Public Works workers picket in Durban, demanding to be insourced
They say they have been on up to six-month contracts, which were renewed repeatedly for ten years
Durban
Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series set to bring the vibe to the streets of Tshwane in August
The streets of Tshwane will be transformed into a playground of athletic prowess and community spirit on Sunday, 25 August 2024 when thousands of runners gather to be part of the action of the iconic Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K. Expect cheers, challenges, and a vibrant atmosphere that embodies the essence of Tshwane’s running …
Ethiopia’s Diniya Kedir Abaraya set for triple the action at the 2024 Totalsports Women’s Race
No stranger to South African shores, Ethiopia’s Diniya Kedir Abaraya will make her Totalsports Women’s Race debut in 2024. She’ll do so in style by participating in all three iconic races: Durban on Sunday, August 4th; Cape Town on Friday, August 9th; and Joburg on Saturday, August 17th. Boasting a personal best 10km time of …
South Africa already striding ahead in the 2024 Ignition Group Polocrosse World Cup!
KwaZulu-Natal’s Durban Shongweni Club, situated in the Valley of 1 000 Hills, is the place to be from 17 to 28 July 2024 with the 2024 Ignition Group Polocrosse World Cup well underway! The first round of games between the top 8 polocrosse countries has been a treat for spectators with two-time World Cup champions, …
KZN hammers out programme of action for the new administration
KZN hammers out programme of action for the new administration
The KwaZulu-Natal Executive Council, led by Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli, will today meet for the first provincial lekgotla of the Government of Provincial Unity (GPU).
The two-day lekgotla, which takes place on Tuesday and Wednesday in Durban, is expected to consolidate the programme of action for the seventh provincial administration.
“The lekgotla will serve as a critical platform for strategic planning and will consider the Medium-Term Development Plan. The meeting will also evaluate the implementation of key initiatives, and set a clear direction for future actions,” the provincial government said in a statement.
The meeting is expected to be attended by Members of the Executive Council, including senior government leaders, councillors, CEOs of public entities, and other relevant entities, who will engage in comprehensive discussions, share insights, and develop actionable plans to enhance governance and service delivery in the province.
“Key areas of discussion will include economic development, infrastructure projects, healthcare improvements, education, and social services and many others. The lekgotla will also develop resolutions that will be outlined during the upcoming State of the Province Address,” the provincial government said.
Premier Ntuli will deliver the opening address on Tuesday, paving the way for “crucial discussions”. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 07/23/2024 - 10:58
273 views
The Black Busines Council Welcomes The Acquisition Of SAPREF By Central Energy Fund
The Black Business Council (BBC) welcomes the recent sale of the bp Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd (bpSA) and Shell Downstream South Africa (Pty) Ltd (SDSA) assets located at the SAPREF Precinct to the South African State-owned entity, the Central Energy Fund (CEF) SoC Ltd. As part of the sale purchase agreement, CEF has agreed to …
Enter the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K for a Chance to Win a Chery Tiggo 4 Pro LiT!
The iconic Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K will celebrate its 7th anniversary on National Heritage Day, Tuesday, 24 September 2024. To mark this special occasion, event organisers Stillwater Sports, in partnership with Chery South Africa, will give away a Chery Tiggo 4 Pro LiT vehicle, valued from R279,000, to one lucky entrant. “We are …
Unlocking AI’s transformative potential in South Africa: Enhancing society & creating opportunities
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to supercharge every aspect of business and society, South Africa stands at a critical juncture. Rather than fearing job displacement, we can harness AI to drive widespread growth and prosperity. By fostering local innovation, investing in AI education, and creating a conducive regulatory environment, we can empower citizens and businesses …
Experience 5km running at its best at the 2024 Boxer Super Run! Entries are officially open.
The action-packed Boxer Super Run returns to Durban on Sunday, 13 October 2024. Both social and elite runners (and walkers) can look forward to experiencing 5km running at its finest. Entries are officially open! Launched in 2023 in a partnership between Stillwater Sports, Boxer Superstores and Coca-Cola, the Boxer Super Run is a world class …
NSRI Honours Their Volunteers And Citizens At 2024 Agm And Bravery Awards Ceremony In Durban
On 19 JULY 2023, at the 57th Awards ceremony and Annual General Meeting at The Capital Zimbali in Ballito, the NSRI acknowledged and honoured more than fifty of its volunteers as well as four ordinary citizens who went above and beyond the call of duty in extraordinary endeavours to save lives. From 1 January to …
Hundreds of Public Works workers march against termination of contracts
After ten years of having their monthly contracts continuously extended, they will no longer be renewed at month end
Southern Sun Employees Unite for Mandela Day: Hundreds Volunteer in Community Projects
Once again South Africans honoured the legacy of Nelson Mandela on Thursday, 18 July. Hundreds of Southern Sun employees went out into their local communities to volunteer at the many projects that are regularly supported by the group’s hotels and resorts in South Africa. Heeding the call to collectively address social and economic security of …
Get connected at the 2024 Ignition Group Polocrosse World Cup!
Driving digital connectivity and growth in South Africa July 2024 – Over the past 22 years, Ignition Group – title sponsors of the 2024 Polocrosse World Cup – has built an ecosystem of businesses covering the mobile telecoms and broadband industries, financial services, digital marketplaces, customer experience, and global business solutions – each playing a …
South Africa: African Development Bank approves R18.85 Billion ($1 billion) corporate loan for Transnet’s business recovery plan
The African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) has approved a ZAR 18.85 billion ($1 billion) corporate loan to Transnet, South Africa's major freight transport and logistics company, for its recovery and growth plans.
The 25-year loan approved by the Bank Group's Board of Directors on Friday, 12 July 2024, is fully guaranteed by the government of South Africa. It will facilitate the first phase of the company's ZAR 152.8 billion ($8.1 billion) five-year capital investment plan to improve its existing capacity ahead of expansion for the priority segments throughout the transport value chain.
Transnet has faced operational challenges mainly in the critical rail and port businesses resulting from underinvestment in infrastructure and equipment, theft and vandalism, and external shocks such as floods and the effects of the COVID19 pandemic.
The company is committed to addressing past challenges, fostering integrity, and enhancing efficiency within the organization. It has made progress in some key areas including reforms in governance procurement and financial management.
The recovery plan, launched in October 2023, seeks to rehabilitate the infrastructure and accelerate the relaunch of operations over 18 months, focusing on restoring operational performance and freight volumes to meet customer demands.
Following the approval, African Development Bank's Vice President for Private Sector, Infrastructure and Industrialisation Solomon Quaynor, emphasized the significance of this support: “Transnet, the custodian of South Africa's critical transport and logistics infrastructure, plays an indispensable role in the economy of the country, ensuring a competitive freight system and serving as a gateway to the SADC region.”
He added: “Our partnership will enable Transnet to execute a comprehensive Recovery Plan (RP), addressing operational inefficiencies, particularly in rail and port sectors. It is aligned with South Africa's strategic 'Roadmap for Freight Logistics System,' and overseen by the National Logistics Crisis Committee, chaired at the Presidency level. This initiative signifies our commitment to enhancing national logistics capabilities and driving sustainable economic growth.”
Transnet has been a client of the African Development Bank since 2010. The company employs more than 50,000 people and plays a critical role in integrating and connecting South Africa with the global economy. The company's freight system's activities contribute significantly to South Africa's economy. Its operations serve as key gateways for trade within South Africa and with landlocked countries in the region, such as Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and the Democratic Republic of Congo through the Port of Durban.
Reacting to the approval, Michelle Phillips, Group Chief Executive of Transnet said: “We appreciate the support demonstrated by the African Development Bank, the loan extended by the bank will make a significant contribution to Transnet's capital investment plan to stabilise and improve the rail network and to contribute to the broader South African economy. The accompanying grant funding to the loan will also greatly assist Transnet with to its energy efficiency efforts and with Infrastructure Project Preparation initiatives.”
The Board commended the Government of South Africa for its vision and commitment to reforms in Transnet as well as the country's entire transport and logistics sectors. It also applauded Transnet for progress made in rolling out its compliance and governance improvement programme as well as its decarbonization and energy efficiency plans in line with its Net Zero Emission Strategy and Green Freight Strategy.
In addition to the corporate loan, the African Development Bank is contemplating two targeted grants, including $750,000 in technical support from the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa (SEFA) – a multi-donor fund administered by the Bank – to improve energy efficiency and associated measures, in line with Transnet's net zero plan. The second grant funding comprises $1 million from the Infrastructure Project Preparation Facility of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (IPPF-NEPAD), for technical assistance to help accelerate railway reforms and address structural and regulatory inefficiencies.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
Media contacts
African Development Bank:
Romaric Ollo Hien
Communications Department
African Development Bank
media@afdb.org
Transnet:
Ayanda Shezi
GM Group Corporate Affairs
email: ayanda.shezi@transnet.net/mediadesk@transnet.net.
About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group is Africa's premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org
Asylum seekers fear arrest but can’t access documents
Lawyers for Human Rights takes this issue to the High Court next month.
Durban: Injured seafarer medically evacuated off a ship
Roy Wienand, NSRI Durban station commander, said: At 17h00, Tuesday, 16 July, NSRI Durban duty crew and Netcare 911 ambulance services, were alerted to prepare our NSRI rescue craft, MEX (Maritime Extrication) crew and Netcare 911 rescue paramedics, following a request for a patient to be medically evacuated from a 260 meter motor vessel gas …
Umgeni: A river of sewage flowing through Durban
The municipal sewage works is one of the main pollution sources
Creative Coffee Week brings one of the biggest names in global coffee to Durban!
The 7th annual edition of Creative Coffee Week (CCW) in partnership with FNB, held every July in Durban since 2018, is bringing one of the biggest names in Specialty Coffee to South Africa. The event is taking from 24-26th July 2024 at FNB’s Acacia House on Umhlanga Ridge. Patrik Rolf, from April Coffee in Denmark, …
Durban Businesswoman and Mother to Conquer the Second of her Seven Summits
Shareez Bagaria, a 46-year-old life coach and mother of two from Hillcrest in Durban, is getting ready to embark on an extraordinary adventure that will take her to Russia to conquer Mount Elbrus, the highest peak in Europe. This climb is the second stage in an ambitious quest Bagaria has set herself – to conquer …
R430,000 in Local Athlete Incentives to be paid out following the 2024 Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K
An impressive total of R430,000 in incentives will be paid out in recognition of the incredible achievements of local athletes at the 7th edition of the iconic Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K that was held on Sunday, 7 July 2024. The 2024 Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K will be remembered as a historic …
Relief for Kenville fire victims
Relief for Kenville fire victims
The KwaZulu-Natal government is fast-tracking relief efforts in the Kenville informal settlement area, following the fire that destroyed homes, displacing over 400 families.
Over 200 informal units at the Kenville Informal Settlement in Sea Cow Lake, Durban, were razed by fire over the weekend, leaving 431 families displaced, and a pregnant woman dead.
Following a visit to Kenville, KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC, Siboniso Duma, together with eThekwini Municipality Mayor, Cyril Xaba, have agreed to implement immediate relief, while activating a long-term plan to assist the 431 destitute families.
After consultation with Human Settlements Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, the provincial Human Settlements Department and eThekwini Municipality announced that building material would be delivered by Wednesday and Thursday, to rebuild 237 informal dwellings destroyed by fire.
Duma said building material will also be arranged for over 200 families who were affected in the past, but their profiling took long to complete.
He said eThekwini Municipality, together with the NGO Gift of the Givers, have arranged blankets, mattresses, and food for the families, while the Office of the Mayor is assisting the families of the deceased with funeral arrangements.
READ | KZN doubles efforts to build temporary homes for veld fire victims
“The Department of Education is ensuring that learning for some of the 89 children is not interrupted, [while] the Department of Health is ensuring access to quality healthcare through a mobile clinic.
“The Department of Social Development is providing relief vouchers and counselling to the families, and Home Affairs is assisting with the issuing of temporary IDs and other enabling documents,” Duma said.
The MEC emphasised that the long-term plan is to ensure that all families are relocated to a suitable land where government and the city will build decent houses.
“Some of the informal settlements that have been razed down by fire are inaccessible and have been built in unsuitable land without proper planning. We are searching for vacant land in order to build houses for these families.
“Homes in poor terrains can be easily washed away during heavy rains [and] this applies to those who reside near rivers and waterways. With extreme weather patterns caused by climate change, our main goal is to save innocent lives,” Duma said.
Xaba has also assured that the municipality, working with all spheres of government, will provide much-needed relief to the families affected by fire to bring their live to normalcy.
The Mayor said fire victims have already been relocated to a temporary shelter and have been provided with food hampers.
“Social workers and healthcare workers are on site to provide psychosocial and healthcare services to the victims. The Department of Human Settlements has also profiled all affected households with an intention of providing them with building material,” Xaba said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 07/16/2024 - 10:31
160 views
We had no water to put out the flames, say victims of Durban shack fire
Pregnant woman dies as 200 shacks gutted
The Countdown to the 2024 Totalsports Women’s Race Begins
With just over three weeks until the start of the Totalsports Women’s Race celebrations in Women’s Month (August 4 in Durban, August 9 in Cape Town, and August 17 in Joburg), runners and walkers are reminded to secure their spot at the start line before entries run out. “The Totalsports Women’s Race is a mass …
SA remains on high alert as two more Mpox cases reported
SA remains on high alert as two more Mpox cases reported
Despite heightened public awareness and intensive contact tracing efforts to control the spread of the Monkeypox disease, or Mpox, as it is known for short, South Africa has reported two additional laboratory-confirmed cases this week.
This brings the total number of infections to 22 since the first case was reported in May this year, while the death toll remains at three.
According to the Department of Health, available scientific data suggests that the disease is transmitted from person to person within the borders of the country.
“The Department of Health calls for the public to maintain vigilant and never lower their guard against Mpox disease, as the country remains on high alert for a possible surge,” the statement read.
The latest case involves a 40-year-old man who was diagnosed at a private health facility in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, on 6 July 2024.
“The patient is from Johannesburg, Gauteng, but travelled to Durban over the past weekend, where an Mpox-like rash developed,” the department explained.
The other case involved a 26-year-old man from Nquthu in KwaZulu-Natal who presented with an Mpox-like rash at a local hospital.
“Both new cases self-identified as MSM [men who have sex with men] with no international, but local travel history.”
The department is urging people who experience any of the Mpox symptoms, with or without an international travel history, to present themselves to a health facility for clinical observation and confine themselves to one place until their test results are available.
Some of the common symptoms of Mpox include a rash, which may last for two to four weeks, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy and swollen glands.
Meanwhile, contact tracing and monitoring are ongoing in both provinces, especially amongst the close contacts of the patients, said the department.
“We urge all the identified and suspected contacts to cooperate with health officials during contact tracing for screening and possible diagnosis to prevent further transmission of this preventable and treatable disease.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 07/12/2024 - 09:05
154 views