MyZA

News, Directory, Events and Other Stuff

You are here: Home / Archives for African

African

KZN investment projects fabricate a contrast

Location: News

KZN investment projects make a difference

The Deputy Ministers in the Presidency on Friday led a media tour to KwaZulu-Natal to showcase the South African investment projects taking place in the province.

The tour was led by Deputy Ministers Kenneth Morolong and Nomasonto Motaung to the Serenity Hills R800 million eco-estate and the R500 million Renishaw Coastal Precinct respectively.  

Speaking after the tour at the Renishaw Coastal Precinct in Scottburgh, Morolong said the community programmes that are linked with the two projects are making a significant impact in the lives of those who were unemployed previously.                                                                               

According to Morolong, the skills and entrepreneurial opportunities that have been created for young people at both projects are very impressive.

“The investments of both Serenity Hills and Renishaw Coastal will make a serious economic transformation for the country. Government is also committed to continue mobilising investment in order to create sustainable jobs for the future of this country,” he said.

The Chief Executive Officer of Trade and Investment KwaZulu-Natal, Neville Matjie said he was pleased with the progress of the projects which are important for the province.

Open for business

“We have worked with both projects, coordinating the unblocking of bottlenecks in municipal processes so that the developments run smoothly and timeously,” Matjie said.

“As the provincial investment promotion agency, we confirm that KwaZulu-Natal is open for business. We will continue to work and showcase the province’s competitive advantage and position as a world-class investment destination,” he said.

The Serenity Hills R800 million eco-estate in Margate, is meant to attract foreign investment while uplifting local communities in the mid-South Coast. It has been included in the South African Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan after being honoured by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the 5th South African Investment Conference in April this year.

The second project visited was the Renishaw Coastal Precinct, the 1 300 hectares mixed-use development on the KwaZulu-Natal mid-South Coast, is considered as one of the country’s biggest developments.

The projects have employed local communities who have benefited through skills development.

South Africa hosted its fifth South Africa Investment Conference (SAIC) in April 2023 in Johannesburg. The conference was the final leg of the drive to attract R1.2 trillion into the country over a period of five years.

The target of reaching R1.2 trillion worth of investments was successfully reached.

These investments have resulted in new factories, call centres, solar power plants, undersea fibre optic cables, expansion of production lines and the adoption of new technologies.

Serenity Hills was selected for attracting both national and international interest, contributing significantly towards the country’s socio-economic goals of creating sustainable jobs, driving back inequality, and positioning the region as a key investment destination.

Serenity Hills launched Phase 1 in the second half of last year and has already sold 50% of its units, with national and international buyers also coming from Canada, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and Germany.

Community development

Through the Sweetdale Skills Centre, the development committed to investing in local communities to revitalise the area.

There are several community-driven projects already underway, with 100 jobs already created.

Forming part of the Centre is the Sweetbike Community Project, a non-profit organisation that provides vulnerable schoolchildren with bicycles.

Mxolisi Mthwana who fixes bicycles at the centre, told SAnews that his happy with what he is doing.

“It’s been five years now fixing bicycles, I love what am doing,” he said.

According Mthwana, the centre had already donated 50 bicycles to learners in nearby schools.

“We doing this to assist the learners to get to school on time and to encourage them not to abscond,” he said.

 Mlonde High School Principal Linda Mkhize told SAnews that there had been an improvement in school attendance since the school received the bicycles.

“I thank the centre with the bicycle donation because even school attendance has improved a lot, with learners no longer coming late,” she said of the bicycles donated to matric leaners.

Quality bicycles are imported from Europe and refurbished at the Sweetbike Workshop, employing and upskilling people from the local communities.

Once ready, these bicycles are donated to the learners attending rural schools from Umzumbe to Port Edward, with recipients given training in mechanics to maintain and look after the bikes. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin
Sat, 08/05/2023 - 07:51

Read moreKZN investment projects fabricate a contrast

President Ramaphosa to attend Netball World Cup closing

Location: News

President Ramaphosa to attend Netball World Cup closing

President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to attend and deliver remarks at the final match of the Netball World Cup held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre in the Western Cape.

This has been the first instance where an African country has hosted the tournament.

“As the host nation, we have been honoured to welcome players and supporters from all over the globe and we look forward to an exciting final and the successful conclusion of the tournament.

“Of course we encourage our guests to extend their stay and be inspired in new ways by the many amazing experiences South Africa has to offer,” President Ramaphosa.

On Sunday, the Spar Proteas bowed out of the tournament with a sixth place finish following their defeat to Uganda. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

NeoB
Sun, 08/06/2023 - 13:41

Read morePresident Ramaphosa to attend Netball World Cup closing

Minister reflects on Energy Action Location implementation

Location: News

Minister reflects on Energy Action Plan implementation

Minister in the Presidency responsible for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, says at least half of the actions set out in the Energy Action Plan (EAP) are either completed or on track.

He was briefing the media on the progress made on the one year implementation of the Energy Action Plan on Sunday.

The EAP was introduced by President Cyril Ramaphosa in July last year and thrashes out work that must be done by both Eskom and government to ensure that load shedding is reduced and eventually eradicated and to ensure energy security for the country in the future.

“About 56% of the work we are doing is either completed or on track. About eight of these actions that the President has set out in the Energy Action Plan we have completed. Twenty of these actions are on track so essentially what that means is that we are in keeping with the timelines that we had set for ourselves.

“Twelve of these actions are delayed but progressing well. Of course that is a dent because what we want to is to be either ahead of time or on time. Eight of those are off-track and intervention is on the way…so we are missing our own targets that we set ourselves,” he said.

All of the actions that government is undertaking are underpinned by five interventions, namely:

  • Fix Eskom and improve the availability of existing supply
  • Enable and accelerate private investment in generation capacity
  • Accelerate procurement of new capacity from renewables, gas and battery storage
  • Unleash businesses and households to invest in rooftop solar
  • Fundamentally transform the electricity sector to achieve long-term energy security

According to Ramokgopa, actions that government has taken include:

  • Sourcing additional capacity neighbouring countries. Some 100MW has already been sourced from Mozambique with an additional 600MW on the way.
  • Addressing outages breakdowns at Eskom power stations. The amount of breakdowns has decreased from some 17000MW in May to some 15000MW average in the last week.
  • Delays in returning broken down units to service have come down from 2000MW to 1300MW during the past week.
  • Private investment in capacity generation has increased following the removal of the threshold.
  • Government is procuring renewable energy through the Independent Power Producers. Currently there is a 66GW of projects in the pipeline.

The Minister said although these interventions are contributing greatly to the reduction of load shedding, South Africans must also contribute by taking actions to reduce demand on the grid.

South Africans can contribute by switching off non-essential appliances, switching off geysers and pool pumps during peak periods and also switching off plugs and lights when not in use.

“Demand management is the fastest and most efficient way to reduce demand particularly during peak hours. There are a few things that we can do and the aggregate of those things is going to lessen the intensity of the demand. It’s quicker because we don’t have to spend money, we don’t have to have new generation capacity [and] we don’t have to improve the energy availability factor.

“It has to do with our own behaviours and how we treat consumption in our own homes. It does not mean we need to deteriorate our quality of life. We can achieve both. Just by switching off lights [you are not using], you are switching on the South African economy.

“By reducing the amount of electricity that we use through simple actions, we can reduce load shedding while saving on energy bills,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Sun, 08/06/2023 - 11:57

Read moreMinister reflects on Energy Action Location implementation

Ramaphosa will attend Netball World Cup 2023 Final

Location: Sport

The Presidency: Republic of South Africa
Download logo

President Cyril Ramaphosa will attend the final match of the Netball World Cup 2023 and deliver brief remarks at the Closing Ceremony of the competition in Cape Town on Sunday, 06 August 2023.

South Africa has been the first African host of this global tournament which has been staged at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

President Ramaphosa has commended South Africa's national team, the Spar Proteas, on their gallant progress through the pool stage of the tournament.

President Ramaphosa said: “As the host nation, we have been honoured to welcome players and supporters from all over the globe and we look forward to an exciting final and the successful conclusion of the tournament.

“Of course we encourage our guests to extend their stay and be inspired in new ways by the many amazing experiences South Africa has to offer.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency: Republic of South Africa.

Read moreRamaphosa will attend Netball World Cup 2023 Final

Pandor sets sights on increased trade relations with Novel Zealand

Location: News

Pandor sets sights on increased trade relations with New Zealand

While bilateral economic and trade relations between South Africa and New Zealand continue to increase steadily, more still needs to be done to boost growth. 

This is according to the International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor, who was delivering opening remarks during the bilateral meeting with her New Zealand counterpart, Nanaia Mahuta, in Cape Town.

According to the Minister, the total trade between the countries amounts to R3 billion, with exports to New Zealand at a total of R1 billion and imports from South Africa sitting at R2 billion. 

South Africa, Pandor said, is currently New Zealand’s 35th export market and the 18th most important source of visitors. 

“I’m sure that we can put shoulder to the wheel and work on improving these figures. We have the potential to trade more with each other,” she said on Friday.  

New Zealand’s ties with South Africa range from trade and tourism, agriculture, disarmament, fisheries, environment, indigenous and human rights issues, as well as sports.

The Minister reminded delegates that the relations date back to the colonial era and recalled how during apartheid the island country led the way in isolating the regime. 

“It’s something we never forget and continue to be grateful for. Who can forget how Labour Prime Minister, the inimitable David Lange in 1984, booted the last apartheid-era Consul General out of Wellington? We were proud to re-establish full diplomatic relations on 19 January 1994.”

She also spoke about how, in line with other Commonwealth countries, New Zealand lifted trade, investment and financial sanctions against apartheid following the inauguration of the first fully democratic South African government in 1994. 

New Zealand subsequently established a High Commission in Pretoria in 1996.

“President Nelson Mandela visited your country in 1995 to acknowledge and thank New Zealand for its support during the apartheid regime.

“Your country had one of the strongest and staunchest anti-apartheid movements in the world and the sports boycott that you upheld struck a huge blow to the apartheid regime and helped to bring the world’s attention to our struggle,” Pandor said.

Meanwhile, the Minister said since the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations, the countries have concluded nine signed agreements. 

“I am thrilled that we will be signing a Memorandum of Cooperation on Bilateral Cooperation, as this will be another testimony of our growing relations.”

South Africa and New Zealand, she said, work well together in a multilateral arena such as the United Nations (UN) and Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). 

They also share common views on international issues, such as the protection of the oceans and sustainable agricultural development, and are strong supporters of nuclear non-proliferation.

“We are also two of the five gateway countries to Antarctica. I would like to hear more about how your country unlocks the economic benefits this brings as I am told that Christchurch’s economy thrives as a result, and we would like the same for Cape Town.”

In 2019, Home Affairs Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, announced the changes in visa requirements enabling New Zealanders to enter South Africa for 90 days visa-free for tourism purposes.

Mahuta is expected to attend the Netball World Cup semi-final match in Cape Town on Saturday, 5 August 2023. 

“I wish the Silver Ferns well, but not if they are playing against our Proteas,” the Minister quipped. 

“I must say that I’m super proud of the way our Proteas played against your Silver Ferns, the reigning champs, and held them to a draw, what an electrifying game.”

Spar Proteas goal attacker, Nichole Taljaard, scored with seconds remaining to earn a 48 - 48 draw against the defending champions New Zealand at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) on Wednesday.

Pandor also congratulated New Zealand for the spectacular opening ceremony of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Fri, 08/04/2023 - 10:53

Read morePandor sets sights on increased trade relations with Novel Zealand

Leaders of African Peace Initiative makes pace 

Location: News

Leaders of African Peace Initiative makes progress 

The Leaders of the African Peace Initiative have recognised progress achieved since the proposals discussed with Russian President Vladimir Putin at their first meeting on 17 June 2023 in St. Petersburg. 

The leaders made proposals on humanitarian issues, in particular, related to the rights of children in areas of armed activities and prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine, and agreed that humanitarian efforts would continue to bring further results.

The seven African leaders issued a joint Statement on Thursday following the engagement between them and the President of the Russian Federation on 28 July in St. Petersburg, in the Russian Federation.

At that engagement last week, the leaders continued their discussion on the African Peace Initiative, which they started on 17 June 2023.

“The Leaders recognised progress achieved since then on proposals they discussed at the first meeting on 17 June 2023 on humanitarian issues, in particular, related to the rights of children in areas of armed activities and prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine, and agreed that humanitarian efforts would continue to bring further results.

“The Leaders called for specific steps to remove obstacles to Russian grain and fertilizer exports, thus allowing the resumption of the full implementation of the Black Sea package initiative of the United Nations Secretary-General as endorsed on 22 July 2022 in Istanbul,” the statement read. 

The leaders further called upon the United Nations to take necessary action in order to release 200 000 tons of Russian fertilizer blocked in European Union seaports for immediate and free delivery to African countries.

The leaders have agreed to continue their dialogue on the African Peace Initiative so that a door to peace can be opened. 

African Leaders attending the meeting on 28 July 2023 were:

- President Azali Assoumani of the Comoros in his capacity as Chair of the African Union;
- President Cyril Ramaphosa of the Republic of South Africa;
- President Denis Sassou Nguesso of the Republic of the Congo;
- President Abdel Fattah-el Sisi of the Arab Republic of Egypt;
- President Macky Sall of the Republic of Senegal;
- President Yoweri  Museveni of the Republic of Uganda;
- Foreign Minister of Zambia, Stanley  Kakubo.

Advancing SA's international interests 

President Cyril Ramaphosa has welcomed the 2nd Russia-Africa Summit Declaration that included cooperation in a number of strategic areas, including Science and Technology, Energy, Trade and Investments, and Defense and Security Cooperation. 

This after he concluded a successful working visit to the Russian Federation where, together with Leaders of African countries, a clear call for tangible and mutually beneficial and effective cooperation between Russia and the countries of the African Continent was made, during the summit which took place in the country's cultural capital, St. Petersburg.

President Ramaphosa highlighted the importance of a monitoring and evaluation mechanism that will assess the level and pace of implementation of the Summit commitments. 

He concluded his working visit to Russia with a meeting at the Konstantinovsky Palace where the two Presidents discussed South Africa and Russia’s bilateral relationship, which is built on strategic partnerships in several areas of cooperation, including energy, industry, and agriculture. 

“The discussions further sought to strengthen the two countries’ cooperation in the areas of education, science and technology, with a particular focus on space and satellite technology development,” Magwenya said.

Telephone call with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

Meanwhile on Wednesday, President Cyril Ramaphosa held a telephone discussion with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada.

The Prime Minister expressed his deep appreciation for the 600 South African firefighters that demonstrated excellence and diligence during their support in extinguishing the wild fires that ravaged parts of Canada. 

“In turn, Prime Minister Trudeau offered Canada’s support in the event South Africa experiences any form of disaster in the near future. 

“The Prime Minister also expressed his appreciation for South Africa’s contribution to the African Peace Initiative to Russia and Ukraine, and committed his support to search for a peaceful solution to the conflict.

Both leaders agreed to continue their bilateral cooperation and to further collaborate in 2025, when Canada hosts the G7 summit, while South Africa will be hosting the G20,” Magwenya said. – SAnews.gov.za 

DikelediM
Fri, 08/04/2023 - 10:54

Read moreLeaders of African Peace Initiative makes pace 

Mashatile calls for ‘unerring focus’ on improving lives of South Africans

Location: News

Mashatile calls for 'unerring focus' on improving lives of South Africans

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has called on political parties and civil society to craft a way forward for coalition governments that will improve the lives of South Africans.

The Deputy President was speaking at the National Dialogue on Coalition Governments held at the University of the Western Cape, in Cape Town, on Friday.

The two day dialogue seeks to lay a foundation for the creation of a National Framework guiding the effective management and navigation of coalition governments in South Africa.

“[Our] political focus must unerringly remain on the well-being of our people. Our pursuit of national consensus on how to approach coalition governments is a matter of national interest. Properly handled, it has the potential to bring the necessary stability, especially to the local government sphere, despite the intemperance we have witnessed in relation to coalitions.

“This dialogue therefore seeks to promote fidelity to the national interest so that we remain focused on the fulfilment of the constitutional injunction to build a united, democratic, non-racial, non-sexist, and prosperous society,” he said.

Currently, South Africa has at least 70 hung municipalities and this has paved the way for the formation of coalition governments in local municipalities.

Some of these coalitions, particularly those in metropolitan municipalities, have given rise to, amongst others, instability and frequent changes in council leadership structures – ultimately hampering service delivery to citizens.

Deputy President Mashatile told those at the dialogue that in this regard, citizens are demanding accountability from those elected to lead.

“Whatever the configuration of governance, the electorate and the people as a whole expect from those who govern nothing less than the material improvement of their lives, a better future for themselves and their children as well as guarantees for peace and security.

“Those who govern also owe accountability to the people at all times for without accountability, the process of governance is compromised. Additionally, where parties battle it out, like the feuding houses of Verona, other things also get lost: among them, improving the lives of the people is often compromised with negative impacts on the wellbeing of citizens,” he said.

Mashatile said although coalition governments face a raft of challenges, current leaders “may be the generation in our evolving democracy that co-creates and designs resilient solutions to our political architecture”.

“We can ignite the hopes of our people with the demonstration of united leadership, which communicates the message that we have gathered here today as a collective of South African stateswomen and statesmen and not as mere politicians representing their parties.

“This national dialogue will not stop after tomorrow; it is just the beginning. It is the launch of the dialogue that must spread across our nation as we collectively grapple with the most crucial question: what do we do going forward to serve the people even better?

“The motto of this eminent institution of higher learning is Respice Prospice: look back, look forward, and take what is worthy from the past, and build the future. As we grapple with these issues, may we embrace the apposite counsel of the motto of the University of the Western Cape so that we are able to meet the expectations of the people for the material improvement of their lives, and secure a better future for them and their children. So shall we be true to the national interest,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Fri, 08/04/2023 - 12:52

Read moreMashatile calls for ‘unerring focus’ on improving lives of South Africans

Nzimande calls on BRICS partners to invest in science, innovation

Location: News

Nzimande calls on BRICS partners to invest in science, innovation

Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande, has called on his partners from BRICS to develop science and innovation capacities across Africa for the creation of a better future for all. 

Nzimande was speaking on Friday at the 2023 BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India and China and South Africa) Ministerial Meeting on Science and Innovation in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape. 

He told his counterparts from Brazil, Russia, India and China that one of the strategic objectives of the annual ministerial meeting is to provide an opportunity for a high-level exchange on science, technology, and innovation policy. 

The platform is to also share information on priority investment areas, as well as national progress in the implementation of BRICS partnership initiatives.  

He told delegates that in 2022, the country witnessed a historic milestone in science policy development with the adoption of the Decadal Plan. 

The Decadal Plan, approved by Cabinet, focuses on growing South Africa by finding sources of new economic growth for a re-industrialised and modern economy.

“Although prepared by my department, it is not only a plan for the Department of Science and Innovation, or for government alone, but for all of South Africa,” he said. 

The plan also seeks to put science, technology, and innovation at the heart of South Africa’s growth and development agenda.

Meanwhile, the Innovation and Skills Compact will undertake amongst others a regulatory reform to create a more enabling policy environment for innovation in South Africa. 

It will also forge a closer collaboration between higher education and training bodies, and employers, to ensure that skills development better corresponds to the needs of the economy.  

“Our plan does not identify priorities [of] scientific disciplines or technology platforms in their own right, but instead focus on the collective and holistic response of South African science and innovation on key societal challenges confronting South Africa.

“This approach notably foresees a central role by the social sciences and humanities, which remains a priority investment area.”

He also touched on the strengthening BRICS collaboration, namely vaccine manufacturing, the hydrogen economy, and the marine sciences.  

“The Decadal Plan proposes a new dedicated programme on innovation for a healthy South African population.  

“This programme will focus on both physical and mental health; build on our existing successes in for example the fight against infectious diseases such as HIV-AIDS, while also reinforcing our pandemic preparedness.”

The Minister said developing South Africa’s vaccine manufacturing capabilities will be a priority investment area.  

“Our objective is to develop a viable local vaccine manufacturing industry in South Africa, which will notably address African concerns regarding the security of supply.”

The plan will also zoom into energy security as a priority, which has led to the implementation of South Africa’s Hydrogen Society Roadmap.

The roadmap also seeks to exploit South Africa’s unique comparative advantage, the endowment of 75% of global platinum metals group reserves.

“We have made excellent progress in developing new hydrogen and fuel cell technologies and are keen to join forces with BRICS partners in this enterprise.

“Opportunities abound in areas such as the decarbonisation of transport and the production of green hydrogen, including as part of a dedicated Platinum Valley, spatial and economic development initiative.”

Nzimande said the country is also committed to the marine sciences and the development of a blue economy.  

He explained that cooperation with partners in the Global South and strengthening multilateralism and solidarity through our BRICS science, technology, and innovation partnership is a priority of the highest order.  

“I, therefore, have every confidence that our BRICS partners will join us in an effort, within the spirit of generosity President Mandela spoke about, to also develop science and innovation capacities across Africa. This will be a lasting contribution of our shared objective to creating a better future for all, ensuring no one is left behind.” – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile
Fri, 08/04/2023 - 13:50

Read moreNzimande calls on BRICS partners to invest in science, innovation

Elevating Your Heritage Day Experience with PGifts’ Range of Branded Braai Accessories

Location: MyPR

Heritage Day, celebrated annually on 24 September, holds a special place in the hearts of South Africans worldwide. Also known as National Braai Day, this day is not just about recognising the rich cultural history and diversity of the nation, but it’s also a celebration of a beloved South African tradition – the braai.   …

Read moreElevating Your Heritage Day Experience with PGifts’ Range of Branded Braai Accessories

Over 190 suspects arrested during police operations in Riverlea

Location: News

Over 190 suspects arrested during police operations in Riverlea

A total of 194 suspects have been arrested during intensified police operations in Riverlea and surrounding areas to arrest zama-zamas terrorising the communities.

The arrests follow the deployment of Crime Intelligence, Tactical Response Teams “Amaberethe”, National Intervention Unit (NIU) and the Special Task Force (STF) in and around the Riverlea area, including illegal mining hotspot areas in Gauteng.

Police Minister, General Bheki Cele returned to Riverlea in the West of Johannesburg on Friday, to update the community on the police's response to the illicit activities that have left some community members living in fear.

Joined by South African Police Service (SAPS) management from both national and the Gauteng province, Cele engaged the residents of Riverlea and surrounding in an effort to end illegal mining and to find lasting solutions to stabilise the area.

Addressing the community at Riverlea Recreation Centre, Cele said a team from the Minister and the Secretariat would be sent to the Langlaagte Police Station from Monday.

He said the team would report back by Thursday.

“The relationship between the community and the police station must be fixed so that we work together against criminality. We will bring a report back and see who is not doing his or her job, and take action against them,” Cele said.

Cele said the team will also probe allegations that SAPS are getting bribes, and called on the community to report and bring the evidence of the allegations. 

“We want to change their blue uniforms for the orange uniforms,” he said.

The Minister also called on the community to stop supporting the criminals, adding that they know the zama-zamas, as they are their next door neighbours.– SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Fri, 08/04/2023 - 15:12

Read moreOver 190 suspects arrested during police operations in Riverlea

Minister Marais hosts 1995 South African Netball team

Location: Sport

Western Cape Government: Department of the Premier
Download logo

On Friday, 4 August 2023, the Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Anroux Marais, hosted the reunion of the South African netball team who reached sporting glory with their silver medal finish at the World Netball Championships in Birmingham, England in 1995.

The team brought renewed hope to South Africans with their remarkable 1995 campaign. They have now come from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa to reunite and to support the current Spar Proteas team in their Netball World Cup campaign.

Captain Debbie Hamman shared her own reflections on traveling to Birmingham and the team's success at that tournament. Various members of the team also had the opportunity to share their experiences of that time.

Head of Department Guy Redman expressed the power of sport to bring hope to many people across the country and the importance of the legacies of players. “There is a saying that says: If you are traveling a path, you ask those who have gone that way already. You are the ones who have walked the path for others to follow.” he said.

Minister Marais thanked the team and praised them for their achievements: “You were the ones who paved the way for the next generation of netball players in our country. You played in difficult times but you did not let anything detract from your passion and dedication for the sport. Thank you for everything that you have done for netball in South Africa.”

The team will remain in Cape Town to support the last weekend of the Netball World Cup.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Western Cape Government: Department of the Premier.

Read moreMinister Marais hosts 1995 South African Netball team

Transport Minister calls for resolution to Cape Town taxi strike

Location: News

Transport Minister calls for resolution to Cape Town taxi strike

Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga says the Department of Transport expects to meet with both the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) and officials in the City of Cape Town following the taxi industry’s suspension of services in the city.

She was speaking on the sidelines of the National Dialogue on Coalition Governments held in Cape Town.

On Wednesday after the taxi council suspended operations, taxis blocked roads, including major highways, resulting in the burning of buses and intimidation of motorists.

The strike follows a standoff with the City of Cape Town on various issues, including the impounding of taxis and operating license applications.

Chikunga said the department is expecting to convene a meeting with all role players to find a solution to the impasse.

“We have requested the MEC for Transport [in the Western Cape] because we believe the Department of Transport should lead and not the police because this is a matter that requires the Department of Transport nationally and provincially, sitting together with the metro.

“Of course, also the taxi industry itself represented by SANTACO. We have invited the national leadership of SANTACO, also their provincial and local leadership so that we hear exactly what the issues are and find solutions to those problems,” Chikunga said.

The Minister called for taxi operators to reconsider the suspension of services, which has left thousands of commuters without transport.

“We are extremely concerned about what has happened. What we would like SANTACO to do is maybe call off the strike while we are trying to find a solution. The people who become victims are not the people that they are unhappy with, but it is the commuters.

“Of course we would want to protect the Netball World Cup. We have got other events that have to take place in Cape Town. [The taxi industry] plays a key role in the transportation of commuters and we would definitely try to persuade them to consider calling off the strike,” she said.

Chikunga condemned the violence that erupted allegedly at the hands of taxi drivers in the area but also called on city officials to mete out “equal treatment” to all motorists, including those in the transportation industry.

“We are not saying that law enforcement should not enforce the law and we are not saying that the taxi industry should not abide by the law… of the road because that actually leads to accidents.

“However, when that law is meted, it should not just target the taxi industry. We are opposed to that. We can’t have a by-law that is just for the taxi industry. If it is wrong to cross any barrier line, it should be wrong for the bus, the taxi and for everybody. It should not just focus on and target the taxi industry,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Fri, 08/04/2023 - 09:27

Read moreTransport Minister calls for resolution to Cape Town taxi strike

60 Minutes Display Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse: A Powerful Tale of Excellent vs Evil

Location: MyPR

As part of its 10th-anniversary celebration, the 60 Minutes Show partnered with The Cedars South Coast Addiction Treatment Facility to put on a transformative production about the battle against drug and alcohol abuse which was presented at KZN schools from 24 to 26 July. As usual, the production was also opened to the public with …

Read more60 Minutes Display Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse: A Powerful Tale of Excellent vs Evil

SCTIE consults with national department to uncover potential in KZN South Coast’s fishing sector

Location: MyPR

The local fishing sector, from small-scale fishing to commercial ventures, is beginning to reap the rewards of a successful Sardine Run in 2023 with netting taking place since the start of June. This annual ocean spectacle, which is also an important element for the tourism economy, is just one of the aspects contributing towards the …

Read moreSCTIE consults with national department to uncover potential in KZN South Coast’s fishing sector