MyZA
News, Directory, Events and Other Stuff
While many of us start to put our daily stresses aside, the waste management sector experiences a significant increase in food and organic waste during the festive season. This places an increased amount of pressure on the waste sector, including the waste collection services, landfill sites and the natural environment. According to waste statistics, South …
Check the weather forecast before travelling this long weekend
The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has urged motorists who will be travelling to various destinations this long weekend to check the weather forecast before embarking on their journeys and to avoid travelling at night where possible.
The December period is generally characterised by summer rainfall in South Africa and motorists should make sure that their vehicles have proper functioning windscreen wipers and that breaks and tyres are in a good condition.
An analysis conducted by the RTMC shows that fatal crashes increase exceedingly between 19:00 and 23:00. Pre-dawn travel is also dangerous as the data shows that there is a high number of crashes between 01:00 and 03:00.
“Road crashes are particularly high on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Motorists are called on to exercise extreme caution when travelling on these days,” said the corporation.
Considering the high number of vehicles on the road at this time of the year, motorists are further advised to add at least an hour to their travelling time for possible delays.
Motorists are also advised to refrain from giving lifts to hitchhikers as this can lead to hijackings or attacks on motorists.
Motorists should keep the following numbers for use in case of an emergency:
• Crisis centre for medical and ambulance response: 101777
• Police: 10111
• Emergency response for N1/N4 toll routes: 0800 029 999
• Emergency response for N3 toll route: 0800 63 4357
• To report bribery and corruption WhatsApp 083 293 7989
“Your safety remains our priority, one life lost on the road is one life too many. Be vigilant and arrive alive,” said the RTMC. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 12/14/2023 - 09:34
In a community-driven move to boost public services and enhance the safety and experience of visitors, the Sandton Central Management District (SCMD) has introduced the addition of thirty-two new tourism ambassadors to the precinct. This initiative, in collaboration with Joburg Tourism, sets Sandton Central apart as a premier City Improvement District in South Africa, especially …
Concerns over further budget cuts and their impact on access to rehabilitation
As 2023 draws to a close, the Multi-Party Charter looks back on 2023 as a historic year for South Africa. And we look forward to working together in 2024, and with all sectors of civil society, to put this beautiful country back onto a trajectory of progress and prosperity for all. It is time for …
Jonathan Thomas has left the Wales coaching team to seek new and different opportunities in rugby after his contract has reached its natural end. Thomas joined Warren Gatland’s coaching team when he took over at the helm in 2023 as a contact area coach and leaves the role on positive terms. “I have decided to …
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has arrived in Hanoi, the capital of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to begin the second leg of his first Working Visit to Southeast Asia. The Deputy President began his visit today with a tour of the Mausoleum and home of the late leader of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh. The Deputy President laid a wreath at the Mausoleum and conveyed a message of support from the people and Government of South Africa through Mausoleum's Visitors' Book.
South Africa and Vietnam enjoy friendly and constructive relations grounded in a shared history of struggle against colonialism and to achieve national freedom, and the two countries share common values such as the pursuit of multilateral cooperation, peace, and the progressive reform of the institutions of global governance to counter geopolitical inequalities.
South Africa and Vietnam also celebrate 30 years of the establishment of formal diplomatic relations this year.
In the course of the last 30 years, several bilateral legal instruments have been established in various areas of co-operation. The two countries operate an Inter-Governmental Partnership Forum for Economic, Trade, Scientific, Technical and Cultural Co-operation, aimed at facilitating co-operation in areas of mutual interest.
The Deputy President's visit follows the visit to South Africa of the Vice President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, HE Ms Vo Thi Anh Xuan, in September this year, where she extended an invitation to the Deputy President to pay reciprocal official visit to mark the 30-year milestone and further strengthen bilateral ties.
As part of his duties in Vietnam, the Deputy President will hold official talks with Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan, meet Prime Minister HE Mr Pham Minh Chinh, and pay a courtesy call on the President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, HE Mr Vo Van Thong.
He will also meet with the CEOs of some of Vietnam's largest companies that are looking either to invest in or source goods and services from South Africa. He will also interact with African ambassadors to Vietnam.
The Deputy President is accompanied in Vietnam by Deputy Minister for International Relations and Cooperation, Candith Mashego-Dlamini, Deputy Minister for Trade, Industry and Competition Nomalungelo Gina, Deputy Minister for Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Buti Manamela, Deputy Minister for Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Maggie Sotyu, and senior government officials.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
Andy Kawa is suing the police for millions of rands for negligence and failures in handling investigations into her rape in 2010
President to address newly trained SAPS officers
President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Thursday deliver a keynote address at a South African Police Service (SAPS) passing-out parade where 1 400 newly trained officers will be certified as ready for the fight against crime.
The parade will take place at the South African National Defence Force’s 3 South African Infantry Battalion base in Kimberley in the Northern Cape.
The Kimberley parade is one of a number of ceremonies taking place in seven provinces this week where a total of 10 000 officers will mark the end of their basic training.
During the 2023 State of the Nation Address, President Ramaphosa said he would intensify efforts to strengthen the South African Police Service by putting more officers on the streets and setting up specialised teams that will focus on specific types of crime.
This week’s passing out parades fulfil the President’s commitment that 10 000 new personnel would be recruited and trained this year.
President Ramaphosa will be accompanied by the Police Minister General Bheki Cele, Deputy Minister of Police Cassel Mathale and the National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola.
Earlier this week Cele assured the nation that it will be all hands on deck by law enforcement officials this festive season to ensure a safe holiday period in the country.
Cele said the festive season is a period largely characterised by festivities and increased migration of people within and across the borders.
“We as the country’s law enforcement have and will continue to upscale our responses to crime this holiday season and beyond,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 12/13/2023 - 09:39
In the world of Facilities Management (FM), where technical expertise and reliability are paramount, FM Solutions Technical is once again emerging as a trailblazing player, setting a new standard for diversity and competence in the industry. With an exciting new offering that boasts an all-women team in FM maintenance, FM Solutions is challenging stereotypes and …
Johannesburg, December, 13, 2023: Papillon Recovery Centre has been operating for over 12 years with a 70 percent success rate versus the national average of 12 percent success rate. We therefore remain the leaders in mental health rehabilitation. Papillon is SA’s only private step-down for mental health. We pride ourselves on being internationally accredited with …
Beitbridge border fence companies lose High Court appeal
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has welcomed the order of the High Court in Gauteng which has dismissed an application by two Beitbridge border fence construction companies to appeal a decision of the Special Tribunal to strip them of profits earned from the construction of the fence.
At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the two companies Caledon River Properties and Profteam CC, received contracts totalling R40.4 million from the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) to construct the razor mesh fence between South Africa and Zimbabwe.
However, soon after the fence was erected in March 2020, it began to fall apart – leading to a public outcry.
In July 2020, President Cyril Ramaphosa authorised the SIU through Proclamation No. R. 23 of 2020, to investigate the affairs of all State institutions in respect of the procurement or contracting for goods, works and services, during, or in respect of the National State of Disaster, by or on behalf of State institutions.
In March last year, following an application by the SIU, the Special Tribunal ordered that the contracts be set aside and that the companies pay back profits earned from the contracts.
Now, the High Court has ordered that:
The application is dismissed with costs.
The service providers must, within 30 days, file audited statements and debatement of accounts reflecting their respective income and expenditure in the contracts.
The SIU and DPWI are ordered to appoint, within 30 days thereafter, qualified expert(s) to compile a report as to the reasonableness of the service providers’ expenses and file papers.
The service providers are ordered to pay the public works department, within 30 days, profit earned from the contracts as agreed by the experts and made the order of the Tribunal.
“The SIU welcomes the order of the High Court, as it enforces the implementation of the Unit’s investigation outcomes and consequence management”. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 12/13/2023 - 14:44
Introduction The market for office space to let in South Africa is a significant segment of the commercial real estate sector. This blog aims to provide insights into the current trends, challenges, and opportunities in the office rental market, offering valuable information for landlords, businesses, and potential investors. The State of Office Space Market in …
Johannesburg, 8 December 2023. In the last week a lot has been reported into assessing the likely impact the potential closure of ArcelorMittal SA’s operations in Newcastle and Vereeniging, as well as ArcelorMittal Rail and Structural will have on the South African economy. A number of alarming outcomes are emerging which all point to the …
SA, Zimbabwe have a collective responsibility to prevent illegal activities at ports
Cooperation between South Africa and Zimbabwe in managing shared borders is critical for the protection of respective national interests.
“We have a collective responsibility to prevent illegal activities at our ports of entry and the border law enforcement areas such as illegal migration, any kind of smuggling, human trafficking, and all kinds of cross border crimes inclusive of the illegal movement of weapons, and or illicit goods between our countries,” Border Management Authority (BMA) Commissioner Michael Masiapato said.
He was speaking during a visit by the Zimbabwe Border Ports Authority in Pretoria on Wednesday.
The Commissioner said the South Africa/Zimbabwe border has long been a symbol of the intricate web of connections between the two countries.
“It is a border that does not just demarcate land but also represents a bridge of cultural, economic, and historical exchanges that we enjoyed over the years.”
He said besides geographic proximity, the two countries have a common and long history of regional affiliation as well as great aspirations for the development of the two nations.
“Therefore, it is in our interest to ensure effective border management which is crucial for ensuring the ultimate prosperity of both South Africa and Zimbabwe.
“Although cooperation on border management matters commonly embraces the aspects of enforcing territorial sovereignties, it also streamlines efforts for fostering economic growth and improvement in trade relations between nations.
“As the two jurisdictions within this sub-region, we have the responsibility to drive the objective of regional economic integration as articulated in the many resolutions of our leadership within the SADC [Southern African Development Community] context,” Masiapato said.
Border management is not just a matter of policy but a reflection of the shared commitment to regional stability and development of which border authority has to ensure the realisation of such an objective.
“As the Border Management Authority, South Africa, we are encouraged by the processes undertaken by the government of Zimbabwe in the development of the country’s Border Ports Authority Bill.
“This is critical towards the establishment of the Zimbabwean Border Ports Authority which carry similar resemblance our Border Management Authority,” the Commissioner said.
Masiapato is hosting his Zimbabwean counterpart for a bilateral visit in South Africa from 13 to 16 December 2023.
The visit aims to showcase South Africa’s model of administration and border management coordination.
The two countries are in a process of developing a Border Ports Authority Bill to establish the Zimbabwe Border Ports Authority and to provide for its functions.
In October this year President Cyril Ramaphosa presided over the launch of the BMA in Musina, Limpopo.
The launch of the BMA follows its formal establishment and assumption of its status as a schedule 3 (A) public entity on 1 April 2023.
The establishment of the BMA means that South Africa now has an integrated border management platform, with a single command and control with which to support the attainment of secure borders, safe travel and trade.
The BMA has, since its inception, recorded successes, among them intercepting stolen vehicles.
The authority is responsible for the execution of frontline border law enforcement functions related to, inter alia, port health, immigration control, access control, biosecurity, food safety and phyto-sanitary control, land border infrastructure development and maintenance, and border information and risk management. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 12/13/2023 - 14:45
Hostex 2024 celebrated its official launch during an exhibitor briefing that marked the three-month countdown to the industry’s leading food, drink, and hospitality expo. The event was attended by industry associations, media, and exhibitors. In a demonstration of Hostex’s steadfast support for the industry it has been part of for nearly four decades, the expo …
Swimming action is far from over for the year with several of the country’s top athletes converging on Durban for the World Aquatics Championships trials which take place at the Kings Park Pool from 14-18 December. Among those taking to the starting blocks in Durban is Olympic champion Tatjana Schoenmaker who is down to compete …
Workers celebrate as Rainbow Chicken agrees to recognise union
Dear Editor The DA strongly condemns the recent extension of the ban on ferrous and non-ferrous waste and scrap metal exports by the Minister of Trade and Industry, Ebrahim Patel. This decision, coupled with the manner in which it was communicated, raises serious concerns about the political motivations behind the ban. The Minister’s decision to …
Scotland international centre James Lang has penned a new two-year deal with Edinburgh Rugby. Lang, 28 – now in his third season in the Scottish capital – has been an impressive and consistent performer since joining from Harlequins ahead of the 2021/22 season, scoring two tries in 42 appearances. Lang – capped six times by …
An Essential Initiative: National Wills Week From 11 to 15 September 2023, South Africa marks an important event in the legal calendar: National Wills Week. Spearheaded by the Law Society of South Africa (LSSA), this initiative offers the public a vital service: the drafting of basic wills, free of charge by attorneys. The event highlights …
President Ramaphosa to apply for leave to appeal Zulu monarch court decision
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to apply for leave to appeal a North Gauteng High Court decision to set aside the President’s official recognition of King Misuzulu kaZwelithini as the King of the Zulu nation.
This according to a short statement released by the Presidency on Wednesday.
The judgement was handed down on Monday.
“Following a study of the judgement, the President will apply for leave to appeal against the judgement. During the course of these legal processes, His Majesty King Misuzulu remains the identified heir to the throne.
“The court further ordered the President to institute an investigative committee to investigate allegations of violation of customary laws in the identification of King Misuzulu,” the statement read.
President Ramaphosa officially handed over a certificate of recognition to AmaZulu King Misuzulu KaZwelithini in October last year.
At the time, the President had already issued the certificate to His Majesty earlier in the year, and in accordance with a wish expressed by the Royal Family, he formally handed over the certificate at a ceremony held at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
On Wednesday, the Presidency said the President had “noted” the judgement and called on the royal family to continue working for “unity of ubukhosi bakwaZulu”.
“President Ramaphosa calls on all members of the Royal family to continue working for the unity of ubukhosi bakwaZulu and to prioritise the interest of His Majesty's subjects. It is vital that all due processes are allowed to reach their natural conclusion without inflaming tensions,” the statement read.
King Misuzulu ascended to the Zulu royal throne following the death – in 2021 – of his father, King Goodwill Zwelithini.
A court challenge to the younger monarch’s ascension was launched thereafter in the KwaZulu-Natal Division of the High Court in Pietermaritzburg.
That challenge was dismissed by the court which stated that there “is no genuine dispute as to the succession of Prince Misuzulu, as he is in terms of the customary law and customs the rightful heir to the throne”. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 12/13/2023 - 15:10
Cape Town, South Africa – The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) has recently released a detailed guide on the integration of embedded generation and wheeling in municipal electricity billing systems. Notably featured in this guide is the fruitful collaboration between George Municipality and Open Access Energy, signifying a major progression in South Africa’s energy …
President Cyril Ramaphosa has noted the judgement of the High Court of South Africa, Gauteng Division, setting aside the recognition of AmaZulu King, His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini.
The court further ordered the President to institute an investigative committee to investigate allegations of violation of customary laws in the identification of King Misuzulu.
Following a study of the judgement, the President will apply for leave to appeal against the judgement. During the course of these legal processes, His Majesty King Misuzulu remains the identified heir to the throne.
President Ramaphosa calls on all members of the Royal family to continue working for the unity of ubukhosi bakwaZulu and to prioritise the interest of His Majesty's subjects. It is vital that all due processes are allowed to reach their natural conclusion without inflaming tensions.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency: Republic of South Africa.