22 Gauteng schools built with asbestos still haven’t been replaced
Historic Kliptown Primary School is one of them
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Add a touch of Boschendal magic to your end-of-year celebrations
Cape Town, South Africa – End the year on a high note with Boschendal’s corporate year-end offerings and celebrate your team at one of South Africa’s most iconic farms. With a couple of year-end functions to choose from, stunning accommodation options, and a newly expanded selection of corporate gift hampers, everyone can enjoy an authentic …
The woman redefining dance in South Africa
Standing starkly in the centre of a dimly lit stage, alongside a baby grand piano and its player, is a figure in an unexpected pose. With her twisted limbs and contorted body, she looks, at first glance, to be in pain – but slow, rhythmic pulses reveal profound intention. The woman is jackï job, and …
SA taking steps to lay formal complaint with ICC against “war crimes” by Israel
SA taking steps to lay formal complaint with ICC against “war crimes” by Israel
President Cyril Ramaphosa has reiterated South Africa’s position on the conflict in the Middle East, revealing that the country has taken steps towards laying a formal complaint with the International Criminal Court (ICC) against the Israeli government for the “war crimes” in Gaza, Palestine.
President Ramaphosa said this during a media briefing in Doha on Wednesday as he wrapped up his state visit to Qatar.
“We stated our position as South Africa very clearly, that we are opposed to the operations that are ongoing, particularly as it is now targeting hospitals where babies, women and the injured are dying like flies and where the care of life is just something that has been completely ignored and put aside.
“As South Africa we have accordingly, together with many other countries in the world, saw fit to refer this whole Israeli government action to the International Criminal Court. We have put through a referral because we believe that war crimes are being committed there,” the President said.
President Ramaphosa told journalists that South Africa does not condone the actions that were taken by Hamas earlier but similarly, “we condemn the actions that are now currently underway and believe that they warrant investigation by the ICC”.
The President and his Qatari counterpart His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani were able to exchange views on the geopolitical situation in which the world finds itself particularly in relation to the crisis that is unfolding in Gaza.
“We thank and applaud his Royal Highness for the interventions that Qatar is making to mediate in the midst of this crisis, particularly in relation to releasing hostages, but also in advocating a position that we as South Africa have been advocating that the crisis between Israel and Palestine needs to be resolved through a two state solution where Palestine emerges as a fully-fledged state as well as the continued existence of the Israeli state.
“We both abhor what is happening right now in Gaza, which has now turned into a concentration camp, where genocide is taking place,” President Ramaphosa said.
The President said that many people around the world are not pleased at what is unfolding in Gaza.
He reiterated that South Africa joins many other countries and organisations that is calling upon the ICC to investigate what is happening.
“And in fact, as we see it unfolding before our own eyes, we can see that real war crime is underway, particularly at that Shifa Hospital and we are completely opposed to what is happening and we are calling upon various countries to put pressure on Israel to immediately cease what they are doing. There is a desperate need for a ceasefire now, so that we can save more lives. Innocent lives are being lost and the rule of law is no longer being observed, where children are just being killed,” the President said.
President Ramaphosa further told journalists that government has taken a very clear position in as far as the support for the struggle of the people of Palestine.
He said government’s commitment to the struggle of the Palestinians is irrevocable and it will go beyond just political to being very practical.
The President said government will be sending medical supplies and other products to offer assistance to the people of Gaza. - SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Thu, 11/16/2023 - 11:35
688 views
Experience The Ultimate Comfort And Style For Your Outdoor Adventures
Shop the curated selection of spring & summer must-haves from Hi-Tec! Summer is no longer a time for boring t-shirts and sandals; you can now step out with confidence with Hi-Tec’s creative designs and fashionable footwear and apparel. The season of adventure and outdoor experiences has arrived, and Hi-Tec is here to ensure you run …
Explore Teva International’s Diverse Range of Coffee Cups
At Teva International, they are dedicated to providing their customers with a broad array of top-quality products, specially tailored to satisfy the diverse requirements of the coffee-serving industry. Whether you are an individual coffee enthusiast or a bustling café, Teva International has everything you need to serve your beverages with flair and efficiency. Explore their …
R1.5b plant nears completion at Richards Bay IDZ
R1.5b plant nears completion at Richards Bay IDZ
Plans are underway to ensure that more land is acquired to enable local communities to be involved in the production of the raw materials required by the Wilmar Palm Oil refinery plant in Richards Bay.
This is according to the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA).
Speaking during a tour of the Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone, Acting Head of the Department, Dr Thandeka Ellenson, who was representing MEC Siboniso Duma, expressed her appreciation to the IDZ Board for the amazing work that has been done by the management and all categories of staff.
“MEC Siboniso Duma is encouraged by the fact that the construction of Wilmar Palm Oil, originally from Singapore, is nearing completion. About R1.5 billion has been invested to produce margarine and other edible oils,” Ellenson said.
Ellenson said plans are underway to ensure that more land is acquired to enable local communities to be involved in the production of the raw material required by the plant.
Wilmar has been successfully convinced to ensure the optimisation of local content, whereby sunflower and soya beans could add into raw input that could be sourced locally.
“To achieve this, a cluster for local content will be developed to do an operation to crush sunflower oil. This is done to ensure sustained access to jobs and economic opportunities for local communities in the land under Amakhosi,” Ellenson said.
Richards Bay IDZ Board Chairperson Advocate Bheki Mbili emphasised the need for the board to continue to play a strong oversight role over management and all categories of staff.
“This would ensure that the vision of the entity is realised for the benefit of millions of unemployed people who are waiting impatiently for jobs and access to economic opportunities,” Mbili said.
The Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone has the responsibility of encouraging international export competitiveness. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 11/16/2023 - 13:18
436 views
Disposable Coffee Cups for Bulk Purchase
Premium Quality for Every Occasion Teva International has established itself as a leading provider of bulk disposable coffee cups, offering solutions that blend convenience with quality. Catering to a wide range of needs, from bustling cafes to large corporate events, their selection ensures that every coffee experience is exceptional. Key Benefits of Choosing Teva International …
Hi–Tec Presents Their Much-Anticipated Festival Of Hiking!
A Spectacular Adventure for the Whole Family to Embrace the Great Outdoors Looking for a memorable hiking experience in the breathtaking countryside, followed by warm camaraderie around a crackling campfire with your family and friends? Look no further! Mark your calendars for February 16 to 18, 2024, because Hi-Tec is excited to announce its inaugural …
SA can expected heat waves this summer
SA can expected heat waves this summer
South Africa can expect warmer than normal conditions, with a high chance of the occurrence of heat waves over the interior during the summer season of 2023-2024.
“Temperature wise, the likelihood for warmer than normal conditions is high, with the highest chance over the interior regions of South Africa. From this prediction, it can be inferred that there is a high chance of the occurrence of heat waves over the interior,” South African Weather Service (SAWS) Lead Scientist: Long Range Prediction, Dr Christien Engelbrecht, said on Thursday in Pretoria.
He said South Africa will be affected by the El Niño during the summer season of 2023-2024.
“El Niño events are typically warmer and drier over southern Africa during the summer months. However, current seasonal predictions indicate uncertainty for the typical drier conditions over the north-eastern parts of the country where the current prediction indicates low probabilities for above-normal rainfall.
“Over the remaining parts of the country below-normal rainfall is predicted. Current predictions of the El Niño event indicate that it can become a strong event during the mid-summer months,” Engelbrecht said.
As SAWS continuously monitors the development of El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), Engelbrecht advised the public to follow the monthly updates of the seasonal prediction as the El Niño event can still manifest its influence and change the outlook of the rainfall prediction to become more in favour of below-normal rainfall.
“It is also strongly advised to follow regular updates of the short-term weather forecasts as well as the observed climatic conditions,” he said.
Following Monday’s severe thunderstorm in parts of Gauteng and Mpumalanga, SAWS explained that it was not an unusual event that can only be attributed to climate change.
Monday’s thunderstorm unleashed a hailstorm in the City of Johannesburg in Gauteng and a tornado in the Lekwa Local Municipality in Mpumalanga.
In the Johannesburg area, Midrand was the hardest-hit, with damages that included shattered windshields of motor vehicles and broken windows of residences.
“Isolated incidents cannot be directly attributed to climate change. An increased probability of ‘normal’ severe weather events is most likely to be the result of climate change. However, this does not mean that specific severe weather events can solely be attributed to climate change. Specifically, the storm in question occurred due to a range of factors favourable for its development,” SAWS Senior Manager: Disaster Risk Management, Tshepho Ngobeni said.
On Monday morning, SAWS issued a Yellow Level 2 impact-based warning, or a high likelihood of minor impacts, for severe thunderstorms for districts and metropolitan municipal areas such as Govan Mbeki District in Mpumalanga and the City of Johannesburg. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 11/16/2023 - 14:08
277 views
Benjy Mudie shoots ‘from the hip’ with a recent entertainment podcast venture
16 November 2023 – Mid November will herald the launch of “From the Hip with Benjy Mudie”, a unique South African music podcast brought to you by Solid Gold Podcasts. Packed with humor, insights and observations and featuring some epic songs, “From The Hip” is essential listening for those who love music and the stories …
Hundreds march to the City Hall in Durban demanding jobs
Retrenched Public Employment Programme (PEP) workers want to be reinstated by eThekwini municipality
Lisa King Debuts Her Latest Gallery Space, Art Trader
Lisa King, a name synonymous with art and exquisite spaces in South Africa, has once again delighted art enthusiasts by cutting the red ribbon and welcoming all to her new offering, Art Trader. The Art Trader gallery stands as a testament to Lisa’s resolute dedication to the world of art. As a gathering hub for …
CSIR honoured for championing plastics pollution research
CSIR honoured for championing plastics pollution research
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) says it is proud to have been named one of the 2023 United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) Champions of the Earth for its contribution to the fight against plastic pollution.
The CSIR has been selected as a 2023 Champion of the Earth, honoured in the Science and Innovation category.
According to a statement released on Thursday, the annual Champions of the Earth award is the UN’s highest environmental honour.
“The Science and Innovation category recognises individuals or organisations whose groundbreaking work pushes the boundaries of human knowledge and technology, with positive impacts on the environment.”
The Champions of the Earth laureates are selected by a global jury following a public nomination process and this year. The CSIR stood out among over 2 500 nominations.
“The CSIR is playing an important role in advancing plastic research, reflected in its multi-pronged approach to plastic research and development.
“This includes developing innovative technologies to enhance the industry, evidencing South Africa’s response to managing plastic waste, and where plastic cannot be avoided, developing innovative, high-value end-use markets that will drive a circular plastics economy, thereby keeping plastic out of the environment,” said UNEP.
CSIR CEO, Dr Thulani Dlamini, expressed his gratitude at receiving the highest environmental honour, saying it validates the calibre of CSIR researchers and the organisation’s drive to touch lives through innovation.
“The honour is a testament to the toil and commitment of our researchers to using science and technology to improve the quality of life. Tackling plastic pollution requires a collaborative and systemic approach as no one intervention will suffice, and neither will one entity have all the solutions,” said Dlamini.
He applauded the industry and government departments, especially the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) which, he said, continues to fund the development of alternative technologies that could help to alleviate pollution.
The #SolvePlasticsAfrica Hub, launched by the CSIR in November 2022, is an online hub that showcases the organisation’s capabilities in providing evidence-based solutions to addressing plastic pollution in Africa.
The CSIR said it aims to work with public and private sector organisations from across the continent to unlock opportunities and inform decision-making.
The institute also hosts Africa’s only laboratory equipped to test and verify imported or locally produced products that are being promoted as biodegradable.
“The UNIDO-funded testing laboratory is capable of establishing the conditions and timeframes for the biodegradation of materials. Tests can be performed under different conditions,” said CSIR Principal Researcher, Maya Jacob John.
John described this as critical to drive an evidence-based approach to plastics management.
“Several products are currently being marketed as more environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional plastics. Without evidence from testing and lifecycle analyses, businesses can misguide consumers. Industries can use the CSIR facilities for this purpose,” she said.
John added that as part of tackling the plastic waste pollution problem, the CSIR is developing materials for replacing single-use plastics that are not recycled.
These environmentally sustainable products are partially made from local biomass resources, like starch and cellulose.
In addition to the plastic-related research undertaken by the CSIR, the organisation also hosts the Waste Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Roadmap Implementation Unit on behalf of the department.
This unit supports the national system of innovation in undertaking relevant waste plastic-related research.
CSIR Waste RDI Roadmap Implementation Unit Manager, Professor Linda Godfrey, said partnerships are critical to managing waste in South Africa.
“We must support businesses in adopting sustainable practices and driving a circular plastics economy, where waste is designed out and value is recovered. Working closely with the government in providing evidence to support policy development and implementation that will result in improved waste management and reduced plastic pollution,” she explained. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 11/16/2023 - 14:14
248 views
Community upliftment drives Renishaw Coastal Precinct’s ongoing success
For the 1 300-ha, mixed-used Renishaw Coastal Precinct to thrive on the KZN mid-South Coast, it’s vital that everyone is benefitting from the development. This ethos has seen the precinct developers investing in local talent, with one woman showing how some quality skills training can lead to a successful business enterprise. After passing Grade 11 …
Brooklyn Studios student apartments benefit from 360° Plascon Partnership treatment
Brooklyn Studios in Pretoria is a complex of fully furnished private studio rooms and apartments offering upmarket student living close to the University of Pretoria’s Lynnwood Road entrance. Its onsite facilities and communal spaces include a clubhouse and swimming pool, indoor gym, yoga square and green room, complemented by spacious rooms and beautiful interiors. Through …
SAWS warns of severe thunderstorms
SAWS warns of severe thunderstorms
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a warning for severe thunderstorms resulting in strong, damaging winds and possible large amounts of small hail.
This is expected to cause damage to infrastructure, flooding, damaging winds over the North West, Gauteng, north eastern parts of the Northern Cape, Free State and south western KwaZulu-Natal.
“This warning remains valid until 11pm tonight. In addition, a Yellow Level 1 warning for severe thunderstorms was issued with damaging winds and hail expected over the northern and eastern parts of the Eastern Cape.
“On Friday and Saturday, we expect showers and thundershowers over the central interior extending to the east,” SAWS Senior Manager: Disaster Risk Management, Tshepho Ngobeni.
He was addressing a media briefing in Pretoria on Thursday.
“South Africa, like many other countries across the globe, is prone to hazardous weather events. These include heavy rainfall, severe thunderstorms, droughts, floods, storms and wildfires. Consequently, the need for the people of South Africa to be WeatherSMART cannot be stressed enough.”
He said a WeatherSMART person is safe, more informed, alert, resilient, and has timely access to relevant information and services where matters of weather and climate are concerned. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 11/16/2023 - 14:40
628 views
Explore National Seize A Hike Day With Hi-Tec!
It’s time to lace up your boots and hit the trails on National Take a Hike Day. National Take a Hike Day is coming up on the 17th of November, and it’s all about celebrating the joy of hiking and all the benefits it offers. Hiking not only gets our hearts pumping and our muscles …
Belfast key to Emirates Lions hot streak
After a rough start to the season, the unheralded Emirates Lions have rediscovered their roar and are licking their lips at the prospect of returning to South Africa with the prize scalp of Ulster in Belfast. Winless after the first three rounds of the 2023-24 BKT United Rugby Championship, the Emirates Lions’ resurgence began with …
Twin chefs remake a family favourite recipe – with a healthy twist!
Every family has at least one recipe that has been passed down from generation to generation. It’s that one dish that always makes an appearance at family celebrations, with a secret ingredient known only to the inner circle! But the big question is – are family recipes sacred or can they be tweaked? “Family recipes …
Government using targeted approach to bring relief to cash strapped consumers
Government using targeted approach to bring relief to cash strapped consumers
Further expansion of Value Added Tax (VAT) free – or zero rated – products is currently not on the cards for South Africa. However, government has implemented more targeted policies to benefit the poor.
This according to Deputy Minister of Finance, David Masondo, who was participating in Parliament’s mini plenary session on, amongst other topics, the high cost of living and measures government is taking to alleviate it.
Masondo told the session that additional VAT zero rating is not “the best instrument to address the problem of high cost of living”.
“Government has already VAT zero rated a number of basic foods. This includes the zero rating of illuminating paraffin and other items which was introduced in April 2001. Studies subsequently showed that suppliers did not pass on the benefit of the VAT relief to the consumers as it was intended. So it doesn’t follow that zero rating will lead to lower prices.
“The tax revenue that is lost from zero rated food items mostly flows to higher income households because this category…purchase more of the products that are zero rated. In fact, many analysts have demonstrated that in absolute mandatory terms, middle and higher income households benefit more from the zero rating than lower income or poor households,” he said.
Currently, VAT constitutes 26%, on average, of gross tax revenue in South Africa. That revenue is redistributed to the poor through various government programmes including social grants.
Masondo says a reduction in this revenue would have an impact on those who benefit from state driven programmes.
“Products that are zero rated are well targeted. Further zero rating will lead to VAT revenue loss which could be directed to the already existing pro-poor government programmes. Targeted cash transfer to the poor is better and more redistributive as opposed to VAT which benefits mostly high income households.
“In 2019/2020 fiscal year, R31 billion VAT revenue was forgone due to zero rated items. So we think that further zero rating will lead to the decline of revenue which could be used to support the poor,” Masondo said.
The Deputy Minister emphasised that although zero rating some items is well intended and necessary, “a social transfer system of assisting the poor through targeted expenditure interventions is much more desirable and better”.
“Recognising that zero rating is not the best instrument, government has instead implemented a number of policies to directly benefit lower income households through the expenditure side. Education and health budgets are progressive and extensive grant system of old age grants, the child support grant and the disability grant provide cash to households who are most in need.
“The Social Relief of Distress grant…is another new mechanism that government has used to provide this relief. This is a better approach than zero rating where so much of the benefit goes to higher earners and where companies may not even pass on the benefit to the consumers,” he said.
Masondo doubled down on his position – thrashing out other targeted interventions to assist cash strapped South Africans.
These include:
- The implementation of the temporary reduction in the general fuel levy last year which benefitted consumers to the tune of some R10.5 billion
- Added to that, the general fuel levy has not increased in the past two budgets
- The introduction of the Road Accident Fund levy for food manufacturers – which allows these manufacturers to apply for tax reduction which could reduce costs of food manufacturing
- Implementing reforms in the economy to bring prices of energy and rail and ports ccsts down which could increase growth and ultimately lead to the creation of more jobs
“This shows that government has been active in finding solutions to try and combat high prices without resorting to further zero rating,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 11/16/2023 - 14:59
92 views
To Remove or Not To Remove
The following remarks were delivered by the DA Shadow Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Emma Louise Powell MP, during a debate in Parliament this afternoon on the removal of the Israeli embassy in South Africa: Chairperson, let me begin by extending the Democratic Alliance’s heartfelt condolences to the family of the Office Head of …
Ritchie returns from injury to start against Vodacom Bulls
Scotland captain Jamie Ritchie returns from injury to start against Vodacom Bulls at Hive Stadium tomorrow night (Friday 17 November, kick-off 7.35pm) – live on Viaplay. The back-row hasn’t played since being injured in the national side’s Rugby World Cup clash with Ireland at Stade de France, but returns to bolster Edinburgh’s back-row as one of three changes to …
Government Needs to Respond
The following remarks were delivered by the DA’s Shadow Minister of Finance, Dr Dion George MP, during a debate this afternoon on the cost-of-living crisis: In his Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement, the Minister set out our country’s dire financial situation. A direct result of the ANC government’s ineffective economic policy choices. Our economy is significantly …