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As we observed World AIDS Day, it was both a moment of reflection on progress and a call to action for a crucial issue that still persists to this day. In Southern Africa, where HIV is the most severe globally, the battle against the virus extends beyond medical challenges and stretches to societal barriers built …
Business licensing policy up for public comment
Cabinet has considered and approved the draft National Business Licensing Policy for public comments.
This is according to Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni who briefed the media on the outcomes of the Special Cabinet meeting held last Friday.
The Minister said the objectives of the policy are:
At Monday’s media briefing, Ntshavheni said Cabinet had approved the “introduction to Parliament [of] the SOC Holding Company Bill”.
The bill proposes:
NeoB
Mon, 12/11/2023 - 11:46
Ruby Digital, a leading South African digital marketing company, is actively addressing a concerning rise in cybercrime targeting individuals globally. As a reputable and multiple-award winning agency, Ruby Digital is committed to maintaining a safe digital environment for its community and beyond. Established with years of experience in digital marketing, Ruby Digital has consistently assisted …
At 13h42, Monday, 11 December, NSRI Melkbosstrand duty crew and CoCT (City of Cape Town) water rescue network were activated following eyewitness reports of a drowning in progress at Milnerton Lagoon Beach. Milnerton SLC (Surf Lifesaving Club) lifeguards, CoCT lifeguards, NSRI Melkbosstrand rescue swimmers, CoCT Law Enforcement officers and CoCT Law Enforcement Marine Unit, Cape …
What is Investment Property? Investment property, often referred to as investment properties in the real estate market, is real estate purchased with the intention of earning a return on the investment either through rental income, future resale, or both. Unlike a primary residence, it’s acquired primarily for income-generating purposes. The Benefits of Investment Property 1. …
SA20 Lolly to take incredible ‘Taste of Summer’ on a countrywide tour Monday 11 December 2023: As temperatures rise, so does...
Health concerned about death rate among TB patients in SA
Although South Africa’s Tuberculosis (TB) infection incidence is dropping, government is disturbed about the death rate among patients.
This is according to the Deputy Health Minister, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, who was delivering a keynote address on the opening day of the BRICS TB Research Network Innovation Summit in Durban.
“TB remains a pressing concern for South Africa, as it does for all BRICS countries and many nations,” he said on Monday.
He told the summit attendees that about 300 000 people are estimated to get TB every year in South Africa.
“Last year alone, we managed to notify and put 224 000 people on a TB treatment regime. Although our infection incidence is declining, we are concerned about the unacceptable death rate among our TB patients.”
According to Dhlomo, a major driver of TB infection is HIV – accounting for 48% of TB patients who are living with HIV in 2022.
However, he said the country’s antiretroviral programme has led to a decrease in TB incidence.
The BRICS nations – Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - carry a disproportionate burden of drug-susceptible and drug-resistant TB infection and neglected diseases of the South.
To address this public health threat, the BRICS TB Research Network was established in 2017 to bring together programme managers and scientists to exchange information and formulate redress strategies and solutions.
“The ultimate goal of this endeavour was to establish collaborative research programmes aimed at developing new diagnostics, drugs, and vaccines for TB.
“The TB control programmes from the various representative countries also undertook to learn from each other on key aspects of financing and strengthening the health systems in their respective nations.”
Following the devastating impact of COVID-19 on public health programmes, South Africa developed a TB Recovery Plan to find missing people with TB linking them to care and creating a demand for testing.
“TB prevention and improvement of data systems are also prioritised. Given our high HIV-TB comorbidity let me give our delegates some data on HIV in South Africa.”
He cited the sixth South African National HIV Prevalence, Incidence, and Behaviour among people aged 15 years and older living with HIV in South Africa in 2022.
According to the data, 90% were aware of their status, 91% of those aware of their status were on antiretroviral treatment, and 94% of those on antiretroviral treatment were virally suppressed.
“South Africa has made significant progress toward the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets that by 2025, 95% of all people living with HIV to be aware of their HIV status, 95% of those aware of their status to be on antiretroviral treatment, and 95% of those on antiretroviral treatment who also know that that they are living with HIV to achieve viral load suppression.”
In addition, he stated that the country has been at the forefront of introducing and scaling up new tools for diagnosis and shorter treatment regimens for drug-resistant TB.
“However, there is a need to do more to improve linkage to care and retention in care.”
He also believes that BRICS countries have made significant strides since the establishment of this network, with progress and some challenges.
Dhlomo touched on the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meeting on TB, in New York, in September this year.
“We should, therefore, work very hard to ensure that we meet the targets we have set ourselves for this summit.”
The targets, he said, include the creation of innovations in therapeutics, diagnostics, and vaccines that the network can prioritise for collaboration, investment and development.
“A world without TB is not just an aspiration but an attainable reality, and we should stand ready to play our part in making that vision a shared triumph.
“I certainly believe that this network can make a significant contribution to this end. Let us recommit to the implementation of the Political Declaration on TB as we map out of future endeavour of ending TB in BRICS countries.
“The goal to end TB is within our grasp. Our collective efforts must transcend borders, ideologies, and individual interests.”
Dhlomo also took the time to congratulate Russia as it takes the baton of leadership of BRICS in 2024. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 12/11/2023 - 11:48
Introduction The search for an apartment is an exciting journey, offering the promise of a new home and lifestyle. This blog provides an overview of the key factors to consider when exploring the market for apartments for sale, aiming to guide potential buyers through this significant decision. Understanding Your Needs Before diving into the apartment …
Three of the most talented young Scottish Rugby players in the men’s game have been given the opportunity of a lifetime to follow in the footsteps of internationalists and embark on a playing experience in South Africa early next year. Ben White, Joss Arnold and Jack Craig have been awarded the coveted John Macphail Rugby …
It was a good weekend of European rugby for four of the five South African teams participating in the Investec Champions Cup and EPCR Challenge Cup, with four teams registering encouraging victories to make a strong statement for the domestic teams. The Vodacom Bulls built on their early-season form in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship …
SA Rugby has joined the chorus of tributes to Dr Syd Millar CBE, the former chairman of what is now World Rugby, who has passed away aged 89. Millar, who served as Chairman of the then International Rugby Board (IRB) between 2003 and 2007, will be remembered as one of the sport’s finest statesmen, playing …
A revised schedule for the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024 has today been revealed by the International Cricket Council (ICC), confirming five venues in South Africa that will host the 15th edition of the celebrated event between 19 January and 11 February, following the decision taken by the ICC Board in November to …
Dear Editor As South Africans gear up to head to the polls next year, the ANC is hellbent on ramming through as much legislation as possible, while they still can. This not only shows their lack of care as elected representatives but also has negative implications for South Africans. On Friday, the Portfolio Committee on …
Dear Editor Less than a week after the National Anti-Corruption Hotline (NACH) commissioner, Anele Gxoyiya, revealed that 63.6% of the 2022/23 second quarter complaints were related to incidents of alleged fraud regarding the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa), CityPress revealed that Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu and her acting director-general Linton Mchunu squandered R100 …
In its ongoing efforts to speed up the pace of play in international cricket, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has introduced a stop clock, on a trial basis, in Full Member Men’s ODI and T20I matches (approximately 59 fixtures) between December 2023 and April 2024. The trial will start with the first T20I match between …
The Springboks will face the All Blacks in a Castle Lager Rugby Championship clash at DHL Stadium on 7 September 2024. Public tickets for this replay of the 2023 Rugby World Cup Final will go on sale later next year, with pricing and the on-sale date to be confirmed in the new year. All 2023/24 …
Sunderland’s Stadium of Light will play host to England’s Red Roses in the opening match of an era-defining Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025, while Twickenham Stadium will look to set a new attendance record at the final, World Rugby and the RFU have announced. With women’s rugby breaking new ground on and off the pitch, …
Introduction Cape Town, South Africa’s picturesque coastal city, is renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. This allure extends to its real estate market, particularly in the realm of apartments. This blog delves into the varied aspects of Cape Town’s apartment scene, offering insights for potential buyers. Diverse Neighborhoods Cape Town boasts …
Cabinet welcomes the evacuation of South Africans from Gaza
Cabinet has welcomed the return of 19 South African nationals who had been stuck in Gaza.
“South Africa extends its gratitude to the Government of Egypt for granting our citizens safe passage through the Rafah Crossing into its country.
“South Africa calls for an immediate and permanent ceasefire and the resumption of talks that will end the violence arising from the continued belligerent occupation and lays the basis for a just and lasting solution,” Cabinet said in a statement on Monday.
The six males and 13 females, who were in Gaza since 7 October 2023, are now back on home soil.
Last week, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation said the 19 locals who were approved for evacuation into Egypt by the Israeli authorities on Sunday, 11 November 2023, were en route to South Africa.
In a statement last month, Cabinet said it remained concerned by the atrocities of the Israeli government against the people of Palestine, including the deliberate attacks on the United Nations School in Gaza, and the massacre of hundreds of children who had sought refuge at the school. This is in addition to the continued attacks on hospital staff, patients and hospital infrastructure. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 12/11/2023 - 11:57
Protests coincide with COP28 summit underway in Dubai
Operation Vulindela making “significant progress”
The Presidency and National Treasury have released the third and fourth quarter progress report of Operation Vulindlela.
The report was released during a media briefing on Monday.
Operation Vulindlela was launched in 2020 and is an initiative between Treasury and the Presidency aimed at, among other things, accelerating the implementation of structural reforms and to support South Africa’s economic recovery.
The five desired outcomes of Operation Vulindlela are:
National Treasury’s Nomvuyo Guma said: “In the time that Operation Vulindela has been in operation, we’ve been able to make significant progress in accelerating these reforms”.
The key achievements for quarters three and four are:
Looking long term
Looking at the overall achievements of Operation Vulindela over the past three years, Guma said government’s “legislative agenda has continued to make progress”.
“We’ve made some regulatory changes to allow private investment in electricity generation. We are currently tracking an energy pipeline of renewables that is up to 66GW at this stage. From an investment point of view, what we’ve tracked is a pipeline of over R200 billion worth of investments.”
Turning to telecommunications, Guma said the spectrum auction concluded last year has “resulted in an immediate boost of R14 billion to the fiscus” also resulted increased download and “increased investments into the sector”.
Guma said a comprehensive review of the work visa system and the revised immigration regulations has also been completed.
Other achievements since the launch of Operation Vulindela are:
The full progress report can be accessed at https://www.stateofthenation.gov.za/operation-vulindlela - SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 12/11/2023 - 12:38
Cabinet briefed on NSFAS preparations for 2024
As part of ensuring readiness for the 2024 post-matric academic year, Cabinet has been briefed on measures that are being put in place to avoid the challenges that affected the National Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).
“As part of ensuring readiness when the 2024 academic year for post matric education begins, Cabinet was briefed on measures that are being put in place to avoid the challenges that bedevilled NSFSAS in the 2023 post-matric academic year,” Cabinet said in a statement on Monday.
Last month, the scheme announced that applications for financial aid for all learners who wish to enter the post-school system and students who do not have financial assistance to continue their studies in the 2024 academic year would officially open on 21 November 2023 and close on 31 January 2024.
In a statement at the time, the NSFAS said the reason for opening applications in November was so that it could afford the beneficiary shorter turn-around times for decision making, which is aligned to the financial eligibility assessment which requires updated South African Revenue Service (SARS) information.
The NSFAS at the time said it was improving its data exchange processes with institutions to ensure seamless data integration and the registration of students onto its new direct payment systems.
At a media briefing addressed by Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni on Monday, Cabinet said the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande will provide details on measures to improve the performance of the NSFAS.
Nzimande has previously urged all learners who wish to enter the post-school system and students, who do not have financial assistance to continue their studies, to submit their applications for 2024 funding.
Minister Nzimande urged all students who wish to study in any of the public universities and Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges to apply timeously and not to wait until the last day.
Since it’s established by government in 1999, the NSFAS provided financial assistance to deserving beneficiaries who qualify for post school education and training. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 12/11/2023 - 12:39
SIU, Interpol NCB sign MoU
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Interpol National Central Bureau (NCB) for South Africa that will allow the unit to have direct access to Interpol’s information system.
“The MoU will strengthen the SIU’s investigating tools of trade and access to data systems to combat cybercrimes. Interpol NCB will provide the SIU with up-to-date training resources. The Interpol NCB has a network of data systems in 195 countries that the SIU can tap into,” the SIU said in a statement.
The agreement was signed by SIU head Advocate Andy Mothibi and Interpol NCB’s Brigadier Ntime Mokhine.
The SIU revealed more on the MoU and how this will strengthen the unit’s hand during investigations.
“Advocate Mothibi said that this MoU is aligned with the SIU’s current cybercrimes and data analytics vision and the previous agreements that the SIU has signed to build data analytics and forensics capacity, especially in the war against transnational organised crimes. This will also provide the SIU with access to locate people outside of South Africa that the SIU needs to subpoena for questioning related to investigations.
“Brigadier Mokhine explained that the importance of this MoU paves the way for Interpol to build relationships with South African law enforcement agencies while enabling Law Enforcement entities to extend their international reach,” the statement read. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 12/11/2023 - 14:18
Upington traffic officer caught demanding a bribe had been fined R10,000, payable in monthly instalments of R1,000 per month