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Set within an indigenous coastal forest teeming with wildlife, the stunning Serenity Hills is an eco-focused estate with a drive towards sustainability. Tasked with overseeing the estate’s maintenance, safety, and preservation – including that of the indigenous wildlife – is Ryne Ferguson (36), the newly appointed Estate Manager. “The position at Serenity Hills is a …
Blessed by abundant natural resources, Africa’s mining sector has historically been a driving force behind the continent’s economic growth. However, the industry now faces a myriad of challenges. As we approach the 2024 Mining Indaba, the world’s largest African mining investment event, it is crucial to reflect on the trajectory of the industry and its …
Stillwater Sports, one of South Africa’s leading events marketing agencies, is excited to announce the partnership with Heart FM, Cape Town’s best loved commercial radio station, as the official Radio and Media Partner for one of the Mother City’s most iconic events, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K. “We are delighted to welcome …
The Runified City 50km is set to take place on 25 February along the scenic beachfront of Gqeberha and local athletes will be looking to shine in a race which will be broadcast live through SuperSport on the day. “I am thrilled that our Runified City 50km is ranked by the International Ultrarunners Association as …
WorldSkills competitions hold value for youth
Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Deputy Minister Buti Manamela, has emphasised the importance of the WorldSkills Competitions saying that they hold immense value for young people.
“By participating in these competitions, they not only showcase their skills but also gain exposure to international standards and best practices.
“The experience gained at these competitions is invaluable and can shape the future trajectory of their careers. Therefore, we must continue to support and promote the participation of our young people in such events,” Manamela said on Thursday.
The Deputy Minister was speaking during the opening of the WorldSkills South Africa National Competition at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Durban International Convention Centre (DICC) in KwaZulu-Natal.
The WorldSkills Conference is taking place under the theme “Skills Change Lives”.
World Skills South Africa has biennial national competitions where students from Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Colleges and Universities of Technology compete in various artisan trades.
This year, students will participate in 21 different skill areas and the winners will represent South Africa at the World Skills International competition in Lyon, France in September 2024.
The Deputy Minister said the department’s responsibility extends beyond the organisation of events and competitions.
“We are committed to improving the quality of apprenticeship and artisan training across the board. We recognise the importance of providing the necessary support to ensure the production of highly skilled artisans who can contribute meaningfully to our economy.
“To achieve this, we are working towards aligning our training programs with industry needs. We are constantly evolving our curriculum to ensure relevance and responsiveness to changing market demands.”
Government is also implementing robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure the quality of training provided by higher education institutions.
He added that the post-school education and training system is required to respond to the needs of the economy and the labour market through imparting skills.
This is done in collaboration with various stakeholders such as Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Colleges, organised business, organised labour, and many other stakeholders.
Last year, the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande launched the National Plan for Post-School Education and Training (NPPSET).
Launched in September 2023, the NPPSET showcases government’s continuous effort towards achieving an improved, transformed, expanded, responsive and articulated post-school education and training.
Manamela also highlighted the importance of effective coordination and collaboration among all stakeholders.
“It is through our collective efforts that we can overcome the challenges and harness the opportunities posed by skills development.
“Let us continue to work hand in hand, leveraging each other's strengths to create an environment that is conducive to the growth and success of our apprenticeship and artisan development initiatives,” he said.
Support
In preparation of the WorldSkills International Competition taking place in Lyon later this year, the Deputy Minister said the department has taken robust measures to support the competitors throughout their journey.
He said the department’s foremost plan is to provide comprehensive support to competitors as it is understood that proper training and skill development play a pivotal role in achieving success at such competitions.
“Therefore, we have planned a series of initiatives to enhance skills development within our participating teams. To begin with, we will organise workshops and training sessions led by industry experts and experienced professionals for our national competition winners.
“These sessions will focus on honing the technical skills of our competitors and preparing them for the challenges they will face in Lyon. Our goal is to equip them with the knowledge and expertise needed to excel in their respective fields.”
He further encouraged everyone to actively participate in fruitful deliberations throughout the conference, sharing their valuable insights and experiences. - SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Thu, 02/01/2024 - 15:46
Port Shepstone Civic Centre under Ray Nkonyeni Local Municipality was a hive of activity on Tuesday, 30 January 2024 as local SMEs attended the Investor Workshop on the new Ugu District One Stop Shop. Hosted by South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise (SCTIE) in partnership with Trade & Investment KwaZulu-Natal (TIKZN), the workshop showcased investment …
President Ramaphosa hands over Welisizwe programme bridges
President Cyril Ramaphosa says the Welisizwe Rural Bridges Programme remains one of government’s top priorities as these bridges improve the safety, well-being, and access for communities in rural areas.
On Wednesday, the President handed over complete bridges at the rural area of Mkhambathini in KwaZulu-Natal.
The Welisizwe Rural Bridges Programme is a result of the objectives announced in the 2023 State of the Nation Address that outlined government’s plan to construct at least 96 bridges during the 2023/24 financial year.
Some 11 bridges have been completed in KwaZulu-Natal with at least 58 other bridges currently under construction throughout the country.
“Because of climate change, extreme weather events like flooding are becoming increasingly common. Communities living along and close to rivers are particularly vulnerable. That is why we see building more Welisizwe rural bridges as a priority.
“The purpose of the programme is to improve safety and well-being for rural communities who have to cross rivers on a daily basis, to boost the local economy by making mobility easier, and to create jobs and support local businesses.
“The bridges that have been handed over today will make it easier for communities to get to the clinic and hospital, to school, to town and to places of work. It will make it easier for them to fetch supplies and to take produce to market,” President Ramaphosa said.
The President said that during the construction of these bridges, community members benefitted through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP).
The EPWP is a medium-to long-term government-funded programme that promotes the use of labour-intensive methods to create work opportunities for poor and unemployed South Africans.
“In addition to these workers, each bridge site uses SANDF [South African National Defence Force] engineers and artisans who do work such as welding, groundwork, earth moving and soil retention.
“Since its inception, this programme has supported skills development by appointing graduates to work in bridge assessment, project management and maintenance, as assistant engineers and as candidate construction project managers.
“The bridge components are all locally sourced from South African companies that specialise in the manufacture and supply of steel-modular type bridges. Local suppliers have also benefitted through the supply of materials such as stones, cement, concrete, road sign paint and personal protective equipment,” he said.
Historical mission
The President reflected that since the dawn of democracy some 30 years ago, government has built bridges “as we work to overcome the divisions of the past”.
“Over centuries of colonialism and decades of apartheid, the needs of the majority of South Africans were deliberately neglected, especially in our rural communities. Infrastructure was built for the benefit of a privileged minority.
“The historical lack of infrastructure in black communities contributed to the deep levels of poverty and inequality that we continue to grapple with today. We remain determined to correct the imbalances in infrastructure.”
He urged community members to protect the bridges from vandalism and destruction.
“It is time to build bridges, not to destroy or burn them. It is time to build together a South Africa that we will be proud to leave for future generations.
“Today, the children of these areas can safely cross flooded rivers and attend school. Today, our grandparents can safely travel to health care facilities or to access government services,” President Ramaphosa concluded. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 02/01/2024 - 08:53
Judge says there are “reasonable grounds” to believe the property Arthur Mafokate bought was from the proceeds of “unlawful activities”
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, …
The 2024 edition of the Dakar – regarded by many veterans as the toughest staging of the ultimate Rally-Raid event since the 2020 move to Saudi Arabia – saw Motul-backed participants achieve notable successes and occupy several of the category podiums. For Motul, the Dakar is not just a legendary challenge for athletes and vehicles. …
Embarking on a journey to rediscover the vitality of sexual health, men have often sought solace in the arms of nature. In many cultures, particularly within the vibrant communities of Western Uganda, traditional medicine for ED has been a cornerstone for those grappling with the often-undiscussed complexities of erectile dysfunction (ED). Far from the clinics and pharmacies, these natural sanctuaries …
Taking place on Sunday 28 April 2024, the Durban International Marathon is one of seven iconic road runs that boast a limited edition Joma Sports event shoe – joining the ranks of esteemed international events such as the Paris 20k, Ibiza Marathon, Rome Marathon, Porto Marathon, Firenze/Florence Marathon and the Madrid Half Marathon. “The Joma …
The ANC MP was sanctioned by Parliament for state capture breaches while she was Minister of Transport
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
SAHRC releases July 2021 unrest report
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has released its report into the July 2021 unrest that unfolded in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), during which some 350 people lost their lives.
The violence and destruction also caused damage to infrastructure and businesses costing South Africa’s economy some R50 billion, with a further two million jobs being lost or affected.
Speaking at the release of the report, SAHRC Commissioner Philile Ntuli said the commission found that myriad factors contributed to the outbreak of destruction and violence during the riots.
“The violence and destruction were symptomatic of unresolved systemic conditions, including post-COVID-19 economic recovery, high unemployment, lawlessness, discrimination, socio-economic divides, and issues within the security sector.
“The Commission concluded that organised groups and individuals opportunistically exploited these conditions to attempt to usurp the rule of law,” Ntuli said.
The Commission’s work focused on four issues namely:
The SAHRC made a series of findings on and recommendations for each issue - including on the South African Police Service and the country’s intelligence services.
The full report can be obtained at https://www.sahrc.org.za/home/21/files/JULY%20UNREST%20REPORT%20FINAL_29%20JAN%202024.pdf.
Ntuli described the unrest as a well-orchestrated and a “violent culmination of deep-rooted political and social challenges” that South Africa had been facing.
“The unrest was largely attributed to typologies of organisation and orchestration of public discord, crime and protest.
“Evidence indicated that the acts during the unrest were well-orchestrated, including the blocking of the N3, destruction of factories and warehouses, attack on government communication facilities, and bombing and theft of ATMs. These events were interconnected and required significant resources.
“Two types of actors were identified during the unrest: primary actors, who led and executed widespread destruction, and secondary actors, who participated in theft. The timing of the events coincided with the incarceration of former President Jacob Zuma, leading to a perception that the two were related,” Ntuli said.
Ntuli said while evidence suggests that the unrest was well orchestrated, the Commission “did not receive clear evidence identifying specific groups or individuals as primary actors, while… the common purpose or intention behind the unrest remained unclear”.
In her concluding remarks, Ntuli said the July 2021 unrest must be a “marker and a lesson” as South Africa continues its journey “from our colonial past”.
“Building a united, inclusive, safe and prosperous South Africa requires confronting the past, acknowledging present challenges, and working together for positive change. The unrest was a wake-up call, nudging us all to the reality of the fragility of the peace and security that some enjoy.
“It was a reminder that the process of democracy and constitutionalism has to benefit all, if it is to be sustained. It was a confrontation with the reality that the Bill of Rights must be realised for all, and particularly for those of whom the same rights were deprived by the colonial and apartheid governments,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 01/29/2024 - 13:23
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 …
Michael Mbambani, a name which is well respected in athletic circles worldwide, received well deserved recognition this weekend when he won the ASA Coach of the Year Award at the annual ASA Awards event. EPA also scooped the ASA Best organised Championships for their annual EPA ASA Senior Half Marathon Championship event which this year …
Former Transport Minister seeks to have her suspension lifted. #UniteBehind opposes her bid.
Suitable for Both Small Businesses and Large Enterprises, New Cloud-based Platform Streamlines Management of LG Digital Signage Solutions BARCELONA, Jan. 26, 2024 — LG Electronics (LG) is set to unveil its innovative cloud solution platform, LG Business Cloud, at Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) 2024. The convenient, new platform allows business customers to browse and subscribe …
Western Cape welcomes R114million relief funding for September floods.
Anton Bredell, Western Cape MEC for Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning today confirmed that National Treasury has approved an amount of R114million to be released from the Municipal Disaster Response Grant to the Western Cape for damages suffered during the floods of September 2023.
“We appreciate this allocation, and I want to thank all the role players who worked together to do damage assessments, drafted the disaster classification application, and worked together with our colleagues at the National Disaster Management Centre to satisfy all the regulatory requirements to qualify for this disaster relief. It is important and necessary funding to help us deal with the significant impact that the flood had on our province”.
MEC Bredell said that although the province applied for relief of more than R700million, we appreciate the R114million, and will now focus on spending the money wisely in the 5 municipalities identified for relief:
MEC Bredell said the intense flooding of 2023, and the current wildfire season which is stretching fire services across the province to the limit, is a wakeup call for all levels of government: “A new mindset is needed for infrastructure development and how we interact with nature. “We cannot repair roads and bridges to be washed away in the next flood. We must design and construct with the future in mind where we should anticipate more extreme weather events.”
The Department of Local Government, together with these municipalities are currently working on dedicated business plans for each of the identified repair projects.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Western Cape Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, South Africa.
Township and village tourism have a lot to offer
Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille says township and village tourism have much to offer in terms of boosting the economy.
“I firmly believe that township and village tourism has so much to offer and so much untapped potential and we must place more focus on this area to showcase our hidden gems and the true magic of our villages and townships,” de Lille said.
Addressing the inaugural Township and Village Tourism Expo hosted by the SA Township and Village Tourism Organisation (SATOVITO) at the Cradle of Humankind, in Morapeng on Thursday, de Lille said the expo aims to shine a light on tourism products in villages and townships where people from disadvantaged backgrounds are breaking through barriers to take their claim in the tourism sector.
“I have found only warm, kind and committed people in tourism in every part of this country and I look forward to exploring even more hidden gems this year and pushing harder with all partners to take the entire tourism sector to the next level,” De Lille said.
De Lille commended the organisers of expo for their objective to foster strong community engagement by involving local residents, community leaders, and stakeholders in the planning and execution of the expo.
“Promoting township and village tourism is an integral part of diversifying our tourism offerings so that we can grow the economy, the sector and the number of jobs created by this sector.
“I am therefore pleased that the South African National Convention Bureau has provided financial support to this expo and that SA Tourism has also supported it through marketing it at global events such as World Travel Market London.
“I have often said that we must place more on emphasising township and village tourism, especially in the annual Sho’t Left campaign and later today there will be workshop on this annual campaign by SA Tourism,” the Minister said.
De Lille said her department wanted to help the organisers to achieve their vision to develop townships and villages into smart residential and business hubs that foster job creation, social cohesion and market indigenous tourism experiences.
“We are your partner to transform the tourism industry and expand the value chain to be more inclusive and attract tourism investment to townships and villages.
“We need to showcase our culture, history, indigenous cultures and people to visitors from all over the world because I am certain that those are the experiences that will leave them with memories they will treasure forever and stories that will captivate them for years to come.
“We need to do better at marketing our history and cultures and show more people places like what is known as “Nobel Street” where we showcase Vilikazi Street in Soweto as being the homes of two Nobel Peace Laureates, our dear Tata Madiba and Archbishop Desmond Tutu,” de Lille said.
De Lille said history has helped transform the area around Vilikazi Street into a thriving business community but there are many more spaces and places like these all over South Africa which can be showcased.
The Tourism Incentive Programme is a package of support programmes aimed at stimulating the growth, development and transformation of the South African Tourism sector.
“Through these incentives, the department aims to transform and achieve accelerated growth in the tourism sector. This in turn contributes to the achievement of the department’s objectives to stimulate enterprise growth, job creation, revenue growth and an enhanced visitor experience,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 01/25/2024 - 12:49
Panorama local Tsidiso Motsoahae was excited to spend two thrilling days alongside his best friend at the Savanna Origin of Trails MTB Experience, South Africa’s “MTB Party of the year” in Stellenbosch at the close of 2023. The excitement soared to new heights when Avalanche, the event partner, pleasantly caught him off guard with the …
Top Nelson Mandela Bay road runner, Melikhaya Frans, will be defending his title this weekend at the Colchester Development 10km Run, which is part of the Legacy Project, sponsored by Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, since 2016. The Colchester Development Run will take place from Mackay Bridge Angling Club in Colchester on Saturday, 27 January. Melikhaya, …
The Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series will launch its 2024 Strava Challenge Campaign this upcoming Sunday, January 28, featuring its infamous RUN.CLIMB.RUN Challenge as the first exciting activity. By completing the Challenge, runners from across the country will stand a chance to win a fantastic prize compliments of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series and …