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Pandor to participate in Palestine, Women, Peace and Security debate
Pandor to participate in Palestine, Women, Peace and Security debate
International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor, has undertaken a working visit to New York to participate in two high-level debates at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
According to a Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) statement, the leaders will discuss the Middle East situation.
The debate, the department said, will also include the question of Palestine, and Women, Peace and Security (WPS) on Tuesday and Wednesday.
“Under the Presidency of Brazil, the UNSC has convened a high-level open debate on the situation in the Middle East, including the question of Palestine.”
According to the department, the Brazilian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mauro Vieira, will preside over the meeting and has invited Pandor to participate in this open debate.
“The open debate has been elevated to a high-level ministerial meeting because of the prevailing situation in Israel and Palestine.”
On Wednesday, Pandor will partake in the UNSC high-level open debate on WPS.
The discussion will focus on women’s participation in international peace and security from theory to practice.
“October is considered by the UN as the WPS month because resolution 1325 on women in armed conflict was adopted in October 2000.
“Consequently, the Security Council always holds an annual open debate on WPS in October to commemorate resolution 1325 and evaluate its implementation,” the statement read.
Resolution 1325 was adopted to primarily highlight the impact of armed conflict on women and girls and to advocate for the full involvement of women in peace processes including conflict resolution, peace negotiations, peacekeeping, and post-conflict reconstruction.
Pandor will also use the opportunity of her visit to New York to hold bilateral meetings with her counterparts from other countries. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 10/24/2023 - 08:59
351 views
New State-of-the-art Primary Healthcare Clinic to Meet Growing Health Demands in Botleng Extension 6
As part of GE Vernova's (https://www.GEVernova.com/) commitment to support communities in areas it operates in, GE Vernova's Steam Power business, is proud to announce the handover of the Botleng Extension 6 Community Health Centre, a first-of-its-kind primary healthcare facility in Delmas, Mpumalanga, South Africa. The clinic was officially handed over to the Mpumalanga Department of Health and marked by an official opening ceremony in Nkangala District of Victor Khanye Local Municipality.
The Botleng Extension 6 Community Health Centre represents an approximated R75 million investment towards the turnkey construction and full equipment kitting of the clinic in efforts to uplift the local healthcare infrastructure. The clinic will play a critical role in meeting the growing healthcare demands of the community and its surrounding areas. Up to 100 000 local beneficiaries will have access to comprehensive primary healthcare services including 24-hour emergency care, maternity, dentistry, eyecare, medical dispensary, and mental healthcare services.
While Botleng Extension 6, part of a rapidly growing settlement in Victor Khanye Local Municipality was being serviced by a mobile clinic with restricted services that visits the area twice a week, the new clinic will alleviate the community's burden of travelling great distances to access quality healthcare services. The state-of-the-art facility boasts of a cutting-edge maternity ward equipped with premium GE Healthcare ultrasound/V-scan equipment, ensuring precision healthcare for expectant mothers and their babies. In addition to this, GE Healthcare will roll-out technical, clinical, and soft skills training programmes for nurses and midwives at the clinic, enhancing the quality of healthcare services.
Premier of Mpumalanga, Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane expressed the provincial government's gratitude for this significant contribution to the healthcare infrastructure in the region. "This facility will be heralded and safeguarded by generations to come. Not only has it exceeded our standard infrastructural requirements but should be used as a benchmark for public service and infrastructural excellence," Mtshweni-Tsipane stated. "Thank you for leading by example and being a prime example of how private public partnerships can significantly aid our efforts and serve as catalysts for sustainable employment opportunity creation in our communities."
In line with its continuous strategy to empower local businesses, GE Vernova's Steam Power business supported local businesses and communities throughout the construction process where GVK-Siyazama Construction served as the principal contractor, overseeing construction activities. A minimum of 30% of the work was sub-contracted to local Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), and the general workforce was sourced entirely from the local community and empowered through accredited trade and skills development trainings. It was critical for the clinic's design approach to incorporate ecologically conscious solutions like rainwater harvesting, energy-efficient fittings and low maintenance landscaping throughout the construction process.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Emmanuel Thouet, GE Vernova's Steam Power SSA Regional Leader, expressed the company's commitment to driving social change through public-private partnerships. " Over the years, large infrastructure projects have provided us opportunities to create jobs and develop the critical skills needed to drive continuous growth in the energy sector. We recognize that for us to make a sustainable impact, we must be deliberate in our efforts to support social change," he stated. "Through our expertise and innovation, we are able to address social challenges by creating shared value. We are proud to be part of this transformative project that will significantly improve the social and economic vitality of the Botleng Extension 6 community."
Zandile Shange, Eskom General Manager for Kusile Power Plant Project, expressed her enthusiasm for the community-centric partnership Eskom enjoys with GE Vernova's Steam Power business in delivering this essential healthcare facility. " Health and wellness are fundamental human rights for all South Africans," Shange said. "The Botleng Extension 6 Community Health Centre represents a crucial step in providing accessible healthcare services to the people of this region. We are proud to be part of this initiative, which aligns with our mission to support the well-being of our communities and in accordance with one of our core values, ‘Sinobuntu'."
The Botleng Extension 6 Community Health Centre stands as a testament to the power of collaboration between industry leaders, government agencies, and the community to address critical healthcare needs and uplift local communities.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of GE.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Kashumba Macombe
Middle East & Africa Content Creation & Communications Specialist
GE Vernova
+27 71 372 3110
Kashumba.Macombe@ge.com
About GE Vernova:
GE Vernova is a planned, purpose-built global energy company that includes Power, Wind, and Electrification segments and is supported by its accelerator businesses of Advanced Research, Consulting Services, and Financial Services. Building on over 130 years of experience tackling the world's challenges, GE Vernova is uniquely positioned to help lead the energy transition by continuing to electrify the world while simultaneously working to decarbonize it. GE Vernova helps customers power economies and deliver electricity that is vital to health, safety, security, and improved quality of life. GE Vernova is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S., with more than 80,000 employees across 140+ countries around the world. GE Vernova's Steam Power business provides a broad portfolio of technologies and services that help industrial and non-renewable energy power plants deliver reliable power as they transition to a lower carbon future.
GE Vernova's mission is embedded in its name –it retains its legacy, “GE,” as an enduring and hard-earned badge of quality and ingenuity. “Ver” / “verde” signal Earth's verdant and lush ecosystems. “Nova,” from the Latin “novus,” nods to a new, innovative era of lower carbon energy. Supported by the Company Purpose,The Energy to Change the World, GE Vernova will help deliver a more affordable, reliable, sustainable, and secure energy future. Learn more: GE Vernova (https://www.GEVernova.com/) and LinkedIn (https://apo-opa.info/3Qc09j6).
Consumers can now file complaints with NCC online
Consumers can now file complaints with NCC online
The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has announced that consumers can now file their complaints online using the e-Service portal.
Acting National Consumer Commissioner, Thezi Mabuza, said consumers often complain about the manual process when they file complaints with the NCC.
“As South Africans are now accustomed to online transactions, we want to make it easier and more convenient for them to file complaints from the comfort of their homes or on the spot. The portal also makes it easy and possible for consumers to log in and view the status of their complaints without contacting the NCC,” she said on Monday.
The NCC is rolling out its first phase of the digitised complaint handling process.
The https://eservice.thencc.org.za portal is live and is replacing the manual complaint form.
The Commission said the portal is a seamless consumer complaint-handling process empowered by workflows in the back end and instant notifications to the consumers.
Consumer registration is verified through the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) and as such, consumers are urged to use correct names and ID numbers as they appear in their ID books.
“Consumers may experience intermittent connectivity during the verification process due to interface with DHA and are therefore advised to be patient with the process. The NCC is on the other hand enhancing the registration process to take the burden of ID verification from the consumer,” the Commission said.
Consumers can follow these easy steps to create a profile online:
- Consumers should be in passion of an ID/Passport number, email address, and mobile number.
- Visit www.thencc.org.za/complaints or select the e-Service & OORs tab on the home page.
- The page will take you to the e-services portal to create a profile.
- When creating a profile, make that your names appear as they are on the ID or Passport (if you are a non-South African consumer).
- The ID or passport number will be verified with the Department of Home Affairs.
- Once your profile is verified and approved, you will receive confirmation with your login details via email.
- Only then can you log into your profile, change your password, and file a complaint. You can lodge as many complaints using the same login details.
The Commission has arranged to accommodate consumers who do not have access to the Internet or an email address.
Mabuza said these consumers can still contact the Commission.
“To ensure that consumers enjoy their right to be heard, we encourage consumers who do not have access to the internet to utilise our contact centre for assistance. Our agents will create a profile on behalf of the consumer and file the complaint,” she said.
The complaints handling process is explained further on the website: www.thencc.org.za/complaints or contact our contact centre at 012 428 7000. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Tue, 10/24/2023 - 09:00
182 views
Electricity wheeling toolkit for municipalities launched
The Provincial Minister of Infrastructure Tertuis Simmers and the Provincial Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities Mireille Wenger launched the Western Cape Government’s electricity wheeling toolkit. The toolkit will support municipalities to help fast-track the implementation of third-party electricity wheeling. The toolkit was developed by the Western Cape Government in consultation with industry bodies, municipalities, …
“Night School” to empower road users when it matters most
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Bellville’s Latest Wall Mural Creates A Buzz
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New Long Tern Sponsor for Lions Rugby Team
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Cable theft and shootings force Cape Town library closures
But the people who work at the libraries in Hanover Park and Bellville are determined to continue creating safe spaces for their communities
Here’s how the Western Cape can prepare better for weather like we had in September
Climate change may bring more variable weather but we can reduce the risk of disasters
Over 100 suspects netted in Gauteng police operation
Over 100 suspects netted in Gauteng police operation
Gauteng police started Operation Safer Festive Season on a high note when they recorded arrests of more than 140 suspects and recovered rifles, including an AK-47, from a man suspected to be a kingpin of illegal mining in the West Rand.
“Police received information about a suspect who is in possession of unlicensed firearms in Bekkersdal, West Rand District. The information was operationalised on the day of Operation Safer Festive Season, 21 October 2023. Upon searching the premises, police from Crime intelligence and Bekkersdal Visible Policing found two unlicensed firearms (R5 rifle and AK47 rifle) and dagga,” said the Gauteng South African Police Service (SAPS) in a statement on Sunday.
The incident saw a 36-year-old suspect being arrested for unlawful possession of firearms and dealing in dagga.
Furthermore, detectives went on to trace wanted suspects and arrested 56 of them for crimes ranging from rape to fraud.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Police General Bheki Cele, the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service General Fannie Masemola and Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Elias Mawela joined the police at a roadblock and illegal mining disruptive operation in Roodepoort.
The operation resulted in more than 85 suspects being arrested for offences that include possession of suspected stolen goods and contravening the Immigration Act.
Generators and drilling machines used by the illegal miners were seized as the police dismantled and disrupted their operation. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 10/23/2023 - 08:46
586 views
Mashatile to address National House of Traditional Leaders gathering
Mashatile to address National House of Traditional Leaders gathering
Deputy President Paul Mashatile is expected to participate and speak at a gathering convened by the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders.
According to the Presidency, he will meet with the leaders as Chairperson of the inter-ministerial task team on matters of traditional and Khoi-San leaders, at the Ilanga Estate, Bloemfontein, Free State, on Tuesday, 24 October.
The 2023 Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders Xivijo, will focus on promoting development and social cohesion in traditional communities through cooperation with government and the private sector.
The meeting will emphasise the purpose and objective of building cohesive communities driven by the vision for development, Ubuntu and self-sustainability.
Xivijo is a Xitsonga expression of a gathering, usually called by the traditional leadership.
Representatives of the National, Provincial and Local Houses of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (Contralesa), the Royal Leaders of South Africa (Rolesa), National Khoi-San Council, government and private sector representatives are expected to attend the gathering.
The aim, the Presidency said, is to engage on all matters affecting the institution of traditional leadership and its contribution to rural development.
“Established by the President, the inter-ministerial task team led by Deputy President Mashatile, will during this candid session, present progress reports on work carried out by various work streams led by Cabinet Ministers in addressing issues raised by the traditional leadership.”
This programme will include progress achieved in several areas including:
• Advancing land ownership, tenure rights and fast-tracking socio-economic development of rural communities.
• Building institutional capacity and ensuring support to traditional and Khoi-San leaders.
• Advancing infrastructure investment and skills development in rural communities.
• Promoting unity, social cohesion and nation-building in rural communities.
• Fast-tracking the finalisation of policy, legislative and constitutional matters.
“Government is committed to work together with the institution of traditional leadership in addressing the socio-economic challenges facing the country and it is also dedicated to strengthening the significant role they play, in the reconstruction and development of the country, especially in rural areas,” said the Presidency.
The Deputy President will be accompanied by Cabinet Ministers, Free State Premier, Mxolisi Dukwana, and senior government officials. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 10/23/2023 - 09:37
486 views
Hostage situation at Goldone Modder East Mine
Dear Editor I am deeply concerned and appalled by the ongoing hostage situation at the GoldOne-Modder East mine, where approximately 543 miners are allegedly being held against their will. According to reports, this incident is being orchestrated by representatives of the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (Amcu). As a town build on mining, the …
Vodacom United Rugby Championship Round 1 Wrap-up
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Has government culled the poultry industry?
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Inter-faith community called on to encourage crime afflicted communities
Inter-faith community called on to help crime afflicted communities
KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, has reiterated the call to the inter-faith community to continue praying for all communities afflicted by crime, gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), rape and murder.
“It is my view that crime prevention cannot be left to be the responsibility of government alone. Let us all hold hands and work together,” Dube-Ncube said.
Dube-Ncube made the call during the Provincial Youth Committee Gospel Arts and Culture Competition, held in Mthwalume, South Coast on Sunday. Participants in the competition showcased their talents and competitive spirit in gospel music, arts and culture.
The Premier said violence meted out against women in particular, is a shame and is a threat to all social cohesion and nation-building efforts.
“Today’s event reminds us that our communities are plagued by the scourge of GBVF and Crime in general. Crime here in the Mthwalume area in recent years and GBVF in particular has been a major worry.
“While the Minister of Police, Bheki Cele has assured me that the crimes of murder especially GBVF are being attended to, I urge the community to work closely with the SAPS [South African Police Service] to do everything to address all the sources of crime in this area and in the rest of the province,” she said.
The Premier said the advent of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), places power in the hands of artists.
“With access to technology artists can now interact directly with their audience, create songs and post to all streaming platforms without the help of a manager or record label. This can take place whether you are Johannesburg or New York or even in a backroom here in Mthwalume.
“While the labels and record companies still do have a place, artists are now positioned better to attract success before labels get to them. Today’s event is therefore more than just entertainment or competition, but is an opportunity to minister, and also to provide economic empowerment opportunities in music and the performing arts to artists from all over our province,” the Premier said.
She added that bringing a gospel competition to Mthwalume is a demonstration that gospel music, which is one of the most popular genres in South Africa, belongs to the people. She said it underlines her belief that development of rural areas is as important as addressing the issue of services in rural areas. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 10/23/2023 - 09:51
402 views
Almost a third of Limpopo residents have no access to piped water
Human Rights Commission report slams failure of water supply in Limpopo
Late entries are still available for the Goss & Balfe Sapphire Coast Marathon this Sunday
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KZN South Coast retains title of ‘highest number of Blue Flag Beaches in KZN’!
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Government activities for the week, 23 – 27 October 2023
Government activities for the week, 23 - 27 October 2023
Government has scheduled the following briefings/activities for the week: 23 to 27 October 2023.
From Tuesday, 24 October, to Thursday, 26 October, South Africa will host the 7th Global Alcohol Policy Conference at the Cape Town Convention Centre in Cape Town.
On Tuesday, 24 October, the Electoral Commission will launch the 2024 National and Provincial Elections from 10:00 at the Ballroom, Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand.
From Tuesday, 24 October, to Thursday, 26 October, Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille, will host the BRICS Tourism Ministers meeting in Cape Town.
From Tuesday, 24 October, to Friday, 27 October, the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies will host the National Digital and Future Skills Conference at the East London ICC in the Eastern Cape.
Janine
Mon, 10/23/2023 - 10:07
453 views
Mompati Mall opens in Vryburg on 26 October
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Ethics probe against Deputy Health Minister
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