MyZA
News, Directory, Events and Other Stuff
In the bustling streets of Johannesburg, there’s a beacon of hope for those with damaged or non-running vehicles. Lou Appel’s Auto Spares stands as a testament to the idea that a damaged car is not just a piece of junk – it’s cash waiting to be realised. With a legacy spanning over 85 years …
In today’s fast-paced business world, first impressions are paramount. Whether you’re a fledgling startup or an established enterprise, ensuring that every call is handled with utmost professionalism can set the tone for all future interactions. This is where the virtual receptionist comes into play, offering a transformative approach to customer service. Historically, businesses have …
In the digital age, the landscape of social media marketing is ever-evolving. With a plethora of platforms available, each with its unique features and audience demographics, it’s crucial for businesses to identify where their target audience spends most of their time. For those looking to tap into the South African market, understanding the most used …
The Film and Publication Board (FPB) welcomes the 12 life sentences handed to Mr Gerhard Ackerman on charges of possession of child pornography by the South Gauteng High Court today, 14 August 2023. The FPB played a crucial role in conducting analyses of the images found in possession of Mr Ackerman, which were crucial in his successful prosecution. The South Gauteng High Court accepted the FPB's content analysis report drafted by the Child Protection Team.
Both the State and the Defence Lawyer adopted the content analysis report and confirmed its accuracy without any amendments. The charges were brought against Mr Ackerman according to the Films and Publications Act 56 of 1996, as amended, which makes the creation, possession and distribution of child pornography as well as exploitation of children for this purpose, a criminal offence. 386 images found in his possession were confirmed to be Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM).
“We warmly welcome the heavy sentence and hope it sends a strong warning to other offenders out there that we, together with the Law Enforcement agencies and other partners, will sniff them out of the corners wherever they are hiding. We shall never rest until each one of them are behind bars. This is also a historic moment for the FPB as an online content regulator. We wish to congratulate our Child Protection team for working tirelessly in providing quality reports to court, resulting in this prosecution,”, says Chief Executive Officer of the FPB, Dr Mashilo Boloka.
He continues to say, “In our pursuit of eradicating the scourge of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), we employ internationally certified content analysts who are trained to ascertain whether people depicted in suspected content are in indeed children. FPB Child Protection Officers are trained on Safety and Risk Assessment in the field of Child Protection and are Certified Content Analysts. The rise of the digital space has made the work of the FPB and Law Enforcement in fighting CSAM particularly challenging. Sexual predators find an anonymous home on the internet where it is easy to build a persona that is very different from reality that can be used to exploit others”.
The FPB works in partnership with like-minded organisations in South Africa and around the world to close in on the perpetrators of these heinous crimes against children. Working through the International Association of Internet Hotlines (INHOPE) and their links to the International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol), the FPB is able to track CSAM that has been created or distributed through international syndicates and finds its way to South African online perpetrators. The problem of child sexual abuse and CSAM is insidious and requires the vigilance of everyone in society to curb it.
The long-term psychological damage to an abused child is multiplied when the images which have been circulated online are easily accessed. Members of the South African public are urged to report any suspected exploitation or grooming of children or instances of suspected CSAM in circulation to hotline@fpb.org.za
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Government.
Specially trained pharmacists will be allowed to manage and prescribe medicine to patients with HIV and/or tuberculosis
Embracing the AI Revolution: How Technology Will Transform The Industry For The Better: Despite what many may fear, artificial intelligence (AI) is not going to replace humans in the job market. At least not yet. If harnessed correctly, AI could do wonders for the way we live, work, play, and travel. The future of the …
South Africa will be hosting the 15th Annual BRICS Summit from Tuesday, 22 August to Thursday, 24 August 2023. It is an international conference of BRICS heads of states providing a platform aimed at harnessing economic opportunities post the COVID-19 Pandemic. We do appreciate that the hosting of the 15th BRICS summit is coinciding with the celebration of National Women's Month in South Africa. “Although BRICS countries continue to play a critical role through their growing influence in the global economy, women continue to bear the brunt of poverty and inequality,” said the Director-General, Adv Mikateko Joyce Maluleke.
Hosting of the summit will continue to serve as a beacon of hope to many women who are calling for Accelerated Socio-Economic Opportunities, a clarion call for change and unlocking of both economic and social opportunities. This clear message from all South African women is in concurrence with the department's objectives of leading socio-economic transformation, and in fulfilling the constitutional mandate that advocates for non-discrimination against anyone on the grounds of race; sex, gender or sexual orientation. Evidence has shown that gender equality, particularly in education and employment, contributes to economic growth.
“As the BRICS Summit gets closer, we do believe that substantive issues and other policy matters will seek to bridge level of inequality through people to people exchange in the BRICS programme. This should be to the advantage of women and girls in rural areas, especially in accessing quality education, skills development and training, to bolster their opportunities in the employment sector. In order to achieve the ambitious commitments of the Sustainable Development Goals, the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities encourages mainstreaming of gender issues in all scheduled BRICS business activities during and post the annual summit that is taking place in a week's time here in South Africa.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities.
Rwanda offers a rich tapestry of experiences, from exploring vibrant cities to trekking through lush jungles to see gorillas and other wildlife. The points highlighted cover a wide range of attractions and experiences that make Rwanda unique and appealing to travelers. With each visit to Rwanda, you’ll uncover new layers of its beauty, culture, and …
SIU files leave to appeal in Telkom case
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) is expected to file an application for leave to appeal a High Court judgement which deemed its authorisation to investigate the affairs of Telkom as invalid.
The judgement was delivered last month after the unit was authorised through a proclamation by President Cyril Ramaphosa to investigate allegations of “serious maladministration, malpractice, and possible corruption” at the telecommunications company.
“The High Court found that Telkom is not a state institution and therefore, the SIU could not investigate allegations of serious maladministration, malpractice, and possible corruption in the affairs of Telkom.
“After consulting with our legal team, the SIU is of the opinion that there is reason for an appeal,” the SIU said.
The unit insists that the court must “give a fuller picture of what constitutes a state institution as this can set a legal precedent” on which institutions it can investigate.
Currently, government directly holds a 40.5% shareholding in Telkom with a further 15.3% shareholding through the Public Investment Corporation.
“It is important that the issue of the “state institution” must be decided and settled. If this is not clarified, it may create an unwelcome precedent that some public institutions may inadvertently be shielded from investigation by the SIU,” the unit concluded. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 08/15/2023 - 09:01
We have had a massive improvement in school attendance, with 1 074 649 learners, or 89% of all learners enrolled, present at our schools on Monday in the Western Cape.
We thank all those parents who responded to our call to bring their children back to school.
We also had 52 271 staff members, or 93% of school staff members, at school on Monday.
While we are pleased at the increase in learner attendance, they are still a little short of normal levels, which should be closer to 92%.
Now that the minibus taxi strike is over, we appeal to parents to please work with us and ensure that children go back to school. We need our learners back in class, so that we can work on getting them #BackonTrack.
Unfortunately, we are once again battling fake news regarding schools closing and threats to schools.
As a result of a false claims about a resumption of the minibus taxi strike, which circulated on Monday, concerned parents at some schools collected their children early.
SANTACO-WC has confirmed that the claimed resumption of the strike was fake news.
Please do not share information that has not been verified, because it has the potential to cause fear and disruption.
We simply cannot afford to lose one more day of teaching and learning at our schools in the Western Cape.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Western Cape Education Department, South Africa.
Apple Music today announced Afro-pop singer-songwriter Platform is the latest artist to be featured in its new Up Next artist development program in East Africa. “I’m incredibly proud to be Apple Music’s Up Next artist for East Africa this month. It’s a unique opportunity for me and I can’t put it into words what it …
Cape Town: Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., a global leader in compact and mid-sized pickups, showcased its new Global Pik Up concept at its signature Futurescape event in Cape Town. The concept represents a well-considered approach to entering newer international markets while strengthening its presence in existing ones with a range of world-class products, beginning with …
Dear Editor The release of the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) for Q2:2023 reveals a grim reality: South Africa’s unemployment crisis persists unabated while the Ramaphosa’s ANC remains at sea, unable to turn the ship around. The ruling party’s economic policies ensure that millions of South Africans remain unemployable. Our official unemployment rate stands at …
The International Cricket Council (ICC) today revealed the latest set of international stars to be named ICC Players of the Month for July 2023. Australia’s prolific all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner becomes the first player to win back-to-back awards, claiming her fourth ICC Women’s Player of the Month prize following another scintillating set of performances against England …
Scottish Rugby is to honour retrospectively more than 50 players who represented their country in matches that, at the time, did not carry Test cap status. The decision, made by the Scottish Rugby Union Custodian Board, was announced today (Tuesday 15 August) by President Colin Rigby. He said: “Those individuals who wore the thistle with …
5 Reasons Why SMEs Should Consider Joining a Business Accelerator In the fast-changing world of entrepreneurship, small businesses often hit roadblocks that slow down their growth and success. From tight budgets and limited expertise to encountering barriers in accessing lucrative market opportunities; the struggle for small business owners is real. But, there’s a game-changer for …
Dear Editor President Ramaphosa ignores DA’s formal request to establish a Commission of Inquiry into farm attacks and murders. Since submission of the request, 16 farm murders have been registered between May and July 2023, representing a 56% increase. With rising unemployment and many South Africans going to bed hungry, the Presidency should be very …
Dear Editor Today, the DA and other opposition parties walked out of the clause-by-clause deliberations of the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill in Parliament when the chair of the parliamentary portfolio committee on basic education, Bongiwe Mbinqo-Gigaba, refused to allow clarity-seeking questions and forced the adoption of the incorrect draft Consolidated BELA Bill National …
The Quarterly Labour Force Survey, released by Statistics South Africa today, revealed that 368 000 jobs were created in the Western Cape, between the second quarter of 2022 and the second quarter of 2023. That is a 15.7% increase in employed people year-on-year, well ahead of all other provinces, with Gauteng creating 201 000 jobs …
Dear Editor The DA in North West is appalled by Eskom’s devious attempt to manufacture a situation where the entity is no longer in contempt of court in the Lictenburg electricity saga. There are two transformers supplying Lichtenburg with electricity. Transformer 2 which replaced the vandalised unit has now been switched on so that Eskom …
BRICS countries urged to support township economy
BRICS countries have been urged to continue to support and invest in the township economy in an effort to reshape the perception of townships, and foster a brighter and inclusive future for all.
The Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME), Maropene Ramokgopa, led a first of its kind Township Economy in BRICS Dialogue in Orlando West, Soweto, on Tuesday.
Ramokgopa said that BRICS member countries have the capacity to leverage the combined resources, experiences and expertise to support each other in nurturing vibrant township economies.
She said joint ventures, investment partnerships, and knowledge-sharing initiatives can bring a transformative impact.
“As a BRICS nation, we must continue to support and invest in the township economy. By doing so we can rewrite the narrative of our township and create a brighter and more inclusive future for all.
“Let us seize this moment to foster innovation, promote entrepreneurship and build a thriving township economy that stands as a beacon of hope both in South Africa and across the globe in particular BRICS countries,” Ramokgopa said.
The inaugural dialogue was hosted by the Township Economic Commission of South Africa (TECSA) with the support of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) BRICS Directorate.
The dialogue is convened exactly a week before the commencement of the much-anticipated 15th BRICS Summit in Sandton, Johannesburg.
Minister Ramokgopa emphasised the critical importance of implementing policies that promote and empower small enterprises in order to fully unlock the capabilities of the Township Economy.
She highlighted that currently, the Department of Small Business Development and the National Planning Commission are collaborating with The Presidency Red Tape team to develop a targeted agenda for regulatory SMME reform in South Africa aimed at improving the business-enabling environment.
“We are excited that this time around, we are involving the township economy in this particular summit, all this that we are doing here are going to culminate in what will be discussed in the summit,” she said.
In order to ensure the sustained growth of the township economy, Ramokgopa said a multi-pronged approach is essential. Firstly, she highlighted that education and skills development must be prioritized.
“Providing quality education and training equips township residents with the knowledge and skills necessary to build, expand and explore new economic sectors. By investing in a skilled workforce, we are in a better position to attract more investors to stimulate economic development,” the Minister said.
Secondly, she said partnerships between the government, the private sector, and civil society are critical.
She highlighted that through effective and targeted social compacts, government has the potential to remedy some of the challenges experienced by township entrepreneurs.
“Government policies should be tailored to encourage investment, while private sector entities can offer mentorship, funding, and market access. Thirdly, we must leverage on our country’s enabling legislation to capacitate, support and accelerate township economies,” she said.
Ramokgopa emphasised that townships remain the gateway to the economic participation of millions of our people adding that government must be deliberate about taking BRICS to townships and townships to BRICS. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Tue, 08/15/2023 - 14:43
President Cyril Ramaphosa will undertake a working visit to Luanda, in the Republic of Angola, on 16 and 17 August 2023, to participate in a summit of Southern African leaders who will focus on sustainable industrialisation of the region.
The 43rd Ordinary Summit of the Head of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community is themed “Human and financial capital: The key drivers for sustainable industrialisation of the SADC Region”.
The Summit will be preceded by the Troika Summit of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation on 16 August 2023.
President Ramaphosa, as the outgoing Chairperson of the SADC Organ, will also attend the Troika Summit.
The Organ Troika Summit, will discuss the political and security situation in the region with particular focus on the Kingdom of Lesotho, Kingdom of Eswatini, Mozambique (SADC Mission in Mozambique) and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Organ Troika Summit will also reflect on consolidation of democracy in SADC and deliberate the socio-economic outlook for the Community.
Other activities of the Summit include the announcement of the 2022 SADC Secondary School Essay Competition, the Media Awards and the presentation of the Medal of Honour to one of the SADC Founders – the late and first President of the Republic of Botswana, His Excellency, Sir Seretse Khama.
The two Summits will be preceded by the SADC Council of Ministers meeting on 13 – 14 August 2023, and a Ministerial Committee of the Organ on 16 August 2023.
President Ramaphosa will be accompanied by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms Thandi Modise, and the Minister in Presidency responsible for State Security, Ms Khumbudzo Ntshavheni.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency: Republic of South Africa.
One of global rugby’s greatest rivalries, between South Africa and New Zealand, will be reignited at Twickenham in London later this month with the two nations playing for a brand-new trophy, the Qatar Airways Cup, on Friday 25 August. The match – which kicks off at 19h30 (20h30 SA time) – will mark the first …
Springbok Rugby World Cup captain Siya Kolisi – as well as Ox Nche and Jaden Hendrikse – will make their first Test appearances of the year on Saturday when the team lines up against Wales in their second World Cup warm-up match at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. Kolisi and Nche make their return from …