking healthcare services at nearby facilities, including Maja, Soetfontein, and Block B until the situation at Chuene Clinic is resolved.

The department thanks the public for their understanding and continued support in ensuring a safe and secure environment for our healthcare workers.

CEDERBERG GOVERNMENT OF LOCAL UNITY @KASIBCNEWS

CEDERBERG GOVERNMENT OF LOCAL UNITY @KASIBCNEWS

The Democratic Alliance (DA) expresses deep disappointment in the recent decision by the Cederberg Eerste Residents Association (CE) to form a so-called “Government of Local Unity” with the ANC in the Cederberg Municipality. This is nothing more than a coalition between Cederberg Eerste and the ANC.

It is obvious that the CE chose teaming up with the ANC over facing accountability. Again, it shows that by voting for smaller parties, voters are not sure where or to who their votes are going to.

While the DA acknowledges the challenges faced in the municipality, we firmly believe this new coalition with the ANC is a major threat to open, honest and transparent service delivery to Cederberg residents. This political ploy is a guise to place greedy, power-hungry politicians’ needs above the interests and well-being of the local residents.

The DA will continue to deliver for its voters whether in opposition or in government. We will also hold whoever governs Cederberg accountable and we’ll drive issues that serve the residents of Cederberg.

MATLOSANA WATER CRISES @KASIBCNEWS

The DA in Matlosana calls for urgent action as water services break down, leaving residents without reliable water supply. For four consecutive days, water repair interruptions have affected the community while repair teams remain crippled by a severe lack of vehicles.

In Ward 39 alone, more than 100 unresolved water-related issues have been reported. These include leaking pressure-reducing valves (PRVs) and faulty water meters, which continue to inflate residents' accounts unfairly and add to the destruction of the infrastructure around the leaks. The lack of operational resources has left the community questioning the municipality’s commitment to basic service delivery.

The depth of the crisis was exposed during a routine Council meeting in 2024, where it was revealed by a fellow DA councillor to the MMC of Infrastructure that Klerksdorp's five water teams share only one functioning vehicle, this appeared to be news to the MMC. The lack of transportation means only the most severe emergencies are addressed, leaving routine maintenance and minor but critical repairs unattended.

Mismanagement of Fleet control is the root cause. By November 2024, 53% of the water team’s vehicles were stuck in the maintenance workshop due to repairs delayed by non-payment. As of January 2025, the situation has worsened— 100% of Klerksdorp and Jouberton teams' vehicles are now out of commission, again due to non-payment.

DA Matlosana is calling on municipal leadership, MMC, and Directors to address this growing crisis urgently. The community demands accountability and immediate action to restore the basic services that every citizen has a right to expect.

CEASEFIRE HAMAS AND ISREAL #KASIBCNEWS

CEASEFIRE HAMAS AND ISREAL #KASIBCNEWS

 

South Africa welcomes the ceasefire agreement reached between Israel and Hamas after 15 months of Israel’s genocidal onslaught on Gaza after Hamas and other armed groups launched an attack on Israel.

South Africa calls for the implementation of a just and lasting peace that ensures the human rights of both Palestinians and Israelis are protected and promoted. The ceasefire agreement is a crucial first step toward ending the severe humanitarian crisis faced by the 2.3 million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, which the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has deemed to be plausibly genocidal.

The ceasefire must lay the basis for a just peace which should include the establishment of a contiguous, independent, and viable Palestinian state. Palestinian sovereignty and territorial integrity must be upheld. It is imperative that no land is annexed in either Gaza or the West Bank following the ceasefire, and that illegal settlement expansion is halted.

In accordance with the successive rulings of the ICJ, the provisional measures prescribed by the ICJ must be adhered to by the occupying power. International law and humanitarian law must be respected and upheld.

Immediate and massive humanitarian aid is urgently needed to provide relief to civilians in Gaza. All obstacles to the delivery of humanitarian aid must be lifted immediately and unconditionally, allowing civilians unrestricted access to essential food, water, shelter, and healthcare.

MINISTER OF FINANCE, PRE-WEF BREAKFAST BRIEFING SESSION @KASIBCNEWS

MINISTER OF FINANCE,PRE-WEF BREAKFAST BRIEFING SESSION @KASIBCNEWS

1. Introduction

Good morning, distinguished guests, colleagues in Cabinet, and partners in business. It is a privilege to welcome you to the Pre-WEF Breakfast Briefing Session. This gathering underscores the importance of collaboration between business and government as we prepare to present South Africa’s story on the global stage.

The WEF Annual Meeting brings together a wide array of key global stakeholders. These audiences are keen to understand the opportunities and challenges facing South Africa. It is essential that we align our key messages to showcase our country’s strengths, address misconceptions, and advance our collective priorities. By presenting a unified message, we can enhance South Africa’s standing and influence in the global community.

2. WEF Theme

This year’s WEF theme, Collaboration in the Intelligent Age, speaks directly to the era we are entering, one defined by transformative technologies and interconnected challenges. For South Africa, this theme resonates deeply. Collaboration is the foundation upon which we can harness innovation to address our economic and social challenges, while ensuring that technological advancements are inclusive and equitable. Minister Malatsi will delve further into this theme, exploring its implications for our nation and how we can leverage it to drive growth and prosperity.

OPENING ADDRESS BY THE MINISTER OF FINANCE, MR ENOCH GODONGWANA, AT THE PRE-WEF BREAKFAST BRIEFING SESSION 16 January 2025

G20 Presidency

This year’s WEF is particularly significant for South Africa. For the first time in many years, the President of the Republic, His Excellency Cyril Ramaphosa, will lead the South African delegation. This presents a golden opportunity to not only strengthen South Africa’s visibility on the world stage, but to also profile our G20 Presidency.

Under the theme of Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability, our G20 Presidency reflects the essence of South Africa’s vision for global leadership.

• Solidarity emphasises the power of unity and mutual support, recognising that our interconnected world requires cooperative solutions to shared challenges. • Equality focuses on creating fair opportunities for all and addressing systemic disparities, ensuring that no one is left behind in our pursuit of global development. • Sustainability reminds us of the need to balance economic growth with social inclusion and environmental stewardship, ensuring a brighter future for generations to come.

Domestic Economy

Turning to the state of the South African economy, we acknowledge the challenges we face. The third quarter contraction, combined with the slight downward revision of the second quarter GDP, resulted in modest growth of 0.4% over the first three quarters of 2024. This was below the projections included in the 2024 MTBPS macroeconomic forecast.

However, we remain cautiously optimistic. There are significant upside risks to growth in the final quarter, including faster-than-anticipated easing of inflationary pressures, improved electricity reliability, and the stimulus effect of the withdrawals of the two-pot retirement system. While the road ahead is challenging, these positive indicators provide a foundation for stronger growth in 2025 and beyond.

Government of National Unity

In the political arena, South Africa’s Government of National Unity (GNU) has demonstrated its potential to unite the nation and foster progress. This era of governance has allowed for meaningful discussions on accelerating structural reforms. The positive reception from both the markets and the public has created a conducive environment for the GNU to deliver on its commitments and build an investment-friendly environment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, as we prepare to represent South Africa in Davos, let us remember the strength that lies in collaboration. Together, government and business can drive the messages that matter most, which are those of resilience, opportunity, and shared prosperity.

Thank you for your commitment to this mission. I look forward to our productive discussions today and to working with all of you to ensure South Africa’s success on the global stage. Thank you.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT JUDGE SELBY MBENENGE @KASIBCNEWS

The African National Congress Women's League (ANCWL) expresses its deep concern regarding the recent allegations of sexual harassment levelled against a sitting Judge President of the Eastern Cape Division of the High Court of South Africa.  It is alleged that the high-profile Judge President has made sexual advances over a protracted period towards a staff member in his office, and the alleged victim made it clear that she was not interested in any relations with the judge, beyond their professional rapport. 

It is our firm view that when someone says no, it should be respected as a definitive refusal, especially in the context of sexual consent, and this applies to married couples and in an intimate relationship. However, the highly respected jurist proceeded with his sexual advances making it highly impossible for the alleged victim to perform her duties. These allegations are profoundly concerning in a society deeply entrenched with patriarchy such as South Africa. 

Power dynamics are of great imperative in an institution with such a steeped authority such as the judiciary, where fear, confusion, offensive feedback from society in defence of the powerful and broadly respected Judge President, might further disadvantage or jeopardise career prospects for the victim. Judge Selby Mbenenge is an esteemed juror whose oath of office carries the responsibility as a custodian of the laws of the land, thus these accusations place our judicial system and constitutional oversight under serious scrutiny. 

These allegations highlight the ongoing issue of Gender Based Violence (GBV) and harassment within all spheres of society, including the judiciary, hence the President of the Republic categorises GBV as a second pandemic as it cuts across all sectors of society, the judicial sector included 

The ANC Women’s League re-iterates our call on the Minister of Justice to combine efforts with the relevant stakeholders to expeditiously put feasible measures in place, including review of the current legislation, in an endeavour to combat all forms of objectification of women. 

We believe that the integrity of our judiciary is paramount, and any allegations that threaten this must be addressed with the utmost seriousness and transparency. The allegations must be thoroughly investigated to ensure accountability and justice for the affected individuals. 

The ANC Women’s League stands firmly with all survivors of sexual harassment and violence, advocating for their voices to be heard and respected, and in this instance, we remain steadfast in our resolve in support of the alleged victim. We therefore call for a swift and fair process to be enacted, ensuring that justice is served while maintaining the principle of due process for the accused. We also are in full support of the decision to make the hearings public so that there is indisputable transparency and accountability and to dispel any uncertainty or veil of secrecy into this matter. This incident serves as a critical reminder of the need for continued efforts to combat Gender Based Violence in all its manifestations. 

The ANCWL reaffirms its commitment to fighting for women's rights and creating a safe environment for all individuals, free from harassment and abuse. 

We urge all stakeholders and relevant authorities to ensure that this matter is handled with the seriousness it deserves, and that mechanisms are in place to prevent future occurrences. 

EFF PARLIAMENT RESHUFFLE @KASIBCNEWS

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has opened its offices on the 15th of January 2025 and wishes all South Africans a prosperous New Year as we continue the noble fight for Economic Freedom in Our Lifetime.

 Following the 3rd National People’s Assembly which was held at the NASREC Expo Center between the 13th and the 15th  of December 2024, there have been changes in the leadership component of the EFF, which has led to the realignment of the Whippery of the EFF Caucus in Parliament. Additionally, vacancies have occurred in the parliamentary caucus of the EFF as a result  of voluntary resignations, which have prompted the filling of vacancies. 

As a result, the EFF has re-aligned its Parliamentary Caucus to reflect the recent changes in leadership and fill vacancies which came about due to voluntary resignations, to ensure that we remain a strong and efficient opposition in Parliament which will pursue progressive legislation and uplift our people from poverty and hopelessness. 

The changes represent a combination of strong institutional memory both within the EFF and Parliament, youth, loyalty and service to the EFF, as well as vast educational and organizational experience. 

Therefore, effective immediately, the following changes have been made. The EFF Parliament Whippery will be constituted as follows; 

EFF National Chairperson, Commissar Nontando Nolutshungu will serve as the Chief Whip of the EFF in Parliament alongside the following Commissars; 

1. The Treasurer General, Commissar Omphile Maotwe  

2. Commissar Veronica Mente  

3. Commissar Natasha Ntlangwini 

4. Commissar Hlengiwe Mkhalipi  

5. Commissar Sam Matisse  

6. Commissar Mandisa Makesini, who will serve as the Whip in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) 

In the National Assembly, the following changes have been made effective immediately; 

1. Commissar Naledi Chirwa replaces Dr. Mbuyiseni Ndlozi 

2. Commissar Nqobile Mhlongo replaces Ntokozo Hlonyane 

3.  Commissar Chumani Matiwane replaces Yazini Tetyana. 

In the National Council of Provinces, the following changes have been made effective immediately; 

1. Commissar Mampuru Mampuru replaces Commissar Naledi Chirwa 

2. Commissar Asanda Matshobeni replaces Nolubabalo Mcinga. 

We wish all the Commissars well in their respective deployments and are confident that they will serve the people of South Africa well in their task, and be exemplary, available and dedicate Public Representatives.