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SAPS’s Operation Shanela nets 1614 suspects

Location: News

SAPS’s Operation Shanela nets 1614 suspects

The South African Police Service's (SAPS) Operation Shanela has yielded success as 1614 suspects were arrested for serious, violent and other crimes.

This successful intelligence-driven, high-density patrols and actions, which was conducted from 21 August 2023 to 27 August 2023, was aimed to disrupt criminal activities before and during the weekend which usually threatens the safety of communities within the province.

Of the total arrests (1614), the breakdown includes the following:

- 38 wanted suspects;

- 12 arrests for murder and 20 for attempted murder;

- 86 arrests were made for property related crime such as burglaries and thefts;

- 195 arrest for assaults with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm;

- 290 for common assaults; and

- 314 arrests were affected for an array of other crimes.

Seizures from the same operation include the following:

- 33 firearms;

- 746 rounds of ammunition from different calibres;

- 321 dagga and 11 099 mandrax tablets;

- 1,355 litres of liquor;

- 29.8kg of copper cable; and

- 85 dangerous weapons.

The high density integrated operations comprised various units such as Vispol, Detectives, Crime Intelligence, AGU, POP, Law Enforcement, other specialised units, K9, private security companies and neighbourhood watch structures.

Operations targeted illegal liquor outlets, suspected drug outlets and compliance inspections carried out at licensed liquor outlets.

All the arrested suspects are expected to make their court appearances in different courts once they have been charged. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Wed, 08/30/2023 - 10:27

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Ashton Shoes That Will Transform Your Footwear Wardrobe!

Location: MyPR

Chunky footwear is undoubtedly a modern wardrobe essential, from classic white lace-ups to hybrid shoes, lug-bulkier sole shoes are the silhouettes for offsetting smart casual outfits with a bit of streetwear edge. Injecting the latest shoe trends into your wardrobe is a quick way of updating your footwear wardrobe. From the company that brought you …

Read moreAshton Shoes That Will Transform Your Footwear Wardrobe!

Compass Insure joins forces with specialist partners to support Chefs with Kindness in the #67000 litres for Mandela Day challenge

Location: MyPR

In a collaborative effort to address pressing community needs, Compass Insure, alongside its specialist partners, have successfully contributed to the Chefs with Compassion #67000litres for Mandela Day Challenge. The collaboration resulted in raising funds to supply a substantial 50,000 litres of clean, bottled water to Chefs with Compassion’s soup kitchens, significantly exceeding the initial target …

Read moreCompass Insure joins forces with specialist partners to support Chefs with Kindness in the #67000 litres for Mandela Day challenge

Infrastructure delivery progressing well in Bitou.

Location: News

On Monday, 28 August, the Western Cape Premier, Alan Winde, provincial Minister of Infrastructure, Tertuis Simmers, alongside the Executive Mayor, Dave Swart, and Ward Councillor, Claude Terblanche, officiated the bricklaying event at the Ebenhaeser housing project in Plettenberg Bay. The ceremony celebrated the milestone of the historic project in New Horizons. A community founded in …

Read moreInfrastructure delivery progressing well in Bitou.

Technology makes efficient and sustainable farming possible

Location: Business

By Marius Wessels, Manager: Professional Services for SYSPRO Africa By the year 2050, the global population is projected to surpass 9 billion, presenting a substantial challenge in ensuring an adequate food supply for everyone. Addressing this imperative, the agricultural sector must undergo a remarkable transformation, aiming to increase production by approximately 69% from 2010 to …

Read moreTechnology makes efficient and sustainable farming possible

Blended finance fund to assist farmers abate energy challenges

Location: News

Blended finance fund to assist farmers alleviate energy challenges

The ongoing load shedding in South Africa has become a serious constraint on growth and profitability for various sectors, including agriculture. 

In addressing the negative impact on the productivity and profitability of farm operations brought about by the load shedding crisis, the Land Bank and Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD), have launched a blended finance fund, which is geared towards financing alternative energy solutions with a focus on energy intensive agricultural activities which include irrigation, intensive agricultural production systems and on-farm cold chain related activities.

The Agro Energy Fund aims to support all South African citizens, producers in the agricultural sector, including smallholder, medium scale, large scale and mega commercial producers.

The launch of the Agro Energy Fund follows the successful launch of the Blended Finance Scheme (BFS) in October 2022 through the partnership between Land Bank and DALRRD, where the bank, in collaboration with the department launched the R2 billion BFS.

Speaking at the launch held in Pretoria on Tuesday, DALRRD Minister Thoko Didiza emphasised that the purpose of the Agro Energy Fund is to incentivise farmers to invest in alternative energy sources, and will run parallel to other existing financial instruments that are designed to support farmers with production, farmer infrastructure and market, amongst others. 

Didiza explained that the applications for the fund will be directed to the Land Bank and will be subjected to approval guidelines of the bank.

“The funding will be deployed through a blended finance structure which is a combination of a loan and grant. DALRRD will contribute a grant portion to a total value of R500 million which will be matched with a loan portion to a total value of R710 million from Land Bank. 

“This will effectively create a R1.21 billion fund size. The fund will be available in the market until the allocated funds are completely drawn down,” Didiza explained. 

The Minister added that the priority will be on supporting dairy farming, piggeries, poultry, all irrigated commodities and on-farm processing. 

“In deploying funding to producers, the Bank will also rollout its Green Finance product offering with a focus on financing solar panels, biogas and biomass plants which will result in the installation and commissioning of energy efficiency projects across the country which will partially offset electricity usage from the grid. 

“The fund will enable the bank to contribute to building resilience against energy shocks in the sector which have negatively impacted productivity and profitability in farm operations. The food security and rural development remain key priorities in the agricultural sector,” the Minister said. 

Land Bank Board Chairperson, Thabi Nkosi, expressed the bank’s appreciation to be in partnership with the department for the implementation of the Agro Energy Fund, and also commended the department’s allocation of the R500 million grant.

“The fund aims to support all South African producers - from smallholder farmers to large commercial producers - in a manner that ensures a balanced allocation of funds across various farming cohorts, according to need,” Nkosi said.

Nkosi explained that the smallholder producers will be eligible for up to 70% total finance amount, with the grant portion capped at R500 000 per applicant, while medium scale producers will be eligible for up to 50% of the total financed amount, with the grant portion capped at R1 million per applicant.

“Large producers will be eligible for a grant of up to 30% of the total financed amount, with the grant portion capped at R1.5 million per applicant. On this basis, the fund is expected to support over 500 farmers across the country,” Nkosi said.

While acknowledging that the fund may not reach all of South Africa’s farmers, Nkosi said, this initiative, with specific focus on renewable energy solutions, will catalyse the agricultural sector’s adoption of more sustainable farming practice.

The applications to the Agro-Energy Fund are now open, and the details about the fund, product offering, and how clients can contact and apply for funding support from the Land Bank can be found on www.landbank.co.za or www.dalrrd.gov.za – SAnews.gov.za 
 

GabiK
Wed, 08/30/2023 - 10:06

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As Women’s Month draws to a close Lara Barlow reviews what meaningful change can survey like.

Location: MyPR

Celebrating progress, acknowledging challenges, and advocating for change – By Lara Barlow, HSE (Health, Safety & Environment) Director of Empact Group: August in South Africa holds a special significance as it marks Women’s Month, culminating in the celebration of National Women’s Day on the 9 August every year. This annual observance commemorates the historic 1956 …

Read moreAs Women’s Month draws to a close Lara Barlow reviews what meaningful change can survey like.

President Ramaphosa meets with SOE chairpersons and CEOs

Location: News

President Ramaphosa meets with SOE chairpersons and CEOs

Implementing reforms will serve to enhance the ability of State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) not only to adapt to industry developments but also to serve South Africans into the future.

This is according to President Cyril Ramaphosa who met with chairpersons and chief executives of SOEs on Tuesday.

“It is quite clear that the success of our economic recovery relies on the effective functioning of state-owned entities. We are implementing reforms to ensure that SOEs are able to adapt to new economic conditions, including rapid developments in technology, their respective operating environments and changing global trends, and to serve the country well into the future,” President Ramaphosa said.

In a statement, the Presidency said the meeting sought to “discuss the implementation of measures to stabilise their financial and operational performance and harness their economic potential”.

“Government has, since 2018, embarked on a process of reform to address the legacy of state capture in SOEs, including through the appointment of capable leadership, the recovery of stolen assets and the pursuit of those responsible for perpetrating acts of corruption.

“In addition, as part of Operation Vulindlela, fundamental reforms are being implemented in the energy, logistics and water sectors to address structural challenges and reposition SOEs for the future.

“President Ramaphosa called on the management and boards of SOEs to accelerate this reform agenda and fulfil their developmental mandate. He emphasised the importance of SOEs, as strategic national assets, in driving inclusive growth, investing in infrastructure, and creating jobs. President Ramaphosa will continue to prioritise the turnaround of South Africa’s SOEs in order to drive economic growth and transformation,” the statement read.

Also at the meeting, the Presidential State Owned Enterprises Council tabled a report while the National Treasury presented an update on its review of the procurement system of SOEs.

“Since its establishment, the Council has undertaken in-depth analyses at 21 SOEs to inform its recommendations. It has proposed changes to the governance framework and shareholder ownership model to enhance oversight, separate the ownership, policy and regulatory functions of the state, and leverage the combined balance sheet of SOEs.

“In addition, the National Treasury provided an update on its review of the procurement system to implement the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture while enabling SOEs to operate in an efficient and competitive manner. Legislative and regulatory reforms are underway to strike an effective balance between preventing corruption and abuse and allowing innovation, agility and responsiveness in procurement,” the Presidency said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 08/30/2023 - 09:38

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Read morePresident Ramaphosa meets with SOE chairpersons and CEOs

4 Proven Strategies for Effective Lead Generation

Location: MyPR

In the dynamic world of digital marketing, generating quality leads is the lifeblood of any successful campaign. As a digital marketer, your ability to generate leads effectively can add massive value to your client’s business. To help you achieve this, Jacqueline van Rooijen, Sales and Marketing Growth Expert shares her four proven strategies to supercharge …

Read more4 Proven Strategies for Effective Lead Generation

Spring Tips for a Lush Summer Lawn

Location: MyPR

Give your lawn a little TLC now to make it summer-ready, ensuring it stays lush, green, and happy! By prepping it, you’ll boost its resilience against pests, heat, and diseases, ensuring a lush, green garden centrepiece. If you dream of lazing on a lush lawn during the summer, now’s the time to spring into action …

Read moreSpring Tips for a Lush Summer Lawn

Vertiv’s Micro Data Centre Solution for Small Edge Computing now Available across Africa

Location: Business

Johannesburg [August 29, 2023] – Vertiv (NYSE: VRT), a global provider of critical digital infrastructure and continuity solutions, has announced the local availability in Africa of the Vertiv™ SmartCabinet™ 2, a self-contained micro data centre for edge computing applications, including banking and financial institutes, warehousing, education, government, and retail customers. The SmartCabinet™ 2 offers the …

Read moreVertiv’s Micro Data Centre Solution for Small Edge Computing now Available across Africa

Why Use A Bond Calculator

Location: MyPR

If you are planning to buy a home in South Africa, you might be wondering how to finance your purchase and what are the best options available for you. We’ll explain why you should use a bond calculator and MultiNET Home Loans to you secure your dream home. What is a bond calculator? A bond …

Read moreWhy Use A Bond Calculator

Regent Business School: Unveiling Gender Disparity – Breaking Barriers Webinar

Location: MyPR

As Women’s Month draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the progress we’ve made and the challenges that still lie ahead. Join us for a groundbreaking webinar that delves deep into a critical issue affecting our workplaces and society: Unveiling Gender Disparity: Breaking Barriers. Date: Wednesday, 30 August 2023 Time: 10:00 …

Read moreRegent Business School: Unveiling Gender Disparity – Breaking Barriers Webinar

Ghanaian chocolate targets South Africa’s health and wellness market

Location: News

International Trade Centre
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Ghanaian artisanal chocolate brands went to The Plant Powered Show in Johannesburg to explore new African commercial linkages for their plant-based chocolate and cocoa.

About 70% of the world's cocoa is produced in Africa – mostly Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana. But in the global chocolate industry, their market share is less than 6%.

Fairafric Ghana aims to change this narrative by adding value to Ghanaian cocoa beans at origin and to offer ‘made in Ghana' chocolate to European and African markets, boosting local job creation and incomes along the way.

Meanwhile, Amonu Chocolates is working hard to develop the demand for locally produced chocolate in Ghana. Their products are proudly wrapped in traditional Ghanaian Akan Adinkra symbol designs to promote choco-tourism and honor the role Ghana has historically played in the cocoa sector.

It is in this spirit that the two brands travelled to The Plant-Powered Show in Johannesburg, South Africa, earlier this month with support from the Ghana Export Promotion Authority and the International Trade Centre's Alliances for Action, under the Netherlands Trust Fund V programme in Ghana. Some 5,000 people attended the event, offering a key visibility opportunity to the growing brands.

The goal? To tap into the health and wellness market and bring Ghanaian products to a new African market.

Aimed at those looking to live and enjoy a healthier, more conscious and sustainable lifestyle with a smaller environmental footprint, the three-day Plant Powered Show features top chefs and mixologists hosting live cooking demos and masterclasses. Health and wellness experts also spoke, while a marketplace filled with plant-based food, drink and lifestyle products were available to test, sample and buy.

Leveraging the ‘made in Africa' movement to enter the South African market

Chef Greg Henderson, executive chef of the Royal Portfolio Collection, specializes in indigenous foods and the culinary heritage of African products. At the show, he gave a masterclass on product development and was excited to have the opportunity to work with Ghanaian chocolate. Fairafric and Amonu Chocolates' plant-based products were successfully integrated into his recipes, with 30 class participants looking on.

‘The question I've been asking myself throughout this event is, why didn't we do this a long time ago?' said Michael Marmon-Halm, managing director of Fairafric Ghana. ‘South Africa is clearly a great market for Fairafric, and we're gearing up to establish our made in Africa brand there soon.'

Both brand representatives attending the event mentioned that the show opened their eyes to the demand for African origin chocolate products. They received encouraging feedback from consumers at their stand, which attracted marked interest from the show's crowds. A highlight of the event was the Chefs Association of South Africa expressing interest in potential collaborations.

Amonu Chocolates is well-established in Ghana, and currently stocked in London by My Runway Group (Black in Carnaby). They aim to increase their export ranges and activities. Attending The Plant Powered Show will go a long way in extending their export footprints in South Africa, said Lucia Acheampong, Amonu's general manager.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Trade Centre.

Read moreGhanaian chocolate targets South Africa’s health and wellness market

Plastics SA Celebrates 27Th Year Of Coordinating South Africa’s Participation In International Coastal Clean-Up Day

Location: MyPR

South Africa is not only known for its stunning coastlines but also for its commitment to preserving them. Plastics SA’s annual Clean-Up & Recycle SA Week, which will take place this year from 11-16 September 2023, plays a pivotal role in promoting environmental sustainability and combating the waste crisis plaguing our beautiful country. “Plastics SA …

Read morePlastics SA Celebrates 27Th Year Of Coordinating South Africa’s Participation In International Coastal Clean-Up Day

Deputy President Mashatile arrives in South Sudan

Location: News

Deputy President Mashatile arrives in South Sudan

Deputy President Paul Mashatile arrived in Juba on Monday to assess the latest developments in the implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS). 

According to a statement released yesterday, the visit aims to also strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.

“Deputy President Mashatile’s visit is an opportunity to continue engaging parties to the R-ARCSS as well as reaffirm South Africa’s support to the full implementation of all outstanding provisions of the R-ARCSS,” the statement read.  

He, according to this Office, will further call for a strengthened commitment by all international partners and friends of South Sudan to support the process. 

This includes directly resourcing some of the critical mechanisms of the roadmap towards a peaceful and democratic end to the transitional period, and humanitarian assistance.

Vice President of South Sudan, James Wani Igga, International Relations and Cooperation Minister Naledi Pandor, and the South African Ambassador to South Sudan Mahlodi Muofhe received the Deputy President.

In May this year, the Deputy President said South Africa would continue to support peace missions in South Sudan.

He explained that the mandate of the Special Envoy to South Sudan differs from that of South Africa’s Ambassador.

“The latter deals with normal bilateral relations between the two countries. The Special Envoy on the other hand is tasked with assisting in the search for durable peace in South Sudan.”

The immediate task of the Special Envoy, he said, is to help the parties to the Transitional Government of National Unity in South Sudan with the implementation of the R-ARCSS.

The power-sharing agreement was signed between the warring parties in August 2018 in a bid to end the five-year civil war.

“The work of the Special Envoy contributes to the effort to silence the guns.” – SAnews.gov.za
 

Gabisile
Tue, 08/29/2023 - 09:08

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Hit series Lord of The Skies returns to Telemundo this October

Location: Entertainment, MyPR

Episodes to air daily from Monday 2 October at 22:00 premiering on Telemundo Africa with episodes available immediately after on Universal+ NBCUniversal International Networks & Direct-To-Consumer today announced the return of Lord of the Skies, with Season 8 premiering on Monday 2 October 22:00 (CAT) on Telemundo Africa, with episode available immediately after on Universal+. …

Read moreHit series Lord of The Skies returns to Telemundo this October

The Houghton Hotel and Afrika Tikkun empower youth through YES Hospitality Programme

Location: MyPR

The Houghton Hotel, a 5-star urban resort in Johannesburg renowned for its commitment to excellence in hospitality, proudly continues its ongoing partnership with Afrika Tikkun to offer the Youth Employment Services (YES) Hospitality programme. Since its inception in 2019, the initiative has provided invaluable opportunities for 88 young individuals to gain hands-on experience in the …

Read moreThe Houghton Hotel and Afrika Tikkun empower youth through YES Hospitality Programme

Tourism Minister to give update on tourism safety measures

Location: News

Tourism Minister to give update on tourism safety measures

Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille and representatives of the private sector will this afternoon give an update on tourism safety measures.

This as the Minister will convene the second National Tourism Safety Forum which includes all Tourism MECs, the South African Police, the National Prosecuting Authority, the Departments of Tourism and Transport, the Tourism Business Council of South Africa and the South African Tourism Services Association.

It will also include the Airports Company South Africa, Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa (FEDHASA), the South African Township and Village Tourism Organisation (SATOVITO) and other tourism sector bodies.

The previous National Tourism Safety Forum meeting held in May saw all representatives agreeing on clear actions to address tourism safety.

Earlier this year, Minister de Lille said safety is one of the major issues affecting growth in the tourism sector.

“Tourism is not only an economic activity but an essential vehicle that promotes a mutual understanding between a tourist and host community. Tourism is recognised for its immense potential and its significant contribution to the economy.

“Safety is one of the major issues affecting the tourism sector and as partners, government and the private sector agreed tourism safety is a priority that we need to address collectively so that we can grow the sector and remove any obstacles standing in the way of that objective,” Minister de Lille said at the time. -SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin
Tue, 08/29/2023 - 09:19

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Industry involvement needed in TVET curriculum review process

Location: News

Industry involvement needed in TVET curriculum review process

Higher Education and Training Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande, has underscored the need for additional industry involvement in the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college curriculum review process.

“What is also critical is the need for more substantial industry involvement in the TVET curriculum review process to enhance responsiveness to industry needs and requirements,” the Minister said.

He was addressing the TVET Curriculum Transformation and Innovation Summit, currently underway at Vodaworld Dome in Midrand.

Nzimande said the (TVET) college curriculum reform has the potential to contribute in various ways to improving the employability, productivity and success rates of college graduates.

“In order for us to be successful in bringing these changes, there is also a need for change in the management strategies to prepare for current and future TVET curriculum challenges. Furthermore, we need to develop leadership programmes to help leaders within the TVET sector to bring about the necessary curriculum change,” Nzimande said on Monday.

Highlighting some of the progress made in building a sustainable TVET sector, Nzimande said South Africa is producing on average 20 000 qualified artisans per year.

“Ours is to ensure that the number increases significantly to meet our National Development Plan (NDP) target to produce 30 000 qualified artisans per year by 2030.”

Nzimande also highlighted that the number of Centres for Specialisation has been expanded to 34 at 27 TVET colleges, to enhance workplace linked training of artisans and related occupations.

A further investment of R68 million has also been allocated in 16 colleges, who now have 33 trade test centres.

“These trade test centres have trade tested over 600 apprentices of which over 500 have qualified as artisans. Currently 26 of our colleges are engaged in entrepreneurial training through our entrepreneurship hubs.”

The department is hard at work to ensure that all the colleges are involved in some form of entrepreneurship training and also plans to, through the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), introduce innovation hubs in TVET colleges.

The Minister said, the department has to date, opened up 14 954 TVET placement opportunities to the value of R726 million. It has also committed to achieving a target of 20 000 placements of TVET graduates in work placements, as per President Cyril Ramaphosa’s commitment at this year’s State of the Nation Address.

Establishment of 4IR centres

The importance of responsiveness of TVET colleges to 21st century conditions, both locally and globally was also emphasised and various initiatives are underway to achieve this. These include the establishment of seven Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) centres.

“These centres, with the support of stakeholders such as the ETDP SETA (Education, Training and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority), aim to scale up digital skills among students and staff.

“Leveraging the potential of the digital economy to reduce youth unemployment is a priority, and we are grateful to our partners such as HUAWEI, Cisco, GIZ, IYF, and others for their contributions to our digital skilling mission,” Nzimande said.

The Minister also expresses his appreciation to the department’s partners, including the Allan and Gill Gray Foundation, the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) for their support in assisting the department to produce young entrepreneurs.

“The Vhembe TVET College in Limpopo has reported producing three millionaires through this development initiative,” he said.

The three-day summit which started on Monday, is being held under the theme: “TVET curriculum transformation: a key to unlock skills development for the modern economy”.

The summit brings together various role players in the TVET sector under one roof to engage and take to higher levels the curriculum transformation and innovation challenges of the TVET sector. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Tue, 08/29/2023 - 12:35

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Read moreIndustry involvement needed in TVET curriculum review process