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Flykids Online Toy Store: Where Imagination Takes Flight
South Africa, November, 2023: Flykids Online Toy Store: Where Imagination Takes Flight Johannesburg, South Africa – Flykids, South Africa’s premier online toy store, is proud to announce its latest range of innovative and engaging toys for children. With a mission to provide “Cool Toys for Cool Kids,” Flykids is dedicated to fostering creativity, learning, and fun …
Kubayi orders improved services in Nelson Mandela Bay informal settlements
Kubayi orders improved services in Nelson Mandela Bay informal settlements
Human Settlements Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has given the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan a directive to provide informal settlement dwellers with adequate human rights services, including water and sanitation -- in compliance with norms and standards -- within seven days.
Kubayi gave the directive during an outreach programme, which saw the handing over of keys to newly built government-subsidised homes and title deeds to beneficiaries in Motherwell in Nelson Mandela Bay, Eastern Cape.
The visit on Wednesday formed part of the coordinated effort amongst the three spheres of government to effect province-wide interventions to accelerate the delivery of sustainable human settlements.
Kubayi said the three spheres of government and relevant agencies should present tangible responses to improve living conditions of various communities by the end of January 2024.
Responding to various concerns raised by the community during an imbizo, Kubayi said the three spheres of government must find solutions to the inhumane conditions under which people live.
“We cannot have instances where people live in Temporary Residential Units (TRUs) with inadequate ablution facilities. We can’t sit and watch injustice happen… we must intervene urgently,” the Minister said.
She noted some progress in the in-situ upgrading project in the metro, and acknowledged that more work needs to be done.
This includes proper verification processes, as “some people who demand housing in the projects may not necessarily qualify for fully subsidised government housing”.
“There cannot be repeat benefits, as the system automatically disqualifies anyone who owned a property before,” Kubayi reminded the applicants.
She said the Eastern Cape province has about 53 000 houses that require rectification.
“These are homes that predate democracy and also from the early days before the set norms and standards by the National Home Builders' Registration Council (NHBRC). Due to limited financial constraints, the rectification programme will be undertaken in a phased manner,” Kubayi explained.
Warning against sale of government-subsidised houses
The Minister reiterated the warning to beneficiaries not to sell government-subsidised houses.
“The current Human Settlements policy is very clear on who should benefit from subsidised housing, and it does not include foreign nationals. It takes R350 000 to build each house and you sell them for R15 000, and three months down the line you come back demanding housing from the government,” the Minister said.
The Minister also announced that she and Deputy Minister Pam Tshwete will conduct a verification programme, called Operation Ziveze, aimed at ascertaining that government-subsidised homes are occupied by their rightful owners.
Echoing the Minister’s sentiments, Tshwete warned residents about giving away their title deeds to loan sharks in exchange for quick, unsecured loans.
“I urge you to take care of your title deeds we are giving you today. This is not just proof of ownership, but also an asset for your children.”
The imbizo was part of a series of outreach programmes the Minister and Deputy Minister are embarking on to unlock challenges within the Human Settlements value chain.
Limpopo houses handover
Meanwhile, Kubayi and Tshwete will on Thursday hand over government-subsidised houses to the qualifying beneficiaries in Bela Bela Ext 25 in the Waterberg District Municipality, Limpopo.
The project is one of the informal settlements upgrading projects aimed at restoring the dignity of people living in informal settlements.
Bela Bela Extension 25 is expected to deliver over 1 000 housing units on completion.
The housing handover will precede the last meeting for this calendar year between the Ministry and MECs of Human Settlements (MINMEC) to reflect on the performance of the sector since the beginning of the 2023/24 financial year.
Discussions will include the release of land parcels for human settlement development, an update on government’s efforts to upgrade informal settlements across the country and the delivery of housing units, and progress on the title deeds campaign. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 11/23/2023 - 10:15
Brooklyn Care: A Sanctuary Where Residents Become Family
Pretoria, November, 2023: Frail Care Pretoria – Brooklyn Care: A Sanctuary Where Residents Become Family Pretoria, South Africa – Frail Care Pretoria – Brooklyn Care, a premier luxury frail care facility, is proud to announce its commitment to providing professional 24-hour nursing care in a setting where dignity and comfort are paramount. Situated in the …
Empowering Change and Development in the Workplace
Hermanus – Western Cape, November, 2023: Growth in Motion: Empowering Change and Development in the Workplace Growth in Motion, a 51% Black Woman Owned QSE professional consulting business, announces its continued commitment to providing industry-leading change management and professional development services. With a Level 2 B-BBEE rating, Growth in Motion stands at the forefront of organizational …
Limpopo community applauded for the arrest of murder suspect
Limpopo community applauded for the arrest of murder suspect
Limpopo Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has lauded the community partnership which played a crucial role in the successful arrest of a murder suspect.
The 37-year-old suspect was arrested for the brutal murder of his mother in Mecklenburg in Sekhukhune District on 19 November 2023.
The suspect was apprehended in Burgersfort after community members spotted him walking along the road. They then effected a citizen’s arrest and immediately summoned the police.
The suspect has been on the run after he allegedly assaulted his mother (77) to death at their house in Ga-Mampa Village.
According to reports, the suspect arrived home at about 2:00am and played music at a high volume. The elderly woman tried to reprimand him, but he became aggressive and started physically attacking her.
The woman's grandson tried to intervene but he was also assaulted, and that's when he ran to the neighbours for assistance. Police were summoned to the scene and upon arrival, they found the victim lying unconscious on the floor and bleeding heavily.
The victim also sustained injuries throughout her body. She was certified dead on the scene.
"The community's decisive action in apprehending the murder suspect is commendable. Their courage and co-operation underscore the importance of collective efforts in maintaining public safety," said Hadebe.
The suspect appeared before the Praktiseer Magistrate's Court on Thursday, facing a charge of murder. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 11/23/2023 - 12:39
Your Gateway to Pain-Free Living
Pretoria, November, 2023: Joint Health Chiropractic Pretoria – Your Gateway to Pain-Free Living Pretoria, South Africa – Joint Health Chiropractic Pretoria, led by the esteemed Dr. Nerina le Roux, is proud to announce its continued commitment to providing exceptional chiropractic care to the residents of Pretoria. With a natural approach to health care, the clinic stands …
All movies, every sites for only sixty bucks… every day on Black Friday at Ster-Kinekor
Step away from the crazy Black Friday retail frenzy, and into your favourite Ster-Kinekor cinema to catch one of the blockbuster titles currently on circuit – for just sixty bucks. This special deal applies to all movies and all screenings at all cinema sites, but only on Black Friday. And Ster-Kinekor is sweetening the deal …
Two SAB plants secure R5.8 billion upgrades
Two SAB plants get R5.8 billion upgrades
The R5.8 billion investment commitment made by South African Breweries (SAB) has been utilised to increase capacity at two of its plants.
The company said the investment – which was announced at the South African Investment Conference 2023 earlier in the year - was for civil works and new equipment to allow for increased local production for new product innovations.
Two of SAB’s plants were identified for these capacity upgrades - Prospecton Brewery in Durban and Ibhayi Brewery in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape.
The South African Investment Conference was launched in 2018 by President Cyril Ramaphosa to boost economic activity that had been in decline for over a decade in Africa's most advanced but struggling economy.
This year, President Ramaphosa set a new target to mobilise approximately R2 trillion in new investments over another five-year period which begins next year.
SAB employs around 5 700 employees and collaborates with nearly 3 739 suppliers, supporting around 250 000 jobs in the beer value chain.
In addition, the company sources high-quality ingredients from local farmers, ensuring that 94% of their beer production is locally sourced.
Chief Executive Officer of SAB, Richard Rivett-Carnac, said SAB is committed to being a driver of economic growth by building a sustainable business that develops, empowers, and invests in the communities in which it operates.
"We are dedicated to sustainable investments and economic growth. Our investments over time have contributed billions of rand to the South African Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which, alongside the investment commitments pledged at the 2023 South African Investment Conference 2023, have provided a significant boost to an economy sorely in need of stimulus,” Rivett-Carnac said.
“In terms of job creation, the investment into the Prospecton Brewery has created approximately 25 000 additional jobs throughout the value chain, whilst the Ibhayi Brewery investment has created a further 14 000 jobs throughout the beer value chain across South Africa,” he said.
He said the estimated 39 000 jobs created through these investments were across a variety of sectors. These include agriculture, logistics, manufacturing, hospitality, construction and innovation among others in the value chain. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 11/23/2023 - 13:00
The Animation School selects Honoris as its partner for expansion as the world embraces African entertainment
Cape Town, South Africa – 23 November 2023: The television entertainment sector in South Africa is undergoing a digital revolution, with streaming services such as Showmax, Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ disrupting the traditional business model South Africans have used for many years. The power of these services is immense. These platforms boast impressive content rosters …
Beautifying Centurion One Garden at a Time
Centurion, November, 2023: Super Green Garden Services – Beautifying Centurion One Garden at a Time Centurion, South Africa – Super Green Garden Services, the premier garden maintenance provider in Centurion, is proud to announce its continued commitment to bringing professional and hassle-free garden care to the community. With nearly a decade of experience, Super Green Garden …
Nxesi denies allegations of corruption in R5 billion UIF jobs deal
Nxesi denies allegations of corruption in R5 billion UIF jobs deal
Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi is set to file court papers to set aside the controversial R5-billion Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) jobs deal with Thuja Holdings.
Nxesi briefed the media on Thursday following allegations of his involvement in the UIF jobs deal saga with Mthunzi Mdwaba's Thuja Holdings.
The allegations were made by Mthunzi Mdwaba, the CEO of Thuja Holdings, and former Chair of Productivity SA, in relation to a R5 billion agreement that was concluded in December 2022 between his company and the UIF.
He accused Nxesi and other high-ranking government officials of trying to solicit a bribe from him. The Minister said that the agreement was signed without the knowledge of the executive authority or of National Treasury.
“Today, I signed my affidavit in support of various orders, chief amongst being the setting aside of the agreement. I have brought this application on an urgent basis. In that affidavit I challenge Mdwaba to present his evidence in support of his allegations that I have demanded any payment of a corrupt fee in relation to the agreement.
“If he cannot produce that evidence, I have asked the court for an interdict to stop him from promoting his campaign of false and unsupported lies.
“In simple terms, I have taken the decision to have the agreement concluded by the UIF with Mdwaba set aside, because it was concluded in breach of section 54(2) of the PFMA [Public Finance Management Act],” he said.
The Minister further denied allegations by Mdwaba that he and other Ministers tried to solicit a R500-million bribe in the UIF jobs deal.
“Mr Mdwaba’s allegations of seeking bribes against myself, and others, are false and unsupported by any actual evidence. Let me be clear: I categorically deny these recent allegations of corruption…you must ask why Mdwaba waited nearly a year to come up with these allegations…Mdwaba will now have to prove these allegations in a court of law.”
The Minister also questioned the legality of the Thuja Capital deal stating that the real issue is “whether the deal is legal and valid, and [whether] due processes were followed in terms of the law.”
“This is an issue to be settled by the court. Mdwaba’s 10% bribe allegation will also be placed on record and subjected to the scrutiny of the court.”
LAP Programmes
The Minister said that as preparations to file papers in court continues, further allegations have been made, apparently by an anonymous individual seeking immunity for past crimes committed.
The allegation is that the former Director-General of the department, Thobile Lamati and the Minister colluded in illegally siphoning off R3 billion from Labour Activation Programmes (LAP) 11 programmes.
“On the last issue of R3 billion, I am happy that this will be investigated by law enforcement agencies to establish the processes followed and the roles of all parties concerned. To this end, I have instructed all staff members to fully cooperate with state agencies investigating the matter,” said the Minister.
Nxesi has also mandated the Department of Employment and Labour (including the UIF and LAP), through the Acting DG Dr Alec Moemi , to strengthen internal business processes including risk management, financial controls and consequence management, as well as to increase capacity in project and programme management, governance, and digitalisation to improve effectiveness and efficiencies among others.
He said the UIF and Compensation Fund organisational architecture has been comprehensively reviewed exactly to achieve these objectives. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Thu, 11/23/2023 - 14:42
City of Cape Town calls off Maynard Street house auction
Ndifuna Ukwazi welcomes decision
Centurion’s Trusted Tree Felling Service
Centurion, November, 2023: Super Green – Centurion’s Trusted Tree Felling Service Super Green, a leading tree management company in Centurion, is proud to announce its comprehensive tree felling and maintenance services designed to enhance the safety and aesthetic appeal of residential and commercial properties. With a deep commitment to environmental care and professional excellence, Super Green …
Excellence in Automotive Service and Repair
Pretoria, November, 2023: Moreleta Service Centre: Excellence in Automotive Service and Repair Moreleta Service Centre, Pretoria’s premier RMI Approved Car Service and Repair Centre, is proud to announce its continued commitment to providing exceptional automotive care and customer service. With a focus on quality, affordability, and expertise, Moreleta Service Centre stands as a beacon of trust …
Repo rate remains unchanged at 8.25%
Repo rate remains unchanged at 8.25%
The Reserve Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has decided to keep the repurchase rate at its current level of 8.25%.
Addressing a media briefing at the last MPC media briefing of the year, the bank’s Governor Lesetja Kganyago said the decision was unanimous.
“Electricity prices continue to present clear inflation risks, and with logistics constraints, are likely to have broader effects on the cost of doing business and the cost of living. Given uncertain fuel and food price inflation, considerable risk still attaches to the forecast for average salaries.
“Serious upside risks to the inflation outlook remain. In light of these risks, the Committee remains vigilant and stands ready to act should risks begin to materialise,” the Governor said on Thursday.
Market-based expectations for inflation in 2023 are currently 5.8%, while near-term break-even rates have dipped to 4.3%.
He said medium and longer-term market expectations for inflation remain elevated.
“The September survey of the Bureau for Economic Research shows average inflation expectations lower at 6.1% for 2023. The Committee, however, would prefer to see expectations anchored at the mid-point of the inflation target band,” the Governor said.
He said that at the current repurchase rate level, policy is restrictive, consistent with the inflation outlook and elevated inflation expectations.
SARB’s forecast for global growth in 2023 is broadly unchanged at 2.7% (from 2.6%), and 2.6% in 2024.
“Decisions will continue to be data dependent and sensitive to the balance of risks to the outlook. The inflation and repo rate projections from the updated Quarterly Projection Model (QPM) remain a broad policy guide, changing from meeting to meeting in response to new data and risks.”
Kganyago said the policy stance aims to anchor inflation expectations more firmly around the midpoint of the target band [of between 3 and 6%] and to increase confidence of attaining the inflation target sustainably over time.
With South Africa’s inflation rate remaining sensitive to shocks, the MPC will seek to look through temporary price shocks and focus on potential second round effects and the risks of de-anchoring inflation expectations.
“Guiding inflation back towards the mid-point of the target band reduces the economic costs of high inflation and will achieve lower interest rates in the future. Since early 2020, the Committee has recommended additional means of lowering inflation that are within the reach of the public sector, including achieving a prudent public debt level, increasing the supply of energy, keeping administered price inflation low and real wage growth in line with productivity gains.
“Such steps would strengthen monetary policy effectiveness and its transmission to the broader economy,” he said.
While volatile in recent weeks, oil prices have increased over the year and commodity export prices have moderated further.
“South Africa’s external financing needs will increase as the current account deficit expands from a forecasted 1.3% of GDP this year (from 2.0%), to 2.6% of GDP in 2024 and to 3.5% of GDP in 2025. The smaller deficit this year is the result of significantly better than expected trade outcomes in the third quarter.
“The rand weakened over the past year, depreciating by about 9.5% against the US dollar. The lack of sustained economic growth and dependence on commodities is reflected in the high volatility of the currency in response to global risk-on and risk-off episodes,” Kganyago said. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 11/23/2023 - 15:49
Enjoy a safe day outdoors by keeping personal safety top of mind
Summer is a beautiful time to relish the numerous outdoor activities Gauteng has to offer with family and friends. If you’re planning a trip to somewhere like the picturesque Hartbeespoort Dam for a braai or picnic, with the warm sun overhead and the gentle summer breeze rustling through the trees, Fidelity ADT encourages you to …
The Promise of a Thriving Economy
Today, the provincial Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, Mireille Wenger, tabled the Municipal Economic Review and Outlook 2023/24 (MERO) in the Western Cape Provincial Parliament, titled ‘The Promise of a Thriving Economy – Our Municipal Building Blocks of Growth’. Opening her address, Minister Wenger said, “I am extremely proud to share the invaluable insights …
One step closer to destroying health care in South Africa
Dear Editor The select committee on health’s decision to pass the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill on Tuesday, indicates that the National Council of Province (NCOP) will follow the National Assembly’s (NA) suit and push the problematic Bill through as well. This despite the many unanswered questions that the Department of Health has been either …
Rate reprieve will lift holiday spirits
23 November 2023, Johannesburg: Following the South African Reserve Bank’s decision earlier today to leave its benchmark repo rate unchanged, FNB confirms it will maintain its prime rate at existing levels and will review this position after the next SARB MPC meeting in January 2024. FNB CEO Jacques Celliers says, “While many factors indicated the …
DHL Stormers Seek Cardiff Victory
A compelling victory against Cardiff under Friday night lights at Cardiff Arms Park will ignite the DHL Stormers to gun it to a third straight final in the BKT United Rugby Championship. The DHL Stormers are in the Welsh capital to wrap up a four-match European tour before heading back to South Africa on a …
DHL Stormers to take on Northampton Saints in exhibition match
The DHL Stormers will take on Northampton Saints in an exhibition match at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens in March. The two teams will face one another for the first time on Saturday, 9 March, when the Vodacom United Rugby Championship and Gallagher Premiership are on a break due to the Six Nations. Both teams …
Jamie Ritchie to make 100th appearance for Edinburgh Rugby
Scotland captain Jamie Ritchie will become Edinburgh Rugby’s 40th centurion when the capital side face Benetton Rugby at Hive Stadium tomorrow night (Friday 24 November, kick-off 7.35pm) – live on Viaplay. Ritchie – who joined the club straight from school at the age of 17 – made his Edinburgh Rugby debut in 2014 and has …
World Bank: Crime costs SA 10% of GDP annually
Dear Editor In its Safety First: The Economic Cost of Crime in South Africa report released yesterday, the World Bank highlighted the staggering cost of crime under the ANC government. Annually, crime costs amount up to 10% of South Africa’s GDP. For 2023, this cost is conservatively estimated at R700 billion, nearly three times the …