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News, Directory, Events and Other Stuff
Electricity wheeling – which is becoming an increasingly important part of South Africa’s energy landscape – was the subject of discussion at Premier Alan Winde’s 28th Energy Digicon and will be a focus of a number of the digicons during November. Wheeling is the delivery of electricity from a generator to a user in another …
Springbok Women head coach Louis Koen tweaked the midfield and loose trio combinations of his match day squad for their final WXV 2 clash against Samoa at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town on Friday, while also bringing in Rights Mkhari as replacement. The match kicks off at 16h30 and is a must win for both …
Premier Alan Winde, several members of his Cabinet, and Western Cape Government (WCG) officials today gave an update on the provincial government’s efforts to repair and reopen roads, and other infrastructure, which were severely damaged in the storms and ensuing flooding that hit parts of the province over the Heritage long weekend. The Premier thanked …
Cape Town, 25 October – Following a very successful debut in 2023, the Prince Albert Community Trust (PACT) Journey to Jazz festival will be back 1 – 5 May 2024, and to deliver on the high barre set by the inaugural festival, organisers have appointed music maestro Kyle Shepherd, as Artistic Director to curate the …
Phoenix, Joe Slovo residents to store water ahead of pipeline upgrade
The City of Cape Town’s Water and Sanitation Directorate has urged the residents of Phoenix and Joe Slovo to store enough water ahead of tonight’s planned upgrade on the water main supplying the two areas in Milnerton.
The city said residents of Phoenix and Joe Slovo have been experiencing low water pressure, and the water and sanitation maintenance team will be upgrading a section of the pipeline to improve the water pressure in these areas.
“This requires that the water supply to these areas be shut off to enable the work to be done safely. Residents in these areas are kindly requested to store enough water in advance and also to keep their taps closed during this period to prevent water loss and/or damage when the water supply is restored,” the city said in a statement.
Water supply in Phoenix and Joe Slovo will be shut off from 8pm on Thursday until 3am on Friday.
The city said a water tanker will be made available to provide water for domestic consumption, where required.
“The city sincerely regrets any inconvenience caused, but it is imperative that it maintains its water supply infrastructure to benefit its customers.”
For updates on the maintenance work and location of tankers, follow @CityofCTAlerts Twitter account. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 10/26/2023 - 12:36
The Killarney Motor Show, scheduled for Sunday 5 November 2023 at the renowned Killarney International Raceway in Cape Town, promises an adrenaline-packed experience like never before. Leading automotive lubricant brand, Motul, is set to take the event by storm with thrilling partnerships that demonstrate their exceptional product range. Visitors to the Motul stand can look …
World Rugby clears Mbongeni Mbonambi
World Rugby has determined that there is insufficient evidence at this time to proceed with charges against South African rugby player Mbongeni Mbonambi.
Mbonambi was accused by England’s Tom Curry of using discriminatory language during the England versus South Africa Rugby World Cup 2023 semi-final last Saturday.
In addition, a further allegation was brought forward in recent days about a previous match in the Autumn Nations Series 2022.
“Any allegation of discrimination is taken extremely seriously by World Rugby, warranting a thorough investigation. Having considered all the available evidence, including match footage, audio and evidence from both teams, the governing body has determined that there is insufficient evidence at this time to proceed with charges.
“Therefore, the matter is deemed closed unless additional evidence comes to light,” World Rugby said in a statement on Thursday.
The body said it accepts that Curry made the allegations in good faith, and that there is no suggestion that the allegation was deliberately false or malicious.
“World Rugby is also concerned by the social media abuse that both players have been subjected to this week. There is no place in rugby or society for discrimination, abuse or hate speech, and World Rugby urges fans to embrace the sport’s values of respect, integrity and solidarity,” it said.
This news comes ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup final where South Africa will take on New Zealand, also known as the All Blacks, at Stade de France in Paris, on Saturday.
The Rugby World Cup final kicks off at 9pm and will be broadcast live on SuperSport and SABC.
Excitement is mounting in the country, with supporters looking forward to watching the historic World Cup final game, which will also be screened at various fan parks.
The City of Cape Town has announced three public viewing areas and the Free State province will have a fan park at the SaamTrek Fan Park - Phakisa Raceway.
“The World Cup this year has been one of the most exciting and unifying sporting events in our nation's history. For the final, the City is pleased to announce three public viewing sites in the CBD, Langa and Mitchells Plain where residents can get together and hopefully watch the Springboks make history by winning the title for a fourth time,” Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis said.
Free State MEC for Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Thabo Meeko, called on citizens to back the national rugby team at the SaamTrek Fan Park - Phakisa Raceway.
Entrance will be free. Additional activities and entertainment include a kiddie’s village, biker stunts show, car drifting, music performances, food stalls, and tourism products exhibitions. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 10/26/2023 - 11:01
Dear Editor The DA has always been very clear that we completely reject the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill in its current form. While we support educational reform, we will not support a Bill that ultimately disempowers schools and communities and fails to address a single one of the systemic challenges that impede quality …
A common theme when dealing with transactional intellectual property (“IP”) matters in South Africa, where one party to a transaction is not a South African resident, is exchange control. The issue of exporting intellectual property assets by South African exchange control residents is a topic that is receiving increasing attention as companies seek to expand …
On Tuesday, 24 October 2023, the journey of the Department of Infrastructure and Hope Cape Town came full circle at their title deed handover ceremony. The provincial Minister of Infrastructure, Tertuis Simmers, issued the institution with their title deeds making them the outright owners of the property. In 2019 upon request, the Western Cape Department …
A campaign to preserve the horticultural area says the silica mine will impact food security and the Cape Flats Aquifer
In May 2022, William Sheepskin, a 27-year-old photographer from Sea Point, Cape Town, faced a life-altering diagnosis: testicular cancer. This unexpected medical journey not only tested his physical strength but also posed financial challenges that threatened to eclipse his dreams and future plans. Maya, William’s partner of six years, a 25-year-old student pursuing a Master’s …
The South African Weather Service warns of possibly hot and dry summer ahead
SAA to be officially relaunched
Government is expected to officially relaunch South African Airways (SAA) in Cape Town on Thursday.
The event – which will mark two years since SAA returned to the skies – will also be used to announce the restart of the state-owned airliner’s direct flights to São Paulo, Brazil.
Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan said the relaunch was a milestone for the airliner which had run into turbulence after it was grounded for 16 months and underwent business rescue and averted liquidation.
“The upcoming event marks a very significant step in the resurgence of South African Airways. We look forward to the official relaunch of SAA, along with the introduction of its first intercontinental flight to São Paulo, Brazil,” Gordhan said.
In a statement earlier this year, SAA revealed that it will fly four times a week to São Paulo with two flights each departing from Cape Town and Johannesburg.
At the time, SAA Interim CEO, Professor John Lamola, said the airliner took the decision to introduce the long haul flight following thorough sustainability analysis.
“We are overjoyed to announce São Paulo as our first international destination since the airline successfully emerged from an intensive Business Rescue process and COVID-19 lockdown. It also marks our return of our long-haul service out of Cape Town. The teams at SAA are working hard behind the scenes to gear our operations for this much-anticipated route launch to South America.
“Our decision to begin the relaunch of our long-haul service with São Paulo was taken based on a rigorous analysis of the viability of the route. Sustainability has been at the heart of SAA’s approach since our restart,” he said.
The first flight to the South American country is expected to depart from Cape Town next Tuesday with the Johannesburg flight to follow suit on November 6. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 10/25/2023 - 10:02
SA urges BRICS collaboration for tourism
South African Tourism Minister, Patricia de Lille, says the BRICS partnership is enough reason for Tourism Ministers and countries to come together and work in collaboration to grow their sectors and economies.
De Lille made the remarks during the opening session of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) Tourism Ministers meeting held in Cape Town on Tuesday.
Held under the theme: "Sustainable and inclusive tourism recovery", the meeting builds on South Africa's 2023 BRICS Summit held in August under the theme: "BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development and Inclusive Multilateralism".
De Lille noted that in the Summit Declaration, BRICS Heads of State acknowledged the urgent need for tourism industry recovery and the importance of increasing mutual tourist flows.
“We are here today to agree on a way forward and action plan. The BRICS Tourism Ministers Meeting will exchange information and experiences in our tourism sectors.
“It is also an opportunity for BRICS Members to reach a consensus on key policy priorities for a more just and sustainable tourism recovery. We do so because we know that poverty, unemployment and inequality are the biggest problems the world faces,” De Lille said.
According to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), international arrivals could reach 80% to 95% of pre-pandemic levels in 2023.
In South Africa, the tourism sector has risen from January to August 2023, with a total of 5.5 million international tourists arriving in the country, signifying a remarkable 70.6% surge compared to the same period in 2022.
While this resurgence is encouraging, the Minister noted these figures still lag behind the pre-pandemic levels of 2019 by a 19.0% shortfall.
However, she said the figures are encouraging, noting that within the 5.5 million arrivals, “the African region has the biggest share.”
The Minister noted that tourism can be an engine of growth of our economy, and it is also a key part of our country's Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan.
“We have seen similar growth in our fellow BRICS countries. This recovery provides an opportunity to implement transformational shifts as the travel and tourism sector creates a more resilient and inclusive future.
“As international arrivals are forecast to reach 1.8 billion by 2030, this growth should be sustainable and inclusive and contribute positively to the communities, natural ecosystems, and cultural heritage,” the Minister said.
Aligning tourism strategies
De Lille also called on BRICS Members to align tourism strategies with the six lines of action, as recommended by the UNWTO's One Planet Vision for a Responsible Recovery of the Tourism Sector.
These include public health, social inclusion, biodiversity conservation, combating climate change, ensuring a circular economy that empowers all, and a commitment to fair and transparent governance and finance.
“Our collective recovery of tourism must be measured beyond economic impacts. A fairer development model is called for.
“It involves stakeholders at different levels in its planning and implementation and provides decent work conditions and opportunities for all, including women, youth, people with disabilities and indigenous communities,” De Lille said.
She said the meeting will explore cooperation priorities for BRICS Members to achieve a resilient, sustainable and inclusive tourism recovery.
“We will look at mainstreaming sustainable policies and practices so we can take steps to support better the transition to a green, low emissions and climate-resilient tourism economy.
“We will look at developing more sustainable tourism business models using technology to manage visitor flows better. We will encourage a paradigm shift by reconsidering perceptions of tourism success. Is it just arrival numbers or the actual impact on communities?” she asked. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 10/24/2023 - 14:14
Intimidation has prevented repairs to parks in Delft, Cape Town
SA enters documentary on Dr Joseph Shabalala to compete at Oscars
South Africa has submitted a film about Ladysmith Black Mambazo founder and musical director Dr Joseph Shabalala for consideration to compete in the International Feature Film category for the 96th Annual Academy Awards (Oscars).
“Music is My Life tells the story of the late South African musician Shabalala, who rose to international acclaim with his band Ladysmith Black Mambazo and contributed to Paul Simon’s successful Graceland album,” the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) said.
Produced by the seasoned award-winning producer, Carolyn Carew, the feature documentary film was shot over a period of five years and Shabalala’s creative process through the inspiring lense of his life.
“It is always a great and privileged opportunity to have a South African film represent the country at the global industry’s foremost awards. The fact that this particular film tells the authentic South African story of the iconic Dr Shabalala, is even more special,” NFVF Acting CEO Thobela Mayinje said.
The NFVF said the film is an engaging tribute to South Africa’s diverse culture, one of South Africa’s most distinct traditional musical forms, isicathamiya, and the man with a remarkable voice who made it globally relevant.
“Since its release, the film has screened at a number of local and international film festivals and has garnered critical acclaim by audiences in countries like America, New Zealand, Australia and Spain, to name a few. Locally, Music is My Life screened at the Labia Cinema for over five days and on what would have been Dr Shabalala’s 83rd birthday, the public broadcaster’s SABC 1 channel aired the film,” the foundation said.
The decision to enter the film was made after a rigorous judging process by the South African Academy Awards Selection Committee.
This year’s committee comprised a diverse group of seasoned industry professionals from various fields within the film industry, who were submitted to and approved by the Academy.
“Once the call for submissions closed on 10 August 2023, the committee evaluated a total of four film submissions from 18 to 22 September 2023, at Nu Metro cinemas in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.
“The submissions were evaluated based on the Academy Awards’ Best International Feature Film eligibility criteria. The NFVF appointed a reputable firm, SNG Grant Thornton to assess the overall judging process and ensure the integrity of the process.
“Once the committee had deliberated in its meeting held on 22 September 2023, the submission Music is My Life - Joseph Shabalala and Ladysmith Black Mambazo received the highest votes as the official selection once the scores were tallied and vetted by the auditors,” the foundation said.
The official nominations for the 96th Annual Academy Awards will be announced on 23 January 2024. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Tue, 10/24/2023 - 14:53
PRASA launches accommodation to house NSFAS students
A total of 3 200 eligible beneficiaries of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) are set to benefit from the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA)’s development project in Cape Town.
This as Minister of Transport, Sindisiwe Chikunga, officially opened the R1.2 billion Mixed-Use Development Student Accommodation and Retail project in Cape Town on Tuesday.
Eris Property Group has secured the forecourt of the Cape Town Station on a long-term lease from PRASA and have completely reimagined this landmark location into a vibrant new precinct, spanning 2.4 hectares.
“A 7 000 square meter retail sector is being renovated as part of this landmark project to better serve locals and commuters alike. The retail precinct is planned to be finished in November 2023. I am happy to inform you that the project is 82% complete, with students moving in, starting in February 2024,” the Minister said.
PRASA has invested in development projects for accommodation and retail facilities in Cape Town and Johannesburg to ensure it realises the full potential of its property portfolio.
In addition, the first phase of the R575 million Goodwood Station Social Housing initiative is at about 70% complete.
“Over a thousand rental units at reasonable prices will have been made available in the City of Cape Town thanks to this ambitious project by the end of October 2023.
“The Public Real Estate Asset Management Company of South Africa, its investment company - Intersite Investment - the DCI Community Housing Services, the Social Housing Regulatory Authority (SHRA), the Infrastructure Fund, and the City of Cape Town all worked together to create this successful project.
“It will include the construction of 1 055 affordable dwelling units on PRASA-owned land near the Goodwood Station, as well as a 5 000 square meter retail facility on the station deck. The completion of the project’s second stage is anticipated for the year 2024,” Chikunga said.
Chikunga said a significant step in ensuring PRASA’s long-term financial stability is the 25% co-investment it has made in the Cape Town Station development via its special purpose vehicle, Intersite.
“This exemplifies our determination to rebrand our stations as thriving communities where people can live, work and play, thereby transforming them into transit hubs that provide a better experience for passengers and shoppers,” she said.
The Minister explained that real estate investment and development, urban telecommunication and more fall within PRASA’s secondary mandate, which is carried out by PRASA’s property division, PRASA Corporate Real Estate Solutions, and Intersite Asset Investments.
“To help defray the expense of operating passenger rail, we are carefully attempting to conform to worldwide best practices. PRASA’s capacity to maintain its commitment to economical, dependable, and safe commuter train service is contingent on its ability to diversify its revenue streams beyond passenger fares,” Chikunga said.
She also announced that Intersite is a co-investor in “The Rynx,” a real estate project in Braamfontein, Johannesburg.
“The current PRASA offices in the Tippet building will be converted into 189 apartments and other uses as part of this project. Construction is scheduled to begin in October 2023 at an estimated cost of R67 million and [it will] take 18 months.
“Additionally, we are nearing completion on 20 more student and gap year accommodation buildings across our broad train network. These initiatives are essential to realising the full potential of our property portfolio and reviving passenger train services,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Tue, 10/24/2023 - 15:30
Liquor Amendment Bill under the spotlight
Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu has acknowledged the message of the 7th Bi-Annual Global Alcohol Policy Conference (GAPC) to pass the Liqour Amendment Bill.
“I hear you and that is the message “Pass the Liqour Amendment Bill now.” From the department of Social Development and all other government people that are here, [we] take note of what has been brought to us here. This is a positive message and a message that says to us we must listen when you stand up to talk to us.
"Let us make the 7th Bi-Annual Global Alcohol Policy Conference remarkable by accomplishing the things we collectively pledged to achieve and for collective action to put the needs of the world’s most vulnerable citizens ahead of profit,” Minister Zulu said.
The Minister was delivering the keynote opening remarks on the occasion of the 7th GAPC held in Cape Town on Tuesday.
GAPC is the leading forum for the world’s alcohol policy makers, advocates, researchers, civil society activists and practitioners.
The official launch was hosted by the Minister and attended by congregants from over 50 countries around the globe. Some of the key concerns that stood out from some speeches from keynote speakers, were the fact that profits are being put ahead of lives.
Zulu emphasised that the country’s approach to alcohol policy has to shift from one where the objectives revolve around economic growth to the interest of public health, with specific focus on reducing alcohol-related harms.
“I hope the conference will be an important turning point that will provide impetus for the much-needed focus on the World Health Organisation’s Global Strategy to Reduce the Harmful Use of Alcohol.
Draft Policy on the Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Use Disorders
The Minister said that the conference came at a perfect time after a month of government tabling the Draft Policy on the Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Use Disorders to Cabinet for public consultation.
The policy provides a framework for decision-making within the whole sector about where the greatest drug-related harms are occurring, and identifying the best means to address those harms.
“We are pleased that Cabinet approved the Policy for public consultation and recommended the establishment of a special committee of Cabinet Ministers to ensure coordination, strategic alignment and decision making in harm prevention and reduction strategies across government.
“I am therefore confident that this policy conference under the theme ‘Investing in People Before Profits: Building momentum towards the Framework Convention on Alcohol Control,’ will provide the necessary political impetus and generate new research and evidence-based ideas in drug and alcohol policy,” the Minister said.
Addiction
The Minister highlighted that government is concerned that up to one in three teenagers are addicted to drugs and alcohol in South Africa.
This figure is based on the numbers of young people presenting themselves to treatment facilities.
‘While we are concerned about the harm that all drugs have on individuals, families and or society as a whole, there is a significant body of evidence from research institutions such as the South African Medical Research Council and Soul City that suggest that alcohol is one of the most abused substances that causes the most harm to the most people in our country,” Zulu said.
The Minister further highlighted to delegates that research further shows that alcohol fuels crime, mortality rates and fatal injuries, and contributes to the unacceptably high levels of vehicle crashes in South Africa.
At the same time, she said, alcohol significantly contributes to gender-based violence and risky sexual behaviours associated with sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.
The Minister added that time and again, the quarterly crime statistics show that alcohol abuse is one of the main contributors to crime around the country.
She said that government is concerned about the emerging trends among young people of mixing alcohol with energy drinks.
“In the face of these growing challenges, our people have demanded that government take necessary measures to address the harmful use of alcohol.
“I must acknowledge that this has not been the easiest of tasks. Any measures to prevent and reduce alcohol harm has been met with a monumental and well-resourced push back that seem to put commercial interests before people from the alcohol industry.”
The Minister emphasised that government’s objective is to regulate the sale and supply of alcohol to the public, not motivated by revenue collection, but rather by purely by the interests of public health and wellbeing, with the particular purposes of protecting children and young people, reducing alcohol consumption, and preventing violent crime and other forms of alcohol related harm.
She said this objective arises from the overwhelming evidence of significant harm to individuals and society caused by the harmful use of alcohol. –SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Tue, 10/24/2023 - 15:42
Cape Town, South Africa – October 24, 2023 – The Cape Town Arts Festival, formerly the Cape Town Festival (CTAF), is back and all set to celebrate the dynamic fusion between arts, culture, and community with showstopping talent, taking place on Saturday, December 9, and Sunday, December 10, against the backdrop of the Castle of …
The Provincial Minister of Infrastructure Tertuis Simmers and the Provincial Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities Mireille Wenger launched the Western Cape Government’s electricity wheeling toolkit. The toolkit will support municipalities to help fast-track the implementation of third-party electricity wheeling. The toolkit was developed by the Western Cape Government in consultation with industry bodies, municipalities, …
If you find yourself anywhere near Voortrekker Road in Bellville then make sure to stop and take in The Greater Tygerberg Partnership’s (GTP) captivating new mural, “Saved the Bees.” Located at 198 Voortrekker Road, this unique piece of art has been created by local artist Wayne Beukes and aims to raise awareness about the crucial …
But the people who work at the libraries in Hanover Park and Bellville are determined to continue creating safe spaces for their communities
Climate change may bring more variable weather but we can reduce the risk of disasters