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Vol. 10 Issue #16: 17-24 November 2023
Initiative to combat alien plants launched in Lesedi Government has launched a five-year programme worth R2.67 billion to implement the Working for Water Programme, which aims to eradicate invasive alien plants in communities. Addressing the launch of the Gauteng Working for Water Environmental Programme in Heidelberg, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Barbara Creecy said over the next five years the department aims to create 38 839 work opportunities every year primarily in rural communities. "Biological invasions by alien plants is a major threat to biodiversity and ecosystem services, water resources and sustainable livelihoods. Invasive species exacerbate floods, droughts and wildfires, and have negative impacts for the forestry and agriculture sectors. “In short, biological invasions will exacerbate the effects of context of climate change and the extreme weather events associated with global warming. It is for this reason our department is happy today to announce this five-year programme to combat alien species and the damage they do to our land, wetlands and rivers,” Creecy said on Friday. The South African National Biodiversity Institute’s (SANBI) 2019 Report on Biological Invasions details the impact of invasive species on South Africa’s biodiversity and economy.
Invasive trees use 3-5% of South Africa’s runoff water every year, which is a significant loss for a water-scarce country.
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R50,000 reward to get serial rapist
"Many species of invasive plants are also less drought-resistant than indigenous ones and pose a greater fire risk. By displacing indigenous species and creating single species plantations, alien invasive also undermine our country’s rich biodiversity, which in turn negatively impacts our tourism potential. “Invasive species also interfere in natural processes that can help mitigate the effects of natural disasters through the provision of ecosystem services, examples being the role estuaries, wetlands and indigenous forests play during natural disasters such as cyclones and floods. “Thus, by clearing waterways and managing the spread of invasive species we are restoring natural habitats and simultaneously restoring ecosystem services that will assist us in the fight against the effects of climate change,” the Minister said. To ensure sustainable clearing of alien species on a regular basis as well as sustained public employment, the department has made its contracting over a longer five-year period, as opposed to short-term contracts in the previous cycle. STORY CONTINUES ON PAGE 3
5 Heatwave sets new records + health tips
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Vol. 10 Issue #16: 17 - 24 Nov 2023
R50,000 reward for leads towards capture of Serial Rapist Police in Gauteng are offering a substantial cash reward of R50,000 for crucial information that could lead to the arrest and successful conviction of a man linked to a staggering forty-two cases of rape. The suspect, believed to be in his late thirties, is currently on the loose, terrorizing neighborhoods primarily in Orlando and Diepkloof, Soweto. His modus operandi involves accosting victims, demanding money and cellphones, and
then committing sexual assault. The armed suspect targets victims in various settings, including streets, homes, shops, and entertainment areas, coercing them into secluded places.
sources to track down the suspect. Police are also seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a person (pictured), believed to have information relevant to the investigation.
“The victims, aged between 14 and 53 years, span a wide range of demographics, intensifying concerns about the perpetrator’s brazen and widespread criminal activities,” the police said. In response, law enforcement has deployed maximum re-
Sergeant Ramathavhana, the investigating officer, can be reached at 079 890 7696.
Mother of ill-treated patient gets justice
Alternatively, individuals with information can contact Crime Stop at 08600 10111. For added convenience, the My SAPS App can be used to submit informaThe festive season is closely approaching and criminals are finding new ways to get their victims. One of those methods is fake news spreading online. Recently, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has been receiving multiple posts online that are using their official logo to spread misinformation and false claims. “It came to the attention of SAPS that the announcement has been circulated on WhatsApp Groups and social media platforms. It is fake and SAPS urge citizens not to share this fake message,” said the police on Facebook.
Three nurses at Thelle Mogoerane Regional Hospital were on Thursday, November 23, placed on precautionary suspension pending investigations into their failure to provide adequate patient care to a minor who was admitted in a ward they are responsible for.
This follows prompt intervention by the MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko and Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) senior managers who conducted an oversight visit at night on Wednesday (22 November) after learning of a complaint by a mother on the condition of her child. Due to the mother being distressed after laying a number of complaints with the nurses on the poor care her child was receiving, she resorted to recording a video that showed the condition her minor child who was sitting on a bed with soiled linen. The video was later shared on social media platforms and went viral. According to the GDoH, a redress meeting between the mother and the hospital team (treating doctor, Paediatric head of department, quality manager, quality coordinator, Area manager, Nurse Service Manager and the acting CEO) wasrecently held. “The GDoH apologises to the family of the minor for the lapse in service. This is totally against the oath of office taken by healthcare professional and is contrary to Batho Pele principles,” the department said. Following the interventions, the mother expressed satisfaction and the patient was subsequently moved to another ward where he is receiving the adequate care needed. More corrective measures are also taken against the Thelle Mogoerane employees to discourage behaviour that is in conflict with public service code of conduct and the health profession.
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tion discreetly. The community’s collaboration is crucial in putting an end to the threat posed by this dangerous individual.
Street-trashing strike condemned
The City of Ekurhuleni has strongly condemned the trashing of streets which has been witnessed in Daveyton and Wattville recently. “This practice does not only make the area dirty, but it also creates a health hazard which may result in diseases that negatively affect the wellbeing of community members especially the most vulnerable, children and the elderly,” said the City’s spokesperson Zweli Dhlamini.
According to the City, the perpetrators of such acts are employees subcontracted by a contractor hired by the City to provide house-to-house waste collection services in Daveyton and Wattville. “It is also of grave concern that these culprits purport to be employees of the City when they are not. The City on 14 November issued the main contractor a notice of non-compliance for the non-collection of waste in these areas, which has not been happening for almost a week now. Unfortunately, to date the contractor has not responded, instead we have seen the trashing of the streets of Daveyton and Wattville,” Dhlamin explained. Mapepeza Newspaper subscribes to the South African Press Code that prescribes news that is truthful, accurate, fair and balanced. If we don’t live up to the Code please contact the Press Ombudsman at 011 484 3612/8, fax: 011 4843619 presscouncil.org.za
Ekurhuleni is now exploring all available legal avenues to hold the contractor accountable as per the Service Level Agreement entered into between the City and main contractor. The City expects that all waste collection services in the areas of Daveyton, Wattville, KwaThema, Duduza and Tsakani to resume immediate effect. The City of Ekurhuleni remains committed to providing a clean and hygienic environment to the people of Ekurhuleni at all times. “We further plead with all our service providers to engage with the City through the normal contract management framework on any matter when necessary to avoid any discourse of this nature,” Dhlamini said. The City has zero tolerance for any civil disobedience by employees of either the main contractor or subcontractors. Should that be the case, the main contractors will be held liable and there will be consequences for such actions, which may even lead to the termination of the contract.
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Vol. 10 Issue #16: 17 - 24 Nov 2023
SANDF deployed to fight zama-zamas
The deployment of some 3 300 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) personnel in the fight against illegal mining is an indication of government’s seriousness of rooting out the scourge.
This is according to Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni. “Cabinet welcomed the deployment of 3 300 members of the [SANDF] from 28 October 2023 until 28 April 2024, to support the South African Police Service and other law enforcement agencies to deal with illegal mining in the country. “This deployment affirms government’s commitment to put an end to illegal mining and create conditions for inclusive growth and transformation of the economy,” the Minister said at a post-Cabinet media briefing recenrly. Turning to crime and corruption, Ntshavheni said Ministers forming part of the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) cluster have made “progress with work underway to fight against crime” with Police Minister Bheki Cele having already provided an update to the nation on quarterly crime statistics. Furthermore, Cabinet has welcomed the “successful hosting” of the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council’s (NACAC) National Dialogue. The dialogue was held last week and deliberated on progress in implement-
ing the National Anti-Corruption Strategy and recommendations of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture. “The progress includes 8 out of 16 recommended pieces of legislative reforms to address specific recommendations of the State Capture Commission that are now before Parliament. These Bills cover areas such as public procurement, administrative reform, conduct of public servants, reform of intelligence services, money laundering and electoral reform. “The Asset Forfeiture Unit has been granted freezing orders worth R14 billion for state capture related cases and recouped R5.4 billion of the ill-gotten gains. In addition, the Investigating Directorate has taken 34 state capture and corruption cases to court, involving 205 accused persons,” Ntshavheni said. - Mapepeza reporter
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Initiative seeks to combat alien species
For local small enterprises in rural communities, this also offers a reliable revenue that can assist the enterprises to invest their businesses to ensure future opportunities. “This means that the Working for Water Programme is growing and is advancing the inclusion of previously disadvantaged enterprises to participate more meaningfully in the value chain of clearing invasive alien species. In this way the Working for Water Programme advances transformation and prioritises the inclusive economy policies of government,” the Minister said. The department has committed R2.67 billion to clear hectares while creating 194 195 work opportunities over a five-year period. “Today marks the launch of the Gauteng Working for Water Programme to the value of R152 million to implement projects across the five Gauteng municipalities namely, the City of Tshwane, City of Joburg, West Rand, Sedibeng, and the City of Ekurhuleni. “In Gauteng, the Working for Water Programme will clear 74 781 hectares over a period of five years, starting from 2023/2024. During this five year period, we are aiming to create 13 615 work opportunities through the EPWP model,” the Minister said. The department also collaborates with the South African National Parks (SANParks) to implement the Working for Water Programme. SANParks has been allocated R 947 710 million to create 90 710 work opportunities through clearing 431 237 hectares over a five year period.
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Vol. 10 Issue #16: 17 - 24 Nov 2023
Mapepeza
CDA Summit solicits solutions on substance abuse and illicit trafficking
The Social Development Department in partnership with the Central Drug Authority (CDA) held the 3rd National Summit on Substance Abuse and Illicit Trafficking from November 1416 at the Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre in Boksburg, Ekurhuleni.
Given the high prevalence of substance abuse and illicit trafficking in South Africa, the government has brought stakeholders from civil society, Nongovernmental organizations, law enforcement agencies, academia and community-based leaders to get solutions. The summit will be held under the theme: “Towards sustainable, coordinated and impactful strategies for national drug and substance use in South Africa”. The Chairperson of the Central Drug Authority, Nandi Mayathula-Khoza, unpacked the summit’s expectations including the state of affairs in the country’s efforts in becoming a drug-free state. Setting the scene for the summit, chairperson of the CDA, Nandi Mayathula-Khoza unpacked the state of affairs in terms of the proposed interventions by the authority to government in tackling substance abuse, use and illicit trafficking.
She said Government is yet to implement all the resolutions from their previous summit.
“We hope to evaluate the implementation of the national drug master plan and improve our knowledge and information on substance abuse. Developing an action plan by the end of the summit,” she said. The Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Abuse Act of 2008 mandates the Department of Social Development to develop programmes and support initiatives aimed at the prevention and treatment of substance abuse.
Lesufi says young people are a contested terrain. He said if the creative world of media is only serving sex, violence and drugs then our youth is doomed. He emphasized that the prevalance of drugs should prompt a national emergency, calling for the South African National Defence Force and Police to work together. Have your say on the new Substance Abuse policy
On November 10, 2023, the Department of Social Development gazetted the Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Use Disorder Policy for public
comments and inputs. The policy seeks to provide a comprehensive framework to address challenges related to alcohol and other drugs faced by communities. It further provides a platform for the functioning, involvement, and participation of various stakeholders in the prevention of and treatment for alcohol and other drugs use and abuse. The Policy will also provide for the functioning of the Alcohol and Drug Advisory Council of South Africa (ADAC-SA) currently known as Central Drug Authority (CDA).
Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu said the summit therefore affords everyone, especially policy makers and researchers, a space to work in collaboration with, among others, government departments and other key stakeholders involved in dealing with the challenge of harmful substance use. “The days of talking statistics are over. This is the time to work very hard to reduce the statistics and talk implementation and progress,” the Minister said. Gauteng Premier Panyaza
Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu (seated centre) with the CDA board and staff at the 3rd national summit in Boksburg.
Father favours Freedom Recovery Center after son’s progress Recovering substance user’s father Michael Masisi is over the moon following the recent admission of his 35-year-old son into a government funded rehabilitation treatment centre. His son was admitted at Freedom Recovery Center in Nigel, where he will undergo a six-week drug detoxification program. According to Masisi, his son has been abusing substances for almost 20 years and has been to five different privately run rehabilitation centres with no recovery luck, but it cost him a lot of money. He said, “I have even taken him to Zimbabwe for a year-long rehabilitation but had to come back home as his passport expired. When he was back in the country, I became scared and worried for his life because I knew that drugs were easily accessible in our communities. I sent him to another recovery place in Turffontein, trying to protect him and thinking that he was going to be safe”. Masisi added that his son again managed to get drugs while in Turffontein, so he had to come back home. “He relapsed and went back to his old ways with his friends. All my son’s friends who he was smoking with have passed away, and we buried the last one in 2022”, Masisi said.
He said early this month, “My wife got a call from a Social Worker from the Gauteng Department of Social Development informing us that my son has been booked into a rehab centre in Nigel. It has been a week now since my son has been admitted to the centre, and my family and I are so grateful and cannot stop thanking the Social Development Department for what they have done for us”. Masisi further added he is thankful that his son is recovering for free and will leave the rehab with a qualification that will help him in the future.
The Freedom Recovery Center offers different accredited qualification courses such as computers, sewing, gardening, welding, and woodwork.
KREYA THUSO / GET HELP Gauteng has 24 hour line to get users to free rehab Anyone can access rehabilitation for free at state-run drug rehabilitation centres and those run by Non-Profit Organisations subsidised by the government. The Gauteng Provincial Government still invites young people who are struggling with drugs and alcohol addiction to come forward and get help. The Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi and Social Development, Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, MEC Mbali Hlophe launched a initiative to rehabilitate Gauteng youth addicted to the notorious street drug nyaope at Dr Florence & Fabian Ribeiro Treatment Centre in Tshwane late last year. The initiative forms part of the province’s 2030 vision to put the youth at the centre of policy-making decisions as well as the economy. In a build-up to the launch, the Gauteng Provincial Government launched a substance abuse helpline after several calls for help with teenage substance abuse. The helpline is a bid to intensify the fight against substance abuse across the province. The 24 hours anti-substance abuse call centre service is a platform for parents and caregivers to apply for rehabilitation for their children or adults addicted to drugs. Applicants, if successful will be enrolled at a state rehabilitation centre. The helpline can be accessed at 0800 228 827 or by email: GPAntiSubstanceAbuse@gauteng.gov. za or USSD *134*47472# and follow the prompts.
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Vol. 10 Issue #16: 17 - 24 Nov 2023
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November Heat wave City walk against GBV continues to break records across Mzansi
Following the heatwave conditions that prevailed for a number of days in most parts of the country, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) says November records were broken in both the maximum and minimum temperature measurements. Heatwave conditions prevailed from 19 November 2023 in most parts of the country, with isolated areas having extremely hot conditions for several days in a row.
“Preliminary data indicates new temperature records for November over the Northern Cape, Free State, Gauteng and North West provinces. More than 10 stations recorded the highest temperature records on the 27th, with the Automatic Weather Station at Augrabies Falls recording the highest maximum temperature of 46.7°C, breaking its previous record of 46.2°C (2019-11-28). “It must be noted that the highest maximum temperature record for Augrabies Falls remains at 48.6°C, measured on 2016-01-05, and the 46.7°C is the new record for the month of November,” SAWS said. The El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is currently in an El Niño state and according to the latest predictions is expected to persist through most of the summer months. ENSO’s typical impact on Southern Africa is in favour of generally drier and warmer conditions during the spring and summer months from October to March. “However, current global forecasts indicate a great deal of uncertainty for the typical drier conditions that South Africa experiences during typical El Niño seasons, over the eastern parts of the country. Weather extremes will continue to occur from time to time during the summer season as much as drier conditions are expected. “Caution is advised at this point, as the El Niño effect might still manifest its influence in the next few months and change the outlook of the rainfall forecast
for mid- and late summer. Minimum and maximum temperatures are expected to be mostly above-normal countrywide for the forecast period,” SAWS said.
The weather service will continue to monitor the weather and climate conditions and provide updates on any future assessments that may provide more clarity on the current expectations for the coming season. Furthermore, the public is urged and encouraged to regularly follow weather forecasts on television and radio. Updated information in this regard will regularly be available at www.weathersa.co.za as well as via the SA Weath Service X account. @SAWeatherService. Heatwave is a health risk Infants, the elderly, persons living with disabilities, pregnant women, outdoor workers, and those who are on chronic medications are the most vulnerable to death as a result of exposure to extreme heat. This is according to research conducted by the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) and its partners. The research, according to the SAMRC, draws a correlation between how the biological, environmental, medical, sociobehavioural and geographical effects of extreme heat exposure have had an adverse impact on morbidity and mortality in the most vulnerable communities in Africa. According to the Chief Specialist Scientist at the SAMRC’s Environment and Health Research Unit (EHRU), Dr Caradee Wright, the majority of studies on the relationship between extreme heat exposure and morbidity and mortality have been carried out in high-income countries. Earlier this year, the country was shocked by the unfortunate passing of eight people due to heat stroke in the Northern Cape after a heatwave hit the province. Government has urged South Africans to take extra caution as the heatwave persists in certain parts of the country.
As the global movement of 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children kickstarts on Saturday, 25 November and runs until 10 December, the City advocates for no violence for all. This according to the City, is achieved by working closely with civil society and private organisations based in the city that offer support to victims of abuse, which include both men and women. The Executive Mayor Cllr Sivuyile Ngodwana will led a 5km walk/run on Saturday, November 25 as a symbolic stand to join the world in in observing the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children campaign. ‘It has become a trend which we are very ashamed of as a country and even more so as men because majority of the
perpetrators of these crimes are males. I am raising my hand to be among those who vigorously fight against this continuing scourge’, says Executive Mayor of Ekurhuleni, Cllr Sivuyile Ngodwana. The City of Ekurhuleni stands in solidarity with all the activism taking place across the country during this campaign. The men’s form structure for the City’s male employee’s whose objective is to support men understand the different forms of abuse and speak out. Robert Sambo, the Men’s Forum chairperson, says the forum focuses on diverse programmes like psychosocial support groups aiming to motivate, engage, and inspire men to be examples of change in their community. This also includes creating a culture of men also speaking up when they too experience abuse.
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Vol. 10 Issue #16: 17 - 24 Nov 2023
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Vol. 10 Issue #16: 17 - 24 Nov 2023
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Sports 8
Vol. 10 Issue #16: 17 - 24 Nov 2023
Mapepeza
WINNER OF 2019 GAUTENG SPORTS AWARDS: Community Media of The Year
Excellence in Gauteng sports recognized The much-anticipated 12th edition of the Gauteng Sports Awards took place at the Ace Ntsoelengoe Stadium in Mohlakeng in Rand West Municipality on Saturday, November 18 where Gauteng-based athletes, teams, officials, and media within the sports fraternity received recognition for their outstanding achievements in the past year of the considered period of 01 August 2022 to 31 July 2023. Winners were announced in 20 categories of the prestigious provincial awards, which saw the highly coveted Sport Personality of the Year go to Wheelchair Tennis champion, Kgothatso Montjane. Chosen by the public through SMS voting, Montjane claimed the night’s top prize which includes a brand-new car. Also winning Sportwoman of the Year with a Disability, Kgothatso Montjane is the first Black South African woman to ever play at the Wimbledon championships and first Black African to compete at all 4 grand slams in one calendar year. This year’s sport awards introduced the new Sport Photographer of the Year category, with Denga Netshituka named the first ever recipient. The Lifetime Achievement, as selected by MEC Morakane Mosupyoe, was awarded to four recipients, whose contributions
to the Gauteng sports fraternity have left an impactful legacy. The late legend, Patrick ‘Ace’ Ntsoelengoe, Wiseman Dlamini, Aladani Stevens and Wilhemia Grobbelaar were recognized for their extraordinary in their respective fields in sport. The Coach of the Year and Technical Official of the Year categories this year had unprecedented all female finalists and saw Ilse Roets Pelser (Gymnastics) and Hayley Walker (Figure Skating), crowned as the respective winners for their successes which reached international levels. This year’s youngest award recipient for the Amayanga Yanga Young Athlete of the year, went to 10-year-old tennis player Mpho Bowers who was the youngest player in the U12 National Tennis Team and won the Southern African Tennis Team Championships in Mozambique. “We celebrate athletes whose relentless pursuit of excellence has inspired us all. Their dedication to their craft is a testament to the power of commitment and perseverance. Through their feats, they've not only brought glory to themselves but also to our province, uniting us in pride and joy. Let us also recognize the unwavering support of coaches, families, and communities who stand as pillars behind every athlete, of-
fering encouragement and guidance through the highs and lows of their journey.” said Gauteng MEC of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Ms Morakane Mosupyoe at the ceremony. The Gauteng Sport Awards are hosted annually by the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, with support from the Gauteng Sports Confederation to honour, and reward Gauteng’s best sporting talent who have excelled in sporting activities on and off the field. The winners of the 2023 Gauteng Sport Awards: SPORT PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR: Kgothatso Montjane Wheelchair Tennis SPORTMAN OF THE YEAR: Ahmad Mahomed - Kickboxing SPORTWOMAN OF THE YEAR: Zeney van der Walt - Athletics MOST PROMISING SPORT TEAM OF THE YEAR: Johannesburg Gymnastics Centre- Caleigh Anders, Naveen Daries, Shante Koti, Garcelle Napier & Caitlin Rooskrantz - Gymnastics SPORTWOMAN OF THE YEAR WITH A DISABILITY: Kgothatso Monjane - Wheelchair Tennis SPORTMAN OF THE YEAR WITH A DISABILITY: Daniel Tumiso Molobela - Para - Athletics SPORT TEAM OF THE YEAR WITH A DISABILITY: UJ SSD Club - Multi Coded COACH OF THE YEAR: Ilse Ro-
ets Pelser - Gymnastics TECHNICAL OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR: Hayley Walker - Figure Skating ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR: Stephen Maphike - Darts MOST PROMISING ATHLETE: Chane Vermeulen - Athletics SPORT PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR: Denga Netshituka Freelancer SPORT FAN OF THE YEAR: Basetsana Mtsweng - Mamelodi Sundowns SPORT JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR: Timmy Maranda - Radio 2000 AMAYANGA YANGA ATHLETE OF THE YEAR: Mpho Bowers Tennis COMMUNITY SPORT AND RECREATION PROGRAMME OF THE YEAR: Altus Sport - Multiple Sporting Codes FEDERATION OF THE YEAR: Gauteng Darts Federation Darts COMMUNITY SPORTS MEDIA OF THE YEAR: Soweto TV SPORTS TEAM OF THE YEAR: RSA U23 Coxless Pair (Christopher Baxter & Damien Bonhage - Koen) -Rowing Life-Time Achievement Award: Patrick ‘Ace’ Ntsoelengoe Football Wiseman Dlamini - Wheelchair Basketball Wilhemia Grobbelaar - Multiple Sporting CodesAladani Stevens - Boxing Mapepeza Sports correspondence