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UNIQ celebrates 10th store and first summer range The Shoprite Group has opened its 10th UNIQ store in Rosebank Mall, just in time to launch the clothing brand’s inaugural Spring/Summer collection. Offering quality clothing for the whole family, UNIQ focusses on simplicity, comfort, superior textiles and value. The new collection is a fresh take on …
As South Africa gears up for the much-anticipated Heritage Day, Uber is delighted to announce a special mobility activation that will allow South Africans and international visitors to connect with the country’s rich cultural heritage. From September 23rd to 30th, users will be able to enjoy discounted rides to some of the most iconic Heritage …
Names of officials who died in SA Navy submarine disaster released
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has named the officials who lost their lives on Wednesday in a navy vessel incident off Kommetjie, near Cape Town.
The SANDF identified the submariners as Lieutenant Commander Gillian Elizabeth Hector, Master Warrant Officer William Masela Mathipa and Warrant Officer Mmokwapa Lucas Mojela.
The three submariners died when a high wave swept seven crew members out of the sea.
According to the SANDF, the SA Navy submarine was en route to Cape Town while conducting a vertical replenishment submarine by means of a SA Air Force Maritime Lynx helicopter when the incident occurred.
“A distress call was made to Cape Town Radio ,who were then dispatched to the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) from Kommetjie.
“All seven members were recovered but sadly there were three fatalities, with one senior official in critical condition,” the SANDF said.
The remaining members, including the surface swimmer, are currently being treated in hospital.
According to the NSRI, the SANDF, SA Air Force, SA Navy, military medical personnel and military police responded, while SA Navy vessels in the area replied to the call as well.
“Two NSRI Kommetjie rescue craft arrived on the scene, one nautical mile off-shore of Slangkop Lighthouse, where three male casualties were rescued onto one NSRI rescue craft and four male casualties were rescued onto one NSRI rescue craft.
“CPR [cardiopulmonary resuscitation] efforts were initiated on two of the men and once ashore at the Kommetjie slipway, CPR was continued on both men by paramedics who, after all CPR efforts were exhausted, sadly they were both declared deceased.”
The NSRI said one SA Navy officer remained on board the naval vessel and in a coordinated operation, where the adult female was extricated from the vessel and CPR efforts were commenced.
“NSRI Hout Bay dispatched a NSRI rescue craft and crew to assist at the Navy vessel.
Sadly, despite extensive CPR efforts, the female officer was declared deceased.”
An inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the incident will be convened in due.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans and her Deputy, Chief of the SANDF, Chief of the SA Navy and Flag Officer Fleet have since extended their sincere condolences to the family members of the deceased.
“The SANDF further extends its sincere thanks and appreciation to the emergency services who assisted in the recovery of the stricken submarines.”
According to the SA Navy, the bereaved families have requested privacy during this difficult time and have asked media and the public to respect their wishes. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 09/21/2023 - 15:06
It is with deep sadness that the SANDF announces the tragic loss of three SA Navy submariners off Kommetjie on 20 September on board the SAS MANTHATISI. The families of the diseased members have been notified and military Chaplains and Social Workers are offering support to the family.
The names of the submariners who died are: Lieutenant Commander Gillian Elizabeth Hector (Executive Officer), Master Warrant Officer William Masela Mathipa (Coxswain) and Warrant Officer Class One Mmokwapa Lucas Mojela (Coxswain under training).
The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms Thandi Modise, Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Thabang Makwetla, Chief of the South African National Defence Force, General Rudzani Maphwanya, the Chief of the South African Navy, Vice Admiral Monde Lobese and Flag Officer Fleet, Rear Admiral Musawenkosi Nkomonde have extended their deepest condolences to the bereaved families, friends, and colleagues of the submariners who tragically lost their lives.
The bereaved families have requested privacy during this difficult time, and we ask the media and the public to respect their wishes.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Department of Defence, Republic of South Africa.
Environment minister criticises City’s previous lack of engagement
Dear Editor “The Police Commissioners must explain why SAPS did not respond promptly to the known risk of violence, even from the day before. This suggests a potential failure in police intelligence services or an orchestrated attack on DA governments by other political parties before an election.” Please find attached a soundbite by Okkie Terblanche …
As Commander-in-Chief of South Africa's Armed Forces, President Cyril Ramaphosa is deeply saddened by the loss of three crew members of the South African Navy submarine SAS Manthatisi who perished at sea off Kommetjie near Cape Town on Wednesday, 20 September 2023.
The SAS Manthatisi was en route to Cape Town while conducting a vertical transfer (VERTREP) by means of a SA Air Force Maritime Lynx helicopter, when high waves swept seven crew members out to sea.
Rough seas affected the rescue and recovery operation in which the National Sea Rescue Institute assisted.
While all crew members were recovered, three fatalities were recorded. Other crew members, including a senior officer in a critical condition, are being treated in hospital.
President Ramaphosa said: “This is a sad loss for our nation and for our brave armed forces in particular who routinely face danger in order so that all of us can be safe and secure.
“My thoughts and prayers go out to the families, friends, commanders and colleagues of the crew members we have lost.
“We wish the injured personnel a full recovery from the physical and psychological trauma they experienced during this tragedy.
“We also appreciate the efforts of all role players who, at great risk to themselves, undertook the rescue and recovery operation.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency: Republic of South Africa.
Today, 21 September 2023, Provincial Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, Mireille Wenger, tabled the Provincial Economic Review and Outlook (PERO) in the Provincial Parliament, titled: With the right strategic choices, we will emerge from a cold winter into a hopeful spring. At approximately 150 pages, the annual publication signals the start of the provincial …
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde is leading a Western Cape Government (WCG) delegation on an official visit to South Korea. Topping the agenda is seeking further investment and trade opportunities that would mutually benefit both the Western Cape and South Korea. “Deepening relations with South Korea, specifically the city and region of Busan, is important …
Shack dwellers say City of Cape Town is slow to respond to complaints
Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance wishes to convey our sincerest condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the marines who tragically lost their lives on board a South African submarine during the regrettable training/exercise incident that transpired in Wednesday afternoon, 20 September 2023, while en route to Table Bay harbour for the mini-navy festival. …
Dave Smith, NSRI Kommetjie station commander, said: At 14h47, Wednesday, 20 September, NSRI Kommetjie duty crew were activated after my neighbor called me on the phone reporting what he suspected to be SA Navy personnel washed off an SA Navy vessel off-shore of Slangkop Lighthouse. NSRI Kommetjie duty crew responded to the NSRI Kommetjie rescue …
Activist organisation #UniteBehind wants MPs to fire former PRASA chair Sfiso Buthelezi
Stellantis (www.Stellantis.com) MEA COO Cherfan and SA Minister of Trade, Industry & Competition Patel shake hands on a new manufacturing plant in South Africa; Rapid progress has been made since the MOU signing in March 2023 with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic); this bold initiative reinforces Stellantis MEA Region's Dare Forward 2030 ambition to sell one million vehicles by 2030 with 70% regional production autonomy.
Stellantis has confirmed its intention to develop a greenfield manufacturing facility in Coega in South Africa with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic). Minister Ebrahim Patel, senior officials from the IDC and Mr. Samir Cherfan, Stellantis Middle East and Africa Chief Operating Officer met at the Parliament Buildings in Cape Town to agree on investment in the South African motor industry.
“It is a wonderful day for all South Africans when a global company of Stellantis' proportions decides to expand its manufacturing footprint in South Africa, to assemble completely knocked down units,” said Mr. Ebrahim Patel, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition. “South Africa currently has the capacity to produce close to 700 000 vehicles annually. This will add considerable additional capacity, just as we prepare to implement the African Continental Free Trade Area. The country remains a great investment destination and this commitment from Stellantis to invest in our local motor industry highlights the success of our manufacturing sector policy, its capability and potential. We look forward to welcoming Stellantis to South Africa and sharing in the detailed plan for employment and investment”.
“We are delighted with the speed at which we are progressing on this project, thanks to the commitment of Minister Patel and the great collaboration with IDC, CDC and dtic teams,” commented Samir Cherfan-Chief Operating Officer Stellantis Middle East and Africa. “This project reflects our focus and trust in South Africa as one of the most important markets in Africa & Middle East. It is also the execution of our Dare Forward 2030 Strategy to reach over 22% Market Share in the region by 2030 with 70% regional localization of our sales leading to over 1 million units produced. We believe in South Africa and we intend to develop industrially and commercially bringing value to our customers”.
The manufacturing plant will be built in the South African Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Coega situated near Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. The greenfield manufacturing project is planned to complete by the end of 2025. The first launch planned early 2026 is a 1 T pick-up truck with volumes expected to reach up to 50,000 completely knocked down (CKD's) units annually including export, in line with the industry masterplan, known as the Automotive Production Development Program (APDP). The plant will be predisposed in terms of space and painting to go up to 90K units / year.
Direct employment to support the first capacity step is expected at 1000 jobs. Stellantis will be massively investing in over 500 000 hours in training and skills to develop and support the local teams to the level of global standards. We are targeting a localization rate over 30%.
“The Coega Development Corporation (CDC) is enthralled for Stellantis to have chosen the proposed site in Coega for their Southern African manufacturing operations. Joining other major manufacturers in the area makes the Coega region the primary automotive hub in the country. The investment in the plant, employment, training and skills transfer will certainly benefit the region tremendously. “This is a much needed and welcomed economic boost for the Eastern Cape Province with an anticipated economy wide impact on the province's GDP of R 664 million. Household income is anticipated to increase to R558.4 million within the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) and R577.4 million for the entire Province. Most importantly, an anticipated 1800 jobs will be created in the Metro and around 2 097 for the EC Province,” said Khwezi Tiya, CEO the CDC.
Stellantis continues to work closely with the IDC in developing a viable joint venture (JV) partnership that will be evaluated by appropriate credit committees. “Stellantis' success with similar manufacturing plants around the world is well-known and our planned JV with Stellantis to build another greenfield plant in South Africa is progressing well. The investment is in line with IDC's intent to drive investment that supports the development of the regional automobile value chain,” said Mr. TP Nchocho, CEO of the IDC.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Stellantis.
For more information, contact:
Tshepo RAMODIBE
+27 269 3106
TshepoR@idc.co.za
Deidre Du PLESSIS
+27 10 252 5000
deidre.duplessis@stellantis.com
communications@stellantis.com
www.Stellantis.com
Social Media:
Twitter: https://apo-opa.info/48ueEXZ
Facebook: https://apo-opa.info/3Pcrv8c
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.info/3PGD2OG
YouTube: https://apo-opa.info/3EDsBF6
About Stellantis:
Stellantis N.V. (NYSE: STLA / Euronext Milan: STLAM / Euronext Paris: STLAP) is one of the world's leading automakers and a mobility provider. Its storied and iconic brands embody the passion of their visionary founders and today's customers in their innovative products and services, including Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroën, Dodge, DS Automobiles, Fiat, Jeep®, Lancia, Maserati, Opel, Peugeot, Ram, Vauxhall, Free2move and Leasys. Powered by our diversity, we lead the way the world moves – aspiring to become the greatest sustainable mobility tech company, not the biggest, while creating added value for all stakeholders as well as the communities in which it operates. For more information, visit www.Stellantis.com.
The Mossel Bay, Overstrand and Swartland K-9, inclusive of the Rural Safety Units (RSUs) in the Overstrand and Swartland, ensured major breakthroughs in the fight against crime. Between 5 to 19 September 2023, these units with various other municipal law enforcement agencies and the South African Police Service (SAPS), arrested seventy-six (76)individuals for a number …
Science must be at the centre of water policy formulations
Policymakers in the water sector have been urged to put science at the centre of their policy formulations to ensure informed decisions are made that will propel the country to greater heights.
The appeal was made by Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister, David Mahlobo, who was speaking at the opening of the 50th Congress of International Association of Hydrogeologists, currently underway in Cape Town.
The congress, taking place from 19 to 22 September 2023, brings together speakers from several institutions across the globe and groundwater experts who are engaging on alternative water sources, particularly surface water and underground water governance and charting a way forward on water security.
In his address, Mahlobo warned that a country that does not invest in science will perish and emphasised that South Africa needs to improve on this aspect.
“As scientists and engineers gathered here, you need to make your mark and direct future policy positions of the water sector, particularly the use of groundwater as an alternate measure that will ensure universal access.
“We need you to guide us and take us to task to come up with policies that will get us into finding lasting and sustainable solutions to the water challenges around the globe,” Mahlobo said.
Challenging the delegates, Mahlobo said the weeklong convergence should not be just a talk shop, but come up with solutions that will benefit generations to come.
Mahlobo reflected on South Africa’s progress in meeting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Goal 6, which focuses on clean water and sanitation for all.
He said the country has attained a lot in redressing the dignity of people who were previously unserved, while acknowledging that a lot still needs to be done.
The country has achieved almost 90% of its target of ensuring access to water, and the Deputy Minister emphasised that access to water should have meaningful impact in terms of economic benefits to the country, food security, social and environmental benefits, among other things.
Mahlobo admitted that the country still has enormous challenges, including assurance to water supply which has declined due to a number of factors.
“Communities can go for days on end without water supply, and this is caused by our neglect of operation and maintenance of our infrastructure. Because we have not invested in operations and maintenance, we are experiencing a lot of water losses in our system which is between 30% to 45%.
“The other challenge is the lack of investment in our infrastructure that matches the population growth and migration from other countries and people moving from rural to urban areas,” he pointed out.
Work is underway to ensure more funds are sourced from the private sector and other private partners to build more infrastructure across the nine provinces.
In addition, the department is addressing the issue of skills shortages that has hindered the efficiency of the water sector to ensure that all systems function optimally, and communities have reliable and uninterrupted water supply.
The Deputy Minister called on the department, as a regulator of the sector, to bite more and take to task all the mining companies that are degrading the quality of groundwater.
The International Association of Hydrogeologists is a scientific and educational charitable organisation of more than 4 000 scientists, engineers, water managers and other professionals working in the fields of groundwater resource planning, management and protection. It was founded in 1956. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 09/20/2023 - 11:42
Entries Closed For Rip Curl GromSearch Seal Point presented by The Cape St Francis Resort Seal Point, Cape St Francis – it only took a few days for the entries to max out for the Rip Curl GromSearch Seal Point. This popular tournament is the final contest in a 5-event series and will …
In an exhilarating culinary showdown spanning three cities – Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town – the semi-finals of the RCL Foods Young Chef & Baker Challenge 2023, held on September 14, 2023, showcased the exceptional skills and creativity of young chefs and bakers from various culinary training programmes across South Africa. Amidst fierce competition, the …
Jim McFarlane, podium © Eric Palmer Sunday, 24 September, will see the return of DRIFTCity to the Grand Parade in Cape Town. After a few years of hiatus, the event is back on and promises to be bigger and more adrenalin-filled than ever. DRIFTCity is also the host of one of the most incredible Custom …
South African Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy Hon. Gwede Mantashe will be a keynote speaker at Africa Oil Week (AOW) (www.Africa-OilWeek.com), to be held in Cape Town next month.
AOW is the continent's leading event in the African upstream and it sees representatives of more than 25 African governments coming together with energy policymakers, financiers and dealmakers to share insights and to map a sustainable roadmap for the responsible development of Africa's natural resources.
Announcing Minister Mantashe's participation, Yemi Ibidunni, Event Director, AOW said that the involvement of the minister and South Africa's Department of Mineral Resources and Energy confirmed the role of AOW as a critical platform for driving energy investment and shaping the future of Africa.
“As Minister Mantashe said at last year's Africa Oil Week, developing Africa's oil and gas resources can help guarantee the continent's energy security while enhancing regional economic development,” says Yemi Ibidunni, Event Director, AOW. “Bringing together leading energy thought leaders like Minister Mantashe and others, helps build the partnerships and develop the knowledge that will drive this process.'
This year's AOW takes place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre 2 in Cape Town, from October 9 – 13, with the theme “Maximising Africa's Natural Resources”.
The event is a global platform driving collaboration, reputable deals and transactions between the public and private sector, shaping the future of the African upstream, and positioning the continent as a stable destination for international investment.
This year's AOW will connect more than 50 ministers and government leaders, 125+ leading speakers, and more than 2 000 senior delegates across five days of industry-leading insight and elite networking opportunities to delivering deals and investments.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Oil Week.
“Hunger and household food insecurity is real. I am therefore excited that the youth are taking on the issue of food security in our communities, as well as creating economic opportunities for themselves”, said the Western Cape MEC of Agriculture, Dr Ivan Meyer.
The MEC was speaking during his recent visit to the Feed the Khaltsha Community Garden based at the premises of Sibongile Day and Night Care Centre in Khayelitsha.
According to MEC Meyer, the Western Cape Department of Agriculture, through the food security initiative, plays a significant role in contributing to the well-being of the citizens of the Western Cape.
MEC Meyer: “Nothing takes away the dignity of a person like the inability to access sufficient food that meets the nutritional requirements for themselves and their loved ones. For this reason, the Western Cape Department of Agriculture has over the past two financial years supported 174 community food security projects, 69 school food gardens and 8238 household food production initiatives.”
Feed the Khaltsha was established in February 2020 by Thapelo Xabanisa and Baluleke Xabanisa who has an agricultural background as he studied at the Western Cape Department of Agriculture's Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute.
Thapelo and Baluleka, the core project leaders, started the vegetable initiative due to a shared desire for self-employment and empowerment. Initially, Feed the Khaltsha concentrated on providing organic veggies to the Sibongile Centre, which specialises in caring for individuals with special needs and/or other abilities. They have been effective in reducing the centre's monthly expenses by supplying it with fresh vegetables.
Thapelo Xabanisa said, “We started by supporting Sibongile Day and Night Centre. Soon the community began hearing about us and wanted to buy our produce. We also began advertising on Facebook and Instagram and soon organizations such as UCOOK and Uthando displayed an interest in supporting us.
The team at Feed The Khaltsha possesses extensive knowledge in organic agricultural practises, that is soil preparation, planting, cultivation, as well as sales and marketing. Although they began with nothing but innovative ideas, their unwavering determination accompanied by infrastructural development and support from the Western Cape Department of Agriculture, has propelled them towards sustainable vegetable production and economic opportunities.
Baluleke Xabanisa said that armed with only a rake, a spade, a vision, a drive and a passion for agriculture they wanted to make a difference.
Baluleke: “ We started with nothing. Our garden has expanded from 15 square metres to 403 square metres and we are now ready to expand even more.
“There is a lot of beauty we can do as youth. By putting in the work we can make a difference” adds Buleleke.
The project presently offers clients a range of fresh and locally grown vegetables. These include tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, lettuce, spinach, carrots, broccoli, parsley, and spring onion. They also offer a mix of seasonal produce to provide their clients with a wide range of options throughout the year. Produce is harvested at the peak of ripeness, ensuring optimal flavour and nutritional value ensuring freshness and quality.
The farm follows organic and sustainable farming methods to promote and attract clients who prioritise health-conscious and environmentally friendly choices. The vegetables are grown without the use of synthetic pesticides or genetically modified organisms.
MEC Meyer concluded by saying that our youth are eager to make a difference adding that “we must turn every dumpsite in our communities into a garden of hope. By doing so, we stop dumping and work towards addressing hunger and food security, and helping our young people live productive lives that allow them to contribute to our communities and our economy”.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Western Cape Agriculture and Rural Development, South Africa.
Introduction In today’s digital age, Search Engine Optimization (SEO) has become a cornerstone of any successful business strategy. In South Africa, where enterprises span a myriad of industries and regions, understanding the nuances of SEO is critical. This comprehensive guide aims to break down the importance of industry-specific and region-based SEO services in South Africa. …
Even a cereal box can be a useful teaching tool