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Dear Editor Godongwana’s revenue projections based on 1.4% economic growth resulted in a R60 billion revenue shortfall. Treasury would need to borrow money to fund the shortfall caused by improper forecasting and ANC irresponsible spending requirements. The DA offers an anchor of hope with economic and foreign policy and the proposed alternative 2023 MTBPS. When …
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Riverlea residents feel safer with police presence
Residents of Riverlea, west of Johannesburg, say their safety has improved since the Specialised Forces of the South African Police Service (SAPS) were deployed to the area to shut down illegal mining operations.
The residents welcomed the intensified police operations on illegal miners during a recently held community engagement, led by the Police Ministry.
The additional police deployment in the Riverlea area has so far resulted in the arrest of over 190 suspects, the majority of them being undocumented persons.
Police have since recovered scores of illegal firearms, ammunition, stolen property, explosives, gas cylinders and other tools commonly used during illegal mining activities.
Police Minister General Bheki Cele said these policing operations are but one part of the plan to end illegal mining.
“Arresting illegal miners is not the solution to end this well funded and well organised crime. Police are on the ground to stabilise the area so that other departments can come in and work to permanently close off mines and also attend to some of the social issues that exist in this area, which are drivers of crime.
“It is encouraging that the Hawks have arrested the suspects, who police believe are the handlers of these zama zamas and are middle and top players in the web of illegal mining,” Cele said.
He assured the residents of Gauteng affected by illegal mining and crime associated with the organised crime that a lasting solution is on the horizon. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 08/07/2023 - 10:17
Kubayi calls for tough actions against poor-performing contractors
Human Settlements Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi, says the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) must probe projects that are affected by poor performance, as contractors who under-deliver or abandon projects must be brought to book.
Kubayi made the call to the Free State Human Settlements Department during a recent oversight visit to Mangaung Metropolitan and Matjhabeng Municipality to assess performance, including delivery of housing units and basic services.
Together with Free State Premier, Mxolisi Dukwana, and Human Settlements MEC, Ketso Makume, Kubayi visited blocked housing projects with the aim of finding solutions.
The department has prioritised the completion of blocked projects, which are expected to deliver close to 10 000 units in the province. The eradication of rural mud houses and asbestos roofs; the provision of basic services and infrastructure in informal settlements and homes for military veterans are also top priority.
During the visits to both municipalities, Kubayi expressed her disappointment with the staggering number of incomplete projects, which deny the poor and vulnerable access to a decent homes.
She raised concern about State funds, amounting to hundreds of millions, that have been spent on incomplete projects.
She further expressed her disappointment at the number of unscrupulous contractors, who were comfortable with siphoning State funds without having delivered a single project milestone.
Kubayi warned that the delivery of houses on time and within budget is non-negotiable.
“We allocated resources and those are meant to change the lives of the people. Poor performance by contractors is a slap in the face of those who live in squalor,” Kubayi said.
She said the department, together with the Free State government, agreed that there must be consequences for those who have denied people their right to dignity.
“When I joined the department, I called on the contractors to return to the abandoned sites and make good on their contractual obligations. We have now resolved that we will go after those who have vanished with government resources.
“The poor performance of one province affects the entire sector and hence the need for all provinces to crack the whip on poor performing contractors to ensure that targets are met,” Kubayi said.
The Minister said for the financial year 2023/24, the department has allocated R19.2 billion to provincial grants and R12.5 billion for municipal grants.
With its budget allocation of close to R1 billion, the Free State has committed that during this financial year, it will deliver close to 10 000 housing units, including the eradication of mud houses and asbestos roofs; providing basic services and infrastructure in informal settlements, and accelerating the delivery of houses for military veterans and completing blocked projects.
In an effort to assist the province to achieve its set targets, the Minister announced that she has agreed to a request to second two officials from the National Human Settlements to provide additional capacity to the provincial department.
She said the two officials are expected to be in the province as early as next week.
Responding to a recent land invasion in Botshabelo in Mangaung, the Minister called on community members to partner with government to deliver sustainable human settlements.
She also warned against “shack lords” and illegal occupation of land, saying it affects service delivery.
The communities were also reminded that the occupation of land unsuitable for human settlements development in many instances results in loss of lives due disasters.
Over 600 title deeds given to elderly women
The oversight visit also included the handing over of 600 title deeds to mostly elderly women beneficiaries.
Kubayi urged the beneficiaries not to fall into the temptation of selling their newly acquired homes or to give them to loan sharks.
“This is proof that a house is yours and belongs to you and your loved ones. Hold on to it and hand it over to your next generations,” Kubayi told beneficiaries.
The Minister also commended women’s contribution to providing sustainable human settlements in many parts of the country, and called for increased allocation of projects towards women contractors, as part of the 40% set aside policy. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 08/07/2023 - 10:41
Inspirational Alkebulan Immigrants Impact Awards (Awards) to Celebrate the Extraordinary Contributions of Immigrants and Refugees in South Africa. [Johannesburg, 4 August 2023] – The highly anticipated Alkebulan Immigrants Impact Awards (AIIA) were officially launched on 3 August 2023, heralding a momentous occasion to recognize and honour the exceptional achievements and positive impacts of immigrants and …
Starbucks National Barista Championship 2023: Bloemfontein’s Thapelo Reigns Supreme On July 20-21, Starbucks South Africa held its annual National Barista Championship at Starbucks Paarden Eiland, Cape Town. This year’s competition took a thrilling twist, as 7 Starbucks District Champions competed against each other, representing various corners of South Africa, including the bustling cityscape of Johannesburg, …
The Presidency invites all South Africans to use August, as the final month for nominations for National Orders, to identify persons nationally and globally who have served the nation or attained personal achievement in exceptional ways.
National Orders are the highest awards that a country, through its President, bestows on its citizens and eminent foreign nationals.
The President as the fount (holder, cradle, main source) of honour in the country bestows these Orders and Decorations and is assisted by the Director-General in The Presidency, who is the Chancellor of National Orders and an Advisory Council on National Orders, in the execution of this responsibility.
The Chancellor of National Orders, Ms Phindile Baleni, calls on citizens to make nominations for National Orders as part of sustaining the integrity, inclusiveness and diversity of this institution of social cohesion and nation-building.
Ms Baleni said: “The National Orders are a platform for the recognition of fellow South Africans and persons globally who, in exceptional ways, have historically made or are currently making important or interesting contributions to all aspects of our national life.
“From politics to popular culture, as well as the recognition of bravery, the National Orders give us an opportunity annually to be inspired by and grateful for people who have done outstanding things to shape our past and our future.
“We therefore invite people from all walks of life and backgrounds – including the youth of our country - to identify from their communities and sectors persons who, on the basis of exceptional achievements or contributions, deserve the honour of a National Order.”
The birth of a non-racial and non-sexist democracy in South Africa in 1994 necessitated a review of the system of National Orders.
A review was conducted from May 1998 by the newly-instituted President's Advisory Council on National Orders and the Orders were progressively instituted in 2002 and 2003.
The Order of Mapungubwe is awarded to South African citizens for excellence and exceptional achievement.
The Order of the Baobab is awarded to South African citizens for distinguished service. The service awarded is well above and beyond the ordinary call of duty. It is an award for exceptional and distinguished contributions in the following categories: business and the economy: science, medicine and technological innovation, and community service.
The Order of the Companions of OR Tambo is awarded to foreign nationals (Heads of State and Government) and other foreign dignitaries. It is awarded for friendship shown to South Africa. It is therefore an order of peace, co-operation and active expression of solidarity and support. The Order constitutes an essential pillar of international and multilateral relations.
The Order of Luthuli is awarded to South Africans who have made a meaningful contribution to the struggle for democracy, human rights, nation-building, justice and peace, and conflict resolution.
The Order of Ikhamanga is awarded to South African citizens who have excelled in the fields of arts, culture, literature, music, journalism and sport.
The Mendi Decoration for Bravery is awarded to South African citizens who have performed an extraordinary act of bravery that placed their lives in great danger, or who lost their own lives including in trying to save the life of another person, or by saving property, in or outside the Republic of South Africa.
Nomination forms that outline simple guidelines to proposers of nominees can be downloaded at https://www.thepresidency.gov.za/download/file/fid/2785
Submissions must include:
• an introductory paragraph with a summary of the nominee's achievements
• a list of exceptional milestones reached by the nominee in his/her career and/or international arena, and
• a description of the exceptional, outstanding, dedicated service or act of bravery rendered by the nominee.
The closing date for nominations: 31 August 2023.
Details of the annual National Orders Ceremony will be provided at a later date.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency: Republic of South Africa.
SA's sportswomen praised for reaching new heights
President Cyril Ramaphosa has lauded female athletes for reaching new heights and achieving remarkable accomplishments across a number of sporting codes.
In his weekly newsletter on Monday, the President said this has been a great year for women’s sport in South Africa and the nation is exhilarated by the successes of sportswomen on the field, track and pitch.
“Our female athletes have reached new heights across a number of sporting codes, and we have hosted several women’s international sports tournaments.
“Our nation’s sportswomen have proven themselves, time and again. It is up to us, as a society, to provide the necessary environment that will enable a new generation of women and girls to thrive and excel in sport,” the President said.
SA’s women’s national football team, Banyana Banyana, who are the reigning Women’s Africa Cup of Nations champions, has delivered some stunning performances in the FIFA Women’s World Cup taking place in Australia and New Zealand.
The women’s netball team, the Proteas, also put in a strong showing at the Netball World Cup that ended in Cape Town on Sunday.
In February, the country hosted the first ICC Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup to take place on African soil. Our national team made history as the first South African team to reach the final.
The President said that many of these fine sportswomen have excelled despite humble beginnings, overcoming adversity and achieving success despite the odds.
“As we prepare to celebrate Women’s Day later this week, these many achievements are a reminder of how far we have come in building a South Africa where women are full and equal participants in society. They are also a reminder of how much further we still need to go,” he said.
President Ramaphosa said that the increased participation of women and girls in sport supports women’s empowerment and advances gender equality.
He highlighted that earlier this year, UN Women launched the Sports for Generation Equality Initiative. It noted that sport holds enormous capacity to propel women and girls’ empowerment. Female athletes are inspiring role models and can make the most of their status “to raise awareness around gender issues and to demand change”.
The President added that competing in sports fosters a sense of empowerment among women, helping them build confidence in their abilities and break gender stereotypes. Through sports, he said, women can challenge societal norms, experiencing personal growth and achievement.
He said that all of these can enable women and girls to be more assertive and confident in society, and can support the fight against discrimination and gender-based violence.
“As government, we want to increase the representation of women in sport and to promote the development of women’s sports both through mass participation and at an elite level.
“There are a number of government programmes to develop mass participation in women’s sports. There are also initiatives supported by the private sector and international development partners," he said.
When it comes to elite athletes, the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee’s ‘Operation Excellence’ programme provides preparatory support to Olympians and Paralympians.
The President pointed out that funding and sponsorship predominantly flow towards male-dominated team sports such as football, cricket, and rugby. He said these sports have well-established professional leagues, unlike women's football, cricket, and rugby.
The President highlighted that this situation adds to the significant difference in pay between female athletes and their male counterparts.
“Equal pay for work of equal value is one of most fundamental tenets of gender equality. The sporting fraternity is neither exceptional nor is it exempt.
“That female athletes should still earn less than their male counterparts is an affront to our nation’s sportswomen, more so at a time when the achievements of some of our women’s sports teams surpass those of our men’s teams,” the President said.
He called on sponsors and sporting bodies to direct greater resources to women’s sports.
President Ramaphosa said it is only through greater sponsorship and support that women’s sport will be able to grow and attract larger audiences. As they attract a greater following, he said, women’s sports events will provide greater value to sponsors.
The President added that the success of the major women’s sports tournaments that have been hosted in South Africa will no doubt bolster our bid to host the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2027.
“Working together as government, business and the sporting fraternity we can level the playing field for women’s sports in our country. And by so doing, we will take another step towards a more equal society,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Mon, 08/07/2023 - 10:25
A strong contingent of female elite athletes will commemorate National Women’s Day on Wednesday 09 August 2023 by participating in South Africa’s largest Women’s Day celebration, the Totalsports Women’s Race in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban in support of PinkDrive. Somerset West based athlete Kyla Jacobs will make her Totalsports Women’s Race debut in Cape …
Luvme Hair South Africa, a leading brand in premium quality human hair wigs in South Africa, is thrilled to announce a special Women’s Day promotion that will surely delight and empower women across the nation. In honor of Women’s Day, Luvme Hair is offering a limited-time offer of “Buy 1 Wig, Get 2nd Wig at …
Call for nominations for National Orders
The Presidency has reminded South Africans to nominate candidates, either South African nationals or eminent foreign nationals, for National Orders, as the closing date for nominations approaches.
The closing date for nominations is 31 August 2023.
National Orders are the highest awards that an individual can receive in South Africa for serving the country or attaining personal achievement – both nationally and internationally – “in exceptional ways”.
Director General in the Presidency, Phindile Baleni, reflected on the importance of the awards.
“The National Orders are a platform for the recognition of fellow South Africans and persons globally who, in exceptional ways, have historically made or are currently making important or interesting contributions to all aspects of our national life.
“From politics to popular culture, as well as the recognition of bravery, the National Orders give us an opportunity annually to be inspired by and grateful for people who have done outstanding things to shape our past and our future.
“We therefore invite people from all walks of life and backgrounds – including the youth of our country - to identify from their communities and sectors persons who, on the basis of exceptional achievements or contributions, deserve the honour of a National Order,” Baleni said.
The Presidency explained the different orders that can be obtained:
“National Orders are the highest awards that a country, through its President, bestows on its citizens and eminent foreign nationals.
“The President as the fount of honour in the country bestows these Orders and Decorations and is assisted by the Director-General in The Presidency, who is the Chancellor of National Orders and an Advisory Council on National Orders, in the execution of this responsibility,” the Presidency said.
Nomination forms can be obtained at https://www.thepresidency.gov.za/download/file/fid/2785 and submissions must include:
Nominations can be sent to:
NeoB
Mon, 08/07/2023 - 09:22
Subcouncil 3 manager says area is too volatile to render services
The Bulls Daisies, Boland Dames and Border Ladies claimed wins in the 13th round of the Women’s Premier Division this past weekend, while Free State edged the SWD Eagirls to win the First Division title. The Daisies scored seven tries in their 43-5 win against DHL Western Province in Pretoria on Saturday, with Rights Mkhari …
Tomorrow, Tuesday 8 August 2023, DA Federal Leader John Steenhuisen MP will continue his nationwide Election 2024 registration tour in the Free State, including an outreach to civil society bodies and organised communities who will play a vital role in rebuilding South Africa as part of a Pact government in 2024. The tour will begin …
FNB is accelerating its commitment to environmental sustainability and operational resilience by installing solar power systems in 100 of its branches across the country. This initiative aims to improve uninterrupted access to services offered in its branches during times of load shedding while mitigating the environmental impact of its operations. The project will commence with …
Cloudmania, launched by Liquid C2 in 2021 to support Africa's digital transformation journey, opens its doors for the Mauritius channel partner ecosystem. With partners in 22 countries across the continent, Cloudmania is committed to providing cloud and cyber security services to partners within an ecosystem defined by support, expertise, and enablement.
Vinay Hiralall, Managing Executive of Cloudmania, said, “Our operations have grown exponentially, in the last year itself, we have grown from 100 partners to over 500. This highlights that our value proposition resonates with channel partners across the continent. We have a deep understanding of the channel ecosystem and work with partners to provide the technical enablement, operational efficiency, and solution portfolio to drive their businesses forward. Winning the Microsoft Partner of the Year award in Ethiopia and Côte d'Ivoire in 2022 and 2023, respectively, reinforces our commitment to delivering solutions that propel cloud adoption and partner growth and accelerate digital transformation for businesses in Africa”.
All resellers that partner with Cloudmania receive access to a suite of market-leading solutions tailored to suit their customers' needs. Cloudmania aims to help channel partners better manage their business by creating a single-pane view via an always-on platform that assists with billing and subscription management services. In addition to providing partners with programmes that drive sales enablement, they also have access to our marketing initiatives and technical advisories. By alleviating the backend operations, partners can focus more on their core business of expanding their operations and increasing their customer base.
Cloudmania understands the critical role cloud and cyber security technologies play in today's digital economy. “Being recognised by one of the largest global hyper-scalers like Microsoft as ‘Partner of the Year' is testimony to Cloudmania's unwavering commitment towards ushering change, development, and progress through technology, and we hope to win next year's award for Mauritius,” concluded Hiralall.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Liquid Intelligent Technologies.
About Cloudmania:
Launched by Liquid C2 in 2021, Cloudmania is a Cloud Services and Solutions provider extending convenience, diversity, and a range of services. The company has opened its doors to numerous countries across the African continent, including South Africa, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Nigeria, Ghana, Mauritius, Ethiopia, Côte d'Ivoire, Senegal, Cameroon, Botswana, and the Democratic Republic of Congo serving the mission to bring about digital disruption using the power of the cloud. Cloudmania offers cutting-edge solutions to provide a full suite of partner-focused products and services. The organisation was awarded a Microsoft Partner of the Year in Ethiopia 2022 and Côte d'Ivoire in 2023. For more information: https://Cloudmania.Africa/
About Liquid C2:
Liquid C2 is a business of Liquid Intelligent Technologies, a pan-African technology group, offering managed cloud and security services, product solutions, and related professional and advisory services in 22 African countries. It operates Africa's widest Azure Stack deployment across four countries and deployed the only African Cyber Security Fusion Centres in South Africa and Kenya, with another four to be launched in 2023. Liquid C2 was selected as an Operator Connect launch partner by Microsoft in six countries. The organisation was a finalist in the Microsoft Partner of the Year 2021 in South Africa and Microsoft Partner of the Year in Ethiopia and Côte d'Ivoire in 2022 and 2023. https://LiquidC2.com/
The government needs to act quickly and provide more money to recruit more judges
Government keen to see the growth of netball in SA
In a bid to facilitate the growth of netball in the country, government will build a netball exclusive arena, President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Sunday.
The President made the announcement during the closing ceremony of the Netball World Cup held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre over the past 10 days.
The tournament was held on African soil for the first time.
“One of the things that’s been said...is that we need to ensure that netball grows in South Africa. To enable it to grow, we must build netball facilities throughout the country.
“I’m happy to say that your closing ceremony is on Women's Month here in South Africa. So therefore, the gift that we are going to give to the women of South Africa and also the women around the world is to build a netball arena. We are going to do it,” President Ramaphosa said.
The first citizen was in attendance of the final match of the tournament on Sunday which culminated in Australia beating England to take home the trophy.
The President sent his congratulations to all the countries that took part in the tournament.
“I want to congratulate the winning team, the number one, number two and number three. But also to say congratulations to all who have been participating in this tournament. You are all winners.
“I have been watching your sport for the past ten days and I must tell you, I have become a new fan,” he said.
President Ramaphosa commended the celebratory atmosphere that was created by crowds that attended matches throughout the tournament.
“I also want to congratulate you for the vibe as young people would say, for the wonderful vibe.
“There has been a very outstanding vibe here and I felt it today. You created a very wonderful African vibe and I’m glad that all the other nations participated in the wonderful spirit that prevailed in this tournament,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Sun, 08/06/2023 - 21:14
FitFlop has disrupted the norm by introducing us to stylish shoes that are also comfortable! As a brand renowned for pushing boundaries and achieving comfort, Fitflop continuously explores new technologies and materials to redefine footwear. The latest addition to their collection is the F-Mode Chelsea Flatform; a line of shoes that incorporates cutting-edge advancements in …
Dear Editor The DA began an inclusive Parliamentary process of drafting legislation that would stabilise coalition governments in October of 2022. We sought the inputs of other political parties represented in Parliament in order to make sure when we get to the drafting process, we would have incorporated their diversity of views. The ANC could …
A tale of two halves ends in ecstasy for Paarl Gimnasium as they beat bitter rivals Paarl Boys’ High by 20 points to 17 at Faure Stadium in a Sportsmans Warehouse Premier Interschools clash on the 5th of August 2023. A high-intensity start from Paarl Boys’ High was met with great resilience from the hosts …
Dear Editor The DA congratulates Banyana Banyana on their impressive performance and journey in the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Their dedication, passion, and skill have showcased their abilities on the world stage of women’s football. Their journey in this prestigious tournament has been truly inspiring, capturing the hearts of many. Their determination, teamwork, and commitment …
These are the Different Types of Forklifts for sale: IC Forklifts, Electric Forklifts, and Lithium-Ion Equipment are all types of forklifts used in material handling and industrial settings. Each type of forklift has its own unique features, advantages, and disadvantages. Let’s explore the differences between them: IC Forklifts (Internal Combustion Forklifts): IC forklifts are …
Introduction: In South Africa, there exists a team of leak detection specialists with an impressive 41-year track record. Their unparalleled experience, coupled with the use of the latest equipment, makes them the go-to professionals for leak detection services. With their ability to precisely pinpoint leak locations, clients can bid farewell to the frustration of searching …