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Nguni cattle handover boosts commercialisation efforts

Location: News

Nguni cattle handover boosts commercialisation efforts

Farmers in the Eastern Cape have welcomed the handover of 17 Nguni cattle bulls as part of the Livestock Production Improvement Scheme (LPIS).

The handover was recently officiated by the Eastern Cape MEC of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform, Nonkqubela Pieters.

The provincial Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) is driving the commercialisation of livestock development in communal and smallholder farming communities in order to increase red meat production in the Eastern Cape.

Through partnerships with the private and public sector, the department continues to support farmers to participate in the agricultural value chain, contribute to the economy and create jobs.

The livestock was handed over to farmers in the Sarah Baartman, Amathole and OR Tambo Districts. The initiative was made possible by the department in partnership with the East Cape Nguni Club and the Dohne Agricultural Development Institute.

“…These cattle [are beautiful] and they are given to [the farmers] so that they can make money. I’m giving [them] a responsibility to guard their money.

“Our aim is to develop farmers to become commercial, hence this programme and we encourage farmers to guard and use these animals wisely for the benefit of their businesses,” Pieters said.

Farmers expressed their gratitude, saying the bulls will improve the quality of their livestock and fetch good prices at the market.

Ntombomzi Qeqe-Lwana, of Die Vlagte farm in Somerset East, hailed the department’s endeavours to ensure communal farmers are given resources and investments that will help them produce quality meat and get profits.

“I thank the department very much for these Nguni bulls because it will assist me to change my flock and my customers will get satisfaction. This handover came at a good time. When we start the new year, we will know we have quality breeds to develop our cattle.

“It’s a good programme as it assists us to venture into markets and get profits so that we can fend for our families and create employment,” Qeqe-Lwana said.

Sicelo Rozani from Libode said he was farming with both cattle and sheep. He applied for assistance from the department and was elated to get two bulls.

“We are very grateful to the department for this gift. It will assist us in growing our enterprises in the rural space,” Rozani said.

In the 2023/24 financial year, the department set aside a budget of R12.8 million to support communal and smallholder farmers with 250 cattle, 500 sheep and 200 goats to enhance red meat and animal fibre development in the province. – SAnews.gov.za

Matona
Wed, 12/27/2023 - 11:09

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SANRAL to inject billions into construction industry in 2024

Location: News

SANRAL to inject billions into construction industry in 2024

The South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) has started adjudicating tenders worth R6.43 billion that will be awarded early in 2024 to boost the construction industry.

SANRAL’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Reginald Demana, said the 77 tenders for various road construction projects were advertised at the end of November 2023 under the road agency’s Interim Preferential Procurement Policy (PPP) and submission closed on 14 December.

“SANRAL is currently adjudicating 77 tenders which will give the construction industry a good start in the New Year, helping to create thousands of jobs and inject billions of rands into the economy.

“While the rest of South Africa is winding down for the festive season, SANRAL is working hard to get South Africa’s construction industry off to a flying start in the New Year. The fact that our officials are working through the holidays to adjudicate these tenders is an indication of our commitment to fulfilling the promises we made to the South African public and it shows that we are getting back to business as soon as possible.

“We understand the role that construction and infrastructure development plays in the construction industry and we are determined to overcome the disruptions which resulted from court challenges to our PPP adopted in May 2023.

“We are squarely focussed on developing, maintaining and improving the national road network in line with our mandate from government,” Demana said on Wednesday.

After several court challenges launched by construction companies, SANRAL announced on 24 October that it was withdrawing the PPP adopted in May 2023 and embarked on a countrywide consultation process with interested and affected parties to adopt an interim PPP.

The 77 tenders, which are currently being adjudicated, were advertised in line with the interim policy.

Demana stressed that SANRAL was making every effort to catch up on time that the industry had lost by putting out 86 of the less complex consulting and construction tenders that were cancelled and subsequently re-advertised at the end of November.

The CEO said 1 040 bids were received for the 77 tenders and this illustrated the significance of SANRAL projects in the construction industry.

The breakdown of the 1 040 bids is as follows:

  • 124 bids for national contracts with an estimated value of R350 million;
  • 279 received for the Northern Region (Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North-West) with an estimated value of R548 million;
  • 247 received for the Eastern Region (Free State and KwaZulu-Natal) with an estimated value of R2.1 billion;
  • 240 received for the Southern Region (Eastern Cape) with an estimated value of R2.83 billion, and;
  • 150 for the Western Region (Northern Cape and Western Cape) with an estimated value of R600 million.

“We are encouraged and at the same time humbled by this overwhelming response. It also tells us that the numerous engagements we had with interested and affected parties across the country has paved the way for more effective collaboration with all our stakeholders in the industry,” Demana said. 

The official shutdown period for the construction sector commenced on 14 December 2023 and will end on 9 January 2024.

While all conventional road construction will be suspended during this time, SANRAL’s Routine Road Maintenance teams remain on standby to respond to any incident on the national road network.

“We wish to thank all our consultants and contractors for working around the clock to keep our projects on track and within budget. May you all have a well-deserved break with your loved ones and stay safe wherever you may travel,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

nosihle
Thu, 12/21/2023 - 10:00

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Thousands of jobs created in tourism, clothing sectors in W Cape 

Location: News

Thousands of jobs created in tourism, clothing sectors in W Cape 

Targeted skills programmes run by the Western Cape’s Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT), in partnership with the private sector, resulted in 2 772 jobs for previously unemployed young people between April and November 2023. 

The province said there has been "notable" post-pandemic growth in the tourism sector. 

According to the latest data, between 2021 and 2022, 154 442 tourism jobs were created in the province, bringing the total to 214 909 jobs.

“In just three sectors in the Western Cape, we have seen the creation of nearly 160 000 jobs since 2021.  This achievement has not happened by chance and is the result of hard work, strategic support, and critical partnerships with the private sector to support and enable businesses to do what they do best – create jobs,” said Western Cape Finance and Economic Opportunities MEC, Mireille Wenger.

She said she was “extremely” proud of the work done by DEDAT, together with the private sector. 

“We are getting the most out of every cent of public funds by enabling job creation in the province, despite the current tough economic climate and a fiscal crisis that has resulted in unprecedented in-year budget cuts. 

“The thousands of jobs being created are a true testament to the power of partnerships between the public and private sectors, for the benefit of all residents,” Wenger said. 

She noted the key outcomes of the targeted programmes within DEDAT this year. 

These include the skills training and placement programmes in the clothing and textiles sector, which created 402 jobs. 

Meanwhile, the partnership with Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) also placed 124 unemployed youth at the Cape Town International Airport to assist with providing information services to travellers and help process passengers in peak times. 

The provincial department also worked with the thriving Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector to upskill and place 2 196 previously jobless youngsters in full-time employment opportunities in the sector. 

“2023 has been a year of jobs and growth in the Western Cape.” 

However, Wenger said without a growing pool of talent, the province cannot hope to take full advantage of the immense potential of the economy or give young people the opportunities they need to succeed. 

“This is why we will continue to work hard with our partners and stakeholders across all levels of government, our international partners and investors, and across the private sector to invest in the right qualifications, skills, and experience for jobs available this year and in the future. 

“We can create many more jobs and opportunities for a better future for everyone in our province,” Wenger said. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Wed, 12/20/2023 - 11:37

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Young men urged to consider nursing as a career

Location: News

Young men urged to consider nursing as a career

KwaZulu-Natal Health MEC, Nomagugu Simelane, has urged young men to consider pursuing a career in the nursing profession. 

Simelane made the call during the graduation ceremony of 197 nurses, including 56 male nurses, from the KwaZulu-Natal College of Nursing.

“In our engagements with men during our community outreach programmes, such as Isibaya Samadoda and Ikhosomba Lamajita, we have established that some men are too ‘shy’ to speak openly to female health practitioners about certain ailments that they might have - especially those that may pertain to their sexual reproductive health - but also other diseases as well.

“As a result of this, men are simply dying from diseases that are otherwise preventable, treatable or manageable, purely because they do not come to our facilities. We are saying that the time has come for men to stop dying due to diseases such as prostate cancer, male breast cancer, HIV and AIDS, diabetes, hypertension and many others,” Simelane said.

The MEC said the department will continue to actively promote programmes that will ultimately make most its facilities “men-friendly.”

“When we delivered the Budget Speech for the 2023/24 financial year, one of the points that we re-iterated quite strongly was the elevation of Men’s Health in the province. This was actually the re-affirmation of a commitment that we made when we assumed office in 2019.

“We have made a commitment that every local municipality must have at least one facility – whether a CHC (community health centre) or a 24-hour clinic – that is dedicated to the health of men. These facilities will have a male nurse during the day, and after hours [because] we want to make it easy for men to visit healthcare facilities,” Simelane said.

The MEC also noted that the overall representation of men in the department currently stands at 12% across all nursing categories, and at 20% when it comes to nursing managers.

However, she said, when it comes to the student nurse cohort, men account for 42%, which is a “welcome improvement towards the goal that we are pursuing.”

“We also note with a great deal of encouragement that 56 men are graduating as male nurses today, which will add to the existing 4 088 cohort of male nurses. We encourage more men to consider pursuing a career in the nursing profession,” Simelane said.

The MEC also called on all nurses in KwaZulu-Natal not to neglect their own health, while caring for others.

“Finding the time to take care of our health is not a luxury, but an absolute necessity. It is not an option or an afterthought, but a fundamental priority. 

“We therefore encourage regular screening and preventive care among yourselves as well, because it can help detect potential health problems early, making them easier to manage or even prevent,” the MEC said.

Turning her attention to patient care, Simelane emphasised the need for nurses to advocate and care for patients. 

“Do not be that single bad element who gives everyone else a bad name. Do not let your actions tarnish the image of your facility, our department, the community that you come from, and the nursing profession at large.

“Always remember the commitments that you’ve made in the Nurses’ Pledge, and stick to them. Remember that you have the power to heal, to comfort, and to inspire,” Simelane said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

GabiK
Mon, 12/18/2023 - 14:37

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Health sets record straight on placement of medical interns, community service graduates 

Location: News

Health sets record straight on placement of medical interns, community service graduates 

The Department of Health says it has noted an inaccurate article, with a misleading headline, by News24 about the placement of medical interns and community service doctors. 

According to the article, National Treasury budget cuts could affect community service placements for nearly 200 health workers.

“Recent cuts to South Africa's provincial budgets are making less money available to pay for health science graduates, who need to do their community service. These positions are often crucial to the healthcare needs of poor and underserved communities,” the article read. 

The publication went further to say that nearly 200 graduates from the medicine, dental and rehabilitation therapy fields, who need to do community service before they can be fully-fledged doctors, had not been placed by 12 December. 

However, the department, working with provincial Departments of Health, said it has ensured that all health professionals that are essential to delivering health services are all allocated in positions as of 12 December 2023 for the 2024 intake. 

“The shortfalls in other areas of need, excluding medical interns and most categories of community service, are being addressed as a matter of urgency,” the department stressed. 

These, according to the department, include eight dentist posts, eight dietitian posts, 38 physiotherapist posts, and 118 environmental health practitioners. 

“The department would like to assure all unplaced graduates, who meet the minimum requirements, that all efforts are being made to have them allocated posts, and they will be kept abreast of the developments.” 

The department announced on 5 December that it had concluded the process of placing medical interns and community service applicants on the Internship and Community Service Programme (ICSP), due to commence next year.  

The department said all successful applicants have been notified accordingly. 

According to the department, it received 10 386 applications through an online application system, of which 10 228 were South African citizens, including permanent residents and 158 were foreign nationals. 

The department at the time said 9 395 applicants have since been placed, including medical doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other health professionals at health facilities throughout the country. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Gabisile
Mon, 12/18/2023 - 10:13

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Read moreHealth sets record straight on placement of medical interns, community service graduates 

7 Questions Retirees Should Inquire Before Investing in Estate Apartments

Location: MyPR

The trend of retiring to the coast will likely continue into 2024, with secure estates still attracting a lot of interest. Within these, retirees will have to consider exactly which type of home style is best suited to them, from free-standing and maisonette to apartment living. “We’ve noticed that a lot of retirees, who are …

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Unwrap Joy: Unique Secret Santa Ideas

Location: MyPR

FUTURELIFE® makes Festive Season gifting easy with their new range The holiday season is a time for warmth, joy, and giving. While the sentiment behind gift-giving is priceless, finding the perfect presents doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. This Festive Season, FUTURELIFE® is offering thoughtful, budget-friendly ‘Secret Santa’ ideas that will spread …

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African Development Bank approves $300 million for energy governance and climate resilience

Location: News

African Development Bank Group (AfDB)
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The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) has approved a $300 million loan to South Africa to implement its Energy Governance and Climate Resilience Programme.

The Programme prepared in collaboration with other development partners including the World Bank and KfW Development Bank (KfW), will help advance South Africa's energy transition.

It will spur economic growth by furthering structural reforms to restore energy security, promote private sector participation in the electricity market and enhance the operational efficiency of the national power utility Eskom in line with South Africa's Energy Action Plan and the Just Energy Transition Investment Plan (JET IP) 2023–2027.

The Programme will accelerate mitigation and adaptation efforts by promoting renewable energy generation and shifting businesses to low-carbon activities, resulting in lowering the carbon footprint of the South African economy and improving financing for green projects. These expected outcomes align with South Africa's updated Nationally Determined Contribution and the country's Long-term Low-Emissions Development Strategy.

It will ensure the security and affordability of energy for families and small businesses. It will enable the government to increase budget allocations to connect electricity to poor households and establish a mechanism to encourage families and micro- and medium-sized businesses to invest in renewable energy.

The reform priorities discussed with the Government are designed to complement and create synergies with existing support from the African Development Bank and other development finance institutions for the Just Energy Transition.

Through a $629 800 (470 000 UA) grant with co-financing from the Climate Insurance Fund, the Bank will provide support to ensure affected communities are not left behind, crowd in more women as decision-makers and support young entrepreneurs, especially women, to build skills and create jobs for the green economy.

South Africa's country's Energy Governance and Climate Resilience Programme aligns with the African Development Bank's ‘High 5' strategic priorities, especially "Light up and Power Africa", "Industrialise Africa", and "Improve the quality of life for the people of Africa".

Welcoming the operation, Mrs Leila Mokaddem, Director General for Southern Africa, noted the Bank's long-term support to South Africa's energy sector. Energy has the largest share of the Bank's portfolio at 43.4%. The programme complements this support and aligns with the recently approved Country Strategy Paper (CSP) for South Africa, which recognizes the centrality of Energy reforms to achieve economic growth and improve business confidence.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Editor's note: A previous version of this press release issued 31 October 2023, included references to potential contribution from the Government of Canada. This has been removed.

Media Contact:
Mansour Diouf
Communication and External Relations Department
Email: media@afdb.org

About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group is Africa's premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org.

Read moreAfrican Development Bank approves $300 million for energy governance and climate resilience

The Landscape of Storage Units in Johannesburg

Location: MyPR

Johannesburg’s diverse and dynamic nature is reflected in its storage unit offerings. From basic self-storage units in the suburbs to more sophisticated, climate-controlled facilities in the business districts, there’s a solution for every need. These facilities cater to a wide range of clients, including individuals, families, students, and businesses. Key Features to Look For: Security: …

Read moreThe Landscape of Storage Units in Johannesburg

Navigating the World of Apartments for Sale: A Guide for Buyers

Location: MyPR

Introduction The search for an apartment is an exciting journey, offering the promise of a new home and lifestyle. This blog provides an overview of the key factors to consider when exploring the market for apartments for sale, aiming to guide potential buyers through this significant decision. Understanding Your Needs Before diving into the apartment …

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South Africa: 16 days are over, now the real work begins

Location: News

Republic Of South Africa: Western Cape Provincial Government
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The 16 Days of Activism For No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign has come to an end, but now the real work begins and must continue every day.

For the Western Cape Government (WCG), addressing gender-based violence is not limited to the period of 25 November to 10 December. It is a priority throughout the year.

The Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) has been leading the roll-out of the WCG GBV Implementation Plan. The plan has assisted us in the planning, coordination, and monitoring of efforts that aim to address GBV, directly and indirectly.

It fortifies current GBV services and interventions and allows us to explore new opportunities, like the geo-mapping system the DSD has developed to track the prevalence of GBV in the province and allocate resources accordingly.

“We are doing as much as we can to stem the tide of violence, and support survivors, but government is not the sole agent of change. We are already seeing the very real impact of the 2023 national wage agreement and national budget pressures. Due to the significant cuts from national government in the Adjusted Budget for 2023/24, the Department reduced and reprioritized funding allocations to several sub-programmes, including the Victim Empowerment Programme (VEP),” says Provincial Minister of Social Development Sharna Fernandez.

“This unprecedented cut in the current financial year – and projected reductions in the new financial year – meant we had to halt the opening of a new GBV shelter in Murraysburg. While further cuts are speculative at this stage, I am deeply concerned about the NGO and NPO sector, as well as DSD staff who may have to deal with the increased demand for services. Now more than ever, we need our partners across society to take hands with NGOs in the GBV space that are providing crucial services to survivors and their children. Corporates and citizens who can support registered entities, I encourage you to do so.”

The Department remains committed to supporting all those impacted by violence and abuse, whether women, children, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, or men.

76 178 GBV survivors accessed psychosocial support services provided and funded by DSD in 2022/2023, a significant increase from 51 790 in 2020/21. DSD also funds 26 shelters across the province.

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

Read moreSouth Africa: 16 days are over, now the real work begins

The Essentials of Document Management Systems: A Comprehensive Guide

Location: MyPR

In today’s digital era, efficient management of documents is crucial for businesses and organizations of all sizes. A Document Management System (DMS) is not just a tool for organizing files; it’s a comprehensive solution that enhances productivity, security, and accessibility. This blog post aims to explore the key aspects of DMS, its benefits, and considerations …

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Gender-based violence statistics highlight failures of plans to address the scourge

Location: MyPR

As South Africa engages in the last week of the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign, a R1.6 billion budget allocation has done little to stem the tide of violent crimes against women and children. Commitments at presidential summits on gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) in 2018 and 2022, including the budget …

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President Ramaphosa to address Presidential Plenary on Science, Technology and Innovation

Location: News

President Ramaphosa to address Presidential Plenary on Science, Technology and Innovation

President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to address the inaugural Presidential Plenary on Science, Technology and Innovation (STI).

The plenary will be held at the CSIR International Convention Centre in Pretoria, next Tuesday. 

“The STI Plenary will bring together leaders in government, industry, academia and civil society to discuss progress made in the National System of Innovation (NSI) and challenges in this sector, and will explore ways for STI and skills development to impact positively on the South African economy,” the Presidency said in a statement. 

In November 2022, Cabinet adopted the STI Decadal Plan to guide the first 10 years of implementing the 2019 White Paper on STI. 

"The Decadal Plan seeks to respond to Phase II (2020-2024) and III (2025-2030) of attaining the National Development Plan (NDP) targets for STI, which propose that innovation is earmarked to improve the productivity and competitiveness of key sectors of the South African economy and contribute to higher GDP growth rates overall." 

The White Paper introduced the concept of an Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on STI and a Presidential STI Plenary as instruments to enhance STI policy coherence, as well as programme and budget coordination in the South African national system of innovation.
 
“In this regard, the plenary will allow all role players to reflect collaboratively on progress with STI initiatives, and jointly commit resources for recommended STI initiatives,” the Presidency said. 

An Inter-Ministerial Committee on STI, established in March 2021, is led by the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation and comprises Ministers of STI-intensive government departments.

The President will also visit an exhibition of locally produced, market-ready innovations in areas such as space science, health and energy. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Thu, 12/07/2023 - 10:15

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Government departments urged to pay suppliers on time

Location: News

Government departments urged to pay suppliers on time

Public Service Commission (PSC) Commissioner Anele Gxoyiya says out of 40 national government departments, only 15 have fully complied with the policy on timeous payment of service providers.

Gxoyiya on Tuesday addressed media in Pretoria on the PSC’s Quarterly Bulletin titled: ‘The Pulse of the Public Service’.

According to the PSC, the number of invoices paid after 30 days by the national and provincial departments amounts to 117 158, with the rand value of R11.1 billion.  This represents a regression of 12% when compared with the number of invoices paid after 30 days by national and provincial departments during the first quarter of the 2022/23 financial year, which amounted to 104 937 invoices, with the rand value of R8.6 billion.

Gxoyiya encouraged the departments that are compliant to maintain their performance and continue to pay all legitimate invoices from suppliers within 30 days, as required by the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and its related prescripts.

“The rand value of invoices paid after 30 days in the first quarter of the 2023/24 financial year amounted to R1.2 billion, and this indicates a regression of 126% when compared to the rand value of invoices paid after 30 days in the first quarter of the 2022/23 financial year, which amounted to R530 million,” said Gxoyiya.

The most common reasons provided by both the national and provincial departments for the late or non-payment of invoices are interruptions caused by poor internal controls, internal capacity, and budget constraints.

“North West provincial departments reported the second highest invoices paid after 30 days, amounting to 12 988 invoices, with the rand value of R880 million during the same period.

“In contrast, Eastern Cape provincial departments reported the highest number of invoices older than 30 days amounting to 25 789, with the rand value of R2.3 billion at the end of June 2023,” Gxoyiya said.

According to the PSC, the main contributing departments towards late or non-payment of invoices at national level are the Departments of Home Affairs; Correctional Services; Defence; Military Veterans; South African Police Service; Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development; Transport; Water and Sanitation; Public Works and Infrastructure; Health, and Tourism.

Gxoyiya advocated for transparency in dealing with public finances.

“Transparency is subtly intertwined with accountability... Transparency is pivotal to democracy and accountability, as well as upholding the principles of responsiveness and efficiency.

“In many ways, democracy is government by explanation because in an open and democratic society, government should be accountable for its actions and decisions, which should be informed by rational considerations that are explicable to those affected by them,” Gxoyiya said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Tue, 12/05/2023 - 13:34

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Agent Vs. Diy: Property Transactions

Location: MyPR

Paul Stevens, CEO of Just Property, a leading real estate group in Southern Africa, has some serious concerns for those striking out on their own. The first concern that springs to mind when I’m asked whether it’s better to DIY the business of property is security. Firstly, the security of your investment. Property is usually …

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