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The Premier of the Western Cape has written to President Cyril Ramaphosa requesting that imminent reductions in the 2023 medium term expenditure framework (MTEF) be urgently placed on the agenda of the upcoming President’s Coordinating Council (PCC) meeting scheduled for Friday, 1 September 2023. The fiscal emergency has, in large part, been created by the …
City says NERSA’s 15% tariff recommendation would lead to a shortfall of R500-million for 2023/24
Cape Town, August 2023 – FAME Week Africa has carved its place as the preeminent event for African creatives, providing a platform for their deep-rooted talent; their ancient and contemporary stories; and their ingrained culture to flourish. By bringing together collaborative events focusing on the major creative economies – these being film, television, animation as …
Experience It Cape Discover romantic date night packages, great value family escapes, unforgettable dining experiences, or the perfect place for after-work drinks with Southern Sun’s selection of Cape Town specials and packages. Try something new in Cape Town, explore its hidden gems, and enjoy the best the Mother City has to offer. Arabella Winter Indulgence …
Charges against attorney Gary Trappler have been reinstated after CCTV footage came to light
Hundreds marched to the Clareinch post office in Claremont to commemorate four years since her rape and murder
Simon McDonnell, NSRI Simonstown station commander, said: At 16h45, Saturday, 26 August, NSRI duty crew were activated following reports of 2 local adult males in the water, after being swept off the harbour wall by a wave and were reported to be being swept out to sea through the harbour entrance, at Kalk Bay Harbour, …
The Western Cape Government is working hard to empower many more women through the numerous programmes, like the SMME Booster Fund, run through the Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT), which has a clear focus on women, as well as youth and township-based businesses. As a part of celebrating the immense contribution women make …
A scintillating southern suburb derby ended in ecstasy for Rondeboasch as they won late against Bishops 36 – 35 on the Piley Rees field, in what was an epic Sportmans Warehouse Premier Interschools match that took place on Saturday the 26th of August 2023. It wasn’t the start Rondebosch wanted as they opened the game …
Nicolette Whitehead, NSRI Strandfontein station commander, said: Just after 13h00, Saturday, 26 August, NSRI EOC (Emergency Operations Centre) were alerted by CoCT (City of Cape Town) Law Enforcement control of a drowning in progress at the Groot Wolfgat Beach, between Monwabisi and Mnandi on the False Bay coast. Law Enforcement officers had been on a …
Wonderful blog websites about pool covers that are informative and enjoyable to read In the beginning… In the modern, ever-changing world, the possession of a swimming pool is considered a luxury that many people covet. It is absolutely necessary to make an investment in a pool cover in order to guarantee that your pool will …
Wellington’s Tyron Adams crowned 2023 Boerewors Champion! Tyron Adams (31) is the winner of the 2023 Shoprite and Checkers Championship Boerewors competition. The Wellington-born chef was up against nine other finalists from across the country at the grand finale held in Somerset West, Cape Town, on 26 August. “I am ecstatic! This was totally unexpected, …
Hours spent every week removing invasive water hyacinth and rubbish
The strike was called without notice and badly affected businesses, learners, clinics and government services
The United Arab Emirates officially joined the BRICS group after a successful application ratified by the five founding nations, the Federative Republic of Brazil, the Russian Federation, the Republic of India, the People's Republic of China and the Republic of South Africa. The announcement was made as leaders of the five countries met from August 22-24 in Johannesburg for the 15th BRICS summit.
The UAE is committed to multilateral action, and constructive dialogue which is fostered through active platforms that represent developing and emerging economies at an international level. In this regard, becoming a member of an extended BRICS grouping reflects the UAE's keenness to champion the value of multilateralism in supporting peace, and development for the benefit and the wellbeing of peoples and nations across the world.
The UAE has been a long-term partner of the BRICS group, having participated in June's ‘Friends of BRICS' forum in Cape Town, convened as part of the BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting, chaired by the Republic of South Africa. The UAE also joined the BRICS New Development Bank in October 2021, after it was established in 2015 to mobilise resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in emerging markets, developing countries, and BRICS nations.
Commenting on the UAE's successful application to join BRICS, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs, said: “We express our appreciation to the five founding members of this important grouping, with our successful application reflecting BRICs' approach to partnerships and its strong spirit of friendship.”
His Highness added: “This development forms part of the UAE's commitment to promoting constructive dialogue through active platforms that represent developing and emerging economies, and the country's focus on long-term economic prosperity and maintaining balanced strategic and economic relations—including with international organisations—in an ever-evolving world order. The UAE has consistently championed the value of multilateralism in supporting peace, security, and development globally.”
For his part, His Excellency Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State, stated: “We express our appreciation regarding the agreement of the leaders of the BRICS countries on the inclusion of the UAE in this important group as of January 2024, and we are grateful for their confidence in this regard. The UAE seeks to support multilateralism and partnerships to achieve development, prosperity and benefit for all countries and peoples.”
HE Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan continued: ”The UAE's inclusion in the BRICS group reflects its keenness on international and multilateral cooperation to achieve sustainable development for all countries around the world.”
Commenting on this occasion, His Excellency Ahmed Al Sayegh, Minister of State, stressed: “The UAE is a global hub for trade and economic development, with a foreign policy focused on supporting long-term economic prosperity. The country adopts innovative strategies, and is working to build an economy based on knowledge and diversity, reinforced by scientific and technological progress.”
HE Al Sayegh emphasized: “Over the past five decades, the UAE has worked to strengthen international partnerships. Its membership in BRICS reflects the country's open approach to reinforcing collaboration with international economic institutions. The UAE is moving rapidly to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of its economy while exploring new opportunities.”
For her part, Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, said: “We are pleased to join the BRICS group, which the UAE recognizes as a mechanism to promote global peace, stability, and prosperity.”
HE Al Hashimy concluded: “The UAE believes in championing multilateralism and actively contributing to important international arenas. This includes engaging with BRICS, participating regularly in the G20 process, and hosting the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) climate conference in November.
“The UAE stresses that the future of global security and prosperity relies on strong multilateral partnerships and cooperation on the international level, and a shared commitment to achieving stability and development.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Arab Emirates Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation.
The number of Metrorail passenger journeys have dropped by 46-million since 2013, but gains have been made over the last year
PRASA prioritises full recovery of commuter rail services
The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has reiterated that the full recovery of commuter rail services nationally is a top priority.
“Considerable progress has been made in restoring commuter services nationally, with 18 corridors recovered nationally, and 16 corridors prioritized for recovery in this financial year,” PRASA said on Friday.
Eight lines have been recovered in the Western Cape region, with six of these lines in operation with the new Electric Motor Units, otherwise known Isitimela Sabantu.
Trains are running on the Central, Southern and Northern corridors, stopping at 88 stations out of 121 stations in the province.
Five corridors in the Western Cape have been earmarked for recovery in this financial year - Nyanga to Philippi; Philippi to Chris Hani; and Philippi to Kapteinsklip; Bellville to Strand; and Cape Town to Muldersvlei.
“We are making steady progress in recovering these lines. PRASA’s interventions to restore and sustain urban passenger rail services aim to ensure that the return of passenger rail to the city is sustainable.
“The plans are part of PRASA's wider strategy to improve passenger rail services across South Africa and make rail a safe, reliable, and affordable mode of transport,” the agency said.
The plans to improve passenger train services for the City of Cape Town include:
In line with its secondary mandate, PRASA has already contributed to the socio- economic fabric of the mother city with the new multi-use development at the Cape Town Station.
“Together with improvements in the train service, these activities will improve the quality of life for commuters in the city, create jobs, and boost the city’s economy.
“The number of reopened lines and those earmarked for reopening tells the story of solid progress in returning passenger rail to its rightful place as the backbone of public transport in the Western Cape.
“Residents of the city have welcomed the return of the services on several lines, including parts of the all-important Central Line. The recovery and rebuild programme is a priority that PRASA has shared with its stakeholders including parliamentary committees that we have been invited to,” the agency said.
PRASA expressed confidence that it will deliver on its plans given its turnaround momentum.
The latest StatsSA Land Transport survey shows continued strong demand for passenger rail transport.
According to the latest Stats SA Land Transport Survey, the year-on-year demand for passenger services, albeit from a low base, increased by 215% year-on-year.
“Our On-Time performance and Customer Satisfaction Index show gradual improvement. PRASA attends regular meetings at which developments that affect the delivery of train services in Cape Town are discussed.
“These meetings are in line with the provisions of the National Land Transport Act (NLTA) and are designed to keep the City and the Province informed of developments within PRASA. PRASA reiterates its plans and programmes to revitalize passenger train services in Cape Town at these meetings,” the agency said.
The Railway Steering Sub Committee meetings, which is a structure set up in terms of the National Land Transport Act (NLTA), provides a platform for regular updates on the state of the service.
PRASA, the City of Cape Town and Western Cape Departments of Infrastructure and Mobility are also members of an intergovernmental structure for relocating illegal occupants on the Central Line.
PRASA said it will continue to work closely with the City of Cape Town and the Provincial Government during the rebuild and recovery of its infrastructure and services.
“PRASA believes that the shared goal with the city of fully restoring the rail network and train services should remain the top priority between the two entities. Through the various intergovernmental structures and committees, we have full confidence in mutual cooperation and collaboration we share with the City of Cape Town and Western Cape Government for us to deliver on our promises to restore passenger rail services in the province,” PRASA said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Fri, 08/25/2023 - 10:47
“It saddens me that we once again must condemn the criminal behavior of a few individuals whose actions have led to damage of government property and impacted on the delivery of 230 units at the Forrest Village project,” said Minister Tertuis Simmers. I, in the strongest manner, condemn the invasion of the housing units at …
Mr Lester Geldenhuis, Chief Engineer at Eskom in the Western Cape, was Premier Alan Winde’s guest at his 22nd Energy Digicon. Mr Geldenhuis shared his insights into the power utility’s transmission grid development efforts, generation forecasting as well as the increasingly important role independent power producers (IPPs) are playing in power generation in the province. …
The Medicines Act is being misused while Parliament dithers
Mukuru (https://www.Mukuru.com), a leading next-generation financial services provider for Africa's emerging consumers, has appointed Zimbabwe-born MMA fighter Themba Gorimbo as its newest brand ambassador to highlight its commitment to supporting top African talent and making a difference in communities across the continent.
Like many youths in Africa, Gorimbo, now a successful welterweight UFC fighter hailing from a rural area called Muvuti in the Bikita District in Zimbabwe, had a rough start in life with the loss of both his parents at an early age. He made his way to South Africa and, while working as a gardener in Cape Town, he joined a local gym which was the start of setting him on a new trajectory.
“I believe God had a role to play in how my life thankfully changed for the better. You could almost say the tribulations of my past have played a big role in giving me the mental strength to achieve what I have so far,” says Gorimbo.
Gorimbo expresses his gratitude for the newfound chapter in his life, one that intertwines with a reputable organisation such as Mukuru. A business deeply rooted in serving its customers, Mukuru has partnered with Gorimbo on his journey of progress as he continues to positively contribute to the well-being of his community. He says that the partnership between him and Mukuru is nothing short of a blessing, as the company's unwavering support continues to provide him with the platform to fulfill his dreams of giving back to his community as he soldiers towards success.
Gorimbo joins rugby legend Tendai ‘Beast' Mtawarira and the Malawian soccer team, The Mighty Mukuru Wanderers, as ambassadors for the brand.
“The decision to partner with Themba as our brand ambassador for Mukuru was easy given that he is the epitome of what a Mukuru customer represents,” says Cindy Klassen, Head of Marketing at Mukuru. Our customers are resilient, they too have journeyed from their homes, some under tough situations, others in search of greater opportunity, but all with the same belief that they will be paving the way for future generations to be beacons of hope and models of success. Gorimbo often says he will become a champion, but to us and the people of Africa, he is one already.”
Gorimbo installed a borehole in his village from the proceeds he received selling his fight kit after his first UFC victory in Las Vegas earlier this year. “As part of the brand partnership, we wanted to match Gorimbo's magnanimous energy, because as a brand we too invest in the communities that we serve, so we partnered with him and donated another borehole to provide clean water and support his community in Bikita District,” says Klassen.
We look forward to collaborating on various brand campaigns in the coming months and hopefully inspire and support more people across Africa in the same way Gorimbo and our customers inspire us,” concludes Klassen.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mukuru.
About Mukuru:
Mukuru is a leading next generation financial services platform in Southern Africa that offers affordable and reliable financial services to a customer base of over 13 million across Africa, Asia, and Europe.
With over 100 million transactions to date, our core was built providing international money transfers and from this base, we've developed a set of services to address the broader financial needs of our customers. We now operate in over 50 countries and across over 300 remittance corridors.
We are a business that puts the customer at the centre of everything we do, and for that reason, we serve clients across physical and digital channels, by various payment methods (cash, card, wallet) as well as a range of engagement platforms including WhatsApp, USSD, contact centre, App, website, agents and a branch and booth network.
Mukuru has, for the fourth consecutive year, been listed as one of the top 100 Cross Border Payments businesses in the world in the 2023 FXC Intelligence Top 100 Cross-Border Payment Companies (https://apo-opa.info/3KW0wwh), one of only six African companies to receive this accolade.
In April 2023, Mukuru officially ranked sixth on the 2023 LinkedIn Top Companies List in South Africa.
Further information can be found at https://www.Mukuru.com.
But the controversial Mayco Member received a standing ovation from DA members for his handling of the taxi strike
At a meeting of the Western Cape Government (WCG) Cabinet today a position statement on the procurement of electricity from a Karpowership facility was adopted. Cabinet had requested that intensive research be carried out into the possibility of exploring this emergency measure to end the long-running and devastating energy crisis. It was resolved that investment …
The existing State Land Disposal Act could be used to fast track the use of public land for human settlement