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Dear Editor By criticizing Israel’s military action against Hamas, the government of South Africa has unequivocally expressed its support for the attack on Israel and the murder of innocent civilians, including babies. According to media reports, President Cyril Ramaphosa said at a meeting of the ANC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) in Boksburg that Israel’s response …
Dear Editor The appointment of Kholeka Gcaleka as the new Public Protector (PP) demonstrates that the ANC does not learn from its past mistakes. Gcaleka is not the right candidate for this extremely important position. The Office of the Public Protector is of the utmost importance for maintaining South Africa’s constitutional democracy. The PP, in …
Dear Editor The FF Plus’s plea for civil organisations in South Africa to get involved, stand together against the ANC, and encourage people to register and vote to bring about change and renewal is busy realising. The FF Plus welcomes the establishment of a group of civil organisations that united under the name Convergence4SA for …
Dear Editor Trust. That is the key for the parties in the Multi-party Charter to achieve success in next year’s general elections and replace the ANC as government of South Africa. Without trust and cooperation, success is not attainable. Coalitions are usually formed after elections and, so, the Multi-party Charter for South Africa creates a …
Dear Editor Last Friday, President Cyril Ramaphosa ratified the nomination of Kholeka Gcaleka as the new Public Protector (PP). On the same day, her obscure and incompetent predecessor, Busisiwe Mkhwebane, was inaugurated as an EFF Member of Parliament. Seven years ago with Mkhwebane’s appointment as PP, just like recently with Gcaleka’s, the ANC completely disregarded …
Dear Editor “The DA can today announce that we are not only preparing our own legal challenge to the BELA Bill, which we will fight all the way to the Constitutional Court. We can also announce that we are reaching out to all of the organisations that have indicated that they too will go to …
Today FNB was named South Africa’s Best Digital Bank in the 12th annual South African SITEisfaction® survey conducted by Human8 (previously known as InSites Consulting and Columinate). FNB was rated highest for innovation, demonstrated by a successful redesign of the FNB App. Survey correspondents also rated FNB as trustworthy, with commendable efforts in proactive communications …
Incidents attended to by the NSRI these past days: WEST COAST NSRI MYKONOS Nic Stevens, NSRI Mykonos station commander, said: Thursday, 19 October, our NSRI Mykonos duty crew launched the NSRI rescue craft Rotary Burnett at 17h48 to assist two local men on their motor boat that they reported to be experiencing electrical and mechanical …
Investing in shares is one of the more direct ways to gain exposure to the stock market and to easily diversify your portfolio. However, one needs to know where to invest in order to achieve inflation beating returns over the long term. Choosing the right investment strategy that aligns with your investment objective and circumstances …
Premier Alan Winde, several members of his Cabinet, and Western Cape Government (WCG) officials today gave an update on the provincial government’s efforts to repair and reopen roads, and other infrastructure, which were severely damaged in the storms and ensuing flooding that hit parts of the province over the Heritage long weekend. The Premier thanked …
Three sentenced in OR Tambo drug case
Three people including two customs officers and an Air Namibia attendant have been sentenced to at least 10 years imprisonment following their conviction on drug related charges.
The convicts – Sydney Bilankulu, Courdel Khoza and Thabo Dikgale – were found guilty of dealing in drugs, possession of drugs and defeating the ends of justice and sentenced in the Alexandra Magistrates’ court.
According to a National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) statement, a fourth convict Oscar Osigwe, entered a plea and sentence agreement and was sentenced to eight years in jail in 2017.
The NPA explained that in 2016, Osigwe arrived at OR Tambo International Airport with some 1295.8 grams of cocaine in the form of plastic wrapped bullets he had swallowed.
“Osigwe told the court that a Nigerian man in Brazil had given him the drugs and bought him a ticket to South Africa. He further told the court that the Nigerian man said that there would be people at the ORTIA, who would be waiting for him and that his identity was already shared with these people.
“On arrival, while he was waiting in the queue, he was told to stand aside by two SARS customs officials [Khoza and Dikgale].
“Whilst searching for him, he was informed by Dikgale that they had been waiting for him. They thereafter went with Osigwe, to a hotel where his sim card was replaced with a new sim card that would be used to communicate with him after he had excreted the drugs. They gave him instructions on where to drop off the bag with drugs after the excretion was completed,” the statement read.
An on-duty police officer at the airport, Sergeant Nathan Govender, subsequently received a tip-off about Osigwe and the cocaine he had brought into the country.
“[Govender] gathered a team that went to the hotel where Osigwe had checked in. On arrival, they questioned Osigwe, who agreed that he had excreted 71 of the drugs and 18 were still inside his stomach.
“Osigwe received a call from the accused to move to the drop-off point, where he was followed by the team. He handed the bag of cocaine to Bilankulu who was together with Dikgale and Khoza and they were all arrested,” the statement said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 10/26/2023 - 11:57
Dear Editor The DA applauds the Supreme Court of Appeal’s (SCA) decision to uphold the interdict on the R50 million donation to Cuba, in agreement with the principles of good governance and accountability. Ensuring transparent and responsible allocation of government funds, prioritising the needs of South African citizens, is paramount. Deputy Minister Alvin Botes’ announcement …
Cape Town, 25 October – Following a very successful debut in 2023, the Prince Albert Community Trust (PACT) Journey to Jazz festival will be back 1 – 5 May 2024, and to deliver on the high barre set by the inaugural festival, organisers have appointed music maestro Kyle Shepherd, as Artistic Director to curate the …
The eThekwini municipality repeatedly demolishes their shacks located near a river
Phoenix, Joe Slovo residents to store water ahead of pipeline upgrade
The City of Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate has urged the residents of Phoenix and Joe Slovo to store enough water ahead of tonight’s planned upgrade on the water main supplying the two areas in Milnerton.
The city said residents of Phoenix and Joe Slovo have been experiencing low water pressure, and the water and sanitation maintenance team will be upgrading a section of the pipeline to improve the water pressure in these areas.
“This requires that the water supply to these areas be shut off to enable the work to be done safely. Residents in these areas are kindly requested to store enough water in advance and also to keep their taps closed during this period to prevent water loss and/or damage when the water supply is restored,” the city said in a statement.
Water supply in Phoenix and Joe Slovo will be shut off from 8pm on Thursday until 3am on Friday.
The city said a water tanker will be made available to provide water for domestic consumption, where required.
“The city sincerely regrets any inconvenience caused, but it is imperative that it maintains its water supply infrastructure to benefit its customers.”
For updates on the maintenance work and location of tankers, follow @CityofCTAlerts Twitter account. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 10/26/2023 - 12:36
The Killarney Motor Show, scheduled for Sunday 5 November 2023 at the renowned Killarney International Raceway in Cape Town, promises an adrenaline-packed experience like never before. Leading automotive lubricant brand, Motul, is set to take the event by storm with thrilling partnerships that demonstrate their exceptional product range. Visitors to the Motul stand can look …
Dear Editor In a recent op-ed, Adriaan Basson claimed, without a single meaningful source or shred of evidence, that there are secret negotiations between the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the African National Congress (ANC) for a coalition government post-2024 elections. This is simply not true, and one would expect a journalist of integrity to be …
World Rugby clears Mbongeni Mbonambi
World Rugby has determined that there is insufficient evidence at this time to proceed with charges against South African rugby player Mbongeni Mbonambi.
Mbonambi was accused by England’s Tom Curry of using discriminatory language during the England versus South Africa Rugby World Cup 2023 semi-final last Saturday.
In addition, a further allegation was brought forward in recent days about a previous match in the Autumn Nations Series 2022.
“Any allegation of discrimination is taken extremely seriously by World Rugby, warranting a thorough investigation. Having considered all the available evidence, including match footage, audio and evidence from both teams, the governing body has determined that there is insufficient evidence at this time to proceed with charges.
“Therefore, the matter is deemed closed unless additional evidence comes to light,” World Rugby said in a statement on Thursday.
The body said it accepts that Curry made the allegations in good faith, and that there is no suggestion that the allegation was deliberately false or malicious.
“World Rugby is also concerned by the social media abuse that both players have been subjected to this week. There is no place in rugby or society for discrimination, abuse or hate speech, and World Rugby urges fans to embrace the sport’s values of respect, integrity and solidarity,” it said.
This news comes ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup final where South Africa will take on New Zealand, also known as the All Blacks, at Stade de France in Paris, on Saturday.
The Rugby World Cup final kicks off at 9pm and will be broadcast live on SuperSport and SABC.
Excitement is mounting in the country, with supporters looking forward to watching the historic World Cup final game, which will also be screened at various fan parks.
The City of Cape Town has announced three public viewing areas and the Free State province will have a fan park at the SaamTrek Fan Park - Phakisa Raceway.
“The World Cup this year has been one of the most exciting and unifying sporting events in our nation's history. For the final, the City is pleased to announce three public viewing sites in the CBD, Langa and Mitchells Plain where residents can get together and hopefully watch the Springboks make history by winning the title for a fourth time,” Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis said.
Free State MEC for Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Thabo Meeko, called on citizens to back the national rugby team at the SaamTrek Fan Park - Phakisa Raceway.
Entrance will be free. Additional activities and entertainment include a kiddie’s village, biker stunts show, car drifting, music performances, food stalls, and tourism products exhibitions. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 10/26/2023 - 11:01
By definition a culture is a way of life of a group of people–the behaviours, beliefs, values, and symbols that they accept, generally without thinking about them, and that are passed along by communication and imitation from one generation to the next. Culture is symbolic communication. As a business which has doing right by people …
The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group (https://www.AfDB.org/en) have approved South Africa's Country Strategy Paper (CSP) 2023-2028. The Bank's interventions over the next five years will focus on two priority areas: improving governance and developing the private sector in southern Africa's largest and most populated country.
The CSP 2023-2028 aims to support the South African government's efforts to tackle its structural challenges, promote industrialization and establish a faster, more inclusive growth trajectory to reduce poverty for the long term. Its indicative operational program for 2023-2028, amounts to a total of $1,54 billion, comprising six sovereign operations totaling $887 million and seven non-sovereign operations totaling $654 million. The sovereign operations selectively support four focal sectors, relatively large projects aimed at delivering transformation at scale and impact.
In the first priority area, the African Development Bank will support efforts to improve economic governance and boost private investment to promote inclusive growth and create decent jobs. This will help broaden access to the main social and economic services, improve skills and employability, and increase resilience to external and climate shocks.
The Bank will also contribute to strengthening the governance framework to create favourable conditions for implementing infrastructure projects. Its support will help to reduce costs and contribute to the success of the private sector by helping the country to address regulatory barriers.
Among the expected outcomes are a reduction in the budget deficit of 4.2% of gross domestic product in 2022-2023 to 3 percent in 2027-2028. Energy production by the private sector should increase from 100 megawatts in 2023 to over a gigawatt in 2028, and 700 new small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) should have access to funding, including at least 210 owned by women and 70 by young people, by 2028.
In the second priority area – developing the private sector – the African Development Bank aims to improve access to high-quality infrastructure, boost productivity and strengthen competition to promote growth driven by the private sector and job creation through transformative projects. The Bank's interventions will focus on the energy, transport, water and sanitation sectors, as improving these kinds of infrastructure will contribute to reducing the cost of economic activity, increasing productivity and strengthening South Africa's competitiveness at all levels. These interventions will also enable women to access basic services and economic opportunities.
Finally, there will be an emphasis on protecting infrastructure from the effects of climate change to strengthen sustainability and resilience, a goal that will be at the forefront of all infrastructure projects.
The Bank's actions in the transport sector should help increase the market share of rail freight from 26.8 percent in 2023 to 28 percent in 2028 and complete the construction of 38 kilometres of tunnels by 2028.
On 30 June 2023, the African Development Bank Group's active portfolio in South Africa comprised 23 projects, with total funding of USD 7 billion.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
Media contact:
Alexis Adélé
Communication and External Relations Department
media@afdb.org
About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) is the premier multilateral financing institution dedicated to Africa's development. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NSF). The AfDB has a field presence in 41 African countries, with an external office in Japan, and contributes to the economic development and social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: https://www.AfDB.org/en.
By Vikesh Rampadarath (Associate Director at Regent Business School) A globalised and knowledge-based economy means businesses and industries are heavily reliant on skilled employees to drive innovation, productivity and overall business success. As the demand for specialised skills and expertise increases, organisations find themselves competing fiercely to secure the best talent available. Vikesh Rampadarath from …
According to Kaspersky research (https://apo-opa.info/46X8CgY) on mobile cyberthreat dynamics in Q2 2023, threats for mobile devices are growing worldwide. In particular, the number of mobile threats for Android devices [1] detected and blocked by Kaspersky (www.Kaspersky.co.za) in the Middle East, Turkiye, and Africa (META) region increased by 5% in Q2 2023 when compared to the same period last year. Given the ubiquity of mobile devices in Africa, recording such an increase is a cause for concern.
Among the most prevalent mobile threats that were detected in Africa are adware and mobile banking threats. The Kaspersky report indicates substantial adware detections in Q2 2023, with a spike of 94% in Nigeria, 39% in Kenya and 27% in South Africa. There was also a notable increase in the detections of mobile banking trojans in Q2 2023, which are used to hunt for data related to online banking and e-payment systems.
“As Africa witnesses an upsurge in smartphone adoption, combined with the burgeoning trend of mobile banking, it's imperative to address the inherent cybersecurity challenges that exist," says Bethwel Opil, Enterprise Client Lead at Kaspersky in Africa.
"The region, with its tech-savvy demographic and dynamic digital landscape, offers a fertile ground for cybercriminals to exploit and our research shows that cybercriminals are doing just that. This underscores the necessity for a forward-thinking and proactive approach to mobile cybersecurity for consumers and businesses alike. From banking malware targeting mobile transactions to ransomware hijacking device data, cybercriminals are continually evolving their tactics. Another cyberattack vector that we see cybercriminals focus on, and particularly in Africa, is outdated software. A considerable number of users in Africa make use of low-end or older mobile devices that may lack the latest security features and updates, making them more susceptible to mobile threats. Against this backdrop, it's not just about implementing cybersecurity solutions on mobile devices but also about educating users on best practices and the rapidly changing threat landscape.”
To mitigate against mobile cyberthreats, Kaspersky recommends:
"Mobile cybersecurity isn't merely about deploying security software. It requires a holistic approach, blending technology, user education, and industry collaboration. As we navigate this digital age, Kaspersky is committed to strengthening Africa's mobile cybersecurity landscape, ensuring that users can safely and confidently leverage the power of mobile technology," concludes Opil.
[1] Threat statistics in the report come from Kaspersky solutions running on Android devices. This mobile OS holds a dominant market share in the Middle East (https://apo-opa.info/3FyWbMC), Africa (https://apo-opa.info/3rY7ZVv) and Turkiye (https://apo-opa.info/3SgCyAw). Apple devices are not immune to cyberthreats (with the Triangulation attack (https://apo-opa.info/3oBaJ9D) uncovered by Kaspersky as the most recent example), but are difficult to monitor due to OS specifics.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kaspersky.
About Kaspersky:
Kaspersky is a global cybersecurity and digital privacy company founded in 1997. Kaspersky's deep threat intelligence and security expertise is constantly transforming into innovative solutions and services to protect businesses, critical infrastructure, governments and consumers around the globe. The company's comprehensive security portfolio includes leading endpoint protection, specialized security products and services, as well as Cyber Immune solutions to fight sophisticated and evolving digital threats. Over 400 million users are protected by Kaspersky technologies and we help over 220,000 corporate clients protect what matters most to them. Learn more at www.Kaspersky.co.za.
World Bank supports SA’s transition to cleaner energy with a $1 billion loan
The World Bank Board has committed to support South Africa’s efforts to promote long-term energy security and a low carbon transition with a $1 billion Development Policy Loan (DPL).
“We are pleased to support South Africa’s government, which has taken decisive reforms to address the challenges posed by the energy crisis. These reforms will benefit the people of South Africa - particularly the most vulnerable households - the economy, the environment, and advance the energy transition,” World Bank Country Director for South Africa Marie Francoise Marie-Nelly said on Wednesday.
The operation supports reforms in two critical areas. It facilitates the restructuring of the power sector through the unbundling of South Africa’s power utility, Eskom.
It supports the opening of the power market and aims at improving Eskom’s efficiency by redirecting its resources toward investments in transmission and maintenance of existing power plants.
The operation also supports a low carbon transition by encouraging private investment in renewable energy, including by households and small businesses, and strengthening carbon pricing instruments.
The World Bank noted that South Africa has been facing an ongoing energy crisis, which has had a marked negative impact on productivity and safety, at a time when the country has been working to implement a just transition to a low carbon economy.
In 2022, load shedding averaged eight hours per day, costing 2-3% of GDP growth to the economy.
“This operation comes at a crucial time for South Africa as it will provide much needed fiscal and technical support, enabling us to pursue our policy priorities in the energy sector including easing the electricity crisis in the long term, stimulating private sector engagement and creating jobs in the renewables space,” National Treasury Deputy-Director General: Asset and Liability Management Mmakgoshi Lekhethe said.
South Africa is among the world’s top 20 greenhouse gas (GHG) emitters. Energy represents 81% of South Africa’s emissions, of which 45% comes from electricity.
“The operation is expected to enhance economic activity and job creation from new investments in renewable energy generation. Poor and vulnerable households will be cushioned against recent increases in electricity tariffs. Poorer households and businesses - particularly women and Black women-owned businesses - will be supported through access to credit by commercial banks to enable them to invest in solar technology,” the World Bank said.
The operation will also contribute to gradual reductions in water and air pollution, as a result of reduced reliance on coal for power generation.
“This is anticipated to lead to substantial improvements in the quality of life of South African households in the long term. South African authorities will also receive technical assistance to identify future reforms necessary to manage the social costs associated with the decommissioning of coal-fired power.
“The operation has been a collaborative effort between the government, the World Bank and three partners, namely the African Development Bank (AfDB), KfW Development Bank (KfW), and Government of Canada. It was informed by South Africa’s development priorities, including the Presidential Energy Plan and the Just Energy Transition,” the World Bank said. – SAnews.gpv.za
nosihle
Thu, 10/26/2023 - 09:56
Pandor advocates for more women to be part of peace negotiations
Peace agreements are more sustainable when women are at the table, says International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor.
“It is, therefore, disheartening to note that the percentage of women in peace negotiations today stands at a measly 19% in UN-led processes, down from 23% in 2020,” said Pandor on Wednesday.
She was speaking during the open debate of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Women, Peace and Security (WPS).
As the UN gears up for the 25th anniversary of resolution 1325, Pandor believes that enhanced international efforts are needed to focus on commitments made in advancing women’s participation in all peace processes.
“We made the same call in 2019 when this Council unanimously adopted resolution 2493, as proposed by South Africa.”
The Minister said the UN Secretary-General report points to several concrete actions that Member States can take to reverse the trend of the declining number of women representation in peace negotiations, which South Africa is in agreement with.
However, Pandor noted that the current global security environment may contribute to the reversal of progress in the implementation of the WPS agenda.
“We, therefore, re-emphasise our call for urgent action to secure peace in the Israel-Gaza war, conflicts on the African continent and Russia-Ukraine conflict.
“In this context, it is alarming that the number of women and girls living in conflict-affected settings has increased by 50% in 2022 compared to 2017 owing to the increasing number of armed conflicts since then.”
South Africa, according to Pandor, initiated the Gertrude Shope Annual Dialogue Forum in 2015 and the Women Mediators Network to train cohorts of African women negotiators and peace monitors.
The training has made an immense contribution to drawing women in communities together and is setting targets for women’s direct participation in delegations and negotiating teams. “This initiative has shown how empowered women can contribute to peace and stability and support other women living in vulnerable conditions.”
She told the Member States that South Africa continues to contribute to training and capacity building for women in peace processes at continental and local levels.
“Some of the trainees are now members of various peacebuilding initiatives in their respective countries,” she said.
Pandor expressed her appreciation to partners including the African Women Leaders Network, FemWise Africa, the African Union’s platform for women mediators and the Norway government.
“In the same vein, we commend the efforts of the Secretary-General as articulated in the Action for Peacekeeping Initiative Plus and the Uniformed Gender Parity Strategy, which continue to positively advance the WPS agenda.”
She also noted South Africa’s contribution in championing female peacekeepers and making a difference on the ground.
Pandor paid tribute to the dedicated women who have been deployed in different missions across Africa. These include Major Felicia Thobeka Mswane, Lieutenant Colonel Martha Masango, Major Seitebatso Pearl Block, and Lieutenant Colonel Fhulufheto Kouter.
The Minister recognised the fundamental role played by civil society organisations in the search for sustainable peace in the Middle East amid the Israel-Palestine war.
She gave a special mention to Women of the Sun of Palestine and Women Wage Peace of Israel who are urging parties to engage in dialogue and diplomacy to reach a just, comprehensive, and sustainable peace.
“This is an example of positive activism and inspirational leadership by women striving to find a solution in the context of the continued occupation of Palestine.
“We encourage these women to continue with their solidarity amid adversity and the deepening political and security crisis.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 10/26/2023 - 09:20