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Cape Town
Former Minister Mdladlana to be honoured with Special Official Funeral Category 2
Former Minister Mdladlana to be honoured with Special Official Funeral Category 2
Acting President Paul Mashatile has declared a Special Official Funeral Category 2 to honour former Minister of Labour and High Commissioner to Canada, Membathisi Mphumzi Shepherd Mdladlana.
Mashatile has also offered his sincere condolences to the family and friends of the former Minister, who passed away on Friday, 18 October 2024 at the age of 72.
“The Special Official Funeral Category 2 designated by the Acting President will entail ceremonial elements presented by the South African Police Service.
“The occasion will take place in Cape Town on Saturday, 26 October 2024. Further details will be communicated in due course,” the Presidency said in a statement on Tuesday.
The Acting President further declared that the National Flag be flown at half-mast around the country from Wednesday until the evening of the funeral.
A teacher by training and a former school principal, Mdladlana became a member of South Africa’s first democratic Parliament in 1994.
Four years later, he was appointed Minister of Labour by President Nelson Mandela and was retained in this role by Presidents Thabo Mbeki, Kgalema Motlanthe and Jacob Zuma.
Mdladlana was a seasoned African National Congress (ANC) activist, a passionate teacher, unionist and founding member and first president of the South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU) from 1990 to 1994.
READ | President Ramaphosa mourns passing of former Minister Membathisi Mdladlana
He was also Ambassador of South Africa in Burundi and High Commissioner of South Africa to Canada.
Meanwhile, the Presiding Officers of Parliament, led by National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza and National Council of Provinces Chairperson Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, have also expressed their profound sadness at the passing of Mdladlana.
The Presiding Officers said Mdladlana was a stalwart of South Africa's democratic transformation, whose legacy of service and commitment will forever be remembered.
“As one of the pioneering members of the first post-apartheid Parliament, he played an instrumental role in navigating the country through the complexities of its early democratic journey. His significant contributions to the drafting of the Bill of Rights are a lasting testament to his dedication to safeguarding the fundamental freedoms of all South Africans,” the Presiding Officers said.
Throughout his career, Mdladlana held several key positions, each marked by his leadership and unwavering resolve to serve the nation: Chairperson of the Constitutional Assembly Committee (Theme Committee Four); Member of the Home Affairs Portfolio Committee; Whip of the Parliamentary Programming Committee; Deputy Chairperson of the Parliamentary Scout Union of South Africa; Minister of Labour (1998-2009); Ambassador to Burundi and High Commissioner to Canada.
Mdladlana’s commitment extended far beyond his political and diplomatic roles. He was a tireless advocate for education and the rights of educators. As co-founder and the first President of SADTU, he was instrumental in championing the professionalisation of the teaching profession and advancing the rights of educators.
His leadership in the education sector strengthened the public education system and underscored his belief in education as the bedrock for a more just and prosperous society.
“South Africa has lost a political giant and a trailblazer in our democratic education system. Mr. Mdladlana's contribution is enshrined in the foundation of our democracy and the national education framework.
“His relentless pursuit of equality, his passion for justice, and his unwavering commitment to empowering future generations through education remain an enduring source of inspiration,” the Presiding Officers said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Wed, 10/23/2024 - 09:43
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Suspect Found in Possession of an Assault Rifle
CAPE TOWN – The continued fight to eradicate extortion related crime in our communities yielded success when members of the Anti-Economical and Extortion Crime Task Team arrested a suspect for the illegal possession of firearms and drugs early on Wednesday morning, 23 October 2024. The members received information about firearms that are stored at a …
Meet Africa’s Changemakers
Cape Town – The USAID Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), launched by the United States(U.S.) government in 2010, to invest in supporting emerging African leaders, will showcase 100 YALI alumni at a dedicated pavilion at the Africa Tech Festival 2024. With more than 15,000 attendees from across the continent and the world, the Africa Tech …
Winners of the 2024 naamsa Accelerator Awards
WesBank, proud sponsor of the naamsa Accelerator Awards, congratulates all the winners in this year’s competition, as well as the finalists who made the shortlist for 2024. Held at the conclusion of SA Auto Week, the awards bestowed honour on individuals and organisations that stood out in 2024 for consistently pursuing excellence in their respective …
An Immersive Journey, Where Interior Design Is Reimagined
Cape Town-based interior designer Kim Williams announces the opening of the highly anticipated Kim Williams Design showroom. This vibrant and immersive space invites visitors to explore and interact with every aspect of her creations, including exclusive collaborations. One such collaboration to be unveiled at the opening is the Rakgadi Interior Range – a partnership between …
2024 Bellville Business Expo Fuels Local SMME Growth
The 2024 Bellville Business Expo (BBEXPO) successfully concluded its second annual event on 17 and 18 October 2024 at the Tyger Valley Centre. This eagerly awaited gathering has established itself as a premier business event in Cape Town’s Northern Suburbs. This year’s expo was a resounding success, bringing together over 300 local businesses, industry leaders, …
Petrobras to Lead Brazilian Companies to African Energy Week (AEW) 2024
Brazil's state-owned oil and gas company Petrobras is leading a delegation of Brazilian companies to the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energy conference – taking place November 4-8 in Cape Town. The move follows a string of acquisitions made by Brazilian companies in Africa in recent months and aims to unlock new avenues for partnerships in oil and gas exploration and production.
The delegation comprises Petrobras' Exploration and Production Director Sylvia dos Anjos; Dr. Roberto Ardenghy, President of the Brazilian Institute of Oil and Gas; Dr. Marcio Mello, Founder of the Namibia Energy Corporation; and Henrique Luiz de Barros Penteado, Petrobras Netherlands B.V. Exploration Manager. As the largest energy event in Africa, AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024 offers a strategic platform for strengthened Africa-global partnerships.
AEW: Invest in African Energy is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit http://www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.
Petrobras – the biggest oil producer in Brazil – is rapidly expanding its footprint in Africa, with strategic acquisitions in South Africa, Namibia and São Tomé and Príncipe. In September 2024, the company's board gave the greenlight to acquire a 10% stake in the offshore Deep Western Orange Basin in South Africa, heralding a new era of exploration in the promising block. Situated adjacent to where high-profile discoveries have been made in Namibia, the deepwater block offers significant potential for billion-barrel finds. The block is operated by energy major TotalEnergies alongside project partners QatarEnergy and Sezigyn.
In Namibia, Petrobras is making a bid for a 40% stake in the Mopane oil and gas exploration block, which international oil company Galp has put up for sale. The block was the host of a major discovery in January 2024, with reserves estimated as high as 10 billion barrels recoverable. Now, Galp is seeking farm-in partners to accelerate the development of the block. If successful, the acquisition would signal Petrobras' entry into the market, which has been the host of some of Africa's biggest offshore discoveries in recent years. This aligns with the company's goal to expand its international footprint while paving the way for Namibia to leverage the expertise of its South American neighbor.
Petrobras' return to Africa followed the acquisition of interests in three Shell-operated exploration blocks in São Tomé and Príncipe in December 2023. The deal covers Blocks 10, 11 and 13, aligning with the company's strategy to expand its interests into frontier markets in Africa. The company has dedicated $1.3 billion over the next five years for exploration outside of Brazil, underscoring its commitment to diversifying its portfolio and driving exploration in Africa.
Looking ahead, Petrobras remains committed to frontier exploration opportunities. Recently, Petrobras has asked to consult geological data in Angola, Sierra Leone, Equatorial Guinea, Liberia, Benin and Ivory Coast. The company's newfound upstream strategy aims to significantly enhance its production capacity while tapping into the potential of emerging and promising markets – particularly those in Africa. This extends to producing countries such as Angola, which continues to offer untapped potential in onshore and ultra-deepwater acreage. Angola and Brazil rank in the top ten globally for ultra-deepwater reserves, highlighting a strategic opportunity for collaboration. Frontier assets such as in the Namibe basin offer strategic potential for Petrobras. At AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024, these collaborative opportunities will be a key topic of discussion, with the Brazilian delegation engaging with industry leaders and project developers in Cape Town.
“Brazil's exploration and production history bears remarkable similarities to that of its African counterparts, specifically frontier markets such as Namibia. Offering similar geological characteristics and with a string of large-scale projects underway, lesson learnt from Brazil can accelerate the pace and success of oil and gas developments in Africa. Companies such as Petrobras are already strengthening their portfolio of African assets, driving projects forward in partnership with African and global players,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.
During AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024, the Brazilian delegation will participate in various panel discussions, tackling critical topics such as frontier exploration, sustainable oil and gas development and technology-driven drilling solutions. The delegation's participation creates strategic opportunities for newfound partnerships as African countries move to unlock the full potential of their offshore oil and gas resources.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
Man Arrested in Delft for Unlawful Firearm Possession
WESTERN CAPE – Following the recent spate of shooting incidents in the Delft policing precinct, members of the Anti-Gang Unit were deployed in the area to combat gang violence. Their persistence were rewarded when they arrested an adult male when he was caught in possession of a firearm and ammunition in the early hours of …
17-Year-Old Arrested for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition
WESTERN CAPE – On Monday, 21 October 2024, members of Grassy Park police were busy with crime prevention duties in Dove Road, Parkwood when they heard a single gunshot going off near the vicinity where they were patrolling. The members saw three males running and chased after them. They apprehended one male and found him …
Crime Statistics: Who Are We to Believe?
SAPS and Stats SA figures are wildly different
Talks on Penguin Litigation Fail to Break Deadlock
But environment minister and bird conservation groups both say an out-of-court settlement is yet possible
Over 70 People Left Homeless After Khayelitsha Fire
Fire victims say they do not have the means to rebuild their homes
Children call for inclusion of their issues in the National Strategic Plan on GBVF
Children call for inclusion of their issues in the National Strategic Plan on GBVF
Ahead of the upcoming Sexual Violence Research Initiative (SVRI) Forum 2024 taking place in Cape Town this week, children in South Africa voiced their concerns that the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (NSP-GBVF) in its current form fails to address their specific needs.
They emphasised that adults continue to hold discussions and make decisions on their behalf without considering their perspectives.
The SVRI Forum 24, held from the 21 – 25 October at the Cape Town International Convention Centre is the world’s key research conference on violence against women, violence against children, and other forms of violence driven by gender inequality in low and middle-income countries.
Representing children at the side event yesterday organised by the Department of Social Development and UNICEF, member of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Parliament and Western Cape Child Ambassador, Inathi Kente (17) made it clear that the needs and concerns of children were unique, and that they deserved to be focused on exclusively within the NSP-GBVF - the country’s blueprint document to address gender-based violence and femicide.
The event was held under the theme: “Addressing intersection between Violence Against Children and Violence Against Women”.
He said that children in all the provinces during consultations about the NSP-GBVF decided that the document should have a separate pillar that focused on children’s issues exclusively.
In a powerful and considered address, Inathi bemoaned the fact that adults continued to exclude them from important decision making processes.
He highlighted the fact that even the side event, which sought to discuss the intersectionality between Violence Against Women and Violence Against Children, was held at a time when children were preparing for their exams and thus were constrained to participate in the discussion.
He said that his colleague and Western Cape ambassador could not participate in the event, as she was preparing for her matric examinations. He himself had sacrificed his own preparations to represent the 21 million children of South Africa at the event. They will not form part of the conference either.
In a detailed and stinging critique of the NSP-GBVF, Inathi said that the current document used very strong language, and was not child friendly.
“The children said the NSP is not considerate of children, and there was no accountability where children’s issues are concerned given that children are not part of the portfolio committees where policies affecting their lives are considered,” he said.
He added that the NSP does not talk to boy or the male child, even though the country considered GBVF as not a gender biased issue.
He said children had no one to protect them, often left to defend themselves against their perpetrators.
“Children indicated that there are loopholes in the criminal justice system with a lot of corruption in the SAPS [South African Police Service] thus they cannot even go and report cases because they are asked to bring an adult along.”
The NSP, Inathi said, referred more to violence against women, older persons, persons with disabilities and does not include children, which showed that the protection of children was not taken seriously.
He said the children called for adequate campaigns to educate communities on violence against children, with programmes and interventions that target boy children.
Responding to the issues raised by the children, Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe committed to taking forward the issues of children as raised.
She said the issues raised by the children were genuine and must be considered for implementation as well as inclusion into the NSP-GBVF.
“The Pillar 7 as advocated for in the Children’s report for inclusion in the NSP-GBVF, will ensure that violence against children receive the desired attention and the priority it deserves,” Minister Tolashe said. - SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Mon, 10/21/2024 - 12:58
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Serious and Violent Crimes Unit Probe Death of Three Men in Delft
WESTERN CAPE – Detectives attached to the Western Cape Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Unit are probing the circumstances that led to the death of three males aged 27, 30 and 34 and the attempt to kill a 14-year-old male, yesterday at around 17:00 in Seine Street, Eindhoven in Delft in what we believe was …
Juvenile Whale Successfully Freed From Entanglement in Simonstown Harbour, at False Bay Yacht Club.
Darren Zimmerman, SA Whale Disentanglement Network (SAWDN), said: On Thursday, 17 October, at 06h01, NSRI Simonstown duty crew, including NSRI Simonstown trained SAWDN volunteers, were activated to assist at False Bay Yacht Club where a juvenile Humpback whale appeared to be entangled inside the harbour. During the early hours of the morning NSRI Simonstown had …
Cape Town in the News 21 October 2024
‘Colombian cocaine kidnapping’ — Cape Town men found dead in Free State: The two bodies were tightly wrapped. When police removed the material and chains wound around them, they saw several tattoos on each and that the hands of both were cuffed, while their feet were bound with cable ties. A tattoo of a cross and …
Harare Drug Dealer to Appear in the Khayelitsha Court
WESTERN CAPE – A suspected drug dealer of Harare is expected to make a court appearance in the Khayelitsha Magistrates’ Court on charges related to dealing in drugs after information received from the community led to the confiscation of a substantial amount of drugs. On Saturday, 19 October 2024 at about 20:00, members of Harare …
Alarming rise in HIV
Needle programs are officially supported, but the state often obstructs them
SA must enhance agricultural productivity to achieve Zero Hunger
SA must enhance agricultural productivity to achieve Zero Hunger
Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni says to achieve ‘Zero Hunger’, the country must enhance agricultural productivity and ensure equitable access to nutritious food.
“This involves investing in sustainable farming practices, empowering smallholder farmers and promoting local food systems,” the Minister said on Friday.
Addressing the 5th International Social Justice Conference and 6th Social Justice Summit -- held at the Artscape Theatre in Cape Town -- Ntshavheni said by supporting farmers, the country can boost food production and create jobs, fostering both economic growth and community resilience.
The start of the 5th International Social Justice Conference on 16 October coincided with World Food Day, an international day celebrated every year worldwide to commemorate the date of the founding of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation in 1945.
Ntshavheni underscored the importance of promoting sustainable farming methods that enhance productivity, while protecting natural resources.
“We must forge partnerships across government, the private sector and civil society, including academia, to create comprehensive strategies that tackle food insecurity,” she said, adding that collaboration is key if South Africa is to attain the goal of Zero Hunger.
Zero Hunger is Goal 2 of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It is about creating a world free of hunger. The global issue of hunger and food insecurity has shown a sharp increase since 2015, a trend exacerbated by a combination of factors including the COVID-19 pandemic, conflict, climate change and deepening inequalities.
According to the United Nations (UN), by 2022, approximately 735 million people – or 9.2% of the world’s population – found themselves in a state of chronic hunger – a staggering rise compared to 2019.
Ntshavheni said practices like crop rotation, agroforestry and organic farming can increase resilience against climate change and reduce reliance on chemical inputs.
“Supporting smallholder farmers through training and access to technology can empower communities and boost local food production. It is therefore important and significant that universities like Stellenbosch are deeply involved in this initiative.
“It would be important for us in government to explore opportunities to partner with institutions of higher learning on this initiative in order to extend awareness to communities in rural areas of our country that are daily confronted with food insecurity.
“This must make us understand the urgency to develop sound drought resilience and water conservation plans,” the Minister said.
The 6th Social Justice Summit was hosted by the Centre for Social Justice, based at Stellenbosch University.
Striving for food security
In 2014, government introduced the National Policy on Food and Nutrition Security, followed by the National Food and Nutrition Security Implementation Plan (NFNSIP), whose implementation involved multiple government departments and entities, with various interventions receiving support from local and international development partners.
“We are now in the process of developing the NFNSIP (2024 -2030) as we chase the National Development Plan (NDP) Vision 2030 goals. We are not only calling for a partnership in the [NFNSIP] development but with its implementation, as our country focuses on achieving the overdue SDG on Zero Hunger.
“Our policy approach to Zero Hunger acknowledges the lingering consequences of apartheid, which has left deep-rooted inequalities in access to land, income, and employment and other economic opportunities,” the Minister said.
Ntshavheni said as the country’s population growth and climate change intensifies, the urgency of food security cannot be overstated.
Ntshavheni said hunger on its own is a multifaceted challenge that affects the economy, health system and social fabric in general.
Addressing the conference, Electricity and Energy Deputy Minister Samantha Jane Graham said the issue of energy affordability remains a challenge, as the nation navigates the challenge of the accessibility of food prices.
Graham said her office is committed to finding innovative and sustainable solutions for energy sources. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 10/18/2024 - 14:39
129 views
DHL Stormers Shuffle Pack for Munster
There are four changes to the DHL Stormers starting forward pack for their Vodacom United Rugby Championship encounter with Munster at DHL Stadium on Saturday. The DHL Stormers’ first home game of the season will see them host the Irish side, with kick-off at 18h00 on Saturday at DHL Stadium. Prop Sti Sithole and hooker …
Drug Dealing Court Orderly Nabbed
WESTERN CAPE – The Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen (Adv.) Thembisile Patekile has issued a stern warning to SAPS members to refrain from criminal behaviour as corruption within the ranks of the SAPS will not be tolerated. This warning follows the arrest of a constable deployed as a court orderly at the Khayelitsha Magistrates’ …
Aiden Isaacs Murderers Sentenced to Life Imprisonment
WESTERN CAPE – The Western Cape SAPS management welcomed the convictions and sentences of 42-year-old Yusuf Barodien, 35-year-old Arnold April and 31-year-old Cameron Anderson who were responsible for the murder of Aiden Isaacs. Initial reports reveal that on Thursday, 30 April 2020 at approximately 17:45 the victim was in Disa Street, Lentegeur, Mitchells Plain, when …
Quick Arrests After Stellenbosch Student’s Murder
WESTERN CAPE – The Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen (Adv.) Thembisile Patekile has lauded the efforts of Stellenbosch SAPS in collaboration with Crime Intelligence and detectives who apprehended four perpetrators involved in the murder of a 19-year-old Stellenbosch student in the early hours of Wednesday, 16 October 2024. Initial reports suggest that the 19-year-old …