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Dear Editor The DA is very concerned that Gauteng’s potential water ‘Day Zero’ is not being taken seriously by municipalities across the Province. Cooler weather, consistent rainfall, and reduced water demand over the holiday period may have spared Gauteng from water shortages in December, but by mid-January water consumption is back up to record levels. …
Johannesburg, South Africa – Lanseria International Airport and AERO South Africa, Southern Africa’s leading business-to-business trade show for the General Aviation industry, is proud to announce Lanseria International Airport as the new venue for its fifth edition, scheduled to take place from 25 to 27 June 2025. This move marks an exciting new chapter for …
South African sailor Andy Tarboton has given credit to several sources of inspiration after his victory at the Musto Skiff World Championships in Sydney over the weekend – including the Springbok rugby team. “I took inspiration from various articles I have read about the Springbok rugby team and how they fight for every inch, being …
Dear Editor The Minister of Health, Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi, continues to push the National Health Insurance (NHI), despite doctor unemployment crippling South Africa’s public health system. Despite the Department’s inability to hire and retain sufficient medical personnel, the Minister’s fixation on NHI raises serious concerns about his commitment to improving health care. The NU8 Clinic …
Judicial Conduct Tribunal finding against the judge shows the vital role of activists in holding public officials accountable
Cervical cancer, the fourth most common cancer among women globally, remains a critical yet often overlooked health issue. It is the leading cause of cancer death among women in sub-Saharan Africa, accounting for 22% of all female cancers in the region. Among the 20 countries in the world with the highest burden of cervical cancer, …
President Ramaphosa attends Presidential Inauguration in Moçambique
President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in Maputo today to attend the inauguration of the President-Elect of the Republic of Moçambique, Daniel Chapo.
This follows the Presidential, Legislative and Provincial Elections, held in Moçambique on 9 October 2024.
In a statement, The Presidency said the inauguration of President-Elect Chapo provides an opportunity for all the people of Moçambique to work together towards peace, democracy and development.
“President Ramaphosa is looking forward to working closely with President-Elect Chapo in further strengthening the existing strong fraternal relations between the two countries and looks forward to seeing Mozambicans come together in the spirit of unity and cooperation as they build a brighter future,” The Presidency said.
President Ramaphosa is accompanied by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, and Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Wed, 01/15/2025 - 09:43
Shipping containers have evolved far beyond their original purpose of transporting goods across the globe. They have become a staple in various industries due to their durability, adaptability, and cost-effectiveness. From storage to creative spaces, these metal boxes are now used in countless ways. Different Types of Containers for Sale When looking for containers …
KZN gets tough on scholar transport safety
A total of 47 scholar transport operators have been removed from KwaZulu-Natal roads and prevented from transporting learners on the first day of the 2025 academic year.
This as their vehicles have been declared unroadworthy ahead of the start of the 2025 academic year on Wednesday.
This follows an inspection of 245 buses and minibuses that provide scholar transport to 77 369 learners, who are expected to walk more than three kilometres to 433 schools in the province.
KwaZulu-Natal Transport MEC Siboniso Duma, led a team of examiners who inspected the vehicles for roadworthiness and compliance.
During the inspection on Tuesday, a number of concerns related to steering, brakes, and suspension, were flagged, leading to 47 vehicles being declared unroadworthy.
Duma said more law enforcement operations and inspections of scholar transport will be conducted by a highly efficient team from the Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) in more than 26 satellite stations.
“During the festive season, we rolled out a successful road safety operation that ensured the enforcement of the law and the visibility of law enforcement officers. We want to sustain this visibility as we re-open schools to ensure the safety of future leaders.
“Our view is that those who are transporting learners must know that they are carrying the future of this province. Only the strongest shoulders of disciplined individuals, can carry and fulfil the hopes of the nation,” Duma said.
The MEC noted that most communities have been affected due to damaged road infrastructure, bridges, and human settlements.
This follows prolonged heavy rainfall that started on 31 December 2024.
Despite limited resources, the MEC said the department is making all efforts to turn the situation around.
“Teams from both departments are doing assessments of damage and doing verification of affected families. It is our hope that in the coming year, we will get more budget to provide scholar transport to more than 157 538 learners who are on the waiting list. The budget required for this purpose is estimated at R1.6 billion,” Duma said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 01/15/2025 - 15:20
If you dread the daily lunch trade-off during break time at school, Johandre Grobler, Executive Chef, at ANEW Hotels & Resorts, has fabulous alternatives to bland sandwiches. His five unique, no-reheating-required meals are simple to prep, budget-friendly and guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest of palates. 1. Sushi-inspired tortilla rolls What you’ll need: Tortilla wraps, …
How prevalent is solar power, really? According to researcher Jenny Chase, it’s already displacing fossil fuels in key energy markets around the world. She explains the rise of affordable solar power and dives into how her team tracked its rapid installation in unexpected countries, offering a vision of a brighter, more sustainable future. From: …
Top matriculant Rayyan Ebrahim humbled by his achievement
Top academic achiever in the country, 19-year-old Rayyan Ebrahim, from Pinelands High School in the Western Cape, has expressed overwhelming pride and gratitude for being able to bag that honour.
Brimming with excitement, Ebrahim was announced as the overall top achiever by Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, during the official release of the NSC results on Monday evening.
Ebrahim's stellar academic performance includes nine distinctions and an impressive aggregate of 97.57%. He achieved 99% in Further Studies Mathematics (Standard), 100% in Physical Science, 97% in Mathematics, Computer Applications Technology (CAT), and Afrikaans, as well as 98% in Accounting.
Pinelands High School celebrated Ebrahim’s accomplishments in a Facebook post, highlighting that he placed in the Top 1% of candidates for Further Studies Mathematics (FSM) Standard (Calculus and Algebra) in South Africa which is “a phenomenal achievement!”
The school said Further Studies Mathematics (FSM) is a rigorous academic subject administered by the IEB as part of the new IEB International Secondary Certificate and is certified separately from the NSC qualification.
He also obtained 95% A* in Further Studies Mathematics (Extended), Further Studies, 86% A in Mathematics – Matrices and Graph Theory and 99% A* in Further Studies: Mathematics Standard (Calculus & Algebra).
Speaking to SAnews, the top student described the moment his name was announced as surreal.
He said that when his name was announced he felt like he just didn't register what was happening, however he focused on going up to the stage in disbelief.
“I just felt so overwhelmed, and I was really in disbelief regarding the announcement of being the top achiever in the country. But yeah, I am just so humbled by the achievement, and so grateful to be recognised for my hard work,” he said.
Reflecting on his matric journey, Ebrahim admitted it was a challenging year, marked by high expectations and moments of self-doubt.
“My matric year was quite a tumultuous one. It was overwhelming at times and I tended to put a lot of pressure on myself to do well, and so I just had to constantly affirm myself that, you know, my best was good enough.
“I constantly just did my best and relied a lot on the support from my family and my friends who always wished me well and affirmed that I could do well,” he said.
Ebrahim explained that his study routine involved waking up early in the mornings to study, which is when he was the most productive. He also made use of online resources, like study guides, YouTube videos, for those concepts that he was struggling to understand.
“I also used to tutor my friends as well, in Maths during holidays. And we'd work through past papers together, and we would just brainstorm ideas and try to teach other new ways of approaching the problem,” he said.
Looking ahead, Ebrahim plans to study Data Science at the University of Cape Town. He is drawn to the interdisciplinary nature of the field, which combines mathematics, programming, and statistics to extract insights from data.
He said that he chose the course because of his love for Maths and the fact that it is relevant to the needs of the country.
“I'm so excited about getting into a dynamic career field that is so relevant to the needs of South Africa. My love for Mathematics and its relevance to the country’s future inspired my choice,” he explained.
Advising the matric class of 2025, the student emphasised consistent effort and a balanced life for success.
“Matric is a very challenging year. It's very long and busy, but if you just work consistently throughout the year, and you stay on top of your work, and by the time you reach your final exam, you will be more than well prepared.
“I think it's important to live a balanced life while you're studying. So, there is always time to make for your family, or exercising and enjoy your matric year, while also getting the marks that you want,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Wed, 01/15/2025 - 15:24
Transforming eThekwini into a safer city
The city of eThekwini is famous for its year round warm weather; its pristine beaches; its rich Zulu heritage and its friendly people.
These attractions make the coastal city an ideal place for investors to do business in Durban.
However, in recent years, the economic powerhouse of KwaZulu-Natal has lost some of its appeal due to among other things, contamination at its beaches, a decline in tourism, water supply challenges, an increase in crime, dilapidated infrastructure and challenges with maintaining cleanliness.
To return the city to its former glory, President Cyril Ramaphosa established the eThekwini Working Group (PeWG) in April 2024.
The PeWG is a multi-stakeholder mechanism crafted to address critical service delivery, infrastructure and socio-economic challenges within the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality with the goal of positioning the city as an investment and tourism hub.
It operates across three spheres of government and includes representatives from the private sector and labour.
With crime being one of the challenges that act as a deterrent to holidaymakers and drive away investors in the city, the South African Police Service (SAPS) working together with the city, has increased crime combating operations and deployed more boots on the ground to ensure visibility.
In the lead up to the festive season, between 1 October and 15 November 2024, over 31 491 law enforcement officers from SAPS and 1538 metro police officers were deployed in eThekwini to enhance community safety through high-density operations. These operations are ongoing and continued throughout the festive season.
Speaking exclusively to SAnews about law enforcement operations in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, said the collaboration with the Metro Police and other law enforcement agencies was producing great results.
“As the SAPS, working together with the Metro Police and other law enforcement agencies, we have been able to push back on crime. We have been able to increase patrols, intelligence collection and crime combating operations.
“We have also been able to create an environment that enables business to operate. Our mission is to create a conducive environment for business to operate and function so that our citizens can get employment," Mkhwanazi said.
According to the progress report by the Working Group, business confidence in 2024 increased by 24.59%. In the first quarter, business confidence stood at 38.42% and increased to 63.01% in the third quarter.
“We must appreciate the intervention from national government through the Working Group. With the collaborative efforts of working with other government departments that are driving tourism and the security cluster, we have seen an increase in the recruitment of metro police officers that joined the service to ensure that we have more officers on the ground.
“As the SAPS, we have also received new Constables that were recruited and deployed in this area to ensure visibility on the ground. We are deploying strategically in key areas that are a hotspot for crime, and we have been able to reduce criminal activities in those areas,” he said.
As a result, residents can enjoy going for a jog at the beach front as early as 4am in the morning, as law enforcement operations are being implemented around the clock.
“We have maximum visibility by using blue light patrols which enables people to see our presence when the sun goes down. Anyone witnessing crime can easily reach out to law enforcement officials.
“We have increased the foot patrols to ensure that we can reach places that we would ordinarily not see when we are driving in the vehicles. We have procured motorbikes and deployed bicycles in the beachfront as well as in the city.
“We are confident with the operations that we are running in the city. We are seeing an increase in tourists visiting the city and business confidence. We are also partnering with the private sector’s security companies that are looking after business establishments in the city,” Mkhwanazi said.
Last November, the city announced that it was transferring its Closed-Circuit Television Cameras (CCTV) to the Metro Police Unit and Fire and Emergency Unit for management to enhance crime fighting and public safety while ensuring coordinated efforts to respond effectively to disasters.
The transfer included the Emergency Mobilising and Communication Centre (EMACC) and the technical services functions, which are being transferred to the Information Management Unit under the Office of the City Manager.
“In the past, these cameras were being controlled by Disaster Management, which was a challenge for law enforcement to utilise and operate them. With the transfer, the police have easy access to the cameras and as a result the response time to crime is shorter.
“Law enforcement can respond with speed because we have police officers monitoring the cameras and guide the members on the ground to respond to criminal activities. These are some of the results that we are seeing due to the work of the Working Group. Technology play a big role in in our crime fighting efforts,” the provincial Police Commissioner said.
Between 1 October and 15 November 2024, operations by SAPS officers and metro police officers saw 1 500 arrests, 150 undocumented persons were arrested, 322 suspects were arrested for the illegal possession of firearms and 58 949 drugs were recovered. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 01/15/2025 - 14:53
The Select Committee on Education, Science and Creative Industries has noted with appreciation the improvement in Grade 12 results for provinces that traditionally achieved lower pass rates. The Chairperson Mr Makhi Feni said it gave him great pleasure to see KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) move up to second place and closing in on a 90% pass rate.
“The last provinces have improved as well, particularly the Eastern Cape, which registered a 85% pass rate. This effort is highly appreciated and noted. This is an indication that provinces have their eyes on the ball,” Mr Feni noted.
“We are seriously moving to curb the differences between rural and urban provinces when it comes to results and output. This speaks to equal share and adequate support availed to all schools when it came resources, curriculum needs, materials, and learning and teaching times,” he said.
Matric results were announced by the Minister of Basic Education, Ms Siviwe Gwarube, on Monday, 13 January. The Free State achieved the highest pass rate, followed by KZN for the first time. Overall, the country achieved an 87.5% of the pass rate.
However, Mr Feni said the committee is concerned about the pending educator job cuts in the Western Cape.
“It seems the committee will need to invite the province, as the DBE clarified that there won't be educator job cuts. The Western Cape has been threatening these for a while now. We do not want public and township schools to be affected by these 2 000 lost posts, as it will have significant effects,” Mr Feni said.
“Educator job cuts have a potential to bring about regression. The talk should now be about how to strengthen teaching in public schools. The committee will be watching with keen interest this matter and others such as school safety, as well as the implementation of the recently signed Basic Education Laws Amendment Act.”
Mr Feni said the committee congratulates all educators, learners, school governing bodies and education stakeholders.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
Hlabisa meets with constitutional bodies to tackle initiation deaths
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa has recently met with constitutional bodies to discuss the critical challenges associated with customary initiation practices.
The goal of the meeting was to develop actionable solutions to prevent future fatalities following the tragic deaths of 28 young men during the summer initiation season in the Eastern Cape.
The Minister has since met leaders from the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious, and Linguistic Communities (CRL Rights Commission) and the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) to tackle the issue on Tuesday.
The Minister was accompanied by Deputy Ministers Dr Namane Dickson Masemola and Prince Zolile Burns-Ncamashe.
The chairperson of the CGE, Advocate Ntabiseng Sepanya Mogale, and the chairperson of the CRL Rights Commission, Thoko Mkhwanazi-Xaluva, also attended alongside their respective teams.
There was a recommendation to convene an indaba with all stakeholders before the 2025 winter initiation season.
According to the department, the indaba’s purpose will be to chart the way forward and agree on a comprehensive strategy for achieving zero fatalities during initiation seasons.
During the meeting, the Minister highlighted the urgent need to examine cultural practices that threaten lives, emphasising that “serious discourse and proactive solutions should be prioritised to protect life and cultural integrity“.
The meeting addressed various critical areas, including the legislative framework, health and safety standards, the review of qualifying requirements for participants in initiation practices, and strategies to enforce legal consequences for non-compliance and negligence.
They also spoke about specific issues contributing to initiation fatalities in the Eastern Cape and the common factors leading to the tragic loss of lives.
“The meeting concluded with several actionable recommendations to strengthen the implementation of the Customary Initiation Act and reduce initiation-related casualties,” the department said.
The department has since agreed to establish a commission of inquiry to investigate root causes of initiation deaths and provide comprehensive recommendations.
They also believe that law enforcement and increasing arrests and prosecutions for offenses related to initiation practices should be enhanced.
This includes holding key role players accountable, including principals of initiation schools, traditional surgeons, and caregivers.
They are of the view that ensuring adequate resourcing for Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committees (PICCs) and related interventions is also paramount.
The leaders also said they will investigate intensifying awareness campaigns and capacity-building programs for initiation schools and caregivers and strengthening partnerships among all stakeholders to improve compliance and implementation.
Meanwhile, a follow-up engagement with Kings in the Eastern Cape will be held by the end of January, with the participation of both commissions, to seek long-term solutions to the challenges faced in the province.
“This collaborative effort reflects the department’s commitment to preserving cultural practices. All stakeholders in the meeting agreed on a continuous engagement to address all challenges surrounding the initiation cultural practice and safeguarding lives and the dignity of initiates.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 01/15/2025 - 09:59
Mother of three says she can’t afford new uniforms until the end of the month
President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in Maputo today, 15 January 2025, to attend the inauguration of the President-Elect of the Republic of Moçambique, His Excellency Daniel Chapo, following the Presidential, Legislative and Provincial Elections which were held in Moçambique on 9 October 2024.
The inauguration of President-Elect Chapo provides an opportunity for all the people of Moçambique to work together towards peace, democracy and development.
President Ramaphosa is looking forward to working closely with President-Elect Chapo in further strengthening the existing strong fraternal relations between the two countries and looks forward to seeing Mozambicans come together in the spirit of unity and cooperation as they build a brighter future.
President Ramaphosa will be accompanied by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola, and Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
Social media personality appears in court
A social media personality – known for his controversial online social media posts – has appeared in the Randburg District Court on charges of crimen injuria, Contravention of Section 19 of the Cyber Crimes Act 19 of 2020 and hate speech.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority, the man, 33-year-old Musa Khawula, was remanded in custody for a formal bail application hearing.
“The accused is alleged to have posted derogatory statements between 10 and 12 October 2024 on his social media platform, which has a substantial following, with the alleged intention of impairing, injuring or damaging the dignity of businessman Zee Nxumalo,” the NPA said on Tuesday.
In court, it was revealed that Khawula has a pending murder case in the Free State and an outstanding warrant of arrest for reckless and negligent driving.
“Furthermore…[investigations] further revealed that the accused’s profile and physical address still need to be verified to enable the compilation of a comprehensive statement for bail application purposes,” the NPA said.
Khawula is expected back in court on 21 January. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 01/15/2025 - 10:24
Matrics who didn’t do well urged to pursue post-school training
The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), Professor Blade Nzimande, has encouraged learners who did not perform well to remain hopeful and explore other options, including various post-school training opportunities, or to consider taking advantage of a second chance to improve their results.
Nzimande made the call as he joined the nation in celebrating the hard work and achievements of the Grade 12 Class of 2024.
“As Minister responsible for the development and promotion of science, technology, and innovation in South Africa, I fully share the concerns of the Minister of Basic Education that our learners in Grades 5 to 9 significantly underperform in relation to their global counterparts in mathematics and science,” the Minister said in a statement.
Nzimande noted a decline in enrolments in critical subjects, such as physical sciences, mathematics, accounting, and economics, according to data.
These subjects are essential for a nation’s progress in science, innovation, and economic development.
In the next five years, Nzimande said the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation will actively support government efforts to enhance the performance of the schooling system in science and mathematics subjects.
The Minister believes that the nation requires massive and sustained growth in the production of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) graduates, if South Africa is to forge a technology-led future.
“It is for this reason that we, as the DSTI have adopted the mantra, which says: Placing science, technology, and innovation at the centre of government, education, industry and society," Nzimande said.
As part of the department’s contribution to addressing the maths and science-related challenges in the basic education sector, Nzimande said the department will seek to strengthen its existing cooperation with the Department of Basic Education, which is supported by cooperation agreements with the nine provincial departments of education.
In addition, the department has vowed to also strengthen existing cooperation with the Department of Higher Education, which is the main department in respect of higher education skills development, which includes science skills development.
“We are currently implementing several extra-curricular and non-formal activities in the basic education sector, whose main objective is to excite learners about maths and science and contribute towards improved learner performance in maths and science.
"These activities include the flagship science engagement program known as National Science Week (NSW), career guidance, and the distribution of Science, Engineering, and Technology (SET) career materials at various events, communities, and schools," Nzimande said.
He added that the department believes that the Mathematics Olympiads are extremely important, as they help develop the problem-solving skills of learners.
In 2023, more than 77 000 learners participated in the South African Mathematics Olympiad (SAMO), a science engagement activity that focuses on high school learners.
In 2024, more than 84 000 primary school learners participated in the South African Mathematics Challenge.
“We believe that all our science awareness and engagement interventions are not just critical for enhancing learner performance in maths and science, but also to enable our strategic goal of placing science, technology, and innovation at the centre of government, education, industry, and society.”
For additional information on accessing careers in science and training materials, please contact the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, Deputy Director for Science Promotion, Bersan Lesch at 071 112 6236 or Bersan.Lesch@dsti.gov.za. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 01/15/2025 - 10:42
Aspiring traffic officers in Western Cape warned about college scam
The Western Cape Mobility Department said it is aware of fraudulent activities where individuals are being scammed into paying fees to attend the provincial Gene Louw Traffic Training College.
“The unscrupulous scammers, operating via social media, falsely claim to represent the college and request payments of R150 for registration forms and a further R3 000 for enrolment,” the department’s statement read.
In late 2024 and early 2025, several individuals arrived at the college, believing they had secured training opportunities, only to discover they had been deceived, according to the provincial department.
A case of fraud has been opened and the department is actively working with law enforcement agencies.
“Gene Louw Traffic Training College emphatically states that no payments are required to secure admission, and it will not communicate through social media platforms on recruitment or training opportunities. Members of the public are urged to be vigilant and recognise that any such request is a scam.”
The department said there are no specific timelines for these advertisements and that prospective applicants should regularly monitor official channels.
Western Cape Mobility MEC, Isaac Sileku, said the safety and security of residents extend beyond the road and into the integrity of our institutions.
“It is deeply concerning that scammers are preying on the hopes and ambitions of those seeking to serve our communities as traffic officers. The department will continue to take all necessary steps to protect our law-abiding residents and maintain the trustworthiness of our recruitment processes.
“I urge everyone to remain cautious and report suspicious activities immediately,” Sileku explained.
The Head of the Gene Louw Traffic College, Jacqueline Tweedie, said they were disheartened by these fraudulent activities that exploit the aspirations of prospective traffic officers.
“This institution is committed to providing transparent and fair training opportunities to all qualified candidates. We remind everyone that admission to the college does not require any form of payment. Please verify all information through official channels to avoid falling victim to these scams,” Tweedie added.
Steps to becoming a Traffic Officer in the Western Cape:
• Posts for Traffic Officers are officially advertised by the Western Cape Mobility Department in newspapers and on the Western Cape Government website.
• A Traffic Officer qualification is not a prerequisite when applying for advertised posts.
• Applications are reviewed, and successful candidates are invited for recruitment processes.
• Only those who pass the recruitment process are admitted to training for a traffic officer qualification.
What to do if you are approached:
• Do not make any payments or share personal information with individuals claiming to represent the Traffic Training College via social media or unofficial platforms.
• Verify information directly through the Western Cape Government website.
• Report any suspicious activity to law enforcement immediately. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 01/15/2025 - 11:47
Empowering public service through Open Distance eLearning
By Fran Greyling
The need for continuous professional development is more important than ever. With the increasing demand for flexible, cost-effective, and scalable learning opportunities, Open Distance eLearning (ODeL) has emerged as a transformative solution.
One institution leading the charge in this space is the National School of Government (NSG), offering a suite of 20 ODeL courses tailored for public servants. These courses are carefully curated to address the evolving learning and development needs of public sector employees and are expanded annually.
A flexible, cost-effective, and scalable solution
ODeL is a flexible delivery model that ensures learning can be accessed by individuals regardless of location or time constraints. This flexibility is particularly beneficial to officials who often manage busy schedules and numerous responsibilities. Through ODeL, they can engage with course materials at their own pace, on their own terms, without the need for travel or time away from their duties.
Moreover, the scalability of the ODeL model is a significant advantage. By offering online courses, the NSG can reach a large audience, expanding its reach to public officials across various levels of government.
In addition to its flexibility and scalability, ODeL is a cost-effective learning model. Traditional in-person training programmes can be expensive, not only in terms of course fees but also when accounting for travel, accommodation, and other associated costs. By offering most of its ODeL courses for free, the NSG is making a significant contribution to the development of public sector employees, ensuring that cost does not become a barrier to learning. This commitment to providing free courses aligns with the School’s mission to promote capable and professional public service.
Supporting national goals and professionalisation
The NSG’s ODeL initiative plays a role in implementing the National Framework for the Professionalisation of the Public Sector, which is a key aspect of South Africa’s strategy for enhancing the quality and effectiveness of its public service. The framework is structured around several pillars.
Pillar 2 focuses on, among others, reorienting the public service to meet the demands of citizens and government. An online Reorientation course reminds public servants of their obligations and equips them with the tools to navigate everyday challenges.
Pillar 4 is dedicated to ensuring continuous professional development for public sector employees. ODeL is an effective vehicle for achieving this goal. By offering a broad range of courses that focus on critical knowledge, skills, and values, the NSG is facilitating ongoing learning and development for public servants. Our free courses are designed to improve performance in the workplace. The courses include an introduction to core management competencies such as strategic planning, leading change, project management, financial management, and human resource management. Additional courses focus on promoting ethical behaviour and fostering anti-discrimination awareness. The Know and Live Our Constitution course addresses constitutional obligations, providing a foundation for other courses that focus on the responsible and accountable use of government resources. ODeL also supports performance improvement by offering courses that develop practical skills, such as professional writing.
A catalyst for online learning and development
The COVID-19 pandemic, though a challenge for many industries, proved to be a catalyst for the uptake of ODeL. As in-person learning became impractical due to health restrictions, institutions and organisations turned to online learning as a viable alternative. Public servants embraced the flexibility and accessibility offered by ODeL platforms, allowing them to continue their professional development during a time of uncertainty.
Since the onset of the pandemic, more than 250,000 ODeL opportunities have been created for public officials. These opportunities span all spheres of government and across all provinces in the country. This wide-reaching impact highlights the strong demand for accessible learning and development programmes and the success of ODeL in meeting this need. The high levels of participation and completion are strong indicators that ODeL is addressing genuine learning needs.
Easy access
The process for enrolling in these courses is straightforward. Public servants can easily access the NSG’s website, browse the available courses, register, and begin their learning journey. The platform is designed to be user-friendly, providing officials with just-in-time learning opportunities.
The ODeL courses currently on offer are the following:
Looking ahead
As the world of public service continues to evolve, the role of ODeL in supporting professional growth and development is becoming increasingly important. The future of learning and development is undoubtedly shifting towards online platforms, and initiatives like ODeL offer new opportunities for growth and learning. Public servants across the country now have greater access to flexible and relevant learning opportunities, helping to enhance their skills and contribute to a more effective public service.
More information is available on the NSG website on www.gov.za or email elearning@thensg.gov.za and for bookings contactcentre@thensg.gov.za.
*Dr Fran Greyling is the Chief Director responsible for eLearning at the National School of Government.
Janine
Wed, 01/15/2025 - 08:46
President Ramaphosa chairs first Presidential Economic Advisory Council meeting
President Cyril Ramaphosa has chaired the first meeting of the newly appointed Presidential Economic Advisory Council for the seventh administration.
The meeting was held at the Union Buildings in Tshwane on Tuesday.
“The Presidential Economic Advisory Council will play an important role in providing independent advice as we seek to ensure that our economic policy is informed by sound evidence, by innovation, and by a diversity of views and opinions," the President said.
A statement by the Presidency said the President welcomed members and emphasised the important role the Council plays “as the Government of National Unity looks to reignite economic growth and tackle poverty and inequality”.
“The meeting reaffirmed the necessity of structural transformation and economic reforms to accelerate economic growth and discussed forward-looking policy proposals in areas such as green industrial policy, skills development, and macroeconomic policy,” the statement read.
Furthermore, the statement revealed that discussions also forayed into “the need to position South Africa for growth in a rapidly changing global environment, in which technological advances in artificial intelligence and the imperative of tackling climate change will lead to structural changes in economies”.
Discussions were also held on South Africa’s Presidency of the Group of 20 (G20) and the country’s role in “advancing the global economic policy agenda as it assumes the Presidency of the G20”.
“President Ramaphosa has outlined a set of clear and actionable priorities for the G20 Presidency which include mobilising finance to support a just transition, addressing the unsustainable debt burden on developing countries, strengthening disaster resilience and response, and harnessing critical minerals for inclusive growth and sustainable development.
“The meeting discussed proposals to advance these priorities, building on the progress made on issues such as international taxation, reform of multilateral development banks, and climate finance,” the statement read. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 01/15/2025 - 09:04
Over the past decade, e-cigarettes and vaping devices have become increasingly popular, mainly due to the perception that they are a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes. However, the World Health Organization indicates that vaping poses significant health risks, particularly to the lungs. While e-cigarettes do not produce tar-like traditional cigarettes, they still expose users to …
Government congratulates Matric Class of 2024
Government has extended its congratulations to the Matric Class of 2024 for their outstanding performance in the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations.
With a pass rate of 87.3% - the matriculants have exceeded the 82.9% achieved in 2023, marking an impressive improvement of 4.4%.
The class of 2024 has worked hard and with determination, reflecting a collective effort from learners, teachers, parents, guardians and caregivers.
“The 2024 results mark a significant milestone in the history of South Africa’s education system, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of democracy. In 1994, many learners faced various odds, with limited access to quality resources, school infrastructure, teaching and appropriate education curriculum.
“Today, the Class of 2024 benefits from an education system that is more inclusive, better resourced, has access to warm meals, no fee schools and a world renown curriculum.
“The journey has not been without its trials; among other things, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted schooling globally, causing significant learning losses and posing unprecedented challenges to learners, educators and families. Yet, the Class of 2024 has emerged stronger, proving that perseverance and collective effort can overcome adversity,” the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said on Tuesday.
It said that government has worked hard to create an enabling learning environment which includes, amongst others, the eradication of mud schools, pit latrine toilets and provision of good quality classrooms.
The Department of Basic Education has set a deadline of 31 March 2025 to eradicate all remaining identified pit latrine toilets in schools across the country.
“Significant progress has been made in building new schools, refurbishing existing ones, and ensuring that learners have access to a safe and dignified learning environment. In addressing the challenges relating to safety and security of both the learners and the teachers, government is working on plans to combat and reduce crime in the country.
“As the country celebrates the achievements of the Class of 2024, let us also honour the legacy of transformation in the education sector over the past 30 years. Access to education has expanded significantly, and the pass rate for Matric examinations has steadily improved, reflecting the progress made in teaching, learning and resource allocation.
“The class of 2024 is encouraged to carry forward the values of resilience, dedication and excellence as they embark on the next chapter of their lives,” the GCIS said.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has commended the matric Class of 2024 for their exceptional achievements, highlighting their dedication and the significant strides made in South Africa's basic education sector.
President Ramaphosa said the achievements of the Class of 2024 are a proud contribution to and evidence of the nation’s progress during 30 Years of Freedom and Democracy.
“These results reinforce our resolute development of our nation’s most valuable resource - our young people. They also provide proof that we are undoing apartheid’s planned legacy of intergenerational indignity, disadvantage and poverty for the majority of South Africans.
“These results demonstrate the agency, resilience and pride of the youth of our nation in creating a better future for themselves and for all of us,” he said following the announcement of the results on Monday. -SAnews.gov.za
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Wed, 01/15/2025 - 09:19