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Three separate audit reports have shown that over 50% of South Africa’s municipal water systems are not treated to safe drinking standards or, in the worst-case scenarios, are polluted by sewage and other effluents. In both instances, they are unsafe for human consumption. Critically, water experts also warn that a Blue Drop score of less …
By Prabashni Reddy – Marketing Manager at Regent Business School The world we live in has become a hyper-connected world, a strong personal brand is not just a nice-to-have; it’s an essential tool for professional growth and success. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the way we present ourselves online can significantly impact our …
President establishes Presidential PhD Initiative to boost innovation
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Tuesday that government has established the Presidential PhD Initiative through an initial R1 billion investment from the National Skills Fund in efforts to boost science and technology.
“The first phase aims to expose our country’s brightest young minds to cutting-edge thinking and research by negotiating opportunities at world-leading universities and research centres,” he explained.
President Ramaphosa announced the initiative during the inaugural Presidential Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Plenary in Pretoria.
The President told the attendees that the studies will be to large scale and established research programmes in public research facilities and industry.
The initiative will build critical skills in artificial intelligence research, advanced biotechnology, fuel cell development, battery storage, and next-generation mining.
The country’s first citizen has since called to extend a call to the private sector and international partners to assist in growing the investment for the Presidential PhD Initiative fund to R5 billion by 2030.
He said collaboration is needed to ensure synergy between programmes across the national innovation system.
“We must harness education, science and innovation to protect our natural environment, drive inclusive economic growth and enrich all areas of human endeavour.”
The country’s Commander-in-Chief described the first plenary as an important initiative that brings together government, academia, civil society and industry to collectively drive South Africa’s National System of Innovation (NSI).
In November 2022, the Cabinet adopted the STI Decadal Plan to guide the first 10 years of implementing the 2019 White Paper on STI.
“Science, technology and innovation are essential for economies to thrive and for societies to prosper.
“In the new world of work, in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, science, technology and innovation determine which countries move forward and which are left behind. Our country has several strengths.”
Citing the 2022 Global Innovation Index published by the World Intellectual Property Organisation, he said South Africa ranked above the upper-middle-income group average in three areas.
These include market sophistication, knowledge and technology outputs, and creative outputs.
According to the index, South Africa also improved the number of patents by origin, citable documents, intellectual property receipts, high-tech manufacturing and high-tech exports.
“However, our performance is mixed for the factors that drive innovation, such as education expenditure, expenditure on research and development and access to information technology.”
The President also highlighted significant strides in higher education including the number of students graduating from public universities from about 60 000 in 1994 to around 230 000 by 2018.
“The share of graduates in science, engineering and technology fields has been increasing compared to graduates in the humanities.”
He also acknowledged that the State needed to significantly increase investment in research and development.
In 2021, gross expenditure on research and development (R&D) in South Africa was 0.6% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), far below the targeted 1.5%.
“By comparison, in 2022, the United States spent 2.6% and South Korea spent 5% of their respective GDPs on research and development.
“This is a situation that we are determined to turn around. Through greater cooperation between government and industry, we can reverse this trend.”
President Ramaphosa is of the view that the potential of science, technology and innovation to modernise and expand the productive sectors is vast.
He cited the Mandela Mining Precinct and the South African Mining Extraction Research, Development and Innovation initiative, which are aimed at revitalising our mining industry.
Shifting his focus on vaccines, he said Afrigen Biologics, a South African company part-owned by the Industrial Development Corporation, is working on a new tuberculosis vaccine using mRNA technology.
Meanwhile, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation recently allocated US$5 million to Biovac to develop mRNA vaccines using a local platform.
“This grant enables our researchers and scientists to strengthen the pharmaceutical research and vaccine production ecosystem so that we can address both current and future health challenges.”
He said he views innovation as the driver of sustainable job creation and small business development and tackles the realities of climate change.
“From these examples, it is clear that we are certainly progressing, but not at the pace we should be,” he admitted.
“For science, technology and innovation to serve South Africa’s economy and society effectively, we need to aggressively and strategically invest in education and skills development because this is the lifeblood of a modern economy.
“We know that nations such as Japan, South Korea and Germany have science, technology and innovation in the service of their societies, with commendable results.”
However, Nzimande qualified that when they talk about STI, they refer to both the natural and social sciences and humanities.
“For it is only possible to understand, let alone solve the major developmental and existential challenges of the 21st century through invoking the insights of trans-disciplinary knowledge.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 12/12/2023 - 13:58
Introduction In the dynamic landscape of South Africa, property companies play a crucial role in shaping the economic and social fabric of the nation. The Diverse Spectrum of Property Companies South African property companies encompass a wide array of entities, including residential and commercial real estate developers, property management firms, real estate investment trusts (REITs), …
Health Ombud releases findings on Zenizole Vena case
The Health Ombud, Professor Taole Mokoena, on Tuesday released the findings of the investigation into the allegations of a patient denied provision of care at the Motherwell NU 11 Clinic in the Eastern Cape.
Mokoena said his office was requested by the Minister of Health, Joe Phaahla, to investigate potential negligence and suboptimal care at the clinic.
The complaint alleged that the clinic denied provision of healthcare to Zenizole Vena, a 15-year-old, which resulted in her death.
Vena had gone to the clinic, accompanied by an elderly woman, seeking healthcare after being sexually assaulted.
The investigation established that Vena was turned away by healthcare workers at the clinic and that she later died at the Motherwell Police Station Community Service Centre (MPSCSC) where she had sought assistance.
The allegation that Vena was denied provision of care at Motherwell NU 11 Clinic was substantiated and confirmed based on the information gathered during the investigation, said Mokoena.
It was also established that two nurses did not arrange transport to take both the elderly escort and the victim to MPSCSC or call the police to come to Motherwell NU11 clinic to take over the case.
The investigation further revealed additional findings, such as the failure of the Motherwell Police Station Community Service Centre to assist Vena upon her arrival at the charge office.
At the station, she was told to wait and was attended to her after she waited for one hour and 30 minutes. During this time, she experienced seizures and was foaming at the mouth. She was later found dead on the floor in the charge office.
“The investigation was conducted through analysis and triangulation of information and documentary evidence received from Motherwell NU 11 Clinic, the Eastern Cape Provincial Department of Health (ECDoH), Nelson Mandela Bay District Health (NMBDH), onsite visits and interviews with relevant personnel,” Mokeona said.
Interviews were conducted with 13 witnesses between 28 February 2023 to 27 March 2023 by the investigation team from the Office of the Health Ombud.
“A further 10 interviews were conducted by the Ombud and the investigation team from 15 to 19 May 2023. This included eight witnesses, who were re-interviewed and they did not contradict themselves. Statements from three witnesses were also received from the Motherwell Police Station.
“It is important to mention that before the Office of the Health Ombud investigation, the Eastern Cape Provincial Department of Health had conducted an internal investigation in November 2022 and shared their report with the Office of the Health Ombud,” Mokoena said.
He said it was quite disturbing that a basic human instinct to assist a person in distress, particularly a child, does not seem to exist within the South African Police Service (SAPS) at Motherwell Police Station.
“The allegation that Motherwell NU 11 Clinic failed to refer Ms Z Vena to the next level of care was substantiated and confirmed.
“Based on the evidence obtained, it can be concluded that Ms Z Vena was not attended to in a manner that is consistent with the nature and severity of her health condition at Motherwell NU 11 Clinic,” Mokoena said.
The complaint was lodged by the Democratic Alliance’s Shadow Minister of Health, Michéle Clarke, in September 2022 against the Motherwell NU 11 Clinic.
In his remarks, Minister Phaahla said it is totally unacceptable for someone to be denied healthcare.
Recommendations include, among others, that the District Manager of the NMBDH should institute a disciplinary inquiry within one month against various personnel; the District Manager must, within two months, ensure that mentoring is provided to the healthcare workers to ensure that all the nurses are kept abreast of the new developments in the management of sexual assault cases; the District Manager of NMBDH and the Head of Department must, within six months, procure a service provider to install the Service/Notice Board at the Motherwell Clinic that indicates the health care services provided by the clinic and indication of working times at the clinic; the District Manager must within one month ensure the Standard Operating Procedure for the management of sexual assault cases is developed and in-service training is provided to the staff at Motherwell NU 11 Clinic.
The report with findings and recommendations was handed over to Health Minister for further analysis. It can be found on www.healthombud.org.za. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 12/12/2023 - 14:40
Introduction Property development in South Africa presents a dynamic and evolving landscape, rich with opportunities and challenges. This blog aims to delve into the various facets of this industry, offering a broad perspective on trends, challenges, and future prospects. Our focus will remain on the industry at large, steering clear of specific company mentions, to …
President establishes Presidential PhD Initiative to boost innovative
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Tuesday that government has established the Presidential PhD Initiative through an initial R1 billion investment from the National Skills Fund in efforts to boost science and technology.
“The first phase aims to expose our country’s brightest young minds to cutting-edge thinking and research by negotiating opportunities at world-leading universities and research centres,” he explained.
President Ramaphosa announced the initiative during the inaugural Presidential Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Plenary in Pretoria.
The President told the attendees that the studies will be to large scale and established research programmes in public research facilities and industry.
The initiative will build critical skills in artificial intelligence research, advanced biotechnology, fuel cell development, battery storage, and next-generation mining.
The country’s first citizen has since called to extend a call to the private sector and international partners to assist in growing the investment for the Presidential PhD Initiative fund to R5 billion by 2030.
He said collaboration is needed to ensure synergy between programmes across the national innovation system.
“We must harness education, science and innovation to protect our natural environment, drive inclusive economic growth and enrich all areas of human endeavour.”
The country’s Commander-in-Chief described the first plenary as an important initiative that brings together government, academia, civil society and industry to collectively drive South Africa’s National System of Innovation (NSI).
In November 2022, the Cabinet adopted the STI Decadal Plan to guide the first 10 years of implementing the 2019 White Paper on STI.
“Science, technology and innovation are essential for economies to thrive and for societies to prosper.
“In the new world of work, in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, science, technology and innovation determine which countries move forward and which are left behind. Our country has several strengths.”
Citing the 2022 Global Innovation Index published by the World Intellectual Property Organisation, he said South Africa ranked above the upper-middle-income group average in three areas.
These include market sophistication, knowledge and technology outputs, and creative outputs.
According to the index, South Africa also improved the number of patents by origin, citable documents, intellectual property receipts, high-tech manufacturing and high-tech exports.
“However, our performance is mixed for the factors that drive innovation, such as education expenditure, expenditure on research and development and access to information technology.”
The President also highlighted significant strides in higher education including the number of students graduating from public universities from about 60 000 in 1994 to around 230 000 by 2018.
“The share of graduates in science, engineering and technology fields has been increasing compared to graduates in the humanities.”
He also acknowledged that the State needed to significantly increase investment in research and development.
In 2021, gross expenditure on research and development (R&D) in South Africa was 0.6% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), far below the targeted 1.5%.
“By comparison, in 2022, the United States spent 2.6% and South Korea spent 5% of their respective GDPs on research and development.
“This is a situation that we are determined to turn around. Through greater cooperation between government and industry, we can reverse this trend.”
President Ramaphosa is of the view that the potential of science, technology and innovation to modernise and expand the productive sectors is vast.
He cited the Mandela Mining Precinct and the South African Mining Extraction Research, Development and Innovation initiative, which are aimed at revitalising our mining industry.
Shifting his focus on vaccines, he said Afrigen Biologics, a South African company part-owned by the Industrial Development Corporation, is working on a new tuberculosis vaccine using mRNA technology.
Meanwhile, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation recently allocated US$5 million to Biovac to develop mRNA vaccines using a local platform.
“This grant enables our researchers and scientists to strengthen the pharmaceutical research and vaccine production ecosystem so that we can address both current and future health challenges.”
He said he views innovation as the driver of sustainable job creation and small business development and tackles the realities of climate change.
“From these examples, it is clear that we are certainly progressing, but not at the pace we should be,” he admitted.
“For science, technology and innovation to serve South Africa’s economy and society effectively, we need to aggressively and strategically invest in education and skills development because this is the lifeblood of a modern economy.
“We know that nations such as Japan, South Korea and Germany have science, technology and innovation in the service of their societies, with commendable results.”
However, Nzimande qualified that when they talk about STI, they refer to both the natural and social sciences and humanities.
“For it is only possible to understand, let alone solve the major developmental and existential challenges of the 21st century through invoking the insights of trans-disciplinary knowledge.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 12/12/2023 - 13:58
Tasneem Motala is a Senior Lecturer: Operations Management at Stellenbosch Business School and one of the researchers who reviewed South Africa’s first four-day week trial. For the South African results released visit https://www.4dayweek.com/sa-2023-pilot-results When the four-day week trial started, there was a healthy scepticism about whether it could work in South Africa. This question was …
The monthly Sweetdale Night Market hosted at The Packshed restaurant in Margate on the last Friday of every month has become a firm calendar favourite owing to its stunning forest setting, family-friendly environment and wide range of high-quality offerings. This December, KZN Mid-South Coast residents and holidaymakers are in for a treat as there will …
Black Sash predicts “devastating” effect on grant recipients in rural areas
Meanwhile the community is being serviced by a 24-hour patrol and a mobile unit
Freight Logistics Roadmap approved to be published
The Freight Logistics Roadmap – aimed at addressing the serious challenges in that industry – has been approved for publication by Cabinet.
The roadmap also sets out to reform the logistics system in the long run.
Over the past few weeks, Transnet – South Africa’s government owned freight rail, ports and logistics company – has been hard at work to resolve severe truck congestion challenges at its Richard’s Bay port, including ramping up the number of locomotives available on its lines servicing the port.
Speaking during a post-Cabinet media briefing on Monday, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said the current challenges in the industry “pose a significant constraint” on the South African economy, its growth prospects and job creation.
“The immediate priority is to stabilise and improve the operational performance of the freight rail network, which presents a severe constraint on exports.
“The main implementation mechanism for the short-term interventions will oversee operational improvement through five corridors, with full alignment with the Transnet board approved turnaround plan which identifies short and medium term actions to improve operations and stabilise the company’s finances,” she said.
The three areas of intervention proposed in the roadmap include:
“In addition, the roadmap outlines a path to implement the commitments made in the National Rail Policy and the National Commercial Ports Policy and plans for the reform of the freight logistics system,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Draft Rail Private Sector Participation (PSP) Framework has been considered and approved by cabinet.
According to Ntshavheni, the framework aims to “provide an interim approach to and a model for future decision-making to enable private sector participation in the railway infrastructure system”.
“Given the current challenges within the railway infrastructure, the Rail PSP Framework proposes the commencement of private sector participation through opportunities that are aimed at fixing the railway infrastructure first.
“The Rail PSP Framework recommended the adoption of the cooperative governance and integrated approach to rail private sector participation for implementation.
“Accordingly, this approach is fully compliant to the PFMA and Company’s Act and will require the PSP unit within the Department of Transport and the Rail SOC to publish a network statement for endorsement by the Rail Economic Regulatory Capacity (interim),” Ntshavheni said.
The Department of Transport is expected to establish a PSP unit to identify and prioritise projects and develop an implementation plan to facilitate PSP initiatives. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 12/11/2023 - 11:36
As we observed World AIDS Day, it was both a moment of reflection on progress and a call to action for a crucial issue that still persists to this day. In Southern Africa, where HIV is the most severe globally, the battle against the virus extends beyond medical challenges and stretches to societal barriers built …
Ruby Digital, a leading South African digital marketing company, is actively addressing a concerning rise in cybercrime targeting individuals globally. As a reputable and multiple-award winning agency, Ruby Digital is committed to maintaining a safe digital environment for its community and beyond. Established with years of experience in digital marketing, Ruby Digital has consistently assisted …
Health concerned about death rate among TB patients in SA
Although South Africa’s Tuberculosis (TB) infection incidence is dropping, government is disturbed about the death rate among patients.
This is according to the Deputy Health Minister, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, who was delivering a keynote address on the opening day of the BRICS TB Research Network Innovation Summit in Durban.
“TB remains a pressing concern for South Africa, as it does for all BRICS countries and many nations,” he said on Monday.
He told the summit attendees that about 300 000 people are estimated to get TB every year in South Africa.
“Last year alone, we managed to notify and put 224 000 people on a TB treatment regime. Although our infection incidence is declining, we are concerned about the unacceptable death rate among our TB patients.”
According to Dhlomo, a major driver of TB infection is HIV – accounting for 48% of TB patients who are living with HIV in 2022.
However, he said the country’s antiretroviral programme has led to a decrease in TB incidence.
The BRICS nations – Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - carry a disproportionate burden of drug-susceptible and drug-resistant TB infection and neglected diseases of the South.
To address this public health threat, the BRICS TB Research Network was established in 2017 to bring together programme managers and scientists to exchange information and formulate redress strategies and solutions.
“The ultimate goal of this endeavour was to establish collaborative research programmes aimed at developing new diagnostics, drugs, and vaccines for TB.
“The TB control programmes from the various representative countries also undertook to learn from each other on key aspects of financing and strengthening the health systems in their respective nations.”
Following the devastating impact of COVID-19 on public health programmes, South Africa developed a TB Recovery Plan to find missing people with TB linking them to care and creating a demand for testing.
“TB prevention and improvement of data systems are also prioritised. Given our high HIV-TB comorbidity let me give our delegates some data on HIV in South Africa.”
He cited the sixth South African National HIV Prevalence, Incidence, and Behaviour among people aged 15 years and older living with HIV in South Africa in 2022.
According to the data, 90% were aware of their status, 91% of those aware of their status were on antiretroviral treatment, and 94% of those on antiretroviral treatment were virally suppressed.
“South Africa has made significant progress toward the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets that by 2025, 95% of all people living with HIV to be aware of their HIV status, 95% of those aware of their status to be on antiretroviral treatment, and 95% of those on antiretroviral treatment who also know that that they are living with HIV to achieve viral load suppression.”
In addition, he stated that the country has been at the forefront of introducing and scaling up new tools for diagnosis and shorter treatment regimens for drug-resistant TB.
“However, there is a need to do more to improve linkage to care and retention in care.”
He also believes that BRICS countries have made significant strides since the establishment of this network, with progress and some challenges.
Dhlomo touched on the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meeting on TB, in New York, in September this year.
“We should, therefore, work very hard to ensure that we meet the targets we have set ourselves for this summit.”
The targets, he said, include the creation of innovations in therapeutics, diagnostics, and vaccines that the network can prioritise for collaboration, investment and development.
“A world without TB is not just an aspiration but an attainable reality, and we should stand ready to play our part in making that vision a shared triumph.
“I certainly believe that this network can make a significant contribution to this end. Let us recommit to the implementation of the Political Declaration on TB as we map out of future endeavour of ending TB in BRICS countries.
“The goal to end TB is within our grasp. Our collective efforts must transcend borders, ideologies, and individual interests.”
Dhlomo also took the time to congratulate Russia as it takes the baton of leadership of BRICS in 2024. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 12/11/2023 - 11:48
Cabinet welcomes the evacuation of South Africans from Gaza
Cabinet has welcomed the return of 19 South African nationals who had been stuck in Gaza.
“South Africa extends its gratitude to the Government of Egypt for granting our citizens safe passage through the Rafah Crossing into its country.
“South Africa calls for an immediate and permanent ceasefire and the resumption of talks that will end the violence arising from the continued belligerent occupation and lays the basis for a just and lasting solution,” Cabinet said in a statement on Monday.
The six males and 13 females, who were in Gaza since 7 October 2023, are now back on home soil.
Last week, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation said the 19 locals who were approved for evacuation into Egypt by the Israeli authorities on Sunday, 11 November 2023, were en route to South Africa.
In a statement last month, Cabinet said it remained concerned by the atrocities of the Israeli government against the people of Palestine, including the deliberate attacks on the United Nations School in Gaza, and the massacre of hundreds of children who had sought refuge at the school. This is in addition to the continued attacks on hospital staff, patients and hospital infrastructure. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 12/11/2023 - 11:57
Protests coincide with COP28 summit underway in Dubai
Cabinet briefed on NSFAS preparations for 2024
As part of ensuring readiness for the 2024 post-matric academic year, Cabinet has been briefed on measures that are being put in place to avoid the challenges that affected the National Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).
“As part of ensuring readiness when the 2024 academic year for post matric education begins, Cabinet was briefed on measures that are being put in place to avoid the challenges that bedevilled NSFSAS in the 2023 post-matric academic year,” Cabinet said in a statement on Monday.
Last month, the scheme announced that applications for financial aid for all learners who wish to enter the post-school system and students who do not have financial assistance to continue their studies in the 2024 academic year would officially open on 21 November 2023 and close on 31 January 2024.
In a statement at the time, the NSFAS said the reason for opening applications in November was so that it could afford the beneficiary shorter turn-around times for decision making, which is aligned to the financial eligibility assessment which requires updated South African Revenue Service (SARS) information.
The NSFAS at the time said it was improving its data exchange processes with institutions to ensure seamless data integration and the registration of students onto its new direct payment systems.
At a media briefing addressed by Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni on Monday, Cabinet said the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande will provide details on measures to improve the performance of the NSFAS.
Nzimande has previously urged all learners who wish to enter the post-school system and students, who do not have financial assistance to continue their studies, to submit their applications for 2024 funding.
Minister Nzimande urged all students who wish to study in any of the public universities and Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges to apply timeously and not to wait until the last day.
Since it’s established by government in 1999, the NSFAS provided financial assistance to deserving beneficiaries who qualify for post school education and training. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 12/11/2023 - 12:39
SIU, Interpol NCB sign MoU
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Interpol National Central Bureau (NCB) for South Africa that will allow the unit to have direct access to Interpol’s information system.
“The MoU will strengthen the SIU’s investigating tools of trade and access to data systems to combat cybercrimes. Interpol NCB will provide the SIU with up-to-date training resources. The Interpol NCB has a network of data systems in 195 countries that the SIU can tap into,” the SIU said in a statement.
The agreement was signed by SIU head Advocate Andy Mothibi and Interpol NCB’s Brigadier Ntime Mokhine.
The SIU revealed more on the MoU and how this will strengthen the unit’s hand during investigations.
“Advocate Mothibi said that this MoU is aligned with the SIU’s current cybercrimes and data analytics vision and the previous agreements that the SIU has signed to build data analytics and forensics capacity, especially in the war against transnational organised crimes. This will also provide the SIU with access to locate people outside of South Africa that the SIU needs to subpoena for questioning related to investigations.
“Brigadier Mokhine explained that the importance of this MoU paves the way for Interpol to build relationships with South African law enforcement agencies while enabling Law Enforcement entities to extend their international reach,” the statement read. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 12/11/2023 - 14:18
SA’s APRM Country Review Report to be launched
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to attend the 20th anniversary celebration of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) to be held in Johannesburg, on Tuesday evening.
“The APRM 20th Anniversary is being celebrated through a series of meetings and events from 10 to 14 December 2023 under the theme ‘Accelerating and Deepening Governance Reform, Measures, and Intervention,” the Presidency said in a statement.
The review mechanism is an institution of the African Union voluntarily acceded to by Member States.
The anniversary event includes the participation of current and former Heads of State and Government; the Chairperson of the African Union Commission; high-ranking officials from the African Union Commission; representatives of APRM governing structures, as well as delegates of African Union organs and entities, international organisations and civil society.
The event will also mark the launch of the South Africa Second Generation Country Review Report.
“The South African Second-Generation Country Review Report will give insights into the progress made by South Africa in various areas, highlighting its successes and identifying areas for improvement as per its recommendations.
“The review process involves an in-depth analysis of a country's policies, institutions, and practices, conducted by a team of African experts,” the statement read.
The Presidency explained that the APRM serves as an “African-owned and African-led platform for self-assessment, peer-learning, and experience sharing in democracy and good governance”.
The mechanism, the Presidency added, promotes transparency, accountability and the sharing of best practices among African Union Member States in the following thematic areas:
“Since its inception, the mechanism has recorded a number of achievements including deepening democracy and good governance through its unique process of peer reviews and assessments.
“The review processes have strengthened the participation of citizens in governance matters and fostered peer-to-peer engagements at the level of Heads of State and Government. In this way the Mechanism has become a means of realising the sacrosanct principle of African solutions to African problems.
“The Mechanism fosters the adoption of policies, standards and practices that enable political stability, high economic growth, sustainable and inclusive development and accelerated regional and continental economic integration. This is enabled through the sharing of experiences and data,” the statement read. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 12/11/2023 - 13:37
Deputy President on a working visit to Singapore
Deputy President Paul Mashatile arrived in Singapore on Sunday to begin the first leg of his three-day working visit to Southeast Asia.
According to the Presidency, the Deputy President began his visit with a tour of the Marina Barrage development, Singapore’s innovative water resource management project.
“As a resource-poor and water-scarce country, Singapore has invested significantly in research and development of water management and sustainability. Most impressively, the country has made big strides in the area of seawater desalination,” the statement read.
According to his Office, the Deputy President’s visit to the country is aimed at building and strengthening bilateral relations, particularly increasing trade, economic, knowledge and cultural exchange between the two States.
“Singapore is a global financial hub and is considered one of the premier asset management centres in Asia.”
The World Bank has ranked Singapore as the number one country in the world for ease of doing business since 2006, and the country is an important global aviation and maritime hub.
In addition, the island country is also considered an important gateway for the export of goods and services to Southeast Asia and a hub for joint venture partnerships throughout Asia.
“It is an important centre for South African businesses looking for opportunities or expand operations on the continent.”
As part of his programme, Deputy President Mashatile will visit the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy.
He will then deliver a public lecture on the 30 years of diplomatic relations between South Africa and Singapore titled ‘Celebrating a journey of mutual respect, strategic partnership and cooperation’.
He is accompanied by International Relations and Cooperation Deputy Minister Candith Mashego-Dlamini; Trade, Industry and Competition Deputy Minister Nomalungelo Gina; and Higher Education, Science and Innovation Deputy Minister Buti Manamela.
The Communication and Digital Technologies Deputy Minister Philly Mapulane; Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Deputy Minister Magdalene Sotyu, and senior government officials are also among those travelling with the Deputy President. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 12/11/2023 - 10:12
Eight months since the highly publicised Parliamentary hearing, little action has been taken by Parliament or Correctional Services
10 000 new police officers to boost festive season safety plan
Police Minister, General Bheki Cele, has assured the nation that it will be all hands on deck by law enforcement officials this festive season, to ensure a safe holiday period in the country.
“The holiday season is a time where criminals sharpen and refine their operations, taking advantage of the festive mood,” Cele said, addressing the media in Pretoria on Sunday on the festive season safety plan by the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Cele said the festive season is a period largely characterised by festivities and increased migration of people within and across the borders.
“We as the country’s law enforcement have and will continue to upscale our responses to crime this holiday season and beyond,” Cele said.
Through bold efforts and a decisive policing approach to fighting crime, police operations will continue to ensure that the police get a grip on serious and violent crime in the country.
“In the coming days, the bite of the SAPS will be stronger, as we welcome in the police service's 10 000 new officers.
“The 2023 Project 10K police recruitment drive is a direct response to the call from His Excellency, President Cyril Ramaphosa, to strengthen our policing capacity and enhance police visibility. The SAPS recruitment office successfully processed 600 000 of these applications and embarked on a rigorous recruitment drive.
“We are now in the second phase of enlisting 10 000 police officers, who will be graduating from various police academies throughout the country in the coming week. This means there will be 10 000 more boots on the ground come the 15th of December, when the last passing out parade takes place in Tshwane,” the Minister said.
The police trainees have been stationed at police academies across the country for the past months.
“They have been hard at work in perfecting street survival courses, firearm, law and physical training during their completion of the Basic Police Development Learning Program. We have no doubt, the new members will provide a much needed boost to the current policing numbers and amplify our law enforcing efforts.
“These officers will be deployed to sanitise the streets and increase the footprint of the police in all nine provinces,” Cele said.
Their deployment will be prioritised in high crowd zones and areas of entertainment and leisure this holiday season.
With regard to Operation Shanela, Cele said the men and women in blue are doubling their efforts to tackle and squash the enemy of crime lurking in the streets and in communities.
“Police in all provinces are gaining ground on crime and organised criminality and this has been reflected in our last released crime statistics.
“The chunk of the arrests took place in the provinces of the Western Cape with 64 171 arrested suspects, followed by Gauteng with 48 917 arrests while SAPS in KZN arrested a total of 37 769 in the past six months,” he said.
Over 3 200 firearms including 2 500 handguns and 300 rifles have been taken off the streets through Operation Shanela.
“Through Operation Shanela, over 1 717 hijacked or stolen vehicles have been recovered from May to date,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 12/11/2023 - 09:51
The third season of the Hollywoodbets Super League has proven to be amazing as it continues to build on the foundations that have been laid in previous years. This season stands as a testament to the league’s exceptional quality, evident in an evening dedicated to honouring the outstanding South African female footballers who showcased extraordinary …