Mieke De Ridder: In The Proteas Women ‘Mieks’ After Debut Call-Up
JOHANNESBURG: Having left cricket at 19 to pursue her Architectural Technology studies, recently-capped Proteas Women wicket-keeper Mieke de Ridder made...
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SAA to be officially relaunched
SAA to be officially relaunched
Government is expected to officially relaunch South African Airways (SAA) in Cape Town on Thursday.
The event – which will mark two years since SAA returned to the skies – will also be used to announce the restart of the state-owned airliner’s direct flights to São Paulo, Brazil.
Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan said the relaunch was a milestone for the airliner which had run into turbulence after it was grounded for 16 months and underwent business rescue and averted liquidation.
“The upcoming event marks a very significant step in the resurgence of South African Airways. We look forward to the official relaunch of SAA, along with the introduction of its first intercontinental flight to São Paulo, Brazil,” Gordhan said.
In a statement earlier this year, SAA revealed that it will fly four times a week to São Paulo with two flights each departing from Cape Town and Johannesburg.
At the time, SAA Interim CEO, Professor John Lamola, said the airliner took the decision to introduce the long haul flight following thorough sustainability analysis.
“We are overjoyed to announce São Paulo as our first international destination since the airline successfully emerged from an intensive Business Rescue process and COVID-19 lockdown. It also marks our return of our long-haul service out of Cape Town. The teams at SAA are working hard behind the scenes to gear our operations for this much-anticipated route launch to South America.
“Our decision to begin the relaunch of our long-haul service with São Paulo was taken based on a rigorous analysis of the viability of the route. Sustainability has been at the heart of SAA’s approach since our restart,” he said.
The first flight to the South American country is expected to depart from Cape Town next Tuesday with the Johannesburg flight to follow suit on November 6. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 10/25/2023 - 10:02
377 views
Another De Kock Ton As Proteas Climb Second
MUMBAI: A sublime third century in five innings by Quinton de Kock at the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup helped...
Be on the inspect out for scammers, warns department
Be on the look out for scammers, warns department
The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) has issued a warning to members of the public, especially job seekers and small businesses, of scammers who are out in full force ahead of the festive season.
“Please be not foolish with your money and be misled and lied to by scammers,” the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure said in a statement.
The department said it does not offer any jobs or tenders that are not officially advertised in the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) circular, on the official departmental website - www.publicworks.gov.za - or national newspapers.
The website, application links and the email addresses always end with “gov.za” and never with “.org” as advertised in the latest fraudulent adverts.
The public is warned to be on the lookout for these scammers who often request payments from people for government services that are never paid for.
“Please take note that the government will never request payments for services, jobs and tenders - the so-called RFQ. Any request or demand for money on any ‘job advert’ should set off the alarm bells already.
“We urge all job seekers to always verify all advertised vacancies by going to the official websites as highlighted above. Job seekers are also advised to visit the DPWI offices to verify any vacancies advertised,” the department said.
Any Request for Quotation (RFQ) or suspicious job offers must be verified with the department.
The public is advised to visit the departmental website or contact 012 406 1439 or Lesole.Matsotso@dpw.gov.za. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 10/25/2023 - 10:10
62 views
National Assembly Passes the Railway Safety Bill and the Climate Change Bill
The National Assembly (NA) has, during its hybrid plenary this afternoon, passed the Climate Change Bill and the Railway Safety Bill, respectively.
Introduced in Parliament in 2022, the Climate Change Bill is the first piece of legislation in South Africa specifically aimed at mitigating and addressing the effects of climate change. The Bill's objective is to establish a robust strategy for addressing climate change and implementing a fair, long-term energy transition plan, and ultimately fostering a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy in South Africa.
The Bill further seeks to manage climate change adaptation to impacts such as flooding, drought, wildfires, excessive heat, and water and food insecurity. The Bill provides that government, at provincial and national levels, is obliged to assess all the risks and expected impacts and create response plans.
The Bill also defines responsibilities for different national, provincial, and local governments, ensuring that all relevant role-players are mandated to do their part in responding to climate change and work together effectively.
The Bill is intended to ensure that the country is empowered to respond adequately and safely to climate change and its risks and impact. It seeks to regulate climate change mitigation through the reduction of greenhouse gas carbon emissions.
According to the Bill, the minister responsible for the environment must assign carbon budgets to companies to limit their carbon emissions.
The Railway Safety Bill, on the other hand, aims to amend the National Railway Safety Regulator Act 16 of 2002 by facilitating an improvement in general safety within the railway environment.
It seeks to ensure that rail becomes an attractive mode of transport and contributes towards economic growth, which is a platform to effectively fight inequality, poverty, and unemployment.
Additionally, in an effort to align legislation with the White Paper on National Rail Policy and government's plan to move passengers and freight from road to rail, the Bill proposes and promotes the use of rail as an efficient mode of transport. Also, the Bill aims to facilitate a modern, flexible, and efficient regulatory regime that ensures the continuing enhancement of safe railway operations across the country.
Both Bills will now be sent to the National Council of Provinces for concurrence.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
24 Teams will take Part in Australia’s RWC2027
The men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia will feature 24 teams after the World Rugby Council approved historic reimagination of the competition format, window and timing. Reflecting World Rugby’s mission to increase the global competitiveness, reach, impact and value of international rugby, the 11th edition of the men’s pinnacle event will see the world’s …
New international men’s competition to launch in 2024
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The World Rugby Council has approved transformational reform of the global men’s and women’s rugby calendars from 2026, a seminal moment for the sport that marks a new era of opportunity, certainty and growth for the game, a fitting finale to its 200th birthday year. Reform of Regulation 9 governing international player release has paved …
Partnership to support a global circular economy approach to manufacturing and consumption
Stellantis N.V. and Orano today announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding to establish a joint venture for recycling end-of-life electric vehicle batteries and scrap from gigafactories in Enlarged Europe and North America, strengthening Stellantis’ position in the electric-vehicle battery value chain by securing additional access to cobalt, nickel, and lithium necessary for electrification …
Tension mounts at Springs mine as police mobilise
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SA urges BRICS collaboration for tourism
SA urges BRICS collaboration for tourism
South African Tourism Minister, Patricia de Lille, says the BRICS partnership is enough reason for Tourism Ministers and countries to come together and work in collaboration to grow their sectors and economies.
De Lille made the remarks during the opening session of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) Tourism Ministers meeting held in Cape Town on Tuesday.
Held under the theme: "Sustainable and inclusive tourism recovery", the meeting builds on South Africa's 2023 BRICS Summit held in August under the theme: "BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development and Inclusive Multilateralism".
De Lille noted that in the Summit Declaration, BRICS Heads of State acknowledged the urgent need for tourism industry recovery and the importance of increasing mutual tourist flows.
“We are here today to agree on a way forward and action plan. The BRICS Tourism Ministers Meeting will exchange information and experiences in our tourism sectors.
“It is also an opportunity for BRICS Members to reach a consensus on key policy priorities for a more just and sustainable tourism recovery. We do so because we know that poverty, unemployment and inequality are the biggest problems the world faces,” De Lille said.
According to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), international arrivals could reach 80% to 95% of pre-pandemic levels in 2023.
In South Africa, the tourism sector has risen from January to August 2023, with a total of 5.5 million international tourists arriving in the country, signifying a remarkable 70.6% surge compared to the same period in 2022.
While this resurgence is encouraging, the Minister noted these figures still lag behind the pre-pandemic levels of 2019 by a 19.0% shortfall.
However, she said the figures are encouraging, noting that within the 5.5 million arrivals, “the African region has the biggest share.”
The Minister noted that tourism can be an engine of growth of our economy, and it is also a key part of our country's Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan.
“We have seen similar growth in our fellow BRICS countries. This recovery provides an opportunity to implement transformational shifts as the travel and tourism sector creates a more resilient and inclusive future.
“As international arrivals are forecast to reach 1.8 billion by 2030, this growth should be sustainable and inclusive and contribute positively to the communities, natural ecosystems, and cultural heritage,” the Minister said.
Aligning tourism strategies
De Lille also called on BRICS Members to align tourism strategies with the six lines of action, as recommended by the UNWTO's One Planet Vision for a Responsible Recovery of the Tourism Sector.
These include public health, social inclusion, biodiversity conservation, combating climate change, ensuring a circular economy that empowers all, and a commitment to fair and transparent governance and finance.
“Our collective recovery of tourism must be measured beyond economic impacts. A fairer development model is called for.
“It involves stakeholders at different levels in its planning and implementation and provides decent work conditions and opportunities for all, including women, youth, people with disabilities and indigenous communities,” De Lille said.
She said the meeting will explore cooperation priorities for BRICS Members to achieve a resilient, sustainable and inclusive tourism recovery.
“We will look at mainstreaming sustainable policies and practices so we can take steps to support better the transition to a green, low emissions and climate-resilient tourism economy.
“We will look at developing more sustainable tourism business models using technology to manage visitor flows better. We will encourage a paradigm shift by reconsidering perceptions of tourism success. Is it just arrival numbers or the actual impact on communities?” she asked. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 10/24/2023 - 14:14
588 views
IEC launches the 2024 National and Provincial Elections programme
IEC launches the 2024 National and Provincial Elections programme
The Electoral Commission of South Africa has formally launched the 2024 National and Provincial Elections (NPE 2024) programme as a means of declaring its readiness to host millions of eligible voters at over 23 296 voting stations across the country next year.
According to the Electoral Commission, the NPE 2024 will be historic, as independent candidates will, for the first time, be able to contest for seats in the national and provincial elections.
The legislation enabling the participation of independent candidates was signed into law in April by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The Commission, led by the institution’s chairperson Mosotho Moepya and Sy Mamabolo, the Chief Electoral Officer, presided over the launch of the NPE 2024 at Gallagher Estate in Midrand and was attended by various stakeholders, including political parties.
“Today, we stand proud as the pre-eminent Constitutionally-mandated body that manages elections, and make bold that we are ready for the NPE 2024,” Mamabolo said.
Mamabolo explained that while the term of office of the current legislatures, national and provincial governments ends around 18 May 2023, the national and provincial governments will remain in office until the newly elected public representatives are able to take office.
He said in terms of the Constitution, the country must have an election within 90 days of the expiry of the legislatures’ terms.
“Therefore, an election is possible between May and the middle of August 2024. The proclamation of the election date is by our Head of State, His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa, after consultation with the Electoral Commission.
“Our expectation is that the provincial elections will be, as they have for the past 30 years, synchronised with the national election,” he said.
Mamabolo said once the Electoral Amendment Act was signed into law by the President, the Commission moved with speed to finalise the supporting business applications necessary for the implementation of the Act.
Prior to each election, the Electoral Commission launches registration drives aimed at enrolling new voters and empowering existing ones to scrutinise and, where necessary, amend their registration details.
The Commission reiterated its commitment to open nearly all voting stations for the weekend of November 18th and 19th, 2023.
This monumental effort not only registers new voters but also facilitates the verification of the roll. Station-based registration ensures equitable access to the vote.
Modernising registration
Furthermore, the Electoral Commission has expanded registration modalities to enable voters’ continuous enrolment.
For those with internet access, registration, inspection and updates are accessible via www.elections.org.za.
Voters may also visit local Commission offices or capitalise on various activation campaigns to register and update their information.
The theme for NPE 2024 will be: “Your Democracy, Own It” - celebrating the fruits of democracy by showcasing different, real-life experiences of young South Africans from all corners of the country.
The Commission called on South Africans to use its online portal for registration, verification and updates.
“We urge you to actively participate in the registration weekends and exercise your responsibility as engaged citizens who choose their own representatives.
“We extend a call to all electoral stakeholders to stand shoulder to shoulder with us, working collaboratively to make these historic elections a resounding success,” Mamabolo said.
Moepya said the Electoral Commission of South Africa is approaching the upcoming elections with immense pride and a profound sense of responsibility.
“This is so because our electoral democracy has come a long way since those historic elections in 1994, when millions of South Africans cast their votes for the very first time. While it is essential that we recognise the remarkable achievements of the past three decades, it is necessary for us to embrace the challenges that lie before us,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 10/24/2023 - 14:37
1479 views
How to finish the year like a boss!
How to end the year like a boss! When done well, office parties can make for great bonding sessions, especially when the company uses a hybrid working model or is entirely remote. Year-end parties can also be like opening a mystery box on a TV game show. Depending on your company culture and colleagues, you …
Nando’s Silverlakes: Ntho Tse Monate
If you’re looking for a place to enjoy delicious PERi-PERi chicken and admire stunning Southern African art, look no further than Nando’s Silverlakes Drive-Thru (DT). This fresh joint, located at the intersection of Solomon Mahlangu Drive and Stellenberg Road in Pretoria, is more than just a dining spot; it’s a destination that celebrates the diversity …
Ensuring education for all
Ensuring education for all
While challenges in the education sector remain, gains are being made to ensure learning for all.
The results of Census 2022 released recently, not only revealed that the country’s population grew to 62 million from 51.7 million in 2011, but also that the population remains relatively youthful. The data showed that 61.2% of the population is under the age of 35.
Of key interest of the data released is that of accomplishments in the education sector, given the country’s history of the exclusion of the majority.
Section 29 of South Africa’s Bill of Rights speaks to the fact that everyone has the right to basic education, including adult basic education; and to further education, which the state, through reasonable measures, must make progressively available and accessible.
Since South Africa attained democracy close to 30-years ago, government has put in place various measures to ensure access to education for all. These measures include the introduction of no-fee schools, school nutrition programmes and access to scholar transport.
The 2022 Census - which is the fourth to be conducted in democratic South Africa - notes that access to educational institutions is an important step to universal education, but that “the ultimate goal would be to keep children at school until completion of their education.”
According to the census, in 2022, 73.4% of the population aged 5-24 years were attending school, up from the 70.1% recorded in democratic South Africa’s first census in 1996.
The census plays an essential role in planning, policy formulation, evaluation and budget allocation of the country.
It also revealed that the percentage of those aged 20 years and older who completed secondary education more than doubled from 16.3% in 1996 to 37.6% in 2022.
This as the Department of Basic Education has acknowledged a slight rise in the number of those not attending educational institutions.
“We do acknowledge that there has been a slight increase in the number of 5-24-year-olds not attending an educational institution since the last census in 2011, of about 200 000. However, this is partly due to population growth (the number of 5-24-year-olds attending has increased by even more) and [is] partly due to earlier completion of schooling,” said the department’s spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga.
Additionally, the data showed that over 14.1 million of those aged 20 and above, completed secondary education in 2022, followed by 11.9 million who achieved some secondary education and 4.6 million who attained post-school education.
Mhlanga said the average age of youths successfully completing a National Senior Certificate or equivalent qualification has been gradually lowering over the years.
“The result is an astonishing trend over time; the percentage of 22-25-year-olds attending education actually decreased from 16.4% in 2002 to 15.8% in 2021. Yet, over the same period, the percentage of 22-25-year-olds having completed grade 12 increased dramatically from 39% to 62%.”
He pointed out that the country’s school system used to be far more inefficient, with many children staying in school into their twenties but then exiting without having completed Grade 12.
“These days, children repeat less, are less likely to be in school into their twenties, but most important of all, they are much more likely to successfully complete a National Senior Certificate or equivalent qualification,” he explained.
COVID-19 and challenges
He also touched on the impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic, which disrupted schooling.
“The Minister’s [Angie Motshekga] move to reopen schools in spite of the fear and criticism has now been fully vindicated. The spread of the virus was not affected by reopening schools, and despite worries about increased dropping out of school during the pandemic, the opposite happened; more candidates wrote and passed the matric exams in 2020, 2021 and 2022 than ever before.”
He added that the department is well aware of the challenges in the education sector.
“The quality of learning in the early grades, especially in foundational literacy and numeracy, remains a critical priority, and was negatively impacted by the pandemic.
“Another challenge, or rather opportunity, is to improve the quality of Early Childhood Development opportunities now that this responsibility has been shifted from the Department of Social Development to Basic Education.”
Census 2022 revealed that 3.4 million children aged 0–4 years participated in the Early Childhood Development (ECD) programme.
Last year, government moved the responsibility of the provision of the ECD programme from the Department of Social Development to the Department of Basic Education. In June, Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Basic Education received a progress report from the Department of Basic Education (DBE).
“We must acknowledge the challenges that exist in South African education, but all the trends in access, equity, quality and efficiency are overwhelmingly positive,” said Mhlanga.
Development
Reacting to the census results, Cabinet said the country has been developing over the course of the last 29 years.
This is in addition to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s call to government departments, policy makers, researchers, civil society organisations and international organisations to use information from Census 2022 to collectively strive to improve people’s lives.
“Census 2022 has told us where we are making progress, but it has also laid bare the challenges that remain. It will be an invaluable tool in meeting those challenges. We now have the information we need to ensure that as we build this country, we leave no one behind,” the President said as he received the results of the count from Statistician-General Risenga Maluleke.
The population and housing census was conducted in February 2022 and provides comprehensive data on population size, demographic trends and other service delivery related information. - SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Tue, 10/24/2023 - 14:50
467 views
Children’s parks turned into rubbish dumps
Intimidation has prevented repairs to parks in Delft, Cape Town
Savanna Origin of Trails routes set to live up to the reputation of being SA’s MTB Party of the Year
The upcoming 10th annual Savanna Origin of Trails MTB Experience promises to deliver exciting route enhancements that are guaranteed to captivate riders from start to finish in the beautiful town of Stellenbosch on both Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 November 2023. “We’re excited to mark a decade of mountain biking excellence at the 2023 Savanna …
A Villa With A View
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SA enters documentary on Dr Joseph Shabalala to compete at Oscars
SA enters documentary on Dr Joseph Shabalala to compete at Oscars
South Africa has submitted a film about Ladysmith Black Mambazo founder and musical director Dr Joseph Shabalala for consideration to compete in the International Feature Film category for the 96th Annual Academy Awards (Oscars).
“Music is My Life tells the story of the late South African musician Shabalala, who rose to international acclaim with his band Ladysmith Black Mambazo and contributed to Paul Simon’s successful Graceland album,” the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) said.
Produced by the seasoned award-winning producer, Carolyn Carew, the feature documentary film was shot over a period of five years and Shabalala’s creative process through the inspiring lense of his life.
“It is always a great and privileged opportunity to have a South African film represent the country at the global industry’s foremost awards. The fact that this particular film tells the authentic South African story of the iconic Dr Shabalala, is even more special,” NFVF Acting CEO Thobela Mayinje said.
The NFVF said the film is an engaging tribute to South Africa’s diverse culture, one of South Africa’s most distinct traditional musical forms, isicathamiya, and the man with a remarkable voice who made it globally relevant.
“Since its release, the film has screened at a number of local and international film festivals and has garnered critical acclaim by audiences in countries like America, New Zealand, Australia and Spain, to name a few. Locally, Music is My Life screened at the Labia Cinema for over five days and on what would have been Dr Shabalala’s 83rd birthday, the public broadcaster’s SABC 1 channel aired the film,” the foundation said.
The decision to enter the film was made after a rigorous judging process by the South African Academy Awards Selection Committee.
This year’s committee comprised a diverse group of seasoned industry professionals from various fields within the film industry, who were submitted to and approved by the Academy.
“Once the call for submissions closed on 10 August 2023, the committee evaluated a total of four film submissions from 18 to 22 September 2023, at Nu Metro cinemas in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.
“The submissions were evaluated based on the Academy Awards’ Best International Feature Film eligibility criteria. The NFVF appointed a reputable firm, SNG Grant Thornton to assess the overall judging process and ensure the integrity of the process.
“Once the committee had deliberated in its meeting held on 22 September 2023, the submission Music is My Life - Joseph Shabalala and Ladysmith Black Mambazo received the highest votes as the official selection once the scores were tallied and vetted by the auditors,” the foundation said.
The official nominations for the 96th Annual Academy Awards will be announced on 23 January 2024. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Tue, 10/24/2023 - 14:53
419 views
9 Trends in celebrating the end-of-year office party
The world over companies are reimagining the end-of-year celebration, moving away from buffets and shooter stations towards activities that foster shared experiences. Odele van der Merwe, General Manager of ANEW Resort Hazyview Kruger Park, has observed some dynamic shifts from the traditional end-of-year dinner dance to creative, team-focussed activities. She notes, “These new trends are …
Magnetic Solutions for Modern Industries with African Magnets
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Eskom’s generation steadily improving – Ramokgopa
Eskom's generation steadily improving - Ramokgopa
Improved performance of Eskom’s generating fleet is beginning to turn the tide against load shedding.
This is according to Minister in the Presidency for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, who delivered a statement on the implementation of the Energy Action Plan (EAP) in the National Assembly on Tuesday.
The EAP was introduced by President Cyril Ramaphosa in July last year to address the intensification of load shedding.
“Generation performance continues to improve from the May 2023 days of 27410MW [generation] to 28 883MW in October month to date. Last week, we saw generation breach the psychological mark of 30 000MW largely buoyed by the return to service of Kusile units 3 and 1 over the past month.
“This improved generation and lower than projected demand has allowed for exceptional increase in planned outage or good maintenance. The increased planned outage means that we are improving the overall performance capacity of the fleet, improving reliability and efficiency and steadily ensuring that we navigate to an equilibrium between demand and supply buffered by healthy reserve margin,” he said.
The Minister added that since May this year, unplanned outages where generating units break down have been fewer.
“This is a function of the increased planned maintenance and improved reliability of Units.
“Following a period of increased planned maintenance between mid-August 2023 and mid-October 2023, UCLF has dropped to 13527 MW from the May 2023 baseline of 17369 MW. This represents an improvement in the available capacity of 3841 MW, amounting to over three stages of load shedding,” he said.
Kusile Power Station
Ramokgopa told the National Assembly that the improvement at Kusile power station bears testament to the belief that the power station can drive forward Eskom’s improvement in generation capacity.
In October last year, units at the power station went offline following a duct failure.
“We have always been firm that Kusile Power Station would anchor the drive for generation capacity to get ahead of the demand curve.
“The two units returned have injected an additional 1600 MW over the past month, whilst Units 2 and 5 will add another 1600 MW. This means the 4 Kusile Units will provide a total of 3200 MW of base load by December 2023. The last remaining Kusile unit, Unit 6, is planned to be synchronised in August 2024.
“The early return of the two units is a result of judicious and smart engineering. We anticipate returning Unit 2 by the third week of November 2023. Additionally, Kusile Unit 4…was returned to service on 17 September 2023, three days ahead of the planned date.
“Kusile Unit 5 was originally planned for completion on 28 October 2023 but was rescheduled to later in order to prioritise the return of the three commercial Kusile units. Unit 5 is now scheduled to be synchronised by December 2023,” he said.
Forging ahead
The Minister acknowledged that load shedding continues to take a heavy toll on South Africans.
However, Ramokgopa expressed confidence that the task of lowering and eventually ending load shedding is well underway.
“The national energy crisis continues to be the single biggest existential challenge in post-apartheid South Africa, and we must continue to harness all efforts to arrest further haemorrhaging caused by load shedding to our economy and the degradation of the quality of lives of ordinary South Africans.
“In May 2023, I stood in this august House to deliver an executive statement outlining the transversal interventions we were making to reduce the intensity and frequency of load shedding and to articulate our plans in relation to the winter plan. Working with the dedicated staff at Eskom and industry experts, we have successfully navigated through the winter season and are beginning to turn the tide,” Ramokgopa said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 10/24/2023 - 15:16
278 views
Navigating the World of Modern Tech Solutions
In the rapidly evolving landscape of technology, businesses are constantly seeking innovative solutions to stay ahead of the curve. Whether it’s software development, cloud computing, or digital transformation, there are companies dedicated to providing top-tier services in these domains. Let’s explore some of the offerings that are shaping the future of tech: 1. Custom Software …
PRASA launches accommodation to house NSFAS students
PRASA launches accommodation to house NSFAS students
A total of 3 200 eligible beneficiaries of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) are set to benefit from the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA)’s development project in Cape Town.
This as Minister of Transport, Sindisiwe Chikunga, officially opened the R1.2 billion Mixed-Use Development Student Accommodation and Retail project in Cape Town on Tuesday.
Eris Property Group has secured the forecourt of the Cape Town Station on a long-term lease from PRASA and have completely reimagined this landmark location into a vibrant new precinct, spanning 2.4 hectares.
“A 7 000 square meter retail sector is being renovated as part of this landmark project to better serve locals and commuters alike. The retail precinct is planned to be finished in November 2023. I am happy to inform you that the project is 82% complete, with students moving in, starting in February 2024,” the Minister said.
PRASA has invested in development projects for accommodation and retail facilities in Cape Town and Johannesburg to ensure it realises the full potential of its property portfolio.
In addition, the first phase of the R575 million Goodwood Station Social Housing initiative is at about 70% complete.
“Over a thousand rental units at reasonable prices will have been made available in the City of Cape Town thanks to this ambitious project by the end of October 2023.
“The Public Real Estate Asset Management Company of South Africa, its investment company - Intersite Investment - the DCI Community Housing Services, the Social Housing Regulatory Authority (SHRA), the Infrastructure Fund, and the City of Cape Town all worked together to create this successful project.
“It will include the construction of 1 055 affordable dwelling units on PRASA-owned land near the Goodwood Station, as well as a 5 000 square meter retail facility on the station deck. The completion of the project’s second stage is anticipated for the year 2024,” Chikunga said.
Chikunga said a significant step in ensuring PRASA’s long-term financial stability is the 25% co-investment it has made in the Cape Town Station development via its special purpose vehicle, Intersite.
“This exemplifies our determination to rebrand our stations as thriving communities where people can live, work and play, thereby transforming them into transit hubs that provide a better experience for passengers and shoppers,” she said.
The Minister explained that real estate investment and development, urban telecommunication and more fall within PRASA’s secondary mandate, which is carried out by PRASA’s property division, PRASA Corporate Real Estate Solutions, and Intersite Asset Investments.
“To help defray the expense of operating passenger rail, we are carefully attempting to conform to worldwide best practices. PRASA’s capacity to maintain its commitment to economical, dependable, and safe commuter train service is contingent on its ability to diversify its revenue streams beyond passenger fares,” Chikunga said.
She also announced that Intersite is a co-investor in “The Rynx,” a real estate project in Braamfontein, Johannesburg.
“The current PRASA offices in the Tippet building will be converted into 189 apartments and other uses as part of this project. Construction is scheduled to begin in October 2023 at an estimated cost of R67 million and [it will] take 18 months.
“Additionally, we are nearing completion on 20 more student and gap year accommodation buildings across our broad train network. These initiatives are essential to realising the full potential of our property portfolio and reviving passenger train services,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Tue, 10/24/2023 - 15:30
243 views