81-year-old Mthatha widow waiting two decades for her house
Ndenzeni Njwenene first applied in 1999
Why Enact Tourists Visit Soweto
Exploring the Heart of South Africa: A Journey Through Soweto Soweto, located to the southwest of Johannesburg, is not just South Africa’s most populous township; it’s a place brimming with historical and cultural richness. With a population estimated between two to four million, it encapsulates a spectrum of socioeconomic backgrounds, from areas of poverty to …
What Does A Smart Light Switch Enact
A smart light switch is an advanced version of a traditional light switch, enhanced with connectivity features. By connecting to your home Wi-Fi network, it allows you to control your home’s lighting remotely using a smartphone app, voice commands through smart home assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, or even through other smart home …
What Is The Dissimilarity Between Home Theater And Home Cinema
The terms “home theater” and “home cinema” are often used interchangeably, but there can be subtle differences. Home theaters and home cinemas both aim to bring the magic of movie-watching into the comfort of a home, but they do so at different scales and levels of immersion. A home theater system, often a …
20 Years On, It’s Still “Love Actually” That Makes The World Disappear Round…
Watch this iconic ‘Throwback Cinema’ release for only R50 at Ster-Kinekor Celebrating its 20th anniversary seemed a fitting time to bring back the timeless romantic comedy, Love Actually – it’s the perfect movie with all the right feels for the festive season. As part of its Throwback Cinema campaign to bring back some of the …
Imax And Pathé Live Announce The Global Release Of “Queen Rock Montreal”
EXCLUSIVELY IN STER-KINEKOR IMAX THEATRES IN SA, LIMITED SCREENINGS FROM 18 JANUARY 2024 IMAX and Pathé Live in partnership with Mercury Studios and Queen Films has announced that, for the very first time, one of the world’s biggest bands will perform on cinema’s biggest screens with the global release of “QUEEN ROCK MONTREAL,” exclusively in …
Understanding Logistics Software
Logistics software is designed to manage, execute, and optimize the movement and storage of goods, from the point of origin to the point of consumption. This encompasses a range of activities including transportation management, warehouse operations, inventory control, order fulfillment, and shipment tracking. Key Features of Logistics Software: Transportation Management: Streamlines shipping processes, carrier selection, …
Understanding Storage Facilities
Storage facilities offer space, typically in the form of storage units, where individuals or businesses can store their belongings. These facilities vary in size, type, and the amenities they offer, catering to a wide range of storage needs. Types of Storage Units: Self-Storage Units: These are the most common type, offering a range of unit …
Nearly two decades later, Makhaza police station is finally set to open soon
Meanwhile the community is being serviced by a 24-hour patrol and a mobile unit
The Landscape of Storage Units in Johannesburg
Johannesburg’s diverse and dynamic nature is reflected in its storage unit offerings. From basic self-storage units in the suburbs to more sophisticated, climate-controlled facilities in the business districts, there’s a solution for every need. These facilities cater to a wide range of clients, including individuals, families, students, and businesses. Key Features to Look For: Security: …
Freight Logistics Roadmap approved to be published
Freight Logistics Roadmap approved to be published
The Freight Logistics Roadmap – aimed at addressing the serious challenges in that industry – has been approved for publication by Cabinet.
The roadmap also sets out to reform the logistics system in the long run.
Over the past few weeks, Transnet – South Africa’s government owned freight rail, ports and logistics company – has been hard at work to resolve severe truck congestion challenges at its Richard’s Bay port, including ramping up the number of locomotives available on its lines servicing the port.
Speaking during a post-Cabinet media briefing on Monday, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said the current challenges in the industry “pose a significant constraint” on the South African economy, its growth prospects and job creation.
“The immediate priority is to stabilise and improve the operational performance of the freight rail network, which presents a severe constraint on exports.
“The main implementation mechanism for the short-term interventions will oversee operational improvement through five corridors, with full alignment with the Transnet board approved turnaround plan which identifies short and medium term actions to improve operations and stabilise the company’s finances,” she said.
The three areas of intervention proposed in the roadmap include:
- Operations and rolling stock improvements: This includes returning long-standing locomotives to service through agreements with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to ensure a supply of spares, or through the appointment of a step-in OEM.
- Security and safety of the rail network: This includes collaboration with law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of the network.
- A capital investment programme both for the expansion plans and also to sustain operations.
“In addition, the roadmap outlines a path to implement the commitments made in the National Rail Policy and the National Commercial Ports Policy and plans for the reform of the freight logistics system,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Draft Rail Private Sector Participation (PSP) Framework has been considered and approved by cabinet.
According to Ntshavheni, the framework aims to “provide an interim approach to and a model for future decision-making to enable private sector participation in the railway infrastructure system”.
“Given the current challenges within the railway infrastructure, the Rail PSP Framework proposes the commencement of private sector participation through opportunities that are aimed at fixing the railway infrastructure first.
“The Rail PSP Framework recommended the adoption of the cooperative governance and integrated approach to rail private sector participation for implementation.
“Accordingly, this approach is fully compliant to the PFMA and Company’s Act and will require the PSP unit within the Department of Transport and the Rail SOC to publish a network statement for endorsement by the Rail Economic Regulatory Capacity (interim),” Ntshavheni said.
The Department of Transport is expected to establish a PSP unit to identify and prioritise projects and develop an implementation plan to facilitate PSP initiatives. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 12/11/2023 - 11:36
730 views
PROTEC and partners prepare for expansion over ‘the next 40 years’
PROTEC, a national NPO that has been building successful STEM careers in South Africa since 1982, is closing the year with exciting plans and strategies for expanding the geographic reach, the number of teachers and learners to be impacted, and the range of programmes in PROTEC’s portfolio in forthcoming years. Balan Moodley, CEO of PROTEC, …
“25 years of HIV Management Excellence: AfroCentric Group ‘s Aid for AIDS (AfA) leads the charge to dismantle stigma and rebrand HIV”
As we observed World AIDS Day, it was both a moment of reflection on progress and a call to action for a crucial issue that still persists to this day. In Southern Africa, where HIV is the most severe globally, the battle against the virus extends beyond medical challenges and stretches to societal barriers built …
Business licensing policy up for public comment
Business licensing policy up for public comment
Cabinet has considered and approved the draft National Business Licensing Policy for public comments.
This is according to Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni who briefed the media on the outcomes of the Special Cabinet meeting held last Friday.
The Minister said the objectives of the policy are:
- The provision of a fair, transparent and ethical allocation of business operating licenses in a manner that enables citizens to actively participate in an economic life.
- The assertion and clarification of South Africa’s sovereign right to determine the business licensing conditions for foreign nationals in line with the country’s national interests.
- The development and implementation of smart and effective licensing arrangements that not only reduce regulatory burdens, but also drive empowerment of the previously marginalised communities, whilst reducing compliance burdens and facilitating ease of doing business.
At Monday’s media briefing, Ntshavheni said Cabinet had approved the “introduction to Parliament [of] the SOC Holding Company Bill”.
The bill proposes:
- The consolidation of State’s shareholdings in strategic state-owned enterprises
- The establishment of the State’s Asset Management SOC Ltd as a holding company for state shareholding of strategic SOE’s, with the state as a sole shareholder – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 12/11/2023 - 11:46
477 views
Ruby Digital Takes Action Against Emerging Cybercrime Threats
Ruby Digital, a leading South African digital marketing company, is actively addressing a concerning rise in cybercrime targeting individuals globally. As a reputable and multiple-award winning agency, Ruby Digital is committed to maintaining a safe digital environment for its community and beyond. Established with years of experience in digital marketing, Ruby Digital has consistently assisted …
Milnerton: One Dead, One Fighting for His Life
At 13h42, Monday, 11 December, NSRI Melkbosstrand duty crew and CoCT (City of Cape Town) water rescue network were activated following eyewitness reports of a drowning in progress at Milnerton Lagoon Beach. Milnerton SLC (Surf Lifesaving Club) lifeguards, CoCT lifeguards, NSRI Melkbosstrand rescue swimmers, CoCT Law Enforcement officers and CoCT Law Enforcement Marine Unit, Cape …
Understanding Investment Property
What is Investment Property? Investment property, often referred to as investment properties in the real estate market, is real estate purchased with the intention of earning a return on the investment either through rental income, future resale, or both. Unlike a primary residence, it’s acquired primarily for income-generating purposes. The Benefits of Investment Property 1. …
SA20 Lolly
SA20 Lolly to take incredible ‘Taste of Summer’ on a countrywide tour Monday 11 December 2023: As temperatures rise, so does...
Health concerned about death rate among TB patients in SA
Health concerned about death rate among TB patients in SA
Although South Africa’s Tuberculosis (TB) infection incidence is dropping, government is disturbed about the death rate among patients.
This is according to the Deputy Health Minister, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, who was delivering a keynote address on the opening day of the BRICS TB Research Network Innovation Summit in Durban.
“TB remains a pressing concern for South Africa, as it does for all BRICS countries and many nations,” he said on Monday.
He told the summit attendees that about 300 000 people are estimated to get TB every year in South Africa.
“Last year alone, we managed to notify and put 224 000 people on a TB treatment regime. Although our infection incidence is declining, we are concerned about the unacceptable death rate among our TB patients.”
According to Dhlomo, a major driver of TB infection is HIV – accounting for 48% of TB patients who are living with HIV in 2022.
However, he said the country’s antiretroviral programme has led to a decrease in TB incidence.
The BRICS nations – Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - carry a disproportionate burden of drug-susceptible and drug-resistant TB infection and neglected diseases of the South.
To address this public health threat, the BRICS TB Research Network was established in 2017 to bring together programme managers and scientists to exchange information and formulate redress strategies and solutions.
“The ultimate goal of this endeavour was to establish collaborative research programmes aimed at developing new diagnostics, drugs, and vaccines for TB.
“The TB control programmes from the various representative countries also undertook to learn from each other on key aspects of financing and strengthening the health systems in their respective nations.”
Following the devastating impact of COVID-19 on public health programmes, South Africa developed a TB Recovery Plan to find missing people with TB linking them to care and creating a demand for testing.
“TB prevention and improvement of data systems are also prioritised. Given our high HIV-TB comorbidity let me give our delegates some data on HIV in South Africa.”
He cited the sixth South African National HIV Prevalence, Incidence, and Behaviour among people aged 15 years and older living with HIV in South Africa in 2022.
According to the data, 90% were aware of their status, 91% of those aware of their status were on antiretroviral treatment, and 94% of those on antiretroviral treatment were virally suppressed.
“South Africa has made significant progress toward the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets that by 2025, 95% of all people living with HIV to be aware of their HIV status, 95% of those aware of their status to be on antiretroviral treatment, and 95% of those on antiretroviral treatment who also know that that they are living with HIV to achieve viral load suppression.”
In addition, he stated that the country has been at the forefront of introducing and scaling up new tools for diagnosis and shorter treatment regimens for drug-resistant TB.
“However, there is a need to do more to improve linkage to care and retention in care.”
He also believes that BRICS countries have made significant strides since the establishment of this network, with progress and some challenges.
Dhlomo touched on the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meeting on TB, in New York, in September this year.
“We should, therefore, work very hard to ensure that we meet the targets we have set ourselves for this summit.”
The targets, he said, include the creation of innovations in therapeutics, diagnostics, and vaccines that the network can prioritise for collaboration, investment and development.
“A world without TB is not just an aspiration but an attainable reality, and we should stand ready to play our part in making that vision a shared triumph.
“I certainly believe that this network can make a significant contribution to this end. Let us recommit to the implementation of the Political Declaration on TB as we map out of future endeavour of ending TB in BRICS countries.
“The goal to end TB is within our grasp. Our collective efforts must transcend borders, ideologies, and individual interests.”
Dhlomo also took the time to congratulate Russia as it takes the baton of leadership of BRICS in 2024. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 12/11/2023 - 11:48
573 views
Navigating the World of Apartments for Sale: A Guide for Buyers
Introduction The search for an apartment is an exciting journey, offering the promise of a new home and lifestyle. This blog provides an overview of the key factors to consider when exploring the market for apartments for sale, aiming to guide potential buyers through this significant decision. Understanding Your Needs Before diving into the apartment …
Statistics Amendment Bill endangers public safety
Dear Editor As South Africans gear up to head to the polls next year, the ANC is hellbent on ramming through as much legislation as possible, while they still can. This not only shows their lack of care as elected representatives but also has negative implications for South Africans. On Friday, the Portfolio Committee on …
Zulu wastes R100 million meant for GBV survivors
Dear Editor Less than a week after the National Anti-Corruption Hotline (NACH) commissioner, Anele Gxoyiya, revealed that 63.6% of the 2022/23 second quarter complaints were related to incidents of alleged fraud regarding the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa), CityPress revealed that Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu and her acting director-general Linton Mchunu squandered R100 …
Exploring the Vibrant Apartment Market in Cape Town
Introduction Cape Town, South Africa’s picturesque coastal city, is renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. This allure extends to its real estate market, particularly in the realm of apartments. This blog delves into the varied aspects of Cape Town’s apartment scene, offering insights for potential buyers. Diverse Neighborhoods Cape Town boasts …
Cabinet welcomes the evacuation of South Africans from Gaza
Cabinet welcomes the evacuation of South Africans from Gaza
Cabinet has welcomed the return of 19 South African nationals who had been stuck in Gaza.
“South Africa extends its gratitude to the Government of Egypt for granting our citizens safe passage through the Rafah Crossing into its country.
“South Africa calls for an immediate and permanent ceasefire and the resumption of talks that will end the violence arising from the continued belligerent occupation and lays the basis for a just and lasting solution,” Cabinet said in a statement on Monday.
The six males and 13 females, who were in Gaza since 7 October 2023, are now back on home soil.
Last week, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation said the 19 locals who were approved for evacuation into Egypt by the Israeli authorities on Sunday, 11 November 2023, were en route to South Africa.
In a statement last month, Cabinet said it remained concerned by the atrocities of the Israeli government against the people of Palestine, including the deliberate attacks on the United Nations School in Gaza, and the massacre of hundreds of children who had sought refuge at the school. This is in addition to the continued attacks on hospital staff, patients and hospital infrastructure. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 12/11/2023 - 11:57
577 views