2024
Jaey Price releases a new single titled ‘Most’
Durban rapper Jaey Price has released a new song in 2024, it is his first single this year. The new track was released via new distribution deal with Music Access, Inc platform. The deal is confirmed and the new single is now available online. Jaey Price recently released a new EP album #noproblemz in April. …
Founders Foundation to Host Annual Women In Business Event in Cape Town
Empowering women entrepreneurs: A dynamic business event in Cape Town, featuring top female leaders and invaluable networking opportunities. Founders Foundation, in partnership with Outsourced CFO, will be hosting their much-anticipated annual Women In Business event, set to take place on 29 August 2024. This empowering gathering will be held in the vibrant and picturesque city of Cape …
Special ConCourt sitting for Chief Justice Zondo
Special ConCourt sitting for Chief Justice Zondo
The Constitutional Court is expected to hold a special ceremonial sitting for outgoing Chief Justice Raymond Zondo on Wednesday morning.
Chief Justice Zondo is expected to leave the bench at the end of August following 27 years of service to the judiciary.
He will hand down his final judgement on the day.
“Deputy Chief Justice Mandisa Maya, Justices of the Constitutional Court, Judicial Officers as well as representatives of the Executive, Parliament and the legal profession will participate in this event,” the Office of the Chief Justice (OCJ) said in a statement.
Long serving
Chief Justice Zondo’s foray into practicing law began when he served articles under anti-Apartheid activist Victoria Mxenge before her assassination at the hands of Apartheid South Africa operatives.
Following that, he was a practising attorney in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, before his first approach to the bench just three years after the dawn of democracy.
“Justice Zondo…was appointed as a Judge of the Labour Court in 1997. In April 1999 he was appointed as a Judge of the then Transvaal Provincial Division of the High Court. He served for close to eleven years as Judge-President of the Labour Appeal Court and Labour Court. His ten-year term of office as Judge-President ended in April 2010,” the OCJ said.
Following 15 years on the lower benches, Chief Justice Zondo was then appointed as a Constitutional Court Justice in 2012.
“In June 2017 he was appointed as Deputy Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa. In January 2018 he was appointed as the Chairperson of the State Capture Commission, also known as the Zondo Commission.
“With effect from 1 April 2022 he was appointed as the Chief Justice of the Republic. For the past two and a half years he has led the Judiciary of this country with great success. His term of office comes to an end on 31 August 2024,” the statement said.
READ | President Ramaphosa to attend farewell dinner in honour of Chief Justice Zondo
– SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 08/20/2024 - 10:47
Outsourced CFO Wins At Annual African Excellence Awards
Outsourced CFO wins Best Global CFO & Accounting Services Provider at the African Excellence Awards, for their commitment to exceptional financial solutions. Outsourced CFO, a leading provider of financial and accounting services, is proud to announce its recognition as the Best Global CFO & Accounting Services Provider 2024 by the Seventh Annual African Excellence Awards. This …
South African Police Service celebrates its women in policing during Women’s Month
This year, the South African Police Service (SAPS) is observing Women's Month by celebrating its women in blue who do not only bring inclusivity and empathy to the table, but who also go beyond the call of duty to serve and protect the people of South Africa.
Today, we introduce the nation to Sergeant Silindile Njilo, a crime prevention member attached to the Ntuzuma police station in KwaZulu-Natal.
Njilo and baby “Tholakele” captured the hearts and minds of the nation when a video clip of them trended on social media platforms earlier this year. Loosely translated, the name Tholakele means ‘being found'; the real identity of the toddler is being withheld.
Little did Njilo know how her Day Shift would unfold when she reported for duty on 05 May 2024 and found an abandoned baby girl at the Client Service Centre (CSC). The baby was brought to the police station during the previous shift by the owner of a local tavern after the biological mother had left the baby at his establishment.
Wasting no time, Njilo went home to get a wash basin and returned back to the police station where she bathed Tholakele, changed her into a new set of clothes and fed her while waiting for social work services to arrive. It was as if the baby instinctively realised that she was safe in the arms of Njilo and a bond immediately formed between them.
Baby Tholakele, a name Njilo gave her, has since been placed at a place of safety. Njilo visits often and says she continues to love and care for Tholakela as if she is one of her own.
Njilo, a devote wife and mother of two, also says her act of humility that day was merely a reflection of her humble upbringing as she knows how it feels to 'come from nothing'.
Her mother single handedly raised Njilo and her siblings with no steady income and adds by saying that she will never forget her late mother's words: "Be a light and take care of those who need help". She often takes out money from her own pocket to buy basic essentials and food to support poverty-stricken community members.
Joining the Service 14 years ago, was a dream come true for Njilo as she believes there is no greater calling than to be of service to her community.
As a crime prevention member, her duties include dealing with general enquiries and complaints lodged by the public, attend to crime scenes, effecting arrests and detaining suspects as well as carrying out patrol duties.
"I urge our community members to support and stand alongside members of the South African Police Service. Because, together we can achieve more towards a safer country for all," said Njilo.
Nothing short of a heroine, Sergeant Silindile Njilo continues to be a shining light in the community she serves!
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Police Service.
Leading researchers to be acknowledged at 2024 NRF Awards
Leading researchers to be acknowledged at 2024 NRF Awards
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister, Professor Blade Nzimande, will address the prestigious National Research Foundation (NRF) Awards at the Sun City Resort, North West, on Thursday.
The NRF, an entity of the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), funds research and the development of high-end human capacity and critical research infrastructure to promote knowledge production across all disciplinary fields.
This year’s event is significant as it marks 25 years of the NRF promoting research, innovation and partnerships that contribute to building an inclusive, knowledge-based society in South Africa.
The annual awards are a highlight of the academic calendar, drawing together the leading lights of local and international academia.
The ceremony recognises the scientists behind groundbreaking research conducted at South Africa’s higher education institutions.
The awards are presented in two categories, these include the special awards that recognise extraordinary contributions to the South African knowledge base.
The finalists in this category include three DSI-NRF Centres of Excellence – Human Development, Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis, and Biomedical TB Research.
The second category is the NRF ratings-based awards, which are based on a rigorous peer review system that evaluates the research impact of nominees over the past five years.
“Each year several researchers have their research output peer-reviewed and are given ratings by the NRF,” a statement by the department read.
These ratings fall under the categories of A (leading international researchers), B (internationally acclaimed researchers), C (established researchers), P (prestigious awards) or Y (promising young researchers).
“These ratings recognise these researchers’ standing in their fields as well as the world-leading nature of their work. To obtain an A rating, a researcher must be recognised by their peers as a leading international scholar in their field.”
In addition, an A-rated researcher must be based on the high quality and high impact of their recent research output.
Meanwhile, the P rating is awarded to researchers who, based on exceptional potential demonstrated in research performance and output during doctoral and/or early post-doctoral careers, are considered likely to become future international leaders in their respective fields.
“Researchers who have received A and P ratings will be acknowledged at the NRF Awards.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 08/20/2024 - 12:44
More than 100 attempts over three decades to finally reach Championship Boerewors Top 10
More than 100 attempts over three decades to finally reach Championship Boerewors Top 10 Whilst some were lucky enough to make it on first try, many of the Shoprite and Checkers 2024 Championship Boerewors competition finalists have been refining their recipes for decades, submitting a combined 100+ entries before finally landing their spots in the …
Work, life and Artificial Intelligence (AI): 34% believe that AI can be a better boss than a human
AI is becoming a new member of society according to results from a new Kaspersky (www.Kaspersky.co.za) survey titled ‘Excitement, Superstition and great Insecurity – How global Consumers engage with the Digital World' (https://apo-opa.co/3WRj99J). The study also found that today artificial intelligence is taking on new roles in fields where it can succeed and be trusted by humans.
Based on statistics from Similarweb (https://apo-opa.co/46WpO7u), ChatGPT, one of the world's most popular chatbots, garnered 153 million visits in the first month after its launch in November 2022, and peaked at 2 billion visits in April 2024. In light of the rapid advancements in AI, Kaspersky has conducted an in-depth study to explore current levels of confidence in AI. The study examines its roles from management positions in the workplace to assisting with significant life decisions.
According to the study, respondents see AI as their team member at work, and a manager – 34% globally believe AI can be a fairer boss than a human being because of its impartiality. For respondents from the Middle East, Turkiye and Africa (META) region this statistic is 40%. In South Africa it is 42%.
Another area where AI can play an active role is education. 47% of respondents globally, 60% in the META region and 68% in South Africa foresee children being taught through virtual experience and Metaverses in the near future.
Half (50%) of all consumers globally, 53% in the META region and 64% in South Africa believe that AI has already become an unavoidable part of their lives, with 43%, 46% and 52% respectively having a positive outlook on its potential to bring about many exciting opportunities and improve the future for everyone. A large portion of respondents admit that AI has capabilities in creative areas – 62% globally, 59% in the META region and 53% in South Africa believe AI is a credible producer of works of art.
AI can also be considered a reliable companion and an assistant in everyday life. More than half of respondents (57%) globally, 67% in the META region and 60% in South Africa would like to use AI to run their daily lives more efficiently.
48% of those surveyed globally, 60% in the META region and 56% in South Africa are ready to use an AI chatbot to have conversation online - 31%, 38% and 33% respectively would use it to help them to find the right partner on a dating app. In fact, 48% globally, 58% in the META region and 63% in South Africa believe that human relationships will change because of the impact of AI if virtual characters start replacing real-life partners.
“We are witnessing the growing adoption of AI as a valuable tool, assisting people in diverse areas. Beyond traditional applications, such as processing and analysing data, AI is being entrusted with more intriguing personal roles, including romance, education, and work. As AI technologies continue to evolve, their potential to drive innovation and improve human experiences becomes even more profound. However, this advancement also brings unexpected risks and sophisticated threats, ranging from overreliance — putting too much trust in AI advice — to AI-generated phishing, deepfakes and identity theft. These are the challenges that we need to address across multiple levels,” comments Vladislav Tushkanov, Machine Learning Technology Research Group Manager at Kaspersky.
In order to protect users against AI-driven threats, Kaspersky suggests:
- Install a trusted cybersecurity solution (https://apo-opa.co/3yU026X) that can offer protection against AI-enhanced phishing by detecting malicious pages and preventing interaction with them. Such a solution will assist in identifying and blocking fraudulent emails and websites aiming to steal personal information.
- To counter the risks posed by deepfakes, it is wise to avoid trusting requests for data or money immediately, even if they seem to come from friends, family members or colleagues. Verifying the authenticity of the request through alternative communication methods is a prudent step.
- Utilising an online Privacy checker (https://apo-opa.co/3AtvdGX) is essential for adjusting privacy settings to limit exposure to AI-enhanced identity theft. This approach minimises the amount of personal information accessible online, making it more challenging for threat actors to exploit personal data.
The full Kaspersky report ‘Excitement, Superstition and great Insecurity – How global Consumers engage with the Digital World' is available via this link (https://apo-opa.co/3WRj99J).
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kaspersky.
About the survey:
In June 2024, Kaspersky commissioned Arlington Research to conduct an online survey of 10,000 respondents to explore the respondents' attitude towards current digital superstitions, AI role in human's life and topic of digital immortality. The sample included 1,000 respondents from each of the UK, Germany and France, and 500 in Spain, Italy, Portugal, Brazil, Mexico, Russia, Kazakhstan, India, China, Indonesia, Turkiye, KSA, UAE, and South Africa.
About Kaspersky:
Kaspersky is a global cybersecurity and digital privacy company founded in 1997. With over a billion devices protected to date from emerging cyberthreats and targeted attacks, Kaspersky's deep threat intelligence and security expertise is constantly transforming into innovative solutions and services to protect businesses, critical infrastructure, governments and consumers around the globe. The company's comprehensive security portfolio includes leading endpoint protection, specialized security products and services, as well as Cyber Immune solutions to fight sophisticated and evolving digital threats. We help over 200,000 corporate clients protect what matters most to them. Learn more at www.Kaspersky.co.za.
#WomensMonth: SAPS honours outstanding veterinary nurse
#WomensMonth: SAPS honours outstanding veterinary nurse
This year, the South African Police Service (SAPS) is observing Women's Month by highlighting the work of its women in blue, who are not only game changers in their respective fields, but who also go beyond the call of duty to serve and protect South Africans and visitors.
Today, the SAPS introduces the nation to Captain Mariaan Nel, a qualified veterinary nurse attached to the SAPS Veterinary Services in Bloemfontein, Free State.
The Veterinary Services is a specialised unit that resides within the component, Visible Policing and Operations.
Nel joined the service 13 years ago as a veterinary nurse at the rank of captain shortly after she obtained a National Diploma in Veterinary Nursing from the University of Pretoria. She also holds a degree in Accounting.
She is one of five female veterinary nurses in the Service and currently the only nurse based in the Free State province as part of a pilot project. In total, there are eight veterinary nurses nationwide in the SAPS.
As a veterinary nurse in the SAPS, Nel's duties include the following:
* Execute primary health care support to SAPS animals;
* Monitor the primary health status of SAPS animals and report epidemiological phenomena;
* Conduct veterinary inspections at SAPS K9 and Mounted Units; and
* Present veterinary and animal handling courses to SAPS members
Being based in Bloemfontein, Nel travels vast distances to ensure the welfare of 37 dogs and nine horses attached to the various K9 and Mounted Units within the Free State.
Police dogs and horses not only enhance police visibility but they are also deployed during crime prevention operations. They assist with investigations on crime scenes, trace suspects, detect narcotics and assist with search and rescue operations.
Nel says her profession may not place her at the forefront of fighting crime, but it gives her satisfaction to ensure the SAPS’s four-legged crime fighting heroes stay in tip top shape.
"I am passionate about the well-being of animals, in particular SAPS animals. I encourage girls and young women to pursue a career in the police, as it is rewarding to know your services make a valuable contribution towards a safer country for all," said Nel.
A dog may be a man’s best friend, but Captain Nel is certainly any SAPS dog and horse’s best friend. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 08/20/2024 - 11:53
Xaba aims to cement her dominance with an Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series win in Tshwane
South African national record holder Glenrose Xaba is gearing up for her fourth race of the month as she prepares to compete in the highly anticipated Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K on Sunday, 25 August 2024. Xaba, the reigning SA champion in the 5000m and 10,000m events, has been in exceptional form over the …
Affordable winter warmth: Why residential air conditioners outshine gas heaters
Modern air conditioners offer a compelling alternative to traditional gas heaters. As temperatures drop and energy bills rise, households explore affordable ways to stay cosy indoors. While traditional gas heaters have long been a staple, a new heating alternative is gaining momentum – residential air conditioning units. Modern air conditioners can provide efficient and cost-effective …
President Ramaphosa to officiate signing of second Presidential Health Compact
President Ramaphosa to officiate signing of second Presidential Health Compact
President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Thursday preside over the signing of the second Presidential Health Compact at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
The Presidential Health Compact is an initiative established by President Ramaphosa in 2019.
It is a framework of cooperation between critical sectors in South Africa that significantly influences good health outcomes.
According to the Presidency, it also monitors and evaluates components where roles and responsibilities are assigned to various stakeholders to support the strengthening of health systems and preparation for implementing the National Health Insurance (NHI).
READ | President Ramaphosa to officiate signing of the Presidential Health Compact
The second compact follows the 2023 Presidential Health Summit, which built on the inaugural summit of 2018 and brought together several stakeholders.
These include government, business, labour, civil society, health professionals, unions, service users, statutory councils, academia, and researchers to develop sustainable and inclusive solutions to challenges in the national health system.
The stakeholders involved in this framework are integral to supporting the Department of Health in improving the health system.
It initially consisted of nine pillars, with the 10th pillar added during last year’s summit.
These include the development of human resources, improving access to medicine, vaccines and health products, upgrading infrastructure, private sector engagement, quality healthcare, public sector financial management improvements, governance and leadership, community engagements, information systems and pandemic preparedness.
The signatories to the health compact are:
• The President of the Republic of South Africa
• The Minister of Health
• The Minister of Science and Innovation
• Independent Community Pharmacy Association (ICPA)
• South African National AIDS Council (SANAC)
• South African Medical Association Trade Union
• Democratic Nurses of South Africa
• Congress of South African Trade Unions
• Campaigning for Cancer- Patient User Groups
• South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC)
• South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC)
• National Unitary Professional Association for African Traditional Health Practitioners of South Africa (NUPAATHPSA)
• Traditional Knowledge Systems and Allied Health
The signing of the second Presidential Health Compact will take place at the Union Buildings Courtyard, West Wing, Pretoria at 12:30 pm. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 08/20/2024 - 09:44
Against All Odds: Lorna MaKhumalo Mgoqi Triumphs Over Adversity
Gqeberha, 20 August 2024: Meet Lorna Makhumalo Mgoqi, a vibrant and dynamic Facebook influencer born on 13 December 1992, in the drab village of Tsomo, Mthatha. With a warm smile and infectious enthusiasm, Lorna has captured the hearts of thousands online, sharing her passion for beauty, fashion, and entrepreneurship. But, behind the glamour and success, …
Hlabisa to visit eThekwini metro to assess progress in the region
Hlabisa to visit eThekwini metro to assess progress in the region
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister, Velenkosini Hlabisa, is visiting Durban to assess the progress of the eThekwini Working Group’s implementation, a key initiative aimed at addressing critical challenges in the region.
Today’s meeting follows the establishment of the Presidential eThekwini Working Group, which is tasked with implementing the eThekwini turnaround strategy.
The working group is also looking into coordinating efforts to position eThekwini as a leading investment and tourism hub and leveraging insights and outcomes from previous interventions.
They are also monitoring progress and providing recommendations for continuous improvement.
“Various working groups have been actively addressing service delivery challenges and working to restore business confidence through coordinated efforts involving all three spheres of government, civil society, and the private sector,” the statement read.
Hlabisa is accompanied by the KwaZulu-Natal MEC for CoGTA Thulasizwe Buthelezi and eThekwini metro Mayor Cyril Xaba. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 08/20/2024 - 10:01
SASSA office in Strand will only re-open after September
Applicants for grants urged to use the online system
Luna Paige sings KLAAGLIED – a soul stirring colab based off a poem written by poet and songwriter Philip Myburgh
This year marks a significant milestone for poet Philip Myburgh as he collaborates with several acclaimed singer-songwriters to bring his long-held dream to life. A passionate music lover and fervent supporter of local talent, Myburgh has transitioned from poet to songwriter, embarking on a journey to release a series of songs in multiple languages throughout …
Employment Equity roadshow heads to Limpopo
Employment Equity roadshow heads to Limpopo
The Department of Employment and Labour is taking the 2024 annual National Employment Equity workshops/roadshows to Limpopo today.
The workshops will be held at Moche Grace Land in Thohoyandou today and at the Bolivia Lodge in Polokwane on Wednesday.
The workshops, which are run in collaboration with the Commission for Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA), are designed to improve racial, gender and disability equality in the workplace under the theme: “Bridging the Equity Gap Through Diversity & Inclusion”.
“The EE workshops are targeting employers or heads of organisations, academics, assigned senior managers, consultative forum members, human resource practitioners, trade unions, employees and interested stakeholders,” the department said in a statement.
The workshops will focus on the following topics:
• The EE status of the labour market as per 24th CEE Annual Report;
• An update on the EE amendments, in particular the proposed draft regulations on proposed sector EE targets; An update on the 2024 EE reporting season;
• Key insights from the CCMA on topical cases related to unfair discrimination in terms of harassment, disability and discrimination based on arbitrary grounds.
The Employment Equity Act (EEA) of 1998 aims to, among others, achieve equity in the workplace by promoting equal opportunity and fair treatment in employment through elimination of unfair discrimination and implementing affirmative action measures to redress the disadvantages in employment experienced by designated groups.
Moreover, the act aims to ensure equitable representation in all occupational categories and levels in the workforce. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Tue, 08/20/2024 - 10:12
CSA Announce Ticket Sales For Summer International Season
JOHANNESBURG: South African cricket fans can get ready to be part of yet another exciting cricket season as tickets for the...
Households left without electricity as Eskom implements load reduction
Power utility says this is necessary to protect transformers overloaded by illegal connections
Judge slams lawyers who preyed on refugees
Attorneys and advocate who did “a cut and paste job” for clients ordered to pay the costs from their own pockets
UDTA Project to make taxi criminals easier to identify
Sticker campaign launched in Kariega
Shops destroyed by fire in downtown Joburg
Ward councillor believes the building had been hijacked
Tugboats position KZN as preferred logistics and transport hub
Tugboats position KZN as preferred logistics and transport hub
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli says the introduction of tugboats is not only a boost for the provincial port, but a significant advancement for the province’s economy, particularly within the logistics and maritime sectors.
Ntuli was speaking at the recent christening and naming ceremony of five new tugboats at the Port of Durban, hosted by the Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) Eastern Region.
The ceremony marked a major milestone in the TNPA Marine Fleet Renewal Programme, a key component of Transnet’s broader Recovery Plan aimed at enhancing shipping efficiencies across South African ports.
The five newly acquired tugboats are set to be injected into the port’s operations, reinforcing the Marine Fleet Renewal Programme’s objectives of increasing marine craft availability and ensuring smoother, more efficient port operations.
This strategic initiative aligns with Transnet’s mission to revitalise its infrastructure and strengthen the country’s logistics network.
Ntuli congratulated the TNPA on this critical acquisition, emphasising the importance of modernising port infrastructure to meet the evolving needs of the maritime industry.
“The introduction of the tugboats is not only a boost for the port, but a significant advancement for the province’s economy, particularly within the logistics and maritime sectors. This initiative positions KwaZulu-Natal as the preferred logistics and transport hub in South Africa.
“Strategic investments, such as the R1 billion allocated to enhancing the Durban Port, are vital to driving economic growth and creating much-needed employment opportunities in our province," Ntuli said.
Ntuli said both the Durban and Richards Bay ports are primed to become preferred gateways for cargo exports, bolstering KwaZulu-Natal’s economic competitiveness, and supporting South Africa’s global trade ambitions.
Journey toward economic recovery on course
Transnet Board Chairperson Andile Sangqu underscored the importance of the TNPA Marine Fleet Renewal Programme, noting that Transnet’s journey towards economic recovery is firmly on course.
With the advancements in operations and strategic initiatives, particularly through the Marine Fleet Renewal Programme, Sangqu said Transnet is witnessing significant progress in restoring and enhancing the efficiency of South Africa’s port infrastructure.
He said the successful implementation of these initiatives reflects Transnet’s commitment to fulfilling the objectives of the Transnet Recovery Plan.
“This plan is crucial to maintaining South Africa’s competitive edge in the global maritime industry and ensuring the country’s ports operate at world-class standards. The christening of these five tugboats marks a new chapter for the Port of Durban and sets the foundation for further advancements in the province’s maritime capabilities.
“With KwaZulu-Natal’s strategic location and ongoing investments in port infrastructure, the province is well-positioned to become a leader in logistics and transportation, driving economic growth and fostering international trade,” Sangqu said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 08/19/2024 - 10:50