- 2024 Bookmarks Tickets – Don’t Miss Out!by Guest(Cape Town, 25 July 2024): Tickets are now on sale for the 2024 Bookmark Awards, the digital media and marketing industry’s most-anticipated event! Get ready to be inspired by the best of the best as we celebrate the power of digital storytelling, innovation and creativity. With the dynamic Sne Dladla as host, and the Finalists’ …
- Easson names extended training squadby AlanScotland Women Head Coach, Bryan Easson, has announced an extended training squad ahead of the side hosting Wales and Fiji in two Autumn Tests before heading to Cape Town in September for WXV 2. The… Read more: Easson names extended training squad
- EFF Tshwane hate speech affirms their chaos, hatred and destructionby Guest[Listen to a soundbite by Willie Aucamp MP] Dear Editor The DA condemns in the strongest possible terms the abhorrent and inflammatory remarks made by an EFF councillor Obakeng Ramabodu during today’s Tshwane Council Sitting.… Read more: EFF Tshwane hate speech affirms their chaos, hatred and destruction
- The mayor and his executive have failed Johannesburg residents and must goby GuestThe Joburg Crisis Alliance (JCA) is making a public call for the resignation of Councillor Kabelo Gwamanda, the Executive Mayor in the City of Johannesburg. This call is made in the wake of the significant… Read more: The mayor and his executive have failed Johannesburg residents and must go
- DCS raid at “Sun City” correctional facilityby GuestDear Editor The DA welcomes the recent raid conducted by the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) and South African Police Service (SAPS) at the “Sun City” correctional facility in Johannesburg. This operation is a crucial… Read more: DCS raid at “Sun City” correctional facility
- Jacaranda FM Comes Out Tops For Online Radio Listenersby Guest(Cape Town, 26 July 2024): The Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) South Africa’s Industry Measurement Dashboard reveals dedicated radio listeners in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal for Q2 2024. According to the industry organisation’s audience data across the months of April through June, independent radio station Jacaranda FM garnered an impressive 5,64 million daily listeners via its web …
- Apartheid-era hostel causing a stink in Eastern Cape townby GuestMore than 200 families live in the dilapidated Molo hostel in Butterworth without toilets – and the smell is annoying the neighbours
- Durban remains a top events destination with the 2024 Ignition Group Polocrosse World Cupby GuestThe warm winter weather, exquisite venues, and welcoming communities make Durban a prime destination for hosting large-scale events, with 2024 showing off the region’s capabilities. The fun continues from 17 to 28 July as the greater Durban area plays host to the 2024 Ignition Group Polocrosse World Cup, with the support of Durban Tourism. The …
- Makhado Municipality finally complies with court order to appoint top officialby GuestUnions welcome appointment of Godfrey Raliphada to Chief Financial Officer
- New app to help Western Cape social workersby GuestPlan is to slash time spent on paperwork
- Survey shows encouraging trends in HIV prevalenceby GuestSurvey shows encouraging trends in HIV prevalenceGabisile Thu, 07/25/2024 – 09:25
HIV prevalence in South Africa across all ages decreased from 14% in 2017 to 12.7% in 2022, resulting in a decline from 7.9 million (2017) to 7.8 million (2022) people living with the virus.
This is based on the findings of the sixth South African HIV Prevalence, Incidence, and Behaviour Survey (SABSSM VI), which was released by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) at the 2024 International AIDS Conference on Wednesday.
While HIV prevalence has decreased across all age groups, data shows that females continue to be disproportionately affected by HIV, with a prevalence of 16.4%, compared to males at 8.8% across all age groups.
Prevalence peaks at 34.2% for females aged 35 to 39 years, whereas prevalence peaks at 27.1% for males aged 45 to 49 years.
The survey also found that HIV incidence in individuals aged two years and older in 2022 was 0.44%, resulting in 232 400 new HIV infections in South Africa.
HIV incidence was at 0.60% among adults 15 years and older translating to 227 400, 0.39% among youth and young adults aged 15 to 24, and 0.72% among adults aged 15 to 49 years.
In addition, the HIV incidence rate in 2022 was consistently higher in females than males in all age categories.
“In terms of treatment, South Africa recorded an increase in antiretroviral treatment (ART) coverage, from 63.7% in 2017 to 80.9% in 2022,” the HSRC said.
This means an estimated 5 700 000 people living with HIV receive ART, an increase from 4 500 000 in 2017.
“A greater proportion of females, 83.2% than males, 76.2% were on ART.”
Data shows that HIV viral load suppression stands at 81.4% for all ages.
Evaluating progress
The SABSSM VI survey, conducted between 2022 and 2023, evaluates the progress of the South African national HIV and AIDS, STI, and TB Strategic Plan.
It also monitors HIV indicators for national and international reporting.
The survey also assessed progress towards the 2030 UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets, HIV drug resistance, and the relationship between social and behavioural factors, intimate partner violence, and HIV infection.
In December 2020, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) outlined a set of new targets ensuring that 95% of all individuals living with HIV are aware of their HIV status, 95% of all individuals diagnosed with HIV infection receive continuous treatment, and 95% of all those on treatment achieve viral suppression by 2025.
The HSRC said progress towards the 95-95-95 targets improved, with 89.6% of people living with HIV knowing their status, and of those knowing their status, 90.7% were on treatment, with 93.9% of those who knew their status and being on treatment, being virally suppressed.
“Improvement across the 95-95-95 indicators was more pronounced in males compared to females.”
Overall, the survey found that 81.4% of all people living with HIV were virally suppressed.
“However, it is concerning that the survey further reveals that gaps remain in knowledge of HIV status among youth aged 15 to 24 (73.1%). Early sexual debut, age-disparate relationships, multiple sexual partners, and low condom use persist as key drivers of HIV.”
According to the findings, the awareness and uptake of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) are increasing.
Stigma
Overall principal investigator of the study, Professor Khangelani Zuma, stated that HIV-related stigma persists as a significant issue among individuals aged 15 years and older.
“Addressing stigma is essential to improving the quality of life and well-being of people living with HIV. However, of the six questions related to HIV-related stigma, the majority yielded results that indicated that most people held positive attitudes toward people living with HIV,” said Zuma.
Response rate
The survey achieved a household response rate of 80% and an individual interview response rate of 94.1%.
A total of 47 766 participants provided blood specimens for HIV testing, resulting in a testing response rate of 62.7%.The professor said this indicates that the results suggest advancements in the fight against the HIV epidemic in South Africa.
“This is evidenced by a stabilisation of HIV prevalence, ageing epidemic, a reduction in HIV incidence, enhancements in HIV treatment outcomes such as increased rates of ART coverage and viral load suppression (VLS) in line with the 95-95-95 targets,” he added.
The study has since recommended key actions that can address the HIV epidemic as a public health threat in South Africa by 2030.
These include continuing intensive programmes focusing on reducing new infections among adolescent girls and young women.
It also proposed enhancement of prevention efforts that target groups disproportionately affected by the drivers of HIV infection such as women and young people. – SAnews.gov.za
509 views - South Africa: President Ramaphosa appoints Justice Mandisa Maya as Chief Justiceby Guest
Download logoPresident Cyril Ramaphosa has, in terms of Section 174(3) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, appointed current Deputy Chief Justice Mandisa Maya as Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa with effect from 1 September 2024.
The appointment follows the President’s consultation, in accordance with Constitutional prescripts, with the Judicial Service Commission and the leaders of political parties represented in the National Assembly.
In a letter addressed to Chief Justice Raymond Zondo on 22 February 2024, President Ramaphosa informed the Judicial Service Commission of his intention to appoint Deputy Chief Justice Maya as the Chief Justice of the Republic upon the expiry of the term of office of Chief Justice Zondo on 31 August 2024.
The President invited the Judicial Service Commission to provide its views on the suitability of Justice Maya to hold the office of Chief Justice.
Discharging its consultative mandate set out in Section 174(3) of the Constitution, the Commission interviewed Justice Maya on 21 May 2024 to ascertain her suitability to be appointed as Chief Justice of the Republic.
The Commission subsequently assured the President of Justice Maya’s suitability to lead the judiciary in the country based on the interview, Justice Maya’s qualifications and judicial record, her leadership qualities, her experience as a judge in various courts, her past leadership of the Supreme Court of Appeal and her role as Deputy Chief Justice in the period leading to her nomination by the President.
The Commissioners also advised that Justice Maya’s appointment would be a significant milestone for the country as Justice Maya would be the first woman in South Africa to be appointed Chief Justice.
President Ramaphosa appreciates the confidence expressed by the Judicial Service Commission and leaders of political parties in the suitability of the incoming Chief Justice, who can draw inspiration and support from the confidence expressed in her.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa. - Well wishes for new SANEF Chairperson Nwabisa Makungaby GuestWell wishes for new SANEF Chairperson Nwabisa Makunganosihle Thu, 07/25/2024 – 09:41
Government has congratulated Nwabisa Makunga who is the current Deputy Chairperson of the South African National Editors Forum (SANEF) on her appointment as Chairperson of the forum.
Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) Acting Director-General, Nomonde Mnukwa, said the appointment of Makunga is a demonstration of her ability and capability.
“Makunga’s elevation to this important responsibility is an inspiration to many women journalists and proof that the media industry is making great strides in affirming gender equality. It is a further demonstration of the triumph of abilities over obstacles of women in the media sector,” Mnukwa said on Thursday.
Makunga will lead a team responsible for representing those who are responsible for telling stories and representing the aspirations and wishes of the population.
“The media landscape is going through challenges, especially with the emergence of digital media and the impact of social media. SANEF is, amongst others, ceased with navigating challenges in the media sector such as declining revenues, shrinking media houses, fake news enabled by artificial Intelligence and other emerging threats to the information platforms,” Mnukwa said.
It is against this background that the GCIS is looking forward to further fostering its partnership with the forum and it office bearers, and the media as a whole.
“I want to reiterate that GCIS recognises the significant contributions made by SANEF in upholding press freedom, ethical journalism, and media diversity in South Africa,” Mnukwa said. –SAnews.gov.za
441 views - Rubbish piles up in Durban streets as cleaners picket outside city hallby GuestExpanded Public Works Programme workers lose jobs as budget is cut
- Call to reform Expanded Public Works Programmeby GuestCall to reform Expanded Public Works ProgrammeEdwin Thu, 07/25/2024 – 10:01
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister, Dean Macpherson, believes that urgent reform is needed for the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) to provide a sustainable pathway to permanent employment.
This follows the ongoing protest action by former EPWP employees in Ethekwini, KwaZulu-Natal.
The Minister has condemned any violence or damage to public property during the protests, particularly as it has halted key municipal service delivery such as the removal of waste which creates a health hazard.
“The EPWP program was always designed to be a short-term program to give recipients work experience and training in order for them to find permanent employment,” Macpherson said, adding that due to the stubbornly high unemployment rate in South Africa, many have grown dependent on the program, having been employed as an EPWP worker for many years.
“As mentioned during the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure budget speech last week, it is therefore imperative that the EPWP program be re-imagined to become skills outcomes-based which leads to South Africans climbing up the opportunity ladder, rather than being stuck in EPWP for years on end,” he said in a statement on Wednesday.
Macpherson looks forward to working with all stakeholders in the coming months to look at a better outcome for recipients nationwide.
The Expanded Public Works Programme is one of the government’s strategies to alleviate poverty through the creation of work opportunities using labour-intensive methods. The programme is implemented in four sectors namely: infrastructure, social, environment and culture, and non-state.
All spheres of government and state-owned entities are expected to implement the programme.
The EPWP participants (beneficiaries) work on different projects such as the Community Work Programme (CWP), Early Childhood Development Programmes, Home Community Based Care Programmes, Extra School Support Programmes, Working on Fire, Working for Water and roads maintenance projects.
Since its inception on 01 April 2004 to 31 March 2022, more than 13 million work opportunities have been created in the EPWP space across all spheres of government. – SAnews.gov.za
513 views - President Ramaphosa signs Public Procurement Bill into lawby GuestPresident Ramaphosa signs Public Procurement Bill into lawEdwin Thu, 07/25/2024 – 10:39
President Cyril Ramaphosa has assented into law the Public Procurement Bill, which aims to create a single framework that regulates public procurement, including preferential procurement, by all organs of state, with the necessary efficiency, cost-effectiveness and integrity.
“The President has assented to the Public Procurement Bill which complies with the stipulation in Section 217 of the Constitution that [the] contracting of goods and services by organs of state in all spheres of government must occur in accordance with a system which is fair, equitable, transparent, competitive and cost-effective; and that national legislation must prescribe a framework within which a procurement policy must be implemented,” said the Presidency.
As enacted by the President, the Public Procurement Act addresses weaknesses in the procurement of goods and services by organs of state that have in the past enabled various degrees of corruption, including state capture.
The Act also responds to the acknowledgement that legislation regulating procurement by organs of state is fragmented and constrains justified advancement of persons or categories of persons who could provide goods or services.The Act establishes a single framework that regulates public procurement, including preferential procurement, by all organs of state and promotes the use of technology for efficiency and effectiveness. The law seeks to enhance transparency and integrity, among others, to combat corruption, ensure efficient, effective and economic use of public resources and advance transformation and broadened economic participation.
It foresees that economic development will be stimulated through the procurement of goods that are produced and services that are provided in South Africa, as well as procurement that is developmental in nature.
The Public Procurement Act, which will be administered by the Minister of Finance, applies to departments, constitutional institutions, municipalities, municipal entities, and public entities.
There are also a limited number of clauses which apply to Parliament and provincial legislatures.
The Act applies to all procurement carried out by a procurement institution (including procurement through donor or grant funding) any person who submits a bid or has been awarded a bid and all procurement carried out by any person on behalf of a procuring institution.
Among its wide-ranging provisions, the Act lists persons who may not submit bids including a public office bearer, employees of Parliament or provincial legislatures, and officials or employees of, among others, public entities, constitutional institutions, municipalities and municipal entities. – SAnews.gov.za
487 views - Conference to reflect on 30 years of democracyby GuestConference to reflect on 30 years of democracyGabisile Thu, 07/25/2024 – 11:14
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) and the National School of Government (NSG) are co-hosting a seminal conference this week, to reflect on the state of South Africa, 30 years into its democracy.
The conference will focus on three decades of democracy in South Africa and will zoom into social, economic and global transformation. This as South Africans of all races went to the polls for the first time in April 1994, ushering in a new democratic dispensation.
The event got under way on Thursday and is organised in association with The Presidency, the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME), and the Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection (MISTRA).
The conference will feature key panelists from the public service, academia, and civil society, fostering a national discourse through research and dynamic social dialogue.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile is scheduled to deliver the keynote address on the second day of the conference on Friday.
The gathering aims to assess the country’s democratic achievements and ongoing challenges, encouraging an inclusive discussion on the future trajectory of South Africa.
While significant strides have been made in dismantling the legacy of apartheid and establishing a participatory democratic system, the institutions said the country continues to grapple with challenges.
These include declining voter participation, inequality, widespread poverty, high unemployment, water insecurity, an energy crisis, corruption, and the mounting threat of climate change.
“Addressing these complex issues demands a concerted effort from all sectors of society – government, civil society, and business,” the co-hosts said in a statement.
Attendees will be encouraged to consider the interconnectedness of social, political, cultural, and economic dimensions that shape the lived experiences of individuals in South Africa’s diverse society.
UJ Faculty of Humanities’ Professor Kamilla Naidoo emphasised the importance of this conference.
“This conference represents a critical opportunity to reflect on South Africa’s journey over the past three decades. While the introduction of free tertiary education in South Africa through various initiatives such as the National Student Financial Aid Scheme marks a bold stride towards equity and opportunity, the conference will also address broader issues such as inequality, unemployment, and climate change,” Naidoo said.
By examining these interconnected challenges, the professor spoke of fostering a dialogue that will contribute to the refinement of existing policies and the creation of new strategies for a more inclusive and prosperous future.
The Principal of the NSG, Professor Busani Ngcaweni, said as the country commemorates three decades of democracy, it is an opportune time to reflect on the path travelled, acknowledge the hurdles that lie ahead, and reaffirm the collective commitment to building a nation that embodies the core values of equality, justice, and shared prosperity.
He pointed out: “Thirty years is an important milestone in the life of any living being, institution, or democracy. Looking at South Africa and its democracy using the metaphor of a child that grows from zero to thirty years we will be able to explain the best and challenges of what the country has gone through as anyone who grows up between the age of zero to thirty”. – SAnews.gov.za
345 views - Solar geyser rollout benefits Woodyglen residentsby GuestSolar geyser rollout benefits Woodyglen residentsGabiK Thu, 07/25/2024 – 12:04
The Woodyglen community in Hammarsdale in KwaZulu-Natal will now enjoy cost savings and reduced energy consumption as the area goes green following the installation of new solar geysers in their households.
In a move towards embracing green energy, the eThekwini Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal has completed the installation of solar geysers in 700 homes in Woodyglen.
The project aims to significantly reduce electricity consumption and costs for residents.
Ward 6 councillor, Bless Majola, commended the project’s completion and announced plans for expansion of the project into other areas of the ward.
Majola said the municipality has ensured the transfer of skills during the installation process.
“Young people from the community have been trained to install and maintain the geysers, creating around 30 temporary jobs. We expect to employ more young people as the project progresses,” Majola said.
Project Manager of Gemmed Services, Lungelo Ngcobo, emphasised the geysers’ durability, with a lifespan of up to 15 years and a one-year warranty.
“Our work adheres to the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy standards. Beyond installation, we prioritise skills transfer to empower the community for future maintenance needs,” Ngcobo said. – SAnews.gov.za
223 views - Police torture case: delay over CCTV footageby GuestThree officers are accused of assaulting Juma Igiranieza, a barber, at his workplace, in Mowbray on 7 November 2023
- President Cyril Ramaphosa Conveys Condolences to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopiaby Guest
Download logoPresident Cyril Ramaphosa, on behalf of the government and the people of South Africa, has expressed deep sorrow and condolences following the recent landslides in Gofa, South Western Ethiopia, which tragically took the lives of at least 250 of people at this stage.
President Ramaphosa said the South African people's thoughts are with the people of Ethiopia, particularly the bereaved families, during this period of mourning. Our hearts goes out to the Government and the people of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia at this difficult time.
President Ramaphosa recalled the strong and historic relations between South Africa and Ethiopia, dating back to the struggle against apartheid.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa. - SA firefighters to help fight Canadian firesby GuestSA firefighters to help fight Canadian firesGabisile Thu, 07/25/2024 – 14:09
The Working on Fire-Kishugu Joint Venture (WOF-Kishugu JV) is deploying a team of more than 200 firefighters and management to the Canadian province of Alberta to assist with fire fighting efforts.
The Guardian reported on Wednesday that wildfires near the Canadian town of Jasper have forced more than 25 000 to flee one of the country’s largest national parks as multiple blazes and thick smoke descended on the Rocky Mountain community.
The report said the town is home to 5 000 full-time residents, alongside 5 000 seasonal workers.
The request for urgent assistance came from the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC) in terms of the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Canada and South Africa.The MOU signed in 2019, provides for exchanging wild land fire management resources between the two countries.
The WOF have been on five deployments to Canada between 2015 and 2023 based on the MoU.
The five deployments include the historic deployment of 860 firefighters and management in 2023, one of the largest deployments of international firefighters to Canada.The organisation said they have since finalised the deployment list of firefighters and management.
The team is currently at Kishugu Training Academy in Mbombela, Mpumalanga, for a training camp for final preparation before departure.The group will depart for Canada via a charter arranged by the CIFFC on Friday, 26 July 2024, from the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport and are expected to be there for 39 days.
Flying the SA flag high
“We extend our best wishes to the team as they embark on their deployment to Canada to help put out the fires raging in Alberta.
“They go to Canada to raise the South Africa flag and share their expertise and camaraderie with colleagues from other Canadian provinces and countries.”
The team includes pump-trained firefighters with valid yellow cards, with more than three years of firefighting experience and physically fit.
Meanwhile, 30% of the selected firefighters in the first deployment are women, including three members of the management team, which the WOF believes highlights its commitment to diversity and inclusion.
In addition, several of the team members have previous international firefighting experience, which further enhances their expertise in tackling complex fire situations.
“We are proud that South Africa is again able to assist Canadian firefighting teams in their battle to bring the wildfires under control. The extensive experience and training of these firefighters will significantly enhance efforts to effectively suppress and manage the wildfires in Alberta.”
Local operations
The WOF has since reassured all their partners and stakeholders that this deployment will not have any impact on South African firefighting operations.
“Every one of our 200-plus firefighting bases in South Africa will continue to provide firefighting and fire prevention services to our partners and landowners.”
The organisation said they will still have just over 5 000 firefighters available at these bases throughout South Africa.
“Should there be major wildland fire activities in our winter fire season provinces, we will, as we have done in the past, be able to deploy our Western and Eastern Cape firefighters to these hotspots. No partner and landowner will be left without any firefighting operations from Working on Fire, and we urge you to communicate with us directly should you have any enquiries.”
WOF is an expanded public works programme (EPWP) aimed at providing work opportunities to young men and women.
The programme, funded by the Department of Environmental Affairs, recruits participants from marginalised communities and trains them in fire awareness and education, fire prevention and fire suppression skills. – SAnews.gov.za
81 views - IAB SA Education Council Seeks Top Youth Talent For 2024 Front Row Initiativeby GuestBuilding on the success of its Front Row Initiative launched in 2023, the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) South Africa Education Council has opened nominations for its 2024 cohort. The Front Row initiative aims to identify and provide a platform for the top 15 ambitious and talented industry youngsters, offering a springboard to launch their careers. …
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