MyZA
News, Directory, Events and Other Stuff
Dear Editor The news of the allegations that the wife of Ambassador Smuts Ngonyama, has assaulted their domestic worker, is the latest in a long line of international scandals that have plagued SA missions abroad. The alleged incident occurred on 14 July 2023 at their Tokyo residence. The DA has previously raised concerns regarding the …
Dear Editor The DA welcomes the decision by the Pretoria High Court granting the Southern Africa Agricultural Initiative (Saai) access to information on land claims in South Africa listed in the Government Gazette between 1998 and 2021. This is a victory, not only for land restitution claimants who have been left in the lurch for …
Today, 21 September 2023, Provincial Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, Mireille Wenger, tabled the Provincial Economic Review and Outlook (PERO) in the Provincial Parliament, titled: With the right strategic choices, we will emerge from a cold winter into a hopeful spring. At approximately 150 pages, the annual publication signals the start of the provincial …
Joburg water reservoirs, towers left empty after thunderstorm
Johannesburg water reservoirs and towers are currently critically low to empty following Tuesday night’s thunderstorm, which caused a power failure at Rand Water's Zuikerbosch Water Treatment Plant.
This has affected all the municipalities supplied by Zuikerbosch, including the City of Johannesburg.
“This comes as Johannesburg Water systems are already struggling, and Rand Water systems are also strained by high consumption, which is going to exacerbate the situation,” Johannesburg Water said.
The entity said the affected reservoirs and towers include South Hills; the Commando system (Brixton, Hursthill, and Crosby); Midrand systems; Crown Gardens; Eagles Nest; Naturena; Alexander Park; Berea; Linden 1 tower; Quellerina;,and Waterval.
Water status in reservoirs and towers
South Hills tower: Critically low and poor pressure to no water is expected in the supply zone. Pumping will resume once supply pressure improves.
Commando System
• Brixton reservoir: Critically low and poor pressure to no water is expected in the supply zone. Outlet will be throttled (pressure and flow to be reduced) to 70% overnight to build capacity.
• Brixton tower: The tower is empty. No water is expected in the supply zone. Pumping will resume once the reservoir level improves.
• Hursthill 1 reservoir: Despite attempts to augment supply, the reservoir is still critically low. The supply zone is anticipated to have low pressure to no water.
• Hursthill 2 reservoir: Critically low due to low supply. Low pressure to no water is expected in high-lying areas. Outlet will be closed overnight to build capacity.
• Crosby reservoir: Critically low and poor pressure to no water is expected in certain areas of the supply zone.
Crown Gardens reservoir and towers: The reservoir is critically low, and poor pressure to no water will be experienced in high-lying areas of the reservoir zone. Both towers are critically low, and no water is expected in the supply zone. Pumping will resume once reservoir levels improve.
Eagles Nest reservoir: Remains critically low. Customers in this supply zone should expect low pressure to no water.
Naturena reservoir: Critically low and poor pressure to no water is expected.
Alexander Park reservoir: Critically low. Poor pressure to no water is expected in the supply zone.
Berea reservoir: Critically low and on bypass mode. Low pressure to no water expected in the supply zone.
Linden 1 reservoir and tower: The reservoir is critically low, while the tower is supplying normally. Low pressure to no water is expected in the reservoir supply zone.
Midrand systems update
Grand Central reservoir: Critically low and poor pressure to no water is expected in the supply zone.
Grand Central tower: The tower is low and moving in a downwards trends. Pumping will resume once the reservoir capacity improves.
Errand reservoir 1 and 2: Both reservoirs are critically low. Poor pressure to no water is expected in the supply zone.
Errand tower: Tower is empty and on bypass mode. Pumping will resume once the reservoir levels improve. Poor pressure to no water is expected in the supply zone.
President Park reservoir and tower: Critically low and poor pressure to no water is expected in the supply zone. The tower is empty and on bypass mode. Low pressure to no water is expected in the supply zone.
“Alternative water supply has been arranged for the affected customers and will be placed at strategic locations,” the entity said.
Johannesburg Water has also urged residents to observe level 1 water restrictions, which are currently implemented.
“These restrictions prohibit the use of hosepipes to water gardens, wash cars, clean driveways, as well as fill up swimming pools and water features between 06am and 06pm. Instead, the use of greywater is encouraged.
“This is to ensure that systems are kept stable throughout the coming months. We urge residents to report any form of vandalism and theft of water infrastructure to 0800 00 25 87,” Johannesburg Water said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 09/21/2023 - 12:00
Dear Editor “Parliament had the opportunity to step in and demonstrate leadership in addressing the issue of fuel price moderation, but Nqakula’s decision places party interests above the welfare of hard-pressed South Africans. The ANC government has once again proven that it is out of touch with the suffering of citizens who are grappling with …
Vodacom Financial and Digital Lifestyle Services has partnered with Bidvest Bank to power the VodaPay Wallet. This partnership enables millions of South African consumers to seamlessly transact within VodaPay, which offers customers a platform by which money can be transferred into their digital wallets. The VodaPay Wallet gives consumers full control of their lifestyle directly …
Introduction: Your bathroom is more than just a functional space; it’s a sanctuary where you can relax and rejuvenate. To transform your bathroom into a stylish oasis, consider incorporating a variety of bathroom decor and accessories. From chrome bathroom accessories to black bathroom accents and brushed brass touches, we’ve got you covered. In this comprehensive …
Introduction When it comes to achieving a good night’s sleep, we often focus on the mattress and pillows themselves, forgetting about the unsung heroes of our sleep sanctuary: mattress protectors, pillow protectors, and pillowcases. These seemingly simple bedding accessories play a vital role in ensuring not only the longevity of your mattress and pillows but …
SARS confirms vessels detained over fuel bunkering supply chain
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has confirmed the detention of several vessels involved in the fuel bunkering supply chain.
Responding to a media report concerning the detention of five bunker barges at the Algoa Bay anchorage by Port Elizabeth, over alleged illegal bunker operations, SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter said from 2016 SARS has been engaging with the fuel industry to encourage compliance with the legislation concerning the importation, the trading in and other operational activities of vessels engaged in the supply of fuel.
Alongside these engagements, Kieswetter said, SARS has also been conducting investigations around compliance in fuel bunkering, and the detention of the vessels mentioned in the media article is part of the ongoing investigation.
Kieswetter confirmed that several vessels were detained in terms of the Customs and Excise Act, 91 of 1964, and this was done in the normal course of investigating whether the provisions of the Act have been contravened.
He said SARS is of the view that the detention is lawful and as the investigation is ongoing, “no decision to seize such vessels has been taken”.
“SARS is obliged to administer the law fairly, without fear, favour or prejudice and to conduct investigations in a responsible manner, in accordance with fair procedure. SARS has no interest in jeopardising economic growth or of contributing to the problem of unemployment, poverty and inequality,” Kieswetter said in a statement.
The Commissioner implored taxpayers and traders to comply with their tax and customs obligations, warning that SARS will not hesitate to act firmly and robustly to ensure that “non-compliance is hard and costly for those that wilfully and intentionally ignore their obligations”.
“The clarion call to all taxpayers and traders is - comply or face the consequences,” Kieswetter warned. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 09/21/2023 - 10:46
Shack dwellers say City of Cape Town is slow to respond to complaints
Malicious objects of all types were detected and blocked on 34% of Industrial Control System (ICS) computers in the first half of 2023, according to the ICS CERT landscape report (https://apo-opa.info/3LwG719) by Kaspersky (www.Kaspersky.co.za). In Africa over this period attacks were detected on 40,3% of ICS computers, placing it in first place among the other regions. The top industries under attack were energy (45,9%), engineering & integration (44%) and building automation (40%). All these attacks were blocked after detection.
ICS computers are used in oil & gas, energy, automotive manufacturing, building automation infrastructures and other spheres to perform a range of operational technology (OT) functions – from the workstations of engineers and operators to supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) servers and Human Machine Interface (HMI). Cyberattacks on industrial computers are considered to be extremely dangerous as they may cause material losses and production downtime for the controlled production line and even the facility as a whole. Moreover, industrial enterprises put out of service can seriously undermine a region's social welfare, ecology and macroeconomics.
An analysis of the most significant and targeted threats detected on ICS computers in selected countries of Africa in the first half of 2023 shows that the threat landscape can vary between countries and between industries due to the differences in the security maturity of different countries/industries and the current focus of threat actors. In South Africa in the first half of 2023 malware was detected and blocked on 29,1% of ICS computers, in Nigeria on 32,6%, in Kenya on 34,5% of machines.
There are different types of cyberthreats that OT-related computers face – malicious scripts, spy trojans, worms, ransomware, and others. In the first half of 2023 Africa had the highest percentage of ICS computers on which spyware was blocked (9,8%). The Middle East and Southeast Asia had similarly high percentages (8,3% and 8,1%). The global average stands at 6,1%.
Africa was also the region with the highest percentage of ICS computers (14,8%) on which attacks from denylisted Internet resources were blocked (these are web resources associated with distributing or controlling malware). The global average is 11,3%.
Viruses and worms spread across ICS networks by means of removable media, shared folders, infected files, such as backups, and network attacks on outdated software. The percentage of ICS computers on which worms were detected was very high in Africa (7% vs. 2,3% global average), making this region the leader by percentage of ICS computers on which threats were detected after removable devices were connected.
“Africa's industrial landscape is diverse, ranging from large-scale mining operations to small-scale agriculture. This means that ICS cybersecurity solutions need to be adaptable to various sectors and technologies. In some regions, legacy ICS systems that lack modern security features are still in use. These systems are often more vulnerable to cyberthreats and require significant upgrades. Lastly, some critical infrastructure in Africa is located in remote areas with limited connectivity, which can make it difficult to monitor and secure ICS assets effectively,” comments Evgeny Goncharov, Head of Kaspersky ICS CERT. “By understanding these risks, organisations can make informed decisions, allocate resources wisely, and efficiently fortify their defenses. In doing so, they not only protect their bottom line but also contribute to a safer and more secure digital ecosystem for all.”
Read more about the ICS threat landscape in the first half of 2023 on the Kaspersky ICS CERT website (https://apo-opa.info/3LwG719).
To keep your OT computers protected from various threats, Kaspersky experts recommend:
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kaspersky.
For further information please contact:
Nicole Allman | INK&Co.
nicole@inkandco.co.za
Social Media:
Facebook: https://apo-opa.info/3M3uy0L
Twitter: https://apo-opa.info/3OaLeGw
YouTube: https://apo-opa.info/41wO7V6
Instagram: https://apo-opa.info/42BZnRq
Blog: https://apo-opa.info/42Apbxn
About Kaspersky:
Kaspersky is a global cybersecurity and digital privacy company founded in 1997. Kaspersky's deep threat intelligence and security expertise is constantly transforming into innovative solutions and services to protect businesses, critical infrastructure, governments and consumers around the globe. The company's comprehensive security portfolio includes leading endpoint protection, specialized security products and services, as well as Cyber Immune solutions to fight sophisticated and evolving digital threats. Over 400 million users are protected by Kaspersky technologies and we help over 220,000 corporate clients protect what matters most to them. Learn more at www.Kaspersky.co.za.
KZN Premier calls for urgent action to respond to climate change
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube has called for urgent and collective action in order to respond to the impact of climate change.
This, the Premier said during an engagement with various strategic and alliance partners at the 2023 Climate Week in New York, must be accompanied by meaningful funding and the implementation of commitments.
Dube-Ncube bemoaned the fact that those who have contributed the least to climate change and are the most vulnerable -- mainly residing in the developing world -- have been the most affected by the impact of climate change.
“Governments must strengthen the implementation of current policies and strategies to hold corporates responsible for their contribution to the climate change impacts and to ensure their accountability.
“The corporates, on the other hand, must put their money where their values are. We urgently need collective action to mitigate, while we largely adapt to the climate change impacts,” Dube-Ncube said.
In its 15th year, Climate Week is regarded as the largest annual climate event of its kind, bringing together some 400 events and activities across the City of New York – in person, hybrid and online.
Each year, business leaders, political change makers, local decision takers and civil society representatives of all ages and backgrounds, from all over the world, gather to drive the transition, speed up progress, and champion change that is already happening.
KwaZulu-Natal is one of the co-chairs of the Climate Group. The group acts as the Secretariat of the Under2Coalition, the largest network of subnational governments committed to reaching net zero emissions by 2050 or earlier.
KwaZulu-Natal represents the voices of the vulnerable people of Africa, as the Premier is the co-chair for the Africa Region.
This year, Climate Week NYC is being held from 17 - 24 September 2023.
At the event, the Premier met with the Governor of California, Gavin Newsom, and the two discussed issues of common interest, including lessons on climate insurance, and establishing learning platforms, which will be shared by both KwaZulu-Natal and the California subnational government, to push the urgency of action.
The two leaders also discussed climate risks and vulnerabilities, as both California and KwaZulu-Natal share similar experiences, which is flash floods, droughts and sea level rises.
Dube-Ncube said Climate Week and the engagement with the Governor could not have come at a more poignant time, as KwaZulu-Natal and the rest of Africa are more susceptible to violent weather patterns.
The Premier said while making good progress, the province is still reeling from the April 2022 floods and its infrastructure has not yet fully recovered.
“Just this weekend, we witnessed devastating tidal waves in the south coast of KwaZulu-Natal which destroyed infrastructure and saw a number of people injured. This clearly demonstrates that our province is in the eye of the storm and, as a result, urgent action is required from all stakeholders,” Dube-Ncube said.
On behalf of the provincial government, the Premier conveyed a message of support and condolences to the families of the victims of the high tidal waves, which left a trail of destruction in its wake.
Dube-Ncube said the conversations at the 2023 Climate Week will not end at the event but will shape the onward conversations of COP28, scheduled to take place in November/December 2023 in the United Arab Emirates.
“This is where governments and non-parties will be advancing the voice of inclusivity.
“As part of the underdeveloped and developing worlds, we carry a clear mandate to advance the aspirations of our regions and in particular, the African continent, for environmental justice, food security and financing of mitigation efforts,” the Premier said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 09/21/2023 - 10:02
RAPT Creative Group Division Head of PR & Influencer Partnerships, Khangelani Dziba (they/them), has been appointed as the Country Committee President for the Queer and Allied Chamber of Commerce Africa (QACC Africa). QACC Africa facilitates a diverse and inclusive economy in Africa by establishing a dynamic and thriving commercial ecosystem for queer entrepreneurs, queer-owned/operated businesses …
What does rugby have to do with cryptocurrency? Well, unless you’re using it to buy tickets to watch the Bokke game or merchandise, the correlation may seem tenuous. Until you look at how this exceptionally strategic, dynamic and uniting sport provides all the guidelines every investor should have in place before making any financial decisions. …
Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance wishes to convey our sincerest condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the marines who tragically lost their lives on board a South African submarine during the regrettable training/exercise incident that transpired in Wednesday afternoon, 20 September 2023, while en route to Table Bay harbour for the mini-navy festival. …
eThekwini municipality has no explanation for delay and no timeline to offer
Activist organisation #UniteBehind wants MPs to fire former PRASA chair Sfiso Buthelezi
In today’s fast-paced digital age, technology is evolving at an unprecedented rate. One of the most significant advancements we’ve seen in the entertainment sector is the rise of Smart TVs. Gone are the days when televisions were merely a medium to watch your favourite shows or movies. Now, they’ve transformed into a hub of endless …
In the realm of healthcare, precision is paramount. To deliver accurate diagnoses and perform intricate procedures, healthcare professionals rely on cutting-edge tools and equipment. Here, we delve into the world of healthcare services, focusing on the diverse range of offerings designed to enhance precision and patient care. Microscopes: Unveiling the Invisible Microscopes are the …
DPWI condemns disruption of Women in Construction event
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Sihle Zikalala has condemned in the strongest possible terms an incident of disruption which took place at a Women in Construction event in Rustenburg, North West.
Zikalala attended the event at the invitation of the North West Chapter of the Black Business Council on the Built Environment, as part of taking the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure to various provinces.
The event was also attended by entities that fall under Zikalala’s portfolio, such as the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) and the Council for the Build Environment (CBE); departmental branches such as the Construction Project Management (CPM), Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), and the Human Capital Development.
It was a platform to engage with women entrepreneurs, who had requested to be capacitated on programmes to enable them to take advantage of opportunities in the construction and infrastructure sector.
As the session commenced, Zikalala, who had been sitting with other panellists, a group of angry protestors stormed the event.
The group demanded that one of the panellists (the Chairperson of the North West Chapter of BBCBE), who was sitting next to the Minister be removed, claiming he does not represent them. They also accused him of swindling them of their money.
“The confrontation had nothing to do either with the Minister or the separtment but was about internal Black Business Council issues,” the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure said in a statement.
The security detail of the Minister reacted to protect the guest, as they were not aware of who the group was and their intention.
“While the Minister and the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure will not be drawn into internal ructions of the Black Business Council, it believes that it is inexcusable to deprive the many women, who had converged at the event an opportunity to benefit from information and knowledge that would have assisted their businesses.
“The Minister has been leading the programme of economic inclusion within the construction and built environment sectors, especially focusing on women and the youth.
“The cry for people to be included in sectors of the economy is the priority the Minister has elevated and will continue to pursue across the country as part of the Economic Recovery and Reconstruction Programme,” the department said.
While the event proceeded, Zikalala urged all the aggrieved parties to resolve their internal differences without impacting negatively on the community at large, especially the vulnerable sectors, that still need to be propelled in sectors such as construction and infrastructure, which still exclude the majority and are dominated by males.
The police managed to calm down the situation and the event continued. Zikalala warned that government would not be held at ransom by people who have grievances of whatever nature. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 09/20/2023 - 09:27
Loadshedding has become a significant concern for many South Africans. The frequent power outages not only disrupt daily life but also impact businesses and the economy. However, with the rise of innovative loadshedding solutions, there’s hope for a brighter and more consistent future. Understanding Loadshedding Loadshedding is a measure taken to prevent the power …
In today’s fast-paced digital world, the importance of online marketing cannot be overstated. Whether you’re a small business owner or a multinational corporation, partnering with the right digital marketing agency can make all the difference in your online presence and overall success. Initially, the concept of digital marketing was straightforward. Businesses needed a website, …
NSFAS makes headway in direct payment solution
Higher Education and Training Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande, says the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has made strides in the implementation of its Student-Centred Model.
The Student-Centred Model is aimed at the implementation of the NSFAS direct payment solution, known as the NSFAS Bank Account, and the development of the NSFAS Student Accommodation Portal.
Briefing media on developments at NSFAS on Tuesday, Nzimande said the Student-Centre Model is premised on an approach that places the needs of students at the heart of the scheme’s operations. It also aims to streamline all processes that affect the disbursement of funds for tuition, transport, food and accommodation.
The Minister said 509 220 claims, with a total of R40 billion, have been received from university students, and out of this, an amount of R29.6 billion has already been paid to 491 457.
“There are 23 389 students with exceptions that we are currently funding. These exceptions occur when NSFAS cannot confirm the funding pathway or funding rules are not complied with, as per submitted registration records.
“The biggest exceptions relate to institutions claiming incorrectly by including meals yet they are catered by institution. This means it is double dipping, which must be attended to,” Nzimande said.
NSFAS has also received 250 548 claims from Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college students to the value of R6.8 billion, with R4.8 billion already being paid to 209 352 students.
Nzimande reiterated his call to all beneficiaries, who have not been on-boarded (registered) or converted onto the new payment system, to urgently register in order to enable NSFAS to pay their allowances without any further delay.
According to data, 90% to 99% universities’ students have been onboarded. This exclude the University of South Africa (UNISA), which stands at 67%, and the University of Fort Hare at 56%.
Nzimande said the NSFAS institutional support teams will extensively focus their attention in all institutions whose percentages are low so that they improve on their onboarding processes.
“The team will continue to hold bi-weekly meetings with the institutions’ finance offices and the direct payment partners so that institutions have a platform to raise the challenges and areas of clarity, where both NSFAS and the partners are present.
“In relation to our TVET colleges, the process of onboarding continues, as they have multiple academic terms,” Nzimande said.
Bank charges
Regarding bank charges to student accounts, Nzimande said he has directed NSFAS to relook the entire bank charges regime to find possible measures to further reduce bank charges for the beneficiaries.
“I have been briefed that NSFAS negotiated for a R12 monthly bank charge, which excludes money transfer costs to other banks. I will await the NSFAS board final determination in this regard.
“I have been assured by the NSFAS board that reports that NSFAS disbursed incorrect amounts to beneficiaries are misleading and untrue. However, should it happen that such instances may have occurred, I urge the affected students to immediately report these to NSFAS,” Nzimande said.
Warning to students inappropriately benefitting from NSFAS
Meanwhile, Nzimande has issued a stern warning to students, who are inappropriately benefitting from the scheme.
He said the appropriate criminal and legal action must be taken against anyone found defrauding the system. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 09/20/2023 - 09:46