SA ‘A’ Squad Named For Inbound West Indies A Tour
JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa has today announced the South Africa ‘A’ squad for the upcoming three-match four-day tour against West Indies...
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Nzimande commends arrest in university stabbing incident
Nzimande commends arrest in university stabbing incident
The arrest of a university student for allegedly stabbing his wife at a private student residence in Belhar, Cape Town, on Saturday, has been commended by Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande.
The 26-year-old woman was a student at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), while her alleged attacker, aged 30, is a University of Western Cape (UWC) student.
According to UWC, the suspect and the CPUT student are married.
Nzimande welcomed the swift response of law enforcement agencies in arresting the perpetrator, who according to the video footage in circulation, was merciless and barbaric in committing the crime against his partner.
Nzimande noted that gender-based violence (GBV) is a global pandemic that affected one in three women in their lifetime.
“As many as 38% of murders of women are committed by an intimate partner, 35% of women worldwide experienced physical and sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence,” Nzimande said.
As part of dealing with gender-based violence in institutions, the Minister launched the Transforming MENtalities initiative, which is a multistakeholder partnership within Post School Education and Training (PSET) with a particular focus on mobilising men to be part of championing a world free of gender biases, stereotypes, violence and discrimination.
Nzimande urged all institutions working with Higher Health, which oversees wellness at higher education institutions, to continue working collectively in implementing programmes towards addressing the challenges of sexual and gender-based violence within the PSET system. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 11/13/2023 - 10:36
165 views
Introducing the Game-Changing Telkom Infinite Max Plus mobile plan: Your Gateway to Infinite Possibilities!
Telkom is proud to announce the addition of the new Infinite Max Plus mobile plan to their Infinite Product Suite from November 2023. The new Infinite Max Plus product will be available to all new and existing mobile customers who sign up for SIM-only (month-to-month offer with no contract) or on a mobile deal where …
Alarming Conditions at LSEN Schools
Dear Editor The DA calls on the Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga, and her Department to urgently address the appalling conditions faced by learners schools and hostels for learners with education special needs (LSEN) and will request that a comprehensive briefing be brought to the parliamentary portfolio committee on basic education. Disturbing reports continue …
There are only 3 502 police reservists left in South Africa
Dear Editor The South African Police Service (SAPS) reservist programme continues to collapse under Minister Bheki Cele with SAPS losing more than 90% of its reservists since 2011/12. In 2011/12 there were 52 054 SAPS reservists across the country. Ten years later in 2021/22 SAPS was left with just 4 393 reservists. Today, the numbers …
ICC World Cup Semi-Final Match Officials
Rod Tucker will stand in his 100th ODI during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 semi-final between India and New Zealand. The Australian and Richard Illingworth of England will be the on-field umpires for the Mumbai clash between the host nation and the 2019 runners-up, who beat India at the same stage four years …
Only 4.7% SASSA branches answer their phones
Dear Editor Only 4.7% of the more than 200 South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) branches that the DA contacted nationwide answered their telephones. This is greatly alarming, as it means that SASSA social grant recipients are unable to contact their local branches for assistance or information. This leaves vulnerable beneficiaries helpless in the event …
Solar Financing at Prime +1%
Following the announcement of FNB’s partnership with National Treasury to offer Energy Bounce Back (EBB) Loan Guarantee Scheme to both commercial and individual customers. Individual customers can now apply for the personal solar loan benefit to enable affordable funding for the purchase of solar solutions at an interest rate of prime +1% which is one …
Spheres of government called to enhance service delivery
Spheres of government called to enhance service delivery
Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo has called on all spheres of government to fast-track service delivery to communities to realise a better life for all.
Mahlobo made the call during the District Development Model (DDM) Social Compact Imbizo, held at the Phuthadithjaba Multi-Purpose Centre in the Free State on Friday.
He cited the recently released South African National Census statistics as a clear indicator that the population of the country is increasing, therefore efforts need to be doubled to meet the increasing needs of communities.
“Statistics South Africa says we have provided more than 90% of the population with water. While we can say we have made strides in this regard, we know that we have not reached everyone as we should and we need to reach out to them as well, because it is our mandate and it is their constitutional right to be supplied with water,” Mahlobo said.
As a solution, the department is assisting municipalities to build new infrastructure, refurbish and upgrade the existing ones, to meet the demand for water, while reducing water loses because of aging infrastructure.
Through its Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG) and Water Services Infrastructure Grant (WSIG) programme, the department funds municipalities for water infrastructure.
“In Maluti-A-Phofung, we have intervened when there were water challenges through our RBIG programme and allocated R176 million in the 2022/2023 financial and R154 million this financial year for water projects.
“Further to this, through our WSIG programme, we have allocated R127 million from 2022/2023 until 2024/2025 for drilling of boreholes in Intabazwe, Mokgolokweng sewer pumpstations and Mokgolokweng bulk and sewer networks,” Mahlobo said.
The Deputy Minister noted that for the first time the communities of Maluti-A-Phofung have finally received water from Sterkfontein Dam which, he said, was “something that seemed like a pipe dream”.
He added that the communities in the area will benefit from the Lesotho Highlands Water Project once it is completed.
Among the work in progress for intervention in Maluti-A-Phofung area, includes the following projects:
• Upgrading of Sterkfontein Water Treatment Works
• Refurbishment and Upgrading of the Fika Patso Water Purification Plant
• Upgrading of the Intabazwe Rising Main
• Bulk water supply to Tshiamo and Makgolokweng
• Upgrading of the supply to Phuthaditjhaba and CBD area
• Refurbishment of the Elands Waste Water Treatment Work
• Upgrading of the Kestell Waste Water Treatment Works
• Refurbishment of the Makwane Waste Water Treatment Works
• Refurbishment of the Moeding Waste Water Treatment Works
• Upgrading of the Phuthaditjhaba Waste Water Treatment Works
• Upgrading of the Tshiame Waste Water Treatment Works
• Upgrading of the Wilge Waste Water Treatment Works
• Drilling of boreholes in Intabazwe
• Improving water revenue and reducing non-revenue water
An allocation for infrastructure development has also been made for this financial year to municipalities under Thabo Mofutsanyana District, including R100 million for Setsoto, R83 million for Nketoana and R60 million for Dihlabeng.
The imbizo, which was attended by Deputy Ministers in the Presidency, DDM Champion in the district Nomasonto Motaung and Pinky Kekana, Free State Premier Mxolisi Dukwana, and Thabo Mofutsanyaba District Executive Mayor Connie Msibi, among others, also discussed the development of a social compact through the DDM approach and how to make a social compact towards improving service delivery in communities.
The imbizo also reviewed the progress of the Thabo Mofutsanyane District Social Compact, reviewed partnerships and devised means to strengthen them.
It further looked at water and sanitation services in the area, as drivers of socio-economic development. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 11/13/2023 - 09:56
183 views
A judge found that a man did not intend to rape his girlfriend. The Supreme Court of Appeal will hear the case this week
“What we are left with is a high level of impunity for sexual violence that affects a large segment of women in South Africa.”
Job creation programme hits 25-year milestone
MEDIA INVITE – 13 November 2023 RE: JOB CREATION PROGRAMME CELEBRATES 25 YEARS Date: Wednesday, 15 November 2023, Time: 09h30 to 13h00 Venue: Coastlands Umhlanga Hotel & Convention Centre, Umhlanga Ridge Please join Productivity SA in partnership with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) to commemorate the 25th anniversary of its flagship …
Reward for enormous rental and leasing performance leap
JOHANNESBURG – Mitsubishi Motors South Africa have in recent times made the expansion of their fleet focused product offering a priority. Along with the launch of the Diamond fleet club which offers members with unmatched aftersales support and service, Mitsubishi expanded the product range to include single cab models. This entry level Triton single cab …
First Indian Woman Inducted Into The ICC Hall Of Fame
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has revealed the latest cricketing icons that are to be inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame as the Class of 2023. Following a voting process conducted among existing Hall of Famers, media representatives and senior executives from FICA and the ICC, three new names will be added to the …
A bid to up productivity in the automotive sector
MEDIA INVITE 13 November 2023 RE: A BID TO IMPROVE SKILLS DEVELOPMENT IN THE AUTOMOTIVE SECTOR Following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) with Productivity SA and six other organisations for the implementation of a training programme called the Quality and Productivity Improvement …
Efforts To Improve Skills Development In Sa Automotive Sector
MEDIA INVITE 13 November 2023 RE: A BID TO IMPROVE SKILLS DEVELOPMENT IN THE AUTOMOTIVE SECTOR Following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) with Productivity SA and six other organisations for the implementation of a training programme called the Quality and Productivity Improvement …
Drowning Incidents Cape Town
Fatal Drowning Accident At Silvermine Dam: At 12h37, Sunday, 12 November, TMNP rangers alerted the CoCT 107 control after bystanders approached the rangers raising the alarm reporting a drowning in progress at Silvermine Dam. SA POLICE SERVICES SAPS WPDS (Water Policing and Dive Services) DIVERS assisted by POLICE K9 SEARCH AND RESCUE and SAPS PATROL …
Prepaid energy has been used for more than 20 years in SA | Straton Prepaid Meters
By Ronald Hermans – Product Manager Connexo Insight & Alliances Prepaid or Pay-as-you-go (PAYG) energy is set to open up a completely new way of doing business for utility companies. Advanced roadmaps are being developed for payments and communications that can anticipate rather than just follow the customers’ expectations. The notion of prepayment has long […]
Mahlobo calls for fast-tracked service delivery for communities
Mahlobo calls for fast-tracked service delivery for communities
Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo says the recently released South African National Census statistics must be used as a guide to speed up the provision of services to meet the increasing needs of communities.
Mahlobo was speaking during the District Development Model (DDM) Social Compact Imbizo held at the Multi-Purpose Centre in Phuthaditjhaba in the Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municipality on Friday.
The Deputy Minister joined his counterparts from the Presidency, Pinky Kekana and Nomasonto Motaung (a DDM champion in the district); Free State Premier Mxolisi Dukwana, and Thabo Mofutsanyaba District Executive Mayor Connie Msibi amongst other dignitaries from the provincial and local government in the Free State.
“Statistics South Africa says we have provided more than 90% of the population with water. While we can say we have made strides in this regard, we know that we have not reached everyone as we should and we need to reach out to them as well, because it is our mandate and it is their constitutional right to be supplied with water,” Mahlobo said, adding that this was “envisioned by the founders of the country’s democracy”.
To help to make this happen, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is assisting municipalities to build new infrastructure, refurbish and upgrade the existing ones to meet the demand for water, while reducing water loses because of ageing infrastructure.
The department, through its Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG) and Water Services Infrastructure Grant (WSIG) programme, provides funds to municipalities for water infrastructure.
“In Maluti-A-Phofung, we have intervened when there were water challenges through our RBIG programme and allocated R176 million in the 2022/23 financial year and R154 million this financial year for water projects.
“Further to this, through our WSIG programme, we have allocated R127 million from 2022/23 until 2024/25 for drilling of boreholes in Intabazwe, Mokgolokweng sewer pump stations and Mokgolokweng bulk and sewer networks,” Mahlobo said.
He announced that for the first time, the communities of Maluti-A-Phofung finally receive water from Sterkfontein Dam, something that seemed like a “pipe dream”.
The communities in the area will benefit from the Lesotho Highlands Water Project once it is completed.
Outlining the ongoing work in intervening in Maluti-A-Phofung, Mahlobo highlighted the following projects:
• Upgrading of Sterkfontein Water Treatment Works.
• Refurbishment and Upgrading of the Fika Patso Water Purification Plant.
• Upgrading of the Intabazwe Rising Main.
• Bulk water supply to Tshiamo & Makgolokweng.
• Upgrading of the supply to Phuthaditjhaba & CBD area.
• Refurbishment of the Elands Waste Water Treatment Work.
• Upgrading of the Kestell Waste Water Treatment Works.
• Refurbishment of the Makwane Waste Water Treatment Works.
• Refurbishment of the Moeding Waste Water Treatment Works.
• Upgrading of the Phuthaditjhaba Waste Water Treatment Works.
• Upgrading of the Tshiame Waste Water Treatment Works.
• Upgrading of the Wilge Waste Water Treatment Works.
• Drilling of boreholes in Intabazwe.
• Improving water revenue and reducing non-revenue water.
In addition, Mahlobo said allocations for infrastructure development have been made this financial year to municipalities under Thabo Mofutsanyana, such as Setsoto (R100 million), Nketoana (R83 million) and Dihlabeng (R60 million).
The imbizo discussed the “Development of a Social Compact through the DDM Approach”, and how to make a social compact to improve service delivery in communities.
The imbizo also zoomed into the Thabo Mofutsanyane District’s Social Compact progress, reviewed partnerships and devised means to strengthen them.
Furthermore, the imbizo looked at water and sanitation services in the area, as drivers of socio-economic development. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Sun, 11/12/2023 - 10:42
505 views
Tourism partners with Google SA
Tourism partners with Google SA
Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille will on Monday sign an agreement with Google, which will see the Ministry of Tourism and the digital platform collaborate on several areas of work.
This is in line with the department’s work of enhancing the use of technology to market South Africa’s tourism offering.
De Lille will sign the agreement with Dr Alistair Mokoena, the Country Director for Google South Africa.
In an era of digital transformation, collaboration between technology giants and government entities has the potential to reshape industries and enhance public services. According to the Department of Tourism, the agreement will map the way to a visionary partnership between Google and the Ministry of Tourism, focusing on non-monetary exchanges to leverage each other's strengths for mutual benefit.
“The primary goal of the partnership is to harness Google's technological expertise to support the Ministry of Tourism's efforts in promoting South Africa as a prime tourist destination. The partnership aims to facilitate knowledge sharing, skills development, and the use of digital tools to enhance tourism experiences and sustainability,” the department said in a statement.
The areas of collaboration include digital skills training, culture and heritage sites promotion, and thought leadership.
“By tapping into Google's technology through digital skills training and the sharing of insights, South Africa's industry, notably SMMEs, can present their offerings in innovative ways, engaging potential tourists and inspiring them to explore the country.
“The collaboration is in line with the goal of increasing international arrivals and growing domestic trips in South Africa. This in turn will help tourism businesses grow, help the country’s economic growth, and support job creation efforts,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Sun, 11/12/2023 - 10:56
572 views
SA Navy starts process of replacing SAS Drakensberg vessel
SA Navy starts process of replacing SAS Drakensberg vessel
The South African Navy says it will soon start a project to replace its combat support vessel, SAS Drakensberg, which is nearly 40 years old and has not been to sea for quite some time.
This is according to SA Navy Chief, Vice Admiral Monde Lobese, who was speaking during the naming and acceptance ceremony of the second new multi-purpose inshore patrol vessel (MMIPV), SAS King Shaka Zulu, at Naval Base Durban.
Lobese said the SA Navy used to operate a number of different vessel types, namely submarines, offshore patrol vessels, frigates, a combat support vessel, a hydrographic survey vessel, anti-mine warfare vessels (mine hunters), deep diving support and torpedo recovery vessels.
The submarines and frigates were replaced during the Arms Deal about 20 years ago, whilst a new Hydrographic Survey Vessel is currently being built by Sandock Austral Shipyards in Durban.
The three new MMIPVs will take over the mine hunting, deep diving support and torpedo recovery roles of previous vessels and some patrol duties.
“The SA Navy is currently in the process to containerise the anti-mine warfare capability through Project Motso, so that it can be placed on these vessels.
“This capability is absolutely vital because even a threat of a sea mine can close a port like Durban for weeks on end. This will have devastating consequences for our economy. It requires specialised equipment and highly trained personnel, and is a vital capability for any Navy to have,” Lobese said.
According to Lobese, the SAS Drakensberg will be replaced with a new vessel, and this project will start soon.
“If we take our maritime security seriously, and if we want to protect our maritime economy, we need at least another 12 ships, of which six must be the larger offshore patrol vessels.
“I am absolutely convinced of the fact that over a 30-year period, the investment in these ships and the overall benefit to our economy in preventing theft of our marine resources, as well as criminality on our oceans, makes the procurement of an additional 12 vessels a very logical and rational choice,” Lobese said.
In addition to being used as a replenishment ship, SAS Drakensberg has also been used to patrol for pirates in the Mozambique Channel as part of Operation Copper. In April 2012, she helped European warships catch seven Somali pirates in the Channel.
SAS Drakensberg was launched in April 1986 by Sandock Austral and commissioned into service in November the following year.
She has a full load displacement of 12 500 tons and a length of 147 metres. She can carry 5 500 tons of fuel, 750 tons of ammunition and dry stores, and 210 tons of fresh water. In addition, 50 000 litres of fresh water can be made every day. Two Oryx helicopters, two landing craft and two RHIBs can be accommodated on board as well.
The Drakensberg is the largest ship built in South Africa to date and is reportedly the first naval vessel to be completely designed in the country. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Sun, 11/12/2023 - 11:13
627 views
Creecy publishes Game Meat Strategy for SA
Creecy publishes Game Meat Strategy for SA
The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Barbara Creecy, has published the Game Meat Strategy for South Africa (the Strategy) in the Government Gazette No.49620 for implementation.
The Strategy was approved by Cabinet on 27 September 2023. It seeks to formalise and transform the game meat industry.
The strategy is designed to contribute towards food security for the country. It aims to strengthen the game meat sector as both a provider of food security and an economic growth sector that can help create job opportunities.
The vision of the strategy is: “A formalised and transformed game meat industry in South Africa that supports thriving rural economies and nature, contributes to food security and inclusive socio-economic growth, conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, while reducing environmental risks”.
South Africa is ranked number one on the African continent for game meat production and the country therefore needs to take full advantage of the economic opportunities that the sector provides. The strategy seeks to ensure the creation of 202 666 sustainable jobs in the game meat industry by 2030.
“The strategy implementation plan calls for the three spheres of government, communities and their leaders, non-governmental organisations, the private sector, funders (domestic and international), academia, and research institutions to work together.
“It is through these partnerships that effective implementation of the strategy will contribute towards the conservation and sustainable utilisation of South Africa’s biodiversity while addressing economic, social and environmental problems such as poverty, zoonotic diseases, climate change, and food insecurity, for the benefit of the South African population,” the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment said.
The Game Meat Strategy link can be found on: https://www.dffe.gov.za/sites/default/files/legislations/gamemeatstrategyofsouthafrica_g49620gon4042.pdf
A copy of the Government Gazette can be accessed at: www.environment.gov.za/legislation/gazetted_notices.or www.gpwonline.gov.za. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Sun, 11/12/2023 - 11:28
291 views
Prepaid Electricity Meters solve landlords headache | Straton Prepaid Meters
Source: Temporary or Private Prepaid Electricity Meters solve landlord headaches The pressure on landlords with regards to controlling electricity consumption by tenants increases every day. Landlords could be ultimately held responsible for the consumption of electricity on their properties and this opens them up to abuse by an errant tenant. A number of solutions are […]
Pro-Israel protest disrupted in Cape Town
Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis calls for tolerance, emphasises right to protest and condemns threat against Jewish school
Biodiversity agreements to be implemented by private rhino, lion owners in Limpopo
Biodiversity agreements to be implemented by private rhino, lion owners in Limpopo
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), together with the Sustainable Finance Coalition, has developed Biodiversity Management Agreements (BMAs) to be implemented by three private rhino and lion owners in Limpopo.
The agreements were developed in consultation with the Wilderness Foundation Africa (WFA).
The BMAs, which are valid for a period of five years, are linked to the implementation of the Biodiversity Management Plans (BMPs) for the iconic species.
“These are the first BMAs to be developed and implemented in South Africa. These agreements offer unique biodiversity tax incentives for the landowners in terms of the Income Tax Act (ITA, Act 58 of 1962),” the DFFE said in a statement.
BMAs allow for a person, organisation or organ of State to manage a species or ecosystem through an approved BMP or to implement a part of that BMP, in accordance with National Environmental Management Biodiversity Agreement (NEMBA, Act No. 10 of 2004) and associated regulations.
The DFFE said the catalytic nature of the BMAs and their corresponding tax incentives are examples of South Africa’s innovative and effective conservation, as well as sustainable finance efforts.
In terms of the BMAs, the landowners undertake to carry out certain measures that contribute to the efforts of achieving the objectives for the conservation and management of wild lions and rhino, and undertake to comply with all legal obligations relating to the management of lions and rhino, as appropriate.
The landowners, who concluded the BMAs for the Southern Black Rhino and the African Lion, manage the species in open system protected areas in Limpopo.
The landowners are required to carry out numerous conservation-related measures and be responsible for any costs related to the management of the animals. These costs may be deducted through the associated tax incentive once all tax requirements are met.
The application of this conservation tax deduction is achieved through the Coalition’s Finance Solution Approach, which supports the Global Biodiversity Framework goals and sustainable finance needs.
The owners of the animals will also submit annual reports on progress on the implementation of the BMAs to the Minister.
The BMPs for both the black and white rhino and the African lion are presently being reviewed, which means the BMAs will be modified and updated once these are finalised to ensure alignment.
The implementing agent for the Rhino BMPs is the Rhino Management Group and for the Lion BMP, it is the National Lion Working Group. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Sun, 11/12/2023 - 13:16
349 views