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Port Alfred – Entries Open For Rip Curl GromSearch. Surfing South Africa has opened entries for the Rip Curl GromSearch Port Alfred and the Rip Curl Cup Port Alfred. These events will take place during the Easter Weekend – March 29 – April 1 2024. They are part of the Port Alfred Easter Festival presented …
Public sector pension funds amendments published
The National Treasury has published the proposed amendments to various pieces of legislation governing public sector pension funds.
“The amendments provide the necessary legislative amendments required to effectively implement the two-pot retirement system changes in public sector funds,” National Treasury said on Monday.
The proposed amendments relate to the Government Employees Pension Law, 1996 (Proclamation 21 of 1996), Post and Telecommunications-related Matters Act, 1958 (Act 44 of 1958) and Transnet Pension Fund Act, 1990 (Act 62 of 1990).
“The proposed amendments insert certain definitions to provide for the introduction of the savings withdrawal benefit; to provide for the appropriate account of a member’s interest in the savings, retirement, and vested components and to provide for deductions that may be made by the funds.
“These amendments seek to align pension laws across all sectors to ensure that pension funds can amend the fund rules and implement the two-pot retirement system on the effective date of 1 September 2024,” National Treasury said.
The amendments to the public sector pension laws will be proposed for inclusion in the Pension Funds Amendment Bill [B3—2024], which is currently under consideration of the Standing Committee on Finance.
Parliamentary hearings on the Pension Funds Amendment Bill will be held on 12 March 2024, including these public sector pension laws amendments.
The proposed amendments to the public sector laws may be found on the National Treasury website www.treasury.gov.za. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Mon, 03/11/2024 - 12:06
The Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series is calling on all Western Cape based schools to sign up for the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K’s fun ‘School’s Challenge’ that will form part of the 9th annual event on Sunday 12 May 2024. “The Schools Challenge brings a thrilling team dynamic to the Absa RUN …
Makhubele is accused of abetting state capture while she was chair of PRASA
Barriers look intimidating until one day somebody shows just how surmountable they are. Rene Baker’s success in the traditionally male-dominated realm in the world of tyres, shocks, batteries and the like is an inspiration, especially when one considers just how far out of her comfort zone it was. Rene began her working life as a …
There were smiles for miles in the Springbok Women camp in Edinburgh on Sunday evening when their four England-based professionals joined the squad, thus completing the 32 player tally for the important European tour. Danelle Lochner, Babalwa Latsha and Aseza Hele joined from Harlequins Women and Lindelwa Gwala from Ealing Trailfinders and according to Lochner, …
SA, Zimbabwe to sign agreement for treated water transfer to Musina
Water and Sanitation Minister, Senzo Mchunu, and his Zimbabwean counterpart, Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Development Minister, Dr Anxious Jongwe Masuka, will on Thursday sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the transfer of treated water to Musina.
The bilateral agreement between the two countries will allow for supply of about 15 million cubic metres per annum (m3/a) which is equal to 41 Ml/d of treated water from Beitbridge Water Treatment Works in the Republic of Zimbabwe to Musina in South Africa.
The Musina Local Municipality has a total population of 132 009 people residing in 192 villages and one town, which is Musina. The area is dry with limited sources of water and largely relies on groundwater for supply.
“South Africa and Zimbabwe signed a bilateral agreement on Co-operation on Water Resources Management and the Establishment and Functioning of the Joint Water Commission (JWC) in 2015,” the department said in a statement.
Limpopo Watercourse Commission agreement amendment
On the day of the signing of the agreement, Mchunu with his counterparts from Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Mozambique - who are all members of the Limpopo Watercourse Commission (LIMCOM) - will also sign the amended LIMCOM Agreement in the transboundary agreement.
LIMCOM is a transboundary organisation established by four member countries to use management of the shared water resources in an equitable manner.
The department said the agreement will enable the Ministers to adopt policies, decisions and provide guidance on the promotion and coordination of the management, development, and equitable utilisation of the shared water resources.
“During the Commission Sitting, the four countries will sign a commitment to implement the Integrated Transboundary River Basin Management for the Sustainable Development of the Limpopo River Basin.
“The agreement will strengthen South Africa’s relations with the three riparian states which share the basin and use water from the river to support various socio-economic activities, including agriculture, tourism, energy generation, as well as for domestic use,” the department said.
National Water Month
Meanwhile, Mchunu and his Deputies, David Mahlobo and Judith Tshabalala, together with Vhembe District Municipality Mayor, Freda Nkondo, will on Friday engage with the community of Musina at Musina Showgrounds, to provide feedback and progress made to address water supply challenges in the area.
The two-day activities form part of the annual National Water Month host by the Department of Water and Sanitation in March.
The National Water Month is South Africa's expansion of World Water Day, which is observed on 22 March and focuses attention on the importance of freshwater and advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources.
This year’s World Water Day will be observed under the theme ‘Water for Peace’, which focuses on the critical role water plays in the stability and prosperity of the world. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 03/11/2024 - 12:47
How to stretch your booze budget… batch cocktails are your friends when it comes to hassle-free entertaining at home. With the recent budget announcements of sin tax increases on alcohol (R5.53 on each bottle of spirits for starters) serving cocktails at parties, braais or sundowners with friends just got more expensive. But there’s no need …
PSC calls on public servants to vote
The Public Service Commission has called on all eligible South Africans to cast their votes in the upcoming National and Provincial Elections.
“The employees of the public service are to lead by example and are encouraged to take responsibility to educate societies we live in regarding the significance of voting,” said Public Service Commission Commissioner Anele Gxoyiya.
Addressing the media in Pretoria on Monday, Gxoyiya said it was advisable that every eligible citizen use this democratic opportunity in having their say on how this country should be taken forward.
“If we want to see change, this is the opportunity now to influence that change,” Gxoyiya said.
Gxoyiya said the call is extended to the youth of this country because they represent the future leaders. “They must participate in the decision of who becomes the leaders of our democratic dispensation,” he said.
Last month, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced 29 May for 2024 National and Provincial Elections.
The announcement of the Election Date followed a successful voter registration campaign, which included two general registration weekends, an overseas voter registration drive, campus activations and registration within Correctional Services centres.
The 2024 Elections coincide with South Africa's celebration of 30 years of freedom and democracy.
President Ramaphosa has called on all eligible voters to fully participate in this important and historic milestone of South Africa’s democratic calendar.
According to the IEC, more than 27 million South Africans are registered to vote and 14 million others remain unregistered but are eligible to do so.
Unregistered voters and those who need to update their address details can visit their local municipality office, the Electoral Commission or go to the online voter registration portal, registertovote.elections.org.za or reach the chat bot on 0600 88 00 00 WhatsApp line. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 03/11/2024 - 13:09
Chronic kidney disease (CKD), a gradual and irremediable loss of kidney function (kidney failure), affects up to one in eight South Africans, more than 850 million people worldwide, and resulted in over 3.1 million deaths (2019). Fundamentally, untreated kidney failure can be life threatening. Presently, kidney disease ranks as the 8th leading cause of death, …
Mchunu assesses Eastern Cape state of water and sanitation
Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu will be meeting the Water Service Authorities (WSAs) and local municipalities in the Eastern Cape to assess the state of water and sanitation in the province.
The visits, from 10 – 12 March 2024 in East London and Gqeberha, form part of ongoing and concerted efforts by Mchunu to find solutions to a multitude of challenges faced by various municipalities in the provision of water and sanitation services to communities they serve.
This comes against the backdrop of the Water Services Authority Summit held in January this year with the 144 WSAs in the country to deal with water challenges in identified municipalities.
During his three-day visit to the province, Mchunu will meet with the Executive Mayors from Alfred Nzo, OR Tambo, Chris Hani, Joe Gqabi, Sarah Baartman and Amathole Districts, and Nelson Mandela Bay and Buffalo City Metros, as well mayors from local municipalities and municipal managers.
“Municipalities are expected to present on strategic schemes delayed, turn-around plans, boreholes, bulk, sanitation, and any other infrastructure,” the department said.
The Minister will be joined by his deputies, David Mahlobo and Judith Tshabalala, and Eastern Cape Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC, Zolile Williams. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 03/11/2024 - 13:14
The subtropical climate and breathtaking scenery make the KZN South Coast a must-visit destination this Easter. From the Blue Flag beaches to the lush hinterland, this action-packed destination is an outdoor adventurer’s dream! “There is a growing trend of travel-based experiences that can either be relaxing or adrenaline-inducing – but all fun!” says Deborah Ludick, …
Cape Town, South Africa, March 04, 2024 – Musiquelaine SA, a respected non-profit organisation dedicated to nurturing talent, fostering cultural understanding, and championing the universal language of music, celebrated its 10th-anniversary celebration on the 21st of February 2024! Founder Lainey Trequesser expresses deep gratitude for the organisation’s journey thus far and anticipates the forthcoming relaunch …
PSC study makes recommendations on hybrid work arrangements
The Public Service Commission (PSC) has completed a study on the impact of hybrid work arrangements on service delivery in the public service.
PSC Commissioner Anele Gxoyiya says the COVID-19 pandemic forced most organisations, including government, to consider alternative working arrangements in order to limit human and physical interaction.
“This resulted in the introduction of hybrid workspaces and the working from home (WFH) option that was new for most employees, as only a few private companies offered this option pre-COVID-19,” Gxoyiya said at a briefing in Pretoria on Monday.
The study focused on the shutdown period from March 2020 and the subsequent lockdown levels as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Gxoyiya explained that the purpose of the study was to investigate the actual and perceived impact that the introduction of hybrid work and work from home arrangements had on service delivery in the public service in selected departments, with a view to formulate recommendations that could assist the public service to adapt.
He said the study focused on six service delivery departments/institutions in the public service, which are Education, Employment and Labour, Health, South African Social Security Agency, Home Affairs and the South African Police Service.
The report of the study makes the following recommendations:
• The Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) should benchmark with other countries to determine how the hybrid work arrangement was managed during the pandemic and how it is being taken forward as a basis to review relevant legislation, regulations, directives, policies and conditions of service for different categories of occupations and/or employees.
• The public service, led by the DPSA, National Treasury and the Department of Communications and Digital Services, must take the lead in digitising government operations and prioritising access to tools of trade that will enable the effective implementation of hybrid work arrangements, where feasible.
• Departments, in collaboration with the National School of Government, should incorporate continuous training programmes on new technologies that are necessary to facilitate remote work arrangements, online collaboration and remote access to centralised systems as well as other emerging innovations for employees to stay abreast of the new developments.
• National Treasury, in collaboration with departments such as the DPSA and Public Works and Infrastructure, must conduct a cost-benefit analysis of implementing hybrid work arrangements for selected non-essential service departments in order to identify possible cost-saving measures and possible once-off cost drivers as a basis to generate resources to fund critical areas of need, including the rapid adoption of technology-enabled solutions and provision of other essential services to the public.
Gxoyiya noted that the findings of the study suggest that existing primary legislation and policies were and are still silent on the practice of working from home or hybrid work arrangements.
“During the lockdown period, the gap had to be addressed through the passing of new regulations, directions and guidelines to enable departments to put measures in place to comply with the COVID-19 regulations whilst still ensuring work continuity.
“The study documents a combination of positive and negative practices/experiences, including notable innovative measures that were put in place by public service departments, as well as the commitment of many employees who put their lives at risk in order to provide services to the public,” Gxoyiya said.
Gxoyiya said there were challenges noted with regard to the implementation of the hybrid work arrangement which included, amongst others, capacity constraints; additional expenses that were not budgeted for; inaccessibility of some service sites when some staff members tested positive for COVID-19; inconsistent practices in granting employees permission to work from home between and within departments, and lack of appropriate tools of trade for some employees.
“Performance was managed differently according to the different departments and in some instances, it varied within the different units in the respective departments,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 03/11/2024 - 13:16
Ben Freeth will petition for the reinstatement of the SADC Tribunal
ACCRA: Team South Africa stands on the brink of glory after captain Nondumiso Shangase and all-rounder Kayla Reyneke shone in the...
Runners and walkers will get another chance to enjoy the stunning Sapphire Coast with the first-ever Galleria Mall Challenge – organised by Amanzimtoti Athletics Club and supported by Sapphire Coast Tourism – taking place in Amanzimtoti on Sunday, 7 April. This is a great opportunity to spend a weekend enjoying the beautiful beaches and tourist …
The Cape Town International Jazz Festival Returns with anew format, new vibe, masterclasses, as Matt Bianco, Kokoroko and The Yussef Dayes Experience make their way to Cape Town to join an all-star SA line-up. Get ready for the return of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) which is all set to ignite stages and …
Dear Editor Following ethics complaints filed by the DA to the Public Protector, Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu and her co-accused acting Director-General, Linton Mchunu, are reportedly seeking to silence whistleblowers. In October last year, the Public Protector began investigations into two matters centred around Minister Zulu. First, the irregular appointment of Mchunu as Director-General, …
eThekwini Furniture Cluster Launches Customer Compass Programme The eThekwini Furniture Cluster (EFC) is excited to announce the launch of its Customer Compass Programme, aimed at empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the local furniture sector. This initiative seeks to align its offering with what big customers are looking for, to drive innovation, foster inclusive …
Transnet to invest in Durban Port road rehabilitation
Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) says it will invest some R233 million in the comprehensive rehabilitation of the Durban Port road.
TNPA said the project is expected to be implemented over a two-year period, with a traffic management plan in place to redirect traffic flow.
TNPA Port Manager for the Port of Durban, Nkumbuzi Ben-Mazwi, said: “Embarking on this road rehabilitation journey will ensure that we deliver on our mandate of providing port infrastructure to ensure the port’s efficient functioning as the economic gateway to our South African economy.”
The TNPA explained that this comes on the back of the “intensified pressure posed by an influx of trucks on the Port of Durban’s road infrastructure”.
“The Port of Durban is a crucial contributor to the South African economy, handling approximately 60% of the country’s total container volumes. Most of the container volumes handled are moved through the Southern Road Network of the port and over the years, the influx of trucks entering the port has substantially increased. The intensified surge has led to the deterioration of the overall road infrastructure.
“The improved condition of port roads will positively impact on port operational efficiencies and the smooth flow of traffic in the targeted precincts. The Maydon Wharf will take precedence, with 16 roads set for repairs, followed by Island View with three roads and two on Bayhead.
“In addition to repairing the structural defects, the restoration of functional defects, such as surface drainage issues due to damaged manholes and inlets caused by heavy vehicles, is included in the project scope,” the TNPA said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 03/11/2024 - 14:41
The Namib Desert is approximately 160,000 km2 in extent as it runs down the western coast of middle and southern Africa. South African men of a certain age will remember time spent in Namibia (South West Africa than) when boys became men (and some boys remained boys forever after being flown home in a box!) …
Lake Farm Centre celebrated the 29th edition of their annual Charity Run fundraiser in perfect weather conditions on Saturday, 9 March. Proudly sponsored by Bukani Print, Pam Golding Properties, Investec, and Kingfisher FM. Race Organisers, Nedbank Running Club, and Lake Farm Centre were happy with the support of the event, which doubled from last year …
Mike Bishop, NSRI Ballito station commander, said: NSRI commend a Good Samaritan, a male, who we believe rescued 2 children at Cassurina Beach on Sunday, 10 March. At approximately 11h45 a call came in to NSRI Ballito from an eyewitness reporting 2 swimmers, children, appearing to be in distress, at Cassurina beach, La Mercy, KZN …