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Knysna – The Simola Hillclimb fully lived up to its status as one of South African Motorsport’s favourite racing weekends as Volkswagen Motorsport enjoyed a most successful and thoroughly satisfying weekend of racing up Knysna’s Simola Hillclimb. Daniel Rowe and Jonathan Mogotsi delivered a giant-killing SupaPolo 1-2 in the B2 class, while Cobus ‘Prof’ Barnard …
Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance (DA) condemns, in the strongest possible terms, the dishonest and desperate comments made by ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa in defence of his planned ANC/EFF Doomsday Coalition, which will burn South Africa to the ground. Ramaphosa’s comments came in response to the DA’s latest ground-breaking political advertisement, which has been viewed …
Dear Editor “In a time of deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act”, said Eric Arthur Blair, otherwise known as George Orwell, the most insightful political analyst of the 20th Century. This aphorism has accompanied me through decades of politics. Every time the DA has had the guts to tell a hard, inconvenient truth, …
In the world of football, few matchups generate as much excitement and anticipation as a clash between two European giants like Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. Scheduled for the 8th of May 2024, this upcoming match is already sending ripples of excitement through the footballing community. Both Real Madrid and Bayern Munich boast rich histories …
As the date of the highly anticipated football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Borussia Dortmund draws near, fans around the world are eagerly awaiting the clash between these two powerhouse teams. Scheduled for 7 May 2024, this match promises to be a thrilling display of skill, strategy, and passion on the pitch. Key Players …
Selecting a wedding venue is often the first and biggest decision a newly engaged couple has to make. Exquisite scenery, an inviting climate, great service, and affordability are all major deciding factors, making the KZN South Coast a top wedding destination. “From our Blue Flag beaches and coastal forests to the sprawling farmlands and majestic …
The following speech was delivered today by the Leader of the Democratic Alliance, John Steenhuisen, during his Rescue South Africa Tour in East London in the Buffalo City Municipality: Democrats, residents of Buffalo City, my fellow South Africans, It is wonderful to bring the DA’s Rescue Tour to the beautiful city of East London, in …
Premier Alan Winde, Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell; Executive Mayor of George Municipality Leon van Wyk and Municipal Manager Dr Michele Gratz; and Colin Deiner, Head of the Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC) today gave an update on the work undertaken by the Western Cape Government (WCG) …
A 27-man DHL Stormers squad left Cape Town today for a crucial two-match Vodacom United Rugby Championship tour. The DHL Stormers are currently in fifth position on the overall standings and will take on Dragons RFC at Rodney Parade in Newport on Friday, before facing Connacht at the Sportsground in Galway on the following Saturday. …
President launches new Home Affairs offices in Limpopo
Through the use of innovation, the Department of Home Affairs aims to offer its services at a quicker pace and closer to where people reside, says President Cyril Ramamphosa.
“The programme we are launching is called Home Affairs on Wheels, and it is going to change the provision of Home Affairs services for the better across South Africa. We don’t just want to make it easier. We want to make it faster and we want to make it cheaper.
“For many people, especially in the rural areas, travelling to reach government services can take a lot of time and be expensive,” the President said on Tuesday.
This as he officially opened the new Home Affairs offices in Mokopane, Limpopo.
“The Department of Home Affairs will soon be unveiling a kiosk model that allows you to access services just like withdrawing money at an ATM.”
President Ramaphosa said once the system is up and running, people will be able to use this walk-in kiosk to do things like applying for replacement copies of a birth, marriage or death certificate.
“You will also be able to use the kiosk to apply for a passport or a smart ID card. Another way we have taken government’s services to you, the people, is by opening Home Affairs offices in hospitals for birth registrations.
“This has made a big difference in the rate of civil registrations, and we hope it will continue to bring down the number of late registrations of births.”
Apart from the 412 Home Affairs offices in different parts of the country, the Department of Home Affairs has been able to expand the reach of services through partnerships with the banks, with shopping malls and with expanded offices like the one launched in Mokopane today.
“I call on each of you to see these new Home Affairs trucks as your own and to treat them as your own. Take pride in them and help us to care for them. These trucks are assets meant for the benefit of all people and all communities.”
He also told those at the venue that 2024 marks 30 years since South Africa attained freedom.
“With the advent of democracy, we set out on the path to restore the dignity of all South Africans. During apartheid, the regime denied black South Africans their dignity by controlling where we lived, worked and travelled.”
He added that since 1994, government has progressively built a Department of Home Affairs that is the custodian and protector of the citizens of South Africa and other people who are legally residing in South Africa.
“By recognising people’s legal identity and by providing them with the necessary documentation, the department is helping them to lead lives of dignity.
“It ensures their right to access public services and social protection. It allows them to vote, to find work, to open bank accounts and to travel beyond our borders.”
Since the dawn of democracy, government have taken important steps to ensure that civil registration is made as accessible as possible.
“The opening of the expanded Home Affairs office here in Mokopane and the introduction of these mobile offices are a great leap forward,” President Ramaphosa said.
Meanwhile, Home Affairs Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, echoed the President’s call in urging communities to look after the mobile offices as they exist to serve them.
“These are for you. They are there to serve you,” the Minister said.
Services closer to home
The launch of the new Home Affairs office and the unveiling of the mobile offices was welcomed by the locals.
Rethabile Masunke from Mahwelereng told SAnews that she is happy that she is now going to get Home Affairs services closer to where she stays.
“I am happy that now I don’t have to spend money to travel to Home Affairs offices which are far,” Masunke said.
Echoing the same sentiments, was Thabo Rabotho who said he is happy with what government has done in bringing services closer to where he stays.
“Now I just walk to Home Affairs offices and apply for whatever document I need,” he said.
According to the Department of Home Affairs, the new 100 mobile offices will extend the reach of the department’s services, especially in remote areas and that the unveiling of these mobile offices is part of Home Affairs’ Hybrid Access Model which expands services in areas where the department’s footprint is limited.
The purpose-built office offers all Home Affairs services in a convenient way which includes shaded waiting areas and ample parking. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 05/07/2024 - 14:16
Dear Editor The DA notes Minister Zizi Kodwa’s flimsy response to our recent political advertisement. Our ad serves as a glaring reminder of the bleak future awaiting South Africa if the DA isn’t elected. It’s a stark warning against the looming disaster of a Doomsday Coalition involving the ANC, the EFF, and other parties. In …
Cushman & Wakefield | BROLL says operators seek sites to the north and east of Johannesburg, in well-located nodes with power supply, while in the smaller Cape Town market data centres are expanding, and there’s growing interest in Nigeria and Kenya. The surge in AI technology deployment and demand for more efficient cloud storage drives …
Tasty News Alert! FULFIL Chocolate Protein Bars, a global snack sensation, has officially launched in South Africa and is now available at Clicks stores countrywide! These indulgent chocolate bars with zero guilt combine decadent taste with functional nutrition, revolutionising the snacking game for health-conscious and ‘chocaholic’ consumers everywhere – and now, they’re finally here to …
Prepare for an electrifying showdown this Saturday as Grey College opens its gates to host Paarl Boys High in a battle that transcends mere rugby—it’s a fixture steeped in decades-long rivalry. Dating back to 1950, when these titans first collided on the rugby field, Grey College, and Paarl Boys High (affectionately known as Boishaai) have …
South Africa’s vulnerability to cyber crimes and overall attitude to cyber security must be urgently addressed if the country has any ambitions to become a global player in the digital economy. The current state of the country’s Economic Crisis, which is worsening as we enter into a critical election period, is being exacerbated by the …
Countries urged to take advantage of AfCFTA opportunities
The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture Acting Director-General, Dr Cynthia Khumalo, has called on countries on the continent to work together and take advantage of the economic opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The AfCFTA agreement is expected to create the largest free trade area in the world measured by the number of countries participating.
"Let us strive together to build a prosperous Africa. An Africa that provides economic opportunities for its youth and vulnerable groups within our societies,” Khumalo said on Tuesday.
Addressing the launch of Africa Month in Bloemfontein, she said the Organization of African Unity (OAU) Charter and its successor the African Union (AU) placed culture at the top of their agenda.
“As we move swiftly towards accelerating the Africa Continental Free Trade Area, we do so fully aware and taking advantages presented by this progressive continental trade arrangement that will see the heritage and creative sector benefiting significantly by doing business amongst ourselves as Africans.”
Khumalo said Africa’s story is about transformation and working together.
“I therefore invite you to work with us as we build a better Africa and a better world,” she said.
Africa Month was launched under the theme: “Celebrating 30 Years of Freedom: Building a Better Africa and a Better World.''
“The 10th edition of Africa Month Program will feature over 58 cultural activities ranging from exhibitions, performances, colloquium, roundtable discussion, film screening and culinary demonstration. These are truly pan-African activities with participation of over 28 countries from the continent and the diaspora,” Khumalo said.
The Africa Month programme is mandated by the South African Cabinet to acknowledge the work done by the African Union, celebrate pan-Africanism and, at the same time, unlock economic opportunities in line with the AfCFTA, Africa Growth Opportunity Act (AGOA) and other instruments.
The 2024 edition is the 10th edition of the Africa Month Celebration Programme, and it is implemented as South Africa celebrates 30 years of freedom and democracy.
This is a yearlong program to celebrate and reflect on the progress the government has made in improving the lives of South Africans since 1994.
“The 30 years celebration project is aimed at creating platforms for South Africans in sport, arts and culture sectors to celebrate and showcase their achievements and milestones of democracy against the set priorities, commitments, and obligations of government in the National Development Plan 2030, the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union Agenda 2063.
“The sport, arts and culture obligations and commitments, as articulated in national and international frameworks, have provided a solid foundation for South Africa to advance as a democratic state grounded in the principles of human dignity, equality, human rights and freedoms, non-racialism, non-sexism, supremacy of the Constitution and the rule of law, democracy, social justice, equity, and respect,” Khumalo said. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Tue, 05/07/2024 - 14:09
Programme to bridge gap between research, public policymaking
In a move aimed to enhance collaboration between academia and government, the National Research Foundation (NRF) and the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) have launched the pilot phase of its DSI-NRF Policy Placement Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme.
This initiative is designed to bridge the gap between research and public policymaking, thus addressing societal challenges through evidence-based approaches.
NRF Business Advancement Group Executive, Dr Thandi Mgwebi, said the pilot phase will focus on postdoctoral research fellows and emerging researchers at a postdoctoral level to provide them with a unique opportunity to work within government departments.
“Through close collaboration with key government stakeholders, fellows will engage in policy processes and activities aligned with the thematic areas outlined in the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Decadal Plan 2022-2032.
“These areas include energy, social sciences, agriculture, climate change adaptation and mitigation, health, and other relevant fields,” Mgwebi said.
The pilot phase has seen the appointment of 14 postdoctoral fellows who have been assigned to strategic divisions within the DSI and NRF.
“The DSI fellows will be placed at the Technology Innovation and Research Development and Support divisions, while the NRF fellows will be spread across Business Advancement, Research Analysis and Advice, Knowledge Advancement and Support divisions, as well as Research Chairs and Centres of Excellence,” Mgwebi said.
The fellows will support the human capital development and social grand challenges (HCD and SGCs) five policy focus areas including research impact; internationalisation and partnerships; technology and innovations; and open science.
The fellowship programme is expected to be scaled-up over the next few years, with an open call for postdoctoral researchers to apply for the programme in 2025 and beyond.
The role of research
Mgwebi also noted that in today's complex world, the role of research in shaping public policy cannot be overstated.
She said the DSI-NRF Policy Placement Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme recognises this imperative and seeks to empower outstanding researchers and academics to contribute directly to government institutions.
“This will allow the academics to play a pivotal role in informing policy-making processes. The NRF and DSI are committed to driving national development through research initiatives that have a tangible impact on society.
"Through the creation of opportunities for collaboration between academia and government, we aim to enhance the capacity of researchers in public policymaking, while at the same time ensure that investments towards research culminates into impactful policies,” Mgwebi said.
DSI Research Development and Support Deputy Director-General, Imraan Patel said the programme fills two especially important gaps, one in which they have PhD graduates who have a lot of insight and ways of thinking that can be used by the policy environment effectively, but which cannot be extracted.
“The other in the policy environment where we have the need for deep insight into what is happening, what does the available evidence tells us, etc. This postdoctoral policy fellowship brings together those two needs into what I think is going to be an exciting and innovative programme,” Patel said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 05/07/2024 - 11:48
But lawyer for acting CEO Terrence Magogodela says his client “expects to be a witness for the state”
South Africa remains an "attractive investment destination" - President Ramaphosa
In his weekly newsletter, President Cyril Ramaphosa says the growth of South Africa’s automotive sector is a demonstration of “the potential of South Africa as an investment destination”.
The President said 2023 was a milestone year for South Africa’s automotive sector with the sixth millionth South African built vehicle exported with new vehicle exports reaching nearly 400 000.
“These figures are significant for a number of reasons. They show that our auto sector continues to grow despite a gloomy global economic outlook and disruptions to the flow of goods between countries.
“The growth of the automotive sector also demonstrates the potential of South Africa as an investment destination. It is a good example of how committed investors, supported by government policies and programmes, can achieve good returns for their shareholders while contributing significantly to the South African economy,” President Ramaphosa said.
The President pointed out that world leading vehicle manufacturers and other companies continue to pour more investment into South Africa.
“By way of example, Volkswagen last month announced a R4 billion investment to expand its Kariega plant in the Eastern Cape in preparation for the production of a new vehicle model expected to roll off the assembly line in 2027. This investment is expected to secure the livelihoods of approximately 3500 workers and support an additional estimated 50 000 indirect jobs and opportunities.
“South Africa’s value as an investment destination extends across many other industries, as local and international companies continue to either expand their investments or undertake new investments.
“Investment is important because, among other things, it creates employment, supports the growth of emerging suppliers, generates revenue for the country, and, in doing so, supports our efforts to reduce poverty and inequality,” he said.
According to the President, a recent report by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) has found that net foreign direct investment (FDI) into South Africa has been consistently positive since the global financial crisis of 2007 to 2009 – meaning more investment has come into the country than out.
“Last year, FDI inflows amounted to R96.5 billion, equivalent to 1.4 percent of our Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This supports a trend where foreign direct investment has, on average, been far greater over the last five years than over the previous decade.
“The PwC report notes that South Africa has attractive fundamentals, such as world-class financial services and communications industries, deep capital markets, abundant natural resources and a transparent legal system. Furthermore, South Africa is ‘a strategic geographical location for entry into the rest of sub-Saharan Africa’,” he said.
Addressing challenges
President Ramaphosa highlighted that although there is a “broadly positive attitude towards South Africa among investors”, more work needs to be done to ensure that the FDI as a percentage of GDP is heightened.
“That is why we continue to work to implement our policies and align regulatory and other obstacles, so that we can attract higher levels of investment. Through the auction of broadband spectrum and progress in digital migration, for example, we have greatly expanded opportunities in telecommunications.
“We have significantly reduced waiting times for water use licences and other authorisations that are so important for getting major investment projects off the ground. We are working to get rid of other forms of red tape that impede and slow down investment,” the President said.
He also acknowledged that South Africa’s electricity problems remain a “major challenge to our people and the economy at large” and issues at ports and rail are being addressed.
“Through our Energy Action Plan, we have made much progress in dealing with the country’s electricity crisis. We have seen an improvement in the performance of Eskom’s power stations and substantial investment in new generation capacity. This has contributed to a sustained decrease in the severity of load shedding.
“The work we are doing with business, labour and other social partners in improving the efficiency of our ports and rail infrastructure is also starting to bear fruit. Further progress in these areas will increase the country’s competitiveness and attractiveness as an investment destination,” the President said.
The President assured that government will continue in its path towards economic recovery.
“We will continue to build on the gains that we have made towards creating an enabling business and investment climate that promotes economic growth and creates jobs.
“It is only through attracting higher levels of investment, both foreign and domestic, that a swift, sustainable economic recovery can be assured,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 05/07/2024 - 10:27
Prize program awards Aftrak the $1 million Grand Prize to advance green energy in Africa; OMNIVAT awarded runner-up prize of $250,000; The organisations also launch a new FinTech Award in the next installation of the Prize program; winners will be selected in May 2025.
The Milken Institute (https://apo-opa.co/44yU0nF) and the Motsepe Foundation today announced the winners of the Milken-Motsepe Prize in Green Energy, a $2 million innovation competition to reward entrepreneurs working to expand access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable off-grid electricity in Africa. The winners were announced at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Los Angeles.
Aftrak (https://apo-opa.co/4bKg4OT), an initiative based out of the UK and Malawi, was awarded the $1 million Grand Prize for its easily assembled solar microgrid and custom-designed tractors, which have tripled agricultural yield, increased farmer incomes, and provided electricity to remote communities. The runner-up award of $250,000 was presented to South Africa-based OMNIVAT (www.OMNIVAT.Tech) for its containerized electricity generation and storage system, which provides clean water, clean energy, and Wi-Fi enriched by virtual reality support for remote communities.
The Milken-Motsepe Prize in Green Energy is the second in the Milken–Motsepe Innovation Prize Program, a series of multiyear, multimillion-dollar global innovation competitions and awards aimed at advancing technological progress toward the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The first competition in this program, the Milken–Motsepe Prize in AgriTech, was launched in 2021, and focused on addressing the goals of no poverty and achieving zero hunger.
Rigorous Judging Process
After launching in November 2022, hundreds of entrepreneurs from 79 countries on six continents registered to compete for the Milken-Motsepe Prize in Green Energy, and 160 of those submitted technological design and business models. In June 2023, an independent panel of expert judges carefully selected 20 semi-finalists to receive $20,000 to develop and test their innovations.
Each of the teams underwent a rigorous, independent judging process, which assessed their innovation's potential to deliver 60 kilowatt hours of off-grid electricity in a 24-hour period using only sustainable sources. Five teams were then chosen to advance to the Finalist Round. Each team received an additional $70,000 and showcased their innovations in a live demonstration in partnership with Stellenbosch University in South Africa.
“Meeting the teams and witnessing their work and determination to solve one of the biggest challenges facing Africa was truly inspiring,” said Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe, co-founder and CEO of the Motsepe Foundation. “We congratulate the Green Energy winners and all the finalists. Your innovations show such promise, and we will be watching with pride as you bring your technologies to market.”
The third Milken-Motsepe Prize, focused on FinTech, launched at the 2024 Milken Institute Global Conference. The prize will award companies that demonstrate the use of cutting-edge technologies to expand access to capital and financial services for small businesses in emerging and frontier markets.
The Milken-Motsepe Prize in FinTech offers $2 million in prizes, with a $1 million Grand Prize for the winning company. Registration is open until August 6.
The transformative potential of FinTech lies in its capacity to empower individuals to start and grow a business, even in the most remote communities. By lowering transaction costs, streamlining processes, and expanding access to capital and financial services, FinTech can enable aspiring entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into reality. The Milken-Motsepe Prize in FinTech is designed to leverage the potential of FinTech solutions to break down barriers to financial inclusion and contribute to the achievement of key SDGs, including alleviating poverty (SDG 1), promoting human well-being (SDGs 3 and 4), achieving gender equality (SDG 5), and fostering viable economic opportunities for young people (SDGs 8 and 9).
Milken-Motsepe Innovation Prize Impact
“The impact of Milken-Motsepe Innovation Prizes goes well beyond the financial awards,” said Dr. Emily Musil Church, senior director, environmental and social innovation at the Milken Institute. “This is a global community of entrepreneurs who believe in imagining and building a better, more abundant, and sustainable world. Our role is to identify and support these bold entrepreneurs and to help accelerate their success.”
The Milken-Motsepe Innovation Prize Program is a program of MI Philanthropy (https://apo-opa.co/3JSwhFM), which aims to influence the deployment of philanthropic capital to create a better world. MI Philanthropy's work includes the Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC), which has, to date, influenced more than $2 billion in medical research funding.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Milken-Motsepe Innovation Prize Program.
For more information about the winners and the Milken-Motsepe Innovation Prize Program, visit https://MilkenMotsepePrize.org/.
Notes to Editors:
For further information or to request interviews with the winners, please send requests or queries to the media contact below.
Media Contact:
Ima Peter
+27 11 268 6388
ima.peter@razorpr.co.za
About the Milken Institute:
The Milken Institute is a non-profit, nonpartisan think tank focused on accelerating measurable progress on the path to a meaningful life. With a focus on financial, physical, mental, and environmental health, we bring together the best ideas and innovative resourcing to develop blueprints for tackling some of our most critical global issues through the lens of what's pressing now and what's coming next. For more information, visit https://MilkenInstitute.org.
About the Motsepe Foundation:
The Motsepe Foundation was founded in 1999 by Dr. Patrice Motsepe and his wife, Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe. The goal of the Motsepe Foundation is to contribute towards eradicating poverty and to sustainably improve the living conditions and standards of living of poor, unemployed and marginalised people in South Africa, Africa, and the world. In January 2013, Dr. Patrice Motsepe and Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe joined the Giving Pledge, which was started by Warren Buffet and Bill and Melinda Gates. Dr. Patrice Motsepe and his wife committed to give half of their wealth to the poor and for philanthropic purposes during their lifetime and beyond.
KnowBe4 (www.knowbe4.com), the provider of the world's largest security awareness training and simulated phishing platform, has just released its highly anticipated 2024 Security Culture Report (https://apo-opa.co/3Wr5p7a) for Africa, providing a detailed analysis of the intricate relationship between security practices and employee behaviours within organisations. Drawing insights from surveys conducted across thousands of organisations worldwide, the full report (https://apo-opa.co/3Wx9hng) offers a comprehensive five-year comparative view, highlighting significant trends shaping the cybersecurity landscape.
“In its section on Africa, the report reveals that organisations evaluated across 20 African countries exhibit an average security culture score of 72, consistent with the previous year,” says Anna Collard, SVP of Content Strategy & Evangelist for KnowBe4 Africa. “This shows a moderate level of readiness in security culture.”
There are noteworthy variations among sectors and countries, emphasising the necessity for targeted interventions to enhance cybersecurity resilience. “The banking sector in Kenya is a standout performer, boasting an impressive average score of 83, attributed to its steadfast commitment to maintaining mature security cultures supported by robust security operations,” explains Collard. “However, industries such as public services, construction, education, and hospitality show lower security culture scores. This shows the importance of developing specific approaches to enhance cybersecurity awareness and practices in these sectors.”
Africa, with its diverse cultural fabric and youthful population projected to dominate the global workforce by 2100, faces escalating cyber risks amidst rapid technological advancements. Challenges, including limited resources, inadequate cyber awareness, and economic constraints, marked the continent's cybersecurity landscape in 2023. “This shows the need to strengthen cybersecurity readiness given the critical development requirements.”
Kenya (76), Nigeria (75), and Ghana (74) lead the charge in cybersecurity readiness, showcasing robust strategies backed by local governments. Ghana's significant progress in cybersecurity, evidenced by its climb in the Global Cybersecurity Index, reflects the region's commitment to cybersecurity excellence.
“With a security culture score of 72, it's important to address the findings from a separate survey (https://apo-opa.co/44upwDi) on generative AI (GenAI) adoption by organisations in South Africa,” adds Collard. “That survey identified regulatory gaps and a lack of training in countering AI-generated misinformation, highlighting the need for regulations, training programmes, and partnerships to tackle cyber threats such as deepfakes, especially during the upcoming crucial governmental elections.”
The South African Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) expects an increase in cyber attacks targeting important infrastructure and government bodies in the coming weeks until South Africans go to the polls. “This highlights the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity measures to protect both public and private sectors, communities, and national economies,” says Collard. “As organisations adapt to the changing cybersecurity environment, promoting a culture of awareness, education, and proactive risk management will be vital in enhancing cyber resilience throughout Africa.”
The security culture score is a global measure used to evaluate organisations based on their approach to security, explains Javvad Malik, Lead Security Awareness Advocate at KnowBe4. “This score reflects how much importance different entities worldwide place on cybersecurity within their organisational culture. In today's interconnected world, where a mobile device in a remote area can access sensitive accounts, working in isolation on security is no longer effective,” adds Malik. “Collaboration between governments and regulators is essential not just for creating laws but also for demonstrating practical ways to strengthen security culture. Organisations need to prioritise the human element of cybersecurity by focusing on continuous awareness and training efforts rather than relying solely on technological solutions,” Malik concludes.
For the full security culture report covering Africa, click here (https://apo-opa.co/3Wr5p7a). For the comprehensive report covering Africa and five other global regions (North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania), click here (https://apo-opa.co/3Wx9hng).
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of KnowBe4.
DWS reiterates commitment to fast-track bulk water projects
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has reiterated its commitment to fast-track the effective implementation of bulk water projects in water stressed communities in KwaZulu-Natal and across the country, so as to ensure the provision of consistent and reliable water supply.
This comes as the department, through its entity in KwaZulu-Natal, uMngeni-uThukela Water, is working in partnership with different spheres of government to rollout the Maphumulo Bulk Water Supply Scheme.
The Maphumulo Bulk Water Supply Scheme Water Treatment Works upgrade is a strategic rural-based project to be constructed at a cost of approximately R142 million to ensure access to potable water.
The project, which is set to be completed by January 2025, will supply 12 megalitres per day (Mℓ/d) of potable water from the Maphumulo Water Treatment Works for reticulation by iLembe District Municipality.
Departmental spokesperson, Wisane Mavasa explained that the Maphumulo Bulk Water Supply Scheme is being implemented in different phases which include, raw water abstraction from iMvutshane River, and new pipelines to distribute water from the treatment works to iLembe District Municipality’s greater Maphumulo area.
Mavasa said Phase 1 of the scheme was completed in September 2013 with Phase 3 of the project currently underway.
“We are currently undertaking Phase 3 of the project which entails the upgrade of the existing six megalitres per day water treatment plant capacity to 12 megalitres per day, and this is due for completion by January 2025. Phase 2 of the scheme include the construction of the iMvutshane Dam,” Mavasa said.
Mavasa added that Phase 4 of the Maphumulo Bulk Water Supply Scheme will include the construction of a weir on the Hlimbitwa River, raw water pumps, and pipelines to convey raw water into the existing iMvutshane Dam.
After the completion of all phases, Mavasa said the supply scheme will service the areas of Maphumulo, Masibambisane, KwaSizabantu, Ngcebo, Maqumbi, and Ashville.
The service will in the future also include Emtanjeni, Nyamazane, Balcom, and Sindi areas.
“We anticipate that the scheme will provide potable water to approximately 150 000 consumers across Maphumulo, Masibambisane, KwaSizabantu, Ngcebo, Maqumbi, and Ashville,” Mavasa said.
Vandalism
The department has also called on residents to report and refrain from vandalising water infrastructure, warning this has a major impact on water security to communities.
“Vandalism is a serious concern to us because not only does it impact on the provision of reliable water supply, but it also has a negative impact on the effective implementation of bulk water projects.
“We therefore call on residents to please play their part. Vandalism is a criminal offence, and we will not hesitate to allow the relevant authorities to act harshly against the perpetrators,” Mavasa said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 05/07/2024 - 10:39
Ensuring Dietary Adherence with Kosher Certification Understanding kosher certification can significantly enhance the dining experiences of those who follow kosher dietary laws. Kosher certification signifies that a food product complies with the rigorous standards of kosher law, making it permissible for consumption by those observing these dietary rules. The types of kosher certification vary, with …
Wendy houses have evolved from simple playhouses to versatile structures used for storage, workshops, and even as additional living spaces. In Johannesburg, the trend of custom-designed Wendy houses is on the rise, providing residents with tailored solutions that fit their specific needs. Discover how these structures can maximize your space and enhance your property by …
