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Pretoria, South Africa – March 18, 2025 – The Scoin Shop, South Africa’s leading gold coin and bullion retailer, has launched its stunning new flagship store at Brooklyn Mall, redefining luxury retail with a forward-thinking design. Fresh off celebrating 25 years of excellence in 2024, this innovative space—crafted by Urban Flux Studios and Hubo Studio—blends …
Developing oil and gas resources can boost economy
Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe says developing the country’s gas and oil potential could be a game changer for economic growth.
“The South African government wants accelerated oil exploration in the country’s waters, we believe developing the country’s oil and gas resources could boost the country’s economic growth rate to 5% and possibly 8%.
“Government took a decision to rationalise some of our State-owned Entities [SOEs] to form the South African National Petroleum Company [SANPC]. The SANPC is a strategic intervention by government to create a State-owned national company to actively pursue oil and gas projects,” the Minister said in his speaking notes at the 4th Annual Southern Africa Oil and Gas (SAOG) Conference in Cape Town on Wednesday.
Exploration has found that South Africa’s coastal and adjoining waters hold approximately nine billion barrels of oil and a further 11 billion barrels oil equivalent of natural gas, although there remains uncertainty about the extent.
Mantashe noted that considering increasing demand for natural gas, “government has moved with speed to finalise the Gas Master Plan to achieve a stable and growing economy”.
“The Gas Master Plan is designed to complement existing energy policies and contribute to an integrated energy planning approach for the country as outlined in the updated Integrated Resources Plan. It provides a framework for the role of natural gas in the energy mix and gives policy direction to industry.
“Its objective is to ensure that government is able to diversify supply options from local and international markets. Furthermore, to facilitate the development an efficient, competitive and responsive energy infrastructure network, such as gas storage facilities, liquefied natural gas import facilities, pipeline networks and regasification plants.
“Through this, the Plan would also enhance localisation, create jobs and enable inclusive economic growth,” Mantashe said.
He noted that the European bloc of nations is looking to Africa to “diversify its gas supplies”.
“While this presents an opportunity to earn foreign revenue, we should ensure that we do not export our gas at the expense of domestic and regional markets. It is imperative for SADC [Southern African Development Community] countries to be resolute in their efforts to unlock oil and gas exploration and development.
“This further presents SADC countries with an opportunity to determine conditions that will alleviate global oil and gas prices by developing their own resources.
“There must be a concerted effort among African nations to ensure that the oil and gas sector grows and thrives through investments in the upstream development for the economic prosperity of our nations,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 03/19/2025 - 13:44
31 views
The European Union (EU) and International Trade Centre (ITC) launched a unique competition to empower Eswatini's artisans by providing game-changing support to small businesses. This collaboration, with a Toyota 2.8 GD6 vehicle as the grand prize, aimed at driving innovation, market expansion, and new opportunities.
When Bafanabethu ‘Bethu' Gina, Managing Director of Favourite Designs, entered the competition, he saw it as more than just an opportunity to win a vehicle worth close to €18,000 – it was a chance to accelerate his company's expansion.
Favourite Designs, a fast-growing furniture and décor manufacturing enterprise in Eswatini, has been paving its way in the artisan industry. He uses traditional techniques like grass weaving to create baskets, lamp shades and other homewares with a modern sensibility.
‘This vehicle is more than just a mode of transport – it's a game-changer for our business,' says Bethu. ‘It will allow us to reach new customers, access rural suppliers more efficiently, and expand into the South African market. Our goal is to triple our market size by leveraging this opportunity to grow beyond Eswatini.'
Preserving culture with innovation
Founded in Matsapha, Eswatini, Favourite Designs combines modern design principles with traditional Swati craftsmanship. The company works closely with rural artisans, particularly women, sourcing raw materials and helping to preserve Swati cultural identity through handcrafted pieces. Bethu sees his role not only as a designer and entrepreneur but as someone who inspires fellow artisans to integrate design thinking into their craft, making their products more competitive in the global market.
‘I love how Emaswati artisans have preserved our culture through beautiful, handcrafted work, passing down traditions from generation to generation,' he says. ‘I see Eswatini's artisan and design industry growing substantially in the next five years. But we need to inspire artisans – both aspiring and practicing – to intentionally apply design principles from conceptualization to realization. This will enhance product quality and make Eswatini crafts globally competitive while preserving our cultural heritage.'
Plans to scale are in motion
Favourite Designs is a key participant in the EU, ITC, and House on Fire Artisanal Incubator Programme, which nurtures emerging businesses in the handcraft and artisanal food sectors. Through this initiative, Bethu's company has:
The new Toyota 2.8 GD6 vehicle will expand these opportunities. It will help Favourite Designs connect with international buyers, attend trade shows, and access key regional markets like South Africa. He'd already been saving for a vehicle so that he can meet with his rural suppliers and make deliveries to customers. Now he can use those savings to invest in other parts of his business.
The EU seeks to foster space for enterprise creativity
The EU and ITC structured this competition not just as a giveaway but as an opportunity to reward resilience and innovation.
‘Rather than a simple donation, we designed a competition to reward an entrepreneur who has demonstrated resilience and innovation,' said EU Ambassador to Eswatini, Karsten Mecklenburg. ‘Favourite Designs has shown exceptional growth potential, and we are confident this vehicle will be instrumental in their success.'
Bethu's winning competition entry video creatively told the company's story while addressing the competition's objectives. He structured the submission like a design brief, integrating a script, storytelling elements, and real footage from his journey with ITC since 2023.
‘I wanted to demonstrate the progress we've made as a result of ITC's intervention and how the vehicle would boost our operations and growth,' he explains. ‘The first minute of the video is a skit showcasing how we would use the vehicle, followed by three minutes of our ITC-supported journey, and a final call-to-action statement. I shot and edited everything using just my mobile phone.'
Favourite Designs is a shining example of how local businesses can scale internationally with the right support, vision, and innovation.
With a new vehicle and growing recognition, Favourite Designs is well on its way to becoming an international success story.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Trade Centre.
For Jack Mann, the wait for an elusive first Scotland cap continues. But, after everything he has been through, he’s just relishing being out on the field. The 25-year-old Glasgow Warriors No 8 received his first call-up to the Scottish squad for the Six Nations campaign. However, he wasn’t to be involved in any of …
Dear Editor Gauteng hospital patients will continue to suffer as the provincial health budget tabled yesterday gave a paltry increase for health, with no provision to pay off R4.3 billion owed to suppliers, and no money to fill staff vacancies. The total health budget rose from R64.7 billion to R67 billion, a 3.7% increase which …
Gino Cupido will make his debut for the Springbok Sevens team in Hong Kong next weekend after being named in the squad for the trip east, with his inclusion one of three changes from the Vancouver squad made by Blitzbok head coach Philip Snyman. The 19-year-old Cupido was included with two Hong Kong veterans, Dewald …
SA gears up for Water Investment Summit
Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina is set to host the preparatory meeting for the African Union-Africa Water Investment Programme (AU-AIP) Water Investment Summit 2025.
The meeting is scheduled to take place on the sidelines of the International Water Association (IWA) Congress, currently underway in Cape Town.
The department said the preparatory meeting, to take place on Thursday, is a critical step towards the AU-AIP Water Investment Summit, scheduled to take place at Cape Town in August.
“The summit aims to mobilise at least USD 30 billion annually for climate-resilient water and sanitation initiatives across Africa, aligning with South Africa’s G20 Presidency priorities on economic growth, climate sustainability, and enhanced financing for development,” the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) said on Wednesday.
The preparatory meeting will bring together key stakeholders, including government representatives, international development agencies, private sector investors, and civil society organisations, to refine the objectives, thematic areas, and expected outcomes of the summit scheduled for August.
“The meeting will also serve as a platform to consolidate bilateral partnerships and secure commitments. Additionally, it will ensure that the summit aligns with South Africa’s G20 Presidency goals and effectively contributes to water security and investment mobilisation in Africa,” the department said.
Among the delegates expected to participate at the summit, include:
• Jakaya Kikwete, former President of the United Republic of Tanzania, chair of the Global Water Partnership Southern Africa (GWPSA), and co-chair of the Africa Water Investment Panel, which includes sitting and former Presidents and eminent leaders (President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa is also a member of the AIP Panel).
• Arif Alkalali, General Supervisor of the General Directorate for Water Resources in the Ministry of Water, Environment, and Agriculture, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
• Anxious Jongwe Masuka, Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Water, and Rural Resettlement, Zimbabwe.
• Collins Nzovu, Minister of Water Development and Sanitation, Republic of Zambia.
• Dr Cheikh Tidiane Dièye, Minister of Water and Sanitation, Republic of Senegal, and President of the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW). – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 03/19/2025 - 13:20
14 views
This morning I experienced the power of a press release from the point of view of a consumer. I’ll be quick: At around 6:00 am this morning I read a press release about Renergen’s first successful delivery of Helium The Helium project has been on the radar for a while and is known to me. …
Bail hearing for SASSA fraud accused postponed to April
The bail hearing for seven South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) officials and three accomplices accused of fraud has been postponed to 1 April 2025.
The accused appeared before the Lenasia Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, facing more than 1 000 fraud-related charges.
Four of the accused were arrested last month, while another four were taken into custody on Friday. Two more suspects handed themselves over on Sunday and Monday, respectively.
SASSA Acting Chief Executive Officer, Themba Matlou, welcomed the arrests, emphasising the agency’s commitment to eradicating all forms of fraud and corruption elements within its ranks.
“What we have seen in the last few weeks is a culmination of the hard work of our officials, working with the South African Police Service (SAPS) in clamping down on fraud and corruption at SASSA,” Matlou said.
He further urged the public to report any suspicious activities related to social grants.
“We cannot win this fight alone. We appeal to members of the community to assist us to root out the scourge.”
SASSA has urged members of the public to work together with the agency and report grant fraud or corruption to 0800 60 10 11 or the National Anti-Corruption Hotline on 0800 701 701. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Wed, 03/19/2025 - 09:21
432 views
The legal industry continuously evolves, and so does the technology that supports it. In South Africa, legal software plays a crucial role in transforming how legal professionals handle their daily tasks, making their operations more efficient and client-friendly. What Is Legal Industry Software? Legal industry software includes a range of applications designed to support law …
The automotive landscape is shifting globally, and South Africa is no exception. The rise of New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) is driven by several factors, including environmental concerns and the call for cleaner transportation, fuel price volatility, stricter emission regulations, as well as advances in battery technology, electric motors and charging infrastructure. Understanding the NEV spectrum …
Mashatile to lead official World TB Day and National End TB campaign
The Chairperson of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), Deputy President Paul Mashatile, will deliver the keynote address at the national World TB Day commemorative event on Monday, 24 March 2025.
World TB Day is commemorated annually on the 24th of March to raise public awareness about the global epidemic of tuberculosis (TB) and highlight efforts to eliminate the disease.
The day is also designated to highlight the devastating health, social and economic impact of TB.
During the event on Monday, the Deputy President will also launch the National End TB Campaign at the Ugu Sports and Leisure Centre in Gamalakhe Township, Ugu District, KwaZulu-Natal.
According to the Presidency, South Africa is one of the countries most affected by TB and remains the leading cause of death in the country, claiming approximately 56 000 lives each year, with 54% of these deaths among people living with HIV.
This year’s official country theme for World TB Day is “Yes! You and I Can End TB – Commit, Invest, Deliver".
“This is a clarion call for leaders to champion TB efforts in their respective constituencies and encourage individual action from all South Africans to contribute to the national effort against TB.“
The Deputy President’s Office said the significance of this year’s commemoration will be marked by the launch of the National End TB campaign designed to substantially reduce TB incidence and mortality in South Africa by 2035.
This campaign will be carried out in phases, beginning with a focus on case finding and linking patients to care in the year 2025/26.
The campaign aims to diagnose 250 000 new TB cases by 2025/26 through targeted testing of five million people.
This will be accomplished by implementing Accelerated Targeted Universal TB Testing (TUTT) to reach individuals living with HIV and household contacts with confirmed TB cases.
The Deputy President will be joined by the Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, Premier of KwaZulu-Natal Thamsanqa Ntuli, SANAC Civil Society Chairperson Solly Nduku, Chairperson of the SANAC Private Sector Forum Mpumi Zikalala, and SANAC CEO Dr Thembi Xulu.
They will also be joined by representatives from development partners inclusive of the United Nations agencies, United States government agencies, research entities, civil society movements and the private sector. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 03/19/2025 - 10:13
102 views
DURBAN: The Division 1 4Day Series resumes this week after a near three-month break for the limited-overs leg of the...
CPI remains unchanged in February
Consumer price inflation has remained at 3.2% in February – unchanged from January.
According to Statistics South Africa, the main contributors to the annual inflation rate were:
“Recreation, sport and culture, food and non-alcoholic beverages, alcoholic beverages and tobacco and communication recorded higher annual inflation rates in February.
“Inflation cooled for several product categories, most notably, personal care and miscellaneous services, health, restaurants and accommodation, furnishings, household equipment and routine maintenance and transport,” Stats SA Director: CPI Operations, Lekau Ranoto, said.
The annual rate for food and non-alcoholic beverages accelerated to some 2.8% in February from 2.3% in January.
“Fruit and nuts, vegetables, hot beverages, seafood, meat and cereals recorded higher rates. On the down side, cold beverages milk, dairy and eggs, oils and fats and sugar confectionary and desserts witnessed slower price increases,” she said.
Ranoto said inflation in maize meal – a staple in South African households – reached a 17-month high, with samp inflation also reaching a 19-month high in February.
“The rise in prices is driven by inflationary pressure from the farming and manufacturing of maize according to the latest producer price index data. On average, consumer prices for meat stayed the same in February, compared with January, resulting in a monthly change of 0%. The annual rate was also 0%.
“While meat remained subdued, inflation for hot beverages continues to accelerate. The annual change in the price index for hot beverages was 14.6% in February, up from 13.7% in January,” Ranoto said.
Meanwhile, Stats SA has also recorded a 10.5% increase in medical aid premiums this year and health services rose by 6.1%, compared with a 5% rise last year. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 03/19/2025 - 11:26
40 views
Cutting back or quitting alcohol not only lowers the risk of chronic diseases such as liver damage, heart conditions, and certain cancers but also improves mental well-being and overall quality of life. “Quitting alcohol is a life-changing decision that can significantly improve health, relationships, and overall well-being,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health. “The …
Macpherson takes on second leg of listening tour in Upington
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson will on Thursday launch the next leg of his Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) listening tour in Upington in the Northern Cape.
Following the EPWP Listening Tour, the Minister will conduct an oversight visit to the construction site of a new Magistrate’s Court in Keimoes, which was requested by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development.
The Minister will be joined by the Northern Cape Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Public Works, Fufe Makatong and the ZF Mgcawu District Municipality Mayor, Maryna Basson.
READ | Macpherson takes EPWP listening tour to KZN
“Through the nationwide listening tour, the Minister aims to hear from communities about their experiences with the EPWP to bring attention to issues encountered within the programme.
“This will inform the Minister’s vision towards the reimagined EPWP, which will have long-term socio-economic empowerment within the communities.
“Through the listening tour, which will be rolled out nationwide in the coming months, the Minister aims to hear from communities about their experiences with the EPWP to bring attention to issues encountered within the programme.
“The tour and engagement with communities will also shape the Minister’s vision to reimagine the EPWP,” the department said,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 03/19/2025 - 10:10
116 views
Sheldon Rocha Leal holds a BA in Law and Psychology from UNISA, a BMus Honours and MMus (Cum Laude) from the University of Pretoria and a PhD in Music Business and Education from the University of the Free State. Besides for being in music education for the past 19 years he is also a performer …
The African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference has officially launched its 2025 program, covering strategic topics from upstream oil and gas to downstream infrastructure and distribution to the energy transition, power industry, energy finance and more. The program offers insight into what this year's edition will offer, as industry leaders, global investors, major operators and think-tanks convene in Cape Town to discuss Positioning Africa as the Next Global Energy Champion.
As the largest event of its kind in Africa, AEW: Invest in African Energies serves as a vital platform to sign deals and drive energy projects forward. This year's event offers an expanded program, featuring a variety of stages covering the entire energy value chain. Additional features include pre-conference workshops, a deal room, the return of the African Farmout Forum, technical hubs, fireside chats and more. The Just Energy Transition concert returns to kick off the week while the African Energy Awards & Gala Dinner celebrates movers and shakers in African energy.
One of the highlights of this year's conference is the G20 Energy Leaders Roundtable, which comes as South Africa hosts the 20th meeting of the G20 group this year. A series of country spotlights will also take place during the course of the week, covering markets such as South Africa, Senegal, Equatorial Guinea, Namibia and the Republic of Congo, as well as an OPEC roundtable featuring major OPEC-producers. A BRICS roundtable will examine the impact the group has on Africa's energy future while a COP 30 roundtable will discuss Africa's position ahead of the conference this year.
Africa's energy sector is more attractive than ever, as regulatory reforms, ambitious policies and long-term development strategies continue to entice spending. Total capital expenditure for the oil and gas industry alone is estimated to reach $43 billion in 2025, with spending set to reach $54 billion by 2030. AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 features an energy finance stage, with discussions covering the African Energy Bank; investment trends in Africa and reducing barriers to entry. The stage will unpack Mergers & Acquisitions; financing cross-border projects; energy access and equity, among other topics.
As one of the final frontiers for oil and gas exploration, Africa is seeing a plethora of projects advance. West Africa is projected to lead oil and gas spending in 2025, accounting for over 50% of the continent's total expenditure. While established producers such as Nigeria remain dominant, emerging producers such as Senegal and Mauritania are attracting high levels of investment. In Southern Africa, Namibia targets first oil by 2029 while South Africa seeks to unlock discoveries in both its offshore basins and onshore shale prospects. Zimbabwe targets onshore gas production while Mozambique advances its pipeline of large-scale LNG projects. AEW: Invest in African Energies Upstream E&P Forum will examine the continent's exploration hotspots. Panels include onshore and shallow water potential; the resurgence of Libya; onshore basins to watch; the outlook for LNG; and deepwater plays.
Amid the continent's oil and gas drive, Africa also seeks to advance a just energy transition, Countries such as Mauritania, Namibia and South Africa are spearheading large-scale green hydrogen developments while solar and wind developments offer increased accessibility for remote communities. Gas-to-power is a central feature of the continents just energy transition, with Algeria, Nigeria and Egypt leading the charge. The AEW: Invest in African Energies Energy Transition stage will unpack strategies for decarbonizing while boosting industrialization. Topics include addressing energy security and climate commitments; clean cooking opportunities; local content; integrated ESG, and more.
As Africa seeks to make energy poverty history by 2030, a fundamental industry is the power sector. Efforts are underway across the continent to revitalize power infrastructure, with both grid-connected and off-grid projects advancing. International partners have a role to play in supporting power projects and the AEW: Invest in African Energies Powering Africa stage will address this. Topics include energy leaders dialogue; energy efficiency; bridging the electricity gap; energy diversification; and integrating renewables into the energy mix.
“Africa is on the cusp of an energy revolution, and AEW: Invest in African Energies is where the deals that will define our continent's future are made. We remain committed to making energy poverty history by 2030, and through this event, we are accelerating the partnerships and policies that will make that vision a reality,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.
Visit www.AECWeek.com to download your copy today.
AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit http://www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
In February this year, an unregistered driver on the e-hailing platform inDrive was arrested after allegedly causing an accident that claimed the lives of three people in the Western Cape. The passenger and two pedestrians were killed when the driver sped through a red light and rolled the car. The company inDrive confirmed the ride was ordered through its platform but said the driver’s details did not match the driver registered on the system. It was a startling revelation that spurred an investigation into the rental and sale of e-hailing accounts. Carte Blanche has uncovered a thriving illicit economy in which people without proper documentation can buy their way onto e-hailing platforms and accounts are openly sold or rented on social media. For ordinary South Africans who rely on e-hailing for transport, it’s a game of Russian roulette: your driver may not be who you think he is – and the consequences are potentially deadly.
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Action taken against Harties Dam invasive alien plant
Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister, Sello Seitlholo, and the Rhodes University Centre for Biological Control (CBC) have released weevil species to tackle the invasive alien aquatic plant at Hartbeespoort Dam in the North West.
The salvinia weevil insect is a biological control agent known as Cyrtobagous salviniae, used to manage the Salvinia minima, an invasive floating alien aquatic weed (known as the common salvinia).
The weevil species is a subaquatic herbivorous insect that feeds on the common salvinia. The species were imported from Florida State in the United Sates of America (USA), and it has proven to be effective and successful to control the aquatic plant in the USA.
Joined by Professor Julie Coetzee, the Deputy Director of the Centre for Biological Control and Principal Scientist at the National Research Foundation’s South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, Seitlholo officially released the salvinia weevil insect on Monday at Mogi Adventures, located next to the Crocodile River.
The invasive alien plant was initially recorded at Hartbeespoort Dam in 2011, and has since spread through areas of the North West and Gauteng Provinces, and has reached the Limpopo River, which marks the border with the neighbouring country of Botswana, threatening South Africa’s water bodies.
According to Coetzee, the weevils multiply quickly and their impact of controlling the aquatic plant can be observed in a year.
She said the CBC, in collaboration with community partners, will rear the weevil and facilitate releases at various sites across the country where water is invaded by the common salvinia.
“This biological control programme will be monitored and the progress of the weevil and its impact on common salvinia will be noted. The weevils only feed on the salvinia minima plant and their entire life cycle depends on the plant, thus they do not have a threat of infesting other ornamental plants, crops or even the water hyacinth plants,” Coetzee said.
Seitlholo emphasised the importance of securing the country’s water resources by partnering with scientific institutes like the CBC.
“What is also important is for us to get into serious conversations with municipalities in the upper catchment that are largely responsible for causing the high nutrient load in the water due to their substandard effluent discharged from their wastewater treatment works, which is being released into the river, eventually landing in the dam.
“This results in high nutrient levels in the water, which gives rise to the spread of these alien invasive aquatic plants, compromising the ecosystem, recreation and the general local economy,” Seitlholo said.
He said the use of the weevils will run concurrently with the other remediation programme currently underway at the dam, which is being implemented by Magalies Water to eradicate alien invasion species that have negatively impacted the ecosystem in the water.
The remedial programme includes the physical removal of the water hyacinth at the dam. This also includes the pilot project of nanobubbles technology, which increases dissolved oxygen in the water, activates the decomposition of microorganisms in water and river sediment.
Given that the quality of water is affected by the discharge of effluent and raw sewage from the municipalities of Tshwane, Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni, Seitlholo said municipalities ought to play a role in the remediation programmes undertaken by the department to rehabilitate the water resource.
Despite the department’s Compliance, Enforcement and Monitoring Directorate engaging the municipalities, Seitlholo said the department has also proposed amendments to Section 19 of the National Water Act (NWA), which focuses on preventing and remedying the effects of pollution, ensuring the protection of water resources and addressing pollution.
Seitlholo said the proposed amendments to the NWA, which are currently with the State Law Advisor, enable the department to directly hold the executive mayor and the municipal manager liable for the transgressions of the municipality in terms of the pollution of the country’s water courses.
“These legislation measures are taken by the department to fundamentally deal with issues of water pollution in the country,” Seitlholo said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 03/19/2025 - 10:12
48 views
Government welcomes agreement on protecting penguin populations
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has welcomed the finalisation of a historic settlement agreement -- in the form of a court order -- securing critical protections for South Africa’s penguin populations.
The landmark agreement -- reached between the fishing industry and conservation organisations BirdLife South Africa and the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) -- establishes island closures to safeguard the critically endangered African Penguin, while supporting sustainable fishing practices.
“Today marks a triumph for conservation and sustainable development. This court-ordered settlement realises the DFFE’s long-standing commitment to protecting our penguins and biodiversity, while ensuring the fishing industry’s viability.
“I am immensely proud of the collaborative spirit that has brought us here, a model for how industry and conservation can work hand in hand for the greater good,” Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, said on Tuesday.
The order, issued by the Pretoria High Court on Tuesday, includes the following island closures:
The DFFE said it is committed to overseeing the effective implementation of these closures and will collaborate with stakeholders to monitor their impact on penguin populations.
“With this court order, South Africa sets a global standard for environmental stewardship, proving that unity and science-based solutions can secure a thriving future for both nature and livelihoods.
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to the fishing industry, BirdLife South Africa, SANCCOB, and all involved parties for their dedication to this process,” the department said. -SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 03/19/2025 - 09:39
43 views
SA condemns Israeli airstrikes on Gaza
South Africa has condemned the extensive Israeli airstrikes carried out across Gaza dron Tuesday, resulting in the deaths of over 350 Palestinians.
The deadly airstrikes occurred following a failure to implement the second stage of the peace agreement with Israel, despite ongoing negotiations aimed at ensuring the ceasefire remains in effect.
The fatal attacks were reportedly authorised by the Israeli leadership more than a week ago.
According to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), this raises concerns about the commitment to the permanent ceasefire outlined in the plan negotiated by the United States, Egypt and Qatar.
The Palestinian Health Ministry said many of those killed were children and several victims remain under the rubble.
Reports suggest that airstrikes were concentrated on heavily built-up neighbourhoods, makeshift schools and residential buildings where people have been sheltering, which is a "blatant violation of international law, including international humanitarian law".
“South Africa is gravely concerned by the military onslaught and the fact that millions of people in Gaza are facing severe food and water shortages, as Israel continues to block aid and cut off energy supplies to the strip,” DIRCO said in a statement.
Meanwhile, the department said Israel, which has enforced a total blockade of Gaza, has now issued new forced displacement orders for several areas.
The department said the provisional orders issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) oblige Israel to take all measures within its power to prevent acts of genocide, ensure humanitarian assistance reaches Gaza, and preserve evidence related to alleged genocide.
The United Nations’ Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Muhannad Hadi, has urged that the ceasefire in Gaza be immediately reinstated. He called the waves of airstrikes across the Gaza Strip since the early hours of the morning “unconscionable.”
South Africa has also condemned the four targeted Israeli military strikes launched against southern Syria overnight, which killed at least two and wounded 19 others on the outskirts of the southern Syrian province of Deraa.
“The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Israel targeted a military site previously used by former President Bashar al-Assad’s forces, but which is now used by the army of Syria’s transitional government.
“Israel’s airstrikes and previous statements that it does not want any Syrian military presence in the south of Syria is a violation of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” DIRCO said. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 03/19/2025 - 08:55
62 views
Change is inevitable in any organization, yet it often brings uncertainty, resistance, and fear. Whether driven by technological advancements, market shifts, or internal restructuring, effective leaders must guide their teams through change with clarity, resilience, and adaptability. In this article, Femi Adebanji, high performance expert and conference speaker, outlines the key principles for leading through …
