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After two weeks of non-stop seaside sports and festival entertainment on the KZN North Coast, the 2024 Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill ends with the final day of the iconic Challenger Series surfing contest on Monday, 8 July. Visitors from KZN and further afield enjoyed a fortnight of warm winter weather, epic surfing action, and …
National Assembly elects House Chairpersons
The National Assembly (NA) has elected Cedric Frolick, Werner Horn and Zandile Majozi to serve as House Chairpersons during a plenary session on Tuesday.
Following the House Chairpersons’ election, National Assembly Rule 14 provides that the Speaker allocates functions and responsibilities to each House Chairperson and announces this in the Parliamentary publication for Announcements, Tablings and Committee Reports.
During the same sitting, the House elected members to represent Parliament on the international bodies of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) and the South African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADCPF).
Mdumiseni Ntuli, Mergan Chetty, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla and Vuyani Pambo will represent Parliament in the PAP in terms of Article 4(2) and (3) of the Protocol to the Treaty establishing the African Economic Community Relating to the Pan-African Parliament.
With its seat in Midrand, the PAP provides a platform for people from all African states to be involved in discussions and decision-making on the problems and challenges facing the continent, including matters pertaining to respect for human rights, the consolidation of democratic institutions and the culture of democracy, as well as the promotion of good governance and the rule of law.
The PAP, also promotes the co-ordination and harmonisation of policies, measures, programmes, and activities of the regional economic communities and the parliamentary fora of Africa.
The House also resolved to elect Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane (Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces) as the fifth member to represent Parliament at the Pan-African Parliament.
Meanwhile, Thoko Didiza (Speaker of the National Assembly), Sylvia Lucas, Kenneth Mmoiemang, Babalo Madikizela, David Skosana, and Veronica Mente will represent Parliament in the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF).
The Forum is a regional inter-parliamentary body composed of 15 parliaments representing over 3500 parliamentarians in the SADC region. It aims to provide a platform for parliaments and parliamentarians to promote and improve regional integration in the SADC region.
Among the Forum’s key objectives are the promotion of human rights, gender equality, good governance, democracy, and transparency; accelerating the pace of economic cooperation, development and integration based on equity and mutual benefits; as well as facilitating networking with other inter-parliamentary organisations.
The House also designated Molapi Lekganyane, Fasiha Hassan, Adv Glynnis Breytenbach, John Hlophe, Julius Malema, and Athol Trollip to represent Parliament on the Judicial Services Commission (JSC).
The JSC was established in terms of Section 178 of the Constitution, and its function is to select fit and proper persons for appointment as judges and to investigate complaints about judicial officers. It also advises government on any matters relating to the judiciary or to the administration of justice. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 07/10/2024 - 11:03
In the build-up to the 4th annual Marine Protected Areas (MPA) Day celebration on 1 August 2024, some of the younger MPA community have shared their unique insights into the world of conservation. In addition to the vital contribution MPAs play in marine life protection, they also serve to create economic opportunities for local citizens, …
Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance welcomes Judge Mmonoa Teffo’s finding that former Gauteng Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu and mental health director Makgabo Manemela were negligent in causing the deaths of nine Life Esidimeni patients. According to Teffo, Mahlangu terminated the Life Esidimeni contract despite warnings by experts, and effectively “created the circumstances in which the …
Introduction Maintaining healthy, vibrant hair requires the right products and care techniques. This blog discusses essential hair care products and tips for achieving lustrous locks. Essential Hair Care Products A comprehensive hair care routine includes a variety of products: Shampoos and Conditioners: Choose products tailored to your hair type, such as moisturizing shampoos for …
The town has experienced water shortages since 2012, but an upgrade to the water treatment works started in 2015 is still not complete
[Listen to Philip Snyman on the Springbok Sevens Olympic Squad Team Selection] Six players with previous Olympic Games experience, including 2016 bronze medalist Rosko Specman, have been included in the 14-man Springbok Sevens squad for the 2024 Olympics in Paris. Specman, who was capped by the Springboks in 2021, will partake in his second Olympic …
Lodewyk van Rensburg, NSRI Oyster Bay station commander, said: At 15h43, Tuesday, 9 July, NSRI Storms River, NSRI Oyster Bay and SA National Parks Tsitsikamma rangers were activated following reports from NSRI Plettenberg Bay of a hiker reportedly missing on the Otter hiking trail at the Bloukrans River Mouth crossing. A hiking party reported that …
MEC saddened by deaths of Gauteng learners
Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Matome Chiloane, has expressed sadness at the accident that claimed the lives of 11 learners from the Rocklands Primary School and one learner from Laerskool Blyvooruitsig.
Wednesday’s accident also claimed the life of the driver.
Early this morning, the department received a distressing report from officials indicating that a private scholar transport mini-bus was involved in a tragic accident in the Kokosi-Wedela area in Merafong, claiming the lives of the 12 learners and their driver.
Additionally, seven other learners have been rushed to a medical facility for urgent medical attention.
It is alleged that the learner transport was hit from behind by a bakkie, causing it to overturn and subsequently caught fire.
This horrific accident is alleged to have occurred at around 6:45am and police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Meanwhile, the department has dispatched its Psycho-Social Support team to the schools to provide immediate support and to work closely with the school and affected families.
“Counselling services will be made available to all learners and staff members to help them cope with the emotional aftermath of this tragedy,” the department said in a statement.
"I am profoundly saddened by this tragic event. The loss of our children is a devastating blow to our community, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased and injured learners.
“We wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and both schools’ entire community during this incredibly difficult time. We also wish all injured learners a speedy recovery,” Chiloane said.
MEC Chiloane has visited the scene of the accident and the schools. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 07/10/2024 - 14:49
A new competition is here to find and support the best emerging bakers in the Border Kei region. The Snowflake ‘Rising Stars’ competition, in partnership with the Border Kei Chamber of Commerce, invites bakers to showcase their skills by submitting their entries from 8 July to 5 August for the bake-off taking place on 31 …
Future-Proofing Payroll: HR Leads with Automation – By Yolandi Esterhuizen, Director of Global Product Compliance at Sage Africa & Middle East Payroll and human resources (HR) teams at small and medium businesses (SMBs) in South Africa have seen a profound shift in the regulatory, technology and business landscape over the past five years. From an …
KZN veld fires claim one life
Runaway veld fires, which have affected various municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal, have claimed one life.
In a statement issued by the KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Department, Muntukabongwa Mphikeni Gazu (67), was burnt to death when a veld fire set his home alight on Sunday night, at Ezinyosini area, in Ward 1.
The department said King Cetshwayo District is one of the most affected by wildfires, with uMfolozi, uMlalazi, Mthonjaneni and Nkandla being the hardest hit municipalities.
“The King Cetshwayo District is one of the most affected by the wildfires, with uMfolozi, uMlalazi, Mthonjaneni, and Nkandla being the hardest-hit municipalities. In the uMlalazi Municipality alone, 11 wards are affected, with one fatality and two injuries reported.
“The veld fires have impacted 144 people in the district, leaving 53 people homeless. Additionally, 48 houses were partially damaged, and 27 were destroyed,” the department said.
The department said it is working closely with the municipality to ensure adequate support and relief for the affected families, with social partners setting up soup kitchens.
CoGTA MEC, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has sent condolences to the Gazu family.
Buthelezi commended the brave men and women of the province’s disaster response teams for their heroic efforts in battling the runaway fires that devastated parts of the King Cetshwayo, uThukela, and uMzinyathi Districts.
Buthelezi said assessments in these areas are underway to determine the full extent of the damage caused by the fires.
“The Provincial Disaster Management Centre will continue to monitor the inclement weather conditions expected across the province this week. Residents are urged to check weather forecasts before making any long journeys,” the MEC said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 07/10/2024 - 13:56
There’s no getting around the fact that entrepreneurs or business owners building a thriving business today need to embrace digital and cloud-based technology. After all, our phones and devices, and the access that they provide us 24/7 are part of our personal and working lives – for better or for worse. Let’s explore how Fintech …
As the calendar turns to September, South Africans are gearing up for the annual Clean-Up & Recycle SA Week, scheduled to take place from 16-21 September 2024. This year marks the 28th consecutive year that Plastics SA will coordinate South Africa’s participation in the International Coastal Clean-Up, the world’s largest volunteer effort dedicated to ocean …
Financial boost for eThekwini youth-owned businesses
Twenty small and medium youth-owned businesses in eThekwini have received financial aid to enable them to grow and increase productivity for their businesses.
The youth-owned businesses received R10 000 each through the Youth in Business Programme, which aims to inject financial aid into the emerging businesses.
EThekwini Municipality’s Governance and Human Capital Committee Chairperson, Nkosenhle Madlala, who leads the programme, congratulated the recipients of the funding, and assured them that the Mayoral Youth Development Office will continue to aid emerging businesses and encourage entrepreneurship.
Madlala said the municipality’s Youth Development Policy is more than just a directive, but a promise to nurture the aspirations of young people and to provide them with the tools they need to succeed.
“The establishment of a youth fund remains a cornerstone of our youth development policy. This fund is not only a financial reservoir but a beacon of our unwavering support and belief in your potential,” Madlala said.
Madlala said the youth fund also helps the municipality set the agenda for the coming year and ensures that “we continue to align our efforts with your evolving needs and aspirations”.
Mayoral Youth Development Office Manager, Nokuthula Hlophe, said the office will continue to forge and strengthen relations with sister cities to promote youth development throughout the city.
Funding recipient, Sandile Mhlanga, expressed his appreciation for the cash injection into his business.
“We appreciate what the municipality has done for our businesses. As business owners, we wish the programme well and that it grows to greater heights,” Mhlanga said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 07/10/2024 - 11:33
We all know that cloud-based functionality makes the world go round, especially when it comes to cloud accounting. But what about security, and ensuring that this digital landscape is properly regulated and controlled? After all, we can no longer lock up our sensitive financial documents in the office safe! But rest assured, there are several …
Earlier this year, we launched our Taste Explorers Cookbook in collaboration with renowned registered dietitian Dr. Monique Piderit. Packed with over 25 nutritious recipes, it helps parents create healthy and delicious school lunches and dinners for their kids. Building on this success and driven by the shocking statistics of childhood obesity in South Africa, B-well …
Gautrain operator, NUMSA back to negotiating table
Gauteng Transport and Logistics MEC, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, has welcomed the decision by the Bombela Operating Company and the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) to go back to the negotiating table, following a deadlock in wage negotiations.
“We are hopeful that the decision to return to the negotiating table will result in adopting an approach which balances the interests of the workers against the long-term stability and sustainability of the Gautrain,” Diale-Tlabela said.
On Monday, Bombela Operating Company workers affiliated with NUMSA commenced an indefinite strike due to a wage dispute.
Bombela Operating Company moved quickly to implement contingency plans to ensure Gautrain services operate according to schedule, while union members are engaged in the industrial action.
Diale-Tlabela said government, as the owner of the Gautrain system, appeals to the two parties to find a speedy resolution to the impasse.
The MEC said she believes that such differences can only be resolved through negotiation, given that the end result of industrial action usually has “unpleasant consequences for all parties involved”.
“To the commuters, even though Gautrain services have not been disrupted by the strike, we appreciate that news of industrial action can justifiably make you feel anxious and uncertain about the reliability of the service. We commit to continuing our role in urging the two parties to find a speedy resolution to the wage dispute,” Diale-Tlabela said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 07/10/2024 - 10:00
Lawyers for Human Rights plans to go to court again
Get Ready for the Ultimate Community Showdown at The Battle of The Choirs finale! It’s time to bring the community together for the most thrilling event of the year! Join us for the Battle of the Choirs finale, where our local stars will rock the stage and dazzle you with their talent. This is your …
Mahindra has distinguished itself as one of only seven automotive brands that achieved Gold Status in the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) Dealer Satisfaction Index (DSI) Report. Every year, NADA and its research partner, Lightstone Auto, evaluate vehicle manufacturers’ relationships with their dealers. This is very often a reflection of the brand’s service levels to …
The rise of the Fintech industry and cloud technology has changed the way in which we do business. Gone are the days of disjointed and disconnected technology platforms that are unable to talk to each other and lack real-time reporting capabilities. The Fintech, automation and digital landscape has exploded, with a number of cutting-edge technologies and software …
Marking the third wave of investment into public charging infrastructure, Audi South Africa is again playing a major role in continuing to prepare South Africa for a future of widescale electric mobility. Following extensive investments in 2022 and 2023 – during which time Audi and its strategic partners GridCars and Rubicon added more than 120 …
National Assembly elects chairpersons of committees
The newly established committees of the National Assembly (NA) on Tuesday elected chairpersons of some of the committees.
These committees are the engine rooms of Parliament, where, among others, the work of the executive is scrutinised.
“The elected chairpersons will play a key role in chairing and determining the agenda of meetings and organising the administrative affairs of a committee,” Parliament said in a statement.
They are also responsible for ensuring that committee decisions are compiled into a report and tabled in the respective House.
“The role of committees includes oversight over the executive and promoting public involvement in law-making,” Parliament said.
Committee meetings are generally open to the public, where ordinary South Africans can express their opinions directly and, in this way, influence the outcome of Parliament's decisions.
Portfolio Committees
According to the NA Rules, the Speaker, acting with the concurrence of the Rules Committee, must establish a range of portfolio committees and determine a name for each committee. This was done last week.
There are 30 portfolio committees. Each committee has both full members and several alternate members.
The Speaker may also determine, with the concurrence of the Rules Committee, the size (number of members per party) of the portfolio committee.
Political parties appoint the members that will represent them on a committee and advise the Speaker accordingly. Parties must appoint their members within five working days after the establishment of a committee by the House.
Only 16 of the 30 portfolio committees met to elect chairpersons on Tuesday and the remaining 14 will convene their meetings today.
The elected chairpersons are as follows:
Portfolio Committee on Health – Dr Sibongiseni Dlhomo
Standing Committee on Finance – Dr Mkhacani Joseph Maswanganyi
Portfolio Committee on Minerals and Petroleum Resources - Mr Mikateko Mahlaule
Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation - Mr Supra Obakeng Mahumapelo
Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development- Mr Xola Nqola
Portfolio Committee on Employment and Labour – Mr Boyce Maneli
Portfolio Committee on Public Administration- Mr Jan Naude De Villiers
Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation - Mr Leon Basson
Portfolio Committee on Communications and Technologies - Ms Khusela Sangoni
Portfolio Committee on Transport - Mr Selelo Selamolela
Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services - Ms Anthea Ramolobeng
Portfolio Committee on Forestry, Fisheries and Environment - Ms Nqabisa Gantsho
Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans - Mr Dakota Legoete
Portfolio Committee on Monitoring and Evaluation - Ms Teliswa Mgweba
Portfolio Committee on Basic Education - Ms Khomotjo Joy Maimela
Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs - Mr Mosa Chabane
- SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 07/10/2024 - 10:06