MyZA
News, Directory, Events and Other Stuff
Introduction Spill containment is a critical aspect of environmental management, especially in industries that handle hazardous substances. Proper spill containment practices help prevent environmental contamination and protect public health. In this blog, we will discuss essential spill containment practices and their importance. Understanding Spill Containment Spill containment involves the use of barriers, absorbents, …
Pro Secure fails in bid to stop Special Investigating Unit going after it to recover millions of rands
Introduction Alcohol rehab is a vital resource for individuals struggling with alcohol addiction. It offers a structured environment where individuals can receive the support and treatment they need to overcome their addiction. In this blog, we will explore the various aspects of alcohol rehab and its benefits. What is Alcohol Rehab? Alcohol rehab …
Mental health and mental illness are often used interchangeably, yet they are distinct concepts. Mental health refers to our overall psychological well-being, encompassing our emotions, thoughts, and feelings, and it affects how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. In contrast, mental illness involves diagnosable conditions that impact a person’s thinking, emotional state, …
Two more Mpox cases recorded in Gauteng and KZN
The Department of Health has called for ongoing public vigilance against Mpox disease as two more laboratory-confirmed infections have been detected in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.
According to the department, the recent cases come 26 days after the last cases of Mpox were reported in South Africa.
This means that the total number of cases stand at 24, of which 12 were reported in Gauteng, 11 in KwaZulu-Natal and one in the Western Cape.
Meanwhile, the number of deaths linked to the disease remains three.
According to data, the latest case is a 36-year-old man from KwaZulu-Natal who was admitted at a local public health facility in Durban late in July after he experienced an Mpox-like rash along with fatigue, muscle pain and rigour.
“The patient has no international travel history,” the department explained.
The Gauteng case involves a 20-year-old man seen at a private health facility in Johannesburg on Friday, 2 August.
“The case presented with typical Mpox lesions. He confirmed his international travel history to Peru in South America. It is uncertain if the exposure occurred in Peru or South Africa.”
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) multi-country Mpox outbreak, Peru is among the countries with a high number of positive cases in the Americas region.
The department said contact tracing and monitoring activities are ongoing in the affected communities in both provinces.
It urged all the identified contacts to cooperate with health officials during contact tracing for screening and possible diagnosis to prevent further transmission of this preventable and treatable disease.
Meanwhile, as per data, of the 22 cases recorded between 8 May and 6 July, 19 of them have fully recovered.
“All people with suspected symptoms are reminded to visit the nearest healthcare facility right away for clinical evaluation, diagnosis and treatment options, instead of self-diagnosing and isolation.”
In addition, the department confirmed the arrival of another batch of Tecovirimat, also known as TPOXX, donated by the WHO as part of ongoing support to the country’s response efforts to this preventable and manageable disease. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 08/05/2024 - 11:00
Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health coverage, explores practical tips and strategies to help parents navigate the challenges of screen time management. “From learning apps and video games to social media platforms, screens are becoming an ever-present part of children’s lives,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health. “While technology offers numerous benefits, …
Intentional medicine is a holistic approach that integrates the best of both conventional and alternative treatments. It prioritises patient-centered care, focusing on the root causes of illness rather than merely treating the symptoms. Medicine practised with intent embraces conventional, lifestyle, and functional medicine, recognising the importance of a balanced approach to healthcare that is both …
In today’s fast-paced world, maintaining optimal health is crucial. One way to achieve this is by ensuring that our spine and nervous system are in top condition. Chiropractic care offers a holistic approach to health, focusing on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal disorders, particularly those related to the spine. If you’re in Bryanston or the surrounding …
Introduction Road dust is a significant environmental and health issue, especially in dry and arid regions. Effective road dust management is crucial to maintain air quality and ensure the safety and comfort of road users. In this blog, we will explore various strategies to manage road dust efficiently. Understanding Road Dust Road dust …
Their ability to enhance brand visibility, customer experience, and overall business growth is undeniable. Let’s delve into the ways these unassuming items can significantly impact your business. Boosting Brand Awareness • Mobile billboards: Every time someone carries your custom printed bag, your brand gets free advertising. Whether it’s the local grocery store, a bustling mall, …
Introduction In the modern healthcare landscape, the importance of practice management solutions cannot be overstated. These solutions serve as the backbone of efficient and effective healthcare delivery, streamlining various administrative and clinical processes. With the increasing complexity of medical practices, medical software solutions have become indispensable tools for doctors, bureaus, and clinics alike. Understanding …
Epic endurance challenge raises awareness and support for SADAG Demonstrating extraordinary endurance and dedication, Run for Rosa Foundation Founder and Chairman Stu Rayner successfully completed an ambitious goal: to run 11 marathons in 11 consecutive days. This inspiring endeavour, held in July, aimed to raise vital awareness and funds for the South African Depression and …
“Friends are vitamins for a hopeful soul and medicine for a broken heart.” — Steve Maraboli, Author and Award-Winning Philanthropist. Muffled laughter during late-night chats, a shoulder to lean on during tough times, the thrill of a shared adventure – that’s the magic of friendship. It’s about those people who just ‘get you’, no explanations …
Experience the deliciousness without the guilt – the perfect choice for the health-savvy consumer FUTURELIFE®, South Africa’s leading functional food brand has launched the latest addition to its popular Granola Crunch range, Granola Crunch Zero. Designed to cater to health-conscious consumers seeking a delicious, versatile breakfast or snack option, this new variant sets itself apart …
DPWI to institute a commission of inquiry into Telkom headquarters building
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson says he will commission an independent report into the purchase of the former Telkom headquarters building in 2016 for R695 million and its subsequent renovation for R250 million.
The commission is meant to provide the Minister with recommendations within 60 days following its appointment and the necessary steps to address and remedy the situation.
Joined by the City of Tshwane Mayor, Cilliers Brink, on an oversight visit to the building on Thursday morning, Macpherson said it is unacceptable that for the past eight years, the building complex has barely been utilised and has been left vacant.
“It is disheartening that so much public funding has been spent to purchase and renovate the building, [and it has been] vandalised and occupied by criminal elements, thereby creating an additional burden for the City of Tshwane,” Macpherson said.
“We simply cannot spend more than eight years trying to establish how to secure public property while it deteriorates into lawlessness,” he said.
The Minister said the terms of reference for the independent investigation will be to provide him with answers to the following questions:
What led to the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure buying the Telkom Tower complex and whether the purchase was necessary?
What was the process which was followed for contracts to be appointed and whether the contractors were fit for purpose?
Whether the purchase of the complex by the Department of Public Works was the best option for the South African Police Service?
Whether any officials should be held accountable for the position the department finds itself in, in relation to the purchase and renovation of the building?
Are there any grounds to reclaim any monies paid to contractors where work was not done, or not done according to building standards or health and safety standards?
What will be the best way forward considering the current state of the building?
What steps can be taken to avoid the situation from occurring again?
“As the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, we need to start moving faster to ensure that public investments are secured and utilised to avoid the wastage of any public monies in a fiscally constrained environment.
“We simply cannot be spending millions to repair and address vandalism, and poor planning and spending by the department,” the Minister said.
“We will have to start working closer with role players such as the City of Tshwane to ensure our buildings are used for the public good and do not fall into disrepair and cause a burden for the municipality. By working together, we can reclaim these buildings, unleash infrastructure investment and turn the country into a construction site. Let’s Build South Africa,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 08/02/2024 - 09:23
African Export-Import Bank's (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) first African Quality Assurance Centre (AQAC), implemented in Ogun State, Nigeria, in partnership with Bureau Veritas (BV) has been awarded the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation by the South African National Accreditation System (SANAS), one of the key accreditation bodies in Africa responsible for carrying out conformity assessments as mandated under South Africa's Accreditation for Conformity Assessment, Calibration and Good Laboratory Practice Act (Act 19 of 2006).
ISO/IEC 17025 is the recognised international standard for testing and calibration laboratories and sets out requirements for the competence, impartiality and consistent operation of laboratories, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of testing and calibration results. The standard enhances the credibility of testing and calibration work by laboratories, by fostering trust among clients and regulatory authorities. Compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 demonstrates a laboratory's commitment to quality, technical proficiency and scientific rigour.
Commenting on the accreditation, Ms. Oluranti Doherty, Managing Director Export Development at Afreximbank said that the accreditation served to validate AQAC's capabilities and expertise and would provide new opportunities to expand the centre's reach.
“By aligning its practices with international standards and best practices, AQAC is well-positioned to attract new clients, foster partnerships with industry stakeholders, and contribute to the advancement of quality assurance practices in Africa,” said Ms. Doherty.
“The impact of this accreditation extends beyond the laboratory as it also contributes to the overall advancement of quality assurance practices in Nigeria. By demonstrating compliance with international standards and best practices, AQAC will help in reducing the rejection rates for Nigerian and African exports,” she said, mentioning that the Bank has committed up to US$100 million to support the development of new AQACs across the continent, with projects being considered in Benin, Chad, Gabon, Kenya and Tanzania.
Jean-Michel Perret, Managing Director, Bureau Veritas Nigeria said, “We are incredibly proud to have achieved the ISO 17025 accreditation for the African Quality Assurance Centre. This milestone reflects our steadfast commitment to providing the highest standards of testing and inspection services. It also demonstrates our dedication to supporting Nigeria's AgroFood industry in meeting international quality benchmarks, thereby facilitating greater access to global markets for ‘Made in Africa' products.”
The accreditation by SANAS amplifies AQAC's ability to offer internationally accredited services for food and agri products and paves the way for a more reliable and robust testing environment in Africa.
SANAS is a signatory to the International Accreditation Forum which gives it world-wide recognition as a competent body for carrying out independent evaluation of certification bodies against recognized standards. It is also a signatory to the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation Mutual Recognition Arrangements, the African Accreditation Cooperation Mutual Recognition Arrangements and the SADCA Mutual Recognition Arrangements, for specific scopes.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.
Afreximbank Media Contact:
Vincent Musumba
Manager
Communication and Events (Media Relations)
Email: press@afreximbank.com
Bureau Veritas Media Contact:
Selin Dincer Cinar
+905 308 61 59 94
Email: selin.dincer-cinar@bureauveritas.com
Seseselelo Matlapeng
+27 (0)78 451 5331
Email: seseselelo.matlapeng@bureauveritas.com
About Afreximbank:
African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra-and extra-African trade. For 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa's trade, accelerating industrialization and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A stalwart supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank is setting up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries effectively participating in the AfCFTA. At the end of December 2023, Afreximbank's total assets and guarantees stood at over US$37.3 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$6.1 billion. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by GCR (international scale) (A), Moody's (Baa1), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-) and Fitch (BBB). Afreximbank has evolved into a group entity comprising the Bank, its impact fund subsidiary called the Fund for Export Development Africa (FEDA), and its insurance management subsidiary, AfrexInsure (together, "the Group"). The Bank is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt.
For more information, visit: www.Afreximbank.com
Follow us on
Twitter : http://apo-opa.co/3YpB8GT
Facebook : http://apo-opa.co/3WLM7cs
LinkedIn : http://apo-opa.co/4ccUpP5
Instagram : http://apo-opa.co/4d6VtFq
ABOUT BUREAU VERITAS:
Bureau Veritas is a world leader in inspection, certification, and laboratory testing services with a powerful purpose: to shape a world of trust by ensuring responsible progress. With a vision to be the preferred partner for customers' excellence and sustainability, the company innovates to help them navigate change.
Created in 1828, Bureau Veritas' 83,000 employees deliver services in 140 countries. The company's technical experts support customers to address challenges in quality, health and safety, environmental protection, and sustainability.
Bureau Veritas is listed on Euronext Paris and belongs to the CAC 40 ESG, CAC Next 20, SBF 120 indices and is part of the CAC SBT 1.5° index. Compartment A, ISIN code FR 0006174348, stock symbol: BVI.
For more information, visit www.BureauVeritas.com, and follow us on LinkedIn (http://apo-opa.co/3A5IN2V) and X/Twitter (http://apo-opa.co/4dcXpwg).
The head office for Bureau Veritas Middle East, Caspian & Africa region is based in Dubai, For more information, www.BureauVeritas.Africa or www. Middle-East.BureauVeritas.com/
Subsistence fishers battle for permission to fish while illegal fishing boats plunder our oceans
MTN loses Special Tribunal application
Telecommunications giant MTN has lost a Special Tribunal exception application in connection with the alleged irregular supply of mobile devices for COVID-19 screening to the Limpopo Department of Health.
This after the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) launched an investigation into the affairs of that department which – the unit insists – “revealed that MTN made an unsolicited proposal to supply the department with 10 000 cell phone devices intended for COVID-19 mass screenings” in that province.
“This proposal cost the department R10 million. This falls outside the prescripts of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA). The Department of Health accepted the proposal and subsequent delivery of the devices.
“The SIU’s investigation also found that the former Head of the Department, Dr Thokozani Florence Mhlongo, as the accounting officer, allegedly exposed the department to a wasteful expenditure when she authorised the procurement and payment of 10 000 cell phones to the value of R10 million for Covid-19 household screening.
“The department could only manage to distribute 388 of the 10 000 cell phones between September 2020 and March 2021 and the cell phones were distributed without the required screening application,” the SIU said.
The corruption busting unit added that it has instituted civil action in the Special Tribunal “to review and set aside the contract and recover financial losses suffered by the Limpopo Department of Health”.
“So far, the SIU has successfully interdicted the pension payout of Dr Mhlongo after she resigned from her position as head of the department in the face of disciplinary action.
“The SIU is also empowered to institute civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal in its name to address any wrongdoing uncovered during investigations related to acts of corruption, fraud, or maladministration. In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996, the SIU refers any evidence of criminal conduct it uncovers to the National Prosecuting Authority for further action,” the unit said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Fri, 08/02/2024 - 10:32
Appeal for more organ donors
The Department of Health has appealed to citizens to sign up to become organ and tissue donors in a bid to improve someone’s quality of life or even save someone’s life, especially those who are very sick or dying from a life-threatening disease or organ failure.
“Organ donation is when organs such as the heart, lungs, liver and kidneys are removed from one person and transplanted into another person,” the department explained, adding that one donor can save up to seven lives and transform over 50 lives.
Meanwhile, tissue donation is when tissues in the body such as skin, corneas and bone are removed from one person and transplanted into another person.
It is estimated that over 2 500 people are on the active waiting list for organ and tissue donation, while others lose their lives while waiting to receive a lifesaving gift.
“Currently, organ donors are in very short supply because of limited knowledge amongst citizens,” the department said.
The department, in collaboration with various non-governmental organisations, said they will use the month of August as part of Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Month.
According to the department, anyone aged 18 years or older can become an organ or tissue donor without expecting financial reward, and subject themselves to certain medical conditions that require one to wait or be physically well.
“One can donate organs such as the kidney and liver lobe and continue to live a normal and healthy life because organs like the liver regenerate over time.”
However, it is illegal in South Africa and other parts of the world for anyone to sell or trade human organs or tissues as that can perpetuate organ and human trafficking.
“An organ transplant takes place in both government and private hospitals after an individual has been declared circulatory (heart stopped beating) or brain dead, but is still being supported by artificial life support.
“The tissue donation and retrieval can still take place several hours and even days after death, but consent from the loved ones must be given.”
Potential donors can go to their nearest public or private hospital to ask for assistance on the steps to follow for one to donate, alternatively, call the Organ Donor Foundation on 0800 22 66 11 or visit www.odf.org.za.
Those interested can also contact the SA Bone Marrow Registry at 021 447 8630 or the Centre for Tissue Engineering at Tshwane University of Technology at 012 349 3500 or visit www.tissuedonation.org.za. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 08/02/2024 - 09:37
Just Energy Transition must not leave communities behind - Ramokgopa
Minister of Energy and Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, has insisted that as South Africa continues to transition from a carbon intensive economy to a green economy, communities must be informed, consulted and educated on what the transition will mean to them.
The minister was delivering an address at the Institute for the Future of Work (IFOW) seminar on South Africa’s Just Energy Transition and the Future of Work in Tshwane.
Ramokgopa emphasised the importance of consultations with and education of communities as South Africa transitions and, by implication, some coal fired power stations wind down operations.
“We need to answer that question by what we mean by [Just Energy Transition]. It’s also about the democratisation of the conversation. It’s important that when you move into [communities] you don’t undermine the agency and the ability of people in those areas to comprehend and understand the implications of the decisions that you want to take.
“You don’t suggest that you have the authority to decide on their behalf. We don’t have that authority. It’s important that they get to be educated [on] the impact of not transitioning to the environment, to their own health, what it means and the impact of doing that suddenly.
“And they must contribute to the generation of how best to do that Just Transition and don’t treat those people as unthinking [and] as people who don’t have a view. As we move this just transition, we [must] take communities with us,” he said.
The minister highlighted that South Africa’s Just Energy Transition is expected to be an expensive process which – he added – should be subsidised by developed nations who are responsible for the vast majority of greenhouse gases causing climate change.
“There’s a ticket that’s assigned to the transition…the financing ticket. We are talking about R1.6 trillion over a period of five years. The South African balance sheet is very weak; it will not be able to carry this. So you need to design bespoke financing instruments…to help us to go this route.
“But also more significantly, what is the contribution of the developed world? Those parties that are largely responsible for the kind of damage that we are seeing to the environment. Africa in total contributes about 4% to the greenhouse gas emissions. We can’t carry the same responsibility. The industrialised and developed north have got both a moral and ethical duty to ensure that they are able to finance this transition,” he said.
Turning to South Africa’s renewable energy sector, Ramokgopa reiterated President Cyril Ramaphosa’s stance that the sector is undergoing a revolution that will create jobs and growth.
“Without any hesitation, renewables are going to see the biggest exponential growth of any form of fuel in the energy mix. We are tilting towards green forms of energy. Nuclear, solar PV, hydro and wind are going to be the mainstay of this transition. Of course, we do all of these things at the pace and scale that we can afford.
“We know that on solar PV and wind, these are some of the cheapest forms of generation. So we are going that route with its own weaknesses that this is not dispatchable power. So it’s not available all the time. It’s important that we do this configuration of what constitutes the various forms of fuel sources…understanding that the backbone of our energy generation will still be baseload,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 08/01/2024 - 10:31
Find your zen at Hyde Park Corner, where the spotlight is on self-care this Women’s Month. Made to Move sunrise Yoga sessions are the perfect opportunity to show yourself some love and celebrate Women’s Month with wellness and joy! Every Saturday from 3 August to 31 August, join us for a rejuvenating morning of yoga, …
Mabandla Clinic in Kariega still has no fence or wall
Introduction Breast health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being for women. Among the various diagnostic tools available, a breast ultrasound stands out for its effectiveness and non-invasive nature. What is a Breast Ultrasound? A breast ultrasound is an imaging technique that uses sound waves to produce pictures of the internal structures of …
It is time for the next body revolution brought to you by leading sports nutrition brand, Nutritional Performance Labs (NPL). That’s right, entries open on 29 July 2024 for BodyRev 7.0, the ultimate health and fitness challenge which runs for 12 weeks from 27 August 2024. By signing up, participants can shed unwanted body weight …