Litheko And Senokwane Hit Tons For SA Emerging
BULAWAYO: Centuries by openers Modiri Litheko and Lesego Senokwane ensured South Africa Emerging responded strongly against Zimbabwe Emerging on day two...
Free State
SA Emerging Win Series After Drawn Second Test
BULAWAYO: South Africa Emerging and Zimbabwe Emerging played out a draw on the final day of the unofficial second Test at...
Super Senokwane Double Century Put SA Emerging In Command
BULAWAYO: Lesego Senokwane produced an excellent double century to put South Africa Emerging in a strong position after day three of...
Mia Le Roux wins Miss South Africa
Mia Le Roux wins Miss South Africa
Twenty-eight year-old Mia Le Roux has won the Miss South Africa title at glitzy event held at the Sun Bet Arena in Pretoria.
According to the Miss South Africa website, Le Roux she was born in Sasolburg, Free State and raised in Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape.
“She is a marketing manager, model and part-time B Com Marketing student. She was diagnosed with profound hearing loss at the age of one and her community rallied behind her to give her the gift of hearing; inspiring her desire to make a positive impact and break barriers. She describes herself as resilient, dedicated, graceful and kind,” the website said.
In a post on Saturday night on the social media platform X, Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie said: “Congratulations to our South African Queen Mia le Roux. I know you will represent us well at Miss Universe.”
The Miss South Africa pageant describes itself as a leadership platform for ambitious young South African women.
“Through a pageantry process, contestants receive world-renowned coaching in addition to advanced networking, business and life skills. Shaped into brand ambassadors for our country, they become champions of women’s rights, thought leaders and savvy career women who inspire other young South Africans to fulfil their potential, recognise their self-worth and find their place in the world,” the website said. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Sun, 08/11/2024 - 12:03
48 views
We asked nine provinces and a national department for information on the billions of rands they spend annually: here’s what happened
Several provincial social development departments are in breach of their own policy on disclosure. We list the provincial responses from best to worst.
NPA will reinstate Estina case ‘as soon as possible’
NPA will reinstate Estina case 'as soon as possible'
The National Prosecuting Authority Investigating Directorate (NPA ID) has vowed to reinstate the Estina dairy farm case “as soon as possible”, following a decision by the Free State High Court to strike the matter off the court roll.
NPA spokesperson Advocate Mthunzi Mhaga explained that the case was struck off the roll following an application by the defence “in terms of Section 342 A of the Criminal Procedure Act, citing inability to access the electronic version of the hard copies of the so-called Gupta leaked emails”.
“Yet, as early as 2023, as part of the disclosure process, the State had provided the defence with hard copies of the Gupta leaked emails.
“On 15 June 2024, the defence was provided with the electronic versions of the same hard copies disclosed in early 2023. The State also made its own technical expert available to assist the defence in accessing the digital platform, should they experience any challenges,” Mhaga said.
He added that the NPA had been ready to proceed with the case.
“Since the trial date of 5 August 2024, the State has been ready to proceed, with witnesses ready to testify in court. The ID team has been guided by external and experienced Senior Counsel who have worked diligently on all aspects of the Gupta evidence and relevant disclosures.
“The NPA will reflect further on today’s decision; however, the NPA remains undeterred in the pursuit of this matter and will take all necessary steps to reinstate it,” he concluded. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 08/08/2024 - 09:07
77 views
Mogakane Takes Four For SA Emerging In Bulawayo
BULAWAYO: Andile Mogakane claimed four wickets for South Africa Emerging on the opening day of the second unofficial Test against Zimbabwe...
QwaQwa 12-year-old wins international dance championship
Thato Mkwanazi from Phuthaditjhaba nabs the World Dance Masters line dance title in England
Karabo Morapedi rises above the odds
Karabo Morapedi rises above the odds
by More Matshediso
Loving and supporting children who live with disabilities is key to enabling them to reach their full potential.
Karabo Morapedi (22) of Welkom in the Free State is a perfect example of what children with special needs can achieve if they are supported by their families.
He is among the South African athletes who will be flying the country’s flag high at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games in France.
The Paralympic Games are the largest global sporting event for athletes with disabilities. This year, they will open on 28 August and close on 8 September.
Despite being born with cerebral palsy quadriplegia, which affects all four limbs and causes various physical and intellectual challenges, Karabo does not allow the disability to stand between him and his dreams.
At the time of the interview, Karabo was at the World Boccia African Regional Championships in Cairo in Egypt.
Boccia is a Paralympic sport, it is a target ball sport which tests both muscle control and accuracy.
Vuk’uzenzele spoke briefly to his mother and aunt about his life story, academic performance and sport.
His mother, Sebolelo Morapedi, raised Karabo with the help of her sister Selloane Bochedi.
“Karabo’s father passed away when he was just an infant. I raised him together with his aunt,” she explained.
She said Karabo started playing Boccia back in Tswellang Special School in Bloemfontein, which provides Grade R to Grade 9 mainstream education and learner support services to learners who are physically challenged.
He continued with the sport when he joined Martie du Plessis School in Bloemfontein, which is a school for cerebral palsied, physically disabled and learning-disabled learners, where he completed his matric.
Karabo continued to play Boccia at the Central University of Technology (CUT) Welkom Campus, where he graduated with a National Diploma in Public Management this year. He is currently studying towards a qualification in Advanced Diploma in Applied Public Management at the university.
Bochedi said they had to accept his condition, but both committed to giving him love and support that he needed as a child.
“Like any other child, we invested in enrolling him in schools that catered for his special needs, and we have always been actively involved in his educational journey. He has always performed well in school and he excelled in his tertiary education studies,” explained Bochedi.
She believes that Karabo’s journey has so far shown everyone that living with a disability does not mean you have to be locked-up in the house.
She added that Karabo is extremely proud of his achievements so far and he has made his family proud.
The support that he gets from CUT and his coach also encourages him to work harder.
For more information about the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games visit www.paralympic.org/paris-2024.
*This article first appeared in Vuk’uzenzele
Janine
Tue, 08/06/2024 - 12:16
174 views
DWS priorities completion of bucket eradication projects
DWS priorities completion of bucket eradication projects
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) says it will prioritise the completion of the remaining delayed Bucket Eradication Programme projects in the Northern Cape and the Free State.
Briefing the media on the department’s plans and priorities for the 2024/25 financial year on Monday, Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina said of the 33 projects which formed part of the programme in the Free State, 26 have been completed (eradicating approximately 32 000 buckets).
“Approximately 10 000 buckets remain to be eradicated in the seven incomplete projects. Of 30 projects which formed part of the programme in the Northern Cape, 29 are completed (eradicating approximately 12 000 buckets), and 596 buckets remain to be eradicated in the one incomplete project,” Majodina said.
However, the Minister acknowledged that the programme will not result in the eradication of the “undignified” and “repugnant” bucket system altogether from the South African landscape. This is because the programme only focuses on eradicating buckets in certain towns in certain provinces, where they were identified in 2012.
She said since then, and on an ongoing basis, other municipalities elsewhere have introduced buckets systems in formal and informal settlements.
“The eradication of buckets is therefore a moving target. In order to address this, Cabinet has recently approved a National Sanitation Framework which will provide the basis for the department to issue new national minimum norms and standards for sanitation which will prohibit the use of the bucket system in both formal and informal settlements,” Majodina said.
Working together with the Water Research Commission, the department is developing new safe, dignified, on-site and non-sewered sanitation systems.
“These solutions will use much less water than water-borne sewered sanitation systems, which is necessary in a water scarce country such as South Africa. Such systems will need to be implemented by municipalities.”
Strengthening partnerships
The Minister added that the Ministry of Water and Sanitation will continue to collaborate with all sectors, especially the private sector, to contribute to resolving the country’s water and sanitation challenges.
This is in line with President Cyril Ramaphosa’s call to strengthen collaboration and social compacts with the private sector, labour, civil society and government.
In addition to partnerships with mining houses for water supply projects, the department is also facilitating partnerships between the private sector and municipalities, through its Water Partnerships Office, which was established in collaboration with the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA).
This includes finalising plans with the eThekwini, Mangaung, Buffalo City, Nelson Mandela Bay, and Tshwane municipalities to mobilise private sector finance for the replacement of leaking municipal water distribution pipes which are resulting in high levels of non-revenue water.
Water Services Amendment Bill
Meanwhile, the department will shortly be presenting the Water Services Amendment Bill to Cabinet for approval for it to be submitted to Parliament.
Majodina noted that despite the high level of support provided by the department to the municipalities, the municipal water and sanitation services continue to decline.
She said the Amendment Bill provides for the introduction of an operating license system for Water Services Providers, to enable Water Services Authorities to ensure that their providers have a minimum level of capability to provide water and sanitation services that meet national norms and standards.
“The amendments propose that this should be done through the introduction of an operating license requirement for Water Services Providers, to ensure that they have a minimum level of competency.
“The Bill also introduces measures to enable the national department to take regulatory action against municipalities which do not comply with national minimum norms and standards for water services,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 08/05/2024 - 14:23
90 views
Proteas Women Gear Up For T20 World Cup With Skills Camp In Tshwane
TSHWANE: The Proteas Women have gathered in Tshwane for a specialized skills training camp at the CSA Centre of Excellence...
De Klerk Bowls SA Emerging To First Test Win
BULAWAYO: Jade de Klerk claimed five wickets to bowl South Africa Emerging to an innings victory on the final day of...
Mpongwana Hits Ton On Dy Three In Bulawayo
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Luus Bowls SA Emerging To Solid Start In Bulawayo
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SA commemorates Women’s Month
SA commemorates Women's Month
Minister for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, says Women’s Month is an opportunity to pay tribute to the role played by women in the decades of struggle against all forms of discrimination, subordination and exploitation.
“We also commemorate Women’s Month in order to celebrate how far we have come; the journeys traversed and victories attained by the women of our country in the three decades of our democracy,” Chikunga said.
Addressing the media launch of the 2024 Women’s Month, Chikunga said this is the time for the country to reflect on its missteps, with the aim of correcting them.
“The 30-Year Review Report shines the spotlight on some of the commendable progress achieved in ensuring gender equality and social mobility,” Chikunga said.
The representation of women in senior management positions in the private and government workforce has increased from 20% in 2001 to 36% in 2021, the Minister highlighted.
“At our universities, as of 2017, the share of female graduates was about 61.5% compared to males at about 38.5%.
“At both the undergraduate and postgraduate level, women in South African public universities have been in the majority. While these are significant strides, a lot more still needs to be done,” the minister said.
The Minister said the year 2024 marks 101 years since women were allowed to enter the legal profession as practitioners.
“We have every reason to be proud of this transformative achievement. On that note, on behalf of all women in South Africa and the continent, we wish to congratulate Chief Justice Designate Justice Mandisa Maya.
“This is a monumental achievement for the people of South Africa in pursuit for justice. Chief Justice Maya stands tall as an inspiration to all South Africans, especially women from all walks of life,” Chikunga said.
Chikunga also congratulated Tatjana Smith, who won South Africa’s first gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
READ | Tatjana Smith glitters at Paris Olympics
“We wish Tatjana and the entire South African Team the best of luck for the remainder of the tournament,” Chikunga said.
Chikunga also paid tribute to the first cohort of Solar Mamas, who are young South African women, who recently completed their initial training in India.
“The Solar Mama Project aims to cultivate emerging industrialists through Infant Industries Development, Product Development, Market Access and Expansion to domestic, regional and global value chains and networking.
“Through our Solar Mamas Initiative, we are expanding the nurturing of emerging industrialists in the designing, manufacturing, installation, and maintenance of renewable energy components by ordinary young South African women.
“This will continue to be our flagship project after reconceptualization, taking into consideration lessons learnt from the first cohort. We congratulate this group of 22 young women from the Provinces of Limpopo, North West and Free State,” Chikunga said.
Chikunga said the year 2024 is significant as it marks several milestones in the struggle for the emancipation of women and their pursuit for the right to self-determination and self-actualization in all areas of human development.
“Firstly, 2024 marks 70 years since the adoption of the Women’s Charter, a declaration of intent by the Federation of South African Women (FEDSAW) which clearly defined the rights and privileges for women by women in South Africa,” the Minister said.
“Secondly, alongside our democratic dispensation, 2024 also marks 30 Years since the adoption of the Women’s Charter for Effective Equality adopted by the National Women’s Coalition Structures in 1994,” the Minister said.
This year’s Women’s Month campaign will take stock of progress made on socio-economic empowerment of women since the advent of democracy and indicate the achievements of the Women Charter.
The 2024 Women’s Month will be commemorated under the theme: ‘Celebrating 30 Years of Freedom Towards Women’s Development.' – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 08/01/2024 - 11:54
449 views
Minister welcomes decrease in rhino poaching stats
Minister welcomes decrease in rhino poaching stats
South Africa has recorded a downward trend in rhino poaching in the last two months of this year.
“A significant drop was noted during May and June this year with national losses reported at 21 and 22 respectively. May and June of 2023 were recorded at 42 and 34,” Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, said on Thursday.
This reduced loss is thought to be attributable to the dehorning of rhino populations in KwaZulu-Natal and specifically in the Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park where over 1 000 rhinos have been dehorned since April 2024.
“During the first 6 months of 2024, 229 rhinos were poached in South Africa (compared to 231 for the same reporting period in 2023). Of those rhino poached, 191 were killed on state properties and 38 on privately owned parks/reserves/farms.
“The Kruger National Park (KNP) lost 45 rhinos to poaching from January to June 2024 compared to 42 during the same reporting period in 2023.
“KNP continues to implement its Rhino Conservation Plan which amongst others, focuses on guarding and protecting rhinos in the core rhino areas, the use of appropriate technologies, dehorning of rhino and implementing innovative biological management in these areas,” the Minister said.
The KNP Integrity Management Plan is being implemented to address staff integrity, which also focuses on other initiatives such as field ranger selection and training, polygraph testing, wellness, financial literacy training and skills development programmes.
“With regard to rhino population numbers, at the end of 2023, South Africa reported 16 056 rhinos comprising 2 065 black and 13 991 white rhinos. These figures compare with figures estimated for the end of 2021 when there were 2 056 black and 12 968 white rhinos in the country.
“South Africa had 1,032 more rhinos in 2023 than what there were in 2021 despite the poaching – in 2022 and 2023, 2.9% and 3.2% of South Africa’s rhinos respectively were poached. These were lower than the threshold of 3.5% beyond which rhino numbers will decline,” George said.
Implementation of the Year 1 targets of the Implementation Plan of the National Integrated Strategy to Combat Wildlife Trafficking (NISCWT) is well under way and cooperation between all stakeholders including government and the private sector is being promoted.
The implementation of NISCWT is overseen by the NATJOINTS Priority Committee on Wildlife Trafficking.
“During the reporting period, over 60 suspects have been arrested and 20 heavy calibre firearms recovered in relation to rhino poaching and rhino horn trafficking.
“Successful joint operations and investigations between SAPS Stock Theft & Endangered Species Unit, Environmental Management Inspectors (EMIs) from national and provincial conservation agencies and departments, the Directorate of Priority Crime Investigations (DPCI) and private security teams are to be commended for their sustained effort,” the Minister said.
The following successful convictions were received in the past six months:
• Two rhino horn traffickers were sentenced to 18 years imprisonment of which six years imprisonment was suspended for five years in the Ermelo regional court on 1 July 2024. This came after the two traffickers were arrested in December 2022 for the possession of four rhino horns.
• On appeal, the conviction and sentence of three Botswana Nationals were confirmed. They entered the country illegally and were convicted on one count of murder, after one of their accomplices was killed during a confrontation on the farm, the illegal possession of a prohibited firearm and ammunition, illegally entering the country and hunting a rhino without a permit and sentenced to 36 years imprisonment, effectively to serve 25 years imprisonment.
• In the Skukuza court, an accused was sentenced to 35 years imprisonment on charges of trespassing, hunting of one rhino, possession of a prohibited firearm, possession of an unlicenced firearm and ammunition, possession of a dangerous weapon and conspiracy to commit an offence. In another case the accused was sentenced to 26 years imprisonment on similar charges.
• In the Free State, three accused were convicted on conspiracy to hunt a rhino and was sentenced to five years direct imprisonment. In addition, a Silver Audi A4 to the value of R100 000, which was used as an instrument to the offence, was forfeited to the State.
• A courier on her way to Malaysia was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport. After she booked her suitcases in at the airport, an operator at the scanner section identified that the suitcases contained 12 rhino horns. An Environmental Management Inspector testified that the activities of the courier cannot be evaluated in isolation of the fact that the horns were linked through DNA to 3 poaching crime scenes, that the consignment was part of the organised crime value chain and that the court needs to take into account the human, conservation and socio-economic impacts of these crimes. The accused was convicted and sentenced to five years direct imprisonment. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 08/01/2024 - 13:51
59 views
Mpongwana And SA Emerging Ready For Zim Test
BULAWAYO: Rising all-around star Mihlali Mpongwana is relishing the prospect of leading South Africa Emerging in the first unofficial Test against...
Police record major successes in breaking syndicates, gangs
Police record major successes in breaking syndicates, gangs
With recent successes in arresting members of organised criminal syndicates and gangs, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has demonstrated its commitment and dedication to fighting serious and violent crimes.
This is according to SAPS National Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, who briefed the media on Thursday.
“We are responding decisively to the war declared by criminals and we remain resolute in our efforts to fight crime and anyone who threatens the safety and security of law abiding citizens and have thus adopted an aggressive approach in ensuring that we stamp the authority of the state,” Masemola said in Johannesburg.
Providing an update on the countrywide police operations, Masemola said the recent successes in crime fighting shows that police are tightening their grip on serious and violent crime, thus putting them one step ahead of criminals.
“Through our high density operations that sees the Provincial Commissioner of each province actively taking part and leading operations on the ground, we have been able to secure the arrest of 766 237 suspects for various crimes.
“These include 161 752 wanted suspects for priority crimes, including murder, cash-in-transit armed robberies, sexual offences, rape, car hijacking and firearm-related offences.
“We have established and beefed up cash-in-transit task teams, particularly in the Eastern Cape, where a number of them have been recorded in the month of July. In the past month alone, 13 cash in transit robbers were arrested in the province while six suspects were fatally wounded during confrontation with police,” Masemola said.
The police have also registered a breakthrough with the arrest of at least ten suspects linked to ATM bombings in Gauteng.
Eight of the suspects were intercepted in Katlehong, Thokoza, and Soweto in Gauteng while another two were traced to Senekal in the Free State.
“These arrests were effected with the assistance of our partners in the banking sector and key stakeholders in the fight against crime. These suspects are being linked to more than 20 ATM bombings that took place in Soweto and the East Rand,” he said.
Furthermore, a gang of 44 suspects were intercepted by Gauteng police three weeks ago at a liquor warehouse in Kempton Park.
“The suspects were caught in the act of loading alcohol worth R15 million into four different trucks. The suspects have already appeared before the Kempton Park Magistrate Court on a charge of business robbery,” the National Commissioner said.
Drug busts
In the last two weeks, a clandestine drug lab worth R2 billion was shut down in Limpopo where two Mexican nationals are among the five suspects arrested.
“In the Western Cape, R252 million worth of cocaine was seized at a roadblock in Stillbaai. A Russian national is among two suspects arrested in this case. In the same week, police also seized R40 million worth of dagga in Magaliesburg here in Gauteng.
“Mpumalanga has also registered a number of successes in relation to major drug busts. Between May and June this year, R4 million worth of dagga, R4 million worth of cocaine and R4 million worth of Crystal meth was seized in different parts of the province, including Nelspruit and Komatipoort.
“We have destroyed large quantities of drugs worth R2 billion in 12 months. These include cocaine, crystal meth and unregistered medicines. Through Operation Shanela, 21 161 criminals were arrested for dealing in drugs while 64 351 were arrested for being in possession of drugs,” the National Commissioner said.
The ongoing gang related violence in the Eastern and Western Cape and Gauteng continues to receive priority with the deployment of the Anti Gang Unit and specialised units in identified hotspots.
“Dedicated interventions are continuing and several gang leaders and members have been arrested in the past six months. These include 64 gang members arrested in Westbury. Thirty-four of them belong to the Fast gang group that were operating in Westbury, Langlaagte and Eldorado Park. During this period, 36 gang members from the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Kwazulu-Natal and Limpopo were convicted to a collective 350 year’s imprisonment,” he said.
In the last seven days, 106 firearms were confiscated during operations across the country. Forty of these firearms were seized in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. Of the 106 firearms, 90 are hand guns, eight are homemade firearms, seven are rifles while one shotgun was seized.
In two years, more than 20 000 firearms have been seized from all corners of the country.
“In the Western Cape where we experience a lot of firearm related gang violence, 3100 firearms have been confiscated to date while in Gauteng, 673 firearms have been seized during tracing operations during a 12 month period,” he said. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 08/01/2024 - 12:16
79 views
SA Architects Rally to Tackle Housing Shortage Amid rapid Urban Growth
South Africa is currently experiencing rapid urbanisation, with 63% of the population already residing in urban areas, a figure projected to rise (https://apo-opa.co/3Yt1Azg) to 71% by 2030. By 2050, it is estimated that eight out of every 10 people in the country will live in urban areas. As a consequence, the demand for basic infrastructure and essential services will significantly increase.
While urbanisation is a worldwide development, the growth rate is the fastest in Africa. By 2035, half of its population (https://apo-opa.co/4d151l7) will be living in cities and urban areas. But so far, it has largely translated into rising informal establishments, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, increasing poverty and inequality.
One of the most pressing issues is the dire state of the architectural profession in the region with too few skills on hand.
“As the demand for proper urban planning and development escalates, so does the need for skilled and competent architects who can contribute to sustainable and inclusive cities. However, the current state of the profession is cause for concern, with various obstacles hindering its progress. One of the most significant challenges is the housing crisis, which creates complex issues for architects,” says Devi Paulsen-Abbott at Energy Capital & Power.
The ever-growing urban population has put immense pressure on the limited housing options available, resulting in a dire need for affordable and sustainable solutions. Architects have a crucial role to play in developing innovative and sustainable housing options for all citizens.
“These are the professionals who possess the skills, knowledge, and creativity to design and build the spaces we live and work in. They have the potential to transform our cities and shape them into liveable, inclusive, and sustainable environments. However, the current state of the architectural profession in Southern Africa is hindering its ability to fulfil this critical role,” Paulsen-Abbott states.
Another big challenge facing the local architectural profession is the lack of collaboration between the public and private sectors, she says. “The development of our cities requires a joint effort from both these sectors, but there is a significant disconnect between them.”
As a result, many projects are abandoned, delayed, or poorly executed, leading to subpar living conditions for citizens. Paulsen-Abbott explains that this disconnect also stems from the inadequate recognition and support for the architectural profession. “Despite its crucial role in shaping our built environment, architecture is often undervalued and underfunded by the public sector,” she says. “This results in a lack of resources and opportunities for architects to develop their skills and push the boundaries of innovation in design.”
To address these pressing issues, the upcoming Architecture South Africa Conference (AZA24) (https://ArchitectureZA.org.za/) is a much-needed event. Bringing together over 50 experts under the theme "Where Architecture Meets... US/ PLANET/ FUTURE..." the conference promises to be an insightful and thought-provoking exploration of the dynamic relationship between architecture, humanity and sustainability.
This highly anticipated event, hosted by the SA Institute of Architects (SAIA), Gauteng Institute for Architecture (GIFA), and University of Johannesburg (UJ), will take place from 4-7 September 2024 on the UJ campus.
AZA Convener, Daniel van der Merwe, says: “This conference is a vital opportunity for the architectural profession to come together, collaborate, and find solutions to the challenges facing our cities. By bridging the gap between the public and private sectors, architects can work towards creating more liveable and sustainable cities for all.”
AZA will also serve as a platform for architects to showcase their innovative designs and ideas, encouraging further growth and development within the profession.
“As citizens, we must also realize the importance of the architectural profession in creating a better future for us all. We must demand that our governments prioritise urban planning and development, and allocate sufficient resources and support for the architectural profession,” van der Merwe says.
“The Architecture South Africa Conference AZA 2024 is a call for united action. We know the challenges South Africa faces, lack of sufficient housing, spatial inequality and ailing infrastructure. As architects our ultimate goal is to improve the lives of the end users of the spaces we design, inclusive of everyone in our beautiful country. AZA looks to open the discourse on how we can achieve this. Bringing together thought leaders to empower us all for a bright future,” notes Claire McCusker, President 2024/25 of SA Institute of Architecture (SAIA).
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.
About SAIA:
The South African Institute of Architects (SAIA) (https://SAIA.org.za/) is a voluntary association for Professional Architects. SAIA's mission is to act as the collective voice serving the interests of its members in pursuit of excellence and responsible design. It aims to uphold the dignity of the architectural profession and contribute meaningfully to the enhancement of society and the environment. The fundamental principles of equality and justice are implicit in our Constitution. SAIA incorporates the nine existing regional institutes: Border-Kei [Eastern Cape], CIfA [Western Cape], Eastern Cape, Free State, GIfA [Gauteng], KZNIA [KwaZulu-Natal], Limpopo, Mpumalanga and PIA [Gauteng].
About GIfA:
The Gauteng Institute for Architecture (GIfA) (www.GIfA.org.za/) boasts a rich legacy, tracing its roots back to 1900 as the Transvaal Institute of Architects. Today, we're dedicated to nurturing architectural excellence and raising awareness of the built environment. Our focused committees explore specific topics, addressing both current and historical issues. Moreover, we offer extensive training and development opportunities to members, ensuring continuous professional growth. Through collaborative endeavors and innovative initiatives, GIfA remains at the forefront of architectural advancement, enriching our profession and the communities we serve in the greater Johannesburg area.
About University of Johannesburg:
At the Department of Architecture (https://apo-opa.co/3YlLbg4), our vision is to become the leading school of architecture on the sub-continent via the pursuit of alternative, progressive, and critical spatial practices. We continually strive to be the embodiment of a design-led school of architecture by exploring the making of contextually responsive and appropriately built environments. Our mission is to broaden the scope of architecture through collaborative processes of innovative design, research, and making. We define our identity as a school of architecture that encourages teaching philosophies and a design-studio culture closely related to the changing nature of contemporary cities, specifically Johannesburg, the city which gives our university its name. We achieve this mission by integrating the physical, theoretical, field, and design studio.
About Energy Capital & Power:
Energy Capital & Power (ECP) ECP (https://EnergyCapitalPower.com) is the leading Africa-focused global energy investment platform. Through events, advisory work, news, online content and investment reports, ECP unites the entire energy value chain – from oil and gas exploration to renewable power generation – and facilitates global and intra-Africa investment and collaboration. ECP is committed to bringing together like-minded people with the common objective of facilitating the critical investments that will power Africa's economies, build communities and shape societies. ECP is the place to meet dealmakers and make deals. The company covers the whole value chain of the energy sector: oil and gas, power generation, infrastructure, renewable energy, mining, energy infrastructure, investment and finance and government.
SA Emerging Men’s Squad Announced For Zimbabwe Tour
JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) has today announced a 14-player SA Emerging Men’s squad for a two-format tour of Zimbabwe...
The right to protest is being blocked by administrative barriers
Municipal officials often misinterpret the law
Thabo Bester to launch new bid to postpone trial
Case postponed to 31 July
Public consultations on raw water tariffs
Public consultations on raw water tariffs
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has started public consultation meetings on the proposed raw water use charges for the 2025/26 financial year.
During these meetings, the department will get inputs from various role players within the sector on the proposed raw water charges prior to the finalisation, approval and implementation of the proposed water use charges.
The consultations are also aimed at ensuring transparency in the determination of raw water charges for public buy-in and support.
In terms of the National Water Act of 1998, the department is required to establish an annual raw water pricing strategy after consulting widely with different water users, including mines, industries, agriculture, energy and domestic users.
“Different stakeholders need to be consulted before the final approval by the Minister of Water and Sanitation as mandated by the National Water Act, which states that extensive consultation should be undertaken before an organ of State increases any price of bulk resources supplied to municipalities and municipal entities,” the department said.
The Tuesday, 23 July, a consultation meeting is being held at the MidVaal Water Company in Orkney in the North West.
Wednesday’s meeting will take place at the Loft Guesthouse in Bethlehem, Free State.
The last day of the consultations will be held at the Southern Sun Pretoria, corner of Stanza Bopape and Beatrix Streets, Arcadia, on Friday.
The meetings will start from 10am – 2pm. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 07/23/2024 - 10:21
500 views
Ministers welcome renewed commitment to service delivery
Ministers welcome renewed commitment to service delivery
Ministers responsible for some of the key portfolios in the Government of National Unity (GNU) have welcomed the renewed focus on some crucial areas of service delivery, as the work that lies ahead for the seventh administration was brought into sharp focus on Thursday evening.
President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered the Opening of Parliament Address (OPA) at the Cape Town City Hall, where he provided the details of the programme of action for the new Executive.
The much-anticipated address followed the ushering in of the seventh administration after South Africans voted in the National and Provincial Elections in May. With no outright majority winner, 10 political parties formed a Government of National Unity (GNU), which enjoins all parties to work together for improved service delivery and advanced economic growth.
After the President’s address, some Ministers who spoke to SAnews in the Parliamentary Precinct in Cape Town, reiterated their support for the goals of this administration, which are articulated in the Statement of Intent agreed to by parties to the GNU.
Chief amongst these targets are the pursuit of rapid, inclusive and sustainable economic growth; the creation of a more just society by tackling poverty; safeguarding the rights of workers; stabilising government; building State capacity, and pursuing a foreign policy based on human rights, solidarity and peace.
President Ramaphosa highlighted a number of projects ranging from essential infrastructure to improved health care – all geared towards better outcomes for citizens and economic development.
Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina told SAnews that the provision of water is an issue that requires urgent attention.
“We have mega water projects that we have unblocked, such as the Lesotho Highlands Phase 2, which will assist to provide water to Gauteng, North West, Free State, Mpumalanga and the Northern Cape,” Majodina said.
She reiterated government’s commitment to ensuring that projects of such nature become successful in delivering on their mandate, despite the hurdles that arise.
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa welcomed the President’s call for the proper implementation, at local government level, of the indigent policy so that the old, the infirm and the poor get assistance with the payment of basic services.
“This is the outcome of our engagements and discussions, where we agreed on key priorities… to turn things around and pull together. We are also going to look [closely at] municipalities because if they are not stable, there won’t be economic growth,” Hlabisa said.
Improving health outcomes
On the provision of health services, President Ramaphosa once again reassured that through the implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI), government will be able to bring stakeholders together, resolve differences and “clarify misunderstandings”, a sentiment echoed by Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi.
On 15 May 2024, President Ramaphosa signed the National Health Insurance Bill into law.
READ | President Ramaphosa signs NHI Bill into law
The NHI Bill seeks to provide universal access to health care services in the country, in accordance with the National Health Insurance White Paper and the Constitution of South Africa.
The Bill envisages the establishment of a National Health Insurance Fund and sets out its powers, functions and governance structures.
Motsoaledi said government intends to ensure that all are treated equally at health facilities.
“As government, we want people to be treated the same. This is what we are striving [for].”
The NHI Bill will also create mechanisms for the equitable, effective and efficient utilisation of the resources of the fund to meet the health needs of users and preclude or limit undesirable, unethical and unlawful practices in relation to the fund. It further seeks to address barriers to access.
The Bill was initially tabled in Parliament and introduced to the Portfolio Committee on Health on 8 August 2019 for processing. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 07/18/2024 - 22:21
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