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The Real Success Network is thrilled to bring Real Success South Africa to Johannesburg; an event which is guaranteed to inspire and ignite. Brian Walsh, Founder and Chief Visionary of The Real Success Network, explains that the event brings together the cream of international speakers, along with leaders from the local speaking circuit. Each has …
Introduction Padel, a racket sport that blends the excitement of tennis, squash, and badminton, has seen its popularity skyrocket across continents. As players from diverse backgrounds dive into the sport, the choice of equipment becomes pivotal in enhancing performance and enjoyment on the court. Virgin Active Padel Club proudly offers a wide array of Adidas …
North West Premier welcomes improved audit outcomes
North West Premier Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi has welcomed the significant improvement in the 2023/24 audit outcomes for provincial departments, which show a marked progression from the previous year.
In the latest audit cycle ended 31 March 2024, a total of nine out of 12 departments received unqualified audit reports, whereby two of them received clean audits. Only one department received a qualified audit outcome, with a reduction in audit qualification paragraphs.
The provincial government said this positive trend reflects government's ongoing commitment to enhancing financial management, accountability and transparency across all its departments and entities.
“We are particularly encouraged by the increase in clean audits and the overall accuracy of our financial statements. These improvements are aligned to our ongoing efforts to build public trust, enhance service delivery and improve the lives of the people of the North West,” the Premier said.
The provincial government said current year performance reveals that the new techniques that were employed over the previous year, which included working closely with Chief Financial Officers and officials in the financial management sections are yielding the desired results.
“In the previous year, the province managed to obtain seven unqualified audit outcomes, while five departments were qualified, prompting the provincial government to increase its support to these five departments. The expansion in audit coverage bears testimony to the province's comprehensive financial oversight and accountability,” the provincial government said.
Mokgosi said part of building a capable, ethical and developmental State is to see to it that government has sound financial management controls.
The Premier said the collaborative efforts of the Provincial Treasury, Provincial Audit Committee, the Auditor General of South Africa, dedicated members and chairpersons of portfolio committees and other robust governance structures continue to set the province on a positive developmental trajectory.
“We made significant progress in addressing the root causes of the challenges that culminated into Section 100. These key stakeholders have been instrumental in implementing comprehensive reforms, enhancing financial management and strengthening oversight mechanisms,” Mokgosi said. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Sun, 08/11/2024 - 09:30
Property valuations play a crucial role in the real estate market, guiding buyers, sellers, investors, and even insurance companies in making informed decisions. Understanding the different aspects of valuations can significantly enhance your ability to maximise returns on your investments. Understanding Property Valuations Property valuations are assessments of a property’s market value at a …
Progress made in management of foot and mouth disease
Three working groups have been established to improve cooperation between the Department of Agriculture, provincial authorities and industry stakeholders on the recent outbreaks of foot and mouth disease (FMD) in the Kouga and Kou-Kamma Municipalities in the Eastern Cape.
The department said the situation appears to be improving, as the rate of new FMD cases has begun to decline, with the last clinical case reported in mid-July.
“At present, cattle on 30 farms have tested positive for the disease. These farms have been placed under quarantine, and vaccination efforts are underway to control the spread of infection and reduce the severity of clinical symptoms.
“Additionally, pre-emptive vaccination has been carried out on a further 37 farms identified as high risk due to their proximity to infected areas. This measure aims to create a buffer zone around the affected farms to further limit the spread of the disease,” the department said.
In total, over 92 000 cattle and nearly 600 sheep across 67 farms have been vaccinated.
These efforts are a critical part of the department’s strategy to manage and eventually eradicate the disease.
To prevent the further spread of FMD, the Department of Agriculture declared a Disease Management Area (DMA) on 19 July 2024.
“This DMA encompasses parts of the Kouga and Kou-Kamma Municipalities and will facilitate the regulation of animal movements into, out of, and within the affected regions. The primary objectives of the DMA are to prevent the spread of the disease to unaffected areas and to reduce viral load and infection pressure within the current outbreak zone.
“The Director of Animal Health has signed and published the movement protocol for the DMA. The protocol is available on the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development (DALRRD) and the Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) websites. Copies can also be requested from AgriEC,” the department said.
Biosecurity and Disease Transmission
The department has noted misleading claims suggesting that FMD is transmitted by birds and rodents, which undermines the importance of biosecurity measures.
“While theoretical transmission via such vectors exists, it is highly unlikely to contribute significantly to the current outbreak. Effective biosecurity -- focused on preventing direct and indirect contact of susceptible animals and rigorous cleaning and disinfection practices -- remains the most reliable method for preventing the introduction and spread of FMD on farms,” the departments said.
The department has reminded livestock owners that health declarations are required for the movement of susceptible animals, regardless of the purpose.
“New arrivals of cattle, sheep, and goats must be isolated from resident herds for at least 28 days. This is in addition to urging livestock owners to only source animals from herds with a known health status. This practice, mandated by law since October 2022, is crucial for maintaining herd health and preventing disease spread,” the department said.
Section 11 of the Animal Diseases Act requires animal owners and managers to take all reasonable steps to prevent disease infection and its spread.
FMD is classified as a controlled animal disease under the Animal Diseases Act, 1984 (Act No. 35 of 1984), and specific control measures, such as isolation and movement restrictions, are being enforced by Veterinary Services.
“Farmers are reminded that it is a legal obligation to report any suspicious clinical symptoms, such as salivation, blisters in the mouth, limping, or hoof lesions, to the local State Veterinarian immediately. Affected animals must not be moved.
“The department strongly advises livestock farmers nationwide to limit animal movements to the greatest extent possible. Movement of cloven-hoofed animals should be restricted to essential cases only, allowing time to identify and quarantine potentially affected properties,” the department said. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Sun, 08/11/2024 - 10:53
Jo-Ane van Dyk earns Team SA’s sixth medal at Olympics
South African athlete Jo-Ane van Dyk has earned Team South Africa’s sixth medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics Games.
Van Dyk won a silver medal during the women's javelin on Saturday at the Stade de France, Paris, on Saturday night.
“At a packed Stade de France on the final night of track and field action at these Games, she produced a third effort of 63.93m, which highlighted the form she’d shown all week, and moved her up into the silver medal, behind Japan’s Haruka Kitaguchi, who had opened with a winning 65.80m.
“It was an emotional evening all round, because Van Dyk is coached by Terseus Liebenberg, who also guided Viljoen to the silver medal at Rio 2016,” the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) said.
Van Dyk had attended her first Olympics in Tokyo, and there she was eliminated in qualifying with a best of 57.69m.
“Here, she is three years older, three years wiser and a different athlete entering the prime of her career. The South African’s first throw of 59.72m had been below par by her standards. She upped it by exactly two metres to 61.72m, which still wasn’t enough to get into medal contention on a stacked leaderboard.
“However, her third throw was another two metres further and that 63.93m was to be 25cm better than bronze medallist Nikola Ogrodnikova, and 53cm better than the fourth-placed finisher, Sara Kolak,” SASCOC said.
Meanwhile, high jumper Brian Raats couldn’t better his first jump, where he cleared 2.17m, and ended up in 12th place, with the gold going to New Zealand’s Hamiush Kerr with 2.36m.
“Team SA’s men’s 4x400m took to the track having been reinstated into the final after the referee intervened on Friday following interference and a tumble in their heat. Gardeo Isaacs, in lane one, took the opening, which he covered in 45.67sec, leaving Zakhiti Nene at the back of a nine-country field.
“However, Nene again scorched around the track and has been Team SA’s best 400m athlete at these Games. He made up four places with a lap of 43.81. Lythe Pillay kept the momentum with a 43.97 run and at the changeover, South Africa were still fifth. And that’s where they stayed as Antonie Nortje finished off with a 44.67.
"With the United States winning gold in an Olympic record 2:54.43, South Africa’s quartet set a national record 2:58.12,” SASCOC said. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Sun, 08/11/2024 - 11:20
Introduction In the quest for durable, cost-effective, and versatile products, plastic items such as chairs, wheelie bins, and outdoor furniture have become staples in both homes and businesses. This guide explores the world of plastic products, focusing on their benefits, applications, and tips for selecting the right type for your needs. Understanding the Appeal …
The Beach Palace Ramsgate, a luxurious 5-star guesthouse with stunning views over the Indian Ocean, has been nominated for the prestigious Golden Tree International Travel Award, representing South Africa on the global stage. This nomination is a testament to The Beach Palace’s commitment to excellence, sustainability, and unparalleled guest experiences. As a premier guesthouse, The …
Cabinet commends addition of SA sites to UNESCO list
Cabinet has commended the latest addition of the South African human rights and liberation struggle sites in the prestigious list of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) World Heritage Sites.
The sites in the prestigious list include the Union Buildings, Constitution Hill, Liliesleaf farm, Sharpeville memorial, Walter Sisulu Square, 16 June 1976: The Streets of Orlando West, University of Fort Hare and ZK Matthews House, Mqhekezweni, Waaihoek and Ohlange.
The UNESCO World Heritage Committee also inscribed three Middle Stone Age sites in recognition of South Africa’s significant contribution to the understanding of the origins of modern human behaviour.
These include Diepkloof Rock Shelter close to Elands Bay in the Western Cape, Pinnacle Point Site Complex in Mossel Bay also in the Western Cape and Sibhudu Cave in KwaDukuza, KwaZulu-Natal.
“The sites termed as The Human Rights, Liberation and Reconciliation: Nelson Mandela Legacy Sites, not only help preserve South Africa’s unique heritage, but catapults our country to prominence as a major tourist attraction for World Heritage Sites, thereby boosting tourism and the economy,” said Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni.
The Minister was briefing media at a post-Cabinet briefing held in Pretoria on Thursday.
READ | UNESCO inscribes more World Heritage sites for South Africa
South Africans are living longer
Meanwhile, Cabinet has also welcomed the Mid-Year Population Estimates (MYPE) for 2024, which showed that South Africans are living longer.
The MYPE shows that life expectancy has increased to 66.5 years from 53.6 years in 2005 due to multiple government interventions, including the expanded rollout of antiretroviral therapy - which is one of the largest antiretroviral therapy programme in the world.
The estimates also show the provision of vaccinations and the decrease in the infant mortality rate from an estimated 57 infant deaths per 1000 live births in 2002 to 22.9 per 1000 live births in 2024.
“South Africa’s population now exceeded 63 million, growing 1.33 percent from July 2023 to July 2024. The updated population growth figures will assist government in its planning and resource allocation as we continue to better the life of all South Africans,” Ntshavheni said.
High-tech rail infrastructure
Cabinet has also commended the introduction of new high-tech trains on the Central Line in the City of Cape Town by the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA). PRASA is an agency of the Department of Transport.
The service has been extended from Nyanga to Mandalay station.
Ntshavheni highlighted that the trains utilise modern signalling system from Langa to Mutual Line, to enhance the safety and reliability of the rail service.
“The modern hi-tech features in these trains include automated doors, and CCTVs for each coach are for improved passenger safety,” the Minister said.
Cabinet has further commended the recovery of more rail lines part of government’s priority of providing safe, reliable and affordable public transport.
READ | PRASA introduces new modern trains in Cape Town
This as Cabinet held its first normal meeting of the seventh administration at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Wednesday. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 08/08/2024 - 12:38
Government prepares for G20 Presidency and Summit
Preparations are ongoing for South Africa’s Group of 20 (G20) Presidency and the hosting of the G20 Summit in 2025.
South Africa is expected to take over the presidency of the G20 from December 1 this year.
This is according to Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, who briefed members of the media on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday.
“An Inter-Ministerial Committee has been assigned the responsibility to organise this event on behalf of government and South Africans.
“South Africa will continue to use opportunities to lead and host international forums such as the G20 to focus global attention to the development challenges confronting Africa and the countries of the global South,” Ntshavheni said on Thursday.
READ | President Ramaphosa, President Biden commit to deepening relations
Furthermore, Cabinet has endorsed the country’s candidature to the following multilateral bodies:
• The candidacy of Yvette van der Merwe for the President of the Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) at elections to be held in France in October 2024. South Africa has a bid for re-election to the Human Rights Council for 2026-2028.
• South Africa seeks the re-election of its candidates, Professor Frans Jacobus Viljoen to the UN Human Rights Advisory Committee for the period 2025-2027, at elections scheduled for October 2024 in New York, USA.
• South Africa is also seeking terms on the UN’s Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) in 2025 and the Commission for Social Development in 2025. Elections for both bodies will take place in April 2025.
• South Africa will seek elections to the UN Security Council for a two-year term for the period 2031-2032, when it will be the turn of Southern Africa. - SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 08/08/2024 - 12:48
In recent years, several Western banks and financial institutions have implemented policies aimed at reducing support for fossil fuel projects, especially in Africa. This has led to a sharp decline in investment in the continent's oil and gas industry, a sector that is crucial for its economic future and energy needs. The African Energy Chamber (AEC) (https://EnergyChamber.org) argues that these institutions are practicing “financial apartheid,” arguing that while similar projects receive support in Europe, Africa's high-cost energy projects are being neglected.
The decline in investment is already having a noticeable impact, exacerbated by global shifts towards cleaner energy and prioritizing of ESG practices. Major international oil companies are reducing their presence in Africa. For instance, Equinor has withdrawn from offshore exploration in South Africa and ExxonMobil has exited a deep-water oil prospect in Ghana. This decline is contributing to a bleak outlook for Africa's energy sector.
“As the international community moves to boycott investments in the African energy sector, African people and African development stand to suffer,” says NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC. “The role of oil in Africa's energy and economic future is apparent, and consequently, should be defended as Western elites move to disrupt African progress.”
The broader implications of financial divestment are profound. Many African governments rely on fossil fuels as a cost-effective means to alleviate energy poverty and boost state revenues. However, the increasing pressure on financial institutions to cut funding for high-carbon projects creates uncertainty about the future of Africa's energy sector.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has added to these challenges with its calls to cease funding for oil and gas projects, highlighting a disparity: while natural gas is considered a ‘green' energy source for Europe, it does not receive the same treatment in Africa. According to Ayuk, “The IEA has lost its relevance and its authority.” Originally focused on managing oil supply disruptions, the IEA now prioritizes policies aimed at achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Its 2019 projection that no new investments in oil, gas, or coal are needed if the world continues on this path has been particularly controversial.
Several key African projects are at risk due to the withdrawal of financial support. Significant initiatives like TotalEnergies' Mozambique LNG project, ExxonMobil's Rovuma LNG project, Nigeria's Train 7 LNG expansion, Senegal's Sangomar oil field, Uganda's Tilenga project and the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) require substantial financing to advance.
Despite these setbacks, some projects are progressing. TotalEnergies is advancing its $20 billion Mozambique LNG project, aiming to develop the Golfinho and Atum fields with a production capacity of 12.88 million tonnes per year. Eni's Coral South FLNG project in Mozambique has achieved a production capacity of 3.4 million tonnes per year. Additionally, the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) LNG project, which started gas production in November 2022, is being developed by bp, Kosmos Energy and the national oil companies of Senegal and Mauritania. This project includes an FLNG facility with an initial capacity of 2.5 million tonnes per year.
Meanwhile Nigeria's Train 7 project, an expansion of the existing NLNG facility on Bonny Island, aims to boost production by 8 million tonnes per year, bringing the total to about 30 million tonnes per year. This development is crucial for Nigeria's growing population and its ability to meet its energy needs.
However, delays persist. The Tanzania LNG project, involving Equinor and Shell, is stalled due to proposed government changes. UTM Offshore's FLNG project in Nigeria, initially planned for 2023, has been postponed. Additionally, the EACOP faces significant criticism from financiers and environmental groups, complicating its development and financing.
Namibia, experiencing heightened interest from recent oil discoveries, is facing delays with the Kudu Conventional Gas Development. The Kudu Gas Project, an offshore initiative, has faced setbacks related to financing and project development challenges. As a result, the project is still pending FID and anticipated to commence production by 2026.
“Today, African Energy Poverty numbers are skyrocketing. Nine hundred million Africans lack access to clean cooking technologies, while 600 million lack access to electricity, most of them women. African families are facing high energy cost and inflation is going up,” Ayuk emphasizes. “It is shocking that financial institutions that do business in Africa continue to practice financial apartheid by cutting off capital and financing to oil and gas companies operating in Africa because of climate concerns. These same institutions fund gas development in Europe, where natural gas is deemed green and a fossil fuel for Africans.”
The disparity in financing not only undermines Africa's ability to harness its natural resources for its development but also perpetuates a cycle of energy deprivation. The AEC urges a re-evaluation of this approach and calls on global financiers to support Africa's energy projects, recognizing their critical role in advancing economic development, enhancing energy security, and improving living standards across the continent.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
Menopause is a natural stage of life for women, yet despite the commonality of this natural experience, there remains a sense of unspoken shame around the topic. To encourage dialogue around menopause and offer support to women through this stage, Laager and partner dietitian Mbali Mapholi are opening the discussion around CBD and its potential …
JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) has announced the appointments of Paul Adams and Imraan Khan as the respective High Performance...
The African region is experiencing an unprecedented increase in mpox cases since the start of 2024, with more countries previously unaffected by the disease reporting cases in an expanding spread of the virus.
World Health Organization (WHO) has elevated the mpox outbreak response to the highest-level requiring organization-wide mobilization and scale-up. In addition, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has called for an emergency committee of experts meeting to determine whether the outbreak constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
Fifteen African countries are currently reporting mpox outbreak, with a total of 2030 confirmed cases and 13 deaths so far this year compared with 1145 cases and seven deaths in the whole of 2023. Four countries – Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda – previously unaffected by mpox have reported cases since mid-July 2024.
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which accounts for more than 90% of the reported cases, a new variant that emerged in September 2023 is circulating in its eastern region. Neighbouring Rwanda and Uganda have reported cases of the new variant. Kenya has also confirmed cases of the new variant. Analysis are ongoing in Burundi to determine whether the reported cases are due to the new variant.
“The priority is to rapidly interrupt the transmission of the virus. We're collaborating with partners in support of countries to reinforce outbreak control measures and ensure that communities are central to ongoing efforts to effectively end these outbreaks,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa.
The pattern of transmission varies across the region, with the spread of new variant (known as clade 1b) in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo linked to transmission through sexual contact and high population movement, while in South Africa most of the cases are among people identifying as men having sex with men. Transmission in West and Central Africa is associated with the 2022 global outbreak. However, further analysis is required to better understand the patterns of transmission to refine the response to the outbreak.
WHO is working at the global, regional and national levels as well as with partners, including the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and others to ensure effective response to the outbreak.
In the African region, WHO is working through country teams and experts deployed on the ground to support national authorities strengthen key response areas, including disease surveillance, diagnosis testing and clinical care, infection prevention and control. WHO is working with the health authorities to access therapeutics, decentralize laboratory services for enhanced diagnostic capacities, and ramp up efforts to raise awareness about the risk of the disease among communities.
Field investigation and active case finding are also being reinforced in the affected and at-risk countries. The Organization is coordinating closely to enhance contact tracing, leveraging experience from prior outbreaks to ensure interventions best support and elevate the needs of key populations. WHO is also mobilizing financial support to help countries effectively respond to the outbreak.
WHO is advancing the process for Emergency Use Listing Procedure, an approach to assess and list unlicensed vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics to expediting their availability for use during public health emergencies. The Organization is already working closely with countries to develop their vaccination strategies and plans, to roll out the vaccines as soon as they are available. Vaccines are one among many public health tools that are used to control mpox.
Mpox is transmitted from animals to humans, with cases often found close to tropical rainforests where there are animals that carry the virus. The disease can also spread from humans to humans through contact with bodily fluids, lesions on the skin or on internal mucosal surfaces, such as in the mouth or throat, respiratory droplets and contaminated objects.
Treatment of mpox patients is supportive dependent on the symptoms. Various therapeutics that may be effective against mpox are being developed and tested. Prevention and control of rely on raising awareness in communities and educating health workers to prevent infection and stop transmission.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of WHO Regional Office for Africa.
New shopping centre and filling station planned for the precinct Recent sales at 1 300-hectare Renishaw Coastal Precinct have set off a chain reaction of development that will benefit local businesses, surrounding communities and outside investors, further igniting the economic reawakening of the KZN Mid-South Coast. On the morning of Wednesday, 7 August 2024, stakeholders …
Consistent electricity supply 'a step closer'
Consistent electricity supply in South Africa is now “one step closer” due to the diligent and dedicated implementation of the Energy Action Plan (EAP).
This is according to Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, who on Thursday briefed members of the media on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday.
The country has not experienced load shedding for more than 130 days.
“The supply of consistent electricity is now a step closer due to the steadfast implementation of the EAP announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa in July 2022. The EAP’s consistent focus on planned maintenance and work to achieve energy security by bringing onboard new generation capacity has contributed greatly to consistent power supply and no load shedding over several months.
“This is an important enabler for economic growth and has a positive impact on quality of life, allowing citizens to continue with their daily activities unhindered,” the Minister said.
She highlighted that at the end of July, Eskom had recorded an unplanned capability loss factor (UCLF) of 8321 MW, signalling a historic milestone in the improvement of electricity generating at its power stations.
“Cabinet congratulated Eskom on achieving this important milestone and urged South Africans to continue adopting an energy saving lifestyle to protect our national grid. By doing, so we all play our part in helping to keep the lights on, which is crucial to business, industry and the economy,” Ntshavheni said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 08/08/2024 - 12:12
Despite the fact that South Africa is going through a significant political transition, our democracy remains a shining beacon of hope on a continent where a democratic process is desperately needed in many countries. This cannot have been achieved without the sacrifices made by strong political leaders who have fought hard to build our democracy. …
Following the launch of the second phase of its critical mineral mapping program, Eswatini is seeking foreign partners to support mineral exploration and extraction activities. To showcase opportunities across the sector, HRH Prince Lonkhokhela, Eswatini's Minister of Natural Resources and Energy, will speak at the upcoming Critical Minerals Africa (CMA) (www.CriticalMineralsAfrica.com) 2024 summit in Cape Town, joining African ministers including Martin Gama Abucha, Minister of Mining of South Sudan; Monica Chang'anamuno, Minister of Mining of Malawi; and Louis Kabamba Watum, Minister of Industry and the Development of SMEs of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
As a frontier mining market, Eswatini is currently engaged in various programs to accelerate the exploration of its critical minerals (https://apo-opa.co/3yzeZvd). In December 2023, the Geological Survey of Eswatini, in partnership with South Africa's Council for Geoscience, launched the second phase of a joint geoscience mapping program. The initiative, which leverages AI-based techniques, aims to locate and map the country's critical mineral resources, marking a significant milestone in regional collaboration to advance sector growth. To date, the country produces minor quantities of aggregate, coal, gold and iron ore.
The Critical Minerals Africa 2024 summit on November 6 - 7 serves to position Africa as the primary investment destination for critical minerals. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energy 2024 conference (www.AECWeek.com) on November 4 - 8, offering delegates access to the full scope of energy, mining and finance leaders in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.
“Eswatini represents a promising yet untapped critical minerals market. Recent mapping programs have identified mineralization in several basins across the Kingdom. As a result, increased cooperation with global stakeholders is key to injecting capital and technology into new projects,” stated Rachelle Kasongo, Event & Project Director at CMA 2024 organizers, Energy Capital & Power.
Eswatini is also working with industry stakeholders on best practices to attract foreign investments to bolster its critical mineral industry. Last January, Minister Lonkhokhela met (https://apo-opa.co/3AdjVq1) with the country's Minerals and Mines Management Board to work toward creating an enabling environment for enhanced private sector participation in exploration, production and job creation within the mining sector. At CMA 2024, Minister Lonkhokhela will connect with global investors and industry service providers to discuss and explore Eswatini's mining prospects.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.
But the municipality says the project is on track to being completed
In event management, creating memorable and immersive experiences is paramount. One technique that has revolutionised the way events are orchestrated is projection mapping. This innovative technology transforms ordinary surfaces into dynamic displays, captivating audiences and elevating the overall event atmosphere. Understanding Projection Mapping Projection mapping, also known as spatial augmented reality, involves projecting images, …
A letter, apparently written by gangsters in Philippi, warns they will kill Somalis if extortion fees are paid to their rivals
Demystify science for the most marginalised - Minister Nzimande
Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, has insisted that, given South Africa’s – and Africa’s – historical past of discrimination and under development of parts of the population, it is imperative to “demystify science and its purposes and meaning to the lives of all people, especially the most marginalised”.
He was addressing the opening of the 32nd General Assembly of the International Astronomy Union (IAU) in Cape Town on Tuesday evening.
“Astronomy offers such an amazing opportunity to naturalise and indigenise scientific thinking within all our communities. Therefore, it is most fitting that this event will have Open Access features online, to generate scientific interest from the wider public.
“Young people have been appointed as volunteers for this event while others will be presenting their research posters, the General Assembly [GA] satellite viewing sites across Africa and astronomy ambassadors programme that has been launched throughout the continent as one of the legacy projects post the General Assembly,” Nzimande said.
On a continental scale, the Minister said it was in the interests of the international community to “broaden the participation of the African continent in astronomical sciences”.
“I would also like to recognise the efforts made by the IAU Office for Astronomy Development [OAD] and the African Astronomical Society [AfAS], both based in Cape Town in supporting other African countries to take advantage of opportunities in astronomy.
“We also see this Assembly as an opportunity for raising awareness of the IAU within the African science community and encouraging the emergence and professional development of the next generation African scientists.
“The Organising Committee of the 2024 GA has also announced that over 3000 abstracts were submitted, which is an impressive number for such an event and certainly offers an opportunity to share new sources of data and evidence to test through experimental work the explanatory value of the theoretical models developed in recent years,” he said.
A leading light
Minister Nzimande told the general assembly that government’s vision for South African astronomy is to become a “global hub for astronomical sciences and facilities as articulated in our National Strategy for Multiwavelength Astronomy of 2015”.
“The strategy provides a framework to take maximum advantage of South Africa’s historical strengths in astronomy, its geographical advantage of clear southern skies in the Karoo, the engineering and scientific base, large-scale investments in the MeerKAT/SKA endeavour and SALT [Southern African Large Telescope], and South Africa’s growing international ranking and partnerships in astronomy.
“This strategy is currently under review in consultation with the astronomy community so that it can be enhanced in order to take advantage of new opportunities in this era of multi-messenger techniques and technological innovations.
“The MeerKAT/SKA project, in particular, offers us an opportunity to contribute to the knowledge economy and the big data revolution through international collaborations and the pursuit of world-class research, thereby driving transformation and human capacity development. The SKA is the flagship frontier science partnership of the 21st century and South African remains fully committed to it,” he said.
The Minister revealed that the department is working with the Department of Tourism to develop an “astro-tourism sector through community-public-private partnerships in remote parts of South Africa”.
“We are looking forward to the approval of our newly established Astro-Tourism Strategy by Cabinet in the next few months.
“[Tourism] Minister Patricia de Lille and I will soon be co-hosting the Annual World Tourism Day in Carnarvon on 27 September 2024 – and this event will provide us with a unique opportunity to promote the preservation of dark skies and radio silence in the Karoo as this is essential for star-gazing and astro-tourism to thrive and to create jobs,” Minister Nzimande said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 08/07/2024 - 09:37
Izimbizo an opportunity to ensure all understand how GNU is working for them
The Presidential District Development Model (DDM) Izimbizo are a priority for the seventh administration, as President Cyril Ramaphosa has identified local government as a priority focus area of the Government of National Unity.
This is according to Presidential Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya, who briefed media at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Wednesday on the President’s engagement diary.
He said government has an obligation to interact and communicate with citizens in all corners of the country.
“With the Government of National Unity, this has become more urgent so that all citizens can understand how the new administration is working for them,” he said.
The Presidential DDM Izimbizo have been held since 2019 after President Ramaphosa indicated that he would like to visit South Africa’s 44 district municipalities and eight metropolitan municipalities.
Magwenya said the Izimbizo – which are attended by all Cabinet members – affords ordinary citizens a platform to voice their challenges and to hear from those that lead government on a national, provincial and local level.
“The Izimbizo is more than just a feel-good or gig for the President and the Cabinet. It is about identifying a district in conjunction with the provincial governments. Once a district has been identified, the various spheres of government come together, different workstreams are established to drive the process that is coordinated by the political champion.
“A few days before the actual Imbizo, Ministers and Deputy Ministers are deployed to the district to inspect their respective programmes. New projects are identified. On the day of the Imbizo, the President is accompanied by the Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Premiers, Members of provincial governments, Mayors and Councillors and the community engages them. It does get heated at times and emotional,” Magwenya said.
He highlighted that public participation in the country has been a hallmark of South African culture since the dawn of democracy 30 years ago.
“Public participation is intrinsically part of the DNA of the democratic South Africa. To be exact, it was initiated by the Constitutional Assembly in 1994 to consult and keep South Africans abreast of the Constitution writing process.
“It is against this background that the President can assert that the Presidential Izimbizo and the public participation programmes are not political gimmicks of the current and previous administrations.
“Neither is it an extravagant exercise and wasteful expenditure of taxpayers’ money. But it is a caring government which is engaging its citizens across the political divide.
“It started in 1994 and it is entrenched in the South African public discourse. It has evolved from former President’s to today’s public participation programme of the Presidential Izimbizo under the banner of the [DDM],” he said.
At the briefing Magwenya hit back at critics of the izimbizo. This after recent reports claimed that government had spent at least R44 million on hosting four Izimbizo over the past 18 months.
While he conceded that hosting an Imbizo could be costly at times “all the officials involved must ensure that procurement processes are conducted within the prescripts of the Public Finance Management Act”.
“Yes, critics will point out the high cost of DDMs and they will motivate how the money could have been utilised elsewhere. Indeed, one cannot quantify the impact of the Presidential Izimbizo in monetary terms, but it should be measured over the medium to long-term of what changes such events will bring to communities.
“It is mischievous to reduce the Presidential Izimbizo to Rands and Cents. It is about a caring government that is closer to the people, ensuring their right to access to basic services is solidified.” – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 08/07/2024 - 14:38
Rael Kassel is alleged to have attacked his partner in June