Scramble for water in Kariega as municipality fails to keep its promise
Water tanker runs dry after 30 minutes
Water tanker runs dry after 30 minutes
Pandor believes BRICS has opportunity to shape a 'refreshed' global order
The world is at a crucial turning point, requiring decisive leadership and innovative ideas, and BRICS has a unique opportunity to influence a refreshed global order.
This is according to International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor, who spoke in Russia on Tuesday.
“The BRICS bloc is a legitimate voice of the global South regarding global governance reform. We also remain a critical player in global agenda setting for economic, political and social cooperation,” Pandor said.
The Foreign Ministers from the expanded BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) group of nations met for a two-day meeting focused on current international relations, global governance reform and conflict resolution.
The meeting, chaired by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, is the first since the bloc expanded in 2023 to include Egypt, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Ethiopia.
The Minister believes that the expansion of BRICS is evidence of the bloc’s growing importance and the critical role of cooperation in collectively promoting the shared interests and values of emerging and developing countries.
“It also signals our hunger for a body in the globe that embraces progressive ideals and seeks to alter the current nature of international relations to a more inclusive, equitable and development-oriented world.”
She told her colleagues that the “current complex divided global environment” demands that BRICS continue to advocate for multilateralism to play a critical role in fostering stability and cooperation in times of significant geopolitical uncertainty.
“Therefore, for our collective, multilateralism remains the only solution to successfully address global challenges such as poverty, inequality, underdevelopment, climate change, migration, disease, human trafficking, terrorism, and hunger, and to ensure an environment of sustainable peace and continuous development.
“I am convinced that our mutually beneficial cooperation through BRICS uplifts communities instead of increasing their vulnerability,” she added.
The Minister said it is evident that the world is currently falling short of achieving the development goals outlined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
This, she said, was due to increased economic risk for the most vulnerable and persistent low growth for those with the greatest need.
“We have to urgently accelerate our collective action to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.”
South Africa, Pandor stressed, is committed to a successful Summit of the Future.
“We are convinced that it could support efforts that bridge the development divide and provide new solutions to tomorrow’s challenges.
“We believe the summit presents an opportunity to revitalise the multilateral system and fulfil our promises to reform the current system of global governance to make it more representative and inclusive for everyone,” Pandor said. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 06/11/2024 - 13:07
Pretoria, Gauteng – Wall cracks are more than just an eyesore; they signal underlying issues that could compromise the structural integrity of your home or business. TT Waterproofing, a leading expert in roofing and waterproofing with over nine years of industry experience, sheds light on the primary causes of wall cracks and how their professional …
Health Minister to brief media on Mpox outbreak
Health Minister, Dr Joe Phaahla, will hold a media briefing on Wednesday to provide an update on the outbreak of Monkeypox disease, also known as Mpox.
According to the statement, the Minister will outline plans by the department in collaboration with various stakeholders in the sector to curb further spread and prevent mortality.
Last week, the department reported that two more cases of Mpox had been detected at Addington and St Augustine Hospitals in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
Additionally, the country recorded two infections last month, one in Durban and the other in Gauteng.
The briefing will be joined by experts from the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD), the World Health Organisation (WHO), and senior managers from the department.
Some common symptoms of Mpox include a rash lasting for two to four weeks, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen glands.
The department explained that the painful rash looks like blisters or sores and can affect the face, palms of the hands, soles of the feet, groin, genital, and/or anal regions.
The briefing is scheduled to take place on 12 June 2024 at Tshedimosetso House, 1035 Francis Baard Street, Hatfield, Pretoria, starting at 10am. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 06/11/2024 - 14:59
For the second year running, the globally renowned Sardine Run arrived on the final day of the Ocean Festival on the KZN South Coast’s Scottburgh. This is a fitting gesture for the festival, which commemorates World Oceans Day (8 June) while encouraging ocean conservation through its themes ‘Engagement, Education, and Economics’. The dynamic event programme, …
The South African National Roads Agency (SOC) Limited (SANRAL) advises road users that a road upgrade project is in currently progress on the R336 between Nqweba (formerly Kirkwood) and Addo. Phase 1 of the work takes place from km 16.75 to km 30.5 and includes resealing 1.75 km of the existing road between km 15… Read More »
Call to end Palestinian suffering
South Africa will continue to do everything within its power to preserve the existence of the Palestinian people as a group, and to end all acts of apartheid and genocide.
This is according to the International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor, who spoke in Russia on Tuesday.
The Foreign Ministers from the expanded BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) group of nations met for a two-day meeting focused on current international relations, global governance reform and conflict resolution.
Pandor told her colleagues that South Africa welcomes the order by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) of 24 May 2024, ordering Israel to halt military action in Rafah.
“We see the provisional measures ordered by the court thus far as a signal of a decisive victory for the international rule of law and a significant milestone in the search for justice for the Palestinian people.
“Nevertheless, the injury to International Human Rights Law, inflicted by Israel, remains significant. We, therefore, call on the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court to also act to ensure accountability for those committing war crimes.”
The meeting, chaired by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, is the first since the bloc expanded in 2023 to include Egypt, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Ethiopia.
Pandor reiterated South Africa’s call for a two-State solution, which is of the view that it would bring lasting peace and address the root causes of the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict.
“A solution is long overdue, and an agreement must urgently be negotiated. The agreement must result in the establishment of an independent and viable Palestinian State, based on 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital that exists side by side, in peace and security with Israel.”
She also echoed the country’s firm support for the full membership of Palestine as a member State of the United Nations (UN).
“Please allow me also to again emphasise the urgent need for BRICS to contribute to the reform of the UN Security Council. The inability of the Security Council to act and respond effectively to conflict situations such as in Gaza further supports the sentiments of this urgent call to reform.”
She called on all UN member States to support Africa’s call for the historic injustice committed against the continent to be “remedied” through an acknowledgement of the role it plays in current global affairs.
Delaying reform of the Security Council, she said, presents serious negative implications for the multilateral system, undermining the credibility of global peace and security and threatening to reverse the gains made in the past 78 years.
“Please allow me to conclude my intervention today with a sincere call to all of us to capitalise on the current opportunities for partnership in this meeting and to tackle global challenges that stand in our way towards a stronger and more empowered global South in a stable multipolar world.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 06/11/2024 - 13:37
At 08h16, Tuesday, 11 June, NSRI Rocky Bay, an NSRI lifeguard, an NSRI Durban crewman, the SA Police Services, Police Search and Rescue, Netcare 911 ambulance, eThekwini Fire and Rescue Services, KwaZulu EMRS (Emergency Medical and Rescue Services), Metro Search and Rescue and the KZN surf lifesaving network were activated by eThekwini surf lifeguards, on …
In the heart of Newtown, Johannesburg, lies a bustling hub of creativity and connection—AMPD Studios, a place where passion meets productivity. Recently, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Jon Savage, a former radio DJ at 5FM and the visionary behind the African Podcast Network, to delve into his mission of empowerment within the …
Johannesburg Water to be impacted by Rand Water maintenance
Johannesburg Water has reminded customers to store enough water in preparation for the upcoming one-month planned maintenance to be undertaken by Rand Water.
This as Rand Water will be conducting extensive maintenance on its infrastructure from 22 June to 29 July 2024 to improve reliability and efficiency of water infrastructure.
The maintenance work will affect Johannesburg Water’s systems that are supplied by the Palmiet and Eikenhof pump stations, and the Daleside Booster Station.
The work will impact some of its customer’s systems, including Johannesburg Water and other municipalities and industries.
The systems to be impacted during the maintenance period include all Sandton and Midrand systems, the South Hills Tower, as well as the Alexandra Park, Randjieslaagte, and Linksfield reservoirs.
“This kind of preventative maintenance is imperative to make Rand Water’s systems more efficient and reliable for their customers, such as Johannesburg Water. During this time, Johannesburg Water customers will be impacted by low pressure to no water supply.
“Johannesburg Water will make arrangements for alternative water supply at strategic areas like hospitals, clinics, schools, municipal offices, police stations and shopping centres. However, residents are encouraged to store water in preparation for the maintenance,” said Johannesburg Water.
During the maintenance period, pumping at Rand Water’s Palmiet Pumpstation – which feeds several of Johannesburg Water’s systems – will be reduced as follows:
– SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 06/11/2024 - 12:06
Introduction Creating an engaging environment at a trade show is essential for capturing and retaining the interest of attendees. This blog will cover how to effectively use exhibition display booths, trade show booth stands, and backlit trade show displays to create a captivating presence. Your Exhibition Display Booth The layout and design of …
The mine has the king’s blessing but no environmental authorisation
Mop up operations continue across KZN
Mop up operations continue across KwaZulu-Natal following heavy rains, which wreaked havoc in various parts of the province.
Last Monday’s heavy rains, accompanied by strong winds, wreaked havoc in various parts of the province, affecting the districts of eThekwini Metro, Ilembe, King Cetshwayo, Umzinyathi, Amajuba and Umkhanyakude District Municipalities.
At least 11 people lost their lives, including seven people from uThongathi in the north of Durban, and four in Nquthu, Eshowe and KwaHlabisa, respectively.
Over 55 people were also reported to have suffered minor to moderate injuries and are receiving medical treatment in hospital.
The storm also left extensive damage to schools and power lines, leaving many parts of eThekwini without electricity.
The eThekwini Metro was hardest hit, with dozens of people treated for injuries in health care facilities.
The eThekwini Municipality said relief intervention in the form of food, blankets, mattresses and building material is underway to assist displaced residents in eMagwaveni, uThongathi.
“eThekwini teams and volunteers are working together to clear debris in preparation for rebuilding. Water standpipes and water tankers have been provided to ensure an interim water supply. The restoration of electricity is also in progress,” the municipality said.
The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) has also deployed community works participants playing a crucial role in helping affected families.
KwaZulu-Natal Social Development MEC, Nonhlanhla Khoza and eThekwini Municipality Mayor, Mxolisi Kaunda, has also conducted an assessment on the restoration of basic services in eMagwaveni, uThongathi.
Khoza said social workers have been deployed to provide relief and support, including assistance with important documents and school uniforms for affected learners.
“Partnerships with organisations like the Hollywood Foundation and South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) ensured immediate aid, including meals and shelter in community halls.
“The government pledged to construct proper homes for victims and increase disaster relief coordination efforts. Despite ongoing relief efforts, more aid is needed for affected areas like uThongathi, Osizweni, and Eshowe,” Khoza said.
Other interventions include assessment of the families who have lost loved ones and construction of temporary residential units (TRUs) for displaced families. Debris and fallen trees on the roads has been cleared; and electricity supply has been restored to certain areas.
A command centre has also been established on site to assist community members, and Social Relief of Distress grants are being disbursed by SASSA and the Department of Social Development.
Relief, in the form of building material, food, blankets and mattresses is being provided to residents of uMgababa, Ward 98, who were also affected by the heavy rains and strong winds.
eThekwini Deputy Mayor, Zandile Myeni, and Chairperson of the Governance and Human Capital Committee, Nkosenhle Madlala, recently visited the area to assess the extent of the damage.
About 30 families from the area lost their homes to the storm. While injuries were reported, no deaths have been recorded in the area.
Myeni said eThekwini Municipality, including provincial government, non-profit and non-governmental organisations are working together to provide relief to the affected families, and work to restore services is also underway.
Jozini Municipality responds to tornado disaster
Meanwhile, Jozini Local Municipality Mayor, Mfananaye Mathe, visited the KwaJobe area in northern KwaZulu-Natal to address the aftermath of a devastating tornado that struck the area leaving more than 59 families displaced.
The Gumede family, where nine children aged between four and 10, along with their grandmother, saw their RDP house collapse while they were inside.
Two of the children are hospitalised, with one admitted at Obonjeni Hospital and the other at Ngwelezane Hospital in Mpangeni.
Mathe has provided essential supplies, including groceries, blankets, and sleeping sponges to support the affected families.
The Jozini Local Municipality Disaster Management Team has also supplied temporary tents to all those impacted by the tornado.
While acknowledging the challenges in providing immediate assistance to everyone, Mathe emphasised the municipality's commitment to swiftly intervening where possible.
The mayor also expressed his gratitude to the Department of Community Services for its ongoing support during this crisis. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 06/11/2024 - 10:26
Celebrity psychologist and international speaker Charissa Bloomberg has a history of applying her skills in the engineering, mining, and construction industries. Here, she shares her approach, from initial needs analysis to the human element that should never be underestimated. Bloomberg, known for her guest appearances across radio and TV stations, has a passion for integrity …
Gqerberha, 11 June 2024 – The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) advises road users that a Stop/Go system has been implemented on the N2 Section 16, from Mooiplaas to Qumrha T-Junction (formerly Komga), where a periodic road maintenance project is currently underway. The Stop/Go system will be in place from Mooiplaas to …
Trial date set for Richard Mdluli corruption case
The corruption case against former South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Intelligence Head, Richard Mdluli, has been set down for trial in October.
Mdluli will be in the dock in the Pretoria High Court with co-accused, former SAPS Head of Supply Chain Management, Heine Barnard and former SAPS Crime Intelligence Chief Financial Officer, Solomon Lazarus.
According to National Prosecuting Authority Investigating Directorate spokesperson, Henry Mamothame, the court ordered that the “trial will commence on the set date regardless of the pending outcome on an application by Mdluli compelling the SAPS to pay for his legal fees”.
“Mdluli, together with…Barnard and…Lazarus, are facing charges of corruption, fraud and theft relating to the police’s secret slush fund from the time they were employed by the SAPS in the Crime Intelligence Services, between 2008 and 2012,” he said.
The three face a raft of charges, including:
The trial is expected to commence on 7 October this year. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 06/11/2024 - 09:56
Introduction Maximizing the potential of a small exhibit space can be challenging. This blog focuses on strategies to effectively use a 10×10 trade show booth and 10×10 trade show exhibits to create a compelling and functional display. Strategic Layout and Design In a 10×10 space, every inch counts. Prioritize the layout to …
With a strong slate of exploration and production activities and competitive licensing rounds in 2024, Africa is well-positioned to realize its potential as the global energy frontier. These bid rounds are poised to cement Africa as a global hub for hydrocarbon development.
Licensing rounds from Africa's leading upstream players will be on display at this year's African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energy 2024 – scheduled for November 4-8 in Cape Town. Investors will be able to access exclusive information and technical presentations from the relevant petroleum ministries and regulators on both current and planned licensing rounds as the continent seeks to attract a broader range of companies to sign new contracts and drive exploratory drilling.
AEW: Invest in African Energy is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.
Oil and Gas Revival in North Africa
As part of the country's plan to boost oil production to two million barrels per day within the next three to five years, Libya's parastatal National Oil Corporation has announced plans for an oil and gas licensing round in 2024 or early 2025. The licensing round will focus on fields in the Sirte, Murzuq and Ghadames basins and presents a vital opportunity for Libya to attract new upstream investments.
Meanwhile, Algeria is expected to launch a licensing round offering between 10 and 12 onshore blocks in late 2024. The bid round forms part of the country's strategy to maximize its gas and LNG potential. Additionally, in September 2023, the Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation and the South Valley Petroleum Holding Company launched a new licensing round aimed at boosting the country's energy reserves and production capacity. The licensing round offers 23 on- and offshore blocks for oil and gas exploration in the Western Desert, Eastern Desert, Gulf of Suez and Red Sea.
Driving Production in Africa's Promising Frontiers
With energy supermajors bp, TotalEnergies and Shell as well as upstream independent Kosmos Energy spearheading exploration activities in Mauritania, the country's upcoming licensing round for 15 offshore blocks in 2024 is poised to mark a significant milestone in its energy sector. Mauritania's coastal basin features extensive 2D and 3D seismic data coverage covering over 100,000km and 100,000km2, respectively.
Additionally, with its latest licensing round having featured 56 offshore blocks and concluding last September, another bid round is on the horizon for Sierra Leone in 2024. Despite its position as a frontier exploration market, Sierra Leone boasts a significant petroleum system that includes the Venus-B1, Mercury-1, Jupiter-1 and Savannah-1X discoveries. The country's licensing round is supported by extensive 2D and 3D multi-client data, competitive and transparent fiscal terms and cooperation agreements in place with other African markets.
Set to spur new exploration and drilling activities in the prospective acreages of its deepwater basins, Nigeria's Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission relaunched its latest licensing round during the Invest in African Energy summit in May. The round features 12 deep offshore and shallow water oil blocks and is available for bidding through January 2025.
Propelling Southern and Eastern Africa's Energy Security
Last September, Angola's national concessionaire the National Oil, Gas and Biofuels Agency launched a public tender for 12 onshore blocks in the Kwanza and Congo Basins. Receiving 53 bids, the tender includes four blocks in Angola's Congo Basin and eight in the Kwanza Basin.
Expected for 2024 or 2025, the South African government will put up at least 10 new onshore blocks for shale gas development in the country's Karoo region to reduce imports and alleviate an ailing energy grid. The licensing round will serve as the country's first competitive auction for oil and gas resources. According to the state-owned Petroleum Agency of South Africa, the Karoo basin is estimated to hold up to 209 trillion cubic feet of recoverable shale gas and includes 90,000km2 of acreage previously held by Shell.
Tanzania has proposed auctioning up to 26 oil and gas blocks by June 2024 and will award licenses to the winners by December of the same year. The round will serve as Tanzania's fifth bid round and is designed to revive interest in the country's largely underdeveloped oil and gas sector. Of the 26 demarcated blocks open for bidding, 11 will be situated in the country's offshore while 15 will be onshore. The Tanzanian government is currently in talks with a multi-client data contractor to compile extensive 2D and 3D seismic data within the basins.
Meanwhile, having introduced a new Hydrocarbons Code in 2019, Gabon has emerged as a preferred destination for energy investors and majors due to investor-friendly reforms. Gabon's heightened interest is attributable to the deregulation of its hydrocarbons sector, which is a core aim of its recently enacted reforms.
During the AEW: Invest in African Energy conference, industry experts will unpack block opportunities across Africa's mature and emerging oil and gas markets. Through dedicated country spotlight sessions, panel discussions and investor briefings, the event promotes deal-signing and project development.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
Parliament notes dates for first sittings of National Assembly
Parliament has noted the dates for the first sittings of the National Assembly (NA) and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), as confirmed by Chief Justice Raymond Zondo on Monday.
“The Chief Justice confirmed 14 and 15 June as the dates for the first sittings of the Houses of Parliament in a letter to the Secretary to Parliament, Xolile George,” Parliamentary spokesperson Moloto Mothapo said.
READ | First sitting of the National Assembly to be held on Friday
According to Section 51(1) of the Constitution, the first sitting of the National Assembly must take place at a time and on a date determined by the Chief Justice and within 14 days after the election results have been declared.
Mothapo explained that during the first sitting of the NA, the Chief Justice will swear in the designated members and administer the oath or affirmation of faithfulness to the Republic and obedience to the Constitution.
All members must take this oath or affirm faithfulness before they can perform their functions in the assembly.
“Following the swearing in of the members, the Chief Justice will preside over the election of the NA Speaker. Once the Speaker has been elected, he or she will then preside over the election of the Deputy Speaker,” Mothapo said.
After the Deputy Speaker has been elected, the Chief Justice will then take over again and preside over the election of the President.
In the NCOP on 15 June, the Chief Justice will swear in and administer the prescribed oath and affirmation to the members and thereafter preside over the election of the NCOP Chairperson. The Chairperson will preside over the election of the NCOP Deputy Chairperson.
The rules that will apply during the first sittings were gazetted by the Office of the Chief on 30 May 2024.
The sittings will take place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 06/11/2024 - 08:37
Two for Joy have emerged as the champions of the 2024 Khabba Cup, defeating Star Pirates on 4-2 penalties after a 1-1 draw in a thrilling final and thus concluding an exciting weekend of top-tier youth football sponsored by South Africa’s premier sports betting operator, Hollywoodbets. They walk away with R 120 000 while the …
Introduction For companies looking to make a significant impact at trade shows, advanced booth design techniques can make a substantial difference. This blog explores how to use trade show display exhibits, custom trade show booth displays, and trade show backdrop to create an immersive and memorable visitor experience. Customization is Key Customizing …
In the fast-paced world of business, keeping track of tasks, assignments, and project progress can be a daunting task. This is where job card software steps in, offering a streamlined solution to manage workflow efficiently. In South Africa, where diverse industries range from manufacturing to services, job card software is becoming increasingly essential. Let’s explore …
Nicole Kidman, the renowned Australian actress, has captivated audiences around the world with her talent and versatility. Known for her exceptional performances in a wide range of film genres, Kidman has established herself as one of the most respected and accomplished actresses in Hollywood. Nicole Kidman was born on June 20, 1967, in Honolulu, Hawaii. […]
In honor of World Environment Day for the month of June, Discovery Channel Africa proudly presented the premiere of X Trillion, a compelling documentary that highlighted the urgent issue of plastic pollution in our oceans. The special screening took place on Discovery Channel Africa on Saturday, 8 June, at 18:00 CAT. X Trillion follows the …
