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G-Star presents: Homegrown Denim First denim brand to successfully grow greenhouse cotton. Amsterdam, May 29, 2024 – G-Star unveils its latest denim innovation ‘Homegrown Denim’, a pioneering scientific collaboration with Wageningen University & Research, and Dutch Cotton. This experiment, funded by G-Star, explores how greenhouse-grown cotton could help drastically reduce the impact of cotton growing …
May Measurement Month calls on South Africans to get tested! It’s reported that close on 50% of South Africans over 15 live with hypertension1 – also known as the silent killer. Even more alarming is 50% are undiagnosed and untreated2. This May, a public health campaign “Because I Say So” is calling on consumers to …
National Environment Month is celebrated in June, with the South African government and captains of industry-leading the way by stimulating awareness on environmental issues and challenging all to become agents for change. The environment encompasses the surroundings where individuals, animals, or plants live and operate, and it is significantly influenced by human activities. World Environment …
As any startup founder knows, a rapidly growing business can suddenly find itself facing unexpected infrastructure challenges caused by the complexity of managing multiple financial systems. Entrepreneurs often struggle with these complexities – it’s not just about handling cash flow and keeping accurate records, it’s also about ensuring scalability and flexibility within your finance function …
In today’s fast-paced business environment, sustainable growth is a primary objective for companies of all sizes. At the heart of achieving this goal lies strategic financial planning and management. Etienne Raubenheimer, the head of CFO services at Outsourced CFO, sheds light on the critical role financial strategy plays in driving business growth, emphasising essential tools …
Regent Business School (RBS) proudly celebrates a significant milestone with the graduation of its inaugural cohort of doctoral candidates. This historic achievement not only reflects the high standard of academic rigour at RBS but also shines a light on the extraordinary dedication, sacrifice, and perseverance of our students, who have committed years of their lives …
As South Africa stands on the brink of its upcoming elections, the tail-end of May which is also Africa month, serves as an apt time for reflection. The Africa Month theme “The Year of Education: Educating an African Fit for the 21st Century” resonates more profoundly than ever. In a rapidly evolving global landscape, the …
3 Ways to improve your gut health Struggling with gas, bloating, or constipation? Feeling tired, or anxious? Suffering from inflammatory skin conditions like eczema All these could be signs of an unhealthy gut. According to Bianca Jonischkeit, FUTURELIFE® dietitian, if the bacterium in your gut is unbalanced, you could experience several symptoms that can disrupt …
South Africans unite to vote for the country's future
There was excitement in the air as Pretoria residents cast their votes at the Pheasant Hill Boutique Hotel at Doornkloof East, Pretoria, this morning.
Clad in a warm jersey and a coffee in one hand, Zelda Meyer from Irene, joined millions of voters who are making their mark today.
Meyer believes that voting is important regardless of who you are voting for. She told SAnews she was of the view that South Africa needs to grow the economy to create much-needed jobs, especially for the youth.
“Whichever party will be in power, they need to make a change and grow the economy.”
The 60-year-old said she would also like to see a better working public health sector as the cost of living is skyrocketing and salaries shrink.
The Irene resident encouraged those who are still undecided about going to the voting station to do so, for their country.
“If you recycle one beer can, even that makes a difference. You might think it’s just one beer can, but it adds to the manufacturing process...”
She expressed her gratitude to the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) staffers and party agents for running the voting station well.
“It’s efficient, it’s quick. We had a small hiccup with the network but that was sorted out within 10 minutes.”
Another resident, Sam Masha, from Pretoria East, said he was looking forward to exercising his democratic right to vote for his party of choice.
“We’re so privileged that we’re able to vote because so much blood was spilled for us to be here today. I would never just sit at home, complain, and not come to vote. This is my right,” he added.
Despite the challenges in the country, Masha was optimistic about the future.
“I’m happy about some of the progress, especially when it comes to corruption. Even though the wheels of justice are turning slow, there is progress that I see.”
The 49-year-old said he would like to see a future with a functioning Eskom and for the load shedding to end indefinitely.
Eighteen-year-old Nsizwa Ngcobo from Soweto said he found it difficult to decide which party to vote for as a first-time voter.
His biggest dream for whichever leader wins the elections is that they will do the right thing and think about the youth’s future.
“Every party has its pros and cons and I really hope my vote will count,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 05/29/2024 - 11:48
Provincial department of social development has stopped funding 750 beds at Life Healthcare’s treatment centres
Farmyards to restore healthy diets
Gauteng Social Development, Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment MEC, Mbali Hlophe, says the roll out of a farmyards initiative will help instill healthy diets in townships, hostels and informal settlements.
The farmyard is an innovative concept largely targeted at youth and women.
These beneficiaries receive repurposed containers that are converted into local stores for local farmers to sell their produce to their communities in an effort to instill a healthy diet among residents.
There are four farmyards in Gauteng’s townships with the necessary equipment and infrastructure as part government’s project to revitalise the township economy.
“This is about bringing back good health and nutrition to our townships. When you look at the stats in our disposal, they show that many people especially children are not eating nutritious meals required for their growth, on a daily basis. By bringing farmyard[s] closer to our people, we are making sure that people start paying attention to their health.
“We encourage beneficiaries of farmyards to ensure that they sell the kind of food that is required in a home meal, to provide nutrient rich crops like spinach, moringa, and additionally provide proteins through the live or frozen chickens they sell,” she said.
This initiative, the MEC said, is also a direct response to the province’s relentless fight to ensure the province is food secure.
“Food security is one of our elevated priorities and boasts a basket of services available to ensure the province is food secure, and with regards to farmyards, we have identified subsistence farmers as enablers to help the province become food secure in a sustainable manner,” the MEC explained.
The food security basket includes a variety of programmes including food distribution through the food banks, food parcels, Community Nutrition and Development Centres ( CNDCs) and NPOs as vehicles to ensure that the poor and vulnerable access sustainable, nutritious and safe food in a sustainable manner. This is in line with policy guidelines enshrined in the National Policy on Food Nutrition Security together with Household Food and Nutrition Security Strategy approved by Cabinet in 2013.
More importantly, the MEC indicated that while the initiative secures self-reliance and sustainable food security, it also responds to the joblessness challenge especially for the youth in the province.
One of the young persons that benefitted from the farmyards is 32-year old Simangele Sibande.
“The farmyard program provided me with a wonderful opportunity to create my own business to provide for my family and also show other young people that there are opportunities in agriculture.
"What is even more fulfilling is that I was able to employ two other young people to assist me in selling produce from local farmers in Zithobeni,” she said.
Hlophe noted that the project is gradually shifting the prevailing perceptions in the townships that agriculture is unattractive and associated with filth and frowned upon.
“A lot of people when they think agriculture, they think something far. But through the project, we have been able to show that agriculture is economically viable, and that as a department we remain committed to continue to facilitate access to markets,” the MEC said. - SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 05/28/2024 - 16:09
By Jason Dunning (Head of Research and Development at NPL) Fitness fads and supplement aisles can seem like an unfathomable labyrinth, one compound has stood the test of time as both revered and reviled: Creatine Monohydrate. For decades, this substance has been the subject of scrutiny, myth, and misinformation. However, amidst the noise, scientific research …
Phaahla makes his mark
Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla, was one of the thousands of citizens who cast their special vote on Monday.
Yesterday, South Africa marked the first official voting day locally, with special votes continuing today.
Voters living abroad have already cast their votes.
READ | Mashatile thanks South Africans living abroad for casting their votes
Phaahla said all went well as he made his mark around 1pm at his home village of Ga-Phaahla, under the Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality in Sekhukhune District, Limpopo.
He urged all South Africans approved for special votes to make use of this opportunity, especially the elderly and the infirm.
Domestic special votes are for those who are either infirm or have impaired mobility, who will be visited by the IEC at their home or place of confinement, and also for those who wish to cast their vote early, as they may not be able to access their voting station on general Election Day on 29 May 2024.
Phaahla appealed to the public, who will be voting on Wednesday, to observe non-pharmaceutical interventions at voting stations, as the country is experiencing respiratory infections such as flu, to prevent further transmission.
Phaahla encouraged those who feel vulnerable to wear a mask when going to voting stations.
Voting stations are expected to receive high volumes of people.
The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) reported good progress in the execution of the first day of the special votes.
As of 2pm on Monday, an estimated 201 794 voting station visits of special votes were processed at 22 626 service points.
According to the IEC, all special votes collected will be stored securely overnight and will be transported to voting stations on 29 May to be opened, reconciled and added to the ordinary ballots cast on Wednesday before counting begins.
Over 1.6 million South Africans have been approved to vote via special ballots.
Those who applied to cast a special vote at their voting station must do so between 9am and 5pm.
Voters are reminded that these are different from the voting hours of 7am to 9pm on Election Day and that they must have their identity documents as a requirement for participation.
After casting votes, the ballots must be inserted in an unmarked envelope, which in turn will be inserted in a second envelope with details of the voter. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 05/28/2024 - 11:36
SA records second case of mpox
The Department of Health has urged people experiencing suspected symptoms of mpox disease to visit their nearest healthcare provider for screening and testing to ensure early diagnosis and effective treatment.
This is after the country recorded the second laboratory-confirmed case of mpox disease.
The new patient is a 39-year-old male who was admitted at Addington Hospital in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, without a travel history to countries and regions currently experiencing the disease outbreak.
The first case was logged in Gauteng when a 35-year-old man tested positive on 9 May 2024.
The infectious disease is caused by the monkeypox virus and has the potential to cause painful or itchy rash-like pimples or blisters and fever.
The department working closely with the province and the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has activated contact tracing and case finding to identify and assess people in contact with the patient to prevent further transmission, especially at a household and community level.
“This will also assist to establish if the second case was in contact with the first case confirmed in Gauteng earlier this month.”
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) a total of 466 laboratory-confirmed cases of mpox and three deaths from 22 countries were reported globally in March 2024.
According to the department, this illustrates that low-level transmission continues worldwide.
The most affected WHO regions include Africa, Europe, the Americas, the Western Pacific and South-East Asia.
“In the African region, the Democratic Republic of the Congo reports the highest number of confirmed positive cases, which represents just over a tenth of the suspected clinically compatible cases and deaths reported.”
Meanwhile, the department said stigma and discrimination may prolong a disease outbreak by stopping people from coming forward for information or seeking testing or care, which undermines public health efforts.
“We urge the public and communities to support those who test positive for mpox to take treatment and those with suspected symptoms to go for screening and testing instead of discriminating against them.”
Meanwhile, South Africa is currently experiencing the annual influenza (flu) season, which started in the week of 22 April 2024.
According to the department, several flu strains are circulating causing severe health complications in some patients.
“This has been confused with the COVID-19 variant which has been in circulation with a low level of transmissibility and severity.”
The most commonly detected and circulating flu is “swine flu” because it causes disease in pigs, followed by influenza B/Victoria and influenza A (H3N2).
The department said this was not unusual as swine flu has been circulating as one of the annual seasonal flu strains since 2010.
“Influenza A virus is more severe in adults. About 8% to 10% of patients hospitalised for pneumonia and 25% of patients with flu-like illness such as fever and cough will test positive for influenza during the flu season in South Africa.”
According to the NICD surveillance data, the numbers of flu cases and positivity rates are increasing rapidly, but the transmission and impact remain at a moderate level of activity for both outpatient and hospitalised cases.
“This means that while there is a lot of influenza circulating, it is still within the expected range for a normal influenza season. Influenza may cause severe illness leading to hospitalisation or possibly death, especially among those who are at risk of severe influenza illness or complications.”
High-risk groups include pregnant women, mothers six weeks after delivery, individuals living with HIV, those with chronic conditions such as diabetes, lung disease, tuberculosis, heart disease, renal disease, obesity, the elderly and children under two years old.
“These groups of people are strongly encouraged to receive the influenza vaccine available freely at public health clinics or a cost from private healthcare providers and through pharmacies.”
Ideally, the vaccine should be administered before the start of the flu season because it takes about two weeks for antibodies to develop, but it is not too late for people to get it to protect themselves and their loved ones against these viruses.
Non-pharmaceutical interventions such as covering the mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, ventilation, and regular hand washing with water and soap or sanitiser can help to minimise the spread of the disease. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 05/27/2024 - 11:21
Dr Velenkosini Matsebula is a Senior Lecturer in Development Finance at Stellenbosch Business School. As we commemorate Africa Day, we are reminded of the continent’s rich cultural heritage, its vibrant diversity, and its people’s resiliency. This day serves as a beacon of unity and progress for Africa. However, beneath the celebration lies a critical reflection …
Main entry points in Mthatha blocked, affecting essential services
The Eastern Cape Department of Health has confirmed that services have been affected in hospitals in and around Mthatha by the blocking of the N2 and R61 roads.
“Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital, Mthatha Regional and St Barnabas Hospital staff, who worked the night shift, could not go home, while those who were supposed to report for duty could not get to work because of the blocked roads,” a statement from the department read.
This is after all the major entry and exit points into Mthatha were blocked, as taxi violence erupted.
According to reports, the taxi drivers allegedly hijacked trucks and used them to block both sides of the N2 and R61 roads.
Reports suggest that the taxi operators’ actions were because of a crackdown by authorities following an outbreak of violence last week.
The actions have since forced hospitals to operate with a skeleton staff.
“As soon as roads reopen, those who are supposed to be on duty will go to work to relieve those who worked the night shift.
“The blocked roads mean patients in desperate need of higher level of care cannot get it as ambulances cannot get to Mthatha.”
In emergency cases, the department said it will use aeromedical services to transfer patients.
Eastern Cape Transport Department spokesperson, Unathi Binqose, told reporters that law enforcement is on the ground and that they are getting reinforcement from the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to try to bring the situation back to normality.
“Unfortunately, it has affected a lot of things, including schools and airports — just about everything,” he said.
Those travelling to, from and through the Mthatha area are urged to either delay their travel time or avoid the town, as law enforcement is busy trying to control the situation.
Meanwhile, according to the South African Police Service (SAPS), five suspects were arrested at about 9am on Monday after shots were fired at Public Order Policing and Mthatha Vispol members.
“Two suspects sustained injuries while the other three were arrested. Two firearms were also confiscated. A case of attempted murder and possession of firearms is opened for further investigation,” the SAPS statement read.
SAPS said Public Order Policing, the National Intervention Unit and Tactical Response Teams are in Mthatha policing the situation.
Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene, has since issued a stern warning against those circulating videos and messages that appear to incite unrest.
“Such actions are not only irresponsible but also illegal. We will take strict action against anyone found to be engaging in activities that threaten the safety and security of the public and the integrity of the election process,” warned Mene. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 05/27/2024 - 14:19
Government activities for the week 27 - 31 May 2024
On Monday, 27 May, Minister of Social Development Lindiwe Zulu launches the Khuseleka One Stop Centre at the Saartjie Baartman Centre for Women and Children in Manenberg, Cape Town.
Also on Monday, Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and People with Disabilities Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma launches the Demand-LED and job creation programme for persons with disabilities at the Coastlands Unhlanga Hotel and Convention Centre.
On 27 May, NSFAS briefs media on progress relating to the disbursement of student allowances at Tshedimosetso House, Hatfield, Pretoria, starting at 11am.
On Monday, Minister of Health Joe Phaahla casts his special vote in his home village of Ga-Phaahla, Limpopo.
Monday is Day 1 of special voting in the National and Provincial Elections, from 9am to 5pm.
Tuesday, 28 May, is Day 2 of special voting in the National and Provincial Elections, from 9am to 5pm.
On Wednesday, 29 May, is Election Day, from 7am to 9pm.
Janine
Mon, 05/27/2024 - 12:29
Unite for free, fair and peaceful elections - President Ramaphosa
President Cyril Ramaphosa has, in his weekly newsletter, called on South Africans to unite for free, fair and peaceful elections.
The National and Provincial Elections are expected to be held on Wednesday with voting stations opening at 7am and closing at 9pm.
Some 27 million eligible South Africans have been registered to vote in this year’s elections.
“Holding free, fair and peaceful elections is a barometer of the good health of our democracy. As we cast our votes on Wednesday, let us, in the words of our Constitution, 'honour those who suffered for justice and freedom in our land, respect those who have worked to build and develop our country, and believe that South Africa belongs to all who live in it, united in our diversity'.”
“Let us hold another election that is peaceful, that is free, that is fair and that is a credit to all the elections we have held since 1994. Let it be that the ultimate winner of this election is South Africa, our democracy, and you, the South African people,” President Ramaphosa said.
The President highlighted that since the dawn of democracy, elections have been held “without major incident” and expressed confidence that this year’s elections will also take place in the same vein.
“Once again, we have every confidence that this election will take place under conditions of peace, safety and tolerance, and that it will be free and fair.
“The integrity of our elections is testament to the high regard in which South Africans hold their hard-won right to vote. It is an affirmation that no matter what our political differences are, when it comes to safeguarding our democracy, we are prepared to put these differences aside for the common good,” President Ramaphosa said.
A look back
President Ramaphosa recalled how South Africa “was on the brink” on the eve of the first democratic elections in 1994 with “state-sponsored violence and the threat of a right-wing insurrection” contributing to a “sense of fear and uncertainty”.
“One newspaper carried a story at the time titled “South Africa hoarding as fear rises”. It described long supermarket queues of people stocking up on tinned foods, a rush to attend emigration seminars, panicked currency exchanges, and fearful callers to radio stations about sabotage of power plants and water supplies.
“We recall the courage of the political leadership at the time and their efforts to quell tensions. We recall the role of the leadership of the Inkatha Freedom Party, the African National Congress and the National Party in signing a memorandum of agreement for reconciliation and peace just three days before the election.
“We recall these events to remind ourselves of what is required of us all as we head to the polls on Wednesday. We are required to continue to honour the sacrifices of our forebears by exercising their right to vote and to do so peacefully. We are required to respect the rights of others regardless of who they are voting for, and regardless of whether they are voting or not,” he said.
Despite all the doomsday fears at that time, the President said, “none of these fears materialised”.
“As South Africans we have rejected the politics of fear time and again, and we will continue to do so.
“For the past thirty years we have chosen the path of peace over violence, of reconciliation over hate, and of unity over divisions of race, ethnicity or tribe. The stability and integrity of our electoral system bears witness to this,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 05/27/2024 - 10:05
Today marks the official launch of the Founders Cartel, a dynamic coalition of South Africa’s most promising startups, aimed at revolutionizing the local and global startup ecosystem. The cartel has been formed to help founders in the group share best practices, share knowledge, conduct business among themselves, and consolidate their efforts in pursuing opportunities. The …
The long-term health benefits of the South African-grown Rooibos tea have gained worldwide attention, and with CBD’s incredible health benefits now in the spotlight, Laager Rooibos is fusing the two to bring the country a daily dose of goodness! Laager Plus CBD-infused Rooibos, which will soon be landing on South African shelves, offers all the …
In today’s digital age, storytelling has found a new and vibrant platform through podcasting. As Nicolas Regisford, founder of the SA Podcast and Music Festival shares, I’ve witnessed firsthand the explosive growth of this industry, particularly in South Africa. The space is so attractive and enticing to content creators, we now need to work the …
Case to stop Israeli attack on Rafah was brought by South African government
Patients at Gilton clinic complain of medication shortages, broken medical equipment, no proper furniture, staff shortages and high patient volume.
21 former MK freedom fighters honoured
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has officially handed over headstones to 21 affected families of fallen former Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) operatives who died between 1986 and 1990.
The Deputy President described the occasion in Soweto, Johannesburg, as an important and historic moment that must go down in the annals of history.
“We are living up to the constitutional injunction which enjoins us to, ‘recognise the injustices of our past, honour those who suffered for justice and freedom in our land, and to heal the divisions of the past and establish a society based on democratic values, social justice and fundamental human rights’,” he said on Tuesday.
He said he hoped that the unveiling would bring closure to the suffering and agony of the families who endured the pain.
The Deputy President told the families and the other attendees that the liberation heroes had made enormous sacrifices, including disintegrated families to secure the freedom many enjoy today.
He took the time to pay tribute to the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the country.
“We will never forget their selflessness, courage, and commitment to defending our nation. They demonstrated remarkable courage and strength in the face of adversity, showing unwavering determination and fortitude in the most difficult of situations.”
He believed that it was unfortunate that many liberation heroes never saw the dawn of democracy ushered in 1994. “However, they have paid the ultimate price with the hope of a South Africa that we have today.”
He recounted the journey of South Africans before 1994 as challenging and arduous.
The country’s second-in-command said the apartheid system robbed black South Africans of the right to exercise fundamental human rights.
These include the right to vote, access to equal access and quality education and healthcare, and the freedom to move around freely throughout the country without restriction.
Despite facing immense challenges and brutal crackdowns, he said South Africans never gave up their fight for freedom and equality.
“As we remember and commemorate their sacrifice, it is important for us to not only honour their memory but also to ensure that their legacy lives on. We must continue to support and care for our veterans and their families. We must strive to create a society that values and respects the sacrifices made by MK veterans and their families.”
He said the country has a collective duty to protect the democratic gains and break free from the shackles of poverty and high levels of inequality.
Deputy President Mashatile said under-development was now the common enemy, which needed a more focused response.
Meanwhile, he expressed regret that some veterans and their families were still struggling with poverty after 30 years of democracy.
“Sadly, most of these brave men and women were never able to save for retirement or their children’s futures by funding health care plans or pensions, or by looking into different options for skills development or financing for their schooling.”
He said government was actively working to bring about the change it deserves.
Through the Presidential Task Team on Military Veterans, he said the state was committed to addressing the concerns and needs raised with the government regarding veterans’ benefits, support, and improving access and services to military veterans.
“We are committed to providing support to the families of MK veterans in various ways, including financial assistance, to ensure they can lead fulfilling lives.”
A wreath-laying ceremony took place at five cemeteries, including one headstone in Ga-Rankuwa, two at Crystal Park, four in Tembisa, seven at Avalon and eight at Westpark. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 05/23/2024 - 15:34