Cape Town

11 June 2024

Parliament notes dates for first sittings of National Assembly

Location: News

Parliament notes dates for first sittings of National Assembly

Parliament has noted the dates for the first sittings of the National Assembly (NA) and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), as confirmed by Chief Justice Raymond Zondo on Monday.

“The Chief Justice confirmed 14 and 15 June as the dates for the first sittings of the Houses of Parliament in a letter to the Secretary to Parliament, Xolile George,” Parliamentary spokesperson Moloto Mothapo said.

READ | First sitting of the National Assembly to be held on Friday

According to Section 51(1) of the Constitution, the first sitting of the National Assembly must take place at a time and on a date determined by the Chief Justice and within 14 days after the election results have been declared.

Mothapo explained that during the first sitting of the NA, the Chief Justice will swear in the designated members and administer the oath or affirmation of faithfulness to the Republic and obedience to the Constitution.

All members must take this oath or affirm faithfulness before they can perform their functions in the assembly.

“Following the swearing in of the members, the Chief Justice will preside over the election of the NA Speaker. Once the Speaker has been elected, he or she will then preside over the election of the Deputy Speaker,” Mothapo said.

After the Deputy Speaker has been elected, the Chief Justice will then take over again and preside over the election of the President.

In the NCOP on 15 June, the Chief Justice will swear in and administer the prescribed oath and affirmation to the members and thereafter preside over the election of the NCOP Chairperson. The Chairperson will preside over the election of the NCOP Deputy Chairperson.

The rules that will apply during the first sittings were gazetted by the Office of the Chief on 30 May 2024.

The sittings will take place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Tue, 06/11/2024 - 08:37

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10 June 2024

Sponsors ready to treat runners to an on-route extravaganza at Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K

Location: MyPR

The streets of Durban will be buzzing with excitement on Sunday, 7 July 2024, as event sponsors go all out to create an unparalleled on-route experience at the iconic Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K. “As we gear up for the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K, participants can once again look forward to a …

10 June 2024

Scale Up Con 2024: Unleashing the Next Wave of Entrepreneurial Growth

Location: MyPR

Founders Events, in partnership with Outsourced CFO (OCFO.com), is thrilled to announce the return of Scale Up Con, the premier event designed to empower entrepreneurs and business leaders to take their companies to the next level. Set to take place on 20 June 2024, at the Crystal Towers in Cape Town, this year’s conference promises …

10 June 2024

Backyarders vs City of Cape Town in court

Location: News

Judgment reserved in Belhar occupation case

10 June 2024

First sitting of the National Assembly to be held on Friday

Location: News

First sitting of the National Assembly to be held on Friday

The first sitting of the National Assembly is expected to be held at 10am on Friday.

This, according to a statement released by the Office of Chief Justice Raymond Zondo.

South Africans cast their votes on 29 May in the country’s most contested elections since the dawn of democracy.

Section 51(1) of the Constitution empowers the Chief Justice to call the first sitting of the National Assembly after national elections.

“During the first sitting of Parliament the Chief Justice will administer the prescribed oath or affirmation, as the case may be, to members of the National Assembly.

“This is an oath or affirmation of faithfulness to the Republic and obedience to the Constitution which section 48 of the Constitution requires members of the National Assembly to take before they may perform their duties as members of the National Assembly,” the statement read.

This will be preceded by the election – by the members – of the Speaker of the National Assembly.

“Once the Speaker of the National Assembly has been elected, he or she will then preside over the election of the Deputy Speaker. After the Deputy Speaker has been elected, the Chief Justice will then take over again and preside over the election of the President,” the office explained.

The first sitting of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) is expected to be held on Saturday.

“The Chief Justice will swear in, and administer the prescribed affirmation to members of the NCOP and thereafter preside over the election of the Chairperson of the NCOP. Thereafter, the Chairperson of the NCOP will preside over the election of the Deputy Chairperson of the NCOP,” the statement said.

According to the office, Judges-President in the provinces have been designated by the Chief Justice to “determine the first sittings of the Provincial Legislatures in their respective provinces”.

“In terms of the Constitution such sittings are also required to take place not more than 14 days after the declaration of election results. The Judges-President will administer the prescribed oath / or affirmation to members of the Provincial Legislatures, preside over the election of the Speaker of the Legislature and the election of the Premier,” the statement said.

The sitting of the National Assembly and the NCOP will be held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Mon, 06/10/2024 - 15:27

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10 June 2024

Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series heads to the City of Gold on National Heritage Day!

Location: MyPR

The iconic Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series heads to the City of Gold to celebrate the 2024 season finale, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K on National Heritage Day, Tuesday 24 September. Taking place on National Heritage Day, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K celebrates Johannesburg’s vibrant culture and history. The race offers …

10 June 2024

Super Rent joins Totalsports Women’s Race as official Logistics Partner

Location: MyPR

The organisers of the iconic Totalsports Women’s Race are thrilled to welcome Super Rent as the official logistics partner for South Africa’s premier Women’s Month Celebration. “We are thrilled to partner with Super Rent as the official logistics partner for the Totalsports Women’s Race,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports. “For the first …

10 June 2024

Western Cape Visitors Top 3.2 Million

Location: Business

The exciting upward trend we have seen in the Western Cape tourism sector continues, bringing economic and job-creating benefits to the Western Cape. “The latest report on tourism in the Western Cape tells us that the 53 participating attractions across the six regions of the Western Cape recorded a total of 3 206 546 visitors between …

9 June 2024

Erasmus names exciting Bok training squad

Location: News

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Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus named an exciting squad of 35 players for the team's first official training camp of the season, which starts in Pretoria on Monday where the focus will be on the opening Test of the season against Wales on 22 June.

The Boks are in for a blockbuster 2024 season kicking off later this month against Wales in London. The squad includes 11 uncapped players and a cohort of players from the 2023 and 2019 Rugby World Cup-winning squads.

The uncapped players in the squad are Jordan Hendrikse (the brother of Jaden Hendrikse), Quan Horn, Edwill van der Merwe, Morne van den Berg (all Emirates Lions players), Phepsi Buthelezi, Siya Masuku, Ethan Hooker (from the Hollywoodbets Sharks), Ben-Jason Dixon, Sacha Feinberg-Mgomezulu, Neethling Fouche and Andre-Hugo Venter (DHL Stormers), who were outstanding in their respective competitions this season.

Players based in Europe, the UK and Ireland will not be considered for the Boks' first Test of the season against Wales at Twickenham. Players in contention from the Vodacom Bulls, who advanced to the semi-final of the Vodacom United Rugby Championship, were also not considered for this squad.

The squad includes 19 forwards and 16 backs. Rugby World Cup-winning flyhalf Handre Pollard and No 8 Jasper Wiese (who is serving a six-week ban) have been named in the group and will be allowed to train with their team-mates, but will only be available for selection after the Wales Test.

Erasmus included a local contingent from the newly crowned EPCR Challenge Cup champions, the Hollywoodbets Sharks, and the Emirates Lions – whose Vodacom URC seasons came to a halt at the conclusion of the pool stages last weekend – as well as the DHL Stormers, who were knocked out of the competition earlier this evening against the Glasgow Warriors. Players plying their trade in Japan were also named in the squad.

The only players in the group who did not participate in either of the Springbok alignment sessions in March and May respectively, as well as the virtual alignment camp hosted early in May, are Hooker and Van der Merwe.

“We selected a group of players featuring a good mix of youth and experience, and in terms of the young players especially, we believe they have the potential to make the step-up to top international rugby,” said Erasmus.

“We've been following all their performances closely, we had the luxury of presenting our plans to them and getting to know them as individuals off the field at the alignment camps, and we are pleased with the enthusiasm they showed and willingness to learn.

“With the players based in Europe, the UK and Ireland not available for Wales, we anticipate that there will be a few players making their Test debuts in that match, but even for those who do not make the cut, having them in camp and getting the chance to work closely with them on the field will set them and the team in good stead as we prepare for this season and start laying the foundation for the 2027 World Cup in Australia.”

Erasmus added: “We gained immense value by granting a few players a chance to prove what they can do at international level in the last few years leading up to the 2023 World Cup. Some of the players who made their Test debuts in that time were members of the squad that lifted the trophy in Paris, and we feel it is important that we continue blooding new players as we build toward the future.

“As things stand, we have a bunch of young players that already have Test experience and who know exactly how we operate as a team and what is expected of them at this level, and we have no doubt that we will reap the rewards in the years to come as we continue to increase our squad depth.

“As always there are a few unlucky players who missed out on selection this time, but the door will always be open for them to be called up if the need arises.”

Steven Kitshoff, Lood de Jager and Jaden Hendrikse among a handful players were not considered for the squad due to injury.

The Wales Test will be followed by the Castle Lager Incoming Series which features back-to-back Tests against Ireland (ranked second in the world) in Pretoria and Durban respectively (on 6 and 13 July) and a historic first Test against Portugal in Bloemfontein on 20 July.

The Springboks will then turn their attention to the Castle Lager Rugby Championship where they will line up against Australia in Brisbane and Perth (on 10 and 17 August) before facing arch-rivals New Zealand on consecutive weekends in South Africa in Johannesburg and Cape Town respectively (on 31 August and 7 September). They will then make a short trip to Argentina where they will face the Pumas in Santiago (on 21 September) and then in Nelspruit on 28 September.

This will be followed by the traditional year-end tour featuring Tests against Scotland in Edinburgh (9 November), England in London (16 November) and Wales in Cardiff (23 November).

Springbok training squad (in alphabetical order):

Forwards: Phepsi Buthelezi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Joseph Dweba, Ben-Jason Dixon (both DHL Stormers), Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz), Eben Etzebeth (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Neethling Fouche (DHL Stormers), Vincent Koch (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Frans Malherbe (DHL Stormers), Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears), Bongi Mbonambi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Ntuthuko Mchunu (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Salmaan Moerat (DHL Stormers), Franco Mostert (Honda Heat), Ox Nche (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Evan Roos (DHL Stormers), Kwagga Smith (Blu Revs), Andre-Hugo Venter (DHL Stormers), Jasper Wiese (Leicester Tigers).

Backs: Damian de Allende (Panasonic Wild Knights), Faf de Klerk (Canon Eagles), Andre Esterhuizen (Harlequins), Aphelele Fassi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Jordan Hendrikse (Emirates Lions), Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (DHL Stormers), Ethan Hooker (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Quan Horn (Emirates Lions), Cheslin Kolbe (Suntory Sungoliath) Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles), Manie Libbok (DHL Stormers), Makazole Mapimpi, Siya Masuku (both Hollywoodbets Sharks), Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers), Morne van den Berg (Emirates Lions), Edwill van der Merwe (Emirates Lions), Grant Williams (Hollywoodbets Sharks).

Location: Business

The Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) (www.AWIEForum.org) is thrilled to announce that nominations are officially open for the 2024 AWIEF Awards. This prestigious event celebrates the incredible achievements and contributions of women founders and entrepreneurs across Africa. The AWIEF Awards honor those who drive inclusive economic growth and development through their visionary leadership and innovative business practices.

AWIEF is a renowned pan-African organization dedicated to empowering women economically by closing gender gaps and promoting business leadership and entrepreneurship across the continent.

Why Nominate?

Nominees for the AWIEF Awards should be emerging and established female entrepreneurs who have demonstrated outstanding vision, leadership, innovation, and business success. This is your chance to shine a spotlight on the incredible women making a difference in their industries and communities.

Categories

Young Entrepreneur Award: For exceptional young female entrepreneurs (ages 18-35) who have built successful and sustainable enterprises.
Tech Entrepreneur Award: Celebrating women who have leveraged technology to drive innovation and achieve significant impact.
Agri Entrepreneur Award: Honoring leaders in agriculture who contribute to food security and environmental sustainability.
Creative Industry Award: Recognizing excellence in film, music, entertainment, arts, fashion, and media.
Empowerment Award: For women who have made a profound impact in mentoring and empowering others.
Energy Entrepreneur Award: Highlighting achievements in the oil, gas, and renewable energy sectors.
Social Entrepreneur Award: For those who have developed innovative solutions to social issues.
Lifetime Achievement Award: Honoring women who have made enduring contributions across multiple areas or disciplines.

Save the Date

The 2024 AWIEF Awards winners will be celebrated at a spectacular awards ceremony and gala dinner on November 29, 2024, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), Cape Town, South Africa. This event will cap off the AWIEF2024 conference, which takes place on November 28-29, 2024.

How to Nominate

Visit our nomination landing page (https://apo-opa.co/3x1CBrC).
Register an entrant profile by clicking “Submit an Entry.”
Fill in the nomination form.
Click submit.

Nominations close on August 5, 2024, at 11:59 PM GMT. You can nominate yourself or someone else.

Judging

Entries will be evaluated by an esteemed panel of international judges.

Join Us

This is your chance to be part of a movement that recognizes and celebrates the incredible women entrepreneurs transforming Africa. Let's honor those who lead with innovation, inspire with their achievements, and empower their communities.

For more details and to see past winners, click here (https://apo-opa.co/4e6SYno). For any inquiries, please email us at awards@awieforum.org

Don't miss this opportunity! Nominate now and be part of the change!

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF).

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Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF)

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5 June 2024

Radisson Hotel Group targets expansion to 25 hotels in South Africa by 2030, doubling its current portfolio

Location: Business

Radisson Hotel Group (www.RadissonHotels.com) is proud to announce its goal to reach 25 hotels in South Africa by 2030, effectively doubling its current portfolio. This ambitious expansion along with the Group's recent updates to its South African portfolio underscores its commitment to strengthening its presence and contributing to the growth of the South African hospitality industry.

Daniel Trappler, Senior Director of Development, Sub-Sahara Africa at Radisson Hotel Group, shared insights into the Group's strategic approach to reach its ambitious goal of 25 hotels by 2030, stating, "We are prioritizing, through either management or franchise models, conversions for quicker market entry and exploring strategic collaborations with existing management companies to increase our footprint, which presents the potential introduction of the Radisson Individuals brand to South Africa, an ideal first step for individual hotels with strong service scores who may be considering transitioning to one of our other successful core brands at a later stage. We are also seeking opportunities to expand our upper-upscale portfolio and enter the lifestyle luxury market in Cape Town with our Radisson Collection and art'otel brands, leveraging the city's strong tourism performance and our successful existing portfolio.”

Radisson Hotel Group has announced significant updates to its portfolio of operating hotels in South Africa, including:

The debut of its first Safari hotel in South Africa with the opening of Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit:

In February Radisson Hotel Group announced the opening of Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit (https://apo-opa.co/3Kwoqy0) its first Safari hotel and 13^th hotel in South Africa. This property offers a luxurious safari experience in the heart of South Africa's wildlife region, with premium amenities and exceptional service. Boasting majestic views of the Drakensberg mountains, the highest mountain range in Southern Africa, Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit is surrounded by endless destination-immersing activities.

“Building on the success of our recently opened Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit, we plan to expand into safari and leisure regions like the Kruger National Park and the world-renowned Winelands region surrounding Cape Town. Additionally, we are targeting secondary cities displaying strong hotel demand generators such as Bloemfontein, Pretoria, Durban, and East London, following our successes in Port Elizabeth and Polokwane. In addition, we are also exploring entry into smaller tertiary cities and towns if it aligns with our expansion strategy,” added Trappler.

Extensive Refurbishments at Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel, Sandton Johannesburg and Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront, Cape Town:

The Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel, Sandton Johannesburg (www.RadissonHotels.com), is undergoing a significant renovation, with 60% of the hotel's rooms already completed, enhancing the overall guest experience. This extensive refurbishment features upgraded wooden flooring, stone countertops, local artworks, carefully crafted furniture, and technological upgrades like smart TVs and conveniently located USB ports. This two-phase refurbishment project has already completed its first phase, with each floor and corridor renovated to showcase a new level of contemporary luxury.

The Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront, Cape Town (https://apo-opa.co/3Kvyebp) has announced its highly-anticipated refurbishment plans, reaffirming its commitment to offering guests world-class furnishings and contemporary interior design. Phase one is set to be completed by September 2024, with public Atrium and bedroom renovations expected in July 2024. An expert team of local and international designers has meticulously reviewed and handpicked the design, artwork, fabrics, and raw materials, ensuring an enhanced and stylish hospitality experience.

Rebranding of Park Inn Foreshore to Radisson Hotel Cape Town Foreshore:

In April, Radisson announced the rebranding of Park Inn Cape Town Foreshore to Radisson Hotel Cape Town Foreshore (https://apo-opa.co/3yVxYzK). This rebranding brings the renowned Radisson brand to South Africa's ‘Mother City'. Following an eight-month renovation, Radisson Hotel Cape Town Foreshore's120 rooms now boast a fresh and modern decor that creates a relaxing environment for guests as well as magnificent views of the prominent Table Mountain and the city center. The hotel now hosts South Africa's first Filini restaurant, offering fresh, simple, and delicious Italian-style cuisine with an interactive open-plan kitchen setting. Additionally, the vibrant Harald's Rooftop Bar & Terrace provides an ideal spot to unwind with uninterrupted views of Table Mountain and the cityscape, complete with a perfectly positioned plunge pool for a complete rooftop experience.

“These significant updates to our South African portfolio reaffirm our unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality experiences across the country. Our ongoing growth in the region underscore our position as a leading force in the South African hospitality industry. This is just the beginning of a series of exciting announcements for our South African portfolio and the unmatched experiences guests can expect from our hotels,” concluded Sandra Kneubuhler, Country Director of Sales and District Director, South Africa at Radisson Hotel Group.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Radisson Hotel Group.

Connect with Radisson Hotels on:
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/3KrNeHc
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/3Ku07R3
Twitter: https://apo-opa.co/4aNzAJg
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/45hQsH2
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/3Vq1zu6
TikTok: https://apo-opa.co/45hQuPa

About Radisson Hotel Group:
Radisson Hotel Group is an international hotel group, operating in EMEA and APAC with over 1,350 hotels in operation and under development in +95 countries. The international hotel group is rapidly expanding with a plan to significantly grow the portfolio. The Group's overarching brand promise is Every Moment Matters with a signature Yes I Can! service ethos.

The Radisson family of brands portfolio includes Radisson Collection, art'otel, Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson RED, Radisson Individuals, Park Plaza, Park Inn by Radisson, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, and prizeotel brought together under one commercial umbrella brand Radisson Hotels.

Radisson Rewards (https://apo-opa.co/3Vu87Ij) is Radisson Hotel Group's loyalty program, which delivers an elevated experience that makes Every Moment Matter. As the most streamlined program in the sector, members enjoy exceptional advantages and can access their benefits from day one across a wide range of hotels in Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific.

Radisson Meetings (https://apo-opa.co/4aU1nHY) provides tailored solutions for any event or meeting, including hybrid solutions placing guests and their needs at the heart of its offer. Radisson Meetings is built around three strong service commitments: Personal, Professional and Memorable, while delivering on the brilliant basics and being uniquely 100% Carbon Neutral.

At Radisson Hotel Group we care for people, communities and planet (https://apo-opa.co/45hQA9u) and aim to be Net Zero by 2050 based on the approved near-term Science Based Targets. With unique solutions such as 100% carbon neutral Radisson Meetings, we make sustainable hotel stays easy. To facilitate sustainable travel choices, all our hotels are becoming verified on Hotel Sustainability Basics.

The health and safety of guests and team members remain a top priority for Radisson Hotel Group. All properties across the Group's portfolio are subject to health and safety requirements, ensuring we always care for our guests and team members.

For more information, visit our corporate website (https://apo-opa.co/45hQC16).

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5 June 2024

Waste to Art Sculptures

Location: News

As part of the ongoing commitment to transform Bellville into a vibrant, sustainable community hub, the better. bellville. together. placemaking initiative, which is funded by the City of Cape Town, proudly unveils its latest addition to Bellville’s public art growing collection. Two striking Waste to Art Protea sculptures were recently installed on the corner of …

4 June 2024

Stun grenades thrown at farm women outside Parliament

Location: News

200 women were marching to call for a ban of pesticides

4 June 2024

Deadly storm creates havoc from Gqeberha to Tongaat

Location: News

At least nine people killed by severe weather affecting almost half the country

4 June 2024

Gelant sets sights on another Sub-28 finish this time at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K

Location: MyPR

Fresh from winning his second national title in four weeks, Elroy Gelant has confirmed that he will line up at the iconic Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K on Sunday 7 July 2024. Lining up on a course that produced the SA All-Comers Record of 27:16 set by Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei in 2018, Gelant knows …