Let’s wrap up some of the top stories happening in South Africa this week.
GAUTENG HEALTH DEPARTMENT WARNS OF STI RISK AMIDST RISING CASES
Between April and December 2023, a total of 167 109 males presented at public health facilities across the province and 67 400 (40%) were treated for Male Urethritis Syndrome (MUS). The MUS data accurately reflects newly acquired STIs.
The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) urges the public to avoid risky sexual behavior, emphasizing the increased transmission of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and HIV. From April to December 2023, 40% of 167,109 males treated in public health facilities for Male Urethritis Syndrome (MUS) were newly acquired STIs. MUS symptoms include penile discharge and burning urination, with untreated cases leading to complications. Gonorrhea and chlamydia are primary causes.
The incidence of MUS has risen from 12% in 2020 to 15% in 2023, particularly affecting specific sub-districts in Johannesburg, West Rand, Ekurhuleni, Sedibeng, and Tshwane.
TWO SANDF SOLDIERS KILLED IN DRC; THREE WOUNDED
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) reported that three soldiers were killed and two injured in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) when a mortar bomb struck a South African military base. The casualties occurred within the Southern African Development Community Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC), aimed at restoring peace and stability.
The injured soldiers were swiftly transported to a Goma hospital. The incident is under investigation, and SANDF officials, including Minister of Defence Thandi Modise, expressed condolences to the families of the deceased.
CCTV CAMERAS TO BE INSTALLED ACROSS GAUTENG TO TACKLE CRIME
Gauteng Province is strengthening its crime-fighting efforts through a partnership with Vuma Cam, introducing an additional 6,000 CCTV cameras across townships, business districts, high-crime areas, roads, schools, and public places. Part of the provincial government’s technology-driven strategy, the initiative aims to enhance safety and security.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lusufi emphasized the importance of this partnership, highlighting the impact of crime on the province’s investment interests. The collaboration involves the Department of e-Government, Community Safety, and the South African Police Services, utilizing various technologies to bolster crime prevention.
FINANCE MINISTER TO DELIVER 2024 BUDGET SPEECH NEXT WEEK
Following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana is set to present the 2024 budget allocation to Parliament on 21 February at 14:00 in Cape Town City Hall.
Minister Godongwana will outline financial, economic, and social commitments, detailing government spending plans for 2024, including proposals for revenue collection to fund interventions and commitments. The Appropriation Bill and Division of Revenue Bill will also be introduced for parliamentary processing.
SPECIAL INVESTIGATING UNIT UNCOVERS NATIONAL LOTTERIES COMMISSION CORRUPTION: R1.4 BILLION LOSSES
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has disclosed that 90% of its second phase investigation into corruption at the National Lotteries Commission (NLC) is complete.
The investigation, valued at approximately R1.4 billion, reveals losses incurred due to corruption. Actress Terry Pheto is implicated for undue benefit from a R5 million grant, leading to payments to related entities, including Thula Sindi’s Black Planet Trading. Actor Presley Chweneyagae’s foundation is linked to a R15 million grant with funds diverted to NLC COO Phillemon Letwaba’s wife and Prof Nevhutanda’s son-in-law. A Marikana chicken farming project grant was hijacked, with actress Moitheri Pheto and NLC board member Advocate William Huma implicated.
The farm was purchased for R850 000, and the SIU found that the former chairperson of the NLC board Professor Alfred Nevhutanda signed the offer to purchase the farm in the Vaal area.
The SIU also presented to Parliament how the South African Youth Movement (SAYM) applied for grant funding on behalf of the Presley Chweneyagae Foundation, which belong to award winning actor, Presley Chweneyagae.
The main purpose of the application was for the Take Back the Future Musical, Documentary and Poetry Arts programme. The NLC approved a grant funding of an amount of R15 million.
From the R15 million, R2 999 967.00 was transferred to Iron Bridge Travelling Agency and Events in August 2016. Iron Bridge Travelling Agency and Events is owned by the former NLC Chief Operating Officer, Phillemon Letwaba’s wife, Rebotile Malomane.
The SIU investigation revealed how a non-profit organisation (NPO) was hijacked and funds that were meant to uplift poor women in Marikana and the surrounding areas in the North West province on a chicken farming project were misused.
The application was adjudicated and the grant funding for the value of R13 million was awarded to an NPO and was to be paid in two tranches of R7 million and R6 million. In November 2020, the hijacked NPO made an application for additional funding and received a further R3.5 million.
The SIU’s investigation revealed that a shelf company named Silverlite Trading bought the land in Marikana for this project for R400 000. Advocate William Huma, a former NLC board member is the current sole director of Silverlight.
GOVERNMENT ADDRESSES UNEMPLOYED DOCTORS: PLACEMENT BY APRIL
Health Minister, Dr Joe Phaahla, announced the government’s commitment to placing unemployed doctors in the public service by 1 April, addressing the ongoing issue of unemployed doctors who have completed statutory community service programs.
The Finance Minister will provide details on funding for these posts in the upcoming Budget Speech. Phaahla assures that the national team is working with the National Treasury and provincial health departments to expedite the process.
PRISONER ESCAPES WHILE WAITING FOR CONSULTATION WITH DIETICIAN
The Department of Correctional Services launched a widespread search for Clatta Gumbo, an offender who escaped from Mamelodi Regional Hospital. Gumbo, serving a life sentence for rape, kidnapping, and assault, attacked a guarding official during a consultation with a dietician, disarmed him, and fled.
The department is conducting a thorough investigation into the escape. The public is urged to report any sightings of the escaped convict.
GAUTENG TO INTRODUCE NEW NUMBER PLATES FROM APRIL
Starting 1 April 2024, Gauteng motorists will be required to apply for new high-tech number plates. Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi emphasized the role of robust licensing in tackling crime, noting that a significant number of crimes in the province involve vehicles. The new number plates aim to enhance security and contribute to crime prevention efforts.
Lesufi emphasised that this is non-negotiable.
‘PLEASE CALL ME’ INVENTOR COULD BE PAID MORE THAN R29 BILLION BY VODACOM
South Africa’s Supreme Court of Appeal has mandated Vodacom to pay inventor Nkosana Makate a minimum of R29 billion for his ‘Please Call Me’ concept, as revealed by MyBroadband. The court ruled that Makate is entitled to receive 5%–7.5% of the total revenue generated by the ‘Please Call Me’ product from March 2001 to the judgment date.
The compensation amount ranges between R28.99 billion and R55.37 billion. The ruling follows a lengthy legal battle between Makate and Vodacom over the widely-used messaging service.
AIRLINK TO RESUME NELSPRUIT TO VILANCULOS “BUSH & BEACH” FLIGHTS
Southern Africa’s premier airline, Airlink, will reinstate its popular peak-season “bush & beach” service, connecting Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport in Nelspruit with Mozambique’s coastal resort destination, Vilanculos, and Johannesburg.
The direct service, operational from 1 July 2024, until 5 January 2025, allows tourists to seamlessly combine a safari experience with a beach holiday. Flights will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, supplementing Airlink’s year-round daily direct Johannesburg-Vilanculos service.
The route provides easy access to the Kruger National Park and the Bazaruto Archipelago.
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