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Dear Editor Democratic Alliance Federal leader John Steenhuisen today announced uMngeni mayor Chris Pappas as the DA’s KZN premier candidate for the 2024 national election. Making the announcement on the steps of the Durban City Hall, Steenhuisen said that Pappas is a dynamic young leader who walks the walk and has made the uMngeni municipality …
Visitors to the Eastern Free State were treated to a unique sight this weekend as hundreds upon hundreds of Suzuki Jimnys descended on Clarens for the biggest Suzuki festival ever. The compact 4x4s and their owners travelled from across Southern Africa to Langkranz Farm just outside Clarens to attend the first ever Suzuki Safari Town …
Weltevrede Wine Estate outside Bonnievale in the Robertson Valley is known for specialising in Chardonnay and Cap Classique and offering world-class underground tours namely Captivated by Chardonnay and Captivated by Cap Classique. These Weltevrede tours were awarded Most Innovative Wine Tasting Experience in the World by Great Wine Capitals. The Weltevrede Philip Jonker Brut was …
Are you looking to optimise your website’s user experience (UX)? Look no further than Core Web Vitals! Core Web Vitals are a set of metrics that measure how your website performs, how usable it is, and how quickly it loads. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to measure Core Web Vitals, the impact they …
In an era where urban living often means tighter spaces, the need for multifunctional furniture becomes paramount. Bunk beds, with their space-saving design, stand out as a versatile solution. But they’re more than just a practical choice. Explore top-quality bunk bed options and dive into a blend of style, functionality, and a touch of fun. Material Matters: …
Lesotho’s Namakoe Nkhasi and Ethiopia’s Debash Desta emerged triumphant at the 2023 Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K and in the process obliterated the previous course records when they crossed the finish line at the Mary Fitzgerald Square, Newtown (Johannesburg) on Sunday 24 September (National Heritage Day) in 29 minutes 07 seconds and 33 minutes …
DRIFTCity 2023 © Eric Palmer Grand Parade, Cape Town – Inspired driving in wet conditions saw Kyle Van Dyk claim victory at the triumphant return of DRIFTCity – the unique and top-rated ‘driftkhana’ motorsport event that took place in Cape Town this weekend. As the crowds gathered for a late morning start, so did the …
Work underway to resolve KZN water woes
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) says it is working tirelessly to assist municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal that are facing water challenges.
This after the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) released its final report and recommendations following an investigation into water challenges in that province.
“The challenges are known to the department, and the Ministry of Water and Sanitation is working tirelessly to assist the municipalities in the province, which are Water Services Authorities (WSAs), to meet their constitutional obligation for water and sanitation services provision to citizens.
“The Blue, Green and No-Drop reports, released in June 2023, are regulatory and support mechanisms of the department for municipal drinking water quality, wastewater management and water conservation and demand management. [The reports] also provided evidence of the deteriorating state of water and sanitation situation in most of these municipalities.
“The department… welcomes the report and its recommendations, which align to the findings of the department. The department further acknowledges the critical task of improving the management of waste water and restoration of water quality and reliability of supply, and that this will require increasing investments, ensuring revenue sufficiency ,as well as professional and capable technical and managerial skills,” the department said in a statement on Friday.
The DWS explained the steps it is taking to address these challenges, including funding of some R7.8 billion for several water infrastructure projects.
“Through its water entity, uMngeni-uThukela Water Board, the department has also allocated nearly R2.3 billion for the following projects: Greater Mpofana Bulk Water Supply Project in uMgungundlovu District; the Maphumulo Bulk Water Supply Project in iLembe District; UMshwathi Bulk Water Supply Project servicing both uMgungundlovu and iLembe Districts, and Lower uMkhomazi Bulk Water Supply Project in eThekwini.
“uMngeni-uThukela Water Board is also implementing a Bulk Regional Water Scheme for Alfred Duma Local Municipality in uThukela District Municipality, at an estimated cost of R5 billion.
“Earlier this year, Minister Mchunu commissioned the completed Spring Grove Water Treatment Plant in Rosetta and Bruntville Reservoir in Mooi River, in the uMgungundlovu District, KwaZulu-Natal. It is one of the largest rural-based projects to be implemented in recent years and is aimed at providing access to safe drinking water to Mpofana and uMngeni Local Municipalities,” the department said.
According to the statement, the Minister has also invoked Section 63 of the Water Services Act in uMkhanyakude District Municipality.
“This involved providing strong support and direction to the municipality regarding the management, operation and maintenance of its water and sanitation infrastructure in order to restore services within the district.
“The uMkhanyakude District’s multibillion rand water projects include the Greater Ingwavuma Bulk Water Supply Scheme in Jozini Local Municipality, which will supply Jozin, Big Five Hlabisa and Mtubatuba municipalities, and the Mtikini Water Supply Scheme in Umhlabuyalingana Local Municipality, which will supply safe drinking water to the communities of Skhemelele, Mtikini and eScabazini.
“Ugu District Municipality has also been experiencing difficulties with water and sanitation service delivery, due to old and strained infrastructure and growing demand, exacerbated by illegal connections and vandalism. To address this, the department has allocated R150 million from the WSIG to the district in order to address immediate challenges,” the statement read.
Other steps taken by the department include:
“While all the support provided above is necessary, it is not sufficient to reverse the decline in water services. There is also a need for legislative reform, and the department will shortly be gazetting an amended Water Services Act, which will strengthen and clarify the role of municipalities as Water Services Authorities to ensure that Water Service Providers provide water services in accordance with minimum norms and standards.
“The amendments will also enable the national department to intervene more decisively a last resort when municipalities fail to respond to directives to address deficiencies in the provision of water and sanitation services,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Sun, 09/24/2023 - 14:42
Have your say on draft conservation policy
Members of the public are invited to submit their comments on the draft Policy Position on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Elephant, Lion, Leopard and Rhinoceros.
This after the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Barbara Creecy, published the draft policy in the Government Gazette.
“The draft Policy Position is informed by the White Paper on Conservation and Sustainable Use of South Africa’s Biodiversity, which was published for implementation on 14 June 2023, under Government Notice No. 3537, Government Gazette, No. 48785; the High Level Panel (HLP) report; the recommendations of the Committee of Inquiry (CoI) that was appointed to advise on the possibility of proposing legal interventions on international trade in rhino horn to the 17th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), and the Colloquium Report on captive lion breeding for hunting.
“The draft Policy Position focuses primarily on correcting unsustainable practices, promoting conservation and sustainable use of the five species (elephant, lion leopard, black and white rhinoceros), and providing policy direction for international commercial trade,” the department said.
According to the department, the draft policy proposes “three conservation and sustainable use policy objectives to enhance species management”, as well as three international commercial trade-related policy objectives.
These are:
Members of the public are invited to submit, within thirty (30) days from the date of publication of this Notice in the Government Gazette or in the newspaper, whichever date is the last date, written comments to this Notice, to any of the following addresses:
By mail: The Director-General: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
Attention: Dr Tsepang Makholela
Private Bag X447
PRETORIA
0001
By hand at: Environment House, 473 Steve Biko Street, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0001
By e-mail to: policyposition@dffe.gov.za
Any inquiries in connection with this notice or in connection with obtaining a copy of the Socio-Economic Impact Assessment Study (SEIAS) on the draft Policy Position, can be directed to Dr Tsepang Makholela at 071 608 4556. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Sun, 09/24/2023 - 15:09
UIF task team to intervene in Belville Labour Centre
The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) has dispatched a task team to the Bellville Labour Centre to intervene in concerns that have come to light through a media article about UIF payments and related matters at the centre.
UIF Commissioner Teboho Maruping said on Friday: “We need to have a thorough understanding of the specific issues on the ground so that we can intervene swiftly. It bothers me when I hear that workers are struggling to get what is due to them. Whatever the issue, it will be addressed. I will take it upon myself to see to it.”
The fund said the task team, which is from the UIF head office in Pretoria, is expected to “establish facts and submit a report to [Maruping] within a week”.
“In recent times, the UIF has introduced various mechanisms to improve customer experience, including mobile buses, queue management, kiosks, online application platforms, free Wi-Fi at all labour centres, a data free mobile application, as well as a free USSD platform that can be used on any mobile device from anywhere,” the fund said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Sun, 09/24/2023 - 14:52
Heritage Day celebrates SA's rich tapestry of cultures
Heritage Month is an opportunity for all South Africans to reconnect with their roots and celebrate cultural diversity.
This is according to Deputy President Paul Mashatile, who was delivering the keynote address at this year’s Heritage Day celebrations at Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaZulu-Natal.
“Today’s celebrations take place under the theme, ‘Celebrating our cultural diversity in a democratic South Africa’, an important theme that tasks us to reflect on our democratic journey, and also embrace the complexities that come with nation building and social cohesion in the context of our past, present and future.
“[Our] theme shines the spotlight on South Africa’s rich and diverse cultural heritage incorporating African, Asian and European cultures and traditions. The preamble of the 1996 Constitution reminds us that South Africa belongs to all who live in it, united in our diversity, and calls upon us to heal past divisions and establish a society based on democratic values, social justice and fundamental human rights,” he said.
The Deputy President reflected on South Africa’s painful past, in which some cultural heritage and practices were “marginalised and demonised by colonisers”.
“We all know that many tribulations underscore our history because of both colonialism and apartheid, but also the triumph of the people against these oppressive regimes is noteworthy. Ours is a unique history that has inspired many nations towards embracing unity and diversity, and showing that difference can be a platform for development and not destruction and divisions.
“People of South Africa, our democratic country, as we know it, emerged from centuries of colonialism and apartheid that ensured that social groups were hierarchically graded, and that some had a heritage that was not freely appreciated and promoted.
“The cultural heritage of people indigenous to South Africa was in the past marginalised and demonised by colonisers, with this also affecting critical aspects of our traditions and heritage linked to land ownership, language use, livelihoods and social structures,” he said.
Mashatile said that despite this past, South Africa’s young democracy has seen significant gains.
“In democratising the heritage landscape after 1994, it has thus been very important to recognise, rehumanise and celebrate the significance of our diverse living heritage, safeguard it for future generations and harness it as the basis for social cohesion and nation building.
“We are here to acknowledge and celebrate South Africa’s diverse heritage, which is being showcased and highlighted throughout September. Heritage Month holds immense cultural significance in South Africa, as it provides a platform for communities to celebrate and display their unique traditions, customs and languages.
“This celebration of cultural diversity not only strengthens the identities of various communities but also helps preserve and promote their heritage for future generations. It provides an opportunity for our people to reconnect with their roots, honour their ancestors, and pass on important cultural practices and values,” Mashatile said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Sun, 09/24/2023 - 12:57
Dear Editor This past week the DA met with the horse farming community members in Kyalami to hear their concerns regarding African horse sickness (AHS) vaccine shortages and provide them with feedback on what the DA has done to solve their problems. This public meeting was also attended by Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP) Chief Executive …
Is your company classified as a small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) with the potential to make significant contributions to the chemical industry? If so, the clock is ticking, and the window of opportunity to participate in the highly anticipated 2023 Durban Chemicals Cluster (DCC) Business Accelerator is closing fast! This transformative initiative, now in its …
Deputy President to open UNESCO engineering conference
Deputy President Paul Mashatile is expected to deliver a keynote address when engineers from across the globe gather from Monday at the UNESCO 9th Africa Engineering Week and 7th Africa Engineering Conference at the CSIR in Pretoria.
According to the Presidency, the event will be held under the theme, 'Celebrating and Growing Engineering Excellence in the African Region' and seeks to celebrate engineering excellence prevalent in the African continent.
“The Deputy President will be supported by the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Sihle Zikalala, as the host department; Minister in the Presidency for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa; Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Bhuti Manamela, as well as Governors and Ministers from the African continent.
“The event will feature the who is who of the engineering fraternity in Africa and abroad, who will be attempting to solve the world and the African continent’s pressing challenges.
“Furthermore, scores of aspiring engineers from South Africa will also get the opportunity to obtaining knowledge and skills,” the Presidency said.
Meanwhile on Tuesday, the Deputy President is expected to convene an engagement with inter-faith leaders to “strengthen existing partnerships with the faith sector towards the country’s social cohesion and nation-building project”.
“The engagement will consider practical steps towards institutionalising partnership between government and inter-faith leaders as part of the Deputy President’s delegated responsibilities. It will also address the challenges and seek to resolve issues raised by the inter-faith community.
“The Deputy President will be supported by the Ministers of Social Development and Sport, Arts and Culture; Deputy Minister of Social Development, Premier of Gauteng Province and senior government officials,” the Presidency said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Sun, 09/24/2023 - 08:48
Delivering Accessible Learning Environments and Job Opportunities for School Leavers In the lead-up to the Matric class of 2023’s final exams, anxiety looms. While some will pursue tertiary education, the majority face the highly competitive job market and the harsh prospect of unemployment. Rajan Naidoo, Managing Director of EduPower Skills Academy, says that in this …
Mashatile to address Youth Economic Council gala dinner
Deputy President Paul Mashatile is expected to deliver the keynote address at the South African Youth Economic Council’s second annual business gala dinner to be held on Tuesday.
The Presidency said the focus of the gala dinner will be the mining and energy, agriculture, finance as well as the information and communication technology sectors.
“The South African Youth Economic Council (SAYEC) is an economic and legal policy advocacy group that promotes youth participation and integration in the economy. The council aims to promote a transformed economy where the youth become actively involved in economic growth and job creation in South Africa.
“Held under the theme, 'Accelerating Economic Growth & Growing Investments for Youth Job Creation', the gala dinner will focus on the need for labour intensive industries and businesses to stimulate job creation, particularly among young people. It is also envisaged that insights will be gained from the participants as to what policy measures can be put in place to facilitate investment into the economy in a number of critical areas.
“Both SAYEC and government are concerned that South African youth unemployment for people between the ages of 15 and 34 currently stands at around 4.9 million, at 46.5%, well above the national average of 32.9%. The largest proportion of the young people who make up this percentage, are low to semi- skilled labour,” the Presidency said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Sun, 09/24/2023 - 09:08
FUTURELIFE®, South Africa’s fastest-growing cereal brand, has taken a giant leap in supporting the nutritional needs of expectant and lactating mothers with the launch of FUTURELIFE® MOTHERS FOOD™. This revolutionary range, designed to cater to the unique needs of mothers during the critical first 1000 days of a child’s life, is set to redefine maternal …
Chainsaws, vital tools in numerous industries and even domestic use, offer significant applications but also inherent risks if utilised incorrectly. To ensure the safety of individuals using chainsaws, it is crucial to adhere to proper safety requirements and guidelines. Whether you are an experienced professional or a novice, understanding and following these guidelines can assist …
The October holidays are just around the corner, and depending on where in the country you are venturing off to, being Spring you could encounter a rainy day or two. To help you make the most of your holiday, even when the weather doesn’t cooperate, Shaun Lamont, Managing Director of First Group Hotels and Resorts …
The pride of doing simple tasks at home and not having to call and pay a professional – like Straton Electrical – to do it is something that is pretty fulfilling. When it comes to electrical work the scope of work that can be done by a DIY person is limited mostly to non life …
Western Cape health department says a mobile clinic for medical collections, disease screenings and family planning is in the pipeline
Rabbi Dr. Akiva Tatz: A Digital Portal to Jewish Enlightenment In the vast expanse of the internet, there are few places that offer a genuine deep dive into the heart of Jewish teachings. Enter the world of Rabbi Dr. Akiva Tatz, a digital haven that seamlessly blends ancient wisdom with contemporary relevance. Ever pondered …
Introduction If you’re looking to breathe new life into your furniture and give it a charming, antique-inspired look, chalk paint is the answer. Chalk paint has gained immense popularity in South Africa and around the world for its versatility and ability to transform even the most tired-looking pieces of furniture. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll …
Introduction: In a world where sustainability and durability are becoming increasingly important, heavy-duty plastic chairs, plastic party chairs, and 240-litre wheelie bins have emerged as practical and versatile solutions. These seemingly mundane objects play crucial roles in our daily lives, offering convenience, reliability, and sustainability. Let’s delve into the world of these three indispensable items …