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In the News Today: Taps have been dry for more than eight years in eThekwini municipality’s ward 105. The residents of numerous villages scattered across the hilly, rural area, say their taps started running dry as far back as 2014, when water flow was restricted to night-time only, but there hasn’t been a drop since they …
The teacher was arrested for domestic violence and held in custody for a weekend
In the News Today: 24 September 2024 – Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has named a 33-member preliminary squad for next month’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Congo. Broos’ charges face the Congolese in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, on Friday, 11 October 2024 (7pm), and then they travel to Congo to play the return …
In the News Today: Suspected extortionists, who were involved in a shoot-out with the police, are expected in court soon. This comes after they were arrested following a construction site shoot-out with security guards in Sydenham, Durban, on Wednesday, 25 September. It’s alleged the suspected extortionists demanded a certain percentage from a company that is …
In the News Today: SAFA have confirmed the venue for the crucial Bafana Bafana AFCON 2025 qualifier tie scheduled for 11 October 2024. The senior men’s national team plays back-to-back qualifiers next month against Congo Brazzaville. The first leg has been moved from Bloemfontein to Gqeberha’s Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. SAFA CEO Lydia Monyepao made …
Premier insists that casual workers currently running production at the Mr. Sweet Factory are qualified
Thursday, 26 September 2024: An array of exciting prizes from full bursaries to cash prizes, laptops and tablet computers were awarded to top performing innovators at this year’s Eskom Expo International Science Fair. The fair is being held at the Convention Centre at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park from 23 to 27 September 2024, and...
In the News Today: Kaizer Chiefs still hold the upper hand over Mamelodi Sundowns in the head-to-head record between the two teams but that has been rapidly hauled in over recent years as the Brazilians have dominated the domestic scene. Saturday’s highly anticipated Betway Premiership clash at Soccer City will be the 109th meeting between the …
In the News Today: The Department of Home Affairs has announced that it will open its offices on Saturdays until October 12. Home Affairs Minister, Dr Leon Schreiber, said the offices will be open for five hours a day on Saturdays from 8am to 1pm and priority will be given to Grade 12 pupils, who …
Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will on 27 – 28 September 2024, undertake a working visit to Ireland. The visit is aimed at reinforcing South Africa's historic and warm bilateral relations with Ireland.
Upon arrival in Ireland, the Deputy President will meet his Irish counterpart, Prime Minister Simon Harris, to reaffirm the strong political and diplomatic ties between the two countries.
South Africa and Ireland established diplomatic relations over 30 years ago. Political and economic relations between South Africa and Ireland encompass a broad spectrum of cooperation, such as trade and investment, education, science and innovation and gender equality. Ireland's developmental programmes have greatly assisted many initiatives in South Africa since 1994, and the partnership continues to this day.
During the visit, the Deputy President will participate in the South Africa-Ireland Trade and Investment Round Table with Irish companies that are already invested in or intend to invest in South Africa, he is expected to deliver remarks at the Irish Tech Challenge South Africa, established to support innovation and entrepreneurship by fostering connections between the South Africa and Irish tech ecosystems.
The Deputy President will be accompanied to Ireland by the Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Andrew Whitfield.
The Deputy President will then proceed to the United Kingdom of Great Britain (UK) from 29 September – 04 October 2024. The visit will focus on showcasing South Africa as an investment destination of choice and strive to identify and create new trade opportunities for South African businesses, especially small and medium enterprises.
The UK is one of South Africa's most significant bilateral partners in the Northern Hemisphere, particularly in trade, investment, skills development, science, innovation, the Just Energy Transition and tourism, among others.
The Deputy President will engage selected investors and trade partners invited in cooperation with economic partners in the UK, and deliver a lecture at School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) University in London, focusing on South Africa's forthcoming Presidency of the G20.
The Deputy President will also pay a courtesy call on the Duke of Edinburgh, and meet the Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Ms Angela Rayner.
The Deputy President will be accompanied to the United Kingdom by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ronald Lamola; the Minister in the Presidency Responsible for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Ms Maropene Ramokgopa; the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Mr Dean Macpherson; the Minister of Small Business Development, Ms Stella Ndabeni Abrahams; the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Ms Rosemary Capa; the Deputy Minister Finance, Mr David Masondo; the Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Mr Kenneth Morolong and the Deputy Minister Trade Industry and Competition, Mr Andrew Whitfield.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
In the News Today: By Ayanda Nyuswa: The count down has begun for the 2025 Durban International Marathon after the fifth edition of the competition was officially launched in Durban on Thursday. Next years race, which is hosted by Newlands Athletics Club, is scheduled to take place on 4 May 2025 and will feature a changed route. …
Power has not been restored for a year to Dunoon fire victims
SA's G20 Presidency to focus more on Global South and African issues, says Lamola
South Africa’s G20 Presidency will be centred more on the interests of the Global South agenda, especially Africa, says International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Ronald Lamola.
Preparations are underway for South Africa’s G20 Presidency and hosting the G20 Summit in 2025. South Africa is expected to take over Chair of the G20 from December 1 this year, from Brazil.
Lamola announced that South Africa’s theme will focus on solidarity, equality and sustainable development.
“This theme speaks to the developmental priorities of the Global South, particularly, the African continent, which is now fully represented with the admission of the African Union (AU) in the G20,” he told delegates during the Troika high-level address at the United Nations (UN).
The G20 (or the Group 20) comprises 19 States, plus the European Union and the AU as of this year – bringing together the world’s major and systemically important economies.
The G20 operates a Troika system of hosting, where the Troika consists of the past, present, and next Presidencies.
Brazil’s Presidency is also in a Global South Troika - India-Brazil-South Africa.
Lamola stressed that South Africa will ensure that the G20 provides strategic direction towards establishing a “more equitable, representative and fit-for-purpose international order”.
According to the Minister, the theme will also confirm South Africa’s intention to build on the efforts and successes of the G20 Presidencies of Indonesia, India and Brazil.
He believes this will ensure that the needs, interests and aspirations of the developing economies of the Global South, and Africa especially, drive the overall G20 agenda going forward.
According to the Minister, South Africa’s overarching theme will also zoom in on the country’s priorities. These include accelerating efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the objectives of Agenda 2063 of the AU and addressing the critical issue of debt vulnerability of many countries of the global South.
The country will also focus on creating consensus around reform of the International Financial Architecture (IFA) and the Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs).
“This is critical to ensure that they become fit for purpose to adequately address sustainable development and transboundary challenges,” Lamola explained.
In addition, the emphasis will also be on combating climate change, which has devastating consequences for food security in developing countries.
South Africa also hopes to address issues of predatory mining by some countries and corporations, in the quest for Africa’s raw materials and critical minerals.
“South Africa will take forward the outcomes of the report of the UN Secretary’s Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals,” Lamola said, adding that strengthening the Multilateral Trading System was also key.
The other key issues the nation will advance include industrialisation, employment and inequality, food security, the blue economy and artificial intelligence.
Lamola took the time to commend Brazil President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s call, as the G20 President, for the reinvigoration of multilateralism, and the reform of global governance institutions to make it more representative and inclusive.
“We further thank Brazil for its innovative leadership in calling for this G20 meeting and inviting all UN Members.
“This meeting today and its call to action further demonstrates the collective global solidarity in addressing current and future global challenges. South Africa will carry forward the momentum laid by Brazil on the reform of the multilateral institutions,” Lamola said.
Meanwhile, he said that South Africa’s G20 Presidency will mark the end of the first cycle of G20 Presidencies.
“We intend to undertake a review of the first cycle of G20 Presidencies. This is critical to ensure implementation. Brazil can count on us to maintain the momentum they’ve started I thank you for your attention,” he added.
President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his appreciation to Brazil as the current President of the G20 for convening this meeting.
The President also commended the excellent way Brazil has been steering the work of the G20 during its Presidency. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 09/26/2024 - 10:50
Eureka DIY Solutions, a trusted household name in the fastener industry since 1985, has taken a significant step in aligning its packaging practices with South Africa’s sustainability goals by joining the Southern African Vinyls Association (SAVA) as a packaging producer. Eureka, known for its extensive range of fasteners supplied to hardware retailers across the country, …
Discovery Vitality is excited to host the second edition of its popular Vitality Run Series in Gqeberha next week. The BayRun will be hosted by 32Gi athletic club on Saturday, 5 October, and will start and finish at Cape Recife High School. The Vitality Run Series was introduced in 2017, with the aim to help …
W Cape records lowest HIV prevalence rate in SA
Out of the nine provinces in South Africa, the Western Cape had the lowest HIV prevalence (7.4%) in 2022 and second lowest in 2017 (8.6%).
According to the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), this translates to 540 000 people living with HIV (PLHIV) in the Western Cape, which was a decline from 560 000 PLHIV in 2017.
The information is based on the findings of the Sixth South African HIV Prevalence, Incidence and Behaviour Survey (SABSSM VI) for the Western Cape, which was released by the HSRC on Thursday.
According to the overall principal investigator of the study, the HSRC’s Professor Khangelani Zuma, the survey showed that in 2022, HIV prevalence in the province was higher among those aged 25 to 49 (10.8%) for both females (14.6%) and males (5.8%).
Meanwhile, HIV prevalence was higher among females (9%) compared to males (5.6%).
“HIV prevalence peaked at 12.9% amongst those aged 35 to 39 in 2022 from 23.4% in 2017 within the same age group.
“There was a decrease in HIV prevalence in 2022 among all age groups younger than 30 to 34 years compared to 2017, apart from the age groups zero to 14; 15 to 19, and those 50 years and older.
“The worsening prevalence among those younger than 24 years is deeply concerning, as it shows continued new infections from both horizontal and vertical transmissions,” Zuma said.
SAnews reported last week that Mpumalanga now has the highest HIV prevalence at 17.4% in 2022, which translates to an estimated 890 000 (PLHIV) in the province, followed by KwaZulu-Natal.
READ | Mpumalanga records highest HIV prevalence rate
Antiretroviral treatment
Antiretroviral treatment (ART) coverage in the Western Cape increased to 76.8% in 2022, from 54.4% in 2017.
This translates to an estimated 360 000 PLHIV in the province receiving ART in 2022.
In 2022, ART use among all PLHIV in the province was lower among those aged 15 to 49 (76.5%) compared to other age groups.
ART use was also lower among males (75.3%) compared to females (77.1%).
In addition, ART use was 76.2% amongst respondents who reside in urban areas and 81.4% in the City of Cape Town.
The SABSSM VI survey, conducted between 2022 and 2023, aimed to maintain surveillance of HIV infection and behaviours in South Africa, evaluate the progress of the South African national HIV and Aids, STI and TB Strategic Plan, and monitor HIV indicators for national and international reporting.
Viral load suppression (VLS)
The survey further revealed that in 2022, among all provinces, the Western Cape had the seventh highest proportion of PLHIV with VLS (78.4%), having increased from 2017 (54.6%).
Overall, VLS was also lower among males (76%) compared to females (79.7%).
VLS was also lower among those aged 50 and older (69.4%) compared to other age groups.
Knowledge of HIV status
The professor expressed concern that PLHIV between 25 and 49 years accounted for the majority of PLHIV in the Western Cape, who were unaware of their HIV status (59.1%); aware but not on ART (64.7%), and on ART but not VLS (66.7%).
Adolescents and youth aged between 15 and 24 contributed disproportionally to gaps in treatment, accounting for just 9.5% of all PLHIV.
Regarding the key drivers of the HIV epidemic, Zuma noted that in the Western Cape, there was an increase in the proportion of adolescents and youth aged 15 to 24, who reported sex before the age of 15 in 2017 (14%), compared to 2022 (16.3%).
Sexual debut before the age of 15 among adolescents and youth aged 15 to 24 in 2022 was higher among males (21.5%) than females (11.3%).
Multiple sexual partners
The survey revealed that in the Western Cape, 6.7% of people aged 15 and older reported having two or more sexual partners in 2022 compared to 7.6% in 2017.
The proportion of people aged 15 and older who reported having multiple sexual partners was two-fold higher among males (8.9%), compared to females (4.4%), and higher among those aged 15 to 24 (19.1%) compared to other age groups.
Condom use
The survey revealed that 22.1% reported using a condom with their most recent sexual partner in 2022 compared to 26.6% in 2017, representing a 4.5% decline.
Condom use with their most recent sexual partner among people who are 15 years and older was higher among those 15 to 24 years (39.9%) and in the urban areas (22.5%), while it was similar by sex.
A higher proportion also reported that they had never or sometimes (81.4%) used a condom with their most recent sexual partner. Only 13.4% reported that they had used condoms almost every time.
Consistency of condom use with their most recent sexual partner among people aged 15 in the province was higher among youth aged 15 to 24 (24%). – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 09/26/2024 - 12:51
In an effort to be more environmentally conscious, many venues are opting to refill and serve water in glass bottles. The idea is simple: eliminate single-use plastics by offering a reusable, eco-friendly option. But what do we really know about the water inside these bottles? Is it as safe as the bottled water you buy …
World Rugby have today announced that Claire Cruikshank will join the Scotland Women coaching set-up as part part of the Gallagher High Performance Academy linked to the WXV competition. The fully immersive global development and leadership programme is dedicated to enhancing the prominence of female coaches as we approach Women’s Rugby World Cup England 2025. …
Dear Editor Today, 26 September 2024, will go down in history as a day that an outright backstabber sunk a functional government, and in doing so traded stability for chaos. ActionSA has disrupted the course of progress and unity that the Tshwane Multiparty Coalition government worked tirelessly to build. ActionSA’s backstabbing played right into the …
Plan for reshaping conservation revealed
Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Narend Singh has unveiled a plan that advocates for a thriving environment for people and nature by 2040.
“We are today declaring a path towards a time in the future when nature and people both thrive because of how they would have reshaped the terms of their co-dependence,” Singh said on Thursday in Johannesburg.
Addressing the occasion of the reveal of Vision 2040, the Deputy Minister said the plan was about shifting the needle in terms of shared economic growth and job creation in a manner that promotes a much stronger embrace for nature.
Vision 2040 was launched under the theme “For A Life in Harmony with Nature,” which talks to a deliberate effort to ensure benefit sharing through sustainable development practices which can be articulated around the elements of people, planet and prosperity.
“Ours is a great, exciting and ambitious mission which speaks to how by 2040 we hope to have reshaped the character of conversations, plans and ambitions happening in our streets, homes, boardrooms, in public discourse and even possibly education to embrace our cultural and natural heritage,” the Deputy Minister said.
The main aim of Vision 2040 is to promote social justice and inclusivity by guaranteeing that all communities, particularly the disadvantaged and marginalised ones, have fair access to opportunities and resources and that conservation is a catalyst for growth and prosperity and the betterment of people’s livelihoods.
“Vision 2040 is part of our deliberate contribution of an element of the Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) that we need to grow our conservation estate to be constituted so that 30% of the land and 30% of the sea be placed under protection by 2030 (commonly known as 30X30).
“It also indicates that communities living in and adjacent to conservation must tangibly benefit from the economic opportunities created. The creation of Mega Living Landscapes (MLLs), which as we have heard are vast, integrated areas that balance human development with natural ecosystems, and will be a major priority,” the Deputy Minister said.
This work is also linked to the National Biodiversity Economy Strategy.
Vision 2040 promotes sustainable economic development by leveraging biodiversity as a catalyst for social and economic transformation.
This includes promoting eco-tourism, sustainable agriculture, and green businesses that generate income while using and conserving natural resources.
“By aligning conservation efforts with economic activities, we aim to create job opportunities, support local economies and small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) and provide sustainable livelihoods,” Singh said. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 09/26/2024 - 14:29
They say they have the qualifications and there are staff shortages in the police department but they remain unemployed
There are mixed emotions for Aseza Hele, as the Springbok Women No 8 gears up with the rest of the squad to face Japan at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town on Friday, in what will be the opening match of the 2024 version of WXV 2. During the inaugural tournament, also played in South …
Dear Editor The recent growth in employment, while welcome, is simply not good enough. As per our campaign promise, we believe that we can create 2 million new jobs in the next five years. This translates to 100 000 new jobs created every quarter – more than double the current rate. This is the scale …
Scotland Women captain Rachel Malcolm will mark her 50th cap against Italy on Saturday 28 September against Italy in her side’s opening match of WXV 2, with Head Coach Bryan Easson making seven changes to the starting line-up that defeated Fiji two weeks ago. After earning her first start for Scotland in that Fiji match, …