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Presented by Showtime Management and How Now Brown Cow Productions, the Tony Award-Winning, Best Musical DEAR EVAN HANSEN is now on at Montecasino’s Teatro, Johannesburg for a limited season ending on 6 April. Tickets are on sale at Ticketmaster.co.za This brand-new, reimagined production of Dear Evan Hansen combines talent and innovative technology, with its incredible […]
The Portfolio Committee on Higher Education has suspended planned discussions with the Central University of Technology (CUT) in Bloemfontein due to a breakdown in trust among senior management, unions, the Institutional Forum (IF) and the Student Representative Council (SRC). The decision follows an oversight visit that exposed severe governance failures, administrative disfunction and a campus environment that is not conducive to teaching and learning
CUT stakeholders unanimously decried the state of the institution during the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education's oversight visit. The IF, organised labour and the SRC said the CUT has serious administrative and governance issues, which is affecting staff morale and creating an environment that is not conducive to teaching and learning. University stakeholders also told the committee that the CUT registration process left much to be desired – many students could have been admitted but lost the opportunity due to the failure of IT systems.
Some of the allegations levelled against university leaders was that that the university has a serious shortage of academic staff members and the academic programmes is being run by part-time lecturers. In one faculty, for example, there are more part-time lecturers than full-time academic staff. The committee further said it is discouraging to note that CUT does not have an officially recognised SRC despite the fact that elections were held in August last year.
The committee Chairperson, Mr Tebogo Letsie, said that although the committee has postponed immediate engagement with CUT, it plans to revisit the university's challenges in the committee's programme next term. “We will schedule a dedicated hearing to dissect the root causes of this distrust. CUT's leadership must account for why stakeholder relations have deteriorated to this extent and how they intend to rebuild academic and operational stability,” added Mr Letsie.
Members of the committee were deeply concerned that the CUT did not have a recognised SRC. The committee cautioned against a growing practice in the sector where senior management in post-school education used the institution's resources to go after workers and students in the courts.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
SAPS says fighting extortion is a priority, but won’t provide details on its response
Infrastructure spend is essential in assisting with the revitalisation of the steel supply chain, believes Robin Clarke, Executive Director of the Hot Dip Galvanizers Association of Southern Africa (HDGASA). In this context, the roles of the various state-owned enterprises (SOEs) in the execution of infrastructure projects will be vital. The Hot Dip Galvanizers Association has …
Public Works Minister to host MINMEC meeting in Limpopo
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson is set to open the first quarter meeting of the Minister and MECs (MINMEC) for Public Works and Infrastructure in all the nine provinces.
Thursday’s meeting will be held in Polokwane, Limpopo.
The meeting will also be attended by Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba.
“MINMEC will provide an opportunity to reflect on the state of infrastructure in the country, and to adopt implementable plans aimed at achieving the vision of turning South Africa into a construction site and using public assets for the public good.
“This will contribute to economic growth and help create thousands of new jobs,” the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure said in a statement.
Before the start of the meeting, the Minister, the Premier and Limpopo MEC for Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure, Ernest Rachoene, will conduct an oversight visit to the construction site of the Limpopo Theatre at the Bakone Malapa Open-Air Museum just outside Polokwane. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 03/26/2025 - 14:16
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Earlier this week, Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure, Tertuis Simmers, carried out a successful ministerial visit to the Garden Route. As part of the Erf 325 housing development in Pacaltsdorp, George, which has already delivered 874 “Breaking New Ground” units and 147 First-Home-Finance units, the Western Cape Department of Infrastructure (DOI), in partnership with the …
The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Alvin Botes, will host the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Portugal, Professor Nuno Sampaio, on Thursday, 27 March 2025, in Pretoria.
The Working Visit will serve as an opportunity to review areas of bilateral cooperation, identify opportunities for further cooperation and address challenges impeding progress.
The meeting will further focus on the following key areas:
South Africa and Portugal maintain friendly political relations and the two countries have strong historical and cultural ties.
Bilateral cooperation with Portugal is in line with South Africa's foreign policy objective of North-South Cooperation. The two countries are committed to develop mutually beneficial political and economic relations and technical cooperation.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
Prashanth Bisnath, WesBank National Head of Sales: Fleet Management & Leasing In fleet management, determining the optimal vehicle replacement cycle is a critical decision that directly impacts operational efficiency, safety, maintenance costs, and cash flow. With advancements in telematics and a global shift from ownership to usage-based leasing, fleet managers are re-evaluating traditional practices to …
Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance has formally requested the Chairpersons of the Joint Standing Committee on Defence to allow members of the committee an opportunity to question the Minister of Defence and Chief of the South African National Defence Force about the SA Army’s insensitive and tone-deaf plan to host a Golf Day on 4 …
Springbok Sevens head coach Philip Snyman had to do with a candle and cupcake on his 38th birthday, but Blitzbok captain Selvyn Davids could celebrate his 31st in a more dramatic way, posing next to the other captains on the HSBC SVNS circuit at the new Kai Tak Stadium, where this weekend’s Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong …
Dear Editor A DA compliant to the SA Human Rights Commission will be investigated, after I formally filed the documents and records with them on Thursday 20 March 2025. The DA is pleased that the SAHRC will take this matter forward, as the community of Palama, Mapheshini and KaMqhewane cannot be denied water for 12 …
Scotland forwards coach John Dalziel will join Andy Farrell and his coaching staff this summer on the British & Irish Lions tour of Australia. A stalwart of the game in Scotland, Dalziel has been rewarded for his work with the national team and has been selected by the Lions ahead of their 10-game tour this …
Last weekend saw some of Gauteng’s Jetour Dashing and X70 Plus owners join Jetour South Africa at the Old Oak restaurant in Linksfield, Johannesburg. The occasion was the second edition of the Noble Roots Wine Festival at Royal Johannesburg, which celebrated South African wines in a picturesque setting. Owners and their partners enjoyed a delicious …
Water and Sanitation Indaba to tackle SA’s water security challenges
The development of a high-level national turnaround plan for water security will take centre stage at the National Water and Sanitation Indaba.
The South African government will convene the indaba at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Gauteng, to address the provision of water security in the country.
Set for Thursday and Friday, the indaba underscores government’s ongoing commitment to tackling South Africa’s water security challenges, and ensuring reliable and sustainable water and sanitation services for all citizens.
With its focus on water security and provision, the two-day gathering takes place during National Water Month and Human Rights Month, a significant period that underpins the importance of water as a fundamental human right and a critical resource for socio-economic development.
The timing of the gathering also underscores the urgency of addressing water and sanitation challenges so as to uphold the dignity and well-being of all South Africans.
The two-day event will build on the outcomes of the Water Summit that was held in January 2024, which engaged all Water Services Authorities (WSAs), following the release of the Blue, No Drop Reports, as well as the Green Drop Progress Report in December 2023.
The summit identified critical challenges facing the sector, including aging, poor operation and maintenance infrastructure, organised criminality, water tankering and extortion mafia, vandalism of essential public infrastructure and corruption.
The summit also identified challenges including the growth of informal settlements, financial mismanagement, revenue shortfalls, mounting sector debt, illegal water connections, overconsumption and high levels of physical water losses as among the root causes of water supply challenges in most communities across the country.
The high-level event will bring together key stakeholders, including the Presidential Water Task Team that was set up by President Cyril Ramaphosa, the water boards, WSAs, the business sector, as well as thought leaders in the water sector.
Given South Africa’s classification as a water-scarce country, with rainfall levels significantly below the global average and further exacerbated by climate change, the Department of Water and Sanitation said the indaba will prioritise the development of a high-level national turnaround plan on water security.
“This strategy will align with the objectives of the 7th administration’s Medium-Term Development Plan (2025-2029) and Operation Vulindlela 2.0 (second round of economic reforms under Operation Vulindlela) to ensure a water-secure and resilient future. The Water and Sanitation Indaba seeks to devise immediate solutions that will ensure reliable and sustainable water supply to communities,” the department said in a statement.
The event will also assess progress made on implementing the 2024 Water Summit’s resolutions and mobilise various sectors and expertise to agree on a comprehensive national water and sanitation plan.
The department said this plan will focus on expanding access to water and sanitation services, enhancing water infrastructure, and implementing effective measures to improve water security and service reliability.
According to the department, the indaba represents a pivotal moment in government’s efforts to secure South Africa’s long-term water future.
“Following President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement during his State of the Nation Address that water has been elevated as a top priority of government, the outcomes of the indaba will reaffirm government’s unwavering commitment to overcoming sectoral challenges and fostering collaboration across all levels of society.
“[This is] to build a sustainable water and sanitation sector, and further reinforce government’s dedication to ensuring that every South Africa has access to safe and reliable water and sanitation services,” it said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 03/25/2025 - 15:42
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Motsoaledi urges global action to address health funding gaps
Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi has reiterated the importance of nations reallocating resources towards health, strengthening global health partnerships, and exploring innovative financing mechanisms to address funding gaps.
The Minister was delivering the keynote address at the second meeting of the G20 Health Working Group today in Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal.
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.
“In South Africa, we are actively pursuing transformation to achieve universal health coverage through our NHI system.
“The NHI is designed to provide financial protection for all, ensuring that access to quality healthcare is not dependent on one’s ability to pay [for] it, and it will also assist in the efficient utilisation of our resources by pulling funds and strategically purchasing services.”
Motsoaledi cited data from the World Health Organisation (WHO), which indicate that the number of people shielded from catastrophic health spending had been steadily increasing before the COVID-19 pandemic. However, since then, about 100 million people have fallen back into financial hardship due to health-related expenses.
Motsoaledi believes that the NHI is a concrete demonstration of government’s commitment to leaving no one behind, and fostering and strengthening the resilience of the health system.
The Minister quoted the late Harvard Department of Anthropology’s Professor Paul Farmer on the value of all lives and urged G20 members to increase public financing of health systems as a fundamental investment.
“I want to quote the idea that 'some lives matter less' is the root of all that is wrong with the world.
“We implore all G20 members to champion increased public financing of health systems.
“This is not merely a budgetary issue; it’s a fundamental investment in our collective future.”
Motsoaledi urged attendees to prioritise public health over competing interests, ensuring that adequate resources are allocated to meet the health needs of the nation’s populations.
“Furthermore, we must all align our efforts beyond financing. We must address the persistent health inequities that plague our world.”
Non-communicable diseases
Motsoaledi highlighted the importance of addressing health inequities, particularly in low and middle-income countries, and the need for multilateral approaches to prevent and control non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
He said the upcoming United Nations High-Level Meeting on NCDs is seen as a crucial opportunity to galvanise global action against chronic conditions like heart disease, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases.
“We must alleviate the financial burden, restrict unhealthy food marketing, finance emergency health services, and accelerate cervical cancer elimination, the only cancer which is preventable.”
The theme of the three-day meeting is: “Accelerating Health Equity, Solidarity, and Universal Coverage”.
Along with this meeting, a co-sponsored event focused on eliminating cervical cancer, is also taking place.
“We must move beyond dialogue and commit to concrete steps. South Africa is committed to collaborating with all the G20 members to achieve our shared goals.
“Let us work together to ensure that health remains a priority, not a commodity, especially during these unstable economic times,” Motsoaledi added.
South Africa, which assumed the G20 Presidency in December, is currently hosting various working groups and ministerial meetings throughout the country.
These meetings are focused on key topics such as health, employment, trade, tourism, and the digital economy -- all in preparation for the G20 Leaders’ Summit scheduled for November this year.
The G20 comprises 19 countries including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Türkiye, United Kingdom, and the United States. It also includes two regional bodies – the European Union (EU) and the African Union (AU). – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 03/26/2025 - 11:43
166 views
Stellenbosch, South Africa – Atterbury, a leading real estate development, investment, and management company, offers prime industrial and retail property solutions tailored to businesses seeking strategic locations and high-quality infrastructure. With a commitment to sustainability and long-term partnerships, Atterbury provides an extensive portfolio designed to meet the needs of modern enterprises. Industrial Property Solutions for …
Operation Shanela makes progress
Operation Shanela continues to make an impact across the country, with police having arrested 12 892 suspects recently.
“Through Operation Shanela, SAPS [South African Police Service] continues to take a bold and decisive approach to dealing with crime in the country. These crime fighting activities include tracking operations, roadblocks, high visibility patrols, stop and searches, as well as tracing of wanted suspects,” SAPS said in a statement this week.
The arrests were made in the period 17 - 23 March 2025.
The police said 123 suspects were arrested for attempted murder; 167 suspects were arrested for murder (with the majority of these suspects, 45, arrested in KwaZulu-Natal and followed by the Western Cape with 42). The police also arrested 1 753 wanted suspects and 203 drug dealers.
A further 1 507 suspects were arrested for being in possession of drugs. The majority of these suspects (689) were arrested in the Western Cape. Furthermore, 115 suspects were arrested for being in possession of illegal firearms.
Additionally, 10 suspects were arrested for human trafficking, while 432 drivers were arrested for drunken driving.
One hundred and nineteen firearms and 1 335 rounds of ammunition were confiscated. The police also recovered 76 hijacked and stolen vehicles.
Curbing smuggling
Members of the Limpopo Anti-Smuggling team conducted a successful operation along the N11 road in Mahwelereng, which resulted in the arrest of 20 Ethiopian foreign nationals, who were allegedly smuggled into the country.
Police also arrested suspected drug mules at OR Tambo International Airport. A Brazilian man and South African woman arrived on the same flight from São Paulo, Brazil, and were intercepted by police. Police seized cocaine valued at over R1 million. Their arrest has now brought the total number of similar arrests at the airport to five since January 2025.
“Police will continue with their operations by asserting the authority of the State to ensure the safety and security of all South Africans and visitors to the country,” said the SAPS. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 03/26/2025 - 09:30
273 views
Pretoria, South Africa – Many commercial and residential gardens struggle to support acid-loving plants due to naturally alkaline or neutral soil conditions. If Azaleas, Gardenias, and Proteas in your estate or business park fail to thrive, the problem isn’t your gardening efforts—it’s likely the soil’s pH balance. Green Cube Maintenance & Landscaping, a leader in …
Public Works commits to rehabilitating St Helena and Saldanha Bay harbours
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson and the Mayor of Saldanha Bay, André Truter, have committed to working together to redevelop the St Helena Bay and Saldanha Bay small harbours.
This follows an oversight visit to the harbours on Tuesday morning. Macpherson said the harbours should become economic engines for their communities, creating much-needed jobs.
Macpherson and Truter have committed to working together to revitalise the harbours for the benefit of the local economy.
The two small harbours, which are owned and managed by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, have over the years fallen into a state of disrepair, often attracting criminal activity and deterring investment in the surrounding communities.
Macpherson said he would instruct departmental officials to develop a masterplan for the small harbours to ensure they contribute to the Saldanha Bay economy through fishing and tourism development.
“In a similar way that the V&A Waterfront stands as a prime example of how harbours can be used to attract investment and create thousands of jobs, we believe small harbours such as St Helena Bay and Saldanha Bay should be redeveloped to become economic engines for their communities.
“The V&A Waterfront has helped create over 60 000 jobs, and we believe this level of success can be replicated across the country, creating jobs for communities such as Saldanha Bay,” said Macpherson.
Truter welcomed the Minister’s commitment, saying the engagement was extremely positive and demonstrated a clear focus on action and timelines.
“...We look forward to embarking on this journey with the Minister and the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure,” said Truter. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 03/26/2025 - 10:04
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From Prescriptions to Patient Partners: How Patient-Centred Innovation and Technology Are Enhancing Community Pharmacy Services – By Mthobisi Kgathi, Business Development Manager – Health & Retail Solutions, BCX The role of the community pharmacy is evolving. Once a trusted corner shop for essential medicines, today’s independent pharmacies must compete in a landscape dominated by retail …
And funding cuts are hitting access to HIV tests and medicines
R2m to address eThekwini water challenges
The eThekwini Municipality has approved the transfer of R2 million within the water and sanitation capital budget in the 2024/25 financial year to address persistent water challenges affecting various areas in the northern parts of the city, particularly Verulam and surrounding areas.
The decision was taken during the City’s Executive Committee (EXCO) meeting on Tuesday.
In a statement after the meeting, the council said the funds will be transferred from the Pinkney Park project to the 'Hazelmere to Grange' Reservoir pipeline project.
The Pinkney Park project has been delayed by the Bid Evaluation Committee due to insufficient funding in the current approved 2024/25 and 2025/26 financial years.
The municipality said the Hazelmere to Grange Reservoir pipeline project is an ongoing project that urgently requires an additional R2 million in funding to complete it in the current financial year.
“Work has stopped on site due to funds having been exhausted for the Hazelmere to Grange Reservoir pipeline project. The additional allocation to complete the project will ensure much needed relief to the communities in the northern parts of the city, who have been experiencing water shortages,” the council said.
It said the water challenges have been further worsened by the recurring flood disasters that have battered the KwaZulu-Natal city in recent years.
R3 million approved for oThongathi crematorium
The Executive Committee also approved an additional R3 million for the urgent replacement of the furnace at the oThongathi Crematorium.
This follows the initial allocation of R5 million in the city’s adjustment budget, bringing the total investment to R8 million.
eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba said the decision by EXCO emphasises the city’s commitment to ensuring that residents of the northern region have access to cremation services.
“We are pleased that EXCO has responded swiftly to this urgent matter. The failure of the furnace has left many families without access to cremation services in the area. This funding will allow us to expedite the process and restore this essential service,” Xaba said.
The existing cremator, which has been in use for many years, suffered repeated breakdowns before completely failing on 24 January 2025. Technical assessments confirmed that the furnace had reached the end of its lifespan, necessitating full replacement.
To fast-track the project, Xaba said the Parks, Recreation and Culture Unit has identified savings within its capital budget to cover the R3 million shortfall.
He said the municipality will now proceed with appointing a service provider to manufacture, construct, and install the new furnace.
The contractor, who must be South African-based, will also provide maintenance support for 12-months under warranty, with a potential extension for two years.
Xaba reiterated the city’s commitment to delivering dignified and efficient services.
“We understand the cultural and religious significance of cremation for many communities. The urgent reprioritisation of funds demonstrates our dedication to ensuring that all residents have access to essential municipal services,” the mayor said.
He said the city will continue to provide updates to residents as the project progresses, with the aim of restoring full operations at the crematorium within the current financial year. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 03/26/2025 - 10:16
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As many as 76% of South African employees run out of money before the end of the month, and 89% worry about being able to pay their monthly bills. With the cost of living climbing and the cost of healthcare, increasing, gap cover is coming to the fore as an inexpensive added protection against having …
George rallies world leaders to accelerate efforts to achieve SDGs
Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, has called on the international community to urgently accelerate efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“We are less than five years away from our deadline to achieving the SDGs and the end of this critical decade for climate action. Yet, we are still far from our goals and action targets,” the Minister said on Tuesday.
The United Nations describes the SDGs as the “blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all” by addressing global challenges related to poverty, inequality and climate change, among others, with the year 2030 set as the target to meet the goals.
Addressing the Group of Twenty (G20) Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG) virtually, the Minister said poverty levels are worsening, and that carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions reached record highs last year.
“This calls for an urgent acceleration of our efforts. Our commitment to achieve these goals must not waver. That is why South Africa has placed solidarity, equality and sustainability at the centre of our G20 Presidency.
“As the international community, together, we committed ourselves to the ambitious agenda to end poverty and hunger, to protect our planet, to achieve universal education and health coverage, and to promote decent work and sustainable economic growth by adopting the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals,” George said.
The Minister said South Africa is striving to champion and fast-track action in the pursuit of a just transition to a low-carbon, climate resilient and inclusive society, and lead by example.
Last week, President Cyril Ramaphosa proclaimed the Climate Change Act, laying the ground for ambitious climate action domestically.
Earlier this month, the Minister informed the public that the President proclaimed the Climate Change Act, 2024, with the proclamation notice published in the Government Gazette on 17 March 2025, which was the commencement date of the Act.
“The Act is intended to enable the development of an effective climate change response and a long-term, just transition to a low-carbon and climate-resilient economy and society for South Africa in the context of sustainable development; and to provide for matters connected therewith,” the Minister said at the time.
The Act lays the foundation for a green economy that is resilient, inclusive and future-focused. It creates a clear framework for climate action.
In his address on Tuesday, the Minister said South Africa’s rollout of renewable energy has materially accelerated over the past few years, driving the decarbonisation of South Africa’s energy system, while the implementation of Expanded Producer Responsibility schemes and circular economy initiatives is improving waste management.
“The task remains immense. Poverty, unemployment, hunger, inequality, environmental degradation and climate change are but a few of the complex and interconnected issues facing the world today.
“...We thus reiterate the critical role of multilateralism in addressing these complexities, and South Africa’s very strong support for multilateralism,” the Minister explained.
Priorities
George said the five interrelated priorities of the Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group provide an opportunity to address multiple complexities within this context, while advancing the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
The priorities include Biodiversity and Conservation, Land Degradation, Desertification and Drought, Chemicals and Waste Management, Climate Change and Air Quality, as well as Oceans and Coasts.
“These priorities of the G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group for this year are viewed as critical enablers to address poverty, create employment and meet other sustainable development goals, thereby contributing towards the global effort to respond to the triple complexities of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss, in line with the overall theme of South Africa’s G20 Presidency of Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability,” the Minister said.
As a primary outcome of the G20 Presidency this year, South Africa will explore ways that the G20 can leverage opportunities to increase the scale and flows of climate finance, critical to enabling the Just Transition, mitigation and adaptation efforts, while ensuring that the required investments reach the most vulnerable of society.
“It is paramount for developing economy countries to be actively supported in their efforts to achieve ‘whole of society and whole of economy’ just transitions to sustainable development on the ground, through scaled access to low-cost finance, technology and skills.
“It is also increasingly recognised that many people across the globe are exposed to unhealthy and often deadly levels of air pollution, and that the impacts of air pollution extend beyond health - affecting climate, biodiversity, ecosystems and economic development.
“This is also a key issue that needs to be addressed, and to which this Working Group can contribute. There are very extensive synergies between decarbonisation and the improvement of air quality,” the Minister said. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 03/26/2025 - 07:56
106 views