South Africa

The scourge of gender-based violence (GBV)  against women and children has once again reared its ugly head in the country’s 2020/21 fourth quarter crime statistics.

While the South African Police Service (SAPS) recorded significant declines in contact crimes, murder and attempted murder increased in this category, Police Minister Bheki Cele has revealed.

Police Minister Bheki Cele has decried the callous murder of 24 police officers in the country in the first three months of 2021.

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has started to prepare for the successful implementation of the Forestry Master-plan, which will ensure the creation and sustainability of decent employment, long-term investment, and the transfer of skills and expertise to the next generation.

Human Settlements Minister Lindiwe Sisulu has distanced herself and the department from the individuals who are allegedly promising military veterans houses in her name or the department.

Businesses who were on the verge of retrenching their employees due to the fact that they are struggling to stay afloat will get relief through a strengthened Employer/ Employee Relief Scheme (TERS).

Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister Barbara Creecy has emphasised the importance of protecting natural resources while growing a post-COVID-19 economy.

The Portfolio Committee on Police and the People’s Republic of China Judicial Affairs Committee, have re-emphasised their commitment to bilateralism and multilateralism in the effort to fight crime.

Gauteng Police's strife to combat gang-related crimes received a boost when a gang member from Westbury, Kemal Zita, was sentenced to two life and 71 years imprisonment.

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has noted the Public Servants Association’s (PSA), decision to opt for the legal route in an effort to find a solution to the matter of salary increase between the union and the revenue service.

While South Africa has not yet crossed the national threshold for a new wave, the current trajectory is worrisome.

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has called on the public to report all fraud and corruption activities related to traffic officers and licencing centres.

A private-public partnership, between the the Department of Employment and Labour and three food processing industry companies has led to the creation of 3000 much-needed jobs.

The department of Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa has commended Cricket South Africa’s Interim Board and Member’s Council on their historic agreement to transform cricket.

The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) is on the verge of presenting a Cannabis Master Plan to Nedlac.