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Video from the press conference after the match featuring Mitchell van Buuren (Paarl Royals) and Graham Ford (Pretoria Capitals) The Pretoria Capitals and Paarl Royals served up a thrilling Betway SA20 run-fest in Game 6 at a sold-out Centurion on Sunday. The locals streamed through the turnstiles for the Capitals’ first home game of Season …
On Saturday 13 January 2024 in Gqeberha the Sunrisers Eastern Cape hosted Durban’s Super Giants. The visitors flew out of the blocks through Quinton de Kock (23 off 16 balls) and Matthew Breetzke (43 off 29 balls). But that was just the beginning of the onslaught before Jon Jon Smuts, who was traded from Sunrisers …
On Saturday, 13 January 2024 the Betway SA20 enjoyed a “Super Saturday ” with the batters taking centre stage in two highly entertaining matches. The first double-header of Season 2 provided run-fests at both the Wanderers and St George’s Park, with an aggregate of 803 runs scored across the four innings. MI Cape Town set the …
Cricket South Africa (CSA) has today named the 15-player squad for the Proteas Women’s white-ball leg of the multi-format tour against Australia between 27 January – 18 February. Leading the team to Australia will be captain Laura Wolvaardt. The talented top-order batter will be joined by a well-balanced group including fellow Women’s Gigantic Bash League …
The retail industry is undergoing a massive transformation, driven by the internet, customer expectations, and emerging technologies. Retailers need to adapt and innovate to survive and thrive in this new era of digital retail.
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Distributed by APO Group on behalf of IT News Africa.
Paarl Royals Betway SA20 Media Day Interviews featuring Jos Buttler, Mandla Mashyimbi and Nqaba Peter ahead of their match against the Pretoria Capitals in Paarl, Western Cape on Friday 12 January 2024. The Paarl Royals won by 27 runs. From: Cricket SA More Info here: https://myza.co.za/cricket-south-africa-paarl-royals-looking-to-design-boland-park-a-fortress-buttler/ CLICK HERE to submit a Video Press Release to …
Nzimande dismisses news of intention to raise university fees
Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, has dismissed as false, information that he intends to increase university fees for the 2024 academic year.
“The Minister has become aware of the circulation of false and ill-informed suggestions that he as Minister, intends to increase university fees for the 2024 academic year.
“As the Department of Higher Education and Training, we wish to remind the public that the Minister plays absolutely no role in determining the fees of universities,” read a statement released by the department on Thursday.
Per the Higher Education Act 101 of 1997, the authority to determine the fees of individual universities rests with University Councils.
“Therefore, the Minister has no such authority to determine the individual fees of universities and to do so, would be to act beyond his powers on the part of the Minister.
“However, given the socio-economic reality of our country, through the department, each year, the Minister usually provides the universities with a framework that should guide how they determine their fee structure.”
The department explained that the Minister does this with the sole intention of ensuring that, in how universities determine their fee structures, students and in particular those from poor and working-class backgrounds, are not adversely affected by the fee determinations of universities.
“The Minister regards it as disappointing and somewhat mischievous that formal organisations and long-standing media houses, would make public statements on university fees, without first informing themselves on the process of determining university fees.”
According to the department, it remains committed to sharing information that may assist the media, civil society, political organisations or members of the public to understand the intricacies of our country’s higher education system. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 01/12/2024 - 11:57
SASSA clarifies report on 74 000 deceased ghost accounts
The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) says it has noted the story aired on the SABC news channel, which stated that over 74 000 deceased recipients were wrongly paid by the agency.
This was revealed by Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu, in a written reply to a parliamentary question.
The agency said that its fraud and compliance unit is addressing corruption.
“As much as we are aware of some corrupt activities taking place which our fraud and compliance unit is dealing with daily, as SASSA we can confirm that the majority of this is not due to corruption.
“But rather the timing of reporting of death by the responsible family members and the date on which SASSA extracts payments for the affected clients,” the agency explained.
As part of the normal social grant payment extraction process, SASSA said it extracts payment beneficiary details and compares them with the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) monthly.
“The key purpose is to test if the beneficiaries are still alive or deceased. This process takes place just around the 22nd or 23rd of every month.
“In an instance that the client is found to be deceased, such a record is deactivated on the SASSA system before extraction of payment – no money is generated for such clients.
“This interface process with the Department of Home Affairs as explained is automated and it is executed every month without exceptions.”
However, when a client dies at their different residential areas, the only time on which SASSA gets to know if the client has died is when family members report such a death to SASSA or report such to the DHA.
“In instances where death is reported late at SASSA or Department of Home Affairs, such eventuality can result in some payment being prematurely released. There are instances where death is reported after a number of days from the actual date on which death would have occurred.”
According to the statement, the late reporting of death to home affairs or SASSA results in exceptions for monies released prematurely.
“Unfortunately, this element of late reporting of death, neither SASSA nor the Department of Home Affairs has any control over it.”
Review
In addition to these mechanisms, SASSA said it conducts a review of beneficiary personal details to ascertain if the beneficiary circumstances are still the same.
Currently, the agency said a review process is conducted through face-to-face interactions between SASSA staff and the affected beneficiaries.
“If a client is not alive, such a client will not be able to present themselves for a review process.”
According to SASSA, the number of 74 000 deceased beneficiaries as reported in the media, is the number of beneficiaries who were reported to have died in the past three years.
This means that of the 18 million clients paid monthly, there is an average of 2 055 clients that died every month in the past three years whose circumstances could have been one of the few reasons outlined, which are beyond SASSA’s control.
This includes the death reported late to the Department of Home Affairs or SASSA by family members, days after payment has been processed.
“Therefore, this implies that the number of 2 055 clients represents 0.01% of the total population paid by SASSA every month.”
SASSA said its cut-off payment date is the 22nd of every month and that it determines the payment of the deceased depending on the Home Affairs registration.
“SASSA is presently working tirelessly with the Department of Home Affairs to ensure that the systems are connected. This is to ensure that we curb corruption.”
In the past, the agency said it worked closely with the Hawks and other law enforcement agencies to curb corruption.
“We will continue to work with law enforcement agencies for the betterment of our organisation.”
In addition, SASSA said a fraud-prevention strategy aligned with the National Anti-Corruption Strategy, has been implemented, while fraud awareness campaigns are conducted regularly to increase awareness. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 01/12/2024 - 12:27
Comedic Genius Unveils Candid Insights on Legal Troubles, Personal Triumphs, and More HOUSTON, TX – January 10, 2024 – In a resounding testament to the magnetic allure of one of comedy’s brightest stars, Katt Williams’ recent interview with hip-hop legend and revered podcaster Willie D on the Willie D Live YouTube Channel has taken the …
It has been a decade since an 18-year-old Kagiso Rabada swayed the world’s attention in the United Arab Emirates. Rabada, now the No.2-ranked bowler in the MRF Tyres ICC Rankings for Test bowlers, was making his first steps in international cricket at the time, at the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup. The exciting pacer …
New African magazine (www.NewAfricanMagazine.com) released its annual listing of the 100 Most Influential Africans of 2023. The list celebrates the achievements and contributions of Africans from various fields and sectors, who have made a positive impact on the continent and the world.
The list features a diverse and inspiring group of men and women, who have demonstrated excellence, innovation, leadership, resilience, and vision in their respective domains. They include politicians, entrepreneurs, industrialists, environmentalists, creatives, scientists, educators, sports personalities, and more.
The list also reflects the shifting trends and priorities in Africa, as the continent faces new challenges and opportunities in the post-pandemic era. Creatives dominate the ranking with 31 representatives, including singer Abel Tesfaye, aka The Weekend, filmmaker Alice Diop and writer Nana Darkoa Sekyiamah.
The second category with the highest number of entries was the Business section, with 25 entries. The section included two behemoths from DFIs, supporting a private sector approach to investing: Samaila Zubairu from Africa Finance Corporation and the President of Afreximbank, Benedict Oramah, undoubtedly Africa's juggernaut from the last few years leading Africa's transformation. Also on the list is the former CEO of Eskom and whistleblower who nearly paid with his life André de Ruyter.
Nigeria was the country most represented on the list, highlighting the country's dominance in the creative sector and business. William Ruto, the President of Kenya, and Bola Tinubu, President of Nigeria, were the only heads of state to make it, along with the Guinean military leader Mamady Doumbouya. Doumbouya created quite a stir at this year's UN General Assembly and appears to have found a solution around the Simandou mining saga.
With Climate Change at the top of the agenda, the list features several players in the environmental space, such as James Mwangi, formerly from Dalberg Group who has set up his own venture fund investing in climate related businesses, and Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, the Executive Secretary of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity.
In the media, we have two media leaders from Côte d'Ivoire, Fabrice Sawegnon, founder of communications agency Voodoo, and Daniel Ahaoussa, serial entrepreneur and founder of a number of websites in West and Central Africa. Also included are the journalist Alan Kasujja, the BBC journalist, and Branko Brkic, founder of Daily Maverick, arguably the most powerful media in South Africa today.
And in sports, record breakers Faith Kipyegon and Kelvin Kiptum make it, as well as the Springboks team, under the leadership of their captain Siya Kolisi. Patrice Motsepe, the President of CAF, a close friend of FIFA president Gianni Infantino and an increasingly influential voice in sports, is also included.
The 100 Most Influential Africans of 2023 is a special edition of New African magazine, which offers a comprehensive and insightful overview of the lives and achievements of the selected individuals. The magazine also provides a platform for the readers to learn from their stories, and to be inspired by their examples.
Download the 100 Most Influential Africans of 2023 special edition of New African: https://apo-opa.co/4aL1VB7
The 100 Most Influential Africans 2023 List:
Politics and Public Service
William Ruto
Ibrahima Cheikh Diong
Sidi Ould Tah
Akinwumi Adesina
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
Bola Tinubu
Mamady Doumbouya
Ousmane Sonko
Nadia Fettah Alaoui
Tsitsi Masiyiwa
Tidjane Thiam
Business
Mohamed Kande
Sim Tshabalala
Karim Beguir
Didier Acouetey
Olugbenga Agboola
Samaila Zubairu
Prof. Benedict Okey Oramah
Ralph Mupita
Ibrahim Sagna
Simon Tiemtoré
Jules Ngankam
Riham ElGizy
André de Ruyter
Aliko Dangote
Ham Serunjogi
Serge Ekué
Bahija Jallal
Coura Sène
Bernard Koné Dossongui
Hassanein Hiridjee
Shola Akinlade
James Mwangi
Pascal Agboyibor
Science and Academia
Anna Adeola Makanju
Chao Tayiana Maina
Nemat Talaat Shafik
Ismahane Elouafi
Moungi Bawendi
Timnit Gebru
Environmental
James Irungu Mwangi
Ephraim Mwepya Shitima
Wanjira Mathai
Rashid Sumaila
Elizabeth Maruma Mrema
Dr Musonda Mumba
Creative
Kaouther Ben Hania
Danai Gurira
Ncuti Gatwa
Black Coffee
Tyla Laura Seethal
Temilade “Tems” Openiyi
Lesley Lokko
Mulenga Kapwepwe
Alice Diop
Wanuri Kahiu
Bassem Youssef
Malenga Mulendema
Jadesola Osiberu
Editi Effiong
Ali Said Alamin Mandhry
Abel "The Weekend" Tesfaye
Pretty Yende
Julie Mehretu
Pierre Thiam
Teju Cole
Thebe Magugu
David Diop
Burna Boy
Serge Attukwei Clottey
Nana Darkoa Sekyiamah
Aïda Muluneh
Omoyemi Akerele
Mariam Issoufou Kamara
Victor Ekpuk
DJ Snake
Gandhi “Maitre Gims” Djuna
Media
Claude Grunitzky
Chioma Nnadi
Edward Enninful
Alan Kasujja
Wode Maya
Anton Harber
Khabane “Khaby” Lame
Charity Ekezie
Moses “Uncle Mo” Kiboneka
Branko Brkic
Tomiwa Aladekomo
Marie Mbullu
Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard
Daniel Ahaoussa
Fabrice Sawegnon
Sports
Francis Ngannou
Faith Kipyegon
The Springboks, led by captain Siya Kolisi
Patrice Motsepe
Kelvin Kiptum
Victor Osmihen
Biniam Girmay
Yassine Bounou
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of New African Magazine.
For any media inquiries please contact:
c.haasz@icpublications.com
About New African Magazine:
Published continuously since 1966, the English language monthly has consistently brought an African point of view to international news. It is the essential magazine for government officials, businessmen, professionals and Africa-watchers. New African is distributed in over 100 countries, and consulted whenever Africa is mentioned. The leading commentator on African affairs and Africa's best selling magazine.
The December / January 2024 issue of New African is one of the biggest of the year, most of it crammed with scintillating profiles and high-quality portraits of the best and brightest Africans of 2023. This issue will once again be a sure-fire source of animated discussion within Africa and abroad as readers discuss our choice of the 100 Most Influential Africans of 2023.
The entire reason why YOU want to be on MyPR.co.za is so that people can discover your news/products/services and buy from you. One of the ways we measure the effectiveness of MyPR is by tracking which outgoing links are being clicked on. PR Professionals who make use of MyPR’s Featured Press Release facility are securing …
Africa, a vast and vibrant continent, never fails to offer a dynamic news landscape. From political intrigue to environmental concerns and human triumphs. Here are the top 5 stories shaping the continent’s conversation today: Judge Dikgang Moseneke to Assist South Africa in Genocide Case Against Israel at ICJ: Former Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke of South …
Ashwell Gavin Prince (born 28 May 1977) is a former South African cricketer and captain who played all formats of the game for South Africa. At the age of 29, he became the first non-white man to captain the South African cricket team when he stood in for the injured Graeme Smith in two Tests. …
Friday, 05 January 2024 JOHANNESBURG: The annual Cricket South Africa (CSA) Cubs Week will take place from 05-10 January 2024...
Mohammed Siraj is an Indian cricketer who plays as a right-arm fast bowler for the Indian national team. He also plays for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League and Hyderabad in domestic cricket. Mohammed Siraj registered his career-best figures of 6-15. Shardul Thakur (7-61) and Harbhajan Singh (7-120) both have seven-wicket hauls in …
In a move to address challenges faced by African children and their schools posed by power outages and no access to power, the African Energy Chamber (AEC) (http://www.EnergyChamber.org) has embarked on a transformative initiative that will see it provide, together with partners, off-grid solutions to thousands of schools across Africa. The program's pilot phase kicked off with the provision of a solar power system to Willow Crescent Secondary School in Eldorado Park, Johannesburg. Qualifying schools and projects must demonstrate an unwavering commitment to sustainable energy solutions and community empowerment.
The African Energy Chamber is a leading energy advocacy group dedicated to addressing energy poverty in Africa by 2030 by encouraging investments in the entire African energy value chain.
The AEC's donation of solar panels stands as a beacon of hope, ensuring a consistent and reliable power supply for the 1700 students, school, and staff of Willow Crescent Secondary School. This initiative directly addresses the critical need for uninterrupted electricity access during outages, guaranteeing an uninterrupted learning environment for young South African boys and girls.
"We express our deepest gratitude for the invaluable donation of solar panels, as during stage four of load shedding, our school heavily relied on a small generator, costing us between 1000 and 2000 rands in petrol just to power our admin block—an expense the school could not bear," said Olivia Hill, principal of Willow Crescent Secondary School.
Load shedding has become a major issue in South Africa, causing power outages for hours at a time.
Beyond the confines of the school grounds, this project will significantly impact the Eldorado Park community. By providing a dependable power source to a local educational institution, which is at the center of the entire community's wellbeing. This project not only provides a reliable power source for educational activities but also marks a step towards a more resilient and empowered community. The consistent electricity supply will markedly enhance the student's educational experience, creating boundless opportunities for growth, innovation, and a brighter future for the students and the community at large.
"As the African Energy Chamber, we are committed to fostering innovation and sustainable solutions. It is our goal to actively contribute to the development of communities through impactful initiatives. We are particularly committed to promoting sustainable access to power for young boys and girls in education." said Ms. Oneyka Cindy Ojogbo, a board member at the African Energy Chamber.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
For media inquiries or further information, please contact:
news@energychamber.org
Essential South Africa News for today: Mapisa-Nqakula Cleared of Improper Conduct Complaint: Former Defence Minister Thandi Modise has cleared Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula of allegations of improper conduct related to the appointment of a DPE DG. This decision brings closure to a saga that cast a shadow over Mapisa-Nqakula’s tenure. Soshanguve Mass Shooting: Family Fears Accused Will …
As we settle into the first week of 2024, South Africa buzzes with a mix of headlines spanning current affairs, legal developments, and even a sporting farewell. Here’s a quick look at the top 5 news stories that shaped the nation today: Soshanguve Mass Shooting Suspects Appear in Court: The Soshanguve community grapples with the …
Shukri Conrad (born 2 April 1967) is the South African cricket coach and a former player who was appointed Test coach of the South Africa national cricket team in 2023. Conrad played first-class cricket for Western Province teams both before and after the end of racial segregation. He was later a long-serving coach of Cape …
29 December 2023: St. Francis Bay, Eastern Cape – Issue Seven of the local magazine Wildside Times is free from various outlets. You can find your copy at the SUPERSPAR Village Square in St Francis Bay, The Bakery in the old village, and Blue Bottle Store. Alternatively, you can read it online at issuu.com In a time …
In a world where information travels at the speed of a click, getting the word out about anything can be a bit of a challenge. But fear not, dear reader, for in the land of South Africa, the humble press release still reigns supreme. Let’s take a light-hearted and non-serious look at the reasons why …
Over 1,600 journalists attended #GIJC23 in September. There was much to be learnt about how to be more effective reporters. The Global Investigative Journalism Conference 2023, hosted in Gothenburg, Sweden in September, was probably the largest and most diverse gathering of investigative reporters in history, with over 1,660 delegates drawn from 144 countries. Reporters …
South Africa century-maker Dean Elgar said on Wednesday that his animated celebrations upon reaching 100 against India on the second day of the first Test were due to him finally getting his name on the honours board that is mounted on the interior of the Centurion home changeroom. Elgar, who plays his domestic cricket for …