Calls for Nestlé to Remove Sugar From Baby Foods
Swiss investigative outlet claims Nestlé is misrepresenting sugar content
Caster Semenya
What the SA Human Rights Commission Is Doing to Advance Queer Rights
SAHRC is involved in a number of initiatives including high-profile litigation
Records tumble as Gelant and Njoki win Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K
South African long distance sensation Elroy Gelant put on a tactical masterclass on his way to setting a new lifetime best time of 27: 47 to win the iconic Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K on Sunday 7 July. “It’s great to get my first Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series win. It took a lot …
“The Black Business Council (BBC) confers Game – Changer and Lifetime Awardss to deserving South Africans” according to Kganki Matabane, BBC CEO.
“The Black Business Council (BBC) confers Game – Changer and Lifetime Awards to deserving South Africans” according to Kganki Matabane, BBC CEO. The full list of awardees and reasons why they are recognised are listed below: Game – Changer Awards Mr Gregory Nott Greg is presented with a Game – Changer Award for his courageous …
Government supports Caster Semenya in legal battle
Government supports Caster Semenya in legal battle
The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) has expressed that it stands in solidarity, with unwavering commitment, to seek justice for Caster Mokgadi Semenya as she is back in the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights in France.
The court will reportedly consider whether the double Olympic champion must lower her testosterone levels in order to participate in competitions.
“The department is committed to advocating for fairness and equality in sport. As the country celebrates 30 Years of Democracy, every athlete, regardless of their gender or physical attributes, should have the right to compete without facing unjust obstacles.
"We trust that the Grand Chamber's judgment will uphold these principles and deliver a positive outcome for Caster and all athletes affected by similar challenges,” DSAC Acting Director-General, Dr Cynthia Khumalo, said on Wednesday.
Government is working in collaboration with the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE), Norton Rose Fulbright (NRF), Probono.org, and various other stakeholders to support Semenya on the matter.
“The DSAC notes the hearing scheduled for Wednesday, 15 May 2024, where the Grand Chamber will evaluate the matter presented by the Swiss government in relation to the European Court of Human Rights’ July 2023 decision. Caster Semenya has endured years of unfair discrimination based on her gender.
“The 2019 regulations imposed by the World Athletics body created significant challenges for athletes with Differences in Sex Development (DSD), who wish to compete in their chosen sport. This ruling reaffirmed the international legal requirement for World Athletics to refrain from engaging in discriminatory practices, barring exceptional circumstances,” the DSAC said.
The CGE has called on all to rally behind Semenya’s endeavour to seek justice not only for herself, but for other affected athletes.
“A finding by the Grand Chamber that issues between international athletics bodies, such as World Athletics and individual athletes, are not a matter of private law but of public human rights law are transformative and progressive.
"A favourable outcome will be of massive importance to athletes with differences in sexual development worldwide,” Chairperson of the CGE, Advocate Nthabiseng Sepanya-Mogale said.
READ | Kodwa welcomes Court's ruling on Semenya's appeal
DSAC said the referral to the Grand Chamber is in accordance with the violations identified by the Court in Switzerland vs Caster Mokgadi Semenya.
“These violations encompassed a breach of the prohibition on discrimination, a denial of the right to an effective remedy, and a failure to respect private life.
“Government, through the department, has consistently advocated and supported initiatives aimed at resolving this matter equitably. The DSAC remains optimistic that the Grand Chamber's decision will reflect the values of justice, inclusivity and diversity that underpin the South African sporting sector,” DSAC said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 05/15/2024 - 09:54
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United Nation Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Road Safety to launch global road safety campaign in South Africa
The United Nations Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Road Safety, Jean Todt, will visit South Africa from 13 to 15 May 2024 to support national and local authorities' road safety initiatives. In particular, the Special Envoy will launch the UN Global Campaign for Road Safety, in partnership with the No.1 outdoor advertising company worldwide, JCDecaux, under the hashtag #MakeASafetyStatement.
One of the main goals of this campaign is to raise awareness of life-saving actions among young generations, who as statistics show, are the major victims of road crashes especially for young people aged from 5 to 29 years old worldwide. Supporting the efforts of South Africa in addressing this issue is key in a country where more than 60% of the population is under 35 years old.
The launch events are to be held in Johannesburg and Pretoria with the participation of the Minister of Transport of South Africa and the Executive Mayors of Tshwane and Johannesburg.
Mr. Todt will meet members of the Government as well as representatives of the private and public sectors and NGOs to advocate for the effective implementation of the Global Plan for the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030, which aims to halve the number of road fatalities by 2030.
"Africa is the continent most affected by road crashes. Knowing that these affect the youngest first, it is beyond the human tragedy, an economic devastation sacrificing or invalidating for life the active force of a country. While the vaccine to avoid this carnage on the road exists, I urgently call on everyone to use it," said the Special Envoy.
#MakeASafetyStatement
Ten South African celebrities including Yvonne Chaka-Chaka, Bryoni Govender, Dr. Khumalo, Sello Maake Ka Ncube, Maduvha Madima, Leanne Manas, Dr. Moratwe Masima, Thokozani Ndaba, Gaisang Noge, and Caster Semenya, will join the campaign's worldwide ambassadors to encourage users to adopt simple but effective rules to keep their roads safe.
“Human Factors contribute 88% to South African road fatalities and therefore the involvement of celebrities as role models for the Youth in the #MakeASafetyStatement campaign will contribute towards the reduction of accidents on our roads,” stressed Ms. Sindisiwe Lydia Chikunga, Minister of Transport of the Republic of South Africa.
New alarming figures
The Special Envoy's visit coincides with the recent release of the Global Status Report on Road Safety 2023 from the World Health Organization (WHO) on road safety, highlighting that Africa remains the region the most affected by this tragedy.
According to the WHO report, the number of victims on African roads continues to grow with a mortality rate of 19/100,000 people, while in Europe, we observe a rate of 7 deaths/100,000 people. In South Africa, there are 25 deaths per 100,000 people.
According to the World Bank (2026), the cost of road crashes represented 8.6% of South Africa's GDP in 2016. The RTMC 2023 State of Road safety Report highlights for 2023 the rate of 2.74% of South Africa 's GDP.
Reliable data for swift revitalization
Recent bus accidents have highlighted the run-down state of Africa's vehicle fleet. Failure to comply with the Highway Code and to enforce penalties are also significant causes of accidents.
Solutions to be implemented include adhering to the African Road Safety Charter and the United Nations Conventions on Road Safety, strengthening the health services that treat the injured and stepping up public awareness campaigns. Systematically collecting reliable data on road accidents and monitoring casualties is also a key element in reducing the number of victims.
There is also a need to protect the most vulnerable road users, pedestrians, and cyclists, who are often the most disadvantaged and the youngest. Africa has the highest proportion of cyclist and pedestrian deaths, accounting for 44% of all road deaths.
In South Africa, the efforts of the authorities are to be commended, with new initiatives such as the implementation of the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences, the adoption of new technologies to enhance access to traffic licensing services (National Traffic Information System Online Services), the professionalization of the Traffic and Road Safety Officers Training through the National Framework Level 6 Qualification), Standardization and Harmonization of Traffic Law Enforcement and the development of a National Traffic Law Enforcement Code.
Risk factors that are too often neglected
Drink-driving, speeding, drowsiness, carelessness, non-use of seatbelts and helmets, negligence and non-compliance with the Highway Code are responsible for most road accidents in Africa. However, according to the WHO, more progress must be made regarding legislation and safety standards.
Only six countries in the world have laws that comply with WHO best practices for all the risk factors - speeding, driving under the influence or distracted driving, use of UN-standard motorbike helmets, and use of seatbelts and child restraints.
In South Africa, speeding in urban areas is high (60KM/h), and child restraint systems are not always available. At a time when the use of motorbikes is on the increase, particularly among young people, the wearing of seatbelts and quality helmets remains a real challenge, even though it could prevent many deaths and reduce the risk of serious injury by 69%.
Recent data reveal that the majority of road crashes occur at night from Friday till Sunday with youth and pedestrians being the lead victims.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE).
Xaba eyes second Sub-32 10km at Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K
Glenrose Xaba will be targeting only the second sub-32-minute 10km of her career when she lines up for the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K this coming Sunday, 7 April 2024. Xaba was the first South African home, placing 4th overall in a then personal best time of 32:23 in the inaugural Absa RUN YOUR …
Deputy President to attend Ubuntu Awards on Saturday
Deputy President to attend Ubuntu Awards on Saturday
On behalf of President Cyril Ramaphosa, Deputy President Paul Mashatile will on Saturday attend and deliver the keynote address at the annual Ubuntu Awards at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).
Hosted by the International Relations and Cooperation Minister, the awards recognise South African industry leaders, eminent people and ordinary South African citizens for their distinguished service and contribution to promoting South Africa’s national interests and values across the world.
The event takes place after the opening of Parliament and brings together captains of industry, civil society leaders, members of the Cabinet and eminent persons, in addition to all Ambassadors and High Commissioners accredited to South Africa.
Past winners have included performance artists, athletes, major South African companies and social upliftment foundations.
Winners from previous years include, among others, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Esther Mahlangu, Black Coffee, the late Hugh Masekela, Trevor Noah, Pretty Yende, Caster Semenya, Wayde van Niekerk, Gift of The Givers and the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation.
The Ubuntu Awards were launched in 2015 to celebrate South African citizens who play an active role in projecting a positive image of South Africa internationally through diligent service in their respective fields. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 02/09/2024 - 10:56
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Minister hands over outdoor gym in Mpumalanga
Minister hands over outdoor gym in Mpumalanga
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Zizi Kodwa has handed over an outdoor gym and sporting clothes to a community in Mpumalanga.
“Government’s intervention to build outdoor gyms in Royal Great Places is a commitment to develop sport in rural communities. Further to this, the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture is also building multipurpose sports courts in rural and township communities,” the Minister said on Tuesday.
He said historically, rural communities have lacked these sport and recreational facilities.
“This has meant that there are not enough resources available in these communities for people, and the youth in particular, to exercise and play sport. By focusing on sport development in rural communities, we are inspiring communities to live active lifestyles.
“We are also addressing the issue of youths needing to go to towns and cities to play sport, where there are more resources. By prioritising sport development in rural communities, we are also working to ensure that sport talent is identified in these communities, and that sport talent is given opportunities to flourish. It is in communities such as KwaMhlanga where the next Trevor Nyakane or Caster Semenya will be discovered,” Kodwa said.
He said the outdoor gym, which is located in Royal Great Places, means that communities can exercise in a safe environment, and the gym equipment can be well looked after.
“This year, South Africa celebrates 30 years of freedom. One of the mandates of our government over the past 30 years has been to ensure social transformation in South African society through promoting social cohesion, social integration, and social inclusion.
“Sport plays a critical role in realising this goal. Just as President Nelson Mandela said, sport unifies people in ways little else can. Sport brings hope where there was once despair,” he said. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Tue, 01/09/2024 - 13:26
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Baker McKenzie’s pro bono team assists SAHRC in successful Caster Semenya discrimination case at European Court of Human Rights
On Tuesday 11 July 2023, the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) ruled in favour of South African world champion and Olympic athlete, Caster Semenya, in a case that began in 2018 when regulations were introduced by World Athletics requiring Semenya to submit to hormone treatment to be able to compete as a woman in …