“I saw my shoes float on water and heard my cat meow”
Western Cape mops up after devastating floods
African
Charting the Academic Path: Subjects Needed for Software Development in South Africa
In the digital age, software development stands as one of the most sought-after careers. South Africa, with its burgeoning tech industry, is no exception. For those aspiring to dive into this dynamic field, understanding the academic prerequisites can be a game-changer. Embarking on the Software Development Journey Choosing a career in software development is …
Procter & Gamble Shines Spotlight on Ending Period Poverty at Global Citizen Festival during UN Week
Johannesburg, 26 September 2023- Procter & Gamble (P&G), a global leader in consumer-packaged goods, is set to take center stage at the 11th edition of the Global Citizen Festival, a renowned international event during UN Week. This year’s festival, streaming globally, will spotlight P&G’s commitment to addressing period poverty and providing access to sanitary pads …
Developed economies must carry out more to tackle climate change
Developed economies must do more to tackle climate change
President Cyril Ramaphosa has re-emphasised the call for developed economy countries to fulfil their pledge to assist developing nations in their transition to low carbon economies.
The President was addressing the nation through his weekly newsletter.
“While the nations of the world agreed in Paris in 2015 on urgent actions to limit global temperature rises and mitigate the impact of climate change, the effects of climate change are being increasingly felt with greater ferocity.
“Although developed economy countries promised to support developing economies as they transition to low-carbon, climate resilient societies, this support has not been forthcoming at the scale and with the urgency that is needed.
“Among other things, wealthy countries have not provided the promised finance that vulnerable countries need to adapt to climate change and to cover the cost of the loss and damage caused by climate disasters,” he said.
Last week, on the sidelines of the recent United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), UN Secretary General António Guterres held a Climate Ambition Summit.
President Ramaphosa said South Africa used the summit to “reiterate our long-stated position that developed economy countries must fulfil their obligations and honour their past promises to developing economy countries”.
“This is not about charity. It is about economic and social justice. Africa’s people are literally paying the price for the industrialisation and development of the countries of the north.
“It is also about shared interests because the economic and social havoc caused by climate change will make the world more unstable, less secure and will increase competition for scarce resources like water and food,” he said.
Self-development
President Ramaphosa emphasised that although developed countries share the responsibility to assist developing nations, Africa is taking steps to ensure its own climate change resilience.
“As African countries, we cannot be bystanders to our own development. We are putting the necessary measures in place to de-carbonise our respective economies while pursuing sustainable development.
“The transformation of the energy landscape in Africa is a priority. As African countries, we have called on the international community to support efforts to increase the continent’s renewable energy capacity while ensuring energy security for Africa’s people.
“This needs to take place alongside increased investment in smart, digital and efficient green technologies in carbon-intensive sectors such as transportation, industry and electricity,” he said.
The President described South Africa’s own efforts towards de-carbonising the country’s carbon intensive economy.
“As South Africa, we want to use our abundant solar and wind resources to position our country at the forefront of the clean energy transition.
“Regulatory reforms undertaken by this administration have resulted in a confirmed pipeline of renewable energy projects that are expected to produce in excess of 10 gigawatts of electricity,” he said.
A just transition
President Ramaphosa added that de-carbonisation of economies must be “just and inclusive” and also be consistent with “our national circumstances and development plans”.
He warned that some measures like the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism – aimed at increasing tariffs on imports produced through carbon intensive processes – may “simply further increase the vulnerability of developing economies”.
“This is likely to have a significant impact on South African producers, increase the costs of South African exports into European markets and reduce our economy’s competitiveness.
“In my address to the Climate Ambition Summit, I said that trade mechanisms must enable products from Africa to compete on fair and equitable terms. Trade tariffs and non-trade barriers that have an environmental purpose should be the product of multilateral agreements,” he said.
President Ramaphosa said while South Africa remains committed to “contributing our fair share to the global climate change effort”, the circumstances of developing countries must “must be taken into account”.
“To achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, unity of purpose and action between countries is vital, as is a common commitment to multilateralism in the global climate change effort.
“Ultimately, no country should be forced to choose between climate action and meeting their developmental aspirations,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 09/26/2023 - 09:24
504 views
Southern Africa sets out to strengthen One Health approach
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in coordination with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat and its Member States held a validation workshop for the Southern African Programme for One Health (SAPOH). The programme provides direction and a long-term vision to achieving an integrated one health (OH) approach in the region.
Fifteen SADC countries, namely, Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe attended the workshop and unanimously validated SAPOH. The SADC secretariate, three members of the quadripartite organizations leading the OH approach globally, that is, FAO, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) as well as other regional partners attended the validation workshop and enriched the programme with valuable contributions and inputs before its validation.
One Health is an integrated, unifying approach that aims to sustainably balance and optimize the health of people, animals, and ecosystems. This approach is suitable for Southern Africa as the main livelihood for the people is agriculture. The One Health approach is necessary to deliver effective and efficient prevention and control of infectious diseases, as well as emergency preparedness and response.
Speaking on behalf of the Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa, Patrice Talla, at the opening ceremony, FAO Representative for South Africa, Babagana Ahmadu said, “FAO and its counterparts in the One Health Quadripartite, WHO, WOAH and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), will work together to ensure that policies to support One Health were in place.”
“FAO prioritizes One Health at global and regional level. It is one of the 20 Priority Programme Areas in FAO's New Strategic Framework (2022 to 2031). Within Southern Africa, FAO has prioritized one health as one of its three flagship programmes,” he said.
“My appreciation also goes to our fellow members of the Quadripartite, the WHO, WOAH and UNEP and other partners for accompanying us on this task. We count on you for stronger collaboration in validating and changing this draft into an actionable programme. FAO is committed to working with all of you in mobilizing resources for the implementation of this programme once it is validated,” added Babagana Ahmadu.
The WOAH Representative for Southern Africa Dr Moetapele Letshwenyo said operationalization of SAPOH would be a game changer in mitigating the risk posed by zoonotic diseases. He added that, “Worldwide, 60 per cent of infectious diseases affecting humans have their origins in animals, with nearly 75 per cent of animal diseases being transmissible to humans. The increasing interactions between humans and animals within the environment and numerous factors is exacerbating the emergence, re-emergence and spread of infectious diseases, necessitates a multi-sectoral and multidisciplinary approach”.
According to the SADC Programme Officer for Livestock, Dr Gaolathe Thobokwe, SAPOH will inform the design of future country and partner programmes to address the next pandemic in Southern Africa.
“The necessity of the OH approach in SADC is very obvious, currently, we are dealing with COVID-19 and we know consequences. In the recent past we have had Ebola; we have also had disease like rift valley fever and anthrax. It shows the need to work together whether it be animal health, public health, plant health, wildlife, environmental or climate services,” he said.
The WHO Africa Regional Team Leader for Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), Dr Ali Yahya, pointed out that communication, resource mobilization, monitoring and evaluation were essential components of the OH Programme as they enhanced accountability and learning to determine the best practices. “We might need to ensure strong energy not only to validate the document but also to support its implementation, monitoring, and documentation for further visibility to facilitate resource mobilization as well as ownership of the programme by countries,” he said.
At the end of the workshop, stakeholders called for innovations from all the actors and pointed out that the successful implementation of One Health heavily relies on using locally available resources, citizen engagement, use of traditional knowledge systems and capacity building.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of FAO Regional Office for Africa.
Food security takes centre stage during Thusong Week
Food security takes centre stage during Thusong Week
Efforts to boost food security and the cleaning up of communities were among the top priorities during this year’s Thusong Service Centre Week.
While a special focus was placed on targeted campaigns from 18 - 22 September, Thusong Service Centre Week forms part of the Integrated Public Service Month.
During the week commemorated under the theme, ‘Building a Professional Public Service for Quality Service Delivery’, the Thusong Programme was promoted by showcasing the integrated mobile outreach programme and its effectiveness in responding to the needs of citizens.
The 2023 in-week activities profiled the work of public servants, particularly frontline officials based at Thusong Service Centres and their contribution to the envisioned efficient Public Service, which anchored on putting people first.
Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, led the opening of the 2023 Thusong Service Centre Week in Rawsonville, Western Cape.
He commended the fact that to date, there are 121 operational centres that continue to bring services closer to the communities by housing different government departments and entities.
During the opening event, a food security dialogue was held, with a focus on promoting backyard gardens, sustainability and integration into the local economy.
The dialogue was led by the University of the Western Cape through its study conducted within the municipality on food security.
Dedicated public servants were also presented with certificates of appreciation, followed by an integrated outreach, where various government departments and entities showcased their exhibitions and provided services to citizens.
During the week, various Thusong Service Centres across the country hosted 88 activities, with 26 of these focusing on cleaning and food security campaigns, with an emphasis on backyard gardens.
The aim is to encourage citizens to participate in cleaning communities as part of persevering the environment and establishing backyard gardens as another way of combating poverty, hunger and food insecurity.
The closing event of 2023 took place in the Northern Cape at Loeriesfontein Hub. The closing event promoted food security, with a bias to the establishment of food gardens at the Thusong Service Centre, as well as the planting of trees.
Acting Government Communication Director-General, Nomonde Mnukwa, encouraged South Africans to play their part in securing food supply through their homes or community food gardens.
“If every person sets up a small garden in their home, it will go a long way to ensuring that individuals and communities meet their sustenance needs.
“Through our collective actions, we can ensure that no South African goes to bed hungry. It was heartening to see that the Thusong Service Centres continue to play a part in this vital campaign.
“The continued offering of services and information from government departments, bodies of civil society and community organisations, through the Thusong Centres, shows well how these centres play a key role in bettering the lives of South Africans,” Mnukwa said.
All citizens are invited to visit www.gov.za to locate a Thusong Service Centre near them. Citizens are encouraged to make use of their centres frequently. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 09/26/2023 - 14:03
121 views
Alan Jacobs Attorneys: Your Trusted Legal Partner in Johannesburg
Navigating the legal landscape can be daunting. Whether you’re facing a personal dispute or a corporate challenge, having a reliable attorney by your side can make all the difference. In Johannesburg, one name stands out when it comes to comprehensive legal services: Alan Jacobs Attorneys. Child Custody Concerns: The well-being of your child is paramount. …
Police record successes in dealing with criminal syndicates
Police record successes in dealing with criminal syndicates
Police Minister Bheki Cele says the police are pushing back against crime in the country, and flushing out ruthless and greedy organised criminal syndicates.
“The work of the South African Police Service (SAPS) has, through intelligence-led operations and weekly high density operations, resulted in the arrest of thousands of criminals, especially dangerous and hardened criminals,” Cele said at a briefing in Pretoria on Tuesday.
The Minister outlined some of the successes achieved by the police in dealing with crime in the country.
He said assets worth millions of rands have been recovered and firearms have been removed off the streets.
“These covert operations have also resulted in multiple deaths of suspects who violently resisted arrest,” Cele said.
Cele said some of the meticulously conducted take-downs should renew hope in the country, that the men and women in blue are gaining ground against crime and continue to flush out criminality in both affluent and impoverished areas of society.
“South Africans on various platforms have welcomed the bolstered and decisive policing efforts by the SAPS, who are going toe-to-toe with criminals.
“But in the same breath, we are also aware that the SAPS triumph over crime is a bitter pill to swallow by some,” the minister said.
Cele said crime intelligence information remains central in the take-down of armed and ruthless gangs.
Cele said in the past week alone, police have registered a number of successes, including the latest take down of cash-in-transit heist suspects in Hoedspruit, Limpopo, where four suspects were killed and three suspects arrested.
“We would like to take this opportunity to appreciate the working relationship with the Hoedspruit Farmwatchers, who worked closely with the SAPS in taking down this syndicate.
“Among those arrested was a most wanted suspect, a Mozambican national, linked to the murder of a police officer, a spate of car hijackings, house and business robberies and fraud cases. Police seized one pistol, a rifle and some of the stolen money,” the Minister said.
Provincial overview
Among the successes achieved by the police include, in Gauteng, a multidisciplinary team led by the Anti-Kidnapping Task Team, rescued an 18-year-old Wits University student from a kidnapping syndicate last Wednesday.
The syndicate had been targeting the LGBTQI+ community through a popular dating app. Police have broken the back of this particular kidnapping syndicate, which has so far been linked to over 50 kidnappings, where ransom demands were being made.
In KwaZulu-Natal, following a shooting incident which resulted in the fatal shooting of five men at a parking lot in a shopping centre in Richards Bay on the 19th September 2023, police - 24 hours later - acted on information and traced two suspects to an upmarket estate in Ballito, where a shootout ensued.
The pair were shot and killed during a take-down operation, which involved specialised units of the SAPS, including the National Intervention Unit (NIU).
One of the suspects was on the police’s wanted list and being investigated in a number of cases. One suspect is being sought by the police.
In the Eastern Cape, police arrested a gang that had robbed a store of R1 million worth of jewellery.
Just hours later, police followed up on information and tracked down and arrested all 10 suspects, following a crime intelligence-driven operation. All the stolen jewellery was recovered, as well as four firearms. The syndicate is linked to numerous other similar heists across the country.
In Carolina, Mpumalanga, the illicit mining task team shutdown an illegally operated coal mine and seized mining equipment worth over R60 million, as well as coal worth R12 million.
A mine manager was arrested and a manhunt is underway for the mine owner.
In Khutsong, Gauteng province, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) - under Operation Gillette - arrested nine suspects for illegal mining and they attached, through a preservation order, 58 properties (51 vehicles, including luxury vehicles and seven houses) to the value of over R17 million. They will be appearing in court on 29 September 2023.
In the Northern Cape, 867 illegal miners were arrested during an intelligence driven operation in the Namakwa region on Tuesday, 19 September 2023. The area, which is a hotspot for illegal mining activities, is being closely monitored, and police are working closely with other relevant departments to combat illegal mining activities. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 09/26/2023 - 12:21
129 views
Leading African law firm Bowmans celebrates a decade of focussed pro bono contributions
By Bowmans. On Thursday 21 September, ahead of Heritage Day in South Africa, leading African law firm Bowmans, held an event to celebrate a decade of focussed pro bono efforts. Bowmans managing partner, Alan Keep, highlighted that Bowmans has always been a responsible corporate citizen, and its people have been contributing their time and expertise …
Government concludes 2023 Annual Thusong Service Centre Week
Government concludes this year's Annual Thusong Service Centre Week, which took place from the 18 - 22 September 2023 and was commemorated under the theme: “Building a Professional Public Service for Quality Service Delivery”.
The Thusong Service week formed part of the Integrated Public Service Month and it sought to promote the Thusong Programme by showcasing the integrated mobile outreach programme and its effectiveness in responding to the needs of the citizens.
The 2023 in-week activities of the Thusong Service Week profiled the work of public servants particularly front line officials based at Thusong Service Centres and their contribution to the envisioned efficient Public Service which is putting people first.
On Tuesday, 19 September 2023, the Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, led the opening of the 2023 Annual Thusong Service Centre week at the NG Church Hall, in Rawsonville, Western Cape Province who lauded that to date there are 121 operational centres which continue to bring services closer to the communities by housing different government departments and entities.
During the opening event a food security dialogue was held with a focus on the promotion of backyard gardens, sustainability, and integration into the local economy. The dialogue was led by the University of the Western Cape through their study conducted within the Municipality on food security. Dedicated public servants were also presented with certificates of appreciation, followed by an integrated outreach wherein various government departments and entities showcased their exhibitions and provided services to the citizens.
During the week, various Thusong Service Centres across the country hosted 88 activities with 26 of these focusing on cleaning and food security campaigns with an emphasis on backyard gardens. The aim is to encourage citizens to participate in cleaning communities as part of persevering the environment and establishing backyard gardens as another way of combating poverty, hunger and food insecurity in communities.
The, the closing event of 2023, took place in the Northern Cape Province at Loeriesfontein Hub. The closing event promoted food security, with a bias to the establishment of food gardens at the Thusong Service Centre as well as the planting of trees.
“South Africans can play their part in securing food supply through their homes or community food gardens. If every person sets up a small garden in their home it will go a long way to ensuring that individuals and communities meet their sustenance needs. Through our collective actions we can ensure that no South African goes to bed hungry. It was heartening to see that the Thusong Service Centres continue to play a part in this vital campaign. The continued offering of services and information from government departments, bodies of civil society and community organizations, through the Thusong Centres, show well how these centres play a key role in bettering the lives of South Africans”, said GCIS Acting Director-General, Nomonde Mnukwa.
All citizens are invited to visit www.gov.za to locate the Thusong Service Centre near them and encouraged to make use of their centres frequently.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of Government Communication and Information System.
Public Service Month
Public Service Month
By Nomonde Mnukwa
Local government has long been recognised as the sphere of government that is closest to the people and crucial in improving their lives. It is responsible for the provision of basic services such as water, electricity and sanitation.
This year marks 23 years since local government was established under a democratic government to ensure that basic services are provided in an impartial, fair and equitable way. This milestone would not have been possible without the commitment of public servants, throughout the country, who serve selflessly with dignity and respect.
To mark this milestone, September is recognised annually as the Public Service Month (PSM) to recognise men and women who serve the nation with pride and distinction. These include doctors, nurses, police officers, teachers and many others who play an invaluable role in delivering services and building the country as envisioned in 1994.
This year’s commemoration comes less than a year before we observe 30 years of freedom and democracy. The commemoration will provide us with an opportunity to reflect on the contribution of public servants in building the South Africa we want.
It is also an opportune moment for public servants to interrogate what has worked and what needs improvement as we build on the achievements of the last 30 years.
As government, we know that the majority of public servants are committed to the cause of improving the lives of people and go beyond the call of duty. These public servants understand that to be a public servant is an honour and privilege and an opportunity to change our society for the better.
We have seen these dedicated public servants during our fight against the COVID-19. Most of them ventured onto the streets every day while other citizens were at home under lockdown because their job and calling in life is to protect and serve. They were first in the line to keep us safe and provided much needed services.
Public servants have showed us during COVID-19 that they have what it takes to provide better services and improve the lives of people. Our challenge now is to extend that commitment, professionalism and selflessness to our daily interactions when serving citizens and contribute to making South Africa great.
It is not simply enough for public servants to wake up and say they are going to work to earn a salary. We should find joy in serving people, it should be about improving the quality of life of the citizens, fixing traffic lights and roads or doing anything else that makes a difference in people’s lives and help us grow our country.
This year’s PSM is held under the theme: “Building a Professional Public Service for Inclusive Quality Service Delivery” which is the foremost priority of the administration. However, building a capable state that will improve the lives of the people of this country starts with having a professional and competent public service in line with the National Development Plan and Batho Pele principles.
The National Development Plan serves as a blueprint for the work that needs to be done to achieve a prosperous society for our country, while Batho Pele guides how public servants must conduct themselves especially when they serve the public.
The vision of building a capable and developmental state has been advanced by various administrations since 1994 and in 2020, Cabinet approved the National Framework Towards the Professionalisation of the Public Service aimed at ensuring that only qualified and competent individuals are appointed into positions of authority.
The empowerment of public servants is also being done through the National School of Government, which is working with the Public Service Sector Education and Training Authority and the Department of Public Service and Administration to provide appropriate training and learning pathways to public servants.
During Public Service Month we strive to showcase the many services offered by government and therefore the Thusong Service Week recently took place to raise awareness of the important services that are offered in Thusong Centres across the country. At the centres, people can access government services including application for identity documents, birth, death and marriage certificates.
They can also get office services such as phone, fax, scan, copy, print and postal services, including advice for small business development and accessing applications for services that are offered by the South African Social Security Agency. Communities can obtain copies of the government newspaper, Vuk’uzenzele and they also are exposed to the other programmes that allow for interaction between government and South Africans.
As we conclude the Public Service Month, we call on public servants to continue to ensure that their professional ethics are beyond reproach. This is the only way we can build a country that works for everyone as envisioned by our founding fathers.
*Nomonde Mnukwa is Acting Director General of GCIS
Janine
Tue, 09/26/2023 - 10:54
135 views
Mashatile to speak at Africa Oil Week
South African Deputy President, Mr Paul Mashatile, is scheduled to speak at Africa Oil Week (AOW) (www.Africa-OilWeek.com) on Tuesday 10 October, in Cape Town.
The gathering is the continent's leading event in the upstream oil-and-gas energy space, and it sees representatives of more than 25 African governments coming together with energy policymakers, financiers and dealmakers to share insights and to map a sustainable roadmap for the development of Africa's natural resources.
Deputy President Mashatile's attendance at the continental showpiece comes at a time when energy is a primary concern of national policymaking in South Africa and elsewhere on the continent.
Announcing Deputy President Mashatile's participation, Yemi Ibidunni, Event Director of event organiser Hyve Events said that the presence of a government representative as senior as Mr Mashatile confirmed the importance the South Africa's government attached to oil and gas planning.
“There have been exciting offshore discoveries in South African territorial waters, which may herald a new dawn for the country's oil and gas sector,” says Ibidunni. “At the same time, there have been significant discoveries in Namibia and elsewhere in Africa. This emphasises the importance of Africa's government and business leaders coming together to discuss partnerships for energy security while enhancing regional economic development.'
Ibidunni said AOW provides the ideal platform to facilitate such discussions, as well as enabling deals, and positioning the continent as a stable destination for international investment.
This year's AOW takes place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre 2 in Cape Town, from October 9 – 13, with the theme “Maximising Africa's Natural Resources”.
AOW will connect more than 50 ministers and government leaders, 125 expert speakers, and 1500 senior delegates across five days of industry-leading insight and elite networking opportunities, designed to drive deals and investments for the betterment of the continent.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Oil Week.
Nzimande visits Japan to strengthen hydrogen economy cooperation
Nzimande visits Japan to strengthen hydrogen economy cooperation
The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande, is leading a delegation to Tokyo, Japan, as part of efforts to build a hydrogen economy in South Africa.
The engagements will profile the work of the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) in hydrogen energy, and promote collaboration, investment and innovation in support of the deployment of hydrogen at scale, as envisaged in the Hydrogen Society Roadmap for South Africa.
The roadmap, launched by the DSI in 2022, is a national coordinating framework to facilitate the integration of hydrogen-related technologies in various sectors of the South African economy, a vital part of stimulating economic growth, in line with the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan.
“Establishing a manufacturing sector for hydrogen products and components is one of the roadmap's key outcomes,” the department said.
The engagements kick-started on Monday, 25 September, with Minister Nzimande and the delegation participating in the Tokyo GX Week Plenary Session.
The GX Plenary is hosted by Japan's Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), Yasutoshi Nishimura, as part of the Tokyo GX Week 2023.
Tokyo GX Week, according to the DSI, aims to accelerate efforts towards net zero emissions.
“The programme of international meetings related to energy and the environment aims to achieve green transformation (GX), moving countries away from fossil fuel-dependent economic, social and industrial structures, towards clean energy that will lead to economic growth and development, as well as reduced greenhouse gas emissions.”
The Minister will also address the 6th Hydrogen Energy Ministerial Meeting, which will be attended by Ministers and world leaders in the energy and environment fields in both the private and the public sectors.
Today, the DSI will host a South Africa-Japan workshop with the Japan External Trade Organisation.
The aim of the workshop, the department said, is for South African and Japanese entities to discuss putting together a large-scale demonstration project on hydrogen.
“Minister Nzimande and Mr Nishimura are expected to sign a memorandum of cooperation between the DSI and METI to facilitate cooperation on developing a sustainable and affordable hydrogen and ammonia supply chain.”
“The two countries have a shared recognition that this is key to achieving net zero emissions,” said the DSI.
South Africa and Japan have a longstanding relationship and common interests in science, technology and innovation (STI).
Bilateral cooperation in STI between the two countries has been growing steadily since the agreement on STI in 2003.
The engagements will continue until 27 September. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 09/26/2023 - 10:12
20 views
Hundreds flee flooded homes as storms batter Western Cape
Man dies, apparently from electrocution
New PRIME Hydration Strawberry Watermelon flavour available exclusively at Checkers
New PRIME Hydration Strawberry Watermelon flavour available exclusively at Checkers South African fans of the sought-after drink, PRIME, can look forward to an exciting new addition to the hydration range with Strawberry Watermelon launching exclusively at Checkers on Thursday, 28 September 2023. Bursting with the taste of summer fruit, this bright pink hydration sensation will …
Weltevrede doubles the Philip Jonker Cap Classique Collection
Weltevrede Wine Estate outside Bonnievale in the Robertson Valley is known for specialising in Chardonnay and Cap Classique and offering world-class underground tours namely Captivated by Chardonnay and Captivated by Cap Classique. These Weltevrede tours were awarded Most Innovative Wine Tasting Experience in the World by Great Wine Capitals. The Weltevrede Philip Jonker Brut was …
Work underway to resolve KZN water woes
Work underway to resolve KZN water woes
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) says it is working tirelessly to assist municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal that are facing water challenges.
This after the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) released its final report and recommendations following an investigation into water challenges in that province.
“The challenges are known to the department, and the Ministry of Water and Sanitation is working tirelessly to assist the municipalities in the province, which are Water Services Authorities (WSAs), to meet their constitutional obligation for water and sanitation services provision to citizens.
“The Blue, Green and No-Drop reports, released in June 2023, are regulatory and support mechanisms of the department for municipal drinking water quality, wastewater management and water conservation and demand management. [The reports] also provided evidence of the deteriorating state of water and sanitation situation in most of these municipalities.
“The department… welcomes the report and its recommendations, which align to the findings of the department. The department further acknowledges the critical task of improving the management of waste water and restoration of water quality and reliability of supply, and that this will require increasing investments, ensuring revenue sufficiency ,as well as professional and capable technical and managerial skills,” the department said in a statement on Friday.
The DWS explained the steps it is taking to address these challenges, including funding of some R7.8 billion for several water infrastructure projects.
“Through its water entity, uMngeni-uThukela Water Board, the department has also allocated nearly R2.3 billion for the following projects: Greater Mpofana Bulk Water Supply Project in uMgungundlovu District; the Maphumulo Bulk Water Supply Project in iLembe District; UMshwathi Bulk Water Supply Project servicing both uMgungundlovu and iLembe Districts, and Lower uMkhomazi Bulk Water Supply Project in eThekwini.
“uMngeni-uThukela Water Board is also implementing a Bulk Regional Water Scheme for Alfred Duma Local Municipality in uThukela District Municipality, at an estimated cost of R5 billion.
“Earlier this year, Minister Mchunu commissioned the completed Spring Grove Water Treatment Plant in Rosetta and Bruntville Reservoir in Mooi River, in the uMgungundlovu District, KwaZulu-Natal. It is one of the largest rural-based projects to be implemented in recent years and is aimed at providing access to safe drinking water to Mpofana and uMngeni Local Municipalities,” the department said.
According to the statement, the Minister has also invoked Section 63 of the Water Services Act in uMkhanyakude District Municipality.
“This involved providing strong support and direction to the municipality regarding the management, operation and maintenance of its water and sanitation infrastructure in order to restore services within the district.
“The uMkhanyakude District’s multibillion rand water projects include the Greater Ingwavuma Bulk Water Supply Scheme in Jozini Local Municipality, which will supply Jozin, Big Five Hlabisa and Mtubatuba municipalities, and the Mtikini Water Supply Scheme in Umhlabuyalingana Local Municipality, which will supply safe drinking water to the communities of Skhemelele, Mtikini and eScabazini.
“Ugu District Municipality has also been experiencing difficulties with water and sanitation service delivery, due to old and strained infrastructure and growing demand, exacerbated by illegal connections and vandalism. To address this, the department has allocated R150 million from the WSIG to the district in order to address immediate challenges,” the statement read.
Other steps taken by the department include:
- Establishing a water partnerships office within the Development Bank of Southern Africa “to encourage and stimulate strategic partnerships with the private sector to invest in water infrastructure”.
- Reconfiguring water boards “to enable them to give more support to the under-capacitated WSAs”.
- Establishing the uPongola-Mzimkulu Catchment Management Agency (CMA), which will be tasked with decentralised water resource management and the protection of all rivers in KwaZulu-Natal.
- A notice has been gazetted to transform the existing Irrigation Boards to Water User Associations, in terms of Section 98 of the National Water Act.
“While all the support provided above is necessary, it is not sufficient to reverse the decline in water services. There is also a need for legislative reform, and the department will shortly be gazetting an amended Water Services Act, which will strengthen and clarify the role of municipalities as Water Services Authorities to ensure that Water Service Providers provide water services in accordance with minimum norms and standards.
“The amendments will also enable the national department to intervene more decisively a last resort when municipalities fail to respond to directives to address deficiencies in the provision of water and sanitation services,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Sun, 09/24/2023 - 14:42
323 views
Have your say on draft conservation policy
Have your say on draft conservation policy
Members of the public are invited to submit their comments on the draft Policy Position on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Elephant, Lion, Leopard and Rhinoceros.
This after the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Barbara Creecy, published the draft policy in the Government Gazette.
“The draft Policy Position is informed by the White Paper on Conservation and Sustainable Use of South Africa’s Biodiversity, which was published for implementation on 14 June 2023, under Government Notice No. 3537, Government Gazette, No. 48785; the High Level Panel (HLP) report; the recommendations of the Committee of Inquiry (CoI) that was appointed to advise on the possibility of proposing legal interventions on international trade in rhino horn to the 17th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), and the Colloquium Report on captive lion breeding for hunting.
“The draft Policy Position focuses primarily on correcting unsustainable practices, promoting conservation and sustainable use of the five species (elephant, lion leopard, black and white rhinoceros), and providing policy direction for international commercial trade,” the department said.
According to the department, the draft policy proposes “three conservation and sustainable use policy objectives to enhance species management”, as well as three international commercial trade-related policy objectives.
These are:
- To end the captive keeping of lions for commercial purposes and close captive lion facilities, put a halt to the intensive breeding of lion in controlled environments, and end the commercial exploitation of captive and captive-bred lions.
- To phase out the domestication and intensification of management of rhinoceros.
- To enhance the conservation and sustainable use of leopard.
- To promote live export of the five species only to range States or any other appropriate and acceptable destinations with suitable habitats on the African continent.
- South Africa will work with range States to support a proposal for international commercial trade in rhinoceros horn from protected wild rhinoceros, for conservation purposes, when conditions become favourable.
- Consider international commercial elephant ivory trade only when conditions become favourable.
Members of the public are invited to submit, within thirty (30) days from the date of publication of this Notice in the Government Gazette or in the newspaper, whichever date is the last date, written comments to this Notice, to any of the following addresses:
By mail: The Director-General: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
Attention: Dr Tsepang Makholela
Private Bag X447
PRETORIA
0001
By hand at: Environment House, 473 Steve Biko Street, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0001
By e-mail to: policyposition@dffe.gov.za
Any inquiries in connection with this notice or in connection with obtaining a copy of the Socio-Economic Impact Assessment Study (SEIAS) on the draft Policy Position, can be directed to Dr Tsepang Makholela at 071 608 4556. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Sun, 09/24/2023 - 15:09
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Heritage Day celebrates SA’s rich tapestry of cultures
Heritage Day celebrates SA's rich tapestry of cultures
Heritage Month is an opportunity for all South Africans to reconnect with their roots and celebrate cultural diversity.
This is according to Deputy President Paul Mashatile, who was delivering the keynote address at this year’s Heritage Day celebrations at Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaZulu-Natal.
“Today’s celebrations take place under the theme, ‘Celebrating our cultural diversity in a democratic South Africa’, an important theme that tasks us to reflect on our democratic journey, and also embrace the complexities that come with nation building and social cohesion in the context of our past, present and future.
“[Our] theme shines the spotlight on South Africa’s rich and diverse cultural heritage incorporating African, Asian and European cultures and traditions. The preamble of the 1996 Constitution reminds us that South Africa belongs to all who live in it, united in our diversity, and calls upon us to heal past divisions and establish a society based on democratic values, social justice and fundamental human rights,” he said.
The Deputy President reflected on South Africa’s painful past, in which some cultural heritage and practices were “marginalised and demonised by colonisers”.
“We all know that many tribulations underscore our history because of both colonialism and apartheid, but also the triumph of the people against these oppressive regimes is noteworthy. Ours is a unique history that has inspired many nations towards embracing unity and diversity, and showing that difference can be a platform for development and not destruction and divisions.
“People of South Africa, our democratic country, as we know it, emerged from centuries of colonialism and apartheid that ensured that social groups were hierarchically graded, and that some had a heritage that was not freely appreciated and promoted.
“The cultural heritage of people indigenous to South Africa was in the past marginalised and demonised by colonisers, with this also affecting critical aspects of our traditions and heritage linked to land ownership, language use, livelihoods and social structures,” he said.
Mashatile said that despite this past, South Africa’s young democracy has seen significant gains.
“In democratising the heritage landscape after 1994, it has thus been very important to recognise, rehumanise and celebrate the significance of our diverse living heritage, safeguard it for future generations and harness it as the basis for social cohesion and nation building.
“We are here to acknowledge and celebrate South Africa’s diverse heritage, which is being showcased and highlighted throughout September. Heritage Month holds immense cultural significance in South Africa, as it provides a platform for communities to celebrate and display their unique traditions, customs and languages.
“This celebration of cultural diversity not only strengthens the identities of various communities but also helps preserve and promote their heritage for future generations. It provides an opportunity for our people to reconnect with their roots, honour their ancestors, and pass on important cultural practices and values,” Mashatile said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Sun, 09/24/2023 - 12:57
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Final Call For Chemical Industry Business Accelerator Applications
Is your company classified as a small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) with the potential to make significant contributions to the chemical industry? If so, the clock is ticking, and the window of opportunity to participate in the highly anticipated 2023 Durban Chemicals Cluster (DCC) Business Accelerator is closing fast! This transformative initiative, now in its …
Deputy President to open UNESCO engineering conference
Deputy President to open UNESCO engineering conference
Deputy President Paul Mashatile is expected to deliver a keynote address when engineers from across the globe gather from Monday at the UNESCO 9th Africa Engineering Week and 7th Africa Engineering Conference at the CSIR in Pretoria.
According to the Presidency, the event will be held under the theme, 'Celebrating and Growing Engineering Excellence in the African Region' and seeks to celebrate engineering excellence prevalent in the African continent.
“The Deputy President will be supported by the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Sihle Zikalala, as the host department; Minister in the Presidency for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa; Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Bhuti Manamela, as well as Governors and Ministers from the African continent.
“The event will feature the who is who of the engineering fraternity in Africa and abroad, who will be attempting to solve the world and the African continent’s pressing challenges.
“Furthermore, scores of aspiring engineers from South Africa will also get the opportunity to obtaining knowledge and skills,” the Presidency said.
Meanwhile on Tuesday, the Deputy President is expected to convene an engagement with inter-faith leaders to “strengthen existing partnerships with the faith sector towards the country’s social cohesion and nation-building project”.
“The engagement will consider practical steps towards institutionalising partnership between government and inter-faith leaders as part of the Deputy President’s delegated responsibilities. It will also address the challenges and seek to resolve issues raised by the inter-faith community.
“The Deputy President will be supported by the Ministers of Social Development and Sport, Arts and Culture; Deputy Minister of Social Development, Premier of Gauteng Province and senior government officials,” the Presidency said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Sun, 09/24/2023 - 08:48
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Mashatile to address Youth Economic Council gala dinner
Mashatile to address Youth Economic Council gala dinner
Deputy President Paul Mashatile is expected to deliver the keynote address at the South African Youth Economic Council’s second annual business gala dinner to be held on Tuesday.
The Presidency said the focus of the gala dinner will be the mining and energy, agriculture, finance as well as the information and communication technology sectors.
“The South African Youth Economic Council (SAYEC) is an economic and legal policy advocacy group that promotes youth participation and integration in the economy. The council aims to promote a transformed economy where the youth become actively involved in economic growth and job creation in South Africa.
“Held under the theme, 'Accelerating Economic Growth & Growing Investments for Youth Job Creation', the gala dinner will focus on the need for labour intensive industries and businesses to stimulate job creation, particularly among young people. It is also envisaged that insights will be gained from the participants as to what policy measures can be put in place to facilitate investment into the economy in a number of critical areas.
“Both SAYEC and government are concerned that South African youth unemployment for people between the ages of 15 and 34 currently stands at around 4.9 million, at 46.5%, well above the national average of 32.9%. The largest proportion of the young people who make up this percentage, are low to semi- skilled labour,” the Presidency said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Sun, 09/24/2023 - 09:08
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Transforming Your Furniture with Chalk Paint: A South African Guide to Antiquing
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Exploring the Vibrant Heart of South Africa: Soweto Tours and Beyond
South Africa is a land of rich history, diverse cultures, and stunning landscapes. When it comes to immersing yourself in the heart of this beautiful nation, there’s no better place to start than with a tour of Soweto, Johannesburg, and the surrounding areas. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a culture lover, or an adventurer seeking …