Illegal dumping swamps Nelson Mandela Bay
“I challenge you to show me open spaces without heaps of garbage in our townships,” says Gqeberha resident
health
Garbage piling up in Cape Town townships as extortion gangs force out City contractors
In some areas of Phillipi East rubbish has not been collected for nine months
Exploring the Multifaceted Services of Drug and Alcohol Rehabs
Drug and alcohol rehabilitation centres offer various services to support recovery. The 12-step program is a well-established approach in treating addiction. For individualised care, individual therapy and group therapy are key components. Inpatient treatment provides a structured and supportive environment, while medically assisted detox ensures safe withdrawal from substances. Holistic approaches, such as holistic therapy and …
Government leaders catch stock of sixth administration
Government leaders take stock of sixth administration
With the term of the sixth administration coming to an end, government leaders are discussing the implementation and progress of the priorities that it set to achieve at the beginning of its term.
“This is the final Cabinet Lekgotla for the term of the sixth administration. It will look at the work done on the Medium Term Strategic Framework (MTSF), which is a government programme that sets priorities that we had to implement in this administration,” Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said on Thursday in Pretoria.
The MTSF 2019-2024 is both a five-year implementation plan and an integrated monitoring framework, which focuses on the seven priorities and related interventions of the sixth administration of government, and the integrated monitoring framework focuses on monitoring outcomes, indicators and targets towards the achievement of the priorities.
The priorities of the MTSF include building a capable, ethical and developmental state; economic transformation and job creation; education, skills and health and consolidating the social wage through reliable and quality basic services.
It further prioritises spatial integration, human settlements and local government, social cohesion and safe communities as well as a better Africa and world.
“We are also going to look at the progress that we have made in implementing the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan (ERRP) and the progress we are making in preparing for the National Health Insurance (NHI).
“Given the lessons we have learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, we think it is a priority that it must be signed during this period so that the full implementation can be taken in the seventh administration. This is why we are looking at the progress of its implementation,” the Minister said.
Work that has been done to deal with load shedding will also be discussed.
“Due to the challenges in the freight and logistics, we are going to look at that in line with the work that we have done with the ERRP. We will also look at crime because we can’t rebuild the economy if we are not dealing with the crime,” the Minister said.
She said the meeting would assess the impact of crime in terms of the vandalism of critical infrastructure whether it be electricity or the freight and logistics sector and any other infrastructure.
Ntshavheni was addressing members of the media on the sidelines of the Cabinet Lekgotla, which has been convened by President Cyril Ramaphosa from 1-2 February 2024.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile, Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Premiers, Directors-General and the leadership of the South African Local Government Association are in attendance.
The outcome of the meeting will chart a way forward for the year to be announced by the President during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) taking place on Thursday, 8 February 2024, at 7pm.
“We will also discuss the safety of South Africans and critical to that is gender- based violence and femicide (GBVF). We will look at the progress we are making to address GBVF and whether we are succeeding with the whole of society approach.
“We are also looking at the progress that has been made in dealing with corruption in terms of putting together the Anti-Corruption Advisory Council (NACAC) and the work that is being done to support the establishment of the council.
“We are looking at the integrated work that is be done to address with the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) and the Fusion Centre,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 02/01/2024 - 13:51
108 views
President Ramaphosa hands over Welisizwe programme bridges
President Ramaphosa hands over Welisizwe programme bridges
President Cyril Ramaphosa says the Welisizwe Rural Bridges Programme remains one of government’s top priorities as these bridges improve the safety, well-being, and access for communities in rural areas.
On Wednesday, the President handed over complete bridges at the rural area of Mkhambathini in KwaZulu-Natal.
The Welisizwe Rural Bridges Programme is a result of the objectives announced in the 2023 State of the Nation Address that outlined government’s plan to construct at least 96 bridges during the 2023/24 financial year.
Some 11 bridges have been completed in KwaZulu-Natal with at least 58 other bridges currently under construction throughout the country.
“Because of climate change, extreme weather events like flooding are becoming increasingly common. Communities living along and close to rivers are particularly vulnerable. That is why we see building more Welisizwe rural bridges as a priority.
“The purpose of the programme is to improve safety and well-being for rural communities who have to cross rivers on a daily basis, to boost the local economy by making mobility easier, and to create jobs and support local businesses.
“The bridges that have been handed over today will make it easier for communities to get to the clinic and hospital, to school, to town and to places of work. It will make it easier for them to fetch supplies and to take produce to market,” President Ramaphosa said.
The President said that during the construction of these bridges, community members benefitted through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP).
The EPWP is a medium-to long-term government-funded programme that promotes the use of labour-intensive methods to create work opportunities for poor and unemployed South Africans.
“In addition to these workers, each bridge site uses SANDF [South African National Defence Force] engineers and artisans who do work such as welding, groundwork, earth moving and soil retention.
“Since its inception, this programme has supported skills development by appointing graduates to work in bridge assessment, project management and maintenance, as assistant engineers and as candidate construction project managers.
“The bridge components are all locally sourced from South African companies that specialise in the manufacture and supply of steel-modular type bridges. Local suppliers have also benefitted through the supply of materials such as stones, cement, concrete, road sign paint and personal protective equipment,” he said.
Historical mission
The President reflected that since the dawn of democracy some 30 years ago, government has built bridges “as we work to overcome the divisions of the past”.
“Over centuries of colonialism and decades of apartheid, the needs of the majority of South Africans were deliberately neglected, especially in our rural communities. Infrastructure was built for the benefit of a privileged minority.
“The historical lack of infrastructure in black communities contributed to the deep levels of poverty and inequality that we continue to grapple with today. We remain determined to correct the imbalances in infrastructure.”
He urged community members to protect the bridges from vandalism and destruction.
“It is time to build bridges, not to destroy or burn them. It is time to build together a South Africa that we will be proud to leave for future generations.
“Today, the children of these areas can safely cross flooded rivers and attend school. Today, our grandparents can safely travel to health care facilities or to access government services,” President Ramaphosa concluded. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 02/01/2024 - 08:53
125 views
Men & Women Active Apparel that Embraces Style & Performance!
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AfroCentric Group attains Top Employer Status in South Africa 2024
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World Health Organization (WHO) South Africa’s Swift Response to Imported Cholera Cases in Limpopo Province
On 16 January 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) in South Africa, was notified by the National Department of Health (NDoH) of two newly laboratory confirmed cases of cholera in the Limpopo Province. These were from Musina and Blouberg Sub-districts in Vhembe and Capricorn Districts respectively. From 17-20 January 2024, in a swift and decisive move, WHO through its Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) cluster, joined NDoH, and the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) as part of the national team that conducted a support visit to assess and enhance readiness and response to cholera. The assessment was jointly conducted with the provincial health counterparts. This was in recognition of the potential risk for further spread of cholera, both locally and across borders.
As of 20 January 2024, South Africa reported three laboratory confirmed imported cholera cases. These comprised of two cases in Limpopo and one additional case which was reported later from Gauteng province. All cases had recent travel history to Zimbabwe.
The national team assessed various pillars including coordination, surveillance, case management, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), infection prevention control (IPC), and risk communication and community engagement (RCCE) in the readiness and response to cholera at provincial, affected districts, and health facility tiers.
Some of the challenges observed in the field included the need for strengthening triaging, medical waste management at health facility level, and garbage management at community level. In addition, the national team recognized the need to intensify Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials in local languages, improving WASH and a critical need to strengthen cross border collaboration.
WHO's swift involvement and participation in the national team's response to cholera cases in Limpopo, demonstrated continued willingness, dedication, and support to work with the NDoH and partners, to address the risk of Cholera and other public health emergencies in the country.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) - South Africa.
Key Factors Considered by Investors When Valuing a Business
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The Role of Stress and Anxiety in Erectile Dysfunction: Natural Solutions
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The Benefits of Traditional Herbal Remedies in Treating Erectile Dysfunction
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Exploring the Link Between Diet and Erectile Health
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Africa Mercy® heads to Madagascar after recrewing in East London
Following a recrewing effort, the hospital ship, Africa Mercy®, has now departed from the Port of East London for service within the nation of Madagascar for the next ten months.
During the eight-month refit in Durban's Dormac Shipyard, the ship underwent extensive repairs and maintenance to prolong and improve the vessel's service life and quality of medical services.
Highlights of the Africa Mercy's® refurbishment included an information technology (IT) upgrade enhancing the ship's operating theatre functionality and performance by enabling seamless coordination between the Africa Mercy® and Mercy Ships' latest hospital ship, the Global Mercy™, currently serving the nation of Sierra Leone in West Africa. Upgrades will support the provision of essential training for local doctors, fostering the development of in-country healthcare professionals. Additional improvements included the modernization of the galley, upgrades to the elevator system, and remodeling of several cabin spaces, enabling the ship's community to better serve those in need of surgical care.
Brenda van Straten, Director, Mercy Ships, South Africa, says: “The refit was part of a broader five-year initiative to ensure that the Africa Mercy® can continue the provision of life-changing surgeries and training over the next decade. In parallel with the Ship's refurbishment, Mercy Ships conducted eight Safer Anesthetics from Education (SAFE) courses in South Africa this past year, impacting 236 health professionals in the region.”
The courses in South Africa focused on rural and state hospitals where junior doctors were in vital need of practical approaches to managing their patients. A total of 58 South African anesthetists partnered with Mercy Ships to provide the training.
The ship's service in Madagascar is part of a five-year investment in Education, Training, and Advocacy efforts in combination with a surgical schedule, including maxillofacial and ENT, general, pediatric specialized general, pediatric orthopedic, reconstructive plastics, ophthalmic, women's health, as well as dental care.
“Madagascar faces a shortage of surgical support from both local and international partners, especially in the most vulnerable areas. We appreciate Mercy Ships' approach to reaching underserved communities. As we open 28 district hospitals, each requiring at least two surgeons, we look forward to collaborating with Mercy Ships to strengthen our surgical capacity,” shared Dr. Lethicia Lydia Yasmine, secretary general for the Ministry of Health, Madagascar.
A 2016 study found that only 20% of the population can access surgical services within two hours, and up to 95% of the population would face financial ruin if they required surgery. With approximately 20 physicians for every 100,000 people, surgical treatment feels out of reach for many.
The ten-month field service will be the fourth visit since 1996, with the most recent in 2015-2016. Over these three previous field services, Mercy Ships worked with the government and the Ministry of Health to provide 6,425 surgical procedures and over 52,000 dental procedures. In addition to providing life-changing surgical and dental care, Mercy Ships has a historic focus on education having trained a total of 2,019 healthcare professionals in Madagascar to date.
Mercy Ships still has open volunteer roles for project directors, a clinical training coordinator, informatics specialists, as well as ward nurses, IT professionals, cooks, teachers, plumbers, and electricians. For more information visit www.MercyShips.co.za
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mercy Ships.
Hi-res photos and general Mercy Ships B-Roll video footage are available upon request.
For more information contact:
Brenda van Straten
Director, South Africa
Mercy Ships
Email: info.zaf@mercyships.org
Website: www.MercyShips.co.za
About Mercy Ships:
Mercy Ships operates hospital ships that deliver free surgeries and other healthcare services to those with little access to safe medical care. An international faith-based organization, Mercy Ships has focused entirely on partnering with African nations for the past three decades. Working with in-country partners, Mercy Ships also provides training to local healthcare professionals and supports the construction of in-country medical infrastructure to leave a lasting impact.
Each year, more than 3,000 volunteer professionals from over 60 countries serve on board the world's two largest non-governmental hospital ships, the Africa Mercy® and the Global Mercy™. Professionals such as surgeons, dentists, nurses, health trainers, cooks, and engineers dedicate their time and skills to accelerate access to safe surgical, obstetric and anesthetic care. Mercy Ships was founded in 1978 and has offices in 16 countries as well as an Africa Service Center in Dakar, Senegal. For more information, visit MercyShips.org and follow @MercyShips on social media.
Over 5 million travellers processed over festive season, says Agency
Over 5 million travellers processed over festive season, says Agency
The Border Management Authority (BMA) announced on Sunday that it processed over five million travellers through South African borders over the festive period.
“The 2023/2024 festive season was a remarkable time where a noticeable increase in the movement of persons and goods entering and exiting the Republic of South Africa was experienced,” said Commissioner of the BMA, Dr Mike Masiapato.
He said between 6 December 2023 and 18 January 2024, the agency lawfully processed 5 096 288 travellers across 71 ports of entry.
The latest data shows a one million increase in travellers compared to 2022/2023.
“However, this number of travellers is still one million less than the pre-COVID-19 average numbers of about six million travellers.”
Of the 5 096 288 travellers, 216 594 used private vehicles, 21 502 mini-bus taxis, 6 443 buses and 55 765 trucks through the movement control system.
In total, more than 13 050 aircraft were processed at international airports and approximately 709 vessels at seaports.
About 407 vessels underwent crew changes using the off-port limit mechanism in the maritime environment.
According to the data, OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA) served the largest number of travellers, which was around 993 759.
The Lebombo land port of entry to Mozambique came second with 755 066 visitors, followed by the Beitbridge land port of entry to Zimbabwe with 745 563 travellers.
Compared to the 2022/2023 festive period, ORTIA, Lebombo, and Beitbridge recorded an increase in traveller volume of 22%, 24%, and 25%, respectively.
“As you may recall, we increased our human resource capacity and the operating hours in some selected ports of entry which do not operate on a 24-hour basis.”
The BMA mandate is to facilitate and manage the legitimate movement of people and goods across 71 ports of entry of which 52 are land, 10 are international airports and nine are seaports.
Their work covers areas of immigration, port health, environmental and agricultural biosecurity, including access control and general law enforcement at the ports of entry and border law enforcement areas.
“Although our primary job as the BMA is to facilitate the legitimate movement of people, we also have to deal with individuals who attempt to illegitimately move through our ports of entry and the border law enforcement areas.”
He told the media that the agency detected about 15 924 individuals who were attempting to enter South Africa without requisite documentation.
“In this instance, after intercepting them, we took their fingerprints, declared them undesirable and banned them from re-entering South Africa for five years and kept the record in the Biometric Movement Control System and got them deported,” he explained.
The majority of interceptions occurred at the Lebombo land port of entry with 6 808, followed by 1 891 at the Beitbridge land port of entry.
Meanwhile, 6,455 travellers were denied entry into South Africa for being undesirable, including those who committed crimes in other countries and appeared on the Interpol red list.
In addition, about 4 626 travellers were refused entry for being for having invalid passports, fraudulent visas or failing to produce valid yellow fever certificates.
This means 27 005 people were deported while attempting to enter South Africa illegally.
During this period, the agency also observed an increased detection rate of the undesirables due to the utilisation of the Biometric Movement Control Systems (BMCS).
The Commissioner raised his concern at public transporting companies that continue to transport illegal migrants.
During this period, the BMA imposed about 98 administrative fines to various conveyancers especially bus companies to the value of R3 540 000 for transporting illegal migrants at the cost of R15 000 per person.
At the same time, they collected about R9.8 million in outstanding fines from about 25 bus companies.
“In this regard, they have committed to ensuring that valid passports would be required from all travellers when procuring cross border tickets and for entering into the bus on travel day.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Sun, 01/28/2024 - 12:19
139 views
LG Unveils Latest HVAC Solutions At AHR Expo 2024
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Gauteng Health commends police’s swift response in hijacked State vehicle case
Gauteng Health commends police's swift response in hijacked State vehicle case
The Gauteng Department of Health has commended the South African Police Service (SAPS) for its swift response following a State vehicle hijacking incident in Mamelodi.
The incident took place on Wednesday morning when the Ward-Based Primary Healthcare Outreach Team (WBPHCOT) from the Stanza Bopape Community Health Centre was conducting regular household visits at Section 14 in Mamelodi. It is then when the State vehicle was hijacked at gunpoint.
According to the department, the officials were approached by two perpetrators who hijacked the State vehicle and robbed them of their belongings, including cell phones and cash.
Department spokesperson Motalatale Modiba said the attack happened at a time when the department was strengthening its outreach programme to communities in townships, informal settlements and hostels (TISH), which is meant to improve access to health services to previously disadvantaged areas.
“To push back on attacks on healthcare workers requires a collective effort where communities work closely with law enforcement agencies, given that the attacks are taking place in the very communities where we are trying to expand services to,” Modiba said.
Modiba said the police managed to recover the white VW Polo sedan, which had already been fitted with fake number plates at Extension 11 in Mamelodi, later in the day.
“The department has since opened a case of robbery and theft at Mamelodi East Police Station. Counselling has been arranged for the affected staff members.”
The department has also strongly condemned the attacks on staff and called on society to take a stand against such crimes, warning this has a dire impact on sustaining health services in communities. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 01/26/2024 - 13:09
411 views
Department awards bursaries to hardworking matriculants
Department awards bursaries to hardworking matriculants
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Sihle Zikalala has hailed teachers and guardians as true heroes and heroines and thanked them for encouraging, motivating and guiding learners during the 2023 matric examination.
“To the bursary awardees, you are the crown in the jewel; and today we sing your praises for demonstrating that paying attention and putting in effort pays,” Zikalala said on Thursday, during a ceremony to award bursaries to 100 learners from the Class of 2023 who have enrolled to study various built environment courses at universities across the country.
Zikalala congratulated the learners for being worthy recipients of the prestigious bursaries from the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure.
He said the young people who are receiving the bursaries have honoured the sacrifices of the youth of 1976 who protested against an inferior Bantu Education that sought to turn education for the black majority into an instrument of racial subjugation and guarantor for the supply of cheap black labour.
“The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) plays a critical role in delivering essential services. To do so effectively, it must have a highly skilled and competent workforce.
“This year is the 10th year that the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure has been offering these bursaries to address the challenges of the skills pipeline and transformation in the Built Environment.
“Our university bursary scheme is one of the ways through which as a department, we respond to the country’s occupation skills that are in high demand as gazetted by the Department of Higher Education and Training,” the Minister said.
The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure Bursary Scheme supports undergraduate study areas like: Construction Project Management, Occupational Health and Safety, Quantity Surveying, Landscape Architecture, Architecture, Property Studies, Real Estate, Urban Design and Regional Planning, Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Structural, Chemical), Interior Design, Actuarial Science, Horticulture, Geographic Information Science (GISc) and Maritime Studies.
The Council for the Built Environment (CBE) has lamented the slow pace of transformation in the built environment which is compounded by the challenge of aging professionals who are leaving the sector.
“One of our programmes to address these challenges and in contributing to the skills of the future in our sector is the department’s schools programme and the university bursary scheme programme.
“We are pleased to report that our valued bursary beneficiaries are supported financially throughout their tertiary studies until graduation.
“Upon completion of studies, bursary holders join the department’s internship programme wherein they gain relevant technical experience for a duration of 24 months in line with their contractual obligation to the department and in accordance to the DPSA regulated internship period,” Zikalala said.
The estimated budget per student is R177 500. This amount varies based on the institution and study programme. The department has allocated budget of R17 800 000 for the 2024 academic year new intake.
The bursary covers all university costs including tuition fees, accommodation, meals, textbooks, projects, excursions and a monthly allowance. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 01/26/2024 - 09:43
257 views