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New houses for Ekurhuleni senior citizens

Location: News

New houses for Ekurhuleni senior citizens

The Minister of Human Settlements, Mmamoloko Kubayi, along with Ekurhuleni Executive Mayor Sivuyile Ngodwana and Gauteng MEC for Human Settlements, Lebohang Maile, have distributed houses to first time homeowners in Clayville in Tembisa.

In a statement released by the office of the Executive Mayor of the City of Ekurhuleni on Wednesday, the project in Clayville will see just under 500 houses handed over to new owners in the future. 

According to the statement, five houses were handed over to senior citizens with the oldest recipient being 91 years old.

“This is the best day of my life. At my age I was even beginning to think that I would die without having had to own a proper house,” said one of the beneficiaries, Christina Ndou.

The leadership later moved to Palm Ridge in Katlehong where 100 title deeds were handed over giving first time homeowners security of tenure. 

Minister Kubayi expressed delight at the rate at which the government was delivering houses around the country.

“We have been crisscrossing the country inspecting and handing out houses, and yes the progress is quite impressive,” the Minister said.

Meanwhile, Mayor Ngodwana said that it was ‘very progressive’ that all three spheres of government work together to provide a better life for the people of the Republic. – SAnews.gov.za

 

DikelediM
Thu, 02/01/2024 - 15:11

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NSFAS financial aid application deadline extended

Location: News

NSFAS financial aid application deadline extended

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) board has extended the deadline for applications for student financial aid to 15 February 2023.

The decision was taken during a meeting between the NSFAS board and the South African Union of Students (SAUS).

The NSFAS board, led by Acting Board Chairperson Professor Laurens Van Staden, met with the South African Union of Students (SAUS) Executive, led by President Yandisa Ndzoyiya, to discuss NSFAS’s state of readiness for the beginning of the academic year, where the parties agreed on the extension of the 2024 bursary application period. 

The meeting also agreed that the NSFAS Loan Scheme will be opened on 2 February 2024 and close on 15 February 2024. 

The new Comprehensive Student Funding Model aims to support students including those currently not supported by NSFAS bursary and funding policy. 

This category includes students who come from families who have a total income of more than R350 000, but not more than R600 000 per annum.

In a joint statement issued on Thursday, the parties agreed that students who have already applied for the NSFAS bursary scheme need not submit a new application for the student loan scheme. 

“All students who did not meet the bursary scheme eligibility criteria, however, meet the loan scheme eligibility criteria, will be automatically offered a loan for their consideration,” the statement said. 

Prospective loan scheme applicants can apply through an online application form, where they create a profile, apply, and submit the application. 

The application form can be accessed on the NSFAS website on www.nsfas.org.za.

In order to qualify for the loan, students should meet the following criteria:
• Students whose annual household income is between R350 000-R600 000;
• TVET and university (public) students;
• Undergraduate or postgraduate students;
• 70% Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programmes (which
may be adjusted to include commercial programmes that are in demand in the labour
market or entrepreneurial programmes);
• 30% Social Sciences programmes; and
• Students willing to sign a loan agreement.

NSFAS reminded all applicants for both the bursary scheme and the loan scheme to submit a consent form to verify relevant information from third parties. 

“The information is required to verify the employment status and income level of the parents, guardians, or spouses of the applicant. It is mandatory for applicants to download and upload a completed Consent form on the NSFAS website, portal, or mobile app,” Van Staden said.

1 745 applications received

Meanwhile, NSFAS has received 1 745 226 applications, as of 30 January 2024.

The scheme said of the 1 745 226 applications, 940 682 are provisionally funded, 269 915 are awaiting evaluations, while 48 643 have been withdrawn by the student;  232 559 are in in progress, and 136 531 applications on the not-started status, as applicants only created profiles and did not submit applications.

“NSFAS has rejected 102 201 applications;1 093 appeals have been lodged so far,” Van Staden said.

The meeting agreed that funding decisions will continue to be communicated, as and when applications are processed, and that the application portal will continue to be updated upon confirmation of the funding decision. 

Institutions have been encouraged to continuously check the updates on the NSFAS applications portal on funding decisions, which will also cover allowance types that students have qualified for.

“NSFAS will upon making the funding decisions commence with the appeals process in order to ensure that appeals decisions are communicated to students and the institutions on time.” – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Thu, 02/01/2024 - 15:34

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Government leaders catch stock of sixth administration

Location: News

Government leaders take stock of sixth administration

With the term of the sixth administration coming to an end, government leaders are discussing the implementation and progress of the priorities that it set to achieve at the beginning of its term.

“This is the final Cabinet Lekgotla for the term of the sixth administration. It will look at the work done on the Medium Term Strategic Framework (MTSF), which is a government programme that sets priorities that we had to implement in this administration,” Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said on Thursday in Pretoria.

​​The MTSF 2019-2024 is both a five-year implementation plan and an integrated monitoring framework, which focuses on the seven priorities and related interventions of the sixth administration of government, and the integrated monitoring framework focuses on monitoring outcomes, indicators and targets towards the achievement of the priorities.

The priorities of the MTSF include building a capable, ethical and developmental state; economic transformation and job creation; education, skills and health and consolidating the social wage through reliable and quality basic services.

It further prioritises spatial integration, human settlements and local government, social cohesion and safe communities as well as a better Africa and world.

“We are also going to look at the progress that we have made in implementing the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan (ERRP) and the progress we are making in preparing for the National Health Insurance (NHI).

“Given the lessons we have learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, we think it is a priority that it must be signed during this period so that the full implementation can be taken in the seventh administration. This is why we are looking at the progress of its implementation,” the Minister said.

Work that has been done to deal with load shedding will also be discussed.

“Due to the challenges in the freight and logistics, we are going to look at that in line with the work that we have done with the ERRP. We will also look at crime because we can’t rebuild the economy if we are not dealing with the crime,” the Minister said.

She said the meeting would assess the impact of crime in terms of the vandalism of critical infrastructure whether it be electricity or the freight and logistics sector and any other infrastructure.

Ntshavheni was addressing members of the media on the sidelines of the Cabinet Lekgotla, which has been convened by President Cyril Ramaphosa from 1-2 February 2024.

Deputy President Paul Mashatile, Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Premiers, Directors-General and the leadership of the South African Local Government Association are in attendance.

The outcome of the meeting will chart a way forward for the year to be announced by the President during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) taking place on Thursday, 8 February 2024, at 7pm.

“We will also discuss the safety of South Africans and critical to that is gender- based violence and femicide (GBVF). We will look at the progress we are making to address GBVF and whether we are succeeding with the whole of society approach.

“We are also looking at the progress that has been made in dealing with corruption in terms of putting together the Anti-Corruption Advisory Council (NACAC) and the work that is being done to support the establishment of the council.

“We are looking at the integrated work that is be done to address with the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) and the Fusion Centre,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

nosihle
Thu, 02/01/2024 - 13:51

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Minister Marais expresses condolences on the passing of Tony Cedras

Location: News

Western Cape Government: Department of the Premier
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It was with great sadness that the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport learnt of the passing of internationally renowned jazz artist Anthony (Tony) Cedras. He passed away on 29 January 2024 after a battle with emphysema. In 2022, the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport bestowed the Ministerial Legacy Award on Mr Cedras in recognition of his outstanding achievements and contribution to South African music, and jazz in particular, during the pre-democracy era.

Born in Elsies River, Cape Town, Tony Cedras was a sought-after session player who toured the world as part of the Graceland Show Band, and before that, as a member of the Amandla Cultural Ensemble in exile. 

After initially touring inside South Africa, Cedras relocated to Gaborone in the early 1980s. There, he met trombonist and band leader Jonas Gwangwa. Gwangwa was the musical director of the Amandla ensemble, which Cedras joined, travelling not only in Africa, but also in Europe, Canada and Brazil. 

While working with Amandla, Cedras spent time in London, where he connected with other South African artists who were part of the expatriate South African music scene. He moved there in 1985, and soon formed the group Kintone. Later, while Cedras was working in Zimbabwe, Hugh Masekela recommended to Paul Simon that Cedras could provide valuable musical input into Simon's Graceland project. Cedras toured with Simon between 1987 and 1989, and then from 1990 to 1992 with Simon's Born at the Right Time tour. Cedras worked extensively with Hugh Masekela and Miriam Makeba. He also toured with Harry Belafonte in 1993 and Henry Threadgill in 1994.

Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport Anroux Marais said: “The Western Cape Government, and I personally, want to express our deepest condolences to the family, friends and fans of Tony Cedras. He will be sorely missed, but his sound will live on, He was a true jazz legend."

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Western Cape Government: Department of the Premier.

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Nzimande pays tribute to Professor Mokgokong

Location: News

Nzimande pays tribute to Professor Mokgokong

Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande, has hailed the late Professor Mochichi Samuel Mokgokong, as one of our country’s most decorated academics and scholars.

Nzimande joined the nation and the academic fraternity in mourning the passing of Mokgokong, who passed away last week following a battle with cancer.
 
Mokgokong was well known for heading the team responsible for separations of craniopagus conjoined twins and has trained and mentored more than 20 neurosurgeons.

Nzimande highlighted that Mokgokong has a long and distinguished academic career in the medical field, which has seen him form part of some of the most pioneering surgical teams. 

Some of the positions Mokgokong held in his illustrious career include Professor Emeritus of the University of Pretoria, Head of Tembisa Hospital’s Adult Intensive Care and High Care Units; Professor, Chief Specialist, and Head of the Neurosurgery Department at the University of Pretoria’s Steve Biko Academic Hospital. 

Paying tribute to the life of South Africa's first black neurosurgeon, Nzimande said, owing to his commitment to research excellence and outstanding academic leadership, Mokgokong was honoured with a number of national and international awards. 

“As part of his commitment to transformation in the medical field, he also proudly assumed the role of an activist academic and never missed an opportunity to encourage young black people to enter the medical field. 

“The passing of Professor Mokgokong constitutes an incalculable loss to our post school education and training sector, and I believe we have an obligation to uphold his legacy of research excellence and visionary leadership,” Nzimande said. 

The Minister has, on behalf of the department conveyed his heartfelt condolences to Mokgokong’s family, friends, and colleagues. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Thu, 02/01/2024 - 12:12

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Lamola condemns protest actions in Groblersdal

Location: News

Lamola condemns protest actions in Groblersdal

The Department of Justice and Correctional Services has condemned protestors’ attempts to forcefully enter the Groblersdal Magistrate’s Court premises and their brandishing of the colonial era Vierkleur flag. 

The court was hearing a case against two men – Piet Groenewald and his son Stephen Greef – who allegedly assaulted one of their workers whom they accused of being drunk on duty.

Justice and Correctional Services Minister Ronald Lamola said: “We applaud the [SA Police Service] for swiftly arresting all the protesters that attempted to block or enter the Court forcefully. This has restored the dignity of the Court and sends a message that our courts cannot be a playground for lawlessness.”

The department described the display of the Vierkleur flag by the protestors as deeply troubling as “it evokes memories of a time when discrimination and inequality prevailed”.

The flag features three horizontal red, white and blue stripes with a vertical green stripe at the hoist.

“We have noted, with concern, images in the media of a group of protestors brandishing the Vierkleur flag. The Vierkleur is a flag that was used by the old Boer Republic of the Transvaal which existed in the 2nd half of the 19th century until the Boers defeat in the Anglo-Boer War.

“The Vierkleur flag, is a symbol that represents a bygone era of colonisation and aparthied. This flag holds historical significance, but it also carries connotations of a time when black people were denied their basic rights.

“In August 2019 the Equality Court…ruled that the display of the old apartheid flag constitutes hate speech in South Africa. The Court held that the Constitutional Court has time and again emphasised the importance of historical context when considering human dignity, especially the history of racialized inequality in South Africa,” the department said.

The matter is expected to be referred to the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC).

“By brandishing the Vierkleur flag, individuals are openly rejecting the core values of democracy, equality, and the Constitution. This act is reminiscent of the old apartheid flag and cannot be tolerated.

“The Ministry firmly denounces the waving of this flag and will take decisive measures to ensure that the [SAHRC] thoroughly examines this matter,” the department concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Thu, 02/01/2024 - 10:46

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Mondelēz International is among Africa’s Top Employers for Fifth Consecutive Year

Location: Business

Mondelēz International
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Mondelēz International (www.MondelezInternational.com) was recognised by the Top Employers Institute as a Top Employer in Africa for the fifth consecutive year.

The leading multinational confectionery, food and beverage company was ranked 1st place in Nigeria, and 4th in South Africa overall among Africa's best employers, progressing from 3rd and 8th place respectively.

To merit Top Employer certification, companies are expected to participate in an HR Best Practices Survey covering key themes such as People Strategy, Work Environment, Talent Acquisition, Learning, Diversity & Inclusion, Wellbeing and more.  

Mondelēz International's Senior Director, People Lead Sub-Saharan Africa, Cebile Xulu, says being certified by a highly regarded international authority such as the Top Employers Institute is powerful validation the business is successfully embracing and implementing global HR trends to create an environment where talent can thrive and is focused on putting their people first through their best-in-class HR policies. 

A values-driven workplace

“At Mondelēz International, we place enormous emphasis on creating a values-driven workplace that cares for employees, customers, and consumers. This is important in a world where the competition to attract and retain top talent is fierce and the emphasis on diversity, equity and inclusion continues to be a key feature of thriving and successful organisations”

“From the feedback reports issued by the Institute, we learned that our organisation ranked highly across all six (6) domains, namely Business & People Strategy, Performance Management & Career Development, Leadership, Digital HR, Employee Listening, Rewards & Recognition, Purpose & Values, Ethics & Integrity, DE&I, and Sustainability.

“We have been highly deliberate in our efforts to build a wining culture and these results are confirmation that we are on the right track, despite the myriad of business and macroeconomic challenges we have had to navigate in our markets” notes Xulu.

What makes Mondelēz an employer of choice?

The snacking company boasts a large portfolio of global and local brands including Oreo, Cadbury, Bournvita, Tom Tom, Halls, Lunch Bar and Stimorol. Globally, it has a 150-country footprint and a talent base of about 80,000 employees. In this respect, Mondelēz International is well positioned to lead the future of snacking, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa.

“Our collective love of our brands is shared with millions of people around the world. The markets we operate in are fast moving and layered, and present excellent opportunities for our people to do their best and stretch themselves on their growth journeys,” concludes Xulu.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mondelēz International.

Read moreMondelēz International is among Africa’s Top Employers for Fifth Consecutive Year

Pandor says Israel is ‘ignoring’ the ICJ order to stay killings in Gaza

Location: News

Pandor says Israel is ‘ignoring’ the ICJ order to stop killings in Gaza

International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor, said she was of the view that Israel was flouting Friday’s International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling to stop the killings in Gaza. 

“I do believe the rulings of the court have been ignored by Israel. Hundreds of people have been killed in the past three or four days. And clearly, Israel believes it has the licence to do as it wishes. So, the world has to reflect because we have to come to a point to say what do we do to stop such acts occurring, not just with Israel but any party in the world,” Pandor said on Wednesday.

The Minister was briefing the media on a range of issues including the ongoing Israeli “offensive” on Gaza in the wake of the recent ICJ ruling.

The ICJ ordered Israel to, among others, take all measures within its power “to prevent and punish the direct and public incitement to commit genocide” and to immediately ensure that Palestinians have access to basic services and humanitarian assistance.

Pandor said she believes that the findings made it clear that it was “plausible” that genocide was taking place against the Palestinian people in Gaza.

While South Africa had called for the suspension of Israeli military operations in Gaza, the court did not grant this provisional measure.  

However, Pandor said the ICJ’s decision marks a decisive victory for international law and a significant milestone in the search for justice for the Palestinian people.  

“It also affirms the importance of global governance institutions, including organs of the United Nations. It remains vital for all Member States to respect and implement the decisions of the court.”

South Africa had approached the ICJ to garner not only a ceasefire of Israel’s military barrage of Palestine but also to ask the court to find the Israeli government guilty of committing acts of genocide.

“And I suppose what confronts us now is what do we do if there is no implementation? And that is the question all nations must answer today because it is a body of the United Nations that has set out these provisional measures. It's not the South African government… And if its orders are not respected, what does this mean for every other government that commits atrocities against a people.” 

She is of the view that this is the big question that faces the global community. 

Citing Oxfam’s report, the Minister said figures indicate that the average daily killing of Palestinians by the Israeli military since 7 October 2023 surpasses the daily death toll of any major conflict in recent years.  

“The deaths of children are almost incomparable both in terms of actual numbers killed and the rate at which children have been killed. More journalists have been killed in Gaza in the last 100 days than were killed during World War II and the Vietnam War.”

Pandor said South Africa will continue to do everything within its power to preserve the existence of the Palestinian people as a group, and to end all acts of apartheid and genocide against the Palestinian people. 

“We will walk with them towards the realisation of their collective right to self-determination, for, as Nelson Mandela momentously declared, ‘Our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians’.”

“The UN peace and security architecture is clearly not able to give effect to the right to self-determination of the Palestinian people or to protect them from grave war crimes and the threat of genocide, necessitating concerned States to turn to the judicial institutions of the UN.” 

Pandor also took the time to welcome the support expressed by several countries. 

“We encourage States that are so inclined to approach the Court to intervene in the proceedings to send a strong message to the international community that the situation in the Gaza Strip is indefensible.” – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile
Thu, 02/01/2024 - 10:15

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7 Scams to Watch out for in 2024

Location: News
KnowBe4

Watch out! In 2024, scammers have some new tricks up their sleeve, such as deepfake impersonation. That is why fostering a zero-trust mindset can help to keep yourself safe from these scams.

  1. Deepfake impersonation scams

Imagine receiving a voice note from your CEO instructing you to transfer money to a bank account. You follow the instructions without realising that the voice note is a deepfake. And just like that, you have fallen for a scam. Deepfakes make use of AI technologies to create new – but fake – images, videos, and/or audio material from existing material, “Artificial intelligence (AI) technology makes it easier for fraudsters to create these convincing fake messages from people you know and trust,” explains Anna Collard, SVP Content Strategy and Evangelist at KnowBe4 AFRICA. “It enables scammers to generate video and audio that is so convincing, many believe it is real.”

Fraudsters also use AI-generated voice notes or videos to impersonate a family member, such as a grandchild, who claims to be in distress and in need of money. This is called a grandparent scam. “People get scammed that way because their emotions are triggered by hearing an authentic sounding voice clip of their loved one and want to help,” comments Collard.

Another fraudulent application of deepfakes is to impersonate politicians to spread confusion or disinformation. “This is definitely something to watch out for in 2024 as it's an election year,” says Collard.

  1. Investment scams

Investment scams can appear as trustworthy financial organisations promising incredible returns. “However, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is,” says Collard. She advises being cautious in such situations. Scammers often combine cryptocurrency scams with romance scams as well.

Another scam to be wary of in 2024 involves fake loans that offer low-interest rates but never actually materialise. Instead, victims are required to pay upfront fees or provide their personal information. “With the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, scammers may tempt many individuals to apply for these loans to make ends meet, be very careful of any offers that sound too good to be true.”

  1. Romance scams

By using fake profiles on dating sites or social media, scammers build trust with their victims and then exploit this emotional connection to trick them into sending them money. “Even though family members might repeatedly warn the victim, they often continue with the romantic deception because once on the hook, psychologically it is very difficult for the victim's brains to admit that they have been conned,” explains Collard.

  1. Identity and social media profile theft

Identity theft involves stealing personal information to commit fraud. Scammers do this via phishing emails or phone calls, as with banking scams. “Social media profile theft involves hackers hijacking your social media accounts to reach out to your contacts, pretending to be you, spreading malicious software, scams or  asking for money,” says Collard.

  1. Charity fraud

After a humanitarian crisis, like a flood, charity scams frequently emerge. “These scams play on your emotions and ask you to give money to a worthy cause, but in reality, they are fake charities,” explains Collard. Red flags to watch out for are unusual payment methods, such as EFT, instead of secure payment platforms. “Always make sure that charities are registered before you donate and that you interact with the legitimate NGO or charity before transferring any money,” she advises.

  1. Tech support scams

Posing as IT technicians, these scammers try to convince you that there's something wrong with your computer and offer to fix it. They then seize control of your computer and steal your personal information or hack into your bank account. “These scams prey on people's fears,” says Collard. “They throw people into a state of panic in which they're not thinking logically.” She recommends hanging up right away and directly contacting your IT support centre.

  1. Puppy scams

Are you in the market for a pure-bred puppy? Beware! International crime syndicates operating in South Africa offer purportedly discounted pooches. According to Collard, many individuals have suffered significant financial losses not only for the non-existent dog but also for the transportation expenses. She advises buyers to be wary if they encounter a wide variety of dogs for sale on a website or if they are immediately offered a puppy. “Breeders do not operate like Takealot. There are usually waiting lists; it takes time for a puppy to become available,” she says. “If you're offered a second dog at a 30% discount, it's highly likely you're being scammed.”

The general advice for any of the scams listed above is to slow down and take a breath before reacting to anything, particularly if it's emotionally triggering content.

As the boundaries between our physical and virtual worlds continue to blur, a zero trust mindset encourages us to pause, think, and evaluate the content we are interacting with, thereby empowering us to make conscious and more rational decisions.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of KnowBe4.

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KnowBe4
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President Ramaphosa hands over Welisizwe programme bridges

Location: News

President Ramaphosa hands over Welisizwe programme bridges

President Cyril Ramaphosa says the Welisizwe Rural Bridges Programme remains one of government’s top priorities as these bridges improve the safety, well-being, and access for communities in rural areas.

On Wednesday, the President handed over complete bridges at the rural area of Mkhambathini in KwaZulu-Natal.

The Welisizwe Rural Bridges Programme is a result of the objectives announced in the 2023 State of the Nation Address that outlined government’s plan to construct at least 96 bridges during the 2023/24 financial year.

Some 11 bridges have been completed in KwaZulu-Natal with at least 58 other bridges currently under construction throughout the country.

“Because of climate change, extreme weather events like flooding are becoming increasingly common. Communities living along and close to rivers are particularly vulnerable. That is why we see building more Welisizwe rural bridges as a priority.

“The purpose of the programme is to improve safety and well-being for rural communities who have to cross rivers on a daily basis, to boost the local economy by making mobility easier, and to create jobs and support local businesses.

“The bridges that have been handed over today will make it easier for communities to get to the clinic and hospital, to school, to town and to places of work. It will make it easier for them to fetch supplies and to take produce to market,” President Ramaphosa said.

The President said that during the construction of these bridges, community members benefitted through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP).

The EPWP is a medium-to long-term government-funded programme that promotes the use of labour-intensive methods to create work opportunities for poor and unemployed South Africans.

“In addition to these workers, each bridge site uses SANDF [South African National Defence Force] engineers and artisans who do work such as welding, groundwork, earth moving and soil retention.

“Since its inception, this programme has supported skills development by appointing graduates to work in bridge assessment, project management and maintenance, as assistant engineers and as candidate construction project managers.

“The bridge components are all locally sourced from South African companies that specialise in the manufacture and supply of steel-modular type bridges.  Local suppliers have also benefitted through the supply of materials such as stones, cement, concrete, road sign paint and personal protective equipment,” he said.

Historical mission

The President reflected that since the dawn of democracy some 30 years ago, government has built bridges “as we work to overcome the divisions of the past”.

“Over centuries of colonialism and decades of apartheid, the needs of the majority of South Africans were deliberately neglected, especially in our rural communities. Infrastructure was built for the benefit of a privileged minority.

“The historical lack of infrastructure in black communities contributed to the deep levels of poverty and inequality that we continue to grapple with today.  We remain determined to correct the imbalances in infrastructure.”

He urged community members to protect the bridges from vandalism and destruction.

“It is time to build bridges, not to destroy or burn them. It is time to build together a South Africa that we will be proud to leave for future generations.

“Today, the children of these areas can safely cross flooded rivers and attend school. Today, our grandparents can safely travel to health care facilities or to access government services,” President Ramaphosa concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Thu, 02/01/2024 - 08:53

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Interview: U19 Cricket World Cup – Steve Wedderburn (West indies) and Dinura Kalupahana (Sri Lanka)

Location: MyPR, Sport

On 30 January 2024 in the U19 Cricket World Cup in South Africa, West Indies beat Sri Lanka by three wickets in Kimberley. Sri Lanka 231 (50 overs) v West Indies 232/7 (49.3 overs). Opting to bat first in Kimberley, Sri Lanka were dealt an early blow when Nathan Edward, Player of the Match in …

Read moreInterview: U19 Cricket World Cup – Steve Wedderburn (West indies) and Dinura Kalupahana (Sri Lanka)

Interview with Zando’s CEO on Navigating The Future of Online Shopping in South Africa

Location: MyPR

Interview with Zando’s CEO on Navigating The Future of Online Shopping in South Africa Cape Town (South Africa): 22 January 2024: Zando.co.za, the leading e-commerce platform in South Africa, announces focus for 2024 under the leadership of newly appointed Chief Executive Officer Morgane Imbert. Zando was established in 2012 and has grown to become one …

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High Gear Bridges The Gap Between Graduation And Employment

Location: MyPR

It’s been an incredible journey for High Gear and an even more remarkable one for the programme’s students and graduates. South Africa’s automotive economy relies heavily on the skills of our mechanical and electrical engineers and High Gear’s proactive approach to revolutionizing the talent pipeline has not only created jobs, but also empowered the automotive …

Read moreHigh Gear Bridges The Gap Between Graduation And Employment

The 2024 property gold rush: prices soar, stocks shrink and early birds secure the worm!

Location: MyPR

Byron Thomas Properties outlines the top six trends with forecasts for the property market in 2024. Although only recently established [2020], Byron Thomas Properties is no new kid on the real estate block! Property mogul Byron Thomas is trailblazing the industry, with a unique & innovative model that is rapidly transforming the industry at its …

Read moreThe 2024 property gold rush: prices soar, stocks shrink and early birds secure the worm!

Darkfest 2024 Quick Facts

Location: MyPR

Darkfest 2024 Quick Facts — Paul Couderc (FR) © Eric Palmer What Is Darkfest? Darkfest 2024 Quick Facts: Darkfest brings together some of the world’s best freeride mountain bikers to push the limits of their sport on some of the biggest jumps ever seen. The gnarly and specialised topography at the Hellsend Dirt Compound in …

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South Africa Tourism’s rising momentum continues

Location: News

Department of Tourism, Republic of South Africa
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The recent official release of international arrival figures by Statistics South Africa for January to December 2023 underscores the rising momentum of South Africa's tourism sector.

International tourist arrivals from January to December 2023 totalled 8.5 million, representing a remarkable 48.9% increase when compared with same period in 2022.

Africa continues to lead the Way

  • South Africa welcomed 6.4 million visitors from the rest of the African continent between January and December 2023, marking a significant 75.6% of all arrivals.
  • Zimbabwe and Kenya stood out for their remarkable growth, with Zimbabwe experiencing a 70.8% increase in tourist arrivals to South Africa when compared to 2022, totalling 2.1 million arrivals, while Kenya recorded a 99% surge when compared to 2022, reaching 42,403 arrivals for January to December 2023.

Strong Momentum from the Americas

  • Tourist arrivals from the Americas registered at 455,901 reflecting a 39.8% growth compared to the same period in 2022.
  • The United States of America saw 353,975 arrivals to South Africa, marking a 35% increase compared to 2022.

Strength in European Markets

  • From January to December 2023, South Africa saw 1.2 million tourist arrivals from Europe, a 38.2% increase compared to the same period in 2022.
  • The United Kingdom remains the top European source market with 356,160 tourists choosing South Africa, marking a 25.8% growth compared to 2022
  • Germany experienced a 41.6% increase in arrivals compared to 2022, amounting to 245,259 tourists
  • This was followed by the Netherlands which saw an increase of 45.5% when compared to 2022, amounting to 131,371 tourist arrivals between January and December 2023
  • Russia exhibited a dramatic growth of 74.7% when compared to 2022, contributing 28,357 arrivals in 2023

Noteworthy growth from the Asia markets

  • Asian markets also showed significant growth with a total 199,308 arrivals from the region, representing an astounding 69.1% when compared to the same period in 2022.
  • We welcomed 79,774 tourists from India, a 43.7% growth compared to 2022
  • Notably, we saw 37,164 arrivals from China, a massive 204.9% surge in 2023 when compared to 2022

Robust Gains in the Middle East

  • The Middle East saw a robust increase with 54,339 arrivals in the January to December 2023 period — a 33.7% growth when compared to the same period in 2022. South Africa received 16,351 arrivals from Saudi Arabia in 2023, marking an increase of 42.6% when compared to 2022
  • The United Arab Emirates saw 6,511 arrivals to South Africa, a remarkable 110% increase when compared to 2022

Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille expressed delight at the impressive numbers from the African continent and highlighted the strategic decisions that contributed to the growth in specific markets.

She adds “Kenya's remarkable performance can be attributed to the strategic decision by government to simplify the visa regime in 2023 as well as targeted and effective insights-driven marketing campaigns”.

“This recovery can be attributed to consistent efforts to showcase South Africa as a welcoming, responsible tourism destination, highlighting experiences that align with intrepid, green economy conscious travellers,” the Minister said.

Minister de Lille emphasised the charm and magnetism of South Africa as a tourism destination, with specific mention of the reopening of the Chinese market and the resumption of direct flight routes in 2023.

Looking ahead, Minister de Lille emphasised the need to unlock barriers such as visa regulations and limited air access and airlift for sustained growth.

The Minister expressed commitment to working with partners and government colleagues to facilitate policy and regulation revisions.

In conclusion, minister de Lille thanked all visitors for choosing to visit South African and likewise thanks South Africans for their continuous hospitality and warm welcome to visitors, expressing optimism for sustained charm, attractiveness, and relentless tourism growth.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Department of Tourism, Republic of South Africa.

Read moreSouth Africa Tourism’s rising momentum continues

Choosing the Correct Electrical Distribution Boards for Your Needs

Location: MyPR

Electrical distribution boards are the backbone of any electrical system, ensuring the safe and efficient distribution of power within a building. Whether you are a homeowner or a business owner, selecting the right electrical distribution boards is crucial. In this blog, we will explore the various types of distribution boards and introduce you to reliable …

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Deputy President Paul Mashatile Engages Prominent Business Leaders

Location: News

The Presidency: Republic of South Africa
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Deputy President Paul Mashatile has today, 31 January 2024, met with over 50 business leaders in Sandton, for an interactive session organised by the leading global think tank, The European House – Ambrosetti. The event was convened with the aim to strengthen the strategic relationships between industry and governments, promoting growth through a multi-stakeholder approach.

Discussions touched on various topics, including economic priorities and reforms, tackling unemployment and poverty, building investor confidence in South Africa, and driving foreign direct investment into the country. The closed session provided a platform for business leaders to engage with the Deputy President, who has been instrumental in courting investment to boost SA's economy, as part of President Cyril Ramaphosa's ongoing investment drive.

Despite the challenges facing the country, the Deputy President expressed his optimism about the Government's willingness to change its fortunes for the better. He emphasised the need for public-private partnerships, such as those facilitated by the Southern Africa CEO Community – African Chapter, to help address the country's challenges and provide support for businesses, rural, and township communities.

The forum offered an opportunity for the Deputy President to listen to and collaborate with business leaders on key areas that the government defines as critical for the future of the country and the community. It also served as a means to strengthen ties between the Government and private sectors based on principles of mutual respect and shared interests and values.

The Deputy President agreed with business leaders that there is a need for acceleration towards the resolution of challenges impacting key economic enablers, namely energy, transport and logistics, and crime and corruption.

“We should work together to solve our economic difficulties while promoting greater social inclusion and sustainability. Through collaboration, we will be able to make South Africa a better and more prosperous nation,” the Deputy President said. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency: Republic of South Africa.

Read moreDeputy President Paul Mashatile Engages Prominent Business Leaders