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The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) celebrated 27 years of existence on 1 April 2025. The celebration was marked by various activities, including a heartfelt message to staff from the ACEO and video messages from excited staff members as the spirit of gratitude sailed across all SAMSA regions. Since its establishment in 1998, SAMSA … Continue reading The South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) celebrated 27 years of existence on 1 April 2025
Quantum dots have attracted attention as next-generation material for a wide range of applications including displays, medical devices and solar cells. In 2014, Samsung Electronics developed the world’s first no-cadmium quantum dot material and successfully commercialised quantum dot technology with its SUHD TVs. Since 2017, the company has continued to build on its legacy of …
Kariba weed on the surfaces of the dams could kill the indigenous ecosystems
Creating an Engaging Booth An effective trade show booth design makes a strong impression and attracts the right audience. Businesses use trade shows to connect with potential clients, showcase their products, and build brand awareness. A well-planned setup enhances visibility and ensures attendees remember the brand long after the event ends. A great trade …
There are a number of objectives for the Springbok Women to reach when they face an England age-group team at Marcoussis in France on Saturday, but for Eloise Webb the most important job on the day would be to stick with structures and implement a good week of learning into the game. Webb will lead …
Media industry called to transform ownership patterns
With the media industry fighting for its survival amidst the rise of digital media, Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Kenny Morolong, has called on the industry to make deliberate efforts to transform the sector’s ownership patterns.
“Government remains committed to working alongside industry stakeholders to ensure that South Africa's media landscape is inclusive, competitive, and representative of the country's diversity,” Morolong said.
The Deputy Minister was addressing the members of the Print and Digital Media Transformation and Revitalization Steering Committee in Rosebank, Johannesburg, on Friday.
The steering committee was established to drive collaborative efforts towards a transformed media that is inclusive in a digital and multiplatform environment, to sustain and grow the sector’s contribution to the country's Growth Domestic Product (GDP).
The Minister painted a sobering picture of the industry’s current state, noting a dramatic decline in print newspaper (both commercial and local) circulation - from approximately 45 million copies annually to dwindled numbers that were never imagined before, which is "very worrisome for government."
“The current challenges of operating in the digital environment; excess print, distribution and transport cost; reduction in newspaper subscribers; dwindling circulation figures coupled with reduced advertising budgets, both from corporate and government, have forced publishers to close down, while others have become loss-making or liability enterprises. In the mist of all these things, we should not despair, we are a nation that works together to find common solutions,” Morolong said.
The Deputy Minister emphasised the critical role played by the media in society and reaffirmed government’s commitment to revitalise the industry.
“We have a responsibility to save an industry that is ailing and to do so, there needs to be government investment. You can’t put government in a position where it must support an industry that does not want to transform.
“You are running a business, but you are also running an institution which has got a moral obligation to keep society informed. We want to support you because of your role in education and informing society. We have a responsibility to support you and empower you as business,” he said.
The Print and Digital Media Transformation and Revitalization Steering Committee comprises various media executives of print and digital media companies, industry bodies such as the Association of Independent Publishers, Media Development and Diversity Agency and the Press Council.
The committee has been tasked with the following responsibilities:
nosihle
Fri, 04/11/2025 - 12:10
173 views
Why a Well-Designed Trade Show Booth Matters A well-planned trade show booth can make a significant difference in attracting visitors and creating meaningful interactions. Businesses rely on trade show displays to showcase their products and services effectively. Whether it’s a small company looking to gain exposure or a large brand reinforcing its presence, the right …
Plans afoot to revitalise Durban’s inner-city precinct
The eThekwini Municipality has rolled out an ambitious project to revitalise the inner-city precinct.
This as the city increased capacity to achieve its ambitious plan to rejuvenate the inner-city precinct and deliver a safer, cleaner, and greener Durban.
Plans for the rejuvenation are moving swiftly, and the programme involves a comprehensive range of services designed to revitalise the heart of the city. These include the deployment of professional security teams, armed patrol units, and rapid-response squads.
Complementing these efforts is a team of dedicated street ambassadors that will be introduced to monitor and maintain cleanliness in designated areas, while acting as community liaisons, by reporting suspicious activities directly to a local command centre.
City Manager, Musa Mbhele, said the introduction of street ambassadors will bring a visible and welcoming presence to the streets of Durban, while the enhanced security measures, will provide peace of mind to residents and businesses operating in the area.
The enhanced security measures include armed patrols and a coordinated command centre.
Mbhele said the landmark initiative marks a significant step forward in enhancing the quality of residents’ lives, including businesses, and visitors, while boosting the local economy through the creation of over 100 new jobs.
“This project is a game-changer for eThekwini. By combining enhanced security measures with proactive facilities management, we are not only addressing immediate safety and cleanliness concerns, but also laying the foundation for a vibrant and sustainable inner-city precinct that residents can take pride in.
“We are confident that these efforts will have a profound impact on the revitalisation of the Durban inner city, contributing to its transformation into a more attractive, secure, and economically vibrant area,” Mbhele said of the KwaZulu-Natal municipality.
The initiative aligns with the city’s broader vision to regenerate urban spaces, stimulate economic growth, and improve public safety.
He highlighted that with over 100 jobs created through this initiative, the project represents a significant investment in the local workforce, empowering communities and fostering economic resilience.
“[The] eThekwini Municipality is committed to working closely with its partners to ensure the successful implementation of this project, which is expected to serve as a model for urban renewal efforts across the region.” – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 04/11/2025 - 12:16
243 views
New GX Capital, co-founder of Dark Fibre Africa (DFA), and RMB Ventures (RMBV) launches Airnergize Capital Fund I, with R2.4 billion commitment to drive and advance sustainable clean technology investments across Southern and broader Africa. Johannesburg, South Africa, 10 April 2025 – New GX Capital, led by founder and CEO Khudusela Pitje, has announced the …
Hlabisa urges communities to protect children
The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Velenkosini Hlabisa, has urged communities to be vigilant and proactive in protecting the health and well-being of children.
The Minister was speaking at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto, Johannesburg, where he was visiting an eight-year-old boy. It was reported that the boy was hospitalised after he fell ill after consuming contaminated snacks purchased from a spaza shop in Mapetla, Soweto.
According to reports, the eight-year-old boy was taken to a nearby clinic after complaining of persistent pain.
After his condition deteriorated, he was transferred to the hospital over the weekend.
“Government plays a crucial role, but we also urge communities to take shared responsibility,” Hlabisa said on Friday.
He urged communities to protect all children and work together with government to create safer and healthier environments.
In November 2024, President Cyril Ramaphosa issued a directive requiring all spaza shops and food-handling facilities to register with their respective municipalities.
This action was prompted by incidents involving foodborne illnesses that resulted in over 890 cases and nearly 30 deaths since September 2024.
In October last year, six primary school children from Naledi, Soweto, died after allegedly eating snacks from a foreign-owned local spaza shop.
Some of the children were confirmed to have died of poisoning linked to the agricultural pesticide terbufos.
According to the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), spaza shops are crucial in local communities, often serving as the primary source of essential goods in underserved areas.
“We are here on humanitarian grounds to stand in solidarity with this young boy and his family during this difficult time,” said Hlabisa.
“It was our sincere hope that such incidents of poisoning would never happen again.”
READ | Hlabisa to visit child who consumed alleged contaminated snacks
The Minister believes that tragedies of this nature demand a united front and reaffirmed government’s commitment to working collaboratively to protect vulnerable communities.
“We are here in the spirit of the District Development Model because incidents like these require the combined efforts of all of government and all of society,” he said.
The District Development Model aims to improve the coherence and impact of government service delivery with focus on 44 Districts and 8 Metros around the country as development spaces that can be used as centres of service delivery and economic development, including job creation. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 04/11/2025 - 12:31
103 views
Head coach Bryan Easson has made two changes to his starting line-up as Scotland prepare to host Italy at Hive Stadium in the Guinness Women’s Six Nations this Sunday 13 April, kick-off 3pm – live across BBC iPlayer. Becky Boyd, fresh from a Scotland debut against France in the previous round, earns a first start …
The Semaine Olympique Française de Hyères, which will take place from Friday, April 19 to Saturday, April 26, will see all ten Olympic sailing classes in action. For the 800 athletes, this French stage will be the second event in the Sailing Grand Slam, after the Trofeo SAR Princesa Sofia (Mallorca, Spain) at the beginning …
Why Retractable Banners Are Effective A retractable banner is one of the most convenient and versatile marketing tools available. These banners provide a professional and polished look while being easy to set up and transport. Businesses across different industries use them to enhance brand visibility at events, storefronts, and conferences. A major advantage of …
Minister reaffirms commitment to efficient policing
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has reaffirmed the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) commitment to realising an efficient, effective, and responsible police service.
“… I want to reaffirm our commitment. We are committed to realising an efficient, effective, and responsible police service; one that reflects the values and aspirations of our democracy. This is non-negotiable,” the Minister said.
Mchunu was addressing a media briefing on the outcomes of the recently held three-day National Policing Summit.
“The people of South Africa demand policing that is efficient, effective, and accountable. The people of South Africa demand a police service that is worthy of their trust, and most importantly, the people of South Africa demand that we act.”
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At Friday’s briefing in Pretoria, the Minister said that the priorities of the police are to reduce murder, remove unnecessary firearms from communities, remove drugs, fight gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) and organised crime.
The police are also aware of the increases in crimes such as kidnappings, extortion, cash-in-transit heists and stock theft.
Additionally, police have classified the provinces of Gauteng, KwaZulu Natal, the Eastern Cape and Western Cape as hotspots.
“As a means of effectively reducing crime, we have identified several key enablers, inclusive of using and improving our technology, strengthening our crime intelligence, capacitating and upskilling our detective services, improving and expanding our forensic services and improving the general environment under which police officers work.
“We have made mention of the budgetary constraints, but we have also committed to maximising the budget allocated and the resources at our disposal.
“Business has also come on board and through that partnership, there are projects aimed at capacitating, particularly our detective services, improving our technology and increasing our laboratories,” he explained.
Operations Room
Meanwhile, National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola said that the summit engaged with seasoned researchers, academic leaders, the business sector, subject matter experts and community structures. The engagements were focused on how to turn the the tide, recalibrate and reposition the SAPS for the future.
“During the summit deliberations, we assessed the current state and performance of the SAPS, focussed on operational inefficiencies. We identified pragmatic strategies that will improve and advance maximum effectiveness in policing while strategically repositioning the SAPS to ensure long-term relevance, heightened professionalism and the restoration of public trust.
“The SAPS will establish a National Policing Summit Operations Room. This facility will house a permanent scoreboard that will track and trace progress on the resolutions of the summit periodically for the next five years.
“We believe that this significant move will hold the management of the SAPS accountable to the nation, as we commit to turnaround the policing direction of this country,” Masemola explained.
Visibility
The Commissioner added that the summit’s focus was not on theoretical discussion alone, but rather on diagnosing real operational challenges, understanding community perceptions and analysing systemic shortcomings.
“The summit placed special emphasis on rethinking how SAPS can maximise its impact within existing constraints while repositioning itself for long-term relevance, professionalism, and enhancing public trust in policing.
“The first day of the summit interrogated the difference between being seen and being felt in communities. While the SAPS often reports on patrols and deployments, the quality and impact of these efforts on safety perceptions was central to the conversation.”
Masemola explained that the discussions reflected a disconnect between visible policing efforts and actual community safety outcomes, prompting a call for a more intentional, impact-focused presence.
Masemola also hinted that the Summit touched on technology as a transformative tool in the modernisation of policing.
“Summit discussions addressed real-time crime tracking, GIS [ geographic information system] mapping, AI-driven analytics, and predictive policing. Participants discussed how these technologies can help SAPS anticipate criminal activity and deploy resources more efficiently.
“Emphasis was placed on data quality, interoperability of systems and the critical need for digital literacy within SAPS,” said the Commissioner.
President Cyril Ramaphosa officially opened the summit that was held at Emperors Palace Convention Centre in Gauteng on Tuesday.
READ | President calls for holistic overhaul of policing
The Summit, among other things, addressed the high levels of crime in South Africa by reflecting on current policing approaches and developing more effective methods for the South African Police Service. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 04/11/2025 - 12:48
33 views
Dear Editor The DA has written to the National Commissioner of Correctional Services to request urgent reform of our current parole system. An existing, but ignored, policy position paper on parole boards must be issued and must be published by the Department of Correctional Services, so that Parliament can start the process to re-engineer the …
Dear Editor On 8 April 2025, the Patriotic Alliance (PA) made their priorities crystal clear: party politics over people, obstruction over progress. In a shameful display of hypocrisy and political opportunism, the PA voted against three progressive Democratic Alliance (DA) motions in the National Council of Provinces. Each of these motions were designed to honour …
Chris Hani remembered as a martyr whose sacrifice shaped South African democracy
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has hailed the late Chris Hani as a revolutionary leader and a revered freedom fighter, whose assassination in April 1993 marked a pivotal moment in South Africa’s transition to democracy.
Delivering the keynote address at the 32nd anniversary of Hani’s assassination commemorative event, held in Sabalele Village, Cofimvaba - Hani’s birthplace in the Eastern Cape, Mashatile reflected on Hani’s legacy and the sacrifices he made for South Africa’s democracy.
Hani, the former Chief of Staff of Umkhonto weSizwe, was gunned down outside his home in Dawn Park, Boksburg, by radical right-wing Polish immigrant Janusz Waluś, who was released on parole in 2022.
Despite attempts by his killers to incite civil war, the Deputy President said Hani’s death united the nation in its pursuit of freedom, culminating in the country’s first non-racial elections on 27 April 1994.
“Today, the world has come to know Martin Thembisile as Chris Hani, a revolutionary, a commissar, a leader, a parent, a husband, and a martyr, whose blood and sacrifices cleared the way to the 1994 historic political breakthrough,” he said on Thursday.
The Deputy President highlighted Hani’s contributions to the armed struggle, his leadership in the Umkhonto Wesizwe Liberation Movement, and his unwavering commitment to justice and equality.
He praised Hani’s bravery, recounting his role in the Luthuli Detachment, where he led soldiers across the crocodile-infested Zambezi River and struck fear into the apartheid regime.
Mashatile also emphasised Hani’s vision for a better South Africa, rooted in principles of social justice.
“We must never allow the rhetoric which suggests that democracy is the worst form of government, and that apartheid was better than a democratic state.
“Nor must we allow some of us as beneficiaries of this huge sacrifice of many fallen martyrs, like Chris Hani, to discredit democracy through shameful deeds like corruption, stealing from the State and the poor, killing for positions, and fighting to access positions for selfish interests.”
The country’s second-in-command said Hani believed that societal progress should focus on providing basic needs, such as shelter, water, healthcare, and education rather than abstract theories.
“Our reality is that we are not exactly where Chris Hani would have liked us to be as a nation,” Mashatile admitted, pointing to persistent poverty, underdevelopment, and inequality in former homeland areas.
The Deputy President used his platform to call for urgent action to address issues, such as gender-based violence (GBV), unemployment, and corruption, which he said undermine the sacrifices of struggle heroes like Hani.
He urged South Africans to work together to build a more equitable society and economy, while also diversifying trade partnerships to reduce dependence on specific markets.
Mashatile announced plans to elevate the annual commemoration of Hani to a national event, focusing on development, heritage, and the values Hani stood for.
This year’s initiatives include the construction of a sports facility at a local school in Sabalele and the repatriation and reburial of liberation combatants.
“Chris Hani did not die in vain. We must honour his name not only with words but with work, compassion, and bold, urgent action. Let this moment remind us that the struggle is not over,” Mashatile stressed.
The commemoration served as a call to action for South Africans to continue fighting corruption, underdevelopment, and inequality and to build a nation that reflects the vision of heroes like Chris Hani.
Government of National Unity
The Deputy President also used his platform to touch on the Government of National Unity (GNU) in South Africa, which faces several challenges.
The GNU comprises 10 political parties, each with differing perspectives on various issues, the diversity of which, he said, can lead to disagreements and difficulties in reaching consensus.
“What we need to understand about the GNU is that we may have different views on issues, but once an agreement has been reached, we must all speak with one voice. This was also the case with Chris Hani; he had a strong view about the armed struggle, and when the ANC was prepared to engage in negotiations, the leadership decided to drop it, which he opposed.”
The Deputy President said effective governance in the GNU requires balancing individual viewpoints with collective decision-making. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 04/11/2025 - 10:45
228 views
Concern over Limpopo justice vacancy rate
Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has identified the high number of vacancies at the Limpopo justice department as a critical issue to resolve.
Kubayi conducted an oversight visit to the Polokwane High Court and the Master’s Office on Thursday.
“The Minister noted that these capacity challenges are severely affecting service delivery. She clarified that this is not a failure on the part of the provincial team but rather an issue that requires urgent attention at the national level.
“Misinterpretations of public service regulations that delay appointments and result in prolonged acting roles must be resolved,” the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DJCOD) said in a statement.
The Minister conducted the visit to “engage directly with staff without disrupting court operations”.
“During her walkabout, the Minister assessed compliance with departmental norms and standards, with particular attention to the management of court files. Proper filing was emphasised as fundamental to the delivery of justice, as even a single missing page can derail an entire case. The importance of getting the basics right was underlined.
“The Minister also raised concern about the inadequate infrastructure available for child witnesses, noting that the existing facilities fall short of providing the necessary safeguards for minors who testify in court. She stated that the current situation is unacceptable and assured that it will be addressed,” the department said.
Staff engagement
To conclude the visit, Kubayi conducted a meeting with staff to address public complaints, service consistency, performance management and physical infrastructure.
“The Minister emphasised that performance management tools must not be used to victimise employees, but rather to support their growth and accountability. She stressed the importance of cordial working relationships among colleagues and encouraged teamwork across all levels.
“Managers were called upon to lead effectively by ensuring staff are motivated and that court users are treated with the dignity and speed they deserve. She further highlighted the responsibility of managers to guarantee that persons with disabilities have equal access to services, and that facilities catering to their needs must be prioritised.
“She reaffirmed her commitment to restoring public trust in the justice system by promoting accountability, professionalism, and respect for all who depend on the department’s services,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Fri, 04/11/2025 - 11:10
111 views
Cape Town — The National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) is proud to announce the strengthening of its partnership with Stellenbosch University’s Division of Emergency Medicine following a joint presentation at the Stellenbosch University Emergency Medicine Symposium (SUEM) yesterday. The collaboration between these two respected institutions was formalised last year through a Memorandum of Understanding. At …
SA Rugby has entered into a ground-breaking new partnership with global leader in fabric care, OMO, as part of a contract renewal with Unilever. The well-known household brand becomes the first in its category to join the Springboks and all national teams as part of OMO’s campaign to champion resilience, perseverance, and the belief that …
Free State Department of Human Settlements has promised to help the 75-year-old from Naledi village in Qwaqwa get a house
As part of the company's participation at the GITEX Africa conference, taking place in Morocco on 14-16 April 2025, Kaspersky (www.Kaspersky.co.za) will address the dynamics for cyberthreats in the African region as per the latest anonymised data from the Kaspersky Security Network (KSN)[1]. From 2023 to 2024 businesses in Africa were targeted by web threats, on-device threats, and attacks aiming to steal data, including spyware and password stealers. Phishing and ransomware continue to be significant threats in the region, with 66 million phishing link clicks seen by Kaspersky in the African region in 2024, including over 14.8 million phishing link clicks by corporate users.
Web-based threats, or online threats, are a category of cybersecurity risks that may cause an undesirable event or action affecting users browsing the Internet. According to Kaspersky data, there were 131 580 587 web threats detected in 2024 in the African region, including almost 20 million attack attempts in Kenya, almost 17 million in South Africa, and 12.6 million in Morocco. Businesses were targeted by web threats more often in 2024 than in 2023, with threat detections increasing by 1.2%.
Local (on device) threats include malware that is spread via removable USB drives, CDs and DVDs, or that initially makes way onto the computer in non-open form (for example, programs in complex installers, encrypted files, etc.). According to Kaspersky telemetry, local (on device) threat detections in organisations in the African region in 2024 increased by 4% compared to 2023. Among the countries that saw growth in local threats detected in organisations were Nigeria (169% increase), Ethiopia (86%), South Africa (32%), Senegal (11%), and Morocco (9%).
There has been a spike of threats related to data theft. According to Kaspersky data, there was a 14% growth in spyware attack detections on businesses in the African region from 2023 to 2024. Spyware is secretly installed on a user's computer to monitor their actions and collect their data. Apart from that, there has been a 26% increase in password stealer detections. Password stealers are a type of malware designed to harvest login credentials and other sensitive data.
“Our statistics show an increase in attack detections for several types of cyberthreats, and the factors driving these increases are multifaceted. In the B2B sector, the continuing shift toward hybrid work models and the rush to digitise operations — often outpacing cybersecurity investments — may leave businesses in Africa exposed to advanced persistent threats. In the B2C space, the explosion of digital financial services, coupled with low digital literacy rates, makes individuals prime targets for opportunistic attacks,” comments Maher Yamout, Lead Cybersecurity Researcher with Kaspersky Global Research and Analysis Team. “Organisations in Africa should prioritise a unified approach by enhancing collaboration, investing in specialised cybersecurity training, and promoting digital literacy to effectively combat the rising tide of cybercrime. Initiatives like the African Cyber Surge operation and targeted educational programs can serve as blueprints for building a resilient digital ecosystem across the continent.”
To stay protected, Kaspersky suggests following the recommendations below.
Individual users:
Organisations:
The Kaspersky stand at GITEX Africa (https://GITEXAfrica.com) in Morocco will be located in Hall 13, 13C-20, while a keynote titled “When AI/ML fails in cybersecurity, humans are the last line of defense” will take place at the Dark Stage on April 15 at 2:10 PM.
Reference:
[1] Data sent to Kaspersky is anonymized and protected, even in transit, in accordance with stringent industry standards including encryption, digital certificates, segregated storage and strict data access policies. Learn more about KSN here: www.Kaspersky.com/KSN
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kaspersky.
For further information please contact:
Nicole Allman
INK&Co. (https://INKandCo.co.za)
nicole@inkandco.co.za
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Kaspersky is a global cybersecurity and digital privacy company founded in 1997. With over a billion devices protected to date from emerging cyberthreats and targeted attacks, Kaspersky's deep threat intelligence and security expertise is constantly transforming into innovative solutions and services to protect businesses, critical infrastructure, governments and consumers around the globe. The company's comprehensive security portfolio includes leading endpoint protection, specialized security products and services, as well as Cyber Immune solutions to fight sophisticated and evolving digital threats. We help over 200,000 corporate clients protect what matters most to them. Learn more at www.Kaspersky.co.za.
Dear Editor The DA in Mpumalanga is deeply concerned that scholars are being denied education, and kept away from schools across the province, because of a payment failure by the Provincial Government that has stopped scholar transport. The Provincial Government has failed to pay Scholar Transport Operators across the province, on the 30-day terms which …
For many South Africans, the Easter holidays mean cross-country camping trips or coastal escapes with caravans or trailers in tow. The open road spells freedom, relaxation and adventure, but travellers should also take steps to protect themselves from risks from road accidents and theft to unexpected weather damage. “Caravans and trailers are valuable assets, often …