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South Africa’s water crisis is a multifaceted issue, exacerbated by changing weather patterns, deteriorating water purification systems and infrastructure, as well as the increasing cost of finding alternative solutions. Recent reports, such as the Blue Drop report, highlight the severe challenges in maintaining water quality and availability. This report indicates that almost 50% of SA’s …
JOHANNESBURG, June 24th , 2024 – Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterised by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract (1), which will affect the comfort, and therefore quality of life, of patients with the condition. (2) Apart from the pain and ongoing inconvenience experienced by patients, these differences from one’s peers could lead to …
After taking first place in both the 2021 and 2023 Ballito Pro Skate Jam, uMhlanga’s Kalvyn Mac Millan (35) is returning to the 55th Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill on Saturday, 29 June in the hopes of earning that 3rd title. The 2024 Ballito Skate Jam presented by Monster Energy & Volcom forms part of …
The Futuregrowth Community Property Fund (“Comprop”) has acquired Boitekong Mall, which brings the Comprop portfolio to 25 shopping centres, with a total gross lettable area of more than 438 000m2, valued in excess of R8 billion. Boitekong Mall is a quality regional shopping centre situated in Boitekong, located approximately 8 kilometres north-east of central Rustenburg …
The winners of the inaugural OceanLove Innovation Award 2024 were unveiled on 19 June 2024 in a spectacular ceremony at the Oceanovation Festival, The Hague, with South Africa’s Marine Protected Areas (MPA) Day making it into the Top 10. The submitted ideas were assessed based on several criteria including originality, impact, reach and feasibility. Out …
The Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara is thrilled to announce an exceptional photography exhibition showcasing the work of acclaimed South African documentary and fine art photographer, Mathew Willman. Titled “The Vic Victoria Falls Collection”, this exhibition will run from 8 June to 17 June 2024, providing a rare and in-depth visual journey …
The Southern Africa region is endowed with large numbers of pigs, with Angola, Malawi and Mozambique each recording over two million heads. This pig population in the region is growing at over 6 percent per year, the highest growth rate compared to other species of livestock. Unfortunately, the presence of African swine fever (ASF), the most feared pig disease, constitutes a major challenge to production and market access for the smallholder producers in resource-limited settings.
Traditional prevention and control approaches would employ humane culling and disposal of affected and in-contact pigs, with resource limitations often making it challenging for governments to provide adequate compensation. This situation often results in pig owners fearing not only the disease but also the measures applied in controlling it, such that they do not report disease outbreaks.
FAO has given particular consideration to the challenges of controlling ASF in resource limited settings, such as some of the small-scale farming systems found in the Southern Africa region. In 2023, FAO published new guidelines entitled: “African swine fever prevention, detection and control in resource-limited settings”, written by a global pool of experts.
These guidelines articulate the vulnerability of smallholder pig keepers and producers in rural settings, characterized by poverty and inability to meet the cost of compliance with national policies and legislation.
A unique new online course has been developed, based closely on the FAO guidelines. The course focuses on a collaborative and discussion-based approach to learning, in which participants co-create solutions in a series of live online workshops, backed by self-paced online learning modules. It emphasizes early warning, biosecurity, and the key features of the ASF virus that can be exploited in developing appropriate prevention and control programmes. The course was delivered from 10 May to 21 June 2024, with 81 participants from Botswana, Eswatini, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe completing the course and obtaining certificates.
“Resource-limited settings have unique barriers to the prevention and control of ASF. Methods for prevention, detection, and control recommended for higher resource settings may be inappropriate or impossible to implement. It is crucial to consider the context when designing control measures. The training course builds on experiences from Africa and elsewhere to provide participants with information and methods that could improve prevention and control of ASF in resource-limited settings,” said Andriy Rozstalnyy, FAO Animal Health Officer based in Rome, coordinating global efforts in the prevention and control of African swine fever.
The online course also included discussions on how to limit culling of infected and in-contact animals to control outbreaks, disposal of carcasses during outbreaks, and aligning national ASF control policies and legislation. Key to all this is the engagement of local communities for buy-in and sustainability.
“Community members have valuable knowledge, hence participatory problem analysis, design of solutions and decision-making, can boost commitment. We have to learn and understand community priorities and realities to identify together the roles and responsibilities of all players, when designing prevention and control measures at community level,” said Extraordinary Professor Mary-Louise Penrith, lead trainer and international expert on ASF.
Awareness raising at national and community levels is necessary to bring on board everyone in the smallholder pig value chain for adoption. Given that traditional approaches have been around in many countries for a long time and are now anchored in policies and legislation, lobbying for the new approaches is a necessity, including the alignment of legislation.
“Under conditions of limited resources, animal disease management approaches that do not place huge financial inputs upfront, but take into consideration the willing participation of communities, offer better chances of success. The approaches employed in this training course, which are backed by science, will alleviate the socio-economic catastrophe that is associated with the disease in this vulnerable group, while also reducing the national disease control burden,” said Patrice Talla, FAO Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa.
Through the Virtual Learning Centres, FAO is committed to support implementation of blended approaches of online and in-person training as they play a pivotal role in capacity development for animal health delivery in the region and globally. The VLCs offer a wide range of courses that aim to build skills related to One Health. Courses are available in a range of formats, including online tutored courses, blended learning, technical webinars and mobile learning.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of FAO Regional Office for Africa.
Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront continues to power ahead with full occupancy of its shopping centres, as well as rising sales and substantial growth, despite reports of online shopping upending traditional bricks and mortar. Retail sales were up more than 70% at the end of May 2024 compared to 2019 pre-Covid levels. New brands are visible, …
In days gone by we would market our businesses in a number of ways: Yellow Pages Listings were a must Cold Calling was acceptable Adverts in the Daily Newspapers – Herald, Evening Post, Weekend Post, Die Burger, PE Express etc. Paid for Advertorials or to e quoted in Press Releases Branding on Radio – Radio …
So far in the T20 World Cup: 190K fans attended matches in the USA 7 million visitors to the ICC website and App from the USA, up 370% from the 2022 edition The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in the USA has seen incredible fan engagement across the event and unprecedented interest in cricket in …
I_Menstruate Movement launches “period poverty” exhibition in Franschhoek
Johannesburg, South Africa – Are you experiencing uninvited guests in your home or business premises? Pest Control WR, a leading pest control company in Johannesburg, is raising awareness about the serious health risks associated with rat infestations. Homeowners, restaurant managers, and housekeeping managers in Johannesburg are urged to understand these risks and take prompt action. …
Parliament begins setting up internal structures
With the election of the Presiding Officers and the inauguration of the new President done and dusted, the seventh Parliament will now shift focus to establishing internal structures necessary for Parliament to function.
Among the activities that will unfold are the Rules Committees of the National Assembly (NA) and National Council of Provinces (NCOP) meetings.
“These committees will establish the structures necessary for the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces to function. They also decide on the constitution of the two Houses’ respective committees, the formula for whips, speaking time during debates, and the number of Members that will serve on a committee.
“Whips are important figures in the parliamentary system as they are responsible for discipline within the political parties and ensuring that Members attend and participate in parliamentary sessions. The formula for whips is a strategic determination that influences the dynamics of parliamentary proceedings. On the other hand, setting of speaking times is crucial for maintaining order and decorum in the Houses and ensuring that discussions are productive and focused,” Parliament said.
Constituting the oversight committees is guided by the Cabinet portfolios designated by the President as the committees exercise oversight over each government department.
Parliament said committees are essential in scrutinising the work of government, providing a platform for debate, and ensuring accountability.
“President Cyril Ramaphosa in consultation with the Speaker of the National Assembly (NA) Thoko Didiza and the Chairperson of the NCOP Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane will set the date for the Opening of Parliament Address (OPA).
“The OPA is an important ceremony in the form of a joint sitting of the two Houses that marks the official opening of the seventh Parliament. Unlike the State of the Nation Address that takes place annually in February, the OPA occurs once every five years after elections to announce the new administration’s plans, and it marks the beginning of the new parliamentary term,” Parliament said.
The joint sitting for the Opening of Parliament Address will be at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) in light of the ongoing construction.
The CTICC has been chosen for its capacity, convenience and proximity to the Parliament precinct.
Programme of the new Parliament
Once all the structures of the two Houses are established, the Joint Programming Committee will convene to deliberate on the parliamentary programme.
“The Joint Programming Committee plays a vital role in laying the groundwork for a productive legislative session as it is responsible for drawing up a programme for the first term of the new Parliament. The programme outlines the schedule and priorities for parliamentary activities, ensuring a structured and efficient approach to legislative and oversight responsibilities,” Parliament said.
Orientation programme for MPs
The newly elected Members of Parliament (MPs) will also undergo a structured orientation programme from 2 July to 5 July to induct them into their new roles.
The programme will cover a wide range of topics, including an introduction to the core business of Parliament, the roles and responsibilities of Members and Office Bearers, an overview of MPs’ ethics and disclosures, the Rules guiding the operations of each House, and those that guide Joint Sittings.
“Following the success of the first sittings of the two Houses, the seventh parliamentary administration is ready to take the reins and ensure that Parliament fulfils its constitutional mandate of oversight over the executive and providing a platform for the voice of South Africans in government policy and implementation,” Parliament said.
Meetings and activities scheduled for this week are as follows:
- SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Mon, 06/24/2024 - 10:02
Dr Nthabiseng Moleko is an economist at Stellenbosch Business School: Since 1994 the South African government has employed market friendly policies in an investment led growth strategy. Yet South Africa has averaged 1.2% GDP per capita growth over the last three decades, faring particularly poorly in the last decade by contracting -0,25% in per capita …
NBA Africa (www.NBA.com) and New Era Education, a Cairo-based educational services and school management company that seeks to bring high-quality educational institutions to Egypt to provide Egyptian students with the best possible education opportunities, today announced a multiyear collaboration for New Era Education to launch and operate the first NBA Basketball School in Africa.
Located at Uppingham School Cairo, an international school in New Giza, Egypt, NBA Basketball School will launch in January 2025 for Uppingham School youth ages 5-18. The year-round, tuition-based basketball development program will cover on-court training, skill development and basketball education for all skill levels.
“The launch of Africa's first NBA Basketball School is a significant milestone in our continued efforts to grow the game in Egypt and across the continent,” said Head of NBA Egypt Mohamed Abdel-motaleb Soliman. “This landmark initiative will provide Uppingham School Cairo students with the opportunity to learn the game the right way and progress their development under the guidance of NBA-selected coaches.”
“The collaboration with NBA Africa on the NBA Basketball School program underscores our dedication to providing youth with opportunities for growth and development, both on-and-off the court,” said New Era Education Board Chairman Dr. Tamer Tammam. “Through this initiative, our students and their families will access a world-class training program that fosters leadership skills and promotes overall personal growth.”
NBA Basketball School will build on the league's previous initiatives in Cairo, including the last three Basketball Africa League Nile Conference group phases, Jr. NBA clinics for local youth, the 18th edition of Basketball Without Borders Africa, the launch of the NBA Egypt office in January 2023, and more.
The NBA Basketball School curriculum, which is designed to develop players and provide parents, coaches and organizations with a better understanding of the process of improvement, was created by the NBA's International Basketball Operations department in consultation with current and former NBA coaches, players and player development specialists. Since 2017, NBA Basketball Schools have been launched in Australia, Brazil, China, the Dominican Republic, Greece, India, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Lithuania, Mexico, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Uruguay.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of National Basketball Association (NBA).
Contact:
Chumani Bambani
NBA Africa Communications
cbambani@nba.com
+27 65 548 1031
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 concluded its fourth season in June 2024. Fans can follow @ NBA_Africa and @ theBAL on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
The therapeutic oasis: exploring the profound impact of spa treatments on mental health By Nteboheng Kennedy, Manager of @Sandton Spa We have all joked about needing a spa day, but jokes aside there really are some major health benefits to taking a spa day. In this article the manager of @Sandton Spa, Nteboheng Kennedy, delves …
Mandatory disclosure of known defects has been a legal requirement for property sales for several years now. More recently, however (as of February 2022, to be exact) this requirement was extended to residential property rentals as well. Rental agents cannot market a rental property without a Mandatory Disclosure Document on file. However, Jacqui Savage, National …
Government activities for the week 24 – 28 June 2024
On Tuesday, 25 June, the Federation of Unions of South Africa (Fedusa) will host a Training & Information Webinar on the 2-Pot System on Microsoft Teams.
On Tuesday, 25 June, Government will host Operation Vulindlela Conference.
On Wednesday, 26 June, International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking will be celebrated annually to strengthen action and cooperation in achieving a world free of drug abuse.
On Thursday, 27 June, the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy will host the Junior Miners Exploration Fund Webinar.
Matona
Mon, 06/24/2024 - 11:11
Perfect weather is predicted for the SPAR Kirkwood Wildsfees, which runs from Friday, June 28 to Sunday, June 30. Visitors to the Eastern Cape’s favourite family festival will be enthralled by the selection of over 300 selected stalls, will be shouting “yee haw!” during high-energy horse shows, and inspired by the conservation theme in the …
The National Musuems of Kenya (NMK) and CityBlue Hotels (CityBlue) (www.CityBlueHotels.com) are proud to announce a new partnership to co-promote tourism and culture in Kenya.
This alliance marks an exciting opportunity for sponsorship, co-branding, co-marketing and other forms of collaboration.
NMK was established by an Act of Parliament, the Museums and Heritage Act 2006, as a multi-disciplinary institution whose role is to collect, preserve, study, document and present Kenya's past and present cultural and natural heritage. This is for the purposes of enhancing knowledge, appreciation, respect and sustainable utilization of these resources for the benefit of Kenya and the world, for now and posterity.
CityBlue Hotels, Africa's fastest-growing local hotel chain, operates in Kenya (Mombasa, Nairobi and Lamu with new properties opening soon), Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Ghana. CityBlue also has a collaboration arrangement with more than twenty hotels in South Africa and Mozambique.
Professor Mary Gikungu, Director General of the NMK, stated that, “This arrangement is a step for NMK to engage with the private sector with a group that is established, growing, dynamic and cares, like we do, for the welfare of mankind and the conservation of the biological diversity of the East African region and that of the entire planet. The story of NMK and our cultural heritage will be enhanced by this collaboration”.
Jameel Verjee, Founder & CEO of CityBlue Hotels, explained at the Africa Hotel Investment Forum 2024 that “NMK manages many Regional Museums, Sites and Monuments of national and international importance alongside priceless collections of Kenya's living cultural and natural heritage. As an institution that must respond to the growing needs of the society, NMK is striving to contribute in a unique way to the task of national development and we cannot wait to be a partner of NMK on this journey”.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of CityBlue Hotels.
Not only is the cost of charging an electric vehicle significantly lower than filling up a petrol car, with savings ranging from 80-90%. This is due to the higher energy efficiency of electric motors compared to internal combustion engines. Owners of Electric Vehicles also ‘escape’ the taxes levied on fuel in South Africa – a …
Every effort must be made to ensure the GNU succeeds
President Cyril Ramaphosa says every effort must be made to ensure that the Government of National Unity (GNU) remains true to its founding spirit of collaboration in good faith to drive a programme that improves the lives of all South Africa’s people.
“South Africans made clear with their votes in last month’s elections that they want their elected representatives to put aside narrow interests and work together to build the country,” President Ramaphosa said.
In his weekly newsletter, President Ramaphosa said the formation of the second Government of National Unity (GNU) was a momentous development in South Africa’s democracy.
“The success of the GNU will be measured by the extent to which we are prepared to focus not on who will govern, but on how we will govern, together,” President Ramahosa said.
President Ramaphosa said the first GNU was established in 1994 to promote nation building and inclusivity from a racially divided past during a period of political transition.
“Giving effect to the principles of that Constitution and the Bill of Rights must be the overriding focus of this GNU. This will be done by pursing a common programme to eradicate poverty and build a more equal society, to create jobs, and to make government truly work for the people.
“The GNU Statement of Intent provides a solid base for genuine cooperation between parties across the political spectrum who have signed up of their own accord.
“The Statement of Intent commits the signatories to a set of foundational principles that include respect for constitutionalism, accountability, transparency and community participation in government, evidence-based policy and decision-making, professionalisation of the public service integrity and good governance,” the President said.
President Ramaphosa said the parties to the GNU have agreed on priorities for the incoming administration and that at the top of the list of priorities is the achievement of rapid, inclusive and sustainable economic growth to create jobs.
“It will be critical that the GNU stays the course on the structural reform that is underway to improve the business operating environment and establish South Africa as an investment destination of choice.
“These reforms are necessary to resolve longstanding challenges in key industries and create more jobs and opportunities. We will need to build on the progress that has already been made, while accelerating the pace of reform,” the President said.
President Rmaphosa said the fact that there is broad consensus among the parties on the priorities of the incoming administration gives an encouragement that the GNU will indeed take the country forward.
“Emanating from the priorities outlined in the Statement of Intent, the parties will further refine the GNU’s programme, including through the proposed National Dialogue process.
“We remain committed to consensus-building and to the representation of a broad range of interests and viewpoints within government. At the same time, we are all keenly aware that South Africans expect action, implementation and results,” he said.
The President said the country’s hopes are pinned on the success of the GNU.
“Our stated commitment to work together constructively and for South Africa’s benefit has generated a great deal of goodwill that we should not squander. South Africans are watching.
“We should not waste our energies on those who stand in the way of our country’s progress or lose momentum over differences that can be resolved,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 06/24/2024 - 10:17
Starbucks Champions Young Innovators: Empowering Change Makers to Compete Globally. Be part of this journey. Cape Town, South Africa – On Saturday, June 1st the V&A Waterfront was buzzing with excitement as Starbucks South Africa hosted Booster Kids, a local robotics club, for a day filled with innovation, creativity, and delicious Frappuccino’s! Our store was …
TSHWANE: Cricket South Africa (CSA) will host a Young Guns Fast Bowlers Camp from 24 – 27 June at the...