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After five decades at its Pinetown facility, Bata South Africa, a leading footwear manufacturer in South Africa, and a subsidiary of the respected global Bata Group, has relocated its head office to the vibrant corporate hub of La Lucia, situated north of Durban. This strategic move aligns with Bata South Africa’s future growth strategy. Renowned …
Dear Editor Today, the DA revealed our alternative student funding model to solve the myriad of problems with the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and provided an update on the Private Protector’s investigation of NSFAS direct payment contracts. The current higher education funding model is highly unsustainable considering declining levels of economic growth, the …
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde has sent his deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who died in the devastating building fire in the Johannesburg city centre this morning. “I am stunned and devastated by this awful tragedy, not only for Johannesburg but for the whole of South Africa, It has saddened …
Nic Stevens, NSRI Mykonos station commander, said: At 07h39, Wednesday, 30 August, NSRI Mykonos duty crew were activated following a request fore medical assistance from a local 90 foot fishing vessel trawler reported an adult fisherman crewman seriously injured onboard, 51 nautical miles from Langebaan. The fishing vessel skipper reported that they had uplifted fishing …
31 August 2023, Johannesburg: Telkom Introduces the “Phenomenal 10,” a distinguished selection of women from the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector who embody the epitome of women’s potential, transcending adversity to achieve greatness. These women were carefully chosen and recognized as exceptional women who have demonstrated remarkable prowess. As Women’s Month draws to an …
KZN entrepreneurs challenged to make their mark in mainstream economy
Trade, Industry and Competition Deputy Minister, Nomalungelo Gina, has urged entrepreneurs in KwaZulu-Natal to grow their enterprises in order to make their mark in the country’s mainstream economy, and contribute in creating more jobs.
Gina was speaking during the eThekwini Business Seminar, which strategically targeted at Small Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) that conduct business in Durban and surrounding areas.
The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic), in collaboration with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs (KZN EDTEA) and the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality, hosted the seminar, aimed at providing insight and information on funding opportunities available within dtic agencies and KZN EDTEA.
The event was presented in an interactive format, designed to equip local entrepreneurs with the essential tools and knowledge required to evolve their businesses and make them thrive in today’s fiercely competitive business landscape.
Delivering a keynote address, Gina highlighted that the business seminar went beyond the mere distribution of information on funding.
“This exercise is aimed at facilitating the growth and expansion of local businesses, and to enable them to establish a significant presence in the mainstream business arena. It is also to emphasise the critical role of Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises, and I am excited to declare that the time is ripe for these enterprises to assert their presence and make their mark in the mainstream business landscape,” Gina said.
The Deputy Minister also highlighted that the success of the seminar underscored the commitment of the dtic and KZN EDTEA to driving economic transformation and promoting sustainable business development.
By empowering local entrepreneurs with the knowledge and resources they need, she said, both organisations are working to accelerate the growth of the business ecosystem in the region.
The seminar, which brought together a diverse array of entrepreneurs, business leaders, and industry stakeholders, fostering networking and collaboration, featured engaging panel discussions, including interactive workshops, and insightful presentations by industry experts and government officials.
The participants also had the opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of the available funding options, as well as the necessary strategies to propel their businesses to new heights.
The exchange of ideas and experiences further enriched the seminar’s impact, creating an atmosphere of collective growth.
Gina said, the seminar was a valuable opportunity for small businesses to learn about the latest trends and best practices in business.
“I am confident that the knowledge and skills gained will help you grow your businesses and become more competitive. I would like to encourage you all to go out and dominate the business space. You have the potential to succeed, and I am here to support you every step of the way,” the Deputy Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 08/31/2023 - 13:05
The Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies concluded a symposium on Wednesday in which discussions with industry stakeholders took place on the impact of digital media in misinformation, disinformation and content moderation ahead of the 2024 national elections.
The two-day symposium was held at the Government Communications and Information Systems building in Hatfield, Pretoria. TikTok, Meta, Google and the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) took part in the symposium, among other roleplayers.
Other stakeholders who participated included Media Monitoring Africa, SOS, Research ICT Africa and the National Association of Broadcasters. The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies led all presentations on day one, followed by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa, the Films and Publications Board, SABC and the Independent Electoral Commission. Presentations mainly focused on measures that will be put in place to guard against misinformation, disinformation and content moderation in the 2024 election season.
The Chairperson of the committee, Mr Boyce Maneli, said that the symposium has empowered members of the committee with the knowledge to exercise effective oversight over the department and the entire communications sector. “The past two days have presented us with a unique opportunity to pave a way forward in ensuring that misinformation, disinformation and content moderation never thrive in the upcoming elections,” said Mr Maneli.
Mr Maneli further said that Parliament through collaboration with industry players should ensure strict implementation of sector regulations. He also said that digital skills will go a long way in minimising misinformation, content moderation and disinformation.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
Dear Editor On behalf of the Democratic Alliance, I would like to extend our sincerest condolences to all the individuals and families affected by the horrific fire in Inner City Johannesburg that has taken over 50 lives so far and devastated many more. This is a catastrophe for our nation, causing unimaginable pain and suffering …
COVID-19 Taxi Relief Fund disbursement extended
Cabinet has approved the extension period for the payment of the Taxi Relief Fund for another 12 months.
Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, explained during a Post Cabinet briefing that the fund was established to assist minibus taxis, cabs and e-hailing drivers who experienced a financial knock during the COVID-19 hard lockdowns, in line with stipulated criteria.
“The extension will provide the Department of Transport sufficient time to assist the many taxi operators who are yet to receive the relief funds,” the Minister said on Thursday.
To date, she said 88 580 taxi operators have been assisted.
Ntshavheni was briefing the media on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday.
Tourism
Meanwhile, Cabinet also approved the publication of the Green Paper on the Development of Tourism in South Africa for public comment.
“The policy seeks to develop and promote tourism in South Africa, and address barriers to tourism growth.”
The policy will promote rural and peri-urban tourism by encouraging the profiling and visibility of rural products.
“Policy proposals also focus on tourism governance and cooperation, safety and security management, transformation, and embracing technology, amongst others.”
Members of the public have 90 days to make comments on the policy and the Green Paper is available on www.tourism.gov.za.
National Policy on Theatre and Dance
In addition, the Executive said it also approved the National Policy on Theatre and Dance.
“The policy seeks to address the historically institutionalised inequalities and disparities, which follow racial and economic access lines in theatre and dance.
“The policy aims to set a vision and practical policies, strategies, implementation mechanisms and time frames that will result in a sustainable and vibrant theatre and dance sector in all nine provinces, with South African dance and theatre makers representing the country with pride continentally and globally.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 08/31/2023 - 11:30
Cabinet notes continued improvement in electricity availability
The Cabinet continues to receive an update on the electricity situation in the country and notes reports of the continued improvement in electricity availability.
This is according to the Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, who was briefing the media on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday.
“Although the last few days had recorded an increase in the load shedding stages to Stage 4, the situation has since improved with the return of units to generation and Eskom continues to taper down the load shedding stages,” Ntshavheni said on Thursday.
The state-owned power entity announced this morning that load shedding would jump to Stage 4 as more generating units failed last night.
Minister Ntshavheni also spoke about the communities that have no electricity due to power outages and not load shedding.
These power outages, the Minister said, are caused by system overload due to illegal connections, theft or vandalism of sub-stations and transformers, and vandalism of distribution lines.
The affected communities include parts of Soweto, Tembisa, KwaThema, Komane, Taung and Ditsobotla.
Ntshavheni announced that the Ministers of Electricity and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs have since commenced with a programme to engage with the affected communities to agree on measures to replace damaged infrastructure.
However, the Minister said this would be linked with the prohibition of illegal connections, community partnerships in the protection of electricity infrastructure, and payment for electricity services.
“South Africa’s agreement with the Chinese companies, on recently signed agreements, will play a significant role in introducing electricity infrastructure with self-preservation capability.”
Western Cape Provincial Powers Bill
In addition, Ntshavheni said the Executive has also been briefed about the “unconstitutional” draft Western Cape Provincial Powers Bill.
The Bill creates a framework for the province to fully assert its existing constitutional and legislative powers and to get more powers delegated from the national government.
“The Draft Bill violates the provisions of Schedules 4 and 5 of the Constitution that set out powers and functions including concurrent powers of both the provincial and national executives.”
“Cabinet has noted that this draft Bill is an attempt to revert to the Democratic Party’s, forerunner to the Democratic Alliance preferred federal approach that seeks to undermine a united and inclusive South Africa,” the Minister explained.
In addition, she said the Draft Bill ignores the exclusion from access to services of the large Black communities of Khayelitsha, Gugulethu, Nyanga, Langa, the Cape Flats, Delft, and Central Line, among others.
“Cabinet has mandated the Ministers of Justice and CoGTA to enter into discussions with the Western Cape provincial government in line with the relevant dispute resolution mechanisms as provided for in section 146 of the Constitution and the applicable intergovernmental framework.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 08/31/2023 - 11:05
“I would never take trips from Nyanga and Philippi” says Uber driver
Joburg inner city building fire claims at least 73 lives
The death toll from a fire which engulfed a five story building in the Johannesburg inner city in the early hours of Thursday morning has risen to 73, with some 43 people injured.
The cause of the fire is currently unknown.
Addressing the media outside the building, City of Johannesburg MMC for Public Safety, Mgcini Tshwaku, described how residents inside the building battled to escape the blaze.
“There are burnt bodies beyond recognition, I have never seen that sight before. Seventy three of them have been confirmed to be dead. One of the things that was an issue was that inside the building, it looks as if there was a gate which was closed so they could not go out. The main reason here that there’s a high death toll is that there are a lot of partitions and gates [inside the building].
“They said people were screaming and wanted to get out but they couldn’t. Many burnt bodies were found actually [stuck] at that gate. On the bottom floor, they had an informal settlement sort of. There were a lot of people who had built using highly flammable material,” he said.
The MMC said officials from the city’s disaster management have been dispatched to begin relief efforts.
“On our side, we’ve got the team which is coming in. The disaster [team] is here. We are going to give them the matrasses and all of that. The housing [department] is here as well meaning that we are going to get them alternative accommodation at this point in time.
“It is very traumatic. I have never seen bodies like that – burnt beyond recognition. There were also kids that were there. There’s a 12 month old kid that got burnt. It’s a very sad scene,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 08/31/2023 - 09:44
I did nothing wrong, says Collins Tshisimba as the Special Investigating Unit moves to freeze two properties
This comes two weeks after the town was brought to a standstill with violent protests
By Dr. Shahiem Patel – Head of School (Commerce & Management) at Regent Business School Education in general, has always been regarded as the foundation of any successful endeavour. Parents across the globe have, since time immemorial, been at pains to emphasise the need for their children to do well at school. This is simply …
“Our people have suffered enough since trains have stopped working” says unionist
Embarking on a remarkable endeavour, Angela Yeung, the visionary founder of the Impilo Collection Foundation and the ambassador of brand South Africa – play your part, is gearing up for an extraordinary climb up the daunting Manaslu, standing tall at 8,136 meters. This challenge surpasses her previous triumph on the Island Peak at 6,200 meters …
SA to commemorate International Overdose Awareness Day
Social Development Deputy Minister Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu in partnership with the Central Drug Authority (CDA) and the South African Network for People Who Use Drugs will on Thursday join the global community in commemorating International Overdose Awareness Day.
Observed under the theme: “Recognizing those people who go unseen”, the commemorations will be held at the JB Marks Rehabilitation centre in Potchefstroom in the North West province on Thursday.
International Overdose Awareness day seeks to raise awareness around the silent killer that is overdose and the stigma that surrounds overdose fatalities, and that overdose deaths are preventable.
The observance of the day is part of the department’s implementation of the National Drug Master Plan 2019-2024, which is the country’s blueprint to combat the scourge of alcohol and substance abuse that has exponentially risen to epidemic proportion.
According to Harm Reduction International “overdose is a risk when using many psychoactive drugs, but is much common for some drugs such as opioids. It is especially common for people who use a combination of substances and those who inject drugs”.
Naloxone is known to rapidly reverse an opioid overdose by helping breathing return to normal, and return a person to consciousness but is sadly underused.
From 1 September 2023, for nine consecutive days across all nine provinces, the Deputy Minister will be educating South Africans about the dangers of Foetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder (FASD).
FASD is a leading source of non-genetic developmental and intellectual disability globally and is usually associated with primary and secondary disabilities. South Africa has been identified by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to have the highest reported prevalence of FASD in the world. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Wed, 08/30/2023 - 09:56
Jerome Simonis, NSRI Knysna station commander, said: At 15h20, Wednesday, 30 August, during the peak of the Spring high tide, NSRI Knysna duty crew were activated following eye-witness reports of a small canoe capsized with (believed to be) 1 adult male onboard at Ashmead Channel on Knysna Lagoon, between Cathy’s Park and Costa Sarda, about …
SA records more than 4 million tourist arrivals
South Africa’s tourism sector continues to show strong recovery with the first half of 2023 recording more than four million tourist arrivals.
“Our arrival numbers for 2023 are looking good, demonstrating that South Africa is still a favourable tourist destination and we are eager to welcome more tourists as we head into the busy summer season,” said Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille.
She said the arrivals demonstrate that South Africa is still a favourable tourist destination.
“South Africa’s tourism sector continues to exhibit strong recovery with the first half of 2023 recording more than 4 million tourist arrivals, according to the latest data from Statistics South Africa [Stats SA]. This is a significant increase from the 2, 3 million tourist arrivals between January and June 2022.
The total number of tourist arrivals to South Africa between January and June 2023 showed a sizable 78.2% surge in the first half of 2023 when compared to the same period in 2022.
The Minister on Tuesday held the second National Tourism Safety Forum meeting in Cape Town with various stakeholders in the tourism sector.
De Lille said South Africa receives millions of tourists per year, and the vast majority of visitors return home without any issues and a memorable experience of the country.
The Africa region continues to bring the largest share of tourist arrivals to South Africa with more than three million arrivals from the rest of the African continent in the first six months of 2023.
“This is a testament to the marketing efforts that we have implemented to attract tourists from this region. Africa remains a key source market for us, and we are committed to collaborating as a tourism sector to make sure we welcome visitors from this region and that we cater for their needs and preferences.
Beyond the African continent, South Africa has welcomed more visitors from other regions too. The Asia region almost doubled its figures with a 99.5% growth compared to 2022.
“This year, Europe, the largest source of visitors outside Africa, also experienced solid growth of 66.8.1%, when compared to the same period in 2022. These robust figures showcase South Africa’s charm and attractiveness as well as the work that we are doing in marketing South Africa as a tourist destination of choice.”
North America, Central & South America, and the Middle East also demonstrated strong growth trends with rates of 70.6%, 74.4%, and 75.8% respectively.
“These robust figures showcase South Africa’s charm and attractiveness as well as the work that we are doing in marketing South Africa as a tourist destination of choice.”
Meanwhile, the department is gearing up for the summer season and will be launching the Summer Campaign in two weeks’ time in the Eastern Cape.
Safety
She said the previous meeting of the forum held in May saw all representatives agreed on clear actions to address tourism safety.
”While the latest statistics from StatsSA reveal an upward trend in tourist arrivals, issues of safety are an obstacle in converting would-be tourists to visit our country. As I said after the previous National Tourism Safety Forum meeting, crime is a matter which affects tourism in many parts of the world.”
This was echoed by several tourism ministers from all over the world.
“South Africa is no different and across the world, countries are grappling with these issues with instability and wars in some countries. While it is the mandate of the SAPS to keep our citizens and visitors safe, we all have a role to play.”
She said progress was made since the last meeting.
In a bid to ensure the safety of tourists in the country, the Department of Tourism will be deploying tourism monitors to all provinces at top tourist attractions and national parks.
The key responsibilities of the appointed tourism monitors include patrolling within the identified attractions and site/ areas, raising tourism awareness and provide information to tourists and report any crime incidents to the South African Police Service (SAPS) and other relevant enforcement agencies.
The monitors will be deployed towards the end of October or early November 2023, in time for the summer tourist season.
The department has reviewed the training curriculum for tourism monitors with the departmental budget at R174.5 million, to train more than 2 200 tourism monitors across the country for this financial year.
The key responsibilities of the appointed Tourism Monitors include patrolling within the identified attractions and site/ areas, raising tourism awareness and provide information to tourists and report any crime incidents to SAPS and other relevant enforcement agencies.
Meanwhile, an update from the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) on the C-More tracking device and how best this technology can be incorporated into the Secura app that has been set up by the Tourism Business Council of South Africa, was received.
“Through the use of technology, we are enhancing the tourist experience by offering technology and tourism monitors that assist tourists in various attractions as well as on-demand requests through an app.”
She said the app is now up and running and the operations centre will be launched in Sandton on Thursday.
“The Secura App is already being used by tourists and aims to enhance the visitor experience and assist in many ways including roadside assistance and directing those who are lost,” said the Minister. –SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 08/30/2023 - 10:11
In the approach to Tourism Month, South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise (SCTIE) and Tourism KwaZulu-Natal (TKZN) celebrated the grand opening of the new Cappello restaurant on the KZN South Coast. The opening formed part of the ‘South Coast Culinary Experience and Cappello’s Port Shepstone Grand Media Fam Trip’ with media invited to experience the …
High Court sets aside multi-million Rand prisons renovation contract
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has welcomed a High Court judgment setting aside the decision of the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) to appoint a company for project management and assessment services related to the renovation of certain prisons during 2014.
According to the SIU, the department appointed Masetlaoka Scott Wilson to:
“In January 2014 and in order to avoid returning unspent money of approximately R812 million to the National Treasury shortly before the end of the relevant financial year, DCS took a decision to participate in a contract between MSW, a project management consortium, and the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).
“The High Court found that the relevant decision(s) and resulting agreement(s)/contract(s) was/were inconsistent with the Constitution, as it was not fair, transparent, equitable, competitive, and cost effective, and therefore unlawful.
“The SIU welcomes the order of the High Court as it demonstrates the continued implementation of its investigation outcomes and consequence management, and efforts to recover financial losses suffered by the State due to negligence or corruption,” the SIU said.
The corruption busting unit said the decision of “what would constitute just, and equitable relief was referred by the High Court for trial”. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 08/30/2023 - 10:13
For a great meal with a view, or to get in touch with that artistic side, head to Fish Eagle Café at Crocworld Conservation Centre this spring! This beautiful Scottburgh café, which includes a wraparound deck boasting exquisite sea views, has announced two great specials to welcome everyone into the warmer weather. From 21 August …
The Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Ronald Lamola (MP), has tabled the National Prosecuting Authority Amendment Bill in parliament after receiving approval from the cabinet on 14 August 2023. The bill was approved subject to a technical amendment on other ad hoc investigative directorates in the future, in line with the cabinet's direction.
President Ramaphosa's pronouncement in the State of the Nation Address will be realized once the parliament passes the amendment, making the Investigative Directorate Against Corruption a permanent feature of our anti-corruption law enforcement efforts. This move is aimed at ensuring the effective implementation of the recommendations of the State Capture Commission.
The Investigative Directorate Against Corruption investigates corruption-related crimes uncovered by the commission and the commissions of the South African Revenue Service and Public Investment Corporation.
Adopting a prosecution-led investigation model is the most effective way to prosecute crimes like corruption, as demonstrated by international best practices. This bill will allow the NPA to apply the experience gained from South Africa's efforts to tackle high-level corruption, said Lamola.
The bill is a significant step towards enhancing the NPA's independence and ability to prosecute high-level crimes. It creates a specialized entity within the NPA, staffed with trained individuals who enjoy the requisite level of independence, resources, and security of tenure to tackle corruption head-on.
Over the last four years, the Investigative Directorate against corruption has enrolled 34 matters, with 203 accused. During the 2022-23 financial year, it enrolled 18 new matters and authorized 13 new investigations, totalling 97 matters authorized over the previous four years. The Directorate has also contributed significantly to the recovery of R2.5 billion, which was paid into the Criminal Asset Recovery Account.
Overall, this bill is a crucial step in strengthening South Africa's anti-corruption efforts and ensuring that those who engage in corrupt practices are held accountable for their actions.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of Justice and Constitutional Development.