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Mashatile to launch second phase of Wi-Fi connectivity project in Limpopo

Location: News

Mashatile to launch second phase of Wi-Fi connectivity project in Limpopo

Deputy President Paul Mashatile will lead the official launch of Phase 2 of the South Africa Connect project on Friday, 19 April 2024. 

The project is a flagship programme aimed at bridging the digital divide by providing Wi-Fi access to communities and ensuring universal access to the internet. 

The SA Connect Phase 2 launch event is organised by the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies and will take place at the Ephraim Mogale Stadium, Modimolle Local Municipality, Waterberg District, in Limpopo. 

The project aligns with the government’s commitment to achieving the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030 goals related to technology.

The programme also aims to create an inclusive information society and enable the government to provide broadband to communities. 

By playing an enabling role in the provision of broadband, the Presidency said, government will be better positioned to meet the needs of its citizens.

“It also galvanises the capability, resources, and energy of public and private sectors towards realising a bold vision to reach 80% connectivity by 2024,” the statement read. 

Deputy President Mashatile is launching Phase 2 which is expected to connect more than 42 000 government facilities, including schools, health facilities, post offices, police stations, and government offices, to broadband services.

The project will cover eight rural district municipalities.

So far, the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies has successfully confirmed that more than 751 232 households and about 4 366 community Wi-Fi hotspots are connected in 11 district municipalities. 

These include Mount Ayliff in the Eastern Cape and Kokstad in KwaZulu-Natal, with other districts to follow.

The Deputy President will also take the opportunity to interact with members of the surrounding communities to witness progress achieved by government in providing core access to network infrastructure to enable broadband connectivity to community Wi-Fi hotspots that connect households. 

The Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mondli Gungubele, Members of the Limpopo Provincial Executive Council, District and Local Mayors, as well as senior government officials will support Deputy President Mashatile. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile
Wed, 04/17/2024 - 11:23

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Transforming Car Ownership: Moreleta Service Centre Advocates for Timely Clutch Maintenance

Location: MyPR

Pretoria, South Africa – Every vehicle owner understands the apprehension that comes with unexpected car repairs. These inconveniences, often accompanied by significant financial strain, can disrupt daily life. Among the multitude of vital car components, the clutch stands out as a frequently overlooked yet crucial element, prone to causing sudden and unpleasant surprises. Moreleta Service …

Read moreTransforming Car Ownership: Moreleta Service Centre Advocates for Timely Clutch Maintenance

Navigating Your Reproductive Health: Understanding Abortion Clinics

Location: MyPR

In every community, abortion clinics serve as essential providers of reproductive healthcare, offering a range of services to individuals facing unexpected pregnancies or reproductive health challenges. These clinics are dedicated to providing safe, confidential, and compassionate care to patients, ensuring that they have access to the information, support, and services they need to make informed …

Read moreNavigating Your Reproductive Health: Understanding Abortion Clinics

Unlock Your Fitness Potential: Exploring Essential Supplements

Location: MyPR

Achieving fitness goals often requires more than just dedication to exercise. Proper nutrition and supplementation play vital roles in optimizing performance, enhancing recovery, and achieving desired results. With a plethora of gym supplements available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right ones for your needs. Let’s delve into a range of essential supplements and …

Read moreUnlock Your Fitness Potential: Exploring Essential Supplements

N West Acting Premier to lead Mahikeng Student City sod-turning ceremony

Location: News

N West Acting Premier to lead Mahikeng Student City sod-turning ceremony

North West Acting Premier Nono Maloyi will lead a sod-turning ceremony on Thursday to mark the official launch of the Mahikeng Student City. 

This initiative aims to alleviate the urgent need for student housing in the provincial capital.

The Student City project is a 10 000-bed facility, with provisions for modern amenities such as a fitness centre and health and retail facilities.

In addition, the project is expected to generate 10 000 job opportunities, both short- and long-term. 

“This project forms part of ongoing efforts by government to create various socio-economic opportunities for locals and bolster infrastructure development in the province,” the statement read. 

The official sod-turning ceremony, which be attended by officials and media, will be at Mmabatho Stadium. There will also be a prayer session led by pastors from various denominations. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Tue, 04/16/2024 - 13:22

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Read moreN West Acting Premier to lead Mahikeng Student City sod-turning ceremony

Johannesburg precinct sets standards for sustainability

Location: News
Melrose Arch

As South Africa migrates to an off-grid economy, one mixed-use precinct is leading the way with its sustainability prowess. Melrose Arch (www.MelroseArch.co.za/) has a thriving waste separating facility, underground cooling plant, gardens and rooftop solar system, providing its hotels, businesses and residential properties with an unparalleled experience.

After blasting and bulk earthworks commenced in the year 1998, Melrose Arch opened with a limited upmarket facility, with phase 1 consisting of only 11 buildings in 2001. It was constructed on a super basement that connects all areas of the precinct and remains the only one of this kind in the country. Parking cars in the basement reduces traffic congestion, and assists in reducing ambient air pollution above ground. Therefore, walking on street level is safe and pleasurable.

Renowned for its upmarket appeal and European street style aesthetic, Melrose Arch's streets are lined with greenery. The precinct has over 700 trees planted within its border, as well as five internal garden spaces creating green lungs for residents and tenants to enjoy.

Melrose Arch has since expanded to house 106 000m² office space, 39 000m² retail space, 17 000m² hotel space, 29 000m² of residential and conferencing space, and 8600m² accommodating health clubs. The integration of sustainability operations has expanded parallel to the 199 600m², with the result of seamless integration. 

Eco Centre, Waste Separating Facility

Melrose Arch's waste separating facility, that operates 24/7 separates paper, cardboard, metals, plastics and glass, and sends these for recycling. At the property's approximately 30 restaurants, cafés and bars on the precinct, food waste is separated at source i.e., in the restaurant kitchens.

The food waste recycling works by implementing efficient waste separation methods and commitment, allowing each restaurant to divert food waste from traditional waste streams. By separating the food waste at source, restaurants assist in thorough recycling and processing, transforming waste into valuable resources such as compost.

The food waste is taken offsite and directly to the Urban Farms Recycling Centre, where it is converted into organic fertiliser. This organisation's vermiculture facility in Modderfontein is the largest of its kind in South Africa. After the majority of the waste is recycled, the balance goes to a landfill, where the eco center aims to minimise the amount each day.

In February 2024, of the 92.578 tons of waste collected across the precinct, 88% was recycled. A total of 77,303.58m³ CO2, 712,447.19L of water and 312,494.50 kWh energy was saved. Additionally, the eco center creates employment and enhances community participation in climate-relevant mitigation and adaptation measures.

Melrose Arch Cooling Plant

The provision of efficient indoor climate and comfort, particularly in the offices and commercial buildings, has been prioritised since the inception of Melrose Arch's development. The precinct boasts its own 1,471m² district underground cooling plant, that operates 24/7. This remarkable facility includes 8 chillers that are 2722.94kW in size, 12 cooling towers and 5 building water pumps.

Operated by a Building Management System, the plant is energy efficient. The cooling is centrally produced and distributes cold water to each building through a closed distribution network. Environmentally-friendly and economically savvy, this center helps to regulate the temperature inside buildings across the entire precinct.  

The cooling plant's machinery and equipment have a nameplate capacity of 4,324.74KW, but for safety, are never operated at full capacity. The kVA demand for the plant during the summer months is set at 8.5kVA, which means that the plant regulates itself depending on demand, but it will limit itself to 8.5kVA. The average monthly kWh consumption for the plant is 494,914.08kWh.

Intricate Solar System

The Melrose Arch precinct's rooftop solar system is intricately accommodated across 16 different roof surfaces, and every building under the precinct's joint venture agreement that can host solar panels does. Currently featuring 7,811 solar panels and multiple inverters, generating approximately 3.2MW of clean energy annually, the grid-tied system integrates with multiple generators during load-shedding.

Some of the commercial operators on the property such as the Johannesburg Marriott Hotel, Melrose Arch operate their own solar systems, providing further sustainability. “We are committed to a target of 30% renewable energy across all of our properties by 2025, and becoming net zero for carbon emissions by 2050,” said Richard Collins, Area Vice President: Sub-Saharan Africa, Marriot International.

Melrose Arch is investigating the expansion of its current solar capacity, looking to increase its clean energy supply by a further 3MW per annum. Melrose Arch is also investigating a battery plant solution, tied into its own grid, to be powered by the solar plant, which will provide the precinct with up to 4 hours of standby energy in the event of outages.

Back up water

Melrose Arch has two sources of underground water. Through its water treatment plant, water is filtered and cleansed before being converted to potable water. This water is channeled to Melrose Arch's standby tanks, which are in place to enable the precinct to continue to enjoy water when there are interruptions to the local supply.

This system keeps the precinct's gardens green throughout the year and ensures that less water is wasted. Last year alone, the precinct saved 3,500,000 litres of water in this way. Furthermore, Melrose Arch/the precinct has a water back-up system with sufficient supply to keep operations flowing for up to 72 hours at any given time.

“Melrose Arch's prominence in the commercial and residential sector is underpinned by its robust operational sustainability integration that includes solar power, waste separation, a cooling plant, water backup and more,” says Reiner Henschel, Operations Director at Melrose Arch. “However, our commitment doesn't end there. We are resolute in continually integrating sustainability into our operations, ensuring that the precinct maintains its position as a leader in environmental responsibility in South Africa,” he concluded.

For further details on Melrose Arch, visit https://MelroseArch.co.za/

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Melrose Arch.

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RecoMed and Bankmed Bring e-Pharmacy Accessibility to South African Members

Location: MyPR

The e-Pharmacy service provided by RecoMed and Bankmed reimagines access to medication for patients across South Africa. • Bankmed’s e-Pharmacy solution, e-Pharm, developed in collaboration with RecoMed is integrated with a nationwide pharmacy network for quick and easy script filling and delivery. • Deliveries are next-day and co-payments are managed by a mobile point-of-sale machine. …

Read moreRecoMed and Bankmed Bring e-Pharmacy Accessibility to South African Members

Play your part to consolidate democracy

Location: News

Play your part to consolidate democracy

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on citizens, political parties and civil society to work together to ensure that this year’s election is a “success in our ongoing journey of democratic consolidation”.

The President was addressing the nation through his weekly newsletter.

The 2024 National and Provincial Elections are expected to be held on 29 May this year.

“It is up to us all, whether as government, political parties, candidates, voters, the media or civil society organisations, to play our part by ensuring that our actions and words inspire faith in our democracy. We must continue to work together to ensure that nothing undermines the integrity of our elections.

“Above all, it is up to us all to ensure that this hard-won right to vote, for which so many sacrificed so much, is exercised by every eligible citizen in a climate free of intimidation and all forms of violence,” President Ramaphosa said.

This year’s elections will be the seventh held since the dawn of democracy 30 years ago.

As highlighted by the President, the country’s electoral processes together with the rights enjoyed by citizens and political parties to organise, campaign and contest, “are among the greatest strengths of our constitutional order”.

Valuable rights

President Ramaphosa reminded South Africans that in this country, politicians are free to contest and media freedom to report is guaranteed with the courts administering justice “without fear or favour, including an Electoral Court that oversees the work of the Independent Electoral Commission [IEC] and the conduct of elections”.

“As the country counts down to the election, the vibrant and robust campaigning that is taking place reflects how South Africa’s politics continues to evolve and mature. It is also a reflection of the many different views in our society and the variety of choices that voters have.

“In a democracy such as ours, we should not be worried about differences, even when sharply expressed. That is because the vast majority of South Africans value and respect the democratic process. They have faith in the rule of law and know that any disputes can be resolved through the courts and other legal avenues.

“Over the past 30 years we have held elections that are not only free and fair, but also peaceful and free of intimidation. Dire predictions of South Africa ‘regressing into violence’ or ‘democratic backsliding’ that regrettably remain a common feature of some reportage and analysis have been proven wrong time and again,” he said.

The South African voter

President Ramaphosa said that according to research, most South Africans “recognise the importance of their vote and believe they have a duty to vote” with the IEC commissioned research finding that some 57% of South Africans having expressed belief that voting is their duty.

“While youth apathy is often cited as a problem in our country, some 55% of 18-24 year olds saw it as their duty to vote. It is significant that young people accounted for over 78% of new voter registrations last year. The IEC research also found that the majority of respondents agreed that democracy is preferable to other kinds of government.

“Despite its many challenges, our democracy is in good health. Even as political and other forms of contestation continue in the run-up to this year’s polls, they are taking place under the broad umbrella of a constitutional order characterised by fundamental freedoms and human rights,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Mon, 04/15/2024 - 09:57

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Read morePlay your part to consolidate democracy

Enhancing Your Wellness Journey with Saunas and Steam Rooms

Location: MyPR

Embarking on a wellness journey transforms not just your physical health but also your mental and emotional well-being. Integrating a sauna or steam room into your home can significantly elevate this experience, offering a sanctuary where you can unwind, detoxify, and rejuvenate. Saunas, with their dry heat, have been cherished for centuries for their health …

Read moreEnhancing Your Wellness Journey with Saunas and Steam Rooms

Revolutionising Healthcare: The Power of Medical Software Solutions

Location: MyPR

Introduction: In an era where technology is a cornerstone of every sector, healthcare has witnessed a transformative shift through medical software solutions. These tools are not just enhancing operational efficiency but are also significantly improving patient care. Medical Software: An Overview Medical software serves as the backbone of modern healthcare, offering a suite of solutions …

Read moreRevolutionising Healthcare: The Power of Medical Software Solutions

The Radisson brand enters Cape Town with the newly rebranded Radisson Hotel Cape Town Foreshore

Location: Business
Radisson Hotel Group

Radisson Hotel Group (www.RadissonHotels.com) brings the renowned Radisson brand to South Africa's "Mother City" with the rebranding of Park Inn Cape Town Foreshore to Radisson Hotel Cape Town Foreshore. Strategically located just minutes away from the International Convention Centre (CTICC) and the famous Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Radisson Hotel Cape Town Foreshore marks the Group's third Radisson property in South Africa.

Positioned at the heart of Cape Town's city center, Radisson Hotel Cape Town Foreshore is the perfect destination for travelers visiting South Africa's oldest city for both business and leisure. The hotel's prime location places it just a stone's throw away from world-renowned tourist attractions and the bustling business district. Following an eight-month renovation, Radisson Hotel Cape Town Foreshore's120 rooms now boast a fresh and modern decor that creates a relaxing environment for guests, as well as magnificent views of the prominent, Table Mountain and the city center.

Tim Cordon, Chief Operating Officer, Middle East, Africa and South East Asia Pacific at Radisson Hotel Group says, “We are thrilled to debut our rapidly expanding Radisson brand in Cape Town, which marks our third Radisson property in South Africa. With its strategic location nestled among the finest leisure attractions and business addresses and boasting one of the best rooftops in the city, it was a natural choice to refurbish and elevate the hotel to our Radisson brand standards. Radisson is renowned for striking the perfect balance between work and play, and we're confident that our guests will experience nothing but the best during their stay at Radisson Hotel Cape Town Foreshore.”

Upon arrival, guests are welcomed to the newly re-energized reception lobby and foyer. Radisson Hotel Cape Town Foreshore is home to South Africa's first Filini restaurant, following the restaurant's success at Radisson RED London Heathrow airport. Filini offers a delectable dining experience of fresh, simple, and delicious Italian-style cuisine, from starters to decadent desserts. The restaurant's open-plan kitchen creates a dynamic and interactive dining setting, while the hotel's vibrant Harald's Rooftop Bar & Terrace is the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy uninterrupted views of Table Mountain and the cityscape. The bar and terrace also feature a perfectly positioned plunge pool to complete the hotel's rooftop experience.

“At Radisson Hotel Cape Town Foreshore, we are dedicated to offering our guests the perfect balance during their stay. Our new offering and amenities will bring added value to the Foreshore area, catering to both business and leisure guests, where from nearby or from abroad. We're excited to welcome back our guests and provide them with an even better experience, thanks to our updated features and added comfort, designed to ensure our guests have a great night's sleep and overall stay,” added Angus Spurr, General Manager.

Radisson Hotel Cape Town Foreshore offers a diverse range of business and meeting amenities to its guests, including versatile meeting and event venues, secure indoor parking, and complimentary access to a state-of-the-art gym. The 125-square-metre meeting space is elegantly designed and can accommodate up to 120 guests theater-style or 140 guests in a cocktail setting, and provide a perfect blend of functionality and sophistication, making them the ideal choice for hosting events and meetings.

Click for here (https://apo-opa.co/4aVeHwk) for more information and to book. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Radisson Hotel Group.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Saadiyah Hendricks,
Area PR & Social Media Director, Middle East, Africa and the Mediterranean
Radisson Hotel Group
Saadiyah.hendricks@radissonhotels.com

Connect with Radisson Hotels on:
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/4cYkxi1
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/3UfBI7C
Twitter: https://apo-opa.co/4cYkyT7
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/49EHoMX
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/3Uf38dE

Connect with Radisson on: 
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/49wpQm0
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/3PZcBTW
Twitter: https://apo-opa.co/3xJgeac
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/3UfBRYI
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/49Fc7t0

RADISSON HOTEL GROUP:
Radisson Hotel Group is an international hotel group, operating in EMEA and APAC with over 1,320 hotels in operation and under development in +95 countries. The international hotel group is rapidly expanding with a plan to significantly grow the portfolio. The Group's overarching brand promise is Every Moment Matters with a signature Yes I Can! service ethos. 

The Radisson family of brands portfolio includes Radisson Collection, art'otel, Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson RED, Radisson Individuals, Park Plaza, Park Inn by Radisson, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, and prizeotel brought together under one commercial umbrella brand Radisson Hotels.  

Radisson Rewards (https://apo-opa.co/48eby8X) is Radisson Hotel Group's loyalty program, which delivers an elevated experience that makes Every Moment Matter. As the most streamlined program in the sector, members enjoy exceptional advantages and can access their benefits from day one across a wide range of hotels in Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific.   

Radisson Meetings (https://apo-opa.co/49xBHAD) provides tailored solutions for any event or meeting, including hybrid solutions placing guests and their needs at the heart of its offer. Radisson Meetings is built around three strong service commitments: Personal, Professional and Memorable, while delivering on the brilliant basics and being uniquely 100% Carbon Neutral.  

At Radisson Hotel Group we care for people, communities and planet (https://apo-opa.co/3SC295s) and aim to be Net Zero by 2050 based on the approved near-term Science Based Targets. With unique solutions such as 100% carbon neutral Radisson Meetings, we make sustainable hotel stays easy. To facilitate sustainable travel choices, all our hotels are becoming verified on Hotel Sustainability Basics. 

The health and safety of guests and team members remain a top priority for Radisson Hotel Group. All properties across the Group's portfolio are subject to health and safety requirements, ensuring we always care for our guests and team members. 

For more information, visit our corporate website (https://apo-opa.co/42k6te0).  

ABOUT RADISSON:
Radisson is an upscale hotel brand that offers Scandinavian inspired hospitality, which enables guests to find more harmony in their travel experience. With natural surroundings and unexpected delights, Radisson inspires the art of being in the moment. We are committed to helping our guests find the right balance for their stay, removing the discomforts travelling may bring and enabling them to switch off and relax, using our Yes I Can! attitude to ensure satisfaction of every guest. Radisson hotels can be found in suburban and city settings, near airports and leisure destinations. Guests and professional business partners can enhance their experience with Radisson by participating in Radisson Rewards, an international loyalty program offering exceptional benefits and rewards. 

Radisson is part of the Radisson family of brands, which also includes Radisson Collection, art'otel, Radisson Blu, Radisson RED, Radisson Individuals, Park Plaza, Park Inn by Radisson, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, and prizeotel brought together under one commercial umbrella brand Radisson Hotels. 

For reservations and more information, visit our website (https://apo-opa.co/3SkREDo). 

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Government activities for the week 15 to 19 April 2024

Location: News

Government activities for the week 15 to 19 April 2024

On Monday, 15 April, the Mpumalanga Premier, Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, unveils an in-patient treatment centre in Delmas, Victor Khanye Local Municipality. 

On Tuesday, 16 April, the Deputy Minister of Health together with the Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation will interact with young people in KwaZulu-Natal as part of ongoing youth engagements and dialogues to tackle health-related challenges facing young people with potential to affect their academic journey.

On Thursday, 18 April, the Department of Tourism hosts a community engagement in the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality to share information on government’s programmes and opportunities that serve to empower SMMEs and create robust and sustainable local economies in the Free State.

Janine
Mon, 04/15/2024 - 12:18

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Read moreGovernment activities for the week 15 to 19 April 2024

SAHPRA recalls two batches of Benylin paediatric cough syrup

Location: News

SAHPRA recalls two batches of Benylin paediatric cough syrup

The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has recalled two batches of Benylin pediatric cough syrup.

On 10 April 2024, the Nigerian National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) reported to the concerned party that a batch of Benylin paediatric cough syrup had high levels of diethylene glycol detected in it.

According to the SAHPRA, diethylene glycol is toxic to humans when consumed and can prove fatal. 

Toxic effects can include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, inability to pass urine, headache, altered mental state, and acute kidney injury that may lead to death.

“SAHPRA immediately contacted the South African manufacturer, Kenvue, formerly Johnson and Johnson, for a response. Following engagements with the manufacturer and in the best interest of the public, it was resolved that affected batches would immediately be recalled while an investigation is ongoing,” the local drug watchdog explained.

SAHPRA, in collaboration with Kenvue, has identified the affected batch numbers as 329304 and 329303.

These affected batches have been distributed to several countries including South Africa, Eswatini, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania and Nigeria.

SAHPRA CEO, Dr Boitumelo Semete-Makokotlela, said as a national regulatory authority, the recalling of medical products is a crucial measure to address safety concerns or quality issues so that they protect the health of the public. 

“SAHPRA is recalling these two batches from the market due to reported high levels of diethylene glycol, with the potential to cause serious adverse events,” Semete-Makokotlela explained.

Benylin paediatric is a bright red syrup with a raspberry smell and taste, packaged in a 100ml amber glass bottle with a plastic measuring cup.

It is used to relieve cough and congestive symptoms and treat hay fever and other allergies affecting the upper respiratory tract.

“SAHPRA wishes to inform the public not to panic, as the matter is being handled with priority. Batch recalls are batch-specific and do not necessarily apply to other batches or similar products. The manufacturer is a SAHPRA-licenced manufacturer and complies with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP),” said Semete-Makokotlela.

The drug watchdog stressed that the recall is limited to two batches and that the public should not panic regarding the range of products bearing the same name.

“SAHPRA is alerting healthcare professionals and the public to discontinue the use of the two batches mentioned, remove them from their inventory and return them to their normal distribution channels immediately,” said Semete-Makokotlela.

The recall is classified as a Class 1, Type A recall, which is associated with a serious product quality concern that may have severe consequences. 

According to SAHPRA, this is a countrywide recall. 

The product is being recalled from hospitals, retail outlets, healthcare professionals, authorised prescribers and individual customers or patients.

Those who have consumed these two batches and experienced any adverse reaction or witnessed it in children should consult their healthcare professional and report this using the Med Safety App or send an email to adr@sahpra.org.za. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Mon, 04/15/2024 - 10:02

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Read moreSAHPRA recalls two batches of Benylin paediatric cough syrup

Efficiency and Reliability: Pumping and Wastewater Solutions

Location: MyPR

In the realm of industrial processes and municipal infrastructure, efficient handling of fluids and wastewater is essential for smooth operations and environmental sustainability. From transferring fluids to managing sewage, a reliable pumping system is the backbone of these applications. Let’s explore the diverse range of pumping solutions, from centrifugal pumps to sewage pumps, and understand …

Read moreEfficiency and Reliability: Pumping and Wastewater Solutions

Over 281 000 people intercepted from unlawfully entering SA

Location: News

Over 281 000 people intercepted from unlawfully entering SA

The Border Management Authority (BMA) has successfully intercepted and prevented more than 281 000 people from unlawfully entering South Africa since the initial deployment of border guards last year. 

“It is in this celebratory mode of 30 years of democracy, coupled with the first anniversary of the BMA that we are presented with an opportunity to reflect on the benefits of moving away from a multi-agency approach to an integrated border management platform under a single command and control,” said Commissioner of the BMA, Dr Mike Masiapato.

The BMA celebrated its first anniversary on 1 April this year. 

“To this end, the BMA has taken full control of all immigration, health, agricultural and environmental functions across all ports of entry, with the departments retaining  responsibility for policy and legislation,” Masiapato said at a media briefing held on Sunday.

However, the access control function across the ports of entry remains co-implemented between the border guards and the South African Police Services (SAPS) due to the capacity challenges confronting the BMA.

Masiapato presented the report on the authority’d 2024 Easter plan, which ran for 10 days starting from 26 March to 4 April 2024.

During the Easter period, the BMA facilitated 1 136 250 travellers across South Africa’s 71 ports of entry. This was a 24% increase, with 222 391 more travellers facilitated and registered compared to last year.

Operations

The Commissioner revealed that 3 841 people attempting to enter South Africa illegally were intercepted.

He said that there was a decrease in the number of undocumented and unaccompanied minors arriving at ports of entry during the Easter period of 2024.

Although this was a positive development, the agency intercepted five children at the Beitbridge port of entry on 28 March 2024.

The children were handed over to the Department of Social Development and have since been returned to their home country.

He also shared about the incident involving a child at the Grobler’s Bridge port of entry where a woman was attempting to exit South Africa to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) via Botswana.

“The supposed ‘mother’ did not have a passport but was carrying an Emergency Travel Document, which was issued by the embassy of the DRC and the child was completely undocumented. They were both handed over to the colleagues of the Department of Social Development who processed and took them to the place of safety within Limpopo.”

In addition, eight penalties were issued to some bus companies found transporting illegal migrants in various ports of entry to the value of R270 000. 

“At this point, we would like to send a stern warning to all conveyers to desist from transporting illegal migrants in or out of South Africa.”

The border guards also managed to intercept and deny entry to about seven cargo consignments of meat worth about R9 294 551 which were destined to enter South Africa through the port of Cape Town due to non-compliance.  

They also seized about 748 kg of non-compliant regulated agricultural products at various ports of entry. 

In the period of 10 days, BMA health specialists screened about 91 743 travellers for various infectious and or communicable diseases and seized about 120 tablets, 57 658 mg of medications, 59 530 ml of cosmetics and about 50 insulin injections. 

The guards working with the SAPS arrested about 143 individuals for committing various crimes and transgressions within the ports of entry and the border law enforcement area. 

“The majority of these individuals served as facilitators of illegal activities around the ports of entry and were therefore charged for aiding and abetting. Interestingly, one individual was arrested at Lebombo port of entry to Mozambique while in possession of 13 passports attempting to bribe an immigration specialist with some banknotes which were placed in between the pages of the individual passports.” 

In addition, about R641 of dagga with  the value of R2 602 500 was seized and destroyed in both Grobler's Bridge port of entry to Botswana and Caledonspoort port of entry to Lesotho.

Another joint operation by officials of the SAPS, South African Reserve Service (SARS) and BMA included 217 master cases of counterfeit cigarettes with the value of R3 351 690 at the Lebombo port of entry from Mozambique en route to South Africa.

Other operations include the interception of 573 items of counterfeit alcohol, 272 pairs of counterfeit clothing and parts of a Toyota Hilux 4 x 4 worth R150 000.

“As the BMA, we remain committed to robustly confront the complex challenges associated with border management across all modalities, ranging from sea, land and air,” said the Commissioner. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile
Sun, 04/14/2024 - 12:17

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Read moreOver 281 000 people intercepted from unlawfully entering SA

Call for a National Register of Polluters

Location: News

Call for a National Register of Polluters

Minister of Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu, has vowed to tackle the pollution of the environment and water sources as the Vaal River coues to battle with invasive alien plants. 

Mchunu said the country needs to have a National Register of Polluters to deal with the pollution of the environment and water sources across South Africa.

He said a National Register of Polluters was necessary to make people account for their transgressions. 

“We want those in positions of authority, Mayors, CEOs of companies to have their names in the register so that they account for the neglect that leaves our rivers polluted,” he said on Friday.

The Minister was speaking at a workshop held at Emerald Resort and Casino in Vanderbijlpark. 

Several stakeholders attended the workshop, including mayors of Mafube, Ngwathe and Metsimaholo Local Municipalities, Rand Water Board Chairperson Ramateu Monyokolo, and representatives from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment.

He announced the establishment of a sectoral forum of experts to urgently address the situation and devise practical solutions that will ensure that the current state of the Vaal River System becomes a thing of the past.

“The Vaal River is not just a vital water source. It is a lifeline for our communities, industries and ecosystems. 

“Its health is under threat from various sources, including wastewater discharge and we must collaborate effectively to mitigate these impacts and protect this invaluable resource for future generations,” the Minister stressed. 

The Minister is also expected to hold a meeting with the Mayors of Ekurhuleni, Johannesburg, Tshwane and Mogale City to look at the state of Centurion Lake and tributaries affecting the state of the lake. 

Mchunu believes all spheres of government need to have the upper hand in the resolve to deal with the pollution of water sources and the environment.

He took the time to highlight some of the interventions, including introducing measures to prevent the spread of alien invasive species, raising awareness among the public, and enforcing regulations on the importation and sale of potentially invasive species.

The Minister also spoke about the early detection and development of monitoring programmes to detect invasive species early on and implement rapid response measures to control their spread. 

He discussed restoring native vegetation and ecosystems to rehabilitate areas affected by invasive species. 

“This can help to restore the ecological balance of the river and improve its overall health.”

Government will also be working with its agencies, non-governmental organisations, and local communities to develop new and improved methods for controlling invasive species and restoring native habitats. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Sun, 04/14/2024 - 10:11

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