QwaQwa 12-year-old wins international dance championship
Thato Mkwanazi from Phuthaditjhaba nabs the World Dance Masters line dance title in England
African
Mpumalanga man shoots wife, turns gun on himself
Mpumalanga man shoots wife, turns gun on himself
An Mpumalanga man allegedly shot and killed his wife before turning the gun on himself, the South African Police Service (SAPS) said on Tuesday.
"We are deeply saddened by the report of this tragic incident," the acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi said.
The gender-based violence (GBV) incident took place on Tuesday morning in Kabokweni, just outside White River.
Police and Emergency Services Personnel were dispatched to the scene, however, both individuals died as a result of the incident.
While investigators continue to probe the matter, General Mkhwanazi has emphasised that today’s tragedy is a stark reminder of the urgent need for awareness, prevention and support for those impacted by GBV.
As part of efforts to address the challenges of gender-based violence and femicide, the SAPS in Mpumalanga has organised a prayer day on Wednesday in Ermelo where members, together with faith-based-organisations.
“Domestic violence is an issue that affects individuals and communities globally, and we urge anyone who may be experiencing or aware of domestic violence to seek help.
“There are numerous resources and support systems available, including our Crime Stop number 08600 10111 and Victim Friendly Facilities in our Police Stations across the province, that can provide assistance and guidance," said Mkhwanazi. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 08/06/2024 - 10:06
1292 views
Chiloane condemns Matshidiso Primary School incident
Chiloane condemns Matshidiso Primary School incident
Gauteng Education, Sport, Arts, Culture & Recreation MEC, Matome Chiloane has condemned the “reprehensible” incident caught on video at Matshidiso Primary School in Katlehong.
On the video that has gone viral on social media, a well-known South African pastor is seen wielding pangas and threatening to attack teachers on the school premises.
“Disturbingly, another man is seen grabbing two learners, who were caught in the crossfire of this violent ordeal, while another is wielding an assault rifle. This violent and appalling behaviour has no place in our schools or our society,” said the provincial Department of Education.
In the video, the men with replica firearms and a panga are seen intimidating and harassing learners and teachers.
“The safety and well-being of our learners and educators are of utmost priority. Such acts of violence and intimidation not only undermine the foundation of our education system, but also have the potential to traumatise the entire school community, particularly given that this incident occurred in a primary school in full view of young children and their teachers.
“The department is committed to ensuring that justice is served in this matter. We will not tolerate any acts of violence or intimidation, and will take all necessary measures to protect our learners and educators,” said Chiloane.
The police said in a statement on Tuesday that the local pastor, his security personnel and others stormed the school and forcefully took two minor children.
READ | Pastor and others arrested for alleged intimidation at Katlehong school
“According to a preliminary report at our disposal, a conflict between two families over the custody of the boy learners enrolled at the school, in Grade RR and Grade 2, has been escalating. It is said that the mother of the children passed away in April this year, leading to a dispute between the paternal and maternal sides of the family.
“On the day of the incident, the father of the children had a meeting with the principal in the morning. Later in the day, the maternal grandmother, who is the alleged guardian of the children, also met with the principal as well to report and inform him about a conflict that occurred during a meeting held over the past weekend at the house of the paternal grandfather, who is a famous South African pastor,” said the department of Monday’s incident.
Following this, the deputy principal and some staff members refused to release the children without the grandmother’s permission.
This led to the pastor arriving at the school with bodyguards and weapons.
According to the department, teachers, acting on the said instructions from the grandmother, tried to prevent the father from leaving the school premises with the children. In response, the pastor brandished a panga threateningly at the teachers, allowing the father to leave with the children.
“Psycho-social support will be deployed for the affected teachers and learners to help them cope with the trauma resulting from this incident,” said the department. -SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Tue, 08/06/2024 - 11:59
672 views
The RMB Where to Invest in Africa 2024 report highlights Africa’s top investment economies
RMB (www.RMB.com) has released the highly anticipated 2024 edition of its Where to Invest in Africa report, a comprehensive analysis of the top investment destinations on the continent. The report, which has been developed in collaboration with the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS), leverages a robust methodology that has been updated to reflect new data sources, taking into account a variety of factors that have been proven to determine a country's progress and therefore its investment potential.
“Africa is not a country, but a vast, diverse and complex continent with different cultures, economies and investment potential. Our report therefore is not a definitive guide, but rather it is designed to provide insight to uncover the underlying drivers of a country's performance that inform its ranking. This offers invaluable insights for investors, policymakers, and business leaders looking to navigate Africa's dynamic economic landscape,” says Isaah Mhlanga, Chief Economist at RMB.
Expanded data, extended granularity
Investment decisions need to be viewed through both an economic performance lens and an operating environment lens. As a result, the methodology used for this edition of the Where to Invest in Africa report builds and expands on previous editions, taking into account new data sets as well as changing geopolitical and macroeconomic climates.
The scorecard for the 2024 issue highlights 31 countries that collectively represent 92% of the continent's economic activity (measured by GDP), and more than one billion people (three quarters of the continent's population). It draws on publicly available data sets from global institutions, including the World Bank, the IMF, the African Development Bank, the United Nations, and the International Labour Organisation.
The model is constructed from 20 metrics across four measurement pillars: economic performance and potential; market accessibility and innovation; economic stability and investment climate; and social and human development. Each metric is weighted, which translates into a weight for each pillar, and based on these metrics a standardised scorecard is produced, with rankings that enable effective comparison across Africa's complex and heterogeneous environment.
Africa's top five investment destinations
Combining these elements results in a ranking across the 31 countries measured. The results of the report show that the two small island economies of Seychelles and Mauritius rank first and second as the most attractive investment destinations on the continent, while the significantly larger economies of Egypt, South Africa, and Morocco rank in third, fourth and fifth places respectively.
Seychelles leads the rankings thanks to high levels of personal freedom, human development, and a stable economic environment. Seychelles offers a unique and attractive investment climate. Despite scoring lower on economic size and potential, Mauritius is known for innovation, economic freedom, and high GDP per capita. It continues to be a top destination for investors seeking stability and growth opportunities in a well-regulated environment.
Egypt represents Africa's largest economy by GDP (2023), offering a substantial market with diverse opportunities in sectors like technology, manufacturing, and services. Its strategic location and economic complexity further enhance its attractiveness. Despite facing significant challenges, South Africa remains a crucial hub for investment in Africa. Its robust financial sector, diverse economy, and potential for infrastructure development make it a key player. Finally, Morocco's strong performance in connectedness, innovation, and economic stability positions it as a top investment destination. Its strategic proximity to European markets adds to its appeal.
Distilling diversity – investment archetypes explained
Africa is an incredibly diverse continent, and no two markets are the same, which means there is no such thing as a universal success story. However, when we zoom out and view nations through the lenses of size and the relevant investability score, it becomes apparent that they fall into distinct groupings with shared traits. The 2024 edition of Where to Invest in Africa suggests five potential investment archetypes based on shared characteristics revealed through the four measurement pillars.
‘Highflyers' represent the large, well-established economies that offer stability and a range of investment opportunities, such as Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt and Ethiopia. Those ‘Cleared for Take-off' are countries with high economic growth and innovation potential thanks to factors like a young population and abundant resources, including Senegal and Côte d'Ivoire. ‘People Potential' are markets with a young and growing demographic, creating a sizeable consumer base and a future workforce, such as Kenya, DRC and Uganda. ‘Global Connectors' are more advanced economies with a strong international presence, such as Morocco, Mauritius, Tunisia and Seychelles. ‘Low-Base Boomers' are smaller markets with high potential for explosive growth but a corresponding higher degree of risk, including Rwanda, Mozambique, and Benin.
Additional insights unpacked
The report also highlights a number of trends across the various markets, and the role of innovation and economic complexity in driving growth is a central theme. Countries such as South Africa, Kenya, and Ghana are noted for their strides in technological innovation and diversification of their economic bases, making them attractive destinations for investment.
The African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) holds significant potential for boosting intra-African trade, enhancing economic integration, and creating a more competitive continental market. Effective implementation of the AfCFTA is expected to drive economic growth and development across the continent. Africa's young and rapidly growing population also presents a unique opportunity for economic growth, with countries like Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Uganda poised to benefit from this demographic dividend, provided they can create sufficient employment opportunities and foster a conducive environment for economic participation.
In addition, there are a number of emerging markets with significant growth potential, including Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya. Despite facing challenges such as political instability and infrastructural deficits, these countries offer substantial opportunities due to their large and youthful populations, improving business climates, and diversification efforts. Africa's vast natural resources, including minerals and arable land, are pivotal for sustainable economic growth. However, the report cautions against the "resource curse" and underscores the importance of good governance and strategic management. Angola, Mozambique, and the Democratic Republic of Congo are highlighted for their rich resources and potential for sustainable development.
One area that requires critical attention across the continent is the need for infrastructure investment. Improved transportation, energy, and digital infrastructure are essential for unlocking Africa's economic potential, and South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria are identified as key markets where infrastructure development could yield significant returns.
Beyond the rankings – a deeper look at African investment
Looking beyond metrics and scorecards, Africa holds massive potential but equally faces numerous challenges. The continent is rich in natural resources, which can be a major driver of economic growth, but they also present challenges in the form of corruption and environmental degradation. Increased activity around trade agreements can open new markets for foreign investors and boost economic activity, but lack of adequate infrastructure is a major hurdle for many African economies. Investment in this space will improve connectivity and create new opportunities, while rapid and increasing urbanisation will prove attractive to investors in consumer goods, retail, and financial services. Finally, countries in Africa are embracing new technologies, leapfrogging traditional development stages and creating new investment opportunities in the tech sector.
“The richness of Africa's diversity makes fully analysing its nuance and contrast a challenging task, but an important one when it comes to understanding the varied markets that make up this vast regional economy. The 2024 RMB Where to Invest in Africa report aims to develop a balanced, robust and actionable view of the drivers, challenges and opportunities that characterise each of the 31 African markets included in the analysis,” Mhlanga concludes.
Download the full report here to uncover the insights and drive more informed investment decisions.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Rand Merchant Bank.
Nicela Naudé’s Journey: From Abandonment to Love and a Brave Fight Against a Rare Disease
Nicela Naudé, affectionately known as Nikki, is a 10-year-old, grade 4 student at Riverside College in Cape Town. She entered the world under the shadow of abandonment. Born from an unwanted pregnancy 2014, her biological mother chose not to see her or even learn whether she had given birth to a boy or girl. Left …
Karabo Morapedi rises above the odds
Karabo Morapedi rises above the odds
by More Matshediso
Loving and supporting children who live with disabilities is key to enabling them to reach their full potential.
Karabo Morapedi (22) of Welkom in the Free State is a perfect example of what children with special needs can achieve if they are supported by their families.
He is among the South African athletes who will be flying the country’s flag high at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games in France.
The Paralympic Games are the largest global sporting event for athletes with disabilities. This year, they will open on 28 August and close on 8 September.
Despite being born with cerebral palsy quadriplegia, which affects all four limbs and causes various physical and intellectual challenges, Karabo does not allow the disability to stand between him and his dreams.
At the time of the interview, Karabo was at the World Boccia African Regional Championships in Cairo in Egypt.
Boccia is a Paralympic sport, it is a target ball sport which tests both muscle control and accuracy.
Vuk’uzenzele spoke briefly to his mother and aunt about his life story, academic performance and sport.
His mother, Sebolelo Morapedi, raised Karabo with the help of her sister Selloane Bochedi.
“Karabo’s father passed away when he was just an infant. I raised him together with his aunt,” she explained.
She said Karabo started playing Boccia back in Tswellang Special School in Bloemfontein, which provides Grade R to Grade 9 mainstream education and learner support services to learners who are physically challenged.
He continued with the sport when he joined Martie du Plessis School in Bloemfontein, which is a school for cerebral palsied, physically disabled and learning-disabled learners, where he completed his matric.
Karabo continued to play Boccia at the Central University of Technology (CUT) Welkom Campus, where he graduated with a National Diploma in Public Management this year. He is currently studying towards a qualification in Advanced Diploma in Applied Public Management at the university.
Bochedi said they had to accept his condition, but both committed to giving him love and support that he needed as a child.
“Like any other child, we invested in enrolling him in schools that catered for his special needs, and we have always been actively involved in his educational journey. He has always performed well in school and he excelled in his tertiary education studies,” explained Bochedi.
She believes that Karabo’s journey has so far shown everyone that living with a disability does not mean you have to be locked-up in the house.
She added that Karabo is extremely proud of his achievements so far and he has made his family proud.
The support that he gets from CUT and his coach also encourages him to work harder.
For more information about the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games visit www.paralympic.org/paris-2024.
*This article first appeared in Vuk’uzenzele
Janine
Tue, 08/06/2024 - 12:16
174 views
Mhlongo raring to shine at the Paris 2024 Paralympics
Mhlongo raring to shine at the Paris 2024 Paralympics
by Sihle Manda
When South African athletes enter the Place de la Concorde in Paris on 28 August for the Paris 2024 Paralympics, the country’s hopes will be hoisted high by flag-bearers, sprinter Mpumelelo Mhlongo and swimmer Katherine Swanepoel.
The two will be among the country’s medal hopefuls as South Africa tries to improve on the seven medals won at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics.
Four years ago, Mhlongo broke the T44 200m world record and set the T44 200m, 100m, and long jump Paralympic Games records.
Reacting to the honour of flag-bearer, he said: “My immediate reaction was the thought that I was being held as the butt of a joke. When I finally faced the reality of the honour, I was flabbergasted.”
He thought there were many deserving individuals to carry the country's flag, adding that he had been extremely grateful as it was something he had experienced at last year's Paris World Para Athletic Championships.
“To do it at the Paris 2024 Paralympics is madness,” he said.
He conceded that the honour had little bearing for him as a professional. “It is an honour that successfully challenges the [human] skeptic in me, that does not dare to dream of a future beyond its circumstances.”
On his personal ambitions, he said representing the country was an overwhelming feeling that needed to be experienced.
“Pride and gratitude are words that do not give the meaning, or the justice it deserves. I think no matter how many words you string together, even the imagination has its limitations which is where experience steps in,” he added.
The sprinter said he was excited for Games that are not held under pandemic lockdown conditions.
“I am looking forward to the Olympic and Paralympic athletes reminding its community how important they are and the joy we get in experiencing these global events with them,” he said.
The Chatsworth-born athlete said while he had set himself targets for Paris 2024, his biggest target was to get to the games in a healthy condition.
Chatsworth is in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
“We even have targets for the sort of sleep and recovery we want to see daily. The most important target though, is getting to the Games healthy because we have done everything we can in our preparations to be the best versions of ourselves when it matters.
“Once you are at the Games, you have to intentionally remember to go out there and have fun, just celebrate the opportunity to represent our country and everyone who has reminded us that our story has value just as others,” he concluded.
*This article first appeared in Vuk’uzenzele
Janine
Tue, 08/06/2024 - 12:26
125 views
Breaking Down Borders Africa TV series set to launch on SABC 1
Paul Modjadji’s 10 country African tour is chronicled in an enthralling new fourteen-part travelogue on SABC 1. Covering countries including Zambia, Namibia, Tanzania, Kenya, Nigeria and Senegal, the documentary follows Modjadji as he explores Africa’s rich youth and dance culture. Each episode serves up a kaleidoscope of experiences showcasing Africa’s leading landmarks and heritage sites …
Under One Roof rolls out its residential property listing service in South Africa
Under One Roof (www.UnderOneRoof.co.za), is an entirely new concept set to solve some of the most frustrating problems encountered with other property listing websites. It introduces a homeownership resource-concentrated hub that not only presents properties for rent or sale - which uniquely also assists its clients to complete a transfer to a new owner - but also incorporates offerings that empower homeowners to make well-informed decisions about their lifestyle.
Simultaneously, Under One Roof heralds the entry of a new female real estate CEO, Lynne Krawchuk, who is set to change the traditionally heavily-male dominated property executive clique. Her decades of experience as a marketing professional give Under One Roof the edge when it comes to converting website visitors to loyal clients, putting their needs and wants ahead of merely presenting a search engine of listings.
“We are going to completely change the way properties are showcased,” says Krawchuk. “We will reveal the power of delivering an innovative property ecosystem that will optimise anyone's property journey, be that the property practitioner or agency, the buyer, seller, or renter.”
Under One Roof is something not yet seen before on existing South African property platforms, where listings and advice remain unsupported by other digital marketing strategies, and which are not catering to the different demographic markets.
“This is likely due to complacency by the dominant few property-listing players who have amassed a following due to their monopoly. As such they have created an uneven playing field that restricts the marketing efforts of, particularly, the small-, micro-, and medium-sized property players who are further compromised by the prevailing challenge of diminishing property prices and weakened purchasing power of consumers,” says Krawchuk.
The key differentiator with Under One Roof is its functionality and pricing plan. Krawchuk explains that all users, be those buyers, sellers, renters, landlords, developers, or property practitioners, are provided with a unique login aligned to their own customised backend dashboard.
“Here they can access in-depth data relevant to individual listed properties, be that municipal charges or alternative power and water solutions. Buyers and renters will be able to download walk-through video's and monitor listings they are interested in for an easy revisit or comparison.”
Estate agents and private listers will be able to monitor the number of visitors to their listings, update, and edit details, and can avail of either a three- or six-month subscription per listing with a unique twist. “If the property is sold before the subscription expires, the outstanding months of the package can be transferred to another property listing, provided the first property sale is proven. We can even upload listings if that is preferred, at no charge,” explains Krawchuk.
For buyers, especially those who either do not fully comprehend the property purchase journey or are frustrated by the number of steps in the process, Under One Roof offers to source bond origination, bridging finance, rate clearance certificates and assistance with the transfer. “This feature alone responds to an undeniably underserved market, more specifically first-time home buyers and millennials who prefer to engage a full-range service.”
The Under One Roof customer-centric approach is also going to present as a novelty, for while technology may be driving the platform, AI chatbots are not a feature. “Our research indicates that customers prefer having a human respond to online or email queries. We acknowledge that while today's customers are considered as ‘smart consumers' who may be familiar with the digital realm, chatbots have no empathy, are unable to solve critical problems, and tend to aggravate users who may have a unique request.”
As Under One Roof grows, so too will the breadth of the platform. “Beyond the necessary features, we are concentrating on targeted demographics, where demands differ in terms of cultural and locality preferences,” says Krawchuk. “For example, in the future we will be presenting neighbourhood video visits hosted by a typical resident, and guidance manuals and features that highlight lifestyle choices. Commercial and retail properties will also be introduced.
“We believe that Under One Roof is the most intelligent, powerful, transparent, and streamlined real estate game-changer since property listings went online in the late 90s,” emphasises Krawchuk. “The team at Under One Roof is intentional about manifesting change in the market by filling the gaps that have been prevalent for too long. And, while others may think we are a disruptor, we disagree! We prefer to think of ourselves as renegades by challenging the existing, staid, and unadventurous status quo.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Under One Roof.
About Under One Roof:
Under One Roof (www.UnderOneRoof.co.za) is reinventing the property listing experience by delivering a one-to-one personalisation online platform for agents, buyers, sellers, and renters. It has developed a unique South African approach to all thing's property-focused, including lifestyle, with its presentation of a combination of digital and human interactions. Under One Roof is a compelling property hub that speaks to, and inspires, a new generation of property stakeholders.
Headquarters: Pretoria, South Africa
For more information, please visit our website: www.UnderOneRoof.co.za
Mental Illness awareness Month: Understanding the Distinctions and Trends in Mental Health and Mental Illness By Dr Litha Fatsha Advanced Specialist Healthcare Facilities Strategy Unit
Mental health and mental illness are often used interchangeably, yet they are distinct concepts. Mental health refers to our overall psychological well-being, encompassing our emotions, thoughts, and feelings, and it affects how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. In contrast, mental illness involves diagnosable conditions that impact a person’s thinking, emotional state, …
SA Deaf Rugby hosts its first international tournament
The deaf rugby series continues this week at St Stithians College in Randburg, Joburg
Power restored to Diepsloot welfare organisations at last
Lawyers against Abuse director says they are now able to provide counselling sessions without the constant noise of the generator
DWS priorities completion of bucket eradication projects
DWS priorities completion of bucket eradication projects
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) says it will prioritise the completion of the remaining delayed Bucket Eradication Programme projects in the Northern Cape and the Free State.
Briefing the media on the department’s plans and priorities for the 2024/25 financial year on Monday, Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina said of the 33 projects which formed part of the programme in the Free State, 26 have been completed (eradicating approximately 32 000 buckets).
“Approximately 10 000 buckets remain to be eradicated in the seven incomplete projects. Of 30 projects which formed part of the programme in the Northern Cape, 29 are completed (eradicating approximately 12 000 buckets), and 596 buckets remain to be eradicated in the one incomplete project,” Majodina said.
However, the Minister acknowledged that the programme will not result in the eradication of the “undignified” and “repugnant” bucket system altogether from the South African landscape. This is because the programme only focuses on eradicating buckets in certain towns in certain provinces, where they were identified in 2012.
She said since then, and on an ongoing basis, other municipalities elsewhere have introduced buckets systems in formal and informal settlements.
“The eradication of buckets is therefore a moving target. In order to address this, Cabinet has recently approved a National Sanitation Framework which will provide the basis for the department to issue new national minimum norms and standards for sanitation which will prohibit the use of the bucket system in both formal and informal settlements,” Majodina said.
Working together with the Water Research Commission, the department is developing new safe, dignified, on-site and non-sewered sanitation systems.
“These solutions will use much less water than water-borne sewered sanitation systems, which is necessary in a water scarce country such as South Africa. Such systems will need to be implemented by municipalities.”
Strengthening partnerships
The Minister added that the Ministry of Water and Sanitation will continue to collaborate with all sectors, especially the private sector, to contribute to resolving the country’s water and sanitation challenges.
This is in line with President Cyril Ramaphosa’s call to strengthen collaboration and social compacts with the private sector, labour, civil society and government.
In addition to partnerships with mining houses for water supply projects, the department is also facilitating partnerships between the private sector and municipalities, through its Water Partnerships Office, which was established in collaboration with the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA).
This includes finalising plans with the eThekwini, Mangaung, Buffalo City, Nelson Mandela Bay, and Tshwane municipalities to mobilise private sector finance for the replacement of leaking municipal water distribution pipes which are resulting in high levels of non-revenue water.
Water Services Amendment Bill
Meanwhile, the department will shortly be presenting the Water Services Amendment Bill to Cabinet for approval for it to be submitted to Parliament.
Majodina noted that despite the high level of support provided by the department to the municipalities, the municipal water and sanitation services continue to decline.
She said the Amendment Bill provides for the introduction of an operating license system for Water Services Providers, to enable Water Services Authorities to ensure that their providers have a minimum level of capability to provide water and sanitation services that meet national norms and standards.
“The amendments propose that this should be done through the introduction of an operating license requirement for Water Services Providers, to ensure that they have a minimum level of competency.
“The Bill also introduces measures to enable the national department to take regulatory action against municipalities which do not comply with national minimum norms and standards for water services,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 08/05/2024 - 14:23
90 views
Paris Olympics: Lottery steps in at 11th hour to help fund Team SA
Stringent conditions means money can only be spent on athletes, not officials
Government activities for the week 05 – 09 August 2025
Government activities for the week 05 – 09 August 2025
On Monday, 05 August, Ministry of Water and Sanitation to brief media on departmental plans and priorities for 2024/25 at the Birchwood Hotel, Boksburg.
On Tuesday, 06 August, Minister Blade Nzimande addresses 32nd General Assembly of the International Astronomy Union in Cape Town. Also on Tuesday, the National Treasury launches the Money Smart Week South Africa 2024.
On Tuesday, 06 August the Department of Employment and Labour holds joint Employment Equity advocacy workshops in partnership with the CCMA kick off in the North West province.
On Wednesday, 07 August, the Department of Employment and Labour holds joint Employment Equity advocacy workshops in partnership with the CCMA.
Also on Wednesday, 07 August through till Saturday, the Basic Education and Sport, Arts and Culture departments host the 2024 ABC Motsepe South African Schools Choral Eisteddfod, at the Rhema Bible Church in Randburg.
Thursday, 08 August, no confirmed events.
Friday, 09 August, Women’s Day will be commemorated nationally by all South Africans.
Neo
Mon, 08/05/2024 - 11:14
170 views
Proteas Women Gear Up For T20 World Cup With Skills Camp In Tshwane
TSHWANE: The Proteas Women have gathered in Tshwane for a specialized skills training camp at the CSA Centre of Excellence...
Nzimande to address the world’s largest astronomy meeting
Nzimande to address the world’s largest astronomy meeting
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister, Professor Blade Nzimande, will give the opening address at the world’s largest astronomy meeting, the 32nd General Assembly of the International Astronomy Union (IAU).
The two week-long meeting will kick off on Tuesday, 6 August, in Cape Town, South Africa.
Hosted for the first time in Africa, the in-person and virtual global gathering of astronomers and other experts in the field will also provide open access for anyone to attend from anywhere in the world.
According to the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), world-renowned astronomers Dr Mae Jemison and Dr Sian Proctor will address the assembly.
Jemison became the first female African American commercial astronaut and mission pilot to travel into space when she went into orbit aboard the National Administration and Space Administration’s (NASA) Space Shuttle Endeavour on 12 September 1992.
Proctor is an astronaut and was the first female pilot of a commercial spaceship.
The department said the two renowned experts will speak to over 2 000 astronomers from around the world at this event, which takes place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
“The assembly is an opportunity for astronomers to address key topics in contemporary astronomy and assess the latest scientific progress in various specialised areas,” the statement read.
This year’s General Assembly represents a significant milestone, highlighting Africa’s growing role in the global astronomical community and its potential for major contributions to astronomical research and development.
Meanwhile, the Minister’s address will underscore the commitment to advance Africa’s astronomy and science on the global stage as well as highlight South Africa’s massive investments in skills and infrastructure development.
His speech will also touch on the geographical advantages of clear southern skies in the Karoo, its engineering and scientific base, and its growing international ranking and partnerships.
“One highlight will be the opportunity for attendees to speak to the astronauts on board the International Space Station live from the conference venue via ham radio, in partnership with Amateur Radio on the International Space Station.”
Other guests include the former director of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), Dr Bernie Fanaroff, who will deliver a talk on ‘Innovating at the periphery: the development of SKA and MeerKAT’.
The IAU General Assembly is held every three years and is led by the African Astronomical Society.
Each event advances the astronomical sciences through international collaboration and celebrates Africa's rich astronomical heritage and commitment to advancing the field.
The hybrid event is being hosted by the National Research Foundation, supported by the DSI.
The academic programme will include over 2 000 presentations scheduled across more than 300 sessions.
The General Assembly will include six symposia and 12 multi-session focus meetings. There will also be poster sessions and prize lectures given by recipients of prestigious awards in astronomy.
According to the department, this meeting will have a societal impact that goes beyond national barriers in a continent-wide celebration of astrology.
Exhibitors will include the South Africa Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO), the South African Astronomical Observatory, NASA, the European Space Agency and the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, the US National Radio Astronomy Observatory, and several South African agencies. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 08/05/2024 - 11:26
4 views
De Klerk Bowls SA Emerging To First Test Win
BULAWAYO: Jade de Klerk claimed five wickets to bowl South Africa Emerging to an innings victory on the final day of...
Mpongwana Hits Ton On Dy Three In Bulawayo
BULAWAYO: South Africa Emerging captain Mihlali Mpongwana completed his century on the third day of the first unofficial Test against Zimbabwe...
KFC Mini-Cricket Provincial Seminars Kick-Off With A Vision For The Future
JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) is thrilled to announce the commencement of the KFC Mini-Cricket Provincial Seminars, starting with Mpumalanga on...
Outcomes Of Cricket South Africa’s Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion Indaba
TSHWANE: Cricket South Africa (CSA) hosted the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Indaba, from 26 to 28 July 2024, in Tshwane....
Kenya’s Christine Njoki continues her winning streak in Durban at the Totalsports Women’s Race
Kenya’s Christine Njoki, the current holder of the SA all-comers record, claimed a dominating victory at the Totalsports Women’s Race in Durban on Sunday 4 August 2024. Starting and finishing at the Suncoast Casino on Snell Parade, the streets of Durban buzzed with excitement as a record field of 7500 runners gathered to partake in …
Police rescue 90 Ethiopian nationals, kidnap victim
Police rescue 90 Ethiopian nationals, kidnap victim
Ninety undocumented Ethiopian nationals, who were allegedly being kept against their will and under inhumane conditions, have been rescued in Sunnydale Ridge, Johannesburg by the South African Police Service (SAPS) Special Task Force (STF) unit.
“A multidisciplinary team, led by the STF, were tracing a victim of kidnapping for ransom when they they also made the discovery of the undocumented nationals who were found locked up, confined and packed into rooms.
“Investigations are underway as to how these nationals were trafficked into SA,” said the police in a statement on Sunday, adding that the Ethiopian nationals were all taken to hospital for medical care.
Among the Ethiopian nationals was the kidnapped victim who was also rescued.
The victim had been kidnapped in Benoni on Tuesday afternoon and his kidnappers immediately started demanding hundreds of thousands of ransom money from his family.
Two alleged human traffickers and kidnappers who were found on the property have been arrested and are likely to face charges of kidnapping and human trafficking.
They are expected to appear before the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court soon.
The case has been handed over to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (HAWKS) for further investigations.
The police said the operation would not have been successful without the work of the crime intelligence unit, organised crime detectives unit, Sandringham and Daveyton SAPS as well as private security. – SAnews.gov.za
Janine
Sun, 08/04/2024 - 12:38
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