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In the realm of hosting, the art of presenting a delightful spread can transform any gathering into an unforgettable experience. Whether it’s a casual get-together, a festive celebration, or a formal event, the choice of food plays a pivotal role in setting the tone. For those in search of culinary inspiration, look no further than …
Top NBA Academy Africa Prospects Khaman Maluach and Ulrich Chomche Join BAL (www.BAL.NBA.com) Teams As Part of 2024 BAL Elevate Program; Fans Can Watch All Games Live on the NBA App (https://apo-opa.co/4a0Kzz0), NBA.com, BAL.NBA.com and the BAL's YouTube (www.youtube.com/@theBAL) Channel; Games Will Reach Fans in 214 Countries and Territories in 17 Languages; Tickets on Sale Now at BAL.NBA.com and Ticketmaster.co.za for the Games in Pretoria; Fans Can Save Up to 35% On Group Packages
The Basketball Africa League (BAL) today announced the 47 players from 10 countries (https://apo-opa.co/3TnVMnL) across Africa, Europe and the U.S. who will compete in the inaugural Kalahari Conference group phase from Saturday, March 9 – Sunday, March 17 at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria, South Africa, as well as the league's global broadcast distribution for the 2024 BAL season*.
The fourth BAL season will feature the top 12 club teams (https://apo-opa.co/3TnVMnL) from 12 African countries playing a record 48 games in Pretoria; Cairo, Egypt; Dakar, Senegal; and Kigali, Rwanda, marking the first BAL games in South Africa and the first time the league will play games in four different countries.
The four teams competing in the Kalahari Conference group phase – home team and three-time BAL participant Cape Town Tigers (South Africa), first-time BAL participant Dynamo Basketball Club (Burundi), first-time BAL participant FUS Rabat Basketball (Morocco) and 2022 BAL runner-up Petro de Luanda (Angola) – collectively feature four players with NBA and NBA G League experience, 11 former NCAA Division I players, four NBA Academy Africa prospects, four former Basketball Without Borders (BWB) campers, five players who have participated in the FIBA Basketball World Cup and 13 players with FIBA AfroBasket experience.
Top NBA Academy Africa prospects Khaman Maluach, a native of South Sudan who will play for the City Oilers (Uganda), and Ulrich Chomche, a native of Cameroon who will play for APR (Rwanda), are among the 12 NBA Academy Africa prospects who will compete in the 2024 BAL season as part of the third edition of the BAL Elevate program (https://apo-opa.co/42IkW3v). Maluach and Chomche previously participated in the 2022 and 2023 BAL seasons.
The 2024 BAL season will reach fans in 214 countries and territories in 17 languages through free-to-air and paid TV broadcast partnerships with the African Union of Broadcasting, American Forces Network (AFN), Canal+, NBA TV, Tencent Video, TSN, TV5 Monde, Visionary TV and Voice of America (VOA), and livestreaming on the NBA App (https://apo-opa.co/4a0Kzz0), NBA.com, BAL.NBA.com and the BAL's YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/43gfoxt) channel.
In the season opener, FUS Rabat Basketball will face Petro de Luanda at 4:00 p.m. CAT. In the second game, the Cape Town Tigers will take on Dynamo Basketball Club at 7:00 p.m. CAT. Tickets for the Kalahari Conference group phase in Pretoria are on sale now at BAL.NBA.com and Ticketmaster.co.za. Single game tickets for the Kalahari Conference group phase start at 75 ZAR. Fans can save up to 35% off single game ticket prices for group packages by emailing BalTickets@thebal.com. Fans who purchase tickets will also have free access to BAL Fan Zones at the arena in each market.
The 12 teams have been divided into three conferences of four teams each. Each conference will play a 12-game group phase during which each team will face the other three teams in its conference twice. New this season, the home team in each market will play on every gameday, including on the weekends. The Nile Conference group phase will take place from Friday, April 19 – Saturday, April 27 at Hassan Mostafa Indoor Sports Complex in Cairo. The Sahara Conference group phase will take place from Saturday, May 4 – Sunday, May 12 at the Dakar Arena in Dakar. The top two teams from each conference and the top two third-place teams from across the three conferences will travel to BK Arena in Kigali for four seeding games followed by an eight-game, single-elimination Playoffs and Finals from Friday, May 24 – Saturday, June 1.
Linked here (https://apo-opa.co/4bYS1MO) please find select Kalahari Conference group phase player and coach storylines, and here (https://apo-opa.co/4c62yps) please find complete details about the 2024 BAL season's global broadcast distribution. Rosters for the Nile Conference and Sahara Conference group phases will be announced at a later date.
*Rosters are subject to change and will be updated in real-time on the team roster pages on www.BAL.NBA.com
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Basketball Africa League (BAL).
Download here:
View Kalahari Conference Group Phase Rosters (https://apo-opa.co/3TnVMnL)
Basketball Africa League Season 4 Hype Video (https://apo-opa.co/3T9WdRj)
Contact:
Edwin Eselem
Basketball Africa League
+221 78 615 42 87
EEselem@theBAL.com
About the BAL:
The Basketball Africa League (BAL), a partnership between the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and NBA Africa, is a professional league featuring 12 club teams from across Africa that will tip off its fourth season in March 2024. Headquartered in Dakar, Senegal, the BAL builds on the foundation of club competitions FIBA Africa has organized across the continent and marks the NBA's first collaboration to operate a league outside North America. Fans can follow the BAL (@theBAL) on Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/3IryMxW), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/48G8a76), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/49zyG3f), X, and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/43gfoxt) and register their interest in receiving more information at www.BAL.NBA.com.
Call for improvement in efforts to deal with new alien species
With new alien species continuing to arrive in the country every year, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Barbara Creecy, has called for enhanced efforts to prevent the introduction of new invasive species through vigilance at borders and risk analyses.
“Early detection and rapid response systems should be strengthened to identify and eradicate invaders before they become established. We must continue investing in research and innovation, supporting studies that enhance our understanding of invasive species dynamics to improve management strategies,” Creecy said on Friday in Pretoria.
The Minister was addressing the launch of the report on the 3rd National Status of Biological Invasions and their Management in South Africa, which shows that over the last decade, 32 new alien species were either illegally or accidentally introduced, a rate of approximately three introductions per year.
“It is essential to recognise that the impacts of biological invasions extend beyond the realm of biodiversity alone. They have far-reaching consequences on our economy, agriculture, water resources and public health. Invasive species can devastate agricultural lands, leading to reduced crop yields and increased production costs.
“They can also impair water quality, clog waterways, and impact our ability to access clean drinking water. Additionally, some invasive species pose risks to human health by acting as carriers of diseases or causing allergic reactions,” the Minister said.
She said the national status report on biological invasions serves as a clarion call for action and is a reminder of the urgency of the situation and the imperative to act decisively.
“By working together, we can protect our natural heritage, restore damaged ecosystems and secure a sustainable future for South Africa. I urge all stakeholders to embrace the findings of this report.
“Let us unite in our resolve to address the challenges of biological invasions, ensuring that South Africa remains a beacon of biodiversity and a sanctuary for our precious indigenous plants, animals and ecosystems that support sustainable development and human wellbeing,” Creecy said.
South Africa has an innovative regulatory system to address biological invasions, with decisions being more directly informed by the available scientific evidence.
“For example, all legal introductions of new alien species require import permits and are issued only if the risks are demonstrated to be sufficiently low. In addition, the new National Border Management Authority has committed to improving the prevention of illegal and accidental introductions,” the Minister said.
The report shows that invasive species, in particular trees and freshwater fishes, have major negative impacts on people and nature across the country by reducing South Africa’s water resources, degrading pasturelands and exacerbating fires.
“In mountain catchments, we are seeing pine trees using up water, increasing the intensity of wildfires, and crowding out biodiversity. Alien freshwater fishes are invading our water resources, reducing the diversity of our native fishes and other aquatic organisms,” the Minister said.
Between 2020 and 2022, government invested over R1.5 billion to address biological invasions, targeting priority areas such as strategic water source areas, protected areas and biodiversity hotspots.
“These interventions have also created much-needed employment, especially in rural areas. Several notable initiatives by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) raised over R180 million from the private sector to fund the control of invasive freshwater fishes and alien plants in the water catchments around Cape Town. This model could be replicated across other catchments and priority areas,” the Minister said.
According to the report, there are 44 alien species on Marion Island, over half of which are invasive, while there are eight alien species present on Prince Edward Island, all of which are invasive.
“Biological invasions on the Prince Edward Islands are being addressed through effective biosecurity and on-island management. The house mouse is the most harmful alien species on Marion Island. The mice feed on plants, invertebrates, and endangered seabirds.
“They also affect ecosystem processes such as sediment movement rates and nutrient cycling. Bold plans to eradicate the house mouse from Marion Island have been developed and are due to be implemented in 2027.
“The eradication of mice from Marion Island is essential if its unique biodiversity is to be preserved. There is, however, still much work to be done,” the Minister said.
Link to the report: https://www.sanbi.org/resources/documents/. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Fri, 03/08/2024 - 12:53
MSC's R350m investment poised to boost KZN economy
The Mediterranean Shipping Company SA’s (MSC) R350 million investment in KwaZulu-Natal will go a long way in boosting the provincial economy and creating jobs for the local community.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, said this at the unveiling of MSC's new cold storage facility at Cator Manor in Chesterville, Durban.
Officially opened on Thursday night, the facility has the capacity to accommodate 10 000 pallets and is poised to meet the growing demands of the cold logistics market and ensure the preservation of temperature-sensitive goods, guaranteeing their quality during transit.
Delivering the keynote address, Dube-Ncube expressed her appreciation to MSC for choosing KZN as their investment destination of choice, noting the state-of-the-art facility represents an investment in the development and construction of a cutting-edge cold storage facility.
“The investment by MSC is not only a vote of confidence in our economy but it shows that if we work together as government and the private sector, there is so much we can achieve.
“The fact that MSC has invested R350 million in the construction and development of this cold storage facility, is a clear demonstration that you share our positive outlook for the future growth of KwaZulu-Natal,” Dube-Ncube said.
MSC South Africa Chairperson, Captain Salvatore Sarno, said the establishment of the cold storage facility underscores MSC's commitment to enhancing supply chain reliability for perishable goods, and playing a pivotal role in facilitating the international trade of temperature-sensitive products worldwide.
Sarno said South African exporters are set to benefit from a comprehensive logistics solution enabling their perishable products to reach global markets seamlessly via sea transport.
"We are proud to unveil this state-of-the-art cold storage facility, which not only reinforces our dedication to supporting the South African economy but also underscores our commitment to job creation and economic growth.
"This investment exemplifies our ongoing efforts to provide value-added services to our customers while contributing to the development of the local economy," Sarno said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 03/08/2024 - 12:07
Dear Editor The announcement by the Minister of Public Enterprises, Pravin Gordhan, that he will be resigning from government at the end of the current administration caps a disastrous tenure that has left behind a trail of destruction in the State Owned Enterprises (SOE) sector. Gordhan squandered the public goodwill that he had at the …
Patel completes working visit to China
Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Ebrahim Patel and a high-level delegation have completed a four-day working visit to Shanghai, Nanjing and Beijing to meet with government officials, investors and a number of Chinese electric vehicles and battery manufacturers.
Patel was hosted by his Chinese counterpart, Wang Wentao, the Chinese Minister of Commerce, at a bilateral meeting and working dinner during the visit.
The discussion reviewed trade relations and considered steps taken to implement agreements signed during President Xi Jinping’s State Visit in August 2023. New opportunities were also identified to strengthen economic ties. The leaders also discussed a possible Memorandum of Understanding on the automotive industry.
During his visit, Patel held bilateral meetings with eight Chinese companies, met six South African companies operating in China and undertook two factory site visits.
The SA delegation met with six potential Chinese investors in the electric vehicle value chain. Four are vehicle manufacturers, namely the Shanghai Automotive Industrial Corporation (SAIC), BYD Auto Manufacturers (the world’s largest electric vehicle producer), Foton Group and Beijing Automotive Industrial Group (BAIC).
The meetings were held with two battery producers: CATL - the world’s largest battery producer, and Gotion Hi-Tech International, who have a partnership with Volkswagen.
“The investors we met were very interested in the market particularly with commencement of trade by South Africa under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (the AfCFTA).
“I found them knowledgeable about local market conditions and keen to explore investment partnerships. This builds on positive sentiment we found in September last year in New York among American investors too,” Patel said.
China is the world’s leading producer of electric vehicles (EVs) and batteries. The visit provided Patel with an opportunity to present the South African automotive value proposition and government policy support to companies looking to invest in the South African automotive industry, particularly in EV manufacturing.
The SA automotive industry is supported by stable long-term policies, such as the South African Automotive Master Plan (SAAM) 2035 and a government support package for capital investment, and vehicle and component production.
The South African government released the Electric Vehicle White Paper in December last year. The paper outlines the country’s approach to supporting the transition to zero-emission vehicle production for the export and domestic market.
As part of the support for the transition, government has improved the automotive industry incentive package for electric vehicle production in South Africa. This includes increased investment support through a recently-announced tax measure.
The support from government ensures South Africa can compete in attracting vital investment into the industry that will facilitate the transition of this well-established sector to new energy vehicles. Access to export markets makes South Africa a more attractive investment destination.
Minister Patel also met investors in the steel and energy sectors and discussed their plans for the SA market.
The Minister was accompanied by senior officials from the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and the dtic.
China is currently South Africa’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade estimated at $34 billion (R556 billion) in 2022. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 03/08/2024 - 09:08
Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance has today served court papers on the Minister of Electricity and the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) in relation to their s34 determination to procure 2500Mw of new nuclear power generation. We contend that the determination was procedurally unfair, and failed to permit public comment on the submissions …
Lane closures on N3 in Durban
The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) has advised motorists that the N3 highway between Westville Viaduct and Paradise Valley Interchange in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, will be subject to lane closures.
The road closures will start on Monday, 11 March 2024 to 22 March 2024, between the hours of 8pm and 4.30am.
This is to facilitate the repainting of lane markings and installation of road studs as part of the construction process for the N3 road upgrades from the Westville Viaduct to the Paradise Valley Interchange.
“The lane closures will take place on the east and westbound lanes of the N3 between Westville Viaduct (Pavilion Mall) and Paradise Valley Interchange (N3/M13 split). The Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI), with the assistance of the contractor’s traffic accommodation team, will monitor and manage traffic during this period,” SANRAL’s Eastern Region Project Manager Jason Lowe said on Thursday.
Motorists have been urged to plan their trips and consider alternative routes to ensure safe and timeous arrival at their respective destinations, whilst adhering to speed limits.
“SANRAL apologises for any inconvenience caused during this period of road improvements and appeals to the motoring public to be patient and considerate on the road,” Lowe said. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Fri, 03/08/2024 - 09:37
ACCRA: Wilka Mwatile’s resilient batting display, Kayleen Green’s remarkable three-wicket haul along with wet conditions at Achimota Senior Secondary School played...
Audi South Africa is thrilled to announce the appointment of Ashley Reddy as the new Head of Aftersales and Dealer Network Management. Ashley brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role, having spent 15 years in various leadership positions within the automotive industry. With a focus on aftersales and dealer development, Ashley’s background …
Residents say the Kokstad complex is built in a wetland and “doomed”
They attend boxing classes once a week as part of a project called GOGOBox
Auditor-General red flags potential conflict of interest and oversight issues
Mchunu continues to engage on Joburg City water challenges
Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu continues to engage with the City of Johannesburg on measures to ensure water supply sustainability.
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) said a meeting was convened this week, where a detailed presentation was made by Deputy Director-General for Water and Sanitation Services Management, Dr Risimati Mathye.
The meeting was attended by the city’s Acting Executive Mayor Loyiso Masuku, Joburg Water and the Rand Water Board, amongst others.
Mathye said the city's total average water supply/volume is 1 686 097 kilo litres per day and supplies a population of 5 866 550.
“Notwithstanding its Blue Drop score of 98.1% in 2023, the City of Johannesburg loses 46.1% of the water supplied to it by Rand Water,” Mathye said.
Other challenges noted include an increase in the frequency of water main bursts, the reduction of water storage capacity due to leaking and isolation of reservoirs, and water theft via illegal connections in informal settlements, among others.
Mchunu said the persistent water supply challenges in Johannesburg are of great concern and negatively reflect on all the stakeholders in the sector.
“It requires us to continue engaging on measures to completely address them. The projects required are seemingly easily identifiable, but there are funding constraints that we need to address and resolve," the Minister said.
A follow-up meeting has been scheduled for 18 March 2024.
Working visit to Greater Kokstad
Meanwhile, Mchunu will on Friday embark on a working visit to Greater Kokstad in the Harry Gwala District Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal to assess the status of water and sanitation.
The department said during the visit, Mchunu will hand over the contractor for the raising of the Kempsdale Dam Wall and the construction of a pump station, which is envisaged to augment water supply capacity in areas including Kokstad Town, Kokstad C-Max Prison, Shayamoya and Bhongweni.
“Approximately 69 146 people are expected to benefit upon the completion of this project,” the department said in a statement.
After the handing over of the contractor, Mchunu will hold a meeting with various stakeholders and the community of Kokstad to solicit their views, concerns and comments on the state of water and sanitation provision in the area.
The community engagement will be held at Bhongweni Youth Centre in Kokstad.
The Minister will be accompanied by Harry Gwala District Municipality Mayor Zamo Nxumalo, as well as local municipality mayors and traditional authorities. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 03/07/2024 - 09:55
When searching for the best cloud hosting solutions, the multitude of options can be overwhelming. However, a standout provider in managed cloud hosting is Cloudways. A platform serving over 90,000 SMBs, agencies, developers, and e-commerce sites, it has carved a niche in hosting more than a million websites. Clients are not just seeking hosting but a blend of scalability, reliability, and expertise, …
SA requests ICJ to act to prevent famine in Gaza
South Africa has urgently asked the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to enforce additional emergency measures against Israel to prevent a famine in the Gaza strip.
A statement released by the Presidency on Wednesday detailed that South Africa approached the ICJ with an urgent application for the provisional measures the court ordered on 26 January 2024 to be strengthened.
According to the Presidency, the urgent application has been necessitated by widespread starvation in Gaza, which has claimed the lives of at least 15 children in the past week alone, with the actual numbers believed to be much higher.
It added that the United Nations (UN) experts have warned that the number of deaths will increase exponentially unless military activities are halted and the blockade is lifted.
“The situation is urgent. South Africa has no choice but to approach the Court for the strengthening of the Provisional Measures in place to try prevent full-scale famine, starvation and disease in the Gaza Strip, which experts predict may result in more than 85 000 deaths in the next six months, if nothing is done,” the statement read.
South Africa’s move comes on the back of warnings by the UN General Assembly, and an unprecedented number of UN bodies and human rights experts that have recognised that the only way to avert such a catastrophe is by an immediate cessation of hostilities to enable full and effective delivery of humanitarian aid.
“Time is running out for the Palestinians. It is already too late for the 30 000 people who have lost their lives in Gaza since the start of the conflict. The world has an obligation to do whatever can be done immediately to stop further suffering and loss of life. The threat of all-out famine has now materialised.
“The Court needs to act now to stop the imminent tragedy by immediately and effectively ensuring that the rights it has found are threatened under the Genocide Convention are protected. The people of Gaza cannot wait,” the statement read.
Details of the request
In its application, South Africa has officially called for the indication or modification of several provisional measures related to the ongoing conflict.
The requested actions include an immediate cessation of all fighting and hostilities, the prompt release of hostages and detainees, and the compliance of all parties to the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide with their obligations.
Additionally, South Africa urged the parties to refrain from any actions that may undermine the rights of Palestinians in Gaza to be protected from genocide and related prohibited acts.
The State of Israel is specifically called upon to take swift and effective measures, including suspending military operations in Gaza, lifting the blockade, and revoking any hindrances to Palestinians' access to humanitarian assistance.
Furthermore, Israel is required to provide urgently needed basic services and humanitarian aid, addressing issues like famine and adverse living conditions in Gaza. This entails ensuring access to food, water, fuel, shelter, clothing, hygiene, sanitation, and medical assistance.
Lastly, the state of Israel must submit an open report to the Court within one month detailing the actions taken to implement all ordered provisional measures up to the present date.
ICJ order
On 29 December 2023, South Africa approached the ICJ, as a State Party to the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (‘Genocide Convention’), seeking an order to prevent Israel from committing genocide against the Palestinian people who, along with all other distinct national, racial and ethnical groups, are protected by that Convention.
On 26 January 2024, the Court ruled that South Africa’s claim met the standard of plausibility and, on the request of South Africa, ordered Israel inter alia, to take action to prevent and punish genocide, incitement to genocide, and to enable the immediate and effective provision of basic services and humanitarian assistance to besieged Gaza.
READ | President welcomes ICJ ruling
These ‘Provisional Measures’ were issued by the Court to prevent irreparable and irreversible harm to the rights of Palestinians pending the Court’s final decision on the case.
“Regrettably, Israel has not complied with the Court’s binding order, but has instead escalated its genocidal acts against the Palestinian people. On 15 February 2024, following a letter to the Court from South Africa in response to Israel’s threatened assault on Rafah, the Court reminded Israel that ‘the perilous situation [in Rafah] demands immediate and effective implementation of the provisional measures indicated’ by it on 26 January 2024, which included Israel’s obligation to ensure ‘the safety and security of the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip’,” the statement said.
South Africa added that Israel’s ongoing failure to “immediately and effectively implement the Court’s Order and comply with its obligations under the Genocide Convention, as well as its contempt for the Court, is manifest”.
“As a result, the dire situation of Palestinians in Gaza that gave rise to that Order has worsened in all respects. The world has watched in horror as over two million people in Gaza face famine.”
South Africa further highlighted that under the Genocide Convention, deliberately inflicting conditions of life calculated to bring about the destruction of Palestinians including through mass starvation and destruction of food systems amounts to genocide. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Thu, 03/07/2024 - 10:22
04 March 2024 – Food & Trees for Africa and Oricol Environmental Services (Oricol) celebrate a decade-long partnership dedicated to environmental sustainability and community development. This long-term collaboration, spanning 10 years, has seen significant strides in promoting green initiatives and enhancing food security across South Africa. Oricol, a leader in waste management and environmental solutions, …
President affirms removal of Judges Hlophe and Motata
President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially removed Judges John Mandlakayise Hlophe and Nkola Motata from judicial office following the National Assembly resolutions to remove them.
In a statement, the Presidency said the Constitution states that a judge may be removed from office only if the Judicial Service Commission finds that the judge suffers from an incapacity, is grossly incompetent, or is guilty of gross misconduct and the National Assembly calls for that judge to be removed, by a resolution adopted with a supporting vote of at least two thirds of its members.
Secondly, the Constitution states that the President must remove a judge from office upon adoption of a resolution calling for that judge to be removed.
“The President accordingly removed Judge President Mandlakayise Hlophe of the Western Cape Division of the High Court from judicial office following the National Assembly resolution to remove Judge Hlophe, as stipulated in section 177 (1) (b) of the Constitution,” the Presidency said on Thursday.
A total of 305 Members of Parliament voted for the removal of Judge Hlophe from judicial office, with 27 members voting against his removal.
The Judicial Service Commission referred the matter to Parliament after the Judicial Conduct Tribunal (JCT) concluded that Hlophe’s conduct breached the provisions of section 165 of the Constitution by improperly attempting to influence the two Justices of the Constitutional Court to violate their oaths of office.
The JCT established that Hlophe’s behavior seriously threatened and interfered with the independence, impartiality, dignity and effectiveness of the Constitutional Court and further undermined public confidence in the judicial system.
President Ramaphosa has also removed Retired Judge of the Gauteng High Court Division, Justice Nkola John Motata following the National Assembly resolution to remove him, as provided for in section 177(1) (b) of the Constitution.
A total 296 Members of Parliament voted for Judge Motata’s removal from office, with one voting against, and thirteen members being recorded as having abstained.
Retired Judge Motata was found guilty of gross misconduct following a drunk driving conviction in 2009. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Thu, 03/07/2024 - 10:47
As part of its Women in Energy series taking place this month, Energy Capital & Power (ECP) www.EnergyCapitalPower.com celebrates women in leadership positions within Africa's energy and mining sectors. With Senegal, Uganda, Namibia and South Africa at the helm of female leaders within their respective ministries, these markets have attracted billions in foreign investment and are home to some of the most dynamic upstream developments on the continent.
Since her appointment in November 2020, Sophie Gladima, Minister of Petroleum and Energies of Senegal, has led the country through one of its most transformative periods, with first oil and gas expected this year from the highly-anticipated Sangomar Field Development and Grand Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) LNG project, respectively. Minister Gladima successfully advanced these projects – which total nearly $10 billion in foreign direct investment – in the face of COVID-19 and demands for cross-border cooperation with Mauritania, whose maritime border with Senegal houses the GTA LNG project.
Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu, Minister of Energy and Mineral Development of Uganda, is another female minister leading frontier market developments since her appointment in June 2021. Targeting first oil output in 2025, Uganda has launched exploration drilling at its $10-billion Lake Albert Development, home to the TotalEnergies-operated Tilenga and CNOOC-operated Kingfisher fields. The country is also at the center of the planned East African Crude Oil Pipeline, which will transport Ugandan oil to the Port of Tanga in Tanzania and represents the single largest investment in either country to date.
Serving as Petroleum Commissioner of Namibia's Ministry of Mines and Energy since October 2015, Maggy Shino has played a pivotal role in securing upstream investment from leading IOCs, with TotalEnergies set to invest roughly $300 million in 2024 alone. With over 15 years in petroleum geological, geophysical and environmental management fields, Commissioner Shino has cemented Namibia's status as a world-class frontier oil and gas market with strong on- and offshore prospectivity. Following five offshore hydrocarbon discoveries, Namibia is currently conducting further appraisal work – as well as new seismic and exploration activity in the Owambo, Kavango and Orange Basins – and is on the path to first oil production by 2030.
In neighboring South Africa, Deputy Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane, has been active in driving an exploration agenda. Utilizing South Africa's Gas Master Plan, Dr. Nkabane has positioned natural gas as a means of improving energy security, reducing heavy-polluting fossil fuels and establishing domestic LNG production through recent discoveries like the 3.1-billion-cubic-feet Mpumalanga discovery. Under her leadership, South Africa's Department of Mineral Resources also implemented a school outreach program last month aimed at encouraging youth in STEM fields and developing a future workforce for the country's mining and energy sectors.
Energy Capital & Power's Women in Energy series celebrates the women shaping the future of the African energy sector. From projects to companies to programs and community development, the Women in Energy series underscores the integral role women play in developing the sector. Visit www.EnergyCapitalPower.com and keep up-to-date with our social media channels for daily content.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.
A salon owner was shot dead on Wednesday apparently for refusing to pay protection money
Four suspects implicated in Joslin Smith disappearance appear in court
Four suspects implicated in the disappearance of six-year-old Joslin Smith made a short appearance at Vredenburg Magistrate’s Court in Western Cape on Thursday.
The suspects, Jacquen Rowhan Appollis, Steveno Dumaizio van Rhyn, Racquel Chantel Smith and Phumza Sigaqa appeared in court on Thursday facing charges of trafficking persons for the purposes of exploitation and kidnapping.
Joslin, from Diazville in Saldanha Bay, went missing on 19 February 2024 while in the care of her mother’s boyfriend.
The search for Joslin, which is still underway, brought individuals, NGOs, community activists, police officials, neighbourhood watches and representatives from different spheres of government together in the quest to find the missing girl.
The case was postponed to 13 March 2023 for bail information. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 03/07/2024 - 13:13
In an era where digital transformation defines the marketplace, the evolution of payment systems from traditional to digital and contactless methods marks a pivotal shift. Central to this transformation are SoftPOS and NFC technologies, heralding a new age of convenience and security in transactions. The Revolution of SoftPOS Mobile Apps SoftPOS, or Software Point of …
Communities have their say at Imbizo
Many a community member attended President Cyril Ramaphosa’s District Development Model (DDM) Presidential Imbizo in Emalahleni, Mpumalanga, on Thursday.
Themed: "Leave No One Behind,” the 12th Presidential Imbizo promotes participatory democracy and inclusive development by allowing community members and stakeholders to voice proposals and express any concerns or dissatisfaction they have about conditions in the district or province.
Some community members told SAnews that they have been waiting for this day to come to interact directly with the President and his Cabinet.
Today's imbizo allows President Cyril Ramaphosa and other leaders in government to assess progress made and to be briefed on challenges associated with the improvement of service delivery since the President’s previous imbizo held in Carolina in May 2022.
Many felt municipal officials do not escalate their concerns to higher offices.
“We want the President to hear our problems and concerns directly from us,” said Japhter Maseko from Emalahleni.
This as the imbizo is currently underway at the Sy Mthimunye Stadium.
“We want to have access to clean water. We have been having problems with the provision of water and that the state of our roads is bad. We want government to supply us with clean water and proper roads,” said Maseko.
Sinethemba Mgabadeli from Siyabuswa echoed Maseko’s sentiments.
“Sometimes we go for days without water. If given an opportunity to speak to the President, I’ll tell him to fire ….officials who do not care about people’s lives,” he said.
Nkululeko Skhosana from Malelane said government must urgently attend to their concerns.
“Our lives are miserable without proper services. Water is our main concern. We sometimes go for days without water. In some instances, we are forced to buy water from the shops to survive,” he said.
Skhosana also expressed concern about the high rate of unemployment.
“We send our children to school and when they finish studying, there are no jobs. No one wants to employ them. We are appealing to government to create jobs for our children,” he said.
The Presidential Imbizo is, among others, attended by traditional leaders, politicians and municipal officials.
President Ramaphosa is accompanied by Cabinet Ministers, who are assisting in responding to concerns raised by community members.
The DDM Presidential Imbizo forms part of a holistic government service delivery and monitoring programme, using an integrated, district-based approach to address community needs.
It serves as an important platform for transparent and constructive exchanges between communities and government.
Since inception in March 2022, the izimbizo have empowered millions of South Africans to directly engage with the President, contributing to policy discussions and acknowledging government efforts to better serve the people.
READ | Government services on hand at Mpumalanga Imbizo
READ | President Ramaphosa visits new Mpumalanga hospital
– SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 03/07/2024 - 14:17
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