Daily Archives: October 30, 2024

Portfolio Committee unable to act on Thabo Bester’s escape report

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Picture: Rapist and murderer, Thabo Bester

By BAKANG MOKOTO

30 October 2024– The Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services received a legal opinion on the Public Protector’s (PP) report on the escape of Thabo Bester from Mangaung Correctional Centre (MCC). The committee is unable to act on the report due to pending legal action.

The Chairperson of Portfolio Committee, Kgomotso Anthea Ramolobeng said, however, it has indicated its consideration of continuing with the hearing of the escape of Bester matter that was started by the Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services of the 6th Parliament.

Ramolobeng said the committee requested Parliament’s Constitutional and Legal Services Office to advise it on how to process the report of the PP on the “Investigation into allegations of improper conduct by the functionaries of the Department of Correctional Services relating to the escape of Bester from MCC and allegations of undue delay and/or omission by the Former Deputy Minister of Correctional Services to Intervene regarding the incident.

“The committee heard that this request for the legal opinion is made in light of a pending litigation between the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) and G4S, a security company subcontracted by Bloemfontein Correctional Contracts (Pty) LTD to run the Mangaung Correctional Centre.

“The PP’s remedial action includes that the Minister of Correctional Services must take note of the findings of improper conduct against the DCS functionaries as highlighted in the Report, in connection with the allegation that there was undue delay by implicated officials of the DCS,” she said.

Ramolobeng further said the National Commissioner of Correctional Services must within 90 calendar days from the date of receipt of the report, develop an appropriate DCS’ Escape Prevention Strategy and Guidelines for the Mangaung Correctional Centre facility indicating monitoring mechanisms, proper systems to be put in place directing how the functionaries of the DCS and Contractors must effectively prevent and manage escapes of inmates within MCC including all other correctional facilities.

She added that the Commissioner must within 120 days from the date of receipt of the report ensure that the DCS has a documented guideline, which communicates how Anonymous Anti-Corruption Reports from the centralised Office of the Public Service Commission’s Hotline and other sources will be attended to by DCS in line with the purpose and the objects of the Protected Disclosures Act, 2000 and other relevant prescripts.

Ramolobeng said in relation to the Speaker, the PP directed that the Speaker must within 30) days of receipt of the report bring to the attention of the Chairperson of the Committee to take cognisance thereof.

“The committee largely agrees with the legal opinion that its overarching constitutional mandate is to ensure accountability and exercise of oversight functions over the DCS, and the court case does not prohibit the committee from fulfilling that constitutional mandate.

“The committee further resolved to write to the Speaker to request permission to gather all the information and documents gathered by the research team during the two-day hearing held last year by the 6th Parliament on the matter,” said Ramolobeng.

She said they will then get an idea of whether the information requested then was supplied. Ramolobeng said they did receive all the documentation.

“That two-day inquiry was raised in the meeting, and some feel we must continue with it from where the 6th Parliament ended off. We need to then decide what aspects we look at in order not to repeat the work done.

“The committee also took a decision to call the DSC to account and she indicated progress on the remedial action. We must ensure that the department complies with the remedial actions,” said Ramolobeng.

She said they want timelines of what was submitted already to the PP and what is still outstanding. Ramolobeng said most importantly, they want to know why they delayed in reporting the escape as highlighted by the PP.

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North West host stakeholder engagement to advance global biodiversity agenda

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Picture: The North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation, and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane/Supplied

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

30 October 2024- The North West MEC for Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation, and Tourism (DEDECT), Bitsa Lenkopane led a two-day Biodiversity Sector Stakeholder Engagement at Sun City in Rustenburg. The engagement marked a significant milestone in the 7th administration’s first 100 days in office, highlighting a strong commitment to sustainable development through biodiversity initiatives.

In her address, Lenkopane emphasized the critical role of biodiversity conservation in securing both the economic future and environmental sustainability of the province. She also highlighted the importance of preserving the province’s unique ecosystems from the lush bushveld savannas to the red sands of the Kalahari thorn-veld, positioning the province as a key destination for ecotourism.

“I am grateful to see such a strong turnout, reflecting our shared dedication to environmental stewardship. These gatherings aim to unlock economic opportunities that will bring meaningful change to our communities.

“We would like to applaud the departmental management and the entities for their commitment to this vision. The economic potential of wildlife ranching, a thriving industry since the 1960s, now worth billions of rands. With over 1,200 game farms and two UNESCO-designated biospheres the Magaliesberg and Marico, the North West province is primed to attract local and international investment, create jobs, and build sustainable industries,” said Lenkopane.

She further stressed the need for a regulatory framework to support growth while safeguarding natural resources. Lenkopane added that the key to the progress announced at the engagement is adoption of the Biodiversity Framework aimed at ensuring that biodiversity is valued, conserved, restored and wisely.

“We need to recognise that human and ecosystem sustainability requires a global target of 30% of land and sea being placed under protection by 2030.

“This working framework balances conservation with economic growth by expanding protected areas and fostering investment in biodiversity-based enterprises,” she said.

Lenkopane said the provincial government’s dedication to biodiversity is further reinforced through proposed regulatory reforms, including the North West Biodiversity Bill, aimed at creating a more supportive environment for biodiversity businesses.

                                                                                      She said this event highlights the significant role the biodiversity economy can play in tackling the socioeconomic challenges of unemployment, poverty, and inequality.

“We are strategically positioning the biodiversity sector to respond to these needs and provide sustainable, local economic benefits.     

“We also discussed the expanding market for game meat production, community-owned enterprises, and bioprospecting opportunities, all of which contribute to rural economies and support local industries,” said Lenkopane.

She said the discussions addressed the advancement of the biodiversity economy through initiatives like ecotourism development, commercialization of biodiversity assets, and sustainable harvesting of medicinal plants. Lenkopane said this aligns with the province’s commitment to transforming biodiversity into a catalyst for job creation, poverty alleviation, and economic inclusion.

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SPAR Proteas target clean sweep against Malawi

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Picture: The captains and coaches of South Africa and Malawi with the 2024 SPAR Challenge trophy at the pre-tournament press conference held at the Garden Court Eastgate hotel in Johannesburg on Tuesday/Supplied 

By REGINALD KANYANE

30 October 2024- New SPAR Proteas netball captain Khanyisa Chawane said her side are targeting a clean sweep in the Three-Test SPAR Challenge against Malawi in the City of Johannesburg starting this week. Speaking ahead of the first match on 31 October at the Ellis Park Arena, Chawane said their expectation is to win all three Test matches.

“We should win them convincingly because of the type of work we have put in and the type of players we have. We’ve got eight players who were at the Netball World Cup and Malawi have four, so we have much of an advantage and we want to make sure we use that.

“I’m very excited but above all, it’s a privilege and an honour to be in this position. Our team is full of leaders and having to be the leader of leaders is a great position to be in and I’m looking forward to going out with the girls and playing some good netball,” she said.

Chawane further said the Proteas will be taking to the court for the first time since December last year, and the excitement is high. She added that, if one looks at 2024, they have not been together as a team so this is really great for them.

“In training, we have been looking good and we’re really looking forward to it,” said Chawane.

While she was appointed at the start of the year, this will also be new SPAR Proteas head coach Jenny van Dyk’s first series in charge of the side.

The highly regarded coach admitted the pressure is on, but she is relishing the prospect of finally getting her tenure underway, echoing Chawane’s sentiments regarding a 3-0 series sweep.

“I definitely feel pressure. It’s been a long time and behind the scenes, we have worked hard. We are wanting to push for a 3-0 win. At the end of the day, that’s what we need to deliver.

“We know what our goals are and we know where we’re going towards, but it’s still breaking it down quarter to quarter and ball for ball and ticking all those small boxes and making sure we have all that in place in order for us to get that end result,” said Van Dyk.

The SPAR Proteas are currently ranked fifth in the world and Malawi are seventh.

Malawi coach Joanna Kachilika pointed out her side have been rebuilding with a focus on the 2026 Commonwealth Games, with only four players remaining from the squad that played at last year’s Netball World Cup in Cape Town.

“We need to prove that we are still the Malawi Queens, the African queens but we know it won’t be easy, it will be tough,” said Kachilika.

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A call for NA to probe provision of free sanitary pads  

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By REGINALD KANYANE

30 October 2024– The Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities considered a petition from #TeamFreeSanitaryPads calling on the National Assembly (NA) to investigate the provision of free sanitary pads and menstrual health.

Civil society organisation #TeamFreeSanitaryPads briefed the committee on the various things contributing to the unsuccessful implementation of the Sanitary Dignity Programme (SDP).

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee, Liezl van der Merwe said challenges include insufficient funding, delays in procurement, quality concerns over sanitary products, and fragmented coordination between government departments. Van der Merwe said the committee told the Department of Women, Youth

and Persons with Disabilities that is unhappy about the department’s persistent failure to implement the SDP.

“We have expressed deep concern over the lack of progress. It is unacceptable that we still have young girls missing school and women unable to access their basic dignity due to period poverty. This is a violation of their human rights that we can no longer tolerate.

“The committee acknowledges the valuable work being done by civil society, but we cannot rely on their efforts alone. The government has a constitutional and moral obligation to ensure the dignity and rights of all young girls are upheld, and we will use our oversight role to hold the department accountable,” she said.

Van der Merwe further said some of the key issues raised and discussed during the engagement include the initial request for R400 million in funding for the programme, which was only allocated R157 million in the first year. She added that the committee noted with concern the underfunding of the mandate.

“The committee also heard of the delays and challenges with procurement processes in some provinces, with the Free State province not distributing a single sanitary pad since the 2021/22 financial year.

“The committee also expressed concern about the quality and safety of some sanitary products being distributed, while some committee members called for stronger regulation and oversight from bodies such as the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority, for example,” said Van der Merwe.

She proposed an inquiry into the Sanitary Dignity Programme to better understand the implementation challenges and to develop concrete recommendations to strengthen the programme.

“We will use every tool at our disposal to ensure this programme delivers on its promise,” said Van der Merwe.

Meanwhile, #TeamFreeSanitaryPads said that South Africa’s young girls and women need a menstrual health rights bill and law. Nokuzola Ndwandwe from #TeamFreeSanitaryPads emphasised that, rather than relying on the existing policy framework, legislation is critical to protect menstrual health.

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The R1,4 billion Eskom corruption case against Lomas transferred to high court

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Picture: One of the accused persons, Michael Harry Lomas duirng court proceeding/Supplied

By BAKANG MOKOTO

30 October 2024- The Palm Ridge Regional Court transferred the corruption case against Michael Harry Lomas to the Johannesburg High Court, where he will appear on 3 December 2024.

The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) spokesperson, Henry Mamothame said Lomas will be joined with 11 others, that include Eskom’s senior executives and Tibular Construction Projects directors, wherein they are facing 65 counts of corruption linked to the R1,4 billion that was meant for the upgrade of Eskom’s Kusile Power Station in Mpumalanga between 2014 and 2017. 

“He will remain in custody as he did not make any formal bail application,” he said.

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Banyana Banyana give England a run for their money

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Picture: Banyana Banyana players during a match against England/Supplied  

By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI

30 October 2024– Banyana Banyana lost their away international friendly match against England 1-2 in Coventry, UK, on Tuesday night, but the African Champions displayed tons of character and even won the admiration of the home supporters after a brave performance.

More than 24 000 fans filled the Coventry Building Society Arena and they cheered with excitement as both teams played some great football, creating several chances throughout the match. England went into the halftime break leading 0-2 after Leah Williamson scored the opening goal of the match in the 12th minute.

The Sasol-sponsored South African Senior Women’s National Team conceded the second goal 10 minutes later when Grace Clinton headed the ball past goalkeeper Kaylin Swart. The reigning African champions made a double substitution at halftime that saw goalkeeper Andile Dlamini come on to replace Kaylin Swart.

In another substitution, Sinoxolo Cesane came off for Kholoso Biyana to give more defence and steel in midfield. Hilda Magaia and Thembi Kgatlana combined extremely well up front to give England a few problems.

The visitors finally got the breakthrough in the 72nd minute when Kgatlana collected a loose ball and went straight for goal to pull one back for coach Desiree Ellis’ charges.

“There were a lot of things we didn’t do well in the match against Denmark that we rectified against England. We were well organized in defence and believe that we created a lot of chances.

“This match could have gone either way and we are extremely proud of our players because they matched England. We are preparing for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in 2025 and are on the right track,” she said.

Ellis further said, they have areas to work on and they are doing so by playing matches such as these two against England and Denmark. She added that Banyana Banyana will make their way back to South Africa on Wednesday night and will regroup during the next FIFA window next month.

“They will then travel to Jamaica to play two international friendly matches against the Reggae Girlz on 29 November and 2 December 2024,” said Ellis.

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Two men who were arrested for murder remanded in custody

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By REGINALD KANYANE

30 October 2024- Two men who were arrested for murder and defeating the ends of justice, remanded in custody until 4 November 2024, for formal bail application. Bonginkosi Gift Ndaba (31) and Sithembiso Asha Zwane (39), briefly appeared before the Brits Magistrate’s Court on 28 October 2024.

The North West police spokesperson, Colonel Adele Myburgh said the pair was arrested following the discovery of a lifeless body of a man, Innocent Mandla Dlamini (41), under the bridge along the Lanseria road in Broederstroom, near Hartbeespoortdam on 22 October 2024. Myburgh said according to reports, the police responded and found Dlamini’s body after being summoned to the scene.

“His identity card was found inside his pocket and this helped police in identifying him. As a result, detectives followed up and found family members, who positively identified the body.

“Spearheaded by Hartbeespoortdam detectives in collaboration with K9 Unit and Visible Policing members, Ndaba and Zwane were traced and arrested on 22 October 2024,” she said.

Myburgh further said it is alleged that Dlamini was assaulted in the early hours of Sunday morning, 21 October 2024, following a quarrel that ensued between him and the accused. She added that Ndaba, accompanied by Zwane, who was driving a Toyota Quantum, allegedly ran over Dlamini on the street in Klipfontein, Chloorkop.

“The pair then loaded Dlamini’s body into the vehicle and ultimately dumped it under the bridge on Lanseria road at Broederstroom. Following the court appearance, both men were remanded in custody until 4 November 2024, for their bail application,” said Myburgh.

Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, thanked the police for their tireless efforts that resulted in the arrest of the suspects to answer for their deeds.

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