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Every family has at least one recipe that has been passed down from generation to generation. It’s that one dish that always makes an appearance at family celebrations, with a secret ingredient known only to the inner circle! But the big question is – are family recipes sacred or can they be tweaked? “Family recipes …
Government using targeted approach to bring relief to cash strapped consumers
Further expansion of Value Added Tax (VAT) free – or zero rated – products is currently not on the cards for South Africa. However, government has implemented more targeted policies to benefit the poor.
This according to Deputy Minister of Finance, David Masondo, who was participating in Parliament’s mini plenary session on, amongst other topics, the high cost of living and measures government is taking to alleviate it.
Masondo told the session that additional VAT zero rating is not “the best instrument to address the problem of high cost of living”.
“Government has already VAT zero rated a number of basic foods. This includes the zero rating of illuminating paraffin and other items which was introduced in April 2001. Studies subsequently showed that suppliers did not pass on the benefit of the VAT relief to the consumers as it was intended. So it doesn’t follow that zero rating will lead to lower prices.
“The tax revenue that is lost from zero rated food items mostly flows to higher income households because this category…purchase more of the products that are zero rated. In fact, many analysts have demonstrated that in absolute mandatory terms, middle and higher income households benefit more from the zero rating than lower income or poor households,” he said.
Currently, VAT constitutes 26%, on average, of gross tax revenue in South Africa. That revenue is redistributed to the poor through various government programmes including social grants.
Masondo says a reduction in this revenue would have an impact on those who benefit from state driven programmes.
“Products that are zero rated are well targeted. Further zero rating will lead to VAT revenue loss which could be directed to the already existing pro-poor government programmes. Targeted cash transfer to the poor is better and more redistributive as opposed to VAT which benefits mostly high income households.
“In 2019/2020 fiscal year, R31 billion VAT revenue was forgone due to zero rated items. So we think that further zero rating will lead to the decline of revenue which could be used to support the poor,” Masondo said.
The Deputy Minister emphasised that although zero rating some items is well intended and necessary, “a social transfer system of assisting the poor through targeted expenditure interventions is much more desirable and better”.
“Recognising that zero rating is not the best instrument, government has instead implemented a number of policies to directly benefit lower income households through the expenditure side. Education and health budgets are progressive and extensive grant system of old age grants, the child support grant and the disability grant provide cash to households who are most in need.
“The Social Relief of Distress grant…is another new mechanism that government has used to provide this relief. This is a better approach than zero rating where so much of the benefit goes to higher earners and where companies may not even pass on the benefit to the consumers,” he said.
Masondo doubled down on his position – thrashing out other targeted interventions to assist cash strapped South Africans.
These include:
“This shows that government has been active in finding solutions to try and combat high prices without resorting to further zero rating,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 11/16/2023 - 14:59
As we recognise World Diabetes Day, the 2023 “Know your risk, know your response” theme resonates profoundly in South Africa, especially considering the rising prevalence of type 2 diabetes in the country. According to Aimee Wesso-Roberts, Head of Lifestyle and Wellness Management at the AfroCentric Group, the landscape of diabetes in our nation is intertwined …
There is no government nutrition programme for children before they enter formal schooling
“We are a diverse group of South African Jews who are dismayed by the situation that is unfolding in Israel and Palestine”
Load shedding requires urgent intervention, Ramokgopa tells Parliament
Minister in the Presidency responsible for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, has told the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises that load shedding is an existential problem, both in economic and social terms, which requires urgent intervention.
The Minister said the South African economy could be losing up to R1 billion a day, depending on the intensity of load shedding.
“This is severe. The amount of jobs that have been lost as a result of load shedding are projected to be upwards of 800 000 just for the current year, if you were to go by the modelling that has been done by some of the reputable institutions.
“I'm trying to convey the message that we are dealing with a major problem that undermines the overall growth of the South African economy,” he said on Wednesday.
Ramokgopa said as a result of this, President Ramaphosa found it appropriate to provide a comprehensive and compelling response to the crisis by unveiling the Energy Action Plan (EAP), which has about five outcomes.
The five priority outcomes, Ramokgopa said, are to fix Eskom and improve the availability of existing supply; enable private investment in new generation capacity; accelerate procurement of new capacity from renewables, gas and battery storage; unleash investment in rooftop solar PV for businesses and households, and to "undermine the political interest calculation, ensuring that there's transparency in how costs are located and how tariffs are determined".
Expanding on the first priority, the Minister said they have to improve the availability of existing suppliers.
“So the focus will be on the existing fleet of Eskom coal-fired power stations, a focus on Koeberg Nuclear Power Station and also the importation of hydro that we are getting from Mozambique, ensuring that first we address the reliability of this unit... [and reduce] the rate of abrupt failure of these units, and address their efficiency as they run, then approximate their design capacity,” he said.
Turning to the second priority, Ramokgopa said that it exists to ensure that significant private sector investment is attracted, and this is supported by the reforms that were introduced on the generation side.
He said there is a significant amount of project pipeline as a result of the reforms that have been introduced on the generation side, which focuses on the private sector and new generation capacity.
Generation performance
On the overall performance of units, Ramokgopa told the portfolio committee that the trendline has essentially been going up.
"If you look at the available capacity, you can see that it is beginning to pick up from what the situation was in May, which was used as a baseline."
The Minister said they were addressing factors that have contributed to increased load shedding over the past week.
"... There is the good and there's also the bad. The good is that the trendline is going up and the bad is that there are things that we admit that we can improve on, especially better planning, returning the units on time, and ensuring that gradually, we continue to reduce the intensity of load shedding,” the Minister said.
He said they are taking advantage of the warmer period the country is now in.
“We have been ramping up planned maintenance... [We need to] make sure that we fix [the units] and when they come back, they're healthier and they're able to perform,” he said.
As part of improving the issues at Eskom, Ramokgopa said they have returned two of the three units that failed at Eskom last year in October as a result of challenges related to the Flue-gas desulfurization (FGD) unit, which is a mechanical component that houses a chemical process meant to reduce the amount of sulphur content that is emitted into the environment.
“We asked for a special dispensation to bypass that Flue-gas desulfurization unit and then we accepted that there are environmental costs, and that's why we put together a comprehensive health plan to... mitigate the environmental costs, and those were approved by the Minister of Environment.
“Of course, we are going to return to normality, essentially to go back to the original design of going through the Flue-gas desulfurization by the end of the year 2024.
“But now we've got that relief and two of those three units are back. Unit 1 and 3 are back, and we anticipate to bring Unit 2 by end of the month, and then we'll be firing Unit 5 at Kusile by the third week of December. So we project to get another 1 600 megawatts,” the Minister said.
The Minister told the portfolio committee that they are currently focusing on four broad areas, which include the facilitation of renewables.
"It's important to not just over rely on Eskom, which is aging. We have committed to a decarbonisation agenda. We're committed to the nationally determined contribution the net zero path. Of course, we have extended the life of these power stations as a result of the challenges that we're currently facing.
“So we [have] delayed the decommissioning. It will happen but it's delayed. The key is facilitating renewables, and transmission is a big part of that." – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Wed, 11/15/2023 - 12:51
Mashatile to participate in the Annual National Men’s Parliament
Deputy President Paul Mashatile will on Sunday, 19 November 2023, participate at the 3rd National Men’s Parliament in Limpopo.
The Deputy President will take part in the Men’s Parliament in his capacity as Chairperson of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC).
According to the Presidency, the 3rd National Men’s Parliament is organised through a partnership which includes government, Parliament and SANAC Men’s Sector and brings together leaders from across all spectrums of society.
Deputy President Mashatile will use the occasion to launch the 2023-2025 Takuwani Riime Programme of Action scheduled to take place at Masia Village, Collins Chabane Local Municipality, Vhembe District.
The programme represents a pivotal milestone in the Men’s Parliament efforts to address the scourge of violence against women, advance socio-economic development and promote men’s health, with a special focus on the prevention of HIV/AIDS.
This year, the gathering will focus on the term of community men’s Parliaments and men championing change.
“Takuwani Riime” is a Tshivenda expression meaning “let us stand up together”.
“This is a clarion call for all men to stand up and be counted as meaningfully organised partners in the advancement of community safety, health and socio-economic development across the country.”
The 3rd National Men’s Parliament will be preceded by the Traditional Council Men’s Dialogue led by the National House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders.
In recognition of organisations committed to the Men Championing Change Programme, the Department of Social Development will present certificates of recognition to community-based organisations dedicated to developing and implementing programmes that support men and boys to deal with multiple social ills.
Deputy President Mashatile be supported by Ministers, Deputy Ministers, the Premier of Limpopo, Members of the Limpopo Provincial Executive Council, Mayors and senior government officials. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 11/15/2023 - 09:39
Protecting the future
Children are the wealth of the nation despite a few harrowing incidents recently pointing otherwise.
Nobody can deny that the nation’s wealth has been at the receiving end of what no child and human being should be subjected to. Democratic South Africa’s first President Nelson Mandela had a lot to say about the wellness and welfare of children.
“The children must, at last, play in the open veld, no longer tortured by the pangs of hunger or ravaged by the disease or threatened with the scourge of ignorance, molestation and abuse, and no longer required to engage in deeds whose gravity exceeds the demands of their tender years,” he said in 1993.
The magnitude of what he said back then still rings true today.
Last month, the Gauteng Health Department confirmed the deaths of five children in Soweto, the West Rand and Roodepoort due to suspected food poisoning. Media reports also pointed to food poisoning deaths in the North West.
This after the children allegedly consumed poisonous food from local shops and vendors.
South Africa recently marked National Children’s Day, a day government declared to be commemorated on the first Saturday of the month of November.
Commemorated annually, the day highlights progress being made towards the realisation and promotion of the rights of children.
Section 28 of the country’s Constitution states the rights that every child has the right to. In turn, the state must respect, protect, promote and fulfil the rights in the Bill of Rights.
Children under the age of 18, have a right to basic nutrition, shelter, basic health care services and social services. Among others, the Constitution also makes provision for children to be protected from maltreatment, neglect, abuse or degradation.
The news of the children’s deaths shocked the nation and also placed the spotlight on spaza shops. The Gauteng provincial government moved to intensify its awareness drive where it engaged locals and shared the importance of checking food expiry labels, among others.
As it takes a village to raise a child, Cabinet also expressed concern while adding that it was encouraged by law enforcement efforts to enforce food safety compliance. Efforts taken include the Johannesburg Metro Police Department and the City of Johannesburg’s, environmental health practitioners conducting inspections to check compliance with city bylaws. In addition, the City of Tshwane and its health officials and the metro police also embarked on a by-law enforcement inspection where two of the spaza shops visited were shut down.
In addition, the outcomes of a recent government-led International Migration Workshop included the introduction of omnibus by-laws to address challenges relating to trading and the enforcement of business by-laws by municipalities and traditional authorities.
It also focused on curbing the effects of illegal immigration, including the operations of spaza shops and there will also be immediate joint inspections of businesses, in particular spaza shops, by various government departments including Home Affairs immigration inspectorate teams to enforce compliance with applicable laws.
The audit of spaza shops in villages and townships, and mechanisms to register them will be undertaken by both traditional leaders and municipalities.
There are also efforts to support traditional authorities to keep a record of foreign nationals in their communities while business licensing legislation is being amended to support those wishing to trade in the informal sector.
While the lives that have been lost cannot be brought back, inspection blitzes carried out by the Cities of Tshwane and Johannesburg as well as the outcomes of the migration workshop resolve to ensure the safety of children.
One can also not ignore the fact that communities have placed the blame - whether warranted or not - of the selling of expired foods at the door of foreign nationals operating spaza shops and the record keeping of foreign nationals in communities will go some way in allaying suspicions of one another.
The alleged poisonings brought to the fore the ire of communities and rightly so. Communities were once more reminded of previous and dare I say ongoing, spates of the brutal rapes, murders and mutilation of children.
We ought to put a stop to these hair-raising incidents and raise a generation of children that protect their peers.
While legislation such as the Children’s Act exist and sets out principles relating to the care and protection of children including making provision regarding children's courts, all of these incidents remind us that the safety of children requires the presence of all of society.
World Children’s Day is being commemorated on 20 November to promote international togetherness, awareness among children worldwide, and improve children's welfare. It was first established in 1954. According to the UN since 1990, the day also marks the anniversary of the date that the UN General Assembly adopted both the Declaration and the Convention on children's rights.
If we are to see a better future, the protection of children should urgently be everyone’s business.
*Neo Semono is a features writer at www.sanews.gov.za
-SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Wed, 11/15/2023 - 09:03
PRODUCTIVITY SA MANAGEMENT STATEMENT ON NEHAWU STRIKE Productivity SA Management confirms that members of the National Education, Health, and Allied Workers’ Union (NEHAWU) falling within the Bargaining Unit are on strike with effect from the 13th of November 2023. The picket is taking place at all the Productivity SA Offices, namely Midrand, Durban, and Cape …
Fighting the harmful effects of alcohol
By Dr Ntombifuthi Nala
Many South Africans thrive on celebrations, whether it is a national accomplishment such as winning the Rugby World Cup, or a personal achievement such as passing an exam. These celebrations are often accompanied with dancing, singing and of course alcohol.
While alcohol is a means of celebrations and enjoyment, it can be open to misuse or abuse that can lead to the destruction of lives.
Every year the lives of 3 million individuals are lost due to alcohol, representing 5 per cent of all deaths. This is worrisome in South Africa where alcohol is the most widely used psychoactive substance and high levels of binge drinking and associated harms prevail.
In characterising the challenge, Minister of Social Development, Lindiwe Zulu, stated that “alcohol is one of the most abused substances that causes the most harm to the most people in our country”.
Alcohol abuse not only harms the health of an individual by affecting their vital organs and increasing susceptibility to life threatening diseases, it also jeopardises the safety, well-being and lives of others.
In searching out solutions to reduce alcohol-related harms and best practices for regulating alcohol, South Africa recently hosted the Global Alcohol Policy Conference (GAPC).
This is the first time that the conference was held in Africa, which brought together policy makers, academics, representatives of community-based organisations and NGOs from across the globe.
The conference made strong inroads in the formulation of a global alcohol policy that protects children and vulnerable adults. It also engaged on how further the regulation of alcohol marketing could help fight the abuse of alcohol.
During the conference Minister Zulu committed to reviewing the Liquor Amendment Bill which seeks to strengthen regulations on alcohol trading, marketing and sales. The bill put forward strong interventions which includes increasing the legal age of drinking to 21 and introducing an increased radius limitation for the trade of alcohol around educational and religious institutions. It also places liability on alcohol retailers and manufacturers for harm resulting from contravening regulations.
These proposals are important in advancing our fight against alcoholism, particularly in curbing access for young people as one in three teenagers are addicted to drugs and alcohol in our country.
The plight of underage drinking and non-compliance with alcohol-related laws were recently brought to the fore at the Enyobeni tavern tragedy that resulted in the loss of 21 young lives.
In strengthening our efforts to address the challenges caused by alcohol and substance abuse in the country, the Department of Social Development has drafted a policy framework on the Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Use Disorders, which will soon be gazetted for public comment. Cabinet also recommended an inter-Ministerial Committee for prevention, reduction and treatment strategies for alcohol and substance abuse.
Whilst government strives to reduce alcohol-related harms by reinforcing our laws and developing new strategies, we urge South Africans to be responsible citizens by adhering to current legislation.
The National Liquor Act prohibits the sale of alcohol to anyone under the age of 18, which calls for the co-operation of parents, community members, and liquor outlets to ensure that alcohol is not sold to children.
Establishments with liquor licences must perform verification checks against identity documents to ensure a person is of the legal age to consume alcohol. These checks are essential, especially as pens down parties, rage festivals and a host of social gatherings will occur as exams come to an end and the festive season approaches.
South Africans are urged to act responsibly this festive season should they choose to consume alcohol, and to always say no to the use of drugs. Excessive alcohol intake is widely linked to an increase in accidents, violent behaviour, fights and domestic violence.
Alcohol abuse is one of the main contributors to crime, especially gender-based violence and femicide in South Africa. We ought to make it our duty to report incidents of GBVF, alcohol–related and other crimes, to law enforcement authorities.
Reducing alcohol-related harms requires the combined efforts of everyone. When we do our part by practising responsible drinking and adhering to our laws, we can celebrate without putting our health, safety and the lives of others at risk.
*Dr Ntombifuthi Nala, Director: Research and Knowledge Management at the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS)
Janine
Tue, 11/14/2023 - 14:24
Health convenes primary health care conference
The Department of Health will this week convene the South African Primary Health Care (SAPHC) conference in East London, in the Eastern Cape.
The conference, which will take place from 15 to 16 November 2023, will reflect on and review the country’s journey towards the ideals of primary health care (PHC) over the last 30 years of democracy.
According to the department, the platform is also expected to discuss the pivotal role of the PHC in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in South Africa by 2030.
PHC, the department said, is the most inclusive, equitable, cost-effective and efficient approach accessible to most individuals and families in the community to enhance their physical and mental health, as well as social wellbeing, hence almost 86% of the population depends on PHC in South Africa.
The two-day conference will be attended by almost 350 delegates representing all nine provinces, stakeholders in the sectors, and representatives from local and international organisations including the World Health Organisation (WHO).
This year’s theme will focus on the role of strong PHC in South Africa’s pursuit of UHC coverage through National Health Insurance (NHI).
The delegates will also draw lessons from international experiences such as Thailand, Vietnam, Cuba and Mauritius in the implementation of the PHC approach and delivery of services, particularly from countries in the global south with socio-economic conditions that are comparable to South Africa.
Health Minister, Dr Joe Phaahla, will deliver the keynote address.
There will also be contributions from the Deputy Minister, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, provincial Health MECs and WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti.
“Primary Health Care plays a crucial role in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3, which relates to health to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for people of all ages,” the department added. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 11/14/2023 - 10:06
What exactly do we mean by mine health & safety? The Mine Health and Safety Inspectorate was established in terms of the Mine Health and Safety Act, 1996 (Act No. 29 of 1996). The aim is to carry out the constitutional mandate of the Department of Mineral Resources in order to protect and safeguard the …
Residents warned to be vigilant when buying from spaza shops
Residents of the City of Ekurhuleni have been warned to exercise caution when buying products from spaza shops.
This as a spate of incidents has left at least six children dead and several others hospitalised around the country ,allegedly as a result of consuming expired or counterfeit goods from spaza shops and street hawkers.
The City of Ekurhuleni said: “The City’s Environmental Health Practitioners (EHPs) have intensified food hygiene and safety inspections at food handling premises to stop the practice.
“The city encourages the public to buy foodstuffs only sold from premises that have a Certificate of Acceptability. This certificate is only issued after inspections are conducted and the premises meets all food safety requirements.”
The following are markings that can be used to identify whether food stuff is still fresh to eat:
Some foods are exempted from date markings. These include some alcoholic products, chewing gum, fruits and vegetables that have not been peeled or treated and sugars.
Residents are encouraged to report any shop selling expired or counterfeit products to the City of Ekurhuleni environmental health offices.
“The public is also discouraged from playing the role of an EHP by inspecting and seizing foodstuff from the shops as this is impersonation of a EHPs. In terms of the Health Professions Act, 56 of 1974 no person shall perform any act deemed to be an act pertaining to any registerable health profession, such as environmental health profession,” the city said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 11/14/2023 - 10:29
EC notes report on child malnutrition
The Eastern Cape Provincial Government says it has noted the South African Human Rights Commission’s (SAHRC) report on Child Malnutrition and the Right to Food, which calls for closer monitoring and increased interventions to deal with child malnutrition.
The SAHRC’s report, which reflects outcomes of the research conducted in August 2022, revealed that the level of malnutrition remain very high in the province.
Malnutrition of children is mostly associated with poor households, with food security leading to compromised nutritional intake.
It is also noted that children born to teenage mothers or under circumstances of alcohol and drug abuse and domestic violence are more likely to experience lack of care which affects child feeding practices.
Responding to the report which was released recently, the provincial government noted that since the dawn of democracy it has been implementing various policy interventions and strategies towards addressing the triple challenges of poverty, inequality, and unemployment.
These include addressing the concerning plight of child malnutrition in areas of the province.
While acknowledging that the levels of malnutrition remain very high, the provincial government noted a drop in the fatality rate due to severe acute malnutrition from 11.8% in 2017/18 to 7% in the 2022/2023 financial year.
This is attributed to inter-sectoral collaboration efforts by other departments including Social Development, South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and relevant stakeholders to tackle social determinants of health affecting child malnutrition.
The government emphasised that effective prevention of malnutrition among children requires collective responsibility between government, civil society, private sector, communities, and other appropriate stakeholders.
Highlighting some of the interventions to support the basic health and nutrition rights of all children in under-resourced and vulnerable communities, the provincial government said through the South African Social Services Agency, the Eastern Cape provincial government has provided Child Support Grants (CSG) to millions of deserving children, lifting many out of the poverty line.
“Government is spending more than R1 billion towards providing the CSG to close to 2 million children that include Care Dependency and Foster Care Grants. Furthermore, there are about 3 950 undocumented children that are benefiting from the CSG in the province.
“Government is also implementing the School Malnutrition Programme, where children are provided with nutritious meals to enhance their general wellbeing, and also taught to establish and maintain good eating and lifestyle habits,” the provincial government said.
Through the Department of Social Development, the province continues to provide food parcels and regular meals for mothers and infants from the Social Relief of Distress, as well as provision of support, guidance, parenting and feeding skills through the Indlezana Programme.
Mothers have also been equipped with technical skills through income generating projects to generate immediate income to supplement social grants.
In addition, the provincial government has implemented programmes targeted at child-headed homes, as well as children living in the streets through a community-based prevention and early intervention program to enhance efforts of protecting orphaned and vulnerable children.
The Provincial Government has further implemented programmes to address malnutrition in ensuring that mothers and children have access to services that promote the health growth and development of children as well as prevention, early identification, and management of malnutrition.
“These include growth monitoring and promotion of breastfeeding in all levels of care and communities, prevention of teenage pregnancy, strengthening of nutritional supplementation and nutrition education, as well as education of mothers and caregivers on proper complementary feeding practices.
“The department of health is also working with partners like United Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and United Population Fund (UNFPA) to implement various strategies in the community to reduce child morbidity and mortality in the province,” the government said.
It also noted collaboration between the department of Health and Social Development to champion Integrated Mother and Child Development Malnutrition Support Programme in OR Tambo and Alfred Nzo, which has yielded positive results.
The provincial government has committed to improve the socio-economic conditions of the people in the province, through various strategic interventions. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 11/13/2023 - 15:47
This Movember, Cape Town Gin & Spirits Company is once again standing in solidarity with Men’s Health Awareness, and in encouragement of men taking charge of their health and getting tested regularly. Men in South Africa are less likely to use health services than women and tend to be sicker when seeking help. Many of …
Measures in place to deal with Diphtheria outbreak
The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) is leaving “nothing to chance” as it deals with the outbreak of Diphtheria at the Pollsmoor Correctional Centre, says it’s National Commissioner, Makgothi Thobakgale.
This after a 19-year-old inmate died and eight other inmates tested positive for the contagious bacterial infection at the Pollsmoor Correctional Centre in the Western Cape.
“We would like to assure the public and stakeholders that we are taking proactive measures to address and contain any possible spread of the disease. The epidemiological investigation on the index case is still ongoing.
“Recognising the potential risks associated with communal living, we have implemented a comprehensive set of measures to mitigate the spread of the disease within the correctional setting.
“We are doing this because we also know that [a] Diphtheria outbreak in a correctional environment requires a coordinated and comprehensive response in order to contain the spread and provide appropriate medical care to the affected individuals,” he said at a media briefing on Monday.
Thobakgale outlined the measures taken which include:
“We are leaving nothing to chance, health education efforts to inform inmates, DCS officials and service providers about the symptoms of Diphtheria, the importance of vaccination, and preventive measures are being amplified. Our health care team is vigilant in monitoring the situation and the infection prevention measures are for every individual in a correctional facility to follow through.
“The situation is calm and under control. No new cases have been reported in the past five days. Hence, we do believe that the measures that we have put in place shall be effective in ensuring the well-being of everyone in our care,” he said.
Roots of the outbreak
Reflecting on the events leading up to the outbreak, Thobakgale explained that the 19-year-old inmate who died, fell ill after being transported back to the facility following a court appearance on October 17.
“When the inmate showed signs of not feeling well, the Correctional Services Health Care officials treated him and a decision was taking that he be transferred to an outside hospital. At the time the inmate showed malaise and respiratory symptoms hence the transfer to Victoria Hospital on 28 October.
“He received further treatment and was tested for Diphtheria and the results came back positive on 02 November 2023. Unfortunately, the inmate’s condition deteriorated and he sadly passed away on 5 November 2023 at the Groote Schuur Hospital,” he said.
Thobakgale said following the inmate’s diagnosis, the department immediately embarked on a contact tracing exercise with some 54 inmates and 15 correctional services officials identified as contacts.
Some eight inmates tested positive.
“[The officials] were tested and released to isolate at home. The provisional results have since came back negative, awaiting confirmatory results.
“As a department, it was important that we act with necessary urgency. The health and well-being of our incarcerated inmates, staff members, and the surrounding community are of utmost importance to us, and we are obligated to ensure a safe and healthy environment.
“Diphtheria is a vaccine-preventable disease, and through…comprehensive measures, we aim to minimize the risk of transmission at Pollsmoor Correctional facility,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 11/13/2023 - 12:00
Government activities for the week, 13 November - 17 November 2023
On Tuesday, 14 November, the Department of Health will observe World Diabetes Day through an inter-provincial cycling challenge between North West and Gauteng provinces, among other activities.
From Tuesday, 14 November, to Friday, 17 November, the National Primary Health Care (PHC) Conference will be held in South Africa at the East London International Convention Centre.
On Thursday, 16 November, the Department of Water and Sanitation, together with the International Union for Conservation of Nature, Department of Forestry Fisheries and the Environment and the United Nations Development Programme will host a Climate Change Adaptation Workshop.
On Friday, 17 November, Minister of Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu, will launch a R106 million Dinokana Water Supply Project which is part of ‘Opertiona Bulela Metsi’ intervention programme.
This weekend, from 18 November to 19 November, the IEC will host the voter registration weekend.
Janine
Mon, 11/13/2023 - 13:17
Introduction When it comes to prioritising our health, women understand the importance of regular check-ups and screenings. In this blog, we’ll explore three vital diagnostic procedures: Mammograms, Pelvic Ultrasounds, and HSG (Hysterosalpingography). These screenings are essential in maintaining women’s well-being and ensuring early detection of potential health issues. If you’ve ever wondered about finding a …
Herbert Mensah, the newly elected President of Rugby Africa (www.RugbyAfrique.com), the continental governing body for rugby in Africa, recently engaged in a 45-minute face-to-face meeting with Dr Akinwumi A. Adesina, the President of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB). The meeting, held during the African Investment Forum in Marrakesh, Morocco, focused on the crucial topic of sports infrastructures in Africa.
During the meeting, President Mensah and Dr Adesina discussed the significant potential of sports as a thriving business in Africa, with a particular emphasis on advancing development of sports infrastructure across the continent. Recognizing the pivotal role of sport in economic growth and community well-being, both leaders explored strategic conversations to harness the continent's potential.
President Adesina took a moment to extend his heartfelt congratulations to the South Africa Springboks for their triumph at the Rugby World Cup. He emphasized the victory's significance in maintaining Africa's status as the reigning champion of the world for another four years.
The newly elected President of Rugby Africa, Herbert Mensah, continues to emphasize the business potential of sport across Africa. Since his election, Mensah has called for a change of mind-set among African governments and international organizations and to fully embrace, support and increase investment in rugby across Africa, as a wealth and development creating activity.
“With abundant talent and the world's attention, Africa stands at the forefront of the global marketplace,” said Mensah. “It's time to turn this potential into power, investing in ourselves, forging structures that allow our resources to fuel our own growth, breaking free from the cycle of export and import that hinders the realization of our true economic potential.”
The sports industry in Africa is experiencing rapid growth, with significant potential to generate jobs, improve public health, foster social inclusion, and drive economic growth.
According to PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), the industry was valued at $7 billion in 2018, with an expected growth of $12 billion in 2027. Despite the potential, investment across Africa remains limited, with only 1% of start-up financing directed towards the sports sector.
More information: https://apo-opa.co/3FV6pXA
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Rugby Africa.
Media contact:
Nicole Vervelde
Communications Advisor to the President of Rugby Africa
rugby@apo-opa.com
About Rugby Africa:
Rugby Africa (www.RugbyAfrique.com) is the governing body of rugby in Africa and one of the regional associations under World Rugby. It unites all African countries that play rugby union, rugby sevens, and women's rugby. Rugby Africa organizes various competitions, including the qualifying tournaments for the Rugby World Cup and the Africa Sevens, a qualifying competition for the Olympic Games. With 39 member unions, Rugby Africa is dedicated to promoting and developing rugby across the continent. World Rugby highlighted Ghana, Nigeria and Zambia as three of the six emerging nations experiencing strong growth in rugby.
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Nzimande commends arrest in university stabbing incident
The arrest of a university student for allegedly stabbing his wife at a private student residence in Belhar, Cape Town, on Saturday, has been commended by Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande.
The 26-year-old woman was a student at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), while her alleged attacker, aged 30, is a University of Western Cape (UWC) student.
According to UWC, the suspect and the CPUT student are married.
Nzimande welcomed the swift response of law enforcement agencies in arresting the perpetrator, who according to the video footage in circulation, was merciless and barbaric in committing the crime against his partner.
Nzimande noted that gender-based violence (GBV) is a global pandemic that affected one in three women in their lifetime.
“As many as 38% of murders of women are committed by an intimate partner, 35% of women worldwide experienced physical and sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence,” Nzimande said.
As part of dealing with gender-based violence in institutions, the Minister launched the Transforming MENtalities initiative, which is a multistakeholder partnership within Post School Education and Training (PSET) with a particular focus on mobilising men to be part of championing a world free of gender biases, stereotypes, violence and discrimination.
Nzimande urged all institutions working with Higher Health, which oversees wellness at higher education institutions, to continue working collectively in implementing programmes towards addressing the challenges of sexual and gender-based violence within the PSET system. – SAnews.gov.za
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Mon, 11/13/2023 - 10:36
Cape Town, 10 Nov 2023 – the dynamic Damian Willemse, lit up the newly opened FUTURELIFE® store at Canal Walk Shopping Centre in Cape Town where excited fans had the opportunity to meet and interact with one of South Africa’s sporting heroes. The concept store, which opened its doors on 18 October 2023, served as …
Herbert Mensah, the newly elected President of Rugby Africa (www.RugbyAfrique.com), the continental governing body for rugby in Africa, participated in a one-to-one fireside chat at the 2023 Africa Investment Forum (AIF) on Thursday, November 10 in Marrakech, Morocco. Championed by the African Development Bank and seven other founding partners (Africa50, Africa Finance Corporation, Afreximbank, Development Bank of Southern Africa, European Investment Bank, Islamic Development Bank and Trade and Development Bank), the Africa Investment Forum is Africa's investment marketplace to accelerate transactions to close Africa's investment gaps.
Copyright-free video B-roll and images are available for the media to download and can be freely used without requiring authorization: https://apo-opa.co/478tDFH
Watch the video of the entire fireside chat: https://apo-opa.co/3SB1zq5
Founded in 2018, the Africa Investment Forum has mobilized nearly $143 billion in investment interest.
In the discussion, Rugby Africa President encouraged the investment of sport across Africa, emphasizing the importance of investment opportunities emerging from the continent itself.
“With abundant talent and the world's attention, Africa stands at the forefront of the global marketplace,” said Mensah. “It's time to turn this potential into power, investing in ourselves, forging structures that allow our resources to fuel our own growth, breaking free from the cycle of export and import that hinders the realization of our true economic potential.”
He added, “With South Africa emerging triumphant as the World Champions in the 2023 Rugby World Cup, the world once again witnessed the vast potential of Africa. To invest in rugby across Africa, is to invest in a continent of 1.3 billion people, utilizing the sport as a catalyst for both economic development and empowerment of the youth.”
The newly elected President of Rugby Africa, Herbert Mensah, continues to emphasize the business potential of sport across Africa. Since his election, President Mensah has called for a change of mindset from African governments and international organizations to increase investment in rugby across Africa.
The sports industry in Africa is experiencing rapid growth, with the potential to generate jobs, improve public health, foster social inclusion and drive economic growth. According to PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), the industry was valued at $7 billion in 2018 with an expected growth of $12 billion in 2027. Despite the potential, investment across Africa remains limited, with only 1% of startup financing directed towards the sport sector.
The 2023 Africa Investment Forum brought together heads of state, business leaders, decision makers and investors to advance critical investment transactions to closure. Previous attendees include H.E Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda, H.E Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa and H.E Nana Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana. The annual three-day Africa Investment Forum Market Days event will conclude on Friday August 10 under the theme “Unlocking Africa's Value Chain” in Marrakech, Morocco.
Read more information about the Africa Investment Forum: https://www.AfricaInvestmentForum.com/en
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Rugby Africa.
Media contact:
Nicole Vervelde
Communications Advisor to the President of Rugby Africa
rugby@apo-opa.com
About Rugby Africa:
Rugby Africa (www.RugbyAfrique.com) is the governing body of rugby in Africa and one of the regional associations under World Rugby. It unites all African countries that play rugby union, rugby sevens, and women's rugby. Rugby Africa organizes various competitions, including the qualifying tournaments for the Rugby World Cup and the Africa Sevens, a qualifying competition for the Olympic Games. With 39 member unions, Rugby Africa is dedicated to promoting and developing rugby across the continent. World Rugby highlighted Ghana, Nigeria and Zambia as three of the six emerging nations experiencing strong growth in rugby.