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World Rivers Day, celebrated on Sunday, 22 September 2024, is a global event that underscores the importance of rivers and their conservation. Rivers are essential to ecosystems, biodiversity, human life, and economic activities. They provide fresh water which is vital for drinking, agriculture, industry, and energy, making them indispensable to life on Earth. Despite their …
Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance (DA) will be holding a National Day of Action tomorrow, Wednesday, 18 September 2024 , across all nine provinces to oppose Eskom’s proposed electricity tariff increases. This follows Eskom’s request for an extraordinary 36% tariff increase on top of the already approved R8 billion “make-up” tariff for next year. Since …
Mpumalanga records highest HIV prevalence rate
Compared to other provinces, Mpumalanga had the highest HIV prevalence at 17.4% in 2022, which translates to an estimated 890 000 people, living with HIV (PLHIV) in the province.
The key findings of the Sixth South African HIV Prevalence, Incidence, and Behaviour Survey (SABSSM VI) for Mpumalanga were released by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) on Tuesday.
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 7.8% among youth aged 15 to 24 overall, and 1.5-fold higher among males (9.8%) than females (6.3%) in this age group.
Among adults aged 25 to 49, HIV prevalence was 26.4% overall, and 1.6-fold higher among females (31.9%) than males (19.9%).
By locality, HIV prevalence was higher among those residing in rural formal or farms (21.1%) and rural informal areas (18.4%) and lower in urban areas (15.5%).
“A concerning state is that HIV prevalence peaked at 40.8% among those 45 to 49 years in 2022 compared to 39% in 2017 among those 35 to 39 years, suggesting a possibility of continued new infections.
“There was a notable downward shift in the epidemic curve in 2022 among respondents 15 to 44 years,” Zuma noted.
The data presented are for three priority districts in Mpumalanga, namely Ehlanzeni, Gert Sibande and Nkangala districts.
In 2022, HIV prevalence among all ages was highest in Gert Sibande (20.5%) and Ehlanzeni (16%) and lowest in Nkangala (13.1%).
Antiretroviral treatment
Meanwhile, according to the data, antiretroviral treatment (ART) coverage in Mpumalanga increased to 81.8% in 2022, from 65.4% in 2017.
This translates to an estimated 630 000 people living with HIV in the province receiving ART in 2022.
In 2022, ART use among all people living with HIV in the province was 56.4% among adolescents and youth 15 to 24 years and 83.9% among those 25 to 49 years.
Among females, ART coverage was substantially lower among those aged 15 to 24 (58.6%) than those aged 25 to 49 (85.2%).
ART coverage among males from 25 to 49 years was 81.6%, while it was 54.8% for male youth aged 15 to 24.
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.
Knowledge of HIV status
Zuma expressed concern that people living with HIV aged 25 to 49 accounted for most people living with HIV in Mpumalanga who were unaware of their HIV status (62.3%), aware but not on ART (63.5%), and on ART but not virally suppressed (63.4%).
However, adolescents and youth aged between 15 to 24 contributed disproportionally to gaps in treatment, accounting for just 9.4% of all people living with HIV.
In this age group, 16.9% knew their HIV status, 16.7% knew their HIV status but were not on ART, and 13.7% of those on ART were not on viral load suppression (VLS).
People residing in urban areas accounted for the most people living with HIV overall.
Key drivers
Regarding the key drivers of the HIV pandemic, Zuma noted that Mpumalanga had the lowest prevalence of sexual debut among provinces.
The proportion of adolescents and youth aged 15 who reported having sex before the age of 15 years decreased from 13.3% in 2017 to 5.4% in 2022.
However, sexual debut before the age of 15 among adolescents and youth aged between 15 and 24 in 2022 was higher among males (6.1%) than females (4.8%).
The survey revealed that in the province, 5.1% of people aged 15 and older reported having multiple sexual partners in 2022 compared to 7.9% in 2017.
The proportion of people aged 15 years and older who reported having multiple sexual partners was almost three-fold (7.4%) higher in males than among females (2.7%) and was higher among those aged between 15 and 24 (6.2%) compared to other age groups.
Regarding condom use, the survey revealed that 46.1% reported using a condom with the most recent sexual partner in 2022 compared to 46.3% in 2017.
Condom use was substantially lower among those residing in rural formal or farm dwellings (26.0%) compared to those living in urban areas (50.1%).
Meanwhile, a higher proportion (32.4%) also reported that they never used a condom with their most recent sexual partner.
“Only 11% reported that they used condoms almost every time … Nearly 50% of youth reported using a condom sometimes or never using a condom.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 09/17/2024 - 13:31
Mzansi Magic’s telenovela ‘Gqeberha: The Empire canned Mzansi Magic telenovela Gqeberha-The Empire has been cancelled. The report comes months after DStv rubbished cancellation reports which made headlines. In July, famous entertainment commentator, Phil Mphela announced that the show has been canned. In a statement released on DStv’s website, the channel confirmed that Gqeberha: The Empire is scheduled to …
Red Ribbon Communications, a leading PR agency specialising in tech PR and sustainability, has achieved a significant milestone through its successful collaboration with Rubicon, a leading South African sustainable technology provider. The strategic partnership has not only solidified Red Ribbon’s position as an expert in providing PR services to renewable energy solutions but has also …
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has announced that the City of Cape Town is planning to add a temporary roof to DHL Cape Town Stadium at a cost of around R30 million to host more events that require an ‘indoor’ venue. Hill-Lewis says the plan comes after Cape Town’s proposal to host South African UFC …
Get your will drafted for free this National Wills Week
Members of the public are being urged to take advantage of the opportunity to have their wills drafted for free during National Wills Week.
Civilians will be able to get a basic will drawn up free of charge during National Wills Week, which started on 16 September and will continue until 20 September 2024.
The week is organised annually by the Law Society of South Africa, and it provides an opportunity for all participating law firms to offer free basic will drafting services.
The attorneys participating in the initiative will not amend or redraft existing wills but will focus on drafting new basic wills for the public.
“Among other things, making a will assists in ensuring that your assets are disposed of in accordance with your wishes after your death. If a person dies without leaving a valid will, their assets will be distributed according to the provisions of the Intestate Succession Act.
“The provisions of the Intestate Succession Act are fair, however, if you die without leaving a will, your assets may not be left to the person of your choice. It can take a long time to have an executor appointed and there can be extra and unnecessary costs,” government said.
For more information, members of the public can visit: https://www.lssa.org.za/our-initiatives/advocacy/national-wills-week/
- SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Tue, 09/17/2024 - 13:30
Scaling is a critical period that either ends in the company growing rapidly and sustainably or getting stuck in the chaos and ending up in no man’s land. Taking advantage of a startup’s potential for growth requires new ways of thinking, new habits, new knowledge, and new disciplines. Without these, thriving startups don’t capitalise on …
Owen Watkin is relishing his new found responsibility for club and country as he sets his sights on a major career milestone. The Ospreys centre started both Tests on Wales’ summer tour of Australia to take his tally of caps up to 41 as he took on a key role for Warren Gatland’s team. He …
The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 will be the first ICC event where women will receive the same prize money as their male counterparts, marking a significant milestone in the sport’s history. The decision was taken at the ICC Annual Conference in July 2023, when the ICC Board took the step of reaching its …
On Monday, 16 September 2024, the Western Cape Mobility Minister, Isaac Sileku, had his first official meeting with the Group Chief Executive Officer of PRASA, Hishaam Emeran. The discussions centred around the needs of the Western Cape Public Transport Network and the role that PRASA can play as the future backbone of this network and …
The top Under-20 women’s players in South Africa will converge in Johannesburg from Saturday for their second annual provincial week, with 12 unions sending teams to the tournament, after which a Junior Springbok Women’s team will be selected for the inaugural U20 Women’s Africa Series in Stellenbosch. The Junior Springbok Women will pit themselves play …
Standard Bank Group, Africa’s largest bank by assets, has been recognised as one of Time Magazine’s World’s Best Companies and Newsweek’s World’s Most Trustworthy Companies. TIME and Newsweek are esteemed media organisations that have maintained a reputation for exceptional journalism for nearly a century. “These accolades from two iconic global news magazines demonstrate that our …
Red Ribbon Communications is excited to announce the formation of a dedicated consumer tech division to meet the rapidly growing demand for public relations and marketing services in the technology and consumer electronics sectors. Zenahrea Damon, an industry veteran with a stellar track record, heads the division, with support from former Daily Maverick journalist Karabo …
Rising deaths due to non-communicable diseases a concern
The rapid increase in diabetes, particularly affecting women, is a cause for concern, says Deputy Health Minister, Dr Joe Phaahla.
“When looking at gender-specific causes of death, diabetes mellitus is the leading underlying cause of female deaths at 8.2% which increased from 7.7% in 2018. The rate at which diabetes is growing in our country is concerning,” he said on Monday.
Phaahla was speaking during a roundtable discussion on the Healthy Life Trajectories Initiative (HeLTI), a collaboration between national research funding agencies in Canada, China, India, South Africa and the World Health Organisation (WHO).
He took the time to outline government’s plans to address the burden of the emerging non-communicable diseases (NCDs) pandemic, otherwise known as lifestyle diseases.
Diabetes was the second leading underlying cause of death in 2020, accounting for 6.6% of all deaths. COVID-19, first detected that year, became the leading cause of death.
“Non-communicable diseases not only reduce life expectancy but also have a profound economic impact, straining both individuals and our healthcare system.
“We must recognise the gravity of this burden which is deeply interconnected with factors such as unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, alcohol abuse, smoking and social and commercial determinants of health,” he told delegates.
The Deputy Minister told the attendees that the department’s primary focus is prevention and it has implemented campaigns aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles.
In addition, he said early detection of NCDs is key to effective management.
The department has rolled out community-based screening campaigns through community health workers (CHWs) and traditional health practitioners (THPs) targeting the early detection of hypertension and diabetes.
“Our focus is not limited to the detection of diseases but also includes education on risk factors and lifestyle modifications that can prevent the progression of these conditions.”
According to the Deputy Minister, the department recently entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with parkrun South Africa to encourage communities to walk, jog or run on weekends.
However, at the heart of the NCDs response is strengthening the country’s primary healthcare (PHC) services.
“PHC facilities across the country are being equipped to manage and monitor patients with chronic conditions effectively. The department is working to ensure that treatment for NCDs is both accessible and affordable.”
He mentioned regulatory interventions such as the tax on sugar-sweetened beverages, implemented to reduce premature death from NCDs.
There are also regulations relating to trans-fats in foodstuffs which prohibit the sale, manufacture and importation of oils and fats, including continuous phase emulsions, either alone or as part of processed foods.
There are regulations concerning food for infants and young children, as well as the reduction of sodium in certain food items to help lower salt intake to less than 5g per day.
“Excessive salt intake is associated with hypertension which is the second leading cause of death in South Africa and hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.”
Phaahla believes the battle against lifestyle diseases is far from over. However, with the right interventions and a collective effort from all sectors of society, he is of the view that it can reduce the burden in the country.
“The findings of Statistics South Africa survey that deaths due to major non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes and chronic lower respiratory diseases in South Africa increased over 20 years, should be a concern for all of us.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 09/17/2024 - 09:52
As the wider African region experiences an upsurge in mpox cases, South Africa's multi-pronged efforts to bring the outbreak under control are bearing fruit. On 14 August 2024, World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern and subsequently issued a set of temporary recommendations to scale up the emergency response.
South Africa had previously reported five unlinked mpox cases in 2022. Having confirmed zero cases in 2023, the country has experienced a resurgence of the infectious disease in recent months, reporting 25 laboratory-confirmed cases and three deaths between 8 May and 6 September 2024. These cases have been reported in Gauteng, Western Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal provinces, with local transmission suggested for 24 cases and one imported case.
However, there has been a significant change in the epidemiological data in recent weeks, with just one new case and no deaths reported since 2 August 2024, compared to 12 cases and three deaths in June, so far, the peak of the current outbreak.
“With the support of partners including WHO, we have made significant progress in our efforts to contain mpox in the country,” says Foster Mohale, spokesperson for South Africa's National Department of Health. “But we must not become complacent because viruses mutate from time to time. The recent detection of a new mpox case in Western Cape should be a strong reminder that we must all remain extremely vigilant.”
To coordinate its response to the outbreak, the National Department of Health formed an mpox Incident Management Team comprised of experts from national and provincial levels and partners including WHO. In June, with WHO support, health authorities conducted two remote webinars on clinical management of mpox cases, training over 500 health workers and public health professionals.
The department has also activated provincial response teams to implement priority interventions in hotspots, deployed rapid response teams to support community surveillance and case management, and intensified targeted public awareness campaigns.
In addition to providing technical support and guidelines on mpox treatment to help ensure standardized patient care, WHO has donated 35 treatment courses of tecovirimat, an antiviral that is used to treat severe mpox cases in conjunction with symptomatic and supportive care. The Organization is supporting efforts to stockpile an additional 30 treatment courses of the medication for rapid deployment should further cases arise.
South Africa is one of 14 countries in the African region that will be financially supported by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and WHO from September 2024 until February 2025 to draw up and roll out plans, including vaccination strategies, to continue its fight against mpox. The Mpox Continental Preparedness and Response Plan for Africa will see an estimated US$ 45.5 of a US$ 600-million total budget allocated to South Africa, most of which will be spent on the logistics of rolling out vaccines.
“WHO remains committed to supporting health authorities in containing the mpox outbreak through coordinated efforts in treatment, surveillance, and public awareness,” says Dr Fabian Ndenzako, acting WHO Representative in South Africa. “I am pleased to see mpox control efforts targeting health workers, community members and key risk populations to prevent further transmission and manage this public health issue effectively.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) - South Africa.
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Fourteen in hot water over irregular issuing of driver’s licenses
Fourteen traffic officials, including traffic officers and a driving school operator, have been arrested on charges of fraud and corruption relating to the irregular issuing of driver’s licenses and solicitation gratification.
“The investigations started in 2021 where it is alleged that driving school owners in Sabie colluded with departmental officials in issuing learners’ licenses and drivers’ licenses to applicants without following normal processes of conducting routine tests and assisting applicants to write learners licenses,” the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) said on Monday.
Drivers’ licenses were allegedly issued to applicants without being tested after paying exorbitant amount of cash.
The suspects aged between 34 and 59 years were arrested in a joint operation by the Road Traffic Management’s Anti-Corruption Unit (NTACU), the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) and Police Crime Intelligence in Mpumalanga.
“A male and female examiner of licences, together with a driving school operator, were arrested at [the] Sabie driving licence testing centre (DLTC) while four examiners of driving licences were nabbed at Lydenberg DLTC, including two examiners in Graskop DLTC.
“The arrests followed extensive investigations involving the RTMC Anti-Corruption Unit, the Hawks, and Crime Intelligence. The suspects are expected to face charges of fraud, corruption and contravention of the National Road Traffic Act,” the RTMC said.
Meanwhile, four traffic officers in Verena were also arrested for soliciting bribes from motorists who broke the rules of the road, in excessive speed and other related road traffic offences.
They were arrested as part of Operation “Kwanele” in Mpumalanga to clean up fraud and corruption at the DLTCs.
“Members of the public who obtain licences through corrupt means pose a danger to other motorists. Members of the public are encouraged to desist from these corrupt activities. Law enforcement officials will not rest until corrupt elements are eroded from the system,” said the RTMC. -SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Tue, 09/17/2024 - 10:00
During his time as the City of Cape Town’s human settlements mayoral committee member, Malusi Booi was vocal about crimes, including extortion, that were wreaking havoc on construction sites. In February 2023, referring to a housing project, he said: “The City condemns in the strongest terms any attempts of intimidation, interference or attacks on City …
With effect from October 1, 2024, David Powels will take over the responsibilities of Patrik A. Mayer as CFO of Volkswagen Passenger Cars. “In these times, the finance department is undoubtedly of great importance. As CFO of the Volkswagen brand, Patrik Mayer made a significant contribution to the structured and successful launch of the performance […]
Headed by Bryan Torien, BREAKING BOUNDARIES BUILDING BRIDGES (BBBB) tackles some of the challenges experienced by homeless people and children in informal settlements and gangster-ridden communities, such as Mannenberg. Andre Vlok one the the foremost experts in conflict resolution is coming to Cape Town on 23rd September to teach children in gang-ridden areas how to …
Transnet works to curb shipping delays
The Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has enhanced its ability to curb shipping and cargo-handling delays caused by long waves that impact vessels berthed at its ports, thanks to the delivery of six more hydraulic shore tension units destined for the ports of Cape Town and Ngqura.
From the 52 units procured by TNPA in September 2023, this batch brings the total number of mooring units delivered to 12 and adds to the eight that were installed in the Cape Town and Ngqura ports prior to this acquisition.
In a statement on Tuesday, Transnet said the timely delivery solidifies the execution of the Transnet Recovery Plan, which aims to improve operational efficiencies and increase the value of service to customers.
Shipping and cargo handling operations at the Cape Town and Ngqura ports are often impacted by strong winds reaching 35 to 50 knots and high sea swells exceeding 3.5 meters.
Such inclement weather conditions cause operational and safety disruptions leading to delays in vessel movements.
A hydraulic tension mooring unit is a system placed on the quayside to ensure the safety of docked vessels by mitigating the severity of long-wave effects on vessels. The benefits include minimised downtime and safety incidents during operations.
“The introduction of the shore tension units at the Port of Cape Town has significantly improved our vessel operations,” said National Operations Manager at CMA CGM South Africa, Leon Reddy, commenting on the delivery as one of the shipping lines that are benefiting from the installed shore tensions.
“With the ability to keep our vessels stable and secure alongside the berth, we have seen a notable reduction in vessel movement and ranging.
“This has resulted in increased container productivity and reduced port stay times, leading to improved overall efficiency and reduced costs. We support TNPA's initiative to invest in additional shore tension units and look forward to continued cooperation to enhance port operations," he said.
TNPA has procured 52 shore tension units with an allocation of 16 units for the Port of Cape Town with six delivered, 14 for the Port of Durban, eight for the Port of Port Elizabeth, six for the Port of Ngqura with all six delivered, four for the Port of Saldanha and four for the Port of Richards Bay.
The phased delivery of the rest of the units will be completed by early 2025.
TNPA is responsible for the safe, effective, and efficient economic functioning of the national port system, which it manages in a landlord capacity.
It provides port infrastructure and marine services at the eight commercial seaports in South Africa – Richards Bay, Durban, Saldanha, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, East London, Mossel Bay and Ngqura. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 09/17/2024 - 10:53
Home Affairs needs to embrace automation, digital transformation
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber says automation and digital transformation is necessary to turn Home Affairs into a department that supercharges economic growth, delivers dignified civic services and secures national security.
“The inefficiency and corruption that has maligned this department can all be traced back to the fact that it still has manual and paper-based processes,” Schreiber said.
Speaking at the RMB Morgan Stanley Investor Conference, Schreiber said Home Affairs sits at the heart of national security apparatus and has much work to do to restore internal security after decades of neglect and institutional vandalism.
He said securing immigration and civics systems through automation and digital transformation will deliver an immediate boost to confidence in South Africa’s ability to re-establish law and order.
“But the role of Home Affairs as an economic enabler goes well beyond the realm of national security. In total, it is in the domain of Home Affairs that we have the potential to triple or even quadruple this country’s annual economic output.
“We can do all of this with very little additional demands on the fiscus, which is already overstretched. To achieve this economic impact, we must address both regulation and administration as a matter of urgency,” the Minister said.
Schreiber said South Africa’s new remote working visa was a game changer.
“My message to remote workers all around the world is simple: there is just no place like South Africa. And with our new user-friendly remote working visa, there has never been a better time to come and spend your hard-earned salary in a beautiful country whose best days are yet to come.
“Even more exciting than the remote working visa, is the new points-based work visa. The points-based work visa is going to revolutionise the South African economy.
“Gone will be the days when highly skilled workers had no pathway to help build this country if their skills happened to not be included in an arbitrary critical skills list,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 09/17/2024 - 10:32
Following the best season of his career, which included his first sub-28-minute 10km at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K in May and a third Olympic appearance in August, Elroy Gelant now has his sights set on making history at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K on National Heritage Day, Tuesday, 24 …