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Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance (DA) condemns President Cyril Ramaphosa’s attendance at the inauguration of Mozambique’s contested President, Daniel Chapo, alongside Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola and Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni yesterday. This action disregarded the escalating political and humanitarian crisis in Mozambique and undermined South Africa’s role as a …
SA calls for lasting peace after Middle East ceasefire agreement
South Africa is calling for the establishment of a just and lasting peace that protects and promotes the human rights of both Palestinians and Israelis.
This statement follows confirmation from mediators that a ceasefire agreement has been reached between Hamas and Israel after 15 months of conflict.
“South Africa welcomes the ceasefire agreement reached between Israel and Hamas after 15 months of Israel’s genocidal onslaught on Gaza after Hamas and other armed groups launched an attack on Israel,” the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) said on Wednesday evening.
According to Al Jazeera, the truce will take effect on Sunday, 19 January 2025, if approved.
According to the news channel, Israel’s war in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of at least 46 707 Palestinians and 110 265 wounded since 7 October 2023.
Meanwhile, at least 1 139 people were killed in Israel during the Hamas-led attacks on that day, and more than 200 people were taken captive.
The department believes that the ceasefire agreement is a crucial first step toward ending the severe humanitarian crisis faced by the 2.3 million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has indicated that the situation may be plausibly genocidal.
“The ceasefire must lay the basis for a just peace, which should include the establishment of a contiguous, independent, and viable Palestinian State. Palestinian sovereignty and territorial integrity must be upheld.
“It is imperative that no land is annexed in either Gaza or the West Bank following the ceasefire, and that illegal settlement expansion is halted.”
In line with the ICJ's successive rulings, DIRCO firmly believes that the occupying power must follow the provisional measures recommended by the ICJ.
“International law and humanitarian law must be respected and upheld. Immediate and massive humanitarian aid is urgently needed to provide relief to civilians in Gaza.”
Meanwhile, South Africa said all obstacles to delivering humanitarian aid must be lifted immediately and unconditionally, allowing civilians unrestricted access to essential food, water, shelter, and healthcare.
Outgoing United States President Joe Biden announced yesterday that after many months of intensive diplomacy by his country, along with Egypt and Qatar, Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire and hostage deal.
“My diplomacy never ceased in their efforts to get this done – I will speak more about this soon. For now, I am thrilled that those who have been held hostage are being reunited with their families,” President Biden said in a statement. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 01/16/2025 - 09:34
Two New Zealand national champions, Louis Clark and Ruby Heath, have been added to the elite lineup for next month’s aQuellé Midmar Mile. This exciting development follows a partnership established by Swimming New Zealand’s new Olympic head coach, Graham Hill, and aQuellé Midmar Mile race director Wayne Riddin. Hill previously served as South Africa’s national …
Department monitors Vaal Dam levels
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is closely monitoring the Vaal Dam after the dam’s water levels drastically increased from last week’s 24.3% to 46.2% this week.
According to the department’s real time data, the water levels have again significantly increased overnight to 50.53%.
Departmental spokesperson, Wisane Mavasa, said the dam has, for the past few months, been on a downward spiral with the department making plans to release water from the Sterkfontein Dam into the Vaal Dam, to augment its levels when it reached 18% in volume.
However, Mavasa said this will no longer be necessary, as the dam is rapidly rising. This is due to this week’s heavy rainfall experienced in Gauteng, and other provinces, including North West, Free State, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal.
She said the department is now clear of the risk of the dam dropping below its minimum operating level of 18%.
“The dam had experienced continuous decline over the past few months due to elevated temperatures which have led to increased evaporation losses, and the low inflows owing into the dam, due to lack of rainfall in the Vaal catchment.
“The current dam level is now plotting above 50% and there is a good inflow because of recent rainfall in the catchment. There is therefore no more a need for water release from Sterkfontein Dam to support Vaal Dam,” Mavasa said in a statement on Wednesday.
Mavasa said the rising of the dam levels has also boosted the Integrated Vaal River System (IVRS) that provides water to Gauteng and key industries within the province that has shot up from 71.4% to 79.4% this week.
“Recent rainfall has significantly improved surface water storage levels in the country’s dams with 79.8% this week, a huge increase as compared to last week’s 74.5%. Although the heavy and disruptive rainfall has resulted in localised flooding in those provinces, it has also boosted their Water Supply Systems significantly,” Mavasa explained.
The Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal provinces have also experienced the highest upsurge with 10.2%, respectively.
The dam levels in Mpumalanga have increased from 82.9% to 93.1% this week, while KwaZulu-Natal increased from 81.0% to 91.2%.
Limpopo has also increased from 73.2% to 82.6% this week, while North West rose from last week’s 64.7% to 72.5%, with Free State seeing a considerable increase from last week’s 68.5% to 72.6% this week.
Rainfall in parts of the provinces has exceeded 150 millimetres (mm), while parts of Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu Natal received more than 200 mm.
“There is an expectation of isolated to scattered rainfall over central and eastern areas of the country, particularly in [the] Free State, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal provinces this week, as a result, surface water storage in these areas is expected to improve further next week.
“However, the Department of Water and Sanitation would like to caution the residents in those provinces to be careful during the heavy rains, and urge residents to avoid water bodies, particularly when the rain can be disruptive, “ Mavasa said.
She also urged the public to stay away from rivers, lakes and dams, especially in the low-lying areas.
“Pedestrians should avoid crossing bridges, and motorists should also refrain from driving through flooded areas, even though the water seems to be shallow. Water can be deadly during the floods and should not at all be underestimated. Let us all keep safe and stay indoors, if possible.”
While the surface water storage capacity has improved in the majority of the country’s dams in most provinces, the department reiterated its call on citizens to continue to use water sparingly. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 01/16/2025 - 10:04
Tebogo Sithathu is under investigation by the SIU over a series of multimillion-rand grants
JOHANNESBURG: Pretoria Capitals fast bowler Anrich Nortje has been ruled out of the remainder of the Betway SA20 and the...
Zain Davids will reach a well-deserved 50th HSBC SVNS tournament cap in Australia next weekend, after the 27-year-old was named in the Springbok Sevens squad for the HSBC SVNS Perth at HBF Park from 24-26 January. Blitzbok head coach Philip Snyman – himself a member of an illustrious group of players with 50 or more …
Dear Editor Last Friday in East London, an unnamed robber walked into the Crime Intelligence Captive Office and left with R1,3 million in cash. After signing themselves in as “Giyese”, the individual was not searched – and no one raised any alarm. This illustrates the dilapidation of our Crime Intelligence. If Crime Intelligence offices are …
Two weeks remain for competitors to submit applications for entry to the exciting 15th edition of the Simola Hillclimb. Closing date is 31 January 2025 65 competitor spots available for Classic Car Friday, 84 for two-day King of the Hill Simola Hillclimb is South Africa’s premier motoring and motorsport lifestyle event, takes place in Knysna […]
It will be a case of sink or swim for the five South African franchises participating in the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup competitions this weekend as the pool stage reaches a close with the first playoff round, which will play out in April, moving into view. The Hollywoodbets Sharks and DHL Stormers …
Vodacom Group (www.Vodacom.com) has been named Africa's number one employer by the Top Employers Institute for the second year running. This prestigious certification and first place ranking have also been awarded to Vodacom Group, Vodacom South Africa, Vodacom Mozambique, Vodacom Tanzania and Safaricom Kenya.
The Top Employers Institute Companies bestows this accolade to companies based on their performance in key HR domains such as people strategy, work environment, talent acquisition, learning, and well-being.
“We are incredibly proud to be certified as the Top Employer in Africa for the second year in a row. We believe that the well-being of our employees contributes directly to our ability to fulfil our purpose of connecting for a better future. By continually enhancing our Employee Value Proposition through empathetic and inclusive policies and practices, we are cultivating a workplace culture where people feel valued, empowered, and inspired to reach their full potential,” says Shameel Joosub, CEO of Vodacom Group.
In 2024, Vodacom strengthened its Employee Value Proposition with employee offerings that endorse its commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace. With an emphasis on Compassion, Acceptance, Respect and Empathy (C.A.R.E.), the company's enhanced wellness initiatives include support for all stages of life, such as menopause, and a more encompassing family responsibility leave policy.
“Maintaining our position as Africa's Top Employer once again demonstrates our dedication to enabling our employees to thrive. However, our focus on nurturing talent and career development in the tech industry extends to the millions of young people across the continent who are the future of work. There is an urgent need to prepare the next generation for the rapidly evolving digital economy. To this end, we have launched the Digital Skills Hub, with the goal to equip one million young people in Africa by 2027 by providing access to self-paced, digital skills training for those aged between 18 and 35,” says Matimba Mbungela, Chief Human Resources Officer at Vodacom Group.
Developed in collaboration with other tech organisations, including Amazon Web Services and Microsoft, the Vodacom Digital Skills Hub aims to boost digital literacy across Africa, bridging the digital skills gap across eight African countries including in South Africa, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Mozambique, Lesotho, Egypt, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Kenya.
The Vodacom Digital Skills Hub is designed to empower the next generation, to consider a career in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and entails fun and engaging practical digital skills training for young people on the continent. AWS Educate is one of the first programs to be offered through the Digital Skills Hub and an additional program to Vodacom's various existing online learning platforms. AWS Educate offers beginners an extensive library of self-paced online training that covers a range of topics from cloud fundamentals to artificial intelligence and machine learning.
“As we embark on a new year, we want to encourage young people, whether they're students, job seekers or aspiring entrepreneurs, to benefit from the Digital Skills Hub. By supporting digital skills training as a Top Employer, we are empowering the next workforce and ensuring that everyone can connect to a better future,” concludes Joosub.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Vodacom Group.
Tilly Corteen-Coleman only took an interest in cricket to keep up with her brother but she very quickly realised it was all she wanted to do. Still only 17, the slow left-armer burst onto the scene in 2024, taking four wickets in four balls in the Charlotte Edwards Cup for South East Stars before becoming …
Bangladesh won a thrilling Super Over against England in the final round of warm-up matches ahead of the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Malaysia 2025. England made 113 from their 20 overs, before Bangladesh lost their final wicket to a run-out with the scores tied. In the Super Over, Sadia Akter was the star …
OMODA and JAECOO, the marques comprising the Brand O&J division, have reached a significant milestone in South Africa, securing a spot among the top 10 new passenger car sales in December 2024. With 655 vehicles sold last month, Chinese brands were the country’s tenth best-selling passenger car purveyors, competing with established brands. Within the Brand …
An Eastern Cape man and lady, caught in rip currents at Silver Beach, Port Edward, were saved from drowning thanks to the swift response of an NSRI Port Edward trainee crewman, who was surfing nearby at the time, together with 2 Simunye lifeguards who launched into the surf to assist. John Nicholas, NSRI Port Edward …
Gregor Townsend has named a 37-player squad, led by Sione Tuipulotu, ahead of the 2025 Guinness Six Nations. Scotland face Italy at home on Saturday 1 February and Glasgow Warriors centre Tuipulotu, who was named captain at the tail end of last year, once more assumes the responsibility. There are two uncapped players in the …
Dear Editor It is deeply concerning to learn of reports of taxi operators actively barring private scholar transport operators from dropping children off at schools, specifically in the Mthatha area. These actions are not only disruptive and deeply traumatizing for the children involved but also unlawful. Taxi operators have no legal authority to interfere with …
The Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) warns the public to act with caution when dealing with persons claiming to assist investors who lost funds invested with Banxso (Pty) Ltd (Banxso). The FSCA received complaints from members of the public who advised that they were contacted by persons claiming to be investigating Banxso and that they …
Rising star Lhuan-dre Pretorius is fast making himself an instant Betway SA20 hero, scoring a second blazing half-century Rising star Lhuan-dre Pretorius is fast making himself an instant Betway SA20 hero, scoring a second blazing half-century in Paarl Royals’ Cape derby win over neighbours MI Cape Town at Boland Park on Wednesday evening. Pretorius smashed …
They demanded sanitation and water
Third day of testimony held before Judicial Conduct Tribunal into sexual harassment complaint against Eastern Cape Judge President Selby Mbenenge
NIVEA’s first Body Lotion with 100% pure Hyaluron: Beiersdorf and NIVEA have relaunched their entire Body Lotion portfolio with an improved formula that includes Hyaluron. NIVEA is taking another step on its sustainability journey with the improved recyclability of its products. The relaunch is yet another demonstration of NIVEA’s more than 110-year legacy in skincare …
Kagiso Rabada’s masterclass inspired MI Cape Town to derby victory over rivals Paarl Royals at Newlands. The sun was gloriously setting over the awe-inspiring Table Mountain. A sold-out Newlands was painted in blue and gold. The expectation was palpable in the air. Trent Boult and Kagiso Rabada to share the new ball against Joe Root …
Fewer South Africans are relying on cash, with Standard Bank data showing a significant decline in both cash withdrawals and deposits since 2019, as more customers embrace digital banking alternatives. This shift was largely accelerated by the COVID-19 lockdowns, which pushed many customers toward ATMs, card payments, and digital banking channels. As a result, Standard …