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If you are thinking of diverging from the conventional South African December holiday traditions of family gatherings, beachside holidays or camping, then open your mind to the exciting possibilities for an alternative festive season. Ulrich Fischer, Operations Manager of ANEW Hotels & Resorts, says when breaking away from the traditional Christmas routine either solo or …
The President of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com), Prof. Benedict Oramah, today in Cairo received the FORBES AFRICA magazine 2023 Person of The Year award.
At a well-attended award ceremony, which also included the unveiling of the cover for FORBES AFRICA's December 2023/January 2024 edition featuring Prof. Oramah as Cover personality, Dr. Rakesh Wahi, FORBES AFRICA Founder and Publisher, and Roberta Naicker, the Managing Director, said that the award recognised the stellar accomplishments of leading Africans contributing to the development of the continent.
“With a career spanning three decades at Afreximbank, Prof. Benedict Oramah is a true pan-Africanist,” said Renuka Methil, Managing Editor of FORBES AFRICA. “In our almost hour-long interview Prof. Oramah's stellar track record, coupled with his unbridled enthusiasm, passion, and contribution to the economic development of Africa shone through.”
“Amongst many initiatives under his visionary leadership, Afreximbank launched the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) which will be a historic project for cross-border payments in local African currencies. He is a resilient risk-taker and articulated so well what a new united Africa should, and would, look like,” added Ms Renuka Methil.
Nominations for FORBES AFRICA Person of The Year are submitted by members of the magazine's editorial and research teams, including journalists from its bureaus across Africa, and a winner is selected after an Africa-wide review of the prominent contributors to the continent. Prof. Oramah's name was shortlisted and unanimously adjudged the winner for 2023.
With the award, Prof. Oramah joins a prestigious list of high achievers who had previously received the award, including Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria; Dr. James Mwangi, CEO, Equity Group; Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President, African Development Bank; Aliko Dangote, CEO, Dangote Group; Mohammed Dewji, President, MeTL Group; and Thuli Madonsela, former Public Protector of South Africa.
On 18 November, President Oramah also received the Zik Prize in Professional Leadership at an event in Lagos, Nigeria. He is also the recipient of numerous other awards for his contributions to the development and promotion of trade in Africa, and for the many initiatives he has championed to drive intra-African trade.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.
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About Afreximbank:
African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra-and extra-African trade. For 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa's trade, accelerating industrialization and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A stalwart supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank is setting up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries to effectively participate in the AfCFTA. At the end of 2022, Afreximbank's total assets and guarantees stood at over US$31 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$5.2 billion. The Bank disbursed more than US$86 billion between 2016 and 2022. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by GCR (international scale) (A), Moody's (Baa1), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-) and Fitch (BBB). Afreximbank has evolved into a group entity comprising the Bank, its impact fund subsidiary called the Fund for Export Development Africa (FEDA), and its insurance management subsidiary, AfrexInsure, (together, “the Group”).
For more information, visit: www.Afreximbank.com
South African Filmmaker, Dan Mace, brings it home with MrBeast by winning two trophies at the 8th Annual Shorty Impact Awards in Los Angeles. Dan Mace’s agency, JOE, wins the Global Impact of the Year award and Audience Honor award for YouTube at the Shorty Impact Awards in Los Angeles for its work with MrBeast’s …
Our plan to tackle climate action must leave no one behind – President
As the country grapples with an energy crisis, President Cyril Ramaphosa has used the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Dubai, known as COP28, to emphasise that the nation's transition towards equitable energy will align closely with South Africa’s developmental objectives.
In his weekly newsletter on Monday, the President said in pursuing a measured, realistic and sustainable transition towards a low-carbon economy and society, the foremost priority is to secure the future of all South Africans and that no one is left behind.
“As a country in the midst of an energy crisis, we were clear at COP28 that the pace of our just energy transition will be guided by our developmental priorities. Our JET Implementation Plan makes it clear that we can take effective action against climate change while pursuing energy security for all our people.
“Even as we confront several challenges, we are clear about the path we must take to tackle climate change and protect our country from its effects,” the President said.
The President attended the United Nations Climate Change Conference where important decisions taken so far will affect the future of the planet.
He said the discussions at COP28 have significant implications for South Africa and its people.
The President added that the impact of climate change is a measurable reality in South Africa, with poor, rural communities in particular bearing the brunt.
The overriding message the country took to COP28 is that climate commitments will be implemented in a manner that both addresses the current energy crisis and strengthens efforts to reduce poverty and unemployment.
The country’s JET Implementation Plan focuses on expanding investment in transmission networks, investment in new energy vehicles and harnessing the potential of the green hydrogen economy.
“Decarbonising our energy sector has become even more urgent in the face of carbon border taxes and other measures being taken by developed economies in the name of fighting climate change.
“These measures are going to hurt many countries with developing economies, making their exports less competitive and making them bear the economic burden of climate action. It is for these reasons that the South African delegation to COP28 spoke out against these unilateral actions,” President Ramaphosa said.
The President said the country already has sustainable, measurable and science-driven programmes in place to adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change. These include a successful renewable energy procurement programme, biodiversity and conservation management, air quality management, as well as successful natural resource management programmes such as Working on Fire, Working for the Coast and Working for Water.
“But if we are to implement these and the other actions outlined in the JET Investment Plan we – like all other developing economies – will require massive financial support from those countries whose development has been the primary cause of climate change.
“The countries that have contributed most to global warming must support those countries that now bear the brunt of its effects,” the President said.
South Africa expressed its concern that developed economies are still not meeting their obligations to support developing countries with the finance, technology and capacity building needed for effective climate actions.
He said the funding that has been channelled through entities like the Green Climate Fund and Adaptation Fund has been negligible.
“The operationalisation at COP28 of a fund to help vulnerable countries with loss and damage caused by climate change is a step in the right direction, but it will need substantial funding if it is to fulfil its purpose.
“For the transition to lower carbon economies to be just, affected communities cannot live on promises. Workers and communities currently dependent on coal and other fossil fuel industries need viable alternative livelihoods,” the President said.
The plan, which he announced at COP27 last year, outlines the path towards reducing the carbon emissions of the energy sector, which is the largest contributor towards South Africa’s total greenhouse gas emissions.
The plan focuses on investment in electricity infrastructure, new energy vehicles, green hydrogen, skills development and municipal electricity distribution.
“It emphasises that this transition must be underpinned by engagement and in partnership with workers, communities, business and civil society. Importantly, the plan also includes interventions to support affected communities, notably in Mpumalanga, where most of our country’s coal-fired power stations are located,” he said.
While in Dubai, the President visited the South Africa pavilion where he was shown a striking artwork called the Umlibo tapestry which was made by a group of rural women from Hamburg in the Eastern Cape. - SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Mon, 12/04/2023 - 10:22
In a significant stride towards combating gender-based violence, the "Layita Khayelitsha" campaign is set to illuminate the streets of Cape Town's Khayelitsha township. This groundbreaking initiative, spearheaded by inDrive (www.inDrive.com) in collaboration with the local NGO Light UP, focuses on installing solar street lights across the community. Timed to launch in alignment with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on November 25, the campaign marks a pivotal moment in the fight against one of the most pressing social issues of our time.
The project's commencement during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is more than symbolic; it represents a beacon of hope for the residents of Khayelitsha, an area burdened with high rates of gender-based violence. The installation of solar street lights is a concrete measure to enhance the safety and security of the community, shedding both literal and metaphorical light on a global challenge. This initiative underscores the commitment of inDrive and its partners to empower and protect vulnerable populations, casting a spotlight on the crucial need for such interventions worldwide.
Adding a unique twist to the campaign, inDrive has partnered with popular Amapiano singer Khanyisa Jacen as well as producers Beats Slide and Sbuda Maleather. Streaming her song “Layita Khayelitsha” on platforms such as Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Music will directly contribute to the lighting project. For every 2000 streams of the track, one solar light will be installed, aiming for a total of 50 street lights.
Khanyisa Jaceni, whose name means 'to light up', is at the heart of this campaign. Her connection to the local culture and popularity in South African townships make her a powerful voice for this cause, ensuring the message of “Layita Khayelitsha” reaches and resonates with its target audience.
The goal is to install and maintain 50 advanced solar lights by February 2024, focusing on key areas in the township. This initiative will not only improve safety in public spaces but also create local employment opportunities for those who will be installing the lights and maintaining them for the coming years.
Since its launch in South Africa in 2019, inDrive has been actively involved in community development. With operations in nine cities, the company is dedicated to innovative solutions that address local challenges and promote safety.
“inDrive's mission to combat societal challenges in areas where it operates is exemplified by 'Layita Khayelitsha'. This crucial initiative demonstrates the power of collaborative efforts to create meaningful change in underprivileged communities, as well as the importance of empowering citizens as active participants for social change. It serves as a symbol of hope not only for Khayelitsha but also for other townships across South Africa, it offers a sustainable approach to improving community wellbeing and safety.” said Vincent Lilane, Business Development Representative for inDrive Southern Africa.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of inDrive.
Press Contact:
Public Relations Manager - inDrive Africa
Lineo Thakhisi
Phone: +2781 3636 872
Email: lineo.thakhisi@indriver.com
About inDrive:
inDrive is a global mobility and urban services platform headquartered in Mountain View, California, USA. The inDrive app has been downloaded over 200 million times, and was the second most downloaded mobility app in 2022. In addition to ride-hailing, inDrive provides an expanding list of urban services, including intercity transportation, freight delivery, task assistance, courier delivery and employment search.
inDrive operates in over 45 countries. It supports local communities via its peer-to-peer pricing model and community empowerment programs, which help advance education, sports, arts and sciences, gender equality and other vital initiatives.
For more information visit www.inDrive.com
For more information about New Ventures visit https://Ventures.inDrive.com
Government activities for the week 04 December – 07 December 2023
On Monday, 04 December, the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development will host the 28th session of the African commission on agricultural statistics at Birchwood Hotel, Boksburg.
On Tuesday, 05 December, the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu, will release the Drop Reports on drinking water quality, provision and waste water management in the country.
On Wednesday, 06 December, Deputy Minister of Small Business Development Dipuo Peters will officially launch the Shared Economic Infrastructure Facility project and hand over business equipment to over 70 beneficiaries who are operating around Mangaung, Free State.
On Thursday, 07 December, the Presidential District Development Model Oversight Imbizo will be taking place in the Matjhabeng Municipality in the Lejweleputswa District in the Free State Province.
Janine
Mon, 12/04/2023 - 10:09
JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) has today named the Proteas squads for the all-format inbound tour against India from 10 December...
BENONI: Shorna Akter produced career-best figures of five for 28 to help lead Bangladesh to a memorable 13-run victory over the...
Sting operation prevents trafficking of 443 children
A joint sting operation between the Border Management Authority (BMA), Home Affairs and the South African Police Service has stopped more than 40 buses travelling into South Africa through the Beitbridge Border Post carrying children who are alleged to have been trafficked.
This was revealed by Commissioner of the BMA Dr Michael Masiapato during a press briefing on Sunday.
“They were able to stop and search about 42 buses trying to enter the republic and out of that we found about 443 children under the age of eight that were in those buses without any parent or any guardian. Fairly, they were being trafficked into South Africa.
“We were able to take them out of those buses. We were then able to engage with the Zimbabwean officials and we handed them back to Zimbabwe for processing back into the country,” he said.
Masiapato also revealed some of the successes that the BMA were able to achieve in their work protecting the country’s borders.
These include the interception of more than 44 000 thousand individuals attempting to illegally enter South Africa.
“We got them arrested. We got them fingerprinted, we declared them undesirable, and we got them deported on the spot. Further, about 100 452 individuals overstayed in the country. We got the hit from our movement control system when they arrived at the ports. We then declared them undesirable, and we banned them from entering South Africa for the next five years.
“About 98 150 individuals were refused entry into the country for various reasons. Some of them were criminal elements who are listed on the Interpol list for having committed different types of crimes in other jurisdictions in the world,” he said.
Other achievements by the BMA are:
“This is a summary of some of the key success of the [BMA] having been realised in a short space of time. We however commit to do more and fully address the country’s perennial problem of porous borders,” Masiapato said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Sun, 12/03/2023 - 12:19
The financial aid scheme has already received over 200,000 applications since 21 November
SA joins world in marking International Day of Persons with Disabilities
The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities will on Sunday join the global community in commemorating the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), which aims to promote the rights of people with disabilities at every level of society.
Observed every year on 3 December, the annual International Day of Persons with Disabilities was proclaimed in 1992 by the United Nations General Assembly resolution 47/3.
Globally, the day aims to promote the rights and well-being of people with disabilities at every level of society and to raise awareness of the situation and conditions of people with disabilities in all aspects of social, economic and cultural life.
The 2023 IDPD will be commemorated under the theme: “United in action to rescue and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for, with and by persons with disabilities”.
The organisations of the United Nations are expected to reaffirm the United Nations Disability Inclusion strategy that provides a foundation for sustainable and transformative progress on disability inclusion towards the complete realisation of the human rights of all people with disabilities is an inalienable, integral and indivisible part of all human rights and fundamental freedoms.
As a member of the United Nations, the department said South Africa ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2007, and the African Union Charter on Human and Peoples Rights on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Africa in March 2022.
“In contributing to the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 7, South Africa has approved a White paper on the rights of persons with Disabilities with an implementation matrix with set clear indicators for implementation by duty bearers. The indicators also find expression in the National Development Plan 2030 and the Medium-Term Strategic Framework,” the department said in a statement.
The 3rd of December also marks the end of Disability Rights Awareness Month (DRAM) observed from 3 November to 3 December with 3 December as the National Day for Persons with Disabilities.
Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma will on Sunday join the Gauteng Provincial Government and Special Olympics Committee, including organisations of and for people with disabilities and South Africa to observe and commemorate National Day of persons with disabilities.
The event is scheduled to take place at St Benedict's College, Bedfordview, Johannesburg, from 9am. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 12/01/2023 - 13:57
Multilateralism key to dealing with climate change
President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged global leaders to continue working together in efforts to tackle climate change as unilateralism can have detrimental result on developing economies.
“Multilateralism must remain central to global climate action. Unilateral, coercive and trade-distorting measures, such as carbon adjustment measures are detrimental to developing economies,” the President said on Friday.
President Ramaphosa was addressing the high-level segment for the Heads of State and Government during the United Nations climate-focused Conference of Parties (COP28), which is currently underway in Dubai.
Leading South Africa’s participation at the conference, he emphasised the importance of access to finance, skills transfer and technology as tools to help developing economy countries build climate resilience.
“African countries are among the most vulnerable to the effects of a rapidly changing climate, and have to adapt and build resilience within the context of historically low levels of development and a severely limited capacity.
“Innovative financing instruments, such as special drawing rights are needed to ensure that funding does not increase the debt burden of countries that are already struggling to service their debt.
“There can be no substitute for new predictable at scale and appropriate public finance to help developing economy countries build climate resilience. Climate change adaptation and mitigation technologies should be regarded as a global public good,” the President said.
He said nations need to support the right of each country to determine its own developmental trajectory, and provide the necessary space to bring it to fruition.
“As South Africa, we applaud the landmark decision of COP28 to operationalise the new fund on Loss and Damage, and welcome the pledges that have already been made.
“If this Fund is to effectively support those countries most vulnerable to the effects of climate change, we need to mobilise funding on a far greater scale.
“We must launch the work programme on national and international just transitions that involve all in society and encompass all areas of the economy,” President Ramaphosa said.
He said decisions that will be made at COP28 need to be guided by science, equity and the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities.
“Climate action is key to South Africa’s sustainable development agenda. The South African government has just approved the Implementation Plan for the country’s Just Energy Transition Investment Plan.
“This plan focuses on areas critical to a just transition, including investment in electricity infrastructure, new energy vehicles, green hydrogen, skills development, municipal electricity distribution, and interventions directed at communities most affected by the energy transition.
“South Africa has a successful renewable energy power producers programme that plays a key role in supporting our decarbonisation efforts. There are also promising developments underway in our country to harness the potential of green hydrogen, and to beneficiate critical minerals and rare earths in support of development and driving the green transition,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Fri, 12/01/2023 - 15:04
Mashatile rallies communities to be involved in HIV interventions
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has called on communities to actively participate in interventions to combat stigma, discrimination, and human rights violations affecting people living and affected by HIV/AIDS.
“History demonstrates that when communities unite, any challenge can be overcome. Our combined strengths can help us achieve the goal of eliminating HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis as public health threats,” he said on Friday.
The Deputy President was speaking at the official commemoration of World AIDS Day as Chairperson of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC). The event was held in Mandeni in KwaZulu-Natal.
He described the 1 December as an opportunity to strengthen unity to fight against HIV, support those living with HIV, and remember those who succumbed to AIDS-related illnesses.
“Our combined strengths can help us achieve the goal of eliminating HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis as public health threats.”
The Deputy President believes active civil society has also led to significant progress in the prevention, treatment, care, support, and outreach for the vulnerable.
“An additional area that necessitates strong oversight from civil society is the pervasive problem of gender-based violence and femicide, the correlation of which is universally recognised with HIV.”
However, he said he was encouraged by the Takuwani Riime Men’s Movement for its commitment to establish the men’s community parliaments in every village, township, suburb, and community in South Africa.
“This movement seeks to mobilise men and boys to stand up and be counted in the country’s efforts against mental health in men, gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), new HIV infections, and toxic masculinity, and for men to be drivers of the positive socialisation of the boy child.”
He also rallied communities to hold hands with government to eradicate patriarchy, economic inequality, insensitive social norms, and harmful cultural practices.
Gender-based violence, according the Deputy President, was detrimental to the state’s efforts towards the achievement of the global Sustainable Development Goals and National Development Plan.
Survey
He also touched on the recently published sixth South African National HIV Prevalence, Incidence, and Behavioural Survey by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC).
The research found that 7.8 million people are living with HIV in South Africa, a decrease from 14% in 2017 to 12.7% in 2022.
“While the results clearly show that the prevalence of HIV is declining, there are some worrying patterns regarding the age group between 25 and 49 years.”
Meanwhile, among females, HIV prevalence was highest in ages 35 to 39 years at 34.2% compared to 27.1% in males aged 45 to 49 years.
The country’s second-in-command also raised concerns about the increased incidence of HIV infection among girls between 15 to 19 years old.
“It is an indication that older men engage in unprotected sexual activities with girls and young women. We must take extraordinary measures as a society to protect kids against immoral predators. We must ensure that children have a safe environment to discuss the issues influencing their sexual conduct and the pressures they are under.
“We must stand with them and educate them about their rights and sexual health,” he stressed.
Government is also worried about the lack of access to treatment by HIV-positive children, young people, and men.
The survey indicated that among those aged 15 and older living with HIV in South Africa in 2022, 90% were aware of their status, 91% of those aware of their status were on antiretroviral treatment (ART) and 94% of those on ART were virally suppressed.
He told the community the state’s primary objective as a government is to integrate all facets of an individual’s healthcare into a unified system, ensuring that everyone consistently gets quality medical care.
“Another game-changer in our progressive treatment literacy efforts is the integration of the undetectable equals untransmittable (U=U) concept into our policy framework.”
This means that if a person takes their treatment consistently without fail, they will achieve ongoing viral suppression until the level of the virus drops to below 50 copies per millilitre.
“However, we advocate for safe sex since being undetectable will not prevent you from passing on a sexually transmitted infection to your partner or having an unplanned pregnancy.”
Stigma
Shifting his focus on stigma and prejudice, he said this can be as traumatic as the illness itself.
This, he said, could lead to partner or family rejection, social marginalisation, school expulsion, denial of medical services, a lack of care and support, and violence.
“We encourage our community leaders to engage our communities in order to alter societal attitudes and customs, some of which are influenced by our upbringing.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 12/01/2023 - 15:24
EAST LONDON: Dane Piedt’s six-wicket haul helped South Africa A (SA ‘A’) complete a comprehensive 232-run win over West Indies A...
Apple Music today announced Kenyan R&B-soul singer-songwriter Maya Amolo is the latest artist to be featured in its new Up Next artist development program in East Africa. “I’m really excited to be Up Next with Apple Music,” she tells Apple Music. “The scene is buzzing here in Nairobi so I’m always grateful when I have …
Mashatile launches SA Chapter of the Global Alliance to End AIDS in Children by 2030
Deputy President Paul Mashatile officially launched the South African Chapter of the Global Alliance to End AIDS in Children by 2030, led by his wife, Humile Mashatile.
“We are concerned with HIV treatment gaps in children. Children living with HIV aged 15 years and below are left behind in the global HIV response when compared to the general population,” he said.
The country’s second-in-command was speaking at the official commemoration of World AIDS Day as Chairperson of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) at the Mandeni Local Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal.
He described the 1 December as an opportunity to strengthen unity to fight against HIV, support those living with HIV, and remember those who succumbed to AIDS-related illnesses.
Globally, he said only 52% of children who are living with HIV are on lifesaving treatment, compared to 76% of the adult population.
According to the Deputy President, this results in children accounting for 15% of AIDS-related deaths on an annual basis despite that 4% of people living with HIV are children.
Meanwhile, he said stigma, discrimination, punitive laws and policies, violence, and gender inequalities in Eastern and Southern Africa remain some of the barriers that hinder access to treatment, care, and support for women, girls, and children.
“Unfortunately, South Africa has the largest population of children living with HIV in the world, and as of June 2023, our treatment coverage for children is alarmingly low, coming in at 67%.”
He said the data raises concerns and emphasises the urgent need for increased efforts and resources to guarantee that every child who is HIV-positive receives the care and treatment they require.
In response to this challenge, government is working with the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS), by coordinating United Nations (UN) agencies including the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The other partners include the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the Global Fund, together with civil society, in establishing the Global Alliance to end AIDS in Children by 2030.
“The proclamation was first made at the 24th International AIDS Conference in Canada in 2022. South Africa was among the first 12 countries to join this alliance. As the South African government, we are determined to fulfil our commitment to end AIDS in children,” he stressed.
This, according to the President, could be achieved by strengthening case finding among HIV-exposed infants and children and scaling up the initial HIV regimen to pregnant and breastfeeding women as per the revised clinical guidelines.
Meanwhile, government aims to also boost regular retesting of pregnant and breastfeeding women, increasing access to social protection programmes and addressing gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), sexual assault, and abuse of infants, children, adolescents, and women.
Government will also work around the clock to scale up advocacy for the enforcement of laws and the administration of justice.
“Collectively, we should strive to ensure universal access to treatment, eliminate mother-to-child transmission, and confront prevailing prejudice and discrimination to foster a society that accepts and supports all individuals living with HIV, including our children.
“Together, we have the power to end the epidemic of HIV and AIDS,” he added. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 12/01/2023 - 15:44
Judge Nomonde Mngqibisa-Thusi is facing possible impeachment for failing to hand down judgments timeously
Heatwave conditions break records
Following the heatwave conditions that prevailed for a number of days in most parts of the country, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) says November records were broken in both the maximum and minimum temperature measurements.
Heatwave conditions prevailed from 19 November 2023 in most parts of the country, with isolated areas having extremely hot conditions for several days in a row.
“Hot conditions reached their peak on 27 November 2023, when extremely hot conditions were experienced in large parts of the country. Preliminary data indicates new temperature records for November over the Northern Cape, Free State and North West provinces.
“More than 10 stations recorded the highest temperature records on the 27th, with the Automatic Weather Station at Augrabies Falls recording the highest maximum temperature of 46.7°C, breaking its previous record of 46.2°C (2019-11-28).
“It must be noted that the highest maximum temperature record for Augrabies Falls remains at 48.6°C, measured on 2016-01-05, and the 46.7°C is the new record for the month of November,” SAWS said on Thursday.
The El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is currently in an El Niño state and according to the latest predictions is expected to persist through most of the summer months.
ENSO’s typical impact on Southern Africa is in favour of generally drier and warmer conditions during the spring and summer months from October to March.
“However, current global forecasts indicate a great deal of uncertainty for the typical drier conditions that South Africa experiences during typical El Niño seasons, over the eastern parts of the country. Weather extremes will continue to occur from time to time during the summer season as much as drier conditions are expected.
“Caution is advised at this point, as the El Niño effect might still manifest its influence in the next few months and change the outlook of the rainfall forecast for mid- and late summer. Minimum and maximum temperatures are expected to be mostly above-normal countrywide for the forecast period,” SAWS said.
The weather service will continue to monitor the weather and climate conditions and provide updates on any future assessments that may provide more clarity on the current expectations for the coming season.
Furthermore, the public is urged and encouraged to regularly follow weather forecasts on television and radio.
Updated information in this regard will regularly be available at www.weathersa.co.za as well as via the SA Weather Service X account. @SAWeatherService. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Fri, 12/01/2023 - 11:19
The holiday season is upon us, and we are all excitedly looking forward to enjoying the summer break with our friends and family. This time of the year means many things to people but there is one common thread: home. Regrettably, millions of South Africans still do not have a solid house that serves as …
By Rowen Govender – Academic Head School of Healthcare Management at Regent Business School Amidst the intricate tapestry of South Africa, where the pervasive spectre of the HIV/AIDS crisis casts a formidable shadow over countless lives, businesses find themselves standing at a pivotal crossroads — a unique juncture to emerge as catalysts of profound societal …
National Strategic Plan on GBVF must be prioritised - Cabinet
Cabinet has reaffirmed the need to prioritise the implementation of the National Strategic Plan (NSP) of dealing with the second pandemic of gender-based violence and femicide.
Briefing the media on Thursday, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said Cabinet further noted progress that has been made on interventions of the NSP that are driven through the following six pillars:
“Government will continue with consultations with various sectors to mobilise a whole of society approach to dealing with GBVF [gender-based violence and femicide], including localising the NSP using the District Development Model (DDM) approach for implementation at a ward level,” the Minister said.
In this regard, Cabinet applauded the successful co-hosting of the 3rd African Union (AU) Men’s Conference on Positive Masculinity in Leadership to End Violence Against Women and Girls with the Republic of Comoros in Pretoria from 27 to 28 November 2023.
The Men’s Conference provided an opportunity to consolidate the bold efforts that the Heads of State and Government, and other sectors have taken towards ending violence against women and girls on the continent.
These efforts include accountability for the implementation of the Kinshasa Declaration and the decisions made at the 2023 February Heads of State and Government Conference on negotiating an AU Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls.
MSC investment
Meanwhile, Cabinet has also welcomed the opening of the Nelson Mandela cruise terminal by the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) in a public-private partnership (PPP) contract with Transnet.
MSC invested approximately R296.7 million in the construction of the new terminal, with an additional R30 million earmarked for expansion of the terminal.
Cabinet echoed the sentiments of President Ramaphosa when he said at the opening of the terminal last week: “The multi-user terminal has made Durban an even more desirable destination for cruise ships from all over the world”. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Fri, 12/01/2023 - 09:21
Philippine culture was on full display during the event organized by the Philippine Embassy in Pretoria to mark the 30 years of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and South Africa. As a fitting tribute to the countries' diplomatic milestone, Philippine dance troupe KALOOB Philippine Music and Dance Ministry performed on 26 November 2023 at the University of Pretoria's Aula Theatre.
The event was attended by over 700 guests from the government, diplomatic corps, organized business, academic community and other sectors of South African society, as well as members of the Filipino community.
In her welcome remarks, Philippine Ambassador Noralyn Jubaira Baja highlighted the similarities between Filipino and South African cultures despite the two countries' geographical distance. She said that the Philippines, just like South Africa, is a country which is proud of and fully embraces its multicultural heritage. Filipinos also share common values with their African kin such as faith and spirituality, family centeredness, sense of community, as well as fostering harmonious interpersonal relationships.
The Ambassador likewise mentioned the significant developments in the bilateral ties between the Philippines and South Africa, most notably the successful convening of the countries' 5th Bilateral Consultative Forum held on 23 February 2023 in Pretoria, which allowed Filipino and South African policymakers to discuss issues of mutual interest.
As guest of honor, Chief Director for Central, South and Southeast Asia Sindiswa Mququ of the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation agreed with the Ambassador that both countries have rich and diverse cultural heritage that reflects their unique identity and history. Commending the Embassy for its continuous efforts to promote the cultural relations between the two countries, she emphatically stated that it is through cultural exchange and dialogue that both sides can learn from each other, appreciate their similarities and differences, and foster mutual understanding and respect.
Marking their debut in South Africa, KALOOB provided the South African public with a glimpse of the cultural diversity of the Philippines by performing selected traditional dances and music of the Cordillera region, the indigenous communities in Mindanao, and the Muslim groups in southern Philippines. The group also performed Hispanic dances which were introduced to the country during the Spanish occupation and subsequently indigenized by the Filipino people. KALOOB capped their great performance with Philippine folk dances which are deeply rooted in pre-colonial and Spanish colonial periods but have survived and evolved through time.
The dance troupe captivated the guests with its repertoire of Filipino dances, which included Chalijok (harvest-time dance of the Kalinga people), Sabay (courtship dance of the Subanen people), Kapamalong-Malong (dance showing the various ways to wear and use the malong, a tubular cloth worn by the Maranao people), Singkil (the Maranao people's retelling of the Darangen epic), Jota Moncadeña (a distinctly Hispanized dance in Tarlac province using bamboo hand clickers called kalaste) and the very popular Tinikling. Live music from traditional Philippine percussion and stringed instruments, as well as the colorful and vibrant traditional costumes further enriched KPMDM's performance.
KALOOB received a standing ovation from an enthusiastic audience. As a symbol of the enduring friendship between the Philippines and South Africa, some South African youth who watched the performance presented flowers to the performers.
Founded by Mr. Eduardo Lapiz, KALOOB initially promoted Filipino indigenous culture for use in contemporary Christian evangelization and worship. The group has since branched out to arranging performances for a general audience with the objective of spreading profound appreciation for Philippine heritage. With its continuing extensive cultural research, documentation, preservation and promotion of Philippine indigenous music, dance and rituals, the group has been recognized by the Cultural Center of the Philippines as one of the major dance groups in the country.
KALOOB's performance in South Africa was made possible through the generous support of the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs' Office of Public and Cultural Diplomacy.The commemorative event is part of the Embassy's vigorous efforts to harness the transformative power of cultural diplomacy in bridging cultural gaps and facilitating greater people-to-people understanding between the Philippines and South Africa.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Department of Foreign Affairs, Republic of the Philippines.
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