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NSRI STN 23 WILDERNESS: The NSRI has commended Brooklyn Boesak, 13, from Sedgefield Primary School, locals Daniel Armoed, 41 and Piet van Rooyen, 48, and Louis Lombard, 31, who is visiting from Pretoria, for their efforts that saved a local 41 year old mans life on Sunday 26 November, at Sedgefield Lagoon Mouth. The casualty, …
The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipal Metropolitan area has been subject to drought restrictions for the most part of the last 7 years. The dams to the west of the metropole have ranged in level from below 10% to almost full over this time. Tha main water supply to the east of the metropole comes from …
Antiretroviral medicines have been a success, but more work is needed to reach United Nations targets
Dear Editor In a landmark decision, the Pretoria High Court has mandated the Minister of Electricity to take “all reasonable steps” to guarantee uninterrupted electricity for public hospitals, clinics, schools, and police stations by January 31. The DA, recognising the escalating electricity crisis, took decisive action in January by filing an application with the High …
01 December 2023: New vehicle sales bore their biggest losses during November since the beginning of 2021 when the market was beginning its slow recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. According to figures released by naamsa | the Automotive Business Council, SA’s new vehicle sales fell a significant 9.8% year-on-year to 45,075 units in November, the …
Juma Igiranieza was assaulted on 7 November by police officers conducting a raid at his workplace
SA commends Cuba’s support in water sector
Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo has commended the Cuban government for its continued solidarity with the people of South Africa, particularly in the field of water and sanitation.
“The unwavering support that we receive from the Cuban government has been amazing and we will forever be grateful for their commitment in ensuring that South Africa is developed into a better state and achieve a great life for its people,” Mahlobo said.
He was speaking during the 7th South Africa-Cuba High Level Panel meeting with Cuba’s Institute of National Hydraulic Resources first Vice President, Bladimir Matos Moya, and a contingent of Cuban engineers deployed to South Africa as part of a long-standing cooperation between the two states.
During the meeting held in Pretoria this week, South Africa and Cuba reviewed the existing cooperation agreement between the two States in the areas of geo-hydrology and engineering services.
The two also committed to continue working together and strengthening the existing relations.
“The expertise from Cuban engineers has assisted our country and our department a great deal in improving our technical capacity to manage our water infrastructure,” Mahlobo said.
The Deputy Minister commended the experienced engineers from Cuba for imparting their vast knowledge into up-and-coming engineers at the department.
The department has a Learning Academy which is tasked with unearthing young engineers to bridge the skills gap in the water sector.
“We offer bursaries and then absorb young engineers upon completion of their studies, and we capacitate to acquire the required skills in many ways. This is where the expertise of Cuban engineers come in, to equip our newly graduated engineers to become better,” Mahlobo said.
The Deputy Minister reiterated that water security is dependent on how the country manages its infrastructure and water resources, saying this can be achieved through cooperation with like-minded and developed countries.
The current cooperation agreement between the two States, which was entered into in 2020, is set to lapse in 2025 and upon which, a new agreement is expected to be entered into until 2030.
Mahlobo said the 25 engineers assisting South Africa have been involved in electrical and mechanical operations and maintenance of pump stations and systems, dams, reservoirs associated with the electricity generation, mining industries and food production.
“They have also been assisting with hydraulic and civil engineering work in regional bulk infrastructure project, control of expenses associated with infrastructure development in municipalities, drought relief programs, [including] COVID-19 projects and approval of water use licence applications. They have also involved in the development of Emergency Preparedness Plans for all dams according to the established regulations,” Mahlobo said.
The two States have agreed to begin the process of reviewing the cooperation going forward and to expand to other areas of cooperation, which includes infrastructure investment and planning, development of green energy including the development of hydropower, climate change and its impact on infrastructure and national disaster management.
The projects that the Cuban engineers have been involved in include, among others:
• Conditional assessment of Standerton water supply conduction, treatment, and disposal to the environment of the wastewater, Lekwa Local Municipality, Gert Sibande District Municipality;
• Technical audit of the hydraulic system of the Vaal basin in Johannesburg;
• Technical support and monitoring of the execution of RBIP projects;
• Upgrade of Maviljan Waste Water Treatment Works, Bushbuckridge;
• Upgrade of Eerstehoek Water Supply phases 1 and 2 Albert Luthuli Local Municipality;
• Upgrade of Bulk pipeline for Empuluzi Methula Water Scheme phase 5, 6, 7 Albert Luthuli Local Municipality; and
• Regional Bulk Water Supply Scheme for Breyten (Cluster 2 phases 1 2 Msukaligwa Local Municipality. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 12/01/2023 - 12:24
Komani Protest Action interdicted from inciting “land grabbing” but vows to defy court order
SA joins world in marking International Day of Persons with Disabilities
The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities will on Sunday join the global community in commemorating the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), which aims to promote the rights of people with disabilities at every level of society.
Observed every year on 3 December, the annual International Day of Persons with Disabilities was proclaimed in 1992 by the United Nations General Assembly resolution 47/3.
Globally, the day aims to promote the rights and well-being of people with disabilities at every level of society and to raise awareness of the situation and conditions of people with disabilities in all aspects of social, economic and cultural life.
The 2023 IDPD will be commemorated under the theme: “United in action to rescue and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for, with and by persons with disabilities”.
The organisations of the United Nations are expected to reaffirm the United Nations Disability Inclusion strategy that provides a foundation for sustainable and transformative progress on disability inclusion towards the complete realisation of the human rights of all people with disabilities is an inalienable, integral and indivisible part of all human rights and fundamental freedoms.
As a member of the United Nations, the department said South Africa ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2007, and the African Union Charter on Human and Peoples Rights on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Africa in March 2022.
“In contributing to the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 7, South Africa has approved a White paper on the rights of persons with Disabilities with an implementation matrix with set clear indicators for implementation by duty bearers. The indicators also find expression in the National Development Plan 2030 and the Medium-Term Strategic Framework,” the department said in a statement.
The 3rd of December also marks the end of Disability Rights Awareness Month (DRAM) observed from 3 November to 3 December with 3 December as the National Day for Persons with Disabilities.
Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma will on Sunday join the Gauteng Provincial Government and Special Olympics Committee, including organisations of and for people with disabilities and South Africa to observe and commemorate National Day of persons with disabilities.
The event is scheduled to take place at St Benedict's College, Bedfordview, Johannesburg, from 9am. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 12/01/2023 - 13:57
Lesotho, Zimbabwe exemption permits extended
Home Affairs Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, has announced that he has issued directives to extend the validity of the exemption permits in respect of Lesotho and Zimbabwean nationals to 31 December 2024.
“I call upon all the affected Lesotho and Zimbabwean nationals to make use of the window of opportunity to apply for new exemption permits through VFS Global,” Motsoaledi said.
Addressing media in Pretoria on Friday, Motsoaledi said both Lesotho and Zimbabwean nationals will be entitled to apply for new exemption permits.
He said a holder of the exemption permit will be entitled to work, seek employment and conduct business in South Africa.
“A holder of the exemption permit, due to expire on 31 December 2023 or such extended period of validity, will be entitled to apply for a new exemption permit. A holder of the exemption permit will be entitled to sojourn in the Republic of South Africa during the validity of the exemption permit,” Motsoaledi said.
Motsoaledi explained that new exemption permits to be issued will expire on 29 November 2025 and that a holder of the exemption permit will not be entitled to apply for permanent residence in terms of sections 25, 26 and 27 of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002 or any other provisions in any other law, irrespective of the period of stay in South Africa.
“A holder of the exemption permit will be allowed freedom of movement between Lesotho and South Africa or any other country. A holder of the exemption permit cannot change his or her status in the Republic of South Africa, as contemplated in section 10 (6) of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002, during the validity of the permit issued.
“When a holder of the exemption due to expire on 31 December 2023 or such extended period applies for a new exemption permit, he or she must disclose and/or register all the minor children born and staying in South Africa,” Motsoaledi said.
Zimbabwe permit
The Minister said affected Zimbabwean nationals will be entitled to apply for new exemption permits under the following terms and conditions:
“A holder of the exemption permit will be entitled to work, seek employment and conduct business in South Africa.
“A holder of the exemption permit due to expire on 31 December 2023 or June 2024 and such extended period of validity will be entitled to apply for a new exemption permit.
“A holder of the exemption permit will be entitled to sojourn in the Republic of South Africa during the validity of the exemption permit and that the exemption permits to be issued will expire on 29 November 2025.
“A holder of the exemption permit will not be entitled to apply for permanent residence in terms of sections 25, 26 and 27 of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002 or any other provisions in any other law, irrespective of the period of stay in the Republic of South Africa,” the Minister said.
Motsoaledi explained that a holder of the exemption permit cannot change his or her status in the Republic of South Africa, as contemplated in section 10 (6) of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002 during the validity of the permit issued.
“When a holder of the exemption due to expire on 31 December 2023 or 28 June 2024 or such extended period applies for a new exemption permit, he or she must disclose and/or register all the minor children born and staying in the Republic of South Africa.
Motsoaledi has granted exemptions to approximately 54 653 Lesotho nationals for a period of two years and approximately 178 000 Zimbabwean nationals.
Motsoaledi said a dedicated team will be set up to deal with the applications for new exemption permits.
“VFS Global has also been instructed to fast-track the application process for new exemption permits,” the Minister said.
The first Zimbabwean special dispensation started in 2009 and was called the Dispensation for Zimbabwe Permit. It provided for the documentation of qualifying Zimbabweans for a five-year period. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 12/01/2023 - 14:06
Govt, community-based organisations meet on housing
Human Settlements Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi, has commended the long history of community-based organisations (CBOs) in advocating for people-centred and community-driven approaches to development.
“These organisations have played an important role in facilitating community participation in the delivery of sustainable integrated human settlements,” Kubayi said.
The Minister was speaking at the Non-Governmental and Civil Society Organisations Summit, currently underway in Boksburg, Ekurhuleni.
The two-day summit, which kicked off on Thursday, is convened in the spirit of forging closer partnerships between the government and various stakeholders in the sector to accelerate sustainable and integrated human settlements.
The summit is being held under the theme: Strengthening Partnership to Deliver Better, Safer and Secure Sustainable Human Settlements.
Government alone cannot resolve all the housing challenges, said the Minister, emphasising the importance of including civil society and community-based organisations in the development and review of human settlements policy.
“They should not be excluded from being service-delivery agents in the implementation of sustainable and integrated human settlements programmes. NGOs and CSOs have the immense potential to contribute to the acceleration and delivery sustainable and integrated human settlements to the vulnerable groups in society,” Kubayi said.
She said the summit provides an important opportunity for government and organisations to reflect on where they have come from and where they still need to go.
“We firmly believe that community driven programmes cannot be only about housing and top structures but must also ensure participative planning and engagement with housing support. The approach must be incremental with the full range of functions ultimately delivered, including community facilities.”
Kubayi acknowledged that at times non-governmental and civil society organisations have had to use the courts as an avenue through which to make their voices heard.
“It is unfortunate that government and NGOs and CSOs, while seeking to achieve the same goal, have to interact through the courts on matters of human rights and basic service delivery issues.
“Overall, NGOs and CSOs have done a sterling job in holding government accountable [and] I wish to assure you that as government, our actions are driven by the desire to change our society for the better.
“This desire, which I believe we all share, should act as a centripetal force that brings us closer together to collaborate and engage constructively in a manner that reduces litigation,” the Minister said.
She further noted the demand for adequate housing is still huge and includes households in informal settlements and backyard shacks that are dependent on the intervention of government for housing.
According to Census 2022, published by Statistics South Africa, the number of households who reside in informal dwellings has declined from 13.6% in 2011 to 8.1% in 2022, and households residing in formal dwelling units increased to 88.5%, an increase from the 65.1% recorded in 1996.
Kubayi said the decrease in the number of informal dwellings has been happening despite a marked increase in the number of informal settlements.
“This means that the provision of formal housing is increasing at a faster rate than that of informal settlements,” Kubayi said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 12/01/2023 - 14:36
Multilateralism key to dealing with climate change
President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged global leaders to continue working together in efforts to tackle climate change as unilateralism can have detrimental result on developing economies.
“Multilateralism must remain central to global climate action. Unilateral, coercive and trade-distorting measures, such as carbon adjustment measures are detrimental to developing economies,” the President said on Friday.
President Ramaphosa was addressing the high-level segment for the Heads of State and Government during the United Nations climate-focused Conference of Parties (COP28), which is currently underway in Dubai.
Leading South Africa’s participation at the conference, he emphasised the importance of access to finance, skills transfer and technology as tools to help developing economy countries build climate resilience.
“African countries are among the most vulnerable to the effects of a rapidly changing climate, and have to adapt and build resilience within the context of historically low levels of development and a severely limited capacity.
“Innovative financing instruments, such as special drawing rights are needed to ensure that funding does not increase the debt burden of countries that are already struggling to service their debt.
“There can be no substitute for new predictable at scale and appropriate public finance to help developing economy countries build climate resilience. Climate change adaptation and mitigation technologies should be regarded as a global public good,” the President said.
He said nations need to support the right of each country to determine its own developmental trajectory, and provide the necessary space to bring it to fruition.
“As South Africa, we applaud the landmark decision of COP28 to operationalise the new fund on Loss and Damage, and welcome the pledges that have already been made.
“If this Fund is to effectively support those countries most vulnerable to the effects of climate change, we need to mobilise funding on a far greater scale.
“We must launch the work programme on national and international just transitions that involve all in society and encompass all areas of the economy,” President Ramaphosa said.
He said decisions that will be made at COP28 need to be guided by science, equity and the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities.
“Climate action is key to South Africa’s sustainable development agenda. The South African government has just approved the Implementation Plan for the country’s Just Energy Transition Investment Plan.
“This plan focuses on areas critical to a just transition, including investment in electricity infrastructure, new energy vehicles, green hydrogen, skills development, municipal electricity distribution, and interventions directed at communities most affected by the energy transition.
“South Africa has a successful renewable energy power producers programme that plays a key role in supporting our decarbonisation efforts. There are also promising developments underway in our country to harness the potential of green hydrogen, and to beneficiate critical minerals and rare earths in support of development and driving the green transition,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Fri, 12/01/2023 - 15:04
Mashatile rallies communities to be involved in HIV interventions
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has called on communities to actively participate in interventions to combat stigma, discrimination, and human rights violations affecting people living and affected by HIV/AIDS.
“History demonstrates that when communities unite, any challenge can be overcome. Our combined strengths can help us achieve the goal of eliminating HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis as public health threats,” he said on Friday.
The Deputy President was speaking at the official commemoration of World AIDS Day as Chairperson of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC). The event was held in Mandeni in KwaZulu-Natal.
He described the 1 December as an opportunity to strengthen unity to fight against HIV, support those living with HIV, and remember those who succumbed to AIDS-related illnesses.
“Our combined strengths can help us achieve the goal of eliminating HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis as public health threats.”
The Deputy President believes active civil society has also led to significant progress in the prevention, treatment, care, support, and outreach for the vulnerable.
“An additional area that necessitates strong oversight from civil society is the pervasive problem of gender-based violence and femicide, the correlation of which is universally recognised with HIV.”
However, he said he was encouraged by the Takuwani Riime Men’s Movement for its commitment to establish the men’s community parliaments in every village, township, suburb, and community in South Africa.
“This movement seeks to mobilise men and boys to stand up and be counted in the country’s efforts against mental health in men, gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), new HIV infections, and toxic masculinity, and for men to be drivers of the positive socialisation of the boy child.”
He also rallied communities to hold hands with government to eradicate patriarchy, economic inequality, insensitive social norms, and harmful cultural practices.
Gender-based violence, according the Deputy President, was detrimental to the state’s efforts towards the achievement of the global Sustainable Development Goals and National Development Plan.
Survey
He also touched on the recently published sixth South African National HIV Prevalence, Incidence, and Behavioural Survey by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC).
The research found that 7.8 million people are living with HIV in South Africa, a decrease from 14% in 2017 to 12.7% in 2022.
“While the results clearly show that the prevalence of HIV is declining, there are some worrying patterns regarding the age group between 25 and 49 years.”
Meanwhile, among females, HIV prevalence was highest in ages 35 to 39 years at 34.2% compared to 27.1% in males aged 45 to 49 years.
The country’s second-in-command also raised concerns about the increased incidence of HIV infection among girls between 15 to 19 years old.
“It is an indication that older men engage in unprotected sexual activities with girls and young women. We must take extraordinary measures as a society to protect kids against immoral predators. We must ensure that children have a safe environment to discuss the issues influencing their sexual conduct and the pressures they are under.
“We must stand with them and educate them about their rights and sexual health,” he stressed.
Government is also worried about the lack of access to treatment by HIV-positive children, young people, and men.
The survey indicated that among those aged 15 and older living with HIV in South Africa in 2022, 90% were aware of their status, 91% of those aware of their status were on antiretroviral treatment (ART) and 94% of those on ART were virally suppressed.
He told the community the state’s primary objective as a government is to integrate all facets of an individual’s healthcare into a unified system, ensuring that everyone consistently gets quality medical care.
“Another game-changer in our progressive treatment literacy efforts is the integration of the undetectable equals untransmittable (U=U) concept into our policy framework.”
This means that if a person takes their treatment consistently without fail, they will achieve ongoing viral suppression until the level of the virus drops to below 50 copies per millilitre.
“However, we advocate for safe sex since being undetectable will not prevent you from passing on a sexually transmitted infection to your partner or having an unplanned pregnancy.”
Stigma
Shifting his focus on stigma and prejudice, he said this can be as traumatic as the illness itself.
This, he said, could lead to partner or family rejection, social marginalisation, school expulsion, denial of medical services, a lack of care and support, and violence.
“We encourage our community leaders to engage our communities in order to alter societal attitudes and customs, some of which are influenced by our upbringing.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 12/01/2023 - 15:24
EAST LONDON: Dane Piedt’s six-wicket haul helped South Africa A (SA ‘A’) complete a comprehensive 232-run win over West Indies A...
Apple Music today announced Kenyan R&B-soul singer-songwriter Maya Amolo is the latest artist to be featured in its new Up Next artist development program in East Africa. “I’m really excited to be Up Next with Apple Music,” she tells Apple Music. “The scene is buzzing here in Nairobi so I’m always grateful when I have …
JOHANNESBURG – December 01, 2023 – The modern analytics architecture is one of the most innovative and evolving spaces in the world of business intelligence. This is particularly true as companies become increasingly data centric, changing their perception of data being a by-product of the business – or even a liability – to understanding that …
Mashatile launches SA Chapter of the Global Alliance to End AIDS in Children by 2030
Deputy President Paul Mashatile officially launched the South African Chapter of the Global Alliance to End AIDS in Children by 2030, led by his wife, Humile Mashatile.
“We are concerned with HIV treatment gaps in children. Children living with HIV aged 15 years and below are left behind in the global HIV response when compared to the general population,” he said.
The country’s second-in-command was speaking at the official commemoration of World AIDS Day as Chairperson of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) at the Mandeni Local Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal.
He described the 1 December as an opportunity to strengthen unity to fight against HIV, support those living with HIV, and remember those who succumbed to AIDS-related illnesses.
Globally, he said only 52% of children who are living with HIV are on lifesaving treatment, compared to 76% of the adult population.
According to the Deputy President, this results in children accounting for 15% of AIDS-related deaths on an annual basis despite that 4% of people living with HIV are children.
Meanwhile, he said stigma, discrimination, punitive laws and policies, violence, and gender inequalities in Eastern and Southern Africa remain some of the barriers that hinder access to treatment, care, and support for women, girls, and children.
“Unfortunately, South Africa has the largest population of children living with HIV in the world, and as of June 2023, our treatment coverage for children is alarmingly low, coming in at 67%.”
He said the data raises concerns and emphasises the urgent need for increased efforts and resources to guarantee that every child who is HIV-positive receives the care and treatment they require.
In response to this challenge, government is working with the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS), by coordinating United Nations (UN) agencies including the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The other partners include the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the Global Fund, together with civil society, in establishing the Global Alliance to end AIDS in Children by 2030.
“The proclamation was first made at the 24th International AIDS Conference in Canada in 2022. South Africa was among the first 12 countries to join this alliance. As the South African government, we are determined to fulfil our commitment to end AIDS in children,” he stressed.
This, according to the President, could be achieved by strengthening case finding among HIV-exposed infants and children and scaling up the initial HIV regimen to pregnant and breastfeeding women as per the revised clinical guidelines.
Meanwhile, government aims to also boost regular retesting of pregnant and breastfeeding women, increasing access to social protection programmes and addressing gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), sexual assault, and abuse of infants, children, adolescents, and women.
Government will also work around the clock to scale up advocacy for the enforcement of laws and the administration of justice.
“Collectively, we should strive to ensure universal access to treatment, eliminate mother-to-child transmission, and confront prevailing prejudice and discrimination to foster a society that accepts and supports all individuals living with HIV, including our children.
“Together, we have the power to end the epidemic of HIV and AIDS,” he added. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 12/01/2023 - 15:44
When it comes to weddings, every detail matters. From the dress to the venue, couples strive to create an unforgettable experience for themselves and their guests. One often-overlooked aspect that can add a delightful touch to your special day is wedding favours. These small tokens of appreciation are a way to express gratitude to your …
Judge Nomonde Mngqibisa-Thusi is facing possible impeachment for failing to hand down judgments timeously
Heatwave conditions break records
Following the heatwave conditions that prevailed for a number of days in most parts of the country, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) says November records were broken in both the maximum and minimum temperature measurements.
Heatwave conditions prevailed from 19 November 2023 in most parts of the country, with isolated areas having extremely hot conditions for several days in a row.
“Hot conditions reached their peak on 27 November 2023, when extremely hot conditions were experienced in large parts of the country. Preliminary data indicates new temperature records for November over the Northern Cape, Free State and North West provinces.
“More than 10 stations recorded the highest temperature records on the 27th, with the Automatic Weather Station at Augrabies Falls recording the highest maximum temperature of 46.7°C, breaking its previous record of 46.2°C (2019-11-28).
“It must be noted that the highest maximum temperature record for Augrabies Falls remains at 48.6°C, measured on 2016-01-05, and the 46.7°C is the new record for the month of November,” SAWS said on Thursday.
The El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is currently in an El Niño state and according to the latest predictions is expected to persist through most of the summer months.
ENSO’s typical impact on Southern Africa is in favour of generally drier and warmer conditions during the spring and summer months from October to March.
“However, current global forecasts indicate a great deal of uncertainty for the typical drier conditions that South Africa experiences during typical El Niño seasons, over the eastern parts of the country. Weather extremes will continue to occur from time to time during the summer season as much as drier conditions are expected.
“Caution is advised at this point, as the El Niño effect might still manifest its influence in the next few months and change the outlook of the rainfall forecast for mid- and late summer. Minimum and maximum temperatures are expected to be mostly above-normal countrywide for the forecast period,” SAWS said.
The weather service will continue to monitor the weather and climate conditions and provide updates on any future assessments that may provide more clarity on the current expectations for the coming season.
Furthermore, the public is urged and encouraged to regularly follow weather forecasts on television and radio.
Updated information in this regard will regularly be available at www.weathersa.co.za as well as via the SA Weather Service X account. @SAWeatherService. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Fri, 12/01/2023 - 11:19
The holiday season is upon us, and we are all excitedly looking forward to enjoying the summer break with our friends and family. This time of the year means many things to people but there is one common thread: home. Regrettably, millions of South Africans still do not have a solid house that serves as …
Motorists urged to prepare adequately for festive season travel
With 14 days left before the start of the festive season peak travel period in South Africa, the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has called on freight and public transport operators to ensure their drivers are fit and healthy to be on the road.
“This is also an opportune time for all motorists to ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy and comply with relevant legislation. Vehicle licence discs must be renewed and defects such as cracked windows, worn out wipers, smooth tyres and brakes must be fixed,” the RTMC said on Friday.
To renew without hassles, drivers can log on to online.natis.gov.za where they can opt for their discs to be delivered to their doorstep.
“Tyre bursts and slippery wet surfaces account for 2.5% and 2.4% respectively as contributory factors to fatal road collisions thus highlighting the importance of having properly functioning brakes and tyres in vehicles.
“With rainfall predicted on some of the traveling days, it is important to fit proper wipers and functioning lights to ensure visibility on the road. Drivers should opt to travel during the day instead of at night where possible, as visibility is drastically reduced when it’s dark,” the RTMC said.
Motorists are further advised to ensure they always carry a valid driving licence card. Driving without a valid driving licence card is an infringement and is punishable by law.
Motorists are encouraged to take advantage of the extended operational hours to renew their driving licences at Driving Licence Testing Centres (DLTCs).
RTMC DLTCs centres are open seven days a week between 7am – 9pm.
“With chronic lifestyle diseases reportedly on the increase, it is pivotal for freight and public transport operators to ensure that their drivers are allowed to undergo medical tests and those on treatment receive their medication before embarking on long distance travel.
“Drivers of private vehicles are also urged to ensure that they are in a fit and healthy state before embarking on long distance travel. Drivers must have sufficient sleep before travel and have access to fresh water during trips to avoid dehydration,” the RTMC said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Fri, 12/01/2023 - 11:35
By Rowen Govender – Academic Head School of Healthcare Management at Regent Business School Amidst the intricate tapestry of South Africa, where the pervasive spectre of the HIV/AIDS crisis casts a formidable shadow over countless lives, businesses find themselves standing at a pivotal crossroads — a unique juncture to emerge as catalysts of profound societal …
The Pinetown branch of First Cut, a leading South African provider of cutting, welding and grinding consumables and equipment, has seen substantial benefits from its move into new premises. These include increased sales, significantly improved space, and other attendant benefits. So says First Cut’s Sales Director Stuart Beck. He clarifies: “The move late in 2021 …
