MyZA
News, Directory, Events and Other Stuff
Introduction For companies looking to make a significant impact at trade shows, advanced booth design techniques can make a substantial difference. This blog explores how to use trade show display exhibits, custom trade show booth displays, and trade show backdrop to create an immersive and memorable visitor experience. Customization is Key Customizing …
In the fast-paced world of business, keeping track of tasks, assignments, and project progress can be a daunting task. This is where job card software steps in, offering a streamlined solution to manage workflow efficiently. In South Africa, where diverse industries range from manufacturing to services, job card software is becoming increasingly essential. Let’s explore …
Nicole Kidman, the renowned Australian actress, has captivated audiences around the world with her talent and versatility. Known for her exceptional performances in a wide range of film genres, Kidman has established herself as one of the most respected and accomplished actresses in Hollywood. Nicole Kidman was born on June 20, 1967, in Honolulu, Hawaii. […]
In honor of World Environment Day for the month of June, Discovery Channel Africa proudly presented the premiere of X Trillion, a compelling documentary that highlighted the urgent issue of plastic pollution in our oceans. The special screening took place on Discovery Channel Africa on Saturday, 8 June, at 18:00 CAT. X Trillion follows the …
In this exclusive column, Shahid Afridi writes: Let’s be honest: 120 was an easily chaseable target. No team has ever defended a lower total at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Pakistan’s bowling was disciplined and they managed to restrict what is the best batting line-up in the world to just 119. Post-match, Rohit Sharma …
Djibouti – The Government of the Republic of Djibouti has taken note with dismay of the “Container Port Performance Index 2023” report published on Wednesday, June 5, by the World Bank in partnership with the private company S&P (Standard and Poor’s). According to this report, the Port of Djibouti has dropped from the 26th position …
Celimpilo Gumede (loose forward) received his first Springbok call-up on Monday and immediately got stuck into the action at the team’s afternoon training session in Pretoria following the release of double Rugby World Cup-winning wing Cheslin Kolbe, who will undergo a medical examination for a knee niggle. Kolbe, who was named among 35 players for …
Australia player Matthew Wade has been handed an official reprimand for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during a Group B match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 against England at the Kensington Oval in Barbados on Saturday. Wade was found to have breached Article 2.8 of the ICC Code …
11 June 2024 – On Sunday, July 28th, the Nicarela Charity will host their annual Potjiekos competition at George Hay Park in Parkview. Teams will cook and sell their Potjiekos dishes while attendees enjoy the delicious food under the warm Johannesburg sky. With over 30 pots to choose from, including vegetarian options, there’s something for …
Victims of 2022 floods are still living in a “transit camp”
This is a clear message to verify bank account details before paying
Top paddlers came out in force on Sunday, 9 June 2024 to compete in the 2024 Leatherback Rum Surfski Challenge at Scottburgh on the KZN South Coast. This doubles race saw Luke Nisbet (Durban) and Brent Chiazzari (Salt Rock) in first place with the ladies’ race won by Saskia Hockly (uMdloti) and Christie Mackenzie (uMdloti). …
Progress in payment of private student accommodation
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) Administrator, Freeman Nomvalo, says a bulk payment of accommodation allowances was processed by the end of May 2024 and beginning of June 2024, with the next scheduled payment expected by mid-June 2024.
Nomvalo said NSFAS has been consulting with various stakeholders since his appointment as the Administrator, and one of the critical stakeholders consulted are the landlords for private student accommodation who raised concerns regarding the outstanding payment of student accommodation allowances.
Nomvalo has assured the stakeholders that a bulk payment of accommodation allowances has been processed by the end of May 2024.
“The next scheduled payment will be not later than 18 June 2024 to clear all legitimate claims. These interventions are intended to provide the much-needed relief to private student accommodation landlords,” Nomvalo said.
The Administrator has urged the landlords, who still have outstanding payments, not to evict students, as NSFAS is committed to ensuring that all legitimate claims are resolved not later than 18 June 2024.
He encouraged landlords who did not submit their claims for outstanding payments to refer their queries to NSFASAccomProv@nsfas.org.za.
Nomvalo reiterated his call to all Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college students, who still do not have bank accounts, to open them with banks of their own choice and submit their bank accounts on the NSFAS established portal in order to avoid delays in their payment allowances.
“The banking details provided must belong to the student to enable NSFAS to verify these against the student's details on our record and minimise potential risks,” Nomvalo said.
The Administrator also encouraged members of the public to only rely on official communication from NSFAS, as opposed to deliberate misinformation about the work of the scheme, which often appears in various social media platforms.
The Administrator further reiterated his commitment to constructively engage with all stakeholders to find workable solutions for the stability of the Post-School Education and Training in South Africa system and success of the students. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 06/10/2024 - 10:19
World-class surfski paddlers are heading to Scottburgh on the KZN South Coast this Sunday (9 June 2024) to compete in the Leatherback Rum Surfski Challenge doubles race – paddling power couple Hank and Pippa McGregor among them. This epic contest forms part of the second annual Ocean Festival, running from 6 to 9 June 2024, …
The streets of Durban will be buzzing with excitement on Sunday, 7 July 2024, as event sponsors go all out to create an unparalleled on-route experience at the iconic Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K. “As we gear up for the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K, participants can once again look forward to a …
City Power implements load reduction
Johannesburg’s power utility, City Power, is expected to begin implementing load reduction in areas it says have “exceedingly high” electricity usage levels.
The load reduction is expected to be implemented from this morning.
More than 80 areas will be affected and grouped into six blocks for load reduction, which will not exceed 2.5 hours per block.
“The decision to initiate load reduction follows extensive efforts to encourage customers to use electricity wisely and efficiently in recent weeks.
“Despite warnings about the constrained electricity network in the city, residents have not reduced their electricity consumption, and energy demand has continued to rise,” the utility’s spokesperson, Isaac Mangena, said.
Mangena explained that consumption in the metro has reached “critical levels, forcing… City Power to embark on stringent measures to protect the grid from total collapse”.
“City Power has recorded an enormous increase in the average evening peak load in some areas, which went up by 65%, from 25MW during the summer months to 33MW between April and May 2024. In some instances, the load reaches 42MW, constituting a 110% increase in consumption levels in comparison with the warmer season.
“During January and March this year, the average off-peak consumption at some of our substations has been sitting at 20MW. Between April and May, consumption shot up by 50%, increasing the off-peak load to 30MW. With temperatures expected to drop even more between June and July, the consumption levels could have dire consequences on our network infrastructure if load reduction is not urgently implemented,” he said.
The power utility is also embarking on other measures to work in tandem with load reduction.
“Part of our measures to lighten the load on the grid through load reduction includes the installation of ripple relays. A ripple receiver is part of a load management system used to control the electricity supply to the geyser during peak hours.
“Geysers are among the biggest electricity guzzlers, accounting for up to 50% of monthly household energy costs. These ripple relay receivers at different households are connected to at least 69 of our substations, and we can monitor customers’ consumption load remotely. City Power will remotely switch off the customer geyser once they reach high consumption levels,” Mangena said.
Illegal connections
The spokesperson said illegal connections are also contributing to an already “severely strained” electricity network.
“City Power continues to intensify the removal of illegal connections and revenue collection operations across the City of Johannesburg this winter season. This seeks not only to alleviate pressure on the system but to recover the billions owed to it and send a strong message to non-paying customers to pay for the services they use daily or have their power supply cut off.
“From our observations, those who are illegally connected or tampered with meters, are amongst the highest consumers of electricity, because they do not experience the financial consequences of keeping high and irresponsible usage,” he said.
The schedule for load reduction is available on the City Power website. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 06/10/2024 - 10:41
Founders Events, in partnership with Outsourced CFO (OCFO.com), is thrilled to announce the return of Scale Up Con, the premier event designed to empower entrepreneurs and business leaders to take their companies to the next level. Set to take place on 20 June 2024, at the Crystal Towers in Cape Town, this year’s conference promises …
Judgment reserved in Belhar occupation case
On Monday, 10 June, a coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) from South Africa, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Senegal presented the “Principles for a Fair Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP)” (https://apo-opa.co/45iTydE) during a virtual press conference launch ahead of the G7 Summit proceedings starting on June 13th. These guiding principles for global just transitions highlight the integral need for accountability, transparency, equity, and other principles in climate finance towards addressing the urgent climate crisis, from the perspective of the Global South communities and civil society in line to receive JETP finance.
The JETP deals announced in South Africa, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Senegal underscore the necessity for finance in combating the climate crisis. As discussions around COP29 in November begin to take shape, robust commitments to principled climate finance are deemed essential for the world's climate response. Despite finally meeting the USD$100 billion annual goal, developed countries are seemingly in favour of placing higher interest rates and restrictive conditions on their investments.This course of climate finance may ultimately hinder effective climate action in developing nations and increase their debt burden. Civil society voices urge G7 leaders and developed nations, as major polluters, to commit to creating a sustainable energy future through just climate finance deals.
Collectively developed by 350Africa.org, 350.org Indonesia, Trend Asia, Nu Climate Movement, Enviro Vito, Good Governance Africa, Lumière Synergie Développement (LSD) and Action Solidaire International (ASI), through sharing knowledge and experiences, these Global JETP Principles (https://apo-opa.co/45iTydE) call for climate justice and affirm the aspirations of CSOs in recipient countries for enduring climate solutions. They aim to serve as an advocacy and capacity-building tool, bringing together civil society and grassroots communities to advocate for fair and ambitious climate finance that is responsive to the realities of developing countries.
JETPs recognize the need for resources to transform energy systems and support developing countries. Expensive access to finance traps these nations in debt, limiting climate investments and necessitating a reevaluation of climate finance delivery. Collaboration among CSOs in the global south is vital to challenge the top-down approach. Principles developed by recipient countries, facilitated by civil society, are essential for accountability and asserting local aspirations in the energy transition.
Alia Kajee, Public Finance Campaigner at 350.org “Finance is not neutral; it can support transformative aspirations or perpetuate injustices under the guise of environmental progress. The current international financial system reveals significant power imbalances between developed and developing nations, which must be addressed to achieve just, people-centered climate action”.
Ndeye Fatou Sy, Program Manager at Lumière Synergie Développement (LSD) "Finance ministers must prioritize funding mechanisms aligned with justice objectives to avoid undue strain on national economies, while ensuring greater transparency and accountability within JETPs. These partnerships, guided by principles ensuring efficacy and impact, are critical for driving effective climate action."
Andreas Sieber, Associate Director of Policy and Campaigns at 350.org "A principled approach to finance is vital for navigating the global climate finance landscape, ensuring equitable and effective solutions. Initiatives like JETP highlight the need for just transitions, but aligning them with national climate finance direction and unlocking public finance, particularly in the Global South, is crucial. It is crucial that G7 member states demonstrate willingness to deliver finance at COP29."
Maureen Harris, Senior Advisor at International Rivers and coordinator of the Vietnam Climate Defenders Coalition
"In Vietnam, the government has committed to a just energy transition and signed up for a JETP, while at the same time imprisoning the country's leading climate defenders. Targeted attacks on climate leaders and environmental organizations severely limit genuine opportunities for consultation with civil society, which are essential to any just transition. To meet the urgency of the climate crisis, energy transition financing must center principles of transparency, participation and accountability, towards truly just and sustainable solutions.”
Liangyi Chang, Asia Managing Director at 350.org “In the scorching grip of the 2024 climate heat wave, Asia bears witness to the harsh reality of climate change. As temperatures soar and ecosystems strain, the urgency of transitioning to renewable energy becomes ever more apparent. Every climate leader from civil society shall be part of the Just Energy Transition Partnership from all governments, only together we can make it possible and to solve the climate disruption."
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of 350.org.
Notes for Editors:
For more information about the JETP work, please visit the webpage (https://apo-opa.co/45iTydE). The Global Principles and panelists information are also available here (https://apo-opa.co/3x0CRat).
For interviews and additional information contact:
350Africa.org
Anna Amar
Email: anna.amar@350.org
Congratulations to Comrades Marathon runners
Acting Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Maropene Ramokgopa has congratulated all participants and organisers of the 2024 Comrades Marathon on a successful event.
Popularly known as the “ultimate human race”, the 103rd edition of this epic endurance race took place in KwaZulu-Natal on Sunday, 9 June 2024.
South Africa’s Gerda Steyn made history when she won her third Comrades Marathon in a row and broke her record to win the women’s race, while Pete Wiersma from the Netherlands won the men’s race.
“The Comrades Marathon represents the best of South Africa, and the power of sport to foster national unity and social cohesion. A signature event in South African sport, the Comrades Marathon brings together people from all walks of life, and from all parts of the world to tackle one of the world’s most famous running routes.
“I am pleased to see the Comrades Marathon continuing to draw runners and visitors into the country from all over the world. This is why this marathon is important in boosting sports tourism in the country,” Ramokgopa said on Monday.
As South Africa celebrates 30 years of freedom and democracy, the country’s cultural, creative, and sports sectors continue to raise the country’s flag sky high.
“Amapiano artist Kabza de Small and orchestral conductor Ofentse Pitse have collaborated for a spectacular show at the Red Bull Symphonic South Africa. DJ Black Coffee showcases the best of South African music in Ibiza, while many of the country’s creatives continue to make their mark locally and abroad.
“In the sports sector, South African tennis ace Kgothatso Montjane recently competed in the French Open final in the women’s wheelchair doubles draw. The Proteas Men, the national men’s cricket team, is competing in the World T20 World Cup in the United States and West Indies, while Bafana Bafana continues to fight for a place in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers when they face Zimbabwe in Bloemfontein on Tuesday, 11 June 2024,” the Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Mon, 06/10/2024 - 11:27
Johannesburg, 10 June 2024: Daybreak Foods, a prominent player in the agribusiness sector, has taken a commendable step towards addressing the critical issue of youth unemployment in South Africa. The company is launching a partnership with the Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme, an initiative that is a beacon of hope for many young individuals who …
Navigating the modern suburban life, Lebang Kgosana, a dynamic hip-hop mum of six, has seamlessly blended her personal and professional passions. At just 33, Lebang has carved out a unique niche in the podcasting world with her show, “Life with Lebang,” focusing on providing support and insights to new parents. We met her at Smile …
Net closes in on illicit goods trade
The South African Police Service (SAPS) says it remains relentless in its pursuit to dismantle the trade in counterfeit and illicit goods nationwide.
On Friday, the National Counterfeit Goods Unit led an operation in the Johannesburg CBD which resulted in the arrest of two Chinese nationals and the seizure of counterfeit goods with an estimated value of R5.8 million.
Police also arrested two Ethiopian nationals for contravening the Immigration Act No. 13 of 2002 during the operation.
Almost 7 000 counterfeit items imitating well-known brands were seized, which included sports apparel, clothing, shoes, perfumes, sunglasses, watches and bags.
The team comprised SAPS members from various specialised units, officials from the South African Revenue Service (SARS), Gauteng Traffic's Saturation Unit, Brand Protectors, Crime Prevention Wardens and private security.
In the past eight months, the National Counterfeit Unit, in collaboration with its various crime fighting partners, seized over R400 million worth of counterfeit and illicit goods during various takedown operations in different parts of the country. The unit was established in November last year. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 06/10/2024 - 11:56
As political parties continue to engage to form coalition partnerships, SEIFSA joins the broader business chorus emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the interest of the country over narrow political interest. In the medium to long term, the election outcome means that the country will be governed by arrangements between political parties. We strongly urge the …