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African
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Introducing Ciaran De Chaud – From garage production in Johannesburg to a top-end recording studio in Los Angeles.
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Play your part to consolidate democracy
Play your part to consolidate democracy
President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on citizens, political parties and civil society to work together to ensure that this year’s election is a “success in our ongoing journey of democratic consolidation”.
The President was addressing the nation through his weekly newsletter.
The 2024 National and Provincial Elections are expected to be held on 29 May this year.
“It is up to us all, whether as government, political parties, candidates, voters, the media or civil society organisations, to play our part by ensuring that our actions and words inspire faith in our democracy. We must continue to work together to ensure that nothing undermines the integrity of our elections.
“Above all, it is up to us all to ensure that this hard-won right to vote, for which so many sacrificed so much, is exercised by every eligible citizen in a climate free of intimidation and all forms of violence,” President Ramaphosa said.
This year’s elections will be the seventh held since the dawn of democracy 30 years ago.
As highlighted by the President, the country’s electoral processes together with the rights enjoyed by citizens and political parties to organise, campaign and contest, “are among the greatest strengths of our constitutional order”.
Valuable rights
President Ramaphosa reminded South Africans that in this country, politicians are free to contest and media freedom to report is guaranteed with the courts administering justice “without fear or favour, including an Electoral Court that oversees the work of the Independent Electoral Commission [IEC] and the conduct of elections”.
“As the country counts down to the election, the vibrant and robust campaigning that is taking place reflects how South Africa’s politics continues to evolve and mature. It is also a reflection of the many different views in our society and the variety of choices that voters have.
“In a democracy such as ours, we should not be worried about differences, even when sharply expressed. That is because the vast majority of South Africans value and respect the democratic process. They have faith in the rule of law and know that any disputes can be resolved through the courts and other legal avenues.
“Over the past 30 years we have held elections that are not only free and fair, but also peaceful and free of intimidation. Dire predictions of South Africa ‘regressing into violence’ or ‘democratic backsliding’ that regrettably remain a common feature of some reportage and analysis have been proven wrong time and again,” he said.
The South African voter
President Ramaphosa said that according to research, most South Africans “recognise the importance of their vote and believe they have a duty to vote” with the IEC commissioned research finding that some 57% of South Africans having expressed belief that voting is their duty.
“While youth apathy is often cited as a problem in our country, some 55% of 18-24 year olds saw it as their duty to vote. It is significant that young people accounted for over 78% of new voter registrations last year. The IEC research also found that the majority of respondents agreed that democracy is preferable to other kinds of government.
“Despite its many challenges, our democracy is in good health. Even as political and other forms of contestation continue in the run-up to this year’s polls, they are taking place under the broad umbrella of a constitutional order characterised by fundamental freedoms and human rights,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 04/15/2024 - 09:57
450 views
KZN activates disaster teams
KZN activates disaster teams
Disaster teams have been activated in all KwaZulu-Natal municipalities following a level 5 warning of disruptive rains expected in eThekwini Metro and the south coast on Monday, which could result in localised flooding.
According to the warning from the South African Weather Service (SAWS), the heavy downpours may result in some areas receiving rainfall accumulation of more than 200 millimetres over a 24-hour period, which may lead to flooding of settlements and roads, damage to houses, and the displacement of communities over the extreme south-eastern part of the province.
In a statement issued on Monday, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs said areas that are likely to be affected include eThekwini Metro, Umdoni, Umzumbe and Ray Nkonyeni Local Municipalities on Monday.
The department said disaster teams reported that flood damage occurred in Margate town on Sunday night, which was caused by severe thunderstorms.
The department said businesses and public infrastructure, including roads and houses, have been severely damaged.
“No injuries or fatalities have been confirmed at this stage. Our teams are currently conducting an assessment. Updates will be communicated in due course.
“The public is advised to take precautionary measures by moving to safer places and avoid travelling to mitigate risk. These thunderstorms may cause localised damage to settlements, vehicles, livelihood, livestock and power surges due to excessive lightning,” the department said.
The department has also warned the public of the dangers of lightning and advised communities to seek shelter in safe places.
“Public facilities, such as community halls, are open as safe havens for those in need of shelter. Our teams may have to evacuate people should they foresee high risk of danger due to the inclement weather.
“Motorists are strongly advised to avoid travelling during this period, as bridges may become flooded, posing a risk to life,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 04/15/2024 - 12:06
305 views
Telkom Netball League 2024: Unveiling the Future Stars of South African Netball
The stage is set, and the players are ready, as the highly anticipated 2024 Telkom Netball League (TNL) gears up for its grand kick-off at the Ellis Park Arena in Johannesburg. With its inaugural power week from 26 April – 5 May 2024, followed by a series of electrifying matches running through May and June, …
SAHPRA recalls two batches of Benylin paediatric cough syrup
SAHPRA recalls two batches of Benylin paediatric cough syrup
The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has recalled two batches of Benylin pediatric cough syrup.
On 10 April 2024, the Nigerian National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) reported to the concerned party that a batch of Benylin paediatric cough syrup had high levels of diethylene glycol detected in it.
According to the SAHPRA, diethylene glycol is toxic to humans when consumed and can prove fatal.
Toxic effects can include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, inability to pass urine, headache, altered mental state, and acute kidney injury that may lead to death.
“SAHPRA immediately contacted the South African manufacturer, Kenvue, formerly Johnson and Johnson, for a response. Following engagements with the manufacturer and in the best interest of the public, it was resolved that affected batches would immediately be recalled while an investigation is ongoing,” the local drug watchdog explained.
SAHPRA, in collaboration with Kenvue, has identified the affected batch numbers as 329304 and 329303.
These affected batches have been distributed to several countries including South Africa, Eswatini, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania and Nigeria.
SAHPRA CEO, Dr Boitumelo Semete-Makokotlela, said as a national regulatory authority, the recalling of medical products is a crucial measure to address safety concerns or quality issues so that they protect the health of the public.
“SAHPRA is recalling these two batches from the market due to reported high levels of diethylene glycol, with the potential to cause serious adverse events,” Semete-Makokotlela explained.
Benylin paediatric is a bright red syrup with a raspberry smell and taste, packaged in a 100ml amber glass bottle with a plastic measuring cup.
It is used to relieve cough and congestive symptoms and treat hay fever and other allergies affecting the upper respiratory tract.
“SAHPRA wishes to inform the public not to panic, as the matter is being handled with priority. Batch recalls are batch-specific and do not necessarily apply to other batches or similar products. The manufacturer is a SAHPRA-licenced manufacturer and complies with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP),” said Semete-Makokotlela.
The drug watchdog stressed that the recall is limited to two batches and that the public should not panic regarding the range of products bearing the same name.
“SAHPRA is alerting healthcare professionals and the public to discontinue the use of the two batches mentioned, remove them from their inventory and return them to their normal distribution channels immediately,” said Semete-Makokotlela.
The recall is classified as a Class 1, Type A recall, which is associated with a serious product quality concern that may have severe consequences.
According to SAHPRA, this is a countrywide recall.
The product is being recalled from hospitals, retail outlets, healthcare professionals, authorised prescribers and individual customers or patients.
Those who have consumed these two batches and experienced any adverse reaction or witnessed it in children should consult their healthcare professional and report this using the Med Safety App or send an email to adr@sahpra.org.za. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 04/15/2024 - 10:02
243 views
CSA T20 Challenge Update: Titans, Lions And Dolphins Win Big
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President Ramaphosa expected to visit Uganda, South Sudan
President Ramaphosa expected to visit Uganda, South Sudan
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to undertake a Working Visit to the Republic of Uganda to meet with President Yoweri Museveni.
In a statement, the Presidency said the two leaders are expected to discuss security in that region of Africa “including the situation in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo”.
Following that visit, President Ramaphosa is expected to visit the Republic of South Sudan in order to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.
“The President will also use the visit to receive a detailed briefing from President Salva Kiir Mayardit, and all other stakeholders, on the status of implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan [R-ARCSS] which was signed on 12 September 2018,” the statement read.
The agreement comes to an end in February next year and elections must be held in December this year.
“It is in this context that President Ramaphosa has designated Deputy President Paul Mashatile, as his Special Envoy, to provide practical and political support to the parties to the R-ARCSS and the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity [R-TGoNU], towards achieving the measures set to achieve a democratic and peaceful end to the transitional period.
“To this end, Deputy President Mashatile has visited South Sudan and based on his engagements with stakeholders, recommended a follow-up visit by President Ramaphosa. South Africa has always been walking with South Sudan on its path to reconstruction and development since the dawn of independence in 2011.
“South Africa has participated in various conflict resolution and mediation mechanisms, State building, capacity building of State institutions and programmes for post-conflict reconstruction and development,” the Presidency statement said.
Official bilateral relations between South Sudan and South Africa were signed into establishment in September 2012 and are conducted through the General Cooperation Agreement.
“South Africa is also the Chair of the African Union High-Level Ad-hoc Committee for South Sudan (also known as C5), which has been mandated by the African Union to support South Sudan in its transitional process.
“South Africa enjoys cordial bilateral relations with South Sudan and the two countries have a long-standing historical relationship that pre-dates South Sudan’s independence on 9 July 2011,” the statement read. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 04/15/2024 - 09:02
204 views
CSA Mourns The Passing Of Brandon Foot
JOHANNESBURG: It is with deep sadness that Cricket South Africa (CSA) learned of the passing of Brandon Foot. As a...
The post CSA MOURNS THE PASSING OF BRANDON FOOT first appeared on Cricket South Africa.
RIP Brandon Foot
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President to receive His Majesty King Mswati III for working visit
President to receive His Majesty King Mswati III for working visit
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to host His Majesty King Mswati III of the Kingdom of eSwatini for a working visit, the Presidency said on Sunday.
President Ramaphosa will receive His Majesty the King at Mahlamba Ndlopfu, the President’s Official Residence in Pretoria on Monday.
The visit follows a courtesy visit by President Cyril Ramaphosa to His Majesty King Mswati III in Lozitha, eSwatini on Wednesday, 03 April 2024.
“South Africa and eSwatini share strong historical bonds as well as mutually beneficial political and trade ties,” said the Presidency.
During his visit to Eswatini earlier this month, President Ramaphosa paid a brief visit to the Queen Mother, Her Majesty iNdlovukazi, before proceeding to meet with His Majesty the King.
According to the Presidency statement at the time, the two discussed the “historical bonds” of the two Southern African nations while also affirming their commitment to strong historical bonds between their two countries, including growing political and trade ties. -SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Sun, 04/14/2024 - 14:26
562 views
Nzimande appoints new NSFAS administrator, addresses other matters
Nzimande appoints new NSFAS administrator, addresses other matters
The Minister of Higher Education and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande has announced the appointment of Sithembiso Freeman Nomvalo, as the administrator of the National Student Fund Financial Aid Scheme while also explaining the reasons for dissolving the scheme’s previous board.
At a media briefing held in Pretoria on Sunday, the Minister said Nomvalo possesses extensive knowledge and an impeccable record of accomplishment in public finance and government processes.
He has been tasked to take over the governance, management, and administration of NSFAS for 12 months depending on progress made.
His task also involves resolving the data integration challenges as a matter of urgency, finalising all the necessary funding decisions and outstanding payments including student accommodation, and overseeing the opening of the 2025 online applications process.
Nomvalo has over 25 years of working experience, 17 of which were at senior level both in the public and private sector.
He was the first African and longest-serving Accountant-General of a democratic South Africa.
Responsibilities
In explaining the reasons for dissolving of the board of the National Student Fund Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), the Minister said the board had failed in carrying out its “basic” responsibilities.
“Through various formal engagements, as Minister, I have consistently raised my concerns and unhappiness with the outgone NSFAS Board, about the inability of NSFAS to carry out and implement some of the most basic responsibilities allocated to it,” he said.
READ | Nzimande dissolves NSFAS board
He said the board has faced several challenges. One of the critical issues pointed out by him was the termination of the contracts of direct payment service providers, who were appointed without following due process. The board was dissolved on 11 April 2024 and the scheme was placed under administration the next day.
The decision was also made due to the board’s failure to oversee the timely payment of student allowances by the management.
“This has resulted in unnecessary stress for students and their parents, and also continues to threaten the very stability of some of our TVET [Technical Vocational Education and Training] colleges and universities.”
He pointed out that the Board has been unable to resubmit an accurate annual report to Parliament, manage and finalise the close-out report, and address significant capacity deficiencies within the organisation, including the non-functional call centre, which is still not functional.
According to Nzimande, the Board also failed to respond to student queries in a timely and efficient manner and consult on the guidelines for the missing middle funding.
“In an attempt to resolve these challenges or mitigate their impact, as Minister, I engaged the board on several occasions on various solutions, including a turnaround strategy, which has not been achieved within agreed timelines.
“Despite several engagements with myself, NSFAS continues to face serious challenges in its business processes, IT [information and technology] systems, capacity, and policies and controls,” he explained.
The Minister is of the view that this has impacted the well-being of students negatively but has also brought serious reputational damage to NSFAS, the department and government.
NSFAS achievements
Nzimande said the institution has supported more than five million beneficiaries since its inception, producing hundreds of thousands of skilled professionals and the middle class, especially from within the poor and working-class sections of society.
“This is definitely one of the most important achievements of this government over the past 30 years of our democracy and this must be celebrated as such.
“Flowing from this, I am also sensitive to the public expectation on NSFAS, as it relates to its role in enabling poor and working-class families to give their sons and daughters the gift of education.”
Continuity
The Minister said the dissolution of the board will not affect the normal functioning of NSFAS, including all payments that have to be made.
“The decision to dissolve the NSFAS board was not a light one and I wish to assure the public that, in taking this decision, I have considered all possible implications, including the impact that it might have on NSFAS employees and the students.”
However, he said he aimed to ensure that deserving students receive the necessary financial support and that NSFAS remains focused on its mandate, which is to provide financial assistance to students from poor and working-class backgrounds. -SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Sun, 04/14/2024 - 17:13
41 views
New Tiger Brands facility a sign of confidence in SA
New Tiger Brands facility a sign of confidence in SA
Tiger Brands’ new R300 million state-of-the-art peanut butter manufacturing plant is a sign of confidence in the South African economy, said Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Nomalungelo Gina.
The Deputy Minister was speaking during the official launch of the company’s facility in Chamdor, Krugersdorp in Gauteng.
In a statement on Friday, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) said the plant is located on more than 8000 square meters of land within Mogale City, with 62 full time employees.
“The company says up to 70% of the peanuts used in the production process are procured locally and the remaining 30% from markets outside South African due to local farmers not being able to meet the actual need,” said the dtic.
Gina also commended Tiger Brands for its commitment to the economic transformation agenda and growing Small Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMME) through Enterprise Supplier Development (ESD).
“As government, we insist on this policy direction because we know that SMMEs contribute 34% to the national GDP [gross domestic product]. As the country, we are under pressure to maximise employment in this country as we are pursuing [the] re-industrialisation of the economy. SMMEs will remain an important aspect of growing our economic base. Big corporates have an obligation to use the ESD model effectively through empowerment measures such as ESD mechanisms,” she said.
Gina further urged Tiger Brands and South African based companies to fully utilise the benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCTA) to ensure their own advancement and those of the South African and African economies.
The African Continental Free Trade Area creates the world’s largest free trade area by number of countries, and has the potential to bring transformative change and tremendous opportunities to African economies and businesses. -SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Sun, 04/14/2024 - 15:56
248 views
Over 281 000 people intercepted from unlawfully entering SA
Over 281 000 people intercepted from unlawfully entering SA
The Border Management Authority (BMA) has successfully intercepted and prevented more than 281 000 people from unlawfully entering South Africa since the initial deployment of border guards last year.
“It is in this celebratory mode of 30 years of democracy, coupled with the first anniversary of the BMA that we are presented with an opportunity to reflect on the benefits of moving away from a multi-agency approach to an integrated border management platform under a single command and control,” said Commissioner of the BMA, Dr Mike Masiapato.
The BMA celebrated its first anniversary on 1 April this year.
“To this end, the BMA has taken full control of all immigration, health, agricultural and environmental functions across all ports of entry, with the departments retaining responsibility for policy and legislation,” Masiapato said at a media briefing held on Sunday.
However, the access control function across the ports of entry remains co-implemented between the border guards and the South African Police Services (SAPS) due to the capacity challenges confronting the BMA.
Masiapato presented the report on the authority’d 2024 Easter plan, which ran for 10 days starting from 26 March to 4 April 2024.
During the Easter period, the BMA facilitated 1 136 250 travellers across South Africa’s 71 ports of entry. This was a 24% increase, with 222 391 more travellers facilitated and registered compared to last year.
Operations
The Commissioner revealed that 3 841 people attempting to enter South Africa illegally were intercepted.
He said that there was a decrease in the number of undocumented and unaccompanied minors arriving at ports of entry during the Easter period of 2024.
Although this was a positive development, the agency intercepted five children at the Beitbridge port of entry on 28 March 2024.
The children were handed over to the Department of Social Development and have since been returned to their home country.
He also shared about the incident involving a child at the Grobler’s Bridge port of entry where a woman was attempting to exit South Africa to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) via Botswana.
“The supposed ‘mother’ did not have a passport but was carrying an Emergency Travel Document, which was issued by the embassy of the DRC and the child was completely undocumented. They were both handed over to the colleagues of the Department of Social Development who processed and took them to the place of safety within Limpopo.”
In addition, eight penalties were issued to some bus companies found transporting illegal migrants in various ports of entry to the value of R270 000.
“At this point, we would like to send a stern warning to all conveyers to desist from transporting illegal migrants in or out of South Africa.”
The border guards also managed to intercept and deny entry to about seven cargo consignments of meat worth about R9 294 551 which were destined to enter South Africa through the port of Cape Town due to non-compliance.
They also seized about 748 kg of non-compliant regulated agricultural products at various ports of entry.
In the period of 10 days, BMA health specialists screened about 91 743 travellers for various infectious and or communicable diseases and seized about 120 tablets, 57 658 mg of medications, 59 530 ml of cosmetics and about 50 insulin injections.
The guards working with the SAPS arrested about 143 individuals for committing various crimes and transgressions within the ports of entry and the border law enforcement area.
“The majority of these individuals served as facilitators of illegal activities around the ports of entry and were therefore charged for aiding and abetting. Interestingly, one individual was arrested at Lebombo port of entry to Mozambique while in possession of 13 passports attempting to bribe an immigration specialist with some banknotes which were placed in between the pages of the individual passports.”
In addition, about R641 of dagga with the value of R2 602 500 was seized and destroyed in both Grobler's Bridge port of entry to Botswana and Caledonspoort port of entry to Lesotho.
Another joint operation by officials of the SAPS, South African Reserve Service (SARS) and BMA included 217 master cases of counterfeit cigarettes with the value of R3 351 690 at the Lebombo port of entry from Mozambique en route to South Africa.
Other operations include the interception of 573 items of counterfeit alcohol, 272 pairs of counterfeit clothing and parts of a Toyota Hilux 4 x 4 worth R150 000.
“As the BMA, we remain committed to robustly confront the complex challenges associated with border management across all modalities, ranging from sea, land and air,” said the Commissioner. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Sun, 04/14/2024 - 12:17
384 views
Elections 2024: What the major political parties say about education
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