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Mashatile to address National House of Traditional Leaders gathering

Location: News

Mashatile to address National House of Traditional Leaders gathering

Deputy President Paul Mashatile is expected to participate and speak at a gathering convened by the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders. 

According to the Presidency, he will meet with the leaders as Chairperson of the inter-ministerial task team on matters of traditional and Khoi-San leaders, at the Ilanga Estate, Bloemfontein, Free State, on Tuesday, 24 October. 

The 2023 Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders Xivijo, will focus on promoting development and social cohesion in traditional communities through cooperation with government and the private sector. 

The meeting will emphasise the purpose and objective of building cohesive communities driven by the vision for development, Ubuntu and self-sustainability.

Xivijo is a Xitsonga expression of a gathering, usually called by the traditional leadership.

Representatives of the National, Provincial and Local Houses of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (Contralesa), the Royal Leaders of South Africa (Rolesa), National Khoi-San Council, government and private sector representatives are expected to attend the gathering.

The aim, the Presidency said, is to engage on all matters affecting the institution of traditional leadership and its contribution to rural development.

“Established by the President, the inter-ministerial task team led by Deputy President Mashatile, will during this candid session, present progress reports on work carried out by various work streams led by Cabinet Ministers in addressing issues raised by the traditional leadership.”

 This programme will include progress achieved in several areas including: 

• Advancing land ownership, tenure rights and fast-tracking socio-economic development of rural communities.

• Building institutional capacity and ensuring support to traditional and Khoi-San leaders.

• Advancing infrastructure investment and skills development in rural communities.

• Promoting unity, social cohesion and nation-building in rural communities.

• Fast-tracking the finalisation of policy, legislative and constitutional matters.

“Government is committed to work together with the institution of traditional leadership in addressing the socio-economic challenges facing the country and it is also dedicated to strengthening the significant role they play, in the reconstruction and development of the country, especially in rural areas,” said the Presidency.

The Deputy President will be accompanied by Cabinet Ministers, Free State Premier, Mxolisi Dukwana, and senior government officials. – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

Gabisile
Mon, 10/23/2023 - 09:37

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RIP Bishan Singh Bedi

Location: Sport

The International Cricket Council has expressed sadness at the passing of former India captain Bishan Singh Bedi at the age of 77. In a statement, ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice extolled the qualities of spin legend Bedi, saying he was one of the masters of flight and turn who would be remembered for years to …

Read moreRIP Bishan Singh Bedi

Inter-faith community called on to encourage crime afflicted communities

Location: News

Inter-faith community called on to help crime afflicted communities

KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, has reiterated the call to the inter-faith community to continue praying for all communities afflicted by crime, gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), rape and murder.

“It is my view that crime prevention cannot be left to be the responsibility of government alone. Let us all hold hands and work together,” Dube-Ncube said.

Dube-Ncube made the call during the Provincial Youth Committee Gospel Arts and Culture Competition, held in Mthwalume, South Coast on Sunday. Participants in the competition showcased their talents and competitive spirit in gospel music, arts and culture.

The Premier said violence meted out against women in particular, is a shame and is a threat to all social cohesion and nation-building efforts.

“Today’s event reminds us that our communities are plagued by the scourge of GBVF and Crime in general. Crime here in the Mthwalume area in recent years and GBVF in particular has been a major worry. 

“While the Minister of Police, Bheki Cele has assured me that the crimes of murder especially GBVF are being attended to, I urge the community to work closely with the SAPS [South African Police Service] to do everything to address all the sources of crime in this area and in the rest of the province,” she said.

The Premier said the advent of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), places power in the hands of artists.

“With access to technology artists can now interact directly with their audience, create songs and post to all streaming platforms without the help of a manager or record label. This can take place whether you are Johannesburg or New York or even in a backroom here in Mthwalume.

“While the labels and record companies still do have a place, artists are now positioned better to attract success before labels get to them. Today’s event is therefore more than just entertainment or competition, but is an opportunity to minister, and also to provide economic empowerment opportunities in music and the performing arts to artists from all over our province,” the Premier said.

She added that bringing a gospel competition to Mthwalume is a demonstration that gospel music, which is one of the most popular genres in South Africa, belongs to the people. She said it underlines her belief that development of rural areas is as important as addressing the issue of services in rural areas. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Mon, 10/23/2023 - 09:51

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Late entries are still available for the Goss & Balfe Sapphire Coast Marathon this Sunday

Location: MyPR

Runners looking to compete in one of the country’s most scenic races still have a chance to enter the Goss & Balfe Sapphire Coast Marathon in Amanzimtoti on Sunday, 29 October. With a new route along the Amanzimtoti coastline, this early qualifier for the Comrades Marathon has already attracted a number of top competitors. “There …

Read moreLate entries are still available for the Goss & Balfe Sapphire Coast Marathon this Sunday

KZN South Coast retains title of ‘highest number of Blue Flag Beaches in KZN’!

Location: MyPR

Tourism on the KZN South Coast has received another boost with the announcement on Friday (20 October 2023) that the region has retained its position as having the highest number of Blue Flag Beaches in the province. “We are delighted that the KZN South Coast has, once again, shown it’s a premier seaside destination that …

Read moreKZN South Coast retains title of ‘highest number of Blue Flag Beaches in KZN’!

World Rugby Looking Into Alleged Discriminatory Language

Location: Sport

World Rugby issued a statement earlier regarding alleged discriminatory language in the semi-final 2 between England and South Africa on Saturday, 21 October. World Rugby said that they take all allegations of discriminatory behaviour extremely seriously. “We can confirm that we are formally reviewing the allegation made by England’s Tom Curry in relation to the …

Read moreWorld Rugby Looking Into Alleged Discriminatory Language

Government activities for the week, 23 – 27 October 2023

Location: News

Government activities for the week, 23 - 27 October 2023

Government has scheduled the following briefings/activities for the week: 23 to 27 October 2023. 

From Tuesday, 24 October, to Thursday, 26 October, South Africa will host the 7th Global Alcohol Policy Conference at the Cape Town Convention Centre in Cape Town.

On Tuesday, 24 October, the Electoral Commission will launch the 2024 National and Provincial Elections from 10:00 at the Ballroom, Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand.

From Tuesday, 24 October, to Thursday, 26 October, Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille, will host the BRICS Tourism Ministers meeting in Cape Town.

From Tuesday, 24 October, to Friday, 27 October, the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies will host the National Digital and Future Skills Conference at the East London ICC in the Eastern Cape.

Janine
Mon, 10/23/2023 - 10:07

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Read moreGovernment activities for the week, 23 – 27 October 2023

Ethics probe against Deputy Health Minister

Location: News

Dear Editor The DA welcomes the police investigation and Parliamentary Ethics Committee probe into the allegations of sexual assault against Deputy Health Minister Sibongiseni Dhlomo by a parliamentary member of staff. The DA takes allegations of this nature very seriously and urges the committee to conclude the in-depth investigation as soon as possible and make …

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Win a Giant Stance 2 mountain bike at the Savanna Origin of Trails in 2023!

Location: MyPR

One lucky Savanna Origin of Trails MTB Experience entrant will go home with a brand-new Giant Stance 2 mountain bike to the value of R31 090.00 on Sunday 19 November 2023. “We’re proud to continue enhancing the experience of SA’s MTB Party of the year by offering entrants the exciting opportunity to win an incredible …

Read moreWin a Giant Stance 2 mountain bike at the Savanna Origin of Trails in 2023!

Deadline looms for KZN emerging designer incubation applications

Location: News

Deadline looms for KZN emerging designer incubation applications

Emerging designers in KwaZulu-Natal have only four days left to submit their applications to be part of the Emerging Designers Incubation Programme.

The Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) is looking for KZN-based emerging designers who are currently running a formal or informal creative design business, including crafters, fashion designers, and accessories designers, among others, to take part on the incubation programme.

To apply for the programme, applicants should click on the link: https://forms.gle/PZgeNDyTR2J1Ng2L6.

The closing date for application submissions is 27 October 2023.

Global exporter passport programme

Meanwhile, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition in partnership with KwaZulu-Natal Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs; KZN Trade and Investment, and Zululand Chamber of Commerce have invited prospective Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) within and around Richards Bay to participate in the Global Exporter Passport Programme.

The programme is designed to provide exporter development training to enterprises that wish to expand their export opportunities and be export ready and sustainable in export markets. 

Thr programme will be undertaken in three phases, including introduction to exporting; planning for exports and market selection; and market entry analysis. Phase one of the programme will take place from 21 to 24 November 2023, phase two will be from 30 January 2024 to 02 February 2024, while phase three will take place from 20 February to 21 February 2024.

Consideration will be given to SMEs that are in existence and have been operational for at least one year and enterprises belong to a previously disadvantaged population group.

“Applicants must be directly involved in the daily operations of the business,” the department said.

Applicants must send an email to Gugulethu.Gumede@kznedtea.gov.za requesting an assessment form.

The closing date is 03 November 2023. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Mon, 10/23/2023 - 12:51

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Read moreDeadline looms for KZN emerging designer incubation applications

Zahir Vallie’s Z-Prop Plans to Invest Bigger in South Africa Real Estate

Location: MyPR

Zahir Vallie’s Z-PROP plans to go aggressive on the South African real estate market. While capitalizing on current conditions, it has decided to offer personalized services and a wide range of properties. Cape Town, SA, October 13, 2023 – Zahir Vallie, founder of Z-PROP, has made a distinctive name in the South African real estate …

Read moreZahir Vallie’s Z-Prop Plans to Invest Bigger in South Africa Real Estate

Green shoots in resolving the energy crisis

Location: News

Green shoots in resolving the energy crisis

South Africa is beginning to turn the corner in resolving the energy crisis.

This according to Minister in the Presidency for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, who was briefing the media on the implementation of the Energy Action Plan in Pretoria on Monday.

Improved performance of Eskom’s generating fleet meant the suspension of load shedding over the past weekend and much lower stages of the planned power outages during the week.

“We have turned the corner, although we are not out of the woods yet. We are beginning to show sustained improved performance over an extended period of time and this is good news in that it’s an affirmation and validation of the work that the team is doing at Eskom,” he said.

The Minister said the intensification of maintenance plans at Eskom are beginning to have a positive impact despite a difficult period in September when load shedding was intensified as a result of maintenance outages.

These maintenance outages are aimed at reducing the incidence of generating units tripping on their own and improving performance.

“These plans that have been put into motion are beginning to bear fruit. I did indicate some time ago when we were experiencing heightened levels of load shedding Stage 6, that essentially what we are dealing with is short term pain which is going to result in long term gain and we are beginning to see the kinds of gains that I was referring to.

“Our actions are deliberate. We are going to invest a lot of our efforts to ensure that we are able to maintain the units,” he said.

Ramokgopa insisted that both Eskom and the department will not show any signs of complacency going forward.

“It’s important that we shouldn’t be complacent and we have never been complacent…even when are beginning to see … green shoots. I think what that does is just bolster and raise the morale of the team to ensure that we even achieved greater results and we are able to save the South African economy.

“We introduced these interventions when we came into office, after the President appointed and sat with the team and thought the best way of getting out of this situation is to ensure that we make these investments into these units. What are the results - when the units come back, they remain on load for the longest period of hours.

“Essentially we have undermined the rate and frequency of failure of these units. We have improved on their efficiency. They are beginning to produce more… closer to their design capacity. This is not by accident. It’s not some intervention that comes from a place that is unknown. It is simple engineering and we really want to commend the team,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Mon, 10/23/2023 - 11:10

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Disaster teams respond to damage caused by heavy rains in KZN

Location: News

Disaster teams respond to damage caused by heavy rains in KZN

KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Disaster Management teams are currently assisting people affected by heavy rainfall and strong winds that caused widespread destruction, particularly in Mtubatuba in the northern part of the province, at the weekend.

According to the provincial Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs’ (CoGTA) initial report, at least four people from Mtubatuba lost their lives due to a thunderstorm accompanied by strong winds over the weekend. 

The storm ripped roofs off houses and caused damage to infrastructure, including power cables, roads, bridges, and vehicles.

“Up to now more than 70 houses in the Somkhele and KwaMyeki areas have been identified as destroyed. Some houses suffered complete damage, rendering families homeless. 

“There are also reports of damaged vehicles and in certain areas Eskom poles and cables are scattered across roads and people's properties. Community halls and churches have opened their doors to the public, while others have sought alternative accommodation with relatives,” the department said in a statement.

In the Harry Gwala District, the Greater Kokstad Municipality has also experienced heavy rains and a hailstorm in the Pakkies Location. Approximately six households were affected, with no reported fatalities, injuries, or displaced individuals at the time of the report. 

In the Umzimkhulu Municipality, heavy rains in the Madakeni location affected four households, with no fatalities reported, while in the Umgungundlovu District, about 23 households in the Rosetta informal settlement under the Mpofana Local Municipality were affected by the hailstorm on Saturday.

In Ulundi, under the Zululand District Municipality, a block of rental rooms was blown away by strong winds, with no reported injuries.

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC, Bongiwe Sithole-Moloi has conveyed her sincere condolences to the families and friends affected by the incidents. 

Sithole-Moloi said disaster management teams will continue on-site assessments and provide relief including mattresses, blankets, food, and plastic sheeting.

“We are collaborating with other government departments, such as social development and human settlements, to aid all victims. Our teams, in conjunction with municipalities, will persist in assessments to determine necessary government intervention. 

“We extend condolences to those who lost loved ones during this period. While we acknowledge that certain incidents are unavoidable, such as the thunderstorm with strong winds that devastated houses in Mtubatuba, we encourage communities to take safety precautions, such as relocating to safer areas where possible,” Sithole-Moloi said. 

As heavy rains persist across various parts of the province, the MEC said provincial disaster management teams remain on high alert.

She said ongoing assessments will lead to an updated report, once the preliminary findings are consolidated.

Meanwhile, the MEC will today visit the affected families in Mtubatuba to convey her condolences to the families, and also conduct an assessment of the extensive damages in the area, where several homes were destroyed. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Mon, 10/23/2023 - 10:27

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Cultivating Success

Location: MyPR

Husqvarna Tiller unlocks small-scale farm’s potential Sihle Ntozini only started farming three years ago but with his passion, determination and dedication, he has transformed a fallow piece of land into a thriving small farm in East London that employs six people and supplies fresh produce to two leading retailers in the area. The cornerstones of …

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