CSA And The Sporting Chance Foundation Rally Behind Team Sa For SCCWC
JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) has shared in the joy to be part of team South Africa (SA) in the Street...
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Deadline Extended for Public Input on National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Bill
The Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services has extended the deadline for written submissions on the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Amendment Bill, which seeks to provide for the permanent establishment of the Investigating Directorate against Corruption. The new deadline is now 13 October 2023.
Committee Chairperson Mr Bulelani Magwanishe said the purpose of the Bill is, among other things, to amend the National Prosecuting Authority Act, 1998, to provide for the establishment of the Investigating Directorate against Corruption. The Bill will also propose that its powers and functions are to provide for the appointment of investigators in the Investigating Directorate against Corruption, to provide for the appointment of investigators, to provide for the security screening of investigators, and to provide for the remuneration and conditions of service of investigators.
The Bill further aims to provide for the establishment of a mechanism to deal with complaints of a serious nature pertaining to persons appointed at or assigned to an investigating directorate, to provide for the powers and functions of investigators and to provide for transitional arrangements relating to the existing ID to become part of the Investigating Directorate against Corruption.
Mr Magwanishe said the Bill also seeks to amend the Regulation of Interception of Communications and Provision of Communication-Related Information Act, 2002, so as to make provision for applications for directions in terms of that Act by the head of the Investigating Directorate against Corruption.
Submissions must be received by no later than 13 October 2023. Please indicate your interest in making a verbal presentation. Enquiries must be directed to Mr V Ramaano. Submissions must be emailed to Npabill@parliament.gov.za. Copies of the Bill may be obtained from Mr V Ramaano, Cell 083 709 8427 or www.parliament.gov.za
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
Inaugural Bi-National Commission deepens South Africa, Lesotho ties
Inaugural Bi-National Commission deepens South Africa, Lesotho ties
South Africa and the Kingdom of Lesotho have held frank and fruitful bilateral discussions on wide ranging issues during the Inaugural Session of the South Africa – Lesotho Bi-National Commission (BNC).
This according to President Cyril Ramaphosa, who hosted his counterpart, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Lesotho Ntsokoane Matekane and that country’s delegation for the BNC in Pretoria on Thursday.
President Ramaphosa described the BNC as a “great opportunity to take stock of our bilateral relations as well as cooperation in a number of fields”.
“We have now come to the end of our inaugural bi-national where we’ve held outstanding deliberations between our two countries. Deliberations that have been frank and direct and in many ways also very fruitful. We’ve covered a lot of ground.
“We remain forever grateful for the strong ties that exist between our countries and peoples. The work we have just completed is the continuation of our endeavours towards the realisation of our shared aspirations,” President Ramaphosa said.
The BNC was attended by Ministers and senior government officials from both countries who – preceding Thursday’s summit – discussed matters including water, energy, crime, environmental issues, trade and economic challenges affecting both countries.
“The comprehensive report that was presented by our respective Ministers captures the real essence and the state of our bilateral cooperation in detail and this in itself speaks of the healthy relationship between the two countries.
“A relationship that continues to broaden and deepens…encompassing a whole number of new areas as the world continues to develop,” President Ramaphosa said.
He impressed upon officials and Ministers at the BNC the importance of ensuring that existing agreements entered into between the two governments are implemented.
“We emerge from this Inaugural BNC with renewed energy and vigour for the task of building our economies and developing our two nations. We should use this mechanism of the Bi-National Commission…to enhance and consolidate the implementation of existing agreements to ensure that those agreements are not just put on the shelf and…forever not to be seen again.
“We want the agreements that we have entered into to be live agreements and to be agreements that are fully and properly implemented,” he said.
Concluding his remarks, President Ramaphosa reflected on the mutual future that the two nations have.
“Just as our two countries share common histories, so too do we share a common future.
“So we are bound together to work together to build a sustainable and a prosperous as well secure future for all the people of South Africa and the Kingdom of Lesotho,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 09/28/2023 - 14:34
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Protesters block Bantom Road, Kariega amid five-day power outage
Nelson Mandela Bay councillor says many homes were plunged into dark after an explosion at the Mabandla substation
Mopani Residents Support Proposal to Increase Number of Electricity Companies
A proposal in the Electricity Regulation Amendment Bill to open the market to allow for competitive electricity trading received strong support during public hearings on the Bill in Limpopo's Mopani District Municipality yesterday.
The Portfolio Committee on Mineral Resources and Energy held public hearings yesterday at Thomo Community Hall in Giyani to solicit views on the Bill, which seeks to introduce reforms in electricity generation in order to address South Africa's current energy crisis.
Residents supporting the Bill told the committee that the proposed amendments would augment electricity generation and ensure the country's security of energy supply. They also said that Eskom must compete with other companies in the electricity generation sector,as in the telecommunications sector, where state enterprise Telkom competes with the private sector.
Others raised concerns that the opening of the market to allow for competitive electricity trading will result in high prices, which will disadvantage the poor. There were also those who argued that this was an attempt to sell Eskom to the private sector and it must not be allowed to continue. Other citizens told the committee that they are not convinced that Eskom does not have capacity, nor do they believe it needs assistance from private power generators; they argued that the state electricity company is just poorly managed.
Committee Chairperson Mr Sahlulele Luzipo thanked the people of Mopani and commended them for speaking to exactly what the Bill is about. “We take your views very seriously; no input is less important. We understand that this is a very emotive and serious matter in our society and your views are important for this process to review or amend the legislation,” said the Chairperson.
The Electricity Regulation Amendment Bill aims to effect changes to the Electricity Regulation Act in order to provide for additional electricity generation capacity and infrastructure, as well as the establishment of the Transmission System Operator SOC Ltd.
The draft legislation also seeks an open market platform that will allow for competitive electricity trading; and to assign the duties, powers and functions of the Transmission System Operator SOC Ltd to the National Transmission Company South Africa SOC Ltd.
Today, the committee will continue with public hearings in Sekhukhune District Municipality at ELCSA Lutheran Church in Motetema, starting at 10h00.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
Squad Named For Scottish Building Society Pre-Season Series Opener
Edinburgh Rugby today announced the squad for tomorrow night’s Scottish Building Society Pre-Season Series opener against Connacht at Hive Stadium (Friday 29 September, kick-off 7.30pm). The match sees new Senior Coach Sean Everitt take charge for the first time since being appointed in July as Edinburgh Rugby kick-off the first of two pre-season fixtures at …
Winging It For Club And Country
Duhan van der Merwe against Mack Hansen is shaping as one of the big individual matchups when Scotland play Ireland at the Rugby World Cup. It’s Edinburgh versus Connacht and it’s going to be a clash of two styles and two cultures. Scotland will play Romania before taking on Ireland in their final Pool match, …
Zondo remarks raise serious concerns
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Government must scrap chicken import tariffs
Dear Editor The poultry sector is currently battling one of the most severe outbreaks of avian influenza in South African history. This compounds to pressures already faced by food producers due to the ongoing loadshedding crisis. Both have already separately negatively impacted the industry but together they created substantial operational challenges throughout the entire poultry …
NSRI’s Weekend to Remember
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Scotland team named for Spain test
Scotland Women Head Coach Bryan Easson has named his side to face Spain in this Saturday’s Autumn Test fixture at Hive Stadium, Edinburgh (kick-off 5.45pm) – live on scottishrugby.org. Easson has opted for consistency in his selection, with 13 of the starting line-up having played in Scotland’s last match of the TikTok Women’s Six Nations …
Harris to lead DHL Stormers
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‘No longer the Party of Nelson Mandela’
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SA to participate in international agriculture exhibition
SA to participate in international agriculture exhibition
South Africa is to participate in the sixth International Exhibition of Agriculture and Animal Resources to be held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
Known as the Salon International de l’agriculture et des Resources Animales (SARA), the bi-annual event brings together the agricultural expertise present in Ivory Coast, the sub-region and the world.
SARA aims to promote agriculture products, livestock farming, fishing, forestry, and the agro-food industry.
Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Deputy Minister, Mcebisi Skwatsha, will attend the sixth edition of SARA, taking place from 29 September to 08 October 2023.
The department said the event is a pragmatic implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) through inter-regional and inter-country value chains development.
“Various stakeholders across the South African agriculture fraternity will spearhead South Africa’s exhibition during the Abidjan Fair. This will promote technical and technological expertise and richness of our local products.
“Furthermore, it will expose South Africa’s small producers to the international market system,” the department said in a statement.
The event will be held under the theme “African Agriculture facing the challenges of internal and external shocks: What structural innovations to improve the agricultural sectors and guarantee the food sovereignty of our countries?” – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 09/28/2023 - 13:24
194 views
Transform Your Home Experience with the Accurate Smart Home and Control Scheme
Smart home technology is redefining how we live, turning our residences into intelligent spaces that make daily life easier and more enjoyable. From managing lighting to automating your entertainment systems, smart home technologies offer endless possibilities. However, choosing the right brand for your smart home and control system is crucial for a seamless, intuitive experience. …
Transform Your Living Space into a Home Cinema Paradise
A home cinema can provide an unparalleled entertainment experience right in the comfort of your own home. From the visceral thrill of an action-packed movie to the intimate setting of a dramatic film, the right home cinema setup can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the brands that are pushing …
Cabinet approves revised game meat strategy for South Africa
Cabinet approves revised game meat strategy for South Africa
Cabinet has approved the implementation of the Revised Game Meat Strategy for South Africa, which seeks to formalise and transform the game meat industry.
Briefing the media in Pretoria on the outcomes of Cabinet meeting on Thursday, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said the strategy is also designed to contribute towards food security for the country.
“It aims to strengthen the game meat sector as both provider of food security and an economic growth sector that can help create job opportunities,” Ntshavheni said.
South Africa is ranked number one on the African continent for game meat production and therefore, said the Minister, needs to take full advantage of the economic opportunities that the sector provides.
“Ultimately, the strategy seeks to ensure the creation of 202 666 sustainable jobs in the game meat industry by 2030.”
The strategy will be published on the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment website at www.dffe.gov.za.
Tourism Master Plan
Cabinet has also given the go ahead for the Department of Tourism to align the Tourism Sector Recovery Plan to a new Tourism Master Plan.
An important component of the Master Plan is to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the tourism sector and provides a road map for full recovery of tourism in the country.
The Tourism Sector Recovery Plan was developed to facilitate the recovery of the sector, preserve jobs and protect livelihoods.
Ntshavheni said the Master Plan will take this work to another level and facilitate new opportunities in the sector.
“The plan proposes seven intervention strategies to ensure the tourism sector returns to its glory days and that the sector becomes the centre of job creation and entrepreneurship. These interventions include stimulating demand through rigorous campaigns, promoting South Africa internationally and cutting red tape in the processing of visas and tour operator licences.
“The tourism industry is a vital contributor to the economy and supported 725 000 jobs before COVID 19. Cabinet believes that the interventions will go a long way in restoring the role of tourism in the economy and job creation,” Ntshavheni said.
Competition Commission’s work commended
Meanwhile, Cabinet commended the work of the Competition Commission in addressing monopoly concerns in digital intermediation platforms, including ecommerce, online travel agencies, food delivery, app stores, classifieds providers and search engines.
This comes after Cabinet received a report from the Commission outlining the findings and remedial actions on the Online Intermediation Platform Market Inquiry.
Ntshavheni said Cabinet has directed Ministers of the Economic Cluster to interrogate the policy implications and recommend required policy reforms.
“Cabinet encouraged the Commission to continue its good work in enabling SME’s and previously disadvantaged people, especially Black people to actively participate in the economy of their country,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 09/28/2023 - 11:30
222 views
Bontera Spearheads Agri-Tech Innovation At International Food Security Forum The IOFS Hosts Global Innovators to Succor Stabilise the Future of Food Security
Food security remains a global challenge, and within the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) geography, this security is beset by local challenges and the adverse impacts of climate change. To address these pressing issues and pave the way for a more sustainable and secure food future, Bontera is set to take centre stage at the …
MultiChoice celebrates African finalists in The Earthshot Prize
The Earthshot Prize has announced the 15 Finalists for this year's Prize at the second Earthshot Innovation Summit (https://apo-opa.info/3ZCnC1i), an event held alongside the UN General Assembly, in partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies, to celebrate and champion innovators focused on solving our most pressing global climate challenges.
Out of over 1,100 nominations, the 15 Finalists for The Earthshot Prize stood out following a rigorous evaluation process conducted by a panel of scientific, academic, and subject-matter experts. Each of these Finalists stands a chance to win one of the five £1 million prizes designed to propel their initiatives towards greater impact. The unveiling of the five Winners will take place at the third annual Earthshot Prize awards ceremony scheduled later this year in Singapore.
Furthermore, all the Finalists will benefit from invaluable mentorship, resources, and technical support through The Earthshot Prize Fellowship Programme. This program will also provide them with access to a robust network of influential businesses, investors, and climate experts.
The Earthshot Prize revolves around five transformative 'Earthshots,' each embodying simple yet ambitious goals that represent the world we aspire to build for future generations.
In the spirit of celebrating African innovation, we are proud to highlight two remarkable finalists from the continent: Freetown the Tree Town representing Sierra Leone and ABALOBI from South Africa.
These African finalists come after Mukuru Clean Stoves, a start-up providing cleaner-burning stoves to women in Kenya to reduce unhealthy indoor pollution and provide a safer way to cook, won the coveted environmental prize during the inspirational awards ceremony hosted in Boston last year.
Freetown the Tree Town is a visionary initiative aimed at reforesting landscapes, restoring the degraded coastline of Freetown, and creating sustainable green jobs. The project meticulously tracks newly planted trees, assigning them to local tree guardians, and publicly documenting their growth, resulting in an impressively high survival rate for newly planted trees.
ABALOBI, on the other hand, is a community-centric mobile application supporting small-scale fishers in their quest for sustainable fishing practices while preventing the overfishing of at-risk species. It also enhances boat and fisher safety by providing real-time weather warnings and tracking capabilities. The initiative has already expanded its reach beyond South Africa, directly benefiting over 1,600 fishers with a substantial increase in revenue due to better access to profitable markets for sustainable species.
"We are immensely proud to see African innovation shining on the global stage through the Earthshot Prize. At MultiChoice, as a proudly African organization, we believe in the power of homegrown solutions to address the world's most pressing challenges. These African finalists exemplify that spirit, and we salute their remarkable efforts in safeguarding our planet for future generations,” says Keabetswe Modimoeng, Group Executive at MultiChoice Group.
By participating in this prestigious prize, African innovators gain a platform to showcase their solutions, inspire corporate entities to join the fight against climate change, and urge governments to prioritize climate action on their national agendas.
In addition to the chance to win the £1 million prize, all Finalists will receive tailored support and resources from The Earthshot Prize Global Alliance Members, an unprecedented network of private sector businesses worldwide dedicated to scaling innovative climate and environmental solutions to maximize their impact.
The five Winners will be carefully selected by The Earthshot Prize Council, a diverse team of influential individuals committed to leveraging their platforms to champion inspiring leadership and elevate urgent efforts to restore and regenerate our planet.
The Earthshot Prize is a truly global initiative, bringing together a diverse coalition of nominators from over 200 individuals and organizations worldwide. It encompasses a distinguished Expert Advisory Panel and The Earthshot Prize Council, comprising influential figures who wholeheartedly support positive environmental action.
The fifteen Finalists have earned their place through rigorous assessment and their potential to make a game-changing impact on a global scale, all while contributing positively to people, communities, and the natural world.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of MultiChoice Group.
MultiChoice Group Contact Details:
Litlhare Moteetee
Corporate Communications
Tel: +27 11 289 3312
Litlhare.Moteetee@Multichoice.co.za
Follow The Earthshot Prize on:
Instagram: https://apo-opa.info/3t9maY3
Twitter: https://apo-opa.info/48xVIqZ
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.info/48zXXue
Facebook: https://apo-opa.info/458AlK6
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TikTok: https://apo-opa.info/48xWiFb
About MultiChoice Group:
MultiChoice Group (MCG), which was listed in the Main Board of the JSE on 27 February 2019, is one of the fastest-growing video entertainment providers globally, delivering entertainment products and services to 23.5m households across 50 countries on the African continent. Its track record of more than 30 years is reflective of a commitment to providing audiences with only the best local, sports and international content.
MCG's strong partnerships with distributors, installers, and telecommunication companies, along with its well-established payment solutions, competitive pricing and choice of viewership packages continue to secure its place in the global market, while also providing solutions unique to the African market.
Its direct-to-home (DTH), digital terrestrial television (DTT) and over-the-top (OTT) solutions enable the business to stay relevant and aligned to changing consumer habits while capturing new markets.
Content is at the very core of the business. MCG aims to deliver quality content anywhere, anytime and on any device through a comprehensive video entertainment offering at different price points. As pioneers in African video entertainment, MCG plays an important role in making information and entertainment easily accessible to Africans.
MCG aims to secure content rights in a manner that is cost-effective and reflective of the diversity of its audiences. Its substantial portfolio includes award-winning local content (a key differentiator in its service offering), a leading sport offering (including production capabilities) and access to international content, which is all shared on the group's platforms: DStv, GOtv, Showmax, M-Net and SuperSport.
MCG has superior technology capability through the security solutions that Irdeto, its technology company, brings to the group. These solutions enable MultiChoice to protect its investment, create new offerings and combat cybercrime. With 50 years' expertise in software security, Irdeto's software security solutions and cyber services protect over 5bn devices and applications for some of the world's best brands.
About The Earthshot Prize:
Founded by Prince William and incubated in The Royal Foundation in 2020 for a year before becoming an independent platform/organization, The Earthshot Prize is a global environmental prize and platform designed to discover, accelerate and scale ground-breaking solutions to repair and regenerate the planet. Inspired by President John F. Kennedy's Moonshot, which united millions of people around the goal of reaching the moon, The Earthshot Prize aims to catalyze an Earthshot challenge to urgently encourage and scale innovative solutions that can help put the world firmly on a trajectory towards a stable climate, where communities, oceans and biodiversity thrive in harmony by 2030. The five challenges are: Protect and Restore Nature; Clean Our Air; Revive Our Oceans; Build a Waste-Free World; and Fix Our Climate.
The Prize aims to turn the current pessimism surrounding environmental issues into optimism by championing inspiring leadership and helping to scale incredible cutting-edge solutions. It will discover 50 winners over 10 years with the power to repair the planet. More than an award, The Earthshot Prize works in partnership with a Global Alliance of Partners to support the scaling of the solutions discovered and selected each year. For more information about The Earthshot Prize, visit: www.EarthshotPrize.org.
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Perfect Audio Brand
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Cabinet approves Draft Water Services Amendment Bill
Cabinet approves Draft Water Services Amendment Bill
Cabinet has approved the publication of the Water Services Amendment Bill for public comment.
The Bill aims to strengthen accountability for water service providers and to introduce transparency.
“The amendments to the Water Services Act will ensure that water service providers deliver high quality water as part of their licensing conditions.
“The amendments will also address weakness that have been identified in the water services sector, and these include conflict with water services providers being both providers and regulators. The Bill sets minimum standards for the functioning of Water Services Providers, which must be enforced by Water Services Authorities,” Cabinet said.
Draft National Water Amendment Bill
Cabinet has also approved the publication of the draft National Water Amendment Bill for public comment. The Bill amends the National Water Act (Act 36 of 1998).
“These amendments will improve regulations and will ensure that the country’s water resources are well managed, protected and conserved. Once the amendments are implemented, there will be equitable allocation of water to all citizens of the country,” Cabinet said.
The Bill also makes proposals to eliminate the imbalances of the past relating to water allocation and makes provisions for effective and quicker internal dispute resolution mechanisms.
SABC Bill 2023
Cabinet has approved the submission of the SABC Bill, 2023 to Parliament.
Cabinet initially approved the Bill in 2022, however, the Office of the Chief State Law Advisor subsequently made suggestions on certain provisions of the Bill in order to align it with the constitution.
“Once passed into law, the Bill will result in the repeal of the current Broadcasting Act (Act 4 of 1999). The amendments will strengthen the efficiency of the operations of the public broadcaster. The Bill further proposes reforms in the SABC’s funding model and the TV licensing system,” Cabinet said.
The Bill encourages the SABC to align its broadcasting services with the democratic values of the Constitution and to enhance its mandate to serve citizens better. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Thu, 09/28/2023 - 11:31
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Betway SA20 And Rain Partner To Connect Fans In Season 2
rain comes on board as ‘proud 4G and 5G partner’ Wednesday, 21 September 2023: Betway SA20 and South Africa’s...