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Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance can reveal that since 2018, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has paid out over R2,2 billion in civil claims for wrongful arrests and detentions. In response to a parliamentary question, the Minister of Police, Bheki Cele, revealed that under his watch, the SAPS has coughed up compensation in civil …
In the realm of promotional products, choosing the right item can make all the difference in how a brand is perceived. Among the myriad options available, custom cooler bags have emerged as a popular choice for businesses across Australia, blending functionality with effective branding. Let’s explore why these items are becoming go-to gifts for companies …
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 …
The final round of the 2024 Rugby Africa Women's Cup organized by Rugby Africa (www.RugbyAfrique.com), the continental governing body of Rugby across Africa will be streamed live for the first time on RugbyPass TV (www.RugbyPass.com), official free streaming service of World Rugby, at 13:00 (East Africa Time) local time in Antananarivo, Madagascar on Sunday, May 12.
Defending champions, South Africa will compete against host nation Madagascar, to secure pathway for the 2025 Women's World Cup in England. Runner-up will qualify for the WX3 tournament in Dubai scheduled for October 2024.
Launched in 2023, the official global streaming platform of World Rugby (www.World.Rugby), Rugby Pass TV, aims to grow the global game by making rugby more accessible to fans worldwide for free. The live streaming of the Rugby Africa Women's tournament on Rugby Pass TV highlights the growing interest in women's rugby across the African continent. This occasion provides an opportunity for fans to support their teams and experience the thrill of the game. The match will also be live streamed on Super Sport YouTube Page, Rugby Africa Facebook and YouTube Page. In addition to live stream, the final round will be broadcasted on SuperSport.
The Rugby Africa Women's Tournament is a continental rugby union competition organized by Rugby Africa. Participating countries in the three round tournaments include Cameroon, Kenya, Madagascar and South Africa. All three rounds of the women's tournament are actively taking at the Stadis Makis in Antananrivo, Madagascar, following commencement on May 4. It is the second time Madagascar is hosting the Rugby Africa Women's tournament, having done so successfully in 2023.
The final round of the Rugby Africa' Women's Cup will be kicking of at 13:00 (East Africa Time), with Kenya' Lionesses competing against Cameroon. Followed by the deciding match South Africa's Springboks and Madagascar at 15:00 (East Africa Time).
To Access Live Stream:
RugbyPass TV: https://apo-opa.co/3USxcMu
SuperSport: https://apo-opa.co/3wkaZ0E
Rugby Africa YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/3WD8NvD
Rugby Africa Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4dAAXgY
To View Broadcast:
SuperSport Linear: Channel 244
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Rugby Africa.
Media contact:
Nicole Vervelde
Communications Advisor to the President of Rugby Africa
rugby@apo-opa.com
About Rugby Africa:
Rugby Africa (www.RugbyAfrique.com) is the governing body of rugby in Africa and one of the regional associations under World Rugby. It unites all African countries that play rugby union, rugby sevens, and women's rugby. Rugby Africa organizes various competitions, including the qualifying tournaments for the Rugby World Cup and the Africa Sevens, a qualifying competition for the Olympic Games. With 39 member unions, Rugby Africa is dedicated to promoting and developing rugby across the continent. World Rugby highlighted Ghana, Nigeria and Zambia as three of the six emerging nations experiencing strong growth in rugby.
Community Talent Takes Centre Stage at Sammy Marks Square: Battle of the Choirs Competition Offers R55,000 in Prizes. Get ready for an electrifying showcase of musical talent as Sammy Marks Square in the heart of Pretoria, presents The Battle of the Choirs Competition! With up to R55,000 in prizes up for grabs, this event promises …
Community Talent Takes Centre Stage at Golden Walk Shopping: Battle of the Choirs Competition Offers R55,000 in Prizes. Get ready for an electrifying showcase of musical talent as Golden Walk Shopping Centre in the heart of Germiston, presents The Battle of the Choirs Competition! With up to R55,000 in prizes up for grabs, this event …
Community Talent Takes Centre Stage at Maponya Mall: Battle of the Choirs Competition Offers R55,000 in Prizes. Get ready for an electrifying showcase of musical talent as Maponya Mall Shopping Centre in the heart of Soweto, presents The Battle of the Choirs Competition! With up to R55,000 in prizes up for grabs, this event promises …
Labour dept institutes strict controls for service providers
Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi has warned service providers linked to the Labour Activation Programme (LAP) that they will not be paid without their performance being checked.
“The department expects delivery, compliance with contractual obligations, professionalism, quality work, measurable outputs and impactful interventions from you,” said Nxesi while delivering his keynote address at the Labour Activation Programme launch in Kimberley, Northern Cape, on Friday.
Nxesi said the department has employed systems and processes to monitor the performance of LAP service providers.
This comes after eight LAP service providers accepted and signed a pledge to provide training to 23 070 young people in the Northern Cape.
The training, with a budget of R558 million, will focus on sectors including agriculture, construction, hospitality, security, energy, call centres, and new venture creations.
Nxesi said the department has also been focusing on reconfiguring, along with its entities, to strengthen and improve effectiveness.
“We are currently implementing the recommendations of an independent review of the Unemployment Insurance Fund and the Compensation Fund, focusing on strengthening service delivery and innovation, and developing effective and efficient business processes and systems.
“This includes an established project management office to monitor projects, enforce contracts and evaluate outcomes,” Nxesi said.
After the LAP launch, Nxesi visited a Jobs/Careers Fair -- also hosted by the department -- at Galeshewe Stadium.
The event was attended by scores of work seekers from nearby communities.
IMAGES | Jobs Fair @Galeshewe Stadium
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Nxesi advised job seekers to use their mobile phones to register on the department’s Employment Services of South Africa database, and to apply for LAP opportunities when they are advertised.
The Minister also advised job seekers to be aware of unscrupulous and bogus employers advertising fake opportunities.
He also urged them to report unscrupulous recruitment agencies, who charge job seekers a fee for employment opportunities, to the department and the South African Police Service. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Sun, 05/12/2024 - 08:28
South Africa seeks additional provisional measures in Gaza
South Africa has returned to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to seek an urgent order from the court for the protection of Palestinian people in Gaza amid Israel’s ongoing military assault on Rafah.
The urgent application filed on Friday follows the escalation of Israel’s assault on Rafah, which poses an extreme risk to humanitarian supplies, basic services into Gaza, the survival of the Palestinian medical system, and the survival of Palestinians in Gaza as a group.
In a statement issued by the Presidency on Saturday, President Cyril Ramaphosa said South Africa contends that the attack on Rafah further worsens the prevailing situation and causes irreparable harm to the rights of Palestinians in Gaza, and that the situation has changed significantly since the Court’s order of 28 March 2024.
Rafah is home to 1.5 million Palestinians, and it is the last refuge in Gaza for those displaced by Israeli action. It is the last viable centre for public administration and the provision of basic public services, including medical care.
“Since the start of the military action in Rafah, Israel has seized control of both the Rafah and Kerem Shalom (Karem Abu Salem) crossings, effectively controlling all movement in and out of Gaza, and cutting off all critical humanitarian and medical supplies, goods and fuel.
“Israel has further prevented medical evacuations and has treated evacuation zones as extermination zones, as evidenced with the destruction of hospitals in Gaza and discovery of mass graves in other major health care facilities in the Strip,” President Ramaphosa said.
South Africa has called for urgent interventions and investigations of all actions that continue to cause irreparable prejudice to the rights of Palestinians, including the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for targeted killings.
South Africa called on the State of Israel to immediately withdraw and cease its military offensive in the Rafah Governorate, and take all effective measures to ensure and facilitate the unimpeded access to Gaza of United Nations and other officials engaged in the provision of humanitarian aid and assistance to the population of Gaza.
The country also called for fact-finding missions by internationally mandated bodies or officials, investigators and journalists in order to assess and record conditions on the ground in Gaza and enable the effective preservation and retention of evidence and shall ensure that its military does not act to prevent such access, provision, preservation or retention.
“The State of Israel shall submit an open report to the Court on all measures taken to give effect to these provisional measures within one week as from the date of this Order; and on all measures taken to give effect to all previous provisional measures indicated by the Court within one month as from the date of this Order,” the President said.
South Africa also requested that the Court reaffirm and seek urgent compliance by Israel with the provisional measures ordered by the Court on 26 January and 28 March 2024.
“South Africa remains firmly of the view that the necessary condition for the effective implementation of the Court’s provisional measures is a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. We call on the international community, including the allies of the State of Israel, not to turn a blind eye to the ongoing genocide in Gaza.
“The gross human rights violations perpetuated by Israel have scaled to incomprehensible levels of cruelty, hate and extreme violent oppression. The world must do more to end the persecution of Palestinians, including that of many innocent women and children,” President Ramaphosa said.
President Ramaphosa said South Africa is deeply heartened by the protest actions of university students in the United States and other parts of the world.
READ | Pandor reiterates stance on Israel
“We are also greatly encouraged by the adoption of the United Nations General Assembly draft resolution that recommends to the Security Council to reconsider favourably the application by the State of Palestine for full membership of the United Nations.
“The support of this resolution shown by 143 countries is a further demonstration that the world is listening to the cries of the Palestinians,” Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Sun, 05/12/2024 - 10:12
IEC to brief on election readiness
The Electoral Commission (IEC) will on Tuesday brief media on the general readiness for 2024 National and Provincial Elections at Election House in Centurion.
“The briefing will cover the preparations for out-of-country voting, which is scheduled to take place in 111 foreign missions on Friday, 17 May and Saturday, 18 May 2024,” the commission said in a statement.
More than 78 000 South African citizens living in other countries will cast their vote on 17, 18 and 19 May 2024.
The Commission also reminded voters that the deadline for applications to vote outside of their district is on Friday, 17 May 2024 at 5pm.
Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission says it has noted the Constitutional Court ruling on the matters brought before it by three political parties concerning their exclusion from the national and provincial ballots.
The three parties -- the Labour Party, the African Congress for Transformation Party, and the African Alliance for Social Democrats Party -- approached the Constitutional Court on an urgent basis to re-open the candidate nomination and submission period of the election timetable and/or postpone the elections as proclaimed.
During a hearing on Friday, the Constitutional Court ruled that the three parties will be excluded from the ballot paper of the 2024 elections.
“The ruling by the Constitutional Court allows the Electoral Commission to continue with final preparations for the general elections on Wednesday, 29 May 2024. The Electoral Commission is focused on fulfilling its mandate of delivering free, fair, and credible 2024 National and Provincial Elections,” the Commission said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Sun, 05/12/2024 - 11:15
Sotyu to hand over Mabama forestry plantation
Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) Deputy Minister, Makhotso Sotyu, will on Tuesday hand over the Mabama forestry plantation to the Mashamba Traditional Council in Limpopo.
The handing over ceremony of the plantation, to be held at Vhembe TVET College in Ha-Mashamba, comes after the successful conclusion of a Community Forestry Agreement (CFA) between the Mashamba Traditional Council and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE).
The department said the handover of the plantation aims to empower communities living in the vicinity, enabling them to manage the asset effectively and participate meaningfully in the forestry economy.
“The plantation, with predominantly eucalyptus, plays a vital role in sustainable forestry management and is essential for the transformation agenda that is emphasised in the Commercial Forestry Sector Masterplan. This plantation measures approximately 71.92 hectares in extent,” the department said in a statement. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Sun, 05/12/2024 - 11:40
Salute to nurses!
As the world celebrates International Nurses Day, the South African Nursing Council (SANC) has called on South African citizens to show appreciation for every nurse working tirelessly towards the health of the nation.
International Nurses Day is celebrated annually on 12 May, the birthday of the founder of modern-day nursing Florence Nightingale.
The 2024 International Nurses Day is celebrated under the theme: “Our Nurses. Our Future. The economic power of care”.
Affirming this year’s theme, SANC Registrar and CEO, Professor Ntombifikile Mtshali, said nurses are vital to the sustainability and effectiveness of healthcare systems, making the economic investment in nursing a priority.
“Without nurses, the right to healthcare for all cannot be achieved. Nursing is a noble profession, which requires the highest degree of professionalism, ethical leadership and practice, resilience, dedication, and care,” Mtshali said.
Mtshali said the health system cannot function without nursing as its backbone – a lesson that was learnt by all during the COVID-19 pandemic.
She said reports on the nursing workforce across the world point to a dire and chronic shortage of nurses.
“Never has the time been more apt to invest more in nursing than right now.
“International Nurses Day presents an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the incredible work of all the nurses; their selfless contribution to saving lives and providing quality care to all.
“To reiterate the words of the ICN President, Pamela Cipriano, nursing is not a cost. It is an investment into our economy, as a healthy economy requires healthy minds and bodies to support it, making nursing’s economic and societal benefits a key consideration,” Mtshali said.
The Council wished all nurses a happy International Nurses Day. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Sun, 05/12/2024 - 12:05
George collapsed building death toll rises to 16
As rescue and recovery efforts continue into the sixth day at the site of the collapsed building at Victoria Street in George, the number of deaths has risen to 16.
In a statement issued on Sunday morning, George Municipality confirmed 16 deaths, with 36 people still unaccounted for, and 14 in hospital.
“The Joint District Operations Centre adheres to a stringent double verification protocol to ensure the accuracy of the reported numbers. This is done in close collaboration with recovery teams, hospitals and forensic services.
“We urgently call for professional psychosocial support practitioners proficient in Chewa, Portuguese and Shona languages to assist survivors and their families. Interested practitioners can contact Kholiswa Jobela at 078 210 5972 or Apolus Swart at 061 504 4205,” the municipality said.
READ | Emergency personnel "true heroes" as 36 pulled from building site
The municipality has commended emergency services and firefighters, and everyone supporting the rescuers.
“Your strength and dedication is truly inspiring.” – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Sun, 05/12/2024 - 10:55
SMMEs gear up for Africa’s Travel Indaba
With just one day to go until the start of Africa’s Travel Indaba (ATI) 2024, over 120 hopeful and excited small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) are gearing up for the highlight of their marketing calendars.
Themed, 'Unlocking Opportunities', the renowned Africa Travel Indaba, which will take place at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, from 13 to 16 May 2024, is expected to connect the tourism industry with unlimited opportunities.
The event is expected to be attended by 9 000 delegates from over 25 countries.
Acting CEO for Tourism KwaZulu-Natal (TKZN), Sibusiso Gumbi, said of the 120 SMMEs, 15 are KwaZulu-Natal-based SMMEs, which are part of TKZN's Tourism Enterprise Development Programme.
Gumbi said the SMMEs will be using every opportunity to showcase and sell their products and services to the thousands of domestic and international travel buyers attending the indaba.
“These fledgling businesses exhibiting on the TKZN stand have an integral part to play in the growth and development of the tourism sector. SMMEs not only contribute to job creation but are important for bringing new products to market and creating jobs,” Gumbi said.
Whilst most outbound travel is dominated by corporates, Gumbi noted that 80% of those serving the inbound market are small owner-managed operations.
“In fact, small businesses account for more than 80% of the tourism industry as a whole.
“We want SMMEs to grow into substantial players in this critical sector of our economy. However, we know transformation will not occur spontaneously but requires deliberate and sustained effort from all stakeholders.
“For this reason, we have implemented various programmes to ensure that our SMMEs get the much deserved and needed support. Enabling SMMEs to attend ATI is one of the ways in which we assist emerging tourism businesses,” Gumbi said.
EThekwini Municipality’s Economic Development and Planning Committee Chairperson, Thembo Ntuli said the city’s economy will benefit immensely from hosting this four-day event.
“Hotel occupancy is expected to be between 85% and 95%. The total expected spending is estimated at R177 million, contributing R439 million to eThekwini’s GDP with 796 jobs to be created,” Ntuli said. SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Sun, 05/12/2024 - 09:17
Albert Mpazayabo hopes his thesis on integration of refugees in South Africa will be taken seriously by the authorities
GroundUp asked for details of billions of rands in grants the Department of Social Development paid to non-profit organisations
Presidency and Department of Basic Education commit to respond to demands by Equal Education
Part of Gauteng’s Winnie Mandela drive reopened
Gauteng MEC for Transport and Logistics, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, has officially reopened the southbound section of the road connecting the N1 and N14 highways as the comprehensive upgrade of the entire seven kilometre Winnie Mandela Drive nears completion.
The reopening of the ongoing reconstruction project of Winnie Mandela Drive (K46) in Diepsloot, located in the Fourways area, north of Johannesburg is expected to alleviate congestion in the area.
On Thursday, the MEC highlighted the road's crucial role in linking Gauteng, underscoring its social significance, economic impact, and facilitation of traffic flow from Pretoria to Sandton via Diepsloot.
"Upon completion, this artery will enable commuters to travel directly from Fourways to Pretoria via the Winnie Mandela Drive route,” she said.
The road that is nearing completion has already catalysed several planned developments, including mixed-use activities within Steyn City, expected to spur job creation and bolster Gauteng's economy.
Key contributor Steyn City Properties (Pty) Ltd is investing 30%, as per the Implementing Agency Agreement, ensuring active participation of Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) contractors, empowering emerging contractors, and promoting job creation.
"This initiative aligns with our vision of bringing essential services closer to residents and demonstrating improved service delivery. The K46 Phase 2 project stands as a testament to our commitment to enhancing the quality of life of the people of Gauteng," the MEC said. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Fri, 05/10/2024 - 09:12
No lack of investor confidence in SA - Minister Ntshavheni
Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshaveni, has reiterated government’s stance that “there are no investors leaving" the country in droves.
This as some media reports stated earlier this month that Shell is leaving South Africa after operating in the country for over 100 years.
The Minister was speaking on the sidelines of the Presidential District Development Model (DDM) Imbizo held at Kuruman in the Northern Cape on Thursday.
“There are no investors that are leaving the country in droves. You are dealing with commercial transactions which companies look at. One company comes out, another one comes in.
“[There was] a story that VW was leaving South Africa. VW just reinvested R4 billion preparing for a new line of auto-manufacturing vehicles that are coming in 2027 to 2029. So, it’s commercial transactions that happen globally. Every business looks at their own opportunities and says what’s in their own interest and it doesn’t mean it’s a reflection on the investor confidence in the country,” she said.
The Minister said investments “continue to flow into this country” – citing the Boegoebaai green hydrogen project as an example.
“I could churn out the numbers that are invested. The President has mentioned Boegoebaai. There are international investors that have partnered with us on Boegoebaai and there are South African companies themselves.
“What’s important is when your own businesses invest in your own country – that’s most significant than anything else because it shows the international community that we have confidence,” she said.
In the State of the Nation Address (SONA) earlier this year, President Cyril Ramaphosa highlighted that green hydrogen and electric vehicle manufacturing are receiving particular attention.
“We are going to set up a Special Economic Zone in the Boegoebaai port to drive investment in green energy. There is a great deal of interest from the private sector to participate in the boom that will be generated from green hydrogen energy projects,” the President said at the time.
Load shedding and logistics
Addressing the challenge of load shedding and the issues in freight rail to businesses, Ntshavheni said government is steadily working on those challenges.
“Three months ago, the media was saying load shedding is making sure that investors leave but we have handled load shedding up to where we are [more than a month without load shedding].
“There are notions that we are burning diesel. We are not burning diesel. Eskom has told us that they are switching off some [generating units]. They are putting some in maintenance early because we’ve got excess power.
“We have been dealing with the logistics issue with Transnet in Durban in particular and they are back on speed in terms of the backlog that they faced. So, there is no lack of investor confidence in our country.
“In terms of the World Bank, we are still rated the largest economy in Africa…and we compete with other countries toe to toe in terms of attracting investments,” Ntshavheni concluded. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Fri, 05/10/2024 - 09:37
Hey there, music lovers! Today, we’re going to take a groovy trip down memory lane and chart the incredible journey of the legendary band, Kool and the Gang. Get ready to dance to the infectious beats of R&B, soul, and funk as we explore the history of this iconic group. South African fans can get […]
Some Port Elizabeth TVET College student leaders claim they are being denied access to the college unfairly
W Cape Education urges parents to apply for Grades 1 and 8 before closing date
The Western Cape Department of Education has urged parents to apply for Grades 1 and 8 in 2025 before the online window for late applications closes on 12 May 2024.
Since the on-time admissions window for parents applying for a place for their child in Grade 1 or 8 in 2025 closed on 12 April, the provincial department said it received late applications for an additional 11 464 learners.
This brings to 114 144 the total number of learners whose parents have submitted applications for Grades 1 and 8 in 2025.
“We thank the parents who have already applied so far, as they are helping us to plan better for a place for their child in a school next year,” the department said.
According to data, 87% of applications have been captured on the online system by parents themselves.
The online admissions system is zero-rated and does not use any data.
However, if parents need in-person help capturing their application, they can visit their education district office for assistance.
Parents of Grade 1 and 8 learners, who did not apply before 12 May, will need to contact their district office for assistance as soon as possible thereafter.
“We urge parents not to wait until the last minute to apply,” the department said.
The window for Grade R applications and transfer requests for Grades 2 to 7 and 9 to 12 will run from 1 to 16 August.
Parents are reminded that they will only need to drop off their certified hard copies once they have received an offer from a school and accepted the offer.
The outcomes of the on-time applications online will start trickling in from 30 May and parents must accept or decline offers before 14 June.
The department is also encouraging them to confirm their choice of school speedily when they have received offers from multiple schools.
“These parents are essentially ‘double parking’ on the system, stopping schools from offering these places to other applicants until they make their choice.”
If a parent has not confirmed their choice by 14 June, the system will automatically confirm their top-ranked school that has made an offer and all other offers will then be removed, so that those places can be offered to other learners.
“Parents who do not receive an offer on 30 May should not be disheartened. Places always open up as parents confirm their final choices. We will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to place every learner whose parents applied on time as quickly as possible,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 05/10/2024 - 10:35
NERSA approves Sasol Gas application
The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) has approved Sasol Gas (Pty) Ltd.’s application for a maximum price of gas for the period 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025.
The Energy Regulator said the maximum gas price is expected to facilitate the achievement of the policy imperatives contemplated in the Gas Act’s objectives.
“Sasol Gas applied for a maximum price determined on the basis of a ‘cost-plus’ principle set out in the 2023 Methodology. The effective date of the approved maximum prices of gas will be 01 June 2024. The approved maximum prices of gas will remain effective until the date of approval of other maximum prices by the Energy Regulator,” NERSA on Friday.
The application for a maximum price of gas has been approved as follows:
“The approved maximum price is exclusive of VAT. NERSA's decision implies that the maximum price level approved is fair and reasonable, after it has taken into consideration the provisions of the Gas Act of 2001 and the associated regulations,” the Energy Regulator said.
The detailed decision and reasons for the decision document regarding the above decision is available on the NERSA website at www.nersa.org.za. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Fri, 05/10/2024 - 14:11
Introduction Dust is more than just a nuisance; it can be a serious hazard in many work environments. Controlling it is not only essential for cleanliness but also for health and safety. This article explores effective strategies for dust control and how they can benefit various industries. Why Dust Control Matters Dust accumulation can lead …
