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Our world has moved on somewhat since the advent of the mobile phone as a communication medium. In the beginning we saw people walking and chatting, driving and chatting, flying and chatting… I recall one lone voice many years ago (before the proliferation of Instant Messaging Apps) predicting that one day we would all communicate …
SASSA reminds citizens of October payment dates for social grants
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) has reminded social grant beneficiaries of the payment dates for its various social grants for the month of October.
The older person’s grants will be paid from Wednesday this week, while disability grant beneficiaries will be paid on Thursday.
“There is no need to rush to withdraw cash on the first day. Once the money is in the account, it will remain there until it is needed,” the agency said.
Here are all social grant payment dates for October:
• Older Persons/Pensioners' Grant: Wednesday, 2 October
• Disability Grant: Thursday, 3 October
• Children’s Grant: Friday, 4 October
The agency further emphasised that they will be “paying the right social grant, to the right person, at the right time and place”.
SASSA beneficiaries can receive their SASSA payments from selected supermarkets, such as Pick n Pay, Boxer, USave merchants, Checkers and Shoprite, and obtain this through their SASSA card or by getting the amount directly transferred into their bank account. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Mon, 09/30/2024 - 11:00
Isilumko Staffing is a recruitment agency committed to changing lives through our diversity and inclusion efforts aimed at creating more equitable and inclusive hiring practices across all the industries we recruit for on behalf of our clients. These efforts align with our core values of integrity, ownership, and positive contribution, as well as our dedication …
Renewable energy programme to be accelerated
South Africa is determined to be “ultra aggressive” in onboarding renewable energy sources.
This is according to Electricity and Energy Minister, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa.
The Minister was speaking on Monday during the Ministerial Renewable Energy Seminar held in Midrand, under the theme: "Advancing Renewable Energy: A Comprehensive Review of the IPP Procurement Process".
Ramokgopa told the gathering that it is in the “collective interest” to accelerate the renewable energy programme.
“We must be ultra aggressive in the onboarding of renewables. It must be on steroids. But we can only achieve that if we resolve the issues that you are going to share with us today. I think the future is renewables.
“We must resolve the issues of permitting and licensing, and the speed because capital has got choices. It’s not like capital is waiting and waiting for South Africa to resolve its problems. It is in our interest to ensure that we are greedy in how we want to consume this capital, and that greed will be displayed in the manner and the enthusiasm with which we are resolving the major impediments in this instance.
“We want to capture all these opportunities… for the greater good of the region,” Ramokgopa said.
WATCH | Renewable Energy Seminar
In order to build a strong renewable energy sector, “we must build confidence in the system”, the Minister stressed.
“We are going to be a bit more aggressive in onboarding renewables but I think that statement is hollow if we are not able to address the attendant challenges, the inherent weaknesses in the system.
"We must build confidence in the system going into the future, firstly, by illustrating our ability to resolve the challenges that have afflicted the previous bid windows.
“[Being aggressive means] going out to procure the megawatts that are of a scale and proportion that we have not done before. But if we have not resolved the inherent challenges, that statement will be put to waste because we will not be able to achieve that which we desire.
“So it’s important that we have that conversation and I urge you [stakeholders] to be very candid,” he said.
The Minister said his department wants to gather as much information as possible to improve on South Africa’s Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (IPPPP).
“We are here to listen on how best we can improve. Once we have listened… we will action. We really want industry to thrive for us to make South Africa the preferred destination for this capital [and] for us to run the most ambitious and successful of all renewable programmes from a public procurement point of view.
“[We want] the best one, not just on the continent, not just in the Global South but something that is of envy across the globe,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 09/30/2024 - 11:41
In the News Today: The civilian-operated British military support vessel, Hurst Point, arrived in Durban on 19 September to take bunkers and re-supply. British military sealift vessels are now calling at South African ports for bunkers, as they are forced to take the Cape sea route, and forego the threats now extant in the Southern Red …
Cayden Robert, a rising star in the world of South African motorcycle racing, is set to compete in the highly anticipated Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Selection Event, taking place this year at the Mike G Circuit in Guadix, Spain. The event, scheduled to begin on 29 September 2024 is a crucial step in the …
GAUTENG- Benoni Flying Squad members arrested three suspects and recovered four motor vehicles. On Thursday, 26 September 2024 at around 12:00, members followed up on information that led to McGaghey Street, Parkrand. A 32-year- old suspect wanted for fraud on a Bela Bela case was arrested. In a separate incident, two suspects aged 32 and …
UPINGTON – The South African Police Service in the ZF Mgcawu District made a discovery of illegal gas on Sunday, 29 September 2024 after information was operationalized about a suspect who allegedly went to collect illegaly filled gas bottles to sell in the ZF Mgcawu area. According to information, it is alleged that the gas …
Mashatile kicks off working visit to the UK
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has arrived in London, United Kingdom, for the second leg of his working visit scheduled to take place today and wrap up on Friday, 4 October 2024.
According to the Presidency, the purpose of the visit is to improve trade and investment relations between South Africa and the United Kingdom.
This visit follows a successful working visit to Ireland, which was aimed at advancing cooperation between South Africa and Ireland to improve trade and investment, and building on the significant progress made in the fields of science, innovation, as well as education and skills development.
READ | Deputy President assures Ireland of SA’s commitment to 'enabling environment' for business
The United Kingdom is one of South Africa’s most significant bilateral partners, particularly in trade, investment, skills development, science, innovation, the Just Energy Transition and tourism, among others.
The Deputy President’s visit will focus on building investor confidence in South Africa and driving foreign direct investment into the nation.
According to Mashatile’s office, he will continue to engage with various local and international private sector partners to mobilise investment support and strengthen public-private partnerships to realise the country’s economic growth and transformation objectives.
“The Deputy President will also use the opportunity to advance the strategic priorities of the Government of National Unity (GNU), which include creating sustainable economic growth, addressing poverty and the high cost of living, and building an ethical, capable developmental State,” his office said.
During this visit, the Deputy President will also engage with representatives from several organisations. These include Bloomberg Media, Financial Times, Sasol, Brand South Africa, the London Stock Exchange, Investec’s Investors Roundtable, Standard Bank, JP Morgan, City Bank, Goldman Sachs and the South African Chamber of Commerce.
He is expected to also pay a courtesy call on the Duke of Edinburgh and meet with the Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Angela Rayner.
The Deputy President is leading a delegation comprising various Ministers. He is accompanied by the International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola; Minister in the Presidency responsible for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Maropene Ramokgopa; Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson; Small Business Development Minister Stella Ndabeni Abrahams and some Deputy Ministers from various departments. – SAnew.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 09/30/2024 - 11:05
Kris Kristofferson, the legendary American singer-songwriter, actor, and musician, passed away on 28 September 2024, at the age of 88, in his home in Maui, Hawaii. Born on 22 June 1936, in Brownsville, Texas, Kristofferson’s profound impact on the music and film industry will be remembered by fans and colleagues alike. Early Life and Education […]
The 2024 Hollywood Foundation Iqhawe Week concluded with a thrilling final, as Western Province claimed their second consecutive crown with a narrow 24-23 win over Border on Thursday, 26 September 2024. Once again, Iqhawe Week has highlighted the vast pool of rugby talent in South Africa. Through the support of various sponsors, the Cell C …
In the News Today: Lesotho athletes Tebello Ramakongoana and Neheng Khatala dominated the Hollywoodbets 10km race in Durban on Sunday, winning both the men’s and women’s races. Ramakongoana beat a strong field that included Elroy Gelant, Stephen Mokoka, Kabelo Mulaudzi and Thabang Mosiako to finish first in 28:07. Gelant was second in 28:08, while Kamohelo …
Photographers encouraged to enter Citizen Science for Water Photo Story Competition
Photographers have been encouraged to submit entries to the Citizen Science for Water Photo Story Competition, which is aimed at communicating matters on water action.
“The competition is aimed at elevating inspiring stories on citizen science for water by touching upon people’s emotional connection to water and inspiring them to take positive action,” the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) said on Saturday.
Citizen science is the practice of public participation and collaboration in scientific endeavours to increase scientific knowledge.
The South African National Committee (SANC) for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP), in collaboration with the DWS, launched the Citizen Science for Water Photo Story Competition on Friday in Pretoria.
SANC members include DWS, the Water Research Commission (WRC), Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), University of South Africa (UNISA), and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), amongst others.
“The competition’s objectives are to raise awareness on the intertwined relationship between water and the various dimensions of culture, value, education and the natural sciences in the past and present; activate youth involvement in communicating matters of water action in creative ways; contribute to joint actions in the water action agenda, and to demonstrate how citizens, communities and education could effectively support the sustainable use and management of water,” the department said.
Participants should explore five themes which are: Water and Citizen Science; Water and Partnerships; Water and Education; Water and Culture, as well as Water and Communities.
The competition is now officially opened. Submissions can be sent via a link: https://www.dws.gov.za/Projects/UNESCO/cspi.aspx
Applicants are urged to familiarise themselves with the submission rules when entering the competition. Anyone with inquiries or struggling with submission may direct their queries to ihp50photostory@dws.gov.za.
The competition is free to enter, and participants must be 18 years or older. The deadline for submission is 28 February 2025, 23:00 South African Time.
The winners will be officially announced in March 2025 and receive an award from the department and South African National Committee for IHP, and recognition and visibility through IHP channels and initiatives both locally and internationally.
The top 15 winning pieces will be exhibited in June 2025 during the launch of the Photo Story Book. -SANews.gov.za
nosihle
Sun, 09/29/2024 - 10:41
The opening weekend of Vodacom United Rugby Championship action for the four South African franchises delivered a mixed bag of results, with the two home teams bagging victories in Gauteng, while the coastal sides suffered defeats on the road in Wales and Ireland. The Emirates Lions and the Vodacom Bulls kicked off their campaigns with …
Housing activists are demanding that Alan Winde engage with them
South African woman arrested for drug trafficking at OR Tambo
A 21-year-old South African woman has been arrested for drug trafficking at the OR Tambo International (ORTIA) Airport.
This is the 11th drug mule to be arrested at the airport in a period of two months.
“The drug mule was profiled and intercepted as she was arriving on a flight from São Paulo, Brazil, on Sunday morning, just before 9am. She was taken to a local hospital where an X-ray confirmed that she had foreign objects in her stomach,” said the police in a statement.
The woman has already released a number of bullets from her body and is in police custody where they are closely monitoring the release of further drug bullets. The process is still unfolding, said SAPS.
National Commissioner of the Police, General Fannie Masemola, commended the vigilance of members of SARS and SAPS at the airport.
“Our men and women in blue working closely with SARS customs and various stakeholders continue to assert the authority of the state at all our ports of entry.
“We appreciate the hard work and dedication of our members and urge them to do more to squeeze the space for criminals. Drug traffickers are feeling the heat and there is nowhere to hide,” said Masemola.
Every week in the last month, SAPS and SARS customs, immigration and the Border Management Authority (BMA) have been intercepting drug traffickers at OR Tambo International Airport.
On Sunday, 22 September 2024, a 30-year-old Namibian drug mule was arrested after arriving from São Paulo.
She too was taken for medical examination and released more than 60 drug bullets. She has already appeared in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court on a charge of dealing in drugs.
On Friday, 13 September 2024, a Nigerian drug mule was arrested after he was found in possession of cocaine that was concealed in aircraft head phones. He had just landed from São Paulo.
He has already appeared before the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court on a charge of dealing in drugs. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 09/30/2024 - 09:55
Electric vehicles (EVs) are no longer a futuristic idea, they’re here. They’re quickly becoming a common sight on roads worldwide. As more people switch to electric cars, the demand for EV chargers continues to rise. Whether you’re considering purchasing an electric car or already own one, having access to reliable electric car chargers is essential …
Essential but Elusive: Unlocking Growth with CIO Expertise in Budget-Conscious Businesses An eye-watering $5.4 billion, or R100 billion at current exchange rates: that’s what the recent CrowdStrike outage is estimated to have cost US Fortune 500 companies. While the amount of money involved seems a very long way from reality for many South African SMEs, …
In the News Today: The South African Police Service (SAPS) says the Eastern Cape is one of the top three mass murder spots countrywide. This comes after 18 people died from two families were shot and killed in two separate incidents at Ngobozana village on Saturday. Police said that over 38 people had been killed …
In today’s fast-paced business environment, ensuring excellent customer service is paramount. One key element of this is maintaining a responsive and professional call answering service that meets the needs of your clients and prospects. Whether you run a small business or a large corporation, having an efficient system in place for handling calls is crucial. …
In the News Today: A passenger bus and a bakkie collided at the corner of Stalwart Simelane Street and Somtseu Road late on Sunday night. Firefighters helped free some 20 people from the bus, who’d suffered various injuries and were taken to hospital. Spokesperson for ALS Paramedics Garrith Jamieson says both vehicles came to a stop …
Netstar South Africa Wins Gold at the 2024 New Generation Awards for Most Innovative Corporate App Johannesburg, September 27, 2024 – Netstar South Africa is proud to announce that it has won Gold at the 2024 New Generation Awards, held last night in Johannesburg. The company’s MyNetstar 2.0 app was awarded top honors in the …
DCC launches innovative programme to empower SMMEs in the chemicals sector KwaZulu-Natal, September 2024 – The Durban Chemicals Cluster (DCC) recently launched its groundbreaking Origin8 programme, designed to drive localisation and enable transformation in the South African chemicals sector. This innovative initiative, funded by the Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (CHIETA), aims to empower …
Rebecca Meder wrapped up the SA Short Course Championships in Durban with another world championships qualifying time on Sunday. The 22-year-old claimed an emphatic victory in the 200m breaststroke, dipping under the 2 minute 20 mark for the first time and finishing in a time of 2:19.77 to add to her list of events for …