REMAINING FUGITIVE WHO ROBBED POLICE FIREARMS RE-ARRESTED

REMAINING FUGITIVE WHO ROBBED POLICE FIREARMS RE-ARRESTED

VAALBANK - A manhunt for the remaining fugitive, Sibusiso Ngcobo aged 26, who escaped from lawful custody in Vaalbank, yielded positive results as it led to his re-arrest. Ngcobo was busted at his hideout at Soshanguve near Pretoria, Gauteng on Friday, 27 March 2015.

The incident took place on 12 March 2015, at about 10:00, where Ngcobo and his co-accused, Kleinbooi Mohafe, 31, who was re-arrested two weeks ago, were appearing before the Mbibane Magistrate’s Court on charges of armed robbery. They were denied bail and therefore, had to be escorted back to the cells. It is reported that on their way back just before they reached the cell door, Mohafe is said to have grabbed a firearm belonging to a Warrant Officer and pointed it at him.

The thugs held the member hostage and in the meantime, the other police official, also a Warrant Officer, who had remained behind got worried that his colleague was not coming back, he then decided to go and investigate.

The same Mohafe pointed the second Warrant Officer with the firearm taken from his colleague and disarmed him as well. It is alleged that he ordered his accomplice, Ngcobo to shoot the two members, however Ngcobo refused and instead, advised Mohafe that they rather escape. They then used the same firearms to scare the people and escaped into the bushes.

The two state firearms were found during the arrest of the suspects and they will be sent for ballistic testing to determine whether were used in the commission of any crime.

Both fugitives appeared at the Mbibane Magistrate’s Court today, 30 March 2015, and were remanded in custody until 05 May 2015, for plea and legal representatives. 

KNP GATE QUOTAS IN FORCE DURING THE EASTER WEEKEND

KNP GATE QUOTAS IN FORCE DURING THE EASTER WEEKEND

Day Visitors to the Kruger National Park (KNP) are requested to take note of gate quotas when planning their visit, as these will strictly be enforced during the coming Easter Weekend which starts on Thursday, 2 April until Monday, 6 April 2015.

Visitors are advised to either arrive at the gate very early in the morning because the service is on a “first come first serve” basis or pre-book their entrance with central reservations office on 012 428 9111; to gain access.

Although operational throughout the year, the gate quotas are mostly reached during long weekends or public holidays. “We urge individuals planning to come to the park as day visitors to please make the necessary arrangement ahead of time in order to avoid unnecessary disappointment”, said the General Manager: Communications and Marketing in the KNP, William Mabasa.

Pre-booking for entrance comes with a non-refundable deposit of R36 per adult and R18 per child; which must be paid in advance. Day visitors with advanced bookings are expected to arrive at the booked gate and date before 13:00; after which the booking lapses. A pre-booking however does not exempt the day visitor from paying the normal conservation fees upon arrival at the gate but secures him/her entry.

All visitors are also reminded to bring along their identity documents (IDs) or alternative form of identity to avoid problems at the gates. Wild Cards cannot be used to identify one as legitimate holder and should be accompanied by some form of identity.

Mabasa also reminded Day Visitors not to bring liquor with them as the alcohol ban on public areas in the Park is a permanent rule which is enforced at all times; other Park rules must also be adhered to at all times whilst in the Park. Visitors can report any rules and regulations infringement which they witness to the Emergency Call Centre numbers 013 735 4325/013 735 0197 or 076 801 9679.

Day Visitors, who may not be able to gain entry because the quota shall have been reached, can if they wish, make use of the park and ride a facility which is available at some gates. The park and ride will cost visitors extra money but should be better than having to return home.

“We request visitors to plan their trip by observing gate opening and closing times so that they do not find themselves either speeding or arriving late at the camps/gates on their way in/out of the park. People must please read their permits which they receive at the gates because all the rules and regulations of the park are clearly stipulated in those documents”, concluded Mabasa.

KNP has 10 entrance gates i.e. Pafuri, Punda Maria, Phalaborwa, Giriyondo, Orpen, Paul Kruger, Phabeni, Numbi, Malelane and Crocodile Bridge.

SOUTH AFRICA WANTS TO EXPAND ITS PRODUCT FOOTPRINT IN RUSSIA

SOUTH AFRICA WANTS TO EXPAND ITS PRODUCT FOOTPRINT IN RUSSIA

The Ambassador of South Africa to Russia, Mr Mandisi Mpahlwa says South Africa wants to expand its product footprint in Russia. He was speaking at the business seminar held in the capital of Siberian region, Novosibirsk in Russia today.

The seminar, which was attended by both South African and Russian businesspeople in the sector of agriculture and food production which was part of the second leg of the Investment and Trade Initiative (ITI) currently underway in Russia.

According to Mpahlwa, this ITI, is the first to be held in the Novosibirsk and was surely the beginning of others to come.

“This trade mission is important because it is a culmination of the work that we have been doing to expand our footprint in the vast areas of the Russian Federation, because we understand that the future of Russia is in the regions,” he said.

Mpahlwa added that South Africa wanted to be part of the developments taking place in the regions and hence the initiative to bring businesses to Novosibirsk.

He assured potential buyers from Russia of the credibility of the companies that the dti had brought to the ITI. He told them that the selection process had ensured that their products were of good quality, that they had export experience and potential.

The Novosibirsk regional administration Minister of Industry, Trade and Entrepreneurship Mr Nikolay Simonov said South Africa was known to Russians as a well-developed economy which rated among the first in the world market. He highlighted that South Africa was known for having abundant agricultural products.

“We need additional supplies to expand and meet our goals and hope that the South African products will be competitive in the local market,” he added.

Novosibirsk, which is the logistics hub of the Siberian region has a population of about 2.8 million people and is recorded in the Guinness Book of records as the fastest growing city. It currently imports 5% of its food and agricultural products.

Bilateral trade between South Africa and Russia increased by over 46% in 2013. The increase was largely due to growth in imports from Russia which more than doubled to R3.6 billion caused by a sharp rise in major commodities that include minerals, chemicals and metal products.

Fresh fruits remained the most important export product for South Africa to Russia, and better harvest in early 2013 resulted in a 35% growth in value of exports. Another significant growth was experienced in exports of wine products which grew by 44% in 2013.

GOVERNMENT COMMITS TO FAST TRACKING THE DEVELOPMENT OF BLACK INDUSTRIALISTS

GOVERNMENT COMMITS TO FAST TRACKING THE DEVELOPMENT OF BLACK INDUSTRIALISTS

The Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies, has outlined government’s commitment to deracialise the economy through the accelerated development of Black Industrialists. He indicated that government has committed financial resources and support to expand and upscale support for Black Industrialists. The commitment was made during the two-day Black Industrialists Indaba held in Midrand from 25-26 March 2015.

The Indaba served as a consultative platform with key stakeholders on the Black Industrialists Development Programme led by the dti and championed by the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Mzwandile Masina. The Programme outlines key measures such as access to finance, access to markets, skills development, and standards, quality and productivity improvement to primarily support black manufacturing companies.   

Speaking at the closing session of the Indaba today, the Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies said the department would avail R1 billion in incentives support for the Programme.

Davies further indicated that the country’s path to economic prosperity should continue to be anchored on the twin imperatives of industrialization on the one hand, and economic inclusion of which the Black Industrialists Development Programme is an important pillar.

Commenting on the recommendations of the delegates to the Indaba, Davies indicated that the dti will study the recommendations and do its best to implement those that are within the jurisdiction of the department. On the second day of the Indaba, three commissions were set up, namely Access to Finance, Access to Markets and State Procurement, and Policy and Skills Development.

The recommendations from the commissions included the following:

§  A committee comprising government and the private sector and comprising experts be established to explore more ways and instruments to accelerate the implementation of the Black Industrialists Development Programme,

§  Review of the Preferential Public Procurement Act,

§  Setting up the black majority threshold at 75% for companies qualifying for the Programme,

§  Skills development should be at the centre of the Programme.

NOVOSIBIRSK REGION OPEN TO COOPERATE WITH SOUTH AFRICA

NOVOSIBIRSK REGION OPEN TO COOPERATE WITH SOUTH AFRICA

The administration of Novosibirsk within the Siberian region of Russia has shown interest in collaborating with South Africa in the area of importing food products into the region and the city.

Novosibirsk, which has a population of about 2.8 million people and is the logistics hub of the Siberian region, also has a diversified economy consisting of 6.7% agricultural produce and livestock. However it still has potential for import of agricultural products, meat and wines from South Africa.

According to the President of Novosibirsk Chamber of Commerce, Mr Viatcheslav Markelove consumption of fruit has grown in the area. The share of wines from South Africa has grown by 1.5% in nature and 1% in value.

“Because we are a logistics hub, transportation of goods in containers is possible. Currently there are goods being transported from Cape Town to St Petersburg and from Cape Town to Vladisvostock for instance,” he added.

He highlighted that cooperation in agriculture and food was important for Novosibirsk and South Africa.

The leader of the South African delegation Mr Yunus Hoosen said he was pleased with the reception received from the government in Novosibirsk.

“The government in Novosibirsk has shown a lot of interest in our products especially fruits, meat and wines. They demonstrated their excitement by organising appropriate businesses who are potential buyers to meet with our delegation and facilitate links,” said Hoosen.

He highlighted that government was working tirelessly to ensure that the labelling protocols are finalised to ensure that the South African businesses can start to export the products immediately to take advantage of opportunities in the market.

The Ambassador of South Africa to Russia, Mr Mandisi Mpahlwa and officials from the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) met with the Governor of  Novosibirsk region Mr Vladimir Gorodetsky and the Deputy Mayor of Novosibirsk Mr Andrey Ksendzov to discuss areas of cooperation with regards to South Africa and Novosibirsk

MEC DUMISILE NHLENGETHWA GIVES WARRING TAXI ASSOCIATIONS AT MBOMBELA TAXI RANK AN ULTIMATUM TO WORK TOGETHER OR FACE SUSPENSION OF TAXI OPERATIONS

MEC DUMISILE NHLENGETHWA GIVES WARRING TAXI ASSOCIATIONS AT MBOMBELA TAXI RANK AN ULTIMATUM TO WORK TOGETHER OR FACE SUSPENSION OF TAXI OPERATIONS

In a meeting held at Riverside Government Complex on the 30^th of March 2015, MEC Nhlengethwa told taxi associations operating in Mbombela Taxi Rank to work together or else face suspension of all taxi operation in and around Mbombela Municipality. This is after a taxi conflict that took place at Mbombela Taxi Rank yesterday morning (30^th of March 2015), wherein violence erupted and commuters were left stranded.

“You go back and work together in the Mbombela Taxi Rank or else I will suspend all taxi operations in the entire Mbombela area for 14 days. This means that there will be no minibus taxi that will be allowed to operate in the entire Mbombela Municipality whilst I have suspended the operations. I will advise commuters to use other modes of transport in the meantime, if you do not co-operate and work together.  Government takes strong exceptions to unlawful acts and will not hesitate to take actions to protect the rights of all citizens to move freely without intimidation. The Provincial Government express utmost regret and unconditionally apologize to all road users and commuters for the inconvenience caused by the disruptions,” she said.

After the meeting, taxi operators committed to go back and work together whilst engagements are proceeding. The meeting further resolved to open the Mbombela taxi rank after the temporal closure and all stakeholders are expected to work within the parameter of the law. Government will assess stability within the Mbombela Taxi Rank for the next two days and take further decision whether to suspend taxi operations in the entire Mbombela area or maintain the status quo.

The MEC has appointed a task team to look at all issues relating to routes and operating licences. The committee will start its work on the 1^st of April 2015 and table a report by the end of June 2015 to MEC Nhlengethwa. The Taxi rank management committee will continue with its operations of day to day management of the taxi rank. No illegal operation will be allowed to operate outside the Mbombela Taxi Rank. The MEC and the Executive Mayor are open to any dialogue with the taxi associations through the Mpumalanga Taxi Council

AGRO-PROCESSING AND AGRICULTURE ARE KEY FOR RADICAL ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION, MINISTER DAVIES

AGRO-PROCESSING AND AGRICULTURE ARE KEY FOR RADICAL ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION, MINISTER DAVIES

The reviving of agriculture and agro-processing value chain is key for the radical economic transformation. This was said by Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies at the Eat Well, Eat Safe, Eat Local campaign at Cofimvaba High School, in Cofimvaba village, Eastern Cape, earlier today.

“Much more value is created in agro processing than it is agriculture.  There are high quality jobs if we actually process the products that we produce. Agro-processing can exist and add value where there is agriculture. But agro-processing can also drive agriculture and create a market for farmers”.

Davies says that it is important that more of the food that we consume should be produced in the country as this will assist with growing jobs and the economy.

“The choice of buying locally produced products is for everyone, and it should be a priority. Right now, too much of the food that we consume in this country is not produced locally, it is produced somewhere else and imported” he added.

The Minister highlighted that there are different instruments that government is using to support the buy local campaign.

“We support infrastructure that can sustain agriculture, and we provide incentive programmes to support agro processing and aquaculture. We also use trade policy instruments.

Davies said in an attempt ensure that majority of people eat nutritious food, government has introduced regulations that will see to it that maize meal, is fortified.

"With the new regulations that we will be introducing, it will be a necessity for all manufacturers to reduce salt and sugar in processed foods". Not every product made in South Africa is healthy.

The event was hosted in partnership with the Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform, Chris Hani District Municipality and Ntsika Yethu Municipal Council.

Companies that showcased their products included Sunningdale, Summer Pride, Tiger Brands, Poultry Association of South Africa, Proudly SA, CSIR, Astral, and Sovereign Foods.

SUBMIT ALL ILLEGAL FIREARMS

SUBMIT ALL ILLEGAL FIREARMS

Nelspruit – New bloom sweeps clean. Those were the words by the Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General (Adv) Mark Dumisa Magadlela, on Wednesday 25 March 2015, clarifies the point regarding the handling of estate firearms.

Magadlela said the reason for this clarification is because many families are not conversant when it comes to estate firearms.

He said, “Firearms are dangerous hence one must possess a license to own one.” 

Lieutenant General Magadlela told media that the Firearms Control Act, Act 60 of 2000, Section 3 of the Act prohibits any person to possess a firearm without a license, permit or authorization issued under the Act.

“If a person found contravening this law, that particular person will be arrested and languish in jail for a maximum period of 15 years, hence we appeal to the society to surrender illegal firearms or report any person suspected of possessing an illegal firearm.” The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Magadlela said.

He said, a firearm becomes illegal when it falls into the hands of a person who does not possess a license, permit or authorization, appropriate to keep such a firearm(s).

Take note that when the owner of the firearm dies, only the person nominated as a heir of the deceased estate, will temporary be legally to possess the firearm for only safe keeping in a prescribed manner, such as the locking safe and ensuring the control of keys out of reach by other persons. 

Magadlela stresses that the heir of the estate of the deceased, must have an executorship or appointment letter issued by the Estate representative, or Clerk of the Court respectively.

“The family of the deceased must visit the Police Station in their precinct for advice on how to deal with such a firearm. Any person nominated to take over the ownership of the firearm, must within 30 days from the day the owner dies, start to apply for a competency certificate to possess a firearm.” Magadlela said.

“People must know that a competency certificate does not allow a person to carry a firearm, however, it is only a step for one to apply for a license to possess a firearm.

“Firearms are no more allowed to be taken to Police Stations for safe keeping, however, a permission to store a firearm can be granted to any person of your choice, who owns a firearm(s) for the safe-keeping on your behalf, or arrangements can be made with a Firearm Dealer for that purpose. Permission to store a firearm can be obtained from the Designated Firearm Officer at the nearest Police Station.” Magadlela said.

In terms of regulation 147 of the Firearms Control Act, Act 60 of 2000, a firearm belonging to a deceased person, can be disposed of in four different ways, only if the heir of the deceased estate is not interested in taking the ownership. Here are the options to dispose of such a firearm(s):

1.       Donate the firearm to the next person which he/she must apply for a license to possess such a firearm.

2.       Sell the firearm to the Dealer

3.       Surrender the firearm(s) to SAPS for destruction

4.       Apply for deactivation with SAPS

Magadlela said the heir can donate the firearm to the next person if is not interested in taking ownership of the firearm, then he/she can nominate or offer any other person whether family member or any other member in this case but such person must comply with the law.

Diasporas cry for social change

Diasporas cry for social change

Diasporas around the world are working to bring positive social change to their global communities.

These leaders harness the passion, energy, and resources of their peer Diasporas to convene, engage, and make impact in various sectors and regions.

One well-known challenge to this work is engaging the next generation of Diasporas, in particular millennials, in development. Millennials can be difficult for organizations to engage for a number of reasons, including the challenge of finding causes that appeal across generations and the need to adapt communications methods to better resonate with younger generations.

 In addition, many Millennials are a generation or more removed from their countries of heritage and have a less direct connection for diaspora organizations to build upon. Despite these challenges, effectively engaging millennials is something diaspora organizations need to consider and plan for.

During this webinar two diaspora groups who are successfully engaging the millennial generation. Group Echo Haiti and the Armenian National Committee of America will share their successes and lessons learned for engaging the next generation of Diasporas.

Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal provinces develop programme of action for partnership

Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal provinces develop programme of action for partnership

Both the provincial governments of Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal have developed the programme of action to be implemented in the partnership, which will be established to pursue seamless integrated development and sustainable livelihoods in order to benefit the citizens of both provinces.

The programme of action was finalized in Mbombela at a two-day interprovincial forum, which ended yesterday [Tuesday, 24 March 2015] and the premiers of both provinces are expected to sign the memorandum of understanding towards the end of April.

The partnership will integrate the people of KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga to ensure that sustained development in its totality is founded on the African Agenda, which promotes unity of people in all walks of life. The partnerships emanates from both premiers who have expressed an intention of establishing closer working relations in a form of an Interprovincial Forum, which will be a consultative structure to facilitate information sharing, co-operation and planning on matters of mutual interest.

As a consultative intergovernmental structure, the Interprovincial Forum will however have no power or authority to take binding decisions, but may propose and submit recommendations to the respective provincial executive councils for consideration and resolution.

Again the intergovernmental structure’s focus will be to foster cooperation and facilities alignment, co-ordination and integration of planning and service delivery initiatives between the two participating provinces.

The initial focus of the Interprovincial Forum will be on but not restricted to matters related to enhancing co-operation on the promotion of trade and production of commodities, in an endeavor to maximize economies of scale in the development of product and produce, and securing export markets, as well as alignment of strategic development corridors.

There will be a specific focus on collaboration with agricultural production and agri-processing opportunities, conservation and tourism aimed at promoting cross boundary and sub-regional conservation and tourism opportunities and creating opportunities for marketing and promotion of local tourism ventures and events, as well as promoting cross boundary tourism routes.

The partnership will further deal with passenger, freight transport logistics and infrastructure in an endeavour to enhance the movement of people, goods and services between the two provinces and to align long term infrastructure planning and intermodal facilities.

Speaking during the workshop, Mpumalanga Director-General Dr Nonhlanhla Mkhize said they were happy that as officials they had been able to prioritize key programmes for implementation between the two provinces

Dr Mkhize said they however still needed to strengthen areas around research especially that Mpumalanga now had a new university.

“This was not just a talk show. There is a practical programme of action ahead of us to implement. We will not let it gather dust while we continue in our normal and routine work in our respective provinces.

“Indeed this is a journey. Our destination is clear before us, we know where we are going as the two provinces. Our programme of action is not cast in stone but it should respond to the discoveries we make as we advance a better life for the people of Mpumalanga and KZN,” said Dr Mkhize.

On the other hand, KwaZulu-Natal Director-General Nhlanhla Ngidi said the success of the partnership between the two provinces depended on implementation by government officials as the two premiers were simply the champions.

“We want the people of this country to continue to have confidence in this government which brought freedom. As we assist our premiers, we should ensure that the partnership between the two provinces becomes a living legacy, that during our time this government considered issues of service delivery regardless of the boundaries,” said Mr Ngidi.

The two provinces are expected to share the best practices on many streams ranging from issues related to cross boundary communities, demarcation issues, HIV and AIDS, issues of clean audit for municipalities, matters relevant to taxi associations, stock and vehicle theft amongst others once the memorandum of understanding has been signed by the two premiers.

In April last year [2014] both provinces led by their respective premiers held a community Imbizo in Mkhondo Municipality and announced the formal working relations in order to allow people from both side to have access to medical services, old age grants and schools irrespective of the provincial boundaries.

SOUTH AFRICA WANTS TO EXPAND ITS PRODUCT FOOTPRINT IN RUSSIA

SOUTH AFRICA WANTS TO EXPAND ITS PRODUCT FOOTPRINT IN RUSSIA

The Ambassador of South Africa to Russia, Mr Mandisi Mpahlwa says South Africa wants to expand its product footprint in Russia. He was speaking at the business seminar held in the capital of Siberian region, Novosibirsk in Russia today.

The seminar, which was attended by both South African and Russian business people in the sector of agriculture and food production which was part of the second leg of the Investment and Trade Initiative (ITI) currently underway in Russia.

According to Mpahlwa, this ITI, is the first to be held in the Novosibirsk and was surely the beginning of others to come.

“This trade mission is important because it is a culmination of the work that we have been doing to expand our footprint in the vast areas of the Russian Federation, because we understand that the future of Russia is in the regions,” he said.

Mpahlwa added that South Africa wanted to be part of the developments taking place in the regions and hence the initiative to bring businesses to Novosibirsk.

He assured potential buyers from Russia of the credibility of the companies that the dti had brought to the ITI. He told them that the selection process had ensured that their products were of good quality, that they had export experience and potential.

The Novosibirsk regional administration Minister of Industry, Trade and Entrepreneurship Mr Nikolay Simonov said South Africa was known to Russians as a well-developed economy which rated among the first in the world market. He highlighted that South Africa was known for having abundant agricultural products.

“We need additional supplies to expand and meet our goals and hope that the South African products will be competitive in the local market,” he added.

Novosibirsk, which is the logistics hub of the Siberian region has a population of about 2.8 million people and is recorded in the Guinness Book of records as the fastest growing city. It currently imports 5% of its food and agricultural products.

South Africa and Russia’s bilateral trade increased by over 46% in 2013. The increase was largely due to growth in imports from Russia which more than doubled to R3.6 billion caused by a sharp rise in major commodities that include minerals, chemicals and metal products.

Fresh fruits remained the most important export product for South Africa to Russia, and better harvest in early 2013 resulted in a 35% growth in value of exports. Another significant growth was experienced in exports of wine products which grew by 44% in 2013.

GOVERNMENT COMMITS TO FAST TRACKING THE DEVELOPMENT OF BLACK INDUSTRIALISTS

GOVERNMENT COMMITS TO FAST TRACKING THE DEVELOPMENT OF BLACK INDUSTRIALISTS

The Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies, has outlined government’s commitment to deracialise the economy through the accelerated development of Black Industrialists. He indicated that government has committed financial resources and support to expand and upscale support for Black Industrialists. The commitment was made during the two-day Black Industrialists Indaba held in Midrand from 25-26 March 2015.

The Indaba served as a consultative platform with key stakeholders on the Black Industrialists Development Programme led by the dti and championed by the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Mzwandile Masina. The Programme outlines key measures such as access to finance, access to markets, skills development, and standards, quality and productivity improvement to primarily support black manufacturing companies.   

Speaking at the closing session of the Indaba today, the Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies said the department would avail R1 billion in incentives support for the Programme.

Davies further indicated that the country’s path to economic prosperity should continue to be anchored on the twin imperatives of industrialization on the one hand, and economic inclusion of which the Black Industrialists Development Programme is an important pillar.

Commenting on the recommendations of the delegates to the Indaba, Davies indicated that the dti will study the recommendations and do its best to implement those that are within the jurisdiction of the department. On the second day of the Indaba, three commissions were set up, namely Access to Finance, Access to Markets and State Procurement, and Policy and Skills Development.

The recommendations from the commissions included the following:

§  A committee comprising government and the private sector and comprising experts be established to explore more ways and instruments to accelerate the implementation of the Black Industrialists Development Programme,

§  Review of the Preferential Public Procurement Act,

§  Setting up the black majority threshold at 75% for companies qualifying for the Programme,

§  Skillsdevelopment should be at the Centre of the Programme.