People ‘use the bush’ while Makhanda’s taxi rank toilets remain closed for years
Councillor says she has asked the municipality for more public toilets in town
A launchpad for success
Innovation is all about forward thinking. It starts with a new idea and culminates in its successful implementation. It could be a new way of doing things or a new product, but the end goal is to add value to the market, the industry, and all relevant stakeholders. And this, in a nutshell, is what …
First ‘Coalition Stabilisation’ Bill Introduced In Parliament
Dear Editor The DA has introduced the Constitutional Nineteenth Amendment Bill in Parliament, aiming to limit the frequency of Motions Of No Confidence to once a year in Provincial Legislatures and the National Assembly. The Bill aims to create stability in coalition governments The DA believes that South Africa is likely to see coalition governments …
Ithala’s Decade-Long Commitment To Dundee July Continues Uninterrupted
Ithala SOC Limited has once again reaffirmed its support for the much anticipated Dundee July for 2023. The financial institution has been an official banking partner of the event for over a decade, and its unwavering support continues uninterrupted. The event showcased the best horse racing, including a women-only race event. The 17th edition rural …
Sewing the seeds of job creation
Through the Department of Economic Development and Tourism’s (DEDAT) Skills Development and Innovation Programme, the Western Cape Government partners with several companies to provide young unemployed people with on-the-job skills training. This week, Western Cape Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, Mireille Wenger, accompanied by officials from DEDAT, visited two of several partner companies, K-Way …
Introducing Exciting Modern NMC Reporting App Features
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has been committed to improving public health surveillance data to enable better disease management and response strategies. In January 2023, two pioneering features on the Notifiable Medical Conditions (NMC) Reporting App were introduced. These features are designed to enhance surveillance data quality and provide a seamless user experience.
Epidemiological Classification of NMCs by NICD Centre
The first innovative feature, the Epidemiological (Epi) Classification, is a web-based function that revolutionises case classification. NICD centres are now empowered to classify notified cases based on predefined case definitions available on the NMC Reporting App. This classification allows for identifying and excluding cases that do not meet the specified criteria, addressing any erroneous captures made by NMC App users. By ensuring accurate and reliable data, the Epi Classification assists the NMC team in quantifying the true burden of diseases, offering valuable insights for improved disease management strategies.
Hospital Surveillance Form for Category 1 NMCs
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of hospitalisation data in understanding disease epidemiology and assessing the effectiveness of public health interventions. Drawing from this experience, the NICD has introduced a comprehensive Hospital Surveillance Form within the existing Notifiable Medical Conditions surveillance system. This new form collects essential information on risk factors associated with illness for hospitalised patients diagnosed with any category 1 NMC. Factors such as race, comorbidities, body mass index, and previous hospital admissions are recorded for hospitalised, transferred, and discharged patients. Expanding data collection to encompass hospitalisation details, this feature strengthens the overall notifiable medical disease system, allowing for better response capabilities and informed policymaking, particularly in the face of future pandemics.
The implementation of these new features holds immense potential for advancing public health surveillance. The Epi Classification feature promises the accuracy and reliability of reported data, enabling authorities to make evidence-based decisions and allocate resources more efficiently. Simultaneously, the Hospital Surveillance Form provides a more comprehensive understanding of disease dynamics and associated risk factors, paving the way for targeted interventions and informed policy development. These advancements strengthen the overall public health infrastructure, effectively ensuring readiness to combat future health challenges.
Click here to view the exciting features.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of National Institute for Communicable Diseases, South Africa (NICD).
Showdown East Cape
An Eastern Cape showdown and Western Cape bragging rights are lined up in this weekend’s Round Eight fixtures of the SA Rugby Women’s Premier Division, while in the other match, the fourth spot on the overall log is at stake. In the SA Rugby Women’s First Division, the unbeaten Free State Women clash with last …
This could be the easiest way to sustain the lights on
Did you know that you don’t have to buy a solar system in order to enjoy the benefits of it? You can rent it – or rent to own. Ross Mains-Sheard, the founder of Versofy SOLAR, takes us through the details. What is holding many South Africans back from converting to a hybrid solar system? …
How To Negotiate The Best Deal On Vehicle Finance
In the ever-evolving world of cars and car finance, where prices can change in a heartbeat and financing options seem endless, you need some solid strategies to negotiate the best deal on vehicle finance. WesBank, the leader in innovative vehicle finance and asset solutions, is empowering consumers with effective strategies to negotiate the best deal …
Why Show Houses Are More Critical Than Ever
Property market conditions in South Africa are currently leaning in favour of buyers, with supply significantly exceeding demand in many areas. Spoilt for choice – and often lacking any sense of urgency or competition – buyers are taking their time to look around and negotiating harder than usual on sales prices. According to David Jacobs, …
National Forum on the construction mafia excludes critical stakeholders
Dear Editor The construction mafia has been left to run rampant in the construction industry with no effort from government to stop it. Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Sihle Zikalala’s idea for a national forum to address this issue although late is welcomed but must be coordinated. The DA proposes that the department use …
Fine for Oman
Oman have been fined 40 per cent of their match fee for maintaining a slow over-rate against Zimbabwe in their ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier match in Bulawayo on Thursday. Muhammad Javed of the ICC International Panel of Match Referees imposed the sanction after Oman were ruled to be two overs short of the …
eBucks Earning Rules
From August 2023, FNB and RMB Private Bank customers will be able to get even more value from eBucks Rewards due to simplified earn rules and enhanced programme benefits. Recently named the Best Long-Term Loyalty Programme in the World for the 2’nd year running, eBucks now offers customers more ways to unlock benefits in areas …
Home Affairs to appeal Zimbabwe permit decision
The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) will launch an application for leave to appeal against two judgments related to the Zimbabwean Exemption Permit (ZEP).
Health Department places medical interns for mid-year cycle
The Department of Health announced on Thursday that it has concluded the 2023 mid-year internship and community service allocation process.
Most recipients unpaid after millions stolen from Guardian’s Fund
Justice Department has suspended officials allegedly involved in theft
Binance global security win
At Binance, we remain committed and active in furthering the security of the global crypto and blockchain ecosystem. A key part of this effort is our close collaboration with law enforcement agencies and regulators worldwide, working with them hand-in-glove to fight illicit cyber/financial crimes and thwart bad actors. Recently, the Binance Sanctions Investigations team, with …
South Africa 26-34 Italy
Wet conditions greeted the players in the Western Cape as the World Rugby U20 Championship resumed on Thursday with a series of key encounters. Australia, the 2019 U20 Championship finalists, and Ireland kicked off proceedings in Paarl and it was the current U20 Six Nations champions who prevailed 30-10 after a strong second-half display. Two-time …
Health workers protest at Lentegeur hospital
Unhappiness over payments and workers left jobless
BMW to invest R4.2 billion into its Tshwane plant
Automotive giant, BMW, has announced that it will pour in some R4.2 billion in investment to equip its Rosslyn Plant in Tshwane to build the next generation BMW X3 hybrid plug in vehicle.
Italy Beat Boks
Junior Spingbok Head Coach Bafana Nhleko and captain Paul de Villiers believe that the Junior Boks can bounce back from the defeat to Italy to qualify for the World Rugby U20 Championship semi-finals. The Junior Boks recorded their first loss of the campaign when they went down 34-26 to Italy in Paarl on Thursday. Despite …
Global Calendar Under Discussion
Rugby’s major stakeholders have met in London this week to discuss the future global calendar for each of the women’s and men’s game. The group included International Rugby Players, World Rugby, the British and Irish Lions, the major international competitions including Six Nations and The Rugby Championship, along with the unions and professional leagues and …
One Step Closer for Zimbabwe
A second successive century from Sean Williams fired Zimbabwe to an opening victory in the Super Six at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2023. In their first match in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe carried the form they showed in Group A to beat Oman by 14 runs, with Williams continuing his rich vein of form. …
Johnny Sexton could face independent Disciplinary Committee
Misconduct complaints against the Leinster Rugby player, Johnny Sexton, and against Leinster Rugby, arising from the Heineken Champions Cup final on Saturday 20 May 2023, have been lodged by EPCR. After thorough fact finding and careful review of Johnny Sexton’s behaviour towards match officials after the match, in accordance with EPCR regulations, the EPCR Disciplinary …