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Free State focuses on Job Creation

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Free State Premier Mxolisi Dukwana says the province is hard at work to lessen the burden of unemployment.

In his State of the Province Address on Friday, Dukwana said unemployment fell from 38.5% in the third quarter of 2023 to 37% in the fourth quarter.

“Our Expanded Public Works Programme and the Presidential Employment Stimulus is a demonstration of our efforts to ignite economic growth,” he said.

Dukwana said since 2019, the province has created 282 907 work opportunities against a five-year target of 260 000 work opportunities through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP).

“The Presidential Employment Stimulus enabled us to benefit from the creation of 87 357 job opportunities, supporting 24 733 livelihoods and retaining 1 680 jobs in the period between April to December 2023.

“These statistics include the 6 964 Education Assistants and 8 285 General School Assistants in the Department of Education. At the core of this education programme is the placement of unemployed youth in schools.

“This further illustrates how we give practical effect to our commitment to address youth unemployment. We must strengthen the coordination and maximise our participation in this programme,” Dukwana said.

He said a strong agricultural sector is key for food security, job creation, poverty alleviation and rural development.

“Work is underway to position the Free State as the champion of the agricultural green revolution in the country. A total of 4 543 producers were trained, and 249 students graduated from the Glen Agricultural College.

“We facilitated 19 023 export certificates, 29 419 hectares of land was rehabilitated and 987 hectares was cultivated using conservation practices. This will preserve the environment and increase production of organic products.

“Work is underway to avail provincial and municipal land for youth, women, people with disabilities and military veterans for farming purposes. We will increase investment to support the commercialisation of black farmers, investment in agro-logistics infrastructure and open new markets,” he said.

Dukwana said the province is hard at work to position the Free State as the country’s central energy logistics, distribution and beneficiation hub.

“The province has immense opportunities in natural gas, solar, coal, ethanol, wind, uranium, hydropower and hydrogen to power the future of our country,” he said.

30 Years of democracy

Dukwana said with 2024 marking 30 years of freedom and democracy, there is much to take note of.

“It is a year that builds a bridge between our tragic past, encouraging present and a brighter future… With the birth of democracy, the stage was set to carve a path anchored firmly on democratic values, social justice and fundamental human rights,” Dukwana said.

The Premier said central to the democratic transformation process is improving the living conditions of South Africans and fostering shared economic growth.

“Driven by the relentless desire for a better life for all, we have over the past 30 years, invested time, resources and commitment in fighting the triple challenge of unemployment, poverty and inequality.

“The courage of our people continues to be rewarded. Their hopes and dreams continue to be the spark that impels us to even greater heights. Signs are everywhere that the Free State is a province on the move, confident in our actions and optimistic in our future trajectory.

“We are making the most of our potential, harnessing our development efforts and leaving no one behind in a Social Compact with our people,” Dukwana said.

Six Suspects arrested for illegal mining at Muchipisi Village outside Malamulele

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Limpopo Police in Vhembe District have through a joint operation arrested six male suspects for illegal mining activities and contravention of the Immigration Act.

They were arrested on Sunday, 31 December 2023.

According to the Police, the suspects were arrested by the Vhembe and Mopani Districts Anti-Illegal Mining Task Teams when they conducted Operation Vala Umgodi.

The suspects aged between 18 and 44 years old were arrested while they were illegally digging and processing the precious metals at an illegal mining site.

“The police have confiscated mining equipment which were used in the commission of the crime that included 3 spades, a shovel, 3 hammers, a wheelbarrow, 4 pendukas, an alpha motor, 2 picks and 2 fan belts.”

According to the Police, preliminary investigations have revealed that four of the suspects are undocumented foreign nationals.

The suspects are expected to appear before Malamulele Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 02 January 2024.

Over 2900 People arrested in Gauteng during New Year’s Eve Crime Prevention Operations

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Over 2900 People have been arrested as various disruptive operations were conducted simultaneously in all the five districts in Gauteng. According to the Police in Gauteng, the arrests were made during the New Year’s Eve Crime Prevention Operations meant to ensure that the public felt safe during and beyond the New Years celebrations.

One of the Operations in Johannesburg District was led by the National Commissioner of SAPS, General Fannie Masemola and Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela accompanied by the MEC of Community Safety, Ms Faith Mazibuko.

Of the 2900 arrested, 688 are wanted suspects who were arrested by the detectives during their tracing operations.

“The suspects were charged with different crimes such as possession of unlicensed and illegal firearms, drunk and driving, dealing in drugs, possession suspected stolen property, murder, rape, sexual offences and undocumented persons amongst others.”

According to Police, dangerous weapons, drugs, liquor, firearms, ammunition, copper cables and illicit cigarettes were seized during the operations.

“On Saturday, 30 December 2023, a search and seizure operation was conducted in Johannesburg Central and it led to the recovery of counterfeit goods to the value of R7million, the operation also saw the police claiming back the streets of Hillbrow which in the past years has been infamous for reckless and lawlessness during the new year’s eve celebrations.”

Some of the arrested suspects were released after paying fines while the others are expected to appear before various Magistrates’ Court with Gauteng from Tuesday, 02 January 2024.

Kenya President Ruto headlines Invest Africa’s United States Africa Investment Forum

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NEW YORK, United States of America, October 2, 2023/APO Group

On the margins of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Invest Africa (www.InvestAfrica.com), a leading pan-African trade and investment platform, hosted a US-Africa Investment Forum at which Kenyan President William Ruto underscored the urgency of addressing climate change as well as Africa’s potential to lead the energy transition.

This year, African leaders at UNGA united to emphasize the continent’s transformation from a passive participant in the global order to an assertive partner actively seeking collaboration, not marginalisation. From South African President Ramaphosa’s plea for Africa to “reclaim its role as a beacon of human advancement” to Nigerian President Tinubu’s call for viewing the continent as “genuine allies and collaborators,” Africa resounded its need for a more significant presence in multilateral institutions.

The US-Africa Investment Forum, held in partnership with the Milken Institute, included a fireside chat with President Ruto and Michael Milken, Chairman of the Milken Institute, where President Ruto reiterated these calls for partnership and investment opportunities. He emphasised the role of credit rating agencies in shaping Africa’s investment landscape, highlighting concerns about the nature of creditworthiness assessments and their impact on emerging economies. Africa Finance Corporation President & CEO Samaila Zubairu and Standard Chartered Bank Managing Director Kevin Garrow made keynote remarks, followed by a stellar panel discussion on innovation and emerging trends in climate finance across Africa, with participation from USAID, Government of Namibia, Standard Chartered Bank, Cross Boundary, Eurasian Resources Group and Xcalibur Multiphysics moderated by Semafor Climate and Energy Editor Tim McDonnell. 

It was a great privilege to host H.E. William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, on the sidelines of this year’s UN General Assembly

Karen Taylor, CEO of Invest Africa, expressed her gratitude, stating, “It was a great privilege to host H.E. William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, on the sidelines of this year’s UN General Assembly. In an era when multilateralism is seemingly in retreat across the globe, witnessing President Ruto and numerous African leaders seizing the spotlight in New York is deeply encouraging. President Ruto’s leadership on climate and sustainable investment is inspiring, and we look forward to supporting his efforts to fortify the continent’s climate resilience and propel climate-smart investments into African markets.”

Kevin Garrow, Managing Director and Head of Natural Renewable Resources & Industrials – Americas at Standard Chartered Bank, commented, “The UN General Assembly remains a steadfast fixture on the multilateral calendar, and Standard Chartered was pleased to partner with Invest Africa and the Milken Insitute engaging  with leaders in the markets we serve. Africa has been an enduring cornerstone of our growth narrative for well over a century, and we look forward to collaborating with President Ruto and his administration to unlock sustainable finance opportunities, propelling Kenya and the broader continent towards a low-carbon future.”

North West Department of Education launches the last push campaign

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With 30 days left until matric candidates sit for their 2023 final examinations the MEC for Education in the North West, Viola Motsumi launched the Last Push campaign at a spring camp of Onkabetse Thuto High School in Setlagole village on Saturday, 30 September 2023.

A total of 383 learners from neighbouring schools across the Ratlou Local Municipality are lodged at the school with subject specialist, teachers, and are going to help them with gaps in their different subjects.

Amongst other supporters of the last push launch was the Ratlou Local Municipality Mayor, Councillor Motlhomola Jafta who encouraged school support from a local community level.

“We have joined the school community to pledge solidarity from the local municipality level by organising parents, local businesses and faith-based organisations to support schools by keeping children off house chores and concentrating on school work during this important time of the year.

“We work closely with Quality Learning and Teaching Campaign (QLTC) to ensure service delivery concerns are met in schools and we are happy to work with schools until this time of the examinations”, Jafta echoed.

Motsumi is pleased with the success of the launch and encourages more stakeholders throughout the province to support learners.

“I am pleased by the success of the launch and stakeholders who came out in numbers. This is what we mean by community involvement and I wish to see this in all districts as l will continue to visit all camps”, Motsumi expressed.

The department is conducting 92 camps across the province and are expected to end on 10 October 2023.

North West Department of Education MEC, Viola Motsumi, gets awarded for School Sports Initiative

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It’s been glitz, glamour, and awards as North West MEC for Education Viola Motsumi was awarded for initiating school sports by the SAFA North West at a gala ceremony held Thursday, 28 September 2023.

In her acceptance speech, Motsumi acknowledged the work done by all stakeholders to bring the vision to pass.

“I wish to thank all stakeholders and vision bearers who embraced the vision to bring back school sports. We cannot sit and watch our children perish in illegal substances when we can also develop them outside classroom walls by nurturing their talents through school sports” echoed Motsumi.

Motsumi is open to engaging on further talks with SAFA North-West in establishing competitive leagues such as Sasol leagues in schools.

The gala event was graced by Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos, and SAFA North West president David Molwantwa among others to honour North West sportsmen and women for their tireless work in contributing to the sports fraternity.

Land claim issues should be treated as a matter of urgency.

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Deputy President, Paul Mashatile. Image: SAGOVNEWS

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has labelled the issue of land claims as sensitive and one that needs to be treated with the utmost urgency it deserves. 

The Deputy President was on Friday responding to questions in the National Assembly on progress achieved by government in resolving land claims, as part of the land reform programme.

Speaking to Members of Parliament (MPs), he said as of June this year, there were 5 407 outstanding old order claims instead of the 6 600, as indicated by a Parliamentarian, who had posed a question to the Deputy President.  

“There has been some movement now that is taking place,” he assured MPs. 

Meanwhile, the Deputy President said government has since adopted several interventions to support the acceleration of land reform programmes. 

This, according to Mashatile, includes the Expropriation Bill that is currently being considered by the National Council of Provinces. 

“The Land Court Amendment Bill, which includes provisions for communal land transfer, registration, title and appointment of a land rights enquirer, has been sent to the President for assent.” 

The bill, Mashatile explained, aims to regulate the administration and use of communal land by communities within the framework of the applicable laws, including spatial planning and land use management. 

The Deputy President noted the revision of the Property Valuation Act to provide for the precise scope of the Office of the Valuer-General and methodology to determine just and equitable compensation. 

In addition, the State is identifying land needs within cities and towns to inform the land reform programme, prioritising land needs for human settlements, and industrial, economic and urban agricultural development. 

This move, the Deputy President, aims to change spatial patterns and enhance socio-economic advancement. 

He told MPs that the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Land Reform and Agriculture will continue to review the best plausible options to improve the overall financing of the Backlog Reduction Strategy, as introduced by the Commission. 

The Deputy President believes that this will help to accelerate the settlement of old order claims so that government can resolve this matter within a reasonably shorter period.

‘No Positions for us please, we want to drive service delivery unhindered’ Action SA regarding Ekurhuleni

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According to Action SA, their senate met last week and deliberated on a variety of matters relating to their approach to multi-party coalitions, including the question of Ekurhuleni following the reinstatement of the Executive Mayor Tania Campbell

ActionSA has announced that it will not take up positions in the re-constituted Mayoral Committee being renegotiated by the multi-party coalition in Gauteng’s Ekurhuleni Metro.

The Party said it believes in the need to fight for better service delivery for all the residents of Ekurhuleni.

This requires us to give up executive positions and ensure we can fight unencumbered by positions that co-opt our support.

Michael Beaumont, Action SA National Chairperson

The Party has furthermore raised the issue of the state of service delivery in Ekurhuleni noting that its caucus there has raised several serious concerns about basic service delivery regressing in the Metro, most notably in terms of the reliability of refuse removal, electricity, and water supply.

According to the Party, these concerns were corroborated by a public poll of over 3000 residents of Ekurhuleni in which:

  • 62% of respondents felt the Metro was going in the wrong direction over the last year;
  • 82% felt service delivery had gotten worse (50%) or stayed the same (32%); and
  • 57% did not trust the coalition to continue governing.

The move by Action SA makes it the second party after the EFF, to donate votes in the coalition bloc that has kept the DA led administration in power in most metros.

Going forward ActionSA will form part of a voting bloc that will work to keep the ANC out of this Metro by defeating motions of no confidence and working to pass decisions that serve the service delivery needs of the residents of Ekurhuleni.

Moses Kotane Local Municipality and Stakeholders Partner for Grade 11 Career Exhibition

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Moses Kotane Local Municipality Leadership and Stakeholders during Grade 11 Career Exhibition Launch. Image: Reuben Rasetlola

Moses Kotane Local Municipality together with different stakeholders including Sun City resort, Department of Education, North West University, Department of Higher Education & Training, Northam Platinum mine, Pilanesburg Platinum mine, Anglo American mine , Northam Zondereinde Mine, Siyanda Bakgatla Platinum Mine, PPC Mine have partnered together for  Grade 11 Career Exhibition.

The exhibition scheduled to run the whole week from Monday 29 August to Friday 02 September 2022 is targeting 3954 Grade 11 Learners from all Secondary Schools within Moses Kotane Local Municipality.

Themed “Empowering Learners With Appropriate Career Choice” The exhibition will feature stalls and presentations from different organisations and tertiary institutions showcasing courses and careers available to learners post high school.


The exhibition will run from 8H00 to 15H00 daily and will be held at Sun City resort’s Sun Park Centre
According to Moses Kotane Local Municipality, the exhibition which was launched in the year 2021, seeks to promote education as one of the significant sustainable development components to be valued.


Speaking during the launch of the exhibition, Moses Kotane Local Municipality Mayor, Nketu Nkotswe thanked different stakeholders for being part of the exhibition initiative that would ultimately see learners having a brighter future.
“An event of this nature is very important because it gives students an opportunity to explore different careers.”

Hamilton Ndlovu and Co ordered to pay back R158 Million

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The Special Tribunal has ordered businessman Hamilton Ndlovu and his companies to pay back at least R158 million in monies gained from unlawful and irregular personal protective equipment (PPE) tenders. 

Ndlovu benefitted at least R172 million from some 19 National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) PPE tenders. 

Ndlovu’s properties and a trust account to the value of R42 million and a further R60 million in assets were already frozen last year, and will be handed over the State or sold to make up some of the R158 million. 

The specialised court handed down judgment on Tuesday afternoon following an application by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) and the NHLS to have those tenders set aside. 

In handing down the order, President of the Special Tribunal, Judge Lebogang Modiba, also instructed that Ndlovu be blacklisted from doing business with government. 

“Abuse of the public procurement system can only be effectively abated when the infracting parties are restricted from trading with the State. On the basis of the findings made against Hamilton Ndlovu [and] the companies he represents… the NHLS is urged to invoke section 15 of the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act and list these entities, their directors and shareholders on the database of restricted suppliers,” Modiba said. 

Ndlovu has also been ordered to pay the legal costs of the SIU and the NHLS. 

“The applicants should not be out of pocket as a result of the legal costs they incurred to preserve assets and to recover the losses to the State, as a result of the impugned transactions and payment. 

“Given the abuse of corporate entities, tender fronting and fraud that has taken place, a punitive costs order is warranted against Hamilton Ndlovu and the companies he represents. He masterminded the fraudulent procurement scheme and [channelled] funds deriving from the impugned payments through these companies,” Modiba said.

Special Investigating Unit (SIU) spokesperson, Kaizer Kganyago, said the corruption-busting unit welcomed the sentence, following an intense investigation into the allegations of corruption against Ndlovu. 

“[Ndlovu] was the controlling mind of all the front companies, and the direct and indirect beneficiary of the funds flowing to them from the payments made by the NHLS. 

“The links and interrelationships between the front companies and the fact that they were all controlled by Mr. Ndlovu were not disclosed to the NHLS. The companies operated jointly as part of an unlawful scheme directed by Mr. Ndlovu and under the pretence that they were independent entities. 

“Instead of operating at arm’s length and in competition with each other to supply PPE to the NHLS at the best available prices, the companies were a front whereby Mr. Ndlovu could obtain multiple contracts from the NHLS at excessive prices without revealing his involvement in each of them,” Kganyago said.