Category: South Africa Government

The eThekwini Municipality has intensified compliance inspections across the city to ensure that people living and working near hazardous operations remain safe and protected.

The municipality’s Fire Services Directorate and Environmental Health Division has ramped up enforcement through unannounced inspections, targeting high-risk facilities such as factories, major hazard installations and national key points.

The move comes amid growing concern over environmental and industrial risks, with authorities focusing on early intervention to prevent incidents before they impact residents.

The Fire Services Directorate, which operates a 24-hour emergency response service, is conducting proactive inspections to ensure compliance with fire safety regulations and emergency preparedness standards.

Its Emergency Planning Division is responsible for verifying that high-risk facilities maintain updated emergency response plans, clearly marked evacuation routes and functional fire safety equipment.

Fire Services Director Enock Mchunu said the inspections are aimed at identifying and addressing risks before they escalate.

“Community safety is our top priority. We are on the ground every day, proactively inspecting high-risk facilities, identifying unsafe conditions, and requiring immediate corrections before they pose a threat,” Mchunu said.

He warned that companies ignoring safety rules face severe penalties, including fines, shutdowns, or court orders where necessary.

The Environmental Health Division is conducting parallel inspections to ensure that environmental conditions do not pose risks to public health.

Guided by the National Health Act and Environmental Health Norms and Standards, practitioners follow a risk-based inspection model to target sectors such as high-risk industries, schools, food establishments, and public facilities, particularly those located near residential areas.

Inspection areas include chemical safety, water quality, pollution control, waste management, and monitoring of hazardous premises.

The municipality said common issues identified during inspections include outdated risk assessments, poor evacuation signage, expired fire equipment, and other hazardous conditions.

Depending on the severity of violations, officials may issue compliance notices, fines, prosecution directives, or order immediate closures.

Serious violations may lead to suspended permits or facility shutdowns.

Environmental Health Senior Manager Phumzile Vezi said compliance with safety and environmental regulations is not optional.

“Companies operating near communities must adopt strong safety standards and meet environmental laws. Our teams will continue to inspect, enforce, and re-inspect until risks are fully mitigated,” Vezi said.

The municipality said Fire Services and Environmental Health teams are working in a coordinated manner to ensure early detection of risks, rapid intervention, and continuous monitoring.

Follow-up inspections are scheduled based on risk levels, ranging from immediate revisits to intervals of 30, 60 and 90 days, and will continue until full compliance is achieved. – SAnews.gov.za
 

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Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa has reaffirmed the District Development Model (DDM) as a central pillar of South Africa’s development strategy.

“The DDM acts as the primary operational framework to bridge the gap between planning and service delivery across all 44 districts and eight metropolitan areas,” Hlabisa said in a statement on Tuesday.

He stressed that the model’s core purpose is intergovernmental alignment and does not replace municipal authority.

Under the framework developed by the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, municipalities retain their constitutional powers to plan and govern, while the district “One Plan” integrates existing plans from municipalities, provinces, and national departments.

The model aims to avoid duplication, reduce competition for resources and address fragmented infrastructure planning.

“The DDM does not substitute municipal planning but aligns different spheres of government around shared priorities. Chapter 3 of the Constitution obliges all spheres of government to coordinate and integrate plans and programmes,” Hlabisa said.

The DDM operationalises this constitutional principle by bringing together national departments, provinces and municipalities; aligning budgets and infrastructure investment, and spatial planning; and creating joint accountability for development outcomes.

Breaking the pattern of “operating in silos”

Hlabisa said fragmented planning has long undermined effective governance in South Africa, with departments and spheres of government often “operating in silos.”

Since its launch in 2019, the Minister said the DDM has been a game-changer, breaking the pattern and focusing intentionally on integrating planning, budgeting, and implementation.

“With this level of coordination and collaboration, the DDM contributes positively to the realisation of a capable and ethical developmental state,” he said.

The Minister added that the model also supports equity across districts and metros spaces by reducing uneven development between municipalities.

He noted that financially stronger metros and municipalities often have stronger planning capacity and revenue bases, whereas many rural municipalities struggle with limited technical expertise, weak infrastructure planning, and poor coordination with national departments.

“The DDM allows national and provincial governments to strategically channel resources into districts and metros where capacity is weaker, [thereby] improving local and national spatial equity,” Hlabisa said.

Addressing concerns about the model’s impact on municipal autonomy, Hlabisa said coordination is a constitutional requirement that does not threaten local governance.

While some stakeholders have argued that the DDM and the 2024 gazetted “DDM regulations’ are unconstitutional, the Minister said legal opinions obtained by CoGTA disagreed. 

“In fact, throughout the intergovernmental dispute processes, especially by both the Western Cape Provincial Government and the City of Cape Town, the intent and objective of the DDM were appreciated and welcomed as a practical approach towards ensuring improved intergovernmental coordination on long-term planning and implementation.

“The concerns raised were more on procedural and technical uncertainties relating to the institutionalisation and implementation of the DDM and how these were outlined in the ‘2024 DDM regulations’, especially on matters relating to the coordination of the DDM across the three spheres of government,” the Minister said.

He added that proposed amendments to the 2024 DDM regulations, currently open for public comment, aim to improve the framework, especially on the roles and responsibilities of intergovernmental stakeholders, and the relationship between “One Plans” and other legislated development plans.

These amendments are aligned with existing planning legislation, including the Spatial Planning and Land Use Management Act (SPLUMA) and the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act of 2000, and the attainment of the objectives underpinning Cooperative Government as determined by Chapter 3 of the Constitution,” Hlabisa said.

Hlabisa said all 44 districts and eight metropolitan municipalities are deeply integrated into national priorities, including economic growth, housing delivery, transport systems, and climate resilience.

“These priorities will be best achieved not through working in isolation, but require coordinated action across all spheres of government, which is precisely what the DDM seeks to achieve,” the Minister said.

He reiterated that the model’s fundamental objective is to ensure that all spheres of government work together to deliver integrated development for the people of South Africa.

Looking ahead, Hlabisa said the outcomes of intergovernmental dispute processes and the proposed regulatory amendments reinforce the DDM as a practical mechanism, aligned with the National Development Plan (NDP), aimed at improving and sustaining intergovernmental coordination and cooperation across the broader government planning environment.

The Minister called for a comprehensive government and society approach to fully institutionalise the DDM nationwide, ensuring that every municipality works for the benefit of the people.

“It is only this game changer that we will be able to turn things around and together.” – SAnews.gov.za
 

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The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a warning for severe thunderstorms in the Northern Cape, KwaZulu Natal, Gauteng, Limpopo and Mpumalanga on Wednesday.

“A surface trough, supported by a slow-moving upper trough, will result in severe thunderstorms in the Karoo Hoogland District (Northern Cape), leading to localised flooding of susceptible roads, low-lying areas and bridges, large amounts of small hail and localised damage to infrastructure,” the weather service said.

Slow moving storms may cause heavy downpours and strong winds.

Severe thunderstorms are expected over the western and central parts of Limpopo, Gauteng as well as the Lowveld of Mpumalanga. 

These storms may result in localised flooding of low-lying areas (including bridges and roads) and damage to infrastructure and settlements due to strong, damaging winds.

These weather conditions may cause damage to infrastructure, settlements (informal), property, vehicles, livelihood and livestock. 

There is a possibility of disruption to municipal and other essential services (education, health, communication and power supply). 

In addition, isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers are expected over KwaZulu-Natal

Some of these thunderstorms are expected to become severe in the province, except for the uMkhanyakude District Municipality, eThekwini District Municipality, uMfolozi Local Municipality, uMhlathuze Local Municipality, Mandeni Local Municipality, KwaDukuza Local Municipality and Ndwedwe Local Municipality.

The thunderstorms may be accompanied by heavy downpours, damaging winds, excessive lightning and hail, resulting in minor impacts.

The weather conditions may have the following impacts:

• Localised damage to infrastructure and settlements.
• Localised flooding of susceptible roads and bridges.
• Minor motor vehicle accidents due to slippery roads and poor visibility.
• Difficult driving conditions on dirt and slippery roads.
• Large amounts of small hail/ large hail over an open area.
• Lightning resulting in localised fire incidents.
• Localised injuries due to flying debris.

Meanwhile, the weather report for Wednesday shows partly cloudy and warm to cool conditions are expected, with isolated to scattered showers and thundershowers except over the extreme western parts from the afternoon. 

It will be cloudy in places in the east. –SAnews.gov.za

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The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has provided an update on an independent forensic investigation into irregularities in seven contracts awarded for the refurbishment and extension of the service life of the agency’s legacy rolling stock fleet.

The investigation by Webber Wentzel Attorneys was commissioned to probe the General Overhaul (GO) Programme contracts signed in 2022.

The programme was launched as a strategic bridging solution to maintain commuter rail services during the transition from the legacy yellow fleet of trains to the new Gibela Electric Multiple Units (EMUs). 

Its purpose was to ensure a safe and uninterrupted transition from old to new rolling stock. 

“In April 2024, PRASA received a written complaint from a GO contractor alleging irregularities in how the programme was being administered.

“Rather than dismissing the complaint or handling it internally, together with project management concerns, we acted decisively: within one month of receiving the complaint, PRASA formally engaged Webber Wentzel Attorneys to conduct an independent investigation,” the agency said on Tuesday in a statement.

On 29 November 2024, Webber Wentzel presented its preliminary findings to the PRASA Group CEO. 

This was presented as a ‘Draft Report’, which is standard practice for a forensic investigation. 

A draft was provided to allow PRASA to review its contents, verify factual accuracy, and enable affected parties to respond before findings are finalised.

PRASA’s current position on the GO Programme is as follows:

• Payments to contractors implicated in overcharging have been frozen pending the outcome of the invoice review.
• Contractors against whom material breach has been established are being formally terminated — some are no longer part of the programme, and two are currently on 30-day notice.
• Strengthened financial management and internal control systems are being implemented for the GO Programme.

“PRASA has instructed specialist legal counsel to pursue the civil recovery of funds overpaid to contractors. Independent expert analysis has confirmed significant overcharging across multiple contractors, with the full quantum of recoverable funds still being quantified as part of the ongoing civil and disciplinary processes.”

The disciplinary and criminal proceedings that are a prerequisite for formal recovery action are actively progressing.

Formal disciplinary proceedings — including charges of bribery, corruption, fraud, financial misconduct and policy violations — were instituted against the implicated employees before they departed from the organisation. 

“In both cases, the employees concerned chose to resign after disciplinary processes had been formally initiated. Additional disciplinary proceedings affecting other employees are underway. Resignation does not constitute exoneration, nor does it extinguish liability — criminal, civil or otherwise.

“The referral of implicated individuals’ conduct to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), and the pursuit of civil recovery proceedings, are not contingent on continued employment status. These processes are active and ongoing,” PRASA said. –SAnews.gov.za

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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As the country moves towards the Local Government Elections (LGE), the Independent Electoral Commission has emphasised the important role played by media in safeguarding electoral democracy.

This as the Commission concluded its latest Elections Training Workshop for Journalists in Polokwane, Limpopo, on Tuesday.

IEC Limpopo Provincial Electoral Officer, Nkaro Mateta, emphasised the important role played by the media in safeguarding electoral democracy and in the free flow of credible and accurate information about political parties, candidates, voting station operations and electoral regulations.

“In a rapidly evolving information environment, this responsibility has become even more significant. Journalists are required not only to report on events but also to navigate an increasingly complex digital ecosystem where misinformation and disinformation can spread rapidly and undermine public confidence in democratic institutions,” said Mateta, adding that this work was an essential prerequisite for free and fair elections.

The Polokwane session brought together over 90 journalists from community, regional and national media platforms across Limpopo. 

The participants engaged robustly on key issues, including imminent changes in the local government sector, the impact of misinformation and disinformation in the electoral environment, and strategies for verifying false and misleading claims, images and videos that often circulate during election periods.

The countrywide workshops are held in partnership with the South African National Editors Forum (Sanef), the South African Local Government Association (Salga), Africa Check and Moxii Africa. 

The first workshop was held in Durban on 10 March 2026 and the next one is scheduled for 25 March 2026 in Mahikeng, North West.

Last week, the Commission called on all South Africans eligible to vote to register for the Local Government Elections where they live.

“In a Local Government Election, there is no legal facility to vote outside of the voting station of registration. This is a necessary requirement as it ensures that voters vote in a ward election that has a relationship with their place of ordinary residence,” said the Commission at a media briefing on Tuesday.

The Commission announced that a national voter registration weekend will take place on 20 and 21 June 2026. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Trade, Industry and Competition Deputy Minister Zuko Godlimpi on Tuesday congratulated the newly appointed Special Economic Zones (SEZ) Advisory Board. 

He expressed confidence in its ability to make a meaningful contribution in strengthening the Special Economic Zones programme and advancing South Africa’s broader economic transformation.

Godlimpi was addressing an induction workshop hosted by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) for the SEZ Advisory Board in Johannesburg.

The purpose of the workshop was to orientate the advisory board on the SEZ Act, Spatial Industrial Development Strategy, the department’s industrial policy, as well as the roles and responsibilities of the board and members. 

This is aimed at ensuring that the board members develop a common understanding and appreciation of the Special Economic Zone Act of 2014, and the Special Economic Zones programme. 

“Your appointment reflects both your expertise and the critical role that the Board plays in shaping South Africa’s industrial future.

“The induction is foundational and not just procedural. The purpose is to ensure that the Board and all its members have a shared understanding of the Special Economic Zones legislative framework, the Spatial Industrial Development Strategy, and the broader implementation plan that guides the SEZ Programme in South Africa,” Godlimpi said.

Historically, the SEZ Advisory Board has played a critical role in strengthening governance and accountability within the SEZ programme, and in guiding the transition from the Industrial Development Zone model to the broader SEZ framework. 

“As we begin a new term of this Board, we must build on those foundations while responding to the evolving economic realities facing our country,” he said.

The SEZ Advisory Board was established through legislation to provide strategic advice to the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, on the development and implementation of the SEZ programme. 

Its responsibilities are extensive and central to the success of the programme.

“Among your key functions are advising the Minister on policy and strategy, monitoring the implementation of the SEZ policy framework, reviewing applications for SEZ designation, assessing the performance of existing zones, and making recommendations on investment promotion and operational matters,” explained Godlimpi.

These responsibilities place the Board at the intersection of policy, governance, and economic development and therefore the board is not merely an oversight structure, but a strategic instrument that helps ensure that SEZs deliver tangible outcomes for the South African economy.

“To date, South Africa has designated 12 special economic zones, of which nine are already operational. As at the end of the third quarter of the 2025/26 financial year, these operational zones host 224 investors, representing a cumulative investment value of approximately R31.744 billion and supporting 28 821 jobs. 

“This progress reflects a steady expansion of the programme. Over the eight-year period from the 2018/19 financial year to date, operational SEZ investments have recorded net cumulative growth of approximately R17.234 billion,” said Godlimpi.

Additionally, these numbers tell an encouraging story and demonstrate that the SEZ model is capable of attracting both domestic and international investors and show that targeted industrial infrastructure can stimulate productive activity. 

This, according to Godlimpi, confirms that SEZs can contribute meaningfully to job creation and their true significance lies in their ability to reshape the economic geography of South Africa.

“The country is facing real challenges, which are unemployment, slow growth, and structural inequality. However, we also possess significant opportunities, abundant natural resources, strong institutions, and a strategic position within the African continent. 

“The SEZs afford us a practical mechanism to convert these opportunities into tangible outcomes,” he said.

Godlimpi also emphasised that SEZs could catalyse industrial investment, unlock regional potential, strengthen export capacity, and support the transformation of the South African economic landscape. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has congratulated Dr Nyaweleni Tshifularo and his medical team for successfully separating conjoined twins in a groundbreaking operation at a rural hospital in Limpopo. 

The twins, who were born on 28 January 2026, at Mankweng Hospital, underwent a complex surgical procedure that marked a historic milestone for South Africa’s public healthcare system.

President Ramaphosa described the operation as “unbelievable” and “miraculous”, noting that such highly specialised procedures are typically performed at leading tertiary hospitals. 

“I am just so pleased and happy, and indeed, the whole country should be pleased that you have undertaken a very complicated operation that would normally be done at top class hospitals, like Groote Schuur Hospital, where we had the heart transplant operation in the 60s by Doctor Christiaan Barnard. We thank you for having succeeded in doing this unbelievable, complicated and difficult operation,” the President said.

The President highlighted the significance of the achievement, saying it demonstrates that advanced medical procedures can be successfully carried out in rural public hospitals.

“I can just imagine how difficult the operation was. So, I congratulate all of you, and the nation is filled with pride that a public hospital in the rural areas of our country [achieved this]. You have succeeded Doctor Tshifularo and your team in undertaking this very difficult and complicated operation,” he said. 

President Ramaphosa said the success of the procedure has brought hope to the children’s family. 

“We are very proud. We are really overjoyed with the great success that we have achieved. And I’m sure that the family is also very pleased with what you have done for them and given an improved life to the children. 

“You are real miracle workers, and we’d like to thank you for that. You are our heroes throughout the country,” the President said. 

In response, lead paediatric surgeon Dr Tshifularo said the team was honoured by the recognition.

“His Excellency, the President, we are truly honoured. On behalf of the team, we are absolutely overjoyed and we thank you,” he said. 

The twins were delivered by a 29-year-old mother who had been transferred from Maphutha Malatjie Hospital, outside Phalaborwa, after midwives detected the condition during an ultrasound.

President Ramaphosa also praised Limpopo Premier, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, for ensuring the hospital had the necessary resources to carry out the operation. 

“Premier Ramathuba we also thank you. You have also made this possible because, as you told me, they needed certain instruments, medication and basic things like special sutures and special instruments. You made it possible; you went through the financial processes, the PFMA and acquired all those implements. So, you are also my star, and I want to thank you for all that you have done,” he said.

In a media briefing on Tuesday evening, Premier Ramathuba said she was elated by the successful separation and commended the multidisciplinary team led by Dr Tshifularo for undertaking the delicate and complex procedure. 

“This operation represents a historic moment for Limpopo. For the first time in South Africa, a rural hospital has accomplished such a high scale operation. This achievement changes the landscape of healthcare in our province and reaffirm our belief in the potential of rural hospitals,” she said.

Ramathuba added that the achievement highlights the growing capacity, skill and commitment of healthcare professionals in the province and underscores the need for continued investment in rural health facilities. 

“It is a clarion call for us all to invest resources in our rural facilities, enabling them to provide exceptional care and undertake significant procedures right here in our communities.”

Ramathuba said such a procedure is not the work of an individual but of a dedicated multidisciplinary team, who have turned what seemed impossible into a resounding success. 

The twins have been fully separated and are currently in a stable condition, recovering in the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit under close supervision. – SAnews.gov.za 

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President Cyril Ramaphosa has submitted responses to Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee investigating allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

The committee was established last year, following Mkhwanazi’s allegations in a press conference about, amongst others, an alleged criminal syndicate that has spread into law enforcement and intelligence services, and allegations that Police Minister Senzo Mchunu colluded with criminal elements to disband the Political Killings Task Team based in KwaZulu-Natal.

“President Ramaphosa’s submission shows the President’s support for the parliamentary process, including ensuring that the committee receives all necessary information to carry out its mandate effectively.

“The President is committed to transparency and welcomes parliamentary oversight over the executive arm of the state, as part of the democratic processes that govern the country,” the Presidency said in a short statement on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Mkhwanazi is expected to appear at the committee on Wednesday, 18 March 2026.

“The Ad Hoc Committee…will [today] have another engagement with Lt-Gen Mkhwanazi to end off its oral hearings process. He is expected to respond to matters that arose during the oral hearings.

“The meeting will be held in Parliament and broadcasted on virtual platforms and YouTube,” Parliament said in a statement. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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The Deputy Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mondli Gungubele, has welcomed with delight the successful registration of Postbank as a licensed Financial Services Provider (FSP) with the Financial Sector Conduct Authority.

This means that Postbank is now authorised and regulated to provide financial services that meet the standards set by the regulator, under the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act (FAIS Act).

To obtain and maintain an FSP license, institutions must meet stringent regulatory requirements covering governance, compliance, risk management, operational capability and consumer protection.

Deputy Minister Gungubele said the milestone reflects important progress in rebuilding Postbank into a sustainable and well-governed state-owned retail bank, for serving the needs of the unbanked and partnering government financial services to citizens.

“The granting of this license is an important regulatory milestone for Postbank and a strong signal of the progress being made to stabilise and strengthen the institution. It demonstrates that Postbank is meeting the regulatory standards required to operate responsibly within South Africa’s financial sector,” the Deputy Minister said on Tuesday.

The achievement forms part of Postbank’s five-year transformation strategy built around three strategic pillars: stabilise, build and differentiate. 

Over the past two years, management has focused on stabilising the institution, strengthening governance and regulatory compliance, and laying the foundation for sustainable growth.

Obtaining the FSP license represents a key step in the build phase of this strategy, enabling Postbank to responsibly expand the financial services it can offer while operating within South Africa’s regulated financial services framework.

For customers and social grant beneficiaries who rely on Postbank, the license provides additional assurance that services are delivered under a regulatory regime designed to protect consumers and ensure transparency and accountability.

For government and other stakeholders, the development signals continued progress toward building a capable state-owned banking institution that advances financial inclusion and expands access to affordable financial services for communities underserved by the traditional banking sector.

The Deputy Minister said the milestone also supports Postbank’s longer-term vision of obtaining a full commercial banking license from the South African Reserve Bank through its prudential regulator, the Prudential Authority.

“This achievement represents another important step in Postbank’s long-term journey towards becoming a fully-fledged commercial bank that serves the needs of South Africans while contributing to the strength and stability of the country’s financial system,” Gungubele said. –SAnews.gov.za

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The Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Andries Nel is expected to host a student engagement as part of the Human Rights Month programme.

The engagement, which will be held in Kimberley on Friday, commemorates 30 years since the adoption of the Constitution.

“The engagement will bring together students from the campuses of the Northern Cape Urban TVET College in Kimberley to reflect on the significance of the Constitution, its role in advancing democracy, and the responsibility of young people to uphold and protect constitutional values,” the department said.

The theme for the 30th anniversary of the Constitution is: 30 Years of Constitutional Democracy: Reflect, Renew, Recommit.

“The engagement also forms part of Anti-Racism Week, which runs from 14 – 21 March 2026, and aims to create public awareness about 21 March, the consequences of the events that took place on that day in 1960, and how racism, if not confronted, continues to affect individuals and broader society.

“The week also encourages individuals and all sectors of society to actively call out racism,” the department stated.

At the launch of the commemoration of the Constitution earlier this month, Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi called the supreme law of South Africa a testament of a tangible commitment to “peaceful coexistence”.

“Because of the adoption of the Constitution 30 years ago, we now have a foundation upon which we can strive towards the common vision of unity in diversity, whilst strengthening the culture of respect for human rights and the rule of law in South Africa.

“The Constitution is a testament that wise men and women of all races, religions and diverse cultures freely came together to weave a new nation in a South Africa that belongs to all who live in it, both black and white,” Kubayi said. – SAnews.gov.za

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