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Over the past few weeks, the extreme coastal conditions have severely damaged our coastline in general and Over the past few weeks, the extreme coastal conditions have severely damaged our coastline in general and have had a major impact on the St Francis Bay beach and Spit area. This has highlighted the urgency to proceed …
R2-billion in grants under investigation, but only one looter in jail
CSIR launches tech entity to commercialise its technologies, innovations
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has officially launched a commercialisation enterprise to accelerate the pace and increase the scale of the commercialisation of its technologies and intellectual property (IP).
CSIR-C3, pronounced as CSIR C-Cubed, will drive all aspects of technology commercialisation and provide adequate financial resources along the technology de-risking process through to commercialisation.
According to the research organisation, the standalone enterprise will hold all CSIR IP and act as an incubator for start-up enterprises underpinned by strong technical and non-financial support.
It will enable the commercialisation of CSIR IP through the development of a network of investors and entrepreneurs.
In keeping with the CSIR’s industrialisation strategy and its vision, the organisation said the initiative is intended to enhance efforts to drive industrialisation to grow the economy to catalyse South Africa’s re-industrialisation.
This, according to the CSIR, will be driven by establishing new technology-based enterprises.
CSIR Board Chairperson, Vuyani Jarana, said the CSIR developed many technologies and products that are ready to be de-risked, scaled up, and taken to the market.
He believes that the establishment of CSIR-C3 is an important turning point for the organisation.
“The CSIR has sustained a track record of contributing to industrial development through the development of technologies that improve the performance and competitiveness of existing industrial products, processes and services,” he explained.
Some of the technologies, Jarana said, require funding to take the final step towards commercialisation, while others are ready to be taken up by the market.
The CSIR has since raised R100 million as an initial investment into the commercialisation enterprise to de-risk CSIR technologies to improve market readiness.
Meanwhile, about 18 of the CSIR’s top technologies ranging from health, logistics, and earth observation to defence and security and potential investors have since been unveiled.
The first technologies that are available for commercial uptake have since been displayed to private sector players, investors, and government stakeholders.
These include formulations for biodegradable plastic, a biomanufacturing process for lactic acid from sugar by-products, “green” cement technologies, a kit for the early detection of kidney injury, a smartphone-based diagnostic tool to detect diseases, a gunshot detection camera, and a tool that forecasts the motion of moored ships in a port.
In addition, CSIR CEO, Dr Thulani Dlamini, said the commercialisation enterprise will seize the opportunity to monetise the organisation’s IP at a greater scale and pace to achieve impact.
“Through this initiative, we will collaborate with various partners to create innovation-based companies, to support the reindustrialisation of our economy,” said Dlamini.
Dlamini added that the entity will unlock new opportunities for the CSIR and industry partners to collaborate in developing and commercialising technologies in South Africa and abroad.
He also noted that the move is in keeping with the Science, Technology and Innovation’s Decadal Plan.
The model and approach, the CSIR said, are said to have been informed by global best practices and draw on valuable lessons learnt. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 10/25/2023 - 15:12
The ‘Southern Africa Europe CEO Dialogue' is a powerful forum that has stimulated billons of rands in business and investment and as it marks its 10th anniversary it has attracted over 200 CEO's and influential public and private sector leaders this year.
The summit, taking place in Johannesburg's Melrose Arch on November 9 and 10, has become the key annual event for European and African political and business leaders to strengthen their strategic relationships.
The Southern Africa Europe CEO Dialogue was founded and organised by leading global think tank, The European House – Ambrosetti (TEHA), in collaboration with the Gauteng Province, the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency (GGDA), and a selection of international public and private stakeholders, including CLN-MA, Danieli, DHL, Aspen, Musina-Makhado SEZ, Italian Trade Agency, Brand SA and Italtile.
Confirmed speakers for this year's invitation only event includes Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, former Prime Minister of Italy Enrico Letta, Thebe Chairman Nhlanhla Nene, Angola's Secretary of State for Finance, Ottoniel dos Santos, the CEO of South African Breweries, Richard Rivett-Carnac, as well as the Director of Women in Capital Growth, Nomatemba Tambo among others.
Not to be missed this year is a special high-level political discussion on the state of South Africa, featuring President of the Economic Freedom Fighters Julius Malema, Action SA President Herman Mashaba, Democratic Alliance Leader John Steenhuisen, Inkatha Freedom Party President Velenkosini Hlabisa, and senior leadership of the ruling African National Congress.
“We are looking forward to an extraordinary 10th Anniversary, in times of unprecedented socio-economic changes and unexpected challenges such as the ongoing energy crisis, rising inflation, and geopolitical crises. In the last decade, our CEO Dialogue has demonstrated capacity to build an exclusive and influential community of leaders from SADC and Europe, able to partner together and foster the regional economic development. The aim is also to draw positive attention on strategic areas of economic cooperation and develop international partnerships,” said Pietro Mininni, CEO, TEHA Africa, ahead of the summit.
Some of the topics to be covered in the 2023 agenda are:
- The African geopolitical, business and investment outlook
- CEO's views on African business
- Perspectives and development of the agroindustry in SADC - Energy transition and critical raw materials
- The future of South Africa.
This edition of the Southern Africa Europe CEO Dialogue will be enhanced with side events on these themes:
- Doing business in Gauteng
- Young business leaders today
- High-level bilateral business meetings
The summit's primary goal is to foster in-depth interaction among peers and government officials and promote growth with a multi-stakeholder approach.
For further information about the summit go to: www.Ambrosetti.EU
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The European House - Ambrosetti.
Contact:
Johannesburg
The European House – Ambrosetti
Filippo.malinverno@ambrosetti.eu
The newest drop from the Pandora ME collection combines elements of symbolism with an elevated aesthetic and invites wearers to explore personal meaning through their jewellery looks. The newly launched pieces include medallion and mini dangle charms with symbolic meanings, along with a new beaded chain necklace and bracelet and a new studded ring design. …
Hailed as one of the finest Bulk Vehicle Operators (BVO), Cynthia Noneka Thala (40) is the IVECO #ThankYouTrucker top award winner for 2023. Thala, who started her career as a bus driver, was first employed within the Unitrans Total Alrode Operations in 2019. She is the first female BVO at Total Witbank. Her cash award …
Mop up operations, assessments to continue until all victims are accounted for
As mop up operations and disaster assessments continue following torrential downpours in some parts of KwaZulu-Natal, Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube has called on all dedicated teams on the ground, including speakers and mayors, to ensure that every affected citizen is profiled.
According to reports, over 600 households across the province have been reported damaged - this includes over 134 houses reported to be destroyed in Somkhele and KwaMyeki in Mtubatuba Local Municipality areas. Some of the houses were completely damaged, leaving families homeless. Residents have also reported the loss of valuable livestock, including goats, chickens and cows.
During a visit in Mtubatuba, Dube-Ncube said the province has pledged psychological support to all those affected, and the assessments will continue until all victims are accounted for.
"We are grateful that the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has stepped in to assist in clearing the affected areas, as some roads are blocked by fallen poles and cables, with debris scattered throughout.
“We also appreciate the speedy responses by other social partners like the South African Red Cross who are on the ground with government. While we cannot determine the full extent of the damage, from the reports we have received, it is substantial," Dube-Ncube said.
The provincial Department of Human Settlements will fast track the process of providing temporary structures to families whose houses were completely destroyed.
Other areas, including the Harry Gwala District and the Greater Kokstad Municipality suffered massive destruction due to heavy rains and hailstorm in the Pakkies Location.
Dube-Ncube noted that about six households were affected, and “fortunately, no fatalities, injuries, or displaced people have been reported at this stage”.
“In the Umzimkhulu Municipality, four households were affected by heavy rains in Madakeni location, with no fatalities at this point. In the Umgungundlovu District, 23 households in the Rosetta informal settlement under Mpofana Local Municipality were affected.
“In Ulundi, under the Zululand District Municipality a block of rental rooms was blown away by the strong winds. The storm also caused damage in some parts of uThukela District Municipality,” Dube-Ncube said.
She encouraged all affected citizens to reach out to their ward councillors or other public representatives as the province prepares interventions.
“On behalf of the provincial government, we wish to convey our sincere condolences to all those who have lost their loved ones in this disaster,” the Premier said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 10/25/2023 - 10:45
The eleventh edition of the COSAFA Women's Championship was held in Gauteng, South Africa between 4 - 15 October 2023; FIFA (www.FIFA.com) provides USD 1.25 million annually to COSAFA for the organisation of tournaments through FIFA Forward; For the fourth consecutive year, a research project dedicated to female health was conducted during the competition.
For the first time ever, Malawi were crowned COSAFA (Council of Southern Africa Football Associations) champions, thanks to a 2-1 win over defending holders and FIFA Women's World Cup debutants, Zambia in the final.
This year marked the eleventh edition of the tournament, which provides crucial playing opportunities for women's national teams and players in southern Africa. Malawi's triumph came at a tournament that featured two teams who had qualified for the Round of 16 of the FIFA Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand: Zambia and South Africa..
Since 2017, FIFA has provided USD 1 million annually to COSAFA through its Forward programme to organise tournaments for senior women and youth (boys/girls) and USD 1.25 Million for the cycle starting in 2023.
"COSAFA is very happy with the year-on-year improvement in the level of play. This year we have seen a marked improvement by Malawi and Mozambique, as well as Eswatini and Lesotho,” said COSAFA Secretary General Sue Destombes.
“This development is largely due to FIFA's Forward grant to the Zonal Unions and the ability to organise consistent annual tournaments."
In addition to the COSAFA Women's Championship, FIFA Forward zonal funding also supported the hosting of the COSAFA qualifying tournament for the CAF Women's Champions League (from 30 August - 8 September 2023) in Durban, South Africa.
Working on initiatives that stimulate more women's national team activity is part of FIFA and COSAFA's ongoing commitment to promote the development of women's football competitions and advance the professionalisation of women's football in member associations in Southern Africa and around the world.
“We are proud that the FIFA Forward programme continues to contribute to women's football development in the COSAFA region. The 2023 edition of the COSAFA Women's Championship lived up to its elite status with all 12 teams performing well and new stars announcing themselves on the international stage," says Solomon Mudege, Head of Development Programmes – Africa.
"Congratulations to the Malawi women's team who emerged victorious. It's a fitting reward for all the efforts that the Football Association of Malawi is making for the development of talent in women's football and providing tailored support for female football players – under the FIFA Women's Football Development Programme and other related initiatives.
"Our sincere thanks also go to CAF and COSAFA for hosting this tournament and giving teams and officials the first-ever opportunity to work with VAR at this tournament. We are committed at FIFA to women's football development and will continue our work with CAF, the zones and FIFA member associations across Africa.”
During the tournament, COSAFA also began to implement elements of FIFA's Women's Health, Wellbeing, and Performance project (https://apo-opa.info/40afIMI). For the fourth year in a row, Dr Nonhlanhla S. Mkumbuzi has conducted extensive research on women's health. Her area of expertise is the health of female athletes - in particular the intersection between the biology of female athletes and the socio-economic, religious and cultural context in which they live.
“This Project demonstrates FIFA's dedication to increasing awareness and fostering a deeper understanding of this subject, thereby enhancing the confidence, health, well-being and performance of female players worldwide. Our goal is to highlight the importance of tailoring training and support for women, ensuring their holistic needs are met”, said Belinda Wilson, FIFA Senior Technical Development Manager.
“We know that we have a shortage of research on women and girls in sport: Most of that research has been conducted on women and girls from high income countries; women and girls from the global north," explains Dr Mkumbuzi. And this is where her research comes in. Her main motivation is to provide a research database so that in future, more accurate decisions can be made.
"Analysis where they can say for example in Africa the problem is ankle sprains; in Europe the problem is knees; in Asia the problem is concussions. Therefore, when we direct our resources for Africa, we are making sure we direct them towards the most relevant topics, instead of having a broad approach that benefits some, but doesn't quite provide the resources that you need for everyone," Dr Mkumbuzi continued.
"That's where we are coming from and I think it's a bit like Neil Armstrong. It's a tiny little step. We hope that somewhere we have a giant leap forward with other people taking on the same type of research - but in our case it a small little contribution that we hope can then lead to smaller contributions elsewhere and collectively we have a big research database."
The full interview with Dr Nonhlanhla S. Mkumbuzi on women's health and cultural differences will be available on FIFA.com soon.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of FIFA.
Contact for African media:
AfricanMedia@fifa.org
As part of the Dunlop Ladysmith plant’s 50th anniversary celebrations in October, the tyre manufacturer announced a project to build two new classrooms, ablutions, an office and a sick bay at Ithubelihle Special Opportunity School in Leonardsville, Ladysmith. Headmistress Sibongile Tshabalala said the new additions would enable the school to extend its support to the …
In May 2022, William Sheepskin, a 27-year-old photographer from Sea Point, Cape Town, faced a life-altering diagnosis: testicular cancer. This unexpected medical journey not only tested his physical strength but also posed financial challenges that threatened to eclipse his dreams and future plans. Maya, William’s partner of six years, a 25-year-old student pursuing a Master’s …
Didiza to commemorate World Food day in KZN
Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Minister, Thoko Didiza, together with KwaZulu-Natal Agriculture and Rural Development MEC, Super Zuma, and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), will on Thursday commemorate World Food Day (WFD) at iLembe District Municipality.
The event, which will take place at Esixeni Sports Field, aims to inform communities on ways to mitigate the impact of rising food prices through the establishment of food gardens and supporting agricultural cooperatives in attaining food security, job creation and economic growth.
The WFD also aims to deepen public awareness of the plight of the hungry and undernourished in the world, and to encourage communities to take measures to combat hunger.
The day will be observed under the theme: 'Water is Life, Water is Food. Leave No One Behind', highlighting the critical role of water for life on earth and water as the foundation of food.
Didiza and senior government officials will visit projects and households.
“It is also expected that some of the indigent households in identified communities will receive food parcels and agricultural support,” the department said in a statement.
About World Food Day
World Food Day is commemorated annually on 16 October in remembrance of founding the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations in 1945 as an organisation that deals with global food and agricultural issues.
The conference of FAO proclaimed World Food Day in 1979 to heighten public awareness of the world food problem and strengthen solidarity in the struggle against hunger, malnutrition and poverty.
The objectives of World Food Day are:
• To inform South Africans on the National Policy on Food and Nutrition Security.
• To heighten public awareness on issues such as absence and scarcity of food in the country and to strengthen solidarity in the struggle against hunger, malnutrition and poverty.
• To promote food production and to stimulate national, bi-lateral, trans-national and non-governmental initiatives.
• To encourage research and technology development for the development of symbiotic ecological food production systems to ensure sustainable food production.
• To enhance the participation of rural people, particularly women and the under privileged in decisions and events impacting their living conditions.
• To heighten public awareness on the government programmes aimed at halving hunger in South Africa.
• To raise awareness of the public regarding the contribution of indigenous forests to food security and nutrition. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 10/25/2023 - 12:22
Are you looking to take your Google Ads audits to the next level? You’re in the right place! With precision and performance in mind, this article will help you master Google Ads audits in 2023. We’ll cover the benefits of auditing, the auditing process, analysing performance, structuring accounts, keyword strategies, ad copy optimisation, tracking & …
Climate Commission to hold Komati Power Station community consultations
The Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) says it expects to host a multi-stakeholder community consultation at Blinkin Village in Mpumalanga to "consider and discuss its Interim Report and Recommendation on the Komati Power Station Decommission and Repurposing process”.
The community consultation will be held on Friday.
“The report follows initial submissions and an oversight visit conducted by the Commission on 7 July this year. The PCC visited the Eskom Komati Power Station earlier this year with the intention of understanding the process of decommissioning and repurposing, and make recommendations on the lessons learnt from the process.
“The consultation on Friday follows from the decision of the commission’s 11th quarterly meeting held on the 29th of September, to go back and consult with various stakeholders about the ongoing process of decommissioning and repurposing the Komati Power Station and to enrich and address gaps on the PCC’s interim report and the associated recommendations,” the PCC said in a statement.
The Komati Power Station was officially taken off the grid in October last year after serving the population since 1961.
Since then, Eskom has revealed that it will use the power station as a renewable energy site.
The Komati site is expected to be powered by 150MW of solar power, 70MW of wind power and at least 150MW of battery storage power. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 10/25/2023 - 10:53
The South African Weather Service warns of possibly hot and dry summer ahead
JOHANNESBURG: Having left cricket at 19 to pursue her Architectural Technology studies, recently-capped Proteas Women wicket-keeper Mieke de Ridder made...
SAA to be officially relaunched
Government is expected to officially relaunch South African Airways (SAA) in Cape Town on Thursday.
The event – which will mark two years since SAA returned to the skies – will also be used to announce the restart of the state-owned airliner’s direct flights to São Paulo, Brazil.
Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan said the relaunch was a milestone for the airliner which had run into turbulence after it was grounded for 16 months and underwent business rescue and averted liquidation.
“The upcoming event marks a very significant step in the resurgence of South African Airways. We look forward to the official relaunch of SAA, along with the introduction of its first intercontinental flight to São Paulo, Brazil,” Gordhan said.
In a statement earlier this year, SAA revealed that it will fly four times a week to São Paulo with two flights each departing from Cape Town and Johannesburg.
At the time, SAA Interim CEO, Professor John Lamola, said the airliner took the decision to introduce the long haul flight following thorough sustainability analysis.
“We are overjoyed to announce São Paulo as our first international destination since the airline successfully emerged from an intensive Business Rescue process and COVID-19 lockdown. It also marks our return of our long-haul service out of Cape Town. The teams at SAA are working hard behind the scenes to gear our operations for this much-anticipated route launch to South America.
“Our decision to begin the relaunch of our long-haul service with São Paulo was taken based on a rigorous analysis of the viability of the route. Sustainability has been at the heart of SAA’s approach since our restart,” he said.
The first flight to the South American country is expected to depart from Cape Town next Tuesday with the Johannesburg flight to follow suit on November 6. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 10/25/2023 - 10:02
MUMBAI: A sublime third century in five innings by Quinton de Kock at the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup helped...
Be on the look out for scammers, warns department
The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) has issued a warning to members of the public, especially job seekers and small businesses, of scammers who are out in full force ahead of the festive season.
“Please be not foolish with your money and be misled and lied to by scammers,” the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure said in a statement.
The department said it does not offer any jobs or tenders that are not officially advertised in the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) circular, on the official departmental website - www.publicworks.gov.za - or national newspapers.
The website, application links and the email addresses always end with “gov.za” and never with “.org” as advertised in the latest fraudulent adverts.
The public is warned to be on the lookout for these scammers who often request payments from people for government services that are never paid for.
“Please take note that the government will never request payments for services, jobs and tenders - the so-called RFQ. Any request or demand for money on any ‘job advert’ should set off the alarm bells already.
“We urge all job seekers to always verify all advertised vacancies by going to the official websites as highlighted above. Job seekers are also advised to visit the DPWI offices to verify any vacancies advertised,” the department said.
Any Request for Quotation (RFQ) or suspicious job offers must be verified with the department.
The public is advised to visit the departmental website or contact 012 406 1439 or Lesole.Matsotso@dpw.gov.za. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 10/25/2023 - 10:10
The National Assembly (NA) has, during its hybrid plenary this afternoon, passed the Climate Change Bill and the Railway Safety Bill, respectively.
Introduced in Parliament in 2022, the Climate Change Bill is the first piece of legislation in South Africa specifically aimed at mitigating and addressing the effects of climate change. The Bill's objective is to establish a robust strategy for addressing climate change and implementing a fair, long-term energy transition plan, and ultimately fostering a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy in South Africa.
The Bill further seeks to manage climate change adaptation to impacts such as flooding, drought, wildfires, excessive heat, and water and food insecurity. The Bill provides that government, at provincial and national levels, is obliged to assess all the risks and expected impacts and create response plans.
The Bill also defines responsibilities for different national, provincial, and local governments, ensuring that all relevant role-players are mandated to do their part in responding to climate change and work together effectively.
The Bill is intended to ensure that the country is empowered to respond adequately and safely to climate change and its risks and impact. It seeks to regulate climate change mitigation through the reduction of greenhouse gas carbon emissions.
According to the Bill, the minister responsible for the environment must assign carbon budgets to companies to limit their carbon emissions.
The Railway Safety Bill, on the other hand, aims to amend the National Railway Safety Regulator Act 16 of 2002 by facilitating an improvement in general safety within the railway environment.
It seeks to ensure that rail becomes an attractive mode of transport and contributes towards economic growth, which is a platform to effectively fight inequality, poverty, and unemployment.
Additionally, in an effort to align legislation with the White Paper on National Rail Policy and government's plan to move passengers and freight from road to rail, the Bill proposes and promotes the use of rail as an efficient mode of transport. Also, the Bill aims to facilitate a modern, flexible, and efficient regulatory regime that ensures the continuing enhancement of safe railway operations across the country.
Both Bills will now be sent to the National Council of Provinces for concurrence.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
Stellantis N.V. and Orano today announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding to establish a joint venture for recycling end-of-life electric vehicle batteries and scrap from gigafactories in Enlarged Europe and North America, strengthening Stellantis’ position in the electric-vehicle battery value chain by securing additional access to cobalt, nickel, and lithium necessary for electrification …
AMCU claims that miners are voluntarily protesting underground at Gold One but there are definitely people being held hostage
SA urges BRICS collaboration for tourism
South African Tourism Minister, Patricia de Lille, says the BRICS partnership is enough reason for Tourism Ministers and countries to come together and work in collaboration to grow their sectors and economies.
De Lille made the remarks during the opening session of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) Tourism Ministers meeting held in Cape Town on Tuesday.
Held under the theme: "Sustainable and inclusive tourism recovery", the meeting builds on South Africa's 2023 BRICS Summit held in August under the theme: "BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development and Inclusive Multilateralism".
De Lille noted that in the Summit Declaration, BRICS Heads of State acknowledged the urgent need for tourism industry recovery and the importance of increasing mutual tourist flows.
“We are here today to agree on a way forward and action plan. The BRICS Tourism Ministers Meeting will exchange information and experiences in our tourism sectors.
“It is also an opportunity for BRICS Members to reach a consensus on key policy priorities for a more just and sustainable tourism recovery. We do so because we know that poverty, unemployment and inequality are the biggest problems the world faces,” De Lille said.
According to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), international arrivals could reach 80% to 95% of pre-pandemic levels in 2023.
In South Africa, the tourism sector has risen from January to August 2023, with a total of 5.5 million international tourists arriving in the country, signifying a remarkable 70.6% surge compared to the same period in 2022.
While this resurgence is encouraging, the Minister noted these figures still lag behind the pre-pandemic levels of 2019 by a 19.0% shortfall.
However, she said the figures are encouraging, noting that within the 5.5 million arrivals, “the African region has the biggest share.”
The Minister noted that tourism can be an engine of growth of our economy, and it is also a key part of our country's Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan.
“We have seen similar growth in our fellow BRICS countries. This recovery provides an opportunity to implement transformational shifts as the travel and tourism sector creates a more resilient and inclusive future.
“As international arrivals are forecast to reach 1.8 billion by 2030, this growth should be sustainable and inclusive and contribute positively to the communities, natural ecosystems, and cultural heritage,” the Minister said.
Aligning tourism strategies
De Lille also called on BRICS Members to align tourism strategies with the six lines of action, as recommended by the UNWTO's One Planet Vision for a Responsible Recovery of the Tourism Sector.
These include public health, social inclusion, biodiversity conservation, combating climate change, ensuring a circular economy that empowers all, and a commitment to fair and transparent governance and finance.
“Our collective recovery of tourism must be measured beyond economic impacts. A fairer development model is called for.
“It involves stakeholders at different levels in its planning and implementation and provides decent work conditions and opportunities for all, including women, youth, people with disabilities and indigenous communities,” De Lille said.
She said the meeting will explore cooperation priorities for BRICS Members to achieve a resilient, sustainable and inclusive tourism recovery.
“We will look at mainstreaming sustainable policies and practices so we can take steps to support better the transition to a green, low emissions and climate-resilient tourism economy.
“We will look at developing more sustainable tourism business models using technology to manage visitor flows better. We will encourage a paradigm shift by reconsidering perceptions of tourism success. Is it just arrival numbers or the actual impact on communities?” she asked. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 10/24/2023 - 14:14
IEC launches the 2024 National and Provincial Elections programme
The Electoral Commission of South Africa has formally launched the 2024 National and Provincial Elections (NPE 2024) programme as a means of declaring its readiness to host millions of eligible voters at over 23 296 voting stations across the country next year.
According to the Electoral Commission, the NPE 2024 will be historic, as independent candidates will, for the first time, be able to contest for seats in the national and provincial elections.
The legislation enabling the participation of independent candidates was signed into law in April by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The Commission, led by the institution’s chairperson Mosotho Moepya and Sy Mamabolo, the Chief Electoral Officer, presided over the launch of the NPE 2024 at Gallagher Estate in Midrand and was attended by various stakeholders, including political parties.
“Today, we stand proud as the pre-eminent Constitutionally-mandated body that manages elections, and make bold that we are ready for the NPE 2024,” Mamabolo said.
Mamabolo explained that while the term of office of the current legislatures, national and provincial governments ends around 18 May 2023, the national and provincial governments will remain in office until the newly elected public representatives are able to take office.
He said in terms of the Constitution, the country must have an election within 90 days of the expiry of the legislatures’ terms.
“Therefore, an election is possible between May and the middle of August 2024. The proclamation of the election date is by our Head of State, His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa, after consultation with the Electoral Commission.
“Our expectation is that the provincial elections will be, as they have for the past 30 years, synchronised with the national election,” he said.
Mamabolo said once the Electoral Amendment Act was signed into law by the President, the Commission moved with speed to finalise the supporting business applications necessary for the implementation of the Act.
Prior to each election, the Electoral Commission launches registration drives aimed at enrolling new voters and empowering existing ones to scrutinise and, where necessary, amend their registration details.
The Commission reiterated its commitment to open nearly all voting stations for the weekend of November 18th and 19th, 2023.
This monumental effort not only registers new voters but also facilitates the verification of the roll. Station-based registration ensures equitable access to the vote.
Modernising registration
Furthermore, the Electoral Commission has expanded registration modalities to enable voters’ continuous enrolment.
For those with internet access, registration, inspection and updates are accessible via www.elections.org.za.
Voters may also visit local Commission offices or capitalise on various activation campaigns to register and update their information.
The theme for NPE 2024 will be: “Your Democracy, Own It” - celebrating the fruits of democracy by showcasing different, real-life experiences of young South Africans from all corners of the country.
The Commission called on South Africans to use its online portal for registration, verification and updates.
“We urge you to actively participate in the registration weekends and exercise your responsibility as engaged citizens who choose their own representatives.
“We extend a call to all electoral stakeholders to stand shoulder to shoulder with us, working collaboratively to make these historic elections a resounding success,” Mamabolo said.
Moepya said the Electoral Commission of South Africa is approaching the upcoming elections with immense pride and a profound sense of responsibility.
“This is so because our electoral democracy has come a long way since those historic elections in 1994, when millions of South Africans cast their votes for the very first time. While it is essential that we recognise the remarkable achievements of the past three decades, it is necessary for us to embrace the challenges that lie before us,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 10/24/2023 - 14:37
How to end the year like a boss! When done well, office parties can make for great bonding sessions, especially when the company uses a hybrid working model or is entirely remote. Year-end parties can also be like opening a mystery box on a TV game show. Depending on your company culture and colleagues, you …