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Audi South Africa is excited to announce Ricci Birchfield as the company’s new Head of Marketing, Product and PR. Ricci brings more than 18 years of experience in automotive, specialising in marketing, digital strategy and business transformation. With his record in leading digital initiatives and driving organisational growth, Ricci is well-positioned to take Audi South …
Mashatile calls for collaborative effort to address high school dropout rate
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has urged communities to join forces with government to tackle the factors leading to the troubling rate of school dropouts.
“We must work together to identify solutions to tackle teenage pregnancy, alcohol and substance abuse and addiction, financial difficulties, peer pressure, and academic obstacles, which remain predominant factors contributing to children prematurely leaving school,” Deputy President Mashatile said.
Speaking at the annual bursary awards ceremony in Alexandra, Johannesburg on Friday, the Deputy President cited a new report indicating that although South Africa’s matriculation pass rate reached a record high of 87.3% in 2024, the retention rate for learners fell to 64.5%.
This decline, he said, raises serious concerns regarding the issue of school dropouts.
According to the Zero Dropout Campaign’s latest research, despite this improvement and South Africa’s large investment in the Department of Basic Education, about 40% of learners who enrol in Grade 1 will exit the schooling system before finishing matric.
The Deputy President stressed that educating a child is a multifaceted process and everyone should play a role, including families, communities, schools and other various support systems.
The Deputy President was speaking at the Vincent Tshabalala Education Trust Annual Bursary Awards, where he honoured top-achieving learners, as well as their schools and teachers from the Matric Class of 2024.
Deouty President Mashatile is the Chairperson of the Vincent Tshabalala Education Trust and currently serves as its patron.
This non-profit organisation (NPO) has awarded bursaries to numerous learners and university students, many of whom have made significant contributions to the development and growth of the Alexandra community and beyond.
Today, the NPO awarded a total of 611 bursaries, of which 348 went to females and 263 to males, with 61 being awarded last year.
This year, over 52 students will be beneficiaries, thanks to the support of the organisation’s donors and partners.
In addition to bursaries, the organisation has awarded prizes to 810 learners in Grades 10 and 11 for their academic achievements, encouraging them to continue their studies and strive for excellence.
The NPO also hosts career guidance workshops and leadership development programmes.
The programmes have been running for years in honour of the late Vincent Tshabalala, who lost his life in a confrontation with the apartheid police in Alexandra in 1985.
This year marks 40 years since he passed away, a few years before the year South Africa won victory over the apartheid.
“To honour our brother and comrade, a college was built—deservedly, where he took his last breath. This college serves as a memory of Vincent’s journey and as a beacon of hope for the Vincents of this generation.
“Comrade Vincent had a deep appreciation for education and a strong desire to see all young people acquire an education of the highest possible standard. He believed that education is the greatest equaliser.”
He said he believed that the late comrade would have been pleased with the Class of 2024’s performance, which made history with a record-breaking pass rate of 87.3%.
“The continuous improvement in student performance year after year, particularly within Black communities, highlights significant progress in our efforts to dismantle the structures and legacy of apartheid in education.”
The Deputy President committed to his late friend’s vision of providing financial aid to deserving students, ensuring they receive a high-quality education that enables them to realise their full potential. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 01/31/2025 - 15:00
Mashatile extends heartfelt condolences to families of fallen SANDF soldiers in Congo
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has joined President Cyril Ramaphosa in expressing his deepest condolences to the families of South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members who recently lost their lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
“These brave soldiers were dedicated to their mission and committed to contributing to peace and stability in the DRC. We also call upon His Holiness to pray for peace and stability in the DRC and Africa as a whole,” Mashatile said on Thursday.
The Deputy President was speaking at the official opening of the first phase of the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Hindu Mandir and Cultural Complex in North Riding, Johannesburg.
Several soldiers serving with peacekeeping forces in the DRC, have been killed by the M23 rebel group in recent days amid fierce fighting, including 13 members of the SANDF.
The recent deadly clashes have intensified in eastern DRC after Kinshasa withdrew its diplomats from Kigali in Rwanda. Rebels have advanced toward the strategic city of Goma, which is rich in minerals.
The SANDF soldiers are part of the Southern African Development Community Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC), which aims to help restore peace, security, and stability in Africa’s second-largest country.
BAPS Hindu Mandir and Cultural Complex
The official opening of the BAPS Hindu Mandir and Cultural Complex was led by His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the current Guru and President of BAPS, who travelled from India for the occasion.
BAPS is a significant branch of the Swaminarayan Sampradaya, a Hindu denomination.
The BAPS Hindu Mandir and Cultural Complex will serve as a centre for spiritual, social, and charitable activities.
The country’s second-in-command, who also visited the centre during its initial development phase, said the event is more than just the inauguration of an architectural marvel.
“It is a powerful symbol of our shared commitment to building a South Africa rooted in diversity, inclusivity, and mutual respect,” he told the attendees.
The building will be a place of worship, offer language and music classes, and feature a sports complex.
He described this historic inauguration as a representation of the country’s constitutional values, including freedom of religion, human dignity, and unity in diversity.
“As we gather here, we are reminded of the importance of embracing and celebrating our differences. In a world that is often divided by barriers and boundaries, this centre stands as a beacon of unity and understanding,” he said.
The Deputy President stated that the temple will not only function as a place of worship but also as a sanctuary for peace, knowledge, and spiritual enrichment for individuals from all backgrounds.
Mashatile also commended the thousands of volunteers who have worked diligently to make this vision a reality and noted that the government is inspired by their dedication.
“Let us draw inspiration from the Hindu values and principles, as we strive to build united and prosperous communities founded on mutual respect, understanding, love and cooperation.”
The Deputy President invited the BAPS organisation to continue working with government in addressing pressing social challenges, including gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), substance abuse, violence and crime facing local communities.
“As a religious community, you have a crucial role to play in recognising and bolstering the best practices in your community for preventing and eliminating these ills.
“This is a responsibility that falls squarely on both our shoulders. We must collaborate our efforts within our communities to reaffirm the importance of freedom, peace, security, and respect for all human rights,” Mashatile said. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 01/31/2025 - 08:47
JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) continues to pave the way for the nation’s future cricketing stars, ensuring that the sport is...
The Joburg Super Kings maintained their challenge for a place in the Betway SA20 playoffs with a seven-wicket victory over the table-topping Paarl Royals at the Wanderers on Thursday evening. The Super Kings remain in fourth place, but are now level on 19 points with the third-placed Sunrisers Eastern Cape. The defending champions are ahead …
City Power officials chased away by angry group
Mashatile to honour top achievers at Vincent Tshabalala Education Trust Annual Bursary Awards ceremony
Deputy President Paul Mashatile will on Friday honour top-achieving learners, as well as their schools and teachers from the Matric Class of 2024, at the Vincent Tshabalala Education Trust Annual Bursary Awards.
The Deputy President has served as the Chairperson of the Vincent Tshabalala Education Trust since its establishment in 2004 and currently holds the position of patron.
This non-profit organisation (NPO) has awarded bursaries to numerous learners and university students, many of whom have made significant contributions to the development and growth of the Alexandra community and beyond.
The Deputy President’s late friend and comrade, Vincent Tshabalala, was a founder of the Alexandra Youth Congress (AYCO) and a member of the ANC’s military wing, Umkhonto we Sizwe.
Tshabalala lost his life in a confrontation with the apartheid police in Alexandra in 1985.
Today, hundreds of learners from Alexandra high schools have been awarded bursaries. Some of those who have completed their studies are now chartered accountants, engineers, information technology specialists, lawyers, lecturers, and auditors.
The awards ceremony will be held at San Kopano Community Hall, located on 12th Avenue in Alexandra Township, Johannesburg. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 01/30/2025 - 12:31
In November 2024, teams across LTA Autecon’s Oil & Gas coastal region celebrated World Quality Week with the theme ‘Quality: From Compliance to Performance’. This theme emphasises the shift from merely meeting compliance standards, to driving performance through a strong and entrenched culture of quality. Assistant Site Manager Fadiel Meyer, who participated along with many …
England legend Joe Root is hoping to bid farewell to the Paarl Royals on a high note at the Wanderers this evening but the Joburg Super Kings are hoping to spoil Root’s Royal farewell. Root has been a revelation in his maiden Betway SA20 season for the Royals, striking 279 runs at an average of …
Mashatile to attend opening of first phase of BAPS Hindu Mandir and Cultural Complex
Deputy President Paul Mashatile will attend and speak at the official opening of the first phase of the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Hindu Mandir and Cultural Complex this evening, 30 January 2025.
BAPS Hindu Mandir and Cultural Complex in North Riding, Johannesburg, will serve as a hub for spiritual, social, and charitable activities.
Deputy President Mashatile, a champion of social cohesion and national building initiatives in South Africa, will attend the event at the invitation of BAPS, a global non-governmental organisation with General Consultative Status.
General Consultative Status is the highest level of accreditation granted by the United Nations (UN) to international non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
The BAPS is an international Hindu socio-spiritual organisation that includes a place of worship, offers language and music classes, and features a sports complex.
“Built by thousands of volunteers, the iconic centre is accordingly, the first of its kind in the African continent, and it brings together people from all walks of life,” the Deputy President’s Office said in a statement.
“The centre also stands as a symbol of hope, unity, and cultural harmony for all the citizens of different backgrounds, and it is built to inspire positive values of community service and nation building.”
Deputy President Mashatile will attend the event alongside His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the current Guru and President of the BAPS, who will preside over the inaugural celebrations. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 01/30/2025 - 09:56
CSIR launches app to tackle literacy challenge in children
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has launched the Ngiyaqonda! literacy app to assist South African children in reading for comprehension in their home language.
The app utilises curriculum-approved content along with the CSIR’s local language text and speech technologies to generate thousands of sentences for foundation phase learners to engage with.
A recent international study has revealed alarming findings in the South African education sector, indicating that eight out of 10 Grade 4 learners are unable to read for basic meaning in their home language.
“Without this essential skill, South African children are deprived of the opportunity to fulfil their true potential, with the impact being the most devastating for those from disadvantaged communities,” the scientific and technology research organisation said.
The CSIR recognised that many complex factors contribute to this situation, and they believe it is essential to explore a wide range of solutions to address the various dimensions of the crisis.
The CSIR’s Natural Language Processing Research Group has initiated a research and development project called Ngiyaqonda! which means “I understand” in IsiZulu.
The app funded by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture includes artifacts developed in earlier projects sponsored by the South African Centre for Digital Language Resources (SADiLaR).
The main aim is to integrate speech and text technologies into an Android app that guides learners to compose sentences in their home language as well as in English.
“This app provides learners with a dynamic digital learning environment in their home language and English. While children are taught in their home language from Grades 1 to 3, the medium of instruction for most South African learners starting from Grade 4 is English.”
The CSIR explained that students listen to sentences spoken by a computer-generated voice and then compose their own sentences using guidance from a reliable text-generation engine.
“The app also allows learners to read sentences aloud and receive feedback on their fluency and pronunciation based on an automatic speech scoring system developed specifically for children’s voices.”
The app has been piloted with Grade 3 learners who speak IsiZulu in Soweto, Johannesburg, and with Sepedi-speaking Grade 3 learners in Mamelodi, Pretoria, during 2023 and 2024.
“The application harnesses so-called translanguaging principles, such as using translation between the home language and a target language typically English to ensure that learners really understand what they are reading.
“While the application is currently configured to serve foundation phase learners in their literacy journey, it has the potential to be used up to the tertiary level to assist in language learning of the African languages,” said CSIR senior researcher Laurette Marais.
The current project focuses on IsiZulu, Sepedi, English, and Afrikaans, with plans to expand to additional languages in the future.
“While no single solution can be considered a silver bullet, this team of CSIR researchers has made it their mission to use their unique set of skills to bring an innovative solution that could empower all South African children and their hopes for a bright future.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 01/29/2025 - 15:13
This is an opportunity for President Ramaphosa to lead
Administrative failures continue to plague the department
Africa’s premier automotive aftermarket trade fair, Automechanika Johannesburg, will celebrate its landmark 10th edition at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand from 28-30 October this year, strategically coinciding with Transport Month. Michael Dehn, Managing Director at show organiser Messe Frankfurt South Africa, emphasises the strategic importance of the venue change. “The move to Gallagher Convention …
JOHANNESBURG: All-rounder Annerie Dercksen reflects on becoming the first Proteas Women player to be named the ICC Emerging Women’s Cricketer of...
SA hosts global circular economy workshop
Efforts to ensure that South Africa has a clean and healthy environment are under the spotlight at the 7th Global Forum of Cities for Circular Economy (GFCCE) workshop.
The two-day workshop, which is being hosted by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) in Johannesburg -- in collaboration with the Centre for Science and Environment -- is aimed at enhancing South-South cooperation for improving the solid waste management ecosystem in the Global South, and building the capacity of nominated officials from 18 African nations.
The workshop, which concludes on Wednesday, is being attended by delegates from Botswana, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Eswatini, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Addressing the opening of the workshop, South Africa's Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Bernice Swarts, highlighted some of the measures government has adopted to bolster the circular economy, focusing on reusing and recycling materials to ensure a sustainable and secure supply of resources.
“South Africa has instituted various policy instruments and initiatives to advance sustainable development pathways, with circular economy principles firmly embedded in these strategies,” Swarts said on Tuesday.
These policy instruments include the National Waste Management Strategy, Extended Producer Responsibility Regulations (EPR) for priority waste streams and other economic instruments that include fees, levies and taxes to incentivise or disincentivise behaviour change.
“Extended Producer Responsibility became necessary to be included in South Africa’s policy mix, given the increased generation of waste. EPR shifts seek to shift the responsibility for products from municipalities and consumers, to producers.
“South Africa is under immense pressure and the host city [of the workshop] - the City of Joburg - together with others - does not have sufficient landfill airspace. It is, therefore, necessary to utilise a policy mix to address resource efficiency. It is also necessary that cities are enabled to monitor resource use,” Swarts said.
The Deputy Minister noted that for meaningful progress to be made across the board, strong partnerships are needed.
"Collaboration between government and the private sector is paramount in realising the goals of the waste management hierarchy and facilitating our transition to a circular economy.
“South Africa remains steadfast in its commitment to strengthening these partnerships and advancing the shared objectives of the GFCCE. This collaboration benefits our governments through reduced spending and creates green opportunities,” she said.
Since its establishment in 2021, the GFCCE has expanded to a community of 22 Member States, with 18 countries from Africa. This platform is dedicated to advancing circular economy principles in alignment with national policies and priorities.
Cities account for 75% of natural resource consumption and 70% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Swarts said more people will continue to migrate to cities to seek better opportunities and it is necessary that cities become resilient in resource efficiency and reduce their environmental footprint. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Tue, 01/28/2025 - 13:05
Wackadoo! Bluey, Bingo, Mum and Dad are coming to South Africa in the 2025 winter school holidays! For the first time ever, the hit theatre production Bluey’s Big Play The Stage Show makes its African debut at Artscape, Cape Town on Thursday, 26 June, running until Sunday, 06 July 2025. The show then moves to …
Africa showcases tourism offering
South Africa is today hosting a media launch to pave the way to the 19th edition of Meetings Africa -- the continent's premier business events trade show.
Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille and Deputy Minister Maggie Sotyu are today leading the launch, which is taking place at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange where they will share key information about Meetings Africa.
South African Tourism, in partnership with the Gauteng Tourism Authority, Johannesburg Tourism Company and the Sandton Convention Centre, will host the 19th Meetings Africa.
The prestigious gathering will take place at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg from 25 - 26 February 2025. This will be preceded by the Business Opportunity Networking Day (BONDay) on 24 February, which is designed to foster meaningful connections and collaborations.
Meetings Africa
Meetings Africa is the leading platform that showcases Africa's diverse business events, products and experiences. It will be held under the theme: “Africa’s success built on quality connections.”
The event highlights collaboration and knowledge sharing to drive the continent’s success and growth.
This year, Meetings Africa will once again bring together hundreds of exhibitors, buyers and key decision-makers from the global business events sector.
It is a sought-after platform designed to drive engagement, create impactful connections, and unlock new opportunities for Africa's business events industry.
With attendees expected from 19 African countries and 52 international markets, the event is set to amplify Africa’s positioning as a world-class destination for business events.
Meetings Africa 2025 also capitalises on the tourism sector’s remarkable recovery momentum and its potential to propel economic growth across the continent.
The media launch will include a panel discussion by tourism and business events leaders including South African Tourism CEO, Nombulelo Guliwe; Sithembiso Dlamini, the CEO of Gauteng Tourism Authority; Rick Taylor, the CEO of The Business Tourism Company; Glenton de Kock, the CEO of the South African Association of the Conference Industry, and Gwen Ncube, the Director for Stakeholder Relations at Small Tourism Enterprise Association (STEA). – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 01/28/2025 - 10:02
Over 50,000 people affected
Some suggested boycotting paying rates while others called for transparency and accountability from the City
The Joburg Super Kings are pleased to announce the return of their highly anticipated Carnival, which will take place on 31 st January, 2025 at Melrose Arch. Following the success of last year’s inaugural event, the Carnival offers an exclusive opportunity for fans to engage with the team, enjoy a variety of entertainment and create …
Gauteng property developers were suing environmentalists for alleged costs from delays to their projects caused by objections
On Friday, Andiswa Mengo completed her testimony on sexual harassment allegations against Eastern Cape Judge President Selby Mbenenge
Some have been closed for years but dates have been set to re-open a few of them