Mkhize thanks emergency personnel for hard work
SOUTH Africa’s Minister of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Dr Zweli Mkhize, took to Twitter to thank disaster management teams for their efforts over the festive season.
He also highlighted some of the remedial efforts that were under way following several incidents.
“We wish to acknowledge with appreciation the dedication and tireless efforts demonstrated by the provincial and municipal disaster management teams, complemented by non-governmental organisations, in responding to the needs of communities during the incidents that have caused devastation resulting from floods or fires,” said Mkhize.
“We also salute our search and rescue teams, emergency services, medical personnel, the SA Social Security Agency and the law enforcement agencies and all other team members that continue to put people first as they perform their difficult tasks.”
He said that the country experienced sporadic summer torrential rains in various provinces, with some rains resulting in flooding, which caused injuries and infrastructure damage.
Drought conditions in other parts of the country created favourable conditions for devastating fires, while some provinces experienced destructive wind storms.
“Our hearts go out to the families who cannot rejoice and celebrate the festive season due to the loss of their loved ones.
“May their souls rest in peace.” According to the seasonal climate watch, as issued by the SA Weather Service on November 30, above normal rainfall conditions were expected over most parts of the summer rainfall areas during early summer (November to January).
“As a result, early warnings issued by the SA Weather Service need to be observed and acted upon timeously to avoid negative consequences of weather phenomena.”
He urged citizens to observe early weather warnings and to contact disaster management centres as and when they are needed for guidance and advice.
In the Western Cape, provincial traffic officers of the Department of Transport and Public Works arrested 32 road users at the weekend, 23 of them for driving under the influence of alcohol.
The highest breath alcohol reading recorded by provincial officers was 1.29mg/1 000ml in the Somerset West service area, five times the legal limit of 0.24mg/1 000ml.
“Alcohol and roads don’t mix. Driving under the influence is a serious risk to drivers, passengers and pedestrians.
“If you drive under the influence, you risk being convicted of a serious criminal offence.
“Just this weekend alone, we screened 1 395 motorists for driving under the influence at 27 alcohol blitz and Random Breath Testing (RBT) roadblocks.
“RBT equipment makes it possible for officers to test motorists anywhere at any time of the day, and our mobile Evidentiary Breath Alcohol Testing units can collect evidence for use in criminal prosecutions at the roadside,” the department said.
If you drive under the influence, you risk being convicted of a serious criminal offence
Department of Transport and Public Works