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Johannesburg, South Africa, 16 October 2023 – Southern Sun is excited to announce that Southern Sun Rosebank will be hosting an exclusive Wine Tasting Experience following the 27th Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards. This prestigious event, scheduled for the weekend of 10 and 11 November, promises an unforgettable journey through a remarkable selection of …
Berlin/Cape Town/Zug – October 2023 – UBUNATION, a dynamic community and platform driven by compassion, kindness, and respect for others, is thrilled to unveil its inaugural campaign and collection in partnership with the We Love Football Academy (WLFA). WLFA, a non-profit organization headquartered in Cape Town, South Africa, is dedicated to empowering youth for a …
Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services received 2,244 complaints from prisoners appealing their sentences. KZN accounted for nearly half of these.
President Ramaphosa hails Springbok victory
President Cyril Ramaphosa has congratulated the Springboks on their nail-biting win over France in their 2023 Rugby World Cup match on Sunday night.
“President Cyril Ramaphosa offers his warm and proud congratulations – and those of the nation – to the Springboks on their 29-28 Rugby World Cup 2023 quarter-final victory over France on Sunday, 15 October,” said the Presidency in a statement.
The Springboks win in Paris has set the team up for a semi-final against England on Saturday, 21 October.
In November 2019, the Springboks won the Rugby World Cup final in Japan by defeating England.
The President congratulated the 2023 host nation, France, on a performance that made the encounter in Paris a tense and dramatic game that was enjoyed by a stadium audience of 80 000 and millions of people around the world.
“As a nation, we are proud of the Springboks advance to the semi-finals in a game that was an incredible athletic display, as well as a metaphor for our country. We are indeed stronger together when we come together in our diversity, and we create opportunities for people to live their passion, fulfil their potential, and display their talents.”
In a statement on Monday, the President further lauded the display of unity backing the Boks.
"We’re also together on days when we struggle and when we create the space for people to come back from difficulty and to continue the journey to victory with us.
“Out of the 20 nations in the World Cup, the Springboks delighted and inspired us - whether they were on the field, on the bench or in the coaches’ box.
“We wish the Springboks the very best as they prepare for what we hope will be another unforgettable victory,” he said. – SAnews.ogv.za
Neo
Mon, 10/16/2023 - 09:22
South Africa's women's sevens team can look forward to their first-ever Olympics Games after winning the Rugby Africa Women's Sevens regional qualifying tournament in Tunisia.
Kenya pushed them all the way in the final in Monastir as they looked to book their place at a third Olympics having previously represented the region in Rio and Tokyo.
But the Lionesses came up just short, losing 12-7, and will now have to try their luck in the repechage – along with third place Uganda – in a bid to maintain their ever-present record.
Nadine Roos starred for South Africa throughout the two-day event, scoring nine tries and kicking 10 conversions including her side's first try in the final.
South Africa breezed through day one with comfortable wins against Zimbabwe (26-0), Uganda (19-0) and Tunisia (27-7) with Roos contributing 37 of their points.
A Roos hat-trick on day two then helped the Springbok Women's Sevens to beat Zambia 31-0 in the semi-final and set up a date with Kenya.
The Lionesses had kicked off their campaign with two big wins against Zambia and Ghana, scoring 68 points without reply, but nearly came unstuck against Madagascar in their final pool match, edging a tight contest 20-17.
Dennis Mwanja's charges had a far easier ride in the semi-final, beating Uganda 27-0, and went into the final with real confidence.
However, Kenya found themselves 5-0 behind at half-time with Roos' unconverted try the only thing separating the teams.
Sharon Auma then gave Kenya hope when she levelled the scores, Grace Okulu converting to send them into a 7-5 lead.
But Maria Thshiremba had the final say for South Africa when she scored from a set piece move, Roos adding the conversion to make it 12-7.
"A GREAT FEELING"
South Africa head coach Renfred Dazel said he was delighted for the players that they were able to create history and finally qualify for the Olympics.
“I feel so happy for the players who worked so hard to achieve this – we were denied in 2016 and 2020, but this time it is official, and it's such a great feeling,” said Dazel.
"We knew Kenya was going to be a tough opponent and I told the players that defence will win us this one. We did really well in the first half, but could not convert all our pressure into points, so when they took the lead in the second half, we had to fight hard.
“But once again, like in the Challenger Series final, we had the fight in us for the win and it was a great comeback.”
The Springbok Women's Sevens team earlier in the year secured core status on the revamped HSBC SVNS after winning the Challenger Series in Stellenbosch, and Dazel said qualifying for the Olympic Games will further boost their profile.
“It is huge for our system and it is huge for women's rugby in the country overall,” he said.
“There will be more opportunities now for girls to come and play rugby, so winning this weekend was immense for the women's game. The future looks bright.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Rugby.
National Safer Festive Season campaign yields positive results
National Safer Festive Season operations have started on a high note with police in the Western Cape seizing R75 million worth of counterfeit goods and R200 000 in cash from a shopping centre in Bellville, Cape Town.
The counterfeit goods raid, led by the South African Police Service (SAPS), took place on Saturday as SAPS rolled out its nationwide Safer Festive Season operations.
Through heightened visibility, police are intensifying operations to deal decisively with crime. Regular roadblocks, stop and searches, as well as the tracing of wanted suspects are being intensified as the SAPS ushers in the busy festive period.
In the Western Cape, the Minister of Police, General Bheki Cele, handed over 36 vehicles to assist police to bolster their crime combatting efforts and heighten visibility in gang-ridden areas, where murders are prevalent.
The SAPS Safer Festive Season operational plan was rolled out on Saturday in all the provinces. The plan will see heightened focus on seven areas, which include gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), combatting of serious and violent crimes such as aggravated robberies, border security, strengthening by-laws, road safety, as well as illegal mining.
“We are not going to co-govern with criminals. We are going toe-to-toe with them. Our priority is the safety and security of all the inhabitants of this country and their property. Police officers are instructed to also sharpen their responses to the most vulnerable in society during the holiday period and beyond,” Cele said.
SAPS has also launched a service rating platform, where members of the public will now be able to rate the service they receive from all police stations across the country.
This online rating platform will allow everyone in South Africa to rate the service they receive at their local police station.
“We encourage all people to rate every single service they receive from us, so that we can have a clear picture of our performance in an effort to enhance our service offering.
“We want to win back the trust of our communities and we can only do so if we deliver and intervene if there are gaps,” said National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola.
The Rate My Service online platform will give an opportunity to members of the public to respond to a predefined questionnaire to rate the SAPS service.
This can be done as and when they interact with SAPS services or at a later stage.
SAPS hopes this project will encourage members of the public to sponsor suggestions for improved service delivery through participating in the online survey.
SAPS management is also encouraging all SAPS members to put more effort in rendering a professional, effective and efficient service at all times that the public deserves. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 10/16/2023 - 09:29
Heavy rainfall warning for KZN
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) has cautioned residents regarding heavy rainfall that could potentially lead to flooding in the coastal and midlands districts of the province.
The warning comes after the South African Weather Service (SAWS) raised the alert level to orange, Level 6, the highest warning level.
According to the warning issued by SAWS for Monday, 16 October, heavy and disruptive rainfall can be expected along the KZN coast and its adjacent interior, particularly the southern coast.
“Scattered widespread showers and thundershowers are expected over KZN. More than 50mm of rain is expected, which may lead to the flooding of roads, bridges and formal and informal settlements,” the SAWS warned.
The department said the anticipated rainfall, which is expected to persist from Monday afternoon until midnight, could result in damage within the municipalities, including eThekwini Metro, Ugu, Harry Gwala, Ilembe, and Umgungundlovu District Municipalities.
COGTA spokesperson, Siboniso Mngadi, said the department has convened an urgent meeting with the Joint Operation Cluster (JOC), which includes all municipalities that may be affected, and a disaster team to put in place proactive measures.
“Furthermore, all disaster management centres have been activated to monitor the weather pattern and risk, and respond to any unforeseen events. The JOC teams will assess the readiness status of all municipalities likely to be impacted,” Mngadi said.
Mngadi has advised residents in low-lying areas to relocate to safer areas, if necessary.
“We appeal to all residents to closely monitor the situation and take precautionary measures to ensure the safety of lives during this period of heavy rainfall. Livestock owners are urged to find secure locations and adhere to safety measures that will be communicated through disaster centres.” – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 10/16/2023 - 09:58
President Ramaphosa calls for cessation of acts of war in Israel and Palestine conflict
President Cyril Ramaphosa has used his weekly newsletter to call for an immediate cessation of acts of war between Israel and Palestine, the opening of humanitarian corridors and a UN-led negotiation process towards resolving the conflict.
President Ramaphosa said this must lead to a just and lasting peace that satisfies the human rights, dignity and aspirations of all the people on both sides of this conflict.
The President highlighted that like many people around the world, South Africans have watched with great anguish and pain the devastating violence and destruction in Israel and Gaza since Saturday last week.
“It has never been our nature as South Africans to reserve our empathy only for those with whom we share an ethnic, racial, religious or cultural affinity.
“As South Africans, we have made it part of our national DNA to stand firm against all forms of prejudice, including racism, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia and xenophobia. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of both Palestine and Israel as they go through these difficult times,” the President said.
The President bemoaned the harrowing deaths of Israeli and Palestinian civilians during this conflict.
“It has been traumatic to see the images of civilians killed, wounded and captured; of destroyed homes, and of entire neighbourhoods flattened by bombardment. The atrocities that we have witnessed since last week Saturday are the latest chapter in a painful history of suffering, oppression, occupation and conflict going back more than 75 years.
“The harrowing deaths of Israeli and Palestinian civilians is a shock to our collective humanity. While international law recognises the right of oppressed people who defend themselves to use arms as a means of struggle and defence, that right must be exercised within the bounds of the Geneva Conventions,” he said.
President Ramaphosa said the images of the killing of civilians in Israel by Hamas just over a week ago and the ongoing killing of civilians in Gaza by Israeli forces goes against the tenets of international law, which prohibits the targeting of non-combatants, especially women, the aged and children.
He expressed the country’s sadness and condolences to all those who are going through the most difficult time with their families.
“As South Africans, we are particularly filled with deep sorrow, as some who have died are South African citizens caught in this conflict.
“The sheer scale of human suffering is a grim reminder that it is civilians who bear the brunt in armed conflict and who pay the heaviest price.
“We stand firm against violence directed at civilians; against the killing of children, the elderly, the infirm and non-combatants; against the targeting of critical infrastructure such as hospitals; and against the collective punishment of civilian populations.”
The President said that the wanton attack on civilians in Israel and the siege of Gaza and the decision to forcibly expel a population of over one million people from Gaza, together with the indiscriminate use of force, lays the basis for further suffering and death on a huge scale.
“Acts of collective punishment like cutting electricity, food, water, medical and other essential supplies to civilian populations are abhorrent, as is the deliberate destruction of people’s homes.
“As South Africans, this has echoes of the collective punishment of our own people by the apartheid regime as it sought to destroy the liberation movement. It brings back painful memories, as it does for our neighbours in the region,” the President said.
He emphasised that South Africa echoes the position taken by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, that depriving civilians of goods essential for their survival is prohibited under international law.
He noted the growing concern that the current conflict may render the possibility of a sustainable peace between Israelis and Palestinians, and a two-State solution even further out of reach.
The President said reconciliation and peace is possible if there is demonstrable political will from all sides, and when ordinary citizens commit to a common, shared future.
“Without justice, there can be no peace. The cycle of violence that has been unleashed is the tragic outcome of decades of unmet and unfulfilled possibilities to peacefully solve the problem between Israelis and Palestinians.
“The international community has a responsibility to support peace and to create favourable conditions for negotiation and dialogue, and not to fan the flames of conflict. World leaders need to, and must make, a call for peace and not vengeance,” the President said.
He emphasised that the only way to bring about peace is the fulfilment of the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people to human rights, dignity and nationhood.
“It is our collective hope that the Israeli and Palestinian people come together, reconcile and choose the path of a just peace,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Mon, 10/16/2023 - 10:48
Electric Zoom, an innovative purveyor of sustainable mobility solutions, proudly unveils a stellar lineup of electric motorbikes and scooters, meticulously engineered for the discerning South African commuter. Their electric motorcycles are a harmonious blend of superior engineering and eco-consciousness, offering a green alternative for urban transportation. The range featuring the sleek “Commuter,” the robust “F-E-nix,” …
Green hydrogen economy plays prominent role in SA’s just energy transition
President Cyril Ramaphosa has highlighted the vital role the green hydrogen economy plays in the country’s development and just energy transition.
“The hydrogen economy has a prominent role to play in our country’s just energy transition, providing employment and support to vulnerable workers, communities and small businesses.
“It has been estimated that the hydrogen economy has the potential to add 3.6% to our GDP by 2050 and approximately 370 000 jobs. We must act with purpose to harness the potential of the green hydrogen economy,” the President said.
President Ramaphosa was delivering remarks at the second iteration of South African Green Hydrogen Summit (SAGHS) in Century City, Cape Town, on Monday.
The inaugural SAGHS, held in 2022, reaffirmed South Africa as an investment destination of choice and a world leader in the green energy space. It focused on scaling up regional cooperation around green hydrogen.
This second summit aims to highlight South Africa’s exceptional potential as an early stage, large scale and low cost world-class green hydrogen production hub, and total value chain investment destination.
South Africa’s Investment Strategy, approved by Cabinet earlier this year, lists green hydrogen as one of the big frontier strategic sectors expected to attract foreign and domestic direct investment.
The President emphasised the nation’s goal to position itself as a globally competitive player in this dynamic and growing industry.
The President noted that 64 countries, accounting for 89% of global emissions, have announced net zero targets by 2050. He further said that is anticipated that global green hydrogen demand will increase sevenfold by 2050.
He said that for the world to limit global warming to less than 1.5 degrees Celsius, green hydrogen will need to constitute 10% to 20% of the global energy mix.
“South Africa has committed to ambitious emission reduction targets. Our own estimates indicate that green hydrogen has the potential to remove 10% to 15% of our domestic emissions and contribute to our nation’s long-term energy security,” he said.
Green Hydrogen Alliance
The President acknowledged the collaboration efforts being made through the African Green Hydrogen Alliance, which includes Egypt, Kenya, Mauritania, Morocco, Namibia, Ethiopia, Angola and South Africa.
The alliance aims to harness Africa’s potential in developing green hydrogen industries. It aims to make joint calls for technical support, funding and market access to international public and private sector partners.
“The inaugural summit laid a strong policy foundation. This year’s summit has a dedicated project focus, providing an opportunity to demonstrate the degree to which projects have matured and advanced. This is also an opportunity to demonstrate technological developments and advancements in the green hydrogen space.
“Close cooperation between public, private and financial partners will be key to unlocking Africa’s green hydrogen potential. This will enable mass-scale domestic and international demand for green hydrogen, and increase cooperation on green hydrogen production, storage and distribution infrastructure,” President Ramaphosa said.
The President emphasised that if investment is significantly scaled-up, green hydrogen can deliver the equivalent of more than one third of Africa’s current energy consumption, increase the collective GDP, improve clean water supply and empower communities.
He said proper planning, regulation and incentive schemes are critical to mobilise private sector investment.
“South Africa has deep capital markets, with world-class conditions for generating renewable energy through solar and wind power, which are key drivers of the production of green hydrogen.
“Funding green hydrogen projects will require innovative financing structures sourced from multiple stakeholders,” President Ramaphosa said.
Building the green hydrogen industry
In June 2023, South Africa concluded a Heads of Agreement with the intention to launch the SA-H2 Fund. This is an innovative blended finance fund that will facilitate the development of a green hydrogen sector and circular economy in South Africa.
SA-H2 aims to secure $1 billion in funding raised directly in South Africa or via indirect channels. The Fund is a partnership of private and public enterprises, locally and globally.
Since the last Summit, the President said advances have been made towards building the green hydrogen industry in the country.
These include a Joint Declaration of Intent with the German government, focusing on market access, off-take opportunities and value-additive benefits in the production of green steel and green fertiliser.
South Africa has also signed a MOU with the Netherlands as an off-taker for green hydrogen derivative products.
“It is encouraging to note that a Memorandum of Cooperation will be signed at this conference by three multinationals in the green hydrogen mobility space, namely Sasol, Anglo American and BMW.
“Sasol will serve as a supplier to Anglo and BMW as part of their focus on commercial and passenger fleet transformation. These are important initiatives within the context of carbon border adjustment mechanisms,” the President said.
He thanked all the partners and sponsors that have made this summit possible. He sent a special mention to Anglo American, BMW, Sasol, the Industrial Development Corporation and GIZ.
“I wish business and government delegations at this summit well as we work to shape Africa’s green hydrogen agenda for the benefit of our economies and societies, now and into the future,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Mon, 10/16/2023 - 13:20
Celebrating its fourth anniversary on World Food Day, leading food rescue and hunger relief organisation SA Harvest reflects on its remarkable achievements over the past four years. This milestone coincides with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation’s (FAO) theme of ‘Water is Food, Water is Life,’ a message that resonates deeply with SA Harvest’s …
Representatives march to the provincial office of COGTA under the banner of the Inyanda National Land Movement
In today’s digital age, the way we transact and conduct business has seen a significant shift. The rise of contactless payment systems has not only made transactions quicker but also more secure. HaloDot, a pioneer in this domain, offers a suite of solutions tailored to meet the diverse needs of businesses and consumers alike. Let’s …
Tokkie Livingstone, NSRI Port Edward deputy station commander, said: At 12h35, Friday, 13 October, NSRI Port Edward duty crew were activated following reports of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) efforts in progress at TO Strand, Main Beach, Port Edward. NSRI Port Edward, medics and rescue swimmers, responded in their private vehicles while Medi-Vac ambulance services and the …
The Springbok Women are under no illusions about Italy and their abilities when they face the European side in their second WXV 2 clash at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town on Friday afternoon. For experienced Springbok Women prop Yonela Ngxingolo, the match – which kicks off at 16h30, with tickets available here – can’t come …
Public Works Minister pays oversight visit to Klerksdorp Prison
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Sihle Zikalala will on Tuesday conduct an oversight visit at the Klerksdorp Prison, which is currently undergoing total repair and renovation.
The work spectrum of the project includes altering some prison facilities to accommodate the needs of people with disabilities, replacing the roof and ceiling, replacing site sewer reticulation, replacing baths and damaged cisterns, repainting interior and exterior walls, equipping a temporary kitchen and plumbing works.
There will also be electrical and civil engineering related work to be done during the project.
Zikalala will visit the renovation project, which is expected to be completed in 2025 as part of the Siyahlola programme. He will also visit ongoing construction projects of the department. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 10/16/2023 - 14:46
Today, the Western Cape Premier, Alan Winde, and Provincial Minister for Infrastructure Tertuis Simmers visited the McGregor bridge access road construction site. This is ahead of the placing of the final layer on the McGregor Bridge approach 21 days after the approach to the bridge was washed away. Critical infrastructure at the approach to the …
A total of 8 Western Cape-based tourism and hospitality brands were crowned winners at the World Travel Awards Africa, released today. Recognised as the gold-standard of awards, World Travel Awards was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all key sectors of the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries. Western Cape Minister of …
KITKAT South Africa is delighted to announce that they are the exclusive chocolate partner to one of South Africa’s most anticipated music festivals, Hey Neighbour, set to connect attendees through immersive experiences that recharge their souls and give them a chance to reconnect with themselves, humanity, and the world, much like “Having a break” with …
Dear Editor The Office of the Auditor General recently presented its findings to the Portfolio Committee on Communications & Digital Technologies (DCDT) and laid bare a very bleak picture. As previously revealed, the SABC reported a financial loss of R1.1 billion for 2022/23, having not turned a profit since 2012. It again obtained a disclaimer …
Ekurhuleni library closed after heavy rains
Langaville library users have been urged to use neighbouring libraries following the closure of the facility due to heavy rains, which left the library building damaged.
According to a statement issued by the City of Ekurhuleni, Langaville library has been shut down following the collapse of the ceiling and damage to the roof due to recent heavy rains.
City spokesperson Zweli Dlamini said the decision to close the library was taken after it was discovered that the library had become unsafe to patrons and staff.
“We have already received a quote of R3.9 million to fix all the structural damage to the library. We have already lodged a claim with our insurance and upon approval, work will get underway,” Dlamini said.
He said the city is aware that there are patrons who still have library books in their possession, and do not know what to do with them.
He encouraged the members of the public to drop off the books at any libraries around the city.
“The city further encourages patrons of the Langaville library, especially learners, to consider utilising neighbouring libraries. We have entered the most critical time of the academic year and therefore our libraries will come in handy to prepare our learners for the final examination,” Dlamini said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 10/16/2023 - 13:55
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CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA, 11 October 2023 – Dutch-based technology platform Lisa BV will launch its smart leasing platform in South Africa after acquiring its core leasing technology platform from Inospace, South Africa’s largest last-mile logistics operator. Rael Levitt, founder and CEO of Inospace, announced Lisa’s breakthrough market entry today and confirmed that Inospace has …