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Dear Editor The Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla’s response to the unemployment crisis facing doctors is not only disingenuous, it also shows that his Department does not have any solutions for the underlying causes of the crisis. While it is true that budget cuts have a tremendous impact on the vacancy rate of medical …
The following remarks were delivered by the Leader of the Democratic Alliance, John Steenhuisen MP, in Johannesburg today: Ladies and gentlemen, In as little as 14 weeks from today, it will be the day before South Africa’s seventh democratic election. Thirty years after our country made its transition to democracy, the 2024 general election is …
If ever there was a swimmer who embodied the adage that age is just a number, it would have to be Tommy Gibson. The Benoni resident only started swimming training at the age of 71 and this weekend will see him competing in his third aQuellé Midmar Mile. “I started running at 63 and about …
Dear Editor We welcome the response by Ministers Barbara Creecy and Thandi Modise to the calls made by the Democratic Alliance and various environmental groups, to move the controversial underwater military explosions away from the Boulders Beach African Penguin sanctuary to a more sensible location. It is important to recognise the massive efforts of local …
A rapidly shifting investment landscape, marked by pronounced volatility on a global scale, has made it challenging for investors to navigate some challenging terrains. These challenges are exacerbated for South African investors by domestic issues like load-shedding, the current political climate, the shrinking bourse*, and soaring inflation, all of which have made investors wary of …
Musheer Khan’s already had a remarkable ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024. He is currently the leading run-scorer in the tournament, and with a semi-final against South Africa on Tuesday looming, has a chance to further cement his name alongside other luminaries of Indian cricket who walked the same path. One of those was …
After a brief festive reprieve, motorists are in for the first fuel price hike of the year. With a long stretch of year ahead, any further fuel price increases can take its toll on transport budgets for drivers and passengers alike, but is there a way to contain the impact and manage the bill? The …
The Eastern Cape has increased its scholar transport budget to accommodate a shortfall of 12,000 learners
Call for submissions on distribution of regional seats for National Assembly
The Electoral Commission (IEC) has called on interested parties to send submissions on the distribution of the 200 regional seats in the National Assembly.
Briefing media on Tuesday, Chief Electoral Officer, Sy Mamabolo, said the Commission will consider the submissions and representations, together with voter population data in each region, to determine the spread of the 200 seats.
“This work is an important precursor to candidate nomination, as it will enable political parties to know how many candidates they may field in each respective region to the national list,” Mamabolo said.
There are 200 regional seats in the National Assembly and 200 compensatory seats.
The public submissions will close on 20 February 2024. The Gazette can be found on http://tinyurl.com/EAARegulations.
Following public consultation, Mamabolo said the Commission has now determined the quantum of election deposits for political parties and independents, who intend to contest the forthcoming elections.
The determined deposits are as follows:
• A political party that contests the compensatory seats in the National Assembly and in all the nine regions will need to deposit an amount of R300 000.
• A political party will also need to have R50 000 for each of the provincial legislatures.
• A political party that contests the compensatory seats in the National Assembly and in at least one region will deposit R225 000 and R25 000 for each additional region.
• Independent candidates will deposit R20 000 for each region they contest and R15 000 for the election of a provincial legislature.
Deposits are refunded to parties and independent representatives that win a seat.
“The Commission will also imminently publish its determination of the number of seats in each provincial legislature. The determination also follows a period of public consultation and representation by interested parties as well as data related to population in each province,” Mamabolo said.
Portal to capture signatures now available
Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission has announced that a portal to capture signatures supporting nominations to contest the 2024 National and Provincial Elections is now available for use by unrepresented political parties and independent candidates.
“Independent candidates must be supported by 1 000 voters in a region or province in which they stand. Unrepresented parties must be endorsed by the equivalent of 15% of the quota of votes per seat in the previous election for a region or provincial legislature they intend to contest,” Mamabolo said.
The link for the platform is https://online.elections.org.za/MyIEC
The Commission reminded voters who are still not registered to go online or visit the offices of the Electoral Commission in municipalities to register.
Mamabolo said registration will remain open until proclamation of the election date.
Voters can use the Commission’s SMS line 32810 to check their registration status.
“Our contact centre on 0800 11 8000 remains available as well as our WhatsApp line 0600 88 000 is also available to assist voters,” Mamabolo said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 02/06/2024 - 15:30
Parliament introduces new rules for SONA proceedings
Parliament has introduced a set of new joint rules designed to regulate proceedings during the joint sitting of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) and which prohibit disruptions.
Addressing a media briefing on preparations to host SONA 2024, National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula said the new joint rules are aimed at maintaining order, decorum in the Chamber, and promoting civility among members.
“These rules, set to be implemented for the first time during this State of the Nation Address, are an essential step in ensuring that the proceedings, including the SONA, and the opening of Parliament are conducted with the respect and seriousness they deserve.
“In terms of the new rules, no member is allowed to interrupt the President while delivering the State of the Nation Address. Similarly, interruptions are prohibited during the President’s speech at the opening of Parliament. Additionally these rules stipulate that no other business may be considered during a joint sitting other than the specific business for which the joint sitting is convened.
“These measures are critical in ensuring that these important national events are conducted in an orderly and respectful manner, reflecting the dignity of Parliament and the importance of these addresses in setting the nation’s legislative and development agenda,” she said on Tuesday in Cape Town.
Scheduled to take place on 8 February at 7pm at Cape Town City Hall, this will be the last SONA for the sixth administration.
The event will take place under the theme: “Following up on our commitments: making your future work better”.
SONA is a joint sitting of the two Houses of Parliament – the National Assembly and the NCOP - presided over jointly by the Speaker and the Chairperson of the NCOP. It brings together the three arms of the state under one roof.
Convened by the President as per the Constitution, SONA serves to update the nation on government commitments and to outline the government’s programme of action for the new financial year.
“The President’s speech is the sole agenda item. Following this, Members of Parliament will engage in a two-day joint debate on the address, with the President’s reply scheduled for the subsequent day.
“As of February 1, Cape Town City Hall has been designated as the parliamentary precinct, in accordance with Section 2 of the Powers, Privileges, and Immunities of Parliament and Provincial Legislatures Act,” she said.
SONA will be broadcast live on radio and TV and streamed live on Parliament’s website, the DStv channel (408), and YouTube channel.
“The Cape Town City Hall will also host the two-day debate on the President’s address, featuring a joint sitting of the Houses, and the President’s reply to the debate.
“Additionally, it will be the venue for the Minister of Finance’s Budget Speech, scheduled a few days later. All attendees, including Members of Parliament (MPs) and invited guests, will be attending physically,” Mapisa-Nqakula said.
Approximately 490 Members of Parliament and representatives of the South African Local Government Association will be seated in the chamber.
“These SONA proceedings will maintain the full ceremonial format of previous years. The activities include a 21-gun salute, an aircraft flypast, a ceremonial guard, the step guard salute, the singing of the national anthem, a full military band, and ceremonial processions involving provincial Speakers, Premiers, the judiciary, the Deputy President, and the President.
“The President will take a salute on the platform in front of the Madiba statue, located on the City Hall balcony. This position offers an optimal view of the national anthem performance by the South African National Defence Force military band, synchronised with the 21-gun salute and fly-past,” the Speaker said.
The critical element of public participation of the involvement of the junior guard of honour and eminent persons has been reinstated. The Junior Guard of Honour consists of 100 learners, selected from four schools in the Western Cape.
“The praise singer tasked with ushering the President into the House is Senziwe Hatty Maliba, also known as Nkosatane Nziwe, a 24-year-old young woman from the Nkomazi Municipality in the Mpumalanga province. The choice of language for the Imbongi is determined through a rotational selection process, and SiSwati has been chosen as the language for this occasion,” Mapisa-Nqakula said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Tue, 02/06/2024 - 13:52
Progress in South Africa's recovery and rebuilding since 2019 has been documented in a new Presidency publication on the impact of the Sixth Administration's focus on addressing the immediate challenges facing South Africa and putting in place the foundations for better lives and sustainable growth into the future.
Leave No One Behind 2024 – A Five Year Review outlines in summary form the progress made in growing the economy and jobs; fighting corruption; tackling poverty; developing human capital; providing quality health care for all; fighting crime, violence and instability; making communities safer; and investing in infrastructure.
The publication is an exercise in accountability and draws attention to the collective efforts of Government and social partners to improve conditions in the country under the leadership of President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency: Republic of South Africa.
Task team to review municipalities’ water service delivery mechanisms
A national coordinated task team has been set up to review service delivery mechanisms for water and sanitation services by the Departments of Water and Sanitation (DWS) and Corporative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA).
This was one of the resolutions adopted during a recent water summit hosted by DWS with the 144 municipalities that are water services authorities (WSAs).
The task team which was established to initiate and coordinate Municipal Systems Act Section 78 processes in certain municipalities, aims to address the decline of water and sanitation services, as outlined in the recent Blue Drop, Green Drop and No Drop reports released by the Department of Water and Sanitation.
The drop reports indicated a general decline in performance.
Water and Sanitation spokesperson, Wisane Mavasa, said the task team will focus on the 105 municipalities that are in the critical and poor performing categories in terms of the Blue and Green Drop reports.
Mavasa said the DWS, including CoGTA, Municipal Infrastructure Support Agency, Department of Human Settlements, and National Treasury, are providing extensive support to assist water services authorities with the provision of water and sanitation services.
“This includes providing water and sanitation infrastructure grants worth more than R20 billion per annum; providing technical and engineering support and assistance; capacity building and training, and financial management advice and support.
“However, despite all this support, the drop reports indicate that municipal water services have declined sharply. This indicates that there are limitations to which support from the national government can solve the problems, and that more fundamental reforms are required,” Mavasa said.
Routine maintenance and operations must be funded by revenue from the sale of water by municipalities to customers, and municipal councils must take the required decisions to prioritise budgets for this.
She emphasised that the Water Services Act states that the WSA can approve any legal entity to function as a water services provider (WSP) in the municipality, and “almost all WSAs in South Africa are currently both WSA and WSP”.
“The Water Services Act requires the WSA and WSP functions to be managed and accounted for separately by municipalities, but this is generally not happening. The Act states that the key role of the WSA is to ensure that the WSP provides services which meet minimum norms and standards – and this is also generally not happening, as borne out by the results of the Drop assessments,” Wisane said.
Other key decisions taken at the summit include that all WSAs must develop action plans to address their drop results and submit them to DWS by the end of February 2024; training institutions should prioritise the training of uncertified process controllers to enable them to become certified; and that all WSAs must issue advisory notices without fail when their drinking water fails to meet microbiological water standards. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 02/06/2024 - 11:57
Security company says it had to terminate the contract because health department has not paid
Nearly 62% of global logistics professionals say their companies are planning additional or first-time investments in Africa, according to a closely watched yearly industry survey.
The survey of 830 logistics executives is part of the 15th annual Agility Emerging Markets Logistics Index (https://apo-opa.co/4bD4lSW), a snapshot of industry sentiment and ranking of the world's 50 leading emerging markets.
The Index ranks countries for overall competitiveness based on their logistics strengths, business climates and digital readiness -- factors that make them attractive to logistics providers, freight forwarders, air and ocean carriers, distributors and investors. In the 2024 Index, the rankings of most African economies changed little from a year earlier, but businesses indicate they are looking ahead at massive population growth and trade expansion spurred by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“This is the most optimism we've seen about Africa in the 15 years of the Index,” says Agility Vice Chairman Tarek Sultan. “Africa's population will double by 2050, when one in four people on the planet will be African. International businesses realize that the time is now for Africa -- they need to invest, establish their brands, and develop the next generation of African talent if they're going to ride the coming wave of growth.”
China and India were 1 and 2 in the 50-country Index rankings. In Africa, Egypt (20), Morocco (22), South Africa (24) and Kenya (25) were the top performers, followed by Ghana (31), Nigeria (36), Tunisia (37), Tanzania (41), Algeria (42), Uganda (43), Ethiopia (45), Mozambique (46), Angola (47), Libya (50).
Egypt has Africa's highest-ranked domestic logistics opportunities -- 13th in that category; South Africa (15) was tops in Africa for international logistics; Morocco (12) has Africa's best business fundamentals; Kenya (9) is Africa's most digitally ready – and the continent's highest-ranked country in any category.
More than 63% of survey respondents say their companies continue overhauling supply chains by spreading production to multiple locations or relocating it to home markets and nearby countries. China, the world's leading producer, stands to be most affected: 37.4% of industry professionals say they plan move production/sourcing out of China or reduce investment there.
Shipping and logistics costs that soared during the COVID pandemic and its aftermath are still climbing but at a slower rate, the survey found. One way shippers expect to cope is by increasing use of digital freight forwarding from 37.8% today to 52% in five years.
2024 Index Highlights
SURVEY
COUNTRY RANKINGS
Transport Intelligence (https://apo-opa.co/4bp0Ijf) (Ti), a leading analysis and research firm for the logistics industry, has compiled the Index since it was launched in 2009.
John Manners-Bell, Chief Executive of Ti, said: “Supply chain managers are still coming to terms with the political and economic instability characterising the post-COVID global economy. Geopolitical relationships are changing rapidly, and this is having a major impact on international trade and risk profiles. Businesses need to be alive to the opportunities and threats that exist in emerging markets and use data, such as that the Agility Emerging Market Logistics Index, to inform agile decision-making.”
2024 Agility Emerging Markets Logistics Index: https://apo-opa.co/3SlOmzK
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Agility.
For more information:
Sabrina Mundy
Man Bites Dog
teamagility@manbitesdog.com
+44 1273 716 820
For more information about Agility, visit:
Website: www.Agility.com
Twitter: https://apo-opa.co/40Ki6Kj
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/49GTqqq
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/3MNqYJr
About Agility:
Agility is a global leader in supply chain services, infrastructure, and innovation with 45,000+ employees across six continents. A multi-business operator and investor, Agility specializes in growing and scaling operating businesses. Agility's companies include the world's largest aviation services company (Menzies Aviation); a global fuel logistics business (Tristar); the market leader in logistics parks across the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa (Agility Logistics Parks); and a commercial real-estate company developing a mega-mall in the UAE (UPAC). Other Agility companies offer customs digitization services, remote-site infrastructure services, defense and government services, and ecommerce-enablement and digital logistics. Agility invests in supply chain innovation, sustainability, and resilience, and has minority holdings in a growing portfolio of listed and non-listed companies.
Zulu encourages students to reach for their dreams
Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu has encouraged the new cohort of students at the Cape Town Society for the Blind to use the year-long course to learn, grow and provide for their families.
“Nothing must stop you from achieving your dreams. Take the skills you learn and use it to improve your lives. This programme offered [by] the Cape Town Society for the Blind is a great opportunity and I want to urge you to give it your best,“ Zulu said.
The Minister was speaking during the first day of build-up activities leading to the State of the Nation Address (SONA).
Zulu is conducting a two-day outreach programme focusing on teenage pregnancy, gender-based violence, youth, women and persons with disabilities in and around the City of Cape Town.
The Cape Town Society for the Blind is a non-profit organisation (NPO) registered with the Department of Social Development, and funded by its agency, the National Development Agency (NDA).
The NPO assists persons who struggle with their eyesight by equipping them with skills so that they may reclaim and live positive lives and make a positive impact in society. The NPO provides Low Vision Assessment and Treatment Clinic services.
According to the department, the organisation used more than R558 000 from the NDA to purchase equipment for the Low Vision Clinic and their Braille programme as well as on staff training courses.
The visually impaired and those with low and reduced vision have applauded the work, and support they receive from the Cape Town Society for the Blind.
Roeshda Panday, who works as a receptionist at the Low Vision Clinic said that her life changed dramatically after she lost her vision in 2020 after struggling with headaches.
She was later diagnosed with a brain tumour which affected her optic nerve.
“As a single mother, it was difficult to adjust to my new life but survival mode kicked in, so I started reading up on blindness and discovered this society which gave support to people like me. It was here, at Low Vision Clinic, that I found a community of people who gave me support and care as I learned how to live with my condition,” Panday said.
The 52-year-old excelled in the courses offered at the clinic and was then offered an internship to work at the clinic.
She added that it was at the organisation that: “I found my joy by helping those who walked through the clinic doors. We can all learn so much from each other.”
She also learned a lot more from the optometrist at the clinic who taught her about the anatomy of the eye. She advised the new class to grab every opportunity offered by the Cape Town Society for the Blind.
Another beneficiary at the organisation, Sergil January, said that he became blind in 2006 after he was shot in the head. However, he refused to have his confidence taken away by the loss of his eyesight.
In 2009, he joined the Cape Town Society for the Blind where he completed a computer course. Two years down the line, which was in 2021, he took up the position of an awareness officer within the organisation.
January’s work includes conducting outreach programmes at schools and even participating in radio and television interviews on a regular basis to educate communities and persons who need help.
“I am responsible for creating awareness and advocacy for this amazing organisation that continues to change lives and, in the process, I have grown so much and can confidently say that this is my space, and these are my people,” January said adding that being blind
should not stop people from achieving their dreams.
Minister Zulu also visited another organisation, the Sozo Foundation, a local NPO in the Cape Flats which was funded by the NDA. The organisation renders youth development programmes, focusing on young people who are not in education, employment, or training.
This NPO achieves this by creating pathways to skills development and youth-led enterprises to address high rates of school dropout, gangsterism and youth unemployment in the area.
Today, Minister Zulu will continue with pre-SoNA outreach activities by hosting a dialogue with boys and girls on teenage pregnancy at Ihlumelo Junior Secondary School in Mbekweni, Paarl. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Tue, 02/06/2024 - 08:58
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Health working around the clock to absorb unemployed doctors - Minister Phaahla
Health Minister Dr Joe Phaahla says while there are budgetary constraints when it comes to the employment of doctors who wish to remain in the public service after completing community service, the Department of Health is working around the clock to address this.
“We are doing everything possible, working with the provincial Health Departments, to mobilise resources to fund vacant posts, especially in health facilities in underserved communities,” the Minister said on Monday.
Phaahla was addressing media on issues related to the employment of medical doctors and other health professionals in the country.
This follows an ongoing public outcry over doctors who have completed statutory community service programmes but remain unemployed.
Phaahla said doctors play a valuable role in the public health system of the country.
He explained that all graduates from medical school must do a two-year internship training in designated health facilities accredited by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). Once they have completed their internship, they must do a one-year community service in health facilities.
“As of now, all those graduates who were eligible for placement to do internship have been placed. Equally, all those who finished the internship and were eligible to start community service have been placed,” said Phaahla.
However, the Minister clarified that once a doctor has finished community service, they are registered with the HPCSA in the category of medical officer independent practice. This means they can work on their own without supervision, including as a single private practitioner.
“We appreciate the fact that there are many medical officers who are now registered for independent practice, who prefer to stay in the public service.
“Unlike internship and community service, which are a statutory requirement and are subject to placement by the Department of Health, independent practitioners have an individual choice of where to go. We are unable to know how many wish to stay in the public service,” the Minister said.
However, he said the trade union submitted a list of 825 unemployed medical doctors in January 2023.
The department has since found that out of the 825 doctors on the list, 694 had just completed their community service on 31 December 2023. Most of these have applied for medical officer posts in the various provinces.
“However, the [provinces] place adverts at varying times, depending on several factors, especially budget availability,” Phaahla said, adding that some doctors on the list still needed to complete their community service obligations.
Phaahla also touched on the extremely high cost of employment, which can be up to 65% of annual budgets in some instances.
He also noted that the salary increases of 7.5% and benefits such as overtime put pressure on the fiscus.
According to the Minister, an entry-level community service doctor earns about R1.2 million per annum, while a chief specialist can earn R3 million a year.
“Given the fiscus challenges the country is facing, as alluded to by the Minister of Finance, the department has had several bilateral engagements with National Treasury to find creative ways to shield the healthcare service and the frontline workforce.”
In addition, Phaahla noted the rising numbers of unemployed graduates experienced across many sectors.
However, in the public health sector, the employment of health professionals has been on a steady increase, from 1 472 medical interns appointed in 2018 to 2 101 in 2024.
“These increases over these years have happened despite the funding constraints,” he said.
Since October 2023 to date, the Minister said 564 medical officer posts were filled, 239 posts are currently advertised in the media, and 375 will be advertised in the next six months.
“It is important that I emphasise that doctors would need to apply like any other person wishing to join the public service. In addition, we are looking at a review of the current dispensation for the employment of doctors, especially medical officers and specialists.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 02/05/2024 - 15:37