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Dear Editor Between February and April 2024, South Africans have not only been paying more for fuel but they are now spending a considerable portion of their income on the most expensive fuel on record. The inland price for 95 unleaded petrol, which has jumped by over 30% since President Cyril Ramaphosa was inaugurated in …
“Tourism in the Western Cape continues to grow and strengthen. I am thrilled to confirm that, according to Statistics South Africa, total international air arrivals to Cape Town International Airport between January and February 2024 surpassed the 200,000 mark and exceeded the 2019 figure of 194,058 for the same period, breaking all previous records in …
KZN gaming sector collects R724m for service delivery
The KwaZulu-Natal Gaming and Betting Board has collected a revenue of more than R724 million for service delivery, with more than 11 600 jobs being created for the citizens in the province.
KwaZulu-Natal Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) MEC, Siboniso Duma, revealed this during the 15th Gambling Regulators African Forum (GRAF) Conference, currently underway at Sibaya Casino in Durban.
The annual conference, which is attended by over 500 international and national delegates, offers a unique opportunity for regulators to exchange knowledge, collaborate on regulatory challenges, and shape the future of the African gambling industry.
Hosted by the department’s entity, KwaZulu-Natal Gaming and Betting Board, this year’s conference taking place from 2 - 5 April 2024, is held under the theme, “Fostering Unity Towards a Coordinated Gaming Regulatory Framework for Africa”.
In his opening address on Wednesday, Duma emphasised the importance of the gaming sector in the province’s economy, noting that the industry invests more than R2 billion in the province.
Duma said the money has been allocated for various service delivery programmes, including roads construction; houses; and ensuring the provision of quality education, health, welfare services, water, and electricity.
“Companies that are involved in the gaming and betting sector have invested more than R2 billion towards the development of their facilities here in KZN. This has helped create jobs and stimulate other sectors of the economy such as tourism and construction.
“Importantly, through our entity, we regulate horseracing events such as the Durban July which is now called Hollywood Bet [which] has always been the country’s biggest race for years with more than R4.5 million in prize money and turnover of R140 million,” Duma said.
He added that various sectors of the economy have been benefiting for years with thousands of temporal and permanent jobs created.
Duma noted that due to COVID-19, jockeys have lost approximately R6.5 million monthly, including riding fees and winning stakes. The trainers have also lost approximately R3 million a month with their business reduced by 20%.
The MEC commended the stakeholders for working together to ensure the turnaround of the situation.
“The horse racing industry in general contributes around R3 billion to the country’s GDP and about R800 million in taxes every year. The contribution of the industry to the local economy is R905 million [and] we want this contribution to increase year-on-year.
“We are also moving with speed to unleash talent in deep rural areas through traditional racing events, such as Dundee July and Umtelebhelo. These have become major events in the annual calendar which have attracted more than 70 000 tourists,” Duma said.
Duma said government is also working jointly with licenses to transform the horse racing industry.
“Hollywood Sportsbook Group and Gold Circle have collaborated with government in supporting grooms within the horseracing industry. We want to see young people becoming horse owners, horse trainers, horse breeders, jockeys, veterinarians and grooms.
“We wish to acknowledge this contribution not only here in KZN but in other provinces and neighbouring countries. It is my view that this investment is an indication that gaming and betting Industry was a mature and well-established industry before COVID-19,” Duma said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 04/03/2024 - 15:23
President Cyril Ramaphosa has assented to the Judicial Matters Amendment Act, 2023. The Judicial Matters Amendment Bills aim to amend numerous Acts which are administered by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development and are intended to address mostly practical and technical changes in various pieces of legislation.
Some of the notable amendments include amongst others:
• Amendments which provide for the powers, duties and functions of the Chief Master, some of which were not part of the legislation before. These changes will allow the Chief Master to play a greater supervisory role over the Masters of the High Court and will lead to improved service delivery to the public and to legal practitioners.
• A provision that allows the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, after due consultation, to determine certain categories of offences which, if the accused pays or has paid an admission of guilt fine, would not result in the accused receiving a criminal record.
Following the Minister's determination, persons who already have received a criminal record for the identified categories of offences will have their offences expunged.
• A provision for the expungement of the criminal record of a person who paid an admission of guilt fine for violating the State of Disaster Regulations which were imposed during the COVID pandemic;
• A new mechanism to fight corruption, by creating an additional offence to be included in the Prevention and Combatting of Corrupt Activities Act, 2004 (Act No. 12 of 2004) regarding the failure of members of the private sector or state-owned entities to prevent corrupt activities. This is in line with recommendations made by the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, Corruption and Fraud in the Public Sector, including Organs of State (Zondo Commission).
• A provision that relates to when a person willfully makes a false declaration in support of an application for a protection order in terms of the Domestic Violence Act, 1998 (Act No. 116 of 1998). The new provision penalises the making of such a false declaration and such a person will have committed an offence. The amendment also enables applications for a protection order to be made without an affidavit.
• A repeals of common law relating to the crime of defamation. Various international and local stakeholders and interested parties have expressed concerns about the alarming effect of such offences on journalists and have advocated for their abolition. (The crime of crimen injuria and civil remedies for defamation however continue to be applicable.)
Whilst the amendments may appear to be minor and technical in nature, they will significantly improve service delivery and the efficiency and responsiveness of the justice system in the related matters.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
North West opens newly built school in Vryburg
North West Acting Premier Nono Maloyi will today open and hand over the newly constructed Saruchera Primary School in Huhudi, Vryburg, in the Naledi Local Municipality.
The Acting Premier will be accompanied by the MEC for Education, Ntsetsao Viola Motsumi, the department’s senior managers and executives from the local and district municipalities.
The school will enroll approximately 1 380 students from Grades R to 6 when it opens for the second term on Wednesday, 3 April 2024.
“These learners were previously attending various schools around Huhudi township, and the official opening of this new school is set to bring the much-needed relief to the releasing schools as they were already overcrowded,” the Office of the Acting Premier said.
This state-of-the-art primary school comprises, amongst others, 24 classrooms, a library, computer centre, Grade R facilities, a multipurpose hall, toilets and changing rooms.
The learning institution will also employ 33 educators, including a principal and two deputies, the majority of whom are from the surrounding releasing schools.
According to the statement, the construction of Saruchera Primary School was necessitated by the establishment of a new settlement and the building of government-subsidised houses in extensions 25 and 28 in Huhudi, which resulted in overcrowding in the already existing schools around the township. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 04/03/2024 - 09:52
Qualifications obtained from deregistered colleges remain valid
The Department of Higher Education and Training has reassured that the qualifications from four Educor institutions, issued or obtained during the period of registration and during the phase-out period, remain valid and recognised.
The announcement by Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande, to cancel the registration of City Varsity (Pty) Ltd, Damelin (Pty) Ltd, Icesa City Campus (Pty) Ltd and Lyceum College (Pty) Ltd comes after the instutitions failed to submit proof of their financial viability to the department.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Nzimande noted that as the regulator of both public and private higher education in South Africa, the department was mindful of the potential impact that the decision to cancel the registration of the colleges might have on the ability of students to complete their qualifications.
Nzimande said in making the decision, the department considered the potential impact on students.
Nzimande assured the qualifications issued or obtained during the period of registration and during the phase-out period remain valid and recognised.
This assurance was also communicated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
“This means that the four Educor colleges -- City Varsity (Pty) Ltd, Damelin (Pty) Ltd, Icesa City Campus (Pty) Ltd and Lyceum College (Pty) Ltd -- still have an obligation to award the students their qualifications during the period of registration and during the phase out period.
"The four Educor colleges are also required to ensure that they conclude the remaining examinations or assessments for the remainder of the current academic year,” Nzimande said.
The Minister reiterated that the department is willing to assist in helping to mitigate the impact on students.
In line with the Minister’s commitment, through its directorate responsible for the registration of private higher education institutions, Nzimande said the department is currently handling queries from students, many of whom have expressed their frustration with the lack of communication and unresponsiveness from the four Educor colleges.
“The department wishes to restate that the decision to cancel the registration of City Varsity (Pty) Ltd, Damelin (Pty) Ltd, Icesa City Campus (Pty) Ltd and Lyceum College (Pty) Ltd still stands,” Nzimande said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 04/03/2024 - 10:42
New teal jumpsuits for Sixty60’s youngest fans Young Checkers customers can now complete their Sixty60 “look” with branded teal jumpsuits to accompany the wildly popular ride-on motorbikes as children across South Africa continue to emulate their favourite delivery drivers. Manufactured locally in Isithebe, KwaZulu-Natal, and available just in time for the colder winter months, the …
SANDF dismisses claims that South African soldiers have 'surrendered' to M23 rebels
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has refuted reports claiming that two South African soldiers deployed as part of the Southern African Development Community Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) have surrendered to M23 rebels.
According to a statement released on Wednesday, this misinformation was found in various media reports, including the National Security News.
The same publication went further to report that the SANDF soldiers are now being held as hostages by M23.
“We want to state categorically that all SANDF members deployed in the DRC have been accounted for.
“The convoluted article published by the faceless Washington correspondent is dismissed with the contempt it deserves. This is not the first time such unfounded and baseless news articles have been written about the SANDF since its deployment in the DRC under SAMIDRC,” the SANDF said.
The SANDF soldiers are part of SAMIDRC deployed to support and assist the government of Africa's second-largest country to restore peace, security and stability.
“We view such attempts to discredit the Defence Force in the most serious light by faceless people, and will not stand and allow its good name to be tarnished.
“The SANDF, as the authority for the deployed members, shall at all times inform the South African public about the situation and safety of its members in the DRC,” the SANDF said. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 04/03/2024 - 10:25
Glenrose Xaba will be targeting only the second sub-32-minute 10km of her career when she lines up for the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K this coming Sunday, 7 April 2024. Xaba was the first South African home, placing 4th overall in a then personal best time of 32:23 in the inaugural Absa RUN YOUR …
AFU cops R43 million preservation order against former DRC defence attaché
The Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) has secured a R43 million preservation order emanating from a case of fraud and theft opened by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Embassy against that country’s former Defence Attaché to South Africa, Brigadier Ngoy Timothee Makwamba.
The order was handed down in the Pretoria High Court and is to preserve four properties and two bank accounts.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson, Lumka Mahanjana, one of Makwamba’s duties as the defence attaché was to purchase weapons from South Africa’s state-owned defence, security and related technology company, Denel.
“The DRC embassy then made a payment of R49.6 million to the Denel group. However, the Denel Group could not process the order and arranged to pay back the money to the DRC Embassy.
“In December 2022, the DRC government terminated Brigadier Ngoy’s contract, and was no longer mandated to represent the country. Instead, Brigadier Ngoy fraudulently and unlawfully represented himself to Denel as the delegated representative of DRC. He was still a signatory of the Defence account of the DRC and had the authority to instruct them on where to make the refund payment.
“Brigadier Ngoy then provided the Denel Group with bank account details belonging to Johan van Heerden Attorneys where the Denel Group paid the refund of R49.6 million on 13 April 2023,” Mahanjana said.
She explained that the money was then transferred to bank accounts and used to purchase properties in the names of Ngoy’s children.
“Investigations by the Financial Intelligence Centre revealed the flow of funds which led to the identification of two bank accounts. After obtaining the preservation order on 02 April 2024 the Sheriff accompanied by the Curator Bonis as well as representatives of AFU attended to the four properties to serve the preservation.
“The four properties are now placed under the control of Curator Bonis. The next step is to apply for the final forfeiture order. After obtaining the final forfeiture order, the properties will be sold at a public auction and the money returned to the DRC,” Mahanjana said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 04/03/2024 - 09:59
Trina Solar (https://www.TrinaSolar.com/), a global leader in smart PV and energy storage solutions, has announced its partnership with China Energy International Group and China Gezhouba Group to power Mooi Plaats 283MWdc ground photovoltaic power plant project in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa. The project is financed by EDF Renewables, in conjunction with South Africa's local financial institutes.
The signing ceremony, held to mark this significant collaboration, underscores Trina Solar's commitment to driving renewable energy forward in Africa. The project will harness the power of 416,325 panels from the NEG21C.20 Vertex N, with impressive efficiency up to 23.2%. These modules are based on the 210mm product technology platform and excel in power, efficiency, reliability, and levelized cost of energy (LCOE). With a project duration of 22 months, the power generated from Mooi Plaats project will be connected to the Koruson substation, 12 km away via a 132 kV transmission line.
"We are proud to partner with China Energy International Group and China Gezhouba Group to bring this groundbreaking project to fruition," said Bao Yang, President, Global Sales & Marketing at Trina Solar. “With a total capacity of 283MWdc, the Mooi Plaats PV Power Plant project is considered the largest single PV power plant project in South Africa and is set to make a substantial impact on the region's energy landscape. This collaboration exemplifies our shared commitment to driving sustainable development and powering the future of energy in South Africa." added Yang.
"We are excited to join forces with Trina Solar on this landmark project," said Hu Yuhong, General Manager at China Energy International Group South Africa. "This collaboration represents a significant step towards achieving our shared goal of promoting clean energy and sustainable development in South Africa."
Chen Zhipei, Project Manager of Mooi Plaats project, at China Gezhouba Group, commented, "As a leading player in the global energy sector, we are proud to contribute our expertise to this project, which will not only deliver clean, reliable power but also drive economic growth and job creation in the region."
The Launch of 283MWdc Mooi Plaats PV Power Plant project represents a major milestone in South Africa's new energy market, Trina Solar is honored to contribute its expertise and technology to this transformative project, which will not only accelerate South Africa's transition to clean energy but also create new opportunities for economic growth and environmental stewardship.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Trina Solar.
About Trina Solar:
Founded in 1997, Trina Solar Co Ltd (stock symbol: Trina Solar; stock code: 688599) is engaged mainly in PV products, PV systems and smart energy. PV products include R&D, production and sales of PV modules. PV systems consist of power stations and system products. Smart energy comprises mainly PV power generation and operations and maintenance, smart solutions for energy storage, smart microgrid, and development and sales of multi-energy systems. We are committed to leading the way in smart PV and energy storage solutions and facilitating the transformation of new power systems for a net-zero future.
On June 10, 2020, Trina Solar was listed on the Science and Technology Innovation Board (STAR Market) of the Shanghai Stock Exchange(SSE). It was the first PV and energy storage company to go public on the STAR Market providing PV products and systems, as well as smart energy. For more information, please visit www.TrinaSolar.com.
Festival’s 2024 activity programme goes beyond music to offer road trippers an experience that is a feast of fun and cultural opportunities. Prince Albert, 2 April 2024 – The Journey to Jazz festival, now in its second year, is so much more than music. Being a celebration of the human spirit and cultural delights, it …
Progress on restoring full service to other lines lags behind
EAST LONDON: Proteas Women seamer Tumi Sekhukhune underscores the team’s motivation to build momentum and secure a convincing series victory against...
MIDRAND, April 3, 2024 – Stellantis continues its drive to make brands easily access to customers through its multifranchise dealer network with the addition of Jeep® and FIAT brands to Williams Hunt Fourways. Williams Hunt Fourways already houses Peugeot, Citroën and Opel brands within its ownership group, CFAO Mobility. The expansion continues to bolster dealer …
03 April 2024: When you purchase a home, the bank performs a valuation to determine if the price being offered for the property is market-related, this verification process ensures that you are not overpaying for a property that you are looking for or underselling it as a property owner. Angela Glover, Head of Product at …
Program to provide STEM and problem-solving skills to students across continent; Students to compete for chance to attend major regional industry conference; Aims to develop the next generation of African thinkers and workforce.
The ExxonMobil Foundation and JA Africa have launched the "ExxonMobil STEM Africa” initiative, a $300,000 program to promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) for approximately 3,000 African students across Nigeria, Namibia, Angola and Mozambique.
The program will prepare middle and high school students for future STEM careers through immersive quizzes and hands-on experiences at Innovation Camps. The camps, delivered by JA Africa, will teach new approaches to addressing STEM-related challenges.
“Growing students' STEM skills is key in developing the next generation of problem solvers across Africa,” ExxonMobil Foundation President Alvin Abraham said. “We're excited to see how these young minds apply what they've learned through our program.”
Teams who present the best STEM solutions will represent their countries at a major regional industry conference in Cape Town, South Africa. Students will gain cross-cultural exposure, learn about energy from a global perspective and showcase their ideas while connecting with industry leaders.
“In an era where technology and innovation propel the global economy forward, Africa's position at the forefront of technological advancements is crucial for maintaining competitiveness and sustainable development,” said JA Africa President and CEO Simi Nwogugu. “We are grateful to the ExxonMobil Foundation for this partnership to nurture STEM competencies to shape Africa's future."
To learn more about the program, visit https://ExxonMobilSTEMsAfrica.org/
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of JA Africa.
About ExxonMobil Foundation:
The ExxonMobil Foundation is the primary philanthropic arm of Exxon Mobil Corporation in the United States. The Foundation engages in a range of philanthropic initiatives in areas where the company operates around the world, with a strategic focus on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education.
About JA Africa:
As one of Africa's largest and most impactful youth-serving NGOs, JA Africa delivers hands-on, immersive learning in work readiness, financial health, entrepreneurship, sustainability, STEM, economics, citizenship, ethics, and more. JA Africa has a presence in 16 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa and collectively we reach more than 900,000 youth in more than 3,000 schools each year. JA Africa Works in Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, DRC, Eswatini, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Learn more at www.JA-Africa.org.
Dear Editor The residents of Ward 109 in the City of Cape Town are outraged by the PRASA’s plans to relocate illegal occupants from their central railway line to Macassar. They accuse the PRASA and the HDA of deception. Ward 109 residents within the City of Cape Town (City) express outrage following the Passenger Rail …
Controversial boat quotas to be reconsidered after meeting with Hondeklip Bay fishers, says fisheries department
Amidst South Africa’s dynamic service sector, Snupit stands out as a leading online marketplace app, seamlessly linking customers to local service professionals. Collectively, businesses on Snupit have been able to generate over 1 billion rand through the platform, a testament to its effectiveness in driving business growth and sustainability. Businesses that have mastered the art …
The recruitment landscape is evolving rapidly, with CEOs and business leaders constantly on the lookout for more efficient ways to attract and retain top talent. This need is particularly pronounced in dynamic markets like Port Elizabeth (PE), where the unique local challenges call for innovative recruitment strategies. With over 40 years of experience, MASA (Measured …
World Autism Awareness Day – 02 April
The Department of Health calls on families and communities to support people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) otherwise known as autism in order to thrive and reach their full potential, and not to discriminate them.
Autistic individuals as well as their parents and caregivers often face many challenges, but these do not have to define them because they have the same health needs and rights as the general population. They may in addition, have specific health-care needs related to autism or other co-occurring conditions requiring attention, support, and care.
All people, including those with autism, have the right to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health. However, autistic people are often subjected to stigma and discrimination, including unjust deprivation of care, education, and opportunities to engage and participate in their communities.
They have unique physical, social, mental health-care and educational needs as a result of their conditions which require strong collaborative efforts with other government departments such as Basic Education and Social Development for the provision of all-inclusive basket of services for early detection and intervention of ASD to improve their overall health outcomes and lessen long-term suffering and costs of care.
South Africa will on Tuesday, 2 April join the global community to increase awareness about autism, as well as how we can support autistic people in society.
The awareness day is used as a platform to empower the public, health and welfare services providers with information and also dispel misconceptions and promote a deeper understanding of autism to help reduce stigma and discrimination through fostering a more inclusive environment for autistic persons and their families.
According to the World Health Organization, about 1 in every 100 children globally has autism. In South Africa, the local studies have found the prevalence of autism to be between 0.08% to 2%. This condition is mainly found to be more prevalent in males than females.
Autism can be a life-long condition, but through appropriate and tailored support, children and adults with autism can make significant progress and live fulfilling lives.
The use of standardised ASD screening and diagnostic tools is well-established in high-income countries. Developmental milestones screening is one of the key interventions to early detect disorders like ASDs and intervene early as studies have shown that the median age of diagnosis of these conditions is between 18 to 24 months. In South Africa, the Road to Health Booklet or Clinic Card that issued to all children at birth helps parents to monitor health and development of each child until the age of 5 years. This also assists in early identification and intervention when a child's development is not in line with the expected developmental milestones.
Early diagnosis and intervention of autism can significantly impact the child's development and help families understand their child's strengths and challenges and create a personalised treatment and support plan. Thus, parents are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the educational information contained in the Clinic Card.
Although, there is no cure for autism spectrum disorders, some medications are used to help people with ASD function better by treating co-occurring symptoms such as high energy levels, inability to focus, or self-harming behaviour including head banging or hand biting. Treatment can also help manage co-occurring mental health problems, such as anxiety or depression, and physical conditions such as seizures, sleep problems.
If you suspect that you or your family member or child may be having autism spectrum disorder, visit your nearest health care facility or provider for screening and assessment to enable them to provide the necessary interventions, or refer where necessary.
Symptoms and causes of autism may differ from child to child, but some common symptoms include difficulty with social interactions, delayed speech and language skills, repetitive behaviours. Autism is primarily caused by nature (a genetic disorder), but the severity of autism can be influenced by nurture (environmental factors).
Care for people with autism needs to be accompanied by actions at family, community and societal levels for greater accessibility, inclusivity, and support, hence it is important to empower communities including health workers, educators and employers with knowledge and information about the conditions to ensure tolerance, support and acceptance of autistic individuals.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of Health.
DPWI to host Young Professionals seminar
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Sihle Zikalala, together with Deputy Minister Bernice Swarts, will on Wednesday host the Young Professionals seminar in Pretoria.
The DPWI’s Young Professionals programme seeks to address skills shortages in the built industry and build skills capacity to support the built environment industry.
The seminar seeks to have an engagement between industry players, the department and young professionals on a number of issues in the built industry.
The Young Professionals programme is a structured DPWI mentorship programme aimed at accelerating professional registration within the built environment.
Areas of training include: Engineering (Civil, Structural, Transport, Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical and Hydrology), Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Urban and Regional Planning, Property Studies and Interior Design, etc.
The Minister and Deputy Minister will also have a robust engagement with the young professionals still in the programme, and those who have attained professional registration on ways to improve the programme. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 04/02/2024 - 09:15
But the City says repairs are difficult because of safety risks in Tafelsig