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Health department welcomes recall of lubricating gel

Location: News

Health department welcomes recall of lubricating gel

The Department of Health has welcomed the recall of the medical lubricant gel called Lubri-A, otherwise known as Sterile Lubricating Jelly. 

This, after at least 380 patients developed a fungus infection, following use of the medical lubricant gel.  

The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) undertook an investigation from January 2022 to December 2023 into an unusually high number of patients in hospitals across South Africa with positive cultures of a fungus called Wickerhamomyces anomalus, previously known as Candida pelliculosa. 

“The Health Department applauds the NICD and the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority’s (SAHPRA) decision to recall the contaminated health product.”

This product, according to the department, has been used in both public and private health facilities for medical procedures such as insertion of urinary catheters and ultrasound-guided insertion of venous catheters.

According to the NICD, current evidence suggests that a potential source of this fungus may have been a contaminated medical lubricating jelly used by health professionals across the health system in the country.

“This could have introduced the fungus into the bloodstream or other body sites in some patients,” the department explained. 

“However, it is not yet certain if all cases in this outbreak represent true infections. A proportion of these cases may represent pseudo-infections. 

“A pseudo-infection is a positive culture in the laboratory without a true infection in the patient which may occur, for example, if there was fungal contamination of the patient’s skin by contaminated lubricating jelly before collection of a specimen.” 

An independent outbreak investigation conducted by the Western Cape provincial government earlier this year revealed that clusters of cases at two Cape Town hospitals may have been linked to the use of contaminated batches of lubricating jelly sachets. 

The department said most of the cases at one Western Cape hospital were assessed to be pseudo-infections. 

“This product has since been confirmed to be used by facilities with clusters of cases in several other provinces.” 

The NICD reviewed public-sector laboratory records from 1 January 2022 through to 4 December 2023. 

During this period, 380 patients with Wickerhamomyces anomalus positive specimens were identified in seven provinces. 

“The department is working closely with SAHPRA, the NICD and the manufacturer Electro-Spyres to ensure the product in question is no longer used and is recalled with immediate effect and that all unopened lubricant sachets or batches are returned through the usual distribution channels.”

Although there are no reports of fatalities linked to this contaminated product, the continued use of the product may place the health of patients at risk. 

“The NICD will support hospital teams to investigate individual patient cases to establish if lubricating jelly was used for any medical procedures before the positive culture and if patients had evidence of a true infection and any adverse sequelae.” 

The department has alerted the provincial health authorities and clinicians to place all suspected batches on hold until further information from the ongoing investigation is known.

“There is no need for members of the public to panic as the situation is under control. Healthcare professionals who have used this product have been urged to monitor their patients for any signs of an infection and to liaise with their local laboratories to check if any of their hospitalised patients have had a positive fungal culture after use of this product.” 

The signs or symptoms will depend on the body site that is affected.

Meanwhile, the department said the recall is limited to the product called LUBRI-A (2.5g and 50g sachets) and does not affect other lubricating gel products authorised for sale in South Africa. 

“The department will always prioritise the health of the population using safe and effective medical products to improve health status through the prevention of illness, disease and the promotion of healthy lifestyles.” – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Thu, 12/21/2023 - 10:31

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K-9, rural safety units fabricate inroads in battle against crime

Location: News

K-9, rural safety units make inroads in fight against crime

The Mossel Bay, Overstrand and Swartland K-9 Units, in partnership with the areas Rural Safety Units (RSUs), continue to make inroads in the fight against crime, particularly in their communities. 

Between 4 and 17 December 2023, the units with various municipal law enforcement agencies and the South African Police Service, arrested 57 people for various crimes. 

Of the 57 arrested, 32 were apprehended in the Overstrand municipal area, three in Mossel Bay and 22 were arrested in the Swartland.

This is according to the Western Cape Department of Police Oversight and Community Safety.

“In total, 18kg of dagga was confiscated in the last two weeks, along with more than 726 mandrax tablets. Other contraband, including West Coast Rock Lobster, their tails and abalone were also confiscated,” the department said.

It said the Mossel Bay K-9 unit had various operations, which included searches at two different addresses in Herbetsdale, where a combined total of 1kg of dagga, including more than 155 mandrax tablets and 21 plastic bankies, suspected to be tik, were discovered and confiscated. 

One person was also found with half mandrax tablets at a taxi rank in the Mossel Bay’s central business district. 

The department said the Swartland units had operations in Malmesbury, Moorreesburg, Riebeek-Valley, Vredendal, Vredeburg, Saldanha Bay, Yezerfontein and Piketberg with suspects arrested for among other things, dealing in liquor, possession of drugs, dealing in drugs and possession of stolen property.

The units also confiscated 505 mandrax tablets, 4kg parcels of dagga and 3 small zipper bags of tik. 

“Amongst others, the Overstand arrests included 9 for possessions of drugs; 2 for dealing in drugs, 5 for illegal possession of marine life and 9 wanted suspects. This unit confiscated 13kg’s of dagga, 6 mandrax tablets, 32 West Coast Rock Lobster, 35 West Coast Rock Lobster tails and 35 whole abandoned abalone,” the department said.

Western Cape MEC of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Reagen Allen, commended the K-9 and Rural Safety Units for their continued effort.

Allen said the provincial government has made a commitment that the province’s K-9 and Rural Safety Units will be more visible throughout the festive season. 

“These results are testament to their activity and effective execution. These units are demonstrating what the Western Cape Safety Plan seeks to achieve, particularly since we want our residents to live in improved and safer environments,” Allen said.

K-9 unit is a specialised group of law enforcement officers who use service dogs to perform the responsibilities of a general police officer. In addition to their usual duties, each K-9 officer is also a dog handler, meaning that they have to train and care for their canine partner. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Thu, 12/21/2023 - 12:18

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Good performance at Eskom must be consistent, says Ramokgopa

Location: News

Good performance at Eskom must be consistent, says Ramokgopa

Minister in the Presidency for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, has emphasised that although Eskom's recent performance is commendable, more work needs to be done to ensure that this continues consistently.

He was speaking during a media briefing updating the nation on the implementation of the Energy Action Plan (EAP).

The country has not been experiencing any load shedding for about a week due to consistent improvement in the available generating capacity.

“During this period, we have seen an exceptionally good performance by the units. Outside the issues of reduced demand, we have seen that the unplanned capacity loss factor – a combination of the units being unreliable and the units not performing at the right levels – the system has been healthy.

“The problem that we have is that the system is healthy in periods. What we want to achieve is to ensure that we maintain that consistently, that the system remains healthy. We have prioritised these power stations and we are seeing the results, and I’m confident that this festive we will have the lights on,” Ramokgopa said.

The Minister said that over the next two weeks, Eskom remains optimistic that the good performance of units will be sustained.

However, he warned that “the true test” for the performance of the system is yet to come.

“You are not seeing load shedding [because] we are working behind the scenes. We are aggressive on  maintenance and the system is performing. The outlook, in the short term… looks upbeat and we want to ensure that the lights remain on.

“But the true test comes on the other side of the break when big industries come back. It’s about sustaining the South African economy. So we can’t celebrate the fact that we don’t have load shedding when the South African economy has gone on a temporary break. You want to have a situation of no load shedding at the height of the performance of the South African economy,” he said.

Ramokgopa revealed that during this period, the power utility will be undergoing “aggressive maintenance” of power stations.

“We use this opportunity to do the actual work of ensuring that we are very aggressive in our maintenance programme so that we are able to take full advantage of the fact that demand has slowed down.

“We are going to benefit exceptionally when, as a country, we continue on this path of planned maintenance. But planned maintenance has got its own downsides. When we do planned maintenance, it simply means that I’m removing the units off the grid so I’m lessening my ability to generate the megawatts.

“That’s why we have used a combination of low demand and the healthy performance of units during this period to do not only planned maintenance, but opportunity maintenance,” he said.

Addressing generating units

Speaking to the Energy Action Plan’s first key intervention to fix Eskom and improve the availability of existing supply, Ramokgopa said achieving this rests on two variables: addressing the rate of failure of generating units and ensuring that the efficiency of the units is improved.

The EAP was introduced by President Cyril Ramaphosa in July 2022 to address load shedding and achieve energy security for the country.

“On the unplanned capacity loss factor... the intention is to bring this down...[and] bolster the performance of these units and therefore get more megawatts on the grid to service the demand.

“Over the past 14 days… the average is about 12 245MW. So it means that over that period, there is 12 245MW of units that have either failed or they are not giving us the amount of megawatts that we want.

“But it’s important that we juxtapose this with what has been the trend. When you look at our winter outlook when we did the projections…the worst case scenario was that if it hits 18 000MW, we are going to hit levels of load shedding that we have not seen before going beyond Stage 6. The system is better off, it’s healthier,” he said.

The Minister highlighted that on Monday, capacity losses stood at under 11 000MW but warned that this needs to be sustained over a longer period.

“This is a psychological barrier. We have gone below 11 000MW so we are confident about our ability to get to that level. The point is to ensure that we are able to sustain. The message I’m conveying to the country is that the system is healthier if you use the measure of the rate of failure and the partial load losses,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Thu, 12/21/2023 - 12:31

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Severe thunderstorms warning

Location: News

Severe thunderstorms warning

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has warned of severe thunderstorms with strong damaging winds, hail and heavy downpours leading to localised flooding of roads, settlements and bridges.

These conditions are expected on Thursday over the extreme eastern parts of the Free State, north-western parts of KwaZulu-Natal, eastern Highveld, escarpment areas of Mpumalanga, as well as the extreme south-eastern parts of Limpopo.

SAWS will continue to monitor this weather system and issue subsequent updates. The public has been advised to regularly follow weather forecasts on television, radio and social media platforms.

Updated information will regularly be available on www.weathersa.co.za, as well as on X at @SAWeatherServic and Facebook @SouthAfricanWeatherservice. – SAnews.gov.za

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Thu, 12/21/2023 - 14:20

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Public urged to follow instructions of firefighting authorities in Simon’s Town

Location: News

Public urged to follow instructions of firefighting authorities in Simon’s Town

The public has been urged to follow instructions from firefighters managing the wildfire in Simon’s Town.

“We have a strong and professional team on the ground, and we request that the public do not panic and work with us.

“Our officials will request residents well in advance if they need to evacuate, and all firefighting decisions being made is with the safety of the public as number one priority,” Western Cape MEC for Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning Anton Bredell said on Wednesday afternoon.

The fire has been burning since Tuesday morning and firefighting efforts are currently focused on the flank moving from Castle Rock towards Simon’s Town.

The Provincial Disaster Management Centre has availed provincial aerial resources to the Simon’s Town fire. Currently, there are four Huey helicopters and a spotter plane, as well as an Oryx helicopter from the South African Defence Force, deployed.

“Staff from Working on Fire, Volunteer Wildfire Services, NCC Environmental Services, the City of Cape Town and South African National Parks (SANParks) have through Tuesday night worked tirelessly to protect people and property until they could be supported with aerial water bombing again since daybreak today,” the MEC said.

While Simon's Town is being addressed, several wildfires in the Cape Winelands District Municipality (CWDM) also need attending to.

Firefighters from CWDM Fire Services, CapeNature, Winelands Fire Protection Association, NCC Environmental Services and aerial resources from Leading Edge has been engaged in active firefighting on several fronts.

The provincial government said a fire is burning through dense and inaccessible vegetation along the Berg River in the vicinity of the Berg River Dam outside Franschhoek.

Efforts are focused on preventing the spread to farms and nearby infrastructure. A fire in Du Toit’s Kloof outside Paarl is currently mostly contained, with ground crews attending to isolated hot spots, monitoring for flareups, and doing general mopping up work.

The Western Cape Provincial Government has budgeted R16 million for the current wildfire season.

“Fires due to natural causes, such as lightning strikes or rockfalls, account for less than 3% of all wildfires. The other 97% is caused either intentionally, 25%, or through negligence, 72%. These statistics show the huge role ordinary citizens can play to protect not only our natural environment, but also our personal safety and infrastructure, from runaway wildfires,” the MEC said.

Bredell asked that people report any sighting of a fire as quickly as possible to the closest authorities.

“Experience over many years has taught us that the faster the initial response, the better our chances are of successfully controlling a fire before it spirals out of control,” he said.

The following numbers can be contacted to report any fire sightings:

  • City of Cape Town: 107 or 021 480 7700 from a cell phone
  • Overberg: 028 425 1690
  • West Coast: 022 433 8700
  • Garden Route: 044 805 5071
  • Central Karoo: 023 414 2603
  • Cape Winelands: 021 887 4446

-SAnews.gov.za

 

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Thu, 12/21/2023 - 10:59

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Radisson announces its first safari hotel in South Africa

Location: News
Radisson Hotel Group

Radisson Hotel Group (https://www.RadissonHotels.com) is proud to announce the opening of Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit, its first Safari hotel in Africa and 11th hotel in South Africa. Tucked between two renowned nature reserves, Kruger National Park and Blyde River Canyon, the hotel is located 2km outside of Hoedspruit in the heart of the grasslands in the Limpopo province and just 20 minutes from Eastgate Airport.

Boasting majestic views of the Drakensberg mountains, the highest mountain range in Southern Africa, Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit (https://apo-opa.co/3TEcOPf) is surrounded by endless destination-immersing activities. Guests can take part in bucket-list safari adventures to spot local wildlife such as lions, rhinoceros, and elephants, go trekking on horseback, or take in the sprawling landscape from a hot air balloon.

Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit offers a range of room types from standard rooms with garden and mountain views to Premium Suites featuring their own private pools and relaxing outdoor seating areas to take in the natural landscape. With a contemporary Scandinavian design, the hotels 138 rooms and suites provide a calming setting with natural materials, wooden details and rich, earthy colors that pay homage to its African surroundings.

At the thatched roof restaurant, Mirage, guests can enjoy South African and Lebanese-inspired cuisine on the restaurant's wrap-around deck, with convenient access to a sunbathing area and pool in the summer, as well as an outdoor fireplace on cooler evenings. Pegasus restaurant offers fresh and wholesome Mediterranean, Italian, Mexican, and American-inspired dishes as well as gourmet ice cream and frozen cocktails, served alongside the adults-only swimming pool. At the hotel's third restaurant, Boma, guests can indulge in some of Africa's most popular delicacies such as the local sausage, Boerewors; Bobotie; and selection of game meat, while listening to the soothing crackling of the fire and stargazing in the clear night's sky.

“We are thrilled to open the doors of our first safari-inspired hotel in South Africa. The opening of Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit marks our 11th hotel opening in South Africa and completes our own Golden Triangle Safari offering with exquisite properties in Cape Town and the recently opened Radisson Blu Resort Mosi-oa-Tunya in Livingstone,” said Tim Cordon, Chief Operating Officer, Middle East & Africa, Radisson Hotel Group.

“My team and I are thrilled to introduce the world to the perfect combination of hospitality with Radisson's renowned Yes I Can! Service philosophy and our unmatched safari-inspired setting. Our extensive offering will ensure guests have an unforgettable experience whether they are enjoying a family holiday, a serene couples escape, or a meeting and event in a unique backdrop,” said Charles McCarthy, General Manager of Radisson Hotel Safari Hoedspruit.

Featuring a planter roof and inspiring views of the surrounding grasslands, Radisson Hotel Safari Hoedspruit will offer a tranquil and rejuvenating escape at its Amani Spa. Guests can indulge in a variety of pampering treatments in the spa's five treatment rooms including a private couple's suite. The spa also features a health bar, hair and nail salon and a soothing steam room. A 24-hour fitness center is also accessible to guests looking to stay active during their stay and offers the latest modern cardio and strength training equipment as well as yoga or Tai Chi sessions tucked away among the grasslands.

The hotel's versatile meetings and events spaces consist of five different meeting venues, including comfortable boardrooms, meeting rooms, and a main banquet hall that can accommodate up to 200 guests.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Radisson Hotel Group.

Media contact:
Saadiyah Hendricks
Area Director, PR & Social Media, Middle East, Africa and Mediterranean
Radisson Hotel Group
saadiyah.hendricks@radissonhotels.com

Nataliya Tkachenko
Senior Global Manager Consumer PR
Radisson Hotel Group
nataliya.tkachenko@radissonhotels.com

Connect with Radisson Hotels on: 
LinkedIn (https://apo-opa.info/3xoxlLd)
Instagram (https://apo-opa.info/40Yykz4)
Twitter (https://apo-opa.info/3YyivgX)
Facebook (https://apo-opa.info/3JrvtXH)  
YouTube (https://apo-opa.info/3XxZrhu)

Connect with Radisson on: 
LinkedIn (https://apo-opa.info/43BJeMm)  
Instagram (https://apo-opa.info/43NKyLW)
Twitter (https://apo-opa.info/3JbVF9s)  
Facebook (https://apo-opa.info/3qAEPul)  
YouTube (https://apo-opa.info/3qAEYxT)

Radisson Hotel Group: 
The Radisson family of brands can be found around the world in more than 120 countries, with currently over 1,700 hotels in operation and under development. Radisson Hotel Group operates the business in EMEA and APAC with over 1,150 hotels in operation and under development. The international hotel group is rapidly growing with a plan to significantly grow the portfolio. The Group's overarching brand promise is Every Moment Matters with a signature Yes I Can! service ethos. 

The Radisson family of brands portfolio includes Radisson Collection, art'otel, Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson RED, Radisson Individuals, Park Plaza, Park Inn by Radisson, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, and prizeotel brought together under one commercial umbrella brand Radisson Hotels.  

Radisson Rewards (https://apo-opa.info/3Ir36tx) is Radisson Hotel Group's loyalty program, which delivers an elevated experience that makes Every Moment Matter. As the most streamlined program in the sector, members enjoy exceptional advantages and can access their benefits from day one across a wide range of hotels in Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific. 

Radisson Meetings (https://apo-opa.info/3xmLTuL) provides tailored solutions for any event or meeting, including hybrid solutions placing guests and their needs at the heart of its offer. Radisson Meetings is built around three strong service commitments: Personal, Professional and Memorable, while delivering on the brilliant basics and being uniquely 100% Carbon Neutral.  

At Radisson Hotel Group we care for people, communities and planet (https://apo-opa.info/40VCkR2) and aim to be Net Zero by 2050 based on the approved near-term Science Based Targets. With unique solutions such as 100% carbon neutral Radisson Meetings, we make sustainable hotel stays easy. To facilitate sustainable travel choices, all our hotels are becoming verified on Hotel Sustainability Basics. 

The health and safety of guests and team members remain a top priority for Radisson Hotel Group. All properties across the Group's portfolio are subject to health and safety requirements, ensuring we always care for our guests and team members. 

For more information, visit our corporate website (https://apo-opa.info/42HIP9S). 

About Radisson: 
Radisson is an upscale hotel brand that offers Scandinavian inspired hospitality, which enables guests to find more harmony in their travel experience. With natural surroundings and unexpected delights, Radisson inspires the art of being in the moment. We are committed to helping our guests find the right balance for their stay, removing the discomforts travelling may bring and enabling them to switch off and relax, using our Yes I Can! attitude to ensure satisfaction of every guest. Radisson hotels can be found in suburban and city settings, near airports and leisure destinations. Guests and professional business partners can enhance their experience with Radisson by participating in Radisson Rewards, an international loyalty program offering exceptional benefits and rewards. 

Radisson is part of the Radisson family of brands, which also includes Radisson Collection, art'otel, Radisson Blu, Radisson RED, Radisson Individuals, Park Plaza, Park Inn by Radisson, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, and prizeotel brought together under one commercial umbrella brand Radisson Hotels. 

For reservations and more information, visit our website (https://apo-opa.info/3p4KNn5). 

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NERSA welcomes imprisonment of criminals damaging Transnet infrastructure

Location: News

NERSA welcomes imprisonment of criminals damaging Transnet infrastructure

The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) has welcomed the arrest and successful prosecution of criminals tampering with the Transnet pipeline to steal petrol and diesel.

In two separate matters, a thief was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for damaging essential infrastructure, while in another, two men were sentenced to 10 and 15 years, respectively, for theft of fuel.

Regulator Member Primarily Responsible for Petroleum Pipelines Regulation at NERSA, Muzi Mkhize, said: “We commend the law enforcement agencies for the successful prosecution and incarceration of criminals set to commit acts of economic sabotage in the country. We further plead with municipalities and landowners, on which critical infrastructure traverses, to cooperate with law enforcement agencies to earnestly protect both public and private infrastructure against acts of criminality and vandalism, as this results in dire consequences for the country.”

In a question and answer session in October, President Cyril Ramaphosa said government is committed to combatting infrastructure damage.

He revealed that some 20 Economic Infrastructure Task Teams have been formed through the South African Police Service.

“A total of 946 personnel have been allocated to the 20 Economic Infrastructure Task Teams from existing structures within each province, district and station. They are experienced and knowledgeable personnel within their respective functional environments.

“The Task Teams integrate processes, resources and intelligence across all of the operational environments of the SAPS under a single command. This is to enable them to successfully combat essential infrastructure crimes, illicit mining and extortion within the construction sector.

“The Task Teams incorporate personnel from SAPS divisions such as Crime Intelligence, Visible Policing and Operations, and Detective and Forensic Services, as well as the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Wed, 12/20/2023 - 11:24

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DO MORE FOUNDATION and Capita Forge Early Years Climate Region for SA

Location: MyPR

Dubai, UAE, 08 December 2023 – Young children (0 – 8 years) stand out as one of the groups most vulnerable to the impacts of the climate crisis, which is already having detrimental effects on their health, development and well-being. In response to this reality, the UAE’s Ministry of Education in collaboration with the Abu …

Read moreDO MORE FOUNDATION and Capita Forge Early Years Climate Region for SA

KVD Communication Welcomes Blackstone Maverick: An Emerging Small Business in South Africa’s Fragrance Scene

Location: MyPR

In a landscape rich with an entrepreneurial spirit, KVD Communications proudly partners with Blackstone Maverick, a flourishing small business entering South Africa’s perfume industry. Amidst the current small business landscape, where opportunities are bound for economic growth, this collaboration underscores our commitment to supporting and championing local SMEs, creating circular economies and empowering families to …

Read moreKVD Communication Welcomes Blackstone Maverick: An Emerging Small Business in South Africa’s Fragrance Scene

Umalusi mourns death of Prof Peliwe Lolwana

Location: News

Umalusi mourns death of Prof Peliwe Lolwana

Umalusi and its stakeholders said they are in deep grief after the passing of Professor Peliwe Lolwana. 

Lolwana was the last Chief Executive of the South African Certification Council (SAFCERT) and the first CEO of Umalusi, a position she held from 2000 until her retirement in 2008.

“She was at Umalusi on 24 November 2023 to give a memorable tribute speech at a memorial lecture and roundtable discussion organised in honour of the late Dr Fred Calitz, her SAFCERT predecessor. 

“Little did we know that she had come to say goodbye to all of us. While she reached her statutory retirement age over fifteen years ago, Prof Lolwana continued to serve her own country in various roles,” the Council said. 

Those include chairing the Board of the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) and the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) Council, and playing various roles in academia, the NGO and private sectors. 

She has also been described as someone who played a transformational role in every position that she held, shaping the form and focus of all the organisations that she led.

This assertion is supported by the people who worked closely with her. 

Chief Director for National Assessments and Public Examinations in the Department of Basic Education, Dr Rufus Poliah, said the early 2000s “was an exciting phase, in that Prof Lolwana, a real visionary, was tasked with the responsibility of overseeing the transformation of SAFCERT to Umalusi”.

“The period between 2000 and 2008, saw Prof Lolwana transforming a certification Council into a quality assurance council, with all its legislative frameworks and procedures, and placing this structure firmly on the national education map.” 

In the words of Professor Moon Moodley, a member of the Assessment Standards Committee (ASC) of Umalusi: “Umalusi enjoys a high degree of independence that has been achieved over many years by commanding the respect of all stakeholders. Prof Peliwe Lolwana has played a crucial role in Umalusi’s gaining ownership of the standardisation meetings.”

Commentators said Lolwana conceptualised new quality assurance approaches, departing from those used during the SAFCERT era.

Having played various roles within the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) space over the years, Umalusi said the NQF family stands on the shoulders of a strong intellectual giant – those of Lolwana.

“Umalusi and its stakeholders thank the Lolwana family and friends for allowing Peliwe the time to shape how we understand education and training today. She has served her country so diligently. As Umalusi, we share in your sorrow. Her spirit, her wisdom and her dedication will never be forgotten,” the council said.

Lolwana recently retired as the Director of the Centre for Researching Education and Labour (REAL).

Lolwana continued to serve as a visiting Associate Professor in the Wits School of Education. – SAnews.gov.za

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Wed, 12/20/2023 - 12:36

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Minister calls on road users to adhere to rules of the road

Location: News

Minister calls on road users to adhere to rules of the road

Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga has called on all road users to obey the rules of the road and for motorists to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy before embarking on a trip and avoid driving under the influence of alcohol.

“Please behave on the roads. In terms of our statistics, pedestrians are the most affected by road crashes, followed by victims of hit and run incidents, followed by cars that are overtaking on the road and head-on  collisions,” the Minister said on Wednesday.

Leading the Festive Season Road Safety Awareness Campaign on the N3 Heidelberg Weighbridge in Johannesburg, the Minister said these factors that cause road crashes relate to human behavior.

“We urge all pedestrians to cross at places designated for crossing the road. This can not only save you but save your family as well from the pain that they will suffer if you die due to an accident on the road,” Chikunga said.

The Department of Transport’s Festive Season Road Safety Awareness Campaign is a government programme aimed at prioritising and promoting safer road usage during the high peak season on South African roads.

The objective of the campaign is not only to ensure smooth flows of traffic, but also to prevent negligent and reckless driving which could result in road crashes, injuries and fatalities.

The campaign was launched in the last week of November. It is a collaboration between different levels of government, transport entities led by CEOs, private sector organisations, NGOs and key stakeholders and role players.

Festive season activities in South Africa are associated with year-end celebrations, economic industry slowdowns and year-end closures, increased traffic volumes and increased road crash incidents - the large proportion of road crash victims usually pedestrians and passengers as a result of lack or even non-use of safety belts and jaywalking.

Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) CEO Makhosini Msibi said law enforcement officials are out in full force to ensure adherence to rules as traffic volumes begin to peak.

“We are here to deal with truck drivers because if you look at the trucking population it is quite massive. We will engage the trucking industry on the phenomenon of fatigue because most of the fatal crashes are caused by fatigue.

“This engagement will also educate us on their experiences and what they can do better. We also want to know how we can partner with them in changing the attitudes and culture of driving. We are certain that we are going to make a dent in terms of the fatal crashes,” Msibi said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Wed, 12/20/2023 - 13:47

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SAA, SunExpress sign MoU

Location: News

SAA, SunExpress sign MoU

South African Airways (SAA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with SunExpress for four aircrafts to support the national carrier’s operations in the 2024/25 financial year.

According to SAA, the MoU is an add-on to the two airlines’ current six-month damp lease agreement, which includes “the lease of two Boeing 737-800s, as well as maintenance and cockpit crew”.

“In addition to plans to increase the number of damp lease aircraft, SAA and SunExpress are currently exploring options for a multi-year reciprocal capacity support and further cooperation with regards to maintenance, training and commercial support,” a statement from SAA read.

In a damp lease, the lessor provides the aircraft and some of the crew, usually the cockpit crew, and the lessee provides the rest of the crew, maintenance and insurance. This means that the lessor and the lessee share some of the responsibilities and costs of the operation, depending on the terms of the contract.

Acting SAA CEO, Professor John Lamola, said the agreement would assist the State-owned airline to meet demand.

“SunExpress has proven to be an extremely reliable partner for us in the first few months. We are therefore delighted that this valuable partnership will not only be continued but the scope of the partnership expanded to include additional aircraft for our 2024 holiday peak season.

“The additional aircraft will support our operations to meet the growing customer demand during peak seasons and mitigates our management of the global aircraft availability crisis,” Lamola said.

SunExpress CEO Max Kownatzki said: “The memorandum of understanding clearly underlines our commitment to further deepen our successful partnership with SAA. We are proud of the trust that SAA is placing in us with the renewed intention to collaborate. We strive to build on this to develop a strong, long-term partnership and leverage more opportunities together in the future.

“Over the next decade, SunExpress will more than double its fleet, reaching a 150-aircraft fleet by 2033. These kinds of partnerships enable us to efficiently utilise our fleet, mitigating the impact of our seasonality.”

Before its official relaunch earlier this year, the State-owned airline endured challenges for several years.

SAA was racked by allegations of fraud and corruption during the State capture years and was also put under business rescue and grounded.

At the official relaunch, Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan explained the work it took to have the airline back in the skies.

“What we have been able to do is to firstly establish that there’s no more money that’s going to come from taxes that’s going to go into SAA, like the R40 billion that went in over a 10-year period. SAA must survive on its own strength... [and] on the capital that is actually provided by the strategic equity partner and it must grow organically. Through the business rescue process, its balance sheet is not encumbered in any kind of way.

“It took three and a half years of very hard work… to ensure that we steer this process. It’s a signal to investors and the investing community in South Africa that reforms are possible in South Africa. That we can execute, just with South African talent, these very complex deals and complex reform processes in State-owned entities,” Gordhan said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 12/20/2023 - 11:07

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Read moreSAA, SunExpress sign MoU

In charge of the family vehicle this holiday season? This tyre information can safeguard your family on the road.

Location: MyPR

With your accommodation, bucket list and route planned, the next step before embarking on your festive road trip this year, is to assess if you have the correct tyres fitted to your vehicle for the application, activity and terrain you’re about to tackle. This is a necessary step to help protect you and your family …

Read moreIn charge of the family vehicle this holiday season? This tyre information can safeguard your family on the road.

Starbucks Expanded Its Presence in Johannesburg with a Current Store in Sandton City

Location: MyPR

December 2023: Starbucks Expanded Its Presence in Johannesburg with a New Store in Sandton City Sandton, Johannesburg, South Africa – Starbucks South Africa was excited to open its newest store in the heart of Johannesburg’s affluent Sandton City. Launched on 20 November 2023, this store represents a significant milestone in Starbucks’ expansion strategy, as explained …

Read moreStarbucks Expanded Its Presence in Johannesburg with a Current Store in Sandton City

Mastering Your Automower – Your Guide To The Perfect Lawn

Location: MyPR

Essential Do’s and Don’ts for Effortless care of your Garden’s Best Friend In 2016, the world of lawn maintenance was redefined with the introduction of the Husqvarna Automower. Seven years later, this robotic marvel continues to delight. Just like we can’t imagine life without our cellphones and laptops, the Husqvarna Automower, affectionately nicknamed ‘Hillary’ by …

Read moreMastering Your Automower – Your Guide To The Perfect Lawn

Anti-corruption forum welcomes SAPS progress against construction mafia

Location: News

Anti-corruption forum welcomes SAPS progress against construction mafia

The Infrastructure Built Anti-Corruption Forum (IBACF) has welcomed the progress made by the South African Police Service (SAPS) and other law enforcement agencies on the progress made to crackdown on the construction mafia.

The IBACF was formed in 2020 and is aimed at monitoring infrastructure projects and putting systems in place to detect and prevent corruption.

The forum comprises civil society, representatives from the built environment and various arms of government, including the Special Investigating Unit (SIU).

SIU spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said hundreds of arrests have been made relating to illegal practices in construction.

“There are ongoing investigations in the sector by various law enforcement agencies that have led to consequence management such as asset recovery, disciplinary action, and criminal prosecution.

“It is against this background that the IBACF welcomes and congratulates the SAPS on their progress in addressing the construction sector mafia in South Africa. The SAPS has confirmed that the 712 cases referred for investigation have resulted in 722 arrests and 52 convictions so far,” Kganyago said.

According to Kganyago, at a recent meeting of the IBACF, the National Priority Committee on Extortion and Violence at Economic Sites reported that “the fight against fraud, corruption, and maladministration in the construction sector is gaining significant ground”.

“A notable recent arrest has been that of alleged 28s gang boss Ralph Stanfield and his wife, Nicole Johnson. Several Cape Town construction contractors had to abandon government housing construction sites following alleged acts of intimidation and violence.

“Thereafter, the Western Cape government’s Human Settlements Department awarded Johnson's company, Glomix House Brokers, the contracts for completing these abandoned projects,” the SIU said.

Kganyago explained that the construction mafia refers to groups of extortionists who attempt to forcefully extract protection fees from local construction companies and contractors or extort a portion of the cost of an infrastructure project, including specific individuals affiliated with the mafia being recruited to work on the site.

“The construction sector is one of the most important job-creating sectors in the country. Investment in the sector not only benefits the country through improved infrastructure but creates hundreds of thousands of jobs on construction sites and throughout the construction sector value chain.

“Research documents published during the last two years have revealed the impact of construction sector mafia on construction projects and investment in the sector. In the period leading up to 2022, up to R63 billion worth of projects were reported, and delayed or cancelled as a result of the extortion tactics and disruptions posed by construction mafia,” Kganyago said.

Community involvement

The SIU called on community members to report any illegality on construction sites.

“The IBACF encourages proactive community engagement to inform residents of the projects underway in their areas; of possible opportunities for legitimate sub-contractors and workers, and encourages all South Africans, who are aware of any criminal actions such as threats of violence or extortion that may lead to the loss of such projects and work opportunities, to report these crimes,” the SIU said.

Crimes of this nature can be reported to:

  • Any South African Police Service (SAPS) station;
  • The toll-free National Anti-Corruption Hotline on 0800 701 701; 
  • The Presidential Hotline on 17737 or email president@po.gov.za, and
  • The SIU Hotline on 0800 037 774.

“As the SAPS report back on arrests and convictions, we warn the public that there are consequences for people who engage in illegal activities within the construction sector. The IBACF thanks the whistleblowers and law enforcement agencies for their bravery and tremendous efforts in tackling these criminal matters,” Kganyago said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Tue, 12/19/2023 - 09:55

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Read moreAnti-corruption forum welcomes SAPS progress against construction mafia

Police commence Festive Season Inspection Roadshow in Gauteng

Location: News

Police commence Festive Season Inspection Roadshow in Gauteng

The Ministry of Police and South African Police Service (SAPS) management will today kick off the annual countrywide Festive Season Inspection Roadshow.

The roadshow, according to a statement, forms part of efforts by the SAPS to channel resources to areas where they are most needed. 

“The festive season policing interventions, running parallel with the high-density Operation Shanela, are enabling the police to decisively deal with crime and any security threats this holiday season and beyond,” said the police.

This year’s theme focuses on combating crime through decisive police action and robust community involvement. 

“The Ministry, together with the SAPS management led by National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, will assess the effectiveness of the SAPS’ safer festive season operational plans put in place to ensure the wellbeing and safety of all residents and holidaymakers in the country during the holiday period.” 

The first stop of the annual roadshow will commence in Gauteng on Tuesday, 19 December and end in KwaZulu-Natal on 2 January 2024. 

The exercise will include visits to centres of entertainment leisure and business, transport hubs taxi ranks, multi-disciplinary roadblocks and targeted operations in high crime areas. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile
Tue, 12/19/2023 - 10:09

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Read morePolice commence Festive Season Inspection Roadshow in Gauteng

President Ramaphosa congratulates Egyptian President on re-election

Location: News

President Ramaphosa congratulates Egyptian President on re-election

President Cyril Ramaphosa has congratulated the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, on his re-election as president of that country.

According to Egypt’s National Elections Authority, El-Sisi won his third term in office after receiving some 89.6% of the votes during the country’s elections held last week.

A Presidency statement said President Ramaphosa congratulated not only El-Sisi but also other candidates.

“The historic elections reflect the will of the people of Egypt in charting their future. The President also commends the other candidates for participating in the elections in a gracious and commendable manner.

“The President further wishes to congratulate the National Election Authority of Egypt and all national stakeholders for their collective efforts in ensuring a conducive environment in which the elections were conducted. The President also takes note of the observations of the AU-COMESA [African Union-Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa] Joint Observer Mission,” the statement read.

Furthermore, the Presidency reiterated government’s willingness to strengthen ties between the two countries.

“The South African government reiterates its commitment to continue working with the government and people of Egypt for the mutual benefit of the two countries, to build strong people-to-people ties, and collaborate together in consolidation of the African Agenda.

“The South African Government looks forward to further strengthening bilateral relations with the Government of Egypt,” the Presidency said.

South Africa and Egypt enjoy cordial bilateral relations underpinned by strong historical and fraternal bonds dating back to the era of the liberation struggle. South Africa considers Egypt a strategic partner that supported the liberation struggle. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

NeoB
Tue, 12/19/2023 - 10:22

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Read morePresident Ramaphosa congratulates Egyptian President on re-election