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DIRCO’s decision to join its unsavoury partners in The Hague Group in accusing Israel of human rights violations and demanding action – at a time when the United States and Israel are engaged in a war against Iran – is unwise and irresponsible. In times of war, geopolitical dividing lines are drawn more sharply, and […]
The post DIRCO’s The Hague Group further alienates the West appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
Mpumalanga’s healthcare services are at a critical tipping point. The Department of Health’s latest quarterly report for 2025/26 paints a picture of decay and maladministration, placing healthcare on the brink of collapse. With billions either squandered or underspent, the Department is clearly letting the people of the province down. Hospitals are deteriorating, doctors remain jobless […]
The post Mpumalanga’s healthcare services at breaking point appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
The South African government deserves more praise than it gets for a foreign policy that has sought to maintain old relationships with countries in the global north, even as it develops new relations with BRICS partners – and for its courage to act on its principles by charging Israel with genocide at the International Court of Justice.
The post TRUMP’S NEW WORLD ORDER: SA FOREIGN POLICY DESERVES MORE PRAISE THAN IT GETS appeared first on For Good.
They were moved to make way for a housing project that is yet to be built
For years, the Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) has warned against the South African government’s deployment of Cuban doctors in the country, particularly at the expense of local doctors and medical personnel. Over the past weekend, the United States (US) announced that it intends to revoke the visas of government officials from Brazil, African countries […]
The post Freedom Front Plus warned against Cuban doctors and medical programme for a long time appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
The wheels of international justice grind exceedingly slowly and will never be sufficient on their own to bring about lasting change.
(Freedom Front Plus’s message to the Hudson Institute in Washington DC) The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) is not visiting the US cap in hand. The party’s visit is motivated by its genuine concern for South Africa’s future and its desire for the country to be a progressive, successful nation once again. To achieve this, […]
The post US can help by opening the door to opportunities and prosperity for everyone in South Africa appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
SIU investigates unfinished arts centre backed by music legends Caiphus Semenya and Letta Mbulu
The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ronald Lamola, will host the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Cuba, HE Mr Bruno Rodriquez Parrilla, on 10 March 2025 for Bilateral Talks in Pretoria.
The Working Visit will provide an opportunity for the two Ministers to strengthen South Africa-Cuba strategic bilateral relations and cooperation programmes.
The Ministers will also exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual concern.
Cuba is one of South Africa's strategic partners in Latin America and the Caribbean. The two countries' relations date back well before the 1994 democratic elections, which in great part can be attributed to the remarkable contribution made by Cuba to the liberation of South Africa and the defeat of apartheid and colonialism.
South Africa and Cuba are bound by ties of culture, history, shared struggles, international solidarity and a joint commitment to advance the development agenda of the Global South.
The long-enduring bilateral collaboration between South Africa and Cuba is multifaceted and sustained by a substantial number of bilateral agreements covering a wide range of areas, including health, public works, education and water and sanitation cooperation.
South Africa and Cuba's foreign policies are centred on the peaceful resolution of conflict, multilateralism, the rule of International Law and the centrality of the UN in the maintenance of international peace and security.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
Lamola to host his Cuban counterpart for bilateral talks
International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola will host his Cuban counterpart, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, for bilateral talks in Pretoria on Monday, 10 March 2025.
This working visit will provide an opportunity for both Ministers to strengthen the strategic bilateral relations and cooperation programmes between South Africa and Cuba.
“The Ministers will also exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual concern,” a statement issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) said.
Cuba is one of South Africa’s strategic partners in Latin America and the Caribbean.
“The relations date back well before the 1994 democratic elections, which in great part can be attributed to the remarkable contribution made by Cuba to the liberation of South Africa and the defeat of apartheid and colonialism,“ DIRCO said.
The department said South Africa and Cuba are bound by ties of culture, history, shared struggles, international solidarity, and a joint commitment to advance the development agenda of the Global South.
“The long-enduring bilateral collaboration between South Africa and Cuba is multifaceted and sustained by a substantial number of bilateral agreements covering a wide range of areas, including health, public works, education and water and sanitation cooperation.”
South Africa and Cuba’s foreign policies are centred on the peaceful resolution of conflict, multilateralism, the rule of international law, and the centrality of the United Nations in the maintenance of international peace and security. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 03/06/2025 - 14:38
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The United Nations Human Rights Council will hold its fifty-eighth regular session from 24 February to 4 April 2025 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, starting with its high-level segment from 24 to 26 February, when dignitaries representing more than 100 Member States will address the Council.
The session will open at 9 a.m. on Monday, 24 February under the Presidency of Ambassador Jürg Lauber of Switzerland. Delivering statements at the opening will be the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres; thePresident of the United Nations General Assembly, Philemon Yang; the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk; as well as the Chief of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland, Ignazio Cassis. The Council will be meeting in room XX of the Palais des Nations.
On Monday, 3 March, the Council is scheduled to hear a global update by the High Commissioner for Human Rights on the situation of human rights around the world. The general debate on his global update will start following his presentation of a number of country-specific reports and updates.
During the session, the Council will hold 30 interactive dialogues with the High Commissioner, his Office and designated experts, with Special Procedure mandate holders and investigative mechanisms, and with Special Representatives of the Secretary-General. The Council will also hold five enhanced interactive dialogues and one high-level dialogue, as well as nine general debates.
The Council will also hold theannual high-level panel discussion on human rights mainstreaming with a focus on the thirtieth anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action;the biennial high-level panel on the death penalty; panel discussions on early warning and genocide, HIV response and leaving no one behind, and onrights to work and to social security; the annual interactive debate on the rights of persons with disabilities; the annual discussion on the rights of the child; and a commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
The Council will examine the situation of human rights in a number of countries under its various agenda items, including the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory, Eritrea, Sudan, South Sudan, Nicaragua, Afghanistan and Myanmar under agenda item two; in Iran, Syria, Venezuela, Ukraine, Belarus, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, and Myanmar under agenda item four; and in Mali, Haiti, Ukraine, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan and Central African Republic under agenda item 10.
The final outcomes of the Universal Periodic Review of14 States will also be considered, namely those of Norway, Albania, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Portugal, Bhutan, Dominica, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Brunei Darussalam, Costa Rica, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Qatar and Nicaragua.
Towards the end of the session, the Council will appoint three new members of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
A detailed agenda and further information on the fifty-eighth session can be found on the session'swebpage. Reports to be presented are available here.
The fifty-eighth regular session will open at 9 a.m. on Monday, 24 February with a short opening meeting, followed by the start of the high-level segment, which will continue until 26 February, and during which the Council will hear addresses by more than 100 dignitaries. Intervening during the high-level segment will be the annual high-level panel discussion on human rights mainstreaming in the afternoon of 24 February and the biennial high-level panel on the death penalty in the morning of Tuesday, 25 February. The general segment will follow the conclusion of the high-level segment in the afternoon of Wednesday, 26 February.
On Thursday, 27 February, the Council will hold an interactive dialogue on the High Commissioner's report on the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, and the obligation to ensure accountability and justice, followed byenhanced interactive dialogues on the situation of human rights in Eritrea and on the High Commissioner's report on Sudan, with the assistance of the designated Expert. Friday, 28 February, will see the conclusion of the discussion on Sudan, followed by an enhanced interactive dialogue on the report of the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan. This will be followed by three interactive dialogues, the first on the report of the Group of Human Rights Experts on Nicaragua, the second with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan, and the third on the High Commissioner's oral update on Myanmar.
At the beginning of the second week, on the morning of Monday, 3 March, the Council will hear the High Commissioner's global update, then conclude the interactive dialogue on the High Commissioner's oral update on Myanmar. This will be followed by the presentation of reports on the activities of the Office of the High Commissioner in Colombia, Guatemala and Honduras, and of another report on Cyprus, and oral updates on Sri Lanka and Nicaragua. The Council will then begin the general debate under agenda item two, namely the annual report of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and reports of the Office of the High Commissioner and the Secretary-General, which will conclude on Tuesday, 4 March. The Council will subsequently begin its considerations under agenda item three on the promotion and protection of all human rights, holding interactive dialogues with the Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment and with the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief.
On the morning of Wednesday, 5 March, the Council will hold a panel on early warning and genocide prevention, then conclude its interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief. This will be followed by an enhanced interactive dialogue on the report of the Office of the High Commissioner on transitional justice. Another panel will be held on Thursday, 6 March on HIV response and leaving no one behind, in addition to two interactive dialogues with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders and the Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights. A third panel will be held in the morning of Friday, 7 March on rights to work and to social security, followed by two interactive dialogues with the Special Rapporteur on the right to adequate housing and the Independent Expert on the rights of persons with albinism.
The Council will start its third week on Monday, 10 March with a focus on disability, beginning with an interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities, to be followed by the annual debate on the rights of persons with disabilities. The day will conclude with aninteractive dialogue with the Independent Expert on foreign debt, which will continue in the morning of Tuesday, 11 March. Two moreinteractive dialogues will also be held on Tuesday with the Special Rapporteur on the right to food and the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism.
Wednesday, 12 March will see a further three interactive dialogues with the Special Rapporteur on the right to privacy, and the Special Representatives of the Secretary-General on violence against children and on children and armed conflict, the latter of which will conclude on Thursday, 13 March. The focus on children will continue on Thursday, with the Council also holding its annual discussion on the rights of the child, the theme of which will be early childhood development, and starting an interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the sale of children, which will conclude on Friday, 14 March.
On Friday, an interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on the human right to a healthy environment will precede the presentation of reports by the open-ended intergovernmental working group on transnational corporations and other business enterprises with respect to human rights, the Secretary-General, the High Commissioner and his Office, followed by the start of the general debate on agenda item three.
The first day of the Council's fourth week, Monday 17 March, will be devoted to concluding the general debate on agenda item three. From Tuesday, 18 March, consideration of agenda item four, human rights situations that require the Council's attention, will begin. First on the schedule is a joint interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur and the independent international fact-finding mission on the situation of human rights in Iran, followed by interactive dialogues with the independent international commission of inquiry on Syria, the fact-finding mission on Venezuela and the independent internationalcommission of inquiry on Ukraine.
On Wednesday, 19 March, after the conclusion of the dialogue with the commission of inquiry on Ukraine, three more separate interactive dialogues will be held with the group of independent experts on the situation of human rights inBelarus and with the Special Rapporteurs on the situation of human rights in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and in Myanmar.
Thursday, 20 March, will see the Council hear the presentation of the High Commissioner's report on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and his oral update of the situation of human rights in Venezuela. This will be followed by the general debate on agenda item four, which will conclude on the morning of Friday, 21 March. On Friday, the Council will also hold an interactive dialogue with the Special Rapporteur on minority issues, before beginning considerations under agenda item five on human rights bodies and mechanisms. After hearing the presentation of reports by the Forum on Minority Issues, the Social Forum, and the Special Procedures of the Council, it will commence the general debate on agenda item five.
The Council will start its fifth week on Monday, 24 March with its consideration under agenda item six of the final outcomes of theUniversal Periodic Reviews of 14 States: Norway, Albania, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Portugal, Bhutan, Dominica, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Brunei Darussalam, Costa Rica, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Qatar and Nicaragua. This consideration will continue through to the morning of Wednesday, 26 March, after which the Council will hold a general debate on agenda item six. This will be followed by the presentation of the reports of the High Commissioner and the Secretary-General under agenda item seven, namely the human rights situation in Palestine and other occupied Arab territories, and the general debate on this agenda item. The general debate under agenda item eight - follow-up and implementation of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action – is also scheduled to commence on Wednesday afternoon.
Ending racism will be the Council's theme for Thursday, 27 March. After concluding the debate under agenda item eight, it will hear the presentation of the report of the intergovernmental working group on the effective implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, then hold its general debate on agenda item nine, namely racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related forms of intolerance, follow-up to and implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action. From 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., the Council will also hold a meeting in commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
Friday, 28 March will begin with the conclusion of the debate under agenda item nine, followed by three interactive dialogues conducted under agenda item 10 on technical assistance and capacity-building. The first dialogue will be with the Independent Expert onthe situation of human rights in Mali; the second on the High Commissioner's report on the situation of human rights in Haiti, with the participation of the Independent Expert on the subject; and the third on the High Commissioner's oral update on the situation of human rights in Ukraine.
Monday, 31 March is a United Nations holiday. On Tuesday, 1 April, the Council will hold an enhanced interactive dialogue on oral updates by the High Commissioner and by the team of international experts on the Democratic Republic of the Congo, followed by an interactive dialogue on the report of the Office of the High Commissioner on technical assistance and capacity building for South Sudan and a high-level dialogue on the Central African Republic. At the end of the day, the Council will hear the annual presentation of the High Commissioner on technical cooperation and his oral update on Georgia, and the presentation of the report of the Board of Trustees of the Voluntary Fund for Technical Cooperation, followed by the general debate on agenda item 10.
The general debate will conclude on Wednesday, 2 April, and the Council will then start to act on draft decisions and resolutions, appoint three new members of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and adopt the report of the fifty-eighth regular session, before closing the session on Friday, 4 April.
The Human Rights Council is an inter-governmental body within the United Nations system, made up of 47 States, which is responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe. The Council was created by the United Nations General Assembly on 15 March 2006 with the main purpose of addressing situations of human rights violations and making recommendations on them.
The composition of the Human Rights Council at its fifty-eighth session is as follows: Albania (2026); Algeria (2025); Bangladesh (2025); Belgium (2025); Benin (2027); Bolivia (2027); Brazil (2026); Bulgaria (2026); Burundi (2026); Chile (2025); China (2026); Colombia (2027); Costa Rica (2025); Côte d'Ivoire (2026); Cuba (2026); Cyprus (2027); Czechia (2027); Democratic Republic of the Congo (2027); Dominican Republic (2026); Ethiopia (2027); France (2026); Gambia (2027); Georgia (2025); Germany (2025); Ghana (2026); Iceland (2027); Indonesia (2026); Japan (2026); Kenya (2027); Kuwait (2026); Kyrgyzstan (2025); Malawi (2026); Maldives (2025); Marshall Islands (2027); Mexico (2027); Morocco (2025); Netherlands (2026); North Macedonia (2027); Qatar (2027); Republic of Korea (2027); Romania (2025); South Africa (2025); Spain (2027); Sudan (2025); Switzerland (2027); Thailand (2027); and Viet Nam (2025).
The term of membership of each State expires in the year indicated in parentheses.
The President of the Human Rights Council in 2025 is Jürg Lauber (Switzerland). The four Vice-Presidents are Tareq Md Ariful Islam (Bangladesh), Razvan Rusu (Romania), Paul Empole Losoko Efambe (Democratic Republic of the Congo) and a fourth Vice-President to be elected later from the Group of Latin American and Caribbean States. Mr. Efambe will also serve as Rapporteur of the Geneva-based body.
The dates and venue of the fifty-eighth session are subject to change.
Information on the fifty-eighth session can be foundhere, including the annotated agenda and the reports to be presented.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
SIU is probing grants paid to Physical Education Institute of South Africa
Water transboundary partnerships benefit SA
Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo says South Africa continues to enjoy transboundary partnerships on shared water resources with neighbouring countries in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
Mahlobo highlighted some of the partnerships during a session with Ambassadors accredited to South African Missions, held in Centurion on Friday.
These include, among others, the current implementation of the R42 billion Phase Two of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP). The project includes the construction of the new Polihali Dam and associated infrastructure to provide additional water to Gauteng and parts of the Free State, Mpumalanga, North West, and Northern Cape provinces.
READ | Lesotho Highlands Water Project Tunnel maintenance on schedule
South Africa and Zimbabwe have also signed an agreement for the transfer of treated water from the Beitbridge Water Treatment Works in the Republic of Zimbabwe.
Mahlobo said the transfer of treated water is a medium-term solution to address water supply challenges in the area.
“The two countries have signed an agreement for the transfer of treated water from Beitbridge Water Treatment Works in the Republic of Zimbabwe to Musina Town in the Republic of South Africa,” Mahlobo said.
Another partnership includes the mobilisation of resources between South Africa and Namibia for the feasibility study of the Noordoewer/Vioolsdrfit Dam.
South Africa and Netherlands Governments have also undertaken to forge more cooperation opportunities in the water and sanitation sector in efforts to strength the existing relations between the two states.
“Both the countries have signed a Blue Deal agreement which aims to support water management by exchanging knowledge and experiences, assisting the national, regional and local organisations, and cooperate with key stakeholders,” Mahlobo said.
As part of diversifying the water mix, the Deputy Minister highlighted that government was increasingly making use of groundwater as one of the viable options to augment the current available water and increase supply.
“We are looking at using groundwater which remains untapped. Although it has also been threatened by climate change and the levels of evaporation, we are looking at utilising it more.
“We are looking forward to enhancing our technological partnership around groundwater and its high level of treatment. We should use groundwater optimally because it is not of inferior quality, but it is also a source of water,” he explained.
Held under the theme: “Celebrating 30 years of sustainable partnership, strengthening partnerships with international partners and forging a shared future”, the meeting hosted by Water and Sanitation, aimed to brief the Ambassadors on South Africa’s state of water sector .
This also includes water reforms currently underway and fortifying international collaboration and capacity-building endeavours in the water sector.
Among the countries represented at the meeting included China, Japan, Cuba, Egypt, the Kingdom of Eswatini and the Kingdom of Lesotho, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Botswana, Senegal, Kingdom of the Netherlands, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Denmark, and Finland. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 12/09/2024 - 11:42
International communities commended for supporting SA’s water sector
Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo has acknowledged international communities for supporting South Africa’s water and sanitation sector since the dawn of democracy 30 years ago.
Mahlobo was speaking at a session with Ambassadors accredited to South African Missions in Centurion on Friday.
The meeting was hosted by the Department of Water and Sanitation under the theme: “Celebrating 30 years of sustainable partnership, strengthening partnerships with international partners and forging a shared future”.
The meeting aimed to brief the Ambassadors on the state of South Africa’s water sector and water reforms, and to fortify international collaboration and capacity-building endeavours in the water sector.
Countries represented at the meeting included China, Japan, Cuba, Egypt, the Kingdom of Eswatini and the Kingdom of Lesotho, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Botswana, Senegal, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Kingdom of Sweden, the Kingdom of Denmark and Finland.
Mahlobo acknowledged the international community’s support, which helped South Africa to achieve the democracy it enjoys today.
He commended the international community for their contribution to the country’s water and sanitation sector, which has guaranteed a sustainable and equitable water supply to all South Africans.
He said all the countries played a big part in various degrees to assist South Africa in its struggle for democracy.
“Your unwavering support did not go unnoticed, and your partnership continued to ensure that South Africa provided equitable and sustainable water supply, and dignified sanitation to all its citizens. We therefore would like to thank you for the notable contributions you have made,” Mahlobo said.
He encouraged partnerships between South Africa and the countries to continue to grow to ensure water security in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region and the rest of the continent.
“When you engage with us here as the Department of Water and Sanitation, we should strive to maintain our partnership and forge ahead for the next 30 years, also taking into account the advances we have made.
“As our partners, do not be polite with us, but engage with us if there are matters of policy that make it difficult for your participation. You need to raise matters that you don’t understand because we are an open-minded water sector,” the Deputy Minister said.
The Ambassadors assured South Africa of their continued partnership in the water sector.
The Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in South Africa and the Eritrean Ambassador to South Africa, Salih Omar Abdu, said the partnerships have guaranteed water security and have ensured access to clean water by most of the countries in the continent.
“As we deliberate on the partnership with South Africa, it is important to adapt to a new perspective on the role that water plays in our regional and international agendas. Water is not only a resource to be consumed, but it is also a catalyst in economic growth, social equality and environmental sustainability in the region,” Abdu said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 12/09/2024 - 10:55
We review the complaint of Hassen Lorgat against The Citizen
Residents want the broken-down flats fixed; the municipality says the residents must first pay rent
Inauguration guests start arriving at the Union Buildings
Excitement at the Union Buildings in Pretoria is palpable as packed buses have started dropping off guests and members of the public who will witness the inauguration of President-elect Cyril Ramaphosa later this morning.
Many braved the cold winter morning and started arriving early, with their hearts set on being present at the swearing-in of the President-elect Ramaphosa following his election by Parliament on Friday, 14 June 2024.
With the inauguration signifying the beginning of the President's second term of office Khula Community Development Project Director Petros Majola told SAnews civil society was ready to work with government for the best interests of communities.
“Today is a very big day, which comes after we have cast our vote. [This means that] we will have a government that will take us through for the next five years. We are ready to work with a government that will deliver in the best interests of our vulnerable groups, especially the victims of crimes and violence.
“After the inauguration, we expect delivery of services to those people (vulnerable groups) because those people have hope in the government that they voted for,” Majola said on Wednesday.
Avid sports fan Mama Joy Chauke told SAnews she was excited to see the President-elect Ramaphosa being inaugurated.
“Today is an important day for South Africa. I am here to witness our President being inaugurated and lead us…we are waiting for him to lead us. We are waiting for him to do the best and we are here to support him,” Chauke said.
The President-Elect will be sworn in by Chief Justice Raymond Zondo in the Union Buildings’ Nelson Mandela Amphitheatre.
The ceremony will be witnessed by South African and international guests, including South African royalty, Members of Parliament, representatives of political parties, leaders of organised labour, business and civil society organisations, religious leaders and South Africans who have excelled in various capacities and endeavours.
Attendees will include representatives of regional, continental and international organisations and bodies such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN).
President-Elect Ramaphosa will also be honoured by the attendance of a number of Heads of State and Government and former Heads of State and Government from different regions of Africa as well as other world regions.
To date, 18 Heads of State and Government, three former Heads of State and Government and nine Heads of Delegation are expected to attend. Additional confirmations are being received.
Countries that will be represented at a high level at the Inauguration include the Kingdom of eSwatini and Kingdom of Lesotho; the Republics of Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, Angola and Tanzania; the Republic of Uganda; the People’s Republic of China; the Arab Republic of Egypt; the State of Palestine and the Republic of Cuba.
The theme for the occasion is “30 Years of Democracy, Partnership and Growth.” – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 06/19/2024 - 07:49
Heads of state, government and royalty to attend inauguration
Dignitaries from across the world – including current and former Heads of State and Governments – are expected to attend the inauguration ceremony of President-elect Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday.
This according to a statement released by the Presidency on Tuesday.
“The ceremony will be witnessed by South African and international guests, including South African royalty, Members of Parliament, representatives of political parties, leaders of organised labour, business and civil society organisations, religious leaders and South Africans who have excelled in various capacities and endeavours.
“Attendees will include representatives of regional, continental and international organisations and bodies such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN),” the statement read.
The Presidency said at least 18 Heads of State and Government, three former Heads of State and Government and nine Heads of Delegation are expected to attend.
Additional confirmations are being received.
“Countries that will be represented at a high level at the inauguration include the Kingdom of eSwatini and Kingdom of Lesotho, the Republics of Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, Angola and Tanzania; the Republic of Uganda, the People’s Republic of China, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the State of Palestine and the Republic of Cuba,” the Presidency said.
The President-elect held a walkabout at the venue on Tuesday afternoon to assess the state of readiness.
Members of the public are encouraged to use the park and ride at Tshwane Showgrounds. People can park their cars and take a free bus to the Union Buildings.
The programme for the day will commence with a cultural programme for members of the public on the South Lawns of the Union Buildings at 9am.
Formal proceedings will get underway at 11am.
For more information go to https://inauguration2024.dcdt.gov.za. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 06/18/2024 - 14:24
The Inauguration of President-Elect Cyril Ramaphosa will take place at the Union Buildings, Pretoria, tomorrow following his re-election by Parliament on Friday, 14 June 2024.
The swearing-in of the President-Elect will be conducted by Chief Justice Raymond Zondo in the Union Buildings' Nelson Mandela Amphitheatre.
The ceremony will be witnessed by South African and international guests, including South African royalty, Members of Parliament, representatives of political parties, leaders of organised labour, business and civil society organisations, religious leaders and South Africans who have excelled in various capacities and endeavours.
Attendees will include representatives of regional, continental and international organisations and bodies such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN).
President-Elect Ramaphosa will also be honoured by the attendance of a number of Heads of State and Government and former Heads of State and Government from different regions of Africa as well as other world regions.
To date, 18 Heads of State and Government, three former Heads of State and Governmen,t and nine Heads of Delegation are expected to attend. Additional confirmations are being received.
Countries that will be represented at a high level at the Inauguration include the Kingdom of eSwatini and Kingdom of Lesotho; the Republics of Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, Angola and Tanzania; the Republic of Uganda; the People's Republic of China; the Arab Republic of Egypt; the State of Palestine and the Republic of Cuba.
The theme for the occasion is “30 Years of Democracy, Partnership and Growth”.
The programme for the day will commence with a cultural programme for members of the public on the South Lawns of the Union Buildings at 09h00.
The cultural programme is a platform for local artists to showcase their talent and for us as a nation to share South Africa's cultural diversity with our guests.
This production will feature a combination of music genres and other cultural and artistic performances that will have a cross-over appeal that reflects our achievements in the past 30 years of our democracy.
During the formal proceedings from 11h00, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) will perform the ceremonial elements of the Inauguration as a demonstration of allegiance to the Republic and the Commander-In-Chief. The ceremonial elements will include:
The newly sworn-in President of the Republic will deliver his Inaugural Address.
President-Elect Ramaphosa first became President of the Republic following the resignation of President Jacob Zuma in February 2018.
Following the 2019 National and Provincial Elections, President Ramaphosa was elected by the National Assembly as President of the Republic.
President Ramaphosa was re-elected by the National Assembly on 14 June 2024.
The Presidential Inauguration will be broadcast and streamed on a broad range of platforms nationally and internationally and The Presidency invites South Africans to follow this event.
Members of the public are advised to note that tomorrow, Wednesday, 19 June 2024, is a normal working day.
People travelling to the event and to Pretoria on other business are advised to visit www.gov.za and www.tshwane.gov.za for information on road closures in the Rietondale/Arcadia area, and to follow traffic updates on radio and television broadcasts.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
International messages of support on launch of Freedom Month
Several international nations have joined a chorus of voices in commemorating and congratulating South Africa as the country celebrates 30 years of freedom this year.
The launch of Freedom Month was held at Freedom Park on Tuesday morning in Pretoria with much fanfare, including the unveiling of the 30 Years of Freedom logo.
Delivering her message of support during the programme, High Commissioner of Zambia to South Africa, Mazuba Bernadine Monze, encouraged South Africans to remember and speak of the historical ties that the two countries share.
During the fight for liberation, Zambia was a sanctuary for safety for anti-apartheid freedom fighters, including Oliver Tambo and former President Thabo Mbeki.
“This celebration is truly Zambia’s celebration. I bring a message that is succinct and clear to the peoples of South Africa [that] across the Limpopo lies a land that has and will continue to stand firm in solidarity and brotherhood, and that land is called Zambia. To those of you who know the story, share it. Tell it to the generations and even those that are yet to come about our deep historical ties that bind us together as countries.
“The role of Zambia in South Africa’s liberation struggle… during the dark period of apartheid in South Africa, emerged as a beacon of hope and a steadfast supporter of the liberation struggle. Please allow me to congratulate [South Africa] on this auspicious occasion and wish… the people of this great nation a happy 30th anniversary of your freedom,” Monze said.
Ambassador Enrique Orta González of Cuba praised South Africa as a “symbol of solidarity and the struggle justice” for the downtrodden peoples of the world.
The nation of Cuba contributed to the fight against apartheid by offering training, medical care and study for struggle heroes in the 1960s.
“Today, on the eve of the 30 years of democracy in this beautiful country, we can affirm that South Africa has become a symbol of solidarity and struggle for justice. We are glad to see today an apartheid free, independent, sovereign South Africa in solidarity with the people fighting for the just causes of the world – supporting Palestine, Western Sahara, Venezuela and Cuba.
“Three decades after the defeat of apartheid, South Africa has risen as an example of the global South on how a society can leave hate and discrimination behind in order to be a better country, in order to become a true symbol of reconciliation, and give voice to those who stay in silence for many years.
“Let me take this opportunity to congratulate the South African government and people on the 30th anniversary of democracy. On behalf of the government and people of Cuba, our sincerest wish is for prosperity, well being and happiness for our dear sister, the Republic of South Africa,” González said.
The High Commissioner of Lesotho, Ntsime Jafeta, noted that South Africa “defied all odds” by achieving democracy in the face of the brutal apartheid regime.
“On behalf of the government of the Kingdom of Lesotho… I wish to extend our sincere greetings and best wishes as you celebrate Freedom Month. We note with great joy and satisfaction the fact that this year’s commemoration coincides with the Lesotho bicentennial celebration to mark 200 years since the formation of the Basotho nation by King Moshoeshoe I in 1824.
“Despite your vulnerability and pressure from the apartheid regime, you defied all odds. You stood firmly on the side of freedom, peace and democracy. Let us… celebrate the gains brought by the struggles of our forebears, and ensure that sweat and blood nourish the tree that will bear the fruits of peace, democracy and justice to make the world a better place,” Jafeta said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 04/09/2024 - 13:55
They are calling for the president to intervene and make sure medical professionals are employed
FIFA+ (www.FIFA.com) will stream all UAE 2024 Dubai games; Tournament takes place from 15-25 February; Find out how you can follow the action live.
The FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup UAE 2024 Dubai™ kicks off on Thursday 15 February – and the tournament is being streamed live on FIFA+!
Takuya Akaguma, Catarino, Chiky, Edson Hulk, Marco Giordani, the Martins twins, Raoul Mendy, Moslem Mesigar, Walid Mohammad, Ozu Moreira, Lucas Ponzetti, Rodrigo and Heimanu Taiaru are among the stars who are looking to light up the tournament, with this year's edition again set to showcase the very best that the discipline has to offer.
Click here to access FIFA+ (https://apo-opa.co/496Sef7)
All matches will be available on FIFA+ web, the FIFA+ app and connected TV devices. Full details of the territories where FIFA+ live streams and full match replays are accessible can be found below. Two-minute highlights on all matches will also be available.
Territories with FIFA+ live streaming access
Africa
Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo-Brazzaville, Congo-Kinshasa, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea-Conakry, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Americas and the Caribbean
Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Bonaire Sint Eustatius and Saba, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Cuba, Curaçao, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, United States Virgin Islands.
Asia
Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, China PR, Hong Kong, Korea DPR, Korea Republic, Macau, Mongolia, Taiwan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Vietnam.
Central and South America
Brazil
Europe
Albania, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom.
Oceania
American Samoa, Australia, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Guam, Kiribat, Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Wallis and Futuna.
Click here (https://apo-opa.co/3Sy1CRK) to visit the FIFA match centre and find out where you can watch the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup UAE 2024 Dubai™ in your location.
* Territories' live streaming access is subject to change
A full match schedule can be downloaded here (https://apo-opa.co/3UMG3jr).
Tournament tickets are available via https://apo-opa.co/3wk8D1n to purchase.
Visa, Worldwide Partner of FIFA, is the preferred payment method for fans buying tickets for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup UAE 2024 Dubai™.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of FIFA.
Contact for African media:
AfricanMedia@fifa.org
Unemployed doctors to be placed by April, says Minister Phaahla
Government is working tirelessly to ensure that unemployed doctors who want to join the public service are placed by 1 April this year, Health Minister, Dr Joe Phaahla has announced.
This follows an ongoing public outcry over doctors who have completed statutory community service programmes but remain unemployed.
“I am, therefore, happy to announce that working with the Minister of Finance we have a solution to address the current challenge of doctors who want to stay in the public service but could not be offered funded posts,” said the Minister.
During the debate on the President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address (SONA), Phaahla said the Finance Minister will flesh out more details during his Budget Speech next week on how these posts will be funded.
“Our national team is working with the National Treasury team to thrash out the details and working with provincial health departments to speed up the process so that by 1st April 2024 all those who will not be already in posts can be able to start.”
Phaahla said he was confident that some provinces will even be able to start giving out appointment letters before 1 April 2024.
“The measures we are working on with the Minister of Finance will give us sufficient breathing space while we are working on long-term solutions.”
He told Parliament that over the last 15 years, government has ramped up the training of doctors both in the local universities and the Nelson Mandela Fidel Castro programme in Cuba.
The number of graduates, according to Phaahla, has almost doubled over the last 10 years, from 1 338 graduates who entered the internship programme in 2014 to 2 210 this year.
“The medical profession is very key in the multidisciplinary teams and that is why we are doing everything to retain as many doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and other members of the teams in the public health system.”
In addition, he said his department was committed to working with the medical association and the trade union to look at more opportunities for doctors including offering primary health services in the community as the State prepares to implement the National Health Insurance (NHI).
NHI
He told the House that the government interventions are laying the foundation for the implementation of the NHI.
Phaahla also took the time to thank members of both the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) who passed the Bill last year.
As stated in the Bill, he said the NHI will be implemented in two remaining phases from 2024 to 2026, while between 2026 and 2028 government will focus on establishing the Board and CEO and several key committees of the NHI Fund.
“We are confident that the innovative funding of infrastructure as stated by the President will also contribute to health facilities.”
In the meantime, he said his department was strengthening key delivery areas.
These include the healthcare benefits design, digital health systems, and risk identification and fraud prevention.
COVID-19
Since the lifting of all restrictions in June 2022, he said the health sector has been on a recovery path.
“Honourable Speaker and Honourable Members indeed as stated by the President, key indicators show that we have recovered well from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
For example, he cited the improved life expectancy approaching pre-COVID, the continued reduction in maternal mortality in pregnancy and reduced infant and under-five mortality rates.
Meanwhile, he said backlogs in planned surgery procedures including in orthopaedics, general surgery and eye operations are being attended to through the mobilisation of specialists to spend time in under-served areas with many doing it free of charge.
In addition, Phaahla said procurement and distribution of medicines has stabilised with the result and that public health institutions now have stock availability of 85%.
As stated by the President in his SONA, the department will also focus on serious interventions to improve the quality of health services by upgrading infrastructure, including building new facilities. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 02/14/2024 - 09:32
SA citizens in foreign countries urged to register to vote
Over 18 469 South African citizens living in 101 countries around the world have started registering to vote using the Electoral Commission’s newly launched online registration portal system.
“The Electoral Commission has enabled an online registration facility for the first time to allow South Africans outside the country to easily register for the 2024 National Elections,” Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of the Electoral Commission Sy Mamabolo said.
Addressing the media in Pretoria on Thursday, Mamabolo said the commission hoped that the introduction of an online registration system will attract citizens from abroad.
Citizens living abroad must register as voters either online or in person at their nearest South African mission. South African high commissions, embassies and consulates will be open during working hours.
“Eligible voters are encouraged to check with their nearest mission on the registration dates and times. Registration requires a South African identity document as well as a South African passport.
“A special two-day voter registration event for South African citizens abroad will take place between 26 and 28 January 2024, depending on the configuration of weekend days.
“In countries where Friday and Saturday are weekends, the two special days designated will be Friday 26 January, and Saturday 27 January 2024,” Mamabolo said.
The countries with the most people registering online include the United Kingdom (5938), the Netherlands (1844), Germany (746), the United States (821), Ireland (675), United Arab Emirates (1068), China (515), Australia (588), New Zealand (314), Cuba (293), Portugal (284) and Belgium (280).
In the African continent, South Africans have begun to register in 28 countries, including Mauritius (316), Lesotho (224) Namibia (148), Botswana (170), Zambia (96), Zimbabwe (77), Kenya (73), Ghana (45) and Tanzania (40).
A full list of South Africa’s missions is available on the website of DIRCO at https://www.dirco.gov.za/webmissions/index.html.
The commission advised South Africans who are already registered to vote – either on the national or international segment of the voters’ roll - to check their registration status and to update their voters’ roll address if they intend to vote abroad in the 2024 National Elections.
Mamabolo said the commission has put in place all necessary measures to ensure that no one is left behind and that all citizens vote in the 2024 National Election.
“The upcoming 2024 National Elections offer an important opportunity for all South Africans to have their voices heard, regardless of geographic location,” he said.
The commission pleaded with businesses and organisations around the world to encourage their South African employees to register during this registration weekend. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 01/26/2024 - 09:03