Occupiers Evicted From Alex Social Housing Containers
Mayco member says removal had to take place to make way for rightful beneficiaries. But it has taken the City of Johannesburg years to place people in these containers.
2024
Expert panel to advise on new nuclear build
Expert panel to advise on new nuclear build
An expert panel is expected to be convened to advise Energy and Electricity Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa on government’s planned procurement of some 2 500MW of nuclear energy to the grid.
The Minister revealed this during a media briefing on the sidelines of the Nuclear Seminar held in Gauteng on Thursday.
“We’re putting together an expert team that will advise me in relation to the pace and scale that we can afford. Once we answer that question then we will be able to articulate on the public consultation process, what the timelines are and then simultaneously we’ll begin to work out a procurement framework.
“It is the procurement framework that we will then take to Cabinet to seek an in principle approval of the framework. The actual execution of that procurement will be discharged through an avenue that we will announce,” he said.
The Minister emphasised that as it takes care of its people, government has a right to choose which sources of energy it taps into.
“As a country we reserve the right to determine what are those technologies and fuel sources that we are going to use. That is a sovereign right. We do accept that in the energy complex that are opposed to this or that technology.
“To the extent that we can justify and illustrate that it’s in the interest of the sovereign, we will pursue that,” he said.
The Minister emphasised that the department is open to having frank conversations about the sources of energy powering the country.
“The conversations are democratic, they are open. We are going to discuss all technologies, all fuel sources because all of them are needed to help us…on the energy side. But also to ensure that we achieve conditions of energy sovereignty and also we pursue other peaceful uses outside of powering the South African economy.
“Nothing is off the table as far as this Ministry is concerned. We are going to discuss everything and pursue these opportunities that we have identified in the interest of the country,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 09/12/2024 - 15:19
94 views
SA must keep pace with international nuclear players
SA must keep pace with international nuclear players
Eskom Group Chief Executive (GCE) Dan Marokane says South Africa should “move with pace” to keep up with the global move towards new nuclear build.
Marokane was addressing stakeholders at the Nuclear Seminar held by the Ministry of Energy and Electricity on Thursday.
“We are for nuclear. We understand that the energy mix is an important component of us achieving our strategic objectives as a country. This is not a discussion about either or. We’ve always argued that it is about the use of [energy] technologies to be complimentary.
“We are looking forward to participating in the process that will be led by the Minister [of Energy and Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa] to show that we can get to a point of making decisions very quickly. We cannot afford to wait any longer. We have fallen behind and we have an opportunity to catch up and we need to move with pace,” he said.
READ | Nuclear build will follow the science - Ramokgopa
Marokane emphasised that it is very important that government has a clear stance on the use of nuclear energy in the country’s ambitions to lower carbon emissions.
“What I would like to appreciate is the very clear government perspective on the strategy of nuclear and where it sits on the energy mix and its importance for us marching towards net zero targets.
“We exist within the global community and clearly there’ve been movements within the world…the world around has reawakened to the reality that [nuclear] is essentially an important component of baseload power generation going forward and us reducing emissions going forward.
“We have heard about the ambitions for nuclear on the continent, Egypt being quite advanced in this area. It would be sad of us to be overtaken having had so many years of operation…both from a perspective of skills and technical contribution to the continent and opportunities,” he said.
The GCE highlighted that the economic spinoffs from using nuclear energy are “quite huge”.
“For us as a country that is emerging out of the history that it has, the social inequalities that it has, this is an element that is going to contribute meaningfully for us. Our presence in the Western Cape has contributed immensely to the economic activities in the value chain.
“We have experienced quite tremendous positive spin offs from a green stability point of view with the Koeberg [Nuclear Power Station] units that are contributing…into the system. We have just…[installed] new steam generators so that we can have a life extension for the next 20 years.
“We will continue to look at the opportunities for exploiting this for even longer,” Marokane said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 09/12/2024 - 14:33
34 views
Sector master plans critical to investment, boosting exports, creating jobs
Sector master plans critical to investment, boosting exports, creating jobs
By Edwin Tshivhidzo
Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau has consistently emphasised the need to accelerate the implementation of the sector master plans as one of the key priorities of the seventh administration.
Since his appointment two months ago, the Minister has reiterated the critical role of the master plans in increasing investment, boosting exports, creating jobs, promoting localisation and facilitating transformation.
One of the interventions initiated by partnerships in the Retail–Clothing Textile Footwear Leather Master Plan, where more than 20 000 jobs have been created as a result of its roll-out, is the redesigned Clothing Textile Footwear Leather Growth Programme (CTFLGP), which was launched in 2022.
Import substitution, creation of new jobs, transformation and competitiveness improvement are the main objectives of the programme.
One of the beneficiaries of the programme that is being implemented by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) through the Industrial Development Corporation, is R and L Apparel. It is a woman-owned company based in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal.
The company received financial support for the purchase of equipment and machinery, as well as for initial working capital, in order to grow their Cut, Make, Trim (CMT) manufacturing capacity.
Managing Director of R and L Apparel, Solis Benjie Dolores, said the support from government has enabled the company to increase its production, improve product quality, create jobs and extend its clientele, which now includes The Foschini Group, which they supply through Celtico, one of the CMT suppliers in the Newcastle clothing industry.
“The funding assisted us greatly in creating additional jobs. We had only 17 workers when we applied for the programme. As of August 2024, we were able to reach a staff complement of 103 employees, 98 of whom are women. As a matter of fact, we are looking forward to achieving the additional 150 jobs that we have committed to,” Dolores said.
“The CTFLGP is a great initiative. The programme opened new doors for our company's growth. Without the funding, we might have just stayed on 17 workers, because our machinery and working capital were very limited.
“Before we received the funding, we were running a hand-to-mouth operation that was kept going only by the dedication and endeavours of our team. Now the company is on a positive growth trajectory,” she said.
Dolores said the company is planning to acquire automated machinery to expand its production capacity based on the market demands, as local retailers are increasingly embracing Proudly South African products.
“We are happy to contribute in import substitution, growing the economy, and more importantly, creating jobs for the local people, both skilled and unskilled, assisting them to earn a decent living,” she said.
Managing Director of Argento, Joudalle Govender, also bears testimony to the positive impact of the CTFLGP on her company, which is based in Mandeni, KwaZulu-Natal.
The company manufactures apparel and corporate clothing for a major retailer and numerous corporate clients.
“We used the funding for operational expenses and to re-tool the factory with new machinery. The funding allowed us to create 45 new jobs. 100 people are currently employed in our company, 80 of whom are women.
"Our profit margins increased and we had a rapid growth in production due to the extra capacity,” Govender said.
She said the company is planning to expand its product lines, adopting sustainable practices, improving its manufacturing efficiency and exploring new markets.
“Our future plans include expanding our current building and creating 100 more jobs. We are also looking into exporting our local garments and creating more awareness on local manufacturing with South Africa,” Govender said.
She emphasises the importance of the Retail-Clothing, Textile, Footwear and Leather (R-CTFL) Masterplan in promoting sustainability and innovation within the industry, which she said is crucial in adapting to the changing market demands and consumer preferences.
“I love the fact that the plan focuses on several key objectives, such as job creation and increasing local production. Argento is a local champion because we produce our own local fabric in the rural area of Isithebe.
“My favourite part is that the plan enhances competitiveness in the global market, by fostering collaboration between government, labour, and industry stakeholders. That is important for our economy,” said Govender.
The stories of two companies that operate in the clothing and textile sector undoubtedly illustrate the critical importance of the master plans, and the positive impact of the collaboration between government, business and labour on the South African economy.
According to the Director of Clothing and Leather at the dtic, Dr Jaywant Irkhede, more than R1.87 billion had been approved for 154 businesses employing almost 24 000 people and R1.41 billion was disbursed by July this year. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 09/12/2024 - 11:03
300 views
Correctional Services confirms Najwa Petersen parole
Correctional Services confirms Najwa Petersen parole
The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has confirmed that Najwa Petersen, who was said to have orchestrated the murder of her husband and music legend Taliep Petersen, has been granted parole.
According to the department, Petersen appeared before the Correctional Supervision and Parole Board (CSPB) on Wednesday where her parole placement date has been set for 27 November 2024.
“This decision was made in accordance with Section 73 of the Correctional Services Act, which requires that the minimum sentence period be served before parole consideration.
“The victims were involved in the parole hearing process and have been informed of the CSPB’s decision,” the department explained.
According to reports, she was found guilty of hiring two hitmen to kill her husband. The judge described her actions as “callous” during her 2008 trial.
The now 63-year-old Petersen began serving a 28-year sentence in 2009 for murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances.
“She has participated in various rehabilitation programmes and will now be enrolled in pre-release programmes to prepare her for reintegration into society.”
In a statement, the department explained that Petersen will serve the remainder of her sentence under the community corrections system, monitored according to parole conditions.
According to the department, normal parole conditions will apply.
“For example, she is not allowed to leave her magisterial district without informing her parole officer. She is also not allowed to conduct media interviews. Critical to highlight, there is going to be a continuity of restorative justice processes involving the victims of crime with the help of professionals,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 09/12/2024 - 12:13
72 views
Conference encourages advanced understanding of climate change
Conference encourages advanced understanding of climate change
Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) Mayor, Gary van Niekerk has emphasised the need to advance understanding of climate change to mitigate the challenges the country faces, including floods and drought.
“Climate change is no longer a distant threat but a stark reality that we face, with daily struggles such as floods and droughts that threatens the livelihoods of millions as agriculture is affected by this.
“We must advance our understanding of climate change in agriculture to ensure that we mitigate these challenges. Together we can build a resilient and prosperous future for South Africa,” Van Niekerk said.
The mayor made these remarks at the 61st Agricultural Economics Association of South Africa (AEASA) Conference that was held at Boardwalk Convention Centre in Gqeberha.
Held under the theme “Agricultural Economics Research for Mitigation and Adaptation to Climate Change in Southern Africa”, the three-day annual conference concluded on Wednesday.
The conference which got underway on Monday, was aimed at promoting training and research which will encourage advancements in agricultural economics research and education, among others.
The conference showcased cutting-edge research work on mitigation and adaptation to climate change, with a special focus on Southern Africa, as well as research on other topics of vital interest to agricultural economists, farmers, and relevant policymakers in the region.
Van Niekerk added that hosting the AEASA conference lines up with Eastern Cape metro’s broader goals to promote sustainable economic development as well as showcasing the metro’s business tourism infrastructure.
Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Rosemary Nokuzola Capa, Eastern Cape Rural Development and Agrarian Reform MEC, Nonceba Kontsiwe, as well as NMBM Deputy Mayor, Babalwa Lobishe and Council Speaker, Eugene Johnson attended the third and final day of the conference. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 09/12/2024 - 11:18
135 views
New Telkom Fibre Customers to Enjoy 3-Month Fibre Discount
12 September 2024, Johannesburg: Telkom is excited to announce a new discount promotion on Telkom Fibre, offering significant savings on selected products for a period of three months. The promotion commenced on August 1, 2024, and will run through October 31, 2024. During this promotional period, new customers who sign up for a 12-month contract …
KZN Premier condemns Highflats killings
KZN Premier condemns Highflats killings
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has called on the police to leave no stone unturned in their investigation into the mass killings at Highflats on Wednesday night.
According to reports, seven people, including three children, were allegedly killed execution-style while sitting in the lounge.
Ntuli expressed deep concern over these brutal acts of violence and called for an end to such acts in the province.
The Premier has since instructed KwaZulu-Natal South African Police Service (SAPS) Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, to deploy every available resource to apprehend the perpetrators and ensure the atrocities are dealt with promptly and effectively.
“We remain dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens in KwaZulu-Natal. We wish to pass our message of condolences to the people affected by this tragic incident,” the Premier said.
Ntuli is set to visit Highflats today (Thursday), to assess the area and to extend his condolences to impacted residents. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 09/12/2024 - 09:53
30 views
Tensions Between Minibus and Metered Taxi Owners Explode in Northern Kzn
Amaphela taxis take on the Mondlo Taxi Association
Join the Productivity SA AGM 2024 with Keynote Address by the Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour
MEDIA INVITE: Join the Productivity SA AGM 2024 with Keynote Address by the Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour Productivity SA, the government entity committed to advancing employment growth and productivity in South Africa, invites members of the media to attend its 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM). This year’s AGM will feature a keynote address …
Nuclear energy still a ‘critical component’ of SA energy mix
Nuclear energy still a 'critical component' of SA energy mix
There is global affirmation that nuclear energy has a part to play in responding to the question of climate change.
This is according to Deputy Minister of Energy and Electricity Samantha Graham-Maré who was speaking during the Nuclear Seminar hosted by the department in Tshwane on Thursday.
“There is global acceptance of nuclear energy as an integral part of the solution to mitigate the impact of climate change. We therefore need to work together to ensure that nuclear energy becomes an important part of the Just Energy Transition.
“It is clear that nuclear is a critical component of South Africa’s energy mix – offering a low carbon, reliable source of energy that can contribute significantly to the country’s energy security and climate goals, she said.
Graham-Maré said South Africa remains committed to fulfilling the objectives of the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) 2019, while refining the IRP 2023.
“[The IRP] sets out a requirement of 2 500MW of nuclear power to ensure the stability of South Africa’s power grid. In turn, driving the reindustrialisation of our economy and the promise of economic growth that leads to job creation,” she said.
The Deputy Minister added that although new nuclear build is urgent for ensuring energy stability, the Ministry will not compromise on “public participation, adherence of statutory regulatory requirements and openness and transparency in decision making, procurement and the implementation of our new nuclear build”.
In that regard, the Ministerial determination for the procurement of the nuclear energy was withdrawn last month.
She said the negative perceptions around nuclear energy must be changed.
“Nuclear still carries somewhat of a stigma. Much of this is ignorance perpetuated by [a view of] government shrouded in secrecy manned by scientists in hazmat suits and the fear generated through the cold war era of the total destruction of the planet as a result of a nuclear war. It is up to all of us to change these perceptions.
“This summit is the first leg of that process. Given South Africa’s expertise and commitment to nuclear energy over the years, this summit is a key engagement with the nuclear industry in SA that we hope will become a regular feature of our agenda,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 09/12/2024 - 10:37
106 views
SARS receives R4.1bn tax directives applied for in two pot system
SARS receives R4.1bn tax directives applied for in two pot system
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has received tax directives worth R4.1 billion in applications for the savings withdrawals in the two pot system.
SARS said it has received a total 161,607 tax directive applications. This includes the directives which have been cancelled.
A total of 159 853 relates to Savings Withdrawal Benefits, which is 98.9% of the total number of applications received from 1 -10 September 2024, which means SARS received an average of 17,964 tax directive applications a day.
SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter said contributions made to a pension or retirement fund were not taxed at the time of payment to the fund but deferred to the time the person retires and then taxed at a reduced rate.
However, when an individual withdraws now, they will be taxed at their marginal tax rate.
“Applications for tax directives are submitted to SARS by the fund administrator via eFiling. The directive indicates to the fund how much tax should be withheld by the fund on behalf of SARS before payout.
“Taxpayers who owe SARS money must realise that this tax debt will be added to the tax on withdrawal from the savings benefit. But if there are payment arrangements in place to settle the debt with SARS, this debt will be deducted as per agreement between SARS and the Taxpayer. A tax debt that has been deferred will also not be deducted,” the Commissioner said on Wednesday.
He indicated that the turn-around time for SARS to complete directive applications, without any human intervention, is no more than 24 hours.
The channels used by taxpayers to get more information from SARS about the new system include the SARS Online Query System on the SARS website and the SARS WhatsApp channel – 0800 11 7277 where taxpayers can do simulated tax calculations on their two pot withdrawals.
“Applicants give three reasons why they want to make a withdrawal from the new system: a transfer due to divorce, a transfer to a retirement fund and a withdrawal by the taxpayer. As the situation is changing daily, SARS will provide periodic updates on the numbers of withdrawals,” SARS said.
READ | Pension fund members required to be registered for tax to withdraw savings
-SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 09/12/2024 - 09:28
72 views
Minister Buthelezi pledges to revitalise public service amid eroded trust and challenges
Minister Buthelezi pledges to revitalise public service amid eroded trust and challenges
At a juncture when public trust in government institutions is tattered and pessimism is perverse, Public Service and Administration Minister Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi, has the unenviable task of reversing the tide.
It is one that he does not consider insurmountable, mammoth as it is.
This much was apparent during an interview with Public Sector Manager (PSM) magazine at his Batho Pele House office in Pretoria.
September, celebrated as Public Service Month in South Africa, was a focal point of the discussion.
During the interview the Minister outlined his vision for the revitalisation of the Public Service, emphasising the need for the restoration of professionalism and ethical standards that have deteriorated in recent years.
With that said, he is adamant that the 30 days of September should not be used to admonish public servants, but rather to celebrate their efforts.
“We are not going to use Public Service Month to highlight the wrongs that are happening within departments, it is not about that... We must not create a perception ourselves that suggests that everything is rotten in the Public Service,” said the Minister.
He stated that the annual event will instead be dedicated to honour those who have taken a conscious decision to serve in the public sector even when more lucrative opportunities were in the offering in the private sector.
“They chose not to go that route... they chose a route that is serving their people. That is what we are going to do,” he said, adding that the period will also be used to ignite enthusiasm among public servants and revive commitment to service.
“Most of us when we take office, [whether] as a police [officer] or a nurse, there is an oath that you take which commits you to whatever work you are going to do. So, as we go, all those seem to fade into the background because of a number of challenges,” he reiterated.
He said that Public Service Month should serve as a reminder of the valuable contributions public servants make to the country and encourage them to persist in their efforts, even when faced with challenging circumstances.
Not shying away from endemic challenges that continue to plague the sector, the Minister said it was important to address these issues if meaningful progress was to be made.
Professionalising the Public Service
In February 2024, the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) released Volume 1 of the Directive on Human Resources Management and Development for Public Service Professionalisation. The initiative is designed to enhance the efficacy, integrity and accountability of the Public Service.
This is in line with the government's efforts to combat corruption in the country, including within the Public Service.
For Minister Buthelezi, the conversation starts with a question that has weighed heavily on many South Africans: “How did the country’s public service, once lauded for its professionalism and integrity, lose its way?”
For him, the answer is rooted in a gradual yet troubling shift in the relationship between politicians and public servants.
“The Public Service was professional,” the Minister recalls, with a mixture of pride and concern. “But somewhere along the way, we, as politicians, started to politicise public servants. Now, there is this call for professionalisation, as if the Public Service was never professional. I dispute that notion.”
For him, the decline in standards is not a reflection of a systemic failure, but rather the result of external pressures that have distracted public servants.
“Public servants were professional, they were ethical and had a keen interest to serve. That is why most of us when we were growing up, we aspired to be public servants,” he asserted.
His responsibility and that of the DPSA, he added, is to try and depoliticise the Public Service.
“That means we are not introducing something new but we are removing something that I consider alien, we are asking public servants to go back to their core values,” he said.
Rebuilding public trust
The Minister believes that the effective utilisation of the Public Service Commission (PSC) and the National School of Government (NSG) will go a long way in restoring the diminished trust in the Public Service.
While the PSC coordinates government’s efforts to eradicate corruption and maladministration in the State and develops and improves policy on ethics for the Public Service, the latter is tasked with ensuring that all public servants participate and complete education, training and development initiatives.
“The NSG comes to play a particular role when it comes to training public servants in a number of things, which includes ethics, among others. That is one initiative that the department has undertaken to make make sure that we professionalise the Public Service and bring back the public trust. If people are led by leaders who are unethical, who are not committed to the cause and leaders who neglect their duty and do not take serving people as a calling, that is a problem,” he said.
Lifestyle audits
Turning his attention to accomplishing an ethical public service, he is adamant that lifestyle audits are not the holy grail.
“All that I want to see happening is that, as we try to deal with corruption through lifestyle audits, people should be encouraged to do the right thing without there being someone following them. We must also try to develop a culture within the public service that repels such elements and only attract people who are interested in serving.”
Innovation
The Minister said in his first two months in the role, he has been impressed by the innovation demonstrated by public servants.
“Public servants are coming up with new ways of how government can do things better and become efficient.”
However, he stressed that innovation should not leave behind the majority of the population.
Wage bill
In recent years, the general public has raised concerns on the country’s perceived “ballooning” public service wage bill. The Minister is , however, not convinced that this perception is accurate.
“I do not believe that the wage bill is ‘ballooning’. We must be very honest in analysing the status quo. You have almost 1.3 million public servants serving a population of over 60 million. You go to the police, and they will tell you [that] they should have one police officer serving a certain number of people, but that is not happening,” explained the Minister.
The genesis of the problem, for him, is the country’s stunted economic growth of recent years. However, he acknowledged that there are challenges within the system that need to be addressed.
“That (slow economic growth) should not be equated to the problem of the wage bill, because it is not. If the economy was growing as much as it should have, and if our population increase was not increasing in a manner that is not aligned with our economic growth, we would not be where we are,” he explained.
He noted that the public sector is not bursting at the seams with excess staff, instead the limited human resources are mostly being overstretched.
Suspensions
Another challenge within the Public Service is the issue of long-standing unresolved suspensions. This problem is widespread, yet there are no specific statistics available on the exact number of cases.
These include the number of staff members spending excessive time on suspension as well as deadwood in some departments.
“We are told that some of them are not even in the country; some have been on suspension for over a thousand days; some have gone on to study and obtain degrees; some are owning businesses elsewhere. There is a serious problem in relation to that.”
He mentioned that the DPSA is working on a report to determine the exact number of suspended staff members in an effort to finalise the investigations.
The Minister stated that he aimed to leave a legacy of public servants returning to basics, where the principles of Batho Pele are not merely displayed on the walls of government departments but are actively practiced.
“You will know that there is Batho Pele because of your personal experience with every public servant. I would like to leave behind public servants that keep keeping on, no matter what.”
This article first appeared in Public Sector Manager (PSM) Magazine
Janine
Thu, 09/12/2024 - 09:23
106 views
Fringe Solo Exhibition “Stress Narcotika” Debuts at Scapegoat Gallery in Hyde Park Corner
Johannesburg, South Africa – Hyde Park Corner is excited to announce the opening of Fringe’s fifth solo exhibition in Johannesburg, titled Stress Narcotika, running from 12 September to 13 October 2024 at Scapegoat Gallery. Hyde Park Corner, renowned as a premier destination for art lovers, continues to build on its reputation as the go-to location …
Villagers Live Next to a Platinum Mine, but Have No Jobs
Residents of Limpopo’s Barok Ba Nkwana and Atok villages demand government speak to the mine on their behalf
Westlake Shopping Centre Reopens with New Shops, More Convenience
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National Basketball Association (NBA) Africa Announces Finalists for Triple-Double Startup Accelerator Demo Day
NBA Africa (www.NBA.com) today announced the 10 startup companies from seven African countries that have been selected to pitch their products to a panel of international industry leaders at a Demo Day at the NBA headquarters in New York City on Wednesday, Sept. 25 as part of “Triple-Double: NBA Africa Startup Accelerator (http://apo-opa.co/47lTICe),” which the league launched in April 2024 to support Africa's technology ecosystem and the next generation of African entrepreneurs.
The panel will then determine the four winning companies that will be awarded financial support and mentorship, including an opportunity to participate in workshops and development programs facilitated by NBA Africa or its partners. Below are the 10 startups that will compete for the four prize-winning spots.
- Backrest (Rwanda) provides a wearable technology solution called WristWrist for venues and event organizers to facilitate cashless payments at event venues. WristWrist provides a payment system whereby attendees can load money onto wristbands before an event and spend it at the event venue through seamless, quick transactions.
- Buzza (Nigeria) helps sports organizations improve their operations through digital solutions, including enabling organizations to transition from paper-based to digital management, setting up websites, collecting payment, and growing revenue. Athletes can also sign up for the platform to track their matches and scores and build their profiles to become more prominent sports figures and influencers across Africa.
- Festival Coins (Nigeria) is an event technology company that offers a customizable, no-code event registration and ticketing platform called Tix Africa for events in Nigeria and Ghana. It enables event organizers to sell tickets online, process payments, and handle on-site registrations.
- Gara (Côte d'Ivoire) is a pan-African video gaming and comics platform that encourages and facilitates the distribution of digital entertainment experiences on the continent. Through culturally relevant products, including games featuring local celebrities and adaptable payment systems for local currencies, Gara aims to facilitate greater reach and monetization of the creative and cultural industries on the continent.
- HustleSasa (Kenya) provides live event services that support payment processing, attendee check-in, merchandise sales, customer data management, influencer tracking, and more.
- Naemo Global (Nigeria) aims to revolutionize sports scouting on the African continent through its proprietary scouting software Afriskaut, which utilizes data analytics and AI. The Afriskaut platform processes football match videos and extracts critical data, which it makes available to clients via a platform and application programming interface (API) to support scouting the next generation of elite talent.
- Power to Girls Foundation (Ghana) provides a social connection and mentorship platform called My Power App dedicated to empowering and supporting girls and women ages 13-20. The platform provides educational resources, connects users with mentors, offers a confidential helpline, and fosters a supportive community of like-minded girls, addressing critical growth areas such as education, mental health, and personal development.
- Salubata (Nigeria) creates modular shoes repurposed from plastic waste. With a global patent and two design rights for its innovation, the company aims to reduce the global carbon footprint through its environmentally friendly products.
- UBR VR (Egypt) delivers state-of-the-art, fully immersive, in-person virtual reality (VR) experiences across Egypt. Its rich historical and fantasy VR worlds are culturally relevant and localized, allowing players to roam freely in enclosed spaces and interact with each other in a designated play area. These VR experiences are unparalleled in the country and foster a sense of connection to both the local community and fellow players.
- Vambo Technologies (South Africa) provides a digital language technology platform that leverages AI to provide real-time translation, content creation, and language learning technology. Not only does Vambo AI offer widely spoken languages such as Amharic, Yoruba, French and Portuguese, it also offers more niche languages spoken across Africa to facilitate true digital inclusion on the continent.
“We have been inspired by the level of talent and creativity from all of the applicants, and we congratulate the 10 deserving finalists who will showcase their innovative solutions at Demo Day later this month,” said NBA Africa CEO Clare Akamanzi. “NBA Africa is committed to supporting the continued growth of startups on the continent, including the four prize-winners whose innovative solutions will further elevate the sport and creative industries in Africa for years to come.”
Operated by ALX Ventures, “Triple-Double: NBA Africa Startup Accelerator” was open to early-stage startups in Africa that develop solutions in event management and ticketing, youth development, AI, and digital marketing. The initiative will support Africa's tech ecosystem and the next generation of African tech entrepreneurs by providing them with access to mentorship and capital that will help drive growth in the sports and creative industries.
The four prize-winning startups will be announced at Demo Day.
Video (http://apo-opa.co/4d2bY4w): Triple-Double: NBA Africa Startup Accelerator Reveals 10 Finalists for Demo Day
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of National Basketball Association (NBA).
Contact:
Pawel Weszka
NBA Africa Communications
pweszka@nba.com
+27 10 0072666
About NBA Africa:
NBA Africa is an affiliate of the National Basketball Association (NBA), a global sports and media organization with the mission to inspire and connect people everywhere through the power of basketball. NBA Africa conducts the league's business in Africa, including the Basketball Africa League (BAL), and has opened subsidiary offices in Cairo, Egypt; Dakar, Senegal; Johannesburg, South Africa; Lagos, Nigeria; and Nairobi, Kenya. The league's efforts on the continent have focused on increasing access to basketball and the NBA through youth and elite development, social responsibility, media distribution, corporate partnerships, NBA Africa Games, NBA Stores, the BAL, and more.
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MEC takes heed of Umbilo’s Sydney Road concerns
MEC takes heed of Umbilo’s Sydney Road concerns
KwaZulu-Natal Finance MEC Francois Rodgers has undertaken to escalate calls for relief on Umbilo’s Sydney Road in eThekwini amid worsening truck congestion near the port precinct.
The congestion threatens local business operations and disincentivises investment in the area.
The MEC recently held a meeting with the Umbilo Business Association (UBA) to discuss the revitalisation of the Umbilo business precinct for a thriving entrepreneurial and residential community, amongst others.
The UBA is a voluntary business association formed in 2010 with its membership comprising business owners operating in Umbilo, Glenwood and the Berea areas of eThekwini.
The organisation has over the years established various community and outreach projects aimed at empowering destitute residents from nearby hostels and informal settlements.
During the meeting, the UBA pointed out that the number of trucks, many of them superlinks or tri-axles, which enter the area daily cannot be unloaded or loaded quickly enough at the receiving sites to prevent illegal parking along Sydney Road or in some streets.
Rodgers commended the UBA for various community projects which include the revitalisation of Congella Park, the establishment of community gardens for the benefit of previously unemployed residents, and the establishment of some parking facilities for trucks.
“From a government perspective, it appears that the proposed public-private partnership will be a unique opportunity to revitalise the Umbilo area. This will ultimately create jobs and stimulate investment as well as ensure that the area is thriving,” Rodgers said.
The MEC also undertook to discuss the proposal within government structures in a bid to secure the UBA the assistance that it requires.
UBA Chairperson, Doran Subiah, said the meeting was most encouraging and positive for their precinct.
“There was a distinct synergy in our approaches to the solutions that will alleviate the challenges we face and ensure sustainable economic growth,” Subiah said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 09/11/2024 - 11:47
237 views
President Ramaphosa hosts dinner with leaders of GNU
President Ramaphosa hosts dinner with leaders of GNU
President Cyril Ramaphosa will this evening host an engagement over dinner with all the political leaders of parties that are signatory to the Government of National Unity (GNU).
Presidential Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said the purpose of the dinner is to provide an opportunity for a review on the functioning of the GNU thus far and to discuss in detail the formulation of a dispute resolution mechanism.
Magwenya was addressing a media briefing on Wednesday as well as updating the public on President Ramaphosa’s programme, and addressing topical issues of interest.
The dinner is taking place as the President is set to sign the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill into law, which aims to strengthen governance within South Africa's education sector.
In light of recent public statements relating to President Ramaphosa’s decision to sign into law the Basic Education Laws Amendment Bill, Magwenya said it was necessary to restate the President’s constitutional responsibilities in this regard.
Quoting Section 79(1) of the Constitution he said: “The President must either assent to and sign a Bill passed in terms of this Chapter or, if the President has reservations about the constitutionality of the Bill, refer it back to the National Assembly for reconsideration.”
“The President is not entirely surprised that there's a dispute. The President anticipates there will be many other disputes in the course of the term. However, he expects that there is maturity, that there is ongoing commitment to the country such that we find ways of resolving these disputes without having to threaten the stability and the sustainability of this GNU.
“So that is important to underscore and as I've mentioned. Tonight, there will be an engagement over dinner with all leaders of parties who are signatory to the GNU, and they'll all have an opportunity to express their concerns, but more constructively, to look at the way forward, to look at how these issues of disputes are resolved,” Magwenya said.
According to the Constitutional Court case in Doctors for Life International v Speaker, Magwenya highlighted that the President cannot refuse to sign the Bill for political reasons.
The only ground upon which the President can refuse to sign the Bill is constitutional reservations.
The Presidential spokesperson said President Ramaphosa remains satisfied with the work of the GNU and this evening is an opportunity for all party leaders to provide their own assessments and give feedback to the President.
Leaders will also be able to raise any issues of concern.
“The President is also enthused with the level of dedication and commitment that has been demonstrated by members of his national executive, as well as the level of collaboration that Ministers from different parties have applied in resolving challenges facing the government and the country,” he said.
Magwenya highlighted one example of such collaboration, which is the partnership between Minister John Steenhuisen and Minister Ronald Lamola in securing the new trade dispensation with China on South African beef.
He said the President believes this dispensation will transform the South African beef industry and will create more participation opportunities for small scale black farmers.
Threats made to the stability of GNU
Magwenya said it was disturbing that whenever there is a dispute, one will hear threats being made to the stability of the GNU.
“It is disturbing because such threats are not only directed to the president, they are directed to the stability of the country. There are threats directed to South Africans.
“The GNU must remain stable, must remain united, as it is called the GNU for the benefit of the country. It is not there for the benefit of any individual political leader. It has been formulated for the benefit of all South Africans,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Wed, 09/11/2024 - 15:37
68 views
President receives report on Justice Minister’s VBS allegations
President receives report on Justice Minister's VBS allegations
President Cyril Ramaphosa has received a report from the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Thembi Simelane, on her alleged involvement in the VBS Mutual Bank looting scandal.
This according to Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya who briefed the media on the President’s public programme on Wednesday.
In recent weeks, allegations have surfaced in the media that Simelane, while she was Mayor of Polokwane Municipality in Limpopo, received at least R575 000 in a loan from a company intimately linked to VBS bank.
She has appeared before Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development on the matter, where she denied having any improper relation with the company.
“As stated before, the President will apply his mind over the matter. In doing so, the President will not engage issues that he manages with Ministers – including Minister Simelane – in the public domain,” Magwenya said.
He added that President Ramaphosa appreciated the “importance of the Justice Ministry in the Justice, Security and Crime Prevention Cluster”.
“The President is committed to ensure the highest level of integrity within the national executive. He will consider all the facts on the matter before making a determination,” he said.
Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to appear in the National Council of Provinces on Thursday.
“The President will brief the [NCOP] in Parliament on various national developments including government’s response to incidents of extortion against businesses and individuals and progress in the fight against unemployment and poverty.
“In his response to NCOP’s questions for oral reply, the President will also answer questions on progress in the delivery of infrastructure to communities and stakeholder concerns around the second Presidential Health Compact,” Magwenya said.
The President is expected to “outline the principles and policy direction underlying the Government of National Unity” during his NCOP appearance. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 09/11/2024 - 14:52
228 views
Durban Police Brutality Case Postponed Yet Again
The trial of 17 police officers for the death of Regan Naidoo in 2018 has been postponed repeatedly for years now