WeeklySA_AdminBriefs
eTHEKWINI WATER CRISIS: R130bn NEEDED
eThekwini mayor Mxolisi Kaunda says the City would need R130 billion to resolve the water crisis in the metro, which has seen some of the residents go without the resource for up to 150 days.
Residents of eThekwini communities such as Parkgate in Verulam and Phoenix have been taking to the streets to demand better water supply.
On Friday, Kaunda accompanied deputy president Paul Mashatile during visits to the northern wastewater treatment works in Springfield Park, Adams K5 & K6 Water Reservoir in Amanzimtoti, and the Mpumalanga Stadium in Hammarsdale.
Mashatile’s mandate is to lead the team of various government departments. One of the stops was the Northern Wastewater Treatment Works in Springfield Park, reportedly damaged by past floods, which was being upgraded.
“We are also upgrading Hammarsdale, Phoenix, Scottburgh, Ohlange Pump Stations which have been attracting more challenges when it comes to contamination of our rivers and beaches. – Lehlohonolo Lehana
SIU TO PROBE MOQHAKA
MUNICIPALITY
President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed a proclamation to authorise the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to probe allegations of maladministration in the Moqhaka Local Municipality in the Free State.
The SIU spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago says the proclamation “authorises the SIU to investigate procuring and contracting armed physical security services in the municipality”.
Kganyago says the investigation will also cover the alleged misconduct of municipal officials and the service provider.
“The Proclamation covers allegations of unlawful and improper conduct that took place between 1 January 2019 and 12 April 2024. The date of the publication of the Proclamation or before 1 January 2019 and after those dates,” explains Kganyago.
Kganyago added that it would, as an additional measure, “identify system failures and make systematic recommendations to improve measures to prevent future losses”.
“The SIU is empowered by the SIU Act to institute a civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal in its name to correct any wrongdoing uncovered during its investigation caused by acts of corruption, fraud or maladministration,” Kganyago concluded. – www.fullview.co.za
RAMAPHOSA AND MASISI
VISIT BUS CRASH SITE
President Cyril Ramaphosa says the quick and compassionate local response to the bus crash which claimed the lives of 45 Botswana nationals is a testament of the warm and compassionate relations between the two countries.
The only survivor of the crash was an eight-year-old child, Lorraine Atlang Siako.
The President was speaking at the site of the tragic accident at the Mmamatlakala Bridge, along the R518 in Limpopo, where he was joined by his Botswana counterpart, President Mokgweetsi Masisi.
A bus travelling from Molepolole in Botswana to Moria in Limpopo, to celebrate Easter, plunged off the bridge along the Mmamatlakala Pass on March 28.
“We have a horrible accident that has occurred involving Batswana. But no sooner than it occurred, I called President Masisi to inform him that our team consisting of our provincial officials from government, from the Premier, down to the…police and the immediate responders were immediately on the scene”.
“That speaks volumes about the relationship between the two countries which is underpinned by compassion, humanness, cooperation and transparency,” he said on Thursday.
At the scene, President Masisi said he was “well received” by South Africa upon his arrival.
“I was thoroughly briefed and impressed by the immaculateness of competence, thoroughness of detail and I visited the site. I go back home completely gratified that the very best was done and I give thanks to South Africa,” said President Masisi. – SAnews.gov.za
1 000 CORRECTIONAL
SERVICES JOBS FILLED
The Department of Correctional Services’ National Commissioner, Makgothi Samuel Thobakgale, has approved the permanent appointment of 1 003 learners as correctional officials for the 2024/25 financial year.
According to the department, the move is a demonstration of government’s foremost priority of creating opportunities for young people and supporting them to access work opportunities.
This means the youngsters, who took part in the 12-month Correctional Services Learnership NQF Level 4 programme in 2022, and were subsequently hired as auxiliary support officials on a contractual basis, have now been offered permanent positions starting from 1 April 2024.
The learnership programme also includes practical training at correctional centres.
As per the statement, 466 correctional officials were appointed in the Western Cape, 214 in KwaZulu-Natal, 107 in the Eastern Cape, 75 each in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and North West, 69 in both Free State and the Northern Cape, 64 in Gauteng and eight at head office.
“These appointments will go a long way to strengthen security in correctional centres and ensure more boots on the ground. This serves as a direct response to contributing to a just, peaceful and safer South Africa through effective and humane incarceration, and the rehabilitation and social reintegration of inmates,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
