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The Surfing South Africa Board has ratified the team that will represent South Africa at the 2023 International Surfing Association World Junior Surfing Championships in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from November 24th to December 3rd, 2023. FULL STORY HERE Video: Cape St Francis Surfer Rory Dace selected to compete in the SA Junior Team For …
Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian's one-day trip to South Africa culminated in a warm gathering with Iranians residing there.
During Thursday's evening ceremony, the top Iranian diplomat described acknowledging Iranians living abroad as an inherent responsibility of all Iranian missions.
Amirabdollahian referred to Iranian compatriots abroad as invaluable spiritual assets of the Islamic homeland.
Subsequent to the speeches delivered by various representatives of the Iranian community living in South Africa, he highlighted the efforts made by the 13th Administration to address the challenges faced by Iranian expatriates.
He expressed hope that by resolving these issues, the bond between Iranians abroad and their motherland will be strengthened like never before.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Islamic Republic of Iran.
Dear Editor “This elaborate scheme, devised only to let a single man out of prison, means that over 9400 convicted criminals will be let out of prison– simply to avoid the reincarceration of Mr. Zuma.” “The DA will be seeking to take further legal action to challenge this abomination of a decision.” This morning South …
Introduction Kosher is a term that has found its way into the English language, meaning proper or acceptable. However, the concept of kosher has deep roots in the Torah and is further detailed in the Talmud and other codes of Jewish traditions. These ancient and modern rulings govern what is known as a Kosher certification. …
Introduction Carbon offsetting has emerged as a vital strategy in the global effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change. By definition, carbon offsetting involves compensating for carbon dioxide emissions produced by human activities by funding projects that reduce or remove an equivalent amount of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. This article delves …
The Western Cape High Court has overturned an order by Judge Nolundi Nyati releasing a woman from the control of a curator bonis
Introduction: In the realm of education, where every student’s journey is as unique as a fingerprint, tutoring emerges as a powerful tool for fostering personalised learning experiences. It goes beyond the conventional classroom setting, offering a tailored approach that addresses individual learning needs. At its core, tutoring seeks to illuminate the path to academic excellence, …
Western Cape Premier, Alan Winde said yesterday; “I am relieved that the mini-bus taxi strike has ended.” The strike dragged on for far too long, with residents, particularly the poor, worst affected. We endured an especially difficult time in finding a resolution. We will now work with SANTACO-WC through meaningful engagement to resolve the complex …
5 Benefits of the Ancient Brazilian Berry The human longing for sustained energy and the ability to tackle life’s challenges with enthusiasm has woven its way throughout history. From ancient civilizations seeking vitality through herbal concoctions and continuing to modern times with the desire for balanced lifestyles that promote wellness, the pursuit of energy has …
Mayor describes what has been agreed to
“Bakeries are no longer distributing bread because it is not safe in the townships.”
Government to close open shafts, mine holes
The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) has committed to closing all derelict open shafts and mine holes in Riverlea by the end of September 2023, while finalising plans to do the same across the country.
This is due to the illicit activities that have left some communities living in fear.
“Cabinet welcomed the deployment of a special police unit, which is supported by the military, in Riverlea, Johannesburg, to deal with illegal mining in the area.
“In addition, Cabinet commended the arrest of over 194 suspects over illegal mining activities and directed law-enforcement agencies to urgently clamp down on this and other serious crimes in the country,” Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, said on Thursday.
She was addressing a media briefing in Pretoria on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Cabinet has approved the pre-release calendar for the publication of the quarterly crime statistics for the 2023/24 financial year.
“The crime statistics will be released in August and November 2023 for quarters one and two, and February and May 2024 for quarter three and quarter four, respectively. The frequent release of crime statistics is important for monitoring crime trends and better decision-making in the fight against crime,” Ntshavheni said.
Cabinet also approved the submission of the draft National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Amendment Bill of 2023 to Parliament.
“The Bill amends the NPA Act, 1998 (Act 32 of 1998) to provide for the establishment of the Investigating Directorate as a permanent entity within the NPA, and to also strengthen its investigative powers,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 08/10/2023 - 11:29
Introduction Cold storages or refrigerated warehouses are essential facilities that play a crucial role in preserving perishable goods by maintaining specific temperature and humidity levels. From the food industry to pharmaceuticals, these specialised storage solutions are vital in ensuring product quality, safety, and longevity. This article provides an in-depth exploration of cold storages, covering their …
Introduction Recycling is more than just a trendy catchphrase; it’s a pivotal component of sustainable waste management that plays a crucial role in safeguarding our environment. In a world grappling with mounting waste and dwindling resources, the significance of recycling cannot be overstated. This article delves into the multifaceted importance of recycling, exploring its far-reaching …
All systems go for Eastern Cape Presidential Imbizo
It is all systems go for the District Development Model (DDM) Presidential Imbizo, which is set to be held in Instika Yethu Local Municipality in the Chris Hani District in the Eastern Cape on Friday.
This is according to Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) Minister Thembi Nkadimeng, who was briefing media ahead of the imbizo.
“All the Ministers will be here. They will be able to account on issues that are raised on human settlements, water and sanitation, health, education, societal ills and crime.
“We are confident that the ninth imbizo will yield the positive results that we have seen in the last eight izimbizo. The main objective is to ensure that our communities are tomorrow afforded the opportunity to speak to the President.
“In a nutshell, tomorrow we will strengthen a partnership with citizens in order to deal with issues affecting their daily lives, as imbizo is a tool of development communication to bridge the information gap and address service delivery backlogs in rural areas,” Nkadimeng said.
Honing in on the challenges the Eastern Cape is facing, the Minister said government is already focused on implementing and finding solutions to the water challenges in the province.
“We are looking strongly into the improvement of our disaster management assessment teams at COGTA and also in the province because we know now that KZN and Eastern Cape are more disaster prone in terms of floods… and some areas like Gqeberha are disaster prone in terms of drought.
“[There is] a water and waste water treatment project… that services both the Amathole and Chris Hani [Districts]. The project is currently running and servicing two districts. I would want… the Eastern Cape government, COGTA and the Department of Water and Sanitation to do a replica of such projects in all the areas in the Eastern Cape that have a problem of water provision and sanitation,” she said.
Izimbizo present an opportunity for South Africans from all corners of the country to voice out the challenges they have directly to the President and Cabinet, with a view to tackle them head on.
Thus far, the President has visited all provinces, with the Eastern Cape imbizo expected to be the last in this round.
“These series of interactions and engagements brought communities closer to the President and the entire leadership across the three spheres, and also ensured that their issues are made known.
“As reflected earlier, the successful institutionalisation of the DDM compels us to collaborate with key strategic stakeholders, including traditional and Khoi-San leaders, as well as business and civil society at large in planning, budgeting and implementation, as well as monitoring and evaluation.
“The DDM Presidential Izimbizo are a practical expression of community centred development that is rooted on active public participation and accountability. President is committed to continuing to build an ethical, capable and developmental State that delivers on its mandate and is corruption free at every sphere,” Nkadimeng said.
She called on citizens in the Eastern Cape to attend tomorrow’s imbizo and have their voices heard.
“We call on all communities of the Chris Hani District to come and interact directly with President Ramaphosa, who will be accompanied by public representatives from national, provincial and local government in keeping with the principles of the DDM.
“Transport and related logistical arrangements have been finalised to ferry communities from various areas to ensure that no one is left behind in the transformation journey of our country,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 08/10/2023 - 10:44
Introduction Centrifugal pumps are ubiquitous in various industries, playing a vital role in applications ranging from water supply to industrial processes. These pumps operate on the principle of centrifugal force, converting rotational energy into hydraulic energy to move fluids. This article provides an in-depth exploration of centrifugal pumps, covering their working principles, types, selection criteria, …
Introduction Withholding tax is a common yet often misunderstood aspect of taxation. It involves the deduction of tax at source on various types of income, such as dividends, interest, and royalties. The question of whether withholding tax can be reclaimed is complex and depends on various factors. This article aims to explore the concept of …
SA ready to host BRICS Summit
It's all systems go for the 15th BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) Summit, which will be held in Johannesburg later this month.
Taking place from 22 to 24 August, government has indicated that it has concluded the BRICS outreach programmes for various sectors and communities.
“Cabinet was apprised that it is all systems go in terms of South Africa’s readiness to host the 15th BRICS Summit. The last of the BRICS Ministerial Meetings – the BRICS Ministers of Agriculture Meeting – is currently underway, while the Ministerial Meetings of Foreign Affairs, Security, Trade, Industry, Education, Science, Labour, Communications, Health, and Urbanisation Forum have concluded their reports for the Leaders’ Summit.
“These engagements provided governments, organisations, experts and academics from the BRICS nations an opportunity to discuss issues of mutual interest that will enable informed decision-making during the BRICS Summit,” Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, said on Thursday.
She was addressing a media briefing in Pretoria on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on Tuesday.
Russia-Africa Summit
Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa and Russian President Vladimir Putin recently held a bilateral meeting and discussed opportunities to increase trade between the two countries, and for the Russian Federation to increase investments in South Africa.
This meeting took place during the Second Russia-Africa Summit in St. Petersburg, Russian Federation, on 27 and 28 July 2023. Ramaphosa was amongst other African leaders who attended the summit.
“This summit adopted the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum Action Plan, which focuses on strengthening cooperation in areas of politics and security, economics, humanitarian matters, and interests of mutual benefit and prosperity.
“On the sidelines of the summit, African Heads of State and Government, who are part of the African Peace Initiative on the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, held follow-up talks with President Putin on the previously discussed confidence-building measures that will create conditions for a negotiated settlement to ending the war,” Ntshavheni said.
Security in Niger
Cabinet also has noted the impact the security situation in Niger is having on air travel between South Africa/Southern Africa and Western Europe, with negative implications for business and individuals alike and the airline industry, which is just starting to recover from the devastating ravages of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
“Cabinet reiterated government’s condemnation of the coup in Niger and the call for the speedy restoration of a democratic order, and also noted the initiative to restore normality under the Economic Community of West African States,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 08/10/2023 - 11:47
Introduction In the realm of electrical systems, distribution boards play a vital and often under-appreciated role. Serving as the hub for electrical distribution within a building or structure, these boards ensure that power is safely and efficiently allocated to various circuits. This article delves into the concept of electrical distribution boards, exploring their essential functions, …
Introduction Egyptian cotton has long been heralded as a symbol of luxury and comfort, especially when it comes to bedding. Its reputation as a premium fabric has led many to wonder what sets it apart from other types of cotton and whether it truly lives up to the hype. This article aims to explore the …
Philippi marchers call for City of Cape Town to use its CCTV cameras to bring the perpetrators of crimes committed this week to book
SA universities at risk of losing 10% of academics as they near retirement
Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande, has cast the spotlight on investing in young scholars, as a number of academics in public universities are nearing retirement.
Citing the 2023 Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Indicators Report, Nzimande noted that the proportion of staff over the age of 60 increased from 7.3% in 2011 to 10.4% in 2020.
“This trend implies that public universities will lose about 10% of permanent staff with doctoral qualifications due to retirement within the next five years,” he said on Thursday.
The report found that the percentage of staff aged 20 to 29 declined from 7.9% in 2011 to 5.8% in 2020.
“Although there is an increase in the proportion of staff aged 30 to 39, this increase is lower than that of staff aged over 60. Therefore, there is a need to intensify support to young academic staff through instruments such as the New Generation of Academics Programme,” Nzimande said.
He was speaking at the launch of the annual STI Report in Pretoria.
Commissioned by the National Advisory Council on Innovation (NACI), the report examines investment in research, development and innovation, STI human resources, innovation in manufacturing, digital competitiveness, and the distribution of research and development (R&D) in provinces.
NACI is a leading advisory body to government on science, technology and innovation, and provides evidence-based advice to the Minister.
Because of the department’s various programmes aimed at developing future generations of academics and building staff capacity, Nzimande said the gender gap among academic employees is gradually closing.
“The proportions of male and female researchers are approaching parity,” the Minister said.
However, he noted that the proportion of staff in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields has remained consistent over time.
“This finding is, on reflection, not surprising.
“South African academics, once appointed on a permanent basis, cannot easily be replaced. Given that the typical academic career is around 40 years, universities have often been compared to large tankers, which change course slowly, and with difficulty.”
For the percentage of staff in the STEM fields to increase in relation to non-STEM employees, the Minister believes it would require many universities to change their organisational design, creating more medical schools, engineering faculties, and larger science faculties.
He told delegates that the establishment of the new University of Science and Technology in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng, is an example of the type of intervention that is required.
“The goal of increasing the numbers of graduates in science, engineering and technology (SET) has been stated and repeated in multiple national policy documents since 1994.
“Despite various initiatives over the years to increase the output of SET graduates, the percentage of SET graduates, as a proportion of all graduates, has remained unchanged over the past 12 years.”
On a positive note, indicators show some growth in black doctoral graduates in STEM fields, constituting an increase of about one-third of all doctoral graduates in 2010 to 44% in 2020.
Nzimande said the university would play a leading role in enhancing the growth of critical skills in the STEM fields needed to create jobs, boost the economy, and improve the lives of citizens.
“One manifestation of the multiple crises of social reproduction is that of gender-based violence and the subordinate position of women in society generally.
“The interrelated crises of unemployment, poverty, inequality, and social reproduction also manifest in high incidents of criminality and different forms of violence afflicting many of our communities.”
South African scientists, Nzimande said, have increased their research collaborations with other countries.
He noted that about 20% of the country’s population was counted as “extremely poor” in 2021.
Nzimande is of the view that the STI, with the country’s policy agenda, will require developing solutions to these socio-economic challenges.
“I can assure you today that through our new ten-year plan for STI, we will respond to these challenges.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 08/10/2023 - 12:30
Introduction The bathroom is more than just a functional space; it’s a place of comfort, relaxation, and personal care. Equipping it with the right accessories not only enhances its functionality but also adds to its aesthetic appeal. From essential items like soap dispensers and towel racks to decorative touches like artwork and plants, bathroom accessories …
Introduction A will is a legal document that outlines how an individual’s assets should be distributed after their death. It is a crucial instrument that ensures a person’s wishes are respected and their loved ones are provided for. In South Africa, as in many other jurisdictions, a will must meet certain requirements to be considered …