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In this Exclusive Column Chris Gayle says that the World Cup has really started now: Like the rest of the cricketing world, I was gripped by USA’s victory over Pakistan. It is a huge result which is not only incredible for them but massive for cricket as a whole. You always expect a few upsets …
Johannesburg, South Africa, June 7, 2024- MobileGPT (Pty) Ltd, a pioneering company in chatbot technology, is excited to announce the launch of KaraboAI, a cutting-edge Chatbot as a Service (CAAS) platform. This innovative solution enables users to quickly create intelligent chatbots with various features and functionalities. KaraboAI is an evolution of MobileGPT, built by the …
Helderfontein, JHB, Gauteng, 07 June 2024: The votes are in, and the public has spoken! We’re thrilled to announce the winner of the Home of the Century at the recent Century HomeShow 2024. Over two exciting weekends, visitors explored six stunning showhouses, each crafted by top architects and interior designers. And now, the moment we’ve …
Gautrain marks 14 years of operations
As Gautrain marks 14 years of operations, Gautrain Management Agency Chief Executive Officer, Tshepo Kgobe has described the high-speed rail network as a trailblazer in the South African rail and public transport sector.
In June 2010, the Gautrain saw the first ride for commuters leave the Sandton Station for O.R. Tambo International Airport, just in time for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Highlighting some of the Gautrain project successes, Kgobe said since it started operating on 08 June 2010, the project has successfully completed approximately 192.8 million passenger trips.
“The idea of a high-speed rail network with an 80-kilometre route between the North, South, and East of the Gauteng province, sounded like a pipe dream to many when the Gauteng Provincial Government announced it. Fourteen years later, 1 500 staff are employed across operations and administration of the Gautrain project and we have managed to maintain an average of more than 90% availability and punctuality across all Gautrain services.
“The Gautrain’s transport network includes 10 stations that connect Johannesburg, Pretoria, Ekurhuleni, and O.R. Tambo International Airport, 96 rail cars (24 x4 electric multiple units), a fleet of 125 heavy haul buses, and 29 midibuses. In many ways, the Gautrain is a trailblazer in the South African rail and public transport sector…it is the first and only rapid rail network in the country, and it was the first Public-Private Partnership (PPP) of its scale in South Africa when it was launched,” Kgobe said.
On the 14th anniversary of Gautrain’s launch, and in a year that South Africa marks 30 years of democracy and freedom, Kgobe maintained the Gautrain has proven to be more than just a transport project saying it “it is playing a bigger role in transforming spaces, people, and the economy through mobility.”
“The Gautrain has brought jobs, new skills, the easing of mobility for ordinary people, and major economic developments around stations. It is estimated that R46 million total GDP [gross domestic product] impact has been added to the Gauteng Provincial Government economy and a total of 245 000 jobs have been created due to property development induced by the Gautrain.
“The Gautrain is a strategic national asset valued at R45 billion, and once the current concession expires at the end of its 19.5-year term, the costs of establishing this long-term asset will have been paid off, allowing the Post 2026 Gautrain Project to reap the economic benefits. With a shared vision and strong team effort, a dream of a world-class public transport system became a reality,”Kgobe said.
Kgobe also announced that the current concession agreement between the Gauteng Provincial Government and the Bombela Concession Company comes to an end in 2026, and the Gautrain Management Agency has already gone to market to invite bids for the next concessionaire.
He added that the new delivery partner will operate, maintain, modernise, innovate, and upgrade the current Gautrain system so that it continues to provide a safe and efficient public transport service. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Sun, 06/09/2024 - 12:35
Closing date looms for sport, culture events funding proposals
The Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation has reminded applicants of funding proposals for sports, arts, culture and recreation events and festivals to submit their proposals before the 14 June 2024 deadline.
The department said proposals are being sought for events taking place during the 2024/2025 financial year ending on 31 March 2025.
These can include festivals, music shows, sports tournaments, seminars, exhibitions, and more.
“The department seeks to support initiatives that are in line with the wider provincial government objectives of promoting social cohesion, nation building, and economic development,” the department said in a statement.
The proposals should focus on key areas including improving living conditions in townships, informal settlements and hostels; increasing participation of women, youth, and persons with disabilities; creating job opportunities for women, youth, and persons with disabilities; and attracting local residents and leading to localised social cohesion and economic impact.
The closing date for submissions is Friday, 14 June 2024 at 4pm.
Proposals should be submitted separately in a sealed envelope to: 35 Rissik Street, Surrey House, Johannesburg.
For more details and to download the advert, please visit https://tinyurl.com/mppx97r2 - SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Sun, 06/09/2024 - 12:51
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus named an exciting squad of 35 players for the team's first official training camp of the season, which starts in Pretoria on Monday where the focus will be on the opening Test of the season against Wales on 22 June.
The Boks are in for a blockbuster 2024 season kicking off later this month against Wales in London. The squad includes 11 uncapped players and a cohort of players from the 2023 and 2019 Rugby World Cup-winning squads.
The uncapped players in the squad are Jordan Hendrikse (the brother of Jaden Hendrikse), Quan Horn, Edwill van der Merwe, Morne van den Berg (all Emirates Lions players), Phepsi Buthelezi, Siya Masuku, Ethan Hooker (from the Hollywoodbets Sharks), Ben-Jason Dixon, Sacha Feinberg-Mgomezulu, Neethling Fouche and Andre-Hugo Venter (DHL Stormers), who were outstanding in their respective competitions this season.
Players based in Europe, the UK and Ireland will not be considered for the Boks' first Test of the season against Wales at Twickenham. Players in contention from the Vodacom Bulls, who advanced to the semi-final of the Vodacom United Rugby Championship, were also not considered for this squad.
The squad includes 19 forwards and 16 backs. Rugby World Cup-winning flyhalf Handre Pollard and No 8 Jasper Wiese (who is serving a six-week ban) have been named in the group and will be allowed to train with their team-mates, but will only be available for selection after the Wales Test.
Erasmus included a local contingent from the newly crowned EPCR Challenge Cup champions, the Hollywoodbets Sharks, and the Emirates Lions – whose Vodacom URC seasons came to a halt at the conclusion of the pool stages last weekend – as well as the DHL Stormers, who were knocked out of the competition earlier this evening against the Glasgow Warriors. Players plying their trade in Japan were also named in the squad.
The only players in the group who did not participate in either of the Springbok alignment sessions in March and May respectively, as well as the virtual alignment camp hosted early in May, are Hooker and Van der Merwe.
“We selected a group of players featuring a good mix of youth and experience, and in terms of the young players especially, we believe they have the potential to make the step-up to top international rugby,” said Erasmus.
“We've been following all their performances closely, we had the luxury of presenting our plans to them and getting to know them as individuals off the field at the alignment camps, and we are pleased with the enthusiasm they showed and willingness to learn.
“With the players based in Europe, the UK and Ireland not available for Wales, we anticipate that there will be a few players making their Test debuts in that match, but even for those who do not make the cut, having them in camp and getting the chance to work closely with them on the field will set them and the team in good stead as we prepare for this season and start laying the foundation for the 2027 World Cup in Australia.”
Erasmus added: “We gained immense value by granting a few players a chance to prove what they can do at international level in the last few years leading up to the 2023 World Cup. Some of the players who made their Test debuts in that time were members of the squad that lifted the trophy in Paris, and we feel it is important that we continue blooding new players as we build toward the future.
“As things stand, we have a bunch of young players that already have Test experience and who know exactly how we operate as a team and what is expected of them at this level, and we have no doubt that we will reap the rewards in the years to come as we continue to increase our squad depth.
“As always there are a few unlucky players who missed out on selection this time, but the door will always be open for them to be called up if the need arises.”
Steven Kitshoff, Lood de Jager and Jaden Hendrikse among a handful players were not considered for the squad due to injury.
The Wales Test will be followed by the Castle Lager Incoming Series which features back-to-back Tests against Ireland (ranked second in the world) in Pretoria and Durban respectively (on 6 and 13 July) and a historic first Test against Portugal in Bloemfontein on 20 July.
The Springboks will then turn their attention to the Castle Lager Rugby Championship where they will line up against Australia in Brisbane and Perth (on 10 and 17 August) before facing arch-rivals New Zealand on consecutive weekends in South Africa in Johannesburg and Cape Town respectively (on 31 August and 7 September). They will then make a short trip to Argentina where they will face the Pumas in Santiago (on 21 September) and then in Nelspruit on 28 September.
This will be followed by the traditional year-end tour featuring Tests against Scotland in Edinburgh (9 November), England in London (16 November) and Wales in Cardiff (23 November).
Springbok training squad (in alphabetical order):
Forwards: Phepsi Buthelezi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Joseph Dweba, Ben-Jason Dixon (both DHL Stormers), Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz), Eben Etzebeth (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Neethling Fouche (DHL Stormers), Vincent Koch (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Frans Malherbe (DHL Stormers), Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears), Bongi Mbonambi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Ntuthuko Mchunu (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Salmaan Moerat (DHL Stormers), Franco Mostert (Honda Heat), Ox Nche (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Evan Roos (DHL Stormers), Kwagga Smith (Blu Revs), Andre-Hugo Venter (DHL Stormers), Jasper Wiese (Leicester Tigers).
Backs: Damian de Allende (Panasonic Wild Knights), Faf de Klerk (Canon Eagles), Andre Esterhuizen (Harlequins), Aphelele Fassi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Jordan Hendrikse (Emirates Lions), Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (DHL Stormers), Ethan Hooker (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Quan Horn (Emirates Lions), Cheslin Kolbe (Suntory Sungoliath) Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles), Manie Libbok (DHL Stormers), Makazole Mapimpi, Siya Masuku (both Hollywoodbets Sharks), Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers), Morne van den Berg (Emirates Lions), Edwill van der Merwe (Emirates Lions), Grant Williams (Hollywoodbets Sharks).
Issued by SA Rugby Communications
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Rugby.
Limpopo Working on Fire prepares for winter fire season
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment and Working on Fire-Kishugu Joint Venture (WOF-Kishugu JV) in Limpopo, has officially started preparations for the winter fire season through the Yellow Card Training Assessments to mentally and physically prepare its firefighters in the province.
WOF-Kishugu JV Limpopo spokesperson, Ofentse Letswalo said over 500 firefighters stationed at 26 bases in the province will participate in the training at their bases.
“So far, Mogalakwena; Molemole; Mapungubwe; Tzaneen and Soekmekaar have successfully completed their Yellow Card Training Assessments and are considered ready and prepared for the winter fire season,” Letswalo said.
According to Letswalo, the province is expecting a busy fire season compared to previous years.
Letswalo said the winter fire season starts from June to October, annually, however, WOF Limpopo has already dispatched ground teams to suppress over 30 wildfires.
“The firefighters attached to the Working on Fire Limpopo will be assessed in specialised firefighting techniques, theoretical knowledge, snake identification, and awareness during the yellow card training. The training will also include WOF standard fitness, which involves a 2.4km run; press-ups; sit-ups, and pull-ups within a set timeframe,” Letswalo said.
Celebrating 20 years of sustainability, the Working on Fire Programme is part of the South African Government's initiative to create jobs and alleviate poverty.
Today, WOF employs more than 5000 young men and women, who have been fully trained as veld firefighters and are stationed in over 200 bases throughout South Africa. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Sun, 06/09/2024 - 11:54
Well wishes for Indian Prime Minister Modi on his re-election
President Cyril Ramaphosa has offered his congratulations to Narendra Modi on his re-election as the Prime Minister of India.
Modi’s re-election will usher in his third term as leader of the Asian country.
“President Cyril Ramaphosa has offered his congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi…commending him for his dedication and commitment to the people of India.
“President Ramaphosa has also congratulated the people of India on exercising their democratic right and participating in the electoral process, which took place in seven phases from 19 April to 1 June 2024,” the Presidency said in a statement.
The Presidency highlighted that South Africa and India “share a strategic partnership”.
“President Ramaphosa affirms that South Africa looks forward to continue working with India on matters of importance to the people of both countries.
“President Ramaphosa has emphasised the importance of the two countries’ continued cooperation to promote the agenda of the Global South, notably the reform of the global system of governance, and to align positions in global fora in the interest of strengthening multilateral organisations.
“South Africa continues to work well with India in the G20 and BRICS,” the Presidency said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Fri, 06/07/2024 - 09:01
Gift of the Givers has been delivering hundreds of litres of water daily and set up 12 soup kitchens in the township of KwaNobuhle.
SANDF names soldier killed in the DRC
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) on Thursday revealed the name of the soldier who died in the line of duty in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Sergeant Mbulelo David Ngubane passed away last Thursday, on 30 May 2024, following contact between the M23 and Southern African Development Community (SADC) forces.
Ngubane, who was 39 years old, was the operational medical practitioner in the South African Military Health Service (SAMHS).
“He was shot and killed when the ambulance in which he was tending to injured members was attacked,” the SANDF explained, adding that the ambulance was marked as a medically-equipped vehicle.
“This unfortunate incident occurred even though the Geneva Convention on Law of Armed Conflict clearly stipulates categories of protected persons and objects like medical personnel, medical transport in particular and other establishments of this nature during an armed conflict,” the statement read.
According to the SANDF, the act goes against published international norms in the conduct of armed conflict.
The SANDF soldiers are part of the Southern African Development Community Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) deployed to support and assist the government of Africa's second-largest country to restore peace, security and stability.
In February this year, Captain Simon Mkhulu Bobe and Lance Corporal Irven Thabang Semono were killed and three of their colleagues were injured in the DRC after a mortar bomb landed inside one of the South African contingency military bases.
The force said Ngubane’s memorial service and funeral will be communicated soon.
The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Thandi Modise, Deputy Minister Thabang Makwetla, the Acting Secretary for Defence Dr Thobekile Gamede and the SANDF Chief General Rudzani Maphwanya expressed their heartfelt condolences to Ngubane’s family, friends and colleagues. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 06/07/2024 - 09:07
Introduction Inpatient treatment rehab centres offer comprehensive care for individuals struggling with addiction. These facilities provide a structured environment, medical support, and therapeutic interventions to help patients achieve and maintain sobriety. This blog explores the benefits and key aspects of inpatient rehab centres. Benefits of Inpatient Rehab One of the primary advantages of inpatient …
New vehicle fleet for the SAPS
Police Minister General Bheki Cele has handed over 130 cars to the Local Criminal Records Centre (LCRC) of the South African Police Service (SAPS).
The vehicles are set to enhance and improve, among other functions, the response time to crime scenes by crime scene experts.
Speaking at the handover ceremony held at the Pretoria Police Academy, Cele said progress is being made in capacitating the police.
“We are working very hard to capacitate the organisation,” Cele said on Friday, adding that student police officers are part of the plan to the capacitate the force.
“We had to go Parliament, to the Portfolio Committee to be given permission to purchase this equipment that is supposed to be used by the intelligence world. Our job is to prevent, combat and investigate.”
Cele said the vehicles will play a role in assisting the police in their investigations, linking suspects to crime scenes through evidence collection and analysis.
Some of the vehicles will be distributed to the provinces.
Last month the Minister officiated at a ceremony where 78 vehicles were handed over to the Illicit Mining task teams also known as Operation Vala Umgodi.
Since inception in December 2023, Operation Vala Umgodi has resulted in the arrest of more than 6000 suspects including the seizure of uncut diamonds worth R32 million.
Public Order Policing Units received 52 minibuses. These units are key role players in responding to large gatherings and protests. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 06/07/2024 - 13:17
Introduction South Africa is renowned for its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. For Jewish travellers seeking a unique and memorable holiday, a kosher safari in South Africa offers an unparalleled experience. This blog explores what makes a kosher safari holiday in South Africa so special. Kosher-Friendly Accommodation Many lodges and resorts …
Pretoria, South Africa – The navigation menu is the cornerstone of any website, guiding visitors to the most important pages with ease. Whether it’s a small business website or a large corporate platform, the user experience hinges on the functionality of these navigational elements. At Click Results, a premier digital marketing firm based in Pretoria, …
Johannesburg, Illovo – 07 June 2024 – NDT Projects, a leading provider of Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), Heat Treatment, and Corrosion Protection services, is proud to announce the opening of its new satellite office in Spartan, Johannesburg. This strategic expansion strengthens NDT Projects’ commitment to serving clients throughout South Africa and further establishes them as a …
President Ramaphosa tells flood hit communities that government is ready to assist
President Cyril Ramaphosa has assured the people of Kariega in the Eastern Cape that government will step in to help them following devastating floods which have hit the region.
At least nine people have lost their lives in the Eastern Cape due to the floods. Thousands have been displaced, with infrastructure and housing damage estimated to have reached billions of rands.
Speaking in Kariega on Friday, President Ramaphosa told the community that they are not alone during this difficult time.
“The storm has caused great damage in this place. Government must come and help and it will help. Government will come to help all of you. Within 30 days, we will have provided temporary housing for those who have lost their houses. In the meantime, we will have accommodation for those who have been displaced.
“This is very painful and I am very sorry that we have this situation. But I want to [assure] that government will walk this road with you,” he said.
Those who have lost loved ones will also receive help from government.
“The local government is here. The provincial government is here and all its departments as well as the national departments. The extent of the damage is huge.
“It’s a disaster and we are going to deal with it as a disaster. The sad part is that there are people who have died. We, as government, are going to help those families where people have died and our social welfare department is going to support those families as much as we can and make sure that burials do happen.
“There are people who are injured… who have had to go to hospital and we are going to make sure that they get good healthcare once they are in hospital.
“Those people who have become displaced… we are going to make sure that they are put in a same place and moved from that safe place and put in temporary accommodation, which we are in the process of preparing and building,” he said.
President Ramaphosa thanked churches and the Gift of the Givers who have stepped in to also lend a hand to those in need.
“We are grateful that we have our churches…that have come through and helped the people. We say thank you very much.
“We also want to say thank to other people, like the Gift of the Givers… They are very good and they move very quickly when they are disasters. We thank you them for that… We are thankful to have an organisation like the Gift of the Givers,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Fri, 06/07/2024 - 14:42
World Ocean Day (8 June) takes centre stage at the conservation-focused Ocean Festival running Scottburgh on the KZN South Coast from 6 to 9 June 2024. Event organisers have just released the full Ocean Festival programme with events for all ages touching on themes of ‘Engagement, Education, and Economics’. “What started as a single World …
Introduction Selling gold can be a lucrative way to earn extra income, especially in a city like Johannesburg, known for its rich mining history. Whether you have gold jewellery, coins, or bars, it’s essential to understand the process of selling gold to get the best value. This blog provides a comprehensive guide to selling gold …
President appoints acting Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture
President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Minister Maropene Ramokgopa to act as the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture until a permanent appointment is made under the new seventh administration.
This comes after Zizi Kodwa’s resignation as Minister and member of Cabinet on Wednesday.
The Minister appeared in the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday in connection with allegations that he received about R1.7 million in bribes. Kodwa challenges charges against him, which he has denied.
“President Ramaphosa accepted Minister Kodwa’s resignation and thanked Kodwa for his service to the nation in his capacity as Deputy Minister of State Security from 2019 to 2023 and Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture from March 2023,” the Presidency said on Friday.
Ramokgopa is also the Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Fri, 06/07/2024 - 13:22
Introduction Breast screening and mammograms are crucial in the early detection and treatment of breast cancer. In this blog, we will delve into the importance of these procedures, their benefits, and how they can save lives. What is Breast Screening? Breast screening involves the use of medical tests to detect cancer in women who …
No response from SAPS on whether the three are still employed or on duty
Introduction Industrial magnets play a crucial role in various sectors of South Africa’s economy. From mining to manufacturing, these powerful tools are indispensable. This blog explores their applications and significance. What Are Industrial Magnets? Industrial magnets are magnets that are designed for use in industrial applications. They come in various types, including permanent …
Government hastens flood relief efforts in the Eastern Cape
Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane has assured residents of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality that government is putting together resources to improve the dire situation caused by the deadly floods this week.
"Currently, government is conducting an assessment of damages and requests communities to remain united, vigilant, and monitor weather updates as further rainfall is anticipated", Mabuyane said.
Parts of the Eastern Cape were battered by floods earlier this week, with the Buffalo City and Nelson Mandela Bay metros being the most affected areas.
Homes have been destroyed and over 1000 families have been displaced. There has been massive damage to infrastructure.
The rains have claimed the lives of at least 10 people.
Mabuyane called on the private sector to partner with government in lending a hand to the victims. This as government is fast-tracking relief efforts.
He joined a Ministerial delegation representative of all three spheres of government who conducted an oversight visit to flood-stricken areas in Gqeberha on Wednesday.
The day started with a technical meeting between the three spheres of government where they received feedback from the Disaster Response Teams on the work being done to provide humanitarian relief to those affected and the implementation status of further interventions.
The visits to Qunu, Izinyoka, Nomakanjani and Bongweni informal settlements and Kariega were led by Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister, Thembi Nkadimeng, Human Settlements Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga, together with Mabuyane, Deputy Ministers, MECs, Members of Mayoral Committees and the Mayor and the Deputy Mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay Metro.
Minister Kubayi called for the urgent relocation of families currently housed at mass care centres to temporary emergency accommodation, inclusive of safer places for mothers and small children, as an immediate action and temporary residential units as a medium to long-term intervention.
Kubayi reiterated government’s calls for the public to remain vigilant during heavy rains or flooding and urged all road users to be cautious on the roads.
Nkadimeng has instructed the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) to work closely with the Joint District Operations Centre, the Eastern Cape provincial government, as well as the affected municipalities to further provide assistance and support to those affected by the floods. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 06/07/2024 - 09:31
Introduction Johannesburg, a bustling metropolis in South Africa, is rich in history, culture, and urban charm. This blog explores some of the most captivating urban tours you can experience in Johannesburg. Historical Tours Johannesburg’s history is deeply intertwined with South Africa’s. Historical Soweto tours take you through iconic sites such as the Apartheid …