Ekurhuleni’s Crime Crisis @KASIBCNEWS

Today, the Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng East officially launched a petition to urge parliamentary intervention into Ekurhuleni’s crime crisis. The petition was made public outside the Primrose Police station, which has the highest murder rate in the metro with a horrific 127 murders per 100 000 residents.

Primrose itself holds an average murder rate three times the average murder rate in Ekurhuleni. With a population of 87 743 residents, this community is serviced by a mere 94 Police Officers and 10 support staff. This station is woefully under resourced. It should come as no surprise that 1638 murders were committed in the City last year.

To put it into perspective, that is one police officer for every 933 residents.

Former Police Minister, Bheki Cele, stated that the United Nations recommends a police-to-population ratio of one officer for every 220 people. He noted that South Africa's ratio was approximately one officer for every 383 citizens. He could not be further from the truth with regards to the Primrose Police station.

If the ratio of 220 residents for one police officer were a reality, the Primrose police station would have 399 police officers.

It is no wonder the residents of Primrose have been left defenceless against murderers with a staff shortfall of 76%.

As horrifying as the murder rate is in Primrose, the issue is similarly bleak across the metro:

Primrose – 127

Germiston – 120

Crystal Park – 86

Reiger Park - 83

Putfontein – 65

Zonkiziswe – 62

Tembisa South – 61

Tokoza - 59

Dawn Park 57

Actonville – 56

The DA’s petition will be taken to Parliament requesting that the Portfolio Committee on Police investigate the horrendous murder rate and the chronic lack of police officers and vehicles in the City.

Soweto Integrated Development Plan ( IDP )  @KASIBCNEWS

Residents of Soweto gathered at a packed Orlando East Communal Hall on Saturday, 12 April 2025, to share their views on the City’s draft Integrated Development Plan (IDP). The session formed part of the City’s ongoing public participation efforts to engage communities directly in shaping local development priorities.

The day began with visits to stalls hosted by various City entities. These stalls offered residents insights into service delivery initiatives and provided a platform for face-to-face engagements with City officials. Service-related queries were addressed by experts from relevant departments and municipal entities.

The Speaker of Council, Cllr Nobuhle Mthembu, in her opening remarks stressed the importance of public participation in refining the draft IDP, Budget, and proposed tariffs, emphasising that the process empowers communities to influence decisions that affect their lives.

Acting Executive Mayor Cllr Margaret Arnolds presented the draft IDP, highlighting key priorities for Region D. These include infrastructure upgrades in water, sewer, and stormwater systems; public environment improvements; investment in early childhood development facilities; and the establishment of centres to combat gender-based violence.

“This is your plan. Without you, we cannot do anything,” said Cllr Arnolds. “Now is the time to reframe the Joburg story—from what’s broken to what’s becoming. Yes, we face real challenges, but so is our power to fix them—from restoring primary infrastructure to investing in strategic capital projects that will transform high-impact precincts and elevate our inner cities to world-class CBDs.”

She also provided an update on progress made in ongoing capital projects. The road rehabilitation and stormwater infrastructure upgrade in Elias Motsoaledi (Ward 24) is 100% complete, while the construction of social housing in Nancefield (Ward 25) is 89% complete.

Following the presentation, residents engaged in a robust dialogue with City leadership, voicing a wide range of concerns. These included inadequate stormwater drainage, crime, insufficient high mast lighting, limited access to health facilities, poor maintenance of public spaces, challenges with the Extended Social Package (ESP), youth unemployment, and human settlements issues.

Themba Ndlovu from Ward 26 expressed concern about the allocation of RDP houses, stating that some are occupied by foreigners while South Africans remain on the waiting list. Gogo Maria raised a concern about access to Expanded Social Package services, noting that many elderly residents don’t have smartphones and are unable to use digital platforms. A youth leader highlighted the lack of long-term job opportunities for young people, he also asked how local youth would benefit from the upcoming G20 Summit.

In response, the City leadership acknowledged the challenges raised and committed to addressing residents’ concerns as part of the IDP refinement process.

Cllr Arnolds also made a call for civic responsibility, urging residents to pay for municipal services to support sustainable service delivery. “Please make sure you play your part and pay your rates and taxes so that the City can have enough revenue to roll out capital projects in your community.”

 

RAND SHOW 2025  @KASIBCNEWS  

The Rand Show 2025 is proud to announce the return of one of its most impactful and empowering offerings — the Public Sector Hall, which will once again take centre stage in Hall 5 of the Johannesburg Expo Centre from 17 to 21 April 2025.

This dedicated space will host a wide range of government departments, public sector institutions, and oversight bodies, offering direct access to essential services, expert advice, and community support – all at no cost to visitors.

Whether you're seeking assistance with pensions, voter registration, water services, health screenings, or access to social support systems, the Public Sector Hall is designed to help you connect face-to-face with the people and departments that serve South Africa every day.

Government and Public Sector Departments Participating in 2025:

Gauteng Department of Health

South African Social Security Agency (SASSA)

South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI)

Rand Water

Johannesburg Water

Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC)

Road Accident Fund (RAF)

CRL Rights Commission

Office of the Pension Funds Adjudicator

FAIS Ombud

National Financial Ombud

These organisations will be on hand to provide information, advice, and immediate assistance in a welcoming and accessible environment.

Empowering Visitors with Real Support

One of the standout features of this year's hall is the collaboration between the Gauteng Department of Health and the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), which will be offering free health screenings to all Rand Show visitors. 

This public-private partnership underscores the show's commitment to wellbeing, access, and social upliftment — ensuring that a visit to the Rand Show can be more than just fun; it can be life-changing.

"This is a deeply important part of the Rand Show," says Adele Hartdegen, CEO of The Rand Show. "It's where government becomes truly accessible. Our visitors can speak directly to public service providers, and many walk away with real resolutions, answers, and opportunities."

From resolving disputes with financial institutions to understanding your rights, accessing health and water services, and registering to vote — the Public Sector Hall is here to serve.

Rand Show 2025 Details:

Venue: Johannesburg Expo Centre, NASREC

Dates: 17 – 21 April 2025

Times: 09h00 – 19h00

Tickets are available at www.randshow.co.za or Ticketpro and at the door

ESKOM TENDER RENEWABLE ENERGY  @KASIBCNEWS 

The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, welcomes Eskom’s recent issuance of a tender to establish a separate renewable energy business unit. 

This significant step reflects Eskom’s dedication to accelerating renewable energy deployment and supporting South Africa’s transition to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future, consistent with the nation’s Just Energy Transition (JET) objectives and commitments under the Paris Agreement.

On 31 March 2025, the Minister granted conditional emissions exemptions to Eskom’s coal-fired power stations, underscoring the urgent need for prioritisation of renewable energy integration. The establishment of this independent subsidiary, structured to operate with agility and encourage public-private partnerships, directly addresses those conditions. 

It positions Eskom to capitalise on South Africa’s abundant solar and wind resources, enhance competitiveness, and secure green financing, while contributing to improved air quality and reduced carbon emissions.

The Minister acknowledges Eskom’s proactive approach and calls for a transparent, competitive, and inclusive tender process that fosters opportunities for local and international expertise. The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment will closely monitor the initiative’s progress to ensure alignment with South Africa’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), the 2050 net-zero emissions target, as well as the stringent conditions imposed on Eskom on 31 March 2025 that support compliance with the Minimum Emissions Standards (MES).

The Minister further encourages Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and the private sector to actively participate, driving innovation and investment to bolster renewable energy capacity. 

Through collective effort, South Africa can build a resilient, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable energy sector that upholds the constitutional mandate to protect the health and well-being of all its citizens.

STARTUP20 FOR SOUTH AFRICA’S G20 PRESIDENCY @KASIBCNEWS 

The Minister of Small Business Development, Ms. Stella Tembisa Ndabeni, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Vuyani Jarana as Chairperson and 22 On Sloane as Secretariat of the Startup20 Engagement Group for South Africa’s G20 Presidency in 2025.

A meeting was convened on the 07th of March 2025 consisting of more than 75 of South Africa’s leading start-up eco-system role-players where the Chairperson and secretariat were introduced.

Mr. Jarana brings a wealth of experience to this crucial role, with more than 25 years of leadership in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector. A seasoned business transformation leader, Mr. Jarana previously served as Group Chief Operating Officer and Chief Executive Officer of Vodacom Business within the Vodacom Group. He also held the role of Chief Executive Officer of South African Airways, where he spearheaded critical restructuring efforts.

Currently, Mr. Jarana is the Founder and CEO of Ilitha Telecommunications, a company dedicated to delivering superfast, affordable broadband to underserved peri-urban and rural communities. He currently serves as Chairperson of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), a key institution driving South Africa’s scientific, industrial, and technological innovation agenda.

Mr. Jarana’s appointment is a timely step as South Africa assumes the G20 Presidency and seeks to elevate Africa’s voice in global economic governance.

South Africa took over the G20 Presidency following the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (18–19 November 2024). As the only African permanent member of the G20, South Africa views the Presidency as a powerful platform to advance the continent’s development priorities. The G20, comprising 19 nations, the European Union, and the African Union, plays a central role in driving multilateral cooperation to boost the global economy, promote sustainable growth, and address shared international challenges.

In this context, the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) has been entrusted with leading South Africa’s Startup20 Engagement Group, one of the officially recognized G20 Engagement Groups, during its Presidency. Startup20 advocates for startups and MSMEs at the G20 level, developing policy recommendations to advance the global startup ecosystem and foster inclusive innovation.

To support this effort, 22 On Sloane has been appointed as the Country Secretariat for Startup20 during South Africa’s G20 Presidency. 22 On Sloane is Africa’s largest startup campus, playing a pivotal role in advancing the startup and MSME ecosystem across the continent. 22 On Sloane serves as headquarters for the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) Africa, which is represented in 43 African countries, and as the country headquarters of GEN Global which has a presence in 180 countries globally aimed at supporting entrepreneurs to start and scale.

As Secretariat, 22 On Sloane will support Mr Jarana to coordinate and manage all Startup20 activities in South Africa, including stakeholder engagements, task force operations, international collaboration efforts, policy drafting, and logistical delivery of the Startup20 agenda. The organisation will also facilitate multi-stakeholder dialogues and policy consultations to ensure that Africa’s entrepreneurial voice is firmly embedded in the ensuing global conversations.

As Chairperson, Mr. Jarana will lead Startup20’s strategic direction, appoint task force chairs, coordinate high-level meetings and events, and guide the development of the Startup20 Policy Communiqué, which will contribute to the official G20 Leaders’ Declaration.

Minister Ndabeni expressed her full confidence in Mr. Jarana’s leadership, stating: “We are delighted to welcome Mr. Jarana as the Chairperson of the Startup20 Engagement Group. His extensive experience and expertise will be invaluable in driving our efforts to promote entrepreneurship and innovation in Africa. 

He is a respected and seasoned business leader whom I am confident will lead the Startup20 Engagement Group with dedication and focus, ensuring that this serves as a legacy for our country and the ecosystem.”

Mcebisi Jonas Special Envoy to USA @KASIBCNEWS 

The African National Congress (ANC) welcomes the announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa of the appointment of Mr Mcebisi Jonas as his Special Envoy to the United States of America. 

This appointment is a reaffirmation of South Africa’s strategic intent to deepen bilateral and multilateral relations anchored in mutual respect, shared interests, and inclusive development. 

Mr Jonas credentials reflect an unwavering commitment to South Africa’s constitutional democracy, economic renewal, and global cooperation. His prior service as Deputy Minister of Finance and as one of President Ramaphosa’s Investment Envoys has demonstrated his capacity to advance South Africa’s developmental agenda and inspire investor confidence. 

The ANC is confident that Mr Jonas will, in his new role, promote South Africa’s priorities including trade, investment, technology exchange, and youth development, while ensuring that our voice remains prominent in global dialogue on peace, equity and sustainability. 

The ANC reiterates its belief in progressive multilateralism, international solidarity, and respectful diplomacy. As relations between South Africa and the United States evolve, we are encouraged by this move to strengthen engagement through principled dialogue and the pursuit of common goals that serve both our nations and the broader African continent. 

This appointment comes at a time when the world requires cooperation over confrontation, dialogue over division. 

We therefore support President Ramaphosa’s firm commitment to ensuring that South Africa’s foreign policy remains a tool for transformation, development, and peaceful global engagement. 

SUSPECTS FOUND WITH STOLEN FOOD @KASIBCNEWS

Gauteng Education MEC, Mr Matome Chiloane, wishes to commend police for arresting two suspects who were found with stolen school nutrition food from Minerva Secondary School in Alexandra, Johannesburg on Saturday, 12 April 2025.

According to information at our disposal, the two suspects – a 60-year-old man and a 36-year-old woman – were found next to the school with boxes of food supplies which belonged to the school. The stolen food included bulk packs of tinned fish, fresh cream milk and other perishable goods.

The suspects were arrested and charged with possession of suspected stolen property. They are expected to appear before the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 14 April 2025.

The food that was stolen forms part of supplies that are provided to the school through the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP). This programme provides nutritious meals to learners in primary and secondary schools, aiming to improve learning by addressing malnutrition and hunger.

It must be noted that the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) recently appointed new service providers under the NSNP for the next three years commencing in April 2025. We must acknowledge that, since their appointment, some service providers had delayed with their deliveries to a few schools. However, this was rectified by Friday, 11 April 2025, and we can confirm that all schools received their stock. We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience that might have been caused to the affected schools.

“We are concerned by this senseless crime which takes away from the good we are trying to achieve through the School Nutrition Programme and ensuring learners are fed at schools. We vehemently condemn such criminal acts and call upon communities to safeguard the food supplies which are meant to nourish their children. We also urge members of the public to report any crime happening at our schools to the police, and refrain from purchasing any goods stolen from our schools,” said MEC Chiloane.