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Hair loss is a common concern for many individuals around the world, impacting both men and women. While there are various causes and treatments available, surgical interventions like hair transplant and replacement surgeries have grown in popularity due to their effectiveness and long-lasting results. What is a Hair Transplant? A hair transplant is a surgical …
Relief at the pumps as fuel prices set to come down
Motorists will breathe a sigh of relief from Wednesday as fuel prices are set to come down.
The fuel price adjustments – which will bring much needed financial relief to consumers – were announced by the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, on Tuesday.
The price adjustments for fuel, paraffin and gas are as follows:
• Petrol 93 (ULP & LRP): 58 cent decrease.
• Petrol 95 (ULP &LRP): 72 cent decrease.
• Diesel (0.05% sulphur: 83 cent decrease.
• Diesel (0.005% sulphur): 85 cent decrease.
• Illuminating Paraffin (wholesale): 81 cent decrease.
• Single Maximum National Retail Price for illuminating paraffin: R1.14 decrease.
• Maximum LPGas Retail Price: 79 cent decrease
A litre of 95 petrol, which currently costs R22.34 in Gauteng, will now cost R21.62 a litre as of Wednesday.
At the coast, a litre of 95 petrol, which costs R21.55 in March, will now cost R20.79 a litre in April.
“The average Brent Crude oil price decreased from 74.89 US Dollars [USD] to 71.04 USD during the period under review. The main contributing factors are the continued supply from non-OPEC countries as well as anticipated increase in supply, though moderate, from OPEC + producers in April 2025.
“The average international petroleum product prices followed the decreasing trend of crude oil prices. This led to lower contributions to the Basic Fuel Prices of petrol, diesel and illuminating paraffin by 66.36 cents per litre (c/l), 80.10 c/l and 72.07 c/l respectively,” the department said.
The strengthening of the Rand against the USD also played a role in the decreased prices.
“The Rand appreciated on average, against the USD from 18.50 to 18.30 Rand per USD during the period under review when compared to the previous one.
“This led to lower contributions to the Basic Fuel Prices of petrol, diesel and Illuminating Paraffin by 11.72 c/l, 12.42 c/l and 12.24 c/l respectively,” the department noted. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 04/01/2025 - 14:26
58 views
Taking care of your hair is more than just a routine—it’s a way to express yourself and ensure that your locks stay healthy and vibrant. Whether you’re dealing with frizzy curls, flat strands, or something in between, the right hair care and styling products can make a significant difference. Here’s a comprehensive look at some …
Dear Editor Every child deserves to be safe, and every parent or guardian deserves the peace of mind that when they send their child to school, they are sending them to a place of care, not a place of harm. Today, as thousands march across South Africa under the banner of #JusticeForCwecwe, we are forced …
The FW de Klerk Foundation thanks Minister Gwarube and the Department of Basic Education for their dedication to eradicating the presence of pit toilets in schools.
The post FW DE KLERK FOUNDATION OPEN LETTER TO BASIC EDUCATION DEPARTMENT REGARDING SCHOOL PIT TOILET ERADICATION appeared first on FW de Klerk Foundation.
Ramokgopa announces Independent Transmission Programme
Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, has announced that government will pursue private investment for the construction of transmission lines through the Independent Transmission Programme (ITP).
The Minister made the announcement of the new programme during a media briefing, held in Pretoria, on Tuesday.
During the briefing, Ramokgopa touted the pilot programme for the ITP which will pave the way to the construction of 1 164 kilometres (km) of new transmission lines, designed to support renewable energy projects.
“Our renewable energy assets are not fully exploited as a result of the constraints on the transmission side. The Eskom balance sheet and the sovereign balance sheet is not sufficient to carry the kind of investments that are required in this space.
“In terms of the transmission development plan…we will need modernise and expand transmission by about 14 000km and for us to be able to do this, we need about R440 billion. The State is not in a position to provide that kind of support. So, today we are introducing the independent transmission programme,” Ramokgopa said.
He said a ministerial determination has been issued to create a “dispensation that allows for private sector participation”.
“Our view is that there’s a need for us to be able to ensure that we are able to accelerate and support transmission infrastructure development. The transmission development plan does say that we need this 14 000km of new lines to be able to unlock the capacity, especially in the cape provinces.
“That is where we have the most efficient and reliable energy assets in the form of solar and wind, but we have exhausted all of the transmission that allows us to evacuate the electrons so that the economy can benefit from those assets,” the Minister said.
Ramokgopa added that the procurement of transmission will be done in the most cost-effective way, while regulations will be issued this Thursday.
“The Ministry is the one mandated to procure and then the NTCSA [National Transmission Company of South Africa] is the party that buys that. We are going to ensure that we procure the most cost-effective and tendering procedures that are fair, competitive and equitable.
“The requirement for the ITP pilot has to be consistent with transmission development plan and it must also support the IRP [Integrated Resource Plan]. It must [also] be commercially viable,” Ramokgopa said.
It is envisioned that with the new transmission lines, at least 3000 megawatts (MW) of energy will be added to the grid.
“The new generation capacity that we are going to unlock as a result of this intervention is 3 222 MW. It is about 63% of the total capacity of Medupi and Kusile [power stations]. We are moving in the right direction.
“For the South African economy to grow, we need to unshackle the issues of the structural constraints, which is electricity and the inefficiencies in the logistics side. The second is greater investment by the private sector. Electricity gives us a pristine opportunity to transform the economy [and] grow the economy,” he said.
A Request for Qualification will be issued in July while a Request for Proposals will be issued in November. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 04/01/2025 - 12:35
188 views
Access to safe drinking water is a fundamental need for health and well-being. Understanding the quality of your water supply through rigorous testing and using appropriate treatment solutions is essential. This guide will walk you through the importance of water testing, the roles of water laboratories, and the benefits of employing soft water conditioners to …
US and South African officials have contributed to misinformation about the cancellation of funding
East Beach, Port Alfred – arguably the most popular Surfing South Africa junior surfing event of the year, the Rip Curl GromSearch Port Alfred, will take place over the Easter Weekend of 18th -20th April at East Beach in Port Alfred. Entries are open and will fill up quickly, so competitors are advised to get …
BLOEMFONTEIN: Having won their opening two matches of the CSA Division 2 Women’s National Week, Glencore North West Dragons made it...
eThekwini Municipality commits to address Public Protector concerns
The eThekwini Municipality Executive Committee (EXCO) has affirmed its commitment to address concerns raised by Public Protector, Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka, following a special meeting held at Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban, on Monday.
The engagement formed part of the Public Protector's ongoing strategic stakeholder outreach, which seeks to forge a robust collaborative framework to resolve outstanding matters and reinforce the existing memorandum of understanding between the municipality and the Public Protector's Office.
This as Gcaleka presented a detailed assessment revealing that 29 formal complaints were lodged against the municipality. The complaints highlighted concerns, including allegations of maladministration, undue delays, abuse of power, improper prejudice, and critical service delivery failures.
"Our Office has identified systemic issues that demand urgent attention. The complaints we have received reflect a profound erosion of public trust, stemming from persistent service delivery breakdowns and administrative shortcomings. This meeting is a critical step towards rectifying these issues through enhanced collaboration and stringent implementation of remedial actions,” Gcaleka said.
In response to the Public Protector’s assessment, eThekwini Mayor, Cyril Xaba emphasised the council’s commitment to take immediate and decisive action.
Xaba commended the proactive engagement and pledged the council’s full cooperation to address the issues raised.
"We will immediately convene a dedicated session to rigorously review the existing memorandum of understanding and will develop comprehensive action plans to address each identified issue. This process will ensure the Public Protector’s investigations are expedited and that tangible, measurable improvements are implemented without delay,” said the mayor.
City Manager, Musa Mbhele echoed the mayor’s commitment, stressing that the concerns raised by the Public Protector are being taken seriously.
“We are actively implementing strategic plans to rectify these deficiencies. Crucially, the proposed new municipal organogram will establish a dedicated office to manage and promptly address all concerns raised by Chapter 9 institutions, including the Human Rights Commission and the Special Investigating Unit (SIU).
“This will guarantee a streamlined, efficient, and transparent process for handling all complaints and inquiries. The Municipality acknowledges the urgent need to restore public confidence and will ensure that this engagement marks the beginning of a sustained and rigorous effort to deliver accountable, efficient, and effective governance," Mbhele said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 04/01/2025 - 12:02
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Navigating Dividend Taxation for Global Investors Investing in international markets can be a lucrative opportunity, but it comes with its set of complexities, particularly in the realm of dividend taxation. When you receive dividend income from a foreign company, it’s important to understand the tax implications that come with these dividends. Different countries have varying …
Delivery apps, e-hailing, video on demand and online shopping have become a staple of the current digital age. Consumers rely on online platforms with targeted online ads when shopping online. With this convenience comes a rising threat which is Card-Not-Present (CNP) fraud. “As digital transactions grow, banks are detecting more opportunistic attempts by cybercriminals to …
Standard Bank, a leader in Africa’s energy and infrastructure development, is proud to announce changes to its sustainable finance mobilisation targets aimed at maximising positive impact and supporting the decarbonisation of Africa’s economies. The revised targets emphasise Standard Bank’s commitment to leading energy and infrastructure development on the continent. In 2022, Standard Bank set a …
Minister Meth hands over R514m contract to 15 LAP partners
Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth, has officially handed over R514 million in contracts to 15 Labour Activation Programme (LAP) partner companies in Mpumalanga, aimed at stimulating job creation in the province.
The 15 LAP partner companies are expected to provide training to over 9 600 job seekers after signing a pledge committing to the absorption of these jobseekers in key sectors of the economy.
Speaking at the handover event held at Mbombela Stadium on Monday, Meth said the handover is not just about launching projects but also igniting opportunities that will reach thousands of individuals, uplift families, and strengthen communities.
“We are investing not just in businesses, but in people, skills, and making dreams that deserve to be realised a possibility. This is what real economic transformation looks like - not just numbers on a page, but real impact on the lives of those who call Mpumalanga home,” the Minister said.
The Minister said that the partners whom the contracts have been handed over to have been given a condition to guarantee jobs for beneficiaries.
“I have made it a requirement that all the LAP partners recruit at least 70% of the beneficiaries from the Employment Services of South Africa (ESA) platform, which is a government system placed to connect job seekers with available opportunities,” she said.
She moved to highlight that Mpumalanga is a province of movement, boasting infrastructure that connects the nation to greater possibilities. It is home to one of the most important economic corridors, the Maputo Corridor, a vital route that links us to the Port of Maputo and connects South Africa to the rest of the world.
“Through this corridor, we export our agricultural produce, our minerals, and our manufactured goods, which fuel the country’s economy. It is this very corridor that has the power to transform small businesses into major players, to take local industries and give them a global footprint,” she said.
The Minister also noted that approximately 1 million young South Africans become available to the labour market. However, only 400 000 find steady work, 300 000 find some work, while about 300 000 never find work.
She stressed that without decisive and intentional interventions from the government, in collaboration with relevant societal partners, the situation is unlikely to improve.
Young people continue to face challenges in entering the labour market due to a lack of work experience, and in some cases, possessing skills that do not align with market demands.
“It is for this reason I emphasise that our response must be decisive, and I dare say – aggressive.
“I am pleased and equally excited that today, at this municipality of Mbombela we gather to handover the Labour Activation Program contracts to 15 partners, who will create job opportunities for 9 616 beneficiaries to the value of over R514 million across 4 districts and spanning to over 11 local municipalities,” the Minister said.
The Minister said the Labour Activation Program is the department’s direct policy response to unemployment, affording job seekers opportunities to improve their employability and connect them to the world of work.
“Our focus should combine skills training, work experience, and job placement services to help participants transition into the labour market.
“With these projects, we are saying to the people of Mpumalanga: we see you, we believe in you, and we are committed to your success. We are saying to the youth that there is space for you in this economy, that your talents and skills are needed, as the future belongs to you. We are saying to businesses that you are not alone, the government is here to support you and to open doors to break down barriers that have held back growth for too long,” the Minister said.
The Minister added that government is strengthening private sector partnerships to collaborate in creating more job opportunities and ensure training programs are relevant to industry needs.
“We need every South African to believe in the power of collective action. This drive grew stronger after President Ramaphosa established an Inter-Ministerial Committee of government and business partnership on unemployment, skills development and SMME support, which is chaired by me as the Minister of the Department of Employment and Labour.
“Throughout this partnership, our targeted interventions for groups disproportionately affected by unemployment, such as youth, women and people with disabilities remain our priority.
“Let us continue working together to build a better country- collectively working together, we can change the trajectory of unemployment,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Tue, 04/01/2025 - 09:04
223 views
GOOD Statement by Anton Louw,GOOD City of Cape Town Councillor 31 March 2025 The City of Cape Town has introduced a cleaning tariff separate from Property rates being paid by residents. The amount has been ring fenced out of property rates but there has been absolutely no reduction to residents’ property rates. Instead, the City […]
The post CAPE TOWN BUDGET 2025/26: CITY OF CAPE TOWN PLAYS DIRTY WITH CLEANING TARIFF appeared first on For Good.
Good Formation: GOOD was formed in December 2018. GOOD Founder: The party was founded by Patricia de Lille, who is also its current leader. GOOD Political Position: GOOD is a social democratic political party. GOOD Core Values: The party emphasizes social justice, equality, and GOOD governance. GOOD Inclusivity: GOOD aims to be a party for …
Conference places the spotlight on ocean sustainability
As the current holder of the G20 Presidency, South Africa is leading global efforts for ocean sustainability, particularly focusing on advancing sustainable ocean initiatives in Africa.
The country is hosting the 14th International Conference on Southern Hemisphere Meteorology and Oceanography (ICSHMO), which is currently underway in Cape Town.
This premier scientific gathering, being held in Africa for the first time since 1997, brings together renowned meteorologists, oceanographers, and climate scientists to address the unique atmospheric and oceanic challenges of the southern hemisphere.
The five-day event, which kicked off on Monday, is hosted by the National Research Foundation (NRF) through the South African Environmental Observation Network, with support from the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI).
The conference shows South Africa’s growing influence in global climate science.
Opening the conference, the Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Nomalungelo Gina, emphasised the urgent need for scientific collaboration to combat the escalating threats of climate change.
“The world is experiencing intensified heatwaves, prolonged droughts, rising sea levels, and extreme weather events that disrupt economies, displace communities, and strain infrastructure,” the department said.
South Africa has witnessed the devastating impact of climate change in repeated floods and recurring droughts.
These events highlight the pressing need for enhanced climate prediction, risk management, and adaptation strategies, all key topics at ICSHMO 2025.
The Deputy Minister stressed the importance of turning scientific knowledge into tangible, actionable solutions.
Through the NRF, the country continues to support cutting-edge research in marine and coastal science, weather forecasting, and climate adaptation, to inform global policy and action.
Gina welcomed the integration of ICSHMO with the Ocean20 initiative, a flagship programme introduced under Brazil’s G20 Presidency, which is designed to promote sustainable ocean governance, and reiterated South Africa’s commitment to leveraging science, technology, and innovation for sustainable development.
The Deputy Minister stressed the importance of equitable access to artificial intelligence, big data and remote sensing technologies, which were transforming climate science, enabling more accurate forecasting, early warning systems, and disaster preparedness.
Collaboration and knowledge-sharing were key to building a more stable and resilient global future, especially for nations that were most vulnerable to climate change.
A group of learners from Luhlaza and Usasazo high schools in Khayelitsha attended the conference and had a special interaction with Gina on the benefits of science for society.
During the opening session, Kenya’s representative for the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Patricia Nying’uro, highlighted the critical role of indigenous knowledge in promoting sustainability. She stated that the extensive knowledge accumulated by indigenous communities over centuries should be utilized to enhance climate action efforts.
NRF CEO, Dr Fulufhelo Nelwamondo, said the conference would provide a vital platform for advancing scientific collaboration, sharing cutting-edge research, and addressing the pressing challenges of climate variability and change in the southern hemisphere.
“The insights and discussions over the next few days will undoubtedly contribute to shaping policies and strategies that enhance climate resilience in our region and beyond,” he stated. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 04/01/2025 - 09:39
163 views
Tuesday, 01 April 2025: Eskom has launched a campaign to help residential owners of Small-Scale Embedded Generation (SSEG) systems, including photovoltaic (PV) installation systems, continue to be able to become compliant with the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) regulations that require all owners in Eskom supplied areas to register with Eskom. Owners of...
North West traditional horse racing gives the economy a leg up
The inaugural Lobelo la Dipitsi Traditional Horse Racing event, held at Bloomtech Lodge in Vryburg at the weekend, celebrated the rich cultural heritage of the North West province while also stimulating local economic growth.
According to the North West Provincial Government (NWPG), Lobelo la Dipitsi represents a significant milestone in the province’s initiative to use traditional sports for economic development.
The race attracted an influx of visitors from across the province and neighbouring countries such as Botswana and Namibia, boosting tourism and fostering cross-border collaboration.
A key feature of the event was the small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMME) exhibition, which showcased 69 stalls supported by the Department of Economic Development, Conservation, Environment, and Tourism (DEDECT)and Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality.
These enterprises, ranging from flea market vendors to informal traders, displayed a variety of artisanal products, including handcrafted African-themed clothing, footwear, organic herbs, spices, perfumes, and wooden vases.
The gathering was attended by Premier Lazarus Mokgosi and the DEDECT MEC, Bitsa Lenkopane with the MEC emphasising the race’s role in economic transformation, saying it is not just a celebration of cultural heritage but also a strategic initiative to drive local business growth.
This platform empowers Black entrepreneurs, facilitates job creation, and strengthens the local economy.
“Through the North West Gambling Board, we envisage empowering emerging race associations with compliance in terms of acquiring relevant licenses with gambling legislations.”
During a walkabout of the flea market, the MEC engaged directly with small business owners to assess their experiences and the impact of the event on their enterprises.
She alluded to the fact that the department will continue to offer support to small businesses and cooperatives to ensure that their products are well packaged, properly labelled, and adhere to the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) requirements.
“The economic activity generated by the event reaffirmed the potential of public-private partnerships in promoting sustainable economic development.”
The event reached its highlight with an exciting prize-giving ceremony, officiated by the province’s leadership.
Lenkopane commended the participation of young riders and the involvement of regional partners from Botswana, Namibia, and Lesotho, highlighting the significance of this initiative in fostering strong economic and cultural ties.
“I am confident that Lobelo la Dipitsi has the potential to grow into a flagship event on North West’s tourism calendar,” she added.
She further extended her gratitude to the event sponsors, including GBets, Goldrush, Sunbets, CGM and other contributors, for their commitment to making the event a reality.
She also expressed gratitude to community members and horse riders for their enthusiastic participation and support.
Lobelo la Dipitsi will be rotated annually across the districts of the province, ensuring continued economic impact, cultural preservation, and regional integration.
This groundbreaking initiative has reinforced the NWPG’s commitment to empowering local communities through strategic events and sustainable economic initiatives. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 04/01/2025 - 10:03
1 view
The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) helped to stop the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro Council (NMBM) from writing off R2,6 billion in irregular expenditure without sufficient documentation or a thorough investigation. Such a step would constitute a serious violation of financial accountability and transparency. The only reason why the step could not be carried out […]
The post VF Plus takes a strong stance against NMBM writing off R2,6 billion in irregular expenditure appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
The Dial-a-Ride service has been stagnant for seven years
Freedom Front Plus Formation: The FF Plus was formed in 1994 as the Freedom Front. Freedom Front Plus Leadership: The party is currently led by Pieter Groenewald. Freedom Front Plus Political Position: It is a right-wing political party. Freedom Front Plus Ideology: The party promotes Afrikaner nationalism and self-determination for minority groups. Freedom Front Plus …
JOHANNESBURG: Despite a slow start in the Hollywoodbets Pro Series, notching up just one win in both formats in the first...