Gauteng government condemns intimidation of private vehicle owners

Gauteng government condemns intimidation of private vehicle owners

Gauteng government condemns intimidation of private vehicle owners Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela has strongly condemned reports of alleged intimidation, and coercion of commuters and private vehicle owners by some public transport operators. “Any form of bullying or coercion on our roads is unacceptable. Our officers are actively intervening to protect the public and uphold peace. "Commuters’ constitutional right to choose their preferred mode of transport is fully protected,” the MEC said on Thursday. In January 2025, the Department of Roads and Transport established the Public Transport Crisis Committee, chaired by the MEC, and sits on Fridays to coordinate with all stakeholders in the taxi, bus, e-hailing and scholar transport sectors. “We are bringing all industry stakeholders under one roof to ensure that operations comply with the law and that commuters are treated fairly,” the MEC said. She has also cautioned public transport users against making use of unregistered e-hailing operations and encouraged commuters to utilise recognised, legal and known platforms. “Law enforcement has been deployed in areas where illegal practices have been reported. Gauteng residents deserve a safe, reliable, and lawful transport system. We are committed to ensuring that every commuter can travel without any form of fear or intimidation,” Diale-Tlabela said. The department’s Gauteng Transport Inspectorate (GTI) continues to work in restoring law and order on the province’s public roads. This week, the GTI was able to impound over 16 vehicles for various offences, including for illegal operations and vehicle unroadworthiness. Enforcement operations, including vehicle impoundment, are conducted in line with the National Land Transport Act. “We will not allow lawlessness, illegal operations and unroadworthy vehicles to put commuters’ lives at risk. "Our law enforcement teams are on the ground to ensure peace, enforce compliance and lawful operations at all times. The safety and rights of our commuters are non-negotiable,” Diale-Tlabela said. - SAnews.gov.za nosihle Fri, 08/29/2025 - 08:49 1 view

SA, Tunisia reaffirm science diplomacy as a pillar for women’s empowerment

SA, Tunisia reaffirm science diplomacy as a pillar for women’s empowerment

SA, Tunisia reaffirm science diplomacy as a pillar for women’s empowerment Science diplomacy must be harnessed as a tool to close gender disparity gaps, accelerate progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and inspire the next generation of girls to pursue careers in science. This was the central message as South Africa and Tunisia jointly celebrated Women’s Month in Pretoria on Thursday, reaffirming their partnership in advancing women’s empowerment through diplomacy in science, technology and innovation (STI). Both countries, which mark National Women’s Day in August, used the occasion to reflect on their shared history of women’s struggles and emancipation, while strengthening collaboration to address barriers to gender equality in science and innovation. The event was hosted by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and the Embassy of Tunisia, with the theme: 'The Role of Science Diplomacy in Women’s Empowerment: South African–Tunisian Experience'. READ | Deputy Minister Gina to address SA-Tunisia Women’s Day celebration Delivering the keynote address, Deputy Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Nomalungelo Gina, stressed that “science knows no borders”. She called for deeper cooperation between South Africa and Tunisia. “We are here to insist that science diplomacy without a gender dimension is incomplete. We, as women across borders, must start collaborating on joint scientific and research projects more than before. We must support each other across nations,” said Gina. She highlighted achievements made since the signing of the 2010 STI cooperation agreement with Tunisia, including joint research projects worth over R14 million. The Deputy Minister reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to inclusivity through policies such as the STI Decadal Plan, the Grassroots Innovators Programme, and targeted support for women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). South Africa’s strides also include National Research Foundation funding instruments for Master’s and PhD studies, the annual South African Women in Science Awards (SAWiSA), and bursaries offered through the SA Radio Astronomy Observatory, which currently supports Tunisian researcher, Dr Raja Mchaalia. Tunisia’s Ambassador to South Africa, Karima Bardaoui, outlined her country’s progress in advancing gender equality since independence in 1956. Women now make up more than 55% of science graduates and hold a high proportion of PhDs. “We have implemented policies aimed at ensuring access to education for all and at providing knowledge, tools and opportunities that help bridge gender gaps and promote equality, regardless of gender, socioeconomic background, or geographic location,” said Bardaoui. She said science diplomacy can help address underrepresentation in leadership, funding disparities, and cultural barriers, while inspiring the next generation of African women scientists. The programme, supported by the Science Diplomacy Capital for Africa (SDCfA), featured thematic discussions with the African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for Africa's Development (AUDA-NEPAD), United Nations Women, the Commission for Gender Equality, and representatives from leading South African universities. Programme Officer at AUDA-NEPAD, Dr Barbara Glover, urged greater visibility for women in science. “Let us put women on the map so that the younger ones can see,” said Glover. A recipient of National Research Foundation bursaries, Glover shared how science diplomacy enabled her to study in both Africa and Europe. Founder of Traversing Liminality, Dr Lulamile Gwagwa, encouraged the DSTI to create a networking platform for SAWiSA participants to engage and collaborate. Recent SAWiSA winner, Dr Maurine Musie, said the awards inspired her to start a podcast on maternal and neonatal health in Africa. The event concluded with a united call to strengthen bilateral and continental partnerships that place women at the centre of science diplomacy. Gina summed up the spirit of the day: “Women supporting each other, instead of competing against each other, bring a unity and strength like no other. Let’s hold hands and empower each other across our countries.” – SAnews.gov.za Gabisile Fri, 08/29/2025 - 08:39 30 views