Thabo Bester to launch new bid to postpone trial
Case postponed to 31 July
health
Judge blocks government plan to tell private hospitals and doctors where they can go
“Certificate of Need” scheme thrown out of National Health Act
President outlines process to establish SOEs Holding Company
President outlines process to establish SOEs Holding Company
With government moving full steam ahead with plans to establish a holding company for state-owned enterprises (SOEs), the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation has been assigned the responsibility to finalise the processes.
“The SOEs that were previously under the stewardship of the Department of Public Enterprises will report to their respective line departments in terms of policy and regulatory matters,” President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Wednesday in Parliament.
Responding to the debate on the Presidency Budget Vote speech, the President reiterated that government is introducing legislation to establish a state-owned holding company to oversee and coordinate key strategic SOEs.
“The legislation will assign the functions of the holding company, which will cover issues of governance, financial management, remuneration standards and similar matters.
“This is in line with global best practice and is the approach taken by many countries with SOEs that successfully fulfil a social and economic development mandate.
“While some in this House might be dismissive of the work being coordinated in the Presidency, let us not lose sight of what these measures mean for the everyday lives of South African citizens. They mean more affordable and reliable electricity, cleaner water, efficient trains and lower data costs,” President Ramaphosa said.
Meanwhile, turning to other issues, the President said with just a small team of dedicated officials in the Presidency and National Treasury working closely with a wide range of government departments and entities, the President said the reforms implemented through Operation Vulindlela have had a measurable impact on growth and investment.
“These structural reforms are in the most strategic and critical sectors of our economy, as I indicated yesterday. They are in energy, in logistics, in telecommunications, in visa reform and in water.
“The reforms that are underway in the water sector – like reinstituting water quality monitoring systems, developing a raw water pricing strategy, and establishing a Water Partnerships Office to develop water infrastructure – have direct and material benefits for service delivery,” the President said.
Improved water infrastructure ensures more reliable and sustainable water supply while water quality management systems mean cleaner water and a reduced health risk.
“The ultimate beneficiary is the people of South Africa, and strengthening and enhancing the economy of our country,” the President said.
He said the reforms being implemented are laying a robust foundation for sustained economic and social progress.
“We have noted calls for programmes to involve young unemployed people in various forms of work, training and development. Contrary to some suggestions in the debate, we do have such programmes.
“These include the successful National Rural Youth Service Corps programme – known as NARYSEC – which provides opportunities to unemployed rural youth. We also spoke yesterday about other public and social employment programmes that have a large number of young participants.
“The challenge we have now is to scale up these programmes within available resources to ensure that they have a greater reach and impact,” the President said.
Size of the Executive
On the matter of the size of the Executive, the President said at this moment in South Africa’s history, the country faces complex and urgent challenges, which require strong coordination from the centre of government.
“While we continue to seek ways to use the resources of the state optimally, we have also had to ensure that we achieve inclusivity and balance. We believe that this is important for ensuring governance outcomes that serve the interests of all South Africans.
“Most importantly, we will ensure that the machinery of government works efficiently, and that it is used to advance the people’s interests and improve their lives.
“We will ensure that we reduce waste, rationalise and restructure our state-owned entities, and continue to direct the majority of our budget towards sustaining the social wage and investing in infrastructure,” the President said.
He said now more than ever, government must demonstrate what the people of South Africa can achieve when they work together.
“We must seize the opportunity that this Government of National Unity presents to restore these people’s trust in our democracy, and to realise the promise of dignity and equality that is contained in our Constitution.
“Five years from now, let us be able to say that we have made a difference in the lives of our people. Let us ensure that we take our beautiful country closer to the society of which we have all dreamed. And let us make sure that we leave no-one behind,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 07/24/2024 - 15:32
160 views
Celebrating 27 Years Of Crazy Savings!
The Crazy Store marks another milestone with crazy birthday deals! It’s The Crazy Store’s 27th birthday and they will be celebrating with fantastic offers! Young or old, you are invited to join the party. The Crazy Store is cranking it up, so be sure to take advantage of their crazy savings. From shadow box picture …
Ensuring Food Safety in Retail: The Crucial Role of Pest Control
Johannesburg – Pest Control WR, a leading pest control company in Johannesburg, highlights the essential connection between food safety and pest control in the retail industry. With years of experience, Pest Control WR has gained valuable insights into how proper pest management ensures compliance with food safety standards, protecting both businesses and consumers. The Critical …
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World Bank Group Executive Directors note progress and re-affirm support to South Africa and Namibia
A delegation of the World Bank Group's (WBG) Board of Executive Directors (EDs) noted South Africa's and Namibia's progress in achieving their development goals and re-affirmed World Bank Group's commitment to providing support. The 11 EDs and Alternate EDs were hosted by the World Bank and International Finance Corporation (IFC) country offices during their recent visit on July 7-13.
The visit provided a platform to assess progress with projects and engage on the evolution of the World Bank Group's relationship with the countries, from a knowledge-focused to a broader knowledge and financing partnership. EDs met government and business leaders, local stakeholders, and project beneficiaries, and experienced first-hand how the countries manage development priorities and challenges. South Africa and Namibia have common challenges, including poverty, unemployment, and inequality. Throughout the visit, the delegation discussed the ongoing and future support from the World Bank Group to boost inclusive economic growth and job creation.
In South Africa, over the past three years the country has shifted from being a non-borrowing client to borrowing over $1 billion per year from the World Bank. South Africa also constitutes the largest IFC portfolio in Africa and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency's (MIGA) second largest on the continent.
In Namibia, the World Bank Group is preparing a new Country Partnership Framework (CPF) with the government that will strategically guide its support as the engagement continues to grow. The World Bank recently approved a $138.5 million renewable energy and transmission loan to NamPower, after 15 years without borrowing.
Key highlights of the visit included:
- In South Africa, the delegation met with the Minister of Finance Honorable Enoch Godongwana, and the Minister of Electricity and Energy Honorable Kgosientsho Ramokgopa. EDs visited two IFC clients and two World Bank projects which showcased support for key government priorities and demonstrated how these projects link to global issues and corporate initiatives such as the just energy transition, health, urban development, and subnational government engagement. The delegation toured and engaged with stakeholders at the Komati power station – the site of the Eskom Just Energy Transition Project; the Addo Elephant Park that houses the innovative Wildlife Conservation Bond; and the IFC-supported Trust for Urban Housing Finance and BioVac Institute that manufactures vaccines locally.
- In Namibia, the delegation met with Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises Honorable Ipumbu Shiimi and key stakeholders, including development partners and the private sector. The delegation visited informal settlements near Windhoek to gain insights on housing related issues, a sector where IFC is investing and which the government has identified as a priority for World Bank Group engagement.
Matteo Bugamelli, the World Bank's Executive Director who represents the constituency of countries including Albania, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal, San Marino, and Timor-Leste, expressed optimism about the countries' progress. He emphasized the World Bank Group's commitment to helping South Africa and Namibia address unemployment and inequality challenges. He particularly welcomed the increased financing to support the implementation of much needed reforms.
About the World Bank Group's Board of Directors: The Board of Executive Directors is responsible for the conduct of the general operations of the Bank, making decisions on loans, credits, grants, policies, and financial matters. The Board consists of 25 members who represent the 189 member countries, providing guidance for the institution's development activities.
Visiting Board Officials: The delegation included Mr. Abdulaziz E A Almulla (Executive Director for Bahrain, Arab Republic of Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Maldives, Oman, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, West Bank and Gaza, and Republic of Yemen); Mr. Matteo Bugamelli (Executive Director for Albania, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal, San Marino, and Timor-Leste); Ms. Ayanda Dlodlo (Executive Director Angola, Nigeria, South Africa); Mr. Floribert Ngaruko (Executive Director for Botswana, Burundi, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe); Ms. Katharine Rechico (Executive Director for Antigua & Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, St. Lucia, St. Kitts & Nevis and St. Vincent & the Grenadines); and Mr. Tauqir Shah (Executive Director for Afghanistan, Algeria, Ghana, Islamic Republic of Iran, Morocco, Pakistan, and Tunisia.
Visiting Alternate Executive Directors: Mr. Louis Albisson (Alternate Executive Director for France); Mr. Felice Gorordo (Alternate Executive Director for the United States), Mr. Koji Uemura (Alternate Executive Director for Japan); Ms. Kerstin Sumana Wijeyewardene (Alternate Executive Director for Asia and the Pacific Constituency) and Mr. Weifeng Yang (Alternate Executive Director for China).
Included in the delegation was Ms. Mercy Tembon, World Bank Vice President and Corporate Secretary.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The World Bank Group.
SA to work with Palestine in research, technology and innovation programme
SA to work with Palestine in research, technology and innovation programme
Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) Minister, Professor Blade Nzimande, has announced a new programme to foster cooperation in science, technology and innovation (STI) between South Africa and war-torn Palestine.
“The programme will also have a special focus support for safeguarding, rebuilding, and developing Palestine’s research and innovation capacities and infrastructure,” Nzimande explained on Tuesday.
According to the Minister, the decision was made following a series of collaborations between the two nations.
These include a joint research project, seed funding for developing South African–Palestinian knowledge networks, the hosting of Palestinian scholars and students in South Africa in exchange programmes and sharing South African policy experience regarding science policy and system development.
The Minister, delivering his 2024/25 Budget Vote, stated that the programme aligns with the department’s strategic objective of using science diplomacy to foster human solidarity, and social justice, and support the country’s foreign policy.
“This new programme will be implemented by our entity the NRF [National Research Foundation] and will be funded from the department’s existing budget for international cooperation,” he told Members of Parliament (MPs).
Vaccines
For the 2024/25 financial year, the department experienced a budget cut, which was adjusted to R10 562 billion from R10 874 billion in 2023/24.
“I am honoured to be delivering the first Budget Vote of the Department of Science and Innovation, under the seventh administration, in the same year we celebrate 30 years of democracy.
“In these 30 years, our country has made tremendous strides in science, technology, and innovation,” he added.
He highlighted some of the achievements under the previous administration, which he believes have laid a foundation for deepening work in the new government.
This includes a new Vaccine Manufacturing Strategy (VIMS) to promote domestic design, development and production of vaccines.
Through VIMS, the department targeted vaccine development to fight the Rift Valley fever (RVF), human papillomavirus (HPV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and the hepatitis B virus.
Working with the World Health Organisation (WHO), government also set up capacity for the local development of mRNA vaccines in response to future Coronavirus threats.
Hydrogen economy
Nzimande also touched on the hydrogen economy, which was specifically referenced by President Cyril Ramaphosa in his Opening of Parliament Address (OPA) last Thursday.
“The DSI is leading major innovations to promote the transition to green hydrogen as an alternative source of energy to fuel our economy and to facilitate a net-zero energy future,” he explained.
In 2023/24, they also provided R53 million as an initial investment to support women-led small, medium, and micro-enterprises (SMMEs) in the hydrogen economy.
Achievements
A national solar research facility was also established by the government to enable localisation and technology transfer in support of the Cannabis Industrialisation Masterplan and the Renewable Energy Masterplan.
“Arising from this, it is pleasing to report that the CSIR [Council for Scientific and Industrial Research] graduated 23 SMMEs with two commercial value-added products each.”
The Minister also highlighted the role of the department in leading scientific and technological advancements in the field of astronomy, particularly in the construction of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project, which is poised to become the world’s biggest-ever radio telescope array.
In the area of agro-processing and farmer development in the 2023/24 period, the department provided 1 480 black emerging farmers with technology development support.
New growth industries
Building on the successes of the sixth administration, the Minister said they remain committed to ensuring the sustainability of existing businesses in the agricultural, manufacturing and mining sectors and supporting the development of new growth industries.
“STI is also about transforming the socio-economic conditions of working-class communities in townships and rural areas.”
He also touched on the Mandela Mining Precinct, a public-private partnership between the DSI and the Minerals Council of South Africa aimed at revitalising mining research, development and innovation to ensure the sustainability of the industry.
As part of building a capable State, he said his department has begun establishing an Earth Observation Data Centre to provide decision support tools for government in fire and flood mapping, food security monitoring, human settlements mapping, forest mapping, disaster management, climate change and water resources management.
In addition, he told Parliament that government was looking at ways of raising gross expenditure on research and development (GERD) equal to 1.5% of the gross domestic product (GDP) by 2030/31.
“Our challenges notwithstanding, we present this budget as our commitment to transform our National System of Innovation and using science, technology, and innovation to impact the lives of our people in a transformative way,” he added. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 07/23/2024 - 13:15
417 views
President Ramaphosa Assents to Climate Change Bill
President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed into law the Climate Change Bill which sets out a national climate change response, including mitigation and adaptation actions, which also constitutes South Africa's fair contribution to the global climate change response.
The Climate Change Act, as endorsed by the President, enables the alignment of policies that influence South Africa's climate change response, to ensure that South Africa's transition to a low carbon and climate resilient economy and society is not constrained by policy contradictions.
The law also sets out to enhance South Africa's ability and capacity over time to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and build climate resilience, while reducing the risk of job losses, and promoting opportunities for new job opportunities in the emerging green economy.
The Act has the aim of strengthening co-ordination between national sector departments and provide policy setting and decision-making to enable South Africa to meet the commitments in Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement.
The National Determined Contribution is a set of commitments South Africa has made under the international Paris Agreement to reduce greenhouse greenhouse emissions as part of climate change mitigation.
South Africa is one of more than 190 members of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change who are parties to the eight-year-old Paris Agreement.
South Africa's mitigation measures are a response to climate change impacts that are increasingly experienced across a number of sectors including water resources; agriculture and food production; forestry and fisheries; human health; energy generation; industry; human settlements and migration; disaster management; biodiversity and terrestrial ecosystems.
These impacts will disproportionately affect poor communities and vulnerable groups and could affect South Africa's ability to meet its development and economic growth goals, including job creation and poverty reduction.
The Climate Change Act sets out the functions of the Presidential Climate Commission, which includes providing advice on the Republic's climate change response to ensure the realisation of the vision for effective climate change response and the long-term just transition to a climate-resilient and low-carbon economy and society.
The law also stipulates the role provinces and municipalities will play in mitigation efforts.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
Farmer, 53, can sleep on his back for the first 15 in years
A father of three can sleep comfortably on his back for the first time in 15 years after having a massive tumor – weighing 11lbs (5kgs) – removed by surgical charity Mercy Ships (www.MercyShips.org).
Malagasy builder and rice farmer Fidisoa was 38 when what appeared to be a tiny pimple on his back started to grow, first into a lump and then into the size of a fist. It continued to grow until Fidisoa looked as if he carried a backpack underneath his shirt.
By age 53, Fidisoa struggled to do the high level of manual labor required from his livelihood and laying down on his back was painful for him.
Despite his best efforts to have the tumor removed using his life savings to pay for three surgeries at hospitals in his home country in 2015, 2018 and 2021, each time the tumor just regrew.
He said: “The first surgery was 600,000 Ariary (about $135 USD) since the tumor was comparatively smaller then. The second surgery was 1,300,000 Ariary ($290 USD) and the third surgery was 5,000,000 Ariary ($1,250 USD).”
“The first and second surgeries were paid for, using all the money I had worked and saved over the years.” Then, in order to pay for his third surgery in 2021, Fidisoa took on a new contract abroad to raise the final funds he needed – all of which was spent on the treatment.
A family man with three children aged five, 22 and 25, Fidisoa felt driven to continue working hard in the fields and providing for his loved ones despite the fact he was in physical pain and struggled to remain active.
Hope finally came in the form of a news announcement explaining that international charity Mercy Ships was offering free surgeries for conditions such as his on hospital ship the Africa Mercy®.
“I heard of Mercy Ships in 2015 on the news, but at the time, I didn't know how to get selected,” he admitted. When Mercy Ships returned to Madagascar in 2024, Fidisoa was able to be seen by the volunteer medical team and was welcomed on board the Africa Mercy® to receive his long-awaited surgery.
The day Fidisoa finally boarded the hospital ship was unforgettable – for more reasons than one. “Today, June 6, is my 53rd birthday and to be going in for free surgery tomorrow is like the best birthday gift I have ever received. The nurses here are so kind and even sang a happy birthday song for me,” Fidisoa shared.
After the four-hour surgery, Fidisoa's family, including his wife, daughter, and sister, were all waiting for him outside the operating room and were elated to see the tumor had gone.
“They were amazed at how different I looked,” Fidisoa said with a smile. “Thank you to all the loving, humble people at Mercy Ships and to everyone who made this possible.”
Dr. Tertius Venter, a volunteer reconstructive plastics surgeon from South Africa, was among the team who operated on Fidisoa in a procedure called a back hibernoma excision. He said that the benign tumor, a soft lobular fibroma which weighed 5 kilograms (11 lbs.), was now gone for good. After past surgeries regrowth occurred because not all abnormal tissue was removed.
“In his case, we spent quite a lot of time because it [abnormal tissue] also infiltrated into his muscles, so we had to go thoroughly and find every bit and remove it as far we could. We have removed it completely now,” explained Dr. Venter.
Finally free from the weight he had long carried, Fidisoa would now be able to live a normal life.
After his healing journey was complete, Fidisoa was filled with fresh ideas for the future. Without the physical limitations of his tumor, the work that had long been challenging now felt like a new beginning.
“I look forward to getting back to work immediately on the farm where I grow rice. I intend to fix an old motorbike I have back home and use that to supply sacks of rice to my customers. Maybe with time, I will travel to the Comoros Islands to do construction work, but for now, I'll stay in Madagascar,” he said with optimism.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mercy Ships.
Video link: https://apo-opa.co/4cPqspq
For more Information about Mercy Ships, contact:
Sophie Barnett
Mercy Ships International PR Manager
sophie.barnett@mercyships.org
About Mercy Ships:
Mercy Ships operates hospital ships that deliver free surgeries and other healthcare services to those with little access to safe medical care. An international faith-based organization, Mercy Ships has focused entirely on partnering with African nations for the past three decades. Working with in-country partners, Mercy Ships also provides training to local healthcare professionals and supports the construction of in-country medical infrastructure to leave a lasting impact.
Each year, more than 3,000 volunteer professionals from over 60 countries serve on board the world's two largest non-governmental hospital ships, the Africa Mercy® and the Global Mercy™. Professionals such as surgeons, dentists, nurses, health trainers, cooks, and engineers dedicate their time and skills to accelerate access to safe surgical, obstetric and anesthetic care. Mercy Ships was founded in 1978 and has offices in 16 countries as well as an Africa Service Center in Dakar, Senegal. For more information, visit www.MercyShips.org and follow @ MercyShips on social media.
SA’s response to climate change outlined in new law
SA’s response to climate change outlined in new law
President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed into law the Climate Change Bill, which sets out a national climate change response, including mitigation and adaptation actions, which also constitutes South Africa’s fair contribution to the global climate change response.
“The Climate Change Act, as endorsed by the President, enables the alignment of policies that influence South Africa’s climate change response, to ensure that South Africa’s transition to a low carbon and climate resilient economy and society is not constrained by policy contradictions,” the Presidency said on Tuesday.
The law also sets out to enhance South Africa’s ability and capacity over time to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and build climate resilience, while reducing the risk of job losses, and promoting opportunities for new job opportunities in the emerging green economy.
“The Act has the aim of strengthening co-ordination between national sector departments and provide policy setting and decision-making to enable South Africa to meet the commitments in Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement.
“The National Determined Contribution is a set of commitments South Africa has made under the international Paris Agreement to reduce greenhouse emissions as part of climate change mitigation,” the Presidency said.
South Africa is one of more than 190 members of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change who are parties to the eight-year-old Paris Agreement.
South Africa’s mitigation measures are a response to climate change impacts that are increasingly experienced across a number of sectors, including water resources; agriculture and food production; forestry and fisheries; human health; energy generation; industry; human settlements and migration; disaster management; biodiversity and terrestrial ecosystems.
“These impacts will disproportionately affect poor communities and vulnerable groups and could affect South Africa’s ability to meet its development and economic growth goals, including job creation and poverty reduction,” the Presidency said.
The Climate Change Act sets out the functions of the Presidential Climate Commission, which includes providing advice on the Republic’s climate change response to ensure the realisation of the vision for effective climate change response and the long-term just transition to a climate-resilient and low-carbon economy and society.
The law also stipulates the role provinces and municipalities will play in mitigation efforts. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Tue, 07/23/2024 - 09:33
58 views
SA delegation in Munich for International AIDS conference
SA delegation in Munich for International AIDS conference
Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla, has arrived in Munich, Germany, ahead of the 25th International AIDS Conference, scheduled to take place from Monday to Friday.
The Deputy Minister will lead the South African delegation at the conference which will be held under the theme: “Put people first”.
This year’s conference theme highlights a clarion call for all key role players to strengthen efforts in deepening human rights, providing adequate health care facilities and protecting civil rights.
The AIDS 2024 Conference offers a platform to address persistent challenges which impact negatively on countries' overall HIV response.
Phaahla is supported by the SA Patron of the Global Alliance for ending AIDS in children by 2030, Humile Mashatile, the SANAC Chief Executive Officer, Dr Thembisile Xulu, Health Department Director General, Dr Sandile Buthelezi, a team of health scientists, civil society activists, social partners as well as senior government officials.
“This important world’s largest and most influential conference on HIV/AIDS, will feature discussions on, amongst others, key population-led innovations, artificial intelligence and digital technology in healthcare provision, HIV and climate change, prevention of vertical transformation and also consider lessons from COVID-19 on misinformation,” the Presidency said in a statement.
In this regard, the SA Global Alliance Patron, Humile Mashatile, will participate in panel discussions focused on “Connecting data, programmes and communities with the view to contribute in defining Global Alliance Roadmap to Ending AIDS in Children by 2030”.
Mashatile will also meet with the Executive Director of UNAIDS, Winnie Byanyima, to outline the strategic plans and programmes developed by key South African role-players, geared towards ending AIDS in Children by 2030.
The Human Sciences research Council (HSRC) of South Africa, which is Africa’s largest dedicated social science and humanities research agency and policy think tank, will utilise the opportunity to present a study on South African HIV Prevalence, Incidence and Behavior (SABSSM) survey results.
This critical work by the HSRC signifies an important legacy collection of public data that has contributed to the improvement of lives for citizens.
The Deputy Minister and the delegation will join world activists in confronting challenges and identifying opportunities to accelerate progress in HIV science, policy and initiatives, to foster a more resilient, equitable and sustainable international community. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 07/22/2024 - 09:52
740 views
Africa – Unfinished business: only urgent and accelerated delivery of HIV services will keep the promise of ending AIDS in children by 2030
Despite progress made in reducing HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths among children, a new report released today by the Global Alliance for Ending AIDS in Children by 2030 shows that an urgent scale up of HIV services in countries worst affected by the pandemic is required to end AIDS by 2030.
The report, Transforming Vision Into Reality, shows that programmes targeting vertical transmission of HIV have averted 4 million infections among children aged 0-14 years old since 2000. Globally, new HIV infections among children aged 0-14 years old have declined by 38 per cent since 2015 and AIDS-related deaths have fallen by 43 per cent.
Among the 12 Global Alliance countries, several have achieved strong coverage of lifelong antiretroviral therapy among pregnant and breastfeeding women living with HIV, with Uganda nearing 100 per cent, United Republic of Tanzania at 98 per cent, and South Africa at 97 per cent. Mozambique has achieved 90 per cent coverage, with Zambia at 90 per cent, Angola at 89 per cent, Kenya at 89 per cent, Zimbabwe at 88 per cent, and Cote d'Ivoire at 84 per cent.
“I applaud the progress that many countries are making in rolling out HIV services to keep young women healthy and to protect babies and children from HIV,” said UNAIDS Executive Director, Winnie Byanyima. “With the medicines and science available today, we can ensure that all babies are born – and remain – HIV-free, and that all children who are living with HIV get on and stay on treatment. Services for treatment and prevention must be ramped up immediately to ensure that they reach all children everywhere. We cannot rest on our laurels. The death of any child from AIDS related causes is not only a tragedy, but also an outrage. Where I come from, all children are our children. The world can and must keep its promise to end AIDS in children by 2030.”
Global Alliance countries are innovating to overcome barriers and accelerate progress towards ending AIDS in children. However, despite advances neither the world nor Global Alliance countries are currently on track to reach HIV-related commitments for children and adolescents and the pace of progress in preventing new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths among children has slowed in recent years.
“Accelerating the delivery and uptake of HIV services for children and adolescents is a moral obligation, and a political choice,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization. “Twelve countries are demonstrating they have made that choice, but significant challenges remain. While we have made progress in increasing access for pregnant women to testing and treatment to prevent vertical transmission of HIV, we are still far from closing the paediatric treatment gap. We need to further strengthen the collaboration and reach of the Global Alliance, and we must do this work with focus, purpose and in solidarity with all affected mothers, children, and adolescents.”
Around 120 000 children aged 0-14 years old became infected with HIV in 2023, with around 77 000 of these new infections occurring in the Global Alliance countries. AIDS-related deaths among children aged 0-14 years old numbered 76 000 globally with Global Alliance countries accounting for 49 000 of these unnecessary deaths. Vertical transmission rates remain extremely high in some locations, particularly in Western and Central Africa, with rates exceeding 20 per cent in countries including Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
“In the fight against HIV, we must do a much better job for children,” said Peter Sands, Executive Director of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, which provides funding for HIV programmes in over 100 countries through a country-led partnership model. “In support of national programmes, we have been procuring the latest dolutegravir-based paediatric treatment regimens at negotiated prices. Our investments in laboratory systems are helping ensure exposed infants are rapidly tested and that those that test positive are quickly initiated on age-appropriate antiretroviral treatment. Differentiated testing and treatment approaches are helping close the diagnostic gap and ensuring more child-centred service delivery.”
It is concerning that the treatment gap between adults and children continues to widen.
“Just 57 per cent of children living with HIV receive life-saving treatment, compared to 77 per cent of adults,” said UNICEF Associate Director HIV/AIDS, Anurita Bains. “Without early and effective testing and treatment, HIV remains a persistent threat to the health and well-being of children and adolescents and puts them at risk of death. To close the treatment gap, we must support governments to scale up innovative testing approaches and ensure children and adolescents living with HIV receive the treatment and support they need.”
In 2023, there were 210 000 new infections globally among young women and girls aged 15—24 years old (130 000 in Global Alliance countries), four times higher than the 2025 goal set at 50 000. Preventing new infections among this age group is critical both to protect the health and wellbeing of young women and to reduce the risk of new infections among children.
Gender inequalities and human rights violations are increasing women's vulnerability to HIV and diminishing their ability to access essential services. Globally, nearly one in three women have encountered some form of violence during their lifetime, with adolescent girls and young women disproportionately affected by intimate partner violence. In the four Global Alliance countries with available data, countries are not currently on track to achieve the target of ensuring that by 2025 less than 10 per cent of women, key populations and people living with HIV experience gender-based inequalities and gender violence.
"It has been remarkable to see how many more children's lives can be saved when all stakeholders and partners come together to commit to end AIDS in children. While much progress has been made, notably through the successful introduction of pediatric dolutegravir, large gaps still remain across the pediatric cascade and we must recommit ourselves with purpose and innovation to fulfill the promises we have made by 2025 and beyond,” said Ambassador John N. Nkengasong, United States Global AIDS Coordinator and Special Representative for Global Health Diplomacy.
The Global Alliance for Ending AIDS in Children by 2030 was launched in 2022 by WHO, UNICEF and WHO to reinvigorate the paediatric HIV agenda. It has now grown, and in addition to the United Nations agencies, the alliance includes civil society movements, including the Global Network of People living with HIV, national governments in the most affected countries, and international partners, including PEPFAR and the Global Fund. Twelve countries are members: Angola, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
Chikunga condemns persistent acts of gender-based violence
Chikunga condemns persistent acts of gender-based violence
Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, has reiterated the call for all South Africans to rally behind the country’s fight against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).
This includes acts of GBVF perpetrated by intimate partners and family members.
Chikunga emphasised the urgent need to move beyond sloganeering.
“There is an urgent need to invest adequate resources to respond to the GBVF pandemic and all forms of discrimination by the whole of society and the government,” Chikunga said.
In its 2020 report titled "Killings of Women and Girls by Their Intimate Partner or Other Family Members - Global Estimates," the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) estimated that, on average, a woman or girl is killed by someone in her own family every 11 minutes.
A year later, estimates by the World Health Organisation (WHO) also found that one in three women worldwide has suffered from physical and sexual violence in her lifetime, and that one in five women who have had at least one partner has experienced physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner.
Chikunga noted that despite the exponential high level of commendable advocacy and policy commitment, Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) remains one of the most frequent forms of violence against women and girls.
She added that recent studies affirm that despite decades of activism, advocacy, and action by state and non-state actors, the available evidence shows that progress in stopping IPV and related violence has been deeply inadequate.
While government has heeded this call and elevated the fight against GBVF into one of its top priorities, Chikunga acknowledged that in the past 30 years of democratic dispensation, the plight of women and girls in South Africa has remained deplorable and far from ideal.
“As we begin the seventh Administration, our message has to be clear when it comes to the fight against GBVF; the master's tools will not destroy the master's house. We need new tools, and we need them urgently.
“South Africans have bestowed on our shoulders a responsibility to recognise and respond appropriately to the systemic and structural nature of discrimination, and violence against women and girls. We can no longer tinker on the edges and expect systemic results.”
Across educational, religious, cultural, sporting, and creative environments, the Minister said, “all our values and practices must be put into question and deliberately repurposed to support the fight against patriarchal chauvinism in all spheres of life.’
She further stressed a need for systemic change, noting that the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities is committed to enforcing gender equality throughout government and society as a constitutional imperative, and “not as an afterthought that emerges when the next victim is lying cold.”
“Women have been and continue to be the basic foundation of all human civilisation, and yet we wake up every day and petition a man for the right to survive until the end of the day.
“We need community intelligence - researchers, scholars, advocates, and activists who will go beyond reproducing mainstream narratives and get a granular picture from communities that face violence at a community or even street level, to ensure that justice is served,” Chikunga said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 07/22/2024 - 10:03
494 views
What Is Hepatitis? Understanding The Liver’S Silent Threat
Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health coverage, explores hepatitis, its types, causes, symptoms, and prevention strategies. “Every year, 28 July celebrates World Hepatitis Day, a global effort to raise awareness of hepatitis,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health. “According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the prevalence of chronic hepatitis B in …
Healthcare for all a top priority for government
Healthcare for all a top priority for government
Equal access to affordable quality health care through the implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI), is a key priority for the seventh administration, says President Cyril Ramaphosa.
“We are unwavering in our commitment to implement universal health coverage in a manner that brings all South Africans on board,” President Ramaphosa said.
The President was responding to the debate on the Opening of Parliament Address on Monday.
President Ramaphosa said government will continue with dialogues, exchanges and interactions to make the NHI an important programme for the people.
The President also highlighted the country’s report to the United Nations, which noted reductions in maternal, infant and neonatal mortality, and that South Africans are living longer and have better health outcomes.
READ | Government pushes for affordable healthcare for all
The President delivered the Opening of Parliament Address on Thursday and the President’s speech was debated by political parties on Friday.
READ | President Ramaphosa signs NHI Bill into law
Education
On inclusive and equitable quality education, President Ramaphosa said the country has made progress with respect to functional literacy and numeracy at primary school level, and in primary school completion rates.
“Today, more South African children have access to Early Childhood Development (ECD) and Grade R, and secondary school education outcomes continue to steadily improve.
“The child support grant, no-fee schools and expanded NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) funding have had a considerable impact on the lives of learners, particularly those from poor families.”
He said these social protection interventions, alongside others, including the Schools Nutrition and Sanitary Dignity Programmes, aimed at female learners, are helping to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty.
“They are enabling more children to complete their schooling and to access opportunities after they finish school. One need only look at last year’s matriculation exam results, where learners who were social grant beneficiaries achieved an 81 percent pass rate,” President Ramaphosa said.
While access to education expands the capabilities of young people, the President noted that it also improves the productive capacity of the economy.
“Our young people are competing with the world. This is a new world, one that is rapidly changing and being influenced by technological advances.
“A better educated, better skilled workforce makes our economy more competitive and catalyses growth.”
Greater investment in skills
President Ramaphosa also commended the call for greater investment in skilling young people for the economy of the future, and for young people to be familiar with emerging technologies.
“Science and technology is going to continue playing an important role in enabling our young people to play a key role in our economy,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 07/22/2024 - 12:22
378 views
Efficiency and alignment are key to 7th administration
Efficiency and alignment are key to 7th administration
Greater efficiency and the alignment of priorities will define the newly constituted seventh administration.
“What will define the seventh administration is strategic alignment of priorities, greater efficiencies, focus and the optimal use of resources,” President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Monday.
Replying to the Opening of Parliament Address (OPA) debate, President Ramaphosa said South Africans expect government to chart the country towards the ultimate goal of a better life for all.
“As we said, our priorities are inclusive growth and job creation, reducing poverty and tackling the high cost of living, and building a capable, ethical and developmental state,” President Ramaphosa said.
President Ramaphosa said during much of the sixth administration, government worked to address the challenges that impeded growth, such as state capture, lack of reforms, COVID-19 and others.
“We also worked to overcome the silo mentality that pervaded the work of government, and which in the past had contributed to inefficiency, duplication and wastage of resources.”
He said the Government of National Unity (GNU) must demonstrate in word and deed that the seventh administration is an era of a government of national unity and not a fleeting convenience.
“At the same time, we all understand what is expected of us by those who put us here,” President Ramaphosa said.
The President who delivered the OPA on Thursday, said it was important to examine the progress made by the nation in addressing the “the challenges our people face.”
READ | 'We will succeed' - President Ramaphosa on prospects of GNU
Last year, South Africa submitted its third country report to the United Nations (UN) on its progress towards meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
The President said the UN report highlighted important trends towards meeting SDG targets in eradicating poverty and hunger, in good health and well-being, in inclusive and equitable quality education, in the provision of clean water and sanitation, in climate action, in building strong institutions for peace and justice and others.
He added that government’s 30 Year Review report and the results of Census 2022 are testament to the considerable progress the democratic state has made in pursuing equitable and sustainable development.
“On eradicating poverty and hunger, more indigent South Africans are accessing grants as part of an extensive social security net to mitigate the worst effects of poverty.
“Sixty percent of our national budget is spent on the social wage and programmes vital to reducing poverty and supporting the poor.
“When the worst global health emergency in modern times struck in the form of the COVID-19 pandemic, we were able to shelter society’s most vulnerable through the provision of special COVID grants, a scheme to support workers’ wages, and support to businesses affected by the lockdowns,” the President said.
READ | Government creates better life during 30 years of democracy
President Ramaphosa said over the next five years, government will be putting further programmes in place to reduce poverty and mitigate the effects of the high cost of living, especially on the poorest of the poor.
NHI
With regards to the National Health Insurance (NHI), President Ramaphosa said a key task for government over the next five years will be to ensure that everyone in South Africa has equal access to affordable quality healthcare through the implementation of health insurance.
“We are unwavering in our commitment to implement universal health coverage in a manner that brings all South Africans on board. We will continue with dialogues, with exchanges, with interactions to make this an important programme for our people,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 07/22/2024 - 12:42
255 views
Ethiopian running sensation, Tadu Nare, confirms entry into Totalsports Women’s Race Cape Town
The competition is heating up in the 2024 Totalsports Women’s Race as Ethiopian running sensation, Tadu Teshome Nare confirms her entry into the 10km race in Cape Town on National Women’s Day, Friday 09 August 2024. Boasting an impressive list of accolades, Nare’s achievements include 1st place at the Mandela Bay Half Marathon in 2024, …
Reimagine reading with kibooks.online
Keen to make it easier for children to access reading material online, kibooks.online wants to make reading fun again. [03 July 2024] The Qualibooks Group is looking to bring the fun back to reading with its online platform, kibooks.online. A fully online platform, kibooks.online provides children with access to around 8000 top-quality books that they …
Unlocking AI’s transformative potential in South Africa: Enhancing society & creating opportunities
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to supercharge every aspect of business and society, South Africa stands at a critical juncture. Rather than fearing job displacement, we can harness AI to drive widespread growth and prosperity. By fostering local innovation, investing in AI education, and creating a conducive regulatory environment, we can empower citizens and businesses …
Biosecurity measures implemented to manage Foot and Mouth Disease
Biosecurity measures implemented to manage Foot and Mouth Disease
Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen says the department is working with all stakeholders to ensure that biosecurity measures are implemented to manage the current Foot and Mouth (FMD) outbreak in the Eastern Cape.
Steenhuisen emphasised that biosecurity remains a priority for the department, noting that the disease poses a risk for local production and trade, both national and international.
The Minister said the department is also in constant engagement with the Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Agrarian Reform to ensure that FMD control measures are implemented, and that the disease does not spread within the province.
Noting the shared responsibilities for biosecurity implementation, the Minster said the department is also in ongoing engagement with the Western Cape Department of Agriculture to ensure that the disease does not spread to that province.
He said the investigation into the origin and extent of the FMD outbreak in the Eastern Cape continues.
“Twenty-three farms in the Humansdorp area and one farm in the East London have been confirmed as positive for FMD. Locations confirmed to be positive for FMD were placed under quarantine by the Eastern Cape Provincial Veterinary Services.
“Full epidemiological investigations are continuing. Immediate neighbours and all linked locations have been placed under precautionary quarantine, pending clinical and serological investigation to determine their FMD status,” Steenhuisen said.
The Minister said a total of 46 applications to vaccinate non-infected farms were received, and of these, 30 farms were permitted to vaccinate, while 17 applications for voluntary vaccination have not yet been approved.
The Minister explained that applications are considered for vaccination if the farms are within the 10km radius of a positive farm.
“The applications are prioritised to ensure that the farms at highest risk are vaccinated first. It was agreed during the Joint Operations Committee on FMD that the available personnel resources will be used in a manner that allows for the maximum number of farms to be vaccinated in the shortest time possible,” Steenhuisen explained.
The department reiterated the call to farmers to observe biosecurity on their farms and to protect their own herds from becoming infected.
Section 11 of the Animal Diseases Act, 1984 (Act No. 35 of 1984) imposes a legal duty on any owner or manager of animals to take all reasonable steps to prevent their animals from becoming infected with any disease and to prevent the spread of any disease from their animals or land to other animals or other properties.
In line with this, a regulation was prescribed in October 2022 by the Minister of Agriculture, stipulating that cloven hoofed livestock may only be moved if accompanied by a health declaration from the owner of the animals, attesting to their health at the time of moving.
In addition, all cattle, sheep, and goats newly brought onto a farm must be kept separated from the resident herds for at least 28 days.
FMD is a controlled animal disease in terms of the Animal Diseases Act, 1984 (Act No 35 of 1984) and the Act prescribes certain control measures, like isolation and movement control, that are being enforced by veterinary services.
“Should any suspicious clinical symptoms (salivation, blisters in the mouth, limping or hoof lesions) be seen, it should be reported to the local State Veterinarian immediately and such animals must not be moved under any circumstances,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Sun, 07/21/2024 - 11:32
150 views
Gugulethu volunteers clean up dump sites on Mandela Day
“Now that the area has been cleaned we are grateful. We will look after it and prevent illegal dumping.”
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
564 views
GNU provides an opportunity to build a prosperous country
GNU provides an opportunity to build a prosperous country
Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen says the Government of National Unity (GNU) has provided an opportunity to build a united and prosperous South Africa.
Speaking at a joint sitting of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces to debate the President’s Opening of Parliament Address (OPA) on Friday, Steenhuisen reiterated that his party, the Democratic Alliance (DA), joined the Government of National Unity because it wants to play its part to build South Africa.
Steenhuisen said the 2024 National and Provincial Elections, which necessitated the creation of a multiparty government, offers the country a powerful opportunity to carve a new path.
“The recent expanded Cabinet Lekgotla has given us the key ingredients we need to accelerate growth and private sector investment in our economy. The Government of National Unity has identified rapid and inclusive growth to create jobs as our apex priority,” Steenhuisen said.
To achieve this, he said the GNU has committed to a responsible fiscal path that reduces the national debt in order to free up resources for productive investments.
“The planned review of sector master plans to identify obstacles to growth, the emphasis on increasing our focus on exports, and our shared commitment to slashing red tape to crowd-in private sector investment, gives us the key ingredients we need to succeed,” Steenhuisen said.
The Minister also welcomed President Ramaphosa’s Opening of Parliament Address on the policy interventions to expand the basket of food items exempt from VAT, to review and reduce the fuel price, to prevent undue political interference in the public service, and to set up specialised policing units to fight violent crime and the construction mafia.
“These policy changes are ones that the DA has long advocated for, and they will make a meaningful impact on reducing the cost of living, enhancing the capacity of the state, and tackling the violent crime that plagues too many of our communities,” Steenhuisen said.
While the Government of National Unity has met the requirement for sufficient consensus as outlined in the Statement of Intent on some key matters of economic policy, Steenhuisen acknowledged that there are still areas of divergence that require attention.
These include the need for universal health coverage, which he said has serious problems of corruption and mismanagement in the public health sector.
“The National Health Insurance (NHI) in its current form does not do enough to address these problems... The same goes for the Basic Education Laws Amendment Bill and some other initiatives.
“However, in all of these areas of divergence, I am convinced that we can find a way forward. It will require us to be honest about disagreements where they do exist, and to work in good faith with one another to find solutions,” Steenhuisen said.
Steenhuisen maintained that if the Government of National Unity succeeds in delivering on its apex priority of growing the economy and creating jobs, “then the builders will defeat the breakers once and for all”.
“This Government of National Unity reflects the will of the people, who have told us loud and clear that they want an end to single party domination in favour of multiparty cooperation. The DA, alongside our partners, have heeded that call, and we have put forward our best weaver birds to help build South Africa,” Steenhuisen said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 07/19/2024 - 13:28
359 views