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Every year, Afrika Tikkun in collaboration with Belron International come together in a global Sporting Challenge. Last year, participants reached new heights with over 10,000 people covering over 184,751 kilometres – that’s over four times around the world! In addition, one of our young people who travelled to the United Kingdom (UK) to participate at …
The Greater Tygerberg Partnership (GTP) and mosaic artist Kerry Atherstone from Bit-by-Bit Mosaic have embarked on a vibrant mission to transform Bellville into a cleaner, safer, and more attractive haven for residents to live, work, and play. With great excitement, the GTP announces the completion of the first phase of their groundbreaking mosaic installation project, …
Langa centenary: former beauty queen Nomsa Banjatwa remembers a township abuzz with social events
“My whole life was in that shack”
Her colleague is on trial after Dumisani Joxo was shot and killed in 2022
Prince Buthelezi to be honoured with Special Official Funeral
President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared that Prince of KwaPhindangene and Traditional Prime Minister to the Zulu Monarch and Nation, Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, will be honoured with a Special Official Funeral Category 1 at Ulundi in KwaZulu-Natal.
President Ramaphosa announced Buthelezi’s passing, at the age of 95, on Saturday.
“As preparations unfold for memorial events, President Ramaphosa reiterates his deep condolences to the Royal Household as well as the friends, colleagues - including Members of Parliament - and associates nationally and internationally of the late leader.
“The State, Official and Provincial Official Funeral Policy of government accords Special Official Funerals, Category 1, to persons of extraordinary credentials specifically designated by the President of the Republic of South Africa,” the Presidency said in a statement on Tuesday.
The funeral will also entail elements of military honours.
“The President has directed that flags be flown at half-mast at flag stations around the country from today, Tuesday, 12 September 2023, until the evening of the day on which the funeral will take place,” the statement concluded.
Buthelezi served as South Africa’s first Home Affairs Minister and was the founder and President Emeritus of the Inkatha Freedom Party. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 09/12/2023 - 08:54
Embarking on the journey to build your dream home is an exhilarating experience, but one that comes with a myriad of decisions to make. From zoning laws and community layouts to specific room dimensions, it’s crucial to get your planning right. This ensures a seamless construction process and a home that truly reflects your lifestyle …
Are you in the process of building your dream home and find yourself overwhelmed by the labyrinth of options out there? You’re not alone. Planning your future abode involves understanding various critical elements, each contributing to the final result. The Importance of a Good Plan One of the most crucial steps in building a …
The Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs will recommend to the National Assembly to adopt the name of Ms Janet Love to fill a vacancy in the Electoral Commission. The vacancy arose as a result of the expiry of the term of office of the Commissioner at the end of April 2023.
The recommendation is in line with Section 6 (2) (d) of the Electoral Commission Act and follows a process led by the Chief Justice as set out in Section 6 (3) of the Act. The report by the Chief Justice indicated that as per the Act the vacancy was advertised, and the panel was not satisfied with the calibre of candidates that applied. Following the re advertisement of the vacancy 70 applications were received and of those the panel interviewed 12 candidates. The Panel then recommended eight candidates to the committee.
“Following consideration of the interview transcripts, the curriculum vitae of all recommended candidates, the committee felt that Ms Love has the right skills and institutional experience required to guide the Electoral Commission of South Africa especially now when the country will for the first-time vote for independent candidates in the Provincial and National Elections. The committee will recommend that the National Assembly adopts the name of Ms Love to serve as Commissioner of the IEC,” said Mr Mosa Chabane, the Chairperson of the committee.
Meanwhile, the committee has considered and adopted a report on the determination of remuneration of the Members of the Electoral Commission for the 2022/23 financial year as determined by the President as per Section 7 (2) of the Electoral Act. The committee concurred with the President that a retrospective salary increase of 3% be implemented for the Chairperson and other full-time Commissioners.
The committee also received an update on the roll-out of the Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) and has urged the Department of Home Affairs to resolve the impasse with the service provider regarding levied penalties implemented by the department on missed deadlines. The committee remains of the view that all service providers must also be kept accountable for delayed projects. The committee welcomes the assurance that the project tests are underway, and that the department is working with the service provider to ensure stability of the system. ABIS is a modern IT system based on commodity hardware designed to be run as a critical service without interruptions. It promises many possibilities in identity management while speaking to the type of Home Affairs of the future.
Furthermore, the committee welcomes the implementation of consequence management against 6 individuals identified to be in the wrong with regard to the contract. While the committee acknowledges that the internal disciplinary processes are sometimes lengthy, the it has urged for the speedy conclusion of the process to ensure that people are held accountable.
The committee has recommitted to focused oversight on the programme to ensure that all clients of the department benefit from the system.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
Nangamso Matebese appointed as Deputy President’s economic affairs advisor
Nangamso Matebese has been appointed to the advisory team in the Office of Deputy President Paul Mashatile.
“Ms Matebese is being seconded to the Office by the Development Bank of Southern Africa to serve as economic affairs advisor to the Deputy President,” a statement read on Monday.
“Matebese brings critical experience to the Presidency, having been responsible for infrastructure coordination among her many past responsibilities.”
Matebese is a qualified Chartered Banker with qualifications from Harvard Business School.
She has over 14 years of experience in investment banking, infrastructure and project finance, fund administration and management, and portfolio management.
The Office of the Deputy President said it believes she brings diverse and invaluable expertise to the already formidable team the Office has put together to support the Deputy President.
In this role, she will advise and apply her expertise in economic investments and infrastructure, forming part of the critical responsibilities of the Presidential Coordinating Council, which the Deputy President co-chairs.
Her responsibilities will also include analysing economic policies and recommendations for economic policies that will benefit the growth of the South African economy and the African investment trade.
“The Deputy President wishes Ms Matebese well during her time in the Presidency and commends her commitment to public service.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 09/12/2023 - 09:01
Range of Services When looking for a drug rehab near me, it’s essential to assess the range of services offered. This can include medical detox, psychiatric services, and aftercare support. Medical Detox: This is often the first step in treatment, helping you rid your body of harmful substances in a controlled environment. Psychiatric Services: …
Why Location Matters When it comes to recovery, the location of your treatment facility can play a significant role in your journey towards sobriety. If you’ve been asking yourself, “Is there a rehab near me?” then you’re already on the right track. Community Support Systems Being in a treatment facility close to home can …
Black Sash says it’s been inundated with calls
Dhlomo applauded for saving passenger’s life aboard flight
The Department of Health says it has received thankful messages from several flight passengers after a “heroic” act by Health Deputy Minister, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, who saved the life of a fellow passenger who experienced health complications aboard a flight.
The Deputy Minister was on a flight from Durban to Cape Town on Monday morning when a passenger alerted him to a female traveller who was in need of emergency medical assistance from anyone with a medical background.
“I was alerted by a passenger seated behind me in the plane that the cabin crew were asking for medical assistance to assist a passenger who was not well, and I had to quickly move from my seat to the seat next to the passenger and attended her,” Dhlomo said.
As a trained medical doctor, he said he first had to check the vital signs in order to detect any medical problems.
“Thanks to fellow passengers and the flight attendants who provided the medical kit and oxygen to enable me to stabilise the patient throughout the journey,” Dhlomo said.
When the pilots were talking about the possibility of diverting the flight, Dhlomo assured the crew that he could manage the situation until the scheduled destination.
He then handed over the patient to the paramedic team who had been waiting for the flight to land at Cape Town International Airport.
“This is in the nature of the Deputy Minister to contribute towards accelerating healthcare service delivery by regularly visiting health facilities and forensic pathology services around the country to lend his hand through performing post-mortems to enable the families to bury their loved ones on time,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 09/12/2023 - 09:56
Hostex 2024, Africa’s food, drink and hospitality trade expo, is gearing up to be an unmissable event for industry professionals. With just months to go, Hostex has announced a significant milestone – an impressive 50% of the exhibition floorspace has already been sold, indicating the industry’s support and excitement surrounding this year’s event. Hostex 2024 …
South Africa’s three time SA Champion in the 1500m, Nkosinathi Sibiya (Sophiatown, Johannesburg), has cast his eye on the fifth and final Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series race in 2023, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K that will take place on National Heritage Day (Sunday 24 September). Renowned for his tactical acumen, the PUMA …
Minister rejects report he covered up alleged corruption at NW Health Department
The Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla, says he strongly rejects claims that he covered up alleged corruption in the North West Provincial Department of Health.
This is after News24 reported last week that Phaahla suspended Advocate Maile Ngake, who compiled an investigative report which found that the North West Health Department broke several laws when awarding 22 companies with security contracts in September 2019 to guard the province's health facilities and offices.
The publication said Ngake’s report uncovered R1.2 billion in tender fraud, supporting arguments that the Minister was part of a “concerted corruption cover-up”.
The department said it considers the publication’s allegations “scurrilous, defamatory and devoid of any truth”, since the investigation was compiled before the Minister of Health was appointed on 5 August 2021.
“As such, the Minister has no knowledge of such a report and the happenings with regard to how the referred security tender was processed towards the appointment of the preferred bidder.
“It is wholly disingenuous for any person, including the said official, to attempt to link the Minister to these allegations, as they have no basis whatsoever.”
According to the department, the report was never presented to the Minister when he took over the leadership of the department and could have not acted over something that he was unaware of.
“The Minister did not respond to the allegations as requested by the journalist, as he was still inquiring internally about the existence of such referred report, which couldn’t be traced until recently.
“The report was finally traced and was for the attention of the Director-General, as all the administrative matters like this one fall within the scope of the Accounting Officer.
“For the record, the matter referred to in the article has since been dealt with by the North West Provincial Department in accordance with the court order, which reviewed and declared the awarding of the referred contract to be unlawful.”
The provincial department, according to the statement, has since assumed full responsibility for its programmes and activities after the termination of the Section 100 Administration.
“On the matter of suspension of the official, Advocate TM Ngake, in the department, it should be borne in mind that in terms of the Senior Management Handbook, the responsibility to discipline employees in a government department lies with the Director-General, who is the Accounting Officer.
“The Minister of Health, therefore, cannot suspend or take disciplinary action against an employee.
“Thus, the department categorically dismisses the allegation that Advocate Ngake has been suspended by the Minister of Health or even that his precautionary suspension has anything to do with a report that he may have authored.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 09/12/2023 - 11:51
The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) will highlight the country's fourth decimal coin series in September as the nation observes Heritage Month. The new circulation coin series features deep ecology as the overarching theme and is the first complete set of coins to be issued in the country's democratic dispensation. The SARB's focus on the coin series comes after the launch of the upgraded banknotes and coin on 3 May 2023 where the focus was placed largely on the upgraded banknotes.
The fourth decimal coin series has a contemporary appearance, and the design elements offer valuable information about the country's identity, including its culture, national symbols, history, languages, flora and fauna, cities and technology.
New security features have also been added, making the coins difficult to replicate.
The series was designed and engraved by South African artists and developed in consultation with key stakeholders such as the South African National Botanical Institute (SANBI), Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB) and the Institute for the Blind to ensure inclusivity, accessibility and accuracy of the design elements.
The six-coin denominations and designers are:
The coins retain the colours that South Africans are familiar with. The cents are brown (copper) or gold (bronze), the rands are silver, and the R5 is a bi-metallic copper alloy of both the gold (bronze) and silver colours. Each coin design has a unique landing pattern with various sides, which helps the visually impaired to identify the coins' value.
While the coins have undergone a makeover, they remain circulation coins. This means that they are worth their face value and can be used alongside earlier circulation coin series.
Design note to editors:
The 10c coin was designed by Carl Jeppe, a design lecturer, and bears the Cape honey bee which is indigenous to Southern Africa. The bee plays a vital role in South Africa's agriculture and agricultural economy by pollinating crops and producing honey.
The bitter aloe adorns the 20c coin, designed by Zinhle Zulu, an illustrator and cultural visual storyteller. The bitter aloe is a tall, single-stemmed plant that can grow to a height of 10 feet (3 metres).
The Knysna turaco or the Knysna loerie as it is referred to in South Africa, is a large turaco. The tall, elegant bird on the 50c coin was designed by Kotie Geldenhuys, an illustrator and graphic designer.
The South African Mint's Lilian Guerra and Richard Stone collaborated on the R1 coin, featuring the king protea, which has the largest flower head in the genus. This flower is also the national flower of South Africa. It is adapted to survive wildfires by its thick underground stem which contains many dormant buds; these produce new growth after a fire.
The springbok, featured on the R2 coin and designed by award-winning visual artist and environmentalist Themba Mkhangeli, is the national animal of South Africa. A feature unique to the springbok is its ability to perform multiple leaps into the air of up to 2 meters above the ground.
The R5 coin designed by Sujay Sanan features the southern right whale, which can be found in the southern part of the southern hemisphere. During the winter months these whales migrate to the coastal waters of South Africa, with more than 100 of them known to be in the Hermanus area.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Government.
For international investors, the allure of global diversification is often marred by the complexity of foreign tax obligations. One of these obligations is dividend withholding tax, which can vary considerably depending on the jurisdiction. This blog post aims to demystify the dividend withholding tax policies of four major economies: Germany, France, the Netherlands, and the …
Within the last decade, Dingo Dinkelman – aka South Africa’s ‘Steve Irwin’ – has become a globally renowned conservation crusader, leveraging social media to further his causes. He has racked up more than 400 000 subscribers on his Dingo Dinkelman YouTube channel – one of the fastest growing channels in the country – averaging 3 …
BENTELER expansion a boost for automotive manufacturing industry
Trade, Industry and Competition Minister, Ebrahim Patel, says the expansion of the BENTELER South Africa plant in Gqeberha represents a significant milestone in South Africa's thriving automotive manufacturing industry.
The Minister has welcomed the investment made by BENTELER, which has resulted in the expansion of the Gqeberha plant by over 9 000m2, positioning it as the third hot forming plant in South Africa. The company started operating in Gqeberha in 2011.
Patel said this development reaffirms the nation's growth trajectory and its status as a hub for automotive production, notably in the Eastern Cape province.
During the construction phase, this expansion generated employment opportunities for 236 individuals and provided business opportunities to 42 different companies.
Furthermore, it is anticipated that an additional 50 skilled jobs will be created, increasing BENTELER's workforce from 697 to 743.
“This investment is significant, as it will achieve an annual import replacement value of an estimated R1 billion,” Patel said in his address via a video message.
“The investment is also a testament to the efficacy of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition's Automotive Production and Development Programme (APDP) and the Automotive Investment Scheme (AIS), operating within the framework of the South African Automotive Masterplan (SAAM).
“It highlights the pivotal role played by component manufacturing, a fundamental element of the APDP's objectives, especially in light of the constant evolution in vehicle technologies and manufacturing processes.”
The Minister said the investment underscores the growing recognition among Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) of the advantages of purchasing from localised suppliers.
“OEMs have seen that through local manufacturing of components, they can mitigate offshore supply chain costs, ultimately resulting in the creation of local jobs.” – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 09/12/2023 - 14:00
Pioneers in the medical industry will gather alongside high-level representatives from government and business in October, for the inaugural Africa Health Indaba in Gauteng.
The Indaba takes place during the annual Africa Health Congress and is an evolution of the Leaders Forum event that was previously hosted during this annual gathering.
Set to be inaugurated by Mr Panyaza Lusufi, Premier of Gauteng province, the Indaba seeks to position Africa as a leader in medical innovation, spearheading global change.
By focusing on the local production of drugs and machines, fostering resilient supply chains, and promoting local industry, the event signifies Africa's commitment to leading medical innovation in areas where it is most needed and where resources are often most stretched.
A core component of the Indaba's discussions is the imperative of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). UHC is a critical goal for health systems worldwide and holds particular significance for Africa.
The Indaba will create a platform for dialogue and knowledge sharing about achieving UHC in the African context. It addresses the unique challenges and opportunities that Africa presents and delves into the practicalities of resource sharing and balancing costs to stakeholders across the continent.
“A key focus of the discussions will be the alignment with the vision and trajectory of the South African NHI, currently a contested issue. The Indaba will provide an important forum for understanding how Africa's healthcare future can reconcile with the NHI's objectives, fostering an integrated and equitable health system,” says Dr Bandile Hadebe, spokesperson for the organisers of the event.
The Africa Health Indaba is more than a platform for dialogue and innovation. It serves as a roadmap for sustainable healthcare systems, universal health coverage, and fostering regional cohesion.
The event aligns with the principles of medical science and evidence-driven decision making, maintaining a non-partisan stance, and focusing on global best practices.
“The inaugural Africa Health Indaba is an elevated conversation at the heart of Africa's premier health industry summit. It offers an opportunity to network at the highest levels in a space of robust engagement featuring a balanced diversity of both technical and social perspectives, as well as inclusive stakeholder representation, including government, public, private and industry engagement,” says Dr Hadebe.
Each discussion is formatted and structured to ensure efficient knowledge sharing at the highest level and will culminate in a set of guidelines that will be published and distributed among stakeholders, ensuring the ideas and strategies discussed at the Indaba translate into concrete, actionable plans.
Drawing on the latest trends and innovations from both international and transcontinental perspectives, the Indaba will serve as a hub for learning and exchange. This approach will help to position Africa is at the forefront of healthcare innovation, leveraging global knowledge while tailoring solutions to local conditions and contexts.
The inaugural Africa Health Indaba is set to become an essential platform driving tangible change in Africa's healthcare landscape.
It signifies a commitment to leading the way in medical innovation, thereby fostering a prosperous and resilient future for the continent.
It takes place on Wednesday 18 October 2023 at Gallagher Estate in Gauteng, as part of the annual Africa Health Congress.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Health .
About Africa Health:
Many of the globe’s biggest names have fallen victim to the celebrity death hoax. Russell Crowe, Morgan Freeman, Sir Paul McCartney, and even South Africa’s beloved Sixto Rodrigues were all reported as dead – long before their time. And now, Crocworld Conservation Centre’s cherished Henry the Nile crocodile can be named among them, but the …
Over 140 000 Grade 1 and 8 learners placed for 2024 in Gauteng
The Gauteng Department of Education has so far placed 81 033 Grade 1 learners and 65 726 Grade 8 learners for the 2024 academic year.
This is according to the Gauteng Department of Education's latest online admissions placement progress report released on 10 September 2023.
The 2024 online admissions placement period began on 4 September 2023 and continues until all learners are placed.
“At the end of the first week (4 September 2023 to 7 September 2023) of Grade 1 and Grade 8 placement, the department can report that the placement process ran smoothly.
“While the department is proud to acknowledge that as at 7 September 2023, a total of 141 036 (46.09%) applicants have accepted placement offers, it remains concerning that 71 775 parents have not responded to placement offers,” the GDE said.
The department said the placement progress is significantly slowed by parents who are not accepting placement offers, as the spaces are reserved for seven days, while no offers can be released to other applicants from the same school.
Parents are reminded that there are two options to select after offers are issued, which are “accept placement offers as final”, or “accept placement offers while awaiting additional offers within seven school days”.
“Applicants with offers not accepted within seven schools will be auto-placed at the school with a placement offer closest to the parent’s home address after the seventh day,” the department said.
Parents are reminded that applicants are ranked for placement according to the regulated admissions criteria in the following order up to the capacity of each school:
• Home address within school feeder zone closest to the school.
• Siblings in Grade 1 – 7 or 8 – 11 only.
• Previous school in feeder zone of the school applied to.
The department said when all applicants in the above categories are placed, placement offers will be released to applicants in the following categories in the order outlined below, up to the capacity of each school with available space:
• Work address within school feeder zone.
• Home address within 30km.
• Home address beyond 30km.
Parents with incomplete applications (no documents or no valid proof of residence) will be able to select a school with available space from 11 December 2023.
Parents are further urged to check their cell phones for placement offers or login to their profiles on www.gdeadmissions.gov.za to view and accept placement offers.
Parents with placement offers, who have no access to the internet to accept placement offers, are encouraged to visit schools, districts or the head office to be assisted to accept offers, or call the department on 0800 000 789 for assistance.
“Applicants with complete applications and no placement offers are advised to remain calm, as offers are issued daily until all applicants with complete applications are placed. Parents are urged to view the placement offer calmly and carefully to ensure that no mistakes are made.
“Parents and guardians who applied for 2024 Online Admissions are urged to be patient if they have not yet received placement offers. The placement process is currently in progress and will continue until every learner is successfully placed,” the department said.
To check your application status, applicants can visit www.gdeadmissions.gov.za. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Tue, 09/12/2023 - 10:07