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Dear Editor The DA welcomes the Gauteng High Court’s decision that the Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla, must act on a report that exposed R1.2 billion tender corruption in the North West Department of Health by end of day, or possibly face two years in jail. The Minister has until this afternoon to explain …
In the dynamic landscape of commerce, the tools businesses use to facilitate transactions play a pivotal role in shaping customer experiences. Traditional cash registers and bulky payment terminals are gradually making way for more agile, efficient, and user-friendly solutions. Enter the mobile POS system. Why Mobile POS Systems are Revolutionizing Commerce Portability and …
Western Cape mops up after devastating floods
The allure of the tech industry, with its promise of innovation and dynamic growth, has many aspiring professionals keen to carve out a niche in software development. However, the path to securing a coveted role in a software development company can often seem labyrinthine, especially for newcomers. With the right strategies, though, this journey can …
In the realm of professions, software development stands out as both an art and a science. It’s a field where creativity meets logic, and innovation is the name of the game. But as with many professions, there’s often a question looming for aspiring developers: Is a formal degree essential? The Traditional Academic Route In …
In the digital age, software development stands as one of the most sought-after careers. South Africa, with its burgeoning tech industry, is no exception. For those aspiring to dive into this dynamic field, understanding the academic prerequisites can be a game-changer. Embarking on the Software Development Journey Choosing a career in software development is …
The digital transformation wave has ushered in a plethora of tools and platforms designed to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and foster innovation. At the forefront of this revolution is Amazon Web Services (AWS). With its vast array of services, AWS has become an indispensable tool for businesses worldwide. One of its standout offerings is the …
Johannesburg, 26 September 2023- Procter & Gamble (P&G), a global leader in consumer-packaged goods, is set to take center stage at the 11th edition of the Global Citizen Festival, a renowned international event during UN Week. This year’s festival, streaming globally, will spotlight P&G’s commitment to addressing period poverty and providing access to sanitary pads …
Developed economies must do more to tackle climate change
President Cyril Ramaphosa has re-emphasised the call for developed economy countries to fulfil their pledge to assist developing nations in their transition to low carbon economies.
The President was addressing the nation through his weekly newsletter.
“While the nations of the world agreed in Paris in 2015 on urgent actions to limit global temperature rises and mitigate the impact of climate change, the effects of climate change are being increasingly felt with greater ferocity.
“Although developed economy countries promised to support developing economies as they transition to low-carbon, climate resilient societies, this support has not been forthcoming at the scale and with the urgency that is needed.
“Among other things, wealthy countries have not provided the promised finance that vulnerable countries need to adapt to climate change and to cover the cost of the loss and damage caused by climate disasters,” he said.
Last week, on the sidelines of the recent United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), UN Secretary General António Guterres held a Climate Ambition Summit.
President Ramaphosa said South Africa used the summit to “reiterate our long-stated position that developed economy countries must fulfil their obligations and honour their past promises to developing economy countries”.
“This is not about charity. It is about economic and social justice. Africa’s people are literally paying the price for the industrialisation and development of the countries of the north.
“It is also about shared interests because the economic and social havoc caused by climate change will make the world more unstable, less secure and will increase competition for scarce resources like water and food,” he said.
Self-development
President Ramaphosa emphasised that although developed countries share the responsibility to assist developing nations, Africa is taking steps to ensure its own climate change resilience.
“As African countries, we cannot be bystanders to our own development. We are putting the necessary measures in place to de-carbonise our respective economies while pursuing sustainable development.
“The transformation of the energy landscape in Africa is a priority. As African countries, we have called on the international community to support efforts to increase the continent’s renewable energy capacity while ensuring energy security for Africa’s people.
“This needs to take place alongside increased investment in smart, digital and efficient green technologies in carbon-intensive sectors such as transportation, industry and electricity,” he said.
The President described South Africa’s own efforts towards de-carbonising the country’s carbon intensive economy.
“As South Africa, we want to use our abundant solar and wind resources to position our country at the forefront of the clean energy transition.
“Regulatory reforms undertaken by this administration have resulted in a confirmed pipeline of renewable energy projects that are expected to produce in excess of 10 gigawatts of electricity,” he said.
A just transition
President Ramaphosa added that de-carbonisation of economies must be “just and inclusive” and also be consistent with “our national circumstances and development plans”.
He warned that some measures like the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism – aimed at increasing tariffs on imports produced through carbon intensive processes – may “simply further increase the vulnerability of developing economies”.
“This is likely to have a significant impact on South African producers, increase the costs of South African exports into European markets and reduce our economy’s competitiveness.
“In my address to the Climate Ambition Summit, I said that trade mechanisms must enable products from Africa to compete on fair and equitable terms. Trade tariffs and non-trade barriers that have an environmental purpose should be the product of multilateral agreements,” he said.
President Ramaphosa said while South Africa remains committed to “contributing our fair share to the global climate change effort”, the circumstances of developing countries must “must be taken into account”.
“To achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, unity of purpose and action between countries is vital, as is a common commitment to multilateralism in the global climate change effort.
“Ultimately, no country should be forced to choose between climate action and meeting their developmental aspirations,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 09/26/2023 - 09:24
Every car owner shares a unique bond with their vehicle. It’s not just a mode of transportation; it’s a companion on countless journeys, a witness to numerous memories, and often, an extension of one’s personality. But as with all things, cars aren’t immune to the ravages of time, accidents, or unforeseen circumstances. Whether it’s a …
SIU to investigate Tshwane's Rooiwal Wastewater Treatment Works
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) is expected to probe the construction of Phase 1 upgrades and urgent refurbishment at the Rooiwal Wastewater Treatment Works in the Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality.
This after President Cyril Ramaphosa signed a proclamation authorising the corruption busting unit to investigate allegations of maladministration and corruption in the affairs of the municipality and to recover any financial losses as a result thereof.
“The SIU will also investigate any unauthorised, irregular, or fruitless and wasteful expenditure incurred by Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality or the State. The scope of the investigation also covers any unlawful or improper conduct by officials or employees of the…municipality, the applicable suppliers or service providers, or any other person or entity.
“In addition to investigating maladministration, malpractice, corruption and fraud, the SIU will identify system failures and make systematic recommendations to improve measures to prevent future losses,” the unit said.
The SIU said it will refer any evidence of criminal conduct to the National Prosecuting Authority for further action.
The unit will also institute civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal to "correct any wrongdoing uncovered during its investigation caused by acts of corruption, fraud, or maladministration”. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 09/26/2023 - 09:45
Over 50 avian influenza cases confirmed in South Africa
South Africa is dealing with a number of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5 and H7 outbreaks, with more than 50 cases confirmed in various parts of the country, according to the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD).
The department has urged poultry farmers to immediately report any suspicion of the disease to the nearest State Veterinarian.
As of 21 September 2023, a total of 50 HPAI H7 outbreaks and 10 HPAI H5 outbreaks have been reported.
Gauteng province is the hardest hit by HPAI H7, with 37 confirmed cases.
Mpumalanga, Limpopo and North West have confirmed two cases, respectively, while the Free State has recorded one case.
“The reported 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 Western Cape province is the hardest hit with regards to the HPAI H5 outbreak, having a total of seven reported outbreaks. The other 3 HPAI H5 outbreaks are within the KwaZulu-Natal province,” the department said in a statement.
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.
The department said it has noted an increasing number of newly detected H7 and H5 PCR positive farms, and urged the industry to ensure biosecurity on poultry farms to reduce the risk of introduction.
The department has facilitated the importation of fertile eggs for the broiler industry and, it said “a similar request for the table eggs will be considered if received”.
It is also facilitating the transit to Eswatini of fertile eggs for their broiler production.
The department has met with vaccine registration regulators and it was agreed that the registration of vaccination will be fast tracked. However, the meeting agreed that safety, efficacy and quality will not be compromised.
Due to the high probability of the avian influenza virus mutating and becoming zoonotic, the department warned that care needs to be taken on the quality and efficacy parameters of the vaccine chosen for use in this exercise.
“The criteria under which vaccination will be permitted is almost in its final development, and only farms with good biosecurity and approved to vaccinate by the department will be given permission to vaccinate. The other requirements for vaccination will be surveillance to enable early detection of incursion and mandatory slaughter of vaccinated chickens.
“The department further encourages all producers to intensify their biosecurity measures on the farm. The basic measures should aim at preventing contact with wild birds, including their faecal material, which can be transported in boots and equipment,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 09/26/2023 - 15:23
Owning a car is a journey filled with ups and downs. From the thrill of the first drive to the inevitable bumps and scratches that come with time, every vehicle has its story. But what happens when that story takes a turn for the worse? Accidents, age, or other unforeseen events can leave your car …
In today’s rapidly evolving world, the management of waste is becoming increasingly vital. Proper waste management not only aids in maintaining a clean and sustainable environment but also contributes to conserving resources and reducing pollution. Several waste management options are available to meet these objectives, including recycling solutions, waste removal, rubble removal, and skip hire. …
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in coordination with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat and its Member States held a validation workshop for the Southern African Programme for One Health (SAPOH). The programme provides direction and a long-term vision to achieving an integrated one health (OH) approach in the region.
Fifteen SADC countries, namely, Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe attended the workshop and unanimously validated SAPOH. The SADC secretariate, three members of the quadripartite organizations leading the OH approach globally, that is, FAO, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) as well as other regional partners attended the validation workshop and enriched the programme with valuable contributions and inputs before its validation.
One Health is an integrated, unifying approach that aims to sustainably balance and optimize the health of people, animals, and ecosystems. This approach is suitable for Southern Africa as the main livelihood for the people is agriculture. The One Health approach is necessary to deliver effective and efficient prevention and control of infectious diseases, as well as emergency preparedness and response.
Speaking on behalf of the Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa, Patrice Talla, at the opening ceremony, FAO Representative for South Africa, Babagana Ahmadu said, “FAO and its counterparts in the One Health Quadripartite, WHO, WOAH and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), will work together to ensure that policies to support One Health were in place.”
“FAO prioritizes One Health at global and regional level. It is one of the 20 Priority Programme Areas in FAO's New Strategic Framework (2022 to 2031). Within Southern Africa, FAO has prioritized one health as one of its three flagship programmes,” he said.
“My appreciation also goes to our fellow members of the Quadripartite, the WHO, WOAH and UNEP and other partners for accompanying us on this task. We count on you for stronger collaboration in validating and changing this draft into an actionable programme. FAO is committed to working with all of you in mobilizing resources for the implementation of this programme once it is validated,” added Babagana Ahmadu.
The WOAH Representative for Southern Africa Dr Moetapele Letshwenyo said operationalization of SAPOH would be a game changer in mitigating the risk posed by zoonotic diseases. He added that, “Worldwide, 60 per cent of infectious diseases affecting humans have their origins in animals, with nearly 75 per cent of animal diseases being transmissible to humans. The increasing interactions between humans and animals within the environment and numerous factors is exacerbating the emergence, re-emergence and spread of infectious diseases, necessitates a multi-sectoral and multidisciplinary approach”.
According to the SADC Programme Officer for Livestock, Dr Gaolathe Thobokwe, SAPOH will inform the design of future country and partner programmes to address the next pandemic in Southern Africa.
“The necessity of the OH approach in SADC is very obvious, currently, we are dealing with COVID-19 and we know consequences. In the recent past we have had Ebola; we have also had disease like rift valley fever and anthrax. It shows the need to work together whether it be animal health, public health, plant health, wildlife, environmental or climate services,” he said.
The WHO Africa Regional Team Leader for Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), Dr Ali Yahya, pointed out that communication, resource mobilization, monitoring and evaluation were essential components of the OH Programme as they enhanced accountability and learning to determine the best practices. “We might need to ensure strong energy not only to validate the document but also to support its implementation, monitoring, and documentation for further visibility to facilitate resource mobilization as well as ownership of the programme by countries,” he said.
At the end of the workshop, stakeholders called for innovations from all the actors and pointed out that the successful implementation of One Health heavily relies on using locally available resources, citizen engagement, use of traditional knowledge systems and capacity building.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of FAO Regional Office for Africa.
Private sector needed to step in on transmission expansion
Eskom’s transmission expansion and strengthening will require a “considerable amount of resources” that will require government and the private sector to work together.
This is according to Minister in the Presidency for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, when he was briefing media on the progress of the Energy Action Plan.
“We are looking to tap into the liquidity that is available from the private sector to allow us an opportunity to expand the grid so that we are able to accommodate the renewable energy solutions that have been rolled out in the country, and a number of them have not been connected to the grid as a result of the constraint on the transmission side.
“The transmission expansion and strengthening exercise will require a considerable amount of resources and we know that the Eskom balance sheet is constrained and we know that the sovereign matrix has deteriorated, so it’s important that we explore opportunities for the country to tap into the liquidity that is sitting with the private sector,” the Minister said on Tuesday.
He said government is “doing everything possible” to engage the private sector on what will attract more investment in transmission.
“We don’t want to repeat the same mistakes that have been committed on the generation side, where we kicked the can down the road and we just thought that the private sector on its own will come into the space and resolve the issues of generation capacity constraints.
“What we know is that the State must be a very active participant in that space and that’s why we are doing everything possible to create those conditions. For us to create those conditions, it is necessary upfront, to have an appreciation and understanding from the private sector what are some of those… conditionalities that in their own view will make it possible for them to be able to finance,” he said.
Maintenance of power stations
Turning to planned maintenance of power stations, Minister Ramokgopa said Eskom will continue to carry this out on generating units.
“We will continue relentlessly with our efforts to ensure that planned maintenance gets to be executed. The intention is to make sure that everything possible is done to address the issues around the possibility of these units failing, going into the future.
“Therefore, planned maintenance is something that receives our attention and we are going to be diligent in ensuring that we are able to execute planned maintenance so that we are able to derive the benefit going into the future…” he said.
On Eskom’s Unplanned Capacity Loss Factor [UCLF], progress was recorded from the week 18 – 22 September.
“[The UCLF] averaged about 13 751MW and… we are now beginning to be consistently below 15 000MW.
“We are striving to go even below 13 000MW to ensure that we have as many megawatts available because once we reduce the [UCLF], those megawatts get to be added to the available capacity and they are also able to defray the intensity of planned maintenance.
“That’s why there’s no reason, as a result of this exercise of reducing the [UCLF], for us to further intensify load shedding to levels that are unacceptable. Of course, load shedding by definition is unacceptable,” he said.
Load shedding
The Minister also reflected on the lower stages of load shedding over the long weekend and the uptick in load shedding stages announced by Eskom on Monday.
“It came back yesterday on account of a number of reasons, including the challenges that we are experiencing in the Western Cape as a result of the weather conditions there. Palmiet [power station] was a big casualty of those conditions and we were unable to exploit Palmiet, our pump station there.
“On account of the inclement weather in the Western Cape and the Eastern Cape and our desire to make sure that we are able to support the efforts of the… emergency people to address and respond to the challenges that are associated with the… storms that have been experienced there, a decision was taken by Eskom to say that those areas, because of the difficulties that they are experiencing, will be exempt from load shedding and then the rest of the country will carry the load,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 09/26/2023 - 15:06
Anton Bredell, Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs, and Development Planning said today that the disaster response of the Western Cape Government to the recent severe weather has now shifted from saving lives to recovery and humanitarian aid coordination. Unprecedented rainfalls have been recorded, with the Overberg region receiving 142,6mm at the Overberg …
In today’s fast-paced digital era, convenience and security are paramount, especially when it comes to financial transactions. Traditional payment methods, while still widely used, are gradually being overshadowed by more modern, efficient, and secure alternatives. One such advancement that’s been gaining traction is the contactless payment system. Imagine being at a bustling cafe during …
Food security takes centre stage during Thusong Week
Efforts to boost food security and the cleaning up of communities were among the top priorities during this year’s Thusong Service Centre Week.
While a special focus was placed on targeted campaigns from 18 - 22 September, Thusong Service Centre Week forms part of the Integrated Public Service Month.
During the week commemorated under the theme, ‘Building a Professional Public Service for Quality Service Delivery’, the Thusong Programme was promoted by showcasing the integrated mobile outreach programme and its effectiveness in responding to the needs of citizens.
The 2023 in-week activities profiled the work of public servants, particularly frontline officials based at Thusong Service Centres and their contribution to the envisioned efficient Public Service, which anchored on putting people first.
Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, led the opening of the 2023 Thusong Service Centre Week in Rawsonville, Western Cape.
He commended the fact that to date, there are 121 operational centres that continue to bring services closer to the communities by housing different government departments and entities.
During the opening event, a food security dialogue was held, with a focus on promoting backyard gardens, sustainability and integration into the local economy.
The dialogue was led by the University of the Western Cape through its study conducted within the municipality on food security.
Dedicated public servants were also presented with certificates of appreciation, followed by an integrated outreach, where various government departments and entities showcased their exhibitions and provided services to citizens.
During the week, various Thusong Service Centres across the country hosted 88 activities, with 26 of these focusing on cleaning and food security campaigns, with an emphasis on backyard gardens.
The aim is to encourage citizens to participate in cleaning communities as part of persevering the environment and establishing backyard gardens as another way of combating poverty, hunger and food insecurity.
The closing event of 2023 took place in the Northern Cape at Loeriesfontein Hub. The closing event promoted food security, with a bias to the establishment of food gardens at the Thusong Service Centre, as well as the planting of trees.
Acting Government Communication Director-General, Nomonde Mnukwa, encouraged South Africans to play their part in securing food supply through their homes or community food gardens.
“If every person sets up a small garden in their home, it will go a long way to ensuring that individuals and communities meet their sustenance needs.
“Through our collective actions, we can ensure that no South African goes to bed hungry. It was heartening to see that the Thusong Service Centres continue to play a part in this vital campaign.
“The continued offering of services and information from government departments, bodies of civil society and community organisations, through the Thusong Centres, shows well how these centres play a key role in bettering the lives of South Africans,” Mnukwa said.
All citizens are invited to visit www.gov.za to locate a Thusong Service Centre near them. Citizens are encouraged to make use of their centres frequently. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 09/26/2023 - 14:03
The Portfolio Committee on Basic Education has today adopted the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill.
Committee Chairperson, Ms Bongiwe Mbinqo-Gigaba, said this brings the Bill that has been more than 20 years in the making, in line with continuing the transformation agenda of the basic education sector.
Some of the proposals that were adopted in Bill includes making Grade R the new compulsory school-starting age, penalties for parents who do not ensure that their children are in school and confirmation that corporal punishment is no longer allowed at schools with penalties for those found guilty of such offences. In terms of language policy, the amendment states that the governing body must submit the language policy of a public school and any amendment thereof to the head of department for approval. The language policy must also take into consideration the language needs of the broader community. The committee further adopted the proposed amendment that the Head of Department, after consultation with the governing body of the school, has the final authority to admit a learner to a public school.
The contentious proposed amendment, regarding home education, was partially agreed to. This amendment provided for the head of the department to, when considering an application, require a delegated official to conduct a pre-registration site visit. It was agreed that the said site visits can happen at any place of choice should parents not agree to such visits at their homes. Furthermore, a report at the end of each phase will now be required by a qualified educator or assessor to prove the competency of the learner in that phase.
Some proposed amendments were scraped in totality. The proposed amendment regarding the sale of alcohol on school premises after hours during functions, did not get the support from the committee. The proposed amendment dealing with members of a governing body that must disclose on an annual basis all his or her financial interests and the financial interests of his or her spouse, partner and immediate family members also did not garner the support and was deemed too onerous an administrative task.
Ms Mbinqo-Gigaba said during voting on the Bill today, the majority of members of the committee voted in support of the Bill. Three members voted against the adoption of the Bill.
Ms Mbinqo-Gigaba said the proposed amendments are to align the Bill with developments in the education landscape and to ensure that systems of learning are put in place in a manner that gives effect to the right to basic education as enshrined in section 29(1) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996.
She emphasised that the committee extensively deliberated on all clauses in the Bill. “In some instances all members of the committee agreed that certain proposed amendments did not belong in the Bill and ensured that it was removed, whereas in other instances the committee vigorously debated clauses which saw the majority of members of the committee agreeing to retention of such clauses. This is all to ensure that we better the education landscape of the next generation.
“The committee held extensive public hearings across the country, we heard oral submissions in Parliament from stakeholders and thousands of written submissions were considered when debating and drafting this legislation,” added Ms Mbinqo-Gigaba.
The Bill and the report of the committee on it will now be referred to the National Assembly for debate and consideration.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
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Children in the Rand West (Randfontein communities) are now accessing a nutritional breakfast meal supported by DO MORE FOUNDATION (DMF). The Foundation currently provides instant DoMore porridge to 2 500 children aged 0-5 years in Early Child Development (ECD) centres that are in communities around the RCL FOODS production facility. The ECD community and stakeholders …
Dear Editor It is disheartening to serve on a committee that must rely on local newspapers for revelations within our portfolio. Over the weekend, information surfaced from an undisclosed source indicating that Crime Intelligence has allocated R100 million towards vehicles that remain unused. Additionally, it has been brought to light that they have not engaged …
Dear Editor Despite extensive public participation processes at great cost and the DA’s efforts to ensure that every submission made by the public is considered, the ANC majority of the parliamentary portfolio committee on basic education pushed the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill through. The DA and other opposition parties voted against the adoption …