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President Ramaphosa signs NHI Bill into law
President Cyril Ramaphosa has emphasised the importance of the National Health Insurance (NHI) in providing equal access to healthcare services and addressing inequalities.
This, as he signed the NHI Bill into law on Wednesday.
“[The Bill] is also about efficiency and quality. The provision of healthcare in this country is currently fragmented, unsustainable and unacceptable,” President Ramaphosa said, adding that he finally "found his pen" to sign the long-awaited Bill.
READ | Somebody give me a pen! - President
At its core, the country’s leader stated that health insurance is a commitment to eliminating the longstanding, severe disparities in healthcare access.
“The NHI is an important instrument to tackle poverty. The rising cost of health care makes families poorer. By contrast, healthcare provided through the NHI frees up resources in poor families for other essential needs.”
He believes that the NHI will make healthcare in the country more affordable.
“The way healthcare services will be paid for is meant to contain comprehensive healthcare costs and to ensure the available resources are more efficiently used.”
President Ramaphosa described the public signing of the NHI Bill into law as a pivotal moment and a milestone in South Africa’s ongoing quest for a more just society.
WATCH | President Cyril Ramaphosa signs into law the National Health Insurance Bill
The President said the public sector serves most of the population but faces budget constraints. In contrast, he said the private sector serves a fraction of society at a far higher cost without a proportional improvement in health outcomes.
He believes that tackling the imbalance requires a radical “reimagining” of resource allocation.
Meanwhile, he said the challenge in implementing the NHI lies not in the lack of funds, but in the misallocation of resources that currently favours the private health sector at the expense of public health needs.
He is of the view that the NHI Bill presents an innovative approach to funding universal healthcare based on social solidarity.
This, he said, proposes a comprehensive strategy that combines various financial resources, including both additional funding and reallocating funds already in the health system.
Special Report | National Health Insurance: All you need to know
The Head of State strongly believes that financial hurdles facing the NHI can be navigated with careful planning, strategic resource allocation and a steadfast commitment to achieving equity.
He also explained that the NHI Fund will procure services from public and private service providers to ensure all South Africans have access to quality healthcare.
In addition, he said that health insurance ensures that both the public and private sectors complement and reinforce each other.
“The effective implementation of the NHI depends on the collective will of the South African people. We all need to embrace a future where healthcare is a shared national treasure, reflective of the dignity and value we accord to every South African life.”
According to President Ramaphosa, government has already begun implementing a national quality improvement plan in public and private healthcare facilities, and is now seeing improvement.
“Even in areas where we never thought [we would] see improvement, we see improvement of health facilities, even in our townships, where old people go to get critical medication.”
In addition, he said government would now establish the systems and put in place the necessary governance structures to implement the NHI, based on the primary healthcare approach.
The President has urged people not to fear, as the NHI will be implemented gradually rather than as "an overnight event".
“The NHI is an opportunity to make a break with the inequality and inefficiency that has long characterised our approach to the health of the South African people. Let us work together, in a spirit of cooperation and solidarity, to make the NHI work.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 05/15/2024 - 16:46
President Ramaphosa delivers inaugural Elijah Barayi memorial lecture
President Cyril Ramaphosa says the legacy of unionists and anti-apartheid struggle heroes like Elijah Barayi can be found in the labour-related laws enshrined in South Africa’s Constitution.
The President was delivering the inaugural memorial lecture for Barayi held at the University of Johannesburg’s Soweto Campus on Wednesday.
Barayi was a revered trade union leader and freedom fighter during the apartheid era and was one of the founding leaders of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM).
He became first President of the Congress of South African Trade Union (Cosatu) at its launch in 1985 and was an activist in the Mass Democratic Movement since the 1950s.
His life was lived fighting for the freedom of South Africans and fair labour practises until his passing months before South Africa’s first democratic elections in 1994.
“Thirty years into democracy, we have several progressive labour and social protection laws, including the right to strike. And it was the labour movement as led by Barayi which insisted that the most fundamental right that workers should have should be collective bargaining, the right to strike, the right to have a safe working place.
“So for them to be enshrined in the Constitution is something that we need to pay tribute to Elijah Barayi and the leadership of Cosatu and various other worker organisations at the time. And it is in honour of Elijah Barayi that today we have these rights enshrined in our Constitution.
“We have the Labour Relations Act and the Basic Conditions of Employment Act to protect and advance workers’ rights. We have laws to safeguard the health and safety of workers and a Compensation Fund to support workers who are injured or sick. These achievements form part of the legacy of Elijah Barayi. They need to be protected and advanced,” President Ramaphosa said.
President Ramaphosa emphasised that these “hard-won rights” and many others must not be rolled back.
“There are some in our country who are calling for hard-won rights … like collective bargaining, to be curtailed and for the minimum wage to be scrapped. Trade unions need to be stronger to make sure that that never happens in South Africa because it will be a total reversal of what workers have achieved and what Elijah Barayi struggled for,” he said.
The future of work
President Ramaphosa reflected that “technological advances and globalisation” are changing the labour landscape and added that in order to keep up, innovation and entrepreneurship will be crucial and this “while safeguarding workers' rights and promoting social dialogue”.
“We need to invest in technology, infrastructure and education to enable sustainable and inclusive economic growth and job creation. At the same time, we must strive to democratise the governance of work.
“In South Africa, this means strengthening and adapting labour laws, institutions and regulatory frameworks to protect workers’ rights, promote fair competition and ensure social justice.
“We need to build a more inclusive and resilient labour market that will support a just transition, greater digitalisation and other drivers of change,” he said.
The President acknowledged that although policies implemented since the dawn of democracy have “lifted millions out of poverty and despair and improved their material condition”, many other South Africans are still living difficult and challenging lives.
“As long as the divisions in our society persist, as long as some people lead lives of quality and dignity whilst others suffer at the margins of the economy, our mission remains unfulfilled. We owe it to the memory of Elijah Barayi, to the South African people and to the generations to follow that we continue to work to overcome this inequality.
“Let us honour the memory of giants like Elijah Barayi by renewing our commitment to building a better, stronger South Africa.
“As we draw inspiration from the life and times of the man we honour here today, let us deepen our resolve to advance freedom and social justice everywhere – leaving no-one behind,” President Ramaphosa concluded. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 05/15/2024 - 14:00
Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health cover, explores 10 tips on how to deal with burnout at work. “Burnout at work is a common phenomenon with South Africa particularly known for its workaholic mentality,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health. “High demands, tight deadlines, and long hours – all while juggling family …
President Ramaphosa to visit George building disaster site
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to visit the site of the collapsed George building in the Western Cape on Thursday.
The building construction site collapsed nearly ten days ago – trapping at least 81 people under the rubble.
By 9am on Wednesday, the George Municipality had released the following statistics:
In a statement, the Presidency said since the incident last Monday, government and its agencies have been hard at work at the disaster site.
“Government and its disaster management agencies at all levels has mobilised personnel and resources towards the rescue efforts and is providing support to the survivors and families of the deceased. President Ramaphosa remains deeply attentive to the rescue and recovery efforts underway and has expressed his deep condolences to the family and friends of the deceased workers.
“Ahead of President Ramaphosa’s visit on Thursday, Ministers and Deputy Ministers in the Departments of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Employment and Labour, Health, Police, International Relations and Cooperation, and Public Works and Infrastructure have visited the site and have been working collaboratively with the Disaster Joint Operations Centre, with the Western Cape Provincial government and the Garden Route District Municipality,” the statement read. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 05/15/2024 - 09:40
None of the 19 sewage treatment plants managed by the Ugu District Municipality is properly treating sewage released into rivers and lagoons
Greenside learner’s innovation scoops first prize at provincial competition
A Grade 10 learner from Greenside High School in Johannesburg has earned the top spot in the provincial leg of the National South African Youth Water Prize (SAYWP) competition with his innovative approach to water resource management.
The 15-year-old, Yaseen Akhalwaya, was crowned the Gauteng provincial winner for his "Project Weatherman/HydroLogic" project idea.
Yaseen said he found the comments from the adjudicators insightful and he took notes on areas that require improvement, as he aims to secure the number one spot at the national level of the competition.
“I am more than grateful to the department for the chance. The comments from the adjudicators provide valuable feedback and I took notes to help refine my work and increase my chances of securing the number one spot at the national level of the competition,” Yaseen said.
Yaseen’s brilliant water and sanitation innovation idea won him a prize of R6000, a first-place trophy, and a bursary.
The second place went to Good Hope Secondary School with an awareness project. The school walked away with a prize of R5 000 and a second place trophy.
The Greenside Secondary School also scooped third place with an awareness project and won a prize of R4 000.
Fourteen schools from Gauteng took part in this year’s SAYWP competition under the various categories, including awareness, invention and innovation.
Department coordinator: Water Support Service, Reshoketswe Malepe, expressed her gratitude for the support the programme has received over the years from the adjudicators, including teachers and schools, stakeholders, and the media, among others.
“Active youth involvement in the water and sanitation sector is the only way to overcome the sector's plethora of difficulties,” Malepe said.
The competition is a vital component of Water and Sanitation Education Programme, which aims to educate learners and society on water resource management issues, including water use efficiency, water quality monitoring, protection of water resources, public health and hygiene awareness, and identification of invasive species. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 05/14/2024 - 12:05
BCX Alibaba Cloud Academy and Arovy University have joined forces in a strategic partnership aimed at empowering students to cultivate essential skills for the expanding digital economy in Africa. The basis of this initiative is the Alibaba Cloud Academic Empowerment Programme, a pioneering effort to embed digital excellence within academic institutions globally. Arovy University, situated …
George building collapse: Death toll reaches 32, while 20 still unaccounted
Rescue and recovery efforts are ongoing into the second week after the collapse of the George building, with the death toll standing at 32, as at 9am on Tuesday.
According to the latest statistics released by George Municipality, out of the estimated 81 workers who were on site at the time of the incident on 6 May, 61 have been rescued and/or recovered, while 20 are still unaccounted for.
“The primary focus continues to be on rescue efforts. With this in mind, we are also proactively setting up plans to expedite the identification of the deceased,” the statement read.
This is being done by the Forensic Pathology Service (FPS) and the South African Police Service (SAPS).
“We, therefore, endeavour to fast-track the process to help bring closure to families. Fingerprints, DNA testing and photographs of unique markings, such as tattoos and clothing items, are some of the methods used to identify the deceased.”
READ | Public Works Minister to visit George building disaster site
Meanwhile, six of the deceased have already been positively identified.
Since the first call for support, the municipality confirmed that adequate numbers of fluent practitioners in Chewa, Portuguese and Shona languages are all at the scene to address the emotional, social, and overall mental health needs of those affected by the building collapse.
However, the municipality said it was having trouble obtaining accurate names of missing people or the deceased.
“We urgently request families who have lost contact with their loved ones to come to the George Civic Centre on York Street. This will enable the Department of Social Development to collect detailed and precise information, ensuring that all records are accurately documented.”
Investigations
The Western Cape MEC for Infrastructure, Tertuis Simmers, visited the site in George and expressed his sincere gratitude to the rescue workers, who have been on site for over 187 hours, as well as the support personnel and the Joint Operations Centre for their dedicated work since the tragedy occurred.
Simmers confirmed that the Western Cape Government (WCG) has launched an independent investigation into the collapse.
“We want to make sure that we fully investigate and understand what happened so that a tragedy like this does not occur on any construction site in this province.
“I received a briefing this morning from our independent investigator and at this stage, the team is still busy with information and fact-finding processes. This includes document analysis of plans, site records and the like,” he said on Monday.
The MEC stated that specialist equipment, including ground penetration radar (GPR) is also used on-site, while investigators are also collecting material samples.
In addition, an independently appointed laboratory is working around the clock to analyse the material samples.
“Not only did the WCG appoint an independent investigation, but we also supplied trucks and machinery and even hired an excavator to assist with bulk movement of material. We will continue to provide support until all workers are accounted for and we get to the bottom of this tragedy,” said Simmers.
Meanwhile, the MEC said the WCG is working with the SAPS, the Department of Employment and Labour, National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure in their investigations.
“On behalf of the WCG, I offer our sincere condolences to the bereaved families, and I wish those currently hospitalised a speedy recovery,” the MEC added. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 05/14/2024 - 11:10
President Ramaphosa to sign NHI Bill into law
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to sign the National Health Insurance Bill (NHI) into law on Wednesday, 15 May 2024.
According to the Presidency, the move will transform South Africa’s healthcare system and ensure universal coverage for health services.
Through this, the country will overcome critical socio-economic imbalances and inequities of the past.
The NHI Bill, passed by the National Assembly (NA) and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) last year, will provide free healthcare at the point of care for all South Africans, whether in public or private health facilities.
The Bill currently only requires President Ramaphosa’s signature for enactment.
Speaking during the State of the Nation Address (SONA) in February, President Ramaphosa said the State was working tirelessly to improve healthcare quality and access equality, despite the country’s health system significantly impacting people’s lives.
During the debate on President Ramaphosa’s SONA, Health Minister, Dr Joe Phaahla, announced that the NHI will be implemented in two remaining phases from 2024 to 2026, while between 2026 and 2028 government will focus on establishing the Board and CEO and several key committees of the NHI Fund.
“We are confident that the innovative funding of infrastructure as stated by the President will also contribute to health facilities,” he told Parliament at the time.
In the meantime, the Minister said his department was strengthening key delivery areas. These include the healthcare benefits design, digital health systems, and risk identification and fraud prevention.
The signing ceremony will take place at the Union Buildings in Pretoria at 2pm.
Phaahla will conduct a question-and-answer session with the media immediately after the ceremony. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 05/14/2024 - 10:15
Unions call for resignation of top management and the CEO Neal Froneman
Eastern Cape intensifies fight against stock theft
Eastern Cape Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane and Rural Development and Agrarian (DRDAR) Reform MEC Nonkqubela Pieters will on Tuesday kick start the use of the Livestock Identification and Traceability System (LITS) as part of efforts to fight stock theft.
LITS is a technology-based ear-tag gadget that government is delivering to 120 cattle farming enterprises across the province. The technology is also part of efforts to strengthen biosecurity measures to improve the international trade of cattle.
As part of this rollout, 30 000 cattle will be ear-tagged for identification and traceability purposes in Tsolo.
The rollout of LITS is a commitment made by Premier Mabuyane during the 2024 State of the Province Address, and as part of implementing an agreement between government and the red meat industry.
LITS will ensure individual animal identification so that livestock owners comply with the Animal Identification Act.
This will improve the prosecution rate of people charged for livestock theft and strengthen biosecurity measures in farms to improve international trade of cattle opportunities.
All ear-tagged animals and identities of their owners are registered onto a central database, where animal movement is recorded to make it easy to trace the animal back to the owner.
Once the system is fully implemented, each animal slaughtered in any abattoir can be traced to where it was farmed, the farming conditions where the animal was farmed, and all animal health practices the animal was exposed to.
This will also make it possible to identify owners of registered animals, thus improving the recovery of stolen animals.
DRDAR is implementing this national policy through collaboration with the Agricultural Research Council (ARC).
Currently, the department has trained and registered more than 250 veterinarians, scientists, animal health technicians and extension advisors to lead the implementation of the system. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 05/13/2024 - 10:11
Patel to preside over launch of MEDTECH
Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) Minister Ebrahim Patel is today presiding over the launch of the Medical Technology (MEDTECH) Master Plan by industry stakeholders at the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) in Sandton.
The MEDTECH Master Plan aims to provide guidance for the public and private sectors to dedicate resources and time in strengthening the sector in order to place it on a growth trajectory.
This process will involve developing agreements on areas for intervention, collaboration, and commitments for ongoing development and investment.
One of the objectives of the plan is to grow a competitive medical technology industry over the next three years, with special focus on the development of small to medium enterprises that will eventually supply domestic and international markets.
The MEDTECH industry in South Africa has been identified as a potentially important contributor to economic growth and employment, whilst simultaneously enabling an improvement in health provision and quality of life for the South African population.
The industry is diverse, using various materials to produce a variety of products such as metals (titanium-based implants), chemicals (disinfectants), textiles (bandages and dressings), plastics (catheters, IV administration sets), wood (tongue depressors) and chemicals/minerals/plants that go into the manufacture of wound products.
The industry gained prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic as South African manufacturers tooled up to meet the growing need for medical devices.
South Africa is one of the largest MEDTECH markets across Africa and the Middle East, estimated at R21 billion in 2021 and is projected to grow to R29.6 billion by 2025. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 05/13/2024 - 10:30
First Care Solutions launches a first-of-its-kind healthcare platform built for patients, doctors, and businesses. Johannesburg, South Africa: First Care Solutions today announced CareFirst, an innovative digital healthcare platform, a bouquet of technology solutions that is revolutionising the way medical care is delivered. CareFirst Virtual Healthcare aims to bridge the gap between patients and healthcare providers …
SA records a case of monkeypox disease
The Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla, is urging the public to be vigilant as the country has reported a laboratory-confirmed case of monkeypox disease, also known as Mpox.
The case involves a 35-year-old male, who resides in the Gauteng province and tested positive on 9 May 2024.
The case was first tested by Lancet Laboratory, which was later confirmed by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) and immediately notified the department.
According to the department, Mpox is a rare viral infectious disease in humans caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV).
Although the virus is not highly transmissible from person to person, it has increased in global public health significance and can cause a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes and fever.
According to the department, most people fully recover, but some get very sick.
The preliminary investigation and case findings report show that the patient has no recent travel history to countries experiencing an outbreak of the disease.
“Both the National and Gauteng Departments of Health have been actively involved and are managing the situation as per protocol and national guidelines. Contact tracing [is] continuing [to identify] any additional linked cases of Mpox in South Africa.”
Since 2023, there has been an ongoing Mpox outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) primarily due to a distinct MPXV clade I.
The clade I, the department said, is characterised by its high virulence and has a higher fatality rate than the global outbreak-associated clade II.
“Additionally, transmission of MPXV clade I is mostly observed among heterosexual individuals through sexual transmission, particularly among female sex workers.”
Meanwhile, a new variant of the MPXV, named “clade 1b”, emerged during epidemiological week 16 of 2024 from 14 to 20 April 2024 in Kamituga, a mining enclave within the DRC.
“This variant exhibits heightened transmissibility, mainly through sexual contact, raising concerns about its potential to cause a pandemic.”
Mpox presents with an acute illness characterised by fever and general flu-like symptoms, followed by the eruption of a blister-like rash on the skin.
The disease is rarely fatal and cases typically resolve within two to four weeks. Most cases do not require hospital treatment.
According to the department, prevention of infection hinges on the isolation of cases until fully recovered.
The risk to the general population is considered low, given the low transmissibility of the virus.
The last reported cases of Mpox in South Africa were in August 2022.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends increasing vigilance for cases with contact tracing and monitoring of laboratory-confirmed cases.
“Isolation of confirmed cases allows for the prevention of transmission and interruption of the cycle of transmission. Circulation of the MPXV in humans may be eliminated through this classic containment approach. Mass vaccination against the MPXV is not currently recommended.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 05/13/2024 - 15:52
In the sun-drenched landscapes of Australia, sunscreen isn’t just a seasonal accessory; it’s an essential part of everyday life. This makes custom sunscreen an ideal promotional product. Offering sunscreen as a corporate gift not only shows care for the recipient’s health but also provides a platform for effective brand exposure. Let’s dive into why sunscreen …
The United Nations Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Road Safety, Jean Todt, will visit South Africa from 13 to 15 May 2024 to support national and local authorities' road safety initiatives. In particular, the Special Envoy will launch the UN Global Campaign for Road Safety, in partnership with the No.1 outdoor advertising company worldwide, JCDecaux, under the hashtag #MakeASafetyStatement.
One of the main goals of this campaign is to raise awareness of life-saving actions among young generations, who as statistics show, are the major victims of road crashes especially for young people aged from 5 to 29 years old worldwide. Supporting the efforts of South Africa in addressing this issue is key in a country where more than 60% of the population is under 35 years old.
The launch events are to be held in Johannesburg and Pretoria with the participation of the Minister of Transport of South Africa and the Executive Mayors of Tshwane and Johannesburg.
Mr. Todt will meet members of the Government as well as representatives of the private and public sectors and NGOs to advocate for the effective implementation of the Global Plan for the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030, which aims to halve the number of road fatalities by 2030.
"Africa is the continent most affected by road crashes. Knowing that these affect the youngest first, it is beyond the human tragedy, an economic devastation sacrificing or invalidating for life the active force of a country. While the vaccine to avoid this carnage on the road exists, I urgently call on everyone to use it," said the Special Envoy.
#MakeASafetyStatement
Ten South African celebrities including Yvonne Chaka-Chaka, Bryoni Govender, Dr. Khumalo, Sello Maake Ka Ncube, Maduvha Madima, Leanne Manas, Dr. Moratwe Masima, Thokozani Ndaba, Gaisang Noge, and Caster Semenya, will join the campaign's worldwide ambassadors to encourage users to adopt simple but effective rules to keep their roads safe.
“Human Factors contribute 88% to South African road fatalities and therefore the involvement of celebrities as role models for the Youth in the #MakeASafetyStatement campaign will contribute towards the reduction of accidents on our roads,” stressed Ms. Sindisiwe Lydia Chikunga, Minister of Transport of the Republic of South Africa.
New alarming figures
The Special Envoy's visit coincides with the recent release of the Global Status Report on Road Safety 2023 from the World Health Organization (WHO) on road safety, highlighting that Africa remains the region the most affected by this tragedy.
According to the WHO report, the number of victims on African roads continues to grow with a mortality rate of 19/100,000 people, while in Europe, we observe a rate of 7 deaths/100,000 people. In South Africa, there are 25 deaths per 100,000 people.
According to the World Bank (2026), the cost of road crashes represented 8.6% of South Africa's GDP in 2016. The RTMC 2023 State of Road safety Report highlights for 2023 the rate of 2.74% of South Africa 's GDP.
Reliable data for swift revitalization
Recent bus accidents have highlighted the run-down state of Africa's vehicle fleet. Failure to comply with the Highway Code and to enforce penalties are also significant causes of accidents.
Solutions to be implemented include adhering to the African Road Safety Charter and the United Nations Conventions on Road Safety, strengthening the health services that treat the injured and stepping up public awareness campaigns. Systematically collecting reliable data on road accidents and monitoring casualties is also a key element in reducing the number of victims.
There is also a need to protect the most vulnerable road users, pedestrians, and cyclists, who are often the most disadvantaged and the youngest. Africa has the highest proportion of cyclist and pedestrian deaths, accounting for 44% of all road deaths.
In South Africa, the efforts of the authorities are to be commended, with new initiatives such as the implementation of the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences, the adoption of new technologies to enhance access to traffic licensing services (National Traffic Information System Online Services), the professionalization of the Traffic and Road Safety Officers Training through the National Framework Level 6 Qualification), Standardization and Harmonization of Traffic Law Enforcement and the development of a National Traffic Law Enforcement Code.
Risk factors that are too often neglected
Drink-driving, speeding, drowsiness, carelessness, non-use of seatbelts and helmets, negligence and non-compliance with the Highway Code are responsible for most road accidents in Africa. However, according to the WHO, more progress must be made regarding legislation and safety standards.
Only six countries in the world have laws that comply with WHO best practices for all the risk factors - speeding, driving under the influence or distracted driving, use of UN-standard motorbike helmets, and use of seatbelts and child restraints.
In South Africa, speeding in urban areas is high (60KM/h), and child restraint systems are not always available. At a time when the use of motorbikes is on the increase, particularly among young people, the wearing of seatbelts and quality helmets remains a real challenge, even though it could prevent many deaths and reduce the risk of serious injury by 69%.
Recent data reveal that the majority of road crashes occur at night from Friday till Sunday with youth and pedestrians being the lead victims.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE).
Health dept commemorates International Nurses Day in W Cape
The Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, is today leading International Nurses Day to recognise the tireless efforts of nurses in providing compassionate care and promoting health and wellness worldwide.
“Nurses are usually the first primary care contact for the patients and are also responsible for recognising patients’ symptoms, taking measures within their scope of practice to administer medications, providing other measures for symptom alleviation, and collaborating with other health professionals to optimise patients’ comfort and families’ understanding and adaptation,” said the department.
International Nurses Day is celebrated annually on 12 May in memory of the birth of the founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale, who was regarded as the foundational philosopher of modern nursing.
This year’s International Nurses Day will be celebrated under the, ‘Our Nurses, Our Future’, theme.
READ | Salute to nurses!
It will focus on the economic power of care, which serves as a clarion call by the International Council of Nurses to countries to address global health challenges and improve global health for all.
The Western Cape event is part of countrywide activities to honour nurses for the important role they play in saving millions of lives and raise awareness of the challenges they face.
Dhlomo will be joined by Western Cape MEC for Health and Wellness, Dr Nomafrench Mbombo; United States Consular General for Cape Town Consulate, Todd Haskell; Acting US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (Pepfar) Country Coordinator, Saira Johnson-Qureshi; leaders of nursing trade unions, and representatives of key stakeholders.
The event will culminate with the launch of the Nursing Leadership Initiative aimed at building leadership capacity among current and emerging nurse leaders in practice, education and training to empower them with leadership skills.
The event, the department said, is a collaboration between the Department of Health and Pepfar.
The initiative forms part of a plan to elevate the nursing profession within Pepfar-supported countries as part of a larger effort to strengthen the healthcare workforce globally and ensure HIV response gains are sustained. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 05/13/2024 - 11:53
Government activities for the week 13 - 17 May 2024
On Monday, 13 May, Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Sihle Zikalala will lead a delegation comprising of built environment professionals and experts to the George building disaster.
Also on Monday, the Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, will lead the International Nurses Day commemorative event in Cape Town.
On Tuesday, 14 May, to Thursday, 16 May, the Department of Tourism will be hosting Africa’s Travel Indaba at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban.
On Tuesday, 14 May, the Minister of Transport Sindisiwe Chikunga will deliver the main address at the Road Traffic Management Corporation’s passing out parade, where 410 newly trained traffic officers will become ready to save lives on the country’s roads.
On Wednesday, 15 May, President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the memorial lecture on the life of Elijah Barayi.
Also on Wednesday, the Minister of Transport Sindisiwe Chikunga and the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Road Safety, Jean Todt, will undertake various road safety activations during a three-day visit.
On Thursday, 16 May, and Friday, 17 May, the Department of Employment and Labour will host a joint inter-departmental Jobs Fair in KwaZulu-Natal.
Janine
Mon, 05/13/2024 - 10:48
Introduction Embarking on a weight loss journey can be daunting, yet with the right tools and information, it becomes a manageable endeavour. This guide will explore various supplements and dietary plans that could assist in achieving your weight loss goals. We’ll delve into the roles of collagen powder, weight loss pills, meal replacement shakes, and …
South Africa seeks additional provisional measures in Gaza
South Africa has returned to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to seek an urgent order from the court for the protection of Palestinian people in Gaza amid Israel’s ongoing military assault on Rafah.
The urgent application filed on Friday follows the escalation of Israel’s assault on Rafah, which poses an extreme risk to humanitarian supplies, basic services into Gaza, the survival of the Palestinian medical system, and the survival of Palestinians in Gaza as a group.
In a statement issued by the Presidency on Saturday, President Cyril Ramaphosa said South Africa contends that the attack on Rafah further worsens the prevailing situation and causes irreparable harm to the rights of Palestinians in Gaza, and that the situation has changed significantly since the Court’s order of 28 March 2024.
Rafah is home to 1.5 million Palestinians, and it is the last refuge in Gaza for those displaced by Israeli action. It is the last viable centre for public administration and the provision of basic public services, including medical care.
“Since the start of the military action in Rafah, Israel has seized control of both the Rafah and Kerem Shalom (Karem Abu Salem) crossings, effectively controlling all movement in and out of Gaza, and cutting off all critical humanitarian and medical supplies, goods and fuel.
“Israel has further prevented medical evacuations and has treated evacuation zones as extermination zones, as evidenced with the destruction of hospitals in Gaza and discovery of mass graves in other major health care facilities in the Strip,” President Ramaphosa said.
South Africa has called for urgent interventions and investigations of all actions that continue to cause irreparable prejudice to the rights of Palestinians, including the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for targeted killings.
South Africa called on the State of Israel to immediately withdraw and cease its military offensive in the Rafah Governorate, and take all effective measures to ensure and facilitate the unimpeded access to Gaza of United Nations and other officials engaged in the provision of humanitarian aid and assistance to the population of Gaza.
The country also called for fact-finding missions by internationally mandated bodies or officials, investigators and journalists in order to assess and record conditions on the ground in Gaza and enable the effective preservation and retention of evidence and shall ensure that its military does not act to prevent such access, provision, preservation or retention.
“The State of Israel shall submit an open report to the Court on all measures taken to give effect to these provisional measures within one week as from the date of this Order; and on all measures taken to give effect to all previous provisional measures indicated by the Court within one month as from the date of this Order,” the President said.
South Africa also requested that the Court reaffirm and seek urgent compliance by Israel with the provisional measures ordered by the Court on 26 January and 28 March 2024.
“South Africa remains firmly of the view that the necessary condition for the effective implementation of the Court’s provisional measures is a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. We call on the international community, including the allies of the State of Israel, not to turn a blind eye to the ongoing genocide in Gaza.
“The gross human rights violations perpetuated by Israel have scaled to incomprehensible levels of cruelty, hate and extreme violent oppression. The world must do more to end the persecution of Palestinians, including that of many innocent women and children,” President Ramaphosa said.
President Ramaphosa said South Africa is deeply heartened by the protest actions of university students in the United States and other parts of the world.
READ | Pandor reiterates stance on Israel
“We are also greatly encouraged by the adoption of the United Nations General Assembly draft resolution that recommends to the Security Council to reconsider favourably the application by the State of Palestine for full membership of the United Nations.
“The support of this resolution shown by 143 countries is a further demonstration that the world is listening to the cries of the Palestinians,” Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Sun, 05/12/2024 - 10:12
Salute to nurses!
As the world celebrates International Nurses Day, the South African Nursing Council (SANC) has called on South African citizens to show appreciation for every nurse working tirelessly towards the health of the nation.
International Nurses Day is celebrated annually on 12 May, the birthday of the founder of modern-day nursing Florence Nightingale.
The 2024 International Nurses Day is celebrated under the theme: “Our Nurses. Our Future. The economic power of care”.
Affirming this year’s theme, SANC Registrar and CEO, Professor Ntombifikile Mtshali, said nurses are vital to the sustainability and effectiveness of healthcare systems, making the economic investment in nursing a priority.
“Without nurses, the right to healthcare for all cannot be achieved. Nursing is a noble profession, which requires the highest degree of professionalism, ethical leadership and practice, resilience, dedication, and care,” Mtshali said.
Mtshali said the health system cannot function without nursing as its backbone – a lesson that was learnt by all during the COVID-19 pandemic.
She said reports on the nursing workforce across the world point to a dire and chronic shortage of nurses.
“Never has the time been more apt to invest more in nursing than right now.
“International Nurses Day presents an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the incredible work of all the nurses; their selfless contribution to saving lives and providing quality care to all.
“To reiterate the words of the ICN President, Pamela Cipriano, nursing is not a cost. It is an investment into our economy, as a healthy economy requires healthy minds and bodies to support it, making nursing’s economic and societal benefits a key consideration,” Mtshali said.
The Council wished all nurses a happy International Nurses Day. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Sun, 05/12/2024 - 12:05
Introduction Dust is more than just a nuisance; it can be a serious hazard in many work environments. Controlling it is not only essential for cleanliness but also for health and safety. This article explores effective strategies for dust control and how they can benefit various industries. Why Dust Control Matters Dust accumulation can lead …