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UIF commissioner to host employer breakfast session in Queenstown

Location: News

UIF commissioner to host employer breakfast session in Queenstown

The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) is calling on employers in the Eastern Cape to attend an Employer Breakfast session that is set to take place in Queenstown next week.

The session which will be held at Aloe Grove Guest Farm, will be hosted by the fund’s Commisssioner, Teboho Maruping.

Employers from all sectors, including commercial business owners and operators of Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in Komani (Queenstown) as well as the broader Eastern Cape Province are invited to attend the session on Monday, 19 August 2024.

“At the occasion, Commissioner Maruping will among other things, engage with employers about the importance of compliance with the Unemployment Insurance Act and discuss how new developments within the UIF will impact on employers and employees,” the department said in a statement.

Subject matter experts from the UIF will be in attendance to assist employers on the spot with any challenges they may be facing in relation to the fund.

Building up to the breakfast session a full basket of Department of Employment and Labour services will be offered to communities, including assistance with UIF claims, Compensation Fund claims, enquiries resolution, registration of work seekers on the Employment Services of South Africa (ESSA) database as well as provision of information on the National Minimum Wage and other basic conditions of employment.

Build up activities will be offered this week, beginning on Wednesday at the Municipality Hall (Convent) in Cala, from 9 am until 3 pm. On Thursday, these activities will take place at Cofimvaba Town Hall in Cofimvaba, and they will conclude on Friday at Cacadu Town Hall in Cacadu. – SAnews.gov.za 

 

DikelediM
Wed, 08/14/2024 - 11:24

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Read moreUIF commissioner to host employer breakfast session in Queenstown

10 Health Tips For Navigating Menopause

Location: MyPR

Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health coverage, explores 10 health tips for navigating menopause. As we celebrate Women’s month in August, it is essential to acknowledge the significant milestones in a woman’s life, one of which is menopause. “According to the National Institute on Aging, menopause is a natural part of life that …

Read more10 Health Tips For Navigating Menopause

Choosing and Maintaining Your Garage Door

Location: MyPR

Your garage door plays a significant role in the security, functionality, and aesthetic appeal of your home. Whether you’re considering an upgrade or need regular maintenance, understanding the various types and services available is crucial. In this guide, we’ll explore everything from selecting the right garage doors to ensuring they remain in top condition through …

Read moreChoosing and Maintaining Your Garage Door

Government, business partnership begins to flourish

Location: News

Government, business partnership begins to flourish

The government and business partnership to resolve South Africa’s challenges is beginning to bear fruit, although much more needs to be done.

This is according to a statement released by the Presidency and Business for South Africa.

The partnership between the two parties was established last year in a bid to work together to resolve the question of inclusive and economic growth.

The collaboration has targeted three areas for particular interest, including energy, transport and logistics, and crime and corruption.

PHOTOS | President Ramaphosa meets with business leaders at the Union Buildings

 

Energy

In a joint statement following a meeting between government and business, which was led by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday, the Presidency and Business for South Africa noted that the energy workstream, in particular, has achieved significant progress.

“The energy workstream was reported to have had the most impact, achieving a dramatic reduction in load shedding, in collaboration with Eskom (over 140 days without load shedding so far this year), and significant grid capacity recovery (with more than 6 gigawatts of new energy generation added) through investment in additional technical support and capacitation from 57 companies investing over 9 000 hours at five power stations. The energy availability factor is currently tracking above 60% vs 54% in 2023.

READ | A further 2 500MW expected back 'by the end of August'

“However, we still face multiple challenges, including rapidly rising electricity costs, unsustainable municipal utilities, complex market reform, a constrained grid with delayed expansion, and stalling investment in new generation.

“Significant investment will be required for the energy sector reform over the next five to 10 years, and there was strong consensus that it is critical to pave the way now to address the challenges. 

"Business, Eskom and the Presidency have agreed that the priorities of the National Energy Crisis Committee should include a focus on transmission, market reform, municipal utilities and new energy generation,” the statement read.

WATCH | Government, business meet with the President

 

Transport and logistics 

In the statement, the two parties acknowledged that although the two workstreams have recorded successes, this was not “as quickly or extensively as anticipated”.

“Business has provided significant technical support and resources to Transnet Freight Rail, including procurement and operations expertise, and port maintenance support for Transnet Port Terminals. The Transnet Board and management team are making progress in implementing the Transnet recovery plan. 

“Despite the significant efforts by the partners, there is broad acknowledgment that Transnet requires substantial interventions to improve performance to meet the needs of its customers and the market demand necessary for sustainable economic growth,” the statement read.

READ | Transnet forging ahead with reforms

An agreement was reached to move quickly to implement reforms and meet Freight Logistics Roadmap deadlines.

“The meeting agreed that the rapid implementation of structural reforms and strict adherence to the Freight Logistics Roadmap deadlines are crucial to facilitate the participation of and investment by the private sector to help address our national logistics challenges. 

“This is crucial to ensure that our commodities and manufactured products can be competitively sold into the local market and exported to meet demand. Resolving these issues will promote job retention and job creation,” the joint statement said.

Crime and corruption

Critical to South Africa’s growth and investment prospects is removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list.

When the FATF grey listed South Africa at its February 2023 Plenary meetings, it adopted a jointly agreed Action Plan containing 22 Action Items linked to the eight strategic deficiencies identified in the country’s Anti-Money Laundering and the Combating of the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) regime.

READ | SA continues work to exit grey list

The joint statement said the meeting agreed that an “immediate joint imperative" is to support South Africa’s removal from the list.

“Key to this is demonstrating the law enforcement agencies’ intent and ability to successfully prosecute complex crime and corruption cases, and recover assets. Business is providing specialised skills at arm’s length to support this objective. 

"The promulgation of the NPA Amendment Act is key to bolstering the ability of the IDAC [Investigating Directorate Against Corruption] to effectively deliver on its mandate,” the statement said.

On job creation, the meeting acknowledged that growing the economy is imperative to facilitate employment opportunities.

“For now, unlocking a few key policy, regulatory and funding bottlenecks could accelerate existing short-term interventions across four areas, including new work opportunities in tourism and global business services; skilling that creates new jobs (particularly in digital skills); providing additional public sector first loss funding to crowd in private sector capital to increase affordable debt available for SMMEs, and institutionalising, expanding and strengthening the SAYouth platform to facilitate access to opportunities for young people,” the joint statement said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 08/14/2024 - 11:00

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Read moreGovernment, business partnership begins to flourish

Continued collaboration key to addressing challenges

Location: News

Continued collaboration key to addressing challenges

Government and business have recommitted to working together to resolve some of South Africa’s most pressing challenges.

On Tuesday, President Cyril Ramaphosa, together with members of his Cabinet, held a meeting with senior business leaders and technical experts from government and business to discuss a new era of collaboration for a partnership launched over a year ago to address barriers to growth in South Africa.

President Ramaphosa said since last year when the partnership was established, much progress has been recorded in key areas, including electricity and rail and ports.

“The Government of National Unity has reaffirmed its commitment to urgently implement the reform agenda started by the sixth administration, and to restore confidence and sentiment -- essential drivers of investment, inclusive economic growth, and job creation. 

“We have reaffirmed our commitment to a dynamic partnership between government and business to foster South Africa's economic growth and social advancement. Since the start of the partnership just over a year ago, we have made substantial progress towards stabilising the energy sector, improving the performance of our rail and port systems, and strengthening the fight against crime and corruption,” the President said.

The President expressed optimism that in partnership, government and business can navigate the country’s most pressing challenges successfully.

“As we move forward with this partnership, we will intensify our work to address these pressing issues and expand our efforts to drive employment creation. We know that the challenges ahead are formidable. But with our continued partnership, we are well equipped to navigate these complexities and contribute to sustainable growth for South Africa," said President Ramaphosa.

Chair of the Business for South Africa (B4SA) Steering Committee, Martin Kingston, said: “This is a model of collaboration that has shown its merit and is fit for purpose to drive accelerated growth and jobs in the seventh administration. 

"Over the last year, significant progress has been made and impact has been achieved. While it has not been as swift or extensive as we would have liked, it has gifted us with a blueprint for success in a new era with the GNU. We are keen that the reforms are implemented with urgency. We are very optimistic about the next phase of the partnership.”

Co-convenor of the business delegation, Adrian Gore, said he expects that continued momentum in the partnership will bring the desired level of economic growth needed in South Africa.

“We welcome President Ramaphosa’s commitment to a new era of partnership at a critical inflection point for the country. In the first phase of our partnership, over 130 CEOs pledged support and business invested more than R260 million and mobilised over 350 experts across the three focal areas. 

“This has contributed to the excellent progress made, with the reduction in load shedding being the most visible and pronounced achievement. Continued momentum could mean we are able to achieve 3% - 5% GDP growth by 2030. We will be launching Phase 2 of our partnership with this ambition in mind,” Gore said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 08/14/2024 - 11:01

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Read moreContinued collaboration key to addressing challenges

Revolutionising Gastrointestinal Care: Austell Pharmaceuticals Launches Tasectan Duo, South Africa’s First Dual-Action Diarrhoea Treatment

Location: MyPR

31 July, Johannesburg – Austell Pharmaceuticals has recently announced the launch of its latest product, Tasectan Duo, an innovative solution for the treatment of diarrhoea. This first-of-its-kind treatment in South Africa brings together the clinically proven anti-diarrhoeal effects of Tasectan with the balancing power of probiotics, creating a combined solution to a common but serious …

Read moreRevolutionising Gastrointestinal Care: Austell Pharmaceuticals Launches Tasectan Duo, South Africa’s First Dual-Action Diarrhoea Treatment

Anastasia Venter and Thomas Lindhorst Are The 2024 SA Surfing Champions.

Location: MyPR

  Mens finalists © Zane De Lange Victoria Bay: In an exciting finish to the 59th SA Surfing Championships, Anastasia Venter is the new Women’s Champion, and defending Men’s Champion Tom Lindhorst retains his title. Buffalo City wins the coveted President’s Cup, and Tyrell Johnson wins the Surfer Of The Contest Award Women’s Finalists © Zane …

Read moreAnastasia Venter and Thomas Lindhorst Are The 2024 SA Surfing Champions.

Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) Declares Mpox A Public Health Emergency of Continental Security, Mobilizing Resources Across the Continent

Location: News

Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC)
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The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has officially declared the ongoing Mpox outbreak a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS), marking the first such declaration by the agency since its inception in 2017.

This declaration, under Article 3, Paragraph F of the Africa CDC Statutes, empowers the organization to lead and coordinate responses to significant health emergencies. The statute mandates Africa CDC to “coordinate and support Member States in health emergency responses, particularly those declared PHECS or Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), as well as health promotion and disease prevention through health systems strengthening, addressing communicable and non-communicable diseases, environmental health, and Neglected Tropical Diseases.”

The declaration will enable the mobilization of resources across affected countries, unlocking essential funding, strengthening Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE), boosting surveillance and laboratory testing efforts, and enhancing human resource capacities to respond effectively to Mpox through a One Health approach.

Africa CDC Director General Dr. Jean Kaseya emphasized the urgency of swift and decisive action: “Today, we declare this PHECS to mobilize our institutions, our collective will, and our resources to act—swiftly and decisively. This empowers us to forge new partnerships, strengthen our health systems, educate our communities, and deliver life-saving interventions where they are needed most. There is no need for travel restrictions at this time.”

At least 13 African countries, including previously unaffected nations like Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, have reported Mpox outbreaks. So far in 2024, these countries have confirmed 2,863 cases and 517 deaths, primarily in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Suspected cases across the continent have surged past 17,000, a significant increase from 7,146 cases in 2022 and 14,957 cases in 2023. This is just the tip of the iceberg when we consider the many weaknesses in surveillance, laboratory testing and contact tracing.

Dr. Kaseya underscored the gravity of the situation stating “This is not just another challenge; it's a crisis that demands our collective action. Article 3, Paragraph F of the Africa CDC Statutes mandates us to lead and coordinate the response when there is a declaration of a public health emergency of international concern.”

From May 2022 to July 2023, Mpox was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the WHO. However, Africa did not receive the support it urgently needed during this period. As global cases began to decline, the escalating numbers in Africa were largely ignored. Dr. Kaseya emphasized the need for a change in approach: “We urge our international partners to seize this moment to act differently and collaborate closely with Africa CDC to provide the necessary support to our Member States.”

He continued, appealing to global partners: “We call on you to stand with us in this critical hour. Africa has long been on the frontlines in the fight against infectious diseases, often with limited resources. The battle against Mpox demands a global response. We need your support, expertise, and solidarity. The world cannot afford to turn a blind eye to this crisis.”

He explained that the emergency declaration follows wide consultations, including a unanimous decision by the Africa CDC Emergency Consultative Group (ECG), chaired by Professor Salim Abdool Karim, head of CAPRISA, an AIDS research program based in Durban, South Africa.

Prof. Karim highlighted that limited surveillance and evidence suggest the situation could be more severe than currently understood. “The number of cases has significantly increased compared to 2022 when WHO declared Mpox a public health emergency. It's clear that we're facing a different scenario with far more cases, resulting in a higher burden of illness,” he said. He also raised concerns about the rising fatalities, particularly the potential link between HIV and Mpox. “Our concern is that we may be seeing more fatalities in Africa due to the association with HIV,” he noted.

Cross-border transmission to previously unaffected countries was also a concern, prompting the ECG to urge the strategic distribution of the limited vaccines available. The lack of diagnostic capabilities was identified as a critical issue requiring urgent attention, and the ECG encouraged the development of response plans, promising to provide input and support.

To address the Mpox outbreak in Africa, Africa CDC has set up a 25-member Incident Management Team based at the epicenter of the Mpox epidemic with mandate to support affected and at-risk countries. Africa CDC has also signed a partnership agreement with the European Commission's Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA) and Bavarian Nordic to provide over 215,000 doses of the MVA-BN® vaccine—the only FDA and EMA-approved Mpox vaccine. Africa CDC will oversee the equitable distribution of these vaccines, prioritizing local needs across the affected Member States.

MPOX SYMPTOMS, PREVENTION, AND TREATMENT

Mpox is a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus, with two distinct clades: Clade I and Clade II. Common symptoms include a skin rash or mucosal lesions lasting 2–4 weeks, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes. The virus can be transmitted to humans through physical contact with an infectious person, contaminated materials, or infected animals.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

Read moreAfrica Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) Declares Mpox A Public Health Emergency of Continental Security, Mobilizing Resources Across the Continent

ICAO Signs New Agreements with African States to Boost Sustainable Aviation Development

Location: News
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) made a significant step forward in enhancing aviation's role as a catalyst for sustainable development in Africa. During the AFI Week held in Gabon, ICAO signed four pivotal capacity building and implementation support agreements with Member States, each aimed at strengthening their aviation sectors and alignment with international standards.

Gabon's Agence Nationale de l'Aviation Civile entered into a Management Service Agreement (MSA) with ICAO. This comprehensive agreement will provide Gabon with access to ICAO's expertise, project management and procurement services, and customized training packages. A key focus of this collaboration is the potential development of a Civil Aviation Master Plan, which will chart the strategic growth of Gabon's aviation sector, ensuring efficient, safe, and sustainable development of infrastructure and services.

Chad's Autorité de l'Aviation Civile partnered with ICAO for a preliminary assessment of training needs. This crucial project will evaluate the technical and general skills of ADAC's staff responsible for overseeing civil aviation safety and security. By optimizing human resources, Chad aims to significantly enhance the operational efficiency of its civil aviation authority.

Uganda's Civil Aviation Authority and ICAO agreed to develop a comprehensive 15-year Air Navigation Plan. This strategic framework will not only guide the implementation of air navigation services and infrastructure but also ensure Uganda's alignment with international aviation standards, in order to facilitate a safer, more efficient, and higher capacity air navigation system for the East African nation.

South Africa's Civil Aviation Authority signed a Declaration of Intent to host the next Global Next Generation of Aviation Professionals (NGAP) Summit. Set for February 2025 in Johannesburg, this summit highlights South Africa's commitment to nurturing the future leaders of the aviation industry.

These agreements represent ICAO's commitment to supporting African Member States in developing sustainable aviation sectors. By focusing on areas such as strategic planning, human resource development, and infrastructure enhancement, these initiatives are set to improve aviation safety, efficiency, and capacity across the continent.

The collaborative efforts between ICAO and these African states are expected to yield significant benefits, not only for the aviation sector but also for the broader economy. As aviation acts as a multiplier for economic growth, these agreements are poised to contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, improve connectivity, and foster economic opportunities in the region.

As these projects unfold, they will serve as examples of how targeted ICAO support and collaboration in the aviation sector can drive sustainable development and economic growth in Africa.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

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Mpox is still being transmitted across the world, says UN health agency

Location: News
UN News

In an update, the WHO said that an outbreak of mpox was declared in Burundi on 25 July, at around the same time that Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda also confirmed their own cases. 

The UN health agency noted that all of these infections – where patients' symptoms included fever, joint pain and a widespread rash - were linked to the “expanding outbreak” in East and Central Africa.

Later in the day, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) officially declared the situation a public health emergency voicing concern over the speed of its spread in the past few weeks.

Every infection was identified after genetic sequencing as clade Ib – one of three recognized variants of the virus, explained WHO, which added that 934 new laboratory-confirmed cases of mpox and four deaths had been reported to the UN health agency from 26 countries in June.

This indicated “continuing transmission of mpox across the world”, it noted.

Endemic problem
Mpox been circulating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) for years, according to the UN health agency, which said that there has been an “unprecedented increase” in the number of countries in Africa reporting mpox, which is mainly spread through sexual contact.

Within the African Region, the WHO said that the DRC reported 96 per cent of the confirmed mpox cases in June. But with limited access to testing in rural areas, less than one quarter of suspected cases there have been tested, so it is very likely that the disease burden is higher than initial estimates.

Data indicates that the DRC has been experiencing “a severe outbreak” of mpox since the beginning of the year, with more than 14,000 cases and 511 deaths reported, the UN health agency said. 

Transmission focus
In a related development, WHO said that Côte d'Ivoire is also experiencing an outbreak of mpox, clade II; this was the variant that was responsible for the global mpox outbreak in 2022, the UN health agency said, adding that South Africa has reported two more confirmed cases.

Mpox – formerly monkeypox - is endemic in Central and West Africa.  It can be transmitted through physical contact with an infected person, animal or contaminated materials. Symptoms include skin rash or lesions, accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy and swollen lymph nodes.

World trends
Globally, the most affected region in June was Africa with 567 cases of infection, followed by the Americas (175 cases), Europe – excluding the Eastern Mediterranean region - (100 cases), Western Pacific (81 cases) and South-East Asia (11 cases). 

From 1 January 2022 to 30 June 2024, a total of 99,176 laboratory-confirmed cases of mpox - including 208 deaths – have been reported to the UN health agency from 116 countries in all WHO regions. Apart from Africa, “the outbreak continues at a low level of transmission” globally, WHO said.

Data for June showed that 16 out of 26 reporting countries showed an increase in cases compared to May. DR Congo reported the highest increase in Africa – with 543 cases in June compared to 459 a month earlier (up 62 per cent) while Spain saw the highest increase in Europe (54 cases, up from 38 in May), Colombia reported the highest increase in the Americas with 11 cases in June and none in May, Australia had the highest increase in the Western Pacific (from 33 cases in May to 64 in June). No country reported an increase in South-East Asia. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.

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Atlanta Phambili: A Gateway for US-SA Partnership

Location: News

U.S. Embassy & Consulates in South Africa
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Atlanta Phambili – “forward” in Zulu and Xhosa – is a subnational diplomacy initiative which seeks to deepen bilateral ties between the United States and South Africa through City of Atlanta's educational and research institutions, Diaspora connections, creatives industry, and economic dynamism.  The initiative is a joint effort by the U.S. Mission in South Africa and the government of South Africa. 

In March 2024, the U.S. Mission launched Atlanta Phambili with a four-day trade and investment-focused roadshow in Atlanta co-hosted by Prosper Africa.  The roadshow included events hosted in partnership with Spelman College, Georgia Tech, the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, among others.  The delegation had the opportunity to meet with Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens and civil rights icon Ambassador Andrew Young.  The South African delegation included senior business executives and government officials.  The U.S. government delegation included U.S. Ambassador to South Africa Reuben E. Brigety, Prosper Africa Coordinator British Robinson, USAID Deputy Administrator Isobel Coleman, United States Export-Import Bank Chair Reta Jo Lewis, and United States Trade and Development Agency Director Enoh Ebong.  During the Georgia Tech Hosted Atlanta Phambili Trade & Innovation Forum on March 27, USAID Deputy Administrator Coleman announced the launch of the Africa Trade Desk, an exciting new program to connect African products with large U.S. retailer buyers.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of U.S. Embassy & Consulates in South Africa.

Read moreAtlanta Phambili: A Gateway for US-SA Partnership

Finance Deputy Minister urges responsible use of retirement savings

Location: News

Finance Deputy Minister urges responsible use of retirement savings

Finance Deputy Minister David Masondo has encouraged fund members to use their retirement savings sparingly, and only when there is an urgent and dire need.

In less than three weeks, retirement funds across the country will implement the Two-Pot Retirement System.

READ | Fund members urged to get financial advice on pension fund withdrawals

“With the new reforms, members will now be able to withdraw a portion – up to a third – of their retirement savings before retirement, while still preserving funds. They should seek trustworthy financial advice to consider the implications of withdrawing from their savings component,” the Deputy Minister said on Tuesday.

Addressing the Old Mutual Thought Leaders Forum, Masondo emphasised the importance of financial literacy, financial education, and financial advice in this context.

“It is important to note that administration costs and tax at marginal rates will be deducted from such withdrawals. In addition, members will also lose out on all related future growth and the retirement benefit originally intended for those funds."

The Two-Pot Retirement System is the latest in a series of comprehensive reforms implemented by the South African government to simplify and harmonise the pension system, incentivise pension savings, and increase the fairness of the retirement system. - SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Tue, 08/13/2024 - 11:22

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Second phase of Operation Vulindlela to focus on municipalities

Location: News

Second phase of Operation Vulindlela to focus on municipalities

As Operation Vulindlela is expected to enter its second phase, government will focus on stabilising the performance of local government to address the immediate challenges in electricity, water, and other basic services. 

“Without these services, businesses cannot function, and investors cannot invest,” the Deputy Minister of Finance, David Masondo, said on Tuesday.

Addressing the Old Mutual Thought Leaders Forum, Masondo said in the long term, the institutional structure and funding model for local government will be reviewed to ensure that municipalities are financially and operationally sustainable. 

“The ultimate objective should be to balance the need for truly local government that is responsive to the needs of a community, with the need for economies of scale in the delivery of services such as water and electricity.

“However, none of the challenges facing local government will be addressed, if we do not ensure that capable and qualified people are appointed to municipal administrations. The number of people employed in local government has significantly grown since 2006, without a corresponding improvement in outcomes,” the Deputy Minister said.

READ | Government focuses on growing the economy

He said instances of corruption and patronage in the appointment of senior managers, as well as political interference, have contributed to instability and a loss of technical skills.

“To rebuild capability in local government, we will strengthen the regulation and oversight of the appointment process for senior managers and protect the administration from undue political interference,” Masondo said.

Operation Vulindlela is a joint initiative of the Presidency and National Treasury to accelerate the implementation of structural reforms and support economic recovery.

“The second new frontier of reform is to address spatial inequality through housing, transport, and urban policy that turns our cities into dynamic centres of economic activity.

“The high cost of transport shuts out millions of South Africans from employment opportunities, creating labour market frictions and preventing job creation. The lowest quintile of households per capita spends more than 37% of their after-tax income on direct transport costs.

“To promote spatial integration, we will use our housing programs to enable people to live closer to areas of economic opportunity, rather than building houses on the urban periphery,” the Deputy Minister said.

This will require the release of well-located public land for social housing, as well as a review of regulations to unlock investment in low-income housing in our cities.

“In addition, we must shift our expenditure on housing from a supply-driven model, through which the government constructs fully complete houses and hands them over to beneficiaries, to a more demand-driven model that provides people with the means to find housing in areas where they want to live. This will also allow us to leverage private sector capital beyond our fiscal resources,” he said.

Government will also work to restore the passenger rail system to operation and invest in integrated public transport systems that are affordable, reliable, and safe.

The last new area of reform that Operation Vulindlela will prioritise over the coming years is digital transformation.

Digital transformation

In the absence of a clear, focused, and effective digital transformation strategy, South Africa is lagging behind its peers.

“To address this, Operation Vulindlela will work closely with the responsible departments to put in place a comprehensive roadmap for digital transformation focused on digital payments, system inter-operability, and data integration, as the basis for the digitisation of services. 

“This roadmap will support innovation, bring millions of South Africans into the digital economy, and improve access to services. These reforms, in addition to those already completed or underway, will fundamentally transform South Africa’s economy,” the Deputy Minister said. - SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Tue, 08/13/2024 - 12:20

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Read moreSecond phase of Operation Vulindlela to focus on municipalities

MultiChoice Talent Factory 2025 Calls for Entries

Location: News
MultiChoice Group

MultiChoice Talent Factory (www.MultiChoice.com) is thrilled to announce that it's once again calling upon all aspiring filmmakers, scriptwriters, producers, and storytellers to apply for entry into the 2025 fully funded academic year.  

Whether you're a young professional looking to change careers and expand your horizons or a newcomer eager to make your mark in the TV & Film industry, MTF welcomes applicants from all backgrounds across the 13 countries in Africa: Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, Angola, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi.  

Since its inception in 2018, MTF has welcomed 60 students each year giving them an opportunity to reach their dreams and to unleash their potential by providing a platform that nurtures and develops talent across the continent, providing opportunities for growth, networking and success in the entertainment industry.

Through a series of rigorous training programs, MTF believes in using hands-on approach and mentorship from industry experts. Participants not only get a chance to sharpen their craft but also gain invaluable insights into the business of filmmaking. Imagine being chosen as one of the participants to learn from some of the industry's best minds and gaining practical experience in areas such as cinematography, sound design, editing, and more. MTF gives you all these opportunities and does not stop there.

At the end of the programme, top performing students from each academy will get further training, mentorship and internship opportunities with MTF global partners, such as the New York Film Academy (NYFA), Indian-based platform Zee World and will get an opportunity to work on productions in South Africa. Upon completion students receive accredited and recognised qualification and get a chance to produce and direct short films showcased on MultiChoice platforms. 

All these initiatives are indicative of MTFs commitment to supporting MultiChoice's content selection of delivering exciting local content, which is rich in culture. Africa has many untold stories and by investing in African talent, MultiChoice gets to uncover and showcase these stories by supporting MTFs students, giving them necessary skills and the platform to produce content that resonates with Africans and the global market. Through this support, MTF alumni's have achieved phenomenal success in their productions.

Just last year, five alumni secured nominations across three categories at the 2023 Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards (AMVCA). In addition to this, Many MTF alumni occupy significant industry roles across the continent, working as directors, producers, sound designers, camera operators, art directors, scriptwriters and editors on major African productions which include Salem, Tempted, Engaito, Mvamizi, Mum vs Wife, Makofi, County 49 and many others. Habtamu S. Mekonen, MTF student from the East Africa Academy in Nairobi, Kenya, recently won an International Emmy Award for a short film that he produced and directed. The success of MTF is best illustrated by the feature films produced by its students. The films highlight the talents and creativity of participants and demonstrate the programme's profound impact.

MTF also fosters entrepreneurial spirit, giving young people the confidence to start their own projects and businesses. To date, thirty of its alumni have registered production houses, creating employment opportunities and contributing to the economy. The knowledge and skills imparted by MTF empowers graduates to be catalysts for economic growth and cultural enrichment in their communities.

Applications are now open and will close on 15 September 2024. Interested candidates can visit https://apo-opa.co/4cjKojb to submit their entries and learn more about the program's requirements.

Are you ready to unleash your talent and step into the spotlight as one of the next generation of filmmakers? Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to ignite your career in film and television with MultiChoice Talent Factory.

Take the first step towards realising your dreams and apply now.

Your journey to success starts here!

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of MultiChoice Group.

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Managed Israeli Real Estate: Securing Your Future in Israel

Location: MyPR

At Hold Real Estate, we understand the significance of a secure investment, especially when it comes to one of the most substantial financial decisions in life—purchasing property. Established in 1975, Hold Real Estate has grown into a prominent boutique Israeli real estate firm renowned for assisting international buyers in securing their ideal homes in Israel. …

Read moreManaged Israeli Real Estate: Securing Your Future in Israel

African Energy Week (AEW) 2024 Launches Upstream Oil & Gas Forum Amid African Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Market Expansion

Location: News
African Energy Chamber

Africa's upstream oil and gas sector is attracting substantial investments, with an $800-billion capital expenditure program focusing on LNG alongside traditional deep-water oil projects currently underway. This investment cycle is expected to boost Africa's LNG production capacity at a time when global gas demand is on the rise.

Responding to this environment, African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energy 2024 will host a two-day Upstream Exploration & Production (E&P) Forum spotlighting Africa's LNG prospects. The forum will feature a series of strategic sessions and presentations, highlighting major LNG and floating LNG (FLNG) developments and investment opportunities shaping the sector.

AEW: Invest in African Energy is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

Mozambique is at the forefront of Africa's LNG growth, with the $20-billion Mozambique LNG project led by TotalEnergies set to produce 12.8 million tons of LNG per annum by 2028. Eni's second FLNG production project in the country – Coral Norte – and ExxonMobil's Rovuma LNG development are anticipated to reach FID by 2025. The country achieved natural gas sales of $1.7 billion in revenue in 2023, mostly driven by the start up of the Coral Sul FLNG project in November 2022.

The Nigeria LNG (NLNG) Train 7 expansion project is approaching completion, set to boost the country's LNG capacity by 35%, adding roughly 8 million tons per annum. The project is part of Nigeria's broader strategy to enhance its LNG production capabilities to meet both local and regional demand. In June 2024, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation signed a Project Development Agreement (PDA) with marine infrastructure company Golar LNG to deploy a FLNG vessel in the offshore Niger Delta region. The PDA plans to monetize 400-500 million standard cubic feet of gas per day, producing LNG, LPG and condensate, with FID expected by Q4 2024.

Under the Upstream E&P Forum, a session on The Demand Economics Driving the Growth of African LNG and FLNG will explore Africa's LNG portfolio, shedding light on supply and demand dynamics and future investment opportunities. Speakers will include Managing Director & General Manager of Eni Rovuma Basin Marica Calabrese, Africa Finance Corporation Vice President Taiwo Okwor, and senior representatives from Golar LNG, Angola LNG, and UTM Offshore.

In West Africa, Equatorial Guinea is also establishing itself as a major LNG player through its Gas Mega Hub (GMH) initiative, which aims to pool regional gas resources to become a central hub for gas processing, liquefaction and distribution. Last October, US oil and gas company Marathon Oil entered into an LNG sales agreement with commodity trader Glencore for Equatorial Guinea's Alba field, positioning the company for the GMH's next phase of development. Meanwhile, the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) LNG project, spanning Mauritania and Senegal, is set to reach first production by Q4 2024, with a capacity of 2.3 million tons per year.

In southern Africa, Angola's LNG market is also growing, launching the second phase of the Falcão natural gas project last December, as well as developing the country's first non-associated gas development project in Soyo. South Africa's Virginia Phase 2 project is set to produce commercial quantities of LNG and liquid helium, with a capacity of 670,000 cubic meters of LNG per day. Meanwhile, the country's Port of Ngqura FLNG project involves the installation of a floating storage and regasification unit, gas-to-power infrastructure, cryogenic pipelines and a terminal for processing, storing, on-site exploitation and distribution of gas acquired from the country's on- and offshore fields.

A session on The Game Changer: Examining African Gas will outline Africa's natural gas reserves, production capacities, infrastructure development and export potential, highlighting potential for transitional energy, power generation and diversified growth. The session will feature senior representatives from Equatorial Guinea's national oil company (NOC) GEPetrol, Seplat Energies, and Mozambican NOC Empresa Nacional de Hidrocarbonetos.

With these developments on the horizon, Africa's leading upstream markets are positioning themselves as key players in the global LNG industry. AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024 will provide a pivotal platform for stakeholders to engage in discussions, forge partnerships and explore new opportunities within Africa's growing LNG sector.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

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Government pays tribute to Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule

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Government pays tribute to Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule

Government has joined the nation in mourning the passing of Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule, a stalwart in the gospel music industry and a beloved radio personality. 

“Deepest condolences are extended to the Mbokazi and Nkambule families, as well as her Ukhozi FM family during this difficult time,” the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said.

Mbokazi-Nkambule reportedly passed away at Parklands Hospital in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, in the early hours of Monday.

“As the founder of the Crown Gospel Music Awards, Mbokazi-Nkambule provided a platform for gospel artists to be recognised and to showcase their talents; this contributed immensely in elevating the genre to new heights. 

“Her dedication and love for gospel music has helped many and nurtured the growth of gospel music in South Africa.

“Mbokazi-Nkambule’s voice resonated with millions while working as a radio personality on Ukhozi FM, where she captivated her listeners with her warmth, sincerity, and deep connection to her faith. She was a strong believer who was committed to her spiritual journey and the upliftment of others,” GCIS said.

Mbokazi-Nkambule’s contributions to the gospel music industry and the media will be remembered for generations to come. 

“Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of artists and broadcasters. As the country mourns her passing and remembering her remarkable life, let us stand with her family, friends, and all those who were touched by her work. May her soul rest in eternal peace,” GCIS said. - SAnews.gov.za
 

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Mon, 08/12/2024 - 15:11

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Emergency housing team dispatched to assist collapsed dam victims

Location: News

Emergency housing team dispatched to assist collapsed dam victims

Human Settlements Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has dispatched an emergency housing team to urgently assist displaced families whose homes were flooded when the walls of a dam collapsed in the Swartland Municipality in the Western Cape.

Kubayi said the ongoing assessment will inform what interventions required for all the affected households.

The Minister highlighted there are four categories of interventions provided by the department and these include restoration, relocation, rebuilding and repairs.

“We have directed the team to ensure that the affected households are assisted with emergency accommodation, particularly the vulnerable groups. It is unfortunate that we now have to deal with this incident, while we are still reeling from another recent disaster that left people homeless,” Kubayi said.

Kubayi said the families whose homes were affected by last week's disaster in Riverlands are being provided shelter at Riverlands Community Bakery Centre and Riverlands Church.

READ | Emergency spillway under construction to avoid further Riverlands disaster

“The team from human settlements has compiled a list of approximately 100 displaced people, who have expressed their reluctance to be moved to safer temporary accommodation, citing a need to take care of their livestock,” Kubayi said.

The Minister said the National Home Builders' Registration Council (NHBRC), which forms part of the disaster team, is currently on site will assess the structural integrity of damaged properties as soon as the water subsides.

The department commended NGOs that are already on the ground to assist victims.

Transparency in allocating houses

Meanwhile, Kubayi has reiterated the importance of transparency in allocating houses and delivering other housing programmes within the human settlements sector.

During her engagement with listeners on the Power FM breakfast show last week, Kubayi confirmed that the department is fully committed to dealing with any allegations of fraud and corruption, mainly in the allocation of fully subsidised houses, also known as Breaking New Ground (BNG).

“We are rectifying and reconfiguring our human settlements delivery system. Digitising the beneficiary list system is our main priority because it will radically improve our operations as a department.

“We have been entrusted with over R31 billion during this financial to respond to the housing needs of our people. Every cent must be accounted for and effectively used to restore the dignity of the poor and the vulnerable among us,” Kubayi said.

Kubayi was on Power FM as a special host of the breakfast show, as the country commemorates Women’s Month.

The Minister used the opportunity to invite listeners to give her tips to improve the delivery of sustainable human settlements.

Listeners raised several issues, including government's response to land invasions by capacitating municipalities to effectively deal with this challenge; conducting an audit to determine if BNG houses have been given to the rightful owners, and attending to blocked projects.

Kubayi also interviewed the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Thembi Simelane, on justice for women and the Deputy Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, on the scourge of teenage pregnancy. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Mon, 08/12/2024 - 12:26

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Local government called to be responsive to community needs

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Local government called to be responsive to community needs

KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC, Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has urged local government office bearers to be responsive to the needs of communities or face the consequences from the electorate.

Speaking at the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) KZN Sustainable Governance and Accountability Symposium in Durban last week, Buthelezi underscored the importance of sustainable governance and innovative solutions to meet the challenges facing municipalities throughout the province.

Buthelezi pointed out the complexities confronting municipalities, including climate change, financial limitations, and the imperative for enhanced service delivery.

He advocated for a unified approach to governance that is rooted in sustainability and accountability, which he believes is essential for long-term development and resilience.

“Our municipalities are the cornerstone of our communities, and their effectiveness in service delivery is vital for the welfare of our citizens. The current challenges necessitate a re-evaluation of our governance methods and the adoption of new strategies,” Buthelezi stated.

The MEC said the financial model for municipal funding ought to be reassessed, especially considering the recent veld fires that resulted in 15 fatalities last month. This, he said, demonstrates the urgent need for municipalities to be better equipped for such disasters.

He emphasised the importance of revising the financial support structures for local governments to ensure their preparedness for future challenges.

Buthelezi further praised the joint efforts of all parties involved in promoting accountability and transparency in municipal governance.

He encouraged mayors and senior officials to persist in these endeavours, reminding them that sustainable governance is an ongoing process that demands consistent commitment.

“The prosperity of our municipalities relies on our collective capacity to collaborate, innovate and maintain accountability. Our primary objective is to forge a brighter future for the people of KwaZulu-Natal,” Buthelezi said.

The SALGA KZN Sustainable Governance and Accountability Symposium brought together key local government stakeholders to deliberate on ways to improve governance practices, focusing on sustainability and accountability. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Mon, 08/12/2024 - 11:09

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Minister Blade Nzimande officially opens 32nd International Astronomical Union General Assembly

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South African Government
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The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof. Blade Nzimande, officially opened the 32nd International Astronomical Union (IAU) General Assembly in Cape Town last night. The Minister addressed 2 000 delegates from the global astronomy community.

The meeting, held every three years, is an opportunity for astronomers to address key topics in contemporary astronomy and assess the latest scientific progress in various specialised areas.

This year's general assembly, under the theme "It's Time for Africa – Ke Nako", will highlight the continent's growing role in the global astronomical community and its contributions to global astronomical research and development, as well as its potential for future contributions.

Africa is home to some of the world's oldest astronomical achievements. Astronomy in Africa began at least 7 000 years ago, with a stone circle known as Nabta Playa in Egypt that predates Stonehenge by 2 000 years.

IAU President, Prof. Debra Elmegreen, in her address to the gathering, emphasised that astronomy was rooted in all cultures and invited broad thoughts about our place in the universe and on our fragile Earth.

"We celebrate the rich history of astronomy in Africa as we present our research, initiate new collaborations, enjoy networking, share astronomy with the public, and explore the local beauty. August is designated as Africa Astronomy Month, an appropriate cap to the Vision 2024 efforts that have united Africans in their preparations to share astronomy with the world," said Elmegreen.

Over two centuries ago, international observational survey work was led by astronomers in Cape Town and this work continues to the present day under the South African Astronomical Observatory.

Among many other telescopes in Africa, Prof. Elmegreen mentioned the High Energy Stereoscopic System (HESS) gamma ray telescope in Namibia, as well as the Southern African Large Telescope (the largest optical telescope in the Southern Hemisphere), the MeerKAT radio astronomy array, and the KELT-South and SuperWASP-South telescopes, all of which are located in South Africa.

Minister Nzimande spoke about how Africa's rich astronomy history continues to inspire, and the role of indigenous astronomy in South Africa's astronomy programmes. He praised the conference organisers for Cosmic Echoes, a Shared Sky indigenous art exhibition.

The Minister highlighted the trailblazing radio astronomy work that began in South Africa in Hartebeeshoek in 1961, in a partnership with NASA.

"Radio astronomy began in South Africa with a 26-metre dish built by NASA and placed in Hartebeesthoek in 1961 as a deep-space ground station used to get data from, and send commands to, many unmanned US space probes going beyond the Earth's orbit. This was later converted into a radio telescope that led to the establishment of the Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomical Observatory, which is now part of the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory.

"During the democratic era, the MeerKAT was built in Carnarvon as a precursor to the SKA project. The MeerKAT is another amazing achievement on the global science stage, and we wish to thank our international partners, Germany, Italy and China for their contribution to this project.

"We also have a growing gamma-ray astronomy community that actively participates in the HESS initiative," said the Minister.

He added that these strategic interventions had enabled the exponential growth of South African astronomers from 60 (only five of whom were radio astronomers) to about 300 over the last 30 years.

The Minister highlighted that the MeerKAT/SKA project, in particular, offered South Africa an opportunity to contribute to the knowledge economy and the big data revolution through international collaborations and the pursuit of world-class research, driving transformation and human capital development.

The Minister thanked the IAU for giving South Africa the opportunity to host the prestigious IAU General Assembly.

"This gathering reflects the global astronomy community's commitment to advancing research, fostering collaboration, and addressing contemporary challenges in astronomy and those faced by humanity," concluded the Minister.

The IAU conference runs until 14 August 2024.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Government.

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