CSA T20 Challenge Set For More Double Header Action
JOHANNESBURG: The Cricket South Africa (CSA) T20 Challenge has geared up for more double header action and the CSA Professional...
Johannesburg
The looters living it up from PRASA millions
Makhensa Mabunda and Auswell Mashaba were at the heart of the corrupt deals
Energy optimisation in the textile sector
A change of fortunes for South Africa’s beleaguered textile sector depends on many factors – and leading operations and maintenance service provider to the steam and boiler sector, Associated Energy Services (AES), can make a material difference to its future success. “AES has been active in the sector since the 1990s, and has first-hand experience …
President to attend King Dinuzulu anniversary commemoration
President to attend King Dinuzulu anniversary commemoration
President Cyril Ramaphosa will join His Majesty King Misuzulu kaZwelithini who will be leading the Royal family and amabutho at the 110th anniversary commemoration of King Dinuzulu kaCetshwayo at KwaCeza in Zululand on Saturday.
According to Presidential Spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, the President will commence the commemoration by paying his respects at the King Dinuzulu Memorial at Ebukhosini, where he will lay a wreath in honour of the late Ingonyama.
“King Dinuzulu was a symbol of resistance against colonialism as he confronted various onslaughts which included imprisonment from colonial government which disregarded the institutions of traditional authority.
“He succeeded his father King Cetshwayo as king of the Zulu nation. The commemoration is a stark reminder of the untold sufferings and humiliation in the struggle journey which our forebears confronted that led to the freedom and democracy we enjoy today,” Magwenya said on Friday.
In a collaboration with the Royal Household, academics, historians, and cultural groups, various activities are underway, among them the King Dinuzulu Commemorative Conference, Choral Music festival, research and publication on the role of King Dinuzulu and notable Traditional leaders in influencing South Africa's trajectory towards democracy.
“This commemoration serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of King Dinuzulu and the continued importance of acknowledging shared history.
“The commemoration event will take place at KwaCeza, a venue of historical significance where King Dinuzulu launched a decisive attack against colonial forces, emerging victorious in the eastern parts of the town of Nongoma.”
State of Human Rights in SA Conference
Updating the nation on the President’s diary, Magwenya said the first citizen will on Monday, 18 March 2024, address the National Conference on the State of Human Rights Conference marking the 30th anniversary of constitutional democracy and human rights in South Africa.
The conference will be hosted by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development from 18-20 March 2024 at the Birchwood Conference Centre in Boksburg under the theme “Three Decades of Respect for and Promotion of Human Rights”.
The Conference is premised on the department’s mandate which is the custodian of the Constitution and effective administration of the law.
The Conference will also assess the institutions that are meant to uphold Constitutional democracy in South Africa.
The outcome of the conference is envisaged to be the baseline for benchmarking government’s implementation of the social contract.
Questions for Oral Reply in the National Assembly
Meanwhile, the President will on Tuesday, 19 March 2024 officially attend to the call by the National Assembly to respond to Questions for Oral Reply.
The President’s appearance in the National Assembly will complete the Fourth Term Parliamentary Programme cycle.
“This is in accordance with the President’s obligation in terms of the Rules of the National Assembly. The President will reflect on questions ranging from the land reform programme in the agricultural sector, lifestyle audits will be done starting with Members of the Executive and Presidential Employment Stimulus amongst the some of the questions,” Magwenya said.
Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium South Africa (SIDSSA)
Magwenya also announced that the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure will on Tuesday, 19 March 2024 host the third instalment of the Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium of South Africa.
The symposium will provide visibility of the infrastructure project pipeline and focus on closing the infrastructure investment gap.
It will be a platform where the public sector will engage with the private sector. Amongst the issues that will be unveiled is the new pipeline of economic infrastructure project that will receive projects preparations from infrastructure South Africa.
There will also be the launch of the inaugural 2024/25 construction book. There will be about 22 Ministers that deal with infrastructures in their respective countries across the African continent.
Black Industrialists Summit
President Ramaphosa will on Wednesday, 20 March 2024, deliver the keynote address at the Second Black Industrialists and Exporters conference at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg.
President Ramaphosa participated in the inaugural conference in 2022.
“The President will acknowledge the contribution made by Black Industrialists to the South African economy, while reflecting on the progress made in advancing redress and transforming a skewed racialized economy while discussing further initiatives to strengthen economic transformation in support of greater diversity in the ownership of the economy,” Magwenya said.
The intended second Black Industrialist Conference will among others celebrate the 20-year anniversary of the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act of 2003.
It will further showcase the success of transformation policies including Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) and the Black Industrialist programme.
More than 600 firms supported by the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition (the DTIC) showed a turnover of about R80 billion during the 2023/24 financial year, illustrating the tangible results of drawing more black entrepreneurs into the industrial economy.
Human Rights Day
The President will address this year Human Rights commemoration which coincides with significant milestones of the 30 year anniversary of freedom and democracy on Thursday, 21 March 2024.
This year’s official commemoration will take place in Sharpeville, Gauteng under the theme “Three decades of respect for and promotion of Human Rights”.
This day remains a fundamental landmark in our history and the reminder of those who fought against apartheid and colonialism. The United Nations has also declared March 21 to be the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
Inaugural Biodiversity Indaba and Investment Summit
Lastly on 26 March, the President will address the Inaugural Biodiversity Indaba and Investment Summit.
The gathering will bring together stakeholders ranging from all spheres of government, traditional leaders, traditional health practitioners, communities, people and youth among others. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Fri, 03/15/2024 - 14:29
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Bester and Magudumana fail to stop TV documentary
Four-part Showmax series on the Facebook rapist starts Friday
Irish Tech Challenge opens up opportunities for young entrepreneurs
Irish Tech Challenge opens up opportunities for young entrepreneurs
Following the successful 2023 Irish Tech Challenge programme, which saw a group of young South African entrepreneurs display their tech start-ups in Ireland, the 2024 instalment of the challenge will be launched today.
Ireland’s Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien, will on Friday officially launch the 2024 Irish Tech Challenge at the Tshimologong Digital Precinct in Johannesburg.
The Vice Chancellor of the University of the Witwatersrand, Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, Ireland’s Ambassador to South Africa, Austin Gormley, and the Overseas Bilateral Cooperation Chief Director, Anneline Morgan, will join O’Brien.
The team will be joined by officials from the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI).
The Irish Tech Challenge is a partnership between the Embassy of Ireland in South Africa, the DSI, the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), Wits University’s Tshimologong Digital Precinct and Dogpatch Labs, a start-up incubator in Ireland.
“The initiative aims to help high-potential tech entrepreneurs in South Africa who are ready to scale globally and enhance their impact to overcome challenges such as limited resources, high tech costs, and network and infrastructure access,” the statement read.
Winning start-ups will receive up to €10 000 (R204 330) in funding.
The winners will also be treated to a 10-day trip to Ireland, where they will be part of a curated networking programme with access to the country’s top business leaders, and acceleration support to position their global scaling strategy, in collaboration with Dogpatch Labs in Ireland.
They will also have access to the Irish tech ecosystem with potential opportunities for further funding, and increased exposure leveraged by both the Irish and South African governments.
The DSI said it values the positive socio-economic impact of the Irish Tech Challenge, which assists South African tech entrepreneurs to contribute to driving innovation, job creation and inclusive economic growth in the country. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 03/15/2024 - 11:20
57 views
Meso Earns Debut Call-Up For Proteas Women’s T20I Squad Against Sri Lanka
JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) has announced the 15-player squad representing the Proteas Women in the T20 International (T20I) series...
Previous Lottery board and management ignored corruption investigations
“These reports were stuck in offices and safes littered across the building”
Ngidi Ruled Out Of IPL 2024
JOHANNESBURG: Proteas fast bowler Lungi Ngidi has been released by Delhi Capitals for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 as he...
Johannesburg mayor snubs Diepkloof Hostel to deal with water crisis
People living in crumbling homes accuse the mayor of disrespecting them
2024 Futuroad Expo
Futuroad Expo, the premier platform for showcasing cutting-edge innovations in the truck, bus and commercial vehicle sectors, is set to take place from 19 to 21 November at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec. Organised by Messe Frankfurt South Africa, this highly anticipated event will bring together industry leaders, innovators, and stakeholders from sub-Saharan Africa, to …
FAW Trucks SA unveils the JK6 FD/FT variant, reinforcing its position as an industry pioneer
Johannesburg, March — FAW Trucks SA, a force in global commercial vehicle manufacturing, proudly announces the introduction launch of the new generation JK6 FD/FT variant. This strategic introduction underscores the company’s steadfast commitment to advancing technology and performance in the commercial transport sector. With a rich history dating back to its establishment in South Africa …
The European company that profited from corruption at PRASA
Vossloh made R1.8-billion from a dodgy deal and has not paid back a cent
Climate activists refuse to be silenced by arrests
Pickets outside Standard Bank will continue, says Extinction Rebellion
A Second Life For Your Used Nespresso Capsule This Global Recycling Day and Every Day
Johannesburg, South Africa: Global Recycling Day is celebrated on the 18th of March every year. Global Recycling Day was created in 2018 to help recognise and celebrate the important role that recycling plays in preserving our precious primary resources and securing the future of our planet. It is a day for the world to come …
40 Micro, Small And Medium-Sized Enterprises Supported In Pimville
In a bid to address the housing shortage in the City of Johannesburg by providing formalised and quality affordable housing while promoting economic development and job creation, the Orlando Ekhaya housing precinct development located in the heart of Soweto, is making rapid progress. Orlando Ekhaya consists of multiple phases, with a total of 2 800 …
University of Pretoria settles R400 million NSFAS unallocated funds
University of Pretoria settles R400 million NSFAS unallocated funds
The University of Pretoria (UP) has fully paid the R400 million that is due to the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) in unallocated funds.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Special Investigating Unit said the money paid by the university was in unallocated funds from 2016 to 2021.
SIU spokesperson, Kaizer Kganyago, said the money was paid in four instalments of R100 000 into the SIU’s Trust account, bringing the total recoveries to R 937 926 351 received from institutions of higher learning, since the investigating unit’s NSFAS investigation launched in September 2022.
Kganyago said the unallocated funds are monies for students who qualified for funding but either changed institutions or deregistered.
The funds stay in the possession of the institution for a year.
“The unallocated funds are due to poor control systems and a lack of reconciliation processes by the NSFAS and were not collected from institutions of higher learning. When approached by the SIU, the institutions cooperated, which led to a quick recovery process,” Kganyago explained.
Kganyago said the SIU has so far recovered the funds from institutions of higher learning, including the West Coast College which has repaid R5 057 679; NorthLink College R33 369 404.97; Walter Sisulu University R 19 900 174; Nkangala TVET College R342 672.50 and the University of Johannesburg R311 892 088.94, among others.
Kganyago said the SIU has also signed an acknowledgement of the debt agreement of R38 707 884.10 with Motheo TVET College in the Free State, as well as debt agreement of R10 997 855.50 with parents and students who did not meet the NSFAS funding criteria.
According to the SIU investigation, NSFAS failed to design and implement controls to ensure there is an annual reconciliation between the funds disbursed to the institutions and the allocation of those funds to the students.
The control weaknesses have led to overpayments and underpayments of funds to the different institutions over the period 2017 to date.
Kganyago said the NSFAS has recently appointed a service provider to assist them in performing the reconciliation via a process called “close-out reporting” which is ongoing.
The SIU has also found that Celbux – the e-wallet/voucher payment system- had many “dormant” accounts lying active on the Celbux system dating back to 2018 amounting to an estimated value of R320 million.
Celbux is a financial technology provider that facilitates the disbursement of money, on behalf of customers to anyone with a cell phone in a digital form.
On NSFAS-funded accommodation, the SIU discovered that details of the accommodation, including physical addresses and details of the landlord or owner of the accommodation were not captured on the NSFAS system. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 03/13/2024 - 11:31
102 views
CSA Appoints Chief Medical Officer
JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) has today announced the appointment of Dr. Hashendra Ramjee as the Chief Medical Officer (CMO)....
Transmission key component of stabilising power supply: Ramokgopa
Transmission key component of stabilising power supply: Ramokgopa
Minister in the Presidency for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, has reiterated the urgent need for the building of transmission lines to unlock thousands of megawatts for the grid from new generation capacity.
“The major problem is transmission issues. We need to modernise and expand transmission by over 14 000km. To put it into context, in the past 10 years, we only did 4 000km. So, this 14 000km is to enable new generation capacity [to connect to the grid].
“If we had sufficient transmission capacity in the Northern Cape, Eastern Cape and Western Cape, the grid would have the benefit of over 11 000MW,” the Minister said on Tuesday.
The Minister was speaking during a panel discussion at Ninety One’s annual Infrastructure Forum held in Johannesburg on Tuesday. Ninety One is a global asset manager with emerging market roots and a commitment to developing specialist investment teams.
Ramokgopa said the amount of renewable energy that can be released is “healthy” however, challenges persist.
“The pipeline is healthy, with over 66GW that is there. We have already identified the corridors that must be prioritised, and we know out of those corridors, we can get 2 300MW.
“The intervention really is less on the transmission lines and the pylons. It’s about increasing the size of the sub-stations. Once we do that, we know we can get the benefit of that 2 300MW,” he said.
Meanwhile, a statement issued earlier this month after President Cyril Ramaphosa convened a meeting with members of Cabinet and senior business leaders said the work underway within the National Energy Crisis Committee (NECOM) and the implementation of the Energy Action Plan is starting to bear fruit.
“Load shedding is down by 61% compared to the same period last year, with the return of units at Kusile power station, as well as new generation capacity from rooftop solar and private sector investment having a positive impact.
“Reform of the energy sector is progressing, with an independent board appointed for the National Transmission Company of South Africa (NTCSA) and preparations underway for the new entity to commence trading,” the statement said.
READ | Ramokgopa sets sights on accelerated transmission line expansion
Load shedding
Meanwhile, Eskom has ramped up load shedding to Stage 3 during the evening and Stage 2 during the day.
“Due to the loss of three generating units and the delay in returning a further three generating units to service, Stage 3 load shedding will be implemented from 4pm today until 5am on Wednesday. Thereafter, Stage 2 load shedding will be implemented until 4pm.
“This alternating pattern… will be repeated daily until further notice. Eskom will closely monitor the power system and provide an update should any significant changes occur,” Eskom said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 03/12/2024 - 14:14
386 views
Gauteng’s Bold Rescue Plan
Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng presented its promise to the electorate today. The impasse we have reached, is one that will be defining to the future of Gauteng, and more so, to South Africa. The assumption that this province will realise its potential without intervention, is a flawed one. While areas in …
Dipula and REO’s innovative approach to tenant installation for EOH grows a sustainable furniture initiative
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, 11 March 2024 — Dipula Income Fund’s (JSE: DIB) new lease with EOH for the Montrose Place at Waterfall Park in Midrand’s Vorna Valley has led to an innovative and high-impact corporate social responsibility project. The entire 4,000qm building was fitted out by REO, using small contractors who not only completed the …
CSA Salutes Renowned Umpire Marais Erasmus
JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) proudly salutes veteran Marais Erasmus, a distinguished umpire who has officiated at the highest level of...
KZN Inland Home Fixtures Move To Alternative Venues
JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) was made aware of the concerns raised regarding the condition of the oval used by...
Viwo Kulati’s New Single ‘Cela Kuwe’
South African songstress Viwo Kulati is set to make a triumphant return with the release of her latest single, ‘Cela Kuwe,’ a soulful and deeply inspirational track. The single is scheduled to drop on March 29, 2024, continuing her musical journey following her SAMA29 Nomination last year. ‘Cela Kuwe’ delivers a poignant message, encouraging listeners …