Latest news with #PortfolioCommittee
Zawya
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
South Africa: Police Chairperson Welcomes Service Interventions, Especially Adoption of Technology and Capacitation of Detectives
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Mr Ian Cameron, welcomes the service enhancement initiatives announced by the Minister of Police, Mr Senzo Mchunu, and the National Commissioner. Many of the interventions announced can create the necessary ripple effect needed to combat crime. The capacitation of both the detectives and crime intelligence units, albeit still far from the capacity needed, is a welcomed intervention as it will ensure that crime is prevented before it happens and is effectively investigated once it has occurred. 'Since the establishment of the 7th Parliament, the committee has been at pains to highlight the severe shortages within these critical components. While the 4 000 new detectives and 300 new intelligence operatives is welcomed, the number must be increased over time,' Mr Cameron said. Furthermore, the prioritisation of the 30 high-contact crime police stations (stations that experience high levels of contact crimes, such as murder, attempted murder, rape, GBVF and assault cases in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape and the Eastern Cape) is also a welcome intervention. The committee has always called for an increased focus on the top 30 stations because a reduction in crime rate in those stations will improve the national picture. The 10111 call centre is a lifeline for victims of crime and the challenges facing the centre has been a major point of concern for the committee. The recruitment of 575 call centre operators will ensure that the system functions optimally for 24 hour, seven days a week. A system without a functional means of communication between the South African Police Service and the people is bound to expose the victims and the Chairperson highlighted his hope that the new recruits will positively contribute to enhancing this intervention. Similarly, the Chairperson welcomed the intention by the SAPS to augment the technological capabilities within the centre to ensure that response times are improved. Furthermore, the prioritisation of budgets for vehicles must be welcomed in the context that it will ensure stations are able to respond timeously to incidents of crime and improve police visibility. 'On a daily basis we encounter members of the community with the same complaint that when they approach the SAPS they are informed of lack of vehicles to respond to incidents of crime. The decision to prioritise police stations and police visibility units will ensure the necessary visibility to prevent crimes,' Mr Cameron emphasised. The welfare of committed SAPS members has also been a priority area for the committee. The new measures announced by the National Commissioner, from scarce skills allowance to rank progression, will serve as a necessary incentive for the SAPS to continue serving this great country. The high police-to-population ration was also a concern for the committee, and the recruitment of a further 5 500 officers will assist in reducing the ratio. It is important that there are enough and well-trained officers proportional to the population growth. The committee has always maintained that crime is not only a police issue but requires a society-wide approach to combat. In line with this, the partnership with Business Against Crime South Africa to enhance technological interventions in crime fighting must be encouraged. As the SAPS look for ways to integrate and optimise their existing technologies, the Chairperson has urged them to engage the private sector so as to widen the scope for more solutions. The Chairperson noted the splitting of the Visible Policing Division into Visible Policing and Operational Response Services. Also, the splitting of Detective Services and Forensic Services. The promised operational effectiveness will be monitored over time, but the Chairperson has urged that the split should not be cosmetic but geared to deliver enhanced services. The additional capacity for the Forensic Science Laboratory must also be commended in the context of the importance of scientific evidence in convicting criminals. Meanwhile, the committee has always called for effective consequence management against rogue police officers who are inclined to participate in criminal activity. 'We welcome the dismissal of 392 criminals dressed in police uniform. Effective consequence management is needed to ensure that anyone that is inclined to act in contravention of the law must be surgically removed from the service,' Mr Cameron emphasised. In line with this call, the Chairperson called on the SAPS management to ensure effective consequence management against Major-General Philani Lushaba who was arrested this morning. 'The arrest of Major General Lushaba highlights the need for fit-for-purpose police officer at all levels. While the criminal case continues, the SAPS internal disciplinary process must kick in with urgency,' Mr Cameron concluded. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
The South African
13-06-2025
- Politics
- The South African
Eastern Cape floods: 21 bodies identified
Out of the 78 bodies discovered following the Eastern Cape floods, only 21 have been identified. Numerous people were also left displaced as flood waters washed away houses and destroyed road infrastructure in the province. Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa addressed the media yesterday. He said many of the victims' relatives lost their identity documents during the flood. As a result, they are unable to visit mortuaries to identify bodies without proof of identity. Meanwhile, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on GOGTA, Dr Zweli Mkhize, expressed sadness following the severe flooding. Dr Mkhize calls for assistance from all those who can help the families affected by the Eastern Cape flood. 'We note its catastrophic consequences with broken hearts. We are with you in this very difficult and heavy time of loss of the loved ones. May their souls rest in eternal peace.' said Dr Mkhize President Cyril Ramaphosa is also expected to visit the affected areas in the Eastern Cape, on Friday morning. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news
Zawya
13-06-2025
- Climate
- Zawya
Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) Committee Chairperson Calls for Assistance for Flood Victims in Eastern Cape and KZN
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Dr Zweli Mkhize, has noted with sadness the severe flooding that has left 49 people dead so far and others without homes as flood waters washed away houses and destroyed road infrastructure in the Eastern Cape. According to media reports, the disruptive rains, strong winds and snowfall that have hit the province hard started on Monday. Schooling has been suspended in the affected areas and some 58 schools have been damaged in the OR Tambo coastal area, Amathole East and Alfred Nzo West, the most affected areas in the province. The bodies of four children, a driver and a conductor who were on a bus that was carried away in flood waters as it was crossing a bridge near Mthatha on Tuesday morning are among those that have been recovered. Dr Mkhize said the committee calls for assistance from all those who are able to assist the families affected by floods in the Eastern Cape, particularly in the worst affected districts. Dr Mkhize said disasters of this nature are not new, they come and go, even this one is certainly going to pass. 'We note its catastrophic consequences with broken hearts, however,' emphasised Dr Mkhize. He said the committee extends its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and relatives of those who passed away as a result of the floods. 'We are with you in this very difficult and heavy time of loss of the loved ones. May their souls rest in eternal peace.' As floods continue, according to media reports, the number of victims may rise. KwaZulu-Natal also experienced flooding and at least 68 schools across nine districts in KZN have been damaged, although no fatalities have been recorded according to media reports. The committee has noted reports of injuries arising from damage to houses and other infrastructure in parts of KZN in the past few days as a result of adverse weather conditions. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
Zawya
13-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Committee on Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Adopts Budget Vote Reports
The Portfolio Committee on Planning Monitoring and Evaluation adopted its budget vote for the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME), Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), and Brand South Africa for the 2025/26 financial year. The Chairperson of the committee, Ms Teliswa Mgweba, said the committee focussed on the alignment of the budgets with the government's strategic priorities as outlined in the State of the Nation Address and the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP) 2024-2029. The DPME has been allocated R509.1 million for the 2025/26 financial year. The budget supports five key outcomes, including improved governance, better utilisation of evidence in decision-making and increased stakeholder engagement. Ms Mgweba said the committee is concerned about the absence of a legislative framework clearly defining the DPME's mandate. The committee urged the department to develop this framework to clarify its functions and improve intergovernmental relations. Furthermore, the committee highlighted the need for a robust oversight model to ensure compliance among national departments. The DPME must establish clear criteria for assessing the viability of action plans submitted by other departments. In the case of STATS SA, the department has been allocated a budget of R2.77 billion for the 2025/26 financial year. The department aims to protect the quality of statistical information, implement a continuous population survey and modernise its business operating model. The committee recognises the importance of leveraging technology and alternative data sources to enhance statistical outputs. The committee expressed its discomfort with the high vacancy rate within Stats SA which is a challenge. The committee calls for a strategic plan to address staffing needs to ensure inclusivity and representation of individuals with disabilities and women. Furthermore, the committee is concerned about the adequacy of data collection methods and emphasised the need for improved accuracy and granularity in the data produced, particularly concerning marginalised groups. Brand South Africa has been allocated a budget of R235.2 million for the 2025/26 financial year. This budget is vital for managing South Africa's national brand and improving the country's global reputation. The committee has emphasised the need for collaboration with public and private sectors to ensure a unified message about South Africa's identity and values. The implementation of a digital transformation strategy is crucial for enhancing data-driven decision-making and operational efficiencies. The committee encourages Brand South Africa to leverage research and analytics to inform communication strategies. The committee will continue to monitor the implementation of these budgets closely and engage with relevant stakeholders to ensure alignment with national priorities. The three reports were adopted with recommendations and amendments. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
Zawya
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Basic Education Committee Chairperson Deeply Saddened by Eastern Cape Floods, Express Condolences
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education, Ms Joy Maimela, has expressed her profound sadness and concern following the devastating floods in the Eastern Cape province, which have led to significant loss of life, displacement and widespread damage to infrastructure, including critical school facilities and scholar transport. The committee is particularly heartbroken by the tragic incident in which a scholar transport minibus, carrying learners, was swept away by raging floodwaters near Mthatha. 'We extend our deepest condolences to the families and communities who have lost their loved ones in this unimaginable tragedy. Our thoughts are with those who are still searching for missing children and adults,' said Ms Maimela. 'This is a national tragedy that has deeply impacted our education sector. The reports of learners being caught in these devastating floods underscore the urgent need for robust disaster preparedness and response mechanisms, particularly as they relate to the safety and wellbeing of our children. This disruption to schooling, coupled with the tragic loss of life, presents an immense challenge to the provincial education system.' Ms Maimela said the committee calls on the authorities to prioritise search and rescue operations and to ensure all available resources are deployed to continue the search for missing individuals, to provide psycho-social support to learners, educators and families impacted by this disaster and to assess and repair school infrastructure to minimise disruption to learning. On Tuesday, a 22-seater scholar transport minibus was swept off the R61, carrying 13 learners, two other passengers and the driver. Search and rescue operation are ongoing and several learners are still unaccounted for. 'We pray with you that our young learners and all those impacted by the floods will be found safe and sound. Furthermore, we call on all to take extra precautions with our precious cargo during this rainy season,' emphasised Ms Maimela. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
