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
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
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.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Road Safety campaign kicks off
The Provincial Department for Transport and Public Works in the Western Cape said its safely home campaign this festive season will be held in conjunction with the City of Cape Town, the South African Police Service and the Traffic Department. According to the Department's spokesperson Solly Malasti the campaign will focus on identifying the roads where the most fatal accidents occur.
Speaking to VOC News on Friday afternoon Malatsi said that most of the time it is not bad road surfaces that causes the accident but driver behaviour. "If you've been observant enough most of the accidents which occur do not necessarily happen because of the conditions of the roads, though in some instances they do contribute, but it is more likely that it is driver behaviour and in some instances it is beyond the control of the driver," said Malatsi
During the festive season the Department of Transport will have more vigilant law enforcement. Malatsi said that there will be specified operations to deal with issues like drunk driving, seatbelt compliance and cell phone use which will occur at various distances on the road. According to Malatsi this will mostly occur at identified hotspots.
The City of Cape Town has had various road blocks on a Friday night which according to Malatsi has been welcome by the public. "Those blitzes have been supported by the public. The City of Cape Town has had various road blocks this week" said Malatsi. He said that the support received from the public has been overwhelming as road safety affects everyone.
Malatsi added that one does not have to rely only on law enforcement for road safety as it is the responsibility of all road users to ensure that the roads is safe for everyone. "It is very important for everyone to drive in such a manner that will guarantee their own safety as well as the safety of other road users" said Malatsi.
Meanwhile the MEC for Public Works and Transport, Robin Carlisle has expressed his condolences to the families who had lost their loved ones in various car accidents in the Western Cape this week.
Speaking to VOC News on Friday afternoon Malatsi said that most of the time it is not bad road surfaces that causes the accident but driver behaviour. "If you've been observant enough most of the accidents which occur do not necessarily happen because of the conditions of the roads, though in some instances they do contribute, but it is more likely that it is driver behaviour and in some instances it is beyond the control of the driver," said Malatsi
During the festive season the Department of Transport will have more vigilant law enforcement. Malatsi said that there will be specified operations to deal with issues like drunk driving, seatbelt compliance and cell phone use which will occur at various distances on the road. According to Malatsi this will mostly occur at identified hotspots.
The City of Cape Town has had various road blocks on a Friday night which according to Malatsi has been welcome by the public. "Those blitzes have been supported by the public. The City of Cape Town has had various road blocks this week" said Malatsi. He said that the support received from the public has been overwhelming as road safety affects everyone.
Malatsi added that one does not have to rely only on law enforcement for road safety as it is the responsibility of all road users to ensure that the roads is safe for everyone. "It is very important for everyone to drive in such a manner that will guarantee their own safety as well as the safety of other road users" said Malatsi.
Meanwhile the MEC for Public Works and Transport, Robin Carlisle has expressed his condolences to the families who had lost their loved ones in various car accidents in the Western Cape this week.
Friday, November 20, 2009
NTA SET TO STRIKE IN CAPE TOWN
DORIANNE ARENDSE
The National Taxi Alliance in the Western Cape is set to go on strike by late next week following a breakdown in talks with the City of Cape Town on the Integrated Rapid Transit System (IRT). Speaking to VOC News on Wednesday the spokesman for the Western Cape National Taxi Alliance said the decision was taken earlier this week at a meeting held by the NTA.
"A decision was taken on Tuesday that the Western Cape National Taxi Alliance needs to go on strike seeing that there is no response from the Mayor Dan Plato. We are waiting on the Mayor to come back to us and say gentlemen this is what we must do," said Mente.
He said the decision must be endorsed by the national office of the NTA at a meeting that will be held on 24th and 25th November 2009. After the decision is endorsed by the national office it is likely that the strike will take place between 26th and 27th November provided that no changes to the decision are made by the NTA's head office. Mente added that the strike action will be indefinite.
The NTA earlier this month consulted with its members in the Western Cape on possible strike action as well as the broader community. Mente said they were also "consulting with various communities in the Western Cape on the strike action such as Khayelitsha, Mitchells Plain and Gugulethu".
Consultation
Mente said that the communities which they have consulted are of the opinion that the strike action proposed by the NTA should go ahead. "They all say that when one does not want to talk to one another then there is a disease of our leadership whereby the leadership does not talk to you if you are opposing and you want to engage them in talks. So our people know that and they are saying that they cannot to tell us not to strike," said Mente.
When asked if the communities which were consulted by the NTA were prepared to be left stranded by the strike Mente said: "They are prepared for that. If you look at what is happening in Gauteng we are hearing that the IRT there is experiencing problems, because there are no people jumping on those busses."
Meanwhile when VOC spoke to the City of Cape Town earlier this month about the strike action the Media Manager for the City Kylie Hatton said they will not tolerate any call to strike action as it negatively impacts on the commuters of Cape Town.
The National Taxi Alliance in the Western Cape is set to go on strike by late next week following a breakdown in talks with the City of Cape Town on the Integrated Rapid Transit System (IRT). Speaking to VOC News on Wednesday the spokesman for the Western Cape National Taxi Alliance said the decision was taken earlier this week at a meeting held by the NTA.
"A decision was taken on Tuesday that the Western Cape National Taxi Alliance needs to go on strike seeing that there is no response from the Mayor Dan Plato. We are waiting on the Mayor to come back to us and say gentlemen this is what we must do," said Mente.
He said the decision must be endorsed by the national office of the NTA at a meeting that will be held on 24th and 25th November 2009. After the decision is endorsed by the national office it is likely that the strike will take place between 26th and 27th November provided that no changes to the decision are made by the NTA's head office. Mente added that the strike action will be indefinite.
The NTA earlier this month consulted with its members in the Western Cape on possible strike action as well as the broader community. Mente said they were also "consulting with various communities in the Western Cape on the strike action such as Khayelitsha, Mitchells Plain and Gugulethu".
Consultation
Mente said that the communities which they have consulted are of the opinion that the strike action proposed by the NTA should go ahead. "They all say that when one does not want to talk to one another then there is a disease of our leadership whereby the leadership does not talk to you if you are opposing and you want to engage them in talks. So our people know that and they are saying that they cannot to tell us not to strike," said Mente.
When asked if the communities which were consulted by the NTA were prepared to be left stranded by the strike Mente said: "They are prepared for that. If you look at what is happening in Gauteng we are hearing that the IRT there is experiencing problems, because there are no people jumping on those busses."
Meanwhile when VOC spoke to the City of Cape Town earlier this month about the strike action the Media Manager for the City Kylie Hatton said they will not tolerate any call to strike action as it negatively impacts on the commuters of Cape Town.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
ANC CAUCUS FORCED TO CUT STAFF
DORIANNE ARENDSE
The African National Congress Parliamentary Caucus staff was informed on Tuesday morning that they will have to reapply for their jobs and that interviews will start on Wednesday morning. Speaking to VOC News on Tuesday, the spokesman for the office of the Chief Whip of the ANC in Parliament, Moloto Mothapo, said that a multi-stakeholder report had been adopted by the task team that was set up earlier after it emerged that the ANC Parliamentary Caucus was in dire financial straits.
"The multi-stakeholder task team recommendations were accepted by the political committee that oversees the work of the ANC Parliamentary Caucus. It was also taken to the National Working Committee as well as the National Executive Committee of the ANC," Mothapo said.
The Parliamentary Caucus has already advertised the positions but first preference will be given to staff members currently employed by the ANC Parliamentary Caucus. Mothopa said that those staff members who are not successful will be assisted by the ANC to find alternate employment.
"There is a process that will unfold afterward that will include assisting them with alternative employment either within the ANC or outside of the ANC," said Mothapo. In addition, staff members will also receive additional skills training.
ANC Caucus staff has alleged that the report which was earlier leaked to the media indicating that the ANC Parliamentary Caucus was in serious financial difficulty, had inflated staff numbers. According to one staff member whose name is known to VOC, the ANC Caucus has about 44 admin assistants and not 70 as indicated.
When asked about this, Mothapo declined to comment as the report was not final at the time. Earlier this month Mothapo refuted allegations that the ANC Caucus would be reducing staff numbers as "it may compromise the current negotiations with multiple stakeholders. The forum is to ensure that we arrive at a mutually agreed upon solution," he said.
The African National Congress Parliamentary Caucus staff was informed on Tuesday morning that they will have to reapply for their jobs and that interviews will start on Wednesday morning. Speaking to VOC News on Tuesday, the spokesman for the office of the Chief Whip of the ANC in Parliament, Moloto Mothapo, said that a multi-stakeholder report had been adopted by the task team that was set up earlier after it emerged that the ANC Parliamentary Caucus was in dire financial straits.
"The multi-stakeholder task team recommendations were accepted by the political committee that oversees the work of the ANC Parliamentary Caucus. It was also taken to the National Working Committee as well as the National Executive Committee of the ANC," Mothapo said.
The Parliamentary Caucus has already advertised the positions but first preference will be given to staff members currently employed by the ANC Parliamentary Caucus. Mothopa said that those staff members who are not successful will be assisted by the ANC to find alternate employment.
"There is a process that will unfold afterward that will include assisting them with alternative employment either within the ANC or outside of the ANC," said Mothapo. In addition, staff members will also receive additional skills training.
ANC Caucus staff has alleged that the report which was earlier leaked to the media indicating that the ANC Parliamentary Caucus was in serious financial difficulty, had inflated staff numbers. According to one staff member whose name is known to VOC, the ANC Caucus has about 44 admin assistants and not 70 as indicated.
When asked about this, Mothapo declined to comment as the report was not final at the time. Earlier this month Mothapo refuted allegations that the ANC Caucus would be reducing staff numbers as "it may compromise the current negotiations with multiple stakeholders. The forum is to ensure that we arrive at a mutually agreed upon solution," he said.
Nehawu and ANC Caucus in negotiations
DORIANNE ARENDSE
The National Education Health and Allied Workers Union (NEHAWU) this week confirmed that it is in negotiations with the African National Congress (ANC) Parliamentary Caucus following an internal report by the party which indicated that they are in dire financial straits. The union’s comments follow an ongoing investigation by VOC News during which ANC Caucus staff raised their concern as they were issued with short term contracts, despite being permanently employed.
Those staff members, who spoke on condition of anonymity, alleged that the ANC Caucus was in severe debt and that R50 million was either “mismanaged” or had gone “missing” by the former Chief of Staff, Mzwandile Radebe who is currently working in the same capacity in the Ministry of Police.
In response to these allegations, spokesperson for the ANC Chief Whip, Moloto Mothapo confirmed that staff went on paid leave but the short term contracts had to be issued as the party lost seats in the current Parliament following the April 2009 election.
“The fact is, the ANC came back to this current term of Parliament, with a reduced majority. Staff were issued with a short term contract because the ANC lost 33 seats. The financial allocation that Parliament gives to political parties is proportionate to the number of MP’s that the party has in the National Assembly,” he said.
Mothapo refuted allegations that the ANC Caucus would be reducing staff numbers as “it may compromise the current negotiations with multiple stakeholders. The forum is to ensure that we arrive at a mutually agreed upon solution. I am not aware of any money that had gone missing from the Caucus.
Meanwhile having acknowledged the staff grievances, provincial secretary for Nehawu, Soraya Jawoodien, explained that ‘technically’ they were “not permanently employed by any political party’s Parliamentary Caucus.” She said that the ANC had indicated that when the five year staff contracts had expired, it would review the current structure in place, as there was a new administration in national government.
At the time of going to press, Radebe chose not to comment on the issue.
DORIANNE ARENDSE
The National Education Health and Allied Workers Union (NEHAWU) this week confirmed that it is in negotiations with the African National Congress (ANC) Parliamentary Caucus following an internal report by the party which indicated that they are in dire financial straits. The union’s comments follow an ongoing investigation by VOC News during which ANC Caucus staff raised their concern as they were issued with short term contracts, despite being permanently employed.
Those staff members, who spoke on condition of anonymity, alleged that the ANC Caucus was in severe debt and that R50 million was either “mismanaged” or had gone “missing” by the former Chief of Staff, Mzwandile Radebe who is currently working in the same capacity in the Ministry of Police.
In response to these allegations, spokesperson for the ANC Chief Whip, Moloto Mothapo confirmed that staff went on paid leave but the short term contracts had to be issued as the party lost seats in the current Parliament following the April 2009 election.
“The fact is, the ANC came back to this current term of Parliament, with a reduced majority. Staff were issued with a short term contract because the ANC lost 33 seats. The financial allocation that Parliament gives to political parties is proportionate to the number of MP’s that the party has in the National Assembly,” he said.
Mothapo refuted allegations that the ANC Caucus would be reducing staff numbers as “it may compromise the current negotiations with multiple stakeholders. The forum is to ensure that we arrive at a mutually agreed upon solution. I am not aware of any money that had gone missing from the Caucus.
Meanwhile having acknowledged the staff grievances, provincial secretary for Nehawu, Soraya Jawoodien, explained that ‘technically’ they were “not permanently employed by any political party’s Parliamentary Caucus.” She said that the ANC had indicated that when the five year staff contracts had expired, it would review the current structure in place, as there was a new administration in national government.
At the time of going to press, Radebe chose not to comment on the issue.
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