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Apply for a PhD scholarship in science, technology and innovation policy

Location: News

Apply for a PhD scholarship in science, technology and innovation policy

The National Advisory Council on Innovation, through the National Research Foundation (NRF), is offering two scholarships to full-time PhD candidates in science, technology and innovation policy for the 2025 academic year.

The scholarships will cover the full cost of study, including annual tuition fees, accommodation, transport and food allowances.

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • They must be full-time students who are registered or intend to register, for a PhD at any South African public university in 2025.
  • They must be South African citizens or have permanent resident status.
  • They must hold a relevant master's qualification from a university in South Africa or abroad. For the latter, the master's must be recognised by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
  • They must have achieved a minimum of 65% at master’s level.
  • They must be 32 years old or younger in the year of application.
  • They must be able to work independently and as part of a team.
  • They may not be in full-time employment while they are studying.

To apply, individuals must send a CV of no more than five pages to Professor Anastassios Pouris at apouris@icon.co.za by 19 July 2024.

The CV should include a proposed PhD topic or area of interest.

Shortlisted candidates will be linked to the NRF Connect system (https://nrfconnect.nrf.ac.za) to apply for funding. 

They will receive an NRF application reference number and their application will be sent to their chosen university for screening and review. 

If the university recommends an application for funding, the NRF will continue with the process. – SAnews.gov.za 

Gabisile
Fri, 07/05/2024 - 12:07

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Read moreApply for a PhD scholarship in science, technology and innovation policy

Doorstep Gem: Discover the Hidden Charms of the Majestic Magaliesberg this Winter

Location: MyPR

Tucked between the busy cities of Pretoria in Gauteng and Rustenburg in the North West is the Magaliesberg region, a natural oasis that many people tend to overlook when seeking a holiday destination, a weekend break or day trip. “This area, with its rugged mountains, green valleys, and diverse wildlife, is a great spot for …

Read moreDoorstep Gem: Discover the Hidden Charms of the Majestic Magaliesberg this Winter

GNU: A new era for SA

Location: News

GNU: A new era for SA

As the new Cabinet of the seventh administration gets to grips with the workings of their various portfolios - it has been advised to place ordinary South Africans at the heart of the administration.

“Show the ordinary South Africans that their well-being is the ultimate goal and at the heart of those running government and the administration,” Extraordinary Professor at the Department of Political Sciences at the University of Pretoria, Henning Melber, told SAnews.

Melber’s comments follow on the announcement on Sunday, 30 June 2024, of the new National Executive of the seventh administration by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The much-anticipated announcement is the result of the National and Provincial Elections that were held on 29 May. For the first time in democratic South Africa’s history, that election did not result in an outright majority for a single party to lead the country for the next five years.

The will of the people

In those initial days following from the point where voting took place, up to the announcement of the results, ordinary citizens were wondering what would happen next. After all, we were accustomed to living in a country that since the advent of democracy, was led by a single majority party.

However, from the hotly contested elections themselves to the announcement of the election results, peace was the order of the day. This also extended to the period of the swearing in of Members of Parliament (MPs) and other MPs at a later stage, as well as the election of National Assembly (NA) Speaker Thoko Didiza and National Council of Provinces (NCOP) Chairperson Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane. The election and inauguration of Cyril Ramaphosa as President and head of government of the seventh administration was also peaceful.

An acceptance of the will of the people at the ballot box also played an important part in where the country finds itself today with the seventh administration’s Government of National Unity (GNU) starting to take shape.

This GNU, however, differs from the one that South Africa had, following the seminal elections of 1994 that saw the African National Congress (ANC) go into a GNU with two other political parties, despite having won an outright majority. The current GNU comprises 11parties across the political spectrum.

These parties are: the African National Congress (ANC), Democratic Alliance (DA), Patriotic Alliance, Inkatha Freedom Party, Good Party, Pan Africanist Congress of Azania, Freedom Front Plus, United Democratic Movement, Al Jama-ah, Rise Mzansi and the United Africans Transformation. 

Collaboration

In an interview with SAnews, Melber further advised parties involved in the GNU to “collaborate with members of other parties based on trust; seeking to improve efficiency in service delivery.”

With this rather eventful week drawing to a close, South Africans not only witnessed the announcement of the new Cabinet, but also the swearing in of the new executive, including Deputy President Paul Mashatile as well as the induction programme of new MPS in the Western Cape.

And yes, it did take some time to get to where we are now as a country, but we must remember that Rome was not built in a day.

In his address to the nation on Sunday, President Ramaphosa acknowledged the length of time it took to put together the administration.

Confidence vs Time

However, Melber points out that given the different elements at play, the process in truth did not take too much time.

He said that given the rather unusual, if not complicated blend of parties who needed to secure common ground, and agreeing on an acceptable power sharing arrangement in terms of portfolios -, this process had actually not taken that long.

“And it was a necessary investment in building a minimum degree of confidence and trust as a point of departure. There are democracies who for months (among others The Netherlands, Sweden) if not years (Belgium) had not a proper government and were neither less politically stable. Many observers at least in the Western democracies were hoping for such a power-sharing arrangement and did not expect this to happen much faster. Building a reliable collaboration between political parties so different in their programmes needs time,” Melber explained.

A new era

In his inauguration address on 19 June 2024, President Ramaphosa described the GNU as “the beginning of a new era” adding that it requires a common mission, which is anchored in safeguarding national unity, peace, stability, inclusive economic growth, non-racialism and non-sexism.

Asked about his thoughts on the GNU, Melber said: “Under the given circumstances of the election result, the decision to form a GNU seemed to be a wise and considerate move, aiming to accommodate a broad middle for political stability in a government, in which the ANC remains the major party.”

The announcement of the new Cabinet also came with changes in government departments that involve the merger of the Ministries of Electricity and Energy as well as the announcement of a separate Ministry of Mineral and Petroleum Resources. The President also announced the separation of the Ministry of Agriculture from the Ministry of Land Reform and Rural Development, among others.

“This is a necessary adjustment to accommodate divergent interests seeking influence in governance. If in the end - despite some further bloating of the structures - it provides a reliable operational structure to make improvements in delivery - it is a well justified investment,” said the Professor.

South Africa’s future under a GNU is now underway with Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni having held the first media briefing of the seventh administration on Thursday, 4 July 2024.

At that briefing, the Minister outlined the process that would be followed to set government’s priorities and programme of action for the seventh administration. These said the Minister, will be articulated in the Medium-Term Strategic Framework (MTSF), which is normally guided by the election manifesto of the governing party. However, in this case of the GNU, a unique case for government, this will be guided by the election manifestoes of the 11 parties to the GNU. 

To give effect to the signed Statement of Intent as signed by parties to the GNU, the Forum of South African Directors-General (FOSAD), chaired by the Director-General in The Presidency, has undertaken the work of analysing the manifestoes of parties to the GNU.

After thorough scrutiny, the Directors-General will then submit a proposal for consideration and adoption at the Cabinet Lekgotla scheduled for 11-12 July.

The two-day Lekgotla will deliberate on the proposals of the Directors-General, after which the programmes and priorities of government will be announced.  

“The adopted programme of action (MTSF) will be announced by the President at the Opening of Parliament on Thursday, 18 July 2024. After the adoption of the MTSF, the individual departments will then develop their Strategic Plans linked to the MTSF and Annual Performance Plans for implementation of the MTSF targets,” explained Minister Ntshavheni.

Happiness trajectory

Following the elections and Sunday’s cabinet announcement, South Africa’s happiness trends have been on an upright trajectory.

This is according to the Gross National Happiness (GNH) index. The index is the brainchild of Professor Talita Greyling of the University of Johannesburg (UJ) and Prof Stephanie Rossouw of the Auckland University of Technology, with the technical support of AFSTEREO (Pty) Ltd.

According to UJ, the GNH is the first index of its kind and measures the real-time sentiment of the country. 

“The much-anticipated announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa of the new GNU Cabinet on 30 June 2024 is being experienced positively by the South African people, as shown by the near real-time Happiness Index of the GNH.today project.

“The happiness levels in South Africa have been trending upward since the election results were announced in June 2024, from 5.36 to 5.42,” the university said in a statement.

The GNH.today project measures happiness in near real-time based on specific emotion words used in Google searches.  

“The GNU ensures a broad representation and a solid mandate to govern the country, contributing to higher levels of transparency, accountability, and trust in the government.  It also explains the higher happiness levels, reflecting hope for a better future,” said the university.

In analysing the positive trend in the happiness index, the team found that positive emotion words used in South Africa increased, such as “hope”, “happiness”, and “joy”.

However, there was an increase in negative emotion words such as “bad” and “afraid”, but with a positive net effect. 

“The increase in both positive and negative words is expected as it indicates the debate around the newly appointed cabinet.  Different parties criticise the portfolio allocations and the ministers appointed. The increased size of the government is also critiqued.  On the other hand, there is relief that the Cabinet was announced after almost a month of negotiations. 

“This announcement implies an agreement about power-sharing,” said the university.

Asked about whether he thinks the GNU will stick, Professor Melber is hopeful.

“I’m afraid I have misplaced my crystal ball,” he chirps.

“More seriously [though,] one hopes for the sake of South African citizens that this GNU manages to operate and serve the best interest of the people. If this construction holds, it is a win-win situation for all the parties who were able to compromise for the sake of the people and the country’s stability,” he said. -SAnews.gov.za
 

Neo
Fri, 07/05/2024 - 12:54

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Read moreGNU: A new era for SA

Cape Town – Are You Ready for The Addams Family Musical?

Location: Entertainment, MyPR

MotherCity Theatre Productions is proud to announce the professional South African premiere of THE ADDAMS FAMILY Musical by Andrew Lippa, Marshal Brickman and Rick Elice. Based on the beloved characters created by Charles Addams, THE ADDAMS FAMILY Musical centres around the eccentric, macabre, and ghoulish Addams family, led by Gomez and Morticia Addams. With witty …

Read moreCape Town – Are You Ready for The Addams Family Musical?

NSG, TUT to sign MOU

Location: News

NSG, TUT to sign MOU

The National School of Government (NSG) and the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) will today sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to align, accredit, register and deliver a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Affairs and African Governance - a first of its kind in Africa.

The intent of the programme is to strengthen governance on the African continent and to professionalise public servants of partner countries.

The programme seeks to bridge the gap between undergraduate and postgraduate education opportunities in member countries and to offer a regionally recognised qualification.

The conceptualisation and design of this programme is aligned to the African Union (AU) Agenda 2063 to implement developmental programmes and to realise the aspiration for good governance in Africa.

The National School of Government seeks to build and to locate the strategic and operational capabilities of public service education and training provision within the State.

The NSG came into existence through a proclamation by the President which was gazetted on 21 October 2013, replacing the then Public Administration Leadership and Management Academy (PALAMA).

The proclamation made the NSG a national government department under the portfolio of the Minister of Public Service and Administration.

The work of the NSG has also been enhanced by the decision of government to make building a capable, ethical and developmental state the number one priority among the seven priorities outlined in the 2019-2024 Medium Term Strategic Framework (MTSF).

The NSG offers training in the three spheres of government to all levels - from the cadet and foundation phase to middle and senior management as well as executive management.

Its expanded mandate also includes Directors-General, Deputy Directors-General and political office-bearers, where the focus includes building expertise on economic governance, political oversight and accountability. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Thu, 07/04/2024 - 10:07

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Cabinet will work together to thrash out policy – Ntshavheni

Location: News

Cabinet will work together to thrash out policy - Ntshavheni

Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni has moved to clarify that any policy or significant decision will be taken through Cabinet first before a decision on implementation can be taken.

The Minister was speaking at a media briefing a day after the swearing in ceremony of the Deputy President, Ministers and Deputy Ministers of the seventh administration on Wednesday.

The ceremony heralded in the Government of National Unity formed by members of eleven different political parties.

The eleven parties to the GNU include the African National Congress, Democratic Alliance, Patriotic Alliance, Inkatha Freedom Party, Good Party, Pan Africanist Congress of Azania, Freedom Front Plus, United Democratic Movement, Al Jama-ah, Rise Mzansi and the United Africans Transformation. 

During the briefing, Ntshavheni was at pains to explain that policy is not decided upon by individual ministers but through Cabinet.

“It should be stressed that both the President and individual ministers are duty bound to take the issues of policy, significant decisions such as decisions with financial consequences exceeding a department’s approved budget and any other matter…. they must take those matters to Cabinet.

“Failure to do so could undermine the validity of such a decision. So there is no single minister who can expropriate a decision of Cabinet or that policy decision to themselves because then that policy will not be valid in terms of the laws of the Republic…as provided for in the Constitution,” she said at Thursday’s briefing in Cape Town.

WATCH | Media briefing on the Government of National Unity 

Doubling down on her emphasis, the minister said as head of the National Executive, President Ramaphosa “exercises the executive authority of the Republic together with other members of the Cabinet and members of the Cabinet are only ministers”.

“In this regard, the President, with the Cabinet he is responsible for, and I’m quoting directly from the Constitution, implementing national legislation unless the Constitution or an Act of Parliament provides others.

“Two, developing and implementing national policy. So, the national policies are not of individual ministers but of Cabinet.”

Ntshavheni noted that although the Constitution provides that Cabinet take collective responsibility, it gives leeway for determination on which matters can be left to individual ministers.

“[It] allows the Cabinet and the President to determine the way and procedures by which they work together, including leaving certain matters or kinds of matters to be dealt with by a single member of Cabinet, meaning a minister.

“Therefore, if a matter is not a routine matter or departmental specific matter or function, it must first be referred to Cabinet as must all matters that Cabinet itself has decided should come to it. In general, if a matter is not a routine matter it must be referred to Cabinet for its consideration by way of a Cabinet Memorandum,” she explained.

The Minister said the President can also determine when a decision that has been referred to him should be discussed in Cabinet first.

“This envisages that the President himself may determine that a President’s Minute referred to him for signature…should in fact go to the Cabinet first and, accordingly, refer it back to the Minister to take to the Cabinet.

“This is an approach which is accepted by the Cabinet as its way of “acting together with the President” when he exercises executive authority under the Constitution,” Ntshavheni said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Thu, 07/04/2024 - 13:27

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Setting priorities for the seventh administration

Location: News

Setting priorities for the seventh administration

Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni has outlined the process that the Government of National Unity (GNU) will undertake to set government’s priorities and programme of action for the seventh administration.

This comes after the swearing-in ceremony of the new members of the National Executive that took place on Wednesday, 3 July 2024.

Addressing a media briefing on Thursday, the Minister said the government’s priorities and programme of action will be articulated in the Medium-Term Strategic Framework (MTSF), which is normally guided by the election manifesto of the governing party. However, in this case of the GNU, a unique case for government, this will be guided by the election manifestoes of the 11 parties to the GNU. 

WATCH | Media briefing on the GNU

 

To give effect to the signed Statement of Intent as signed by parties to the GNU, the Forum of South African Directors-General (FOSAD), which is chaired by the Director-General in The Presidency, has undertaken the work of analysing the manifestoes of parties to the GNU.

After thorough scrutiny, the Directors-General will then submit a proposal for consideration and adoption at the Cabinet Lekgotla scheduled for Thursday to Friday (11-12 July).

NDP: A compass to guide 

The Minister explained that the ultimate "filter" that determines the priorities of government will be the goals as articulated in the National Development Plan.  

“The choice of priorities is guided by their alignment to the attainment of the goals of the National Development Plan (Vision 2030) as adopted by Parliament in 2012.  As a country, we adopted the NDP in 2012, which was widely consulted [on], and it came to parliament for adoption. This is our plan to deliver a better South Africa for all by 2030.

“Later, the United Nations (UN) developed the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are closely linked to that plan. As we implement the NDP, we are also implementing the SDGs,” the Minister said.

Following steps 

The two day Lekgotla will deliberate on the proposals of the Directors-General, after which the programmes and priorities of government will be announced.  

“The adopted programme of action (MTSF) will be announced by the President at the Opening of Parliament on Thursday, 18 July 2024. After the adoption of the MTSF, the individual departments will then develop their Strategic Plans linked to the MTSF and Annual Performance Plans for implementation of the MTSF targets.

“Departments present both their strategic plans and Annual Performance Plans to Parliament and [the] Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME) for oversight. The National Treasury will fund the implementation of the MTSF through the National Budget that is tabled and approved by Parliament,” Ntshavheni explained.

The DPME is responsible for overseeing and reporting on the implementation of the MTSF (the consolidated government view), and the Annual Performance Plans and submits the reports of alignment and performance to both the President and the Cabinet.

We wear a Government cap 

“As we are in a GNU, the decisions that we collectively agree on as the programme of action is the programme of action of government. We are collectively responsible for implementing that programme of action,” the Minister said. 

"As we go into government, we do not wear a party cap, but a government cap."  

Appointment of Ministers

On the issue of when Ministers of the sixth administration ceased to be Ministers, Ntshavheni said when the President of the seventh administration assumed office or took the Oath of Office, Ministers of the sixth administration ceased to be Ministers.

“This means all the executive authority powers moved back to the single executive authority, which is the President. No Minister of the sixth administration could make a pronouncement or a commitment or sign anything after the President took his oath of office.

READ | The oath has been taken, President Ramaphosa is inaugurated

“Similarly, the Ministers of the seventh administration only assumed office yesterday, 3rd July 2024 when they took their Oath of Office.

“Consequently, the priorities of the seventh administration are only going to be adopted at the scheduled Lekgotla and Ministers will be using this period until the Lekgotla to receive briefings from their departments and consult on how to shape the direction of the discussions at the Lekgotla,” the Minister said. –SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Thu, 07/04/2024 - 13:40

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Read moreSetting priorities for the seventh administration

Teen in hot water over viral video of assault on grandma

Location: News

Teen in hot water over viral video of assault on grandma

A 19-year-old has been taken into custody for attacking his grandmother - the incident of which was recorded and went viral on social media.  

In the 55 second video, the teenager from the Western Cape is seen slapping the grandmother on the face and hitting her head in the kitchen.

The elderly woman then falls to her knees before gathering the strength to stand up as her grandson continues to threaten her. 

“The grandson of the victim was arrested at his residence in Wallacedene last night and he is scheduled to make his court appearance in Blue Downs Magistrate’s Court once he has been charged,” a South African Police Service (SAPS) statement read.

According to the police, the suspect was found in Wallacedene, Kraaifontein, Cape Town, where he lives with his relatives. 

The grandmother is said to be in hospital for an ailment unrelated to the assault and declined to submit a statement, the SAPS said. 

The police’s initial investigations revealed that the incident occurred last month at the residence of the victim. 

“The police were summoned to the scene, but it is said that the family took the matter into their own hands and refused police assistance. 

“The severity of the matter was realised when a video of the incident was circulating on the internet, and on this basis, SAPS intervened and opened a case docket on behalf of the victim.” 

The police said crimes against women and children are on top of the SAPS’ priority list and that they will not turn a blind eye to any form of violence in this regard. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile
Thu, 07/04/2024 - 14:07

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Read moreTeen in hot water over viral video of assault on grandma

NHLS apologises for blood result delays

Location: News

NHLS apologises for blood result delays

The National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) has announced that while all its laboratories are operational following a cyber-attack, the issuing of test results to clinicians remains an issue. 

“Under normal circumstances, the laboratory reports are automatically generated and sent to clinicians or made available on WebView, this incident has disabled that functionality. However, all urgent results are communicated telephonically to requesting clinicians,” the NHLS said in a statement on Wednesday

The NHLS announced late last month that it was hit by a cyber-attack, which compromised its systems and infrastructure.

READ | National Health Laboratory Service hit by cyber attack

In the meantime, the State-owned diagnostic pathology service provider said it was still implementing alternative plans and steps to maintain business continuity.

The NHLS has since distributed a critical test list to all health facilities. 

“This is done to limit the volume of test requests, allowing laboratories to cope with the workload. However, this does not imply that routine tests will not be performed.” 

In addition, the service provider had to come up with ways of making tuberculosis (TB) and HIV viral load historical test results available to clinicians. 

“More tests, prioritising those on the critical test list, will be made available. In addition, we are in the process of developing an electronic registration system for registering new samples and providing test results electronically. Access to laboratory results will be the same as the historical TB and HIV viral test results.” 

According to the NHLS, its current focus is to bring all its systems back online by the estimated mid-July to ensure end-user access remains.

“The NHLS is handling this challenge with extreme urgency to ensure the timely and secure recovery of all affected operations.” 

Meanwhile, the organisation has since opened a case with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and informed all the relevant regulatory bodies about the breach.

“The NHLS views this attack in a serious light with significant worry and is treating the situation with great urgency. The breach has endangered the safety and well-being of millions of public health patients.” 

The Board and its leadership team have apologised for the inconvenience caused by this occurrence and assured the public that the organisation is taking all necessary steps to resolve the situation. 

“Despite the incident, the NHLS remains fully committed to providing high-quality diagnostic services to the public. The NHLS appreciates all stakeholders’ patience and the support we continue to receive during this difficult time.” – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile
Thu, 07/04/2024 - 11:43

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Lesufi announces Gauteng Cabinet

Location: News

Lesufi announces Gauteng Cabinet

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has announced his Cabinet that will lead the seventh administration of the provincial government.

The new provincial Cabinet was announced on Wednesday evening.

“Today, we bring to you the new leadership and Members of the Executive Council (MEC), assigned to steer the ship towards a better Gauteng.

“The team, will from this week, start their work of consolidating the election manifestoes of our different parties so that we can develop a shared vision for Gauteng, a shared vision of prosperity, a shared vision of service delivery, a shared vision to eliminate crime, corruption and lawlessness,” he said.

The new MECs are:

  • MEC for e-Government is Bonginkosi Dlamini.
  • MEC for Finance and Economic Development is Lebogang Maile.
  • MEC for Education and Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation is Matome Chiloane.
  • MEC for Health and Wellness is Nomantu Nkomo Ralehoko.
  • MEC for Roads and Transport is Kedibone Diale-Tlabela.
  • MEC for Human Settlements is Tasneem Motara.
  • MEC for Social Development is Faith Mazibuko.
  • MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development is Vuyiswa Ramokgopa.
  • MEC for Infrastructure Development and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs is Jacob Mamabolo.
  • MEC for Environment is Sheila Mary Peters.

Lesufi explained that the formerly stand alone Department of Community Safety will now move to the Office of the Premier in a bid to strengthen the fight against crime.

“The fight against crime is going to be the centre of this government. We are migrating this responsibility to the Office of the Premier so that we can lead and champion the fight against crime, corruption and lawlessness.

“We can’t surrender our province to criminals. We can’t be scared of our own shadows and convert our own houses to be prisons because criminals are doing as they wish. We strongly believe the utilisation of creative ways of technology, innovation and the increase of personnel to fight crime in our province must be a priority.

“If there is one priority for the seventh administration and the government of Gauteng in the next five years, it’s our relentless efforts to confront and fight crime head on,” he said.

Government of Provincial Unity

The provincial executive is constituted of members from different political parties – forming a Government of Provincial Unity (GPU).

The political parties represented in the provincial cabinet are the African National Congress, the Inkatha Freedom Party, Rise Mzansi and the Patriotic Alliance.

According to Lesufi, other political formations party to the GPU “chose to use the Gauteng Provincial Legislature as their terrain of operation”.

The formation of the GPU was necessitated after no political party received an outright majority following the National and Provincial Elections in May.

The Premier emphasised that although the MECs hail from different parties, they remain committed to serving the people of Gauteng.

“We accept, without any conditions the outcome of our elections and the desires of our electorate that all political parties must work together to run our provincial government. In doing so, we must be matured; we must be sober; we must understand each other at all times. These are uncharted waters; these are opportunities that are presented to us by our voters.

“We’ve been asked to work together - to work together we will do. We’ve been asked to combine our thoughts for a better Gauteng - to combine our thoughts, we will do, together. We’ve been asked to leave no one behind. Today, we all declare that no one, will be left behind unless they choose not to be part of the [GPU].

“I want to emphasise this: there is no door that is closed. This door will be permanently open and those that want to join [the GPU] will be free to join it,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Thu, 07/04/2024 - 10:13

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Read moreLesufi announces Gauteng Cabinet

Crown Relocations South Africa Joins the Fight Against Period Poverty by Supporting #GirlDontSkipADay Initiative

Location: MyPR

Johannesburg, July 2024 – Leading global relocations company, Crown Relocations South Africa, has taken a crucial step towards ensuring that no girl child is unable to attend school due to a lack of menstrual hygiene products. Through their Crown Africa Coronets Group, they have donated 230 sanitary pads to the Foundation for Special Needs Children …

Read moreCrown Relocations South Africa Joins the Fight Against Period Poverty by Supporting #GirlDontSkipADay Initiative

SA’s Locstat recognised as top 50 in the world for financial fraud prevention

Location: MyPR

Recent research highlights that more than 52% of fraud now happens over digital channels, surpassing conventional fraud for the first time, with South African businesses reporting a 49% increase in the 12 months preceding the survey. These fraudulent activities cost South African businesses nearly four times (3.64x) the lost amount to report, investigate, recover, and …

Read moreSA’s Locstat recognised as top 50 in the world for financial fraud prevention

Telkom recognised as a top South African brand by Brand Africa

Location: MyPR

3 July 2024, Johannesburg: We are thrilled to announce that Telkom has been honoured as one of the 30 most admired South African brands that have significantly shaped South Africa’s global reputation and competitiveness over the past 30 years. This prestigious recognition was awarded at the Brand Africa 100 annual rankings of the best brands …

Read moreTelkom recognised as a top South African brand by Brand Africa

Elsa Pooley shares 4 winter garden tips following Botanical Society tour at Renishaw Hills

Location: MyPR

Winter on the KZN South Coast has to be experienced in person, and with its spectacular gardens, coastal forests, and biodiverse wetland, there’s no better place to visit than Renishaw Hills. This year, visitors got the chance to discover these indigenous gardens as Renishaw Hills played host to the prestigious Botanical Society Winter Gardens fundraiser …

Read moreElsa Pooley shares 4 winter garden tips following Botanical Society tour at Renishaw Hills

SA Youth named to represent SA in International Motocross events

Location: MyPR

The Ride Train Race academy (RTR) was established by legendary Springbok Motocross riders Tony Riddell and Ryan Hunt. Their aim was to give young riders the opportunity to experience off-road motorcycling and motocross, and benefit from these exciting sports in the same way that they themselves did. Motocross and off-road motorcycle training and racing allow …

Read moreSA Youth named to represent SA in International Motocross events

EnerGeo Alliance Champions Gas as South Africa’s Transition Fuel of Choice

Location: News
African Energy Chamber

In its latest natural gas policy brief, global trade association EnerGeo Alliance has positioned natural gas as the premier transition fuel for South Africa, citing its reduced carbon emissions, scalability and cost competitiveness. The African Energy Chamber (AEC) (www.EnergyChamber.org)– as the voice of the African energy sector – supports these data-driven findings and calls for greater foreign investment in Africa's natural gas prospects.

South Africa's power supply remains in urgent need of diversification away from aging coal- and diesel-powered plants. While the country is looking to renewables to diversify its power mix and alleviate load shedding, the brief identifies natural gas as the ideal transition fuel to achieving a low-carbon future and meeting the demands of South Africa's rapidly growing population and economy. According to the report, countries that use gas as a source for power generation have seen their electricity supply grow approximately three times faster in the past decade than those without gas. The Chamber has long advocated for the exploration and development of Africa's natural gas resources – of which the continent holds over 620 trillion cubic feet – and commends EnerGeo Alliance for championing its expanded role in the energy mix.

With member companies spanning more than 50 countries, EnerGeo Alliance brings together the global geoscience industry to discover, develop and deliver alternative energy and low-carbon energy solutions that meet growing energy demand. Natural gas emits 50-60% less carbon dioxide, rendering it a relatively clean energy source able to meet power demand reliably and at scale. Gas also serves as a critical feedstock for the production of fertilizers and petrochemicals, as well as a source of process heat in energy-intensive industries, creating the potential to decarbonize heavy industry. According to the World Economic Forum, a tripling of sub-Saharan Africa's power consumption using natural gas would only correspond to a one percent increase in global carbon emissions.

Natural gas also represents the most cost-effective pathway to energy security for South Africa and the continent at-large. It can provide both base load and backup power – whereas solar and wind power present intermittency problems – and is more cost-competitive as a base load supply than nuclear. According to the policy brief, large-scale discoveries like Brulpadda-Luiperd, the offshore Orange Basin and shale reserve prospects in the Karoo Basin suggest that South Africa could not only meet its power demand through domestic gas resources, but also stimulate broader economic development through regional gas exports.

EnerGeo Alliance highlights South Africa's promising reserves in Mossel Bay and the Orange River Basin, as well as shale gas in the Karoo Basin, for further upstream investment. Through advanced seismic survey, upstream geoscience and data generation activities play a key role in identifying potential gas reserves, de-risking exploration and reducing the environmental footprint associated with gas exploration and extraction. Major investment is also needed across South Africa's midstream and downstream sectors, including regional transmission pipelines, gas storage facilities and gas-to-liquids, regasification and LNG plants. While the construction of gas-fired power plants is already underway at Coega, Richards Bay and Saldanha Bay, new projects are needed to boost South Africa's gas availability and reliability.

“The AEC supports the EnerGeo Alliance in positioning gas as critical to South Africa's energy independence and low-carbon future. The science confirms this, and the bottom line confirms this. More capital must flow to African upstream and integrated gas projects, and we must support the geoscience community so that natural gas exploration is no longer seen as a risk, but as a given,” says NJ Ayuk, AEC Executive Chairman. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Portuguese businessman kidnapped for ransom rescued in Soweto

Location: News

Portuguese businessman kidnapped for ransom rescued in Soweto

A 49-year-old Portuguese businessman who was kidnapped for ransom last month, is the latest victim to be rescued by the police. 

In the last six months, 12 businessmen and six students who had been kidnapped for ransom have been rescued by a multidisciplinary team led by the South African Police Service (SAPS) anti-kidnapping task team.

According to the SAPS, the Portuguese businessman was kidnapped from his business premises in Florida, Johannesburg, on 24 June 2024.

“On Monday evening, 1 July 2024, the team traced the victim to a home in Snake Park, Soweto, where he had been in captivity. 

“On the same evening, members also arrested one of his captors in Turffontein, Johannesburg,” a statement from the Office of the National Commissioner of the SAPS read. 

According to Eyewitness News (EWN), Portuguese South African butchery owners are being targeted in a spate of kidnappings in Gauteng. 

The news organisation said that 20 Portuguese South African butchery owners and managers were kidnapped in the province since January last year, with one victim murdered.  

EWN said ransom demands for the safe release of the victims range between R400 000 and R3.5 million, while in at least nine of these cases, ransom demands started from R10 million.

“The SAPS anti-kidnapping task team including other law enforcement agencies and private security have been working around the clock to find the businessman, safe and unharmed,” the police said. 

The police believe that the 39-year-old suspect belongs to a syndicate that is responsible for at least four other kidnappings where businessmen were the target in the Johannesburg District. 

“The team is currently tracing suspects who were working together with the man.

“In cases where the businessmen and students had been rescued, no ransom payment was made as a direct result of the expertise and capabilities of SAPS detectives, the crime intelligence unit and collaboration with private security.” 

As per the police statement from January 2024 to date, 49 kidnappers who had demanded ransom payment from families of victims have been arrested in Gauteng, the North West and Free State. 

In addition, 21 vehicles used in the commission of these crimes have been confiscated and eight firearms have also been seized. 

“The SAPS is confident that working together with all stakeholders and community tip-offs, it will continue to take down more syndicates believed to be behind a spate of kidnappings for ransom across the country,” the SAPS added. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile
Wed, 07/03/2024 - 09:42

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Leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Good Health: The New Frontier in Social Innovation to accelerate progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3)

Location: News

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In the evolving landscape of global health, digital innovation emerges as a beacon of hope, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in healthcare access, quality, and affordability. A recent white paper by the World Economic Forum, produced in collaboration with the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship, EY, and Microsoft, sheds light on an exciting paradigm shift: the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in social innovation, especially within healthcare. AI uptake has the potential to improve immunisation programmes, supply chains, referrals, diagnoses, drug safety, and overall health system efficiency.

The report finds three primary impact areas where AI is making significant contributions:

  • Healthcare, with 25% of innovators using AI to advance access to health;
  • Environmental sustainability, with 20% of social innovators applying AI to tackle climate solutions; and
  • Economic empowerment, notably prevalent in lower-income countries where 80% of all initiatives aimed at enhancing livelihoods are based.

Healthcare is by far the most prevalent impact domain that social innovators are addressing with AI. Corresponding to this, 1 in 4 Social innovators are deploying AI to advance Sustainable Development Goal 3, Good Health and Well-being. This is apparent across all geographies as innovators seek to adopt AI to address multiple challenges within the area of healthcare.

Referenced in this report is BroadReach Group, a social impact organisation, that is using AI and machine learning to equip health care workers, leaders and institutions to better manage their scarce resources and drive better health outcomes for all. Vantage Health Technologies, a part of BroadReach Group is harnessing its work across continents in the following ways:

  • Using AI in Africa to support large HIV and TB programs by identifying gaps in resources and supporting decision making and targeted actions to address those gaps. This has allowed many districts particularly in South Africa, with the largest HIV population in the world to come close to achieving the UN goals of 95-95-95. The 95-95-95 HIV testing, treatment, and viral suppression targets aim to close gaps in HIV treatment coverage and outcomes in all sub-populations, age groups and geographic settings.
  • Vantage has provided program oversight to Tuberculosis (TB) programs in Africa by providing a single system to manage all key areas.  TB outcomes are difficult to manage without daily insight into performance data. Vantage integrated already existing feeds from the national health data system to drive active decision making and launch interventions to address performance, data quality and reporting compliance.
  • A leading non-governmental organisation in Nigeria that provides prevention, treatment and care services across HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria uses AI and predictive analytics in Vantage to prevent missed appointments and bring patients back to care. The outputs are used to prioritise outreach to high-risk patients and monitor the effectiveness of interventions to proactively highlight areas needing attention.
  • In the US, Vantage is addressing Social Determinants of Health, by automating social care coordination for cancer patients. The early results have shown improved patient outcomes, improved equity and financial sustainability, while simultaneously reducing the administrative burden on the workforce.

Dr. Ernest Darkoh, co-founder of BroadReach Group, says, “the fundamental issue in healthcare, whether you are in Sub-Saharan Africa, Western Europe, or the USA, is that demand outstrips supply in terms of health services, doctors, nurses, and medications. The healthcare sector is trying to deliver on an antiquated model of ‘sick care' without real-time intelligence on disease patterns, who is being affected the most, or the adequacy of healthcare resources. We need to change this paradigm to be more effective by leveraging data and digital solutions to ensure we are always spending the next hour and the next dollar in the in the most impactful way possible.”

Global Collaboration to Achieve Health Equity

The report also shows that Africa is emerging, with leaders like South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya. Egypt and Kenya have developed national AI strategies. In other countries like Cameroon, individual social innovators are using AI to address healthcare challenges, such as developing low-cost diagnostic tools for malaria. The continent is also seeing AI applications in economic empowerment and various ML capabilities.

Paul Bhuhi, Managing Director of Vantage shares, ‘'AI is becoming more accepted, with healthcare leaders seeing the promise of AI to drive real improvement in health access, quality, and affordability. Yet, the education gap between innovators and the policy makers inhibits AI adoption, In our experience Rwanda and Kenya are leading that push but more needs to be done.” 

An important lesson that BroadReach Group is applying is that learning healthcare lessons in one country can have a profound global impact through collaboration. By sharing best practices, innovations, and research findings, countries can collectively address common health challenges more effectively. Collaborative efforts enable the adaptation of successful strategies to different contexts, promoting universal health improvements and accelerating progress towards global health goals like SDG 3. This exchange of knowledge fosters a more interconnected and resilient global healthcare community, where advancements in one region benefit all.

Dr. John Sargent, co-founder of BroadReach Group, says “an example of impact through collaboration is using our experience and learnings in Africa addressing health inequity and applying them to promote health equity in cancer care in the US. Our teams work across geographies and this collaboration has shown that we can more effectively and rapidly improve patient care because of this experience. Although every geography and market has its differences, many of the same core principles, critical lessons learned, and approaches apply, allowing us to rapidly adapt and implement solutions that have a real impact for populations in need while ensuring that the health system is using its resources in the most impactful way.” 

Embracing the Ethical Adoption of AI

The next generation of ethical generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) provides new hope for more equitable healthcare, but advances in technology must never come at the cost of patient rights. AI systems should start with guardrails and ethics within their foundational design.

Chris LeGrand, CEO of BroadReach Group emphasises, “regulatory frameworks for ethical use of AI in healthcare are still early stage but are progressing. The new Digital Trade Protocol recently adopted by African heads of state under the Africa Continental Trade Area (AfCTA) is an example of international bodies defining the desired digital landscape with rules based on common principles, including protecting personal data while promoting trusted, safe, ethical use of emerging technologies. Regulation is slowly evolving to create trust and confidence in the protection of health data.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of BroadReach Group.

BroadReach Group is a group of social impact businesses focused on harnessing innovation and technology to empower human action. Since 2003 BroadReach Group has worked in over 30 countries to support governments, international NGOs, public and private sector to improve health outcomes for their populations.  

Read moreLeveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Good Health: The New Frontier in Social Innovation to accelerate progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3)

The Ballito Pro cranks it up with a top musical lineup for this year’s festival

Location: Entertainment, MyPR

While the days will be dominated by sports and retail action at the 55th Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill, music and dance lovers will be treated to some of the best local artists who are bringing the vibe to the sunset, after-dark, and concert sessions! These rocking parties form part of The Ballito Pro festival …

Read moreThe Ballito Pro cranks it up with a top musical lineup for this year’s festival

Top contenders, Mulaudzi and Mashele aim for podium at Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K

Location: MyPR

Kabelo Mulaudzi established himself as the next big name in South African road running by winning the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K in 2023. The 26-year-old, who also recorded his first sub-28-minute 10km time during that race, says he is eagerly looking forward to competing again at the iconic event this Sunday, 7 July. …

Read moreTop contenders, Mulaudzi and Mashele aim for podium at Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K