Unemployed doctors march to Union Buildings
They are calling for the president to intervene and make sure medical professionals are employed
2024
Global leaders urged to reverse teacher shortage
Global leaders urged to reverse teacher shortage
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has called on global leaders to do whatever it takes to attract bright young minds to join the teaching profession and address the issue of teacher shortages.
“To increase participation in this profession, we should provide competitive compensation and recognise teachers’ achievements,” the Deputy President said on Monday.
The country’s second-in-command is of the view that this could be achieved through the promotion of excellence and creativity and cultivating a sense of pride and purpose among educators.
The Deputy President was speaking at the 14th Policy Dialogue Forum of the International Task Force on Teachers for Education in Illovo, Johannesburg.
The task force is a global platform for education stakeholders, which aims to foster advocacy, knowledge exchange, peer learning and monitoring progress towards Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 on quality education.
“As we gather here today, we are faced with a stark reality, which is a shortage of qualified and motivated teachers across the globe.”
This shortage, the Deputy President said, not only jeopardises the quality of education but also undermines collective efforts to achieve the SDG 4 goal of inclusive and equitable quality education for all.
“Instead of disregarding the situation and continuing as if everything is going according to plan, we need to acknowledge the problem and devise a solution that is both effective and efficient.”
The value of teachers
He also took the time to acknowledge the worth of teachers and the crucial role they play in shaping the future of nations.
Besides teaching and imparting knowledge to the future generation, Deputy President Mashatile said teachers play a crucial role in nurturing, fostering critical thinking, inspiring dreams, and pushing the limits of human potential.
“We thus owe it to these titans of our society to recognise, honour, empower, and value them as well as the job that they do.
“Most importantly, significant consideration must be made on how we should improve their working conditions and remuneration as a way of appreciating their hard work so that they can be able to fulfil their important task without getting discouraged.”
Shifting his focus to the digital age, he believes that governments should ensure that educators can effectively utilise new technologies to remain relevant and efficient in the current digital age.
The Deputy President also expressed his gratitude to the task force for recognising South Africa as a key player in the journey to achieving quality education for all by the year 2030.
“As South Africa, we feel privileged to have been allowed to co-chair the steering committee of the Teacher Task Force in collaboration with Germany.”
Finding solutions
He said he hoped his home country would learn from the good practices that will be shared at this forum.
“South Africa is optimistic that this Policy Dialogue Forum will untangle solutions for addressing the contents of the report.”
He also highlighted the issue of teachers assigned grades for which they have inadequate training and qualifications.
“More teachers are produced for the Further Education and Training (FET) band than for the General Education and Training (GET) band. This situation has necessitated the FET band teachers to migrate to the senior phase and teach Grades 7 and 8 classes.”
However, he said the government is addressing this matter through the Fundza Lushaka Bursary Scheme which aims to attract young teachers into the teaching profession and improve teacher salaries and working conditions and use of contracted teachers to deal with immediate needs.
He also paid tribute to the Minister of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga, who was selected to serve on a high-level panel convened by the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, in 2022. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 02/26/2024 - 11:40
564 views
Elections2024: Voter verifications underway
Elections2024: Voter verifications underway
Following the proclamation of the election date of 29 May 2024 and closing of the voters’ roll, the Electoral Commission will today publish the provisional voters’ roll for inspection.
This is according to the Electoral Commission’s Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo, who briefed the media on Monday in Pretoria.
He said voter verifications as well as other validations are currently underway to ensure that there is compliance with the provisions of the law in respect of eligibility to vote.
“An electronic version of the voters’ roll will be made available at all offices of the Commission for inspection purposes. Those who wish to object to the inclusion or exclusion of a voter on the voters’ roll must do so by the 4th March 2024.
“The objections received on or before 4th March 2024 will be considered, investigated and determined by the Commission by 11 March 2024. It is important to remind roleplayers that objections to the voters’ roll are governed by the law,” Mamabolo said.
Mamabolo said the procedural as well as the substantive requirements of Section 15 of the Electoral Act must be satisfied when lodging an objection.
He said the pertinent aspects in this regard include outlining the relief sought and establishing the basis for such relief as well as serving the objection on the person against whom the objection is raised.
“Following the determination of voters’ roll objections, the Chief Electoral Officer will certify the voters’ roll on 12 March 2024. Electronic copies of the certified voters’ roll will be made available to contestants and a printed copy will be prepared for use in voting stations on Election Day,” he said.
Mamabolo said the proclamation of the election date by the President at the weekend has certain legal consequences for the electoral process.
“The first major implication is that the voters’ roll has now closed. This means no further voter registration may take place, either at a local office or online,” Mamabolo said.
He said the second implication is that the Commission is enjoined to publish an Election Timetable following consultation with the National Political Liaison Committee.
“This political consultation was also conducted on 23 February 2024, paving the way for the publication of the timetable. Accordingly, the 2024 timetable was published on Saturday, 24 February 2024.
“The timetable is the motive force in the intensive preparations for the delivery of the 2024 general elections. The timetable outlines all the key cut-off-times and dates for the performance of salient electoral activities. The timetable contains crucial performance dates for election contestants as well as the broad voting public.
“As regards the voting public, the focal point is accessing the voting process through special arrangements, including dates for applications for special votes and notifications to vote outside of voting stations of registration,” Mamabolo said.
The Chief Electoral Officer said as it pertains to contestants, the timetable is equally crucial in that it contains key dates to be complied with relating to the nomination of candidates and the payment of prescribed deposits.
Election Timetable
Notice of provisional voters’ roll available for Inspection
By 26 February 2024, the Chief Electoral Officer must give notice of the periods during which and the venues where the provisionally compiled voters’ roll compiled for the election shall be available for inspection in terms of section 14(2)(e).
Notice that list of addresses of voting stations is available for inspection
The Chief Electoral Officer must give notice by 12 April 2024, that from the date of the notice until the voting day, copies of a list containing the addresses of all voting stations will be available for inspection.
Notice of route of mobile voting stations
The Chief Electoral Officer must give notice by 12 April 2024, of the route, including the locations and estimated times of stopping of each mobile voting station.
Cut-off date for objections to the provisional voters’ roll
Any person, including the Chief Electoral Officer, may object to the inclusion or exclusion of a person on the provisional voters’ roll, or the correctness of any person’s registration details on that provisional voter’s roll, by 4 March 2024 in terms of section 15.
Cut-off date for notification and application to vote outside of the Republic
By 22 April 2024, a person who intends to vote outside of the Republic is required to notify the Chief Electoral Officer of their intention to vote outside of the Republic in terms of section 33(3) or (4), read with regulation 10.
Cut–off date for the commission to decide on objections to the provisional voter’s roll
By 11 March 2024, the Commission must decide any objection made in terms of section 15 in respect of the provisionally compiled voters’ roll for this election and notify the objector and the chief electoral officer and a person other than the objector whose name or registration details are involved.
Cut-off date for certification and publication of voters' roll
By 12 March 2024, the chief electoral officer must certify the voters' roll or the segments of the voters' roll to be used in this election in terms of section 24(2).
Cut-off date for submission of list of candidates and nominations of independent candidates
Registered parties that intend to contest this election must nominate and submit a list of their candidates for the election to the Chief Electoral Officer in the prescribed manner by 08 March 2024. Nominators of independent candidates that intend to contest this election must submit their nominations to the Chief Electoral Officer in the prescribed manner by 08 March 2024.
The objector or the registered party who nominated the candidate may appeal against a decision of the Commission in terms of section 30(4) to the Electoral Court in the prescribed manner by 02 April 2024. (2) The objector or the nominated independent candidate may appeal against a decision of the Commission in terms of section 31E(4) in the prescribed manner by 02 April 2024.
Cut-of date for notice of non-compliance by contestants in respect of lists of candidates
The Chief Electoral Officer must notify a registered party that has submitted a list of candidates in terms of section 27 but has not fully complied with section 27(2)(a), (b), (cA), (d) or section 27(4), of that non-compliance by 18 March 2024.
The Chief Electoral Officer must notify the person nominated to be an independent candidate, who has not fully complied with section 31B(3)(c), (d), (e), (f) or section 31B(4), of that non-compliance by 18 March 2024.
If the party or person notified in terms of sub-item (1) or (1A) takes the opportunity to comply with section 27(2)(a), (b), (cA), (d), section 27(4), section 31B(3)(c), (d), (e), (f) or section 31B(4), that party or person must do so by 20 March 2024.
Cut-off dates for notification of contestants of candidates appearing on multiple contestant list
The Commission must notify a candidate whose name appears on more than one party list for an election submitted in terms of section 27 and all the parties on whose party lists such a candidate appears by 22 March 2024. The Commission must notify a person who has been nominated both as an independent candidate and by one or more parties for an election; and all the parties on whose party lists such a candidate appears, of the multiple nominations by 22 March 2024. If the notified party decides to act in terms of section 28(3) or section 31C(3), that party must do so by 25 March 2024.
Inspection of lists of candidates and draft list of independent candidates and accompanying documents
The Chief Electoral Officer must give notice by 26 March 2024, that on 26 March 2024 and 27 March 2024, between 09:00 and 17:00, copies of the following documents will be available for inspection: The lists of candidates and accompanying documents submitted by registered parties in terms of section 27, as amended and supplemented in terms of section 28; and the draft list of independent candidates and accompanying documents submitted in terms of section 31B, as amended and supplemented in terms of section 31C.
Cut-off date for objections
Any person, including the Chief Electoral Officer, may object to a candidate to the Commission in the prescribed manner by 27 March 2024.
Decision of objections
The Commission must decide an objection under section 30 or section 31E, and must notify the objector, the registered party that nominated the candidate, and the nominated independent candidate, if applicable, of the decision in the prescribed manner by 28 March 2024.
Cut-off date for appeals against decisions
The objector or the registered party who nominated the candidate may appeal against a decision of the Commission in terms of section 30(4) to the Electoral Court in the prescribed manner by 02 April 2024. The objector or the nominated independent candidate may appeal against a decision of the Commission in terms of section 31E(4) in the prescribed manner by 02 April 2024.
Deciding appeals
The Electoral Court must consider and decide an appeal brought under section 30(4) or 31E(4) and notify the parties to the appeal, and the chief electoral officer, of the decision in the prescribed manner by 09 April 2024.
Application for special vote to Chief Electoral Officer
A person who wants to apply to the Chief Electoral Officer for a special vote in terms of section 33(1)(a),(b) or (c) or section 33(2) read with regulation 7,8 and 9, and section 33A(1)(a),(b) or (c) or section 33A(2) read with regulation 15,15A and 15B may do so from 15 April 2024 until 03 May 2024.
List of parties and candidates entitled to contest election and final list of candidates
By 10 April 2024, the Chief Electoral Officer must give effect to a decision of the Commission in terms of section 30(3), section 31E(3), or a decision of the Electoral Court in terms of section 30(5) or section 31E(5); and must compile a list of the registered parties entitled to contest the election, the final list of candidates for each of those parties, and the list of independent candidates contesting this election.
Issue of certificate to candidates
By 12 April 2024, the Chief Electoral Officer must issue in the prescribed manner to each candidate on a final list of candidates, and to each independent candidate on the final list of independent candidates, a certificate stating that the person is a candidate in this election in terms of section 31(3) and section 31F(3).
Casting of votes at foreign missions
A person who wants to cast a special vote at a foreign mission in terms of section 33(3) or (4), may do so on 17 May 2024 and 18 May 2024, between 07:00 and 19:00.
Visitation for the purposes of casting a special vote
A person who has applied for a special vote in terms of section 33(1)(a), read with regulations 7 and 8 and section 33A(1)(a) read with regulation 15 and 15A, may be visited by voting officers on 27 May 2024 and 28 May 2024, between 09:00 and 17:00.
Casting of special votes at the office of the presiding officer
A person whose application for a special vote has been approved and who wants to cast a special vote at the office of the presiding officer in terms of section 33(1)(b), (c) or 33(2) read with regulation 9, and section 33A(1)(b),(c) or 33A(2) read with regulation 15B may do so on 27 May 2024 and 28 May 2024, between 09:00 and 17:00. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 02/26/2024 - 14:16
449 views
Condolences for bus crash victims
Condolences for bus crash victims
Minister of Transport Sindisiwe Chikunga has expressed deep condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in a tragic bus accident on the R33 road in Paulpietersburg, KwaZulu-Natal.
Nine individuals lost their lives, and several others were injured in the accident on Sunday.
“It is reported that the accident occurred when the driver lost control, leading to the bus overturning. The incident involved a passenger bus, which was transporting African National Congress (ANC) supporters from Durban back to Mpumalanga,” the Department of Transport said on Monday.
Chikunga extended her heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families and wished a swift recovery to all those injured.
The Minister reiterated the department’s call for responsible driving on the roads and urged citizens to obey road safety precautions.
Law enforcement authorities are currently investigating the cause of the accident.
Meanwhile, KwaZulu-Natal Transport MEC, Sipho Hlomuka also joined the Minister in conveying his condolences while wishing the injured a speedy recovery.
The MEC encouraged road users, especially public transport movers, to be extra cautious on the road. ––SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Mon, 02/26/2024 - 14:32
417 views
Landmark election marks 30 years of electoral democracy
Landmark election marks 30 years of electoral democracy
Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo says the 2024 General Election is a landmark event as it marks 30 years of electoral democracy.
The President has declared 29 May 2024 the date for the National General and Provincial Elections.
“The Commission reiterates its willingness and ability to deliver this mammoth national project. All staff of the Commission stand ready to fulfil their tasks and thus ensure that the Commission meets its constitutional duties pertaining to the 2024 general elections,” said Mamabolo, at a media briefing in Pretoria.
He said this year’s election introduces novel experiences for the voters such as a third ballot in the National and Provincial Elections as well as the participation of independent candidates for the very first time.
For purposes of candidate nomination, he said the Commission promotes the use of the online Candidate Nomination (CNS) platform.
“It is convenient and facilitates compliance with the requirements of the law as it provides a compliance dashboard for users. Furthermore, the online platform generates pro-forma invoices and a payment gateway for the payment of prescribed deposits,” Mamabolo said.
He said all independent candidates and political parties who intend to contest this general election must submit nomination requirements by 17:00 on 08 March 2024.
“The Electoral Commission will, after verifying the submitted nomination documents, issue notices on non-compliance where such are warranted. These notices will be issued on 18 March 2024 and those issued with such notices must rectify non-compliance by 20 March 2024.
“In previous elections, there were candidates who were nominated by more than one political party. The law now obliges the Commission to notify affected parties and offer them an opportunity to either remove the said candidate and substitute or confirm their continued candidature.
“Our electoral scheme acknowledges that it is a matter of immense national importance for the citizens to know who the nominated candidates are. The publication of the provisional lists of candidates goes to the heart of the vote based on informed choices,” Mamabolo said.
Mamabolo said the provisional lists of candidates will be published for inspection on 26 and 27 March.
Mamabolo said interested parties may object against certain prospective candidates who are nominated.
“Such objections must be lodged with the Commission on 27 March 2024. The Commission will decide on these objections on 28 March 2024.
“Any person or political party or entity that is not satisfied with the decision of the Commission may approach the Electoral Court to appeal the objection decision. The Electoral Court’s appeals must be lodged by 02 April 2024. The Electoral Court will determine appeals relating to candidates on 9 April 2024,” he said.
Mamabolo said the conclusion of the candidate nomination process will set in motion the ballot paper printing project.
According to Mamabolo, the official list of the 23 292 voting stations to be used in the elections will be availed for inspection from 12 April 2024.
“This list will include the addresses of voting stations as well as the stopping times of the 33 mobile voting stations. The project of contracting these voting stations well advanced,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 02/26/2024 - 14:40
366 views
Botshabelo protestors clash with police as they make “desperate plea” to authorities
Mayor Gregory Nthatisi to meet with community “soon”
Clarification on voting outside of SA
Clarification on voting outside of SA
Those who intend to vote outside of the country and who are registered on a specific country’s segment of the voters’ roll, do not have to give notice to the Electoral Commission’s Chief Electoral Officer that they will be voting in that country.
“The law assumes that they will be voting at the diplomatic mission of registration,” said the Electoral Commission on Monday.
Addressing a media briefing in Pretoria, the Commission’s Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo said those registered elsewhere, including locally registered voters who intend to vote at a particular diplomatic mission outside the country, must give notice to the CEO of their intention to vote in that country.
“The notice to vote out of the country may be submitted as of today until 22 April 2024. An online notification facility (VEC10) is available on the Commission’s website,” Mamabolo said.
He further explained that special voting at the diplomatic missions will happen either on Friday, 17 May 2024 or Saturday, 18 May 2024.
“The exact date for each diplomatic mission will be determined considering the host country's dominant religious and cultural practices.”
On voting outside of the voting station of registration on Election Day (29 May 2024), the Commission re-emphasises the general principle of election administration that voters must vote where they are registered.
“However, in the event a voter intends to be in a different voting district on voting day, such a voter must notify the Commission of their intended absence from their voting district and the voting station where they wish to cast the vote. A notification portal will soon be launched for this purpose. Notifications in this regard will close on 17 May 2024.” – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 02/26/2024 - 15:02
195 views
Unsuccessful NSFAS applicants urged to lodge an appeal
Unsuccessful NSFAS applicants urged to lodge an appeal
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has encouraged students whose application for financial aid has been rejected or withdrawn, to lodge an appeal with the scheme.
Rejected students must submit an appeal by logging on to the myNSFAS website and supplying all the required information within 30 days of receiving their application results.
“Unsuccessful applicants will have an appeal option appear on their myNSFAS accounts and they can click on to it to start the appeal process,” NSFAS said.
The scheme noted there are a number of reasons why an application is rejected, and this includes a household income of more than R350 000 per annum, failing to meet academic eligibility, and an incomplete application, among others.
NSFAS emphasised that students or applicants must provide all the necessary documents, warning that failure to do so, may affect or derail the outcome of the appeal.
“To strengthen your appeal, gather all relevant documentation that supports your case. This may include academic records, financial statements, affidavits, or any other documents that demonstrate your need for financial assistance,” NSFAS said.
The scheme also noted that the appeal decisions are subject to budget availability.
How to submit NSFAS Appeal
• Visit the myNSFAS portal https://my.nsfas.org.za
• Log into your myNSFAS account
• Select the ‘Track Funding Progress’ option
• Check the application progress tabs
“If your application status shows that you are unsuccessful, you may submit an appeal by clicking on the ‘Submit Appeal Tab.’ Once you are on the ‘Application Appeal’ page, you can look for the reason for your unsuccessful application status.
“You will then be able to choose the appeal reason. Upload certified supporting documents to support your reason [and] Click ‘Submit Appeal,” NSFAS explained.
When submitting an appeal letter, NSFAS advised applicants to compose a compelling appeal letter addressing the reasons for their application’s rejection.
“Be concise yet detailed, explaining any extenuating circumstances that may have affected your application. Personalise your letter to highlight your unique situation and commitment to your education.
“Ensure you adhere to NSFAS’s guidelines for submitting appeals. Pay attention to deadlines and submission methods to avoid any delays or complications in the process.
“Once you have submitted your appeal, patiently await NSFAS’s review process. This may take some time, so remain proactive and responsive to any requests for additional information,” NSFAS said.
Applications for funding officially closed on 15 February 2024.
NSFAS has made upfront payments of R2.8 billion to universities and R580 million to Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges to cover student accommodation and book allowances for the month. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 02/26/2024 - 11:51
519 views
Take That and Big Concerts announce Take That SA Tour in October 2024
20 October 2024 – SunBet Arena, Time Square, Pretoria 22 October 2024 – Grand Arena, GrandWest, Cape Town Tickets Go On Sale At 9 Am Friday 1 March Exclusively From Ticketmaster.Co.Za Take That and Big Concerts are thrilled to announce that multi-award winning and smash hit makers, Take That will be bringing their ‘This Life …
Eskom ‘on the right path’ – Ramokgopa
Eskom 'on the right path' - Ramokgopa
Interventions at Eskom power stations have been able to slash load shedding by some 600 hours during the December and January 2023/24 period as compared to the previous year.
A further 3510MW of capacity has been clawed back into the system over the past year as a result of interventions at power stations.
This was revealed by Minister of Electricity in the Presidency, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, who was updating the nation on Monday on the implementation of the Energy Action Plan.
“Over the period…of January 2023 to January 2024, we have been able to get back 3510MW as a result of interventions. These interventions are not complete. There’s still additional work that we must do at Tutuka [Power Station]. There's additional work that continues to be done at Kendal, Matla and the other power stations.
“If you were to take December of 2022 to February of 2023 and then you take the period of December 2023 to February 2024…the period of the year that was, we have experienced load shedding of about 1800 hours.
“When you see the period a year later…we have had about 1200 hours of load shedding. Essentially, we have been able to reduce the hours of load shedding by about 600 hours. We are going in the right direction,” he said.
Despite improvements, the Minister insisted that load shedding – in any form – remains “unacceptable”.
“We are going in the right direction. Ultimately, we want to go into a situation where I’m able to stand before the public and say we have not experienced any hours of load shedding. Load shedding in its totality is unacceptable.
“But we have come to a situation where it has become a daily occurrence so gradually, we want to reduce that intensity of load shedding.”
The Minister added further that while maintenance of power stations has been ramped up – allowing generating units to work more at intended capacity and for longer – and load shedding intensity has slowed slightly, there will be setbacks like that which occurred over the past few weeks which plunged the country into Stage 4 and 6 load shedding.
“We are going to have temporary setbacks; this was a setback. The team identified what was the root cause. These lessons will then be exported to other power stations so that we don’t suffer similar fates.
“We remain on the right course. The trend line remains positive. We are confident about our ability [and] the intervention on Eskom.
“If you were to add the new generation capacity which is now throttled by the fact that we’ve got challenges on the transmission side, once we resolve those issues, we are on the right course…to deliver on the Energy Action Plan,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 02/26/2024 - 12:33
175 views
Bheki Cele accuses Randfontein protesters of being a construction mafia. But they say they just want jobs and their fair share
Eleven people to apply for bail after being arrested on 13 February
Government activities for the week 26 February to 1 March 2024
Government activities for the week 26 February to 1 March 2024
On Monday, 26 February, Deputy President Paul Mashatile will address the 14th Policy Dialogue Forum of the International Task Force on Teachers for Education.
Meanwhile, the Minister in the Presidency responsible for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgops will brief the media on the implementation of the Energy Action Plan.
In addition, the Electoral Commission will brief the media on the state of readiness for the 2024 general elections.
On Tuesday, 27 February, the Department of Justice and Correctional Services hosts a conference the Implementation of Integrated Criminal Justice System programme.
On Wednesday, 28 February, the Department of Justice and Correctional Services’ conference the Implementation of Integrated Criminal Justice System programme continues.
On Friday, 1 March, the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Thembi Nkadimeng, will host the Summit on Ethical Leadership in Local Government, marking the culmination of three years of collaborative efforts within the Local Government Ethical Leadership.
Neo
Mon, 02/26/2024 - 10:54
142 views
Minister Pandor to participate in the High-level Segment of the 55th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva – Switzerland
The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, will participate in the High-Level Segment of the 55th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC 55), scheduled to take place from 26-28 February 202 in Geneva, Switzerland.
Minister Pandor will deliver a national statement, outlining South Africa's human rights priority issues for the year 2024.
Minister Pandor is also scheduled to speak at the High-Level Panel on Human Rights Mainstreaming under the theme, “Harnessing multilateral efforts to embed, amplify and realise the rights of persons with disabilities, with a focus on full and effective participation and inclusion in society”.
The theme is in line with the thematic focus of the UNHRC during the 55th Session of the Human Rights Council, which is on the Rights of the Child and Persons with Disability.
Tomorrow, Tuesday, 27 February 2024, Minister Pandor will deliver a statement at the High-Level Segment of the Conference on Disarmament.
The Conference on Disarmament is the single multilateral disarmament negotiating forum of the international community on nuclear disarmament.
The Minister will use the opportunity of her visit to Geneva to have bilateral meetings with some of her counterparts.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
Ignition Encourages A Love Of Reading – One Library At A Time
February 2024: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal – “Literacy is a fundamental human right and a pre-requisite for even the most basic employment,” says Samantha Botha, Head of Group Marketing for Ignition Group (Ignition). “With eight out of every 10 children unable to read properly, South Africa’s reading crisis is a reality for many of our young people and creates a stumbling block …
KZN, Transnet Pipelines meet to discuss areas of support
KZN, Transnet Pipelines meet to discuss areas of support
The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government is committed to supporting the Transnet Pipelines (TPL) in implementing interventions to address the challenges faced by the organisation.
KZN Premier, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, made the commitment during a meeting held with Transnet Pipelines Acting Chief Executive, Sibongiseni Khathi.
The focus of the meeting was to provide the Premier with a comprehensive understanding of TPL's operations, emphasising the strategic significance of the fuel pipeline in safeguarding energy supply.
TPL, an operating division of Transnet SOC Ltd, owns, manages and controls South Africa's network of 3 114 kilometres of high-pressure petroleum and gas pipeline network in South Africa.
The meeting also familiarised the Premier with the upcoming capital projects scheduled for commencement in KwaZulu-Natal, specifically the liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in Richards Bay and TM1 Accumulator Tanks in Island View.
The two projects are poised to make a substantial economic impact in the province.
During the engagement, held on Friday, Khathi presented the challenges related to fuel theft from the organisation’s pipelines and encroachments along the pipeline servitude.
Khathi also underscored the importance of securing necessary licenses and approvals, including Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) timeously for the upcoming projects.
“Building strong relationships with the KZN government is fundamental to our commitment to sustainable development and community engagement. The discussions were insightful, and we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for collaborative efforts to growing the economy of the region.
“TPL remains dedicated to fostering strong partnerships with key stakeholders, and the engagement with Dube-Ncube marks a significant step towards mutual understanding and cooperation,” Khathi said.
The Premier said the collaborative spirit demonstrated during the meeting signifies a shared commitment to the success of TPL's operations and the realisation of the upcoming capital projects.
“We have a vested interest in the resolution of these challenges because we appreciate that the province’s economic performance which translates to job creation and addressing unemployment, is determined by how well strategic entities like TPL operate,” Dube Ncube said.
The meeting formed part of several engagements undertaken by the Premier with various stakeholders in different sectors, ahead of the State of the Province Address (SOPA) to take place on 28 February 2024. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 02/26/2024 - 09:52
141 views
President Ramaphosa pays last respects to Namibian President Hage Geingob
President Ramaphosa pays last respects to Namibian President Hage Geingob
President Cyril Ramaphosa has hailed the late Namibian President Hage Geingob as a leader committed to his people.
Geingob passed away earlier this month while being treated for cancer.
Over the weekend, President Ramaphosa joined the Geingob family and other Heads of State at Geingob’s funeral service held in Namibia.
“I will forever remember, very fondly, his brotherly love. I remain inspired by the dedication he demonstrated towards his work, his undoubted commitment to the wellbeing of his people and his desire to see a peaceful, united and developing continent of Africa.
“His support and guidance to me and to fellow Heads of State and Government within SADC remains invaluable to this day and in the future,” President Ramaphosa said.
According to a statement by the Presidency, President Ramaphosa and Geingob “enjoyed a close relationship”.
“President Ramaphosa reiterates, on behalf of the government and people of South Africa, his deep condolences to the government and people of Namibia, especially First Lady Madame Monica Geingos.
“President Ramaphosa further extends his sympathies to President Nangolo Mbumba, the Cabinet of our neighbouring state and the leadership and members of the SWAPO Party at this time of mourning.
“President Ramaphosa and President Geingob enjoyed a close relationship which infused relations between our two countries. In 2023, President Ramaphosa hosted President Geingob on a State Visit to South Africa in April, while in October, President Ramaphosa undertook a Working Visit to Namibia to co-chair with President Geingob the Third Session of the South Africa-Namibia Bi-National Commission,” the Presidency said.
While in Namibia, President Ramaphosa held a meeting with his counterparts from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi and Malawi.
“The meeting continues from an engagement between the Heads of State that took place in Addis Ababa on the margins of the recently held AU [African Union] Summit. The leaders, whose countries have contributed troops to the SADC Mission in the DRC, discussed efforts towards the restoration of peace and security in the eastern DRC,” the Presidency said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 02/26/2024 - 09:23
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Deputy President to Address the launch of Principles and Guidelines for the use of Digital and Social Media in African Elections
His Excellency Deputy President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile will on Tuesday, 27 February 2024, deliver a keynote address on the launch of principles and guidelines for the use of digital and social media in African elections at the Protea Hotel, Wanderers in Illovo, Johannesburg.
These guidelines seek to create awareness among Election Management Bodies and other stakeholders on the benefits and threats of digital and social media to the electoral process and integrity.
These principles and guidelines are a comprehensive framework for the continental EMBs and were adopted in Cotonou, Benin during the 11th General Assembly meeting of Association of African Electoral Authorities (AAEA) in November 2023.
The Electoral Commission of South Africa provided secretariat support and facilitated the process for the development of these guidelines. The first draft of the guidelines was presented at the validation workshop hosted by the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in September last year.
These guidelines are relevant to the South African context as they are aligned to our appreciation of the pivotal role that social media plays in strengthening our democracy, and the importance of social media as a source for credible and factual information to the public.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency: Republic of South Africa.
Converse ULT.X Returns To Cape Town
After an exciting comeback to Cape Town last year, the event organisers have once again set up the premier action sports tournament at Battery Park in the V & A Waterfront. Friday, March 1, and Saturday, March 2, will see the best local and international park BMX riders and skateboarders strut their stuff. Last year, …
Bookings Open for The Brahman Hills Experience
Just a few weeks after captivating the world with its breathtaking gardens and securing the esteemed Overseas Region Winner title in the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Partner Garden of the Year Competition, Brahman Hills has opened bookings for an exclusive weekend in these magnificent surroundings. Boasting an enchanting blend of refined experiences, guests seeking an …
Presidential Working Group to accelerate resolution of issues impacting eThekwini
Presidential Working Group to accelerate resolution of issues impacting eThekwini
President Cyril Ramaphosa has met with the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry NPC for an engagement on the area’s pressing challenges.
The President, together with Minister of Public Enterprises Pravin Gordhan, Minister of Police Bheki Cele, Minister of Water and Sanitation Senzo Mchunu, Minister in the Presidency responsible for Electricity Kgosientsho Ramokgopa and Minister Public Works and Infrastructure Sihle Zikalala, met with the groups on Friday.
“The last Presidential engagement took place in May 2022. [Friday’s] session presented an opportunity for the President and the Durban business community to recap on measures that have been put in place to grow the provinces economy and address the current water, electricity and infrastructure challenges.
“During the interaction, the President and the Ministers briefed the business community on various initiatives that are currently underway in assisting eThekwini and the province through the various interventions led by the national government,” the Presidency said in a statement.
A Presidential eThekwini Working Group has also been set up.
“To accelerate the speedy resolution of issues impacting the eThekwini metro, President Ramaphosa has set up the Presidential eThekwini Working Group that will be made up of Ministers in the affected portfolios, working alongside the metro and business. The working group will present their progress reports to the President regularly,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, the President also met with the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Provincial House of Traditional and Koi-San Leadership to address a variety of issues and “foster closer relations between government and institutions of traditional leadership”.
“Among the issues addressed by the President was the finalisation of the Traditional Leaders Handbook which contains all the support that will be provided to Amakhosi by the government. With KZN having grappled with the killing of Amakhosi, the President committed that the government was looking into the matter to decide on the best solution.
“President Ramaphosa pleaded with Amakhosi to collaborate with government to fight social ills, build rural economies and assist in facilitating development such as building bridges, roads and educational programmes.
“With general elections on the horizons, President Ramaphosa also appealed to Amakhosi to be tolerant to all political parties by allowing campaigning in their communities without fear and intimidation. He also encouraged political parties to respect traditional leaders as they carry on with their campaigns,” the Presidency said.
President Ramaphosa assured the traditional leaders that other issues related to land, rural development and agriculture will also be addressed. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Sun, 02/25/2024 - 08:18
541 views
Load shedding downgraded to Stage 2 and 3
Load shedding downgraded to Stage 2 and 3
Eskom has reduced load shedding to Stage 2 during the afternoon with Stage 3 to follow during the evening.
This after the power utility implemented Stage 4 load shedding last Thursday following challenges at power stations.
“Load shedding will be reduced to Stage 2 from 5am on Sunday until 4pm. Thereafter, Stage 3 load shedding will be implemented from 4pm until 5am on Monday. This is as a result of the anticipated recovery of emergency reserves overnight and the two generating units expected to return to service by Sunday.
“Eskom will provide an update of the outlook for the week ahead on Sunday, or as soon as any significant changes occur,” the power utility said on social media platform, X.
Eskom explained why it had to implement Stage 4 load shedding last week.
“Last Thursday, generation capacity was lost from five generating units at Kendal and a unit at Duvha power stations. This resulted in the need to ramp up load shedding to Stage 4 from 4am until further notice.
“The events that led to the loss of generating capacity at Kendal Power Station units are as follows: Kendal Unit 1 was taken offline on Wednesday at 8pm due to leaking safety valves, which caused the capacity of the demineralised water storage tanks to run low. While recovering the storage water tanks, a contamination incident occurred in the water treatment plant, necessitating the isolation of the plant to investigate the root cause.
“During this period of investigation, the level of auxiliary cooling water, which also uses demineralised water, ran low. This led to capacity loss from four generating units at 2am in the morning,” the power utility said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Sun, 02/25/2024 - 08:42
476 views
Directive of professionalisation of public service issued
Directive of professionalisation of public service issued
The Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) has released Volume 1 of the Directive on Human Resources Management and Development for Public Service Professionalisation.
This is a fulfilment of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s long standing commitment to bolster the public service in response to the State Capture Report.
DPSA Director-General, Yoliswa Makhasi, said: “We are confident that this directive will play a crucial role in shaping a professional and efficient public service that meets the needs and expectations of South Africans.”
According to the DPSA, the issuance of the directive is a milestone marking “a step towards enhancing the efficacy, integrity, and accountability of the public service”.
“The directive, amongst others, provides guidance to the public service in how to roll out the implementation of the Professionalisation Framework as part of major reforms to improve productivity and efficiencies, especially considering the financial limitations that if not addressed may affect the accessibility of quality public services.
“An emphasis is placed in the pursuit of strategic practices in human resources management and development, including in recruitment and selection, performance management, ethics, integrity, and leadership and innovation. The directive transforms the public service into a continuous learning and professional development environment,” the department said.
The directive can be accessed at https://www.dpsa.gov.za/dpsa2g/documents/hrmd/2024/Circular_no_6_of_2024_21_02_2024.pdf.
The DPSA said the directive also seeks to address youth development and employment by:
- Waiving the requirement for experience for entry level posts on salary level 1-6 where there is no supervisory responsibilities attached to the posts.
- Clarifying that all posts advertised in the public service should include an email facility to make provision for the submission of applications via emails.
- Enabling departments to confirm qualifications through verified academic records from higher education institutions where applicants have not been granted possession of their certificates due to student debt still owed.
“This is in line with the President’s SONA commitment to remove barriers to entry into the job market faced by the youth.
“Through the Minister for the Public Service and Administration [Thulas Nxesi] approved directive, departments will be able to fulfil the Constitutional imperative of addressing the injustices of the past, whilst promoting the realisation of socio-economic rights of South Africans,” the department said.
The directive is expected to take effect on 1 April. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Sun, 02/25/2024 - 09:40
244 views
Election Day officially gazetted
Election Day officially gazetted
President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially proclaimed and gazetted the 29th of May as Election Day in South Africa.
“This follows consultation by the President with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC). The proclamation on the election date has been published in the Government Gazette of Friday, 23 February 2024,” the Presidency said in a statement.
The President has also proclaimed the day of the election, 29 May 2024, as a public holiday throughout the Republic.
Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission (IEC) is expected to hold a media briefing on Monday on the state of readiness for the 2024 general elections.
“During the briefing, the commission will unpack key aspects of the elections timetable, which will include the certification of the voters’ roll, the publication of voting station details, submission of candidate nominations, notices to vote outside of the country, applications for special votes, and other election-related matters,” the electoral body said.
Meanwhile ahead of the close of the voters’ roll on Friday, the IEC reminded eligible voters of the general rule of elections.
“That is, a person must register where they live, and vote at the voting station where they are registered.
“The only exception to the rule is that a voter may vote outside of the voting district of registration after notifying the Electoral Commission by a date set in the Election Timetable, which is to be announced shortly,” the IEC said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Sun, 02/25/2024 - 09:22
144 views
Water restored to Phoenix, but only for a few hours at night
eThekwini municipality blames delays to restore water to all affected communities this week on “unforeseen repairs”