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The National School of the Arts, renowned for being an incubator of the stars of tomorrow, brings to the magnificent Mandela Stage at the Joburg Theatre – The NSA JAZZ & POP Ensembles – in Concert for two unforgettable nights on the 8th and 9th March. Flavoured with South African music, the NSA band will …
Coleus Packaging, the metal crown manufacturer in South Africa, is on track to benefit from its deal with Greek company Astir Vitogiannis through the investment in a new PMC 500 crown manufacturing machine. “Previously, we were majority owned by SAB but in mid-2022 Astir Vitogiannis acquired 75% shareholding in Coleus, and left the remaining 25% …
In the ever-evolving landscape of South African healthcare, technology plays a pivotal role in enhancing both operational efficiencies and patient care. As medical practices seek to navigate the complexities of modern healthcare delivery, the adoption of specialised software and services becomes essential. This blog explores the key technology solutions reshaping healthcare in South Africa, from …
“I am a proudly gay man,” city councillor Rob Quintas tells crowd
Trade union Solidarity says it’s been complaining about the deplorable state of the police building for years, but to no avail
As summer wanes, South Africans are advised to always exercise caution when out and about. Skin cancer ranks as one of the most common cancers in South Africa, but what does that mean for a country with such a diverse array of skin colours? According to Functional Head: Oncology Management Dr Jenni Noble at the …
Over one million students provisionally funded by NSFAS
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has received a total of 1 936 330 applications for funding, as of 16 February 2024.
Briefing the media on the registration process and payment of allowances on Monday, NSFAS Acting Chairperson, Professor Lourens Van Staden, said that of the 1 936 330 applications received, 1 244 854 are provisionally funded as of 1 March 2024, with 108 345 registrations received, 59 723 awaiting evaluations, and 94 816 awaiting supporting documents.
Van Staden said a total of 84 225 applications have been withdrawn by students, while 52 038 are in progress, and 136 468 are on the not-started status, as applicants only created profiles and did not submit applications.
“NSFAS has rejected 243 113 applications and 15 174 appeals have been lodged to date,” Van Staden said at a briefing held at the Government Communication and Information System in Pretoria.
The briefing comes after the applications for funding closed on 15 February 2024.
Van Staden said the scheme is determined to improve its systems, including applications processes, to enable a smooth and seamless application process.
The chairperson said the scheme is also committed to continue working with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) to verify the financial eligibility criteria of all the applicants, by ensuring that the consent form is submitted by non-South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) applicants.
He reiterated the call to applicants to submit accurate information when applying, as this assist in reducing the timelines to make funding decisions.
Through third party verifications, Staden said NSFAS has processed about 23 000 applications per day and has prioritised applicants who have received firm offers of admission from universities, or who were enrolled at Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges.
Over 30 000 loan applications received
On the 2024 loan applications, Van Staden said NSFAS has received 30 728 loan applications as of 16 February 2024.
Van Staden said the scheme has pre-assessed and determined students who pre-qualify for the loan, and communication was sent to the affected students via the student portal, to confirm whether or not they were accepted for NSFAS to process their loan application.
He stressed that this is specifically for students who had applied for a bursary, but were above the income threshold for the bursary, but within the loan threshold.
“The next step would be for NSFAS to communicate with institutions, to request them to submit admission data for registered students in line with the requirements of the loan of the 70 vs 30 split in STEM [Science, technology, engineering and mathematics] and social sciences respectively.
“At the completion of this process, we envisage that a total of 31 800 missing middle students will be provided with student loans,” Van Staden explained.
The loan applications also closed on 15 February 2024. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 03/04/2024 - 14:27
Johan Nolan, a seasoned property practitioner hailing from the scenic coastal town of Velddrif, has marked a historic milestone by becoming the first South African eXp agent to attain ICON Status. This achievement underscores Johan’s unwavering dedication and expertise in the real estate industry. Andrew Thompson, Country Leader at eXp Realty South Africa shared, “Johan …
Gauteng emerging farmers urged to apply for funding
Emerging farmers in the priority areas of poultry, piggery, grains, vegetables, red meat, cannabis, aquaculture, rabbit, bee farming and agri-processing have been invited to apply for funding.
This is part of the Gauteng Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment’s efforts to grow the agricultural sector, create jobs and alleviate poverty in the province.
The CASP which closes on Friday, is informed by the department’s elevated priority focus to maintain sustainable food security in the province.
“We are making a call to the historically disadvantaged and the vulnerable groups, our women, youth and people living with disabilities to apply for the farmer support grant and become part of our relentless fight against food insecurity,” said Gauteng MEC for Social Development, Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Mbali Hlophe, on Sunday.
Hlophe said the farmer support programme is aimed at providing Small Medium and Micro Enterprise farmers with a much needed boost towards their farming establishments.
The relief programme is building on its previous successes which has seen an average of 250 beneficiaries per annum empowered into the mainstream economy since its establishment in 2004.
The annual subsidy is available to groups and individuals as a once-off intervention so that the department can cover a wider spectrum of beneficiaries for reasonable impact.
To remain transparent, the process takes place under the microscope of an independent evaluation and adjudication panel.
The panel consists of professionals from various fields including economists, animal scientists, crop scientists, engineers, and food scientists.
Potential beneficiaries need to meet the following conditional requirements to apply:
• Application form must be signed and dated
• Registered business on the farmers registers
• South African Certified ID (not more than three months)
• Valid confirmation of land tenure/ownership such as tittle deeds, permission to occupy land and/or minimum five years lease agreement.
• Already farming
• Farming operation’s ability to create permanent or seasonal jobs
• In cases where the Environment Impact Assessment certificate is required, such evidence must be provided.
Once all these have been met, applications may be emailed to: GDARDFARMERSUPPORT@gauteng.gov.za.
Prospective applicants can obtain forms from the following satellite offices:
SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 03/04/2024 - 15:00
The South African Photographer of the Year competition is an annual highlight for both amateur and professional photographers, celebrating the stunning diversity and beauty of South African and African wildlife and nature. It’s a unique platform for showcasing exceptional talent and offers participants a chance to gain recognition while contributing to nature conservation. Join us …
Mpumalanga learners get bicycles
Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga has handed over 455 bicycles to pupils in Mpumalanga to use for travelling to school.
Learners that benefitted from the national Shova Kalula or Ride Easy Bicycle Programme include those in Sindawonye and Kwakwari Primary, as well as Mgudlwa, Mkhephuli, Mbedlwana, Sozilani and Hlomanani Secondary Schools in the Thembisile Hani Local Municipality.
“We hope that these means will help in them to get to and from school quicker, and that it will inspire them to pursue their educational dreams,” Chikunga said on Monday.
The national Shova Kalula or Ride Easy Bicycle Programme was initiated as a pilot project in 2001 with the purpose of promoting and maximising the use of bicycles as a low-cost mobility solution to poor communities, particularly in the rural areas.
“The Shova Kalula Programme is part of the broader learner transport programme, focusing on learners who walk less than 5 kilometre (km) and walk more than 3 km to schools. Other learners on the learner transport programme are being ferried through buses and taxis through contracts that are managed by the provinces,” the Minister said.
In addition, all provinces are implementing the National Learner Transport Policy though the National Learner Transport Programme.
“There are 900 946 learners in 5 635 schools that required learner transport to access their schools in 2023/2024 financial year. These learners have been identified by the provincial Departments of Education, which are responsible for the selection of learners to benefit from the subsidised learner transport service, in line with the National Learner Transport Policy and provincial policies,” Chikunga said.
The National Learner Transport policy recognies the deep challenges of learners who walk long distances to school, which has an adverse impact on their school attendance and performance.
“In order to deal with these mobility challenges, government has been implementing the National Learner Transport Policy to provide learners who live more than 5km [from school] with transport to school,” the Minister said.
Moloto Road
While in Mpumalanga, the Minister also conducted a site inspection of the bridge under construction along the R573 Moloto Road in the Thembisile Hani Local Municipality.
“Work on the project is progressing steadily across all the three provinces of Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Limpopo. The South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) team is working tirelessly to make the road safer for road users. In Mpumalanga, Work Package 2 is currently ongoing, and it is 75% complete.
“The anticipated completion date of construction for this phase is June 2024. In Limpopo, Work Package A2 is currently underway, and it is 95% complete. The anticipated completion date of construction is February 2024. In Gauteng, SANRAL is on the verge of appointing a contractor to start with works on this section of the project in 2024,” the Minister said.
SANRAL has invested R4.5billion in this project over five years.
“About 12 500 jobs are expected to be created throughout the project duration. In line with SANRAL’s Transformation Policy, the inclusion of youth- and women-owned businesses will be prioritised.
“Furthermore, the roads agency has launched a programme to empower Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs), headed by people with disabilities, to form part of the construction of Moloto Road.
“Nearly R130 million has also been earmarked to train prospective contractors from designated groups, to get them to the point where they are able to submit compliant, competitive and profitable tenders for such projects,” Chikunga said.
SANRAL has introduced several additional safety interventions on the R573 to minimise crashes, paying particular attention to pedestrian safety.
“So far, we have worked on the Moloto Road in Mpumalanga and Limpopo and we hope to begin work in Gauteng this year. The spend to date is R559 million on upgrading of national road R573, Section 2, Thembisile Hani Local Municipality, Mpumalanga; and R362.8 million on upgrading of national road R573, Section 3, from Slovo to Siyabuswa, Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality,” the Minister said. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Mon, 03/04/2024 - 15:01
Celebrating 30 years of human rights
The year 2024 coincides with several historic milestones in the nation’s fight for fundamental human rights and freedoms, says Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Zizi Kodwa.
“South Africans from all walks of life will be participating in the seventh National Elections since the dawn of democracy and the country, in April, will be celebrating 30 years of democracy in South Africa,” the Minister said on Monday in Pretoria.
He was addressing the launch of Human Rights Month, which is taking place under the theme: “Three Decades of Respect For and Promotion of Human Rights.”
Human Rights Month is observed to remind South Africans about the sacrifices that accompanied the struggle for the attainment of democracy.
“Overall, Human Rights Month serves as a reminder of the ongoing work needed to uphold and protect human rights for all individuals worldwide. It encourages reflection, action, and solidarity in the pursuit of a more just and equitable world.
“From 1994 to date, South Africa underwent a radical transition from the oppressive apartheid regime, with its system founded on parliamentary sovereignty, to a constitutional democracy committed to the creation of a society based on democratic values, social justice and fundamental human rights,” the Minister said.
Outlining the programme for Human Rights Month, he said the commemoration of the National Human Rights Day is planned for 21 March 2024 at the George Thabe Stadium, in Sharpeville.
“The hosting of the event in Sharpeville symbolises government’s commitment to honour sacrifices made by those who fought and died for our liberation in Sharpeville and other townships across the land. It makes sense that we take the commemoration of the day to the place where it originated.
“On 21 March, the national Human Rights Day is commemorated to honour the Sharpeville massacre of 1960 where peaceful protestors marched against discriminatory pass laws and were fatally shot by police. The Sharpeville massacre stands as a potent symbol of the brutal realities of apartheid.
“Sharpeville's historical significance extended beyond its national borders, receiving global attention, which culminated in the United Nations (UN) Security Council passing a resolution condemning the killings and calling for the South African government to abandon its policy of apartheid and the UN General Assembly declaring apartheid as a violation of the UN Charter,” the Minister said.
Six years after the massacre, the UN declared March 21 to be the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
“The Sharpeville massacre galvanised the anti-apartheid movement both within South Africa and internationally. It energized resistance efforts and led to increased solidarity among activists and organizations working towards the dismantling of apartheid.
“The massacre served as a catalyst for global awareness of the oppressive nature of apartheid and prompted increased international pressure on the South African government. Over the following decades, the anti-apartheid movement gained momentum, ultimately contributing to the dismantling of apartheid in the early 1990s.”
Activities
The Minister called on all South Africans to participate in the activities planned for Human Rights Month.
“This year’s National Human Rights Day will be preceded by an International National Human Rights Conference, bringing together key stakeholders from across the globe as well as other government departments, to assess progress on the advancement of human rights since 1994.
“The Conference will be hosted by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development from the 18th to 20th of March 2024 and is premised on the department’s core mandate to uphold and administer the Constitution, deepening constitutional democracy, and promoting the values of human dignity, equality and the advancement of human rights and freedoms,” the Minister said.
Through this Conference, South Africa will conduct critical assessment of its state of human rights almost three decades into its constitutional democracy.
“There will be other activations across the country, amongst others, the Social Cohesion Dialogue to be hosted by the Eastern Cape province in Gqeberha on the 20th of March.
“Panellists in this programme include leaders who have demonstrated a commitment to building bridges across diverse communities. Amongst them will be Dr Brigalia Bam, former Chairperson of IEC and Dr Bonisile John Kani and Ms Rochelle de Kock from [the] Herald Newspaper,” the Minister said. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Mon, 03/04/2024 - 12:12
JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) has congratulated the DP World Lions and Northern Cape Heat, who were crowned champions of...
Thrilling tussle expected between Andre Bezuidenhout and Franco Scribante, along with a brace of other serious challengers, for Classic Car Friday glory Exceptional line-up of cars across the nine classes, from thoroughbred single-seaters to legendary tin-tops, ranging from 1926 to 1994 14th edition of the Simola Hillclimb takes place in Knysna from 2 to 5 […]
Probe into SANDF deaths
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has convened a Board of Inquiry with the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) to investigate an incident which led to the deaths of two defence force members.
“The incident occurred when one of them [SANDF member] shot and killed the other with their service weapon before turning the weapon on themselves with fatal consequences,” said the SANDF of Thursday’s incident.
In a statement on Friday the defence force said it has convened a Board of Inquiry to work with the MONUSCO command to investigate the incident and the circumstances that led to it.
Meanwhile, Defence and Military Veterans Minister Thandi Modise has expressed her shock at the incident that involved the two officials deployed to the central African country.
The remains of the officials will be repatriated to South Africa in due course and all families have been informed of the unfortunate incident.
Minister Modise, the Deputy Minister Thabang Makwetla, the acting Secretary for Defence, Dr Thobekile Gamede and the Chief of the SANDF, General Rudzani Maphwanya have expressed their condolences to the families of the deceased.
Last month, the SANDF repatriated and officially handed over the mortal remains of Captain Simon Mkhulu Bobe and Lance Corporal Irven Thabang Semono to their families.
Bobe and Semono were killed and three of their colleagues injured in the DRC after a mortar bomb landed inside one of the South African contingency military bases.
The soldiers were part of the Southern African Development Community Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) deployed to support and assist government of the second-largest country in Africa to restore peace, security and stability. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 03/04/2024 - 10:17
JOHANNESBURG: Deaf Cricket South Africa (DCSA) has proudly capped their official squad for the much-anticipated DICC T20 World Cup UAE...
The Africa's Business Heroes (ABH) Prize Competition has launched its sixth annual continent-wide search for 10 exceptional entrepreneurs who are striving to make a positive impact in their local communities. The application form can be accessed for free on ABH's official website (https://AfricaBusinessHeroes.org/) starting today.
Since its inception in 2019, ABH has spotlighted and supported some of Africa's brightest entrepreneurial minds. The ABH top 10 finalists (Heroes) over the last five years:
In 2023, ABH published a five-year impact report that details the impact ABH Heroes have had. The full report can be accessed here: https://apo-opa.co/3T4mErL
As ABH enters its sixth year, it is calling on entrepreneurs across Africa to pitch on the biggest entrepreneurial stage in the continent. ABH encourages applicants from all 54 countries, from all business sectors, of all ages and genders, to submit their applications in English or French. Along with invaluable benefits such as training, exposure and networking opportunities, the top 10 finalists will also compete for their share of US$1.5 million in grant money.
“Over the past five years, we've had the privilege of witnessing the incredible growth of our Heroes. Many of our Heroes have leveraged the grant funds to expand their geographic footprint, hire talent, grow their operations and invest in new products and services. It's been heart-warming to see our Heroes collaborate with each other and to tap into the ABH network of judges and experts. We are motivated to continue to play our part in supporting the African entrepreneurial ecosystem. We are calling on all eligible African entrepreneurs who are creating positive impact to join us in this journey!” says Zahra Baitie, Head of Partnerships & Programs, Africa's Business Heroes.
To date, nearly 100,000 entrepreneurs have participated in the ABH Prize Competition. Last year's winners were chosen from 27,267 applicants from sectors spanning agriculture, education and training, energy, financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, and retail. The competition cumulated in the Grand Finale, where the top 10 finalists mounted Africa's largest augmented reality-powered stage to present their businesses to a panel of esteemed judges.
Dr. Ikpeme Neto, CEO and Founder of Wellahealth Technologies, ABH 2023 First Prize Winner says: “Participating in the ABH Prize Competition has been a transformative experience for Wellahealth Technologies, profoundly impacting our journey as a startup. ABH not only provided us with financial assistance but also offered unparalleled opportunities for entrepreneurship training, networking, and exposure. I urge fellow entrepreneurs across Africa to seize this extraordinary opportunity to enjoy a wealth of benefits that can catalyze growth and success for your ventures.”
WellaHealth (www.WellaHealth.com) provides affordable healthcare plans that start at less than a dollar a month to cover care common conditions delivered via pharmacies and remote doctors. The company serves over 300,000 individuals and is aiming to reach one million within 18 months and expand to 10 million within the next five years, extending its services in Nigeria and throughout Africa.
ABH constantly explores effective ways to help the participating entrepreneurs take their businesses to the next level. As with previous years, the journey to this year's Grand Finale will also include access to a community of business leaders, innovators, industry experts and investors as well as multi-disciplinary boot camps and training sessions.
To better facilitate the engagement with entrepreneurs and facilitate applications, this year ABH will organize a series of roadshows in multiple countries, including Cameroon, Cote d'Ivoire, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania and Zambia. These events will be conducted in collaboration with local entrepreneur organizations and ABH community members. Participants will gain valuable insights into the ABH initiative as well as enhance their chances of success in the competition. Further details regarding the roadshows and information sessions will be disseminated via ABH's official social media channels and newsletters.
Applications for ABH 2024 are open from now until May 19, 2024. The top 50 finalists will be announced in July, followed by the announcement of the top 10 in September. The final winners will be unveiled at the Grand Finale in November.
To apply, and for more information about ABH 2024, please visit ABH's website (https://apo-opa.co/3uUYEPD) and follow ABH on Twitter (@africa_heroes), Instagram (https://apo-opa.info/3KZTXKa), TikTok (https://apo-opa.co/48DjD7o) and YouTube (https://apo-opa.info/3YDG5bH).
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH).
Press Contact:
Africa's Business Heroes Press Room
abh.press@list.alibaba-inc.com
For media inquiries or interview requests, please contact:
English: Tracy Walakira
tracy.walakira@apo-opa.com
French / Arabic: Malika Bouayad
malika.bouayad@apo-opa.com
About Africa's Business Heroes:
The Africa's Business Heroes Prize Competition is a philanthropic initiative sponsored by the Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Philanthropy. It aims to support, inspire and enable the next generation of African entrepreneurs across all sectors who are building a brighter future for the continent, by offering grant funding, training programs and support for the development of an entrepreneurial ecosystem. Over 10 years, each year the ABH Prize Competition features 10 entrepreneur finalists as they pitch their business to win a share of US$1.5 million in grant money.
2nd March 2024 – The vibrant city of Cape Town played host to an electrifying spectacle of athleticism and adrenaline as contestants from around the globe converged for the Converse Ult.X at Battery Park in the famous V&A Waterfront. The event saw the world’s top freestyle BMX riders and South Africa’s best park skateboarders battling …
Small Business Development to host Global Entrepreneurship Congress
Small Business Development Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams will host the Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC+Africa) in Cape Town from 13 - 14 March.
The Department of Small Business Development has partnered with 22 on Sloane and other public and private sector players, who are committed to advancing entrepreneurial activity on the continent, to stage GEC+Africa 2024.
GEC+Africa is a gathering of entrepreneurs, thought leaders and practitioners, who have become part of the global movement that advances entrepreneurship as a vehicle for building economies and expanding access to a better life for all.
Over 1 500 delegates from more than 50 African nations are expected to participate during the congress. This will include start-ups; small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs); investors; policymakers and organisations that support entrepreneurship development.
GEC+Africa will seek to achieve some of the following objectives:
- Support the development of innovative start-ups and SMMEs in Africa.
- Create an enabling environment for African entrepreneurs to create jobs.
- Create market linkages for African start-ups and SMMEs.
- Support the development of a credible global investor pipeline that will invest in African start-ups and SMMEs.
- Establish a strong GEC-affiliated organisation in each African country to build and strengthen its entrepreneurship ecosystem.
According to the Department of Small Business Development, GEC+Africa will be a platform to showcase the significant progress the country has made in producing some of the most innovative and successful entrepreneurs on the continent.
“South Africa has one of the most mature start-up ecosystems in Africa, with stronger supporting institutions,” the department said in a statement.
“The Department of Small Business Development will continue to work with its partners to create an enabling environment for the growth and sustainability of small enterprises, and to strengthen the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Sun, 03/03/2024 - 10:31
Police committed to finding Joslin Smith
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has assured the community of Diazville in the Western Cape, where Joslin Smith went missing, that they remain committed to finding the six-year-old and reuniting her with her family.
Police Minister General Bheki Cele on Saturday met with the family of Joslin Smith, as well as the residents of the broader Saldanha community.
Joslin has been missing since 19 February 2024 and the search to locate her is ongoing.
During the community meeting, Cele called for cool heads to prevail amid the finger-pointing and peddling of false information about the SAPS investigation into her disappearance.
“You are a community that has united through this trying time. Don’t allow those who are trying to get political mileage out of the disappearance of a little girl to divide you. Unite and work with the police to bring her back home.
"From the police side, I want to assure you that no resource will be spared to find her. The police have not withdrawn from this search and they are under a directive to work closer with anyone who comes up with any valuable information that can assist,” Cele said.
Both the parents of Joslin Smith met with Cele and the management of the SAPS. They were assured of the ongoing policing efforts to fast track Joslin's safe return. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Sun, 03/03/2024 - 12:56
African academic sector preps for 40th AEAA conference
Umalusi CEO Dr Mafu Rakometsi says the EXCO of the Association for Educational Assessment in Africa (AEAA) is satisfied with the progress made in preparation of the hosting of the 40th AEAA Annual Conference in August.
The CEO was delivering remarks on Friday at a media briefing on the state of readiness for the hosting of the conference.
“Earlier today, Umalusi presented a report to the EXCO [executive committee] of the AEAA detailing progress made to date and the tasks that still need to be undertaken for the successful hosting of the 40th AEAA Annual Conference. I can confidently report that the EXCO of the AEAA is satisfied with the progress made,” Rakometsi said.
Umalusi is preparing to host the AEAA annual conference from 19 to 23 August 2024 at the Century City Conference Centre and Hotel in Cape Town. The conference will be held under the theme, 'Reimagining educational assessment in the age of multiple dimensions of learning in a global society'.
The AEAA plays a crucial role in facilitating member institutions to uphold best practices in educational assessment.
Rakometsi said that having hosted the 21st AEAA Conference back in 2003 in Cape Town, during the formative years of Umalusi, they feel privileged and honoured that the EXCO of the AEAA decided to bring back the conference to South Africa, 21 years later.
Rakometsi said this is a special birthday present for Umalusi because the 40th AEAA Conference is taking place just after the body celebrated two decades of its existence.
“... It is anticipated that the conference will attract upwards of 300 delegates, comprising assessment specialists, university academics and scholars, educationists, and policy makers from the African continent, Australia, Europe, the United Kingdom, and United States of America.
“This will provide us an invaluable opportunity to, within the context of complex and unequal educational contexts, discuss and debates various issues of mutual interest for Umalusi and the other education systems of the world,” the CEO said.
Rakometsi called on Umalusi partners in South Africa to support the conference by making it possible for the relevant officials to put together abstracts and papers for the consideration of the organising committee. He extended the same call to its partners continentally and globally.
The partners include the Department of Basic Education (DBE), Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), Independent Examinations Board, South African Comprehensive Assessment Institute (SACAI), Independent Schooling Sector, Private Further Education and Training Colleges and Adult Education and Training Colleges.
“In terms of its format, the main conference will be preceded by a workshop on assessment-related topic to build capacity amongst assessment practitioners. There will be ample opportunity for interested organisations to exhibit their services and products to the approximately 300 conference participants,” the CEO said.
Delivering his remarks during the media briefing, President of the Association for Educational Assessment in Africa (AEAA), Dr. David Njengere, appealed to all organisations involved in education and assessment in Africa and across the world to support the conference in whatever way possible.
He emphasised that one of the success factors for especially AEAA conferences is the support business entities sponsor and exhibit their services and products to conference delegates.
“In this regard, we are calling on all interested entities to partner with Umalusi and show case their products and services.
“Based on the report presented by Umalusi, the EXCO of the AEAA is satisfied with the progress made in preparation for the conference. We have no doubt that we are going to have a memorable conference in Cape Town in August this year,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Fri, 03/01/2024 - 15:58
Government doing all it can to improve lives
Government is doing all it can to pursue a more just, inclusive and fundamentally transformed society, says Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister, Thembi Nkadimeng.
“Key to achieving this is ethical leadership in all spheres of government and in our context, in local government... [it] is at the epicentre of delivery of human rights,” Nkadimeng said on Friday.
Addressing the Summit on Ethical Leadership in Local Government currently underway in Johannesburg, Nkadimeng said ethical leadership embodies integrity, accountability and a commitment to serving the people who have entrusted government with their well-being.
“It means, for example, acknowledging the injustices of the past, addressing the present challenges, and ensuring that every citizen has access to the basic services they need to thrive.”
According to the Minister, ethical leadership entails a deep-rooted understanding of the importance to provide clean, running water to the elderly, as this will enable them to take their medication on time and maintain their health and dignity.
“It could also mean having a holistic comprehension of the intricacies of Local Economic Development (LED), recognising its role in developing sustainable growth, empowering local businesses, and catalysing socio-economic progress.
“...[Ethical leadership] could mean no corruption... in the delivery of services to our people and adhering to the principle of treating others as we wish to be treated ourselves.
“Our democracy has matured, with each election strengthening the voice of the people. We have seen landmark legislation enacted by the current government to safeguard human rights and promote equality,” Nkadimeng said.
LED is an approach towards economic development that allows and encourages local people to work together to achieve sustainable economic growth and development, thereby bringing economic benefits and improved quality of life for all residents in a local municipal area.
As a CoGTA programme, LED is intended to maximise the economic potential of all municipal localities throughout the country and to enhance the resilience of macro-economic growth through increased local economic growth, employment creation and development initiatives within the context of sustainable development.
Nkadimeng said government has made tangible improvements in expanding access to essential services, as reported by Statistics South Africa’s Census 2022.
“Yet, despite our achievements, our journey towards a truly just and equitable society is far from complete. We still face deep-rooted inequalities, systemic injustices and pervasive poverty that continue to marginalise millions of our fellow citizens.
“As leaders and stakeholders in local government, it is our duty to confront these challenges head-on, to prioritise the needs of the most vulnerable members of our society, and to work tirelessly to build a future where every person, regardless of their background, can thrive.
“We should, as a collective, ask ourselves, for example, if the people residing in the 66 dysfunctional municipalities are content with the current state of their municipalities and the limitations they face in accessing basic services,” the Minister said.
Ethics in the public service
Nkadimeng said the Constitution of South Africa requires a high standard of professional ethics in the public service.
“This therefore means that public administration must be governed by the democratic values and principles, as well as the standards for professional ethics enshrined in the Constitution,” she said.
Also speaking at the same event was the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Head, Advocate Shamila Batohi, who said in local government, service delivery is key.
“When there is no service delivery, people get frustrated,” she said.
Batohi said corruption affects people and in this regard, criminal investigations are crucial.
“Without committed leadership and ethical leadership, it is hard to deal with corruption. We need to make sure that we build strong leadership. We need to ensure that we put the right people in positions,” Batohi said.
Head of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), Advocate Andy Mothibi, also emphasised the importance of ethical leadership.
Mothibi said poor governance leads to poor service delivery.
“It is important that we put in place measures that deal with corruption,” said Mothibi, adding that ethical leadership is needed in the whole of government.
The Summit on Ethical Leadership in Local Government marks the culmination of three years of collaborative efforts within the Local Government Ethical Leadership Initiative (LGELI).
LGELI is a partnership between The Ethics Institute, the Department for Cooperative Governance, the South African Local Government Association and the Moral Regeneration Movement, which was established to develop the Code for Ethical Leadership in Local Government, as envisaged in the Local Government Anti-Corruption Strategy.
It is a five-year project that commenced in October 2019 and is convened under the Chairpersonship of Father Smangaliso Mkhatshwa. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 03/01/2024 - 13:05
This was just hours after workers at the Telkom Towers office were evacuated after it was declared unfit for human use
Cabinet welcomes 29 May as date for General Elections
Cabinet has welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s proclamation of 29 May 2024 as the date for the General Elections, following his consultations with the Electoral Commission of South Africa and all nine provincial Premiers on the state of readiness for the national and provincial elections.
Briefing media on Thursday, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni emphasised that Cabinet has called on everyone, especially the youth, to exercise their right to vote.
“Years of untold sacrifice and struggle for our freedom culminated in the right to vote for the majority of South Africans in 1994. Our struggle for freedom secured the right for every South African to be active participants in our democratic system.
“This year’s elections coincide with the celebration of 30 Years of Freedom, which is a significant milestone for South Africa, as it provides us with the opportunity to reflect on our successes and also look for solutions to address our surmountable challenges,” the Minister said.
READ | Landmark election marks 30 years of electoral democracy
Presidential eThekwini Working Group
Cabinet has also noted President Ramaphosa’s meeting, which was held last Friday with the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry to discuss various initiatives, led by national government, to assist the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality to address the current water, electricity and infrastructure challenges.
“The President also established the Presidential eThekwini Working Group to accelerate the speedy resolution of issues affecting the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality. The group – comprising Ministers, eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality and business officials – will regularly present progress reports to the President,” Cabinet said.
14th Policy Dialogue Forum (PDF) of the International Task Force on Teachers for Education
Cabinet has further noted the country’s successful hosting of the 14th PDF of the International Task Force on Teachers for Education in Sandton, Johannesburg, on Monday, 26 February.
The event brought together education stakeholders from across the globe to foster advocacy, knowledge exchange and the monitoring of progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 4 on quality education.
The Policy Dialogue Forum released a High-Level Panel Report on the Teaching Profession and also launched the Global Report on teacher shortages. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Thu, 02/29/2024 - 12:05