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South Africa’s whisky aficionados have a reason to celebrate as the world-renowned Scotch whisky brand, Johnnie Walker, unveils its latest masterpiece – Johnnie Walker Elusive Umami. The limited edition offering will be available in South Africa from October 2023 for discerning palates. This collectible release is a testament to the brand’s commitment to innovation and …
But payments seem to be going more smoothly, at least in some places
The evolution of smart home technology has brought about a revolution in how we interact with our living spaces. From lighting to security, every aspect of our homes is getting smarter. One area that’s seen significant innovation is window treatments. With the introduction of automatic shading windows, homeowners can now enjoy a blend of convenience, …
At a Genadendal farm, nearly 500 chickens drowned, and over 50 pigs are missing
Informal settlement families say they only have five mobile toilets for over 400 shacks
Thabo Mokgola appointed as Home Affairs acting spokesperson
Home Affairs Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, has announced the appointment of Thabo Mokgola as his acting Media Liaison Officer and Spokesperson, with effect from 1 October 2023.
Mokgola has been seconded from the department, where he has been a Media Liaison Officer for the past 18 years.
He replaces Siya Qoza, who has been appointed as the Chief Director: Communications in the department.
“I wish to welcome Mr Mokgola in his new role and am confident that he will perform exceptionally well as we strive to amplify our efforts to communicate effectively with the media, stakeholders as well as members of the community,” Motsoaledi said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 10/03/2023 - 10:05
Infrastructure development in Africa key to success of smart mobility - Mashatile
Africa should accelerate investment in critical infrastructure and digital solutions for smart mobility to succeed on the continent, says Deputy President Paul Mashatile.
“For example, investment [must be made] towards building charging stations for electric vehicles, expanding broadband connectivity, and developing intelligent transportation systems.
“Governments, private sector organisations and international partners must, therefore, come together to invest in the necessary infrastructure.”
The Deputy President was delivering a keynote address at the Smarter Mobility Africa (SMA) Conference Gala Dinner at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Johannesburg.
SMA, he believes, is another opportunity to collaborate to build a better and smarter transport system that will assist in growing the economy, create jobs and improve people’s quality of life.
Smart mobility involves creating connected and integrated transport systems, which offer flexibility and efficiency, cutting across all modes of transport.
The country’s second-in-command said governments should develop clear guidelines and regulations to ensure a safe and reliable transportation system.
These, he said, include regulations on data privacy, cybersecurity, and standards for electric vehicles.
“We must make it our responsibility to establish a harmonised approach to smarter mobility across Africa.”
In South Africa, the Deputy President said smarter mobility has been embraced to align with ongoing worldwide discussions regarding the trajectory of mobility and climate change.
Meanwhile, government is pushing ahead with a National Transport Master Plan (NATMAP) 2050 strategy to establish a safe, affordable, dependable, and efficient means of transporting people and products.
“We understand that we cannot discuss the transport sector's transformation without addressing the exclusion of our youth, particularly girls and women, who continue to face devastating and discouraging unemployment and the risk of poverty and violence in our society.”
Urban planning
In light of the accelerated urbanisation expected over the next few years, Mashatile told attendees that governments and cities must prioritise urban planning policies that are responsive to changes.
“There is no doubt that the need for the transportation of both people and goods will always exist and is, in most aspects, one of the few ways in which economic development occurs.”
According to Deputy President Mashatile Africa must seize the opportunities presented by technology to enhance the efficacy and sustainability of our transport systems.
“This is because major cities, such as Lagos, Nairobi, and Johannesburg, face significant challenges in heavy congestion, overcrowded public transport systems, poor traffic management, and overall inefficient public transportation systems.”
He has since called for more imaginative mobility solutions that can leverage technology to optimise routes, reduce traffic congestion, and use data to provide real-time information to commuters.
The Deputy President believes that this could transportation networks’ overall efficiency and reliability and will go a long way towards the development aspirations and efforts.
“In addition, smart mobility solutions can have a significantly positive impact on the environment.”
By transitioning to electric vehicles and adopting clean energy sources, he said the continent can reduce carbon emissions and contribute towards achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
New energy vehicles
The State, according to the Deputy President, remains committed to supporting and investing in the expansion and development of new and existing manufacturing plants to support the production of new energy vehicles (NEVs) components and grow employment in the automotive sector.
Investing in the NEV, he said, also contributes to the decarbonisation of road transport.
African trade
Shifting his focus to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Deputy President Mashatile said the continent should address the inconsistent and inefficient goods and logistics services that have long impeded intra-African trade and commerce.
“In addition, through this agreement, we will address the high customs delay times, lack of paved roadways on which goods can be conveyed, and more significant loss of goods due to limited cold chains compared to other global regions.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 10/03/2023 - 10:07
Govt considers vaccination to contain the spread of avian influenza
The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development is looking at the possibility of a vaccination to contain the spread and impact of avian influenza.
Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Minister, Thoko Didiza, met with the retailers on Monday to discuss the impact of avian influenza, also known as ‘avian flu’ or ‘bird flu’, in South Africa.
This follows a meeting held with the South African Poultry Association last Friday and engagements that have been taking place between government officials and the industry.
During the meeting, Didiza briefed retailers on the containment measures that have been taken to limit the spread of the disease, as well as possible solutions to manage such outbreaks in the short and the medium-term, including vaccinations.
“It was evident from [Monday’s] engagement that the main challenge is primarily on the egg production side, where there are supply constraints in some regions of the country. In response to this challenge, the Minister is focusing on measures to improve the availability of egg supply to consumers and simultaneously putting measures to contain the spread of the disease.
“Moreover, the Minister is embarking on the efficiency improvement in issuing import permits for egg products to ensure sufficient supplies for consumers. In addition, the Minister is looking at the possibility of vaccination and currently reviewing applications by various suppliers,” the department said in a statement.
On the broiler side, Didiza and Trade, Industry and Competition Minister, Ebrahim Patel, are assessing some trade instruments to ease the supply of chicken meat.
According to the statement issued by the department last week, as of 21 September 2023, a total of 50 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H7 outbreaks and 10 HPAI H5 outbreaks have been reported in the country, with 37 HPAI H7 cases confirmed in Gauteng.
The number of chickens that have died is 107 705, while the reported number of chickens that were culled is 1 318 521.
“Based on these reported figures, there has been a total loss of 1 426 226 chickens,” the department said.
The reported number of chickens that have died of HPAI H5 is 98 249, while the reported number of chickens that were culled is 1 156 283, bringing the total loss of 1 254 532 chickens. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 10/03/2023 - 10:11
October 3, 2023: Condé Nast Traveler today announced the results of its annual Readers’ Choice Awards. Samara Karoo Reserve, near Graaff-Reinet in the Eastern Cape’s Great Karoo region and home to the Big Five, over 60 mammal species and 225 bird species, was recognised in the Top 15 Resorts in South Africa. The Readers’ Choice …
Finance minister meets with PSC to discuss range of issues
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has met with the Public Service Commission (PSC) leadership on Monday to discuss a range of issues.
The PSC delegation was led by the Commission’s chairperson, Professor Somadoda Fikeni.
The Public Service Commission has the key mandate of promoting constitutional values and principles of public administration in the public service, while also evaluating and investigating public administration practices.
Godongwana recognised the role played by an effective public service in supporting economic development, and added that consequence management should form part of the performance agreements of senior managers in the public service.
The Commission raised a number of issues in the area of building state capacity such as passing of the PSC Bill which aims to strengthen the independence of the PSC as well as expansion of the PSC’s oversight role to local government and state owned entities, the need to professionalise the public service, addressing inefficiencies that are costing the state hundreds of millions of rand, regulatory burden and red tape that can have a negative impact on economic activity, as well as the effectiveness and efficiency of government to deliver prompt and quality services.
The Commission also reiterated their willingness to partner with government to address the inefficiencies that are debilitating state coffers.
Minister Godongwana agreed that state capacity needed to be improved and that professionalising the public service would save the state millions of rand.
“The work you are doing is commendable and it will require a mobilisation of political support and I am happy to give you that support,” Godongwana said.
The Minister undertook to continue engagements with constitutional institutions supporting democracy such as the PSC and encouraged them to hold workshops to ensure that officials know how they operate so that they are assisted to do their work. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 10/03/2023 - 10:14
In the age of smart homes and IoT (Internet of Things), the way we interact with our living spaces has transformed dramatically. One of the most significant advancements in this domain is the introduction of smart switches. These innovative devices have redefined convenience, energy efficiency, and home aesthetics. Why Consider Smart Light Switches? The …
Union says nurses will work in their own clothes if uniform allowance is not sorted out
Choose Life Beach – a full-time private specialist addiction recovery clinic in Widenham, Umkomaas near Durban – opened its doors to the public and medical fraternity for the first time during a Wellness Day on October 1. This is the newest rehabilitation centre to be added to a group of facilities owned by the respected …
ACTOM rolls out R100m investment in plant expansion
ACTOM, a major supplier of electrical equipment, services and balance of plant to the renewable energy sector, is rolling out a R100 million investment in plant expansion in Pretoria.
The investment was announced as one of the pledges worth billions of rands that were made at the fifth South African Investment Conference held in Johannesburg in April this year.
This contributed to bringing the total value of investment pledges over a five-year investment mobilisation period to R1.51 trillion, thereby exceeding the initial target of R1.2 trillion set by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
According to the Group Chief Executive Officer, Mervyn Naidoo, ACTOM is a well-positioned South African company that provides energy solutions through its businesses and partners.
He said they offer market-leading technology and advanced products to address the issues facing the electro-mechanical industry, from large-scale infrastructure installations to smaller projects and support services.
“We are a leading stockist and supplier of competitively priced quality electrical equipment through our extensive Southern and Sub-Saharan African distribution network comprising13 branches across the country,” Naidoo said.
“We have earnestly started expanding our plant and this will contribute to growing the economy of Gauteng in particular, and the country in general, by building local capacity in manufacturing in the electro-mechanical equipment,” he said.
He said the company made the R100 million investment with an intention of taking advantage of some of the growing sectors like the renewable energy, and for contributing to creating jobs.
The expansion of the Pretoria plant will result in 30 people being employed.
The company is employing more than 7 000 people in their 34 operating units, 53 production, service and repair facilities and more than 33 distribution outlets throughout Southern Africa. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 10/03/2023 - 11:04
With the warmer weather finally gracing us with its presence, who says you have to put away your denims? G-Star RAW has debuted their new Kairori 3D slim jeans just in time for all your Spring festivities. The inspiration Revered motocross racer Tony Cairoli is the muse behind the collection’s name – with his career …
President honours SA Special Olympics Team
President Cyril Ramaphosa has commended the outstanding performance of South Africa’s national team, which excelled at this year’s Special Olympics World Games.
Competing against 7 000 athletes from over 180 countries at the Special Olympics World Games in Germany in June 2023, the national team returned with 22 gold, 20 silver and seven bronze medals.
Special Olympics is a global movement of people creating a new world of inclusion and community, where every person is welcome, regardless of ability or disability.
“Our success in the Special Olympics shows what happens when government and civil society – represented here by Special Olympics South Africa – work together to ensure that we leave no one behind.
“South Africa is honoured to be one of the first countries to support the Special Olympics Global Leadership Coalition for Inclusion, which reflects our commitment to the inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities in all areas of our society,” the President said on Tuesday.
Having hosted a number of national teams at the Union Buildings as part of government’s celebration for outstanding achievements by athletes in various sporting codes, the President expressed pride in Team South Africa’s performance.
“We are proud that Team South Africa flew the flag for social inclusion and the advancement of human rights, which are a hallmark of the nation we have built during nearly 30 years of freedom.
“Team South Africa are heroes we can look up to and be inspired by in athletic arenas and in every walk of life in our country. May our commitment to inclusion as a nation shine as brightly as the achievements of our Special Olympics Team,” President Ramaphosa said.
He said the team’s dedication, perseverance and unwavering commitment to their sport has not only brought glory to the nation but it has also shattered the barriers that once confined them.
The team is being led by Chairperson of Special Olympics South Africa, Dr Mathews Phosa, who was recently honoured at the 19th Special Olympics Africa Leadership Conference in Addis Ababa.
“With such a hard-working and distinguished captain at the helm of Special Olympics South Africa we can only expect even greater things from Team South Africa,” the President said.
Phosa spoke about the importance of the inclusion of people with an intellectual disability.
“Our athletes want to be heard and they demand inclusion, respect and equal opportunities. They declare that they are here to show the world their talents and abilities. They deserve nothing else but our unwavering support,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Tue, 10/03/2023 - 13:06
When facing addiction, one of the most critical decisions an individual or their loved ones can make is selecting the right rehabilitation centre. With numerous options available, it’s essential to find a facility that offers personalized care, a holistic approach, and a supportive environment. Why Rehabilitation Matters Addiction is a complex issue that affects …
Dear Editor The recently announced fuel price increase by the Department of Energy, way above market expectations, is yet another reminder that the ANC government will not take urgent policy steps that would reduce the price of food with lower fuel prices. The Minister of Energy – Gwede Mantashe and the Minister of Finance – …
Dear Editor Minister Lindiwe Zulu is at the helm of a Department responsible for the welfare of the country’s most vulnerable citizens and she has shown herself to be one of the worst performing Ministers in Cabinet. The following are some of the reasons the DA believes that Social Development Minister Zulu must be fired: …
Fuel prices to increase from Wednesday
South Africans will once again have to tighten their belts as the fuel prices are set to increase on Wednesday.
Mineral Resources and Energy Minister, Gwede Mantashe, announced the adjustment of fuel prices for all grades of fuel, illuminating paraffin and gas.
The fuel prices for October 2023 will be adjusted as follows:
• Petrol 93 will increase by R1,08 per litre
• Petrol 95 will increase by R1,14 per litre
• Diesel 0.05% sulphur will increase by R1,96 per litre
• Diesel 0.005% sulphur will go up by R1,93.70 per litre
• Illuminating Paraffin will increase by R1,51 per litre
• The Single Maximum National Retail price for illuminating paraffin will increase by R2,02 per litre
• Maximum retail price for LP Gas will increase by R2,50 per kilogram
Mantashe said the fuel prices scheduled for the different zones will be published on Tuesday, 03 October 2023.
“The department believes that exploration and development of national oil and gas reserves could help moderate the impact of high prices in the long term,” Mantashe said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 10/03/2023 - 12:16
While South Africa’s tourist numbers are powering ahead in anticipation of the local summer, 23 wine stewards have been undergoing intensive training. Their next-level wine service and knowledge education, dubbed Grape to Glass, forms part of the major skills transfer initiative that underpins the 2023 Inter Hotel Challenge, now sponsored by HEINEKEN Beverages. The 23 …
Family Caregiving calls on government to prioritise community-based care services
Get ready for a whirlwind of creativity and fun at the Somerset Mall Craft Carnival x PNA! Date: October 5th – October 7th Time: 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM daily Price: R100 per person Venue: Somerset Mall, Edgars Court Ready to unleash your inner artist? Don’t miss out on this art-filled extravaganza… join us at …
City of Ekurhuleni warns residents of snakes
With the weather warming up, the City of Ekurhuleni has warned the public to be on the lookout for snakes.
It is during this period of the year that snakes are on the prowl in search of food.
Snake season starts in the middle of August until late May. This is the period when a number of snakes, harmful and harmless get out of hiding.
Snakes such as the puff adder and rinkhals are extremely dangerous, with the puff adder known to be instinctive, slow in pace and quick to sense danger.
The rinkhals or ring-necked cobra is a fast-moving multi feeder, which is good at faking death. It is easily identified by the two white stripes that are visible across its neck when it spreads its hood.
The city cautioned pet owners to be on high alert and to keep an eye on their pets as they may fall prey to snakes.
“On the same note, while the community is cautioned to be vigilant against the harmful snakes, there are also snakes that are harmless to humans, such as the brown house snake, arora house snake, olive house snake and red-lipped snake that are likely to be found in backyard gardens searching for food like rodents,” the City of Ekurhuleni said in a statement on Monday.
Due to their harmlessness and less defensive nature, these species tend to be easily killed or captured as pets, a practice that is discouraged because it is illegal and punishable if you do not have a legal permit.
When encountering snakes, residents can call the city’s snake catchers: Makhosonke Mabena on 071 833 6549, Sonny Katisa on 073 988 8131, Mapaseka Maleka on 079 180 9231, Lucky Mahlangu on 083 237 7137 and Mbali Masango on 081 043 5354. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 10/03/2023 - 10:27