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Johannesburg, 10 February 2025 – With Valentine’s Day around the corner, many couples are contemplating the next step in their relationship, and living together is increasingly a common choice before committing to a marriage. The 2022 Census Survey Report found that around 8 in every 100 couples live together before marriage. While love may be …
The SA Police Services (SAPS) Water Policing and Diving Services, assisted by NSRI Hartbeespoort Dam, SRU (Strategic Rescue Unit) and Hartbeespoort Marine Law Enforcement, are continuing in an ongoing search for a man missing after being witnessed falling out of a boat that ran ashore. Arthur Crewe, NSRI Hartbeespoort Dam station commander, said: At approximately …
Dear Editor The DA has filed papers in the High Court to challenge the recently signed Expropriation Act, because the Act is unconstitutional, both substantively and procedurally. The DA’s papers were filed, electronically, in the Western Cape High Court on Friday 7 February 2025. During the process in the 6th (previous) Parliament to pass the …
SIU head appointed to global anti-corruption association
Head of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) Advocate Andy Mothibi has been re-elected as Vice President: African Regional Coordinator and Member of the Executive Committee of the International Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities (IAACA).
The IAACA is an international and non-political anti-corruption organisation, which plays a role in fostering collaboration and sharing best practices.
In a statement, the SIU emphasised that the re-appointment underscores South Africa’s commitment to fighting corruption.
“Advocate Mothibi’s reappointment reflects the SIU’s unwavering commitment to combating corruption and strengthening good governance. Adv Mothibi's leadership continues positioning South Africa and the wider African region at the forefront of the global anti-corruption agenda.
“The SIU calls on its stakeholders and the public to support Adv Mothibi and the SIU in this important role. Together, we can continue to build a corruption-free society and uphold the highest standards of integrity and transparency as envisioned in the National Anti-Corruption Strategy,” the SIU said in a statement. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 02/10/2025 - 13:54
Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance calls for all people in South Africa to de-escalate the rhetoric, and divisive language being used following the Executive Order of United States President Donald Trump regarding South Africa. When views and expression escalate to hate speech and calls for violence they must be condemned, and there must be accountability. …
Extracts of speeches by Chris Hattingh MP, Cathy Labuschagne MP, Maliyakhe Shelembe MP and Emma Louise Powell MP from today’s National Assembly Debate of Urgent Importance: Chris Hattingh MP: DA Spokesperson on Defence & Military Veterans “Let us honour our fallen. Our deepest condolences go to the families, to the South African National Defence Force. …
Marco Jansen will not have any more space on his mantlepiece at home soon. The Sunrisers Eastern Cape superstar is collecting awards at the conclusion of almost every competition, with the 24-year-old winning both the Betway SA20 Player of the Season and Bowler of the Season for 2025 on Saturday evening at the Wanderers. …
Gauteng's first MitraClip Implants a 'gamechanger' for heart valve treatment
The Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital (CMJAH) has performed the first successful MitraClip implants on three State-funded patients in the province.
The minimally invasive procedure is designed to treat Mitral Regurgitation, a heart condition where the mitral valve does not close properly, causing blood to leak backwards into the heart.
The Gauteng Health Department explained that the MitralClip itself is a “minute clip passed through a catheter, which aids the mitral valve in sealing properly, subsequently restoring normal blood flow through the heart”.
Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko welcomed the successful completion of the procedures, which were carried out last week.
“This procedure is but an example of the many inroads we continue to make in the healthcare system through collaboration between the public and private sector.
“We have the advantage of academic hospitals, which boasts leading experts in many fields locally and internationally. This allows us to pioneer new ways of improving patient care,” the MEC said.
Director of the Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory and Interventional Cardiologist at CMJAH, Dr Arthur Mutyaba, who was part of the team performing the procedures, said that with this new capability, more patients living with the condition and ineligible for open-heart surgery can now be assisted.
“With this procedure now accessible, we are able to help these patients get back to a normal life without having to expose them to the risk that open heart surgery would have disposed them to,” Mutyaba said.
The department revealed that, to date, at least 15 MitraClip procedures have been completed in South Africa, all performed in public institutions.
“The Charlotte Maxeke procedure marks the fourth round of MitraClip implants in South Africa, following the first 12 successful procedures performed at Groote Schuur and Tygerberg hospitals in Cape Town.
“What makes this program unique is that both public and private patients have access to this cutting-edge therapy through these leading academic hospitals in the country. At present, MitraClip therapy is not yet available in private healthcare facilities, making these institutions the sole centres for this life-changing intervention,” the department said.
Game changing solution
The Gauteng Health Department described that the procedure as a “game changer” which marks a “significant advancement in minimally invasive heart valve therapy” in both the private and public sector.
“The procedure’s key benefits include drastically reduced recovery times, often just one or two days post-insertion, making it a game-changer for elderly or high-risk mitral regurgitation patients who are unsuitable candidates for open heart surgery.
“With its availability through academic hospitals and the ongoing tracking of patient outcomes, this pioneering therapy is set to transform the treatment landscape for mitral regurgitation in South Africa,” the department said.
The successful procedures will now be recorded on the national registry to track advancements in treatments in South Africa.
“What makes the procedures even more unique is that, despite most of the patients having full medical insurance, a decision was made to perform these procedures in a controlled academic hospital environment.
“This approach ensures that all cases are recorded in a national registry, allowing for the tracking of long-term outcomes and contributing to the advancement of structural heart disease treatment in South Africa,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 02/10/2025 - 12:52
Western Cape Export Competitiveness Enhancement Programme Fund applications open
Western Cape companies, as well as intermediaries or organisations that currently assist businesses with exports, are being called on to apply for financial assistance.
The provincial Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT) said the companies as well as potential companies can apply for financial assistance and support through the Export Competitiveness Enhancement Programme (ECEP).
The ECEP Fund aims to develop and equip business enterprises facing technical challenges to diversify and access international markets.
The fund will provide comprehensive support to businesses and intermediaries or organisations dedicated to implementing programmes and projects fostering their export initiative.
The programme support will focus on the following services:
• Product reformulation and refinement.
• International packaging, labelling, and printing requirements.
• International product certification and standards for international market access.
• Product or service registration with relevant international bodies in export markets.
• International nutritional analysis.
• Special handling services and/or permits required to export products safely and efficiently.
• E-commerce platform listing.
The fund is geared toward businesses that are existing exporters or potential exporters in the following sub-sectors but not limited to:
• Food.
• Beverages.
• Cosmetics (make-up products).
• Personal care products (oral, skin, and body care).
• Jewellery.
• Transport equipment.
• Computer, electronics, and optical products.
• Rubber and plastic products.
• Machinery and equipment.
• Wearing apparel.
• Craft and furniture.
Exclusions
Meanwhile, according to the provincial department, several exclusions should be noted when applying for the fund.
These include operational and working capital, contributing to production costs or purchase of stock, the building of any sort of infrastructure, and enterprises not based in the Western Cape.
The department said priority will be given to companies operating in industries with high export potential identified in the Western Cape economy.
In addition, planned intervention intends to develop successful exporters meeting client needs professionally.
Qualifying criteria
Organisations, intermediaries, and businesses that qualify must meet the following minimum requirements:
• Be a registered legal entity.
• Must be tax-compliant at the time of application.
• Audited financial statements (AFS) independently reviewed or compiled financial statements for the two most recent financial years. AFS must be unqualified.
• Business must be based in the geographic boundary of the Western Cape, even if the main office is in another province.
• Intermediaries or organisations can be based in South Africa. However, the beneficiary businesses must be based in the Western Cape.
• Business or intermediary or organisation must demonstrate that it can provide its own or third-party funding.
“We recommend that you familiarise yourself with the online form and other relevant documentation so that you have the necessary information at hand when completing your application.”
According to the department, the fund is contingent upon budget availability, which will be made accessible through an open fund.
“The allocation of funds will be at the discretion of the department based on evaluation criteria and the availability of budgetary resources.”
The application forms for businesses and intermediaries can be accessed on these links:
• Application Form for Business
• Application Form for Organisations/Intermediaries
In addition, only online applications will be accepted, and no e-mail or hand-delivered applications will be considered. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 02/10/2025 - 08:19
Government activities for the week 10 – 14 February 2025
On Monday, 10 February, Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber, will hand over Smart Card IDs to fire victims in Kayamandi Sports Grounds, Stellenbosch.
Also on Monday, Ministers of Education, Siviwe Gwarube and Nobuhle Nkabane host G20 Education Working Group Ministerial Breakfast with ambassadors and high commissioners in Cape Town.
On Tuesday, 11 February, no confirmed event.
On Wednesday, 12 February, no confirmed event.
On Thursday, 13 February, Department of Employment and Labour hosts breakfast session on importance of compliance with labour legislation, Lagoon Beach Hotel, Milnerton.
Friday, 14 February, no confirmed event.
Neo
Mon, 02/10/2025 - 11:54
Residents urged to handle waste disposal wisely
The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) has called on residents and businesses to exercise caution and follow protocols for the safe handling and disposal of all types of waste, especially hazardous waste.
“Failure to do so exposes people to serious health hazards,” Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Public Health, Thsonono Buyeye warned.
The call follows the unfortunate death of a 13-year-old child, who is suspected to have consumed a poisonous substance from a refuse bag in Bluewater Bay recently.
Following the unfortunate incident, the city’s Waste Management Sub-Directorate, under the Public Health Directorate, has embarked on an intensive stakeholder awareness and engagement programme to empower the public and businesses regarding guidelines on how to safely manage hazardous waste.
Buyeye said the stakeholder awareness and engagement programme will form part of a project called the Separation at Source Programme (SSP), which is currently underway.
“Separation at Source is a practice of sorting waste materials into different categories (like paper, plastic, glass and, etc.) at the point where they are generated, like in a household or factory, before they are disposed of, essentially preventing recyclable materials from going to landfills by separating them from other waste streams at the source,” Buyeye explained.
Buyeye said the sessions will include public education meetings, including door-to-door registration in Blue Water Bay, where the second phase of the SSP will be introduced on Tuesday.
Addressing the residents during a recent public engagement meeting in Bluewater Bay, Buyeye committed that the work currently underway will place special focus on hazardous waste handling and disposal.
"We will be working in partnership with waste pickers, households, businesses and the Nelson Mandela University (NMU) to improve in this area. It is unfortunate that the child’s death occurred at the time when the Directorate was about to launch the SSP in Bluewater Bay and surrounding areas,” Buyeye said.
He said engagements with business will include the education of businesses on the separation of recyclable and non-recyclable materials, with the intention of reducing the opportunity for waste reclaimers accessing dangerous waste items, and to ensure that hazardous substances are safely disposed of.
Buyeye said that the directorate is also engaging with the Nelson Mandela University to get access to, and benefit from the wealth of knowledge and expertise in various fields, including environmental science, waste management and chemical safety.
“The municipality also hopes to benefit from the university’s research to improve its waste management practices, especially concerning the safe handling and disposal of chemicals,” Buyeye said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 02/10/2025 - 10:04
This comes nearly a month after a deadly shooting at the township’s taxi rank.
Historic summit brings hope for peace in the DRC
President Cyril Ramaphosa has reiterated South Africa’s commitment to a diplomatic solution that ensures stability in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and its neighbours, while also protecting the well-being of the Congolese people.
In his weekly newsletter to the nation, President Ramaphosa said South Africa supports the right of the Congolese people to live free from forces that violate their human rights, plunder their natural resources and terrorise their communities.
“South Africa stands in solidarity with the Congolese people and their aspiration to live in peace and security.
“We reaffirm our commitment to a diplomatic and political solution that prioritises the stability of the DRC and neighbouring countries and safeguards the peace and well-being of the Congolese people,” the President said on Monday.
This as the President has just returned from a Heads of State summit in Tanzania on the conflict in the eastern DRC.
He said the outcomes of the summit provide a beacon of hope for the troubled eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Heads of State and Government from the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) and East Africa Community (EAC) have issued a clarion call for “political and diplomatic engagement” by all parties, including M23 rebels, in the eastern DRC.
Leaders from the two regional blocs, including President Ramaphosa, attended an urgent joint SADC-EAC Heads of State and Government Summit at the weekend as tensions, and casualties, in the DRC conflict continue to escalate.
The historic joint summit brought together the EAC and SADC to consider the deteriorating security situation in the eastern DRC and to find a sustainable political solution.
As a member of SADC and the African Union, the President said the country has a responsibility to support all efforts to bring peace and stability to its fellow African nation, which has been racked by war for more than three decades.
Loss of lives
South Africa contributes troops to the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) and the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC).
Recently, 14 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) troops paid the ultimate price for their efforts to restore peace to the region. The deaths of the soldiers alongside troops from other African nations signalled an alarming escalation in the conflict.
READ | Movement of fallen SANDF soldiers now underway
The strategic city of Goma in the eastern DRC is now under the control of the M23 rebel group fighting the Congolese army, with the M23 having made advances in other towns.
Diplomacy
“As South Africa we have steadfastly maintained that diplomacy is the most sustainable solution to this conflict. While we are involved in peacekeeping missions, South Africa actively participates in the various diplomatic efforts to end the conflict in the eastern DRC,” he said.
These include the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the DRC and the Great Lakes Region, the Luanda Peace Process led by the President of Angola, João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço , and the EAC-led Nairobi Process facilitated by former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta.
“As South Africa, we have always believed that the best way to resolve a conflict is to ensure that all parties to the conflict are involved in the negotiations that lead to the resolution of the conflict, whether they are state actors or non-state actors.
“We are pleased that this approach was adopted and reconfirmed at the SADC extraordinary summit held in Harare, Zimbabwe, two weeks ago,” the President said.
He highlighted that several of the countries in the EAC bloc, such as Uganda, Burundi, Tanzania and Rwanda, share borders with the DRC and are directly impacted by the ongoing conflict. It was therefore significant that the Heads of State of these countries and the President of the DRC were at the joint summit.
Way forward
“Having considered a report on the security situation in the eastern DRC, the summit reiterated the call for an immediate ceasefire and a cessation of hostilities between the warring parties. A ceasefire will allow humanitarian aid corridors to operate and bring much needed supplies to the civilians caught in the crossfire,” he said.
The summit further directed that the EAC/SADC Chiefs of Defence Forces meet within five days to develop a securitisation plan for Goma and the surrounding area, the reopening of Goma airport, the evacuation of civilians and the repatriation of the deceased.
READ | SADC-EAC leaders call for dialogue in DRC conflict
One of the most significant outcomes was that the joint summit agreed that direct negotiations and dialogue resume between all state and non-state parties, including the M23. This will take place under the framework of the Luanda and Nairobi processes.
“We are pleased that this inclusive approach was endorsed and adopted at the historic joint EAC/SADC summit under the leadership of President William Ruto of Kenya and President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe.
“This is a major step forward. Unless all parties to the conflict are brought around the negotiating table, all diplomatic solutions will lack credibility and be unsustainable in the long term,” President Ramaphosa said.
The joint summit also affirmed the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC, meaning that a process must be developed for uninvited foreign armed forces to withdraw from the DRC.
President Ramaphosa said the outcomes from the joint summit are in essence confidence-building measures towards a sustainable peace.
“These confidence building measures will finally lead to the drawdown of the SAMIDRC troops. This historic summit of the EAC and SADC paves the way for a lasting peace in the eastern DRC.”
The President concluded by quoting Congolese revolutionary and statesman, Patrice Lumumba, who once said: “We are not alone. Africa, the free peoples and the peoples fighting for their freedom in all corners of the world will always be side by side with the millions of Congolese who will not give up the struggle.” – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Mon, 02/10/2025 - 08:52
Corruption allegations, uncooperative communities hinder policing at two Gauteng police stations
The Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety says two of its worst performing police stations in Gauteng are facing challenges, including allegations of corruption and a lack of cooperation from some community members.
The committee visited two of the top 40 worst perform stations, Roodepoort and Kempton Park police stations, to “assess and address key challenges affecting crime prevention and law enforcement”.
“One of the most concerning revelations was the lack of cooperation from certain segments of the local community. In some instances, community members actively hinder police efforts by stoning and burning police vehicles when they respond to crime incidents.
“The committee acknowledges the deep challenges faced by law enforcement in this area but insists on greater collaboration with the public to combat crime,” a statement by the committee said.
At Kempton Park police station, committee members were told of alleged corrupt activities.
“[The] committee identified significant issues related to police corruption, with certain officers allegedly collaborating with criminals involved in illegal activities, such as the trafficking of drugs.
“Furthermore, the station is grappling with an increasing presence of undocumented foreigners in the area, which adds complexity to the already strained law enforcement situation.
“The committee also noted the lack of effective collaboration between the police, local councillors, and the Community Policing Forum, which undermines efforts to tackle crime effectively,” the statement said.
After the visit, the committee emphasized the “urgent” need for collaboration between stakeholders in order “to tackle crime collectively”.
“The Portfolio Committee has committed to raise the issues arising from the visits in their regular standing meeting with the Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni, to raise concerns regarding resource allocation and the need for strategic interventions to improve policing at these stations.
“The committee is optimistic that, with the right resources and coordinated efforts, crime in these areas can be reduced.
“The committee has seen positive results in its previous interventions, such as at the Rietgat Police Station, which services the Jukulyn area, amongst others, where crime has started to decrease following targeted interventions. The committee believes that similar strategies can be applied at Roodepoort and Kempton Park police stations to achieve similar successes,” the statement said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 02/10/2025 - 08:55
OUDTSHOORN: Boland ended the Cricket South Africa (CSA) Rural Week for coastal teams as the top side after another win over hosts South...
Johannesburg, February, 09, 2025: With South Africa standing at the cusp of a new dawn in economic transformation, the landmark R23 billion buyout of Barloworld sets the stage for real broad-based industrial empowerment. The deal, endorsed by the Independent Experts, the company’s Independent Board, and the Black Business Council (BBC), is not just a corporate transaction; …
Government creates enabling environment for investors
In an effort to create an enabling environment for investors, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) is prioritising cutting red tape and boosting investor confidence by removing bureaucratic delays that prevent businesses from investing in sustainable industries.
“South Africa is uniquely positioned to become a leader in the green economy. Our vast renewable energy potential, our forestry-based carbon markets, and our sustainable fisheries sector all present opportunities for attracting much-needed investment. However, to fully unlock this potential, we must remove obstacles that hinder growth,” Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister, Dr Dion George, said on Monday.
According to the Minister, countries that create an enabling environment for green investment will be at the forefront of economic growth and job creation in the coming decade.
He made this observation after his participation at the recent World Economic Forum (WEF), held in Davos, Switzerland, as discussions reaffirmed that global investors are actively seeking opportunities in sustainable industries.
During his engagements, George met with global leaders, investors, and policymakers to discuss how South Africa can attract investment in key sectors, such as renewable energy, sustainable forestry, and marine conservation.
These sectors hold immense potential, not only to protect our environment, but also to drive economic expansion and employment opportunities, particularly in rural and coastal communities.
“The DFFE has also gone to great lengths to leverage forestry and fisheries for economic expansion. South Africa’s forests are not just an environmental asset, they are a key economic driver in carbon trading and sustainable wood production.
“The department is working to enhance carbon sequestration initiatives that will allow South Africa to benefit from global climate finance mechanisms. Sustainable fisheries are central to food security and economic development. The department is actively working on policies that will protect marine ecosystems while creating sustainable jobs in the fishing industry,” the Minister said.
The DFFE is also aligning with the Global Green Finance Movement.
“Investors at Davos made it clear that capital is moving toward sustainable projects. Our government must ensure that South Africa is positioned as a leading destination for climate finance and green investment, which includes partnering with the private sector to scale up renewable energy projects and green infrastructure,” George said.
The Minister’s engagements at WEF Davos underscored the critical message that South Africa must act decisively to secure its place in the global green economy.
“We cannot afford to lag behind while other emerging markets capitalise on the shift toward sustainability,” he said. -SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Mon, 02/10/2025 - 09:16
LAHORE: Momentum Multiply Titans fast bowler Corbin Bosch has been named in the 15-member squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025...
OUDTSHOORN: Boland and South Western Districts remained as the only unbeaten sides at the Cricket South Africa (CSA) Rural Week after both...
JOHANNESBURG: The Veterans Cricket Association of South Africa (VCASA) 16-man squad has arrived in Colombo, Sri Lanka ahead of the fourth...
OUDTSHOORN: Stefan May claimed an incredible four wickets for one run as South Western Districts made it two wins from two on...
South Africa has one of the highest HIV rates in the world, with 8-million people estimated to be living with the virus. While many people are aware of the link between HIV and Tuberculosis (TB), fewer know about another common co-infection: Human Papillomavirus (HPV). What is HPV? HPV includes a family of more than 200 …
A local teenager, Good Samaritan, is commended for successfully and safely rescuing 3 people, saving their lives. Gerrit Cloete, NSRI Port Alfred deputy station commander, said: At 10h40, Saturday, 8 February, NSRI Port Alfred duty crew were activated following reports of a drowning in progress at East Beach. Reports were of locals, a brother and …
Fakhar Zaman travelled to the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 without a single ODI appearance to his name. By the time he returned to Pakistan as a match-winner in the final, people were travelling hundreds of kilometres just to take a picture with him. The left-handed opening batter will make his return to the Pakistan team …