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Isilumko Staffing Launches Comprehensive Diversity and Inclusion Initiative to Foster Equitable Hiring Practices

Location: MyPR

Isilumko Staffing, a leading recruitment agency in South Africa, has announced the launch of a comprehensive Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) initiative aimed at promoting equitable hiring practices across various industries. This strategic move aligns with the company’s core values of integrity, ownership, and positive contribution while supporting clients in building diverse, high-performing teams. Initiative Overview …

Read moreIsilumko Staffing Launches Comprehensive Diversity and Inclusion Initiative to Foster Equitable Hiring Practices

OneTap Loyalty? Technology Receives Global Investment, Launches New UK Based Company, OneTap Group Ltd.

Location: MyPR

An innovative payments and loyalty solution to expanding to a global market. Industry giants, Brian Dunne, based in the UK, and Debbie Ghillino, based in South Africa were so impressed with the value proposition and the potential of the technology created by Australian based Elevate Loyalty Pty Ltd, they have invested and joined forces to …

Read moreOneTap Loyalty? Technology Receives Global Investment, Launches New UK Based Company, OneTap Group Ltd.

Clarins Is Celebrating the Launch of Double Serum 9 – The Latest Generation of Its Iconic Anti-ageing Double Serum – With a Dynamic Pop-up Shopping Experience at Sandton City’s Central Court

Location: MyPR

The immersive experience, which opened with a glamorous event on 18 September, is a showcase not only for this best-selling product, but for the entire Clarins range, allowing long-time fans and those who have newly discovered the brand to explore its different facets with a host of exciting activations. “Our Double Serum is one of …

Read moreClarins Is Celebrating the Launch of Double Serum 9 – The Latest Generation of Its Iconic Anti-ageing Double Serum – With a Dynamic Pop-up Shopping Experience at Sandton City’s Central Court

Gauteng NCOP Delegation Recommends Criminal Action Against Errant Project Developers Contractors

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: The Parliament
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The NCOP Gauteng delegation conducted a successful oversight visit to unfinished and abandoned human settlements, health, education, and road projects in the West Rand and Sedibeng regions on Wednesday.

The visit is part of the week-long NCOP Provincial Week Programme, held under the theme “Confronting the Challenges Facing the Timely Delivery of Viable Public Infrastructure to Communities.”

The Provincial Week Programme aims to provide permanent delegates to the NCOP and their counterparts from the Gauteng Provincial Legislature with an opportunity to conduct oversight visits to various community development structures, including incomplete road projects, housing projects and other delayed or abandoned public infrastructure projects in the province. These oversight sessions involve officials and managers from affected districts and provincial and national government departments.

Among the abandoned projects visited by the delegation yesterday was the Montrose Mega Project in Randfontein. The project started in 2017 and is expected to yield 13 792 mixed typologies upon completion.

Briefing the delegation on the challenges, interventions and way forward, the provincial Department of Human Settlements said the project had faced various challenges, such as non-performance by the developer, as he failed to resume site in January 2024. The developer also failed to disclose a liquidation order issued by the court against him in 2023 in favour of contractors. The delegation was informed that the developer failed to pay the Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs), which he appointed as his service providers. The abandoned project is now facing a serious problem of vandalism of the units.

As part of the interventions, the department reported that it sought a legal opinion on the options available to act against the developer and a notice of termination was issued. The delegation was told that three criminal cases had been opened for the vandalism of the infrastructure, and some of the perpetrators had been brought to justice.

The department further reported that, as part of the way forward, they are appointing a security company to protect the remaining infrastructure and will commence negotiations with the land owner on acquiring the land.

The delegation also visited the Rus-Ter-Vaal Secondary School. The project was initiated in 2016 and set for construction in 2018. A contractor was appointed and initiated the construction process but abandoned the site without completing the project.

The delegation was told that the project remains abandoned as of August 2024. The department is set to appoint a contractor and hand over the site to the contractor by the end of September.

The MEC for Education committed to providing regular feedback to the NCOP on this delayed project and ensured that the contractors' contract would be terminated where there were unjustifiable delays.

The NCOP Gauteng delegation also conducted oversight at Kopanong Hospital in Vereeniging. Construction of the hospital started in 2021, with an original completion date of August 2022. The appointed contractor could not finish the project, and their contract was terminated.

The delegation was very concerned about the state of the Kopanong Hospital, which is in decay. The abandoned, incomplete wards were meant to accommodate emergency patients during COVID-19, but the contractor failed to finish the job.

The delegation also visited the R82 Old Johannesburg Road in Walkerville. The Initial consultant was terminated due to poor performance. A new consulting engineer was appointed on 23 August 2024. The delegation was informed that the project is scheduled to recommence the first week of October 2024. The contractor is mobilising to return to the site at the beginning of September 2024.

Some of the challenges facing the project include the encroachment of 10 households on the site—intervention to relocate the residents is being sought.

The delegation further visited the Bekkerdal Care of the Age Centre, New Simunye High School in Westonaria, and the Lethabong Mega Project in Sebokeng. The delegation applauded the Lethabong Mega Project, as it was the only site progressing well among all the visited projects.

The delegation, led by Ms Jane Mananiso, NCOP Gauteng Provincial Whip, recommended that criminal cases be opened against developers who are at fault for any of the projects' issues.

Highlighting the importance of accountability and transparency, Ms Mananiso said public representatives must ensure that every rand spent on infrastructure development translates into tangible benefits for the people. “The NCOP's oversight provides an invaluable mechanism for ensuring accountability and transparency, and I have no doubt that your engagements with us this week will help strengthen the systems that underpin effective governance,” she said.

The delegation is today, Thursday, 19 September, conducting oversight visits to projects around the Ekurhuleni and Tshwane regions. The projects include:

  • - Bakerton Library in Springs
  • - Barcelona Primary in Daveyton
  • - Semphato Junior Secondary School in Soshanguve
  • - Transoranje LSEN - Pretoria
  • - Women Living Monument in Pretoria

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Read moreGauteng NCOP Delegation Recommends Criminal Action Against Errant Project Developers Contractors

Rising Debt In Sub-Saharan Africa Costing Lives

Location: News

UN News
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The report details how this debt crisis is jeopardising progress aimed at ending AIDS in Sub-Saharan African countries, which account for a significant majority of people living with HIV globally – 25.9 million people of the nearly 40 million total.

If debt payments and stifled budgets are unaddressed in the next three to five years, countries will be “under-resourced to fund their HIV responses,” according to the UN agency's report.

Further data reveals that “the region's success in having reduced new HIV infections by 56 per cent since 2010 will not be sustained if fiscal space is constrained.”

Paying back sovereign debt now exceeds half of government revenue in Angola, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Uganda, and Zambia.

UNAIDS said that even after debt relief measures, Zambia will still be handing over two-thirds of its budget for debt servicing between 2024 and 2026.

UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima said that “public debt needs to be urgently reduced and domestic resource mobilisation strengthened to enable the fiscal space to fully fund the global HIV response and end AIDS.”

Debt servicing

Ms. Byanyima noted that global health security is put at risk when countries are unable to meet healthcare needs due to debt payments.

This has been evident in Western and Central Africa as there has been a noticeable decline in HIV response spending since 2017.

A news release based on the report reveals that Western and Central Africa will need to mobilise $4.18 billion to fully fund the HIV response in 2024. “This will climb to $7.9 billion by 2030 unless efforts are scaled up today to stop new HIV infections.”

It was noted that $20.8 billion was allocated for the HIV response in 2022 in low and middle-income countries through different donations, but it was not enough to effectively finance the HIV response.

To fully respond to HIV needs in 2024, Eastern and Southern Africa needs $12 billion, which will escalate to $17 billion by 2030 unless new HIV infections decline.

Necessary measures

The UNAIDS report says sub-Saharan African countries need to strengthen their tax systems and see an increase in financial donations to garner more domestic resources to effectively respond to their “pandemics.”

UNAIDS chief, Ms. Byanyima said, “World leaders cannot let a resource crunch derail global progress to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.”

Youth activists heading to New York

The UNAIDS chief said that young people are playing an active role in driving the progress made in the HIV response.

UNAIDS has partnered with two social media influencers living with HIV from Kenya and South Africa to attend the Summit of the Future and the UN General Assembly meetings in New York to urge leaders to invest in health systems and services that will support young people living with HIV.

Jerop Limo, the young Kenyan HIV activist, said, “I want leaders to leave New York knowing that we are not beneficiaries, we are equal rights holders.”

“We want meaningful and ethical engagement of adolescents and young people in all spaces of the AIDS response,” she continued.

South African advocate, Ibanomonde Ngema, said the meetings will not be enough to end AIDS – solutions need to be involved.

Young people living with HIV play a critical role in the fight against AIDS in communities.

Include us in the conversation

“The world can only benefit when young people are included in the global HIV response,” Ms. Ngema said. “No conversation about HIV should take place without us, from policy to practice in communities.”

As young people living with HIV also face stigma and discrimination, including from doctors, they will be lobbying world leaders at the General Assembly to “uphold the human rights of young people as key to ending AIDS as a public health threat.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.

Read moreRising Debt In Sub-Saharan Africa Costing Lives

Things to Do with Your Kids This Holiday Period: A Week of Fun and Learning

Location: Entertainment, MyPR

As the September/October school holidays approach, parents everywhere are gearing up for the ultimate challenge—keeping their kids off screens and fully engaged in fun and learning. Whether your child is a budding athlete, a little adventurer, or a mini artist, we’ve got you covered with activities that promise to make this holiday one for the …

Read moreThings to Do with Your Kids This Holiday Period: A Week of Fun and Learning

The most fitting tribute to Gordhan is to reflect on our own actions – President Ramaphosa

Location: News

The most fitting tribute to Gordhan is to reflect on our own actions – President Ramaphosa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on leaders and South Africans alike to reflect on the lessons drawn from the life and activism of the late former Cabinet Minister Pravin Gordhan. 

The President urged individuals to embody the values of integrity, courage, and service that defined his leadership.

President Ramaphosa was addressing mourners at Gordhan’s special official funeral held at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre in eThekwini on Thursday.

"There are a great many lessons we can draw from his life and from his political activism. The most fitting tribute we can pay to him is to reflect on our own actions.

“To consider what we can and should each do to serve our country. To reflect on what it means to be an activist. To consider if we are prepared to weather the great storms that so often confront acts of courage and integrity. It is in times of difficulty that moral courage is valued most. It is at times of renewal and rebuilding that activism is most needed,” the President said. 

As South Africa continues to recover from its challenges, President Ramaphosa said government will rely on men and women of integrity to help steer the nation toward a new era. 

He described Gordhan as one such leader, whose courage and unwavering commitment to the country’s democratic values will continue to inspire future generations.

“As we strive to rebuild our country, as the Government of National Unity, we will rely on men and women of integrity, honour and courage to support us, to hold us to account, and to help shepherd in a new era for South Africa and its people.

“Pravin Gordhan’s spear has fallen. Let us together pick it up,” President Ramaphosa said, invoking a powerful symbol of the nation’s collective responsibility. 

He acknowledged the personal sacrifices made by Gordhan’s family throughout his years of public service, expressing the nation's shared sorrow at the loss of a devoted husband, father, and brother.

As the nation bids farewell to one of its most dedicated public servants, President Ramaphosa concluded his tribute with a poignant message, quoting the Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore: "Give me the strength lightly to bear my joys and sorrows. Give me the strength to make my love fruitful in service."

In remembering Gordhan, the President praised his commitment to standing for the poor, his refusal to bow to injustice, and his resilience in the face of personal attacks. 

"Where many tried to bring you low with their insults, your feet remained firmly on the high ground. And now you have surrendered your strength to the will of the Creator,” he said. 

Gordhan’s legacy, the President stressed, is one of service, integrity, and love for the people of South Africa.

 "You were a much admired, much respected, and much loved comrade, colleague, leader, and friend. Rest in peace, good and faithful servant of the people,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Thu, 09/19/2024 - 15:40

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Read moreThe most fitting tribute to Gordhan is to reflect on our own actions – President Ramaphosa

Gender equality is contingent on women’s economic development

Location: News

Gender equality is contingent on women's economic development

Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Director-General, Advocate Mikateko Maluleke, says gender equality is contingent on women's economic development and financial independence.

“Worldwide, history and research has demonstrated that women’s economic empowerment increases their access to economic resources and opportunities including jobs, financial services, property and other productive assets, skills development and market information,” Maluleke said.

She highlighted that for South Africa, this outlook has translated itself in vast areas of development where women are taking the reins and actively contributing to their country’s development agenda.

“South Africa’s economic empowerment mechanisms for promoting the status of women, fully utilising government resources and effectively mobilising social resources lays an important foundation in the promotion of gender equality and women’s development,” Maluleke said.

The DG was speaking on Thursday at the Women for Social Progression session held during the BRICS Women’s Forum currently underway in St. Petersburg, Russia.

The Eurasian Women’s Forum is an influential international platform that enables women leaders from all continents to engage in dialogue and adopt joint decisions on key issues concerning international cooperation, sustainable economic development, the assimilation of new technologies, a healthy lifestyle, environmental safety, and the promotion of social charitable projects.

Maluleke pointed out that shared commitment across all sectors to support, grow, empower, and recognise women leaders not only promotes fairness, but it also improves the performance of state companies and organisations.

She said empowered, inspired, and developed women are critical to improving any country’s global competitiveness and “this is equally the legacy that will be passed over to future generations”.

“Gender equality and empowered women are catalysts for multiplying development efforts and positively positioning the competitiveness of countries as an attractive investment destination.

“Women are architects of society and are revered for their strength in building the family unit and homes, as well as their contributions to the communities, societies and nations,” Maluleke said. She emphasised the importance of integrating digital technologies into all areas of business, changing how economic and social activities are conducted.

While digital technology can bring tremendous opportunities, Maluleke acknowledged that it can also widen socioeconomic gaps for those who lack internet connectivity, affordable devices, or the skills to benefit from digital services.

She said vulnerable people and groups who do not have training in digital skills are equally more susceptible to online risks including fraud, data disclosure, identify theft and cyberbullying.

Maluleke also noted that while the digitalisation of social protection presents immense opportunities for delivering welfare services more efficiently and effectively, it also raises critical challenges related to data protection, data poverty, and bias and discrimination.

“Protecting sensitive data, ensuring privacy through consent, and minimising surveillance risks are crucial for maintaining trust and upholding individual rights. Addressing the digital divide and providing alternative methods for inclusion will ensure that vulnerable groups are not left behind in the transition to digital systems,” the Director-General said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Thu, 09/19/2024 - 14:27

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Young People Living With HIV Urge World Leaders to Partner With Them AIDS Response

Location: News

United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS)
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With support from UNAIDS, two young social media influencers living with HIV are on their way to the United Nations General Assembly and the Summit of the Future in New York to urge world leaders to partner with them in the response to HIV. Ibanomonde Ngema from South Africa and Jerop Limo from Kenya will call on leaders to invest in youth-friendly health systems, provide holistic services for young people living with HIV, and to partner with young people and communities, allowing them to lead in the response to HIV.

“Young people's powerful and vibrant activism has driven so much of the progress made in the HIV response,” said Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of UNAIDS. “They know what works for them. It is essential for leaders to listen to them to understand the specific challenges that young people face and how those challenges can be overcome. Leaders can only successfully plan how to end AIDS and sustain the advances made by partnering with young people living with HIV.”

“I am representing not only the voices of 1.5 million Kenyans living with HIV but all people living with HIV,” said Jerop Limo, a young Kenyan HIV activist. “I want leaders to leave New York knowing that we are not beneficiaries, we are equal rights holders. We have a voice, we have skills and expertise and we need an equal playing field where our data is valued, where our input is valued and where our voices are heard. We want meaningful and ethical engagement of adolescents and young people in all spaces of the AIDS response.”

Young people, especially adolescent girls and young women, are disproportionately affected by HIV. Globally, 44% of all new HIV infections were among women and girls (all ages) in 2023 and every week 4000 young women and girls around the world are infected with HIV—3100 are in sub-Saharan Africa. In 2023, some 3.1 million adolescents and young people (15-24 yrs) were living with HIV—1.9 million were adolescent girls and young women.

“Governments meeting here in New York cannot end AIDS alone. They need to involve us to find solutions. We have lived experiences of HIV, from treatment to mental health, because we navigate life with HIV every day. We need to be included in policymaking so that we can take full ownership of ending end AIDS as a public threat,” said Ibanomonde Ngema, a young South African AIDS activist. “The world can only benefit when young people are included in the global HIV response. No conversation about HIV should take place without us, from policy to practice in communities.”

Too often young people report facing stigma and discrimination, including from doctors and healthcare workers, when they access sexual and reproductive health and HIV services. This discourages them from seeking support and crucial information about their health, putting them at risk of HIV infection or of defaulting on treatment for those who are living with HIV.

Involvement of young people in the HIV response

Young people living with HIV play a critical role in the fight against AIDS in communities. They offer support and share important information about HIV that schools or parents might not talk about. They also challenge stigma and discrimination through social media, helping to save lives and encourage young people to stay on treatment.

They drive innovation in communities, for example, a self-funded project by the Youth Empowerment Group uses e-bikes to deliver antiretroviral medicines, food and adherence support to young people who often cannot attend clinics because their schooling hours conflict with clinic opening times in Namibia.

However, their transformational work is being held back because it is not being sufficiently supported. Youth-led HIV responses often operate with little or no financial and political support. At the UNGA the two young people will call on world leaders to fully support and fund their work. They will also urge leaders to uphold the human rights of young people as key to ending AIDS as a public health threat—they will call on them to protect young people's right to healthcare, education, freedom of speech, and to provide social support to young people living with HIV.

“Providing treatment is not enough, young people living with HIV need an education and they need a job to survive,” added Jerop Limo. “We need to be seen as equal contributors and partners, and we need investment to allow us drive change. We are the leaders of the future and we need to be included now to help shape a better future for us all.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS).

Read moreYoung People Living With HIV Urge World Leaders to Partner With Them AIDS Response

Global Music Icons Usher and Tyla Join Coke Studio™ 2024 Lineup, Bringing Unique Exclusive Experiences to Fans Around the World

Location: Entertainment
Coke Studio Africa

COKE STUDIO™ 2024 (www.CokeStudioAfrica.com) unveiled exciting new additions to this year's lineup, welcoming global music superstars, USHER and Tyla. Marking another milestone for COKE STUDIO™, Coca-Cola's premier global music platform, USHER and Tyla are joining this season alongside several incredible artists including Karol G, NewJeans and Peggy Gou, delivering exclusive musical experiences to fans around the world. 

As part of the COKE STUDIO™ programming, fans can look forward to an array of immersive experiences from USHER and Tyla, including exclusive original tracks and thrilling live performances to be announced in the coming weeks. In October, USHER will perform live in Atlanta as part of his upcoming tour, while Tyla will take the stage in Johannesburg, South Africa where lucky fans will get to be some of the first in the world to experience the new tracks performed live for the very first time. 

“Being part of this year's COKE STUDIO™ lineup is both an honor and an opportunity to engage with my fans through the power of music. Partnering with Coca-Cola to bring these experiences to life is exciting, and I can't wait for fans to join us in the magic we're crafting together,” said USHER. 

“I'm excited to perform in my hometown of Johannesburg as part of the COKE STUDIO™ platform. It's a privilege to bring these vibrant moments to life and share the joy and energy with music lovers across the world,” said Tyla. 

USHER and Tyla are the latest artists to curate new music for COKE STUDIO™ 2024 following the successful song drops of Karol G's “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido” (https://apo-opa.co/3Twfqxy), Peggy Gou's “Find The Way” (https://apo-opa.co/3Zwa09F), and NewJeans' “How Sweet” (https://apo-opa.co/3Xzzbp4) videos. Karol G's COKE STUDIO™ session has been celebrated for its remarkable achievements, as it reached the No. 1 global top music video on YouTube with over 225 million views. The song has been on top of the global charts for more than ten weeks, while also reaching the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart. You can pre-save Usher's track here (https://apo-opa.co/3Xzo7bs) before it's released across music streaming services.

“We're thrilled to welcome two of our favorite artists, USHER and Tyla, to our incredible 2024 lineup. This year COKE STUDIO™ offers unparalleled access to exclusive content and experiences that can't be found anywhere else. We've partnered with both USHER and Tyla to create something special for their fans, and we're sure that they will love what we have in store for the rest of 2024,” said Josh Burke, global head of music and culture marketing at The Coca-Cola Company.

The COKE STUDIO™ 2024 campaign was developed by Universal Music Group for Brands, Spotify AUX, Blended Strategy Group, Tyne Valley Group and WPP Open X including VML, Ogilvy and EssenceMediacom.   

Fans can learn more information and access all content related to COKE STUDIO™ by visiting https://apo-opa.co/3TzOOM1.  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Coke Studio Africa.

Contact: 
Amel Benchikh El Houcine
abenchikh@coca-cola.com

About The Coca-Cola Company:
The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is a total beverage company with products sold in more than 200 countries and territories. Our company's purpose is to refresh the world and make a difference. We sell multiple billion-dollar brands across several beverage categories worldwide. Our portfolio of sparkling soft drink brands includes Coca-Cola, Sprite and Fanta. Our water, sports, coffee and tea brands include Dasani, smartwater, vitaminwater, Topo Chico, BODYARMOR, Powerade, Costa, Georgia, Gold Peak and Ayataka. Our juice, value-added dairy and plant-based beverage brands include Minute Maid, Simply, innocent, Del Valle, fairlife and AdeS. We're constantly transforming our portfolio, from reducing sugar in our drinks to bringing innovative new products to market. We seek to positively impact people's lives, communities and the planet through water replenishment, packaging recycling, sustainable sourcing practices and carbon emissions reductions across our value chain. Together with our bottling partners, we employ more than 700,000 people, helping bring economic opportunity to local communities worldwide. Learn more at www.CoCa-ColaCompany.com and follow us on Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3ZpCjGN), Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/3TwfugM) and LinkedIn (https://apo-opa.co/4evqEua).

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Read moreGlobal Music Icons Usher and Tyla Join Coke Studio™ 2024 Lineup, Bringing Unique Exclusive Experiences to Fans Around the World

Committee welcomes plans to terminate Cape Town NSFAS lease

Location: News

Committee welcomes plans to terminate Cape Town NSFAS lease

The Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training has commended the proposed plans by Higher Education and Training Minister, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, to terminate the rental agreement of the National Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) headquarters in Cape Town.

Committee Chairperson, Tebogo Letsie, said the NSFAS headquarters in Cape Town had always been a sore point for the committee since moving from its previous leased building in Wynberg to the Cape Town city centre.

“While many students suffered in terms of funding, getting their allowances on time and accommodation challenges, the entity enjoyed a building with scenic views," said Letsie.

This comes as it has been reported that there are plans to end the lease of the Cape Town office to reduce costs, among other things.

Letsie said the committee had criticised the decision by NSFAS to move its headquarters to a place where most of its clients do not have access to their services.

He said the planned termination was long overdue and was a positive step towards addressing decades of mismanagement of student affairs by NSFAS.

“[The] NSFAS budget is bigger than many national departments and we have always maintained that the offices of NSFAS must be in Gauteng where we have the highest concentration of the student population.

“Ultimately, the committee would like to see the decentralisation of NSFAS to all regions which will ensure accessibility to students across the country added,” the chairperson said.

The committee welcomed the new NSFAS 2025 online applications intake opening on Friday, 20 September 2024, to allow for extensive consultations with institutions, stakeholders, and student formations. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Thu, 09/19/2024 - 11:38

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Show Off Your Home With the Perfect Garage Door

Location: MyPR

Selecting the right garage door can significantly impact your home’s appearance and functionality. Whether you’re constructing a new house or renovating your existing one, the garage door you choose plays a crucial role in enhancing your home’s overall aesthetic. With various options available, finding the ideal garage door that meets your needs and complements your …

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KZN Premier attends Climate Week in the US 

Location: News

KZN Premier attends Climate Week in the US 

KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Thamsanqa Ntuli,  has embarked on a strategic working visit to the United States of America (USA) where he will be attending the highly anticipated Climate Week forum.

The Climate Week NYC, held in conjunction with the United Nations General Assembly, is one of the world’s largest annual events dedicated to climate action and sustainability.

The forum will take place in New York City from 22 to 29 September 2024. It brings together leaders from the world of business, including government, political change makers, academia, and civil society from all over the world, who will gather to drive the transition forward, speed up progress, and champion change that is already happening.

Ntuli, who left the country this week will be engaging in high-level discussions and forming strategic partnerships during Climate Week.

The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial government said Ntuli’s visit to New York underscores the province’s commitment to addressing climate change, promoting sustainable development, and strengthening ties with the USA—South Africa's third-largest trade partner.

“Premier Ntuli’s objectives include reaffirming the strategic and mutually beneficial relationship between KwaZulu-Natal and the United States, advocating for enhanced international cooperation in tackling climate change, securing investments in green technologies, and implementing sustainable land-use practices,” the provincial government said.

The provincial government added that the Premier’s visit aims to achieve several key outcomes, including securing international cooperation; obtaining support and investment for renewable energy projects and climate adaptation initiatives; forging global partnerships; and collaborating with international organisations, climate-focused non-profits, and private sector stakeholders to advance climate action.

The visit also aims to showcase provincial progress, highlight KwaZulu-Natal’s achievements in climate resilience, including improvements in disaster risk management and biodiversity conservation.

“Ntuli’s participation in Climate Week and related events signifies KwaZulu-Natal’s proactive approach to global climate challenges and positions the province as a leader in climate adaptation and sustainability. The insights and partnerships gained from this visit are expected to enhance KwaZulu-Natal’s long-term climate resilience and contribute to sustainable development efforts,” the provincial government highlighted.

The Premier will on Friday hold a meeting with the South African Consul General to New York, Simon Cardy, which will cover a range of global issues, including trade, investment, climate change, food security and energy.

The discussion is part of a broader effort to align KwaZulu-Natal’s strategies with global climate goals and secure international support for the province’s sustainability initiatives.

Climate resilience

KwaZulu-Natal has recently faced severe climate-related challenges, including heavy rainfall, strong winds, hailstorms, and a tornado that have caused significant infrastructure damage, particularly in the eThekwini Metro, Ilembe and Howick areas.

The April 2022 floods, among the worst in the province’s history, resulted in over 400 fatalities and severe disruption to infrastructure, including port operations in Durban.

“These recent events underscore the urgent need for enhanced climate resilience. The Premier’s visit aims to address these challenges by securing international collaboration and investment to bolster KwaZulu-Natal’s capacity to manage and adapt to climate risks,” the provincial government said.

MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Thembeni kaMadlopha-Mthethwa, has been appointed as Acting Premier of the province during Ntuli’s absence. KaMadlopha-Mthethwa will oversee the provincial responsibilities until the Premier returns. – SAnews.gov.za

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Thu, 09/19/2024 - 10:58

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Reliance on Social Media for News Makes Africans Vulnerable to Disinformation, Survey Finds

Location: News
KnowBe4

A recent survey across Africa by KnowBe4 (www.KnowBe4.com) reveals that 84% of respondents rely on social media as their primary news source, with 80% favouring Facebook; This heavy dependence on social platforms for information is concerning, particularly as disinformation continues to rise.

With 19 African countries set to hold elections in 2024 and numerous political campaigns underway, worries about misinformation (unintentionally shared false information) and disinformation (deliberately spread fake news) are mounting. The Africa Centre for Strategic Studies (http://apo-opa.co/3Bj92mY) reports that disinformation campaigns in Africa have quadrupled since 2022, often backed by foreign states like Russia and China, leading to social instability.

In response to these issues, KnowBe4 conducted a survey in June 2024 on political disinformation and misinformation across five African countries: Botswana, Kenya, Mauritius, Nigeria, and South Africa. The survey, which included 500 respondents, found that the vast majority of users (84%) prefer social media for news consumption over traditional channels like radio, TV, and news websites. Anna Collard, SVP Content Strategy and Evangelist at KnowBe4 AFRICA, notes, “80% of respondents are consuming news on Facebook and over 50% use TikTok. This is alarming as neither of these channels is very reliable in terms of news.”

The ability to discern fake news may be exaggerated

Another concerning finding is that 82% of respondents feel confident in their ability to distinguish between true and false information online, despite a generally low level of formal education on the topic. Collard comments, “While most respondents reported being able to tell the difference between real and fake news, I doubt this is the case. Other research (http://apo-opa.co/4di3hDj) has shown that most people overestimate their ability to detect deepfakes, and ironically, more people trust AI-generated images than actual photographs.”

The survey also revealed that disinformation is becoming a significant concern for many. 80% of respondents expressed high levels of worry about the negative impact of fake news and its potential to cause social division. “In Kenya, many respondents said they had seen firsthand how disinformation can lead to tribal conflict,” Collard notes.

She further explains that social media influencers using inorganic hashtags fuelled similar political discord during Nigeria's election last year. “Social media's rapid spread of false information and the increasing accessibility of AI tools allow for the quick and cheap creation of sophisticated disinformation campaigns.”

Collard adds, “As we saw when entities disputed the outcome of South Africa's 2024 election, there are individuals motivated to disrupt democracies and act maliciously to create chaos because it serves their own agenda.” Another historic example is the #whiteminoritycapital disinformation campaign (http://apo-opa.co/3XOF1Eu) run by the British PR company Bell Pottinger in 2017 to obfuscate state capture by former SA president Jacob Zuma.

Need for more training and tighter controls

The survey underscores the need for increased education and awareness surrounding misinformation and disinformation. A significant 58% of respondents report having received no training on the topic, while a concerning 32% admit to simply ignoring fake news, highlighting the need for a more proactive and engaged response.

“We need a multi-faceted strategy to combat disinformation,” says Collard. This approach should encompass enhanced awareness and critical thinking among users; coordinated government action to prevent the spread of fake news (including stronger legislation), and increased vigilance from social media platforms in detecting and removing disinformation campaigns.

“Fake news is an ongoing challenge that requires continuous attention,” Collard concludes. “To fight it effectively, we need a combination of new technology, better ways to prevent it, and most importantly, teaching people to consume media while thinking critically, particularly if it is emotionally laden or potentially polarising content. As the digital landscape develops, so too must our strategies for maintaining the integrity of information.”

To read the full 2024 Political Disinformation in Africa report, click here: https://apo-opa.co/3zxqZO7

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of KnowBe4.

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Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, has emphasised the significance of digital platforms like Meta in connecting citizens and empowering them through educational content, job opportunities, service announcements and real-time communication.

“This is indeed a step towards creating a more informed and connected society where government is responsive to the needs of citizens,” he said on Wednesday. 

The Deputy Minister was delivering a keynote address through a virtual platform at the second Meta for Government Summit in Johannesburg on Wednesday. 

Meta, in partnership with the Ministry in the Presidency and the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), is hosting this year’s summit, which is currently underway. 

The Deputy Minister said the summit’s timing was crucial as it confronts digital age challenges and opportunities for government communication and economic growth in South Africa.

He believes that South Africa is witnessing an unprecedented transformation in the way government governs and engages with citizens. 

“Digital media platforms such as those provided by Meta play a pivotal role in this journey by helping us connect with our citizens more directly, openly and effectively. 

“Government has made digital engagement central to our efforts to uplift our people and empower them to take charge of their destinies,” he told the attendees. 

He said digital tools can drive economic inclusion and ensure all citizens benefit from Meta's platforms, the parent company of Facebook.

“This is particularly crucial for small businesses and entrepreneurs who have used these platforms to create jobs and expand their reach.” 

Fake news

The conversation also addressed the challenges of misinformation and the need for media sustainability.

Shifting his focus to online threats, fake news, disinformation, misinformation and deepfakes, he said government continues to witness the unintended consequences of social media platforms. 

“These issues relate to the immigration of bad practices, some of which have resulted in high levels of cyberbullying directed at journalists, children, youth and people with disabilities.”

He said the South African government viewed the spread of misinformation as a serious threat and called on platforms such as those managed by Meta to play an active role in curbing this “unwelcome reality”. 

The Deputy Minister underscored ethical digital tool usage, with a call for collaboration to ensure safe and effective digital engagement.

Morolong welcomed Meta’s ongoing efforts to tackle disinformation by employing fact-checkers, developing sophisticated content moderation systems and supporting digital literacy initiatives.

“This is vital to ensuring that citizens receive accurate information that they can trust and are protected from malicious content designed to cause discomfort,” he added. 

Southern Africa Meta’s Head of Public Policy, Thabo Makenete, highlighted the use of WhatsApp for event announcements and the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to create richer content and broader reach.

He described AI as a breakthrough technology of the 21st century with a focus on its potential to solve new and old problems.

Makenete emphasised the need for government to embrace AI to enhance message reach and content richness. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Wed, 09/18/2024 - 11:40

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