Disabled Man’s Bucket Urinal System Keeps Joburg Streets Clean
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Department confirms rescue of 23 South Africans from Myanmar
Department confirms rescue of 23 South Africans from Myanmar
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has confirmed that 23 South Africans – who were part of a group of 7 000 people from various countries – have been rescued from Myanmar.
“Our citizens returned to South Africa a few hours ago, assisted by DIRCO and the Border Management Authority. DIRCO facilitated the repatriation of the South African nationals and provided financial assistance,” the department said in a statement issued on Thursday afternoon.
Before leaving South Africa last year, these men and women were lured by an employment agency to Thailand under the pretences of lucrative jobs that were advertised on various social media platforms.
“These adverts promised the victims good salaries, free accommodation, comprehensive travel expenses, and other lucrative benefits. Once in Thailand, they were transported to Myanmar against their will.”
The victims were held captive for more than four months in a cybercrime compound in Myanmar, which borders Thailand.
“They were subjected to brutal treatment, including intimidation, physical torture, and forced labour. They were also compelled to engage in illicit activities, including online scams that targeted individuals worldwide.”
In addition, DIRCO said, they were under 24-hour armed security and a ransom of about R50 000 was demanded for their release.
“They were forced to work for 16 hours a day and were frequently beaten or tortured if they refused, and they survived on spoiled food and contaminated water without access to medical treatment.”
The department explained that the repatriation of the South African victims was part of the bilateral cooperation agreement to combat human trafficking and other forms of transnational organised crime signed by Thailand and South Africa in 2023.
“The government is grateful for the assistance provided by Thai authorities in facilitating the repatriation of the victims.”
Victim support
The Department of Social Development (DSD) and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) have since conducted an initial screening of the victims to verify their identity and family information.
Following the screening interviews, the DPCI will transport the victims to health facilities to undergo health screenings.
Temporary accommodation will be provided for those from outside Gauteng, enabling them to reunite with their families and relatives, while those who live in the province will be transported home by DPCI.
Investigation
According to the department, the DPCI will investigate the matter and follow up appointments will be scheduled at a later stage with the victims to gather comprehensive statements, as their emotional and physical wellbeing must be taken into consideration.
“The DPCI will continue to work with all the relevant government departments to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the victims, as well as the successful arrest and conviction of traffickers in South Africa.”
The department said the South African government strongly condemns any acts of trafficking and has introduced relevant legislation to deal harshly with this heinous crime.
The government has urged citizens to exercise extreme caution when considering employment opportunities abroad.
“If the promise of employment is too good to be true, you must exercise caution and be suspicious.”
All countries with embassies and liaison offices in South Africa are listed on the DIRCO website www.dirco.gov.za .
Travellers are also advised to register on the DIRCO Travel Smart app, a digital platform that provides support and information to South African citizens travelling or residing in foreign countries.
However, those who suspect that their loved one or someone else is a victim of human trafficking can report the matter to the SAPS Crime Stop hotline on 08000 10111, the nearest police station, the DSD, or a designated child protection organisation.
“Your safety and well-being are in your hands. Stay vigilant and protect yourself and your loved ones from falling victim to these malicious schemes. Let us all work together to stop trafficking in persons,” the department said.
Use the following helplines to report suspected incidents of human trafficking:
• Childline – 116
• Film and Publication Board – 0800 148 148
• GBV Command Centre – 0800 428 428
• National Human Trafficking Hotline – 0800 222 777. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 03/28/2025 - 11:13
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Call to scale up cervical cancer interventions
Call to scale up cervical cancer interventions
The international community has been called upon to scale up cervical cancer interventions and progress against the only noncommunicable disease that can be eliminated.
This call was made by the Government of South Africa, Unitaid and the World Health Organization (WHO) at the Group of Twenty (G20) Health Working Group meeting, which took place on Thursday in Zimbali, outside Durban.
According to the Department of Health, cervical cancer is preventable and potentially curable, as long as it is detected early and managed effectively. It is the second most common form of cancer among women in South Africa.
Statistics by the WHO show that the disease claimed the lives of almost 350 000 women globally in 2022.
“New vaccines, tests, and treatment technologies have transformed cervical cancer prevention in recent years, yet the disease continues to disproportionately impact women mostly in low- and middle-income countries where access to primary health care and preventive services are limited. Cervical cancer elimination would address a major gap in Women’s health,” the department said.
Speaking on the sidelines of the G20 health meeting, Unitaid’s Deputy Executive Director Tenu Avafia said Unitaid has invested US $81 million or R1.4 billion to bring down prices, increase volumes and address operational questions involved in cervical cancer screening and treatment to enable countries to scale up proven interventions with minimal risk.
“However, funding shortfalls still pose enormous challenges to building national cervical cancer elimination programs in low- and middle-income countries,” Avafia said.
Unitaid makes health products accessible, available and affordable for people who need them most.
Department of Health’s Director-General Dr Sandile Buthelezi said improving women’s health was not just a health issue but “an economic imperative”.
“It drives social stability, boosts productivity, and breaks the cycle of poverty. Global efforts to combat cervical cancer serve as a concrete illustration of how cooperation can advance women’s health and realize a shared goal to bring about the first-ever elimination of a cancer,” he said.
In 2020, the WHO launched the global strategy for cervical cancer elimination, the first-ever roadmap for the elimination of a cancer. Since then, countries have made enormous strides in rolling out new tools and services.
Vaccination against Human Papillomavirus (HPV) provides protection against infection that causes nearly all cases of cervical cancer.
And a package of screening and treatment tools – including HPV tests with the option for self-sampling and devices for quickly and easily removing pre-cancerous cells – make it possible to make lifesaving services available to women at lower levels of the health care system.
The health working group session called for a coordinated approach drawing on domestic resource mobilization, blended financing, and partnerships with multilateral development banks to scale these solutions, ensure long-term sustainability and reduce dependency on external aid.
Government asserted South Africa’s commitment to scaling up cervical cancer prevention programs nationwide with support from Unitaid, the WHO and other partners.
“The South African G20 health agenda promotes solidarity, equality and sustainability. It complements the African Union’s Agenda 2063, the development agenda of Africa as the world’s fastest-growing continent, and the Lusaka Agenda. It also focuses on rebuilding momentum to reach the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” the department said.
On Wednesday, Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi reiterated the importance of nations reallocating resources towards health, strengthening global health partnerships, and exploring innovative financing mechanisms to address funding gaps.
READ | Motsoaledi urges global action to address health funding gaps
The Minister used the platform to highlight South Africa’s commitment to universal health coverage (UHC) through the National Health Insurance (NHI) system, which aims to provide financial protection and efficient resource utilisation.
The three-day meeting which began on Wednesday, will conclude on Friday, 28 March 2025. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Fri, 03/28/2025 - 10:13
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How to Write a Better Business Plan for Loan Applications in South Africa (Business Plan Example Included)
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Exciting Green Opportunity for Residential Home Loan Customers
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Call to fight GBVF
Call to fight GBVF
Urgent action is required to turn the tide against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli said.
“We cannot allow our communities to live in fear. Ending GBVF requires all of us—leaders, police, traditional authorities, and citizens, to act together with urgency, conviction, and compassion,” Ntuli said.
This as he led a Crime Prevention Imbizo at Inkosi Mzondeni Civic Centre, in Mtubatuba on Thursday.
He called on the community of KwaMsane and the broader uMkhanyakude District to take a united stand against crime, particularly the devastating scourge of GBVF.
The Imbizo served as a platform for the Premier to engage directly with mayors, including law enforcement agencies, traditional leaders (Amakhosi), and community members on government-led strategies to address crime.
These include increased policing visibility, community-based safety initiatives, support services for survivors, and stronger partnerships between government and civil society.
The engagement aligns with the 7th Administration’s broader commitment to creating safe, inclusive, and dignified communities throughout KwaZulu-Natal.
It also reinforces a provincial call to action: “no more silence, no more tolerance, and no more inaction in the face of violence and crime.”
The event started with a symbolic Peace Walk against GBVF at the Inkosi Mtubatuba Local Municipality and ended at Mtuba Police Station.
Among the participants at the walk included local leaders, civil society organisations, youth, and ordinary community members, wo also sent a strong message that GBVF has no place in KwaZulu-Natal. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 03/28/2025 - 10:13
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Transforming STEM Note-Taking with Digital Innovation
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Dr Ellis announces Banyana squad for Malawi Friendlies – SAFA.net
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Accused in Police Torture Case Considers Plea Deal
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The post SAFA announces HONOR as Bafana Bafana’s Official Technology Devices sponsor first appeared on SAFA.net.
Billions in Investment Opportunities Presented by Premier Invest
Financial services provider Premier Invest has announced a series of investment opportunities in the African energy and oil and gas sectors. covering a range of four energy projects across Benin, Zambia and South Africa and five oil and gas projects across Nigeria and Ghana, as well as Guyana.
The announcement was made on March 26 by Rene Awambeng, Founder and Managing Partner of Premier Invest during a dedicated deal-room session – Showcasing Upstream Oil and Gas Transactions in Africa – at the inaugural Congo Energy & Investment Forum (CEIF) in Brazzaville.
“The deal-room sessions on the sidelines of the Congo Energy & Investment Forum are an opportunity to provide a platform for sponsors, developers and project promoters to showcase significant upstream, midstream, downstream and power transactions in Africa to potential investors,” stated Awambeng.
The first opportunity, a 43 MW clean gas project in Benin, is seeking $84 billion in project finance. Currently in the commercial close stage of development, the project will help reduce the cost of energy in the country while bolstering economic growth, job creation and improving Benin's energy security.
Meanwhile, Zambia features a $92 million investment opportunity in a 71 MW hybrid solar PV and wind project. The project will feature a power purchase agreement over a period of 25 years and is estimated to feature an annual production of 232 GWh per year.
In South Africa, a 100 MW solar PV project has an $87 million investment opportunity. The project will feature an offtake agreement with the National Energy Regulator of South Africa and a power purchase agreement of 20 years. The project will boast an annual production rate of 195 GWh per year.
Concluding the energy investment opportunities South Africa is also seeking $100 million in investment to finance a 100 MW clean-gas project to complement intermittent renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, while offering a cleaner solution to the country's reliance on coal. The project features a proposed capital structure of 70:30 and is in the active implementation stage.
In the oil and gas sector, gas producing company NESGAS is seeking $200 million in financing for the development of an LPG bulk storage facility in the Oil & Gas Free Zone in Nigeria. Phase 1 of the project will feature a commitment of $140 million to develop inland facilities, pipelines and site works while the second phase will feature an investment of $60 million focusing on engineering, procurement and construction contracts for tanks, instrumentation and commissioning.
Meanwhile, a state-of-the-art gas-to-liquids plant – the details of which are subject to a non-disclosure agreement – is seeking interested parties to participate in an upcoming formal investment process. The project will have a validated production capacity of 1,850 barrels of oil per day and will feature an earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization measure of approximately $50 million.
Ghana is seeking $759 million in financing to develop four offshore production wells. Financing will be used to develop tie-back infrastructure to existing FPSO infrastructure, targeting 57.8 million standard barrels of oil. The project aims to produce 5 million barrels of oil per year, with potential investors set to receive 84% of the total project net present value.
An indigenous oil development company in Nigeria is seeking an experienced management team to invest $18 million to drill additional wells and increase production at a field with a projected production rate of 2,300 barrels per day. The field area covers 46km2 and is covered by 3D seismic surveys.
Finally, Awambeng also announced a $25 million investment opportunity in Guyana. The project will be adjacent to one of the most productive offshore oil fields in the region and boasts recoverable reserves of approximately 400 million barrels. Investment will be used to support conventional offshore drilling and FPSO tie-up.
The companies involved in the investment opportunities will be disclosed upon inquiry, with financing options subject to non-disclosure agreements.
The inaugural Congo Energy & Investment Forum, taking place March 24-26, 2025, in Brazzaville, under the highest patronage of President Denis Sassou Nguesso and supported by the Ministry of Hydrocarbons and Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo, brings together international investors and local stakeholders to explore national and regional energy and infrastructure opportunities.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.