Public Works Workers Picket Through the Night in Durban
They want jobs after their contracts were terminated in July
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President Ramaphosa to attend to BRICS Summit and domestic fora
President Ramaphosa to attend to BRICS Summit and domestic fora
President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to participate in several key engagements over the coming weeks, beginning with the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia.
Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya confirmed this during a press briefing with media houses to update them on the President’s diary in Cape Town on Wednesday.
President Ramaphosa will attend the BRICS Summit in Russia from Tuesday to Thursday (22- 24 October).
The Russian Federation’s BRICS Chairship in 2024 is under the theme "Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security”.
Magwenya highlighted that South Africa’s participation in the summit is aimed at enhancing the country’s growth and development through its membership in BRICS, focusing on strengthening intra-BRICS relations and fostering mutually beneficial cooperation.
This includes advancing political and security cooperation, financial and economic cooperation, and cultural and people-to-people cooperation.
During its BRICS Presidency this year, Russia indicated that it will focus on "promoting the entire range of partnership and cooperation within the framework of the association on three key tracks – politics and security, the economy and finance, and cultural and humanitarian ties”.
Responding to Questions for Oral Reply in the National Assembly in Parliament, Cape Town in August, President Ramamphosa spoke of the value of the BRICS alliance to advancing Africa’s developmental agenda.
As Chair of BRICS last year, South Africa invited representatives from other African countries to attend the summit hosted in Johannesburg. Forty-six African countries attended, including 20 Heads of State and Government.
Medium Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS)
On the domestic front, the President will attend the tabling of the Medium Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS).
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana is set to table the MTBPS in Parliament on Wednesday, 30 October. The MTBPS outlines the policy framework for the upcoming budget, including government goals, the economic environment, and projected resource availability.
It offers an analysis of the trade-offs and challenges the nation faces in addressing its priorities, providing an important step forward in the national budget process.
READ | National Treasury announces MTBPS date
“The Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement is an important step forward in the budget process. In keeping with our commitment to open, transparent and cooperative policymaking, it invites the nation to share with Government the important choices to be completed,” Magwenya said.
Visit to Limpopo
Meanwhile, President Ramaphosa is scheduled to visit the Limpopo province on Friday, 1 November, where he will meet with Premier Dr. Phophi Ramathuba and the provincial government executive.
The provincial leadership will present their five-year program which is aligned with the priorities of the seventh administration.
“The meeting will also discuss approaches [to] various service delivery issues including interventions to improve service delivery at local government level,” Magwenya said.
KwaZulu-Natal DDM Oversight Visit
On Thursday, 7 November, the President will meet with KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli and members of the provincial government in Durban.
This meeting will be followed by a District Development Model (DDM) oversight visit to the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality which includes a Presidential Imbizo on Friday, 8 November.
The visit aims to assess the progress of the Presidential eThekwini Working Group, which was established earlier this year to address service delivery and development challenges in the area.
Last week Cabinet called on residents to join the imbizo and engage their public representatives.
“Cabinet calls on residents of Umgababa and the surrounding areas to join the imbizo and engage their public representatives on solutions to challenges in their community and find ways to improve service delivery,” it said in a statement following its fortnightly meeting.
The imbizo is set to be held at the Umnini Sportsfield in Ward 98.
Cabinet adopted the DDM in August 2019.
The DDM is an integrated planning model for cooperative governance aimed at fast-tracking service delivery. It seeks to ensure that municipalities are adequately supported and resourced to carry out their mandate.
READ | President Ramaphosa to lead Presidential Imbizo in KZN
The first Presidential Imbizo of the seventh administration was held in Tsakane in Gauteng in August.
The Presidency said the President’s engagements highlight his commitment to addressing national priorities, both domestically and internationally, with a focus on economic growth, improved governance and enhanced service delivery. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Wed, 10/16/2024 - 15:37
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Internet Society Events Highlight the Importance of Encryption for Online Safety and Security
In support of Global Encryption Day on 21 October 2024, events are being organized across Africa by Internet Society (www.InternetSociety.org) chapters in Côte d'Ivoire, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Kenya, and Benin to educate and train individuals on the importance of encryption in protecting data and privacy.
End-to-end encryption is the process of transforming or encoding information so that only the sender and intended recipient can see it. It safeguards the personal security of billions of people around the world and is essential for security on the Internet.
By promoting awareness and providing training on encryption, grassroots organizers are empowering communities to take control of their digital security. Under the umbrella of Global Encryption Day, the events planned are a testament to the growing importance of encryption as a means to security in the digital age and signal a growing consensus that people must be protected online. From workshops to informational sessions, participants will have the opportunity to learn about encryption and how it can be used to keep people safe.
Event 1: Encryption to secure our daily life and future
Where: Maison des Jeunes, Yopougon, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
When: 20-21 October 2024, 09:00 to 14:30 UTC
What: A 2-day training course will promote encryption for civil society actors, local authorities, and activists in Côte d'Ivoire and the necessity to protect it. Register at Encryption to secure our daily life and future (https://apo-opa.co/4eR5CXO)
Event 2: Kwara Global Encryption Day 2024 Summit
Where: Ilorin. Kwara State., Nigeria
When: 24 October 2024, 08:00 to 16:00 UTC
What: The “Kwara Global Encryption Day 2024 Summit” is an initiative by the Webfala Digital Skills for all Initiative. The event is designed to raise awareness about the critical importance of end-to-end encryption in protecting digital privacy and security. The summit aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of encryption technologies, their applications, and the current legislative landscape in Nigeria and beyond. Register at Kwara Global Encryption Day 2024 Summit (https://apo-opa.co/3YbFeAw).
Event 3: Global Encryption Day 2024
Where: Bugesera - Rwanda, Rwanda
When: 16 October 2024, 13:00 to 15:00 UTC
What: Internet Society Rwanda members will learn more about encryption tools that will protect your privacy and the importance of safeguarding this important resource.
Event 4: Activating Voices of Underserved Communities Through Encryption and Digital Inclusion
Where: Ugunja, Kenya
When: 19 October 2024, 10:00 to 15:00 UTC
What: Kijiji Yeetu, the Ugunja Youth Parliament, and Ugunja Net Wardens, in collaboration with the Internet Society Kenya Chapter, Jaramogi Oginga University, and United States International University Africa, are organizing an event that will focus on enhancing encryption, digital literacy, and security for teachers, net wardens, and underserved communities in Ugunja. The initiative aims to spark a nationwide impact by empowering participants to harness technology creatively and securely.
Event 5: Campaign For Youth Participation On Online Security
Where: American Corner, Jigawa State., Nigeria
When: 21 October 2024, 09:00 to 16:00 UTC
What: The program will look at how best to engage youth and bring them on board to contribute to online security and protection of encryption. Register at Campaign For Youth Participation In Online Security (https://apo-opa.co/3BJ2w9A).
Event 6: Encryption Advocacy Training for Academic Institutions in Africa
Where: Solusi University, Zimbabwe
When: 21 October 2024, 08:30 to 13:00 UTC
What: This event will focus on developing encryption advocates in institutions of higher learning. The purpose of the conference is to capacitate Faculty Deans and Lecturers from institutions of higher learning so that they may infuse these principles to their classroom teaching.
Event 7: Global Encryption Day 2024 – Encryption For Data Privacy & Online Safety
Where: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
When: 21 October 2024, 09:00-15:00 UTC
What: The Internet Society South Africa Chapter and its partners will organize a program that includes training, interactive sessions, and online discussions on encryption, cybersecurity, privacy, human rights, and more. With one main venue and two remote participation hubs based in Cape Town and Johannesburg, this is set to be the largest Global Encryption Day celebration yet. Register at Internet Society
Event 8: Protecting End-to-End Encryption: Our Security at Stake
Where: University of Abomey-Calavi / IFRI, Benin
When: 21 October 2024, 09:00 to 12:30 UTC
What: Encryption is the cornerstone of modern digital security, safeguarding our data and communications from cyber threats. Through discussions, interactive workshops, and expert talks from leading cybersecurity professionals, you'll gain valuable insights into how encryption shields your personal data, online communications, and privacy. In today's evolving digital landscape, understanding these tools is vital for staying safe. As a student, this event will empower you to contribute to a more secure Internet and equip you with practical steps to protect your own data. https://apo-opa.co/4eJID0J
For more information visit: https://apo-opa.co/3Yciv7s to learn more about Global Encryption Day events around the world.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Internet Society.
Media contact:
Allesandra deSantillana
Internet Society
desantillana@isocfoundation.org
Durban in the News 18 October 2024
Whitney Houston’s First Live Concert Album from South Africa to Be Released in November: In partnership with The Estate of Whitney E. Houston and Primary Wave Music, Legacy Recordings will release Whitney Houston: The Concert for a New South Africa (Durban) on Friday, November 8, celebrating the 30th anniversary of Houston’s historic visit to South Africa. …
SAWS issues weather alerts
SAWS issues weather alerts
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has warned of severe storms in the Free State, North West, Northern Cape and the Eastern Cape on Thursday.
“Conditions are favourable for the development of severe storms, resulting in strong damaging winds, excessive lightning, possible hail, and heavy downpours over the western and southern part of the Free State, the western part of the North West, as well as the extreme northeastern part of the Northern Cape tomorrow,” SAWS said on Wednesday.
These adverse weather conditions are expected to be accompanied by hail over open areas, localised damage to settlements over an open area and localised flooding in susceptible roads, low-lying areas and bridges.
There is a likelihood that trees will fall and block minor roads.
“A surface trough is expected to extend into a coastal low along the South Coast. This, coupled with upper-air perturbations, is expected to result in showers and thundershowers over the Eastern Cape.
“There is a possibility that the expected storms can become severe due to favourable conditions and may result in damaging winds, hail, downpours and excessive lightning,” SAWS said.
The impact of the severe storm includes localised damage to settlements and temporary structures, localised and short term disruption to power supply, localised damage to vehicles as well as falling trees blocking roads.
Meanwhile, KwaZulu-Natal can expect to experience damaging winds on Thursday.
“A cold front, with a high pressure ahead of it, creates a tight gradient, resulting in strong... winds between Port Edward and Durban tomorrow (early morning), moderating towards midday,” SAWS said.
The strong winds are expected to have a general disruption within ports and the harbour but manageable internally.
There will also be localised difficulty in navigation. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 10/16/2024 - 14:29
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9 Arrested for Extortion, Murder and Armed Robbery
DURBAN – Police officers who are members of the Operation Vala UMgodi have arrested nine suspects in connection with cases of extortion, murder and armed robberies during an operation on Tuesday, 15 October 2024. Police conducted an intelligence-driven operation and investigations led them to a residence on Grundel Road in Glenmore, Umbilo. The operation resulted …
Education Department Fails to Pay Water and Electricity Bills: Parents Shut Down School in Protest
Failure to pay Msunduzi Municipality is a violation of human rights, say parents
Durban in the News 16 October 2024
Ezemvelo aim to end KZN teams’ drought of winning the Sasol League: Ezemvelo coach Nkosingiphile Maphumulo has set his heart on helping his team become the first from KZN to win the Sasol League National Playoffs. Ezemvelo showed flashes of brilliance, albeit in patches, when they beat Eastern Cape’s Sophakama in the opening game of this …
10 Year Sentence for Fraud, Corruption and Money Laundering
KWAZULU-NATAL – On Tuesday, 15 October 2024, the Durban Specialised Commercial Crimes Court sentenced Rakesh Maharaj (46) for 103 counts of fraud, 102 corruption and one count of money laundering. During the period between January 2015 and September 2017, Maharaj was employed by Consulens Health Care Solution PTY as a Logistics Manager. It was discovered …
Durban in the News 15 October 2024
Revealed: The Belgian Club Tracking Saleng: DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA – OCTOBER 05: Monnapule Saleng of Orlando Pirates during the MTN8, Final match between Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch FC at Moses Mabhida Stadium on October 05, 2024 in Durban, South Africa. (Photo by Alche Greeff/Gallo Images),E After scoring goals in the Betway Premiership and MTN8 for …
ANC marks 100 days of the GNU
In the News Today: continue reading HERE. Temperature:The city of Durban experiences a subtropical climate, characterized by warm, humid summers and mild winters.
Warriors Hold off Dragons in High-Scoring Thriller
GQEBERHA: In a high-scoring encounter filled with explosive batting performances, the Dafabet Warriors edged out the Dragons by 21 runs in...
No Time to Waste
In the News Today: RFA CEO Gavin Kelly says there is no time to waste in efforts to make SA ports more attractive. The Road Freight Association (RFA) says the decision last week by the Durban high court temporarily interdicting Transnet from concluding a multi-year deal to bring in private participation at the crown jewel …
KZN Road Upgrades Creating Thousands of Jobs
In the News Today: Transport minister, Barbara Creecy says the South African National Road Agency’s (SANRAL) flagship project to upgrade the N2 and N3 in Kwazulu-Natal is creating tens of thousands of jobs and providing a massive boost to the province’s economy. As part of the government’s Transport Month activities, Minister Creecy inspected the progress of …
Restoring Rick Turner to Public Consciousness
In the News Today: A new book revisits the ideas of Rick Turner, the philosopher assassinated at his home in Bellair, Durban, in 1978. It continues a process of restoring Turner to public consciousness. Turner was a gifted, serious and well-trained academic. He studied at the Sorbonne in Paris where he wrote his thesis on …
200 Days Without Power Outages; “A Significant Milestone”
In the News Today: South Africa recorded the 200th day of constant electricity supply since state power utility Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd. halted rolling outages known as load shedding on March 26. The uninterrupted supply is the result of an operational recovery plan, which has reduced unplanned outages by about 8.6%, Eskom said in a …
ICTSI Shares Fall
In the News Today: SHARES in Razon-led International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) fell last week following a South African court’s injunction against the port operator’s bid for Durban Container Terminal Two (DCT2), as well as global macroeconomic factors, according to analysts. Data from the Philippine Stock Exchange showed that ICTSI was the second most …
Broomhead Wins Wild Coast Sun Country Club Playoff
In the News Today: Jonathan Broomhead was able to daub his scorecard with red numbers for birdie as he charged up the leaderboard in the final round to secure himself a place in the playoff, which he subsequently won to claim the Vodacom Origins of Golf Wild Coast title at the Wild Coast Sun Country Club …
Suspects Linked to Laptop Theft Arrested
In the News Today: At approximately 10:34 on the 2nd of October, Marshall Security’s Emergency Dispatch Centre received an urgent alert from a client on Surprise Road, Westmead, regarding a laptop theft that had occurred the previous day. The client reported that an elderly couple had posed as customers and entered the premises around 12:00 PM …
R800 million spent to recover rail lines in Durban
R800 million spent to recover rail lines in Durban
The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has to date spent R800 million in recovering commuter rail lines in the City of eThekwini as part of its recovery programme.
PRASA’s recovery programme includes recovering passenger rail services, improving safety and security, protecting assets, providing sound leadership, as well as executing its capital programme.
As part of Transport Month, Transport Minister Barbara Creecy conducted an oversight visit to the Merebank to Crossmoor commuter line on Friday, 11 October. A ticket from Merebank to Crossmoor in Durban costs R7.50.
“In this city, there are eight lines that transport passengers into the metro and so far, we have recovered six of those lines, and we have recovered 70 of 102 stations.
“This recovery is not an easy task. It requires replacing rails, dealing with the flood damage of 2022, and dealing with the electricity overheard power lines that power the electric trains.
“We have had to rebuild a traction substation so that there is adequate power on this line. All the stations were severely vandalised. Work that has been done on the five stations on this particular line includes ticket sales, ablution facilities, weather protection and supplying water and electricity,” Creecy said.
She said the Merebank to Crossmoor commuter line is the pioneer line for the new modern signalling technology.
“That contract for signalling has already been awarded and we are in the design phase. Signalling allows us to dramatically increase the number of trains that we are running.
“At the moment, with every train that is running, there has to be direct contact with the driver and we can only run one train on a line, and when it gets to the end of the line, it goes back because we don’t want an accident.
“Once, you have automatic signalling, the train is controlled electronically from a central control centre and we can run the trains at three or five minute intervals during peak times. This will allow us to ramp up the numbers for passengers,” the Minister said.
The signalling will also allow PRASA to open the second line and the trains will be able to run at the same time.
“This station has increased capacity so that we are able to run the trains at short intervals because there is enough power for all of the trains that will be running.
"There are security guards [on site]. In due course, we will also have electronic surveillance on the line. If anybody is tempering with the line, the message will go to the central control system,” Creecy said.
Government plans to achieve 250 million tonnes of freight per annum through the country’s freight corridors and 600 million passenger trips per annum by 2030.
“In the City of eThekwini, the contribution to passenger trips should be 126 million per year. At the moment, we are running 13 million and nationwide, we should be running 40 million passenger trips at the end of this financial year.
“Our next big project is going to be the recovery of the South Coast line and that line is already out to tender, and we hope to start the work in 2026,” the Minister said. -SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Fri, 10/11/2024 - 15:09
1546 views
Local Dancers Make History
In the News Today: TWO Irish dancers from Durban North are set to take the international stage in Dublin at the 2025 Irish Dancing World Championships. Ciara Labuscagne and Olivia Barrett, from the Stow Academy of Irish Dance, have made history as it is the first time that female Irish dancers from KZN will take part …
Durban Book Drive
In the News Today: A THOUSAND books were collected for various public school libraries in North Durban, thanks to donors who generously opened their hearts during Literacy Month this September. The project was spearheaded by the Rotary Club of Umhlanga, together with the Interact Club of Tongaat Secondary and Helene Griffiths of Granny Griffs who agreed …
RBM Thieves Could Include Zulu Prince
In the News Today: Lungalomndeni Zulu accused of involvement in syndicate stealing from Richards Bay Minerals A Zulu prince has been arrested for alleged links to a multimillion rand mineral theft syndicate that plundered a major mining company operating in northern KwaZulu-Natal… continue reading HERE. Marine Life: The waters off Umhlanga are known for diverse …
Prime Durban Land to Go Under the Hammer
In the News Today: The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) is set to auction off three tracts of prime land which is in the heart of Durban. Broll Auctions and Sales says they’re expecting a highly competitive bidding war over the high-value land when estate investors and developers gather to bid for the properties which …