MyZA
News, Directory, Events and Other Stuff
Soweto landmark gets a new lease on life with a Heritage Hall and community shopping centre SOWETO, SOUTH AFRICA, 28 November 2023 – The iconic Eyethu Theatre in Soweto, home to one of the first black-owned cinemas in South Africa, has been revitalised and transformed into a contemporary community hub while preserving a local legacy …
24 November 2023: Ombudsman honours best banks at resolving complaints The Ombudsman for Banking Services (OBS), Reana Steyn, has shown her appreciation to banks that have best co-operated with her office in resolving customers’ complaints. At the OBS Annual Banking Awards ceremony in Johannesburg on 24 November, Steyn, recognised those banks and their staff that …
23 November 2023, Johannesburg: Following the South African Reserve Bank’s decision earlier today to leave its benchmark repo rate unchanged, FNB confirms it will maintain its prime rate at existing levels and will review this position after the next SARB MPC meeting in January 2024. FNB CEO Jacques Celliers says, “While many factors indicated the …
By Chantal Marx, Head of Investment Research at FNB Wealth and Investments Black Friday has grown in prominence in South Africa over the last few years and has fundamentally changed the way South Africans shop. While average spending in November has historically been higher than in the first 10 months of the year, it was …
By Prof. Mark Nasila, Chief Data and Analytics Officer in FNB Chief Risk Office 21 November 2023: For jobs to be created, new industries need to be created and for that, you need people. A unique opportunity for job creation is emerging with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), which is set to not only become …
Stay ahead of the game using PPI to maximise savings this Black Friday Even though there is a continuous narrative that South African consumers are facing a tough economic environment, and that discretionary spending is under pressure, annual Black Friday sales are steadily increasing. First National Bank’s (FNB) statistics show that its cardholders spent nearly …
Following the announcement of FNB’s partnership with National Treasury to offer Energy Bounce Back (EBB) Loan Guarantee Scheme to both commercial and individual customers. Individual customers can now apply for the personal solar loan benefit to enable affordable funding for the purchase of solar solutions at an interest rate of prime +1% which is one …
Rugby World Cup win demonstrates power of transformation
President Cyril Ramaphosa says the 2023 Rugby World Cup (RWC) win has demonstrated the power of transformation.
“The Springboks are a potent symbol of just how far we have come as a people. That is why you have been so warmly embraced by South Africans of all races as their own,” President Ramaphosa said.
This was the fourth victory by the Springboks for the championship. All four championships have taken place during South Africa’s democratic years.
The President reflected on when former Boks captain Francois Pienaar and President Nelson Mandela lifted the Webb Ellis Cup at Ellis Park Stadium on 24 June 1995.
“Our democracy was just over one year old. South Africa had just been readmitted to World Rugby three years earlier. There was only one black player on the team, the legendary Chester Williams. It was a monumental, historic and deeply symbolic occasion. This win is also monumental,” he said.
The Springboks won the 2023 RWC against New Zealand at the finals in Paris, France, on Saturday, 28 October 2023.
Welcoming the Rugby World Cup champions at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Thursday, the President was joined by scores of Springbok supporters across different age groups and races, who filled the streets and cheered for the team.
They were in high spirits, proudly wearing their Springbok jerseys as they celebrated and chanted the names of their favourite players.
A large media contingent was also present to capture the Webb Ellis Cup parade, which kicked off in Pretoria. The world champions are embarking on a four-day Trophy Tour to major regional population centres from Thursday, with the next stop being in Johannesburg and Soweto, concluding at FNB Stadium.
“Never in the history of the Rugby World Cup has any team lifted the trophy on four occasions. Until now. In doing so, you have lifted the spirits of an entire nation and filled us with pride.
“You have united the South African people. The words 'Amabokobo', 'Go Bokke' are being shouted from the rooftops by black and white, young and old, urban and rural dwellers, in all our national languages. Over the past eight weeks, this country has been a sea of green and gold.
“People who haven’t even followed rugby before or been interested in the game are now talking with confidence about scrums, rucks, drop kicks and tries,” the President said.
He said the performance of the Springboks in this year’s Rugby World Cup has captured people’s imagination and energised them in a way not seen in a long time.
“It has reminded us that even amidst our many challenges, there is always room for optimism and hope. I have said before that we do not make light of the challenges our country faces. We certainly do not imagine that a sporting victory can or will wish them away.
“Your journey to victory in France on Saturday night was as much about our journey towards nationhood as it was about sporting excellence. It was as much about the power of transformation,” said the President.
He said Amabokoboko are testament to the power of a dream.
“Every young boy and girl in this country today – whether they are black, white, Indian or coloured – now knows they don’t have to be content with dreaming of becoming like you. They know they can be you,” the President said.
The Springbok rugby team tour will continue in Cape Town (Friday, 3 November) and Durban (Saturday, 4 November) before concluding in the Eastern Cape (East London) on Sunday, 5 November.
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi expressed gratitude to South Africans for supporting the team during the tournament.
“We, as a team, chose to dedicate this World Cup to you because you are the reason we are where we are today. Your resilient spirit, how hard you work and the things that you go through to be where you are in life.
“Your support kept us going. We are very diverse and we wanted to show that diversity is our strength in South Africa. We need to use our diversity. It is a powerful force that many countries do not have and that we can use.
“When we work together regardless of our backgrounds, we put South Africa first and work for South Africa. That is what we did. We did it by playing rugby,” Kolisi said.
South African Rugby Union (SARU) President Mark Alexander said the team’s victory is a testament of the unwavering support and boundless passion of the millions of South Africans who supported the team.
“Your Tik Toks, YouTube and Facebook posts celebrating the victories played a role in motivating our team as they fought brilliantly on the field. Our team has achieved a historic fourth Rugby World Cup, an epic accomplishment that could not have been possible without the dedication and commitment of our players, led by the coaching team,” Alexander said. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 11/02/2023 - 11:56
President Ramaphosa to welcome rugby world champs
President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Thursday morning welcome the Rugby World Cup Champions, the Springboks, to the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
The Springboks won the 2023 Rugby World Cup against New Zealand in Paris, France on Saturday.
The welcome ceremony at the Union Buildings for the national team signifies the start of the Rugby World Champions’ National Trophy Tour.
The team touched down at the OR Tambo International Airport on Tuesday to a rousing welcome from the public.
The Webb Ellis Cup parade will kick off on Thursday in Pretoria, Johannesburg and Soweto, concluding at FNB Stadium; and proceed to Cape Town on 03 November 2023; Durban on 04 November 2023 before the tour ends in the Eastern Cape (East London) on 05 November 2023.
Members of the public in Pretoria are welcome to witness this event from Government Avenue, Arcadia.
President to update Parliament
Meanwhile, President Ramaphosa will on Thursday afternoon engage with Members of Parliament (MPs) on diverse national issues when he responds to Questions for Oral Reply in the National Assembly.
Among issues MPs have raised with the President are:
• the mandate of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) and its accountability to Parliament;
• commissions of inquiry established by the President;
• combating violence against women and children;
• insights gained from the Census 2022 for macro-economic policy;
• fiscal discipline within Government.
The President will also discuss the state of readiness of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and its capacity to fulfill its constitutional mandate.
Parliamentary Questions for Oral and Written Reply are one of the mechanisms through which Parliament holds the Executive to account.
The questions session will start at 14:00. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Wed, 11/01/2023 - 09:40
Kolisi dedicates World Cup win to all South Africans
With the melting pot of different cultures in the Springbok team, Captain Siya Kolisi has attributed winning the 2023 Rugby World Cup to the champions working together in pursuit of inspiring the nation.
Addressing a media briefing upon their arrival at OR Tambo International Airport from France, Kolisi thanked South Africans for supporting the team during the tournament and dedicated the win to people who want to achieve their dreams regardless of their circumstances.
“We wanted to make sure that this win was for the people of South Africa because of the diversity in our team. We all come from different walks of life and different races. This trophy is for people who come from tough circumstances and disadvantaged areas… who want to make something out of their lives. This is for you because we also come from those environments. We want people to get a reference point to see how they can make it from their situation. It is also for people who come from rich homes,” Kolisi said on Tuesday.
The national team was welcomed at the airport by scores of jubilant South Africans donning the Springbok colours with hopes of getting a glimpse of the world champions. This is after they triumphed over New Zealand in the final match of the 2023 Rugby World Cup tournament, beating New Zealand 12-11 on Saturday to lift the Webb Ellis Cup once more.
“As a team we had to learn [to work together]. We knew our cultures were different and that comes with differences amongst ourselves. We had a coaching staff who knew how to align us as a group; who knew how to put us together so we can focus towards a common goal, which was the Springboks and the people of South Africa.
“Our coaches taught us about taking care of each other and reminded us about our painful past, which some people have not healed from. We speak about it honestly amongst our team and talk about transformation. It is important to talk about healing from our past. We need to know the way forward; how do get better as South Africa,” he said.
Kolisi said transformation is about people changing internally; understanding each other’s cultures and taking care of each other.
“I know this win is going to inspire the country but it will not change people’s circumstances. For us as players, it will give us a platform that can open opportunities through the work that we do with our foundations,” he said.
Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Zizi Kodwa said the victory paid homage to President Nelson Mandela who had the vision that sport has the ability to unite.
“Your performance both on and off the field has represented you well as ambassadors of the country of our dreams, united as defined in the preamble of our Constitution,” he said.
South Africans will get the opportunity to see the 2023 Rugby World Cup trophy in person when the Springboks embark on a four-day tour from Thursday.
The tour has been meticulously planned to convey the team’s appreciation and proudly showcase the trophy as it embarks on another four-year journey in South Africa.
The tour will start in Pretoria, Johannesburg and Soweto – concluding at FNB Stadium – on Thursday, 2 November. It will then continue in Cape Town (Friday, 3 November) and Durban (Saturday, 4 November) before concluding in the Eastern Cape (East London) on Sunday, 5 November.
“The locations have been selected for population size in the first three instances and because of the Eastern Cape’s rugby significance in the fourth. Satellite tours to Bloemfontein, Nelson Mandela Bay and other centres will be scheduled for 2024. Such tours following the 2019 victory had to be abandoned because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The route for each tour has been prepared in consultation with the respective local authorities and the South African Police Service,” SA Rugby said on Sunday.
Route maps and timings will be published at www.springboks.rugby and on SA Rugby’s social media channels and by local authorities. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Tue, 10/31/2023 - 13:55
Springbok supporters await arrival of their champions
Scores of jubilant South Africans donning the Springbok colours have arrived at OR Tambo International Airport to welcome the world champions back home after their victory at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
The national side triumphed over New Zealand in the final match of the 2023 Rugby World Cup tournament, beating New Zealand 12-11 on Saturday to lift the Webb Ellis Cup once more.
The supporters, who have braved the cold and rainy weather to get a glimpse of the team, are in high spirits, singing and dancing. The team will address the nation at a media conference that has been scheduled upon their arrival from France on Tuesday.
Boks head coach Jacques Nienaber, Captain Siya Kolisi and other squad members are expected to attend a media briefing at 12pm.
The team arrives in South Africa on Tuesday (10:55am) and will commence a four-day trophy tour to major regional population centres from Thursday.
The tour has been meticulously planned to convey the team’s appreciation and proudly showcase the trophy as it embarks on another four-year journey in South Africa.
The tour will start in Pretoria, Johannesburg and Soweto – concluding at FNB Stadium – on Thursday, 2 November. It will then continue in Cape Town (Friday, 3 November) and Durban (Saturday, 4 November) before concluding in the Eastern Cape (East London) on Sunday, 5 November.
“The locations have been selected for population size in the first three instances and because of the Eastern Cape’s rugby significance in the fourth. Satellite tours to Bloemfontein, Nelson Mandela Bay and other centres will be scheduled for 2024. Such tours following the 2019 victory had to be abandoned because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The route for each tour has been prepared in consultation with the respective local authorities and the South African Police Service,” SA Rugby said on Sunday.
Route maps and timings will be published at www.springboks.rugby, on SA Rugby’s social media channels and by local authorities in due course. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Tue, 10/31/2023 - 10:09
Springboks to embark on a four-day trophy tour
South Africans will get an opportunity see the 2023 Rugby World Cup trophy when the Springboks rugby team tour the country this week.
The world champions will embark on a four-day Trophy Tour to major regional population centres from Thursday. The team arrives back in South Africa on Tuesday (10:55am) at OR Tambo International Airport and will commence the tour 48 hours later.
This as the national side triumphed over New Zealand in the final match of the tournament, beating New Zealand 12-11 on Saturday to lift the Webb Ellis trophy.
The tour will start in Pretoria, Johannesburg and Soweto – concluding at FNB Stadium – on Thursday, 2 November. It will then continue in Cape Town (Friday, 3 November) and Durban (Saturday, 4 November) before concluding in the Eastern Cape (East London) on Sunday, 5 November.
“The locations have been selected for population size in the first three instances and because of the Eastern Cape’s rugby significance in the fourth. Satellite tours to Bloemfontein, Nelson Mandela Bay and other centres will be scheduled for 2024. Such tours following the 2019 victory had to be abandoned because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The route for each tour has been prepared in consultation with the respective local authorities and the South African Police Service,” SA Rugby said on Sunday.
Route maps and timings will be published at www.springboks.rugby, on SA Rugby’s social media channels and by local authorities in due course. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Mon, 10/30/2023 - 09:34
Today FNB was named South Africa’s Best Digital Bank in the 12th annual South African SITEisfaction® survey conducted by Human8 (previously known as InSites Consulting and Columinate). FNB was rated highest for innovation, demonstrated by a successful redesign of the FNB App. Survey correspondents also rated FNB as trustworthy, with commendable efforts in proactive communications …
Investing in shares is one of the more direct ways to gain exposure to the stock market and to easily diversify your portfolio. However, one needs to know where to invest in order to achieve inflation beating returns over the long term. Choosing the right investment strategy that aligns with your investment objective and circumstances …
Mompati Mall is set to transform Vryburg in the North West province with its brand-new shopping experience that will launch to the public on 26 October 2023 with a spectacular grand opening. Vryburg’s very first mall, the ground-breaking new 22 700sqm shopping centre development by Twin City, is set to be a retail game-changer, introducing …
In an era where climate change is firmly on the global agenda, FNB is pleased to launch a new nav» Earth feature of the FNB App to help millions of its customers to improve sustainable living by understanding the impact of their carbon emissions on the environment and ways to reduce it. The innovative tool …
With the increased cost of living, managing your money in your retirement years can be a challenging exercise for many. Running out of money during one’s retirement years is a prime concern for many retirees. Although people have reasons to be concerned with the rise of economic pressures and the cost of living, consumers can …
As a testament to the resilience and dedication of South African stokvel savers, FNB revealed that its customers’ stokvel net deposits have increased by 42%. Since November 2019, FNB stokvel customers have continually increased saving via a stokvel surpassing the R8.3 billion mark in total member contributions. The growth is a potent indication of the …
FNB has launched a suite of structured investment solutions that is designed to effectively help FNB and RMB Private Bank clients achieve their investment goals. Structured solutions are traditionally offered to large institutional investors, however FNB is making these solutions available to individual clients, offering them an exciting new way to achieve a well-rounded, risk-managed …
In a volatile economic landscape, the importance of prudent financial planning and savvy saving strategies becomes more critical than ever. When inflation is high, the value of money seems to shift like sand beneath our feet, with a knock-on effect on interest rates and the cost of living. Despite this, it’s encouraging to see many …
Debt consolidation allows consumers to consolidate their debt held with various credit providers into one manageable debt that they can pay off. Debt consolidation can lead to better control and financial relief for the consumer. Alpheus Legodi, FNB Loans Product Head, says, “If used correctly, debt consolidation can be a powerful money management tool for …
Agriculture is a capital-intensive activity, typically with years passing between initial investment and revenue. The primary challenge facing small scale farmers is access to reasonably priced, reasonably termed funding to drive capital investment in their enterprises. The Economic Transformation of Black Citrus Growers (ETBCG) programme began with a proposal by the Citrus Growers Association (CGA) …
R32-million paid by hundreds of grassroots organisations into accounts of KZN NLC official and his wife
SIU granted order to freeze KZN NLC official’s bank accounts
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has been granted a preservation order by the Special Tribunal to freeze approximately R2.4 million held in four bank accounts linked to a KwaZulu-Natal National Lotteries Commission’s (NLC) official and his wife.
According to the SIU statement, the money was paid into the accounts by non-profit organisations that received funding from the NLC to improve the conditions of ordinary South Africans, but made its way into the bank accounts for self-enrichment.
“An investigation by the SIU into the affairs of the NLC revealed that [Sibonelo] Vilakazi approached daycare centres and football clubs in KZN to apply for grant funding. Immediately after receiving funding, football clubs and care centres would transfer large sums of money into 05 ZZET ENTERPRISES (PTY) LTD’s bank account and those linked to Zuma and Vilakazi.
“A report by the Financial Intelligence Centre states that 05 ZZET Enterprises received multiple electronic fund transfer payments from several care centres and football clubs of approximately R 32 259 707. SIU investigations show that more than 400 care centres and football clubs made payments to accounts linked to Vilakazi and Zuma from money received from the NLC between 2019 and 2023,” SIU spokesperson, Kaizer Kganyago said.
In terms of the order dated 13 September 2023, the suspended NLC official Sibonelo Vilakazi, his wife Nosipho Zanele Zuma and 05 ZZET ENTERPRISES (PTY) LTD, solely owned by Zuma, are prohibited from dealing in any manner with funds held in the frozen bank accounts.
“In August 2023, the Tribunal granted a similar order pending the intervention application by the SIU in a matter brought by Zuma against First National Bank (FNB) before the High Court of South Africa: Kwa-Zulu Natal Local Division, Durban, and the subsequent conclusion of the main application to be brought by the SIU in the Special Tribunal.
“The bank had frozen Zuma’s bank accounts through its own processes. The High Court granted the order in favour of Zuma [and] as a result, the SIU approached the Special Tribunal to vary the order so that it was not dependent on any other court process,” Kganyago said.
The SIU was, in terms of Proclamation R32 of 2020, authorised by President Cyril Ramaphosa to investigate allegations of corruption and maladministration in the affairs of NLC and the conduct of NLC officials and to recover any financial losses suffered by the State.
The SIU has been granted a preservation order to freeze approximately R2.4 million, pending the final determination of a civil action to be brought by the Unit within 60 days. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 09/15/2023 - 11:57