Hopes pinned on Dr Naledi Mbude to turn around South Africa’s abysmal reading scores
Mbude is now Deputy Director-General for Special Projects including African language education, seen by many as a key to improving child literacy
Marikana anniversary a time to reflect
Marikana anniversary a time to reflect
Founder of Africa’s largest independent humanitarian organisation, the Gift of the Givers Foundation, Dr Imtiaz Sooliman says it is time to build the country, build social cohesion and bring people together.
He said this during the 4th Annual Marikana Memorial Lecture on Monday, ahead of the 11th anniversary of the Marikana tragedy.
On 16 August 2012, the South African Police Service (SAPS) opened fire on a crowd of striking mineworkers in Marikana, in the North West, killing 34 people.
The then President, Jacob Zuma, announced the establishment of the Marikana Commission of Inquiry, in terms of section 84(2)(F) of the Constitution.
“As a country, we have learnt from the Marikana tragedy,” Sooliman said, adding that it was not time to live in the past, but to reflect on the past.
He said his organisation was determined to double food parcels to the people of Marikana.
Archbishop Thabo Makgoba said the Marikana tragedy was a painful chapter in the country’s history that brought immense sorrow, challenges and anguish to countless families whose loved ones paid the ultimate price.
“As we remember the fallen, we cannot but be moved by the harrowing journey the families of the victims had to endure on that fateful day,” he said.
Makgoba emphasised the importance of providing a supporting shoulder to the families of the victims of the Marikana tragedy. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 08/15/2023 - 11:12
141 views
Introducing “Track It All” – Transforming Business Management Systems for Individual Company Requirements
Track It All, a leading software development company is excited to announce the launch of their highly adaptable system software created to meet the unique needs of your company. With a focus on effortless management, improved productivity, and seamless tracking, Track It All empowers businesses to streamline their operations and optimize efficiency. CEO Jenna Brown …
WHO Role in Advancing Disease Surveillance in South Africa
In a significant stride towards strengthening public health capacities, the World Health Organization (WHO) played a pivotal role in a transformative initiative that underscores its commitment to global health security. The Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) Training of Trainers program recently held in Cape Town, South Africa stands as a testament to WHO's dedication to enhancing disease surveillance capabilities and bolstering national health emergency preparedness.
Collaborating closely with the South Africa National Department of Health and other stakeholders, WHO orchestrated a comprehensive training endeavor that showcased the organization's expertise and dedication to advancing national and global health security. With the successful adaptation of the 3rd Edition Technical Guidelines and Training materials for the IDSR strategy in July 2023, the stage was set for the groundbreaking training event. The National Training-of-Trainers, held from August 7th to 11th, 2023, at the Blue Lagoon Beach Hotel in Cape Town, Western Cape Province, gathered 150 participants from various professional backgrounds across all nine provinces of South Africa.
At the heart of the IDSR Training of Trainers program was the aspiration to build the capacity of identified training coordinators and facilitators. This initiative sought to empower these individuals with the knowledge, skills, and strategies needed to cascade the IDSR training program to a broader spectrum of stakeholders at provincial, district, health facility, and community level. WHO, in collaboration with technical officers from the WHO country office in South Africa, the Brazzaville, the National Department of Health, and the National Institute for Communicable Diseases, curated an multidisciplinary educational experience to align with the IDSR training manual.
The training program was meticulously designed to meet a range of objectives that speak to WHO's commitment to effective emergency management and health systems strengthening:
- Supporting Health Emergency Preparedness: By explaining the integral role of IDSR training within the health emergency preparedness and response cycle, WHO illuminated the crucial synergy between surveillance systems and response strategies.
- Tailoring Learning Principles: Through the adaptation of the IDSR training program based on adult learning principles and local context, WHO showcased its adaptability and nuanced approach to knowledge dissemination.
- Engaging and Interactive Methodologies: WHO, as a facilitator of learning, introduced interactive methodologies that engaged participants and fostered critical thinking and skill acquisition, thereby emphasizing the organization's innovative approach to capacity-building.
- Mastering Training Strategies: By imparting mastery in key training strategies, WHO demonstrated its dedication to sharing globally accepted practices, thereby contributing to the skill enhancement of participants.
- Seamless Coordination and Implementation: WHO's involvement in coordinating the implementation of the IDSR training program underlines its capacity to oversee complex processes and contribute to seamless execution.
- Fostering Personal Development: Through encouraging participants to initiate personal development plans, WHO reinforced its role as a platform for professional growth and advancement.
- Identifying Financial Support: By guiding participants in identifying potential financial support sources, WHO showcased its wide-ranging network and commitment to the sustainability of training programs.
As the training concluded, participants emerged with not only enhanced knowledge and skills in the IDSR strategy but also a profound understanding of how to apply these competencies in real-world scenarios. WHO's commitment to empowering health professionals extended beyond theory and into practical application, allowing participants to bridge the gap between theory and practice seamlessly.
This training-of-trainers initiative aligns with WHO's global mission of achieving better health outcomes for all. By equipping local stakeholders with the tools to improve surveillance and response mechanisms, WHO lays the foundation for a more resilient and prepared health system. The organization's dedication to promoting health security at all levels contributes significantly to national readiness to combat future pandemics and other public health events.
In collaboration with its esteemed partners and stakeholders, WHO continues to shine as a beacon of excellence in advancing global health security, disease surveillance, and response capacities. Through initiatives like the IDSR Training of Trainers program, WHO reaffirms its role as a driving force in fostering a healthier, safer world for all. The training was co-financed by the National Department of Health and Global Affairs Canada support to WHO.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) - South Africa.
Uncover the best musical entertainment at the Ugu Maskandi Music Festival 2023
The unique sounds of maskandi music will once again attract crowds to the KZN South Coast with the 3rd annual Ugu Maskandi Music Festival set to take place on Saturday, 30 September at Ugu Sports & Leisure Centre in Gamalakhe. The event, which is supported by South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise (SCTIE), is a …
South Africa records employment gains in Quarter 2
South Africa records employment gains in Quarter 2
At least 150 000 more people were employed in South Africa during the second quarter of the year as compared to the first – resulting in a minor decrease in the unemployment rate by some 0.3%.
This is according to the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) today.
Furthermore, the number of unemployed people fell by at least 11 000.
“Additionally…the discouraged work seekers decreased by 94 000 in the second quarter of 2023 compared to the first quarter of 2023 resulting in a net decrease of 1 000 in the not economically active population.
“The above changes in employment and unemployment resulted in the official unemployment rate decreasing by 0.3 of a percentage point from 32.9% in the first quarter of 2023 to 32.6% in the second quarter of 2023.
“The unemployment rate according to the expanded definition decreased by 0.3 of a percentage point to 42.1% in Q2:2023 compared to Q1:2023,” the institution said.
Employment in the formal sector increased by some 143 000 during the same period with informal sector employment decreasing by 33 000.
“Construction [104 000], trade [92 000], and community and social services [63 000] recorded the largest employment gains. While employment losses were recorded in manufacturing [96 000], finance [68 000], transport [7 000] and utilities [6 000],” Stats SA said.
Despite an increase in the number of youth employed during that period, the institution said youth remain “vulnerable” to unemployment.
“The youth remain vulnerable in the labour market, with the second quarter of 2023 results showing that the total number of unemployed youth [between 15 and 34 years old] decreased by 131 000 to 4.7 million while there was an increase of 105 000 in the number of employed youth to 5.7 million during the same period.
“This resulted in a decrease in youth unemployment rate by 1.1 percentage points to 45.3% in Q2:2023,” Stats SA said.
The institution highlighted the sectors where the most gains were made in the provinces.
“Limpopo [up by 80 000], Western Cape [up by 54 000] and KwaZulu-Natal [up by 48 000] recorded the largest employment increases in Q2:2023.
“Employment losses were recorded in Free State [down by 59 000] and Northern Cape [down by 17 000] during the same period,” Stats SA said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 08/15/2023 - 12:22
22 views
Glencore Ferroalloys in partnership with the Imbumba Foundation donated to sanitary towels to girls across Limpopo and North West Province
14 August – Glencore Ferroalloys continues to maintain its social licence to operate and change the lives of its communities for the better through its sanitary dignity campaign. The campaign which began two years ago, sought to ensure that the girl child does not miss a day of school during her reproductive cycle. It is …
Serco Now Offering Modern Design Interlink Trailers
Serco’s new style dry freight interlink trailers boast a higher than the norm loading volume of 141m3 which directly contributes towards lowering transport costs. The vehicles have impressed the market and Serco already has an order of 16 from a customer, Vicky’s Transport (VTS). The Superlink trailer configuration has a through loading capability to ensure …
Former First Lady’s murderer granted parole
Former First Lady's murderer granted parole
The murderer of former First Lady Marike de Klerk has been granted parole by the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) and will be released from prison at the end of August.
De Klerk was the ex-wife of former President FW de Klerk.
Luyanda Mboniswa brutally murdered Marike de Klerk in 2001 in what is believed to be a botched robbery at her Cape Town home.
He was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2003 and spent at least 20 years in jail for murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances and housebreaking.
DCS spokesperson, Singabakho Nxumalo, explained the conditions that Mboniswa will have to comply with while on parole.
“Mboniswa will be admitted into the system of community corrections, whereby he is expected to comply with a specific set of parole conditions for the rest of his natural life. He will be assigned a monitoring official to render supervision duties.
“Normal parole conditions will apply, such as being restricted to his magisterial district. He is also not allowed to have contact with the family of the victim and shall not change his residential address without informing the monitoring official.
“To be emphasised, parole placement forms part of the total rehabilitation programme in correcting the offending behaviour and may include continuation of programmes in the system of community corrections,” Nxumalo said.
He explained that the decision to grant parole was done in compliance with the law.
“In compliance with the Correctional Services Act 111 of 1998, Mboniswa was considered for parole placement having served the minimum required time. The parole placement process started from the preparation of the profile by the Case Management Committee (CMC) and consideration by the Correctional Supervision and Parole Board (CSPB).
“The National Council for Correctional Services (NCCS) also dealt with the profile before its submission to the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services for a decision. The Minister is empowered by Section 78 of the Correctional Services Act 111 of 1998 to make a determination on those sentenced to life,” Nxumlalo said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 08/15/2023 - 09:34
317 views
It is all systems depart for the start of the 15th BRICS Summit
It is all systems go for the start of the 15th BRICS Summit
By Michael Currin
It is Women’s Month and Government is delighted to be hosting an important group of leading emerging markets and developing countries, namely Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa for the 15th edition of the BRICS Summit. Together BRICS has around 42% of the world's population, 27% of global GDP and around 20% of international trade.
It is our third time hosting this important event as a country and South Africa is privileged to be the chair of BRICS this year.
Our theme is "BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development, and Inclusive Multilateralism." This theme reflects our vision of BRICS providing global leadership in addressing the needs and concerns of the majority of the world, namely beneficial economic growth, sustainable development and inclusion of the global South in multilateral systems.
This theme also reflects our belief in the benefits a partnership with Africa can bring to BRICS, with our partners eager to explore opportunities to support, and benefit from, operationalisation of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Since January 2023, we have held a large number of meetings across all three pillars of cooperation, namely:
1. Political and security,
2. Economic and financial; and
3. Social and people-to-people cooperation.
GCIS has supported various Ministerial meetings held to precede BRICS across all provinces. Our Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni hosted a Friends of BRICS National Security Advisors Meeting with her BRICS Security counterparts, in Sandton, on 24 July 2023.
The Friends of BRICS is a combination of countries who have expressed an interest in joining BRICS, those who chair prominent institutions of the Global South and those invited as per the Chair’s prerogative and henceforth invited as per the consensus reached between the host and fellow BRICS members. The Friends of BRICS countries who attended this meeting are Belarus, Burundi, Cuba, Egypt, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Various other meetings took place headed by various Ministers such as the BRICS Foreign Ministers, the BRICS Civil Forum, BRICS Ministers of Communication, the BRICS Youth Forum, the BRICS Urbanisation, BRICS Ministers of Health, and BRICS Ministers of Science and Innovation have all concluded their meetings.
Cabinet has encouraged BRICS meetings to be held in different towns and cities so that our guests have a wide range of experience of our beautiful country. It is also important that the tangible economic benefits of hosting our BRICS partners are experienced in a variety of communities.
All these activities build up to the XVth BRICS Summit which will provide an opportunity for BRICS Leaders to reflect on all the elements of BRICS cooperation. The XVth BRICS Summit will also provide an opportunity to amplify the voices of our friends in Africa and the global South with the BRICS-Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogues.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has confirmed South Africa’s readiness to host the XVth BRICS Summit in Sandton, Johannesburg and we are running a countdown to hype the upcoming activities of the Summit. South Africa Chairs BRICS in a dynamic global environment where the eyes of the world are on us.
Leading up to the Summit, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition and the BRICS Business Council will be hosting a content-rich BRICS Business Programme from 19 to 23 August which seeks to foster economic growth, promote collaboration, attract investment, and showcase opportunities within South Africa, Africa and BRICS countries.
All the BRICS Business Councils are bringing large business delegations to South Africa. As an outcome of South Africa's Chairing of BRICS in 2013, the BRICS Business Council celebrates its 10th Anniversary in 2023 and we look forward to the celebrations as well as the outcomes of the review of the work of the Council in its first ten years.
The BRICS Summit programme
The first event on the BRICS Leaders' programme is the BRICS Business Forum Leaders Dialogue on the afternoon of Tuesday 22 August. The Leaders will get a report on the outcomes of the deliberations during the BRICS Business Forum and will deliver statements reflecting on BRICS economic relations.
Following the Business Forum, the Leaders move to a quieter venue for the BRICS Leaders Retreat. This is a signature event of South Africa as BRICS Chair. Leaders meet in a comfortable setting in a private venue for an unscripted discussion of contemporary issues of importance. There is no set agenda and Leaders can initiate a discussion on issues of choice such as BRICS membership expansion, reform of global governance, or use of local currencies.
On 23 August, the XVth BRICS Summit continues with a closed plenary followed by an open plenary session.
The BRICS Leaders will deliver national statements which will be followed by reports by the President of the New Development Bank, the South African Chair of the BRICS Business Council and the South African Chair of the BRICS Women's Business Alliance.
It is befitting during Women’s month to re-emphasise my focus on the BRICS Women's Business (WBA) Alliance. This will be the first in-person engagement with BRICS Leaders as it was established in 2020 under the Chairship of Russia during the height of the pandemic. This Alliance aims to empower and advance women entrepreneurs in BRICS to create a vibrant network in partnership with others that facilitates knowledge-sharing, skills development, and business opportunities for women across diverse sectors and industries.
Their flagship meeting is the BRICS-Africa WBA Trade Conference to be held in Durban from 20 to 21 August which brings together over 500 women-owned businesses, including micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, from BRICS and Africa. The conference will include the first in-person joint meeting of BRICS WBA national chapters and develop recommendations to be presented to BRICS Leaders at the Summit.
Following the reports from the New Development Bank, BRICS Business Council and the BRICS Women's Business Alliance, the Summit is expected to adopt the eGoli Declaration as the main outcome document of the 2023 BRICS Leaders’ Summit.
South Africa is also pleased to welcome the first meeting of Ministers responsible for Women Affairs as an important step in mainstreaming women's issues across all areas of BRICS cooperation.
This is also a concrete step forward in addressing the needs of vulnerable groups. As a partnership, BRICS operates on the principles of openness, solidarity, mutual respect and understanding as well as mutually beneficial cooperation that is seen to deliver tangible benefits.
The XVth BRICS Summit is the venue and occasion for the voices of BRICS, Africa and the global South to converge and be heard. We meet to reflect on the status of cooperation, to consider regional and global developments and to assess the status of global governance reform.
The Summit is not the final event of South Africa as Chair of BRICS. We continue our programme of mutually beneficial cooperation until the end of 2023.
We look forward to further meetings including the Ministers for Disaster Management, Ministers of Tourism, possible Ministers of Transport meeting, the BRICS Parliamentary Forum, the Foreign Policy Dialogue, Young Diplomats and the first workshop on incident management later in the year. We particularly look forward to the return of the BRICS Games in October.
We are confident that we will leave 2023 having strengthened the BRICS partnership and having delivered benefits to the people of South Africa, BRICS, Africa and the global South.
Government calls on South Africans to continue to extend the warmest of South African welcomes to the many official delegates, businesspeople, media and civil society who will arrive from various parts of the continent and the world shortly for the Summit.
*Michael Currin is the Deputy Director-General of Intergovernmental Coordination and Stakeholder Management (ICSM) at Government Communication and Information System (GCIS).
Janine
Tue, 08/15/2023 - 09:39
289 views
Mayor threatens President with formal dispute process over rail services
PRASA has snubbed City of Cape Town’s attempts to take over management of Metrorail
Minister sends condolences to families of Tsitsikamma accident victims
Minister sends condolences to families of Tsitsikamma accident victims
Minister of Transport Sindisiwe Chikunga has expressed her deep regret and sadness at the loss of life resulting from a collision between two vehicles on the N2 near Tsitsikamma in the Eastern Cape.
“It is with a heavy heart that Minister Chikunga extends her deep condolences to the families and loved ones of the six individuals who tragically lost their lives in this devastating incident. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time of grief and sorrow,” the Ministry of Transport said on Tuesday.
The Minister extended her wishes for a speedy recovery to the two individuals - believed to be from Switzerland - who sustained injuries in the accident.
“We wish them a speedy recovery and return to good health.”
The Minister emphasises the importance of vigilance and alertness among all road users to prevent such tragic accidents from occurring.
“Every life lost on our roads is one too many, and we must all take responsibility for ensuring the safety of ourselves and others,” the Ministry of Transport said.
The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) will conduct a thorough investigation to establish the cause of this accident.
The Ministry of Transport said it remains committed to continuously improving road infrastructure and enforcement of traffic regulations.
“Minister Chikunga urges all road users to exercise caution, adhere to traffic laws, and prioritise safety while traveling. It is essential that we all work together to create a culture of responsible and conscientious driving, ensuring the well-being and protection of everyone on our roads.
“The Minister would like to remind the public that the Department of Transport, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, will continue to intensify efforts to enforce road safety measures, with a particular focus on reducing road accidents and fatalities,” the Ministry of Transport said. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Tue, 08/15/2023 - 09:14
21 views
AECOM highlights the importance of young talent on International Youth Day
Held this year under the theme of ‘Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World’, globally trusted infrastructure consulting firm AECOM is celebrating International Youth Day on Saturday 12 August by showcasing the important role played by some of its young candidate engineers in sustainable transport. Document Downloads. Chris Britz, Transport Operations Leader and Market …
The Myth of Crypto Being Mainly Used By Criminals
The use of crypto for illegal activities has been a topic of concern since the early days of this new form of digital currency. The public’s perception of cryptocurrencies as being inherently linked to criminal activities (such as money laundering, drug trafficking, and cybercrime) can largely be traced back to the early media coverage around …
The life of a minibus taxi driver: long days, poor pay and no benefits
Chasing the taxi bosses’ targets makes it hard to be compliant with traffic legislation, drivers tell GroundUp
Gauteng farming community without consistent water for three years
Ward councillor says only six water tankers are servicing all communities in Emfuleni municipality
‘Tangible progress’ in implementation of State Capture Commission recommendations
'Tangible progress' in implementation of State Capture Commission recommendations
President Cyril Ramaphosa says “significant progress” has been made to implement government’s plan in relation to the recommendations set out by the State Capture Commission.
The President was addressing the nation through his weekly newsletter on the eve of the second anniversary of the final public hearing of the commission.
Some 205 investigative and prosecutorial recommendations were given by the commission.
“To undertake this huge amount of work, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the Hawks set up an Integrated Task Force to coordinate investigations and prosecutions. There are currently nine cases in court, involving 41 accused people and 12 companies.
“Significant progress has also been made in recovering the proceeds of crime. Freezing orders to the value of R13 billion have been granted to the NPA. A total of R5.4 billion has been traced and returned to the State. The South African Revenue Service has collected unpaid taxes as a result of evidence before the State Capture Commission,” he said.
President Ramaphosa added that “far reaching legislative and institutional changes to reduce the potential of corruption” are also being undertaken.
“Eight of the 14 new laws or legislative amendments identified in our implementation plan have been approved by Cabinet and tabled in Parliament. These address areas such as public procurement, the involvement of politicians in administrative matters, the conduct of public servants, the intelligence services, money laundering and electoral reforms.
“A further six draft laws are in the process of public consultation with stakeholders. Further research is being done on some of the recommendations of the Commission, such as making the abuse of political power a criminal offence,” he said.
Furthermore, the draft Public Procurement Bill and State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) bills are also in the pipeline to increase transparency in procurement processes, and how boards and executives at SOEs are appointed.
To deal with corruption, the State Capture Commission recommended that additional anti-corruption bodies be formed and according to the President, part of that work “is being led by the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council, which is working across society to build ethical values and mobilise the nation against corruption”.
Whistle blowers
President Ramaphosa thanked the individuals who exposed State capture at the commission and through other means.
“Corruption is one of the greatest challenges our country confronts as we strive to improve the lives of all our people. State capture is one of the worst forms of corruption our country has experienced in recent times. State capture was the orchestrated theft of billions of rand through the capture of state institutions.
“Our country is grateful to the actions of many South Africans who, acting as individuals and through various organisations across society, exposed state capture and in many ways ensured that decisive steps are taken to end it,” he said.
The President emphasised the importance of having whistle blowers who bravely – and sometimes to their own detriment – revealed wrongdoing.
He added that government is working to ensure that whistle blowers are protected.
“While many people contributed to exposing and ending State Capture, the role of whistle blowers was particularly important. Many of the people who revealed wrongdoing suffered victimisation and hardship due to their courageous actions.
“We have put forward clear and effective recommendations on whistle blower protection and incentives. These recommendations propose a range of measures, such as criminalising threats against whistle blowers, creating a fund for whistle blowers dismissed because of their disclosures, and providing State protection for whistle blowers and their families where necessary,” he said.
The President reiterated that government is persevering in its commitment to rid the country of corruption and cut off the tentacles of State Capture.
“In the coming months, many of the processes underway will be completed and much more progress will be recorded.
“While tangible progress is being made, it is clear to me that we will only be able to put state capture firmly behind us if all South Africans work together to rid our society of corruption in all its forms,” President Ramaphosa concluded. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 08/14/2023 - 09:37
430 views
Exciting Schools Challenge unveiled for Absa SPRINT YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K debut!
In celebration of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series’ Tshwane debut on Sunday 27 August 2023, event organizer Stillwater Sports is excited to introduce an innovative “Schools Challenge” that is bound to spark exciting competition amongst the leading athletics schools in the region. “The Schools Challenge is an exciting opportunity for schools and learners to …
Police officers urged to remain cautious
Police officers urged to remain vigilant
Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Nomthetheleli Mene, has called on police officials to continue to be vigilant on and off duty to curb the attacks and killings directed at them during the life-threatening situations they constantly face.
The appeal was made following an attack on police officials while on duty on Friday evening in Zwide, as well as the fatal killing of an off-duty Sergeant in Tsolo on Saturday.
In the first incident, it is alleged that at around 22:10 on Friday, two SAPS Kwazakele members were on duty when they stopped at the corners of Malcomson and Mbolekwa Streets in Zwide, Gqeberha, to ascertain if all was in order at a local shop.
The driver was out of the vehicle at the time. His colleague, who was still in the vehicle was approached by an unknown male, who was banging on the window. At the same time, shots were fired at the officers and the Sergeant who was outside returned fire. The Sergeant sustained three gunshots wounds on his arm and legs.
While investigators were busy at the crime scene, it was established that the alleged suspect was lying injured in a yard in Mgona Street with a gunshot wound to the chest. A 9mm pistol, with the serial number removed, was found next to him.
Both the injured Sergeant and the suspect were taken to hospital for treatment.
The suspect, aged 30, has been arrested on charges of attempted murder and possession of a prohibited firearm. He is expected to appear in court soon.
In another unrelated incident, police are searching for a friend of 50-year-old Sergeant, who was shot and killed while off duty on Saturday at Langeni Sawmill location in Tsolo, Eastern Cape.
It is alleged that at about 9.40pm, the police official and his friend were drinking at the local tavern. When they left, security guards heard gunshots and on investigating, found the policeman dead inside his vehicle.
He sustained multiple gunshot wounds. The friend had disappeared with the police officer’s service pistol. The officer was identified as Sgt Obey Sotewu from the Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit in Mthatha.
The motive for the killing is unknown as yet and police are searching for the suspect. An arrest is imminent.
Mene has reiterated that any act of violence against police officers is an attack on the very fabric of society.
“We will not tolerate such behaviour and those responsible will be held accountable. Our police officers are the backbone of the community and an attack on them is an attack on all of us.
“We mourn the loss of Sgt Sotewu and extend our condolences to his family and loved ones,” Mene said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 08/14/2023 - 09:38
393 views
power2Cloud and Uku Inbound Join Forces to Pioneer Digital Transformation in South Africa
[Cape Town, 14 August 2023] – Uku Inbound, a leading HubSpot Partner in South Africa, and power2Cloud, a leader in digital transformation from Italy with a robust technology ecosystem, are thrilled to announce their partnership, a significant milestone for both companies. The partnership positions Uku Inbound as a formidable player in the digital transformation landscape, …
KZN police launch manhunt for four murder suspects
KZN police launch manhunt for four murder suspects
Police in KwaZulu-Natal have launched a massive manhunt for at least four armed men who are suspected to be behind a mass shooting which left six people dead and one critically injured at Q Section in Umlazi on Friday night.
Information at this stage suggests that the four suspects stormed into a house just before midnight and shot two people who were inside the house. One person was shot inside a backroom, whilst the fourth person was shot next to the outside toilet. He was also found with burn wounds.
The same suspects reportedly proceeded to an informal settlement a few metres away from the first scene and shot three people inside a shack. Two were certified dead at the scene and the other one was rushed to hospital with gunshot wounds.
A preliminary investigation has revealed that one of the suspects, who was leading the other three, demanded his identity document from the victims before shooting them.
It is believed that he was implicated and is wanted by police for another murder, in which he allegedly dropped his identity document accidentally. Reports indicate that he believed that one of the deceased was in possession of his identity document.
Three of the suspects have been identified and a 72-hour mobilisation of maximum resources has been activated in search of the suspects.
Police are appealing to anyone who might have information regarding the whereabouts of the suspects to contact the nearest police or call Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or alert the police via the MySAPS App. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 08/14/2023 - 09:50
380 views
Dunoon women spend their public holiday cleaning up other people’s rubbish
Garbage has been piling up in Dunoon for more than a month
Dtic gears up for BRICS Trade Honest
Dtic gears up for BRICS Trade Fair
The Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand will be a hive of activity when the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) and the South African BRICS Business Council host the BRICS Trade Fair.
The fair will run from 19 - 23 August 2023 ahead of the highly-anticipated 15th BRICS [Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa] Summit in Sandton.
The fair will be officially opened by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Ebrahim Patel, together with his BRICS counterparts on 19 August.
The exhibition will serve as a platform for showcasing products and services from the BRICS countries, as well as business-to-business interaction aimed at increasing intra-BRICS trade and investment.
The fair and the BRICS Business Council Programme will include a series of sectoral sessions that will include, among others:
• Energy Cooperation Forum;
• Accelerating Infrastructure Development through Government Business/Private Partnerships;
• Embracing the Digital Economy for Transformation and Advancement;
• BRICS Dialogue on Airlift Strategy;
• Importance of Skills for Emerging and Future Jobs;
• DFI Funding Instruments;
• The BRICS Manufacturing Forum;
• Oceans Economy High Level Dialogue;
• BRICS Dialogue on Airlift Strategy;
• Pandemic Preparedness, Prevention and Response (PPPR) - Side Event and
• Africa’s Economic Place in the BRICS Alliance, which will be hosted by the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency (GGDA).
The fair will be a platform to showcase proudly South African products and services from companies and institutions from South Africa and the rest of Africa, as well as Brazil, Russia, India and China.
These companies and institutions are from sectors such as agriculture and agro-processing, manufacturing, automotives, pharmaceuticals, energy and energy infrastructure.
South Africa, as Chair of BRICS, will host the 15th BRICS Summit at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg from 22 - 24 August 2023, under the theme, 'BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development, and Inclusive Multilateralism'.
The summit will be preceded by the Inward Buying and Investment Missions from Brazil, Russia, India and China, which will take place in Gauteng, Western Cape, Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal from 13 - 23 August 2023, and the BRICS Business Forum at the Sandton Convention Centre on 22 August 2023. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 08/14/2023 - 13:25
275 views
The importance of the Koeberg Nuclear Power Plant in Western Cape’s energy mix
Mr Keith Featherstone, acting Chief Nuclear Officer at the Koeberg Nuclear Power Plant (KNPP), was Premier Alan Winde's guest this week at his 20th Energy Digicon.
The power station's contribution to the Western Cape and South Africa's energy needs was the primary focus of this week's digicon. “The importance of Koeberg to the Western Cape has significantly increased. Without Koeberg it is not possible for transmission lines to actually supply the Western Cape's load on their own. Our aim is always to ensure higher reliability of the plant - which we are able to achieve - as well as to minimise the chance of both units being shut down at the same time,” stressed Mr Featherstone.
From the outset, he addressed the delays experienced in the refurbishment process, currently under way at the plant. Describing it as a “major service”, he explained that Eskom has submitted its application to the National Nuclear Regulator, along with what is called a “safety case”, requesting permission for the facility to be allowed to operate for another 20 years. As part of the submission, management at the power station identified 3 pieces of equipment that need to be replaced:
- Reactor head at unit 2 which has already been replaced
- Refueling water storage tanks at both units which have also been replaced, and
- Steam generators
Mr Featherstone said, “I am pleased to say that at long last the three steam generators at unit 1 have been replaced. All the mechanical work is completed. Once the unit is synchronised to the grid there is still a lot of testing we need to do. Only when all those tests are completed will we consider the unit to be commercially available.” The unit will be back in operation by 3 November 2023.
Mr Featherstone added, “The unit 2 outage has now been scheduled for 7 November 2023. We have estimated that we will need longer than what we originally planned based on the experience from unit 1, and we will be taking all the lessons we have learned from this outage into the unit 2 outage to make sure that we can do it as speedily as possible. There have not been significant periods where there has been a risk to the Western Cape for both units being down. We are actively working day and night to bring this unit back as soon as possible. Unfortunately, it has taken a lot longer than what we were originally anticipating.”
On whether it is viable to expand nuclear power in South Africa to help meet the growing demand for energy, Mr Featherstone detailed how that with the international drive to reduce carbon emissions nuclear energy is finding a resurgence globally, particularly for baseload supply. “We do have the experience; we know how to manage nuclear power stations. Within Eskom, we have a lot of experience in doing that. The technology is viable. With the number of projects starting all over the world there must be a case to show that it can be done viably. I believe it is possible. I believe we do need it because we have to transition away from coal.” He also offered the assurance that there is no risk of nuclear fallout at KNPP.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Western Cape Government: Department of the Premier.