Eastern Cape families who were promised houses are given … toilets
Municipality and province disagree about housing list
DPWI Minister to award bursaries to deserving students
DPWI Minister to award bursaries to deserving students
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Sihle Zikalala will on Thursday award bursaries to 100 learners from the class of 2023 Matriculants, who have enrolled to study various built environment courses at universities across the country.
The bursaries are part of the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure’s (DPWI) Skills Pipeline Programme, which is one of government’s initiatives to bring more skilled professionals into the public sector and specifically the built environment.
As part of building a capable and ethical State, the DPWI annually awards bursaries to pupils in need of financial assistance, who display academic excellence and have been accepted for courses in the built environment for their tertiary education.
The bursary programme further aims to increase the number of built environment professionals from previously disadvantaged backgrounds and ensure transformation of the sector.
It also serves as a feeder to the department’s Internship and Young Professionals Programme and later forms a pool of qualified built environment professionals to serve the state in the delivery of infrastructure projects.
The bursary is for careers in the built industry, including Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Marine Engineering, Property Studies/Real Estate, Actuarial Science, Quantity Surveying, Construction Project Management, Landscape Architecture, Architecture and Town and Regional Planning.
The bursary covers tuition, accommodation, meals, textbooks, project and compulsory study resources and a monthly stipend.
In its 10th year of existence since 2014, the DPWI bursary programme has so far benefited over 500 deserving students, an investment of over R160 million into the lives of the students and to bring the required skills into the public sector. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 01/24/2024 - 09:25
445 views
The Codeine Care Initiative could keep lives
The Codeine Care Initiative could save lives Better monitoring of the purchase of codeine can help to stem a growing substance abuse problem. Fueled by popular music, the promise of escapism and the fact that it’s relatively cheap, some of South Africa’s youth have become increasingly addicted to codeine-based over-the-counter products which can be purchased …
Transforming food waste into animal nutrition: How the Shoprite Group feeds 3 000 cattle a day
Transforming food waste into animal nutrition: how the Shoprite Group feeds 3 000 cattle a day By converting 1 000 tonnes of food waste into animal feed over the past six months, the Shoprite Group is providing enough fodder for up to 3 000 cattle daily as part of its commitment to environmental sustainability and …
Nxesi calls on employers to register vacancies and training opportunities with the department
Nxesi calls on employers to register vacancies and training opportunities with the department
Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi has called on employers to register their vacancies and available training opportunities on the department’s job placement platform - the Employment Services System of South Africa (ESSA) - to help cushion the effects of poverty and unemployment.
The Minister was speaking at an employer briefing session at Digital Hub in Botshabelo in the Free State on Wednesday. The briefing session coincided with the start of the two-day Jobs Fair held at Kaizer Sebothelo Stadium – Botshabelo Arena, today.
“We are willing and ready to assist you in the recruitment and selection of your future employees, free of charge. In other words, no employer will be charged labour brokering fees where you opt to use our systems. We offer similar services free of charge to work seekers.
“Please get involved in these initiatives so that you are not left behind. They benefit companies; they benefit work seekers, particularly the youth, and they contribute to economic development and help build social cohesion,” the Minister said.
Today’s briefing was also led by discussions on National Labour Migration Policy, the Employment Equity discussions, Labour Activation Programme presentation, Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act and the Provincial Growth and Development Strategy.
“I don’t have to lecture you as employers on the high rate of crime that we are currently experiencing. The youth remain vulnerable in the labour market, it is a ticking time bomb and represents the greatest risk to social stability in South Africa. Mind-sets need to change, innovations need to be sought and collaborations strengthened to bring about a halt to the staggering unemployment amongst youth.
“From our side, we have started this initiative - engaging in a number of Jobs and Career Fairs across the country - and we have been running them for the last two years. We have introduced state of the art mobile units that are assisting a great deal in servicing work seekers. We have partnered with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), as well as with the Department of Basic Education (DBE),” Nxesi said.
He said the partnership with institutions of learning was part of Education for Employability (E4E) - a joint project funded by the European Union to smooth the transition from school to work.
“We are supporting the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative and coordinating various interventions in this regard. We continue to make funding available under the UIF Labour Activation Program towards various partnership projects designed to create employment,” he said.
The department is this week providing an integrated service delivery programme which also includes taking services to the people, unemployment insurance processing, administering the compensation for occupational injuries and diseases claims and conducting blitz inspections.
On Thursday, the Minister is expected to address work seekers during the Jobs Fair at Kaizer Sebothelo Stadium – Botshabelo Arena.
The Free State Jobs Fair follows on the heels of others held last year in Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, North West and Limpopo.
In early January, the department also held a Jobs Fair in Thulamahashe in Mpumalanga Province. More Jobs Fairs are to be held in George, Cape Town and other provinces.
The Department of Employment and Labour Jobs Fair concept seeks to stimulate employment of work seekers particularly amongst youth. The event also provides an opportunity where job seekers can interact with potential employers for placement and learn about available job opportunities.
It is an initiative championed by the Department’s Public Employment Services (PES) branch and seeks to create opportunities for work seekers and provide a platform to interact with prospective employers. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Wed, 01/24/2024 - 14:15
555 views
Holiday fun at Crocworld Conservation Centre
Visitors descended on the KZN Mid-South Coast this festive season and took advantage of the epic holiday programme running at Crocworld Conservation Centre in Scottburgh. There were daily crocodile and bird feedings, talks, and snake demonstrations to keep the whole family captivated. A definite holiday highlight was the 123rd birthday celebration of one of Crocworld’s …
Decline of 2.3% in fatal road crashes during 2023/24 festive season
Decline of 2.3% in fatal road crashes during 2023/24 festive season
While the preliminary results for the 2023/24 festive season road traffic statistics show a 2.3% decline in the number of fatal crashes when compared to the same period last year, the data indicates that the majority of those who died were between the ages of 25 and 44.
Releasing the 2023/24 festive season road traffic statistics, Minister of Transport Sindisiwe Chikunga said during the period under review 1 184 fatal crashes were recorded compared to 2022/23 where 1 212 crashes were recorded.
“The period shows that human factors contributed 80.8% of the crashes, environmental factors contributed 10.4% as a result of heavy rainfall and storms, while vehicle factors contributed about 8.8%.
“According to the statistics, 40.9% of those who died were pedestrians, passengers accounted for 33.6%, drivers accounted for 24.6% and cyclists accounted for 0.8%,” Chikunga said on Wednesday in Johannesburg at the N1 Grasmere Toll Gate.
She accredited the decline in fatal crashes to the intensified law enforcement operations conducted and the high police visibility throughout the country.
More than 1.4 million vehicles were stopped and checked during these operations with 7 820 drivers arrested for, among other things, driving under the influence of alcohol, reckless driving, producing false documentation and excessive speeding.
The Minister noted that the festive period was marked by heavy rain and storms, which created challenges on the road.
“Unfortunately, some drivers did not modify their speed in slippery and wet conditions. That resulted in avoidable crashes. Most of the crashes occurred in the first week from 1 December to 5 December, again from 15 December – 21 December and from 22 December to 28 December. The first week incorporated the payday weekend when people had received bonuses and were having end of year parties.
“The third week incorporated the long weekend, industry closure and the people had started travelling while the fourth week incorporated the Christmas long weekend and saw a massive increase in traffic volumes and festivities.
“Most crashes took place in the evening between 7pm and 10pm with the peak between 8pm and 9pm. Most fatalities were also recorded on Sundays, which is a new trend,” Chikunga said.
Five provinces - including the Free State, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, Limpopo and North West - recorded fewer fatalities while other provinces recorded increases.
The provincial breakdown for provinces is as follows:
- Free State recorded a 27.4% decline.
- Eastern Cape recorded a 21.5% decline.
- Northern Cape recorded a 15.7% decline.
- Limpopo recorded an 8.4% decline.
- North West recorded a 2.1% decline.
- Gauteng recorded a 7.6% increase.
- KwaZulu-Natal recorded a 4.2% increase.
- Mpumalanga recorded a 9.7% increase.
- Western Cape recorded a 22.6% increase
“The Eastern Cape is the only province that managed to surpass the target set for it to reduce fatalities by at least 18.6%. In light of this, we will have serious engagements with authorities in the provinces and possibly redefine the targets informed by objective dynamics and available resources on the ground in the provinces,” the Minister said.
She said the number of registered vehicles at the start of the festive season campaign on 1 December 2023, stood at 13 133 035, which was significantly higher than the 12 964 430 registered on 1 December 2022 and thus bringing more 168 000 registered vehicles on to the road.
“I wish to commend our traffic officers, members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and emergency medical services for their sterling work, commitment, and dedication during this period. They sacrificed their family time and pleasure as they committedly enforced the law,” Chikunga said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 01/24/2024 - 14:18
307 views
Plastics SA Hosts Successful General Plastics Industry Meeting: A Pivotal Event For The Future Of The South African Plastics Industry
Plastics SA, the umbrella body representing the local plastics industry, successfully hosted a General Plastics Industry Meeting at its head office in Midrand, Johannesburg, on November 30, 2023. The hybrid meeting witnessed enthusiastic participation from representatives spanning various sectors of the South African plastics industry. The meeting commenced with a warm welcome from Deputy Chairman …
South Africa’s Brad Cox gets a podium space in the gruelling 2024 Dakar Rally
Described by even the most hardened competitors as one of the most challenging races on record, South Africa’s Brad Cox (25) was undeterred, putting on an impressive performance on the back of a stellar 2023 season to place 3rd in the Rally2 category and finishing 13th overall in the Bike Category at this year’s Dakar …
Decrease in number of schools affected by burglary and vandalism
Despite our department providing holiday security to 486 schools over the December holidays, we recorded 26 incidents of burglary and vandalism at 24 schools over the holiday period.
While this is a significant decrease compared to the same holiday period last year, when 48 incidents were reported at 42 schools, we are nonetheless disappointed that once again our schools must pick up the pieces after criminal damage and theft.
Items stolen or damaged ranged from gas cylinders and food to computers and cameras. Damaged property included electrical boxes, windows, ceilings, doors and security equipment.
It is unacceptable that funding has to be diverted from educational purposes each year to replace items that have been stolen, or repair infrastructure damaged for no reason, especially in a significantly stressed financial environment.
Damaging and stealing from schools sabotages our children's futures, and we appeal to the public to come forward if they notice anyone attempting to sell goods that have been stolen from our schools. Someone, somewhere knows these perpetrators, and we appeal to them to do the right thing so that our schools cease to be a target of crime.
Reporting any suspicious activity in the vicinity of our schools to South African Police Services (SAPS) or the Safe Schools hotline (0800 45 46 47) immediately can make all the difference in apprehending the perpetrators and recovering stolen property.
Help us to protect our schools and the future of our learners in the Western Cape!
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic Of South Africa: Western Cape Provincial Government.
Multi-Party Charter Unveils Plan to Reduce Unemployment and Poverty
In the face of South Africa’s bleak economic outlook marked by 41% unemployment, a constrained business environment and decreased investor confidence, The Multi-Party Charter for South Africa has unveiled our plan to arrest this decline by stabilising public finances, generating inclusive economic growth, and enhancing the quality of our education system. Our approach to generating …
Ramaphosa requested to initiate SIU investigation into R300 million Transnet scandal
Dear Editor The DA has written to President Cyril Ramaphosa requesting that he sign and issue a proclamation authorising the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to launch an investigation into the allegations of corruption levelled at Mninawe Pepi Silinga, the CEO of Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA). The DA made this request in light of the …
Initial consultation on National Employment Policy (NEP) concludes
Initial consultation on National Employment Policy (NEP) concludes
Internal government consultations on the country’s National Employment Policy (NEP) have been concluded and the Department of Employment and Labour will be approaching Cabinet before the end of February to release it for public comment.
This was announced by Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi on Wednesday during an employer briefing session at a Digital Hub located at the Industrial Park in Botshabelo.
The Digital Hub seeks to bridge the digital divide among the township residents and equip young people with skills and knowledge to prepare them for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
The NEP is aimed at fostering a demand-led employment growth and is expected to provide an overarching framework on issues of employment, including the National Labour Migration Policy (NLMP). The NLMP and the Employment Services (ES) Bill are currently in Parliament before the legislators.
Nxesi said the Department of Employment and Labour and the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) are currently working on legislation - the National Labour Migration Policy (NLMP) – that is going to respond decisively to the challenge with respect to foreigner’s employment.
“I can only sound an early warning to employers continuing to employ undocumented migrants to desist – you are stoking up problems for the future. Youth unemployment is a major national challenge and needs urgent and coordinated responses from all of us to address it,” Nxesi said.
The draft NEP provides a number of interventions that include work beyond the Department of Employment and Labour to assist the country in achieving the employment levels indicated in the National Development Plan.
The NEP proposes among others the re-activation of discouraged and inactive work-seekers through targeted interventions at sector, firm and work-seeker level that influence investment, productivity and employment outcomes.
The Minister said the National Labour Migration Policy and the Employment Policy are aimed at strengthening labour market interventions and to further support other related employment interventions that are already part of the macro-economic and fiscal policy framework.
He said the successful implementation of the policies will require inter-departmental collaboration and key stakeholders in the labour market. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Wed, 01/24/2024 - 14:23
193 views
Cape fishers worried about declining fish populations
“The South African story has already been written in Namibia” where there was a three-year moratorium on sardine and anchovy catch because stocks were so low
Municipalities called to re-invest revenue collection into water services
Municipalities called to re-invest revenue collection into water services
Water and Sanitation Deputy Ministers, Judith Tshabalala and David Mahlobo, have called for municipalities to re-invest money collected from revenue into water and sanitation services to ensure sustainability of infrastructure that will stand the test of time.
The Deputy Ministers made the call during an oversight visit to Mbombela Local Municipality in Mpumalanga to assess the state of water and sanitation services in the municipality.
Addressing a meeting held with Ehlanzeni District and Mbombela Local Municipalities officials and various stakeholders, Mahlobo decried the increasing levels of non-revenue water, which he attributed to old and dilapidated water infrastructure, as well as illegal connections.
Mahlobo underscored the need to drastically reduce water losses and the need for a concrete plan to reducelosses. This includes asset management and revenue enhancement to help stabilise the municipalities.
“Operation and maintenance, and renewal of water and sanitation infrastructure is of critical importance, and we need to invest in this consistently. Part of the money that people pay for services needs to be used for maintaining the existing infrastructure so that we don’t experience problems in the long run,” Mahlobo said.
Mahlobo urged the Mbombela Local Municipality not to rely too much on water tankering, and advised them to use it only when it is necessary on an interim basis to avoid the high cost for the service.
If the municipality has to use water tankers, Mahlobo said, the tankers must be government owned and not privately owned because this promotes the “black market”, a phenomenon of groups of people, who allegedly damage water infrastructure deliberately in order to benefit from it.
Tshabalala said the department is committed to supporting Mbombela Local Municipality in its quest to turn things around, and ensure sustainable provision of basic services to the people.
Tshabalala reiterated that water and sanitation services are basic constitutional rights that people are entitled to, and government is duty bound to provide these services in a sustainable manner.
“It is our interest as national government to give support to municipalities as Water Services Authorities to render these services. We are here to support you, but you must give us concrete plans with clear timeframes, [and] we will dispatch our teams to give you all forms of support, including technical support,” Tshabalala said.
The meeting agreed that a steering committee will be established to deal with water issues in the province focusing on all the regions.
The committee will include representatives from all spheres of government, as well as Inkomati-Usuthu Catchment Management Agency, an entity of the department in Mpumalanga.
The committee is expected to meet urgently to devise plans that will restore the dignity of communities and ensure sustainable water and sanitation services in the province.
The oversight ended with a visit to Kanyamazane and Karino Water Treatment Plants for the Deputy Ministers to get first-hand experience of the challenges that hinder water provision to the communities. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 01/24/2024 - 13:15
114 views
‘Consistency’ the aim of the game for JSK, Royals at Wanderers
Log toppers, Royals will look to extend their lead Wednesday, 24 January 2024: Consistency will be the key focus for...
Correctional Services class of 2023 achieves 93.2% pass rate
Correctional Services class of 2023 achieves 93.2% pass rate
The matric pass rate of inmates at correctional facilities has reached some 93.2%, with a total of 137 out of 147 full time candidates passing the 2023 National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams.
Part-time candidates achieved a pass rate of 84%.
In a ceremony celebrating the 2023 matriculants, Justice and Correctional Services Minister Ronald Lamola congratulated candidates who achieved no less than 100 Bachelor passes, 41 Diploma passes and some 16 Higher Certificate passes.
“To our learners, despite the tough conditions as a result of incarceration, your determination, unmatched commitment, and hard work have paid off and you triumphed where some of your peers outside failed. You have done us, your families and the entire country proud.
“We congratulate you for raising high the flag of Correctional Services, a welcome development we applaud. When we release you, go out there and be good ambassadors of Correctional Services. Behave yourselves and do not engage in activities which will bring you into conflict with the law again,” he said.
The Correctional Services class of 2023 also achieved 129 distinctions, with nine schools obtaining a 100% pass rate.
“Those of you who will be registering for higher education, work hard in your studies so that you not only complete your degrees in record time, but also attain distinctions in your subjects. I want to remind all of you again, as we do annually, that we do not pay tuition fees of inmates at institutions of higher learning, rather their families and bursaries carry the costs,” Lamola said.
The Minister described some of the programmes set up for inmates, which he said are designed to “empower inmates to transform their lives and enable them not to return to their previous lives of crime”.
One of those programmes is the Self-Sufficiency Strategic Framework, which transfers skills to inmates where they produce “their own food, renovate public infrastructure such as schools, clinics and orphanage centres”.
“We have worked together with the provincial Departments of Education in the country to paint and renovate schools to ensure that learners attend classes in a conducive environment.
“We equally have built houses for the victims of crime who were living in dilapidated structures, and our inmates have restored the dignity of our people. Inmates have also established sustainable vegetable gardens in communities and schools to fight against hunger and poverty through the self-sufficiency and strategic framework,” he said.
According to Lamola, this programme has allowed inmates to return to communities with skills.
“Today some of our communities boasts of plumbers, brick-layers, hair stylists, beautification specialists, bakers, and farmers, to mention but a few as a result of skills that were transferred to inmates during their term of incarceration.
“We have equally offered employers resourceful, gainful and adaptable employees who are contributing towards the growth of various companies across the country. All that we are appealing for is for employers not to overlook our skilled parolees but rather give them equal opportunities and pay them fairly for their labour.
“I want to reiterate that we remain resolute in making education compulsory for all young offenders, they must leave our correctional centres with skills which will empower them to live crime free lives,” Lamola said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 01/24/2024 - 10:41
126 views
The Duke of Edinburgh celebrates youth and biodiversity in South Africa
His Royal Highness Prince Edward The Duke of Edinburgh has spent the last two days in South Africa (22 – 23 January), marking the first Royal visit of its kind since President Ramaphosa's historic State Visit to the UK in November 2022.
During the visit, His Royal Highness met Acting President Mashatile at Oliver Tambo House.
Alongside Ms Barbara Creecy, South Africa's Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, The Duke explored Pretoria's Botanical Garden with CEO of the South African National Institute (SANBI), Mr Shonisani Munzhedi. This followed President Ramaphosa's visit to the Royal Botanical Garden, Kew, in November 2022, and marked the long-term collaboration between Kew and SANBI to ensure the survival of South Africa's rich plant diversity.
HRH met a wheelchair user and her husband who are regular users of the Enabling Garden, to learn about the different indigenous plants suitable for hanging baskets. He learnt about some of South Africa's abundant flora biodiversity and medicinal plants, as well as viewing the National Herbarium where the largest collection of plant specimens in southern Africa are hosted (with over one million currently being digitised).
HRH met biodiversity organisations to hear about how they are conserving nature and reversing biodiversity loss.
At the British High Commissioner's Residence, The Duke toured an exhibition of President Award winners, moving from stand to stand to talk to young people about their journeys, alongside Award Chairman Modise Makhene and Deputy Minister for International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Kwati Candith Mashego-Dlamini.
This year, the President's Award (The Duke of Edinburgh International Award) celebrates its 41st anniversary in South Africa.
Launched in 1994 with Nelson Mandela as the Founding Patron-in-Chief, the Award today continues to serve as a shining example of our shared values of youth empowerment, community service and creating opportunities for all.
The Award supports approximately 3,000 young South Africans each year. Since 2011, over 65,000 young people are estimated to have participated in the programme.
HRH also attended a Reception at the Residence with Dr Blade Nzimande, Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, to celebrate the launch of the UK's new International Science Partnership Fund.
UK High Commissioner to South Africa, Antony Phillipson said:
“This visit reflects the significant breadth and depth of our modern-day friendship with South Africa – from youth empowerment, to climate, science research, biodiversity and democracy - our countries' shared values are clear. Continued collaboration and investment in these areas of mutual interest demonstrate our commitment to working together to address some of the world's most pressing challenges.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of British High Commission Pretoria.
Interview: New Zealand Captain Oscar Jackson U19 T20 Cricket World Cup
21 January 2024 – U19 T20 Cricket World Cup: New Zealand defeated Nepal by 64 runs in East London New Zealand 302/8 (50 overs) v Nepal 238/9 (50 overs) New Zealand won the toss and decided to bat first against Nepal. Tom Jones and Luke Watson laid a strong platform for the young Kiwis, making …
Free State arts town now manages its own electricity load
Free State arts town now manages its own electricity load
Eskom has announced that the Free State town of Clarens, in the eastern part of the province, has become South Africa’s first town where residents are now equipped to manage their own electricity load through load curtailment.
Eskom Free State Senior Manager for Retail, Bibi Bedir, explained that although many municipalities and large customers have been engaging in load curtailment, “group curtailment – where a community manages its own load curtailment – was however piloted in Clarens”.
“Group curtailment requires the collaborative efforts of the entire community to reduce load when requested. Once a system emergency is declared, Eskom gives a nominated group coordinator two hours’ notice of load curtailment that should be sustained throughout load shedding. The group coordinator directs the community who decides which equipment will be switched off to achieve the required demand reduction.
“For the residents of a tiny town that depends on an economic inflow from tourists visiting their small businesses mostly over weekends and holidays, power interruptions due to load shedding required a solution that would allow the town’s economy to thrive while still contributing to a reduction in electricity demand when the national grid is under strain,” Bedir said.
The town’s nominated group coordinator, Gert Kruger, described the move as “life changing” for businesses in the town.
In Clarens, curtailment compliance is managed through an application that was developed by a company managed by Kruger, which signals to customers that load curtailment has been called.
“For a town that depends on tourism, not being subjected to load shedding is life changing. Although the success depends on the voluntary participation of residents and businesses, we have the community’s support as everyone benefits from cooperating.
“Feedback from visitors, restaurants and accommodation establishments is very positive and without the noise of generators, tourists can enjoy Clarens’ natural beauty,” Kruger said.
Monitoring compliance
Eskom explained that during curtailment Stages 1 to 4, customers are asked to reduce electricity demand by some 10 to 20%.
“Unlike load shedding where the customers are switched off as per their schedule, load curtailment must be sustained. Eskom continuously monitors the reduction in demand of its curtailment customers, as three instances of non-compliance will result in the reinstatement of normal load shedding,” the power utility said.
In Clarens, curtailment compliance is managed through an application that was developed by a company managed by Kruger, which signals to customers that load curtailment has been called.
“[This] acts as a trigger for residents to set their load reduction plans in motion. A meter was installed at the town’s main point of supply. Every 60 seconds, the meter sends real-time statistics of the town’s current demand, prompting further reduction if required.
“So far, the project is successful with residents being able to sufficiently reduce and manage their load, making the Clarens project a benchmark for similar projects to be rolled out in other areas of the country.
“As Clarens is already gearing up for smart city initiatives with smart metering and electrical vehicle charging stations already installed, as well as a well-diverse spread of small-scale embedded generators (SSEGs), Eskom was eager to help Clarens' residents in the evolution from an art town to a smart town,” the power utility said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 01/24/2024 - 09:45
364 views
Molineux Half-Century Helps Governor-General’s XI Clinch T20 Warm-Up Victory
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R4 billion upfront payment for higher learning institutions
R4 billion upfront payment for higher learning institutions
In a bid to ensure a smooth start to the 2024 academic year, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) will process up to R4.2 billion as an upfront payment to all higher learning institutions, prior to the application and registration finalisation period.
Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande, made the announcement during a media briefing in Pretoria on Tuesday on the department’s state of readiness for the opening of the 2024 Post School Education and Training (PSET) academic year.
“Out of its financial reserves, NSFAS will pay R1 billion to TVET [Technical Vocational Education and Training] colleges and R3.2 billion to universities. In 2024, living allowance will be R16 500 for university students, [which includes] R3 045 personal care allowance and R13 455 meal allowance per year,” Nzimande said.
He also announced that the TVET living allowance will increase from R6 000 to R10 000 as part of continued efforts to bring parity between the university and TVET sectors.
In addition, the department has introduced the differentiated accommodation cap between metro and non-metro areas, which will see all institutions owned or leased, and private accommodation being capped at R50 000 in metro areas and R41 000 in other areas per academic year.
“Students living in institution-catered accommodation qualify for a maximum allowance capped at R66 500 in metros and R57 500 in all other areas per annum. Institutions in non-metro areas may request NSFAS to review the assigned accommodation cap in exceptional circumstances, and such request must be accompanied by a detailed motivation and supporting evidence for NSFAS consideration.
“Students who opt to make their own accommodation arrangements with immediate family or with relatives do not qualify for the accommodation allowance, [but] they qualify for a travel allowance determined by the institution, up to a maximum of R7 875 in 2024,” Nzimande explained.
He added that all university students qualify for a learning material allowance set at a maximum amount of R5 460 for students for the 2024 academic year.
“The learning material allowances must be used for the purchase of academic books and materials and/or a learning device, [and] only one allowance is provided per student per academic year. Allowances for students in distance education programmes are calculated based on the number of courses registered up to a maximum of R5 460.
“Distance university students studying an equivalent full-time course credit load qualify for the personal care allowance of R3 045 per academic year [and] this requires a student to be registered for a minimum of 120 course credits in one academic year. Allowances for students in distance education programmes are calculated based on the number of courses registered up to a maximum of R5 460,” Nzimande said.
Distance university students studying an equivalent full-time course credit load also qualify for personal care allowance of R3 045 per academic year, which requires a student to register a minimum of 120 course credits in one academic year.
TVET colleges own catered residence in metros is capped at R60 000 and in other areas is capped at R51 000, with students either qualifying for the travel allowance or the accommodation allowance.
Nzimande emphasised that TVET college students who are registered on an occupational qualification may qualify for allowances, only if “in simulated training, students registered on an occupational qualification that have an employment contract and are paid stipend do not qualify for NSFAS allowances”.
R20 000 allowance for students with disabilities
Students with disabilities qualify for living allowances including meals at R20 000 per academic year.
“They qualify for learning materials allowance of R6 000 per academic year for university students only. TVET college learning material allowance is included in the cost of tuition.
“Assistive devices allowance actual cost is limited to R50 000 as a once off allowance. These students also qualify for a repairs and maintenance of assistive devices to the value of 2 000 per academic year,” the Minister said.
Nzimande said students with disabilities do not automatically qualify for the allowance for assistive devices, or its repairs and maintenance, noting that the allowances are only granted if the student application for the allowances is approved, and “all conditions and criteria are met as set out in the policy standard”. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 01/24/2024 - 09:53
149 views