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News, Directory, Events and Other Stuff
Nicela Naudé, affectionately known as Nikki, is a 10-year-old, grade 4 student at Riverside College in Cape Town. She entered the world under the shadow of abandonment. Born from an unwanted pregnancy 2014, her biological mother chose not to see her or even learn whether she had given birth to a boy or girl. Left …
[Listen to Ian Cameron MP – DA Spokesperson on Police praise this action] Dear Editor The DA commends the South African Police Service (SAPS) for intercepting a cash-in-transit gang in Khayelitsha last night During a walkabout with neighbourhood watch groups and meeting with the family of a victim who was beaten to death in Elsiesrivier, …
Premier Alan Winde and Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety Anroux Marais have welcomed the swift action by South African Police Service (SAPS) members in an intelligence-driven operation in Khayelitsha that prevented a planned cash-in-transit robbery. Premier Winde commended the SAPS, “I am very grateful no police officers or innocent members of …
The FAME Shorts Film Festival returns to Cape Town’s Labia Theatre from 4-7 September, bringing a dazzling array of African cinema. Featuring 31 thought-provoking films, the festival showcases innovative and creative filmmakers from across the continent, offering audiences a rich tapestry of stories from Africa and its diaspora. The eagerly anticipated programme was announced on …
In a new episode of Inside Africa, CNN meets the urban farmers and social entrepreneurs leading the way in food sustainability and economic empowerment from community farms to organic online grocery stores. In Cape Town, Bukho Dem, founder of BSomebodySA has single-handedly opened up a new market for the area’s township based urban farmers, supplying …
The town of Paarl remains draped in Maroon, Green and Yellow as Paarl Gimansium reign supreme 30 points to 8 over cross town rivals Paarl Boys High in a historic Premier Interschools Derby at the Faure Street Stadium. In the heart of Paarl, where the mountains cast their long shadows over the fields, two titans …
Gary Trappler fails in bid to have malicious damage to property case struck off the roll
After dominating the field in Durban on Sunday, 4 August 2024, during her Totalsports Women’s Race debut, Kenya’s Christine Njoki, the current SA all-comers record holder, has set her sights on a second Totalsports Women’s Race victory, this time in Cape Town on Friday, 9 August 2024 (National Women’s Day). “I had a good race …
Government activities for the week 05 – 09 August 2025
On Monday, 05 August, Ministry of Water and Sanitation to brief media on departmental plans and priorities for 2024/25 at the Birchwood Hotel, Boksburg.
On Tuesday, 06 August, Minister Blade Nzimande addresses 32nd General Assembly of the International Astronomy Union in Cape Town. Also on Tuesday, the National Treasury launches the Money Smart Week South Africa 2024.
On Tuesday, 06 August the Department of Employment and Labour holds joint Employment Equity advocacy workshops in partnership with the CCMA kick off in the North West province.
On Wednesday, 07 August, the Department of Employment and Labour holds joint Employment Equity advocacy workshops in partnership with the CCMA.
Also on Wednesday, 07 August through till Saturday, the Basic Education and Sport, Arts and Culture departments host the 2024 ABC Motsepe South African Schools Choral Eisteddfod, at the Rhema Bible Church in Randburg.
Thursday, 08 August, no confirmed events.
Friday, 09 August, Women’s Day will be commemorated nationally by all South Africans.
Neo
Mon, 08/05/2024 - 11:14
Nzimande to address the world’s largest astronomy meeting
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister, Professor Blade Nzimande, will give the opening address at the world’s largest astronomy meeting, the 32nd General Assembly of the International Astronomy Union (IAU).
The two week-long meeting will kick off on Tuesday, 6 August, in Cape Town, South Africa.
Hosted for the first time in Africa, the in-person and virtual global gathering of astronomers and other experts in the field will also provide open access for anyone to attend from anywhere in the world.
According to the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), world-renowned astronomers Dr Mae Jemison and Dr Sian Proctor will address the assembly.
Jemison became the first female African American commercial astronaut and mission pilot to travel into space when she went into orbit aboard the National Administration and Space Administration’s (NASA) Space Shuttle Endeavour on 12 September 1992.
Proctor is an astronaut and was the first female pilot of a commercial spaceship.
The department said the two renowned experts will speak to over 2 000 astronomers from around the world at this event, which takes place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
“The assembly is an opportunity for astronomers to address key topics in contemporary astronomy and assess the latest scientific progress in various specialised areas,” the statement read.
This year’s General Assembly represents a significant milestone, highlighting Africa’s growing role in the global astronomical community and its potential for major contributions to astronomical research and development.
Meanwhile, the Minister’s address will underscore the commitment to advance Africa’s astronomy and science on the global stage as well as highlight South Africa’s massive investments in skills and infrastructure development.
His speech will also touch on the geographical advantages of clear southern skies in the Karoo, its engineering and scientific base, and its growing international ranking and partnerships.
“One highlight will be the opportunity for attendees to speak to the astronauts on board the International Space Station live from the conference venue via ham radio, in partnership with Amateur Radio on the International Space Station.”
Other guests include the former director of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), Dr Bernie Fanaroff, who will deliver a talk on ‘Innovating at the periphery: the development of SKA and MeerKAT’.
The IAU General Assembly is held every three years and is led by the African Astronomical Society.
Each event advances the astronomical sciences through international collaboration and celebrates Africa's rich astronomical heritage and commitment to advancing the field.
The hybrid event is being hosted by the National Research Foundation, supported by the DSI.
The academic programme will include over 2 000 presentations scheduled across more than 300 sessions.
The General Assembly will include six symposia and 12 multi-session focus meetings. There will also be poster sessions and prize lectures given by recipients of prestigious awards in astronomy.
According to the department, this meeting will have a societal impact that goes beyond national barriers in a continent-wide celebration of astrology.
Exhibitors will include the South Africa Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO), the South African Astronomical Observatory, NASA, the European Space Agency and the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, the US National Radio Astronomy Observatory, and several South African agencies. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 08/05/2024 - 11:26
New premises will be the old Dome “on steroids”
Epic endurance challenge raises awareness and support for SADAG Demonstrating extraordinary endurance and dedication, Run for Rosa Foundation Founder and Chairman Stu Rayner successfully completed an ambitious goal: to run 11 marathons in 11 consecutive days. This inspiring endeavour, held in July, aimed to raise vital awareness and funds for the South African Depression and …
There was not a single HIV transmission in a clinical trial in which women volunteers used the twice-yearly injectable drug lenacapavir
Orms, known to Cape Town’s creative community as the one stop destination for all things photographic and creative, is calling for entries for its 5th Annual Sea Point Promenade Photographic Exhibition Competition. Every year, this open-air curated group exhibition – hosted by Orms in collaboration with Canon and SJ Artists – thrills promenade visitors, who …
Subsistence fishers battle for permission to fish while illegal fishing boats plunder our oceans
No matter whether your looking at jobs in Cape Town, fondly referred to as the Mother City, or a brand new start further north in South Africa (say, Gauteng’s Jacaranda City of Pretoria), there’s no denying the changes that have transpired in the job search niche since your student days. Gone are the days when …
The Unlimited Child CEO Named Finalist in 2024 Santam Women of the Future Awards The Unlimited Child, the largest and leading Early Childhood Development (ECD) non-profit organisation in South Africa, is incredibly proud to announce that their CEO, Candice Potgieter, has been named a finalist in the prestigious 2024 Santam Women of the Future Awards …
PRASA introduces new modern trains in Cape Town
The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has announced the introduction of the new blue and white modern Electric Multiple Units (EMUs) on the Central Line, along with the extension of the service from Nyanga to Mandalay station in the Western Cape.
This marks a significant milestone as this is the first time PRASA deploys the “People’s Train” on this corridor, following the completion of essential electrical and perway infrastructure between Nyanga and Nolungile.
Communities along the Central Line, now join many who have enjoyed the service using the new high-tech modern trains in other corridors. These state-of-the-art trains are equipped with advanced features such as automated doors, CCTV cameras, and air-conditioning, ensuring a comfortable and secure trip for all passengers.
“In addition to the new trains, the completion of signalling from Langa to Mutual Line marks a significant milestone in our efforts to enhance the safety and reliability of our services. Work to re-signal the rest of the Central corridor continues. This modern signaling system will not only improve the frequency and punctuality of our trains but will also reduce delays and congestion,” PRASA said on Thursday.
READ | PRASA makes steady progress in returning passenger trains
The rollout of the new trains and the advanced signalling system shows the agency’s commitment to revitalising and modernising commuter rail services.
“This important development in the region ensures we offer a safe, efficient, and dignified service to the 40% of Cape Town's commuters who rely on this key route. Extending the service on the Central Line to Mandalay station is expected to bring positive socio-economic benefits to the communities of Langa, Nyanga, Khayelitsha, Mitchells Plain, and other areas along the line.
“This notable development builds on PRASA’s recent achievements, including the reopening of 31 out of 40 commuter rail corridors and the refurbishment of 263 out of 463 stations,” PRASA said. -SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 08/01/2024 - 13:21
Some children are on a waiting list for years
“Our objective is simple: to get passenger rail back up and running in the quickest possible way” says Roberto Quintas
UN Secretary General António Guterres appointed (https://apo-opa.co/3WNr7Cg) a panel dedicated to developing a framework that ensures equity, transparency, sustainability and human rights among critical mineral extraction activities, in April 2024. Uniting government and industry stakeholders, the panel aims to encourage developing countries, including those in Africa – which holds over half of the world's cobalt and manganese reserves and over one-fifth of aluminum and copper reserves – to leverage its critical minerals for enhanced job creation, economic diversification and export revenues.
Reflecting similar priorities, the Critical Minerals Africa (CMA) summit — scheduled for November 6-7 in Cape Town — will host an Industry Leader Forum to explore strategies for ensuring sustainable mineral production and navigating external factors like geopolitical risk, digital transformation and the energy transition. It will also address recent high-level initiatives – from the African Green Minerals Strategy to the global Minerals Security Partnership – and their role in shaping best practices for building resilient mineral supply chains.
Initiated in 2022 by the African Development Bank, the African Green Minerals Strategy (AGMS) (https://apo-opa.co/3y8dZy4) serves as a comprehensive framework for leveraging the continent's mineral resources for industrialization and the development of green technologies. The AGMS aims to articulate Africa's interests in a rapidly changing world, build and retain local value, create jobs, develop new industries, and foster greener economies, as global demand for transition minerals rises.
Meanwhile, the US-led Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) (https://apo-opa.co/3YpZf87) represents a collaborative effort among 14 countries and the European Union to bolster investment in responsible critical minerals supply chains. Through partnerships with governments and industries, the MSP provides support for strategic projects, particularly focusing on lithium, cobalt, nickel, manganese, graphite, rare earth elements and copper. Given Africa's abundant mineral reserves, collaboration with the MSP is particularly relevant for the continent, enabling responsible mineral extraction and supporting local communities and economies, while advancing global clean energy goals.
In February 2023, MSP partners gathered in South Africa to establish guiding principles for global project development, emphasizing local value addition and maintaining sustainability and ESG standards. Representatives from mineral-rich nations, including non-MSP countries like Angola, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia, joined the discussions. The meeting sought to ensure that the growth of critical minerals supply chains benefits all stakeholders equitably, underlining the MSP's commitment to responsible mineral extraction and sustainable development.
Furthering efforts to ensure a steady and sustainable supply of CRMs, the EU launched its Critical Raw Materials (CRM) Act in March 2023, as European demand for rare earth metals is expected to increase six-fold by 2030. As part of this initiative, the EU has engaged with several African countries including the DRC, Zambia, Rwanda and Namibia through various MOUs. These agreements aim to foster collaboration within integrating sustainable raw materials value chains, mobilizing funds for infrastructure development, promoting sustainable and responsible production practices, encouraging research and innovation and enhancing capacity building efforts.
Within this context, the Industry Leaders Forum: Driving Innovative Minerals Production at CMA 2024 will explore key trends within the African and global critical minerals landscape. Leaders will discuss how initiatives like the AGMS, MSP and European CRM Act will shape the future of sustainable mineral production and global supply chains.
CMA is the largest gathering of critical mineral stakeholders in Africa. Taking place from November 6 – 7 in Cape Town, the event positions Africa as the primary investment destination for critical minerals. This year's edition takes place under the theme Innovate, Enact, Invest in African Critical Minerals to Sustain Global Growth, connecting African mining projects and regulators with global investors and stakeholders to untap the full potential of the continent's raw materials. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.
Strong bipartisan backing from the US for the reauthorisation of AGOA
South Africa’s position at the 21st African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Forum was to reset and create partnerships with an emphasis on industrialisation, building a capable state and job creation.
“As the dtic [Department of Trade, Industry and Competition] family, we regard the AGOA Forum as a crucial engagement reinforcing the strong economic ties between South Africa and the United States and our African continent,” Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau said.
He said the mutually beneficial economic and trade partnership was highlighted by the more than 600 US businesses operating in South Africa and with over 1.3 million jobs created in sub-Saharan Africa.
The Minister was addressing the media in Cape Town on Tuesday to present some of the major outcomes that emanated from the two international engagements, AGOA and the 14th BRICS+ held in the United States and in Moscow, Russia, recently.
Parks said South Africa received strong bipartisan backing from the US Congress and colleagues in the US Administration for the reauthorisation of AGOA.
Proposals presented by the South African delegation included the extension of AGOA for stability, improved rules of origin, and adjustments to the eligibility review process to preserve regional value chains and enhance Africa’s manufacturing capabilities.
“The importance of maintaining these value chains was emphasised, with calls for AGOA enhancements to support the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) integration.
“AGOA and AfCFTA should be viewed as complementary forces crucial for Africa’s economic integration rather than as separate entities.
“AGOA has significantly expanded Africa’s access to US markets, while AfCFTA aims to create a unified continental market by eliminating tariffs and fostering economic cooperation among African nations,” Parks said.
Parks said to fully leverage both frameworks, AGOA’s provisions should be enhanced to support AfCFTA’s goals.
“This includes extending AGOA to provide trade stability, improving rules of origin to streamline the integration of regional value chains, and adjusting the eligibility review process to reflect AfCFTA’s progress,” he said.
The Minister said by aligning AGOA with AfCFTA, Africa can create a more cohesive economic structure that boosts intra-African trade, enhances manufacturing capabilities and integrates regional economies into the global market and driving sustainable growth across the continent.
“I would like to commend Deputy Minister Andrew Whitfield for his exceptional facilitation during the highly contested meeting that determined the host nation for AGOA in 2025. He navigated such a challenging and contentious environment skillfully. DM Whitfield's adept handling of the situation was crucial in achieving a balanced and effective outcome.
“Equally, Deputy Minister Zuko Godlimpi represented South Africa at the pivotal BRICS+ Trade Minister’s Meeting. A key from the BRICS+ Meeting was to call for a predictable, fair and equitable trade environment consistent with WTO’s rules as crucial for advancing economic prosperity,” the Minister said.
The outcomes emanating from the BRICS+ Meeting included, among others:
- The need for coordinated multilateral action on climate change and expressed concerns about unilateral measures like the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) impacting developing countries. Furthermore, they agreed to ensure climate measures respect WTO commitments and resist discriminatory practices.
- The potential of e-commerce to enhance market access and economic growth with calls for developing international rules and standards to address challenges such as cross-border taxation and data privacy.
- The role of SEZs in driving economic growth and investment was discussed, with a commitment to sharing best practices.
Parks said both the AGOA Forum and the BRICS Trade Ministers Meeting were fundamental in advancing international trade relations and economic cooperation.
“These engagements underscore the importance of cooperative trade relations in shaping a more equitable and sustainable global economy.
“They both underscore South Africa’s commitment to pursue transparent and strategic partnerships with both our Global North and Global South partners guided by the global policy and programmatic blueprints such as the SDGs, the Paris Climate Accord, the AU’s Vision 2063, and our very own NDP,” Parks said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 07/30/2024 - 12:32
After achieving the fastest 10km time of his career with a second-place finish at the iconic Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K on 7 July 2024, Kabelo Mulaudzi is confident in his chances of successfully defending his title at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K on Sunday, 25 August. Mulaudzi’s confidence soared with his …