Chinese Nationals charged with Human Trafficking and Child Labour @KASIBCNEWS

Chinese Nationals charged with Human Trafficking and Child Labour @KASIBCNEWS 

The defence in the trial of seven Chinese nationals charged with human trafficking and child labour yesterday (4 October) closed its case after calling its last witness to take a stand.

In the trial the defence closed its case after having only called accused number one to testify.

Amil Thousaad (27), a Malawian national who took a brief stand in Gauteng Division of the High Court (Johannesburg) as a defence witness on Wednesday continued with his testimony yesterday. On Wednesday proceedings had to be brought to a halt after Thousaad took an oath and told the Court that he was comfortable in testifying in English.

No sooner had he taken the stand he was battling to give testimony and Court decided to enlist the services of a Chichewe interpreter. Thousaad continued on his testimony on his association with the Chinese, whom he said he had been working for since 2018, when he arrived in South Africa.

Trousaad was testifying in the Chinese trial of: Kevin Tsao Shu-Uei, Chen Hui, Qin Li, Jiaqing Zhou, Ma Biao, Dai Junying, and Zhang Zhilian. The accused are facing schedule six offences.

The Chinese are facing counts of human trafficking, contravention of Immigration Act, kidnapping, pointing a firearm, debt bondage, benefitting from the services of a victim of trafficking, conduct that facilitates trafficking, illegally assisting person(s) to remain in South Africa, and failure to comply with duties of an employer.

The seven were arrested on 12 November 2019 in a joint operation carried out at their premises of a company called Beautiful City Pty Ltd based at Village Deep in Johannesburg. 

The joint inspection blitz was carried out by the Department of Employment and Labour’s Inspection and Enforcement Services (IES) branch together with the South African Police Service (SAPS)/ Hawks Unit and the Department of Home Affairs.

The joint operation uncovered illegal immigrants some of whom were minors working under horror conditions and kept in the locked premises of a factory called Beautiful City. The factory produced cotton fibre sheets.

Thousaad had told the Court that he first worked in a Chinese factory located at Croesus in Johannesburg and later joined Beautiful City when it started operations in Faraday. He explained operations of the factory and that of his role working as a “machine fixer” and also doing menial tasks.

He also testified that on the day of joint inspection blitz he was out at the factory shop only to come back and the premises were full of police and other government officials.

Prosecutor, Valencia Dube accused Thousaad of dishonesty and giving testimony full of hearsay. She said Thousaad was a “chameleon” who constantly changes his testimony to suit the situation.

Five of the accused are out on bail and the other two (accused number two and seven) are in custody for violating their bail conditions – by trying to skip the country.

Both the State and the defence have concluded their cases. The matter has been postponed to 20 November 2024 for closing arguments.

Nigeria Dumps Oil Trade in US Dollars @KASIBCNEWS

 

Nigeria Dumps Oil Trade in US Dollars @KASIBCNEWS 

The Nigeria’s official shift to conducting crude oil and refined petroleum product sales in Naira as of October 1, 2024.

 This move aligns with a directive from the Federal Executive Council (FEC), announced by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun. 

The initiative aims to boost transparency, self-sufficiency, and stability in Nigeria’s economy. 

The decision was supported by key stakeholders, including prominent figures in government and industry. 

This is seen as a bold strategic step by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

TERS Budget from R400Million to R2.4Billion @KASIBCNEWS

TERS Budget from R400Million to R2.4Billion @KASIBCNEWS 

The Department of Employment and Labour has announced an increase in the budget for its Temporary Employer-Employee Relief Scheme (TERS) from R400 million to R2.4 billion, for the current financial year. This significant boost aims to assist companies in distress and prevent employee layoffs amid unstable economic conditions, as revealed by Minister Nomakhosazana Meth.

About TERS

TERS is an intervention by the Department of Employment and Labour that provides financial assistance to companies in distress for up to 12 months. The scheme enables employers to retain employees by covering their salaries while the company focuses on implementing a turnaround strategy to remain operational. During this period, employers are only required to cover employee social costs such as provident fund and medical aid contributions.

Productivity SA, an entity under the Department, offers turnaround strategy solutions to companies in distress. Minister Meth urged companies experiencing financial challenges to participate in the scheme as soon as they notice signs of distress.

"The nature and degree of distress will be objectively measured through indicators, including but not limited to a decline in revenue. The application process for TERS begins at the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) and is entirely free of charge. 

There are no application, initiation, or administration fees required," says Minister Meth.

A single adjudication committee administered by the CCMA evaluates all TERS applications for eligibility using a combination of indicators.

Rationale for the Budget Increase

Recent economic challenges have led to significant job losses across various sectors. During the 2023/2024 financial year, the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) reported that out of 38,428 employees who were likely to be retrenched, a total of 14,887 jobs (39%) were saved through various interventions. However, actual retrenchments amounted to 22,554. 

The alarming number of job losses, particularly in key industries, necessitated an adjustment in our budget to enhance TERS.

“The increase in the TERS budget is a proactive response to volatile economic trends that threaten the livelihoods of impoverished workers and the sustainability of businesses. Our goal is to preserve jobs and support companies facing financial difficulties.

“Furthermore, the increase in the scheme's capacity, aims to reduce the risk of further retrenchments and support economic stability,” says Minister Meth.

The highest number of job losses were recorded in the following sectors:
Mining: 5,153 job losses
Manufacturing: 2,125 job losses
Telecommunications: 1,680 job losses

Impact on Key Industries

Since its inception, TERS has been instrumental in supporting a wide range of industries severely impacted by economic challenges. The following sectors have notably benefited from the scheme:

Hospitality and Tourism: Hotels, restaurants, and travel agencies affected by decreased tourism.

Manufacturing: Factories experiencing reduced demand and supply chain disruptions.

Retail: Non-essential retail businesses facing reduced consumer spending.

Transportation: Bus services, and logistics companies dealing with decreased operations.

Statistical Highlights

Job Preservation: TERS has facilitated the retention of hundreds of thousands of jobs by providing salary support to employees who might otherwise have been laid off.

Economic Stability: TERS continues to play a significant role in stabilising the economy during turbulent times, ensuring a quicker path to recovery by alleviating the financial burden on companies.

Application Requirements

Employers seeking to participate in the TERS scheme will be required to provide documentary evidence for evaluation:

Audited Annual Financial Statements for the past two financial years.

Independently Reviewed Annual Financial Statements for companies not legally required to be audited, covering the past two financial years. 

Independently Reviewed Management Accounts with comparative figures if the latest financial statements are older than three months.

Termination of Contract and Bank Statement for individual applicants.

Business Case outlining the triggers for distress and proposed remedial actions.

Police on manhunt for Qumbu killers @KASIBCNEWS

Police on manhunt for  Qumbu killers @KASIBCNEWS 

The Provincial Commissioner of the Eastern Cape, Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene strongly condemns the senseless and a brutal ambush of community patrollers, where six people were fatally shot, and four were injured at the Lugongozo Junior Secondary School in Tina Falls near Qumbu last night.

It is alleged that on Sunday, 6 October 2024 around 22:45, a group of at least eight (08) men, who were armed with rifles and handguns opened fire to a group of community patrollers. 

Six people succumbed to their injuries, and four victims were rushed to the nearest hospital. It is said that the patrollers were at a local school, and were preparing for their evening patrols when they were attacked. 

The suspects (unknown) are still at large, and a motive for the shooting is unknown at this stage. 

Police are urging anyone with information that could assist our investigating team to contact a team leader on 082 301 7762. The information may also be shared via Crime Stop number on 08600 10111.

Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene said, “We have mobilised maximum resources, and we are concerned that those who are working and assisting the police are being targeted and attacked. 

We will do our best to ensure that those who were behind this mass shooting are apprehended. As the Service, we condemn this incident, and we also extend our condolences to the families of the deceased persons. 

We would also like to wish those who are injured a speedy recovery, concluded Lt Gen Mene.

Soweto School Learners Poisoned @KASIBCNEWS

Soweto School Learners Poisoned @KASIBCNEWS

MEC CHILOANE SADDENED BY DEATH OF FOUR LEARNERS IN SOWETO 

Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture & Recreation, Mr. Matome Chiloane, wishes to express his deep sadness over the tragic passing of four learners, three from Karabo Primary School and one from Khauhelo Primary School, both located in Soweto. These learners allegedly died on Sunday, 6 October 2024, after consuming food that is suspected to have been poisoned.

According to information at our disposal, a Grade 1 boy (age 7), a Grade 2 girl (age 8), and a Grade 3 boy (age 9) from Karabo Primary School sadly passed away on Sunday after allegedly consuming food suspected to have contained poison. Additionally, a Grade 1 boy learner from the school remains in ICU at a local medical facility after also having consumed the food.

In a separate incident, an 8-year-old Grade 2 boy from Khauhelo Primary School also passed away on Sunday after allegedly consuming snacks purchased from a spaza shop in Naledi.

Police are currently investigating circumstances surrounding these tragic incidents. 

The GDE, together with the affected schools, has activated the necessary support structures to provide psycho-social counseling to affected learners, educators, and family members. 

“We wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and school communities affected by these tragic incidents. The safety and well-being of our learners remain our top priority, and we urge parents, guardians, and communities to exercise caution regarding the food consumed by children,” said MEC Chiloane.

NURSING INTAKE APPLICATIONS 2025 @KASIBCNEWS

 

NURSING INTAKE APPLICATIONS 2025 @KASIBCNEWS 

 Gauteng residents interested in studying nursing through the Gauteng Department of Health’s Gauteng College of Nursing (GCoN) in 2025 have until Friday, 11 October 2024 to submit their applications. 

Potential students are encouraged to apply to study for a three-year Diploma in Nursing offered at one of GCoN’s four campuses: Ann Latsky, Bonalesedi, Chris Hani Baragwanath, or SG Lourens. 

Applicants must be South African citizens residing in Gauteng and meet the specified educational requirements; a Senior Certificate (Standard 10), a National Senior Certificate (Grade 12) or National Certificate (Vocational) Level 4, with passes in key subjects such as English, Mathematics, and Life Sciences. Special consideration will be given to applicants from disadvantaged communities, including those from informal settlements, hostels, and rural areas within Gauteng. Individuals already working in the nursing profession as auxiliary or enrolled nurses and meet the entry requirements are also encouraged to apply. 

Applications must be submitted online by 11 October 2024 through the official GCON website: https://nursingintake.gauteng.gov.za applicants are required to upload certified copies of their Identity Document, educational qualifications, and/or latest school results. 

Successful applicants will undergo a psychometric assessment and medical screening before final selection, and it's important to note that meeting the entry requirements does not guarantee selection. Successful candidates will provide own funding. 

For further inquiries, applicants can email; Nomaswazi.Dhladhla@gauteng.gov.za or Morongwa.Mphamo@gauteng.gov.za or contact the GCoN Central Selection – Centre on 011 644 8946. 

SANDF crisis demands immediate action from Defence Minister Motshekga @KASIBCNEWS

SANDF crisis demands immediate action from Defence Minister Motshekga @KASIBCNEWS 

Defence Minister Angie Motshekga's failure to provide a report on the state of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) is a clear indication that the Force is in crisis. The report, due on 17 September, has not materialised, and the Auditor-General's recent revelation of significant flaws in the Department of Defence's financial management for 2023/24 further underscores this alarming situation. This raises questions about why Motshekga has not delivered the necessary report.

In light of this, the DA has formally written to the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Ms. Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane, urging the Minister to fulfill her commitment to reporting to the House on why she disputes the DA’s assertion that South Africa’s Defence Force is indeed in crisis. Immediate accountability is essential for safeguarding our national security.

On 3 September, Motshekga had the opportunity to address the National Council of Provinces regarding the SANDF's status. However, when the DA raised concerns during a question-and-answer session, she dismissed their claims as "exaggeration." Nicholas Gotsell MP highlighted findings from a recent oversight visit, revealing that South Africa's Navy has no combat-ready vessels and is hindered by an ineffective Armscor - a claim the Minister refuted.

The Navy's recorded sea hours have drastically declined from 12 000 in 2018/19 to just 2 770 last year. Similarly, the Air Force lacks strategic airlift capacity, and its members’ flying hours have significantly diminished. This lack of resources severely impacts the Air Force's ability to conduct effective maritime territorial patrols, leaving South Africa's borders vulnerable to piracy and poaching, especially given the weakened state of the Navy.

During the session, the Minister acknowledged her Department's financial struggles, stating that they are “constantly engaging with Treasury” and warned, “You have to help us before the system collapse(s) because the level of poor funding is affecting the effectiveness of the defence force.” She conceded that inadequate funding leads to the loss of vital air and sea hours.

Despite these alarming realities, it emerged that the Head of the Air Force, Lt. Genl. Wiseman Mbombo, had recently acquired two Audi Q7s at a cost of R3 million, while the SANDF announced the establishment of a “Space Command” that they claim is crucial for advancing multi-domain warfare and ensuring strategic advantage.

In light of these misguided priorities, last week the DA wrote to the Chairperson of the Select Committee on Security and Justice, demanding that the Minister explain the Department’s choices amid budget constraints. Unfortunately, this request went unanswered.

Faced with a defence crisis and the imminent risk of “system collapse,” it is imperative that we demand strong, level-headed leadership, discipline, and austerity.

The DA calls on Minister Motshekga to cease wasting taxpayers’ money on unnecessary luxuries and focus on restoring South Africa’s Defence capabilities.