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Excitement is mounting as the countdown begins for the Nelson Mandela Bay Half Marathon which will be held on Saturday, 1 June from Pollock Beach, Summerstrand. Special 10th edition initiatives include bumper prize money, a new Trophy to be awarded to the Club with the Best Celebration Spirit and the first 600 athletes to enter …
Foot and Mouth Disease detected on Eastern Cape farm
The Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform has confirmed cases of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) on one of the farms in the province.
A case of FMD was confirmed on a dairy herd located at Humansdorp in the Kouga after the National Veterinary Reference laboratory conducted epidemiological investigations.
This after the animals showed clinical signs of the disease and on 1 May 2024, the positive laboratory results confirmed the diagnosis.
The provincial department’s Veterinary Services Chief Director, Dr Cebisa Mnqeta, said the farm initially recorded about 70 animals that were showing clinical signs and has since been recording an average of 10 new cases per day.
Mnqeta said the infected farm, including adjacent neighbouring farms and contact farms, have been put under quarantine whilst waiting for laboratory results to rule out the presence of the disease in those farms.
“The first batch of samples were shipped to the National Veterinary Reference laboratory on 03 May 2024 from three contact farms including an adjacent communal area. All these samples tested negative for the virus.
“The surveillance on neighbouring farms and on any other farm that is reported to have animals showing signs or symptoms of foot and mouth disease is ongoing. We have established a joint operations centre at the Kouga Local Municipality for coordinating work of all key stakeholders to contain [the] further spread of the disease in our province,” Mnqeta said.
Signs and symptoms of foot and mouth disease include hyper salivation, animal refuses to eat and when the mouth is opened vesicles and ulceration in the tongue and buccal membranes are observed, lameness is observed and the drop in milk production especially in the highest producing dairy animals.
Symptoms
Clinical signs can vary from mild to severe, and fatalities may occur, especially in young animals.
Mnqeta has urged farmers, livestock owners and people of the province to be alert and look for any signs and symptoms of the disease in their herds.
“Farmers are advised not to move their animals unnecessarily to avoid the spread of the disease. Should farmers feel obliged to move their animals, they must contact their local veterinarian for advice.”
Tracing and containing the virus
Mnqeta added that the department, collaborating with affected farmers and local stakeholders, continue to investigate the origin or source of the virus through backward and forward tracing.
As part of the strategy to control the spread of infection to the neighbouring farms, Mnqeta said the department will from today start the vaccinating of all cattle in the index farm and associated farms. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 05/09/2024 - 12:28
A ruling by the Press Ombud has helped clarify clauses about fact versus opinion in the Press Code
The Ford Territory Titanium is the brand-new SUV you have been looking for. Ford’s new Top Spec vehicle, the new Ford Territory Titanium. The Ford Territory Titanium is ready to hit the road. The three new models in the Ford Territory range are now available for a test drive through Nigel Ladwig at the Eastern …
South Africa remains an "attractive investment destination" - President Ramaphosa
In his weekly newsletter, President Cyril Ramaphosa says the growth of South Africa’s automotive sector is a demonstration of “the potential of South Africa as an investment destination”.
The President said 2023 was a milestone year for South Africa’s automotive sector with the sixth millionth South African built vehicle exported with new vehicle exports reaching nearly 400 000.
“These figures are significant for a number of reasons. They show that our auto sector continues to grow despite a gloomy global economic outlook and disruptions to the flow of goods between countries.
“The growth of the automotive sector also demonstrates the potential of South Africa as an investment destination. It is a good example of how committed investors, supported by government policies and programmes, can achieve good returns for their shareholders while contributing significantly to the South African economy,” President Ramaphosa said.
The President pointed out that world leading vehicle manufacturers and other companies continue to pour more investment into South Africa.
“By way of example, Volkswagen last month announced a R4 billion investment to expand its Kariega plant in the Eastern Cape in preparation for the production of a new vehicle model expected to roll off the assembly line in 2027. This investment is expected to secure the livelihoods of approximately 3500 workers and support an additional estimated 50 000 indirect jobs and opportunities.
“South Africa’s value as an investment destination extends across many other industries, as local and international companies continue to either expand their investments or undertake new investments.
“Investment is important because, among other things, it creates employment, supports the growth of emerging suppliers, generates revenue for the country, and, in doing so, supports our efforts to reduce poverty and inequality,” he said.
According to the President, a recent report by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) has found that net foreign direct investment (FDI) into South Africa has been consistently positive since the global financial crisis of 2007 to 2009 – meaning more investment has come into the country than out.
“Last year, FDI inflows amounted to R96.5 billion, equivalent to 1.4 percent of our Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This supports a trend where foreign direct investment has, on average, been far greater over the last five years than over the previous decade.
“The PwC report notes that South Africa has attractive fundamentals, such as world-class financial services and communications industries, deep capital markets, abundant natural resources and a transparent legal system. Furthermore, South Africa is ‘a strategic geographical location for entry into the rest of sub-Saharan Africa’,” he said.
Addressing challenges
President Ramaphosa highlighted that although there is a “broadly positive attitude towards South Africa among investors”, more work needs to be done to ensure that the FDI as a percentage of GDP is heightened.
“That is why we continue to work to implement our policies and align regulatory and other obstacles, so that we can attract higher levels of investment. Through the auction of broadband spectrum and progress in digital migration, for example, we have greatly expanded opportunities in telecommunications.
“We have significantly reduced waiting times for water use licences and other authorisations that are so important for getting major investment projects off the ground. We are working to get rid of other forms of red tape that impede and slow down investment,” the President said.
He also acknowledged that South Africa’s electricity problems remain a “major challenge to our people and the economy at large” and issues at ports and rail are being addressed.
“Through our Energy Action Plan, we have made much progress in dealing with the country’s electricity crisis. We have seen an improvement in the performance of Eskom’s power stations and substantial investment in new generation capacity. This has contributed to a sustained decrease in the severity of load shedding.
“The work we are doing with business, labour and other social partners in improving the efficiency of our ports and rail infrastructure is also starting to bear fruit. Further progress in these areas will increase the country’s competitiveness and attractiveness as an investment destination,” the President said.
The President assured that government will continue in its path towards economic recovery.
“We will continue to build on the gains that we have made towards creating an enabling business and investment climate that promotes economic growth and creates jobs.
“It is only through attracting higher levels of investment, both foreign and domestic, that a swift, sustainable economic recovery can be assured,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 05/07/2024 - 10:27
Heinz Mueller’s remarkable display of resilience and optimism illuminated the 10km distance at the Red Feather Charity Run held this past weekend at Sunridge Village in Gqeberha. Amongst the gathering of over 700 athletes participating in the 5KM and 10KM road run, Mueller’s triumph over adversity stood as a beacon of inspiration, igniting hope in …
Total shutdown avoided after transport department promises to pay by 15 May, but disruptions reported in some areas
Doing business in South Africa has long been a challenge for the bravest and boldest brands and businesses, with the last few years serving up a particularly diverse set of obstacles for local commerce to overcome. Between the COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions, ongoing power outages, extreme weather events and road closure caused by a …
The Nqewba.co.za web site has graciously included a section showcasing all the press releases published on MyPR, MyPR International and MyPR Video on one page. See: https://nqweba.co.za/news/news-from-mypr/ Nqweba was formerly known as Kirkwood. Background to the name change: The town of Kirkwood in the Eastern Cape had it’s name changed to Nqweba on Friday 22 …
In 2023 and again in 2024, about half the strikes have been in the public sector, says report
Fresh from his triumph in ‘The Friendly City’ at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K earlier this month, Kenya’s Vincent Langat is set to make a return to the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series on Sunday, 12 May 2024. This time, he has his sights set on the iconic Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE …
JOHANNESBURG: White-ball head coach Rob Walter has today announced the 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 to...
SA heads to the polls in a month's time
With one month to go, the Electoral Commission (IEC) is in the final stretch of preparations for the seventh democratic elections, which are believed to be the most contested in the history of the country.
South Africans will go to the polls on 29 May 2024 to the elect the leadership for the seventh administration out of the 70 political parties and 11 independent candidates that were published by the IEC as final contestants in these elections.
In total, there are over 14 903 candidates vying for 887 seats in the National and Provincial Legislatures.
“The finalisation of the list of candidates contesting seats in the 2024 National and Provincial Elections (NPE2024) means that the Commission can now go ahead with the printing of ballot papers for the elections. The 27.79 million registered voters will receive three ballot papers to elect candidates to represent them in the National Assembly and Provincial Legislatures.
“In consort with the provisions of the election timetable, the Electoral Commission has also published the list of addresses of the 23 292 voting stations that will be used in these elections. The route for mobile voting stations has also been published,” the IEC said recently.
The highest number of voting stations will be in Kwazulu-Natal (4 974), then the Eastern Cape (4 868) and Limpopo (3 216). All voting stations are now contracted with lease agreements concluded with landlords or owners.
A list of the voting stations can be found on the Electoral Commission’s website.
Special votes
For those who would like to apply for special votes, for the purposes of home visits and voting station visits, there is still time to do so as the deadline for applications is on 3 May 2024.
“Home visits are intended for those voters who are unable to travel to voting stations whilst special votes at voting stations are for everyone who is unable to be at the voting station on Election Day. Special voting will be conducted on the two days preceding Election Day, on 27 and 28 May 2024,” the IEC said.
Special votes may be accessed using one of the following modalities:
Special votes will also be administered at South Africa’s diplomatic missions abroad to service 58 000 registered voters. These voters will be provided for at the diplomatic missions of the Republic.
Security plan
Government has, meanwhile, assured citizens that the elections will be conducted in a safe and secure environment.
“As the government, we want to issue a stern warning to anyone with intentions to disrupt the elections that law enforcement officers will deal with them decisively and will put them behind bars. We want to assure the public of the readiness of the JCPS [Justice, Crime Prevention and Security] Cluster to execute its mandate of protecting the public, our country’s strategic installations and infrastructure during the election period. We will do everything in our power to protect all those who want to exercise their Constitutional right to vote,” Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Thandi Modise said.
Government also urged members of the public to report any crime related to elections to their nearest police station or IEC offices.
“A protocol has been established between the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, South African Police Service (SAPS) Detectives and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to prioritise all election-related crimes.
“Prosecutors stand ready to prosecute offences such as electoral fraud and corruption, removing or defacing political party and campaign posters, interfering with the duties of the electoral officials as well as forcing anyone to vote,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Mon, 04/29/2024 - 11:36
Amasango Career School’s permanent premises to be completed by 2027
Government activities for the week 29 April – 03 May 2024
On Monday, 29 April, the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande, will hand over a media laboratory to Naledi Primary School in Ottosdal, Ngaka Molema Modiri District, in the North West province.
On Monday, 29 April, Eastern Cape Premier, Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane, together with the Rural Development and Agrarian Reform MEC, Nonkqubela Pieters, will announce a new cannabis investor at the Coega SEZ.
From Monday, 29 April, to Tuesday, 30 April, the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu, will visit the uThukela District to inspect water infrastructure in the area and engage community members on water and sanitation issues.
On Tuesday, 30 April, the NYDA, APRM and PAP will host the Democracy and Development Intergenerational Dialogue at the Pan-African Parliament in Midrand.
Also on Tuesday, 30 April, the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, officially launches the DHET Community Colleges Infrastructure Programme at the site of the W&RSETA's second Skills Development Centre in Reitz in the Free State.
Janine
Mon, 04/29/2024 - 10:35
President Ramaphosa sets sights on five million EPWP jobs in next five years
President Cyril Ramaphosa believes that the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) remains a critical policy instrument to tackle unemployment and reduce poverty as government grapples with high levels of joblessness.
The President has since pledged on behalf of government to improve the EPWP and to deliver five million work opportunities in the next five years.
President Ramaphosa was speaking on Tuesday at the 20-Year celebration of the EPWP and launch of Phase 5 of the programme in Buffalo City Municipality, Eastern Cape.
The President painted the EPWP as a success story that has empowered communities to address local needs and build resilience.
The country’s commander-in-chief said since 2004, the programme has created more than 14 million work opportunities across the EPWP sectors, with more than 300 public bodies across all spheres of government and non-profit organisations (NGOs) as implementing agents.
WATCH |
“The EPWP is changing lives and transforming communities, and the evidence is there for all to see,” President Ramaphosa told the crowd.
Through the EPWP infrastructure projects, President Ramaphosa said Welisizwe Rural Bridges are constructed and maintained to create better access to markets, schools and clinics.
READ | Zikalala announces construction of over 100 Welisizwe bridges
Beneficiaries include those cleaning streets and beaches, and those involved in Early Childhood Development (ECD), community home-based care, school feeding and community crime prevention.
According to the President, some of the beneficiaries have gone on to be trained as emergency response personnel in the South African Police (SAPS) and even qualified as pilots.
While there are many achievements, President Ramaphosa urged government to use the 20-year milestone as a springboard for even greater achievements in the years to come.
“We must build not only on lessons from the EPWP but also from the Presidential Employment Stimulus, which has, over the last few years, demonstrated that public employment can go to significantly greater levels of scale.”
However, he acknowledged that the quality of work experience and service delivered to the communities needed to be improved.
According to the President, government also needs to mobilise the nation behind a revitalised portfolio of public employment programmes.
This, he said, will include urgent service delivery priorities such as road upgrading through pothole patching and block paving, and infrastructure maintenance.
VIEW | Celebration of 20 years of the EPWP
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The President is of the view that public employment can also assist in tackling social challenges, such as gender-based violence (GBV) and substance abuse.
The programme will also support tackling clean energy installation and catchment management to improve water quality and limit the risks of floods.
President Ramaphosa said it could also help in the digitisation of public records and give young people a first step into this growing sector of the economy.
Deepening youth participation
The President believes that the EPWP Phase 5 will rise to the challenge by increasing youth participation and strengthening skills development.
“As we enter this new phase, we must reiterate that there can be no space for corruption, nepotism or favouritism. Effective and fair recruitment practices must be applied.”
He called on social partners and the private sector to work with the State during Phase 5 to lend a hand in creating jobs and work opportunities for South Africa’s youth, women and people with disabilities.
“Working together through public and social employment programmes and by providing support for small enterprises and cooperatives, we can create more jobs at a much faster pace while improving the delivery of basic services.”
The President has vowed to continue to expand public employment through the EPWP, the Presidential Employment Stimulus, the National Youth Service, and others.
In addition, he stated that government will assist civil society organisations that are creating work opportunities.
The Head of State also promised to back entrepreneurship and job creation by increasing support for small enterprises and cooperatives in townships and villages.
“We will continue to prioritise young people in public employment programmes, in work-based learning programmes, in artisan training and entrepreneurship programmes.”
He assured the young South African men and women that government will not leave them behind.
“We are determined to reach you, one and all, to help you and to support you. This is the promise of democracy and freedom,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 04/24/2024 - 14:17
Cabinet welcomes R3.4bn terminal project
Cabinet has welcomed the opening of the R3.4 billion Newlyn Park Bayhead Rail Terminal project at the Port of Durban, which consists of 640 000 square metres of warehousing, rail sidings and open storage.
“The new terminal will facilitate the efficient movement of sea, rail and road cargo through the Port of Durban, and help address the recent challenges experienced in the logistics, infrastructure and network industries,” a Cabinet statement said on Monday.
WATCH |
The investment resulted in 4 013 direct construction jobs and the full-time employment of more than 1 000 people, with this number expected to grow as the facility handles more cargo.
“In revitalising our country’s rail network, Cabinet also welcomed the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa’s (PRASA) successful restoration of five crucial Metrorail services across Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape.
“PRASA effectively brought 31 of its 40 lines back into partial operation and is working on achieving full operational status. The milestone demonstrates government’s commitment to revitalising passenger rail services and providing an efficient public transport option for South Africans,” Cabinet said.
WATCH | Transport Minister briefs on improvements at PRASA | 
Cabinet held a special Cabinet Meeting on Wednesday, 10 April 2024.
In a related development, Cabinet welcomed the announcement by the South African National Roads Agency that it would inject over R50 billion into road infrastructure development in the Eastern Cape.
READ | SANRAL invests R2 billion in Eastern Cape road maintenance
This infrastructure investment is geared towards the construction of new facilities, road improvements and strengthening, and special maintenance of the national road network in the province. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Mon, 04/22/2024 - 14:59
CoGTA to launch programme to improve employability and entrepreneurship skills
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Deputy Minister, Parks Tau, will launch the reimagined Community Work Programme (CWP), which is focused on forging smart partnerships for greater impact.
The programme is scheduled to be launched on 26 April 2024 in West Rand District Municipality, Gauteng, and on 30 April 2024 in Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality, Eastern Cape.
The theme will focus on mobilising public and private sector smart partnerships for an impactful CWP toward artisan and enterprise development.
The CWP, a branch within the Department of Cooperative Governance, has been strategically redesigned to ensure collaborative partnerships between government, businesses, and civil society, ensuring tangible outcomes and visible results.
“With a renewed emphasis on skills development, particularly in technical and artisanal fields, the reimagined CWP aims to enhance employability and foster entrepreneurship, with a special focus on youth, women, and persons with disabilities,” the department explained.
Aligned with the principle of the District Development Model (DDM), as well as the Thought Leadership Dialogue recently led by Deputy President Paul Mashatile, the smart partnerships initiative recognises the necessity of a collective effort from both public and private sectors to address socio-economic challenges and deliver efficient services to citizens.
WATCH | Thought Leadership Dialogue
The launch will introduce smart partners to the CoGTA provincial departments, district and metropolitan municipalities, emphasising innovative solutions for skills training and enterprise development, alongside sustainable service delivery.
Members of the media are invited to attend the launches scheduled to take place on Friday at the Chief Mogale Community Hall, Kagiso, Mogale City Local Municipality, West Rand District, Gauteng.
Meanwhile, the Eastern Cape leg will take place on Tuesday next week at the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality. The venue is still to be announced. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 04/22/2024 - 15:06
Government activities for the week 22 – 26 April 2024
On Monday, 22 April, the Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, will officially open a new Home Affairs office at The Pavilion Shopping Centre in Westville, KwaZulu-Natal.
On Tuesday, 23 April, President Cyril Ramaphosa will address the Inaugural Worker Share Ownership Conference at the Sandton Convention Centre.
On Tuesday, 23 April, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Barbara Creecy and Deputy Minister Makhotso Sotyu, will launch Community Forestry Agreements in Butterworth, Eastern Cape.
On Wednesday, 24 April, President Cyril Ramaphosa will officiate the 20 Years celebration of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) and launch the Phase V of the programme in Buffalo City Municipality, Eastern Cape.
On Thursday, 25 April, a Webinar on the National Treasury two-pot system will be held via Zoom at 11am.
On Thursday, 25 April, the International Relations and Cooperation Deputy Minister, Alvin Botes, will host his Swedish counterpart for a bilateral meeting.
On Friday, 26 April, the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, will undertake a working visit to the United States of America. – SAnews.gov.za
Matona
Mon, 04/22/2024 - 14:31
With a mission to be a sustainable leader in the development and production of high-quality healthier alternative oils, Southern Oil (SOILL) continues to champion the benefits of canola oil as the go-to choice for consumers. “We are proud to promote canola oil as a cooking oil alternative for the health-conscious consumer” says Morne Botes, Commercial …
Patel welcomes VW's R4 billion investment in SA
Volkswagen South Africa’s (VWSA) investment of R4 billion in their assembly plant in Kariega, in the Eastern Cape, has been welcomed by Trade, Industry and Competition Minister, Ebrahim Patel.
The investment will introduce a new SUV model built on the Polo platform.
The move also positions the facility as the sole manufacturer of the Polo brand globally and the new SUV model will be exported to global markets.
Patel addressed the public announcement on Wednesday held at VWSA’s facility in Kariega.
He said the investment was a testament to the country’s industrial policy, and it will not only strengthen the assembly plant but also secure the livelihoods of approximately 3 500 people who are directly employed by VWSA.
“Moreover, this investment has rippled through this part of the Eastern Cape, fostering an ecosystem of prosperity and industrialisation, supporting an estimated 50 000 indirect jobs and livelihoods.”
In the last five years, the department said government has undertaken significant work to bolster automotive production in South Africa.
Patel highlighted 10 actions, which have been taken in the sixth administration to support the industry:
• New Automotive Masterplan crafted together with the industry was implemented in July 2021, setting the policy framework for the next decade.
• The African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) has concluded modalities, including rules of origin for a first list of auto products, opening up a vast market.
• A free-trade agreement with the United Kingdom after Brexit was concluded and implemented, which enabled South Africa to retain access to preferential terms in the United Kingdom market.
• The establishment of the R6 billion Auto Industry Transformation Fund, which VWSA and other Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) contribute to bringing Black component manufacturers into the supply chain.
• A major agreement with tier 1 auto component manufacturers has been concluded that will ensure greater opportunities for Black manufacturers in tier 2 or tier 3 levels.
• R50 billion in investment commitments in the auto sector have been secured.
• A landmark agreement with Stellantis for the construction of a new R3 billion plant in the Coega Special Economic Zone has been reached.
• Semi-knocked down (SKD) production by BAIC, also in the Coega Special Economic Zone, has commenced as a first phase toward more value-additive complete knocked down (CKD) production.
• A new Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone has been established, with 10 factories for Ford suppliers already built by March 2024, employing 3 300 workers.
• The Electric Vehicle Policy was finalised by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic), and a new incentive package to assist the transition was announced by the Minister of Finance in the 2024 Budget.
According to the department, the automotive industry plays a crucial role in our economy, contributing significantly to gross domestic product (GDP) and employment.
The manufacturing component of the auto industry contributed 2.9% of South Africa’s GDP in 2022.
With over 115 000 direct employees and an additional 240 000 indirect jobs, the department said the auto industry remains a cornerstone of South Africa's manufacturing sector.
“Despite global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain disruptions, South Africa’s automotive industry has continued to grow.”
Over the past five calendar years, South African OEMs produced 2.7 million vehicles and exported 1.7 million vehicles.
In 2023, South Africa exported a record 399 594 vehicles, a milestone for its industrial resilience and global competitiveness.
Notably, last year, South Africa exported its six millionth vehicle since the start of the democratic era. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 04/18/2024 - 11:14
Eastern Cape transport and education departments are being taken to court
President Ramaphosa to officiate EPWP 20 year celebration
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to officiate over the celebration of 20 years of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) in the Eastern Cape, on Wednesday.
The President will also launch Phase V of the programme.
“The EPWP is a nationwide government programme to create work opportunities and income support to poor and unemployed people through the delivery of public and community assets and services, thereby contributing towards development.
“The programme is one of government’s flagship Public Employment Programmes and has been implemented for the past 20 years since April 2004,” the Presidency said in a statement.
The programme is implemented in the following sectors:
According to the Presidency, since the EPWP’s inception, some 14 million working opportunities have been created through “more than 300 public bodies and non-profit organisations (NPO) implementing the EPWP”.
“The work opportunities were created in sectors such as road construction, road maintenance, construction of schools and clinics, provision of early childhood development services, environmental greening and clean-up projects, fire projects and removal of alien vegetation projects.
“These also include training and skilling in construction skills in painting, brick laying, carpentry; home community care skills and firefighting.
“The launch of the Phase V implemented from 01 April 2024 to 31 March 2029 will be used to unveil millions of more work opportunities to benefit women, youth and poor households for inclusive growth, sustainable development, and community empowerment in the country,” the Presidency said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 04/17/2024 - 12:28
Mashatile to launch second phase of Wi-Fi connectivity project in Limpopo
Deputy President Paul Mashatile will lead the official launch of Phase 2 of the South Africa Connect project on Friday, 19 April 2024.
The project is a flagship programme aimed at bridging the digital divide by providing Wi-Fi access to communities and ensuring universal access to the internet.
The SA Connect Phase 2 launch event is organised by the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies and will take place at the Ephraim Mogale Stadium, Modimolle Local Municipality, Waterberg District, in Limpopo.
The project aligns with the government’s commitment to achieving the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030 goals related to technology.
The programme also aims to create an inclusive information society and enable the government to provide broadband to communities.
By playing an enabling role in the provision of broadband, the Presidency said, government will be better positioned to meet the needs of its citizens.
“It also galvanises the capability, resources, and energy of public and private sectors towards realising a bold vision to reach 80% connectivity by 2024,” the statement read.
Deputy President Mashatile is launching Phase 2 which is expected to connect more than 42 000 government facilities, including schools, health facilities, post offices, police stations, and government offices, to broadband services.
The project will cover eight rural district municipalities.
So far, the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies has successfully confirmed that more than 751 232 households and about 4 366 community Wi-Fi hotspots are connected in 11 district municipalities.
These include Mount Ayliff in the Eastern Cape and Kokstad in KwaZulu-Natal, with other districts to follow.
The Deputy President will also take the opportunity to interact with members of the surrounding communities to witness progress achieved by government in providing core access to network infrastructure to enable broadband connectivity to community Wi-Fi hotspots that connect households.
The Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mondli Gungubele, Members of the Limpopo Provincial Executive Council, District and Local Mayors, as well as senior government officials will support Deputy President Mashatile. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 04/17/2024 - 11:23