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14 May 2024: The Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) data, a household-based employment survey not seasonally adjusted, revealed a resurgence in employment momentum in the first quarter of this year. Employment increased by 21 555 q/q (or 0.1% q/q), rebounding from a decline of 21 587 in 4Q23. However, the unemployment level surged by 330 …
According to the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS), released by Statistics South Africa today, the Western Cape has maintained the lowest unemployment rate in South Africa (SA) at 21.4% in quarter one of 2024. In addition to this, the province has enabled the creation of 82 000 jobs over the last year, between quarter one …
he Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) officers have once again been actively ensuring that criminals are removed from communities where they are deployed. Since inception 30 873 arrests have been made to 28 April 2024. This includes the 1 077 individuals who were also arrested for various crimes between 1 and 28 April 2024, while 23 …
Nzimande committed to work with Forth Hare University Council
Higher Education and Training Minister, Professor Blade Nzimande, has reiterated his commitment to working with the Council of the University of Fort Hare and all key university stakeholders to ensure clean governance at the university.
This comes after Nzimande held a special meeting with the Council of the University of Fort Hare.
The meeting, which was held last Friday, forms part of Nzimande’s continued interventions to ensure stability and clean governance at the University of Fort Hare.
The purpose of the meeting was for the Council to provide the Minister with a progress update on specific governance issues and the disturbing recent events, including the arrest of senior university employees, with some employed in the Vice Chancellor's office.
Reporting on the outcome of the meeting, the department disputed media reports suggesting that Nzimande’s meeting with the university council collapsed.
According to a statement issued by the department, some members of the Council had initially expressed concern that a detailed agenda was not distributed before the meeting.
However, after a brief break that was mutually agreed to, the meeting continued and the Minister then tabled his set of concerns about the recent developments at the university.
Nzimande also indicated that he would like the Council, as the highest decision-making body, to respond to the concerns raised.
“After tabling his concerns, it was agreed that the Council will not respond immediately to the issues raised by the Minister and that the Minister will communicate his list of concerns to the Council, in writing.
“The Minister's concerns will form the basis for the next meeting with the Council, which will be a physical meeting, to be convened by the department within several days,” the department explained.
The department said Nzimande is pleased with the outcome of the meeting and remains committed to working with the Council and all university’s key stakeholders to ensure that clean governance is restored, and that the proud history of the university is protected. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 05/14/2024 - 10:12
The Human Rights Commission has recommended that child malnutrition in the province be declared a disaster
The majority of people who rent residential accommodation do so for financial reasons with nearly half admitting they can’t afford to buy a property, according to credit bureau TPN’s latest Tenant Survey. The annual Tenant Survey Report provides the property sector, including property owners and managers, with insights into tenants’ needs, wants, aspirations, and challenges, …
In the run-up to the November 2024 editions of Automechanika Johannesburg and Futuroad Expo ,the second in a series of four Breakfast events for CEO’s and senior industry leaders was hosted by Messe Frankfurt South Africa at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit’s Conference Centre on 3 May, focusing on the Commercial Vehicle aftermarket in South …
George building collapse: Death toll reaches 32, while 20 still unaccounted
Rescue and recovery efforts are ongoing into the second week after the collapse of the George building, with the death toll standing at 32, as at 9am on Tuesday.
According to the latest statistics released by George Municipality, out of the estimated 81 workers who were on site at the time of the incident on 6 May, 61 have been rescued and/or recovered, while 20 are still unaccounted for.
“The primary focus continues to be on rescue efforts. With this in mind, we are also proactively setting up plans to expedite the identification of the deceased,” the statement read.
This is being done by the Forensic Pathology Service (FPS) and the South African Police Service (SAPS).
“We, therefore, endeavour to fast-track the process to help bring closure to families. Fingerprints, DNA testing and photographs of unique markings, such as tattoos and clothing items, are some of the methods used to identify the deceased.”
READ | Public Works Minister to visit George building disaster site
Meanwhile, six of the deceased have already been positively identified.
Since the first call for support, the municipality confirmed that adequate numbers of fluent practitioners in Chewa, Portuguese and Shona languages are all at the scene to address the emotional, social, and overall mental health needs of those affected by the building collapse.
However, the municipality said it was having trouble obtaining accurate names of missing people or the deceased.
“We urgently request families who have lost contact with their loved ones to come to the George Civic Centre on York Street. This will enable the Department of Social Development to collect detailed and precise information, ensuring that all records are accurately documented.”
Investigations
The Western Cape MEC for Infrastructure, Tertuis Simmers, visited the site in George and expressed his sincere gratitude to the rescue workers, who have been on site for over 187 hours, as well as the support personnel and the Joint Operations Centre for their dedicated work since the tragedy occurred.
Simmers confirmed that the Western Cape Government (WCG) has launched an independent investigation into the collapse.
“We want to make sure that we fully investigate and understand what happened so that a tragedy like this does not occur on any construction site in this province.
“I received a briefing this morning from our independent investigator and at this stage, the team is still busy with information and fact-finding processes. This includes document analysis of plans, site records and the like,” he said on Monday.
The MEC stated that specialist equipment, including ground penetration radar (GPR) is also used on-site, while investigators are also collecting material samples.
In addition, an independently appointed laboratory is working around the clock to analyse the material samples.
“Not only did the WCG appoint an independent investigation, but we also supplied trucks and machinery and even hired an excavator to assist with bulk movement of material. We will continue to provide support until all workers are accounted for and we get to the bottom of this tragedy,” said Simmers.
Meanwhile, the MEC said the WCG is working with the SAPS, the Department of Employment and Labour, National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure in their investigations.
“On behalf of the WCG, I offer our sincere condolences to the bereaved families, and I wish those currently hospitalised a speedy recovery,” the MEC added. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 05/14/2024 - 11:10
Park Lines BMX Tournament rolls into Gold Reef City for the 2024 BMX Freestyle South African Champs. Johannesburg, South Africa, 9 May 2024 – A new style of ride, the Park Lines BMX Tournament – official 2024 South African BMX Freestyle Championships, is coming to the iconic Gold Reef City Theme Park on 2 June. It is …
In the world of boxing, anticipation is mounting as two heavyweight champions, Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, prepare to face off in what promises to be a monumental showdown. The upcoming match between these two formidable fighters has captured the attention of boxing enthusiasts worldwide, sparking debates and discussions about who will emerge victorious in …
EDM artist Undertone is back with a bang, dropping his latest single, “Broken Record,” hot on the heels of his previous hits, “Rolling Circus,” “Atmosphere Analog,” and “Pomodoro and Let’s Be Free.” In this release, Undertone showcases a fresh wave of creativity, inviting listeners into a world of infectious beats and an uplifting message that …
President Ramaphosa to sign NHI Bill into law
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to sign the National Health Insurance Bill (NHI) into law on Wednesday, 15 May 2024.
According to the Presidency, the move will transform South Africa’s healthcare system and ensure universal coverage for health services.
Through this, the country will overcome critical socio-economic imbalances and inequities of the past.
The NHI Bill, passed by the National Assembly (NA) and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) last year, will provide free healthcare at the point of care for all South Africans, whether in public or private health facilities.
The Bill currently only requires President Ramaphosa’s signature for enactment.
Speaking during the State of the Nation Address (SONA) in February, President Ramaphosa said the State was working tirelessly to improve healthcare quality and access equality, despite the country’s health system significantly impacting people’s lives.
During the debate on President Ramaphosa’s SONA, Health Minister, Dr Joe Phaahla, announced that the NHI will be implemented in two remaining phases from 2024 to 2026, while between 2026 and 2028 government will focus on establishing the Board and CEO and several key committees of the NHI Fund.
“We are confident that the innovative funding of infrastructure as stated by the President will also contribute to health facilities,” he told Parliament at the time.
In the meantime, the Minister said his department was strengthening key delivery areas. These include the healthcare benefits design, digital health systems, and risk identification and fraud prevention.
The signing ceremony will take place at the Union Buildings in Pretoria at 2pm.
Phaahla will conduct a question-and-answer session with the media immediately after the ceremony. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 05/14/2024 - 10:15
Below this article is a list of around 600 OUTLINKS that have been clicked on from MyPR to the site/s listed. If you are reading this and saying; “Huh!” then let me quickly précis for you why this is a GOOD THING: In the world of digital marketing, search engine optimization (SEO) plays a crucial …
Vulnerable people are being failed by an inefficient and corrupt department
Unions call for resignation of top management and the CEO Neal Froneman
Franz Fendt, a performer with more talents than you can shake a stick at. Lets take a closer look at his life, achievements, and the incredible impact he’s made on the entertainment scene. From his mind-blowing skills to his unforgettable performances, Franz Fendt has truly left his mark. Let’s start at the beginning. Franz Fendt […]
The South African economy can be significantly boosted, and the growth of start-ups and the private sector – through businesses big and small – that create vital jobs, catalysed through two regulatory reforms: lifting exchange controls on the offshore transfer of intellectual property and introducing tax incentives for investors in start-ups.
“Our research shows that changes to the Exchange Control Regulations relating to the offshore transfer of intellectual property and offshore movement of money could create a net benefit to the South Africa economy of R426 billion over the next five years. In addition, SARS could collect a net increase of R315 billion in tax revenue over the same period. These reforms would not compromise attempts to comply with the Financial Action Task Force standards,” Provincial Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, Mireille Wenger, explained.
She continued, “Similarly, improving tax incentives for investors to encourage early-stage start-up enterprises could result in R927 million in total investment raised by the country's venture capital industry over the next five years. This would result in an additional 79 start-ups, creating 1 840 jobs with total after-tax salaries generated amounting to R890 million.”
These reforms will also allow South Africa to remain competitive against other global destinations, including competitors on the African continent like Nigeria, Kenya, and Egypt.
In 2023, the South African Start-up Act Movement conducted a survey of 52 start-up founders who had moved part or all of their business offshore. Of the respondents, 42 (81%) reported that they had moved their businesses offshore to raise capital from international investors whose main concern was South Africa's exchange controls. Views from start-ups consulted all confirmed that investors are increasingly refusing to invest in South African-domiciled companies due to restrictions on the offshore movement of IP.
The WCG is determined to make it as easy as possible for the private sector to do business and create jobs in the province.
This objective lies at the very core of the WCG's bold new economic action plan, ‘Growth For Jobs' or G4J, which aims to enable a R1 trillion jobs-rich and inclusive economy, that is growing between 4% and 6% in real terms by 2035.
“The introduction of these reforms is a no-brainer. With current anaemic GDP growth rates, it is our responsibility as government to explore and introduce measures that boost growth so that we can help enable the creation of jobs in South Africa. Our comprehensive proposals, that we have shared with Minister Godongwana, the South African Reserve Bank and the South African Revenue Service, offer a relatively easy path towards achieving rapid growth and expansion in the start-ups sector, aiding South Africa's economic recovery in the short and long term” Minister Wenger concluded.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic Of South Africa: Western Cape Provincial Government.
Eastern Cape intensifies fight against stock theft
Eastern Cape Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane and Rural Development and Agrarian (DRDAR) Reform MEC Nonkqubela Pieters will on Tuesday kick start the use of the Livestock Identification and Traceability System (LITS) as part of efforts to fight stock theft.
LITS is a technology-based ear-tag gadget that government is delivering to 120 cattle farming enterprises across the province. The technology is also part of efforts to strengthen biosecurity measures to improve the international trade of cattle.
As part of this rollout, 30 000 cattle will be ear-tagged for identification and traceability purposes in Tsolo.
The rollout of LITS is a commitment made by Premier Mabuyane during the 2024 State of the Province Address, and as part of implementing an agreement between government and the red meat industry.
LITS will ensure individual animal identification so that livestock owners comply with the Animal Identification Act.
This will improve the prosecution rate of people charged for livestock theft and strengthen biosecurity measures in farms to improve international trade of cattle opportunities.
All ear-tagged animals and identities of their owners are registered onto a central database, where animal movement is recorded to make it easy to trace the animal back to the owner.
Once the system is fully implemented, each animal slaughtered in any abattoir can be traced to where it was farmed, the farming conditions where the animal was farmed, and all animal health practices the animal was exposed to.
This will also make it possible to identify owners of registered animals, thus improving the recovery of stolen animals.
DRDAR is implementing this national policy through collaboration with the Agricultural Research Council (ARC).
Currently, the department has trained and registered more than 250 veterinarians, scientists, animal health technicians and extension advisors to lead the implementation of the system. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 05/13/2024 - 10:11
The South African Government has learnt with sadness of devastating floods in northern Afghanistan that have claimed more than 300 lives.
The Government and the people of South Africa stand in solidarity with those affected by this tragedy and laud the emergency rescue and medical personnel in their tireless rescue efforts.
South Africa extends heartfelt condolences to the people of Afghanistan following these flash floods and offers our deepest sympathy to those families who lost their loved ones as well as their homes.
The thoughts of the South African people are with the people of Afghanistan.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
Outsourced CFO marked a significant milestone as they were honoured with the prestigious title of Xero Partner of the Year 2024. The award was accepted by Jacques le Grange and Damian Baker during a vibrant ceremony, celebrating their leadership in cloud accounting. This accolade comes as a recognition of the exceptional contributions made by the …
Patel to preside over launch of MEDTECH
Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) Minister Ebrahim Patel is today presiding over the launch of the Medical Technology (MEDTECH) Master Plan by industry stakeholders at the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) in Sandton.
The MEDTECH Master Plan aims to provide guidance for the public and private sectors to dedicate resources and time in strengthening the sector in order to place it on a growth trajectory.
This process will involve developing agreements on areas for intervention, collaboration, and commitments for ongoing development and investment.
One of the objectives of the plan is to grow a competitive medical technology industry over the next three years, with special focus on the development of small to medium enterprises that will eventually supply domestic and international markets.
The MEDTECH industry in South Africa has been identified as a potentially important contributor to economic growth and employment, whilst simultaneously enabling an improvement in health provision and quality of life for the South African population.
The industry is diverse, using various materials to produce a variety of products such as metals (titanium-based implants), chemicals (disinfectants), textiles (bandages and dressings), plastics (catheters, IV administration sets), wood (tongue depressors) and chemicals/minerals/plants that go into the manufacture of wound products.
The industry gained prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic as South African manufacturers tooled up to meet the growing need for medical devices.
South Africa is one of the largest MEDTECH markets across Africa and the Middle East, estimated at R21 billion in 2021 and is projected to grow to R29.6 billion by 2025. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 05/13/2024 - 10:30
Gauteng, South Africa – TT Waterproofing, a trusted leader in the roofing and waterproofing industry, announces its commitment to providing tailored solutions for the unique challenges faced by industrial clients. With over 9 years of experience serving the Gauteng region and beyond, TT Waterproofing continues to uphold its reputation for excellence and reliability. Industrial facilities …
Get ready for an electrifying celebration at the SA Podcast & Music Festival, where industry titans in podcasting and music are set to converge under one dynamic roof. Hosted during South Africa’s vibrant Youth Month on June 14th and 15th, this festival promises an unforgettable experience for aspiring and established podcasters alike. The festival lineup …