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May Measurement Month calls on South Africans to get tested! It’s reported that close on 50% of South Africans over 15 live with hypertension1 – also known as the silent killer. Even more alarming is 50% are undiagnosed and untreated2. This May, a public health campaign “Because I Say So” is calling on consumers to …
National Environment Month is celebrated in June, with the South African government and captains of industry-leading the way by stimulating awareness on environmental issues and challenging all to become agents for change. The environment encompasses the surroundings where individuals, animals, or plants live and operate, and it is significantly influenced by human activities. World Environment …
Keeping up with taxes is a big part of running a company in South Africa, but it can be daunting, especially when you have to deal with bi-annual tax filings. It’s not just about paying what you owe, it’s about knowing when to file, what forms you need, and ensuring everything is accurate. If you’re …
According to Kaspersky (www.Kaspersky.co.za) statistics, in the first quarter of 2024, the percentage of Industrial Control Systems (ICS) computers globally on which malicious objects were blocked decreased by 1.3 percentage points (pp) from the first quarter of the previous year - to 24.4%. In Africa the amount of malware remained almost unchanged, on a level much higher compared to other regions - 32.4% of ICS computers in Africa faced cyberthreats in the first quarter of 2024. In South Africa the figures are 23.5% in Q1 2023 and 25.5% in Q1 2024, Kenya – 28.1% and 30.5%, while in Nigeria – the figures grew from 25.3% to 28%.
In the first quarter of 2024, Kaspersky's protection solutions blocked malware from 10,865 different malware families of various categories on industrial automation systems. The African region is over-exposed to threats spreading via the Internet, which are the most common initial-access tools for cyber attackers. The region also leads in charts of malware spread via removable devices (5.6% of ICS computers faced it, compared to the global figure of 1.13%), which is the other way for cyber attackers to try to bypass the safeguards at the perimeter and to spread within the internal infrastructure.
Malicious objects that are used for initial infection of computers include dangerous Internet resources that are added to denylists (this threat was blocked on 8.78% of ICS computers in Africa), malicious scripts and phishing pages (6.9%), and malicious documents (1.83%). These malicious objects are normally used at the initial phases of the attack chain. As a result, they are blocked by security solutions more often than everything else. This is normally reflected in Kaspersky Security Network statistics.
Malicious objects used to initially infect computers deliver next-stage malware – spyware, ransomware, and miners – to victims' computers. Spyware (Trojan-Spy malware, backdoors and keyloggers), which is mostly used to steal money or confidential data, is also widespread both globally and in Africa (blocked on 6.65% of ICS computers in Africa).
Worms and viruses are types of self-propagating malware. To spread across ICS networks, viruses and worms rely on removable media, network folders, infected files including backups, and network attacks on outdated software. This type of malware is very active in African countries compared to other regions and global average. Extremely high rates of self-propagating malware in the region most probably mean there's a significant portion of OT infrastructure yet to be protected by security solutions (which is where the malware continuously spreads from) and there's room for improving the overall cybersecurity culture to follow strict cybersecurity policies.
ICS computers in Africa continue to face covert crypto-mining programs - miners in the form of executable files for Windows and web miners, though this type of malware is decreasing in the recent years. If successfully installed these provide cybercriminals steady earnings from using victim's computer processing power.
Since AutoCAD software is widely used in ICS organisations, cybercriminals also try to make use of this and similar programs creating special malware, detection of which increased in the first quarter of 2024 compared to previous quarters.
The Middle East and Africa lead among regions where ransomware is spread; though not high in numbers (0.28% and 0.27% of ICS computers faced these respectfully), this may pose serious risk to organisations, especially if data encryption scenario is selected by cybercriminals.
“Africa is actively integrating technologies, but it's important to keep cybersecurity in mind and apply it to both new technologies and currently used solutions. By a security mindset we mean implementing reliable solutions, setting up security policies and educating employees depending on their level of relation with OT. This applies to all infrastructures, but is especially important in operational technology, where risks of material consequences are very high and impact on safety is possible. We hope organisations in Africa will set the stage in the region for a future where technology and security go hand in hand,” says Evgeny Goncharov, Head of Kaspersky's ICS Cyber Emergency Response Team.
To keep ICS computers protected from various threats, Kaspersky experts recommend:
A full report on ICS threats in the first quarter of 2024 is available at ICS CERT website (http://apo-opa.co/3KnQUtu).
Industrial cybersecurity is one of the main topics being discussed by Kaspersky experts at GITEX Africa in Morocco, on 29-31 May 2024.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kaspersky.
About Kaspersky:
Kaspersky is a global cybersecurity and digital privacy company founded in 1997. With over a billion devices protected to date from emerging cyberthreats and targeted attacks, Kaspersky's deep threat intelligence and security expertise is constantly transforming into innovative solutions and services to protect businesses, critical infrastructure, governments and consumers around the globe. The company's comprehensive security portfolio includes leading endpoint protection, specialized security products and services, as well as Cyber Immune solutions to fight sophisticated and evolving digital threats. We help over 220,000 corporate clients protect what matters most to them. Learn more at www.Kaspersky.co.za.
2024 Elections: progress made in vote counting
Vote counting is progressing steadily after South Africans took to the polls in the 29 May National and Provincial Elections.
According to the Electoral Commission of South Africa’s Results Dashboard, as at 15:41pm on Thursday, with 21.05% of votes having been counted (4 903 of 23 293 voting districts completed), the African National Congress (ANC) leads with 43.39%, followed by the Democratic Alliance (DA) with 24.72%, and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) with 8.90% nationally.
There are 27 782 477 registered voters in the country.
Provincial Legislature overview
In terms of vote counting for the Provincial Legislatures, results on the dashboard stand as follows for the leading parties:
Eastern Cape (counting 25.78% complete): ANC – 63.68%; DA – 15.68% and EFF – 9.44%.
Free State (counting 35.69% complete): ANC – 53.36%; DA – 21.37% and EFF – 12.45%.
Gauteng (counting 15.27% complete): ANC – 33.76%; DA – 30.46% and EFF – 11.66%.
KwaZulu-Natal (counting 11.94% complete): uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK Party) – 43.33%; ANC – 20.47% and Inkatha Freedom Party – 19.45%.
Mpumalanga (counting 23.69% complete): ANC – 50.97%; MK – 17.10% and EFF – 13.16%.
Northern Cape (counting 73.01% complete): ANC – 46.50%; DA – 24.57% and EFF – 10.57%.
Limpopo (counting 13.15% complete): ANC – 70.31%; EFF – 13.19% and DA – 9.14%.
North West (counting 18.01% complete): ANC – 63.27%; EFF – 17.19% and DA – 9.13.
Western Cape (counting 35.69%): DA – 51.72%; ANC – 20.32% and Patriotic Alliance – 10.90%.
Counting continues. – SAnews.gov.za
Matona
Thu, 05/30/2024 - 16:27
Our flag is our national pride!
By Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Zizi Kodwa
No matter where in the world you may find yourself the one recognisable symbol that draws us together with pride and camaraderie is our national flag. Every time it is flown at a sporting event or at foreign conferences, our hearts swell with pride.
Our flag symbolises the country we are building, and South Africans are united in their love for the flag. We might be divided on various issues, but we all stand proud at the sight of our beloved flag.
It is our symbol of national unity and a potent symbol of our nation. Former President Nelson Mandela described the flag saying: “Not as a symbol of a political party, nor of a government, but as a possession of the people – the one thing that is literally and figuratively above all else, our flag”.
These words are a powerful reminder that the flag belongs to all of us and binds us together as a nation and a people. Our flag is unique to us as a country; it shows our unity, our diversity and our undying love for our nation.
The national flag of the Republic of South Africa was adopted on Freedom Day, 27 April 1994, and first flown 10 May 1994 - the day Nelson Mandela was inaugurated as President. The central design of the flag, beginning at the flag-pole in a V form, is interpreted as the convergence of diverse elements within South African society and taking the road ahead in unity.
The national flag was designed by a former South African State Herald, Mr Fred Brownell. The design and colours reflect various elements of the country's history. Individual colours have different meanings to different people and therefore no universal symbolism is attached to any of the colours.
When handling the flag, there are number of do’s and don’ts. Always remember that the flag must not touch the floor, it must not be used as a tablecloth or draped in front of a platform. When the flag is hoisted on a flagpole, the red band must be the uppermost and the black triangle must be on the side of the pole or hoist.
When the flag is displayed horizontally against a wall, the hoist should be to the left of the spectator and the red band uppermost. When the flag is displayed vertically against a wall, the red band should be to the left of the spectator with the hoist or the cord seam uppermost.
We call on everyone to continue to respect our flag, which is a potent symbol of unity and progress, and more than any other national symbol it is instantly recognisable to South Africans everywhere. It reflects our difficult past, but has come to symbolise a nation, which is diverse yet joined together and committed to a united future.
Let us therefore show the appropriate respect to our flag, which is a powerful symbol of our national unity by observing all flag protocols and refraining from acts that intentionally destroy, damages, or mutilates a flag in public.
The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Mr Zizi Kodwa perfectly encapsulates the importance of the flag when he says: “The South African flag represents our nationhood. It represents the coming together of our people. The South African flag symbolises unity in our diversity and represents the hopes and aspirations of our nation.”
In the year, that we celebrate 30 years of Freedom and Democracy our flag endures as a unifier and an integral component in the nation we are building.
Janine
Thu, 05/30/2024 - 14:39
First results start trickling in at IEC's results centre
The atmosphere at the Electoral Commission’s national Results Operations Centre (ROC) in Midrand is lively this morning as the first results in the National and Provincial Elections start to trickle in.
Tens of thousands of South African citizens made their way to polling stations to exercise their right to vote in the 7th democratic elections on Wednesday.
As polling stations across the country officially closed last night, all eyes have turned towards the critical process of counting votes and the leaderboards at the ROC.
As at 9:00 am on Thursday, 2 648 of 23 293 (or 11.37%) of the voting districts of the vote-counting nationally had been completed.
According to data at the same time, the African National Congress (ANC) was leading with a total of 414 292 (42.83%) votes, followed by the Democratic Alliance (DA) with 247 280 (25.56%), and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) with 80 129 (8.28%) votes had been casted national.
Results continue to come in and the leaderboards continue to be updated. - SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 05/30/2024 - 09:04
First results start trickle in at IEC's results centre
The atmosphere at the Electoral Commission’s national Results Operations Centre (ROC) in Midrand is lively this morning as the first results in the National and Provincial Elections start to trickle in.
Tens of thousands of South African citizens made their way to polling stations to exercise their right to vote in the 7th democratic elections on Wednesday.
As polling stations across the country officially closed last night, all eyes have turned towards the critical process of counting votes and the leaderboards at the ROC.
As at 9:00 am on Thursday, 2 648 of 23 293 (or 11.37%) of the voting districts of the vote-counting nationally had been completed.
According to data at the same time, the African National Congress (ANC) was leading with a total of 414 292 (42.83%) votes, followed by the Democratic Alliance (DA) with 247 280 (25.56%), and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) with 80 129 (8.28%) votes had been casted national.
Results continue to come in and the leaderboards continue to be updated. - SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 05/30/2024 - 09:04
Cape Town, South Africa – May 21, 2024 : Against the backdrop of alarming youth unemployment rates in South Africa (SA), ALX, a leading career accelerator and tech training provider, is transforming youth employment and pioneering digital transformation by providing young individuals across the continent with access to cutting-edge technical skills. ALX’s impact was recently …
As South Africa stands on the brink of its upcoming elections, the tail-end of May which is also Africa month, serves as an apt time for reflection. The Africa Month theme “The Year of Education: Educating an African Fit for the 21st Century” resonates more profoundly than ever. In a rapidly evolving global landscape, the …
The hybrid event will bring together startup founders and pioneers from across Africa; Microsoft's startup partners and customers will take to the main stage to share their stories of success; Up to 10,000 startups will be given access to industry-specific expertise and insights on how best to take their business to the next level with the help of AI
Microsoft announced the introduction of its first African Startups AI Fest at GITEX Africa in Marrakech, Morocco today. Spearheaded by the organisation's Africa Transformation Office (ATO), the event promises to inspire and support startups to accelerate their journey to market with the right AI-powered tech solutions. The event, scheduled for 6 June 2024, will take place in Johannesburg, South Africa, with virtual access available to attendees across the continent.
The African Startups AI Fest will bring together founders, entrepreneurs, business decision-makers, engineers and developers in the startups space from across the continent. This inaugural event aims to showcase the transformative power of AI and how startups can use this revolutionary technology to drive innovation and take their ideas not only to local markets but a global stage.
“There is a need to provide startups on the continent with the resources to take their concepts from the drawing board to customers,” says Lillian Barnard, Microsoft Africa President. “From AI-enabled tech solutions to advanced digital skills, startups need to be given every opportunity to thrive in a highly competitive global market because they are the catalysts for job creation and economic growth in Africa.” Overcoming mounting economic pressures
Recent research from The African Tech Startups Funding Report (http://apo-opa.co/3KlSzQs) has found that funding for tech startups in Africa has declined after a highly successful 2022 when 633 tech startups raised over $3 billion in funding.
“In the face of a challenging economic climate, startups across Africa have demonstrated remarkable resilience,” Barnard says. “Despite the tough conditions, they have ignited a wave of innovation. Empowered with the right tech tools, startups can scale their solutions, enhance productivity, and drive growth. At Microsoft, we believe that technology, particularly the transformative power of AI, holds the key to a more empowered future in Africa.”
Finding the right tech partner
Over the years, Microsoft has supported startups on the continent to grow and develop. These success stories include the likes of RE Legal Interact, M-KOPA, Omnisient, Zen Dawa, Deepecho and Terragon.
Legal Interact (http://apo-opa.co/3yDXE45) is an Independent Software Vendor that has integrated Microsoft AI into its software and recently launched the first AI lawyer in South Africa. The solution is automating certain tasks by providing quick answers to legal questions, freeing up time for attorneys to address more complex legal queries. Thanks to IoT tools and AI-powered automation in the cloud, M-KOPA (http://apo-opa.co/3yMX8jX) is providing inclusive financial services such as insurance and loans to people across East Africa. The fintech business has gone on to provide millions of families and entrepreneurs with the financial support they need to purchase solar systems, motorbikes and smartphones.
Attendees of the inaugural African Startups AI Fest will be introduced to these and other startup success stories on the continent. In addition, Microsoft, its partners and customers will introduce and demonstrate how AI tools can be leveraged by entrepreneurs in ways that give their businesses the extra edge in a competitive landscape.
The organisation aims to reach 6,000 to 10,000 of these businesses and provide them with customised support through the Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub programmes. Founders and entrepreneurs will be primed for growth through industry-specific webinars designed to help startups scale, pitch coaching sessions that will help investors enhance their pitching skills and navigate common challenges, investor community sessions that will connect startups with top investors from the Continental investor community to glean key insights on securing their first investments, integration with the Microsoft Independent Software Vendor programme and insights on how to best use AI technologies to propel their businesses forward.
To register for the African Startups AI Fest, participants can register HERE by June 5th, 2024.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Microsoft.
About Microsoft:
Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT” @microsoft) creates platforms and tools powered by AI to deliver innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers. The technology company is committed to making AI available broadly and doing so responsibly, with a mission to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.
The opportunity in Africa is immense, but there is a pressing need to adopt digital platforms to accelerate Africa's economic growth and better enable Africans to participate in the global digital economy. Through the Africa Transformation Office, Microsoft focuses on four essential development areas – digital infrastructure, skilling, SMEs and start-ups, supported by strategic partnerships with industry alliances and coalitions, to fuel investment in Africa and further establish the continent's export of digital services. Read more about Microsoft's Africa Transformation Office HERE: apo-opa.co/3Kib6gu.
Election Day: IEC stays the course to ensure right to vote
The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) has assured voters, who arrive at voting stations before 9pm tonight, that they will be allowed to vote, even if the process stretches beyond the closing time.
Voting stations opened at 7am today for South Africans to cast their votes in the 2024 National and Provincial Elections, with special votes (for those who applied for various reasons) and voting abroad already having taken place.
“We are pleased that our efforts are yielding results, with the length of the queues substantially reduced,” said IEC Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo on Wednesday.
Addressing media at the National Results Operations Centre (ROC) in Midrand this evening, Mamabolo said voting stations are experiencing a late surge and are processing a large number of voters in certain areas, particularly the metropolitan areas in Gauteng, the Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape.
“The Commission is pleased that most glitches reported earlier have been overcome, allowing electoral officials to service voters timeously,” Mamabolo said.
Mamabolo said every citizen who has made an effort to be at a voting station must be allowed to vote.
There are 23 292 voting stations, with over 27.79 million registered voters.
“We urge those who have not voted to use the remaining time to go and make their mark. Members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) will remain deployed at the voting stations to ensure the safety of voters.
“The Commission is pleased with the high turnout at many voting stations across the country and thanks voters who have exercised patience in the queues while waiting for their turn to vote,” Mamabolo said.
Mamabolo explained that once the counting processes have been completed, the Commission will start a process to remove all voting materials, including ballot boxes and used ballots, to storage facilities.
“This process will be handled with the utmost care,” Mamabolo said, urging members of the public to report any irregularities to the authorities.
Mamabolo said to improve the quality of vote counting and the completion of results slips, the Commission has instituted a new category of staff, who will support the presiding officer with the counting effort.
“The recruitment criteria for this staff was slightly different from the rest, as high levels of numeracy are mandatory. Three such staff were appointed for each voting station and each sub-station where we operate a voting centre,” Mamabolo said.
Mamabolo said according to the Electoral Act, the Commission has seven days within which to announce the results.
“We have always been able to declare and announce the results well within this period and will endeavour to do so with these elections,” he said.
With regard to voting at Correctional Service centres, Mamabolo said voting has been completed at all correctional facilities across the country.
“We remain grateful to the Department of Correctional Services for its ongoing assistance in ensuring that inmates exercise their democratic rights,” Mamabolo said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 05/29/2024 - 19:56
Call to vote ahead of end of Election Day
The Electoral Commission in KwaZulu-Natal has encouraged registered voters who have yet to cast their votes, to do so ahead of the closing of voting stations at 9pm.
The call comes as voters in various parts of the country continue to cast their votes in the 2024 National and Provincial Elections.
The Electoral Commission (IEC) has assured citizens that no eligible voter will be turned away and that every voter in a queue by 9pm will be assisted.
Giving a progress report on voting in the province on Wednesday, the provincial electoral commission said 96% of the 4 974 voting stations in the province opened at 7am, while some stations opened late due to some incidents in some parts of the province.
Among the reasons behind the late opening included the non-availability of police to escort staff carrying sensitive materials, service delivery protests, the blocking of voting stations by some political parties, and voter management devices (VDMs) with Apps that were not updated, amongst others.
The commission has reassured the voters that any technical glitch encountered on the VMD should not delay the voting process in voting stations.
“Voting is a manual process. If the hard copy of the voters and a list of preapproved Section 24A cases is at the voting station, voting can proceed unhindered,” the Commission said.
On the approved special votes, which took place on Monday and Tuesday in the province, the commission reported that of the approved special votes a total of 110 280 out of the 238 235 voting station visits were administered, including 101 161 out of 128 053 approved home visits were administered.
“We got reports of area managers being followed into our storage sites where we kept materials overnight, by people claiming to be representing political parties and demanding to camp within the precinct of our storage facilities. Such situations were also diffused by the SAPS [South African Police Service],” the commission said.
Voting stations will close at 9pm tonight while Home Affairs Offices are also open for the processing of Temporary Identity Certificates and issuing of Identity Documents ready for collection. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 05/29/2024 - 16:40
Smooth and steady start to 2024 elections
Voting in the 2024 National and Provincial Elections got off to a steady start with 93% of voting stations reported to have opened at 7am on Wednesday.
The Electoral Commission’s Deputy Chief Electoral Officer, Masego Sheburi said all IEC trained staff members reported for duty and started welcoming the first of the 26 million eligible voters at 7am at the 23 292 voting stations across the country.
“In most stations, queues had formed even before the stations opened. This is testament to the enthusiasm of South Africans to record their political choices,” Sheburi said at a media briefing held at the National Results Operational Centre (ROC) in Midrand.
Sheburi also noted that there was a delay in the opening some voting stations. This was mostly in Johannesburg due to the late delivery of materials, delayed escorts by security services, or protests by certain community members.
Five voting stations in the Eastern Cape also did not open on time due to community protests.
However, at midday, election operations around the country reported good progress with minimal incidents reported.
The Commission assured voters that adequate supplies of all materials, including more than 90 million ballot papers, are available, and every voter will be assisted to vote.
The Commission also urged voters in the queues to be patient, as traditionally, voting queues peak early as voters often seek to vote first thing in the day.
“Where there were difficulties with our voter management device, instructions were issued for voting to proceed on the manual voters’ roll. We also remind voters of the cardinal rule in the NPE2024 [National and Provincial Elections 2024], to vote where you are registered.
“Also, once in the voting station and presented with ballot papers, remember to make one mark on one ballot.”
Sheburi also reported that voting kicked off in the morning at correctional facilities across the country to allow inmates to cast their votes.
Indelible ink
Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission has advised those who have voted not to go on extra effort to remove the indelible ink mark on their thumbs.
“The indelible ink is one of several security checks and safeguards built into the election process, but the Commission wishes to remind all voters that any attempt to undermine the integrity of the election process, including attempting to remove the ink mark, constitutes electoral fraud and is punishable by up to 10 years in jail,” the Commission said.
Make your voice heard
The Electoral Commission has thanked voters who have already responded to the call to vote, and appealed to all remaining voters to make their way to a voting station before they close at 9pm tonight.
President Cyril Ramaphosa is among those who have already cast their vote.
The President cast his vote in Chiawelo, Soweto.
“I went into the voting station, greeted various party agents, and proceeded to cast my vote. This is a great day for democracy in South Africa. This is the day when South Africa decides on the future of our country…who should lead the government of South Africa,” the President said on Wednesday.
READ | President casts his vote
The commission also reminded all eligible voters of the following:
Voting continues. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 05/29/2024 - 14:02
President casts his vote
With voting in the seventh democratic elections underway across the country, President Cyril Ramaphosa has cast his vote in Chiawelo, Soweto, the township where he grew up.
“I went into the voting station, greeted various party agents, and proceeded to cast my vote. This is a great day for democracy in South Africa. This is the day when South Africa decides on the future of our country…who should lead the government of South Africa,” the President said on Wednesday.
Voting in the 2024 National and Provincial Elections started at 7am and is expected to close at 9pm.
The Electoral Commission (IEC) assured citizens that no eligible voter will be turned away and that every voter in a queue by 9pm will be assisted.
“It is wonderful to meet so many people who are here to vote for the stabilisation and the extension of our democracy. I heard that voting is going well throughout the country. We are heartened that we have so many observers. I have been told there are 190 observers and I am sure the IEC will run a good election,” the President said.
He expressed concern about incidents of people interfering with the work of the IEC.
“We are concerned about the incidents that have been reported, incidents where the IEC has raised its concern. There was one incident where the police had to intervene by arresting those who were interfering in the work of the IEC.
“The work of the IEC is sacrosanct; it should never be interfered with because when you interfere with the work of the IEC, you are interfering with our democracy. You are trying to subvert the will of the people. The people of South Africa should never be obstructed and interfered with in anyway what so ever,” President Ramaphosa said.
The President appealed to South Africans to abide by the prescripts of the electoral law and the Constitution during the election period.
South Africa’s constitution grants all citizens aged 18 and older the right to vote.
“I have full confidence in our security officers throughout the country that they are going to execute their work and will make sure that those who seek to embark on ways that will disrupt our elections will be dealt with,” he said.
The IEC has reiterated that voters must vote where they are registered.
“The general rule in elections is that a person votes at a voting station where they have registered. The only exception to the general rule is that a voter may vote outside of their registered voting district only after notifying the CEO. Notifications in this regard closed on May 17. Approximately 360 000 voters have been approved to vote outside their voting districts,” the Commission said.
The commission also wishes to remind all eligible voters of the following:
–SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 05/29/2024 - 11:48
Tired of continual backups into their pipes due to blocked sewer lines, some residents have reverted to pit toilets
Provincial department of social development has stopped funding 750 beds at Life Healthcare’s treatment centres
Law enforcement agencies reminded of responsibility to execute their mandate
With their sights set on safety and security and maintaining law and order during and after the election period, members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in various provinces have been deployed at voting stations to ensure a peaceful and safe environment for eligible voters.
The Provincial Commissioners have on Tuesday sent off the last contingents of police officers who will further increase the foot soldiers who are already on the ground to create a safe and secure environment for the 2024 elections on Wednesday.
In the Eastern Cape, SAPS Sarah Baartman District Commissioner, Major General Zolani Xawuka, and his management addressed members during a parade which took place in the early hours of Tuesday, ahead of deployment for elections duties.
“All members are operationally ready to apply fundamental policing principles, guided by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa,” Xawuka said.
Xakuwa reminded the members on parade of their responsibility and obligation to execute their mandate professionally, impartially and with integrity and to “do so within the confines of the laws of the country”.
KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, gave his marching orders during a parade ahead of the deployment of the members to various parts of the province for the elections.
In the North West, police members have been deployed at the voting stations to ensure that elections are conducted peacefully and in a free and safe environment for voters, IEC officials, as well as role-players and the general public.
In the Free State, SAPS Mangaung District Teams are maintaining heightened police visibility at the Independent Electoral Commission's warehouse to ensure safety and security during the transporting and delivery of voting materials to different places in the Mangaung area.
Free State Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane, visited Bainsvlei Clinic to cast her special vote as well as interact with SAPS operational members who are posted at the voting station to ensure safety during the elections.
Briefing the media on the state of readiness on Monday, the SAPS Provincial Commissioner in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe and the Provincial Electoral Officer, Nkaro Mateta, reassured citizens that the Electoral Commission and law enforcement agencies in the province are ready to ensure free and peaceful elections.
The police members at the various parades were reminded of their responsibility and obligation to execute their mandate professionally, impartially and with integrity, and to do so within the confines of the laws of the country.
Giving the marching orders during the sending off parade in Harrismith of police officers who have been deployed to ensure safety and security at KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape provinces on Tuesday, National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola emphasised the maintenance of public order.
“There can never be disorder because you must be there to maintain public order and prevent crime... and do all other what is required by the Constitution. Go and assist your colleagues, make sure the election goes smooth and wherever you are, make sure you create a peaceful situation to ensure that people go to vote in a very peaceful and stable environment, and allow people to do what they are supposed to do,” Masemola told the police. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 05/28/2024 - 14:44
Escalating conflict and dire human rights situation of "grave concern" - Presidency
South Africa has expressed its “grave concern” over escalating armed conflict in Sudan, which has reportedly claimed thousands of lives, destroyed infrastructure and displaced millions of people.
Conflict in that country has been ongoing for more than a year.
“We express our grave concern at the outbreak of a major fighting in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur and the plight faced by many civilians, especially women and children. The reported use of heavy artillery by the fighting parties in populated places continues to place the lives of civilians in danger.
“In this regard we wish to sight the warning by the Secretary-General of the UN, Mr Antonio Gutteres, during his recent address to the UN Security Council, that ‘intentionally directing attacks against the civilian population and wilfully impending humanitarian relief for civilians in need may constitute war crimes’.
“The attacks against El Fasher came amidst the Human Rights Watch Report which detailed cases of gross human rights abuses in Sudan, including ethnically motivated killings and gender-based violence,” the Presidency said in a statement.
South Africa urged those engaged in the conflict to “respect international law, including international humanitarian law, protect civilians, especially women and children, and not to hamper in any manner the distribution of humanitarian assistance as well as provision of medical support”.
“There is a need to urgently put an end to impunity in this senseless conflict. The dire human rights situation arising from the ongoing conflict cannot be ignored, nor can the role of relevant multilateral and regional bodies and initiatives.
“South Africa pledges its full support to the efforts of the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy to Sudan, Mr Ramtane Lamamra, the African Union and Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to promote the peaceful end to the conflict through mediation and dialogue,” the statement said.
Furthermore, the statement repeated calls for a ceasefire in the area and for talks between the warring parties to resume.
“South Africa stands in solidarity with the innocent people of Sudan, who have been subjected to untold suffering since the outbreak of hostilities on 15 April 2023, with the main protagonists to the conflict being the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
“South Africa reiterates its call for the immediate end to the conflict and resumption of genuine and sincere talks to bring an end to the human suffering that the people of Sudan have endured for a long time,” the statement said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 05/28/2024 - 14:57
Commission for Gender Equality to observe general elections
The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) says it will observe the National and Provincial Elections on Wednesday to ensure equal treatment and the protection of people’s gender rights at polling stations.
Chairperson of the Commission for Gender Equality, Advocate Nthabiseng Sepanya–Mogale, said the commission has been accredited by the Electoral Commission (IEC) to observe the elections throughout the country.
Sepaya-Mogale noted that in line with the provisions of section 187 of the Constitution as well as the CGE Act of 1996, the CGE has the responsibility to monitor and assess the actions of state and non-governmental institutions as part of its obligation to promote, protect and advance gender equality in South Africa.
Section 187 (2) of the South African Constitution grants the CGE the power, as regulated by national legislation, necessary to perform its functions, including the power to monitor, investigate, research, educate, lobby, advise and report on issues concerning gender equality.
“Considering this constitutional obligation, during its election observation, the CGE will employ a gendered analytical framework to determine the extent to which the elections are free and fair from any form of gender discrimination. A team of Commissioners and staff will be observing the elections in various polling stations in all the provinces.
“The team, as part of their role would want to ascertain if the elections are free, fair and transparent, especially free gender discrimination. In this regard a particular attention will be given to pregnant women, persons with disabilities, the aged and those with little babies,” Sepaya-Mogale said.
Wishing all electorates and candidates well, the chairperson said she trusts that South Africans will co-operate with CGE election observers “as we help deepen and strengthen democracy as per our constitutional mandate”. - SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 05/28/2024 - 15:05
All systems go for 2024 Elections
With just hours left to go before voting day, the Electoral Commission is ready for the seventh National and Provincial Elections.
“Our clarion call to all South Africans is - let's go out in huge numbers and vindicate our democratic right to vote,” Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of the Electoral Commission, Sy Mamabolo, said on Tuesday at a briefing in Midrand.
The commission applauded political parties and independent candidates for relatively peaceful campaigns, adding that the spirit of tolerance and forbearance must be taken on Election Day tomorrow.
“It is time now for all of us to work together to ensure that these elections are free, fair, safe, and that the outcome reflects the will of the South African electorate.”
Tuesday marked the second day of the casting of special votes at 22 626 voting stations and home visits over the past two days with 937 144 voters having been processed.
The commission said it would use the “lessons and experiences” over the last two days of special voting to further refine operations to positively impact on voter experience on Election Day.
“The commission urges all the remaining 26 million eligible voters to go out and cast their votes tomorrow.”
It reminded voters that its network of 23 292 voting stations will open for voting at 07h00 and close at 21h00.
“It is important to emphasise that eligible voters who will be at the voting station at 21h00 will be allowed to vote and not turned away.”
In addition, voters must vote where they are registered.
“The only exception to the general rule is that a voter may vote outside of their registered voting district only after notifying the CEO. Notifications in this regard closed on May 17. Approximately 360 000 voters have been approved to vote outside their voting districts.”
The commission reminded all eligible voters of the following:
The commission called on registered voters to check the correctness of their voting station through the following channels:
Load shedding
The commission said that load shedding is not expected on voting day.
“Furthermore, Eskom has given assurances that there are no plans for scheduled maintenance work or load shedding in the period around voting day.
“Instances of power outages must be reported to Eskom in the normal course to enable effective responses.”
Identity documents
For voters who may need identity documents, the Department of Home Affairs will operate all its offices between 07h00 to 21h00 to facilitate collection of identity documents and the issuance of temporary identification certificates.
The commission said it was confident that all preparations are in place for free, fair elections.
“A key aspect of our preparations included engaging with various stakeholders which includes political parties, independent candidates, the media, security and government structures at all levels, civil society organizations, community organizations, and the voters of South Africa. A number of state entities and municipalities are supporting the logistics of elections.” -SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Tue, 05/28/2024 - 20:22
Special voting concludes
A total 937 144 voters cast special votes over the course of the last two days, the Electoral Commission said on Tuesday.
“The Electoral Commission extends its gratitude to South Africans who registered for and cast special votes at 22 626 voting stations and home visits over the past two days. At a point in the course of this afternoon indications were that 937 144 voters had been processed,” Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of the Electoral Commission, Sy Mamabolo, said.
At the briefing held at the National Results Operation Centre at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand on Tuesday evening, Mamabolo said the figure was much higher than was the case in the previous elections and “augers well for turnout tomorrow”.
This as voters across the country are expected to make their mark at voting stations in the seventh National and Provincial Elections.
“Similarly, we are pleased by the diligence of the electoral staff who visited voters at homes and places of confinement to administer home visits,” Mamabolo said.
He said voters who for whatever reason were unable to cast their special vote on Monday and Tuesday may still vote at the voting station at which they are registered on Election Day, tomorrow.
Meanwhile, the commission expressed concern at incidents of unlawful conduct.
“The commission thanks South Africans who have assisted and cooperated with electoral officials in the execution of their duties.
“However, the commission remains concerned with incidents of unlawful conduct directed at its operations or against electoral officials. Accordingly, we urge all South Africans, including political party members, supporters, and ordinary citizens to allow electoral officials to carry out their responsibilities.
“The commission thanks the law enforcement agencies for their support and continued safeguard of the electoral process,” Mamabolo said.
The lessons and experiences over the two days of special votes will be used to further refine operations to positively impact on voter experience for tomorrow’s election.
The CEO urged voters to show up in their numbers on voting day.
“The commission urges all the remaining 26 million eligible voters to go out and cast their votes tomorrow.
“The network of 23 292 voting stations will open for voting at 07h00 and close at 21h00. It is important to emphasise that eligible voters who will be at the voting station at 21h00 will be allowed to vote and not turned away.
“We reiterate that voters must vote where they are registered. The general rule in elections is that a person votes at a voting station where they have registered,” Mamabolo said.
The only exception to the general rule is that a voter may vote outside of their registered voting district only after notifying the CEO.
“Notifications in this regard closed on May 17. Approximately 360 000 voters have been approved to vote outside their voting districts,” he said.
Tuesday marked the second and last day for the casting of special votes.
READ | Last day for special votes
Out-of-country voting has already taken place at 111 foreign missions, with more than 78 000 South African citizens living in other countries having cast their vote on 17, 18 and 19 May 2024. - SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 05/28/2024 - 19:46
2 828 SANDF members deployed for the elections
A total of 2828 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members will be deployed for the maintenance and preservation of law and order during the National and Provincial Elections.
South Africans will make their mark at various voting stations set up across the country on Wednesday.
“President Cyril Ramaphosa has informed the National Assembly that 2 828 members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) will be employed for service in cooperation with the South African Police Service (SAPS) for the prevention and combating of crime and for the maintenance and preservation of law and order during the National and Provincial Elections,” said the Presidency.
The employment of the SANDF personnel will form part of Operation Prosper and applies from 20 May to 7 June 2024.
In a statement on Tuesday evening, the President’s office said the employment was authorised in accordance with the provisions of Section 201(2) (a) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa of 1996, read with Section 19 of the Defence Act of 2002 (Act No.42 of 2002).
The expenditure for this employment is estimated at R59 451 704.
Voting on Election Day will take place from 7am until 9pm. – SAnews.gov.za
Janine
Tue, 05/28/2024 - 18:27
NBA Africa (www.NBA.com) and Safaricom, the leading telecommunication company in East Africa, today announced a multiyear youth basketball development collaboration in Kenya that will reach more than 10,000 youth this year through regional and national Jr. NBA tournaments, coaching clinics, and an elite camp for top Kenyan prospects. The collaboration marks the league's most expansive youth development programming in East Africa to date and makes Safaricom an Official Partner of the Jr. NBA in Kenya.
Through the collaboration, NBA Africa and Safaricom will host four regional Jr. NBA tournaments across Kenya for boys and girls ages 16 and under, culminating with a 16-team national tournament later this year. The collaboration will also include Jr. NBA Fit clinics, life-skills seminars, coaching capacity building, and an elite basketball development camp for 100 of the top high-school-age players from across the country. Top prospects from the elite camp will have the opportunity to participate in NBA Africa's other elite development initiatives on the continent.
“Our collaboration with Safaricom builds on the NBA's ongoing efforts to grow basketball in Kenya and across the continent of Africa,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. “We look forward to creating more opportunities for young people to engage in physical activity and learn the values inherent in sport.”
“For over two decades, we have supported Kenyan passion points including sports such as football, rugby and golf,” said Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa. “We have created numerous opportunities for our youth, providing them with a platform through which they can launch their sports careers. We do this because we are Kenya's biggest supporter and are led by our purpose of transforming lives. We look forward to engaging with NBA Africa as we explore how to transform the lives of our basketball loving youth across the country.”
In November 2023, NBA Africa established a new subsidiary in Kenya, with an office located in Westlands, Nairobi. The NBA Kenya office supports all of the league's business and basketball development initiatives in the country and is led by NBA Kenya Senior Director and Country Operations Lead Michael Finley. The office marks NBA Africa's fifth office on the continent, joining Cairo, Egypt; Dakar, Senegal; Johannesburg, South Africa; and Lagos, Nigeria.
Additional details about the Jr. NBA tournaments and elite camp will be announced at a later date.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of National Basketball Association (NBA).
Contact:
Pawel Weszka
NBA Africa Communications
pweszka@nba.com
+27 10 0072666
Contact Safaricom:
For enquiries, email prcomms@safaricom.co.ke
For news, please visit: https://apo-opa.co/4bA6nml
For media-ready photos, visit: https://apo-opa.co/4bCI9rq
About NBA Africa:
NBA Africa is an affiliate of the National Basketball Association (NBA), a global sports and media organization with the mission to inspire and connect people everywhere through the power of basketball. NBA Africa conducts the league's business in Africa, including the Basketball Africa League (BAL), and has opened subsidiary offices in Cairo, Egypt; Dakar, Senegal; Johannesburg, South Africa; Lagos, Nigeria; and Nairobi, Kenya. The league's efforts on the continent have focused on increasing access to basketball and the NBA through youth and elite development, social responsibility, media distribution, corporate partnerships, NBA Africa Games, NBA Stores, the BAL, and more.
NBA games and programming are available in all 54 African countries, and the NBA has hosted three sold-out exhibition games on the continent since 2015. The BAL, a partnership between the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and NBA Africa, is a professional league featuring 12 club teams from across Africa that tipped off its fourth season in March 2024. Fans can follow @NBA_Africa and @theBAL on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
About Safaricom:
Safaricom is the leading telecommunication company in East Africa. Our purpose is to transform lives by connecting people to people, people to opportunities, and people to information. We keep over 45.9 million customers connected and play a critical role in the society, supporting over one million jobs both directly and indirectly while our total economic value was estimated at KES 393 billion ($3.1 billion) for the 12 months through March 2022.
Listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange and with annual revenues of close to KES 335.4 billion as of March 2024, Safaricom provides connectivity through wide range of technology, 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G in aggregate covering over 99% of Kenya's population.
Safaricom is an equal opportunity employer, actively recruiting staff from different backgrounds reflecting the communities that we serve. We are committed to equal gender representation at all levels. Our target is to achieve 50:50 senior management gender parity by 2025.
As part of our ongoing commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), we continue to work towards improving energy and resource efficiency in our network and facilities to reduce carbon emissions and our fuel consumption. We remain committed to becoming a Net Zero carbon-emitting company by 2050.