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An innovative payments and loyalty solution to expanding to a global market. Industry giants, Brian Dunne, based in the UK, and Debbie Ghillino, based in South Africa were so impressed with the value proposition and the potential of the technology created by Australian based Elevate Loyalty Pty Ltd, they have invested and joined forces to …
The City of Cape Town Neighbourhood Watch Support Programme has just expanded its training programme
The report details how this debt crisis is jeopardising progress aimed at ending AIDS in Sub-Saharan African countries, which account for a significant majority of people living with HIV globally – 25.9 million people of the nearly 40 million total.
If debt payments and stifled budgets are unaddressed in the next three to five years, countries will be “under-resourced to fund their HIV responses,” according to the UN agency's report.
Further data reveals that “the region's success in having reduced new HIV infections by 56 per cent since 2010 will not be sustained if fiscal space is constrained.”
Paying back sovereign debt now exceeds half of government revenue in Angola, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Uganda, and Zambia.
UNAIDS said that even after debt relief measures, Zambia will still be handing over two-thirds of its budget for debt servicing between 2024 and 2026.
UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima said that “public debt needs to be urgently reduced and domestic resource mobilisation strengthened to enable the fiscal space to fully fund the global HIV response and end AIDS.”
Debt servicing
Ms. Byanyima noted that global health security is put at risk when countries are unable to meet healthcare needs due to debt payments.
This has been evident in Western and Central Africa as there has been a noticeable decline in HIV response spending since 2017.
A news release based on the report reveals that Western and Central Africa will need to mobilise $4.18 billion to fully fund the HIV response in 2024. “This will climb to $7.9 billion by 2030 unless efforts are scaled up today to stop new HIV infections.”
It was noted that $20.8 billion was allocated for the HIV response in 2022 in low and middle-income countries through different donations, but it was not enough to effectively finance the HIV response.
To fully respond to HIV needs in 2024, Eastern and Southern Africa needs $12 billion, which will escalate to $17 billion by 2030 unless new HIV infections decline.
Necessary measures
The UNAIDS report says sub-Saharan African countries need to strengthen their tax systems and see an increase in financial donations to garner more domestic resources to effectively respond to their “pandemics.”
UNAIDS chief, Ms. Byanyima said, “World leaders cannot let a resource crunch derail global progress to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.”
Youth activists heading to New York
The UNAIDS chief said that young people are playing an active role in driving the progress made in the HIV response.
UNAIDS has partnered with two social media influencers living with HIV from Kenya and South Africa to attend the Summit of the Future and the UN General Assembly meetings in New York to urge leaders to invest in health systems and services that will support young people living with HIV.
Jerop Limo, the young Kenyan HIV activist, said, “I want leaders to leave New York knowing that we are not beneficiaries, we are equal rights holders.”
“We want meaningful and ethical engagement of adolescents and young people in all spaces of the AIDS response,” she continued.
South African advocate, Ibanomonde Ngema, said the meetings will not be enough to end AIDS – solutions need to be involved.
Young people living with HIV play a critical role in the fight against AIDS in communities.
Include us in the conversation
“The world can only benefit when young people are included in the global HIV response,” Ms. Ngema said. “No conversation about HIV should take place without us, from policy to practice in communities.”
As young people living with HIV also face stigma and discrimination, including from doctors, they will be lobbying world leaders at the General Assembly to “uphold the human rights of young people as key to ending AIDS as a public health threat.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.
The Auditor-General’s office on Wednesday told MPs that 107 projects were significantly delayed
Committee welcomes plans to terminate Cape Town NSFAS lease
The Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training has commended the proposed plans by Higher Education and Training Minister, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, to terminate the rental agreement of the National Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) headquarters in Cape Town.
Committee Chairperson, Tebogo Letsie, said the NSFAS headquarters in Cape Town had always been a sore point for the committee since moving from its previous leased building in Wynberg to the Cape Town city centre.
“While many students suffered in terms of funding, getting their allowances on time and accommodation challenges, the entity enjoyed a building with scenic views," said Letsie.
This comes as it has been reported that there are plans to end the lease of the Cape Town office to reduce costs, among other things.
Letsie said the committee had criticised the decision by NSFAS to move its headquarters to a place where most of its clients do not have access to their services.
He said the planned termination was long overdue and was a positive step towards addressing decades of mismanagement of student affairs by NSFAS.
“[The] NSFAS budget is bigger than many national departments and we have always maintained that the offices of NSFAS must be in Gauteng where we have the highest concentration of the student population.
“Ultimately, the committee would like to see the decentralisation of NSFAS to all regions which will ensure accessibility to students across the country added,” the chairperson said.
The committee welcomed the new NSFAS 2025 online applications intake opening on Friday, 20 September 2024, to allow for extensive consultations with institutions, stakeholders, and student formations. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 09/19/2024 - 11:38
Selecting the right garage door can significantly impact your home’s appearance and functionality. Whether you’re constructing a new house or renovating your existing one, the garage door you choose plays a crucial role in enhancing your home’s overall aesthetic. With various options available, finding the ideal garage door that meets your needs and complements your …
When it comes to selecting the perfect workspace, flexibility and functionality are key considerations. Whether you’re a freelancer, a small business owner, or an entrepreneur, choosing the right office setup can greatly impact your productivity and business success. The availability of coworking space Marietta GA ensures that finding a collaborative or focused work environment is …
In today's interconnected world, cyberattacks are more frequent and more dangerous than ever before. Businesses, regardless of size or industry, are prime targets for cybercriminals. These attacks can cause widespread damage and create long-lasting consequences. Kaspersky (www.Kaspersky.co.za) dives into the impact of cyberattacks on business and reveals the key losses that an unprotected business can suffer.
When we consider the impact of cyberattacks on business, the first thing we pay attention to is financial losses. An example of an incident with huge financial losses is the attack on Johnson Controls, a major player in the building technology sector that faced a significant ransomware incident (https://apo-opa.co/3XnrMJm) perpetrated by the Dark Angels hacking group. The attackers claimed to have stolen 27 terabytes of sensitive data and demanded a $51 million ransom. This breach resulted in severe disruptions to the company's systems and cost over $27 million in damages. The attack impacted Johnson Controls' business operations, including disruptions to its billing systems and increased recovery expenses. As a company with a global presence, the breach significantly affected its business relationships and operations.
Below, Kaspersky explores several key ways a cyberattack can hurt your business.
Financial losses
Cyberattacks often result in direct financial losses. Ransomware attacks, where hackers demand payment to restore access to data or directly steal funds, are a clear example. But this is only the beginning, as there are numerous other consequences that may result in considerable indirect financial losses. These can easily exceed what the company has lost as an immediate outcome of the incident.
Operational disruption
Cyberattacks can grind your operations to a halt. Many businesses depend on their digital infrastructure for daily activities. If systems are compromised, productivity falls. In severe cases, entire operations may be disrupted for days or even weeks (https://apo-opa.co/3MQRkKo), resulting in lost revenue, diminished service quality and disappointed clients and partners — an additional impact on your company's reputation.
Indirect long-term costs
Even following the immediate aftermath of a cyberattack, businesses often face long-term financial impacts. Restoring systems, improving cybersecurity infrastructure, and managing the legal fallout are just some of the lingering costs. Additionally, lost business and damaged customer relationships can take months or years to rebuild.
Reputational damage
The trust your clients place in you is invaluable. If customer data is stolen in a breach, it can severely damage your brand's reputation. This loss of trust can lead to customers leaving and a long-term decline in business. In some cases, a single breach is enough to ruin a company's public image beyond repair.
If your business falls victim to an attack, it can also impact your relationships with partners and vendors. Third-party partners might lose confidence in your ability to protect shared data. Similarly, business-critical relationships could be jeopardised if you fail to recover quickly or if your systems compromise their operations.
Legal and compliance issues
With data protection regulations such as the GDPR in Europe, POPIA in South Africa or HIPAA in the U.S., a data breach can lead to heavy fines. Failing to protect sensitive customer or employee data may result in penalties and lawsuits. Furthermore, companies that fall victim to breaches often face lengthy legal battles, which add to the financial and reputational strain.
Loss of intellectual property
For many businesses, intellectual property (IP) is among their most valuable assets. Cyberattacks targeting IP can steal product designs, marketing strategies, and proprietary information. This is particularly harmful in competitive industries like technology and pharmaceuticals, where IP theft can erase the advantage a company has spent years building.
“Attackers are never idle - they're like wolves who must be constantly active to catch their prey off-guard. So, companies need to be ever more alert and agile. They must be sure they have the right solutions and processes to allow for effective threat discovery and containment, as well as swift recovery. At Kaspersky, we're deeply committed to delivering the agile security that businesses need. Proactive assessments and multi-layered protective solutions, plus managed security and actionable threat intelligence - we have it all. What's more important, we have the expertise to put together the exact cybersecurity structure for your individual profile. Only a consistent and comprehensive approach, like this one, can ensure true business resilience against today's cyber risks,” comments Oleg Gorobets, Security Evangelist at Kaspersky.
Below, Kaspersky offers some recommendations to help your business stay ahead of cyberthreats and remain resilient:
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kaspersky.
For further information please contact:
Nicole Allman
INK&Co. (https://InkAndCo.co.za/)
nicole@inkandco.co.za
Social Media:
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/4gsHo7i
X: https://apo-opa.co/4esRFi8
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/3B97XhG
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/4epExKw
Blog: https://apo-opa.co/4e7nptg
About Kaspersky:
Kaspersky is a global cybersecurity and digital privacy company founded in 1997. With over a billion devices protected to date from emerging cyberthreats and targeted attacks, Kaspersky's deep threat intelligence and security expertise is constantly transforming into innovative solutions and services to protect businesses, critical infrastructure, governments and consumers around the globe. The company's comprehensive security portfolio includes leading endpoint protection, specialized security products and services, as well as Cyber Immune solutions to fight sophisticated and evolving digital threats. We help over 200,000 corporate clients protect what matters most to them. Learn more at www.Kaspersky.co.za.
Municipality pledges to buy 100 water trucks to end its need to hire them
As the wider African region experiences an upsurge in mpox cases, South Africa's multi-pronged efforts to bring the outbreak under control are bearing fruit. On 14 August 2024, World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern and subsequently issued a set of temporary recommendations to scale up the emergency response.
South Africa had previously reported five unlinked mpox cases in 2022. Having confirmed zero cases in 2023, the country has experienced a resurgence of the infectious disease in recent months, reporting 25 laboratory-confirmed cases and three deaths between 8 May and 6 September 2024. These cases have been reported in Gauteng, Western Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal provinces, with local transmission suggested for 24 cases and one imported case.
However, there has been a significant change in the epidemiological data in recent weeks, with just one new case and no deaths reported since 2 August 2024, compared to 12 cases and three deaths in June, so far, the peak of the current outbreak.
“With the support of partners including WHO, we have made significant progress in our efforts to contain mpox in the country,” says Foster Mohale, spokesperson for South Africa's National Department of Health. “But we must not become complacent because viruses mutate from time to time. The recent detection of a new mpox case in Western Cape should be a strong reminder that we must all remain extremely vigilant.”
To coordinate its response to the outbreak, the National Department of Health formed an mpox Incident Management Team comprised of experts from national and provincial levels and partners including WHO. In June, with WHO support, health authorities conducted two remote webinars on clinical management of mpox cases, training over 500 health workers and public health professionals.
The department has also activated provincial response teams to implement priority interventions in hotspots, deployed rapid response teams to support community surveillance and case management, and intensified targeted public awareness campaigns.
In addition to providing technical support and guidelines on mpox treatment to help ensure standardized patient care, WHO has donated 35 treatment courses of tecovirimat, an antiviral that is used to treat severe mpox cases in conjunction with symptomatic and supportive care. The Organization is supporting efforts to stockpile an additional 30 treatment courses of the medication for rapid deployment should further cases arise.
South Africa is one of 14 countries in the African region that will be financially supported by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and WHO from September 2024 until February 2025 to draw up and roll out plans, including vaccination strategies, to continue its fight against mpox. The Mpox Continental Preparedness and Response Plan for Africa will see an estimated US$ 45.5 of a US$ 600-million total budget allocated to South Africa, most of which will be spent on the logistics of rolling out vaccines.
“WHO remains committed to supporting health authorities in containing the mpox outbreak through coordinated efforts in treatment, surveillance, and public awareness,” says Dr Fabian Ndenzako, acting WHO Representative in South Africa. “I am pleased to see mpox control efforts targeting health workers, community members and key risk populations to prevent further transmission and manage this public health issue effectively.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) - South Africa.
City of Cape Town says it currently has no budget, but is committed to fixing the library
EC government collaborates with business to support commercialisation of farmers
The Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) has introduced innovative funding mechanisms to support the commercialisation of Black farmers.
Rural Development and Agrarian Reform MEC, Nonceba Kontsiwe, said the department established the Eastern Cape Agriculture Blended Funding Scheme to provide access to finance for Black farmers to become commercial and participate in the value chains.
This was made possible through collaboration with the Eastern Cape Rural Development Agency (ECRDA), Eastern Cape Development Cooperation (ECDC), Small Enterprise Finance Agency (SEFA) and Land Bank.
In 2023/24, DRDAR and ECDC distributed R32 million to 18 agricultural enterprises, creating 455 jobs.
The funding has enabled businesses to invest in equipment, infrastructure, and production inputs, enhancing their revenue.
“We are committed to this initiative with a budget of R75 million allocated to attract equal or more funding from development finance institutions (DFIs) and the private sector over the Medium‐Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF). The budget for 2024/25 is R25 million,” Kontsiwe said.
The department recently entered into an agreement with the Land Bank to collaborate on funding and developing clustered and aggregated commodities value chains in the province.
“This collaboration aims to facilitate access to affordable funding for farmers without stringent terms to support primary and agro-processing activities, to enable Eastern Cape farmers to access the R300 million allocation from the Land Bank.
“The finalised aggregation model and financing tools will be tested in pilot projects for grains, wool, mohair, citrus farming, dairy, vegetables, and livestock in the province,” Kontsiwe said.
Kontsiwe added that the department, in partnership with the ECRDA, aims to support Black commercial farmers in exporting their produce to international markets, thereby boosting their competitiveness.
“The revolving credit facility is designed to offer operational funding to address the financial needs of high-value and export-oriented commodities during production cycles. A budget of R4 million has been earmarked for the ECRDA to implement this program in the 2024/25 financial year, serving as an incentive to attract more Black commercial farmers to participate in export markets,” the MEC said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 09/16/2024 - 11:43
Kumkani Mhlontlo municipality refuses to give adequate explanations as residents and councillors raise questions
MEC for education David Maynier insists it is an “absolute last resort”
As South Africa steps into Heritage Month and embraces the vibrant energy of spring, Yassir, a globally recognized on-demand grocery delivery service, is thrilled to celebrate these occasions bhese occasions by highlighting its commitment to convenience, affordability, and long operating hours”. To mark these celebrations, Yassir is offering an exclusive deal: new customers can enjoy …
The Standing Committee on Finance has resolved to conduct a second round of public hearings on the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) Amendment Bill [B26-2018], in consultation with the office of the National Assembly Speaker.
The Bill was tabled in 2018 as private member's Bill in the name of a Member of Parliament, Mr Julius Malema. It then lapsed at the end of the 6th Parliament and has since been revived in the 7th Parliament. The first round of the public hearings was held on 18 November 2018.
The committee was briefed today by the Parliamentary Budget Office on its analysis and assessment of the Bill's socio-economic impact.
The SARB Amendment Bill seeks to, amongst other things, amend the South African Reserve Bank Act to make the state the sole shareholder of the shares in the bank and gives powers to the Minister to exercise the rights attached to the shares on behalf of the state. It further seeks to give the Minister of Finance power to appoint directors of the board, instead of board members being elected at an ordinary general meeting.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
The tournament, which started later than scheduled, is underway in Pretoria and ends on Saturday
With the plethora of AI tools available – each of them promising to make your life easier, richer and more fun we at MyPR have to say that we are still on the fence as to which one is our favourite. Of course if you show us one that is for free that is the …
Owning a vehicle is a significant investment, and ensuring its longevity and reliability is crucial for most car owners. One way to safeguard this investment is by purchasing an extended warranty. An extended warranty acts as an additional layer of protection beyond the standard manufacturer’s warranty, providing coverage for repairs and replacements that might be …
Conference on hunger hears there’s more than enough food. Policy failures by both government and corporations are causing hunger.
Choose LG’s twin-tub washing machines for a timeless laundry solution that fits all households With the computing power of modern washing machines rivalling that of smart phones and laptops, the steadfast presence of the twin-tub in our laundry rooms stands as a symbol of reliability and tradition. Amidst a myriad of laundry options available today, …
On the 8th of September each year, the world comes together to celebrate International Literacy Day, a global reminder of the critical importance of literacy as a foundation for education and empowerment. In South Africa, where the state of education has long been a topic of national concern, this day resonates even more strongly. Startling …
DTIC Minister committed to stabilising governance at department
The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) has moved to assure the nation that Minister Parks Tau remains committed to “stabilising governance and leadership at the DTIC and its entities."
“At the beginning of the seventh administration, the Minister focused on addressing issues related to vacancies and governance. The Minister underscored that for the DTIC to fully and effectively discharge its mandate, it is essential to stabilise governance within our department and its listed entities.
“This will help the DTIC function optimally in executing the mandate of transformation, industrialisation underpinned by localisation, and an export-led growth strategy,” the department said in a statement.
The Minister committed – during the department’s budget speech earlier this year – to filing critical vacancies.
“The process of filling the vacancies has begun and is currently underway. On Friday, 13 September 2024…entities' vacancies will be advertised. We believe this is the right step towards achieving good corporate governance and stability.
“We invite qualified individuals who meet the requirements to apply and assist us in stabilising these entities so they can optimally execute their mandates. The finalisation of these appointments will be completed efficiently,” the department said.
“Additionally, [the Minister] committed to reviewing the organisational structure to ensure it is aligned and optimised to support the Department’s mandate and prioritised programmes. This review will promote a value chain approach, integrating the work of the department and its entities, thereby eliminating silos, duplication, and inefficiencies,” the statement read. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Sun, 09/08/2024 - 14:21
Over 2,400 posts to be lost by 1 January