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By Ian Pettey, Managing Director of Crown Relocations South Africa As the Managing Director of leading global relocations company Crown Relocations South Africa, Ian Pettey has witnessed firsthand the myriad challenges employees and their families face when embarking on a journey of international relocation. Beyond the logistics of moving belongings from one place to another, …
By Pieter Nienaber (Compliance Africa at Crown Records Management South Africa) As the Compliance Officer of Crown Records Management, which has a global footprint, Pieter Nienaber takes a look at the transformative power of efficient and secure mail management. He delves into the critical importance of optimising mail handling processes, exploring innovative solutions such as …
Celebrating a woman’s accomplishments in the evolving business landscape In a world where female entrepreneurship is gaining momentum, Jacqueline van Rooijen, Business Growth Consultant and Director at Ycagel exemplifies resilience and innovation. Marking seven years in business, she shares the key principles that have contributed to her success, offering practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in …
SA records second case of mpox
The Department of Health has urged people experiencing suspected symptoms of mpox disease to visit their nearest healthcare provider for screening and testing to ensure early diagnosis and effective treatment.
This is after the country recorded the second laboratory-confirmed case of mpox disease.
The new patient is a 39-year-old male who was admitted at Addington Hospital in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, without a travel history to countries and regions currently experiencing the disease outbreak.
The first case was logged in Gauteng when a 35-year-old man tested positive on 9 May 2024.
The infectious disease is caused by the monkeypox virus and has the potential to cause painful or itchy rash-like pimples or blisters and fever.
The department working closely with the province and the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) has activated contact tracing and case finding to identify and assess people in contact with the patient to prevent further transmission, especially at a household and community level.
“This will also assist to establish if the second case was in contact with the first case confirmed in Gauteng earlier this month.”
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) a total of 466 laboratory-confirmed cases of mpox and three deaths from 22 countries were reported globally in March 2024.
According to the department, this illustrates that low-level transmission continues worldwide.
The most affected WHO regions include Africa, Europe, the Americas, the Western Pacific and South-East Asia.
“In the African region, the Democratic Republic of the Congo reports the highest number of confirmed positive cases, which represents just over a tenth of the suspected clinically compatible cases and deaths reported.”
Meanwhile, the department said stigma and discrimination may prolong a disease outbreak by stopping people from coming forward for information or seeking testing or care, which undermines public health efforts.
“We urge the public and communities to support those who test positive for mpox to take treatment and those with suspected symptoms to go for screening and testing instead of discriminating against them.”
Meanwhile, South Africa is currently experiencing the annual influenza (flu) season, which started in the week of 22 April 2024.
According to the department, several flu strains are circulating causing severe health complications in some patients.
“This has been confused with the COVID-19 variant which has been in circulation with a low level of transmissibility and severity.”
The most commonly detected and circulating flu is “swine flu” because it causes disease in pigs, followed by influenza B/Victoria and influenza A (H3N2).
The department said this was not unusual as swine flu has been circulating as one of the annual seasonal flu strains since 2010.
“Influenza A virus is more severe in adults. About 8% to 10% of patients hospitalised for pneumonia and 25% of patients with flu-like illness such as fever and cough will test positive for influenza during the flu season in South Africa.”
According to the NICD surveillance data, the numbers of flu cases and positivity rates are increasing rapidly, but the transmission and impact remain at a moderate level of activity for both outpatient and hospitalised cases.
“This means that while there is a lot of influenza circulating, it is still within the expected range for a normal influenza season. Influenza may cause severe illness leading to hospitalisation or possibly death, especially among those who are at risk of severe influenza illness or complications.”
High-risk groups include pregnant women, mothers six weeks after delivery, individuals living with HIV, those with chronic conditions such as diabetes, lung disease, tuberculosis, heart disease, renal disease, obesity, the elderly and children under two years old.
“These groups of people are strongly encouraged to receive the influenza vaccine available freely at public health clinics or a cost from private healthcare providers and through pharmacies.”
Ideally, the vaccine should be administered before the start of the flu season because it takes about two weeks for antibodies to develop, but it is not too late for people to get it to protect themselves and their loved ones against these viruses.
Non-pharmaceutical interventions such as covering the mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, ventilation, and regular hand washing with water and soap or sanitiser can help to minimise the spread of the disease. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 05/27/2024 - 11:21
Department of Social Development claims court order obtained by organisations last week “supersedes” its earlier commitments
Africa Communications Week 2024
By Nomonde Mnukwa
There was a time when the story of Africa was told by voices outside the continent who looked at our continent through a tainted lens. However, this has changed and Africans are now proudly sharing our own stories of development and triumph.
During the 2024 iteration of Africa Communications Week, which coincides with Africa Month, we were once again challenging the narrative of doom and gloom, by profiling success stories of Africa to the world.
Africa Communications Week held from 20- 24 May 2024 brought together communicators, professionals in the media space and thought leaders from around the globe. The aim is to enhance communication in Africa, by communicating developments and positioning Africa as an attractive investment destination.
This year’s Africa Communication Week was convened under the theme: “Influence”. It explored how influential leaders, policymakers and organisations have the ability to shape agendas, implement impactful policies, and mobilise resources towards sustainable development goals. This was important to driving change, fostering innovation and attracting investment on the continent to advance.
Convening Africa Communications Week on the cusp of our Africa Day celebration was an opportunity to promote African Unity and deeper integration and recommit Africa to a shared destiny. Africa Month is a crucial part of our yearly calendar as we acknowledge the work done by the African Union and celebrate pan-Africanism.
It is also an opportunity to unlock economic opportunities in line with the African Continental Free Trade Area AfCFTA, which hold enormous benefits for the continent. The AfCFTA is now operational with a number of countries including South Africa already trading under the agreement.
AfCFTA create a single continental market that allows African countries to diversify their exports, attract foreign direct investment and grow their economies. In support of AFCFTA, the AU dedicated this year’s Africa Day towards accelerating the implementation of the Africa Continental Free Trade Areas.
As we mark, this momentous occasion for our continent, the communications sector has an important role to play in profiling the free trade area and its benefits across the continent. By telling our stories, we can ensure that our countries, economies and people benefit from the implementation of AFCFTA.
South Africa will mark Africa Month held under “Celebrating 30 Years of Freedom: Building a Better Africa and a Better World’’. The programme celebrates the contribution of African nation in helping South Africa reach this national milestone.
There is no doubt that the freedom we enjoy today would not be possible without the commitment and selflessness of the men and women who sacrificed their lives, both in South Africa and on the continent. Their sacrifices have enabled us to imagine a world where Africans are at the heart of our own development and success.
During Africa Communications Week, communication professionals will reflect on how far we have come as a nation and continent. Undoubtedly, much has been achieved, however challenges remain and one of the issues we face as communicators on the continent is the communication divide. Access to information is the lifeblood of society, and the old saying that knowledge is power continues to ring true.
Advancements in technology has resulted in a new tech-savvy audience that is globally connected. This has necessitated a shift in focus to mobile communications, social media and using improved techniques and engagement tools.
How we bridge this divide will be top of mind for communicators during Africa Communications Week, and how we approach communication has to change if we are to keep up with the needs of a changing audience.
We can do so by tapping into new media spaces and by seizing the opportunity presented to us new digital platforms. By doing so we can rewrite the script of Africa by promoting inclusive growth, empowering marginalized communities, and advocating for an informed people where no one is left behind.
*Nomonde Mnukwa is Acting Director-General of the GCIS
Neo
Mon, 05/27/2024 - 15:10
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Introduction Software development is a cornerstone of the modern economy, driving innovation and efficiency across various sectors. In South Africa, the software development companies in South Africa landscape is vibrant and evolving, with numerous companies and talented developers contributing to the industry’s growth. Understanding the current state and future trends of software development in South …
Today marks the official launch of the Founders Cartel, a dynamic coalition of South Africa’s most promising startups, aimed at revolutionizing the local and global startup ecosystem. The cartel has been formed to help founders in the group share best practices, share knowledge, conduct business among themselves, and consolidate their efforts in pursuing opportunities. The …
Achievements and challenges: President reflects on sixth administration
As the term of the sixth administration draws to a close, President Cyril Ramaphosa has reflected on the achievements and challenges faced by government during this five year period.
South Africans are expected head to the polls in the National and Provincial Elections this week to elect leaders for the seventh administration.
In an address to the nation on Sunday, the President said that at the start of his term in office in 2019, South Africa “stood at a turning point”.
“We had endured a decade of corruption and state capture, of weak economic growth and the erosion of our public institutions. Today, we have put that era behind us. We have placed South Africa on a new trajectory of recovery and laid a strong foundation for future growth.
“We have taken significant steps to reform our economy by implementing a number of reforms that affect various sectors of the economy. In tackling crime and corruption, we have introduced a number of initiatives and measures to reposition our criminal justice system.
“We have faced many challenges along the way, which have tested our resilience and our resolve. Yet, in each instance, we have confronted these challenges together. We have remained united. We have worked in partnership and in solidarity,” the President said.
State Capture and corruption
President Ramaphosa said that the nation brought state capture to an end.
“We dislodged the criminal networks that had stolen billions from our people, that had eroded our public institutions and that had undermined the rule of law. Together, we worked to rebuild our law enforcement agencies, our security services, our state-owned companies and a number of other public bodies.
“Through the work of institutions like the NPA’s [National Prosecuting Authority] Investigating Directorate, the Hawks and the SIU, several state capture and corruption cases have been brought to court and billions of Rands in stolen funds have been recovered,” he said.
To further strengthen the work of the NPA, President Ramaphosa has now signed into law the establishment of the NPA’s Investigating Directorate against Corruption as a permanent entity.
“There is still much that we need to do to end corruption. However, as a country, we have sent a clear message to the corrupt that they can no longer expect to get away with their crimes with impunity and without consequence,” President Ramaphosa said.
COVID-19 pandemic
The President remarked that the COVID-19 pandemic, which swept across the world and pushed economies to their limits, was one of the defining moments of the last five years.
More than 100 000 South Africans died during the pandemic with some two million jobs lost.
“We introduced a massive package of social and economic support to protect vulnerable businesses, workers and households from the destructive effects of the pandemic. More than 5.7 million workers received wage support through the special UIF scheme.
“Through the introduction of the special SRD [Social Relief of Distress] grant, we provided relief to more than 11 million unemployed people at the height of the pandemic.
“Working together, we succeeded in administering more than 39 million COVID-19 vaccine doses. Even during the worst moments of the pandemic, we endured and we overcame. This is how we are as South Africans. We confront even the greatest of challenges with determination and courage,” the President said.
Rebuilding the economy
President Ramaphosa said rebuilding the economy following the devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic has been characterised by South Africans coming together “in social partnerships to drive investment, to build infrastructure and to remove the obstacles to inclusive growth”.
He highlighted that as a result, the economy has now returned to levels seen before the pandemic and “we have recovered the jobs lost to the pandemic”.
“Together, we supported Eskom’s efforts to improve the performance of its power stations. We enabled investment in new electricity generation capacity on a scale that is unprecedented in our history.
“Working with financial institutions, development agencies, business and professional associations, we revitalised investment in infrastructure. The value of projects currently in construction is over R230 billion, including energy, water infrastructure and rural roads projects.
“Together, we mobilised more than R1.5 trillion in new investment commitments. This has led to the opening of new factories, mines, data centres and production lines.
“Working with private sector partners, we established the Youth Employment Service, which has created over 144 000 work experiences for young people. We have worked across government and with NGOs to implement the Presidential Employment Stimulus, which has created more than 1.9 million work and livelihood opportunities for unemployed South Africans,” he said.
Into the future
The President emphasised that the sixth administration and all of the work it has done is a springboard for building a better future.
“The last five years have been a time of rebuilding and recovery. It has been about working together not only to meet the challenges of the moment, but to put in place firm foundations for a better future.
“As this sixth administration draws to a close, and as we prepare for the seventh administration, let us build on the progress that we have made. At this moment in our path to renewal, we cannot afford to turn back. There is more work to be done,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Sun, 05/26/2024 - 19:50
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The KZN South Coast, extending from Umkomaas to Port Edward, presents lucrative investment opportunities, both locally and internationally. Through its collaborative approach, South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise (SCTIE) is working with stakeholders to identify and package these unique opportunities for investors. Deborah Ludick Manager, Acting CEO of SCTIE, said the entity is committed to …
IEC dismisses vote rigging allegations, condemns threats to officials
The Electoral Commission (IEC) has dismissed allegations of vote rigging made against its offices in KwaZulu-Natal and has condemned threats made against its officials.
This comes days before the National and Provincial Elections are due to be held on 29 May, with special votes expected to be administered on Monday and Tuesday.
On allegations of vote rigging, the commission noted “with great concern” videos circulating related to the allegations at its storage sites in Chesterville and Hammersdale in the province.
“We wish to clarify that the videos depict our planned logistical arrangements and storage of election materials as we prepare for the first day of special voting on 27 May 2024. These are legitimate and authorised arrangements for the distribution of ballot papers and other bulk material.
“The planned security measures were that the trucks distributing ballot papers are escorted by SAPS to the local storage site. These storage sites will then be guarded on a 24-hours basis. This arrangement would ensure that the storage sites are protected against unauthorised entry, burglary, and tempering with election materials and ensure detailed control and recording of all items in storage,” the commission said in a statement.
It further warned that no members of political parties will be allowed entry into any storage facility.
“No party will be allowed to gain entry into the warehouse premises of the commission. We instruct the leadership of MK party to immediately leave the warehouse as the commission urgently needs to finalise the distribution of election material,” the statement read.
Threats to commission officials
The IEC said that in the same province, an official was “was woken at home in the middle of the night about bulk material stored at the Baptist Church voting station in Chesterville”.
“Bulk material is voting booths, voting station signage/banners and new unfolded ballot boxes. This bulk electoral material was taken to Cato Manor police station in eThekwini, in KwaZulu Natal.
“It is part of the logistical plan for the commission to deliver bulk material to voting stations ahead of Election Day. This is meant to ensure that voting stations open on time as only security material such as ballot papers will be delivered on the day of voting,” the commission said.
Furthermore, it strongly condemned any threats towards its staff members.
“No party nor its representatives have authority to gain access to private homes of electoral staff. Worse still no party nor its representatives may take control of election material without being authorised.
“We want to assure the public that additional measures have been implemented to secure these various storage sites across the country. We confirm that the commission has possession of all election materials shown in these videos.
“This electoral material is being prepared for distribution to voting stations in time for the special votes tomorrow, 27 May 2024.
“The commission is contemplating measures against the party and the individuals involved as such obstruction to election activities should not be tolerated. This conduct violates the Code of Conduct and other electoral prescripts,” the IEC said.
Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to address the nation this evening at 6pm. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Sun, 05/26/2024 - 13:01
In today’s digital age, storytelling has found a new and vibrant platform through podcasting. As Nicolas Regisford, founder of the SA Podcast and Music Festival shares, I’ve witnessed firsthand the explosive growth of this industry, particularly in South Africa. The space is so attractive and enticing to content creators, we now need to work the …
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Voters urged to familiarise themselves with three ballot papers
As South Africa holds its seventh democratic elections this week, voters will for the first time receive three ballot papers instead of two ballots.
The Electoral Commission (IEC) has urged voters to carefully review and mark each of these three ballot papers before depositing them into the ballot box.
“Our appeal to voters is to remember that they can only put one mark on each ballot, more than one mark will result in a spoiled vote and not counted.
“The Universal Ballot Template (UBT), whose dimensions are benchmarked against the longest ballot paper will be available in all voting stations. The UBT can be used by blind and partially sighted people, low-vision users, people who are dyslexic, and people with motor and neuron conditions which do not allow for a steady hand,” IEC Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Sy Mamabolo said.
South Africans will go to the polls on 29 May 2024 to vote for leaders in government for the seventh administration.
The 27.79 million registered voters will receive three ballot papers to elect candidates to represent them in the National Assembly and Provincial Legislatures.
The use of the three ballots follows the amendment of the Electoral Act, which was signed into law in April 2023.
“This amendment revised the electoral system to allow independent candidates to contest in the regional (province-to-national) tier of the National Assembly and the Provincial Legislatures.
“Although the phenomenon of three ballots will be familiar to voters in various local municipalities, it will be new to voters in metropolitan areas and for the first time in general elections for national and provinces,” Mamabolo said.
WATCH I Three ballots explained
The three ballot papers are as follows:
The commission said the design of the ballot papers will be underpinned by the following identifiers:
In respect of independent candidates, the ballot papers will have:
There are a total of 400 contested seats in the National Assembly. The proportional representation compensatory 200 seats will be contested by political parties only and there is a dedicated ballot paper for this tier of the National Assembly.
“The remaining regional or province-to-national 200 seats will be contested by independent candidates and political parties. This tier of the National Assembly will also have a dedicated ballot paper. This means that National Assembly elections will be based on two ballot papers (national ballot and the newly introduced regional or province-to-national ballot).
“Therefore, in respect of the elections of the National Assembly voters may elect a preferred party on the national ballot and elect another preferred party or independent on the regional ballot. However, in respect of provincial elections, voters will elect a preferred party or independent candidate on a single provincial ballot,” the CEO said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Fri, 05/24/2024 - 14:23
The only colony of one of the world’s most endangered butterflies is within sight of a large, multi-storey development
Protesters and City in dispute over housing project
President Ramaphosa signs GBV, NPA Bills into law
As the country marks 30 years of democracy, President Cyril Ramaphosa has warned that the aspiration to be a truly free and equal society cannot be achieved as long as criminals steal resources meant to benefit the people and the country’s women and children do not feel safe and free to walk in the streets.
President Ramaphosa said corruption and gender-based violence are two scourges that plague South Africa and corrode the country’s social fabric.
“Corruption and gender-based violence are affronts to the human dignity that is the inalienable right of every South African. These forms of criminality are holding our country back and preventing us from realising our full potential,” President Ramaphosa said.
He made the remarks at a ceremony to sign into law the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) Bill and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Amendment Bill, held at the Union Buildings on Friday.
The two signed pieces of legislation will form part of government’s efforts to strengthen institutions, develop partnerships and build state capacity.
The National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide will coordinate and provide strategic leadership to the fight against GBV and femicide, and be multi-sectoral, drawing on the expertise of all stakeholders, including civil society, labour and business.
The establishment of the council was one of the resolutions of the first Presidential Summit on GBVF convened in 2018.
President Ramaphosa said that since the first summit important progress has been made. This includes the development of a National Strategic Plan (NSP) on Gender-Based Violence, and the founding of the Women's Economic Assembly, which aims to integrate women-owned enterprises into industry value chains, promote sustainable economic development, and empower women economically, among other things.
Around R21 billion was dedicated over the medium term to the implementation of the six pillars of the NSP, including the economic empowerment of women.
“We enacted new laws to strengthen the response of the criminal justice system to gender-based violence. We have worked to improve the support provided to survivors of gender-based violence through the establishment of new Thuthuzela Care Centres, new Sexual Offences Courts, and victim-friendly rooms at nearly all police stations across the country.
“Through these efforts, we have seen improvements in conviction rates and in stricter sentencing. While this progress is welcome, our greatest task is to prevent Gender-Based Violence from being perpetrated in the first place…. we want to end, once and for all, the violence that men perpetrate against women,” President Ramaphosa said.
While acknowledging progress made in implementing the NSP for GBVF, President Ramaphosa emphasised the need for the national response to be more coordinated between the different stakeholders.
“We need a national effort that is more inclusive, more focused, and better resourced. We are confident that this council will provide much of what we need and will further strengthen the national effort to eradicate violence against women and children,” the President said.
On the National Prosecuting Authority Amendment Bill, President Ramaphosa highlighted that great progress has been made since the establishment of the Investigating Directorate within the NPA in the last five years.
“It has been five years since we established an Investigating Directorate within the NPA to investigate cases of corruption and other serious crimes arising from the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture. These are five years in which great progress has been made.
“To date, the Investigating Directorate has taken 39 state capture and corruption cases to court, involving 212 accused persons and 68 accused entities. In the last five years, the NPA has also secured the conviction of almost 700 government officials for corruption,” President Ramaphosa said.
He noted the NPA’s Asset Forfeiture Unit has restrained and preserved “state capture assets” to the value of more than R14 billion and over R6 billion has been recovered so far.
The signing into law of the National Prosecuting Authority Amendment Bill will establish an Investigating Directorate against corruption as a permanent entity within the NPA.
The Investigating Directorate against corruption will be a permanent, prosecution-led agency with full criminal investigative powers.
“This legislation will help to overcome challenges with capacity and expertise within the NPA to investigate and prosecute complex corruption cases. The Investigating Directorate against corruption will be able to recruit and retain specialist skills to deliver on its mandate.
“Permanent criminal investigators will be appointed, with full police powers. The Investigating Directorate against Corruption will be able to reap the benefits of collaboration with the private sector and other social partners,” President Ramaphosa said.
He added that efforts are underway as part of the partnership between government and business to create a Digital Evidence Unit specialising in the identification, collection, analysis, and presentation of digital evidence.
The President called on all stakeholders, including government, business, labour and across civil society to support the effort to make the two new entities a success. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 05/24/2024 - 13:11
Patients at Gilton clinic complain of medication shortages, broken medical equipment, no proper furniture, staff shortages and high patient volume.
The most urgent problems that South Africans want their government to address are unemployment, unreliable electricity supply, and corruption, according to a new Afrobarometer (www.Afrobarometer.org) telephone survey ahead of general elections on 29 May.
Citizens also cite economic issues including inflation, poverty, and management of the economy.
As citizens prepare to go to the polls, a majority of them are dissatisfied with the way democracy is working in their country, and they overwhelmingly say their country is going in “the wrong direction.” Even among likely voters, one-third say they have not decided which party they will vote for.
These findings are from a telephone survey conducted 23 April-11 May with a sample of 1,800 South Africans aged 18 and older. The margin of sampling error is +/-2.3 percentage points.
Key findings
Afrobarometer surveys
Afrobarometer is a pan-African, non-partisan survey research network that provides reliable data on African experiences and evaluations of democracy, governance, and quality of life. Nine rounds of face-to-face surveys in up to 42 countries have been completed since 1999. Afrobarometer's national partners conduct face-to-face interviews in the language of the respondent's choice.
While Afrobarometer is known for its face-to-face surveys, which are conducted on a roughly two-year cycle, the organisation is refining methods for more limited telephone surveys on emerging topics between standard survey rounds.
The Afrobarometer team, led by the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation (IJR), interviewed 1,800 adult South Africans selected from a database of more than 14 million cell phone numbers between 23 April and 11 May – the final weeks before the election. A sample of this size yields a margin of sampling error of +/-2.3 percentage points. This is the first publicly-released Afrobarometer telephone survey (http://apo-opa.co/3QUBfWn).
Note: Results from 2011-2022 are from standard face-to-face Afrobarometer surveys, whereas the 2024 survey was conducted by phone.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afrobarometer.
Presentation: index.php (apo-opa.com)
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Afrobarometer's pre-election telephone survey in South Africa: http://apo-opa.co/3QUBfWn
For more information, please contact:
Asafika Mpako
Communications coordinator for Southern Africa
Telephone: +2783-979-8299
Email: ampako@afrobarometer.org
Visit us online at www.Afrobarometer.org.
Follow our releases on #VoicesAfrica.
Facebook: /Afrobarometer
Twitter: https://apo-opa.co/4bt5jR9
YouTube: /Afrobarometer
Ryan Oosthuizen will represent the Springbok Sevens for the 50th time in the HSBC SVNS in Madrid next weekend, where the final tournament of the 2024 season will be played at the Cívitas Metropolitano Stadium from 31 May to 2 June.
Oosthuizen was named in the Blitzbok squad to play in the Grand Finale, where South Africa will face Ireland, Fiji and New Zealand in pool play, having missed the previous tournament in Singapore.
His return to the squad – in place of Zain Davids – is the only change amongst the forwards, while Springbok Sevens interim head coach Philip Snyman tweaked the backline as well, where Justin Geduld comes in the injured Dewald Human and Shaun Williams for Shilton van Wyk.
Geduld will run out in his 60th tournament for the Blitzboks while Williams, who last played in Hong Kong, will be used on the wing as well as sweeper in a squad that has the versatility and experience to continue a good Spanish streak.
The Blitzboks won both tournaments in 2022, when the world series last stopped in Spain, with consecutive victories in Malaga and Seville.
Snyman said team selection had the Olympic repechage in mind as well, but he also wanted to field a squad capable of winning the Grand Finale.
“Zain and Shilton, who will do some conditioning back home in the next two weeks, are still very important to our final push towards the Olympic qualification,” said Snyman.
“It is great to have Ryan back amongst the pack and Shaun and Justin will bring their own magic to the tournament, so it is an exciting and capable squad.
“Shilton is still suspended after his red card in Singapore and will miss the first two matches, so we thought it would be better for him to stay home and do some conditioning with Zain. The two of them have played in all seven tournaments and most of the minutes as well, so they can do with the rest.”
Snyman said they are also managing the workload of Selvyn Davids: “He is the other player who played in all the tournaments and most of the minutes, so we will manage his workload accordingly.
“We are taking an extra sweeper with us to Madrid and that will give Shaun an opportunity and some valuable game time.”
Each match-up in the pool will have a finals feel about them, but Snyman would not want it any other way.
“Yes, it is the Grand Finale after all,” he said. “Facing Ireland on day one and Fiji and New Zealand on the second day just to get into the semi-finals is a nice challenge, but we have shown in Hong Kong and Singapore that we can get out of pools unbeaten.”
Snyman said their season is far from lost: “I think we have turned the ship. We are in a position to win the Grand Finale and then qualify for the Olympic Games. Those are two pretty big things on our radar, so we still have so much to play for. The season is far from over.”
Pool fixtures:
Friday, 31 May
14h37: Ireland
Saturday 1 June
12h44: New Zealand
15h49: Fiji
Springbok Sevens squad for Madrid:
#1 Christie Grobbelaar - 20 tournaments, 155 points (31 tries)
#2 Ryan Oosthuizen - 49 tournaments, 220 points (44 tries)
#3 Impi Visser - 38 tournaments, 200 points (40 tries)
#6 Tiaan Pretorius - 7 tournaments, 15 points (3 tries)
#8 Selvyn Davids - 36 tournaments, 662 points (85 tries, 117 conversions, 1 penalty goal)
#9 Shaun Williams - 16 tournaments, 157 points (25 tries, 16 conversions)
#11 Siviwe Soyizwapi - 52 tournaments, 755 points (151 tries)
#14 Rosko Specman - 35 tournaments, 466 points (86 tries, 18 conversions)
#23 Justin Geduld - 59 tournaments, 1119 points (118 tries, 264 conversions, 1 penalty goal)
#24 Tristan Leyds - 4 tournaments, 52 points (8 tries, 6 conversions)
#28 Dylan Sage - 27 tournaments, 165 points (33 tries)
#30 Quewin Nortje - 5 tournaments, 70 points (14 tries)
#33 Katlego Letebele - 7 tournaments, 5 points (1 try)
Issued by SA Rugby Communications
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Rugby.
Note to editors: Audio notes of Philip Snyman can be downloaded here (apo-opa.co/3KfiIjJ).
Small businesses are the backbone of the economy, driving innovation and providing essential services across all sectors. However, one area where many small businesses falter is in their legal protections, particularly regarding contracts. While downloading contract templates from the internet may seem like a cost-effective solution, it poses significant risks. Caveat Legal, a premier provider …
R2 million to help agricultural sector suppress pest affecting export crops
The Western Cape Department of Agriculture has handed over a R2 million cheque to the Citrus Growers Association (CGA) to support their Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) Programme aimed at suppressing False Codling Moth (FCM).
False Codling Moth is a phytosanitary pest affecting export crops including citrus, table grapes, and stone fruit.
The programme offers immense potential in reducing pests and ensuring that South African agricultural products meet the strict standards required by international markets.
The programme, which uses cutting-edge science, also reduces the reliance on environmentally harmful pesticides and leads to improved fruit quality.
Western Cape Agriculture MEC Dr Ivan Meyer said addressing False Codling Moth will contribute to increased export earnings for especially the citrus industry, creating jobs and uplifting rural communities.
“Colonies of False Codling Moth are raised in special facilities where the male and female insects are sterilised using radiation from the isotope Cobalt-60 and are safely released in large numbers. Females mated with sterile males then lay eggs that do not hatch. A large decline in the pest population follows,” Meyer said.
Meyer said the trials for the programme in Citrusdal began in 2005 through a collaboration with the United States Department of Agriculture and the International Atomic Energy Agency.
“The successes that followed lead to the founding of X Sterile Insect Technique (X-SIT). X-SIT now administers the SIT programme lending the programme their expertise.
“Despite its immense potential, the SIT programme faces challenges in that it is expensive. The high cost of SIT compared to cheaper but much less sustainable alternatives threatens its long-term viability,” Meyer said.
The MEC said the programme currently covers 20 400 hectares but has the potential to expand to over 4 ,000 hectares with adequate funding, and this could facilitate the creation of an estimated 50 job opportunities.
Meyer said the Citrus Growers Association has emphasised the critical need for financial support to sustain and grow the program, ensuring the continued production of export-quality residue-free fruit.
Meyer said the entire programme is currently funded by citrus and table grape growers who use the service themselves.
However, he said, the R2 million funding would alleviate some of the financial burden of the Western Cape growers and help ensure the continuation and expansion of this vital pest management strategy.
"Our support for the SIT programme underscores our commitment to a sustainable agricultural sector. This funding will help secure the future of our citrus industry, ensuring that it remains competitive in the global market while protecting our environment and creating jobs,” Meyer said.
Citrus Growers Association CEO Justin Chadwick expressed his gratitude, saying the support from the provincial government is a significant boost for X-SIT and everyone involved.
“The CGA hopes this type of agricultural innovation will find widespread support, as developing new technologies, though essential, does not come cheaply," Chadwick said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 05/24/2024 - 09:49