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Johannesburg – In a significant move to combat poor nutrition among young children, Real Reform for ECD unveiled its Right to Nutrition campaign. The campaign aims to secure the provision of adequate nutrition for all eligible young children attending early learning programmes in South Africa, fostering their holistic development. The Right to Nutrition campaign was …
Dear Editor What has become increasingly clear since the Department of Health’s presentation to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on the National Health Insurance (NHI) last week and the number of media interviews that followed the presentation, is that the Department will not see reason, nor explain themselves further than battening down on its …
Dear Editor The DA has been inundated with complaints and requests for assistance from students across the country whose allowances have not been paid yet. We call on the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) to engage with all the universities to ensure that NSFAS payments are seamless and that no students are made to …
“We are heading into an export crisis in the Western Cape at the end of the year. With the good rains we have experienced, our agricultural goods for export are anticipated to increase by 25%. This is a wonderful opportunity to increase exports and to bring in more revenue” announced Mireille Wenger, provincial Minister of …
Lace Up, Donate & Celebrate with Jack Black at Ultra-Trail Cape Town. (Cape Town, 06 November 2023) – Jack Black is thrilled to announce their partnership with Ultra Trail Cape Town (UTCT), scheduled for 24, 25, and 26 November 2023. Once again, Jack Black is calling on the running community to go the extra mile …
New Zealand’s Sam Cane has been suspended for three matches (reduced to two matches subject to completion of the Coaching Intervention Programme) following an independent Disciplinary Committee hearing on 6 November. New Zealand’s Sam Cane appeared (remotely) before an independent Disciplinary Committee on Monday 6 November, having received a red card for an offence contrary …
Dear Editor On 21 July 2023, I submitted a Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) request to the office of the Minister of Electricity pertaining to the proposed roll-out and implementation of a smart meter programme that Dr Ramokgopa had espoused during his weekly briefings. I requested a record of the decision on this, …
Gauteng, South Africa – November 5, 2023 – Track-It-All, a leading company specializing in developing tailored system software, is proud to announce the launch of its innovative task and inventory management solution. With a focus on customization and efficiency, Track-It-All aims to streamline operations, optimize resource allocation, and enhance productivity for businesses of all sizes. …
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi expressed his sincere gratitude to South Africa’s passionate rugby supporters on behalf of the national team on Monday after they concluded their four-day trophy tour, saying they witnessed a “united nation” in the last few days. The Springboks embarked on a tour with the Webb Ellis Cup through Gauteng, Cape Town, …
Like moments frozen in time, Hanneke Benadé’s larger-than-life pastel drawings are exquisitely detailed glimpses into her subject matter. In her latest solo exhibition, Sense of Place, the accomplished South African artist explores the connection between subject and landscape at the House Union Block gallery in the heart of Cape Town. With pastels as her medium …
SA remains concerned about ongoing Russia-Ukraine, Israel-Palestine wars - Pandor
International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor, has told her Ukrainian counterpart, Minister Dmytro Kubela, that South Africa remains deeply concerned about the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, the continuing loss of lives and the very worrying humanitarian situation.
"We are in discussion with our own leader, President Cyril Ramaphosa, to look at how we can have a greater impetus to the Africa Peace Initiative to address our concerns with respect to this war,” she said on Monday.
Pandor was hosting Kubela in Pretoria for political consultations, where the two leaders also briefed media.
Africa, Pandor said, has been witness to numerous conflicts and overcame difficult wars over the years.
“All conflict has devastating effects on the countries involved. The effects are felt both politically, as well as economically and in terms of the development opportunities for often innocent citizens.
“As a continent, we continue to strive to build peace; strive to work toward developing a culture of peaceful resolution of conflict, and the promotion of the importance of diplomacy and peace as the route to resolving any dispute.”
This is the reason the Minister said South Africa always encourages a process of peaceful resolution of conflicts in Africa and globally.
“We believe the only path to peace is through diplomacy, dialogue and commitment to the principles of the United Nations Charter, including the principle that all Member States shall settle their disputes by peaceful means, and many people forget this particular provision of the UN Charter.”
Regarding the unfolding tragedy in the Middle East, Pandor urged the international community to be louder in voicing a call for the immediate cessation of hostilities.
During his address to the General Assembly in September this year, President Ramaphosa insisted that the UN Charter principle of respect for the territorial integrity of every country be upheld. He told Member States that South Africa values the importance of engaging all partners in conflict to achieve peaceful, just and enduring resolutions.
“Minister, we’re meeting at a time when the world is experiencing a grave escalation of the conflict between Israel and Palestine. The carnage and senseless destruction of property, as well as the untold pain and suffering on all sides, should be condemned unreservedly,” Pandor said on Monday.
The unfolding events, she said, reminded South Africa of its own suffering at the hands of the apartheid machinery.
“Therefore, we call for an immediate end of hostilities, unconditional provision of medical supplies and humanitarian aid. It has thus become more urgent that the relevant UN resolutions and decisions are fully executed to ensure peaceful co-existence between Israel and Palestine for sustained peace. [It] is our belief, as President Mandela, said that the struggle of South Africa is not complete if the people of Palestine are not free.”
Kubela said he was happy that he is the first Ukrainian Foreign Minister to visit South Africa since 1998.
“On the other hand, I am unhappy that the pause in high-level bilateral contacts between foreign ministers has taken so long. We should commit today never to allow this to happen again, and to have regular political dialogue between our countries.”
Kubela said the leaders will not only discuss bilateral relations between Ukraine and South Africa but also the larger regional perspective of African politics and development.
“No one in today's world exists in isolation. Neither peace nor war exists in isolation in today's world.
“So while Ukraine has been suffering from the large-scale invasion by Russia since February 2022, we do observe and follow with utmost concern the crisis in the Middle East, and we wish for just and lasting peace to be restored in the Middle East based on the principle of a two-State solution.”
Kubela said he believes that the deeper the contact between the countries, the higher the level of trust between both nations.
“There are good reasons for that to happen, which will allow us to address the most sensitive issues in the bilateral and Global Agenda successfully and together.”
These issues, according to Kubela, include the implementation of Ukraine's peace formula to end the war, international organisations, the development of trade and the involvement of Ukrainian expertise in the digitalisation of government services, and the production of agricultural food products across Africa.
“All of this is on the table and I'm looking forward to a fruitful discussion, and as we diplomats like to say, 'result-oriented discussion',” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 11/06/2023 - 12:52
Monday, 6 November 2023: Betway SA20 will be teaming up with Castle Lite to bring its unique flavour to the...
KOLKATA: The already-qualified Proteas missed the chance to overtake hosts India at the top of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023...
JOHANNESBURG: Western Province secured a narrow three-run win against their hosts, DP World Lions, in the T20 Challenge of the Cricket...
The Vodacom Bulls delivered a strong performance in Italy to move back into the top four of the Vodacom United Rugby Championship, but the three other South African teams found the going tough on the road in the Northern Hemisphere. The DHL Stormers and Hollywoodbets Sharks came up short in Glasgow and London respectively, with …
Government activities for the week, 6 November - 10 November 2023
On Monday, 6 November, the Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, briefs media in Pretoria on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday, 1 November.
From Monday, 6 November, the Minister in the Presidency responsible for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, is expected to embark on a series of follow-up visits to Eskom power stations. The follow-up visits will begin at Arnot and Hendrina power stations in Mpumalanga on Monday, 6 November. On Wednesday, 8 November, the Minister Ramokgopa will visit Kriel and Matla power stations in Mpumalanga. On Thursday, 9 November, he will visit Camden power station in Mpumalanga.
On Monday, 6 November, the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, hosts the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Ukraine, Dmytro Kubela, for political consultations.
On Monday, 6 November, the Deputy Minister of Transport, Lisa Mangcu will lead a clean-up and awareness campaign at the Rand West City Local Municipality in Randfontein.
From Monday, 6 November to Tuesday, 7 November, the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) and the Office of the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal embark on a service delivery drive to address psychosocial challenges that women, youth and persons with disabilities are confronted with in Kwa-Nongoma.
On Tuesday, 7 November, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Barbara Creecy, will host a consultative stakeholder engagement meeting on South Africa’s negotiating position ahead of the third Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC3), which is scheduled to take place in Nairobi, Kenya from 13 – 19 November 2023.
From Tuesday, 7 November to Thursday, 9 November, the Department of Employment and Labour will host a three-day Occupational Health and Safety Conference in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
On Thursday, 9 November, the Electoral Commission will present the Atlas of Results for National and Provincial Elections to Parliament.
Matona
Mon, 11/06/2023 - 12:10
City says the Maynard Street homes are part of a de-proclaimed road scheme and are no longer required for municipal purposes
Starting November 3, 350.org (https://www.350.org) together with grassroots groups and communities across Africa and around the world will participate in over 200 actions in 46 countries that will kick off a global month of action to call for a renewable energy revolution and an equitable shift away from fossil fuels. The actions are part of an initiative by 350.org dubbed “Power Up”, which demands that governments across the globe shift money away from polluting fossil fuels (coal, oil and gas) and channel substantial investments to powering up a safe, just and sustainable future built on people-centered renewable energy.
The actions which will also take place against the background of the announcement of staggering profits by different fossil fuel companies, that blatantly prioritize profit at the expense of people and the planet. As Africa bears the brunt of worsening climate impacts such as flooding, droughts and storms, communities are calling on the governments to hold polluters accountable by making them pay through taxing their earnings and redirecting these finances to fund a renewable energy system rooted in justice.
Glen Tyler-Davies, South Africa team Lead, 350Africa.org said,
"The transition to renewable energy is happening. The biggest risk now is that it is increasingly a disorderly transition - a transition with no clear plan which preserves or worsens inequality in terms of energy access and who holds power over energy generation. This will ruin the chances of creating a more equitable energy system and society. Our leaders need to wake up and understand this. They need to provide and implement a plan for a just transition that provides power, both literal and figurative, to the people. We need to power up a clean, just and renewable energy future."
Rukiya Khamis, Africa Regional Organizer, 350Africa.org said,
"As we experience escalating climate impacts, to which the African continent is the most vulnerable, we are hopeful that a liveable future is possible. Africa has an abundance of renewable energy potential that presents a unique opportunity for the continent to drive the global renewable energy revolution and foster an equitable transition away from fossil fuels. We are calling on governments and financial institutions to power up the continent safely by channeling finances to people-centered renewable energy, committing to phasing out fossil fuels, and for the fossil fuel industry to pay up for its role in the climate crisis."
Zaki Mamdoo, Coordinator, Stop EACOP coalition said,
"These actions unite activists, organizations, and communities worldwide and coincides with the announcement of fossil fuel giants' record profits, earned through the exploitation of our labor and the environment. Join us as we come together through hundreds of actions across the globe to demand an end to the fossil fuel era and a transition to community-owned renewable energy systems rooted in justice"
Christian Hounkannou, Francophone Regional Organiser, 350Africa.org
“The swift warming of our planet is not a result of natural forces; it's a deliberate act, a crime driven by a privileged minority seeking personal gain. For many years, they've obstructed climate measures to safeguard their immense riches. However, they are not beyond accountability. Africa's renewable energy potential surpasses all other continents. Having endured the severe consequences of fossil fuels, it stands as a prime candidate to lead the world towards an alternative, clean energy development trajectory. The moment has come to liberate ourselves from coal, oil, and gas, and hold those who pollute responsible for the essential and immediate changes we require.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of 350.org.
Notes to Editors:
For more information on Power Up and a full list of actions happening across the globe, visit the website https://GlobalPowerUp.org/
Photos and videos will be made available here (https://apo-opa.info/40ujGjA) after the events.
Contact:
Christine Mbithi
christine.mbithi@350.org
October 2023, Johannesburg – This September, the Federated Employers Mutual Assurance Company (RF) (Pty) Ltd (FEM) launched their inaugural Health and Safety Magazine. The publication was launched during FEM’s annual Safetember Conference, an event aimed at shining the spotlight on occupational health and safety. The FEM Health & Safety Magazine is an initiative that emphasises …
The newly elected President of Rugby Africa (www.RugbyAfrique.com), the continental governing body for rugby in Africa, Mr Herbert Mensah, will discuss the business of sport in a one-to-one fireside chat at the 2023 Africa Investment Forum (AIF) (www.AfricaInvestmentForum.com) on Thursday, November 9 in Marrakech, Morocco.
Championed by the African Development Bank and seven other founding partners (Africa50, Africa Finance Corporation, Afreximbank, Development Bank of Southern Africa, European Investment Bank, Islamic Development Bank and Trade and Development Bank), the Africa Investment Forum is Africa's investment marketplace to accelerate transactions to close Africa's investment gaps.
Founded in 2018, the Africa Investment Forum has mobilized nearly $143 billion in investment interest. The event brings together heads of state, business leaders, decision makers and investors to advance critical investment transactions to closure. Previous attendees include H.E Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda, H.E Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa, and H.E Nana Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana.
The sports industry in Africa is experiencing rapid growth, with the potential to generate jobs, improve public health, foster social inclusion and drive economic growth. According to PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), the industry was valued at $7 billion in 2018 with an expected growth of $12 billion in 2027. Despite the potential, investment across Africa remains limited, with only 1% of startup financing directed towards the sport sector.
Rugby Africa President, Herbert Mensah, continues to emphasize the business potential of rugby across Africa. Since his election, President Mensah has called for a change of mindset from African governments and international organizations to increase investment in rugby across Africa. In June, President Mensah delivered a keynote speech on treating rugby as a lucrative business venture at the Bloomberg New Economy Gateway Africa 2023 event in Marrakech, Morocco.
Watch the video on the Bloomberg Website: https://apo-opa.info/466rOcr
The annual three-day Africa Investment Forum Market Days event will commence on Wednesday November 8 to Friday November 10 under the theme “Unlocking Africa's Value Chain” in Marrakech, Morocco.
Read more information about the Africa Investment Forum: https://www.AfricaInvestmentForum.com/en
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Rugby Africa.
Media contact:
Nicole Vervelde
Communications Advisor to the President of Rugby Africa
rugby@apo-opa.com
About Rugby Africa:
Rugby Africa (www.RugbyAfrique.com) is the governing body of rugby in Africa and one of the regional associations under World Rugby. It unites all African countries that play rugby union, rugby sevens, and women's rugby. Rugby Africa organizes various competitions, including the qualifying tournaments for the Rugby World Cup and the Africa Sevens, a qualifying competition for the Olympic Games. With 39 member unions, Rugby Africa is dedicated to promoting and developing rugby across the continent. World Rugby highlighted Ghana, Nigeria and Zambia as three of the six emerging nations experiencing strong growth in rugby.
SA calls on Israel to protect civilians and fast-track repatriation as tension flares
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has once again called on Israel to adhere to its obligations under international law and protect civilians as required under the Geneva Conventions and under International Humanitarian Law.
This comes after reports from Al Jazeera suggested that Israel may delay the repatriation of nationals from countries such as South Africa, Brazil and Ireland due to these countries having called for a ceasefire in Gaza.
“According to reports from the ground in Gaza, Israel is reportedly choosing countries that it considers ‘friendly’ to allow their nationals to leave first.
“Those countries such as South Africa, which Israel considers ‘unfriendly’ and which have taken a strong stance on the ongoing onslaught are being pushed to the bottom of the list. At the current slow pace at which the Israelis are approving foreign nationals, the turn for South Africans could be after 20 days," DIRCO said in a statement.
The department said it believes that it is not only foreign nationals who must be allowed to freely exit the Gaza Strip in a timely manner.
According to the latest data, the department said at least 9 227 Palestinian civilians have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza since 7 October.
Meanwhile, more than 1 400 Israelis, including settlers and soldiers, have been killed in Israel.
“Over the past few days, a school, a hospital, an ambulance, and civilians on roads travelling South have been bombed.
“The bombing of the ambulance at the gate of Al-Shifa Hospital on Friday killed 15 people, injuring 16 others,” the department said.
It said the targeted air strikes on civilians fleeing South killed 14 Palestinian civilians, among them children.
“These are serious breaches of international humanitarian law and are war crimes. These actions again illustrate the need for an immediate ceasefire, as overwhelmingly voted for by members of the United Nations General Assembly.”
Meanwhile, the department said ongoing threats by Israel to bomb the Al-Shifa and Al-Quds hospitals, where thousands of displaced civilians are sheltering, must be condemned by the international community.
“South Africa invested resources, together with its IBSA partners, India and Brazil, to build a state-of-the-art cardiothoracic unit at Al-Quds Hospital over six years ago, as Israel at the time was preventing Gazans from leaving to get medical treatment in the West Bank. Threats to bomb the hospital put this investment at risk, but more importantly, countless human lives,” DIRCO said. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 11/06/2023 - 10:20
Village Walk, Atterbury’s latest retail development in Pretoria East, opened to the public yesterday after much anticipation. Village Walk connects two of Atterbury’s already successful retail precincts in the suburb of Hazelwood: The Village – an eclectic food, drink and leisure hub – on 16th Street and The Club precinct which sits between Hazelwood and …
World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont has welcomed results from the largest ever studies into the forces experienced in-game by rugby players. The results, which provide players and parents with greater clarity and confidence than ever before into the benefits and safety of rugby, are a first anywhere in world sport. Independent, peer-reviewed studies shows …
Bass Stephano Park and Soprano Julie Roset win opera’s world cup, South African soprano Nombulelo Yende awarded the prestigious CulturArte Prize Cape Town, 6 November 2023 – Bass Stephano Park and Soprano Julie Roset won first prize for the best male and the best female voice in gala finale of Plácido Domingo’s Operalia, presented by …