WeeklySA_AdminDEPT WITHDRAWS SOCIAL SECURITY GREEN PAPER
The Department of Social Development has withdrawn its Green Paper on comprehensive social security and retirement reform, saying some of its proposals have been misrepresented resulting in considerable concern on its part.
This follows recent critical media reports that slammed the department’s Green Paper intended to overhaul the country’s social security and retirement industry as well as the grant systems to include the much wider groups of people. In a statement this week, the department it was aware of the widespread commentary on key recommendations entailed in the report. “Some of the technical aspects of the proposal were not well-understood,” it said. It withdrew the paper so it could provide further clarity.
The report proposes a mandatory pension and insurance fund for workers, urging for employees and employers to contribute up to 12% of their earnings into a state-run national social security fund. The department was expected to release the paper once the issues in the report were clarified and addressed. – Isaac Moledi
CORRUPTION ACCUSED ORDERED TO REPAY R2,4m
A former deputy-director at the Kutama-Sinthumule Correctional Facility has been ordered to repay proceeds from corrupt payments totalling R2 million following his conviction.
Clement Raphalalani, 57, appeared in the Giyani Specialised Commercial Crimes Court last week for the incidents that took place between 2017 and 2018. In his capacity as a procurement officer at the facility, Raphalalani was found guilty of having connived with three companies that were awarded tenders to supply different items to the facility at inflated prices.
The companies were identified as Clemenson Carrier, Pengson, Manufacturing, and Vhalenda Zwashu Trading Enterprise. The accused were ordered to pay back the money as follows: Raphalalani (R569 500), Clemenson Carrier (R369 380), Pengson Manufacturing (R1m), Vhalenda Zwashu Trading Enterprise (R450 000). The total amount to be paid back is R2 388 880. – Frank Maponya
Dr MASEKO PASSES AWAY DAYS AFTER WIFE’S COVID DEATH
Swaziland’s president of the Traditional Healers Organisation, Dr Nhlavana Maseko, has passed away, his family announced on Wednesday. Maseko was preparing for the burial of his second wife, when the family members were shocked to find him dead at his home at KaMashiyazimile, according to a Times of Swaziland report.
Dr Maseko’s daughter, Bakhombisile, confirmed the demise of her father who died shortly after hearing news of the death of his second wife, Noyililo Nomsa Kubheka Maseko
Last year, Maseko laid to rest his eldest daughter, Phephisile Temangcamane, who also passed on due to a COVID-19-related illness. According to the family, details about Dr Maseko’s burial would be provided in due course as on Saturday the family had prepared to bury Dr Maseko’s wife (Noyililo). – WSAM Reporter
MAYOR RESIGNS, SWORN IN ELSEWHERE AS COUNCILLOR
The recent resignation of the executive mayor of the Capricorn District Municipality has sparked rumours that he is headed to the Polokwane municipality in the same capacity. Speculation grew on when John Mpe, the former Capricorn District Municipality mayor, was sworn in as a councillor of the Polokwane municipality on Wednesday.
Mpe, an ANC chairperson of the Peter Mokaba region, took many people by surprise when he announced his resignation from CDM on Tuesday after a five-year tenure.
The position of mayor at Polokwane municipality was left vacant after the appointment of Thembi Nkadimeng as deputy minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs. Nkadimeng was elevated to the position during President Cyril Ramaphosa’s cabinet reshuffle last month. The Seshego Business Forum and Voice of the Masses slammed the rumoured move. – Frank Maponya
