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Renault South Africa launched a national ‘test-drive-to-win’ competition on 19th April 2024, with the chance to win a brand-new Renault Kiger Turbo model worth R339 999. The competition was officially introduced at the ABSA Wildeklawer event in Kimberley, the biggest School Sports Tournament in the Southern Hemisphere. With over 26,000 people in attendance over the …
Hooker Esethu Mnebelele (Golden Lions) and lock JD Hattingh (Blue Bulls) will captain the SA Schools and SA Schools teams respectively in the annual match between the two sides on Thursday, SA Rugby has announced on Friday. The match will be staged at the Hoërskool Monument in Krugersdorp on Thursday, 4 July and kick off …
Nuts About Cooking is delighted to announce the release of the “Global Flavours Cookbook,” a free digital collection designed to take you on a gastronomic journey around the world. This exquisite cookbook features 40 mouth-watering recipes from the most cherished food destinations, all while showcasing the incredible versatility of Nuts About Cooking Coconut Oil. Whether …
Western Province overcame a spirited Free State side in the final match of the U18 Stadio Craven Week, while Boland and the Pumas secured victories on Saturday to end their respective campaigns on a high. The final day of the tournament at Hoërskool Monument in Krugersdorp witnessed a number of exciting, high-scoring contests. Three teams …
[Listen to the Junior Bok post-match media conference featuring head coach Bafana Nhleko, captain Zachary Porthen and Liam Koen] The Junior Springboks started their 2024 World Rugby U20 Championship in commanding fashion at DHL Stadium in Cape Town on Saturday by beating Fiji 57-7 in their tournament opener. They led 31-0 at halftime. The South …
Sanlam Boland Kavaliers gained a third straight win and their first at home of the campaign when they defeated rivals Phangela SWD Eagles 43-7 in their First Division Currie Cup clash Saturday afternoon in Ceres. There were also wins for second placed Valke and the Leopards. The Kavaliers led 21-7 at halftime and went on …
The Bulls Daisies smashed Sharks Women 75-8 in the sole match of the SA Rugby Women’s Premier Division this weekend, getting over the tryline 11 times and only conceding a solitary try by the visitors at Loftus B in Pretoria on Saturday. The rest of the teams had a bye and will continue with round …
The energy was contagious as artists from the National Arts Festival’s Fringe gathered at The Monument in Makhanda at midnight on Saturday, 29 June for a ceremony to announce the 2024 Standard Bank Ovations Awards winners. Standard Bank Ovations are awarded throughout the Festival to shows on the Fringe that stand out. Shows that have …
President Ramaphosa congratulates the Proteas
While the Proteas came second in the ICC Men’s T20 final, their defeat showcased the resilience and spirit of national pride, President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Sunday.
“Well done to the Proteas for an outstanding performance during the tournament to reach the final. The nation shares your pain in your fall at the last hurdle, but we thank you for hoisting our flag high on the global stage, playing against India.
“You have shown resilience and the true spirit that reflects our nation's pride. We also offer congratulations to Rohit Sharma and the Board of Control for Cricket in India on their unbeaten run on the way to a well-deserved championship,” the President said in a statement.
The President’s comments follow Saturday’s game in which India won by seven runs in Barbados.
Government has acknowledged the efforts and sportsmanship displayed by the country’s national cricket team.
While the outcome did not favour South Africa, government said the team's performance has been commendable, and they have exemplified the unifying power of sports in bringing the nation together.
READ | Government recognises commendable performance by Proteas
“Today’s results may not have been in our favour, but the performance of our cricket team in the finals has made us proud. The team showed immense skill and determination throughout the tournament. We commend them for their efforts and thank them for representing our country with honour,”Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) acting Director-General, Nomonde Mnukwa said on Saturday. -SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Sun, 06/30/2024 - 15:09
South Africa’s top schoolgirls will be in action at the SA Rugby U16 & U18 Girls Weeks staged at Jeppe High School in Johannesburg from Monday. The final two tournaments in SA Rugby’s 2024 Youth Weeks programme will run from 1 to 4 July. The U18 fixtures will be staged on Monday and Wednesday, while …
Durban singer Philasande Musawenkosi Ntombela, best known as Jaey Price that his upcoming album ‘No Other Optionz’ is almost done. Jaey Price recently released a new EP album #noproblemz in April via Equity Distribution. The young artist has been buzzing and has been making a name for himself. Jaey Price (born September 9, 1997) is …
India claimed their second T20 World Cup, 17 years after winning their first, defeating South Africa by seven runs in the final in Barbados. South Africa suffered a seven-run loss to India in the final of the T20 World Cup on Saturday. India 176-7 (Virat Kohli 76, Anrich Nortje 2-26); South Africa 169-8 (Heinrich Klaasen …
Government welcomes achievement of primary budget surplus
Under the leadership of President Cyril Ramaphosa, the sixth administration has achieved the first primary budget surplus in 15 years, said the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS).
The last time government had a budget surplus was before the 2008 global financial crisis.
“This commendable achievement was attained due to the support the National Treasury received from the President, the Minister of Finance, and the Cabinet of the sixth administration despite many challenges that confronted the national fiscus,” the GCIS said in a statement on Saturday.
These challenges include the economy that had to recover from the global economic crisis, State Capture, prolonged financial constraints due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the civil unrest of July 2021.
“The sixth government administration put in place prudent fiscal measures aimed at mitigating the country's dire economic situation, including the implementation of cost-cutting measures within the government, fewer bailouts to state-owned entities, strong monitoring of key performance measures to improve their performance, and the deployment of multi-disciplinary intervention teams that included the private sector where applicable.
“State-owned enterprises were propelled to impactful turn-around plans implementation, which has resulted in green shots in self-sustaining business models. Critical economic growth drivers, such as infrastructure development, received necessary support and focus. Under President Ramaphosa's leadership, the government engaged regularly with business and labour leaders, whose input is crucial to the economic growth conversation,” the GCIS said.
Government said that as the seventh administration begins its work; it does so with the advantage of a budget surplus, which will support the implementation of outstanding goals of Vision 2030 – the National Development Plan.
The government reiterated the importance of collaboration to achieve faster economic growth through job creation and public-private partnerships, among other strategies. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Sun, 06/30/2024 - 13:23
Call to educate public on national budget process
The National Treasury has called on stakeholders and provinces to collaborate with it in hosting events to educate the public on the budget process.
This comes after the National Treasury hosted, for the first time, a successful post-Budget engagement during Youth Month that involved unpacking the national budget to children.
The engagement was in collaboration with the Western Cape Commissioner for Children (WCCC).
The main objective of the outreach programme was to raise awareness about national budget information that is readily available, outline the budget process and to develop a child-centred budget document titled the Coolkid’s Guide to the Budget.
“Public participation in the budget process is essential for transparent and accountable governance. In February, the Minister of Finance tables the National Budget, which includes allocations for children and the youth across various national and provincial departments.
“By involving the public, especially young people, the government fosters inclusive development, builds trust in its resource allocation, and ensures that the budget process is accessible and understandable,” National Treasury said on Friday.
The Children’s Budget Engagement targeted children between the ages of 13 to 17 (Grade 8 – 12 learners).
The engagement took place virtually on Wednesday 26 June 2024 while the nation commemorated the month of the African Child as well as Youth Month.
National Treasury officials presented to the children, who in turn engaged and asked questions that were responded to.
Key focus areas included: how the National Treasury makes sure that the budget is spent effectively on realising child rights, the focus of children’s involvement in the decision-making process, and the prioritisation of children regarding Early Childhood Development (ECD), social welfare, health care, and quality education.
“The National Treasury discussed these topics using creative and colourful infographics and mind-maps that made budget education fun and interactive. The WCCC also developed products displaying their understanding of the budget process; these included a budget recipe poster, and a budget story in English, Afrikaans, Xhosa, and South African sign language.
“The Commissioner for Children commended the National Treasury for making the efforts to make budget information available in a child-centred and child-friendly manner. One of the child government monitors said that they love the layout of the pages of the Children’s Budget, they love that it is easy to understand, entertaining, and makes them look forward to learning about the budget.
“The National Treasury invites other stakeholders and provinces to collaborate in hosting similar engagement events to reach groups that are not necessarily aware of or catered for in the budget documents.
The children’s products can be found on all National Treasury and WCCC social media platforms. The Coolkid’s Guide to the Budget is also available on the National Treasury website (www.treasury.gov.za). –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Sun, 06/30/2024 - 11:43
SA remains proud of Proteas
The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has congratulated the Proteas on their performance at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup tournament.
“Keep your heads held high Proteas Men! You have had a great ICC Men’s T20 World Cup campaign and have made the nation proud. See you when you return to Mzansi!” the department said in a social media post on X, previously known as Twitter.
This as India won by seven runs in Saturday’s final.
“Not meant to be for the Proteas in Barbados but a campaign to be proud of,” Cricket South Africa said in post on X.
In a statement on Friday, Cricket South Africa said the team under the leadership of Proteas Men’s Captain Aiden Markram, maintained an undefeated record throughout the tournament, while facing challenging matches and securing narrow victories against Nepal, Netherlands, Bangladesh, and England. Their win over West Indies in the Super Eight stage came with just five balls to spare.
READ | Proteas make SA proud
“However, the Proteas knew when to show up and deliver match winning results. They displayed artistic prowess and made history by defeating Afghanistan by nine wickets, securing their place in their first-ever ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final,” said Cricket South Africa at the time. -SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Sun, 06/30/2024 - 11:23
Bafana draw with Botswana in Cosafa Cup clash
Bafana Bafana were held to a goalless draw in the group stages of the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) Cup on Saturday.
This as national football side took on Botswana at the at Isaac Wolfson Stadium in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape.
The Group A match ended in a 0-0 stalemate just days after the 1-1 draw against Mozambique in the opening match of the regional tournament.
“Coach Helman Mkhalele’s team had multiple chances to win the match, but just as they did against Mozambique, the home side was unable to make full use of the opportunities and find the breakthrough they needed against a solid Botswana,” said the South African Football Association (SAFA) in a statement.
Mkhalele said his charges should have done better than the final score suggests as they were in control for long periods of Saturday’s encounter.
“We were not in command of the ball, especially in the final third. We looked like we didn’t have the confidence. But again, we were not giving the early support or were unable to read the game to support Thabang Sibanyoni, who was dominating the aerial balls.
“We lacked that confidence. Yes, we did get those half chances, but we were not taking them or we were not approaching them with aggression. We were just more comfortable in dominating the possession in our own half. But we lacked the speed and the penetration to the middle,” said the coach.
Botswana coach Didier da Rosa was very proud of his players, even though they could not find the back of the net.
“It was a second draw (of the tournament after the 0-0 outcome against Eswatini), but at least we didn’t concede any goal. I’m proud of my players today because they followed the plan we worked on. It was very interesting for me as a coach to see these young players so disciplined”.
Mkhalele has a few days to regroup before his charges face Eswatini in the last match of Group A at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium at 3pm on Tuesday. – SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Sun, 06/30/2024 - 10:49
Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport warns against scammers
The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport has warned the public of an email scam targeting individuals and companies that have submitted bids for tenders.
“The department urges the public not to fall for this scam, which instructs bidders to call a specific cell phone number to arrange a meeting.”
The department explained that the tender process is transparent.
“Once a bid is closed, there will be no further correspondence with bidders unless clarification is needed, which will be provided in the form of a written letter on official letterhead.
“Additionally, any response will be delivered in writing, not through meetings in person at random venues. Successful bidders will receive a formal letter before any official meetings are arranged to discuss awarded work,” the department said on Thursday.
Anyone who has received such email correspondence is urged to contact the department's risk office on e-mail: duduzle.malebo@gauteng.gov.za. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Fri, 06/28/2024 - 09:08
Free State Premier charts a new path for seventh administration
Newly inaugurated Free State Premier, MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae, has emphasised the urgent need for a dedicated public service, spearheaded by selfless and noble public servants, as government begins the work of the seventh administration.
Letsoha-Mathae said this when she met with the officials in the Office of the Premier at the Bram Fischer Building in Bloemfontein on Thursday.
Addressing the officials, the Premier stressed the importance of creativity, hard work and collective effort to combat the triple challenges of poverty, unemployment, and inequality.
"As we embark on this new journey, I implore you to remember that we are not just public servants, but patriotic citizens tasked with building a united, democratic, non-sexist, non-racial, and prosperous South Africa.
“Let us work together to deliver quality services to our people and make the Free State a beacon of hope and excellence," Letshoha-Mathae said.
The Premier emphasised participatory democracy, urging public servants to take an active role in addressing societal issues.
She reiterated her administration's commitment to providing prudent oversight, overseeing, and coordinating the delivery of quality services, leveraging on the District Development Model (DDM) for integrated development.
Letshoha-Mathae stressed the importance of empowering the previously disadvantaged women and the youth in building a capable developmental state that prioritises the needs of the people.
The Premier said there would be a zero-tolerance approach towards maladministration, unethical practices and laziness of officials.
"The preoccupation of government, moving forward, should be that of ensuring public servants are held accountable and that the state is responsive to the plight of the people,” the Premier said.
Collective approach towards GBVF
Letsoha-Mathae added that there was a need for a collective approach towards ending gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) in the province and South Africa in general.
The Premier led a GBVF march in Bloemfontein on Wednesday, following the brutal murders of two young women in Mangaung.
The march, held under the banner “March for Justice”, was organised by various sectors and associations of society.
“Together, we are determined to overcome this pervasive threat that has invaded our communities. I urge men to stand up and protect women and children, while encouraging women to never tolerate any form of abuse," Letshoha-Mathae said.
Addressing key government priorities
Meanwhile, announcing the members of the Free State Executive Council for the seventh administration last week, Letsoha-Mathae said the team reflects the commitment to addressing key priorities of the provincial government, enhancing public service, and ensuring a sustainable future for all people.
She said each member brings a wealth of experience, commitment, and a shared vision for the prosperity of our province.
“This Executive Council shall be constituted of men and women who are dedicated to serving the people of the Free State with integrity, transparency, and responsiveness to the needs of our people and reflects our commitment to addressing key priorities of our government, enhancing public service, and ensuring a sustainable future for all our people,” the Premier said.
“This Executive Council shall be constituted of men and women who are dedicated to serving the people of the Free State with integrity, transparency, and responsiveness to the needs of our people,” she said.
The Members of the Executive Council are as follows:
• MEC for Finance, Tourism and Economic Development, Moses Ketso Makume
• MEC for Public Works and Infrastructure, Dibolelo Kathleen Mahlatsi
• MEC for Social Development, Nokwanje Selina Leeto
• MEC for Education, Mantlhake Julia Maboya
• MEC for Health, Monyatso Viceroy Mahlatsi
• MEC for Agriculture, Rural Development and Environmental Affairs, Elizabeth Cornelia Rockman
• MEC for Community Safety, Roads and Transport, Jabu Ntsokolo Ishmael Mbalula
• MEC for COGTA and Human Settlements, Teboho Zacharia Mokoena
• MEC for Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Ntobizanele Beauty Sifuba
Visits to health facilities
The Premier will today conduct a monitoring visit to the health facilities accompanied by Health MEC Monyatso Mahlatsi.
The Premier will first visit Bongani Hospital in Welkom and then Katleho District Hospital in Virginia. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 06/28/2024 - 09:13
Eastern Cape women entrepreneurs aim high
A Sara Baartman District Women Entrepreneurs Awards (WEA) winner aspires to be a fabric design factory owner who will in turn be able to employ the local people of Makhanda.
Kholiswa Seti of Kholi Designs was named the best smallholder in the rural development category, during the WEA ceremony hosted by the Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) in the Sarah Baartman and Amathole districts.
As part of the annual Women Entrepreneur Awards, the provincial department has been recognising top performing women who are contributing to economic development and job creation through the agricultural sector.
The objective of the awards is to empower and honour women in agriculture and agro-processing sectors by recognising their contributions.
The awards are an instrument through which the contribution of women in the fight against poverty, hunger and joblessness is recognised to increase participation and visibility of women in the sector.
Expressing her joy in winning the award, Seti--who was displaying her products at the National Arts Festival held this week--said her win happened at the time when she “just identified my niche market.”
She said it was only on Monday when she got great reviews about the quality of her work when she decided to have two pop-ups stalls to showcase her products in a solo marketing venture.
Government assistance
“Just when the excitement got the better of me about this idea, the question was ‘where are you going to get the money girl?’ So, this prize money (R20 000) will make me pull-off this idea of pop-up stalls and I am grateful. Slowly but surely my dreams are coming true [and] soon I will be able to employ more people and have a factory, thanks to the government,” an elated Seti said.
Seti, who received an overlocker and straight industrial sewing machines last year from DRDAR, said before the assistance, she only had one domestic machine and was working alone. Now, she has been able to hire someone on a full-time basis and another part-time.
“I call the industrial machine I received from the department ‘magic machine’ because it is fast and delivers great quality while the overlocker is doing wonders,” she explained.
Kholi Designs produce traditional wear, smart to causal wear, as well as matric dance attire. She said the designs catered for specific seasons, adding that she is currently displaying and selling winter wear at the festival.
Seti is not new to winning awards having won the Best Designer range at the 2017 Nelson Mandela Bay Fashion Week.
Farming for the future
Another winner, Bongeka Gebuza from Khanyisa Agro-organics in Ngqeberha, was awarded the Youth Special Award for her sterling work in her rabbit farming enterprise.
Speaking about her love for rabbits and organic farming, the Bachelor of Science Honours in Agriculture student at Nelson Mandela University, said she was “always interested” in rabbits, especially their nutritional value and how to take care of them.
“When I was gifted three rabbits, I managed to breed them until I had 72,” Gebuza said.
The 34-year-old Gebuza is currently busy with her honours degree research on rabbit manure.
She said her research seeks to look at the soil nutrition where she is planting spinach, using rabbit manure on one side and chemical on the other one.
Gebuza, who casually eats and sells her rabbits, said the prize money will assist her with buying the expensive rabbit feed and improve their cages.
She said she will continue with farming.
“One day I want to be the supplier of rabbit manure. I do not have interest in working as I am more interested in entrepreneurship, but we need funding for that as young people,” an optimistic Gebuza said.
Gebuza encouraged the youth to look into the farming sector, as it has more job opportunities.
“They need to explore and start small while looking for funding,” she said.
The district winners will compete for silverware at the provincial awards ceremony to be awarded by new DRDAR MEC, Nonceba Kontsiwe. The contestants will later represent the province nationally at the awards ceremony to be held in August. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 06/28/2024 - 09:33
Investment in rail critical for Africa’s socio-economic growth
President of the Southern African Railways Association (SARA), Hishaam Emeran, has called on the African continent to harness the potential of rail as it has a critical role to play in growing the economy and creating jobs.
“We must harness rail’s potential on the continent and in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) by embarking on ambitious programmes that will expand the role of both passenger and freight rail. These systems have the potential to contribute to our continent’s socio-economic prosperity,” Emeran said on Thursday.
Addressing the Africa Rail 2024 Conference at the Sandton Convention Centre, he said investment in modern rail infrastructure could radically improve efficiencies in the sphere of moving of goods and people.
Emeran, who is also the Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) at the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA), said fixing and upgrading rail is an important goal, given the burden that Africa’s roads carry.
“There is excellent work being done in the logistics space, driven in South Africa by the Presidency. Our transport networks must receive this level of priority because the economic and social costs of a failing rail system, and that of the congested roads we see across the continent, far outweighs the costs of improving and modernising our railway network.
“Also given the high levels of unemployment across much of the continent, affordable, safe and reliable public transport, with rail as the backbone, is critical,” he said.
In 2023, the South African government established the National Logistics Crisis Committee (NLCC), which is chaired by the Presidency and brings together all of the relevant government departments to drive a coordinated response to the logistics challenges.
The committee has achieved steady progress. The Freight Logistics Roadmap was approved by Cabinet, enabling urgent reforms in the freight logistics sector.
A crucial reform is the development of a Network Statement, which sets out the process for rail operators to access the network. A draft statement was released for public comment.
The Freight Logistics Roadmap outlines a range of actions required to restore the efficiency and competitiveness of key industry supply chains, as well as ports and rail more generally. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Fri, 06/28/2024 - 09:49
Governance experts appointed to lead intervention in eThekwini
Two governance experts have been appointed to lead an intervention in the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality.
KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC, Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi, says former eThekwini Municipality Manager, Dr Mike Sutcliffe, and former Director-General in the Presidency, Dr Cassius Lubisi, were appointed as governance experts during an Executive Committee (EXCO) meeting of the municipality, held on Thursday.
The intervention comes amid ongoing battles in the metro, including rampant crime, service delivery issues, and aging infrastructure.
The two have been appointed under Section 154 of the Constitution, which states that “The national government and provincial governments, by legislative and other measures, must support and strengthen the capacity of municipalities to manage their own affairs, to exercise their powers and to perform their functions”.
Buthelezi said the department aims to restore eThekwini to its former status as the jewel in the crown of KZN.
“This action by the provincial government underscores the commitment to clean governance and accelerated service delivery, as pronounced by Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli,” Buthelezi said.
The strategic support under Section 154 will entail building a clean, effective, efficient responsive and accountable local government; implementation of findings of investigation reports; addressing non-compliance with terms and conditions, including poor spending on allocated grants for various projects; and strengthening partnerships between civil society, the business sector and other critical role-players - to restore public and investor confidence.
Buthelezi said the appointed team will provide monthly reports to the MEC and will be in operation for 12 months, starting from 1 July 2024.
The Executive Committee has commended the MEC for the intervention and committed to work together with the appointed team. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 06/28/2024 - 10:25
Call to dispel myths associated with albinism
The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities has joined the global community in calling for more efforts to raise awareness of the rights of persons with albinism.
Albinism is a genetic condition that affects around one in 4 000 people in South Africa.
It is a rare condition that can result in a lack of melanin pigment, and people with albinism in South Africa are considered to have a lifelong physical impairment and disability.
The department’s Director-General, Advocate Mikateko Maluleke, said access to adequate learning, participation in economic opportunities and employment remains a challenge for learners and youth with disabilities, including those with albinism in South Africa.
“The National Albinism Task Force in South Africa and Amnesty International called on the South African government to take immediate steps to respect, promote, and fulfil all the rights of persons with albinism and ensure that all those who violate such rights are held accountable.
“For this reason, we call on all the youth of South Africa to support all the youth programs and initiatives from civil society; government, and the private sector aimed at educating and creating awareness on albinism,” Maluleke said.
Maluleke highlighted that the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa guarantees that everyone has the right to life, emphasising that people with disabilities, especially youth with disabilities, are particularly at risk and require specific measures to protect this right.
“The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, through its Disabilities Rights Awareness Campaign continue to encourage civil society organisations and the private sector to invest in public educational programmes that will help to dispel the misconception and discriminatory practices on albinism,” Maluleke said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 06/28/2024 - 11:06
The 55th Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill celebrates the ocean through surfing, seaside activities, and a dedicated conservation and community empowerment programme. As the Ballito Pro festival gets underway in KwaDukuza from 25 June to 8 July 2024, there are many ways for visitors to get involved and support these positive initiatives. “The reality is …
In today’s fast-paced digital world, staying connected and efficient is paramount. With the plethora of technological devices available, from laptops and tablets to cellphones and wearables, making the right choice can be daunting. This guide aims to simplify your decision-making process, helping you select the best devices and accessories to suit your needs. Understanding Your …