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Just matriculated and uncertain about what comes next? A new year and you’re considering a new career? This is what’s next… Not too long-ago technological skills were as exciting as meeting the grim reaper, but today, tech-savvy individuals are the hottest commodity on the job market. Most roles today require some degree of digital and …
Once the rail agency responds to these comments, a report will be sent to the Municipal Planning Tribunal for a final decision
She must be ready to give evidence on Thursday, tribunal rules
Upgrades to water treatment works more than six years behind schedule. New deadline is April 2024.
New Zealand beat Afghanistan in a dramatic, low-scoring U19 Cricket World Cup contest in East London while England won their second match in a rain-affected game against hosts South Africa. Matt Rowe followed up a sensational, five-wicket burst inside 16 balls with a nerveless shot to hit the winning runs in New Zealand’s one-wicket win …
African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) is pleased to announce that its board member, Mr. Ronnie Ntuli has been awarded the Progressive Business Forum's (PBF) prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award and was presented with the accolade at the Presidential Gala Dinner and special celebrations that marked three decades of democracy in South Africa.
The award, which was presented at the PBF's inaugural “Show Up” awards ceremony, recognizes and celebrates individuals who have distinguished themselves in business, public service and, through their commercial, entrepreneurial and civic ventures. It also recognizes those who have acted to improve the common good and promote the wellbeing of others.
Mr Ntuli's receipt of this award constitutes a recognition of his extraordinary contribution to the expansion of Southern Africa's rail network and his application of engineering expertise to continental transport and logistics assets. Mr Ntuli founded and established the Thelo Group, as one of the continent's eminent financiers of railway infrastructure and rolling stock, and the region's most significant supporters of industrial development and high-value exports.
Further to these economic contributions, Ronnie has served his country and continent through extensive advisory work for a range of African Heads of State, where he has leveraged his unrivalled financial and engineering experience – as well as his background in Law – to help decision-makers devise policies and strategies to accelerate economic development and entrepreneurship.
Afreximbank President and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Prof. Benedict Oramah, commented:
I am delighted that my dear friend, and much-trusted advisor on Afreximbank's Board, Mr. Ronnie Ntuli, has been recognized by the Progressive Business Forum for his decades of work on this continent. As both businessman and advisor, Ronnie's contribution to our shared prosperity and development is quite simply incalculable. His counsel has been indispensable to the Bank, particularly as we navigated the challenges of implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.
About Afreximbank:
African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra-and extra-African trade. For 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa's trade, accelerating industrialization and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A stalwart supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank is setting up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries to effectively participate in the AfCFTA. At the end of September 2023, Afreximbank's total assets and guarantees stood at over US$33.4 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$5.8 billion. The Bank disbursed more than US$104 billion between 2016 and 2023. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by GCR (international scale) (A), Moody's (Baa1), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-) and Fitch (BBB). Afreximbank has evolved into a group entity comprising the Bank, its impact fund subsidiary called the Fund for Export Development Africa (FEDA), and its insurance management subsidiary, AfrexInsure, (together, “the Group”). The Bank is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt.
Municipality and province disagree about housing list
DPWI Minister to award bursaries to deserving students
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Sihle Zikalala will on Thursday award bursaries to 100 learners from the class of 2023 Matriculants, who have enrolled to study various built environment courses at universities across the country.
The bursaries are part of the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure’s (DPWI) Skills Pipeline Programme, which is one of government’s initiatives to bring more skilled professionals into the public sector and specifically the built environment.
As part of building a capable and ethical State, the DPWI annually awards bursaries to pupils in need of financial assistance, who display academic excellence and have been accepted for courses in the built environment for their tertiary education.
The bursary programme further aims to increase the number of built environment professionals from previously disadvantaged backgrounds and ensure transformation of the sector.
It also serves as a feeder to the department’s Internship and Young Professionals Programme and later forms a pool of qualified built environment professionals to serve the state in the delivery of infrastructure projects.
The bursary is for careers in the built industry, including Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Marine Engineering, Property Studies/Real Estate, Actuarial Science, Quantity Surveying, Construction Project Management, Landscape Architecture, Architecture and Town and Regional Planning.
The bursary covers tuition, accommodation, meals, textbooks, project and compulsory study resources and a monthly stipend.
In its 10th year of existence since 2014, the DPWI bursary programme has so far benefited over 500 deserving students, an investment of over R160 million into the lives of the students and to bring the required skills into the public sector. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 01/24/2024 - 09:25
The Codeine Care Initiative could save lives Better monitoring of the purchase of codeine can help to stem a growing substance abuse problem. Fueled by popular music, the promise of escapism and the fact that it’s relatively cheap, some of South Africa’s youth have become increasingly addicted to codeine-based over-the-counter products which can be purchased …
Transforming food waste into animal nutrition: how the Shoprite Group feeds 3 000 cattle a day By converting 1 000 tonnes of food waste into animal feed over the past six months, the Shoprite Group is providing enough fodder for up to 3 000 cattle daily as part of its commitment to environmental sustainability and …
Nxesi calls on employers to register vacancies and training opportunities with the department
Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi has called on employers to register their vacancies and available training opportunities on the department’s job placement platform - the Employment Services System of South Africa (ESSA) - to help cushion the effects of poverty and unemployment.
The Minister was speaking at an employer briefing session at Digital Hub in Botshabelo in the Free State on Wednesday. The briefing session coincided with the start of the two-day Jobs Fair held at Kaizer Sebothelo Stadium – Botshabelo Arena, today.
“We are willing and ready to assist you in the recruitment and selection of your future employees, free of charge. In other words, no employer will be charged labour brokering fees where you opt to use our systems. We offer similar services free of charge to work seekers.
“Please get involved in these initiatives so that you are not left behind. They benefit companies; they benefit work seekers, particularly the youth, and they contribute to economic development and help build social cohesion,” the Minister said.
Today’s briefing was also led by discussions on National Labour Migration Policy, the Employment Equity discussions, Labour Activation Programme presentation, Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act and the Provincial Growth and Development Strategy.
“I don’t have to lecture you as employers on the high rate of crime that we are currently experiencing. The youth remain vulnerable in the labour market, it is a ticking time bomb and represents the greatest risk to social stability in South Africa. Mind-sets need to change, innovations need to be sought and collaborations strengthened to bring about a halt to the staggering unemployment amongst youth.
“From our side, we have started this initiative - engaging in a number of Jobs and Career Fairs across the country - and we have been running them for the last two years. We have introduced state of the art mobile units that are assisting a great deal in servicing work seekers. We have partnered with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), as well as with the Department of Basic Education (DBE),” Nxesi said.
He said the partnership with institutions of learning was part of Education for Employability (E4E) - a joint project funded by the European Union to smooth the transition from school to work.
“We are supporting the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative and coordinating various interventions in this regard. We continue to make funding available under the UIF Labour Activation Program towards various partnership projects designed to create employment,” he said.
The department is this week providing an integrated service delivery programme which also includes taking services to the people, unemployment insurance processing, administering the compensation for occupational injuries and diseases claims and conducting blitz inspections.
On Thursday, the Minister is expected to address work seekers during the Jobs Fair at Kaizer Sebothelo Stadium – Botshabelo Arena.
The Free State Jobs Fair follows on the heels of others held last year in Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, North West and Limpopo.
In early January, the department also held a Jobs Fair in Thulamahashe in Mpumalanga Province. More Jobs Fairs are to be held in George, Cape Town and other provinces.
The Department of Employment and Labour Jobs Fair concept seeks to stimulate employment of work seekers particularly amongst youth. The event also provides an opportunity where job seekers can interact with potential employers for placement and learn about available job opportunities.
It is an initiative championed by the Department’s Public Employment Services (PES) branch and seeks to create opportunities for work seekers and provide a platform to interact with prospective employers. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Wed, 01/24/2024 - 14:15
Visitors descended on the KZN Mid-South Coast this festive season and took advantage of the epic holiday programme running at Crocworld Conservation Centre in Scottburgh. There were daily crocodile and bird feedings, talks, and snake demonstrations to keep the whole family captivated. A definite holiday highlight was the 123rd birthday celebration of one of Crocworld’s …
Decline of 2.3% in fatal road crashes during 2023/24 festive season
While the preliminary results for the 2023/24 festive season road traffic statistics show a 2.3% decline in the number of fatal crashes when compared to the same period last year, the data indicates that the majority of those who died were between the ages of 25 and 44.
Releasing the 2023/24 festive season road traffic statistics, Minister of Transport Sindisiwe Chikunga said during the period under review 1 184 fatal crashes were recorded compared to 2022/23 where 1 212 crashes were recorded.
“The period shows that human factors contributed 80.8% of the crashes, environmental factors contributed 10.4% as a result of heavy rainfall and storms, while vehicle factors contributed about 8.8%.
“According to the statistics, 40.9% of those who died were pedestrians, passengers accounted for 33.6%, drivers accounted for 24.6% and cyclists accounted for 0.8%,” Chikunga said on Wednesday in Johannesburg at the N1 Grasmere Toll Gate.
She accredited the decline in fatal crashes to the intensified law enforcement operations conducted and the high police visibility throughout the country.
More than 1.4 million vehicles were stopped and checked during these operations with 7 820 drivers arrested for, among other things, driving under the influence of alcohol, reckless driving, producing false documentation and excessive speeding.
The Minister noted that the festive period was marked by heavy rain and storms, which created challenges on the road.
“Unfortunately, some drivers did not modify their speed in slippery and wet conditions. That resulted in avoidable crashes. Most of the crashes occurred in the first week from 1 December to 5 December, again from 15 December – 21 December and from 22 December to 28 December. The first week incorporated the payday weekend when people had received bonuses and were having end of year parties.
“The third week incorporated the long weekend, industry closure and the people had started travelling while the fourth week incorporated the Christmas long weekend and saw a massive increase in traffic volumes and festivities.
“Most crashes took place in the evening between 7pm and 10pm with the peak between 8pm and 9pm. Most fatalities were also recorded on Sundays, which is a new trend,” Chikunga said.
Five provinces - including the Free State, Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, Limpopo and North West - recorded fewer fatalities while other provinces recorded increases.
The provincial breakdown for provinces is as follows:
“The Eastern Cape is the only province that managed to surpass the target set for it to reduce fatalities by at least 18.6%. In light of this, we will have serious engagements with authorities in the provinces and possibly redefine the targets informed by objective dynamics and available resources on the ground in the provinces,” the Minister said.
She said the number of registered vehicles at the start of the festive season campaign on 1 December 2023, stood at 13 133 035, which was significantly higher than the 12 964 430 registered on 1 December 2022 and thus bringing more 168 000 registered vehicles on to the road.
“I wish to commend our traffic officers, members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and emergency medical services for their sterling work, commitment, and dedication during this period. They sacrificed their family time and pleasure as they committedly enforced the law,” Chikunga said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 01/24/2024 - 14:18
Plastics SA, the umbrella body representing the local plastics industry, successfully hosted a General Plastics Industry Meeting at its head office in Midrand, Johannesburg, on November 30, 2023. The hybrid meeting witnessed enthusiastic participation from representatives spanning various sectors of the South African plastics industry. The meeting commenced with a warm welcome from Deputy Chairman …
The Blitzboks are well known for playing with smiles on their faces, so don’t be surprised to see even more of that in Perth this weekend, when two uncapped players and three returnees to the squad will all bring energy to the squad determined to bounce back from a disappointing outing in Cape Town last …
Having retired from a game she loved so much after a bad injury and then making a very solid return to the team she loves even more almost a decade later will drive the effort from Shona-Leah Weston this weekend when the Springbok Women’s Sevens take on Australia, Canada, and Great Brittain in the HSBC …
Described by even the most hardened competitors as one of the most challenging races on record, South Africa’s Brad Cox (25) was undeterred, putting on an impressive performance on the back of a stellar 2023 season to place 3rd in the Rally2 category and finishing 13th overall in the Bike Category at this year’s Dakar …
Despite our department providing holiday security to 486 schools over the December holidays, we recorded 26 incidents of burglary and vandalism at 24 schools over the holiday period.
While this is a significant decrease compared to the same holiday period last year, when 48 incidents were reported at 42 schools, we are nonetheless disappointed that once again our schools must pick up the pieces after criminal damage and theft.
Items stolen or damaged ranged from gas cylinders and food to computers and cameras. Damaged property included electrical boxes, windows, ceilings, doors and security equipment.
It is unacceptable that funding has to be diverted from educational purposes each year to replace items that have been stolen, or repair infrastructure damaged for no reason, especially in a significantly stressed financial environment.
Damaging and stealing from schools sabotages our children's futures, and we appeal to the public to come forward if they notice anyone attempting to sell goods that have been stolen from our schools. Someone, somewhere knows these perpetrators, and we appeal to them to do the right thing so that our schools cease to be a target of crime.
Reporting any suspicious activity in the vicinity of our schools to South African Police Services (SAPS) or the Safe Schools hotline (0800 45 46 47) immediately can make all the difference in apprehending the perpetrators and recovering stolen property.
Help us to protect our schools and the future of our learners in the Western Cape!
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic Of South Africa: Western Cape Provincial Government.
In the face of South Africa’s bleak economic outlook marked by 41% unemployment, a constrained business environment and decreased investor confidence, The Multi-Party Charter for South Africa has unveiled our plan to arrest this decline by stabilising public finances, generating inclusive economic growth, and enhancing the quality of our education system. Our approach to generating …
Dear Editor The DA has written to President Cyril Ramaphosa requesting that he sign and issue a proclamation authorising the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to launch an investigation into the allegations of corruption levelled at Mninawe Pepi Silinga, the CEO of Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA). The DA made this request in light of the …
The captains of the best 12 men’s and 12 women’s rugby sevens teams in the world were soaking up the sun in Western Australia on Wednesday ahead of the hotly anticipated third round of HSBC SVNS 2024 which takes place in Perth on 26-28 January. Players and fans can look forward to three action-packed days …
New Zealand beat Afghanistan in a dramatic, low-scoring U19 Cricket World Cup contest in East London while England won their second match in a rain-affected game against hosts South Africa. Matt Rowe followed up a sensational, five-wicket burst inside 16 balls with a nerveless shot to hit the winning runs in New Zealand’s one-wicket win …
Initial consultation on National Employment Policy (NEP) concludes
Internal government consultations on the country’s National Employment Policy (NEP) have been concluded and the Department of Employment and Labour will be approaching Cabinet before the end of February to release it for public comment.
This was announced by Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi on Wednesday during an employer briefing session at a Digital Hub located at the Industrial Park in Botshabelo.
The Digital Hub seeks to bridge the digital divide among the township residents and equip young people with skills and knowledge to prepare them for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
The NEP is aimed at fostering a demand-led employment growth and is expected to provide an overarching framework on issues of employment, including the National Labour Migration Policy (NLMP). The NLMP and the Employment Services (ES) Bill are currently in Parliament before the legislators.
Nxesi said the Department of Employment and Labour and the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) are currently working on legislation - the National Labour Migration Policy (NLMP) – that is going to respond decisively to the challenge with respect to foreigner’s employment.
“I can only sound an early warning to employers continuing to employ undocumented migrants to desist – you are stoking up problems for the future. Youth unemployment is a major national challenge and needs urgent and coordinated responses from all of us to address it,” Nxesi said.
The draft NEP provides a number of interventions that include work beyond the Department of Employment and Labour to assist the country in achieving the employment levels indicated in the National Development Plan.
The NEP proposes among others the re-activation of discouraged and inactive work-seekers through targeted interventions at sector, firm and work-seeker level that influence investment, productivity and employment outcomes.
The Minister said the National Labour Migration Policy and the Employment Policy are aimed at strengthening labour market interventions and to further support other related employment interventions that are already part of the macro-economic and fiscal policy framework.
He said the successful implementation of the policies will require inter-departmental collaboration and key stakeholders in the labour market. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Wed, 01/24/2024 - 14:23
“The South African story has already been written in Namibia” where there was a three-year moratorium on sardine and anchovy catch because stocks were so low