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The business process outsourcing (BPO) sector contributes significantly to the national economy, injecting approximately R35 billion into the economy and supporting 100 000 South African jobs nationally, with 60% of those jobs being in the Western Cape. “The BPO sector employs, trains and upskills tens of thousands of South Africans to provide world-class professional business …
For the last eight years, the Rawson Property Group has featured on the winners’ podium at the prestigious Global Brands Awards alongside other local and international giants, including Emirates, Volkswagen and DHL. 2024 has proven no different. The recently released winners’ list placed the Group first in three categories: Best Real Estate Service (South Africa), …
Pamper your fur babies with The Crazy Store Our pet promotion features beds, blankets, grooming products and more! If you treat your pets like they’re your children – you’re our kind of people. As their paw-rent, you have to make sure you have blankets to keep them cosy, toys to keep them occupied and treats …
The Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) invites young creatives to participate in a competition to design the 2024 limited edition ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme (NSP) T-shirt, capturing the spirit of this programme. To find out more about the ACT NSP, visit act.org.za/nyoloha. If you have a flair for design or you enjoy being creative, then …
Hot dip galvanizers can contribute to the circular economy, moving away from the ‘take, make, dump and generate waste approach’ to one in which items are repurposed, conserving important resources and energy, says Robin Clarke, Executive Director of the Hot Dip Galvanizers Association of South Africa (HDGASA). In South Africa, where many businesses are in …
Few things in life can compare to the joy of buying a new car. The feeling is compounded when it’s one’s very first dream car. Getting behind the wheel of that dream car, however, requires a level of liquidity or financial muscle that most people just don’t have. To bridge this affordability gap, banks have …
In the realm of online followers global stars rake in the money when it comes to being paid per post. The highest paid Instagram influencer for a single sponsored post is footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, who can earn up to $2.4 million per post. The second highest is reality TV star and entrepreneur Kylie Jenner, who …
Mashatile thanks South Africans living abroad for casting their votes
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has expressed gratitude to all South Africans living abroad who turned out at voting stations to cast their ballots over the weekend.
The Deputy President was speaking at the launch of the National Youth Service (NYS) initiative, South African National Service Institution (SANSI), aimed at tackling youth unemployment in South Africa in Pretoria on Tuesday.
According to the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), 78 000 citizens were registered to vote in 111 South African missions across the world between 17 and 19 May 2024.
The mission in London (in the United Kingdom) was the only voting station that remained open on Sunday, 19 May, to cater for the more than 24 000 voters who are registered and approved.
The Commission confirmed that the special voting abroad proceeded smoothly with no major incidents.
READ | Overseas special votes conclude
READ | South Africans in London urged to cast their vote
Local special votes
The IEC is now preparing for the in-country special voting, which will take place on 27 and 28 May.
There are 1.7 million approved special votes, with 653 000 of these being home visit special votes while just over one million are voting station special votes.
The Deputy President used his platform to encourage all South Africans to go out in their numbers and vote on 29 May 2024.
“Remember, placing your crosses on the ballot papers will fulfil a task that history has put on your shoulders.
“Most importantly, you will be deciding for yourselves the direction of our country and the path that we should take to get there,” said Deputy President Mashatile.
With only just seven days away from Election Day, the IEC is reminding citizens that voting stations open at 7 am and close at 9 pm. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 05/21/2024 - 14:51
In a world where imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, Hollywood superstar Scarlett Johansson found herself on the receiving end of a rather unexpected tribute. The actress, known for her iconic voice and acting prowess, recently expressed her “anger” and “shock” at an unlikely imitator – a chatbot! OpenAI, the creators behind the artificial […]
S Africans urged to adopt and foster children to ensure the protection of youngsters
With the Child Protection Week campaign in full swing, the Department of Social Development (DSD) has encouraged South Africans to seek alternative care for their children if they are unable to care for them.
Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu launched Child Protection Week on Sunday in Kimberley, Northern Cape.
The department is currently on a drive to raise awareness on upholding the rights of children, mobilising society to protect children against violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation.
Since the dawn of democracy, the department said South Africa has designed the child protection system to provide for children to be fostered or adopted, and enable children to remain within families.
“Adoption, which is viewed as the most permanent placement option for children who are orphaned and vulnerable, remains underutilised in South Africa and this leaves children for whom there is no immediate alternative care within their extended families exceptionally vulnerable to the long-term effects of institutionalisation,” the DSD said.
According to Section 28 of the Bill of Rights, Chapter Two of the Constitution of South Africa, every child has the right to parental and family care or to appropriate alternative care when removed from family care.
As per this constitutional provision, government has to provide alternative care for children when their parents or families cannot fulfil their duties of care.
Meanwhile, Section 233 of the Children’s Act also stipulates that if the parent is a child, a guardian must assist that child.
The department stated that adoption is one of the alternative care placement options and forms part of the comprehensive child protection system.
South Africa currently has orphaned children due to factors such as violent crime, gender-based violence (GBV), HIV/AIDS, and the COVID-19 pandemic, which has claimed many lives worldwide.
“On the other hand, some children are abandoned due to the triple challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality which culminate into multiple social ills including unwanted pregnancy.
“Adoption, therefore, serves as the best possible option or alternative for these children, only if there are no prospects to reunite them with their parent(s) or families.
“Although adoption is a person’s or a family’s choice, it is important to promote adoption services and recruit prospective adoptive parents within the country.”
The department acknowledged there could be barriers, which may prevent people from adopting children, such as cultural obstacles.
“This suggests that there is a need for increased awareness of this tool of child protection. South Africans are, therefore, encouraged to look into adoption as one of the child protection measures to increase the number of prospective adoptive parents who are willing to adopt children in need of permanent and stable families.”
Between April 2010 and March 2024, the department recorded 16 593 national adoptions. Additionally, there were 2 239 inter-country adoptions, which brought the total of registered adoptions to 18 832.
The department announced it has employed 412 social workers registered with the South African Council for Social Service Professionals (SACSSP) and have since been armed to provide adoption services.
Foster care
The Children’s Act also makes provision for foster care as an alternative form for children who cannot be cared for by their biological parents.
“Foster care is a court-ordered care of a child that needs care and protection, placing the child in a cluster foster care scheme or a suitable person other than a biological parent or a guardian,” the department explained.
As part of foster care, the Children’s Act introduced the concept of cluster foster care placement which is aimed to maximise the available resources, strengthening the provision of foster care services to children including those with special needs within a community-based setting.
The department explained that children who are placed in foster care with a valid court order gain access to the package of government services that include therapeutic services, psychosocial support services, education, healthcare and foster child grants.
“The purpose of foster care is to create an opportunity for children in need of care and protection to live in a protective, nurturing, stable and secure family environment. It requires the facilitation of reunification of the child with the parents or other safe and nurturing family relationships that will ensure stability in a child’s life.”
By February 2008, the number of children in foster care was 454 000, and by the end of March 2024, it had decreased to 306 683, with the recipients receiving grants.
“With the introduction of the comprehensive legal solution to foster care prompted by the litigation on lapsed foster care orders, the Children’s Amendment Act 2022 makes a provision to prevent the lapsing of the foster care orders, by enabling the presiding officers to issue interim orders.”
Meanwhile, the Social Assistance Amendment Act increases access to social assistance for orphaned children in the care of relatives through the Child Support Grant-Top Up. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 05/21/2024 - 09:37
President Ramaphosa, EU Council President hold bilateral call
President Cyril Ramaphosa has held a bilateral telephone conversation with the President of the European Council, Charles Michel.
According to a statement by the Presidency, the conversation was a positive and constructive discussion on bilateral, regional, and global issues.
The statement said the two leaders also discussed the need for more engagement to address global peace and reaffirmed shared respect for international law.
“They both welcomed the recent bilateral South Africa-European Union Political and Security Dialogue Forum, and the Human Rights Dialogue held in Pretoria on 26 and 27 February 2024, and they agreed to continue stepping up cooperation to support stability and prosperity.
“In this regard, both Presidents discussed the importance of upholding the UN Charter and the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity notably in Ukraine. Furthermore, both Presidents stressed the importance of addressing urgently the situation in the Middle East, notably reaching a ceasefire in Gaza, release of hostages as well as the provision of humanitarian assistance, recalling the orders of the International Court of Justice in this respect,” the Presidency said.
On matters relating to tensions in the East of the Democratic Republic of Congo, “both underlined the importance of a political solution” in that country and also called for an “immediate and durable ceasefire” in Sudan.
Globally, the two leaders agreed to closer working relations in the run up to and during South Africa’s upcoming Presidency of the G20 in 2025 “including on the protection and advancement of multilateral cooperation and the international rules-based order”.
The strategic partnership between South Africa and the European Union – which has brought economic and social dividends for both parties – also came under discussion.
“They welcomed recent engagements in Brussels and in Pretoria to deepen and expand the partnership to new areas of mutual interest, such as strategic value chains in the sectors of green hydrogen, critical minerals and vaccines, which will also support progress in regional integration and the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.
“Against this framework of close and regular cooperation, both Presidents agreed to hold a bilateral Summit at earliest convenience,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 05/21/2024 - 09:39
City says the land is private and is not in the process of being formalised
Now just one month away, the 2024 National Arts Festival will take its shape and texture from the artists who are in the midst of preparations to stage works from around the country. The Fringe programme is loaded with works that satirise, experiment and intrigue, marking the exceptional energy of our nation’s creatives. The Fringe […]
Nic Stevens, NSRI Mykonos station commander, said: At 16h04, Monday, 20 May, NSRI Mykonos and NSRI St Helena Bay duty crews were activated following reports from Shelly Point Security of a boat capsized 1 nautical mile off-shore of Shelly Point, West Coast. The SA Police Services (SAPS), Police Sea Borderline Control, SAMSA (South African Maritime …
Volkswagen Motorsport delivered another strong showing in a tough day of racing at Zwartkops’ third round National Extreme Festival in Pretoria on Saturday. Jonathan Mogotsi won the opening race before coming in a close second in race 2 as he strengthened his lead in the SATC SupaCup championship. Rookie teammate and 2023 Polo Cup champion, …
Premier Alan Winde, today, 20 May 2024, accompanied by Executive Mayor of Cape Town, Geordin Hill-Lewis, visited the head offices of Sea Harvest in Cape Town to offer their heartfelt condolences and support to the families and colleagues of the 11 employees of the company who perished in a tragedy at sea last Friday. The …
Nestled in the heart of Linmeyer, Johannesburg – along Johan Meyer Street – this modern four-bedroom house presents a captivating blend of style, comfort, and convenience. With a double-storey design, this residence offers ample space and functionality, making it an ideal choice for families seeking contemporary living. As you step through the entrance, you’re greeted …
DWS one step closer to establishing national water agency
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) says it is one step closer to establishing the National Water Resource Infrastructure Agency (NWRIA) to ensure sustainable, equitable and reliable supply of water from national water resources infrastructure.
The NWRIA Bill was recently adopted by the Select Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Water and Sanitation and Human Settlements and the National Council of Provinces.
This follows the Bill’s adoption by the Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation and the National Assembly.
READ | National Water Resource Infrastructure Agency Bill: Explanatory Summary
The Bill seeks to establish the NWRIA, which will result in the ownership of national water resources infrastructure, as well as its asset management and revenue collection-related functions being integrated under one entity.
Departmental spokesperson Wisane Mavasa said the agency will raise funding for the development of national water resources infrastructure.
The NWRIA Bill was initially drafted in late 2021, after which it received preliminary certification from the Office of the Chief State Law Advisor in April 2022.
The certification set the wheels in motion for the Department of Water and Sanitation to commence with the Cabinet process and seek approval to conduct public consultations.
The department had comprehensive, all-inclusive public consultations for a period of 120 days aimed at soliciting meaningful inputs from the public, as the key water sector stakeholders, to enhance the legislation and echo the voices of South Africans.
Mavasa said the department received over 80 comments, and these include comments from the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC), National Treasury, Labour Unions, and Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA), a departmental entity responsible for financing and implementing bulk raw water infrastructure projects.
The comments were taken into consideration when the Bill was being refined, and in June 2023, Cabinet approved the Bill for introduction to Parliament.
“Now that the Bill has been adopted, this means that we will submit it to President Cyril Ramaphosa for his sign-off. Once that happens, the Bill will become law, which will entail that we move with the establishment for the agency,” Mavasa said.
The department reiterated the assurance that the agency will significantly improve the provision of reliable water supply through effective rollout of national water resource infrastructure projects.
The main mandates of the NWRIA are to:
• Implement water resource management infrastructure as identified by the department’s water resources planning processes;
• Manage national water resources infrastructure;
• Generate and collect revenue from the sale of water as its primary source of income, and
• Raise commercial funding on the strength of its balance sheet and operational cash flows (actual and projected) for commercially viable projects. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 05/21/2024 - 09:52
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 4km one-way Stop/Go system will be in place from Mooiplaas to Qumrha T- Junction …
In recent years, market uncertainty has become the norm, leaving most investors actively searching for opportunities that offer them stability and long-term growth potential while limiting volatility in the face of constantly shifting economic sands. Against this backdrop, the luxury goods sector has emerged as a compelling investment opportunity for investors. FNB recently launched the …
This past Friday, 17 May 2024, the Western Cape Government (WCG) continued to boost safety and empower districts, after Provincial Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Reagen Allen, handed over a drone to the Central Karoo District Municipality (CKDM). In addition to this, 24 Peace Officers (POs) also graduated in Beaufort West. This brings …
Dear Editor The DA takes note of reports that South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) social grant beneficiaries are being robbed of part of their grant at the Gatesville Post Office. According to the reports, beneficiaries whose funds are deposited into their Post Bank accounts are regularly not receiving their full grants. We encourage all …
Jason Loosemore moved to the top of the Astron Energy Polo Cup championship title with a two race to one overall victory over title rival Nathan Victor in an action packed Zwartkops’ Extreme Festival triple header on Saturday. Derick Smalberger took a popular maiden Masters class victory while Volkswagen Motorsport driver Kyle Visser was once …
The SA Cup final between Suzuki Griquas and the Airlink Pumas will be staged on Saturday, 25 May in Kimberley, SA Rugby confirmed Monday. The action at Suzuki Stadium in the Diamond City – which will be broadcast live on SuperSport – will start at 12h30 to determine the winner of the new competition. Griquas …