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eXp Realty South Africa is proud to announce the launch of its groundbreaking online property bidding platform, eXp iBid, designed to revolutionize the real estate landscape in South Africa. This innovative platform is set to provide an unprecedented level of transparency, convenience, and fairness to both buyers and sellers. Gawie Rossouw, Operations Manager at eXp …
All systems go for second voter registration weekend
Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo says the Electoral Commission is ready to welcome eligible South Africans at the 23 303 registration stations across the country this weekend - to register or check their details ahead of the national elections.
This weekend will be the second Voter Registration Weekend after the weekend of 18 - 19 November 2023.
“The Electoral Commission will hold the second voter registration weekend on 3 and 4 February 2024 in preparation for the general elections of the National Assembly and Provincial Legislatures,” Mamabolo said, addressing the media in Pretoria earlier today.
“We further urge eligible voters to visit the registration stations, to inspect, or update their registration details or to do so online.”
He urged all South Africans to make use of the coming weekend to register for the elections.
Registration weekends remain the most accessible modality of registration as affirmed by the yield from the first registration weekend.
Registration stations will be open from 08h00 and close on 17h00 on both days. Over 69 718 staff members have been recruited and trained for the voter registration weekend.
“The recruitment criteria for electoral staff was conceived in consultation with the national political liaison committee.
“The names of trained staff have also been shared with the municipal political liaison committees to facilitate objections against those staff members that are deemed unsuitable. Out of the appointed staff, 53 028 are female and 16 690 are male.
“In addition, 35 640 registration staff are under the age of 35, whilst 26 475 are between the ages 36 and 50. The balance of 7 603 are people who are 51 years old and above. Crucially, 50 213 of the total staff complement are unemployed persons,” Mamabolo said.
The commission’s collective goal, he said, is to ensure that every one of the eligible voters in South Africa is registered to vote in the 2024 National and Provincial Elections.
“Ahead of the second voter registration weekend, we remind voters of the general rule in elections. That is, a person votes at a voting station where they are registered.
“The only exception to the general rule is that a voter may vote outside of the voting district of registration only if they have first notified the commission by the date which will be regulated by the Election Timetable.
“The need for this prior notification is new and comes about as a result of the changes to the law. Details of the modalities of this notification will be outlined after the registration process,” he said.
Mamabolo explained that the success of the first Registration Weekend was, in the main, because of the efficiencies brought by the Voter Management Devices (VMD’s).
“The VMD is the mainstay technology for the delivery of the registration process. Once again, three business applications will be running on the VMDs during this weekend,” he said.
The international segment of the voters’ roll for out of country registrations stood at approximately 18 000 South Africans ahead of the registration weekend out of the country.
“Following the registration weekend for out of country citizens, this segment of the roll now stands at 29 318 voters. Out of country registrations can still continue via the online registration process that the Commission has developed and which is accessible through the Commission’s website,” Mamabolo said.
He said as of today, voters can also check their registration status and voting station details via the IEC's Whatsapp Chatbot on 0600 88 0000. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 01/31/2024 - 15:21
Condolences for Rand Water employee killed in shooting
Water and Sanitation Minister, Senzo Mchunu, has conveyed his condolences to the family of a Rand Water employee who was killed in a shooting during a community event in Johannesburg on Monday.
Rand Water’s Chief Corporate Shared Services Officer, Teboho Joala, died during a shooting at Zakarriya Park Hall in Vlakfontein, south of Johannesburg, where the entity was handing over school shoes and uniforms.
According to media reports, Joala was killed in front of hundreds of learners after a gunman entered the hall and fired several shots. His protector was also shot and killed at the event while City of Johannesburg Chief Whip Sthembiso Zungu was shot and wounded.
Joala joined Rand Water in 2019, as a General Manager: Communications and Stakeholder Management, and was then appointed to his current position in July 2021.
Mchunu and Deputy Minister, David Mahlobo, as well as Rand Water Board Chairperson, Ramateu Monyokolo, visited the Joala family on Tuesday to pay their respects.
Mchunu said the “savage and heartless” incident is one which should not have occurred.
“Not only has it claimed lives, but it has also traumatised young primary school learners so early on in the new academic year. As a Ministry, we are deeply saddened by this tragic incident.
“Teboho was a dedicated individual, who still had a lot to offer to the sector, but also to the country through his social associations. As a Ministry, we offer our sincere condolences to the Joala family, and to the family that also lost their loved one.” Mchunu said. – SAnews.gov.za
Janine
Wed, 01/31/2024 - 12:29
Several pipes burst in Msunduzi Municipality
Now is the time to reflect on your financial state and set meaningful goals for the year to come. Whether you are aiming to build an emergency fund, pay off debt, or invest for the future, establishing clear financial objectives is crucial to achieving long-term stability and success. Stian De Witt, executive head of financial …
January is typically when consumers review their budgets and try to make them stretch even further. Many people don’t include their insurance in this exercise – but they really should because they could end up saving money every month. King Price’s client experience partner, Wynand van Vuuren, says that reviewing your insurance is an investment …
What exactly is a financial gap? In a business context, a financial gap refers to the difference between the available financial resources and the funds a business needs to operate or grow. In short – what you have versus what you need. Let’s delve deeper into possible reasons for a gap in your finances, as …
He was a tireless worker for the rights of the vulnerable
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Defence wants a magistrate from outside KwaZulu-Natal
The 2024 edition of the Dakar – regarded by many veterans as the toughest staging of the ultimate Rally-Raid event since the 2020 move to Saudi Arabia – saw Motul-backed participants achieve notable successes and occupy several of the category podiums. For Motul, the Dakar is not just a legendary challenge for athletes and vehicles. …
Living with erectile dysfunction (ED) can be challenging, as it not only affects physical intimacy but can also take a toll on emotional well-being. Various factors contribute to this ailment, but the role of stress in ED and the role of anxiety in ED are particularly significant. Stress and anxiety may trigger or exacerbate the inability to maintain an erection, a condition that …
Deadline looms for NSFAS 2024 application cycle
Grade 12 learners and students, who wish to enter the post-school system and do not have financial assistance to continue their studies, have until Wednesday to submit their applications for 2024 funding.
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) officially opened the bursary application season for the 2024 academic year on 21 November 2023, and the cycle will close on 31 January 2024.
Higher Education, Science and Innovation Deputy Minister, Buti Manamela, has urged all students who wish to study in any of the public universities and Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges to submit their applications before the closing date.
Manamela said NSFAS is currently funding more than 1.4 million students at public universities and TVET colleges.
“If you have Grade 10, 11 or 12 and want to study at either a university or TVET college, and are a SASSA (South African Social Security Agency) beneficiary, or have a household income less than R350 000, you can apply to qualify. You [also] need to further apply to one or two of our public institutions.
“The NSFAS funds students studying law, engineering, medicine, music, carpentry, plumbing, accounting, history, or any undergraduate qualification at a public institution. Visit www.nsfas.org.za and create a user profile under myNSFAS. All you need is a cellphone or computer that has access to the internet and an email address,” Manamela said.
NSFAS covers tuition, accommodation, learning material and a living allowance.
SASSA beneficiaries are approved almost immediately. According to the department, the scheme has provisionally funded at least 657 703 SASSA recipient applicants.
The department has also urged all applicants to submit a consent form in order to verify relevant information from third parties and ensure that NSFAS complies with all the legislative requirements.
The information is required to verify the employment status and income level of the parents, guardians, or spouses of the applicant.
It is mandatory for applicants to download and upload a completed Consent form on the NSFAS website, portal or mobile app.
NSFAS has also launched new platforms, where applicants can access their application updates at their fingertips through the downloadable NSFAS student mobile app, WhatsApp line and a USSD code.
Applicants can add NSFAS on the WhatsApp 078 519 8006 or USSD *120*67327 to track their application status. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 01/30/2024 - 10:57
Embarking on a journey to rediscover the vitality of sexual health, men have often sought solace in the arms of nature. In many cultures, particularly within the vibrant communities of Western Uganda, traditional medicine for ED has been a cornerstone for those grappling with the often-undiscussed complexities of erectile dysfunction (ED). Far from the clinics and pharmacies, these natural sanctuaries …
New initiative set to create job opportunities for seafarers
Minister of Transport Sindisiwe Chikunga has announced a new initiative aimed at enhancing maritime employment opportunities for South African seafarers.
“This program is not just about creating job opportunities; it is about nurturing a skilled workforce that will competently navigate the challenges and opportunities of the modern maritime world,” Chikunga said on Tuesday in Cape Town.
The Minister said the Seafarer Employment and Development Programme (SEDP) will be launched in the first quarter of the new financial year.
It will provide training, mentorship, and job placement assistance to qualifying Seafarers and will serve as an international collaborative maritime research centre to address the ever-evolving needs of the maritime industry.
“This programme will play a crucial role in bolstering the employability of our seafarers and providing our seafarers with the necessary skills and expertise to excel globally. It is an initiative that underlines our commitment to not only foster growth within the maritime sector, but also contribute significantly to our national economy,” Chikunga said.
In February, the Department of Transport will be convening with industry stakeholders to discuss the workings of the SEDP.
“This gathering will be an opportunity to engage in constructive dialogue, share insights, and collaboratively shape a programme that is robust, sustainable, and aligned with the industry's evolving needs,” the Minister said.
She made these remarks during the handover of the SA Agulhas, a former research vessel, which served as a critical asset in maritime education, training, and polar research.
“I am happy to confirm that with this handover, we have a firm commitment from our German Counterparts and JS Maritime represented by Captain Stefan Bulow, who will be the new owners that our aspirations for seafarer employment creation will be realised.
“The handover of the SA Agulhas is thus a strategic move on our part, ensuring that this historic vessel continues to contribute significantly under new stewardship while aligning with our national interests.”
She said the handover marked not just a transition of ownership but symbolises government’s enduring commitment to maritime excellence and innovation driven by strategic partnerships.
“As we turn this page, we are not merely looking back at her glorious past but are firmly focused on the future she heralds – a future where South Africa continues to assert its presence on the global maritime stage.
“When I got a briefing from SAMSA [South African Maritime Safety Authority] on the intended future use for the vessel, and upon learning that the vessel will continue as a platform to further the research agenda that informs the future of our planet, I was made proud once more about my association with the SA Aghulus,” the Minister said. –SAnews.go.za
nosihle
Tue, 01/30/2024 - 15:17
eThekwini allocates R30m to upgrade damaged water pump station
A total of R35 million has been allocated towards the upgrading of an entire pump station, which was destroyed by a fire in Ntuzuma, north of Durban.
The Ntuzuma Reservoir 2 pump station was destroyed by a fire in April last year and resulted in additional strain on the already challenged infrastructure.
This was revealed in a joint statement issued following a multi-stakeholder technical team meeting to resolve eThekwini Metro water challenges.
The stakeholders acknowledged that the Ntuzuma water supply system has been experiencing challenges as a result of the damage to the pump station, with the station currently operating at 50% capacity.
“The project [upgrade] will commence in March this year and is planned to be completed by the 2025/26 financial year. This project will start improving water supply to Inanda, Lindelani and KwaMashu by July 2024,” the statement said.
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) Director-General, Dr Sean Philips, attended a multi-stakeholder technical meeting, held between the department, eThekwini Metro and uMngeni-uThukela Water to resolve the current water challenges in eThekwini.
This follows a directive by Water and Sanitation Minister, Senzo Mchunu, that the eThekwini Metro, working with uMngeni-uThukela Water, should urgently come up with long lasting interventions in response to ongoing water and sanitation services in the municipality.
The team noted that water demand in eThekwini has grown rapidly, mostly due to population growth and partly due to increasing leaks in the municipality’s water distribution systems.
“The planners in DWS anticipated this growth in demand and put in place plans to transfer water from the uMkhomazi River to augment uMngeni Water Supply System (uMWS), through the Umkhomazi Water Project, as well as a project to raise the wall of the Hazelmere Dam,” the statement read.
The team also noted the raising of the Hazelmere Dam wall, which was completed in 2023 and has doubled the amount of water that can be stored in the Dam at a cost of R820 million.
To enable additional stored water to be treated, the team said, Umgeni-uThukela has completed a project to increase the capacity of the Hazelmere Water Treatment Works from 55 to 75 ML (megalitres) per day, at a cost of R135 million.
“Umgeni-uThukela will further increase the capacity of the treatment works to 90 ML per day within the next three years, at a cost of R25 million,” the statement read.
The meeting also emphasised that eThekwini water challenges must be addressed by the municipality by decreasing non-revenue water collection in its water distribution system, and water users using water more sparingly to reduce the average consumption of water per capita per day.
The No Drop audit report, which was released by DWS in December 2023, found that the water user in eThekwini was 298 litres per capita per day (l/c/d), compared to the international average of 173 l/c/d. Non-revenue water also increased from 37% in 2013 to 58% in 2023.
Some of the municipality measures currently being implemented to increase the supply of water, include groundwater, water re-use and desalination, amongst others.
The municipality is also implementing a range of interventions to drastically reduce its non-revenue water, including the implementation of a pipeline replacement programme, with a number of projects under the programme being in the final phases of procurement.
According to the statement, the programme is scheduled to commence by the end of March 2024, and will continue for the foreseeable future.
“The municipality is implementing projects to replace parts of its old infrastructure on which high levels of water losses are being experienced, including replacing pumping mains on major water distribution systems such as Tongaat, Waterloo, Grange and Hazelmere water distribution systems.
“The municipality has budgeted approximately R1 billion per annum for these projects, which will continue every year for the foreseeable future. Some of these projects started in the 2022/23 municipal financial year and are being funded from the infrastructure levy which was recently introduced by the municipality,” the statement said.
The municipality has also constructed 12 new reservoirs in the past two years to the value of R500 million to enhance water supply and implemented an active leak detection and repair programme.
“Procurement processes for a performance-based contract to detect and repair leaks are currently being concluded and it is envisaged that the contract will commence at the beginning of April 2024. This contract will be funded from the savings resulting from reducing leaks.
“The municipality is implementing a pressure management programme through installing 108 pressure management valves, in addition to the 3000 that already exist. The purpose of this programme is to reduce water pressures in water distribution systems which reduces the frequency of pipe bursts and extends the useful life of the infrastructure,” the statement highlighted.
In addition, the procurement process for pressure management valves has been finalised and installation of the valves is expected to commence in March 2024. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 01/29/2024 - 12:17
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IEC to host voter registration this weekend
The Electoral Commission (IEC) will on Wednesday host a media briefing to unveil plans for the second national voter registration weekend scheduled for 3 and 4 February 2024.
The second national voter registration weekend is part of the Electoral Commission's effort to ensure that South Africans, who were unable to register to vote during the first registration drive in November 2023, have another opportunity to do so.
Existing voters will also use the opportunity to update and/or change their details before the voters’ roll is closed for the 2024 General Elections.
During the briefing, the Electoral Commission will shed light on its countrywide rollout plan ahead of the voter registration weekend.
Last week, the IEC announced that South Africans living abroad were given the opportunity to register at South Africa’s 120 high commissions, embassies and consulates on January 26, 27 and 28.
Registration for inmates at correctional centres is scheduled to take place between January 30 and February 1.
“The Commission has been informed that due to the transfer factor for inmates, correctional centres will also be accepting IDs for inmates serving sentences in distant towns or provinces. These identity documents will be transferred to the relevant facilities where inmates are incarcerated,” the IEC said in a statement.
The Department of Correctional Services has indicated that it will put all necessary measures in place to ensure that IDs are kept safe.
The IEC emphasizes that the online voter registration portal will remain accessible until the date of the proclamation of the elections, providing an additional avenue for voter registration.
According to the IEC, 23 296 voting stations will open from 08h00 to 17h00 on Saturday, 3 February and Sunday, 4 February to allow new voters to register and existing voters to check and if necessary, update their registration details ahead of the 2024 National and Provincial Elections.
Following the first registration weekend held in November 2023, the voters’ roll contains 26.8 million voters.
The Commission said it is hopeful that the second registration weekend will build on and surpass the satisfactory turnout recorded in November.
Citizens aged 16 years and older can register to vote. All they need is a South African identity document (the green barcoded ID book, smartcard ID or a valid temporary ID certificate). However, only those aged 18 and older can vote.
When registering, voters will need to provide their address or a description of where they live to allow the Electoral Commission to place them on the correct segment of the voters’ roll. However, proof of address is not a requirement to register as a voter.
The Electoral Commission helpline -- 0800 11 8000 -- is available to assist citizens with queries and information about the registration process and information related to locations of voting stations. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 01/29/2024 - 13:09
Pretoria, South Africa. In a digital age where information is sought at lightning speed, Click Results, a leading digital marketing firm based in Pretoria, brings forth indispensable insights on the critical impact of website speed on businesses. In today’s competitive online landscape, the need for swift, efficient websites cannot be overstated. In a recent communication, …
President to officiate launch of SA’s first shipment under AfCFTA
President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Wednesday officiate the launch of South Africa's first shipment and preferential trading under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The launch ceremony will take place at the Port of Durban and occurs on the margins of the 13th AfCFTA Council of Ministers meeting to be held at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre from 30 - 31 January 2024.
South Africa is the first among the four Southern African Customs Union (SACU) countries to practically realise the AfCFTA agreement.
The 37th African Union Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government will, at its annual convention next month, take stock of the progress made thus far in the implementation of the AfCFTA.
The successful implementation of the AfCFTA is expected to lead to diversification of exports, increased productive capacity, acceleration of growth, increased investment, increased employment opportunities and incomes and most importantly, broaden economic inclusion both in South Africa and the rest of the continent.
It provides South African exporters with new market access opportunities to key markets in the African continent and can unlock growth.
President Ramaphosa will be joined by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Ebrahim Patel; KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube and AfCFTA Secretary General Wamkele Mene. Other dignitaries will include the AfCFTA Council of Ministers, who will witness the first shipment of Proudly South African products exported to the continent.
The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition said the launch ceremony will be a historic step and an instrumental tool in generating meaningful trade on the African continent through the shipment of made-in-South Africa products.
“The main message being sent to Africa and the rest of the world through this event is to illustrate that companies can trade under the AfCFTA procedures to expand their markets within a legally binding framework,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 01/29/2024 - 10:59
There were no tears as confident five and six-year-olds kicked off Day One of Grade R in what will be their 12-year journey through school. There to wish them well were members of the Adopt-a-School Foundation (AAS), a partner entity of Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation. The Foundation will follow their progress and celebrate their successes while …
By Dr Shahiem Patel – Dean of Regent Business School The future is becoming increasingly difficult to think about, let alone plan for. The vital need for education systems in South Africa to improve and meet the pressing needs of society and our economy only compound this difficulty. The rate at which technology is developing …
The department committed to replacing the school with a brick-and-mortar structure more than five years ago.
By encouraging a personal connection with the natural world through his passion and enthusiasm, Busani Mthiyane (28) inspires those around him to become conservation advocates themselves. Crocworld Conservation Centre on the KZN South Coast will now benefit from this dynamic individual with his new appointment as the centre’s Animal Curator. “Crocworld was looking for someone …