Latest news with #KamogeloMoichela
IOL News
25-05-2025
- IOL News
Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) reopens, easing water security concerns
The 38-kilometre tunnel, Ash River that runs from Lesotho to South Africa via the Free State, has been officially opened on Sunday. Image: Kamogelo Moichela/IOL The Department of Water and Sanitation has officially reopened the 38km Ash River Tunnel in Clarens, Free State, expressing satisfaction that South Africa did feel a pinch of water shortages during the shutdown of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP). The shutdown, which began in October 2023, was necessary to conduct essential upgrades and inspections both within the tunnel and on external infrastructure. The process faced unexpected delays, primarily due to incomplete work on the Lesotho side of the project and further compounded by heavy rainfall in the region. Water Minister Pemmy Majodina, the department team, the Free State government led by Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae, and also the Trans Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA) oversaw the opening. 'A fihlile meetsi, a fihlile, (The water has arrived, it has arrived),' Majodina said at the reopening. Addressing the issue of delays and shortages, Majodina said, 'There was no day zero; the challenge of water supply has nothing to do with bulk water supply.' 'The water that you see running down the streets, it is the water that comes from the bulk water supply, but the challenge is provision, which is not our not our mandate," Majodina said. 'We will keep working with our municipalities to close the leaks because what makes water run down the streets is leaks.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ The Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) is a landmark binational initiative between Lesotho and SA. This strategic infrastructure project is designed to achieve two primary objectives: supplying water to South Africa's Gauteng region — the country's economic hub — and generating hydroelectric power to meet Lesotho's domestic energy needs. The project encompasses the construction of an integrated system of dams, transfer tunnels, and hydroelectric power stations. These components work together to facilitate the transfer of water from the highlands of Lesotho to the Vaal River System in South Africa, while simultaneously enhancing Lesotho's energy security through sustainable power generation. IOL
IOL News
13-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
IEC says no decision taken on electronic voting
The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) of South Africa clarified the potential implementation of electronic voting, asserting that no final decision has been made. Image: Kamogelo Moichela/IOL The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) reiterated on Tuesday that it has not taken a decision on the implementation of electronic voting, other than merely developing a document for a national conversation. Electoral officer Sy Mamabolo said they were taking measures to ensure excellence and robust systems in electoral administration. 'Within that broad package of measures we are taking, one of the considerations is the possible introduction of electoral voting. We don't see this as an isolated measure but as package of interventions, utilising technology to make electoral administration better,' Mamabolo said. 'There is no decision to implement electronic voting precisely because that decision, we consider it a national policy matter, which is within the purview of Parliament as a policy making institution of the country. 'We have not taken that decision neither are we empowered to make the decision,' he added. Mamabolo stated that it did not mean a national conversation should not be held. 'We need to have a conversation to hear what the general populace says so that we can empower Parliament at an appropriate moment and take a decision on an informed basis.' The IEC recently held a conference on electronic voting in Cape Town, where a discussion document was presented after the Human Sciences Research Council was tasked to do research on considerations necessary for implementing e-voting. The discussion document was aligned to its strategy to use technology to solve electoral problems as mandated by the Electoral Commission Act. The commission had commissioned a similar study in 2013, which Mamabolo described as a move to ensure the matter was always within their purview. In a presentation, the IEC took the MPs through the objectives of e-voting, benefits, matters to be considered and countries where it is practised and was stopped. Mamabolo said a detailed financial modeling will be required should South Africa opt for electronic voting system in comparison to the current model of voting. He also said there would be a need for a solid legal foundation to define and support e-voting to ensure whatever legal framework decision to support e-voting reality has constitutional plans. MK Party MP Zwelakhe Mthethwa noted that the IEC was preparing for e-voting when there were glitches in the 2024 elections. 'The IEC has not taken us into confidence to what had happened,' said Mthethwa. He said voters were uninterested in reforms, and raised concerns about the Home Affairs Department's plan to allow naturalised citizens to obtain smart IDs. EFF MP Hlengiwe Mkhaliphi emphasised the need for consultation voting and questioned why the IEC was exploring something that failed in some countries. 'What do you hope to achieve differently?' Mkhaliphi asked before noting problems that were experienced during the previous elections. IFP MP Zuzifa Buthelezi said the time for e-voting has not come in South Africa and pointed to electoral challenges and technology issues. His sentiments were echoed by EFF MP Nombiselo Sompa-Masiu, who said the country was not ready for e-voting. 'The IEC is supposed to start to resolve the challenges we have,' Sompa-Masiu said. In response, IEC commissioner Mosotho Moepya emphasised that they were not proposing anything nor have they decided on anything. 'We are raising our observations in a non-partisan manner. We say 'this is what exists, this system can do, and these are the challenges and benefits'. We are inviting inputs. There is no decision on the table,' Moepya said. Mamabolo stated that South African elections meet the international standards of being free and fair. 'That does not mean South African elections are free of challenges. Every election will be beset by some level of challenges.' Committee chairperson Zweli Mkhize said there would be a lot of electronic voting in South Africa in the near future. 'Between now and that time there is lot of gaps that need to be addressed. It is correct that the IEC should look ahead and explore all these ideas. There can't be a shift in policy unless informed by a decision taking into account the available current technology challenges we face and also various issue that are associated with it,' Mkhize said. [email protected]
IOL News
12-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
25 budget report reveals R1. 8 billion underspend, but what does this mean?
Understanding Gauteng's financial management: Insights from the 2024/2025 expenditure report Image: Kamogelo Moichela/IOL The Gauteng Provincial Government has released its 2024/2025 expenditure report, revealing that the province spent R166.97 billion of its adjusted budget of R168.76 billion. This results in an underspend of approximately R1.8 billion, or roughly 1% of the total budget. While some media reports suggest these funds will be returned to the National Treasury, MEC for Finance Lebogang Maile clarified on Monday that this interpretation is misleading and overlooks the detailed processes involved in managing unspent funds. Understanding the Financial Landscape Speaking during a media briefing in Johannesburg, Maile emphasised the need for a clear understanding of South Africa's provincial financial framework. 'The Provincial Revenue Fund (PRF) is the backbone of our fiscal management. All revenue collected from taxes, levies, or intergovernmental transfers is deposited here. 'Money can only be spent through approved budgets or as per specific legislative provisions, ensuring transparency and accountability,' he explained. He further highlighted the importance of Conditional Grants, which the National Treasury allocates for targeted projects aligned with national priorities, such as infrastructure and social development. 'These grants are governed by the Division of Revenue Act (DoRA), with strict conditions on their use. Conversely, the Provincial Equitable Share (PES), an unconditional transfer based on a formula considering population and socio-economic factors, provides provinces the flexibility to prioritise within their mandates, mainly health, education, social development, and economic growth.' A Closer Look at Spending and Underspending Initially set at R165.8 billion and adjusted to R168.76 billion, the provincial budget saw departments spending R166.97 billion by year's end, representing 99% of the adjusted budget. Key departments like Health and Education led spending with near or full budget utilisation: Health: R65.29 billion (99%) Education: R65.82 billion (100%) Roads and Transport: R9.77 billion (100%) Social Development: R5.70 billion (98%) Community Safety: R2.48 billion (97%) According to Maile, other departments such as Infrastructure, e-Government, Agriculture, and Human Settlements also spent close to their allocated amounts, with expenditure rates ranging from 93% to 100%. Deciphering the R1.8 Billion Underspend The total underspend of R1.799 billion was primarily driven by the Departments of Health and Education, which accounted for 58%. The remaining 42% was distributed among other sectors. Of this underspend, R381.51 million was from Conditional Grants, while R1.418 billion came from the Provincial Equitable Share. Maile clarified, 'Understanding that these funds are not lost is crucial. They are managed within a rigorous process that allows for the rollover of unspent but committed funds, ensuring they continue to serve service delivery objectives rather than simply reverting to the National Revenue Fund.' The Rollover and Performance Evaluation Process He further explained that the R1.418 billion in provincial equitable share funds will undergo an internal evaluation led by the Gauteng Provincial Treasury. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ 'Every request for rollover is carefully scrutinized, not only on financial grounds but also based on performance and progress in implementing projects,' Maile said. "We aim to ensure these funds are effectively absorbed and contribute to tangible benefits. We want to avoid systemic delays and ensure that service delivery programs are prioritized,' he added. Payment of Service Providers' Invoices Maile also reaffirmed the government's legal obligation to pay its creditors within 30 days, as the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) stipulated. As of Quarter 4, nine departments had fully complied, paying 100% of invoices within the required timeframe. These include the Office of the Premier, Roads and Transport, and Community Safety. However, Maile said some departments faced challenges—Health paid only 21% of invoices on time, and Education paid 80%. 'Timely payment is not just a legal requirement but a moral obligation. It supports our economy, especially small and medium enterprises that depend on government payments to sustain their businesses. We are committed to improving these figures.' Looking Ahead: Reverting Funds and Ensuring Service Delivery Maile stressed that funds that cannot be justified through proper processes will revert to the Provincial Revenue Fund. 'These funds are not lost; they are available for reallocation to vital programs that directly benefit our communities,' he said. He also highlighted the government's ongoing commitment to transparency. 'Our provincial treasury maintains an open-door policy, providing stakeholders, including the media and residents, with detailed information on how public funds are spent. Accountability is at the core of our governance approach.' Maile reaffirmed the government's unwavering dedication to responsible financial management and service delivery. 'Funds that remain unmotivated or unspent will revert to the Provincial Revenue Fund, but are not lost to us. We will reallocate these resources strategically to ensure continuous progress in addressing poverty, unemployment, and inequalities,' he stated. 'Our promise remains—to be a transparent, accountable, and transformational government that puts the needs of our residents first,' Maile emphasised. As Gauteng moves forward into the next fiscal cycle, the MEC stressed that prudent management, rigorous oversight, and a firm focus on performance will continue to underpin the province's development agenda, ensuring that every rand spent translates into meaningful improvements for its people. IOL Politics
IOL News
06-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
ConCourt rules South Africans can't lose citizenship over dual nationality
The Constitutional Court has struck down a decades-old law that stripped South Africans of their citizenship if they obtained a second nationality without official approval. Image: Kamogelo Moichela The Constitutional Court has struck down Section 6(1)(a) of the South African Citizenship Act, which automatically stripped South Africans of their citizenship upon acquiring a second nationality. It also ordered the reinstatement of citizenship for all individuals affected by the section since its enactment in 1995. The court confirmed the Supreme Court of Appeal's declaration of constitutional invalidity, finding Section 6(1)(a) inconsistent with the Constitution. The provision required South Africans to apply for and obtain a 'Retention of Citizenship' letter before acquiring foreign nationality or face automatic loss of citizenship. The Democratic Alliance (DA), which brought the case to the Constitutional Court following the SCA's decision, argued that the law served no legitimate public purpose and was irrational. The court unanimously agreed, with Justice Steven Majiedt handing down the ruling. "It is further declared that those citizens who lost their citizenship by operation of Section 6(1)(a) are deemed not to have lost their citizenship." The DA welcomed the ruling, calling it a landmark victory after a decade-long legal battle. DA spokesperson Willie Aucamp said the decision was the culmination of efforts by the party and DA Abroad to restore the rights of South Africans who lost citizenship due to the provision. 'Today's victory also means that all South Africans who inadvertently lost their citizenship have had it restored,' Aucamp said. 'This is a testament to the mandate South African voters have given the DA to fight for their rights and to uphold the Constitution.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕
