Johannesburg theatre puts democracy in the spotlight
Actors are getting school children to think about what leadership entails
Top Ride-On Scrubbers for Efficient Cleaning
When considering the essential tools for maintaining cleanliness and hygiene within various facilities, ride-on auto scrubbers stand out for their efficiency and effectiveness. The Equipment Company, a renowned provider of cleaning solutions, offers a range of ride-on auto scrubbers that cater to the diverse needs of different companies, buildings, and facilities. We supply and maintain …
B-well invests in industry through its collaboration with Sense of Taste Chef School
B-well is thrilled to announce its partnership with the Sense of Taste Chef School, based in Maitland, Cape Town. The collaboration will see B-well supplying the school and its community feeding programme with the complete range of B-well products, made from homegrown canola. “We are very excited to partner with Sense of Taste,” says Lunique …
2024: The Year Of Elections And Politically Motivated DDoS Attacks – Netscout Comments
This year is a significant one for elections on the global stage, with more than 60 taking place worldwide – including national elections in the five most populous countries in the world. In fact, across the globe, more voters than ever before will make their way to the polls in 2024, with almost half (49 …
Emalahleni municipality wants to evict families in “illegal” township
Many of the families live in brick and mortar homes. But the municipality says these structures are unlawful and wants them to be demolished
SA Athlete Prize Incentives announced for 2024 Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series
Following the recent announcement of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series’ unprecedented, combined Prize Purse of R 1,560,000.00 in 2024, Stillwater Sports, the organisers of South Africa’s acclaimed road running series, have also unveiled an impressive “SA Athlete Prize Incentive Schedule” for the 2024 edition of the series. The “SA Athlete Prize Incentive Schedule” is …
Mashatile urges parties to hold back on distasteful social media debates ahead of elections
Mashatile urges parties to hold back on distasteful social media debates ahead of elections
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has urged political parties that hold robust debates on social media to uphold ethical standards and refrain from unjust, deceptive or hateful speech, as many African countries head to the polls this year.
“We can run campaigns on social media without being malicious or degrading of both individuals and organisations,” he said on Tuesday.
The Deputy President was delivering a keynote address at the launch of the 'Principles and guidelines for the use of digital and social media in African elections' in Johannesburg.
“The reality is that the political environment during elections is tense and volatile, and we should use social media with responsibility to ensure that the content we share is credible and accurate.”
The new guidelines seek to create awareness among election management bodies (EMBs) on the benefits and threats of digital and social media to the electoral process and integrity.
They are a comprehensive framework for the continental EMBs adopted in Benin during the 11th General Assembly meeting of the Association of African Electoral Authorities (AAEA) last year.
The principles cover various areas - from the promotion of freedom of speech, access to information, protecting the rights to privacy and the role of the State, political parties, candidates and media.
For instance, one of the guidelines stipulates that political parties and candidates should ensure that campaigns conducted on digital and social media are transparent and attributed, including the use of paid-for-content and influencers.
The Deputy President has described these principles and guidelines as groundbreaking for Africa, spearheaded by the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) on behalf of AAEA, as groundbreaking for Africa.
The launch coincides with heightened election activity around the continent, with over 20 African Union Member States, including South Africa, preparing for elections.
This, Mashatile said, provides an opportunity for fine-tuning the regulatory and operational protocols for the use of social media during these elections.
“We will, therefore, continue to uphold the right to free and fair elections in this election and thereafter, as we have done since 1994,” he vowed.
In the fast-paced digital world of today, he said it was important to recognise the important role that social media plays in shaping people's opinions and establishing the narratives propelled during elections.
“As we witness the increasing use of these platforms in political campaigns, it is imperative that we establish clear principles and guidelines to ensure a fair, transparent, and inclusive electoral process,” the Deputy President said.
Youth
He is of the view that social media platforms must be used constructively to inform and disseminate positive messages regarding elections, with a particular focus on the youth of Africa.
The youth, Mashatile said, are gaining significant grip on platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.
“We should, therefore, use these principles and guidelines to emphasise the importance of promoting online integrity, safeguarding against misinformation and disinformation, protecting privacy and data security, and fostering a level playing field for all candidates and political parties.”
Misinformation
Through adherence to these principles, Mashatile believes that countries will be able to safeguard the values of democracy through free and fair elections, and allow voters to make choices.
“We have a significant obligation to educate our population about the risks associated with disseminating misinformation, particularly concerning elections, since false claims can erode trust in the electoral process and provoke a wave of anti-voters and instability in our countries,” he said.
The Deputy President has described the misinformation and disinformation are a threat to democracy.
“They undermine confidence in our elections, and have the potential to suppress voter turnout.”
The Deputy President also took the time to express his gratitude to the agencies and digital companies for walking this journey with the African EMBs, offering them technical expertise, and building their capacities.
IEC Chairperson Mosotho Moepya told the delegates that the internet is here to stay and that it should be used for the common good.
“We’re working with those who own social media, authorities and EMBs, and we’re trying to find a way in which we can use social media to help us in the work that we do; and at the same time, to limit the damage it can do when it is abused.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 02/27/2024 - 13:12
333 views
Small-scale fishers could be allowed to catch new species
Department of Fisheries says it welcomes suggestions
New Syncromine Core training videos from Mineware Consulting save time and resources.
The increased use of digitization and automation in the mining industry, both locally and internationally, reflects a global trend towards incorporating advanced digital technologies to improve process efficiency, safety, and sustainability. At the heart of this transformation is Mineware Consulting, a software company that has positioned itself as a leader in the automation and digital …
Brandfundi Successful At The 2024 Global Business Insight Awards
Brand communications agency Brandfundi is celebrating after being named Best Boutique Brand Communications Agency 2024 – Johannesburg in the prestigious 2024 Global Business Insight (GBI) Awards. This award recognises Brandfundi’s exceptional dedication to developing and implementing successful brand communication strategies while prioritising client success. The GBI Awards acknowledge outstanding businesses across various industries, highlighting excellence …
President consults political parties on nomination for Chief Justice position
President consults political parties on nomination for Chief Justice position
President Cyril Ramaphosa has embarked on a process of consultation with the leaders of political parties represented in Parliament and the Judicial Service Commission to convey his nomination of Judge Mandisa Muriel Lindelwa Maya as Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa.
Judge Maya currently serves as Deputy Chief Justice and has held the positions of Deputy President and President of the Supreme Court of Appeal.
“The position of Chief Justice will become vacant on 31 August 2024 when the term of office of Justice Raymond Zondo comes to an end. The Chief Justice was appointed as a Justice of the Constitutional Court for a 12-year term with effect from 1 September 2012. The Chief Justice will therefore complete his term as a Justice of the Constitutional Court with effect from 31 August 2024.
“President Ramaphosa has invited the leaders of political parties represented in the National Assembly to make submissions on the suitability or otherwise of Deputy Chief Justice Maya to hold the office of Chief Justice,” the Presidency said on Tuesday.
The President has drawn the attention of leaders of political parties to Judge Maya’s illustrious judicial career, in which she was first appointed as a Judge of the Eastern Cape Division of the High Court in 2000.
She attained B.Proc (University of Transkei); LLB (University of Natal); and LLM (Duke University, North Carolina, United States of America) degrees as well as three LLD degrees (Honoraris) from the Universities of Fort Hare, Walter Sisulu and Nelson Mandela respectively.
The President has embarked on the process for consultation in terms of Section 174(3) of the Constitution.
He has also, in terms of Section 174(3) of the Constitution, consulted the Judicial Service Commission, chaired by Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, on the process of the President’s nomination of Justice Dumisani Hamilton Zondi as Deputy President of the Supreme Court of Appeal.
Justice Zondi currently serves as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Appeal.
The term of office of the Current Deputy President of the Supreme Court of Appeal, Justice Xola Petse, will come to an end on 10 July 2024 when he attains the age of 70 and will be automatically discharged from office.
Justice Zondi holds a B.Juris from the University of Fort Hare, an LLB from the University of Natal, as well as an LLM from Georgetown University in the United States of America.
Following a successful career in practice, Justice Zondi was appointed to the Western Cape Bench in 2007. In 2011, he became a Judge of the Competition Appeal Court. Justice Zondi was elevated to the Supreme Court of Appeal in June 2014. In 2022, he was appointed as a Chairperson of the Electoral Court.
President Ramaphosa has invited the Judicial Service Commission to make submissions on Justice Zondi’s suitability for the position for which he has been nominated. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Tue, 02/27/2024 - 13:23
482 views
Arnold Reddy Joins Mahindra
Mahindra South Africa (MSA) has announced the appointment of automotive industry veteran, Arnold Reddy, in its management team. Reddy will assume the role as Head of Logistics. He will be responsible for a rapidly growing division that is responsible, not only for the import of Mahindra vehicles, but the supply of parts and components to …
Smart Money Moves: A Simple Guide to Budget-Friendly Insurance in South Africa
It’s time to think smart about our finances, especially when it comes to budgeting. Let’s break down some easy-to-understand tips for managing your money wisely, focusing on insurance in South Africa. Keep Your Insurance Going Money gets tight, we know. However, cancelling your insurance might not be such a smart move. Apart from exposing yourself …
A Heartfelt Encounter: Miss World SA’s Inspiring Visit with Mimmie at Afrika Tikkun Centre
On Friday, 02 February 2024, Miss World South Africa, Dr. Claude Mashego, graced our Uthando Centre in Braampark to spend precious time with our little warrior, Mimmie. Mimmie’s radiant spirit, unwavering strength, and beautiful smile left an indelible impression on Claude and the entire Miss World South Africa team. Her passion for life is nothing …
EWSETA introduces specialised training for renewable energy, water management
EWSETA introduces specialised training for renewable energy, water management
The Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority (EWSETA) has developed and implemented specialised renewable energy and water resource management training programmes, in a bid to align with industry needs and technological advancements.
This was revealed during a media engagement with the organisation in Rosebank, Johannesburg on Tuesday.
EWSETA Chief Executive Officer, Mpho Mookapele, engaged the media on the back of growing research that macroeconomic trends and technological advancements continue to disrupt labour markets worldwide.
Mookapele highlighted some of the courses implemented by the organisation and others currently in the pipeline, including water works management, solar panel installation, wind turbine maintenance and other green energy solutions, among others.
She said as the energy sector is rapidly evolving the EWSETA is currently developing qualifications that will respond to the gaps in the curriculum.
The skills programmes that will be introduced include wind turbine operation, biogas installation, microgrid and battery energy storage operation, solar PV manufacture, design, and installation.
“When the sector needs certain skills, we are committed to working together with industry to build these capabilities. Ultimately, we exist to ensure industries are successful.
“As such, we aim to move with agility to ensure that these programmes and qualifications are concluded and submitted for registration with Quality Council for Trades and Occupation (QCTO) and South African Qualification South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA),” Mookapele said.
She said due to the boom in the photovoltaic sector and more people going solar, the SETA is also currently working with industry to ensure that minimum skills requirements are mandated for the PV Green Card training - a quality assurance standard for solar PV installers.
These minimum requirements will hopefully mitigate against substandard installations.
Mookapela said the EWSETA is looking for partners to enable retro-fitting technical workshops for TVET colleges to ensure that they are responding to the tech-developments in the industry.
Developing water-related qualifications
The EWSETA has also partnered with water boards, including municipalities and private industries, to develop water-related qualifications that aim to address the challenges around clean drinking water and wastewater treatment plants.
“In response to the evolving water landscape, a Water Works Management NQF 6 qualification has been registered. EWSETA is in the process of developing a Water Resource Management qualification at NQF level 8 and a skills programme for a Water Conservation Practitioner,” she said.
Advances in water treatment processes will necessitate the development of qualifications that will respond to the future treatment landscape, and these include biological water treatment and smart water grids, amongst others.
“As the world transitions to net zero, the traditional career landscape is changing, and it is up to all of us to future-proof our workforce. The Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority is taking strides to harness the opportunities that these exciting changes present,” Mookapele said.
Skills development initiatives
Meanwhile, Mookapele underscored the importance for businesses to share their skills plans with the EWSETA to enable the organisation to capacitate learners accordingly.
Investing in skills development secures the long-term sustainability of industries and contributes to economic resilience.
“Together with government and private entities we are collaborating to fast-track skills development initiatives that seek to upskill and reskill employees to meet the workforce demands of the changing energy and water sectors,” Mookapele said.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) last year revealed that 4.7 million more people were employed in clean energy globally in 2022 than in 2019.
Mookapele noted that concerns around the “green skills gap” have been echoed by a recent report from LinkedIn, which shows that only 1 in 8 employees globally possess one or more green skills.
“We don’t want to leave South Africa’s young people and workforce behind; it is important for businesses to share their skills plans with us, so that we can capacitate learners accordingly,” she said.
EWSETA’s mandate is to participate, build and strategically plan and manage skills development, and training needs in the energy and water sectors, as directed by the National Skills Development Plan 2030. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 02/27/2024 - 14:38
103 views
Illuminating South Africa’s Literary Horizon: DSAC Publishing Hub Unveils 21 Unique Works
In a resounding celebration of South African literature, the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) and the Academic and Non-Fiction Authors Association of South Africa (ANFASA) proudly unveil the results of the DSAC Publishing Hub’s 2023/24 Call for Manuscripts. This year’s initiative has seen an overwhelming response, with 21 exceptional manuscripts selected for publication. …
Time for a rebellion against cadre deployment
The following speech was delivered by Dr Leon Schreiber MP, the DA Shadow Minister of Public Service and Administration, during a hybrid sitting of Parliament today in the second reading debate on the Public Service Amendment Bill: Honourable Speaker, This House will recall that, on 19 August 2021, the DA tabled the End Cadre Deployment …
Quick Quizz: Which Company has Supported READ for 25 Years?
Ford Motor Company Fund and Ford South Africa, in collaboration with READ Educational Trust (The Rally to Read Projects), have rolled out the second Pretoria-based rally, reinforcing the company’s commitment to educational literacy. As part of the three-year project, Ford Fund provides an annual grant of R1.36-million, benefiting six schools in three different areas surrounding …
Double load-shedding as transformer and electricity infrastructure theft reaches crisis levels
Dear Editor In addition to Eskom’s ruinous load-shedding schedules which have resulted in South Africans spending more and more time in the dark, the theft of critical electricity infrastructure has reached crisis levels across the country. This was revealed in a written response, to a DA parliamentary question, on the number of cases of theft …
Up Next: ANC provincial and regional cadre deployment records
Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance (DA) can today announce that we will now submit applications as per the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) to obtain and expose all minutes and records from the ANC’s nine provincial and dozens of regional cadre deployment committees. Using the precedent created in the DA’s Constitutional Court victory, …
Greed for Metro status leads to financial collapse
Dear Editor The DA will request a parliamentary inquiry through the Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) into the failed section 139(7) intervention at the Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality. The administrator appointed, requested to be withdrawn due to a lack of political support at a cost of R12 million as well as …
Rosebank Mall’s Street Feast Returns with a Groovy ’90s Twist!
Get ready to groove to the beat and satisfy your food cravings because Rosebank Mall’s Street Feast is back for round two on Saturday, 2 March 2024! Following the resounding success of the inaugural event in 2023, this year’s Rosebank Mall Street Feast promises to be even bigger, bolder, and filled with nostalgic vibes straight …
KwaZulu-Natal records high number of rhino poaching cases
KwaZulu-Natal records high number of rhino poaching cases
While efforts to prevent rhino poaching have resulted in positive outcomes in national parks across the country, South Africa has seen a shift in rhino poaching with the majority of cases in the past year being recorded in KwaZulu-Natal.
“The pressure again has been felt in the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province with Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park facing the brunt of poaching cases losing 307 of the total national poaching loss. This is the highest poaching loss within this province,” Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Barbara Creecy said on Tuesday.
Last year, 499 rhinos were poached across South Africa, 406 were killed on state properties and 93 on privately owned parks, reserves and/or farms. This was an increase of 51 in comparison to 448 rhinos poached in 2022.
Addressing a media briefing on the 2023 national rhino poaching statistics in St Lucia, KwaZulu-Natal, the Minister said the province recorded 49 arrests and 13 firearms were seized by multi-disciplinary teams that continue to work tirelessly in an attempt to slow the pressure on rhino poaching.
The Kruger National Park (KNP) recorded a 37% decrease from 2022 with a total of 78 rhino poached in 2023. No rhinos were poached in any other National Parks.
“As part of the government’s poverty relief program there are a number of fence monitors employed from neighboring communities that patrol the western boundary fence of the KNP and report fence breakages, illegal tracks and people entering the KNP as well as animals escaping from the KNP,” Creecy said.
Various interventions can be attributed to the decrease of rhino poached at KNP in 2023:
- Strong collaboration between external stakeholders permanently based in KNP and attending to various Wildlife Crime cases such as the Skukuza Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit, Skukuza SAPS and SAPS forensic teams.
- An extensive and ongoing dehorning programme, which focuses on the dehorning of all rhino in core areas.
- The continued implementation of the KNP Ranger Services Integrity Management Plan, which is a holistic approach that assesses the drivers and dynamics of corruption, and then addresses these with a comprehensive set of actions that focuses on building individual integrity and organisational resilience to corruption.
- Improved access control through the installation of Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras and gate cameras.
- Radar detection systems that remotely track any illegal entry by poachers on foot into the KNP.
The Minister commended the work performed by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation – the Hawks - in several regional and transnational engagements to enhance the government’s integrated approach to combat wildlife trafficking.
“Responsible partnerships between the public and private sectors, and the financial and transporting sectors remains critical in combating international wildlife trafficking.
“The approach is not exclusive to South Africa but is followed within the region and transnationally working with the transit and end user countries in South-East Asia, especially with the People’s Republic of China, Singapore, Qatar, Malaysia and Vietnam,” she said.
In relation to rhino prosecutions, verdicts were handed down in 36 cases of which 35 resulted in guilty verdicts and one in a not guilty verdict.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Environmental Working Group (EWG) meets on a biannual basis to share best practice in the investigation and prosecution of environmental crime and to address challenges experienced.
These meetings also foster closer collaboration between the provincial conservation authorities dealing with wildlife trafficking cases and to help identify repeat offenders moving around the country to further the implementation of the National Integrated Strategy to Combat Wildlife Trafficking (NISCWT) strategy.
“Further to this, real time information pertaining to arrest is shared, which enhance collaboration between prosecutors and the law enforcement agencies significantly. A national environmental cases audit has been conducted to establish the number of cases being dealt with by the National Prosecuting Authority of South Africa (NPA).
“A consolidated list of investigating instructions pertaining to rhino and abalone cases has been developed to ensure that comprehensive investigations are requested,” the Minister said.
In the 2023/24 financial year, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) embarked on a consultative process to revise both the Black and White Rhinoceros Biodiversity Management Plans (BMP) in line with the provision of the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act.
“The revision of the BMP aims to address the needs of both black and white rhino, provide a strategic approach and detailed action plan to conserving rhino in South Africa and for engaging with range States to the north.
It consolidates previous work at policy and planning level on rhino management into a single integrated tool in order to usher in a whole of society approach in the interest of both the rhinos and the people of South Africa. The revised draft BMP will be published in a Government Gazette for public participation in the near future,” Creecy said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Tue, 02/27/2024 - 10:53
385 views
Gearing Up For The Port Alfred Easter Festival
Port Alfred – With just 30 days before the inaugural Port Alfred Easter Festival, Port Alfred is gearing up for a pivotal long weekend. The Port Alfred Easter Festival will take place over the Easter Weekend, March 29th – April 1st, and will showcase the vibrant sports and culture of the coastal town of Port …