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The teams for Friday night’s Round 6 fixtures of the Vodacom United Rugby Championship have been named with all details of match officials and broadcast information below. TEAM NEWS HEADLINES #CARvSTO Ellis Jenkins will make his 100th appearance for Cardiff Rugby Brok Harris ties Steven Kitshoff as the most-capped DHL Stormers player making his 136th …
After last weekend’s ignominious record of zero from four, the South African sides will be hard pressed on getting back to winning ways in the sixth round of the Vodacom United Rugby Championship this weekend. With the Vodacom Bulls and Emirates Lions back at home after their early-season tours to the Northern Hemisphere, and the …
Ospreys boss Toby Booth says staying calm in the pressure cooker will be crucial in Sunday’s west Wales derby against the Scarlets. It’s a game that always has a bit extra on it and that will be no different in this weekend’s BKT URC showdown at the Swansea.com Stadium. “Everyone knows the west Wales derby …
Springbok Sevens head coach Sandile Ngcobo will not travel with the team to Dubai for the 2024 HSBC SVNS opener due to medical reasons, with assistant coach Philip Snyman taking over the main coaching responsibilities. Ngcobo injured his Achilles in training early last week and needed surgery to repair the damage. While the procedure was …
Dear Editor The National Department of Transport (DoT), in its presentation to the Portfolio Committee on Transport (PCoT) regarding the festive season road safety plan, highlighted the R573 Moloto road as the most dangerous stretch in South Africa. During the presentation by the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) on behalf of the Department of Transport, …
Pretoria, November, 2023: Pest Control Experts: Your Partner in Ensuring a Pest-Free Environment Gauteng – Pest Control Experts, Gauteng’s premier pest management service, is dedicated to providing top-tier pest and vermin extermination services, ensuring peace of mind for homeowners, office spaces, and industrial premises. With a highly trained team of exterminators, Pest Control Experts are …
Today’s Monetary Policy Committee announcement of zero change to the current interest rate has property owners around the country breathing a collective sigh of relief. “Pegging interest rates at their current levels is definitely a step in the right direction for the property market right now,” says Leonard Kondowe, Finance Manager for Rawson Property Finance. …
Hawks hard at work in dealing with national priority offences
The Directory for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) is hard at work in dealing with national priority offences.
This is according to the National Head for the Directory for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya, who briefed media on Thursday.
Giving an update on the Hawks' second quarter of 2023/24 financial year report, Lebeya said at least 801 suspects were arrested nationally, which is made of 791 natural persons and 10 juristic persons, who were secured before the various courts across the country.
Lebeya said he is happy with the conviction rate of suspects.
He said 244 accused persons, consisting of 234 natural persons and 10 juristic persons, were convicted and sentenced.
“The top five national priority offences contributed a high number of arrests of 173 suspects for fraud, 172 for precious metals and diamonds, 52 for narcotics, 48 for cash-in-transit robberies (CIT) and 37 for corruption.”
During these arrests, the DPCI seized various exhibits including precious metals and diamonds, endangered species, vehicles, cash, firearms, ammunition, counterfeit goods, explosives and electronic devices worth R92 407 269.33.
“In terms of crime categories relating to convictions, out of the 244 convictions, fraud contributed the highest number of 75, which is made of 62 South Africans, six foreign nationals and seven companies.
“The second is precious metals and diamonds with a total number of 51 accused persons. In terms of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act 121 of 1998 (POCA), a total number of 30 accused persons and two companies were convicted for a pattern of racketeering activity and money laundering.
“In terms of nationalities relating to conviction and sentences, 193 are South Africans, while 84 are foreign nationals,” Lebeya said.
The foreign nationals consisted of 48 Zimbabweans, seven Chinese, seven Mozambicans, four Nigerians, three Tanzanians, three Basotho, three Pakistanis, three Ethiopians, two Bangladeshis, two Zambians, one Canadian and one Ghanaian.
Police killings
Lebeya said attacks on police officials are an attack on the State and that the death of one police official is one too many.
He said 35 police officials were murdered in the second quarter, and 37 arrests were made, of which 10 are for older cases.
“Furthermore, of the 10 who have been sentenced, five accused persons were sentenced to share 10 life imprisonments and a combined 391 years imprisonment.”
Illegal mining
With regard to illegal mining, 172 suspects were arrested by the DPCI for precious metals and diamonds.
“We have conducted illegal mining disruptive operations and arrested a number of people, including seizing a number of equipment,” he said.
Among the things seized in one of the illegal mines include three rifles, ammunition, unwrought precious metals, food items, medicine and gold refining paraphernalia.
Kidnappings, drugs and CITs
With regard to kidnappings, a total number of 40 suspects were arrested on kidnapping related charges and 11 victims were rescued by a multidisciplinary kidnapping task team.
Lebeya said drugs, including clandestine laboratories valued at R11 086 284.00, were seized, with total number of 52 suspects arrested, of which 30 are South African nationals and 22 are foreign nationals.
“It is therefore imperative to educate our communities to stop the demand of drugs whilst law enforces to stop the supply.”
Meanwhile, cash-in transit heists continue to be a thorn in the economy of the country and the DPCI, in collaboration with private organisations, continues to strengthen the fight against these crimes.
“For this quarter, 48 arrests were effected and two convictions secured,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 11/23/2023 - 14:59
United states of America (USA), November, 2023 Rideshare Mechanic: Revolutionizing Vehicle Inspections for Uber & Lyft Drivers Rideshare Mechanic is transforming the way rideshare drivers fulfill their vehicle inspection requirements with a unique video inspection service. This innovative approach allows Uber and Lyft drivers to complete their mandatory 19-point vehicle inspection quickly and conveniently using …
Dear Editor The DA has today laid a formal complaint with the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) against President Cyril Ramaphosa, for the central role he has played in bringing about the nation’s current devastating reality: that almost five million of our children are starving. According to the latest State of the South African …
Prop Brok Harris will captain the DHL Stormers in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship match against Cardiff on Friday, which will see him bring up 400 senior professional caps. The DHL Stormers end their four-match tour at Cardiff Arms Park on Friday night, with kick-off at 21h35. They will be led out by Harris, who …
In summer, there is something about sandals that instantly adds a perfect summery edge to any look. Depending on your preferred style, these shoes are very versatile, allowing you to dress it up or down and they may be paired with everything from black trousers and a crisp white shirt to a floaty floral dress, …
Mike Vonk, NSRI Wilderness station commander, said: At 15h41, Wednesday, 22 November, NSRI Wilderness duty crew were activated by eyewitnesses who reported 2 people being pulled out to sea in a rip current at Herold’s Bay, Southern Cape. At the same time former lifeguard Corne Calitz and Steven Steyn, a local surfer also observed the …
Having conquered Hollywoodbets Kings Park last week to earn their fifth win in South Africa, Connacht have now set their sights on becoming the first European challenger to corral the Vodacom Bulls at their Loftus Versfeld fortress. The tenacious Irish side overcame the Hollywoodbets Sharks in Durban, fighting to claim a 13-12 victory and punishing …
Nzimande to open new uMgungundlovu TVET college campus
Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande, will on Friday officially open a new campus of the uMgungundlovu Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal.
The uMgungundlovu TVET College was opened in 2002 after a merger of the then Edendale, Plessislaer, Midlands, Msunduzi and Northdale Further Education and Training (FET) Colleges.
uMgungundlovu TVET is the only college that serves communities from in and around the uMgungundlovu District Municipality and the Natal Midlands. The college has seven teaching campuses and three skills centres.
The new campus, Msinga, was built by the Department of Higher Education and Training, as part of the department’s TVET Infrastructure Development Programme funded in part through the National Skills Fund (NSF) and the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETA).
The new infrastructure includes the administration block, theory building that consists of two computer laboratories, and the engineering block that consists of four workshops and skills centres.
During the launch, Nzimande will lead the Education and Science Imbizo in which the SETAs and the Department of Science and Innovation entities will share with the public the opportunities that are available in their sectors. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 11/23/2023 - 13:10
Gauteng, Cape Town, Durban, November, 2023: Loadit: The Smart Way to Move, Remove, or Deliver Anything Anywhere Loadit, the innovative logistics platform, is revolutionizing the way South Africans handle their delivery and removal needs. With a commitment to convenience, reliability, and efficiency, Loadit offers a seamless solution for moving, removing, or delivering items with just a …
Chairperson Barney Pityana says Auditor-General must be held accountable for giving the National Lotteries Commission clean audits
To determine how much you can get for your gold jewelry in South Africa, you need to consider a few key factors: the current gold price, the purity of your gold, and the market dynamics in gold trading. Current Gold Prices in South Africa (2023) Average Price: The average price of gold in 2023 …
Enoch Mgijima Municipality works to honour Eskom debt arrangement
Eskom has commended the Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality’s efforts to honour its National Treasury Municipal Debt Relief Programme obligations.
The municipality, which is located in the Eastern Cape, is one of more than 60 municipalities that have applied for the debt relief arrangement, which is aimed at assisting the ailing municipalities to pay their electricity bills.
“After a long history of indebtedness, protracted court cases, and power interruption, Eskom is pleased with Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality’s current account payment.
“Through this monthly payment, Eskom believes that the municipality is demonstrating its commitment to the National Treasury Debt Relief Programme, which will enable the municipality’s Eskom debt to be written off over a three-year period,” Eskom said in a statement on Thursday.
By August this year, municipal Eskom debt had snowballed to an estimated R63 billion and the power utility said this is contributing to the financial health challenges it faces.
“Arrear municipal debt remains a significant challenge for Eskom due to continued escalation to unsustainable levels. This poses serious risks to Eskom’s long-term financial sustainability. It also contributes significantly to the liquidity challenges currently facing Eskom,” Eskom said.
Enoch Mgijima municipal manager, Ayakha Ntengenyane, said the municipality is committed to paying and maintaining its Eskom bulk current account.
“Since we are implementing the Financial Recovery Plan, we expect revenue to increase and this will enable the municipality to improve its performance. We are also cracking down on illegal electricity connections, which are a hindrance to reliable power supply. We are also working hard to generate adequate funding to sustain operations,” Ntengenyane said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 11/23/2023 - 10:16
Condolences for Commission for Gender Equality Commissioner
Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, has joined the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) in mourning the passing of Commissioner Lindiwe Octavia Ntuli-Tloubatla.
The Commissioner passed away on Monday following a long illness.
Ntuli-Tloubatla joined CGE after her appointment as Commissioner by President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2019.
Within the Commission, she served in various committees, including Human Resource, Education and Research and Legal.
A graduate of the University of Limpopo, University of Pretoria, University of South Africa, and Regenesys School of Public Management, Ntuli-Tloubatla had extensive knowledge and experience in gender transformation and women empowerment.
Dlamini-Zuma said together with other Commissioners, Ntuli-Tloubatla championed the constitutional mandate of the Commission for Gender Equality and its obligations by ensuring an organisational framework for compliance, governance, and effective functioning, which are today the strategic pillars for implementation of the Commission’s mandate.
“It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we lose a dedicated individual who was dedicated to advancing the course of gender equality in South Africa. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and colleagues during this difficult period,” Dlamini Zuma said.
Also sending its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and relatives of the late Commissioner, the CGE said Ntuli-Tloubatla was a committed leader and passionate gender activist, and will be dearly missed by the Commission and society.
“She was so passionate about human rights and human capacity development. As the Commission we mourn and henceforth celebrate a life well lived. Indeed, the country will surely miss her.
“Her memory and what she laboured for will be her legacy. We shall never forget the footprints she left behind,” CGE Chairperson, Advocate Nthabiseng Sepanya-Mogale said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 11/23/2023 - 11:39
New NBA Stores at Gateway Mall in Durban and V&A Waterfront in Cape Town Will Feature Extensive Range of Officially Licensed NBA Merchandise, Including Nike Jerseys, Apparel, Memorabilia and More;Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer Clyde Drexler to Attend Store Launch Events in December and Engage with Local Fans; NBA Fans in South Africa and Other Select African Countries Can Continue to Shop Online at NBAStore.Africa (https://NBAStore.Africa/).
NBA Africa and Shesha, a premium retailer of exclusive and limited-edition footwear, apparel and accessories, today announced that two new NBA Stores will open in Durban and Cape Town, South Africa. The NBA Store in Durban will be located at Gateway Mall and open on Friday, Nov. 24, while the NBA Store in Cape Town will be located at V&A Waterfront and open on Friday, Dec. 1.
The new stores build on NBA Africa's existing merchandise offerings, including the first NBA Store on the continent located in Sandton City, Johannesburg and the league's first e-commerce (https://NBAStore.Africa/) site dedicated to fans in Africa, which provides fans in select countries with the widest selection of official NBA merchandise ever available on the continent. To celebrate the new store openings, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer Clyde Drexler will engage with fans at launch events in Cape Town on Tuesday, Dec. 12 and in Durban on Thursday, Dec. 14.
Both stores, which will be operated by Shesha, will feature an extensive range of officially licensed NBA merchandise for youth and adults, including current and former player jerseys, apparel, headwear, footwear, sporting goods, toys and collectibles from major brands such as Nike, Mitchell & Ness, New Era and Wilson. The stores will also feature a customization area where fans can personalize NBA jerseys.
“We are excited to expand our merchandise offerings in Africa as part of our multiyear collaboration with Shesha,” said NBA Africa CEO Victor Williams. “There is tremendous demand for official NBA merchandise from fans in South Africa and across the continent, and these beautiful new stores will allow fans in Cape Town and Durban to more easily represent their favorite teams and players.”
“Following the launch of Africa's first NBA Store in Johannesburg last year, we are excited to also deliver the NBA Store experience to fans in Durban and Cape Town,” said Shesha CEO Nirmal Devchand. “The launch of the new NBA Stores will provide more fans in these cities with better access to their favorite teams and players' merchandise, and we look forward to welcoming them to these new locations.”
Drexler, a 15-year NBA veteran who retired from the league in 1998, is an NBA champion, 10-time NBA All-Star, five-time All-NBA selection, and member of the NBA's 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams. He was inducted twice into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, first in 2004 for his individual career and again in 2010 as a member of the United States Men's National Team at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain.
There are more than 400 NBA-branded, licensee-operated, retail stores and attractions worldwide that serve as the league's official destinations for fans around the world. NBA fans in Angola, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, the Seychelles, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe can continue to shop online at NBAStore.Africa (https://apo-opa.co/47LGv4x).
Earlier this month, the Basketball Africa League, a partnership between the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and NBA Africa, announced that the league's fourth season will tip off in March 2024 in South Africa. Fans can register their interest in tickets to games at BAL.NBA.com (https://BAL.NBA.com/).
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of National Basketball Association (NBA).
Contact:
Chumani Bambani,
NBA Africa Communications,
cbambani@nba.com,
+27 65 548 1031
About NBA Africa:
NBA Africa is an affiliate of the National Basketball Association (NBA), a global sports and media organization with the mission to inspire and connect people everywhere through the power of basketball. NBA Africa conducts the league's business in Africa, including the Basketball Africa League (BAL), and has opened subsidiary offices in Cairo, Egypt; Dakar, Senegal; and Lagos, Nigeria. The NBA has a long history in Africa and opened its African headquarters in Johannesburg, South Africa in 2010. The league's efforts on the continent have focused on increasing access to basketball and the NBA through youth and elite development, social responsibility, media distribution, corporate partnerships, NBA Africa Games, an NBA Store, the BAL, and more. Last year, NBA Africa reached more than eight million youth across the continent through basketball development, life-skills programming and social media engagement.
NBA games and programming are available in all 54 African countries, and the NBA has hosted three sold-out exhibition games on the continent since 2015. The 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. Fans can follow @ NBA_Africa and @ theBAL on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
About Shesha:
The first Shesha store launched in Johannesburg, South Africa in 2005, and today features over 15 stores. The Shesha business is committed and passionate about street culture. The stores are dedicated to serve the community and fans with the freshest limited edition premium lifestyle and basketball merchandise. The Shesha stores offer a range of global and local brands, with a particular focus on footwear and headwear, and global collaborations across both lifestyle and basketball. Fans can follow @ shesha_fashion on Instagram, @ Shesha Lifestyle on Facebook, and @ SheshaLifestyle on Twitter, or visit their website – www.SheshaLifestyle.com
DWS works to finalise Catchment Management Agencies
The Department of Water and Sanitation is in the process of finalising the establishment of the Catchment Management Agencies (CMAs).
The establishment of CMAs is in line with the provisions of the National Water Act, 1998 (Act No. 36 of 1998) (NWA) and the National Water Policy for South Africa.
The purpose of Catchment Management Agencies is to enhance decentralised decision-making and to involve stakeholders in managing water resources, in an integrated manner, at a local level.
Water and Sanitation Minister, Senzo Mchunu, has finalised the appointment of Board Members of the Pongolo – Umzimkhulu and the Vaal Orange Catchment Management Agency, which was concurred by Cabinet on 15 November 2023.
The appointed Board Members for Pongolo – uMzimkhulu Catchment Management Agency include Dr Thava Kelly (Chairperson), Sibusiso Makhanya (Deputy Chairperson), Hlengiwe Ndlovu, Bhekumuzi Gumbi, Dr Lembi William Mngoma, Snenhlanhla Mngadi, Professor Purshottama Reddy, Mdandla Myeni, and Nokuthula Khanyile.
The appointed Board Members for the Vaal Orange Catchment Management Agency include, Desmond Solomon Fransman (Chairperson), Tsakane Zwane (Deputy Chairperson), Hubert Thompson, Nontuthuzelo Njeza, Nakana Masoka, Ponatshego Mothibi, Doris Dondur, Dichikane Mashego, and Louis Van Oudtshoom.
The department said the boards, as the accounting authority, will operationalise the CMAs which will include, developing the catchment management strategy, effective participation of stakeholders and management of water resources in the water management area.
“In addition, the CMA will be more responsive to water user needs and speedy decision making around water resources management and create a customer focused culture for water resources management which creates accountability at a local level for water resources management.
The department congratulated the new board members, and wished them well in their endeavours. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 11/23/2023 - 11:05
The Philippine Embassy in Pretoria jointly organized the inaugural ASEAN Film Festival (AFF) in South Africa which was held from 17 to 19 November 2023 at The Bioscope Independent Cinema in Johannesburg.
The Embassy took the lead in the preparations for this flagship cultural diplomacy project which was also participated in by resident diplomatic missions of Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam.
The AFF formally kicked off with a simple ceremony on 17 November 2023 which was attended by government officials, members of the diplomatic corps and the general public. The highlight of the program was the delivery of speeches by Ambassador Myint Swe of Myanmar on behalf of the ASEAN-Pretoria Committee (APC), and Director for Southeast Asia Raymond Medhurst of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) representing the South African government. The screening of Bad Genius of Thailand immediately followed the ceremony.
In true ASEAN style, participating missions took the opportunity to showcase their respective culinary heritage, with the Philippines serving puto (steamed rice cake) and pichi-pichi (grated cassava).
The Philippines' Ang Dalawang Mrs. Reyes (The Two Mrs. Reyes) was the closing film of the AFF. Released by Star Cinema in 2018, it is a good representation of the emerging mainstream LGBTQI+ cinema in the Philippines. The film revolves around the themes of love, acceptance and forgiveness, which resonate well with the South African audience.
Members of the Filipino community in South Africa also attended the screening who appreciated the film's modern and progressive view on gender and human relationships.
In his brief description of the film before the start of the screening, First Secretary and Consul Maurice A. Tiempo highlighted Philippine cinema's independent and rebellious spirit. He remarked:
Philippine cinema is always about pushing boundaries. Since the country produced its first film in 1919, Filipino filmmakers have experimented with various themes, narrative structures, as well as visual styles and techniques. Filipino filmmakers are also not afraid to tackle polarizing or taboo subjects.
There is also that strong tradition in Philippine cinema to use the powerful medium of film as a form of social commentary. Through the years, the Philippine film industry has produced a significant number of films which convey the aspiration of the Filipino people for a more inclusive and progressive Philippines.
To the delight of the crowd, the Embassy ended the screening by giving away Philippine home decors and other Filipiniana items as raffle prizes.
Reflecting on the Embassy's successful participation in the AFF, Philippine Ambassador to South Africa Noralyn Jubaira Baja said “The AFF offered a special platform for the Philippines and other ASEAN countries in showcasing, sharing and honoring the diverse and rich cinematic cultures of the region. Film has the transformative power to enhance cultural and people-to-people understanding between South Africa and the ASEAN region”.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Department of Foreign Affairs, Republic of the Philippines.
They are frustrated by “failures” in the Free State education system