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Two years since launching, Growthpoint Student Accommodation REIT has introduced R1.5bn in new investment to this alternative property sector, added 4,000 new beds for students and created a strong pipeline of future developments. Its demonstrated execution has expanded its portfolio value to approximately R3.5bn, representing 12 residences with 9,000 beds in three South African cities …
In 2023 and again in 2024, about half the strikes have been in the public sector, says report
Fresh from his triumph in ‘The Friendly City’ at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K earlier this month, Kenya’s Vincent Langat is set to make a return to the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series on Sunday, 12 May 2024. This time, he has his sights set on the iconic Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE …
President Ramaphosa bestows National Orders
President Cyril Ramaphosa has paid homage to the South African citizens and others who received their National Orders today – calling them an invaluable part of South Africa’s history.
The 32 recipients, some posthumously, were honoured and bestowed during a ceremony held at the Sefako M. Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse in Tshwane on Tuesday.
READ | National Orders: Heroes and heroines receive SA’s highest honour
The prestigious National Orders – the highest awards in South Africa – are the Order of Mendi for Bravery, the Order of Ikhamanga, the Order of the Baobab, the Order of Luthuli, the Order of Mapungubwe and the Order of the Companions of OR Tambo.
“This year marks 30 years since we attained our freedom. This would not have been possible without the bravery, fortitude and noble acts of those the preamble of our Constitution recognises as having suffered for justice and freedom in our land.
“The men and women we honour here today have played an invaluable role in giving birth to the free South Africa that we all enjoy today. Our nation owes each of them a great debt.
“By bestowing these National Orders, we want to ensure that their contributions are recognised and spoken of by generations to come,” President Ramaphosa said.
The awards
The Order of Mendi for Bravery recipients were anti-apartheid activists who received the honour posthumously.
“They lived at a time when apartheid repression was at its zenith, and they displayed the utmost courage. Their sacrifices will never be forgotten and their memories live on,” said President Ramaphosa.
This year, the recipients of The Order of Luthuli was awarded to South Africans who contributed to “the struggle for democracy, human rights, nation-building, justice and peace”.
“Several of the recipients of this year’s Order of Luthuli were brutally killed by the apartheid regime. One of them is Ms Nokuthula Simelane, who was abducted and tortured by the apartheid Security Branch. Her remains were never found.
“This is a wound that will never heal for her family, like the scars of many other South Africans whose loved ones disappeared during the repressive years of apartheid. By honouring those fallen heroes with National Orders we are saying that no matter how great the passage of time, they have not been forgotten,” President Ramaphosa said.
South Africans who excelled in the arts, culture, literature, music, journalism and sport were honoured with The Order of Ikhamanga.
“In this, the 30th year since we achieved our freedom, we also celebrate the democratic gains we have made in enshrining the principle of a free and independent media.
“Among those being honoured today are legendary journalists who were the voice, words and conscience of an oppressed people during the darkest periods in our history. The standard they set for media ethics and freedom are embodied in today’s generation of journalists and media workers,” the President said.
On the recipients of The Order of the Baobab, President Ramaphosa said: “As we strive to bring about social and economic transformation in South Africa, we are keenly aware of the importance of every endeavour, be it in business, in science or in innovation, being put in the service of social justice for all”.
He praised the recipient of The Order of Mapungubwe who “undertook valuable research in the aerospace field and set a standard that today’s generation of researchers will strive to emulate for time to come”.
The Order of the Companions of OR Tambo recognises those who are not from South Africa who stood in solidarity and cooperation with South Africa’s struggle for liberation.
“We honour journalists who helped amplify the voice of the liberation movement abroad, campaigners and fundraisers for the anti-apartheid movement, and activists who played an important role in the sports boycott against the regime,” President Ramaphosa said.
The President hailed the heroism and personal endeavours of this year’s recipients.
“The recipients of the National Orders are chosen by the South African people themselves. It is the South African people who makes nominations for consideration. This is most appropriate because the recipients are the heroes and heroines of the entire nation.
“The truest test of heroism is that these acts are not done for the sake of name, prestige, fortune or fame. They are done out of conscience and an unwavering sense of responsibility. They are born of a burning quest for social justice. They are anchored in the belief that the achievement of equality and human dignity for all is the highest aspiration of humankind.
“Congratulations to all who are being honoured today and to their families. The recipients shall henceforth be honoured as esteemed Members of the Orders. The people of South Africa salute them all,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 04/30/2024 - 12:39
Nearly 700 runners took to the streets of Motherwell to celebrate Freedom Day at the 12th edition of the 10km Freedom Run, the only township-based race in the Legacy Project series and a proud platform for many young and promising athletes. Nicholas Seoposengwe, 22, of Ikhamva athletics club, stormed to the finish in perfect weather …
Petrol price to increase in May
Consumers will have to reach deeper into their pockets this coming month as the price of petrol is expected to increase from Wednesday.
The price of both grades of petrol (93 ULP and LRP) and (95 ULP and LRP) is set to increase by 37 cents a litre.
This means that a litre of 95 petrol, which currently costs R25.12 in Gauteng, will now cost R25.49 cents a litre as of Wednesday.
Other consumers will breathe a slight sigh of relief as the prices of both grades of diesel, paraffin and LP Gas are expected to decrease.
The price adjustments were announced by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE).
The adjusted prices are as follows:
The department explained the adjustments in prices in a statement on Monday.
“The average brent crude oil price increased from 84.22 US Dollars (USD) to 88.10 USD per barrel, during the period under review.
“There was a lot of volatility in the market during this period. The main contributing factor is the growing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and sustained production cuts by OPEC+ [Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries] countries.
“The average international product prices of petrol increased following the higher brent crude oil prices and anticipated demand for the driving season during the period under review. The diesel, illuminating paraffin and LP Gas prices decreased on average due to seasonal changes and reduced demand in the Northern Hemispheres as they move away from their winter season.
“The movement in product prices has led to a lower contribution to the basic fuel price (BFP) of petrol by 34.41 cents a litre and higher contributions to the BFP of diesel by 39.33 cents a litre and illuminating paraffin by 22.35 cents per litre,” the DMRE said.
A weakening Rand was also a contributing factor.
“The Rand depreciated, on average, against the US Dollar [from 18.04 to 18.90 Rand per USD] during the period under review when compared to the previous one. This led to higher contributions to the basic fuel prices of all products by about 2.50 cents per litre on all products,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 04/30/2024 - 09:08
Kinola Pather, the newly-appointed CEO of bespoke employee rewards, loyalty and incentive programme company Randgo, is driven by a profound mission: to empower consumers, members, and employees to live beyond their paycheques through tailored incentive and loyalty rewards programmes. Pather brings a unique blend of expertise and passion to accomplishing this mission. Her ability to …
JOHANNESBURG: White-ball head coach Rob Walter has today announced the 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 to...
According to the UN, SMMEs represent more than 98% of formal business, while The Brenthurst Foundation reports that these enterprises employ 50-60% of our labour force and contribute 34% towards GDP. However, despite their crucial role, South African SMMEs face numerous challenges, including access to funding, market saturation, and regulatory complexities. The UN reports that …
Dear Editor Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi makes reckless statements on the NHI while the Gauteng Health Department remains riven by corruption and mismanagement that harms patients. At a campaign meeting this week, Lesufi promised residents the following: “After the 29th May 2024, you can go to any hospital of your choice, whether it’s a private …
Apply to cast your special vote before applications close on Friday
The deadline is looming for those who wish to apply for a special vote in this year’s National and Provincial Elections (NPE).
According to the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), all applications for special votes for home and voting station visits opened on 15 April 2024 and will close on Friday, 3 May 2024.
Home visits are intended for those voters who cannot travel to voting stations, while special votes at voting stations are for citizens unable to be at the voting station on Election Day.
Special voting will be conducted on the two days preceding Election Day - on 27 and 28 May 2024, from 9 am to 5 pm.
Voters can apply as follows:
• Using the IEC’s secured online application at www.elections.org.za.
• By SMSing your identity number to 32249 (R1.00 per SMS) for voting station visit only.
• By visiting your local IEC office and submitting an Appendix 1B form for a voting station special vote.
• By visiting your local IEC office and submitting an Appendix 1A form for a home visit special vote. Forms can also be hand-delivered, and someone else can deliver a form on behalf of a voter.
Meanwhile, the IEC has distanced itself from a widely circulated message claiming that it has granted permission for everyone over the age of 60 to cast a special vote on 27 and 28 at the polling station where they are registered.
“This is not a message from the Commission. The Electoral Commission re-emphasises the general principle of election administration that voters must vote where they are registered.”
However, in the event a voter intends to be in a different voting district on Voting Day, such a voter must notify the Commission of their intended absence from their voting district and must identify the voting station where they wish to cast the vote.
Known as Section 24A notices, the IEC explained that these are live at www.elections.org.za and will close on 17 May 2024.
South Africa will hold its elections on 29 May 2024. President Cyril Ramaphosa has also declared Election Day as an additional public holiday in terms of Section 2A of the Public Holidays Act 36 of 1994. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 04/30/2024 - 10:08
Tony Kocke, Crafting Culinary Excellence at @Sandton Hotel – Welcome to the culinary world of Tony Kocke, the newly appointed Complex Executive Chef at @Sandton Hotel. With a culinary journey rich in experience and a deep-seated passion for creating unforgettable dining experiences, Tony brings a blend of expertise and creativity to the culinary offering at …
The Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) is thrilled to announce the launch of an exciting new addition to its #TlholoTuesdays initiative: the ACT Tlholo Comic Strip Series. Starting 29 April 2024, these comics will be available on the ACT website at act.org.za/tlholo to offer valuable insights and guidance to aspiring entrepreneurs in the arts and …
Unlocking the Terrible Two’s: Navigating the Journey of Autonomy and Exploration – by Clarissa Louw, Headmistress of @Sandton Kids School Parents, educators and caregivers alike are intimately familiar with the term “terrible two’s”. It’s a phrase that often evokes images of tantrums, defiance, and exasperated parents. However, what if we reframed this perspective? What if …
Condolences for black business visionary, Dr Sam Motsuenyane
President Cyril Ramaphosa has paid tribute to revered black business pioneer, Dr Sam Motsuenyane, who has died at the age of 97.
Motsuenyane was the co-founder of the pivotal National African Federated Chamber of Commerce (NAFCOC) and played a leading role in the establishment of African Bank – both at the height of apartheid.
“The passing of Dr Sam Motsuenyane 60 years after the establishment of NAFCOC is a profound reminder of the breadth, durability and longevity of his vision and passion for self-reliance and development.
“The remarkable sweep of his life as an entrepreneur, leader of organised business, parliamentarian and diplomat among other roles embodied our resilient national character and values of ubuntu.
“His philosophy of self-sufficiency is today entrenched in the constitutional right each of us enjoys to freely choose our trade, occupation or profession and in the socio-economic rights that our constitution safeguards,” the President said in a statement on Tuesday.
The businessman was a Member of Parliament and served as South Africa’s first ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
He was also an Esteemed Member of the National Order of the Baobab (Gold) in recognition of his significant personal achievements
The President passed his condolences and those of government to Motsuenyane’s family, friends and associates.
“Dr Motsuenyane’s passing on the eve of the 2024 National Orders Ceremony [to be held on Tuesday] causes us to recall the honour bestowed on him in 2002 as the nation paid tribute to an outstanding patriot and source of inspiration for our then fledgling democracy.
“May his soul rest in peace,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 04/30/2024 - 09:22
Are you looking to transform your home into a well-lit sanctuary? Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the ambiance and functionality of any space. Whether you’re revamping your bathroom, upgrading your outdoor lighting, or searching for the perfect ceiling fan, Lighting Warehouse has you covered. Let’s explore some key lighting fixtures and how they …
Uthaka Energy persists with plans for a colliery in Mabola Protected Environment despite six court judgments
Are you rummaging through your jewellery box, pondering over the value of those glittering gems and shimmering gold pieces? Well, you’re in for a treat because today, we’re diving headfirst into the lucrative world of selling gold and diamonds. Whether you’re looking to cash in on some heirlooms or simply decluttering your collection, knowing where …
Retractable banners are a popular choice for businesses and organizations looking to boost their visual marketing. These banners are not only cost-effective and easy to use, but they also offer great flexibility and can make a strong impression at trade shows, exhibitions, and other events. This guide explores the benefits of retractable banners and offers …
Introduction In the United Kingdom, scheduling a driving test promptly can often be a frustrating ordeal due to long waiting times. However, driving test cancellations can unexpectedly arise and present an opportunity for learner drivers to advance their test dates. This article will guide you through utilizing these cancellations effectively to secure an earlier driving …
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Democracy restored the dignity of South Africans
President Cyril Ramaphosa says the advent of democracy in South Africa 30 years ago allowed all South Africans to reclaim their dignity.
The President was addressing the nation through his weekly newsletter on Monday.
On Saturday, 27 April, South Africa celebrated 30 years of democracy when millions of South Africans – most voting for the first time – cast their vote in 1994 to remove the racist apartheid government from power.
This as the President led the 2024 Freedom Day national celebrations at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Saturday.
“At times of difficulty in the life of our nation, some have found themselves tempted to question whether life has really been better under democracy. For all who experienced apartheid, there can be no doubt that democracy has restored the dignity of every South African,” the President said in the newsletter.
He called apartheid and its “bureaucratic pettiness” a “national humiliation”.
“[27 April 1994] was the day on which the country turned its back on apartheid. Beyond the great wrong that was apartheid, it was a system designed to deny people their dignity.
“This national humiliation and degradation ranged from bureaucratic pettiness like whites-only benches, restaurants and beaches, to the brute force that saw families torn apart and forcibly moved from their houses and land. People were tortured, imprisoned, exiled and killed. The so-called solution of ‘separate development’ resulted in nothing but underdevelopment for the country’s majority,” he explained.
Children of democracy
President Ramaphosa expressed joy at how people born after 1994 exude confidence “secure in the knowledge that their dignity is both respected and protected”.
“Democracy’s children are self-assured about their human rights, in their citizenship, of their role and place in society, and of their own potential.
“During apartheid, Bantu education was served up to the country’s black majority as a reminder that there was no place for them ‘above the level of certain forms of labour’. In South Africa today, equal access to quality education has enabled black children to become CEOs of companies, professors, engineers, and fighter pilots.
“Young South Africans, our nation’s future, are making their mark in the workplace, in arts, culture and music, in academia, in the high-growth tech and IT sectors, and in serving their communities,” he said.
The President said a great sense of gratitude engulfs him when observing those South Africans born post-1994.
“I am grateful that they will never have to endure the humility and indignity of previous generations, of being forced to sit on separate park benches, dispossessed of their land, denied opportunities for advancement and of being pariahs in the land of their birth,” he said.
Moving forward
Reflecting on the journey to rebuilding the nation, President Ramaphosa acknowledged that “we are not as far as we had hoped to be”.
He added that while government has done much to unravel apartheid’s legacy, many local and global challenges have hampered progress.
“In recent years, as we sought to recover from more than a decade of low growth and the era of state capture, our progress was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to the loss of more than 100 000 lives in our country and caused the greatest contraction of our economy in decades.
“The public unrest in July 2021 and the catastrophic floods in parts of the country the following year led to further loss of life and destruction of property and infrastructure.
“While these events severely hampered our collective efforts to rebuild the country, they also showed the resilience of the South African people. Despite these great difficulties, we have persevered with the task of reform and recovery, to grow an inclusive economy and create jobs,” he said.
The President said government remains committed to resolving the challenges that the country faces.
“We have continued to work together to overcome the crises of unemployment, poverty, inequality and underdevelopment. These challenges impact on the lives of millions of people and undermine the dignity that we have worked throughout our democracy to restore.
“And yet we maintain our resolve to move forward with optimism. We have come a long, long way. And we are determined to go further to achieve the free, just and equal South Africa for which millions voted on Freedom Day 30 years ago,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 04/29/2024 - 09:17
Health urges public to get the flu vaccine as flu season hits
The National Department of Health has urged the public to take extra precautionary measures to protect themselves and their loved ones against respiratory infections, which are expected to increase over the winter season.
According to the department, the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is currently at peak circulation in the country, while influenza also known as flu is starting to surge.
Meanwhile, COVID-19 continues to circulate at low levels.
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), which monitors the circulation of respiratory viruses throughout the country, has notified the department that it is currently the peak season of RSV, which some can confuse for COVID-19 due to common symptoms.
However, according to the department, RSV causes illness mainly in young children but may also contribute to respiratory disease in older people.
“Influenza virus season usually follows RSV, and we are starting to see an increase in cases,” the statement read.
“While most diseases caused by influenza, RSV and SARS-CoV-2 viruses are mild, they may cause severe illness and even death amongst the citizens around the country, particularly in individuals with conditions placing them at high risk of severe disease.”
The flu season is expected to start in the next few weeks and the department is advising those at high risk of contracting the virus to get the flu vaccine to prevent severe health complications.
Groups at high risk include the elderly who are over 65 years old, those with underlying illnesses such as heart and lung disease, people living with HIV and tuberculosis, as well as pregnant people.
The flu vaccine is available in public clinics free of charge on a first come, first serve basis to people falling into the high-risk category, while private pharmacies also sell the vaccine.
The flu virus spreads mainly from one person to another by respiratory droplets and co-infections with other respiratory viruses can occur.
For this reason, people always need to cover their nose and mouth when they cough or sneeze, stay at home when sick, not touch their face with unwashed hands and avoid close contact with others such as kissing, shaking hands, and sharing cups and eating utensils.
Some common symptoms of RSV and flu include but are not limited to a runny nose, loss of appetite, coughing, sneezing, fever, and wheezing.
“Parents and caregivers are urged to take their children who experience difficulties with breathing, not drinking enough fluids and experience deteriorating symptoms to the nearest health facility or healthcare provider for medical attention without delay.”
People infected with the flu are usually contagious for three to eight days. Preventative measures such as wearing masks and social distancing are recommended especially for those who are ill. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 04/29/2024 - 09:53