Wolvaardt Appointed Proteas Women Captain As CSA Names T20I Squad For Bangladesh Tour
JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) has today announced the official appointment of Laura Wolvaardt as captain of the Proteas Women...
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Gold mining in the Overberg: fears relieved for now
Mining company has not met the first deadline for an Environmental Impact Assessment
New housing project in Simon’s Town leaves backyarders and tenants in limbo
Shacks are being demolished as families move from Redhill to new houses in Dido Valley
Flykids Online Toy Store: Where Imagination Takes Flight
South Africa, November, 2023: Flykids Online Toy Store: Where Imagination Takes Flight Johannesburg, South Africa – Flykids, South Africa’s premier online toy store, is proud to announce its latest range of innovative and engaging toys for children. With a mission to provide “Cool Toys for Cool Kids,” Flykids is dedicated to fostering creativity, learning, and fun …
Brooklyn Care: A Sanctuary Where Residents Become Family
Pretoria, November, 2023: Frail Care Pretoria – Brooklyn Care: A Sanctuary Where Residents Become Family Pretoria, South Africa – Frail Care Pretoria – Brooklyn Care, a premier luxury frail care facility, is proud to announce its commitment to providing professional 24-hour nursing care in a setting where dignity and comfort are paramount. Situated in the …
All movies, every sites for only sixty bucks… every day on Black Friday at Ster-Kinekor
Step away from the crazy Black Friday retail frenzy, and into your favourite Ster-Kinekor cinema to catch one of the blockbuster titles currently on circuit – for just sixty bucks. This special deal applies to all movies and all screenings at all cinema sites, but only on Black Friday. And Ster-Kinekor is sweetening the deal …
Two SAB plants secure R5.8 billion upgrades
Two SAB plants get R5.8 billion upgrades
The R5.8 billion investment commitment made by South African Breweries (SAB) has been utilised to increase capacity at two of its plants.
The company said the investment – which was announced at the South African Investment Conference 2023 earlier in the year - was for civil works and new equipment to allow for increased local production for new product innovations.
Two of SAB’s plants were identified for these capacity upgrades - Prospecton Brewery in Durban and Ibhayi Brewery in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape.
The South African Investment Conference was launched in 2018 by President Cyril Ramaphosa to boost economic activity that had been in decline for over a decade in Africa's most advanced but struggling economy.
This year, President Ramaphosa set a new target to mobilise approximately R2 trillion in new investments over another five-year period which begins next year.
SAB employs around 5 700 employees and collaborates with nearly 3 739 suppliers, supporting around 250 000 jobs in the beer value chain.
In addition, the company sources high-quality ingredients from local farmers, ensuring that 94% of their beer production is locally sourced.
Chief Executive Officer of SAB, Richard Rivett-Carnac, said SAB is committed to being a driver of economic growth by building a sustainable business that develops, empowers, and invests in the communities in which it operates.
"We are dedicated to sustainable investments and economic growth. Our investments over time have contributed billions of rand to the South African Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which, alongside the investment commitments pledged at the 2023 South African Investment Conference 2023, have provided a significant boost to an economy sorely in need of stimulus,” Rivett-Carnac said.
“In terms of job creation, the investment into the Prospecton Brewery has created approximately 25 000 additional jobs throughout the value chain, whilst the Ibhayi Brewery investment has created a further 14 000 jobs throughout the beer value chain across South Africa,” he said.
He said the estimated 39 000 jobs created through these investments were across a variety of sectors. These include agriculture, logistics, manufacturing, hospitality, construction and innovation among others in the value chain. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 11/23/2023 - 13:00
426 views
Repo rate remains unchanged at 8.25%
Repo rate remains unchanged at 8.25%
The Reserve Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has decided to keep the repurchase rate at its current level of 8.25%.
Addressing a media briefing at the last MPC media briefing of the year, the bank’s Governor Lesetja Kganyago said the decision was unanimous.
“Electricity prices continue to present clear inflation risks, and with logistics constraints, are likely to have broader effects on the cost of doing business and the cost of living. Given uncertain fuel and food price inflation, considerable risk still attaches to the forecast for average salaries.
“Serious upside risks to the inflation outlook remain. In light of these risks, the Committee remains vigilant and stands ready to act should risks begin to materialise,” the Governor said on Thursday.
Market-based expectations for inflation in 2023 are currently 5.8%, while near-term break-even rates have dipped to 4.3%.
He said medium and longer-term market expectations for inflation remain elevated.
“The September survey of the Bureau for Economic Research shows average inflation expectations lower at 6.1% for 2023. The Committee, however, would prefer to see expectations anchored at the mid-point of the inflation target band,” the Governor said.
He said that at the current repurchase rate level, policy is restrictive, consistent with the inflation outlook and elevated inflation expectations.
SARB’s forecast for global growth in 2023 is broadly unchanged at 2.7% (from 2.6%), and 2.6% in 2024.
“Decisions will continue to be data dependent and sensitive to the balance of risks to the outlook. The inflation and repo rate projections from the updated Quarterly Projection Model (QPM) remain a broad policy guide, changing from meeting to meeting in response to new data and risks.”
Kganyago said the policy stance aims to anchor inflation expectations more firmly around the midpoint of the target band [of between 3 and 6%] and to increase confidence of attaining the inflation target sustainably over time.
With South Africa’s inflation rate remaining sensitive to shocks, the MPC will seek to look through temporary price shocks and focus on potential second round effects and the risks of de-anchoring inflation expectations.
“Guiding inflation back towards the mid-point of the target band reduces the economic costs of high inflation and will achieve lower interest rates in the future. Since early 2020, the Committee has recommended additional means of lowering inflation that are within the reach of the public sector, including achieving a prudent public debt level, increasing the supply of energy, keeping administered price inflation low and real wage growth in line with productivity gains.
“Such steps would strengthen monetary policy effectiveness and its transmission to the broader economy,” he said.
While volatile in recent weeks, oil prices have increased over the year and commodity export prices have moderated further.
“South Africa’s external financing needs will increase as the current account deficit expands from a forecasted 1.3% of GDP this year (from 2.0%), to 2.6% of GDP in 2024 and to 3.5% of GDP in 2025. The smaller deficit this year is the result of significantly better than expected trade outcomes in the third quarter.
“The rand weakened over the past year, depreciating by about 9.5% against the US dollar. The lack of sustained economic growth and dependence on commodities is reflected in the high volatility of the currency in response to global risk-on and risk-off episodes,” Kganyago said. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 11/23/2023 - 15:49
324 views
Enjoy a safe day outdoors by keeping personal safety top of mind
Summer is a beautiful time to relish the numerous outdoor activities Gauteng has to offer with family and friends. If you’re planning a trip to somewhere like the picturesque Hartbeespoort Dam for a braai or picnic, with the warm sun overhead and the gentle summer breeze rustling through the trees, Fidelity ADT encourages you to …
Rideshare Mechanic: Revolutionizing Vehicle Inspections for Uber & Lyft Drivers
United states of America (USA), November, 2023 Rideshare Mechanic: Revolutionizing Vehicle Inspections for Uber & Lyft Drivers Rideshare Mechanic is transforming the way rideshare drivers fulfill their vehicle inspection requirements with a unique video inspection service. This innovative approach allows Uber and Lyft drivers to complete their mandatory 19-point vehicle inspection quickly and conveniently using …
Nzimande to open current uMgungundlovu TVET college campus
Nzimande to open new uMgungundlovu TVET college campus
Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande, will on Friday officially open a new campus of the uMgungundlovu Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal.
The uMgungundlovu TVET College was opened in 2002 after a merger of the then Edendale, Plessislaer, Midlands, Msunduzi and Northdale Further Education and Training (FET) Colleges.
uMgungundlovu TVET is the only college that serves communities from in and around the uMgungundlovu District Municipality and the Natal Midlands. The college has seven teaching campuses and three skills centres.
The new campus, Msinga, was built by the Department of Higher Education and Training, as part of the department’s TVET Infrastructure Development Programme funded in part through the National Skills Fund (NSF) and the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETA).
The new infrastructure includes the administration block, theory building that consists of two computer laboratories, and the engineering block that consists of four workshops and skills centres.
During the launch, Nzimande will lead the Education and Science Imbizo in which the SETAs and the Department of Science and Innovation entities will share with the public the opportunities that are available in their sectors. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 11/23/2023 - 13:10
150 views
Lottery to lay criminal complaints against former board members
Chairperson Barney Pityana says Auditor-General must be held accountable for giving the National Lotteries Commission clean audits
Two NBA Stores to Open in Cape Town and Durban, South Africa
New NBA Stores at Gateway Mall in Durban and V&A Waterfront in Cape Town Will Feature Extensive Range of Officially Licensed NBA Merchandise, Including Nike Jerseys, Apparel, Memorabilia and More;Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer Clyde Drexler to Attend Store Launch Events in December and Engage with Local Fans; NBA Fans in South Africa and Other Select African Countries Can Continue to Shop Online at NBAStore.Africa (https://NBAStore.Africa/).
NBA Africa and Shesha, a premium retailer of exclusive and limited-edition footwear, apparel and accessories, today announced that two new NBA Stores will open in Durban and Cape Town, South Africa. The NBA Store in Durban will be located at Gateway Mall and open on Friday, Nov. 24, while the NBA Store in Cape Town will be located at V&A Waterfront and open on Friday, Dec. 1.
The new stores build on NBA Africa's existing merchandise offerings, including the first NBA Store on the continent located in Sandton City, Johannesburg and the league's first e-commerce (https://NBAStore.Africa/) site dedicated to fans in Africa, which provides fans in select countries with the widest selection of official NBA merchandise ever available on the continent. To celebrate the new store openings, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer Clyde Drexler will engage with fans at launch events in Cape Town on Tuesday, Dec. 12 and in Durban on Thursday, Dec. 14.
Both stores, which will be operated by Shesha, will feature an extensive range of officially licensed NBA merchandise for youth and adults, including current and former player jerseys, apparel, headwear, footwear, sporting goods, toys and collectibles from major brands such as Nike, Mitchell & Ness, New Era and Wilson. The stores will also feature a customization area where fans can personalize NBA jerseys.
“We are excited to expand our merchandise offerings in Africa as part of our multiyear collaboration with Shesha,” said NBA Africa CEO Victor Williams. “There is tremendous demand for official NBA merchandise from fans in South Africa and across the continent, and these beautiful new stores will allow fans in Cape Town and Durban to more easily represent their favorite teams and players.”
“Following the launch of Africa's first NBA Store in Johannesburg last year, we are excited to also deliver the NBA Store experience to fans in Durban and Cape Town,” said Shesha CEO Nirmal Devchand. “The launch of the new NBA Stores will provide more fans in these cities with better access to their favorite teams and players' merchandise, and we look forward to welcoming them to these new locations.”
Drexler, a 15-year NBA veteran who retired from the league in 1998, is an NBA champion, 10-time NBA All-Star, five-time All-NBA selection, and member of the NBA's 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams. He was inducted twice into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, first in 2004 for his individual career and again in 2010 as a member of the United States Men's National Team at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain.
There are more than 400 NBA-branded, licensee-operated, retail stores and attractions worldwide that serve as the league's official destinations for fans around the world. NBA fans in Angola, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, the Seychelles, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe can continue to shop online at NBAStore.Africa (https://apo-opa.co/47LGv4x).
Earlier this month, the Basketball Africa League, a partnership between the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and NBA Africa, announced that the league's fourth season will tip off in March 2024 in South Africa. Fans can register their interest in tickets to games at BAL.NBA.com (https://BAL.NBA.com/).
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of National Basketball Association (NBA).
Contact:
Chumani Bambani,
NBA Africa Communications,
cbambani@nba.com,
+27 65 548 1031
About NBA Africa:
NBA Africa is an affiliate of the National Basketball Association (NBA), a global sports and media organization with the mission to inspire and connect people everywhere through the power of basketball. NBA Africa conducts the league's business in Africa, including the Basketball Africa League (BAL), and has opened subsidiary offices in Cairo, Egypt; Dakar, Senegal; and Lagos, Nigeria. The NBA has a long history in Africa and opened its African headquarters in Johannesburg, South Africa in 2010. The league's efforts on the continent have focused on increasing access to basketball and the NBA through youth and elite development, social responsibility, media distribution, corporate partnerships, NBA Africa Games, an NBA Store, the BAL, and more. Last year, NBA Africa reached more than eight million youth across the continent through basketball development, life-skills programming and social media engagement.
NBA games and programming are available in all 54 African countries, and the NBA has hosted three sold-out exhibition games on the continent since 2015. The BAL, a partnership between the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and NBA Africa, is a professional league featuring 12 club teams from across Africa that will tip off its fourth season in March 2024. Fans can follow @ NBA_Africa and @ theBAL on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
About Shesha:
The first Shesha store launched in Johannesburg, South Africa in 2005, and today features over 15 stores. The Shesha business is committed and passionate about street culture. The stores are dedicated to serve the community and fans with the freshest limited edition premium lifestyle and basketball merchandise. The Shesha stores offer a range of global and local brands, with a particular focus on footwear and headwear, and global collaborations across both lifestyle and basketball. Fans can follow @ shesha_fashion on Instagram, @ Shesha Lifestyle on Facebook, and @ SheshaLifestyle on Twitter, or visit their website – www.SheshaLifestyle.com
DWS works to finalise Catchment Management Agencies
DWS works to finalise Catchment Management Agencies
The Department of Water and Sanitation is in the process of finalising the establishment of the Catchment Management Agencies (CMAs).
The establishment of CMAs is in line with the provisions of the National Water Act, 1998 (Act No. 36 of 1998) (NWA) and the National Water Policy for South Africa.
The purpose of Catchment Management Agencies is to enhance decentralised decision-making and to involve stakeholders in managing water resources, in an integrated manner, at a local level.
Water and Sanitation Minister, Senzo Mchunu, has finalised the appointment of Board Members of the Pongolo – Umzimkhulu and the Vaal Orange Catchment Management Agency, which was concurred by Cabinet on 15 November 2023.
The appointed Board Members for Pongolo – uMzimkhulu Catchment Management Agency include Dr Thava Kelly (Chairperson), Sibusiso Makhanya (Deputy Chairperson), Hlengiwe Ndlovu, Bhekumuzi Gumbi, Dr Lembi William Mngoma, Snenhlanhla Mngadi, Professor Purshottama Reddy, Mdandla Myeni, and Nokuthula Khanyile.
The appointed Board Members for the Vaal Orange Catchment Management Agency include, Desmond Solomon Fransman (Chairperson), Tsakane Zwane (Deputy Chairperson), Hubert Thompson, Nontuthuzelo Njeza, Nakana Masoka, Ponatshego Mothibi, Doris Dondur, Dichikane Mashego, and Louis Van Oudtshoom.
The department said the boards, as the accounting authority, will operationalise the CMAs which will include, developing the catchment management strategy, effective participation of stakeholders and management of water resources in the water management area.
“In addition, the CMA will be more responsive to water user needs and speedy decision making around water resources management and create a customer focused culture for water resources management which creates accountability at a local level for water resources management.
The department congratulated the new board members, and wished them well in their endeavours. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 11/23/2023 - 11:05
83 views
NMB 1 City Marathon & 21.1km
Local athletes are gearing up to take part in the Nelson Mandela Bay 1 City Marathon and 21km at the Fairview racecourse in Greenbushes on Saturday, 2 December. Last year the marathon event attracted over 1500 eager runners and this year a strong turnout is expected with theintroduction of pacing buses for the marathon. There …
Load shedding ramped up to Stage 4
Load shedding ramped up to Stage 4
Eskom has announced the implementation of Stage 4 load shedding until further notice.
In a short statement on social media site X, Eskom said: “Due to insufficient emergency reserves and generation capacity as a result of four units not returning to service as planned, Stage 4 load shedding was implemented this morning at 02:31am until further notice,” it said on Wednesday.
This as the power utility on Tuesday announced the implementation of Stage 2 load shedding from 9am to 4pm followed by Stage 3 load shedding from 4pm until 5am on Wednesday. This was to be followed by Stage 2 load shedding until 4pm. At the time, it said the pattern of implementing Stage 2 load shedding in the morning and Stage 3 load shedding in the evening would be repeated daily until further notice.
Meanwhile, Minister in the Presidency for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, has encouraged workers at Lethabo Power Station to keep the station’s performance high.
The power station is Eskom’s second best performing station.
The Minister was visiting the Free Stat- based power station as part of a follow up of his initial visits to power stations.
“When units fail…just remember what that does to the South African economy and the poor. Remember what that does to the national fiscus and our ability to meet our promise to take care of the poor, ensure that people remain in employment and ensure that we are able to realise growth.
“I’ve come here… to say thank you. Let’s keep up the good work. There’s more that ought to be done,” he said.
The Minister explained government’s plans to augment generation capacity.
“We are working on new generation capacity. We can’t just solely rely on the Eskom fleet; we need additional generation capacity and here I’m talking of gas. We are working on gas – 3000MW – and we are also working on connecting the renewables, solar PV and wind.
“I have been assigned the responsibility of coming back to Cabinet with a financing model proposition on how we are going to expand and strengthen the grid,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 11/22/2023 - 11:01
633 views
Sex workers gather in Cape Town to push for decriminalisation
COSATU calls for sex workers to unionise
Mchunu responds to uThukela, uMzinyathi water supply challenges
Mchunu responds to uThukela, uMzinyathi water supply challenges
Water and Sanitation Minister, Senzo Mchunu, has kept his promise to deliver water supply intervention projects to address water provision challenges experienced by uThukela and Umzinyathi District Municipalities.
The water supply intervention projects follows Mchunu’s visit to Mhlumayo Village in uThukela District Municipality and Kranskop town in uMzinyathi District last year, where he was informed of water supply challenges in the two areas.
Accompanied by Deputy Minister Judith Tshabalala, Mchunu revisited the two districts during a two-day Ministerial visit held on 20 - 21 November 2023 to inspect progress on water infrastructure upgrades and reveal interventions that he had promised during his last visit.
During the oversight visit, Mchunu commissioned two boreholes at Kranskop Water Treatment Woks to augment water supply at Kranskop town and the surrounding areas in uMzinyathi District Municipality.
The Minister also held an engagement with Inkosi Sithole of Mhlumayo Village and the neighbouring chiefs, who are currently experiencing water supply shortages at their villages.
Mhlumayo and the surrounding villages, including Oqungweni, Bhaza and Ghobo, are supplied with water by the Tugela Estates Water Treatment Plant, which has a design capacity of 1.4 million litres per day.
The water treatment works abstracts from the Thukela River, and is supplemented by a borehole and treats water to potable standards.
However, the treatment plant is currently operating at 0.8 million litres per day due to equipment failures and therefore, has insufficient water to meet current and growing demands.
A production borehole was created to augment the Tugela Estates plant, and this has increased water supply to the areas by 432 kilolitres per day.
Mchunu said the additional boreholes at Mhlumayo will have a significant impact on meeting current shortfalls in the area supplied from the water treatment plant.
“This will result in new water supply to approximately 4 300 people in the area at 100 l/capita/day. The Kranskop Water Treatment Plant has a design capacity of 2 Ml/d and supplies the Kranskop Town and the surrounding areas. The plant also abstracts raw water directly from boreholes and treats it to potable standards,” Mchunu said.
Due to vandalism in the area, only two of the eight boreholes were operational, resulting in the plant operating at a low level of 0.5 million litres per day.
This led to Mchunu’s intervention to install two new boreholes to restore supply to the affected communities.
The Kranskop water treatment plant is now able to hold 2.2 million litres of drinking water – which is adequate for the needs of Kranskop town and surrounding areas in Wards 17 and 19.
Following additional boreholes, Kranskop plant is estimated to serve 525 more consumers in Kranskop and the surrounding areas with fresh water.
Mchunu has promised more water projects that will bring more water supply in Msinga under uMzinyathi District Municipality. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 11/22/2023 - 13:08
221 views
Raising South Africa’s Economic Prospects by Curbing Crime
The impact of crime on South Africa's economic prospects is high and broad-based, according to a World Bank report released today. The report aims to contribute to a better understanding of the impact of crime on South Africa's economic growth.
The research is intended to support the government in the design and implementation of policies to combat and mitigate the costs of crime on the economy and society. This aligns with the government's objectives to initiate reforms aimed at enhancing the fight against crime, as outlined by South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa, in the 2023 State of the Nation Address.
The fourteenth edition of the South Africa Economic Update, entitled Safety First: The Economic Cost of Crime in South Africa estimates that crime costs the economy at least 10 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) annually, in terms of stolen property; protection costs – encompassing security and insurance; and missed economic opportunities. The report investigates the economic impact of high crime rates on households, businesses, and the public sector, focusing on economically motivated crimes. The study is informed by official statistics from South Africa, and as well as data recognized in international sources.
"With this new edition of the Economic Update, the World Bank aims to contribute to the policy debate and support the government's action to reduce the incidence of crime, by quantifying its economic impact. This comes at a time when South Africa needs to address structural constraints that have locked the economy in a low growth-low employment trajectory,” says Marie Francoise Marie-Nelly, World Bank Country Director for South Africa, Eswatini, Botswana, Lesotho, and Namibia.
The prevalence of crime in South Africa remains a pressing concern, particularly due to high rates of violent offenses. With a consistent ranking among the top five countries globally for homicide rates, addressing this issue is crucial. Domestic organized crime is also increasing, including theft of key infrastructure networks.
The economy is on a low growth–low employment trajectory, with persistent poverty. Real growth in the gross domestic product (GDP) has been trending downward since the global financial crisis (2008–09), and GDP per capita has contracted on average since 2015. Socioeconomic outcomes have been weak, with high unemployment, poverty, and inequality. Structural constraints, especially the deepening electricity crisis and the transport bottlenecks, have exacerbated these problems. Medium-term prospects are weak, with real GDP growth estimated at 0.7 percent in 2023 and projected to average 1.5 percent annually over 2024-2026. Unemployment and poverty are projected to remain elevated. In this context, confronting the problem of crime and its socioeconomic costs is critical.
Government has put fighting crime at the forefront of its policy priorities. This study underscores the need for multi-faceted actions. Addressing crime is complex and requires long-term efforts, but past experiences in South Africa and abroad suggest that targeted, well-designed, and implemented policies can be prioritized for effective crime reduction over the short and medium term. Such policies and measures include law enforcement measures, regulatory reforms, and targeted violence prevention interventions. These are consistent with the government's current priorities. The report also highlights that sustainably reducing crime requires addressing root causes linked to socioeconomic challenges, including poverty and unemployment.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The World Bank Group.
Gauteng officially opens upgraded K73 Allandale Road
Gauteng officially opens upgraded K73 Allandale Road
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has officially opened the upgraded K73 Allandale Road, in Midrand, Johannesburg.
“Gauteng as the economic hub of the country cannot be a province with lots of potholes or roads that are not well maintained. I am excited that this project was done within budget,” Lesufi said on Wednesday.
The multi-million rand road project involved the construction of a dual carriageway of the new road section between Montrose and Allandale Roads, upgrading of Woodmead Drive and Allandale Road as well as the construction of a bridge along the road.
The upgrade of the road has made a significant improvement in traffic flow by alleviating traffic congestion, making commuting and vehicle mobility smoother and more efficient around the Midrand area.
The project provided jobs to local communities and saw 34 small, micro and medium enterprises (SMMEs) sub-contractors awarded construction work such as kerbing, paving, concrete channels, stormwater pipes, subsoils and ancillary works, plant hire, training as well as security.
“If a municipality can’t fix their roads….if a municipality is busy with squabbles, we will take over their function and fix the road.
“Beyond 2024, all spheres of government must review laws and regulations in improving infrastructure in government. We are building more roads and even the rules and regulations must be agile to accommodate changes,” Lesufi said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 11/22/2023 - 14:00
13 views
NBA Africa and Forest Whitaker Unveil Refurbished Basketball Court in Cape Town, South Africa
Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative Founder and CEO Forest Whitaker Attends Launch Event; new Court Will Host Year-Round Youth Basketball Development Programming and Serve Broader Athlone Community .
NBA Africa and Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative (WPDI) Founder and CEO Forest Whitaker yesterday unveiled a newly refurbished basketball court at Cornflower Sports Grounds in Athlone, Cape Town, South Africa that will host year-round youth basketball development programming and serve the broader Athlone community.
The court was unveiled at a ribbon cutting ceremony by Whitaker, Deputy Mayor of Cape Town Eddie Andrews, and NBA Africa CEO Victor Williams. Following the ceremony, approximately 100 boys and girls aged 10-15 participated in a Jr. NBA clinic and peace activity led by the WPDI Youth Peacemakers Network, WPDI's flagship program that fosters young leaders in conflict regions.
In addition to year-round Jr. NBA programming, the court will also host activities as part of WPDI's Peace Through Sports program, an initiative designed to foster peace and harmony in marginalized communities through sports and peacebuilding training courses.
“Inaugurating this basketball court is a turning point in the development of our programs in the Cape Flats,” said Whitaker. “Its goal is to nurture healthy bodies and healthy minds, providing the children and the youths of the community with a safe space where they can strengthen their stamina and their character. It is a place that will cultivate future NBA champions. When youth play basketball here, I want them to have a lot of fun, but I also want them to know that each dribble can take them towards a better life — for their community, for Cape Town, and one day perhaps even for the world.”
“We're excited to unveil this beautiful basketball court with the City of Cape Town and Forest Whitaker, which builds on our previous initiatives to provide more young people in South Africa with safe spaces to learn and play the game,” said Williams. “The City of Cape Town shares our commitment to using the game to positively impact young people here, and we look forward to collaborating further on Jr. NBA and other youth development programming in the city.”
The Jr. NBA, the league's global youth basketball participation program for boys and girls, teaches the fundamental skills as well as the core values of the game at the grassroots level in an effort to help grow and improve the youth basketball experience for players, coaches and parents. Jr. NBA programming has directly reached more than 165,000 youth across 18 African countries, including through the Jr. NBA Johannesburg League and the Royal Bafokeng Jr. NBA Program in North West, South Africa.
Earlier this month, the Basketball Africa League (BAL), a partnership between the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and NBA Africa, announced that the league's fourth season will tip off in March 2024 in South Africa. Fans can register their interest in tickets at BAL.NBA.com.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of National Basketball Association (NBA).
Contacts:
Pawel Weszka,
NBA Africa PR & Communications,
pweszka@nba.com,
+27 71 899 6791
Valentine Goret,
WPDI Chief of Staff,
valentine@wpdi.org,
+33 6 45 71 16 27
About NBA Africa:
NBA Africa is an affiliate of the National Basketball Association (NBA), a global sports and media organization with the mission to inspire and connect people everywhere through the power of basketball. NBA Africa conducts the league's business in Africa, including the Basketball Africa League (BAL), and has opened subsidiary offices in Cairo, Egypt; Dakar, Senegal; and Lagos, Nigeria. The NBA has a long history in Africa and opened its African headquarters in Johannesburg, South Africa in 2010. The league's efforts on the continent have focused on increasing access to basketball and the NBA through youth and elite development, social responsibility, media distribution, corporate partnerships, NBA Africa Games, an NBA Store, the BAL, and more. Last year, NBA Africa reached more than eight million youth across the continent through basketball development, life-skills programming and social media engagement.
NBA games and programming are available in all 54 African countries, and the NBA has hosted three sold-out exhibition games on the continent since 2015. The BAL, a partnership between the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and NBA Africa, is a professional league featuring 12 club teams from across Africa that will tip off its fourth season in March 2024. Fans can follow @ NBA_Africa and @ theBAL on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
About the Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative (WPDI):
The Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative (WPDI) is a non-governmental organization with an international scope and reach, founded in 2012 by the artist, social activist and UNESCO Special Envoy for Peace, Forest Whitaker. WPDI is committed to fostering peace, gender equality, sustainability and resilience in countries and places affected by violence, poverty and marginalization. In Africa, Europe, as well as Latin and North America, WPDI develops a wide range of programs aimed at training and supporting underprivileged individuals and groups, with a particular focus on youth and women, enabling them to become empowered as mediators, educators, entrepreneurs, and leaders, fostering positive transformation within their communities and beyond.
WPDI launched its programs in the Cape Flats in 2019. Since then, it has impacted over 48,500 people, trained 360 youth peacemakers from the townships, provided training to 24,235 pupils and teachers from 89 schools, and supported the launch of 66 youth-led and women-led businesses.
More information on www.WPDI.org, X (@ connectWPDI (https://apo-opa.co/3sJLEva)) and Instagram (@ whitaker_peace (https://apo-opa.co/3uyrBQF)).
The Liberalisation Of The Energy Sector And Climate Change
THE LIBERALISATION OF THE ENERGY SECTOR AND CLIMATE CHANGE Durban, South Africa – Since the President’s State of the Nation Address in 2022, significant steps have been taken by Government to liberalise the energy sector, loosen the hold which Eskom has on the generation and distribution of electricity and move from a monopolistic electricity supply …
Rev Up Your Ride: Exploring the World of Aftermarket Car Parts and Accessories
Introduction: In the ever-evolving world of automobiles, car enthusiasts are constantly seeking ways to enhance their driving experience. Whether you’re a gearhead, a DIY enthusiast, or simply someone who wants to give their vehicle a personal touch, aftermarket car parts, car spares, motor spares, and car accessories have become the go-to solution for upgrading and …
Protesters call for new hospital in Gugulethu
The old hospital can’t cope says Movement for Change and Social Justice