Father unable to register his son because he is not the mother
Despite DNA tests, Home Affairs refused to issue birth certificate to single dad’s son
Cape Town
Anastasia Venter and Thomas Lindhorst Are The 2024 SA Surfing Champions.
Mens finalists © Zane De Lange Victoria Bay: In an exciting finish to the 59th SA Surfing Championships, Anastasia Venter is the new Women’s Champion, and defending Men’s Champion Tom Lindhorst retains his title. Buffalo City wins the coveted President’s Cup, and Tyrell Johnson wins the Surfer Of The Contest Award Women’s Finalists © Zane …
University of Cape Town and the Metropolitan University of Hong Kong to sign Memorandum of Understanding
On 16 August 2024, the University of Cape Town and the Metropolitan University of Hong Kong will sign a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which is the first of its kind to establish official working relations between the two universities.
This is one of the projects that the South African Consulate coordinated to promote people-to-people relations as well as relations between institutions of higher learning of South Africa and Hong Kong.
The Consulate has established good working relations with various universities in Hong Kong, including the Metropolitan University of Hong Kong. Recently, the Consulate and the Metropolitan University of Hong Kong collaborated in partnership with Freedom Park to host the 30 Years of Democracy activities that took place in June as well as a month-long 30 Years of Democracy and Mandela legacy exhibition courtesy of Freedom Park, which ended on 31 July 2024 at the University.
The MoU is based on the principle of mutual benefit to promote and enable collaboration for joint educational, cultural interactions, training and research purposes.
The areas proposed for collaboration include:
- Joint activities such as lectures on general topics and topics related to South Africa and the African continent for audiences in Hong Kong
- Introducing study tours and online courses of the Centre for Extra-Mural Studies to learners in Hong Kong
- Exploring possibilities of establishing joint award programmes
- Professional exchanges on university continuing education and lifelong learning for staff of both Parties
- Any other academic activities deemed to be of mutual benefit in promoting lifelong learning exchanges between Hong Kong and South Africa.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
A celebration of heritage with old favourites to stave off winter’s chill
Indulge in a feast of flavour this winter with a delicious Cape Malay-inspired High Tea at Sun International’s 5-star Table Bay hotel. Four flavour-filled new savoury items will add a zing to even the coldest winter day: Golden and crunchy Beef Samosa filled with traditional South African sausage Vetkoek Bunny Chow filled to the brim …
Additional Shows Announced For “the Magic Box”
Due to popular demand and an overwhelming response Disney’s The Magic Box has extended its run in both Cape Town and Johannesburg. The show, featuring an all-South African cast opens at Artscape, Cape Town, on Wednesday, 9 October and now closes on Sunday, 10 November 2024. Thereafter, Disney’s The Magic Box moves to Montecasino’s Teatro, …
FAME Week Africa’s Inclusive Lens Finalists
FAME Week Africa is shining the spotlight on television and film that enhances diversity and expands exposure to different cultures and experiences with their premier Inclusive Lens Awards. Says FAME Week Africa Portfolio Director, Martin Hiller, “The range and quality of the submissions we’ve received in our first year has been astonishing. From children’s programmes …
Nespresso ZA Honours Women’s Month With Chef Motheba Makheta
Prize-Winning Pastry Chef Celebrates Social Change With Coffee-Inspired Creations. Johannesburg, August, 2024 – This Women’s Month in South Africa, Nespresso ZA is partnering with rising culinary star MOTHEBA MAKETHA to integrate Nespresso coffee into culinary experiences within the South African context while highlighting the exceptional talent of women in the culinary sector. Currently the pastry …
Absa’s Webber to Highlight Environmental Social Governance (ESG) and Investment Trends in African Critical Minerals at Critical Minerals Africa (CMA) 2024
Mining company African Rainbow Minerals (https://apo-opa.co/46M4tND) reached an agreement last September with financial services company Absa – along with finance institutions Standard Bank, the Development Bank of South Africa and Nedbank – to provide finance for the construction of a 132 MW solar project. The move is set to provide renewable energy to platinum mining projects in South Africa through power purchase agreements (PPAs).
To support the growth of South Africa and Africa's critical mineral industry, Absa is participating in this year's Critical Minerals Africa (CMA) 2024 summit. Shirley Webber, Coverage Head of Resources & Energy at Absa Corporate and Investment Banking – an Absa subsidiary –, will discuss the firm's contributions and investment strategy in the African critical mineral sector.
The Critical Minerals Africa 2024 summit on November 6-7 serves to position Africa as the primary investment destination for critical minerals. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energy 2024 conference on November 4-8, offering delegates access to the full scope of energy, mining and finance leaders in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.
Absa is a major player in Africa's critical mineral industry, providing direct financing to project developers, while supporting critical mineral mining projects through long-term PPAs. The institution is arranging a $120 million debt facility to support platinum group metal (PGM) mining firm Pensana's (https://apo-opa.co/4fTeBZo) strategy to achieve first PGM production in South Africa by 2025. Absa also partnered with French financial services firm Société Générale in March 2023 to raise $130 million in funding to support PGM and chrome-producer Tharisa (https://apo-opa.co/46HEd76) with its mining operations in South Africa.
Absa has positioned itself as a key driver of environmental social governance (ESG) and skills and capacity building within Africa's critical mineral sector as the global mining industry prioritizes environmental sustainability and local content development. In May 2023, Absa closed a $562.4 million sustainability-linked green bond for mining firm Harmony Gold, enabling the company to expand production and reduce its carbon footprint at its gold and copper projects across Africa. As such, Webber is expected to use the CMA 2024 platform to highlight how Absa is driving ESG projects across Africa's critical mineral sector.
“Companies like Absa have positioned themselves as key enablers of Africa's critical mineral industry growth by simplifying access to capital for project developers. As demand for Africa's energy transition metals grows and global markets prioritize environmental sustainability, the capital and ESG expertise provided by Absa will be crucial,” stated Rachelle Kasongo, Project Director at CMA 2024 organizer Energy Capital & Power.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.
Drivers Urged to Reduce Speed on Western Cape Roads
The Western Cape Government has recorded a concerning 201 speeding offences on provincial roads between 5 and 11 August. This statistic highlights the ongoing challenge of curbing speeding and ensuring road safety across the province. Speeding remains one of the leading causes of traffic crashes, resulting in preventable injuries and fatalities. The Mobility Department is …
Five months after police drive into woman, breaking her pelvis, SAPS probe is still incomplete
Nolwazi Tokhwe says her life has dramatically changed
Emergency spillway under construction to avoid further Riverlands disaster
Emergency spillway under construction to avoid further Riverlands disaster
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has given the City of Cape Town permission to construct an emergency spillway on the fourth and remaining farm dam reported to be on the verge of collapse to lower the risk of its collapse.
This follows the failure of three farm dams, located in Riverlands, that breached, resulting in flooding that caused severe property and infrastructure damage to the affected area, leading to hundreds of people being provided with humanitarian assistance.
The department’s Head of Communication, Dr Mandla Mathebula, said the three failed dams did not have sufficient spillways and had filled beyond the safe level, resulting in overtopping due to high rainfall and associated run off, causing them to fail in series.
“The fourth dam, which is the highest dam in the valley, also has no spillway and it has been discovered that it has some structural damage. The dams are owned by the Western Cape Provincial Government and serve local farmers.
“To reduce the risk of potential failure, the DWS Dam Safey Office has granted permission for the construction of an emergency spillway on the fourth dam,” Mathebula said.
Mathebula said construction has started under the supervision of an approved professional person and will ensure that the dam is able to manage the anticipated floods due to the predicted rainfall, which will last until Tuesday.
“The existing outlet pipe of the dam will also be kept fully open to allow the dam levels to drop to safe capacity or even empty if required,” Mathebula said.
According to the preliminary report by the department’s engineers who are on site, the dams failed last week Wednesday at approximately 3am. The town of Riverlands, approximately two kilometres downstream, was partially flooded.
Due to the dams storing the bulk of the catchment runoff and not having any spillways to discharge any water in rainy seasons, the river dried up downstream.
Mathebula noted that most of the affected houses, including the railway line, subsistence farming smallholdings, schools, roads, and other structures, were constructed in the original river flood zones.
He said the department will conduct an investigation into the causes of the dam failures and depending on the results of the investigation, DWS may implement regulatory actions to ensure accountability.
“DWS is doing its best to assist the City of Cape Town during this difficult period to ensure that the situation is normalised. The DWS has dispatched its engineers from the Western Cape Regional Office to provide expert advice to stabilise and rehabilitate the situation.
“A local Joint Operations Committee has been established, represented by a variety of municipalities, disaster management teams, DWS, Gift for Givers, SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), social and humanitarian organisations, amongst others,’” Mathebula said.
The department has assured the communities around the affected area that all hands are on deck to resolve the problem. It encouraged community members to cooperate during this period to ensure speedy work on site. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 08/12/2024 - 09:53
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Rail theft accused using “Stalingrad tactics”, court hears
Decision on the High Court review brought by Syed Mohiudeen postponed
Xaba set to GO FOR GOLD at the Totalsports Women’s Race in Johannesburg
After an impressive third-place finish at the Totalsports Women’s Race in Cape Town on National Women’s Day (Friday, 9 August 2024), where she competed against the exceptional Christine Njoki (Kenya) and Tadu Nare (Ethiopia), South Africa’s national record holder Glenrose Xaba is more determined than ever to seize gold at the final event of the …
We must work together to permanently end load shedding
On Thursday, 8 August 2024, Premier Alan Winde chaired a meeting of the Western Cape Energy Council. Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, and Deputy Minister of Electricity and Energy, Samantha Graham-Mare, attended the meeting. Opening the meeting, Premier Winde emphasised, “Even though there is currently no load shedding, we must not become …
Minister Blade Nzimande officially opens 32nd International Astronomical Union General Assembly
The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof. Blade Nzimande, officially opened the 32nd International Astronomical Union (IAU) General Assembly in Cape Town last night. The Minister addressed 2 000 delegates from the global astronomy community.
The meeting, held every three years, is an opportunity for astronomers to address key topics in contemporary astronomy and assess the latest scientific progress in various specialised areas.
This year's general assembly, under the theme "It's Time for Africa – Ke Nako", will highlight the continent's growing role in the global astronomical community and its contributions to global astronomical research and development, as well as its potential for future contributions.
Africa is home to some of the world's oldest astronomical achievements. Astronomy in Africa began at least 7 000 years ago, with a stone circle known as Nabta Playa in Egypt that predates Stonehenge by 2 000 years.
IAU President, Prof. Debra Elmegreen, in her address to the gathering, emphasised that astronomy was rooted in all cultures and invited broad thoughts about our place in the universe and on our fragile Earth.
"We celebrate the rich history of astronomy in Africa as we present our research, initiate new collaborations, enjoy networking, share astronomy with the public, and explore the local beauty. August is designated as Africa Astronomy Month, an appropriate cap to the Vision 2024 efforts that have united Africans in their preparations to share astronomy with the world," said Elmegreen.
Over two centuries ago, international observational survey work was led by astronomers in Cape Town and this work continues to the present day under the South African Astronomical Observatory.
Among many other telescopes in Africa, Prof. Elmegreen mentioned the High Energy Stereoscopic System (HESS) gamma ray telescope in Namibia, as well as the Southern African Large Telescope (the largest optical telescope in the Southern Hemisphere), the MeerKAT radio astronomy array, and the KELT-South and SuperWASP-South telescopes, all of which are located in South Africa.
Minister Nzimande spoke about how Africa's rich astronomy history continues to inspire, and the role of indigenous astronomy in South Africa's astronomy programmes. He praised the conference organisers for Cosmic Echoes, a Shared Sky indigenous art exhibition.
The Minister highlighted the trailblazing radio astronomy work that began in South Africa in Hartebeeshoek in 1961, in a partnership with NASA.
"Radio astronomy began in South Africa with a 26-metre dish built by NASA and placed in Hartebeesthoek in 1961 as a deep-space ground station used to get data from, and send commands to, many unmanned US space probes going beyond the Earth's orbit. This was later converted into a radio telescope that led to the establishment of the Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomical Observatory, which is now part of the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory.
"During the democratic era, the MeerKAT was built in Carnarvon as a precursor to the SKA project. The MeerKAT is another amazing achievement on the global science stage, and we wish to thank our international partners, Germany, Italy and China for their contribution to this project.
"We also have a growing gamma-ray astronomy community that actively participates in the HESS initiative," said the Minister.
He added that these strategic interventions had enabled the exponential growth of South African astronomers from 60 (only five of whom were radio astronomers) to about 300 over the last 30 years.
The Minister highlighted that the MeerKAT/SKA project, in particular, offered South Africa an opportunity to contribute to the knowledge economy and the big data revolution through international collaborations and the pursuit of world-class research, driving transformation and human capital development.
The Minister thanked the IAU for giving South Africa the opportunity to host the prestigious IAU General Assembly.
"This gathering reflects the global astronomy community's commitment to advancing research, fostering collaboration, and addressing contemporary challenges in astronomy and those faced by humanity," concluded the Minister.
The IAU conference runs until 14 August 2024.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Government.
Provinicial Parliament Congratulates Mia Le Roux
Mia le Roux from Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape was crowned as the new Miss South Africa during a glitzy event held at the Sun Bet Arena in Pretoria on Saturday 10 August. Le Roux made history as the first hard-of-hearing Miss South Africa. She was diagnosed with profound hearing loss at the age of …
It’s Time to ‘Steak’ Your Claim
Entries are ow open for Capegate’s annual Braai Challenge, the hottest competition in town this September. It’s going to be smoking hot around the fire come September when the annual CG Braai Challenge gets underway, which in 2024, is set to be bigger, better and tastier than ever. To ‘steak’ a claim to the bragging …
Committee Welcomes Deployment of Human Settlements Team to Assist Swartland Municipality Following Dam Wall Collapse
The Chairpersons of the Portfolio Committee on Human Settlements, Mr Nocks Seabi, has welcomed the swift intervention by the Minister of Human Settlements to assist the Swartland Municipality following the collapse of the three dam walls in the area.
“The swift response by the Minster to dispatch an emergency housing team to urgently intervene and assist displaced families whose homes were flooded following the collapse of the Riverlands Dam is testament to a caring government that responds to current challenges,” Mr Seabi said. Mr Seabi also emphasised that the current challenge represents an opportunity for greater collaboration between government departments to ensure that people are settled in areas that are not prone to risks and are below the flood line.
The Chairperson also highlighted the need for integrated planning in the development of human settlement areas, especially the use of the District Development Model, which centralises coordination of services.
Mr Seabi also urged the department and the municipality to urgently deliver building materials when promised to ensure that people do not wait for a long time without adequate shelter. The Chairperson has also urged the National Home Builders' Registration Council to urgently conclude assessments of structural integrity of damaged properties to enable the start of the rebuilding process.
“In a disaster like this one, no effort must be spared to ensure that people have the necessary shelter, especially because it is winter period and inclement weather can expose people to further hardship. It is also necessary that all government departments contribute and deliver services to ensure that life can continue despite the disaster,” Mr Seabi concluded.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
Revitalising Hair Health:Laser Hair Growth Treatments
Understanding Laser Hair Growth Treatment Hair growth light therapy, or laser hair growth treatment, has become increasingly popular for addressing hair loss issues. This non-invasive treatment uses low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to stimulate hair follicles, promoting hair growth and preventing further hair loss. The procedure involves exposing the scalp to red light, which penetrates the …
Miss South Africa 2024 – An SA First
An emotional Mia le Roux from Cape Town in the Western Cape was crowned Miss South Africa 2024 at the spectacular 66th pageant finale held at the SunBet Arena at Time Square in Pretoria on Saturday night. The 28-year-old marketing manager, model and part-time BCom marketing student hails from Rosebank in Cape Town, but was …
Oakdale Shocks Boland Landbou
With a Gritty Victory 21 -13 in a Sportsmans Warehouse Premier Interschools Derby this past Saturday 10 August 2024. On a day where the weather mirrored the intensity on the field, Oakdale emerged victorious against Boland Landbou in a hard-fought derby that had everything: drama, determination, and a few surprises. The match kicked off in …
French Rugby Side Withdraw From U18 International Series in SA
The French U18 team have decided to withdraw from the U18 International Series following the tragic event earlier this week when one of their players, Medhi Narjissi, was swept out to sea during a recovery session at Cape Point. The annual U18 series in South Africa is scheduled to start on Monday in Cape Town. …
Cabinet commends addition of SA sites to UNESCO list
Cabinet commends addition of SA sites to UNESCO list
Cabinet has commended the latest addition of the South African human rights and liberation struggle sites in the prestigious list of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) World Heritage Sites.
The sites in the prestigious list include the Union Buildings, Constitution Hill, Liliesleaf farm, Sharpeville memorial, Walter Sisulu Square, 16 June 1976: The Streets of Orlando West, University of Fort Hare and ZK Matthews House, Mqhekezweni, Waaihoek and Ohlange.
The UNESCO World Heritage Committee also inscribed three Middle Stone Age sites in recognition of South Africa’s significant contribution to the understanding of the origins of modern human behaviour.
These include Diepkloof Rock Shelter close to Elands Bay in the Western Cape, Pinnacle Point Site Complex in Mossel Bay also in the Western Cape and Sibhudu Cave in KwaDukuza, KwaZulu-Natal.
“The sites termed as The Human Rights, Liberation and Reconciliation: Nelson Mandela Legacy Sites, not only help preserve South Africa’s unique heritage, but catapults our country to prominence as a major tourist attraction for World Heritage Sites, thereby boosting tourism and the economy,” said Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni.
The Minister was briefing media at a post-Cabinet briefing held in Pretoria on Thursday.
READ | UNESCO inscribes more World Heritage sites for South Africa
South Africans are living longer
Meanwhile, Cabinet has also welcomed the Mid-Year Population Estimates (MYPE) for 2024, which showed that South Africans are living longer.
The MYPE shows that life expectancy has increased to 66.5 years from 53.6 years in 2005 due to multiple government interventions, including the expanded rollout of antiretroviral therapy - which is one of the largest antiretroviral therapy programme in the world.
The estimates also show the provision of vaccinations and the decrease in the infant mortality rate from an estimated 57 infant deaths per 1000 live births in 2002 to 22.9 per 1000 live births in 2024.
“South Africa’s population now exceeded 63 million, growing 1.33 percent from July 2023 to July 2024. The updated population growth figures will assist government in its planning and resource allocation as we continue to better the life of all South Africans,” Ntshavheni said.
High-tech rail infrastructure
Cabinet has also commended the introduction of new high-tech trains on the Central Line in the City of Cape Town by the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA). PRASA is an agency of the Department of Transport.
The service has been extended from Nyanga to Mandalay station.
Ntshavheni highlighted that the trains utilise modern signalling system from Langa to Mutual Line, to enhance the safety and reliability of the rail service.
“The modern hi-tech features in these trains include automated doors, and CCTVs for each coach are for improved passenger safety,” the Minister said.
Cabinet has further commended the recovery of more rail lines part of government’s priority of providing safe, reliable and affordable public transport.
READ | PRASA introduces new modern trains in Cape Town
This as Cabinet held its first normal meeting of the seventh administration at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Wednesday. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 08/08/2024 - 12:38
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NSRI Incidents: Oudekraal and Port Alfred
OUDEKRAAL: At 14h09, Wednesday, 7 August, the CoCT water rescue network and NSRI Bakoven were activated following reports of a young male in difficulty in the water offshore of rocks at Cosy Beach, Oudekraal, near to Bakoven. A bystander, a local man, jogging along Victoria Drive, had alerted NSRI EOC (Emergency Operations Centre) after he …