MyZA
News, Directory, Events and Other Stuff
As the opening of the 2024 academic year approaches, many prospective tertiary students find themselves without the means to afford their studies. As the last Nelson Mandela once said, “education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”, but how does one afford to educate themselves with the high price …
Africa, a vast and vibrant continent, never fails to offer a dynamic news landscape. From political intrigue to environmental concerns and human triumphs. Here are the top 5 stories shaping the continent’s conversation today: Judge Dikgang Moseneke to Assist South Africa in Genocide Case Against Israel at ICJ: Former Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke of South …
As we stand at the dawn of 2024, it’s time to reflect on the events that defined South Africa in the preceding year. 2023 was a rollercoaster of victories, tragedies, and controversies, all weaving together to paint a poignant picture of our nation’s resilience and adaptability. Here are the top 5 news stories that dominated …
As the work week kicks off in South Africa, the news landscape continues to hold our attention with a mix of political intrigue, environmental concerns, and human triumphs. Here’s a rundown of the top 5 stories shaping the nation’s conversation today: Judge Dikgang Moseneke to Assist with South Africa’s Genocide Case Against Israel at ICJ: …
Another new record has been set by the Vodacom United Rugby Championship today with the league setting an all-time high for single-round attendance. The 19,703 fans who attended the final game of Round 8 in Durban, where the Hollywoodbets Sharks took on the Emirates Lions, pushed the total for the round to over 135,747 which …
At 09h38, Saturday, 6 January, the City of Cape Town (CoCT) water rescue network was activated, following reports to NSRI EOC (Emergency Operations Centre) from CoCT (City of Cape Town 107 Control Room, to a drowning in progress at the Zandvlei Estuary mouth, Muizenberg, in the surf line. CoCT Muizenberg lifeguards dispatched a rescue jet-ski …
Ashwell Gavin Prince (born 28 May 1977) is a former South African cricketer and captain who played all formats of the game for South Africa. At the age of 29, he became the first non-white man to captain the South African cricket team when he stood in for the injured Graeme Smith in two Tests. …
The fixtures for the ninth edition of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup have been revealed with the event to be co-hosted by the West Indies and the USA from 1 to 29 June 2024. Fans can register their interest for tickets here. The pinnacle ICC men’s T20 event will see a record 20 teams …
BAL's Expanded Fourth Season Will Feature Record 48 Games in Pretoria; Cairo, Egypt; Dakar, Senegal and Kigali, Rwanda; Fans Can Visit BAL.NBA.com to Register Their Interest in Tickets; 30 Aspiring Players from Africa, Europe, the U.S. and Around the World to Attend BAL Combine in Rabat, Morocco Jan. 5-7.
The Basketball Africa League (BAL) today announced that the league's expanded fourth season will tip off on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria, South Africa. The 2024 BAL season will feature the top 12 club teams from 12 African countries playing a record 48 games in Pretoria; Cairo, Egypt; Dakar, Senegal; and Kigali, Rwanda over four months, marking the first BAL games in South Africa and the first time the league will play games in four different countries. Fans can register their interest in tickets to games in all four markets at BAL.NBA.com.
During the 2024 BAL season, the 12 teams will be divided into three conferences of four teams each. Each conference will play a 12-game group phase during which each team will face the other three teams in its conference twice. The inaugural Kalahari Conference group phase will take from Saturday, March 9 – Sunday, March 17 at the SunBet Arena. The Nile Conference group phase will take place from Friday, April 19 – Saturday, April 27 at Hassan Mostafa Indoor Sports Complex in Cairo. The Sahara Conference group phase will take place from Saturday, May 4 – Sunday, May 12 at the Dakar Arena in Dakar. The top two teams from each conference and the top two third-place teams from across the three conferences will travel to Kigali for four seeding games followed by an eight-game, single-elimination Playoffs and Finals from Friday, May 24 – Saturday, June 1.
The BAL also today announced that the league will host a Combine in Rabat, Morocco from Friday, Jan. 5 – Sunday, Jan. 7, marking the league's first Combine in Africa after previous editions in New York City and Paris. The three-day scouting event, which will be held at the Ibn Yassine Omnisports Hall, will feature 30 aspiring players from Africa, Europe, the U.S. and around the world taking part in anthropometric and athletic testing, positional skill development, and 5-on-5 games in front of team executives, coaches and scouts. Former NBA player Robert Pack will serve as Combine Camp Director.
“We are thrilled to play the first BAL games in Pretoria, South Africa and to return to Dakar, Cairo and Kigali, where we've seen tremendous fan engagement over the past three seasons,” said Fall. “As we get ready for the 2024 BAL season, we remain committed to continuing to improve the quality of our on-court product, and this Combine in Rabat will once again showcase top-flight players, including from across the African Diaspora, who can contribute significantly to BAL teams and further establish the BAL as a world-class professional basketball league.”
On Jan. 5 as part of the Combine, the BAL will host a U-23 “BAL4HER” identification camp that will bring together 20 female players and four female coaches from across Morocco to participate in on-court basketball development programming. The camp is part of a series to identify 20 of the top female players from across Africa who will participate in a five-day camp in Kigali in conjunction with the 2024 BAL Playoffs and Finals. The league will also host a coaching clinic for 200 local coaches. BAL President Amadou Gallo Fall, FIBA Africa and BAL Board President Anibal Manave, and 2011 NBA champion and BAL Ambassador Ian Mahinmi will attend the Combine and interact with all of the participants.
During his 13-year NBA career, Pack played for the Portland Trail Blazers, Denver Nuggets, Washington Bullets, New Jersey Nets, Dallas Mavericks, Minnesota Timberwolves and New Orleans Hornets. He previously served as head coach of Rwanda Energy Group (REG) in the BAL and as an assistant coach for the LA Clippers, Oklahoma City Thunder, New Orleans Pelicans and Washington Wizards in the NBA.
Rwanda Development Board, NIKE, Jordan Brand and Wilson will return as BAL Foundational Partners. The league's roster of world-class marketing partners also includes Afreximbank, Hennessy and RwandAir.
The 12 BAL teams, conferences, game schedule and additional information about the 2024 BAL season will be announced in the coming months.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Basketball Africa League (BAL).
Contact:
Edwin Eselem
Basketball Africa League
+221 78 615 42 87
EEselem@theBAL.com
About the BAL:
The Basketball Africa League (BAL), a partnership between the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and NBA Africa, is a professional league featuring 12 club teams from across Africa that will tip off its fourth season in March 2024. Headquartered in Dakar, Senegal, the BAL builds on the foundation of club competitions FIBA Africa has organized across the continent and marks the NBA's first collaboration to operate a league outside North America. Fans can follow the BAL (@theBAL) on Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/3TQoHlc), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3TNa7e0), X (https://apo-opa.co/47j0yqo), and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/3twvshm) and register their interest in receiving more information at BAL.NBA.com.
From New South Wales to South Wales, via days in Devon, it’s been some rugby journey for the American-born Jack Walsh. It’s one which has brought him to a country, a team and a league he loves, with the 23-year-old utility back having become a key figure in the Ospreys’ Vodacom URC campaign. For Walsh, …
The International Cricket Council (ICC) today revealed the final group of outstanding performers shortlisted in three ICC Awards 2023 categories; the ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year, the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy for ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year and the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year. The reveal …
Head Coach Claire Cruikshank has named her squad for Edinburgh Rugby’s Celtic Challenge second round clash against the Irish Wolfhounds at Hive Stadium (Saturday 6 January, 2pm kick-off) – live on BBC Sport website, BBC iPlayer and RugbyPass TV. Having won an historic opening match against Glasgow last week, the team will look to build …
The return of EPCR’s tournaments with qualification for the knockout stages on the line will see Ireland’s Chris Busby taking charge of the key Investec Champions Cup, Pool 1 clash between in-form Union Bordeaux-Bègles and Saracens on Sunday week (14 January) following the announcement of the referees for Rounds 3 and 4 of the Investec …
The teams for Saturday’s Round 8 fixture of the Vodacom United Rugby Championship between Hollywoodbets Sharks and Emirates Lions have been named with all details of match officials and broadcast information below. #SHAvLIO Gerbrandt Grobler returns from injury to start for the Hollywoodbets Sharks Reinhard Nothnagel has been named in Emirates Lions match day squad …
Tourism department thanks local travellers
The Department of Tourism has thanked South Africans who have supported local establishments and boosted the tourism sector during the recent holiday period.
With the decrease in the fuel price that came into effect on 3 January 2024, the department has encouraged citizens to take a last-minute January break to mentally prepare for the year, while reducing stress and supporting physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.
“Our country has a wealth of diverse tourism and cultural offerings nestled in our small dorpies, townships and villages. This part of the domestic market is the backbone of the tourism sector, playing a crucial role in addressing the holiday and leisure needs of our visitors, while creating much needed employment for our citizenry,” department spokesperson Tasneem Carrim said on Thursday.
On Wednesday, motorists welcomed a decrease in the price of petrol, with 93 (ULP & LRP) decreasing by 62 cents a litre, while the price of 95 (ULP & LRP) decreased by 76 cents a litre. The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy attributed the adjustment of fuel prices to current local and international factors.
The price of diesel (0.005% sulphur) came down by 126.32 cents a litre and the price of illuminating paraffin (wholesale) decreased by 93 cents per litre, and the Single Maximum National Retail Price (SMNRP) for illuminating paraffin came down by R1.24 per litre.
“We encourage everyone to take some time now to explore the fun and diverse tourism offerings across the country. Whether it is a Sho’t Left to a quaint picnic park, nature reserve or heritage attraction, the decrease in the fuel price will facilitate ease of access to our attractions and contribute to growing tourism communities,” Carrim said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Fri, 01/05/2024 - 10:29
Two arrested in missing Sibongile Portia Ngwana case
Two men have been arrested in connection with the disappearance of Sibongile Portia Ngwana who was reported missing by her family at the Mangaung Police Station on Tuesday, 28 November 2023.
“Information led to the arrest of two African males aged 27 and 33 on Thursday, 04 January 2024. They were confirmed to be foreign nationals. Further investigation led to the discovery of remains on an open veld near M10 Road,” said the police in a statement.
“The remains were confirmed by an expert who also visited the scene to be the remains of a human being; nevertheless forensic tests still need to be done to ascertain the identity if its indeed the remains of the reported missing Sibongile Ngwana,” said the police.
Free State Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane said: “We are pleased with the progress made by the multi-disciplinary team charged with these investigations. We appeal to our communities and next of kin to be patient and allow formal tests to be conducted before we presume the identity of these human remains.”
The police said further investigations are continuing and more arrests are expected.
The two suspects are meanwhile detained and will appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrate Court soon. – SAnews.gov.za
Janine
Fri, 01/05/2024 - 11:09
Friday, 05 January 2024 JOHANNESBURG: The annual Cricket South Africa (CSA) Cubs Week will take place from 05-10 January 2024...
Operation Shanela efforts pay off in Tshwane
Efforts to combat crime in the City of Tshwane continue to pay off, as 371 suspects have been arrested as part of Operation Shanela, which focused on high-visibility patrols in crime hotspots, compliance inspections and raids at liquor outlets in different areas of the city.
The operation was executed on Thursday, in collaboration with various stakeholders, including the Departments of Home Affairs and Labour; the Gauteng Traffic Department, Tshwane Metro Police Department, crime prevention wardens, Community Policing Forums and local councillors.
“Throughout the operation, Tshwane Detective teams successfully apprehended a total of 371 suspects. Among them were 79 individuals involved in gender-based violence, four charged with murder, three with attempted murder, eight involved in armed robbery and five arrested for rape.
“Three uniformed groups, comprising two tactical teams and a roadblock group, were tasked to police the areas of Garsfontein and Boschkop. The tactical groups inspected 29 liquor premises, with four of them being not compliant with the Liquor Act and liquor totalling 90.6 litres were confiscated and will be destroyed upon finalisation of the criminal cases,” the South African Police Service (SAPS) said on Thursday.
A motorcycle was impounded for further investigation after it was found abandoned.
Eighty-nine undocumented foreign nationals were detained and will undergo deportation once the legal processes have been finalised.
One suspect was arrested for possession of drugs.
"Throughout the operation's duration, a total of five premises, 1 412 persons and 747 vehicles were searched, with 12 vehicles being tested to ensure they were not stolen, which resulted in the issuing of 191 Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) infringement notices, totalling R104 250. The Department of Labour inspected 11 businesses and subsequently issued 10 businesses with contravention notices,” the SAPS said.
Through intensified high-density operations under the Operation Shanela umbrella, regular roadblocks, stop and searches and the tracking and tracing of wanted suspects was carried out regularly during the Safer Festive Season operations.
The heightened police visibility during the holiday period and beyond is aimed at preventing, combating, and at the same time, countering serious and violent crime. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Fri, 01/05/2024 - 11:21
TSHWANE: In anticipation of the highly awaited multi-format tour to Australia later this month, Cricket South Africa (CSA) has today...
President approves MoU to strengthen action against load shedding
President Cyril Ramaphosa has approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) entered into by Minister of Public Enterprises Pravin Gordhan and Minister of Electricity Kgosientsho Ramokgopa to better clarify their respective responsibilities with respect to Eskom and the resolution of the electricity crisis.
The MoU establishes a firm basis for a collaborative approach between the Ministers in exercising their assigned powers and functions.
“While significant progress has been made in reducing the severity of load shedding, much work still needs to be done to guarantee a secure supply of electricity. The collaborative approach outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding will further strengthen Eskom’s efforts to resolve the electricity crisis,” President Ramaphosa said in a statement on Friday.
The MoU outlines the roles and responsibilities of the Minister of Electricity as follows:
The Presidency said the MoU takes into account the Eskom Memorandum of Incorporation, which makes it obligatory to inform the Minister of Public Enterprises of critical decisions in this respect.
The MoU stipulates that the Minister of Public Enterprises will:
The MoU makes provision for regular review meetings between the Ministers to address any impediments to its implementation. The Ministers will also have regular review meetings with the President.
“The Ministers will work together more closely and with their respective responsibilities clearly outlined to ensure the effective implementation of the Energy Action Plan,” the President said.
The President announced the Energy Action Plan in July 2022 as South Africa’s plan to end load shedding and achieve energy security. It outlines a bold set of actions aimed at fixing Eskom and adding as much new generation capacity as possible, as quickly as possible, to close the gap in electricity supply.
The arrangement outlined in the MoU will be operational until the end of the current administration. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Fri, 01/05/2024 - 11:48
President Cyril Ramaphosa has approved a Memorandum of Understanding entered into by Minister of Public Enterprises Pravin Gordhan and Minister of Electricity Kgosientsho Ramokgopa to better clarify their respective responsibilities with respect to Eskom and the resolution of the electricity crisis. The MoU establishes a firm basis for a collaborative approach between the Ministers in exercising their assigned powers and functions.
The MoU outlines the roles and responsibilities of the Minister of Electricity as follows:
The MoU takes into account the Eskom Memorandum of Incorporation, which makes it obligatory to inform the Minister of Public Enterprises of critical decisions in this respect.
The MoU stipulates that the Minister of Public Enterprises will:
The MoU makes provision for regular review meetings between the Ministers to address any impediments to the implementation of the MOU. The Ministers will also have regular review meetings with the President.
Commenting on the MoU, President Cyril Ramaphosa said: “While significant progress has been made in reducing the severity of load shedding, much work still needs to be done to guarantee a secure supply of electricity. The collaborative approach outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding will further strengthen Eskom's efforts to resolve the electricity crisis.”
“The Ministers will work together more closely and with their respective responsibilities clearly outline to ensure the effective implementation of the Energy Action Plan,” he said.
The arrangement outlined in the MoU will be operational until the end of the current administration.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency: Republic of South Africa.
President meets with RSF leader to discuss developments on peace in Sudan
President Cyril Ramaphosa has received the leader of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), General Mohamed Dagalo of the Republic of Sudan, at his Mahlamba Ndlopfu official residence in Pretoria.
“The President welcomed the briefing from General Dagalo and commended the central role of the African Union and IGAD [Intergovernmental Authority on Development], under the chairship of Djibouti, in mediating between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), and participation of the people of Sudan and civil society in finding a lasting solution to the security and political challenges,” the Presidency said on Thursday.
The President expressed South Africa’s support for the imminent face-to-face dialogue between General Dagalo and General Burhan.
He also reiterated the need for an immediate ceasefire, and the dialogue towards permanent cessation of hostilities. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Fri, 01/05/2024 - 10:35
Mohammed Siraj is an Indian cricketer who plays as a right-arm fast bowler for the Indian national team. He also plays for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League and Hyderabad in domestic cricket. Mohammed Siraj registered his career-best figures of 6-15. Shardul Thakur (7-61) and Harbhajan Singh (7-120) both have seven-wicket hauls in …
In the fast-paced world of technology, property owners are constantly seeking innovative ways to enhance the functionality and efficiency of their spaces. One such solution that has gained significant traction in recent years is C-Bus. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of what C-Bus is and how it can benefit property owners. What …