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Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance (DA) calls for Rand Water to immediately replan its ridiculous mid-December water shut-off for large parts of the City of Johannesburg, which will effectively steal Christmas from millions of Johannesburg residents. Rand Water’s announcement of their December maintenance schedule in Johannesburg is an indication of poor planning and utter mismanagement. …
G20 South Africa website goes live
South Africa’s Group of Twenty (G20) Presidency website is officially live with the national flower- the King Protea – as the logo which reflects the country's identity, landscape, and cultural significance.
This as South Africans are invited to visit www.G20.org for everything they need to know about the country’s G20 Presidency, media events and calendar meetings.
The G20 Presidency website, fully responsive and linking to social media, showcases South Africa's provinces and serves as a resource for G20 information. The website is legally protected under international agreements.
Speaking at the G20 Presidency launch and the chosen logo, the President shared his delight at the fact that the country gets to showcase not only the nation but also one of its most cherished symbols, the Protea cynaroides.
“It is a real joy and pleasure for us as South Africa to launch the work we will undertake as the President of the G20, particularly as we will be showcasing not only our country but also one of the key symbols of our country the Protea cynaroides, which is a scientific name of the Protea which is also called the King Protea.
“It’s a distinctive member of the protea and it is the largest, as it is also known as the giant protea, the honey pot the part I like most and also the King sugar bush and it is widely distributed in our country generally,” the President said on Tuesday.
The President launched South Africa’s G20 Presidency two days after the country assumed the Presidency, marking a historic milestone as the first African country to lead this influential group of the world’s largest economies.
Acting Chief of State Protocol at the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), Clayson Monyela, detailed the development of the South African G20 logo with the King Protea, symbolising resilience and hope, as a central element.
The logo incorporates the South African flag's colours and a semi-circular design to represent unity and global collaboration.
Monyela explained that they went through a process to look at what would inform the logo.
He stated that the requirements for developing the logo included ensuring it reflected the country's identity. Additionally, the logo needed to highlight the nation's scenic beauty and its potential as a preferred destination for tourism and investment.
He further emphasised that the logo should represent the country as a thriving democracy and a multicultural, diverse nation.
Pride and identity
It was also essential for the logo to align with the G20 South Africa Presidency theme of “solidarity, equality, and sustainability.”
“Some of the key elements of the South Africa G20 logo include the national flower, the King Protea. The cultural significance of the King Protea, which is the national flower, is that one, it is intertwined with South African culture. Secondly, it's crown like petals evoke pride and identity. It also represents hope and regeneration.
“You would know this that it regenerates after fires, symbolising renewing and hope. It also reflects our country's resilience in overcoming hardships. It is a reminder of growth and new beginnings, even during adversity. Of course, it's a flower, so it's naturally beautiful. It is striking and captures attention and represents the breathtaking South African landscape,” Monyela said.
He added that the logo symbolises South Africa's intention to deliver a positive and solution driven G20 Presidency.
“The other thing you'll notice is that it's semi-circular; the same secular design of our logo symbolises unity, inclusion and global collaboration,” he said.
The G20 Presidency will culminate in the Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg in November 2025, where world leaders will adopt a declaration outlining collective actions to address critical global challenges.
READ | SA’s G20 Presidency to focus on inclusivity
With over 130 meetings planned across all provinces and tens of thousands of delegates expected, the Presidency presents an opportunity to showcase South Africa’s potential and hospitality. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Tue, 12/03/2024 - 14:08
Eskom suspends power interruption notice against City of Joburg, City Power
Eskom has suspended its Promotion of Administrative Justice Act (PAJA) notice of potential power interruption against the City of Joburg (CoJ) and City Power issued last month.
According to the State-owned power utility, this is to allow the Minister of Electricity and Energy’s process undertaken by an independent expert regarding alleged historical overbilling to be concluded.
Following the Minister’s engagement with the Johannesburg Executive Mayor Dada Morero, executives from the CoJ, City Power and Eskom on 11 November 2024, an agreement was reached that an independent expert would be appointed to undertake a process to look into the disputed alleged overbilling of approximately R3.4 billion by 25 November 2024.
“This deadline was subsequently extended to 6 December 2024 for the report to be delivered to the Minister. Eskom continues to fully support the process,” Eskom said on Monday.
The utility said the CoJ and City Power were expected to pay R1.4 billion for the September 2024 invoice, which was withheld for Eskom to suspend the PAJA notice.
The City and City Power have since paid Eskom R1.3 billion, which is short of the agreed R1.4 billion.
“The October 2024 invoice of R1.3 billion that was due to be paid by Friday 29 November 2024 remains unpaid at this time. CoJ and City Power have committed to make a further payment by Friday, 6 December 2024, towards the debt.”
Following the submission of the independent report, Eskom said it will wait for a report from the Minister on the findings from the independent expert.
“Eskom will update stakeholders and the media, as and when there are new developments.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 12/03/2024 - 11:19
Monday, 2 December 2024: Eskom has suspended its Promotion of Administrative Justice Act (PAJA) notice of potential power interruption against the City of Johannesburg (CoJ) and City Power (CP) issued on Thursday 7 November 2024. This is to allow the Minister of Electricity and Energy’s (MoEE) process undertaken by an independent expert regarding alleged historical...
Residents of Phumla Mqashi informal settlement say they’re not getting enough water from trucks
NERSA hosts public hearings in Gauteng
The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) will conduct public hearings on Eskom’s Sixth Multi-Year Price Determination (MYPD 6) in Gauteng, this week.
The public hearings on the MYPD6 revenue application for the 2025/26, 2026/27 and 2027/28 financial years is taking place on 3 - 4 December 2024 from 09:00 – 17:00.
The first day of the public hearings in Gauteng will take place on Tuesday, 3 December 2024, in Soweto, Uncle Tom’s Community Centre, Kumalo Street, Orlando West, Johannesburg, 1804.
Day two of the public hearings will be on Wednesday, 4 December 2024, at the Gallagher Convention Cetre, 19 Richards Drive, Halfway House, Midrand, 1685.
Eskom’s revenue request amounts to R446 billion for 2025/26, R495 billion for 2026/27 and R537 billion for 2027/28, respectively.
This translates to:
“This application is processed according to the MYPD 4 Methodology, with primary energy costs, operating expenses, independent power producers, international purchases and depreciation as the main drivers.
“NERSA is committed to ensuring that all regulatory processes, including public participation, are conducted with the utmost transparency, fairness and inclusivity,” NERSA said. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Mon, 12/02/2024 - 10:52
JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) has appointed Mandla Mashimbyi as the new Head Coach of the Proteas Women’s Team. With...
President pays tribute to MTN
President Cyril Ramaphosa has paid tribute to telecommunications provider MTN for transforming the lives of millions of people in the country and across the continent of Africa.
“In countries like South Africa, MTN has sought to ensure that no one is left behind. Its network reaches some 97% of the population, providing a foundation for digital inclusion and economic empowerment,” the President said on Friday in Johannesburg.
Addressing MTN’s 30 years celebration gala dinner, President Ramaphosa said over the past three decades, MTN has evolved from a small South African start-up of 20 employees into a global telecommunications leader which now employs over 17 500 individuals representing more than 70 nationalities across 18 diverse markets.
“The mobile sector in Sub-Saharan Africa generated more than US$140 billion of economic value last year. MTN is a big part of this growth story.
“The group provides voice, data, fintech, digital, enterprise, wholesale and API services to 288 million customers in 18 markets. MTN Mobile Money provides over 65 million individuals with access to financial services, driving financial inclusion and economic empowerment in underserved communities,” the President said.
He acknowledged the telecommunications industry for helped to democratise public goods and services.
“It has enabled the provision of financial, health, education, social welfare and other service to the most far-flung areas. At the time of the transition towards democracy in the early 1990s, South Africa was among the most connected nations on the continent with over 3 million landlines.
“Yet, as in almost every other area of life, access to telephony was severely unequal. At the time, there were 60 telephone lines for every 100 white people. There was only one line for every 100 black people.
“In these circumstances, it took visionaries like the late Dr Nthato Motlana and Zwelakhe Sisulu to see the potential of mobile technology to close this gap,” the President said.
South Africa cellphone companies reached a million subscribers within two years.
“This spectacular growth was spurred by innovations such as prepaid, which South Africa was to introduce to the global community. It was in this early period that the foundation for MTN’s unique culture was laid.
“It is a culture that is characterised by resilience, adaptability and a relentless drive to succeed. MTN’s many employees are united by a shared belief in the transformative power of technology.
“Distance is no longer the impediment it had once been. Services can be delivered more cheaply and more reliably. Very soon after its introduction, the cellphone became an important tool for social cohesion,” the President said.
He said the cellphone helped to strengthen bonds between communities, family members and friends.
“This new frontier of economic and social transformation has, in the main, been driven by the youth of our continent. The industry is a case study of how young Africans can drive innovation and growth. On this anniversary, we salute the early pioneers and all those who have since been at the forefront of leading Africa’s digital progress,” the President said.
He said MTN has consistently encouraged and supported government’s efforts to strengthen trade and investment ties with other countries.
“It has been generous in sharing its experiences and insights of different markets. As MTN looks to its future, we are certain that it will make use of the great opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area.
“There are few companies in South Africa that know the African continent better than MTN. We trust that it will forge a path that many others can follow.
“As we work to improve the lives of the people of South Africa, we know that we can rely on the ingenuity, the industry and the commitment of the MTN team to support these efforts. As we look to a future of peace, prosperity and hope, we should embrace the MTN clarion call of ‘doing for tomorrow, today,” the President said. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Sun, 12/01/2024 - 15:02
Reflecting its ethos of being ‘passionate about excellence’, Malben Engineering, a pioneering industry trailblazer in the ongoing drive towards sustainable manufacturing in the automotive sector and MIBCO (Motor Industry Bargaining Council) member, has recently been announced as the winner of the Environmental Stewardship category in the SEIFSA Awards For Excellence. A national federation representing 16 …
SARS closes a loophole in import duties
JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have confirmed the Youth T20...
South Africa’s illicit gold trade is lucrative and controlled by gangs
Dear Editor Today, during a DA protest outside the Joburg Municipal Council meeting, we handed over two memoranda of demands to the City of Johannesburg as it continues to bungle the water crisis in the city. These memorandums represent the outrage of hundreds of thousands of residents of the city who are fed-up with unreliable …
Water supply in Coronationville, Claremont, and Westbury has been erratic for two years, they say
VistaJet (www.VistaJet.com/), the world's first and only global business aviation company, has reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to connecting the international investor community with markets in East and South Africa. This commitment was highlighted during its VistaJet East and South Africa Static Display Roadshow. Given their status as leading centers for economic development and innovation, Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Nairobi were selected as the host cities for the end-of-year Static Display Roadshow in the region.
After a successful inaugural roadshow in West Africa during the second quarter of 2024, VistaJet continued to expand the company's offering focused on Africa. VistaJet has significantly enhanced its offerings in Africa, achieving a remarkable 103% increase in New Program Hours Sold and a 29% rise in total hours flown across the continent in the first half of 2024.
Commenting on VistaJet's commitment to business in Africa, Phillippe Scalabrini, VistaJet's President of Europe and Africa, said: “Building on VistaJet's substantial growth in the region, the East and South Africa Roadshow is a vital part of our strategy to serve as a logistics and aviation partner that supports the success of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement. VistaJet is dedicated to playing a crucial role in connecting global funding to these regions' economic and entrepreneurial opportunities, as Africa offers significant growth potential for international ventures. We showcased our Global 7500 aircraft to link these regions with the rest of the world and facilitate unlocking this growth potential, to support the region's economic development further.”
VistaJet provided a valuable opportunity to connect with key media representatives and private stakeholders during the roadshow. The company reaffirmed its offerings during these events and showcased the Global 7500 aircraft. This aircraft is designed to provide up to 17 hours of non-stop global connectivity, effectively linking Africa with the rest of the world. VistaJet is dedicated to meet the growing demand for reliable and efficient business aviation in Africa.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VistaJet.
More Images: https://apo-opa.co/498qdEI
About VistaJet:
VistaJet (https://VistaJet.com) is part of Vista (https://Vistaglobal.com/) — the world's leading global business aviation company. Innovating the industry for over 20 years, Vista's mission is to provide the most advanced flying services at the very best value, anytime, anywhere around the world.
VistaJet has flown corporations, governments and private clients to over 200 countries and territories on the Vista Members' fleet of iconic silver and red business jets, which includes the largest fleet of Global 7500s. Offering the best aircraft in each cabin class, clients can choose the most efficient option for every trip.
With a dedicated Client Services and Cabin team available 24/7, clients enjoy a fully personalized flight with seamless continuity from the ground to the air. Every VistaJet flight has at least one Cabin Host as well as two pilots in the flight deck to provide optimal safety and comfort on board.
VistaJet Program Members have guaranteed access to the Vista Members' fleet while paying only for the hours they fly — a smart alternative to ownership and fractional flying.
More VistaJet information and news at www.VistaJet.com
VistaJet Limited is a European air carrier that operates 9H registered aircraft under its Maltese Air Operator Certificate No. MT-17. VistaJet US Inc. is an air charter broker that does not operate aircraft. VistaJet-owned and U.S.-registered aircraft are operated by properly licensed U.S. direct air carriers, including XOJET Aviation LLC (DBA Vista America), JetSelect LLC (DBA Vista America), Western Air Charter Inc (DBA Vista America), and Red Wing Aeroplane LLC (DBA Vista America).
The Joburg Film Festival (JFF) in partnership with the MultiChoice Group (www.MultiChoice.com) is proud to announce the theme for the highly anticipated seventh edition of the festival - ‘The Golden Thread – Connected Through Stories'. Set to take place from 11 – 16 March 2025, the festival will explore the profound interconnectedness of our shared human experiences and the timeless value of storytelling.
Guided by the festival's tagline, ‘Our Stories. Our Gold', JFF continues to embrace Joburg's identity as the “City of Gold”, with stories serving as the most precious treasures that illuminate our lives and reflect the collective wisdom of our diverse global communities.
Audiences are invited to explore the essence of connection as we celebrate ‘The Golden Thread'—an elegant reminder of the ties that bind us all, a recurring symbol that represents universal themes, emotions and truths found within the world's most compelling stories.
"We are pleased to present ‘The Golden Thread' as our theme for the next edition of the festival,” says JFF Founder Tim Mangwedi. “It represents the unbreakable link that storytelling forms between individuals, communities and cultures. Through our carefully curated selection of films, we aim to show how stories, much like threads, interlace to create a larger tapestry of shared human experience. This is a celebration of connectivity, of learning from one another, and of recognising the meaningful impact our stories can have on the world.”
The seventh edition will once again bring together filmmakers, industry professionals and audiences from across the globe to share their experiences and forge connections through the universal language of cinema. JFF remains committed to promoting diversity, inclusivity and the celebration of universal human stories.
The festival will feature over 60 local, African and international curated titles, including fiction and documentary feature-length films and shorts), with several notable world premieres already confirmed. A snippet of what's in store for film, art and culture lovers.
Starting here at home with Sebata, a gripping dark South African detective thriller directed by Norman Maake and Timmy the Kid, a rural-urban comedy from director Gray Hofmeyr, that boasts a star-studded local cast.
The Man Died is a powerful adaptation of Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka's harrowing prison memoir directed by Awam Amkpa. Set against the backdrop of Nigeria's civil war, the feature narrates a tale of resistance, courage and the indomitable human spirit.
Directed by Lebanese national Mahdi Fleifel, To a Land Unknown follows two Palestinian cousin friends as they strive to escape their desolate environment before it's too late and is shot across five countries.
Under the Volcano, directed by multi award-winning author Damian Kocur, depicts the story of a Ukrainian stranded in Tenerife, Spain, after a vacation, as they learn of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Haitian born, Paris based director Rauol Peck, chronicles the life of Enerst Cole's journey as the first black freelance photographer in apartheid SA.
Ernest Cole: Lost and Found illustrates Cole's career, peerless artistry, political strength and a moving end.
"The seventh edition will once again bring together filmmakers, industry professionals, and audiences from across the globe to share their experiences and forge connections through the universal language of cinema. JFF remains committed to promoting diversity, inclusivity, and the celebration of universal human stories. The Joburg Film Festival is a celebration of the stories that bring us together, reflecting our shared humanity and the unique perspectives that make us who we are. At MultiChoice, we are proud to partner with the festival to spotlight the richness of African storytelling, highlighting its power to connect, inspire, and transform. Through ‘The Golden Thread – Connected Through Stories,' we embrace the idea that stories are our greatest treasures, weaving communities and cultures together with purpose and passion" says Nomsa Philiso, CEO of General Entertainment, MultiChoice.
In addition to the film programme, the festival will feature a robust industry programme in Joburg Xchange (JBX), incorporating JBX Business (market), JBX Talks and JBX Youth.
JBX BUSINESS
The JBX Market has experienced remarkable growth since 2022, with 165 participants currently registered making it the fastest-growing pillar of the film festival. The market attracts a diverse range of attendees, including exhibitors, producers, content creators, festivals, buyers and investors.
Early registration is still open for interested participants via the JFF website.
JBX TALKS - Made in Joburg for Africa and the World
JBX Talks at JFF 2025 celebrate the unifying power of storytelling and the thriving film industry in Johannesburg, which resonates across Africa and the globe. We position Johannesburg as a vibrant nexus of African narratives that transcend borders and captivate international audiences.
The three-day industry programme offers dynamic panels, in-conversations, masterclasses, workshops and networking events. Participants may expand their reach, refine their craft, and unlock new opportunities that elevate African film and television on the world stage.
Festival badges which provide access to JBX go on sale with an Early Bird discounted price from Tuesday, 3rd December.
JBX YOUTH
JBX Youth is a new addition to the industry programme, running parallel to JBX Talks and JBX Business. It builds on the festival's anchor pillar focussed on the youth, the Youth & Audience Development Programme that is targeted at aspiring and up and coming content creators and filmmakers.
This 3-day programme will cover a range of topics and issues with the aim of developing, skill, empowering and nurturing the next generation of filmmakers to ensure the long-term growth, sustainability and viability of the industry.
YOUTH & AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
This initiative focuses on emerging talent and aspiring filmmakers aged 18 – 35 with the aim of equipping them with the tools they need to succeed in the film and television industry.
The Programme will launch at the Kagiso Archives Centre in February 2025, with an intense two-day workshop, offering a range of activities including film screenings, director Q&As, skills-building practicals, filmmaker forums and mentorship opportunities within the community. The programme will conclude at JFF, with the JBX Youth initiative, providing youth filmmakers with further exposure to the tools and resources they need to advance their skills and careers.
The annual Young Voices Competition which forms part of the programme which celebrates the creative talents of young filmmakers in South Africa makes its return. Under the theme ‘The Power of Sports in Film', submissions officially open on Tuesday 3rd December and entries will be accepted until mid-February 2025.
We believe that sports is a universal language, allowing everyone to participate at any level, whether competitively or just for the love of the game. The winner will be announced at the Golden Thread Gala awards ceremony in March 2025, with their film later showcased at the JFF Film Society later in the year.
Mark your calendars for 11 – 16 March 2025 and be part of the 7th edition of the Joburg Film Festival. For more information on programming, tickets and how to get involved, please visit our website at www.JoburgFilmFestival.co.za or follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Together, we create, share, and celebrate the stories that connect us all...
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of MultiChoice Group.
Check out Joburg Film Festival the various online platforms:
Website: www.JoburgFilmFestival.co.za
Facebook: http://apo-opa.co/3CKyrqy
Twitter: http://apo-opa.co/4eXhJSo
Instagram: http://apo-opa.co/4i9aDNd
LinkedIn: http://apo-opa.co/4i7WXBZ
TikTok: http://apo-opa.co/4fLRr6v
The hashtags for the festival are #JoburgFilmFestival #JFF2025
Organised by the Sibikwa Arts Centre, BODY MOVES features dancers from South Africa and the UK
Johannesburg, South Africa, 26 November 2024 – Stadium Management South Africa , in partnership with Live Nation and Gearhouse South Africa, has announced The Dome, a new state-of-the-art venue set to open in Johannesburg in January 2025. Located in Nasrec, Johannesburg, adjacent to the FNB Stadium, in a neighbourhood with a fast-growing young adult audience, …
Summit aims to develop actionable plans for road safety
The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) in partnership with Uber will on Tuesday host the 2024 Road Safety Summit, bringing together experts from across all sectors to find urgent solutions to the number of vehicle crashes and fatalities.
The summit comes at a critical time - just two weeks before the start of the holiday season - which often sees heightened traffic volumes as holiday makers travel to various destinations.
“With the goal of halving serious injuries and fatalities by 2030, this gathering will be a continuation of 2023 discussions and will serve as a platform to reflect on our progress, identify gaps, and chart a path forward to a safer road environment for all South Africans,” said the RTMC in a statement.
The corporation said South Africa has made significant strides in road safety.
South Africa has set itself a target of reducing road fatalities by 50% from 13 967 fatalities recorded in 2010, according to the National Road Safety Strategy 2016 to 2030.
According to this target South Africa was supposed to have 11 500 (18% reduction) by the end of 2023, however, it managed to reduce fatalities to 11 883 (15% reduction).
Globally only ten countries achieved a 50% reduction in road fatalities, reductions of 40–49% were observed in 15 countries, 30–39% in 20 countries, 20–29% in 33 countries, and 10–19% in 19 countries, according to the World Health Organisation. During this period, reductions larger than 2% were observed in 108 countries.
“With only six years remaining until 2030, there is still much work to be done. The Department of Transport has initiated a comprehensive, multi-stakeholder evaluation of the NRSS to assess our achievements and identify areas for improvement,” it said.
Key challenges persist in the following areas:
• Strengthening collaboration across public, private and civil society sectors.
• Improving enforcement of road traffic regulations, particularly regarding seatbelt use and drink driving.
• Expanding the availability of provincial road traffic law enforcement at night and over weekends.
• Reducing speed in high-risk areas, especially where vehicle and pedestrian conflicts occur.
• Addressing infrastructure maintenance and prioritising roads with 3-star safety ratings.
• Advancing vehicle safety standards and regulations.
The summit takes place from 26 to 27 November in Brixton, Johannesburg.
It aims to develop actionable plans that can be implemented within the next 12 months to further enhance the NRSS.
The RTMC said it would further foster greater collaboration between civil society, business and the public sector to ensure sustained efforts toward road safety. – SAnews.gov.za
Janine
Tue, 11/26/2024 - 09:48
Now the state is challenging the court ruling of wrongful arrest
JOHANNESBURG: One of South Africa’s trailblazing female head coaches, Asheta Mahabeer, will lead the Blind Cricket South Africa (BCSA) National Team...
Last weekend saw the second Journey with Jetour event take place, this time at Casalinga, a long-standing Muldersdrift favourite in Johannesburg. Here, new Gauteng Jetour Dashing and X70 Plus owners gathered to meet, eat and share their experiences with these new SUVs. This comes after the inaugural Journey with Jetour event which was held at …
Bolt and Engineering Distributors (B.E.D.) is proud to announce the relaunch – with great success – of its popular Industrial and Technology expo, which was held in early November at Flamwood Walk in Klerksdorp. The two-day event was free to visitors, and brought together customers, suppliers and other industry partners to showcase and experience the …