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Dear Editor The President has announced the commencement of the National Prosecuting Authority Amendment Act, which will see the Investigative Directorate (ID) be made a permanent feature within the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). While the Act is a small step in the right direction towards addressing the issues of the fight against corruption, this piece …
Tributes continue for Prof Muxe Nkondo
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister, Prof Blade Nzimande, has expressed his shock and great sadness at the news of the passing away of Professor Muxe Nkondo.
Nkondo, who passed away at the age of 83 on Sunday, has been described as a friend, colleague, and fellow intellectual in the struggle against apartheid and the development of the democratic order in the post-1994 period.
“Prof Nkondo has a special place in the history of both the struggles leading up to the fall of apartheid and the emergence of a democratic order in the early 1990s.
“I remember him as a radical scholar, organic intellectual, activist, and a leading figure amongst the first generation of Vice-Chancellors who led our higher education system through its difficult first decades of transformation,” the Minister’s statement read.
According to Nzimande, Nkondo placed great importance on the recognition of African liberation as a process of not only overcoming the legacies of political disempowerment but one of cultural, social, economic and intellectual emancipation.
“In other words, for him, attainment of formal, political rights must be matched by transformations in all other aspects of human life.”
The Professor was said to be deeply influenced by radical post-independence and liberation thinkers such as Walter Rodney, Franz Fanon, Amilcar Cabral, CLR James and Steve Biko.
“He framed the importance of cultural and intellectual freedom at the centre of his work – an orientation that perhaps explains his lifelong commitment to higher education and intellectual work which spanned a wide range of fronts, from higher education, arts and culture, public administration, rural development civil society and economic development.”
The late academic occupied senior roles as Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of the North and Vice-Chancellor of Venda University.
He was also a leading figure in the association of historically Black universities and campaigned relentlessly for recognition of their distinctive role and place within the higher education landscape, and redress and equity.
At the University of Venda, according to the department, Nkondo pioneered a vision emphasising the rural development mission of the university, rooted in its social context.
He also promoted a science, technology and innovation agenda of the university that tackled pressing development issues such as water security, food production, sanitation, small business development and cultural production, working closely with local communities.
Indigenous Knowledge Systems
The Professor also served as Chairperson of the technical team and reference group that drafted the Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) National Policy for the Department of Science and Technology (DSI).
“It is hard to pigeon-hole the intellectual contribution of Prof Nkondo as he was truly a polymath, whose contributions spanned a stunning range of areas including science and technology, higher education, arts and culture, public administration, human settlements, tourism, and rural development.”
According to the Minister, he was not only an African intellectual focusing on the local and national questions of development in South Africa but was also, par excellence, a pan-African intellectual who worked actively across the continent to advance a new African agenda for the African Union (AU) and New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD).
He was among 500 African scholars invited by the AU in 2004 to Dakar, Senegal, to speak on the role of intellectuals in Africa’s development.
“The Department of Science and Innovation will surely miss his seminal contributions to our understanding of the role of science and technology in the emancipation of South Africa’s most marginalised communities.”
Nzimande stated that his contributions to IKS continue to resonate in the DSI’s White Paper on Science and Innovation and Decadal Plan.
READ | President Ramaphosa mourns passing of Prof Muxe Nkondo
“I wish to join our President, Cyril Ramaphosa, in expressing my heartfelt condolences to the wife of Professor Nkondo, Professor Olga Nyondo and their children and extended family,” he added. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 08/20/2024 - 10:32
Pretoria: 17 August 2024 Adverse weather conditions impacting South Africa this past week have led to yet another large container vessel losing as many as 99 containers off the east coast of South Africa, according to the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA). In response, a navigational warning to sailing vessels has been issued and … Continue reading Malta-flagged cargo vessel loses 99 containers at sea off South Africa east coast: SAMSA
Durban rapper Jaey Price has released a new song in 2024, it is his first single this year. The new track was released via new distribution deal with Music Access, Inc platform. The deal is confirmed and the new single is now available online. Jaey Price recently released a new EP album #noproblemz in April. …
Empowering women entrepreneurs: A dynamic business event in Cape Town, featuring top female leaders and invaluable networking opportunities. Founders Foundation, in partnership with Outsourced CFO, will be hosting their much-anticipated annual Women In Business event, set to take place on 29 August 2024. This empowering gathering will be held in the vibrant and picturesque city of Cape …
Ismail Joosub delves into the key provisions of the Climate Change Act, its economic implications, its alignment with the Constitution and the future prospects and challenges it presents.
The post SOUTH AFRICA’S CLIMATE CHANGE ACT: A CONSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT PERSPECTIVE appeared first on FW de Klerk Foundation.
Special ConCourt sitting for Chief Justice Zondo
The Constitutional Court is expected to hold a special ceremonial sitting for outgoing Chief Justice Raymond Zondo on Wednesday morning.
Chief Justice Zondo is expected to leave the bench at the end of August following 27 years of service to the judiciary.
He will hand down his final judgement on the day.
“Deputy Chief Justice Mandisa Maya, Justices of the Constitutional Court, Judicial Officers as well as representatives of the Executive, Parliament and the legal profession will participate in this event,” the Office of the Chief Justice (OCJ) said in a statement.
Long serving
Chief Justice Zondo’s foray into practicing law began when he served articles under anti-Apartheid activist Victoria Mxenge before her assassination at the hands of Apartheid South Africa operatives.
Following that, he was a practising attorney in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, before his first approach to the bench just three years after the dawn of democracy.
“Justice Zondo…was appointed as a Judge of the Labour Court in 1997. In April 1999 he was appointed as a Judge of the then Transvaal Provincial Division of the High Court. He served for close to eleven years as Judge-President of the Labour Appeal Court and Labour Court. His ten-year term of office as Judge-President ended in April 2010,” the OCJ said.
Following 15 years on the lower benches, Chief Justice Zondo was then appointed as a Constitutional Court Justice in 2012.
“In June 2017 he was appointed as Deputy Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa. In January 2018 he was appointed as the Chairperson of the State Capture Commission, also known as the Zondo Commission.
“With effect from 1 April 2022 he was appointed as the Chief Justice of the Republic. For the past two and a half years he has led the Judiciary of this country with great success. His term of office comes to an end on 31 August 2024,” the statement said.
READ | President Ramaphosa to attend farewell dinner in honour of Chief Justice Zondo
– SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 08/20/2024 - 10:47
Outsourced CFO wins Best Global CFO & Accounting Services Provider at the African Excellence Awards, for their commitment to exceptional financial solutions. Outsourced CFO, a leading provider of financial and accounting services, is proud to announce its recognition as the Best Global CFO & Accounting Services Provider 2024 by the Seventh Annual African Excellence Awards. This …
This year, the South African Police Service (SAPS) is observing Women's Month by celebrating its women in blue who do not only bring inclusivity and empathy to the table, but who also go beyond the call of duty to serve and protect the people of South Africa.
Today, we introduce the nation to Sergeant Silindile Njilo, a crime prevention member attached to the Ntuzuma police station in KwaZulu-Natal.
Njilo and baby “Tholakele” captured the hearts and minds of the nation when a video clip of them trended on social media platforms earlier this year. Loosely translated, the name Tholakele means ‘being found'; the real identity of the toddler is being withheld.
Little did Njilo know how her Day Shift would unfold when she reported for duty on 05 May 2024 and found an abandoned baby girl at the Client Service Centre (CSC). The baby was brought to the police station during the previous shift by the owner of a local tavern after the biological mother had left the baby at his establishment.
Wasting no time, Njilo went home to get a wash basin and returned back to the police station where she bathed Tholakele, changed her into a new set of clothes and fed her while waiting for social work services to arrive. It was as if the baby instinctively realised that she was safe in the arms of Njilo and a bond immediately formed between them.
Baby Tholakele, a name Njilo gave her, has since been placed at a place of safety. Njilo visits often and says she continues to love and care for Tholakela as if she is one of her own.
Njilo, a devote wife and mother of two, also says her act of humility that day was merely a reflection of her humble upbringing as she knows how it feels to 'come from nothing'.
Her mother single handedly raised Njilo and her siblings with no steady income and adds by saying that she will never forget her late mother's words: "Be a light and take care of those who need help". She often takes out money from her own pocket to buy basic essentials and food to support poverty-stricken community members.
Joining the Service 14 years ago, was a dream come true for Njilo as she believes there is no greater calling than to be of service to her community.
As a crime prevention member, her duties include dealing with general enquiries and complaints lodged by the public, attend to crime scenes, effecting arrests and detaining suspects as well as carrying out patrol duties.
"I urge our community members to support and stand alongside members of the South African Police Service. Because, together we can achieve more towards a safer country for all," said Njilo.
Nothing short of a heroine, Sergeant Silindile Njilo continues to be a shining light in the community she serves!
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Police Service.
Ezra Mendel, Intern at the FW de Klerk Foundation, analyses the impact of Western elections on South Africa.
The post BALLOTS BEYOND BORDERS: THE IMPACT OF WESTERN ELECTIONS ON SOUTH AFRICA AMID GROWING GEOPOLITICAL TENSIONS (PART 3) appeared first on FW de Klerk Foundation.
Leading researchers to be acknowledged at 2024 NRF Awards
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister, Professor Blade Nzimande, will address the prestigious National Research Foundation (NRF) Awards at the Sun City Resort, North West, on Thursday.
The NRF, an entity of the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), funds research and the development of high-end human capacity and critical research infrastructure to promote knowledge production across all disciplinary fields.
This year’s event is significant as it marks 25 years of the NRF promoting research, innovation and partnerships that contribute to building an inclusive, knowledge-based society in South Africa.
The annual awards are a highlight of the academic calendar, drawing together the leading lights of local and international academia.
The ceremony recognises the scientists behind groundbreaking research conducted at South Africa’s higher education institutions.
The awards are presented in two categories, these include the special awards that recognise extraordinary contributions to the South African knowledge base.
The finalists in this category include three DSI-NRF Centres of Excellence – Human Development, Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis, and Biomedical TB Research.
The second category is the NRF ratings-based awards, which are based on a rigorous peer review system that evaluates the research impact of nominees over the past five years.
“Each year several researchers have their research output peer-reviewed and are given ratings by the NRF,” a statement by the department read.
These ratings fall under the categories of A (leading international researchers), B (internationally acclaimed researchers), C (established researchers), P (prestigious awards) or Y (promising young researchers).
“These ratings recognise these researchers’ standing in their fields as well as the world-leading nature of their work. To obtain an A rating, a researcher must be recognised by their peers as a leading international scholar in their field.”
In addition, an A-rated researcher must be based on the high quality and high impact of their recent research output.
Meanwhile, the P rating is awarded to researchers who, based on exceptional potential demonstrated in research performance and output during doctoral and/or early post-doctoral careers, are considered likely to become future international leaders in their respective fields.
“Researchers who have received A and P ratings will be acknowledged at the NRF Awards.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 08/20/2024 - 12:44
More than 100 attempts over three decades to finally reach Championship Boerewors Top 10 Whilst some were lucky enough to make it on first try, many of the Shoprite and Checkers 2024 Championship Boerewors competition finalists have been refining their recipes for decades, submitting a combined 100+ entries before finally landing their spots in the …
AI is becoming a new member of society according to results from a new Kaspersky (www.Kaspersky.co.za) survey titled ‘Excitement, Superstition and great Insecurity – How global Consumers engage with the Digital World' (https://apo-opa.co/3WRj99J). The study also found that today artificial intelligence is taking on new roles in fields where it can succeed and be trusted by humans.
Based on statistics from Similarweb (https://apo-opa.co/46WpO7u), ChatGPT, one of the world's most popular chatbots, garnered 153 million visits in the first month after its launch in November 2022, and peaked at 2 billion visits in April 2024. In light of the rapid advancements in AI, Kaspersky has conducted an in-depth study to explore current levels of confidence in AI. The study examines its roles from management positions in the workplace to assisting with significant life decisions.
According to the study, respondents see AI as their team member at work, and a manager – 34% globally believe AI can be a fairer boss than a human being because of its impartiality. For respondents from the Middle East, Turkiye and Africa (META) region this statistic is 40%. In South Africa it is 42%.
Another area where AI can play an active role is education. 47% of respondents globally, 60% in the META region and 68% in South Africa foresee children being taught through virtual experience and Metaverses in the near future.
Half (50%) of all consumers globally, 53% in the META region and 64% in South Africa believe that AI has already become an unavoidable part of their lives, with 43%, 46% and 52% respectively having a positive outlook on its potential to bring about many exciting opportunities and improve the future for everyone. A large portion of respondents admit that AI has capabilities in creative areas – 62% globally, 59% in the META region and 53% in South Africa believe AI is a credible producer of works of art.
AI can also be considered a reliable companion and an assistant in everyday life. More than half of respondents (57%) globally, 67% in the META region and 60% in South Africa would like to use AI to run their daily lives more efficiently.
48% of those surveyed globally, 60% in the META region and 56% in South Africa are ready to use an AI chatbot to have conversation online - 31%, 38% and 33% respectively would use it to help them to find the right partner on a dating app. In fact, 48% globally, 58% in the META region and 63% in South Africa believe that human relationships will change because of the impact of AI if virtual characters start replacing real-life partners.
“We are witnessing the growing adoption of AI as a valuable tool, assisting people in diverse areas. Beyond traditional applications, such as processing and analysing data, AI is being entrusted with more intriguing personal roles, including romance, education, and work. As AI technologies continue to evolve, their potential to drive innovation and improve human experiences becomes even more profound. However, this advancement also brings unexpected risks and sophisticated threats, ranging from overreliance — putting too much trust in AI advice — to AI-generated phishing, deepfakes and identity theft. These are the challenges that we need to address across multiple levels,” comments Vladislav Tushkanov, Machine Learning Technology Research Group Manager at Kaspersky.
In order to protect users against AI-driven threats, Kaspersky suggests:
The full Kaspersky report ‘Excitement, Superstition and great Insecurity – How global Consumers engage with the Digital World' is available via this link (https://apo-opa.co/3WRj99J).
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kaspersky.
About the survey:
In June 2024, Kaspersky commissioned Arlington Research to conduct an online survey of 10,000 respondents to explore the respondents' attitude towards current digital superstitions, AI role in human's life and topic of digital immortality. The sample included 1,000 respondents from each of the UK, Germany and France, and 500 in Spain, Italy, Portugal, Brazil, Mexico, Russia, Kazakhstan, India, China, Indonesia, Turkiye, KSA, UAE, and South Africa.
About Kaspersky:
Kaspersky is a global cybersecurity and digital privacy company founded in 1997. With over a billion devices protected to date from emerging cyberthreats and targeted attacks, Kaspersky's deep threat intelligence and security expertise is constantly transforming into innovative solutions and services to protect businesses, critical infrastructure, governments and consumers around the globe. The company's comprehensive security portfolio includes leading endpoint protection, specialized security products and services, as well as Cyber Immune solutions to fight sophisticated and evolving digital threats. We help over 200,000 corporate clients protect what matters most to them. Learn more at www.Kaspersky.co.za.
#WomensMonth: SAPS honours outstanding veterinary nurse
This year, the South African Police Service (SAPS) is observing Women's Month by highlighting the work of its women in blue, who are not only game changers in their respective fields, but who also go beyond the call of duty to serve and protect South Africans and visitors.
Today, the SAPS introduces the nation to Captain Mariaan Nel, a qualified veterinary nurse attached to the SAPS Veterinary Services in Bloemfontein, Free State.
The Veterinary Services is a specialised unit that resides within the component, Visible Policing and Operations.
Nel joined the service 13 years ago as a veterinary nurse at the rank of captain shortly after she obtained a National Diploma in Veterinary Nursing from the University of Pretoria. She also holds a degree in Accounting.
She is one of five female veterinary nurses in the Service and currently the only nurse based in the Free State province as part of a pilot project. In total, there are eight veterinary nurses nationwide in the SAPS.
As a veterinary nurse in the SAPS, Nel's duties include the following:
* Execute primary health care support to SAPS animals;
* Monitor the primary health status of SAPS animals and report epidemiological phenomena;
* Conduct veterinary inspections at SAPS K9 and Mounted Units; and
* Present veterinary and animal handling courses to SAPS members
Being based in Bloemfontein, Nel travels vast distances to ensure the welfare of 37 dogs and nine horses attached to the various K9 and Mounted Units within the Free State.
Police dogs and horses not only enhance police visibility but they are also deployed during crime prevention operations. They assist with investigations on crime scenes, trace suspects, detect narcotics and assist with search and rescue operations.
Nel says her profession may not place her at the forefront of fighting crime, but it gives her satisfaction to ensure the SAPS’s four-legged crime fighting heroes stay in tip top shape.
"I am passionate about the well-being of animals, in particular SAPS animals. I encourage girls and young women to pursue a career in the police, as it is rewarding to know your services make a valuable contribution towards a safer country for all," said Nel.
A dog may be a man’s best friend, but Captain Nel is certainly any SAPS dog and horse’s best friend. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 08/20/2024 - 11:53
South African national record holder Glenrose Xaba is gearing up for her fourth race of the month as she prepares to compete in the highly anticipated Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K on Sunday, 25 August 2024. Xaba, the reigning SA champion in the 5000m and 10,000m events, has been in exceptional form over the …
Art enthusiasts and collectors, mark your calendars for an exclusive Paint Jamming Evening hosted by Art Trader and Red Gallery on August 22nd. This unique event, set against the vibrant backdrop of Cape Town’s RED GALLERY, promises an immersive experience filled with creativity, gourmet dining, and live music. From 18:00 PM to 21:00 PM, guests …
Modern air conditioners offer a compelling alternative to traditional gas heaters. As temperatures drop and energy bills rise, households explore affordable ways to stay cosy indoors. While traditional gas heaters have long been a staple, a new heating alternative is gaining momentum – residential air conditioning units. Modern air conditioners can provide efficient and cost-effective …
President Ramaphosa to officiate signing of second Presidential Health Compact
President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Thursday preside over the signing of the second Presidential Health Compact at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
The Presidential Health Compact is an initiative established by President Ramaphosa in 2019.
It is a framework of cooperation between critical sectors in South Africa that significantly influences good health outcomes.
According to the Presidency, it also monitors and evaluates components where roles and responsibilities are assigned to various stakeholders to support the strengthening of health systems and preparation for implementing the National Health Insurance (NHI).
READ | President Ramaphosa to officiate signing of the Presidential Health Compact
The second compact follows the 2023 Presidential Health Summit, which built on the inaugural summit of 2018 and brought together several stakeholders.
These include government, business, labour, civil society, health professionals, unions, service users, statutory councils, academia, and researchers to develop sustainable and inclusive solutions to challenges in the national health system.
The stakeholders involved in this framework are integral to supporting the Department of Health in improving the health system.
It initially consisted of nine pillars, with the 10th pillar added during last year’s summit.
These include the development of human resources, improving access to medicine, vaccines and health products, upgrading infrastructure, private sector engagement, quality healthcare, public sector financial management improvements, governance and leadership, community engagements, information systems and pandemic preparedness.
The signatories to the health compact are:
• The President of the Republic of South Africa
• The Minister of Health
• The Minister of Science and Innovation
• Independent Community Pharmacy Association (ICPA)
• South African National AIDS Council (SANAC)
• South African Medical Association Trade Union
• Democratic Nurses of South Africa
• Congress of South African Trade Unions
• Campaigning for Cancer- Patient User Groups
• South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC)
• South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC)
• National Unitary Professional Association for African Traditional Health Practitioners of South Africa (NUPAATHPSA)
• Traditional Knowledge Systems and Allied Health
The signing of the second Presidential Health Compact will take place at the Union Buildings Courtyard, West Wing, Pretoria at 12:30 pm. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 08/20/2024 - 09:44
Pretoria: 19 August 2024 A search is currently underway for a seafarer who reportedly fell overboard a Liberian flagged cargo vessel, the MV Serenity Diva, 44 miles south of Cape Recife in the Eastern Cape on Monday, reports the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA). In a brief statement, the Maritime Rescue Coordinating Centre (MRCC) … Continue reading Search for seafarer fallen overboard a ship underway south of Cape Recife, Eastern Cape: SAMSA
Gqeberha, 20 August 2024: Meet Lorna Makhumalo Mgoqi, a vibrant and dynamic Facebook influencer born on 13 December 1992, in the drab village of Tsomo, Mthatha. With a warm smile and infectious enthusiasm, Lorna has captured the hearts of thousands online, sharing her passion for beauty, fashion, and entrepreneurship. But, behind the glamour and success, …
Hlabisa to visit eThekwini metro to assess progress in the region
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister, Velenkosini Hlabisa, is visiting Durban to assess the progress of the eThekwini Working Group’s implementation, a key initiative aimed at addressing critical challenges in the region.
Today’s meeting follows the establishment of the Presidential eThekwini Working Group, which is tasked with implementing the eThekwini turnaround strategy.
The working group is also looking into coordinating efforts to position eThekwini as a leading investment and tourism hub and leveraging insights and outcomes from previous interventions.
They are also monitoring progress and providing recommendations for continuous improvement.
“Various working groups have been actively addressing service delivery challenges and working to restore business confidence through coordinated efforts involving all three spheres of government, civil society, and the private sector,” the statement read.
Hlabisa is accompanied by the KwaZulu-Natal MEC for CoGTA Thulasizwe Buthelezi and eThekwini metro Mayor Cyril Xaba. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 08/20/2024 - 10:01
Applicants for grants urged to use the online system
This year marks a significant milestone for poet Philip Myburgh as he collaborates with several acclaimed singer-songwriters to bring his long-held dream to life. A passionate music lover and fervent supporter of local talent, Myburgh has transitioned from poet to songwriter, embarking on a journey to release a series of songs in multiple languages throughout …