Home Affairs Weekly Media briefing by Director-General Mkuseli Apleni

Home Affairs Weekly Media briefing by Director-General Mkuseli Apleni

We take this opportunity to extend our best wishes and compliments to all members of the media present with us during this weekly media briefing. As our invitation would have indicated, our media briefing today will focus on three main issues namely Home Affairs plans in support of the voter registration weekend of 8-9 February 2014, the mass roll-out plan for the Smart ID cards and misinformation regarding Home Affairs job opportunities for matriculants.

PLANS FOR VOTER REGISTRATION WEEKEND -8-9 FEB 2014

The Independent Electoral Commission has set aside the weekend of 8-9 February 2014 as the second voter registration weekend ahead of the national elections scheduled for later this year. Arising from this determination by the IEC, Minister of Home Affairs Naledi Pandor has directed the department to develop plans in support of the IEC during the voter registration weekend.

The Department’s support for the IEC arises from its mandate to deliver enabling documents such as IDs to those citizens that may require them for voter registration purposes ahead of the national and provincial elections. IDs are an important element that enables the citizenry to exercise its democratic right to vote.

In this regard, the Department of Home Affairs stands ready to issue IDs including delivery of uncollected IDs and Temporary Identity Certificates to those in need.

As part of the overall plan of the department for the voter registration weekend and in keeping with past practices, we have directed managers in all Home Affairs offices across the country to ensure the following:

1.      All home Affairs offices to be opened from 08h00-17h00 on both days 8-9 February

2.      That all Home Affairs offices operate to full capacity during the two-day voter registration weekend.

We take this opportunity to advise the public that in agreement with the IEC, both the green bar-coded IDs and the smart ID cards will be acceptable as legal forms of identity for purposes of registration and voting during the elections.

As in the previous voter registration weekend, we have directed that the DG, Chief Operating Officer and all other Deputy Directors-General visit all provinces in accordance with our internal deployment processes to help co-ordinate and oversee the work of the provinces during the weekend. The programme of the Ministry in support of this process will be communicated in due course.

We join the call by the IEC for those South Africans who are eligible to vote to take advantage of the voter registration weekend to approach Home Affairs offices across the country for assistance in acquiring these enabling documents to exercise their democratic right to vote in this year that marks the 20 years since the dawn of peace, freedom and democracy

MASS ROLL OUT OF THE SMART ID CARDS

As you may very well be aware, Minister Naledi Pandor has announced that the department stands ready to roll-out the smart ID cards to the public with effect from 01 February 2014. In this regard, the department has successfully revamped 28 offices across the country to facilitate applications for the Smart ID cards.

We reiterate our view that the Smart ID card is one of the major achievements of the 20 years of our democracy and comes within the context of efforts by the government to consolidate the restoration of identity, citizenship and dignity to all our people.

In this regard and with effect from 01 February 2014, the department stands ready to take applications for the smart ID cards to the following categories:

1.      16 year old and above first time applicants can apply any month of the year

2.      60 year old pensioners born during January and February must approach home affairs offices during the month of February to apply

3.      From March this year, 60 year olds and above can  now apply in accordance with their months of birth

4.       All other citizens should wait for invitations to apply

At this stage, applications for the Smart ID card can only be made at the following offices:

Gauteng

Soweto; Akasia and Byron Place in Pretoria; Harrison Street in Johannesburg

Limpopo

Jane Furse, Polokwane and Tzaneen

North West

Potchefstroom, Rustenburg and Klerksdorp

Mpumalanga

Nelspruit, Middleburg and Emalahleni

Free State

Bloemfontein, Kroonstad and Welkom

Northern Cape

Kimberley, Kuruman and Upington

KZN

Mtubatuba, Durban-commercial and Pietermaritzburg

Eastern Cape

Port Elizabeth, Mthatha and King Williamstown

Western Cape

Wynberg, George and Barrack Street

Remember:

1.      Exercise patience as the process of rolling out the smart cards will take a few years

2.      The smart ID cards will be issued freely to 16 year-olds  first time applicants and pensioners who are 60 years and above

MISINFORMATION REGARDING JOBS FOR MATRICULANTS

The Department has noted with concern misinformation in some social media circles claiming that the department is offering training with prospects of employment to matriculants. The Department wishes to put it on the record that such reports are false and devoid of truth, with a potential to mislead young people who are desperately in need of work.

What Home Affairs has initiated through its Learning Academy in the quest to contribute to the national drive for skills development and fighting unemployment is a cadet programme for unemployed graduates. The cadet programme for graduates will first run as a pilot with effect from February 2014. In this regard the selection of prospective candidates has been finalized.

The cadets will be taken through the Home Affairs national certificate on home affairs services. The aim is to produce skills and offer experience to young graduates, who may, depending on their performance, be absorbed within our services or seek employment in other departments and elsewhere.

The cadet programme is part of the strategy to attract, train and introduce to the public service new officers who are security-conscious, professional, hard-working, patriotic and endowed with the right attitude of mind to serve the people with dignity while upholding the principles of Batho Pele and the Constitution.

I thank you

Issued by Department of Home Affairs

909 Arcadia Street

Pretoria

0001

30 January 2014

Minister Fikile Mbalula speaks at Nelson Mandela Bay Memorial Lecture

Minister of Sport and Recreation, Fikile Mbalula, will be speaking at the memorial lecture in honour of late Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Councillors - Noncedo Ngqondi (who represented Ward 15 before her passing); Mxolisi Gumenge (who represented Ward 26 before her passing), Phumeza Lose (who represented Ward 55 before her passing), on 29 January 2014. 

Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality and Pioneer Foods in R2,3 million sustainability development partnership

Port Elizabeth, South Africa - Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality demonstrated its clear intentions of its commitment to sustainable development, small business support and development and the creation of jobs when a R2,3 million partnership with the food company, Pioneer Foods was launched at an event held at the City Hall today, January 22, 2014.

The partnership is based on areas of Biodiversity, Economic Development and job creation.

Present at the event held at the City Hall was NMBM Acting Executive Mayor Councillor Lobishe and Pioneer Foods CEO Phil Roux. Representatives from World Wildlife Fund-SA (WWF) which is also part of the partnership as an implementing agent and advisory body were present.

The partnership called People Working for the Environment Project involves developing small land management businesses in impoverished rural, urban and pre-urban areas to provide services to key conservation sites. The sites will include Swartkops River, van der Kemp’s Kloof and Van Stadens.

The selected sites will be signed into a legally binding conservation agreement that will require the landowner or municipality to carry out land management activities as laid out in the property’s Land Management Plan. Land management activities such as alien clearing, preparation of firebreaks and erosion control will be done.

The project will use small businesses to develop small land management businesses. The businesses will then employ people from the same areas where the project is running. The work done will create sustainable land and management benefits for the City.

The benefits will range from reducing fire risks and other natural disasters like flooding to improving water quality and flow. It will also improve soil quality and conserving of our natural heritage.

Speaking at the event visibly excited Acting Executive Mayor, Councillor Lobishe said: “The partnership confirms the confidence the private sector has in the ability of this municipality”.

She said the NMBM was excited about the partnership because it will not only benefit the present generation.

“This partnership guarantees us that we will leave a better place for our children and grandchildren. The members of the public and the media must watch the space, an accelerated effort will be made this year on issues of environment and agriculture,” said Councillor Lobishe.

The project pilot phase has already started with one company already working. The company has employed 11 people who each support a family of approximately five people.

“When we talk about sustainable economic development we mean it. This is a true reflection of that and our people are the beneficiaries of that as promised,” Councillor Lobishe added.

Possible Red Tide Warning for Port Elizabeth, Nelson Mandela Bay

Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa - Following the recent discolouration (red sea water) of sea water in some areas of the Nelson Mandela Bay coastal area and the subsequent tests and consultations that the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality has made with experts on this field, the municipality would like to send a warning to the members of the public to be cautious around the beaches.

“We would like to advise them not to consume shellfish from our costal area until such time we are convinced that it is safe to do so. The municipality with its stakeholders who are specialists in this field are currently running tests to determine whether this discolouration of water is toxic or not,” says Mthubanzi Mniki, the municipality’s Communications Officer.

The municipality is also making consultations with relevant national government departments in regard to this matter. This means that the municipality cannot be in a position to confirm whether fish/shellfish consumed from the affected areas are toxic or not.

Preliminary results from samples collected have identified eight species of dinoflagellates, that might the because of the change of the water colour.

“We also call upon people of the Nelson Mandela Bay not to panic or raise an alarm about this as we are working around the clock to come to the bottom of it.

“We will be updating through media on the developments on this issue,” says Mniki. 

Nelson Mandela Bay Fire-Fighters' bravery averted what could have been a disaster

Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa - The quick reaction and bravery of the Nelson Mandela Bay Fire and Emergency Services averted what could have been a fire disaster at the old Show Grounds in Martin Street, where a fire broke out at a roof sheet material manufacturing factory, Umzamo Nonwovens, on Monday morning, January 15, 2013.

The Municipality's  Fire and Emergency Services Department was alerted to the fire that had broken out at the company at half past seven and within 10 minutes they were at the scene. Due to the highly flammable and hazardous liquids used at the factory, the fire-fighters faced a dangerous and tricky situation. Their quick reaction and readiness enabled them to save half of the warehouse.

What made the operation more difficult and dangerous for the fire-fighters were the flammable liquids that kept on causing infrequent explosions.

The team had to simultaneously work on controlling the spread of the fire within the warehouse and to other neighbouring companies.  The fire-fighters battled with the fire until they had it under control at around 10 am. They had to use both water and foam to extinguish the fire. The Fire and Emergency Services despatched 23 fire-fighters and 9 fire engines to the scene. Only one company employee was injured, with slight burn wounds.

According to  Fire and Emergency Senior Divisional head, Ben Coetzee, who was also on site, the team was exceptional. “The situation was highly dangerous, but our fire-fighters went all out to extinguish the fire. If we had arrived a few minutes later, the fire could have easily spread to neighbouring factories, which also had highly flammable materials inside,” said Coetzee.

Coetzee said the preliminary investigation indicates that the fire could have been caused by heating rollers on the conveyers in the machines used at the factory.

Matric Results: Disappointed with your Matric exam results? Here are the options

South Africa - If you are disappointed with your examination results or have failed Matric there are options available.

1.     Remarking or re-checking examination answer scripts

·         Candidates may apply for re-marking or re-checking of examination answer scripts immediately after receiving their results.

·         Application forms for re-marking or re-checking of examination answer scripts are available from schools, examination centres where you sat for the examination or at the nearest district office.

·         The closing date for application for a re-mark or re-check is Tuesday, 21 January 2014.

2.     Supplementary examinations

·         Candidates who qualify for a supplementary examination can register at the centres where they sat for the examination immediately after receiving their results. These are candidates that have not met the minimum promotion and certification requirements, but who require a maximum of two subjects to obtain the National Senior Certificate; also candidates who could not sit or finish the examination due to medical reasons, a death in the immediate family or some other special reason, provided documentary evidence is submitted; and candidates, who are one requirement short in satisfying the minimum higher education or higher education faculty requirements (documentary evidence must be submitted.)

·         The closing date for application for the supplementary examination is Friday, 24 January 2014.

3.     Those learners who do not qualify to write the supplementary examinations

·         Those who have not succeeded in their examinations and who do not qualify for the supplementary examination must re-enrol at a school without delay, as long as they meet the age requirement (which is under 21years of age).

·         This will give them a second chance at writing their Grade 12 NSC. With additional effort, they will succeed.

4.     Grade 12 learners, who failed and who are over 21

·         Register as part-time candidates or enrol at Adult Education Centres.

·         Participation in programmes at these centres is free and is available for young people and adults who have not completed their formal schooling.

·         In addition, they could explore other vocational options such as Further Education and Training Colleges.

Ball Rolling For Formation Of Nelson Mandela Bay Arts Council

Port Elizabeth, South Africa - The time has arrived to ensure that the Arts, Heritage, Culture and Film Industry is properly structured in Nelson Mandela Bay. The Municipality is calling upon all interested parties and artists to attend consultative meetings across the city in preparation of the official launch of the Nelson Mandela Bay Arts Council on January 24 - 25, 2014.

The launch will be in a form of a two-day conference where attendees are expected to discuss and interact on issues that need to be improved within the arts industry. The conference is also expected to strengthen relations between the Municipality, artists and the private sector.

Also high on the list is the issue of skills development and opportunities for locally based artists and building a sustainable industry that will be able to compete within the South African arts industry.

People expected to attend the consultative meetings include musicians, dancers, film makers, composers, theatre and drama performers, producers and directors, graphic designers, sound engineers, Dee Jays, crafters, fashion designers, promoters, poets, and visual artists.

Please find the schedule for the consultative meetings below:

DATE	CLUSTER	VENUE	TIME	AREAS	BY WHOM
14 Jan ‘14	Lillian Diedericks	George Botha Hall, Algoa	14h00	Missionvale, KwaNoxolo, part of Helenvale,	Martin 074 761 4363 Gocbani
15 Jan ‘14	Champion Galela	Veeplaas Community Hall	11h00	KwaDwesi, Magxaki, Veeplaas, Zwide, Kleinskool	Martin 074 761 4363 Gcobani
	Molly Blackburn	Walmer Townhall	14h00	Walmer, Kuyga, Seaview, Greenbushes
16 Jan ‘14	Alex Matikinca	Raymond Mhlaba Sport Centre	11h00	Motherwell, Wells Estate and surrounding areas	Martin 074 761 4363 Gcobani
	Govan Mbeki	Nangoza Jebe Hall	14h00	New Brighton, Zwide, KwaZakhele
17 Jan ‘14	Zola Nqini Cluster	Uitenhage Townhall, Sunroom	11h00	KwaNobuhle, KwaLanga, Rosedale Khayamnandi

Luthuli Dlamini shoots new film in the Eastern Cape

Eastern Cape, South Africa - Popular soapie actor, Luthuli Dlamini, is shooting a feature film, “360⁰, A Sacrifice”, in East London in the Eastern Cape this month, a welcome boost to the province’s positioning as a film destination. 

The film titled “360⁰, A Sacrifice” features top national actors such as Dlamini, Katlego Danke, Wandile Molebatsi, Mapaseka Koetle, Zintle Ncipa, and Amo Chidi, among others.

The stars have been in and out of East London since the last week of December and will remain in the city for most of January.

“This is a first of many projects that we will be doing in East London and the Province of Eastern Cape. As a company we are not just here to shoot the film and leave. We are here to work with the youth for skills development and also find new and raw talent. We are here to empower, mentor and coach anyone who is passionate about the film industry and our supporters not only support our vision but also the growth of the industry in Eastern Cape,” says Pamela Mago, who is the production manager for Faizah Media and the script writer for the film.

“360⁰, A Sacrifice” is set to unearth some of the Eastern Cape’s talent as local actors have already been auditioned. In an effort to up skill Eastern Cape youth, the technical team will be shadowed by youth from East London in order to impart some skills on them. A soundtrack featuring local artists is also on the cards.

Buffalo City Metro Communications Manager, Keith Ngesi, says, “The [municipality] is honored to be the film destination of choice for the production. We hope and believe that that this initiative will open doors for more films shot in the City. We embrace the idea and are in full support of it.”

The production is brought to you by Faizah Media, a company owned by Zinlte Ncipa, Luthuli Dlamini, Pamela Mago, and Freddie Tuendela.