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JC Roos, NSRI Mossel Bay station commander, said: At 16h12, Saturday, 21 October, NSRI Mossel Bay duty crew were activated following a request for assistance from Mossel Bay Fire and Rescue Services reporting employees of a local business stranded at a road, cut off by swollen flooding conditions, at the Geelbek Vlei River, near to …
MUMBAI: A sizzling maiden ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup century by Heinrich Klaasen helped the Proteas demolish defending champions England in...
GQEBERHA: Western Province will host NWU Dragons in final showdown of the Cricket South Africa (CSA) 1 Day Cup final on...
BLOEMFONTEIN: South Africa (SA) Emerging were crowned champions of the Division 2 Cricket South Africa (CSA) 1 Day Cup after a...
TSHWANE: Dewald Brevis provided an anchoring performance for the Momentum Multiply Titans in the much-anticipated encounter against Western Province at SuperSport...
CAPE TOWN, WESTERN CAPE – FUTURELIFE®, a leading food company wholly owned by PepsiCo South Africa, celebrated the grand opening of its second concept store at Canal Walk in Cape Town on October 18, 2023. This event comes just four months after the inauguration of its flagship store in Umhlanga’s Oceans Mall. According to Justine …
Veld fires pose a great threat to farmers as uncontrolled blazes can quickly engulf vast stretches of farmland, consuming crops, livestock and essential infrastructure, wiping out years of hard work in mere minutes. However, the future of farming preparation against veld fires has had a major boost with a proudly South African pioneering solution. Husqvarna …
Australia’s Annabelle Codey attended an independent Disciplinary Committee hearing having received a red card as a result of two yellow cards in Australia’s WXV 1 match against England on 20 October. The player accepted the red card and was suspended for one match. Australia’s Annabelle Codey attended an independent Disciplinary Committee hearing having received a …
South Africa’s Aseza Hele attended an independent Disciplinary Committee hearing for an offence contrary to Law 9.13 (dangerous tackle) in South Africa’s WXV 2 match against Italy on 20 October. The player accepted the red card and was suspended for two matches subject to the successful completion of the Coaching Intervention Programme. South Africa’s Aseza …
Western Cape prepares for record-breaking summer tourism season
With preparations for the summer tourism season underway, the Western Cape province will - for the first time ever - have more than one million in-bound international seats, breaking the record for travellers during the festive season.
“Looking ahead, Cape Town International Airport’s seat capacity for summer 2023/24 is estimated to increase by an impressive 25%, compared to the same period last year. This means that inbound international seats this summer will exceed 1 million, for the first time ever,” the MEC for Finance and Economic Opportunities, Mireille Wenger, said on Sunday.
She said the province is pleased with the significant progress made over the past year in bringing the private and public sectors together to implement practical solutions to combat and pre-empt safety risks for visitors.
"Over the 2023/24 season, 250 tourism monitors will be deployed across the Western Cape to identified hotspots, and will be trained and equipped with mobile apps to link them to critical security services,” she said.
In addition, the Department of Economic Development and Tourism and Cape Town Tourism will implement tourist-in-distress programmes, which ensure that visitors have professional support available when they most need it.
“I am also pleased that the Department of Tourism has secured a commitment from South African Police Service (SAPS) that police reservists will be available during the summer season to assist with tourism safety,” she said.
The MEC said work is being prioritised to ensure a successful upcoming season, as well as future seasons.
“At the top of my list is making it as easy as possible for international visitors to holiday in the Western Cape and South Africa. I am determined to work with our national government partners to fix the inefficiencies. I therefore welcome the commitment from the Department of Home Affairs that the long overdue Remote or Digital Nomad Visa will be live by the end of March 2024,” Wenger said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Sun, 10/22/2023 - 10:38
President calls for UN to lead negotiations to resolve Israeli-Palestinian conflict
President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for a United Nations-led negotiation process towards resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
“The international community has a responsibility and a duty to support peace, and to create favourable conditions for negotiation and dialogue,” the President said on Saturday.
He made these remarks at the Cairo Summit for Peace, which discussed the ongoing escalation of the conflict in Israel and the Gaza Strip, and the urgent need for humanitarian support.
“As South Africa, we hold the firm view that the attack on civilians in Israel, the ongoing siege of Gaza and the decision to forcibly move the people of Gaza, together with the indiscriminate use of force through bombing, are violations of international law. More than that, these acts are an affront to our common humanity.
“We call for an immediate cessation of hostilities, the release of hostages, the lifting of the siege of Gaza, the opening of humanitarian corridors and the urgent provision of humanitarian aid on the required scale to the people of Gaza,” President Ramaphosa said.
The international community, the President said, has a responsibility and duty to support peace and create favourable conditions for negotiation and dialogue.
“As South Africans, we can relate to what is happening to Palestinians. Our people waged a brave and courageous struggle to achieve their freedom and were subjected to untold suffering just like the Palestinians are going through.
“The nightmare of apartheid was only brought to an end by the relentless struggle of our people and the courage and foresight of leaders, who put aside their differences and sought peace rather than revenge.
“We believe that peace is the only option to bring about peace between Israel and Palestine. To achieve this, steps must be taken now. We therefore call on all parties to exercise restraint and on all state actors to desist from providing weapons to either of the sides to the conflict,” the President said.
He expressed concern that the response of the Israeli government to the attack on its citizens will further deepen a conflict that has engulfed the region for many decades, and will make the attainment of a just and lasting peace even more difficult.
“We are also concerned that this conflict can spread to include other countries in the region. This must be avoided at all costs. The only way to bring about peace is the fulfilment of the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people to human rights, dignity and statehood.
“This is in line with the decisions that have been taken by the United Nations that guarantees statehood for both Israel and Palestine based on the 1967 borders. Only through a negotiated settlement, supported by the international community, can the people of Israel achieve the security they seek and the people of Palestine realise the freedom they deserve,” President Ramaphosa said.
He encouraged the international community to call for a ceasefire, find a sustainable solution to the conflict and stand on the side of peace, justice and human rights for all. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Sun, 10/22/2023 - 10:58
Police seize cocaine worth millions in Durban
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has seized cocaine with a street value of R80 million following another intelligence-driven operation at the Dube Trade Port within the King Shaka International Airport.
Members had been tracking various containers, which arrived intosaps the country via the Durban Harbour from Brazil.
“On Friday afternoon, members tracked a certain container to the Dube Trade Port, in which 228 blocks of cocaine were seized. The cocaine was found concealed in meat boxes and disguised as such. This is the second drug bust in the last two days, this after R70 million worth of cocaine was also seized from a container at the Durban Harbour,” the SAPS said.
Police are investigating a case of trafficking of drugs. Investigations are underway to establish the final destination of these drugs.
National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Fannie Masemola, has commended the team for the disruption of transnational crimes, in relation to the movement of drugs.
“The SAPS is hard at work in disrupting and dismantling transnational organised crime that poses a significant threat to the communities that we serve. We continue to intensify and strengthen the detection of drug trafficking and associated organised crime.
“We are intensifying our safer festive operations and there are more takedowns to come from the SAPS, we are warning those who are involved in such activities to either surrender or we will continue to sniff them out,” Masemola said.
SAPS said it continues to enhance cooperation with other law enforcement agencies across the world in a bid to clamp down on these illicit activities.
The case will be handed over to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (HAWKS) for investigation. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Sun, 10/22/2023 - 11:15
Protesters demand that South Africans who join Israeli Defence Force be prosecuted
Recreational Fishing Permit Application goes online
Recreational fishers can now apply for their Monthly and Annual Recreational Fishing Permits on the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE)’s online Recreational Fishing Permit Application.
In a statement on Sunday, Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Barbara Creecy said the online permitting system will enable enthusiastic recreational fishers and members of the public to easily access a recreational permit without having to travel distances to find a Post Office.
“Applicants will be able to choose the type of permit they require, select the period of validity, process payments and download the permit,” Creecy said.
The development of the solution came about as a result of the challenges faced by the department in issuing recreational fishing permits to the public through the South African Post Office (SAPO).
“Given the recent closure of a number of the SAPO branches, the department embarked on a process to develop an in-house online platform to ensure accessibility for the public to purchase the recreational fishing permits electronically.
“The solution provides applicants with functional options to register, apply and obtain permits for recreational fishing in South African waters. Fishers will be able to choose the type of permit they require, select the period of validity, process payments and download the permit,” the Minister said.
The online solution is complimentary to the SAPO issued permits, so members of the public that have no internet access, can still use the nearest SAPO branch.
The online solution can be accessed using the link below.
https://www.fishing.dffe.gov.za
A detailed user guide explaining how to go navigate the platform is accessible on the platform and on the DFFE website. –SANews.gov.za
nosihle
Sun, 10/22/2023 - 12:24
Plans in place to ensure safe festive season in Gauteng
Gauteng Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Elias Mawela, has outlined the province’s plans to keep communities safe this festive season.
Addressing the launch of the Safer Festive Season campaign on Saturday in Randfontein, Mawela said the Gauteng Provincial Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (ProvJOINTS) has resolved to heighten the crime efforts over and above the daily and weekly activities.
“Each government department will aggressively enforce its legislative mandate. We will increase the frequency of our crime prevention and crime combating operations by increasing police visibility through the blue light patrols and static deployment of rapid response vehicles at identified strategic routes,” Mawela said.
The Safer Festive Season campaign will be implemented under the theme: "Combating crime through decisive police action and robust community involvement".
This festive season police will focus on prevention of gender-based violence and femicide, as well as protection of members of the vulnerable groups, combating aggravating robberies, enforcing legislation in relation of firearms, liquor and second hand goods.
It will also include enforcing safety at recreational events, enforcing bi-laws as well as dealing with drunken driving, speeding and removing unroadworthy on the roads.
Law enforcement is expected to conduct roadblocks, which will include deploying more intelligence at hotspot areas.
Intelligence collection capabilities will be enhanced by working with community patrollers and community police forums.
Police Minister General Bheki Cele gave his marching orders to police officers who have been tasked with protecting communities.
“Criminals have declared war against the people of South Africa and you are the buffer between those people and the criminals. It is your job to protect them. I am making a call that you fight against criminals who have declared war against South Africans and the government,” the Minister said.
Cele encouraged the men and women in blue to ensure the safety of women, children and the elderly, emphasizing that their cases should be attend to when they have been reported.
He said government is set to improve police visibility by deploying about 10 000 newly trained officers in December. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Sun, 10/22/2023 - 12:55
Intensifying efforts to combat illegal cross-border operations
The net is closing in on unscrupulous operators, as the Cross-Border Road Transport Agency (C-BRTA) launches its law enforcement unit this week.
On Monday, the C-BRTA will officially launch the unit, leading the way to intensifying efforts to deal with the prevailing scourge of illegal cross-border operations and ensure road safety by the Road Transport Inspectorate (RTI).
The agency will use the launch to inform the public about the RTI and its operations, following its return from the Road Traffic Management Corporation on 1 April 2023.
The primary role of the inspectorate is to ensure compliance on cross-border road transport through inspections and prosecutions of illegal operators.
Furthermore, during the launch, the Agency will promote its legislative mandate, which includes law enforcement.
Activities for the day will include the unveiling of the law enforcement badge, handing over of law enforcement vehicles and showcasing of the law enforcement official uniform.
This event also serves as one of the C-BRTA’s October Transport Month (OTM) campaign activities.
OTM is recognised as one of the flagship programmes of the National Department of Transport. Its aim is to highlight the important role that transport plays in the economy and society in general.
This year’s campaign takes place under the theme: “Sakhile - we have built better infrastructure, growing South Africa Together”. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Sun, 10/22/2023 - 13:48
President Cyril Ramaphosa has concluded his working visit to the Arab Republic of Egypt with an appeal to the international community to do more in enabling the revival of the Israeli-Palestinian peace process.
The President traveled to Cairo, Egypt on 21 October 2023, to attend the Cairo Summit for Peace at the invitation of Egyptian President, His Excellency Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.
In his plea to the international community, President Ramaphosa said more energy and focus must be directed at supporting the resumption of the peace process.
“Influential countries like the United States of America, have a duty and a responsibility to support processes that will deliver a long lasting and durable peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians. The international community cannot afford to squander the opportunity that has been presented by the current conflict to decisively push for a two state solution. There is unanimity across the globe that peace is viable when a free and independent state of Palestine exists alongside a secure state of Israel,” said President Ramaphosa.
President Ramaphosa decried the escalation of the conflict by those arming either of the warring parties and called on state actors to immediately stop the provision of weapons as it undermines the promise of peace.
“The fighting must end. Israel must stop its siege and shelling of Gaza. Hamas must stop launching rockets into Israel. Hostages must be returned. We must discourage any action that fuels this conflict and threatens to engulf the entire region. Humanitarian corridors must be opened to alleviate human suffering,” said President Ramaphosa.
The President expressed his gratitude to President El-Sisi for convening the summit, marking it as the beginning of many efforts that will rally the Israelis and Palestinians and the world behind a concerted attempt aimed at finding peace in the Middle East.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency: Republic of South Africa.
Load shedding remains suspended
Due to the continued improved generation fleet performance and emergency reserves fully recovered, load shedding will remain suspended and only resume on Tuesday at 16:00, Eskom said on Sunday.
“Stage 1 load shedding will be implemented on Tuesday from 4pm until 5am on Wednesday. Thereafter, load shedding will be suspended from 5am until 4pm, followed by Stage 1 load shedding from 4pm until 5am on Thursday,” Eskom said.
This pattern will be repeated daily until further notice.
Breakdowns are currently at 13 559MW, while planned maintenance is at 4 765MW of generation capacity.
Demand forecast for the evening peak is 25 054MW.
Eskom said it will communicate should any significant changes occur. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Sun, 10/22/2023 - 13:03
A FIELD of over 1000 runners powered to the finish of the Rafis BayRun with Discovery Vitality which started and ended at the Cape Recife High School on Saturday. The cold and wet conditions did not dampen the spirits of the runners and there was a festive atmosphere at the race. Team Vitality running club …
Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber and captain Siya Kolisi lauded the team’s fighting spirit in their nail-biting Rugby World Cup semi-final victory against England on Saturday night to book their place in back-to-back finals and stay in the race to defend their world champions title. The Springboks staged a dramatic second-half fightback from 15-6 down with …
The Springboks Will Meet the All Blacks in the final of Rugby World Cup 2023: The final and bronze final for Rugby World Cup 2023 are confirmed, with both matches at the Stade de France on Saturday, 28 and Friday, 27 October respectively. All four teams have been assigned their Team Base Camps near Paris. …
Boks, Proteas make SA proud
President Cyril Ramaphosa has congratulated the rugby and cricket national teams for winning their matches against England in their respective World Cup matches.
“Our national teams are inspiring people all over the world and making all of us deeply proud,” the President said on Sunday.
South Africa advanced to the 2023 Rugby World Cup final on Saturday night following a 16-15 victory against England.
“Congratulations to our heroic Springboks on a hard-won Rugby World Cup 2023 semi-final at Stade de France, Paris. Now our nation can focus our hearts and flags on our second successive Rugby World Cup Final in as many tournaments. We are indeed stronger – and victorious – together,” the President said.
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Zizi Kodwa, travelled to Paris to back the Springboks in their match against England.
“Most sporting nations use soft diplomacy such as sport and culture to achieve their diplomatic goals. As a global player, South Africa must continue to invest in these areas to advance its diplomatic goals.
“What a win by the Springboks! The Bokke have shown why they are the reigning World Cup champions. Bring on the finals. What a World Cup day for South Africa!” the Minister said.
Meanwhile, the Proteas beat England by 229 runs in their 2023 Cricket World Cup group match on Saturday at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
“Warm congratulations to the Proteas on their record win over England in the ICC World Cup tournament. The nation wishes you further victories on your way to the final. Between the Proteas and the Springboks, our national teams are inspiring people all over the world and making all of us deeply proud,” the President said.
Kodwa also congratulated the Proteas.
“What a fantastic victory! Congratulations on a mighty performance. You have inspired South Africans all over with your big win,” he said. –SANews.gov.za
nosihle
Sun, 10/22/2023 - 11:42
Springbok Women coach Louis Koen applauded the fighting spirit shown by his players at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town, although they were beaten by Italy in an epic match in the second round of WXV 2 on Friday. The Italians won 36-18 after a late try halted an amazing fightback by South Africa, who were …
Introduction: Mammograms are a crucial tool in breast health, aiding in the early detection of breast cancer. However, navigating the healthcare system to access this screening can sometimes be confusing, particularly when it comes to referrals. In this blog, we will explore the process of obtaining a referral for a mammogram in South Africa, shedding …