State hospitals are spending about R4-billion on treating opportunistic diseases linked to HIV/Aids, according to a Department of Health study, but there is little indication of a change to the government’s HIV/Aids policy. Good news, however, is that the government intends to distribute 250-million male condoms and 700000 female condoms this year in “non-traditional sites” such as shebeens, spaza shops and hostels.
More toilets are in store for South Africans, said a determined Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry Ronnie Kasrils, announcing a new campaign to improve sanitation. Already 55 000 toilets have been built to provide sanitation for almost 500000 South Africans. The Water and Sanitation and Hygiene for All campaign is expected to get under way next month with pamphlets attached to a little bar of soap.
At least 500 labour inspectors will be hired this year, including graduates for specialist training, to boost the current 1300-strong inspectorate, said Minister of Labour Membathisi Mdladlana. The inspectors are responsible for monitoring that employers correctly implement health and safety regulations.
The Education Ministry has planned a national application and information system to assist high school pupils to choose a proper career path. Minister of Education Kader Asmal said the system will provide information on every course on offer in South Africa. It is hoped this will kickstart comprehensive career guidance at schools.
The South African Police Service is seeking an additional training centre for new recruits, Minister of Safety and Security Steve Tshwete announced this week. The minister said the police service would be boosted to 140 000 members over the next three years. Currently there are 120463 serving police officers, but an average of 5000 leave the service each year.
A draft of comprehensive anti-terrorism legislation is unlikely to be ready before mid-year as the initial Bill of 2000, drawn up by the South African Police Service, is still being substantially revised. Minister of Justice Penuell Maduna this week said South Africa continued to pursue a comprehensive, not piecemeal, anti-terrorism law to fulfil its international obligations while adhering to the Constitution. The government was not drafting the law with a view to ban any particular group, he said.
Survivors of crime can participate or be represented in the parole board hearings of those convicted of hurting them, Minister of Correctional Services Ben Skosana announced. Parole boards will be chaired by a community member and include two community representatives alongside officials from the police, prisons and the Department of Justice.
A briefing document by Minister of Justice Penuell Maduna says that over a six-month period 1 021 dockets of sexual offences against children were completed, leading to 7 285 years in jail terms, including 53 life sentences and fines of R234 120. Over the same period 179 cases involving adults led to 1328 years of imprisonment, including four life terms and fines of R62240.