Gauteng Health Department paid R3.9 million to absent Cuban Doctors

 Gauteng Health Department paid R3.9 million to absent Cuban Doctors @KASIBCNEWS

Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko has disclosed in a written reply to my questions that R3.9 million was paid to 7 Cuban doctors who had left South Africa to go back to Cuba.

This expensive bungle happened as 28 Cuban doctors were hired on a one-year contract to assist with the Covid-19 pandemic, but the contracts for seven of them were irregularly extended for another year.

Instead of their contracts terminating on 14 May 2021, they continued to receive salaries without working until May 2022.

According to the MEC: "The officials who extended the contracts allege to have not been aware that the Cuban Healthcare Workers were no longer in the country."

This oversight has been flagged by the Auditor General as a "Material Irregularity".

An investigation has led to the recovery of R1.2 million, and disciplinary charges have been laid against the responsible officials.

The Cuban government has also been contacted to recover the outstanding money.

It boggles the mind that seven foreign doctors were paid for an entire year when they were not even in the country.

It is also outrageous that R2.7 million is still not recovered more than two years after this wasteful expenditure, and the officials concerned have not yet been disciplined.

It's yet another example of deep incompetence and possible corruption in this department.

As in the DA-run Western Cape Health Department, the DA in Gauteng believes there is no reason to hire Cuban doctors when so many local doctors are unemployed.

The priority should always be the best use of the available budget to provide quality healthcare.

REPATRIATION OF EXILED LIBERATION FIGHTERS

REPATRIATION OF EXILED LIBERATION FIGHTERS @KASIBCNEWS 

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) welcomes the long-awaited repatriation of our brave liberation fighters who laid down their lives in the struggle against apartheid. The beginning of the return of 49 comrades from Zimbabwe and Zambia, who died in exile, is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made in pursuit of our freedom. We express our deep gratitude to the Zimbabwean and Zambian governments, whose support during our shared struggle for liberation will never be forgotten. 

Together with our comrades across borders, we fought against colonialism and apartheid, standing side by side in the battle for justice and dignity. Their solidarity was crucial then, and today’s repatriation reflects the enduring bonds between our peoples. Many of these freedom fighters were forced into exile to continue the struggle from beyond our borders when the apartheid regime intensified its oppression. Unable to fight openly within South Africa, these comrades found refuge in countries like Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania, and Mozambique. From there, they organised military campaigns, trained new cadres, and built pan-African solidarity for the anti-apartheid movement. Exile was not just a physical departure from home, but a continuation of the struggle in different terrains, and it contributed enormously to the eventual downfall of apartheid. 

The solidarity and support they garnered from the African community strengthened the fight for our freedom. Their sacrifices in exile, often living under harsh conditions far from their families, are a vital part of the story of how South Africans, both inside and outside the country, united to bring down a brutal regime.
However, this moment is also a painful reminder of the freedoms that the ANC-led government has recklessly squandered over the last three decades. While this repatriation brings long-overdue closure to many families, it is a stark symbol of the ANC’s neglect—only now, as we mark 30 years of democracy, are these heroes being honoured with the respect they deserve. The ANC has failed to prioritise the dignity of our fallen comrades, waiting until now to remember the sacrifices of those who once stood shoulder to shoulder with them. Furthermore, this repatriation calls attention to the many unresolved atrocities committed under apartheid, where justice has yet to be served. From the murders of activists such as Nokuthula Simelane, the Cradock Four, and the hundreds of disappearances and killings orchestrated by the apartheid regime, many of these cases remain unsolved. 

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), while initially seen as a vehicle for healing, has proven ineffective in delivering justice for these crimes. The TRC’s failure to hold key apartheid perpetrators accountable has left many families without the closure they deserve, and the ANC has done little to advance these cases since. True reconciliation cannot be achieved without justice, and the lack of meaningful follow-through on TRC recommendations reflects the government’s abandonment of the liberation ideals it once championed. Let it also be known that by forming an unholy alliance with the DA, the very descendants of apartheid architects, the ANC is spitting in the faces of these fallen freedom fighters. Joining hands with those who once upheld the system of oppression is a betrayal of the blood spilled for our liberation. As the EFF, we stand in solidarity with the families of these fighters and honour their legacy. We call for this process of repatriation to be expedited, so that every freedom fighter, regardless of their political affiliation, is finally brought home. We must not allow their memories to be tarnished by delay or neglect. 

We must also not forget that over 1,000 of our freedom fighters remain buried across the world, from Africa to Europe and the Americas. The EFF will continue to encourage that all of these fallen heroes be brought home, to their final resting place, where they can be honoured with the dignity and respect they deserve. Let this be a reminder to all South Africans of the ongoing fight for true economic freedom, which remains incomplete as long as the ideals for which these heroes fought continue to be undermined.

GAUTENG SPORT AWARDS (GSA) AS CLOSING DATE LOOMS

GAUTENG SPORT AWARDS (GSA) AS CLOSING DATE LOOMS 

 The 2023/24 year has witnessed outstanding sporting achievements by South African teams and athletes, many of whom are based in Gauteng. Events such as the recent Olympics, the Under 20 World Athletics Championships, the Rugby World Cup, the Netball World Cup, and football have brought joy and hope to many South Africans, showcasing success in both the field and administration of various sports. With only 09 days to go before the close of nominations for the 20204 Gauteng Sport Awards (GSA) nominees, the organisers of the Awards are calling for the public to finalise their submissions before closing day. Sports fans, federations, clubs and everybody are permitted to submit their nominations. Nominations should be based on achievements between August 1, 2023, and September 15, 2024, for Gauteng-based athletes, teams, clubs, and more. 

There are 20 unchanged awards categories from previous years including; Sportsperson of the Year, Personality of the Year, Sportswoman of the Year, Sports Team of the Year, Disabled Sports Team of the Year, Disabled Sportsman of the Year, Disabled Sportswoman of the Year, Coach of the Year, Most Promising Athlete of the Year, Technical Official of the Year, Sports Federation of the Year, Amayanga-Yanga Player of the Year, Administrator of the Year, Community-Based Sport and Recreation Programme of the Year, Sport Photographer of the Year, Community Sport Media of the Year, Sports Journalist of the Year (print, radio, and television), Fan of the Year, as well as Lifetime Achievement Award. 

The GSAs are organised by the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation working through the Gauteng Sport Confederation. The prestigious awards ceremony will be held on 17 November 2024.
NB: Methods of sending nominations: 1. Online using the following link: https://sportapps.gauteng.gov.za/SportAwards/nominations/index. php Fill in the form electronically and email to the following email SportsAwards@gauteng.gov.za 2. Physically- Print out the form, fill it in and submit it at the following centres:  Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation - Head Office; 35 Rissik Street Johannesburg, Surrey House Building  North Corridor (Tshwane), 111 Swaan Street, East Lynne  South Corridor (Sedibeng) CCMA Building, Cnr Kruger and Edward Street, First Floor, Vereeniging,  West Corridor (West Rand) Corner Bram and Retief Street, Toekomsrus Stadium  East Corridor (Ekurhuleni), Faranani Multipurpose Centre, Tsakani  Gauteng Sports Council, Gauteng Sports House- Johannes Stadium 011- 402 1971/2/3 NB: The forms are to be accompanied by extra supporting documentation including but not limited to CV/Profiles; Testimonials; Photos etc

MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS AMONGST TEACHERS

MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS AMONGST TEACHERS @KASIBCNEWS 

 The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) notes, with concern, the escalating mental health crisis among South Africa’s teachers. Our educators, the backbone of our nation’s future, are being overwhelmed by unbearable workloads, compounded by budget cuts that have left our classrooms understaffed. A recent study revealed that an overwhelming majority of teachers surveyed are in dire need of crisis intervention, including hotlines, counselling, and mentorship. 

The mental health toll on our teachers is a silent epidemic—one that is being ignored by a government that has cut funding for education at a time when our children need it most. In Gauteng alone, teachers are occupying more than half the beds in wellness centres due to stress-related issues, while teachers in KwaZulu-Natal are relying on anti-depressants just to cope with the demands of their profession. As more teachers leave the profession due to burnout and depression, the remaining teachers are burdened with even greater responsibilities, leading to a vicious cycle of stress and incapacity. This is a national emergency. The EFF has long called for social workers to be embedded in our schools, providing psychological support to both learners and teachers. Our educators should not be expected to bear the emotional burdens of their students in addition to their already overwhelming teaching and administrative responsibilities. 

 The ANC has diabolically failed the entire education sector, betraying both the African child and the teachers meant to serve them. Under their watch, our education system has deteriorated to such an extent that South African students are trailing behind the world in literacy, with many unable to read at age-appropriate levels. This is not just a failure of policy, but a direct consequence of a government more focused on looting than on development.

 
Mud schools, a disgraceful relic of apartheid, still exist in 2024. School transport is almost non-existent, and in many areas, it has had to be sacrificed just to retain teachers in understaffed classrooms. Feeding schemes, which should ensure no child goes hungry while trying to learn, are being systematically sabotaged through corrupt tender processes that lack any form of accountability.And now, the Ministry of Basic Education is now being led by a DA minister—a party whose interests lie not in improving education but in advancing their divisive, racist politics. 

Their indifference was made clear when Minister Gwarube could not even attend the signing of the crucial BELA bill aimed at addressing the urgent challenges in education. With such leadership, the prospect of reform in our education sector is dim. The DA in education brings nothing but a continuation of the negligence that has plagued our schools for decades, leaving little hope for meaningful change for our teachers and learners. They are focused on their pursuit of privatising education, a guaranteed cash cow for white capital, and not in a quality public education system that could uplift the African child. 

The EFF, therefore, stands with the educators who have voiced their struggles and those who feel helpless and voiceless in a system that values their output more than their well-being. We will continue to advocate for a reduction in the teacher-to-pupil ratio to 1:30 for primary schools and 1:25 for secondary schools through the construction of new schools and employment of all teachers currently unemployed. In addition, there needs to be #TeachersMatter campaign, focusing on the professiona and personal needs of teachers. 

This initiative will provide training in soft skills, emotional wellness, financial literacy, and debt management. Furthermore, we need to ensure that two social workers and one nurse are appointed per school to offer counselling, career guidance, and healthcare, addressing the overall wellbeing of teachers and creating a supportive environment for both educators and learners.

PARLIAMENT DEBATE ON THE PROPOSED ELECTRICITY TARIFF INCREASES

 

PARLIAMENT  DEBATE ON THE PROPOSED ELECTRICITY TARIFF INCREASES

@KASIBCNEWS

South Africans are a resilient people, and whilst we understand and even empathise with the current cost of living expenses that we are all experiencing, we find ourselves at a crossroads in so far as the recent decision by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) to grant Eskom’s application to retrospectively recover R8 billion for the 2021/2022 financial year.

The debate today to discuss this crucial matter in Parliament is unfortunately not  one the ANC relishes, as we understand the gravity of the situation and why it is imperative for this tariff increase to be effected.

NERSA is the regulatory authority of the energy sector in South Africa and its mandate includes the regulation of the electricity supply industry. and thus, this Energy Regulator must regulate electricity prices and tariffs. In other words, its applicable by law that NERSA determines the tariffs that Eskom charges at a level that allows it to recover revenue for generating electricity.

Eskom needs to be reimbursed for the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity.

It has accumulated a growing municipal debt which necessitated bailouts from the treasury.

What this has meant is that electricity prices are determined, and consumers face the burden of paying for this service. Whilst the ANC understands the massive gains made by Eskom in keeping the lights on for 176 consecutive days, and the difficult financial challenges they face, we want to make it clear that any massive increase in the cost of electricity at this stage is untenable. The ANC believes that as our Minister and government develop an innovative approach to determine the cost of electricity in our country, we need urgent interventions to reduce the burden on consumers.

We should also resist the temptation to create panic by spreading unconfirmed information about tariff increases. Disingenuous arguments which seek to conflate the need and cost of this tariff increase with scoring political points are unconscionable. The Democratic Alliance is hypocritical in this regard. In several areas across the Southern Suburbs and Cape Flats, residents have accused the DA-run City of Cape Town of exorbitant electricity fare increases following the installation of new power meters. By invoking the ire of residents against the proposed tariff, the DA wilfully ignores that they have already subjected those residents to the DA electricity price increases.

The ANC is acutely aware of the strain this has placed our people under, and we will not relent in our fight to advance the fundamental programme of inclusive growth and employment creation, the war on poverty and the high cost of living. In the debate today, our speakers will focus on one of the issues to be raised by the Minister of Electricity in Parliament this afternoon, vis-à-vis, that treasury has provided funds to supply 50khw of electricity to 10 million indigent households, but only 2 million households are currently benefitting. It is critical that our government and SALGA deals with this matter. As the ANC, we will today make clear our support for a process which leads to a bigger amount of free electricity to be provided to indigent households in the new budget.

We must always seek the truth through facts. We must find solutions based on evidence and scientific analysis. In all that we do, the ANC will fight to lower the cost of living for the people of our country - the rural poor, the unemployed, the working class as well as the middle class.

The focus on the implementation of our Energy Action Plan targeting Eskom’s Plant performance and transmission maintenance and development, was solidified when President

Ramaphosa recently signed into law the Electricity Regulation Amendment Bill. The Bill seeks to open pathways to greater competition and reduced energy costs; increase investment in new generation capacity to achieve energy security; establish an independent transmission company as the custodian of the national grid; and impose severe penalties for damage to and sabotage of infrastructure.

The ANC also commends Eskom, its board, management and all its employees who have worked tirelessly to ensure that load shedding remains but a distant memory. 

Stable electricity supply is imperative for economic growth in our country. We appeal to our people to remain focussed on the bigger picture of growing our economy and we must come together to support the generation recovery plan.

MOTHER BREATHES SIGH OF RELIEF AS SON IS ADMITTED TO REHABILITATION CENTRE

MOTHER BREATHES SIGH OF RELIEF AS SON IS ADMITTED TO REHABILITATION CENTRE

Jane Mtshwane, a resident of Ekangala, expressed her gratitude after her 39-year-old son was admitted for treatment at the Dr Fabian andFlorence Ribeiro Treatment Centre in Cullinan today.

"As a family, we are relieved and grateful that my son got this opportunity.

From my interaction with the staff, I feel confident that he’s in the right place to turn his life around", said Mshwane, as this marked a new

beginning for his son, and is looking forward to the programme impacting his son and family positively.

He son is amongst a group of individuals who were admitted today at the Dr Fabian and Florence Ribeiro Treatment Centre, which is 100% run by

the Gauteng Department of Social Development. The youngest admission today was a 14-year-old boy.

The admitted substance users, who are seeking support in their battle against drug addiction, represent a critical step in the Department’s

ongoing efforts to provide comprehensive rehabilitation services to those in need.

This initiative follows a commitment made by Gauteng Social Development MEC, Faith Mazibuko, during the Ke Moja Friday outreach program in Saulsville and Mamelodi last week Friday. During the event,

she pledged that the Department would actively support individuals struggling with addiction by offering them access to rehabilitation programs.

“We have secured space at the Dr. Fabian and Florence Ribeiro Treatment Centre in Cullinan to provide a safe and supportive environment for those who are committed to overcoming addiction,” said MEC Mazibuko. "Our aim is to help them not only break free from substance abuse but also equip them with life skills to rebuild their lives."

The Department of Social Development plans to admit more individuals by the end of the week, offering them a six-week rehabilitation program.  Upon completion, participants will have access to skills development

opportunities, ensuring a holistic approach to recovery and reintegration into society.

This initiative highlights the Department's commitment to providing much-needed support to those that are struggling with substance addiction and their families, with the goal of fostering healthier communities across Gauteng.

 

Ekurhuleni’s Fight going to Parliament

 Ekurhuleni’s Fight going to Parliament 

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Ekurhuleni is deeply concerned with the ongoing energy and water crises, particularly in Germiston, and has taken the fight for Ekurhuleni’s residents to Parliament.

It has become clear that the city's electricity and water department is failing, with days of outages and no commitment from the Mayor to resolve the crisis. Some of the issues the municipality faces are:

- Crippling staff shortages;

- An inadequate maintenance budget;

- Standby teams lack vehicles;

- There is no funding available for essential repairs; and

- Operating with staff levels of under 70%, while the metro welcomes new residents daily.

Residents, pushed to breaking point, are threatening rates boycotts. Last week, the Mayor called a public meeting in Germiston's Ward 39 to address these concerns, but failed to attend, leaving the community deeply frustrated. Tempers flared, leading to a physical altercations and public representatives' safety was put at risk. This is unacceptable.

In addition to this, NERSA’s proposed 40% tariff hike will feel to residents who are already paying the price for years of fraud, corruption, and mismanagement, like an additional charge payable for services they do not receive.

We urge national government to instate a consequence management system hold the Mayor, the City Manager, and the HOD of Energy accountable. The Mayor must be held responsible for endangering the safety of both residents and public representatives.

We urge immediate action to ensure accountability and respect for the community.