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The post-pandemic trend of living that holiday lifestyle now continues to inspire buyers who are prioritising happiness and well-being. The coast remains a popular location but the high property prices often make this an unrealistic possibility. On the KZN Mid-South Coast, where large-scale developments are unlocking the region’s property potential, discerning investors are getting in …
KZN Premier calls for practical solutions to address climate change
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube has reiterated her call for adequate funding of vulnerable and developing nations to support technology and other practical solutions to address climate change.
Dube-Ncube made the call when addressing various platforms at the COP 28 Climate Summit, currently underway in Dubai.
Being held from 30 November to 12 December 2023, the UN Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP 28) focuses on four paradigm shifts, including fast-tracking the energy transition and slashing emissions before 2030, and transforming climate finance by delivering on old promises and setting the framework for a new deal on finance.
The conference also focuses on putting nature, people and livelihoods at the heart of climate action, and mobilising for the most inclusive COP ever.
Dube-Ncube joined other leaders in calling for a speedy implementation of commitments made in previous climate change summits.
“We must deepen our resolve and accelerate the implementation of the resolutions and commitments that have been taken in previous conferences and engagements.
“Poor nations and regions are feeling the brutal effects of climate change everyday, and gatherings like this must bring practical meaning to such commitments,” Dube-Ncube said.
Dube-Ncube also emphasised the inclusion of the subnational and local governments in the climate change talks in order to strengthen the international agreements implementation, and for them to be meaningful and incorporated into provincial and local strategies.
The Premier said climate-related disasters hit people on the ground the most, with provinces and municipalities tasked to respond.
“This requires a lot of focus on inclusion and funding. In KwaZulu-Natal, we are still recovering from the devastating effects of the April 2022 floods and this is felt at local level where people live.
“It is for these reasons that we call for more funding for developing nations and inclusion of subnational and local governments in planning and implementation of agreements,” the Premier said.
Dube-Ncube was speaking for the African continent in the climate change engagements in her capacity as the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal and as Co-Chair of the Under2Coalition, seeking to advocate for the inclusion of subnational and local government in climate talks.
The Under2Coalition is the largest network of subnational governments striving towards reaching net zero emissions by 2050 and connecting them to potential funding streams.
The Premier has been engaging with her Co-Chair counterparts on various issues ranging from vertical integration between national, provincial and local governments and in particular, the state of readiness for any disasters that may hit KwaZulu-Natal, given its vulnerabilities.
The Premier encouraged accountability and transparency for disaster relief and recovery programmes. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 12/06/2023 - 11:32
The holiday season is around the corner, and with the warmer weather enticing everyone outdoors, the KZN South Coast is: Destination…summer! There are endless outdoor adventures for the whole family to enjoy from the sea to the sky! “Adventure tourism and nature-based experiences are top of the list for many visitors, and we’re so fortunate …
16 Days campaign: Spotlight on Captain Dhawrajh
The South African Police Service (SAPS) continues to highlight the work of its men and women in blue, who work tirelessly to put ruthless rapists and gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) perpetrators behind bars.
One such officer committed to the fight against GBV is Captain Michelle Dhawrajh, who is attached to the KwaZulu-Natal Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Investigations (FCS) Unit.
With more than 20 years in the field, Dhawrajh still leads and conducts evening raid operations to trace wanted suspects in GBVF related cases.
To date, she has secured 20 life sentences and a collective 70 years imprisonment for rapists and GBVF perpetrators in and around Durban.
In total, 25 suspects are doing time in prison, thanks to her meticulous investigative prowess.
Dhawrajh is also passionate about raising awareness and sensitising communities to reporting rape and other sexual offences.
Amongst her many assignments, Dhawrajh secured the sentencing of a 35-year-old man to life in prison for raping his eight-month-old niece.
In light of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children campaign, Dhawrajh has urged communities to stop alcohol and drug abuse, as they are major contributors to most crimes committed against women and children.
She further encouraged communities to get more involved and report cases to stop the scourge of GBVF. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 12/05/2023 - 09:01
Dr Nthabiseng Moleko is an Economist at Stellenbosch Business School The 2023 quarter 3 Labour Force Survey paints a grim reality. The unemployment crisis is not a recent development. It has been persisting for at least the past decade. Unemployment according to Stats SA a decade ago (quarter 3 of 2013) was at 4.9 million …
Mashatile rallies communities to be involved in HIV interventions
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has called on communities to actively participate in interventions to combat stigma, discrimination, and human rights violations affecting people living and affected by HIV/AIDS.
“History demonstrates that when communities unite, any challenge can be overcome. Our combined strengths can help us achieve the goal of eliminating HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis as public health threats,” he said on Friday.
The Deputy President was speaking at the official commemoration of World AIDS Day as Chairperson of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC). The event was held in Mandeni in KwaZulu-Natal.
He described the 1 December as an opportunity to strengthen unity to fight against HIV, support those living with HIV, and remember those who succumbed to AIDS-related illnesses.
“Our combined strengths can help us achieve the goal of eliminating HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis as public health threats.”
The Deputy President believes active civil society has also led to significant progress in the prevention, treatment, care, support, and outreach for the vulnerable.
“An additional area that necessitates strong oversight from civil society is the pervasive problem of gender-based violence and femicide, the correlation of which is universally recognised with HIV.”
However, he said he was encouraged by the Takuwani Riime Men’s Movement for its commitment to establish the men’s community parliaments in every village, township, suburb, and community in South Africa.
“This movement seeks to mobilise men and boys to stand up and be counted in the country’s efforts against mental health in men, gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), new HIV infections, and toxic masculinity, and for men to be drivers of the positive socialisation of the boy child.”
He also rallied communities to hold hands with government to eradicate patriarchy, economic inequality, insensitive social norms, and harmful cultural practices.
Gender-based violence, according the Deputy President, was detrimental to the state’s efforts towards the achievement of the global Sustainable Development Goals and National Development Plan.
Survey
He also touched on the recently published sixth South African National HIV Prevalence, Incidence, and Behavioural Survey by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC).
The research found that 7.8 million people are living with HIV in South Africa, a decrease from 14% in 2017 to 12.7% in 2022.
“While the results clearly show that the prevalence of HIV is declining, there are some worrying patterns regarding the age group between 25 and 49 years.”
Meanwhile, among females, HIV prevalence was highest in ages 35 to 39 years at 34.2% compared to 27.1% in males aged 45 to 49 years.
The country’s second-in-command also raised concerns about the increased incidence of HIV infection among girls between 15 to 19 years old.
“It is an indication that older men engage in unprotected sexual activities with girls and young women. We must take extraordinary measures as a society to protect kids against immoral predators. We must ensure that children have a safe environment to discuss the issues influencing their sexual conduct and the pressures they are under.
“We must stand with them and educate them about their rights and sexual health,” he stressed.
Government is also worried about the lack of access to treatment by HIV-positive children, young people, and men.
The survey indicated that among those aged 15 and older living with HIV in South Africa in 2022, 90% were aware of their status, 91% of those aware of their status were on antiretroviral treatment (ART) and 94% of those on ART were virally suppressed.
He told the community the state’s primary objective as a government is to integrate all facets of an individual’s healthcare into a unified system, ensuring that everyone consistently gets quality medical care.
“Another game-changer in our progressive treatment literacy efforts is the integration of the undetectable equals untransmittable (U=U) concept into our policy framework.”
This means that if a person takes their treatment consistently without fail, they will achieve ongoing viral suppression until the level of the virus drops to below 50 copies per millilitre.
“However, we advocate for safe sex since being undetectable will not prevent you from passing on a sexually transmitted infection to your partner or having an unplanned pregnancy.”
Stigma
Shifting his focus on stigma and prejudice, he said this can be as traumatic as the illness itself.
This, he said, could lead to partner or family rejection, social marginalisation, school expulsion, denial of medical services, a lack of care and support, and violence.
“We encourage our community leaders to engage our communities in order to alter societal attitudes and customs, some of which are influenced by our upbringing.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 12/01/2023 - 15:24
Mashatile launches SA Chapter of the Global Alliance to End AIDS in Children by 2030
Deputy President Paul Mashatile officially launched the South African Chapter of the Global Alliance to End AIDS in Children by 2030, led by his wife, Humile Mashatile.
“We are concerned with HIV treatment gaps in children. Children living with HIV aged 15 years and below are left behind in the global HIV response when compared to the general population,” he said.
The country’s second-in-command was speaking at the official commemoration of World AIDS Day as Chairperson of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) at the Mandeni Local Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal.
He described the 1 December as an opportunity to strengthen unity to fight against HIV, support those living with HIV, and remember those who succumbed to AIDS-related illnesses.
Globally, he said only 52% of children who are living with HIV are on lifesaving treatment, compared to 76% of the adult population.
According to the Deputy President, this results in children accounting for 15% of AIDS-related deaths on an annual basis despite that 4% of people living with HIV are children.
Meanwhile, he said stigma, discrimination, punitive laws and policies, violence, and gender inequalities in Eastern and Southern Africa remain some of the barriers that hinder access to treatment, care, and support for women, girls, and children.
“Unfortunately, South Africa has the largest population of children living with HIV in the world, and as of June 2023, our treatment coverage for children is alarmingly low, coming in at 67%.”
He said the data raises concerns and emphasises the urgent need for increased efforts and resources to guarantee that every child who is HIV-positive receives the care and treatment they require.
In response to this challenge, government is working with the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS), by coordinating United Nations (UN) agencies including the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The other partners include the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the Global Fund, together with civil society, in establishing the Global Alliance to end AIDS in Children by 2030.
“The proclamation was first made at the 24th International AIDS Conference in Canada in 2022. South Africa was among the first 12 countries to join this alliance. As the South African government, we are determined to fulfil our commitment to end AIDS in children,” he stressed.
This, according to the President, could be achieved by strengthening case finding among HIV-exposed infants and children and scaling up the initial HIV regimen to pregnant and breastfeeding women as per the revised clinical guidelines.
Meanwhile, government aims to also boost regular retesting of pregnant and breastfeeding women, increasing access to social protection programmes and addressing gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), sexual assault, and abuse of infants, children, adolescents, and women.
Government will also work around the clock to scale up advocacy for the enforcement of laws and the administration of justice.
“Collectively, we should strive to ensure universal access to treatment, eliminate mother-to-child transmission, and confront prevailing prejudice and discrimination to foster a society that accepts and supports all individuals living with HIV, including our children.
“Together, we have the power to end the epidemic of HIV and AIDS,” he added. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 12/01/2023 - 15:44
New provincial number plate system unveiled in KZN
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube has unveiled a new number plate system for the province, marking an end to the traditional discrete numbering system to a more dynamic and continuous numbering system.
Dube-Ncube on Friday said the shift was deemed necessary to align the province with other regions and the national numbering system, while addressing the issue of towns running out of available numbers.
Emphasising the importance of this paradigm shift, the Premier said the new numbering system will come with improved security features, which will assist in the fight against crime.
To ensure a seamless transition, the implementation was planned in two phases, with the first phase starting on Friday, focusing on the registration of new vehicles, change of ownership, and re-registration of stolen-recovered vehicles.
This initial step lays the groundwork for the subsequent phases of the comprehensive rollout.
The second phase, which is set to commence on 1 March 2024, will encourage the voluntary migration of all vehicle owners from the existing system to the new one.
Vehicle owners have been given a 24-month window to complete this migration, after which all motor vehicles will automatically be issued with a new format licence number upon licensing.
Accompanied by Transport, Community Safety and Liaison MEC, Sipho Hlomuka and eThekwini Mayor, Mxolisi Kaunda, Dube-Ncube conducted a thorough test of the readiness of the Electronic National Administration Traffic Information System (ENaTis). – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 12/01/2023 - 11:39
Premier calls for swift arrest in rape of female security officers
KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, has called on law enforcement agencies to thoroughly investigate and swiftly bring to justice the perpetrators involved in the attack and rape of female security officers at the Transport Department offices in Durban.
According to reports, about eight armed criminals entered the Department of Transport offices at Merebank in eThekwini by scaling the wall and took hostage all six security guards on duty, bound them with their own shoelaces and assaulted them at gunpoint.
In another room, three female officers were raped at gunpoint in full view of their colleagues. The criminals also stole equipment belonging to the Department of Transport which is used for road maintenance.
The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government has strongly condemned the sexual attack of the three female security officers.
“We would like to offer our support to the victims of this senseless and barbaric act of criminality and violation of women’s dignity. The latest sexual attacks and rape of these three women is an embarrassment and an indication that some men do not belong in our society and should be stripped of all the freedoms set aside for normal people,” Dube-Ncube said.
She said it was unfortunate that the attack comes at a time when the province should be observing the 16 Days of Activism campaign.
“This incident comes as the country is thick in the fight against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) having launched the annual 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign only on Saturday.
“We are deeply saddened that these barbaric and animalistic attacks on women still persist. The men who commit these crimes against their sisters and mothers, in all honesty are less than human, and should be condemned to long-term imprisonment without the option of a parole,” Dube-Ncube said.
The Premier described the incident as a heinous act that has shaken the province to its core.
“We also urge communities to come together in solidarity and support for gender-based violence survivors, fostering an environment where survivors feel safe to report such crimes and seek the help they need,” the Premier said.
The provincial government has assigned psycho-social support to the victims and affected staff, as well as the necessary protection to support the victims.
The Premier commended the Department of Transport for speedily visiting the site and attending to the staff traumatised by the incident. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 11/30/2023 - 14:46
Cabinet welcomes measures put in place by Transnet
Cabinet has welcomed measures and plans put in place by Transnet to resolve the backlog at ports in Durban and Richard’s Bay.
Briefing the media on the Cabinet meeting that took place on Wednesday, Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, said Transnet is making intensive efforts to mobilise equipment, such as cranes, from all over the world to ensure a successful execution of its implementation plan.
“The progress made by Transnet in clearing most of the backlog at the Cape Town Container Terminal, with only one vessel at anchorage, is encouraging. Transnet remains committed to working with all role-players to address the challenges within the logistics sector,” the Minister said on Thursday.
Last week, Transnet said it was implementing a number of urgent interventions to address the backlogs at the Port of Durban and to ease the congestion at Richards Bay.
At the time, Transnet said the backlog was being caused by factors including inclement weather conditions and equipment availability.
Transnet Board Chairperson, Andile Sangqu, said: “The problem of port congestion is a complex one and it is something that was due to happen at some point, as a result of many years of underinvestment in equipment and its maintenance.
“We are working on a number of measures to turn the situation around. We need to caution that this is going to take some time as the lead times for some of the equipment is anything from 12 to 18 months. The team is working around the clock to procure this important equipment, to ensure our port facilities are in line with global best practice”.
Infrastructure development
Meanwhile, Cabinet has welcomed progress that is being achieved in the development and revitalisation of infrastructure for social development.
“In this regard, Cabinet is pleased by the opening of Dr Pixley Ka Isaka Seme Memorial Hospital in eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal. The hospital, which was opened by President Cyril Ramaphosa, will service the growing healthcare needs of the approximately 1.5 million residents of Inanda, Ntuzuma and Kwa-Mashu, and communities in adjacent areas,” Ntshavheni said.
In addition, Cabinet has also welcomed the opening of the uMgungundlovu Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college (Msinga campus) in KwaZulu-Natal by the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, Dr Blade Nzimande.
The TVET college campus that was built at a cost of R143.5 million offers training in areas such as Farming Management and Mechatronics, amongst others.
“This campus is part of government’s commitment to ensure that there is at least one TVET college per district, and more than one in districts with a larger geographic spread. It is part of government’s continued and intentional investment to improve access to post-matric education, as part of equipping the nation for the future,” Cabinet said. - SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Thu, 11/30/2023 - 15:43
Call to end discrimination against people with albinism
The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities has joined the National Albinism Task Force of South Africa (NATF) in calling for the end of discrimination, hostility and violence against people with albinism.
The call was made ahead of the court appearance of South African traditional healer Bongolethu “Dr Khehlelezi” Mzozo over a video shared on YouTube in April 2023 that spreads misinformation about people with albinism.
Following the release of the video, in line with Section 20 of the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act 2000 (PEPUDA) (No 4, 2000), the Thembisilemadlala Albinism Foundation, supported by the NATF, lodged a case with the Equality Court against Khehlelezi, arguing that the video was discriminatory and amounts to “hate speech” against people with albinism.
While the case involving Khehlelezi is the issue at hand, the department noted there is a more significant need for addressing discrimination and hate speech against people with albinism.
The department said the approach by the NATF, in collaboration with the KwaZulu-Natal Sport, Arts and Culture is to initiate stakeholder engagement conversations, with the aim of having a National Safety Plan for Persons with Albinism.
The department said it has since begun working closely to collaborate with the NATF and Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (KZN) to initiate the conversation by facilitating the first Social Cohesion Community Outreach programme.
“The programme aims to raise awareness of the underlying traditional myths and practices that potentially perpetuate stigma and discrimination against, and the persecution of persons with albinism,” the department said.
Meanwhile, people with albinism and organisations, will today convene at Gandhi Park in Verulam, KwaZulu-Natal for the continuation of the equality court case hearing between the albinism sector and Mzozo, which is taking place at the Verulam Magistrate Court.– SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 11/30/2023 - 09:26
But SASSA says it is inefficient and unsustainable to transport cash to a “handful of people”.
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal – The Durban Chemicals Cluster (DCC) Business Accelerator held its annual “Dragons’ Den” event at The Pearls in Umhlanga Rocks on Tuesday, 28 November 2023. Emulating the renowned Dragons’ Den format, 11 emerging Black-owned enterprises passionately presented their ventures to a panel of influential ‘Dragons’ who are driving the meaningful transformation of the …
July unrest 'instigator' Mdumiseni Zuma slapped with 12-year jail sentence
The Pietermaritzburg Regional Court this week sentenced Mdumiseni Khetha Zuma to an effective 12 years imprisonment for instigating the 2021 July unrest in KwaZulu-Natal.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the 36-year-old’s conviction comes after contravening Sections 17 and 18 of the Riotous Assemblies Act, where he incited people to gather and commit public violence.
“This was done by making an inciteful video, pertaining to the Brookside Mall, and distributing it on the WhatsApp platform. The charges relate to the incidents of looting and public violence, which occurred in July 2021 in parts of the country, especially KwaZulu-Natal.
This, according to the NPA, resulted in the Brookside Mall in Pietermaritzburg being looted and burnt to the ground.
According to the statement, Senior State Advocate Yuri Gangai led the evidence of video footage, audio clips and the testimony of a guard who worked at the mall.
Gangai further led the evidence of two experts who translated the audio clips.
“In aggravation of sentence, Gangai led the testimony of the manager of the mall, at the time it was burned,” said the NPA.
The manager told the court that the estimated damage caused by the looting and fire was approximately R500 million.
“He further stated that the mall serviced five different communities, as well as about 5 000 people who collected their SASSA [South African Social Security Agency] grants there.
“They have all been adversely affected by the burning down of the mall,” the NPA said.
Zuma was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for count one, two years of which are suspended for five years on condition that he is not convicted of the same offences during the period of suspension.
He was also sentenced to six years in prison, of which two years are to run concurrently with count one.
“This results in the effective sentence of 12 years direct imprisonment,” the NPA explained.
While the NPA in KwaZulu-Natal has finalised several cases in respect of the July 2021 unrest, the agency said this was the first conviction where an individual has been convicted and subsequently sentenced for inciting the unrest.
“We hope that this sentence serves as a deterrent to others who intend on engaging in similar offences. We commend the working relationship between the DPCI [Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation] KZN and the prosecution,” the NPA said. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 11/29/2023 - 13:56
KZN Transport condemns rape of female security officers
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport says it is appalled at the attack and rape of three female security officers by criminals targeting departmental offices in the eThekwini region.
The incident happened as the country observes the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children campaign.
According to reports, heavily armed criminals entered the Department of Transport offices in Merebank, south of Durban, on Monday at around 02:30am.
While three male security officers, who belong to the private security company contracted to the department were kept hostage, the three female officers, who were held at gunpoint in another room, were sexually assaulted and raped.
“The criminals also stole departmental work tools, which are used for road maintenance and other assets. The female staff have been taken in for medical examination and cases have been opened with the police,” the department said.
The department said an investigating team has also visited the department's offices to initiate an investigation and are giving this case high priority.
After hearing the incident, Transport Community Safety and Liaison MEC, Sipho Hlomuka, immediately assigned the Head of Department, Siboniso Mbhele, to urgently visit the site and to engage with other staff members, who were still traumatised.
After meeting with the office management and staff, Mbhele said the department will look closely at the issue of improving security in the department’s offices and urged the police to move with speed in arresting the suspects.
Mbhele said the incident will affect staff morale and seriously impact on service delivery.
“The cruelty by these criminals against female security officers is unacceptable. Crime against women must be condemned by all of us, more so during such the critical campaign of no violence against women and children.
“We appeal to the police to activate a high-level investigating team and bring these heartless criminals to book. We are also addressing the security improvement in our premises to protect staff and our equipment,” Mbhele said.
Mbhele also appealed to the community to work with the police in reporting anyone who is selling departmental equipment.
He said the department has arranged for psycho-social services to assist the staff members at the centre to be able to continue with their daily duties.
The department within eThekwini has been the target of a criminal syndicate that attacks staff members at gunpoint, steal brush cutters and other equipment.
In another incident, a departmental grader was recovered in Camperdown. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 11/29/2023 - 11:32
Mashatile to lead World AIDS Day in KZN
Deputy President Paul Mashatile will on Friday, 1 December 2023, lead the official commemoration of World AIDS Day and launch of the South African Chapter of the Global Alliance to End AIDS in Children.
According to the Deputy President’s office, the country’s second-in-charge will address the World AIDS Day event in his capacity as the Chairperson of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC).
The event is scheduled to take place at Ngcedomhlophe Sports Field in the Mandeni Local Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal.
World AIDS Day is commemorated annually across the globe in solidarity with the millions of people living with HIV and to raise awareness about the status of the epidemic, to encourage HIV prevention, treatment and care.
The 2023 commemorations will focus on investing in and strengthening community-led interventions and community-centred approaches in the management of HIV.
“It further highlights the importance of greater involvement of civil society in strengthening accountability and empowering communities to be at the forefront of strategic interventions against stigma, discrimination and human rights violations of people affected and infected with HIV.”
South Africa, the Presidency said, joins the rest of the world in shining the light on the experiences of people living with HIV today, while celebrating the strength, resilience and diversity of the communities most affected.
Deputy President Mashatile will lead the commemoration event alongside the SANAC Civil Society Chairperson Steve Letsike, Health Minister, Dr Joe Phaahla, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube, KwaZulu-Natal Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane and various sector leaders.
The event will be attended by members of the surrounding communities as well as representatives from development partners such as the United Nations agencies, the United States government, research entities, civil society movements and the private sector. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 11/28/2023 - 11:32
Investment in teaching and learning infrastructure pays off
Gabi Khumalo
Government’s commitment to strengthening and developing the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) sector, has brought about change to the community of Msinga.
The community recently witnessed the opening of a new state-of-the-art campus of the uMgungundlovu Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College.
Officially opened by Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande, the Msinga Campus which is located in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, is part of the response to the community, which has been calling for the building and upgrading of the college.
This commitment to strengthening the PSET sector was made through investing in infrastructure to provide quality teaching, learning and research, and innovation spaces.
The campus, which was built by the Department of Higher Education and Training, as part of its TVET Infrastructure Development Programme, is funded in part through the National Skills Fund (NSF) and the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETA).
The R143 561 753.44 Msinga campus commenced with formal programme provision at the new site in January 2022. To date, the campus has three buildings.
These include the administration block that contains offices, a staff room, exam centre and the official reception site. The theory building consists of two computer laboratories that can accommodate up to 70 students each, and double sized classrooms. Included on the campus is an engineering block that consists of four workshops, as well as smaller skills venues on the upper floor.
Programmes offered
The campus offers National Accredited Technical Education Diploma (NATED) programmes, including Nated Public Management (N4-N6), Nated Business Management (N4 – N6) and Farming Management.
The campus also offers a new National Certificate Vocational programme in Mechatronics Level 2 – Level 4, which the Minister described as a cutting edge Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) programme.
The decision to offer this programme to the young people of Msinga according to Nzimande was because “we want this youth to be highly skilled and be able to compete at any level with the youth that is based in urban areas, including competing with the any youth at an international level.”
“Mechatronics is a multidisciplinary field that refers to the skill sets needed in the contemporary, advanced automated manufacturing industry. Mechatronics specialists work with massive industrial robots, smaller robots in pick-and-place operations, control systems for bottling or packaging of food and drink products, drones, designing control systems for rides in amusement parks, [and] prototype development.
“Some mechatronics specialists are employed in firms where it is necessary to design and maintain automatic equipment [and] this includes industries such as manufacturing, mining, aviation, robotics, defence, and transport. Other mechatronic specialists are employed by large manufacturing companies involved in high-volume production,” Nzimande explained.
Nzimande also highlighted that mechatronics is a financially lucrative career with the average mechatronic engineer earning around R360 000 per year or R185 per hour in South Africa. He said the entry-level positions start at R300 000 per year, while most experienced workers make up to R4 050 000 per year and more.
Investment
The Department of Higher Education and Training has identified the expansion of the TVET sector as a national priority in the Post-School Education and Training system. This as 13 new campuses have been identified for development with three existing campuses identified for additional buildings.
“We have embarked on this intense expansion programme to ensure that our post school education and training sector produce[s] many technical and vocational skills and to also reinvigorate the South African construction industry and the economy in general,” Nzimande said.
The department has invested over R2.880 billion in the development and refurbishment of 16 new TVET campuses that will enable the expansion of the TVET system over the medium term.
Of the 16 sites, 10 campuses, including Thabazimbi, Umzimkhulu, Graaf-Reinet, Nongoma Msinga, Aliwal North, Kwagqikazi, Ngqungqushe, Nkandla A and Bhambanani are completed.
Nzimande said the three new campuses, including Greytown, Sterkspruit and Balfour are at their final stages of completion, while the remaining three sites of Vryheid, Giyani and Nkandla B will be completed by the end of the 2023/24 financial year with enrolments planned for 2024/25.
Skills
The Minister reiterated the vision and objective for the public TVET colleges sector, which is to expand and strengthen the TVET sub-system in order to provide quality technical and vocational education and training to prepare students for the world of work, self-employment and other forms of sustainable livelihoods.
However, Nzimande acknowledged the constraints caused by skills ‘mismatches,’ --as being real and perceived-- towards the attainment of the TVET colleges’ objective, particularly the ability to grow the country’s economy, which further perpetuates a barrier to social inclusion and poverty reduction.
In response to this mismatch, the department has since developed a one country one skills plan – the Master Skills Plan, which is an implementation plan of the Human Resource Development Strategy.
“In order for our sector to invest in relevant skills development, we are also using the National List of Occupations in High Demand (OIHD) in South Africa, which is one of the many instruments that guides government’s investment in skills development.
“This list has 345 occupations that are in high demand [and] tells us which occupations are likely to have what vacancies and which occupations are likely to grow due to new investments, by both government and the private sector,” he said.
The Minister is confident that the skills that students will acquire at Msinga College, will take them to greater heights with prospects of a successful career.
To further illustrate government’s commitment to massify skills development, in 2018 the department embarked on a campaign to launch 26 Centres of Specialisation located in 19 of 50 TVET colleges prioritising 13 occupational trades in high demand.
This move aimed to curb the shortage of trade and occupational skills, while reducing unemployment and poverty.
The centres were provided with resources to upgrade their workshops and equipment to deliver effectively on much-needed skills.
“These Centres of Specialisation are well positioned to prepare students for the workplace, or for self-employment, through the maintenance of close working relationships with employers in their areas of study. We have also established entrepreneurship hubs at TVET Colleges to support students to move into self-employment after completion of their programmes.”
Artisans
Nzimande also believes that the country is well on track to produce 30 000 qualified artisans per year by 2030.
This follows the launch of the Decade of the Artisan campaign in 2013, which promotes artisanship as a career of choice for the youth.
Launched under the theme: “It’s cool to be a 21st Century Artisan”, the campaign ensures the development of the necessary artisans to successfully implement the country’s Strategic Infrastructure Projects, which include the construction of roads, schools, universities, harbours, power stations, and other social and economic infrastructure.
“The reality is that South Africa needs at least 60% of school leavers to pursue artisanal type training to meet the country’s demand for scarce skills. We honestly need to do more to encourage school leavers to pursue technical trades.
“Our Government’s National Development Plan (NDP) and our White Paper for Post-School Education and Training expects of us that by 2030, the country should be producing 30 000 qualified artisans per year. At present, our country is producing an average 20 000 qualified artisans per year,” Nzimande said.
He stressed the need to ensure that the number increase drastically leading up to 2030 for the country to realise the NDP target.
“We however do believe that we are well on track to attain this goal and even surpass it. The Msinga campus is very much part of this agenda and will help us greatly to produce more artisans.”
Nzimande said with the current challenges within different sectors in society, more artisans are needed than ever before and the work of artisans will always be guaranteed.
Progress made to date, shows that government is burning the candle at both ends. – SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Tue, 11/28/2023 - 15:37
While South African schoolchildren eagerly anticipate the end-of-year holiday, for many this is a six-week break without regular daily meals. To bridge this nutritional gap, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN)-based NPO, Zero2Five Trust has partnered with Durban’s Victor Daitz Foundation to implement a holiday nutrition and fun programme for more than 4 000 families in rural areas of …
Survey shows decrease in those living with HIV in SA
A new survey has found that the percentage of people living with the HIV virus in South Africa has decreased from 14% in 2017 to 12.7% in 2022.
This translates, according to the latest data, to about 7.8 million people living with HIV in South Africa in 2022 compared to 7.9 million in 2017.
This key finding is contained in the sixth South African National HIV Prevalence, Incidence, and Behaviour (SABSSM VI) survey released on Monday by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC).
The survey highlights the progress toward ending HIV in South Africa, which remains the epicentre of the HIV endemic in the world.
The HSRC’s Divisional Executive of the Public Health, Societies, and Belonging Division, Professor Khangelani Zuma, said several factors contribute to HIV prevalence.
“These factors include fewer people getting infected with HIV, more children born HIV-negative, AIDS-related mortality, and people aging and dying from natural causes,” Zuma, who is also the survey’s principal investigator explained.
In addition, he said the increase in the population of the birth of HIV-negative babies would also increase the denominator of HIV-negative people in the country.
“The epidemic curve also shows an aging population of people living with HIV who are living longer as the epidemic stabilises,” he added.
In addition, the 2022 survey shows significant progress toward the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS) 95-95-95 targets.
UNAIDS envisions that by 2025, 95% of all people living with HIV have to be aware of their HIV status, 95% of those aware of their status to be on antiretroviral treatment (ART), and 95% of those on treatment to achieve viral load suppression.
Meanwhile, the survey indicated that among those aged 15 and older living with HIV in South Africa in 2022, 90% were aware of their status, 91% of those aware of their status were on ART and 94% of those on ART were virally suppressed.
“This is an improvement compared to 2017 when the UNAIDS target was 90-90-90 but South Africa achieved 85%-71%-87%.”
This is attributed to the change in treatment guidelines in 2016, which made provision for treatment to be given to everyone requiring HIV treatment immediately regardless of their clinical status, which previously needed to include a CD4 count below 500 cells/mm3.
The data also revealed that 81% of people aged 15 and older living with HIV were virally suppressed in 2022 compared to 62% in 2017.
Viral suppression, the HSRC noted, was higher (83%) among women when compared to men (79%) and lower (70%) among younger adults aged 15 to 24.
The lowest percentage of viral load suppression (66%) was among men aged between 25 and 34.
According to the survey, half of all young men aged between 15 and 24 were medically circumcised compared to 43% in 2017.
“This is an important achievement as studies have shown that male circumcision can reduce the risk of heterosexual HIV transmission by approximately 60%.”
Gaps
While the research indicates that progress has been made, the survey also shows gaps that remain in addressing the HIV epidemic in South Africa.
The impact of the HIV epidemic in South Africa is unequal across geographic regions and populations, particularly affecting black Africans, women, and young people.
HIV prevalence varied geographically, ranging from 8% in the Western Cape to 22% in KwaZulu-Natal among the 15-year-olds and older.
Furthermore, HIV prevalence was nearly twice as high among women (20%) compared to men (12%).
By race, HIV prevalence was the highest among black Africans (20%), followed by Coloureds (5%), and lowest among Whites and Indians/Asians (1% each).
“The most pronounced differences in HIV prevalence by sex were seen among younger populations, which calls for focused interventions,” Zuma explained.
Among females, HIV prevalence was highest in ages 35 to 39 to years at 34.2%, whereas among males, HIV prevalence was highest in ages 45 to 49 years at 27.1%.
Compared to males, HIV prevalence was approximately two-fold higher in females aged 15 to 19 (5.7% versus 3.1%), and 20 to 24 years (8% versus 4%), and three-fold higher in females aged 25 to 29 (19.5% versus 6.3%).
SABSSM VI is a large cross-sectional, population-based household survey conducted from January 2022 to April 2023.
The survey marks 20 years, with the first survey commissioned and funded by former President Nelson Mandela through his Foundation in 2001. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 11/27/2023 - 13:33
Neighbour slashed my tyres because I’m black, then ran away from the police, states complainant in criminal case
All systems go for KZN vehicle licence numbering system rollout
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport is confident with the state of readiness for the rollout of the new vehicle licence numbering system for the province, which will commence on 1 December 2023.
The department said in the new system, the number plates will not depict the towns and demarcation, but will instead have a continuous numbering system, and all registration numbers issued in the province will be depicted as “ZN”.
The department said the changes to the new license numbering system are prompted by the fact that some of the towns have run out of numbers.
“The operationalisation and commencement of the new numbering system also follows a number of consultations with various stakeholders, including the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), South African Bureau of Standards (SABS), and manufactures of blank number plates.
The security features will also assist in the fight against crime.
“The department has tested the ENaTIS (Electronic National Administration Traffic Information System) system and can confirm that the system is now able to activate the new numbering system, supported by RTMC,” the department said.
As part of the process, the department said the final gazette is expected to be published on 30 November 2023.
The gazette has incorporated inputs and views from various stakeholders and the public since the issuing of the first gazette early in November 2023.
The provincial Motor Licensing Bureaus (MLBs) and Road Traffic Information (RTI) will from Tuesday, attend a workshop on changes brought about by the system and its requirements.
The department said registering authorities in the province will also be provided with ongoing support to ensure that the implementation is with limited challenges, if any at all.
“The first phase of the new numbering will cater for the registration of new motor vehicles, re-registration of vehicles to new owners, stolen vehicles that are recovered and re-licenced onto the owner’s name and government vehicles. The first phase will commence from 1 December 2023 to 28 February 2024.
“The second phase will commence on 1 March 2024 catering for all vehicle owners to migrate from the current system to a new system. Throughout the 24-month implementation period, motorists will be given 21 months, starting from 1 March 2024, to voluntary migrate to the new system, after which it will be mandatory,” the department explained. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 11/27/2023 - 10:58
Ample space available for children in need, KZN assures
The KwaZulu-Natal Social Development Department has reassured the public that there is ample space available to accommodate children in need of care and protection in uMgungundlovu District.
This follows recent reports circulating in some media outlets suggesting that there is a lack of space in Child and Youth Care Centres (CYCC) in uMgungundlovu District.
“We wish to clarify that our CYCCs in the uMgungundlovu District are not operating at full capacity. Recent headlines conveyed misinformation, implying that children were left without shelter due to space constraints in facilities.
“The department categorically dismisses these claims and wants to reassure the public that there is ample space available to accommodate children in need of care and protection. This marks the first instance of encountering such misinformation, considering our longstanding commitment to providing safe and nurturing environments for children across the district,” the department said in a statement.
According to the department, Social Development maintains a strong working relationship with private children's centres, and none of them have raised concerns about space shortages, as they know that when children first come to them, they can contact State facilities.
The department, which is the custodian of children’s rights, has called on citizens with children in distress to contact its office.
“Our CYCCs have a commendable track record, consistently upholding the highest standards of care for the children entrusted with our care. We urge the public to rely on accurate information and refrain from spreading unfounded panic.
“The department is fully equipped to handle cases involving vulnerable children and there is no shortage of space in our CYCCs. It is crucial that individuals encountering children in distress immediately contact our State social workers to ensure proper placement,” the department said.
The provincial department has also encouraged the public to collaborate with them by utilising the State CYCCs to collectively provide a secure and caring environment for children facing challenging circumstances.
“Dedicated to promoting the well-being of individuals, families and communities in the province, the department focuses on child and youth care, operating CYCCs to ensure the safety and protection of children in need,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 11/24/2023 - 10:34
Nine judges in three courts have now ruled that Ezulweni Investments had a binding contract with the ANC
President Ramaphosa opens Dr Pixley Ka Isaka Seme Memorial Hospital
The opening of the Dr Pixley Ka Isaka Seme Memorial Hospital is a reflection of government’s commitment to advancing the call of the Freedom Charter.
The Charter calls for free medical care and hospitalisation to be provided for all and for the health of women and children to be prioritised.
President Cyril Ramaphosa said this at the official opening of the Dr Pixley Ka Isaka Seme Memorial Hospital in Kwa-Mashu, KwaZulu-Natal, on Friday.
“This facility has been built in response to the growing pressing healthcare needs of the approximately 1.5 million residents of Kwa-Mashu, Inanda, Ntuzuma and the surrounding communities in northern Durban.
“It will relieve pressure on the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hospital and Addington Hospital, and will cater for inpatients at a regional level, with referrals from surrounding district level facilities,” he said.
The President highlighted that data from the Census 2022 points not just to a growing population, but confirms that the vast majority of South Africans rely on the public sector to meet their healthcare needs.
Another report published this month by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) furthermore points to the growing healthcare burden of non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic lower respiratory diseases, cancers and others.
“With more people living with non-communicable diseases, it is essential that healthcare systems respond accordingly at a primary healthcare level, particularly with regards to regular screening to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment. This facility will play a critical role in this regard,” he said.
He added that it is pleasing to note that the hospital has an active primary healthcare outreach programme that is bringing much-needed healthcare services closer to the people.
Services
The commissioning of the hospital was implemented in a phased approach from August 2021. First radiology was commissioned, followed by optometry and dermatology, and the migration of Internal Medicine from Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hospital.
In January this year, the Emergency Department commenced with providing services. Currently all emergency cases in the north of eThekwini are taken directly from the scene, from primary healthcare centers, community healthcare centers and district hospitals.
The facility offers an impressive range of services including critical care, dental, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, psychological services, dietetics, audiology, social work and many more.
The hospital also has a strong academic and research component and is one of the centers for postgraduate medical training, as well as providing rotation for final year medical students from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
This hospital is also the first government hospital in the province to adopt an insourced model in components such as security, cleaning, laundry and food services.
With respect to human resources, out of the approved hospital establishment of 1 513, a total of 1 383 posts have already been filled as of end September 2023. The construction of the facility itself supported job creation and small business development.
The President said he had no doubt that the hospital will improve the health outcomes of all the communities it serves.
“We have no doubt that the people of this community and of this province know that we are [a] government that prioritises the needs of all, but especially of society’s most vulnerable.”
President Ramaphosa further said he was honoured to be present at the official opening of the hospital and that there can be no more befitting a name for this facility than that of the great Dr. Pixley Ka Isaka Seme.
He lauded him as a man who was the moving spirit behind the formation of the African National Congress, the oldest liberation movement in the African continent.
“He was a committed Pan-Africanist and a humanist, who famously spoke of a brighter day rising upon Africa; and of an Africa whose sons and daughters who would one day walk in the light of progress, freedom and equality.
Healthcare for all
President Ramaphosa added that the hospital stands as a testament to government’s commitment to ensure that the right to life, the right to quality healthcare, and the right to equality will never be qualified, or determined on the basis of where you live, or how much or little you have.
As the country will mark 30 years of democracy next year, the President said it will be a time to reflect on how far we have come in realising the aspirations of the Freedom Charter, the Constitution with its Bill of Rights, and the National Development Plan.
“That we are a country that is able to provide quality healthcare services, free, to the population can certainly be counted as amongst our greatest achievements.
“That we are moving ahead with the introduction of National Health Insurance that will further democratise access to healthcare services, is something of which we can be proud,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Fri, 11/24/2023 - 14:21