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Sapphire Coast Tourism is excited to welcome runners, spectators, and supporters to Amanzimtoti for the highly anticipated Goss & Balfe Sapphire Coast Marathon on Sunday, 27 October 2024. This early qualifier for the Comrades Marathon, organised by Amanzimtoti Athletics Club, is a great opportunity for athletes and visitors to experience this coastal gem. “We can …
Whether you’re looking to buy, rent, or hire, understanding the variety of forklifts available and their respective advantages can significantly streamline your operations. This guide provides an overview of the types of forklifts, including new and used options, and what to consider when seeking a forklift to meet your business’s demands. Overview of Forklift …
SA to transform economy into manufacturing hub
By Nosihle Shelembe
Beijing, China - President Cyril Ramaphosa says South Africa is working towards transforming the economy by turning the country into a “manufacturing hub”.
“We plan to move from being a large importer of manufactured products to being a major exporter,” the President said on Wednesday.
Addressing the South Africa-China Business Forum on the occasion of the State Visit to China, President Cyril Ramaphosa said Chinese companies will find there are innumerable business opportunities to manufacture products in South Africa using the country’s excellent industrial experience.
“We have seen this happen in our automotive industry. We have ambitious plans to modernise our infrastructure by investing in the expansion of ports, rail and road networks.
“We are on a path to revolutionise our energy sector in pursuit of low-carbon, climate resilient development,” the President said.
He said South Africa is actively seeking investment in the energy sector, with a particular focus on renewables and green hydrogen.
“China has a proven track record in developing innovative renewable energy solutions.
“Together, we can create sustainable and environmentally friendly energy solutions that benefit both our countries.
“By working together, we can create value chains that are mutually beneficial, leading to job creation and economic growth.
There is also vast untapped potential in technology,” President Ramaphosa said.
He said South Africa and China can collaborate to promote innovation, technology transfer and skills development.
“By leveraging our respective strengths and exploring new avenues of collaboration, we can create mutually beneficial partnerships.
“Our focus must now be on building stronger business relationships, promoting cultural exchanges and tourism, and creating a favourable business environment.
“The growth of the South African economy will support the success of the African Continental Free Trade Area, which opens access to a market of over 1.3 billion people,” the President said.
He said African economic integration is fast becoming a reality that creates enormous opportunities to expand production on the continent and to stimulate much greater economic activity.
“We are a country with enormous potential for growth and development. We are advantageously placed for companies looking to expand into the rest of the African continent.
“South Africa and China have vibrant, diverse and growing economies, with a wealth of opportunities for businesses wishing to expand into new markets,” the President said.
China is currently South Africa’s largest trading partner.
Bilateral trade between China and South Africa has increased by a third since 2019.
South Africa exports mainly minerals and agricultural products to China, and imports largely manufactured products from China.
“We are seeking to shift the structure of our trade profile and deepen our investment relationship.
“South Africa has one of the most advanced and diversified economies on the African continent. It has a vibrant business environment and a strong regulatory framework. It has a diverse, competitive and well-regulated financial sector,” the President said.
Since the start of South Africa’s major investment drive in 2018, Chinese companies have made investment pledges to the value of over R18 billion in the manufacturing, resources, finance and agro-processing sectors. This is the equivalent of US $1 billion.
“In the last six weeks, a number of Chinese companies have increased investments to support the expansion of their operations.
“These investment commitments are testament to the resilience of the South African economy and the many opportunities for foreign and domestic investors.
“It is up to us to seize these opportunities and take the economic relationship between our two countries to the next level,” the President said.
He said South Africa has investment opportunities in the electric vehicle sector, renewable energy, green hydrogen and energy storage.
It has further opportunities in infrastructure, manufacturing, mining, beneficiation of critical minerals, and the digital economy.
“Let us work together to seize this opportunity and continue to build a more prosperous future for our respective countries,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za
Matona
Wed, 09/04/2024 - 13:10
Springboks vs All Blacks: Park and ride for free around CT on Saturday
The City of Cape Town is rolling out an expanded free park and ride service on Saturday, 7 September 2024, as the Mother City hosts four-time Rugby World Cup champions, the Springboks, for their Castle Lager Rugby Championship game against New Zealand at the DHL Stadium.
A sold-out crowd is expected at the DHL Stadium for the 5pm kick-off as the Springboks return to play in Cape Town for the first time since their victory against Wales in front of a 52 000 strong crowd in 2022.
It is also the first time the Springboks go head-to-head with the All Blacks in the Mother City since 2017.
“Cape Town is a city united in pride and excitement as we prepare to host our world champion Bokke for this historic clash against our greatest rivals. To support this major event, the city is pleased to announce an expanded and free MyCiTi shuttle service for spectators,” said Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis.
This will cover fans from Century City, the University of Cape Town (UCT), Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), Thibault Square and Civic Centre stations.
Stadium gates are expected to open at 12:30pm ahead of the curtain raiser between the Springbok Women against the Barbarian Women at 1:30pm.
The first shuttle from all pick-up points will depart at 12pm.
At the Civic Centre, the city will open its 475 parking bays for ticketed rugby fans on a first-come, first-served basis from 11am.
The free parking areas are accessible from Hertzog Boulevard and Civic Road.
The shuttle service from UCT’s Upper Campus and Century City Steelbridge E-parking will operate until 4:45pm to ensure that all spectators get to the event before the kick-off of the Springbok game at 5pm.
At UCT, spectators can park on the Upper Campus and catch the shuttle at the UCT Shuttle North Stop (beside the dam).
Century City Steelbridge E-Parking will have 500 free parking bays for match ticket holders on a first-come, first-served basis. The parking area on Century Boulevard will be monitored by security but is at the owner’s risk.
On-street parking in the CBD is available for free from 1pm.
The last return bus from the stadium to the pick-up points leaves at 9:30pm.
“With the game sold out, we anticipate our roads will be congested on match day. But working with the event organiser, we have provided alternatives to single-occupancy vehicles to ensure people avoid being stuck in traffic.
“We would like to encourage spectators to make use of the park and ride system to alleviate the pressure on the roads,” said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
However, according to Smith, parking around the stadium is limited and people are discouraged from parking illegally in the residential areas.
“Illegally parked vehicles will be fined and/or towed away. We are deploying our safety and security personnel to work with SAPS in taking care of safety at this event. This is a wonderful occasion that a lot of people have been anticipating for some time. Let’s work together to make it a seamless and memorable experience for all,” Smith added.
Meanwhile, a dedicated e-hailing area will be established on P13 on Greenpoint Main Road between York Road and Wigtown Road.
Residents and motorists are advised that several roads will be closed and restricted on Saturday. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 09/04/2024 - 10:07
Waterval Stadium in Limpopo is still incomplete though at least R28-million has been spent
Security guards employed by Golden Security Services in Heideveld say they are owed money
As the world observes International Day of Charity on 5 September, Dr Armand Bam, Head of Social Impact at Stellenbosch Business School, urges South Africans to confront the pressing realities of giving in a nation scarred by its past. He challenges the public and private sectors to view philanthropy not as mere charity, but as …
Invoices suggest Nketoana mayor spent R100,000 on a rented car in a single month
President calls for investments in SA
By Nosihle Shelembe
Beijing, China - President Cyril Ramaphosa has appealed to the business sector in China to invest in South Africa and make use of the great opportunities that exist for growth and development.
“South Africa presents a great opportunity for companies in Shenzhen to deepen their global value chains,” the President said on Tuesday.
The President made the remarks during the Shenzhen Business Roundtable at the occasion of the State Visit to China.
“With the capabilities that your companies have, we encourage you to play a more active role in our economy for mutual benefit,” he said.
Impressed by how Shenzhen has over four decades transformed into a leading digital supply chain hub, the President said South Africa can learn important lessons from Shenzhen.
Shenzhen is home to the most innovation-based technology start-up companies in China.
“Shenzhen is now a leader in the knowledge economy. We are keen to learn more about the city’s journey towards becoming a global centre of technology, innovation and growth. As we work to develop our economy, we value advice, support and technical assistance in planning, infrastructure and skills development.
“As we undertake this just and inclusive energy transition, we see many opportunities for growth and job creation in the green economy,” the President said.
South Africa has made a firm commitment to reduce its carbon emissions in line with global commitments.
“We are doing so at a pace and in a manner that is appropriate to our country’s development path.
“We have introduced policies to promote the development of the electric vehicle industry in South Africa.
“We are certain that companies such as BYD and CATL will find South Africa a unique and advantageous location that can serve as a hub to reach other markets,” the President said.
He said as a global leader in green energy and infrastructure, Shenzhen could be an important partner for South Africa as the energy sector undergoes a major transformation.
“Over the last few years, regulatory changes have stimulated substantial new investment in electricity generation capacity, mainly from renewable sources.
“We now have pipeline of over 130 confirmed private sector energy projects that will produce approximately 22 500 MW of electricity,” Ramaphosa said.
READ: China to assist SA in alleviating poverty
South Africa is also making significant investments in the electricity transmission infrastructure.
“In addition to securing our country’s energy supply, these investments will lay the basis for the further growth of our advanced manufacturing sector.
“This is further supported by the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, which will drive a new era of industrialisation in South Africa and across the continent.
“With its abundant renewable energy resources and significant deposits of the minerals that are needed to drive green growth, South Africa is well-positioned to be a leader in the green energy and related industries,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Tue, 09/03/2024 - 12:38
Innovative kitchen appliance designs transform urban living, delivering space-efficient solutions and improved functionality even in the most compact homes. As urban living continues to develop, homeowners and apartment dwellers alike face the challenge of making the most of limited space. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the kitchen, where appliances can quickly overwhelm smaller …
Kabelo Mulaudzi is confident of yet another podium finish when he takes on the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K on National Heritage Day, Tuesday 24 September 2024. The Boxer Athletics Club top runner is encouraged by his current shape after claiming third place at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K on 25 August. …
JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) has announced the 15-player squad for the Proteas Women’s T20 International (T20I) series against Pakistan and...
Motsoaledi calls on pharmacists to play a role in vaccine manufacturing
Department of Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, has called on pharmacists to play an active role in vaccine manufacturing as the world grapples with a growing trend of infectious diseases.
“The world is seriously crying for vaccines and medicines – affordable ones for that matter. Should we be squabbling with each other like we did during COVID-19?” the Minister retorted.
The Minister was speaking at the opening of the first-ever Pharmacists International Federation (FIP) Congress held in Cape Town on Monday.
The four-day congress, which kickstarted on Sunday is also part of the Pharmacy Month commemorative activities to raise patient awareness of the vital role pharmacists can play in the community’s healthcare and to improve communication between patients and pharmacists and pharmacy support personnel.
READ | Motsoaledi to open Pharmacists International Federation Congress
“When the need arises for all humanity to be vaccinated, should the vaccines be so scarce that the developed world starts hoarding them for themselves, leaving the still developing world on their own? Surely, we can do better than this and it is within our capability to do better,” he told delegates.
“I have full confidence that in your deliberations, those facts will not just be shoved away and kept under the carpet, for there is a lot at stake for all humanity.”
He told the attendees that he believes that in the next 10 to 15 years the world will have defeated modern-day infectious diseases like HIV and Aids, Ebola, Mpox, tuberculosis, malaria and others.
“But in doing this, as The Lancet states, we shall be ushering in a new era of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). You shall be called again to provide easily accessible and affordable pharmaceuticals to deal with these NCDs, which are, already upon us.
“The question is: are we equal to the job? Shall we rise to the occasion?”
Motsoaledi also touched on the need to address health inequities across the world, urgently strengthening health systems and the need to harness innovation and technology to transform health systems.
The Minister also spoke about the need to invest in sustainable and equitable health financing and using healthcare as a public good and as part of social justice.
“Let us remember that as pharmacists, we are not just being distributors but also serve as instructors, patient safety advocates and important participants in public health campaigns.
“I call upon every one of you to be agents of change,” he stressed.
The Minister challenged the pharmacists to ensure the health systems are not just of good quality but are also equitable and inclusive.
“This is a call to advocate for policies that prioritise the needs of the most vulnerable, and in the process, commit to advancing the pharmacy profession as a driving force for health equity and quality care.”
He also took the time to express his gratitude to the FIP for bringing the congress to Cape Town and to all the delegates for their commitment to improving healthcare through the pharmacy profession.
“We hope that your decisions over the next few days will shape the future of health. I wish you all a productive and inspiring experience at congress, and I look forward to seeing the innovative solutions and partnerships that will emerge from our time together.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 09/03/2024 - 09:29
Satafrika is wild, bro. We’ve mastered the art of turning lemons into lemonade—or rather, loadshedding into load-reduction. We are built for resistance and sometimes, sticking it out means treating yourself. With warmer days and cooler evenings being the modus operandi, there’s no better time for ama-get-together with iskeem sakho, family and loved ones. Introducing the …
IEC publishes political funding disclosure report
The Electoral Commission (IEC) has published the first quarter Political Funding Disclosure Report for the financial year 2024/25.
The report covers the period of 1 April to 30 June 2024.
It is the first report since the inauguration of the seventh parliament and administration following the successful hosting of free and fair 2024 national and provincial elections on 29 May 2024.
The commission in a statement on Monday lauded the political parties who made declarations in the reporting period even though there was no legal basis to do so.
“This act is indicative of these parties’ commitment to transparency in the management of their financial affairs. This can only bode well for electoral democracy in the country.
“Furthermore, the Commission wishes to ask the National Assembly to expeditiously finalise its processes and take a resolution on the thresholds in order for the President to gazette so that the lacuna in the regulations can be ameliorated.”
During this quarter, political parties declared a cumulative amount of nearly R200 000 000. The value of first quarter 2024/25 donation disclosure is comparable to the value of donations declared during the fourth quarter of the past financial year.
“Totalling a colossal R189 950 829, this is by far the highest value of donations across all years and quarters since the introduction of the Political Funding Act, as amended. Once again, a positive correlation between the value of donations declared and the election season are demonstrated,” said the commission.
A total of 14 political parties declared donations during the first quarter of the year. These are:
1. ActionSA – R13 186 000
2. African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) – R240 000
3. African National Congress (ANC) – R26 015 313
4. Build One South Africa (BOSA) – R12 877 709
5. Change Starts Now – R150 000
6. Democratic Alliance (DA) – R56 601 039
7. Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) – R515 313
8. GOOD – R600 000
9. Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) – R38 340 000
10. Independent Civic Organisation of South Africa (ISANCO) – R100 000
11. Patriotic Alliance (PA) – R6 649 900
12. Rise Mzansi – R33 895 000
13. South African Rainbow Alliance (SARA) – R400 000
14. uMkhonto Wesizwe Party (MKP) – R380 555
“While there were few first-time donors during the reporting quarter, a significant number of donors were repeat donors. Furthermore, many of the repeat donors made significant donations across several political parties, targeting mainly new or recently established political parties.” – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 09/03/2024 - 09:51
September is a month of renewal and positive change. It’s also when South Africa celebrates Heart Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to make impactful lifestyle choices that improve heart health. As it stands, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of SA cites cardiovascular disease as the second-leading cause of death in the country, responsible …
1 September 2024, Cape Town, South Africa – Gumtree South Africa (Gumtree SA) has once again revolutionised the online classifieds experience, this time with the launch of Pay & Ship, a secure payment and delivery solution. By prioritising user safety and convenience, this innovative development reinforces Gumtree’s commitment to being the country’s ‘most trusted online …
IOL says it will not apologise and is applying for leave to appeal the ruling
Checkers teams up with healthy eating advocate Jamie Oliver to endorse Discovery Vitality HealthyFood partnership Checkers has joined forces with world-renowned chef and healthy eating advocate Jamie Olivier to endorse its new partnership with Discovery Vitality’s HealthyFood benefit that officially launches on 1 September. Oliver, an outspoken advocate for healthy eating, believes the Checkers HealthyFood …
The Totalsports Women’s Race has much to celebrate in 2024. Each of the three events drew record-breaking numbers, with a combined total of 30 000 runners (7500 in Durban, 12 500 in Cape Town, and 10 000 in Joburg) participating during Women’s Month. In addition to this remarkable turnout, the event proudly raised an impressive …
KwaZulu-Natal, Durban: Clermont Township, once a middle income township and thriving community, has descended into chaos as crime and violence grip its streets. On 25 January last year, three people were shot dead on Zazi Road, near Pinetown. The victims, two men who sold cow heads for a living, were killed at their roadside stalls, …
Acting President Shipokosa Paulus Mashatile has extended heartfelt congratulations to several South African sportsmen and women for their exceptional achievements over the past weekend.
Their victories have ushered the nation into the spring season, filled with hope and a renewed sense of national pride.
"Sports have a unique ability to bring South Africans together and uplift the nation's spirits, even amidst our challenges," said Acting President Mashatile.
"The incredible performances by our athletes this past weekend serves as a testament to their dedication, hard work, and the indomitable spirit of our people."
The weekend's achievements highlights include: Mpumelelo Mhlongo who secured a gold medal in his 100m event, while Bayanda Walaza made history in Peru, becoming the fastest young man on earth with the remarkable times of 10.19 seconds in the 100m sprint and 20.52 seconds in the 200m sprint.
Also in Peru, Hannah Van Niekerk won a silver medal in Kima 400 m hurdles in the World U20 tournament.
In team sports, the National Rugby Team, the Springboks (Boks) defeated New Zealands All Blacks 31-27, while Stellenbosch FC and Orlando Pirates proceeded to the Final of the MTN 8 Cup.
These remarkable results demonstrate the athletes' prowess, showcasing the strength and talent of South African athletes on both local and international stages.
"The triumphs of Mhlongo, Walaza, and our esteemed sports teams are not just victories for them but for every South African who finds joy, pride, and unity in our nation's sporting successes," Acting President Mashatile added.
"We celebrate these achievements and look forward to many more moments of national pride and joy."
Acting President Mashatile concluded by emphasizing the power of sports in fostering unity and hope, urging all South Africans to continue supporting and celebrating their athletes as they represent the country on various platforms worldwide.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
KwaZulu-Natal, Durban: In the heart of Clermont Township, a concerning trend is unfolding. Youth fresh out of high school, are disengaging from education, abandoning their dreams, and succumbing to a life of stagnation. This phenomenon is not only alarming but also threatens the future growth and development of our township. The statistics are staggering. Every …
The highly anticipated Betway SA20 Season 3 is set to light up the South African summer once again, bringing world-class...