People Trying to Seek Asylum Should Not Be Deported, Court Hears
Human rights organisation wants Refugees Act amendments declared unconstitutional
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Eastern Cape Tourism Awards & Expo to Celebrate Excellence
Jeffreys’s Bay, Eastern Cape – 20 Feb 2025: The Eastern Cape is set to shine a spotlight on its thriving tourism sector with the launch of the inaugural Eastern Cape Tourism Awards & Expo (ECTA). These initiatives, taking, place during Tourism Month in September 2025, aim to recognize outstanding achievements, foster innovation, and drive economic …
Bay of Opportunity Portal
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Picket for Water Budget Increase During Joburg Council Meeting
Activists gather outside the City Council in Braamfontein to picket about water challenges affecting millions of residents
Experiencing Rwanda’s Natural Wonders
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Divorce and Child Custody in Toronto: What You Need to Know
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Court Blocks Former Lottery Official From Receiving Money After Sale of His Luxury Home
The house and other properties he owns were paid for with lottery money
The Allure and Ethics of Safari Hunting in South Africa
South Africa, with its expansive landscapes and diverse wildlife, stands out as a top destination for hunting enthusiasts from around the globe. The country offers a mix of thrilling and ethical hunting experiences that cater to both novices and experienced hunters. Here’s an in-depth look at what makes South African hunting safaris a sought-after adventure. …
Growth of Mushroom Farm on the KZN South Coast Shows Now’s the Time to Invest in Agriculture
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KZN aims to attract investment while also creating jobs
KZN aims to attract investment while also creating jobs
The KwaZulu-Natal province aims to secure an additional R4 billion in investments in the 2025/26 financial year and create 5 000 potential jobs, Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli said on Friday.
This is after the KZN Investment Conference held in November 2024 resulted in R75.8 billion in investment pledges, including major projects like the Westown mixed-use development in Shongweni and SAPPI Southern Africa upgrades.
Delivering the State of the Province Address (SOPA), the Premier outlined a bold future for the province.
Ntuli began by honouring the memory of citizens lost to recent floods and heavy rains, as well as soldiers who died in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
READ | KZN flood victims moved to temporary accommodation
He stressed the province’s resilience and commitment to overcoming challenges, including high unemployment, poverty, and the impacts of global crises.
Ntuli also highlighted significant achievements over the past eight months and outlined strategic priorities for the coming year.
The Premier also detailed the ongoing and upcoming infrastructure projects, including upgrades to the N3 and N2 highways, the construction of new dams, and the expansion of the Dube Trade Port and Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone.
According to Ntuli, these projects are expected to create thousands of jobs and boost the local economy.
Meanwhile, the King Dinuzulu Innovation Valley at Dube TradePort, set to open in June 2025, will serve as a hub for technological advancement and entrepreneurship.
The province is also rolling out broadband connectivity projects to ensure high-speed internet access for all citizens.
He also emphasised the province’s commitment to reducing poverty and the rising cost of living which remains as a persistent challenge for many families across the province.
Initiatives include social grants, support for child-headed households, and efforts to combat gender-based violence, while also focusing on youth and women empowerment through various programmes and funds.
“Poverty and the rising cost of living remains a persistent challenge for many families across KwaZulu-Natal. While social assistance remains a necessary lifeline for many of our people, this trajectory is not sustainable.”
Instead, he believes government should build a nation where economic opportunities replace dependency, where employment and entrepreneurship empower people, and where prosperity is driven by innovation and productivity.
The Premier also noted the province’s record-breaking 2024 matric pass rate of 89.5% and improvements in healthcare services, including the purchase of new ambulances and the expansion of the school nutrition programme.
Meanwhile, he stated that efforts to improve school infrastructure and reduce dropout rates are also underway.
Ntuli reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to building a capable, ethical, and developmental State. This includes strengthening public institutions, enhancing service delivery, and rooting out corruption.
Spaza shops
Meanwhile, he said from 14 October to 14 November 2024, the provincial government conducted unannounced inspections of spaza shops and wholesale businesses.
“What we uncovered was deeply concerning. It became abundantly clear that economic activity in many of these areas has shifted away from our local entrepreneurs, with some businesses operating in direct violation of our laws – engaging in illicit trade and other criminal activities that threaten the well-being of our communities.”
A joint operation was conducted, resulting in the inspection of 7 729 premises and as a result, 337 premises were closed, and 142 arrests were made.
In addition, 2 429 compliance notices and 480 fines were issued, alongside the confiscation of 10 210 kg of illicit goods.
“It is our firm belief that the township and rural economy in KwaZulu-Natal plays a vital role in both economic growth and job creation for local communities, with substantial value and employment opportunities across informal sectors like spaza shops, street vendors, and small-scale manufacturing.”
READ | Deadline won't be extended for spaza shops to register
Today marks the deadline for spaza shop and other food handling to register their businesses with their local municipalities.
He called on all citizens and stakeholders to work together towards a prosperous and inclusive future for KwaZulu-Natal.
“The future calls, and we must answer with action, integrity, and unwavering dedication to the service of our nation, “ he said. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 02/28/2025 - 14:58
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Plastic Chairs: Versatility, Style, and Durability
Plastic chairs are a staple in various settings, ranging from outdoor patios to indoor events, offering a blend of durability, style, and convenience. This guide explores the multifaceted benefits and options available in the market, including popular models like the Tiffany and shell chairs, and provides insights into why these chairs are a practical choice …
Collective effort needed to rear children as equals
Collective effort needed to rear children as equals
Deputy Minister in the department of Women, Youth and People with Disabilities, Mmapaseka Steve Letsike has called for a collective effort in raising children equally so as to dismantle historical injustices while also eradicating inequality.
The Deputy Minister was speaking during a panel discussion hosted by the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) on the importance of focusing on the boy child as part of the Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) prevention strategy.
She underscored the significance of all stakeholders in shaping a just society.
"The young people of our country will grow up in a better place when we all put our hands together.
“President Cyril Ramaphosa, in his State of the Nation Address, made a clarion call for a nation that works for all. All stakeholders matter in bringing up a better strong child justice system. We are a resilient people, and this country will be built by everyone, including the children before us. Let us nurture them, guide them to do the right thing, and let them thrive," Letsike said.
She emphasised that children should be raised equally, regardless of gender, and lamented the historical social constructs that have led to divisions between boys and girls.
"Sometimes, as adults, we diagnose and redefine how we bring up children, even to the point of polarising them. Children are meant to be brought up equally, they are born equal…We have divided children, we have divided men and women. We know the contributing factors which stem from issues of patriarchy, dominance and privilege.”
Speaking to those attending the session at the GCIS head office in Pretoria, the Deputy Minister highlighted the social implications of unequal child-rearing which can lead to bullying, violence, substance abuse, and mental health struggles.
She emphasised that past initiatives aimed at empowering the girl child were never meant to diminish the boy child but to address historical inequalities.
"When we paid attention to the girl child, it was never to minimise the boy child. It was about addressing inequality and dismantling social constructs that left both men and women behind.
“We must liberate ourselves by affirming that the girl child matters, the boy child matters, and the LGBTQ+ [lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual, and more] community matters. We must return to our African principles of unity and raising children as a community," she said.
CEO of Soul City Institute, Phinah Kodisang, reinforced the need for equal treatment of all children, stressing that achieving equality requires challenging societal norms.
"We need to challenge the things that make equality difficult to achieve. The boy child must understand the privilege they live in and advocate against factors that perpetuate inequality. Before I am a woman, I am a human being, and even our Constitution speaks to human rights.
“We need to dismantle divisions that were created in the past and shift from mere words to action. Let’s instil values in our children through behaviour, even in something as simple as the toys we buy for them," Kodisang said.
The Soul City Institute for Social Justice is an intersectional feminist organisation committed to social justice for all.
Meanwhile, Chief Operating Officer of Primestars, Nkosinathi Moshoana, spoke on the importance of allowing young boys to open up about their struggles and vulnerabilities.
"Men are often perceived as perfect when put on a stage, and this makes it difficult for young boys to share their challenges. The key to helping young men express themselves is for society and fathers to be vulnerable and share their own struggles. That way, boys will see that we also faced challenges and overcame them," Moshoana said.
Primestars is a provider of youth development programmes.
Pledge
During the event, young boys in attendance signed a pledge to end gender-based violence and femicide committing to fostering a culture of respect and equality.
Deputy Minister Letsike commended the boys for their bravery.
“You are brave and strong. You must continue to be strong," she concluded.
The panel discussion emphasised the need for an inclusive approach to child-rearing, one that fosters equality, respect, and unity to build a safer and more just society for future generations. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Fri, 02/28/2025 - 15:21
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The Rise of Padel Tennis in South Africa
Padel tennis is rapidly emerging as a favorite sport among South Africans, combining the excitement of tennis with the strategic elements of squash. This guide delves into everything you need to know about padel, from its basic rules and equipment to where you can play and how to get involved in the local padel community. …
SA presses forward for a just society
SA presses forward for a just society
Family law and the creation of a just society were some of the issues under scrutiny at the launch of Human Rights Month on Friday.
“We’re gathered here today because we are all interested in creating a just, equitable, and sustainable society given our past, which was characterised by a range of injustices and lack of access to justice for the majority. Creating such a society requires a paradigm shift,” Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi said.
The Minister hosted a stakeholder engagement session at the University of Johannesburg’s Soweto Campus.
The session also focused on matters related to civil and criminal law, among others.
The session with civil society organisations also served as the official launch of Human Rights Month supported by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture as the custodian of National Days.
The democratic government declared 21 as March Human Rights Day to commemorate and honour those who fought for the country’s liberation and the rights citizens enjoy today.
“Again, I must say that today, the context will be us launching this Human Rights Month. We took a decision that we should not launch a Human Rights Day as just an event, but through a dialogue that reflects those 30 years we’ve been in this democracy.
“How far we have travelled and what other lessons [have been] learned? What is it that we need to improve? What are the issues that as a society, as South Africa, we still have to deal with?” she remarked.
The Minister said the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa of 1996 is the framework and foundation upon which the transformation of law, State, and society is anchored.
“Accordingly, the preamble of the Constitution proclaims that the new paradigm can only be created by establishing a society based on democratic values, social justice, and fundamental human rights and improving the quality of life of all citizens of the Republic.”
Kubayi said the engagement was part of a collective introspection into the work done over the years to advance the constitutional imperative of expanding access to justice for all, including the poor and the most vulnerable.
“Our quest to expand access to justice is based on the saying that everyone is equal before the law and has a right to equal protection and the benefit of the law. That equality includes the full and equal enjoyment of all rights and freedoms.
“It also goes on to highlight that everyone has an inherent dignity and the right to have their dignity respected and protected.”
Shifting her focus to gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), the Minister described it as a pandemic.
“Today, the State bears a constitutional duty to provide effective remedies against domestic violence.”
She also said the law now provides for means whereby same-sex couples can enjoy the same status, entitlements, and responsibilities accorded to heterosexual couples through marriage and that employers may not discriminate against anyone based on their HIV positive status.
“Because today they have become normal, but we’ve got to understand that it is through this democracy that we’ve attained these freedoms, “she added.
She called on South Africans to dedicate this Human Rights Month to commemorating and honouring those who have lost their lives for the attainment of freedom and human rights, to promote the supremacy of the Constitution and the rule of law, while acknowledging the injustices of the past. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 02/28/2025 - 15:44
165 views
Enhancing Logistics Efficiency with Bonded and 3PL Warehousing Solutions
In the complex world of logistics, efficiency and compliance are paramount. Companies looking to optimize their supply chain operations can greatly benefit from leveraging bonded storage and third-party logistics (3PL) services. These services not only streamline operations but also ensure adherence to regulatory requirements, especially in regions like South Africa. What is Bonded Storage? …
Ongoing High Levels of Planned Maintenance Continue at Eskom
Friday, 28 February 2025: Eskom confirms that loadshedding remains suspended, supported by a stable power system and emergency reserves. We are also on track to replenish the emergency reserves in preparation for the next business week. The generation capacity in the system remains constrained as Eskom continues to maintain high levels of maintenance, averaging 7...
Call for vigilance as new Mpox cases surface
Call for vigilance as new Mpox cases surface
The Department of Health has issued a call for heightened awareness among the public as three new laboratory-confirmed cases of Mpox have been detected.
According to the department, the first case, identified on 21 February 2025, involves a 30-year-old male residing in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng, who recently travelled to Kampala, Uganda.
“The patient was diagnosed with Grade I Mpox virus, which is currently circulating in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda and has been reported in travellers returning to many locations around the globe,” the statement read.
The other two confirmed cases - a 30-year-old male and a 27-year-old female, both from Ekurhuleni, were identified through thorough contact tracing and monitoring efforts led by outbreak response teams.
The department believes this development highlights the vital importance of open communication from primary cases to facilitate effective contact tracing.
“All three cases are now recovering and self-isolating at home,” said the department.
The latest statistics bring the total cumulative number of positive cases from 25 to 28 cases, including three deaths since the outbreak in May last year.
Meanwhile, these are the first positive cases of Mpox recorded in South Africa this year after the last infection was reported in September 2024.
Globally, Mpox continues to be a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) and a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS) as per the declarations by both the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) in August 2024.
While the department assures that there is no need for public alarm, it stressed the importance of remaining vigilant regarding the transmission of Mpox.
Symptoms to watch for include a rash lasting two to four weeks, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, fatigue, and swollen glands.
Generally, Mpox presents as a mild, self-limiting disease with a low case fatality rate.
The risk of widespread transmission in South Africa at this time is considered low; however, the department said the disease can affect individuals across all ages, genders, sexual orientations, and races.
“The department urges all people experiencing any of the symptoms, with or without travel history to countries and regions experiencing Mpox outbreaks, or who had close contact with known Mpox patients to seek medical care.
“Although, the country has a limited stock of Mpox-specific vaccines for the treatment of patients who experience severe health complications as a result of this disease,” it said.
Residents were also reminded to practice handwashing with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitisers, especially before eating or after using the restroom, to help mitigate the spread of the disease. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 02/28/2025 - 16:06
69 views
Africa’s Top 500 Companies
The Africa Report and its sister media Jeune Afrique published the 26th edition of its exclusive ranking of Africa’s 500 largest companies: 500 African Champions. After a cumulative growth of nearly 25% over two years, the activity of the companies in the ranking has stabilized, with total revenues amounting to $736.8 billion, marking a 3.1% …
Central Karoo Positioned as a Leading Non-motorised, Environmental Friendly Transport District
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Discover the Ultimate Disposable Vape: The Caramel Vanilla Tobacco Hydra 6000puff from Vaper’s Corner
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Premier’s Reply to Debate on the 2025 Western Cape State of the Province Address
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Bok Women Sevens Ready
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Hastings and du Preez Return for Glasgow Warriors
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