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Psoriasis and Ethnic Diversity By: Ahmed El Hofy General Manager for South Africa for The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson: JOHANNESBURG, February 21st, 2024 – Psoriasis, a chronic skin condition affecting millions worldwide, has long been a topic of concern in the medical community, in that no cure has been discovered, although there …
Southern Oil (SOILL), Africa’s largest producer of canola oil, has taken an innovative approach to waste reduction by utilising the byproduct from canola oil production to create a nutrient-rich animal feed. “The efficiency of our operations ensures that all of the canola seed is utilised – primarily for the canola oil used in our B-well …
A sold-out Baxter theatre underlined opera’s importance as a time-honoured medium for learning life lessons, pure escapism, and entertainment, and solidifies Opera UCT’s eminence as a world-class production house and school. Cape Town, 28 February 2024 – Opera UCT’s 2024 season launch last night presented a varied programme that heralds a year ahead full of …
Dear Editor The DA wishes the 18 learners who were injured when the ceiling of the Umthambeka Primary School in Thembisa collapsed on them, a speedy recovery. 18 grade 6 learners had to be rushed to the hospital for urgent medical attention after this life-threatening encounter. It is shameful that it has increasingly become the …
Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance acknowledges the recent arrests made in connection with the murders of Kiernan ‘AKA’ Forbes and Tebello ‘Tibs’ Motsoane in February of last year. While these high-profile cases have rightfully captured public attention, Police Minister Bheki Cele took the opportunity to score cheap political points by holding a press conference to …
The experienced Liske Lategan has been called up by Springbok Women’s Sevens coach Renfred Dazel to replace the injured Maria Tshiremba in Los Angeles this weekend, the fifth tournament of 2024 HSBC SVNS. Lategan was part of the squad in Dubai, Cape Town and Perth and on stand-by for the North American leg of the …
Following various engagements with the Knysna municipality, Premier Alan Winde has been informed that the municipality has, after multiple attempts, scheduled to meet on Friday, 1 March to consider the recent Diagnostic Assessment of the municipality that was conducted by the Western Cape Department of Local Government, as well as a Support Plan that was …
African nations adopt digital and social media guidelines
The Association of African Election Authorities (AAEA) has launched a set of principles and guidelines aimed at getting the most out of digital and social media, while mitigating its potential harms.
The guidelines, launched on Tuesday, emphasise the dangers of social media abuse, and call for responsible use and accountability from both platform owners and users.
The launch event was attended by 16 African Election Management Bodies (EMB) from countries that will hold elections in 2024 and 2025.
The guidelines encourage African EMBs to develop a clear and comprehensive plan for responsible social media use during election campaigns. It emphasises the critical roles governments and regulatory bodies can play in safeguarding electoral processes across Africa.
In addition, the guidelines encourage African states and regulatory authorities to refrain from imposing measures that might disrupt access to the internet, and to digital and social media.
Furthermore, they call on social media operators to treat political parties and candidates equitably and ensure that their online messaging, including that of their supporters, does not undermine electoral integrity or contravene human rights.
Speaking at the launch in Johannesburg, the AAEA President, who is also the Chairperson of the Mozambique National Election Commission, Reverend Carlos Simao Matsinhe, said the guidelines are an invaluable resource for protecting elections integrity and credibility.
He said the fight against disinformation is critical because left unmitigated, it can have a deleterious impact on the credibility of elections. He urged EMBs to socialise the guidelines in their respective countries.
South Africa, through grant funding by the African Renaissance and International Cooperation Fund, played an important role in developing the guidelines.
In his keynote address, South Africa’s Deputy President, Paul Mashatile, pledged the country's support for socialising the principles and guidelines.
“The reality is that the political environment during elections is tense and volatile, and we should use social media with responsibility to ensure that the content we share is credible and accurate. I urge political parties that participate in robust debate on social media to uphold ethical standards and refrain from going too far in being unjust, deceptive, or hateful,” said Mashatile.
The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission of South Africa, Mosotho Moepya, urged all stakeholders to play their role in ensuring that the guidelines are widely socialised and implemented, not only to increase voter confidence and trust in electoral processes, but also to ensure the deepening of democratic values.
Echoing Moepya's sentiments, the representative of the African Union Commission (AUC), Ambassador William Awinador-Kanyirige, said the adoption of the guidelines will play a huge role in the transformation and handling of elections in Africa.
“The existence of these principles and guidelines will go a long way in inspiring other countries to follow the same steps, thus promoting peaceful elections,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 02/28/2024 - 10:23
Standards relate the technology being applied and present an entire operational framework against which it is delivered and evaluated, according to Robin Clarke, Executive Director of the Hot Dip Galvanizers Association of South Africa (HDGASA). “A common misconception is that standards allow people to operate in accordance with the lowest common denominator. This is not …
Six of the best women’s teams on the planet will return to South Africa later this year for the second instalment of WXV 2 after World Rugby announced the host venues for their three flagship annual women’s tournaments on Wednesday. WXV 2 will take place over three weekends in September and October this year, after …
Transnet expands port to meet industry demands
In its ongoing drive for port expansion and operational performance improvement, the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) is repositioning its Western Region ports of Cape Town, Mossel Bay and Saldanha for the provision of world-class port infrastructure to support the regions’ booming shipping demand.
Projects in the pipeline include Phase2B of the Cape Town Container Terminal expansion at the Port of Cape Town.
“As part of the project, TNPA is currently finalising a detailed design of the rail infrastructure upgrade - a key deliverable that will enable the construction phase. The design work will be completed by December 2024. The project scope also includes container stack upgrade as well as a truck staging area and automation.
“The expansion will see a capacity increase from 1 million TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit) to 1.4 million TEU, with an investment value of approximately R1.775 billion. Project commencement is planned for September 2025,” Transnet said on Monday.
TNPA is also reviewing and finalising precinct plans for the Culemborg Intermodal Logistics Precinct Development in the Port of Cape Town, and that will be followed by a request for proposals during the 2024/25 financial year.
“This project will culminate in the development of land parcels near the port to create additional back of port capacity. Key projects at the Port of Saldanha include the extension of the multi-purpose terminal and the development of berth 205, which will cater for rig repairs. The new berth will also provide additional capacity for break bulk operations,” Transnet said.
Meanwhile, strategic initiatives in the Port of Mossel Bay include the construction of the cruise reception facility to enable international cruise vessels to call to the port. The slipway rehabilitation project planned for 2024/25 financial year will increase the port’s slipway and cradle capacity from 200 to 500 tons.
“The execution of these projects is not only a demonstration of our commitment to investing in the creation of addition port capacity, but also critical for the Ports Authority to respond to the need to improve operational performance of the South African ports,” acting TNPA Managing Executive for the Western Region ports, Captain Vernal Jones said. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 02/28/2024 - 11:02
Premier blames Eskom for delays
Bands At The Beach Musical Fest General Tickets: R250pp for adults and R150pp for kids under 11. Tickets are available on Quicket. Venue: Guidos Restaurant Parking Area next to West Beach Pier. Date: 30 March 2024 from 15:30 to 22:00. Band List: Georgetown Arno Carstens Wonderboom aKING December Streets As part of the Port …
The Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo has praised the North West Province for registering massive progress in the provincial department's endeavour to trace and track ex-mineworkers who left work without claiming their benefits. Accompanied by the North West Health MEC Madoda Sambatha at Westvaal Hospital, the Deputy Minister found out that a total of 20 798 ex-mine workers were successfully traced, with 2669 claims processed and paid a combined figure of R76.9 million. All this was achieved between August 2022 when the project was launched and the end of 2023.
The North West Province ex-mineworkers compensation project was launched by the Deputy Minister of Health, Premier of North West Province and the MEC for Health in August 2022.
The aim of the intervention is to provide ex-mineworkers and their beneficiaries with access to compensation benefits for occupational lung diseases and other social protection funds which were left unclaimed.
Speaking at Westvaal Hospital in Orkney and after receiving a report and assessment of the center, the Deputy Health Minister, Dhlomo congratulated the North West Province, the provincial health department and all stakeholders including the Mining Council and the interim Ex-Mineworkers leadership structure for the commitment shown in tracing deserving ex-mine workers.
“The province and the Department has done extremely well if you consider that between 2017 and 2021, the total value of the payouts were ranging from between 10 and 11% but in one year of 2023 the province was able to pay R76.9 million. It's a massive success though there are still many ex-mineworkers to be traced and compensated”, said Deputy Minister Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo
All stakeholders in attendance immediately convened to discuss strategies for accelerated tracing and tracking. The target is all Ex-mineworkers who are estimated at 168,000 and their beneficiaries who reside in the North West Province.
As stakeholders deliberated on ways of improving the project output, MEC Madoda Sambatha made a commitment to integrate the Ex-mineworkers programme in the HAST programme of the Department. “We already have community health workers who are doing a good work of ‘loss to follow-up' because they track and trace people who miss their TB treatment. When we integrate this programme, we will be able to utilise this resource to track and trace ex-mine workers”, said MEC Sambatha.
The Ex-Mineworkers Council Interim Provincial Secretary, Mr Mr Tana Mahlophe suggested the use of two ex-mineworkers per region who can be contracted for a short period to assist in tracing deserving ex-mineworkers while the Mineral Council of South Africa committed to assist should this option be implemented.
Meanwhile the Department of Health has committed to ensure that all ex-mineworkers centers in the four districts remain operational and accessible to all ex-mineworkers. The centres are: Westvaal Hospital for Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, Old Vryburg Hospital for Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District, Mahikeng Provincial Hospital for Ngaka Modiri Molema and Job Shimankana Tabane Hospital in Bojanala District.
MEC Sambatha concluded the deliberations by assuring stakeholders that the Department is committed to conclude outreach in the remaining districts between March and May 2024 as this will raise awareness to ex-mineworkers especially those in deep rural areas who might not be aware of the project.
All the key stakeholders in the projects were highlighted as essential for its success and they include the Provincial Leadership, Local government structures, the Minerals Council SA, TEBA Bank, the National Department of Health MBOD/CCOD, XDS call centre, IP Capital, Rand Mutual / CCMS, Tshiamiso Trust and the Traditional Leadership. They will be consulted throughout all the project implementation phases to ensure its success.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Government.
February is a time when hearts are in the spotlight. It is a time earmarked for raising awareness on congenital heart disease (CHD). According to studies it’s classified as the most common type of birth defect1,2 with up to 3.12 million babies born with CHD in 20193. To commemorate the annual CHD calendar awareness week, …
James Murphy has linked up with the Springbok Sevens squad in the USA as they prepare for the HSBC SVNS Los Angeles, to be played at Dignity Health Sports Park from Friday to Sunday. Murphy replaced Ricardo Duarttee, who returned to South Africa after the HSBC SVNS in Vancouver due to personal reasons. Murphy last …
Work to complete Mandlakazi Regional Bulk Water Scheme continues
The Ministry of Water and Sanitation says it is accelerating the completion of the Mandlakazi Regional Bulk Water Scheme to ensure sustainable water provision in Zululand.
The water supply scheme aims to bring relief to the community of Mandlakazi, which is between Kwa-Nongoma and Mkhuze towns in Zululand District Municipality, as well as Hlabisa under uMkhanyakude District Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal.
Giving an update on the progress made to move the project toward completion, the department said on 14 December 2023, Water and Sanitation Minister, Senzo Mchunu convened a meeting between the department, uMngeni-uThukela Water, Zululand, and uMkhanyakude District Municipalities.
The meeting was held to check on the status quo of the project progress.
At the meeting, presentations were made by both district municipalities, with visibly identifiable gaps and overall slow project progress.
This was followed by the Minister’s announcement that the scheme would be taken over by the department and transferred into a Ministerial Scheme.
“The decision to take over the project was as a result of the delayed nature of the project and its huge socio-economic impact, as it is cuts across two districts,” departmental spokesperson, Wisane Mavasa explained.
During a meeting held on 3 January 2024, Mchunu also announced the appointment of uMngeni-uThukela Water as the implementing agent, responsible for certain aspects of the project.
In addition, the Zululand District Municipality has been appointed to implement Phases 5 and 6 of the project, which will benefit 279 297 people.
“Phase 5 includes the construction of the main pipeline that will abstract water from Jozini Dam to Mandlakazi Water Treatment Works, and several other pipeline projects within the entire Mandlakazi project footprint. Phase 6 concerns the construction of a network water reticulation pipelines to provide water to the households of the entire Esiphambanweni community.”
While waiting for the Mandlakazi Scheme to be completed, Mavasa said the department has provided funding for emergency storage reservoirs and connection to supply water to the Hlabisa area.
Mavasa said, as of 20 February 2024, the project have been tested and commissioned, and reservoir 12 Mthwadlana and reservoir 22 Miyaneni, will now be able to receive water.
Reservoir 12 Mthwadlana feeds all reservoirs to the east of Hlabisa in the villages including Matshamhlophe, Majukujukwini, Ophaphasi, Nhlwathi, Nqamu, Ngodini, Mcwabakazi, Makhowe, and others.
Reservoir 22 Miyaneni is a command reservoir that feeds all reservoirs to the west of Hlabisa, including Mpembeni, Hlabisa Town, Mhlambanyathi, Mgangatho, Mansiya, among others.
“The technical teams are currently doing pressure testing and checking the functionality of some of the pipelines, since the reservoirs are now at full capacity,” Mavasa said.
Mavasa reiterated the Ministry, and the department continue to provide support and oversight to the project, to ensure that it meets its deadlines as outlined, and that communities identified receive sustainable potable water upon its completion. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 02/28/2024 - 11:15
The Multi-Party Charter group says that South Africa’s first-time voters of 2024 have never known life without loadshedding. Our economy has lost hundreds of billions of Rand, and countless small businesses have shut their doors, because the ineptitude, corruption and mismanagement of Eskom by national government has destroyed South Africa’s energy security. In 2024, there …
Empact Group, a purpose-led, 100% South African-owned company, continues to demonstrate its commitment to empowering small businesses through its Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) programme. The most recent ESD training session, dedicated to the significance of Marketing, PR, and Social Media, showcased the importance of these elements in the marketing mix for small and medium …
The periodic maintenance project and upgrading of the Main Road underway between the N1 Paarl and Kliprug Road is an economic enabler for local enterprises and small businesses in the region. The project commenced in June 2022 and is well on track to be completed in the 2nd quarter of the 2024/25 fiscal year. Main …
Murder of Soweto doctor condemned
The Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety has strongly condemned the recent tragic murder of a medical doctor in Dobsonville, Soweto.
Well-known Dr Michael Isabelle was tragically shot during an armed robbery at his medical facility and succumbed to his injuries at a nearby hospital on Saturday.
“It is deeply troubling that he lost his life simply for refusing to surrender his laptop and phones to the suspects,” the committee said.
The committee has described the incident as utterly unacceptable and regrettable.
“This heartbreaking incident serves as a sad reminder of the pervasive violence that plagues our communities, with innocent individuals bearing the brunt of heinous crimes.
“Despite concerted efforts by government and civil society to combat crime in Gauteng and across the nation, criminals continue to wreak havoc and instill fear among South Africans.”
The committee has urgently called upon law enforcement agencies to swiftly apprehend those responsible for this senseless act of violence and ensure that they are brought to justice.
“It is imperative that we send a resounding message that senseless crimes of this nature have no place in our society and that perpetrators will be held accountable for their actions.”
The committee also extended its heartfelt condolences to Isabelle’s family.
“We stand in solidarity with them during this difficult time and recognise doctors' invaluable role in saving lives and providing essential medical care to those in need.
“We urge the entire nation to unite in condemning violence and reaffirming our commitment to building safer communities for all.”
According to TimesLive Premium, Isabelle was also attacked and shot in the stomach soon after he qualified in Katlehong, Ekurhuleni, 20 years ago.
A family spokesperson who spoke to the publication said Isabelle was a jazz lover, who was generous and principled with an uncompromising work ethic. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 02/28/2024 - 11:31
Aidan Roos, a 19-year-old from Three Rivers, Vereeniging, and a promising stunt biker with aspirations to showcase his skills in China, suffered a life-altering accident on February 9, 2024. A seemingly routine outing for takeout took a disastrous turn when he slipped on a wet floor, and his face collided with a balustrade, causing severe …
North West ex-mineworkers receive over R76m of their unclaimed benefits
The Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, has praised the North West provincial government for its dedication to tracing and tracking ex-mineworkers who left employment without claiming their benefits.
The North West has so far traced 20 798 ex-mineworkers, with 2 669 claims processed and paid to the tune of R76.9 million between 2022 and 2023.
This comes after Dhlomo launched the compensation project with the North West Premier and MEC for Health in August 2022.
“The intervention aims to provide ex-mineworkers and their beneficiaries with access to compensation benefits for occupational lung diseases and other social protection funds which were left unclaimed,” the department explained.
Speaking at Westvaal Hospital in Orkney on Monday, Dhlomo congratulated the North West provincial government, the provincial health department and all stakeholders including the Mining Council and the interim ex-mineworkers leadership structure for the job well done.
“The province and the department have done extremely well if you consider that between 2017 and 2021, the total value of the payouts ranged from between 10% and 11% but in one year of 2023 the province was able to pay R76.9 million.
“It’s a massive success though there are still many ex-mineworkers to be traced and compensated,” said the Deputy Minister.
According to the North West Health MEC Madoda Sambatha, the province is working around the clock to find the 168 000 former mineworkers and their beneficiaries.
“We already have community health workers who are doing good work of ‘loss to follow-up’ because they track and trace people who miss their TB treatment. When we integrate this programme, we will be able to utilise this resource to track and trace ex-mine workers,” Sambatha explained.
In addition, the National Department of Health has committed to ensuring that all centres in the four districts located in Westvaal, Old Vryburg, Mahikeng Provincial and Job Shimankana Tabane hospitals remain operational and accessible.
Sambatha concluded the deliberations by assuring stakeholders that the department is committed to concluding outreach in the remaining districts between March and May 2024, as this will raise awareness especially those in deep rural areas who might not be aware of the project.
The department said all key stakeholders in the projects were essential and would be consulted throughout the implementation phases to ensure its success. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 02/28/2024 - 13:56
But stoppage fell short of SAMWU’s plan for a city-wide shutdown, says municipality