Gauteng Premier breaks promise to pay organisations by 24 May
Department of Social Development claims court order obtained by organisations last week “supersedes” its earlier commitments
Africa Communications Week 2024
Africa Communications Week 2024
By Nomonde Mnukwa
There was a time when the story of Africa was told by voices outside the continent who looked at our continent through a tainted lens. However, this has changed and Africans are now proudly sharing our own stories of development and triumph.
During the 2024 iteration of Africa Communications Week, which coincides with Africa Month, we were once again challenging the narrative of doom and gloom, by profiling success stories of Africa to the world.
Africa Communications Week held from 20- 24 May 2024 brought together communicators, professionals in the media space and thought leaders from around the globe. The aim is to enhance communication in Africa, by communicating developments and positioning Africa as an attractive investment destination.
This year’s Africa Communication Week was convened under the theme: “Influence”. It explored how influential leaders, policymakers and organisations have the ability to shape agendas, implement impactful policies, and mobilise resources towards sustainable development goals. This was important to driving change, fostering innovation and attracting investment on the continent to advance.
Convening Africa Communications Week on the cusp of our Africa Day celebration was an opportunity to promote African Unity and deeper integration and recommit Africa to a shared destiny. Africa Month is a crucial part of our yearly calendar as we acknowledge the work done by the African Union and celebrate pan-Africanism.
It is also an opportunity to unlock economic opportunities in line with the African Continental Free Trade Area AfCFTA, which hold enormous benefits for the continent. The AfCFTA is now operational with a number of countries including South Africa already trading under the agreement.
AfCFTA create a single continental market that allows African countries to diversify their exports, attract foreign direct investment and grow their economies. In support of AFCFTA, the AU dedicated this year’s Africa Day towards accelerating the implementation of the Africa Continental Free Trade Areas.
As we mark, this momentous occasion for our continent, the communications sector has an important role to play in profiling the free trade area and its benefits across the continent. By telling our stories, we can ensure that our countries, economies and people benefit from the implementation of AFCFTA.
South Africa will mark Africa Month held under “Celebrating 30 Years of Freedom: Building a Better Africa and a Better World’’. The programme celebrates the contribution of African nation in helping South Africa reach this national milestone.
There is no doubt that the freedom we enjoy today would not be possible without the commitment and selflessness of the men and women who sacrificed their lives, both in South Africa and on the continent. Their sacrifices have enabled us to imagine a world where Africans are at the heart of our own development and success.
During Africa Communications Week, communication professionals will reflect on how far we have come as a nation and continent. Undoubtedly, much has been achieved, however challenges remain and one of the issues we face as communicators on the continent is the communication divide. Access to information is the lifeblood of society, and the old saying that knowledge is power continues to ring true.
Advancements in technology has resulted in a new tech-savvy audience that is globally connected. This has necessitated a shift in focus to mobile communications, social media and using improved techniques and engagement tools.
How we bridge this divide will be top of mind for communicators during Africa Communications Week, and how we approach communication has to change if we are to keep up with the needs of a changing audience.
We can do so by tapping into new media spaces and by seizing the opportunity presented to us new digital platforms. By doing so we can rewrite the script of Africa by promoting inclusive growth, empowering marginalized communities, and advocating for an informed people where no one is left behind.
*Nomonde Mnukwa is Acting Director-General of the GCIS
Neo
Mon, 05/27/2024 - 15:10
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Harnessing Innovation toward Africa’s Inclusive Growth.
Dr Velenkosini Matsebula is a Senior Lecturer in Development Finance at Stellenbosch Business School. As we commemorate Africa Day, we are reminded of the continent’s rich cultural heritage, its vibrant diversity, and its people’s resiliency. This day serves as a beacon of unity and progress for Africa. However, beneath the celebration lies a critical reflection …
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Main entry points in Mthatha blocked, affecting essential services
Main entry points in Mthatha blocked, affecting essential services
The Eastern Cape Department of Health has confirmed that services have been affected in hospitals in and around Mthatha by the blocking of the N2 and R61 roads.
“Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital, Mthatha Regional and St Barnabas Hospital staff, who worked the night shift, could not go home, while those who were supposed to report for duty could not get to work because of the blocked roads,” a statement from the department read.
This is after all the major entry and exit points into Mthatha were blocked, as taxi violence erupted.
According to reports, the taxi drivers allegedly hijacked trucks and used them to block both sides of the N2 and R61 roads.
Reports suggest that the taxi operators’ actions were because of a crackdown by authorities following an outbreak of violence last week.
The actions have since forced hospitals to operate with a skeleton staff.
“As soon as roads reopen, those who are supposed to be on duty will go to work to relieve those who worked the night shift.
“The blocked roads mean patients in desperate need of higher level of care cannot get it as ambulances cannot get to Mthatha.”
In emergency cases, the department said it will use aeromedical services to transfer patients.
Eastern Cape Transport Department spokesperson, Unathi Binqose, told reporters that law enforcement is on the ground and that they are getting reinforcement from the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to try to bring the situation back to normality.
“Unfortunately, it has affected a lot of things, including schools and airports — just about everything,” he said.
Those travelling to, from and through the Mthatha area are urged to either delay their travel time or avoid the town, as law enforcement is busy trying to control the situation.
Meanwhile, according to the South African Police Service (SAPS), five suspects were arrested at about 9am on Monday after shots were fired at Public Order Policing and Mthatha Vispol members.
“Two suspects sustained injuries while the other three were arrested. Two firearms were also confiscated. A case of attempted murder and possession of firearms is opened for further investigation,” the SAPS statement read.
SAPS said Public Order Policing, the National Intervention Unit and Tactical Response Teams are in Mthatha policing the situation.
Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene, has since issued a stern warning against those circulating videos and messages that appear to incite unrest.
“Such actions are not only irresponsible but also illegal. We will take strict action against anyone found to be engaging in activities that threaten the safety and security of the public and the integrity of the election process,” warned Mene. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 05/27/2024 - 14:19
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Public warned against sharing videos inciting violence
Public warned against sharing videos inciting violence
Eastern Cape Transport and Community Safety MEC Xolile Nqatha has warned the public that the State will deal decisively with any fear mongers responsible for voice notes and videos calling for a shutdown on social media.
This comes as voice notes and videos were shared on social media seeking to intimidate, incite violence and threaten people’s democratic right to participate in the upcoming elections.
The MEC has assured that public that there will be no shutdown of Mthatha, and has directed the police to track down and bring to justice the man responsible for the video and any other person or persons responsible for similar social media posts.
“The most recent of these social media posts is a brazen video recording by a man, allegedly who calls for a complete shutdown of Mthatha; a stop of elections campaigns in and around Mthatha, less than 48 hours before the elections. The call comes after the police confiscated pistols and assault rifles following the resurgence of taxi violence in the Mthatha, Tsolo and Maclear areas,” the department said on Monday.
Nqatha has termed these acts as selfish, immature and irresponsible actions that seek to undermine the rule of law in this province, and in Mthatha in particular.
“The utterances of the man who recorded the video in particular are an insult to the sacrifices of many of our liberation struggle heroes and heroines. He is virtually spitting in the faces of all our anti-apartheid heroes and heroines, many of whom have sacrificed with their lives for this right to vote and the right for freedom of movement that we now want to take away from our people.
"We can never allow any person to do that on our watch, for that will be a betrayal of this freedom that we now enjoy, and the sacrifices of those who fought so hard for it,” the MEC said.
He said his department is working closely with the police to end the taxi violence in the province. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Mon, 05/27/2024 - 13:14
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Government activities for the week 27 – 31 May 2024
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On Monday, 27 May, Minister of Social Development Lindiwe Zulu launches the Khuseleka One Stop Centre at the Saartjie Baartman Centre for Women and Children in Manenberg, Cape Town.
Also on Monday, Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and People with Disabilities Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma launches the Demand-LED and job creation programme for persons with disabilities at the Coastlands Unhlanga Hotel and Convention Centre.
On 27 May, NSFAS briefs media on progress relating to the disbursement of student allowances at Tshedimosetso House, Hatfield, Pretoria, starting at 11am.
On Monday, Minister of Health Joe Phaahla casts his special vote in his home village of Ga-Phaahla, Limpopo.
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Tuesday, 28 May, is Day 2 of special voting in the National and Provincial Elections, from 9am to 5pm.
On Wednesday, 29 May, is Election Day, from 7am to 9pm.
Janine
Mon, 05/27/2024 - 12:29
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Villagers stuck while government probes diversion of water from Giyani dam
Deputy water minister says investigation is still going on
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BMA on high alert ahead of elections
BMA on high alert ahead of elections
With just two days before South Africa’s national and provincial elections, the Border Management Authority (BMA) is on high alert at all ports of entry to monitor movements.
On Saturday evening, BMA Immigration officials conducted an intelligence driven operation on a flight from Dubai.
A total of 28 Bangladeshis were intercepted on arrival at OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA) and during the operation, 27 Bangladeshis were found to be in possession of fraudulent visas and one Bangladeshi did not have a visa at all.
The travellers were in contravention of the South African Immigration Act by possessing fraudulent travel documents. The Bangladeshi nationals arrived in the country with visitors’ visas and were denied entry.
The Commissioner of the Border Management Authority, Dr Michael Masiapato, has commended the interception by the BMA Immigration officials and highlighted the importance of collaborations with embassies and foreign missions in verifying visa legitimacy and encouraged improvements on detection systems.
Commissioner Masiapato also emphasised the need for continued efforts in confiscating illegal documents especially at this critical time of elections.
“I commend the diligent efforts of our immigration officers in intercepting the Bangladesh[i] nationals,” Commissioner Masiapato said.
“The BMA's vigilance and commitment to maintaining the integrity of our immigration system is exemplary.
“This operation underscores the importance of our continuous efforts to secure our borders and ensure that all entrants comply with our legal requirements," he said.
The BMA will continue to tighten its detection systems at the ports of entry.
Four hundred more BMA junior border guards are now entering the system following their pass-out parade and more interceptions are expected across all ports of entry. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 05/27/2024 - 09:46
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