Environment

27 February 2024

Mashatile urges parties to hold back on distasteful social media debates ahead of elections

Location: News

Mashatile urges parties to hold back on distasteful social media debates ahead of elections

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has urged political parties that hold robust debates on social media to uphold ethical standards and refrain from unjust, deceptive or hateful speech, as many African countries head to the polls this year.

“We can run campaigns on social media without being malicious or degrading of both individuals and organisations,” he said on Tuesday.

The Deputy President was delivering a keynote address at the launch of the 'Principles and guidelines for the use of digital and social media in African elections' in Johannesburg.

“The reality is that the political environment during elections is tense and volatile, and we should use social media with responsibility to ensure that the content we share is credible and accurate.”

The new guidelines seek to create awareness among election management bodies (EMBs) on the benefits and threats of digital and social media to the electoral process and integrity.

They are a comprehensive framework for the continental EMBs adopted in Benin during the 11th General Assembly meeting of the Association of African Electoral Authorities (AAEA) last year.

The principles cover various areas - from the promotion of freedom of speech, access to information, protecting the rights to privacy and the role of the State, political parties, candidates and media.

For instance, one of the guidelines stipulates that political parties and candidates should ensure that campaigns conducted on digital and social media are transparent and attributed, including the use of paid-for-content and influencers.

The Deputy President has described these principles and guidelines as groundbreaking for Africa, spearheaded by the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) on behalf of AAEA, as groundbreaking for Africa.

The launch coincides with heightened election activity around the continent, with over 20 African Union Member States, including South Africa, preparing for elections.

This, Mashatile said, provides an opportunity for fine-tuning the regulatory and operational protocols for the use of social media during these elections.

“We will, therefore, continue to uphold the right to free and fair elections in this election and thereafter, as we have done since 1994,” he vowed.

In the fast-paced digital world of today, he said it was important to recognise the important role that social media plays in shaping people's opinions and establishing the narratives propelled during elections.

“As we witness the increasing use of these platforms in political campaigns, it is imperative that we establish clear principles and guidelines to ensure a fair, transparent, and inclusive electoral process,” the Deputy President said.

Youth

He is of the view that social media platforms must be used constructively to inform and disseminate positive messages regarding elections, with a particular focus on the youth of Africa.

The youth, Mashatile said, are gaining significant grip on platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.

“We should, therefore, use these principles and guidelines to emphasise the importance of promoting online integrity, safeguarding against misinformation and disinformation, protecting privacy and data security, and fostering a level playing field for all candidates and political parties.”

Misinformation

Through adherence to these principles, Mashatile believes that countries will be able to safeguard the values of democracy through free and fair elections, and allow voters to make choices.

“We have a significant obligation to educate our population about the risks associated with disseminating misinformation, particularly concerning elections, since false claims can erode trust in the electoral process and provoke a wave of anti-voters and instability in our countries,” he said.

The Deputy President has described the misinformation and disinformation are a threat to democracy.

“They undermine confidence in our elections, and have the potential to suppress voter turnout.”

The Deputy President also took the time to express his gratitude to the agencies and digital companies for walking this journey with the African EMBs, offering them technical expertise, and building their capacities.

IEC Chairperson Mosotho Moepya told the delegates that the internet is here to stay and that it should be used for the common good.

“We’re working with those who own social media, authorities and EMBs, and we’re trying to find a way in which we can use social media to help us in the work that we do; and at the same time, to limit the damage it can do when it is abused.” – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Tue, 02/27/2024 - 13:12

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27 February 2024

Small-scale fishers could be allowed to catch new species

Location: News

Department of Fisheries says it welcomes suggestions

27 February 2024

New Syncromine Core training videos from Mineware Consulting save time and resources.

Location: MyPR

The increased use of digitization and automation in the mining industry, both locally and internationally, reflects a global trend towards incorporating advanced digital technologies to improve process efficiency, safety, and sustainability. At the heart of this transformation is Mineware Consulting, a software company that has positioned itself as a leader in the automation and digital …

27 February 2024

KwaZulu-Natal records high number of rhino poaching cases

Location: News

KwaZulu-Natal records high number of rhino poaching cases

While efforts to prevent rhino poaching have resulted in positive outcomes in national parks across the country, South Africa has seen a shift in rhino poaching with the majority of cases in the past year being recorded in KwaZulu-Natal.

“The pressure again has been felt in the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province with Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park facing the brunt of poaching cases losing 307 of the total national poaching loss. This is the highest poaching loss within this province,” Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Barbara Creecy said on Tuesday.

Last year, 499 rhinos were poached across South Africa, 406 were killed on state properties and 93 on privately owned parks, reserves and/or farms. This was an increase of 51 in comparison to 448 rhinos poached in 2022.

Addressing a media briefing on the 2023 national rhino poaching statistics in St Lucia, KwaZulu-Natal, the Minister said the province recorded 49 arrests and 13 firearms were seized by multi-disciplinary teams that continue to work tirelessly in an attempt to slow the pressure on rhino poaching.

The Kruger National Park (KNP) recorded a 37% decrease from 2022 with a total of 78 rhino poached in 2023. No rhinos were poached in any other National Parks.

“As part of the government’s poverty relief program there are a number of fence monitors employed from neighboring communities that patrol the western boundary fence of the KNP and report fence breakages, illegal tracks and people entering the KNP as well as animals escaping from the KNP,” Creecy said.

Various interventions can be attributed to the decrease of rhino poached at KNP in 2023:

Strong collaboration between external stakeholders permanently based in KNP and attending to various Wildlife Crime cases such as the Skukuza Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit, Skukuza SAPS and SAPS forensic teams.
An extensive and ongoing dehorning programme, which focuses on the dehorning of all rhino in core areas.
The continued implementation of the KNP Ranger Services Integrity Management Plan, which is a holistic approach that assesses the drivers and dynamics of corruption, and then addresses these with a comprehensive set of actions that focuses on building individual integrity and organisational resilience to corruption.
Improved access control through the installation of Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras and gate cameras.
Radar detection systems that remotely track any illegal entry by poachers on foot into the KNP.

The Minister commended the work performed by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation – the Hawks - in several regional and transnational engagements to enhance the government’s integrated approach to combat wildlife trafficking.

“Responsible partnerships between the public and private sectors, and the financial and transporting sectors remains critical in combating international wildlife trafficking.

“The approach is not exclusive to South Africa but is followed within the region and transnationally working with the transit and end user countries in South-East Asia, especially with the People’s Republic of China, Singapore, Qatar, Malaysia and Vietnam,” she said.

In relation to rhino prosecutions, verdicts were handed down in 36 cases of which 35 resulted in guilty verdicts and one in a not guilty verdict.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Environmental Working Group (EWG) meets on a biannual basis to share best practice in the investigation and prosecution of environmental crime and to address challenges experienced.

These meetings also foster closer collaboration between the provincial conservation authorities dealing with wildlife trafficking cases and to help identify repeat offenders moving around the country to further the implementation of the National Integrated Strategy to Combat Wildlife Trafficking (NISCWT) strategy.

“Further to this, real time information pertaining to arrest is shared, which enhance collaboration between prosecutors and the law enforcement agencies significantly. A national environmental cases audit has been conducted to establish the number of cases being dealt with by the National Prosecuting Authority of South Africa (NPA).

“A consolidated list of investigating instructions pertaining to rhino and abalone cases has been developed to ensure that comprehensive investigations are requested,” the Minister said.

In the 2023/24 financial year, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) embarked on a consultative process to revise both the Black and White Rhinoceros Biodiversity Management Plans (BMP) in line with the provision of the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act.

“The revision of the BMP aims to address the needs of both black and white rhino, provide a strategic approach and detailed action plan to conserving rhino in South Africa and for engaging with range States to the north.

It consolidates previous work at policy and planning level on rhino management into a single integrated tool in order to usher in a whole of society approach in the interest of both the rhinos and the people of South Africa. The revised draft BMP will be published in a Government Gazette for public participation in the near future,” Creecy said. – SAnews.gov.za

DPSA Director-General, Yoliswa Makhasi, said: “We are confident that this directive will play a crucial role in shaping a professional and efficient public service that meets the needs and expectations of South Africans.”

According to the DPSA, the issuance of the directive is a milestone marking “a step towards enhancing the efficacy, integrity, and accountability of the public service”.

“The directive, amongst others, provides guidance to the public service in how to roll out the implementation of the Professionalisation Framework as part of major reforms to improve productivity and efficiencies, especially considering the financial limitations that if not addressed may affect the accessibility of quality public services.

“An emphasis is placed in the pursuit of strategic practices in human resources management and development, including in recruitment and selection, performance management, ethics, integrity, and leadership and innovation. The directive transforms the public service into a continuous learning and professional development environment,” the department said.

The directive can be accessed at https://www.dpsa.gov.za/dpsa2g/documents/hrmd/2024/Circular_no_6_of_2024_21_02_2024.pdf.

The DPSA said the directive also seeks to address youth development and employment by:

Waiving the requirement for experience for entry level posts on salary level 1-6 where there is no supervisory responsibilities attached to the posts.
Clarifying that all posts advertised in the public service should include an email facility to make provision for the submission of applications via emails.
Enabling departments to confirm qualifications through verified academic records from higher education institutions where applicants have not been granted possession of their certificates due to student debt still owed.

“This is in line with the President’s SONA commitment to remove barriers to entry into the job market faced by the youth.

“Through the Minister for the Public Service and Administration [Thulas Nxesi] approved directive, departments will be able to fulfil the Constitutional imperative of addressing the injustices of the past, whilst promoting the realisation of socio-economic rights of South Africans,” the department said.

The directive is expected to take effect on 1 April. – SAnews.gov.za

The unfortunate incident occurred on Friday and the principal is still recovering from the gunshot wound in hospital.

Addressing the school’s learners on Monday, Chiloane urged learners to always respect the teaching staff and the school’s management.

He said occurrences of such nature should not take place, especially in the school environment, where it is supposed to be safe, and children should not feel scared.

“…That child did something that shocked all of us. It’s unfortunate what is going to happen because once you do something like this, your future is also compromised.

“The learner has been arrested… You must respect your school principal all the time. You must listen to them because your teachers are your parents in school.

“Once you don’t respect your teachers, it means you do not respect at home,” he said.

Chiloane said the school leadership has assured him that since the incident occurred, they “have been on top of things”.

The children are receiving counselling and support, including the teachers, who are all shaken by the incident.

“As it stands, the child is appearing in court today and the father has been apprehended as well for negligence,” the MEC said. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Mon, 02/19/2024 - 15:12

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19 February 2024

SA strengthens its response to climate change

Location: News

SA strengthens its response to climate change

South Africa is enhancing its efforts to address climate change by introducing the Climate Change Response Fund aimed at fostering collaboration between government and the private sector to effectively tackle environmental challenges.

This is according to President Cyril Ramaphosa, who addressed the nation through his weekly newsletter on Monday.

“For our part, South Africa has established a Climate Change Response Fund that will bring together all spheres of government and the private sector. By coordinating financial mobilisation from both government and the private sector, our country will have collaborative efforts to build resilience and respond to climate change.

“This includes climate-proofing existing essential infrastructure and facilities, such as water and food systems, roads, rail and ports, human settlements and health care.

“The fund will also collaborate with a variety of partners to respond to immediate needs in communities following climate change related disasters,” the President said.

The fund forms an important part of South Africa’s comprehensive response to climate change, which includes both adaptation and measures to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.

President Ramaphosa has just returned from the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where the worsening effects of climate change on the continent were raised prominently.

African leaders have been advocating for urgent, practical and stepped up climate action, given the continent’s extreme vulnerability to the effects of global warming.

“We have seen a rapid increase in climate-related disasters worldwide as extreme weather events become more frequent. In our own country, we have had wildfires in the Western Cape, heatwaves in the Northern Cape, continuing drought conditions in the Eastern Cape and intense storms in Gauteng.

“Even before we could properly recover and rebuild after the 2022 floods in KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape and North West, we were hit again this year with more flooding, further loss of life and damage to livelihoods, property and the local economy,” he said.

President Ramaphosa said the insurance industry is warning about the increasing costs of disaster risk finance, and the prospect of highly vulnerable regions eventually becoming uninsurable.

As noted during the AU Summit, the President explained that the African climate action is constrained by inadequate and unpredictable climate finance.

“It has long been the continental position that those most responsible for climate change and its impacts, namely developed countries, bear a responsibility to assist developing countries to build climate resilience.

“We therefore welcomed the historic agreement at the UN Climate Conference in the United Arab Emirates in December last year to operationalise a Loss and Damage Fund to provide financial support for developing countries that are vulnerable to the impact of climate change. South Africa and the African Group were key to securing this agreement,” the President said.

At the same time, the President said, African countries are forging ahead with plans to mobilise resources in support of climate action across the continent, and the AU Commission has recently established a Climate Finance Unit to ensure this is done in a coordinated manner.

The President emphasised that as a country, South Africa cannot be complacent about climate change because its impacts are already being felt.

“We will continue to contribute our fair share to the global climate change effort. Our country will remain vocal in calling for developed countries to meet their obligations for financing and technology transfer support.

“We will continue to campaign for transformation of the international financial architecture and reform of multilateral development banks and international financial institutions so that developing countries can access the resources needed for climate action and the implementation of the sustainable development goals,” he said.

The President committed to continue to campaign against the implementation of climate and environment based unilateral actions, policies and taxes and their potential impacts on African exports and trade.

“Climate change is a global problem and as such, requires collective global action that is sustainable, that takes the differing circumstances and capabilities of countries into account, and that above all, leaves no-one behind,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Mon, 02/19/2024 - 13:12

304 views

19 February 2024

Unveiling the World of Electrical Distribution Board Manufacturers

Location: MyPR

Introduction The manufacturing of electrical distribution boards is a critical aspect of the electrical industry. These boards are essential in managing the distribution of electrical power in both residential and commercial settings. Innovation in Design Manufacturers in this sector are constantly innovating to meet diverse needs. From compact designs for small spaces to large, complex systems for …