Latest news with #GautengProvincialGovernment
The Citizen
3 days ago
- General
- The Citizen
City Power announces interim solution for Mahauzana's electricity woes
Residents of Mahauzana Flats in River Park who are grappling with persistent electricity challenges may soon benefit from an interim solution announced by City Power. The utility's General Manager of Public Relations and Communication, Isaac Mangena, clarified that Mahauzana is not a formally registered customer, and the flats, which are part of an unfinished Gauteng Provincial Government project, have been illegally occupied, leading residents to rely on unauthorised connections. Mangena emphasised that City Power is not obligated to supply electricity until the Department formally proclaims the settlement and agrees to cover billing. However, acknowledging the ongoing impasse, the utility has come up with a temporary plan to stabilise the area's electricity supply and reduce strain on the broader River Park community. Also read: City Power leaves Riverpark residents in the dark 'This solution involves the temporary installation of a bulk electricity supply to Mahauzana Flats through a dedicated mini substation and between four to six pillar boxes per block of flats,' he noted. 'Each pillar box will contain a protection system and three-phase prepaid meters for each block. This setup will allow for sub-metering, enabling residents to manage their electricity usage. It is crucial to note that internal house wiring and the installation of compliant distribution boards will remain the responsibility of the residents.' Mangena warned that any illegal connections or non-vending could prompt City Power to disconnect power to the flats or the entire area. 'City Power believes that this is the most viable short-term solution to stabilise the network, curb electricity theft and non-payment, and reduce the power outages that continue to inconvenience other residents of River Park,' Mangena shared. The interim solution aims to address chronic power disruptions while formalisation discussions with the Gauteng Provincial Government continue. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!
The South African
5 days ago
- Automotive
- The South African
State-of-the-art licensing centre opens in Soweto
A state-of-the-art licensing centre has been opened at the Protea Glen Mall in Soweto, as part of the Gauteng Provincial Government's commitment to bringing convenience and efficient services closer to the people. The modernised centre signifies substantial progress towards a more efficient and streamlined licensing process, while prioritising service delivery initiatives in or near areas identified as townships, informal settlements, and hostels (TISH). Boasting cutting-edge innovation with an emphasis on professionalism and community engagement, the centre will go a long way in enhancing the quality of licensing services offered in the area. MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, who officially opened the centre on Tuesday, said the department was actively seeking to meet the needs of underserved TISH communities. 'The establishment of smart Driving Licence Testing Centres (DLTCs) in these regions represents a laudable initiative in enhancing government services and expansion of regulatory frontline services in the townships, informal settlements, and hostels,' the MEC said. Diale-Tlabela added that by prioritising accessibility, efficiency, and customer satisfaction, this initiative aims to significantly improve service delivery and alleviate congestion frequently found at conventional licensing offices. 'Through meticulous planning, the integration of technology, and active community engagement, the Smart Licensing Service Centre is poised to become a significant addition to the existing infrastructure,' the MEC added. In terms of the National Road Traffic Act (93 of 1996), the MEC for Roads and Transport is responsible for the registration, testing and licensing of motor vehicle and drivers in Gauteng. The legislative function of licensing of learner drivers, qualified drivers, vehicles, driving schools, instructors, number plate embossers, number plate manufacturers, and many others is one of the largest portfolios in Gauteng. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
14-07-2025
- The Citizen
Provincial crackdown in Mogale sees dozens nabbed, huge fines paid
The Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) in collaboration with the South African Police Service, Municipal Police Departments and local as well as district municipalities held a Provincial Integrated Service Delivery Operations in Krugersdorp last week. According to GPG communications officer Charmaine Kgopa, the programme forms part of the provincial government's broader strategy to enhance service delivery efforts and create safer communities through strengthened multi-agency collaborations to address crime across jurisdictions, enhance police visibility, promote information sharing between law enforcement agencies and showcase technological tools used in crime prevention. • Read the initial article here: Major law enforcement blitz hits Krugersdorp Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lusufi and Member of the Executive Committee for Infrastructure Development and Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) Jacob Mamabolo were also on the ground in what they described as an ongoing effort to address crime through community engagements. The other participating law enforcement stakeholders included the Department of Community Safety, Gauteng Emergency Services, Johannesburg Metro Police Department, Tshwane Metro Police Department, Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department, Gauteng Traffic Wardens and community patrollers. Kgopa said Mamabolo encouraged more transparency and collaboration among government departments and prioritised the development and improvement of infrastructure in the province. Ultimately, the programme had an impact as law enforcement made many arrests and confiscations during the visibility blitz. 'As part of crime prevention efforts in Kagiso, Premier Lesufi announced the installation of 14 CCTV cameras to help track and apprehend criminals, an initiative expected to be expanded across Mogale City. He emphasised that law enforcement agencies must not negotiate with criminals but instead use every available resource to fight crime decisively,' he said. Regarding statistics, over 6 000 individuals and 2 957 vehicles were searched at roadblocks across the city. Traffic fines totalling more than R692 000 were paid on-site. Goods valued at approximately R123 000 were also confiscated during searches, and more than 135 individuals were arrested for various offences, including armed robbery, gender-based violence, and theft. 'But the impact of the operation extended beyond crime prevention. It also aimed to accelerate service delivery across town, and these developments highlight how integrated, multi-sectoral government action can drive real, measurable improvements in the daily lives of communities.' Addressing officials, Mogale City Executive Mayor Lucky Sele urged law enforcement to lead with integrity and compassion. 'Let the people feel your presence, not just see your uniforms. Let today demonstrate that government can be agile, efficient, and community-driven. Let it serve as a template for how developmental government must function. Through initiatives like this, Gauteng has set a new benchmarking standard for other provinces, showcasing how integrated, people-centred governance can prioritise safety and service delivery while delivering real, measurable impact at the community level,' Sele said. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
07-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Maile heeds DA Gauteng's call to release a MERO report
Gauteng's MEC for Finance and Economic Development, Lebogang Maile. Since 2020, the DA has been calling on the Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) to release a MERO report, as is done in the Western Cape. It is heartening to see that our plea did not fall on deaf ears, says the writer. The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng welcomes the release of the long-awaited Municipal Economic Review and Outlook (MERO) report by MEC for Finance, Lebogang Maile, this week. Since 2020, the DA has been calling on the Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) to release a MERO report, as is done in the Western Cape. It is heartening to see that our plea did not fall on deaf ears. This crucial report provides proper data on service delivery pitfalls in our municipalities and highlights gaps and improvements needed. Gauteng municipalities are in serious trouble when it comes to financial sustainability due to increasing debt, decline in revenue collection and mismanagement of funds. This has severely affected the delivery of basic services, such as water, electricity, roads, and sanitation to our residents. This report is a step in the right direction to fix municipalities in the province. Where the DA governs in the Western Cape, it has long been implemented, and now Gauteng is following. The DA Gauteng will closely monitor the implementation of the MERO report and hold MEC Maile to account. Mike Moriarty MPL, DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Economic Development
The Citizen
02-07-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Province takes metro to court over land invasion, dumping near Hennops
The Gauteng Provincial Government is taking the Tshwane metro to court over illegal land invasions and dumping in Glen Lauriston near the Hennops River in Centurion. The area has suffered significant environmental damage due to pollution and unregulated human settlements. Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo confirmed that the metro had been served with court papers relating to the matter. He emphasised that the city is fully aware of the situation and its implications for the environment, particularly the Hennops River. Mashigo noted that the Tshwane metro's environmental management inspectors (Green Scorpions) had already taken steps by issuing a directive under Section 28 of the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) to the Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development (GDID). GDID owns the land in question. 'NEMA Section 28 requires that every person who causes, has caused or may cause significant pollution or degradation of the environment must take reasonable measures to prevent such pollution or degradation from occurring, continuing or recurring,' he said. He added that if the harm to the environment is authorised by law or cannot be reasonably avoided, the act still obliges those responsible to minimise and rectify such pollution or degradation. Mashigo explained that this responsibility extends to any landowner, occupier or person with control or legal rights to the land or premises. 'In light of non-compliance with the directive, the matter has been handed over to the Gauteng Department of Environment for possible criminal prosecution. The Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) also continues to enforce municipal waste management by-laws in the area.' To prevent similar environmental degradation in the future, Mashigo said the metro is engaging with the Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni metros to manage transboundary pollution. 'The city is in the process of identifying suitable properties to establish multipurpose waste sorting facilities to ensure that waste sorting activities are conducted in an environmentally compliant manner,' he added. This legal action from the provincial government follows a sustained campaign by the DA, which has allegedly been pushing for government intervention since 2021. In May, DA provincial spokesperson for Environmental Affairs, Leanne de Jager, announced that the party's long-standing advocacy had led to the Gauteng government initiating legal proceedings against the Tshwane metro. 'The illegal invaders are residing on the banks of the Hennops River, which has a severe environmental impact on the water system and air quality. 'They also dump refuse inside the river, exacerbating the problem,' she said. De Jager emphasised that ensuring the Hennops River system remains free from illegal dumping is crucial for water quality, local air quality, and preventing soil contamination on provincial land. She explained that the party had used multiple channels to address the issue over the past four years, including tabling questions in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, submitting petitions, and engaging provincial departments to take action. According to De Jager, the case will be heard in court on August 13. 'This case sets an important precedent, showing that community action backed by political leadership can result in meaningful environmental accountability,' she stated. She added that a DA-led Gauteng government would prioritise the protection of provincial land and ensure that the Green Scorpions deliver on their mandate to monitor rivers and ensure they are free from pollution. While the legal process plays out, broader efforts to address the pollution of the Hennops River system are already underway at a local level. Last month, Tshwane Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya announced that the metro had officially partnered with the Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni metros to tackle one of the Hennops River's most critical upstream pollution sources, the Kaalspruit River. The Kaalspruit River originates in Ekurhuleni and flows through Johannesburg before merging with the Hennops River. It has been identified as a key contributor to the pollution crisis affecting the entire river system. Moya said the collaboration among the three metros was formalised during a joint meeting on May 26, which she described as a defining moment for her administration. 'For too long, we have been plagued by the declining state of the Hennops River and overwhelmed by a sense of helplessness because of our inability to address the upstream causes of pollution,' said Moya. She explained that urbanisation, informal settlements near riverbanks, and the dumping of raw sewage and municipal waste have all contributed to the environmental collapse of the Kaalspruit and, by extension, Hennops. 'This river system is deteriorating fast. Illegal sand mining and sewer mining have also compounded the situation, leading to excessive erosion and the silting up of the entire system, all the way past the Hennops River and down to Hartbeespoort Dam,' she said. 'It is by overcoming the blame game that the three metros can accept that we are in this together and committed to doing whatever it takes to fix it.' Moya said the agreement between the municipalities includes the establishment of an inter-metro multidisciplinary Kaalspruit Task Team, made up of senior officials from the respective metros. This team will regularly report to the three mayors and align existing plans into a combined proposal with technical interventions and funding requirements. Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to [email protected] or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
