Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane participates in the launch of the Child

Justice Act
31 March 2010

Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane together with the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development will address the media at the launch of the Child Justice Act, which comes into effect from 1 April 2010. The act will provide for some matters involving children who have committed offences to be diverted away from the mainstream criminal justice system while others are dealt with by child justice courts.

Details are as follows:

Date: 1 April 2010
Venue: Walter Sisulu Child and Youth Care Centre, 3 Modder Street, Noordgesig
Time: 10h00

For more information contact:
Dumisani Zulu
Cell: 082 602 3532

Issued by: Office of the Premier, Gauteng Provincial Government
31 March 2010

Department ready to implement new HIV and AIDS treatment plan

31 March 2010

Gauteng clinics and hospitals are ready to start implementing new HIV and AIDS treatment guidelines on Thursday, 1 April. The new guidelines ensures that all HIV positive pregnant women and patients on tuberculosis (TB) treatment with a CD4 count of 350 or less as well as HIV positive infants (from birth to one year irrespective of their CD4 count) will now receive antiretroviral (ARV) treatment at all government clinics and hospitals that offer the service.

In addition, HIV positive women who are not eligible for ARVs (CD4 count above 350) will now receive prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) at 14 weeks of pregnancy instead of 28 weeks as it was previously done. This will assist in ensuring that babies are born uninfected with HIV. Expectant mothers are urged to present themselves at clinics as soon as they suspect that they are pregnant so they can be tested and put on necessary treatment timeously.

Also in this new treatment plan, women who are not eligible for ARVs (CD4 count above 350) will also receive among other things, an annual pap smear. The victims of rape will continue to receive post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and a case number will not be a necessity. All other HIV positive people who do not fall in the above categories will continue to receive ARV treatment when their CD4 count is 200 or less.

This programme aims at decreasing mortality rate which is one of the key priorities of the health department in this term of office. Currently, Gauteng has 73 ARV sites and plans are underway to open an additional 40 sites by the end of the 2010/11 financial year. This will not only increase the number of sites to 113 but it is also expected that the number of people on ARV treatment will increase from 250 000 to 400 000.

Encouraging people to use these services, MEC Qedani Mahlangu said: “Your health is your responsibility, as soon as you notice signs that you might be pregnant, or have any other illness, go to your nearest health facility for tests so you can be treated speedily if required”.

MEC Mahlangu added that it is important to all to know our health status.

“Knowledge is power. When you know your status, you will be able to live positively, prolonging your life,” she said.

Database of ARV sites as at end December 2009 is available at: http://www.info.gov.za/speeches/docs/gpg-arv-sites.pdf

Enquiries:
Mandla Sidu
Cell: 082 773 9013

Simon Zwane
Cell: 082 551 9892

Issued by: Department of Health and Social Development, Gauteng Provincial Government
31 March 2010

Easter weekend road safety special project

MEC Ghishma Barry to launch an Easter weekend road safety special project in Port Elizabeth

31 March 2010

As part of her efforts to reduce road accidents during the coming Easter weekend, Eastern Cape MEC for Transport, Safety and Liaison Ghishma Barry will officially launch a road safety special project with a roadblock in Kinkelbos, Port Elizabeth tomorrow at 11h00.

This roadblock will mark the beginning of the Easter weekend Arrive Alive campaign with a particular focus on the notorious R61 corridor with 893 kilometres from the Western Cape to KwaZulu-Natal as from 1 to 5 April 2010.

The objectives of this project are to:

* minimise accidents, fatalities and injuries
* create a heightened awareness of road traffic safety critical issues
* inculcate good road user behaviour
* increase the detection and prosecution of critical offences
* reduce road accident trauma and costs
* enhance the integration of law enforcement activities
* restore confidence and respect for road traffic management
* manage fatigue through compulsory stops or roadblocks

During the roadblock, MEC Barry is expected to interact with motorists and address the media about the details of this special project for this long weekend.

Media contact:
Ncedo Kumbaca
Cell: 082 44 22 388

Issued by: Department of Transport, Eastern Cape Provincial Government
31 March 2010

Dikgosi unite in support of Bafana Bafana

31 March 2010

Traditional leaders from across the North West province threw their weight behind the national team in the run-up to the soccer World Cup by signing the Bafana-Bafana jersey during the Provincial Summit on Traditional Leadership held in Mahikeng recently.

Leaders who signed the jersey included North West MEC for Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Mothibedi Kegakilwe, Chairperson of the North West House of Traditional Leaders Kgosi Mushi Mabe and his Deputy Kgosi Tshepo Mankuroane.

Kegakilwe committed the provincial government to supporting the national team and commended the provincial organisers for making the World Cup a proudly African experience. He urged Dikgosi to showcase Africa’s ubuntu by welcoming visitors into their land. “By so doing, we will honour the legacy of our historical giants including former President Nelson Mandela. We have to set an example by hosting the best World Cup ever because we do not know when this tournament will return to the African continent,” he said.

Handing over the signed jersey to provincial coordinator of the World Cup Organising Committee Kennedy Mosiapoa, Kgosi Mabe was reminiscent of the journey the country had travelled in preparing to host the event.
“Ke Nako, a time we never envisaged would arrive this soon. As traditional leaders in the province, we are proud of the efforts by the Organising Committee and rally behind the Bafokeng tribe as one of the hosts for the 2010 FIFA World Cup,” Kgosi Mabe said.

“We are all excitedly waiting in anticipation to be part of history and eager to tell generations to come of the time we welcomed the world onto our shores as the first to host the World Cup on the African continent,” he continued.

Accepting the signed jersey, Mosiapoa thanked the Royal Bafokeng and Bakgatla ba Pilane for working closely with the committee to ensure the North West hosts a successful event. “The World Cup has fast-tracked a number of infrastructure developments across the country within a period of four years. Even communities outside Royal Bafokeng will benefit from the infrastructure long after the World Cup,” he said.

The jersey will be handed over to the South African Football Association (SAFA) upon Bafana-Bafana’s return from their training camp in Brazil. The summit was held to discuss legislation pertaining to communal land use, participation of traditional leaders within municipal councils and to ways to manage initiation schools.

Enquiries:
Ditshaba Makhate
Cell: 082 359 6979

Issued by: Department of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, North West Provincial Government
31 March 2010

Minister Ndebele on taxi disputes

31 March 2010

Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele has reiterated that the national Department of Transport remains committed to working together with the Gauteng provincial government and the taxi industry to resolve feuds among rival associations at the Wanderers Street Park City taxi rank and on the Johannesburg to KwaZulu-Natal routes.

“The national Department of Transport is working together with the Gauteng provincial government and the taxi industry to resolve problems being experienced at the Wanderers Street Park City taxi rank and on the Johannesburg to KwaZulu-Natal routes.

“As government, our doors have always been and will continue to remain open regarding any issue. However, these engagements should never affect the travel arrangements of commuters who want to go about their normal business of life.

“While government remains committed to addressing the concerns of the taxi industry, violence and intimidation as a means of highlighting grievances is unacceptable and will not be tolerated, especially at a time when government is engaged in constructive discussions with industry leaders.

“While we are seeking lasting solutions with the industry, the right of citizens to have access to fast, reliable and safe public transport will remain paramount,” said the Minister.

Enquiries:
Logan Maistry
Cell: 083 6444 050

Issued by: Department of Transport
31 March 2010

Minister Ndebele on Road Accident Fund judgment

31 March 2010

Transport Minister Sibusiso Ndebele has welcomed the judgment handed down earlier today, Wednesday, 31 March 2010 in the Pretoria High Court, in the matter of the Law Society of South Africa and four others versus the Minister of Transport and the Road Accident Fund.

“We welcome the judgment handed down earlier today in the Pretoria High Court, in the matter of the Law Society of South Africa and four others versus the Minister of Transport and the Road Accident Fund. This ensures that the indemnity against civil action, implied in the contribution we all make to the Road Accident Fund through the fuel levy, is recognised.

While the right of access to the courts through bringing civil action is an important right, in practice the great majority of South Africans can rarely exercise this right because of the costs involved. This judgment upholds the Department of Transport’s commitment, through the Road Accident Fund Amendment Act, to ensuring equity for all South African road users,” said the Minister.

Media enquiries:
Jeremy Cronin
Tel: 021 469 6004/6010

Issued by: Ministry of Transport
31 March 2010

Two Boms at SAA Offices

The Citizen reports two bombs at the offices of SAA in Mozambique Thuesday 30 March 2010. One exploding doing some damages to the buildings but no one has been injured. In a related article Mr. Jacom Zuma, The President of South Africa, condemns the violence in Russia. SAA office has no comment on the current flights and unconfirmed delays at OR Tambo Airport. No further information is currently available regarding these cowardly attacks on civilians and workers of SAA.

Gauteng clinics and hospitals to settle municipal debts

30 March 2010

The Gauteng Department of Health and Social Development is making arrangements to settle all amounts owed by clinics and hospitals for municipal services.

Last month, February the department paid out an amount R110 million to all municipalities for services rendered. A sum of R57,6 million remained outstanding after this payment and the department will be settling this amount next month, April.

Disputes raised by facility managers over the accuracy of bills received from municipalities and the cash flow problems experienced by the department in the year were two factors responsible for the slow payment of accounts.

MEC Qedani Mahlangu has instructed that payment for municipal services must be prioritised and be settled as the department meets its obligation to all its service providers. “In future the department must ensure that no monies are owed to municipalities,” the MEC said.

Slow payment resulted in electricity cut offs in only three of facilities but supply was restored in the same day after representations were to the concerned local authorities.

Enquiries:
Mandla Sidu
Cell: 082 773 9013

Simon Zwane
Cell: 082 551 9892

Issued by: Department of Health and Social Development, Gauteng Provincial Government
30 March 2010

2011 school calendar

Coastal provinces: Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Northern Cape, Western Cape

Term	Duration	Number of weeks	Number of days	Number of public holidays	Actual number of school days
1	(17) 19 Jan - 1 Apr	11	(55) 53	1	(54) 52
2	11 Apr - 24 Jun	11	55	5 + 2	48
3	18 Jul - 30 Sept	11	55	1 + 1	53
4	10 Oct - 9 (13) Dec	9	45 (47)	0	45 (47)
	Total	42	(212) 208	10 (7 + 3)	(202) 198

- Dates and days in brackets ( ) are applicable to educators

Inland provinces: Free State, Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West

Term	Duration	Number of weeks	Number of days	Number of public holidays	Actual number of school days
1	(10) 12 Jan - 25 Mar	11	53 (55)	1	52 (54)
2	11 Apr - 24 Jun	11	55	5 + 2	48
3	18 Jul - 30 Sept	11	55	1 + 1	53
4	10 Oct - 9 (13) Dec	9	45 (47)	0	45 (47)
	Total	42	(212) 208	10 (7 + 3)	(202) 198

- Dates and days in brackets ( ) are applicable to educators

Public and school holidays

1 January	New Year's Day
21 March	Human Rights Day
22 March	Public holiday
22 April	Good Friday
25 April	Family Day
26 April	School holiday
27 April	Freedom Day
1 May	Workers Day
2 May	Public holiday
16 June	Youth Day
17 June	School holiday
8 August	School holiday
9 August	Women’s Day
24 September	Heritage Day
16 December	Day of Reconciliation
25 December	Christmas Day
26 December	Day of Goodwill

1) Source: National Education Policy Act: 2011 and 2012 school calendars for public schools, 26 March 2010 [PDF]

New contact details for the national Department of Tourism

31 March 2010

The National Departments of Tourism will officially split from the Department of Environmental Affairs on 1 April 2010. The two departments will continue to share the same building in Pretoria which is the Fedsure Forum, No 135 Pretorius Street until further notice.

However the contact details of the national Department of Tourism are as follows:

Postal address and switchboard numbers:
Head office:
Department of Tourism
Private Bag X424
Pretoria
0001

Tel: 012 310 3200
Fax: 012 322 5398

The Cape Town office numbers remains unchanged
Ministry of Tourism
Private Bag X9038
Cape Town
800

Physical address:
120 Plein Street
Cape Town
8001

Tel: 021 465 7240/1
Fax: 021 465 3216

The call centre number which is 086 111 2468 remains unchanged.

Enquiries:
Jay Singh
Tel: 012 310 3310
E-mail: jsingh@tourism.gov.za

Issued by: Department of Tourism
31 March 2010

rural housing individual voucher programme for rural dwellers

MEC Nombulelo Mabandla announces rural housing individual voucher programme for rural dwellers

29 March 2010

The MEC for human settlements Nombulelo Mabandla has announced a new rural housing individual voucher programme, wherein government seeks to speed up improvement of housing conditions for people in rural areas. The voucher system enables beneficiaries to claim housing subsidy to acquire building materials which they will utilise to build their own homes. This voucher programme will be piloted in Umzimvubu and Intsika Yethu municipalities early next month where people will be assisted to apply for the voucher.

She also announced the revival of peoples housing process aimed at up scaling rural housing development in the province with the implementation of 29 approved projects at a total value of R696 million on completion.

The department plans to deliver 2114 units in the new financial year that are located in OR Tambo and Alfred Nzo district municipalities with a budget figure of R117 million this financial year. This is part of the rural development for the department in its pursuit to create integrated human settlements in rural areas of the province.

Pilot sites have been identified in Mhlontlo municipality, two wards (2 and 13). The department has approved 10 housing subsidies for destitute families in Mhlontlo area using alternative technology. This pilot project will be rolled over two financial years.

The department targets to build 22 000 units in 2010/11 which will translate to 88 000 people having access to adequate shelter. In the ending financial year, the department completed 12 689 housing units. Additional 3 256 are complete but awaiting final unit reports. 6 311 units are nearing completion, but are undergoing final checks of defects.

The provincial norms and standards have been reviewed to cater for internal and external plastering and provision of ceiling for all subsidy houses which will now be a feature on all housing projects in the province.

Enquiries:
Lwandile Sicwetsha(Mr)
Cell: 071 6711770
Tel: 043 711 9534
Fax: +0866452757

Issued by: Department of Housing, Eastern Cape Provincial Government
29 March 2010

Dlamini Zuma responds to Democratic Alliance (DA) statement on immigration

Minister Dlamini Zuma responds to Democratic Alliance (DA) statement on immigration

29 March 2010

Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma has noted with astonishment the Democratic Alliance's statement on immigration issued on Sunday 28 March 2010.

The statement is nothing but an attempt to scrape the bottom to find issues with which the DA can attack the minister. Instead of this political bluster, the DA spokesperson should have familiarised herself with the reasons for Minister Dlamini Zuma's consultations with COSATU Central Executive Committee members last week.

Firstly, Minister Dlamini Zuma has received approval and support of the cabinet to embark on a series of consultations with key stakeholders regarding the development of a new Immigration Policy.

In pursuance of this objective, Minister Dlamini Zuma has already held consultations with Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) and recently with COSATU. The DA needs to be reminded, that whatever their views, COSATU remains one of the key stakeholders in the development of such a new Immigration policy which seeks to separate economic migrants from asylum seekers.

Accordingly Minister Dlamini Zuma will continue to consult all other outstanding relevant stakeholders, without fear, favour or prejudice in the development of the new Immigration Policy".

As far as the staffing of the department is concerned, Minister Dlamini Zuma has since her appointment to the Ministry last year moved swiftly to fill in critical posts in the department including the posts of the Chief Financial Officer, Head of Human Resources and now recently the appointment of the new Director-General of the department.

Concerning incidence of corruption, Minister Dlamini Zuma has given her political support to the beefing up of the department's anti-corruption measures including the beefing up of the anti-corruption unit which has scored a number of successes in its war against corruption including the suspension of over 159 officials in October/November last year.

Issued by: Department of Home Affairs
29 March 2010
Source: Sapa

Sibusiso Ndebele, during the Arrive Alive Easter road safety plan

Speech by Minister of Transport, Sibusiso Ndebele, during the Arrive Alive Easter road safety plan launch, Polokwane, Limpopo

29 March 2010

Programme director
Premier of the province of Limpopo, Mr Cassel Mathale
Limpopo MEC for Roads and Transport, Ms Pinky Kekana
Other MECs present
Members of parliament and provincial legislatures
Mayors and councillors
Limpopo Transport Head of Department, Mr Ntau Letebele
Other heads of departments present
Road Accident Fund (RAF) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr Jacob Modise
Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) acting CEO, Mr Collins Letsoalo
Members of law enforcement agencies and emergency services
All other members of the transport family
Members of the media
Ladies and gentlemen

Introduction

In a matter of days, the N1 between Gauteng and Limpopo will witness one of the greatest mass movements of people over a single period as worshippers gather in Moria, a stone’s throw away from where we are today.

Each year more than one million people travel from all parts of the country and the region to Moria as part of this annual pilgrimage of moral renewal and rededication to humanity. This year the Zion Christian Church (ZCC) commemorates 100 years of existence. We are expecting five million people to gather in these religious sites around Moria as part of those celebrations!

But here is the issue. From this podium we can say with certainty that this is a gathering of people of exemplary discipline and unparalleled tolerance. We can say the ZCC worshippers have in them good and godliness that we desire in all road users.

It is true, that this gathering is one of the most testing for the traffic authorities here in Limpopo. It is true, that this event requires a lot of personnel and is logistically one of the most demanding. But it is also true, that this gathering generally proceeds well because there is necessary dignity and decorum accorded to it by the worshippers. As a result it is true, that it is one of the most incident-free gatherings ever.

Ladies and gentlemen, responsible citizens do not need to be policed all the time. In 73 days' time, South Africa hosts the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Road safety has become a global concern. As we welcome the world, it is our responsibility to ensure that the millions who will use our roads, and other transport infrastructure, during the World Cup and beyond do so under world safety standards.

Is it not possible, we say it is; that during the world cup we can all adopt the highest levels of discipline and courtesy on our roads? Is it not possible, the ZCC worshippers show us it is, that we can consider others as we want ourselves to be considered as fellow road users. Is it not time, we say it is time, for our people everywhere to adopt a new approach as drivers, passengers or pedestrians.

What is to be done?

So what is to be done? Last Thursday, 25 March, I had a meeting with Mr Len Stevens, a reader of the Cape Argus, who lives in Rondebosch in Cape Town. Mr Stevens is a semi-retired trainer, who wrote an interesting letter to the Cape Argus about our approach to road safety. Mr Stevens proposes that road crashes and road safety, have a lot to do with our humanity or lack of it.

Mr. Stevens wrote and I quote: “We have seen a spate of horror crashes across the country in the past few weeks and just ahead, lies the Easter bloodbath to add sadly inevitably to our road death and tally. All this despite the most vigorous and stern warnings from our traffic authorities of zero tolerance and the full might of the law which seem to challenge the aggressiveness of our drivers”.

And here is the clincher and I quote: “I appeal to our traffic authorities and government agencies to take a break from what is very clearly not working and to go out on another tack altogether that of a widespread and sustained road courtesy campaign”.

Mr Stevens calls on us to discover that golden thread of common decency which resides in all of us. Mr. Stevens wants us to discover in all of us our spirit of good, old, common decency and courtesy for fellow road users. It is these calls by ordinary members of the public, such as Mr Stevens and many others, which bring us here to Limpopo today.

We have watched every Easter and December, as fatal and serious injury road crashes take centre stage, year in and year out. This must stop because it can be stopped! Working together, we can do more to stop this carnage on our roads.

As government, today we vow that this year’s Arrive Alive campaign marks the start of a renewed commitment, to reducing the current number of 40 deaths, and over 140 serious injuries, on our roads every day. This death and destruction not only causes enormous pain and suffering to the victims and their families, but also costs our economy an estimated R56 billion each year.

Secondly this year marks a break in our approach to road safety. It shall no longer be just government’s responsibility to provide safety on our roads. From henceforth this shall be a strong partnership between all stakeholders, the community, individual, business and all of us.

In light of this last month, the Department of Transport hosted a national Road Safety Summit in Johannesburg. The summit deliberated on the formation of community road safety councils at local and district levels of all municipalities.

* The participants deliberated on the establishment of and special roles for community road safety councils. This would include goal directed traffic law enforcement as well as voluntary compliance to road traffic rules
* The forums will also work closely with road traffic authorities and law enforcement agencies within the community road safety council area
* In terms of education, the community road safety councils will identify local road safety education issues and bring them to the attention of the relevant bodies and authorities
* The councils will also identify and interrogate local small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) and potential SMMEs within the community road safety council area, for involvement in road safety projects coordinated by the Department of Transport.

Ladies and gentlemen, this is the approach we would like all provinces, including Limpopo, to take so that we can arrest the road safety challenges in every province.

Implementation of Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO)

It is however a sad reality that more than 90 percent of road deaths follow a traffic violation. This calls for us to continue with our enforcement operations, here in Limpopo, and everywhere else in the country.

Through the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) we want to rededicate to collaboration with business, community groups and individuals to safe behaviour on our roads. This sense of shared responsibility is a fundamental tenet incorporated into the work of the RTMC and the Department of Transport.

We are confident that AARTO will drive the message home which is aimed at decriminalising traffic violations.

* AARTO’s implementation forges a closer and more effective and efficient link between the enforcement and the adjudication process.
* AARTO is an objective, transparent and fair process.
* The system brings along parity of fines across the country, which will encourage motorists to take traffic violations and resulting fines with the seriousness they deserve.

Prosecution of road traffic offences

We are pleased that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) office, in Gauteng, has reinstated the use of the Dräger breathalysers. We also welcome the R70 000 fine, as well as suspension of the driving licence, imposed last Thursday, 25 March on a KwaZulu-Natal motorist arrested for travelling at 252 kilometres per hour driving under the influence of alcohol and failing to stop. We want to commend the Scottburgh magistrate who handed down the maximum sentence for speed offences in terms of the Road Traffic Act.

This sentence, with the suspension of the driving licence, should serve as a benchmark for similar offences in our country. We will engage the national director of Public Prosecutions regarding the prosecution of road traffic offences.

Easter road safety plan

Our road safety strategy has achieved some success. Road deaths, per 100 million vehicle kilometres travelled, have dropped, particularly during the festive season. However, one death is one death too many. It does not matter whether this year fewer people die, not a single person must be killed on our roads.

When we lose a high school student in a taxi crash, we do not just lose a high school learner or a number, we lose a doctor, we lose a potential engineer, we lose a priest. So, in one crash we lose a doctor; a healer of thousands, who could have prolonged the lives of others; an engineer, a builder of bridges, who could have designed new places of living for humanity to thrive, indeed in one crash, we could lose a priest, someone who could become our country’s moral compass.

This Easter, the N1 towards Polokwane, especially the route to Moria city and to Beit Bridge, will be heavily policed. The N3 to the coastal city of Durban and N1 to the Free State, Western and Eastern Cape will be no exception. In Mpumalanga on the N4, we expect heavy traffic and we will have heavy strong and visible policing.

We call upon all law enforcement agencies including Traffic Officers, the South African Police Service (SAPS) and RTMC to work together to strengthen the objectives of our national rolling enforcement plan, which aims:

* To reduce crashes, fatalities and injuries by increasing visible and effective policing in hazardous locations
* To increase detection and visibility of pedestrians through reflective clothing and other apparel
* Prosecution of critical offences
* Harmonisation of common operations of traffic enforcement
* To restore confidence in road traffic management fraternity
* The RTMC, together with the provincial authorities and organised labour, must finalise the declaration of traffic law enforcement as an essential service
* Furthermore, to finalise the formation of a national traffic law enforcement unit to augment road enforcement capacity
* To this end, RTMC, together with the South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) will be employing 240 traffic officers, who are to be specifically deployed on the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Scheme’s open toll road.
* Let us report bad driving to the National Traffic Hotline on 0861 400 800.

Conclusion

Finally, let us reflect very seriously on what Mr. Len Stevens calls for in his letter. Let us look at more sustainable strategies to reduce road crashes. Let us again find our true Ubuntu, compassion and empathy. Help us end this carnage. TOGETHER WE CAN DO MORE TO SAVE LIVES ON OUR ROADS. ARRIVE ALIVE!

Enquiries:

Sello Tshipi
Tel: 012 309 3846
Fax: 012 309 3313
Cell: 073 498 6722
E-mail: Tshipia@dot.gov.za

Issued by: Department of Transport
29 March 2010

“Looking forward to safer Easter on our roads

30 March 2010

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) together with traffic departments from the provinces and the municipalities as well as the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Cross Border Road Traffic Agency (CBRTA) have pulled out all the stops to ensure that motorists around the country travel safely during the coming Easter weekend.

A number of road safety initiatives involving enforcement and communications will be rolled out as per the national rolling enforcement plan and heightened during the peak traffic flow periods that include the closing and opening of the school holidays as well as the Easter long weekend.

Various hazardous locations (roads where high numbers of road users lose their lives) around the country have been identified and they will be closely monitored by the various traffic enforcement agencies.

These include, amongst others, the following routes:

* Gauteng: the Moloto Road (K573), the R80 Mabopane Highway, the R59 Vereeniging Road, the N12 to and from Potchefstroom
* Mpumalanga: the N4 from Bronkhorstspruit to Nelspruit and most of the secondary roads where mining takes place
* Eastern Cape: the N2 from Umtata to Kokstad and the secondary routes
* Limpopo: the N1 particularly the stretch from Polokwane to Makhado, the R101 from Bela-Bela to Polokwane
* Western Cape: the N2 from Cape Town to the airport and the N1 stretch from Laingsburg to Beaufort West
* North West province: the N4 from Rustenburg to Mafikeng, the R503 from Lichtenberg to Mafikeng
* Free State: the N8 from Bloemfontein to Ladybrand and the N6 from Bloemfontein to Aliwal North
* Northern Cape: the entire N14 including the rural secondary roads
* KwaZulu-Natal: the N3 at the van Reenen's Pass as well many of the secondary roads on the north and south coasts.

Special focus will be given to driver and vehicle fitness such as speeds too high for the conditions, overloading and drunken driving. No tolerance will be shown for dangerous driving such as overtaking on barrier lines and red light infringements. Light delivery vehicles found overloaded with passengers and or goods will be removed from the roads. This includes trailers that are overloaded and un-roadworthy.

"Motorists must be under no illusion that because the evidential breath testing equipment may have been suspended by the National Prosecuting Authority in certain areas, drunk driving operations will be scaled down. We will draw blood, use video footage and also use the officer's testimony to fight the cases in court.

"Bus companies that will be faring people, are also warned that we will not be deterred from impounding any buses that are found to be un-roadworthy and arrest any drivers that will be driving without professional driving permits (PRDPs)," said Mr Collins Letsoalo, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the RTMC.

Motorists are urged to drive with care, especially where potholes, stray animals and pedestrians pose a hazard. Driving at night and in wet weather worsens the situation and drivers are advised to obey all road traffic rules and regulations, especially, that of observing a prudent following distance and driving within a safe speed limit.

"A surprise awaits those culprits that attempt to defeat the ends of justice by removing the registration plates in order to escape from fixed cameras. Traffic officials may remove the license disc and discontinue the vehicle," added Mr Letsoalo.

Motorists are urged to report bad driving to 0861 400 800.

Media contact:
Ashref Ismail
Cell: 071 680 3448 or 082 826 5883

Issues by: Road Traffic Management Corporation
30 March 2010

Angie Motshekga, on questions posed in the National Assembly

Reply by Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga, on questions posed in the National Assembly for written reply

12 March 2010

Question No. 677

Mr JRB Lorimer (Democratic Alliance) to ask the Minister of Basic Education:

(1) Whether any figures on symbol distribution have been released for the 2010 national senior certificate exams; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are these figure for each (a) province and (b) district;
(2) Whether any subject averages have been released; if not, why not; if so, what are these averages for each (a) province and (b) districts?

Reply:

1. In responding to this question it is assumed that reference is being made to the 2009 national senior certificate examination and not 2010. Symbol distribution which was a feature of the old senior certificate has been replaced with a seven point grading scale which is as follows:

Rating code and rating marks

7: outstanding achievement, 80 to 100 percent
6: meritorious achievement, 70 to 79 percent
5: substantial achievement, 60 to 69 percent
4: adequate achievement, 50 to 59 percent
3: moderate achievement, 40 to 49 percent
2: elementary achievement, 30 to 39 percent
1: not achieved, 0 to 29 percent

Data on grading distribution per subject is available on the examination computer system and all provincial education departments can access this data. The Department of Basic Education published a comprehensive report on the national senior certificate results, which was released by the Minister of Basic Education, Ms A Motshekga, on 7 January 2010.

Specific data relating to grading distribution per subject, per province, per district is provided to institutions and members of the public on request. This data is attached in tables 1 and 2.

Table 1: Subject data per province
Table 2: Subject data per district

2. Subject averages are not used extensively in the analysis of subject data, since they do not provide an accurate picture of performance across the province or across the district, and is therefore not readily available.

The data that has been made available to all provincial education departments is the number and the percentage of candidates that have achieved at the 30 percent level and at the 40 percent level. This data is also included in tables 1 and 2.

Follow this link to access all tables: http://www.education.gov.za/dynamic/imgshow.aspx?id=3586

Issued by: Department of Basic Education
12 March 2010
Source: Department of Education (http://www.education.gov.za/)

the Arrive Alive Easter road safety plan launch

Speech by Minister of Transport, Sibusiso Ndebele, during the Arrive Alive Easter road safety plan launch, Polokwane, Limpopo

29 March 2010

Programme director
Premier of the province of Limpopo, Mr Cassel Mathale
Limpopo MEC for Roads and Transport, Ms Pinky Kekana
Other MECs present
Members of parliament and provincial legislatures
Mayors and councillors
Limpopo Transport Head of Department, Mr Ntau Letebele
Other heads of departments present
Road Accident Fund (RAF) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr Jacob Modise
Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) acting CEO, Mr Collins Letsoalo
Members of law enforcement agencies and emergency services
All other members of the transport family
Members of the media
Ladies and gentlemen

Introduction

In a matter of days, the N1 between Gauteng and Limpopo will witness one of the greatest mass movements of people over a single period as worshippers gather in Moria, a stone’s throw away from where we are today.

Each year more than one million people travel from all parts of the country and the region to Moria as part of this annual pilgrimage of moral renewal and rededication to humanity. This year the Zion Christian Church (ZCC) commemorates 100 years of existence. We are expecting five million people to gather in these religious sites around Moria as part of those celebrations!

But here is the issue. From this podium we can say with certainty that this is a gathering of people of exemplary discipline and unparalleled tolerance. We can say the ZCC worshippers have in them good and godliness that we desire in all road users.

It is true, that this gathering is one of the most testing for the traffic authorities here in Limpopo. It is true, that this event requires a lot of personnel and is logistically one of the most demanding. But it is also true, that this gathering generally proceeds well because there is necessary dignity and decorum accorded to it by the worshippers. As a result it is true, that it is one of the most incident-free gatherings ever.

Ladies and gentlemen, responsible citizens do not need to be policed all the time. In 73 days' time, South Africa hosts the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Road safety has become a global concern. As we welcome the world, it is our responsibility to ensure that the millions who will use our roads, and other transport infrastructure, during the World Cup and beyond do so under world safety standards.

Is it not possible, we say it is; that during the world cup we can all adopt the highest levels of discipline and courtesy on our roads? Is it not possible, the ZCC worshippers show us it is, that we can consider others as we want ourselves to be considered as fellow road users. Is it not time, we say it is time, for our people everywhere to adopt a new approach as drivers, passengers or pedestrians.

What is to be done?

So what is to be done? Last Thursday, 25 March, I had a meeting with Mr Len Stevens, a reader of the Cape Argus, who lives in Rondebosch in Cape Town. Mr Stevens is a semi-retired trainer, who wrote an interesting letter to the Cape Argus about our approach to road safety. Mr Stevens proposes that road crashes and road safety, have a lot to do with our humanity or lack of it.

Mr. Stevens wrote and I quote: “We have seen a spate of horror crashes across the country in the past few weeks and just ahead, lies the Easter bloodbath to add sadly inevitably to our road death and tally. All this despite the most vigorous and stern warnings from our traffic authorities of zero tolerance and the full might of the law which seem to challenge the aggressiveness of our drivers”.

And here is the clincher and I quote: “I appeal to our traffic authorities and government agencies to take a break from what is very clearly not working and to go out on another tack altogether that of a widespread and sustained road courtesy campaign”.

Mr Stevens calls on us to discover that golden thread of common decency which resides in all of us. Mr. Stevens wants us to discover in all of us our spirit of good, old, common decency and courtesy for fellow road users. It is these calls by ordinary members of the public, such as Mr Stevens and many others, which bring us here to Limpopo today.

We have watched every Easter and December, as fatal and serious injury road crashes take centre stage, year in and year out. This must stop because it can be stopped! Working together, we can do more to stop this carnage on our roads.

As government, today we vow that this year’s Arrive Alive campaign marks the start of a renewed commitment, to reducing the current number of 40 deaths, and over 140 serious injuries, on our roads every day. This death and destruction not only causes enormous pain and suffering to the victims and their families, but also costs our economy an estimated R56 billion each year.

Secondly this year marks a break in our approach to road safety. It shall no longer be just government’s responsibility to provide safety on our roads. From henceforth this shall be a strong partnership between all stakeholders, the community, individual, business and all of us.

In light of this last month, the Department of Transport hosted a national Road Safety Summit in Johannesburg. The summit deliberated on the formation of community road safety councils at local and district levels of all municipalities.

* The participants deliberated on the establishment of and special roles for community road safety councils. This would include goal directed traffic law enforcement as well as voluntary compliance to road traffic rules
* The forums will also work closely with road traffic authorities and law enforcement agencies within the community road safety council area
* In terms of education, the community road safety councils will identify local road safety education issues and bring them to the attention of the relevant bodies and authorities
* The councils will also identify and interrogate local small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) and potential SMMEs within the community road safety council area, for involvement in road safety projects coordinated by the Department of Transport.

Ladies and gentlemen, this is the approach we would like all provinces, including Limpopo, to take so that we can arrest the road safety challenges in every province.

Implementation of Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO)

It is however a sad reality that more than 90 percent of road deaths follow a traffic violation. This calls for us to continue with our enforcement operations, here in Limpopo, and everywhere else in the country.

Through the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) we want to rededicate to collaboration with business, community groups and individuals to safe behaviour on our roads. This sense of shared responsibility is a fundamental tenet incorporated into the work of the RTMC and the Department of Transport.

We are confident that AARTO will drive the message home which is aimed at decriminalising traffic violations.

* AARTO’s implementation forges a closer and more effective and efficient link between the enforcement and the adjudication process.
* AARTO is an objective, transparent and fair process.
* The system brings along parity of fines across the country, which will encourage motorists to take traffic violations and resulting fines with the seriousness they deserve.

Prosecution of road traffic offences

We are pleased that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) office, in Gauteng, has reinstated the use of the Dräger breathalysers. We also welcome the R70 000 fine, as well as suspension of the driving licence, imposed last Thursday, 25 March on a KwaZulu-Natal motorist arrested for travelling at 252 kilometres per hour driving under the influence of alcohol and failing to stop. We want to commend the Scottburgh magistrate who handed down the maximum sentence for speed offences in terms of the Road Traffic Act.

This sentence, with the suspension of the driving licence, should serve as a benchmark for similar offences in our country. We will engage the national director of Public Prosecutions regarding the prosecution of road traffic offences.

Easter road safety plan

Our road safety strategy has achieved some success. Road deaths, per 100 million vehicle kilometres travelled, have dropped, particularly during the festive season. However, one death is one death too many. It does not matter whether this year fewer people die, not a single person must be killed on our roads.

When we lose a high school student in a taxi crash, we do not just lose a high school learner or a number, we lose a doctor, we lose a potential engineer, we lose a priest. So, in one crash we lose a doctor; a healer of thousands, who could have prolonged the lives of others; an engineer, a builder of bridges, who could have designed new places of living for humanity to thrive, indeed in one crash, we could lose a priest, someone who could become our country’s moral compass.

This Easter, the N1 towards Polokwane, especially the route to Moria city and to Beit Bridge, will be heavily policed. The N3 to the coastal city of Durban and N1 to the Free State, Western and Eastern Cape will be no exception. In Mpumalanga on the N4, we expect heavy traffic and we will have heavy strong and visible policing.

We call upon all law enforcement agencies including Traffic Officers, the South African Police Service (SAPS) and RTMC to work together to strengthen the objectives of our national rolling enforcement plan, which aims:

* To reduce crashes, fatalities and injuries by increasing visible and effective policing in hazardous locations
* To increase detection and visibility of pedestrians through reflective clothing and other apparel
* Prosecution of critical offences
* Harmonisation of common operations of traffic enforcement
* To restore confidence in road traffic management fraternity
* The RTMC, together with the provincial authorities and organised labour, must finalise the declaration of traffic law enforcement as an essential service
* Furthermore, to finalise the formation of a national traffic law enforcement unit to augment road enforcement capacity
* To this end, RTMC, together with the South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) will be employing 240 traffic officers, who are to be specifically deployed on the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Scheme’s open toll road.
* Let us report bad driving to the National Traffic Hotline on 0861 400 800.

Conclusion

Finally, let us reflect very seriously on what Mr. Len Stevens calls for in his letter. Let us look at more sustainable strategies to reduce road crashes. Let us again find our true Ubuntu, compassion and empathy. Help us end this carnage. TOGETHER WE CAN DO MORE TO SAVE LIVES ON OUR ROADS. ARRIVE ALIVE!

Enquiries:
Sello Tshipi
Tel: 012 309 3846
Fax: 012 309 3313
Cell: 073 498 6722
E-mail: Tshipia@dot.gov.za

Issued by: Department of Transport
29 March 2010

Construction of House of Traditional Leaders creates jobs

29 March 2010

The new Eastern Cape House of Traditional Leaders (ECHTL) in Bhisho has changed the lives of disadvantaged communities through job creation and the transfer of skills. These skills will now be used for future job opportunities and in turn give back to their communities.

One hundred and twenty one jobs were created through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP). 14 females and 55 youths were among those employed and workers were trained in the following trades: plumbing, bricklaying, plastering, painting and decoration. The Eastern Cape House of Traditional Leaders is part of the King William’s Town or Bhisho revitalisation programme that has seen a public private partnership registered with National Treasury for the development of 39 000 square meters. Construction started in March 2007 and was completed in October last year.

The building costs estimated to an amount of R80 million and has been handed over to the traditional leaders for utilisation. The Department of Public Works, however, remains custodian of the property. The House of Traditional Leaders is a first of its kind in the country. It will be the main centre of service delivery for the traditional leaders in the province and will provide an environment for effective and efficient performance of the house.

This will restore the dignity of the traditional institution in the province. For many years the Eastern Cape House of Traditional Leaders were housed from one building and office to the other. The Eastern Cape province legislature and traditional leaders resolved this finally when a piece of land between the Bhisho high court and the Buffalo City municipal offices was allocated in 2007.

The role of the traditional house is specified in the Constitution. Among the chief roles is to deal with matters relating to traditional leadership, the role of traditional leaders customary law and the customs of communities observing a system of customary law.

Addressing the crowd at the official opening, the AmaRharhabe King Maxhobayakhawuleza Sandile urged all kings to lead their people respectfully and not take them for granted.

“Kings must be distinguished for their leadership and they must be seen as law abiding citizens in front of their people”.

Eastern Cape Premier, Noxolo Kiviet and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister, Sicelo Shiceka, also delivered speeches. Shiceka promised to help the province acquire more drought relief funding from the National Treasury.

Kiviet said it was the responsibility of the Kings to protect all those who can’t protect themselves particularly women, the disabled and children. She further said that government must educate traditional leaders about HIV and AIDS, so they in turn can inform their community.

She also emphasised that the kings should also enjoy the same privileges as other parliamentarians such as government vehicles and government houses but it must be clear that the main function of the House is to preserve tradition and culture.

“Today epitomises the process of the restoration of the dignity of the institution of traditional leadership. It is indeed a milestone for royalty and what it is expected to do in the new dispensation”, said poet Zolani Mkiva.

The mayor of Camdeboo, Dr Daantjie Japhta was also impressed with the occasion.

“This was necessary to bring people together in a traditional fashion. The ordinary person could come and experience and that is part of nation building, to see people get their rightful place”.

Issued by: Department of Roads and Public Works, Eastern Cape Provincial Government
29 March 2010
Source: Department of Roads and Public Works, Eastern Cape Provincial Government (http://dpw.ecprov.gov.za/)

Films and Publications Act receives support in cracking down child predators on Mxit

29 March 2010

The Film and Publication Board (FPB) welcomes the recent announcement by the popular next generation social network, Mxit, to curb illegal activities of posting pornographic or explicit materials within its platforms. The decision by Mxit to crack down child predators is in compliance with the Films and Publications Act.

Section 24 of the Films and Publications Act holds the owners and operators of all telecommunication channels targeted at and used by children responsible for the content created and distributed within those mediums. They (owners and operators) are required to take the necessary steps in ensuring that their services are not used by any persons for committing offences on children; as evidence and real life experiences points to the fact that some of these mediums are used as platforms for sexual abuse, exploitation and grooming of children.

“Mxit’s zero-tolerance policy against paedophilia and paedophiles on their platforms and society at large is commendable; it comes at a crucial time when children are most likely to be drawn to social networking platforms during and after the 2010 soccer world cup. We also hope and trust that other industry players will soon follow Mxit’s example and protect the country’s assets its children,” said Ms Yoliswa Makhasi, Chief Executive of the FPB.

A research study conducted by FPB (2008) explored the occurrence and impact of non-contact sexual abuse through internet and cell phones. The study revealed that 54 percent of the participants stated to have received pictures from someone else on a chat room and some had the experience of somebody in a chat room attempting to arrange a meeting with them. This was reported more by girls than boys. In addition, research findings published in the American Psychologist, Volume 63, No.2, p.111-128, suggested that the traditional view that online ‘predators’ prey on naïve children using trickery and violence is largely inaccurate and children are openly seduced. Children participating in the FPB research study confirmed this by indicating that the requests made by strangers online was open and direct , as stated by a girl between 10 to 12 years old “a guy asked me to send a picture of my private parts”.

Given the above, the FPB fully supports Mxit’s CEO, Mr Herman Heunis’s plea urging users not to exchange personal information with strangers. Members of the public are also reminded that they have an obligation to report any knowledge of child pornography incidences to the police or contact FPB on 0800 148 148 or http://www.fpbprochild.org.za

Enquiries:
Sibo Myeni
Cell: 082 307 4708
E-mail: smyeni@fpb.gov.za

Issued by: Film and Publication Board
29 March 2010

Minister Dlamini Zuma responds to Democratic Alliance (DA) statement on immigration

29 March 2010

Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma has noted with astonishment the Democratic Alliance's statement on immigration issued on Sunday 28 March 2010.

The statement is nothing but an attempt to scrape the bottom to find issues with which the DA can attack the minister. Instead of this political bluster, the DA spokesperson should have familiarised herself with the reasons for Minister Dlamini Zuma's consultations with COSATU Central Executive Committee members last week.

Firstly, Minister Dlamini Zuma has received approval and support of the cabinet to embark on a series of consultations with key stakeholders regarding the development of a new Immigration Policy.

In pursuance of this objective, Minister Dlamini Zuma has already held consultations with Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) and recently with COSATU. The DA needs to be reminded, that whatever their views, COSATU remains one of the key stakeholders in the development of such a new Immigration policy which seeks to separate economic migrants from asylum seekers.

Accordingly Minister Dlamini Zuma will continue to consult all other outstanding relevant stakeholders, without fear, favour or prejudice in the development of the new Immigration Policy".

As far as the staffing of the department is concerned, Minister Dlamini Zuma has since her appointment to the Ministry last year moved swiftly to fill in critical posts in the department including the posts of the Chief Financial Officer, Head of Human Resources and now recently the appointment of the new Director-General of the department.

Concerning incidence of corruption, Minister Dlamini Zuma has given her political support to the beefing up of the department's anti-corruption measures including the beefing up of the anti-corruption unit which has scored a number of successes in its war against corruption including the suspension of over 159 officials in October/November last year.

Issued by: Department of Home Affairs
29 March 2010
Source: Sapa

60 people with Rift Valley Fever (RVF) and two deaths

26 March 2010

Eight more people have been infected with Rift Valley Fever (RVF), bringing the total to 60 of laboratory confirmed human cases since the first incident on 13 February 2010. The mortality rate remains the same at two.

The National Institute of Communicable Disease (NICD) reported this morning that of the 60 cases of infected people, 51 cases and two deaths are from Free State, four in Eastern Cape and five in Northern Cape.

Direct contact with RVF-infected livestock and or linked to farms with confirmed animal cases of RVF, remain the main risk factor for the infection. The human cases are farmers, veterinarians and farm workers. Additional suspect cases are currently being tested.

Outbreak investigations by the Department of Health and the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries are ongoing, supported by the South African Field Epidemiology and Training Programme (SA-FELTP) and NICD.

Affected farms are primarily clustered within FSP (initially in Lejweleputswa District, Bultfontein area), however animal cases of RVF have been confirmed in all districts with spill over into EC and NC and GP.

RVF is a viral disease that can cause severe disease in a low proportion of infected humans.

The virus is transmitted by mosquitoes and causes outbreaks of abortion and deaths of young livestock (sheep, goats and cattle). It is important to note that, humans become infected from contact with infected tissues of livestock and less frequently from mosquito bites. The disease occurs throughout Africa and Madagascar when exceptionally heavy rains favour the breeding of the mosquito vectors.

Clinical features in humans:

Typically illness is asymptomatic or mild in the vast majority of infected persons, and severe disease would be expected to occur in less than one percent of infected persons.

Key symptoms:
* The incubation period (interval from infection to onset of symptoms) for RVF varies from two to six days
* Sudden onset of flu-like fever and/or muscle pain
* Some patients develop neck stiffness, sensitivity to light, loss of appetite and vomiting
* Symptoms of RVF usually last from four to seven days, after which time the immune response becomes detectable with the appearance of antibodies and the virus gradually disappears from the blood.

Severe form of RVF in humans includes:
* Vision disturbances
* Intense headache, loss of memory, hallucinations, confusion, disorientation, vertigo, convulsions, lethargy and coma
* Haemorrhagic fever.

The public living in the affected areas is encouraged to seek medical attention at their nearest health facilities, should they have any of the above symptoms.

Preventive measures:

While there is no specific treatment, the majority of persons affected will recover completely. People should avoid contact with the tissues of infected animals, refrain from drinking unpasteurised milk and prevent mosquito bites to avoid becoming infected. Farmers and veterinarians should wear protective clothing when handling sick animals or their tissues. There is no routine vaccine available for humans.

Media enquiries:
Charity Bhengu
Cell: 083 679 7424

Media interviews:
Frew Benson
Cell: 082 372 4199

Patrick Moonasar
Cell: 082 578 3107

Charles Mugero
Cell: 082 717 5306

Issued by: Department of Health
26 March 2010

Public Protector reaches out to Mpumalanga communities

26 March 2010

Public Protector Advocate Thuli Madonsela will conclude her provincial stakeholder consultative process with a visit to Mpumalanga, where she will meet with interest groups and interact with community members next week.

On Tuesday, 30 March 2010, at 10h00, Advocate Madonsela will hold talks with key stakeholders including government, political parties, non-governmental organisation (NGOs) and traditional leaders, among others, at The Pinnacle Building in Nelspruit. She will also interact with the general public on Wednesday, 31 March 2010 at Glenmore Community Hall in Carolina Town, were the community will be educated on what the Public Protector is and the role this institution plays in a constitutional democracy.

Communities will also be afforded an opportunity to voice out their frustration regarding government service delivery. A team of investigators from Advocate Madonsela’s office will also be on site to take complaints from community members for investigation.

This process aims to, among other things, engage stakeholders on the Public Protector’s proposed vision 2020; establish stakeholder expectations regarding the services of the Public Protector and discuss cooperation to improve the responsiveness of the Public Protector to complaints.

Media is invited to cover the events and to attend as stakeholders. Those who are interested can confirm their attendance with Oupa Segalwe on 012 366 7035 or 082 379 9995.

For more information contact:

Kgalalelo Masibi
Tel: 012 366 7006
Cell: 079 507 0399
E-mail: kgalalelom@pprotect.org

Issued by: Public Protector of South Africa
26 March 2010

the commissioning of the OR Tambo School of Leadership

Address by President Jacob Zuma during the commissioning of the OR Tambo School of Leadership, Kaweweta, Uganda

26 March 2010

Your Excellency, the President of the Republic of Uganda
Ugandan and South African Ministries of Defence and Public Works
Honourable Ministers and Deputy Ministers
Members of the Diplomatic Corps
Mr KB Mphatsoe Chairperson of MK Military Veterans Association
Mr Dali Tambo and Mrs Tambo
Distinguished guests
Ladies and gentlemen

Today is a very important day in the history of our two countries. More than 20 years ago, South African freedom fighters lived and trained in Kaweweta, at the generosity and solidarity of the government and people of Uganda.

You offered this sanctuary and base because you believed in freedom and justice and believed that every corner of Africa should be free from oppression.

As my predecessor, former President Mbeki, so aptly remarked during his address to the Parliament of Uganda in December 2005, “You supported us in this extraordinary manner because you were clearly inspired by the correct belief that Ugandans could not fully enjoy their freedom knowing that their own brothers and sisters continued to endure oppression, repression and state terrorism simply because of the colour of their skin.”

For the benefit of those who might not be aware, the original name of the OR Tambo School of Leadership was Dr Hugo Nkabinde Training Centre.
The camp was started as a result of Resolution 435 of the United Nations, designed to pave the way for the independence of Namibia. This resolution required that all foreign forces should leave Angola. Uganda, under President Museveni, was more than willing to accept the cadres of the ANC. The first contingent of 152 MK soldiers arrived in Kaweweta in 1989.

During the period 1989 to 1994 the population of Kaweweta was to increase to over 3 000, which made it the biggest concentration of MK soldiers in one camp. This made the school at Kaweweta the camp with the highest concentration of personnel of all MK camps.

MK soldiers received enormous support from the Ugandan government, such as transport, logistics, medical care and other facilities. They were regularly visited by senior military and government officials. Your Excellency I would like to single out the late Major General Fred Rujema, who went beyond the call of duty to be of assistance to MK soldiers here.

But most importantly, let me acknowledge President Museveni for being a true friend of the South African people, who always stood on our side during that protracted struggle.

Soldiers who were based in this camp say that President Museveni personally visited the camp in 1993, and joked that, “You have built a town here; this will be my commission for keeping you here!” In your speech on that day Mr President you explained that you chose Kaweweta for MK because it was where you fought the struggle against dictators in Uganda.

Let me also use this opportunity to thank the Government of Uganda for preparing MK soldiers for conventional military service. In 1991, training at the OR Tambo School was changed from guerrilla training to conventional warfare. Some MK cadres were also sent to educational institutions in Uganda such as Makerere University.

To make the cadre’s part of normal life, they were allowed to participate in local sports leagues such as rugby, soccer, cricket and netball. Former MK soldiers who were based in Uganda say the highlight of their stay was on 27 April 1994.

They recall that on this day, President Museveni personally called the then camp commander and congratulated them on their victory in the elections. He instructed the MK soldiers to get out of the bush in uniform and march in the streets of Kampala from Pan-African Square to Parliament, where he addressed diplomats and people of Uganda for the first time about the presence of MK soldiers in Uganda.

Mr President, you are a true friend and comrade, we sincerely thank you. It is significant that the OR Tambo Memorial Hall which is one of the buildings at the facility that has been renovated was officially opened on 10 March 1993 by that doyen of our struggle, President Oliver Tambo.
The original hall was built in 1990 by MK cadres but they could not complete it because in February 1990, the liberation movements were unbanned, signalling the return home.

The decision to name the School after our hero and icon Oliver Tambo should not come as a surprise. His work in the field of international relations and diplomacy was exemplary.

In light of his lasting legacy, we have also named the new headquarters of our Department of International Relations and Cooperation after him, which will inspire our diplomats to emulate his prowess in international relations.

Only this past weekend, the government and people of Namibia awarded him the highest order in their country, the Order of the Eagle. All of this demonstrates what a remarkable leader President OR Tambo was. We are happy that his son, Mr Dali Tambo has been able to join us to represent the family on this important occasion.

Your Excellency, it is our fervent hope that we have contributed, through this school of leadership for the police and military, in some small way towards bringing about sustained peace, security and stability in the broader region and in Northern Uganda.

Whilst we continue to be concerned that a final peace agreement has not yet been signed, we are relieved that peace and security in Northern Uganda has gradually improved since the signing of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement in 2006.

In this regard, we wish to pledge solidarity with your government and to assure Uganda that South Africa will continue to provide the necessary support to the Juba Peace Talks within the framework of the African Union.

We are of the view that peace for the region is premised on the shared destiny and common interest for the region. To this end, working through regional structures such as the Southern African Development Community, the African Union and the International Conference on the Great Lakes, South Africa will be ready to work alongside our brothers and sisters in the region for a common brighter future.

We share that common goal of working for peace and stability; it is one of the key factors that bind us together.
Ladies and gentlemen, as we said yesterday, the emotional ties between us forged during the struggle should now bind us as we move towards building stronger economic relations to improve the quality of lives of our peoples.

We must work together to eradicate poverty and place our countries, both individually and collectively, on a path to a sustainable development.
Please allow me to once again convey to you, Your Excellency, the government and people of Uganda, our sincere gratitude as the people of South Africa.

The OR Tambo Leadership School, as well as the graves of Mkhonto Wesizwe soldiers in this area, will forever remind us of this wonderful country and wonderful people who stood with us during a difficult period in the history of our country.

It is my singular honour to commission the OR Tambo Leadership School today.

I thank you.

Issued by: The Presidency
26 March 2010
Source: The Presidency (http://www.thepresidency.gov.za/)

Deputy President reiterates the need to be more transparent and responsive

26 March 2010

Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe in his address to the National Council of Provinces at its sitting at Sekhukhune FET College (Dr CN Phatudi Campus), Praktiseer, Burgersfort during the ‘Taking Parliament to the People programme’, highlighted the need for government to be more transparent and responsive.

He stressed that people should have enough information about the development projects in their areas, so that they could raise the alarm to public representative in cases where there is lack of quality service delivery and plans are not being fulfilled.

Deputy President spoke on the five priorities of national government namely education, health, rural development, creation of decent work opportunities and the fight against crime.

Deputy President stressed the importance of education and urged the youth to channel their energies into making positive changes to society such as campaigning against drug abuse and for road safety.

He also reminded the Greater Tubatsi community that they have the power to call their public representatives to account and that this power is with them at all times

"The youth have energy, but this energy needs to be channelled to better and productive efforts, education of our youth should not just be the responsibility of government but society as a whole,” said the Deputy President.

Deputy President emphasised government's commitment to speed up the roll out of the national HIV and AIDS testing to ensure the reduction in new infections and encouraging positives lifestyles. Deputy President called on the people of Limpopo to work together with law enforcement agencies to root out crime.

"We live with these criminals and we tend to say if I have not been affected by crime it is none of my business, but I can assure you when they have exhausted your neighbours they will come for you," said Deputy President Motlanthe.

In conclusion, Deputy President encouraged the NCOP to continue with its oversight duties as it was vital in ensuring that government delivers on its priorities and realise a better life for all.

For comments please contact:
Vusi Mona
Cell: 082 047 2260

Issued by: The Presidency
26 March 2010
Source: Sapa

Minister Pandor to visit Square Kilometre Array site

25 March 2010

The Minister of Science and Technology, Mrs Naledi Pandor, together with the Premier of the Northern Cape, Ms Hazel Jenkins, will lead a high-level ministerial visit to the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) site in Carnavon in the Northern Cape, on 30 March 2010. This is aimed at celebrating a major milestone in Africa’s international bid to host the SKA, which is deemed to be the world’s most powerful radio telescope.

A core component of the country’s bid initiative is the design and construction of an operational demonstrator telescope, the MeerKAT. To achieve this objective, the construction of the seven-dish Karoo Array Telescope (KAT-7) serves as the Meerkat precursor array. The minister’s visit to the region is in celebration of the successful construction of the seventh and final dish of the KAT-7, which was completed ahead of schedule in early 2010. This is a significant milestone, which positions Africa well ahead of Australia, the only other remaining contender in the bid to host SKA.

The achievement also clearly demonstrates Africa’s existing capabilities in science and technology and positions the continent more favourably to host the telescope as a collective of African partner countries (Namibia, Botswana, Mozambique, Mauritius, Madagascar, Kenya, Ghana and Zambia). The KAT-7 will serve as both an engineering test-bed and as an operational radio telescope. The MeerKAT will be one of the largest scientific research facilities in the world and will consolidate Africa as a major global hub for astronomy in the world.

It will attract the best scientists and engineers to work in Africa and will provide unrivalled opportunities for scientists and engineers from across Africa to engage with transformational science and cutting-edge instrumentation, as well as to collaborate in joint projects with the most renowned universities and research institutions in the world.

NB: All media are invited to take part in the ministerial visit to Northern Cape. The Department of Science and Technology will cover transportation and accommodation costs for a limited number of journalists.

RSVP no later than 12h00 on Friday, 26 March 2010:
Veronica Mohapeloa
Tel: 012 843 6788
Cell: 082 882 3818
E-mail: veronica.mohapeloa@dst.gov.za

Enquiries:
Lunga Ngqengelele
Tel: 012 843 6802
Cell: 082 566 0446
E-mail: lunga.ngqengelele@dst.gov.za

Issued by: Department of Science and Technology
25 March 2010

Western Cape Department of Health receives 71 new ambulances

24 March 2010

Today Western Cape MEC for Transport Robin Carlisle officially handed over 71 new ambulances to Western Cape MEC for Health, Theuns Botha and the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) unit.

The ambulances were purchased through the Government Motor Garage and demonstrates the close working relationship between the Departments of Health and Transport when it comes to fulfilling one of the Western Cape governments ten strategic objectives, which is maximising health outcomes in the province.

MEC Botha says: “We are under tremendous pressure to improve our response times. Our fleet has now been capacitated to the extent that we are able to deploy 130 ambulances and aim to respond to priority one calls within 15 minutes in urban areas and within an hour in rural areas”.

MEC Carlisle believes: “The provinces emergency medical services fleet has been overburdened by the lack of sufficient ambulances to ensure that all the people who have to visit the clinic or hospital do so at all times and in time for medical treatment. We hope that the new ambulances will relieve the burden on the existing fleet and will enable the emergency medical services to reach all corners of the province any time of the day.

These new ambulances have also been purchased during the run-up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup in order to strengthen the provinces emergency services related to this event. This will ensure that both tourists and the people of the Western Cape are provided with prompt, reliable and quality medical services during this busy period.

The seventy one ambulances will replace a number of the older vehicles in the emergency medical services fleet and will result in around 76 percent of the 244 vehicles in the fleet having less than 200 000 kilometres on the odometer. This will enable the Western Cape emergency medical services to maintain a well looked after fleet that has low mileage and greatly assists emergency medical services personnel in performing their duties efficiently and effectively.

Both Quantum Toyota vans and Volkswagen vans have been purchased. The conversions were done by a local Cape Town firm Advance Vehicle Engineering. All associated equipment and finishing, e.g. tracking and control, electronic fuelling, lights, sirens and decals were fitted in Cape Town.

The Quantum Toyota ambulances will be used in rural areas because of these vehicles greater efficiency over long distances, while the larger Volkswagen ambulances will be used to meet the higher demand in the Cape Town area.

Media enquiries:
Hélène Rossouw
Tel: 082 771 8834
E-mail: herossou@pgwc.gov.za

Solly Malatsi
Cell: 083 641 9691
E-mail: smalatsi@pgwc.gov.za

Issued by: Department of Health, Western Cape Provincial Government
24 March 2010
Source: Western Cape Provincial Government (http://www.capegeateway.gov.za/)

Free State to spend R1.3 billion on housing

Free State to spend R1.3 billion on housing

25 March 2010

The Free State government has allocated R1.3 billion for the construction of housing units towards addressing the 200 000 housing backlog.

Speaking during the provincial Human Settlements budget vote speech, MEC
Msebenzi Zwane said the funds will also be used for the installation of municipal services, development of social amenities and acquire land.

“Creating sustainable human settlements remains our main focus in the 2010/11 financial year. As a commitment to the achievement of the millennium development goals, our aim is to provide 10 000 units towards reducing the backlog of people living in informal settlements,” he said.

In line with government’s commitment to provide decent accommodation closer to places of work, he said his department will in partnership with the private sector and the Housing Development Agency explore different ways and means to provide mixed housing options.

“We were able to pilot and display better and different typologies such as designs and plans of houses in various towns. Our aim is to move away from the drab of Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) uniformity,” he added.

Improvement in this area of work, he said included exploring alternative building methods, using mass based approach in construction, to create jobs and develop skills.

He said the department had also explored the use of alternative building materials in housing delivery, in selected towns. These options, he added will include rental units closer to places of employment in Bloemfontein, Bethlehem, Sasolburg and Welkom as pilot projects.

In partnership with the Department of Land Affairs, the department had acquired ten land parcels in various localities as identified by different local municipalities, for future establishment of human settlements.

“Through our programme of planning and surveying we had initially planned to develop 8 000 sites, but have achieved more than 12 000 sites” he said.

A further hundred million has been allocated for the process of building decent homes for Military Veterans and restitution beneficiaries.

The MEC further announced that the rectification of pre-1994 housing stock will continue, adding that the department will enforce quality in housing construction to prevent contractors building low quality houses.

“We will enforce quality in housing construction, in installation of municipal services, provision of social amenities, acquisition of land and creation of sites.

“We will promote innovation and alternative ways of construction that will promote energy saving. An amount of R135 million is provided to continue with our rectification of pre-1994 housing stock. This amount is meant to rebuild two roomed houses and to rectify houses with defects,” he said.

Issued by: Department of Cooperative Governance, Traditional Affairs and Human Settlements, Free State Provincial Government

25 March 2010

South Africa and Uganda Business Forum, Kampala, Uganda

Address by His Excellency, Jacob G Zuma, President of the Republic of South Africa, on the occasion of the South Africa and Uganda Business Forum, Kampala, Uganda

25 March 2010

Your Excellency Mr President
Ministers and deputy ministers
Ambassadors and high commissioners
The business delegations of South Africa and Uganda
Distinguished guests

It is a great honour for me to represent the people of South Africa at this important occasion, where we celebrate the warm and fraternal relations between our two countries through a state visit. We once again express, Your Excellency, our heartfelt gratitude for the hospitality and warmth with which my delegation and I have been received, including the business delegation.

In this particular forum, we gather to appreciate and encourage the positive economic activity between our two countries, which shows a lot of potential. These relations do not come as a surprise, since the bond between our two countries and peoples is deeply rooted in our history against social injustice and our quest for freedom and equality.

We meet at this forum, not only to reaffirm this bond, but also to consolidate our ever growing trade and economic relations. Our solidarity during the struggle for liberation must translate into tangible economic ties and trade relations.

We already have vehicles that we can use to achieve these goals. Our two countries have concluded several bilateral agreements in the economic sphere. These include the bilateral trade agreement, the Reciprocal Promotion and Protection of Investment agreement, the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to taxes and incomes.

Furthermore, we established a Joint Permanent Economic Commission in December 2005. These have been important mechanisms that demonstrate the level and extent of our commitments to each other to promote mutual development.

Already trade relations are sound, and show a lot of potential for further growth. We therefore thank you for welcoming South African investors to contribute to the growing economic activity that is evident in the Republic of Uganda.

We recognise that South Africans are among the top contributors to foreign direct investment flows to Uganda, and South Africa is firmly entrenched near the top of the list of countries from which Uganda sources imports. We further appreciate the extent of investment that the South African private sector is making in the strategic sectors of your economy.

The participation of South African companies in such sectors as finance, telecommunications, retail and agriculture, has undoubtedly given deeper substance to the historical bond we share. The mining, oil and refining of petroleum sector with the discovery of oil in the Lake Albert region also provides new areas of business. We wish you well with this discovery, as it will certainly boost the economy.

Ladies and gentlemen, expanding economic links will promote intra-Africa trade and investment and lay the basis for closer political and economic cooperation in line with our shared commitment to regional economic integration. Ours must be a development partnership for integration.

Our modest successes have largely been the product of hard work across all areas of our bilateral cooperation. We observe progress in trade, investment and cooperation in science and technology. We strongly believe that we have covered much ground under our framework bilateral agreements.

However, much more can still be achieved. Our belief is that the scope for further advances in our bilateral relations is still possible. The engagement between our private sectors in this business forum, must lead to the discovery of new trade and investment opportunities for our businesses.

We should seriously consider new linkages and joint ventures in key sectors like energy, agriculture and agro-processing, infrastructure development, tourism, information and communication technology (ICT), technology transfer, and mining, alongside other priority sectors identified by Ugandans to promote economic development.

There is much more that can be done in such areas as revenue services as well as financing small medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) through collaboration between the Uganda Development Bank and South Africa’s
Industrial Development Corporation.

There are also opportunities of collaboration on technical standards between the Uganda National Bureau of Standards and the South African Bureau of Standards; and technology collaboration between the Uganda Industrial Research Institute and our Council for Scientific and Industrial Research. All these establish a basis to build our economies and enhance our trade and investment relations, and we must pursue this collaboration.

Your Excellency, we must move towards the full implementation of our trade agreement by establishing without delay, the agreed joint trade committee. This will further increase investment flows by promoting and encouraging joint ventures and partnerships. Such trade committee will potentially strengthen linkages between our private sectors, and foster rural development.

At a private sector level, we must encourage business to look at a possibility of establishing a joint business council, as a platform to collaborate and promote further trade and investments. Our two countries are both strongly committed to contributing to the development of our continent. Indeed, our destinies are inextricably linked to our neighbours and the rest of the continent.

Your Excellency, the challenge that the global economic downturn and slow progress in the conclusion of Doha Development Round has brought about, calls on us as the developing world, to work together in innovative ways to advance an alternative world economic order that support our development.

We need to advance towards the realisation of the objectives we agreed to, as set out in the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), East African Community and Southern African Development Community (SADC) Tripartite summit. This will require that we ensure that tripartite summit decisions and the roadmap are fully and timeously implemented. A more integrated and economically organised Africa is good for our collective economies and livelihood of our peoples.

Your Excellency, we are doing all this work for one goal; to ensure that we create a better quality of life for all our people. In that regard, I hereby reaffirm South Africa’s commitment to the deepening of our bilateral economic relations. We want to see progress in trade relations, and will encourage our business people in that direction.

Let me conclude by reminding all delegates to this seminar that they are most welcome to attend the greatest soccer spectacular the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup! Let us prove to the world that Africa is capable of hosting such a massive tournament.

I thank you.

Issued by: The Presidency
25 March 2010

Nedbank encourages support of WWF Earth Hour 2010 - for the sake of a brighter future

Nedbank encourages support of WWF Earth Hour 2010 - for the sake of a brighter future

 

Climate change is undoubtedly one of the greatest dangers currently facing our planet, but unlike other natural disasters, it is a threat that can be contained, if the world is willing to work together to address the actions that caused it in the first place.

 

That’s according to South African’s ‘green’ bank, the Nedbank Group, who recently become the first South African financial services institution to commit to achieving carbon neutrality across its operations, and to reinforce their commitment against climate change,  are sponsoring WWF Earth Hour 2010. Nedbank have pledged to participate in this significant event by switching off the  lights in at least 30 Nedbank Campus sites and a number of regional offices and branches across the country between 8.30pm and 9.30pm on Saturday 27 March. And South Africa’s green bank has called on all other businesses, communities and individuals to do the same - for the sake of the planet and the future of all those who call it home.

 

According to Brigitte Burnett, Head: Nedbank-Sustainability, it is imperative that individuals and businesses don’t underestimate the power that Earth Hour affords them to drive the change needed to save our planet from a potentially devastating threat. ‘Earth Hour is about far more than a novel way to spend 60 minutes in the dark,’ she points out, ‘it’s a truly global call to action, and an opportunity for the world to put aside its differences for an hour, stand together on an issue that affects us all equally, and take responsibility for our future.’

According to Burnett, Nedbank’s support of, and involvement in, Earth Hour is the result of their commitment to the environment, their successful 20 year partnership with WWF and the recognition of the potential the initiative offers to create real and lasting change by raising awareness of global warming and encouraging behavioural change among companies and individuals, and sending a clear message to the world’s leaders that the people of this planet demand action on climate change.

 

Since 2006, Nedbank has an internal programme in all its major facilities to reduce carbon emissions, electricity, water and paper usage and to increase recycling of all water.

 

To take up the challenge and be a part of the global phenomenon that is Earth Hour, pledge your support by visiting www.earthour.org.za or SMS EH2010 and your name to 34017 (SMSs cost R2), then switch off your lights between 8.30 and 9.30pm on 27 March.

 

Ends.

 

For more information:

 

Elizabeth Florencio

Tel:       011 295 7260

Cell:      083636 7002

 

Zubeir Shah

Associate Director

Fleishman Hillard

Tel:       011 548 2053

Cell:      072 439 2035