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Reaction from England captain and Mastercard Player of the Match Owen Farrell, head coach Steve Borthwick, second-row Maro Itoje, flankers Courtney Lawes and Tom Curry and wing Elliot Daly following their 30-24 victory over Fiji at Stade de Marseille on Sunday, 15 October. Tom Curry, flanker On the success of the changes made in England’s …
Their aim was to win the Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens Olympic Qualifier and secure their spot to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, and that is exactly what the Springbok Women’s Sevens team did in Tunisia on Sunday. And for that effort by his players – they beat Kenya by 12-7 in the final after …
Boxer Athletics Club athletes Precious Mashele and Glenrose Xaba showcased their remarkable speed at the inaugural Boxer Super Run in Durban on Sunday 15 October 2023, becoming the fastest South Africans to complete a 5km run on home soil with their astonishing finishing times of 13:44 and 16:03, respectively. According to Mashele, every time that …
South Africa, Namibia highlight areas of partnership
South Africa and Namibia have reached agreements in more than 150 areas which will deepen relations between the two Southern African countries.
This was announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa during the South Africa-Namibia Business Forum held in Namibia.
“Our Ministers of International Relations tabled a report at the Bi-National Commission where they reported on up to 159 areas of agreement that they have worked on in the past few days. This process started after His Excellency Hage Geingob visited South Africa on a state visit earlier this year.
“This business forum was presaged by those agreements that they have been working on for all this time. To have had up to 150-something areas agreement is a truly outstanding feat…that is a result of real good hard work,” he said.
The President said the two countries can use the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area to position themselves as an industrialising hub for the continent with a focus on increased trade between the two countries and with the rest of the continent.
The agreements presented encouraged the two governments to deepen or broaden cooperation in four specific areas including in:
On Green Hydrogen, the President said: “South Africa is in the process of considering and finalising a Green Hydrogen Commercialisation Strategy. Namibia too is implementing its green hydrogen strategy. We can either go it alone as South Africa and Namibia or we can position this part of the west coast of the African continent as a key green hydrogen region.”
Turning to cross border value chains, President Ramaphosa said the two countries together have “the key elements of success”.
“We have raw materials, ranging from critical minerals to agricultural raw materials. We have technology, capital, an increasingly skilled and educated workforce and infrastructure. A number of value chains can be identified.
“One of these relate to our use of critical minerals to ensure that manufacturing takes place on the African continent,” he said.
President Ramaphosa highlighted South Africa’s favourability as an investment destination and called on Namibian businesses to do business in the country and called on South African companies to do the same.
“I want to invite Namibian businesses who want to expand their operations to set up businesses in our country. Similarly, South African companies can work with the government of Namibia and local business partners to set up operations here.
“In order to boost investment, we agreed earlier today to request our Ministers of Trade and Industry to work towards establishing a financing facility for industrial and productive development projects,” he said.
President Ramaphosa said business forums like the one held on Friday are an example of platforms that must be created to strengthen “dialogue and stimulate joint ventures” in the private sectors of both countries.
“Namibian businesses must see benefits from the involvement of South African firms in Namibia, and vice versa.
“I wish to welcome two key decisions we made at the Binational Commission today. They are, firstly, to deepen cooperation to attract private sector investment in agreed areas of cooperation.
“Secondly, to establish a South Africa-Namibia Business Council to serve as a public-private sector platform for coordinated and concerted actions,” President Ramaphosa said. - SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Sun, 10/15/2023 - 12:53
Gordhan thanks Molefe for his service
Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan has thanked Popo Molefe for his contribution to Transnet, following his resignation from the state-owned freight and logistics company’s board.
He resigned from the board after serving for five years.
He was appointed as board chairperson in 2018 but was replaced by Andile Sangqu in July this year.
Molefe’s resignation comes barely two weeks after the announcement of the resignations of Group Chief Executive (GCE) Portia Derby and Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Nonkululeko Dlamini from the company.
“Mr Molefe and his board of directors have been at the forefront of our unrelenting push to reclaim Transnet from vested interests and state capture. We wish him well in his future endeavours and thank him for heeding the call to serve our country,” Gordhan said.
The department in its statement said Molefe’s resignation is due to personal reasons.
“The stepping down of Mr Molefe…must not be misconstrued or interpreted as being in any way related to the recent developments at the company,” the department said.
Meanwhile, Transnet has developed a turnaround plan for the company and expects to submit this to the department this coming week.
“The turnaround plan outlines operational and financial initiatives which must be implemented in the next six, twelve and eighteen months to stabilise the business and position the company for growth.
“The turnaround plan is predicated on several detailed goals to reform and strengthen the operational state of the freight rail division in particular, and with priorities of key elements, specifically the rail corridors that service key sectors of the economy,” Transnet said.
According to Transnet, the plan is premised on principles which include:
“The board has prioritised the filling of the three executive positions in the business, with the recruitment process having commenced this past week. The recruitment process is being prioritised for urgent finalisation, given the criticality of these positions to the organisation, and the lead role the incumbents will play in execution of the turnaround plan.
“The board also continues to work closely and collaboratively with stakeholders, including the National Logistics Crisis Committee,” Transnet said.
Transnet will meet with government this week to finalise the plan.
“[The] representative of the board will meet next week with the Shareholder Ministry as well as the Ministry of Finance to discuss the operational and financial details of the business turnaround plan, including areas which require immediate Government support.
“Once approved by the Shareholder and funding commitment is secured, the plan will be discussed with key stakeholders such as organised labour, employees, customers and lenders,” Transnet said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Sun, 10/15/2023 - 11:56
Dear Editor The DA is calling on Police Minister Bheki Cele to urgently address the shocking revelation by National Police Commissioner, Gen. Fanie Masemola of SAPS losing 8400 since 2016. Six years ago, the detective manpower stood at approximately 26 000 and today, the figure has been reduced to around 17 600. The SAPS has …
Dear Editor The DA has filed a complaint with the Public Protector against the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure for breaching the Executive Ethics Code following a deliberate disinformation campaign in which he sought to mislead the public through false claims that 200 construction mafia related arrests have been made to date. He has …
Dear Editor On Tuesday last week, the DA exposed how – in the past 5 years, the Minister of Public Enterprises, Pravin Gordhan, has triggered an unprecedented governance chaos at Executive and Board levels in State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), as most entities were either operating with interim Boards, acting CEOs, or with no Executive heads at …
Simon Sibeko, 28, of Boxer athletics club, flew to the finish in an excellent time of 29.54, leading the top five pack. Yanga Malusi, 26, of Real Gijimas, finished second in 30.14, followed by the talented young Ikhamva athletics club squad, Sinethemba Jilingisi, 20, third in 30.23, Cwenga Nose, 23, fourth in 30.50 and Lithembe …
The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 has approved Chamika Karunaratne as a replacement for Dasun Shanaka in the Sri Lankan squad. Karunaratne who has played 23 ODIs, was named as a replacement after Shanaka was ruled out due to a right thigh muscle injury sustained during Sri Lanka’s match …
Police must 'hit hard' against criminality during festive season
Police Minister General Bheki Cele has called on law enforcement to step up their efforts to squeeze out criminality during this festive season.
The Minister was speaking the launch on Friday of the National Safer Festive Season operations.
“South Africans and all our visitors have a right to enjoy life, have a right to enjoy the festive season. Make sure that these South Africans, wherever they are, whether they are in the malls, whether they are in their houses, whether they are on the beaches, whether they are out dancing…wherever they are, make sure that they are safe.
“Give criminals a run for their money. Make sure that criminals are squeezed,” he said.
Cele gave criminals a stern warning that police will “hit hard”.
“There are criminals who want to co-govern with the people that are elected. You are not going to move around breaking into people’s houses, robbing people, raping people, going for cash heists, bank robberies and you believe…that we won’t do anything.
“I’m calling on those police officers who are given the responsibility to deal with those heartless criminals - that think they run the world and the country - don’t be kind to them. Hit and hit hard. Criminals have declared war against communities and society. I’m making a call to those police…to protect the communities,” he said.
Cele called on communities to work with the police to root out criminality.
“Don’t hide those criminals among yourselves because they will hurt you. As you protect that criminal, tomorrow he’s coming back for you,” he said.
The Minister also called on the police to do their job within the bounds of the law.
The festive season operations have already scored a victory after Western Cape police seized R75 million worth of counterfeit goods and R200 000 in cash at a shopping centre in Cape Town. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Sun, 10/15/2023 - 10:02
SA condemns violation of the Geneva Conventions
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) has condemned in the strongest possible terms Israel’s violation of the Geneva Conventions and the abandonment of International Humanitarian Law in Gaza.
According to the World Health Organisation, the complete blockage of the Gaza Strip announced by Israel remains in effect.
Israeli authorities have stopped their electricity and water supply to the Gaza Strip and no movements of food, fuel, health, other humanitarian supplies or patients are allowed – worsening the already dire situation, said Dirco in a statement.
Article 14 of the Geneva Convention states: “Starvation of civilians as a method of combat is prohibited. It is therefore prohibited to attack, destroy, remove or render useless for that purpose, objects indispensable to the survival of the civilian population such as food-stuffs, agricultural areas for the production of food-stuffs, crops, livestock, drinking water installations and supplies and irrigation works”.
According to the Fourth Geneva Convention, “civilians in areas of armed conflict and occupied territories are protected by the 159 articles of the Fourth Geneva Convention. Civilians are to be protected from murder, torture, or brutality, and from discrimination on the basis of race, nationality, religion or political opinion”.
The UN Commission on Human Rights has previously declared Israel’s “continuous grave breaches” of the Fourth Geneva Convention and Additional Protocol I to be war crimes.
“International Humanitarian Law includes the obligation not to target civilian populations, and the responsibility to protect civilians in armed conflict. Israeli bombardments from the air, sea, and land have continued and intensified across the Gaza Strip for the sixth consecutive day.
“This is an egregious violation of International Humanitarian Law,” said Dirco.
According to the latest report from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the continual bombardment of the Gaza strip has now resulted in over 423 000 internally displaced people, this represents an increase of 24 percent over the past 24 hours. Two-thirds of the IDPs are taking shelter in UNRWA schools.
“[The] announcement by Israel giving 1.1 million Gazans 24 hours to leave the Northern Gaza strip and evacuate to the South of Gaza will lead to further catastrophe as, according to humanitarian organisations on the ground, there are not enough resources to host so many IDPs in other governorates - not enough shelter, aid or water.
“The UN has announced that UN schools turned into shelters are already overrun with shortages in resources, including food, water, medicine, and other humanitarian provisions as required under International Law,” the DIRCO statement read.
The department urged the Israeli government to heed calls to provide services to the Gaza strip.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has stressed that crucial life-saving supplies, including fuel, food and water, must be allowed into Gaza.
Between 100 and 150 Israelis, including soldiers and civilians, some of whom are women and children, as well as some foreign nationals, have been captured and forcibly taken into Gaza. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has also called for the “immediate release of all Israeli hostages, which is also forbidden under International Humanitarian Law”.
“South Africa calls on Israel to immediately heed the calls of the UN Secretary General, the plethora of humanitarian organisation operating in Gaza, and a number of governments around the world to immediately provide water, food, fuel, and electricity to the people of Gaza.
“South Africa also calls for the release of the Israeli hostages taken into Gaza,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Sun, 10/15/2023 - 09:01
India against Pakistan is a game like no other, and once more, the eyes of the world will be centred around what is sure to be another thrilling encounter between these two rivals. The challenge for India will be handling the pressure. When we play against Pakistan, we know how big the occasion is, lots …
Springbok Women head coach Louis Koen praised his team’s effort in a close opening match in WXV2 against Scotland in Stellenbosch on Friday afternoon and said the experience gained from the encounter will benefit them hugely. Despite losing by 31-17 at the Danie Craven Stadium, Koen felt the Bok Women gave a good account of …
The South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) wishes to notify travellers that the R61 near Efata School for the Blind and Deaf in Mthatha will be closed on Sunday, 29 October 2023, for approximately five hours, from 10am until 3pm. The closure will be approximately 7km west of Mthatha CBD towards Ngcobo Town. …
The municipality claims it faced violent resistance when it was carrying out shack demolitions
“Some of our colleagues have been brutally murdered while at the workplace”
Free State MEC to appear in court
A Free State Member of the Executive Council (MEC), a political advisor to the Matjhabeng Local Municipality and a Chief Director are scheduled to appear before the Kroonstad Magistrates Court today.
They will appear in court on Friday, 13 October on allegations of fraud, corruption, money laundering, and contravention of the Municipal Finance Management Act 56 of 2003.
They were arrested on Thursday afternoon by members of the Hawks` Serious Corruption Investigation unit based in Bloemfontein.
The matter emanates from a 2017 incident when the MEC was still the Executive Mayor.
It is alleged that the three suspects colluded to take over R150 000 belonging to Moqhaka Local Municipality, under the guise that the money would be spent on a sound system to be used during a Nelson Mandela memorial lecture.
The event never took place, despite money having been transacted out of the municipal bank account.
Free State Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), Major General Mokgadi Bokaba has applauded investigators working on the case for their hard work, which led to the court issuing warrants of arrest.
She encouraged them to pursue all matters they are investigating with vigour. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 10/13/2023 - 09:36
President Ramaphosa on working visit to Namibia
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to lead a delegation of ministers on a working visit to Namibia today.
While there, the President will co-chair the 3rd Session of the Republic of South Africa and the Republic of Namibia Bi-National Commission (SA - Namibia BNC) with his Namibian counterpart, President Hage Geingob.
According to the Presidency, the BNC was inaugurated some 10 years ago at Windhoek with the second session of the BNC held in 2016.
“South Africa and Namibia share a common vision on issues of political and economic integration of the African continent. Both countries pursue Africa’s renewal, South-South cooperation, and the promotion of a rules-based, equitable international system of governance.
“The scope of cooperation between the two countries is expansive, anchored by 74 Memoranda of Understanding and Agreements. The geographical proximity of our countries and the sharing of common borders has over the years presented many opportunities for cooperation and thus benefitted the economies of the two countries,” the Presidency said in a statement.
The Presidency said this third session of the BNC has the following objectives:
“President Ramaphosa will lead a government delegation comprising of Ministers Naledi Pandor of International Relations and Cooperation; Thoko Didiza of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development; Blade Nzimande of Higher Education, Science and Innovation; and Ebrahim Patel of Trade, Industry and Competition.
“The delegation is also expected to include Ministers Lindiwe Zulu of Social Development; Gwede Mantashe of Mineral Resources and Energy; Barbara Creecy of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries; Senzo Mchunu of Water and Sanitation; Sandisiwe Chikunga of Transport; Patricia de Lille of Tourism; and Ministers in The Presidency, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa and Khumbudzo Ntshavheni,” the statement read.
Committees that make up the BNC include the Diplomatic, Economic, Social and Defence and Security committees. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Fri, 10/13/2023 - 09:44
President Ramaphosa: Panel findings on Lady R were "completely rational"
President Cyril Ramaphosa has told the National Council of Provinces that he is confident that the independent panel -- which was appointed to investigate the circumstances surrounding the docking of the Lady R vessel in Simonstown in December 2022 -- made rational findings.
The President was answering oral questions in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on Thursday.
“I have no reason to believe the findings of the panel were irrational. In fact, I believe the findings of the panel were completely rational. As one went through the report, I could find no irrationality. The panel made no finding of involvement of clandestine parties or illegal transactions," President Ramaphosa said.
President Ramaphosa appointed the panel to investigate claims that South Africa may have exported weaponry and ammunition to Russia, which invaded Ukraine in February last year and is accused of various war crimes.
The panel found no evidence that South Africa sent weapons to Russia.
The President said that the independent panel was led by a respected retired Judge and two prominent and respected legal minds.
“The extent of the work undertaken and the information the panel sought, obtained and analysed gives me full confidence in the contents of their report.
“The panel made no finding of involvement by ‘clandestine parties’ or illegal transactions, and no evidence has been presented to contradict the panel’s findings.
“The contents of the shipment carried on the Lady R are kept secret so as not to compromise the work or the safety of our security forces. I have no intention of compromising this under any circumstances,” the President said.
The President highlighted that Section 23 of the National Conventional Arms Control Act makes it clear that information on the quantity of items is shared with Parliament on a confidential basis.
“Nothing in the Act requires disclosure on the intended use of the controlled items. In fact, the Act expressly states that: 'Information concerning the technical specifications of controlled items may be omitted from a report contemplated in this section in order to protect military and commercial secrets', " the President said.
He said the work of the National Conventional Arms Control is critical in ensuring that the country abides by its international obligations in relation to the transfer and trade in controlled items, and that "it continues to do this critical work, as provided for in its founding legislation and the relevant United Nations conventions".
President Ramaphosa said the protection of information related to its work is clearly provided for in the Act and is just as important to its mandate and to national security.
President Ramaphosa said government will continue to respect the requirements of the law and its responsibility to safeguard the security of the nation. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Fri, 10/13/2023 - 09:54
Official death toll rises to 3,000 - over 1,200 Israelis and about 1,800 Palestinians - as violence escalates
Suspects arrested for attacking police officers
Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Elias Mawela has commended members of the Ekurhuleni District and Edenpark police stations for arresting perpetrators responsible for attacking the police on Thursday.
The suspects will be appearing before the Palmridge Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
In the early hours of this morning, at about 02:00, the police arrested five suspects including the driver of the car that the police had stopped in an attempt to search it before they were attacked.
The suspects, aged between 32 and 57, will be charged with obstructing police in the execution of their duties, attack on police officers, assault on police officers, attempted robbery of a firearm and the driver will face an additional charge of reckless and negligent driving.
The Provincial Commissioner has reiterated that those that seek to undermine the authority of the State will be dealt with decisively.
“Let this be a lesson to those that think they are above the law. We should all have a common goal of fighting crime, we cannot allow a situation where some members of the community believe they do not have to abide by the law and decide to obstruct law enforcement officers while they perform their constitutional mandate,” warned Lieutenant General Mawela. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 10/13/2023 - 09:55
The Gender-based Violence and Femicide Response Fund 1 (GBVF RF) is proud to announce its strategic partnership with the Standard Bank Top Women’s Conference. This collaboration is a significant step towards creating a safer and more inclusive society by empowering women and eliminating Gender-Based Violence and Femicide. Sazini Mojapelo, CEO of the Fund, emphasizes the …
Police seek public assistance to trace missing doctor
Maitland police are seeking the assistance of members of the public to help them trace 29-year-old Stefano Corso who was last seen by his colleagues on Wednesday afternoon.
He was a visiting doctor from Malta who was attending a medical seminar in Paarden Island at the time of his disappearance.
Reports suggest that he stepped out of the conference to attend to a phone call, but never returned.
Video footage available to SAPS shows him leaving the seminar. Attempts by his colleagues to reach him telephonically were unsuccessful. He has not been seen nor heard from since then. They then alerted the SAPS.
At the time of his disappearance he was wearing beige pants, a white t-shirt and a black jacket.
Anyone with any information on the whereabouts of Stefano or who can assist the investigating officer to trace him is requested to contact the investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Melvyn Matthews, on 079 894 0092 or contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 10/13/2023 - 10:04