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News, Directory, Events and Other Stuff
Woodlands Boulevard Shopping Centre has transformed into a Magical Festive Wonderland Woodlands Boulevard Shopping Centre is excited to unveil its enchanting Festive Season offering, transforming the mall into a wonderland of Disney magic, Santa delights, and festive cheer. Throughout December, the mall will be abuzz with joyful activities, creating unforgettable memories for families and shoppers …
TERS fraudster sentenced to 15 years behind bars
A man has been sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for defrauding the Unemployment Insurance Fund and unduly benefitting from the COVID-19 Temporary Employer/ Employee Relief Scheme (TERS).
The man, Dennis Patrick Lerato Modika, was sentenced in the Johannesburg Specialised Commercial Crimes Court, after being found guilty on eight counts.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Modika submitted some 1 358 fictitious employee claims over a period of two years to the Department of Labour to benefit from the fund.
“The accused and his company did not have the declared employees in their employ and were therefore not entitled to apply for the relief fund. The department paid an amount of over R5 million in total to a bank account which belonged to the accused.
“The accused was arrested on 10 July 2023 by the members of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) in a sting operation in Daveyton,” the NPA said.
TERS was designed by government to assist qualifying businesses that were affected by the national lockdown during the pandemic.
Employers were expected to submit applications to the scheme on behalf of employees and upon approval, were to pay a limited portion of salaries of those employees.
“In arguing for a harsh sentence, Senior State Advocate Frans Mhlongo argued that the court must impose a sentence that does not only reflect the looting of the UIF coffers but also the hardship and suffering imposed on the rightful recipients. He further argued that the accused was only concerned with gratifying the fleeting pleasures of life than with the welfare of his compatriots.
“The NPA welcomes the sentence and applauds Adv. Mhlongo and the Investigating Officer, Warrant Officer Siralile, for ensuring that the abuse of the much-needed relief fund did not go unpunished,” the NPA said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 12/18/2023 - 11:00
MAKHANDA: One would wonder about the wisdom of getting an ex-player or current coach as a guest speaker to address a...
Protests coincide with COP28 summit underway in Dubai
Medical Research Council study has looked at why 87% of people murdered in South Africa are men
Pieter Vlok has been promoted to Acting Division Head of Strategic Facilities Projects (SFP) at Afroteq Advisory. Before this, he was the Senior Project Manager – a position he has filled since 2017. Pieter is currently pursuing his MBA degree through the University of Stellenbosch Business School. He earned a B.Sc in Construction Management and …
Four years after notorious gang leader was shot by police, Roodepoort families still live in fear
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
In an exciting development for sustainable energy enthusiasts and homeowners alike, Hohm Energy, a leading provider of solar energy solutions in South Africa, has announced its new end-of-year holiday marketing campaign, “Light Up Your Holidays with Solar Man and Hohm Energy.” This innovative campaign not only promises to add a sparkle to the festive season …
The special Olifants Reserve anti-poaching unit established in 2018 forms an integral part of the fight against poaching in the Greater Kruger National Park/Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park under the leadership of security manager, Callan Hartman. The Olifants reserve is prime rhino territory and home to populations of both white rhino and their more endangered black …
The role of men important in ending GBVF – President Ramaphosa
President Cyril Ramaphosa has highlighted the role of men as an increasingly influential force in making the Convention to End Violence Against Women and Girls a tangible achievement throughout Africa.
The President was delivering remarks at the 3rd African Union Men's Conference on Positive Masculinity, held in Pretoria on Tuesday.
The conference is taking place in the week that the annual campaign of 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence commences across the globe.
“Let us build on the gains of the first two conferences to birth a new Africa that affirms the human dignity, equality and worth of every African woman and girl. Let us leave no man and boy behind in this journey.
“Together, as an expanding circle of champions, we will make the Convention to End Violence Against Women and Girls a reality in our beloved Africa,” the President said.
The President said what makes this conference exceptional is that the main focus is on the role of men and boys in bringing about a world free of gender-based violence.
“We are here because we know that men and boys must be at the forefront of change. We are here because we know there is an alternative to a society, a continent and a world where women are oppressed, discriminated against and their rights suppressed.
“We seek a world in which every African man, woman and child can live in true freedom and equality with their rights respected, upheld and advanced. We know that such a world is within our reach if we focus on the prevention of all forms of violence against women and girls,” he said.
President Ramaphosa emphasised that we cannot realise a society free of gender-based violence without critically interrogating the assumptions around patriarchy, male chauvinism and sexism.
It is these assumptions, he said, that lead young men and boys to believe that women are property; that they are worth less than a man, and that they are deserving of ill-treatment.
“This is a conversation that men need to have. Men are in the main the perpetrators of violence against women and girls. At the same time, it is men who have the power to bring about the change we so sorely need.
“The unity, self-reliance, self-determination, freedom, progress and prosperity we collectively strive towards under the AU’s Agenda 2063 are being undermined by gender-based violence,” he said.
The President said such violence is eroding our gains, stunting our continent’s development and leaving more than half of Africa’s population in a state of anxiety and fear.
He said this conference is about promoting positive masculinity as well as challenging traditional stereotypes with being a man.
He said it involves redefining the norms and expectations placed on men.
The President highlighted that positive masculinity encourages men to embrace qualities such as empathy, vulnerability, emotional intelligence and respect for diversity.
Earlier this year, the President convened the Presidential Young Men and Boys’ Indaba in Soweto in Johannesburg.
He had the opportunity to talk with a group of young men who see themselves as changemakers in the fight against gender-based violence.
“These young men face a lot of pressures that affect their attitudes to women and girls. These include the lack of positive male role models, absentee fathers, vulnerability to recruitment by criminals, pressure to drop out of school and earn a living, and pressure to become sexually active before they are ready to.
“These young men, who exhibit or seek to learn positive masculinity, are tired of being seen as the problem, when they want to be part of the solution.
“This is why it is so important that a conference such as this brings us together to look at how we can create more spaces for young men and boys to engage among their peers without fear of judgment,” he said.
The President highlighted that South Africa has a number of initiatives, programmes and dialogues that are elevating the importance of positive masculinity as part of the fight against gender-based violence.
These programmes are run among athletes and artists, workers and students. They are often implemented in partnership with business, unions and other social partners.
“What these programmes show is that while men are the main perpetrators of violence against women and children, men can also be at the forefront of bringing about a new society that respects the equal rights of women and girls. This has been recognised across the African continent.
“This conference is now in its third year. The AU Circle of Champions has been established, and work is underway towards an African Convention to End Violence Against Women and Girls,” the President said.
He told delegates that this conference is an opportunity to consolidate political commitment, accelerate collective efforts and define men’s contribution to ending violence against women and girls.
As South Africa, working with fellow leaders on the continent, the President stressed the importance of an all-of-society approach that brings together business, labour, government and civil society to promote positive masculinity.
He said this enables us to develop a common vision and roadmap, and build structures throughout society.
The President further emphasised that there is a need to step up the prevention agenda.
He said the Circle of Champions must continue to inspire high-level leadership in ending violence against women and girls.
He called for the renewed support for the AU Commission in ensuring the Maputo Protocol Scorecard and Index for the realisation of women’s rights is popularised and implemented.
“As we move ahead in negotiating an African Convention on Ending Violence against Women and Girls, we must ensure there is accountability through monitoring and evaluating progress in meeting the commitments of the Kinshasa Declaration.
“Lastly, we have to address structural inequality by broadening women’s access to resources, jobs and opportunities, all the while introducing laws, policies and programmes that advance women’s economic empowerment,” he said.
The President said that he has great expectations of this conference.
“We must be creative, innovative and resolute when it comes to the design and implementation of dialogue, safe spaces and other initiatives that enable men and boys to become more involved in this effort.
“Let us learn from each other and share best practice. Let us understand how what works in one context could be adapted to work in another. Let us look at how we can fund this work in an economically constrained environment.
“There is one thing on which we agree: positive masculinity can and must be harnessed as a powerful force for good,” he said.
The President concluded that ending violence against women and girls everywhere is a collective responsibility as society, but when it comes to the participation of men, the onus is even greater.
“We owe it to the women and girls of our continent to be better men, better fathers, better caregivers, better partners and better sons,” he said. - SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Tue, 11/28/2023 - 14:42
Pandora holiday campaign “Loves, unboxed” is all about gifting loved one’s meaningful jewellery pieces they can cherish into the new year and beyond. The collection offers a unique take on classic jewellery motifs like precious hearts, celestial symbols and festive characters. The nostalgic at heart can unbox holiday wishes with a new selection of meaningful …
Cape Town mayor concerned about the lack of a clear timeline
Government committed to ending GBV
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has reiterated that government remains committed to work aimed at eradicating the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).
“We will not rest until our communities are safe for all, especially women and girls. We must report and condemn the perpetrators who reside within our communities,” the Deputy President said on Saturday.
Mashatile presided over the launch of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign for 2023 at Nsikazi Stadium in Gutshwa, Mpumalanga.
The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children campaign this year will be commemorated under the theme: “Accelerating Actions to end Gender-Based Violence and Femicide: Leaving No One Behind”.
This is a call to action to raise awareness about the devastating impact that gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) has on women, children and the entire social fabric.
“Since the dawn of democracy, this government has consistently shown commitment to addressing GBV by implementing legislative, policy and other measures to advance equality and empowerment for women, children, and people with disabilities.
“Recently, we passed six pieces of legislation related to gender-based violence and femicide, and the ongoing implementation costing exercise underscores our commitment to ending GBVF,” Mashatile said.
He mentioned that one significant milestone is the recent assent of President Cyril Ramaphosa to crucial legislative reforms, which include the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act Amendment Bill, the Criminal and Related Matters Amendment Bill, and the Domestic Violence Amendment Bill.
“This month marks a historic milestone with the passing of the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Bill by the National Assembly. The establishment of the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, underpinned by this robust legislative framework, is an urgent and critical task.
“In addition, we have established and capacitated the Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) at provincial and local levels to end the pandemic. This includes the development of the Comprehensive National Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Prevention and the Integrated Femicide Strategic Frameworks, which signal a holistic approach to turning the gender-based violence tide,” Mashatile said.
The Deputy President noted the National School of Government's effort to impart knowledge through a dedicated online course covering gender mainstreaming and gender-responsive planning and budgeting, which exemplifies government's commitment to mainstreaming women's and girls’ priorities.
“The existence of the Intersectional Shelter Policy, the Psycho-Social Support Services (PSSS) Policy, and the Gender-Based Violence Command Centre, which is a 24-hour helpline, demonstrates our resolve to provide essential services and support to survivors.
“Provinces are identifying and refurbishing underutilised buildings for shelters and interim housing. The Thuthuzela Care Centres (TCCs) are being expanded, with three new centres established. Our initiatives primarily focus on bolstering women’s economic empowerment across diverse sectors,” Mashatile said.
He recognised efforts by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in combatting GBV and femicide.
“The recent identification and takedown of 27 sexual predators in the country and the recent sentencing of Mario Giusti to 6 400 years in jail after being found guilty of more than 1 000 charges of child pornography is a step in the right direction.
“Witnessing such law enforcement actions is encouraging, and we hope to observe further arrests of this nature in the future,” Mashatile said.
He called on government, communities and civil society to act on the widespread prejudice against the LGBTQIA+ community and the apathy that allows the victims to be "invisible" and denied basic human rights.
“Moreover, we must understand that sexual violence is not only about sexism. A woman can perpetrate against a man, a man can perpetrate against a woman, and it can happen between same-sex couples as well.
“Today, we must recommit ourselves to ending violence against women and children. We have the ability to shape a future in which women and children are safe and their rights are respected.
“I urge men in our communities to be role models to young boys. Remember, boys are born, and men are made. As men, we can help develop men in our society who respect women; men who do not see women as objects; men who recognise the equality of women,” he said.
The Deputy President also urged traditional leaders to intensify their role as community leaders against unfair inheritance practices and GBVF.
“As custodians of our culture, customs and origin, you must say no to cultural practices that are harmful to women and children, such as ukuthwala, child muthi killings, witchcraft burning, and many other practices.
“Let us join together, leaving no one behind, as a community to accelerate actions to end gender-based violence and femicide,” Mashatile said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Sun, 11/26/2023 - 09:02
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
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Asset Forfeiture Unit scores R1.5bn seizure order
The National Prosecuting Authority's Asset Forfeiture Unit, in collaboration with a special illegal mining unit in the South African Police Service, has obtained a provisional preservation of property order for the seizure of assets to the estimated value of more than R1.5 billion.
The frozen assets include a farm in Carolina, coal, cars and heavy duty machinery used at an alleged illegal mine in Mpumalanga.
National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesperson Monica Nyuswa said an estimated 270 000 tons of coal was allegedly mined illegally at on two portions of the farm over a two year period by a company named GNJ Mining.
“At a minimum estimated market value price of R980 per ton, the estimated 270 000 tons that were illegally mined amounted to about R264 million worth of coal, that was illegally mined at the farm during the 2 years.
“GNJ Mining never had lawful authorisation/permit from the DMRE [Department of Mineral Resources] and/or the DARDLEA [Mpumalanga Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs] to mine coal at the farm. The illicit coal that was mined at the farm was taken to Droogvalley Barrel Plant (Droogvalley) in the Carolina area, where the coal was processed and “washed” to prepare it for sale to GNJ Mining’s coal-using clients,” she said.
Nyuswa explained that the seizure comes after a man was arrested following a raid on a farm.
“Following credible information, the SAPS held an operation at the farm on Tuesday 19 September 2023, where they saw the magnitude of the illegal coal mining operation at the farm and Droogvalley. On the day, the SAPS arrested the illegal Mine Manager Paul Boshoff (Boshoff) and seized most of the mentioned assets at the farm and Droogvalley.
“Boshoff was arrested on 19 September 2023 and appeared in court the following day,” she said.
The criminal case is expected to be heard on 16 February 2024 in the Carolina Magistrates’ Court. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 11/21/2023 - 10:09
Country Road opens the doors to its new V&A Waterfront store, on 10 November. The store is targeting a 5-Star Green Star interior certification from the Green Building Council of South Africa, as the newly designed space is set to reimagine the luxury retail experience. If awarded, this prestigious rating showcases South African excellence in …
KOLKATA: A fine century by David Miller was not enough as the Proteas suffered semi-final heartbreak at the 2023 ICC Men’s...
South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Saudi Arabia are doing the most to combat climate change in the Middle East and Africa, according to a new report that compares government and business sustainability policies, investment and actions.
Download document: (https://apo-opa.co/49FTzKm)
The Middle East and Africa Environmental Sustainability Scorecard (https://apo-opa.co/49Bcfeq), released Thursday, is ta detailed examination of country performance in environmental sustainability outcomes, government policies, and corporate practices in the two regions.
The report concludes that the 17 countries covered “are relative ‘late comers' to global sustainable development but at the same time represent regions that are rapidly stepping-up their sustainability strategies, programs and investments.”
The report was commissioned by Agility (www.Agility.com), a global supply chain services company based in Kuwait. It was compiled by Horizon Group (www.Horizon-Group.ch), a Geneva-based firm that specializes in research and analysis for governments, international organizations, and leading businesses worldwide.
South Africa is among the leaders in four of six pillar categories. It is 2nd in Sustainable Energy & Transport; 5th in Energy Transition; 2nd in Environmental Ecosystems; and 2nd in Circularity. Among African countries, South Africa is 3rd in Green Investment & Technology behind Morocco and Egypt.
Among the factors driving South Africa's performance: a national Biofuel Industrial Strategy; formal code of corporate governance; ESG reporting requirements and transparency and accountability standards for companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange; a World Bank energy transition partnership to decommission a coal-fired power plant and replace the power supply with renewable energy and batteries; and steps to protect habitat and cut pollution.
Egypt ranks 3rd overall in the scorecard. It is 5th in Green Investment & Technology; 7th in Sustainable Infrastructure & Transport; 5th in Governance & Reporting; 3rd in Environmental Ecosystems; and 1st in Circularity, which measures resource use and waste management.
A food security and African displacement launched by Egypt contributed to its ranking, along with its participation in a Qatar-led carbon credit program.
Other top performers in Africa: Morocco is 3rd in Green Investment & Technology and 3rd in Governance & Reporting; Rwanda and Kenya are 5th and 6th in Sustainable Infrastructure & Transport.
African countries dominate the energy transition, mainly on the strength of their green transport and energy conservation efforts. Uganda, Nigeria, Rwanda, Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, Tanzania, Mozambique, Cote d'Ivoire, Egypt and Morocco are Nos. 1 through 11 in Energy Transition.The scorecard uses 48 performance and progress indicators to compare countries. The indicators include data, regulatory frameworks, policy assessments, incentives and corporate practices across six pillar areas: green investment and technology; sustainable infrastructure and transport; governance and reporting; energy transition; environmental ecosystems; and circularity. To capture corporate practices and progress, Horizon surveyed 647 business executives in the 17 countries.
Overall, 1 through 17, here's how the countries rank: South Africa, UAE, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, Morocco, Qatar, Tanzania, Nigeria, Bahrain, Kuwait, Cote d'Ivoire, Oman, Mozambique.
Key Findings
• Business isn't paying attention to COP. Eighty-two percent of African businesses and 49% of Middle East businesses are not aware of the UN-led COP process that nations are using to push and measure efforts to tackle climate change. Few companies use COP to set their sustainability targets.
• Climate change is hurting businesses. Ninety-seven percent of companies say their business has been affected by climate change, and 49% say climate change has caused “severe damage” or has a “significant and growing” impact on them.
• Governments are leading as businesses play catch up. When it comes to climate action, governments are outpacing the private sector in both the Middle East and Africa.
• No one size fits all. Different countries have different sustainability priorities based on income, economic strengths, energy dependency, and other factors. High-income, energy-producing Gulf countries generally invest more in sustainable infrastructure and ecosystems. African economies perform best in energy conservation and consumption.
• Green investment is expensive. High- and middle-income countries are investing the most: Qatar, UAE, Morocco and Saudi Arabia.
• Africa is focused on green transport. African countries topped the scorecard in the move to non-fossil fuels for transport. Hydrocarbon producing Gulf countries are focused more on green buildings. For Gulf countries, the transition to cleaner energy is complicated by energy-intensive national priorities: the desire to boost manufacturing and the need for desalinated water.
• Waste management, consumption are tied to wealth. High-income countries are doing more to manage waste sustainably. Poorer ones do more to constrain consumption. Overall Egypt, South Africa, Bahrain and UAE perform best in “circularity” – cutting waste, encouraging recycling and sustainable production, and lowering consumption.
Agility was recently named the No. 3 Middle East “Sustainability Leader” for Transport & Logistics by Forbes Middle East. Vice Chairman Tarek Sultan said the company's strategy and investment decisions are increasingly shaped by the urgency of the climate fight.
“As a supply chain operator and investor in the Middle East and Africa, we want to know what governments and businesses are prioritizing, and where they're putting resources in the climate change battle,” Sultan said. “We want to know who we can partner with in green infrastructure and transport, alternative fuels, and supply chain services that reduce environmental impact without sacrificing performance.”
Horizon, which compiled the scorecard report for Agility, said its intent was to look “beyond the selective characteristics of the Middle East being fossil fuel-dependent with high greenhouse gas emissions per capita, and African countries being low emitters of greenhouse gases but taking relatively little action on the environment.”
The scorecard report comes on the eve of COP28, the UN-led global climate change conference convening from Nov. 30 to Dec. 12 in Dubai. Its findings amplify those in a World Economic Forum (WEF) report (https://apo-opa.co/3MKvh8d), issued in October, on decarbonization and energy transition in the Middle East and North Africa.
The WEF report concluded that “MENA countries trail behind comparable regions in terms of their sustainability progress. While local governments have pledged in the past 24 months to bring 60% of MENA's emissions under the net zero ambition, businesses overall have yet to follow suit and bridge the gap with comparable global markets –12% have set up a net zero target and 6% have established a roadmap to reach net zero.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Agility.
Media contact:
Sabrina Mundy
Man Bites Dog
teamagility@manbitesdog.com
+44 1273 716 820
For more information about Agility, visit:
Website: www.Agility.com
Twitter: https://apo-opa.co/40Ki6Kj
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/49GTqqq
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/3MNqYJr
About Agility:
Agility (www.Agility.com) is a global leader in supply chain services, infrastructure, and innovation with 45,000+ employees across six continents. A multi-business operator and investor, Agility specializes in growing and scaling operating businesses. Agility's companies include the world's largest aviation services company (Menzies Aviation); a global fuel logistics business (Tristar); a leading logistics parks developer and operator across the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa (Agility Logistics Parks); and a commercial real-estate company developing a mega-mall in the UAE (UPAC). Other Agility companies offer customs digitization services, remote-site infrastructure services, defense and government services, and ecommerce-enablement and digital logistics. Agility invests in supply chain innovation, sustainability, and resilience, and has minority holdings in a growing portfolio of listed and non-listed companies.
Cash reward put out for Soweto serial rapist
Gauteng police are offering a cash reward of R50 000 for information that could lead to the arrest and successful conviction of a man linked to 42 cases of rape.
The suspect is operating mostly in Orlando and Diepkloof, Soweto, where he accosts his victims, demands money and cellphones before committing sexual assault.
The armed suspect targets his victims on the streets, in their homes, shops and entertainment areas, where he coerces them to secluded places.
The victims consist of females ranging from 14 to 53 years of age.
Police have mobilised maximum resources to search for the suspect, including offering a R50 000 cash reward to anyone who can urgently assist with information that could lead to the apprehension and prosecution of the alleged serial rapist, believed to be in his late 30s.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the investigating officer, Sergeant Ramathavhana, on 079 890 7696 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Alternatively, use the My SAPS App to submit information. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 11/16/2023 - 09:23
RTMC warns traffic officers against accepting bribes
As the festive season approaches, the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has warned law enforcement officers that anti-corruption units will be out in full force to deal with unacceptable, unethical and unprofessional conduct.
This warning follows the sentencing of a Mpumalanga traffic officer by the Ermelo Regional Court for taking a R200 bribe from undercover anti-corruption agents.
The man was arrested after soliciting a R200 bribe from an agent during Project Arrive Alive on 22 January 2020 and was subsequently arrested on 3 March 2021.
The man pleaded guilty to all charges and was sentenced to a R4 000 fine or 12 months imprisonment. He was further sentenced to five years imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years should he not be convicted of the same crime during this period.
“Bribery, corruption, and other unlawful activities do not only tarnish the image of our traffic law enforcement fraternity; it leads to devastating consequences, including loss of life.
“The RTMC calls for harsher sentences against officers who solicit bribes from motorists and urges citizens to report suspected acts of fraud, corruption, and malfeasance to ntacu@rtmc.co.za or by WhatsApp to 083 293 7989.”
The man was also subjected to a disciplinary hearing, which found him guilty and terminated his employment. He took the matter to arbitration but failed to have the decision of the disciplinary committee overturned. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Tue, 11/14/2023 - 09:38
“What we are left with is a high level of impunity for sexual violence that affects a large segment of women in South Africa.”