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The residential property market in South Africa has been a landscape of constant change, and numerous challenges in recent years. However, some of the trends seen in the latter half of 2023 point to a unique set of opportunities for savvy home buyers in the coming year. The consensus view that the Reserve Bank will …
ADELAIDE: On the back of a closely contested T20 International (T20I) series against Australia, Proteas Women head coach Hilton Moreeng shared...
Embrace the magic of love at Southern Sun hotels this Valentine’s Month. Create unforgettable memories and spoil the one you love with our romantic stay-over packages or selection of indulgent dining offers specially created by our expert chefs for you and your special someone. Selected Southern Sun hotels around the country are offering a variety …
South African government hard at work to resolve challenges in mining
President Cyril Ramaphosa has told leading figures in African mining that government is working hard to address the challenges that the industry faces.
He was speaking during the opening of the 30th Investing in African Mining Indaba held in Cape Town on Monday.
The Indaba is expected to continue until Thursday.
The mining industry contributes a hefty 7.5% to South Africa’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and accounts for some 60%, by value, of the country’s exports.
“We are all acutely aware that we face strong headwinds, and a number of persistent challenges are impeding mining performance. Globally, commodity price volatility, high energy prices, geopolitical tensions and a global cost of living crisis are playing a significant role in dampening the business operating environment.
“Domestically, the energy crisis and port and rail bottlenecks are putting serious pressure on miners’ operational costs. Illicit mining, cable theft and infrastructure vandalism place a further strain on mining output and returns. We are committed to work hard and work together to overcome these serious challenges,” he said.
Energy crisis
The President told the gathering that through the Energy Action Plan, government has taken “several critical measures to improve the performance of our existing generation fleet and to add new electricity capacity”.
“The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy has secured 1384MW of new generation capacity that is currently in construction or already in operation. The department has released requests for proposals for the procurement of 5 000MW of renewable energy under Bid Window 7 and 2 000MW of gas-to-power and 615MW of battery storage.
“Transmission capacity remains a challenge especially in the Cape provinces. Eskom has therefore recently published a curtailment regime which unlocks 3 470 MW of additional capacity in these provinces, and which will be essential to the success of Bid Window 7,” he said.
Additional capacity has also been garnered following government’s removal of the licensing threshold for embedded generation.
At least 6 300MW has flowed through this initiative with a third of that supplying mining houses.
Illegal mining and logistics
The President addressed the impact that illegal mining and copper cable theft have on the industry.
On illegal mining, he said: “Since the establishment of a specialised police unit, working with the defence force, we have seen a number of arrests, prosecutions and convictions of the perpetrators of this crime.”
Turning to cable theft and criminality, the President acknowledged that this has “serious impact on key rail freight corridors, including the supply of coal for export through Richard’s Bay”.
“Cooperation between the private sector, Transnet and the security services has resulted in an improvement in the security situation over recent months,” he said.
Delving deeper into the country’s logistics challenges, the President said the system itself is “undergoing a process of rapid and fundamental change to improve its efficiency and position it for the future”.
“By introducing competition in freight rail operations, while maintaining State ownership of the routes, we will unlock massive new investment in South Africa’s rail system. This will support jobs in every sector in the economy, from mining to manufacturing to agriculture.
“Similarly, by upgrading and expanding our port terminals through innovative public-private partnerships, we aim to position South Africa as a leading player in global markets.
“As government, we are alive to the reality that without bold, transformative reforms to the logistics sector, mining cannot flourish. We are working hard, in partnership with the industry, to ensure [the Freight Logistics Roadmap] is implemented without delay,” he said.
The President said mining has a “crucial role to play in building the economy of tomorrow”.
“We look forward to deepening our collaboration with industry as we write a new chapter in the history of South African mining. A story of inclusion, growth, transformation and innovation – and one in which no-one is left behind,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 02/05/2024 - 13:29
The vibrant streets of the Mother City will be painted red on Sunday 12 May when participants from all walks of life gather to take on the second installment of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series in 2024 —the iconic Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K. “Entries are officially open for the 9th annual …
President Ramaphosa to engage with youth
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to hold a Presidential Youth Engagement at the Belhar Sports Centre in Cape Town on Tuesday.
The engagement forms part of the National Youth Development Agency’s reflection on the three years since the initiation of the Presidential Employment Stimulus (PES) and Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI).
“During this engagement, young people will have access to a Training Hub, facilitating interactions with trainers, mentors and peers who have benefited from the intervention.
"Additionally, an Opportunities Hub will showcase stakeholder offerings to aid the youth in transitioning from learning to earning, while a Partners Hub will spotlight contributions from all partners of the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention.
“This multifaceted event is designed to emphasise the importance of youth development programmes and the PYEI. The goal of the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) is to create a dynamic platform that not only showcases existing youth programmes and opportunities but also fosters direct engagement with young beneficiaries and stakeholders.
“This dialogue aims to ensure continuous support and improvement in youth development initiatives,” the Presidency said.
According to the Presidency, the PES and PYEI programmes have “collectively generated over 1.8 million job opportunities and provided livelihood support, predominantly benefiting young individuals”.
“As the sixth administration nears its conclusion and in anticipation of the State of the Nation Address (SONA) 2024, this event serves as a crucial moment to acknowledge the collaborative efforts of partners and beneficiaries, who have significantly contributed to the nation's progress.
“The focus extends beyond mere recognition; it also aims to initiate a call to action for the upcoming phase of the programme,” the Presidency said.
The engagement is expected to commence at 2pm. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 02/05/2024 - 12:50
Head of the water department in eThekwini told to solely focus on resolving the water crisis by next week
Denel showcases top products in Saudi Arabia
Denel will showcase several of its top products in the fields of missile technology, air defence systems, precision-guided munitions, artillery systems and unmanned aerial vehicle systems at the World Defence Show in Saudi Arabia this week.
The World Defence Show, held from 4 - 8 February, attracts the world’s top aerospace and defence manufacturers and is also attended by decision-makers, industry analysts and media from across the globe.
“This is an opportunity for Denel to demonstrate that we still design, manufacture and deliver high-technology products that are comparable and better than what is produced in the rest of the world,” said interim Group CEO, Mike Kgobe.
The 2022 show brought together some 600 defence and security exhibitors, and attracted more than 65 000 visitors.
“It is important for Denel to have a strong presence in the fast-growing markets in the Middle East,” Kgobe said.
The exhibition follows a highly successful technology demonstration held in the Northern Cape, which was attended by decision-makers and analysts from 10 countries.
Denel said the display would focus strongly on the company’s proven capabilities in artillery, air defence systems, guided weapons such as missiles and precision-guided munitions, and unmanned aerial vehicle systems.
On the stand will be a full-scale model of the Umkhonto-IR missile, which has been deployed with great success by several armed forces globally, including the SA Navy.
“The infrared-guided missile has a range of 20 000m and can reach speeds of more than twice the speed of sound – Mach 2.2.
“It is launched from vessels and a ground-based launcher and provides all-round defence against incoming missiles and aircraft. The Umkhonto-Extended Infra-Red missile adds further range, speed and operational ceiling, improving its performance and ability to defend forces on the ground,” the statement read.
Also, on display will be a model of the Seeker 400 unmanned aerial system and upgraded through the years to ensure technology relevance.
“The Seeker 400 can stay up in the air for up to 16 hours at a cruising speed of 150km/h and a range of 250km. It has autonomous take-off and landing capabilities and carries multiple sensor payloads which accumulate real-time images and high-definition data to stations on the ground.”
Denel’s G6 self-propelled howitzer has set the standard for long-distance artillery over more than three decades.
Over the same period, Denel completed the design and concept of the new G6 with a 52 calibre.
“Its state-of-the-art design has a high rate of fire of seven rounds per minute with 38 rounds and an accurate firing up to a range of 57km.”
In addition to the G6 self-propelled howitzer, Denel has also developed a truck-mounted gun the T5-52 system that is mounted on a commercially off-the-shelf vehicle platform.
“The top carriage is mounted on a high-mobility truck chassis with a purpose-designed interface and outriggers. The weapon system has excellent tactical and road strategic mobility with a range of 600 km without refuelling at speeds of up to 85km/h and is suitable to forces that require artillery which combines mobility with long-distance capabilities and accuracy.”
Denel’s prowess in the design and manufacturing of long-range mortars and anti-material rifles will also be demonstrated to decision-makers and analysts.
“The NTW-20 can engage targets up to 1 750m away and is extremely effective in a counter-sniping role and against mortar and rocket launcher positions. The DM-82 is a long-range mortar which can be used during night and day and reach targets about 7km away with pinpoint accuracy.”
Kgobe said a newly restructured Denel is seeking new markets for its tried and tested products and systems.
“We want to build on our reputation for leading-edge products and systems and the World Defence Show is a unique opportunity to gain a foothold in new markets.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 02/05/2024 - 09:51
The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Mr Zizi Kodwa congratulates the trailblazing South African musician Tyla for winning her first Grammy Award. At the 66th annual Grammy Awards, Tyla won the Grammy for “Best African Performance”.
South Africa had a notable presence at the Grammys, with Trevor Noah hosting the awards for a fourth time and nominated for “Best Comedy Album”. Acapella group Just 6 were nominated in the “Best Arrangement, Instrumental or Acapella” category, while Musa Keys was nominated was nominated for “Best African Performance” for his collaboration with Nigerian artist Davido.
Minister Kodwa says, “Tyla's Grammy Award win once again confirms her status as a music global superstar. Her meteoric success has been truly inspiring, and there is so much more to come.”
Minister Kodwa adds, “Tyla is a proud ambassador of South African arts and culture. I congratulate Tyla for a historic Grammy Award win, which comes before she has even released a full album. Continue to inspire and to raise the South African flag high”.
Minister Kodwa further states, “I also congratulate all the South African artists who were nominated for the 66th Grammy Award. Trevor Noah, Just 6 and Musa Keys show the diverse South African artistic talent on display on the world stage. Continue to entertain and showcasing to the world the best of Mzansi”.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Department of Arts and Culture, South Africa (DCA).
On 02 February 2024, Western Cape Minister of Social Development, Sharna Fernandez, visited different SASSA offices in Cape Town.
These oversight visits follow last month's reports of at least 150 000 SASSA grant beneficiaries not receiving their payouts for January. SASSA is a national agency of the South African government, yet the Western Cape Department of Social Development (WCDSD) receives regular complaints and queries about SASSA from beneficiaries in the province and even from other parts of the country, and the department does everything it can to step into this service delivery gap left my national government.
The only course of action available to the provincial department is to refer the matter directly to SASSA's regional staff so that they may look into the matter.
While the operations of SASSA fall outside of the mandate of WCDSD, Provincial Minister Fernandez felt it was important to hear from residents directly on their experiences.
Speaking to Old Age Grant beneficiaries, they commented that they had been queueing at pay points in Mitchells Plain from as early as 4am. There were many who complained about the poor service they have experienced at their local SASSA office, from unhelpful staff to systems regularly being offline and only a limited number of people being helped at a time.
At the Mitchells Plain SASSA office, there was no one to engage with, as the manager was in a meeting. The Western Cape Department of Social Development staff share a building with SASSA and beneficiaries often seek help from them if they get turned away by SASSA or aren't helped. On certain days there are long queues of people standing outside the office waiting to be helped, with no shelter from inclement weather like extreme heat or rain.
In Wynberg, SASSA staff and management were open to engage with Provincial Minister Fernandez, sharing their challenges and wins. National Minister of Social Development Lindiwe Zulu was at this office on 26 January 2024.
“My office has contacted Minister Zulu several times on previous occasions to meet about SASSA. The fact that the Minister was in Cape Town, meeting with a SASSA local office, without extending an invitation to my office is disheartening as I believe a collaborative approach is best to serve vulnerable citizens. We wish to work with Minister Zulu for the benefit of all those who are dependent on grants, for all those who wake up before the crack of dawn and walk far distances in the dark to withdraw their money. It seems however that the Minister is content to maintain the status quo of poor services to the most vulnerable,” says Provincial Minister Fernandez.
Provincial Minister Fernandez was impressed with the orderly way the Wynberg SASSA office was being run, although management said staff shortages and load shedding sometimes negatively impacted service delivery.
“I will be meeting with SASSA's provincial management next week. I hope to discuss these on the ground experiences and other issues beneficiaries and staff have raised with us. I trust that through teamwork and collaboration we can work together to ensure beneficiaries receive quality services and are treated with respect, with their dignity protected,” says Provincial Minister Fernandez.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic Of South Africa: Western Cape Provincial Government.
Register to vote at your local municipal offices
The Electoral Commission is urging those who could not make it to their local voting stations to register or rectify their details to visit its online facility and local municipal offices for assistance.
“The Commission extends its gratitude to thousands of South Africans who have gone online and visited our registration stations to register, re-register or check their details.
“Our online facility and local municipal offices will remain open for registration and verification of details until the date of the elections is proclaimed by the President,” said the Commission.
This as the Commission held its second Voter Registration Weekend on 3 and 4 February.
The registration weekend was held in preparation for the country’s 2024 National and Provincial Elections.
The Commission extended its gratitude to the thousands of South Africans who have gone online and visited the registration stations to register, re-register or check their details.
In a statement on Sunday, the Commission said day two of the registration weekend went well.
According to the Commission, by 8am, over 99% of the 23 303 voting stations had opened with the remainder opening before 8:30am.
“At 1pm … a total of 564 715 registration transactions had been recorded at voting stations,” said the Commission.
Meanwhile, on Saturday the Commission recorded 67 200 online registration transactions. The figure for online registrations on Sunday stood at 34 293.
The provincial breakdown of the registrations recorded is as follows:
Province F M Grand total
Eastern Cape 50 504 43 335 93 839
Free State 17 496 16 462 33 958
Gauteng 55 990 60 294 116 284
KwaZulu-Natal 68 305 63 126 131 431
Limpopo 32 166 25 276 57 442
Mpumalanga 20 426 21 367 41 793
North West 18 963 17 871 36 834
Northern Cape 6 827 6 869 13 696
Out Of Country 519 494 1 013
Western Cape 18 781 19 644 38 425
289 977 274 738 564 715
The Commission reminded eligible voters of the general rule in elections.
“That is, a person votes at a voting station where they are registered. The only exception to the general rule is that a voter may vote outside of the voting district of registration upon notification to the Commission by a date to be regulated by the Election Timetable,” the Commission said.
Details of the modalities of notification will be outlined after the registration process.
The Commission held the first voter registration weekend from 18 - 19 November 2023. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 02/05/2024 - 09:56
The Presiding Officers of Parliament deeply mourn the passing of His Excellency Dr. Hage Geingob, the President of the Republic of Namibia. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the government and the people of the Republic of Namibia during this profoundly difficult period.
President Geingob was a prominent figure in the struggle for independence from apartheid-era South Africa who later became Namibia's first prime minister and subsequently served as its head of state. Our sympathies and prayers are with First Lady Madam Monica Geingos, the Geingob family, and the Namibian people as they navigate this period of profound sadness. This loss is not only deeply felt by Namibians but also reverberates throughout the entire SADC region and the African continent. We mourn the passing of an outstanding revolutionary and dedicated stateman who led with wisdom, integrity, diplomacy, and a deep passion for his people.
We are deeply grateful for the lasting legacy of President Geingob, who played a critical role in not only securing Namibia's liberation but also made significant contributions to the liberation of South Africa from apartheid oppression.
The Speaker of the National Assembly has formally conveyed the sympathies of the South African Parliament to the people of Namibia, their esteemed Parliament, and Government in a letter addressed to the Speaker of the National Assembly of Namibia, Peter Hitjitevi Katjavivi.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
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In the U19 Cricket World Cup being played in South Africa, on 2 February 2024, West Indies vs Australia ended in no result in Kimberley. Australia 227/8 (50) v West Indies 24/2 (4.3). West Indies struck early with the ball after opting to field first against Australia. Inside the Powerplay, Aussie openers Harry Dixon and …
Condolences for President Geingob
President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended his deep condolences to the Government and people of Namibia especially First Lady, Madame Monica Geingos and the family following the passing of Dr Hage Gottfried Geingob, President of the Republic of Namibia.
On behalf of the Government and people of South Africa, President Ramaphosa further extended his sympathy to acting President of the Republic of Namibia Dr Nangolo Mbumba, the Cabinet of the neighbouring state and the leadership and members of the SWAPO Party at this time of mourning.
“Today, South Africa joins the people of our sister state Namibia in mourning the passing of a leader, patriot and friend of South Africa.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Geingob family and the people of Namibia who have lost an outstanding leader in a year in which Namibia, like South Africa, is due to hold elections,” President Ramaphosa said in a statement on Sunday.
This as President Geingob passed away earlier on Sunday at the Lady Pohamba Hospital at the age of 82.
Dr Mbumba announced to the Namibian nation today that President Geingob had passed away while being treated for cancer.
President Ramaphosa said he was deeply saddened at this time as he reflected on the privilege he had as recently as October 2023 to be hosted by President Geingob, Madame Geingos and the Cabinet on a Working Visit to Namibia.
“During the visit, we committed our two countries to even closer partnership, inspired in great measure by President Geingob’s passionate conviction about our shared future as nations and greater opportunities and prosperity for citizens on both sides of the Orange River.
“President Geingob was a towering veteran of Namibia’s liberation from colonialism and apartheid. He was also greatly influential in the solidarity that the people of Namibia extended to the people of South Africa so that we could be free today.
“We are therefore filled with appreciation and sadness at the passing of a comrade in struggle and a close partner in our democratic dispensation. May his soul rest in peace,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Sun, 02/04/2024 - 11:14
The hunt is on to track down the country’s leading young creative talent for an opportunity to showcase local excellence on the global stage. As the official South African representative for the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, Ster-Kinekor is once again sponsoring the Film category of the Young Lions 2024 competition. To kickstart the …
Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance (DA), along with our partners in civil society, has won the first battle in our ongoing war against the ANC’s Race Quotas Act. In an important breakthrough against ANC race-based policies, which have wreaked havoc on our economy, the Minister of Employment and Labour, Thulas Nxesi, has been forced to …
Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance (DA) extends its sincerest condolences to the people of Namibia on the passing of President Hage Gottfried Geingob, who passed away in Windhoek in the early hours of this morning. As Namibia’s longest serving prime minister, and third president, Geingob was instrumental in the growth and development of the Republic …
Excitement for the historic ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 being held in the West Indies and USA from 1-29 June is building with 1.2 million ticket applications received in the first 48 hours of the public ballot. Applications have come from 126 countries, showing the global appeal of the event, but it is locals …
Dear Editor The DA is deeply concerned about two incidents that occurred today during voter registration, which directly violate the Electoral Code set forth by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC). The IEC’s code explicitly states that “Parties and candidates must speak out against political violence and threats against other parties, the Electoral Commission, members of …
Dear Editor In an important milestone, the Democratic Alliance (DA) proudly announces that, for the first time, we have outperformed the ANC in new voter registrations and re-registrations. The most recent registration data highlights the DA’s success in securing the largest share of new and re-registrations. However, this achievement should not breed complacency. Between 23 …
Ithala SOC Limited continues to tick the right boxes when it comes to community development and recognising those who play an important role in the betterment of ordinary citizens. Ithala reaffirmed its support for the 2nd annual Bhekizizwe Joseph Shabalala festival to be held at Ladysmith, Settlers Park on the 4th of February. The marathon …