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The South African landscape continues to pulse with stories ranging from legal battles and environmental concerns to human triumphs and economic anxieties. As the sun paints the nation in golden hues today, January 19, 2024, here are the top 5 news stories capturing the nation’s attention: Water Woes Intensify in the Western Cape: The Western …
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The Marthinus family lived in a library for a month after being evicted from the farm where they had lived for 20 years
Matrics of 2023 make history!
The Matric Class of 2023 have achieved a pass rate of 82.9% - the highest pass rate in the history of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations.
More than 890 000 full-time and part-time candidates sat for the matric exams administered by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) at the end of 2023.
At the release of the 2023 National Senior Certificate examination results on Thursday, Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga said 572 983 candidates passed the 2023 NSC exams.
“It should be noted that while the pass rate of the 2023 NSC exams in number is the second highest in the history of the NSC exams, when expressed as a percentage, the pass rate of the 2023 NSC exams is the highest in the history of the NSC so far. This represents 572 983 candidates who passed the 2023 NSC exams.
“When expressed in number, it is the second highest pass rate in the history of the NSC examinations. The Class of 2023's achievement is an improvement of 2.8% and 6.5% from the pass rates achieved by the Classes of 2022 and 2021, respectively,” the Minister said.
The Minister commended the improvement of the education sector over the past 10 years, with Grade 12 learners notably achieving an 80.1% pass rate in 2022, and 76.4% in 2021.
The provincial rankings for the 2023 results are as follows:
Achievements
The Class of 2023 also scored the highest Bachelor passes – which allow candidates to apply for university Bachelor’s degree studies – in the history of the NSC, with 40.9% of candidates attaining that achievement.
Diploma level passes stand at some 27.2% of candidates. Higher Certificates are at 14.8%, while those who passed with a National Senior Certificate stands at 0.01%.
Motshekga praised the Class of 2023 for defying what she called “astronomical challenges” – including the COVID-19 pandemic during their high school years - to reach the milestone.
“There is no doubt that the basic education system has begun to reach the desired stability, which is healthy for a large and important system as ours.
“The unquestionable resilience our school community has shown against such a devastating pandemic and other challenges, such as sporadic service delivery protests, the floods in some provinces, violence, and the general moral decadence, such as alcohol and substance abuse, cannot go by unnoticed,” she said.
The Minister emphasised that the improved pass rate is a clear indication that cooperation from all spheres of the sector can enable learners to perform at their best.
“Clearly, the system cannot survive without the direct involvement of all communities of trust, not only those who are part of the sector, but everyone.
“The Class of 2023 has clearly demonstrated that with all requisite support and intervention programmes, we can make it. We must prioritise our interventions on teaching and learning losses. Support and intervention programmes must be implemented across the system,” Motshekga said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 01/18/2024 - 20:58
NSC 2023 achievements a result of sectoral support
Department of Basic Education Director-General (DG) Hubert Mweli has attributed the achievements of the matric Class of 2023 to the “extraordinary support” the learners received throughout the year.
The DG was speaking during a technical briefing ahead of the announcement of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) results held at the Mosaïek in Johannesburg on Thursday.
The Class of 2023, with more than 890 000 full-time and part-time candidates, produced a pass rate of some 82.9% - the highest in percentage points in the history of the NSC.
“This class has been provided with extraordinary support. The reality is that we are an unequal society. We still remain an unequal society. When others have got a number of tutors lined up for them, learners in the villages, in the townships, in the informal settlements…the only expert they rely on is the teacher.
“In South Africa, our government – across all the nine provinces – provides comprehensive support to our learners. This support does not begin in Grade 12, it starts from the foundation phase.”
Mweli explained that the Learner Support Programmes for the matriculants this year had distinct features. These included:
“We even followed through in our support. We actioned research, we checked the impact, we tracked learner performance on a monthly basis and on a quarterly basis to determine whether there is any impact in terms of the support that has been provided,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 01/18/2024 - 21:03
Currently the Department of Water and Sanitation cannot directly intervene when municipalities fail to supply drinking water up to standard
Government empowers citizens throught tv programme
Government has packaged a television programme to empower, inform and educate citizens regarding initiatives that can improve their lives by profiling its programmes.
“We are giving voices to communities. We are sharing our content with the broader communities in this country. We are giving ordinary citizens an opportunity to talk about their daily experiences,” Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) Chief Director: Communication Service Agency, Neli Shuping, said in Pretoria on Thursday.
Shuping was addressing a special screening for a 13-episode Advertiser Funded Programme (AFP) called Citizens Connect, which will be flighted on SABC 2 starting on Thursday, 18 January 2024 at 20:30.
Repeats will be played on Fridays from 12:00 – 12:30 and it will be available on the SABC Plus streaming platform.
The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said the collaboration with SABC 2 was testament to government’s commitment to reaching a diverse audience and delivering impactful content.
“This is a massive milestone for the GCIS and it is a significant project that will be flighted on one of the biggest platforms, which is the SABC. The latest research on television advertisements shows that the engagement on ads from viewers has decreased, so having a programme like this is monumental as it provides an opportunity to communicate government messages,” Shuping said.
Citizens Connect is a social reality programme featuring government content, re-enactments and discussions on matters relating to gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), anti-corruption and the Economic Recovery and Reconstruction Plan (ERRP).
The programme is aimed at encouraging active citizenry, inspiring change while informing and profiling government programmes. The choice of SABC 2 as a channel was informed by government’s efforts to engage and inform the public through a platform that has a wide audience and reaches many households across South Africa.
“We call on all South Africans across all spheres of life to follow and tune into SABC 2 from Thursday, 18 January – 22 March 2024 at 20:30, to follow and engage on the 13 episodes of Citizens Connect, which will significantly touch on various interventions and experiences of citizens with government on issues that are essential to their lives. Through storytelling and engaging content, we aspire to inspire a collective shift towards an informed and engaged society,” said Acting Director General of GCIS, Nomonde Mnukwa.
One of the episodes focuses on entrepreneurship and the government programmes that are intended to assist business owners with funding and business development.
The episode features two entrepreneurs who share their journeys in business and how they have navigated challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing load shedding.
Communications Manager for the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), Lwazilwaphesheya Khoza, informed viewers about the Voucher Programme, which range from R6 600 to R19 800. The voucher is used to purchase business support services from approved service providers.
She suggested that entrepreneurs could use the vouchers to buy inverters or generators to help keep the lights on during load shedding.
There is no contribution fee required for young entrepreneurs to participate in the Voucher Programme. Each registered entity is entitled to a maximum of two vouchers as per business development phase.
Minister of Small Business Development Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, who was interviewed at the special screening, shared information about government programmes aimed at assisting entrepreneurs. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 01/18/2024 - 12:45
Motshekga congratulates matric class of 2023 top achievers
Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga, was beaming this morning as she congratulated learners who have produced excellent results in their National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams.
“I stand here with an immense sense of pride as we host our best learners. And for the year, we presented over 800 000 learners and more than 750 000 were full time learners and to be here, I’m sure it’s unbelievable. Indeed, you’re ahead of the pack in so many ways,” she told the country’s cream of the crop on Thursday.
Motshekga and Deputy Minister, Dr Reginah Mhaule, hosted a breakfast for the 2023 matric top achievers at the MTN Innovation Centre in Randburg, Johannesburg.
“I want to congratulate you and say thank you for making us very proud. Is it not so parents? You have made us really proud. For that, we’re really grateful to our children,” Motshekga added.
She told the boffins that their achievement was not a small feat and described their success as an honour that they would carry for the rest of their lives.
“South Africa stands with a sense of pride to commemorate the exceptional achievement of the 2023 top matric learners. Not matric learners, but top matric learners,” Motshekga stressed.
She told the attendees that the moment was not only a celebration of academic excellence but a testament to the resilience and determination of the youngsters.
“The class of 2023 was no ordinary class and indeed it has demonstrated extraordinary perseverance. In a period marked by post-pandemic challenges, we [weathered the storm].
“And those in the public system came back to school in September and those in the public sector, we started rotating you… I always tell people that we don’t set an exam the year of the exam. Whether the pandemic hits, the [question] paper is set three years in [advance]. So, you have to sail through.”
One of the celebrated achievers, Kamohelo Mosikili, 18, from Selelekela Senior Secondary School in Bloemfontein said he dedicated his time to learning for his exams and that there was no time for games.
He told a journalist that he was planning to study computer science at the University of Cape Town as he dreams of becoming a software engineer.
Some of the attendees were proud parents who could not stop smiling.
“We are extremely thankful to have our son as a top achiever. It is only through hard work that he was able to make it this far,” said Jean and Lientjie Goodey, the parents of one of the top achievers who were honoured.
The Minister will again join the top achievers on stage this evening where she will deliver the ministerial announcement on the results at the Mosaïek Church, in Randburg, Johannesburg.
Meanwhile, the matric results for the NSC exams are expected to be released on Friday, 19 January.
On Monday, the national education quality assurance body, Umalusi, approved the release of the NSC exams.
This was announced by Umalusi Council Chairperson Prof Yunus Ballim.
“As we look ahead, let us continue to strive for an education system that enables an inclusive society where every child can achieve their full potential regardless of their background,” Motshekga added. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 01/18/2024 - 13:09
4 000 families to receive houses in the Northern Cape
Government is set to build over 4 000 houses in municipalities across the Northern Cape over the course of the next 12 to 18 months, in a programme valued at R1 billion.
“Through this project, thousands of families will now have a home they can call their own, an asset that can be used to improve their lives and access financing for their needs, and a home that can be passed on to future generations,” President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Thursday.
Addressing the launch in Kimberley, President Ramaphosa described the mega-housing project as the biggest in the history of the Northern Cape.
“This project is going to help reduce the housing backlog in the Northern Cape, as more people have access to housing in urban and rural areas. The most vulnerable in our society will be prioritised as beneficiaries of this mega-housing project.
“We will strive to ensure that the elderly, child-headed households, military veterans and persons with disabilities get priority in the allocation of these houses. What is significant about this project is that it will also address the housing needs of the so-called ‘missing middle’, people who have a form of income but do not qualify for either subsidised housing or home loans with commercial banks,” President Ramaphosa said.
The project will also be allocating funds to eradicate informal settlements and unsuitable housing structures like mud homes.
“This project is going to create work and business opportunities in the Northern Cape across its lifespan. These opportunities will be in the construction itself, in the sourcing and production of building materials, in the laying down of bulk infrastructure, in the supply of professional services and other economic activities associated with the project.
“We will be prioritising women and youth-owned businesses. We are determined that it will be Northern Cape residents and Northern Cape businesses that will benefit from the opportunities that will be created,” the President said.
He assured residents that the province has put measures in place to ensure these housing projects are delivered within the projected timeframes, according to budget and without any wastage or corruption.
“We know that right here in Roodepan and in other parts of the municipality there are social housing structures that were not built according to quality standards, or are facing challenges with wastewater drainage and groundwater seepage.
“This will not be allowed to happen again. We are going to ensure that the contractors appointed to this project observe the highest construction standards,” the President said.
He said the launch of the project is a further demonstration that government is making good on its commitment to fulfil the human rights of all South Africans.
“Providing houses for the poor and vulnerable who are dependent on government support requires innovative funding mechanisms. We have to mobilise resources in partnership with financial institutions, especially development finance institutions.
“By leveraging the Human Settlements Development Grant, the Northern Cape has secured funding through a loan facility of National Treasury and the Development Bank of Southern Africa to build these top structures and housing units.
“This loan will further be augmented by funding from the fiscus and the provincial government to achieve the total project value. This will significantly shorten the time it takes to build these houses,” the President said.
Thirty years of democracy
Despite the current challenges in the country, the President said government has made progress in expanding access to housing since the advent of democracy.
“This year, we celebrate 30 years since achieving our democracy. Last year, Statistics South Africa released the results of Census 2022, which give an indication of the strides we have made in improving the lives of the South African people.
“When the census was conducted in 2022, nearly 9 out of every 10 households were living in formal dwellings. When the first census in a democratic South Africa was held in 1996, only 6 out of every 10 households lived in a formal dwelling.
“In South Africa today, 8 out of every 10 households have access to piped water either inside their home or in the yard. These are achievements we must celebrate,” President Ramaphosa said.
He said over 4.7 million housing opportunities have been provided since the advent of democracy.
This includes stand-alone houses, multiple storey and multi-unit buildings and serviced stands.
“Security of tenure has been granted to the many households who live in pre-1994 government rental houses. We have given subsidies and transferred title deeds to approximately 376 000 qualifying beneficiaries of these homes.
“We have been working to eradicate spatial inequality by building socially and economically sustainable human settlements close to places of work, study and recreation,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 01/18/2024 - 13:17
About 30 parents from a neighbouring suburb insist their children be allowed to attend Florida Park High
Liquid Intelligent Technologies (Liquid) (https://www.Liquid.Tech/), a business of Cassava Technologies, a pan-African technology group, proudly announces its attainment of the Cisco Gold Certified Partner certification level for its South African operations. Liquid SA is now one of a few select partners in Africa to achieve this milestone, joining an elite group of system integrators with proven expertise and competency in Cisco technologies and solutions.
“The Cisco Gold Certification is another validation for our customers as we continue to be the digital service provider of choice for businesses in South Africa. This certification reflects our team's expertise and commitment to meeting the highest industry standards. While this is an accomplishment for Liquid SA, it is a win for our customers, who will reap the benefits of higher levels of expertise, access to advanced technologies, comprehensive support, and the assurance that they are working with a partner that has a proven track record in delivering Cisco solutions,” says Deon Geyser, CEO of Liquid Intelligent Technologies South Africa.
The Gold Certification confirms that Liquid SA will deliver superior service and support capabilities, underpinned by an extensive evaluation process. The certification also ensures that customers are supported by a team of ISO quality-level personnel proficient in delivering network and managed services.
"For us, collaboration and the power of partnerships is what drives innovation to meet evolving customer needs. This milestone not only reflects the dedication and expertise of Liquid Intelligent Technologies but also exemplifies a shared commitment to advancing network services in South Africa. We are proud to partner with a company that upholds the highest standards of excellence, and together, we look forward to shaping the future of connectivity for South African customers with cutting-edge solutions and unparalleled service deliver,”says Hayward Rose, Partner Channel Lead for Sub-Saharan Africa at Cisco.
While these services are available with immediate effect to existing and potential Liquid SA customers, the Gold Certification represents a culmination of years of successfully delivering Cisco projects and services as part of the company's goal to enhance its customers' experience on their digital journey, while ensuring that no African business is left behind.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Liquid Intelligent Technologies.
About Liquid Intelligent Technologies:
Liquid Intelligent Technologies is a business of Cassava Technologies, a pan-African technology group with operations in over 25 countries in Africa. Liquid has firmly established itself as the leading provider of pan-African digital infrastructure with a 110,000 km-long fibre broadband network and satellite connectivity that provides high-speed access to the Internet anywhere in Africa. Liquid is also leveraging its digital network to provide Cloud and Cyber Security solutions through strategic partnerships with leading global players. Liquid is a comprehensive technology solutions group that provides customised digital solutions to public and private sector enterprises and SMEs across the continent. For more information, visit https://www.Liquid.Tech/.
About Cisco:
Cisco is the worldwide technology leader that securely connects everything to make anything possible. Our purpose is to power an inclusive future for all by helping our customers reimagine their applications, power hybrid work, secure their enterprise, transform their infrastructure, and meet their sustainability goals. Discover more on The Newsroom (https://apo-opa.co/47zxJ9i) and follow us on X at @Cisco (https://apo-opa.co/3u7sRKK).
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