MyZA
News, Directory, Events and Other Stuff
Sandton, South Africa – Foot fungal infections, such as Athlete’s Foot and Toenail Fungus, are common but persistent problems that affect many individuals. M Maddocks Inc, a leading podiatry practice, is addressing these issues with effective, evidence-based treatment solutions that help patients get back to their daily activities free from discomfort and pain. Fungal infections …
Dear Editor The DA will urgently engage with Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy at the next portfolio committee meeting to address the alarming situation at the RAF, where millions are being spent on employees who have been suspended and are sitting at home. We will seek more information about the current capacity to handle claims, …
Wales have named the side to face Australia in the WXV2 opener at the DHL Stadium, Cape Town, Saturday, September 28th (KO:11.30am, UK). Scrum-half Keira Bevan captains the side for the third time and leads a side made up of the bulk of the squad that recorded a historic first win over the Wallaroos at …
Bolt and Engineering Distributors (B.E.D.) continues to solidify its position as a leading provider of comprehensive industrial solutions. At the recent Electra Mining 2024 tradeshow, B.E.D’s strategic partnerships with exhibiting suppliers such as Fronius, Milwaukee Tool (represented locally by Upat), and Bolt Torque took centre stage, demonstrating how these suppliers leverage B.E.D.’s strong nationwide footprint …
Fatima Sana, Pakistan Captain says that they are aiming to bring a different and more fearless approach to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup this year. In the past, we’ve often struggled in the powerplay, with early wickets falling, middle-order collapses, and a slow pace of runs leading to low totals. We’ve also found it …
It’s an event known by its distinctive purple speedos and bold mission to raise awareness about male cancers. The annual Hollard Daredevil Run will once again be bringing vital awareness back to hoods and companies across the country when it takes place this year on Friday, 1 November 2024. What started fifteen years ago with …
Tom Shanklin is backing the Scarlets to edge out Cardiff Rugby in Saturday’s big Welsh derby clash. Both teams made positive starts to the BKT URC season, with Cardiff recording a bonus point win over Zebre Parma and the Scarlets coming tantalisingly close to a landmark victory away to Benetton Rugby before ultimately drawing 20-20. …
The Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) is thrilled to reveal the names of the 15 exceptional finalists who will compete in its annual ACT Nyoloha Scholarship Programme (NSP) final events. These prestigious events celebrate and support the talent of young visual and performing artists from across South Africa. The ACT NSP is an annual partnership …
Dear Editor The withdrawal of ActionSA from the Tshwane multi-party coalition has plunged the City of Tshwane into political instability, and now threatens the future of the capital city. The DA will, however, not abandon Tshwane residents. Despite the successes achieved by the Tshwane coalition in the past 18 months, ActionSA’s dismal performance in the …
World Rugby Citing Commissioner Manager Steve Hinds has passed away in his native New Zealand following a short illness. A driving force behind new standards of alignment and accuracy in rugby’s off-field disciplinary processes, Hinds was one of the sport’s most respected and experienced rugby administrators, having been a central figure in SANZAAR, New Zealand …
Ramokgopa attends BRICS Energy Ministers Meeting
The Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, has called on the BRICS Plus bloc of countries to work together to assist and support member countries to tackle energy challenges.
The Minister was delivering his opening remarks at the 9th Annual BRICS [Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa] Energy Ministers' Meeting in Moscow, Russia.
“We believe that this BRICS group of like-minded country members has a huge potential, and working together will strengthen this resolve through cooperation on energy security.
“[It will] also provide an opportunity to join efforts to annihilate the challenges diagnosed during the BRICS 2023 Summit held in South Africa, such as addressing the lack or absence of integrated energy policy framework, diversification and beneficiation at source of critical minerals, infrastructure development, manufacturing, technology transfer and intellectual property, scaling up energy efficiency, mobilisation of finance and investment, as well as skills and capacity building, amongst others,” Ramokgopa said.
He called on the member countries to “tap and dig deeper into various capabilities and strengths" to ensure mutual support in harnessing the individual potential each country has at its disposal.
“To mention a few opportunities, it is mining and beneficiation of critical minerals, and rare-earth elements required to power the green economy, [expand] hydro power potential, promising hydrogen solutions and its derivatives, gas, nuclear - including small modular reactors, renewables, storage, biofuels, as well as clean coal, and carbon capture utilisation and storage,” the Minister said.
Ramokgopa highlighted that the meeting of BRICS Energy Ministers comes at a critical time, as countries ponder ways to transition towards low carbon economies.
“This meeting comes at a critical phase where our countries are grappling with the challenge of balancing developmental goals with energy transition pathways.
“We must ensure that these transitions safeguard energy sovereignty and security, promote sustainable economic development, facilitate universal access and respond effectively to environmental imperatives, all the while ensuring no one is left behind,” he said.
He told the meeting that the expansion of the BRICS bloc of countries is a “clear affirmation of the group's growing significance and influence in the global energy agenda”.
“This is a pivotal moment, positioning BRICS to reshape, refocus, and reset the global energy architecture to ensure energy access, security, affordability, and eradicate energy poverty and promote a just energy transition.
“For us as South Africa, we see this as an opportune moment to clearly articulate our collective position as the developing nations that will enable us to continue to use our energy resources through innovative technologies that allow us to move from high emitting to low emitting energy systems, and thus achieve carbon-neutrality or net-zero at a pace and scale that is in line with our different national circumstances and capabilities.
“In this regard, we want to reiterate that our approach to an inclusive and people centred energy transition is informed by the need to maintain energy security in support of socio-economic objectives,” Ramokgopa said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 09/26/2024 - 14:42
SevenC, a top-managed service provider in South Africa, analyses cybersecurity trends and how South African businesses can stay ahead of cyber threats. Bringing attention to rising cyber attacks, Graeme Millar, managing director of SevenC Computing, warned, “Be it through a phishing scam, data breach, malware infection or ransomware, cyber-attacks can throw your entire business into …
KZN teams on standby ahead of predicted adverse weather
The KwaZulu-Natal provincial government has announced that highly efficient and dedicated teams are on standby with an expected drop in temperatures later this week, with a possibility of snow.
While the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has not issued an official weather warning, the weather service predicts the possibility of snow over the high lying areas of the Western Cape from 29 September 2024, which will spread into the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal by 30 September 2024.
Addressing a media briefing on Thursday, KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport and Human Settlements Siboniso Duma said the Road Incident Management Systems (RIMS) led by South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) comprising of all key role players on the national, provincial, and municipal road networks were putting together a consolidated plan.
“They are identifying areas where joint operations and coordination will be established - covering all notorious roads and areas identified from past experiences.
“The department's Road Traffic Inspectorate is establishing a satellite centre on top of Van Reenen’s Pass to ensure quick action and road closure to mitigate against people getting trapped in the snow,” the MEC said.
This satellite centre will start operating on Saturday afternoon and operate on a 12-hour shift.
Traffic law enforcement officials are already involved in the coordination of possible road closures and observation of major routes in consultation with the N3 Toll Concession.
“The focus is on the N3 between Harrismith, Tugela Toll, R617 between Kokstad and Underberg, N2 Ingeli and N3 Mooi River, and others. We wish to indicate that the team will also be responsible for escorting trucks and vehicles to ensure that there is no congestion on the road.
“However, members of the public and motorists are urged to reschedule or postpone their journeys in anticipation of any eventuality. Prevention is better than cure.
“Motor graders are currently being sharpened to respond with … urgency to remove any snow before accumulating on the road. More than 10 graders will be stationed in identified routes to ensure that our response is faster,” the MEC said.
The province has 21 graders which will be on standby as part of strengthening prevention measures.
“On Wednesday, we interacted with SAWS. They informed us that KwaZulu-Natal will be affected by snowfall from Monday into Tuesday. The areas that are expected to be affected include Ladysmith, Underberg, Drakensberg as well as Giant Castle, and other high-ground area.
“In addition, they emphasised that, in all likelihood, snowfall will stop on Tuesday but will be followed by rainfall in various parts of the province, including Durban and other coastline areas,” Duma said.
The MEC said the provincial government has started engaging with key stakeholders to ensure that everyone works together to avoid any crisis and ensure the safety of road users.
“We have continuous engagements with road freight industry stakeholders such as operators - trucking companies – companies that are managing and supplying drivers.
“The South African National Taxi Council and bus councils, bus and truck associations are key stakeholders as we strengthen our road safety measures. We do not want to leave out port operators and the entire value chain of fast-moving consumer goods,” Duma said.
The provincial government has assigned engineers in consultation with SANRAL to look at the impact of the recent heavy snowfall on the road infrastructure.
“The truck congestion on N3 last weekend compels us to intensify our plans aimed at modernisation and development of rail transport – both freight and passenger.
“Working with the Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy, the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) and other main roleplayers, as KwaZulu-Natal we believe that we must ensure that we deploy wagons to move cargo from road to rail, with a specific focus on certain goods, such as coal.
“In addition, we want to improve rail services in the province so that it could serve as the backbone of public transport while at the same time recognising the huge challenges currently facing commuter rail services in KwaZulu-Natal and throughout the country,” he said. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 09/26/2024 - 11:11
Thursday, 26 September 2024: In a first for South Africa, Eskom is leading the way in sustainable practices by incorporating recycled legacy coal ash into road construction at its Kusile Power Station in Mpumalanga. This innovative initiative, launched by Eskom Rotek Industries (ERI), aims to enhance operational efficiency while reinforcing Eskom’s commitment to sustainability. Eskom...
Festival Coins (Nigeria), Salubata (Nigeria), HustleSasa (Kenya) and UBR VR (Egypt) Win Top Prizes, including Financial Support and Mentorship; Paystack Payments Ltd., Kuramo Capital Management and Nigerian University of Technology and Management Join Demo Day as NBA Africa Triple-Double Accelerator's First Official Partners (www.NBA.com).
NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum today announced the four prize-winning startup businesses from “NBA Africa Triple-Double Accelerator” (http://apo-opa.co/3ZLmNoC), which NBA Africa launched in April 2024 to support the continent's technology ecosystem and the next generation of African entrepreneurs. The four winning businesses – Festival Coins (Nigeria), Salubata (Nigeria), HustleSasa (Kenya) and UBR VR (Egypt) – will be awarded financial support and mentorship, including an opportunity to participate in workshops and development programs facilitated by NBA Africa or its partners.
The 10 finalists, shortlisted from more than 700 early-stage African startup businesses that applied to participate, pitched their products to a panel of international industry leaders at a Demo Day at the NBA headquarters in New York City yesterday. The judges included Accelerate Africa Co-Founder and CEO Iyinoluwa Aboyeji; NBA Assistant General Counsel, Technology, Software Licensing and Digital Platforms Franciscus Diaba; Managing Director, Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution Rwanda Crystal Rugege; Chegg Inc. Executive Chairman Dan Rosensweig; and Partner at Development Partners International Joanne Yoo. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver also delivered opening remarks and met the 10 finalists.
Below are the four winning businesses:
The six other finalists each received a $10,000 prize.
The Demo Day was supported by three official partners: Paystack Payment Ltd. (http://apo-opa.co/3XHn75j), Kuramo Capital Management (http://apo-opa.co/3ZGroJ2) and Nigerian University of Technology and Management (NUTM) (http://apo-opa.co/3XHn1dX).
“Congratulations to all of the incredibly talented entrepreneurs who participated in this year's program, with special recognition to the 10 finalists and four distinguished winners,” said NBA Africa CEO Clare Akamanzi. “These outstanding companies have demonstrated the creativity, drive and determination to shape the future of sport in Africa and will help the continent take its rightful place on the world stage. We look forward to following their successes for many years to come.”
“NBA Africa Triple-Double Accelerator” is open to early-stage startups in Africa that develop solutions in event management and ticketing, youth development, AI, and digital marketing.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of National Basketball Association (NBA).
About NBA Africa:
NBA Africa is an affiliate of the National Basketball Association (NBA), a global sports and media organization with the mission to inspire and connect people everywhere through the power of basketball. NBA Africa conducts the league's business in Africa, including the Basketball Africa League (BAL), and has opened subsidiary offices in Cairo, Egypt; Dakar, Senegal; Johannesburg, South Africa; Lagos, Nigeria; and Nairobi, Kenya. The league's efforts on the continent have focused on increasing access to basketball and the NBA through youth and elite development, social responsibility, media distribution, corporate partnerships, NBA Africa Games, NBA Stores, the BAL, and more.
NBA games and programming are available in all 54 African countries, and the NBA has hosted three sold-out exhibition games on the continent since 2015. The BAL, a partnership between the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and NBA Africa, is a professional league featuring 12 club teams from across Africa that concluded its fourth season in June 2024. Fans can follow @ NBA_Africa (https://apo-opa.co/3XytCXW) and @ theBAL (https://apo-opa.co/3N01pod) on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
Cape Town, Gauteng, and Lowveld — Window Art, South Africa’s leading vinyl frosting and window tinting company, is raising awareness of an often-overlooked solution that enhances interiors and protects valuable assets: professional window tinting. With more than 18 years of experience, Window Art serves businesses and homeowners, helping them improve privacy, save on energy costs, …
Suspect to appear in court for ongoing Steinhoff case
A suspect in the ongoing Steinhoff investigation will be appearing in the Pretoria Specialised Crimes Court later today following his arrest this morning by the Hawks’ Serious Economic Offences Unit.
The arrest emanates from an ongoing investigation into Steinhoff, where in November 2017, the then Chief Executive Officer, the late Markus Jooste, is said to have shared information on the selling of Steinhoff shares before they fell.
READ | Those who act with impunity will be brought to book
Allegations are that the suspect received a tip-off from Jooste in order to sell his shares before their price dropped due to irregularities in the Steinhoff financial statements.
The suspect in 2017 instructed that over 39 000 of Steinhoff shares be sold. The suspect knew that Jooste was Steinhoff CEO and, by virtue of his employ, had inside information at the time.
The 79-year-old suspect is charged with three counts of the Contravention of the Financial Markets Act (insider trading). His arrest follows the arrest of Stephanus Johannes Grobler, who has since been released on bail and is due back in court on the 4 October 2024.
READ | Former Steinhoff director appears in court for fraud, racketeering – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 09/26/2024 - 11:36
In the News Today: DUT launches reverse vending machine project to foster green minds and sustainable practices. The Durban University of Technology (DUT) is stepping up to the plate with an exciting new initiative towards creating “Green Ecosystems” with the launch of its Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) Project. Spearheaded by the Real Estate Management (REM) …
Illegal business occupants given 14 days to comply with the law
Businesses illegally occupying government premises in Mthatha have been given 14 days to apply for legal leases from the Eastern Cape Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, should they wish to continue with their businesses on the current premises.
This was revealed when Public Works and Infrastructure Deputy Minister Sihle Zikalala, together with the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure MEC Siphokazi Lusithi, issued eviction orders to a number of businesses in the Mthatha CBD as part of Operation Bring Back (OBB), which aims to reclaim hijacked and illegally occupied government properties.
READ | Reclaiming State property
“Our aim is not to shut down legally operating businesses, but we want these businesses that are paying rent to criminals, who have stolen government properties, to start paying the rent to the rightful owners of these properties,” the Deputy Minister said on Wednesday.
Zikalala and Lusithi visited mixed business premises housing offices, driving school, salons, tombstones and a hardware store, where they addressed business owners and workers who voiced their fears of losing their businesses.
In the Eastern Cape, there are 82 properties that are currently going through legal channels, including 57 eviction orders.
Of these, 21 have been evaluated and are recommended for execution, with a target of completing 36 evictions by the end of the 2024/2025 financial year.
All eviction actions will strictly adhere to legal standards and respect tenant rights. The two DPWI leaders allayed the fears of the concerned businesses, promising that should they follow the correct legal routes, their businesses would not be out in the cold.
“As the province, we are undertaking the Operation Bring Back, which aims at bringing back government properties that are illegally occupied. The illegal occupation of government properties both commercial and residential undermines the state's capacity to generate revenue and maintain our properties, but even more tragically, it victimizes small business owners who are unaware they are being taken advantage of by these bogus landlords.
“In response, we have entered into negotiations with these small businesses to regularize their leases, ensuring that they are protected, and that government assets are not exploited for personal gain,” the MEC said. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 09/26/2024 - 09:34
Recycled PVC products stole the spotlight at the 2024 Best Recycled Plastic Product of the Year Awards, announced last week at a glittering gala dinner held in Cape Town. The event, organised by the South African Plastics Recycling Organisation (SAPRO), saw three innovative products made from recycled PVC dominate the Building and Construction category, impressing …
In the News Today: On September 20, 2024, Andile Nyoka faced the Gqeberha High Court for the brutal murder of Sergeant Mario Nell in Motherwell. Nyoka, who had attacked Nell during a court session on May 3, 2023, received a life sentence plus 57 years for his shocking crime. The courtroom buzzed with tension as …
Mpumalanga residents urged to use water sparingly
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has called on Mpumalanga residents to use the available water the province has, wisely and sparingly, as dam levels record a marginal decrease from last week’s 86.0% to 85.1% in the current week.
In a statement on Thursday, the department urged residents to fix and report water leaks.
A weekly status of dam levels report issued by the department also shows a decrease in the Water Management Areas (WMA).
The Olifants WMA dropped from 78.0% to 77.0% and the Inkomati-Usuthu WMA dropped from 87.5% to 87.0%.
In terms of the districts, Ehlanzeni dropped from 86.5% to 85.4%, Gert Sibande dropped from 83.9% to 83.4%, and Nkangala dropped from 89.1% to 87.7%.
The department noted that there are no improvements recorded in most dams across the province, with only a few dams remaining unchanged and the majority recording declines.
The listed dams which recorded declines in water levels in Ehlanzeni District and the Lowveld include Blyderivierpoort from 79.0% to 76.6%, Buffelskloof from 66.7% to 63.6%, Witklip from 83.8% to 82.1%, Kwena from 82.1% to 79.9%, Da Gama from 89.6% to 87.8%, Inyaka from 89.9% to 88.7%, and Ohrigstad from 35.0% to 29.9%.
The dams that remained unchanged in the Lowveld include Driekoppies Dam at 92.7%, Longmere at 91.1%, Klipkopjes at 85.4%, and Primkop at 50.8%.
In Gert Sibande District, Grootdraai Dam dropped from 77.1% to 76.0%, Nooitgedacht from 79.8% to 79.2%, Vygeboom from 98.1% to 96.9%, and Westoe from 36.4% to 36.0%.
All the listed dams in the Nkangala District continue to decrease in water volumes with Witbank Dam further dropping from 92.5% to 91.0%, Middelburg Dam from 85.4% to 84.3%, Loskop Dam from 90.2% to 88.5%, and Rhenosterkop Dam from 86.1% to 85.5%. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 09/26/2024 - 09:42
Man sentenced to life in prison for the murder of a police officer
The Gqeberha High Court has sentenced Andile Nyoka (30) to life in prison for the murder of a police officer, armed robbery and kidnapping.
Nyoka was also given an additional 57 years direct imprisonment.
On 3 May 2023, Nyoka was before the Motherwell Magistrate's Court for another matter, where he approached an on duty police official, Sergeant Mario Nell (40), who was a court orderly at the time.
Subsequently, Nyoka, for no apparent reason, started to fight with Nell and disarmed him of his service pistol. Nyoka shot Nell and he succumbed to the bullet wounds. Nell was declared deceased at the scene. Thereafter, Nyoka fled the scene and hijacked a taxi outside the court in an attempt to escape.
A few minutes later on the same day, he was apprehended inside the taxi by the Motherwell Visible Policing Unit and appeared before court, where he was remanded in custody.
The docket was handed over to the Hawks for a thorough probe.
Nyoka made numerous court appearances until his sentencing by the Gqeberha High Court on 20 September 2024 and has been in custody since his arrest.
The Eastern Cape Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Provincial Head, Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya, welcomed the sentence and commended the team for the good work. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 09/26/2024 - 09:55
Community project in Duncan Village helps feed hungry children