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Nzimande visits Japan to strengthen hydrogen economy cooperation 

Location: News

Nzimande visits Japan to strengthen hydrogen economy cooperation 

The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande, is leading a delegation to Tokyo, Japan, as part of efforts to build a hydrogen economy in South Africa. 

The engagements will profile the work of the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) in hydrogen energy, and promote collaboration, investment and innovation in support of the deployment of hydrogen at scale, as envisaged in the Hydrogen Society Roadmap for South Africa. 

The roadmap, launched by the DSI in 2022, is a national coordinating framework to facilitate the integration of hydrogen-related technologies in various sectors of the South African economy, a vital part of stimulating economic growth, in line with the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan. 

“Establishing a manufacturing sector for hydrogen products and components is one of the roadmap's key outcomes,” the department said. 

The engagements kick-started on Monday, 25 September, with Minister Nzimande and the delegation participating in the Tokyo GX Week Plenary Session. 

The GX Plenary is hosted by Japan's Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), Yasutoshi Nishimura, as part of the Tokyo GX Week 2023. 

Tokyo GX Week, according to the DSI, aims to accelerate efforts towards net zero emissions. 

“The programme of international meetings related to energy and the environment aims to achieve green transformation (GX), moving countries away from fossil fuel-dependent economic, social and industrial structures, towards clean energy that will lead to economic growth and development, as well as reduced greenhouse gas emissions.” 

The Minister will also address the 6th Hydrogen Energy Ministerial Meeting, which will be attended by Ministers and world leaders in the energy and environment fields in both the private and the public sectors. 

Today, the DSI will host a South Africa-Japan workshop with the Japan External Trade Organisation. 

The aim of the workshop, the department said, is for South African and Japanese entities to discuss putting together a large-scale demonstration project on hydrogen. 

“Minister Nzimande and Mr Nishimura are expected to sign a memorandum of cooperation between the DSI and METI to facilitate cooperation on developing a sustainable and affordable hydrogen and ammonia supply chain.” 

“The two countries have a shared recognition that this is key to achieving net zero emissions,” said the DSI.

South Africa and Japan have a longstanding relationship and common interests in science, technology and innovation (STI). 

Bilateral cooperation in STI between the two countries has been growing steadily since the agreement on STI in 2003. 

The engagements will continue until 27 September. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Gabisile
Tue, 09/26/2023 - 10:12

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MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko on observing World Pharmacist Day

Location: News

Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH), South Africa
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As the country observers World Pharmacist Day, the Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko has paid tribute to pharmacy professionals saying that they play a critical role in patient care and in improving health outcomes.

September is Pharmacy Month in South Africa and culminates in the annual World Pharmacist Day on 25 September. This year's theme is: "Pharmacy strengthening health systems”.

The focus of the month has been on promoting health education, providing access to primary healthcare and vaccines and empowering patients on antimicrobial stewardship and encouraging them to approach their pharmacist for their medication queries.

“Pharmacists contribute significantly to the achievement of the sustainable development goal number 3, by ensuring medicine availability for non- communicable and communicable diseases. They are part of a multidisciplinary approach to achieve better health outcomes. They ensure that the right medicine is given to the right patient, at the right time, for the right condition, and at the most cost-effective price,” explains MEC Nkomo- Ralehoko.

Pharmacists play a leading role in ensuring that the Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) maintains 96% medicine availability within public health facilities, and they remain a resource that should be utilised optimally to promote healthcare for patients and to also strengthen the health system.

World Pharmacist Day continue to be celebrated annually since its inception at the 2009 International Pharmaceutical Federation Congress held in

Istanbul, Turkey and has allowed pharmacist through practice and emerging innovation to support the futuristic health care needs of the health system.

During October 2023, the GDoH will host its Annual Pharmacy Managers Conference, under the theme: “Pharmacy Resilience in an era of disruption: What can we do differently”. This is aimed at addressing the role of pharmacy in strengthening health outcomes, in the rollout of the National Health Insurance and pharmacy technology in advancing the pharmacy profession and the risk of not preparing today for tomorrow.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH), South Africa.

Read moreMEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko on observing World Pharmacist Day

How to Check an Electrician’s Registration AND the Validity of Your CoC

Location: MyPR

First of all you will need to directly ask your electrician if he/she is a registered master or installation electrician and for their registration numbers for themselves and their business. To verify the above, you can: Visit the website of the Electrical Conformance Board of South Africa (ECBSA) – https://electrician.org.za/ – and search for your …

Read moreHow to Check an Electrician’s Registration AND the Validity of Your CoC

New PRIME Hydration Strawberry Watermelon flavour available exclusively at Checkers

Location: MyPR

New PRIME Hydration Strawberry Watermelon flavour available exclusively at Checkers South African fans of the sought-after drink, PRIME, can look forward to an exciting new addition to the hydration range with Strawberry Watermelon launching exclusively at Checkers on Thursday, 28 September 2023. Bursting with the taste of summer fruit, this bright pink hydration sensation will …

Read moreNew PRIME Hydration Strawberry Watermelon flavour available exclusively at Checkers

Dharmasena And Menon To Officiate At ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 Opener

Location: Sport

Kumar Dharmasena and Nitin Menon will be the on-field umpires for the opening match of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 between England and New Zealand. The group stage clash, a repeat of the unforgettable final four years ago, will see Dharmasena and Menon joined by TV umpire Paul Wilson, fourth umpire Shahid Saikat …

Read moreDharmasena And Menon To Officiate At ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 Opener

Chris Pappas To The Rescue

Location: News

Dear Editor Democratic Alliance Federal leader John Steenhuisen today announced uMngeni mayor Chris Pappas as the DA’s KZN premier candidate for the 2024 national election. Making the announcement on the steps of the Durban City Hall, Steenhuisen said that Pappas is a dynamic young leader who walks the walk and has made the uMngeni municipality …

Read moreChris Pappas To The Rescue

Suzuki Gathering Rocks Clarens With a New Guiness World Record

Location: Business

Visitors to the Eastern Free State were treated to a unique sight this weekend as hundreds upon hundreds of Suzuki Jimnys descended on Clarens for the biggest Suzuki festival ever. The compact 4x4s and their owners travelled from across Southern Africa to Langkranz Farm just outside Clarens to attend the first ever Suzuki Safari Town …

Read moreSuzuki Gathering Rocks Clarens With a New Guiness World Record

Weltevrede doubles the Philip Jonker Cap Classique Collection

Location: MyPR

Weltevrede Wine Estate outside Bonnievale in the Robertson Valley is known for specialising in Chardonnay and Cap Classique and offering world-class underground tours namely Captivated by Chardonnay and Captivated by Cap Classique. These Weltevrede tours were awarded Most Innovative Wine Tasting Experience in the World by Great Wine Capitals. The Weltevrede Philip Jonker Brut was …

Read moreWeltevrede doubles the Philip Jonker Cap Classique Collection

Maximizing Space and Style: The Comprehensive Guide to Bunk Beds

Location: MyPR

In an era where urban living often means tighter spaces, the need for multifunctional furniture becomes paramount. Bunk beds, with their space-saving design, stand out as a versatile solution. But they’re more than just a practical choice. Explore top-quality bunk bed options and dive into a blend of style, functionality, and a touch of fun. Material Matters: …

Read moreMaximizing Space and Style: The Comprehensive Guide to Bunk Beds

Nkhasi and Desta set recent Absa RUSH YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K Course Records

Location: MyPR

Lesotho’s Namakoe Nkhasi and Ethiopia’s Debash Desta emerged triumphant at the 2023 Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K and in the process obliterated the previous course records when they crossed the finish line at the Mary Fitzgerald Square, Newtown (Johannesburg) on Sunday 24 September (National Heritage Day) in 29 minutes 07 seconds and 33 minutes …

Read moreNkhasi and Desta set recent Absa RUSH YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K Course Records

Work underway to resolve KZN water woes

Location: News

Work underway to resolve KZN water woes

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) says it is working tirelessly to assist municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal that are facing water challenges.

This after the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) released its final report and recommendations following an investigation into water challenges in that province.

“The challenges are known to the department, and the Ministry of Water and Sanitation is working tirelessly to assist the municipalities in the province, which are Water Services Authorities (WSAs), to meet their constitutional obligation for water and sanitation services provision to citizens.

“The Blue, Green and No-Drop reports, released in June 2023, are regulatory and support mechanisms of the department for municipal drinking water quality, wastewater management and water conservation and demand management. [The reports] also provided evidence of the deteriorating state of water and sanitation situation in most of these municipalities.

“The department… welcomes the report and its recommendations, which align to the findings of the department. The department further acknowledges the critical task of improving the management of waste water and restoration of water quality and reliability of supply, and that this will require increasing investments, ensuring revenue sufficiency ,as well as professional and capable technical and managerial skills,” the department said in a statement on Friday.

The DWS explained the steps it is taking to address these challenges, including funding of some R7.8 billion for several water infrastructure projects.

“Through its water entity, uMngeni-uThukela Water Board, the department has also allocated nearly R2.3 billion for the following projects: Greater Mpofana Bulk Water Supply Project in uMgungundlovu District; the Maphumulo Bulk Water Supply Project in iLembe District; UMshwathi Bulk Water Supply Project servicing both uMgungundlovu and iLembe Districts, and Lower uMkhomazi Bulk Water Supply Project in eThekwini. 

“uMngeni-uThukela Water Board is also implementing a Bulk Regional Water Scheme for Alfred Duma Local Municipality in uThukela District Municipality, at an estimated cost of R5 billion.

“Earlier this year, Minister Mchunu commissioned the completed Spring Grove Water Treatment Plant in Rosetta and Bruntville Reservoir in Mooi River, in the uMgungundlovu District, KwaZulu-Natal. It is one of the largest rural-based projects to be implemented in recent years and is aimed at providing access to safe drinking water to Mpofana and uMngeni Local Municipalities,” the department said.

According to the statement, the Minister has also invoked Section 63 of the Water Services Act in uMkhanyakude District Municipality.

“This involved providing strong support and direction to the municipality regarding the management, operation and maintenance of its water and sanitation infrastructure in order to restore services within the district.

“The uMkhanyakude District’s multibillion rand water projects include the Greater Ingwavuma Bulk Water Supply Scheme in Jozini Local Municipality, which will supply Jozin, Big Five Hlabisa and Mtubatuba municipalities, and the Mtikini Water Supply Scheme in Umhlabuyalingana Local Municipality, which will supply safe drinking water to the communities of Skhemelele, Mtikini and eScabazini.

“Ugu District Municipality has also been experiencing difficulties with water and sanitation service delivery, due to old and strained infrastructure and growing demand, exacerbated by illegal connections and vandalism. To address this, the department has allocated R150 million from the WSIG to the district in order to address immediate challenges,” the statement read.

Other steps taken by the department include:

  • Establishing a water partnerships office within the Development Bank of Southern Africa  “to encourage and stimulate strategic partnerships with the private sector to invest in water infrastructure”.
  • Reconfiguring water boards “to enable them to give more support to the under-capacitated WSAs”.
  • Establishing the uPongola-Mzimkulu Catchment Management Agency (CMA), which will be tasked with decentralised water resource management and the protection of all rivers in KwaZulu-Natal.
  • A notice has been gazetted to transform the existing Irrigation Boards to Water User Associations, in terms of Section 98 of the National Water Act.

“While all the support provided above is necessary, it is not sufficient to reverse the decline in water services. There is also a need for legislative reform, and the department will shortly be gazetting an amended Water Services Act, which will strengthen and clarify the role of municipalities as Water Services Authorities to ensure that Water Service Providers provide water services in accordance with minimum norms and standards.

“The amendments will also enable the national department to intervene more decisively a last resort when municipalities fail to respond to directives to address deficiencies in the provision of water and sanitation services,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Sun, 09/24/2023 - 14:42

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Read moreWork underway to resolve KZN water woes

Have your say on draft conservation policy

Location: News

Have your say on draft conservation policy

Members of the public are invited to submit their comments on the draft Policy Position on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Elephant, Lion, Leopard and Rhinoceros.

This after the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Barbara Creecy, published the draft policy in the Government Gazette.

“The draft Policy Position is informed by the White Paper on Conservation and Sustainable Use of South Africa’s Biodiversity, which was published for implementation on 14 June 2023, under Government Notice No. 3537, Government Gazette, No. 48785; the High Level Panel (HLP) report; the recommendations of the Committee of Inquiry (CoI) that was appointed to advise on the possibility of proposing legal interventions on international trade in rhino horn to the 17th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), and the Colloquium Report on captive lion breeding for hunting.

“The draft Policy Position focuses primarily on correcting unsustainable practices, promoting conservation and sustainable use of the five species (elephant, lion leopard, black and white rhinoceros), and providing policy direction for international commercial trade,” the department said.

According to the department, the draft policy proposes “three conservation and sustainable use policy objectives to enhance species management”, as well as three international commercial trade-related policy objectives.

These are:

  •  To end the captive keeping of lions for commercial purposes and close captive lion facilities, put a halt to the intensive breeding of lion in controlled environments, and end the commercial exploitation of captive and captive-bred lions.
  • To phase out the domestication and intensification of management of rhinoceros.
  • To enhance the conservation and sustainable use of leopard.
  • To promote live export of the five species only to range States or any other appropriate and acceptable destinations with suitable habitats on the African continent.
  • South Africa will work with range States to support a proposal for international commercial trade in rhinoceros horn from protected wild rhinoceros, for conservation purposes, when conditions become favourable.
  • Consider international commercial elephant ivory trade only when conditions become favourable.

Members of the public are invited to submit, within thirty (30) days from the date of publication of this Notice in the Government Gazette or in the newspaper, whichever date is the last date, written comments to this Notice, to any of the following addresses: 

By mail: The Director-General: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment

Attention: Dr Tsepang Makholela

                        Private Bag X447

                        PRETORIA

                        0001

By hand at: Environment House, 473 Steve Biko Street, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0001

By e-mail to: policyposition@dffe.gov.za 

Any inquiries in connection with this notice or in connection with obtaining a copy of the Socio-Economic Impact Assessment Study (SEIAS) on the draft Policy Position, can be directed to Dr Tsepang Makholela at 071 608 4556. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Sun, 09/24/2023 - 15:09

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Read moreHave your say on draft conservation policy

UIF task team to intervene in Belville Labour Centre

Location: News

UIF task team to intervene in Belville Labour Centre

The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) has dispatched a task team to the Bellville Labour Centre to intervene in concerns that have come to light through a media article about UIF payments and related matters at the centre.

UIF Commissioner Teboho Maruping said on Friday: “We need to have a thorough understanding of the specific issues on the ground so that we can intervene swiftly. It bothers me when I hear that workers are struggling to get what is due to them. Whatever the issue, it will be addressed. I will take it upon myself to see to it.”

The fund said the task team, which is from the UIF head office in Pretoria, is expected to “establish facts and submit a report to [Maruping] within a week”.

“In recent times, the UIF has introduced various mechanisms to improve customer experience, including mobile buses, queue management, kiosks, online application platforms, free Wi-Fi at all labour centres, a data free mobile application, as well as a free USSD platform that can be used on any mobile device from anywhere,” the fund said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Sun, 09/24/2023 - 14:52

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Heritage Day celebrates SA’s rich tapestry of cultures

Location: News

Heritage Day celebrates SA's rich tapestry of cultures

Heritage Month is an opportunity for all South Africans to reconnect with their roots and celebrate cultural diversity.

This is according to Deputy President Paul Mashatile, who was delivering the keynote address at this year’s Heritage Day celebrations at Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaZulu-Natal.

“Today’s celebrations take place under the theme, ‘Celebrating our cultural diversity in a democratic South Africa’, an important theme that tasks us to reflect on our democratic journey, and also embrace the complexities that come with nation building and social cohesion in the context of our past, present and future.

“[Our] theme shines the spotlight on South Africa’s rich and diverse cultural heritage incorporating African, Asian and European cultures and traditions. The preamble of the 1996 Constitution reminds us that South Africa belongs to all who live in it, united in our diversity, and calls upon us to heal past divisions and establish a society based on democratic values, social justice and fundamental human rights,” he said.

The Deputy President reflected on South Africa’s painful past, in which some cultural heritage and practices were “marginalised and demonised by colonisers”.

“We all know that many tribulations underscore our history because of both colonialism and apartheid, but also the triumph of the people against these oppressive regimes is noteworthy. Ours is a unique history that has inspired many nations towards embracing unity and diversity, and showing that difference can be a platform for development and not destruction and divisions.

“People of South Africa, our democratic country, as we know it, emerged from centuries of colonialism and apartheid that ensured that social groups were hierarchically graded, and that some had a heritage that was not freely appreciated and promoted.

“The cultural heritage of people indigenous to South Africa was in the past marginalised and demonised by colonisers, with this also affecting critical aspects of our traditions and heritage linked to land ownership, language use, livelihoods and social structures,” he said.

Mashatile said that despite this past, South Africa’s young democracy has seen significant gains.

“In democratising the heritage landscape after 1994, it has thus been very important to recognise, rehumanise and celebrate the significance of our diverse living heritage, safeguard it for future generations and harness it as the basis for social cohesion and nation building.

“We are here to acknowledge and celebrate South Africa’s diverse heritage, which is being showcased and highlighted throughout September. Heritage Month holds immense cultural significance in South Africa, as it provides a platform for communities to celebrate and display their unique traditions, customs and languages.

“This celebration of cultural diversity not only strengthens the identities of various communities but also helps preserve and promote their heritage for future generations. It provides an opportunity for our people to reconnect with their roots, honour their ancestors, and pass on important cultural practices and values,” Mashatile said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Sun, 09/24/2023 - 12:57

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Read moreHeritage Day celebrates SA’s rich tapestry of cultures

38-26

Location: Sport

The Springbok Women showed good progress over the last five weeks, learned valuable lessons on their way and will enter next month’s WXV 2 tournament well prepared and as ready as can be. That is the view of interim head coach Louis Koen after the Springbok Women completed their final preparation camp with a match …

Read more38-26

Outsource AHS vaccine production

Location: News

Dear Editor This past week the DA met with the horse farming community members in Kyalami to hear their concerns regarding African horse sickness (AHS) vaccine shortages and provide them with feedback on what the DA has done to solve their problems. This public meeting was also attended by Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP) Chief Executive …

Read moreOutsource AHS vaccine production

Final Call For Chemical Industry Business Accelerator Applications

Location: MyPR

Is your company classified as a small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) with the potential to make significant contributions to the chemical industry? If so, the clock is ticking, and the window of opportunity to participate in the highly anticipated 2023 Durban Chemicals Cluster (DCC) Business Accelerator is closing fast! This transformative initiative, now in its …

Read moreFinal Call For Chemical Industry Business Accelerator Applications