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Ministers welcome renewed commitment to service delivery

Location: News

Ministers welcome renewed commitment to service delivery

Ministers responsible for some of the key portfolios in the Government of National Unity (GNU) have welcomed the renewed focus on some crucial areas of service delivery, as the work that lies ahead for the seventh administration was brought into sharp focus on Thursday evening.

President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered the Opening of Parliament Address (OPA) at the Cape Town City Hall, where he provided the details of the programme of action for the new Executive. 

The much-anticipated address followed the ushering in of the seventh administration after South Africans voted in the National and Provincial Elections in May. With no outright majority winner, 10 political parties formed a Government of National Unity (GNU), which enjoins all parties to work together for improved service delivery and advanced economic growth. 

After the President’s address, some Ministers who spoke to SAnews in the Parliamentary Precinct in Cape Town, reiterated their support for the goals of this administration, which are articulated in the Statement of Intent agreed to by parties to the GNU.

Chief amongst these targets are the pursuit of rapid, inclusive and sustainable economic growth; the creation of a more just society by tackling poverty; safeguarding the rights of workers; stabilising government; building State capacity, and pursuing a foreign policy based on human rights, solidarity and peace.

President Ramaphosa highlighted a number of projects ranging from essential infrastructure to improved health care – all geared towards better outcomes for citizens and economic development. 

Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina told SAnews that the provision of water is an issue that requires urgent attention.

“We have mega water projects that we have unblocked, such as the Lesotho Highlands Phase 2, which will assist to provide water to Gauteng, North West, Free State, Mpumalanga and the Northern Cape,” Majodina said.

She reiterated government’s commitment to ensuring that projects of such nature become successful in delivering on their mandate, despite the hurdles that arise.

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa welcomed the President’s call for the proper implementation, at local government level, of the indigent policy so that the old, the infirm and the poor get assistance with the payment of basic services. 

“This is the outcome of our engagements and discussions, where we agreed on key priorities… to turn things around and pull together. We are also going to look [closely at] municipalities because if they are not stable, there won’t be economic growth,” Hlabisa said.

Improving health outcomes

On the provision of health services, President Ramaphosa once again reassured that through the implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI), government will be able to bring stakeholders together, resolve differences and “clarify misunderstandings”, a sentiment echoed by Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi.

On 15 May 2024, President Ramaphosa signed the National Health Insurance Bill into law.

READ | President Ramaphosa signs NHI Bill into law

The NHI Bill seeks to provide universal access to health care services in the country, in accordance with the National Health Insurance White Paper and the Constitution of South Africa.

The Bill envisages the establishment of a National Health Insurance Fund and sets out its powers, functions and governance structures.

Motsoaledi said government intends to ensure that all are treated equally at health facilities.

“As government, we want people to be treated the same. This is what we are striving [for].”

The NHI Bill will also create mechanisms for the equitable, effective and efficient utilisation of the resources of the fund to meet the health needs of users and preclude or limit undesirable, unethical and unlawful practices in relation to the fund. It further seeks to address barriers to access.

The Bill was initially tabled in Parliament and introduced to the Portfolio Committee on Health on 8 August 2019 for processing. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Thu, 07/18/2024 - 22:21

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Read moreMinisters welcome renewed commitment to service delivery

GNU provides an opportunity to build a prosperous country

Location: News

GNU provides an opportunity to build a prosperous country

Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen says the Government of National Unity (GNU) has provided an opportunity to build a united and prosperous South Africa.

Speaking at a joint sitting of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces to debate the President’s Opening of Parliament Address (OPA) on Friday, Steenhuisen reiterated that his party, the Democratic Alliance (DA), joined the Government of National Unity because it wants to play its part to build South Africa.

Steenhuisen said the 2024 National and Provincial Elections, which necessitated the creation of a multiparty government, offers the country a powerful opportunity to carve a new path.

“The recent expanded Cabinet Lekgotla has given us the key ingredients we need to accelerate growth and private sector investment in our economy. The Government of National Unity has identified rapid and inclusive growth to create jobs as our apex priority,” Steenhuisen said.

To achieve this, he said the GNU has committed to a responsible fiscal path that reduces the national debt in order to free up resources for productive investments.

“The planned review of sector master plans to identify obstacles to growth, the emphasis on increasing our focus on exports, and our shared commitment to slashing red tape to crowd-in private sector investment, gives us the key ingredients we need to succeed,” Steenhuisen said.

The Minister also welcomed President Ramaphosa’s Opening of Parliament Address on the policy interventions to expand the basket of food items exempt from VAT, to review and reduce the fuel price, to prevent undue political interference in the public service, and to set up specialised policing units to fight violent crime and the construction mafia.

“These policy changes are ones that the DA has long advocated for, and they will make a meaningful impact on reducing the cost of living, enhancing the capacity of the state, and tackling the violent crime that plagues too many of our communities,” Steenhuisen said.

While the Government of National Unity has met the requirement for sufficient consensus as outlined in the Statement of Intent on some key matters of economic policy, Steenhuisen acknowledged that there are still areas of divergence that require attention.

These include the need for universal health coverage, which he said has serious problems of corruption and mismanagement in the public health sector.

“The National Health Insurance (NHI) in its current form does not do enough to address these problems... The same goes for the Basic Education Laws Amendment Bill and some other initiatives.

“However, in all of these areas of divergence, I am convinced that we can find a way forward. It will require us to be honest about disagreements where they do exist, and to work in good faith with one another to find solutions,” Steenhuisen said.

Steenhuisen maintained that if the Government of National Unity succeeds in delivering on its apex priority of growing the economy and creating jobs, “then the builders will defeat the breakers once and for all”.

“This Government of National Unity reflects the will of the people, who have told us loud and clear that they want an end to single party domination in favour of multiparty cooperation. The DA, alongside our partners, have heeded that call, and we have put forward our best weaver birds to help build South Africa,” Steenhuisen said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Fri, 07/19/2024 - 13:28

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Read moreGNU provides an opportunity to build a prosperous country

Focus on the potential benefits of the NHI when trying to solve its problems

Location: MyPR

President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the much-debated National Health Insurance (NHI) into parliament two weeks before South Africa’s crucial May elections. This move was not only a clear statement of intent that the new political dispensation is unwavering in its commitment to improving the lives of South Africans, but it also brought Africa’s most diversified economy …

Read moreFocus on the potential benefits of the NHI when trying to solve its problems

Government pushes for affordable healthcare for all

Location: News

Government pushes for affordable healthcare for all

Equitable, accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare, will be high on the agenda of the seventh administration, over the next five years. 

“An important task of the next five years is to ensure that we also reduce the high cost of living by ensuring that everyone in South Africa has equal access to equitable, accessible and affordable quality healthcare.”

As the government moves forward with implementing the National Health Insurance (NHI), the President said that the State will concentrate on strengthening healthcare infrastructure, enhancing the training of healthcare personnel, and utilising technology to improve healthcare management.

“While there is much contestation around the NHI, there is broad agreement that we must draw on the resources and capabilities of both the public and private sectors to meet the healthcare needs of all South Africans equally,” he said.

READ | President Ramaphosa signs NHI Bill into law

In his address on Thursday night, the President outlined the new government’s agenda, priorities, and policies for the next five years during a joint sitting of the newly constituted two Houses of Parliament (National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces).

The Opening of Parliament signifies the formal start of the parliamentary year, following the May 29 elections.

“In implementing the NHI, we are confident that we will be able to bring stakeholders together, and that we will be able to resolve differences and clarify misunderstandings.” 

Last week, Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, emphasised the department’s commitment to forge ahead with implementing the NHI in phases, in his Budget Vote Speech.

He announced that the implementation of the NHI was already in phase 2. 

The Minister told Parliamentarians that there was no debate that South Africa is one of the most unequal societies in the world. 

“If you want to see what inequality means, come to the health sector in South Africa. Within the borders of the same country, some are getting world-class healthcare, while others get such poor healthcare, you may believe we live in different countries,” he said at the time. 

However, he said the country can no longer sustain such “gross inequality”. 

READ | Dept committed to implementing NHI in phases

The Minister also took the time to call on the Members of Parliament to discuss areas which need to be ironed out instead of “throwing the baby out with the bathwater”. – SAnews.gov.za
 

 

Gabisile
Thu, 07/18/2024 - 21:25

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Read moreGovernment pushes for affordable healthcare for all

Reclaiming Your Space: 6 Steps to Remove Flood Water For Your Home/Building

Location: MyPR

The Cape of Storms has once again lived up to its name as multiple cold fronts battered both the Eastern and Western Cape during July, bringing gale-force winds and flooding to the Nelson Mandela Bay and Cape Town metros and surrounds. Thousands of people have been displaced and 15, 000 structures in the Cape Town …

Read moreReclaiming Your Space: 6 Steps to Remove Flood Water For Your Home/Building

Olive Cow & Co coffee shop launches near Renishaw Hills in Scottburgh

Location: MyPR

The home-baked treats and freshly brewed coffee of Olive Cow & Co can now be enjoyed within the exquisite coastal setting of the Renishaw Coastal Precinct in Scottburgh. Visitors can hike or mountain bike along magnificent trails through gorgeous coastal forests and farmlands in the precinct area before enjoying a well-deserved refreshment and meal. Officially …

Read moreOlive Cow & Co coffee shop launches near Renishaw Hills in Scottburgh

Dept committed to implementing NHI in phases

Location: News

Dept committed to implementing NHI in phases

Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, has emphasised the department’s commitment to forge ahead with implementing the National Health Insurance (NHI) in phases in his Budget Vote Speech.

“We will have to start implementing NHI in phases, as we are already in phase 2. The rest of the building blocks of health will easily fall into place,” Motsoaledi said on Thursday. 

Tabling the Budget Vote for the 2024/25 financial year in Parliament, the Minister announced that the department had been allocated R62 218 899, a 3.5% increase from the previous year’s R60.1 billion.

He informed Parliament that his priorities for the next five years consist of six building blocks outlined by the World Health Organisation (WHO). These include leadership, governance, access to essential medicine, the health workforce, health systems financing, information systems, and service delivery.

“Five of the six building blocks seem acceptable to everybody and debates around them are straightforward and clear. But one of them has generated a lot of heat and sometimes fury in some quarters. This is the health systems financing. In our country we have decided to call this NHI,” he said. 

The Minister said some believe that the country is not ready for the NHI, while others are of the view that it is “very expensive” and the country has no money for it.  

“NHI is a health financing system, called Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by the WHO. It is a health financing system, which is meant to be an equaliser between the rich and the poor.” 

Motsoaledi told the Parliamentarians that it was no debate that South Africa is the most unequal society in the whole world. 

“If you want to see what inequality means, come to the health sector in South Africa. Within the borders of the same country, some are getting world-class healthcare, while others get such poor healthcare you may believe we live in different countries.”

However, he said the country can no longer sustain such “gross inequality” and South Africa has been seeking a solution for the past 96 years.

The Minister referenced the WHO, which states that a country should allocate at least 5% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to health to have a good healthcare system for everyone. 

“This is not 5% of the budget of a country, it is the GDP, the total health of a country. In South Africa, we have far surpassed that recommended 5%. We are at 8.5%. European countries are at 9%.”

This means South Africa’s health system was supposed to be as advanced as countries in Europe, Motsoaledi explained. 

“As is evident that is not the case. The question is why? But the fact remains that 51% of it goes to serve only 14% of the population and the nearly meagre 49% goes to serve a whopping 86% of the population.”

He told the Chairperson that this needs to “stop now” and while there is support for the NHI, there are those who do not support it in its current form.

“Fair enough, but we cannot throw the baby away with the bathwater. Let us discuss which areas need to be ironed out but let us now be obstacles to what poor people have been waiting for close to a century,” he added. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Thu, 07/11/2024 - 14:13

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Read moreDept committed to implementing NHI in phases

Fire Smart Farming: How to Tame the Flames and Be Prepared

Location: MyPR

The Winelands Fire Protection Association reports that for every 1-degree increase in global temperatures, there’s a 29% increase in fire risk. This alarming correlation was evident in recent events as stated by The Daily Maverick in February this year. Between 1st December 2023 and 31st January 2024, more than 6,000 fires consumed nearly 100,000 hectares, …

Read moreFire Smart Farming: How to Tame the Flames and Be Prepared

New Labour Minister charts the way forward 

Location: News

New Labour Minister charts the way forward 

Newly appointed Employment and Labour Minister, Nomakhosazana Meth, says the department is facing a mammoth task of ensuring that it continues in earnest to usher in, not only hope to citizens, but substantive positive change in their lives.

Meth was speaking during a Ministerial Committee meeting to welcome new principals and to present to them the department’s programme.

Together with Deputy Ministers Phumzile Mgcina and Jomo Sibiya, Meth held a meeting with the Executive Committee, including the department's Acting Director-General, Onke Mjo, and the department’s Deputy Director-Generals.

Monday’s meeting was also attended by heads of the Compensation Fund (CF) and Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), as well as heads of entities, such as Supported Employment Enterprises (SEE), Commission for Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA), Productivity SA, and National Economic and Labour Council (Nedlac).

In her address, Meth said South Africa is still struggling with the stubborn triple challenges of poverty, unemployment, and inequality.

She said the scourge of unemployment remains a huge hurdle that the country is facing, with the official unemployment rate currently standing at 32.9% while the expanded unemployment rate is at 41.9%, according to the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) for Quarter 1 of 2024.

“The picture becomes dire when it comes to the youth unemployment rate with youth aged 15 – 24 years standing at 59.7% and youth aged 25 – 34 years standing at 40.7%. These statistics should remind us that the stakes are still high, and we must hasten to strengthen the implementation of interventions to dent the unemployment rate.”
Meth maintained that substantive results can be achieved through an intensive and collaborative mechanism, “that will propel all of us to realise the department's objectives".

Priorities 
 

She said in carrying forth its mandate, the department will be guided by a set of six priorities for the seventh administration, and these are:
•    Priority 1: Put South Africa to work.
•    Priority 2: Build our industries for an inclusive economy.
•    Priority 3: Tackle the prohibitive cost of living.
•    Priority 4: Invest in people.
•    Priority 5: Defend democracy and advance freedom.
•    Priority 6: Better Africa and the World.

“These priorities must find expression in the work of the Department of Employment and Labour family.
“The priority is to create and sustain 2.5 million work opportunities delivering public goods and services in communities; implement a cross-cutting industrial strategy that drives growth and creates opportunity for youth and other unemployed people; tackle the war on poverty by providing comprehensive social security and basic services through the Unemployment Insurance Fund and Compensation Fund; and continue enforcement of compliance with the National Minimum Wage across all applicable industries in South Africa,” Meth said.

Through investing in people, the Minister emphasised that the department, as the custodian of employment law, has a responsibility to ensure workplaces that are free of traumatic events and a deterioration in the quality of life of many workers; managing compliance with employment law and Immigration Act; and strengthen relations with stakeholders, internationally and at regional level.

“Ours in the seventh administration is to ensure that we shift gears and embrace the principles brought about by the Government of National Unity (GNU). I require active and impactful participation in the District Development Model (DDM) as that will continue to expand our reach as the department,” Meth said.

The DDM aims to improve the coherence and impact of government service delivery with a focus on 44 districts and eight metros around the country as development spaces that can be used as centres of service delivery and economic development, including job creation.

She also emphasised the department’s role at the International Labour Organization (ILO), which is a vehicle in building a better Africa and the world. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Tue, 07/09/2024 - 10:29

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Read moreNew Labour Minister charts the way forward 

Medical Billing Software in South Africa

Location: MyPR

The healthcare industry is continuously evolving, with advancements in technology playing a pivotal role in enhancing patient care and streamlining administrative processes. In South Africa, the adoption of medical billing software and practice management systems is transforming the way medical practices operate. This article explores the benefits and features of these systems, focusing on how …

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NHI Bill Highlights The Crucial Role Of Proper Maintenance In Healthcare Facilities

Location: MyPR

With the signing of the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill by President Cyril Ramaphosa earlier this year, the spotlight on South Africa’s healthcare system has never been more intense. Amidst fears that this bill could precipitate a mass exodus of healthcare professionals and potentially threaten the stability of the healthcare system, there is a renewed …

Read moreNHI Bill Highlights The Crucial Role Of Proper Maintenance In Healthcare Facilities

Hacked Healthcare: New KnowBe4 Report Shines a Spotlight on Cybersecurity Crisis in Sector

Location: News
KnowBe4

KnowBe4 (www.KnowBe4.com), the provider of the world's largest security awareness training and simulated phishing platform, released its International Healthcare Report. The report takes a closer look at the cybersecurity crisis currently experienced by the healthcare sector, in particular hospital groups, across the world. 

Africa was the global region with the highest average number of weekly cyberattacks per organisation in 2023. One in every 19 organisations on the continent experienced an attempted attack every week. Although South Africa's healthcare sector has managed to avoid a major attack since 2020, the alarming escalation of attacks in other sectors within the country suggests that it's only a matter of time before the next attack strikes, making it a question of "when" rather than "if".

Hospitals have become increasingly attractive targets for ransomware attacks due to their comprehensive patient databases, sensitive information, and their interconnectedness between systems and equipment. Moreover, poor security measures have made hospitals vulnerable to cyber threats. When attacked, cybercriminals can potentially take control of entire hospital systems, and gain access not only to patients' health information but also their financial and insurance data.

Hospitals are severely impacted by cyberattacks (https://apo-opa.co/4csCXH4), which can lead to a reduction in patient care, loss of access to electronic systems, and a reliance on incomplete paper records. This can also result in the cancellation of surgeries, tests, appointments, and, in some cases, even loss of life. 

Some shocking facts discussed in the report include:

  • In the first three quarters of 2023, the global healthcare sector experienced a staggering 1,613 cyberattacks per week, nearly four times the global average, and a significant increase from the same period the previous year.
  • The healthcare sector has seen a dramatic surge in cyberattack costs over the past three years, with the average cost of a breach reaching nearly $11 million, more than three times the global average. This makes healthcare the costliest sector for cyberattacks.
  • Ransomware attacks have been the most prevalent type of cyberattack on healthcare organisations, accounting for over 70% of successful attacks in the past two years.
  • The majority of cyberattacks (between 79% and 91%), across sectors, begin with phishing or social engineering tactics, which allow cybercriminals to gain access to accounts or servers.
  • According to KnowBe4's 2024 Phishing by Industry Benchmarking Report (https://apo-opa.co/4csuiEB), healthcare and pharmaceutical organisations are among the most vulnerable to phishing attacks, with employees in large organisations in the sector having a 51.4% likelihood of falling victim to a phishing email. This means that cybercriminals have a better than 50/50 chance of successfully phishing an employee in the sector.

“The healthcare sector remains a prime target for cybercriminals looking to capitalise on the life-or-death situations hospitals face,” says Stu Sjouwerman, CEO of KnowBe4. “With patient data and critical systems held hostage, many hospitals feel like they are left with no choice but to pay exorbitant ransoms. This vicious cycle can be broken by prioritising comprehensive security awareness training to empower employees and cultivate a positive security culture as a strong defence against phishing and social engineering attacks."

The report examines the state of cybersecurity in the healthcare sector in North America, Europe, the United Kingdom, Asia-Pacific, Africa, and Latin America. In addition it also highlights some of the most prolific global ransomware attacks that occurred between December 2023 and May 2024, the aftermath thereof and what healthcare organisations can do to protect themselves from cyberattacks. 

To download a copy of KnowBe4's International Healthcare Report, click here (https://apo-opa.co/3xIjjaY).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of KnowBe4.

About KnowBe4:
KnowBe4, the provider of the world's largest security awareness training and simulated phishing platform, is used by more than 65,000 organizations around the globe. Founded by IT and data security specialist Stu Sjouwerman, KnowBe4 helps organizations address the human element of security by raising awareness about ransomware, CEO fraud and other social engineering tactics through a new-school approach to awareness training on security. The late Kevin Mitnick, who was an internationally recognized cybersecurity specialist and KnowBe4's Chief Hacking Officer, helped design the KnowBe4 training based on his well-documented social engineering tactics. Organizations rely on KnowBe4 to mobilize their end users as their last line of defense and trust the KnowBe4 platform to strengthen their security culture and reduce human risk.

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Read moreHacked Healthcare: New KnowBe4 Report Shines a Spotlight on Cybersecurity Crisis in Sector

As Loadshedding Recedes There is Still a Huge Compelling Reason to Install Solar

Location: MyPR

Choose your electricity monthly average cost: R416.66 or R13 629.63 over 20 years The average Middle Income home consumes 1000 kWh of electricity per month A 9% average increase in electricity cost per year could see Middle Income homes paying R8 144.94 per month for electricity 20 years from now The average lifespan of a …

Read moreAs Loadshedding Recedes There is Still a Huge Compelling Reason to Install Solar

Department of Health, trade union welcome Dr Aaron Motsoaledi as new Minister 

Location: News

Department of Health, trade union welcome Dr Aaron Motsoaledi as new Minister 

The Department of Health has welcomed Dr Aaron Motsoaledi as their new Minister and his Deputy, Dr Joe Phaahla, as part of the newly established seventh democratic administration to move South Africa forward.

On Sunday, President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed Motsoaledi as the Minister of Health when he was announcing the Government of National Unity (GNU) Cabinet.

Motsoaledi replaces Phaahla, who has served in the portfolio since August 2021.

However, Motsoaledi is no stranger to the department, having previously served as the Minister from 2009 to 2019. 

“The department believes the return of both political principals will ensure continuity and stability in the implementation of key health priorities, which include increasing life expectancy, strengthening health system effectiveness and the National Health Insurance (NHI) to enable the country to attain universal health coverage,”  the department said. 

The department took the time to also thank the outgoing Deputy Minister, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, for his “sterling” work, which accelerated access to sexual and reproductive health services. 

Dhlomo has been praised for establishing youth-friendly zones in primary health facilities to create a conducive environment to access essential health services without standing in queue with the general customers. 

“He also championed the healthy lifestyle programme to reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and so on," the department said. 

It said it was looking forward to the leadership of both Motsoaledi and Phaahla to lead the health sector, guided by policies and legislations to ensure equal access to quality and affordable healthcare services for all South Africans to achieve universal health coverage. 

Meanwhile, the South African Medical Association Trade Union (Samatu) has also welcomed Motsoaledi following his appointment. 

The union has described the Minister as someone with proven dedication and extensive experience in the healthcare sector. 

“Minister Motsoaledi has a commendable track record of addressing critical health challenges and implementing significant reforms to improve the health of all South Africans.

“Samatu is confident that Minister Motsoaledi's deep understanding of the South African healthcare landscape will prove invaluable as we embark on the rollout of the NHI, which aims to provide universal health coverage and ensure that all South Africans, regardless of their socio-economic status, have access to quality health services,” the statement read. 

READ | President Ramaphosa signs NHI Bill into law

The trade union believes that Motsoaledi possesses the vision, commitment, and expertise needed to implement the NHI successfully. 

“His reappointment comes at a crucial time when the NHI’s foundational structures are being established, and his leadership will be instrumental in ascertaining that this transformative healthcare reform is realised seamlessly and effectively.” 

The union has since pledged its full support to Motsoaledi and said it was looking forward to working collaboratively with his office. 

“We are committed to advancing the health and well-being of all South Africans, addressing the inequalities in healthcare access, and building a robust healthcare system that serves everyone proficiently. 

“We call upon all stakeholders in the healthcare sector to unite behind Minister Motsoaledi’s leadership and contribute positively towards improving healthcare services in our country. This collective effort will be pivotal in enhancing our nation's public health and achieving the vision of a healthier South Africa.”

Samatu is a voluntary, independent, and non-discriminatory trade union for medical doctors and offers labour relations and bargaining services. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Mon, 07/01/2024 - 12:44

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Famous Electricians of Colour

Location: MyPR

At the risk of using a ‘groan-able’ pun Straton Electrical says that this list of famous North American Electricians of colour may shock you into reality: There are several notable African American electricians and inventors who made significant contributions to the field: Granville T. Woods (1856 – 1910) was a prolific African American inventor known …

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N Cape Premier says new administration will modernise province, grow economy

Location: News

N Cape Premier says new administration will modernise province, grow economy

Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zamani Saul, says the seventh administration remains committed to modernising the province, boosting the economy and ensuring its success.

“This will be done with much greater speed and underpinned by the six priority areas of the 2024 ANC election manifesto,” Saul said on Monday. 

These priority areas, he said, include creating jobs, building industries for an inclusive economy, tackling the high cost of living, investing in people, defending democracy and advancing freedom, and building a better Africa.

The Premier was delivering his inauguration speech in the Northern Cape Provincial Legislature in Kimberley.

The address follows the first sitting of the Provincial Legislature on 14 June 2024, where Saul was sworn in as the seventh democratically elected Premier of the Northern Cape. 

He outlined his vision and plans for this seventh administration in his speech. 

Progress

Saul believes government has made significant progress in delivering basic services to the poor.  

“Before 1994, many communities were deprived of basic services, which included clean running water, electricity, housing and education. Since the dawn of our democracy, we have reduced the backlog of basic services and have improved living conditions for many citizens.”

In addition, he said the total number of households in the Northern Cape with access to flush toilets increased to 73% in 2022. 

“This indicates a huge improvement in the provision of basic services. We have indeed improved the quality of public education and all indicators attest to that.” 

Meanwhile, he said, in his province, the proportion of people aged between five and 24 who attend an education institution increased from 64.2% to 70.3% in 2022. 

“This represents the largest increase in attendance observed in all provinces. The percentage of persons aged 20 years and older without schooling in the Northern Cape declined from 22.7% to 6.7% in 2022.”

Saul said he was glad that the country had surpassed three months with no load shedding, which he believes is a clear indication power cuts will become a thing of the past.

Unity

He acknowledged that the sixth administration was riddled with challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the aftermath of State Capture. 

“As a party and government, we have learnt from our mistakes and want to assure the people of the Northern Cape that we will do anything possible to close the trust deficit. We will do things differently – it won’t be business as usual.”

The next five years, he said, will require intensive engagement with political parties, civil society, the private sector, academia, and all spheres of government.

“The seventh administration will work tirelessly to bring all stakeholders together towards the realisation of the Northern Cape Provincial Growth and Development Plan Vision 2040 for the realisation of a modern, growing, and successful province. This plan outlines a bold and ambitious path to transform our province into one that provides opportunities for all.”

He also touched on the youth, who comprised about 60% of the population.

“They are crucial to the current and future development of our country, particularly this province. We should actively involve young people in the development initiatives of the province as co-creators. We should continue to give special attention to addressing the challenging circumstances our young people face.”

Last month, he said the province introduced the Labour Activation Programme through the Unemployment Insurance Fund of the Department of Labour.

This programme will offer skills development opportunities valued at over R545 million to benefit 23 000 unemployed young people in the province.

Government of national unity

The Premier believes that the government of national unity (GNU) marks a new era where diverse parties cooperate to improve the citizens' lives and foster national solidarity. 

“We are entering uncharted waters, with a capable captain, His Excellency President Ramaphosa, to take the country through this murky situation,” he told the attendees. 

As the Premier, he committed to lead with honesty, empathy, and hard work. 

“Following the national goals that the President has set forth, we will work together to give economic growth, job creation, social welfare, infrastructure development, and good governance priority.”

He pleaded for support and vowed to work with the provincial administration to create a better future for the people of the Northern Cape. 

Saul also outlined improved outcomes in education and health as key priorities. 

“Let us continuously collaborate, motivated by the spirit of progress and solidarity that characterises our country at this critical moment.” – SAnews.gov.za
 

Gabisile
Wed, 06/26/2024 - 10:58

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Read moreN Cape Premier says new administration will modernise province, grow economy

Complainants Get R386-milllion Back In Insurance Payouts

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The Ombudsman for Long-term Insurance (OLTI) and the Ombudsman for Short-term Insurance (OSTI) have published their last joint annual report for 2023, as they have now been incorporated into the National Financial Ombud Scheme South Africa (NFO). From 1 March 2024, the NFO, an industry ombud scheme, commenced operations with the merger of four separate …

Read moreComplainants Get R386-milllion Back In Insurance Payouts

The Importance of Professional Valuations in Today’s Market

Location: MyPR

In the ever-evolving landscape of real estate and asset management, obtaining accurate valuations has become a critical aspect for investors, businesses, and property owners. Whether it is for land, buildings, agricultural farms, or specialised technical assets, professional valuation services provide essential insights and financial clarity. This article delves into the significance of engaging a valuation …

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Maintaining Oral Health In Retirement: Budget-Friendly Tips

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Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health coverage, provides budget-friendly tips for retirees to keep their smiles bright and healthy. “Retirement should be a time of relaxation and enjoyment, but often, dental health can become a worry due to reduced income and the cessation of employer-sponsored health benefits,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity …

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