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CAPE TOWN, 30 January 2024: The Africa Union (AU) “Scaling Up Green Investments to Address Climate Change” roundtable taking place at Africa’s Green Economy Summit in Cape Town next month offers AU member states and high-level stakeholders the opportunity to explore the potential of green investments and funding instruments to combat climate change on the …
The recent storm and flood damage in KwaZulu-Natal is estimated to be R2.5 billion and with more heavy weather warnings on the way, Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Thembi Nkadimeng is calling for a state of disaster in the province. While major infrastructure like roads, bridges, railways, and schools has sustained massive damage, …
Have your say on National Small Enterprise Amendment Bill
The Select Committee on Trade and Industry, Economic Development, Small Business Development, Tourism, Employment and Labour has invited stakeholders and interested parties to make written submissions on the National Small Enterprise Amendment Bill [B16B – 2023] (sec 76).
The Bill seeks to amend the National Small Enterprise Act, 1996, in order to amend, delete, insert and to substitute certain definitions.
It also aims to provide for the report of the Advisory Body; provide for the establishment of the Small Enterprise Development Finance Agency and provide for the functions of the Agency; to ensure the provision of financial and non-financial support services to small enterprises, and promote the development of sustainable and responsible co-operative banking.
The Bill further seeks to provide for the establishment of the Office of the Small Enterprise Ombud Service; enable an equitable trading environment for small enterprises through the provision of affordable and effective access to justice; empower the Minister to declare certain practices in relation to small enterprises to be prohibited as unfair trading practices, and to provide for the transitional arrangements necessitated by the establishment of the Agency.
The Bill also seeks to effect consequential or necessary amendments to the Co-operative Banks Act, 2007, and to the Co-operatives Act, 2005 and provide for matters connected therewith.
“Interested individuals and stakeholders wishing to comment are kindly requested to forward written submissions to the Committee by no later than 12:00pm on Friday, 16 February 2024.
"Those who want to make submissions at public hearings should specifically request this, but it should be noted that the granting of such requests for oral submission resides with the Committee,” Parliament said.
Copies of the Bill are available at www.parliament.gov.za and all correspondence can be addressed to Mr M Rayi, Chairperson: SC on Trade and Industry, Economic Development, Small Business Development, Tourism, Employment and Labour.
Submissions should be forwarded to the following email addresses: mkoff@parliament.gov.za and ndinizulu@parliament.gov.za. - SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Tue, 01/30/2024 - 10:45
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on holistic approaches to enhance male sexual health and performance. In this article, we will explore natural remedies, lifestyle factors, and natural supplements that can help improve male libido, vitality, and overall sexual health. Whether you’re looking for natural solutions to boost your sexual performance or seeking holistic methods to improve …
In today’s fast-paced world, convenience and efficiency are key factors in creating a comfortable and modern living environment. Smart home automation has changed the way we interact with our homes, making daily tasks easier, more convenient, and energy-efficient. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or just looking to simplify your daily routines, the world of smart …
DMRE to host public engagements on draft IRP 2023
The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) is expected host a series of public engagement sessions to unpack the draft Integrated Resource Plan (IRP2023) that has been published for public comment.
The engagement sessions will kick off at 1pm on Wednesday (January 31) online at https://gcis.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_SduV84_aS8SCQnlABRftFQ.
In its earlier call for public comments on the IRP 2023, the DMRE said the plan seeks to “ensure security of electricity supply by balancing supply with demand, while taking into account the environment and total cost of supply”.
“The draft IRP 2023 is based on a scientific process that considers several scenarios and latest developments in the country’s electricity industry. It considers two-time horizons, the first being the period up to 2030 focusing on addressing prevailing generation capacity constraints and system requirements to close the supply gap.
“Horizon two covers the period from 2031 to 2050 and focuses on long-term electricity generation planning with pathways to achieve a resilient Net Zero electricity sector by 2050,” the DMRE said.
A copy of the draft IRP 2023 can be accessed on the DMRE website and the deadline for comments is 23 February 2024.
Comments can be submitted online at https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=bDWXlV5Askqncn7nJnEGjdSCoIqfOslGi6lIYefKLn5UMjg2TjQ1WElTVURZTDhCN0szU0lUSjg2Wi4u or email IRP.Queries@dmre.gov.za. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 01/29/2024 - 10:55
When it comes to the hospitality industry, ensuring the utmost comfort and satisfaction of your guests is paramount. One of the key factors that can significantly impact the guest experience is the quality of hospitality linen, bedding, and mattress protectors. If you’re in search of top-notch lodge supplies to elevate your establishment’s reputation, look no …
Pretoria, South Africa. In a digital age where information is sought at lightning speed, Click Results, a leading digital marketing firm based in Pretoria, brings forth indispensable insights on the critical impact of website speed on businesses. In today’s competitive online landscape, the need for swift, efficient websites cannot be overstated. In a recent communication, …
SAPS notes report on July unrest
The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola, together with the management of the police service, has noted the report released on The National Investigative Hearing into the July Unrest by the South African Human Rights Commisson (SAHRC) and Cultural, Religious and Linguistic (CRL) Commission.
The report is a detailed look into the July 2021 unrest that unfolded in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), during which some 350 people lost their lives. The full report can be found on https://www.sahrc.org.za/home/21/files/JULY%20UNREST%20REPORT%20FINAL_29%20JAN%202024.pdf.
The report contains various recommendations and findings on the events that took place in July 2021, including the policing of the unrest, the gathering of intelligence and the response of the SAPS.
SAPS said in a statement on Monday that while it will study the report in detail, "it is important to highlight notable progress made where key milestones were achieved to ensure the SAPS is better prepared to respond to such incidents".
READ | SAHRC releases July 2021 unrest report
Crime intelligence
SAPS said the filling of critical and key vacancies within the crime intelligence environment has been addressed, such as the appointment of a permanent Divisional Commissioner and a Deputy National Commissioner for Crime Detection.
All structures within the Crime Intelligence environment are being reviewed to enhance service delivery in all provinces.
"It is also important to note that the Crime Intelligence environment has greatly improved its mandate of detecting and collecting of information on crime, which informs and assists in the coordination and planning of joint multidisciplinary operations with other key role players in the fight against crime," the statement read.
Human and physical resources
Through Project 10 000, the SAPS trained and deployed 20 000 police officers in the last two years to capacitate frontline policing services, as well as specialised units with a key focus on the Public Order Police (POP) unit.
Seventy-nine police officers have been trained and deployed as drone pilots to assist in crime prevention and policing operations.
Public Order Police
In the past year, 5 000 police officers have been trained in crowd management and deployed to serve in the POP unit.
R150 million was also allocated to procure resources to bolster crowd management equipment for the unit.
Training has also been enhanced for members and now includes crowd psychology to improve the management and policing of crowds and gatherings.
The SAPS has also benchmarked and compared with other police organisations, in terms of use of the minimum force to disperse large crowds and found that its current equipment and techniques, such as the use of water canons, rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse violent crowd situations, is in line with international standards.
However, the SAPS is continuously researching and updating training material in respect of techniques and equipment in use during crowd management to minimise the risk of human rights violation and prevent the excessive use of force.
Rebuilding trust between SAPS and communities
The Ministry of Police is continuously taking part in community participation programmes through community engagements during izimbizo, walkabouts and policing operations such as roadblocks.
Various community policing concepts are being implemented by the SAPS.
"Through the Community Police Forum (CPF) and sector crime forums, SAPS is able to forge and promote a shared responsibility on crime prevention and community safety.
"All 1 163 police stations currently have fully functional CPF forums. R70million was allocated in this financial year to resource and capacitate these CPF structures," SAPS said.
Case management
SAPS arrested 5 341 suspects, with 505 of those arrested being found guilty of various charges ranging from murder, attempted murder, arson, possession of stolen property, and malicious damage to property.
A total of 394 cases are still in court
Incitement to commit violence cases
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) is currently investigating eight cases of incitement to commit violence.
The DPCI has arrested 68 suspects, 65 of them were charged for contravening the Protection of Constitutional Democracy against Terrorist and Related Activities Act 33 of 2004 (POCDATARA).
One accused has already been sentenced to 12 years direct imprisonment for incitement to commit public violence and conspiracy to commit public violence.
"The SAPS respects the work done by the two Commissions, especially as they are Chapter 9 institutions and will respond accordingly in terms of the timeframes reflected in the report," said SAPS. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 01/29/2024 - 15:06
Government activities for the week 29 January to 2 February 2024
On Monday, 29 January, the National School of Government is hosting a webinar on artificial intelligence (AI) from 11:00 to 13:00.
On Tuesday, 30 January, is the opening ceremony of the AfCFTA Council of Ministers (COM) responsible for Trade.
On Tuesday, 30 January, Deputy Minister in The Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Pinky Kenana will conduct a frontline monitoring and Back to School Campaign at Vukuhambe Special School in Mdantsane under the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality in the Eastern Cape.
On Wednesday, 31 January, is South Africa’s launch of the preferential trade ceremony and the closing ceremony of the Council of Ministers.
Also on Wednesday, 31 January, President Cyril Ramaphosa will undertake a Presidential Welisizwe Bridges hand over in KwaZulu-Natal.
The Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Makhotso Sotyu, will lead the hand over ceremonies of the Kei Mouth and Qoloha plantations, followed by the Wilo and Ntlangaza plantations in the Eastern Cape on Wednesday, 31 January.
On Wednesday, 31 January, The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) will host a series of public engagement sessions to unpack the draft Integrated Resource Plan (IRP2023) that has been published for public comment.
Janine
Mon, 01/29/2024 - 12:17
Following the recent announcement of the 2023 Matric results, Regent Business School extends heartfelt congratulations and best wishes for the 2024 academic year to all learners. Navigating the path to higher education can be challenging and sometimes even overwhelming leaving aspiring students looking for a guiding light in choosing the best higher education fit. Regent …
JC Auditors (JCA) in Bid to Raise Awareness of SAHPRA Medical Device Licence Requirements January 2024: JC Auditors (JCA), a leader in the certification industry, has embarked on a campaign to raise awareness about the critical importance of ISO 13485 certification as a prerequisite for obtaining medical device licenses in South Africa. South African Health Products …
Over 5 million travellers processed over festive season, says Agency
The Border Management Authority (BMA) announced on Sunday that it processed over five million travellers through South African borders over the festive period.
“The 2023/2024 festive season was a remarkable time where a noticeable increase in the movement of persons and goods entering and exiting the Republic of South Africa was experienced,” said Commissioner of the BMA, Dr Mike Masiapato.
He said between 6 December 2023 and 18 January 2024, the agency lawfully processed 5 096 288 travellers across 71 ports of entry.
The latest data shows a one million increase in travellers compared to 2022/2023.
“However, this number of travellers is still one million less than the pre-COVID-19 average numbers of about six million travellers.”
Of the 5 096 288 travellers, 216 594 used private vehicles, 21 502 mini-bus taxis, 6 443 buses and 55 765 trucks through the movement control system.
In total, more than 13 050 aircraft were processed at international airports and approximately 709 vessels at seaports.
About 407 vessels underwent crew changes using the off-port limit mechanism in the maritime environment.
According to the data, OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA) served the largest number of travellers, which was around 993 759.
The Lebombo land port of entry to Mozambique came second with 755 066 visitors, followed by the Beitbridge land port of entry to Zimbabwe with 745 563 travellers.
Compared to the 2022/2023 festive period, ORTIA, Lebombo, and Beitbridge recorded an increase in traveller volume of 22%, 24%, and 25%, respectively.
“As you may recall, we increased our human resource capacity and the operating hours in some selected ports of entry which do not operate on a 24-hour basis.”
The BMA mandate is to facilitate and manage the legitimate movement of people and goods across 71 ports of entry of which 52 are land, 10 are international airports and nine are seaports.
Their work covers areas of immigration, port health, environmental and agricultural biosecurity, including access control and general law enforcement at the ports of entry and border law enforcement areas.
“Although our primary job as the BMA is to facilitate the legitimate movement of people, we also have to deal with individuals who attempt to illegitimately move through our ports of entry and the border law enforcement areas.”
He told the media that the agency detected about 15 924 individuals who were attempting to enter South Africa without requisite documentation.
“In this instance, after intercepting them, we took their fingerprints, declared them undesirable and banned them from re-entering South Africa for five years and kept the record in the Biometric Movement Control System and got them deported,” he explained.
The majority of interceptions occurred at the Lebombo land port of entry with 6 808, followed by 1 891 at the Beitbridge land port of entry.
Meanwhile, 6,455 travellers were denied entry into South Africa for being undesirable, including those who committed crimes in other countries and appeared on the Interpol red list.
In addition, about 4 626 travellers were refused entry for being for having invalid passports, fraudulent visas or failing to produce valid yellow fever certificates.
This means 27 005 people were deported while attempting to enter South Africa illegally.
During this period, the agency also observed an increased detection rate of the undesirables due to the utilisation of the Biometric Movement Control Systems (BMCS).
The Commissioner raised his concern at public transporting companies that continue to transport illegal migrants.
During this period, the BMA imposed about 98 administrative fines to various conveyancers especially bus companies to the value of R3 540 000 for transporting illegal migrants at the cost of R15 000 per person.
At the same time, they collected about R9.8 million in outstanding fines from about 25 bus companies.
“In this regard, they have committed to ensuring that valid passports would be required from all travellers when procuring cross border tickets and for entering into the bus on travel day.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Sun, 01/28/2024 - 12:19
Company’s Focus on Sustainable Solutions, Whole Home Electrification and Commercial Innovations on Display at World’s Largest HVAC Industry Tradeshow CHICAGO, Jan. 25, 2024 — LG Electronics (LG) unveiled its latest heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) solutions at AHR Expo 2024, taking place in Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A., from January 22-24. LG’s energy-efficient residential and commercial …
The Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa (SEIFSA) wishes all its member a productive and prosperous 2024, which is likely to be another busy and challenging year, with wage negotiations, general elections, load-shedding, high inflation, geo-political uncertainty and a volatile exchange rate just some of what we can expect. As the country prepares …
Department awards bursaries to hardworking matriculants
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Sihle Zikalala has hailed teachers and guardians as true heroes and heroines and thanked them for encouraging, motivating and guiding learners during the 2023 matric examination.
“To the bursary awardees, you are the crown in the jewel; and today we sing your praises for demonstrating that paying attention and putting in effort pays,” Zikalala said on Thursday, during a ceremony to award bursaries to 100 learners from the Class of 2023 who have enrolled to study various built environment courses at universities across the country.
Zikalala congratulated the learners for being worthy recipients of the prestigious bursaries from the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure.
He said the young people who are receiving the bursaries have honoured the sacrifices of the youth of 1976 who protested against an inferior Bantu Education that sought to turn education for the black majority into an instrument of racial subjugation and guarantor for the supply of cheap black labour.
“The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) plays a critical role in delivering essential services. To do so effectively, it must have a highly skilled and competent workforce.
“This year is the 10th year that the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure has been offering these bursaries to address the challenges of the skills pipeline and transformation in the Built Environment.
“Our university bursary scheme is one of the ways through which as a department, we respond to the country’s occupation skills that are in high demand as gazetted by the Department of Higher Education and Training,” the Minister said.
The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure Bursary Scheme supports undergraduate study areas like: Construction Project Management, Occupational Health and Safety, Quantity Surveying, Landscape Architecture, Architecture, Property Studies, Real Estate, Urban Design and Regional Planning, Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Structural, Chemical), Interior Design, Actuarial Science, Horticulture, Geographic Information Science (GISc) and Maritime Studies.
The Council for the Built Environment (CBE) has lamented the slow pace of transformation in the built environment which is compounded by the challenge of aging professionals who are leaving the sector.
“One of our programmes to address these challenges and in contributing to the skills of the future in our sector is the department’s schools programme and the university bursary scheme programme.
“We are pleased to report that our valued bursary beneficiaries are supported financially throughout their tertiary studies until graduation.
“Upon completion of studies, bursary holders join the department’s internship programme wherein they gain relevant technical experience for a duration of 24 months in line with their contractual obligation to the department and in accordance to the DPSA regulated internship period,” Zikalala said.
The estimated budget per student is R177 500. This amount varies based on the institution and study programme. The department has allocated budget of R17 800 000 for the 2024 academic year new intake.
The bursary covers all university costs including tuition fees, accommodation, meals, textbooks, projects, excursions and a monthly allowance. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 01/26/2024 - 09:43
Are you in the market for a new home? Whether you’re a first-time buyer, looking to upgrade, or seeking an investment opportunity, finding the right property can be a daunting task. But worry not! We have compiled a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the vibrant property market in some of South Africa’s most sought-after …
In the world of industrial safety and environmental protection, the importance of being prepared for spills is crucial. Whether it’s a factory, a laboratory, or a warehouse, having the right response tools is essential for handling unexpected spills efficiently and safely. Among these tools, spill kits and absorbents play a pivotal role. Let’s delve into …
Compostable and biodegradable packaging, currently mooted as the ‘silver bullets’ that will end South Africa’s plastic packaging pollution and landfill challenges, may not deserve the ‘green’ image they have been credited with worldwide and locally. This is the opinion of respected recycler, Chandru Wadhwani, Joint Managing Director of Extrupet, one of the largest and most …
Just matriculated and uncertain about what comes next? A new year and you’re considering a new career? This is what’s next… Not too long-ago technological skills were as exciting as meeting the grim reaper, but today, tech-savvy individuals are the hottest commodity on the job market. Most roles today require some degree of digital and …
Once the rail agency responds to these comments, a report will be sent to the Municipal Planning Tribunal for a final decision
DPWI Minister to award bursaries to deserving students
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Sihle Zikalala will on Thursday award bursaries to 100 learners from the class of 2023 Matriculants, who have enrolled to study various built environment courses at universities across the country.
The bursaries are part of the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure’s (DPWI) Skills Pipeline Programme, which is one of government’s initiatives to bring more skilled professionals into the public sector and specifically the built environment.
As part of building a capable and ethical State, the DPWI annually awards bursaries to pupils in need of financial assistance, who display academic excellence and have been accepted for courses in the built environment for their tertiary education.
The bursary programme further aims to increase the number of built environment professionals from previously disadvantaged backgrounds and ensure transformation of the sector.
It also serves as a feeder to the department’s Internship and Young Professionals Programme and later forms a pool of qualified built environment professionals to serve the state in the delivery of infrastructure projects.
The bursary is for careers in the built industry, including Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Marine Engineering, Property Studies/Real Estate, Actuarial Science, Quantity Surveying, Construction Project Management, Landscape Architecture, Architecture and Town and Regional Planning.
The bursary covers tuition, accommodation, meals, textbooks, project and compulsory study resources and a monthly stipend.
In its 10th year of existence since 2014, the DPWI bursary programme has so far benefited over 500 deserving students, an investment of over R160 million into the lives of the students and to bring the required skills into the public sector. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 01/24/2024 - 09:25
Plastics SA, the umbrella body representing the local plastics industry, successfully hosted a General Plastics Industry Meeting at its head office in Midrand, Johannesburg, on November 30, 2023. The hybrid meeting witnessed enthusiastic participation from representatives spanning various sectors of the South African plastics industry. The meeting commenced with a warm welcome from Deputy Chairman …
Despite our department providing holiday security to 486 schools over the December holidays, we recorded 26 incidents of burglary and vandalism at 24 schools over the holiday period.
While this is a significant decrease compared to the same holiday period last year, when 48 incidents were reported at 42 schools, we are nonetheless disappointed that once again our schools must pick up the pieces after criminal damage and theft.
Items stolen or damaged ranged from gas cylinders and food to computers and cameras. Damaged property included electrical boxes, windows, ceilings, doors and security equipment.
It is unacceptable that funding has to be diverted from educational purposes each year to replace items that have been stolen, or repair infrastructure damaged for no reason, especially in a significantly stressed financial environment.
Damaging and stealing from schools sabotages our children's futures, and we appeal to the public to come forward if they notice anyone attempting to sell goods that have been stolen from our schools. Someone, somewhere knows these perpetrators, and we appeal to them to do the right thing so that our schools cease to be a target of crime.
Reporting any suspicious activity in the vicinity of our schools to South African Police Services (SAPS) or the Safe Schools hotline (0800 45 46 47) immediately can make all the difference in apprehending the perpetrators and recovering stolen property.
Help us to protect our schools and the future of our learners in the Western Cape!
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic Of South Africa: Western Cape Provincial Government.