MyZA
News, Directory, Events and Other Stuff
An emotional Mia le Roux from Cape Town in the Western Cape was crowned Miss South Africa 2024 at the spectacular 66th pageant finale held at the SunBet Arena at Time Square in Pretoria on Saturday night. The 28-year-old marketing manager, model and part-time BCom marketing student hails from Rosebank in Cape Town, but was …
Matrics called to apply for Water and Sanitation bursaries
Grade 12 learners, who plan to pursue studies in the water and sanitation field, have until 30 September to apply for bursaries offered by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS).
The DWS offers comprehensive bursaries to Grade 12 learners, who plan to pursue studies in the water and sanitation field for the 2025 academic year.
“The comprehensive bursary application process opened on 1 May 2024 and will close on 30 September 2024 and is targeting the previously disadvantaged and impoverished persons from poverty-stricken and rural communities across the country,” said the department in a statement.
The bursary programme covers full tuition fees, accommodation and food, as per university guidance, books and stationery allowance, and a monthly stipend.
For the 2025 academic year, the department will consider applications only for first year students studying towards the following qualifications:
“Through the bursary programme, the Department of Water and Sanitation will require bursars, who obtained their qualifications, to join the Learning Academy as graduate trainees on a fixed-term contract for a period of maximum of three years,” said the DWS.
The graduate trainees will be exposed to general and soft skill training programmes, orientation and induction into the department. After completion, the trainees will be placed in various functional areas (base stations) within the department and allocated mentors within the various line functions to receive the job training.
“The experience and expertise gained during this time will assist with the professionalisation of scientists and engineers and give workplace exposure and additional training until they are ready to register as professionals with their relevant professional bodies.”
Bursary application forms can be sent by email to bursaries@dws.gov.za. For more information, students are encouraged to visit the department’s website. - SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Fri, 08/09/2024 - 09:50
Papua New Guinea (PNG) triumphed over Indonesia in Samoa on Saturday to advance from the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup East Asia-Pacific Division 2 Qualifier and book their spot in the next round of qualification on the road to Zimbabwe and Namibia in 2026. Both sides topped the standings after a competitive week of …
With a Gritty Victory 21 -13 in a Sportsmans Warehouse Premier Interschools Derby this past Saturday 10 August 2024. On a day where the weather mirrored the intensity on the field, Oakdale emerged victorious against Boland Landbou in a hard-fought derby that had everything: drama, determination, and a few surprises. The match kicked off in …
Introduction In the quest for durable, cost-effective, and versatile products, plastic items such as chairs, wheelie bins, and outdoor furniture have become staples in both homes and businesses. This guide explores the world of plastic products, focusing on their benefits, applications, and tips for selecting the right type for your needs. Understanding the Appeal …
The French U18 team have decided to withdraw from the U18 International Series following the tragic event earlier this week when one of their players, Medhi Narjissi, was swept out to sea during a recovery session at Cape Point. The annual U18 series in South Africa is scheduled to start on Monday in Cape Town. …
The Beach Palace Ramsgate, a luxurious 5-star guesthouse with stunning views over the Indian Ocean, has been nominated for the prestigious Golden Tree International Travel Award, representing South Africa on the global stage. This nomination is a testament to The Beach Palace’s commitment to excellence, sustainability, and unparalleled guest experiences. As a premier guesthouse, The …
President Ramaphosa concludes working visit to Angola
President Cyril Ramaphosa has concluded his working visit to the Republic of Angola.
In a st
atement on Thursday, the Presidency said the visit covered three key areas of mutual interest which are namely, the strengthening of the bilateral relationship between South Africa and Angola, sharing perspectives on recent developments in South Africa's political landscape that led to the successful formation of a Government of National Unity (GNU), and reflecting on the security situation in the Great Lakes Region, particularly the developments in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
“Angola continues to be interested in South Africa's political developments just as we are interested in how Angola is progressing because we are two sister countries that continue to share a wonderful relationship,” said President Ramaphosa on South Africa’s recent political developments.
President Ramaphosa was in Luanda, Angola on a one day working visit as a guest of his counterpart President João Lourenço.
On the consolidation of the bilateral relationship between the two countries, President Ramaphosa said the discussions focused on the enhancement of economic and investment ties.
“The two leaders further reflected on the security situation in the Great Lakes Region. President Ramaphosa applauded President Lourenço for his effort in working for peace in the DRC and for achieving a ceasefire between the DRC and the Republic of Rwanda,” said the Presidency.
The ceasefire agreement between the DRC and Rwanda was recently facilitated by Angola.
The signing by the respective foreign ministers, was facilitated by President Lourenço as the mediator of the Luanda Process. Angola will continue to monitor its implementation.
Both South Africa and Angola are signatories to the 2013 Framework Agreement for Peace, Security, and Cooperation in the DRC and the region, along with several other countries.
The two leaders also committed to continue working together and alongside other leaders in the region to ensure that the ceasefire becomes permanent.
President Ramaphosa used the occasion to extend a State visit invitation to President Lourenço, for which President Lourenço accepted.
The State visit will affirm the strong and special bond between the two nations.
President Ramaphosa was supported by Minister Ronald Lamola of International Relations and Cooperation and Minister Angie Motshekga of Defence. - SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Fri, 08/09/2024 - 08:38
Money Smart Week to commence on 26 August
South Africa’s 2024 Money Smart Week SA (MSWSA) is expected to kick off on 26 August and run until 1 September.
This is according to Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, who addressed a post-Cabinet media briefing on Thursday.
She said the week will feature “various consumer-focused financial education programmes and initiatives”.
“MSWSA is an initiative of the National Consumer Financial Education Committee (NCFEC) to motivate, empower and educate South Africans and contribute to a more financially literate citizenry. Activities during the campaign will include free workshops, presentations, mall activations, exhibitions and webinars,” she said.
In July, the National Treasury called for organisations and individuals to be part of MSWSA.
READ | Call to participate in Money Smart Week
“The key objective of the MSWSA is to provide a national collaborative platform and mobilise a wide range of stakeholders to motivate, empower and educate South Africans and contribute to a more financially literate citizenry.
“Participation in MSWSA is open to any organisation or individual, including academic institutions, government departments, regulatory authorities, financial institutions, community groups, companies, Non-Governmental Organisations and Public Benefit Organisations.
“Interested participants are invited to organise their own financial education initiatives and events to host during the week-long campaign,” National Treasury said in a statement.
The online registration process is open for participants to submit a participation application form by no later than 16 August 2024. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 08/08/2024 - 12:22
Cabinet commends addition of SA sites to UNESCO list
Cabinet has commended the latest addition of the South African human rights and liberation struggle sites in the prestigious list of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) World Heritage Sites.
The sites in the prestigious list include the Union Buildings, Constitution Hill, Liliesleaf farm, Sharpeville memorial, Walter Sisulu Square, 16 June 1976: The Streets of Orlando West, University of Fort Hare and ZK Matthews House, Mqhekezweni, Waaihoek and Ohlange.
The UNESCO World Heritage Committee also inscribed three Middle Stone Age sites in recognition of South Africa’s significant contribution to the understanding of the origins of modern human behaviour.
These include Diepkloof Rock Shelter close to Elands Bay in the Western Cape, Pinnacle Point Site Complex in Mossel Bay also in the Western Cape and Sibhudu Cave in KwaDukuza, KwaZulu-Natal.
“The sites termed as The Human Rights, Liberation and Reconciliation: Nelson Mandela Legacy Sites, not only help preserve South Africa’s unique heritage, but catapults our country to prominence as a major tourist attraction for World Heritage Sites, thereby boosting tourism and the economy,” said Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni.
The Minister was briefing media at a post-Cabinet briefing held in Pretoria on Thursday.
READ | UNESCO inscribes more World Heritage sites for South Africa
South Africans are living longer
Meanwhile, Cabinet has also welcomed the Mid-Year Population Estimates (MYPE) for 2024, which showed that South Africans are living longer.
The MYPE shows that life expectancy has increased to 66.5 years from 53.6 years in 2005 due to multiple government interventions, including the expanded rollout of antiretroviral therapy - which is one of the largest antiretroviral therapy programme in the world.
The estimates also show the provision of vaccinations and the decrease in the infant mortality rate from an estimated 57 infant deaths per 1000 live births in 2002 to 22.9 per 1000 live births in 2024.
“South Africa’s population now exceeded 63 million, growing 1.33 percent from July 2023 to July 2024. The updated population growth figures will assist government in its planning and resource allocation as we continue to better the life of all South Africans,” Ntshavheni said.
High-tech rail infrastructure
Cabinet has also commended the introduction of new high-tech trains on the Central Line in the City of Cape Town by the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA). PRASA is an agency of the Department of Transport.
The service has been extended from Nyanga to Mandalay station.
Ntshavheni highlighted that the trains utilise modern signalling system from Langa to Mutual Line, to enhance the safety and reliability of the rail service.
“The modern hi-tech features in these trains include automated doors, and CCTVs for each coach are for improved passenger safety,” the Minister said.
Cabinet has further commended the recovery of more rail lines part of government’s priority of providing safe, reliable and affordable public transport.
READ | PRASA introduces new modern trains in Cape Town
This as Cabinet held its first normal meeting of the seventh administration at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Wednesday. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 08/08/2024 - 12:38
Cabinet welcomes ICJ advisory on Occupied Palestinian Territories
Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, says South Africa’s Cabinet has welcomed an advisory by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the “legal consequences arising from the policies and practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territories”.
Ntshavheni was addressing a post-Cabinet media briefing on Thursday.
The ICJ advisory affirmed that Israel’s continued presence in the territories is unlawful under international law.
“The judgement creates an additional legal obligation for all States to end complicity in Israel’s illegal actions and to act to ensure respect for international law.
“South Africa was amongst 49 United Nations (UN) member States that delivered a statement on the matter to the ICJ in February 2024,” Ntshavheni said.
Elsewhere on the continent, the Minister said Cabinet had noted unrest in Kenya and Nigeria.
“Cabinet raised concerns with the continuing unrests in Kenya and Nigeria, and urged all parties to find urgent solutions to the plight of citizens with the high cost of living, which South Africa is not spared from,” she said.
AGOA Forum
On matters relating to the annual African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Forum held in July, the Minister said Cabinet was “appraised of the successful participation of South Africa’s delegation” at the forum held in the United States of America (USA).
She said this was a positive confirmation of good bilateral relations between South Africa and the USA.
“South Africa continues to advance a case for the renewal of the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act, which expires in 14 months, and supports calls by African Trade Ministers for the US government to do away with the annual reviews of AGOA,” she said.
UK elections
Turning to elections in the United Kingdom, Ntshavheni said Cabinet congratulated the United Kingdom on their recent elections.
“Cabinet once more congratulated Prime Minister Sir Keith Starmer of the United Kingdom and the Labour Party in their victory in the recent general elections. South Africa stands ready to work with the government of the United Kingdom to increase trade and partnership.
“Government will continue to monitor developments in other countries that are also holding elections this year,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 08/08/2024 - 12:38
Government prepares for G20 Presidency and Summit
Preparations are ongoing for South Africa’s Group of 20 (G20) Presidency and the hosting of the G20 Summit in 2025.
South Africa is expected to take over the presidency of the G20 from December 1 this year.
This is according to Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, who briefed members of the media on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday.
“An Inter-Ministerial Committee has been assigned the responsibility to organise this event on behalf of government and South Africans.
“South Africa will continue to use opportunities to lead and host international forums such as the G20 to focus global attention to the development challenges confronting Africa and the countries of the global South,” Ntshavheni said on Thursday.
READ | President Ramaphosa, President Biden commit to deepening relations
Furthermore, Cabinet has endorsed the country’s candidature to the following multilateral bodies:
• The candidacy of Yvette van der Merwe for the President of the Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) at elections to be held in France in October 2024. South Africa has a bid for re-election to the Human Rights Council for 2026-2028.
• South Africa seeks the re-election of its candidates, Professor Frans Jacobus Viljoen to the UN Human Rights Advisory Committee for the period 2025-2027, at elections scheduled for October 2024 in New York, USA.
• South Africa is also seeking terms on the UN’s Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) in 2025 and the Commission for Social Development in 2025. Elections for both bodies will take place in April 2025.
• South Africa will seek elections to the UN Security Council for a two-year term for the period 2031-2032, when it will be the turn of Southern Africa. - SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 08/08/2024 - 12:48
Cabinet commends continued law enforcement agencies successes
As part of the ongoing fight against crime, Cabinet has commended the continued successes of law enforcement agencies in the arrest of members of organised crime syndicates and gangs.
Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, highlighted that Operation Shanela of the South African Police Service (SAPS) has ensured the arrest of 766 237 suspects for various crimes, with 161 752 of these were suspects wanted for priority crimes, including murder, cash-in-transit heists, armed robberies, rape and car hijacking, among others.
“Cabinet welcomed the shutting down of an illegal military training camp in White River, Mpumalanga following an intelligence-driven multidisciplinary law enforcement operation which has also resulted in the arrest of 95 Libyan nationals,” Ntshavheni said.
Cabinet reiterated a call to all South Africans to partner with law enforcement agencies in the fight against crime without resorting to vigilantism.
“Cabinet has taken a dim view of actions by some community leaders that amounted to threatening of learners and teachers at their school. The Department of Basic Education will continue to work with the SAPS to ensure schools remain safe spaces for learning and teaching,” Ntshavheni said.
READ | Together, let us 'take back our communities' from criminals – President Ramaphosa
Conviction of former Home Affairs officials welcomed
Cabinet acknowledged the conviction and sentencing of former Home Affairs officials and foreign nationals by the Durban Specialised Commercial Crimes Court, after being found guilty of committing fraud and corruption against the immigration system.
READ | Former DHA official sentenced to 12 years imprisonment
“The successful convictions bolster government’s efforts of building an ethical, professional, and capable developmental state,” Ntshavheni said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 08/08/2024 - 13:06
Call for women ownership in media sector
While government policies have enabled the participation of women in the media sector, Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) Director of Media Relations, Tshegofatso Modubu, has called for an in depth look at the ownership and control by women in the media space.
“In terms of shattering the glass ceiling with the 30 years of democracy, we are seeing women get into the operational space and a bit more into the managerial space. We need to think about ownership and control of media in terms of women,” Modubu said on Thursday.
She was speaking at a panel discussion themed “30 Years of Women Excellence in the Community Media Sector” hosted by the GCIS, together with the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) in Pretoria.
Reflecting on the 30 Years of Women Excellence in Community Media Sector, Modubu noted that since 1994, freedom of expression has expanded.
“We have done a lot as a country in terms of catching up on freedom of expression, on issues of plurality in the media sector and ensuring that the space is opened [up] to women.
“If you think about the era of apartheid when there was a lot of censorship, and certain voices were not allowed to speak, the media was slightly controlled because there were some newspapers that were aligned to the agenda of the regime.
“Since 1994, the media landscape has expanded, and it has been able to keep up with technological developments. We have a thriving convergent media. We see our media being challenged to move from print into the digital space because of the convergence.”
Modubu highlighted that through the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA), government is providing support to for those who want to develop community and small commercial media.
Through interventions such as the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) and the Preferential Procurement Policy, government is also promoting the participation of women in any sector of society.
“We see women being in the forefront of journalism in this country. Growing up, we would see newsreaders, which was what was designated for them. We have seen women go into talk show hosting, we have seen women become political journalists and being at the forefront [of journalism].
“There is a strong move to get women into boards because that is where decisions are made. Media companies have boards and women are not participating in those spaces.
“The chief executive officers … women are not playing in that space. These are some of the things we need to think about while we celebrate the strides that have been made,” she explained.
In addition, Modubu welcomed the move by the South African National Editors' Forum (SANEF) to appoint Nwabisa Makunga as Chairperson of the forum.
Makunga is leading a team responsible for representing those who are responsible for telling stories and representing the aspirations and wishes of the population.
“We have women editors in print and broadcast media, SANEF has the second women occupying the position of chairperson. All of this has been enabled by the policies that government has put into place.
“Our responsibility, as people who work in the space of policy making, is to ensure that those policies work, and they work for practitioners within the media space. There are challenges such as the cyberbullying of women, harassment and facilitated technological gender-based violence against women.
“Those are the challenges that we have to think about and how we can create laws and policies to change that,” Modubu said.
READ | Dialogue to assess women’s impact in the community media
- SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 08/08/2024 - 13:36
Government speaks against GBV, elder abuse
Government has strongly condemned the heinous acts of violence against women, which continue to plague communities.
“This abhorrent abuse of the elderly and the continued scourge of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) in the country will not be tolerated,” the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said on Thursday.
Recently, an appalling incident involving a 101-year-old pensioner in Zaaiplaas, outside Jane Furse in Limpopo, was reported. The elderly woman was allegedly raped by a 27-year-old man, an act of unimaginable cruelty that left her with an open wound to her head.
“This is one of many cases of GBVF in the country, and this kind of violence, especially against the most vulnerable members of our society will never be accepted. Those who commit such despicable crimes will face the full might of the law,” said the GCIS.
Government will continue to implement and strengthen measures aimed at protecting all citizens, and communities are urged to work with law enforcement to create a safer environment for all.
The public is urged to report any form of violence to a police station or by call the crime stop number on 08600 10111.
Alternatively, report using the MySAPS App.
“Let us all play our part in ending GBVF by stopping it when we see it. Citizens can also call the 24-hour GBV helpline on 0800 428 428 if they or someone they know needs assistance or SMS HELP to 31531,” said the GCIS.
Government is making progress in establishing dedicated desks at police stations in GBVF hotspots. The desks have police officers, who are specifically trained to provide victim-centred assistance and support.
Members of the public can also make use of Thuthuzela Care Centres, which are one-stop facilities that offer free counselling, medical examination and investigating officers, among other things.
Citizens are urged to support survivors in their journey towards healing.
“Together, we can build a society where no one lives in fear, and where the dignity of every individual is respected and upheld,” the GCIS said. – SAnews.gov.za
Matona
Thu, 08/08/2024 - 15:39
Home Affairs calls for space to conclude citizenship investigation
The Department of Home Affairs says it acknowledges the media and public interest into the ongoing investigation requested by the Miss South Africa pageant.
“The update provided yesterday indicates that our team is hard at work to establish the full set of facts and committed to communicating those facts in a transparent manner at the appropriate time.
“To safeguard the integrity of the process, the department will, however, not be commenting publicly again until we are in a position to announce the final outcome of the inquiry. We are committed to concluding the investigation speedily.
“We also call on South Africans to support our work by safeguarding due process, respecting the constitutional rights of all parties at all times, and refraining from inflaming divisions.
“By upholding these principles, we can rebuild the rule of law – together,” the department said.
READ | Miss SA contestant's mother may have committed identity fraud, department says
– SAnews.gov.za
Matona
Thu, 08/08/2024 - 16:03
It’s that time of year again… time to bring your running shoes out of Winter retirement! Clearwater Mall, in partnership with the Panorama Running Club, is hosting their 10th Annual 10km Race & 5km Fun Run, set to take place on Saturday, 24 August 2024. This event promises to be a memorable day for families …
Plettenberg Bay, South Africa—In a momentous event that celebrated both innovation and legacy, Afrika Tikkun Bambanani introduced its groundbreaking educational app, “Bamba Learn,” to the Bitou community. The launch took place at the newly completed Sabrina Love Farm, a site rich with meaning as it was built in memory of Sabrina Lubner, cherished daughter of …
Johannesburg – 8 August 2024 – The MEA Markets African Excellence Awards have named KD Strategies South Africa’s most impactful strategic and operational support company of the year. The prestigious MEA African Excellence Awards acknowledge outstanding business performance across the continent. This is the second consecutive year that KD Strategies has received recognition, having earned …
Limited tickets are now on sale for the 2024 Bookmarks Finalists’ Showcase. Attendees will witness ground-breaking work, engage in thought-provoking discussions and network with industry leaders. Hosted and moderated by Ann Nurock, Cannes Lions Trend Spotter, the Showcase will explore themes like fostering a culture of creativity, how digital drives real-world action in advertising and …
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus and captain Siya Kolisi were pleased with their “special” 33-7 victory against the Wallabies in their opening Castle Lager Rugby Championship clash at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on Saturday but cautioned against getting too excited. The pair were quick to point out it was not a perfect performance, and they …
OUDEKRAAL: At 14h09, Wednesday, 7 August, the CoCT water rescue network and NSRI Bakoven were activated following reports of a young male in difficulty in the water offshore of rocks at Cosy Beach, Oudekraal, near to Bakoven. A bystander, a local man, jogging along Victoria Drive, had alerted NSRI EOC (Emergency Operations Centre) after he …
Dear Editor Today, Democratic Alliance (DA) Federal Leader, John Steenhuisen, commemorated Women’s Day by visiting the Tara Road Community Garden in The Bluff, eThekwini where a group of unemployed local women embarked on a wonderful initiative by gathering their community together to clear a patch of vacant, unused land and start a thriving community food …
Introduction In today’s fast-paced world, where customer expectations are higher than ever, businesses are constantly challenged to remain accessible and responsive. A 24/7 telephone answering service represents a pivotal solution in maintaining this vital connection. This comprehensive guide explores the benefits of implementing a 24/7 answering service, enhancing customer interactions, and ultimately driving business growth. …