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Pretoria: 10 September 2024 The South Africa Incident Management Organisation (IMOrg) has launched an investigation into an oily substance spillage believed to have come from a vehicle transportation vessel that was anchored in Algoa Bay on Saturday afternoon, reports the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA). The oily substance, and whose exact quantity has yet … Continue reading Oil spill in Algoa Bay under investigation: SAMSA
Standard Bank Group is gearing up to host the fourth instalment of its highly anticipated Climate Summit. The Summit, which will be held in Johannesburg next month, is one of the cornerstones of Standard Bank Group’s sustainability strategy. Standard Bank Group has committed to mobilise a cumulative amount of ZAR 250 billion in sustainable finance …
Around 5.7% of first-time buyers fall behind with their repayments or change to a more affordable car within the first 12 months. Standard Bank says the industry has recorded an increase in these cases in recent years. “It is common for first-time buyers to be caught off guard when interest rates rise. In recent years, …
Work underway to prevent truck congestion in Richards Bay
A team from the Road Traffic Inspectorate will work with municipalities and stakeholders, including Transnet, to prevent truck congestion from the N2 highway leading to the Port of Richards Bay.
This was among the commitments made during a meeting held by the KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements Departments.
Transport and Human Settlements MEC, Siboniso Duma, recently met with the management and all categories of staff from both departments working in King Cetshwayo, Zululand and UMkhanyakude Districts.
The meeting aimed to ensure that the two departments work collectively to accelerate the construction of roads and human settlements for the benefit of communities.
In a statement issued after the meeting, Duma said the stakeholders have decided to act decisively as the issue of truck congestion is resurfacing. Other stakeholders include the Road Freight Association and Zululand Chamber of Business.
“In addition, we commit to work with Transnet and Richards Bay Bulk Terminal to ensure safe and effective movement of coal destined for exports. Our roads have been damaged and created challenges such as truck related accidents that continue to claim innocent lives.
“There is a special team of traffic officers, uTalagu, that has been assigned to monitor the movements of trucks. Addressing these challenges means that as government we must invest in the development of infrastructure to accommodate the movement of goods and people,” Duma explained.
A need for all stakeholders to work hard to improve the railway networks and tap into aviation and maritime sectors to facilitate the movement of goods, was also emphasised.
He noted that the province is not only a construction site but strategically located along the longest coastline in Africa.
“This means that our economy is driven largely through the transport and logistics sectors based on the two major ports housed in the province, namely the Port of Richards Bay and the Port of Durban.
“Both ports are economically strategic not only to the province of KwaZulu-Natal, but also to the national economy of South Africa since they are linked to the economic heartland of South Africa, Gauteng, via road and rail networks.”
The MEC said the Port of Durban is also a transit point for cross border container traffic for neighbouring countries - a gateway to Southern Africa.
“The Ports of Richards Bay and Durban are important contributors to international trade and a significant enabler for South Africa’s and the province’s economic development. We are working with national government to ensure the expansion of road networks - the N2 and N3, along with our ports,” Duma said.
Apart from speeding up construction of houses for communities, the MEC acknowledged that there will be a growing demand for human settlements and pressure on road networks.
He added that with Richards Bay Industrial Economic Zone being a haven for foreign direct investment and a site for energy infrastructure, the province must be ready to be the host of the 3 000 MW gas-to-power plant to be constructed by power utility Eskom. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 09/10/2024 - 11:28
Owners find their cars burned to cinders
TechNvst, a prominent innovation commercialization firm based in South Africa, has announced an exciting new collaboration with Microsoft through the African Transformation Office (ATO) to launch the TechNvst AI Startups Uhuru Program. This new initiative is set to transform the landscape for AI-focused startups across Africa by providing them with essential resources and strategic support. …
A new group of rising creative entrepreneurs has been hand-selected by the Craft and Design Institute (CDI) and V&A Waterfront to join the next iteration of the Design Lab, a retail incubator run as a collaboration between CDI and the V&A Watershed in Cape Town. The latest cohort comprises five emerging brands spanning babies’ sensory …
DPWI rejects report on Sarah Baartman Centre of Remembrance
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has rejected a joint report by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure and the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture on the completion of the Sarah Baartman Centre of Remembrance in Hankey, Eastern Cape.
The report was presented to the Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts and Culture on Tuesday morning.
According to the department, Macpherson will soon be meeting with Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie to establish a way forward.
The Sarah Baartman Centre of Remembrance has been plagued by delays since a tender for its construction was issued in April 2014, and to date millions have been spent on the project, but construction remains 37% completed.
“In my discussions with Minister McKenzie, we both agree that the progress which has been achieved in the centre remains wholly inadequate and that serious action needs to be taken to limit any further wastage of taxpayer money.
“Not only have both departments failed to brief the Ministers on the report presented to Parliament, but it furthermore is simply unacceptable that despite three contractors being involved in the project over a period of 10 years, construction has not even been halfway completed with further delays expected,” Macpherson said.
He said the life of Sarah Baartman “remains an important reminder of our painful past, and it is therefore imperative that we give her the respect and dignity she deserves”.
“However, the work which has been done at the Remembrance Centre thus far fails to honour her memory and has instead become a problem which continues to cost taxpayers millions. This simply must end,” the Minister said.
Macpherson emphasised that a meeting with Minister McKenzie will help to resolve any concerns while developing a joint vision of how the construction of the project can be completed in the shortest timeframe possible, thereby possibly providing solutions that can be replicated at other memorial projects across South Africa.
“For too long, the South African State and the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure as implementing agents have spent millions on memorial projects just for the projects to remain incomplete or fall into a state of disrepair.
“This era of this fruitless expenditure has to come to an end, and I know that both Minister McKenzie and I are committed to achieving this goal. Let us Build South Africa,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 09/10/2024 - 11:36
Step into a world where art and luxury collide at the stunning @Sandton Hotel. Until 31 December 31 2024, visitors to the hotel can experience the powerful and thought-provoking sculpture exhibition, “Take a Stand”, which is part of the renowned Rooftop XI series by The Viewing Room Gallery. Curated by the talented duo, Sammy Muller …
Vaal River cleared of water lettuce, water hyacinth
The Department of Water and Sanitation has officially opened the boating season on the Vaal River, marking a significant achievement in the battle against the invasive aquatic plants that had been causing challenges.
Boaters and recreational enthusiasts gathered at Stonehaven on the Vaal at the weekend to commemorate the milestone and enjoy the pristine waters.
The department said with the removal of the water lettuce and water hyacinth, the river is now free of invasive plants, allowing for a safer and more enjoyable boating experience.
For several months, the Vaal River had been plagued by the rapid spread of water lettuce and water hyacinth.
“These invasive species had taken over large areas of the river, choking out native plant life and disrupting the ecosystem. The situation was exacerbated by high levels of pollution in the river catchment, which fuelled the growth of these plants,” the department said.
The department took action to address the issue in collaboration with various stakeholders, including the Vaal River Community and Rand Water.
Through a combined effort, water lettuce and water hyacinth were successfully removed, allowing the river to start the process of recovery.
To prevent a reoccurrence of this problem, the department has appointed and funded Rand Water to implement a proactive preventative program.
“This program aims to ensure that the Vaal River Barrage reservoir never experiences the same level of invasive aquatic weed coverage again. By taking a proactive approach, the department hopes to mitigate future infestations and protect the ecological health of the river,” the department said.
The restoration of the Vaal River is not only important for the preservation of the environment, but also for the well-being of the communities that rely on it.
“As the river regains its biodiversity and becomes cleaner, it will provide a healthier habitat for aquatic life and become a more attractive destination for outdoor activities.
“Moreover, the improved ecological health of the river will have a positive impact on local businesses that depend on the river for tourism and recreational activities.
“The successful removal of the water lettuce and water hyacinth on the Vaal River is a testament to the dedication and collaboration of various stakeholders. The efforts put forth by the DWS, Rand Water, and the Vaal River Community have shown that with a united front, it is possible to overcome environmental challenges and restore the natural beauty of our waterways,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 09/10/2024 - 12:26
Suspects arrested in countrywide Operation Shanela crackdown
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has over the past week arrested 13 691 suspects in nationwide Operation Shanela operations.
The arrests were made from Monday to Sunday, 08 September, in various operations that included roadblocks and stop and searches.
According to the SAPS, 1 953 wanted suspects for crimes such as murder, rape, possession of illegal firearms and business robberies were arrested while 149 suspects were arrested for murder.
A total 179 suspects were arrested for rape of which 76 of them were arrested in KwaZulu-Natal while 161 suspects were arrested for being in the illegal possession of firearms.
“Assault GBH [grievous bodily harm] continues to register a large number of arrests with 1 536 suspects arrested,” said the police in a statement on Monday.
In addition, 271 drug dealers were arrested during this period while 404 people were arrested for drunk driving, 107 while 1 460 suspects were arrested for being in possession of drugs.
Meanwhile, 137 firearms were confiscated during operations and 5 922 rounds of ammunition were also confiscated.
“Highlights of major takedowns include six CIT [cash-in-transit] armed robbers [who] were killed in Germiston and three kidnappers [were] arrested in Ennerdale, Gauteng.”
In addition, three alleged extortionists were shot and killed at the National Intervention Unit (NIU) base in Mthatha following an attack on NIU members at the police unit base.
READ | SAPS to 'deal decisively' with extortionists
In addition, six extortionists were shot and killed in Durban through confrontation with police.
All Operation Shanela operations are led by the Provincial Commissioner of each province. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 09/10/2024 - 09:23
After 12 years in the radio industry, “Hip-Hop mom” and supermom of six children, Lebang Kgosana has finally made it to the big leagues and is set to begin hosting a brand-new drive time show, “The Driver’s seat with Lebang Kgosana” on Johannesburg based radio station, 919fm from the 2nd of September 2024. Previously known …
Cape Town makes progress in delivering title deeds
Significant progress has been made towards the delivery of title deeds to qualifying residents, says the City of Cape Town.
Speaking during the handover of title deeds to qualifying residents in Elsies River, the City’s MEC for Human Settlements, Carl Pophaim said approximately 12 000 title deeds need to be delivered to qualifying residents.
“The city is making significant progress towards reaching this goal, one title deed at a time. The city has made significant progress with its title deeds programme and over recent months, we have delivered title deeds in communities across the city.
“[The] City’s Human Settlements title deeds programme has been the cornerstone of the city’s work to empower communities, by promoting home ownership and sustainable development in communities,” Pophaim explained, adding that more beneficiaries will be empowered.
City teams will also explore innovative ways to help more residents to ensure that more families have security of tenure and access to opportunities.
“The City’s Human Settlements Directorate has demonstrated its commitment to creating a more inclusive society with this innovative programme. We are grateful for the support of our communities and all stakeholders for assisting us in making this programme a success.
“We have many more title deeds to deliver to qualifying residents and we will be reaching many more areas in the weeks to come.”
Pophaim has encouraged residents to reach out to the city to find out more about the title deeds programme.
What you need to know
If you or a family member is a beneficiary of a city unit without a title deed, here is what you need to do:
• Identify the easily recognisable title deed agents visiting your area.
• Have the following documents ready: owner ID and spouse ID (if applicable), marriage certificate (if applicable).
• In the event of a death, provide a letter of authority and death certificate.
If you missed the team, bring along the required documents and visit the department at the Cape Town Civic Centre, 2nd Floor Human Settlements Kiosk Monday to Friday between 9am – 12pm.
For more information or if you want to verify that the agents are legitimate, contact 021 444 0333 or email title.deeds@capetown.gov.za or visit your local housing office.
The title deed email request must include the following information:
Subject: Erf number and Area
Body of the email:
• Name and surname: (The name in which the title deed is registered)
• ID number and
• address.
For more information, contact the Human Settlements Call Centre on 021 444 0333 business hours: Monday to Friday between 07:30am and 16:30pm. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 09/10/2024 - 10:28
Yawning loudly in the dock at the Gqeberha high court on Monday, the man accused of shooting court orderly Mario Nel in the head with his own service pistol appeared to have little interest in the testimony of a forensic expert. Meanwhile, sitting in the public gallery behind him, Nel’s family sat stone-faced, listening intently …
Start your engines, Bat-fans! We’re gearing up for the turbocharged return of Bam and the Batwheels crew, with Season 2 premiering on Batman Day, Saturday, 21 September, at 07:30 CAT. Get ready to zoom into action with these super-vehicles operating out of the extraordinary Batcave, deep beneath Wayne Manor, as they speed through new adventures, …
World-renowned football federation, the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) in partnership with VFS Global (www.VFSglobal.com), concluded extensive coaching courses held in Stellenbosch and in Durban earlier this year. The initiative is in line with VFS Global's community outreach initiatives across the globe with a focus on youth empowerment and skill development.
The KNVB-accredited course conducted under its WorldCoaches Programme in partnership with SAFA eThekwini, saw a total of 56 coaches from across Durban and Cape Town, with almost 50% of the participants being women. The coaches were accredited with a globally recognised certificate, as part of KNVB's WorldCoaches global drive of using football to drive social development.
The five-day workshop saw the coaches being exposed to the latest global trends of youth coaching and equipped with the necessary tools and information to be role models in their respective communities. In addition to tactical knowledge empowerment, key societal topics such as child protection, leadership, and social change formed part of the learning process for the coaches. The course hosted over 265 participating players throughout the two weeks, allowing the coaches to put together sessions they had learnt from the instructors into practice.
“This was truly an eye-opening experience for our coaches. Most of them are keen to learn and empower themselves, and thanks to such a programme, our region is not only producing future coaches. but key role models for our communities, thanks to KNVB”, said SAFA eThekwini Technical Director, Maxwell Ndlovu.
Speaking on behalf of the KNVB, instructor Bert Zuurman said the reception and eagerness shown by the coaches were encouraging and indicative of a bright youth football future for the region.
“We are honoured to share our knowledge and experience with these coaches, who are not just coaches but are now role models. Our programmes are uniquely designed to make use of football as a driver for social change, and it is important that our coaches are receptive to both the tactical and social development divisions of the programme. We wish all the coaches the best of luck, and sincerely thank SAFA eThekwini for providing us with the platform”, said Johan van Geijn, Founder of KNVB WorldCoaches.
“Through this programme, we are not only equipping coaches with the latest in football tactics but also instilling in them a sense of social responsibility. Through such initiatives that also empower young people to stay in school, we're shaping not just athletes, but future leaders by providing coaches with the tools to be role models. Our investment in South Africa underscores our dedication to youth empowerment worldwide, harnessing sports to pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future”, added Nadia Wicks, Head of Operations- Southern Africa, VFS Global.
The goal of the WorldCoaches program is to give participants critical thinking skills and resources required to make critical decisions both on and off the field.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VFS Global.
Media Contact:
George Cherian
Corporate Communications
VFS Global
georgec@vfsglobal.com / communications@vfsglobal.com
Further Enquiries:
Puncho Morajane
puncho@forwardzone.com
071 199 7858
About VFS Global:
As the world's leading outsourcing and technology service specialist, VFS Global embraces technological innovation including Generative AI to support governments and diplomatic missions worldwide. The company manages non-judgmental and administrative tasks related to applications for visa, passport, and consular services for its client governments, increasing productivity and enabling them to focus entirely on the critical task of assessment.
With a responsible approach to technology development, adoption and integration, the company prioritizes ethical practices and sustainability while serving as the trusted partner to 68 client governments. Operating over 3,400 Application Centres in 153 countries, VFS Global has efficiently processed more than 294 million applications since 2001.
Headquartered in Zurich and majority owned through investment funds managed by Blackstone Inc, along with the Swiss-based Kuoni and Hugentobler Foundation and EQT, VFS Global is committed to creating value for all stakeholders and leading in responsible, innovative solutions making government services more effective and efficient.
About KNVB – WorldCoaches:
WorldCoaches is a programme based on the KNVB's extensive international coaching experience and its belief that no matter where in the world, football can be used as a means for social development. Our trained WorldCoaches play a key role in this by inspiring and coaching children in their athletic and social development.
During WorldCoaches courses, youth are trained to become football coaches and role models in their own community. In doing so, the WorldCoaches programme focuses on three themes that directly contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These are: personal development, health and social cohesion. The SDGs were set by the United Nations and aim to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. As such, through the unique and universal appeal of football, the KNVB attempts to reduce the impact of various social challenges and aims to contribute to a better society.
Demarcation Board embarks on ward delimitation process consultations
In a deliberate effort to enhance understanding of demarcation processes, the Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB) is conducting consultations to educate stakeholders about the ward delimitation process.
According to the MDB, these consultations are held in all municipalities, targeting traditional leadership, ward councillors, ward committees, municipal officials, and other stakeholders.
Every five years, the MDB delimit wards preceding the Local Government Elections (LGE) in compliance with the Municipal Structures Act (MSA) 117 of 1998, as amended.
“The next LGE will be held in 2026. The plan is to hand over the final wards to the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) towards the end of 2025.
“It should be noted that over the years, there has been a sharp increase in the number of voters resulting in a proportional increase in the number of wards in municipalities. Consequently, this results in a change in the configuration of wards in municipalities,” the MDB explained.
Wards are delimited by the MDB and entail the division of the whole geographic area of a municipality into smaller geographic areas, called wards.
According to the organisation, Schedule 1 of the MSA provides for certain procedures and criteria to which the MDB must comply.
The MDB must, amongst others, ensure that all wards in a municipality have approximately the same number of voters.
The number of registered voters in each ward, may not vary by more than 15% from the norm.
The norm is determined by dividing the total number of registered voters on the municipality’s segment of the national common voters roll by the number of wards in the municipality.
In a municipality with 30 000 voters and 10 wards, the average number of voters per ward would be 3 000. A variation of 15% can be added or deducted, resulting in a range of 2 550 to 3 450 voters per ward in this municipality.
The organisation said the education and awareness drive commenced in July 2024 to allow stakeholders sufficient time to understand the process and be able to participate effectively during the ward delimitation process and make informed inputs.
The agency will now embark on the nationwide public consultations to be conducted for the same purpose.
“Once the draft wards are drawn, intensive community consultations will be rolled out to obtain public views before the process is finalised.”
This process is expected to take place between March and April 2025.
Although, the consultations by way of public meetings are not legislated as per the MSA, it will be conducted to reflect MDBs resolve to enhance its public engagement processes.
“The MDB remains committed to driving meaningful public consultations and that all affected communities are empowered to actively participate in demarcation processes.
“This will enable them to make informed decisions that will enhance spatial democracy, access to economic opportunities and efficient delivery of services,” said Chairperson of the Board, Thabo Manyoni. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 09/10/2024 - 11:09
The latest research shows that for the first time, both male and female South African consumers are equally engaged in loyalty programmes, with 76% participation from each gender. This heralds a shift from the historical trend where loyalty programmes were predominantly favoured by women. It also shows how consumer behaviour is evolving and reflects a …
North West provincial government advertises over 160 jobs
The North West Provincial Government has advertised the first batch of over 160 vacant positions across provincial departments.
According to the statement, this is part of strengthening the provincial government’s capacity to deliver services and open the public service to capable professionals, graduates, youth and women.
North West Premier Lazarus Mokgosi said the recruitment drive which started over the weekend aims to create work opportunities for qualifying youth unemployed graduates and fight the scourge of unemployment in the province.
“We are embarking on a developmental trajectory that is aimed at capacitating the State and will see to the full implementation of the plans we have set out for ourselves in the seventh administration. But of critical importance is to take a lead as government in job creation,” Mokgosi explained.
Through the implementation of the province’s growth and developmental strategy, the province will be guided by the newly instituted Investment and Economic Advisory Council (IEAC).
The plan is to create over 100 000 jobs in tourism, agriculture and construction in the next five years.
“The creation of jobs must be a multifaceted approach which must include the private sector. We initiated engagements with various stakeholders on how best we can respond to the astronomical figures of unemployment in the province, and I believe that all our efforts will yield the desired results,” Mokgosi added.
The vacancies have been advertised in national and provincial newspapers and at www.nwpg.gov.za and www.dpsa.gov.za. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 09/10/2024 - 10:20
Legal correspondence over finalisation of rail agreement exchanged
The health department has recorded South Africa‘s 25th laboratory-confirmed case of mpox, with the latest patient a 38-year-old man in Cape Town. He sought medical intervention at a private medical practice on September 4 after experiencing typical mpox lesions on the face, trunk, thorax and genitals and headache, light sensitivity, sore throat and muscle pain. …
The third-generation Volkswagen Tiguan has finally touched down in Mzansi. Kyle Kock drove it from Gqeberha to Graaf Reinet and back to find out if it’s still the class of its field. Volkswagen Tiguan 1.4 TSI R-Line Fast Facts Price: R766 300 Engine: 1.4-litre, four-cylinder, turbopetrol Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch Power: 110 kW Torque: 250 N.m …
Online vehicle renewals shows "phenomenal" growth
Vehicle owners are increasingly abandoning the long queues at vehicle licensing centres and opting to renew their vehicle licences online to save time.
An analysis of the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) online platform, online.natis, shows that more than 2.5 million vehicle owners have opted for the convenience of the online platform since its launch in 2022.
“Monthly average online renewals on the natis platform have increased from 44 802 in August 2022 to 222 606 last month with an average daily renewal of 7 181.
“To access the service which offers motorists the convenience of renewing the vehicle licence from the comfort of their homes or offices, vehicle owners must register their profile on online.natis.gov.za. This will enable them to update their contact details namely cellphone numbers and email address.
“Registered vehicle owners are entitled to receive renewal notices and can pay AARTO enforcement orders online while renewing their vehicle licences. More than five million vehicle licence renewal notices have been sent out since the beginning of the year,” RTMC said on Monday.
The service is now also available through participating banks such as First National Bank, Capitec and Nedbank.
The RTMC is also able to assist fleet owners who wish to renew vehicle licences in bulk to save time and money.
“Scores of fleet owners have taken the convenience offered by the bulk renewals service and are reaping the benefits. The RTMC strives to deliver vehicle licences with three to five days and has been able to achieve this target 97% of the time,” RTMC said. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Tue, 09/10/2024 - 09:36
