President Ramaphosa to lead Africa Day celebrations
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to lead the Africa Day celebrations to be held on Thursday at the Cradle of Humankind in Krugersdorp.
News
Award-winning photographer Thembinkosi Hlatshwayo to showcase photo series at RMB Latitudes Art Objective
Johannesburg, South Africa – Thembinkosi Hlatshwayo, an acclaimed photographer based in Lawley, Johannesburg, will be showcasing his award-winning Slaghuis I and II photo series at the 2023 RMB Latitudes Art Fair from 26 – 28 May, where he’ll be joined by artists and exhibitors from across the continent. Winner of the 2019 CAP Prize for …
The role of fraud examiners is vital in winning the fraud prevention war
The role of fraud examiners is vital in winning the fraud prevention war During the recently held Southern African Fraud Prevention Services (SAFPS) Fraud Prevention Summit – which was held on 17 May – it became clear that the South African fraud landscape is increasingly risk-based, with many more consumers at risk of becoming potential …
Water dept intervenes in Hammanskraal cholera eruption
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has assured that it is working on an integrated model to respond to the current cholera outbreak in Hammanskraal, north of Pretoria.
MEC David Maynier On 2024 Admissions Scheme Login Details
We are making a public appeal to parents who have applied for the 2024 school year to please ensure that their login details are correct before 29 May 2023.
The 2024 admission process ended on 14 April 2023, and School Governing Bodies have been applying their admission policies over the past month to determine placements for next year.
From 29 May 2023, parents and caregivers will be able to log in to the online system to view the outcome of their applications as schools upload them.
During the on-time applications period from 13 March 2023 – 14 April 2023, thousands of parents that had applied previously on the system had forgotten their passwords and needed password resets.
That is why we encourage parents to make sure that they have their correct password details now, so that we can assist them before the outcomes of their applications become available from 29 May 2023.
We appeal to parents to test their passwords NOW by visiting:
https://westerncapegov.custhelp.com/(link is external)
If parents wait until 29 of May 2023 to request assistance, it could result in having to wait for a response if password reset request volumes are high.
The reality is that over 150 000 parents and caregivers have been eagerly awaiting the outcome of their applications under very stressful circumstances. We therefore ask if you can test your passwords in advance so that you can resolve any reset issues before 29 May 2023. By doing so, you will have immediate access to the website on the day to view your application status.
For assistance on password resets – please contact:
Call Centre: 0860 142 142
Email: service@westerncape.gov.za(link sends e-mail)
Or use the “Contact us” link on the login page!
Please “Don't Wait” – test your login details today!
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Western Cape Education Department, South Africa.
World Record Holder to rush in the Absa RUSH YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K
Following the excitement of the Cape Town leg of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series that took place just over a week ago, Stillwater Sports is thrilled to announce that Ethiopia’s Yalemzerf Yehualaw, who is currently the World Record Holder in the 10km, will headline the women’s race at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN …
Thabo Bester escape: No acumen for bail to be granted, says prosecutor
Lawyers for the accused say they won’t evade trial
Superdry SA Joins Forces With Woolworths To Drive Sustainable Change
Superdry South Africa announces a new partnership with leading retailer Woolworths in a move to further strengthen the brand’s vision towards a more sustainable future! Known for timeless quality and contemporary design, Superdry is a global premium fashion brand guided by the heart of craft, the spirit of culture, and ongoing innovation for a sustainable …
Africa Communications Week activities kick off
Africa Communications Week activities, led by the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), have kicked off today (Tuesday).
Western Cape Community Safety on Law Enforcement Advancement Position
Since 2020, the Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) officers have time-and-time again shown how effective they are in combating crime, particularly murder. LEAP stems from the Western Cape Safety Plan (WCSP) and is an initiative of the Western Cape Government (WCG) in partnership with the City of Cape Town (CoCT). The WCSP commenced in September 2019.
Since LEAP commenced, up until 30 April 2023, officers have confiscated 360 firearms. These committed officers have during the same period, also arrested 16 270 individuals for various offenses. The homicide report using provincial forensic pathology data indicates some promising results. LEAP areas recorded a total of 428 homicides in quarter 4, January to March 2023, of the 2022/23 financial year. This means homicides in LEAP areas decreased by 9% from 468 cases in 2021/22 to 428 in 2022/23, when compared with the same period of the previous year.
Comparing the 2021/22 financial year with the 2022/23 financial year, homicides in 8 LEAP precincts decreased, while 5 increased. This is the first time in LEAP's 3-year history that so many precincts recorded a decrease.
- Decreases were recorded in Atlantis (23%), Bishop Lavis (10%), Gugulethu (5%), Harare (8%), Khayelitsha (17%), Mfuleni (6%) and Samora Machel (2%).
- Increases occurred in Delft (12%), Mitchells Plain (25%), Nyanga (47%), Philippi (28%) and Philippi East (45%).
More than R 1 billion has already been invested in LEAP. For this current financial year, a further R 350 million has been allocated. In addition to this, R 10 million has also been set aside for the establishment of LEAP stations.
Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Reagen Allen said: “These preliminary results are truly encouraging. It shows that our investment is paying dividends. One murder will always remain one murder too many, and we must continue doing everything in our power to combat these murders and all other crimes across the entire Western Cape.
We are deeply concerned about the steep increases in some of the areas. We have our work cut out for ourselves. Our primary goal in the Western Cape Safety Plan (WCSP) is very clear. We have committed to reduce the murder rate by 50% by 2029. It is of utmost importance that safer communities are created.”
LEAP is strategically deployed, and its operations are based on evidence and data. This approach is also used as part of monitoring and evaluation to determine the effectiveness of LEAP and inform a cycle of continuous improvement. This includes our top 10 murder areas in the Western Cape, such as Delft, Gugulethu, Harare, Khayelitsha (Site B policing precinct), Kraaifontein, Mfuleni, Mitchells Plain, Nyanga, Philippi East, and Samora Machel. Other high crime areas in which they are deployed are Atlantis, Bishop Lavis and Hanover Park, along with Lavender Hill, Steenberg and Grassy Park.
LEAP officers work with a multitude of law enforcement agencies which is inclusive of other City of Cape Town Law Enforcement Agencies, the South African Police Service (SAPS), neighbourhood watches (NHWs), Community Policing Forums (CPFs) and various other stakeholders.
“In order for us to ensure areas where we can live in peace and dignity, it is vital that we all pull in the same direction. None of us should perpetuate crime or be a hindrance when any law enforcement agency is seeking to fulfill its mandate, which is to keep us safe. Let us all play our part,” concluded Minister Reagen Allen.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Western Cape Police Oversight and Community Safety, South Africa.
Worldwide and Offshore Wills
Make sure you have the correct will to cover your offshore assets. Your last will and testament gives instructions to the appointed executor on how you wish for your estate to be distributed after your death. In other words, who will inherit what. But what if you live in South Africa and own a property in another …
South Africa Tourism on Infrastructure Development Programme
Ahead of the Tourism Budget Vote tomorrow, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Fish Mahlalela, visited the Agulhas National Park to assess progress on the Department's infrastructure development programme at the Lighthouse Precinct in the Park.
“Cape Agulhas is such a unique place as the official meeting point of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans as well as the most southernmost tip of Africa. Through product enhancements at the Agulhas National Park, the Department of Tourism aims to boost tourism numbers to the Overberg area,” said the Deputy Minister.
Tourism is one of the main economic drivers and a significant generator of jobs and revenue. To give expression to its mandate, the Department has been at the forefront of the commissioning and construction of destination enhancement tourism facilities through its Working for Tourism which is an Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) to promote economic empowerment, employment opportunities and the transfer of skills to members of the community.
In 2016, the Department signed an agreement with South African National Parks (SANParks) for tourism enhancements at the Agulhas National Park which focussed on the construction of the iconic Map of Africa monument, construction of 1 km road, rehabilitation of the terrain and the re-alignment of the boardwalk. This R14 million project, which was Phase 1, was completed in 2018.
“The second phase namely the Lighthouse Precinct Project, commenced in 2017. It includes a 60-seater ocean view restaurant, a reception area, an interpretive centre, a curio shop, vendor stalls, paving and walkways and a conference facility. This project is set to be completed by early 2024,” said the Deputy Minister.
The Department provided a budget of R54,740,000 for Phase 2 with SANParks being the implementing agent. To date, the project is 43% completed and has employed 88 local people of which 62 were women and 52 youth.
“The Department of Tourism is excited to partner with SANParks on this tourism enhancement project as both Phase I and II serve as a springboard for further tourism developments and job creation in the Overberg region,” concluded Deputy Minister Mahlalela.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Department of Tourism, Republic of South Africa.
Unveiling the Artistry of Furniture: Exploring the Soul of Every Space
Introduction: In the vast world of design, furniture plays a pivotal role in shaping the ambiance of our living spaces. Each room reflects our personal style and preferences, and the furniture within it serves as a canvas on which we paint our unique stories. From the living room to the bedroom, the dining area to …
President Ramaphosa turns sod in Lesotho water project
President Cyril Ramaphosa has hailed the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) as a project that has not only made history, but has brought hope to the citizens of both Lesotho and South Africa.
Unlocking Academic Success: The Power of Subject-Specific Tutors
In today’s educational landscape, students face diverse challenges when it comes to mastering various subjects. While classrooms provide a solid foundation, individualised attention and tailored guidance can significantly enhance a student’s understanding and performance. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of subject-specific tutors across a range of disciplines, including maths, English, physics, …
The Power of Specialised Tutors for IEB, Cambridge, STEM, IB, GED, and NBT
In the ever-evolving landscape of education, students often encounter unique challenges and seek specialised support to excel in their academic pursuits. Specialised tutors can provide invaluable guidance and expertise tailored to specific educational programs and assessments. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of specialised tutors for various programs, including IEB, Cambridge, STEM, …
SIU recovers R71m in undue TERS scheme benefits
The Special Investigating Unit has recovered at least R71 million from companies that unduly claimed from the Unemployment Insurance Fund’s Temporary Employer/Employee Relief Scheme (TERS).
Newly Launched AirBnB Rooms Offers Homeowners An Additional Income Source – Read This Before Jumping On Board!
Along with 50 new platform features, Airbnb’s recently published 2023 Summer Release announced a new category: Airbnb Rooms. For embattled South Africans trying to keep up with the cost of living, this could be a great way to make money. Private rooms were already Airbnb’s third most-popular category, showing that travellers are looking to cut …
Experts want every diarrhoea case to be treated as suspected Cholera
Experts are advising healthcare workers to treat all diarrhoea cases as suspected Cholera until proven otherwise.
Unleashing the Power of Connectivity and Portability
In today’s digital world, technology plays a significant role in enhancing our entertainment, connectivity, and on-the-go power needs. In this blog post, we will explore three innovative devices that have redefined the way we consume media, experience virtual reality, and stay powered up on our adventures. Get ready to dive into the world of Google …
Khayelitsha families want asbestos roofing removed
Project to fix houses was halted during Covid
President Ramaphosa jointly launches Phase 2 Lesotho Highlands Water Project
President Cyril Ramaphosa has today, 23 May 2023, arrived in the Kingdom of Lesotho on a Working Visit for the launch of Phase 2 of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project.
His Majesty King Letsie III, President Ramaphosa and Lesotho's Prime Minister, Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane, will jointly launch this project at the Polihali Dam.
The launch will commence with a sod-turning ceremony and will be followed by formal programme.
The launch is a critical step on the journey to greater water and energy security for South Africans and Basotho, and is a demonstration of the strong relations between the two countries.
It is also a demonstration of the human capital and technology that is shared and deployed jointly as neighbours, in the interest of improving the lives of citizens and economic development in both nations.
South Africa and the Kingdom of Lesotho share a close historic relationship whose substance today entails strengthened economic cooperation between our two countries.
The Working Visit aims to reinforce this relationship in which South Africa and Lesotho are pursuing the common interests of developing the region, creating employment and advancing innovation and technology.
The Lesotho Highlands Water Project is a partnership between South Africa and Lesotho dating back to a treaty agreed upon by the two governments to supply water to the Vaal River System, which ensures water security for Gauteng, the Free State, the Northern Cape and the North West.
The binational infrastructure project involves the construction of a network of tunnels and the dams to transfer water from the Orange-Senqu River in the Lesotho Highlands to South Africa, and to use the water delivery system to provide hydro-electric power to the Kingdom of Lesotho.
Phase 1 of the project was completed 20 years ago, in 2003.
The water transfer component of Phase 2 comprises a 165-metre high concrete-faced rock fill dam at Polihali, downstream of the confluence of the Khubelu and Senqu (Orange) Rivers.
This development will also feature a 38-kilometre, concrete-lined gravity tunnel connecting the Polihali reservoir to the Katse reservoir.
A number of meetings of Ministers and Senior Officials took place in Maseru on Monday, 22 May 2023, to prepare for the launch and to deliberate on water and energy cooperation.
These activities are also a precursor to the hosting in Pretoria of the inaugural session of the South Africa-Lesotho Binational Commission. A date for the inaugural session is being firmed up through diplomatic channels.
President Ramaphosa is accompanied by Minister of Water and Sanitation, Mr Senzo Mchunu; Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Mr Gwede Mantashe; Minister of Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa; and Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Alvin Botes.
The launch will commence from 13h00 at the Polihali Dam in Malingoaneng.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency: Republic of South Africa.
Harnessing Sustainable Power: Exploring EcoFlow Power Stations and Solar Panels
In the pursuit of a greener and more sustainable future, renewable energy sources are gaining momentum. EcoFlow Power Stations, coupled with solar panels, offer an innovative solution for portable and eco-friendly power generation. In this blog post, we will delve into the benefits of EcoFlow Power Stations, the advantages of solar panels, and highlight the …
Didiza appoints current Ingonyama Trust board
Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Minister, Thoko Didiza, has announced the appointment of new permanent members of the KwaZulu-Natal Ingonyama Trust board.