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In the world of interior design and architecture, every detail matters, and door hardware is no exception. The choice of pull handles, lever handles, door locks, and other door-related components can significantly impact the functionality, aesthetics, and security of a space. In this guide, learn more, we’ll explore these essential categories of door hardware and …
Introduction: Forklifts are an essential part of many industries, helping to move heavy loads and streamline operations. Whether you’re a business owner looking to expand your fleet, a project manager in need of a temporary solution, or a startup entrepreneur trying to find the most cost-effective option, understanding the choices available to you is crucial. …
Fighting the harmful effects of alcohol
By Dr Ntombifuthi Nala
Many South Africans thrive on celebrations, whether it is a national accomplishment such as winning the Rugby World Cup, or a personal achievement such as passing an exam. These celebrations are often accompanied with dancing, singing and of course alcohol.
While alcohol is a means of celebrations and enjoyment, it can be open to misuse or abuse that can lead to the destruction of lives.
Every year the lives of 3 million individuals are lost due to alcohol, representing 5 per cent of all deaths. This is worrisome in South Africa where alcohol is the most widely used psychoactive substance and high levels of binge drinking and associated harms prevail.
In characterising the challenge, Minister of Social Development, Lindiwe Zulu, stated that “alcohol is one of the most abused substances that causes the most harm to the most people in our country”.
Alcohol abuse not only harms the health of an individual by affecting their vital organs and increasing susceptibility to life threatening diseases, it also jeopardises the safety, well-being and lives of others.
In searching out solutions to reduce alcohol-related harms and best practices for regulating alcohol, South Africa recently hosted the Global Alcohol Policy Conference (GAPC).
This is the first time that the conference was held in Africa, which brought together policy makers, academics, representatives of community-based organisations and NGOs from across the globe.
The conference made strong inroads in the formulation of a global alcohol policy that protects children and vulnerable adults. It also engaged on how further the regulation of alcohol marketing could help fight the abuse of alcohol.
During the conference Minister Zulu committed to reviewing the Liquor Amendment Bill which seeks to strengthen regulations on alcohol trading, marketing and sales. The bill put forward strong interventions which includes increasing the legal age of drinking to 21 and introducing an increased radius limitation for the trade of alcohol around educational and religious institutions. It also places liability on alcohol retailers and manufacturers for harm resulting from contravening regulations.
These proposals are important in advancing our fight against alcoholism, particularly in curbing access for young people as one in three teenagers are addicted to drugs and alcohol in our country.
The plight of underage drinking and non-compliance with alcohol-related laws were recently brought to the fore at the Enyobeni tavern tragedy that resulted in the loss of 21 young lives.
In strengthening our efforts to address the challenges caused by alcohol and substance abuse in the country, the Department of Social Development has drafted a policy framework on the Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Use Disorders, which will soon be gazetted for public comment. Cabinet also recommended an inter-Ministerial Committee for prevention, reduction and treatment strategies for alcohol and substance abuse.
Whilst government strives to reduce alcohol-related harms by reinforcing our laws and developing new strategies, we urge South Africans to be responsible citizens by adhering to current legislation.
The National Liquor Act prohibits the sale of alcohol to anyone under the age of 18, which calls for the co-operation of parents, community members, and liquor outlets to ensure that alcohol is not sold to children.
Establishments with liquor licences must perform verification checks against identity documents to ensure a person is of the legal age to consume alcohol. These checks are essential, especially as pens down parties, rage festivals and a host of social gatherings will occur as exams come to an end and the festive season approaches.
South Africans are urged to act responsibly this festive season should they choose to consume alcohol, and to always say no to the use of drugs. Excessive alcohol intake is widely linked to an increase in accidents, violent behaviour, fights and domestic violence.
Alcohol abuse is one of the main contributors to crime, especially gender-based violence and femicide in South Africa. We ought to make it our duty to report incidents of GBVF, alcohol–related and other crimes, to law enforcement authorities.
Reducing alcohol-related harms requires the combined efforts of everyone. When we do our part by practising responsible drinking and adhering to our laws, we can celebrate without putting our health, safety and the lives of others at risk.
*Dr Ntombifuthi Nala, Director: Research and Knowledge Management at the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS)
Janine
Tue, 11/14/2023 - 14:24
Zeitz MOCAA unveils two new exhibitions for summer, marking the start of an exceptionally busy season for the institution. Focused on lens-based practices, Self as a Forgotten Monument is a solo, survey exhibition by celebrated self-taught artist and photographer Mame-Diarra Niang while Seekers, Seers, Soothsayers is a group exhibition. The shows and accompanying programming solidify …
The concept of a bank for the people by the people sounds like a noble idea. In a country with a history where the majority of its citizens were excluded from the mainstream economy and continue having limited access to economic opportunities and banking services, the realization of this concept is paramount. Building an inclusive …
Tourism safety a top priority
The National Tourism Safety Strategy is aimed at fostering a public-private sector partnership to address issues of tourism safety in a more coordinated manner.
“The measures aim to provide an enhanced visitor experience and in the long-term, change perceptions of South Africa as an unsafe destination,” Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille said on Tuesday.
She was addressing members of the Diplomatic Corps in Pretoria on tourism safety issues.
De Lille explained that the National Tourism Safety Strategy is centered on three key themes which include proactive measures, responsive measures and aftercare programmes.
“It is about putting in place mechanisms to ensure that tourists, both domestic and international, feel safe even before arriving at the destination,” she said, adding that the mechanisms seek to ensure quick and effective turnaround time to attend to tourists in distress should an incident of crime occur.
“This is about stakeholder coordination and communication in terms of messaging and protocols to follow. We have since set up a committee led by the private sector under Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) to develop clear Crisis Management Communications Plan and Protocols.
“This will ensure that there are clear protocols in place during an incident and that the messaging is same,” de Lille said.
The department has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the South African Police Services (SAPS) on collaboration towards the prevention, investigation and combating of crimes impacting on the tourism industry and the safety and well-being of tourists.
“The MoU Action Plan is being implemented through the Tourism Safety Technical Committee comprising of the Department of Tourism and SAPS. The MoU is currently undergoing revision to ensure that other initiatives being implemented with private sector on safety and security are considered and strengthened.
“The action plan incorporates both initiatives identified by the Department and by the South African Police Services and to be handled at a bilateral level,” the Minister said.
The Tourism Monitors Programme (TMP) is part of the broader government intervention that involves training, mentorship and deployment of unemployed youth in identified tourism attractions and sites.
“Government has invested R174 Million for the deployment of Tourism Monitors in this financial year. The key objectives of the programme include: enhancing tourism safety awareness at key tourism attractions and sites, upskilling of unemployed youth and reducing tourist vulnerabilities.”
The Minister said the department will deploy 2 300 Tourism Monitors nationally in entities managed by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) Gardens, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Ezemvelo Nature Reserve, in the national parks managed by the South African National Parks (SANParks), and at airports managed by Airports Company South Africa (ACSA). – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 11/14/2023 - 15:12
When it comes to home aesthetics and security, the significance of front door hardware cannot be overstated. The choice of front door handles, knobs, and grip handle sets is not only a matter of functionality but also an opportunity to make a striking design statement. In this guide, we’ll explore various categories of front door …
To succeed in the future, entrepreneurs must embrace technology, social imperatives, and adaptability. With advancements in artificial intelligence, sustainability and decentralised finance, the business landscape is shifting rapidly. With this, entrepreneurs need to integrate cutting-edge technologies and adopt ethical and sustainable practices. Digital transformation and changing regulations have redefined traditional business operations, making geographical locations …
Stakeholders called to roll up their sleeves against substance abuse
The third National Summit on Substance Abuse and Illicit Trafficking provides an opportunity to discuss sustainable, coordinated, and impactful strategies for the reduction of drug and substance use and misuse in South Africa.
This is according to Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu, who opened the summit on Tuesday.
The summit is being held under the theme “Towards sustainable, coordinated and impactful strategies for national drug and substance use in South Africa”.
“The days of talking statistics are over. This is the time to work very hard to reduce the statistics and talk implementation and progress,” the Minister said.
The Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Abuse Act of 2008 mandates the Department of Social Development to develop programmes and support initiatives aimed at the prevention and treatment of substance abuse.
Minister Zulu said the summit therefore affords everyone, especially policy makers and researchers, a space to work in collaboration with, among others, government departments and other key stakeholders involved in dealing with the challenge of harmful substance use.
“It is through such collaboration that the summit will deliberate on exchange of good practice, evidence-based interventions, challenges, and sustainable socio-economic strategies. All these will assist with reducing the supply, demand and harm caused by the use, misuse and abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs,” she said.
The long-awaited summit will explore existing research conducted by both public and private institutions on the prevalence of substance use, misuse and abuse in the country and encourage institutions of higher learning and academia to assist further in conducting research.
The Minister highlighted that the scourge of substance abuse is like a compound involving many persons and institutions.
She said that some of these entities and individuals, are using various substances for educational purposes and research, which is a good initiative for social workers, medical experts, government departments, entities and families to learn and have a broader understanding.
“I am mentioning families, because many individuals, who were once responsible citizens and role models for their children and communities they live in, are now in rehabilitation centres.
“This is not only a concern for government which spend millions on rehabilitating abusers of substances, but also cause a long-term emotional and psychological dents and wounds, which may not be easy to heal.
“Today, South Africa is faced with array of social ills such as dysfunctional families, children living on the streets, high prevalence of teenage pregnancy, school dropouts, the spread of HIV/Aids chronic disease, and gender based violence and femicide, which has been declared a second pandemic in the country. Some if not most of these problems are caused by substance abuse, which could have been prevented if we worked together as different sectors in society,” she said.
The country has policies which are envied by many countries globally, but progress in terms of successful implementation leave much to be desired, the Minister said, adding that this calls for drastic measures as efforts, time and money is invested in the good policies.
The Minister said the summit came at a right time as Cabinet has approved the Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Use Disorder Policy be gazetted for public consultation.
The Minister urged the summit to contribute to the policy which will be published on 17 of November 2023 for public comments. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Tue, 11/14/2023 - 15:33
Water is a precious resource that we rely on for our daily lives. From drinking and cooking to bathing and cleaning, water plays an integral role in our well-being. However, water leaks can pose a significant threat not only to our water supply but also to our homes and businesses. This is why it’s crucial …
Introduction: If you’re in search of a charming addition to your backyard or garden, Wendy House options could be just what you need. These delightful little structures have been adorning gardens for generations, offering a range of uses from playhouses to outdoor retreats. In this blog, we’ll explore the world of Wendy Houses, discussing their …
KZN government moves to assist Clairwood fire victims
The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government has mobilised resources to provide emergency relief to displaced residents in the Clairwood informal settlements after the fire that destroyed more than 200 shacks last week Friday.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube, together with Human Settlements and Public Works MEC, Sipho Nkosi and eThekwini Municipality Speaker, Thabani Nyawose, visited Clairwood on Monday to assess the extent of the damage, to understand the impact on the community and express solidarity with the affected residents.
“Government has mobilised resources to provide emergency relief to those affected. Shelter, food, and other essential supplies are being arranged for displaced residents,” Dube-Ncube said, adding that attention is also being paid to long-term recovery.
Dube-Ncube said a big challenge facing the province is that people are invading privately-owned land, which is not suitable for housing construction.
The other problem, she said, is people who already own RDP houses, but decide to stay in informal settlements so that they rent out their houses.
“We cannot give them services because it's privately-owned land and we can't provide building materials here because we will be doing something illegal.
“We need to make sure it's legitimate people who get assistance. Normally when such a tragedy happens, you find a lot of people come and register, claiming they are victims,” Dube-Ncube said.
She said government is working with law enforcement agencies and the community to crack down on people who intimidate tenants.
The Premier said the actions taken and promises made during the visit will be closely monitored, as they hold the potential to bring hope and relief to the hundreds of affected residents, who are patiently awaiting assistance in their time of need.
The Premier is also expected to meet with local authorities and emergency services to coordinate a comprehensive response plan. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 11/14/2023 - 15:25
The jacarandas are in full bloom, which means exams are upon us. For many, it’s a time of extreme stress; unsurprisingly, since exams are by nature intimidating yet they hold the key to unlocking opportunities. The symptoms of exam stress are fairly well known and include feeling low, moody or overwhelmed. Physical symptoms could be …
Check Point® Software Technologies Ltd. (https://www.CheckPoint.com/), a global leader in cybersecurity solutions, has released its Global Threat Index for October 2023, unveiling an alarming trend in cyber threats. The Remote Access Trojan (RAT) NJRat has dramatically risen from sixth to second place, with a particular focus on targeting government agencies and organizations in the Middle East and Africa. This escalation in cyber threats has been particularly severe in Africa, with Mauritius ranking 6th, Nigeria 11th, Morocco 15th, and Kenya 25th in terms of being targeted and attacked. South Africa follows, ranking 55th globally.
Download document: https://apo-opa.co/3MHq2pZ
In addition, the report highlights the expanding reach of the sophisticated RAT AgentTesla, driven by a new and complex mal-spam campaign using corrupted email attachments. The education sector continues to be the prime target, underscoring the ongoing vulnerability of this industry to cyber attacks.
Last month, AgentTesla was found being disseminated through archive files that contained a malicious Microsoft Compiled HTML Help (.CHM) extension. These files, disguised as typical order and shipment documents, were distributed via emails with .GZ or .zip attachments, tricking recipients into downloading the malware. Once installed, AgentTesla exhibits a range of harmful capabilities, including keylogging, capturing clipboard data, accessing file systems, and secretly transmitting stolen data to a Command and Control (C&C) server.
"We cannot overlook the sophisticated tactics used by hackers to distribute malware, such as impersonating trusted brands or using malicious email attachments,” said Rudi van Rooyen, Sales Engineer at Check Point Software. “As we enter the busy shopping season in November, it's crucial to stay alert. Cybercriminals are taking advantage of the increased online shopping activity, and no region, including Africa, is immune to these threats."
CPR also revealed that “Zyxel ZyWALL Command Injection (CVE-2023-28771)” was the most exploited vulnerability, impacting 42% of organizations globally, followed by “Command Injection Over HTTP” which impacts 42% of organizations worldwide. “Web Servers Malicious URL Directory Traversal” was the third most used vulnerability, with a global impact of 42%.
Top malware families and their impact in Africa
*The arrows relate to the change in rank compared to the previous month.
Formbook was the most prevalent malware last month with an impact of 3% worldwide organizations, followed by NJRat with a global impact of 2%, and Remcos with a global impact of 2%.
1. ↔ Formbook – Formbook is an Infostealer targeting the Windows OS and was first detected in 2016. It is marketed as Malware as a Service (MaaS) in underground hacking forums for its strong evasion techniques and relatively low price. FormBook harvests credentials from various web browsers, collects screenshots, monitors and logs keystrokes, and can download and execute files according to orders from its C&C. Its impact in Kenya and Nigeria is significant at 16.9% and 9.2% respectively, while impact in South Africa is lower at 3%.
2. ↑ NJRat – NJRat is a remote accesses Trojan, targeting mainly government agencies and organizations in the Middle East. The Trojan has first emerged in 2012 and has multiple capabilities: capturing keystrokes, accessing the victim's camera, stealing credentials stored in browsers, uploading and downloading files, performing process and file manipulations, and viewing the victim's desktop. NJRat infects victims via phishing attacks and drive-by downloads, and propagates through infected USB keys or networked drives, with the support of Command & Control server software. NJRat's impact in South Africa is just above 2% while Morrocco is at 8%.
3. ↓ Remcos – Remcos is a RAT that first appeared in the wild in 2016. Remcos distributes itself through malicious Microsoft Office documents, which are attached to SPAM emails, and is designed to bypass Microsoft Windows UAC security and execute malware with high-level privileges. While its presence globally is concerning, Remcos has not made a a significant appearance in Africa.
Top Attacked Industries in Africa
Last month Education/Research remained in first place as the most attacked industry globally, followed by Communications and Government/Military. However, in Africa the top industries that came under attack are:
1. Communications
2. ISP/MSP
3. Finance and Banking
4. Government and Military
Top exploited vulnerabilities
Last month, “Zyxel ZyWALL Command Injection (CVE-2023-28771)” was the most exploited vulnerability, impacting 42% of organizations globally, followed by “Command Injection Over HTTP” which impacts 42% of organizations worldwide. “Web Servers Malicious URL Directory Traversal” was the third most used vulnerability, with a global impact of 42%.
1. ↑ Zyxel ZyWALL Command Injection (CVE-2023-28771) - A command injection vulnerability exists in Zyxel ZyWALL. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability would allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary OS commands in the affected system.
2. ↔ Command Injection Over HTTP (CVE-2021-43936, CVE-2022-24086) - A command Injection over HTTP vulnerability has been reported. A remote attacker can exploit this issue by sending a specially crafted request to the victim. Successful exploitation would allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code on the target machine.
3. ↓ Web Servers Malicious URL Directory Traversal (CVE-2010-4598,CVE-2011-2474,CVE-2014-0130,CVE-2014-0780,CVE-2015-0666,CVE-2015-4068,CVE-2015-7254,CVE-2016-4523,CVE-2016-8530,CVE-2017-11512,CVE-2018-3948,CVE-2018-3949,CVE-2019-18952,CVE-2020-5410,CVE-2020-8260) - There exists a directory traversal vulnerability on different web servers. The vulnerability is due to an input validation error in a web server that does not properly sanitize the URL for the directory traversal patterns. Successful exploitation allows unauthenticated remote attackers to disclose or access arbitrary files on the vulnerable server.
Top Mobile Malwares
Last month Anubis remained in first place as the most prevalent Mobile malware, followed by AhMyth and Hiddad.
1. Anubis – Anubis is a banking Trojan malware designed for Android mobile phones. Since it was initially detected, it has gained additional functions including Remote Access Trojan (RAT) functionality, keylogger, audio recording capabilities and various ransomware features. It has been detected on hundreds of different applications available in the Google Store.
2. AhMyth - AhMyth is a Remote Access Trojan (RAT) discovered in 2017. It is distributed through Android apps that can be found on app stores and various websites. When a user installs one of these infected apps, the malware can collect sensitive information from the device and perform actions such as keylogging, taking screenshots, sending SMS messages, and activating the camera, which is usually used to steal sensitive information.
3. Hiddad - Hiddad is an Android malware which repackages legitimate apps and then releases them to a third-party store. Its main function is to display ads, but it can also gain access to key security details built into the OS.
Check Point's Global Threat Impact Index and its ThreatCloud Map are powered by Check Point's ThreatCloud (https://threatmap.CheckPoint.com/) intelligence. ThreatCloud provides real-time threat intelligence derived from hundreds of millions of sensors worldwide, over networks, endpoints and mobiles. The intelligence is enriched with AI-based engines and exclusive research data from Check Point Research, the intelligence and research arm of Check Point Software Technologies.
The complete list of the top ten malware families in October can be found on the Check Point blog.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Check Point Software Technologies Ltd..
Media Contact:
Kerry Botha
Kerry Botha Communications
Mobile: +27 83 263 0644
press@kerrybotha.co.za
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About Check Point Research:
Check Point Research provides leading cyber threat intelligence to Check Point Software customers and the greater intelligence community. The research team collects and analyzes global cyber-attack data stored on ThreatCloud to keep hackers at bay, while ensuring all Check Point products are updated with the latest protections. The research team consists of over 100 analysts and researchers cooperating with other security vendors, law enforcement and various CERTs.
About Check Point Software Technologies Ltd.:
Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. (www.CheckPoint.com) is a leading provider of cybersecurity solutions to corporate enterprises and governments globally. Check Point Infinity's portfolio of solutions protects enterprises and public organizations from 5th generation cyberattacks with an industry leading catch rate of malware, ransomware and other threats. Infinity comprises four core pillars delivering uncompromised security and threat prevention across enterprise environments: Check Point Harmony, for remote users; Check Point CloudGuard, to automatically secure clouds; and Check Point Quantum, to protect network perimeters and datacentres, all controlled by the industry's most comprehensive, intuitive unified security management; Check Point Horizon, a prevention-first security operations suite. Check Point protects over 100,000 organizations of all sizes.
Dan Sheehan says getting back to Vodacom URC business was the best way of getting over the “massive disappointment” of Ireland’s World Cup exit. The 21-cap hooker returned to action for Leinster in Sunday’s clash with Dragons RFC at Rodney Parade and marked the occasion by captaining the province for the first time, leading them …
Dear Editor The Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) for Q3:2023, released today, underscores the intractable nature of South Africa’s unemployment crisis under successive ANC governments. South Africans can either have a ruling party that is up to the task of running a modern economy and forging an environment conducive to job creation, or it can …
To lay a foundational understanding of the so-called Fintech Revolution, it is important to delineate the terms blockchain, fintech, and cryptocurrency from the outset. Blockchain technology stands as a decentralised and tamper-resistant digital ledger, which securely documents transactions across a vast network of computers. Fintech, short for financial technology, encapsulates a number of innovative digital …
A heatwave advisory forecast by SAWS (South African Weather Service) valid 14/11/2023 10h00 to 15/11/2023 22h00 with temperatures exceeding 30 deg C up to 40 deg C affecting the Northern Cape and Western Cape – coinciding with the new moon Spring tide that peaked on Monday 13th November (Spring tide affecting the entire coastline towards …
Dear Editor The DA notes that the Standing Committee on Finance has endorsed our proposal to expand the zero-VAT-rated food basket. This will alleviate financial pressures on households who are battling to put food on their tables. The recommendation is set against a backdrop of stunted economic growth, a widening budget deficit, expenditures on a …
Dear Editor In yet another confirmation of the deepening decay in the public service – at both national and provincial departments, a written reply to a DA parliamentary question by the Minister of Public Service and Administration – Minister Noxolo Kiviet, revealed that the 523 cases of financial misconduct by public servants reported during the …
“Afghanistan’s World Cup journey has been nothing short of remarkable, leaving an enduring impact on the tournament,” says Eoin Morgan. Despite ultimately missing out on the semi-finals, their four wins from nine games was a truly commendable performance. The familiar faces of Rashid Khan, Naveen-ul-Haq, Mohammad Nabi and Mujeeb Ur Rahman shone, but the revelation …
Private capital takes centre stage at universal access to water summit
Enabling private capital and mobilisation will take centre stage as stakeholders in the water sector gather for the World Bank’s Eastern and Southern Africa Leadership Summit on universal access to water supply, sanitation and hygiene.
Hard on the heels of the week-long 7th Africa Sanitation and Hygiene Conference held in Namibia last week, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) Director-General, Dr Sean Phillips, is participating in the Eastern and Southern Africa Leadership Summit on universal access to Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), currently underway in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The two-day summit, taking place from 14 - 15 November 2023, will focus on enabling private capital and mobilisation, and will promote critical, tangible inputs on strategies, actions and policy reforms to boost private sector financing and participation of the water and sanitation sector.
The event, which is co-hosted by the Ministry of Finance in Ethiopia and the World Bank, seeks to help identify and seize opportunities to increase private and public funding, and implement the necessary sector reforms to serve all Eastern and Southern African residents still lacking access to WASH.
The discussions at the summit will centre on three strategic actions of systems change, including policy and institutional reforms that promote efficient use of public and private resources; investments that are pivotal for the transformation of the water sector, and country and regional platforms for collaboration.
The summit will build on previous discussions and will advance the dialogue on country plans to accelerate access to WASH, and further provide an opportunity for in-depth discussions to understand the implications of implementing systems change.
The event will serve as an interactive platform for stakeholders, including water sector ministers, finance ministers, development partners, and private sector leaders to discuss opportunities for collaboration.
Phillips said the discussions at the summit will focus on what it would take to reduce existing inequalities in WASH services worldwide and will promote critical, tangible inputs on strategies, actions, and policy reforms to boost private sector financing and participation.
“The high-level ministerial and technical discussions will help identify and seize opportunities to increase private and public funding and implement the necessary sector reforms to serve all Eastern and Southern African residents that are still lacking access to WASH.
“The Department of Water and Sanitation welcomes this initiative by the World Bank to advocate for private funding programmes that will advance the WASH objectives. As you know, South Africa has also committed itself to achieve goal 6 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which focuses on the right to water and sanitation services for all,” Phillips said.
The WASH initiative encompasses 18 countries, ranging from fragile and conflict-affected States to middle-income countries.
While the world is progressing towards SDG 6, one of the 17 United Nations SDGs, which advocates for availability and sustainable management of clean water and sanitation for all, most African countries are lagging to achieve this goal.
The sub-Saharan Africa is the only region sliding backward in terms of WASH. Over the last 20 years, access to basic water supply and sanitation has declined, resulting in 37 million more people without basic water supply and 247 million more without basic sanitation.
Despite all efforts being made, these gaps are continuously growing.
The DWS said the implications of limited access to basic water supply and sanitation were discussed at previous events, such as the UN (United Nations) Water Conference in March 2023 and the World Bank-IMF Spring Meetings in April 2023.
“During these high-level events, the African Ministers of Water and of Finance embraced a strategy to effect change that will grant universal WASH access. The ministers have also committed to establish and monitor regional platforms to track progress of the initiative,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 11/14/2023 - 10:53
Energy Law involves the regulation of, and transactions within, the energy sector from its procurement to its generation and distribution, and includes the ancillary commercial and financing-related agreements required for the smooth operation of the process. Who is the regulator of the energy industry in South Africa In South Africa, the regulation of the electricity …
RTMC warns traffic officers against accepting bribes
As the festive season approaches, the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has warned law enforcement officers that anti-corruption units will be out in full force to deal with unacceptable, unethical and unprofessional conduct.
This warning follows the sentencing of a Mpumalanga traffic officer by the Ermelo Regional Court for taking a R200 bribe from undercover anti-corruption agents.
The man was arrested after soliciting a R200 bribe from an agent during Project Arrive Alive on 22 January 2020 and was subsequently arrested on 3 March 2021.
The man pleaded guilty to all charges and was sentenced to a R4 000 fine or 12 months imprisonment. He was further sentenced to five years imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years should he not be convicted of the same crime during this period.
“Bribery, corruption, and other unlawful activities do not only tarnish the image of our traffic law enforcement fraternity; it leads to devastating consequences, including loss of life.
“The RTMC calls for harsher sentences against officers who solicit bribes from motorists and urges citizens to report suspected acts of fraud, corruption, and malfeasance to ntacu@rtmc.co.za or by WhatsApp to 083 293 7989.”
The man was also subjected to a disciplinary hearing, which found him guilty and terminated his employment. He took the matter to arbitration but failed to have the decision of the disciplinary committee overturned. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Tue, 11/14/2023 - 09:38