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Reimagining Skills Development: Unique Collaboration Set the Scene for Future Success Innovation often stems from a unique perspective and a fresh outlook on the future. This has been the driving force for the partnership between EduPower, a leading training provider and the branded merchandise company, JIMBU. Together, they are reimagining the potential of learnerships, and …
By Ian Pettey (MD Africa at Crown Relocations South Africa) As National Recycling Day approaches on 17 September, it’s an opportune time to reflect on the evolving landscape of sustainability in various sectors. One industry that is making remarkable strides in this arena is the international relocation industry. Long gone are the days of excessive …
As part of the SME Matters series, co-hosted by Business Day and Nedbank, panellists unpacked what Covid-19 taught them about surviving in an uncertain world. The panellists were Alan Shannon, Executive of Small Business Services and Private Clients at Nedbank, Raghmah Solomon, founder of Vortex Design Solutions, a design and project manager company, and Greg …
Masifundise inland fisheries report says sector needs government help
BMA to safeguard SA’s borders
The newly established Border Management Authority (BMA) Commissioner, Dr Mike Masiapata, has assured South Africans that the entity will get rid of corruption and ensure that the country’s borders are safe.
The BMA came into effect on 1 April 2023, and it is expected to be officially launched by President Cyril Ramaphosa in Musina, Limpopo, next week.
Masiapata explained that the BMA was established to ensure that the country is protected.
Speaking at the National Press Club media briefing in Pretoria on Thursday, Masiapata said legislative frameworks had to be looked at prior to the establishment of the BMA.
“Since 1994, South Africa has been using a multi-agency approach in its border management. It was therefore decided that a single agency was needed to manage the country’s borders,” Masiapata said.
Masiapata said the previous multi-agency included seven departments and agencies, including the Departments of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development; Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment; Health; Home Affairs; the South African National Defence Force (SANDF); the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the South African Revenue Service (SARS), which all have a physical presence in the border environment.
Masiapata said managing the country’s borders has been a challenge, especially with the old system.
He explained that the aim of establishing the new agency was to deal with the challenges that the country faces.
“For almost 15 years, there have been some discussions to try and have the Border Management Authority established to deal with the challenges the country is faced with. There was a lot of corruption brought by the old system,” Masiapata said.
Masiapata said BMA officials will be thoroughly vetted.
The BMA has, since its inception, recorded successes, amongst them intercepting stolen vehicles.
In June 2013, Cabinet made the decision to establish a Border Management Agency under the guidance of the DHA.
The decision was taken in recognition of the National Intelligence Co-ordinating Committee (NICOC) 2012 Feasibility Study, which had highlighted weaknesses in border management.
The authority will be responsible for the execution of frontline border law enforcement functions related to, inter alia, port health, immigration control, access control, biosecurity, food safety and phyto-sanitary control, land border infrastructure development and maintenance, and border information and risk management.
It is intended that the new agency, the BMA, will adapt and respond effectively to the challenges, threats and opportunities that exist in the border environment whilst safe-guarding South Africa’s borders and meeting the country’s national, regional and global developmental responsibilities and human rights imperatives. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 09/28/2023 - 15:29
Smart home technology is redefining how we live, turning our residences into intelligent spaces that make daily life easier and more enjoyable. From managing lighting to automating your entertainment systems, smart home technologies offer endless possibilities. However, choosing the right brand for your smart home and control system is crucial for a seamless, intuitive experience. …
Cabinet approves revised game meat strategy for South Africa
Cabinet has approved the implementation of the Revised Game Meat Strategy for South Africa, which seeks to formalise and transform the game meat industry.
Briefing the media in Pretoria on the outcomes of Cabinet meeting on Thursday, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said the strategy is also designed to contribute towards food security for the country.
“It aims to strengthen the game meat sector as both provider of food security and an economic growth sector that can help create job opportunities,” Ntshavheni said.
South Africa is ranked number one on the African continent for game meat production and therefore, said the Minister, needs to take full advantage of the economic opportunities that the sector provides.
“Ultimately, the strategy seeks to ensure the creation of 202 666 sustainable jobs in the game meat industry by 2030.”
The strategy will be published on the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment website at www.dffe.gov.za.
Tourism Master Plan
Cabinet has also given the go ahead for the Department of Tourism to align the Tourism Sector Recovery Plan to a new Tourism Master Plan.
An important component of the Master Plan is to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the tourism sector and provides a road map for full recovery of tourism in the country.
The Tourism Sector Recovery Plan was developed to facilitate the recovery of the sector, preserve jobs and protect livelihoods.
Ntshavheni said the Master Plan will take this work to another level and facilitate new opportunities in the sector.
“The plan proposes seven intervention strategies to ensure the tourism sector returns to its glory days and that the sector becomes the centre of job creation and entrepreneurship. These interventions include stimulating demand through rigorous campaigns, promoting South Africa internationally and cutting red tape in the processing of visas and tour operator licences.
“The tourism industry is a vital contributor to the economy and supported 725 000 jobs before COVID 19. Cabinet believes that the interventions will go a long way in restoring the role of tourism in the economy and job creation,” Ntshavheni said.
Competition Commission’s work commended
Meanwhile, Cabinet commended the work of the Competition Commission in addressing monopoly concerns in digital intermediation platforms, including ecommerce, online travel agencies, food delivery, app stores, classifieds providers and search engines.
This comes after Cabinet received a report from the Commission outlining the findings and remedial actions on the Online Intermediation Platform Market Inquiry.
Ntshavheni said Cabinet has directed Ministers of the Economic Cluster to interrogate the policy implications and recommend required policy reforms.
“Cabinet encouraged the Commission to continue its good work in enabling SME’s and previously disadvantaged people, especially Black people to actively participate in the economy of their country,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 09/28/2023 - 11:30
Only a third of children in SA are enrolled in ECD programmes
Lottery games have captivated the imaginations of people worldwide for centuries. In Russia, one lottery game stands out for its unique features and daily draws: the Russia Gosloto. But what makes this lottery game so special? Let’s delve into the intricacies of Russia’s most popular lottery game. What Makes Gosloto Unique? Russia Gosloto offers a …
There is a perception that property is a good investment delivering healthy returns over time. A bonded property requires that the property owner practices financial discipline and makes regular monthly repayments with the end result being a fully paid off asset. Depending on the property cycle when the property was acquired, that perception has held …
On Tuesday, 26 September 2023, the Artscape theatre was packed to the brim with excited guests who attended the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport's (DCAS) 21st Cultural Affairs Awards.
The awards honour individuals and organisations who have made exceptional contributions in the areas of arts, culture, heritage, language, libraries, archives, museum, heritage and geographical names. Minister Anroux Marais also bestowed Ministerial awards on individuals who have left a legacy in this environment.
The evening was hosted by two Masters of Ceremonies, Ayanda Dlamini and Jabaar Mohamed. The guests were entertained throughout the evening with performances by the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, Nobulumko Mngxekeza, Chene Hugo, Zinzi Nogavu, Dance for all, Zip Zap Circus, Koleka Phutuma and Rieldancers.
Minister Marais welcomed everyone to the occasion and emphasized the importance of all the areas in which winners would be announced. “The awards showcase the wide range of cultural activities which the Western Cape is involved with, and which we support very passionately. Tonight we honour those who have left a lasting legacy and have helped us grow all these important arts and culture activities in our province,” she said.
Chief Director for Cultural Affairs, Carol van Wyk, ended the evening by thanking everyone who supported the event. “What you have seen here tonight is a beacon of hope for communities across our province. Please continue to help us shine this light.” she said.
The full list of the evening's winners can be found here.
More information on all the nominees can be found here.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic Of South Africa: Western Cape Provincial Government.
In today’s rapidly evolving world, the management of waste is becoming increasingly vital. Proper waste management not only aids in maintaining a clean and sustainable environment but also contributes to conserving resources and reducing pollution. Several waste management options are available to meet these objectives, including recycling solutions, waste removal, rubble removal, and skip hire. …
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in coordination with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat and its Member States held a validation workshop for the Southern African Programme for One Health (SAPOH). The programme provides direction and a long-term vision to achieving an integrated one health (OH) approach in the region.
Fifteen SADC countries, namely, Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe attended the workshop and unanimously validated SAPOH. The SADC secretariate, three members of the quadripartite organizations leading the OH approach globally, that is, FAO, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) as well as other regional partners attended the validation workshop and enriched the programme with valuable contributions and inputs before its validation.
One Health is an integrated, unifying approach that aims to sustainably balance and optimize the health of people, animals, and ecosystems. This approach is suitable for Southern Africa as the main livelihood for the people is agriculture. The One Health approach is necessary to deliver effective and efficient prevention and control of infectious diseases, as well as emergency preparedness and response.
Speaking on behalf of the Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa, Patrice Talla, at the opening ceremony, FAO Representative for South Africa, Babagana Ahmadu said, “FAO and its counterparts in the One Health Quadripartite, WHO, WOAH and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), will work together to ensure that policies to support One Health were in place.”
“FAO prioritizes One Health at global and regional level. It is one of the 20 Priority Programme Areas in FAO's New Strategic Framework (2022 to 2031). Within Southern Africa, FAO has prioritized one health as one of its three flagship programmes,” he said.
“My appreciation also goes to our fellow members of the Quadripartite, the WHO, WOAH and UNEP and other partners for accompanying us on this task. We count on you for stronger collaboration in validating and changing this draft into an actionable programme. FAO is committed to working with all of you in mobilizing resources for the implementation of this programme once it is validated,” added Babagana Ahmadu.
The WOAH Representative for Southern Africa Dr Moetapele Letshwenyo said operationalization of SAPOH would be a game changer in mitigating the risk posed by zoonotic diseases. He added that, “Worldwide, 60 per cent of infectious diseases affecting humans have their origins in animals, with nearly 75 per cent of animal diseases being transmissible to humans. The increasing interactions between humans and animals within the environment and numerous factors is exacerbating the emergence, re-emergence and spread of infectious diseases, necessitates a multi-sectoral and multidisciplinary approach”.
According to the SADC Programme Officer for Livestock, Dr Gaolathe Thobokwe, SAPOH will inform the design of future country and partner programmes to address the next pandemic in Southern Africa.
“The necessity of the OH approach in SADC is very obvious, currently, we are dealing with COVID-19 and we know consequences. In the recent past we have had Ebola; we have also had disease like rift valley fever and anthrax. It shows the need to work together whether it be animal health, public health, plant health, wildlife, environmental or climate services,” he said.
The WHO Africa Regional Team Leader for Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), Dr Ali Yahya, pointed out that communication, resource mobilization, monitoring and evaluation were essential components of the OH Programme as they enhanced accountability and learning to determine the best practices. “We might need to ensure strong energy not only to validate the document but also to support its implementation, monitoring, and documentation for further visibility to facilitate resource mobilization as well as ownership of the programme by countries,” he said.
At the end of the workshop, stakeholders called for innovations from all the actors and pointed out that the successful implementation of One Health heavily relies on using locally available resources, citizen engagement, use of traditional knowledge systems and capacity building.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of FAO Regional Office for Africa.
Food security takes centre stage during Thusong Week
Efforts to boost food security and the cleaning up of communities were among the top priorities during this year’s Thusong Service Centre Week.
While a special focus was placed on targeted campaigns from 18 - 22 September, Thusong Service Centre Week forms part of the Integrated Public Service Month.
During the week commemorated under the theme, ‘Building a Professional Public Service for Quality Service Delivery’, the Thusong Programme was promoted by showcasing the integrated mobile outreach programme and its effectiveness in responding to the needs of citizens.
The 2023 in-week activities profiled the work of public servants, particularly frontline officials based at Thusong Service Centres and their contribution to the envisioned efficient Public Service, which anchored on putting people first.
Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, led the opening of the 2023 Thusong Service Centre Week in Rawsonville, Western Cape.
He commended the fact that to date, there are 121 operational centres that continue to bring services closer to the communities by housing different government departments and entities.
During the opening event, a food security dialogue was held, with a focus on promoting backyard gardens, sustainability and integration into the local economy.
The dialogue was led by the University of the Western Cape through its study conducted within the municipality on food security.
Dedicated public servants were also presented with certificates of appreciation, followed by an integrated outreach, where various government departments and entities showcased their exhibitions and provided services to citizens.
During the week, various Thusong Service Centres across the country hosted 88 activities, with 26 of these focusing on cleaning and food security campaigns, with an emphasis on backyard gardens.
The aim is to encourage citizens to participate in cleaning communities as part of persevering the environment and establishing backyard gardens as another way of combating poverty, hunger and food insecurity.
The closing event of 2023 took place in the Northern Cape at Loeriesfontein Hub. The closing event promoted food security, with a bias to the establishment of food gardens at the Thusong Service Centre, as well as the planting of trees.
Acting Government Communication Director-General, Nomonde Mnukwa, encouraged South Africans to play their part in securing food supply through their homes or community food gardens.
“If every person sets up a small garden in their home, it will go a long way to ensuring that individuals and communities meet their sustenance needs.
“Through our collective actions, we can ensure that no South African goes to bed hungry. It was heartening to see that the Thusong Service Centres continue to play a part in this vital campaign.
“The continued offering of services and information from government departments, bodies of civil society and community organisations, through the Thusong Centres, shows well how these centres play a key role in bettering the lives of South Africans,” Mnukwa said.
All citizens are invited to visit www.gov.za to locate a Thusong Service Centre near them. Citizens are encouraged to make use of their centres frequently. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 09/26/2023 - 14:03
By Bowmans. On Thursday 21 September, ahead of Heritage Day in South Africa, leading African law firm Bowmans, held an event to celebrate a decade of focussed pro bono efforts. Bowmans managing partner, Alan Keep, highlighted that Bowmans has always been a responsible corporate citizen, and its people have been contributing their time and expertise …
Government concludes this year's Annual Thusong Service Centre Week, which took place from the 18 - 22 September 2023 and was commemorated under the theme: “Building a Professional Public Service for Quality Service Delivery”.
The Thusong Service week formed part of the Integrated Public Service Month and it sought to promote the Thusong Programme by showcasing the integrated mobile outreach programme and its effectiveness in responding to the needs of the citizens.
The 2023 in-week activities of the Thusong Service Week profiled the work of public servants particularly front line officials based at Thusong Service Centres and their contribution to the envisioned efficient Public Service which is putting people first.
On Tuesday, 19 September 2023, the Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, led the opening of the 2023 Annual Thusong Service Centre week at the NG Church Hall, in Rawsonville, Western Cape Province who lauded that to date there are 121 operational centres which continue to bring services closer to the communities by housing different government departments and entities.
During the opening event a food security dialogue was held with a focus on the promotion of backyard gardens, sustainability, and integration into the local economy. The dialogue was led by the University of the Western Cape through their study conducted within the Municipality on food security. Dedicated public servants were also presented with certificates of appreciation, followed by an integrated outreach wherein various government departments and entities showcased their exhibitions and provided services to the citizens.
During the week, various Thusong Service Centres across the country hosted 88 activities with 26 of these focusing on cleaning and food security campaigns with an emphasis on backyard gardens. The aim is to encourage citizens to participate in cleaning communities as part of persevering the environment and establishing backyard gardens as another way of combating poverty, hunger and food insecurity in communities.
The, the closing event of 2023, took place in the Northern Cape Province at Loeriesfontein Hub. The closing event promoted food security, with a bias to the establishment of food gardens at the Thusong Service Centre as well as the planting of trees.
“South Africans can play their part in securing food supply through their homes or community food gardens. If every person sets up a small garden in their home it will go a long way to ensuring that individuals and communities meet their sustenance needs. Through our collective actions we can ensure that no South African goes to bed hungry. It was heartening to see that the Thusong Service Centres continue to play a part in this vital campaign. The continued offering of services and information from government departments, bodies of civil society and community organizations, through the Thusong Centres, show well how these centres play a key role in bettering the lives of South Africans”, said GCIS Acting Director-General, Nomonde Mnukwa.
All citizens are invited to visit www.gov.za to locate the Thusong Service Centre near them and encouraged to make use of their centres frequently.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of Government Communication and Information System.
Nzimande visits Japan to strengthen hydrogen economy cooperation
The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande, is leading a delegation to Tokyo, Japan, as part of efforts to build a hydrogen economy in South Africa.
The engagements will profile the work of the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) in hydrogen energy, and promote collaboration, investment and innovation in support of the deployment of hydrogen at scale, as envisaged in the Hydrogen Society Roadmap for South Africa.
The roadmap, launched by the DSI in 2022, is a national coordinating framework to facilitate the integration of hydrogen-related technologies in various sectors of the South African economy, a vital part of stimulating economic growth, in line with the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan.
“Establishing a manufacturing sector for hydrogen products and components is one of the roadmap's key outcomes,” the department said.
The engagements kick-started on Monday, 25 September, with Minister Nzimande and the delegation participating in the Tokyo GX Week Plenary Session.
The GX Plenary is hosted by Japan's Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), Yasutoshi Nishimura, as part of the Tokyo GX Week 2023.
Tokyo GX Week, according to the DSI, aims to accelerate efforts towards net zero emissions.
“The programme of international meetings related to energy and the environment aims to achieve green transformation (GX), moving countries away from fossil fuel-dependent economic, social and industrial structures, towards clean energy that will lead to economic growth and development, as well as reduced greenhouse gas emissions.”
The Minister will also address the 6th Hydrogen Energy Ministerial Meeting, which will be attended by Ministers and world leaders in the energy and environment fields in both the private and the public sectors.
Today, the DSI will host a South Africa-Japan workshop with the Japan External Trade Organisation.
The aim of the workshop, the department said, is for South African and Japanese entities to discuss putting together a large-scale demonstration project on hydrogen.
“Minister Nzimande and Mr Nishimura are expected to sign a memorandum of cooperation between the DSI and METI to facilitate cooperation on developing a sustainable and affordable hydrogen and ammonia supply chain.”
“The two countries have a shared recognition that this is key to achieving net zero emissions,” said the DSI.
South Africa and Japan have a longstanding relationship and common interests in science, technology and innovation (STI).
Bilateral cooperation in STI between the two countries has been growing steadily since the agreement on STI in 2003.
The engagements will continue until 27 September. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 09/26/2023 - 10:12
Have your say on draft conservation policy
Members of the public are invited to submit their comments on the draft Policy Position on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Elephant, Lion, Leopard and Rhinoceros.
This after the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Barbara Creecy, published the draft policy in the Government Gazette.
“The draft Policy Position is informed by the White Paper on Conservation and Sustainable Use of South Africa’s Biodiversity, which was published for implementation on 14 June 2023, under Government Notice No. 3537, Government Gazette, No. 48785; the High Level Panel (HLP) report; the recommendations of the Committee of Inquiry (CoI) that was appointed to advise on the possibility of proposing legal interventions on international trade in rhino horn to the 17th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), and the Colloquium Report on captive lion breeding for hunting.
“The draft Policy Position focuses primarily on correcting unsustainable practices, promoting conservation and sustainable use of the five species (elephant, lion leopard, black and white rhinoceros), and providing policy direction for international commercial trade,” the department said.
According to the department, the draft policy proposes “three conservation and sustainable use policy objectives to enhance species management”, as well as three international commercial trade-related policy objectives.
These are:
Members of the public are invited to submit, within thirty (30) days from the date of publication of this Notice in the Government Gazette or in the newspaper, whichever date is the last date, written comments to this Notice, to any of the following addresses:
By mail: The Director-General: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
Attention: Dr Tsepang Makholela
Private Bag X447
PRETORIA
0001
By hand at: Environment House, 473 Steve Biko Street, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0001
By e-mail to: policyposition@dffe.gov.za
Any inquiries in connection with this notice or in connection with obtaining a copy of the Socio-Economic Impact Assessment Study (SEIAS) on the draft Policy Position, can be directed to Dr Tsepang Makholela at 071 608 4556. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Sun, 09/24/2023 - 15:09
Introduction: In a world where sustainability and durability are becoming increasingly important, heavy-duty plastic chairs, plastic party chairs, and 240-litre wheelie bins have emerged as practical and versatile solutions. These seemingly mundane objects play crucial roles in our daily lives, offering convenience, reliability, and sustainability. Let’s delve into the world of these three indispensable items …
La Petite Ferme, the picturesque sanctuary in Franschhoek for those seeking a ‘farm-inspired‘ getaway, is thrilled to announce its latest achievements, accolades and awards. This distinctive award-winning establishment was recently announced the winner of the prestigious 2023 Haute Grandeur Global Hotel Awards in the Best Scenic Environment Hotel category. Haute Grandeur Global Hotel Awards 2023 …
The population of black rhinos declined dramatically in the 20th century at the hands of European hunters and settlers. Between 1960 and 1995, black rhino numbers dropped by a sobering 98%, to less than 2,500 individuals. Since then, the species has made a tremendous comeback from the brink of extinction. Thanks to persistent conservation efforts across Africa, black rhino numbers have doubled from their historic low 20 years ago to more than 6,000 today. However, the black rhino is still considered critically endangered, and a lot of work remains to bring their population up to even a fraction of what it once was—and to ensure that it stays there. Wildlife crime—in this case, poaching of rhinos for the illegal international market for their horns—continues to plague the species and threaten its recovery.
The Namibian government and its partners in conservation, including communal conservancies have been at the cutting edge of efforts to relocate, protect and expand the range of rhinos in the country. While the threat of poaching persists, the impact of these efforts is dramatic. Namibia is now home to the largest population of black rhino left on earth.
TACKLING WILDLIFE CRIME
Poaching remains the deadliest and most urgent threat to black rhinos. WWF is working with government agencies, local communities and other partners in Namibia, Kenya, and South Africa to support law enforcement agencies, develop and build on innovative tech solutions, and equip and train rangers to stop poachers.
In Namibia, WWF, with support from the USAID funded Combatting Wildlife Crime Project and INL projects, is working across sectors, agencies, and borders to help implement the country's ambitious law enforcement strategy to combat wildlife trafficking. WWF also supports the Namibian government in the implementation of its national black rhino strategy, in part by moving rhinos from parks with significant populations to other areas that historically held rhinos but currently do not—a process known as translocation. WWF is also working with the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism and other conservation partners to protect both black and white rhinos, including the maintenance of a comprehensive DNA databank used for forensic investigations and research, and the use of sniffer dogs.
PROTECTING AND MANAGING KEY POPULATIONS
WWF supports aerial population surveys at key sites such as Etosha National Park in Namibia. The surveys are critical for evaluating breeding success, deterring poachers, and monitoring rhino mortality. WWF is also working with partners to develop and implement cutting-edge technologies in range states to closely monitor key populations. When paired with boots-on-the-ground, innovative solutions like electronic identification and tracking tags, radio and satellite collars, night vision cameras, and camera traps provide critical data that is used to make important decisions for black rhino populations going forward.
COMMUNITY-BASED CONSERVATION
Namibia was the first African country to incorporate protection of the environment into its constitution. In 1996, the new Namibian government granted communities the right to create conservancies — areas with defined borders and governance and management structures outside of parks — where communities have the right to manage and benefit from their natural resources. With long-term support from IRDNC, NNF, SRT, WWF and other NACSO partners, robust conservation efforts including community game guards, monitoring, community engagement campaigns, partnerships between the communities and private sector tourism, and translocation projects, which relocate species into new habitats so that they have more space to breed, have made enriched landscapes and lives in rural Namibia.
On World Rhino Day, we join our Namibian partners in recognizing their efforts to protect black rhinos – against tremendous odds. Not only does Namibia have the largest population of black rhinos in the world, but communal conservancies have allowed rhinos to roam free, outside of national parks. These communal conservancies—working with the government, nonprofit organizations and others—have restored populations of black rhinos, creating a rhino-based economy that benefits both people and wildlife!
For more information on WWF Programs in Namibia, visit https://www.wwfnamibia.org.
For more information on U.S. global climate and environmental priorities, visit Climate and Environment – United States Department of State.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of U.S. Embassy in Namibia.
The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Ms Barbara Dallas Creecy, hereby gives notice of her publication of the draft Policy Position on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Elephant, Lion, Leopard and Rhinoceros (the draft Policy Position), in the Government Gazette 49322 (Notice No. 3889). A copy of the Government Notice is available at www.gpwonline.co.za(link is external) or https://www.gov.za/sites/default/files/gcis_document/202309/49322gon3889....
The draft Policy Position is informed by the White Paper on Conservation and Sustainable Use of South Africa's Biodiversity which was published for implementation on 14 June 2023, under Government Notice No. 3537, Government Gazette, No. 48785; the High Level Panel (HLP) report; the recommendations of the Committee of Inquiry (CoI) that was appointed to advise on the possibility of proposing legal interventions on international trade in rhino horn to the 17th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES); and the Colloquium report on captive lion breeding for hunting.
The draft Policy Position focuses primarily on correcting unsustainable practices, promoting conservation and sustainable use of the five species (elephant, lion leopard, black and white rhinoceros), and providing policy direction for international commercial trade. It proposes three conservation and sustainable use policy objectives to enhance species management as follows:
(a) To end the captive keeping of lions for commercial purposes and close captive lion facilities, put a halt to the intensive breeding of lion in controlled environments, and end the commercial exploitation of captive and captive-bred lions;
(b) To phase out the domestication and intensification of management of rhinoceros; and
(c) To enhance the conservation and sustainable use of leopard.
The draft Policy Position also proposes three international commercial trade-related policy objectives as follows:
(a) To promote live export of the five species only to range states or any other appropriate and acceptable destinations with suitable habitats on the African continent;
(b) South Africa will work with range states to support a proposal for international commercial trade in rhinoceros horn from protected wild rhinoceros, for conservation purposes, when conditions become favourable; and
(c) Consider international commercial elephant ivory trade only when conditions become favorable.
Members of the public are invited to submit, within thirty (30) days from the date of publication of this Notice in the Government Gazette or in the newspaper, whichever date is the last date, written comments to this Notice, to any of the following addresses:
By post to: The Director-General: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
Attention: Dr Tsepang Makholela
Private Bag X447
PRETORIA
0001
By hand at: Environment House, 473 Steve Biko Street, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0001
By e-mail to: policyposition@dffe.gov.za(link sends e-mail)
Any inquiries in connection with this Notice or in connection with obtaining a copy of the Socio-Economic Impact Assessment Study (SEIAS) on the draft Policy Position, can be directed to Dr Tsepang Makholela at +27 71 608 4556.
Comments or inputs received after the closing date may be disregarded.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic Of South Africa: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.
Applications open for bursaries in environmental field
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has invited full-time students to apply for bursaries, to be awarded in the 2024 academic year, in various fields of study.
The department said the minimum requirements to apply for the bursary is Grade 12, and consideration will be given to previously disadvantaged and people with disabilities, who are South African citizens.
“This advert only applies to full-time students enrolled with an institution of higher learning or currently doing Grade 12 (Matric) and not employed. Please indicate clearly on the application form the reference number and the study field,” the department said in a statement.
The bursaries will be awarded to students in study fields including Environmental Programmes; Forestry Management; Regulatory Compliance Sector Monitoring; Fisheries Management; Oceans and Coasts; Biodiversity and Conservation; Climate Change and Air Quality Management, and Chemicals and Waste Management.
The maximum amount of the bursary is R50 000.
The department said students who have previously participated in the public service internship programme are not eligible for consideration.
“Upon completion of your studies, participation in the internship programme is mandatory, as part of the bursary contract agreement. It is important to note that regulations prohibit participation in the programme more than once,” the department said.
All applications should be accompanied by the following documents:
• Motivation as to why the bursary should be awarded to you.
• Certified copies of qualifications and recent academic records.
• Certified copies of Identity Document (applicant and both parents or guardians).
• Proof of registration (if already enrolled with an institution of higher learning).
• Latest Grade 12 results (if currently in high school).
• Proof of parents or guardians' income.
• Proof if parents are deceased.
• Affidavit if parents are not working.
Hand deliveries or courier applications should be sent to:
Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
Environment House
473 Steve Biko Street
Cnr Steve Biko and Soutpansberg Road Arcadia
Pretoria
OR
Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
63 Strand Street
13th Floor Nedbank Building
Cape Town
For enquiries, applicants should contact Joshua Moepya on 012 399 8682/067 417 3739; Busisiwe Stemele on 012 399-8685/066 156 0042; Mokhobo Putu on 012 399 9018/066 081 2662; Kgomotso Moela on 021 402 3329/081 492 5570; Mooketsa Mabe on 021 402 3412/ 071 540 2685 and Neliswa Magwala 021 814 8089/066 081 9858.
The postal address is: The Director-General (for the attention of the Learning and Development - Bursary Section), Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Private Bag X447, Pretoria, 0001.
Applications closes on 27 October 2023. Faxed or emailed applications will not be accepted.
“Correspondence will be limited to successful applicants only. If you have not been contacted by end of January 2024, please accept that your application was unsuccessful,” the department said.
Successful applicants will be expected to sign a bursary contract. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 09/22/2023 - 10:16
Tshepo Kgobe appointed new Gautrain CEO
Gauteng MEC for Transport and Logistics, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, has announced the appointment of Tshepo Kgobe as the next Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Gautrain Management Agency (GMA), with effect from 1 February 2024.
The incumbent, William Dachs, will step down at the end of his tenure on 31 January 2024.
“On behalf of the Gauteng Provincial Executive, GMA Board, and the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport, we congratulate Tshepo Kgobe on his appointment.
“We believe his strong leadership will help steer GMA to greater heights, maintain its standards of excellence, innovation and good governance, and cement its position as a Centre of Excellence in the rail and public transport sector,” said Diale-Tlabela.
Kgobe is an engineer with diverse technical expertise in infrastructure, energy, mining and the railway environment.
According to the provincial department, he has extensive experience managing complex projects and operations.
“At the start of the Gautrain project, he was responsible for the engineering and project management of the track work subsystem.”
He joined the GMA in 2014 as the Senior Executive Manager responsible for the Technical Services Unit and was appointed Chief Operating Officer in 2020.
The department noted Kgobe's contribution to a number of novel and visionary ideas at the agency, He was part of a senior leadership team that ensured that the GMA delivered innovative and smart mobility solutions for the province.
The MEC further thanked the outgoing CEO for his relentless commitment to excellence.
“He navigated the agency through the COVID-19 pandemic and led train ridership recovery post-lockdown while maintaining Gautrain’s world-class service,” Diale-Tlabela said.
The MEC also welcomed new Gautrain Management Agency Board members, effective from 1 January 2024.
These include Mfanelo Patrick Ntsobi, who will be the Chairperson, and Deputy Chairperson Malebo Matolong.
The other members are Tebogo Nancy Seale, Lungile Mtiya, Mamela Luthuli, Desmond Khalid Golding, Kgotso Maja, Irvin Bafana Sibisi and Bongisizwe Mpondo. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 09/22/2023 - 10:27