News
Premier pays unannounced visit to Khayelitsha District Hospital
This week Premier Alan Winde made an unannounced visit to the Khayelitsha District Hospital (KDH). Apart from seeing for himself how healthcare services are being delivered to residents as part of his regular community outreach and oversight functions, the Premier also used the opportunity to thank staff at the facility for all their hard work …
ICJ Ruling on War in Gaza
Dear Editor The DA notes the provisional relief measures ordered by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) earlier today, intended to minimise civilian casualties in the Gaza strip and requiring Israel to ensure it implements, and reports on, measures taken to prevent genocide. As a party anchored in the rule of law, the DA welcomes …
Mthatha High Court rules on removal of illegitimate councillor
Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Eastern Cape welcomes the ruling made by the Mthatha High Court, reaffirming our long-held position that the OR Tambo District Municipality erred in swearing in one of our members as a councillor. After the November 2021 Local Government Elections, the DA won a seat in the OR …
Home Affairs failures may force tourists to leave SA by 29 February 2024
Dear Editor The Department of Home Affairs (DHA), under the reign of Minister Aaron Motsoaledi, continues to jump from one scandal to another, affecting the lives of millions of not only South Africans, but international visitors as well, wreaking havoc with our tourism and ability to grow our economy. The latest disaster the DHA finds …
Exploring the Future of Automotive Excellence in South Africa
The Evolution of Car Buying Experience The car buying journey has transformed significantly over the years. Today’s customers are looking for more than just a vehicle; they seek a partner in their automotive journey, offering cutting-edge technology and a commitment to excellence. One such example is the emergence of a new state-of-the-art dealership that is …
Unchanged repo rate suggests greater stability says Tyson Properties CEO
Tyson Properties founder and CEO, Chris Tyson, has welcomed this week’s announcement by the South African Reserve Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee that the repo rate will remain unchanged at 8.25%. Although the repo rate remains at a 14-year-high dating back to May 2023, Tyson is optimistic that this signals a period of greater stability for …
Key Pinetown welcomes Jeep® and Fiat
PINETOWN, January 25, 2024 – Stellantis continues its drive to make brands easily accessible to customers through its multifranchise dealer network with the addition of Jeep® and Fiat to Key Pinetown. The Key Pinetown facility already houses Opel, Peugeot, and Citroën brands. The expansion continues to bolster dealer representation across KwaZulu Natal in support of …
Enhancing Academic Success through Specialised Tutoring Services
Enhancing Academic Success through Specialised Tutoring Services In today’s competitive academic landscape, personalised tutoring has become a pivotal aspect of a student’s educational journey. Tailored tutoring services cater to a wide range of academic needs, offering specialised support that can significantly impact a student’s performance and confidence. One-on-One AP Tutoring: Advanced Placement (AP) courses are …
Growing the Economy is the Only way to Fix South Africa
The Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa (SEIFSA) wishes all its member a productive and prosperous 2024, which is likely to be another busy and challenging year, with wage negotiations, general elections, load-shedding, high inflation, geo-political uncertainty and a volatile exchange rate just some of what we can expect. As the country prepares …
Bloemfontein to host historic Bok Test against Portugal (NOT Gqeberha)
Bloemfontein has been confirmed as the venue when the Springboks face Portugal in the historic first Test between the nations on Saturday, 20 July, in the final match of the Castle Lager Incoming Series as part of a thrilling 2024 home Test schedule. The back-to-back Rugby World Cup champions return to the Toyota Stadium for …
International Relations on South Africa welcoming provisional measures ordered by International Court of Justice against Israel
Today marks a decisive victory for the international rule of law and a significant milestone in the search for justice for the Palestinian people. In a landmark ruling, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has determined that Israel's actions in Gaza are plausibly genocidal and has indicated provisional measures on that basis. For the implementation of the international rule of law, the decision is a momentous one. South Africa thanks the Court for its swift ruling.
The United Nations Security Council will now be formally notified of the Court's order pursuant to Article 41(2) of the Court's Statute. The veto power wielded by individual states can not be permitted to thwart international justice, not least in light of the ever-worsening situation in Gaza brought about by Israel's acts and omissions in violation of the Genocide Convention.
Third States are now on notice of the existence of a serious risk of genocide against the Palestinian people in Gaza. They must, therefore, also act independently and immediately to prevent genocide by Israel and to ensure that they are not themselves in violation of the Genocide Convention, including by aiding or assisting in the commission of genocide. This necessarily imposes an obligation on all States to cease funding and facilitating Israel's military actions, which are plausibly genocidal.
Above all else, the provisional measures are directly binding on Israel, which is required pursuant to the Court's order and to the Genocide Convention itself, to stop all acts by it that are plausibly genocidal, such as those raised by South Africa in its Application and request for the indication of provisional measures. There is no credible basis for Israel to continue to claim that its military actions are in full compliance with international law, including the Genocide Convention, having regard to the Court's ruling.
South Africa sincerely hopes that Israel will not act to frustrate the application of this Order, as it has publicly threatened to do, but that it will instead act to comply with it fully, as it is bound to do.
South Africa will continue to act within the institutions of global governance to protect the rights, including the fundamental right to life, of Palestinians in Gaza – which continue to remain at urgent risk including from Israeli military assault, starvation and disease – and to obtain the fair and equal application of international law to all, in the interest of our collective humanity. Notably, South Africa will continue to do everything within its power to preserve the existence of the Palestinian people as a group, to end all acts of apartheid and genocide against the Palestinian people and to 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 indication by this Court of provisional measures pursuant to the Genocide Convention marks a significant historical step towards that goal.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
Fish takes to the water for seventh aQuellé Midmar Mile
As the Africa Cup of Nations heads into the Round of 16 this weekend, former AFCON champion Mark Fish isn’t focused entirely on football. The 1996 winner is still making time for his swimming training ahead of next month’s aQuellé Midmar Mile. “Training is going well,” he explained. “I am in San Pedro in the …
Kariega land occupiers say municipality demolished their shacks illegally
Ten families who settled on land in 2019 have to move to make way for housing development
LG To Showcase LG Business Cloud At ISE 2024
Suitable for Both Small Businesses and Large Enterprises, New Cloud-based Platform Streamlines Management of LG Digital Signage Solutions BARCELONA, Jan. 26, 2024 — LG Electronics (LG) is set to unveil its innovative cloud solution platform, LG Business Cloud, at Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) 2024. The convenient, new platform allows business customers to browse and subscribe …
SA citizens in foreign countries urged to register to vote
SA citizens in foreign countries urged to register to vote
Over 18 469 South African citizens living in 101 countries around the world have started registering to vote using the Electoral Commission’s newly launched online registration portal system.
“The Electoral Commission has enabled an online registration facility for the first time to allow South Africans outside the country to easily register for the 2024 National Elections,” Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of the Electoral Commission Sy Mamabolo said.
Addressing the media in Pretoria on Thursday, Mamabolo said the commission hoped that the introduction of an online registration system will attract citizens from abroad.
Citizens living abroad must register as voters either online or in person at their nearest South African mission. South African high commissions, embassies and consulates will be open during working hours.
“Eligible voters are encouraged to check with their nearest mission on the registration dates and times. Registration requires a South African identity document as well as a South African passport.
“A special two-day voter registration event for South African citizens abroad will take place between 26 and 28 January 2024, depending on the configuration of weekend days.
“In countries where Friday and Saturday are weekends, the two special days designated will be Friday 26 January, and Saturday 27 January 2024,” Mamabolo said.
The countries with the most people registering online include the United Kingdom (5938), the Netherlands (1844), Germany (746), the United States (821), Ireland (675), United Arab Emirates (1068), China (515), Australia (588), New Zealand (314), Cuba (293), Portugal (284) and Belgium (280).
In the African continent, South Africans have begun to register in 28 countries, including Mauritius (316), Lesotho (224) Namibia (148), Botswana (170), Zambia (96), Zimbabwe (77), Kenya (73), Ghana (45) and Tanzania (40).
A full list of South Africa’s missions is available on the website of DIRCO at https://www.dirco.gov.za/webmissions/index.html.
The commission advised South Africans who are already registered to vote – either on the national or international segment of the voters’ roll - to check their registration status and to update their voters’ roll address if they intend to vote abroad in the 2024 National Elections.
Mamabolo said the commission has put in place all necessary measures to ensure that no one is left behind and that all citizens vote in the 2024 National Election.
“The upcoming 2024 National Elections offer an important opportunity for all South Africans to have their voices heard, regardless of geographic location,” he said.
The commission pleaded with businesses and organisations around the world to encourage their South African employees to register during this registration weekend. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 01/26/2024 - 09:03
Boland Park to host clash
Klusener and Buttler look ahead with play-off spots are up for grabs Friday, 26 January 2024: Table-toppers, Paarl Royals, will...
Wolvaardt-Led Proteas Women Enthusiastic For Clash In First T20I Against The Aussies
CANBERRA: Captain Laura Wolvaardt and the Proteas Women have completed their preparations and are eager to kick off their outbound tour...
167 scholar drivers held for traffic violations
167 scholar drivers held for traffic violations
Hundreds of vehicles have been impounded and scores of drivers arrested as traffic authorities intensified their national crackdown on unroadworthy vehicles transporting learners to school.
These arrests are part of the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) back-to-school campaign, which started when schools re-opened this month. The campaign has so far resulted in 37 548 vehicles stopped and check in 484 law enforcement operations in different provinces.
The provinces with the highest number of vehicles stopped and checked are KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape and Gauteng.
“A total of 167 drivers were arrested for, among others, drunken driving, driving while having no driving licence and operating a public transport vehicle in violation of operating permit regulations.
“The campaign has highlighted that many scholar transport drivers were driving without fastening seatbelts, some do not have professional drivers' permits, their vehicles were not licensed, while other vehicles had defects such as cracked windscreens, smooth tyres and faulty brakes.
“More than 6 240 were given fines for these vehicles, while 965 vehicles were impounded and 291 were suspended from operating,” the RTMC said on Thursday.
The RTMC has maintained that the safety of children remains priority and law enforcement authorities will remain vigilant throughout the year to deal with non-compliant operators.
However, parents also have a responsibility to ensure that the transport operators they choose are fit for purpose and licensed to transport their children safely to school.
Meanwhile, the RTMC has warned members of the public about a fake traffic officer learnership recruitment circulating on various social media platforms.
“The RTMC is currently not recruiting any traffic officer learners for the 2024 financial year. When positions become available, the corporation will advertise its traffic officer learnership posts through reputable online platforms, which include our website, mainstream media and our social media platforms.
“As a public institution, we do not charge applicants for any employment opportunities within the organisation. Members of the public are warned not to fall prey to any scams doing rounds online.
“We urge the public to verify the legitimacy of any recruitment drive purported to be from the RTMC by contacting our Human Capital Division on 012 999 5200. Alternatively, visit our website: www.rtmc.co.za,” the corporation said.
The RTMC said any scams seeking to take advantage of desperate unemployed youth should be reported to law enforcement agencies immediately. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Fri, 01/26/2024 - 09:27
Capitals come up trumps in Centurion thriller Against SEC
A steady start for Capitals could be exactly what Ford ordered Thursday, 25 January 2024: On a Centurion pitch where...
Premier Bushy Maape pays courtesy visit to Ambassador Darkey Ephraim Africa in Thailand
Yesterday, 25 January, the Premier of North West, Kaobitsa Bushy Maape paid a courtesy visit to the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of South Africa in Thailand, H.E. Mr. Darkey Ephraim Africa. Premier Maape is in Thailand for medical assessment. Despite his tight medical programme, the Premier made time to visit the South African Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand to explore opportunities for the Province.
During their meeting, both Premier Maape and Ambassador Africa discussed a wide rage of issues, more specifically the economic challenges of the North West Province and its impact on the youth. They agreed on the need to identify trade and investment opportunities in Thailand for the North West Province. They further agreed on the need to invite investors from Thailand in the areas of agriculture, infrastructure automotive, renewable energy and tourism.
On his part, Ambassador Africa acknowledged Premier Maape's desire to mobilise trade and investment for his Province. He requested the South African Embassy to invite various agencies such as North West Development Corporation, the North West Housing Corporation and other business people to Thailand to further explore opportunities in trade and investment following his engagement with Ambassador Africa. The Ambassador and the Political Counsellor, Mrs. Thobeka Dlamini assured the Premier that the Embassy will invite the Province at the appropriate time for engagement. Premier Maape accompanied by the Ambassador, also met Mr. Ravi Puri, a prominent businessman in real estate and hospitality to explore other opportunities in real estate. The Premier will depart Bangkok after completion of his medical engagement.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of North West Office of the Premier, Republic of South Africa.
Education department blames transport department for scholar transport fiasco
Hundreds of learners are stuck at home and not in school
Department awards bursaries to hardworking matriculants
Department awards bursaries to hardworking matriculants
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Sihle Zikalala has hailed teachers and guardians as true heroes and heroines and thanked them for encouraging, motivating and guiding learners during the 2023 matric examination.
“To the bursary awardees, you are the crown in the jewel; and today we sing your praises for demonstrating that paying attention and putting in effort pays,” Zikalala said on Thursday, during a ceremony to award bursaries to 100 learners from the Class of 2023 who have enrolled to study various built environment courses at universities across the country.
Zikalala congratulated the learners for being worthy recipients of the prestigious bursaries from the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure.
He said the young people who are receiving the bursaries have honoured the sacrifices of the youth of 1976 who protested against an inferior Bantu Education that sought to turn education for the black majority into an instrument of racial subjugation and guarantor for the supply of cheap black labour.
“The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) plays a critical role in delivering essential services. To do so effectively, it must have a highly skilled and competent workforce.
“This year is the 10th year that the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure has been offering these bursaries to address the challenges of the skills pipeline and transformation in the Built Environment.
“Our university bursary scheme is one of the ways through which as a department, we respond to the country’s occupation skills that are in high demand as gazetted by the Department of Higher Education and Training,” the Minister said.
The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure Bursary Scheme supports undergraduate study areas like: Construction Project Management, Occupational Health and Safety, Quantity Surveying, Landscape Architecture, Architecture, Property Studies, Real Estate, Urban Design and Regional Planning, Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Structural, Chemical), Interior Design, Actuarial Science, Horticulture, Geographic Information Science (GISc) and Maritime Studies.
The Council for the Built Environment (CBE) has lamented the slow pace of transformation in the built environment which is compounded by the challenge of aging professionals who are leaving the sector.
“One of our programmes to address these challenges and in contributing to the skills of the future in our sector is the department’s schools programme and the university bursary scheme programme.
“We are pleased to report that our valued bursary beneficiaries are supported financially throughout their tertiary studies until graduation.
“Upon completion of studies, bursary holders join the department’s internship programme wherein they gain relevant technical experience for a duration of 24 months in line with their contractual obligation to the department and in accordance to the DPSA regulated internship period,” Zikalala said.
The estimated budget per student is R177 500. This amount varies based on the institution and study programme. The department has allocated budget of R17 800 000 for the 2024 academic year new intake.
The bursary covers all university costs including tuition fees, accommodation, meals, textbooks, projects, excursions and a monthly allowance. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 01/26/2024 - 09:43
Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) committed to promoting dignity and well-being of girl learners
With the 2024 school year in full swing, the Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) is doing its part in ensuring the well-being and dignity of girls across the province through its Sanitary Dignity Project.
In partnership with the Western Cape Education Department (WCED), DSD has delivered more than 3.432 million packs of sanitary pads to learners across the province since the inception of the project in 2019/2020.
A breakdown of the distribution figures over recent years, shows that in:
- 2022/2023: a total of 27 817 boxes or 1 335 216 packets were distributed.
- 2023/2024 (1st to 3rd quarter): a total of 25 847 boxes or 1 240 656 packets were distributed.
The Department intends to distribute a further 8 734 boxes or 419 323 packets during the last quarter of the current financial year.
Since 2020/21, DSD has increased the number of beneficiaries from 94 817 learners at 220 schools, to 130 396 learners at 365 schools during 2023/2024. These include farm schools, special needs schools, and DSD-funded child and youth care centres.
Just this week, Provincial Minister of Social Development Sharna Fernandez's office visited Dorothea Special School in Stellenbosch, for children with disabilities, to deliver sanitary dignity packs.
“The donation will definitely make a difference in our girls' personal hygiene as most of our learners are dependent on SASSA grants and parents struggle to afford to buy them toiletries. I also try to give the girls a packet each month, but we are lucky to have donors supporting us,” says Sister Linda Carelse, Dorothea Special School Nurse.
“Girls from impoverished communities already face immense societal and economic challenges, and those with special needs are in an even more vulnerable position. We cannot let a natural bodily function like menstruation be another barrier to their learning. We can all do our part. I call on citizens who can and the private sector to play their role in assisting schools in disadvantaged areas to level the playing field for all girls,” says Provincial Minister Fernandez.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic Of South Africa: Western Cape Provincial Government.