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With less than two months until the Olympic Games commence in Paris, three-time Olympian Stephen Mokoka has confirmed that the iconic Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K on Sunday 7 July 2024, will be his final race before competing in the Olympic Marathon five weeks later. “The Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K is going …
The streets of Durban will be buzzing with excitement on Sunday, 7 July 2024, as event sponsors go all out to create an unparalleled on-route experience at the iconic Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K. “As we gear up for the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K, participants can once again look forward to a …
The iconic Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series heads to the City of Gold to celebrate the 2024 season finale, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K on National Heritage Day, Tuesday 24 September. Taking place on National Heritage Day, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K celebrates Johannesburg’s vibrant culture and history. The race offers …
Government hastens flood relief efforts in the Eastern Cape
Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane has assured residents of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality that government is putting together resources to improve the dire situation caused by the deadly floods this week.
"Currently, government is conducting an assessment of damages and requests communities to remain united, vigilant, and monitor weather updates as further rainfall is anticipated", Mabuyane said.
Parts of the Eastern Cape were battered by floods earlier this week, with the Buffalo City and Nelson Mandela Bay metros being the most affected areas.
Homes have been destroyed and over 1000 families have been displaced. There has been massive damage to infrastructure.
The rains have claimed the lives of at least 10 people.
Mabuyane called on the private sector to partner with government in lending a hand to the victims. This as government is fast-tracking relief efforts.
He joined a Ministerial delegation representative of all three spheres of government who conducted an oversight visit to flood-stricken areas in Gqeberha on Wednesday.
The day started with a technical meeting between the three spheres of government where they received feedback from the Disaster Response Teams on the work being done to provide humanitarian relief to those affected and the implementation status of further interventions.
The visits to Qunu, Izinyoka, Nomakanjani and Bongweni informal settlements and Kariega were led by Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister, Thembi Nkadimeng, Human Settlements Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga, together with Mabuyane, Deputy Ministers, MECs, Members of Mayoral Committees and the Mayor and the Deputy Mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay Metro.
Minister Kubayi called for the urgent relocation of families currently housed at mass care centres to temporary emergency accommodation, inclusive of safer places for mothers and small children, as an immediate action and temporary residential units as a medium to long-term intervention.
Kubayi reiterated government’s calls for the public to remain vigilant during heavy rains or flooding and urged all road users to be cautious on the roads.
Nkadimeng has instructed the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) to work closely with the Joint District Operations Centre, the Eastern Cape provincial government, as well as the affected municipalities to further provide assistance and support to those affected by the floods. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 06/07/2024 - 09:31
The Nkosinathi Foundation of and for Blind and Partially Sighted People is able to provide additional support to adults who are in the process of losing their sight, or who are blind thanks to the generosity of sponsors and participants in the annual Algoa Cares Golf Day hosted in March. The Foundation has been able …
At least nine people killed by severe weather affecting almost half the country
Fresh from winning his second national title in four weeks, Elroy Gelant has confirmed that he will line up at the iconic Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K on Sunday 7 July 2024. Lining up on a course that produced the SA All-Comers Record of 27:16 set by Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei in 2018, Gelant knows …
Ten years after winning his first Nelson Mandela Bay Half Marathon title, Elroy Gelant turned back the hands of time with another memorable performance at South Africa’s premiere 21km race. The Nelson Mandela Bay Half Marathon, incorporating the Athletics South Africa (ASA) Half Marathon Championships, got off to a wet and windy start on Marine …
Do you want a deeper understanding of the outcome of the 2024 General Election? RICI will be hosting a conference entitled POST-ELECTION REFLECTIONS AND SCENARIOS on Wednesday 19 June, at the Bishop’s Lodge Conference Centre in Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) and streamed. The May 29 general election presents the country with many firsts, including the …
On Thursday 30 May 2024 at 2:45 pm Straton Prepaid despatched a parcel from their offices in Gqeberha to another business offices in Johanneburg via parcel delivery service provider, The Courier Guy. The item despatched went door to door ordinary delivery – NOT ‘express’ or ‘overnight’ or ‘urgent’ or any of those other words used …
There were 6 018 new jobs created countrywide in the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) and Global Business Services (GBS) sectors between October and December 2023 – 39% of which were in KwaZulu-Natal. In July 2023, it was reported that the sector contributed $74 million (around R1.3 billion) to the country’s export revenue. This is clearly …
A stellar lineup of top athletes will guarantee an exciting finish on Saturday at the 10th edition of the Nelson Mandela Bay Half Marathon, which also has ASA Championship status, at Pollock Beach on June 1. The event, organised by Eastern Province Athletics in partnership with Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, saw a thrilling finish last …
“We have been patient for a long time” says protest leader
Construction of Stellantis forges ahead
The final building blocks have been laid for the establishment of South Africa’s latest automotive manufacturing site, paving the way for construction to begin at the Coega Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Gqeberha, Nelson Mandela Bay, in the Eastern Cape.
Stellantis, the world’s third biggest automotive manufacturer by volume, and South Africa’s largest development funder, the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) have concluded key milestones that will lead to a joint venture.
The investment estimated at R3 billion is expected to facilitate the creation of massive employment opportunities in the Eastern Cape.
The Coega Development Corporation (CDC), which is supplying the ground on which the factory will be built, has begun preparing the site for the start of construction.
“I welcome the progress made with concluding all modalities with Stellantis that will enable construction to commence this year and start of production of a new auto model to roll off the assembly line by the end of 2025,” said Ebrahim Patel, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition.
“The SA auto industry is Africa’s largest producer of cars, bakkies and trucks and this new investment by Stellantis will consolidate the country’s position, helping us to achieve the goal of producing 1.4 million vehicles by 2035.
“The biggest attractions for new investors are the size of the domestic market, together with the auto industry masterplan, which supports local production for both South Africa and export markets,” said the Minister.
He added that Stellantis has a strong growth vision with an excellent range of vehicles in its global stable.
“We look forward through this investment to increasing the range of locally manufactured cars available to motorists,” Patel said.
The Minister said it was heartening to see the manner in which the combination of expertise within the collective of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC), the IDC, CDC and Stellantis united to form a cross functional team that is making excellent progress.
“It’s this teamwork that will realise not only having Stellantis as SA’s eighth OEM, but most importantly in realising the plans for employment and investment in South Africa and support our industrialisation drive.
“We look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship between Stellantis and South Africa,” Minister Patel said.
Stellantis Middle East Africa (MEA) COO, Samir Cherfan, Stellantis SA MD Mike Whitfield, IDC interim CEO David Jarvis, including CDC Acting CEO Themba Khoza agreed with Patel’s sentiment stating that progress made so far was in line with their respective organisation’s strategic development goals.
“The construction of this plant is critical to Stellantis’s Dare Forward 2030 strategy. This strategy also speaks to the South African industrialisation plan which is a very important tool in helping us achieve our target to produce a million units in the MEA region by 2030 – a factor that will help us attain 22% market share in this region.
“Our medium to long-term objective is to ensure that 90% of vehicles sold in the MEA region are sourced from our production plants in this region,” said Cherfan.
The project is a major vote of confidence in South Africa as an investment destination and as a gateway into Africa.
“We are very proud of being involved in this; the construction of this plant is a major statement of faith in this country and the capacity of South Africans to be entrusted with running a project of this magnitude.
“This is a factory of which we can all be proud of, not just because of what it will represent to the people of the Eastern Cape, but also because of the technological advances that it will incorporate and the environmentally conscious way that it has been planned, will be built and will be operated,” Cherfan added.
All fauna and flora have been successfully removed from the site and rehomed as per the environmental impact study conducted by Coega.
Coega Acting CEO Themba Koza said: “Coega is focused on delivering the finest plant for Stellantis, reinforcing the Coega SEZ as an automotive hub in the country, in line with its vision to be the leading catalyst for the championing of socio-economic development.
“The impending construction of the Stellantis factory has acted as a catalyst to other investors. We have had numerous requests to support the automotive sector in Coega and to rapidly grow our planned supplier park.”
IDC’s Jarvis said the new company to house the Stellantis-IDC JV is on track to be registered.
“The milestones concluded thus far will help to kick start a project that will significantly improve the economic fortunes of the Eastern Cape,” Jarvis said.
He added that the IDC is pleased to be partnering with such a reputable automotive manufacturing company of Stellantis’s stature.
“Stellantis’s success with other manufacturing plants around the world is well-known. Together, we are highlighting the IDC’s intent to continually participate and drive investment to develop the regional automobile value chain,” Jarvis said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 05/23/2024 - 12:44
But the Eastern Cape Department of Health says there’s no money to renovate the clinic
As the June winter holidays rapidly approach and plans for the winter school break are being finalised, visiting a museum might not be at the top of everyone’s list as part of their holiday activities, especially for those with children. However, International Museum Day, which was celebrated on 18th May, reminds us of museums’ invaluable …
In the realm of online followers global stars rake in the money when it comes to being paid per post. The highest paid Instagram influencer for a single sponsored post is footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, who can earn up to $2.4 million per post. The second highest is reality TV star and entrepreneur Kylie Jenner, who …
The vibrant streets of Tshwane will be a sea of red on Sunday, 25 August 2024, as runners from diverse backgrounds gather to participate in the 2nd annual Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K. The Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K marks the fourth event in the iconic Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series, which consists …
Huge turnout for SA Agulhas II tour
Members of the public turned out in their numbers for free guided tours of South Africa’s polar research and supply vessel – the SA Agulhas II, during an open day in Gqeberha.
“This event provided a fantastic platform for the public to learn about the important research conducted aboard the SA Agulhas II and the critical role it plays as a supply vessel to the three research bases in Antarctica, Marion and Gough Islands in the Southern Ocean," Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Barbara Creecy said on Saturday.
The event hosted by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) in the Eastern Cape, drew an impressive crowd of more than 3 000 members of the public who had the unique opportunity to tour the renowned research vessel.
The vessel arrived at the Port of Port Elizabeth on 16 May and on the 17 May 2024, 1000 learners from 40 schools around the metro were hosted.
In addition to exploring the SA Agulhas II, visitors on both days were able to engage with a diverse range of exhibits and interactive displays at an expo organised by DFFE and its partners.
The expo showcased the vital work being done in marine research, conservation, and environmental stewardship.
"We are thrilled with the overwhelming response by the residents of Gqeberha to the SA Agulhas II Open Day in Gqeberha. The open day offered a valuable opportunity for members of the community to gain insight into the cutting-edge research and innovation driving South Africa's efforts in marine conservation,” the Minister said.
The vessel plays a crucial role in supporting research.
“It therefore plays a crucial role in supporting the country's research in Antarctica, the sub-Antarctic Islands and the Southern Ocean. The SA Agulhas II has just completed a relief voyage to Marion Island and is heading back to its home port in Cape Town.
“Through the open day concept, which is usually hosted in Cape Town, thousands of South Africans in different coastal cities have an opportunity to experience and learn about South Africa’s marine research, the SA Agulhas II as a mobile research laboratory and a supply vessel. The ports previously visited by the vessel include, Port Elizabeth (2015), Durban (2018), Dar es Salaam (2018), Comoros and East London (2019),” the department said. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Sun, 05/19/2024 - 12:41
SIU, Hawks raid Home Affairs offices in five provinces
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) with the assistance of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, also known as the Hawks, on Friday conducted searches and seized evidence at Home Affairs offices in five provinces.
The SIU said in a statement that this is part of an ongoing investigation into the affairs of the department.
The SIU was granted a search warrant by the Special Tribunal, a judicial platform established to adjudicate on matters emanating from SIU investigations, on 10 May.
The searched offices and mirror imaging of a server took place at the head office of the Department of Home Affairs in the Pretoria CBD, at the Centurion office and at the Desmond Tutu Refugee Centre in Marabastad.
The other raids took place at the Refugee Reception Centres in Musina, Cape Town, Gqeberha and Durban.
“The searches follow a tip off from a whistleblower that suggested that Home Affairs officials in the identified centres work with syndicates to duplicate application status files applied for in other offices and process them for a fee.
“The whistleblower also stated that the officials bypass immigration systems to enable foreign nationals who have entered the country illegally to remain in the country and acquire permits illegally and unlawfully,” the statement read.
It was also alleged that Home Affairs officials were delaying the finalisation of the asylum seeker permits to facilitate bogus asylum seekers.
Using the permits, which were obtained illegally and unlawfully, the bogus asylum seekers remain in the country and later use the same permits to apply for Permanent Resident Permits and ultimately, obtain South African citizenship.
“After getting citizenship, they qualify to get a maroon passport, which allows them to travel all over the world except their country of origin.”
Members of the SIU and the Hawks seized computers, electronic pieces of equipment, and documents that will assist with their ongoing investigation.
Proclamation
President Cyril Ramaphosa authorised the SIU to investigate serious maladministration and improper conduct at Home Affairs through Proclamation 154 of 2024.
The proclamation empowers the SIU to probe serious maladministration relating to the issuance of permanent residence permits, corporate visas, business visas, critical or exceptional skills work visas, study visas, retired persons’ visas, work visas, and citizenship by naturalisation, contrary to the Immigration Act, 2002; the South African Citizenship Act, 1995; manuals, guidelines, circulars, practice notes or instructions applicable to Home Affairs; or manuals, policies, procedures, prescripts, instructions or practices of or applicable to the department.
The proclamation also authorises the SIU to investigate any irregular, unlawful, or improper conduct by officials or employees of Home Affairs or any other person or entity concerning the allegations being investigated.
It also covers allegations of unlawful and improper conduct that took place between 12 October 2004 and 16 February 2024, the date of the publication of the Proclamation, or before 12 October 2004 and after the date of the Proclamation that is relevant to, connected with, incidental to the matters, or involves the same persons, entities, or contracts investigated.
“In addition to investigating maladministration, malpractice, corruption and fraud, the SIU will identify system failures and make systematic recommendations to improve measures to prevent future recurrence,” the SIU explained.
In line with the SIU and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996 (SIU Act), the agency will refer any evidence pointing to criminal conduct it uncovers during its investigations to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for further action.
The SIU is empowered by the SIU Act to institute a civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal in its name to correct any wrongdoing uncovered during its investigation caused by acts of corruption, fraud, or maladministration. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 05/17/2024 - 11:48
Over a thousand runners are expected to line-up to celebrate the 10th edition of the Nelson Mandela Bay Half Marathon at Pollok Beach, Summerstrand, on the 1st of June. Organisers are expecting the biggest turnout ever this year with the support of 88 clubs from all over South Africa already confirmed and nearly 200 hundred …
Millennials love adventure and exploration and have been dubbed the ‘Wanderlust Generation’. Based on recent research, travel has emerged as one of the top aspirations of this generation, revealing they travel more than any other age group. Rather than traditional investments such as buying a home, millennials value holidays more, which also helps to achieve …
The municipality agreed to pay service providers by next week
The annual Grade 11 Male learners event for boys from various high schools in Gqeberha took place in the Hellenic Hall, Gqeberha on Tuesday 14 May 2024. Title sponsor, Vodacom, ensured that the learners with Vodacom phones all received 1 Gig of data to make their participation in a fun online event easier on the …