Cricket South Africa To Host Groundbreaking Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion Indaba
TSHWANE: Cricket South Africa (CSA) is pleased to announce the upcoming Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Indaba, taking place from...
2024
SA’s response to climate change outlined in new law
SA’s response to climate change outlined in new law
President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed into law the Climate Change Bill, which sets out a national climate change response, including mitigation and adaptation actions, which also constitutes South Africa’s fair contribution to the global climate change response.
“The Climate Change Act, as endorsed by the President, enables the alignment of policies that influence South Africa’s climate change response, to ensure that South Africa’s transition to a low carbon and climate resilient economy and society is not constrained by policy contradictions,” the Presidency said on Tuesday.
The law also sets out to enhance South Africa’s ability and capacity over time to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and build climate resilience, while reducing the risk of job losses, and promoting opportunities for new job opportunities in the emerging green economy.
“The Act has the aim of strengthening co-ordination between national sector departments and provide policy setting and decision-making to enable South Africa to meet the commitments in Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement.
“The National Determined Contribution is a set of commitments South Africa has made under the international Paris Agreement to reduce greenhouse emissions as part of climate change mitigation,” the Presidency said.
South Africa is one of more than 190 members of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change who are parties to the eight-year-old Paris Agreement.
South Africa’s mitigation measures are a response to climate change impacts that are increasingly experienced across a number of sectors, including water resources; agriculture and food production; forestry and fisheries; human health; energy generation; industry; human settlements and migration; disaster management; biodiversity and terrestrial ecosystems.
“These impacts will disproportionately affect poor communities and vulnerable groups and could affect South Africa’s ability to meet its development and economic growth goals, including job creation and poverty reduction,” the Presidency said.
The Climate Change Act sets out the functions of the Presidential Climate Commission, which includes providing advice on the Republic’s climate change response to ensure the realisation of the vision for effective climate change response and the long-term just transition to a climate-resilient and low-carbon economy and society.
The law also stipulates the role provinces and municipalities will play in mitigation efforts. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Tue, 07/23/2024 - 09:33
58 views
Enter the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K for a Chance to Win a Chery Tiggo 4 Pro LiT!
The iconic Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K will celebrate its 7th anniversary on National Heritage Day, Tuesday, 24 September 2024. To mark this special occasion, event organisers Stillwater Sports, in partnership with Chery South Africa, will give away a Chery Tiggo 4 Pro LiT vehicle, valued from R279,000, to one lucky entrant. “We are …
City of Joburg’s property error causes havoc for homeowners
Stand numbers in Bertrams are in a mess, affecting billing, valuations, and property sales
Gauteng minister apologises for funding bungle
“We as government and non-profit organisations cannot afford such a state of affairs” says Faith Mazibuko
SA delegation in Munich for International AIDS conference
SA delegation in Munich for International AIDS conference
Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla, has arrived in Munich, Germany, ahead of the 25th International AIDS Conference, scheduled to take place from Monday to Friday.
The Deputy Minister will lead the South African delegation at the conference which will be held under the theme: “Put people first”.
This year’s conference theme highlights a clarion call for all key role players to strengthen efforts in deepening human rights, providing adequate health care facilities and protecting civil rights.
The AIDS 2024 Conference offers a platform to address persistent challenges which impact negatively on countries' overall HIV response.
Phaahla is supported by the SA Patron of the Global Alliance for ending AIDS in children by 2030, Humile Mashatile, the SANAC Chief Executive Officer, Dr Thembisile Xulu, Health Department Director General, Dr Sandile Buthelezi, a team of health scientists, civil society activists, social partners as well as senior government officials.
“This important world’s largest and most influential conference on HIV/AIDS, will feature discussions on, amongst others, key population-led innovations, artificial intelligence and digital technology in healthcare provision, HIV and climate change, prevention of vertical transformation and also consider lessons from COVID-19 on misinformation,” the Presidency said in a statement.
In this regard, the SA Global Alliance Patron, Humile Mashatile, will participate in panel discussions focused on “Connecting data, programmes and communities with the view to contribute in defining Global Alliance Roadmap to Ending AIDS in Children by 2030”.
Mashatile will also meet with the Executive Director of UNAIDS, Winnie Byanyima, to outline the strategic plans and programmes developed by key South African role-players, geared towards ending AIDS in Children by 2030.
The Human Sciences research Council (HSRC) of South Africa, which is Africa’s largest dedicated social science and humanities research agency and policy think tank, will utilise the opportunity to present a study on South African HIV Prevalence, Incidence and Behavior (SABSSM) survey results.
This critical work by the HSRC signifies an important legacy collection of public data that has contributed to the improvement of lives for citizens.
The Deputy Minister and the delegation will join world activists in confronting challenges and identifying opportunities to accelerate progress in HIV science, policy and initiatives, to foster a more resilient, equitable and sustainable international community. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 07/22/2024 - 09:52
740 views
Limpopo four to appear in court following drug bust
Limpopo four to appear in court following drug bust
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has welcomed the arrest of four suspects who are expected to appear in the Groblersdal Magistrate’s court today on charges of the manufacturing, dealing and possession of illicit drugs.
Friday's arrests were made following the discovery of a drug lab in Groblersdal by a joint team of Limpopo Hawks and Limpopo South African Police Service (SAPS).
The four suspects, including the farm owner and two Mexican nationals, were arrested on 19 July 2024 in an intelligence driven operation by members of the Limpopo Serious Organised Crime Investigation (SOCI) team assisted by the Limpopo Tactical Response Team at a farm in Groblersdal where the multimillion clandestine laboratory was discovered.
“It is reported that the Hawks in Limpopo received information about suspicious activities taking place at the farm, which was then operationalised, and the multi-disciplinary team pounced. Four structures on the property were searched and large quantities of chemicals used in the manufacturing of illicit drugs including acetone as well as crystal meth with an estimated street value of R2 billion were recovered,” said the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (HAWKS) in a statement on Saturday.
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation has since the beginning of this year uncovered 10 clandestine drug laboratories and made 34 arrests.
The Hawks have not ruled out the possibility of more suspects being arrested. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 07/22/2024 - 09:54
829 views
Chikunga condemns persistent acts of gender-based violence
Chikunga condemns persistent acts of gender-based violence
Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, has reiterated the call for all South Africans to rally behind the country’s fight against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).
This includes acts of GBVF perpetrated by intimate partners and family members.
Chikunga emphasised the urgent need to move beyond sloganeering.
“There is an urgent need to invest adequate resources to respond to the GBVF pandemic and all forms of discrimination by the whole of society and the government,” Chikunga said.
In its 2020 report titled "Killings of Women and Girls by Their Intimate Partner or Other Family Members - Global Estimates," the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) estimated that, on average, a woman or girl is killed by someone in her own family every 11 minutes.
A year later, estimates by the World Health Organisation (WHO) also found that one in three women worldwide has suffered from physical and sexual violence in her lifetime, and that one in five women who have had at least one partner has experienced physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner.
Chikunga noted that despite the exponential high level of commendable advocacy and policy commitment, Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) remains one of the most frequent forms of violence against women and girls.
She added that recent studies affirm that despite decades of activism, advocacy, and action by state and non-state actors, the available evidence shows that progress in stopping IPV and related violence has been deeply inadequate.
While government has heeded this call and elevated the fight against GBVF into one of its top priorities, Chikunga acknowledged that in the past 30 years of democratic dispensation, the plight of women and girls in South Africa has remained deplorable and far from ideal.
“As we begin the seventh Administration, our message has to be clear when it comes to the fight against GBVF; the master's tools will not destroy the master's house. We need new tools, and we need them urgently.
“South Africans have bestowed on our shoulders a responsibility to recognise and respond appropriately to the systemic and structural nature of discrimination, and violence against women and girls. We can no longer tinker on the edges and expect systemic results.”
Across educational, religious, cultural, sporting, and creative environments, the Minister said, “all our values and practices must be put into question and deliberately repurposed to support the fight against patriarchal chauvinism in all spheres of life.’
She further stressed a need for systemic change, noting that the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities is committed to enforcing gender equality throughout government and society as a constitutional imperative, and “not as an afterthought that emerges when the next victim is lying cold.”
“Women have been and continue to be the basic foundation of all human civilisation, and yet we wake up every day and petition a man for the right to survive until the end of the day.
“We need community intelligence - researchers, scholars, advocates, and activists who will go beyond reproducing mainstream narratives and get a granular picture from communities that face violence at a community or even street level, to ensure that justice is served,” Chikunga said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 07/22/2024 - 10:03
494 views
Hi-Tec Highlights the Success of the Knysna Forest Marathon
The Knysna Forest Marathon 2024 concluded on the 22nd of June, with outstanding success, bolstered by a dynamic partnership with Hi-Tec, a leading outdoor and performance footwear brand. The marathon showcased exceptional athleticism and sportsmanship among participants, reaffirming its status as a premier sporting event in the region for trail running enthusiasts seeking both adventure …
‘We will succeed’ – President Ramaphosa on prospects of GNU
'We will succeed' - President Ramaphosa on prospects of GNU
President Cyril Ramaphosa has brushed off naysayers and reiterated the Government of National Unity’s (GNU) determination to succeed, despite ideological differences and South Africa’s challenges.
“We are now a Government of National Unity, formed in the cause of rebuilding our nation. We are committed to putting our differences aside and working together for the common good. I’m really pleased that the members of the [GNU] demonstrated a unity of purpose and the commitment they have to advancing the interests of all South Africans during the debate and in what they will be doing as leaders of the [GNU].
“Behind us are 62 million South Africans who want and need us to succeed. And we will succeed as the [GNU] even though others don’t wish us well, succeed we shall. As Minister [Pieter] Groenewald has said, we have before us an opportunity to restore and build. So let us use this opportunity. In the challenging and difficult times, we live; this unity will be our comfort, the unity that we are forging our courage, and it will be our greatest strength.
“It is time to get South Africa working again,” the President said on Monday.
The President was delivering his reply to the debate on the Opening of Parliament Address (OPA). President Ramaphosa delivered the OPA on Thursday night followed by a debate by political parties on Friday.
WATCH | President Ramaphosa responds to the debate on the Opening of Parliament Address
New era
He acknowledged that with the results of the May 29 vote, the landscape of South African politics is no longer what it once was.
“Much of what has been said during this debate has confirmed that we have entered a new era in South African politics. It is an era of hope. It is an era of optimism for the people of our country and for its future. We must demonstrate in word and in deed that this is an era of a government of national unity and not a fleeting convenience.
“We have had, and will continue to have, points of divergence, as the spirited nature of the debate has demonstrated. At the same time, we all understand what is expected of us by those who put us here.
“They expect us to chart this country towards the ultimate goal of a better life for all. Talking to each other and working together and in the end, pulling in the same direction. That direction is towards the implementation of the Medium-Term Development Plan 2024-2029…the programme that will guide the seventh administration.”
Addressing challenges
President Ramaphosa insisted that although South Africa faces a myriad of challenges and obstacles, the country is not a “hopeless case”.
“We are very much alive to the challenges we still face as a country. And yet we must remind ourselves that South Africa is not in the hopeless situation that some in the opposition benches want us to believe and have sought to loudly assert with sound and fury during this debate.
“South Africa is a country that has come a long way over the past 30 years. Let us never lose sight of that. Certainly, there have been setbacks and shortcomings. But we have done much to recover from these and are now committed to move forward with greater speed and impact,” he said.
Shared prosperity
Pressing further, President Ramaphosa added that by working together, the GNU is “determined to rapidly scale up the pace of our efforts to bring development and shared prosperity to our people”.
“And in this effort, as Minister [John] Steenhuisen says, we need the builders, not the breakers or destroyers. We need weavers and not vultures. Those who share this vision of a better South Africa will find the doors of the Government of National Unity always open to cooperation and collaboration.
“It is expected of us all who have been entrusted with positions of leadership within the Government of National Unity and in this Parliament that we rise to the challenge to be builders and not breakers. We must be at the forefront of building a capable, ethical developmental state, of growing an inclusive economy, and reducing poverty,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 07/22/2024 - 12:19
416 views
Tribunal must decide who is telling the truth – Mlambo or Makhubele
Final oral arguments heard on whether Makhubele is guilty of gross misconduct for allegedly chairing PRASA board after being appointed judge
Lepront and Dace Get Double Victories At Sea Harvest GromComp Vic Bay presented by Rip Curl.
Lepront and Dace Get Double Victories At Sea Harvest GromComp Vic Bay presented by Rip Curl. Victoria Bay: Louise Lepront (Scottburgh) and Rory Dace (Cape St Francis) both won two divisions – The U16 and U18 divisions – at the recent Sea Harvest Vic Bay GromComp presented by Rip Curl. Both surfers put on outstanding …
Healthcare for all a top priority for government
Healthcare for all a top priority for government
Equal access to affordable quality health care through the implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI), is a key priority for the seventh administration, says President Cyril Ramaphosa.
“We are unwavering in our commitment to implement universal health coverage in a manner that brings all South Africans on board,” President Ramaphosa said.
The President was responding to the debate on the Opening of Parliament Address on Monday.
President Ramaphosa said government will continue with dialogues, exchanges and interactions to make the NHI an important programme for the people.
The President also highlighted the country’s report to the United Nations, which noted reductions in maternal, infant and neonatal mortality, and that South Africans are living longer and have better health outcomes.
READ | Government pushes for affordable healthcare for all
The President delivered the Opening of Parliament Address on Thursday and the President’s speech was debated by political parties on Friday.
READ | President Ramaphosa signs NHI Bill into law
Education
On inclusive and equitable quality education, President Ramaphosa said the country has made progress with respect to functional literacy and numeracy at primary school level, and in primary school completion rates.
“Today, more South African children have access to Early Childhood Development (ECD) and Grade R, and secondary school education outcomes continue to steadily improve.
“The child support grant, no-fee schools and expanded NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) funding have had a considerable impact on the lives of learners, particularly those from poor families.”
He said these social protection interventions, alongside others, including the Schools Nutrition and Sanitary Dignity Programmes, aimed at female learners, are helping to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty.
“They are enabling more children to complete their schooling and to access opportunities after they finish school. One need only look at last year’s matriculation exam results, where learners who were social grant beneficiaries achieved an 81 percent pass rate,” President Ramaphosa said.
While access to education expands the capabilities of young people, the President noted that it also improves the productive capacity of the economy.
“Our young people are competing with the world. This is a new world, one that is rapidly changing and being influenced by technological advances.
“A better educated, better skilled workforce makes our economy more competitive and catalyses growth.”
Greater investment in skills
President Ramaphosa also commended the call for greater investment in skilling young people for the economy of the future, and for young people to be familiar with emerging technologies.
“Science and technology is going to continue playing an important role in enabling our young people to play a key role in our economy,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 07/22/2024 - 12:22
378 views
Nkosazana Daughter to headline Totalsports Women’s Race celebration in Joburg
Runners and walkers participating in the Totalsports Women’s Race (5km or 10km) in Johannesburg on Saturday, 17 August 2024 will be treated to an incredible live performance by South African singer and songwriter, Nkosazana Daughter. “As an artist dedicated to empowering women, it means a lot to me that the organisers have invited me to …
Efficiency and alignment are key to 7th administration
Efficiency and alignment are key to 7th administration
Greater efficiency and the alignment of priorities will define the newly constituted seventh administration.
“What will define the seventh administration is strategic alignment of priorities, greater efficiencies, focus and the optimal use of resources,” President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Monday.
Replying to the Opening of Parliament Address (OPA) debate, President Ramaphosa said South Africans expect government to chart the country towards the ultimate goal of a better life for all.
“As we said, our priorities are inclusive growth and job creation, reducing poverty and tackling the high cost of living, and building a capable, ethical and developmental state,” President Ramaphosa said.
President Ramaphosa said during much of the sixth administration, government worked to address the challenges that impeded growth, such as state capture, lack of reforms, COVID-19 and others.
“We also worked to overcome the silo mentality that pervaded the work of government, and which in the past had contributed to inefficiency, duplication and wastage of resources.”
He said the Government of National Unity (GNU) must demonstrate in word and deed that the seventh administration is an era of a government of national unity and not a fleeting convenience.
“At the same time, we all understand what is expected of us by those who put us here,” President Ramaphosa said.
The President who delivered the OPA on Thursday, said it was important to examine the progress made by the nation in addressing the “the challenges our people face.”
READ | 'We will succeed' - President Ramaphosa on prospects of GNU
Last year, South Africa submitted its third country report to the United Nations (UN) on its progress towards meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
The President said the UN report highlighted important trends towards meeting SDG targets in eradicating poverty and hunger, in good health and well-being, in inclusive and equitable quality education, in the provision of clean water and sanitation, in climate action, in building strong institutions for peace and justice and others.
He added that government’s 30 Year Review report and the results of Census 2022 are testament to the considerable progress the democratic state has made in pursuing equitable and sustainable development.
“On eradicating poverty and hunger, more indigent South Africans are accessing grants as part of an extensive social security net to mitigate the worst effects of poverty.
“Sixty percent of our national budget is spent on the social wage and programmes vital to reducing poverty and supporting the poor.
“When the worst global health emergency in modern times struck in the form of the COVID-19 pandemic, we were able to shelter society’s most vulnerable through the provision of special COVID grants, a scheme to support workers’ wages, and support to businesses affected by the lockdowns,” the President said.
READ | Government creates better life during 30 years of democracy
President Ramaphosa said over the next five years, government will be putting further programmes in place to reduce poverty and mitigate the effects of the high cost of living, especially on the poorest of the poor.
NHI
With regards to the National Health Insurance (NHI), President Ramaphosa said a key task for government over the next five years will be to ensure that everyone in South Africa has equal access to affordable quality healthcare through the implementation of health insurance.
“We are unwavering in our commitment to implement universal health coverage in a manner that brings all South Africans on board. We will continue with dialogues, with exchanges, with interactions to make this an important programme for our people,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 07/22/2024 - 12:42
255 views
The United States and Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) launch the 2024 Academy for Women Entrepreneurs Lesotho, Eswatini and South Africa (AWE LESA)
The U.S. Mission to South Africa and the Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) (www.AWIEForum.org) proudly announce the launch of the 2024 Academy for Women Entrepreneurs program in Lesotho, Eswatini and South Africa.
The Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) is an initiative of the U.S. Department of State and Arizona State University's Thunderbird School of Global Management. It supports the U.S. National Strategy on Gender, Equity and Equality and reflects the United States' commitment to advancing gender equity and economic prosperity in Southern Africa
The Academy for Women Entrepreneurs LESA (Lesotho, Eswatini and South Africa) program is centred on the Francis and Dionne Najafi 100 Million Learners Global Initiative, an accredited online global management and entrepreneurship certificate consisting of five world-class courses and available to learners across the globe.
The overall goal of the program is to promote economic prosperity, including equitable economic development opportunities for historically disadvantaged groups and individuals. AWE LESA provides a resource for women entrepreneurs to engage in online education with guided facilitation and localization; fosters networks that support participants' access to peer-to-peer mentorship, business partners, and scaling opportunities with businesses in the region and in the United States; as well as provides access to a range of educational programs tailored to women's economic empowerment to expand the impact on the participant.
AWE LESA 2024 will empower 100 young women entrepreneurs in seven cities – five in South Africa and one each in Lesotho and Eswatini. The program will host cohorts in Bloemfontein (10 participants), Cape Town (10 participants), Johannesburg (15 participants), Polokwane (15 participants), Manzini (20 participants), Maseru (20 participants), and Pietermaritzburg (10 participants). The participants will attend in-person training sessions and events at designated American Corners and partner spaces in each location.
AWE LESA 2024 activities will take place between August 2024 and January 2025, and this edition will bring the total number of women entrepreneurs trained through the U.S. Mission to South Africa and AWIEF partnership to more than 700.
What do you gain from participating in the AWE LESA program?
- Free entry to the program;
- Enrolment in the Francis and Dionne Najafi 100 Million Learners platform for online learning;
- Expert-facilitated in-person business management training and mentorship sessions at American Spaces;
- Networking and peer-learning opportunities with like-minded entrepreneurs;
- A collaboratively developed and refined draft of your business plan;
- A 100 Million Learners certificate after completing the program;
- Access to the U.S. alumni network's robust network of support, including business opportunities, potential seed funding and a vast, global network of like-minded and highly regarded entrepreneurs;
- Membership to the AWIEF Community which provides ongoing peer learning and support; and
- Free delegate pass to AWIEF2024 Conference, Exhibition and Awards scheduled to take place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), Cape Town on November 28 and 29, 2024.
What are the criteria to apply?
- Young women (aged 21 – 35);
- Early-stage entrepreneurs (with businesses in operation for 1-3 years);
- Citizens/legal residents of South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini;
- Read, write, speak and listen to the program in English;
- Reside within 40km of one of the seven program cities: Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Polokwane, Maseru, Manzini, and Pietermaritzburg;
- Commit to weekly in-person training sessions at a designated American Space of the U.S. Missions to Lesotho, Eswatini and South Africa;
- Commit to up to 5 hours of weekly programmatic assignments; and
- Basic computer skills, access to a computer with a data plan to access program content and activities.
Applications Open Now!
Academy for Women Entrepreneurs applications are officially open for highly motivated and self-driven young women entrepreneurs from Lesotho, Eswatini and South Africa. THERE IS NO COST TO APPLICANTS AT ANY STAGE.
To submit your application, please follow this link: https://apo-opa.co/3WvSAIa
The deadline for submission is August 4, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. South Africa Standard Time (SAST).
For more information email: info@awieforum.org
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF).
Why Softshell Jackets Are the Best Choice for Your Team During Winter
Introduction Outfitting your staff in practical, stylish, and cohesive outerwear can significantly impact your business’s image and your team’s performance. Softshell jackets have emerged as an ideal option for businesses looking to combine functionality with a professional appearance. In this article, we’ll discuss the key considerations for purchasing softshell jackets for your staff and why …
Ekurhuleni closely monitors water network
Ekurhuleni closely monitors water network
Technicians are closely monitoring water supply in Bedfordview, Primrose and Germiston, as the system continues to struggle to recover following the completion of extensive maintenance work by Rand Water.
City of Ekurhuleni spokesperson, Zweli Dlamini, said the water utility completed maintenance work as scheduled on Wednesday, 17 July 2024. However, the system has been struggling to recover.
This has affected water supply to certain areas, including Primrose, Bedfordview and Germiston.
Currently, there is a slight improvement on the water supply in the affected areas, with low lying areas starting to receive supply while high-lying areas are experiencing low water pressure.
“It is a norm that the recovery period for full restoration after the maintenance takes between three and 15 days, and high-lying areas would normally take longer to recover as the water pipes and towers need to be filled to a specific level before technicians start pumping the water systems.”
Dlamini has appealed to the affected communities and business for patience.
He also encouraged residents and businesses to continue using water sparingly, to allow the water levels at the affected reservoirs to gradually stabilise.
Rand Water is currently embarking on extensive proactive maintenance of its infrastructure to improve the reliability and efficiency of its water infrastructure. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 07/22/2024 - 14:03
33 views
Ethiopian running sensation, Tadu Nare, confirms entry into Totalsports Women’s Race Cape Town
The competition is heating up in the 2024 Totalsports Women’s Race as Ethiopian running sensation, Tadu Teshome Nare confirms her entry into the 10km race in Cape Town on National Women’s Day, Friday 09 August 2024. Boasting an impressive list of accolades, Nare’s achievements include 1st place at the Mandela Bay Half Marathon in 2024, …
National School of the Arts (NSA) & Johannesburg Youth Ballet (JYB) in collaborative SYMBIOSIS for Dance Spectrum
From the 1st – 4th August the Johannesburg Youth Ballet and the National School of the Arts will come together in SYMBIOSIS, a collaborative season of youth dance in the Lesedi at Joburg Theatre. With funding from the National Arts Council and supported by Joburg Theatre, the Johannesburg Youth Ballet, an enduring presence on the …
We should act against lawyers who undermine the Constitution
There are advocates who are skilled liars, dissemblers, manipulators and propagandists; they employ the implements of legal practice to bedevil and confuse and dismay - the judiciary and the profession should take action
Provision of basic services top of new administration’s agenda
Provision of basic services top of new administration's agenda
The seventh administration will focus on extending the provision of basic services to those people who still do not have access to basic requirements and improving the reliability and affordability of delivery.
Responding to the debate on the Opening of Parliament Address (OPA) on Monday, President Cyril Ramaphosa said this will require measures to improve the efficiency of local government to deliver on its “crucial” mandate.
President Ramaphosa said the country has made progress in advancing towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS) on the provision of basic services, highlighting that 84 percent of South African households now have access to piped water, while 71 percent have access to decent sanitation, and 94 percent of households have access to electricity.
He said Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa’s determination that all municipalities receive the necessary administrative, technical and financial support for the services to be viable and stable, represents the seventh administration’s clear intention to improve the functioning of municipalities.
“We must address with urgency the governance and oversight challenges at local government level and the serious problem of municipal and consumer debt,” President Ramaphosa said.
WATCH | President Ramaphosa responds to the debate on the Opening of Parliament Address
On building and strengthening institutions, President Ramaphosa said government has made significant progress in deepening democracy during the last 30 years of freedom, through safeguarding human rights and fundamental freedoms.
The parties to the Government of National Unity (GNU) are in agreement on the importance of entrenching the country’s constitutional democracy and the rule of law.
“We will continue to exert our every effort to safeguard the independence of the judiciary, freedom of the media and the work of the institutions supporting democracy. We continue to entrench gender equality across all facets of society, and in promoting the full participation in society of persons with disabilities.
“We have enacted into law the Gender-Based Violence And Femicide (GBVF) Council, which will oversee and coordinate GBV programmes across government and in partnership with all stakeholders,” the President said.
He said an important focus of this work will be women’s economic empowerment, and on leveraging government’s policy of setting aside 40 percent of public procurement for women-owned businesses.
The President also noted that South Africa is a beacon of hope and progress when it comes to the rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex (LGBTQI+) community.
“These are all important aspects of our human rights culture,” President Ramaphosa said.
In the same breath, the President acknowledged the challenges that the country still faces. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 07/22/2024 - 12:56
148 views
Designer Pool Covers Highlights Services in Limpopo: Thohoyandou, Mokopane, and Phalaborwa
POLOKWANE, South Africa, July 22, 2024 – Designer Pool Covers, a leading provider of high-quality swimming pool covers, today reaffirmed its commitment to serving customers across Limpopo province. The company’s branch in Polokwane continues to extend its services to Thohoyandou, Mokopane, and Phalaborwa, offering innovative pool cover solutions to residents and businesses throughout the region. …
Reimagine reading with kibooks.online
Keen to make it easier for children to access reading material online, kibooks.online wants to make reading fun again. [03 July 2024] The Qualibooks Group is looking to bring the fun back to reading with its online platform, kibooks.online. A fully online platform, kibooks.online provides children with access to around 8000 top-quality books that they …