You weathered the storm. Now what?

Being let back onto one’s property after a disaster or emergency can be an emotional time. It’s important to allow emergency personnel and first responders to do their jobs and follow their instructions. Unless you can turn on all of your utilities again, your access may be limited, but it depends on your municipality and the damage.

You may be instructed to boil your water for a brief period while governmental agencies confirm that it’s potable and safe without treatment. 

Before re-entering the home, do the following: 

Check the exterior.

· Make sure that there are no downed power lines on or near your property. If there are, do not move them yourself; immediately contact utility company personnel or law enforcement. 

· Check for broken tree branches that may impede access to the property, or which themselves may be in contact with power lines; again, enlist help in such situations to avoid a potentially fatal injury. 

· Make sure the perimeter of the property is secure before allowing pets back onto it. Natural disasters can be disorienting for them, and they may try to escape. 

· Check any damage to windows and exterior doors, as well as the roof, chimney, and other penetrations, but do so safely. 

· Check gutters, downspouts, and exterior drainage for blockages, and clear them as soon as it's possible to do so safely.

· It’s always best to document damage from the ground and contact an inspector who can make a more in-depth and detailed inspection. Even after you contact your insurance carrier, an unbiased inspection by a trained home inspector may reveal issues that are not immediately apparent. Such as hail damage, which requires some expertise to properly identify, especially if the insurance investigator must inspect damage incurred by multiple clients in the aftermath of a widespread emergency.

Check the interior. 

· Before turning on the water and gas service to the home, check the individual appliances to make sure that they’re undamaged. Document all damage and contact utility personnel if you don’t feel safe turning it back on yourself. If there is no apparent damage or telltale smells or sounds (such as hissing) emanating from any appliances, it should be safe to turn on the gas and water at their shut-off valves. Make the same damage assessment before turning the electricity back on, too.

· Securely dispose of perishable food items left in the refrigerator during a power outage. Ensure that stray animals foraging for food can’t access it. Some food left in the freezer may be salvageable, but always err on the side of caution to avoid serious illness caused by bacteria.

· Go back through the home to check for structural damage, including broken glass. 

· In the aftermath of a storm or flood, all areas for moisture intrusion, as well as areas at windowsills and exterior doors. Unchecked moisture can lead to mould problems and structural issues down the road. An inspector who is Infrared-Certified® can survey the home with an infrared camera, which can identify areas of moisture intrusion and energy loss that may not be visible to the naked eye.

Check in with neighbours and others. 

· Notify pet owners or Animal Control if you see disoriented domestic pets searching for their owners or homes. Also, avoid contact with wildlife that may have been forced from their natural habitat. Report their location to Animal Control.

Homeowners should schedule a meeting with an inspector who can help devise a checklist to prepare the house in the event of an emergency, as well as assess its condition afterward to make sure it’s safe for the family to re-occupy. He or she can also help the client get started on an action plan for repairs.

Post-Flood Guide

General Tips

Don't return to your flood-damaged home before the area is declared to be safe by local officials. 

Returning home can be both physically and mentally challenging. Above all, use caution.

Check for injuries. Do not move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of death or further injury. If you must move an unconscious person, first stabilize the neck and back, then call for help immediately.

· Keep a battery-powered radio with you so you can listen for emergency updates and news reports. 

· Use a battery-powered flashlight to inspect a damaged home.

NOTE: The flashlight should be turned on outside before entering—the battery may produce a spark that could ignite leaking gas, if present. 

    · Watch out for animals, especially poisonous snakes. Use a stick to poke through debris.

    · Be wary of wildlife and other animals.

    · Use the phone only to report life-threatening emergencies. 

  · Stay off the streets. If you must go out, watch for fallen objects, downed electrical wires, and weakened walls, bridges, roads and sidewalks.

Before You Enter Your Home

Walk carefully around the outside and check for loose power lines, gas leaks, and structural damage. If you have any doubts about safety, have your residence inspected by a qualified building inspector or structural engineer before entering.

Do not enter if:

· You smell gas.

· Floodwaters remain around the building.

· Your home was damaged by fire and the authorities have not declared it safe.

Going Inside Your Home

When you go inside your home, there are certain things you should and should not do. Enter the home carefully and check for damage. Be aware of loose boards and slippery floors. The following items are other things to check inside your home:

· Natural gas. If you smell gas or hear a hissing or blowing sound, open a window and leave immediately. Turn off the main gas valve from the outside, if you can. Call the gas company from a neighbour’s residence. If you shut off the gas supply at the main valve, you will need a professional to turn it back on. Do not smoke or use oil, gas lanterns, candles, or torches for lighting inside a damaged home until you are sure there is no leaking gas or other flammable materials present.

· Sparks, broken or frayed wires. Check the electrical system unless you are wet, standing in water, or unsure of your safety. If possible, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or electrical panel. If the situation is unsafe, leave the building and call for help. Do not turn on the lights until you are sure they’re safe to use. You may want to have an electrician inspect your wiring.

· Roof, foundation, and chimney cracks. If it looks like the building may collapse, leave immediately.

· Appliances. If appliances are wet, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or electrical panel. Then, unplug appliances and let them dry out. Have appliances checked by a professional before using them again. Also, have the electrical system checked by an electrician before turning the power back on.

· Water and sewage systems. If pipes are damaged, turn off the main water valve. Check with local authorities before using any water; the water supply could be contaminated. Pump out wells and have the water tested by authorities before drinking. Do not flush toilets until you know that sewage lines are intact.

· Food and other supplies. Throw out all food and other supplies that you suspect may have become contaminated or come into contact with floodwater.

· Your basement. If your basement has flooded, pump it out gradually (about one third of the water per day) to avoid damage. The walls may collapse, and the floor may buckle if the basement is pumped out while the surrounding ground is still waterlogged.

· Open cabinets. Be alert to objects that may fall out.

· Clean up household chemical spills. Disinfect items that may have been contaminated by raw sewage, bacteria, or chemicals. Also, clean salvageable items.

· Call your insurance agent. Take pictures of any damage. Keep records of repair and cleaning costs.

The objective is to stay safe. When in doubt, call for help.

Article by InterNACHI. 

Walk in Moral Authority.

Written by Lynelle Clark.

What does it mean to have moral authority? And what does it mean to show love and courage despite our differences?

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, moral authority is to act in trustworthiness; to make decisions that are right and good. But in the current political sphere, morality, love and courage are non-existent.

South Africa is still standing—DESPITE the political failings.

As citizens, we’ve proven that we can get the job done and be world class doing it. Just looking at my town and the efforts the people are putting in, I know this is true.

When asked by the moderator, Zukiswa Pikoli, to Pregs Govender what is love, she replied, “To respond to the power, we have.” Pregs Govender is an anti-apartheid activist; former ANC MP; and the Deputy Chairperson, South African Human Rights Commission.

Listening to the debate during the Daily Maverick conference held on 14 March 2024, I could not help but think about South Africa’s moral dilemma. That we are still standing is a miracle we should not take for granted.

But what power do we have?

Our morals have to intertwine with love. Because when you love, you do what is morally right. But in today’s frenzy of likes, followers, etc., it seems people are controlled by a different nature where the power of love has taken the back seat.

The release of Princess Katherine and her children’s photo and her absence on social media in the last couple of months are good examples of this moral decay. Right from the beginning, she asked for privacy after the announcement of an abdominal operation. As time went on, conspiracy theories immersed and now, putting them at their place in her public announcement yesterday, it's clear that moral decay is a global problem.

“Power without love is reckless and abusive, and love without power is sentimental and anaemic. Power at its best is love implementing the demands of justice, and justice at its best is power correcting everything that stands against love.” Martin Luther King Jr.

Romans 13:8-10

Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. 9 For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,”

“You shall not murder,”

“You shall not steal,”

“You shall not bear false witness,”

“You shall not covet,” and if there is any other commandment, are all summed up in this saying, namely, “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” 10 Love does no harm to a neighbour; therefore love is the fulfilment of the law.

Mark 7:20-23

20 And He said, “What comes out of a man, that defiles a man. 21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, 22 thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. 23 All these evil things come from within and defile a man.”

So, what power do we have then? The power to love with any preconceived ideas of how I think love should be is to see it in its purest form: an intense feeling of deep affection.

This week I was confronted with this question and had to admit that I don’t love that way. Past failures altered my views and made me robotic in my interactions with people. Putting effort into and changing my way of thinking has developed an urgency to really understand and act differently towards all.

When we look at morality, we should ask ourselves; does the leader I am about to vote for know the difference between wrong and right? Will this newfound power make him/her greedy enough to lose the moral compass?

We can change only when we look at ourselves from a moral perspective. 

A moral perspective will test our motives: Is our motives purely for the country, or what I can get out of it? 

When we think country first, our motives for doing things change. We think of people, and country first. When we do things from an individual point of view, the objectives shift.

What kind of leadership are we looking for? Self-centred or South Africa-centred? 

Janet Jobson, CEO at the Desmond, and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, said, "The fabric of our society is being held together because of the citizens. Civil society is on the ground doing the work. We have to work with the people who work to lessen the joblessness. We must engage across the sectors with politicians." If we as citizens (and I want to add here, believers) don’t engage, then all the talk will be for nothing.

Prof Thuli Madonsela, Law Trust Chair in Social Justice and Law Professor at the University of Stellenbosch, “You don’t begin to be courageous; you step out to fix what needs to be fixed. That makes you courageous.” To play your part is necessary for us to move forward.

Courage and power walk hand in hand. You cannot do the one without the other and South Africa calls for courageous citizens to stand up in this hour. 

I already stated that South Africa is still standing by absolute miraculous power, but for how long before it crumbles in total chaos? 

We are the "body" that can fix things. 

Already we have seen towns across the country that have stood up and said, “Enough is enough.” Instilling a strength in us all that we can do something when we stand as ONE.

And the changes are incredible.

This should be the attitude of not only towns but our major cities, institutions, and organizations, as well.

We must bring the moral compass back again. We must understand what it is to be trustworthy and know the difference between right and wrong. Our problems are not only a human rights issue but a moral issue where we have forgotten that we are not alone on this earth. We have to share it with other people. That we should think less of ourselves. The world does not revolve around likes, followers, and subscription lists, but about how much I care for my fellow citizen and think “us” first.

That is the power of love. Our morality must be interwoven into the very fabric of our society. It must be our guiding light in a world that has grown weary of doing good. Only then can we truly be One.

Making the right choices, discerning our own motives and becoming Christ-centric, can we have the courage to stand up and fix what has to be fixed. 

Copyright Lynelle Clark 2024

Parents: are your kids being Cyberbullied?

This is the biggest problem in our schools.

Cyberbullying is a growing concern in South Africa, especially with the widespread use of technology and social media. It refers to when a person is bullied by another through electronic devices, such as cell phones and computers.

📌Report Cyberbullying: https://www.cybersecurityhub.gov.za/

How to react to cyberbullying:

Ignore—Dr Sameer Hinduja and Dr Justin W. Patchin of the Cyberbullying Research Center advise victims not to respond to “minor teasing or name calling” if they can avoid it. Sometimes bullies are encouraged by seeing a reaction.

Record—Keep a record of bullying messages you receive—in hard copy. If you can show an adult either the messages themselves or a diary of when you received them, it may be easier to verify what went on and who the bully was.

Reach out—Your parents, a favourite teacher, school administrators, counsellors, and even police officers can help you deal with cyberbullying. Your state laws or your school’s policies may have rules against cyberbullying that these trusted adults can enlist to help you. It’s also helpful to talk to friends or a counsellor so you can get their support when you are feeling upset by hurtful comments. There is no reason to suffer alone when you are the target of bullying.

Revenge Porn Laws in South Africa

 Here are some key points about cyberbullying in South Africa:

1. Legislation: Until recently, South Africa did not have specific legislation addressing cyberbullying. However, the Cybercrimes Act 19 of 2020 was finalized (though it has not yet come into effect) and aims to bring the country's cybersecurity laws in line with international standards. The Act criminalizes various cybercrimes, including those associated with cyberbullying. For instance:

· Sending electronic messages or social media posts that incite or threaten violence against a person.

· Disclosing intimate images of an identifiable person without their consent or linking an identifiable person to such an image in a data message. Intimate images include nude images or images of private parts, even if the person is clothed.

· A person found guilty of these crimes may face fines and/or imprisonment not exceeding three years¹.

2. Impact on Children: Cyberbullying among children has become a serious problem, affecting their mental and emotional well-being. Victims can seek legal recourse through existing criminal and civil law remedies, such as obtaining protection orders or reporting related crimes (e.g., crimen iniuria, sexual exploitation, and criminal defamation).

3. Statistics: More than half of South African parents know of a child in their community who has been a victim of cyberbullying. The phenomenon has escalated during the COVID-19 pandemic⁴.

4. Need for Awareness and Prevention: It's crucial to raise awareness about cyberbullying, educate children and adults about safe online behaviour, and promote responsible use of technology. Parents, educators, and policymakers play a vital role in addressing this issue.

Remember that cyberbullying can have severe consequences, and it's essential to create a safe and respectful online environment for everyone. If you or someone you know is experiencing cyberbullying, consider seeking professional help and reporting the incidents to relevant authorities.

📌Cyberbullying: How it affects your Mental Health.

Cyberbullying is a crime in South Africa, and you can report to the police...but always report to the CYBERSECURITY HUB.

Report Cyberbullying: https://www.cybersecurityhub.gov.za/

Sources:

(1) New Legislation Against Cyberbullying | LegalWise. 

(2) More than half of SA's children have been cyberbullied...TimesLIVE. 

(3) The nature and impact of cyberbullying among South African youth... 

(4) Cyberbullying - CyberSecurity Hub. 

(5) THE IMPACT OF CYBERBULLYING IN SOUTH AFRICA MARCH 2023 -Masiphephe. 

The economic environment and change.

Written by Lynelle Clark

On 14 March 2024, under the supervision of Daily Maverick’s MC, Rebecca Davis, senior journalist, leaders came together for a robust dialogue.

Rebecca Davis had her work cut out for her, which she did with sophisticated flair.

Even from an online point of view, one noticed the level of professionalism the conference held. In partnership with Ninety One, Pick a Pay ASAP, The Friedrich Naumann Foundation and Henley Business School, it was an enormous success.

The Gathering Twenty Twenty-Four conference had six panels which touched on fundamental questions in our society. But I will focus on what the economists had to say about South Africa’s current economic environment.

With the elections around the corner, we are holding our breath for the outcome. The 2024 election is a turning point, and as important as that of the 1994 election.

South Africans are ready for change.

We pray for change.

Desire change.

But the question is, are we ready for change?

The right mindset to change is the key.

But the question that carries the most weight is, do we have skilled leadership?

The narrative of the panel was: “How do you give an economist the jitters? Tell them an election is coming. Low levels of short-term confidence and certainty represent a risk to prospective investors. What’s the possible long-term gain of a “change”? And what (realistic) political scenario is most conducive to the business environment?”

We are not unfamiliar with the term A vote of No-Confidence. In the political sphere, it is a common characteristic on provincial and national level. Economic uncertainty and the continuous breakdown of systems and dissolvents of institutions have marked our economy in a terrible light.

Investors are pulling out; skilled people are leaving, and our education system fails the next generation. South Africa cannot afford another four years of this trend. Change must happen. Unless we do not face the facts, it will continue on a downward spiral. And who will pay the price? You and me.

Dr Iraj Abedian, founder and CEO of Pan-African Capital Holdings, “Economy does not operate in a vacuum. It requires at least two complementary solid foundations. One is the regulatory environment within which different businesses have to operate. And, it requires another important complementary pillar, a political system that is accum to the needs of the economy.”

In layperson’s terms; we need governing stability to grow. As Dr Abedian stated, the money is there, but we, as South Africans, must show the international investors that we are credible. That we believe in ourselves and act as a democratic country.

During the discussion, it was stressed that unemployment is a human resource problem. The human resource training is no longer effective and is stuck in old ways of thinking. It needs to change. We are short of skills. Whether it is an electrician, an engineer, a doctor, or a bricklayer, we need up-to-date skills.

Skills must translate to the ability of the application.

Dr Abedian said, “The age of certification are gone.” We must question the titles; if it does not translate to the ability to lead, then we must strip the title bearer. If they cannot do the job or are not honourable, they must be removed.

Capability is a must.

Accountability is a must.

Without it, we will not survive.

Old leadership must be replaced with new thinking. “We need a 45-year-old president.” Said Mark Barnes, former CEO, SA Post Office. “Africa is the undiscovered opportunity.”

We must think individual first.

Another problem we have is unskilled labourers. The unskilled labourer cannot be ignored. They need to work. They have to eat. They must pay rent. By giving them an opportunity, we help them to get ahead.

Skills are important, but for the unskilled worker, even if it is the first job at a factory, it is their chance at schooling. Schooling is necessary to change their situation for the better. Stated Ann Bernstein, founder and executive director of the Centre for Development and Enterprise (CDE).

What can the average person do for change? Vote. Vote for a difference. Do not vote for the same party. Especially if they haven’t produced.

The current government has impoverished this country. In 1994, they wanted to change the lives of every black citizen, but that didn’t happen. Currently, we have the highest unemployment rate in the world. 

We can only bring change when we stand together.

The political environment that will be conducive for the economic environment is: There is no shortage of money, there is no shortage of investors. There is no shortage of opportunities. The funds are waiting but we need credibility of the election process and the attraction of economic resources. The government must understand how the economy function. Because of lack of knowledge, they don’t know what is going on in the current market. We need a government that understands the markets. We are not attractive enough. Ignorance is bliss, is no longer an excuse. The second thing is infrastructure upgrading. Our infrastructure needs radical change. Our roads, railways, aviation, ports, bridges—everything needs an upgrade.

A new attitude towards the private sector and how they work is needed. Only when we stand together is change possible.

South Africa needs a government that has everyone on their mind and not only their party members. When the elect is in the Office of the President, he/she cannot think party but people first.

We have to understand each other to co-inside within a new cultural environment. We need commercial vividity. If we do not set aside our own way of thinking and think community, individual first, all the talk will not be enough to bring change.

South Africa is waiting for us.

Are we up for the challenge to change? 

Copyright Lynelle Clark 2024

Artificial Rainmaking and the future of South Africa.

Compiled by Lynelle Clark.

Cloud seeding, the practice of injecting certain materials into storm cells to enhance precipitation, has drawn interest from a growing number of water-strapped countries.

Also known as artificial rainmaking.

Key points about cloud seeding:

1. Purpose: Cloud seeding aims to increase the amount of precipitation in a specific area by enhancing cloud processes.

2. Methods: Dry ice or silver iodide aerosols are dispersed into the clouds. These particles act as nuclei around which water droplets can condense, leading to the formation of raindrops.

3. Debates and Research: The effectiveness of cloud seeding has been a topic of academic debate. Scientists and statisticians have conducted studies to evaluate its impact on precipitation. Recent research focuses on statistical evidence for the enhancement of precipitation through cloud seeding.

4. Evaluation Challenges: Evaluating cloud seeding involves addressing systematic errors and uncertainties. Researchers consider factors such as statistical tests, target indicators, covariates, and the design of cloud seeding experiments.

5. Global Application: Cloud seeding has been actively carried out worldwide due to the uneven distribution of natural precipitation.

In an article written by Adela Suliman, EMEA Editorial Assistant, she wrote: “To cope with searing global temperatures, protracted droughts and chronic water shortages, countries from the United States to China are turning to "cloud seeding", which aims to boost rainfall in dry areas. Still, the technology can't do much but to tease rain from a cloud-free sky, experts warn."

"In extreme heat or drought conditions, there are no clouds. Nobody can make clouds," said Roelof Bruintjes, a senior scientist who works on weather modification for the U.S. National Center for Atmospheric Research.

Such artificial rainmaking is akin to giving clouds vitamins, or farmers applying fertilisers to boost their crop yields, he explained.

In "A Review of Cloud Seeding Experiments," Roelof Bruintjies look into the complex world of weather modification through cloud seeding. The comprehensive analysis covers the history, methods, and outcomes of various cloud seeding projects around the globe. Bruintjies examines the scientific principles behind inducing precipitation, including the use of silver iodide and sodium chloride as seeding agents. He addresses the environmental and ethical considerations of such interventions, highlighting both successes and challenges faced by researchers in this field. Through meticulous evaluation of data, Bruintjies presents a nuanced perspective on the effectiveness and potential of cloud seeding as a tool for weather management.

View full report here.

Challenges South Africa face:

Unless there is a significant action by 2030, there will be a projected 17% shortage in water supply, according to Cloud9 Special Mission.

The deficit, as stated by the Department of Water and Sanitation’s (DWS) Master Plan, may even be under-reported.

The Master Plan's ‘call to action’ begins with a frank admission that the house is in serious trouble. It will take a substantial effort to deal with the multiple fires.

While the country does not currently face a national water crisis, there are significant challenges that must be addressed to ensure sustainable water management and availability.

Key points related to water security in South Africa:

1. Water Loss and Revenue Generation:

· Approximately 41% of municipal water does not generate any revenue, and an additional 35% is lost through leakage. These losses contribute to the financial strain on water utilities.

· Efficient water management and infrastructure maintenance are essential to reduce losses and improve revenue collection.

2. Investment Gap:

· The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) estimates that an annual investment of R33 billion over the next decade is necessary to achieve water security and prevent a 17% deficit.

· However, the current budget for DWS stands at R15.5 billion, creating a significant financial shortfall.

3. National Treasury Constraints:

· Unfortunately, the National Treasury has no immediate plans to increase the budget beyond inflation.

· This limitation poses a challenge in meeting the required investment for water security.

4. Sustainable Solutions:

• To address this situation, South Africa needs a comprehensive approach that includes:
• Infrastructure Upgrades: Repairing and upgrading aging water infrastructure to reduce losses.
• Efficient Water Use: Encouraging responsible water use by individuals, industries, and agriculture.
• Innovative Funding Models: Exploring public-private partnerships and alternative funding sources.
• Climate Resilience: Preparing for climate change impacts on water availability.
• Integrated Planning: Coordinated efforts across government departments, municipalities, and stakeholders.

Achieving water security commands, a combined effort from all sectors, adequate funding, and sustainable management practices. It's crucial to prioritize water as a valuable resource for the well-being of all South Africans.

How cloud seeding works.

“The Dynamic seeding concept is to seed super cooled clouds with large enough quantities of ice nuclei to cause glaciation of the cloud. Due to seeding, super cooled liquid water is converted into ice particles, releasing latent heat, increasing buoyancy, and thereby invigorating cloud updrafts. In favourable conditions, this will cause the cloud to grow larger, process more water vapour, and yield more precipitation.” Roelof Bruintjes, senior scientist, U.S. National Center for Atmospheric Research.

Cloud seeding employs substances like silver iodide and potassium iodide to expedite cloud formation, accelerating the precipitation process. This innovation is beneficial for farmers who rely on rainwater for irrigation. By inducing rainfall, cloud seeding can alleviate drought conditions, making arid regions more habitable and bolstering agricultural output, which supports the economy.

Therefore, the need for cloud seeding development is vital for the future of South Africa and needs to receive urgent attention from all sectors involved.

Any enterprise is built by wise planning, becomes strong through common sense, and profits wonderfully by keeping abreast of the facts. Proverbs 24:3-4

Sources:

(1) Advances in the Evaluation of Cloud Seeding: Statistical Evidence for .... 

(2) CloudSeeding - ResearchGate. 

(3) Advances in the Evaluation of Cloud Seeding: Statistical Evidence for the Enhancement of Precipitation. 

(4) World Economic Forum

(5) Environmental challenges to operationalisation of South African rainfall enhancement report. 

(6) Water security in South Africa - Development Bank of Southern Africa. 

(7) National State of Water Report 2021 - DWS. 

(8) National water security | South African Government. 

(9) Water 2023:South Africa’s looming crisis. 

 

Budget cuts put the most vulnerable in our societies at risk.

READ AND SHARE to save VULNERABLE CHILDREN, PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES, THE ELDERLY and VICTIMS OF GENDER BASED VIOLENCE

A press release from the Gauteng Care Crisis Committee today, 7 March 2024, explains how budget cuts put the most vulnerable in our societies at risk.

Gauteng Care Crisis Committee

*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*

7 March 2024

*Gauteng Department of Social Development Under Fire for Slashing Budgets to Services for Vulnerable Persons*

The Gauteng Department of Social Development (GDSD) has cut R233 million from its 2024/25 budget for services to vulnerable persons. The facts of the cut were discovered by non-profit organisations (NPO) earlier this week following the announcement by Gauteng Treasury of the budget for the province. With less than a month to go before the start of the new financial year, the GDSD has yet to inform the NPO sector where the axe will fall.

“We reject the cuts and condemn the GDSD for failing to communicate its decisions to NPOs”, said the Gauteng Care Crisis Committee (GCCC), a network comprising over 50 organizations in the province.

“The cuts reflect a shocking disregard for vulnerable persons’ right to social care services. The way they are being made also demonstrates no ethic of care. Because the GDSD has failed to communicate which NPOs’ services will be reduced or terminated, it has been impossible to plan responsible processes to ensure that children, women who have experienced gender-based violence, older persons, and people with disabilities continue to receive services after 1 April. NPO staff live with uncertainty daily, not knowing if they will still be employed when March ends”, the GCCC continued.

The GCCC has been attempting to obtain information about the future of NPO services since June 2023. Letters seeking clarification on these budget cuts have been repeatedly ignored by the Head of Department, Matilda Gasela. With their most recent letters of November 2023 and January 2024 also receiving no reply, the GCCC turned to Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Social Development, Mbali Hlophe. On 6 March they wrote asking for information on an urgent basis. But as has become the norm, no response was received.

This latest development mirrors the crisis of 2023/24 when the DSD initially attempted to slash R417.6 million from the budget earmarked for social care services, inciting widespread protests from NPOs across the province. Although the Premier subsequently announced a reversal of the decision on 2 May 2023, funding was not restored in full; R172 million was still cut from NPO funding in 2023/24. What this means, taking this year’s cuts into account, is that vulnerable persons have lost R405 million worth of services between 2023/24 and 2024/25.

Analysis of funding databases submitted by the GDSD to the Portfolio Committee for Social Development substantiates these losses further. In 2022/23, 1 778 NPO services were funded by GDSD. In 2023/24, only 1 340 services were funded – a loss of 338 services that also translates into unemployment across the social care sector. This destruction of jobs in the NPO sector comes at a time when the GDSD lists creating employment as one of its priorities.

The GCCC rejects the budget cuts to vulnerable people’s services and demands that the GDSD immediately start communicating the outcomes of their decisions on NPO business plans.

“We will fight to uphold people’s rights to services. And we will insist on our rights to fair decision-making practices and processes” the GCCC concluded.

*All copies of correspondence with the GDSD are available on request from Lisa Vetten (0828226725).

For media inquiries or further information, please contact:

Sima Diar, Nisaa Institute for Women’s Development - 081 041 5072

Sue Krawitz, Impilo Child Protection and Adoption Services – 083 225 0551

Trienie Drotschie, Tutela (child protection and older persons’ services) – 066 413 9880

### End of Press Release ###

9th Annual National Fire Safety and Prevention Seminar

 

Written by Lynelle Clark

22 February 2024 at Birchwood Hotel, Boksburg.

Theme: A Fire Service that is proactive in preventing fires and other risks.

The hall was packed with representatives from across the nation. From Fire chiefs neatly dressed in uniform to governmental officials and sponsors. Making this a very informative and busy day. The speakers presentations were to the point and factual and even for a Novus, I found it relevant and educational.

The stakeholders were the City of Ekurhuleni Municipality, the Fire Department, SANTAM, SAGLA, DDM, and the NDP.

Chief Fire Officer from the City of Ekurhuleni, Dr Mhlengi Makhubalo, opened the day and welcomed all dignitaries. Dr Tshepo Motlhale, the head of the PDMC in Gauteng, gave an overview of fire services in Gauteng. Dr Bongani Elias Sithole, head of the NDMC COGTA, addressed the keynotes.

The White Paper has been accepted at a senior level for service rendered. It is the model that service will be conducted, and a simple message of servanthood has been underlined.

Key notes were:

Fire funding model is in process, Disaster management is emphasised, Equality, and Key skills are identified.

The primary aim is to raise the standard and promote the fire department to the public. Seen as the stepchild of the government, it is necessary that everyone should step up to make the fire department more visible. Sustainable funding is insufficient, and they are looking at international peers to collaborate and secure funding for the challenges ahead.

The P4RR program has been installed to get the message across with the emphasis on capacity building, tools, training, and equipment.

Collaboration was the key word of the day, and Dr Moses Khangale, SANTAM, highlighted this most effectively. The importance of public-private partnerships to improve fire service is a must for the future of the department.

SANTAM considers these factors when helping municipalities; are the Economic downturn, climate change, social unrest and loadshedding. These factors create a storm that can be effectively addressed through collaborative approaches.

The IPCC Report identified SADC as a climate change hotspot. The three key factors that affect S.A. are fires, drought and floods and the insurance sector is concerned about the state of services. These concerns are triggered by the poor management of fire services (Brakpan’s library is a good example). Training is essential and SANTAM is ramping up training with the Metros.

Dr Khangale, SANTAM Stakeholder Management and Chairperson SAIA Property Protection Committee, underlined that municipalities should take ownership of their success. They should also get their own funding, and management should be strengthened to better themselves. These are all factors that SANTAM looks at before they get involved. He clarified that SANTAM would assist and not do the municipality’s work. Municipalities should have dedicated personnel that drive initiatives and partnerships. They must make this their focal point.

Ms Dorah Marema from SAGLA talked about the state of the local government and the impact on the delivery of fire services in the country. They are pursuing solutions for municipalities and follow the lead of the White Paper. They work closely with lobby organizations to support and advice. It is their goal to set a higher standard by looking at the poor leadership, the inefficient processes, ineffective resources, and the degeneration of poor services.

Their objective is to ensure a safe and healthy environment by upgrading the services and develop social and economic sustainability.

Until now, they assumed that local municipalities could govern themselves as stipulated by the constitution. But that assumption is no longer valid. The financial crisis is a problem, and all under-funded municipalities must show a growth of 29% before help would be offered.

Support to the fire departments is not clearly defined and the local government must play a role that would benefit them. Fire stations must receive a higher priority and the finalization of the White Paper is a must to obtain optimal growth.

Mr Marius Atterbury, FPASA, highlighted that fire stations should be classified, and that accredited courses should be implemented to raise the standard.

Private companies are willing to listen and help, but require proof of maintenance, sustainability, and growth.

Community-based fire management in rural areas is vital for fast service delivery. Homeowners must take action in securing themselves with the necessary equipment during a time of crises. Ignorance is no longer an acceptable behaviour.

Maintenance of resources is a must for effective control. Community aid and long-term planning are needed in all areas, said Mr Etienne du Toit, Western Cape, Fire and rescue Services. Duplication must be avoided. Not enough attention is given from the government, according to an expert at the University of Cape Town.

It is the responsibility of the municipalities to enforce the SPLUMA ACT and receive approval from local authorities of applications in respect of erection of buildings. According to Section 4.1 and 4.2 of the National Building Regulations Act, the applicant must be the landowner of a land. Buildings should be built with safety in mind and not to cut costs. The challenges within the building sector are that contractors don’t comply with the bylaws nor are it enforced by the municipalities.

Mr Charles Mabaso from the city of Tswane’s Emergency Services Department. He emphasised that an On Scene All Hazards Incident Management Concept that enables coordination among various jurisdictions is needed to ensure service.

Access to information is crucial to each incident and must be at a central location where the public is briefed.

Accountability:

·        Comply with SOP requirements,

·        Safety of responders, workers and public,

·        Achievement of response objectives and effective use of resources.

Skills needed of a fire coordinator:

·        Ability to motivate and guide.

·        Effective team player

·        Paying attention to detail

·        Communication skills

·        Critical thinker

·        Conflict management

Dr Tanja Tereblanche is from the city of Tswane’s Emergency Services Department. She underlined the importance for fire station to be self-sufficient. It is necessary to educate the public and look for investors. A sustainable revenue branch should be implemented to increase revenue.

Local communities must be at the forefront of reducing disasters by understanding the areas they live and the difficulties of that area.

 

Other speakers were:

Ms Rachel Aphane, Department of Employment and Labour.

Mr Roggers Mamaila from TRANSNET.

Mr John Lomberg, Executive Director Climate Resilience Fund.

Me Jappie Lengoabala, NDMC, Fire Services.

Dr Olivia Kunguma from the University of the Frees State, DiMTEC.

Mr Curvin Alexander, Eastern Cape PDMC, Fire Services.

Mr Jurgens Dyssel, NDMC—Policy, Institutional Development & Compliance Management.

Mr Thabo Khupari, NDMC—Disaster, Preparedness, Response, & Recovery Coordination.

Mr Roland Hendricks from the NDMC.