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SowetanLIVE
30-07-2025
- Health
- SowetanLIVE
Ambulances, electronic records will be key focus for KZN health department
The KwaZulu-Natal legislature supported the health department's plan to increase daily operational ambulances and improve hospital efficiency with eHealth despite a reduced budget for employee compensation and the recruitment of additional medical personnel. That came up on Tuesday when health MEC Nomagugu Simelane delivered the department's R56.2bn budget for the 2025/26 financial year at the provincial legislature in Pietermaritzburg. Last month the premier said he would advertise 20 posts to address the growing unemployment crisis among healthcare professionals after unemployed doctors staged a sit-in outside the KZN premier's office for several days. The protesters gathered to express frustrations over the delay in advertising doctors' posts in the province despite promises earlier this year by the national government to fill new positions. The department had no cuts on its baseline allocation, which was instead increased by 2.5%, for the first time in 19 years after losing more than R8bn in its baseline budget in the past six years. Simelane said this deficit had resulted in the department struggling to meet some healthcare demands, including filling critical posts in nursing, medicine, administrative, and allied health professions as well as hindering some of its infrastructure development including a backlog of 250 clinics and routine maintenance in other facilities. With the increased allocation, Simelane said, the department's priority was the long-standing issue of ambulance shortages. 'KZN's vast and difficult terrain, coupled with budget limitations, has meant that we have only been able to replace ageing ambulances, not expand our fleet as much as we would have liked to. We have been transparent about this reality,' said Simelane. She said that has put a strain on the Emergency Medical Services' (EMS) response times when evacuating the sick and injured, as well as transferring patients between facilities. She said the department is establishing a panel of licensed private EMS providers to complement its existing fleet and reduce response times. The panel will consist of the more than 300 licensed private ambulances that are already operating in the province. Simelane said they have allocated the R81m EMS budget to fund the procurement of 50 new ambulances and 10 35-seater planned patient transport buses and use part of it for outsourcing EMS services from the private sector 'This is a temporary measure for six months, while we fine-tune our procurement processes.' The department is further planning to procure a total of 200 vehicles — made up of general fleet, mobile clinics, and EMS response vehicles — this financial year. It will also introduce a roadside assistance programme to reduce turnaround times for minor repairs and maintenance, which will see the appointment of 12 artisan mechanics and the procurement of 11 vehicles to support district-level maintenance.
The Herald
30-07-2025
- Health
- The Herald
Ambulances, electronic records will be key focus for KZN health department
The KwaZulu-Natal legislature supported the health department's plan to increase daily operational ambulances and improve hospital efficiency with eHealth despite a reduced budget for employee compensation and the recruitment of additional medical personnel. That came up on Tuesday when health MEC Nomagugu Simelane delivered the department's R56.2bn budget for the 2025/26 financial year at the provincial legislature in Pietermaritzburg. Last month the premier said he would advertise 20 posts to address the growing unemployment crisis among healthcare professionals after unemployed doctors staged a sit-in outside the KZN premier's office for several days. The protesters gathered to express frustrations over the delay in advertising doctors' posts in the province despite promises earlier this year by the national government to fill new positions. The department had no cuts on its baseline allocation, which was instead increased by 2.5%, for the first time in 19 years after losing more than R8bn in its baseline budget in the past six years. Simelane said this deficit had resulted in the department struggling to meet some healthcare demands, including filling critical posts in nursing, medicine, administrative, and allied health professions as well as hindering some of its infrastructure development including a backlog of 250 clinics and routine maintenance in other facilities. With the increased allocation, Simelane said, the department's priority was the long-standing issue of ambulance shortages. 'KZN's vast and difficult terrain, coupled with budget limitations, has meant that we have only been able to replace ageing ambulances, not expand our fleet as much as we would have liked to. We have been transparent about this reality,' said Simelane. She said that has put a strain on the Emergency Medical Services' (EMS) response times when evacuating the sick and injured, as well as transferring patients between facilities. She said the department is establishing a panel of licensed private EMS providers to complement its existing fleet and reduce response times. The panel will consist of the more than 300 licensed private ambulances that are already operating in the province. Simelane said they have allocated the R81m EMS budget to fund the procurement of 50 new ambulances and 10 35-seater planned patient transport buses and use part of it for outsourcing EMS services from the private sector 'This is a temporary measure for six months, while we fine-tune our procurement processes.' The department is further planning to procure a total of 200 vehicles — made up of general fleet, mobile clinics, and EMS response vehicles — this financial year. It will also introduce a roadside assistance programme to reduce turnaround times for minor repairs and maintenance, which will see the appointment of 12 artisan mechanics and the procurement of 11 vehicles to support district-level maintenance.
TimesLIVE
29-07-2025
- Health
- TimesLIVE
Ambulances, electronic records will be key focus for KZN health department
The KwaZulu-Natal legislature supported the health department's plan to increase daily operational ambulances and improve hospital efficiency with eHealth despite a reduced budget for employee compensation and the recruitment of additional medical personnel. That came up on Tuesday when health MEC Nomagugu Simelane delivered the department's R56.2bn budget for the 2025/26 financial year at the provincial legislature in Pietermaritzburg. Last month the premier said he would advertise 20 posts to address the growing unemployment crisis among healthcare professionals after unemployed doctors staged a sit-in outside the KZN premier's office for several days. The protesters gathered to express frustrations over the delay in advertising doctors' posts in the province despite promises earlier this year by the national government to fill new positions. The department had no cuts on its baseline allocation, which was instead increased by 2.5%, for the first time in 19 years after losing more than R8bn in its baseline budget in the past six years. Simelane said this deficit had resulted in the department struggling to meet some healthcare demands, including filling critical posts in nursing, medicine, administrative, and allied health professions as well as hindering some of its infrastructure development including a backlog of 250 clinics and routine maintenance in other facilities. With the increased allocation, Simelane said, the department's priority was the long-standing issue of ambulance shortages. 'KZN's vast and difficult terrain, coupled with budget limitations, has meant that we have only been able to replace ageing ambulances, not expand our fleet as much as we would have liked to. We have been transparent about this reality,' said Simelane. She said that has put a strain on the Emergency Medical Services' (EMS) response times when evacuating the sick and injured, as well as transferring patients between facilities. She said the department is establishing a panel of licensed private EMS providers to complement its existing fleet and reduce response times. The panel will consist of the more than 300 licensed private ambulances that are already operating in the province. Simelane said they have allocated the R81m EMS budget to fund the procurement of 50 new ambulances and 10 35-seater planned patient transport buses and use part of it for outsourcing EMS services from the private sector 'This is a temporary measure for six months, while we fine-tune our procurement processes.' The department is further planning to procure a total of 200 vehicles — made up of general fleet, mobile clinics, and EMS response vehicles — this financial year. It will also introduce a roadside assistance programme to reduce turnaround times for minor repairs and maintenance, which will see the appointment of 12 artisan mechanics and the procurement of 11 vehicles to support district-level maintenance.
IOL News
09-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Godongwana plans reviews of ghost workers, exec remuneration to enhance the fiscus
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana said there were new reviews that Treasury planned to conduct, including an audit of ghost workers in the public service, an infrastructure conditional grant review, and a review of the remuneration of executives and board members of public entities Image: Phando Jikelo / GCIS Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has set forth a strategic vision for the National Treasury aimed at achieving sustainable public finances, including wide-ranging spending reviews, while enhancing the effectiveness of revenue collection. The department's budget for the medium term stands at R91.835 billion, reflecting an average growth rate of 6.2% from 2024/25 to 2027/28. The largest portion of this budget of R45.760 billion (49.8%) is earmarked for transfers to the South African Revenue Service (Sars). This allocation marks an R8bn increase over the 2024 Estimate of Expenditure, highlighting the government's commitment to bolster Sars' operational and capital projects, which are pivotal in recovering the country's revenue streams. "Part of this increase is to improve effectiveness in revenue collection by enhancing theirability to collect debt through better systems, increasing staff capacity and modernising theirprocesses to establish e-invoicing for VAT, instant payment systems and upgrades ofcustoms infrastructure," Godongwana said. The National Treasury's core function, as articulated by officials, centres on achieving sustainable public finances through robust controls. The Annual Performance Plan for 2025/26 presents a clear path to advancing key outcomes such as job creation, poverty alleviation, and broader financial inclusion. Godongwana said efforts to enhance spending efficiency were now more critical than ever. Since 2013, 276 spending reviews have been conducted, with the Treasury committed to implementing recommendations arising from these assessments. A thorough review of public employment and labour market activation programmes has recommended rationalising 37 initiatives across 16 governmental departments. "I will be going to Cabinet to get commitment from colleagues to implement the outstanding recommendations arising out of these spending reviews," Godongwana said. "This includes our review of government spending on the numerous public employment and labour market activation programmes across government, which has recommended the rationalisation of the 37 programmes across 16 departments." Beyond this, Godongwana said there were new reviews that Treasury planned to conduct, including an audit of ghost workers in the public service, an infrastructure conditional grant review, and a review of the remuneration of executives and board members of public entities. To restore fiscal sustainability, Godongwana said Treasury was focused on achieving a growing primary surplus, ensuring that the public debt-to-GDP ratio stabilises and curbing reliance on borrowing. Through a growing primary surplus, the public debt-to-GDP ratio will stabilise over time and ensure that the government does not rely on additional borrowing to cover its non-interest expenses," he said. He said plans were underway to implement additional fiscal measures as public comments on recent technical papers were reviewed. Treasury is also addressing critical issues surrounding disaster risk financing. In light of climate change-induced disasters that have recently impacted regions like Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, Godongwana said the government is prepared to implement the National Disaster Risk Financing Strategy—an initiative aimed at proactive budgeting and responsive fiscal planning. Ongoing reforms in the financial sector aim to foster greater inclusivity and consumer protection. The draft Conduct of Financial Institutions (COFI) Bill seeks to consolidate existing laws into a cohesive framework that enhances regulatory oversight, ensuring fair treatment for financial consumers. In a concerted effort to strengthen South Africa's position against illicit financial activities, a General Laws Anti-Money Laundering and Combating Terrorism Financing Bill is nearing finalisation. This legislation is a critical step towards fortifying the country's response to financial crimes. Sars' persistent investigations have already yielded R4.8bn in tax recovery, while collaborative efforts with professional bodies ensure consequence management for those implicated in wrongdoing. The interventions detailed are part of a broader strategy to achieve fiscal stability and foster sustainable economic growth through transparent governance and robust public finance management.
TimesLIVE
17-06-2025
- Politics
- TimesLIVE
Gauteng ANC leaders call for meaningful youth empowerment
Hundreds of young people gathered at the Hector Pieterson memorial in Orlando West, Soweto on Monday to honour the youth of 1976 who fought for freedom during the Soweto uprising. The event was attended by Gauteng MEC for education, sports, arts, culture and recreation Matome Chiloane, City of Johannesburg mayor Dada Morero and acting Gauteng premier Tasneem Motara. This year's Youth Day theme, "Skills for the changing world – Empowering youth for meaningful economic participation", was reflected in the stories, energy, and talent shared by the youth who participated. The day began with a ceremony at the memorial, where speakers reflected on the historic events of June 16 1976. Morero spoke about the courage shown by schoolchildren who marched with their books, hopes and dreams. "On this day 49 years ago, fearless young people stared down the barrel of apartheid guns. They didn't flinch. They marched for a future where they could learn in their own language, be treated with respect and live free," said Morero. "Some, including Hector Pieterson, never made it home." Morero encouraged today's youth to fight different battle against poverty, unemployment and substance abuse. "Your protest is the pursuit of opportunity. Your uprising is your ambition to build. Young people of today, you've got a bigger task," Morero said. He announced the City of Johannesburg's commitment to youth development through infrastructure and job creation, allocating 30% of the city's R8bn capital budget to youth owned businesses and township economy projects. Chiloane spoke about the bravery of those who fought in 1976 and the ongoing struggle faced by the today's youth. 'Urgent need for adaptable skills': Mashatile on unemployment crisis The unemployment crisis in South Africa is more than just an economic issue but a 'moral emergency', says Deputy President Paul Mashatile. Politics 12 hours ago "The youth of 1976 stood up against injustice and oppression. Their sacrifice was not in vain. Because of them, we can stand here today in our democratic country. Millions of young South Africans can dream freely and speak openly. But the freedom for which the 1976 youth fought is not yet complete," he said. Chiloane emphasised the challenges the youth is facing, including poverty, unemployment and limited access to opportunities. "The classrooms may have changed, the language of instruction may have changed, but the fight for dignity in a future worth fighting for continues," he said. He highlighted the rapid changes in the world, from automation to artificial intelligence, and said young people need more than qualifications, they need adaptability, creativity and resilience. "Many young people find themselves locked out, frustrated by a system that promises more than it delivers." The event showcased the convergence of technology, entrepreneurship and innovation. Chiloane pointed to coding workshops, entrepreneurs pitching ideas to investors, and young people connecting with companies such as Google and TikTok as signs of a hopeful future. Motara recalled the events of June 16 1976. "Today we stand not only on physical ground, but on sacred ground. This place holds echoes of gunshots, chants, courage, and grace. It is with solemn reverence that we gather here, not only to lay flowers, but to renew our responsibility to those whose lives were cut short that day," Motara said. She reflected on the bravery of pupils who marched peacefully against the apartheid regime's decision to enforce Afrikaans as a medium of instruction. "They were rejecting an education system designed to break their spirits and prepare them for lives of servitude," she said. Motara said while SA is a democratic nation, the promises of 1994 remain incomplete. "Millions of young people wake up to poverty, overcrowded schools, unemployment, substance abuse, gender-based violence and crime. Many feel unseen and unheard." She stressed remembrance must be paired with responsibility and action. "We owe the youth not silence or mere symbolism, but sustained commitment to their future. We are expanding access to education, accelerating skills development and growing opportunities through partnerships with the private sector," she said. The acting premier called on all South Africans, parents, educators, spiritual leaders, artists, athletes, business people and civil society to work together in supporting youth. "Young people must not only receive the benefits of freedom but actively shape its needs. Use your voice in your communities, demand accountability, offer solutions and protect our democracy," she urged. A representative of the June 16 1976 Foundation spoke about the importance of unity in commemorating the historic day. 'We cannot move forward unless we know where we come from. The sacrifices and stories of those who fought guide us,' he said. He called for a collective national conversation on how to properly commemorate June 16, stressing the need for unity across political lines and generations. "This important day must be marked with dignity and respect, free from division and discord." After the commemoration, the crowd marched from the memorial to Morris Isaacson High School, where young people showcased their businesses, talents and creativity. Among the stars of the day was 16-year-old entrepreneur Bokgoni Monyane, who started her business at 13 years old with R50 from her tuck shop and jewellery sales. She used her earnings to publish a book aimed at inspiring other young people. "My mom is my manager, like the Kardashians," she said adding, "the economy commands us to be business minded." Another young talent, Nxobile Zondi, spoke about her fashion business, telling TimesLIVE she makes clothes from scratch using a machine and by hand. "They cost from R150 to R250. I'm working alone, but I hope to grow and employ young people from Soweto." Jewellery designer Noxolo Mseleku, who studied in Italy after getting a scholarship from the Mining Qualifications Authority, gave a powerful message to young people about resilience and patience. "Anything is possible. Dream and follow that dream. I'm from rural KwaZulu-Natal and today I run a brand in Joburg and employ three people from my hometown." Mseleku urged government to invest in local manufacturing: "We shouldn't be exporting raw materials. We can create the finished products here. We have the skills, the ideas and the passion." Chiloane reflected on this years Youth Month theme: "This is not only a slogan, it's a mission, a call for action and a challenge to all of us as leaders, parents and society. Are we doing enough?"
