MyZA

News, Directory, Events and Other Stuff

You are here: Home / Archives for Cape Town

Cape Town

Basic Education works to develop school safety guidelines

Location: News

Basic Education works to develop school safety guidelines

Following recent cases of food poisoning among learners, the Department of Basic Education is working with the Department of Health to develop safety guidelines for schools to effectively mitigate the risks of organophosphate pesticide exposure in school environments.

This was announced by the Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube at a media briefing in Cape Town on Wednesday.
Gwarube said that learner safety is her top priority, and that the Department of Basic Education (DBE) is taking the matter seriously.

“In response to these incidents, my department is working with the Department of Health to develop safety guidelines for schools on how best to mitigate the risks of organophosphate pesticides entering school environments. 

“These will be aimed at ensuring that communities and vendors near schools are aware of the risks associated with hazardous chemicals, especially those used for pest control purposes. I will ensure that these are finalised as soon as possible,” she explained.

This as the country has experienced a spate of deaths and children falling ill after eating snacks from local spaza shops across the country.  Six Soweto children died after they were said to have consumed snacks from a local spaza shop. At a recent media briefing, Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, announced that forensic tests unveiled that the six primary school children were killed by a highly toxic organophosphate called Terbufos.

READ | Death of six Soweto children linked to Terbufos

At the briefing Gwarube highlighted that initial investigations have shown that incidents originated from food items purchased outside of school premises, particularly items tainted with hazardous chemicals such as organophosphates. 

READ | Mother and son hospitalised after consuming food from spaza shop

Organophosphate pesticides are highly toxic substances and pose a significant risk, especially to young children. In these cases, it appears that certain foods were contaminated, resulting in serious health consequences for the affected learners.

“I want to urge communities, parents, and vendors to exercise extreme caution when handling, storing, and selling pesticides, particularly those known to contain harmful chemicals. The proper handling of pesticides is not just a matter of regulatory compliance but of ensuring that our children are safe in the environments where they learn, play, and grow,” she said. 

The Minister said that she is exploring all possible legal avenues, within a basic education context, to ban these pesticides and insecticides from entering into school environments. 

“It is my view that no school should be permitted to store or use these dangerous chemicals on its premises. Our objective is to create a safe learning environment for every child, and we are committed to implementing the necessary steps to make this a reality.”

Learner safety

Within the DBE’s commitment to fostering a safe and supportive environment for all learners, Gwarube said it was with a heavy heart that she addresses the deeply distressing incident of the rape of five Grade 12 learners in the Eastern Cape.

The incident occurred in Mqhekezweni, outside Mthatha, where the learners from Jongintaba High School were sexually assaulted by two armed intruders last week. 

“I want to express my deepest sadness for what these young people have endured. Such acts of violence are abhorrent and utterly unacceptable, particularly during a time when these learners should be focused on their studies and their futures.

“In response to this tragedy, the department has prioritised psychosocial support for the affected learners, ensuring that they have access to counselling and trauma care services. Our priority is to support them in their recovery, giving them the space and assistance they need to heal.”

She added that this incident also highlights the broader need for a more robust approach to safeguarding learners from gender-based violence (GBV) within and outside the school environment. 

She emphasised that schools are a space of learning and growth, and that this should be reflected in communities as well. 
“It is unacceptable that women and children should feel unsafe in this country, we must act with all urgency to end the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide. 

“We are working closely with local law enforcement and community stakeholders to ensure that justice is served for those five learners,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

DikelediM
Wed, 11/06/2024 - 15:20

144 views
Read moreBasic Education works to develop school safety guidelines

Telviva Expands UK UCaaS Offering to Meet Rising Demand

Location: Business

Strong global demand for UCaaS sees Telviva expand its offering in the UK CAPE TOWN – Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) has enjoyed good growth globally and will continue to show upward momentum until at least 2030, according to leading research company Cavell Group. To meet this growing demand, leading unified communications and collaboration …

Read moreTelviva Expands UK UCaaS Offering to Meet Rising Demand

AEW Highlights Critical Minerals Role in African Renewables Growth

Location: News
African Energy Chamber

Africa must expand its renewable energy manufacturing capabilities and leverage its critical minerals to foster growth in its renewables sector, according to James Mackay, Managing Director at the Energy Council of South Africa.

Speaking on a panel discussion during African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies' Pre-Event Technical Workshops, Mackay said the high cost of renewables in Africa could be lowered by enhancing local manufacturing capacity, making vital technologies more accessible for project developers.

“Egypt is currently leading in solar manufacturing, but other African governments should work to attract investments and implement policies that incentivize manufacturers to establish operations on the continent,” stated Mackay.

Carlos Torres Diaz, Senior Vice President & Head of Gas and Power Markets Research, Rystad Energy highlighted Africa's youthful workforce as a strategic advantage in developing innovative solutions required to harness the continent's 30% share of global critical minerals. According to Diaz, the focus is no longer solely on replacing fossil fuels but on integrating all energy resources and using digital tools to stabilize the power grid.

“Gas-to-power solutions remain essential for stability alongside renewables,” he noted.

Despite holding 40% of the world's total solar potential, Africa currently utilizes only 35% of its capacity, according to Nivedh Das Thaikoottathil, Senior Analyst – Renewables & Power at Rystad Energy. Thaikoottathil pointed out that Africa's ability to add value to its critical minerals will shape its potential to produce over 100,000 TWh of solar energy annually, potentially increasing the share of solar and wind from 8% today to 60% by 2040.

Commenting on high-growth renewable energy markets in Africa, Thaikoottathil said South Africa, Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia, Mauritania and Mozambique are the key players.

“We are seeing growing financing for renewable projects and new interconnectors between North Africa and Europe, with 24 GW of proposed capacity aimed at linking the regions,” he said.

AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024 is held alongside the Critical Minerals Africa Summit which will run from November 6 – 7 November in Cape Town, offering delegates access to the full scope of energy, mining and finance leaders.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Media files
African Energy Chamber
Download logo
Read moreAEW Highlights Critical Minerals Role in African Renewables Growth

AEW 2024 Opens in Cape Town with Clarion Calls to Drill, Invest and Drive Projects Forward

Location: News
African Energy Chamber

The African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2024 conference officially opened with calls from the industry to ‘drill baby drill.' Citing the need to enhance climate justice through the development of domestic energy resources, industry leaders from across the continent underscored the need to sign deals, foster partnerships and drive projects forward.

With over 600 million people living without access to electricity and 900 million people without access to clean cooking solutions, the AEW: Invest in African Energies opening ceremony – sponsored by Kosmos Energy – positioned the oil and gas industry as the catalyst for making energy poverty history.

“Our priority must continue to be to end energy poverty for all Africans as well as to create an enabling environment where the oil and gas industry can thrive,” stated Diamantino Pedro Azevedo, Minister of Mineral Resources, Petroleum and Gas, Angola. “That is also our priority in Angola. The oil and gas industry will be a fuel for socioeconomic development.”

For the African Petroleum Producers Organization (APPO), prioritizing the development of domestic markets will be integral for eliminating energy poverty. APPO Secretary General Dr. Omar Farouk Ibrahim stated that “Today, APPO is focused on creating an integrated, regional and continental energy market. To create markets, we need to create cross-border, regional and inter-regional infrastructure. One of our projects we are working on is the Central African Pipeline System, which aims to link countries through crude oil and gas pipelines.”

Adding to these remarks, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, Minister in the Presidency, Energy and Electricity, South Africa, said that “Today, Africa's path forward lies in seizing control of our energy destiny. Our resources make us capable of not just powering our homes and industries but a new Africa. This will require unity of purpose and a collective resolve.”

Despite project progress, financing remains a central challenge to oil and gas development in Africa. According to Mary Bruce Warlick, Deputy Executive Director of the International Energy Agency, “African countries account for 20% of the world's population but only 4% of global investment. Energy investment has been falling across the continent over the past decade. Africa needs $200 billion to achieve its climate and energy goals by 2030.”

To address these challenges, the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), in collaboration with APPO, established the Africa Energy Bank, an institution which offers financing for African oil and gas projects. According to Benedict Oramah, President & Chairman of the Board, Afreximbank, “The Africa Energy Bank is the first multilateral sector bank in Africa. We expect the bank to significantly contribute towards bridging the funding gap in the African energy sector. It will be open for business to have access to funding by February in 2025. We invite you to send in your applications to be the first transaction by the Africa Energy Bank, which will be ready in a few months' time.”

The Africa Energy Bank supports energy companies drive projects forward. For independents such as Oando, this presents a strategic opportunity to expand their oil and gas portfolios in Africa. Wale Tinubu CON, Group Chief Executive Officer, Oando PLC, said that “The oil and gas landscape is changing. Between 2015 and 2023, there have been more than $7 billion of divested assets in Africa. In terms of M&A activity, there have been a focus on onshore and shallow water acquisitions and we have seen a rise of indigenous joint ventures and collaborations.”

Stepping into this picture, the AEW: Invest in African Energies conference convenes under a goal to make energy poverty history. By uniting the industry in Cape Town, the event fosters partnerships, promotes deal-signing while creating a collaborative environment for companies to do business in Africa's energy sector.

“It is the time for us to tell the African story, written from Cape to Cairo and Kampala to Dakar. We will forge a path that shapes the future. We have work to do in Africa. We sign baby sign so that we can drill baby drill. Let's not stop getting projects signed,” stated NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Media files
African Energy Chamber
Download logo
Read moreAEW 2024 Opens in Cape Town with Clarion Calls to Drill, Invest and Drive Projects Forward

Tragic Road Accidents Claim Lives in Wellington and George

Location: News

The Western Cape Government is deeply saddened to confirm two tragic incidents that occurred in Wellington and George, earlier today. R44 between Wellington and Hermon at De Rust Farm. The first incident occurred at approximately 07h00 this morning on the R44 between Wellington and Hermon, resulting in two fatalities. Twenty individuals sustained injuries. Authorities are …

Read moreTragic Road Accidents Claim Lives in Wellington and George

Deputy President Mashatile to attend Earthshot Prize Awards

Location: News

Deputy President Mashatile to attend Earthshot Prize Awards

Deputy President Paul Mashatile is expected to attend the 4th Annual Earthshot Prize Awards ceremony, this evening, in Cape Town. 

The Deputy President will be attending Wednesday’s ceremony at the invitation of Britain’s Prince William and on behalf of President Cyril Ramaphosa. 

This marks the first time the event will be held in South Africa.

Started by Prince William in 2020, the prize supports sustainable, eco-friendly projects from around the world. Five winners each receive £ 1 million.

According to the Deputy President’s Office, the prize is the most prestigious global prize for the environment in history, despite only being in its fourth year. 

“Since then, the significant work that Earthshot has done by scaling ingenious solutions to the most pressing challenges facing the world, such as climate change, waste management, cleaning our air, saving our oceans, and saving and restoring nature is remarkable and aligned with South Africa’s priorities towards climate action, environmental protection and restoration, and cleaning the environment,” the Deputy President said. 

Every year, the organisers search the globe for game-changing innovations that will help repair the planet and award the winners of the best five solutions with money to scale their work. 

The initiative exists to discover, spotlight and help grow innovative solutions that are working to repair and regenerate our planet.

Last year, Earthshot welcomed its first South African finalist, ABALOBI, whose technology is making it easier for small fishing communities to monitor fish populations, improve market access, and recognise these communities as stewards of oceans. 

“It is of particular importance that the focus of the Earthshot Prize Awards is on the impact of climate change on Africa and the innovative solutions found on the African continent to mitigate the impact of climate change and environmental degradation.”

Meanwhile, the Deputy President said it was an “honour” to welcome the Prince of Wales to South Africa, highlighting the unique relationship the Royal Family has with the country. 

“The Prince of Wales continues to show his steadfast support and commitment to campaigning for the environment and advocating for the protection of our planet. These prestigious awards play a critical role in supporting and celebrating small enterprises that make a huge difference,” the Deputy President added.

President Ramaphosa met with Prince William in Cape Town on Tuesday. -SAnews.gov.za

 

 

Gabisile
Wed, 11/06/2024 - 09:25

13 views
Read moreDeputy President Mashatile to attend Earthshot Prize Awards

Leaders in energy, investors converge for Africa Energy Week

Location: News

Leaders in energy, investors converge for Africa Energy Week

The African continent’s vast energy-related resources have the potential to forge a prosperous path for the continent. 

This is according to Minister of Energy and Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa’s written notes for his address at the African Energy Week (AEW), which is underway at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

AEW brings together Africa’s leaders in energy, investors and executives in the sector.

“Africa’s path forward lies in seizing control of our energy destiny. Our continent’s vast resources, rich potential, and resilience make us capable not just of fueling our homes and industries but of powering a new African century. 

“But this will require unity of purpose, a commitment to innovation, and a collective resolve to harness Africa’s energy to serve African needs,” Ramokgopa said.

Powering the future

The Minister insisted that the continent – despite its challenges, including energy poverty – has the “potential to lead the world in renewable energy and innovative energy solutions”.

“Africa’s potential for renewable energy is unmatched globally. The continent is rich in diverse renewable resources, each offering a path toward sustainable growth that is less dependent on fossil fuels and more aligned with global climate commitments,” Ramokgopa said.

Going further, the Minister cited the number of renewable energy sources available to the continent including solar and wind energy and hydropower.

“With vast stretches of land bathed in sunlight year-round, Africa has some of the highest solar irradiation levels in the world, especially across regions in the Sahara and Sub-Saharan Africa. Solar energy has the potential to power communities, businesses, and industrial zones, especially in off-grid and rural areas.

“From the coastal winds of Egypt to the strong inland gusts in Kenya and Ethiopia, Africa’s wind corridors hold immense potential for generating clean electricity. Expanding wind energy capacity offers not only a path to sustainability but also an opportunity for job creation in turbine manufacturing and maintenance.

“Africa has significant untapped potential, especially in countries with major rivers, such as the Congo, Nile, and Zambezi. Hydropower projects, when sustainably managed, can provide baseload power to support industrialisation and rural electrification, helping reduce energy costs for industries,” the Minister explained.

African Energy Agenda

Ramokgopa told the conference that as South Africa takes up its leadership of the G20 later this year, it is “positioned to champion Africa’s energy priorities on a global platform”.

“South Africa will advocate for energy policies that bridge the development gap, recognising the continent’s need for clean energy and affordable access. In leading the G20, South Africa will focus on strategic interventions to address Africa’s unique energy needs and support a resilient, inclusive future,” he said.

In relation to this, Ramokgopa emphasised that solutions to Africa’s energy challenges must “accelerate sustainable growth, while considering African economies' unique challenges”. 

“Through our G20 leadership, South Africa is committed to championing an African energy agenda that is bold, just, and rooted in an African value system. Together, let us light up Africa with power and the promise of progress, sovereignty, and sustainable prosperity for every African citizen.

“As South Africa leads the G20, we are dedicated to championing an African energy agenda that addresses our challenges, harnesses our resources, and reflects our vision for self-reliance and prosperity.

“Let us seize this moment to build an energy secure Africa, where every community is empowered, every economy is strengthened, and our shared commitment to the future is unwavering. Together, we can light up Africa not just with power, but with the promise of a brighter, more equitable future for all,” Ramokgopa said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Tue, 11/05/2024 - 12:33

123 views
Read moreLeaders in energy, investors converge for Africa Energy Week

Govt, private sector urged to prioritise education and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities

Location: News

Govt, private sector urged to prioritise education and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities

As various government departments work around the clock to put final touches to the Medium-Term Development Plan (2024-2029), individuals and organisations representing persons with disabilities have called on government and the private sector to prioritise education and employment opportunities. 

This, they say, is key to the realisation of the full inclusion of persons with disabilities in every aspect of South African life.

This emerged on Monday in Cape Town as the Deputy Minister of Social Development, Ganief Hendricks, officially handed over a report of public hearings to the Western Cape MEC of Social Development, Jaco Londt. 

The ceremony was attended by over 90 people representing government and civil society organisations in the disability sector. 

The report and the high-level action are a result of extensive consultations with individuals and organisations representing persons with disabilities during the development of the Draft Policy on Social Development Services to Persons with Disabilities. 

The report argues strongly for government to invest in educational, capacity building, skills development, employment and funding opportunities for persons with disabilities. It further calls for the provision of and training on the use of assistive devices, including wheelchairs and hearing aids to ensure independent living. 

The report is structured around the following province-specific thematic areas:

(i) mainstreaming, inclusivity and accessibility—establishment of municipal advice office to promote accessibility and inclusivity at local level.
(ii) education, capacity building, and skills development—scale up training programmes on assistive devices for persons with disabilities and caregivers.
(iii) employment and socio-economic empowerment—proposed tax rebates for assistive devices and financial support for families promoting accessibility.
(iv) social development support services, such as care and access to funding—consider introduction of differentiated disability grants and tailoring financial support to individual needs, ensuring equitable distribution.

The Deputy Minister quoted the 2022 census data, which estimates that there are 3.3 million persons with disabilities, which constitutes 7.5 % of the South African population. 

“The 2022 census data underscore the fact that persons with disabilities are a large part of the South African families, communities and population. 

“Many of us know someone with a disability, which makes it important for all of us to work together to build a caring and inclusive society that enables persons with disabilities to thrive and contribute to our society,” the Deputy Minister said.

Hendricks added that the high-level action, which was presented as part of the report will be monitored regularly to ensure accountability and implementation by all provinces and key stakeholders.

Sharing her personal journey which drew applause and brought tears to many participants, a South African ability activist and the co-founder and global ambassador of The Chaeli Campaign and Chaeli Foundation SA, Chaeli Mycroft highlighted disability-related costs for individuals and families.

“Disability is very costly as there are significant additional costs faced by individuals and families caring and supporting persons with disabilities which are unfortunately currently not met by existing social grants. 

“It is for this reason that persons with disabilities face enormous challenges in living independently and many are condemned to a life of poverty and social exclusion. It is for this reason that government must increase investment in education and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities,” Mycroft said. 

Mycroft has cerebral palsy and is well known in the disability sector for her activism which has earned her numerous global recognitions, including the International Children’s Peace Prize (2011) and she was awarded the Peace Summit Medal for Social Activism on behalf of all Nobel Peace Laureates. 

She is the first female quadriplegic to summit Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, the highest free-standing mountain in the world. 

In true disability rights awareness style, the handover ceremony was officiated in sign language by Jabaar Mohamed, Western Cape Provincial Director of DeafSA. Last year, President Cyril Ramaphosa made sign language the 12th official language in South Africa.

This was the first of the nine that the Department of Social Development will be handing over to provinces across the country as part of the National Disability Rights Awareness Month, which is observed annually from 3 November-3 December. 

The objective of this campaign is to educate the public about disability issues, take stock of progress and to celebrate the contributions of persons with disabilities in South Africa. – SAnews.gov.za

 

DikelediM
Tue, 11/05/2024 - 10:47

46 views
Read moreGovt, private sector urged to prioritise education and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities

President Ramaphosa to receive visit from Prince William

Location: News

President Ramaphosa to receive visit from Prince William

President Cyril Ramaphosa is today expected to receive a courtesy call from His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, Prince William.

Tuesday’s meeting between the President and The Prince of Wales will take place at the Official Residence of the President in Cape Town.

“The President and Prince William will hold discussions on a number of key issues of mutual interest.

“The visit is indicative of the strong ties the United Kingdom, including the Royal Family, share with South Africa, and also another step towards the deepening of these historic ties,” the Presidency said in a statement.

Prince William is in South Africa to host the 4th Annual Earthshot Prize Awards ceremony to be held on Wednesday.

“The Earthshot Prize is a remarkable initiative that shines a light on the impact of climate change, environmental degradation and pollution, as well as the creative solutions people and communities across the globe generate.

“South Africa is pleased to be the host country for this year’s awards, especially because of the focus this initiative places on the impact climate change and environmental degradation has on the African continent.

“Moreover, the Awards have created local jobs and provided an opportunity for South African artists and designers to showcase their talent,” the President explained. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Tue, 11/05/2024 - 09:07

52 views
Read morePresident Ramaphosa to receive visit from Prince William

Lamola to host UK Foreign Secretary in Cape Town

Location: News

Lamola to host UK Foreign Secretary in Cape Town

International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Ronald Lamola, will host his United Kingdom counterpart, David Lammy, on Tuesday, 5 November 2024, in Cape Town. 

According to the department, the meeting between the Minister and the United Kingdom Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development will focus on strengthening relations between the two nations. 

“The UK is one of South Africa’s most significant bilateral partners, particularly in trade, investment, skills development, science, innovation, the Just Energy Transition and tourism, among others,” the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) said.

According to Lammy’s office, he began his visit to the continent in Nigeria, his first trip to Africa as Foreign Secretary and the first to visit South Africa since 2013. 

Committing to a fresh approach to Africa that works productively from Morocco to Madagascar, Lammy announced the start of a five-month consultation process to ensure African voices inform and sit at the very heart of the United Kingdom’s new approach to the continent.

“Accommodating the diverse needs and ambitions of 54 countries, the consultation will guarantee the UK’s relationships across Africa are based on mutual respect and partnership,” Lammy's Office said.

Lammy believes Africa has huge growth potential, with the continent on track to make up 25% of the world’s population by 2050. 

“Our new approach will deliver respectful partnerships that listen rather than tell, deliver long-term growth rather than short-term solutions and build a freer, safer, more prosperous continent. I want to hear what our African partners need and foster relationships so that the UK and our friends and partners in Africa can grow together,“ he said. 

According to Lammy, growth is the core mission of the UK government and will underpin relationships in Nigeria, South Africa and beyond. 

“This will mean more jobs, more prosperity and more opportunities for Brits and Africans alike.” 

In South Africa, Lammy’s Office said he will agree to develop a new United Kingdom-South Africa Growth Plan. 

“South Africa is our largest trading partner on the continent and this plan will allow trade to flourish even more through collaboration on market access, a new UK Trade Partnership programme to boost South Africa exports, and a new programme to increase the number of agricultural jobs in rural South Africa. This will simultaneously boost trade for Brits whilst bolstering opportunities within South Africa.” 

At the biennial United Kingdom-South Africa bilateral forum, the Foreign Secretary and Lamola will refresh the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to 2030 – raising joint ambition on climate, nature, trade and security, and committing to United Kingdom-South Africa cooperation for the next two years on trade and investment, energy transition, and security. 

South African exports to the United Kingdom supported over 137 000 jobs in 2020. The Foreign Secretary will boost this with the renewal of a risk-sharing partnership between British International Investment and Standard Chartered to provide trade finance for SMEs and corporates operating across Africa and Asia. 

“No growth can be truly inclusive or effective unless it is green,” the statement from Lammy's office read. 

While in South Africa, Lammy will celebrate climate innovation at the Earthshot+ thought leadership conference. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Mon, 11/04/2024 - 11:13

176 views
Read moreLamola to host UK Foreign Secretary in Cape Town

Government activities for the week 04-08 November 2024

Location: News

Government activities for the week 04-08 November 2024

On Monday, 04 November, the Deputy Ministers Kenny Morolong and Peace Mabe lead a guided educational tour to KwaMuhle Museum, Gandhi Settlement and Ohlange Institute in eThekwini. 

Also on Monday, the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie will officially open the National Language Stakeholder Engagement Forum, at the Southern Sun Hotel, Arcadia, in Pretoria.

On Tuesday, 05 November, International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola will host Rt. Hon David Lammy, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development of the United Kingdom (UK) in Cape Town. 

On Wednesday, 06 November, Department of Employment and Labour will host an Employment Seminar on the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) which will be held in Wolmaransstad. 

On Thursday, 07 November, as part of the District Development Model build up programme, the Department of Employment and Labour is providing integrated outreach services to the community of Umnini at the Thusong Centre in Thekwini region in KwaZulu-Natal. 

On Friday, 08 November, President Cyril Ramaphosa will lead the Presidential Imbizo in eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal.

Neo
Mon, 11/04/2024 - 11:32

93 views
Read moreGovernment activities for the week 04-08 November 2024

Chairperson Welcomes Castle Evictions

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: The Parliament
Download logo

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Human Settlements, Mr Nocks Seabi, welcomed the eviction and relocation of people who had illegally occupied the grounds of the Castle of Good Hope in the City of Cape Town. Still, he highlighted that the occupation underscored the continued challenge of access to social housing opportunities in urban areas.

“While we welcome the evictions in the context that those people occupied that space under undignified and horrendous conditions, we remain worried by the continued inequality in our cities, which forces the poor and marginalised to spend inordinate resources on transport to areas of economic activity. The occupation is symptomatic of the country's continuing inequality challenge,” Mr Seabi said.

While the Chairperson welcomed the plans to move affected people to transitional shelters run by City Safe Spaces, he argued that long-term solutions should be found to have integrated communities closer to work and places with high economic activity.

“It is disconcerting that 30 years after the fall of the system of apartheid in South Africa, we are still faced with cities where the poor people live on the margins of society, in most cases far from work opportunities. The time to have inclusive spaces has long passed, and there is a need for urgent action to ensure access to housing opportunities in the city,” Mr Seabi said.

Mr Seabi cautioned about the continued inclination to plan without effectively implementing plans to enable access to housing in cities. “We have long heard of plans to increase housing opportunities in cities, yet we have not seen tangible results. Our people deserve the dignity of quality housing opportunities as promised by the Constitution,” said the Chairperson.

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

Read moreChairperson Welcomes Castle Evictions

Call for meaningful action to deal with wildlife crimes

Location: News

Call for meaningful action to deal with wildlife crimes

Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, has called for decisive and integrated action to deal with wildlife crimes, as they threaten the country’s rich biodiversity and the potential of the eco-tourism industry.

Addressing the United for Wildflife Global Summit 2024 in Cape Town on Monday, the Minister said the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE) plays an indispensable role in shaping South Africa's future within the borders and in the increasingly complex global geopolitical landscape. 

“However, despite local and international efforts to address environmental crime at the highest levels of government, it is essential that we now refocus our efforts towards action. 

“Representatives from the police, customs, prosecuting authorities, financial intelligence units, and environmental and wildlife investigative agencies all hold crucial roles, and your collaboration is essential. 

“We all recognise this global scourge that can only be overcome through a focused and integrated international effort,” the Minister said.

South Africa’s wildlife, plant life and marine life is a target for illicit activities. 

“Our lions, rhinoceros, pangolin, succulent plants, abalone, and our fish stock, to name only a few, are significantly at risk and we must respond. 

“These crimes... have a devastating impact on our country’s moral fabric (where the poaching culture consumes communities) on our existing and potential eco-tourism industry, and on our good standing in the international community as custodians of irreplaceable natural heritage,” George said.

He emphasised that South Africa remains resolutely focused on implementing the National Integrated Strategy to Combat Wildlife Trafficking. 

This strategy aims to establish a well-resourced, integrated, multidisciplinary law enforcement approach to dismantle the illicit value chain of wildlife trafficking within our country and beyond. 

“We recognise that achieving this objective requires the unwavering commitment of our entire government to enhance law enforcement capabilities and to mobilise societal support. 

“As part of implementing the strategy, South Africa actively participated in both informal and formal negotiations leading up to the recent United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime, Conference of Parties. 

“We supported the resolution sponsored by Brazil, France, and Peru, which aims to enhance measures to prevent and combat crimes affecting the environment. This important document recognises that environmental crimes has evolved into a major form of transnational organised crime,” the Minister said.

South Africa remains committed to implementing the key proposals outlined in the resolution.

“We must confront the stark reality that these crimes are not isolated to a series of arbitrary incidents, and that they have developed into highly sophisticated, greed-driven enterprises orchestrated by international criminal syndicates. 

“They exploit our natural heritage for financial gain and cause immeasurable harm to the environment while undermining our conservation efforts. These environmental crimes threaten to ravage the world's natural resources, impose immense financial burdens, and lead to the widespread loss of economic and development opportunities. 

“While we are keenly aware of the threat this poses to security and the rule of law, we must also remain cognisant of the complex issues of poverty and the lack of alternative livelihoods that contribute to the rise of such illicit activities,” the Minister said.

South Africa has also actively participated in WIRE meetings since 2016, which have been instrumental in overcoming obstacles related to information sharing and cooperation in investigations. 

“This has provided an invaluable platform that enables the international community to strategies, overcome obstacles, ensure meaningful cooperation, and respond swiftly when necessary, despite the bureaucratic processes inherent in any government. 

“Collaborating with international counterparts is crucial for tackling wildlife crime, especially since the illicit market is primarily in Southeast Asia. It is essential that we reinforce our working relationship with law enforcement agencies in these countries,” the Minister said. - SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Mon, 11/04/2024 - 12:24

0 views
Read moreCall for meaningful action to deal with wildlife crimes

Expanding PEUGEOT, Citroën, and Opel Offerings in the Western Cape

Location: Business

Stellantis continues its strategic expansion in South Africa, extending the availability of its PEUGEOT, Citroën, and Opel brands through Rola Motor City in Somerset West, Western Cape. This new addition strengthens the brand’s foothold in the region, bringing these iconic brands closer to customers in the area while maintaining a focus on providing a seamless …

Read moreExpanding PEUGEOT, Citroën, and Opel Offerings in the Western Cape

Cape Town in the News 4 November 2024

Location: News

Cape Town underworld figure Mark Lifman killed in George – Radio 786: Cape Town underworld figure Mark Lifman killed in George…continue reading HERE.  Stellenbosch: Famous Grapes – The region is particularly known for its Chenin Blanc and Pinotage wines, which are unique to South Africa.   SA welcomes first cruise ship of the season in …

Read moreCape Town in the News 4 November 2024