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Simon Sibeko, 28, of Boxer athletics club, flew to the finish in an excellent time of 29.54, leading the top five pack. Yanga Malusi, 26, of Real Gijimas, finished second in 30.14, followed by the talented young Ikhamva athletics club squad, Sinethemba Jilingisi, 20, third in 30.23, Cwenga Nose, 23, fourth in 30.50 and Lithembe …
Police must 'hit hard' against criminality during festive season
Police Minister General Bheki Cele has called on law enforcement to step up their efforts to squeeze out criminality during this festive season.
The Minister was speaking the launch on Friday of the National Safer Festive Season operations.
“South Africans and all our visitors have a right to enjoy life, have a right to enjoy the festive season. Make sure that these South Africans, wherever they are, whether they are in the malls, whether they are in their houses, whether they are on the beaches, whether they are out dancing…wherever they are, make sure that they are safe.
“Give criminals a run for their money. Make sure that criminals are squeezed,” he said.
Cele gave criminals a stern warning that police will “hit hard”.
“There are criminals who want to co-govern with the people that are elected. You are not going to move around breaking into people’s houses, robbing people, raping people, going for cash heists, bank robberies and you believe…that we won’t do anything.
“I’m calling on those police officers who are given the responsibility to deal with those heartless criminals - that think they run the world and the country - don’t be kind to them. Hit and hit hard. Criminals have declared war against communities and society. I’m making a call to those police…to protect the communities,” he said.
Cele called on communities to work with the police to root out criminality.
“Don’t hide those criminals among yourselves because they will hurt you. As you protect that criminal, tomorrow he’s coming back for you,” he said.
The Minister also called on the police to do their job within the bounds of the law.
The festive season operations have already scored a victory after Western Cape police seized R75 million worth of counterfeit goods and R200 000 in cash at a shopping centre in Cape Town. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Sun, 10/15/2023 - 10:02
SA condemns violation of the Geneva Conventions
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) has condemned in the strongest possible terms Israel’s violation of the Geneva Conventions and the abandonment of International Humanitarian Law in Gaza.
According to the World Health Organisation, the complete blockage of the Gaza Strip announced by Israel remains in effect.
Israeli authorities have stopped their electricity and water supply to the Gaza Strip and no movements of food, fuel, health, other humanitarian supplies or patients are allowed – worsening the already dire situation, said Dirco in a statement.
Article 14 of the Geneva Convention states: “Starvation of civilians as a method of combat is prohibited. It is therefore prohibited to attack, destroy, remove or render useless for that purpose, objects indispensable to the survival of the civilian population such as food-stuffs, agricultural areas for the production of food-stuffs, crops, livestock, drinking water installations and supplies and irrigation works”.
According to the Fourth Geneva Convention, “civilians in areas of armed conflict and occupied territories are protected by the 159 articles of the Fourth Geneva Convention. Civilians are to be protected from murder, torture, or brutality, and from discrimination on the basis of race, nationality, religion or political opinion”.
The UN Commission on Human Rights has previously declared Israel’s “continuous grave breaches” of the Fourth Geneva Convention and Additional Protocol I to be war crimes.
“International Humanitarian Law includes the obligation not to target civilian populations, and the responsibility to protect civilians in armed conflict. Israeli bombardments from the air, sea, and land have continued and intensified across the Gaza Strip for the sixth consecutive day.
“This is an egregious violation of International Humanitarian Law,” said Dirco.
According to the latest report from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the continual bombardment of the Gaza strip has now resulted in over 423 000 internally displaced people, this represents an increase of 24 percent over the past 24 hours. Two-thirds of the IDPs are taking shelter in UNRWA schools.
“[The] announcement by Israel giving 1.1 million Gazans 24 hours to leave the Northern Gaza strip and evacuate to the South of Gaza will lead to further catastrophe as, according to humanitarian organisations on the ground, there are not enough resources to host so many IDPs in other governorates - not enough shelter, aid or water.
“The UN has announced that UN schools turned into shelters are already overrun with shortages in resources, including food, water, medicine, and other humanitarian provisions as required under International Law,” the DIRCO statement read.
The department urged the Israeli government to heed calls to provide services to the Gaza strip.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has stressed that crucial life-saving supplies, including fuel, food and water, must be allowed into Gaza.
Between 100 and 150 Israelis, including soldiers and civilians, some of whom are women and children, as well as some foreign nationals, have been captured and forcibly taken into Gaza. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has also called for the “immediate release of all Israeli hostages, which is also forbidden under International Humanitarian Law”.
“South Africa calls on Israel to immediately heed the calls of the UN Secretary General, the plethora of humanitarian organisation operating in Gaza, and a number of governments around the world to immediately provide water, food, fuel, and electricity to the people of Gaza.
“South Africa also calls for the release of the Israeli hostages taken into Gaza,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Sun, 10/15/2023 - 09:01
The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) wishes to notify travellers that the R61 near Efata School for the Blind and Deaf in Mthatha will be closed on Sunday, 29 October 2023, for approximately five hours, from 10am until 3pm. The closure will be approximately 7km west of Mthatha CBD towards Ngcobo Town. …
The municipality claims it faced violent resistance when it was carrying out shack demolitions
“Some of our colleagues have been brutally murdered while at the workplace”
Free State MEC to appear in court
A Free State Member of the Executive Council (MEC), a political advisor to the Matjhabeng Local Municipality and a Chief Director are scheduled to appear before the Kroonstad Magistrates Court today.
They will appear in court on Friday, 13 October on allegations of fraud, corruption, money laundering, and contravention of the Municipal Finance Management Act 56 of 2003.
They were arrested on Thursday afternoon by members of the Hawks` Serious Corruption Investigation unit based in Bloemfontein.
The matter emanates from a 2017 incident when the MEC was still the Executive Mayor.
It is alleged that the three suspects colluded to take over R150 000 belonging to Moqhaka Local Municipality, under the guise that the money would be spent on a sound system to be used during a Nelson Mandela memorial lecture.
The event never took place, despite money having been transacted out of the municipal bank account.
Free State Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), Major General Mokgadi Bokaba has applauded investigators working on the case for their hard work, which led to the court issuing warrants of arrest.
She encouraged them to pursue all matters they are investigating with vigour. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 10/13/2023 - 09:36
President Ramaphosa on working visit to Namibia
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to lead a delegation of ministers on a working visit to Namibia today.
While there, the President will co-chair the 3rd Session of the Republic of South Africa and the Republic of Namibia Bi-National Commission (SA - Namibia BNC) with his Namibian counterpart, President Hage Geingob.
According to the Presidency, the BNC was inaugurated some 10 years ago at Windhoek with the second session of the BNC held in 2016.
“South Africa and Namibia share a common vision on issues of political and economic integration of the African continent. Both countries pursue Africa’s renewal, South-South cooperation, and the promotion of a rules-based, equitable international system of governance.
“The scope of cooperation between the two countries is expansive, anchored by 74 Memoranda of Understanding and Agreements. The geographical proximity of our countries and the sharing of common borders has over the years presented many opportunities for cooperation and thus benefitted the economies of the two countries,” the Presidency said in a statement.
The Presidency said this third session of the BNC has the following objectives:
“President Ramaphosa will lead a government delegation comprising of Ministers Naledi Pandor of International Relations and Cooperation; Thoko Didiza of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development; Blade Nzimande of Higher Education, Science and Innovation; and Ebrahim Patel of Trade, Industry and Competition.
“The delegation is also expected to include Ministers Lindiwe Zulu of Social Development; Gwede Mantashe of Mineral Resources and Energy; Barbara Creecy of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries; Senzo Mchunu of Water and Sanitation; Sandisiwe Chikunga of Transport; Patricia de Lille of Tourism; and Ministers in The Presidency, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa and Khumbudzo Ntshavheni,” the statement read.
Committees that make up the BNC include the Diplomatic, Economic, Social and Defence and Security committees. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Fri, 10/13/2023 - 09:44
President Ramaphosa: Panel findings on Lady R were "completely rational"
President Cyril Ramaphosa has told the National Council of Provinces that he is confident that the independent panel -- which was appointed to investigate the circumstances surrounding the docking of the Lady R vessel in Simonstown in December 2022 -- made rational findings.
The President was answering oral questions in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on Thursday.
“I have no reason to believe the findings of the panel were irrational. In fact, I believe the findings of the panel were completely rational. As one went through the report, I could find no irrationality. The panel made no finding of involvement of clandestine parties or illegal transactions," President Ramaphosa said.
President Ramaphosa appointed the panel to investigate claims that South Africa may have exported weaponry and ammunition to Russia, which invaded Ukraine in February last year and is accused of various war crimes.
The panel found no evidence that South Africa sent weapons to Russia.
The President said that the independent panel was led by a respected retired Judge and two prominent and respected legal minds.
“The extent of the work undertaken and the information the panel sought, obtained and analysed gives me full confidence in the contents of their report.
“The panel made no finding of involvement by ‘clandestine parties’ or illegal transactions, and no evidence has been presented to contradict the panel’s findings.
“The contents of the shipment carried on the Lady R are kept secret so as not to compromise the work or the safety of our security forces. I have no intention of compromising this under any circumstances,” the President said.
The President highlighted that Section 23 of the National Conventional Arms Control Act makes it clear that information on the quantity of items is shared with Parliament on a confidential basis.
“Nothing in the Act requires disclosure on the intended use of the controlled items. In fact, the Act expressly states that: 'Information concerning the technical specifications of controlled items may be omitted from a report contemplated in this section in order to protect military and commercial secrets', " the President said.
He said the work of the National Conventional Arms Control is critical in ensuring that the country abides by its international obligations in relation to the transfer and trade in controlled items, and that "it continues to do this critical work, as provided for in its founding legislation and the relevant United Nations conventions".
President Ramaphosa said the protection of information related to its work is clearly provided for in the Act and is just as important to its mandate and to national security.
President Ramaphosa said government will continue to respect the requirements of the law and its responsibility to safeguard the security of the nation. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Fri, 10/13/2023 - 09:54
Official death toll rises to 3,000 - over 1,200 Israelis and about 1,800 Palestinians - as violence escalates
Suspects arrested for attacking police officers
Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Elias Mawela has commended members of the Ekurhuleni District and Edenpark police stations for arresting perpetrators responsible for attacking the police on Thursday.
The suspects will be appearing before the Palmridge Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
In the early hours of this morning, at about 02:00, the police arrested five suspects including the driver of the car that the police had stopped in an attempt to search it before they were attacked.
The suspects, aged between 32 and 57, will be charged with obstructing police in the execution of their duties, attack on police officers, assault on police officers, attempted robbery of a firearm and the driver will face an additional charge of reckless and negligent driving.
The Provincial Commissioner has reiterated that those that seek to undermine the authority of the State will be dealt with decisively.
“Let this be a lesson to those that think they are above the law. We should all have a common goal of fighting crime, we cannot allow a situation where some members of the community believe they do not have to abide by the law and decide to obstruct law enforcement officers while they perform their constitutional mandate,” warned Lieutenant General Mawela. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 10/13/2023 - 09:55
The Gender-based Violence and Femicide Response Fund 1 (GBVF RF) is proud to announce its strategic partnership with the Standard Bank Top Women’s Conference. This collaboration is a significant step towards creating a safer and more inclusive society by empowering women and eliminating Gender-Based Violence and Femicide. Sazini Mojapelo, CEO of the Fund, emphasizes the …
Police seek public assistance to trace missing doctor
Maitland police are seeking the assistance of members of the public to help them trace 29-year-old Stefano Corso who was last seen by his colleagues on Wednesday afternoon.
He was a visiting doctor from Malta who was attending a medical seminar in Paarden Island at the time of his disappearance.
Reports suggest that he stepped out of the conference to attend to a phone call, but never returned.
Video footage available to SAPS shows him leaving the seminar. Attempts by his colleagues to reach him telephonically were unsuccessful. He has not been seen nor heard from since then. They then alerted the SAPS.
At the time of his disappearance he was wearing beige pants, a white t-shirt and a black jacket.
Anyone with any information on the whereabouts of Stefano or who can assist the investigating officer to trace him is requested to contact the investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Melvyn Matthews, on 079 894 0092 or contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 10/13/2023 - 10:04
Discovery Vitality has partnered with Rafi’s Appliances and Mattresses to bring the popular National Vitality Series to Gqeberha on Saturday. The Rafi’s BayRun will be hosted by 32Gi and Achilles Athletics clubs on Saturday, 21 October, and will start and finish at Cape Recife High School. Collection of race numbers and late entries will be …
Beyond Public Employment Programmes to Pathway Participants into viable work and earning opportunities – by Sandy Dlamini Zhanda, Siphesihle Qange & Struan Robertson, Seriti Institute In the realm of employment creation projects, public employment programmes (PEPs) have played a crucial role in providing work and earning opportunities while alleviating the socioeconomic impact of unemployment. Significantly, …
Dear Editor The DA calls on President Cyril Ramaphosa to release the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) report regarding the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as a matter of urgency. According to News24, the SIU confirmed that it had concluded its investigation into “unlawful and improper conduct by the employees or officials of the …
Dear Editor The Minister of Defence, Thandi Modise, has yet another crisis unfolding under her watch as eight South African National Defence Force soldiers serving as UN peacekeepers in the Congo, have been arrested and suspended following serious misconduct reports. While the DA welcomes the investigation by the UN Office of Internal Oversight Services into …
Dear Editor During an oral parliamentary session in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) yesterday, the DA managed to extract unequivocal commitments from President Ramaphosa in relation to the ongoing fight against the business mafia. I challenged Pres Ramaphosa with the fact that the issue of the construction mafia has morphed into a classic mafia …
Health Department to introduce new vaccines to improve existing coverage
As part of efforts to improve coverage of existing vaccines, the Department of Health is set to introduce new vaccines to be included in the routine expanded program on immunisation at a cost of R3.5 billion.
Health Minister, Dr Joe Phaahla, made the announcement during a media briefing following a meeting with Health MECs held in Centurion on Thursday.
Phaahla noted that South Africa continues to experience outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases, despite a strong childhood vaccination programme.
He said there is an ongoing need to improve coverage of existing vaccines and add new vaccines to the expanded program on immunisation schedule.
The Minister said the department is introducing a better packaged/derived vaccine that will prevent Whooping Cough, Tetanus and Diphtheria and reduce the chances of these conditions resurfacing within the communities.
“We are also introducing a combination vaccine of measles and rubella that will protect young girls, particularly during pregnancy which may lead to birth defects,” Phaahla said.
He said all these changes, recommended by the Ministerial-appointed National Advisory Group on Immunisation (NAGI), will be implemented with effect from January 2024.
Expansion of online birth registrations rollout
The Minister also announced that the Department of Home Affairs has made budget provision for the set-up and operational costs for the expansion of Online Registration System by an additional 91 health facilities during 2023/24 financial year.
This forms part of collaborative efforts between the Departments of Health and Home Affairs to ensure that all births are registered on time, through the Online Birth Registration system, which has been rolled in 161 health facilities with ability to issue birth certificates on the spot.
“These facilities will be allocated full-time Home Affairs officials to provide birth registration service during office hours. The establishment of the system in these new facilities will commence by the end of October 2023. This initiative will go a long way in providing early birth registration,” Phaahla said.
Integration of COVID-19 vaccinations into primary health services
Meanwhile, the Minister announced that the department has decided to make a number of changes related to COVID-19 vaccinations, which include transitioning from a mass vaccination campaign to integrate vaccination into routine primary health care services.
This is in line with World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendations.
Phaahla said the current available Pfizer vaccine stock purchased as part of the COVID-19 national vaccination rollout will expire at the end of October 2023, while the J&J vaccine doses will expire at the end of February 2024.
The EVDS (Electronic Vaccination Data System) will continue to record all COVID-19 vaccinations until 29 February 2024, thereafter those vaccinated will receive a paper-record of vaccination, but they will still be able to download vaccination certificates as long as they have at least one vaccination code.
“The department plans to procure vaccines for administration in the public sector and will continue to work with the private sector to facilitate availability of vaccines. All restrictions limiting procurement of vaccines by private sector providers will be lifted,” Phaahla explained.
He added that the investigation and causality assessment of COVID-19 vaccination-related Adverse Events Following Immunisation (AEFIs) will continue and mechanisms for processing No Fault Compensation Scheme claims will be retained.
Phaahla also gave an update on various issues affecting the public health system, including cost containment measures; audit outcomes and performance against targets; medico-legal claims, among others. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 10/13/2023 - 10:44
Inspired Education Group, the global leader in premium education, is proud to announce the expansion of its Virtual Reality (VR) and Metaverse-based learning programme to selected schools in South Africa. Following a successful pilot in five international schools, Inspired is now taking this innovative approach to education to Reddam House Helderfontein and Reddam House Waterfall …
The Ministry of Health, Cancer Unit has recorded 577 cases of cancer between January 2023 and June 2023, 33 of which are cancers of the breast. While many cancer patients in middle-income countries succumb to the disease, 50-year-old Fikile Hlatjwayo is lucky to have survived the deadly disease. Hlatjwayo was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 and started treatment, which at that time was only available in South Africa through the Phalala Fund. It was only in 2022 that the Ministry of Health established an oncology unit in Manzini, through support from the Bristol Myer Squibb Foundation (BMSF). This came as a relief to cancer patients like Hlatjwayo as services became available in the country. This enabled patients to receive not only medical support but also support from family, true to this year's theme of Global Breast Cancer Awareness month “Closing the care gap, the role of families”.
The establishment of the oncology unit enabled the Ministry of Health to construct a radiation facility. The official opening of Manzini Oncology Hospital has witnessed an increase in the number of clients accessing services and the only facility that provides strictly cancer in-patient care. This has eased the burden on Mbabane Government Hospital, which was the only center that provided chemotherapy services, and reduced the referral to neighboring countries/private facilities. Currently, the hospital has one Oncologist who works in both Manzini and Mbabane Hospital. Further, the Ministry of Health has assigned some Medical Officers to work in the Oncology Unit.
Hlatjwayo says the availability of cancer treatment in local facilities has lessened the stress of having to spend a lot of time away from her family whilst receiving treatment in neighboring countries. “I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 and I received treatment again in 2022 because some cancer cells were found in my lungs, but now I am okay. I would like to thank my husband and my children for the support that they gave me throughout my journey with cancer,” she said.
During the launch of the Global Breast Cancer Awareness month in Mbabane, Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Health Khanyakwezwe Mabuza mentioned that this year's theme indeed focused on the role played by family in giving hope and support to cancer patients and overcoming stigma. Mabuza said, just like Hlatjwayo's family, awareness and education can enable families to create a better place for all those who need care and support.
“Understanding and acquiring knowledge about the condition of the sick relative, treatment options that are available and the importance of preventive care empowers families to actively participate in the health care discussion. There is no doubt that without families there is no way we can survive or conquer this scourge,” he said.
The PS outlined that families can foster an inclusive natural environment where individuals feel safe to express their needs. He added that having breast cancer is not an easy road, so by promoting open communication, families can contribute to breaking down the barriers and stigma that surrounds the disease.
“There is a lot of misconception with regards to breast cancer, and families become advocates for the loved ones. This allows the individuals to seek healthcare without fear of judgment and discrimination, he said. Mabuza further emphasized that the Ministry of Health has prioritized cancer control and has ensured universal cancer prevention. He further applauded the Eswatini Breast and Cervical Cancer Network as well as Eswatini Hospice at Home, among others, for ensuring that cancer patients receive the necessary support.
Speaking at the same event, WHO Representative Dr Susan Tembo mentioned that globally, there are more than 2.3 million cases of breast cancer that occur each year, which makes it the most common cancer among adults. In 95% of countries, breast cancer is the first or second leading cause of female cancer deaths, and nearly 80% of deaths from breast and cervical cancer occur in low- and middle-income countries like Eswatini. Dr Tembo reiterated that breast cancer places a tremendous strain on individuals, families, communities, health systems, and economies, hence it must be a priority for the Ministry of Health and Government.
“Cancer in women including breast cancer leaves a devastating impact on the next generation. A study on cancer, suggests that with an estimated 4.4 million women dying of cancer in 2020, nearly 1 million children were orphaned by cancer, 25% of which were due to breast cancer. Children who lose their mothers to cancer experience health and educational disadvantages throughout their lives, triggering generational, chronic social disruption and financial harm in many cases,” she said.
To mitigate the burden of breast cancer, WHO has released a number of tools including the Global Breast Cancer Initiative Framework which provides a roadmap to attain the targets to save 2.5 million lives from breast cancer by 2040. The new Framework recommends that countries implement the three pillars of health promotion for early detection, timely diagnosis, and comprehensive management of breast cancer to reach the targets. Dr Tembo further urged the Government of Eswatini to ensure that this framework is integrated into primary health care, not only to advance health promotion but also to empower women to seek and receive health care throughout the life cycle.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of WHO Regional Office for Africa.
After months of intense preparation and practice in kitchens across the country, excitement reached its pinnacle as the nation’s most talented young chefs and bakers battled it out at the RCL FOODS Young Chef & Baker Challenge 2023. The grand finale, held on 12 October in Umhlanga, was a showcase of South Africa’s culinary excellence, …
JOHANNESBURG – October 13, 2023 – Closing the gap between data integration and business intelligence is key in allowing your business to make effective use of data and translate it into action. And trust in your data is vital, as outlined by global professional services network PwC, which says organisations that don’t trust their information …
Premier Alan Winde has welcomed a tender soon to be issued by the Saldanha Bay Municipality (SBM) which will seek competitive proposals from independent power producers to create power generation plants from which the municipality will buy its electricity. The tender will go to market by the end of October 2023 for five months. Saldanha …
