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We asked Google’s AI – Gemini – the following question; “Predict the results for South Africa’s General Election on 29 May 2024?” After all, navigating one’s way through the 368 parties on offer would probably require some form of Artificial Intelligence to rapidly process the permutations. Gemini was understandably reluctant to give a definitive answer …
Dear Editor Yesterday President Cyril Ramaphosa officially announced the upcoming general election scheduled for May 29. The DA welcomes this crucial announcement as a countdown to a historic moment where South Africa has the opportunity to rescue itself from 30 years of ANC failure, corruption, and state capture. This election is a turning point for …
More than 140,000 households are struggling with a minimal water supply or no tap water at all
Bodies of soldiers who died in the DRC return home
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) will on Wednesday repatriate and officially hand over the mortal remains of Captain Simon Mkhulu Bobe and Lance Corporal Irven Thabang Semono to their families.
Bobe and Semono were killed and three of their colleagues injured in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Wednesday last week after a mortar bomb landed inside one of the South African contingency military bases.
The soldiers were part of the Southern African Development Community Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) deployed to support and assist government of the second-largest country in Africa to restore peace, security and stability.
According to the SANDF, the remains will be officially handed over during a military procession ceremony at Waterkloof Air Force Base today.
The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Thandi Modise, is expected to form part of the officials attending the handing over ceremony.
Modise, along with the Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Thabang Makwetla, the Acting Secretary for Defence, Dr Thobekile Gamede, and the Chief of the SANDF, General Rudzani Maphwanya, have since expressed their heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased soldiers. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 02/21/2024 - 09:39
In the fast-paced world of business and leadership, the word “no” can sometimes carry a sense of taboo. Many leaders, especially women, often find themselves hesitant to use it, fearing it may be perceived as uncooperative or unambitious. “However, the power of saying no and setting boundaries cannot be understated. It is a vital skill …
The 2024 General Elections Date is 29 May 2024. A historic number of parties will be on the ballot. President Cyril Ramaphosa has in accordance with section 49(2) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, read with section 17 of the Electoral act of 1998, determined 29 May 2024, as the date for …
Today marks a significant milestone for DARJYO as it announces a strategic move into the agricultural space, embracing the challenges and opportunities presented by the evolving world of Agritech. Founder and Technical Co-founder, Darshani Persadh, shared insights into the startup’s motivation for this transition, emphasizing the potential for technology to revolutionize traditional agricultural practices. “In …
AutoMowers vs. Ride-On Mowers vs. Traditional Mowers – Which is Best for You? When it comes to lawn care, homeowners, landowners and even greenspace professionals are faced with an array of mower options with which to achieve a beautifully manicured lawn. Choosing between a traditional mower, ride-on mower or automower can pose a challenge though …
The swimming pool took ten years to build and was completed four years ago
Eastern Cape provincial education department’s offices in Nelson Mandela Bay have been in the dark since December
Maloyi says encouraging signs of recovery in the province
Economic growth in the North West remains slow despite the province’s abundant mineral resources, according to Acting Premier Nono Maloyi.
“While our province is endowed with vast mineral deposits, we continue to be inundated by high levels of poverty and unemployment.
“Economic growth remains sluggish, and this has had an adverse impact on our efforts to
create jobs for our people,” Maloyi said on Tuesday, delivering his State of the Province Address (SOPA).
However, the Acting Premier, announced that there are encouraging signs of recovery.
During his speech to the provincial legislature, he highlighted that the North West was one of only three provinces that experienced significant employment growth in the third quarter of 2023, resulting in the creation of over 61 000 jobs.
“The unemployment rate in the North West gives us sleepless nights, particularly because it affects mainly women and the youth.”
According to Maloyi, two investment promotion events were held with major investors.
These include the North West BRICS Investment Conference held during the BRICS Summit last year and the Premier’s Dinner with investors in September 2023 at Sun City, of which both events have yielded positive outcomes.
Both initiatives yielded 34 investment pledges with a total value of over R104.1 billion.
To date, Maloyi told the members, 14 have confirmed investment projects to the tune of R13.5 billion, which are in the pipeline for the Bojanala Special Economic Zone.
These investments will create an additional 10 000 jobs.
Tourism
Meanwhile, he said the province’s Tourism Recovery Plan has begun to realise growth in the number of both domestic and international visitors.
“Between 2022 and 2023 our industry has risen from the ashes of the COVID-19 pandemic, and this has generated R6.9 billion in revenue for the province thereby creating and preserving 24 000 jobs.”
He said this government has already started the process of revitalising the Pilanesberg and George Dick Montshiwa Airports.
“Both these airports will add capacity to the province to grow tourism and open new economic frontiers in cargo hauling, hanger, and airline services. We have sent Request for Proposals for running these two airports and lure investments,” he explained, adding that the preferred bidders will commence work by May this year.
In addition, the Acting Premier announced that the agricultural sector is yet to reach its full potential through the meaningful participation of emerging farmers in this growing sector.
Economic policy
“Honourable Speaker, economic development challenges require coherent policy responses backed-up by long-term planning.”
In addition, the province has now finalised the Provincial Growth and Development Strategy (PGDS) with a primary aim to provide a broad economic policy-planning guide and anchor interventions to meet the goals as set out in the National Development Plan 2030.
This, he said, has now enabled the provincial government to complete the resuscitation of the Premier’s Economic Advisory Council.
The council will provide strategic support and coordination in the implementation of the Provincial Growth and Development Strategy, and promote integrated economic planning and sector contributions.
Internships
During this financial year, close to 900 internships and learnerships benefitted young people in various departments, municipalities, State-owned entities (SOEs) and the Sector Education and Training Authority (SETAs).
He announced that the North West would prioritise young people in various infrastructure projects that will be rolled out in the 2024/25 financial year.
“Women are the backbone of our provincial economy. Eight women-led cooperatives and individuals will benefit from R1.4 million, which has been set aside for their upskilling and business growth.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 02/20/2024 - 12:23
WC pig owners urged to heighten biosecurity to contain swine fever
The Western Cape Department of Agriculture has urged pig farmers to heighten biosecurity measures following laboratory results confirming African Swine Fever (ASF) in pigs of small farmers on the outskirts of Groeneweide Park, George.
ASF is a virus that affects pigs and there is no vaccination or treatment currently available for the prevention of the disease.
The department said the new outbreak confirmed recently is the fourth outbreak of disease in the Garden Route area since 2022.
“Previously, there had been outbreaks in KwaNonqaba and Mossel Bay in 2022 and 2023, which were both resolved; and an outbreak in Thembalethu in 2022, which remains a concern. It is estimated that about 45 pigs have died thus far, with about 250 pigs remaining in the area,” department spokesperson Daniel Johnson said.
Johnson said the area has been placed under quarantine, and community members have been urged to not remove any pigs or pig products from the area to prevent the further spread of the disease.
Johnson has also emphasised that ASF virus is specific to pigs and does not affect humans or other species of animals.
“The public needs to know that pigs slaughtered at abattoirs have undergone meat inspection. Pork products found in supermarkets are safe for human consumption,” Johnson said.
Critical measures to minimise the spread of ASF
• All carcasses should be disposed of safely.
• Pigs should be confined to prevent roaming and potentially picking up and spreading the disease.
• Hands, shoes, clothing and equipment should be sanitised before and after being in contact with a pig.
• Any meat products should be thoroughly cooked before being fed to pigs.
• Farmers should confirm that any purchased pigs are bought from known ASF-free herds.
Usually, the first signs of an ASF outbreak are the sudden death of pigs, and in some cases, other symptoms can include breathing difficulties, redness of the skin, especially underneath the pig and on the ears, hind leg weakness and loss of appetite.
“Occasionally, the pig may also have blood in their faeces and their vomit. Should these signs be seen, please contact your closest State Veterinary Office at https://www.elsenburg.com/veterinary-services/animal-health-and-disease,” Johnson said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 02/20/2024 - 13:21
North West govt commits to completion of infrastructure projects
Acting North West Premier Nono Maloyi has committed to meeting with the contractor responsible for the construction of Nelson Mandela Drive, which is a crucial node for the economy of the province.
Delivering the State of the Province Address (SOPA) on Tuesday, Maloyi apologised for the delayed refurbishment and maintenance of the road. Nelson Mandela Drive has been described as the busiest road in Mahikeng and an economic transport arterial road, which carries large volumes of traffic, especially during peak hours.
“We acknowledge and apologise for the delays in the construction of Nelson Mandela
Drive in Mahikeng. This has impacted negatively on businesses along the road and the public who use the road daily,” Maloyi said.
However, according to Maloyi, there has been progress on the road, as 3.2 kilometres have already been completed, with 450 metres nearing completion.
“After this address, I will be visiting the project to meet with the contractor to emphasise the commitment to complete the project,” Maloyi promised.
Meanwhile, he said the rehabilitation and widening of the Phelindaba to Pecanwood Road is progressing well and is due for completion in December 2026.
In addition, the Hartbeesfontein to Ottosdal Road is envisioned to be completed ahead of schedule in June this year.
As part of addressing road infrastructure backlogs, Maloyi told the provincial legislature that 12 roads have been transferred to the South African National Roads Agency (Sanral) for construction.
This includes portions of roads on the N18 from Mahikeng to Vryburg and the R30 that will cover Klerksdorp to Ventersdorp, as well as Orkney.
The Acting Premier explained that the remainder of these projects will be spread across Bojanala-Platinum, Ngaka Modiri Molema and Dr Kenneth Kaunda Districts.
Potholes
Maloyi said over 320 kilometres of potholes across the province will be resealed, creating 429 job opportunities.
“Municipalities such as Matlosana and JB Marks are to insource road maintenance and pothole patching on an ongoing basis, as a municipal function undertaken by municipal employees.”
He explained that this initiative will be emulated in other municipalities across the province.
In addition, work on the Lichtenburg to Koster and Derby to Magaliesburg will commence in the new financial year.
“We have terminated and appointed a new contractor to start working on the Majakaneng to Sun City Road," Maloyi said.
Load shedding
Maloyi acknowledged that the provision of electricity has increased significantly from 58.1% in 1996 to over 94.7% to date.
Shifting his focus to power cuts, he acknowledged the devastating impact of load shedding on their provincial economy and households.
As a result, he said the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) is coordinating efforts to assist municipalities to implement renewable and alternative energy sources.
To help put an end to load shedding, the province has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Chinese National Import and Export Corporation.
The agreement aims to construct gas to electricity power stations worth R16 billion in the City of Matlosana and Moses Kotane Local Municipality, respectively.
The first phase of this project, he said, will see Matlosana producing 198 megawatts of electricity.
Construction is earmarked for a maximum of 90 days per 100 megawatts.
The Chinese Import and Export Corporation, in addition to their project investment, has committed to investing further resources to assist in eradicating mud houses in the province by building 500 houses every year for the duration of this MoU.
This project is expected to create a minimum of over 10 000 jobs.
Improving governance in municipalities
The Acting Premier said the provincial government is continuing to provide dedicated support to all municipalities to improve financial management through the implementation and monitoring of Financial Recovery Plans (FRPs).
This is after the province has finally exited the section 100 intervention phase, with the full restoration of all executive functions of provincial departments after it was placed under administration in 2018.
Maloyi said the Executive Council has approved the appointment and deployment of Provincial Executive Representatives (PERs) to implement financial recovery plans for identified municipalities, under the joint coordination of the Provincial Treasury and the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA).
In addition, he said the provincial government has rolled out skills and qualification audits in all municipalities, with 5 487 employees already being audited. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 02/20/2024 - 13:36
E-tolls 'will be history' in Gauteng - Premier Lesufi
The Gauteng e-toll scheme is expected to be delinked from the end of March this year.
This was announced by Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi during the State of the Province Address (SOPA) on Monday evening.
“E-tolls are a system that was introduced in the province by national government on the basis that we wanted to improve our road network. We have now reached a stage where we all accept that the people of Gauteng have rejected e-tolls.
“We had a meeting with all affected parties. We held a meeting with the Minister of Finance [Enoch Godongwana]; we also held a meeting with the Minister of Transport [Sindisiwe Chikunga]. All of us now have reached an agreement that by the 31st of March this year, the formal process to switch off and de-link e-tolls will begin and e-tolls will be history in our province,” he said.
Lesufi added that the Finance Minister will provide more detail.
The scrapping of e-tolls has long been in the pipeline and Minister Godongwana, during the mini budget speech in October 2022, called for moving on from “debates of previous years and find solutions to this challenge”.
During that speech, the Minister explained that the Gauteng provincial government had agreed to “contribute 30 percent to settling SANRAL’s debt and interest obligations” related to the tolls.
“Gauteng will also cover the costs of maintaining the 201 kilometres and associated interchanges of the roads and any additional investment in road will be funded through either the existing electronic toll infrastructure or new toll plazas, or any other revenue source within their area of responsibility.
“Government proposes to make an initial allocation of R23.7 billion from the national fiscus, which will be disbursed on strict conditions,” the Minister said then. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 02/20/2024 - 13:38
Ugochukwu Emmanuel Nnoli’s family suspect the assault played a role in his death
Ramokgopa sets sights on accelerated transmission line expansion
Minister in the Presidency for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, says government is targeting to expedite the expansion of transmission lines to the Cape provinces in order to potentially unlock at least 2 335MW of energy in the short-term.
He was speaking during an engagement with business stakeholders in KwaZulu-Natal on Tuesday.
Ramokgopa explained that there are renewable energy projects that are already producing electricity but the lack of transmission lines is hampering their ability to add to the ailing grid.
“In the short-term, we can unlock about 2 300MW of stranded electrons. That is the route that we are taking and as the Minister, I’ll be making the necessary announcement. We already know the corridors where we are going to get this 2 335MW. It’s in Upington, the Juno Gromis 400kV line and all that in the Nama transformer in Upington (sic).
“Once we make those interventions, we get an additional 2 300MW. We don’t have to wait for 10 years. It’s the interventions that we are making now but we need to design a bespoke financing solution to help us to address the issues of transmission,” he said.
In the longer-term, some 14 000km of new transmission lines are to be built in South Africa to connect renewable energy projects and further strengthen the grid.
Turning to demand side management, Ramokgopa said the appetite – from both private persons and business – for rooftop solar has grown exponentially since government announced tax incentives and financial support to those willing to invest.
He said connected rooftop installed capacity has grown from some 983MW in 2022 to 4 412MW by mid-2023.
“Our anticipation is that the rate of growth will exceed what we would have seen in the previous calendar year. Two things are an impediment to an aggressive rollout of roof top solar. Firstly, it’s the availability of equipment.
“South Africa, compared to many countries in the world, has had the biggest import of solar panels. We have had conversations with some of the biggest manufacturers across the globe – invariably from China – to localise production here. We are confident we are going to do that.
“The second impediment is the skills to install these solar panels. We will be recruiting about 25 000 people to be able to install. In every crisis, there is an opportunity and that opportunity must be taken. We are looking to industrialise and… we are looking to create these new skills so that we get people into jobs,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 02/20/2024 - 14:31
Community development practitioners to be recognised
Community Development Practitioners who remain vital in changing the living conditions of poor and vulnerable communities will be honoured in a graduation ceremony on Wednesday.
“Rural and township communities depend largely on community development programmes and services to better their lives,” the Department of Social Development said in a statement.
The Department of Social Development will host the ceremony in collaboration with the Health and Welfare Sector Education Training Authority (HWSETA), in Worcester, Western Cape.
The ceremony is a partnership between the department and other stakeholders, including, the South African Council for Social Service Professionals that is in the process of professionalising Community Development Practice.
Other stakeholders that are part of this the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) include the HWSETA, Education Training Development Practice Sector Education Training Authority (ETDPSETA), and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) such as University of Western Cape, University of Free State, and the University of Johannesburg.
The department said the primary purpose is to recognise Community Development Practitioners who passed their Community Development Practice at NQF Level 5 at institutions of higher learning.
“Given high levels of unemployment in the country which affects many South Africans, especially, the youth, the graduation will not only serve as a recognition ceremony, but also assist graduates to apply for work opportunities and advance their career development through the acquired certificates,” the department said.
To date, 555 Community Development Practitioners have graduated across the country, and the last cohort of 26 graduates will be from the Western Cape. - SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Tue, 02/20/2024 - 14:04
R113.2 million Gauteng Health PPE tender declared invalid
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has welcomed a Special Tribunal judgement declaring the R113.2 million Gauteng Department of Health personal protective equipment contract awarded to private company LNG as invalid and unlawful.
The company has also been ordered to repay the profits earned from the tender.
The SIU had applied to the Special Tribunal to have the contract scrapped following an investigation into the affairs of the department.
“On 24 April 2020, the then Chief Financial Officer of Gauteng health department took a decision to procure 500 000 N95 masks at R55,50 each, 1 000 000 three-ply surgical masks at R18.00 each and 250,000 boxes of 100 sterile, powder-free surgical gloves at R270 per box.
“An SIU investigation in the affairs of Gauteng health department has found that [a] competitive bidding process was not followed and deviation from this process was not duly approved, and the contracted prices were high.
“Furthermore, the SIU found that LNG was not registered on the government’s Central Supplier Database for the supply of PPE [personal protective equipment] when it was awarded the multimillion-rand contract,” the unit said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 02/20/2024 - 14:47
In today’s world, where security threats are increasingly sophisticated, businesses and institutions are continually innovating to safeguard their assets and protect against potential risks. Among the array of security measures employed, specialised security doors and equipment play a crucial role. From anti-bandit doors to high-security safes, these components form the frontline defence against unauthorised access and …
Lectures are taking place online
Two sentenced to 60 years in prison
Two suspects have each been sentenced to 60 years in prison on several charges, including two counts of attempted murder, murder and the possession of illicit firearms.
The two, Sakhiwo Khala (42) and Siyabulela Mcelu (37) were sentenced in the Khayelitsha Regional Court in the Western Cape on Monday.
According to the Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation (Hawks), the sentences emanate from a 2015 incident where an SBV cash vehicle arrived at Nolungile Railway Station in Khayelitsha.
It is alleged that when SBV crew members came back from collecting the money they were attacked and shot by three unknown suspects.
The crew returned fire and one suspect was fatally wounded during the ordeal and two other suspects were wounded but fled the scene on foot.
The suspects were charged for fatally wounding one of their own co- suspects. The crew members also sustained injuries during the shootout. The wounded suspects were traced and arrested.
The two were found guilty of the counts on 08 November 2023.
The accused were sentenced as follows:
Count 1: Attempted robbery with aggravating circumstances, sentenced to 12 years imprisonment each.
Count 2: Attempted murder, sentenced to six years imprisonment each.
Count 3: Attempted murder, sentenced to six years imprisonment each.
Count 4: Murder, sentenced to 22 years imprisonment each.
Count 5: Possession of illicit firearms, sentenced to 12 years imprisonment each.
Count 6: Unlawful possession of ammunition, sentenced to two years imprisonment each.
The court ordered that counts 1,2,3 ,5 and 6 run concurrently with count 4.
Effectively each accused will serve 22 years direct imprisonment.
In terms of Section 103 (1) and (2) of the Firearms Control Act, Act 60 of 2000, both accused were declared unfit to possess a firearm.
The Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in the Western Cape Major General Mathipa Makgato commended the team and was delighted that justice has been served. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 02/20/2024 - 14:51
CAPE TOWN, 19 February 2024: Thought leaders, policy makers and investors with an interest in Africa’s green economy transition are gathering in Cape Town ahead of this week’s Africa’s Green Economy Summit, taking place in the city from 21-23 February 2024. The summit, now in its second year, is centred around connecting the global investment …
You may be excused for having a ‘Zuma Counting Moment’ as you did read right – the 2024 South African National Elections on 29 May 2024 will feature 368 different political parties competing for your vote. Now some will tell you that that is too many, some will tell you that that is a sign …
The Abantu Batho Congress (ABC) is a relatively young political party in South Africa, established in 2020 by businessman Philani “PG” Mavundla. It presents itself as an Afrocentric, Pan-Africanist, and womanist revolutionary movement, aiming to disrupt the established political landscape. This article delves into the party’s leadership, goals, public reception, and challenges. Leadership: President: Philani …