The National Heatlh and Allied Workers Union (Nehawu) has warned people to stay away from state run hospitals and clinics as striking public servants embarked on a total shutdown of services. This comes as they rejected government’s latest wage offer of seven percent. Nehawu provincial secretary, Soroya Jawoodeen, staff at hospitals and clinics began picketing on Friday, despite all health workers being classified as ‘essential staff.’
“We have completely shutdown service delivery points. We spent most of yesterday mobilizing our members. Today, Tygerberg, Groote Schuur and GF Jooste hospitals are inaccessible to the public,” she told VOC News during an interview on Breakfast Beat.
When asked about emergency cases, she explained that shop stewards and marshals at the various picket lines will facilitate entry into the hospitals. “Chronic medication would be seen as an emergency. There is a ‘wall’ between the marshals and the police and this is not helping communication between our marshals and the public. We will keep an emergency lane open for trauma cases, ICU cases and maternity cases.”
Education
Meanwhile the Western Cape Education Department said its comprehensive three point contingency plan is in place to ensure that teaching still continues at school across the province. MEC for Education, Donald Grant, explained the plan is based on three main objectives: “to keep the learners safe and supervised, to ensure that teaching and learning continues as far as possible, and to manage the system so that it functions as effectively as possible despite the disruptions.”
“All our resources will be used to ensure that these objectives are met…to ensure that the rights of our learners are respected so that they can receive a quality basic education in these difficult times. The WCED has through its district offices, communicated with school management teams and governing body structures requirements for appropriate supervisory and safety arrangements,” he said.
Grant has urged parents and caregivers to send their children to school, until notified otherwise. “Yesterday there was isolated incidents of violence and intimidation throughout the province. These unlawful acts were effectively dealt with by Western Cape police. I wish to reiterate that we will use every available mechanism to ensure that the rights of children and teachers attending school are protected. Teachers who do not act responsibly face ‘serious consequences’ should they transgress the law.
Matric fears
Grant further explained that the Department had developed a number of curriculum support programmes, in an attempt to ensure that learning continues. “These programmes support all grades with a particular focus on our Grade 12’s who will begin writing the first practical examination of the National Senior Certificate Examinations in just 54 days time.”
“As part of the WCED’s ‘Own your future. Own your success. Study hard to pass YOUR matric’ campaign, the WCED initiated a number of tutorial programmes throughout the province during the second school term. The tutoring aims to increase the pass rate in high enrolment subjects with high failure rates and has garnered much support from the Grade 12 learners,” he said.
Grant urged Grade 12 learners to use their ‘Tips for Success’ booklet which will provide them with information on how to plan their revision programme and tips on how to study.
“We encourage our Grade 12 learners to use this booklet by ticking off what they know and how to identify areas where they feel they are weak and need improvement. Specific schools were also provided with extra past examination papers. We also ensured that all our Grade 12 learners received the necessary textbooks for major subject,” said Grant.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Thousands march for better wage
DORIANNE ARENDSE
Some twenty thousand public servants took to the streets in Cape Town on Tuesday in protest of government’s revised offer of seven percent and a housing allowance of R630. Public servants are demanding an 8.6 percent wage increase and a R1,000 housing allowance. Various unions affiliated to trade union Cosatu as well as the Public Servants Association marched to Parliament to hand over a memorandum highlighting their demands.
Provincial Chairperson for Nehawu, James Kruger, told VOC News that they are also demanding the equalization of medical aid. “Level 1-3 workers who are the lowest paid government officials are given free medical aid. But that free medical only gives you access to a state hospital and we all know that state of our current healthcare system in the country. Those members that have the so called free medical aid actually don’t have access to health care. The subsidy from level 4 onwards is only a third of the medical aid”, said Kruger.
In addition he said the R1000 housing subsidy was not their initial demand. Kruger said that even that subsidy will not be able to cover their bond repayments. “A determination on your approval for a bond is made on your annual salary the majority of public servants cannot go to the bank for a bond. But we are saying for those who can at least a R1000 subsidy will do”, said Kruger.
He said the 8.6 percent wage increase which the public servants are asking for amounts to about R80 for the lowest paid worker.
“The level 1 worker gets about R40 000 – R50 000 a year. If you take an 8 percent increase on that it is not even R80, so it does not represent much increase for the ordinary worker. That is why we have always fought for a sliding scale increase. They have to improve the salaries on the lower level. The disparity between a level 1 salary and that of a head of department’s salary is too great”, said Kruger.
Some twenty thousand public servants took to the streets in Cape Town on Tuesday in protest of government’s revised offer of seven percent and a housing allowance of R630. Public servants are demanding an 8.6 percent wage increase and a R1,000 housing allowance. Various unions affiliated to trade union Cosatu as well as the Public Servants Association marched to Parliament to hand over a memorandum highlighting their demands.
Provincial Chairperson for Nehawu, James Kruger, told VOC News that they are also demanding the equalization of medical aid. “Level 1-3 workers who are the lowest paid government officials are given free medical aid. But that free medical only gives you access to a state hospital and we all know that state of our current healthcare system in the country. Those members that have the so called free medical aid actually don’t have access to health care. The subsidy from level 4 onwards is only a third of the medical aid”, said Kruger.
In addition he said the R1000 housing subsidy was not their initial demand. Kruger said that even that subsidy will not be able to cover their bond repayments. “A determination on your approval for a bond is made on your annual salary the majority of public servants cannot go to the bank for a bond. But we are saying for those who can at least a R1000 subsidy will do”, said Kruger.
He said the 8.6 percent wage increase which the public servants are asking for amounts to about R80 for the lowest paid worker.
“The level 1 worker gets about R40 000 – R50 000 a year. If you take an 8 percent increase on that it is not even R80, so it does not represent much increase for the ordinary worker. That is why we have always fought for a sliding scale increase. They have to improve the salaries on the lower level. The disparity between a level 1 salary and that of a head of department’s salary is too great”, said Kruger.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Public Servants strike looms
Dorianne Arendse
The Public Servants Association is set to embark on strike action next week after wage negotiations between government and the unions deadlocked a few weeks ago. The association is asking for an 8.6 percent wage increase as well as a R1000 housing subsidy. However the employer is only offering a 6.5 percent wage increase across the board and a housing allowance of R620 a month. The Deputy General Manager for the association, Manie De Clerq said there had been no further meetings with the employer and they have now served notice to start strike action next Thursday.
"As far as the offer is concerned from the state, the offer still remains the same- a 6.5 percent wage increase and a R620 housing allowance. We have been given a mandate from our members to reject the offer and to issue a notice to strike. On Wednesday we gave notice to the Bargaining Council that we will commence with strike action on 29 July 2010. The reason for this date is that in the Public Service we are required to give 7 days notice of a strike," explained De Clerq.
De Clerq said the represent approximately 210 000 public servants from different sectors within government. "It does include almost any occupation that you have in the public sector. We must however say that the PSA is on record and we have said this many times, we have not balloted workers that have been classified as essential service like doctors and nurses. However those who have not been classified as essential services are welcome to take part in the strike.
"It is also important to note that the mere classification of essential service does not mean that the work that those who have not been classified is not important. If one takes the immigration officers at the Department of Home Affairs, their jobs has not been classified as essential but they are the ones who control the ports of entry into the country. So if they down tools nobody can leave or enter the country," he said.
When asked about media reports which had indicated that the Minister for Public Service and Administration, Richard Baloyi's office was still in negotiations with the unions, De Clerq replied that the Minister can make statements to appease union. "He can only go back to the Bargaining Council because that is where official bargaining takes place when a different or an improved offer is made. If there are however bi-lateral meetings which takes place outside of that forum we are open to taking part in them and in fact that has happened.
"Last week the meeting with the Minister was such a meeting but it was not very successful. We have done that and we are on record to say that we will take part in any discussion to prevent this strike from happening. But we can't just go back to be told by the Minister like last week that he has nothing to offer. One cannot claim that as being discussions. A discussion must take us forward in order to try and avert the strike," explained De Clerq.
According to De Clerq there has been no movement in negotiations and therefore the decision to strike was taken. "This week there has not been any meetings in the bargaining council or bi-lateral meetings that have taken place with the minister. We find it strange that this is what media reports have indicated. I am not aware of any meetings that have been schedule for Thursday or Friday," said De Clerq
The Public Servants Association is set to embark on strike action next week after wage negotiations between government and the unions deadlocked a few weeks ago. The association is asking for an 8.6 percent wage increase as well as a R1000 housing subsidy. However the employer is only offering a 6.5 percent wage increase across the board and a housing allowance of R620 a month. The Deputy General Manager for the association, Manie De Clerq said there had been no further meetings with the employer and they have now served notice to start strike action next Thursday.
"As far as the offer is concerned from the state, the offer still remains the same- a 6.5 percent wage increase and a R620 housing allowance. We have been given a mandate from our members to reject the offer and to issue a notice to strike. On Wednesday we gave notice to the Bargaining Council that we will commence with strike action on 29 July 2010. The reason for this date is that in the Public Service we are required to give 7 days notice of a strike," explained De Clerq.
De Clerq said the represent approximately 210 000 public servants from different sectors within government. "It does include almost any occupation that you have in the public sector. We must however say that the PSA is on record and we have said this many times, we have not balloted workers that have been classified as essential service like doctors and nurses. However those who have not been classified as essential services are welcome to take part in the strike.
"It is also important to note that the mere classification of essential service does not mean that the work that those who have not been classified is not important. If one takes the immigration officers at the Department of Home Affairs, their jobs has not been classified as essential but they are the ones who control the ports of entry into the country. So if they down tools nobody can leave or enter the country," he said.
When asked about media reports which had indicated that the Minister for Public Service and Administration, Richard Baloyi's office was still in negotiations with the unions, De Clerq replied that the Minister can make statements to appease union. "He can only go back to the Bargaining Council because that is where official bargaining takes place when a different or an improved offer is made. If there are however bi-lateral meetings which takes place outside of that forum we are open to taking part in them and in fact that has happened.
"Last week the meeting with the Minister was such a meeting but it was not very successful. We have done that and we are on record to say that we will take part in any discussion to prevent this strike from happening. But we can't just go back to be told by the Minister like last week that he has nothing to offer. One cannot claim that as being discussions. A discussion must take us forward in order to try and avert the strike," explained De Clerq.
According to De Clerq there has been no movement in negotiations and therefore the decision to strike was taken. "This week there has not been any meetings in the bargaining council or bi-lateral meetings that have taken place with the minister. We find it strange that this is what media reports have indicated. I am not aware of any meetings that have been schedule for Thursday or Friday," said De Clerq
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Socio-economy behind violence
DORIANNE ARENDSE
Government needs address the socio-economic concerns of the local residents in the country as this is what has led to the recent looting of shops owned by foreign nationals in townships recently. This is the view of researcher and writer in civil society, Glen Ashton. Speaking to VOC News on Tuesday afternoon Ashton said the looting of the shops in various townships is not xenophobia but is merely a battle for scarce resources in the community.
"My believe is that this is not xenophobia but rather a battle for resources amongst the poorer sectors of the community. This is amongst the poorest of the poor who are competing for resources especially with those who have had better opportunities in education. I think that there is quite a deep degree of resentment but it is not resentment because they are a different race, but resentment that they are economically more successful. They are seen to be having access to an inordinate amount of resources that locals believe should be reserved for them," said Ashton.
Frustration
Ashton explained that what one is seeing at the moment is sheer frustration on the part of the local community. "I think what we are seeing is a profound frustration on the part in the poorer sector of society, who remain voiceless ten years after democracy and with the neo-liberal balance of economic power in South Africa and the way development has happened in South Africa.
"The social net has been widened but sufficient resources have not been put into areas where there is nothing. Through out Africa the heart of the community is the market where goods are traded. There has been no move to open up democratic markets within the poorer communities. It is interesting that a lot of the immigrants have basically moved into these niches which are still existence in some parts of Africa. But in South Africa these markets have been crushed and have been forgotten through apartheid."
He said that a lot of the acts of violence have not only being directed at foreign nationals but also at some locals who may not necessarily be in from the Western Cape. "What we have seen in South Africa is interesting because a lot of the violence has not just been directed at people from outside the country.
"It is also directed at internal migrants within South Africa, where we see people come down from Venda to the Western Cape who according to the Xhosa speaking locals are concerned come from ‘Ethopia'- the cultural differences between the two groups are so vast. So again you find people from within South Africa being targeted as outsiders because they do not speak the local dialect," he said.
Army
Ashton agreed with the South African Institute for Race Relation's (SAIRR) view that sending in the army and additional police officers may send out mixed signals as to whether the attacks are xenophobic. "I believe that it does because locals would then believe that the state is protecting the outsiders because in most places we know that the poorest communities are the most dangerous places live in.
"The security there is abysmal and now suddenly the police and the army is being brought in - why are these huge resources being mobilized to help the poorer sectors of the community. I think it is almost bound to bring some degree of resentment to the communities and the South African Institute for Race Relations is quite correct."
However, Ashton is not of the view that hosting a summit on xenophobia or on ways to address the socio-economic concerns of the community would be of benefit. "South Africans love sitting down around tables and I personally think we need to see more action. We need to see more resources being moved into townships.
"Unfortunately I think the heads of our security apparatus - the police - seem to be heavier handed in their approached and I think we need a little hand. We understand what is going on and it might be useful to discuss the issue. There have been various forums where this has been discussed in places like Masiphumele and Khayelitsha where there has been dialogue between conciliation experts," he said.
Job Creation
When asked if foreign nationals were more resourceful in creating jobs for themselves, Ashton replied that we should look at the wonderful resources that is being made possible by the foreign nationals. "South Africa is seen as a huge economic magnet within Africa and we have migrants coming in with various skills, enabling us to employ people with a large skill base. I think it is a matter of embracing rather than seeing the foreign nationals as a threat."
Ashton commended the media for highlighting the possibility of another outbreak of xenophobic violence. "The media always gets tagged as fuelling these rumours but I think the media was instrumental in sharing the information about what was initially happening out there. If we did not have good media reports we would not have know what was actually happening.
"So rather than putting a lid on everything like in the old apartheid days we need to have a transparent media. There is a very powerful attack on the free media in South Africa and there is all kinds of legislation in the pipeline," he said
Government needs address the socio-economic concerns of the local residents in the country as this is what has led to the recent looting of shops owned by foreign nationals in townships recently. This is the view of researcher and writer in civil society, Glen Ashton. Speaking to VOC News on Tuesday afternoon Ashton said the looting of the shops in various townships is not xenophobia but is merely a battle for scarce resources in the community.
"My believe is that this is not xenophobia but rather a battle for resources amongst the poorer sectors of the community. This is amongst the poorest of the poor who are competing for resources especially with those who have had better opportunities in education. I think that there is quite a deep degree of resentment but it is not resentment because they are a different race, but resentment that they are economically more successful. They are seen to be having access to an inordinate amount of resources that locals believe should be reserved for them," said Ashton.
Frustration
Ashton explained that what one is seeing at the moment is sheer frustration on the part of the local community. "I think what we are seeing is a profound frustration on the part in the poorer sector of society, who remain voiceless ten years after democracy and with the neo-liberal balance of economic power in South Africa and the way development has happened in South Africa.
"The social net has been widened but sufficient resources have not been put into areas where there is nothing. Through out Africa the heart of the community is the market where goods are traded. There has been no move to open up democratic markets within the poorer communities. It is interesting that a lot of the immigrants have basically moved into these niches which are still existence in some parts of Africa. But in South Africa these markets have been crushed and have been forgotten through apartheid."
He said that a lot of the acts of violence have not only being directed at foreign nationals but also at some locals who may not necessarily be in from the Western Cape. "What we have seen in South Africa is interesting because a lot of the violence has not just been directed at people from outside the country.
"It is also directed at internal migrants within South Africa, where we see people come down from Venda to the Western Cape who according to the Xhosa speaking locals are concerned come from ‘Ethopia'- the cultural differences between the two groups are so vast. So again you find people from within South Africa being targeted as outsiders because they do not speak the local dialect," he said.
Army
Ashton agreed with the South African Institute for Race Relation's (SAIRR) view that sending in the army and additional police officers may send out mixed signals as to whether the attacks are xenophobic. "I believe that it does because locals would then believe that the state is protecting the outsiders because in most places we know that the poorest communities are the most dangerous places live in.
"The security there is abysmal and now suddenly the police and the army is being brought in - why are these huge resources being mobilized to help the poorer sectors of the community. I think it is almost bound to bring some degree of resentment to the communities and the South African Institute for Race Relations is quite correct."
However, Ashton is not of the view that hosting a summit on xenophobia or on ways to address the socio-economic concerns of the community would be of benefit. "South Africans love sitting down around tables and I personally think we need to see more action. We need to see more resources being moved into townships.
"Unfortunately I think the heads of our security apparatus - the police - seem to be heavier handed in their approached and I think we need a little hand. We understand what is going on and it might be useful to discuss the issue. There have been various forums where this has been discussed in places like Masiphumele and Khayelitsha where there has been dialogue between conciliation experts," he said.
Job Creation
When asked if foreign nationals were more resourceful in creating jobs for themselves, Ashton replied that we should look at the wonderful resources that is being made possible by the foreign nationals. "South Africa is seen as a huge economic magnet within Africa and we have migrants coming in with various skills, enabling us to employ people with a large skill base. I think it is a matter of embracing rather than seeing the foreign nationals as a threat."
Ashton commended the media for highlighting the possibility of another outbreak of xenophobic violence. "The media always gets tagged as fuelling these rumours but I think the media was instrumental in sharing the information about what was initially happening out there. If we did not have good media reports we would not have know what was actually happening.
"So rather than putting a lid on everything like in the old apartheid days we need to have a transparent media. There is a very powerful attack on the free media in South Africa and there is all kinds of legislation in the pipeline," he said
Monday, July 19, 2010
Criminals behind xeno: Mtethwa
Dorianne Arendse
The Minister of Police Nathi Mthetwa, along with the Premier of the Western Cape Helen Zille and the Mayor of Cape Town Dan Plato on Friday morning addressed a media briefing at Parliament following the recent threats of xenophobic violence. Shortly before the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup came to an end rumours surfaced in the media that foreign nationals living in the country were at risk of being attacked by locals. These reports sparked widespread fear amongst the foreigners many of whom were displaced during a wave of xenophobic violence during May 2008.
According to the spokesperson for the Ministry of Police, Zweli Mnisi the meeting between the Premier and the Minister of Police was fruitful. Mnisi said the Minister had acknowledge that while some may label the recent looting of shops owned by foreign nationals as xenophobia there are also criminal elements involved. "The Minister moved from a premise that although the rumours can be labeled as xenophobic threats there are some criminal elements who are taking advantage of the situation. During the meeting the issue of prevention was raised. All levels of government from national, provincial and local government need to work together to ensure that there is no outbreak of xenophobic violence," said Mnsisi.
Plans
In addition to this the Premier also shared the plans of provincial government strategy to combat any violence which may flare up. "The Premier shared with us the provinces proposed strategy which looks at amongst others disaster management, as well as the involvement of all stakeholders including religious leaders as well as early warning systems which they have been using in the province," explained Mnisi.
According to Mnisi, the Premier was also briefed on the plans of the inter-ministerial committee which was set up 2 weeks ago to deal with xenophobia. "The Minister also shared with the Premier the plans of the inter-ministerial task team which looks at various sectors like the continuation of the recent world cup successes from a view point of policing. So during the meeting we were able to find some common ground regarding the xenophobic violence."
World Cup Courts
When asked if the special World Cup courts would remain in place to deal with those arrested for inciting xenophobic violence, Mnisi replied that he is not able to speak on behalf of the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development even though it has been indicated that the courts may remain in place. "I cannot comment on behalf on the Department of Justice but in terms of our interactions as a government cluster they have assured as that there are plans afoot to continue those courts.
During the World Cup there were some tangible results and good outcomes in terms of the police working together with the Justice Department in terms of prosecution. Part of dealing with these xenophobic threats which are in essence criminality we have had an assurance from Justice that they are ready to deal with this issue," said Mnisi.
Hotspots
According to Mnisi, the extra police officers deployed during the World Cup in the province will now be moved to potential hotspots in the province. "Some of the police officers were deployed at the stadia and hotels looking after certain teams that were in country. Now that those teams are no longer here it would be a strategic deployment to potential hotspots, especially since those officers are now trained and have more expertise when it comes to dealing with mobs and people who may just want to fuel violence.
"That experience cannot be taken away from the police that they have gained by interacting with their counterparts from around the world. They will not only be deployed in terms of hotspots but will also be used to set up random roadblocks," he explained. In addition, the provincial government has also deployed 20 mediation teams to various flashpoints in the province where either xenophobic threats or attacks have been recorded.
The spokesperson for the Department of Local Government in the province, Dr Hildegard Fast said provincial governments plan is to ensure that there is no outbreak of xenophobic violence. "Our plan is that there should not be any xenophobic violence at all. All of the measures that we have put in place are very much orientated to that. As the provincial government we have worked with police to ensure that there is an effective early warning system in place. This will ensure that any calls that come in to the provincial government or municipalities are immediately forwarded to the South Africa Police Force. We have also deployed 20 mediators in the most vulnerable areas. This is to ensure that some of the tension is addressed," she said.
Mediation
Fast said the mediation in various communities has gone very well. "There has been some fantastic work done on the ground by a variety of community organizations. Faith based organizations have been at work and also some civil society organizations. I think in a combined way the fact that there is very little to report in the last days speaks to the success of the initiative," she said.
According to Fast, they are doing everything possible to make sure that there is no escalation in acts of xenophobia. "We are doing everything we can to ensure that does not happen. I think that we have learnt some things from the xenophobic attacks during 2008. I think that because we do have an early warning system in place increases our chances of making sure it does not happen again."
She said that most of the pressure has been of the police force and not the Joint Operations Centre. "I think in fact that most of the pressure has been on the police, because in the first instance when there is any threat of violence or any violence starts to break out it is the safety and security response in the first instance and I think the police has responded very well. Because there has been so little displacement there has not been much humanitarian assistance that has been required on the part of the province or the city,"
Socio-economic factors
According to Fast, the socio-economic conditions in the country is playing a huge role in xenophobic attacks. "It is one of the key contributing factors to the fact that there might be tensions in the community. There will be competition for rare resources in the community between the locals and foreign nationals. So clearly this requires a multi-faceted approached. During the media briefing on Friday these issues were raised. We need to identify more economic opportunities for people.
"There is also the issue of transferring skills from some of the foreign traders to the local traders to ensure that there is less competition and we also need to have an education campaign. There are a range of things that local and provincial government can do to ensure that there are no further outbreaks of xenophobia in the province," said Fast.
The Minister of Police Nathi Mthetwa, along with the Premier of the Western Cape Helen Zille and the Mayor of Cape Town Dan Plato on Friday morning addressed a media briefing at Parliament following the recent threats of xenophobic violence. Shortly before the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup came to an end rumours surfaced in the media that foreign nationals living in the country were at risk of being attacked by locals. These reports sparked widespread fear amongst the foreigners many of whom were displaced during a wave of xenophobic violence during May 2008.
According to the spokesperson for the Ministry of Police, Zweli Mnisi the meeting between the Premier and the Minister of Police was fruitful. Mnisi said the Minister had acknowledge that while some may label the recent looting of shops owned by foreign nationals as xenophobia there are also criminal elements involved. "The Minister moved from a premise that although the rumours can be labeled as xenophobic threats there are some criminal elements who are taking advantage of the situation. During the meeting the issue of prevention was raised. All levels of government from national, provincial and local government need to work together to ensure that there is no outbreak of xenophobic violence," said Mnsisi.
Plans
In addition to this the Premier also shared the plans of provincial government strategy to combat any violence which may flare up. "The Premier shared with us the provinces proposed strategy which looks at amongst others disaster management, as well as the involvement of all stakeholders including religious leaders as well as early warning systems which they have been using in the province," explained Mnisi.
According to Mnisi, the Premier was also briefed on the plans of the inter-ministerial committee which was set up 2 weeks ago to deal with xenophobia. "The Minister also shared with the Premier the plans of the inter-ministerial task team which looks at various sectors like the continuation of the recent world cup successes from a view point of policing. So during the meeting we were able to find some common ground regarding the xenophobic violence."
World Cup Courts
When asked if the special World Cup courts would remain in place to deal with those arrested for inciting xenophobic violence, Mnisi replied that he is not able to speak on behalf of the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development even though it has been indicated that the courts may remain in place. "I cannot comment on behalf on the Department of Justice but in terms of our interactions as a government cluster they have assured as that there are plans afoot to continue those courts.
During the World Cup there were some tangible results and good outcomes in terms of the police working together with the Justice Department in terms of prosecution. Part of dealing with these xenophobic threats which are in essence criminality we have had an assurance from Justice that they are ready to deal with this issue," said Mnisi.
Hotspots
According to Mnisi, the extra police officers deployed during the World Cup in the province will now be moved to potential hotspots in the province. "Some of the police officers were deployed at the stadia and hotels looking after certain teams that were in country. Now that those teams are no longer here it would be a strategic deployment to potential hotspots, especially since those officers are now trained and have more expertise when it comes to dealing with mobs and people who may just want to fuel violence.
"That experience cannot be taken away from the police that they have gained by interacting with their counterparts from around the world. They will not only be deployed in terms of hotspots but will also be used to set up random roadblocks," he explained. In addition, the provincial government has also deployed 20 mediation teams to various flashpoints in the province where either xenophobic threats or attacks have been recorded.
The spokesperson for the Department of Local Government in the province, Dr Hildegard Fast said provincial governments plan is to ensure that there is no outbreak of xenophobic violence. "Our plan is that there should not be any xenophobic violence at all. All of the measures that we have put in place are very much orientated to that. As the provincial government we have worked with police to ensure that there is an effective early warning system in place. This will ensure that any calls that come in to the provincial government or municipalities are immediately forwarded to the South Africa Police Force. We have also deployed 20 mediators in the most vulnerable areas. This is to ensure that some of the tension is addressed," she said.
Mediation
Fast said the mediation in various communities has gone very well. "There has been some fantastic work done on the ground by a variety of community organizations. Faith based organizations have been at work and also some civil society organizations. I think in a combined way the fact that there is very little to report in the last days speaks to the success of the initiative," she said.
According to Fast, they are doing everything possible to make sure that there is no escalation in acts of xenophobia. "We are doing everything we can to ensure that does not happen. I think that we have learnt some things from the xenophobic attacks during 2008. I think that because we do have an early warning system in place increases our chances of making sure it does not happen again."
She said that most of the pressure has been of the police force and not the Joint Operations Centre. "I think in fact that most of the pressure has been on the police, because in the first instance when there is any threat of violence or any violence starts to break out it is the safety and security response in the first instance and I think the police has responded very well. Because there has been so little displacement there has not been much humanitarian assistance that has been required on the part of the province or the city,"
Socio-economic factors
According to Fast, the socio-economic conditions in the country is playing a huge role in xenophobic attacks. "It is one of the key contributing factors to the fact that there might be tensions in the community. There will be competition for rare resources in the community between the locals and foreign nationals. So clearly this requires a multi-faceted approached. During the media briefing on Friday these issues were raised. We need to identify more economic opportunities for people.
"There is also the issue of transferring skills from some of the foreign traders to the local traders to ensure that there is less competition and we also need to have an education campaign. There are a range of things that local and provincial government can do to ensure that there are no further outbreaks of xenophobia in the province," said Fast.
Police on high alert amid rumours of xenophobic violence
The Ministry of Police will be on high alert to ensure that xenophobic violence is quelled as quickly as possible should it flare up after FIFA 2010 Soccer World Cup. This was the announcement made by the Minister of Police, Nathi Mthetwa on Thursday at a media briefing held by the inter-ministerial task team set up last week to look at ways of preventing further xenophobic attacks. During 2008 thousands of refugees mostly Zimbabweans were left destitute as the locals attacked and chased them out of the townships they were living in.
Mthetwa said the security put in place for the FIFA 2010 Soccer World Cup will remain in place after the tournament ends on Sunday to curb any outbreak of violence. In addition Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) will be spearheading an aggressive communication strategy to counter and mitigate the risk posed by unbalanced media reports which instill fear in foreign nationals.
The inter-ministerial committee comprises of several other ministries including Home Affairs, Social Development, State Security, Basic Education, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Art and Culture and International Relations and Cooperation. Last week rumours of xenophobic violence after the world cup once again did the rounds in townships in the Western Cape.
"We will not tolerate any threat or act of violence against any individual or sector of society, no matter what reasons are given to justify such threats or actions. Government is closely monitoring these xenophobic threats by faceless criminals whose desire is to create anarchy. We want to assure society that our police are on the ground to thwart these evil acts," said Mthetwa.
Plan
Mthetwa outlined a detailed multi faceted plan to prevent any outbreak of violence against foreign nationals in South Africa. He further called on all civic organizations, political parties, youth formations and religious groupings to work together. "In the unlikely event of another breakout of violence against foreign nationals or violence in any form, government will take appropriate legal measures to bring perpetrators to book.
"Our security agencies are prepared to deal effectively with any violence against anyone, including foreign nationals. We continue to monitor all and any threats. Should any be found to be credible measures will be implemented immediately to prevent any outbreak of violence," he said. According to Mthetwa their research has found that the rumours have been spread by criminal elements.
"The locus of these tensions is mainly driven by criminal elements in areas where there are high levels of poverty and unemployment. There has been a proliferation of businesses owned by foreign nationals in the townships and informal settlements across all provinces. Furthermore there is a sharp increase in anti foreigner sentiment spreading from the metropolitan cities and surrounding townships to smaller towns and rural areas across South Africa," explained Mthetwa.
He said the task team had noted that one of the contributing factors to the renewed threat of xenophobic violence is unemployment amongst the youth. "The inter-ministerial committee further noted that the most disturbing factor is the marked involvement of unemployed young people in this ghastly manifestation of discontent.
"It is a matter of common knowledge that some foreign nationals do not register their presence in the country with the relevant government institutions. Therefore the integration of foreign nationals in society is crucial. This scenario leads to deep resentment and discontent," said Mthetwa.
Mthetwa said the security put in place for the FIFA 2010 Soccer World Cup will remain in place after the tournament ends on Sunday to curb any outbreak of violence. In addition Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) will be spearheading an aggressive communication strategy to counter and mitigate the risk posed by unbalanced media reports which instill fear in foreign nationals.
The inter-ministerial committee comprises of several other ministries including Home Affairs, Social Development, State Security, Basic Education, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Art and Culture and International Relations and Cooperation. Last week rumours of xenophobic violence after the world cup once again did the rounds in townships in the Western Cape.
"We will not tolerate any threat or act of violence against any individual or sector of society, no matter what reasons are given to justify such threats or actions. Government is closely monitoring these xenophobic threats by faceless criminals whose desire is to create anarchy. We want to assure society that our police are on the ground to thwart these evil acts," said Mthetwa.
Plan
Mthetwa outlined a detailed multi faceted plan to prevent any outbreak of violence against foreign nationals in South Africa. He further called on all civic organizations, political parties, youth formations and religious groupings to work together. "In the unlikely event of another breakout of violence against foreign nationals or violence in any form, government will take appropriate legal measures to bring perpetrators to book.
"Our security agencies are prepared to deal effectively with any violence against anyone, including foreign nationals. We continue to monitor all and any threats. Should any be found to be credible measures will be implemented immediately to prevent any outbreak of violence," he said. According to Mthetwa their research has found that the rumours have been spread by criminal elements.
"The locus of these tensions is mainly driven by criminal elements in areas where there are high levels of poverty and unemployment. There has been a proliferation of businesses owned by foreign nationals in the townships and informal settlements across all provinces. Furthermore there is a sharp increase in anti foreigner sentiment spreading from the metropolitan cities and surrounding townships to smaller towns and rural areas across South Africa," explained Mthetwa.
He said the task team had noted that one of the contributing factors to the renewed threat of xenophobic violence is unemployment amongst the youth. "The inter-ministerial committee further noted that the most disturbing factor is the marked involvement of unemployed young people in this ghastly manifestation of discontent.
"It is a matter of common knowledge that some foreign nationals do not register their presence in the country with the relevant government institutions. Therefore the integration of foreign nationals in society is crucial. This scenario leads to deep resentment and discontent," said Mthetwa.
SAAIR: Looting of shops owned by foreigners xenophobic
Dorianne Arendse
The South African Institute for Race Relations (SAIRR) believes that the recent looting of shops owned by foreign nationals in the Western Cape is xenophobia and not acts of criminality as said by the Minister of Police Nathi Mthetwa. Speaking to VOC's Breakfast Beat on Wednesday morning spokesperson at SAIRR, Catherine Schulze said the Institute was receiving information that casual threats and insinuations of violence against foreign African migrants were increasing.
"The environment is frustrating and the information as all the information at hand was anecdotal. It was very difficult to find hard facts on the extent to which the threats were escalating. However the Institute is not predicting an outbreak of violence as there was not enough information at hand to make such a prediction," said Schulze.
She said that the SAIRR was cautioning that the environment that gave rise to the 2008 attacks was largely unchanged. "Poverty, unemployment and incomes indicators had not shifted significantly since 2008, while high levels of crime and violence were an everyday reality in many poor communities. At the same time, reports of increased threats, some disguised as jokes and idle banter, created and enabling environment for a renewed series of attacks."
Task team
Last week an inter-ministerial task team was set up deal with the socio-economic factors which may have led to the rumours being circulated in various townships in the province. "We were notified about some foreign nationals who were hiding at various police stations in the province. We went there on Monday to find out exactly what the story is. We have always had a stance that these are criminal acts which are been perpetuated along racial lines. While we might be sitting here and thinking that it is xenophobia, if people have legitimate concerns against certain foreign nationals they must not be a blanket approach. So we cannot say that all foreign nationals are stealing our jobs, some foreign nationals are taking our jobs," said Zweli Mnisi the spokesperson for the Minister for Police.
She is of the opinion that there is no point in Government denying the presence of xenophobic prejudice in the country as attacks had continued to occur since 2008, although not on the same scale as those of that year. "We were told previously that police were unable to devote resources to determining the exact extent of these attacks. We are urging government and the ANC to use their leadership positions in the country to change the perceptions that many black South Africans harboured towards foreign African immigrants. We described this discrimination as possibly the most prevalent form of overt racism in the country."
Unfounded
However, Mnisi felt that the statement made by the SAIRR was unfounded. "We prefer intellect and we have always said that this is a societal challenge. We would not like to debate these things in the media. If people have evidence of this then they must come forward with the information and give to the police, they must not be denialists. What this does is it creates a situation where people just spread rumours to create anxiety. This is why the integrated plan which was outline by the Minister last week is not just a government plan it encompasses society as well. We appeal to organizations to issue statements that are unfounded."
He said that reports were first surfaced that foreigners were leaving the Western Cape in droves but an investigation by intelligence official had proved this to be far from the truth. "First and foremost we were told that some people were leaving in droves in the Western Cape because of xenophobia. When we sent our intelligence down there, some of them- not all of them- said they were seasonal workers. We are not thumb sucking this information, we are on the ground," he explained.
Mnisi said that when shops are looted and burnt down the perpetrators are not arrested and charged for acts of xenophobia. "When you burn a shack, when you kill people there is no section of the law to say it is xenophobia- it is a sheer criminal act. That is why as police we have said we will act on these things. When we arrest people we do not arrest them on a charge of xenophobia, there is a charge that says you have burnt property or you have killed people. That is what we charge them with."
The South African Institute for Race Relations (SAIRR) believes that the recent looting of shops owned by foreign nationals in the Western Cape is xenophobia and not acts of criminality as said by the Minister of Police Nathi Mthetwa. Speaking to VOC's Breakfast Beat on Wednesday morning spokesperson at SAIRR, Catherine Schulze said the Institute was receiving information that casual threats and insinuations of violence against foreign African migrants were increasing.
"The environment is frustrating and the information as all the information at hand was anecdotal. It was very difficult to find hard facts on the extent to which the threats were escalating. However the Institute is not predicting an outbreak of violence as there was not enough information at hand to make such a prediction," said Schulze.
She said that the SAIRR was cautioning that the environment that gave rise to the 2008 attacks was largely unchanged. "Poverty, unemployment and incomes indicators had not shifted significantly since 2008, while high levels of crime and violence were an everyday reality in many poor communities. At the same time, reports of increased threats, some disguised as jokes and idle banter, created and enabling environment for a renewed series of attacks."
Task team
Last week an inter-ministerial task team was set up deal with the socio-economic factors which may have led to the rumours being circulated in various townships in the province. "We were notified about some foreign nationals who were hiding at various police stations in the province. We went there on Monday to find out exactly what the story is. We have always had a stance that these are criminal acts which are been perpetuated along racial lines. While we might be sitting here and thinking that it is xenophobia, if people have legitimate concerns against certain foreign nationals they must not be a blanket approach. So we cannot say that all foreign nationals are stealing our jobs, some foreign nationals are taking our jobs," said Zweli Mnisi the spokesperson for the Minister for Police.
She is of the opinion that there is no point in Government denying the presence of xenophobic prejudice in the country as attacks had continued to occur since 2008, although not on the same scale as those of that year. "We were told previously that police were unable to devote resources to determining the exact extent of these attacks. We are urging government and the ANC to use their leadership positions in the country to change the perceptions that many black South Africans harboured towards foreign African immigrants. We described this discrimination as possibly the most prevalent form of overt racism in the country."
Unfounded
However, Mnisi felt that the statement made by the SAIRR was unfounded. "We prefer intellect and we have always said that this is a societal challenge. We would not like to debate these things in the media. If people have evidence of this then they must come forward with the information and give to the police, they must not be denialists. What this does is it creates a situation where people just spread rumours to create anxiety. This is why the integrated plan which was outline by the Minister last week is not just a government plan it encompasses society as well. We appeal to organizations to issue statements that are unfounded."
He said that reports were first surfaced that foreigners were leaving the Western Cape in droves but an investigation by intelligence official had proved this to be far from the truth. "First and foremost we were told that some people were leaving in droves in the Western Cape because of xenophobia. When we sent our intelligence down there, some of them- not all of them- said they were seasonal workers. We are not thumb sucking this information, we are on the ground," he explained.
Mnisi said that when shops are looted and burnt down the perpetrators are not arrested and charged for acts of xenophobia. "When you burn a shack, when you kill people there is no section of the law to say it is xenophobia- it is a sheer criminal act. That is why as police we have said we will act on these things. When we arrest people we do not arrest them on a charge of xenophobia, there is a charge that says you have burnt property or you have killed people. That is what we charge them with."
Cape on xeno alert
Dorianne Arendse
The provincial government in the Western Cape said it is keeping a close on eye on the situation in the various townships in the province after several foreign owned shops were looted on Sunday. The spokesperson for provincial disaster management, Daniella Ebenezer, said 70 foreigners had sought refuge overnight at the Mbekweni police station in Paarl and 22 at the Wellington police station. Recent media reports have indicated that they may be renewed xenophobic violence in the province once the FIFA 2010 Soccer World Cup ends.
"The South African Police have reported to us that there was sporadic looting on Sunday in the Western Cape on shops owned by foreign nationals. They have also indicated that the situation is under control and that they are maintaining a high visibility in the most vulnerable areas. As provincial government we are monitoring the situation together with our municipal disaster centres and we are providing information to the police about any threats," she said.
According to Ebenezer, the provinces community development workers are playing a pivotal role in providing information to police on any threats. "The provinces community development workers have been instrumental to authorities in providing information on what is happening on the ground.
"We have provincial mediators who went into the communities last week who will continue their efforts this week. Provincial and local governments are on standby to provide humanitarian support should this be required. In addition to this the provincial disaster management joint operations centre established for the World Cup is still in operation, as is the City's joint operation centre and the South African Police," said Ebenezer.
She said that the faith based organizations in the various communities have been running workshops similar to the one which was held in Khayelitsha on Friday morning. The spokesman for the ministry of police, Zweli Mnisi said they are pleased with this initiative. He said the community had invited the Minster of Police Nathi Mthetwa to address the community. Last Thursday Mthetwa outlined a detailed planned to combat any outbreak of violence post world cup.
"We commend the community of Khayelitsha because we launched our plan on Thursday but by Friday this community had called to ask us to came and interact with the community- so that we as government was able to see what they were doing as community to combat xenophobia. They took the first step towards saying no to xenophobia, no to racism and not afro-pessimism. It was a community driven issue which as government we support this," said Mnisi.
In addition, Mnisi has called on the media to report responsibly on issues like xenophobia. This comes after media reports last week had indicated that scores of foreign nationals were seen along the national highway with their belongings and would be moving out of the province because of the rumours of xenophobic violence. He said the department had done their own research and had in fact spoken to the foreign nationals, who turned out to be seasonal workers looking for other employment.
"It brings me to another point of responsible reporting. The reports in the media last week were not true. The fact of the matter is that our intelligence has basic security on board. They then discovered that in the Western Cape there are seasonal workers who would leave in droves to find other employment. So for some of the media to give the impression that they were leaving because fears is irresponsible," he said.
He said that following the threats of intimidation to foreign nationals in some townships, the Ministers for Defence and Military Veterans Lindiwe Sisulu and the Minister for Police came to Cape Town today to get first hand reports from senior law enforcement officers. "Senior officers reported that criminal elements are threatening innocent foreign nationals and taking their goods and assts.
"The police reported that they had made arrests in a number of incidents. The Ministers has instructed law enforcement agencies to deal harshly with anyone who threatens any citizen in the country. Foreign nationals who are intimidated and threatened must report the perpetrators to the police," said Mnisi.
The provincial government in the Western Cape said it is keeping a close on eye on the situation in the various townships in the province after several foreign owned shops were looted on Sunday. The spokesperson for provincial disaster management, Daniella Ebenezer, said 70 foreigners had sought refuge overnight at the Mbekweni police station in Paarl and 22 at the Wellington police station. Recent media reports have indicated that they may be renewed xenophobic violence in the province once the FIFA 2010 Soccer World Cup ends.
"The South African Police have reported to us that there was sporadic looting on Sunday in the Western Cape on shops owned by foreign nationals. They have also indicated that the situation is under control and that they are maintaining a high visibility in the most vulnerable areas. As provincial government we are monitoring the situation together with our municipal disaster centres and we are providing information to the police about any threats," she said.
According to Ebenezer, the provinces community development workers are playing a pivotal role in providing information to police on any threats. "The provinces community development workers have been instrumental to authorities in providing information on what is happening on the ground.
"We have provincial mediators who went into the communities last week who will continue their efforts this week. Provincial and local governments are on standby to provide humanitarian support should this be required. In addition to this the provincial disaster management joint operations centre established for the World Cup is still in operation, as is the City's joint operation centre and the South African Police," said Ebenezer.
She said that the faith based organizations in the various communities have been running workshops similar to the one which was held in Khayelitsha on Friday morning. The spokesman for the ministry of police, Zweli Mnisi said they are pleased with this initiative. He said the community had invited the Minster of Police Nathi Mthetwa to address the community. Last Thursday Mthetwa outlined a detailed planned to combat any outbreak of violence post world cup.
"We commend the community of Khayelitsha because we launched our plan on Thursday but by Friday this community had called to ask us to came and interact with the community- so that we as government was able to see what they were doing as community to combat xenophobia. They took the first step towards saying no to xenophobia, no to racism and not afro-pessimism. It was a community driven issue which as government we support this," said Mnisi.
In addition, Mnisi has called on the media to report responsibly on issues like xenophobia. This comes after media reports last week had indicated that scores of foreign nationals were seen along the national highway with their belongings and would be moving out of the province because of the rumours of xenophobic violence. He said the department had done their own research and had in fact spoken to the foreign nationals, who turned out to be seasonal workers looking for other employment.
"It brings me to another point of responsible reporting. The reports in the media last week were not true. The fact of the matter is that our intelligence has basic security on board. They then discovered that in the Western Cape there are seasonal workers who would leave in droves to find other employment. So for some of the media to give the impression that they were leaving because fears is irresponsible," he said.
He said that following the threats of intimidation to foreign nationals in some townships, the Ministers for Defence and Military Veterans Lindiwe Sisulu and the Minister for Police came to Cape Town today to get first hand reports from senior law enforcement officers. "Senior officers reported that criminal elements are threatening innocent foreign nationals and taking their goods and assts.
"The police reported that they had made arrests in a number of incidents. The Ministers has instructed law enforcement agencies to deal harshly with anyone who threatens any citizen in the country. Foreign nationals who are intimidated and threatened must report the perpetrators to the police," said Mnisi.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
FIFA Ripping South Africa Off
Dorianne Arendse
With the FIFA 2010 Soccer World Cup merely a few weeks away, an investigative reporter based in the UK has said that the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) should have done more to protect the interest of ordinary South African citizens. This is according to Andrew Jennings an investigative journalist based in London. Jennings For the past nine years he has investigated the sporting body for the past ten years. He is of the opinion that FIFA was not really able to impose all the rules it has on South Africa during the 2006 Soccer World Cup in Germany.
The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) this month launched a book entitled the Player and Referee: Conflicting Interests looks at the soccer tournament and is a national case study which looks at the issues within all host provinces as well as the challenges to their construction of their respective stadia. The case studies have been examined by six top investigative journalists.
"When you mention the word FIFA we have to have two concepts in mind. One is the mass of officials around the world who do mostly clerical work but on top of that there is a tiny super structure- Sepp Blatter who controls his 24 man executive committee and about a third of them are involved in bribery and corruption, ticket rackets and diversion of funds. Not all of them are involved in these activities," explained Jennings.
Banned
Jennings is also the only journalist to be banned by FIFA President Sepp Blatter. "Sepp Blatter banned me in April 2003, after I wrote a story in a London newspaper, disclosing that he pays himself a vast secret bonus- six figures is Swiss Francs. We never got the precise number. He banned me because I did this with a legally sworn affidavit from a former finance director.
"The evidence is perfect, Blatter pays himself money. He will never talk about what he earns. I defy any reporter anywhere in the world to actually say to Sepp Blatter and get a truthful answer- how much do you pay yourself in bonuses, expenses, car allowances and accomadation allowances", said Jennings.
Jennings said that he would like to see South African reporters gang up on Blatter when he is in the country for the soccer spectacle, so that he would be forced to reveal all of these details. He said the same day the article was published to a media statement was issued which said that Blatter would sue the London Daily Mail as well as the Jennings. To date no lawsuit has been brought against the journalist or the newspaper.
Rules
When asked about all the rules and regulations which were put in place by FIFA for the World Cup in South Africa, Jennings replied that there was a serious problem in South Africa. "FIFA would never have been allowed to get these legislations passed to have public authorities banning street vendors telling you as South Africans what you can and can't do in your own country.
"I think that you have to look at the local organizing committee and you have to be putting tough questions Danny Jordaan, Irvan Khoza and the rest of them. It would appear gentlemen that you have sold South Africa down the river. Can we talk about it please, because no other country would put up with this, Germany did not put up with this kind of repressive behavior in 2006. And if England is successful we certainly won't put up with this either", explained Jennings.
According to Jennings both the local media as well as the international media is concerned about the informal sector in South Africa which has been sidelined by the Soccer World Cup. "Of course Danny Jordaan is going to say that he has not sold South Africa down the river. Look at the evidence and make up your own minds. FIFA will make off at the end of the tournament with billions of dollars", said Jennings.
Ticketing system
He has also slammed the ticketing system which has been used by FIFA for the World Cup. "Everybody that who wanted to knew that the majority of the population sadly knows that they do not have access to computer terminals. The majority of the population does not have plastic credit cards; they do not have banking accounts. This is a well known to Jordaan and the other South African officials.
This is even known to the international media. We have visited the informal settlements, we have visited the townships and we know about economic deprivation. So why did FIFA go ahead with this insane internet ticket system. But I can tell you why because it means that they can hold an awful lot behind to sell on the black market.
When asked if he had documented proof of this he replied that it had happened in other tournaments on numerous occasions. "It always does happen. I got hold of the internal Ernst and Young audit report from 2006 Germany World Cup on a Mr. Jack Warner from Trinidad who is the FIFA Vice President getting 5400 tickets to sell on the black market. I got the report and the story is now well known."
When asked about the media accreditation and the manner in which FIFA went about accrediting various media houses in the country, Jennings replied that once again the Local Organizing Committee should be held accountable. "I think it worse in South Africa and again you have been let down by your own football leaders.
"They should be going in to fight on your behalf and say hang on how can you refuse our community. There should be at least one of our reporters in there with a microphone. They must be let into the congress to see FIFA enjoy the money they are extracting from this World Cup. I have never seen FIFA getting away with so much on a host country.
Mandela as pawn
In his research Jennings indicates that former President Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu were used as pawns in April 2004 by Jack Warner. "You know as well as any body else in the world that Nelson Mandela suffered over many decades for his own country, South Africa. Then when he got off Robben Island and he did that famous walk we all thought that, that was the end of him being oppressed but it was not.
"He wanted to go on struggling for his country and get the football tournament. Jack Warner forced Mandela and Tutu who were both very unwell to go to a jamboree in Trinidad so that he could show off his prisoners. I think Mandela was treated better while he was imprisoned on Robben Island," said Jennings.
"He was exhausted; he should not have being flying all that way in the first place to beg for his country. Then on the day of the vote in Zurich Warner turns up and demands more face time and Mandela just had to do as he was told," said Jennings
With the FIFA 2010 Soccer World Cup merely a few weeks away, an investigative reporter based in the UK has said that the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) should have done more to protect the interest of ordinary South African citizens. This is according to Andrew Jennings an investigative journalist based in London. Jennings For the past nine years he has investigated the sporting body for the past ten years. He is of the opinion that FIFA was not really able to impose all the rules it has on South Africa during the 2006 Soccer World Cup in Germany.
The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) this month launched a book entitled the Player and Referee: Conflicting Interests looks at the soccer tournament and is a national case study which looks at the issues within all host provinces as well as the challenges to their construction of their respective stadia. The case studies have been examined by six top investigative journalists.
"When you mention the word FIFA we have to have two concepts in mind. One is the mass of officials around the world who do mostly clerical work but on top of that there is a tiny super structure- Sepp Blatter who controls his 24 man executive committee and about a third of them are involved in bribery and corruption, ticket rackets and diversion of funds. Not all of them are involved in these activities," explained Jennings.
Banned
Jennings is also the only journalist to be banned by FIFA President Sepp Blatter. "Sepp Blatter banned me in April 2003, after I wrote a story in a London newspaper, disclosing that he pays himself a vast secret bonus- six figures is Swiss Francs. We never got the precise number. He banned me because I did this with a legally sworn affidavit from a former finance director.
"The evidence is perfect, Blatter pays himself money. He will never talk about what he earns. I defy any reporter anywhere in the world to actually say to Sepp Blatter and get a truthful answer- how much do you pay yourself in bonuses, expenses, car allowances and accomadation allowances", said Jennings.
Jennings said that he would like to see South African reporters gang up on Blatter when he is in the country for the soccer spectacle, so that he would be forced to reveal all of these details. He said the same day the article was published to a media statement was issued which said that Blatter would sue the London Daily Mail as well as the Jennings. To date no lawsuit has been brought against the journalist or the newspaper.
Rules
When asked about all the rules and regulations which were put in place by FIFA for the World Cup in South Africa, Jennings replied that there was a serious problem in South Africa. "FIFA would never have been allowed to get these legislations passed to have public authorities banning street vendors telling you as South Africans what you can and can't do in your own country.
"I think that you have to look at the local organizing committee and you have to be putting tough questions Danny Jordaan, Irvan Khoza and the rest of them. It would appear gentlemen that you have sold South Africa down the river. Can we talk about it please, because no other country would put up with this, Germany did not put up with this kind of repressive behavior in 2006. And if England is successful we certainly won't put up with this either", explained Jennings.
According to Jennings both the local media as well as the international media is concerned about the informal sector in South Africa which has been sidelined by the Soccer World Cup. "Of course Danny Jordaan is going to say that he has not sold South Africa down the river. Look at the evidence and make up your own minds. FIFA will make off at the end of the tournament with billions of dollars", said Jennings.
Ticketing system
He has also slammed the ticketing system which has been used by FIFA for the World Cup. "Everybody that who wanted to knew that the majority of the population sadly knows that they do not have access to computer terminals. The majority of the population does not have plastic credit cards; they do not have banking accounts. This is a well known to Jordaan and the other South African officials.
This is even known to the international media. We have visited the informal settlements, we have visited the townships and we know about economic deprivation. So why did FIFA go ahead with this insane internet ticket system. But I can tell you why because it means that they can hold an awful lot behind to sell on the black market.
When asked if he had documented proof of this he replied that it had happened in other tournaments on numerous occasions. "It always does happen. I got hold of the internal Ernst and Young audit report from 2006 Germany World Cup on a Mr. Jack Warner from Trinidad who is the FIFA Vice President getting 5400 tickets to sell on the black market. I got the report and the story is now well known."
When asked about the media accreditation and the manner in which FIFA went about accrediting various media houses in the country, Jennings replied that once again the Local Organizing Committee should be held accountable. "I think it worse in South Africa and again you have been let down by your own football leaders.
"They should be going in to fight on your behalf and say hang on how can you refuse our community. There should be at least one of our reporters in there with a microphone. They must be let into the congress to see FIFA enjoy the money they are extracting from this World Cup. I have never seen FIFA getting away with so much on a host country.
Mandela as pawn
In his research Jennings indicates that former President Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu were used as pawns in April 2004 by Jack Warner. "You know as well as any body else in the world that Nelson Mandela suffered over many decades for his own country, South Africa. Then when he got off Robben Island and he did that famous walk we all thought that, that was the end of him being oppressed but it was not.
"He wanted to go on struggling for his country and get the football tournament. Jack Warner forced Mandela and Tutu who were both very unwell to go to a jamboree in Trinidad so that he could show off his prisoners. I think Mandela was treated better while he was imprisoned on Robben Island," said Jennings.
"He was exhausted; he should not have being flying all that way in the first place to beg for his country. Then on the day of the vote in Zurich Warner turns up and demands more face time and Mandela just had to do as he was told," said Jennings
Businesses urged to close early on for WC opening ceremony
With under 48 hours to go before the kick off the to FIFA 2010 Soccer World Cup the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) has called on businesses in the Western Cape to close their doors at 1pm on Friday afternoon, so that workers are able to watch the World Cup Opening Ceremony at home or at the Fan Parks.
"I think it that it is important that workers are both able to see the opening ceremony as well as the first game. The only way that is possible is if they do leave work early on Friday to be able to be with their families or at the Fanparks where they would be enjoying the game," said Tony Ehrenreich, spokesperson for Cosatu in the Western Cape.
According to Ehrenreich, everyone should be feeling the spirit of the World Cup. "People should enjoy it, and we should feel as one. It would be impossible to feel as one if some people in our community are unable to get to the venues on time." He said Cosatu will be negotiating with employers as well as the Cape Chamber of Commerce to close businesses early on Friday.
Nation-building
"The important objective of the World Cup is to have all of SA identifying with it and to maximize its nation-building potential, in a manner that heals our fractured society. Where arrangements are in place with workplace management these will continue and Cosatu's call is only to apply in areas where no arrangements or provisions exist," said Ehrenreich.
When asked if the World Cup would affect productivity, Ehrenreich replied: "It could affect productivity in two ways. On the one hand people could stay away from work and that would have a negative effect on productivity as they go and watch the games instead of going to work. But on the other hand it is generating so much excitement and that has a positive affect on productivity."
Explore options
Meanwhile, the Cape Chamber of Commerce confirmed to VOC that Cosatu has requested a meeting with them to explore the idea of having businesses closing earlier so that their workers are able to watch the opening ceremony as well as the opening match. "It is always difficult to come up with a general rule on these types of requests and issue," said Albert Schuitmaker the chairman of the Cape Chamber of Commerce.
"There are so many different types of businesses that have to continue to work, like the 24/7 operations, which cannot afford to close down or even miss a shift. You have the service industry that has been called upon now to operate at full tilt." He said that there are businesses that are part of the value chain, where customers expect them to supply on Friday and both their suppliers need to supply them in order to keep the production processes going.
"It is almost impossible for the retail sector to close earlier. What we have been saying at the Chamber for the last couple of months is that there is an extraordinary period of time with the World Cup and employers and employees should be sitting together to talk about any request that could be negotiated. In addition to that companies can make arrangements so that staff can stay and can watch the activities, particularly the opening ceremony on television at the offices of the employer," said Schuitmaker.
"I think it that it is important that workers are both able to see the opening ceremony as well as the first game. The only way that is possible is if they do leave work early on Friday to be able to be with their families or at the Fanparks where they would be enjoying the game," said Tony Ehrenreich, spokesperson for Cosatu in the Western Cape.
According to Ehrenreich, everyone should be feeling the spirit of the World Cup. "People should enjoy it, and we should feel as one. It would be impossible to feel as one if some people in our community are unable to get to the venues on time." He said Cosatu will be negotiating with employers as well as the Cape Chamber of Commerce to close businesses early on Friday.
Nation-building
"The important objective of the World Cup is to have all of SA identifying with it and to maximize its nation-building potential, in a manner that heals our fractured society. Where arrangements are in place with workplace management these will continue and Cosatu's call is only to apply in areas where no arrangements or provisions exist," said Ehrenreich.
When asked if the World Cup would affect productivity, Ehrenreich replied: "It could affect productivity in two ways. On the one hand people could stay away from work and that would have a negative effect on productivity as they go and watch the games instead of going to work. But on the other hand it is generating so much excitement and that has a positive affect on productivity."
Explore options
Meanwhile, the Cape Chamber of Commerce confirmed to VOC that Cosatu has requested a meeting with them to explore the idea of having businesses closing earlier so that their workers are able to watch the opening ceremony as well as the opening match. "It is always difficult to come up with a general rule on these types of requests and issue," said Albert Schuitmaker the chairman of the Cape Chamber of Commerce.
"There are so many different types of businesses that have to continue to work, like the 24/7 operations, which cannot afford to close down or even miss a shift. You have the service industry that has been called upon now to operate at full tilt." He said that there are businesses that are part of the value chain, where customers expect them to supply on Friday and both their suppliers need to supply them in order to keep the production processes going.
"It is almost impossible for the retail sector to close earlier. What we have been saying at the Chamber for the last couple of months is that there is an extraordinary period of time with the World Cup and employers and employees should be sitting together to talk about any request that could be negotiated. In addition to that companies can make arrangements so that staff can stay and can watch the activities, particularly the opening ceremony on television at the offices of the employer," said Schuitmaker.
WC: No surge in business for locals around the Grand Parade FanFest
Despite the festive mood in the Mother City on Friday ahead of the kick off match to mark the start of the FIFA 2010 Soccer World Cup, local business in the area is seething. They claim that business has been slow since the official kick of concert which took place on Thursday. The loss in business is mainly due to the stampede that took place at the FanFest on Thursday when soccer fans forced their way into the already packed public viewing area. Police today maintained a strong presence, since the Fanfest was already filled to capacity by 12pm.
One owner told VOC News that when they were initially approached by the organisers of the event they were not told that their business would be negatively impacted. According to Dominic Masewu, the World Cup is killing his business. "The World Cup is killing my business, the World Cup is here and we are all excited about it, but now the police won't allow any one to come inside and that means that we are not able to trade as we normally do," said Masewu.
No business surge
"The police are saying that they are trying to control the crowd but at the end of the day they are trying to prevent the crowd from going into the Fanfest, but they can allow a few people in at time and allow them to watch the game at my restaurant," said Masewu. He said the documents which they had signed had indicated that there would be a surge in business. He said they were still waiting for an official from the City of Cape Town to get back the business in the area.
According to the manager of Pie City he had lost about R7000.00, which could easily have paid his rent at the end of the month. When the manager of the Chicken Licken was approached about the matter he said he wished not to comment, this despite his outlet being empty. The manager at the KFC in the area could not comment at the time, as she first had to get clearance from the owner.
One owner told VOC News that when they were initially approached by the organisers of the event they were not told that their business would be negatively impacted. According to Dominic Masewu the World Cup is killing his business. "The World Cup is killing my business, the World Cup is here and we are all excited about it, but now the police won't allow any one to come inside and that means that we are not able to trade as we normally do," said Masewu.
"The police are saying that they are trying to control the crowd but at the end of the day they are trying to prevent the crowd from going into the Fanfest, but they can allow a few people in at time and allow them to watch the game at my restaurant," said Masewu. He said the manual that they were given by the event organiser at the Fanfest did not indicate that their businesses would be negatively affected in anyway
One owner told VOC News that when they were initially approached by the organisers of the event they were not told that their business would be negatively impacted. According to Dominic Masewu, the World Cup is killing his business. "The World Cup is killing my business, the World Cup is here and we are all excited about it, but now the police won't allow any one to come inside and that means that we are not able to trade as we normally do," said Masewu.
No business surge
"The police are saying that they are trying to control the crowd but at the end of the day they are trying to prevent the crowd from going into the Fanfest, but they can allow a few people in at time and allow them to watch the game at my restaurant," said Masewu. He said the documents which they had signed had indicated that there would be a surge in business. He said they were still waiting for an official from the City of Cape Town to get back the business in the area.
According to the manager of Pie City he had lost about R7000.00, which could easily have paid his rent at the end of the month. When the manager of the Chicken Licken was approached about the matter he said he wished not to comment, this despite his outlet being empty. The manager at the KFC in the area could not comment at the time, as she first had to get clearance from the owner.
One owner told VOC News that when they were initially approached by the organisers of the event they were not told that their business would be negatively impacted. According to Dominic Masewu the World Cup is killing his business. "The World Cup is killing my business, the World Cup is here and we are all excited about it, but now the police won't allow any one to come inside and that means that we are not able to trade as we normally do," said Masewu.
"The police are saying that they are trying to control the crowd but at the end of the day they are trying to prevent the crowd from going into the Fanfest, but they can allow a few people in at time and allow them to watch the game at my restaurant," said Masewu. He said the manual that they were given by the event organiser at the Fanfest did not indicate that their businesses would be negatively affected in anyway
Cape Town Stadium holds up well
Despite the heavy downpour on Monday, the pitch at the Cape Town Stadium was not adversely affected by the inclement weather. According to the City of Cape Town's Director of Communication's Pieter Cronje, the pitch was built according to international standards precisely to deal with such weather.
"The pitch was very well constructed according to international standards and FIFA requirements. Clearly it has been layered in the way that will facilitate drainage. Watching the match last night on a soaked field it was certainly playable. There were one or two slips but by and large the pitch was fine," he told VOC's Breakfast Beat on Tuesday.
Transport
On a different note, Cronje reported that many fans did not make use of public transport as was advised by the City on Monday. "They thought that because of the rain they could take a chance, but obviously if you have that especially at going home time, you will have congestion on the roads in the city and that is unfortunate. I think it just reinforces that it is so much simpler and easier to use public transport. If you come in by taxi, by bus or by rail to the Cape Town station, you just walk about 200-300 metres across to the shuttle pick up point," Cronje said.
He also urged those who have purchased tickets for other matches at the Cape Town stadium to make use of the Fan Walk. "When the weather is fine you must sample the Fan Walk. It is an incredible 2.5 metres of the pedestrian route, from the Central City, across the station right through to Somerset Road and the stadium. It is adorned with flags, there is musical entertainment, people in soccer garb, places to eat and have fun. It is a really fun and cosmopolitan soccer experience."
Strike
When asked about the strike by security guards at the stadium shortly before the gates to the stadium opened on Monday night, Cronje replied that extra security was not procured by the City of Cape Town but by FIFA. "The people in question are not employed by the City of Cape Town. They were contracted by FIFA's Local Organising Committee (LOC) who of course is in charge of the stadium, the perimeter and the entire event.
"So these are contracted service providers that they have used. My understanding is that it is between 400 and 450 safety stewards who help with security matters in support of the police and other security agencies inside the stadium. When they went on strike, the organizing committee at the venue then contacted SAPS and asked them to take control, which they dually did," Cronje explained.
He added that security was beefed up with additional personal from the City of Cape Town. "We supplemented with some of the City's own law enforcement staff and got the numbers there to process the people and at the time of kick off, the stadium was over 90 percent full."
Trains
On a related note, Cronje said that the certain railway stations have a park-and-ride facility. "The railway stations with event transport in our metro are: Kraaifontein, Monta Vista, Eerste River, Khayelitsha, Phillipi, Nyganga, Heideveld, Landsdowne and Plumbstead. We also have a bus park and ride from the Kroonendaal Primary school in Hout Bay and the Camps Bay High School and of course also the University of Cape Town.
"There are facilities to park and then used public transport and that will help in getting you to and from the venue trouble free." Cronje said that thus far the City has had no reports of any damage or problems with the park-and-ride facilities at the various stations.
As for the Fanfests, Cronje said the city published supplements in newspapers last week regarding when the FanFests or Fan Jols would be open. "We urged people to keep them or if they missed it they should collect a copy of the supplement at the library. In it we have complete information about the FanFest or Fan Jols.
"The FanFest at the Grand Parade which has an international flavour will be open everyday of the tournament. The Fan Jols which is Bellville, the sports complex in Mitchells Plain, the OR Tambo Hall in Khayelitsha and Vygieskraal in Athlone will only screen Cape Town matches, Bafana matches and then knock out rounds, quarter finals and the finals," Cronje related.
"The pitch was very well constructed according to international standards and FIFA requirements. Clearly it has been layered in the way that will facilitate drainage. Watching the match last night on a soaked field it was certainly playable. There were one or two slips but by and large the pitch was fine," he told VOC's Breakfast Beat on Tuesday.
Transport
On a different note, Cronje reported that many fans did not make use of public transport as was advised by the City on Monday. "They thought that because of the rain they could take a chance, but obviously if you have that especially at going home time, you will have congestion on the roads in the city and that is unfortunate. I think it just reinforces that it is so much simpler and easier to use public transport. If you come in by taxi, by bus or by rail to the Cape Town station, you just walk about 200-300 metres across to the shuttle pick up point," Cronje said.
He also urged those who have purchased tickets for other matches at the Cape Town stadium to make use of the Fan Walk. "When the weather is fine you must sample the Fan Walk. It is an incredible 2.5 metres of the pedestrian route, from the Central City, across the station right through to Somerset Road and the stadium. It is adorned with flags, there is musical entertainment, people in soccer garb, places to eat and have fun. It is a really fun and cosmopolitan soccer experience."
Strike
When asked about the strike by security guards at the stadium shortly before the gates to the stadium opened on Monday night, Cronje replied that extra security was not procured by the City of Cape Town but by FIFA. "The people in question are not employed by the City of Cape Town. They were contracted by FIFA's Local Organising Committee (LOC) who of course is in charge of the stadium, the perimeter and the entire event.
"So these are contracted service providers that they have used. My understanding is that it is between 400 and 450 safety stewards who help with security matters in support of the police and other security agencies inside the stadium. When they went on strike, the organizing committee at the venue then contacted SAPS and asked them to take control, which they dually did," Cronje explained.
He added that security was beefed up with additional personal from the City of Cape Town. "We supplemented with some of the City's own law enforcement staff and got the numbers there to process the people and at the time of kick off, the stadium was over 90 percent full."
Trains
On a related note, Cronje said that the certain railway stations have a park-and-ride facility. "The railway stations with event transport in our metro are: Kraaifontein, Monta Vista, Eerste River, Khayelitsha, Phillipi, Nyganga, Heideveld, Landsdowne and Plumbstead. We also have a bus park and ride from the Kroonendaal Primary school in Hout Bay and the Camps Bay High School and of course also the University of Cape Town.
"There are facilities to park and then used public transport and that will help in getting you to and from the venue trouble free." Cronje said that thus far the City has had no reports of any damage or problems with the park-and-ride facilities at the various stations.
As for the Fanfests, Cronje said the city published supplements in newspapers last week regarding when the FanFests or Fan Jols would be open. "We urged people to keep them or if they missed it they should collect a copy of the supplement at the library. In it we have complete information about the FanFest or Fan Jols.
"The FanFest at the Grand Parade which has an international flavour will be open everyday of the tournament. The Fan Jols which is Bellville, the sports complex in Mitchells Plain, the OR Tambo Hall in Khayelitsha and Vygieskraal in Athlone will only screen Cape Town matches, Bafana matches and then knock out rounds, quarter finals and the finals," Cronje related.
FAN WALK MAJOR HIT DURING WORLD CUP
Dorianne Arendse
A whopping 72,910 people made use of the fan walk to walk to and from the stadium on the Thursday night for the fifth FIFA 2010 Soccer World Cup match played at the Cape Town stadium on Thursday evening. According to the City of Cape Town's media manager, Kylie Hatton the fan walk has been one of the greatest features of the World Cup to date.
"The fan walks is one of the great successes of the World Cup for the City of Cape Town. People have really enjoyed walking along it. We were worried in the beginning with it being a 2.5km walk that some people might complain about it being too long. We have had no complaints about its length, in fact people have thoroughly enjoyed the different characters that they can see on the fan walk," she explained.
Entertainment
Hatton said on match days at the Cape Town stadium they have a number of entertainers that people can watch while walking. "We have some art displays from artist across Cape Town. We also have some lovely food stalls were people can buy food on their way to and from the stadium. We also have drinks available at the local restaurants if people want to pop in as well. The fan walk has really become a huge part of the world cup experience."
According to Hatton, the weather has also had a great influence on the number of people that use the fan walk and the MyCiti shuttle service to get to and from the stadium on match days. "With the pleasant winter evening on Thursday we estimate there were over 100,000 people on and around the fan walk during the day. Prior to Thursday's match at the stadium the highest number of people recorded on the fan walk was 45,400 which was on 11 June 2010," said Hatton.
She said that the City is seeing an increasing number of people coming to the city's public areas to experience the World Cup and to be part of the festivities on match days even though they do not have tickets for the game. She added that the fan walk is being used by soccer fans that do not have tickets for the matches at the Cape Town stadium.
Open Fanfests
According to Hatton a national decision was taken to open all the FIFA FanFest in the country two hours later as there will be no games played at 13:30. "A national decision has been made to open all the FIFA FanFest in the country two hours later as no more 13:30 games will be played from the round of 16 stage of the tournament onwards.
"The FIFA FanFest on the Grand Parade will be open from 1pm to 11pm every day and not from 11am to 11pm. The City's four fan jols at Vygieskraal, Swartklip, the Bellville Velodrome and OR Tambo will also be open from 1pm to 11pm on Tuesday 29 June for the round of 16 match at the Cape Town stadium as well as on all remaining Cape Town match days and quarter-final, semi-final and final game days," Hatton said.
She reminded spectators to arrive early at the stadium or public viewing areas in order to be in time for the match. "Stadium gates open three and half hours before kick off and early arrival prevents congestion at the stadium's entrance gats. Fans are advised to travel light as security checks take longer when staff have to search large handbags and rucksacks. Rain jackets should be used when necessary, as umbrellas may not be taken into the stadium," said Hatton.
When asked about the security at the stadium, Hatton replied that security was overseen by the Local Organizing Committee and not the City. "In terms of safety and security at the stadiums, safety and security is control by the FIFA Local Organizing Committee, so you would have to speak to them about the security arrangements. In terms of overall security the City has been very pleased with the way in which the event has gone ahead thus far. We have had very minor incidents and we are very pleased with that," she said.
Hatton also urged residents and visitors to continue using public transport to travel to and from the stadium or the public viewing areas on match days.
A whopping 72,910 people made use of the fan walk to walk to and from the stadium on the Thursday night for the fifth FIFA 2010 Soccer World Cup match played at the Cape Town stadium on Thursday evening. According to the City of Cape Town's media manager, Kylie Hatton the fan walk has been one of the greatest features of the World Cup to date.
"The fan walks is one of the great successes of the World Cup for the City of Cape Town. People have really enjoyed walking along it. We were worried in the beginning with it being a 2.5km walk that some people might complain about it being too long. We have had no complaints about its length, in fact people have thoroughly enjoyed the different characters that they can see on the fan walk," she explained.
Entertainment
Hatton said on match days at the Cape Town stadium they have a number of entertainers that people can watch while walking. "We have some art displays from artist across Cape Town. We also have some lovely food stalls were people can buy food on their way to and from the stadium. We also have drinks available at the local restaurants if people want to pop in as well. The fan walk has really become a huge part of the world cup experience."
According to Hatton, the weather has also had a great influence on the number of people that use the fan walk and the MyCiti shuttle service to get to and from the stadium on match days. "With the pleasant winter evening on Thursday we estimate there were over 100,000 people on and around the fan walk during the day. Prior to Thursday's match at the stadium the highest number of people recorded on the fan walk was 45,400 which was on 11 June 2010," said Hatton.
She said that the City is seeing an increasing number of people coming to the city's public areas to experience the World Cup and to be part of the festivities on match days even though they do not have tickets for the game. She added that the fan walk is being used by soccer fans that do not have tickets for the matches at the Cape Town stadium.
Open Fanfests
According to Hatton a national decision was taken to open all the FIFA FanFest in the country two hours later as there will be no games played at 13:30. "A national decision has been made to open all the FIFA FanFest in the country two hours later as no more 13:30 games will be played from the round of 16 stage of the tournament onwards.
"The FIFA FanFest on the Grand Parade will be open from 1pm to 11pm every day and not from 11am to 11pm. The City's four fan jols at Vygieskraal, Swartklip, the Bellville Velodrome and OR Tambo will also be open from 1pm to 11pm on Tuesday 29 June for the round of 16 match at the Cape Town stadium as well as on all remaining Cape Town match days and quarter-final, semi-final and final game days," Hatton said.
She reminded spectators to arrive early at the stadium or public viewing areas in order to be in time for the match. "Stadium gates open three and half hours before kick off and early arrival prevents congestion at the stadium's entrance gats. Fans are advised to travel light as security checks take longer when staff have to search large handbags and rucksacks. Rain jackets should be used when necessary, as umbrellas may not be taken into the stadium," said Hatton.
When asked about the security at the stadium, Hatton replied that security was overseen by the Local Organizing Committee and not the City. "In terms of safety and security at the stadiums, safety and security is control by the FIFA Local Organizing Committee, so you would have to speak to them about the security arrangements. In terms of overall security the City has been very pleased with the way in which the event has gone ahead thus far. We have had very minor incidents and we are very pleased with that," she said.
Hatton also urged residents and visitors to continue using public transport to travel to and from the stadium or the public viewing areas on match days.
Joint Operations Centre worked well during World Cup
The City of Cape Town has opened a Joint Operations Centre at the Transport Management Centre in Goodwood to help with operations during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. According to the spokesperson for Disaster Risk Management operations, Greg Pillay, to date at the centre has gone off without a hitch.
"It has worked remarkably well, all the applicable role players seated together in one room. In addition we have external role players like the South African Police Force, the Defence Force as well as provincial government representatives from the Western Cape. In addition to this we also have a lot of high-tech equipment available to us, including the CCTV footage. These images are actually used very gainfully to look at overcrowding and other issues as such."
Pillay said the centre is used mostly for monitoring purposes. "To a large extent it is has a monitoring overview facility. The idea is to be on top of matters and as they arise look at remedial action. We particularly look at the venues and the way venues fill so we use it as a monitoring tool at all the public viewing areas that basically gives you the totals as people enter the public viewing areas. This allows us to immediately get an idea of crowding and then you can also decide to remedial action. We also have a variable electronic signage on the free ways which is also control by the centre."
Warning system
According to Pillay, this has helped the City in warning the public of venues that are full. "In an instance for example if a particular area was full or overflowing we are able to then re-direct the public through the variable signage and ask them not to go to that venue. If the Fanfest at the Grand Parade such messaging has gone out in the last view weeks."
Pillay said that the high tech equipment at the Joint Operations Centre had alerted them to the possible stampede at the Grand Parade Fanfest at the free concert hosted before the kick off to the World Cup. "It is exactly because we had that in place that we were able to monitor the Grand Parade Fanfest.
"Remedial action could then be taken and we were able to avert a possible incident or disaster from occurring. That happened on the eve of the 2010 launch. Some of the lessons learnt out of that were then brought into future planning. That has helped us to a large extent to ensure that we have appropriate crowd management place," he said.
Pillay added that since the start of the World Cup no major changes have been made to how the centre has operated. He said that it was not unusual for the City of Cape Town to establish a Joint Operations Centre for major events.
"We have used this before. This principle has been ongoing for many years now that you have a Joint Operations Centre overseeing a major event. In addition to that each venue will have a Venue Operations Centre (VOC) in place and the Joint Operations Centre is in communication with the VOC. There are good organizational arrangements in place and communication with various role-player," Pillay said.
"It has worked remarkably well, all the applicable role players seated together in one room. In addition we have external role players like the South African Police Force, the Defence Force as well as provincial government representatives from the Western Cape. In addition to this we also have a lot of high-tech equipment available to us, including the CCTV footage. These images are actually used very gainfully to look at overcrowding and other issues as such."
Pillay said the centre is used mostly for monitoring purposes. "To a large extent it is has a monitoring overview facility. The idea is to be on top of matters and as they arise look at remedial action. We particularly look at the venues and the way venues fill so we use it as a monitoring tool at all the public viewing areas that basically gives you the totals as people enter the public viewing areas. This allows us to immediately get an idea of crowding and then you can also decide to remedial action. We also have a variable electronic signage on the free ways which is also control by the centre."
Warning system
According to Pillay, this has helped the City in warning the public of venues that are full. "In an instance for example if a particular area was full or overflowing we are able to then re-direct the public through the variable signage and ask them not to go to that venue. If the Fanfest at the Grand Parade such messaging has gone out in the last view weeks."
Pillay said that the high tech equipment at the Joint Operations Centre had alerted them to the possible stampede at the Grand Parade Fanfest at the free concert hosted before the kick off to the World Cup. "It is exactly because we had that in place that we were able to monitor the Grand Parade Fanfest.
"Remedial action could then be taken and we were able to avert a possible incident or disaster from occurring. That happened on the eve of the 2010 launch. Some of the lessons learnt out of that were then brought into future planning. That has helped us to a large extent to ensure that we have appropriate crowd management place," he said.
Pillay added that since the start of the World Cup no major changes have been made to how the centre has operated. He said that it was not unusual for the City of Cape Town to establish a Joint Operations Centre for major events.
"We have used this before. This principle has been ongoing for many years now that you have a Joint Operations Centre overseeing a major event. In addition to that each venue will have a Venue Operations Centre (VOC) in place and the Joint Operations Centre is in communication with the VOC. There are good organizational arrangements in place and communication with various role-player," Pillay said.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Striking Workers Take To The Streets of Cape Town
A sea of red and white could be seen sweeping through the streets of Cape Town on Tuesday morning as Satawu and Utatu workers took to the streets in protest of the latest wage offer. Workers at both Transnet and Metrorail took part in the protest march. Metrorail workers are demanding a 16% increase while the Prasa is only offering a 8 % increase. Transnet workers are demanding a 15% increase while the employer is only offering an 11% wage increase.
Workers whom VOC News spoke to at the march said they are not able to put food on the table with their current salary. One worker said he takes home about R4000 a month after deductions. Another worker said his weekly wage is not enough to cover his daily living costs and that they work long hours. He said he does not know how he will put food on the table this week as the no work no pay rule has been applied.
On Monday Metrorial's acting regional manager, Lindelo Mataya, told VOC News that about 70% of their workforce had not reported for work. According to Matya of the 3500 unionized workers 897 reported for work on Monday morning. "I would assume that this figure could include both unionized and non-unionized members. I would say that it is about two-thirds of our workers that are on strike. Just under 70% have gone on strike and 30% has pitched up for work," he said.
Negotiations continued late into Tuesday evening with the CCMA in Johannesburg. This week Metrorail completely shut down its services and thousands of commuters were forced to find alternate modes of transport to and from work. This according to Matya mainly due to the fact that the company had lost two train sets in the previous strike action by workers.
When asked about the fact that Metrorial had shut down its services because of this the spokesman for Satawu in the Western Cape, Evan Abrahamse replied that they cannot be blamed solely for that as they were not the only union on strike at the time. "I thought that, that was a closed book. We were not the only strike happening at the time, there was a security strike also taking place which was not organized by Satawu, at the same time, when those trains were damaged," he explained.
According to Abrahamse, the Treasury's statement that wage increases should not be higher than inflation holds no water. "Economist has been largely discredited since the recession. What they are saying holds not water with us. Our members have been struggling to put bread on the table, so we need a better deal."
Meanwhile, Utatu's Trevor Wasserveld told VOC News that the current wage offer on the table is unacceptable. "The wage percentage itself in terms of the cost of living is way below the standard. There are also other issues that need to be dealt with," said Wasserveld
Workers whom VOC News spoke to at the march said they are not able to put food on the table with their current salary. One worker said he takes home about R4000 a month after deductions. Another worker said his weekly wage is not enough to cover his daily living costs and that they work long hours. He said he does not know how he will put food on the table this week as the no work no pay rule has been applied.
On Monday Metrorial's acting regional manager, Lindelo Mataya, told VOC News that about 70% of their workforce had not reported for work. According to Matya of the 3500 unionized workers 897 reported for work on Monday morning. "I would assume that this figure could include both unionized and non-unionized members. I would say that it is about two-thirds of our workers that are on strike. Just under 70% have gone on strike and 30% has pitched up for work," he said.
Negotiations continued late into Tuesday evening with the CCMA in Johannesburg. This week Metrorail completely shut down its services and thousands of commuters were forced to find alternate modes of transport to and from work. This according to Matya mainly due to the fact that the company had lost two train sets in the previous strike action by workers.
When asked about the fact that Metrorial had shut down its services because of this the spokesman for Satawu in the Western Cape, Evan Abrahamse replied that they cannot be blamed solely for that as they were not the only union on strike at the time. "I thought that, that was a closed book. We were not the only strike happening at the time, there was a security strike also taking place which was not organized by Satawu, at the same time, when those trains were damaged," he explained.
According to Abrahamse, the Treasury's statement that wage increases should not be higher than inflation holds no water. "Economist has been largely discredited since the recession. What they are saying holds not water with us. Our members have been struggling to put bread on the table, so we need a better deal."
Meanwhile, Utatu's Trevor Wasserveld told VOC News that the current wage offer on the table is unacceptable. "The wage percentage itself in terms of the cost of living is way below the standard. There are also other issues that need to be dealt with," said Wasserveld
Thursday, May 13, 2010
INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT NEARLY COMPLETE FOR WORLD CUP
DORIANNE ARENDSE
With just 29 days to go before the kick off to the 2010 Soccer World Cup, the City of Cape Town said its infrastructure development for the international spectacle is on track. Speaking to VOC News on Wednesday afternoon the Mayoral Committee member for Transport, Roads and Major Projects said the contractors are working around the clock to ensure that all the projects undertaken by the City would be completed on time.
"The contractors are working throughout the night and they think that that is the committee that we have from all our contractors. We can't even say 29 days left because we are aiming to have all work done by the end of May. Our Green Point pedestrian circle has been completed. The last paving has been done and the circle is one of the biggest where pedestrians do not need to compete with cars when crossing the road. Where they get off at the bus station they immediately go under the circle and they then are right onto the station," explained Thompson.
Roads
According to the councilor, the Bhunga Bridge has already being completed and pedestrians are already making use of the new foot bridge. "People are already using the bridge and we will officially launch it next week, but what is amazing about this Bhunga Bridge is that it a major link between Langa and the Athlone stadium and Klipfontein Road. The Athlone stadium will be used as a practice venue and it will allow pedestrians to cross the bridge right onto stadium," she said.
The Transport Management Centre located in Goodwood has also been completed. Currently the last bits of software and hardware are being moved into the centre. The centre will be used to monitor all accidents reported during the World Cup. "It will host the Metro Traffic, Disaster Risk Management and we will also be able to host the IRT operations from there. We will be able to monitor the freeways as well as the operation of the IRT buses with CCTV cameras," explained Thompson.
According to Thompson, the road infrastructure which will be used for the Soccer World Cup has been completed and it is just for the paving to be done. "The last bit of paving and landscaping still needs to be done on the dedicated lane where the bus will be traveling. We will have a service from the Airport into the CBD and from the CBD as far as the stadium and the inner city.
Bus stations
"All our bus stations is being finalized, there are three major bus stations- the one is at the airport, the other one is at Hertzog Boulevard, where the hub of the public transport is in and the other one is the stadium. The Granger Bay station has been completed but that will not be in use for the World Cup," said Thompson.
When asked about the fact that the station deck would not be completed on time, Thompson replied that she did not want to comment too much on that as the construction is being overseen by Intersite. "There is a lot of construction happening in and around the City. So what will happen is that Interstite has got a certain portion of work that they have do.
"Whatever has to be done for the World Cup will be completed. There are projects that are ongoing but if you look at the N7, those projects are not meant for 2010. So whatever infrastructure needs to be done it will be completed but during the World Cup event all construction will be stopped and will only resume once the World Cup is over," the Councillor said.
Fan parks
According to Thompson, the business in and around the areas that had infrastructure development taking place were consulted about the construction that would be taking place through the various ward committees in the area. She said they would then have had ample time to raise their concerns. "We know that there has been engagement with the public through the ward meetings. They were engaged in terms of what would be taking place in around the stadium. By the end of May I would assume that all infrastructures would be completed. The World Cup starts on the 11 June, so we cannot down tools on the 10 June 2010."
When asked about the work around the fan parks, miles and walks, Thompson replied that she was not able to comment on this as it did not fall under her department. "The fan parks is not something that I can talk too, there I think it would be best to talk to our 2010 team. They would be able to give you more information with regards to that. But if we talk about our last mile home, in terms of public transport and pedestrian paving, there have been a number of rail stations that have been identified to be used as park and ride facilities.
In other words you can park your car and take a shuttle to the stadium. Your vehicle would be safe as we will have security around the area. Public transport would be available to take people after the evening matches are played. Metrorail has committed themselves to run a service until 2am in the morning. We are also engaging with the taxi industry to see if they would also extend their operating hours," said Thompson.
With just 29 days to go before the kick off to the 2010 Soccer World Cup, the City of Cape Town said its infrastructure development for the international spectacle is on track. Speaking to VOC News on Wednesday afternoon the Mayoral Committee member for Transport, Roads and Major Projects said the contractors are working around the clock to ensure that all the projects undertaken by the City would be completed on time.
"The contractors are working throughout the night and they think that that is the committee that we have from all our contractors. We can't even say 29 days left because we are aiming to have all work done by the end of May. Our Green Point pedestrian circle has been completed. The last paving has been done and the circle is one of the biggest where pedestrians do not need to compete with cars when crossing the road. Where they get off at the bus station they immediately go under the circle and they then are right onto the station," explained Thompson.
Roads
According to the councilor, the Bhunga Bridge has already being completed and pedestrians are already making use of the new foot bridge. "People are already using the bridge and we will officially launch it next week, but what is amazing about this Bhunga Bridge is that it a major link between Langa and the Athlone stadium and Klipfontein Road. The Athlone stadium will be used as a practice venue and it will allow pedestrians to cross the bridge right onto stadium," she said.
The Transport Management Centre located in Goodwood has also been completed. Currently the last bits of software and hardware are being moved into the centre. The centre will be used to monitor all accidents reported during the World Cup. "It will host the Metro Traffic, Disaster Risk Management and we will also be able to host the IRT operations from there. We will be able to monitor the freeways as well as the operation of the IRT buses with CCTV cameras," explained Thompson.
According to Thompson, the road infrastructure which will be used for the Soccer World Cup has been completed and it is just for the paving to be done. "The last bit of paving and landscaping still needs to be done on the dedicated lane where the bus will be traveling. We will have a service from the Airport into the CBD and from the CBD as far as the stadium and the inner city.
Bus stations
"All our bus stations is being finalized, there are three major bus stations- the one is at the airport, the other one is at Hertzog Boulevard, where the hub of the public transport is in and the other one is the stadium. The Granger Bay station has been completed but that will not be in use for the World Cup," said Thompson.
When asked about the fact that the station deck would not be completed on time, Thompson replied that she did not want to comment too much on that as the construction is being overseen by Intersite. "There is a lot of construction happening in and around the City. So what will happen is that Interstite has got a certain portion of work that they have do.
"Whatever has to be done for the World Cup will be completed. There are projects that are ongoing but if you look at the N7, those projects are not meant for 2010. So whatever infrastructure needs to be done it will be completed but during the World Cup event all construction will be stopped and will only resume once the World Cup is over," the Councillor said.
Fan parks
According to Thompson, the business in and around the areas that had infrastructure development taking place were consulted about the construction that would be taking place through the various ward committees in the area. She said they would then have had ample time to raise their concerns. "We know that there has been engagement with the public through the ward meetings. They were engaged in terms of what would be taking place in around the stadium. By the end of May I would assume that all infrastructures would be completed. The World Cup starts on the 11 June, so we cannot down tools on the 10 June 2010."
When asked about the work around the fan parks, miles and walks, Thompson replied that she was not able to comment on this as it did not fall under her department. "The fan parks is not something that I can talk too, there I think it would be best to talk to our 2010 team. They would be able to give you more information with regards to that. But if we talk about our last mile home, in terms of public transport and pedestrian paving, there have been a number of rail stations that have been identified to be used as park and ride facilities.
In other words you can park your car and take a shuttle to the stadium. Your vehicle would be safe as we will have security around the area. Public transport would be available to take people after the evening matches are played. Metrorail has committed themselves to run a service until 2am in the morning. We are also engaging with the taxi industry to see if they would also extend their operating hours," said Thompson.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
FARM WORKER SUMMIT HELD AT GOUDINI
DORIANNE ARENDSE
The Department of Agriculture in the Western Cape held a 2 day summit this week at Goudini outside Rawsonville to look at various issues concerning farm workers. According to the spokesman for the Ministry of Agriculture, Gerrit Van Rensburg even though the department of agriculture was hosting the summit, it included the departments of Education, Health, Rural Development and Housing is also present at the summit.
"We had the two day summit yesterday and today. The main aim of the summit was to give farm workers a direct opportunity to voice concerns affecting them towards all the government departments. Agriculture organized the summit but Health, Education, Housing and Rural Development was present as well," he said.
According to Kriel the main issues affecting farm workers is also the same issues affecting everyone living in rural areas in the province. "Issues were raised about education, transport for kids to schools, access to health care facilities and farm safety were raised."
Improving situation
Kriel said the MEC would also be looking at ways of providing adequate housing for farm workers as most of the time the labourers working on farms do not have a permanent residence outside of the farming environment. "Farm worker housing is always a contentious issue and the MEC feels very strong about this. His argument is that someone who works on a farm in the Western Cape and contributes towards the economy his whole working life and is then he retires, he does not have access to a government house in town as other workers who partake in the economy does," he explained.
He said that this has prompted the MEC to meet with the MEC for Human Settlements, Bongikosi Madikezela to look at ways of improving this situation. "The municipalities say that these workers have a house on the farm, but when a farm worker retires that house is needed for another worker who is working on the farm. These people end up being in the middle of no mans land.
The MEC has had discussion with the MEC for Housing on this issue and they are trying to work out a situation where farmers might donate or contribute towards financing municipal housing. In return the farm worker would get preference on the housing lists in towns. A house on farm in itself is not really worth anything whereas has monetary worth, it is something that you can sell or leave to your children," explained Kriel.
Protecting workers
Meanwhile, farm worker union Sikhule Sonke told VOC News that they have made a submission to the summit highlighting their concerns, particularly pertaining to the protection of farm workers. "There are a few things that have been raised by organization at this summit. There is no protection for the Agricultural sector and that we are competing with highly subsidized economies, which make it very difficult for a union to bargain for better conditions for farm workers. We are competing unequally with agricultural economies in the north," said Wendy Pekeur the spokeswoman for the trade union.
According to Pekeur they support President Jacob Zuma's call for a review of the willing buyer willing seller policy. "We support the President's call to review the willing by willing seller concept. We have also highlighted the issue of wages and the fact that farm workers are earning the lowest wages," she said.
When asked about the fact that the MEC for Agriculture will be looking at housing for farm workers, Pekeur replied that they had made some suggestions around housing for farm workers. "Government should also look at farm evictions and should ensure that farm workers have access to adequate housing. We also need a commitment from government when it comes to looking at ways of improving wages and housing for farm workers," said Pekeur
The Department of Agriculture in the Western Cape held a 2 day summit this week at Goudini outside Rawsonville to look at various issues concerning farm workers. According to the spokesman for the Ministry of Agriculture, Gerrit Van Rensburg even though the department of agriculture was hosting the summit, it included the departments of Education, Health, Rural Development and Housing is also present at the summit.
"We had the two day summit yesterday and today. The main aim of the summit was to give farm workers a direct opportunity to voice concerns affecting them towards all the government departments. Agriculture organized the summit but Health, Education, Housing and Rural Development was present as well," he said.
According to Kriel the main issues affecting farm workers is also the same issues affecting everyone living in rural areas in the province. "Issues were raised about education, transport for kids to schools, access to health care facilities and farm safety were raised."
Improving situation
Kriel said the MEC would also be looking at ways of providing adequate housing for farm workers as most of the time the labourers working on farms do not have a permanent residence outside of the farming environment. "Farm worker housing is always a contentious issue and the MEC feels very strong about this. His argument is that someone who works on a farm in the Western Cape and contributes towards the economy his whole working life and is then he retires, he does not have access to a government house in town as other workers who partake in the economy does," he explained.
He said that this has prompted the MEC to meet with the MEC for Human Settlements, Bongikosi Madikezela to look at ways of improving this situation. "The municipalities say that these workers have a house on the farm, but when a farm worker retires that house is needed for another worker who is working on the farm. These people end up being in the middle of no mans land.
The MEC has had discussion with the MEC for Housing on this issue and they are trying to work out a situation where farmers might donate or contribute towards financing municipal housing. In return the farm worker would get preference on the housing lists in towns. A house on farm in itself is not really worth anything whereas has monetary worth, it is something that you can sell or leave to your children," explained Kriel.
Protecting workers
Meanwhile, farm worker union Sikhule Sonke told VOC News that they have made a submission to the summit highlighting their concerns, particularly pertaining to the protection of farm workers. "There are a few things that have been raised by organization at this summit. There is no protection for the Agricultural sector and that we are competing with highly subsidized economies, which make it very difficult for a union to bargain for better conditions for farm workers. We are competing unequally with agricultural economies in the north," said Wendy Pekeur the spokeswoman for the trade union.
According to Pekeur they support President Jacob Zuma's call for a review of the willing buyer willing seller policy. "We support the President's call to review the willing by willing seller concept. We have also highlighted the issue of wages and the fact that farm workers are earning the lowest wages," she said.
When asked about the fact that the MEC for Agriculture will be looking at housing for farm workers, Pekeur replied that they had made some suggestions around housing for farm workers. "Government should also look at farm evictions and should ensure that farm workers have access to adequate housing. We also need a commitment from government when it comes to looking at ways of improving wages and housing for farm workers," said Pekeur
Union joins fight for seniors
Dorianne Arendse
Trade union Cosatu has vowed to continue with its monthly outings for senior citizens over the age of 60, this despite the fact that their funding for the free trains has been taken away by Provincial Government. On Tuesday morning 3000 pensioners made use of the free trains provided by Cosatu to for their monthly outing.Speaking to VOC News the spokesman for Cosatu in the Western Cape Tony Ehrenreich said the event was to be funded by provincial government.
"Helen Zille pulled the plug, essentially sabotaging the opportunities of working class citizens to go out an enjoy the sites of the Western Cape, as well as being able to enjoy the sites, as well as just able to spend some time out of the impoverished communities they come from. It is really a sad when the Democratic Alliance refuses to honour the agreement of government in respect of poorer communities and their senior citizens," Ehrenreich said.
He said the funding for the pensioners event was agreed to by the provincial government under the leadership of then Premier Lynn Brown. "This agreement had to be honoured by the Premier of the Western Cape, Helen Zille, who has just withdrawn the agreement and questioned its status. The matters have been repeatedly raised with Premier Helen Zille but she has shown no regard for the plight of senior citizens from working class communities. This just again reaffirms what I think is the ambit of the DA in regard to the poorer communities," he said.
Free trains
According to Ehrenreich the free trains cost a minimal amount of R2000 a month to make it possible for senior citizens to get out and spend some time in the beauty of the Western Cape. "The government has refused to honour the bill and so Cosatu is going to have to have to in conjunction with the senior citizens find someone else to foot the bills until we take the provincial government to court and force the government to honour the agreement," said Ehrenreich.
In a previous interview with VOC News the Provincial department of Social Development said it was forced to redistribute the funds to old age homes in the province, which are faced with financial problems. In February, the department announced it would be cutting the funding to Non Profit Organisations (NPO's) and Non Governmental Organisations (NGO's), due to a major reduction in its overall budget allocation from the national government. Monies have been reallocated based on the quality of services delivered at each specific organization.
Trade union Cosatu has vowed to continue with its monthly outings for senior citizens over the age of 60, this despite the fact that their funding for the free trains has been taken away by Provincial Government. On Tuesday morning 3000 pensioners made use of the free trains provided by Cosatu to for their monthly outing.Speaking to VOC News the spokesman for Cosatu in the Western Cape Tony Ehrenreich said the event was to be funded by provincial government.
"Helen Zille pulled the plug, essentially sabotaging the opportunities of working class citizens to go out an enjoy the sites of the Western Cape, as well as being able to enjoy the sites, as well as just able to spend some time out of the impoverished communities they come from. It is really a sad when the Democratic Alliance refuses to honour the agreement of government in respect of poorer communities and their senior citizens," Ehrenreich said.
He said the funding for the pensioners event was agreed to by the provincial government under the leadership of then Premier Lynn Brown. "This agreement had to be honoured by the Premier of the Western Cape, Helen Zille, who has just withdrawn the agreement and questioned its status. The matters have been repeatedly raised with Premier Helen Zille but she has shown no regard for the plight of senior citizens from working class communities. This just again reaffirms what I think is the ambit of the DA in regard to the poorer communities," he said.
Free trains
According to Ehrenreich the free trains cost a minimal amount of R2000 a month to make it possible for senior citizens to get out and spend some time in the beauty of the Western Cape. "The government has refused to honour the bill and so Cosatu is going to have to have to in conjunction with the senior citizens find someone else to foot the bills until we take the provincial government to court and force the government to honour the agreement," said Ehrenreich.
In a previous interview with VOC News the Provincial department of Social Development said it was forced to redistribute the funds to old age homes in the province, which are faced with financial problems. In February, the department announced it would be cutting the funding to Non Profit Organisations (NPO's) and Non Governmental Organisations (NGO's), due to a major reduction in its overall budget allocation from the national government. Monies have been reallocated based on the quality of services delivered at each specific organization.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
SATAWU STRIKE TO TAKE PLACE ON THE 17 MAY
DORIANNE ARENDSE
Trade union Satawu has confirmed to VOC News that the planned strike against Metrorail will not go ahead on Monday as planned. Speaking to VOC News on Saturday morning the spokesman for the union in the Western Cape Ivan Abrahamse said they will only be issuing their members with a notice to strike this week and therefore will not be able to proceed with the strike action as planned. He said the strike will now take place on 17 May 2010.
Workers are demanding a 15% wage increase while the employer is only offering 8 percent. Talks deadlocked this week and Satawu announced their decision to strike. "We have a mandate to issue a notice to strike next which, this means that we will only embark on strike action on the 17 May 2010," said Abrahamse.
He said he was not sure if Metrorail would be running its normal schedule on Monday of if they will still have a shutdown of its services as planned. "I am not sure if Metrorail will be running its normal service next week. They have indicated that they will be suspending their services. As far as we are concerned our strike is only starting on the 17," explained Abrahamse.
Confirmed
Meanwhile Metrorail's Riana Scott confirmed to VOC News that their service will be running as normal next week. She said they will only suspend their services once Satawu embarks on strike action. "The complete shut down of our services is dependent on the strike action going ahead. If it is not going ahead and we have had assurances to that effect, that means that our service will operate normally. We will be selling singles, returns and weekly tickets. We encourage our customers to make use of that. Obviously whenever the strike is called we will go back into contingency mode," explained Scott.
She said the contingency plan which they put in place is the shutdown of its operations. "We will be forced to close down our operations entirely as both the unions will participate. All of our contingency plans with extended peak for bus services, additional bus services, as was announced by the City of Cape Town will kick into action," she said.
When asked if they were selling their monthly tickets at a reduced cost, Scott replied that it was not ‘as easy as they thought to reduce the cost of the tickets because of the ticketing system which they used'. "I know there was intentions to do that, however our ticketing system and financial system does not allow us to change that as easy as what was initially thought. At the moment we have no indication from our principles at to what the arrangement will be. It is not a judgment call that a region can make on its own. We will wait on guidelines from our principles and implement whatever they decide," explained.
Wage offer
According to Scott the company has had no word yet from trade union Utatu on whether they will be accepting the improved wage offer from Prasa. "We have not been formally notified of either union's intentions, so we hope that this week will bring clarity," she said.
Scott said that they will still not be selling monthly tickets for the month of May as they feel it would not be fair to sell a monthly ticket when they cannot guarantee a service for the entire month. "If we look at the way events are unfolding, it would be very unfair to sell a monthly ticket and that was our contention right from the start. Because we have no indication of how long the strike would be, it would be unfair to sell a monthly ticket and leave people without ready cash to make alternative arrangements should they need to.
"So for now and for May we will be continuing to sell weekly tickets for that very reason. Until we have clarity on the strike and no the duration or whether it is going ahead or not, we will continue every week to sell weekly tickets, singles and returns," said Scott.
Trade union Satawu has confirmed to VOC News that the planned strike against Metrorail will not go ahead on Monday as planned. Speaking to VOC News on Saturday morning the spokesman for the union in the Western Cape Ivan Abrahamse said they will only be issuing their members with a notice to strike this week and therefore will not be able to proceed with the strike action as planned. He said the strike will now take place on 17 May 2010.
Workers are demanding a 15% wage increase while the employer is only offering 8 percent. Talks deadlocked this week and Satawu announced their decision to strike. "We have a mandate to issue a notice to strike next which, this means that we will only embark on strike action on the 17 May 2010," said Abrahamse.
He said he was not sure if Metrorail would be running its normal schedule on Monday of if they will still have a shutdown of its services as planned. "I am not sure if Metrorail will be running its normal service next week. They have indicated that they will be suspending their services. As far as we are concerned our strike is only starting on the 17," explained Abrahamse.
Confirmed
Meanwhile Metrorail's Riana Scott confirmed to VOC News that their service will be running as normal next week. She said they will only suspend their services once Satawu embarks on strike action. "The complete shut down of our services is dependent on the strike action going ahead. If it is not going ahead and we have had assurances to that effect, that means that our service will operate normally. We will be selling singles, returns and weekly tickets. We encourage our customers to make use of that. Obviously whenever the strike is called we will go back into contingency mode," explained Scott.
She said the contingency plan which they put in place is the shutdown of its operations. "We will be forced to close down our operations entirely as both the unions will participate. All of our contingency plans with extended peak for bus services, additional bus services, as was announced by the City of Cape Town will kick into action," she said.
When asked if they were selling their monthly tickets at a reduced cost, Scott replied that it was not ‘as easy as they thought to reduce the cost of the tickets because of the ticketing system which they used'. "I know there was intentions to do that, however our ticketing system and financial system does not allow us to change that as easy as what was initially thought. At the moment we have no indication from our principles at to what the arrangement will be. It is not a judgment call that a region can make on its own. We will wait on guidelines from our principles and implement whatever they decide," explained.
Wage offer
According to Scott the company has had no word yet from trade union Utatu on whether they will be accepting the improved wage offer from Prasa. "We have not been formally notified of either union's intentions, so we hope that this week will bring clarity," she said.
Scott said that they will still not be selling monthly tickets for the month of May as they feel it would not be fair to sell a monthly ticket when they cannot guarantee a service for the entire month. "If we look at the way events are unfolding, it would be very unfair to sell a monthly ticket and that was our contention right from the start. Because we have no indication of how long the strike would be, it would be unfair to sell a monthly ticket and leave people without ready cash to make alternative arrangements should they need to.
"So for now and for May we will be continuing to sell weekly tickets for that very reason. Until we have clarity on the strike and no the duration or whether it is going ahead or not, we will continue every week to sell weekly tickets, singles and returns," said Scott.
Monday, May 3, 2010
NEW APOSTLIC CHURCH TO HOST WINTER SCHOOL DURING SOCCER WORLD CUP 2010
DORIANNE ARENDSE
In a bid to keep school children safe during the Fifa 2010 Soccer World Cup the New Apostolic Church in the Western Cape will be hosting a Winter School Programme in the province and they are calling on the community to assist. "As we know there is going to be extended mid year school holidays this year because of the Soccer World Cup so the children are going to be at home," said Apostle Brian de Vries, spokesperson for the program.
"We know that not all parents and guardians are able to take of their children as the school holiday is for about 5 weeks. This prompted us to run a Winter School Programme. We also know that not all parents have the finances to get a caregiver to look after their children."
He explained that in the area of Mitchells Plain there are not sufficient facilities for children to play. "Children in certain areas especially in Mitchells Plain they have no safe place to play are security is not sufficient. We want to keep them off the street. We designed a programme which will do just that. The programme will involve teachers, volunteers from the community, parents who are at home and spiritual leaders."
Open to all
De Vries said the Winter School Programme is not limited to members of the New Apostolic Church. "The leaders of each congregation can invite anyone or organization from the community that is not necessarily a member of our church to attend the programme. But they have to give us their name; we will then send them an indemnity that needs to completed by their parents to say that they are placing their children in our care over that period of time," he said.
According to the Apostle, the leaders in the various congregations will alert the schools in the area to the programme. "We are trying via the rector of each congregation to get in touch with all the schools in the community. Everyone is involved in this programme. We will also try to get the message across via our children to the principles. On the 11 June the programme will kick in," he said.
Some of the activities which will be offered to the children include Arts and Crafts, a readathon, drug awareness programme, and a programme on HIV/AIDS as well as a fun and games day. "It took a long time for us to work out a programme of activities for the children. We decided to go into three categories which are activities at church, other venues and activities at home," he said.
According to De Vries, the parents will be asked to pack a lunch box for their children but on certain days we will provide a meal for kids. "Children love to eat so somehow we have to cater for them. We can't obviously give elaborate meals but we will be having a soup kitchen. We would possible be asking parents to pack in lunch for the children on the one or other day to help us," said De Vries.
In a bid to keep school children safe during the Fifa 2010 Soccer World Cup the New Apostolic Church in the Western Cape will be hosting a Winter School Programme in the province and they are calling on the community to assist. "As we know there is going to be extended mid year school holidays this year because of the Soccer World Cup so the children are going to be at home," said Apostle Brian de Vries, spokesperson for the program.
"We know that not all parents and guardians are able to take of their children as the school holiday is for about 5 weeks. This prompted us to run a Winter School Programme. We also know that not all parents have the finances to get a caregiver to look after their children."
He explained that in the area of Mitchells Plain there are not sufficient facilities for children to play. "Children in certain areas especially in Mitchells Plain they have no safe place to play are security is not sufficient. We want to keep them off the street. We designed a programme which will do just that. The programme will involve teachers, volunteers from the community, parents who are at home and spiritual leaders."
Open to all
De Vries said the Winter School Programme is not limited to members of the New Apostolic Church. "The leaders of each congregation can invite anyone or organization from the community that is not necessarily a member of our church to attend the programme. But they have to give us their name; we will then send them an indemnity that needs to completed by their parents to say that they are placing their children in our care over that period of time," he said.
According to the Apostle, the leaders in the various congregations will alert the schools in the area to the programme. "We are trying via the rector of each congregation to get in touch with all the schools in the community. Everyone is involved in this programme. We will also try to get the message across via our children to the principles. On the 11 June the programme will kick in," he said.
Some of the activities which will be offered to the children include Arts and Crafts, a readathon, drug awareness programme, and a programme on HIV/AIDS as well as a fun and games day. "It took a long time for us to work out a programme of activities for the children. We decided to go into three categories which are activities at church, other venues and activities at home," he said.
According to De Vries, the parents will be asked to pack a lunch box for their children but on certain days we will provide a meal for kids. "Children love to eat so somehow we have to cater for them. We can't obviously give elaborate meals but we will be having a soup kitchen. We would possible be asking parents to pack in lunch for the children on the one or other day to help us," said De Vries.
Orginal Article can be found at: www.vocfm.co.za
Friday, April 23, 2010
IRT Tough to implement- Expert
DORIANNE ARENDSE
Government has not thought through the implementation of the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRT) / Integrated Rapid Transit System (IRT). This was the word from Paul Browning from Lesiba Madau Consulting, who has written a paper on the BRT. According to Browning, even though the IRT will be streamlining the transport system in the country, it is difficult to implement because the taxi recapitalization program which government embarked on during 2004 has not yet being fully completed.
When the recapitalization program was first tabled to the taxi industry, owners were offered a R50 000 scrapping fee which would allow them to put down a deposit on the new Quantum vans which government wanted to introduce as a safer mode of transport. He said the plan which was first mooted as far back as 1999 was done with the best of intentions.
"It was only in 2004 that the program finally got off the ground. Its intentions were admirable- to take the existing almost like panel van conversions, which has been used as a taxi up until now- into something that was a little like a minibus certainly safer and a whole lot more comfortable for customers.
"But the progress has been slow and in any case there were voices that said that to simply change the vehicle, will not in itself change for example the attitude of drivers or stop them from running through red robots. People including myself suggested that the program would be incomplete unless there was an attempt to change the structure of operation of the taxi industry," explained Browning.
Changing industry
According to Browning, the BRT/IRT was set to change the face of the taxi industry. "Now we come to BRT which is to change the structure of the industry. But government is really caught on the horns of the dilemma; it is still in the middle of this recapitalization program - only about 30,000 taxis have so far been converted and now as you have rightfully indicate government is saying but now we probably want you to buy big buses. And no one has yet to my knowledge has properly explained the relationship between the recapitalization program and the BRT/IRT system," the transport expert said.
He was of the opinion that the intention of the IRT system was not communicated properly to the role players in the taxi industry and was further exacerbated by the fact that taxi drivers were not sure what their potential earnings would be once they have formed a company which they will buy shares in as required by the IRT system.
"I have great sympathy with people that say but only a year ago I bought a new Quantum and yes I got R50 000 as a scrapping allowance but I still owe R200 000 on a vehicle and I'm told that it will no longer be used. Now that situation cannot remain. I do not think that government has thought this thing through sufficiently.
"There has been a bit of a left hand, right hand here at national government level. The recap program has been dealt with by one arm of the department of transport and the BRT has been dealt with by another arm but they are along the same corridor and one would have thought that they would have talk a little more closely," he said.
Browning explained that government had gone wrong when they assumed that because of the examples that they had scene overseas particular in Columbia could be translated to South Africa because it has a similar transport system to the one being used in South Africa.
Example
"In Bogota for example there was a large minibus informal sector and they felt that the techniques that have been used by Columbian authorities could be reproduced here. Once again some of us warned that our minibus taxi industry was a singularly unique phenomenon and it would require far more careful and sensitive handling. They have to work as much as by persuasion as by legislation," he said.
When asked if government had asked transport experts to give their input to Parliaments Portfolio Committee on Transport, Browning replied that he was asked to make a presentation before the committee in 2004. "I have written fairly extensively on the reasons for the opposition from the taxi industry to the IRT. But the last time I was called before the Portfolio Committee was 2004.
"So I do not think that my input has been fairly relevant to what has happened since then. There are some of us who feel that whilst the objectives of the public transport system are correct, the strategy has some weaknesses. It is fair to say that not too many of those views are aired before the Parliamentary Committee of Transport.
According to Browning the IRT system will be viable to implement in South Africa. "In the long run, but I think the way to go about it is to build up to it steadily, rather than try and implement it in what I sometimes call the big bang theory. People who are dependent on public transport I'm sure would love to have the IRT system in place and available to them for 20 or more hours a day.
"But if we take the present state of our public transport system, whether it be bus or taxi it is really poor by world standards. What government should be doing is to take immediate action steps to improve that transport by increasing the hours of operation, whilst not creating opposition from the taxi industry because of their fears of this huge change to the way the transport system will be working," said Browning
Government has not thought through the implementation of the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRT) / Integrated Rapid Transit System (IRT). This was the word from Paul Browning from Lesiba Madau Consulting, who has written a paper on the BRT. According to Browning, even though the IRT will be streamlining the transport system in the country, it is difficult to implement because the taxi recapitalization program which government embarked on during 2004 has not yet being fully completed.
When the recapitalization program was first tabled to the taxi industry, owners were offered a R50 000 scrapping fee which would allow them to put down a deposit on the new Quantum vans which government wanted to introduce as a safer mode of transport. He said the plan which was first mooted as far back as 1999 was done with the best of intentions.
"It was only in 2004 that the program finally got off the ground. Its intentions were admirable- to take the existing almost like panel van conversions, which has been used as a taxi up until now- into something that was a little like a minibus certainly safer and a whole lot more comfortable for customers.
"But the progress has been slow and in any case there were voices that said that to simply change the vehicle, will not in itself change for example the attitude of drivers or stop them from running through red robots. People including myself suggested that the program would be incomplete unless there was an attempt to change the structure of operation of the taxi industry," explained Browning.
Changing industry
According to Browning, the BRT/IRT was set to change the face of the taxi industry. "Now we come to BRT which is to change the structure of the industry. But government is really caught on the horns of the dilemma; it is still in the middle of this recapitalization program - only about 30,000 taxis have so far been converted and now as you have rightfully indicate government is saying but now we probably want you to buy big buses. And no one has yet to my knowledge has properly explained the relationship between the recapitalization program and the BRT/IRT system," the transport expert said.
He was of the opinion that the intention of the IRT system was not communicated properly to the role players in the taxi industry and was further exacerbated by the fact that taxi drivers were not sure what their potential earnings would be once they have formed a company which they will buy shares in as required by the IRT system.
"I have great sympathy with people that say but only a year ago I bought a new Quantum and yes I got R50 000 as a scrapping allowance but I still owe R200 000 on a vehicle and I'm told that it will no longer be used. Now that situation cannot remain. I do not think that government has thought this thing through sufficiently.
"There has been a bit of a left hand, right hand here at national government level. The recap program has been dealt with by one arm of the department of transport and the BRT has been dealt with by another arm but they are along the same corridor and one would have thought that they would have talk a little more closely," he said.
Browning explained that government had gone wrong when they assumed that because of the examples that they had scene overseas particular in Columbia could be translated to South Africa because it has a similar transport system to the one being used in South Africa.
Example
"In Bogota for example there was a large minibus informal sector and they felt that the techniques that have been used by Columbian authorities could be reproduced here. Once again some of us warned that our minibus taxi industry was a singularly unique phenomenon and it would require far more careful and sensitive handling. They have to work as much as by persuasion as by legislation," he said.
When asked if government had asked transport experts to give their input to Parliaments Portfolio Committee on Transport, Browning replied that he was asked to make a presentation before the committee in 2004. "I have written fairly extensively on the reasons for the opposition from the taxi industry to the IRT. But the last time I was called before the Portfolio Committee was 2004.
"So I do not think that my input has been fairly relevant to what has happened since then. There are some of us who feel that whilst the objectives of the public transport system are correct, the strategy has some weaknesses. It is fair to say that not too many of those views are aired before the Parliamentary Committee of Transport.
According to Browning the IRT system will be viable to implement in South Africa. "In the long run, but I think the way to go about it is to build up to it steadily, rather than try and implement it in what I sometimes call the big bang theory. People who are dependent on public transport I'm sure would love to have the IRT system in place and available to them for 20 or more hours a day.
"But if we take the present state of our public transport system, whether it be bus or taxi it is really poor by world standards. What government should be doing is to take immediate action steps to improve that transport by increasing the hours of operation, whilst not creating opposition from the taxi industry because of their fears of this huge change to the way the transport system will be working," said Browning
Friday, January 15, 2010
Thousands feared dead in Haiti
DORIANNE ARENDSE
As the first South African rescue team on Friday makes its way to Haiti to assist in Tuesday's catastrophic earthquake with a magnitude of 7.0, the death toll is expected to rise well beyond the 100,000 mark in the capital, Port au Prince. The massive quake toppled everything in the capital from shacks to the Presidential Palace, the National Assembly building and the Port au Prince Cathedral.
Many hospitals have also been destroyed or badly damaged. International media reports have indicated that the earthquake appeared at a depth of 10 kilometers. This is Haiti's worst earthquake in two centuries. It was earlier reported that a large number of United Nation staff members have been reported missing by the organization. Up to 3 million people have been affected by the disaster.
But Haiti is no stranger to disaster as it had often experienced natural phenomena such as hurricanes. Speaking to VOC's Drivetime on Wednesday, the International Committee of the Red Cross' Florian Westphal said they are currently struggling to get in contact with some of their members who are working in the country. "It is unimaginable to picture what happens when suddenly at the end of a working day a disaster like this strikes. There is no way to prepare for it, it must have absolutely terrible."
Response by the Red Cross to the disaster in Haiti is made easier because the organization is a global one. In addition to this they also have teams on the ground which speeds up the reaction time. "We also benefit from the fact that the Red Cross is a global network. We are present in Haiti and in the region but also present elsewhere with considerable emergency resources. So we really try to swing into action literally as soon as disaster strikes," Westphal said.
Safety first
The first point of call for the Red Cross though was to make sure that all their members in the region were safe. "Our nine international colleagues are safe. The slightly more worrying news is that we have not yet being able to establish the whereabouts and the fate of our 60 local colleagues," Westphal reported. He said that they have not been able to move around Port au Prince to assess the damage because of the devastation by the earthquake.
However, they were able to make contact with one of the members of the Red Cross via satellite phone for a short while, but mobile connections in the capital is still down. "Communication is a major issue and we have also not being able to establish to what extent our office and warehouse where relief items is stored for up to 10 000 people has been damaged," he said.
According to Westphal the sea of devastation left by the earthquake is making it difficult for NGO's to provide relief to the survivors. The first priority for the organization in the wake of this disaster would be for them to search through the rubble to find survivors. Medical support will then be provided for those who have survived the quake but many of the medical structures in Haiti may not be well developed. "You have to assume that people may be too scared to return to those buildings that may still be standing because there have been a number of aftershocks."
Relief efforts
He said there will be a massive relief effort in Haiti which will see the Red Cross partner with other NGO's who may send people to provide some sort of relief in the country. "There will be a massive relief effort, we have heard from the United States and governments around the world may also get involved. For that to really bring benefit and to address the massive needs that exists undoubtly we have to coordinate effectively. We have to make sure that we do not just look at the capital Port au Prince where attention is focused at the moment but we also need to look into the surrounding areas but we have to assume there too that there has been massive damage."
Westphal added that they have in the past visited the prisons in Haiti to assess the conditions of the prisoners and they now try as soon as possible to find out what the current conditions are of the prisoners and what their needs might be. "Our colleagues on the ground in the capital are finding it so difficult to move about. When roads are block by debris, you can not just jump into a car and drive off. It will take a day or more until we have a full understanding of the scale of this disaster."
According to Westphal the needs of the Haitian people should be put at the fore front of what drives the relief aid. "Sometimes we are very pessimistic with each other as human beings that I think what you see with a disaster not only like the one Haiti but around the world is that there is this amazing willingness and motivation and drive to help irrespective of any political consideration," said Westphal.
As the first South African rescue team on Friday makes its way to Haiti to assist in Tuesday's catastrophic earthquake with a magnitude of 7.0, the death toll is expected to rise well beyond the 100,000 mark in the capital, Port au Prince. The massive quake toppled everything in the capital from shacks to the Presidential Palace, the National Assembly building and the Port au Prince Cathedral.
Many hospitals have also been destroyed or badly damaged. International media reports have indicated that the earthquake appeared at a depth of 10 kilometers. This is Haiti's worst earthquake in two centuries. It was earlier reported that a large number of United Nation staff members have been reported missing by the organization. Up to 3 million people have been affected by the disaster.
But Haiti is no stranger to disaster as it had often experienced natural phenomena such as hurricanes. Speaking to VOC's Drivetime on Wednesday, the International Committee of the Red Cross' Florian Westphal said they are currently struggling to get in contact with some of their members who are working in the country. "It is unimaginable to picture what happens when suddenly at the end of a working day a disaster like this strikes. There is no way to prepare for it, it must have absolutely terrible."
Response by the Red Cross to the disaster in Haiti is made easier because the organization is a global one. In addition to this they also have teams on the ground which speeds up the reaction time. "We also benefit from the fact that the Red Cross is a global network. We are present in Haiti and in the region but also present elsewhere with considerable emergency resources. So we really try to swing into action literally as soon as disaster strikes," Westphal said.
Safety first
The first point of call for the Red Cross though was to make sure that all their members in the region were safe. "Our nine international colleagues are safe. The slightly more worrying news is that we have not yet being able to establish the whereabouts and the fate of our 60 local colleagues," Westphal reported. He said that they have not been able to move around Port au Prince to assess the damage because of the devastation by the earthquake.
However, they were able to make contact with one of the members of the Red Cross via satellite phone for a short while, but mobile connections in the capital is still down. "Communication is a major issue and we have also not being able to establish to what extent our office and warehouse where relief items is stored for up to 10 000 people has been damaged," he said.
According to Westphal the sea of devastation left by the earthquake is making it difficult for NGO's to provide relief to the survivors. The first priority for the organization in the wake of this disaster would be for them to search through the rubble to find survivors. Medical support will then be provided for those who have survived the quake but many of the medical structures in Haiti may not be well developed. "You have to assume that people may be too scared to return to those buildings that may still be standing because there have been a number of aftershocks."
Relief efforts
He said there will be a massive relief effort in Haiti which will see the Red Cross partner with other NGO's who may send people to provide some sort of relief in the country. "There will be a massive relief effort, we have heard from the United States and governments around the world may also get involved. For that to really bring benefit and to address the massive needs that exists undoubtly we have to coordinate effectively. We have to make sure that we do not just look at the capital Port au Prince where attention is focused at the moment but we also need to look into the surrounding areas but we have to assume there too that there has been massive damage."
Westphal added that they have in the past visited the prisons in Haiti to assess the conditions of the prisoners and they now try as soon as possible to find out what the current conditions are of the prisoners and what their needs might be. "Our colleagues on the ground in the capital are finding it so difficult to move about. When roads are block by debris, you can not just jump into a car and drive off. It will take a day or more until we have a full understanding of the scale of this disaster."
According to Westphal the needs of the Haitian people should be put at the fore front of what drives the relief aid. "Sometimes we are very pessimistic with each other as human beings that I think what you see with a disaster not only like the one Haiti but around the world is that there is this amazing willingness and motivation and drive to help irrespective of any political consideration," said Westphal.
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