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Holistic approach needed to address underlying factors behind GBVF

Location: News

Holistic approach needed to address underlying factors behind GBVF

Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, has underscored the need for a holistic approach that addresses both the immediate and underlying factors behind gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).

Chikunga made the remarks during a dialogue on Women, Democracy and Leadership in South Africa, held at the University of South Africa (UNISA) on Thursday.

Chikunga, together with UNISA and the United Nations Women, hosted a dialogue, which looked deeply at women’s representation and administrative arrangements needed to achieve a gender-responsive government.

Chikunga said government has come to terms with the fact that laws alone will not prevent the killing of women.

“Despite being a constitutionally assured right, women continue to live in fear, grappling with alarming rates of gender-based violence and femicide. This remains a deeply entrenched problem with multifaceted roots, including historical inequalities, cultural norms, economic disparities, and systemic failures in law enforcement and justice systems,” Chikunga said.

Government has passed several laws, including the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1997, Domestic Violence Act 116 of 1998, Protection from Harassment Act 17 of 2011, Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act, Promotion of Women’s Rights, Empowerment and Gender Equality Bill, and the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Act 9 of 2024.

However, to effectively prevent and combat GBVF, Chikunga said a holistic approach is needed, “one that addresses both the immediate and underlying factors”.

Significant strides in women representation

Reflecting on the journey travelled by women over the past three decades of the country’s democratic dispensation, Chikunga said over the past 30 years, the country has seen significant strides in ensuring women representation in decision-making and law-making circles.

Today, women make up 43.5% of the Parliament of National Unity, holding 171 of the 400 seats, an increase from 28% representation in 1994.

“Of the 75 Executive Members appointed in June 2024, 32 are women, representing 42.66%. Fourteen of the 32 Cabinet positions are held by women, and 18 of the 43 Deputy Minister positions are held by women,” Chikunga said.

The Minister emphasised the substantive contribution that women should make once in such positions.

“As we celebrate the strides that we have made, we also give due consideration to the tasks that remain undone, [these include] the need to drive inclusive growth and job creation; to reduce poverty and to tackle the high cost of living, and the task of building a capable, ethical, and developmental state. We remain mindful of the fact that in each of these priority areas, women are the most affected,” Chikunga said.

The Minister also highlighted significant progress made towards the fight against HIV/Aids, particularly in the rollout of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for pregnant women, and an increasing number of students that have gained access to education, especially higher education from which they were previously excluded due to their social class or marginalised race or ethnic group.  

Redefining advocacy to address plight of businesswomen

Chikunga also stressed the importance of redefining advocacy and mainstreaming to be strategy-programmes-goals-oriented and action-driven, to address the plight of women in business, government, farm workers, mining, and the unemployed.

“We need to advocate and mainstream women, youth and persons with disabilities across all sectors, with a focused lens on industries with high potential for growth and development. 

“We need to ring-fence funds in the budget to ensure implementation of women, youth and persons with disabilities socio-economic empowerment, starting with the allocation of change oriented -budget allocation for the department, which need to reflect intentional implementation of the gender planning and budgeting framework,” Chikunga said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Thu, 08/15/2024 - 12:59

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Read moreHolistic approach needed to address underlying factors behind GBVF

LaMuse Classic 2024 Comes To Muizenberg

Location: MyPR

LaMuse Classic 2024 This weekend, the iconic shores of Surfers Corner, Muizenberg, will come alive as we celebrate Women’s Day with the much-anticipated LaMuse Classic, proudly supported by the Department of Arts and Culture, Surfing South Africa, and The Store. Seventh Anniversary This year, we mark the seventh anniversary of this extraordinary ‘for women, by …

Read moreLaMuse Classic 2024 Comes To Muizenberg

Turning Ordinary Events into Unforgettable Experiences

Location: Entertainment, MyPR

Event management has evolved significantly over the years, becoming a sophisticated blend of creativity, technology, and meticulous planning. At the forefront of this evolution is a pioneer in turning ordinary events into extraordinary experiences.    The Art of Event Management Event management is more than just coordinating logistics; it’s about creating unforgettable experiences. Experts in …

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MultiChoice Talent Factory 2025 Calls for Entries

Location: News
MultiChoice Group

MultiChoice Talent Factory (www.MultiChoice.com) is thrilled to announce that it's once again calling upon all aspiring filmmakers, scriptwriters, producers, and storytellers to apply for entry into the 2025 fully funded academic year.  

Whether you're a young professional looking to change careers and expand your horizons or a newcomer eager to make your mark in the TV & Film industry, MTF welcomes applicants from all backgrounds across the 13 countries in Africa: Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, Angola, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi.  

Since its inception in 2018, MTF has welcomed 60 students each year giving them an opportunity to reach their dreams and to unleash their potential by providing a platform that nurtures and develops talent across the continent, providing opportunities for growth, networking and success in the entertainment industry.

Through a series of rigorous training programs, MTF believes in using hands-on approach and mentorship from industry experts. Participants not only get a chance to sharpen their craft but also gain invaluable insights into the business of filmmaking. Imagine being chosen as one of the participants to learn from some of the industry's best minds and gaining practical experience in areas such as cinematography, sound design, editing, and more. MTF gives you all these opportunities and does not stop there.

At the end of the programme, top performing students from each academy will get further training, mentorship and internship opportunities with MTF global partners, such as the New York Film Academy (NYFA), Indian-based platform Zee World and will get an opportunity to work on productions in South Africa. Upon completion students receive accredited and recognised qualification and get a chance to produce and direct short films showcased on MultiChoice platforms. 

All these initiatives are indicative of MTFs commitment to supporting MultiChoice's content selection of delivering exciting local content, which is rich in culture. Africa has many untold stories and by investing in African talent, MultiChoice gets to uncover and showcase these stories by supporting MTFs students, giving them necessary skills and the platform to produce content that resonates with Africans and the global market. Through this support, MTF alumni's have achieved phenomenal success in their productions.

Just last year, five alumni secured nominations across three categories at the 2023 Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards (AMVCA). In addition to this, Many MTF alumni occupy significant industry roles across the continent, working as directors, producers, sound designers, camera operators, art directors, scriptwriters and editors on major African productions which include Salem, Tempted, Engaito, Mvamizi, Mum vs Wife, Makofi, County 49 and many others. Habtamu S. Mekonen, MTF student from the East Africa Academy in Nairobi, Kenya, recently won an International Emmy Award for a short film that he produced and directed. The success of MTF is best illustrated by the feature films produced by its students. The films highlight the talents and creativity of participants and demonstrate the programme's profound impact.

MTF also fosters entrepreneurial spirit, giving young people the confidence to start their own projects and businesses. To date, thirty of its alumni have registered production houses, creating employment opportunities and contributing to the economy. The knowledge and skills imparted by MTF empowers graduates to be catalysts for economic growth and cultural enrichment in their communities.

Applications are now open and will close on 15 September 2024. Interested candidates can visit https://apo-opa.co/4cjKojb to submit their entries and learn more about the program's requirements.

Are you ready to unleash your talent and step into the spotlight as one of the next generation of filmmakers? Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to ignite your career in film and television with MultiChoice Talent Factory.

Take the first step towards realising your dreams and apply now.

Your journey to success starts here!

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of MultiChoice Group.

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Minister Blade Nzimande officially opens 32nd International Astronomical Union General Assembly

Location: News

South African Government
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The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof. Blade Nzimande, officially opened the 32nd International Astronomical Union (IAU) General Assembly in Cape Town last night. The Minister addressed 2 000 delegates from the global astronomy community.

The meeting, held every three years, is an opportunity for astronomers to address key topics in contemporary astronomy and assess the latest scientific progress in various specialised areas.

This year's general assembly, under the theme "It's Time for Africa – Ke Nako", will highlight the continent's growing role in the global astronomical community and its contributions to global astronomical research and development, as well as its potential for future contributions.

Africa is home to some of the world's oldest astronomical achievements. Astronomy in Africa began at least 7 000 years ago, with a stone circle known as Nabta Playa in Egypt that predates Stonehenge by 2 000 years.

IAU President, Prof. Debra Elmegreen, in her address to the gathering, emphasised that astronomy was rooted in all cultures and invited broad thoughts about our place in the universe and on our fragile Earth.

"We celebrate the rich history of astronomy in Africa as we present our research, initiate new collaborations, enjoy networking, share astronomy with the public, and explore the local beauty. August is designated as Africa Astronomy Month, an appropriate cap to the Vision 2024 efforts that have united Africans in their preparations to share astronomy with the world," said Elmegreen.

Over two centuries ago, international observational survey work was led by astronomers in Cape Town and this work continues to the present day under the South African Astronomical Observatory.

Among many other telescopes in Africa, Prof. Elmegreen mentioned the High Energy Stereoscopic System (HESS) gamma ray telescope in Namibia, as well as the Southern African Large Telescope (the largest optical telescope in the Southern Hemisphere), the MeerKAT radio astronomy array, and the KELT-South and SuperWASP-South telescopes, all of which are located in South Africa.

Minister Nzimande spoke about how Africa's rich astronomy history continues to inspire, and the role of indigenous astronomy in South Africa's astronomy programmes. He praised the conference organisers for Cosmic Echoes, a Shared Sky indigenous art exhibition.

The Minister highlighted the trailblazing radio astronomy work that began in South Africa in Hartebeeshoek in 1961, in a partnership with NASA.

"Radio astronomy began in South Africa with a 26-metre dish built by NASA and placed in Hartebeesthoek in 1961 as a deep-space ground station used to get data from, and send commands to, many unmanned US space probes going beyond the Earth's orbit. This was later converted into a radio telescope that led to the establishment of the Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomical Observatory, which is now part of the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory.

"During the democratic era, the MeerKAT was built in Carnarvon as a precursor to the SKA project. The MeerKAT is another amazing achievement on the global science stage, and we wish to thank our international partners, Germany, Italy and China for their contribution to this project.

"We also have a growing gamma-ray astronomy community that actively participates in the HESS initiative," said the Minister.

He added that these strategic interventions had enabled the exponential growth of South African astronomers from 60 (only five of whom were radio astronomers) to about 300 over the last 30 years.

The Minister highlighted that the MeerKAT/SKA project, in particular, offered South Africa an opportunity to contribute to the knowledge economy and the big data revolution through international collaborations and the pursuit of world-class research, driving transformation and human capital development.

The Minister thanked the IAU for giving South Africa the opportunity to host the prestigious IAU General Assembly.

"This gathering reflects the global astronomy community's commitment to advancing research, fostering collaboration, and addressing contemporary challenges in astronomy and those faced by humanity," concluded the Minister.

The IAU conference runs until 14 August 2024.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Government.

Read moreMinister Blade Nzimande officially opens 32nd International Astronomical Union General Assembly

The Great Indian Expo at mall of the South: August 30th – September 15th

Location: Entertainment, MyPR

The Mall of the South is thrilled to announce that it will be hosting The Great Indian Expo from August 30th to September 15th, running daily from 10 AM to 9 PM. The beauty of Indian culture lies in its intricate tapestry of vibrant festivals, colourful attire, exquisite art forms, and centuries-old traditions that have …

Read moreThe Great Indian Expo at mall of the South: August 30th – September 15th

Providing freshness to the community of oThongathi

Location: News

Providing freshness to the community of oThongathi

by Keneilwe Velaphi

Sabelo Mkhwanazi’s business, Mayanda Fresh supermarket, is centred on providing fresh produce to the community of oThongathi, KwaZulu-Natal.

Mkhwanazi said prior to launching the establishment, he realised that his community was complaining about purchasing expired and rotten goods from nearby shops, which prompted him to start the business model.

Mayanda Fresh was officially opened in June 2023.

“I entered the supermarket industry because I was driven by passion and the need to supply fresh high-quality produce to my community,” said Mkhwanazi.

The goal of Mayanda Fresh was to create a welcoming and convenient shopping experience to customers, while also supporting local farmers and suppliers.

“There is a need to offer a wide variety of fresh products at affordable prices. Another goal is to strive towards becoming a trusted name in the retail industry in South Africa.”

Mkhwanazi ensures stock availability through the use of advanced technology and strong supplier relationships.

“I have established a trustworthy relationship with my suppliers, allowing me flexible payment terms. This mutual trust ensures timely deliveries and consistent stock availability.”

This approach allows Mayanda Fresh to always supply customers with fresh produce.

Furthermore, Mkhwanazi’s state-of-the-art inventory management system accurately tracks all stock levels, providing real-time updates as he purchases and sells products. 

He added that he has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from customers, stakeholders, and the community.

His supermarket also serves the residents of surrounding areas, as well as those who work in oThongathi.

“In order to attract and retain customers, I have strategically chosen to position my first store at the centre of the oThongathi central business district. This is a commercial area that is conveniently near residential neighbourhoods, and the location makes it easy for customers to access daily essentials.

He also leverages media relations to reach a wider audience, ensuring that more people are aware of what Mayanda Fresh has to offer.

The self-made entrepreneur said he did not receive funding from government but with the support of his family and community, he was able to establish his business. 

“My business came across many challenges one of the biggest being managing the supply chain to ensure a consistent and timely delivery of fresh produce, and building, and maintaining strong relationships.”

Mkhwanazi has big growth plans. 

"I plan to develop an e-commerce website to create an online business, allowing customers to shop from their homes and have their products delivered to their door,” he concluded.

Visit the Mayanda Fresh Instagram page @mayanda_fresh or follow them on Tik Tok @Mayanda Fresh.

*This article first appeared in Vuk’uzenzele

Janine
Tue, 08/06/2024 - 11:48

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iSchoolAfrica Education Trust Celebrates 15 Years of Transforming Education in South Africa

Location: News
iSchoolAfrica

On 1 August 2024, iSchoolAfrica (www.iSchoolAfrica.com) proudly commemorates 15 years of driving educational change across South Africa. Since its inception, iSchoolAfrica has leveraged the world's best technology and educational practices to reduce inequalities, enhance opportunities for exceptional employment, and stimulate economic growth. 

iSchoolAfrica's 15 years of success and sustainability stem from an unwavering commitment to making quality technology affordable and accessible. A key element of the programme is the rotation of mobile iPad labs from classroom to classroom – ensuring accessibility, security, longevity, usability, and durability. 

The technology solution has a remarkable 5% failure rate, which demonstrates the reliability and durability of their technology. With iPads lasting an estimated 5-6 years within school environments, iSchoolAfrica ensures minimal downtime in schools, contributing to uninterrupted learning and significant cost savings on technical support. This is boosted by the iPads' Mobile Device Management system, which allows for quick and easy remote support. 

By upskilling and empowering project champions to execute programs independently, iSchoolAfrica ensures lasting, impactful education solutions with zero compromise on quality and best practices. The fact that there is no compromise gives educators and learners alike the confidence that they matter and this is seen through the improved engagement and performance of the students. 

“Over the last 15 years, against all odds we've achieved some incredible things, inspiring teachers to love their jobs again, helping children discover their love of learning through iPad lessons, while sparking hope for countless young learners' futures,“ says Michelle Lissoos, Executive Director of iSchoolAfrica. 

Through strategic collaborations with partners, iSchoolAfrica equips South Africa's youth with the tools needed to thrive. The initiative focuses on under-resourced township and rural schools, from Early Childhood Development (ECD) to Grade 12, including mainstream and special needs education. Each school receives a secure mobile lab of 20 iPads, loaded with curriculum software and teacher training and mentoring. The built-in accessibility features of iPads also support children with disabilities, ensuring inclusive education for all. 

Another key aspect to iSchoolAfrica's endurance has been the partnerships it has formed along the way. Growthpoint is one such long-term partner, having supported over 25 schools since 2014.  

Commenting on their involvement, head of Growthpoint CSR Shawn Theunissen, says: “In order for us to provide support for education, we also needed to ensure that we provide a digital solution. You want to ensure that you are future proofing the youth of South Africa.”  

Since its launch, iSchoolAfrica has reached all nine provinces in South Africa, impacting 341 schools and training over 3,000 teachers  — impacting over 100,000 learners. Later this year, in partnership with the Imbeleko Foundation, they plan to launch the first Apple Training Authorised Centre in Africa, located in rural Kwa-Zulu Natal. 

Key Educational Programmes 

iSchoolAfrica is focused on four key educational programmes. These include: 

1. Early Learning 
Recognising the critical importance of a child's early years, iSchoolAfrica integrates technology into preschool and Grade R to help teachers address core developmental skills essential for young learners. The Early Learning Programme supports the NCF and CAPS curriculum frameworks through interactive social stories and learn-through-play activities. 

2. Numeracy and Literacy 
iSchoolAfrica addresses South Africa's literacy and numeracy crisis by ensuring learners grasp foundational skills. Partnering with the Unlocking Talent Through Technology Initiative, iSchoolAfrica brings the one billion numeracy programme to primary schools, achieving an average increase of 15% in numeracy results since 2009.  

3. Disability and Inclusion 
The Inclusion Programme provides solutions for children with various disabilities, including autism, low vision, and cerebral palsy. With 36 special needs schools, iSchoolAfrica has the distinction of having the first Apple Distinguished Special Needs School in the world. Collaborations with CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA and CORE have also helped introduce iPads to hospital schools in Gauteng, supporting paediatric oncology patients' education during treatment. 

“We have seen a total change in the nature of our learners. They have become a lot more disciplined, creative and enthusiastic. Our kids now have a sense of pride. It empowers them,” says Ishwarlal Reggie, Deputy Principal, MCK Special School. 

4. Coding and Robotics 
Empowering learners to become innovators, leaders, and builders of their futures, iSchoolAfrica introduces coding and robotics through Apple's Everyone Can Code Curriculum. This program, spanning from ECD to higher education, exposes learners to coding and app design via interactive puzzles and code walkthroughs. 

“As iSchoolAfrica celebrates this milestone, our commitment to educational excellence and reducing inequalities remains stronger than ever. We look forward to continuing this journey of empowering South Africa's youth and transforming the educational landscape for years to come,” concludes Lissoos. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of iSchoolAfrica.

NOTE TO EDITORS 

MEDIA CONTACT:
Ima Peter
+27 11 268 6388
ima.peter@razorpr.co.za

About iSchoolAfrica:
Since 2009, iSchoolAfrica has provided over 100 000 South African learners, from ECD to Grade 12, with state-of-the-art technology and education practices. Together with our partners, school leaders and educators, we have changed teaching and learning in the most under resourced and vulnerable communities across South Africa, giving youth the opportunity to learn, create and succeed.

Impact and Awards
· Active in nine provinces
· 341 schools in the programme
· 300+ trained teachers
· 200+ rural youth facilitators
· 500+ trained media changemakers
• 22 Excellence in Education Awards
• 2023 Foundation Disability Empowerment Award
• 2023 Gauteng Women's Excellence Award for Innovation
• 2018 New Generation Award
• 2017 Eduweek Award, Inclusion

Programmes
• Early Learning
• Numeracy and Literacy
• Disability and Inclusion
• Coding and Robotics
• Media Changemaker

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PRASA introduces new modern trains in Cape Town

Location: News

PRASA introduces new modern trains in Cape Town

The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has announced the introduction of the new blue and white modern Electric Multiple Units (EMUs) on the Central Line, along with the extension of the service from Nyanga to Mandalay station in the Western Cape.

This marks a significant milestone as this is the first time PRASA deploys the “People’s Train” on this corridor, following the completion of essential electrical and perway infrastructure between Nyanga and Nolungile.

Communities along the Central Line, now join many who have enjoyed the service using the new high-tech modern trains in other corridors. These state-of-the-art trains are equipped with advanced features such as automated doors, CCTV cameras, and air-conditioning, ensuring a comfortable and secure trip for all passengers.

“In addition to the new trains, the completion of signalling from Langa to Mutual Line marks a significant milestone in our efforts to enhance the safety and reliability of our services. Work to re-signal the rest of the Central corridor continues. This modern signaling system will not only improve the frequency and punctuality of our trains but will also reduce delays and congestion,” PRASA said on Thursday.

READ | PRASA makes steady progress in returning passenger trains

The rollout of the new trains and the advanced signalling system shows the agency’s commitment to revitalising and modernising commuter rail services.

“This important development in the region ensures we offer a safe, efficient, and dignified service to the 40% of Cape Town's commuters who rely on this key route. Extending the service on the Central Line to Mandalay station is expected to bring positive socio-economic benefits to the communities of Langa, Nyanga, Khayelitsha, Mitchells Plain, and other areas along the line.

“This notable development builds on PRASA’s recent achievements, including the reopening of 31 out of 40 commuter rail corridors and the refurbishment of 263 out of 463 stations,” PRASA said. -SAnews.gov.za
 
 

nosihle
Thu, 08/01/2024 - 13:21

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Successful ACT Thuthukisani Programme Atologa 2024 Candidates Announced

Location: Business

The Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) is pleased to announce the successful candidates for the fourth iteration of the ACT Thuthukisani Programme Atologa 2024. This fourth iteration of the programme, with training provided by the The ICRD Group Foundation and Startup Business Campus, sees 50 participants selected from all 9 provinces of South Africa. Leading …

Read moreSuccessful ACT Thuthukisani Programme Atologa 2024 Candidates Announced