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Dear Editor Following the resignation of Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula as the Speaker of the National Assembly, the DA calls for the urgent election of a new Speaker. This resignation has created a vacancy in Parliament. Both the rules of the National Assembly and, crucially, the Constitution state clearly that once a vacancy has been created, an …
Gauteng’s Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) are receiving vital support to boost their businesses through a transformative six-month Exporter Competitiveness Programme (ECP) initiative introduced by the government, aimed at propelling them forward. SMMEs that have been operational for a minimum of two years within the manufacturing, agriculture, and agro-processing sectors, are urged to seize …
Social development department’s funding adjudications have been finalised, but for many organisations it is too late
Navigating the world of kosher certification can be a complex journey, whether you’re a business seeking to get kosher certified or a consumer looking for authentic kosher products. Understanding the nuances of different kosher certifications, such as getting a Kosher Certification, is vital for ensuring compliance and authenticity in kosher food production and consumption. Kosher …
Access to education remains a barrier for many South African children within the rural areas, with limited transport being one of the hurdles to overcome. However, for some 30 to 40 senior high school pupils on the KZN lower South Coast, their future has been made brighter with the donation of bicycles by NPO managed …
Chery, a prominent name in the automotive industry, has consistently garnered attention with its Tiggo series, offering a blend of style, performance, and innovation. The Tiggo 4 Pro, Tiggo 7 Pro, Tiggo 8 Pro, and the Tiggo 8 Pro MAX stand out as testament to Chery’s commitment to delivering quality and value. Let’s delve into …
Condolences for Tony Heard
President Cyril Ramaphosa has paid tribute to distinguished journalist, acclaimed editor, and former special adviser in the Presidency, Tony Heard.
Heard died at the age of 86 late last month following a short illness.
“Tony Heard was brave in his resistance to apartheid and was an influential thought leader who challenged the conscience and beliefs of South Africans who benefited from apartheid. He deployed significant newsroom resources to expose the brutality of the apartheid state and to portray the everyday suffering of oppressed and impoverished communities.
“In so doing, he mobilised and nurtured a generation of journalists who took a clear stand on critical issues in the country and scurried between typewriters and teargas to give a voice to those whose pleas and outcries were muzzled and repressed by the state,” the President said.
On Heard’s contribution to journalism, President Ramaphosa said he “inspired quality journalism which enriched the profession and media audiences alike and contributed to the inevitable momentum that led to our freedom.”
“We value the contributions he made as well as a senior advisor to government in his later years. May his soul rest in peace”.
Heard is survived by his partner Jane Porter and his children Vicki, Janet, Pasqua and Dylan.
Meanwhile, the South African National Editors’ Forum (SANEF) referred to Heard as a “titan of journalism.”
“With heavy hearts, SANEF mourns the passing of a doyen of a conscientious journalist whose contributions to the field left an indelible mark on South Africa and beyond,” it said in a statement. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 04/04/2024 - 08:36
Using data-driven insights for trusted, accurate reporting JOHANNESBURG – April 04 2024 – Qlik®, a leader in data integration and data management, today announced that the Armaments Corporation of South Africa (Armscor), the acquisition agency for the South African Department of Defence and other state organs and entities, has used Qlik Sense® to significantly improve …
CENTURION, 4 April 2024 — The allure of Indian fashion and culture persists as the India Shopping Expo at Centurion Mall receives an extension by popular demand, now stretching its vibrant celebration until 14 April 2024. Step into a world of Indian fusion and indulgence, where authentic punjabis, elegant sarees, intricate accessories, and much more …
Pratliperl® has been developed by Pratley to promote sustainability in the construction industry. “We have always been committed to sustainability and energy efficiency, especially in terms of infrastructure development and energy savings,” comments Pratley Marketing Director Eldon Kruger. Pratliperl® is a naturally occurring mineral aggregate for plaster and screeds that can assist contractors and developers …
Political parties, independent candidates sign Code of Conduct
Political parties and independent candidates contesting the 2024 National and Provincial Elections have signed the Electoral Commission’s Code of Conduct committing to abide by the set of rules that are meant to ensure free and fair elections.
The General Elections will be held on 29 May to elect a new National Assembly as well as the provincial legislature in each province.
This will be the seventh general election held in the democratic dispensation since the end of the apartheid era in 1994.
In total, 325 political parties will be taking part in this year’s elections.
In his keynote address at the signing ceremony held in Midrand on Thursday, Electoral Commission (IEC) chairperson Mosotho Moepya said violations of the Electoral Code of Conduct can cast doubt on the legitimacy of election results, and lead to disputes and legal challenges.
“By complying with the code, political parties help to ensure that election outcomes are accepted as legitimate by all stakeholders, thereby contributing to political stability and social cohesion,” Moepya said.
Click here for the Electoral Code of Conduct.
Moepya said with freedom comes great responsibility. The Constitution affords political parties, independent candidates and citizens the freedom to contest elections for public office.
“Today's signing ceremony holds profound significance, as the country witnesses leaders of parties represented in the National Party Liaison Committee publicly pledge to abide by the Electoral Code of Conduct for the forthcoming elections.
“This code provides the framework for conduct consistent with the vision of democratic forebears, who envisioned a society at peace with itself and all its constituents. It is a statutory instrument for realising free and fair elections, requiring profound political leadership, as its observance reflects not only our commitment as democrats but also our collective dedication to orderly public affairs.
“As leaders, we bear the responsibility of guiding our nation towards a vision of peace and tranquillity,” Moepya said.
Rules and regulations
Moepya said beyond adherence to the code, political parties, independent candidates and citizens alike must actively promote awareness of the code's purpose and support efforts to educate voters.
Moepya said certain behaviours, such as inciting violence, intimidation, spreading false information or abusing positions of power, are strictly prohibited and must be met with swift accountability measures.
Moepya said upholding the provisions of the Electoral Code of Conduct reinforces democratic values such as tolerance, respect for diversity and the peaceful resolution of disputes.
“These values are essential for the functioning of a healthy democracy and fostering trust between citizens and their elected representatives.
“We know that political violence and intimidation can undermine the integrity of the electoral process and deter citizens from exercising their right to vote. By complying with the code, political parties help prevent such incidents and contribute to a peaceful electoral environment.
“The Electoral Code of Conduct also aims to ensure that all political parties and candidates have equal opportunities to campaign and communicate their messages to voters,” Moepya said.
30 Years of Democracy
Sy Mamabolo, the Electoral Commission’s Chief Electoral Officer, said as the country commemorates the 30th anniversary of democracy, it is vital to reflect on one of its abiding successes.
“Today, we stand before South Africa and her people to affirm our readiness to conduct an election which accords with the constitutional yardsticks and international norms.
“We give this affirmation of readiness, alive to the enormity of the challenge that rests on our hands. We stand ready to assiduously ensure that we do not let the motherland down for otherwise history will have a deleterious account of our charge of this task,” he said.
Most political parties had expressed their delight in taking part in the signing ceremony.
Sizwe Ummah Nation (SUN) party representative, Mondli Thulani Ncayiyane, commended the signing ceremony.
“The Electoral Commission has done a splendid job by coming with the Code of Conduct committing political parties to, among other things, denounce violence during the election period.
“As a party, we support the initiative and we hope that this is going to ensure peaceful elections in our country,” Ncayiyane said.
Echoing the same sentiments was Inayet Hussain Hassen from the Allied Movement for Change, who praised the IEC for the good work they have done in a bid to ensure peaceful elections.
“We are aware that it is not going to be easy for the voters as the ballot paper is going to be a big one, but we hope everything will be under control.
“The IEC has a good track record for conducting elections. We are confident that all the other political parties are going to uphold the Code of Conduct,” Hassen said.
Party lists
Last month, the Commission made available the lists of names of independent and political party candidates available for inspection at its national office, and at all its nine provincial offices and local municipal offices.
Parties intending to contest the elections were given an opportunity to revise their lists and inform the commission if they had nominated candidates who also appeared on the list of another party or who were nominated as independent candidates.
In all, there were 42 candidates appearing on more than one party list implicating 39 parties. Furthermore, one candidate was nominated as an independent candidate and also appeared on a list of a party.
The final list of candidates contesting the elections will be published by the Commission on 10 April 2024.
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced in February that South Africa will head to the polls on 29 May 2024 for the General National and Provincial Elections. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 04/04/2024 - 13:52
In the UK, securing a driving test slot can feel like a game of patience and luck, especially with the notorious wait times that can extend for months. However, there’s a strategy to bypass the wait: driving test cancellations. This guide will walk you through how to find these elusive driving test cancellations and book your test …
Thembelihle Ndlela and Kwenzakonke Gazu, both aged 3, were playing near their homes in Zwelisha, north of Durban, on Wednesday
President concludes courtesy visit to Eswatini
President Cyril Ramaphosa concluded a visit to the Kingdom of Eswatini on Wednesday.
The courtesy visit was held by His Majesty King Mswati III in Lozitha, Eswatini.
“On arrival in the Kingdom of Eswatini, the President first paid a brief visit to the Queen Mother, Her Majesty iNdlovukazi, before proceeding to meet with His Majesty the King,” the Presidency said in a statement.
According to the statement, the two discussed the “historical bonds” of the two Southern African nations.
“The two leaders affirmed their commitment to strong historical bonds between their two countries, including growing political and trade ties.
“They also highlighted the historical success of collaboration between the two countries, where the two leaders collaborated to work together for a better future,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 04/04/2024 - 08:44
JOHANNESBURG: As the inaugural Cricket South Africa (CSA) Professional Women’s Domestic League approaches its thrilling conclusion, only one round of matches...
POLOKWANE: An electrifying 151-run opening partnership between Ryan Rickelton and Reeza Hendricks paved the way for the DP World Lions to...
Gauteng Social Development to sign service level agreements
The Gauteng Department of Social Development has embarked on a rigorous NPO (non-profit organisation) adjudication process, paving the way for reviewing and the signing of Service Level Agreements (SLAs) with complying and successful NPOs for the 2024/25 financial year.
“Over 1732 applications were received collectively tallying an amount of over R11.4 billion in financial requests – an amount far greater than the department’ s overall budget of R5.5 billion.
“This meant that panellists had a gruelling task to stretch the budget far and wide in response to the needs presented by NPOs while realistically remaining within the confines of the budget available, as its impractical to fund the entire R11.4 billion,” said the provincial government in a statement on Wednesday.
It further added that the process to invite eligible NPOs to sign the SLAs is now underway and has been centralised to the Department of Social Development (DSD) headquarters to be coordinated by the accounting officer.
This process was previously decentralised to officials in regional offices, which has been found to be in contravention of Treasury Guidelines in terms of delegation of powers.
The contravention resulted in officials signing of millions that are outside of their financial delegations, thereby affecting internal control systems.
The Department has reviewed all such delegations to be aligned to existing Treasury Guidelines.
“The financial delegations of the department have also been revised to ensure such contraventions to the Treasury guidelines are indeed corrected and accountability for such processes rightfully restored with the required delegated authority within the department based on amounts of funding requested and awards decided upon,” the department said.
It further added that many considerations had to be made before the “panellists could decide on whether or not funding could be awarded to applicant NPOs.”
Amongst those were physical verification of the NPO at registered addresses, observations of services being rendered and also verification of the compliance status with the national DSD database.
As per commitment, successful NPOs are being contacted as of the first week of April 2024, to come to head office for signing of SLAs.
“The department wishes to thank all NPOs for exercising patience during the adjudication period, which took place in a very difficult climate of investigations, and peddling of mistruths from those opposed to clean governance,” it said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 04/04/2024 - 09:06
His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa has concluded a courtesy visit to the His Majesty King Mswati III in Lozitha, eSwatini.
On arrival in the Kingdom of Eswatini, the President first paid a brief visit to the Queen Mother, Her Majesty iNdlovukazi, before proceeding to meet with His Majesty the King.
The two leaders affirmed their commitment to strong historical bonds between their two countries, including growing political and trade ties.
They also highlighted the historical success of collaboration between the two countries, where the two leaders collaborated to work together for a better future.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
South Africa condemns attack on consular section building in Damascus
South Africa has condemned Monday's attack at its consular section building of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the Syrian Arab Republic.
“The South African government views any attack on a diplomatic or consular establishment as a flagrant violation of international law that offers protection to diplomatic as well as consular representatives in a host State,” International Relations and Cooperation spokesperson Clayson Monyela said on Wednesday.
Monyela said the principle of protection of diplomatic and consular premises and staff constitutes a basic principle of International Law, which is required for the orderly conduct of relations between states.
“An attack of this nature, therefore, should be a matter of concern for the whole international community. Further, the attack was a violation of Syria’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, which must be respected and upheld,” Monyela said.
The South African government conveyed its condolences to the families of the victims, as well as the government and people of the Islamic Republic of Iran following the attack. According to reports, 13 people were killed in the attack.
South Africa has called on the United Nations, including the United Nations Security Council, to hold to account those who are responsible under the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter, as well as the 1961 Convention on Diplomatic Relations, the 1963 Convention on Consular Relations and the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Crimes Against Internationally Protected Persons of 1973.
The country has also urged all parties to exercise restraint and not to exacerbate regional tensions. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 04/04/2024 - 09:44
Numerous waiver letters contain incorrect information
Mathe Group’s Hammarsdale facility, which recycles approximately 1 000 radial truck tyres per day to produce 45 tons of rubber crumb, is a pivotal export hub. Although many of its products are distributed internationally, the innovative rubber flooring solutions which helped establish this growing company in the first place, continue to highlight its global reach …
Decorating a room is always exciting, but nothing comes quite as close as the joy of decorating a nursery. But a precious new life also comes with great responsibility, including creating a nurturing environment for the latest member of the family. There are ways to ensure this becomes a reality – one of which is …
Johannesburg, South Africa, 2 April 2023 – A story of resilience and reinvention takes centre stage as South African communications powerhouse, JT Communication Solutions, celebrates its 20th anniversary on April 1st, 2024. Founded by Vanessa Perumal, a resilient business trailblazer and cancer survivor who defied the odds, JT Comms remains the first Black woman-owned communications …
EAST LONDON: Chamari Athapaththu’s destructive half-century, combined with Harshitha Samarawickrama’s unbeaten fifty, propelled Sri Lanka to a momentous four-wicket victory, securing...