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Dear Editor The DA has always been very clear that we completely reject the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill in its current form. While we support educational reform, we will not support a Bill that ultimately disempowers schools and communities and fails to address a single one of the systemic challenges that impede quality …
Sections of the Basic Conditions of Employment and the Unemployment Insurance Fund acts declared unconstitutional
A common theme when dealing with transactional intellectual property (“IP”) matters in South Africa, where one party to a transaction is not a South African resident, is exchange control. The issue of exporting intellectual property assets by South African exchange control residents is a topic that is receiving increasing attention as companies seek to expand …
The DO MORE FOUNDATION (DMF) has enlisted employee volunteers to make a tangible difference that stretches further than World Food Day (Monday 16 October). With the theme ‘Water is Life, Water is Food, Leave No One Behind’, DMF launched their October plan of planting veggie gardens, making warm chicken meals and installing JoJo tanks at …
Reinard Geldenhuys, NSRI Agulhas station commander, said: At 12h08, Sunday, 22 October, NSRI Agulhas duty crew were activated to assist Overberg Emergency Services responding to the Riviersonderend River, at Jongenskloof, near to Riviersonderend, at a bridge crossing at the river, where an adult female cyclist was trapped in a tree on the flooded river. An …
Dear Editor This week, another key milestone in the DA’s bid to stabilise coalition governments was achieved. We published a notice of intention to introduce our second coalition bill, being the Local Government: Municipal Structures Amendment Bill 2023, which will seek to: limit the number of Motions of No Confidence (MONC) that can be brought …
• After 28 years with MAHLE SA, with 5 years as the Managing Director, Alex Holmes has left the company and the position is being taken up by Jürgen Wolf. A wealth of experience in various areas of the automotive supplier business is what Jürgen Wolf brings to his new position as the Managing Director …
On Tuesday, 24 October 2023, the journey of the Department of Infrastructure and Hope Cape Town came full circle at their title deed handover ceremony. The provincial Minister of Infrastructure, Tertuis Simmers, issued the institution with their title deeds making them the outright owners of the property. In 2019 upon request, the Western Cape Department …
As we gear up to conquer the final quarter of the year, it’s important to remember that in sales (just as in rugby currently) the biggest wins often happen when the pressure is on! The last quarter of the year is not a time for complacency but is every salesperson’s opportunity to draw on their …
October 25, 2022: The largest motorsport event in Africa – the MF Autobody 24 Hours of iLamuna – is set to make history this weekend with an all-female team and the youngest known driver to compete in a 24-hour Main Circuit race. Open only to ‘Lemons’ costing less than R55k, the gruelling endurance event will …
Pretoria, South Africa – 25 October 2023: JLR has unveiled its new Future Energy Lab, a £250 million state-of-the-art electric vehicle (EV) test facility, as it prepares to launch nine pure electric luxury models by 2030. The new 323,000 sq. ft. facility at JLR’s Whitley Engineering Centre in Coventry will host more than £40 million …
Dear Editor While the DA welcomes the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) board’s decision to fire former CEO, Andile Nongogo, it is clear that much opacity remains regarding the dodgy awarding of the contracts to four direct payment service providers. The DA will request the NSFAS board’s urgent appearance before the parliamentary portfolio committee …
Dear Editor It is easy to see why Minister Ramokgopa has been nominated for a Feather Award as Socialite of the Year. He is most certainly the most likeable Minister in Cabinet with his friendly demeanour and charming grin. He must also be acknowledged for his ongoing briefings on the energy crisis as Head of …
OUTA’s findings are just some of the many reasons why NSFAS had no choice but to terminate Andile Nongogo’s contract. Criminal prosecution should follow. OUTA is delighted with the NSFAS board’s decision to terminate the employment of Andile Nongogo as CEO. This follows the recommendations made in a report by Werksmans Attorneys and Advocate Tembeka …
First Group Hotels and Resorts Announces ‘Blue Monday’ Sale First Group Hotels and Resorts, a leading name in the hospitality industry, is excited to announce the return of their highly anticipated ‘Blue Monday’ sale. This exclusive promotion offers incredible savings on accommodation for the upcoming holiday season. Say goodbye to Monday Blues and start planning …
A campaign to preserve the horticultural area says the silica mine will impact food security and the Cape Flats Aquifer
Police open kidnapping case after events at Gold One mine
Call to reduce carbon emissions
Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environmental Affairs, Barbara Creecy, has called for nations to move with speed to reduce carbon emissions to limit the severity of climate change impacts.
“Simultaneously, we have to adapt and build resilience to the impacts that will occur, even in a 1.5 degree world. The Sixth Report of the International Panel on Climate Change shows us that the world is already dangerously close to an average temperature increase of 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial times,” the Minister said on Tuesday.
She was addressing the National Assembly debate on the Climate Change Bill, which will enable the orderly reduction of greenhouse gas emissions through the implementation of sectoral emission targets to guide the journey to the mid -century net- zero commitment.
The Bill will also ensure the country reaches its Nationally Determined Contribution by assigning individual enterprises carbon budgets and facilitating public disclosure of the progress.
“We know climate change impacts will hit the most vulnerable communities first, and will hit them the hardest. A key part of building climate resilience is to set up 'early-warning' systems so that communities can prepare for disasters before they happen,” the Minister said.
According to the Global Commission on Adaptation, knowing that a natural disaster event will happen 24 hours before it occurs can reduce damage by 30 percent.
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment and the South African Weather Service (SAWS) currently provide regular weather updates and have technology that can give South African communities advanced warning of extreme weather events.
“Our fundraising efforts aim to improve existing infrastructure and replace outdated and dysfunctional systems. Responding to climate change is not the responsibility of government alone.
“Every aspect of society and the economy will be impacted upon. Consequently, the Bill will formally establish the Presidential Climate Commission as a statutory body to mobilise communities, organised labour, business and civil society to represent a whole of society response to future challenges,” Creecy said.
Last month, African leaders adopted the Nairobi Declaration on Climate Change and Call to Action, which recognises that decarbonising the global economy is an opportunity to contribute to equality and shared prosperity on our continent.
“In support of this vision, President Cyril Ramaphosa, at the United Nations Climate Summit, called on developed countries to meet the need for new, predictable public finance to support climate adaptation and build resilience to loss and damage in developing countries so that no country should ever have to choose between development aspirations and climate action.
“With abundant solar and wind resources, and significant reserves of critical minerals, South Africa is positioning itself to be a leader in renewable energy, green hydrogen and sustainable industrialisation.
“The Just Transition Framework developed by the Presidential Climate Commission aims to ensure that climate actions adhere to principles of procedural, restorative and distributive justice. Consequently as our country develops our vision of a Just Transition to a low carbon economy and climate resilient society we will ensure it is sustainable, inclusive, comprehensive and leaves no one behind,” the Minister said.
The Climate Change Bill will provide impetus for mainstreaming the country’s climate and disaster response by placing a legal obligation on every organ of state to coordinate and harmonise policies, plans, and programmes, to make sure climate change risks and associated vulnerabilities are acted upon by national, provincial and local government.
“Because sub national governments already face financial shortfalls, the Bill provides mechanisms for national government to provide additional support for our climate change response. Already the Department has mobilised finances to assist municipalities to prepare climate response strategies.
“Honourable members, government and society have already achieved a great deal through voluntary co-operation. With this important legal instrument, we are approving today, much more can be achieved for both people and nature,” the Minister said. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 10/25/2023 - 09:37
Promises made in July have not been kept
Kodwa attends International Convention Against Doping in Sport
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Zizi Kodwa is leading the South African delegation at the Ninth Session of the Conference of Parties (COP9) to the International Convention Against Doping in Sport.
The conference, which starts on Wednesday until Thursday in France, will consider issues of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), compliance to the International Convention Against Doping in Sport, and governance in anti-doping policies.
Kodwa will also attend COP9 in his capacity as Vice-President of the International Conference of Ministers and Senior Officials Responsible for Physical Education and Sport (MINEPS).
The Minister was elected to this role at MINEPS VII, the Seventh International Conference of Ministers and Senior Officials Responsible for Physical Education and Sport.
As Vice-President of MINEPS, Kodwa plays a leading role in the only global platform of its kind, which engages governments, intergovernmental organisations, the sport movement, academia and non-government organisations in intellectual, technical and strategic exchanges in the field of physical education and sport.
At COP9, Kodwa will advance South Africa’s position to encourage the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) to improve and strengthen its compliance mechanism.
The Minister Kodwa will also play a leading role in uniting African states at this gathering. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 10/25/2023 - 09:48
KZN Premier calls for acceleration of critical infrastructure repairs
KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, has directed the provincial government to accelerate the urgent repairs of critical infrastructure, including homes, schools and roads, following the huge damage caused by thunderstorms and gale force winds over the weekend.
On Monday, Dube-Ncube, joined by Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC, Bongiwe Sithole-Moloi, Human Settlements and Public Works MEC, Sipho Nkosi and uMkhanyakude District Municipality Mayor, Siphile Mdaka, led a provincial government oversight visit to the hard-hit area of Mtubatuba in the Inkosi Mtubatuba Local Municipality.
"Many schools and homes have been damaged and electricity infrastructure destroyed, leaving people homeless and in the dark. As the province, our budget alone will not suffice to cover the cost of this devastation,” Dube-Ncube said.
The Premier emphasised that all responsible officials must ensure classrooms are urgently cleared of debris where possible and temporary classroom structures are installed urgently where there is extensive damage to ensure that the commencement of matric examinations is not disrupted.
“I am deeply saddened by the devastating impact of the recent storm on these communities. We are actively devising plans to assist all those affected. We are engaging national government requesting support as we face this disaster,” the Premier said.
The death toll has risen to six people, with the discovery of another person struck by lightning in the Mpofana Local Municipality under Umgungundlovu District Municipality.
In Mtubatuba, five people, including a one-year-old child, lost their lives following structural collapse under heavy rains and strong winds.
The Premier affirmed the provincial government's commitment to aiding all grieving families with burial arrangements, with many having lost all their possessions during the storm.
“We have taken a decision that the provincial government will help families lay to rest their loved ones. Some families have indicated that they are unable to conduct these services on their own and we will make available the necessary support to make sure they are buried with dignity,” the Premier said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 10/25/2023 - 09:55
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Pandor responds to UNSC's failure to agree on resolution calling for 'humanitarian pauses' in Israel-Palestine war
International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor, says South Africa is not pleased with the failure of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to agree on a unified resolution that signals a full commitment to ending the killing and suffering in the Israel-Palestine war.
This comes after the UNSC failed to adopt a resolution calling for humanitarian pauses in the Israel-Palestine crisis, on account of a veto by the United States.
“There can be no compromise when this Council is faced with a crisis of such proportion. We urge the Council to do its work,” she said on Tuesday.
Pandor was speaking during the open debate of the UNSC on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.
She told the Member States that the country agreed with many speakers who said the ultimate solution to the conflict is finalising the question of the two-State solution.
“We must work hard through the UN to create two States, Palestine and Israel, living side by side in peace and security, and this must be in accord with the established UN resolutions on the two-State solution. The Palestinian State should be created along the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.”
She told the Member States that the conflict has again illustrated the “inadequacy” of the UN, especially the UNSC, which has the mandate of maintaining international peace and security.
“We all recall that in 1994 a genocide occurred on the African continent with much of the whole world watching as innocent people were massacred.
“History cannot keep repeating such cruelty; we should establish a system of global governance that is fair, equitable, and can respond to the needs of all persons in situations of threat and harm – a system that is not just a tool for the most powerful countries of the world but that provides protection for the most vulnerable.”
South Africa, she said, would join urgent calls for an immediate ceasefire and for humanitarian corridors to open for aid and other basic services.
“Most importantly we call on all parties to exercise restraint and to desist from fuelling this patently unjust war and human suffering,” she pleaded.
She also expressed her condolences to the Palestinians and Israelites for the lives lost during the past two weeks.
According to reports, at least 5 791 Palestinians, including 2 360 children, have been killed since the Israeli strikes on 7 October.
Over 1 400 people in Israel have been killed, according to Israeli officials, mostly civilians who died in the initial Hamas rampage.
“We are horrified at the blatant targeting of civilians, a clear violation of International Humanitarian Law, the Geneva Convention, and its protocols. Both Hamas and Israel have committed these violations,” Pandor said.
Meanwhile, she said the killing of civilians and destruction in Gaza by Israeli forces goes against the tenets of international law, which forbid the targeting of non-combatants, especially women, the aged and children.
“There is an added obligation on an occupying power over the people and territory it occupies in terms of the Geneva Conventions, including a prohibition against collective punishment.
“This does not detract from South Africa’s concern at the actions of Hamas, which also targeted non-combatants.”
Pandor said while South Africa is concerned about the current violence and deaths, the State cannot ignore the fact that one more day of continued occupation has bred hatred, suffering and pain.
“Just as Israel deserves peace and security, so are Palestinians deserving of sovereignty, peace and security. For international law to be credible, it should be uniformly applied and not selective.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 10/25/2023 - 10:00