Eswatini

8 October 2023

Condolences for Eswatini top cop

Location: News

Condolences for Eswatini top cop

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has announced the passing of Eswatini Police Commissioner William Dlamini, who passed away on Saturday morning at OR Tambo International Airport.

The top cop, according to a SAPS statement, was in transit to Eswatini from Angola where he attended the 26th Interpol African Regional Conference.

“The Commissioner collapsed and died at the airport. Both the family and the delegation that accompanied the late Commissioner on his official trip have received psychosocial services from psychologists attached to the SAPS Employee Health and Wellness unit,” the statement read.

National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, has since on behalf of the SAPS sent his condolences to the Royal Eswatini Police Service as well as the family of Dlamini.

Masemola described Dlamini as a soft-spoken and committed senior police officer who was dedicated to enhancing cooperation to counter transnational organised crime in the region.

“Our sincerest condolences to the Royal Eswatini Police Service and the family of the late Commissioner. Commissioner Dlamini was humble and dedicated to the cause of serving.

“He was always available to discuss collaboration in preventing and combating cross-border crime in the SADC region. The SAPS is providing the necessary support in line with its expertise through its Interpol office,” said Masemola.

Police at the airport have also registered an inquest docket to determine the cause of death. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Sun, 10/08/2023 - 12:06

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6 October 2023

SADC – GMI signs agreement to promote sustainable water resources management

Location: News

SADC – GMI signs agreement to promote sustainable water resources management

The Incomati and Maputo Watercourse Commission (INMACOM) and Southern African Development Community – Groundwater Management Institute (SADC – GMI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster the promotion of equitable and reasonable utilisation of water resources of the Incomati and Maputo Basin.

The agreement also seeks to ensure efficient management and sustainable development of the resources.

The signing ceremony took place on the sidelines of the 10th SADC River Basin Organisations (RBO) and Shared Watercourse Institutions (SWI) workshop, held at Joachim Chissano Conference Centre in Maputo on 2 - 4 October 2023.

The workshop aimed to facilitate the exchange of ideas that will enhance effective transboundary water resources planning, development, and management in the region, while ensuring environmental sustainability and resilience in order to improve regional water security, and ultimately reduce poverty through regional integration, economic productivity and industrialisation.

Through the signed MoU, the two parties have agreed on the following areas of cooperation, amongst others:
•   Engage in academic research on the Incomati and Maputo Basins on items of mutual interest, particularly on groundwater related issues.
•   Share any information that improves the knowledge base on transboundary aquifers in the Incomati and Maputo Basins.
•   Design and undertake joint excursions and projects within the two basins.
•   Explore funding opportunities from various cooperating partners and funders to implement joint activities within the basin.

INMACOM is an entity established by the Kingdom of Eswatini, Republic of Mozambique, and Republic of South Africa through the Incomati and Maputo Watercourse Commission Establishment Agreement entered into in November 2021.

This is an instrument used to guide the Riparian States in contributing to regional cooperation with regard to the utilisation and development of common water resources.

The main responsibility of the Commission is to, amongst others, encourage cooperation between the parties to ensure the development, protection and sustainable utilisation of the water resources shared by the Member States.

The Department of Water and Sanitation has welcomed the new development, saying the combined effort by the Member States, through South Africa’s Water and Sanitation, Department of Water Resources in Eswatini and Mozambique’s Department of Water and Natural Resources, could also contribute positively towards “peace, stability and prosperity of the Southern African region”.

“SADC-GMI, is established as the regional Centre of Excellence in promoting equitable and sustainable groundwater management and providing solutions to groundwater challenges across the SADC region for improved livelihoods and socio-economic development. This also forms part of SADC agenda of regional integration and poverty eradication.

“Furthermore, SADC-GMI mandate is to create an enabling policy, legal and regulatory environment, capacity development, advancing research, supporting groundwater infrastructure development, and create an enabling dialogue and accessibility of groundwater information in the SADC region,” the department said in a statement. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Fri, 10/06/2023 - 09:48

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26 September 2023

Over 50 avian influenza cases confirmed in South Africa

Location: News

Over 50 avian influenza cases confirmed in South Africa

South Africa is dealing with a number of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5 and H7 outbreaks, with more than 50 cases confirmed in various parts of the country, according to the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD).

The department has urged poultry farmers to immediately report any suspicion of the disease to the nearest State Veterinarian.

As of 21 September 2023, a total of 50 HPAI H7 outbreaks and 10 HPAI H5 outbreaks have been reported.

Gauteng province is the hardest hit by HPAI H7, with 37 confirmed cases.

Mpumalanga, Limpopo and North West have confirmed two cases, respectively, while the Free State has recorded one case.

“The reported number of chickens that have died is 107 705, while the reported number of chickens that were culled is 1 318 521. Based on these reported figures, there has been a total loss of 1 426 226 chickens.

“The Western Cape province is the hardest hit with regards to the HPAI H5 outbreak, having a total of seven reported outbreaks. The other 3 HPAI H5 outbreaks are within the KwaZulu-Natal province,” the department said in a statement.

The reported number of chickens that have died of HPAI H5 is 98 249, while the reported number of chickens that were culled is 1 156 283, bringing the total loss of 1 254 532 chickens.

The department said it has noted an increasing number of newly detected H7 and H5 PCR positive farms, and urged the industry to ensure biosecurity on poultry farms to reduce the risk of introduction.

The department has facilitated the importation of fertile eggs for the broiler industry and, it said “a similar request for the table eggs will be considered if received”.

It is also facilitating the transit to Eswatini of fertile eggs for their broiler production.

The department has met with vaccine registration regulators and it was agreed that the registration of vaccination will be fast tracked. However, the meeting agreed that safety, efficacy and quality will not be compromised.

Due to the high probability of the avian influenza virus mutating and becoming zoonotic, the department warned that care needs to be taken on the quality and efficacy parameters of the vaccine chosen for use in this exercise.

“The criteria under which vaccination will be permitted is almost in its final development, and only farms with good biosecurity and approved to vaccinate by the department will be given permission to vaccinate. The other requirements for vaccination will be surveillance to enable early detection of incursion and mandatory slaughter of vaccinated chickens.

“The department further encourages all producers to intensify their biosecurity measures on the farm. The basic measures should aim at preventing contact with wild birds, including their faecal material, which can be transported in boots and equipment,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Tue, 09/26/2023 - 15:23

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26 September 2023

Southern Africa sets out to strengthen One Health approach

Location: News

FAO Regional Office for Africa
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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.

14 September 2023

Coming together starts with ‘hello’ this Heritage Month

Location: MyPR

South Africa is a diverse country made up of vibrant, multicultural communities. This cultural richness is evident in the many languages, dialects, phrases, and expressions that make South Africa so unique. The recent addition of South African Sign Language to the country’s 11 existing official languages creates even more opportunities to connect. To celebrate the …

6 September 2023

Video: Kalahari project gives people their sight back

Location: News

Removing cataracts is easy and inexpensive. Yet in some parts of South Africa thousands of people are waiting for surgery.

6 September 2023

Facelift for land ports of entry

Location: News

Facelift for land ports of entry

Home Affairs Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, says officials are committed to making the country's border posts safer, less porous and more efficient in the facilitation and easing of trade, as well as the legitimate movement of people.

“The South African government is committed to putting in the latest infrastructure and relevant technology in its efforts to modernise and upgrade our ports to be on par with the current global best practices on border management,” Motsoaledi said.

Addressing media in Pretoria on Wednesday, Motsoaledi said the main objective of upgrading border posts is to make it easier for law-abiding people and companies to easily enter and exit South Africa through the borders, while the illicit movement of persons and goods is nipped in the bud.

“It has taken a while for us to get to this point. I would like to commend my team consisting of officials from the Border Management Authority, the Department of Home Affairs, The Presidency’s Infrastructure SA, National Treasury, SARS, the DBSA’s Infrastructure Fund, and the transactional advisors, Bowmans and Ernst & Young, for their hard work in getting us to this point,” Motsoaledi said.

He said South Africa’s ports of entry were designed during the apartheid era, with the primary objective of tightened security, while neglecting the effective facilitation of regional and international trade.

“Since the advent of democracy, there has been an exponential increase in the number of people moving between South Africa and the countries in the region. The volume of regional and international trade has similarly increased.

“As a result, our land ports of entry are very congested and that continues to stifle trade, instead of enabling it. If you want to understand what we are talking about, just take a visit to the Lebombo Border Post between SA and Mozambique, where you will see trucks lining up for kilometres, bumper to bumper, for hours on end, on the N4 Corridor,” Motsoaledi said.

He said this is because mining companies in the North West, Limpopo and Mpumalanga took a decision to use the Maputo Port for their exports and no longer Richards Bay Harbour.

“Given the current narrow design of the port, this has led to congestion. The announcement we are making today will make sure that what is happening there, will become history (sic),” the Minister said.

Improvements to boost continental trade

Motsoaledi said SA has 72 ports of entry, 53 of which are land, 11 are international airports and eight are seaports -- all of which are now operated by the Border Management Authority.

“Of the 53 land ports of entry, we have now earmarked six of our largest and busiest, by traffic volume, for redevelopment in order to address the congestion. The outcome of the redevelopment of these ports of entry will be used as a blueprint in the long-term for all other South Africa’s land ports of entry.

“The primary intention is to ensure the realisation of regional economic integration in the SADC region, while facilitating the realisation of African Continental Free Trade Area,” the Minister said.

Motsoaledi said in order to ensure that ongoing operations at each of the designated Ports of Entry are not interrupted, construction will be undertaken in phases.

“During construction, the project is expected to create in the order of 38 000 jobs in areas around the six designated ports of entry,” he said.

The six ports of entry earmarked for upgrading or redevelopment are:

• Beitbridge - Zimbabwe

• Lebombo - Mozambique

• Maseru Bridge – Lesotho

• Ficksburg - Lesotho

• Kopfontein - Botswana

• Oshoek - Eswatini

The redeveloped ports of entry will result in:

• Efficient cross-border management of the movement of people, goods and services.

• Improved administration of persons entering and leaving the Republic.

• Better regional economic integration, and enhanced support for the African Continental Free Trade Area.

• Improved revenue collection and addressing leakages caused by the illegal movement of goods and illicit financial flows.

• Protecting local industry from harmful imports and exports.

• Effective migration management including curbing illegal migration. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Wed, 09/06/2023 - 13:10

405 views

29 August 2023

Coca-Cola Africa welcomes current Vice President of Operations in South Africa

Location: News

Coca-Cola Africa has welcomed Sergio Vieira as the new Vice President of Franchise Operations, South Africa. Vieira joins the Coca-Cola Africa Operating Unit (AOU) (http://www.Coca-ColaCompany.com/) in Johannesburg.

Vieira replaces Phillipine Mtikitiki, who has taken on the role of Vice President of Franchise Operations, overseeing Italy and Albania.

Vieira's mission is to hone the company's strategic direction, grow and develop the business, strengthen partnerships, and build new relationships across South Africa, Eswatini, and Lesotho.

Luisa Ortega, Africa Operating Unit President at Coca-Cola Africa, said, "Sergio has a critical role in creating a highly dynamic environment that drives high performance and in building the next generation of leaders. His experience and expertise are invaluable as we continue to grow and expand our operations, and we look forward to the contributions he will make to our company."

Vieira has worked in the Coca-Cola system for over 20 years, joining Brazil's bottler's commercial function in 2002. In 2016, he took on the role of Marketing Director at Coca-Cola Hellenic, Nigeria. A key highlight was the awards for the best Growth Project for EMEA and the best Revenue Growth Management project globally.

Vieira said, "I am thrilled with the appointment and with the move to South Africa with my family. The business in South Africa supports a strong brand portfolio, has a talented team, and an enviable reputation as a leader in FMCG. Coca-Cola in South Africa is well-positioned and has achieved significant strides, such as being certified as a top employer in the food and beverage category by the Top Employer Institute, strategically positioning it for far greater success in the future."

Vieira has a bachelor's degree in business from Universidade Federal de Pernambuco in Brazil, specialising in finance, marketing, and innovation. He is passionate about football, loves learning about new cultures, is committed to leading the equity and female agenda, and enjoys travelling with his wife and children.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Coca-Cola.

For Media Enquiries
Lindiwe Zikalala:
lzikalala@coca-cola.com

Media files
Coca-Cola

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22 August 2023

Find your 5km fit at the Boxer Super Dash

Location: MyPR

The Boxer Super Run will create an unforgettable experience for all participants on Sunday 15 October 2023 when it floods the streets of Durban with waves of 5km excitement. “The 5km distance is a global favourite for various reasons,” says Lee-Ann Pillay, Boxer Superstores Head of Department: Marketing. “The popularity can be attributed to its …

21 August 2023

Caveat Legal Provides Modern Africa-Focussed Data Compliance Programmes for Companies

Location: MyPR

Cape Town, South Africa – Specialist Commercial Legal consultancy Caveat Legal has announced a new programme to help African companies comply with the myriad different Data Protection Laws across the multiple jurisdictions on the African continent. The last two years have seen a massive uptake in data protection laws and regulations in Africa with South …

16 August 2023

President Ramaphosa arrives in Luanda for 43rd Ordinary SADC Summit

Location: News

President Ramaphosa arrives in Luanda for 43rd Ordinary SADC Summit

President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in Luanda, in the Republic of Angola, to participate in a summit of Southern African leaders who will focus on sustainable industrialisation of the region.

The President is accompanied by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Thandi Modise, and the Minister in the Presidency responsible for State Security, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni.

The 43rd Ordinary Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) is held under the theme, 'Human and financial capital: The key drivers for sustainable industrialisation of the SADC Region'.

The Summit will be preceded by the Troika Summit of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation today. President Ramaphosa, as the outgoing Chairperson of the SADC Organ, will also attend the Troika Summit.

“The Organ Troika Summit, will discuss the political and security situation in the region with particular focus on the Kingdom of Lesotho, Kingdom of Eswatini, Mozambique (SADC Mission in Mozambique) and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“The Organ Troika Summit will also reflect on consolidation of democracy in SADC and deliberate the socio-economic outlook for the Community,” the Presidency said in a statement.

Other activities of the Summit will include the announcement of the 2022 SADC Secondary School Essay Competition, the Media Awards and the presentation of the Medal of Honour to one of the SADC Founders – the late and first President of the Republic of Botswana, Sir Seretse Khama. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Wed, 08/16/2023 - 14:39

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15 August 2023

Ramaphosa to attend 43rd Ordinary SADC Summit in Angola

Location: News

The Presidency: Republic of South Africa
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President Cyril Ramaphosa will undertake a working visit to Luanda, in the Republic of Angola, on 16 and 17 August 2023, to participate in a summit of Southern African leaders who will focus on sustainable industrialisation of the region.

The 43rd Ordinary Summit of the Head of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community is themed “Human and financial capital: The key drivers for sustainable industrialisation of the SADC Region”.

The Summit will be preceded by the Troika Summit of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation on 16 August 2023.

President Ramaphosa, as the outgoing Chairperson of the SADC Organ, will also attend the Troika Summit.

The Organ Troika Summit, will discuss the political and security situation in the region with particular focus on the Kingdom of Lesotho, Kingdom of Eswatini, Mozambique (SADC Mission in Mozambique) and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The Organ Troika Summit will also reflect on consolidation of democracy in SADC and deliberate the socio-economic outlook for the Community.

Other activities of the Summit include the announcement of the 2022 SADC Secondary School Essay Competition, the Media Awards and the presentation of the Medal of Honour to one of the SADC Founders – the late and first President of the Republic of Botswana, His Excellency, Sir Seretse Khama.

The two Summits will be preceded by the SADC Council of Ministers meeting on 13 – 14 August 2023, and a Ministerial Committee of the Organ on 16 August 2023.

President Ramaphosa will be accompanied by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms Thandi Modise, and the Minister in Presidency responsible for State Security, Ms Khumbudzo Ntshavheni.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency: Republic of South Africa.

15 August 2023

President Ramaphosa to attend SADC Summit

Location: News

President Ramaphosa to attend SADC Summit

Southern African leaders are expected to gather at Luanda in Angola for the 43rd Ordinary Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

President Cyril Ramaphosa, in his capacity as outgoing Chairperson of the SADC Organ, is expected to attend the summit.

It will be held on Thursday under the theme “Human and financial capital: The key drivers for sustainable industrialisation of the SADC Region.” It will be preceded on Wednesday by the Troika Summit of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.

“The Organ Troika Summit will also reflect on consolidation of democracy in SADC and deliberate the socio-economic outlook for the Community.

“Other activities of the Summit include the announcement of the 2022 SADC Secondary School Essay Competition, the Media Awards and the presentation of the Medal of Honour to one of the SADC Founders – the late and first President of the Republic of Botswana, His Excellency, Sir Seretse Khama,” the Presidency said on Tuesday.

International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor, the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Thandi Modise, and Minister in Presidency responsible for State Security Khumbudzo Ntshavheni will accompany the President. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Tue, 08/15/2023 - 09:18

556 views

12 July 2023

Exciting Culinary Line-Up Announced

Location: Entertainment

The Standard Bank Luju Food & Lifestyle Festival, back for its 5th edition, is a unique and sophisticated African-vintage styled celebration of the local, the wholesome, the creative, and the delicious, truly a sensory experience. Luju is a lavish two-day feast of music, fashion, entertainment, culinary exploits, and connoisseur-led premium showcases, taking place in Eswatini …