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Call for rearrest of man accused of kidnapping nine-year-old girl
Law enforcement agencies have been called to swiftly rearrest a man who is allegedly involved in the kidnapping of a nine-year-old girl.
According to a report, the child from Sigedleni in Ixobho, in Southern KwaZulu-Natal was reported missing on 30 August 2023 and found in a harrowing situation on 02 September 2023.
It was reported that the child was being locked inside a house by a neighbour who allegedly sexually abused her.
The accused was initially apprehended and brought before the local magistrate's court. However, he was released last week after a rape case was not placed on the court roll.
KwaZulu-Natal Social Development MEC Nonhlanhla Khoza has expressed deep dismay at the incident and called for rearrest of the accused.
“Cases of rape and gender-based violence (GBV) are very serious and should not be allowed to go unpunished. We expect the police and relevant authorities to take immediate and decisive action to ensure that justice is served and that the perpetrator does not evade accountability,” Khoza said.
The MEC said it was disappointing that the suspect was let off the hook after the case was not put on the court roll.
“The department is committed to working closely with law enforcement agencies, community organisations and all stakeholders to provide support and assistance to the affected child and her family. We are also dedicated to implementing measures that will help prevent such heinous acts from occurring in future,” the MEC said.
Khoza said the department has dispatched a team of social workers to meet with the family and ensure the safety of the girl.
Campaign against substance abuse
Meanwhile, Khoza will today spearhead a campaign aimed at combating substance abuse and eradicating the illegal drug trade within the Mpembeni area of Umhlathuze, particularly in Ward 13.
The campaign seeks to address the significant challenges posed by drug peddling, including prevention, rehabilitation, community education and law enforcement efforts.
The key objectives of the campaign include:
• Engaging with local residents to raise awareness about the dangers of substance abuse and the importance of community unity in fighting this issue.
• Collaborating with law enforcement agencies to increase patrols and intelligence efforts to combat drug trafficking and apprehend those involved.
• Ensuring that individuals struggling with substance abuse have access to treatment and rehabilitation services to aid in their recovery and reintegration into society.
• Implementing educational programs in schools and community centres to prevent the initiation of drug use among youth.
• Offering support to families affected by substance abuse, providing guidance, counselling and resources to help them cope.
“Khoza, along with key stakeholders from law enforcement agencies, local government officials, community leaders and experts in the field will roll out this critical campaign,” the department said.
The event will be held at Mpembeni Sportsground. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 09/19/2023 - 10:47
Spotlight on Thusong Centres
Government will this week raise awareness on the important services that Thusong Centres offer to communities across the country.
This year’s Annual Thusong Service Centre Week will place from 18 - 22 September under the theme: 'Building a Professional Public Service for Quality Service Delivery'.
Thusong Service Centres ensure that communities can access information and government services in line with the Batho Pele principles, and is part of government's commitment of taking services to the people.
“During this period, Thusong Service Centres will also be used to encourage South Africans to get involved in clean-up campaigns and start community gardens to alleviate food insecurity.
“The week overlaps with Public Service Month, which recognises the work of public servants, their contribution in the development of the country and encourage the brightest in the country to pursue careers in the public sector,” Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Mon, 09/18/2023 - 09:37
Science and technology are key to development
International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor has highlighted the importance of science, technology and innovation in the development of countries.
Speaking at the General Debate at the Summit of Heads of State and Government of the G77 + China, the Minister said that there “is no doubt science technology and innovation are strategic levers for development.”
“The struggle for the soul of the South and for unilateral global dominance has never been more intense and as the South, we must seize this historic moment to ensure we develop the ability to be free agents of a development agenda that will advance our battle against poverty inequality and unemployment,” she said.
Pandor was representing President Cyril Ramaphosa at the two-day Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Group of 77 (G77) + China in Havana, Cuba. The Summit began on Friday.
“Effective support for science research, innovation and digital technologies has the potential to advance these objectives but it must be buttressed by effective organisation, coordination and well-crafted G77 science diplomacy. South Africa confirmed the efficacy of science diplomacy in our collaboration in genomic sequencing research that assisted us in combatting COVID-19.
“Increased attention must be given to ensuring we have a science and innovation ecosystem that can support our ambition,” she said at the debate on Saturday.
She said investment in research universities, increased graduation of science and technology researchers at PhD level, centres of excellence and the building of robust science councils are needed.
She also spoke of ensuring equal access to science and innovation for women and girls.
“Since the achievement of freedom and democracy in 1994, South Africa has increased investment in research, development, and innovation. Funding to create ninety Centres of Excellence has been provided as well as support for thousands of young people to study for PhDs in science, engineering, economics, humanities, and technology. The support has included investment in young women scientists.”
Government has also funded over 200 Research Chairs and attracted local and international talent to these chairs.
She added that science partnerships between researchers and university systems must be formed drawing on the successes of Cuba, China and India.
“Greater focus must be given to Africa expanding its science and innovation ecosystem and to using science to resolve our most intractable challenges.”
“Mr President science and innovation will provide the means to grow a green economy in the South, to increase productive capacity and high value addition to our mineral wealth.
“Alongside pursuing this important agenda let us also reinforce our commitment to effective reform of the United Nations mechanisms, especially the Security Council and also actively jointly advance the fundamental reform of international development finance institutions,” she said. –SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Sun, 09/17/2023 - 12:54
R32-million paid by hundreds of grassroots organisations into accounts of KZN NLC official and his wife
SIU granted order to freeze KZN NLC official’s bank accounts
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has been granted a preservation order by the Special Tribunal to freeze approximately R2.4 million held in four bank accounts linked to a KwaZulu-Natal National Lotteries Commission’s (NLC) official and his wife.
According to the SIU statement, the money was paid into the accounts by non-profit organisations that received funding from the NLC to improve the conditions of ordinary South Africans, but made its way into the bank accounts for self-enrichment.
“An investigation by the SIU into the affairs of the NLC revealed that [Sibonelo] Vilakazi approached daycare centres and football clubs in KZN to apply for grant funding. Immediately after receiving funding, football clubs and care centres would transfer large sums of money into 05 ZZET ENTERPRISES (PTY) LTD’s bank account and those linked to Zuma and Vilakazi.
“A report by the Financial Intelligence Centre states that 05 ZZET Enterprises received multiple electronic fund transfer payments from several care centres and football clubs of approximately R 32 259 707. SIU investigations show that more than 400 care centres and football clubs made payments to accounts linked to Vilakazi and Zuma from money received from the NLC between 2019 and 2023,” SIU spokesperson, Kaizer Kganyago said.
In terms of the order dated 13 September 2023, the suspended NLC official Sibonelo Vilakazi, his wife Nosipho Zanele Zuma and 05 ZZET ENTERPRISES (PTY) LTD, solely owned by Zuma, are prohibited from dealing in any manner with funds held in the frozen bank accounts.
“In August 2023, the Tribunal granted a similar order pending the intervention application by the SIU in a matter brought by Zuma against First National Bank (FNB) before the High Court of South Africa: Kwa-Zulu Natal Local Division, Durban, and the subsequent conclusion of the main application to be brought by the SIU in the Special Tribunal.
“The bank had frozen Zuma’s bank accounts through its own processes. The High Court granted the order in favour of Zuma [and] as a result, the SIU approached the Special Tribunal to vary the order so that it was not dependent on any other court process,” Kganyago said.
The SIU was, in terms of Proclamation R32 of 2020, authorised by President Cyril Ramaphosa to investigate allegations of corruption and maladministration in the affairs of NLC and the conduct of NLC officials and to recover any financial losses suffered by the State.
The SIU has been granted a preservation order to freeze approximately R2.4 million, pending the final determination of a civil action to be brought by the Unit within 60 days. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 09/15/2023 - 11:57
Mostly young people stand in line for hours
Minister briefs Parliament on the Black Industrialists policy
Trade, Industry, and Competition Minister Ebrahim Patel has highlighted the significant strides achieved by the Black Industrialists Policy within the food and energy sectors.
The transformative policy, initiated in 2015, is reshaping South Africa's economic landscape by nurturing new enterprises led by black South Africans.
Briefing the Portfolio Committee on Trade, Industry and Competition on Tuesday, Patel said historically transformation policies primarily focused on facilitating black ownership in existing enterprises.
However, the Black Industrialists Policy centres on promoting the development of new enterprises, fostering entrepreneurship and ensuring the emergence of businesses controlled by previously marginalized groups.
During the briefing, Minister Patel presented 46 case studies of Black Industrialists across the country in the food and energy sectors.
The evolution of empowerment policies over time has broadened their scope. Initially, they centered on individual share ownership, enabling capital accumulation among black South Africans. Subsequently, they embraced broad-based empowerment and community initiatives.
Today, the policy prioritises Black Industrialists, supporting individual black entrepreneurs with controlling stakes in new firms and employee share ownership (workers empowerment).
Minister Patel underscored that the Black Industrialists Policy is just one pillar of a broader transformation agenda.
Other transformation instruments include industrial financing, sector master plans, localization, competition measures, B-BBEE codes, equity-equivalent investment programs, special economic zones and state preferential procurement.
The Black Industrialists Policy spans various industries, including agro processing, automotive components, textiles, steel and metal fabrication, mining, machinery and equipment, aerospace equipment and technology.
"The Black Industrialists Policy represents a pivotal shift in South Africa's transformation strategy. It fosters new enterprise development, entrepreneurship, and economic inclusion while addressing historical disparities and promoting innovation,” Minister Patel said.
“The policy's impact on the food and energy sectors underscores its significance in driving South Africa's economic transformation,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 09/13/2023 - 10:11
As South Africa prepares for their opening game today, Herbert Mensah, the newly elected President of Rugby Africa, (www.RugbyAfrique.com), the continental governing body of rugby across Africa, issues letter addressed to Mark Alexander, President of the South Africa Rugby Union:
A warrior fights with courage, not with anger. African proverb
From the four (plus) corners of the greatest continent in the World, AFRICA We wish You, The Springboks well. We stand by You as we love, respect and honour You and with all the collective strengths of our Gods and our Ancestors We pray for You!
You are “Our” World Champions (1995, 2007 and 2019) .... all 1.3 billion of us. You give us hope and send the message that the rainbow stretches from Ras ben Sakka (most northerly point of Africa) to the Cape Aglhas (South Africa) and from Cape Verde Peninsula (most westerly point of Africa) to Xaafuun (Hafun) Point, near Cape Gwardafuy, Somalia (most Easterly point of Africa).
Rugby Africa watched with keen interest as head coach Jacques Nienaber named the South Africa Rugby World Cup squad and we knew that this squad would be ready for the battle. Winners all. What will the opposition squad do with seven mighty forwards on the bench
FORWARDS
Props
Vincent Koch
Ox Nché
Frans Malherbe
Trevor Nyakane
Steven Kitshoff
Hookers
Bongi Mbonambi
Malcolm Marx
Locks
Marvin Orie
RG Snyman
Jean Kleyn
Eben Etzebeth
Back-rows
Marco van Staden
Jasper Wiese
Kwagga Smith
Pieter-Steph du Toit
Duane Vermeulen
Siya Kolisi (captain)
Utility forwards
Franco Mostert
Deon Fourie
BACKS
Scrum-halves
Faf de Klerk
Jaden Hendrikse
Grant Williams
Cobus Reinach
Fly-halves
Manie Libbok
Damian Willemse
Centres
Andre Esterhuizen
Jesse Kriel
Damian de Allende
Back-three
Canan Moodie
Cheslin Kolbe
Makazole Mapimpi
Kurt-Lee Arendse
Willie le Roux
Mark from the tribes of the Zulu, Masaai, Berbers, Fula People, Nubians, Somalis, Oromo People, Shona People, Habesha Peoples and my own Ashanti representing some of the most famous warriors in our history, We are ready to share and carry your pain and propel you to victory.
We are proud of You
Herbert
Download official letter here: https://apo-opa.info/3RkzWRH
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Rugby Africa.
Media contact:
Nicole Vervelde
Communications Advisor to the President of Rugby Africa
rugby@apo-opa.com
About Rugby Africa:
Rugby Africa (www.RugbyAfrique.com) is the continental governing body of rugby in Africa and one of the regional associations under World Rugby. It unites all African countries that play rugby union, rugby sevens, and women's rugby. Rugby Africa organizes various competitions, including the qualifying tournaments for the Rugby World Cup and the Africa Sevens, a qualifying competition for the Olympic Games. With 39 member unions, Rugby Africa is dedicated to promoting and developing rugby across the continent. World Rugby highlighted Ghana, Nigeria and Zambia as three of the six emerging nations experiencing strong growth in rugby.
SA observes Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
The Department of Health in collaboration with various local and international stakeholders will spend the month of September creating awareness of the impact of cancer in children and their families around the country.
According to the department, it has collaborated with the likes of CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa (CHOC) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) to ensure children with childhood cancer in the country are diagnosed early for successful treatment.
September marks Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
Childhood cancer is one of the leading causes of disease-related death past infancy in children and adolescents, the department said in a statement.
“Several barriers impede the early diagnosis and referral of the child with cancer to treatment centres. Myths and surrounding the cause of childhood cancer is a major barrier to families seeking medical care timeously.”
Meanwhile, the department has noted a lack of knowledge and fear of the unknown as drivers of the myths, fallacies and stigmas surrounding childhood cancer resulting in missed diagnoses or presentation with advanced disease, which negatively affects outcomes.
“We must educate our communities and primary healthcare workers that children do get cancer, can be treated, and cured.”
In high-income countries with 20% of the world’s children with cancer, the department said survival rates are more than 80% while the situation is different in low- and middle-income countries where survival is as low as 20% to 30%.
“Fortunately, children with cancer in South Africa have much better outcomes of between 55 to 60%.”
According to the Chair of the South African Association of Paediatric Haematology Oncology, Professor Gita Naidu, South Africa aligns with the WHO Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer (WHO-GICC).
The WHO-GICC aims to increase the survival of children and adolescents with cancer globally.
“We need to focus on early diagnosis, referral to specialised treatment centres, ensure access to diagnostics and therapeutics, and emphasise quality of life, supportive, long-term follow-up, and palliative care.”
The WHO-GICC, established in 2018, brings together stakeholders from around the world and across sectors with the joint goal of increasing the survival rate of children with cancer globally to at least 60% by 2030.
CureAll, a strategic and practical approach that involves centres of excellence and care with a sufficient and competent workforce to increase capacity to deliver services, guides the initiative.
The approach also focuses on universal health coverage that ensures access to essential medicines, diagnostics, and technologies.
It also looks at research and innovation that generate evidence-based solutions for local contexts and the empowerment of patients, families, and communities through education, awareness, and advocacy.
CHOC CEO, Hedley Lewis, calls on South Africans to unite and work together to achieve the WHO’s target to ensure at least 60% survival in low- and middle-income countries and to reduce suffering of all children with cancer by 2030 worldwide.
The Medical Officer responsible for non-communicable diseases at the WHO, Dr Kibachio Joseph Mwangi, reckons that the current partnership with the WHO-GICC can lead to improved outcomes for children with cancer by focusing on a prompt, correct diagnosis followed by evidence-based therapy.
The department stresses the importance of the St Siluan warning signs of childhood cancer, which can be accessed at https://choc.org.za/childhood-cancer-early-warning-signs/. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 09/08/2023 - 09:31
Afrika Tikkun is proud to join the global community in celebrating International Literacy Day on Friday, 08 September 2023. This annual observance is a testament to Afrika Tikkun’s unwavering dedication to providing quality education and literacy programmes to underserved communities in South Africa. International Literacy Day, established by UNESCO, serves as a reminder of the …
Prisoners are held according to the law, writes the Department of Correctional Services spokesperson
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“Under democracy, hundreds and even thousands of inmates have been subjected to these practices” says Judicial Inspectorate report
UIF launches free mobile app to speed up its services
The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) has launched a zero-rated mobile APP, as well as a free USSD platform to enable clients to access UIF services at any time.
This will go a long way to reducing long queues at the labour centres.
The app, which was launched on Monday, will bring services to the people and enable UIF clients to access services at any time, from anywhere at no cost.
Unveiling the platforms during a media briefing in Cape Town, Maruping said the USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) and mobile APP will promote greater self-service for clients, reduce long queues in the labour centres and alleviate pressure on officials.
UIF Commissioner Teboho Maruping believes the platforms will put more money in the pockets of clients because they will save on transport costs currently incurred when visiting labour centres.
“There is really no better time than now to do this to ensure that workers begin to access services at their fingertips. We are moving with the times to create a better, more capable UIF that leverages technology to respond to challenges on the ground and changes in the external environment,” Maruping said.
He said the UIF recognises that most of their clients may not be in the best financial position when they need to access their services, hence the initiative to launch the mobile app and USSD platform.
Maruping said the two platforms also enable clients to check their UIF registration status, which will improve non-compliance with the Unemployment Insurance Act by employers who fail to register, declare and pay contributions for their workers.
“By simply dialling *134*843# on any cellular phone for free, clients can, among others, submit a continuation of payment or check their claim and payment status, instead of visiting a labour centre. The same services can also be accessed on our mobile APP, which can be downloaded from either Google Play Store, App Store for IOS phones or Huawei App Store,” Maruping explained.
The Commissioner also called on all UIF contributing workers to use these platforms to check their registration status, whilst in employment, and not wait until they are no longer working.
“If you find that your employer has not registered you, but is deducting UIF, then immediately report this to a labour inspector so it can be corrected,” Maruping said.
The Commissioner stressed that the fund is committed to taking bold steps to improve service delivery.
The UIF will go on roadshows to educate clients in all provinces and implement a mass media campaign.
“In addition to these new platforms, we recently installed free Wi-Fi at all labour centres around the country to enable clients to access our services online and reduce the time it takes to queue for assistance. Meanwhile, our mobile buses continue to take services to the doorsteps of clients, especially in deep rural and remote areas,” Maruping said.
Maruping also visited the Bellville labour centre to interact with clients and promote the platforms. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 09/05/2023 - 10:42
Largest CHIETA smart skills centre opens in rural KZN
Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande, has commended the Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (CHIETA) on the successful opening of the Babanango SMART Skills Centre, which will provide tech-enabled learning programmes.
Nzimande unveiled the third and largest CHIETA SMART Skills Centre last week. It forms part of CHIETA’s efforts to bridge the digital skills divide and accelerate the development of basic digital skills in rural communities.
The centre will provide tech-enabled learning programmes, including virtual and augmented reality, robotics and the Internet of Things, among others.
Speaking at the launch, Nzimande said the Babanango area was specifically identified for the establishment of the SMART Skills Centre because it is in a deeply rural area of KwaZulu-Natal, without any internet connectivity.
Nzimande said the centre will benefit the local community, including learners, students, job seekers and businesspeople. It will also provide youth with digital skills that will help to meet the demands of industries, which rely on technology to grow their enterprises.
“The centre will advance skills development for the unemployed youth by offering programmes based on various technologies, including Virtual Reality (VR), blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), software development, data science and mobile repairs.
“Through this centre, our unemployed youth will have access to various online learning platforms to start up successful and scalable data-driven commercial businesses that will provide technological solutions. This centre we also help us bridge the digital skills divide between urban and rural communities,” Nzimande said.
The SMART Skills Centre is part of government’s bigger plans to revolutionise digital skills development in South Africa.
The skills centres will further cater for Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) development, as they play a crucial role in the growth of the economy. SMMEs make up 34% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which was valued at $358 billion in 2019.
Nzimande said through the National Development Plan (NDP), government has recognised the importance of SMMEs for job creation, innovation and sustainability of the country.
“One of the goals outlined in the NDP was for 90% of new jobs to be created through SMMEs by 2030. This is against the backdrop that our country continues to struggle with the burgeoning problem of unemployment, particularly in its highly youthful population.
“I am more than certain that this project will certainly give our youth and the community at large the opportunity to get or create employment because digital skills are required in most occupations in the 21st century. I am also hoping that this centre will be a catalyst to attract other developmental projects and programmes,” Nzimande said.
The Minister announced that due to the successful implementation of CHIETA SMART Skills Centre, the department has taken a decision to expand this project in all nine provinces of the country.
CHIETA CEO, Yershen Pillay, commended the partners who were involved in this initiative, including the department, Mthashana Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college and Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA), among others.
Pillay noted that this is one of the biggest smart skills centres in the country, which has, among others, cell phone repair skills, and will also provide free data to the community of Babanango. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 09/04/2023 - 12:40
Spotlight on inner city housing challenge in fire aftermath
The fatal Usindiso Building fire in Johannesburg last week has highlighted the need to resolve South Africa’s inner city housing challenge and root out “rampant criminality” in these areas, says President Cyril Ramaphosa.
At least 74 people perished in the fire, with scores others left injured.
“This tragedy has brought to the fore the need to resolve the challenge of housing in our cities. Even though millions of houses have been built since the advent of democracy, providing decent homes for over 14 million people, the demand for housing continues to grow.
“The movement of large numbers of people into our major centres is fuelling the growth of informal settlements and placing further strain on infrastructure and services,” the President said in his weekly newsletter.
The President said rooting out criminality in accommodation in the inner city is a priority.
“As a starting point, municipal authorities across the country dealing with inner city decay need to redouble their efforts to revitalise these areas, use regulatory and legislative provisions to safeguard human life, and hold landlords, whose premises have become headquarters of criminal activity, accountable.
“We have heard about progress in some areas. It was reported that last year, for example, the City of Johannesburg managed to return some 47 ‘hijacked’ buildings to their lawful owners. Once rehabilitated, these buildings could provide safe and decent low-cost housing for the poor,” President Ramaphosa said.
The President emphasised that similar to most South Africans, people living in buildings like the Usindiso Building, want a decent quality of life.
“They want a safe place to live close to work opportunities and services. We need clean, safe, liveable and vibrant inner cities that attract people to live, work or study. We want our inner cities to attract businesses and investment.
“We cannot allow certain parts of our cities to suffer chronic neglect and become ‘no-go areas’ because of rampant criminal activity.
“We have to obey the law and observe regulations that exist for our safety and for the safety of others. We need to work with officials seeking to strike a balance between the rights of tenants and regard for their safety and wellbeing. Above all, we need to report acts of criminality and not be party to them,” he said.
In the aftermath of the fire, tensions between the local authorities and civil society were raised.
The President called on all parties to work together.
“We have a shared responsibility, as government, business and civil society, to do everything we can to provide support and protection. Let us work with, and not against, each other.
“Let this tragedy compel us to work much harder to give effect to the human dignity that is the right of us all,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 09/04/2023 - 11:45
Cabinet sends condolences to Joburg fire victims
Cabinet has expressed its condolences to the family and friends of the 73 people who died when a five-story building burnt down in Marshaltown, Johannesburg.
The building was engulfed by a fire in the early hours of Thursday morning. At least forty three others were injured.
Responding to questions on the fire, Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, stressed that government has a disaster management center nationally, with provincial disaster management centers and local disaster management centres in municipalities.
“We have first respondents who are fire fighters and medical rescue teams who are currently on the ground working with the City of Johannesburg and provincial government. If they need reinforcement from the national disaster management centre, such assistance is offered.
“On our part as government, the President continues to be updated of the situation but for now it is still in the realm of the local government and the provincial government of Gauteng. We continue to work as an integrated government to make sure that we respond to such incidences,” she said.
The Minister said that without attempting to preempt what would have been the cause of the fire, they will allow the investigations from the relevant authorities to take place and issue them with a report. She said that government will take the necessary actions thereafter. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Thu, 08/31/2023 - 12:37
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The world is currently facing one of the harshest economic climates experienced since the 2008 Global Financial Crisis, one of the worst financial crises in modern history. This raises concerns that more people may turn to fraud to address the financial pressure they are experiencing. “Rising inflation and the current war in Ukraine are two …
The Houghton Hotel, a 5-star urban resort in Johannesburg renowned for its commitment to excellence in hospitality, proudly continues its ongoing partnership with Afrika Tikkun to offer the Youth Employment Services (YES) Hospitality programme. Since its inception in 2019, the initiative has provided invaluable opportunities for 88 young individuals to gain hands-on experience in the …
Industry involvement needed in TVET curriculum review process
Higher Education and Training Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande, has underscored the need for additional industry involvement in the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college curriculum review process.
“What is also critical is the need for more substantial industry involvement in the TVET curriculum review process to enhance responsiveness to industry needs and requirements,” the Minister said.
He was addressing the TVET Curriculum Transformation and Innovation Summit, currently underway at Vodaworld Dome in Midrand.
Nzimande said the (TVET) college curriculum reform has the potential to contribute in various ways to improving the employability, productivity and success rates of college graduates.
“In order for us to be successful in bringing these changes, there is also a need for change in the management strategies to prepare for current and future TVET curriculum challenges. Furthermore, we need to develop leadership programmes to help leaders within the TVET sector to bring about the necessary curriculum change,” Nzimande said on Monday.
Highlighting some of the progress made in building a sustainable TVET sector, Nzimande said South Africa is producing on average 20 000 qualified artisans per year.
“Ours is to ensure that the number increases significantly to meet our National Development Plan (NDP) target to produce 30 000 qualified artisans per year by 2030.”
Nzimande also highlighted that the number of Centres for Specialisation has been expanded to 34 at 27 TVET colleges, to enhance workplace linked training of artisans and related occupations.
A further investment of R68 million has also been allocated in 16 colleges, who now have 33 trade test centres.
“These trade test centres have trade tested over 600 apprentices of which over 500 have qualified as artisans. Currently 26 of our colleges are engaged in entrepreneurial training through our entrepreneurship hubs.”
The department is hard at work to ensure that all the colleges are involved in some form of entrepreneurship training and also plans to, through the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), introduce innovation hubs in TVET colleges.
The Minister said, the department has to date, opened up 14 954 TVET placement opportunities to the value of R726 million. It has also committed to achieving a target of 20 000 placements of TVET graduates in work placements, as per President Cyril Ramaphosa’s commitment at this year’s State of the Nation Address.
Establishment of 4IR centres
The importance of responsiveness of TVET colleges to 21st century conditions, both locally and globally was also emphasised and various initiatives are underway to achieve this. These include the establishment of seven Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) centres.
“These centres, with the support of stakeholders such as the ETDP SETA (Education, Training and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority), aim to scale up digital skills among students and staff.
“Leveraging the potential of the digital economy to reduce youth unemployment is a priority, and we are grateful to our partners such as HUAWEI, Cisco, GIZ, IYF, and others for their contributions to our digital skilling mission,” Nzimande said.
The Minister also expresses his appreciation to the department’s partners, including the Allan and Gill Gray Foundation, the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) for their support in assisting the department to produce young entrepreneurs.
“The Vhembe TVET College in Limpopo has reported producing three millionaires through this development initiative,” he said.
The three-day summit which started on Monday, is being held under the theme: “TVET curriculum transformation: a key to unlock skills development for the modern economy”.
The summit brings together various role players in the TVET sector under one roof to engage and take to higher levels the curriculum transformation and innovation challenges of the TVET sector. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 08/29/2023 - 12:35
KZN government unveils Nongoma multimillion rand projects
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube has assured the residents of Nongoma that the provincial government remains committed to facilitate the speedy delivery of water, roads and houses, and to completing some unexpected project delays in the area.
Dube-Ncube was speaking during the province’s Operation Sukuma Sakhe (OSS) Cabinet Day, held recently, where the province’s MECs addressed various service delivery concerns and unveiled projects throughout the Nongoma Local Municipality.
Dube-Ncube said the OSS gives the leaders an opportunity to listen without mediation, to the voices and concerns of the people of KwaZulu-Natal.
The Premier unveiled the Bhuqwini Rural Housing Project, which will deliver 300 houses in Ward 17. The R49.4 million project will also see the employment of at least 60 people and 20 being trained as National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 2 builders.
Unveiling the project, Dube-Ncube said they have introduced the contractor to build houses and urge the community to take care of the project and to make sure that the houses are not vandalised.
“When we deliver houses as the Government of KwaZulu-Natal, we are implementing the Freedom Charter which says there shall be houses, security and comfort for all,” Dube-Ncube said.
The Premier also undertook to facilitate the repair and maintenance of Royal Palaces some of which are said to have fallen into disrepair due to lack of regular attention.
“We value the institution of traditional leadership as the glue that holds our communities together as the custodian of our customs and traditions. The Palaces are an important part of our history and we will ensure that for years to come, this heritage is protected for generations to come,” the Premier said.
Various MECs and senior government officials also visited other projects and centres to deliver dignified services to the community.
Economic Development Tourism and Environmental Affairs MEC and Government Business leader, Siboniso Duma, visited the R19 million Maphophoma Milling, which is owned by a co-operative and funded by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
The MEC committed the provincial government support for the co-operative to access more land and to increase their maize production.
He said, the provincial state agencies, including Agri-Development Agency, ITHALA and the KZN Growth Fund, will also ensure access to funding for the co-operative.
Duma also visited the pedestrian bridges that are currently being constructed by Transport and Defence Departments.
Finance MEC, Neliswa Peggy Nkonyeni, visited the Casukile Primary Co-operative run by a group of women who manufacture toilet papers. Nkonyeni committed the provincial government to fund the co-operative members’ training on business skills, branding of their products and sourcing new markets for their products.
Nkonyeni also encouraged the Nongoma Local Municipality to buy locally manufactured goods in order to grow the local economy.
Over 20 speed points were donated to Ward 19 businesswomen, in a bid to encourage them to grow their businesses and create more jobs for the locals.
Sport, Arts and Culture MEC, who is also Zululand Cabinet OSS Champion, Dr Ntuthuko Mahlaba, visited the Buxedene Clinic where the toilets are not in good working order and have no computers, forcing personnel to capture data manually.
Mahlaba announced that Road D1880 which runs from Bhekumthetho to Ncemaneni will undergo an upgrade to install blacktop, and that the contract has already been advertised with an award expected to be finalised soon.
In addition to the housing shortage, Nongoma faces other challenges, including water, taxi-related killings, revenge murders, unemployment, teenage pregnancy and Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), which Provincial Cabinet promised to urgently attend to.
The Premier said the departments, working with local government will soon return to the Nongoma Local Municipality, in order to follow up on all the challenges identified during the OSS engagement. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 08/29/2023 - 10:39
BRICS, Africa CDC commit to work with business on future pandemics
The Ministry of Health, the Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), Africa Health Business and the South African chapter of the BRICS Business Council co-hosted a successful dialogue to deliberate on future pandemics.
The parties met on Monday following last week’s BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) Summit to deliberate on a potential African Union (AU) and BRICS framework of cooperation for the pandemic, preparedness, prevention and response (PPPR).
The meeting brought together BRICS member states including the newly invited members, Ethiopia and Egypt, business, civil society, development finance institutions, global health agencies and AU specialised agencies.
“The dialogue sought to elicit a collaborative framework for AU and BRICS PPPR that is actionable and implementable. [This is] by tabling concrete suggestions, drawing from the AU and BRICS collective experiences of dealing with COVID-19 and other pandemics, identifying the existing capabilities and acknowledging the gaps that would need to be closed for adequate pandemic preparation and response,” a statement read.
The attendees highlighted the reality of the shifting centres of global power, pointing out that the expanded BRICS family now represents 4.8 billion people, which is over half of the global population.
“Increasing human and animal interconnectedness, climate change and an increasing frequency of infectious disease outbreaks mean that the AU and BRICS’ ability to contain infectious diseases has a fundamental bearing on global health security.
“The realisation of this growing responsibility compelled AU and BRICS stakeholders to convene and begin a process towards a declared collaborative framework.”
Participants were further encouraged by the collective capabilities identified in medical and digital technologies, human resource potential, and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
They also observed that the Developing Countries Vaccine Manufacturing Network (DCVMN), which is comprised of manufacturers from BRICS member states, contributed to 60% of the COVID-19 vaccine products.
“The meeting considered the merits of opening up the entire expanded BRICS and AU market to all pharmaceutical manufacturers in the BRICS and AU regions.”
Member of the BRICS Business Council, Dr Stavros Nicolaou, stated that the COVID-19 pandemic exposed significant and vast global health inequities, particularly on the African continent.
He noted that unnecessary lives and livelihoods were lost, with the African post-pandemic economic recovery still proving to be challenging.
“Collaborative efforts across the African and BRICS geographies can enhance surveillance, research, infrastructure, and resource allocation to ensure a swift and coordinated response to future pandemics underpinned by a resilient African pandemic prevention, preparedness and recovery system,” said Nicolaou.
Putting people first
Stakeholders also acknowledged that the inequities that persist in many low- and middle-income countries, fragile health systems and inadequate financing pose a threat to pandemic preparedness and overall global health security.
“More work must be done to diversify manufacturing, support Africa’s manufacturing targets, ensure primary health care is fully developed as a foundation for pandemic preparedness, and to support last-mile delivery.
“The convening emphasised the importance of placing people and communities at the heart of all PPPR deliberations.”
Some concrete actions that were tabled were financing by establishing a BRICS PPPR fund through the New Development Bank and the need to convene at the Conference on Public Health in Africa.
“Emerging in the wake of a recent global pandemic, this dialogue arrives at a pivotal juncture. It underscores a collective need to fortify health security and adaptability, extending beyond national boundaries,” said Director-General of Africa CDC, Dr Jean Kaseya.
Health Minister, Dr Joe Phaahla said BRICS member states need to solidify efforts to promote digital health technologies across health systems to strengthen the sharing of information that may be useful for PPPR.
“At a country level, there is a commitment to develop and implement legislative measures for PPPR. I am glad that BRICS member states have reaffirmed and committed to implementing global, regional, and national actions to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness and response, and fully address the direct and indirect consequences of current and future pandemics.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 08/28/2023 - 15:00