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TSHWANE: Day 2 of the Cricket South Africa (CSA) and South African Sports Association for the Intellectually Impaired (SASA II) Trination...
Joma Sport, the official technical sponsor of the prestigious Durban International Marathon, has unveiled an exclusive limited-edition Durban International Marathon event shoe, perfectly timed for race day on Sunday, 28 April 2024. “We are thrilled to announce Joma’s role as the technical sponsor of the Durban International Marathon,” says Roger Noades, Director of Joma South …
In today’s ever-evolving digital landscape, the concept of consumer consent has taken centre stage for companies. Gone are the days when consent was assumed; today, the control is firmly in the hands of the consumer. For those companies who handle consumer data, consent has to be a priority. While consumers want the services they can …
Cape Town, South Africa: Africa Games Week, now in its 6th edition, has solidified its position as the foremost business event for the video game industry in Africa. The event, set to take place from November 29th to December 2nd, brings together developers, content creators, and industry leaders from across Africa and around the world, …
Two villages in the Malamulele region don’t have access to clean running water, despite the municipality installing boreholes there.
Judicial Conduct Tribunal into her alleged misconduct adjourns until January
NSFAS improves data exchange processes
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is improving its data exchange processes with institutions to ensure seamless data integration and the registration of students onto its new direct payment systems.
Giving an update on the disbursements for October, NSFAS said it has successfully disbursed allowances to 143 423 beneficiaries at Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, with a total amount of R681 051 078.
The scheme reiterated that it continues to review all its processes, operations and its disbursement model.
“Tuition and allowances disbursement for university students were initiated on 25 October. However, there was a delay in payments of allowances at some universities which did not finalise their university reconciliation, which is very critical information to ensure that NSFAS disburses allowances correctly to the institutions for tuition and living allowances to students.
“This is an important measure to ensure that NSFAS accounts for each and every disbursement it makes to properly account for using public money. It is also important to note that NSFAS is working with all institutions to improve its data management systems to ensure that allowances are paid on time to all beneficiaries,” it said.
To date, the total tuition disbursements to all universities amounts to R1 602 289 873, and the scheme is currently engaged in the process of doing mop up payments for universities where there were exceptions.
Appeal process
On the appeal process, the scheme said this process is almost at the final stage for university students who submitted their appeals.
However, the scheme noted that the appeals process is a continuous process for TVET beneficiaries, because of the alignment of their academic year which differs from the universities’ academic year.
A total of 1.3 million students are currently funded for the 2023 academic year, following an unprecedented surge in the number of applications received.
“The entity has been working tirelessly to ensure that it improves on its processes for applications and ensuring quick turnaround times on funding decisions,” NSFAS said.
Crisis
Meanwhile, the scheme has refuted the South Africa Union of Students (SAUS) allegations that it is in a crisis.
“The National Student Financial Aid Scheme is not in a crisis; it is however an organisation which is in a process of realignment and modernisation to meet the demands of the more than one million students that it is currently serving.
“Since it’s established by government in 1999, NSFAS provided financial assistance to deserving beneficiaries who qualify for post school education and training. As a scheme, NSFAS represents one of the most progressive efforts by the government to systematically break the legacies of inter-generational social inequality in access to and outcomes of, post school education and training.”
Since 1991, NSFAS funding has grown from disbursing R21.4 million to almost R50 billon to fund children of the working class and the poor seeking to further their studies in public universities and TVET colleges. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 11/13/2023 - 11:40
NSFAS applications open next week
Applications for financial aid for all learners who wish to enter the post-school system and students who do not have financial assistance to continue their studies in the 2024 academic year will officially open on 21 November 2023.
In a statement issued on Monday, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) said the applications for 2024 funding will open on 21 November 2023 and close on 31 January 2024.
The reason for opening applications in November is so that NSFAS can afford the beneficiary shorter turn-around times for decision making, which is aligned to the financial eligibility assessment which requires updated South African Revenue Service (SARS) information.
“NSFAS is awaiting SARS completion of its tax period and to enable NSFAS to have the necessary and updated information available during our application season. We encourage all students who wish to study in the post school education and training sector higher education and training space to ensure that they apply on time.
“It is also important that students note that they don’t need results when they are entering post school education and training for the first time. Furthermore, NSFAS is engaged in conversation with the Department of Basic Education to improve the application validation processes including verifying parental relationships and all these improvements will ensure that funding decisions are confirmed timeously,” NSFAS said.
NSFAS urged students to provide accurate information, particularly parental information, when applying so that when validations occur with Home Affairs, students can be easily funded and not be subjected to appeal processes to prove parental relationship.
The parental relationship verification has been a challenge where students change their parents’ information for the sake of the bursary.
The entity said the partnership with the Department of Basic Education will further strengthen its ability to verify parental relationships.
The NSFAS Board also announced that it will continue to make immediate funding decisions for new applicant South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) beneficiaries. Immediate funding decisions mean that as soon as the applicants submit their applications they will receive an outcome.
“The moment you are verified as a SASSA beneficiary, we will not require any supporting documents. In fact, all new applicants will not require supporting documents, except for learners with disabilities.
“All rejected applicants will be able appeal and it is important that students submit the appropriate supporting documents,” NSFAS explained.
Among the new features for the 2024 application period include the NSFAS mobile application which will be rolled out initially for iPhone operating system (IOs), Android, and in due course of HUAWEI devices.
The student app will include a biometric capability which will be rolled out later in the year.
Students will also be able to track their application statuses and funding via whatsapp on 078 519 8006, and USSD at *120*67327#.
Meanwhile, NSFAS announced that its Board, in consultation with the Department of Higher Education and Training is finalising the funding guidelines for the academic year 2024.
The scheme said the guidelines will be announced on 21 November 2023, together with the opening of the application season for the academic year 2024. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 11/13/2023 - 11:43
The education department wants to close Amanzi Primary School because it only has 114 learners
Measures in place to deal with Diphtheria outbreak
The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) is leaving “nothing to chance” as it deals with the outbreak of Diphtheria at the Pollsmoor Correctional Centre, says it’s National Commissioner, Makgothi Thobakgale.
This after a 19-year-old inmate died and eight other inmates tested positive for the contagious bacterial infection at the Pollsmoor Correctional Centre in the Western Cape.
“We would like to assure the public and stakeholders that we are taking proactive measures to address and contain any possible spread of the disease. The epidemiological investigation on the index case is still ongoing.
“Recognising the potential risks associated with communal living, we have implemented a comprehensive set of measures to mitigate the spread of the disease within the correctional setting.
“We are doing this because we also know that [a] Diphtheria outbreak in a correctional environment requires a coordinated and comprehensive response in order to contain the spread and provide appropriate medical care to the affected individuals,” he said at a media briefing on Monday.
Thobakgale outlined the measures taken which include:
“We are leaving nothing to chance, health education efforts to inform inmates, DCS officials and service providers about the symptoms of Diphtheria, the importance of vaccination, and preventive measures are being amplified. Our health care team is vigilant in monitoring the situation and the infection prevention measures are for every individual in a correctional facility to follow through.
“The situation is calm and under control. No new cases have been reported in the past five days. Hence, we do believe that the measures that we have put in place shall be effective in ensuring the well-being of everyone in our care,” he said.
Roots of the outbreak
Reflecting on the events leading up to the outbreak, Thobakgale explained that the 19-year-old inmate who died, fell ill after being transported back to the facility following a court appearance on October 17.
“When the inmate showed signs of not feeling well, the Correctional Services Health Care officials treated him and a decision was taking that he be transferred to an outside hospital. At the time the inmate showed malaise and respiratory symptoms hence the transfer to Victoria Hospital on 28 October.
“He received further treatment and was tested for Diphtheria and the results came back positive on 02 November 2023. Unfortunately, the inmate’s condition deteriorated and he sadly passed away on 5 November 2023 at the Groote Schuur Hospital,” he said.
Thobakgale said following the inmate’s diagnosis, the department immediately embarked on a contact tracing exercise with some 54 inmates and 15 correctional services officials identified as contacts.
Some eight inmates tested positive.
“[The officials] were tested and released to isolate at home. The provisional results have since came back negative, awaiting confirmatory results.
“As a department, it was important that we act with necessary urgency. The health and well-being of our incarcerated inmates, staff members, and the surrounding community are of utmost importance to us, and we are obligated to ensure a safe and healthy environment.
“Diphtheria is a vaccine-preventable disease, and through…comprehensive measures, we aim to minimize the risk of transmission at Pollsmoor Correctional facility,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 11/13/2023 - 12:00
National summit to address substance abuse, illicit trafficking
The Social Development Department in partnership with the Central Drug Authority (CDA) will host the 3rd National Summit on Substance Abuse and Illicit Trafficking from 14 - 16 November at the Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre in Boksburg.
Given the high prevalence of substance abuse and illicit trafficking, which negatively affects the wellbeing of the country’s population, the Minister of Social Development Lindiwe Zulu is expected to address the summit.
Zulu will be accompanied by the Deputy Minister of Social Development, Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu, and the Chairperson of the Central Drug Authority, Nandi Mayathula-Khoza.
The summit will be held under the theme: “Towards sustainable, coordinated and impactful strategies for national drug and substance use in South Africa”.
“The summit will unfold on the premise of the need to realise a South Africa free of substance abuse through capacity building sessions on collaborative and coordinated evidence based and sustainable socio-economic interventions.
“Civil society organisations together with experts and leaders in government attending the summit are expected to deliberate on drug demand reduction, drug supply reduction, access to medicines and prevention of NPS [new psychoactive substances] diversion, governance, accountability and leadership, research development, monitoring and evaluation, and economic development, as key thematic areas of the summit,” the department said in a statement.
Setting the scene and sharing lived experiences, affected and infected persons from various provinces across South Africa will be speaking at the opening ceremony tomorrow.
Former Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates player, Junaid Hartley, now a recovered substance user, will be sharing his fourteen-year battle with addiction and sleeping on the streets of Johannesburg. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Mon, 11/13/2023 - 12:03
Government activities for the week, 13 November - 17 November 2023
On Tuesday, 14 November, the Department of Health will observe World Diabetes Day through an inter-provincial cycling challenge between North West and Gauteng provinces, among other activities.
From Tuesday, 14 November, to Friday, 17 November, the National Primary Health Care (PHC) Conference will be held in South Africa at the East London International Convention Centre.
On Thursday, 16 November, the Department of Water and Sanitation, together with the International Union for Conservation of Nature, Department of Forestry Fisheries and the Environment and the United Nations Development Programme will host a Climate Change Adaptation Workshop.
On Friday, 17 November, Minister of Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu, will launch a R106 million Dinokana Water Supply Project which is part of ‘Opertiona Bulela Metsi’ intervention programme.
This weekend, from 18 November to 19 November, the IEC will host the voter registration weekend.
Janine
Mon, 11/13/2023 - 13:17
Tourism, Google sign collaborative agreement
Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille has signed an agreement with global tech giant, Google, aimed at promoting South Africa as a prime tourist destination and to provide training and support to the sector in digital training.
The Minister and Dr Alistair Mokoena, Country Director for Google South Africa, signed the agreement in Cape Town on Monday.
This partnership is in line with de Lille’s mission to grow tourism to its full potential, unlock the power of technology in the sector and increase arrivals to South Africa to support economic growth and job creation.
“In an era of digital transformation, collaboration between technology giants and government entities has the potential to reshape industries and enhance public services. As stated in the Tourism Sector Green Paper, there is a ‘lack of support mechanisms for the (tourism) sector, particularly SMMEs, to adapt to a digital future and other technological advancements.
“This visionary partnership between Google and the Ministry of Tourism, focuses on non-monetary exchanges to leverage each parties’ strengths for mutual benefits,” de Lille said.
Google intends to provide support to the Ministry to achieve its mandate through providing access to its initiatives and programmes in South Africa that are beneficial to the sector.
Mokoena said they were excited to partner with the Department of Tourism and to sign the letter of intent which aims to position South Africa as a great tourist destination.
“As a company that prides itself in organising the world’s information and making it universally accessible and useful, we look forward to rolling out various programmes in conjunction with the department, to fast track digital transformation in the sector, helping with digital skills and showcasing South African tourism through our Google Arts & Culture platform,” Mokoena said.
According to the department, the primary goal of this collaboration is to harness Google's technological expertise to support the Ministry of Tourism's efforts in promoting South Africa as a prime tourist destination.
The department said no monetary exchange will take place as a result of the agreement.
The areas of collaboration include:
Collaborating with the Ministry of Tourism, Google can provide insights into global travel trends. This information can guide the Department of Tourism and South African Tourism’s strategies for targeting specific markets and tailoring experiences to visitor expectations.
Specific studies to investigate the impact of digital platforms and online content are to be undertaken by Google and shared at no cost to the Ministry or Department.
Google offers skills training programmes including the Google Hustle Academy and master classes. These digital skills initiatives will be extended to offer training programs for individuals and businesses within the Ministry ecosystem.
This would equip local entrepreneurs with the digital skills needed to market their offerings online, potentially attracting a wider audience of travellers.
Tourism start-ups can be supported by Google programmes such as the Startup Accelerator and the Black Founders Fund.
The training will also include Google Ads training on the fundamentals of Google Ads. To date, more than 2 773 South African SMMES have previously benefited from these support programmes offered by Google.
Google can showcase South African tourism sites and unique cultural heritage to the world through the Google Arts and Culture Portal.
The two will also collaborate in creating a tourism thought leadership seminar through presenting commissioned research results on the opportunity and impact of online content and digital platforms in the tourism sector.
A co-hosted thought leadership seminar will focus on the digital opportunities for accelerating economic growth in the tourism sector.
The aims of the seminar will be to facilitate knowledge sharing and understanding of the digital opportunity in accelerating economic growth and upskilling governments and tourism promotion agencies with global best practices on how to use digital platforms.
“By tapping into Google's technology through digital skills training and the sharing of insights, South Africa's industry, notably SMMEs, can be present their offerings in innovative ways, engaging potential tourists, and inspiring them to explore the country,” Minister de Lille said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Mon, 11/13/2023 - 14:00
They were told in 2009 their temporary accommodation was only for six months
Two in hot water for possession of state infrastructure
Two people have been arrested and charged with the possession of stolen goods, including 52 street lights estimated at R1.9 million belonging to the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality.
The Border Management Authority (BMA) said the pair was arrested by border guards at the Kosi Bay port of entry when they intercepted state property which was en route to Mozambique on Saturday, 11 November 2023.
According to the authority’s statement released on Monday, the duo was in a grey Isuzu bakkie which was driven by a Mozambican national when they were searched at the port of entry bordering South Africa and Mozambique.
“The team immediately activated the Hawks and Durban metro police.
“Two Mozambicans were arrested and charged with the possession of stolen goods, including damaging of essential infrastructure.”
In addition, the BMA said the vehicle they were travelling in as well as the property were seized and handed over to the Manguzi South African Police Service (SAPS).
“A case was opened and handed over to the Hawks for further investigation.”
BMA Commissioner, Dr Michael Masiapato, commended the remarkable work of the border guards in preventing illegal activities and securing the state assets.
“The BMA border guards serve as the first line of defence working around the clock to enforce immigration laws thereby maintaining the integrity of our nation. Their vigilance in this incident and dedication contribute significantly to maintaining law and order. Their operation in intercepting municipal assets is truly commendable,” said Masiapato. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 11/13/2023 - 14:33
Introduction When it comes to prioritising our health, women understand the importance of regular check-ups and screenings. In this blog, we’ll explore three vital diagnostic procedures: Mammograms, Pelvic Ultrasounds, and HSG (Hysterosalpingography). These screenings are essential in maintaining women’s well-being and ensuring early detection of potential health issues. If you’ve ever wondered about finding a …
Herbert Mensah, the newly elected President of Rugby Africa (www.RugbyAfrique.com), the continental governing body for rugby in Africa, recently engaged in a 45-minute face-to-face meeting with Dr Akinwumi A. Adesina, the President of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB). The meeting, held during the African Investment Forum in Marrakesh, Morocco, focused on the crucial topic of sports infrastructures in Africa.
During the meeting, President Mensah and Dr Adesina discussed the significant potential of sports as a thriving business in Africa, with a particular emphasis on advancing development of sports infrastructure across the continent. Recognizing the pivotal role of sport in economic growth and community well-being, both leaders explored strategic conversations to harness the continent's potential.
President Adesina took a moment to extend his heartfelt congratulations to the South Africa Springboks for their triumph at the Rugby World Cup. He emphasized the victory's significance in maintaining Africa's status as the reigning champion of the world for another four years.
The newly elected President of Rugby Africa, Herbert Mensah, continues to emphasize the business potential of sport across Africa. Since his election, Mensah has called for a change of mind-set among African governments and international organizations and to fully embrace, support and increase investment in rugby across Africa, as a wealth and development creating activity.
“With abundant talent and the world's attention, Africa stands at the forefront of the global marketplace,” said Mensah. “It's time to turn this potential into power, investing in ourselves, forging structures that allow our resources to fuel our own growth, breaking free from the cycle of export and import that hinders the realization of our true economic potential.”
The sports industry in Africa is experiencing rapid growth, with significant potential to generate jobs, improve public health, foster social inclusion, and drive economic growth.
According to PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), the industry was valued at $7 billion in 2018, with an expected growth of $12 billion in 2027. Despite the potential, investment across Africa remains limited, with only 1% of start-up financing directed towards the sports sector.
More information: https://apo-opa.co/3FV6pXA
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Rugby Africa.
Media contact:
Nicole Vervelde
Communications Advisor to the President of Rugby Africa
rugby@apo-opa.com
About Rugby Africa:
Rugby Africa (www.RugbyAfrique.com) is the governing body of rugby in Africa and one of the regional associations under World Rugby. It unites all African countries that play rugby union, rugby sevens, and women's rugby. Rugby Africa organizes various competitions, including the qualifying tournaments for the Rugby World Cup and the Africa Sevens, a qualifying competition for the Olympic Games. With 39 member unions, Rugby Africa is dedicated to promoting and developing rugby across the continent. World Rugby highlighted Ghana, Nigeria and Zambia as three of the six emerging nations experiencing strong growth in rugby.
When it comes to the well-being of your furry family members, Bob Martin’s Naturals Calmcare is a trusted ally, offering a scientifically sound and holistic approach to managing stress and anxiety. Cats and dogs, just like humans, can experience stress and anxiety and this can present at different stages in their lives, and as a …
Dear Editor On 18 and 19 November, every voting station in South Africa will be open for voter registration. We urge all DA supporters and those committed to rescuing South Africa to come forward and register during this weekend. At this pivotal moment in our nation’s history, the 2024 elections stand as a critical opportunity …
Chikunga receives specialised agency to audit SA’s marine operations
Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga has officially welcomed the International Maritime Organisation audit team who are in the country to conduct a mandatory audit under the IMO’s Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS).
Speaking at Monday’s opening meeting in Cape Town, the Minister described the gathering as a milestone as the country forges ahead with upholding international standards and compliance in maritime operations.
The International Maritime Organisation, which South Africa became a member of in 1995, is a specialised agency of the United Nations (UN) responsible for regulating and promoting responsible shipping on a global scale.
South Africa’s participation in the IMO, enables the country to contribute to the development of international maritime policies and standards, mainly related to maritime safety, pollution prevention and the welfare of seafarers.
“South Africa also benefits from IMO initiatives that support capacity building, technical assistance and development in the maritime sector.”
The IMO’s audit scheme has created a regulatory framework for the shipping industry that is fair and effective, universally adopted and implemented. It also promotes a safe and secure environment and efficient and sustainable shipping.
During this audit, the Minister said key areas will be scrutinised, ranging from ship safety and security to environmental protection measures.
“South Africa’s focus is on fostering compliance with the international maritime conventions and how it meets those obligations, ensuring that our practices align with global standards set by [the] IMO.”
Legislation
South Africa has since reviewed the Comprehensive Maritime Transport Policy, while some key pieces of legislation are under review and will soon be enacted.
These include the Merchant Shipping Act, the Marine Pollution Bill and the Oil Pollution Preparedness Response and Cooperation Bill.
The Minister believes that the legislative process is critical to giving full effect to the convention by accelerating adoption, incorporation into national laws, and development of regulations to mainstream implementation and enforcement of IMO instruments in South African territorial waters.
Audit
The commencement of the IMSAS audit comes after it was postponed due to the aftermath impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021. The audit will begin with preparatory work by all entities with the mandate on maritime policy, legislation and operations.
“A pre-audit questionnaire and an exercise were completed to collect and verify documents and all that is left is for the auditors to satisfy themselves on the audit requirements and completeness of South Africa's compliance to international rules and standards.”
This will be followed by a preliminary audit outcome report, expected to be submitted at the end of the week-long undertaking.
The team will audit the Department of Transport and its implementing agency and the maritime administration, South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA.
They will also assess the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre supported by Telkom on radio communications, Transnet National Ports Authority, the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Environment, the South African Weather Services and the South African Navy Hydrography Office.
“Together, we can ensure that the outcomes of this audit catalyse positive change as we strive towards excellence,” she said.
The Minister is of the view that compliance is not merely a regulatory obligation.
“It is a commitment to the wellbeing of our oceans, the safety of our seafarers, and the sustainability of maritime trade, crucial to the export-driven economy of South Africa.
“By working together, we strengthen our capacity to address challenges and promote a culture of safety and continuous improvement.”
In addition, she said the feedback will assist in the regulatory process of the IMO to help make measurable improvements in the effectiveness of the international regulatory framework for shipping.
“I cannot over-emphasise the importance of this audit, a window of reflection of our work as a maritime nation, quality assurance and continuous standards improvement for safe and secure and environmentally sound South Africa’s plus or minus 3 000 kilometres of diverse coastline.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 11/13/2023 - 12:43
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