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Wonderful blog websites about pool covers that are informative and enjoyable to read In the beginning… In the modern, ever-changing world, the possession of a swimming pool is considered a luxury that many people covet. It is absolutely necessary to make an investment in a pool cover in order to guarantee that your pool will …
Wellington’s Tyron Adams crowned 2023 Boerewors Champion! Tyron Adams (31) is the winner of the 2023 Shoprite and Checkers Championship Boerewors competition. The Wellington-born chef was up against nine other finalists from across the country at the grand finale held in Somerset West, Cape Town, on 26 August. “I am ecstatic! This was totally unexpected, …
Business seminar to empower KZN entrepreneurs
The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) in collaboration with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs (KZN EDTEA) will on Tuesday host the eThekwini Business Seminar at the Durban Exhibition Centre.
According to the dtic, this event is specifically designed to provide valuable information and insights on funding opportunities within the agencies of the dtic and KZN EDTEA.
With a primary focus on supporting emerging and disadvantaged businesses, the eThekwini Business Seminar aims to equip local entrepreneurs with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed in today's competitive business landscape.
Speakers at the seminar will include the Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Nomalugelo Gina, the KZN EDTEA Member of Executive Committee (MEC), Siboniso Duma and eThekwini Executive Mayor, Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda.
Their collective expertise and commitment to driving economic growth will undoubtedly contribute to the success of this event.
Deputy Minister Nomalungelo Gina explains that the eThekwini Business Seminar seeks to attract a diverse audience including local businessmen, representatives from various state entities and agencies of both the dtic and KZN EDTEA.
“We seek to foster knowledge sharing, collaboration, and partnership opportunities, to educate emerging and disadvantaged businesses about the range of funding opportunities available within the dtic and the KZN EDTEA, to facilitate knowledge sharing and to create a platform for meaningful interactions between state entities and local businesses,” Gina said.
The Deputy Minister said the purpose of the seminar is to enable entrepreneurs to leverage funding support packages for their identified projects and to facilitate networking and relationship-building between local businesses and state entities to promote collaboration and foster economic growth.
She said the forum presents a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs to not only gain valuable insights into funding instruments within the agencies of the dtic and KZN EDTEA but also to forge meaningful connections with state entities and fellow business leaders. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 08/25/2023 - 08:58
BRICS women business alliance strategic catalysts for economic development
KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, has described the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance Africa Trade Conference as a resounding success and economically meaningful for women.
The BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) Women’s Business Alliance Africa Trade Conference was held this week at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli ICC in Durban and brought together over 500 women-led Small Medium Enterprises, from 18 countries, including Zambia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Saudi Arabia, Ghana, Tanzania, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and several other African countries.
The conference saw the signing of several partnership agreements worth billions of rand, which the Premier commended as strategic catalysts for economic development.
Dube-Ncube said, in the landscape of interconnected economies, multilateral trade and investment play an essential role in forging a path towards inclusive prosperity and a more resilient global economic order.
She said the deals are worth over R48.4 billion and over 120 000 jobs will be created across these projects.
“This marks a pioneering moment in our shared journey as women,” the Premier said.
Among the strategic partnership agreements that were signed during the conference was the Russia-South Africa Mobility Center on BRICS, with a projected investment value of R47million, which represents a ground-breaking collaboration between the United Immigration Center (Russia) and Africans Do Travel Pty Ltd (South Africa).
This partnership aims to establish a physical centre in South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal province, with a central goal of facilitating smooth cross-border mobility for education, work, and tourism.
“This initiative underscores the significant influence of population mobility in advancing global sustainable development and economic stability,” Dube-Ncube said.
In the sphere of infrastructure, the R1.96 billion Innovation and Building Technologies Centre of Excellence is set to be established through Private Public Partnership between Afuraka IBT Consortium, and Russia's Federal Autonomous Institution "RosKapStroy".
The centre aims to empower micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the construction sector to foster innovation, knowledge exchange, and skill enhancement for MSMEs, facilitating technologies transfer partnerships while promoting sustainable construction practices and eco-friendly technologies.
The signing of a Memorandum of Agreement also set on a dynamic agriculture and energy venture between China and South Africa.
The innovative multidimensional project, valued over R45 billion, seeks to seamlessly integrating marigold plantation and processing facility with an advanced 1GW solar production plant and beef production operation.
The Premier said the project will be established on a vast 3 000-hectare land parcel.
Regarding the medical and digital economy, a strategic joint venture emerged as the Africa-China AI Medics Platform, uniting Meridian Medical Network Corporation, EtaData, and Human Insights (Pty) Ltd.
The innovative partnership capitalises on expertise from China and South Africa, harnessing artificial intelligence, big data, and traditional medicine knowledge to shape the future of healthcare.
Dube-Ncube noted this collaboration aims to revolutionise African traditional medicine by creating a bridge to modern healthcare through the Africa-China AI Medics Platform, fostering economic growth, knowledge exchange, and healthcare accessibility.
“The project will commence with a pilot phase in South Africa, with an initial investment cost of R281.6 million, before expanding to other countries across the African continent,” the Premier explained.
The conference also witnessed the revolutionary IntelliBiz KZN portal geared towards pulsating business intelligence for economic advancement and progress.
The Premier said the ground-breaking initiative is led by prominent Chinese tech firm and a leading South African enterprise, aimed at shaping the digital economy.
“This innovative collaboration aims to provide the KwaZulu-Natal Government with valuable insights into a diverse business community across sectors and an estimated investment of over R846 million over three years, creating 61 600 new jobs.
“Aligned with KwaZulu-Natal Government's growth agenda, this venture seeks to develop a state-of-the-art KZN Smart business cloud platform that will empower enterprises, entrepreneurs, government entities and other stakeholders through corporate and data resources serving as a catalyst of economic development in KwaZulu-Natal,” Dube-Ncube highlighted.
Building upon this foundation, she said, the goal is to foster robust collaboration between the South African government and society, culminating in the establishment of a harmonious business ecological model that facilitates efficient and collaborative development across government and enterprise sectors.
The conference further witnessed multilateral collaboration between Apollo Hospitals Group, the Health Accelerator and Zayna Africa Holdings.
Dube-Ncube noted that the Health Precinct initiative holds the potential to transform healthcare standards and spur economic growth across India and South Africa.
With Apollo Hospitals Group's extensive medical expertise, she said the initiative aims to revolutionise healthcare across Africa, beginning in KwaZulu-Natal.
“Focused on health infrastructure development, medical education, combating various disease burdens, public health initiatives, technological innovation, research, telemedicine, medical tourism, and more, this partnership aims to create comprehensive healthcare solutions.
“By addressing critical aspects of healthcare delivery and accessibility, from education to technology, this project aspires to enhance healthcare across borders and contribute to global advancements in the field,” Dube-Ncube said.
“In the landscape of interconnected economies, multilateral trade and investment play an essential role in forging a path towards inclusive prosperity and a more resilient global economic order,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 08/25/2023 - 12:03
The number of Metrorail passenger journeys have dropped by 46-million since 2013, but gains have been made over the last year
The existing State Land Disposal Act could be used to fast track the use of public land for human settlement
Today we had a look at our MyPR.co.za web site statistics for the month to date of August 2023. We have deployed our own hosted stats software and have been closely watching and comparing these stats – with Google Ananlytics and our global Server Statistics programmes – in order to check the veracity of the …
Port Shepstone continues to drive business and investment on the KZN South Coast with the latest development – the Port Shepstone Intermodal Facility – further entrenching this coastal town’s status as a business hub. The estimated R550-million facility will increase accessibility to this key financial destination while opening up investment opportunities in the retail sector. …
The Boxer Super Run will create an unforgettable experience for all participants on Sunday 15 October 2023 when it floods the streets of Durban with waves of 5km excitement. “The 5km distance is a global favourite for various reasons,” says Lee-Ann Pillay, Boxer Superstores Head of Department: Marketing. “The popularity can be attributed to its …
Mercy Ships (www.MercyShips.Africa) hosted a three-day training course in Pietermaritzburg KwaZulu-Natal, to teach medical professionals how to administer safer anesthesia during surgeries. This initiative is part of an ongoing commitment to empower medical professionals in Africa through SAFE (safer anesthetics from education) courses. These courses are designed to enhance skills in obstetric and pediatric anesthesia delivery, and critical complications management during surgeries, resulting in improved safety standards and better healthcare outcomes.
The three-day training in Pietermaritzburg forms part of a broader series of eight specialized courses scheduled to take place throughout the country. These training programs are being conducted collaboratively with the South African Department of Health (DoH), the South African Society of Anesthesiologists (SASA), and Mercy Ships. Participants will have the invaluable opportunity to learn from seasoned Mercy Ships anesthetists and SASA instructors, who have a wealth of experience in teaching SAFE courses.
Each of the courses will be conducted over a three-day period and will provide a comprehensive and hands-on learning experience for medical professionals. The curriculum includes a mix of lectures, low-tech simulations, discussions, and roleplay to ensure participants gain practical skills and knowledge. The SAFE approach incorporates Mercy Ships' expertise alongside that of local instructors. These instructors undergo a rigorous “train the trainers” program, preparing them to serve as the in-country faculty of the future.
The courses are rooted in time-tested methods and insights gleaned from SAFE courses developed by the Association of Anesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland (AAGBI), ensuring the highest standards of training and education for medical professionals.
“As Mercy Ships, we are extremely proud to be a part of this transformative journey providing vital training to medical practitioners and contributing to safer anesthesia practices for the benefit of mothers and children. The support of the SASA and DoH officials has been instrumental in making these courses possible, ensuring the growth of medical capabilities and the overall well-being of patients in the region,” says Brenda van Straten, Director of Mercy Ships, South Africa.
Dr Caroline Corbett, President of SASA adds that the collaboration between the South African Society of Anaesthesiologists and Mercy Ships in the delivery of these SAFE courses will have an impact on our communities and our nation well beyond the program delivery itself. “The collective investment and prioritisation of access to and training in safe, quality healthcare for our most vulnerable patients inspires hope and builds towards the sustainability of healthcare resources required for our future. SASA looks forward to many more such initiatives and proudly acknowledges our members who have selflessly contributed their time to enabling these projects through the support of Mercy Ships,” says Dr Corbett. “It is through planting these foundations of education together that we are able to grow stronger, broader healthcare services and delivery.”
“It is a privilege to be part of a team striving towards learning, improving and enhancing skills in Paediatric Anaesthesia. Knowledge changes uncertainty and fear into confident safe practices. Thank you to Mercy Ships, DOH and faculty for your support and commitment to making this course successful,” comments Dr Chantal Rajah, Facilitator of the Pietermaritzburg course.
Over the past two years, Mercy Ships has forged a dynamic partnership with SASA, addressing an urgent need within the country. This collaboration has led to the successful delivery of these courses in South Africa, empowering medical professionals to elevate their skills and bolster patient care.
All the courses are designed to enhance the skills of qualified medical professionals, ensuring safer anesthesia practices for mothers and children. Mercy Ships is fully funding these courses, and participation is offered free of charge to the attendees. Notably, the DoH has generously extended its support to ensure the success of these training programs, demonstrating its dedication to improving medical capabilities and patient safety.
The training in Pietermaritzburg was held from August 18th to 20th at Northdale Hospital. The remaining courses scheduled for this year include September 13th to 15th SAFE Paeds Gqeberha, Livingstone Hospital; September 22nd to 24th SAFE Obs Mbombela, Mpumalanga, and December 1st to 6th SAFE Obs and Paeds, East London.
Of note, Mercy Ships successfully conducted three training courses earlier this year, reflecting its steadfast dedication to nurturing medical excellence. These courses included: February 17th to 19th SAFE Paeds Gqeberha, Livingstone Hospital; February 27th to March 1st SAFE Obs + Training of the Trainers, Bloemfontein Kopano Nokeng; and July 28th to 30th SAFE Obs Limpopo, Polokwane, St Maria's. One of the recent courses took place at Northdale Hospital, KwaZulu Natal, where officials from the DoH, SASA, and Mercy Ships came together to support local medical professionals in their pursuit of excellence.
The ongoing partnership between Mercy Ships, SASA, and the DoH exemplifies a shared commitment to enhance healthcare delivery and improve medical capabilities across South Africa. By empowering medical professionals with specialized training, these organizations collectively strive to make a positive impact on anesthesia care ensuring safer procedures for mothers and children throughout South Africa.
For further information about the upcoming courses or to inquire about participation, please visit Mercy Ships' website https://MercyShips.co.za/. Together, we can make a significant difference, accelerating access to surgical care and surgical education and creating a brighter future for communities.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mercy Ships.
For More Information Contact:
Brenda van Straten
Director, South Africa, Mercy Ships
Email: info.zaf@mercyships.org
Website: www.MercyShips.co.za
Diane Rickard
International Media Relations Manager
Mercy Ships
Email: international.media@mercyships.org
Press page: https://apo-opa.info/44mzxke
About Mercy Ships:
Mercy Ships operates hospital ships that deliver free surgeries and other healthcare services to those with little access to safe medical care. An international faith-based organization, Mercy Ships has focused entirely on partnering with African nations for the past three decades. Working with in-country partners, Mercy Ships also provides training to local healthcare professionals and supports the construction of in-country medical infrastructure to leave a lasting impact.
Each year, more than 3,000 volunteer professionals from over 60 countries serve on board the world's two largest non-governmental hospital ships, the Africa Mercy® and the Global Mercy™. Professionals such as surgeons, dentists, nurses, health trainers, cooks, and engineers dedicate their time and skills to accelerate access to safe surgical, obstetric and anaesthetic care. Mercy Ships was founded in 1978 and has offices in 16 countries as well as an Africa Service Center in Dakar, Senegal. For more information, visit MercyShips.co.za and follow @MercyShips on social media.
S’thesha Waya Waya initiative puts food on the table
The promise to end unemployment, poverty and inequality in KwaZulu-Natal has been given a boost with the province's revitalised S’thesha Waya Waya initiative.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC, Bongi Sithole-Moloi, handed over contracts to the beneficiaries of the Community Work Program (CWP), as part of government’s S’thesha Waya Waya (meaning working throughout), recently.
The balance of the contracts will be served later to make 17 000 employees in total so far.
Speaking at the handing over ceremony held at Harry Gwala Stadium in Pietermaritzburg, Dube-Ncube said the programme has changed lives by placing food on tables.
“The workers are all deployed in all municipalities doing road maintenance, cleaning and gardening. About 2000 have already received their signed contracts and their work tools in a symbolic demonstration of the dawning of a new chapter in their lives,” Dube-Ncube said.
Under the Community Work Programme, located in the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, the province has pledged to employ 45 000 individuals but the figure has been exceeded with the absorption of 48 000 employees.
Sithole-Moloi said the overarching goal of the province is to eliminate unemployment across all districts and, working with the Department of Labour, all participants will be properly registered and entitled to benefits including the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF).
“We stand committed to delivering on the promises outlined during the presentation of our budget policy early this year. We urge all the beneficiaries to take advantage of training opportunities that will enhance their skills to broaden their prospects for future roles and to use the S’thesha Waya Waya program as reference when applying for other job in future," she said.
eMisebenzi/e-Recruitment Portal
The Premier used the occasion to officially launch the eMisebenzi/e-Recruitment Portal, an online jobs platform that consolidates all provincial government vacant job opportunities, including the state-owned agencies.
The online platform, which is accessible to the public from any location, has a multitude of job opportunities.
During the launch, over 2 000 permanent jobs from various departments were made available on the platform which is accessed via the www.kznonline.gov.za.
The Premier demonstrated how applicants can submit their applications without using their data, and encouraged job seekers to apply for job openings they qualify for through the user-friendly online portal.
Since the opening of the portal last week, about 100 000 applications have already been received, with over 2 100 posts deposited during the launch.
“As we stated during the State of the Province Address and subsequent Budget Votes, job opportunities for young people and mass employment for all has been identified as one of the key priorities of our term [and] government has a critical role to intervene on behalf of the vulnerable especially in times of crisis.
“Having identified jobs as a priority, the province established a Jobs War Room which has now facilitated over 500 000 job opportunities, especially through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) across sectors in KwaZulu-Natal.
“Through the departmental programmes in the 2022/23 financial year, 89 297 jobs were created, and over 292 248 jobs will be created in the 2023/24 financial year,” Dube-Ncube said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 08/21/2023 - 15:08
The South African property market remains an attractive investment for foreigners looking for quality yet affordable seaside locations. While the Western Cape has long dominated this market, the warm coastline of KwaZulu-Natal has emerged as an appealing destination, with the KZN South Coast now a dominant player in the property market. “There are a number …
Strategic agreements signed at BRICS women business alliance conference
Delegates attending the BRICS Women Business Alliance (WBA) Africa Trade Conference, have witnessed the signing of partnership agreements, which will pave the way towards building trade platforms with various countries.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube is leading the Provincial Government’s participation at the annual BRICS Women’s Business Alliance Africa Trade Conference, currently underway at Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (ICC) in Durban.
The conference, taking place from 20-21 August 2022, brings together over 500 women-led Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs), from 18 countries, including Zambia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Saudi Arabia, Ghana, Tanzania, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, amongst others.
Dube-Ncube said the conference is a significant global milestone in the struggle for women empowerment, and it strategically takes place ahead of the Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa (BRICS) Summit to be attended by over 30 Heads of State and Government from across Africa from 22-24 August 2024.
She said they are inspired that the gathering will discuss among others, access to funding, trade, investment among BRICS nations and Africa, and facilitation of exports.
Dube-Ncube said the conference will also highlight crucial deliberations on establishing a Women Advancement Fund, aimed at providing women entrepreneurs with vital access to capital, nurturing the growth of women-led businesses, and propelling economic activity and job generation.
The Women Business Alliance will also expedite discussions on BRICS Tourism development, gendered healthcare policies, and collaborative efforts to boost economic prospects for women
“This platform will help propel women to competitively participate and fully exploit opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA, a single market for goods and services.
“Similarly, the BRICS WBA Africa Trade Conference promises to be an unparalleled platform fostering collaboration among women-owned businesses and enterprises across BRICS and African nations,” Dube-Ncube said.
The two-day indaba, which was unveiled in 2020, takes place at the time which is characterised by a tectonic shift in the global world order, with the BRICS family of nations, which accounts for more than 23 percent of the global economic output, emerging as a strong counterbalance to the dominant global set up.
Welcoming hundreds of delegates on the first day of the conference on Sunday, Dube-Ncube said the problem statements for women globally may possess different nuances for different countries and world regions, but essentially they all boil to one – the total emancipation of women to enjoy equality with their male counterparts.
The summit is held under the theme: “The Role of Multi-lateral Trade and Investment in Economic Recalibration, Reconstruction and Recovery Plans”.
"The Role of Multilateral Trade and Investment in economic re-calibration, reconstruction and recovery plans is premised on collaboration and inclusivity of women in the broader development of women," Dube-Ncube said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 08/21/2023 - 13:45
Symposium to empower women in business
A symposium is to be held on Friday with the aim of providing women with equal access to business opportunities.
Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, together with KwaZulu-Natal Finance MEC, Peggy Nkonyeni, will lead the symposium.
The department said the business symposium, which forms part of Women’s Month celebrations, will focus on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement and empowering women to access business opportunities through public procurement.
“In an effort to deepen socio-economic opportunities for women's empowerment -- in line with the Women’s Month theme -- Dr Dlamini-Zuma and MEC Nkonyeni will outline the importance of making the AfCFTA agreement work to benefit both women and youth. The African continent and South Africa are endowed with mineral deposits and commodities that should benefit all Africans, particularly women and youth,” the department said in a statement.
Held under the theme, 'Knowledge is power, Ulwazi Lungamandla', the symposium (to be held at iLembe District Municipality) will see various well-packaged presentations by stakeholders from government, including the private sector from South Africa and Africa, with the intention of empowering women to tap into the African markets.
The symposium is expected to be attended by Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga, Health Deputy Minister Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube, the Mayor of iLembe District Municipality, Thobani Shandu and various senior leaders from the public and private sector. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 08/17/2023 - 10:46
Financial services provider, Ithala SOC Limited, has appointed Rikshana Jugoo as Head of Credit and Collections, effective 03 August 2023. At the centre of Ithala’s strategy is the focus on strengthening governance structures, regulatory compliance and appointing executives with requisite banking experience. Rikshana has a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Audit, Taxation, and Management Accounting …
Deputy President to chair Human Resource Development Council meeting
Deputy President Paul Mashatile is expected to chair the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) meeting at the Sol Plaatje University in Kimberley, in the Northern Cape.
The meeting is scheduled for Friday, 18 August.
The HRDC is a national multi-stakeholder advisory body, which includes representatives from government, labour, the private sector and civil society, led by the Deputy President.
“Its deliberations are carried over for implementation, through various measures and programmes aimed at achieving the strategic goals of the Human Resource Development Strategy Towards 2030,” the Presidency said in a statement on Wednesday.
In line with the council’s decision of strengthening the link and alignment between provincial councils and the HRDC at the national level, Deputy President Mashatile recently led the council to KwaZulu-Natal in May 2023.
The aim was to assess progress achieved by the province in implementing programmes and initiatives towards the attainment of the Human Resource Development Strategy Towards 2030.
As part of the resolutions of the fourth HRDC Summit, representatives of relevant social partners signed two social compacts.
These include ‘Building foundations for a transformed economy and society’ and ‘Building skills for a transformed economy and society’, while the third one will be signed on Friday in Kimberley.
Through this HRDC outreach led by the Deputy President, all the relevant partners have rallied behind the vision to invest in education and training, science and technology, geared to address the challenges of critical skills shortages and unemployment.
The meeting is expected to receive a presentation from the Northern Cape HRDC, which was recently relaunched and chaired by Premier Zamani Saul.
The presentation will provide an update on provincial efforts towards building the requisite skills required for economic development.
Cabinet Ministers, the Premier of the Northern Cape and senior government officials, will accompany Deputy President Mashatile. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 08/16/2023 - 15:44
Minister to establish panel to professionalise women sports
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Zizi Kodwa has committed to set up a panel of experts to lead the establishment of a blueprint to professionalise netball and football.
This follows Banyana Banyana making history as the first senior South African national women or men’s football team to progress beyond the group stages of the FIFA World Cup.
In addition, the SPAR Proteas fought gallantly as the host nation in the first ever Netball World Cup to take place on African soil.
Addressing the ministerial breakfast in Johannesburg, Kodwa expressed his disappointment that there are still discussions on the need for women to be paid equally with men in sport.
“Women’s rights are human rights. Women must at least be paid equally in sport. If we must, we will make laws to enforce equal pay. Women athletes made the 2023 Women’s Month a memorable one.
“I am so elated about these achievements. We owe it to them to do all in our power to afford them the recognition and support they deserve and more. May today’s celebrations be the catalyst for the continued honouring of our elite sports women,” he said on Thursday.
Prior to Banyana Banyana leaving for the FIFA World Cup, which took place in Australia and New Zealand, the team was embroiled in a pay dispute with the South Africa Football Association (SAFA).
According to media reports, the dispute with SAFA was over bonus payments and contracts.
In an effort to honour women in sport, Kodwa hosted a breakfast for Banyana Banyana and the SPAR Proteas, South Africa’s national women’s football and netball teams, respectively, to celebrate them for raising South Africa’s flag high.
“While government has supported efforts to boost women and youth sports development in the country, it cannot do it alone. All stakeholders must play a role in realising the aim to professionalise women’s football and netball.
“I challenge corporate SA to join the department in ensuring the as a country, we recognise, cultivate and celebrate excellence across sporting codes,” the Minister said.
South African netball team Captain Bongi Msomi spoke of the challenges experienced by women in sport due to the lack of support and recognition.
“A couple of our players have had the opportunity to play oversees based on their hard work. We take way less than what we deserve as women in sport. It is a shame that we have to go on the court constantly and compete against professional athletes.
“There will always be a gap. It does not matter how much effort we put in. Professionalising women sports is a step we have to take and it has to come with speed,” Msomi said.
Due to Banyana Banyana playing for university teams, Vice-Captain Thembi Kgatlana said their competitors at the World Cup undermined them.
“They couldn’t believe that we didn’t have a professional league. They called us students because the majority of us play in the Hollywoodbets and universities. They undermined us but we had a fighting spirit, which led us to qualify for the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup,” she said.
Reflecting on the past year, which has been challenging for her due to an injury and losing family members during the World cup, she emphasised that it was important for her to represent her country in the tournament.
“It was very difficult. I had not been with Banyana Banyana for a year because of my torn Achilles tendon that I got in July last year at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations. The first day I got to camp for the World Cup, I got a call to say my father’s aunt passed away.
“While I wanted to go home, I couldn’t because I was part of the team that was trying to sort out the issues that we had before the World Cup. The next morning, my great grandmother passed away.
“They gave me some time to be at home. Afterwards, I left for New Zealand and three days before the World Cup started, my aunt passed away because of womb cancer,” Kgatlana said.
While she was struggling with the news of her family members, Kgatlana ultimately decided to play in the tournament.
“Two days before the match with Italy, I missed training because I had a breakdown. It was very difficult but when I saw my teammates go to training and come back with smiles, I understood what was at stake, qualifying for the last 16. I got strength from my team. They prayed for me and supported me,” she said.
The Minister announced that his department’s infrastructure team will be hard at work at Cala Senior Secondary School and Mchawula High School in Cala, Eastern Cape, building netball courts.
“What set South Africa’s bid apart to host the 2023 Netball World Cup from the rest was its potential to build a legacy in the country. Government has contributed to this legacy by constructing up to 10 multipurpose sports courts in schools,” the Minister said.
These include schools in Hammarsdale, KwaZulu-Natal, as well as some in the Northern Cape and Gauteng. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 08/17/2023 - 11:31
Judge unfreezes bank accounts of KZN company
Symposium to empowerment women in business
A symposium is will be held on Friday with the aim of providing women equal access to business opportunities.
Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, together with KwaZulu-Natal Finance MEC, Peggy Nkonyeni, will lead the symposium.
The department said the business symposium, which forms part of Women’s Month celebrations, will focus on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement and empowering women to access business opportunities through public procurement.
“In an effort to deepen socio-economic opportunities for women's empowerment -- in line with the Women’s Month theme -- Dr Dlamini-Zuma and MEC Nkonyeni will outline the importance of making the AfCFTA agreement work to benefit both women and youth. The African continent and South Africa are endowed with mineral deposits and commodities that should benefit all Africans, particularly women and youth,” the department said in a statement.
Held under the theme, 'Knowledge is power, Ulwazi Lungamandla', the symposium (to be held at iLembe District Municipality) will see various well-packaged presentations by stakeholders from government, including the private sector from South Africa and Africa, with the intention of empowering women to tap into the African markets.
The symposium is expected to be attended by Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga, Health Deputy Minister Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube, the Mayor of iLembe District Municipality, Thobani Shandu and various senior leaders from the public and private sector. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 08/17/2023 - 10:46
Call for swift investigation into pregnant woman’s murder
KwaZulu-Natal Social Development MEC, Nonhlanhla Khoza, has called on law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough and swift investigation after the brutal murder of a pregnant woman in Ehlanzeni in Ubuhlebezwe Local Municipality.
Busisiwe Ngubo’s body was found just a kilometre away from her home on Monday morning.
It is alleged that the 35-year-old victim, who was pregnant with twins, was strangled and her lifeless body discarded on the roadside.
According to reports, Ngubo left her home after receiving a call from her police officer boyfriend. She had shared information with relatives and they were aware of her intentions to travel to hospital, as she was about to deliver.
"We demand nothing less than a rigorous pursuit of justice in this case. The individual responsible for this heinous act must be apprehended promptly and the full force of the law should be brought to bear on them," Khoza said.
In this moment of tragedy, Khoza emphasised the importance of eradicating violence against women, especially within intimate relationships.
"Our society cannot and will not tolerate such atrocities any longer. We stand united against these acts of violence and collectively strive for an environment where everyone, irrespective of gender, can live without fear," Khoza said.
The MEC said the loss of Ngubo is a stark reminder of the pressing need to address gender-based violence (GBV), and to foster a culture of respect, equality and safety.
She urged society to come together to demand an end to such brutality.
"Let us honour the memory of Busisiwe Ngubo by working towards a society free from such horrors."
Khoza has sent her heartfelt condolences to the Ngubo family and the community of Ehlanzeni for their loss.
“Our thoughts are with the grieving family and friends during this trying period,” she said.
The MEC has since mobilised a team of social workers to provide psycho-social support to Ngubo’s family and help them navigate through this traumatic experience, and find some semblance of healing.
Condolences to Umhlathuzana accident victims’ families
Meanwhile, Khoza has extended her heartfelt condolences to the family members of the children who were killed in an accident while walking to school in Umhlathuzana, south of Durban.
According to the reports, the tragic incident occurred last week Friday when four boys were on their way to Umhlathuzana Primary School.
The tow truck lost control, resulting in a collision, claiming the lives of two boys and the driver. Another young life was also lost in the hospital, while one boy sustained moderate injuries and is currently receiving medical care.
"In this moment of profound sorrow, our hearts extend to the bereaved family and the entire Umhlathuzana community, as well as the affected school. We offer our sincerest condolences and stand united with the entire Umhlathuzana community as they navigate through this period of mourning.
"Our collective thoughts and prayers accompany the families, grappling with an unimaginable loss. It is paramount that decisive measures are undertaken to avert such heart-wrenching incidents and to ensure the safety of our children during their journeys to and from school," Khoza said.
A dedicated team of social workers has been dispatched to provide essential psycho-social support to both the affected families and learners. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 08/16/2023 - 13:04
South Africa records employment gains in Quarter 2
At least 150 000 more people were employed in South Africa during the second quarter of the year as compared to the first – resulting in a minor decrease in the unemployment rate by some 0.3%.
This is according to the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) today.
Furthermore, the number of unemployed people fell by at least 11 000.
“Additionally…the discouraged work seekers decreased by 94 000 in the second quarter of 2023 compared to the first quarter of 2023 resulting in a net decrease of 1 000 in the not economically active population.
“The above changes in employment and unemployment resulted in the official unemployment rate decreasing by 0.3 of a percentage point from 32.9% in the first quarter of 2023 to 32.6% in the second quarter of 2023.
“The unemployment rate according to the expanded definition decreased by 0.3 of a percentage point to 42.1% in Q2:2023 compared to Q1:2023,” the institution said.
Employment in the formal sector increased by some 143 000 during the same period with informal sector employment decreasing by 33 000.
“Construction [104 000], trade [92 000], and community and social services [63 000] recorded the largest employment gains. While employment losses were recorded in manufacturing [96 000], finance [68 000], transport [7 000] and utilities [6 000],” Stats SA said.
Despite an increase in the number of youth employed during that period, the institution said youth remain “vulnerable” to unemployment.
“The youth remain vulnerable in the labour market, with the second quarter of 2023 results showing that the total number of unemployed youth [between 15 and 34 years old] decreased by 131 000 to 4.7 million while there was an increase of 105 000 in the number of employed youth to 5.7 million during the same period.
“This resulted in a decrease in youth unemployment rate by 1.1 percentage points to 45.3% in Q2:2023,” Stats SA said.
The institution highlighted the sectors where the most gains were made in the provinces.
“Limpopo [up by 80 000], Western Cape [up by 54 000] and KwaZulu-Natal [up by 48 000] recorded the largest employment increases in Q2:2023.
“Employment losses were recorded in Free State [down by 59 000] and Northern Cape [down by 17 000] during the same period,” Stats SA said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 08/15/2023 - 12:22
14 August – Glencore Ferroalloys continues to maintain its social licence to operate and change the lives of its communities for the better through its sanitary dignity campaign. The campaign which began two years ago, sought to ensure that the girl child does not miss a day of school during her reproductive cycle. It is …
KZN police launch manhunt for four murder suspects
Police in KwaZulu-Natal have launched a massive manhunt for at least four armed men who are suspected to be behind a mass shooting which left six people dead and one critically injured at Q Section in Umlazi on Friday night.
Information at this stage suggests that the four suspects stormed into a house just before midnight and shot two people who were inside the house. One person was shot inside a backroom, whilst the fourth person was shot next to the outside toilet. He was also found with burn wounds.
The same suspects reportedly proceeded to an informal settlement a few metres away from the first scene and shot three people inside a shack. Two were certified dead at the scene and the other one was rushed to hospital with gunshot wounds.
A preliminary investigation has revealed that one of the suspects, who was leading the other three, demanded his identity document from the victims before shooting them.
It is believed that he was implicated and is wanted by police for another murder, in which he allegedly dropped his identity document accidentally. Reports indicate that he believed that one of the deceased was in possession of his identity document.
Three of the suspects have been identified and a 72-hour mobilisation of maximum resources has been activated in search of the suspects.
Police are appealing to anyone who might have information regarding the whereabouts of the suspects to contact the nearest police or call Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or alert the police via the MySAPS App. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 08/14/2023 - 09:50
Dtic gears up for BRICS Trade Fair
The Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand will be a hive of activity when the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) and the South African BRICS Business Council host the BRICS Trade Fair.
The fair will run from 19 - 23 August 2023 ahead of the highly-anticipated 15th BRICS [Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa] Summit in Sandton.
The fair will be officially opened by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Ebrahim Patel, together with his BRICS counterparts on 19 August.
The exhibition will serve as a platform for showcasing products and services from the BRICS countries, as well as business-to-business interaction aimed at increasing intra-BRICS trade and investment.
The fair and the BRICS Business Council Programme will include a series of sectoral sessions that will include, among others:
• Energy Cooperation Forum;
• Accelerating Infrastructure Development through Government Business/Private Partnerships;
• Embracing the Digital Economy for Transformation and Advancement;
• BRICS Dialogue on Airlift Strategy;
• Importance of Skills for Emerging and Future Jobs;
• DFI Funding Instruments;
• The BRICS Manufacturing Forum;
• Oceans Economy High Level Dialogue;
• BRICS Dialogue on Airlift Strategy;
• Pandemic Preparedness, Prevention and Response (PPPR) - Side Event and
• Africa’s Economic Place in the BRICS Alliance, which will be hosted by the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency (GGDA).
The fair will be a platform to showcase proudly South African products and services from companies and institutions from South Africa and the rest of Africa, as well as Brazil, Russia, India and China.
These companies and institutions are from sectors such as agriculture and agro-processing, manufacturing, automotives, pharmaceuticals, energy and energy infrastructure.
South Africa, as Chair of BRICS, will host the 15th BRICS Summit at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg from 22 - 24 August 2023, under the theme, 'BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development, and Inclusive Multilateralism'.
The summit will be preceded by the Inward Buying and Investment Missions from Brazil, Russia, India and China, which will take place in Gauteng, Western Cape, Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal from 13 - 23 August 2023, and the BRICS Business Forum at the Sandton Convention Centre on 22 August 2023. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 08/14/2023 - 13:25