MyZA
News, Directory, Events and Other Stuff
Volkswagen has expanded the new Tiguan model line-up with the addition of two new engines, 2.0 TDI with 110kW and 2.0 TSI with 140kW. Both engines are offered with a 7-speed DSG transmission. Since its local launch in August 2024, the new Volkswagen Tiguan has sold 1 190 units. The new Tiguan has striked a […]
After 3 successfully sizzling seasons Colour Your Plate with KOO returns to South Africa’s screens for a much anticipated fourth season. Dubbed as South Africa’s favourite cooking show where the stakes are higher, the flavours are bold, and the kitchen is sizzling with excitement. The new season premiered on Tuesday 11 February at 7pm on …
The legal industry in South Africa, like many sectors worldwide, has undergone significant transformation due to the adoption of technology, particularly legal software. This comprehensive guide explores the integration of legal software into South African law practices, detailing the types, benefits, and considerations for adopting such technologies to enhance legal operations. Understanding Legal Software Legal …
In a crucial step towards safeguarding the electricity supply in Nelson Mandela Bay, the Perseverance Business Association (PBA), a geographic cluster of the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber, has installed state-of-the-art thermal cameras at the Redhouse Substation. This move enhances early detection capabilities for fire or electrical arcing, vital for preventing potential threats to the […]
The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 has approved Rehan Ahmed as a replacement for Brydon Carse in the England squad. Ahmed, who has played six ODIs, was named as a replacement after Carse was ruled out due to an injury to the toe. The replacement of a player requires the …
Dutchman Duko Bos won the ILCA 7s and Diogo Costa and Carolina Joao won the 470 Mixed on the final day of competition at the Lanzarote International Regatta. With the wind blowing 18 knots from the east, the local Canarian Snipe fleet were delighted to join in on all the Olympic action on the race …
McDonald’s South Africa has donated Mi Desks to two primary schools in Cape Town to improve learning conditions for young students. This donation addresses the lack of proper school furniture, with Grade 1 learners currently writing on the floor. The Mi Desk, an innovative and mobile learning solution, has been endorsed by the Department of …
Dear Editor As the criminal investigation into Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, intensifies, the DA again calls for President Ramaphosa to fire her from Cabinet. The fact that President Ramaphosa has dilly-dallied for so long on this most serious matter of a corruption accused and investigated Mininster in his Cabinet, underscores how urgent it …
Dear Editor Minister Parks Tau’s decision, announced on Thursday, to postpone the awarding of the Lotto license for a further 12 months raises concerning questions of legality on what happens after 31st May 2025, when the current Lotto holder Ithuba’s licence expires, and 31st May 2026, the proposed new date when Tau commits to awarding …
The university says it will not be “covering or waiving” any debt
Secretary Chris Wright, U.S. Department of Energy, has been confirmed as a speaker and guest of honour at the 10th Powering Africa Summit (PAS), taking place at JW Marriott Washington, D.C. across March 6-7. This is an important step to provide an answer to the question that all of African energy is now asking: how will the new Administration approach the strategic energy relationship between the U.S. and Africa
Under the Summit theme, The Future of the US & Africa Energy Partnership, U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright will deliver a keynote address at the 10th annual Powering Africa Summit. Wright will be joined by representatives from the U.S. Department of State: Ambassador Troy Fitrell, Senior Bureau Official, Bureau of African Affairs; Kimberly Harrington, Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Energy Resources; and Stephen Banks, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Diplomacy, Bureau of Energy Resources. All will share their vision for this future relationship between African countries and the US-based investors that are so vital to realizing their energy ambitions.
“As Secretary of Energy, I am committed to unleashing all forms of affordable, reliable and secure energy here at home and advancing that mission of energy security around the world – and nowhere is that more critical than the continent of Africa. I look forward to joining the Summit to reaffirm the strategic energy partnership between the U.S. and Africa and share my vision for advancing innovation and removing barriers to energy access, both at home and around the world,” Secretary Wright said.
Ministers and governments from 19 African countries will arrive in Washington D.C., where the Africa Welcome Address will be given by H.E. Honourable Adebayo Adelabu, Minister of Power, Nigeria. Together with H.E. Honourable Jeremiah Kpan Koung, Vice President, Liberia; H.E. Honourable Dr. Dele Alake, Minister for Solid Minerals Development, Nigeria; H.E. Honourable Mahmoud Mustafa Esmat, Minister of Electricity & Renewable Energy, Egypt; H.E. Honourable Karim Badawi, Minister of Petroleum & Mineral Resources, Egypt; H.E. Honourable Bogolo Joy Kenewendo, Minister of Minerals & Energy, Botswana; H.E. Honourable Alex Wachira, Principal Secretary, Ministry of Energy & Petroleum, Kenya; and Amina Benkhadra, Director General, Office National des Hydrocarbures et des Mines (ONHYM), Morocco, he will meet distinguished Ministers and leaders from South Africa, Senegal, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Togo, Sierra Leone and more to drive energy development across the continent.
Flagship ministerial boardrooms and regional energy cooperation sessions will discuss and debate derisking projects, South Africa's energy future, the need for West African regulatory reforms, and the role of hydrogen in North Africa. New areas of opportunity such as bitcoin mining and data centers will be discussed through an East African lens. The Mission 300 initiative, set to provide electricity access to 300 million people in sub-Saharan Africa by 2030, is also high on the agenda.
The 10th Anniversary Gala Drinks Reception sponsored by Genesis Energy, will celebrate International Women's Day, ahead of March 8.
Critical to the week's discussions will be a host of private players including Alliant Insurance Services, GE Vernova, ARM-Harith Infrastructure Investment, Globeleq, Africa50, Nextracker, Schneider Electric, Newmarket Capital and the summit's general sponsor, Sun Africa, who are looking to a new future for the U.S.-Africa relationship.
Sun Africa CEO, Adam Cortese said: “We are seeing a sea change in how the U.S. participates in foreign infrastructure development and our unique model of development is an excellent illustration of how U.S. energy companies can thrive in emerging markets on a strictly commercial basis. Sun Africa remains committed to harnessing Africa's immense energy resources through innovative structures, state-of-the-art technology and strong alliances while maintaining our long-standing market-based approach to development. At Sun Africa, we believe energy development on the continent truly represents an opportunity for win-win partnerships and look forward to sharing our experience.”
Simon Gosling, MD of EnergyNet added: “This summit has always been about bringing together African countries seeking investment with U.S.-based investors who see the vast potential on the continent. It is more important than ever to establish the crucial energy projects that Africa needs. PAS25 will put the continent center stage and make sure that both sides have a future relationship to be excited about.”
Media Credentials Requited for Powering Africa Summit
The Secretary will open the Summit on 6 March, delivering a Keynote Speech at 09:45, followed by a Fireside Chat with Mission 300 Accelerator CEO, Andrew Herscowitz.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of EnergyNet Ltd..
For more information, please get in touch with
Poliana@EnergyNet.co.uk
Senior Marketing Manager
In today’s globalized market, ensuring the safety and quality of perishable goods is paramount for food businesses. Advanced cold storage solutions play a crucial role in achieving this, providing the necessary infrastructure to maintain optimal temperatures for storing food products. This article explores various aspects of cold storage facilities and their significant impact on the …
24 February 2025 – Tickets to Bafana Bafana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Lesotho at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane next month have gone on sale. Coach Hugo Broos’ charges host their COSAFA neighbours in the Limpopo province on Human Rights Day, Friday, 21 March 2025, and then fly to Benin by charter […]
The post Tickets to Bafana vs Lesotho World Cup qualifier in Polokwane go on sale first appeared on SAFA.net.
Bartenders tend to make it look easy behind the bar, slinging drinks with flourishes of seemingly effortless flair. If, as a home cocktail enthusiast or aspiring mixologist, you’re imagining that a few hacks will miraculously raise your cocktail game to this level of professional panache, let’s kick off with a quick reality check from our …
Foot odour is a common yet often embarrassing issue that affects people of all ages, particularly in summer as heat and humidity spike. Rather than having to throw away shoes every few months, there are several small lifestyle changes that sufferers can adopt to keep feet fresh and healthy, so this isn’t a recurring problem. …
Call to intensify programme aimed at upgrading informal settlements
Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane has called on the department’s entities and branches responsible for informal settlements to work together to intensify the informal settlements upgrading programme and ensure the provision of essential services and adequate shelter.
“We need to urgently develop a strategy and plan to address the proliferation of informal settlements across the country with a special focus in the big cities and metros,” Simelane said.
The Minister made the call at the inauguration of human settlements entities’ boards and councils in Kempton Park on Friday.
The session introduced and empowered newly appointed boards and council members to the human settlements value chain.
In her address, Simelane underscored the need to address the spatial legacy of colonialism and apartheid, which perpetuates inequalities in land access and homeownership, with most people living in concentrated, poverty-stricken areas with limited access to social and economic amenities without security of tenure.
The Minister noted the department’s commitment to deliver 237 000 housing units for households earning less than R3 500 per month, prioritising well located land near economic opportunities and social amenities.
She said the Breaking New Ground (BNG) houses and Catalytic Projects were being implemented to integrate housing, transport, economic activities, and social services.
Efforts would require that the department work in collaboration and ensure that the boards and councils play their crucial role of oversight and support, to ensure efficiency.
“It is our collective responsibility to ensure that there are sustainable human settlements, and we help to transform the spatial legacy of apartheid and build an inclusive society in line with the priorities of the seventh administration, as earlier articulated.
“We must use the legislation and other empowering provisions at our disposal to restore the dignity of the historically disenfranchised,” Simelane said.
The Minister acknowledged the serious problem of blocked housing projects facing the department and its entities.
The Minister called for support of the Finance Linked Individual Subsidy Programme (FLISP,) now known as the First Home Finance (FHF) Programme, and to make sure it gains the necessary traction to reach the targeted people.
“It might have not been adequately marketed, and it is the responsibility of the NHFC to make sure the programme is well communicated. Surprisingly, after I mentioned this programme during the SONA (State of the nation Address) debate, a lot of people started making enquiries about it, we will therefore have to lift our messaging in this regard.
“This will in earnest address the issues of limited housing finance for the missing middle. It will also contribute to the noble efforts of the transformation of the property market and enhance the government’s participation in the housing finance,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 02/24/2025 - 10:39
170 views
24 February 2025 – South African U17 women’s national team coach Ntombifuthi Khumalo is happy with the way her training camp has progressed in the last few days. Bantwana assembled from 16 – 22 February 2025 for a week-long training camp as part of the preparations for their second round 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World […]
The post Khumalo happy after South Africa U17 women’s national team camp first appeared on SAFA.net.
South Africa to focus on development and growth during G20 Presidency
South Africa will use its G20 Presidency to review the group’s processes, address financing for development, and tackle barriers to growth in developing countries, including those in Africa.
Addressing the opening of the G20 Finance Ministers' and Central Bank Governors' meeting, National Treasury Director-General, Dr Duncan Pieterse, outlined a range of issues that will be discussed at this week’s finance track meetings, taking place in Cape Town.
This as the Finance and Central Bank Deputies' meeting is taking place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, on 24 and 25 February 2025. The meeting will be followed by the first meeting of the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors on 26 to 27 February 2025.
“South Africa has signalled a strong and keen intent to review the operational process of the G20. Last month, the G20 began its 26th year of operation, however the operational processes of the G20 have rarely been reviewed.
“In the coming months and following the discussions this week, the South African Presidency working with the G20 membership will for the first time conduct a review of these processes and consider how to improve and strengthen them. We will also discuss various other opportunities for G20 engagement this year,” Pieterse said on Monday.
South Africa’s G20 Presidency commenced on 1 December 2024, and all engagements are being held under the theme: “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability.” The theme underscores the nation’s focus on inclusive global economic growth, with particular attention to the needs of the world’s most vulnerable nations.
He said one of the issues of importance to the world’s poorest and most vulnerable countries is the issue of financing for development.
“Today we will discuss the Financing for Development Conference that is happening in July this year and how the G20 Finance Track might consider engaging with this process.
“We will also hold a very important meeting on the challenges and the constraints to growth in developing countries, including African countries,” the Director-General said.
Other issues of relevance to the membership to G20 will be discussed as well.
“We have worked on a very detailed programme and the work continues this week. Over the last few weeks and months, the G20 working groups of the Finance Track have met and have made progress in shaping our agenda for this year, which is going to be taken forward and discussed in detail this week,” he said.
This week, there will be several critical side meetings, including the meeting of the G20 Troika members, the meeting of the G20 emerging markets and developing economies, which took place this morning, as well as several bilateral meetings with various G20 members and other international organisations.
“This morning, we had an emerging market and developing economies breakfast where we discussed a wide range of challenges affecting emerging markets and economies.
“The participants in our meeting reflected on various issues, including the current state of the global economy, issues relating to debt and how it affects Africa in particular, various perspectives on the reform of the financial architectural were shared and the challenges facing members in affording financing for development and the importance of the Financing for Development Conference that is happening later this year in Spain, which is one of the areas we will discuss,” Pieterse said.
Some of the side events for this week include domestic resource mobilisation, bridging the tax gap, cross border payments, global financial architecture in transition and a cost of capital roundtable.
The G20 was established to tackle pressing global economic and financial issues. Together, G20 members account for around 85% of global GDP and 75% of international trade.
It comprises 19 countries including: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Türkiye, United Kingdom, and United States and two regional bodies, namely the European Union and the African Union.
The grouping therefore plays a critical role in influencing global policy making and fostering global economic stability. -SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Mon, 02/24/2025 - 11:29
288 views
Companies looking to boost morale, improve workplace connections, and ultimately improve productivity across the board should consider a team-building travel retreat. Warm weather, beautiful scenery, and engaging outdoor activities are called for – and the KZN South Coast is the ultimate getaway! “Team building and company getaways are an effective and welcome way for organisations …
Transparent tariff determination needed to address high private healthcare costs
Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, has emphasised the importance of regulating private healthcare costs to guarantee that affordable healthcare remains accessible to the majority of South Africans.
“There is a serious concern about access to private healthcare in the country, given the high levels of market concentration and high prices,” he said on Tuesday.
The Minister was speaking at a joint media briefing with Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi to share progress on implementing the recommendations from the Health Market Inquiry (HMI) into the private healthcare sector.
The HMI, conducted five years ago by the Competition Commission and chaired by former Chief Justice of South Africa, Justice Sandile Ngcobo, identified numerous factors that impede competition within the private healthcare sector.
Key issues highlighted include an unregulated supply side in service provision, a lack of transparency in pricing, exclusive contracts, and various anticompetitive practices that create barriers for new entrants.
In addition, the HMI noted that the absence of a tariff determination framework, among other factors, contributes significantly to these inefficiencies.
“Importantly, given the lack of a structured price determination framework, the HMI found that there has been abuse in the pricing of Prescribed Minimum Benefits, as well as non-Prescribed Minimum Benefits, in the form of overutilisation of services and co-payments, thus driving up the cost of healthcare.”
On 14 February 2025, Tau published the Draft Interim Block Exemption for Tariffs Determination in the Healthcare Sector after engaging in consultations with both the Competition Commission and the National Department of Health.
This exemption is designed to fill the regulatory gap in tariff determination, aligning with the recommendations put forth in the 2019 HMI.
Its primary objectives are to establish a collaborative multi-stakeholder framework for regulating healthcare tariffs, enhance price transparency, and ultimately drive down costs for consumers.
Currently, Tau said there is no structured and transparent framework for determining tariffs for healthcare services.
“Due to the lack of a formal tariff determination framework, consumers are faced with uncertainty on prices, potential balance billing, and tariffs which are not determined through a transparent process.
“As a result of this gap in tariff determination, patients, medical schemes, and even smaller healthcare providers are often disadvantaged.”
The draft block exemption enables healthcare stakeholders to collaborate effectively on tariff-setting and related issues, aiming to enhance affordability and lower costs.
It encompasses agreements for the collective determination of tariffs for healthcare services, the establishment of standardised diagnosis codes, and the implementation of quality measurement criteria.
This multi-stakeholder framework introduces a transparent and structured approach to tariff determination, ensuring that the interests of all parties involved are balanced and represented.
To facilitate this process, the Tariffs Governing Body (TGB) and the Multilateral Negotiating Forum (MNF) have been established to oversee and promote collaborative tariff-setting.
He noted that the framework excludes private hospitals due to their considerable market power, promoting collective bargaining among medical schemes and healthcare providers to ensure that services remain affordable for consumers.
According to the Minister, the exclusion of private hospitals from the block exemption pertains specifically to their dominant market position, which applies only to hospital fees related to admission and does not extend to treatment fees.
“The publication of the draft interim block exemption marks a critical step towards addressing the cost of access to healthcare and promoting transparency in the healthcare market.”
Meanwhile, Motsoaledi noted the escalating cost of private healthcare in South Africa, with medical price inflation (MPI) at 9.5% compared to a consumer price index of 4.5 to 4.6%.
According to the Health Minister, the lack of structured tariff setting has led to varying prices and blame towards the State.
He said the Competition Commission’s 2004 ruling prohibited collective negotiation of prices, leading to a “lacuna” in tariff-setting.
According to Motsoaledi, various attempts to regulate prices, including the National Health Reference Price List and the Health Professions Council of South Africa’s guidelines, faced opposition and legal challenges.
“In our country, it is generally agreed that the cost of private healthcare is now beyond the reach of most South Africans.
“We would be right to assert that it has become an uncontrollable expenditure. This affects every aspect of South African life.”
The Minister noted the HMI recommended the establishment of an independent Supply-Side Regulator for Healthcare (SSRH) restructuring licensing, creating a single data repository, and negotiating private sector prices through a multilateral forum.
The inquiry also advocated for eradicating the fee-for-service payment system and implementing a standard benefit package under National Health Insurance (NHI).
However, Motsoaledi said he noted the National Treasury’s reluctance to form new public entities, which poses a challenge.
“It is for these reasons that we are implementing some of the recommendations of HMI as a temporary stop-gap measure which will be progressively upgraded to the levels envisaged.
“We are doing this because naturally the phased-in implementation of NHI is going to take longer and we need the interim to relieve the pressure which people experience when seeking healthcare services,” he added. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 02/24/2025 - 12:21
163 views
Judgment has been reserved in an urgent application to halt a luxury development on Botmaskop slopes
Social media marketing has transformed the way businesses connect with their customers. Companies of all sizes leverage platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok to increase visibility, engage audiences, and drive revenue. A strong digital strategy is essential for standing out in competitive markets, whether in Toronto, Miami, or Los Angeles. Why Social Media …
Deputy Minister to open construction and built environment forum
Public Works and Infrastructure Deputy Minister Sihle Zikalala will open the Construction and Built Environment Stakeholder Forum and Expo in Pretoria, on Tuesday.
The forum is expected to explore the adoption of new technology in order to keep the industry competitive and adaptive to the climate changes.
This as the country grapples with issues of safety at construction sites and the risks posed by adverse weather conditions on properties, humans and building systems in the country.
Innovative ways of construction and building are required to save lives and improve the building and construction sector.
The theme for the forum is: “Building Stronger Partnership for Sustainable Innovation”.
The Building and Construction Expo which focuses on technology is convened by Agrement South Africa (ASA), an entity of the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure.
ASA was established to be the leading regulator of non-standardised construction products and systems in South Africa.
The forum and expo which will feature construction and built environment professionals and associations will provide a platform for stakeholders to share insights, challenges and opportunities in the adoption of innovative building technologies for the competitiveness and safety of the industry.
Some of the innovative technology options will be on display during the engagement. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 02/24/2025 - 12:51
50 views
In today’s fast-paced business environment, managing contracts efficiently and effectively is crucial for any organization looking to stay competitive. Advanced contract management solutions have revolutionized the way companies handle their agreements, providing the tools needed to enhance performance and mitigate risks. This comprehensive guide delves into the benefits of using sophisticated contract management systems, focusing …