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Once again South Africans honoured the legacy of Nelson Mandela on Thursday, 18 July. Hundreds of Southern Sun employees went out into their local communities to volunteer at the many projects that are regularly supported by the group’s hotels and resorts in South Africa. Heeding the call to collectively address social and economic security of …
17 July 2024, Johannesburg: As the nation grapples with ongoing stark inequalities, pervasive poverty and a dire youth unemployment rate, Afrika Tikkun, a leading youth development non-profit organisation, marks its 30-year legacy of creating holistic development, sustainable impact and tackling South Africa’s (SA’s) entrenched socio-economic disparities to foster an equitable society for all. The country’s …
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are the ‘nature reserves’ of the sea, conserving marine biodiversity to protect threatened species and ocean health. South Africa is home to some 41 MPAs which play a vital role in ocean conservation, although currently only 5% of the country’s ocean space is protected by these vital areas. In celebration of …
They are well-paid public servants, but diligence is the exception
President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the much-debated National Health Insurance (NHI) into parliament two weeks before South Africa’s crucial May elections. This move was not only a clear statement of intent that the new political dispensation is unwavering in its commitment to improving the lives of South Africans, but it also brought Africa’s most diversified economy …
Government pushes for affordable healthcare for all
Equitable, accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare, will be high on the agenda of the seventh administration, over the next five years.
“An important task of the next five years is to ensure that we also reduce the high cost of living by ensuring that everyone in South Africa has equal access to equitable, accessible and affordable quality healthcare.”
As the government moves forward with implementing the National Health Insurance (NHI), the President said that the State will concentrate on strengthening healthcare infrastructure, enhancing the training of healthcare personnel, and utilising technology to improve healthcare management.
“While there is much contestation around the NHI, there is broad agreement that we must draw on the resources and capabilities of both the public and private sectors to meet the healthcare needs of all South Africans equally,” he said.
READ | President Ramaphosa signs NHI Bill into law
In his address on Thursday night, the President outlined the new government’s agenda, priorities, and policies for the next five years during a joint sitting of the newly constituted two Houses of Parliament (National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces).
The Opening of Parliament signifies the formal start of the parliamentary year, following the May 29 elections.
“In implementing the NHI, we are confident that we will be able to bring stakeholders together, and that we will be able to resolve differences and clarify misunderstandings.”
Last week, Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, emphasised the department’s commitment to forge ahead with implementing the NHI in phases, in his Budget Vote Speech.
He announced that the implementation of the NHI was already in phase 2.
The Minister told Parliamentarians that there was no debate that South Africa is one of the most unequal societies in the world.
“If you want to see what inequality means, come to the health sector in South Africa. Within the borders of the same country, some are getting world-class healthcare, while others get such poor healthcare, you may believe we live in different countries,” he said at the time.
However, he said the country can no longer sustain such “gross inequality”.
READ | Dept committed to implementing NHI in phases
The Minister also took the time to call on the Members of Parliament to discuss areas which need to be ironed out instead of “throwing the baby out with the bathwater”. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 07/18/2024 - 21:25
The City says it spent more than R2.5-million on repairs and maintenance for Avonwood Sports Ground in the 2023/24 financial year
Mpox outbreak remains under control, says Health
The Department of Health has reassured South Africa that the current Monkeypox, or Mpox, disease outbreak remains under control.
This is despite several suspected cases reported across the country due to heightened awareness and surveillance activities, the department said on Thursday.
The Gauteng Department of Education retracted a statement this morning after it said a case of the infectious disease was reported at a Hammanskraal school in Gauteng.
The provincial department admitted that it may have “acted prematurely” in confirming the case without verification from the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) and apologised for the confusion.
According to the Department of Health, there have been 22 positive cases reported since May of this year. This includes 16 recoveries, three deaths and three active cases.
“Thus, the department would like to urge people who experience suspected Mpox symptoms, with or without international travel history, to present themselves to a health facility for clinical observation, confine themselves to one place and avoid gatherings until their laboratory test results are available,” a statement read.
The department said suspected cases are treated with confidentiality during contact tracing and case investigation.
“However, the department will always strike a balance between the privacy of individuals and letting them know they may be at risk of infection for the benefit of public health.”
The department urged all identified and suspected contacts to cooperate with health officials during contact tracing for screening and possible diagnosis to prevent further transmission of the preventable and treatable disease.
Some of the common symptoms of Mpox include a rash, which may last for two to four weeks, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy and swollen glands.
“The healthcare workers understand the importance of confidentiality in managing reported and suspected cases of notifiable medical conditions.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 07/18/2024 - 16:40
In a report as part of Call to Earth, CNN highlights the Wildlife Forensics Academy (WFA) in South Africa. On a mission to tackle poaching, the WFA recreates wildlife crimes in a warehouse and students and rangers dressed in hazmat suits are taught how to handle the evidence. Across the world, wildlife crimes – including …
The municipal sewage works is one of the main pollution sources
By NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber (www.EnergyChamber.org).
A recent policy brief, “Natural Gas as a Transition Fuel in South Africa,” produced by Eye for Business, minced no words concerning the need to access and use that plentiful underground resource.
As stated up front, “Among alternatives, there is a compelling case for investing in natural gas as the most prudent steppingstone to a low-carbon future of power generation.”
In their brief, commissioned by The EnerGeo Alliance — a global trade alliance for the energy geoscience industry — Eye for Business makes a good point.
South Africa's continuing power deficits make the case anew each day for expanded extraction and use of the country's natural gas. A significantly lower-carbon alternative to coal and diesel, this fuel can provide electricity for growing needs while paving the way for renewables and an increasingly lower-carbon future.
The Current Energy Picture
The brief highlights the growth forces that are now at work and expected to push South Africa's demand for energy to a projected three times current demand by 2040. These forces include a growing population and a trend toward migration into cities.
South Africa's current energy sources — coal, diesel, renewables, and unpredictable natural gas imports from Mozambique — are inadequate to prevent the daily 6- to 10-hour outages that now hinder business, education, medicine, industry, and more.
Residentially, these intermittencies impact poorer households the most. Likewise, the frequent failures of old coal-fired plants and associated maintenance costs result in higher tariffs that hit low-income families hardest.
These stark realities make it imperative that South Africa use its own clean natural gas to transition toward renewables, at a pace that allows its economy to benefit. Moving in that direction will draw more needed outside interest and investment in the country's natural gas deposits.
As a real-time example, Namibia is wisely using its offshore discoveries in this way, helping that nation move toward prosperity.
For South Africa to likewise gain the economic health needed to increase development of renewables, it must first stabilize its energy supply to reverse disturbing trends in business closures and increased unemployment due to intermittencies. Energy sources such as wind and solar, which are by nature intermittent, cannot provide immediate solutions to these economic and human problems.
With substantial in-country natural gas discoveries such as Brulpadda, prospects like the Karoo shale reserves, and potential offshore discoveries on the horizon, it just makes sense to put those resources to work to achieve energy stability.
Natural Gas, the Natural Solution
“Countries using gas as a source for power generation have seen their electricity supply grow about three times faster in the past 10 years than those not able to use gas,” states Eye for Business' brief.
As is well known, the wealthy countries around the globe have long made tactical use of their vital natural gas resources for building economic soundness. Once their people and businesses were supported by a reliable supply of electricity, these nations could begin to develop renewables on a large scale.
Importantly, for South Africa's industrial sector to grow, it needs increased feedstocks, such as those used to make fertilizers and petrochemicals. These vital chemicals are produced from natural gas, which can also supply the heat energy needed by the cement, steel, and other industries to make their products.
Less Cost, Less Emissions
Putting South Africa's natural gas resources to work during transition will cost less than most alternatives. Comparing the price tag for various types of electric power plants, the costs per kilowatt hour to build solar, biomass, nuclear, wind, and coal plants are all more than twice as high as the cost to build natural gas plants.
This difference is largely due to modular construction methods used for natural gas plants, which makes them easier to scale and suit to their locations, thus avoiding the cost overruns typical on larger facility projects.
Another cost-efficient build method for natural gas plants is converting inactive existing coal-fired power plants. These conversions can be done at lower costs than new construction. This is a win-win proposition that utilizes unused plants for producing cleaner energy while avoiding unnecessary expense.
As the brief highlights, natural gas emits 50% to 60% less CO2 than coal. This makes it an ideal transition fuel for South Africa that will contribute only a very miniscule amount to global emissions. And even that could be decreased with the use of carbon capture and storage.
To keep a realistic perspective on emissions, it is important to bear in mind that Africa as a whole, with about 17% of the world's population, contributes only a tiny 4% of global carbon emissions at 1.45 billion tonnes.
Potential Employment and Exports
Increased investment in and use of natural gas could pay off for South Africa in two very important areas — job creation and the opportunity to achieve net exporter status.
Growing new jobs is crucial, as South Africa's unemployment rate is currently hovering around 30%. Jobs will come with the territory as the country's gas infrastructure is enlarged for drilling, transport, and electricity production.
Young managers and workers will need to be trained in the necessary skills to run and maintain these operations. In short, revving up the natural gas sector will breathe new energy into the job market as young people see and take advantage of these new opportunities.
On the export front, a sizeable opportunity for boosting the country's economy has appeared on its northern horizon. Because of Europe's recent reduction in imports of Russian gas, the vast European market presents an opportunity South Africa could pursue, along with other markets, after its own energy needs are met.
The Way Forward
To diversify South Africa's energy mix, government policy support in accordance with the country's draft Gas Master Plan (GMP2024) and the National Development Plan (NDP) will be needed.
The Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) aligns with those documents' goals, supporting, as Eye for Business' brief puts it, “a significant shift in the energy mix, projecting an additional 29,500MW to the electricity capacity by 2030, with 3,000MW expected from gas.”
With all the benefits they can bring, South Africa must not leave its valuable natural gas deposits stranded while lacking reliable green energy sources. Making steady progress toward a lower-carbon energy mix while transitioning toward renewables makes sense for South Africa and its people.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
SAPS to recruit additional members to combat crime
The South African Police Service (SAPS) is set to recruit additional members to bolster its ranks over the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) period in an effort to combat crime in the country.
Presenting the department’s Budget Vote in the National Assembly on Tuesday, newly appointed Police Minister, Senzo Mchunu, said the department is committed to expanding its workforce, enhancing police visibility, improving community responsiveness, detection rate, crime intelligence capability, and to building public confidence in the police service.
“This strategic expansion is crucial for addressing the growing demands of the communities and ensuring that we can effectively combat crime across the country. During the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 budget periods, additional funding allowed us to enlist 10 000 employees, respectively.
“For the 2024/2025 financial year, this additional funding will enable us to appoint another 10 000 police trainees, covering personnel losses through natural attrition and facilitating workforce growth,” Mchunu said.
The Minister emphasised the importance of enhancing safety protocols and measures to safeguard police officials in the line of duty for ensuring their well-being and operational effectiveness.
By implementing comprehensive training programs, providing advanced protective equipment, and establishing clear operational guidelines, Mchunu said the police service can significantly reduce risks faced by officers during their duties.
He added that increased focus on mental health support and regular safety assessments will contribute to a safer working environment.
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), said Mchunu, is headed towards ensuring it is adequately staffed to conduct its mandate.
“The department continues to analyse its organisational structure, which resulted in the extensive review of the current functions; re-prioritising and re-grouping of the functions in respective units to ensure the optimal utilisation of the limited resources. IPID has a number of recruitment processes underway in respect of various positions,” he said.
The SAPS Budget for the 2024/ 25 financial year is R113.597 billion; while the Civilian Secretariat for Police Service has been allocated a budget of R155.964 million and IPID allocated R370.557 million.
Mchunu said the budgets of the departments in the portfolio need to reflect a proper alignment between policing needs and priorities, personnel deployment, upskilling of critical personnel and operations.
“Strengthening specialised crime detection capabilities is essential for effectively addressing cybercrime, organised crime, commercial crime, and corruption. Enhanced training, advanced investigative tools, and dedicated task forces will empower the SAPS to tackle these complex and high-impact criminal activities more efficiently.
“By capacitating specialised units, the SAPS can ensure targeted, expert responses to specific crime types, leading to higher detection rates and successful prosecutions. This approach will not only disrupt criminal networks but also restore public confidence in law enforcement,” the Minister said.
Funds to fight crimes impacting economic activity
To protect the country’s economy from criminal activities, Mchunu said the economic infrastructure task teams, supported by organised crime investigation capabilities, will focus on combating crimes such as illegal mining, infrastructure-related crimes and extortion in all business sectors, particularly the construction sector.
Specialised capabilities, including the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, forensic services, and crime intelligence, will collaborate with both internal and external stakeholders to address these issues effectively.
“Efforts to tackle organised crime, money laundering, and terror financing will continue in line with recommendations from the Financial Action Task Force. There is an urgent need for a more strategic and consolidated response to organised crime which imposes a real existential threat to our economy and democracy.
“These initiatives will be implemented through the Detective Services Programme and the Crime Intelligence Programme, with respective budgets of R71.3 billion and R15.1 billion over the medium term,” Mchunu said.
The Minister underscored the importance of increasing efforts to identify and remove gangs and criminal groups involved in drug-related crimes and for restoring safety and order in the affected communities.
He maintained that targeting the criminal networks will disrupt the supply chains and operations that fuel violence and instability.
“Enhanced intelligence gathering, dedicated task forces, and collaborative operations with other law enforcement agencies will strengthen the SAPS's ability to combat organized crime effectively. By prioritising these efforts, the SAPS can significantly reduce drug-related incidents and protect vulnerable populations,” Mchunu said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 07/16/2024 - 13:54
Ekurhuleni hosts various activities to mark Mandela Day
The City of Ekurhuleni has planned various activities to honour former President Nelson Mandela and harness the power of each participant to change the world.
This as the country celebrates Nelson Mandela International Day on 18 July.
“City officials, comprising health practitioners, have already visited patients at Dawn Park Clinic on Friday, 12 July 2024, to lend a hand and show selflessness by giving food to the patients and harvest the food garden at the facility. The facility maintains a food garden to provide vegetables to chronic patients,” said the city in a statement.
Activities scheduled for Mandela Day include visits to the Tshegofatsa Rona Welfare and Community Organisation in Kempton Park; Tshepong Stimulation Centre in Katlehong; Thembisa High School and KwaThema Old-Age Home.
The activities will mainly include donations, cleaning, repairs and the upkeep of facilities.
This year’s Mandela Day will be celebrated under the theme: “It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity”. – SAnews.gov.za
Janine
Tue, 07/16/2024 - 13:14
Relief for Kenville fire victims
The KwaZulu-Natal government is fast-tracking relief efforts in the Kenville informal settlement area, following the fire that destroyed homes, displacing over 400 families.
Over 200 informal units at the Kenville Informal Settlement in Sea Cow Lake, Durban, were razed by fire over the weekend, leaving 431 families displaced, and a pregnant woman dead.
Following a visit to Kenville, KwaZulu-Natal Transport and Human Settlements MEC, Siboniso Duma, together with eThekwini Municipality Mayor, Cyril Xaba, have agreed to implement immediate relief, while activating a long-term plan to assist the 431 destitute families.
After consultation with Human Settlements Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, the provincial Human Settlements Department and eThekwini Municipality announced that building material would be delivered by Wednesday and Thursday, to rebuild 237 informal dwellings destroyed by fire.
Duma said building material will also be arranged for over 200 families who were affected in the past, but their profiling took long to complete.
He said eThekwini Municipality, together with the NGO Gift of the Givers, have arranged blankets, mattresses, and food for the families, while the Office of the Mayor is assisting the families of the deceased with funeral arrangements.
READ | KZN doubles efforts to build temporary homes for veld fire victims
“The Department of Education is ensuring that learning for some of the 89 children is not interrupted, [while] the Department of Health is ensuring access to quality healthcare through a mobile clinic.
“The Department of Social Development is providing relief vouchers and counselling to the families, and Home Affairs is assisting with the issuing of temporary IDs and other enabling documents,” Duma said.
The MEC emphasised that the long-term plan is to ensure that all families are relocated to a suitable land where government and the city will build decent houses.
“Some of the informal settlements that have been razed down by fire are inaccessible and have been built in unsuitable land without proper planning. We are searching for vacant land in order to build houses for these families.
“Homes in poor terrains can be easily washed away during heavy rains [and] this applies to those who reside near rivers and waterways. With extreme weather patterns caused by climate change, our main goal is to save innocent lives,” Duma said.
Xaba has also assured that the municipality, working with all spheres of government, will provide much-needed relief to the families affected by fire to bring their live to normalcy.
The Mayor said fire victims have already been relocated to a temporary shelter and have been provided with food hampers.
“Social workers and healthcare workers are on site to provide psychosocial and healthcare services to the victims. The Department of Human Settlements has also profiled all affected households with an intention of providing them with building material,” Xaba said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 07/16/2024 - 10:31
In a groundbreaking initiative to amplify LGBTQI+ voices, the captivating podcast ‘Straight to the Point’ features the dynamic trio of Emogan Moore (35), Maxine Wild (30), and Chenal LeCap (23). Broadcasting every Monday at 6:30 PM on the GoBinge YouTube channel, the show offers a 30 to 40-minute weekly dive into the vibrant and often …
Mineware Consulting is committed to contributing to enhanced safety in the South African mining industry with innovative software solutions, built-in training initiatives, and data-driven strategies. The South African mining industry has historically been a major contributor to the country’s economy. However, it faces significant safety challenges due to its complex geological conditions and the prevalence …
Climate change means extreme events are likely to happen more often
Although South Africa has the largest number of people living with HIV worldwide, strides have been made in controlling the epidemic, especially in the reduction of HIV incidence, testing, and treatment. Researchers from the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) and University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) are inching closer to finding the answer to the natural …
A busy week ahead in Parliament
Parliament is expected to be abuzz with activity this week as the Opening of Parliament Address (OPA) draws closer and Budget Vote Speeches and Parliamentary Committee meetings continue.
President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the OPA on Thursday during a joint sitting of the National Assembly (NA) and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP).
“According to the new Joint Rules of Parliament, the OPA is now distinct from the State of the Nation Address (SONA). The SONA is held annually in February to outline the government's plans and priorities for the year and report on the state of the nation.
“The OPA, on the other hand, occurs once every five years, after elections, to announce the new administration's plans and to mark the beginning of the new five-year parliamentary term.
“The OPA coincides with Nelson Mandela International Day - an annual global celebration on 18 July to honour the life and legacy of former President Nelson Mandela by emulating his exemplary and selfless service to humanity,” Parliament said in a statement.
Following that address, the two Houses are expected to hold a joint sitting on Friday to debate the OPA.
However, preceding both the address and subsequent debate will be a media briefing by Parliament’s Presiding Officers, led by the Speaker of the National Assembly Thoko Didiza and the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane.
Parliament’s other business
According to the statement, tomorrow (Tuesday) the NCOP’s programming committee will meet to “consider the draft parliamentary programme, reports and bills before the House”.
That meeting will commence at 9.15am.
“Meanwhile, the NCOP will have plenary sittings on Tuesday and Wednesday for four policy debates on Budget Votes and to consider legislation before the House, motions and various committee reports.
“The hybrid plenary on Tuesday will hold debates on Budget Vote 3 (Cooperative Governance) and Budget Vote 41 (Water and Sanitation). On Wednesday, the House will have policy debates on Budget Vote 5 (Home Affairs) and Budget Vote 18 (Health),” the statement said.
Parliamentary committees are also expected to meet this week.
“With the parliamentary committee structures now established and chairpersons elected, the committees of the two Houses have scheduled 13 committee meetings for this week. These committees will get briefings from ministers and consider and adopt the draft reports on the Budget Votes.
“The Standing Committee on Appropriations will have virtual public hearings on the Appropriations Bill on Friday,” the statement concluded.
The list of committee meetings are available at www.parliament.gov.za. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 07/15/2024 - 12:48
Electric scooters have surged in popularity as a modern solution for urban transportation. With their convenience, eco-friendliness, and affordability, they offer an excellent alternative to traditional commuting methods. This blog will explore the benefits of electric scooters, key features to look for, and how they are revolutionising city travel. Benefits of Electric Scooters Eco-Friendly …
Retrenchments in the platinum sector a cause for concern
Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe says he is concerned about the recent retrenchments in the platinum sector.
“Whilst the mining sector employs 489 000 mineworkers, we have noted with concern the recent retrenchments specifically in the platinum sector. In response to these job losses, we have pulled our social partners together and are in discussions to craft an approach to minimise them,” Mantashe said, delivering the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy’s Budget Vote in Cape Town.
He said significant progress has been made by the National Energy Crisis Committee (NECOM) and National Logistics Crisis Committee (NLCC) who have formed partnerships with industry players to improve the state of infrastructure to support mining.
“The department is currently drafting amendments to the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Amendment Act (MPRDA) aimed at ensuring that areas that have been identified as weak and those that have been challenged legally are strengthened against international best practice.
“The amendments will also review the licensing regime to reduce red tape and improve the business environment for investors while keeping in sync with South Africa’s social and economic fabric,” Mantashe said.
He said the amendments are a continuation of the regulatory and policy adjustments initiated during the sixth administration.
“Given South Africa’s endowment with considerable mineral reserves of strategic significance to the global economies, we are convinced that increased exploration will enable the country to meaningfully benefit from its global advantage.
“To enable this the department, guided by the country’s exploration strategy, has in partnership with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) established an exploration fund to support emerging and junior miners,” Mantashe said.
Government intends to intensify engagements with several fund managers and the investor community to secure additional financing to sustain the fund into the future.
The department has allocated R72 million to fund artisanal and small-scale miners, including women and youth-owned companies.
Mantashe said the health and safety of mine workers remains at the centre of government’s work.“Owing to our strategic partnership with our social partners we have improved our performance towards the zero harm goal,” he said.
The Minister said this is demonstrable in the decline in mine fatalities, injuries and occupational diseases as evidenced by the 49 fatalities being the lowest on record in 2022.
“Although we had set our sights on beating this record in 2023, the regrettable disaster at the Impala Rustenburg that killed 13 mineworkers and many other fatal incidences contributed to the regression resulting in 53 fatalities reported in 2023.
“We have also noted with great concern the emerging trend of fatalities related to motor accidents and disasters involving illegal miners.
“To this end, the department has entered into an agreement with the industry on the development of minimum standards and guidelines to mitigate against road fatalities, while intensifying the fight against illegal mining,” the Minister said.
In the 2024/25 financial year, the department has been allocated at least R8.84 billion, of which R6.4 billion is earmarked for transfers to public entities, municipalities, and other institutions or implementing agents. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 07/12/2024 - 12:19
This Mandela Day, Urology Hospital (UH) in Pretoria will once again partner with African Synergy Health (ASH) for the ASH Mandela Week Surgical Marathon. From July 15-19, they’ll perform life saving surgeries using cutting-edge robotic surgery. Prostate cancer is the most diagnosed in South African men and the fifth leading cause of death globally with …
Gauteng, South Africa – TT Waterproofing, a well-established market leader in the installation of roofing and waterproofing systems, shares valuable insights on the importance of comprehensive waterproofing for homes and businesses. With over nine years of industry experience, TT Waterproofing has become synonymous with reliable roof repairs and waterproofing solutions across Gauteng, including Pretoria. Waterproofing: …
Besides a lack of space some shelters are also dealing with flooding