Publisher

THE OLD SAYING,  light at the end of the tunnel holds true for residents for Vaal Huise in Reiger Park, Boksburg.

After spending almost a decade without electricity, 12 households in the informal settlement switched on lights for the first time.

To celebrate the special moment in their lives, Mayor of Ekurhuleni Mzwandile Masina joined the residents for the switch on.

For Lucille Ruiters (60) the days of using candles will be a thing of the past and having electricity in her house will improve her life. 

“As we get closer to the festive season people need to be aware of scams that could rob them of their money.”

City Power is warni-ng residents of Johan-nesburg to be on the lookout for three men pretending to be employees of the energy utility.

FROM THE UNION BUILDINGS a message from the President

Government has rolled up its sleeves and pulled up its socks to bring more services and opportunities to greater numbers of South Africans.

As South Africans, we should all be encouraged by a combination of indicators from government departments and provinces, on the one hand, and the Auditor-General, on the other, that shows we are steadily marching in the right direction.

Government is investing in programmes that fix the country’s wetlands and create jobs in the process.

The Department of Environmental Affairs’ Working for Wetlands Programme has invested R1 billion into the rehabilitation of 1 200 wetlands and created 25 000 jobs and much-needed training. 

The department said that during the 2015/16 financial year alone, the programme successfully managed to rehabilitate 123 wetlands.

South Africa is playing a leading role in HIV vaccine research.

As the world observes World AIDS Day on 1 December, South Africa will reflect on the great strides made in reducing the spread and impact of the epidemic.

In line with this, South Africa has started ground-breaking HIV vaccine trials to fight the disease.

Speaking in Parliament recently, Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa said the HIV vaccine trials are a major boost to the fight against AIDS.

“This vaccine trial is regarded by many as the most scientific study in the world on HIV.

The increase in domestic workers’ annual wages that came into effect on 1 December 2016 demonstrates government’s commitment to create decent work.

The latest relief ahead of the festive season will be applicable until 30 November 2017.

According to the Department of Labour, the minimum wage adjustment is in line with the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, which is regulated through the Sectoral Determination.

The Festive Season is a time when many feel tempted to spend all their money.

As the festive season approaches consumers need to be smarter with how they spend their money and think about the deals that they get into.

The Credit Ombud, Nicky Lala Mohan says that many households rely on credit to cover their day-to-day expenses, which suggests that they are not living according to their means.

There are currently over one million people receiving disability grants. People with disabilities not receiving a grant can apply at their local South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) office.

To qualify you must: 

Government is boosting efforts to ensure that people with disabilities have access to services that ensure they live normal lives.

This is in line with the commitments made in the National Development Plan to increase access to services, particularly in quality education and employment for people with disabilities.

Domestic violence is any form of abuse, which includes physical, sexual, emotional, psychological or economic harassment.

It includes damage to property, stalking and entry into your property without permission or any other abusive or controlling behaviour.

Those who find themselves in abusive relationships can get a protection order from the court.

What is a protection order?