‘Busta’ Rapoo: Leading the Lions in the Hollywoodbets Pro Series With Passion and Performance
JOHANNESBURG: A lively presence within the DP World Lions setup, captain and spinner Kgomotso Rapoo continues to lead from the front,...
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Report on Hazelmere Dam water release dismissed
Report on Hazelmere Dam water release dismissed
UMngeni-uThukela Water has dismissed a video circulating suggesting that water will be released from the Hazelmere Dam without any prior warning being issued to communities living in the vicinity of the dam.
In a statement issued on Monday, uMngeni-uThukela Water spokesperson, Siyabonga Maphumulo, said the entity has not effected a release of water from the Hazelmere Dam, as the video suggested on Sunday, 2 March 2025.
“The dam is currently overflowing due to the recent heavy rains in parts of KwaZulu-Natal that have pushed up dam levels to 102%.
“In this regard, uMngeni-uThukela Water issued a media statement on Friday, 28 February 2025, wherein it cautioned communities living downstream of the dam to practice extra caution, as the dam overflow would lead to the uMdloti River swelling,” Maphumulo said.
uMngeni-uThukela Water will continue to monitor the Hazelmere Dam, and in the event that its level gets to 105%, the entity will consider a water release.
Maphumulo emphasised that in the event of a water release, uMngeni-uThukela Water, guided by its operating protocols, would inform the public and all affected stakeholders before effecting the water release.
“As the water levels at the Hazelmere Dam levels have not reached 105% mark, uMngeni[1]uThukela Water has no immediate plans of releasing water via its emergency scours. UMngeni-uThukela Water would therefore like to allay any public fears or concerns about water releases.
“We would also like to again remind the public to practice vigilance around the Umdloti River due to the dam overflow,” Maphumulo said.
Floods
Addressing the media on Sunday, KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC, Thulasizwe Buthelezi announced that more than 20 people have lost their lives as heavy rains continue to wreak havoc in the province.
“We have lost more than 20 people in the last two months and we are continuing to count the cost, especially the destruction of public infrastructure such a roads, clinics and access to homes,” Buthelezi said.
The MEC urged residents in low-lying areas to seek shelter on higher ground and appealed to people in the province to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel, as roads in eThekwini, are already flooded.
“We strongly urge residents in low-lying areas, and those who are near riverbanks, to immediately move away and seek shelter on higher ground. Residents are also advised to avoid all non-essential travel,” the MEC said.
More rain expected
Meanwhile, the South African Weather Service has reported that isolated showers and thundershowers expected over the most parts of the country, on Tuesday and Wednesday, with scattered over the south-eastern areas, as well as the western parts of the Northern Cape on Tuesday.
The forecaster has also issued an alert level 5 for eThekwini and other four KwaZulu-Natal areas, including Ray Nkonyeni, Mkhambathini, UMzumbe and Umdoni Local Municipalities.
"Take immediate action to ensure your safety. Stay indoors, avoid travel and follow evacuation instructions, if necessary,” the weather service said in a statement on Monday. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 03/03/2025 - 15:15
56 views
Mpumalanga Premier appoints new DG
Mpumalanga Premier appoints new DG
The Mpumalanga Premier, Mandla Ndlovu, has welcomed Maggie Skhosana as the newly appointed Director-General in the Office of the Premier.
Skhosana assumed her responsibilities on Monday. She has a wealth of experience as a government administrator.
Until recently, she served as a Municipal Manager at the Nkangala District Municipality, based in Middelburg, where she spearheaded clean audit achievements.
“Skhosana’s achievements are well documented. She has set a record of achieving clean audits at the District. This experience will work in our favour in our determination to increase the number of departments and municipalities with similar achievements in the province,” Ndlovu said.
Skhosana said her tenure would be characterised by guiding the seventh administration to achieve the key priorities of driving an inclusive growth and job creation, tackling the high cost of living and poverty, as well as building a capable, ethical and developmental state.
She said that her ideology of doing more and talking less will be the anchor point of her commitment.
The Premier further applauded Peter Nyoni, the Deputy Director-General for Institutional Development, for his sterling role during his tenure as Acting Director General.
“Your leadership experience during the transition period is highly appreciated. You brought the much-needed stability in a space that is complex, and guided the entire Provincial Government towards a good performance,” the Premier said. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Mon, 03/03/2025 - 14:57
39 views
US Funding Cut Ends Vital HIV Programme for Orphans
In some parts of the country HIV testing was dependent on US money, so testing has just stopped
A Drive to Grow Jobs in the Northwest Province
A webinar to support government programmes aimed at creating sustainable employment in the North West Province will be held on 6 March 2025. The Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition (the dtic) and Productivity SA invite the media to the North West Workplace Challenge Programme Milestone Workshop. Productivity SA, is a government entity tasked with …
G20 meeting highlights the role of science in tackling climate change
G20 meeting highlights the role of science in tackling climate change
Rising global temperatures, extended droughts, and the growing spread of disease are some of the severe impacts of climate change, according to the President of the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) Council, Professor Thokozani Majozi.
Speaking at a recent Science20 (S20) meeting in Pretoria, Majozi noted that no region is immune to these effects, which range from wildfires in the Americas and Australia to catastrophic flooding in Europe and Asia.
“Climate change does not recognise national boundaries, making international scientific cooperation not just beneficial but essential,” he said.
The meeting highlighted the urgent challenge of climate change.
“This issue transcends borders, economies, and political systems. The evidence is unequivocal: our climate is changing at an unprecedented rate due to human activities,” the Professor warned.
S20 is the official engagement group for science academies within the Group of Twenty (G20) to foster science-based dialogue and provide policy advice.
Established in 2017, its mission is to promote scientific cooperation and ensure that scientific perspectives influence G20 decisions on global challenges.
The G20 is an international forum of both developing and developed countries that seeks to find solutions to global economic and financial issues.
Under South Africa’s G20 Presidency, three foundational themes shape political and scientific discussions: solidarity, equality, and sustainable development.
He outlined the key responsibilities of the scientific community, which include advancing our understanding of climate systems and their effects on human health and wellbeing.
The Professor also urged his colleagues to communicate complex scientific findings in ways that can inform both policymakers and the public. In addition, he emphasised the importance of fostering collaboration across natural sciences, social sciences, and the humanities.
Majozi believes in nurturing the next generation of scientists who are equipped to address these complex challenges, and he advocated for the integration of indigenous and local knowledge systems with traditional scientific approaches.
“We are not merely repositories of knowledge but active participants in shaping how that knowledge is applied to real-world challenges,” he added.
Led by the ASSAf, this year’s S20 gathering is particularly significant, as it marks the first time the G20 is hosted on the African continent.
The Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, addressed the meeting virtually and called for global scientific cooperation and evidence-based policymaking.
Nzimande emphasised the connection between the S20 theme, “Climate change and well-being,” and South Africa’s overarching G20 theme of “Solidarity, equality, and sustainability.”
“These themes do not merely serve as reminders of the urgent need for science-driven policy responses to challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and global inequality,” he said.
“They also highlight that today’s fundamental challenges are interconnected, demanding multidisciplinary approaches, collaboration, and decisive science-based action.”
Priorities and skills development
Nzimande outlined key science, technology, and innovation priorities that will define South Africa’s G20 leadership.
These include, among other initiatives, enhancing our capacity for pandemic preparedness; promoting research and development in emerging technologies, especially artificial intelligence; and integrating these technologies into essential economic sectors such as energy, agriculture, mining, health, and the digital economy.
It also it involves developing critical and advanced skills, including through the Presidential PhD Programme.
The Minister stressed the crucial role of the S20 meeting in shaping the broader G20 Research and Innovation Working Group discussions, which will culminate in a ministerial meeting in September 2025.
President of the Brazilian Academy of Sciences, Professor Helena Nader, applauded South Africa for highlighting the topic of climate change and wellbeing, especially considering recent global floods and storms.
Meanwhile, the Executive Director of the United States National Academies Policy and Global Affairs Division, Dr Vaughan Turekian, praised G20 members’ long history of collaboration and expressed his desire for it to expand through the S20. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 03/03/2025 - 12:45
43 views
Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K offers exclusive Group Entry Deals for Corporates & Running Clubs
The iconic Absa RUN YOUR CITY SERIES returns to ‘The Friendly City’ on Sunday, 13 April 2025! To inspire more teams to join the excitement of the 3rd annual Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K, event organisers are inviting local companies and running clubs to take on the challenge with exclusive group entry deals. “We …
Calls for Scrapping of Industrial Master Plans, Price Controls and Export Taxes
Dear Editor ArcelorMittal South Africa’s (AMSA) closure of its long steel business, putting more than 80 000 jobs on the chopping block, underscores why our country must overhaul its industrial policies. This news is truly heartbreaking to workers and is the result of three central policy failures: Departmental Master Plans that have chosen companies to …
Bold New Levels of Safety and Quality
First Cut subsidiary, gas safety expert Gas Safety International (GSI), is revolutionising traditional industrial brazing with cutting-edge technology which enhances safety, quality and efficiency. This innovative solution is game-changing for industries reliant on high-performance brazing, including the automotive, white goods, storage (racking and shelving), fabrication and engineering sectors. Brazing is a crucial process in various …
South Africans Are Buying Cars Again
While many consumers still faced financial strain in 2024, their confidence levels appear to be improving, with more people looking to buy cars last year. Thanks in part to the slight decline in interest rates in 2024, Standard Bank Vehicle and Asset Finance (VAF) recorded an increase of over 5% in vehicle loan applications. This …
Social Development hosts engagement session on the FATF’s Recommendation 8
Social Development hosts engagement session on the FATF’s Recommendation 8
As part of South Africa’s ongoing measures to fully implement the recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the Department of Social Development is hosting a multi-stakeholder engagement in Kempton Park.
“The objective of the multi-stakeholder engagement is to enhance government, NPOs [non-profit organisations] and key partners’ understanding and requirements of the FATF standards to combat money laundering and terror financing and the implementation of effective national measures to mitigate the risks.
“The fight against money laundering and terrorist financing requires a collective national effort and collaboration among key stakeholders. As the registrar and custodian of the NPO Act (Act No. 71 of 1997, as amended through the General Laws Amendment Act No. 22 of 2022), one of Social Development’s strategic goals is the promotion of strategic partnerships with NPOs to deliver services to communities,” the department said of the three-day engagement that begins today.
The FATF is the international standard-setting body that oversees global compliance with anti-money laundering rules.
With South Africa due to report back to FATF on the remaining deficiencies in its fifth-round mutual evaluation in June this year, the engagement will bring together government, NPOS, development agencies, donors, private sector, law enforcement agencies and financial institutions.
Stakeholders will focus on Recommendation 8 of the FATF, which aims to protect NPOs from potential terrorist financing and money laundering abuse through effective implementation of risk-based measures.
The formal programme at the three-day engagement will feature presentations, case studies and emerging best practices by experts from key financial institutions and regulators, including the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC), South African Revenue Service (SARS), Chartered Institute for Business Accountants (CIBA, National Lotteries Commission and the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC).
These will highlight trends and overview of national measures to combat money laundering and terror financing, as well as the important role of NPOs in combating money laundering and terror financing in South Africa.
The multi-stakeholder engagement builds on measures already underway as South Africa works to finalise outstanding action items from FATF’s recommendations.
South Africa is now deemed to have addressed or largely addressed 20 of the 22 action items in its Action Plan, leaving two items to be addressed in the next reporting period that runs from March 2025 to June 2025. This would enable South Africa to be considered for delisting from the FATF grey list in October 2025.
This as the FATF grey listed South Africa at its February 2023 plenary meeting held in Paris. It developed an Action Plan with 22 Action items linked to the eight strategic deficiencies identified in the country’s anti-money laundering and combating of financial terrorism regime.
Deregistration
This week’s gathering comes at the department has embarked on deregistration of non-compliant NPOs, with 203 279 organisations at the risk of deregistration for failure to comply with the requirements to submit annual reports as per the provisions of section 18 (1) of the Non-Profit Organisations Act (Act No. 71 of 1997, as amended through the General Laws Amendment Act 22 of 2022).
READ | Social Development issues notices of non-compliance to NPOs
The engagement session which is being held at the Premier Hotel OR Tambo will culminate in the adoption of a declaration on combating money laundering and terror financing in South Africa. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Mon, 03/03/2025 - 11:28
239 views
Regular Checkups: Booting Longevity in Seniors
As we age, our health needs shift, and we need extra care. Regular checkups become essential as a safety net to catch and manage conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and osteoporosis early on. “Preventive healthcare is the cornerstone of longevity and well-being for seniors,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health. “Regular checkups give …
Government activities for the week 03 – 07 March 2025
Government activities for the week 03 – 07 March 2025
On Monday, 03 March, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in strategic partnership with the North West University’s Mahikeng Campus, is set to officially launch the Agri-Hub.
On Tuesday, 04 March, the Commission for Gender Equality in KwaZulu-Natal will hold a men’s engagement conference in collaboration with the men’s sector and other stakeholders to address gender-based violence and promote collaborative solutions across communities.
Also on Tuesday, the Department of Social Development will host a multi-stakeholder engagement on implementation of Recommendation 8 of the Financial Action Task Force (3-5 March).
On Wednesday, 05 March, Minister Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi and Deputy Minister Pinky Kekana lead the 1 st Technical Meeting of the Anti-Corruption Working Group (3-5 March).
On Thursday, 06 March, President Cyril Ramaphosa and the National Cabinet will visit the Gauteng Executive Council and the City of Johannesburg (6-7 March).
Friday, 07 March, no confirmed events.
Neo
Mon, 03/03/2025 - 11:29
62 views
The Growing Food Industry in Johannesburg and Gauteng
Johannesburg and Gauteng are home to a thriving food industry, supporting businesses across retail, catering, and wholesale sectors. From large-scale food manufacturers in Johannesburg to specialized peanut butter manufacturers, the region plays a crucial role in food production and supply. With a focus on quality and efficiency, food companies in this area ensure that consumers …
Department of Infrastructure launches EPWP Work-Based Programme in Beaufort West
On 24 February 2025, the Western Cape Department of Infrastructure has launched a two-month Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) Work-based initiative aimed at providing employment opportunities for 210 unemployed individuals from the Central Karoo region. This initiative forms part of the provincial government’s Growth For Jobs Strategy which offers temporary employment while also addressing critical …
ICC Men’s Champions Trophy Semi-Finals Match Officials
The match officials for the semi-finals of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 have been announced as India take on Australia and South Africa face New Zealand. New Zealander Chris Gaffaney and England’s Richard Illingworth will take charge of the first semi-final in Dubai between India and Australia, with Michael Gough serving as third umpire …
DPSA hosts inaugural G20 Anti-Corruption meeting
DPSA hosts inaugural G20 Anti-Corruption meeting
Public Service and Administration Minister Mzamo Buthelezi will from today host the first G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group (ACWG) in Cape Town.
The ACWG ends on Wednesday.
The Department of Public Service and Administration, in collaboration with the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) and the Department of International Relations (DIRCO), is at the forefront of South Africa's efforts to combat corruption.
The ACWG’s work is guided by the St Petersburg Strategic Framework of 2013 and the G20 ACWG Action Plan for 2025-2027, aligning with the priorities of the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
As South Africa assumed the G20 Presidency in December 2024, a series of important events led by the ACWG are planned throughout the year.
Co-chaired by South Africa and Brazil, the ACWG will focus on four key priorities:
- Strengthening the Public Sector: Promoting good practices for transparency and accountability, culminating in a Ministerial Declaration.
- Increasing efficiency of asset recovery measures: Discussions will centre on high-level principles for managing seized assets, with technical assistance from global partners.
- Enhancing inclusive participation: Mobilising the public sector, private sector, civil society, and academia to combat corruption collaboratively and share best practices through dedicated side events.
- Enhancing whistle-blower protection: Reinforcing commitments to safeguarding whistle-blowers with accountability reports and specific side events focused on effective protection mechanisms.
The agenda for the first ACWG Technical Meeting, to be held from 3 to 5 March 2025 - includes sessions dedicated to increasing the efficiency of asset recovery measures, enhancing whistleblower protection mechanisms and fostering inclusive participation among diverse stakeholders.
Sessions will also receive updates on upcoming anti-corruption events, including the financing for development agenda and the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) Conference of State Parties (CoSP 11). – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 03/03/2025 - 08:32
202 views
SANPC to Showcase Strategic Vision at IAE 2025
South Africa's newly established South African National Petroleum Company (SANPC) will host an investor roadshow at the Invest in African Energy (IAE) Forum in Paris this May, highlighting its strategic vision and the more than R95 billion in untapped market and investment opportunities in South Africa's oil and gas sector. Under the theme "South Africa's Energy Future: A New Age State Entity," the presentation will be led by SANPC CEO Godfrey Moagi, following the company's official launch, scheduled for April 2025.
With a clear mandate to promote energy independence and diversification, SANPC is set to drive large-scale investments in the oil, gas and clean energy sectors. SANPC's strategy includes ring-fencing all non-functioning assets, identifying assets that can be moved to the NOC and ensuring these assets can be traded and utilized effectively. At the IAE 2025, delegates will gain an exclusive look into SANPC's far-reaching goals, including the creation of a state-backed energy company that will enhance the country's energy security, facilitate the transition to cleaner energy sources and create employment opportunities for the nation's youth.
IAE 2025 (https://apo-opa.co/4h81CCe) is an exclusive forum designed to facilitate investment between African energy markets and global investors. Taking place May 13-14, 2025 in Paris, the event offers delegates two days of intensive engagement with industry experts, project developers, investors and policymakers. For more information, please visit www.Invest-Africa-energy.com. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.
SANPC's strategic vision aligns with South Africa's National Development Plan, which outlines the country's goals to expand access to affordable, reliable energy while navigating the energy transition. The creation of SANPC marks a bold step toward achieving these objectives, acting as a catalyst for new ventures, partnerships and large-scale infrastructure projects. As South Africa's energy landscape undergoes reform, SANPC aims to drive the rapid deployment of new projects while adhering to the highest sustainability standards and fostering regional integration in oil and gas.
SANPC's participation at IAE 2025 is part of the company's series of investor roadshows, first launched at the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2024 conference in Cape Town. These roadshows support the company's commitment to attracting foreign investment and offer stakeholders the opportunity to engage with SANPC leadership, while gaining insight into the company's vision for an energy future that fosters both economic and environmental sustainability.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.
Why Global Diversification Is Essential
Global diversification is essential for investors wanting to optimise returns and protect their wealth in an ever-changing economic landscape. With international markets presenting strong growth potential, structured investments are an effective way to gain exposure while managing risk. In response, FNB has introduced the fourth tranche of its popular FNB Capital Preserver Participation (USD) structured …
Pricing for the All-New Volkswagen Crafter 50 Announced
Following its South African premiere at the Volkswagen Group Africa Indaba early in February 2025, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has announced pricing for the new Volkswagen Crafter 50 range. The new range is available in an Extra-Long Wheelbase (4,490 mm in length), rear-wheel drive and a choice of 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic gearbox. Its maximum …
Search Continues for Suspected Missing Children
Gerhard Potgieter, NSRI Gauteng station commander, said: At 06h05, Sunday, 2 March, NSRI Gauteng duty crew were activated following a request for assistance from SARZA (Search and Rescue South Africa) and the SA Police Services, preparing to commence a search, at Sunnyside, City of Tshwane, following eyewitness reports of possibly 3 children suspected to have …
Next generation of scholars gathering to shape Africa’s future
Next generation of scholars gathering to shape Africa’s future
Research-based insights and collaboration on finding solutions to Africa’s most urgent challenges will be at the heart of the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC)’s 19th Africa Young Graduates and Scholars (AYGS) Conference.
The conference which gets underway tomorrow, is being held in collaboration with the University of Mpumalanga (UMP).
Under the theme “Enabling Africa’s Inclusive and Sustainable Development: Challenges and Opportunities,” the conference will gather over 100 young and emerging scholars, policymakers, and practitioners from various regions of Africa to share research-based insights and collaborate on solutions to the continent’s most urgent challenges.
The gathering will take place at UMP’s Mbombela campus from 4 to 6 March 2025.
“We are excited to provide a platform for Africa’s next generation of leaders to engage, share knowledge, and shape the continent’s future,” said the Executive Head at the HSRC’s Africa Institute of South Africa (AISA), Dr Sabelo Gumedze.
He believes that the AYGS Conference has the potential to contribute significantly to Africa’s developmental trajectory, and said they were looking forward to fostering innovative solutions, enhancing capacity, and informing policy decisions with research-based insights.
Meanwhile, the UMP Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation, Professor Aldo Stroebel, said the university was privileged to partner with the HSRC and other prominent stakeholders to engage and strengthen an opportunity framework for emerging scholars through critical thinking and policy impact.
“UMP benefits from this convening to further advance our focus on sustainability and innovation, building a strong base of intellectual engagement, international networks, and learning,” Stroebel added.
The conference will feature sessions covering various topics such as advancing agricultural sustainability and food security.
The panellists will also zoom into governance, peace, and security in enabling Africa’s inclusive and sustainable development; climate change action and the Just Transition; and leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to drive Africa’s development priorities.
Meanwhile, more than 30 papers will be presented by scholars from over 15 countries, including Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
The annual AYGS conference is a research capacity-building project that was conceived in 2005 to build a body of knowledge and to project the African “voice” into various global discussions.
It is further intended to bridge the existing expertise gap in knowledge production on African affairs by developing a society of knowledge producers among the youth.
The conference, which features a comprehensive programme including a pre-conference training workshop on policy-engaged research and open science, is hosted by the HSRC’s Africa Institute of South Africa (AISA) in collaboration with the UMP, the National Research Foundation’s (NRF) Future Earth Africa Hub Leadership Centre, the Partnership for African Social and Governance Research (PASGR), and other key partners. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 03/03/2025 - 08:50
134 views
Aimoga Robots for Global Expansion
Earlier this year, Chery’s Aimoga robotics R&D team established a technical partnership with DeepSeek, an emerging AI powerhouse known for its groundbreaking low-cost training technology. This collaboration aims to leverage DeepSeek’s advanced AI models to enhance the voice interaction capabilities of Aimoga robots, driving the next wave of intelligent innovation. This initiative marks another significant …
Shane Watson on Why the Champions Trophy Creates Memories That Last a Lifetime
For all of the brilliant cricket we have watched, the dramatic run-chases, flying catches and precious wickets, it’s now that the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 gets serious. The group stages have provided some excellent cricket but it’s the knock-out matches that really count, and this week is going to be brilliant. We don’t know …