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Choosing the right chair for different events, gatherings, and venues can significantly impact the comfort and overall experience of guests. Whether you’re planning a wedding, hosting a party, or organising a conference, having the correct seating arrangements is essential. In this article, we’ll look into a range of chair options, including plastic chairs, party chairs, …
Pietermaritzburg – On 19 September 2024, the first-ever Husqvarna Schools Forest Rehabilitation Challenge in association with Ferncliffe forest wilding, took place in Pietermaritzburg. This exciting event saw learners from Durban High School and Weston Agricultural College competing in a tree-planting race, designed to restore local forests and foster environmental stewardship among our youth. According to …
The Boxer Super Run is set for an exciting debut in Tshwane on Sunday, 10 November 2024. Entrants can choose the start wave that best aligns with their running ability and race-day goals, ensuring that they fully enjoy South Africa’s most social 5km run. “The Boxer Super Run is a high-energy 5km road race that …
Vhembe District Municipality installed a new pump last week, and promised to come repair the broken boreholes in Tshifudi Tshikombele village
Cabinet notes water supply disruptions in Gauteng
Cabinet has, according to Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, noted existing water supply disruptions in Gauteng and in some Free State municipalities that are not related to the Lesotho Highlands tunnel closure.
“We further noted that the DWS [Department of Water and Sanitation] has supported municipalities to engage stakeholders in relation to the closure of the Lesotho Highlands tunnel,” the Minister said.
She was addressing the media on Friday, regarding the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday.
“Cabinet further noted that in Gauteng, rapid population growth, lack of infrastructure maintenance, lack of enforcement of by-laws and delays in the implementation of phase 2 of the Lesotho Highlands project have contributed immensely to the current water disruptions.
“However, the completion of phase 2 of the Lesotho Highlands project will bring relief if supplemented by water demand management interventions, use of new water-saving technologies and proper maintenance of infrastructure.”
Cabinet had at its ordinary meeting this week been briefed on the closure of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project’s tunnel for planned maintenance from 1 October 2024 to 31 March 2025.
The Minister said Cabinet believed the planned maintenance work was crucial to protect the infrastructure for another 20 to 30 years and failure to undertake this work would risk the transfer of water to the Integrated Vaal River System (IVRS), which provides the water supplied by Rand Water to its customers and all municipalities in Gauteng.
The Minister said a thorough analysis to assess the risk to the performance of the IVRS, which consists of 14 interconnected dams, have since been undertaken by the DWS.
“The analysis confirmed that the impact of the tunnel closure on the overall IVRS will be minimal as most dams in the IVRS are currently full.”
Meanwhile, she said the Cabinet noted the department had been holding readiness meetings with Free State municipalities which receive water from the Liebenbergsvlei River since 2022.
The purpose of these meetings is to mitigate the risks of service interruptions during tunnel maintenance.
“However, delays by municipalities to upgrade and/or refurbish their infrastructure remains a challenge. Cabinet noted that the DWS will monitor and where necessary, intervene to support these municipalities.”
Water restrictions in Gauteng
Shifting her focus to the implementation of level 1 water restrictions in Gauteng, she explained that this was a result of Rand Water reaching its maximum water output on the IVRS.
“Water demand in Gauteng continues to grow because of population growth, increase in non-revenue water in municipal systems, including illegal and unbilled connections, and lack of maintenance resulting in huge water leaks, which are at 33% average across Gauteng municipalities.”
Currently, Ntshavheni said, the peak demand for water from Rand Water’s municipal customers is close to and occasionally exceeds the supply available from its treatment plants and storage reservoirs.
“To avert greater restrictions Gauteng municipalities must prioritise reducing water leaks in their water distribution systems and enforce water-use restrictions.”
Ntshavheni announced that the DWS, Rand Water and Gauteng municipalities are partnering with the World Bank 2020 Water Resources Group to implement a mass awareness and communications campaign on using water sparingly, in collaboration with civil society and business leaders. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 09/20/2024 - 14:18
Businesses say the lack of clarity around ESG and AI regulation is a key challenge to realising the benefits of technology and innovation; Despite recognising the business opportunity with AI, as firms opt to bring in suppliers rather than recruiting in-house specialists, they may be left without the internal talent - risking falling behind the curve in the future.
New survey data from global law firm, DLA Piper, has shown that the Financial Services (FS) sector is calling out for clearer and proportionate regulations surrounding AI and ESG to help them realise the benefits these trends offer.
In its global report - Financial Futures: Disruption in global financial services (https://apo-opa.co/3zhzr4e), published today, the firm found that eight in ten respondents are optimistic about future industry growth prospects for the financial services industry. UK and US organisations reported the highest confidence (93% and 90% respectively) with Africa remaining more cautious (50%).
Amongst organisation types, the research finds that banks are the most optimistic (88%), with optimism being driven by digitalisation and advancements in technology. Respondents from global FinTechs however, are feeling the least positive (72%).
The high levels of optimism are being attributed to advancements in technology (71%), the launch of new products and services to drive growth (55%) and changing consumer and investor behaviours (38%).
However, clarity and a proportionate approach is key as 58% of respondents cite regulation complexity around technology as a key challenge globally, and nearly three quarters (73%) go on to say that current regulations stifle innovation efforts.
For those looking at other locations for optimal conditions for growth , the US is seen as the most attractive market (35%), followed by the EU (24%). South African and Middle Eastern respondents are the most optimistic for the positive impact AI will bring (72%, and 64% respectively), highlighting an appetite for investment, despite apparent lower levels of confidence in the local market.
AI and Digitalisation will transform the financial services sector, but businesses need a plan
Whilst the majority of respondents (86%) believe that AI will transform the sector, half (53%) see AI as one of their main challenges- even so, only four in ten (both 39%) are committed to hiring experts in the field of AI and imposing governance /oversight structures to maximise the related opportunities; and half of the companies surveyed lack in-house specialists and are opting to work with specialist subcontractors.
Without this internal talent, businesses risk falling behind the curve in the future.
Ethical AI concerns are highly documented, yet only 56% of the organisations surveyed are developing ethical frameworks to guide their efforts. Without an ethical framework in place, businesses put themselves at risk of not meeting stakeholder, customer and board demands around AI deployments. It is vital for businesses to have a clear plan and direction in place before they start their AI journey.
Despite not having frameworks to use, businesses report a clear understanding of the benefits AI can offer, such as managing regulatory compliance (63%); followed by fraud detection and prevention (62%). A fifth (21%) of businesses are worried about compliance issues as they look to manage the cyber security and data protection risks associated with AI.
The importance of ESG cannot be understated
As businesses grapple with changing ESG regulations across multiple jurisdictions, nearly (46%) half of businesses globally have ambitions to position themselves as a leader and innovator on sustainability and ESG.
The appetite to drive ESG agendas forward is clear, but businesses report concerns on achieving their goals - over half of respondents (56%) would like to see more ESG regulation to support them in meeting their objectives, and 43%% want to understand the current regulations better.
Businesses seem clear on the ESG challenges they need to navigate, with half stating that the reputational risk of ESG positioning is their biggest challenge, followed by integration of ESG throughout the business (47%). Businesses also ranked accurate reporting as a challenge which they are struggling to address.
The negative external reputational risk of not complying with and need to comply with regulations are the biggest drivers for firms to engage in ESG activities (70% and 52% respectively). However, pressure from shareholders and senior management ranked lowest at 36% and 34% respectively.
As the sector engages with ESG activities, almost 6 in ten (57%) plan to develop new ESG-focused products and services, and half are developing new technologies, yet staff development and training to optimise ESG efforts remains low on the agenda (17%).
Almost half of the sector has ambitions to position their business as an ESG leader, whilst a third (34%) plan to replicate successful approaches by their peers. Not all organisations are so proactive - A fifth (19%) will wait until stakeholders and customers demand an approach, before making any decision.
Mark Dwyer Global Co-Chair of the firm's Financial Services sector group at DLA Piper commented: "While our survey shows a high level of optimism within the financial services sector, our research reveals a need for FS organisations to go further in planning around resourcing and regulatory horizon scanning in order to navigate the opportunities that AI and other new technologies offer.
"It is clear that ESG factors are driving changes to activity in financial markets; from financing the enormous capital requirements for transition, to ensuring accurate reporting of environmental, social and governance metrics to facilitate choice for investors and supervision and stress-testing by regulators. It is therefore vital that leaders take note of the challenges and opportunities presented by ESG and define a clear plan. Both ESG and innovation will be key to business success long into the future."
Johannes Gouws, Country Managing Partner, DLA Piper South Africa added: "In light of the challenges our report identifies, financial services organisations are placing a higher focus on horizon scanning, as well as mapping out global regulatory implications. Balancing adequate and over-regulation in developing markets is always challenging. However, it is crucial for regulations in African markets to keep pace with international developments in order to limit regulatory arbitrage and protect the sector's integrity. Proportionate regulation in the sector is key, and can be a competitive advantage in attracting business and investment. With DLA Piper's pan-African and global reach, we can help clients to simplify their cross-border challenges whilst supporting their resilience in the face of constantly changing risks."
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of DLA Piper.
Notes to editors:
DLA Piper commissioned Coleman Parkes Research to canvass views of key decision-makers in global financial services organisations across the EMEA and APAC regions and North America. Nearly 800 interviews were conducted online in March and April 2024 with executives in key businesses across banking, funds and fund managers, fintech and financial services market infrastructure firms with revenues from USD1 million.
Contact:
Suraj Mashru
Senior PR Manager (UK & International), DLA Piper
+44 (0) 207 153 2617
Suraj.Mashru@dlapiper.com
About DLA Piper
DLA Piper is a global law firm helping our clients achieve their goals wherever they do business. Our pursuit of innovation has transformed our delivery of legal services (https://apo-opa.co/3MPSGou). With offices in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific (https://apo-opa.co/4dczEU6), we deliver exceptional outcomes on cross-border projects, critical transactions and high-stakes disputes.
Every day we help trailblazing organizations seize business opportunities and successfully manage growth and change at speed. Through our pro bono (https://apo-opa.co/3BkLxde) and sustainability (https://apo-opa.co/4djCiHE) work, we support communities around the world and help create a more just and sustainable future. Visit www.DLAPiper.com to discover more.
RTMC welcomes jail term of truck driver in fatal N3 crash
The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has welcomed the Pietermaritzburg Magistrate’s Court decision to impose a direct jail term on a reckless truck driver who caused a fatal crash.
The crash claimed the lives of a traffic officer and a tow truck driver on the N3 highway, opposite the Midlands Mall in Pietermaritzburg, last year.
The truck driver, Ndumiso Petros Dzanibe, has been found guilty and sentenced to two terms of 10 years imprisonment each for two counts of culpable homicide.
He was also sentenced to six months for reckless driving, three months for exceeding the speed limit, and another six months for failing to report the crash. The sentence is to run concurrently.
This comes after a fatal crash on the N3 highway when a speeding truck plunged into another heavy vehicle that had overturned on the road in September last year.
“A traffic officer and tow truck driver were killed when Dzanibe crashed into the overturned truck. An ambulance official sustained severe injury, while another traffic official escaped with slight injuries,” the RTMC said, adding that Dzanibe fled the scene and failed to report the crash.
A crash reconstruction expert from the RTMC, Terence Murphy, investigated the collision.
He found that Dzanibe had been driving with an expired professional driving permit and at a speed of 128km/h, which was 48 km/h above the restricted 80 km/h speed limit for the class of vehicle he was driving.
“The investigation further found that he drove his truck knowing that it had defective brakes, failed to heed warning signs put in place to warn about an active crash scene ahead, he was under the influence of alcohol and that he fled the scene after causing the crash,” Murphy said.
This investigation report was submitted to court as evidence, and Dzanibe did not challenge the findings and pleaded guilty.
The RTMC commended Murphy for his excellent investigation and believes that the sentence will serve as a warning to other vehicle drivers, highlighting that reckless and negligent driving is a criminal offence punishable by imprisonment when fatalities are involved.
“While recognising that the sentence will not bring back the colleagues who died on the scene, we sincerely hope that it assists the families to have closure, as the culprit has been punished. The RTMC believes that a much harsher sentence could have been imposed, however, it accepts that justice has been served,” said RTMC CEO, Advocate Makhosini Msibi. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 09/20/2024 - 10:29
Dear Churches – Stop inviting Satan into your home Dear Parents – Your children are lost and need YOU Dear Schools – Teaching solely with devices is not really teaching but baby sitting Each generation says that they live in trying times – Great Granny and Grandpa lived through the World Wars, Granny and Grandpa …
JOHANNESBURG: The 2024/25 T20 Challenge is set to kick off on Friday, 27 September, with the defending champions, DP World...
It’s ‘me time’ for kids as schools close for the third term holidays – and that means movie time! Ster-Kinekor’s cinema screens will be home to robots, transformers and animals of all shapes and sizes including a panda bear, who promise non-stop, big screen entertainment to keep the holiday boredom far away. With films showing …
As the September/October school holidays approach, parents everywhere are gearing up for the ultimate challenge—keeping their kids off screens and fully engaged in fun and learning. Whether your child is a budding athlete, a little adventurer, or a mini artist, we’ve got you covered with activities that promise to make this holiday one for the …
With support from UNAIDS, two young social media influencers living with HIV are on their way to the United Nations General Assembly and the Summit of the Future in New York to urge world leaders to partner with them in the response to HIV. Ibanomonde Ngema from South Africa and Jerop Limo from Kenya will call on leaders to invest in youth-friendly health systems, provide holistic services for young people living with HIV, and to partner with young people and communities, allowing them to lead in the response to HIV.
“Young people's powerful and vibrant activism has driven so much of the progress made in the HIV response,” said Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of UNAIDS. “They know what works for them. It is essential for leaders to listen to them to understand the specific challenges that young people face and how those challenges can be overcome. Leaders can only successfully plan how to end AIDS and sustain the advances made by partnering with young people living with HIV.”
“I am representing not only the voices of 1.5 million Kenyans living with HIV but all people living with HIV,” said Jerop Limo, a young Kenyan HIV activist. “I want leaders to leave New York knowing that we are not beneficiaries, we are equal rights holders. We have a voice, we have skills and expertise and we need an equal playing field where our data is valued, where our input is valued and where our voices are heard. We want meaningful and ethical engagement of adolescents and young people in all spaces of the AIDS response.”
Young people, especially adolescent girls and young women, are disproportionately affected by HIV. Globally, 44% of all new HIV infections were among women and girls (all ages) in 2023 and every week 4000 young women and girls around the world are infected with HIV—3100 are in sub-Saharan Africa. In 2023, some 3.1 million adolescents and young people (15-24 yrs) were living with HIV—1.9 million were adolescent girls and young women.
“Governments meeting here in New York cannot end AIDS alone. They need to involve us to find solutions. We have lived experiences of HIV, from treatment to mental health, because we navigate life with HIV every day. We need to be included in policymaking so that we can take full ownership of ending end AIDS as a public threat,” said Ibanomonde Ngema, a young South African AIDS activist. “The world can only benefit when young people are included in the global HIV response. No conversation about HIV should take place without us, from policy to practice in communities.”
Too often young people report facing stigma and discrimination, including from doctors and healthcare workers, when they access sexual and reproductive health and HIV services. This discourages them from seeking support and crucial information about their health, putting them at risk of HIV infection or of defaulting on treatment for those who are living with HIV.
Involvement of young people in the HIV response
Young people living with HIV play a critical role in the fight against AIDS in communities. They offer support and share important information about HIV that schools or parents might not talk about. They also challenge stigma and discrimination through social media, helping to save lives and encourage young people to stay on treatment.
They drive innovation in communities, for example, a self-funded project by the Youth Empowerment Group uses e-bikes to deliver antiretroviral medicines, food and adherence support to young people who often cannot attend clinics because their schooling hours conflict with clinic opening times in Namibia.
However, their transformational work is being held back because it is not being sufficiently supported. Youth-led HIV responses often operate with little or no financial and political support. At the UNGA the two young people will call on world leaders to fully support and fund their work. They will also urge leaders to uphold the human rights of young people as key to ending AIDS as a public health threat—they will call on them to protect young people's right to healthcare, education, freedom of speech, and to provide social support to young people living with HIV.
“Providing treatment is not enough, young people living with HIV need an education and they need a job to survive,” added Jerop Limo. “We need to be seen as equal contributors and partners, and we need investment to allow us drive change. We are the leaders of the future and we need to be included now to help shape a better future for us all.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS).