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Johannesburg – 8 August 2024 – The MEA Markets African Excellence Awards have named KD Strategies South Africa’s most impactful strategic and operational support company of the year. The prestigious MEA African Excellence Awards acknowledge outstanding business performance across the continent. This is the second consecutive year that KD Strategies has received recognition, having earned …
Limited tickets are now on sale for the 2024 Bookmarks Finalists’ Showcase. Attendees will witness ground-breaking work, engage in thought-provoking discussions and network with industry leaders. Hosted and moderated by Ann Nurock, Cannes Lions Trend Spotter, the Showcase will explore themes like fostering a culture of creativity, how digital drives real-world action in advertising and …
“If you know your rights you can stand up for yourself”
City of Johannesburg sends water tanks to Nana’s Farm
The education department wants to close some of these schools. But parents say they can’t afford transport fees to other schools.
State is concerned over a conflict of interest in Regan Naidoo case
Social grant beneficiaries get up before dawn or sleep outside the office in Eerste River
President Cyril Ramaphosa will tomorrow, Friday, 9 August 2024, officiate the National Women's Day Commemoration hosted by the Khâi-Ma Municipality at Pofadder in Namakwa District of the Northern Cape.
The President will address the national commemoration of Women's Day under the theme "Celebrating 30 Years of Freedom Towards Women's Development" at the Denis Nel Stadium in Pofadder.
The national event marks 68 years to the day since 20 000 women of diverse backgrounds from across South Africa marched to the Union Buildings to protest against the extension of Pass Laws to women.
During 30 years of democracy, South Africa has made significant strides in advancing gender equality in all domains of society, including economic empowerment of women.
The Women's Charter advances women's economic programmes through targeted reforms that drive equality.
Women's Day 2024 is the first national day led by the Government of National Unity and takes place in a rural community as part of including all South Africans in national events and placing a focus on the achievements and needs of women in all corners of the country.
President Ramaphosa will ahead of leading the commemoration at the Denis Nel Stadium tour a services-on-wheels exhibition of government services that will be provided to citizens attending the national day, as well as a trade expo featuring, small medium and micro enterprises led by women entrepreneurs in the Northern Cape Province.
Details of the National Women's Day Commemoration are:
Date: Friday, 09 August 2024
Time: 10:00
Venue: Dennis Nel Stadium,Poffader, Northern Cape
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
Cabinet congratulates Justice Maya on her appointment as Chief Justice
As the country celebrates Women’s Month, Cabinet has congratulated Justice Mandisa Maya on her trail blazing appointment as South Africa’s first female incoming Chief Justice.
Maya, the first South African woman to lead the Constitutional Court, was appointed as Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa with effect from 1 September 2024 by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Maya previously served with distinction as the President of the Supreme Court of Appeal since 2017 and was the first woman to hold that position.
Briefing the media on the outcomes of the ordinary Cabinet meeting on Thursday, Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, said the significance of Maya’s appointment can be best understood with context.
“According to the International Association of Women Judges, in 1994, there were approximately 165 judges, 160 of whom were white men, three were black men, and two were white women; no black women were judges at that time.
“As of February 2023, there are 253 judges, comprised of which 113 are women, broken down to 32% black women plus 13% white women making up a total of 45% women representation. Additionally, the remaining 140 male judges are comprised of 39% black men and 17% white men,” Ntshavheni said.
READ | CGE congratulates Justice Maya on appointment as Chief Justice
Call to participate in Women’s Month activities
Meanwhile, Cabinet has invited citizens to take part in events planned to take place in various parts of the country in celebration of the annual Women’s Month.
READ | Chikunga reflects on 30 Years of Democracy as Women's Month gets underway
Ntshavheni said the events also include a trade expo, interactive dialogues and showcase opportunities available for women in diverse sectors that are instrumental in narrowing gender disparities.
South Africa will commemorate the 2024 National Women’s Day tomorrow at the Dennis Nel Stadium in Poffader in the Northern Cape under the theme: “Celebrating 30 years of democracy towards Women’s Development”.
“This year’s celebration of Women’s Month will take stock of progress made on socio-economic empowerment of women since the advent of democracy and the achievements of the objectives of the Women’s Charter.
“Our nation pays tribute to the more than 20 000 women who marched to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956, in protest against the extension of Pass Laws to women,” Ntshavheni said.
READ | President Ramaphosa to address Women’s Day commemoration
– SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 08/08/2024 - 14:08
The African region is experiencing an unprecedented increase in mpox cases since the start of 2024, with more countries previously unaffected by the disease reporting cases in an expanding spread of the virus.
World Health Organization (WHO) has elevated the mpox outbreak response to the highest-level requiring organization-wide mobilization and scale-up. In addition, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has called for an emergency committee of experts meeting to determine whether the outbreak constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
Fifteen African countries are currently reporting mpox outbreak, with a total of 2030 confirmed cases and 13 deaths so far this year compared with 1145 cases and seven deaths in the whole of 2023. Four countries – Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda – previously unaffected by mpox have reported cases since mid-July 2024.
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which accounts for more than 90% of the reported cases, a new variant that emerged in September 2023 is circulating in its eastern region. Neighbouring Rwanda and Uganda have reported cases of the new variant. Kenya has also confirmed cases of the new variant. Analysis are ongoing in Burundi to determine whether the reported cases are due to the new variant.
“The priority is to rapidly interrupt the transmission of the virus. We're collaborating with partners in support of countries to reinforce outbreak control measures and ensure that communities are central to ongoing efforts to effectively end these outbreaks,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa.
The pattern of transmission varies across the region, with the spread of new variant (known as clade 1b) in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo linked to transmission through sexual contact and high population movement, while in South Africa most of the cases are among people identifying as men having sex with men. Transmission in West and Central Africa is associated with the 2022 global outbreak. However, further analysis is required to better understand the patterns of transmission to refine the response to the outbreak.
WHO is working at the global, regional and national levels as well as with partners, including the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and others to ensure effective response to the outbreak.
In the African region, WHO is working through country teams and experts deployed on the ground to support national authorities strengthen key response areas, including disease surveillance, diagnosis testing and clinical care, infection prevention and control. WHO is working with the health authorities to access therapeutics, decentralize laboratory services for enhanced diagnostic capacities, and ramp up efforts to raise awareness about the risk of the disease among communities.
Field investigation and active case finding are also being reinforced in the affected and at-risk countries. The Organization is coordinating closely to enhance contact tracing, leveraging experience from prior outbreaks to ensure interventions best support and elevate the needs of key populations. WHO is also mobilizing financial support to help countries effectively respond to the outbreak.
WHO is advancing the process for Emergency Use Listing Procedure, an approach to assess and list unlicensed vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics to expediting their availability for use during public health emergencies. The Organization is already working closely with countries to develop their vaccination strategies and plans, to roll out the vaccines as soon as they are available. Vaccines are one among many public health tools that are used to control mpox.
Mpox is transmitted from animals to humans, with cases often found close to tropical rainforests where there are animals that carry the virus. The disease can also spread from humans to humans through contact with bodily fluids, lesions on the skin or on internal mucosal surfaces, such as in the mouth or throat, respiratory droplets and contaminated objects.
Treatment of mpox patients is supportive dependent on the symptoms. Various therapeutics that may be effective against mpox are being developed and tested. Prevention and control of rely on raising awareness in communities and educating health workers to prevent infection and stop transmission.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of WHO Regional Office for Africa.
New shopping centre and filling station planned for the precinct Recent sales at 1 300-hectare Renishaw Coastal Precinct have set off a chain reaction of development that will benefit local businesses, surrounding communities and outside investors, further igniting the economic reawakening of the KZN Mid-South Coast. On the morning of Wednesday, 7 August 2024, stakeholders …
SA, EU citrus disputes result in significant costs for industry
Cabinet says the measures imposed by the European Union (EU) on the export of South Africa’s citrus products to the EU result in significant costs for the South Africa citrus industry, which is estimated at R2 billion (US$110 million) per year.
The first regular Cabinet meeting of the seventh administration, held at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Wednesday, raised the concern following a briefing about a formal dispute initiated by South Africa with the World Trade Organisation against the EU’s stringent and unnecessary plant health requirements regarding Citrus Black Spot (CBS) and False Codling Moth (FMC) regulations on the export of South Africa’s citrus products to the EU.
READ | SA requests establishment of two panels at WTO
Briefing the media on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting on Thursday, Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, said South Africa is the world’s second largest exporter of citrus and 33% of the country’s citrus exports are destined for the EU market.
While not a ban, Ntshavheni said the measures imposed by the EU result in significant costs for the SA citrus industry.
“South Africa’s industry provides direct employment for over 140 000 people in rural South Africa and thus supporting over 1.5 million people. The EU has decided to impose the stringent measures against South Africa whilst not requiring the same from countries with similar situations such as Israel,” Ntshavheni said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 08/08/2024 - 13:27
When the 27th edition of Africa Tech Festival (https://AfricaTechFestival.com) kicks off on 12 November at the Cape Town International Convention Centre in South Africa, the spotlight will be on the exceptional women shaping the future of technology and telecoms in Africa. With August marking the celebration of Women's Month in the host country, the event will proudly showcase many of the women leaders driving growth and innovation across the sector.
Taking place from 12 to 14 November, Africa Tech Festival 2024 incorporates AfricaCom, AfricaTech, AfricaIgnite, and The AI Summit Cape Town, which will welcome a cumulative 15,000 visitors, more than 400 speakers, and over 300 exhibitors as it explores enterprise tech innovation and disruption across key sectors such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud and data centres, and green ICT.
As the continent's leading platform for technology innovators, specialists, and thought leaders, Africa Tech Festival 2024's agenda includes several prominent female leaders who are making a significant contribution to the industry. Their expertise and insights will provide invaluable perspectives on the challenges and opportunities within the sector.
Key speakers include:
“Africa Tech Festival provides the continent's tech ecosystems with a unique platform from which to collaborate and drive positive change. Building a more inclusive, sustainable world means uniting the world's most inspirational founders, business leaders, policymakers, investors, and rising stars, so we are delighted to see so many inspirational female tech executives featured in this year's speaker line-up. As we celebrate Women's Month, we look forward to their unique insights and contributions,” said Informa's James Williams, Event Director of Africa Tech Festival.
Organisers are confident that the presence of these female industry leaders at Africa Tech Festival will provide impetus to efforts by the industry to be more inclusive, highlighting the opportunities available to women in various sectors, providing insights for women wishing to embark on tech and telecoms careers, and showcasing the successes and contributions of women making their mark within the industry.
“Events such as Africa Tech Festival provide a platform for women to network and to gain exposure to more accomplished women in tech. These role models provide inspiration to women starting out in their careers that they can break the glass ceiling,” said Funke Opeke, CEO, MainOne, who will be participating in the ‘Big Tech and Telcos: Collaborating on Digital Infrastructure Investment' keynote panel.
Speaking on the importance of mentorship for women entering the industry, Mary Mahuma, CIO, Southern Africa, Philip Morris said, “As a female industry leader, I see mentorship as a necessary reminder of our social responsibility to be empathetic, driven, inclusive, and resilient leaders. I am fortunate to have a female mentor who has significantly influenced my leadership style, thinking, and understanding of corporate dynamics and culture.” Mary will be a panellist on the ‘Nurturing Talent and Bridging Skills Gap: Building a Future-Ready Workforce in the Age of AI' panel.
“Women's contributions are significantly transforming the telecoms and technology landscape in Africa through innovation, leadership, and advocacy. Their contributions are not only advancing the industry but also driving social and economic development across the continent. By fostering innovation, supporting entrepreneurship, and advocating for inclusive policies, these women are transforming the tech landscape in Africa,” added Motunrayo Opayinka, Founder and CEO, Womenovate. Motunrayo will share her insights on the ‘Educational Equity Through AI: Tools for Advancing Education in Underserved Areas' panel.
In addition, EQL:LOUNGE creates a space for women in tech to connect directly, and engage in meaningful dialogue, with high-calibre speakers in intimate settings hosting panel discussions, keynote addresses, and fireside chats. Taking place the evening before the event opens, InspiringFifty Africa is a prestigious awards ceremony focusing on recognising the top fifty women making significant strides within the African tech ecosystem.
Register now to secure your spot and join us in shaping the future of technology in Africa: https://AfricaTechFestival.com
In a special Women's Day offer, Africa Tech Festival is offering a 15% discount on Platinum Passes until midnight on 16 August. Passes can be purchased via this link, using the code NWD15 - https://apo-opa.co/3SAYyFh
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Tech Festival.
About Africa Tech Festival:
Africa Tech Festival, including anchor events AfricaCom, AfricaTech, AfricaIgnite & The AI Summit Cape Town is part of the Informa Tech Connecting Africa event series.
A vibrant celebration of Africa's diverse community of tech champions, Africa Tech Festival is the largest tech and digital connectivity conference and exhibition in Africa, attracting hundreds of exhibitors, more than 400 speakers and more than 15,000 delegates.
Introduction In an increasingly globalised world, food certification such as kosher has grown in prominence, not just within Jewish communities, but as a mark of quality and integrity that appeals to a broader audience. This comprehensive kosher guide explores the intricacies of kosher certification, the types of kosher certifications available, and the impact of these …
Consistent electricity supply 'a step closer'
Consistent electricity supply in South Africa is now “one step closer” due to the diligent and dedicated implementation of the Energy Action Plan (EAP).
This is according to Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, who on Thursday briefed members of the media on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday.
The country has not experienced load shedding for more than 130 days.
“The supply of consistent electricity is now a step closer due to the steadfast implementation of the EAP announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa in July 2022. The EAP’s consistent focus on planned maintenance and work to achieve energy security by bringing onboard new generation capacity has contributed greatly to consistent power supply and no load shedding over several months.
“This is an important enabler for economic growth and has a positive impact on quality of life, allowing citizens to continue with their daily activities unhindered,” the Minister said.
She highlighted that at the end of July, Eskom had recorded an unplanned capability loss factor (UCLF) of 8321 MW, signalling a historic milestone in the improvement of electricity generating at its power stations.
“Cabinet congratulated Eskom on achieving this important milestone and urged South Africans to continue adopting an energy saving lifestyle to protect our national grid. By doing, so we all play our part in helping to keep the lights on, which is crucial to business, industry and the economy,” Ntshavheni said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 08/08/2024 - 12:12
Several provincial social development departments are in breach of their own policy on disclosure. We list the provincial responses from best to worst.
Existing Employment Equity Act provisions remain relevant
The existing Employment Equity (EE) Act provisions for the 2024 Employment Equity reporting period are still applicable, pending the signing of the EE amendments.
This is according to the Department of Employment and Labour’s Deputy Director of Employment Equity, Masilo Lefika, who was speaking during the second of the first series of annual Employment Equity roadshows, held in collaboration with the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) in Rustenburg on Thursday.
The series of the workshops is designed to improve racial, gender and disability equality in the workplace.
The first series of the roadshows kicked off in the North West province with workshops held in Klerksdorp on Tuesday and Rustenburg on Wednesday.
This year's Employment Equity workshops are being held under the theme: “Bridging the Equity Gap through Diversity and Inclusion".
The EE Amendment Bill was signed into law on 6 April 2023 by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The amendments to the EE Act of 1998 and its regulations are primarily aimed at empowering the Minister of Employment and Labour to regulate the setting of sector specific EE numerical targets and the promulgation of Section 53 that deals with the issuing of an EE Compliance Certificate as a prerequisite for the accessing of State contracts.
Reflecting on the 26 years since the enactment of Employment Equity Act legislation, Lefika said the previous amendments implemented in 2013 have not had a positive impact.
Lefika said following the publishing of EE regulations in February, the focus was on their refinement, as these were a key guide to legislation.
“Of importance is to broaden consultation while waiting for proclamation,” he said.
The 2024 EE workshops will focus on the EE status of the labour market, as per the 24th Commission for Employment Equity (CEE) Annual Report; update on the EE amendments, in particular the proposed draft regulations on proposed sector EE targets, and an update on the 2024 EE reporting season.
The workshops will also focus on the key insights from the CCMA on topical cases related to unfair discrimination in terms of harassment, disability and discrimination based on arbitrary grounds.
The EE workshops are targeted at employers or heads of organisations, academics, assigned senior managers, consultative forum members, human resource practitioners, trade unions, employees and interested stakeholders.
The next session of EE roadshows will be held at Upington on 13 August 2024.
More information on the EE workshops, including updates on the venues to be used is available on the department’s and the CCMA’s social media platforms, as well as the department’s website: www.labour.gov.za. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 08/08/2024 - 10:40
The selected young chefs are ready to present themselves to the prestigious Local Jury, showing their unique vision of the future of gastronomy Cape Town, South Africa 2024 – S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy announces the initial line-up of finalists selected for the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition 2024-25, the global initiative to discover and mentor …
President Ramaphosa on a working visit to Angola
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to embark on a working visit today to the Republic of Angola to meet with that country’s President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço.
The President will be accompanied on his trip by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola and Defence Minister Angie Motshekga.
“The two Heads of State will use the occasion of the working visit to reflect on the bilateral relationship between the two countries, who share very deep historical ties that are rooted in the liberation struggle against colonialism and apartheid,” the Presidency said in a statement on Wednesday.
Furthermore, the two African leaders are expected to discuss areas of mutual interest for both countries.
“President Ramaphosa and President Lourenço will also share perspectives on issues of regional mutual interest, including the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and on regional and continental efforts aimed at resolving the conflicts that are plaguing the continent,” the statement read. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 08/08/2024 - 09:48
Following the launch of the second phase of its critical mineral mapping program, Eswatini is seeking foreign partners to support mineral exploration and extraction activities. To showcase opportunities across the sector, HRH Prince Lonkhokhela, Eswatini's Minister of Natural Resources and Energy, will speak at the upcoming Critical Minerals Africa (CMA) (www.CriticalMineralsAfrica.com) 2024 summit in Cape Town, joining African ministers including Martin Gama Abucha, Minister of Mining of South Sudan; Monica Chang'anamuno, Minister of Mining of Malawi; and Louis Kabamba Watum, Minister of Industry and the Development of SMEs of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
As a frontier mining market, Eswatini is currently engaged in various programs to accelerate the exploration of its critical minerals (https://apo-opa.co/3yzeZvd). In December 2023, the Geological Survey of Eswatini, in partnership with South Africa's Council for Geoscience, launched the second phase of a joint geoscience mapping program. The initiative, which leverages AI-based techniques, aims to locate and map the country's critical mineral resources, marking a significant milestone in regional collaboration to advance sector growth. To date, the country produces minor quantities of aggregate, coal, gold and iron ore.
The Critical Minerals Africa 2024 summit on November 6 - 7 serves to position Africa as the primary investment destination for critical minerals. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energy 2024 conference (www.AECWeek.com) on November 4 - 8, offering delegates access to the full scope of energy, mining and finance leaders in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.
“Eswatini represents a promising yet untapped critical minerals market. Recent mapping programs have identified mineralization in several basins across the Kingdom. As a result, increased cooperation with global stakeholders is key to injecting capital and technology into new projects,” stated Rachelle Kasongo, Event & Project Director at CMA 2024 organizers, Energy Capital & Power.
Eswatini is also working with industry stakeholders on best practices to attract foreign investments to bolster its critical mineral industry. Last January, Minister Lonkhokhela met (https://apo-opa.co/3AdjVq1) with the country's Minerals and Mines Management Board to work toward creating an enabling environment for enhanced private sector participation in exploration, production and job creation within the mining sector. At CMA 2024, Minister Lonkhokhela will connect with global investors and industry service providers to discuss and explore Eswatini's mining prospects.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.
NPA will reinstate Estina case 'as soon as possible'
The National Prosecuting Authority Investigating Directorate (NPA ID) has vowed to reinstate the Estina dairy farm case “as soon as possible”, following a decision by the Free State High Court to strike the matter off the court roll.
NPA spokesperson Advocate Mthunzi Mhaga explained that the case was struck off the roll following an application by the defence “in terms of Section 342 A of the Criminal Procedure Act, citing inability to access the electronic version of the hard copies of the so-called Gupta leaked emails”.
“Yet, as early as 2023, as part of the disclosure process, the State had provided the defence with hard copies of the Gupta leaked emails.
“On 15 June 2024, the defence was provided with the electronic versions of the same hard copies disclosed in early 2023. The State also made its own technical expert available to assist the defence in accessing the digital platform, should they experience any challenges,” Mhaga said.
He added that the NPA had been ready to proceed with the case.
“Since the trial date of 5 August 2024, the State has been ready to proceed, with witnesses ready to testify in court. The ID team has been guided by external and experienced Senior Counsel who have worked diligently on all aspects of the Gupta evidence and relevant disclosures.
“The NPA will reflect further on today’s decision; however, the NPA remains undeterred in the pursuit of this matter and will take all necessary steps to reinstate it,” he concluded. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 08/08/2024 - 09:07
The Deputy Minister of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Alvin Botes, met representatives of the German Bundestag on Wednesday, 7 August 2024, in Pretoria.
The meeting with Mr Nils Schmid, Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs for the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the Bundestag, and Ms Bettina Lugk, Deputy Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs for the SDP in the Bundestag, took place in the context of the two countries' endeavour to forge closer political, diplomatic, economic and trade ties.
The SDP is the largest party in Germany's governing coalition and a member of eleven of the sixteen State (Provincial) Governments in Germany.
The meeting presented an opportunity for the two sides to discuss important geopolitical issues.
In addition to meeting the Deputy Minister, Mr Schmid and Ms Lugk will also meet with Members of Parliament, think tanks, trade unions, political parties, German companies, the Ghoethe Institute, the GIZ (Germany's development agency) and KfW (Germany's development bank).
South Africa maintains a substantial and diverse relationship with Germany. Germany is one of South Africa's most important strategic partners and is the second-largest market for South African exports, the third-largest source of overseas tourists, a major investor and development partner. The German Government views South Africa as a “global development partner” with which it seeks close coordination in international bodies such as the United Nations and the World Bank. Germany is a leading investor in the South African economy, with approximately 600 German companies represented in South Africa.
Bilateral development cooperation focuses on energy and climate change (green economy), good governance and public administration, HIV/AIDS prevention and vocational training.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
But the municipality says the project is on track to being completed
A letter, apparently written by gangsters in Philippi, warns they will kill Somalis if extortion fees are paid to their rivals