Latest news with #BathoPele
News24
5 days ago
- Politics
- News24
Stalwarts Foundation Forum rallies for National Convention amid exodus drama
The Stalwarts Foundations Forum supports the National Convention amid widespread withdrawals by foundations and political parties. Legacy foundations cited government control and rushed planning, and Afrikaner advocacy organisations and political parties announced a boycott. The forum has urged honest, inclusive dialogues aligned with Batho Pele principles. Amid the mounting withdrawal of foundations and political parties from the National Convention and National Dialogue, the Stalwarts Foundations Forum has stepped forward in full support of the initiative. The forum, representing the Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke Institute, and the Duma Nokwe, Moses Kotane, Saul Msane, Lilian Ngoyi, Ronnie Mamoepa, Baleka Mbete, June and Andrew Mlangeni Foundations, as well as the Trevor Huddleston Memorial Centre, admitted on Tuesday that the government and its leaders had lost touch with reality. As several crises continue to plague communities, they said: 'We owe it to ourselves - and future generations - to get this initiative right. At the end of the day, we must be able to say with one voice: 'We, the people, can lead together.'' The forum's support comes amid growing rejection and squabbles about the National Convention, which is set for Friday and Saturday at Unisa in Pretoria. Headlined by President Cyril Ramaphosa, it will bring together 1 000 delegates from several industries and sectors to kick off and lay the groundwork for the National Dialogue, which is expected to start in September. This week, notable Afrikaner advocacy groups, including the Solidarity Movement, AfriForum, and Solidarity, announced their boycott of the National Dialogue. They alleged that the initiative had been 'hijacked' by the ANC and, in a joint statement on Tuesday, said they would not participate. The institutions also supported legacy foundation organisations, such as the Thabo Mbeki Foundation, which made the same decision. Last week, News24 reported on legacy foundations, including the Thabo Mbeki, Desmond and Leah Tutu, Steve Biko, and FW de Klerk foundations' withdrawal from the National Dialogue's preparatory task team (PTT) and the National Convention. The foundations cited government control and rushed planning, and called for the convention's postponement. The PTT is responsible for organising the convention and preparing for the public dialogues that will take place afterwards. On Monday, Boichoko Ditlhake, chairperson of the convention's organising committee, told the media the withdrawal of some foundations would have no impact on the convention. Previously, the DA previously withdrew from the National Dialogue after Ramaphosa axed Andrew Whitfield as the Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry, and Competition. News24 reported on Tuesday that the FF Plus had also announced that it would not participate in the National Convention. On Wednesday, ActionSA MP Athol Trollip announced that his party would not send a formal delegation from its national leadership. Instead, the party plans to deploy two senior MPs on an observation brief. They will monitor the convention over the weekend. He said: 'ActionSA remains unconvinced that any of the concerns raised by key stakeholders, organisers and the broader public have been addressed. There is an insistence on forging ahead despite serious, unresolved questions, particularly regarding the lawful appropriation of the Budget, a matter on which no parliamentary committee has been duly engaged. Consequently, ActionSA will not participate in or lend legitimacy to a process under these circumstances.' Meanwhile, the Stalwarts Foundations Forum, which was established two years ago, said foundations should remember that they carry the names of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. It noted that there was resistance to the convention and the talks. 'We must recognise that we, too, may hold different opinions about how to move forward as a country. But this clarion call for National Dialogues may well be the right starting point for building lasting solutions for South Africa. 'The forum of stalwarts foundations will participate in the upcoming National Convention as a step towards preparing and launching the citizens-led National Dialogues.' They also called for Batho Pele principles to be revisited and placed at the heart of the engagements, as well as for an inclusive approach with civic organisations to be placed at the forefront. They said: The dialogue engagements should be brutally honest, not scripted or 'managed' narratives. There should be a ground-up approach – giving ordinary South Africans the freedom to express themselves openly. There should be recognition that lived experiences carry as much weight as research findings. Government representatives should also make a renewed effort to truly listen to the people and ensure transparency, accountability, and a commitment to lasting solutions. The discussions should also be a genuinely citizen-led process that paves the way for a united and prosperous South Africa.
The Citizen
09-08-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Ekurhuleni plans to expand electricity access and boost renewable energy use
Ekurhuleni plans to expand electricity access and boost renewable energy use The City of Ekurhuleni has outlined its approach to electricity distribution within the metro, emphasising plans to expand access, enhance infrastructure reliability, and incorporate renewable energy technologies. According to the municipality's Energy Department, which is responsible for electricity reticulation across the city, the strategy aims to provide services that are effective, efficient, and equitable, while aligning with constitutional obligations. The department reports that it is working to improve accessibility, particularly in informal settlements, through initiatives such as the electrification of re-blocked communities and the installation of solar-powered lighting units in selected areas. ALSO READ: Ekurhuleni drops reconnection fee for stolen electricity cables Renewable energy and service delivery As part of broader efforts to support South Africa's transition to cleaner energy sources, Ekurhuleni's plan includes adopting renewable energy solutions where feasible. The municipality says these efforts are intended to reduce environmental impact while maintaining service delivery to residents. The department states that its operations are informed by the Batho Pele principles, which prioritise service delivery with a focus on community needs. Infrastructure and operational challenges The city's strategy also includes maintenance of existing infrastructure, addressing illegal electricity connections, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. ALSO READ: What Ekurhuleni residents need to know about new electricity tariffs Efforts to improve service delivery, according to the department, include strengthening governance practices and promoting a safe working environment for staff. The municipality has acknowledged the need to prevent power losses and infrastructure strain caused by illegal connections, particularly in high-demand areas. Energy as a development enabler In a recent statement, the Energy Department described electricity as a key enabler of social and economic development and indicated that energy access improvements form part of broader municipal goals linked to inclusive urban growth. It also indicated that plans would continue to emphasise the integration of green technologies, infrastructure investment, and expanded access to electricity for unserviced communities. The municipality did not provide timelines or specific budget allocations for these initiatives.
The Citizen
09-08-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Ekurhuleni plans to expand electricity access and boost renewables
The City of Ekurhuleni has outlined its approach to electricity distribution within the metro, emphasising plans to expand access, enhance infrastructure reliability, and incorporate renewable energy technologies. According to the municipality's Energy Department, which is responsible for electricity reticulation across the city, the strategy aims to provide services that are effective, efficient, and equitable, while aligning with constitutional obligations. The department reports that it is working to improve accessibility, particularly in informal settlements, through initiatives such as the electrification of re-blocked communities and the installation of solar-powered lighting units in selected areas. ALSO READ: Ekurhuleni drops reconnection fee for stolen electricity cables Renewable energy and service delivery As part of broader efforts to support South Africa's transition to cleaner energy sources, Ekurhuleni's plan includes adopting renewable energy solutions where feasible. The municipality says these efforts are intended to reduce environmental impact while maintaining service delivery to residents. The department states that its operations are informed by the Batho Pele principles, which prioritise service delivery with a focus on community needs. Infrastructure and operational challenges The city's strategy also includes maintenance of existing infrastructure, addressing illegal electricity connections, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. ALSO READ: What Ekurhuleni residents need to know about new electricity tariffs Efforts to improve service delivery, according to the department, include strengthening governance practices and promoting a safe working environment for staff. The municipality has acknowledged the need to prevent power losses and infrastructure strain caused by illegal connections, particularly in high-demand areas. Energy as a development enabler In a recent statement, the Energy Department described electricity as a key enabler of social and economic development and indicated that energy access improvements form part of broader municipal goals linked to inclusive urban growth. It also indicated that plans would continue to emphasise the integration of green technologies, infrastructure investment, and expanded access to electricity for unserviced communities. The municipality did not provide timelines or specific budget allocations for these initiatives.
IOL News
07-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Tshwane relaunches Employee Service Excellence Awards to honour public service
Councillor Kholofelo Morodi says the City of Tshwane will recognise exceptional service with its revamped Employee Service Excellence Awards. Image: Supplied/ City of Tshwane The City of Tshwane's relaunched Employee Service Excellence Awards will honour outstanding municipal employees who consistently demonstrate exceptional public service. Councillor Kholofelo Morodi, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Corporate and Shared Services, expressed confidence that the revamped awards will revive a culture of excellence in public service in Tshwane. 'This initiative reflects our unwavering belief that operational excellence begins with people. It recognises that everyday acts of commitment, creativity, and care are the true drivers of a responsive, citizen-centric city,' she said. She said the awards will recognise individuals and teams who embody the Batho Pele principles, demonstrating innovation under pressure, swift response to community needs, and ethical conduct that fosters trust in the institution. 'This relaunch is grounded in transparent and inclusive processes, ensuring representation across departments, pay grades, and service areas. Whether it is a worker maintaining critical infrastructure or an administrator streamlining vital services, these awards are about honouring impact at every level,' she said. She explained that the City aims to create a professional environment where excellence is ingrained, nurtured, and rewarded, and the relaunched awards demonstrate its commitment to a performance-driven culture aligned with core values. 'On behalf of the mayoral committee, I extend heartfelt appreciation to all municipal employees. Your work matters. Your integrity strengthens this institution. And your excellence shapes the future of our city,' Morodi said. She also announced the onboarding of 100 new cleaning personnel to build internal capacity and end exploitative outsourcing practices.
The Citizen
01-06-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Gauteng CoGTA sets out vision to improve local service delivery
The Gauteng Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) has shared its current focus areas, which include strengthening local municipalities, improving service delivery, and increasing transparency in the public sector. Earlier in May, MEC Jacob Mamabolo met with the Public Service Commission (PSC) commissioner Vusumuzi Mavuso to discuss governance and oversight. During the meeting, Mavuso confirmed that Parliament approved the Public Service Amendment Bill, and that it would be referred to all provinces for consideration. CoGTA has stated that the Constitution and the Batho Pele principles, which promote accountability, openness, and citizen-focused service delivery, guide its approach. In 2023, the department held a Local Government Turnaround Summit attended by representatives from all 11 Gauteng municipalities, national and provincial governments, traditional leaders, and state-owned entities. The summit addressed common challenges facing municipalities and discussed potential solutions under the theme 'Building smart and resilient municipalities of the future'. CoGTA believes municipalities are key to delivering essential services such as water, electricity, and sanitation. The department has identified leadership development, skills training, and ethical governance as areas for improvement. During recent public emergencies – including the Covid-19 pandemic and floods in parts of the province – municipal workers and emergency personnel assisted in providing aid such as food parcels, water, and shelter. CoGTA says it continues to roll out training and capacity-building initiatives for municipal staff. The goal is to improve management practices and responsiveness to service delivery issues. Some municipalities in Gauteng have faced ongoing concerns from residents about infrastructure, service interruptions, and administrative backlogs. The department has not yet provided detailed timelines for when specific improvements might be visible. The Public Service Amendment Bill, if passed by all provinces, would give the PSC a broader role in monitoring performance at the municipal level. This change is expected to affect how accountability is managed across all levels of government. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
