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The landscape of paediatric dental care in South Africa is poised for a significant transformation, marked by the launch of the nation’s first specialised Paediatric and Special Needs Dental Care Unit. This pioneering initiative, a result of the dedicated efforts of the Department of Paediatric Dentistry of the University of the Western Cape (UWC), The …
Ahead of the new season the Vodacom United Rugby Championship has worked with its teams to ensure that the high levels of respect towards match officials are upheld as a core value of the sport. The goal, which is also shared by other competitions and leagues, is to maintain a healthy level of respect towards …
Andy Kyriacou (Munster) How do you rate your chances in the Vodacom URC this season? “We want to start well and it starts on Saturday against the Hollywoodbets Sharks at Thomond Park. We know what a challenge the season is, having gone through it last year. “We are just looking forward to getting going again, …
Garage doors are often overlooked and underestimated when it comes to home improvement projects. Many homeowners tend to focus on the aesthetics of their living spaces, neglecting the potential that garage doors hold in enhancing the overall appeal and functionality of their homes. However, these humble doors are more than just a means to secure …
The Vodacom United Rugby Championship kicks off this weekend and in the lead up the new 2023/24 season, fans of the teams were asked to rate which opposition teams they love to beat, who they secretly like as a second favorite team, which away ground they are most jealous of and which players they love …
Somerset Mall, a cherished cornerstone of the Somerset West locality, proudly shares the ongoing success of its heartwarming community initiative, “Entertain SM”. For the past two years, this initiative has brought joy to shoppers and provided crucial support to struggling artists impacted by the pandemic. Every day, between 11am and 3pm, the Woolworths Court at …
Paradoxal, Both Worlds, SWR – FabFiction and Prime Video today announced the start of principal photography of the television series The Morning After. The series, created by Thierry Cassuto & Karen Jeynes (Recipes for Love and Murder, Puppet Nation) and set in Cape Town, South Africa, stars award-winning up-and-comer British actress Amara Okereke (In The …
Johannesburg 20 October 2023 – Sometimes, all a great idea needs is a little fine-tuning to give it the confidence and gravitas it needs to succeed. A nudge in the right direction can be life-changing for many aspiring entrepreneurs in South Africa. Brand South Africa, through their Play Your Part Ignite roadshow, have been travelling …
Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance (DA) notes Transnet’s appeal for Government to absorb its massive R130 billion debt burden. This situation is not dissimilar to Eskom, reflecting an inability to repay its debt and need to borrow more to remain barely operational. Taking their queue from Eskom’s debt relief scheme, where a whopping R254 billion …
ENG 15-16 RSA: South Africa edge England to book final v New Zealand: South Africa will meet New Zealand in the Rugby World Cup 2023 final next Saturday after pipping England in the second semi-final at Stade de France. South Africa will have the chance to defend their Rugby World Cup crown in next Saturday’s …
Agripreneurship: a solution to enhance food security as global conflict proves a recurring threat to SA’s vulnerable food supply chain. 19 October 2023: Recent global conflicts such as the Ukraine-Russia War continue to send shockwaves throughout the world. Their impact has laid bare the critical need for developing African markets, such as South Africa (SA), …
Dear Editor The DA would like to express its disappointment in the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Ms Thoko Didiza for failing to ensure that the new board of Onderstepoort Biological Product (OBP), that was recently announced, has enough animal disease and livestock industry experts. The OBP is a crucial state-owned entity …
Springboks Triumph Over England in the 2023 Rugby World Cup (16-12) In an exhilarating clash, the Springboks emerged victorious against England in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final. The South African team displayed exceptional skill, resilience, and teamwork to secure a stunning win. The match, held at the iconic venue of Stade de France, will be remembered as a historic moment in South …
Celebrating South Africa's victory against England in the semi-final of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Herbert Mensah, the newly elected President of Rugby Africa, (www.RugbyAfrique.com), the continental governing body of rugby across Africa, issues a message of congratulations addressed to Mark Alexander, President of the South Africa Rugby Union (SARU):
Dearest Mark, My Brother
Congratulations to YOU, Mark. Congratulations to the Springboks. In a tournament that began back in September, dedication and unity of the Springboks have been nothing short of extraordinary.
The path you've walked is not a sprint but a steady and relentless race. YOU have faced the world's best with unparalleled speed, tenacity and power.
The Springboks move as one, whether on the field with seven, fifteen or twenty-three players, or behind the scenes with the dedicated staff and medics.
Your achievements have not only left us in awe but have ignited a curiosity to the power of the Springboks. The greatest moments of rugby history have featured the Springboks, and now YOU have reached the final. Our pride in YOU knows no bounds.
From the very beginning to the end, it is the enduring spirit of positivity that will see us through. Mark, YOU and your team have embodied that spirit.
In all our languages, with all our spirits and power, we say congratulations to YOU and wish YOU the very best of luck in the final.
Go Springboks, go!
Herbert Mensah,
President, Rugby Africa.
Download official letter here: https://apo-opa.info/4070l7N
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 continental 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.
FIFA President (www.FIFA.com) watched Simba Sports Club play Al Ahly FC in Dar es Salaam; The new competition is set to transform African club football; Gianni Infantino laid the foundation stone for second stage of development at the Kigamboni Technical Centre.
The FIFA President has visited Tanzania where he attended the opening ceremony and inaugural match of the African League Football (AFL), the new competition which is set to transform club football on the continent. Gianni Infantino watched home side Simba Sports Club face Egyptian club Al Ahly FC in the company of the CAF President, Patrice Motsepe, and the President of the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF), Wallace Karia. The quarter-final first leg match ended 2-2.
“I am pleased to be in Dar es Salaam for the launch of the new African Football League. I am also discussing football development with the Tanzania Football Federation President, Wallace Karia, who is welcoming us so well here, and other African Federations presidents,” Mr Infantino said.
The AFL is the latest result of the fruitful partnership between CAF and FIFA, and its debut format will bring together eight of Africa's most famous and successful teams -- increasing to 24 in 2024 -- with the aim of highlighting the quality of the game on the continent.
The other ties are: Tout Puissant Mazembe (Congo DR) v Espérance Sportive de Tunis (Tunisia), Enyimba Football Club (Nigeria) v Wydad Athletic Club (Morocco) and Atlético Petróleos de Luanda (Angola) v Mamelodi Sundowns FC (South Africa).
“I want to thank the CAF President, Patrice Motsepe, and the whole of African football for their initiatives in constantly developing football in Africa,” said Mr Infantino, who took part in the unveiling of the trophy before the match. He added that the AFL would herald the start of a new era of increased spotlight, accelerated growth, and development for African football.
The FIFA President also laid the foundation stone for second stage of construction of the TFF's Kigamboni Technical Centre in Dar es Salaam which, like the Tanga Technical Centre on the north coast, is a FIFA Forward project. The FIFA Forward development programme (https://apo-opa.info/3T9Q1s0) is available to all 211 member associations to fund projects such as the building of pitches, technical centres and the organisation of competitions.
FIFA Chief of Global Football Development Arsène Wenger and Chairman of FIFA Referees Committee Pierluigi Collina were also part of the FIFA delegation.
Mr Wenger said the centre would play a key role in helping Tanzania identify and develop talented players. “We have four to five years in front of us and, if we do it well, I'm sure that we'll have good players everywhere in Tanzania,” he said.
Mr Infantino said he was delighted to lay the foundation stone and that the centre was “sure to be an excellent facility for helping to develop local football talent.”
He added: “Many congratulations to CAF President, Patrice Motsepe, and Tanzania Football Federation President, Wallace Karia, for the initiatives undertaken in giving opportunities to young girls and boys to live their football dreams.”
“The development of our beautiful game is a symbol of hope and I am looking forward to continuing our good work together.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of FIFA.
Contact for African media:
AfricanMedia@fifa.org
Civil society and teachers join forces to make early-grade literacy a national priority
Advocate Gcaleka recommended as next Public Protector
The National Assembly (NA) has voted to recommend to President Cyril Ramaphosa that he appoint Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka as South Africa’s new Public Protector (PP).
Gcaleka has served as Deputy Public Protector since February 2020, before acting as head of the institution when Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane was suspended in June 2022.
As set out in the Constitution, the PP’s office is a Chapter 9 institution with powers to, amongst others, investigate “any conduct in State affairs, or in the public administration in any sphere of government, that is alleged or suspected to be improper or to result in any impropriety or prejudice”.
The NA’s process to nominate a new PP began in May this year with the establishment of the Ad Hoc Committee to Nominate a Person for Appointment as Public Protector.
The committee issued a call for nominations or applications from the public in accordance with Section 59(1) of the Constitution, which obligates public participation in processes of the NA.
“Broadly, the provision states that the NA must facilitate public involvement in its legislative and other processes, and conduct its business in an open manner and hold its sittings, and those of its committees, in public. The Committee accordingly conducted its business in an open and transparent manner,” Parliament said in a statement.
Some 53 nominations and 17 applications were received as a result.
“Of the 53 nominations, 32 did not meet the nomination requirements as set out in the advertisement and two candidates subsequently withdrew from the process. Eight candidates were shortlisted for interviews and underwent reference checks and verification of qualifications.
“Following the rigorous interview process, the Committee met on 29 August to deliberate and agreed to recommend to the NA that it nominate Advocate Gcaleka for appointment as Public Protector,” the statement read.
Parliament explained the requirements that have to be met in order to be appointed as head of the Chapter 9 institution.
“The person must be a South African citizen, who is fit and proper to hold such office, and who is a Judge of a High Court or is admitted as an advocate or an attorney and has, for a cumulative period of at least 10 years after having been so admitted, practiced as an advocate or an attorney; or is qualified to be admitted as an advocate or an attorney and has, for a cumulative period of at least 10 years after having so qualified, lectured in law at a university, or has specialised knowledge of or experience, for a cumulative period of at least 10 years, in the administration of justice, public administration or public finance,” Parliament said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Fri, 10/20/2023 - 10:42
The Vondo community raised their own funds and finished the job with the help of a state owned forestry company and a private enterprise
N West appeals for calm after reports of alleged poisonous food from spazas
The North West Provincial Legislature is appealing to communities to remain calm after receiving messages from the public “panicking about the death of children after allegedly consuming poisonous food items bought from spaza shops”.
The North West Portfolio Committee on Economic Development, Environment, Tourism, Agriculture and Rural Development, chaired by Bitsa Lenkopane, has also called on communities to remain vigilant.
The committee urged the provincial Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism and other relevant stakeholders to investigate these disturbing allegations. It urged the department to join hands with municipalities and activists to create awareness to ensure that communities understand the State’s mandate in such matters.
“We are calling on the department to do inspections and furnish the portfolio committee with a detailed report, which should indicate trader categories and their respective consumable products, which are further extended to school learners.
“These must include trader status, whether licensed or not, compliant with the business regulation act or not -- which must indicate compliance with the Immigration Act 13 of 2002 about foreign-owned business,” Lenkopane said.
The committee said it has been inundated with calls from members of the community following media reports on children's deaths after reportedly consuming poisonous food items bought from spaza shops.
Earlier this month, the Gauteng Health Department confirmed the deaths of at least five children due to suspected food poisoning. This after the children allegedly consumed poisonous food from local shops and vendors.
“While no formal and or authenticated information and evidence has been received, the portfolio committee has been receiving calls from panicking parents and community members seeking remedies to protect communities from alleged traders who sell them products containing deadly poison,” said Lenkopane.
The committee further urged officials to regularly communicate with communities through different platforms to ensure that they are accountable and responsible for all the operating businesses across the province to reduce the amount of panic.
“The portfolio committee will rely on the report from the department that should be submitted within seven days and further engage communities on the work done and/or systems in place, including communication of the database of all businesses, regulated or not.”
In addition, the committee appealed to communities to refrain from causing unnecessary unrest, and rather report incidents and provide proof to the nearest police service.
“They should also provide accurate information to any government officials who might be dealing with the situation,” said Lenkopane. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 10/20/2023 - 11:02
Pandor calls for urgent provision of humanitarian aid as Israel-Palestine conflict escalates
South Africa has called for an immediate end to hostilities and the unconditional provision of medical supplies and humanitarian aid as the conflict between Israel and Palestine escalates.
International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor, said this on Friday during her working visit to Zambia where she held talks with her counterpart Minister Stanley Kakubo in Lusaka.
She described the conflict between Israel and Palestine as “grave”.
According to various media outlets, the death toll of those killed since 7 October 2023 in the Gaza Strip has reached 4 127, including 1 661 children, while 13 162 people have been injured.
“The carnage and senseless destruction of property as well as the untold pain and suffering should be condemned unreservedly. These events remind us of our own suffering at the hands of apartheid machinery,” Pandor said.
The Minister said the relevant United Nations (UN) resolutions and decisions should now be fully executed to ensure peaceful co-existence between Israel and Palestine for sustained peace.
“In this regard, our struggle is not complete if the people of Palestine are not free.”
In the same breath, Pandor said leaders should take the opportunity to reinforce their support for the people of Western Sahara in pursuit of their right to self-determination.
“The immediate focus should be to ensure that the referendum is conducted in a free and fair manner. I am satisfied that we had an opportunity to exchange views on these important issues earlier on,” she added.
Repatriation
Meanwhile, Pandor told the Zambian delegate that government was inundated with requests from South African families for assistance in identifying the grave sites and repatriation of mortal remains of their loved ones.
“These are heroes and heroines of our struggle you sheltered during our dark days of apartheid.”
South Africa, she said, was looking forward to working closely with the Zambian government to accord these families closure.
“Whenever we touch down in this country, vivid memories of the support we received during the struggle against apartheid are evoked in our minds.”
According to Pandor, many of the freedom fighters either settled or transited through Zambia from as early as 1963 where the African National Congress (ANC) also established its headquarters in 1969.
“The Zambian people, within their means, provided security and shelter to our gallant fighters and their leadership, particularly OR Tambo whose leadership and resilience led to the intensification of our struggle in the 1980s,” she recalled.
Strategic partner
She noted that South Africa and Zambia also remain strategic partners because of the shared history and vision to foster a stable, cohesive, integrated, and prosperous Africa.
“South Africa will continue to work closely with Zambia and our regional partners to deepen peace and stability in Southern Africa and beyond.”
Pandor said a peaceful and stable region will enable the two governments to collectively rebuild their economies following the devastation of COVID-19 and restore people’s dignity.
“We must take advantage of the regional value chain projects in our region and contribute towards the fruition of the SADC Integration Agenda as well as the full implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTA).”
Both countries are currently in the process of preparing for the Inaugural Session of the Bi-National Commission (BNC) which will take place in Zambia.
The BNC launch, she said, is overdue as the nations have not convened since 2017.
“We therefore need to utilise the occasion of the BNC to review the implementation of the existing 23 agreements and Memoranda of Understanding signed between the two countries.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 10/20/2023 - 13:47
Gauteng launches auto body workshop for its fleet management entity
The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport has launched a state-of-the-art Panel Beating and Apprenticeship Training Workshop, which is set to benefit graduates, informal businesses and entrepreneurs.
Addressing the launch on Friday in Johannesburg, Department of Roads and Transport Director of Fleet Maintenance Unit at g-FleeT Management Sifiso Mhlongo explained that the new Panel Beating Workshop will offer full cycle panel beating services for all g-FleeT vehicles involved in accidents.
G-FleeT Management is a Trading Entity of the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport and is a provider of vehicle leasing and fleet management services for the public sector in South Africa whose clients include National, Gauteng Provincial and local government departments.
Historically, accident repairs have been outsourced through the RT46 Transversal Contract by the National Treasury of South Africa.
“Accident repairs are one of the major cost drivers for g-FleeT. Therefore, the main objective of the New Panel Beating Workshop is to assist g-FleeT to be in total control of a major part of its value chain, which impacts on the quality of fleet, turnaround times, customer satisfaction and g-FleeT’s self-sustainability,” Mhlongo said.
The anticipated benefits of the workshop include improved cost control, quality of repairs, skills development for qualified artisans and experienced staff as well as satisfied clients and self-sustainability of the entity.
“The Panel Beating facility would be manufacturer approved, and this would enable all repairs to be carried out at the manufacturer’s strict criteria and standard, with a plan to obtain industry Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), South African Motor Body Repairers' Association (SAMBRA) and Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services SETA (MERSETA) accreditation.
“It also has a built-in Training Facility for technical training and skills development, which would help g-FleeT contribute to the development of technical skills categorized as critical and scarce in the country.
“The Entity plans to operationalise the panel beating workshop, gradually build up internal capacity, and consider adopting a hybrid approach for in-sourcing and outsourcing of accident repairs,” he said.
G-FleeT has partnered with the Automotive Industry Development Centre (AIDC) to operationalise the Panel Beating Workshop, as the entity does not have the necessary skills internally.
“AIDC is a subsidiary of the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency, which is an agency of the Gauteng Department of Economic Development. They specialize in both Automotive Hub establishment and Technical Skills Development, which made them a strategic fit for the operationalization of the Panel Beating Workshop, with an In-house Training Facility,” Mhlongo said. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Fri, 10/20/2023 - 13:58
Since Monday you can now leave Kariega for Gqeberha by train at 6:15am and take the return trip at 5:15pm
NSG, UJ sign MOU
The National School of Government (NSG) and the University of Johannesburg (UJ) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to facilitate the secondment of academic personnel of the UJ to the NSG during their sabbatical leave.
The MoU enables UJ scholars to pursue education and research in line with the education, training and development (ETD) initiatives at the NSG for the duration of their sabbaticals.
The MOU will promote knowledge exchange and resource support, and will greatly enhance the NSG’s interventions in improving State capacity.
Public Service and Administration Minister Noxolo Kiviet has hailed the agreement as a progressive partnership towards the professionalisation of the public service, since the academics are expected to contribute to education, training and development programmes at the NSG.
“Building an ethical, capable developmental State is an apex priority of government. Such a partnership will go a long way towards the achievement of this goal,” Kiviet said.
Professor Letlhokwa George Mpedi, the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Johannesburg (UJ) said: “I am delighted to announce the secondment of our esteemed academic personnel to the prestigious National School of Government during their sabbatical. This opportunity will not only enrich their own research and teaching expertise but also contribute to the advancement of public administration and governance practices in the country.
“We believe that this collaboration will pave the way for greater innovation, knowledge-sharing, and academic excellence in the field. Our commitment to fostering partnerships with leading institutions such as the NSG underscores our dedication to creating a positive societal impact and shaping future leaders in the public service.”
The Principal of the NSG, Prof Busani Ngcaweni, welcomed the agreement and said the NSG looks forward to the benefit that the public sector will derive from this development.
“Academics will be able to share their expertise and gain practical experience of how the public service works, through being stationed in a government department for a period,” Ngcaweni said.
Government departments will also gain a lot from the expertise and research capacity of the academic personnel.
Ngcaweni said the NSG will explore the conclusion of a similar agreement with higher education institutions, as well to expand the pool from which government will benefit. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 10/20/2023 - 14:05
Potchefstroom community raises concerns
Members of the community in Potchefstroom in the North West have raised various service delivery challenges with President Cyril Ramaphosa and the leadership from the three spheres of government during the District Development Model (DDM) Presidential Imbizo held at the Ikageng Sport Complex.
The President kicked off the second round of the District Development Model (DDM) Imbizo in the North West province after visiting all nine provinces to address service delivery challenges.
This visit provides an opportunity for the President to assess progress made in implementing the interventions pronounced during his visit on 12 March 2022 in Mahikeng.
Major service delivery challenges raised by community members at the Presidential Imbizo include basic services such as water and electricity, housing, the neglect of NGOs for disabled people, disabled people not being considered for employment, poverty and unemployment, corruption, dilapidated infrastructure in schools and limited healthcare facilities.
One of the community members, Edith Ndindwa, from Ward 15 in Jacaranda pleaded with the President to assist with her RDP house, which has been in construction for over two years.
“The project has now stopped Mr President. Please assist us with this project to be completed. We do not even have toilets. We do not have electricity and water. Disabled people help themselves outside their houses. Please assist us in this regard,” she said.
Another resident, Maki Ntayi, asked the President to assist with funding for NGOs for disabled people in the North West.
“We can’t get funds for the NGOs we run to assist disabled people. I am pleading that you assist us with electricity connection. President please take disabled people into consideration. Our centre is not in a good condition,” she said.
The President and various Ministers provided some solutions to the issues that were raised by the community and also gave an update on progress made since the last Imbizo visit in the province.
“I thank you for giving yourselves time to come and listen to government’s plan and to voice your concerns to us. Plans to improve your lives in the North West. When we hold Izimbizo we allow everybody to speak so that we can get a clear understanding of what their concerns are,” said the President.
“We have heard you clearly, even I have written down what you are saying and the officials present have listened and taken note of your concerns. Now we have a clear understanding of how life is in this district. You all share similar concerns including the sewerage system, water, roads, jobs and housing.”
Some of the other issues raised included red tape when starting farming businesses and mining rights.
The president said he would call different Ministers to respond to the issues that are relevant to their departments.
“Almost all of Cabinet is here to listen and respond to the various issues raised and explain what the State’s plans are.”
President Ramaphosa started his morning with an oversight visit at the Potchefstroom Water Reservoir Project in Ikageng, in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality in the North West.
The upgrading of the Potchefstroom Water Treatment Works project will see a 25 megalitre reservoir that will convey water to Ikageng Proper, Ikageng Ext. 1,4,5 9,12, Potchindustria, Mohadin and the Northern portion of Ikageng Ext. 7.
The position of the new reservoir site is also suited to cater for any future developments once the urban edge is extended to the northwest of the reservoir site.
President Ramaphosa was received by Acting Premier Nono Maloyi and Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu. Also, attending were Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Thembi Nkadimeng and Deputy Minister Parks Tau. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Fri, 10/20/2023 - 15:00