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Higher Education remains committed to establish TUT Giyani campus

Location: News

Higher Education remains committed to establish TUT Giyani campus

The Department of Higher Education, Science and Innovation says it is pressing ahead with the completion of the establishment of the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) campus in Giyani and opening the facility’s doors in 2025. 

“The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Prof Blade Nzimande, has become aware of the circulation of information on various social media platforms that is designed to create the false impression that the Minister is blocking or deliberately delaying the finalisation of the establishment of the Tshwane University of Technology Giyani campus,” the statement read on Tuesday.

This impression, according to the department, has created a false impression and is “designed to create confusion, ferment chaos and disrupt the finalisation of this important project”. 

“In the interest of transparency and out of concern for the future of the young people of Giyani and surrounding areas, the Minister wishes to provide the necessary clarification.” 

The department has since clarified the decision to establish the Giyani campus under Nzimande’s leadership.

“This decision was informed by a number of strategic considerations, including the need to extend access to higher education for the young people of Giyani and surrounding areas. It then becomes utterly ridiculous and mischievous to suggest that the Minister is delaying or frustrating his very own initiative,” the statement read. 

According to the department, the team commenced a feasibility study for the establishment of the TUT Giyani campus in May last year when it hit delays of more than five months from the Limpopo Department of Education. 

However, according to the department, it is now working with the Limpopo MEC for Education, Lerule Ramakhanya, to address these obstacles.

The department announced that an agreement was reached in October 2023 after the Minister allocated R31.916 million to the project the previous month. 

The department said it will carry out renovations and address deferred maintenance once the feasibility study is completed, within the allocated budget.

“TUT will now commence with the refurbishment and deferred maintenance in February this year, which will enable the first intake of students during the 2025 academic year.” 

Meanwhile, the department said more funding will be allocated from 2024/25 onwards and over an anticipated six-year period. 

“The funding to be allocated during 2024/25 will enable TUT to start with the planning of the major projects during the 2024 calendar year.

“As this work was unfolding, the departmental project team that was appointed by the Minister and is responsible for the implementation of this project has been engaging the relevant community, government and private sector stakeholders in Giyani, regularly.” 

In addition, stakeholders have since been provided with regular feedback and together with the departmental project team agreed on a mechanism to resolve any concerns that may arise in the process of the implementation of this project.

“It is also in the public interest that we should also state that there was a group of individuals who actively prevented the appointed technical team from carrying out its work. As stated, all this seems to be calculated to create confusion, ferment chaos and block the finalisation of this important project.

“Furthermore, it is the experience of the department that this project has regrettably attracted many interest groups some of which seek to hijack the legitimate concerns of the community of Giyani and use these for their narrow and malicious ends.” 

The department said it had also noted a malicious attempt to exploit the legitimate concerns of the community of Giyani to further what seems to be an established campaign to tarnish the name and reputation of the Minister, through lies and misinformation. 

The department said it continues to enjoy the full support of TUT, the Limpopo provincial government and Ramakhanya. “As the Department of Higher Education and Training we remain committed to completing the establishment of the Tshwane University of Technology campus in Giyani.” – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile
Tue, 02/13/2024 - 14:56

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The Ultimate Luxury: Why Spa Treatments Deserve the Monthly Indulgence

Location: MyPR

Amid our hectic and demanding schedules, prioritising moments of relaxation and self-care are crucial for maintaining overall physical and mental well-being. Beyond mere luxury, spa treatments stand as a timeless indulgence that dates back to ancient civilisations. This is because they offer an array of health benefits which in fact, elevate them from an extravagance …

Read moreThe Ultimate Luxury: Why Spa Treatments Deserve the Monthly Indulgence

Efficiency in Material Handling: The Ultimate Guide to Forklift Hire and Rentals

Location: MyPR

In today’s fast-paced business environment, efficiency and productivity are the keystones of success, especially in industries requiring heavy lifting and material handling. Forklifts, the backbone of warehouse operations, construction sites, and manufacturing facilities, are crucial in moving heavy goods safely and swiftly. However, the capital expenditure of purchasing a forklift outright can be substantial, making …

Read moreEfficiency in Material Handling: The Ultimate Guide to Forklift Hire and Rentals

Celebrate Fancy In The Bay This Valentine’s Day!

Location: Entertainment, MyPR

This Valentine’s Day, Bay Harbour Market in Hout Bay is your one-stop destination for all things love and celebration. Whether you’re in search of the perfect last-minute gift, planning a romantic breakfast, or thinking about a cozy lunch or dinner over the weekend, we’ve got you covered. Our vibrant market is bursting with options to …

Read moreCelebrate Fancy In The Bay This Valentine’s Day!

Western Cape on imposed budget cuts

Location: News

Republic Of South Africa: Western Cape Provincial Government
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Joint media release by Premier Alan Winde and Mireille Wenger, Provincial Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities; National budget process causing budget cuts to health, education, social services and more.

The impact of the nationally imposed budget cuts on healthcare provision, as outlined in an open letter signed by hundreds of health workers, academics, doctors, professors and clinicians this week, is simply devastating.

The excellent work done day in and day out by the vital people who are integral to the lives of millions of South Africans in the face of significant challenges, does not go unnoticed, nor unappreciated. These dedicated public servants are at the very heart of the frontline services relied upon by our residents, especially the most vulnerable in our society.

The implications of the nationally imposed cuts go beyond health care services and have hit education and social development services - and every other provincial department. This is exactly what the Western Cape Government warned of and which it is now fighting to stop and reverse.

“The mission of the Western Cape Government is to do all we can, using all available levers, to cushion these blows. However, the hard truth is that the quantum of the budget cuts is now so large that it will be almost impossible to fully mitigate the loss of funding from the national purse” said Premier Alan Winde.

“The fact is that these budget cuts are beyond the control of the provinces because we rely almost entirely on funding from the nationally collected tax revenue. This is then allocated to each of the nine provinces by the National Treasury through the Provincial Equitable Share (PES), to fund the core constitutional mandates of providing, amongst others, health care, education and social development services,” added provincial Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, Mireille Wenger.

In the Western Cape, the PES accounts for approximately 75% of the budget while Conditional Grants amount to approximately 18% of the total budget. These sources, determined by national government, therefore make up the vast majority (93%) of the budget in the Western Cape.

As things stand, a total of R6.7 billion has been reduced from the Western Cape's PES over the 2024 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) over the next three financial years as part of nationally imposed fiscal consolidation. This amounts to more than the total combined budgets of the provincial Departments of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Economic Development and Tourism, and Cultural Affairs and Sport.

Currently, the Department of Health and Wellness receives 37% of the total Western Cape Provincial budget.

“Over and above these devastating reductions, provinces have not been fully compensated by national government for the 2023 public sector wage agreement, that was centrally negotiated without consultation, and unilaterally imposed on provinces” added provincial Minister Wenger.

Only Health and Education received partial funding of the wage agreement of which Health received 70% and Education received 64.5% of what is required, while all other departments/services have had to absorb the full cost of the wage agreement. In total the funding shortfall of the wage agreement amounts to R1.1 billion for the 2022/23 financial year and recurs over the MTEF.

“The impact of these budget cuts will have a direct impact on critical service delivery in the Western Cape and we are doing all we can to protect these services” said provincial Minister Wenger.

Premier Winde went on to emphasise that “This is why, in November last year, we formally declared an intergovernmental dispute (IGD) with the national government, to fight for the residents of this province, particularly the most vulnerable who rely heavily on these services. Our residents must get their fair share of funding. As much as we are fighting for our vulnerable residents, we are also fighting for our public servants like our health professionals so that they can focus on their critical work. As we head into the next phase of the IGD with the mediations upcoming, we will not back down.”

Minister Wenger confirmed that “There are also other serious concerns regarding the PES. As it stands, the latest census data has not been incorporated into the PES calculations. The result of which is that while the Western Cape is the third largest province in South Africa by population, we only get the fifth largest budget allocation.”

“This government is fighting for our residents to protect our frontline services, our children, those who depend on the public health system, and the most vulnerable in our society” concluded provincial Minister Wenger.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic Of South Africa: Western Cape Provincial Government.

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Parliament introduces modern rules for SONA proceedings

Location: News

Parliament introduces new rules for SONA proceedings

Parliament has introduced a set of new joint rules designed to regulate proceedings during the joint sitting of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) and which prohibit disruptions.

Addressing a media briefing on preparations to host SONA 2024, National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula said the new joint rules are aimed at maintaining order, decorum in the Chamber, and promoting civility among members.

“These rules, set to be implemented for the first time during this State of the Nation Address, are an essential step in ensuring that the proceedings, including the SONA, and the opening of Parliament are conducted with the respect and seriousness they deserve.

“In terms of the new rules, no member is allowed to interrupt the President while delivering the State of the Nation Address. Similarly, interruptions are prohibited during the President’s speech at the opening of Parliament. Additionally these rules stipulate that no other business may be considered during a joint sitting other than the specific business for which the joint sitting is convened.

“These measures are critical in ensuring that these important national events are conducted in an orderly and respectful manner, reflecting the dignity of Parliament and the importance of these addresses in setting the nation’s legislative and development agenda,” she said on Tuesday in Cape Town.

Scheduled to take place on 8 February at 7pm at Cape Town City Hall, this will be the last SONA for the sixth administration.

The event will take place under the theme: “Following up on our commitments: making your future work better”.

SONA is a joint sitting of the two Houses of Parliament – the National Assembly and the NCOP - presided over jointly by the Speaker and the Chairperson of the NCOP. It brings together the three arms of the state under one roof.

Convened by the President as per the Constitution, SONA serves to update the nation on government commitments and to outline the government’s programme of action for the new financial year.

“The President’s speech is the sole agenda item. Following this, Members of Parliament will engage in a two-day joint debate on the address, with the President’s reply scheduled for the subsequent day.

“As of February 1, Cape Town City Hall has been designated as the parliamentary precinct, in accordance with Section 2 of the Powers, Privileges, and Immunities of Parliament and Provincial Legislatures Act,” she said.

SONA will be broadcast live on radio and TV and streamed live on Parliament’s website, the DStv channel (408), and YouTube channel.

“The Cape Town City Hall will also host the two-day debate on the President’s address, featuring a joint sitting of the Houses, and the President’s reply to the debate.

“Additionally, it will be the venue for the Minister of Finance’s Budget Speech, scheduled a few days later. All attendees, including Members of Parliament (MPs) and invited guests, will be attending physically,” Mapisa-Nqakula said.

Approximately 490 Members of Parliament and representatives of the South African Local Government Association will be seated in the chamber.

“These SONA proceedings will maintain the full ceremonial format of previous years. The activities include a 21-gun salute, an aircraft flypast, a ceremonial guard, the step guard salute, the singing of the national anthem, a full military band, and ceremonial processions involving provincial Speakers, Premiers, the judiciary, the Deputy President, and the President.

“The President will take a salute on the platform in front of the Madiba statue, located on the City Hall balcony. This position offers an optimal view of the national anthem performance by the South African National Defence Force military band, synchronised with the 21-gun salute and fly-past,” the Speaker said.

The critical element of public participation of the involvement of the junior guard of honour and eminent persons has been reinstated. The Junior Guard of Honour consists of 100 learners, selected from four schools in the Western Cape.

“The praise singer tasked with ushering the President into the House is Senziwe Hatty Maliba, also known as Nkosatane Nziwe, a 24-year-old young woman from the Nkomazi Municipality in the Mpumalanga province. The choice of language for the Imbongi is determined through a rotational selection process, and SiSwati has been chosen as the language for this occasion,” Mapisa-Nqakula said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

nosihle
Tue, 02/06/2024 - 13:52

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Health working around the clock to absorb unemployed doctors – Minister Phaahla

Location: News

Health working around the clock to absorb unemployed doctors - Minister Phaahla

Health Minister Dr Joe Phaahla says while there are budgetary constraints when it comes to the employment of doctors who wish to remain in the public service after completing community service, the Department of Health is working around the clock to address this.

“We are doing everything possible, working with the provincial Health Departments, to mobilise resources to fund vacant posts, especially in health facilities in underserved communities,” the Minister said on Monday. 

Phaahla was addressing media on issues related to the employment of medical doctors and other health professionals in the country.

This follows an ongoing public outcry over doctors who have completed statutory community service programmes but remain unemployed.

Phaahla said doctors play a valuable role in the public health system of the country.

He explained that all graduates from medical school must do a two-year internship training in designated health facilities accredited by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). Once they have completed their internship, they must do a one-year community service in health facilities.

“As of now, all those graduates who were eligible for placement to do internship have been placed. Equally, all those who finished the internship and were eligible to start community service have been placed,” said Phaahla.

However, the Minister clarified that once a doctor has finished community service, they are registered with the HPCSA in the category of medical officer independent practice. This means they can work on their own without supervision, including as a single private practitioner.

“We appreciate the fact that there are many medical officers who are now registered for independent practice, who prefer to stay in the public service. 

“Unlike internship and community service, which are a statutory requirement and are subject to placement by the Department of Health, independent practitioners have an individual choice of where to go. We are unable to know how many wish to stay in the public service,” the Minister said.

However, he said the trade union submitted a list of 825 unemployed medical doctors in January 2023. 

The department has since found that out of the 825 doctors on the list, 694 had just completed their community service on 31 December 2023. Most of these have applied for medical officer posts in the various provinces. 

“However, the [provinces] place adverts at varying times, depending on several factors, especially budget availability,” Phaahla said, adding that some doctors on the list still needed to complete their community service obligations. 

Phaahla also touched on the extremely high cost of employment, which can be up to 65% of annual budgets in some instances. 

He also noted that the salary increases of 7.5% and benefits such as overtime put pressure on the fiscus. 

According to the Minister, an entry-level community service doctor earns about R1.2 million per annum, while a chief specialist can earn R3 million a year.

“Given the fiscus challenges the country is facing, as alluded to by the Minister of Finance, the department has had several bilateral engagements with National Treasury to find creative ways to shield the healthcare service and the frontline workforce.” 

In addition, Phaahla noted the rising numbers of unemployed graduates experienced across many sectors. 

However, in the public health sector, the employment of health professionals has been on a steady increase, from 1 472 medical interns appointed in 2018 to 2 101 in 2024. 

“These increases over these years have happened despite the funding constraints,” he said.

Since October 2023 to date, the Minister said 564 medical officer posts were filled, 239 posts are currently advertised in the media, and 375 will be advertised in the next six months.

“It is important that I emphasise that doctors would need to apply like any other person wishing to join the public service. In addition, we are looking at a review of the current dispensation for the employment of doctors, especially medical officers and specialists.” – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Mon, 02/05/2024 - 15:37

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Read moreHealth working around the clock to absorb unemployed doctors – Minister Phaahla

Quiz: What Type of Date Night Should you Book for Valentine’s Day?

Location: MyPR

Feeling the pressure to plan the perfect Valentine’s Day date, but undecided about what would make it truly special for you and your partner? Or perhaps you’re not a fan of the traditional ‘Day of Love’ celebration but still want to create lasting, magical memories with your loved one? Fear not! This quiz is designed …

Read moreQuiz: What Type of Date Night Should you Book for Valentine’s Day?

Beyond budgets: A guide to holistic financial goal setting in 2024

Location: MyPR

Now is the time to reflect on your financial state and set meaningful goals for the year to come. Whether you are aiming to build an emergency fund, pay off debt, or invest for the future, establishing clear financial objectives is crucial to achieving long-term stability and success. Stian De Witt, executive head of financial …

Read moreBeyond budgets: A guide to holistic financial goal setting in 2024

Take the Janu-worry out of your insurance with these budget-friendly tips

Location: MyPR

January is typically when consumers review their budgets and try to make them stretch even further. Many people don’t include their insurance in this exercise – but they really should because they could end up saving money every month. King Price’s client experience partner, Wynand van Vuuren, says that reviewing your insurance is an investment …

Read moreTake the Janu-worry out of your insurance with these budget-friendly tips