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Ross Badenhorst, NSRI Plettenberg Bay duty coxswain, said: At 14h23, Tuesday, 19 December, NSRI Plettenberg Bay duty crew were activated following reports of a mass drowning in progress at Natures Valley, at a beach adjacent to the lifeguard protected beach. Bitou lifeguards were alerted and they responded to that beach where they entered the water, …
RugbyPassTV, the world’s home of rugby content online, is shining a light on the world of wheelchair rugby from 19 December with the release of a new feature length, all access documentary “Hit Hard”. The film follows the fortunes of Australia, the USA and France in their quest for glory at the International Wheelchair Rugby …
The 15th edition of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup is set to begin on 19 January in South Africa, and with just 30 days to go, the excitement is already palpable. Featuring young and upcoming talent from 16 nations, the tournament will excite fans the world over across 24 days, during the course …
Three weekends of local Vodacom United Rugby Championship derbies will add to the festive cheer for South Africa’s rugby faithful, with all four participating teams in action over the holiday season. The DHL Stormers will host the Vodacom Bulls in Cape Town on Saturday, 23 December, with the Hollywoodbets Sharks travelling to Cape Town a …
Club stalwart, centurion and co-captain Grant Gilchrist has put pen-to-paper on a new deal, keeping him in the capital until at least June 2025. The one-club man – now in his 13th season with Edinburgh Rugby – was named co-captain alongside Ben Vellacott at the start of the new campaign, his fifth year in a …
With only 30 days to go until the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup commences in South Africa, attention is set to turn to the future stars of the game once more, and excitement is building before the action begins on 19 January. The schedule for the event was announced earlier this month, and will …
With the right help, there’s no bad time to sell a property. However, the festive season can present a few unique selling challenges. “Firstly the first thing sellers will need to navigate is the moderate buyer activity as people shift focus to family, friends, travel and entertainment,” says David Jacobs, Regional Sales Manager for the …
Dubai, UAE, 08 December 2023 – Young children (0 – 8 years) stand out as one of the groups most vulnerable to the impacts of the climate crisis, which is already having detrimental effects on their health, development and well-being. In response to this reality, the UAE’s Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Abu …
South Africa’s Proteas beat India by 8 wickets after losing only 1 wicket with Tony De Zorzi (119), Reeza Hendricks (36), Aiden Markram (2) Extras (5), De Zorzi’s score was higher than the Proteas Total Score in the last ODI that they lost against India. There MUST be something in the Gqeberha Air as the …
In a landscape rich with an entrepreneurial spirit, KVD Communications proudly partners with Blackstone Maverick, a flourishing small business entering South Africa’s perfume industry. Amidst the current small business landscape, where opportunities are bound for economic growth, this collaboration underscores our commitment to supporting and championing local SMEs, creating circular economies and empowering families to …
Disaster teams respond to Dundee flood victims
KwaZulu-Natal Disaster Management teams have swiftly responded to the disaster caused by devastating thunderstorms in and around Dundee, under Umzinyathi District, following inclement weather that wreaked havoc on Monday night.
According to the Provincial Disaster Management Centre preliminary reports, a thunderstorm, which lasted about 45 minutes, swept through Sithembile Township, outside Dundee, tragically claiming one life – an adult male who was struck by lightning and later succumbed to his injuries.
Six people were also injured as roofs and walls collapsed on top of them. Some victims were rushed to hospital, while others received treatment in their homes.
The provincial Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) department said the damage caused includes flooding in numerous households within the township and fallen trees resulting in blocked roads.
“There was also significant damage to infrastructure, including roads, fences, and bridges. Several businesses suffered losses, including farmers who lost livestock and crops.
“Assessments indicate that about 173 households were damaged, affecting 1 211 people. The teams are still on the ground conducting further assessments,” the department said.
Meanwhile, another incident of destruction was also recorded in areas under Umgungundlovu District Municipality, where a few houses were damaged in different local municipalities.
The department said no injuries or fatalities were reported to date, and assessments are also ongoing in the affected areas.
KwaZulu-Natal CoGTA MEC Bongiwe Sithole-Moloi has extended her heartfelt condolences to the grieving family and wished a speedy recovery to all people who sustained injuries.
Sithole-Moloi has encouraged all disaster management centres in the municipalities to continue conducting assessments and to help people affected by the incidents.
The MEC assured that the disaster response teams will continue to provide relief to the affected families.
Concerns about recurring devastating rains
Meanwhile, Sithole-Moloi has raised the department’s concerns about the recurring devastating rains in the province, saying it is an alarming indication of the impact of global warming.
She said the department has been issuing weather warnings and recently launched a Multi-Agency Disaster Awareness campaign, collaborating with various stakeholders to raise awareness, mitigate risks, and respond effectively to disasters.
“While some weather incidents are unavoidable, we encourage our residents to heed warnings and relocate to safer areas when advised. We have also collaborated with other departments, such as Social Development and Human Settlements, to ensure that the victims receive support in different forms.
“Our teams have distributed blankets, plastic sheets, mattresses, and food parcels to the affected families as part of the relief efforts. Public facilities such as community halls have been made available for temporary shelter, although no families have opted for this option,” Sithole-Moloi said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 12/20/2023 - 11:26
The vibrant city of Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape will host four exceptional local talents in a group Nando’s Creative Exchange show, each with their own unique artistic style and perspective, from an exploration of racial identity, through experiments with media and tools, to ‘slices of life’. The four are brought together by the Spier …
City of Ekurhuleni officials arrested for alleged fuel theft
Two City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) municipality officials have been arrested on allegations that they were stealing diesel belonging to the municipality.
According to the CoE, the two were arrested following a sting operation conducted at an agricultural holding by the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department, various law enforcement agencies and private security stakeholders.
“The first suspect was arrested when he came in to off-load diesel and the rest were nabbed at the Springs Depot. Also arrested were the owner of the private bus fleet company and two of his employees in the facility where the diesel was being off-loaded.
“The arrests followed an ongoing intelligence-driven operation that has been surveilling the city’s vehicles, mainly trucks, which had been spotted on several instances off-loading diesel at the facility, which is a private bus depot. Following weeks of investigations, the private security operators working under supervision with the Multi Dimensional Organised Crime unit, finally pounced on the suspects,” the municipality said.
The CoE said it is unclear how diesel was looted from the resources of the city.
“The modus operandi was that the trucks would fill up at the municipal depots each morning only to go and off load the fuel at the private facility and get paid for this. They would then return the vehicles empty and refill the next morning and do the same thing over,” the municipality said.
The municipality's Police Chief Isaac Mapiyeye said more arrests are imminent.
“This seems to have been a well-orchestrated operation that ran for months, and the police working with the fleet management team of the city (EMPD) have been working tirelessly to nail those involved.
“Foul play has always been suspected because of the rate at which some of our vehicles were refilling fuel on a regular basis. Unfortunately for the criminal elements their luck finally ran out.
“We will not rest until all those who are involved in such illicit acts are behind bars. This is public money and money that we desperately need to provide quality and sustainable services to the community of Ekurhuleni,” Mapiyeye vowed. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 12/20/2023 - 11:58
Umalusi mourns death of Prof Peliwe Lolwana
Umalusi and its stakeholders said they are in deep grief after the passing of Professor Peliwe Lolwana.
Lolwana was the last Chief Executive of the South African Certification Council (SAFCERT) and the first CEO of Umalusi, a position she held from 2000 until her retirement in 2008.
“She was at Umalusi on 24 November 2023 to give a memorable tribute speech at a memorial lecture and roundtable discussion organised in honour of the late Dr Fred Calitz, her SAFCERT predecessor.
“Little did we know that she had come to say goodbye to all of us. While she reached her statutory retirement age over fifteen years ago, Prof Lolwana continued to serve her own country in various roles,” the Council said.
Those include chairing the Board of the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) and the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) Council, and playing various roles in academia, the NGO and private sectors.
She has also been described as someone who played a transformational role in every position that she held, shaping the form and focus of all the organisations that she led.
This assertion is supported by the people who worked closely with her.
Chief Director for National Assessments and Public Examinations in the Department of Basic Education, Dr Rufus Poliah, said the early 2000s “was an exciting phase, in that Prof Lolwana, a real visionary, was tasked with the responsibility of overseeing the transformation of SAFCERT to Umalusi”.
“The period between 2000 and 2008, saw Prof Lolwana transforming a certification Council into a quality assurance council, with all its legislative frameworks and procedures, and placing this structure firmly on the national education map.”
In the words of Professor Moon Moodley, a member of the Assessment Standards Committee (ASC) of Umalusi: “Umalusi enjoys a high degree of independence that has been achieved over many years by commanding the respect of all stakeholders. Prof Peliwe Lolwana has played a crucial role in Umalusi’s gaining ownership of the standardisation meetings.”
Commentators said Lolwana conceptualised new quality assurance approaches, departing from those used during the SAFCERT era.
Having played various roles within the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) space over the years, Umalusi said the NQF family stands on the shoulders of a strong intellectual giant – those of Lolwana.
“Umalusi and its stakeholders thank the Lolwana family and friends for allowing Peliwe the time to shape how we understand education and training today. She has served her country so diligently. As Umalusi, we share in your sorrow. Her spirit, her wisdom and her dedication will never be forgotten,” the council said.
Lolwana recently retired as the Director of the Centre for Researching Education and Labour (REAL).
Lolwana continued to serve as a visiting Associate Professor in the Wits School of Education. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 12/20/2023 - 12:36
Former Lotteries Commission grant manager's pension payout interdicted
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has obtained a Special Tribunal order interdicting the R1.7 million pension payout due to former National Lotteries Commission’s (NLC) Grant Manager, Marubini Ramatsekisa.
This in a long-running action taken by the SIU following an investigation into the affairs of the NLC.
The probe has resulted in, amongst others, the freezing of millions of rands in assets and the implication of board members of the commission in serious allegations of fraud and corruption at the commission.
SIU spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago explained that Ramatsekisa allegedly “orchestrated a scheme that resulted in the NLC losing approximately R4 million” and was a “key player” in a scheme to defraud the commission through active funding of a Non-Profit Organisation (NPO).
“The SIU’s investigation revealed that on 20 February 2019, Ramatsekisa prepared a proposal for pro-active funding and recommended that the acting chief operating officer approve pro-active funding of approximately R4 million to conduct a study that will assist in developing the Khoi-San language.
“Three weeks later, three people acquired and became directors of a dormant shelf company named Zibsicraft NPC. From the documents in the SIU’s possession, Zibsicraft NPC then applied to the NLC for grant funding. The application is not stamped, which means it was never processed by the client liaison officer. The application was dated 25 March 2019, ten days after they had acquired the company.
“The application was accompanied by financial statements prepared for the periods ending 28 February 2018 and 28 February 2019. However, the NPO only opened a bank account on 19 March 2019, six days before it applied for funding,” Kganyago said.
He added that some R2.2 million of the dodgy funding was allegedly siphoned “towards purchasing property for a church… [and] in the offer to purchase, the church was being represented by the former NLC Board Chairperson, Alfred Nevhutanda and his wife, Mrs Tshilidzi Rachel Nevhutanda”.
Kganyago said the unit intends to “institute civil proceedings against Mr Ramatsekisa to recover damages suffered by NLC because of his conduct”.
In September last year, SIU Head Advocate Andy Mothibi told the National Assembly’s Portfolio Committee on Trade and Industry that the unit’s investigation had revealed some that some R279 million was siphoned out of the coffers of the NLC.
“This investigation has been so intense, massive and complex in terms of tracing the money but the investigation will reveal that. The amount of money that was under investigation in phase one was about R279 million. The evidence has indicated that this money was corruptly siphoned out of the NLC, with the assistance of certain executives and certain board members.
“This is an organised syndicate meant to siphon money from the NLC. We have used trace methods and technology that has led us to all the monies that we have traced. This investigation also entailed meticulous analysis of bank accounts and payment processes from various banks, and we traced which bank accounts benefitted and which ones benefitted corruptly,” Mothibi said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 12/20/2023 - 13:31
Minister calls on road users to adhere to rules of the road
Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga has called on all road users to obey the rules of the road and for motorists to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy before embarking on a trip and avoid driving under the influence of alcohol.
“Please behave on the roads. In terms of our statistics, pedestrians are the most affected by road crashes, followed by victims of hit and run incidents, followed by cars that are overtaking on the road and head-on collisions,” the Minister said on Wednesday.
Leading the Festive Season Road Safety Awareness Campaign on the N3 Heidelberg Weighbridge in Johannesburg, the Minister said these factors that cause road crashes relate to human behavior.
“We urge all pedestrians to cross at places designated for crossing the road. This can not only save you but save your family as well from the pain that they will suffer if you die due to an accident on the road,” Chikunga said.
The Department of Transport’s Festive Season Road Safety Awareness Campaign is a government programme aimed at prioritising and promoting safer road usage during the high peak season on South African roads.
The objective of the campaign is not only to ensure smooth flows of traffic, but also to prevent negligent and reckless driving which could result in road crashes, injuries and fatalities.
The campaign was launched in the last week of November. It is a collaboration between different levels of government, transport entities led by CEOs, private sector organisations, NGOs and key stakeholders and role players.
Festive season activities in South Africa are associated with year-end celebrations, economic industry slowdowns and year-end closures, increased traffic volumes and increased road crash incidents - the large proportion of road crash victims usually pedestrians and passengers as a result of lack or even non-use of safety belts and jaywalking.
Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) CEO Makhosini Msibi said law enforcement officials are out in full force to ensure adherence to rules as traffic volumes begin to peak.
“We are here to deal with truck drivers because if you look at the trucking population it is quite massive. We will engage the trucking industry on the phenomenon of fatigue because most of the fatal crashes are caused by fatigue.
“This engagement will also educate us on their experiences and what they can do better. We also want to know how we can partner with them in changing the attitudes and culture of driving. We are certain that we are going to make a dent in terms of the fatal crashes,” Msibi said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 12/20/2023 - 13:47
Thousands of jobs created in tourism, clothing sectors in W Cape
Targeted skills programmes run by the Western Cape’s Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT), in partnership with the private sector, resulted in 2 772 jobs for previously unemployed young people between April and November 2023.
The province said there has been "notable" post-pandemic growth in the tourism sector.
According to the latest data, between 2021 and 2022, 154 442 tourism jobs were created in the province, bringing the total to 214 909 jobs.
“In just three sectors in the Western Cape, we have seen the creation of nearly 160 000 jobs since 2021. This achievement has not happened by chance and is the result of hard work, strategic support, and critical partnerships with the private sector to support and enable businesses to do what they do best – create jobs,” said Western Cape Finance and Economic Opportunities MEC, Mireille Wenger.
She said she was “extremely” proud of the work done by DEDAT, together with the private sector.
“We are getting the most out of every cent of public funds by enabling job creation in the province, despite the current tough economic climate and a fiscal crisis that has resulted in unprecedented in-year budget cuts.
“The thousands of jobs being created are a true testament to the power of partnerships between the public and private sectors, for the benefit of all residents,” Wenger said.
She noted the key outcomes of the targeted programmes within DEDAT this year.
These include the skills training and placement programmes in the clothing and textiles sector, which created 402 jobs.
Meanwhile, the partnership with Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) also placed 124 unemployed youth at the Cape Town International Airport to assist with providing information services to travellers and help process passengers in peak times.
The provincial department also worked with the thriving Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector to upskill and place 2 196 previously jobless youngsters in full-time employment opportunities in the sector.
“2023 has been a year of jobs and growth in the Western Cape.”
However, Wenger said without a growing pool of talent, the province cannot hope to take full advantage of the immense potential of the economy or give young people the opportunities they need to succeed.
“This is why we will continue to work hard with our partners and stakeholders across all levels of government, our international partners and investors, and across the private sector to invest in the right qualifications, skills, and experience for jobs available this year and in the future.
“We can create many more jobs and opportunities for a better future for everyone in our province,” Wenger said. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 12/20/2023 - 11:37
SAA, SunExpress sign MoU
South African Airways (SAA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with SunExpress for four aircrafts to support the national carrier’s operations in the 2024/25 financial year.
According to SAA, the MoU is an add-on to the two airlines’ current six-month damp lease agreement, which includes “the lease of two Boeing 737-800s, as well as maintenance and cockpit crew”.
“In addition to plans to increase the number of damp lease aircraft, SAA and SunExpress are currently exploring options for a multi-year reciprocal capacity support and further cooperation with regards to maintenance, training and commercial support,” a statement from SAA read.
In a damp lease, the lessor provides the aircraft and some of the crew, usually the cockpit crew, and the lessee provides the rest of the crew, maintenance and insurance. This means that the lessor and the lessee share some of the responsibilities and costs of the operation, depending on the terms of the contract.
Acting SAA CEO, Professor John Lamola, said the agreement would assist the State-owned airline to meet demand.
“SunExpress has proven to be an extremely reliable partner for us in the first few months. We are therefore delighted that this valuable partnership will not only be continued but the scope of the partnership expanded to include additional aircraft for our 2024 holiday peak season.
“The additional aircraft will support our operations to meet the growing customer demand during peak seasons and mitigates our management of the global aircraft availability crisis,” Lamola said.
SunExpress CEO Max Kownatzki said: “The memorandum of understanding clearly underlines our commitment to further deepen our successful partnership with SAA. We are proud of the trust that SAA is placing in us with the renewed intention to collaborate. We strive to build on this to develop a strong, long-term partnership and leverage more opportunities together in the future.
“Over the next decade, SunExpress will more than double its fleet, reaching a 150-aircraft fleet by 2033. These kinds of partnerships enable us to efficiently utilise our fleet, mitigating the impact of our seasonality.”
Before its official relaunch earlier this year, the State-owned airline endured challenges for several years.
SAA was racked by allegations of fraud and corruption during the State capture years and was also put under business rescue and grounded.
At the official relaunch, Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan explained the work it took to have the airline back in the skies.
“What we have been able to do is to firstly establish that there’s no more money that’s going to come from taxes that’s going to go into SAA, like the R40 billion that went in over a 10-year period. SAA must survive on its own strength... [and] on the capital that is actually provided by the strategic equity partner and it must grow organically. Through the business rescue process, its balance sheet is not encumbered in any kind of way.
“It took three and a half years of very hard work… to ensure that we steer this process. It’s a signal to investors and the investing community in South Africa that reforms are possible in South Africa. That we can execute, just with South African talent, these very complex deals and complex reform processes in State-owned entities,” Gordhan said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 12/20/2023 - 11:07
With your accommodation, bucket list and route planned, the next step before embarking on your festive road trip this year, is to assess if you have the correct tyres fitted to your vehicle for the application, activity and terrain you’re about to tackle. This is a necessary step to help protect you and your family …
Property is a long-term investment. If you have a portfolio of four residential units that you rent out, and if you’re in it for the long haul, it would be worth your while to acquire a fifth one. Here’s why… Investing in property can be a great way to build wealth. What many South Africans …
December 2023: Starbucks Expanded Its Presence in Johannesburg with a New Store in Sandton City Sandton, Johannesburg, South Africa – Starbucks South Africa was excited to open its newest store in the heart of Johannesburg’s affluent Sandton City. Launched on 20 November 2023, this store represents a significant milestone in Starbucks’ expansion strategy, as explained …
Health intensifies emergency services during the festive season
The Department of Health has announced that it has intensified Emergency Medical Services (EMS) with over 1 540 ambulances deployed across the country’s major routes and strategic points and hotspots.
According to the department, this move aims to accelerate a turnaround time for emergency medical response during the festive season, a period associated with a high demand for emergency medical services.
“This number will be complemented by private sector ambulances as part of existing service level agreements entered with provinces to beef up EMS to ensure quick response to major accidents and to prevent avoidable loss of lives resulting from accidents,” the department explained.
The department is appealing to communities to join hands with government and law enforcement agencies during this period to create an enabling environment for frontline healthcare workers, especially nurses and paramedics to perform their lifesaving duties freely without fear of both verbal and physical violence and aggression.
“Health workers have fallen victims of violence and crime in the line of duty over the months and recent years in the country and this can only be stopped if communities become protectors than by-standers.
“Violence against health workers is unacceptable because it does not only negatively impact on their psychological and physical well-being, but also affects their job motivation and has potential to compromise the quality of care and puts health-care provision at risk.”
The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines attacks against health care as any act of verbal or physical violence or obstruction or threat of violence that interferes with the availability, access and delivery of curative and preventive health services during emergencies.
The department said emergency medical personnel play an essential role in the health system by providing timely and appropriate medical care to patients in need.
“They respond to emergencies to save lives and risk theirs. It is not possible to have ambulances accompanied by police or armed private security, hence communities need to play a role in ending attacks against paramedics and other health workers.”
According to the WHO, health workers are at high risk of violence all over the world with between 8% and 38% of health workers suffering physical violence at some point in their careers.
Some of the associated risks during the festive season include vehicle accidents, domestic violence, alcohol and substance abuse, and drowning.
In a life threatening emergency, people must dial 112 from a landline or a cellphone and be aware that the call centre agents will ask questions to enable them to dispatch an ambulance accordingly.
Important details that will be required when you make the call include name, phone number, address, nearest landmark and the patient's current medical status.
“Ensure that you get a call reference number before the end of the call to be used when you follow up on the progress of the call.”
All health facilities will remain open to enable South Africans to access health services.
Some of the major routes to be prioritised for ambulances in provinces include:
Gabisile
Tue, 12/19/2023 - 09:52
How to tailor a standout CV to secure a learnership The Class of 2023 is eagerly anticipating the 18th of January for the release of their matric results. For some, their results will provide access to higher learning. For others, it’s their ticket to the working world – but while these youngsters may be keen …
Essential Do’s and Don’ts for Effortless care of your Garden’s Best Friend In 2016, the world of lawn maintenance was redefined with the introduction of the Husqvarna Automower. Seven years later, this robotic marvel continues to delight. Just like we can’t imagine life without our cellphones and laptops, the Husqvarna Automower, affectionately nicknamed ‘Hillary’ by …
