MyZA
News, Directory, Events and Other Stuff
Dear Editor The Minister of Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, appears not to have learnt his lesson from the many failed promises repeatedly claiming that South Africa had turned the corner and was on course to end loadshedding. With the ongoing lower levels of loadshedding that we have experienced lately, Ramakgopa has once again made an …
Census 2022 shows improvement in basic services
South Africa’s first digital census shows an increase in the proportion of households that had access to piped water inside their dwelling, from 32.3% in 2001 to 46.3% in 2011 and to 59.7% in 2022.
This is according to the South Africa's Census 2022 national results, which was handed over to President Cyril Ramaphosa by Statistician-General Risenga Maluleke at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Tuesday.
The data shows that in 2022 over four-fifths (82.4%) of households in the country had access to piped water either inside their dwelling or inside their yard.
“The proportion of households that accessed piped water off-site (from a water source outside the yard such as a neighbour or from a community stand) halved from 17.9% in 2011 to 8.9% in 2022.
“Households in the Western Cape were more likely to have piped water inside their dwelling (85.5%) compared to Limpopo, where less than one-third (31.4%) accessed piped water inside their dwelling.
“Although the national picture regarding access to piped water shows improvement over the years, there is a sizeable proportion of households in Limpopo (20.5%) and Eastern Cape (19.5%) with no access to piped water.
“The majority of households across the three censuses made use of a regional/local water scheme as their main source of water. This proportion increased steadily from 74.7% in 2001 to 79.7% in 2011 and to 82.7% in 2022,” Maluleke said.
There has been an increase in the percentage of households that used a flush toilet as their main type of toilet facility during this period (+18.9 percentage points).
However, the percentage of households that used a pit toilet without ventilation and households with no form of toilet facility declined during the same period, from 22.8% to 12.5% and from 13.6% to 1.6% respectively
Energy
The proportion of households using electricity as the main source of energy for lighting increased significantly from 58.1% in 1996 to 94.7% in 2022; conversely, the use of paraffin and candles as the main source of energy for lighting decreased.
Electricity was the main source of energy for lighting across all provinces.
In 1996, 28.8% of households utilised candles for lighting compared to the 3.2% in 2022.
The use of paraffin declined, with only 0.9% of households using it for lighting compared to the 12.7% in 1996.
“It is noted that the country recorded an upward trend in refuse removed by a local authority regularly, an increase from 52% in 1996 to 66% in 2022. Approximately two-thirds (66.3%) of households in the country had their refuse removed by a local authority once a week whilst one in four households used their own refuse dump (22.3%).
“The percentage of households with no refuse removal or using their own refuse dump both decreased over the same period. In 1996, 32.6% of households used their own refuse dump and 9.7% did not have any refuse removal,” he said.
In 2022, households using their own refuse dump decreased to 22.3% and those with no refuse removal halved to 4.5%
SA population
According to South Africa's Census 2022 national results, the population increased from 40.5 million in 1996 to just over 62 million in 2022; an increase of over 21.4 million people in 26 years.
“Black Africans remain consistently the dominant population group at a proportion of more than 80%, followed by the coloured and white populations at 8.2% and 7.3% in 2022, respectively.
“On the other hand, the Indian/Asian population comprised less than 3% of the population over the years. The age-sex structure indicates some decline in the ages between 0 and 29 years when compared to the 2011 distribution,” Maluleke said.
The sex ratio in the country decreased from 98.8 in 2011 to 94.1 in 2022. Gauteng reported the highest ratio at 101.8 in 2022, suggesting that there are more males than females in the province compared to the other provinces.
“Furthermore, the median age in the country was 28 years in 2022, showing an increase of three years from 25 years in 2011. It was highest in the Western Cape and lowest in Limpopo at 31 and 26 years, respectively.
“The median age of the white population was 45 years while that of the black African population was 27 years in 2022. The majority (62.2%) of the population has never been married, while 24% indicated that they are legally married,” Maluleke said.
The population and housing census was conducted in February 2022 and provides comprehensive data on population size, demographic trends, and other service delivery related information. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 10/12/2023 - 10:54
Leading African law firm Bowmans continues to enhance the breadth and depth of its offering in tax, this time with the appointment of Mark Linington as tax executive in its Johannesburg office. Linington is a chartered accountant with 28 years’ experience as a tax adviser. ‘Mark is a well-known and respected practitioner and will enhance …
Prices slashed for Checkers Xtra Savings members this weekend Checkers Xtra Savings customers don’t need to wait for Black Friday for substantial savings on thousands of products, ranging from everyday essentials to premium products, including R20 000 off a Traeger Timberline 850 grill or R8 000 off a Snomaster 66L Camping Fridge, both available from …
The wait is over and all the planning and training towards WXV will finally become reality for the Springbok Women when they take on Scotland in the opening round of the exciting new global women’s competition at the Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch on Friday. For Libbie Janse van Rensburg, vice-captain of South Africa, the …
Dear Editor Given the devastating report card by the Auditor General (A-G) on the financial performance of the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) and the entities that report to it – Minister Pravin Gordhan’s resignation letter should have been on President Cyril Ramaphosa’s desk this morning. Gordhan has literally collapsed the finances the DPE after …
Senior men’s head coach Warren Gatland has named his Wales XV to play Argentina at Stade de Marseille in the first quarter-final of Rugby World Cup 2023 (Saturday 14 October KO 4pm BST / 5pm local time live on ITV and S4C). Following the 43-19 win against Georgia last weekend to make it four from …
The International Cricket Council (ICC) and UNICEF in partnership with the Board of Control for Cricket in India and Sri Lanka Cricket will bring the game’s one billion fans together to celebrate One Day 4 Children on 2 November with a message of hope and support for every child to survive and thrive. The Wankhede …
Dear Editor The DA in North West is ecstatic with the results in the Matlosana Wards 16 and 17 by-elections held yesterday. Residents in these two wards have expressed confidence in the DA’s mission to rescue South Africa to rebuild what the ANC has destroyed through its decades-long failed governance. In Ward 17, the DA …
South Africa – Mbilwi Secondary School from Venda, Limpopo was announced as the winner of the Solve for Tomorrow schools competition at a ceremony at Birchwood Conference Centre in Johannesburg. The competition, which was run in partnership with the State Information Technology Agency (SITA), was aimed at giving grade 10 and 11 learners from underserved …
AFU freezes millions in assets related to alleged PPE corruption case
The National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) Asset Forfeiture Unit has obtained a preservation order against assets related to a PPE matter worth R27 million in the Northern Cape.
The order was granted against the assets of well-known Kimberley businessman Somandla Sibisi and his companies Macronym 37 and Aphiwokuhle Holdings.
The frozen assets include a residential property bought for some R900 000, a business property – known as Live Café – bought for more than R2 million, kitchen equipment bought for over R300 000 and a 2013 model Audi A1 car bought for R130 000.
NPA regional spokesperson, Mojalefa Senokoatsane, explained that the vehicle and property were allegedly bought with “the proceeds of the money received from the Northern Cape Department of Health” through PPE related tenders.
“This preservation order emanates from a case where…Sibisi, who is accused number nine, his company is accused number eight, in the Department of Health Northern Cape PPE-related matter amounting to more than R26 million, made his first appearance together with other twelve co-accused on 11 October 2023, in the Kimberley Magistrates’ Court.
“The accused are facing charges of Contravention of Provisions of Section 86(1) of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), fraud, corruption, forgery, money laundering, uttering, and defeating or obstructing the course of justice concerning the amount of more than R26.9 million.
“The preservation order, the arrest as well and the appearance in court flow from a multi-disciplinary exertion by the Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU), the Special Commercial Crimes Unit (SCCU), the Special Investigation Unit (SIU), and the Directorate of Priority Crimes Unit (DPCI),” he said.
Sibisi’s co-accused in the case are:
“These assets will be preserved awaiting an application by the AFU for the final forfeiture to the State. Dr Dion Theys, Mosimanegape Gaborone, Montgomery Lifa Faas, Victor Nyokong, Siyabulela Booi, Elizabeth Dibueng Manyetsa, Goitsemodimo Piet Moseki, are also out on bail in another Department of Health Northern Cape PPE-related matter amounting to more than R16 million, that will be back in the Kimberley District Court on 16 October 2023,” Senokoatsane concluded. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 10/12/2023 - 09:31
This week Stellantis honored 40 of its suppliers for their outstanding commitment, performance, quality, and operational excellence in 2022. One supplier in each of 16 categories, including aftermarket parts and services, direct materials, indirect services, and regional performance, was named ‘Supplier of the Year’. The third annual event was attended by more than 150 global …
Ekurhuleni residents, businesses urged to be water wise
The City of Ekurhuleni has urged residents and businesses to implement water-saving measures, while work continues to increase water storage levels in some areas.
“The more we save water by implementing simple interventions daily, we reduce the threat of water cuts in the future,” City of Ekurhuleni spokesperson, Zweli Dlamini, said
Water supply has been interrupted in multiple areas due to low supply from the bulk supplier, Rand Water, and of late, increased demand from customers.
Dlamini said technicians are working to maintain supply to all residents during this peak demand season.
“The city has identified supply zones that are the highest contributors to its water demand. Water demand management interventions such as pressure management will be implemented in those areas with immediate effect to minimize the impact on residents.
“Water is a critical natural resource that cannot be produced or recreated. It is therefore in the interest of all consumers to safeguard its availability for the benefit of everyone including future generations,” he said.
Dlamini added that Ekurhuleni’s technical team remains on high alert in monitoring the water infrastructure with special attention being given to the areas, including Tsakani, Etwatwa, Daveyton, Primrose, Germiston and KwaThema, which experienced massive water shortages in recent weeks.
“Meanwhile, some parts of Brakpan which are supplied by Rand Water continue to experience intermittent water supply due to the low levels in the reservoirs. However, different strategies are being implemented to ensure that the system normalises as soon as possible,” Dlamini said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 10/12/2023 - 10:16
“If the same findings are coming through, how effective are these enforcement powers of the Auditor-General?”
NW police launch manhunt for six escapees
Police in Mogwase in the North West have rearrested two of the eight awaiting trial detainees who escaped from the Mogwase Magistrates' Court holding cells on Tuesday.
According to police information, a member escorted the accused from the court room to the cells. The member had just unlocked the cell door for the awaiting trial detainee when those who were inside suddenly pushed the burglar door, overpowered the member and ran away in different directions.
The two accused, Lebogang Mokotleng and Tshepang Raselemane were rearrested a few minutes later at Mogwase Taxi Rank.
Lebogag Mokotleng (27) was arrested for robbery with a firearm, attempted murder and unlawful possession of firearm and ammunition while Tshepang Raselemane (25) is facing charges of robbery with a firearm, possession of a firearm and ammunition and possession of suspected stolen property.
The other six, Tebogo Mosito (29) Letlatsa Mpota (31), Katlego Mafatlhe (35), Keitumetse Lekolomi (25), Thabang Matlho (25) and Katlego Mkitle (26) were among others, arrested for murder, robbery with a firearm and possession of a firearm, attempted murder and possession of suspected stolen property.
Members of the community are encouraged not to try and re-arrest the detainees as they are dangerous, but to contact the Investigating Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Shimane Kubyadi on 082 856 1087 or Crime Stop number: 08600 10111.
Anonymous tip-offs can also be communicated via the MySAPS App from a smartphone. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 10/12/2023 - 08:57
JOHANNESBURG: Dean Elgar and Donovan Ferreira’s record-breaking partnership led the Momentum Multiply Titans to a comfortable six-wicket victory against the Hollywoodbets...
Vendors desperate as garbage piles up
Charges against three of the 12 accused have been withdrawn
Pandor calls for urgent action to protect oceans, livelihoods
International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor, has called on world leaders to urgently take action to protect the oceans and people who depend on marine and coastal biodiversity for their livelihoods.
Pandor was speaking on Wednesday at the 23rd Council of Ministers (COM) meeting of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) held in Sri Lanka.
The IORA’s priorities, according to Pandor, are in recognition of the fact that 40% of the world’s population lives near coastal areas.
More than three billion people use the oceans for their livelihood, while 80% of world trade is achieved using the seas, the Minister said.
“The oceans, seas and coastal areas contribute to food security and poverty eradication.
“And yet, the oceans are under severe threat by human activities, where economic profits are at the expense of environmental degradation.”
Pandor highlighted acidification, pollution, ocean warming, eutrophication and fishery collapse as some of the issues facing the marine ecosystem.
“These threats are detrimental to the planet and are long-term repercussions that demand urgent action to protect the oceans and the people who depend on them.
“The Indian Ocean region, therefore, should remain our own peaceful zone from which we can enhance opportunities in trade and further develop our nations by advancing the protection that our oceans so dearly deserve.”
The Minister believes that the gatherings have succeeded in developing clear concepts around the IORA Development Initiative (IDI).
“I am also pleased that the High-Level Strategic Dialogue meeting, which was co-chaired by South Africa and the Secretariat, was a resounding success.”
The meeting, she said, reflected on the status quo and a vision of how the IORA should proceed.
“Several discussions were held on, amongst others, the achievements and challenges of the IORA’s first 25 years and what that meant for the IORA’s future work and the implementation of the IORA’s Outlook on the Indo-Pacific.”
Pandor is of the view that these issues are significant and will continue to help strengthen the association that is becoming increasingly important on the global stage.
“IORA member States and dialogue partners made it clear that they desire collaboration, regional cooperation, freedom of navigation, consensus building actions, partnerships, shared prosperity, rules-based norms in the Indo-Pacific and not disunity, hostility, divergence and increased military presences.”
South Africa, according to Pandor, looks forward to the completion of the zero-base document which she believes should be adopted and followed by implementation at the earliest opportunity.
“The document will provide a vision of future activities of the IORA and the role our various regions could play.”
In addition, Pandor announced that the IORA Business Forum’s South African Chapter has developed a concept note on the creation of an IORA Business Forum Digital Portal.
“This portal will connect us, reduce transactional costs, while creating a trading platform and make it easy to trade in our region and beyond.
“Working jointly at creating a region of peace means we can achieve operational optimisation within the region and achieve energy efficient technology acquisition – this would be a conducive environment that could ensure the continued sustainable development of the IORA region,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 10/11/2023 - 09:25
Dean of St Georges Cathedral calls for peace vigil
South Africa, with its diverse landscapes, rich history, and vibrant cities, has always been a sought-after destination for both tourists and potential homeowners. The real estate market here offers a plethora of options, from luxurious villas to cozy apartments. If you’re in the market for an apartment for sale in South Africa, check here you’re …
Call to use data from Census 2022 to improve lives
President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on government departments, policy makers, researchers, civil society organisations and international organisations to use the information from Census 2022 to collectively strive to improve people’s lives.
“Census 2022 has told us where we are making progress, but it has also laid bare the challenges that remain. It will be an invaluable tool in meeting those challenges. We now have the information we need to ensure that as we build this country, we leave no one behind,” the President said
He made these remarks during the hand over of the Census 2022 national results by Statistician-General Risenga Maluleke at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Tuesday.
The population and housing census was conducted in February 2022 and provides comprehensive data on population size, demographic trends, and other service delivery related information.
According to the results, South Africa’s population has increased from 51.7 million in 2011 to more than 62 million in 2022, which is a growth rate of 1.8% in the intercensal period.
“The data contained in a census is one of the most crucial planning, monitoring and evaluation tools for governments. It informs the planning, budgeting and policymaking work of government at the most fundamental level.
“We have long said that one of our priorities in building a capable, ethical, developmental state is to ensure that policy making is evidence driven. Policy making that is not informed by accurate data can result in inefficiency in the allocation of resources, under-estimation of the needs of citizens, poorly planned programmes and poor financial management. Unless we are able to see the bigger picture, we are unable to forecast,” the President said.
He said Census 2022 gives South Africa the information it need to implement government’s programme of action in a targeted, evidence-driven manner.
“We encouraged by the progress in the report presented by the Statistician-General. We note, for example, that the number of people older than 20 with no education has significantly decreased, where the number of people who now have grade 12 has more than doubled since 1996.
“It is significant also that a large proportion of our children are now in early childhood development centres. We still have work to do to ensure all eligible children attend ECD centres. The presentation shows that people’s housing circumstances have improved, with almost 90 percent of South Africans now staying in formal housing,” the President said.
President Ramaphosa said despite the present challenges of load shedding, South Africans should be encouraged by the almost universal access to electricity supply.
“The results that have been presented here today underscore the urgency with which we must work towards meeting the aspirations of the National Development Plan and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,” he said.
The President said this is the fourth census undertaken since the advent of democracy in 1994, and, as such, it contributes to a vast body of knowledge that describes the state and the progress of the nation.
Census 2022 was the fourth population and housing count in post-apartheid South Africa, with the first conducted in 1996, with subsequent censuses being conducted in 2001 and 2011.
This is South Africa’s first-ever digital census, compiled from data collected from everyone within the borders of the country. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 10/11/2023 - 09:48
In an unpredictable world, preparedness is key, and one aspect often overlooked is emergency lighting. When the power goes out or you find yourself in an unexpected situation, having reliable backup lights can make all the difference. This comprehensive guide will delve into the importance of backup lights, the different types available, and how they …
FUTURELIFE®, South Africa’s fastest-growing cereal brand, is celebrating the launch of an exciting new addition to its product line-up, FUTURELIFE® Smart Food™ Peanut Butter Flavour. The introduction of the Peanut Butter flavour variant in the 500g Smart Food™ range comes in a limited-edition promotional pack, adding an extra layer of excitement to the launch. According …