MyZA
News, Directory, Events and Other Stuff
Cape Town: Cape Town: Table Mountain – Table Mountain is one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature and is estimated to be around 260 million years old Cape Town: Flora Diversity – Cape Town is home to the Cape Floristic Region, which has the highest concentration of plant species in the world, with over …
SA manufacturers to showcase products at the AllFashion Exhibition in Cape Town
A group of manufacturers from the clothing, textile, footwear, leather and general goods sectors have received support from the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) to showcase their proudly South African products at the AllFashion Sourcing Exhibition.
The exhibition will take place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (ICC) in Cape Town from 10 to 12 September 2024.
The Allfashion Sourcing Exhibition is a business-oriented marketplace for the textile and fashion industry, combining African creativity, design and manufacturing with international sourcing options.
The show will bring together an international community of manufacturers, designers, retailers, buyers, educational institutions, associations, financiers and service providers to the textile, apparel, footwear and fashion industry.
The primary objective of the event is to promote African clothing, textile, footwear, leather and general goods and to encourage interaction on a regional and international level.
Additionally, the event aims to boost investment into the region and ensure sustainable job creation within the sector.
Acting Deputy Director-General of Sectors at the dtic, Thandi Phele, said the department’s support is part of a strategy to strengthen the ability of manufacturing and other sectors of the economy to create decent jobs, promote inclusion and increase value addition and competitiveness, in both domestic and export markets.
“This will be a valuable opportunity for the manufacturers to showcase their products to the wider fashion community in South Africa and abroad. We are certain that this collaboration will deliver fantastic results and that the manufacturers will receive quality enquiries from prospective clients and generate trade leads.
“This sector has a long history, employs a significant number of people, and remains important to the manufacturing sector. However, the recent period, especially with COVID-19, has been characterised by serious structural and associated crises resulting in a decline in the sectors over the last number of years,” she said.
While the sector is stabilising, more interventions are required.
Importantly, government is determined to increase exports and promote locally produced products.
“The AllFashion Sourcing is a vehicle that the dtic is using to achieve an objective of ensuring sustainable job creation and increasing exports of locally manufactured products.
“The show will afford the dtic an ideal opportunity to engage with a select audience of textile, clothing, footwear, leather and fashion orientated exhibitors and visitors,” said Phele. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 09/09/2024 - 09:12
Condolences for activist and poet, James Matthews
President Cyril Ramaphosa has sent his condolences to the family and friends of poet, writer and political and cultural activist James Matthews.
Matthews, who was an Esteemed Member of the National Order of Ikamanga, passed away at the age of 95 in Cape Town over the weekend.
“James Matthews’s voice will ring in our consciousness following his departure and we will remain captivated and inspired by the rage and elegance with which he articulated the stark struggles of the oppressed.
“We will be comforted by the many works he has left for us to revisit and by our memories of his appearances at rallies, ghoembas, the frontlines of street protest and intimate circles of kindred creatives where, beret askew on his head, he would feed the souls and fighting spirit of those around him. May he now rest in peace,” President Ramaphosa said.
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde also conveyed his condolences.
“As prolific and talented as James Matthews was, he was so much more than just a writer and poet; he was integral to the anti-apartheid movement, giving a powerful voice through his writing to the oppressed. He was an important part of our province and country's artistic fabric. He will be sorely missed and his contribution rightly celebrated.
“I extend the condolences of myself and our whole government to James’ family, friends, loved ones and all those who knew him. We celebrate him and the lives that he touched. We also know that he lives on through the many other artists he inspired,” Winde said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Sun, 09/08/2024 - 12:21
Three individuals narrowly avoided injury when a light aircraft crashed into a streetlight in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, on Thursday afternoon, Cape {town} Etc reports. Also read: Shoprite robber gets 24 years for 2017 heist in Parow The aircraft, identified as a Piper Lance or Saratoga, was making an emergency landing around 4pm. According to Captain …
Praise for SA sports
The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) has congratulated the Springboks on their 18-12 triumph against the All Blacks.
“Congratulations Bokke! Mzansi is very proud!” the department said in social media post on X.
Saturday’s win at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town is a second consecutive win for the Springboks against New Zealand in the 2024 Castle Lager Rugby Championship.
“The Boks outscored New Zealand by two tries to zero, clear proof of their eventual dominance, but they will be the first to admit that it was not the way they planned to execute the game plan. Like at Emirates Airline Park last weekend, the All Blacks led at the break, this time 9-3, but they could not maintain that, while a second yellow card by the visitors late in the game cost them dearly,” SA Rugby said in a match report.
The win saw the Boks clinch the Freedom Cup for the first time since 2009.
“It was also the Boks’ fourth win in a row over the Kiwis, the first time they achieved this in the professional era, and as a result, they won back the Freedom Cup for the first time since 2009.”
Meanwhile, the Springbok Women were also in action on Saturday, winning their match against the Barbarians Women’s side in Cape Town.
The Springbok Women claimed a 59-17 victory over their opponents.
In Friday’s match against Uganda, the men’s national football side Bafana Bafana drew 2-2 with their counterparts in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier at Orlando Stadium.
“Uganda had thought that they were on the cusp of a famous victory in South Africa, but debutant Thalente Mbatha had other ideas and snatched the precious equaliser deep in the referee’s optional time to ensure a sharing of the spoils,” said the South African Football Association (SAFA) in a statement.
In a post of X, DSAC Minister, Gayton McKenzie commended the team for their fighting spirit.
“Thanks for the great fight back Bafana Bafana ! You didn’t leave us heartbroken,” said the Minister adding that the team’s performance “made us jump for joy”. -SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Sun, 09/08/2024 - 11:57
On Friday, 6 September 2024, the first meeting of the newly established Integrated Energy and Water Council was held. The council will coordinate and support the Western Cape Government’s (WCG) strategies to achieve energy and water security in the province. “We must do everything that we can to secure enough water and energy so that …
Springbok Women assistant coach Laurian Johannes-Haupt expressed satisfaction and praise to the squad after they outplayed the Barbarians Women in Cape Town on Saturday. South Africa showed great grit up front and gave enough space to their hard-running backs to finish off some spectacular tries, scored in front of an always increasing crowd, as they …
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus played down South Africa’s fourth successive victory over New Zealand in Cape Town on Saturday, paying respect to the All Blacks after the Boks won back the Freedom Cup for the first time since 2009. The Boks’ 18-12 victory over the All Blacks in front of a packed crowd of 57,733 …
Over 2,400 posts to be lost by 1 January
An International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) team of experts today completed a review of long term operational safety of the Koeberg Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) in South Africa.
The Safety Aspects of Long Term Operation (SALTO) follow-up review mission was requested by the plant's operator, Eskom. Koeberg Units one and two started commercial operation in 1984 and 1985, respectively. Koeberg's Unit 1 received a license to continue operating until 2044 in July this year, and Eskom is planning to extend operation of Unit 2 until 2045.
Koeberg Nuclear Power Plant is located approximately 30 kilometers north of Cape Town, South Africa, and provides around 5 per cent of the country's electricity, playing a vital role in reducing reliance on coal. It is the only commercially operating nuclear power station on the African continent. Koeberg is equipped with two pressurized water reactors with a combined capacity of 1934 MW(e), making it a key component of South Africa's energy infrastructure.
During the 3 to 6 September mission, the SALTO team's review focused on aspects essential to the safe Long Term Operation (LTO) of both units. The mission reviewed Koeberg NPP's response to recommendations and suggestions made during an IAEA SALTO mission in 2022, which built upon an initial IAEA pre-SALTO mission held at the plant in 2019.
“The team observed that the plant is addressing the SALTO team's suggestions and recommendations from the 2022 review,” said team leader and IAEA Nuclear Safety Officer Bryce Lehman. “Based on its efforts, the plant has made significant improvements in ageing management and resolved most of the issues identified in 2022. The plant is on track to complete the remaining items in a reasonable timeframe.”
The team – comprising two experts from the Czech Republic and Slovenia, and two IAEA staff members – said the plant had:
The team noted that the plant needs to continue its work to ensure that:
Plant management expressed a determination to maintain the level of preparedness for safe LTO and to further cooperate with the IAEA in this area.
“For us, this is an integral part of the IAEA's supporting service to ensure safe operation of the Koeberg reactors during the LTO period for the next 20 years. The IAEA SALTO missions, and technical cooperation, helped to improve our continued focus on safe operation,” said Keith Featherstone, Chief Nuclear Officer, Nuclear Operating Unit, Eskom. “Eskom has worked diligently to demonstrate and ensure the safe operation of the Koeberg plant today and into the future and together with the IAEA carried out four review missions and several technical support discussions. We appreciate the IAEA's support and the independent review against international safety standards. We will continue to collaborate in the future as part of our drive to continuously improve,” he added.
The team provided a draft report to the plant management and to the South African National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) at the end of the mission. They will have an opportunity to make factual comments on the draft. A final report will be submitted to the plant management, the NNR and the South African Government within three months.
Background
General information about SALTO missions can be found on the IAEA Website. A SALTO peer review is a comprehensive safety review addressing strategy and key elements for the safe long term operation of nuclear power plants. They complement OSART missions, which are designed as a review of programmes and activities essential to operational safety. Neither SALTO nor OSART reviews are regulatory inspections, nor are they design reviews or substitutes for an exhaustive assessment of a plant's overall safety status.
LTO of nuclear power plants is defined as operation beyond an established time frame determined by the license term, the original plant design, relevant standards, or national regulations. As stated in IAEA safety standards, to maintain a plant's fitness for service, consideration should be given to life limiting processes and features of systems, structures, and components (SSC), as well as to reasonably practicable safety upgrades to enhance the safety of the plant to a level approaching that of modern plants.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Court ruling follows interdict against eviction sought by housing activist organisation
Studies are finding more reason to boycott coloured plastic products
In the aftermath of a tragic bus accident, the Western Cape Government (WCG) once again expresses its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones affected by the bus accident that occurred on Vanrhyns Pass on Monday, 2 September 2024. We share in the grief of the families and communities and stand with them during …
The countdown has begun! The Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) Nyoloha Scholarship Programme (NSP) is entering its second last showcase, with anticipation building for the upcoming ACT Nyoloha Gala Showcase (performing arts showcase) and Visual Arts Exhibition. This year, ACT is pleased to partner with Sun International to host the gala showcase at the esteemed …
It will be an inspired and motivated Springbok Women team running out at DHL Stadium in Cape Town on Saturday, in what will be a historic first appearance at this impressive venue and according to the team’s captain, Nolusindiso Booi, they want to match the occasion with an impressive performance against the Barbarians. South Africa …
Live shows at the Joseph Stone Auditorium in Athlone, at 8pm each night, 20th, 21st, 27th and 28th September 2024. The show on 24 September (Heritage Day) takes place at 12pm. Celebrated Capetonian cultural musical production, JIVE CULTURE SHOCK, returns this September for yet another electrifying experience – celebrating the talents of Cape minstrels and …
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi and assistant coach Mzwandile Stick set their sights firmly on trying to clinch the Freedom Cup for the first time since 2009 when they line up against New Zealand in the Castle Lager Rugby Championship at DHL Stadium in Cape Town on Saturday, and both expected an epic 80-minute battle. Apart …
The ability to deliver a competitive performance at next year’s Rugby World Cup remains the end goal for the Springbok Women and although that is still almost a year away, Byrhandré Dolf insists their first step on that road needs to be decisive. Their very first hurdle in that road comes on Saturday in Cape …
Interim interdict stopped the UIF’s new service provider from rendering IT services
Cabinet commends Eskom's performance
Cabinet has commended Eskom for not implementing load shedding for more than 150 days – including over the South African winter period.
Acting Minister in the Presidency, Maropene Ramokgopa, told a post-Cabinet media briefing on Thursday that stable electricity supply is imperative for economic growth in the country.
“Cabinet commends Eskom, its board, management and all its employees who have worked tirelessly to ensure that South Africa will have no load-shedding this summer as the power utility continues to add more electrons to the grid through its generation recovery plan.
“A reliable energy supply is vital for growing our economy, boosting confidence and enhancing the quality of life of our citizens.
“Government continues to execute the Energy Action Plan, which has been instrumental in reducing the frequency of load-shedding through planned maintenance of Eskom’s power-generation fleet. The reform of our energy sector is a critical component of our efforts to create a secure energy future for our people,” she said at the briefing held in Cape Town.
Staying on the reform agenda, Ramokgopa said President Cyril Ramaphosa has fulfilled his undertaking to “recalibrate” State Owned Enterprises (SOEs).
In that regard, she added, the responsibility for strategic SOEs have been “transferred to the various line ministries, after the President had signed the relevant proclamation to this effect”.
“This step coincides with plans to create a centralised shareholder model through which the State seeks to better leverage the capabilities of our SOEs to grow the economy, improve service delivery, and infuse the SOEs with the requisite commercial and strategic agility.
“The responsibility for power utility Eskom has been transferred to the Ministry of Energy and Electricity and Transnet, South African Airways and South African Express to the Ministry of Transport.
“The state-owned diamond mining company Alexkor will be managed by the Ministry of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, aerospace and military technology conglomerate Denel will fall under the Ministry of Defence and Military Veterans while South African Forestry Company SOC Limited, which is responsible for state forestry, will report to the Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment,” Ramokgopa said.
SA avocados in Japan
On agricultural export matters, the first batch of South African avocados have arrived in Japan.
“[This marks] a significant boost for the local avocado sector, and demonstrates the positive impact of the Agriculture and Agro-processing Master Plan, which aims to expand access to key new markets for South African producers.
“South African avocado growers now stand to benefit significantly as efforts to increase market access for our agricultural produce continues. India, China and Japan represent a combined market opportunity of over 2.5 billion people,” Ramokgopa said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 09/05/2024 - 11:58
Cabinet commends efforts to fight crime
Cabinet has commended the signing of the Cooperation Agreement to Combat Crime in the Western Cape.
The agreement enhances collaboration and coordination among all stakeholders to address safety and security concerns.
Signed last Friday, the agreement paves the way for sharing technology and resources, information, and best practice to improve the state of public policing.
“Through community-driven initiatives, the integration of resources and the development of innovative strategies, the agreement allows for a united front between the South African Police Service (SAPS), the province and communities to combat crime and promote public safety,”acting Minister in The Presidency, Maropene Ramokgopa said during a post Cabinet media briefing.
Ramokgopa reiterated government’s warning against crime, fraud and corruption.
“Government has zero-tolerance for crime, fraud and corruption; and will hold those who violate the laws of the country accountable. Cabinet remains determined to ensure that South Africa is a society where all people feel safe; and the recent arrests and conviction of suspects involved in various serious crimes demonstrates the commitment to push back against crime,” Ramokgopa said at the briefing held in Cape Town on Thursday.
READ | Criminals will face full might of the law - President Ramaphosa
Quarterly crime statistics
Cabinet also noted the increase in contact crimes in the latest quarterly crime statistics for the first quarter from April to June 2024, which indicated that more still needs to be done to ensure every citizen feels safe.
Ramokgopa said the SAPS, led by the Ministry of Police, is actively fighting these crimes through recent operations, including a confrontation with suspects in Milnerton, Cape Town, resulting in fatalities and arrests and operations in the Eastern Cape focusing on Mthatha and Nelson Mandela Bay. Arrests related to extortion activities have also been made in Gauteng, Mpumalanga and the Free State.
“Government is implementing a whole government approach, including signing cooperative agreements with provincial and local governments; rolling out operational plans in Cape Town and Nelson Mandela Bay, with plans to replicate in all metros; [and] engaging with sister departments to improve collaboration against crime.”
READ | SA's crime figures "tell sobering story"
National Policing Policy
The Minister also announced that the National Policing Policy is set to be completed and adopted by the end of October 2024. It will address issues such as police stations and infrastructure based on norms and standards.
The policy will serve as an overarching framework for policing and will accommodate the provincial needs and priorities in line with section 206 (1) and (2) of the Constitution. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 09/05/2024 - 12:12
Residents still turning up to report electricity supply problems months after Kwagga Mall customer hub closed
Tugboats to improve services at Transnet’s Port of East London
The Port of East London on Thursday received the two last tugboats marking the completion of Transnet National Ports Authority’s (TNPA) R1billion investment towards the Marine Fleet Renewal Programme.
The programme is aimed at boosting tugboat availability and enhancing shipping operations.
The programme is a key element of the Transnet Recovery Plan which is critical in driving shipping efficiencies and reliability, whilst also positioning the ports as competitive and a catalyst for economic growth.
The tugboats are designed to provide marine services including the safe navigation of vessels, pilotage, towage and waterside pollution combat.
The two tugs delivered by Damen Shipyards Cape Town (DSCT) replace the existing tug fleet that has reached its operational lifespan at the Port of East London in the Eastern Cape.
The latest tugs comprising modern technology solutions are built with an azimuth stern drive and have an improved bollard pull of 60-tonnes compared to the 43-tonnes bollard pull on the existing tugs.
The procurement of the tugs serves as a catalyst for the port’s expansion plan.
The plan also includes the deepening and strengthening of the port’s automotive berth to address berthing challenges.
The project hit a significant milestone in November 2023 with the commencement of the concrete works package.
Also included in the river port’s expansion plan is the delivery of two jib cranes for the port's dry dock facility, which will increase the ship repair facility’s capacity and volume throughput in the 2024/25 financial year.
Strategic projects
The advanced features of the two new tugs will enable the port to respond to the anticipated shipping and volume demands.
“The journey towards the full recovery of Transnet lies in our commitment to growth and investing in fit-for-purpose equipment,” said Transnet Board Chairperson, Andile Sangqu who spoke during the tug naming and christening ceremony held at the port.
“This acquisition is a crucial investment towards creating a sustainable port system and will enable the execution of strategic projects currently underway at the Port of East London,” Sangqu said.
Recovery Plan
Sangqu said Transnet is currently executing a number of actionable steps to halt the decline in operational and financial performance through the Transnet Recovery Plan launched in October 2023.
“The Recovery Plan directs us to prioritise revitalising our ageing marine assets in order to improve operational efficiency and serve our customers better. Investing in port infrastructure to drive efficiency and reliability is a catalyst for improved economic competitiveness.
“Ports are the lifeblood of trade, the gateways through which goods flow in and out of our economy,” Sangqu said.
Lentswe and Kganya
At the christening ceremony, tug Lentswe meaning “the voice of sailors” was unveiled by Transnet Board Member, Boitumelo Sedupane in her role as the tug’s Lady Sponsor, while tug Kganya meaning “light” and symbolising guidance in safe navigation of vessels, was revealed and christened by TNPA Board Member Valda Gossman.
The names of the tugs were chosen through a naming competition run among TNPA employees.
The two tugs are in addition to the five tugs which were delivered at the Port of Durban last month.
“We are proud to have delivered these tugboats for TNPA. The vessels represent a substantial investment in our maritime infrastructure and will contribute to local job creation and skills development as DSCT will provide all operational support, including spares, repairs, and services,” said Sefale Montsi, Director at Damen Shipyards Cape Town.
“Through a centralised system, the vessel will provide data-driven insight for timely information on ship operations,” she said.
Attracting investors
Eastern Cape acting Premier Mlungisi Mvoko said the acquisition of the two tugboats is part of enhancing operations at the Port of East London.
“Today’s milestone aligns with our strategic view that our ports are the biggest instruments for attracting investors in the province,” Mvoko said.
Mvoko said the province is pleased with TNPA’s investment in boosting tugboat availability and shipping efficiencies at the port.
“Our customers in this port are set to benefit from the improved capacity in the new tugboats when compared to the existing maritime crafts that have reached their lifespan. We believe that this will have positive impact on the container vessel turnaround time and ultimately increase efficiencies and productivity at the port.
“It is these efficiencies that we will leverage on to increase our economic activities in areas of the automotive sector and agriculture, our two main economic drivers in the Eastern Cape.
“We are trying very hard to lure as many investors to the province as we can. It is the only way we can deal with the high rate of unemployment. All customers in this port are set to benefit from the improved capacity in the new tugboats when compared to the existing maritime crafts that have reached their lifespan,” the acting Premier said.
The delivery of the fleet is part of TNPA’s R1 billion investment in boosting tugboat availability and shipping efficiencies in the South African seaports.
From the acquisition, the Port of Durban has been allocated five tugboats while two tugs have been allocated to the Port of East London. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 09/05/2024 - 13:29
Lock JD Schickerling will play his 50th match for DHL Western Province in the Carling Currie Cup encounter with Suzuki Griquas in Kimberley on Friday. Schickerling will be playing his first match in the blue and white hoops since returning from Japan earlier this year and lines up in a much-changed team, which will be …