MyZA
News, Directory, Events and Other Stuff
Pretoria, South Africa – 04 October 2023: The Range Rover Velar has a powertrain to suit every client, including a fuel-efficient P400e plug-in electric hybrid, now with a 21 percent improvement in range, for up to 64km5 of electric-only driving. It is available alongside a range of smooth Ingenium petrol and diesel engines. All powertrains …
The International Cricket Council has announced the details of its broadcast arrangements for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, that will place fans at the centre of the action bringing them closer to the game than ever before. The biggest Men’s Cricket World Cup ever kicks off tomorrow with a re-match of the 2019 …
Department of Rural Development and Land Reform silent on why it’s taken years to issue a lease promised in 2019
Johannesburg, South Africa — 4th October 2023 — Prepare to be enchanted by the captivating sounds of Viwo Kulati, the emerging star of South African jazz and a nominee at the 29th South African Music Awards (SAMA29). Viwo Kulati, renowned for her soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics, will perform new music following her latest EP, …
South Africa’s whisky aficionados have a reason to celebrate as the world-renowned Scotch whisky brand, Johnnie Walker, unveils its latest masterpiece – Johnnie Walker Elusive Umami. The limited edition offering will be available in South Africa from October 2023 for discerning palates. This collectible release is a testament to the brand’s commitment to innovation and …
But payments seem to be going more smoothly, at least in some places
The evolution of smart home technology has brought about a revolution in how we interact with our living spaces. From lighting to security, every aspect of our homes is getting smarter. One area that’s seen significant innovation is window treatments. With the introduction of automatic shading windows, homeowners can now enjoy a blend of convenience, …
Australia overcame Pakistan in a thriller on the final day of ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 warm-up matches. Glenn Maxwell struck 77 in Australia’s 351 for seven while Marnus Labuschagne contributed with bat and ball as Pakistan fell 14 runs short despite 90 from captain Babar Azam. Elsewhere, Afghanistan won a rain-affected clash against …
At a Genadendal farm, nearly 500 chickens drowned, and over 50 pigs are missing
Informal settlement families say they only have five mobile toilets for over 400 shacks
Thabo Mokgola appointed as Home Affairs acting spokesperson
Home Affairs Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, has announced the appointment of Thabo Mokgola as his acting Media Liaison Officer and Spokesperson, with effect from 1 October 2023.
Mokgola has been seconded from the department, where he has been a Media Liaison Officer for the past 18 years.
He replaces Siya Qoza, who has been appointed as the Chief Director: Communications in the department.
“I wish to welcome Mr Mokgola in his new role and am confident that he will perform exceptionally well as we strive to amplify our efforts to communicate effectively with the media, stakeholders as well as members of the community,” Motsoaledi said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 10/03/2023 - 10:05
Infrastructure development in Africa key to success of smart mobility - Mashatile
Africa should accelerate investment in critical infrastructure and digital solutions for smart mobility to succeed on the continent, says Deputy President Paul Mashatile.
“For example, investment [must be made] towards building charging stations for electric vehicles, expanding broadband connectivity, and developing intelligent transportation systems.
“Governments, private sector organisations and international partners must, therefore, come together to invest in the necessary infrastructure.”
The Deputy President was delivering a keynote address at the Smarter Mobility Africa (SMA) Conference Gala Dinner at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Johannesburg.
SMA, he believes, is another opportunity to collaborate to build a better and smarter transport system that will assist in growing the economy, create jobs and improve people’s quality of life.
Smart mobility involves creating connected and integrated transport systems, which offer flexibility and efficiency, cutting across all modes of transport.
The country’s second-in-command said governments should develop clear guidelines and regulations to ensure a safe and reliable transportation system.
These, he said, include regulations on data privacy, cybersecurity, and standards for electric vehicles.
“We must make it our responsibility to establish a harmonised approach to smarter mobility across Africa.”
In South Africa, the Deputy President said smarter mobility has been embraced to align with ongoing worldwide discussions regarding the trajectory of mobility and climate change.
Meanwhile, government is pushing ahead with a National Transport Master Plan (NATMAP) 2050 strategy to establish a safe, affordable, dependable, and efficient means of transporting people and products.
“We understand that we cannot discuss the transport sector's transformation without addressing the exclusion of our youth, particularly girls and women, who continue to face devastating and discouraging unemployment and the risk of poverty and violence in our society.”
Urban planning
In light of the accelerated urbanisation expected over the next few years, Mashatile told attendees that governments and cities must prioritise urban planning policies that are responsive to changes.
“There is no doubt that the need for the transportation of both people and goods will always exist and is, in most aspects, one of the few ways in which economic development occurs.”
According to Deputy President Mashatile Africa must seize the opportunities presented by technology to enhance the efficacy and sustainability of our transport systems.
“This is because major cities, such as Lagos, Nairobi, and Johannesburg, face significant challenges in heavy congestion, overcrowded public transport systems, poor traffic management, and overall inefficient public transportation systems.”
He has since called for more imaginative mobility solutions that can leverage technology to optimise routes, reduce traffic congestion, and use data to provide real-time information to commuters.
The Deputy President believes that this could transportation networks’ overall efficiency and reliability and will go a long way towards the development aspirations and efforts.
“In addition, smart mobility solutions can have a significantly positive impact on the environment.”
By transitioning to electric vehicles and adopting clean energy sources, he said the continent can reduce carbon emissions and contribute towards achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
New energy vehicles
The State, according to the Deputy President, remains committed to supporting and investing in the expansion and development of new and existing manufacturing plants to support the production of new energy vehicles (NEVs) components and grow employment in the automotive sector.
Investing in the NEV, he said, also contributes to the decarbonisation of road transport.
African trade
Shifting his focus to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Deputy President Mashatile said the continent should address the inconsistent and inefficient goods and logistics services that have long impeded intra-African trade and commerce.
“In addition, through this agreement, we will address the high customs delay times, lack of paved roadways on which goods can be conveyed, and more significant loss of goods due to limited cold chains compared to other global regions.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 10/03/2023 - 10:07
Govt considers vaccination to contain the spread of avian influenza
The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development is looking at the possibility of a vaccination to contain the spread and impact of avian influenza.
Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Minister, Thoko Didiza, met with the retailers on Monday to discuss the impact of avian influenza, also known as ‘avian flu’ or ‘bird flu’, in South Africa.
This follows a meeting held with the South African Poultry Association last Friday and engagements that have been taking place between government officials and the industry.
During the meeting, Didiza briefed retailers on the containment measures that have been taken to limit the spread of the disease, as well as possible solutions to manage such outbreaks in the short and the medium-term, including vaccinations.
“It was evident from [Monday’s] engagement that the main challenge is primarily on the egg production side, where there are supply constraints in some regions of the country. In response to this challenge, the Minister is focusing on measures to improve the availability of egg supply to consumers and simultaneously putting measures to contain the spread of the disease.
“Moreover, the Minister is embarking on the efficiency improvement in issuing import permits for egg products to ensure sufficient supplies for consumers. In addition, the Minister is looking at the possibility of vaccination and currently reviewing applications by various suppliers,” the department said in a statement.
On the broiler side, Didiza and Trade, Industry and Competition Minister, Ebrahim Patel, are assessing some trade instruments to ease the supply of chicken meat.
According to the statement issued by the department last week, as of 21 September 2023, a total of 50 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H7 outbreaks and 10 HPAI H5 outbreaks have been reported in the country, with 37 HPAI H7 cases confirmed in Gauteng.
The number of chickens that have died is 107 705, while the reported number of chickens that were culled is 1 318 521.
“Based on these reported figures, there has been a total loss of 1 426 226 chickens,” the department said.
The reported number of chickens that have died of HPAI H5 is 98 249, while the reported number of chickens that were culled is 1 156 283, bringing the total loss of 1 254 532 chickens. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 10/03/2023 - 10:11
October 3, 2023: Condé Nast Traveler today announced the results of its annual Readers’ Choice Awards. Samara Karoo Reserve, near Graaff-Reinet in the Eastern Cape’s Great Karoo region and home to the Big Five, over 60 mammal species and 225 bird species, was recognised in the Top 15 Resorts in South Africa. The Readers’ Choice …
Finance minister meets with PSC to discuss range of issues
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has met with the Public Service Commission (PSC) leadership on Monday to discuss a range of issues.
The PSC delegation was led by the Commission’s chairperson, Professor Somadoda Fikeni.
The Public Service Commission has the key mandate of promoting constitutional values and principles of public administration in the public service, while also evaluating and investigating public administration practices.
Godongwana recognised the role played by an effective public service in supporting economic development, and added that consequence management should form part of the performance agreements of senior managers in the public service.
The Commission raised a number of issues in the area of building state capacity such as passing of the PSC Bill which aims to strengthen the independence of the PSC as well as expansion of the PSC’s oversight role to local government and state owned entities, the need to professionalise the public service, addressing inefficiencies that are costing the state hundreds of millions of rand, regulatory burden and red tape that can have a negative impact on economic activity, as well as the effectiveness and efficiency of government to deliver prompt and quality services.
The Commission also reiterated their willingness to partner with government to address the inefficiencies that are debilitating state coffers.
Minister Godongwana agreed that state capacity needed to be improved and that professionalising the public service would save the state millions of rand.
“The work you are doing is commendable and it will require a mobilisation of political support and I am happy to give you that support,” Godongwana said.
The Minister undertook to continue engagements with constitutional institutions supporting democracy such as the PSC and encouraged them to hold workshops to ensure that officials know how they operate so that they are assisted to do their work. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 10/03/2023 - 10:14
In the age of smart homes and IoT (Internet of Things), the way we interact with our living spaces has transformed dramatically. One of the most significant advancements in this domain is the introduction of smart switches. These innovative devices have redefined convenience, energy efficiency, and home aesthetics. Why Consider Smart Light Switches? The …
Union says nurses will work in their own clothes if uniform allowance is not sorted out
The International Cricket Council (ICC) announces India legend and Bharat Ratna Sachin Tendulkar as the Global Ambassador for the Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 with just two days to go until the pinnacle event of the one-day game gets underway. The Master Blaster, who has an enviable record of featuring in six 50 over World …
Choose Life Beach – a full-time private specialist addiction recovery clinic in Widenham, Umkomaas near Durban – opened its doors to the public and medical fraternity for the first time during a Wellness Day on October 1. This is the newest rehabilitation centre to be added to a group of facilities owned by the respected …
There were some lapses in concentration and poor play in their victory over the Zimbabwean Under-20s in East London on Tuesday, but Junior Springbok Women head coach Laurian Johannes-Haupt was pleased with the overall effort by her squad and feels that a number of players showed good promise in this pathway to the Springbok Women …
ACTOM rolls out R100m investment in plant expansion
ACTOM, a major supplier of electrical equipment, services and balance of plant to the renewable energy sector, is rolling out a R100 million investment in plant expansion in Pretoria.
The investment was announced as one of the pledges worth billions of rands that were made at the fifth South African Investment Conference held in Johannesburg in April this year.
This contributed to bringing the total value of investment pledges over a five-year investment mobilisation period to R1.51 trillion, thereby exceeding the initial target of R1.2 trillion set by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
According to the Group Chief Executive Officer, Mervyn Naidoo, ACTOM is a well-positioned South African company that provides energy solutions through its businesses and partners.
He said they offer market-leading technology and advanced products to address the issues facing the electro-mechanical industry, from large-scale infrastructure installations to smaller projects and support services.
“We are a leading stockist and supplier of competitively priced quality electrical equipment through our extensive Southern and Sub-Saharan African distribution network comprising13 branches across the country,” Naidoo said.
“We have earnestly started expanding our plant and this will contribute to growing the economy of Gauteng in particular, and the country in general, by building local capacity in manufacturing in the electro-mechanical equipment,” he said.
He said the company made the R100 million investment with an intention of taking advantage of some of the growing sectors like the renewable energy, and for contributing to creating jobs.
The expansion of the Pretoria plant will result in 30 people being employed.
The company is employing more than 7 000 people in their 34 operating units, 53 production, service and repair facilities and more than 33 distribution outlets throughout Southern Africa. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 10/03/2023 - 11:04
With the warmer weather finally gracing us with its presence, who says you have to put away your denims? G-Star RAW has debuted their new Kairori 3D slim jeans just in time for all your Spring festivities. The inspiration Revered motocross racer Tony Cairoli is the muse behind the collection’s name – with his career …
President honours SA Special Olympics Team
President Cyril Ramaphosa has commended the outstanding performance of South Africa’s national team, which excelled at this year’s Special Olympics World Games.
Competing against 7 000 athletes from over 180 countries at the Special Olympics World Games in Germany in June 2023, the national team returned with 22 gold, 20 silver and seven bronze medals.
Special Olympics is a global movement of people creating a new world of inclusion and community, where every person is welcome, regardless of ability or disability.
“Our success in the Special Olympics shows what happens when government and civil society – represented here by Special Olympics South Africa – work together to ensure that we leave no one behind.
“South Africa is honoured to be one of the first countries to support the Special Olympics Global Leadership Coalition for Inclusion, which reflects our commitment to the inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities in all areas of our society,” the President said on Tuesday.
Having hosted a number of national teams at the Union Buildings as part of government’s celebration for outstanding achievements by athletes in various sporting codes, the President expressed pride in Team South Africa’s performance.
“We are proud that Team South Africa flew the flag for social inclusion and the advancement of human rights, which are a hallmark of the nation we have built during nearly 30 years of freedom.
“Team South Africa are heroes we can look up to and be inspired by in athletic arenas and in every walk of life in our country. May our commitment to inclusion as a nation shine as brightly as the achievements of our Special Olympics Team,” President Ramaphosa said.
He said the team’s dedication, perseverance and unwavering commitment to their sport has not only brought glory to the nation but it has also shattered the barriers that once confined them.
The team is being led by Chairperson of Special Olympics South Africa, Dr Mathews Phosa, who was recently honoured at the 19th Special Olympics Africa Leadership Conference in Addis Ababa.
“With such a hard-working and distinguished captain at the helm of Special Olympics South Africa we can only expect even greater things from Team South Africa,” the President said.
Phosa spoke about the importance of the inclusion of people with an intellectual disability.
“Our athletes want to be heard and they demand inclusion, respect and equal opportunities. They declare that they are here to show the world their talents and abilities. They deserve nothing else but our unwavering support,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Tue, 10/03/2023 - 13:06
When facing addiction, one of the most critical decisions an individual or their loved ones can make is selecting the right rehabilitation centre. With numerous options available, it’s essential to find a facility that offers personalized care, a holistic approach, and a supportive environment. Why Rehabilitation Matters Addiction is a complex issue that affects …