MyZA

News, Directory, Events and Other Stuff

You are here: Home / Archives for office

office

Free State Premier charts a new path for seventh administration

Location: News

Free State Premier charts a new path for seventh administration

Newly inaugurated Free State Premier, MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae, has emphasised the urgent need for a dedicated public service, spearheaded by selfless and noble public servants, as government begins the work of the seventh administration.

Letsoha-Mathae said this when she met with the officials in the Office of the Premier at the Bram Fischer Building in Bloemfontein on Thursday. 

Addressing the officials, the Premier stressed the importance of creativity, hard work and collective effort to combat the triple challenges of poverty, unemployment, and inequality. 

"As we embark on this new journey, I implore you to remember that we are not just public servants, but patriotic citizens tasked with building a united, democratic, non-sexist, non-racial, and prosperous South Africa. 

“Let us work together to deliver quality services to our people and make the Free State a beacon of hope and excellence," Letshoha-Mathae said.

The Premier emphasised participatory democracy, urging public servants to take an active role in addressing societal issues. 

She reiterated her administration's commitment to providing prudent oversight, overseeing, and coordinating the delivery of quality services, leveraging on the District Development Model (DDM) for integrated development. 

Letshoha-Mathae stressed the importance of empowering the previously disadvantaged women and the youth in building a capable developmental state that prioritises the needs of the people. 

The Premier said there would be a zero-tolerance approach towards maladministration, unethical practices and laziness of officials. 

"The preoccupation of government, moving forward, should be that of ensuring public servants are held accountable and that the state is responsive to the plight of the people,” the Premier said. 

Collective approach towards GBVF

Letsoha-Mathae added that there was a need for a collective approach towards ending gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) in the province and South Africa in general. 

The Premier led a GBVF march in Bloemfontein on Wednesday, following the brutal murders of two young women in Mangaung.

The march, held under the banner “March for Justice”, was organised by various sectors and associations of society.

“Together, we are determined to overcome this pervasive threat that has invaded our communities. I urge men to stand up and protect women and children, while encouraging women to never tolerate any form of abuse," Letshoha-Mathae said.

Addressing key government priorities

Meanwhile, announcing the members of the Free State Executive Council for the seventh administration last week, Letsoha-Mathae said the team reflects the commitment to addressing key priorities of the provincial government, enhancing public service, and ensuring a sustainable future for all people. 

She said each member brings a wealth of experience, commitment, and a shared vision for the prosperity of our province. 

“This Executive Council shall be constituted of men and women who are dedicated to serving the people of the Free State with integrity, transparency, and responsiveness to the needs of our people and reflects our commitment to addressing key priorities of our government, enhancing public service, and ensuring a sustainable future for all our people,” the Premier said.

“This Executive Council shall be constituted of men and women who are dedicated to serving the people of the Free State with integrity, transparency, and responsiveness to the needs of our people,” she said.

The Members of the Executive Council are as follows:
• MEC for Finance, Tourism and Economic Development, Moses Ketso Makume
• MEC for Public Works and Infrastructure, Dibolelo Kathleen Mahlatsi
• MEC for Social Development, Nokwanje Selina Leeto
• MEC for Education, Mantlhake Julia Maboya
• MEC for Health, Monyatso Viceroy Mahlatsi
• MEC for Agriculture, Rural Development and Environmental Affairs, Elizabeth Cornelia Rockman
• MEC for Community Safety, Roads and Transport, Jabu Ntsokolo Ishmael Mbalula
• MEC for COGTA and Human Settlements, Teboho Zacharia Mokoena
• MEC for Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Ntobizanele Beauty Sifuba

Visits to health facilities

The Premier will today conduct a monitoring visit to the health facilities accompanied by Health MEC Monyatso Mahlatsi.

The Premier will first visit Bongani Hospital in Welkom and then Katleho District Hospital in Virginia. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Fri, 06/28/2024 - 09:13

3358 views
Read moreFree State Premier charts a new path for seventh administration

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Technology

Location: MyPR

In today’s fast-paced digital world, staying connected and efficient is paramount. With the plethora of technological devices available, from laptops and tablets to cellphones and wearables, making the right choice can be daunting. This guide aims to simplify your decision-making process, helping you select the best devices and accessories to suit your needs. Understanding Your …

Read moreThe Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Technology

Strengthening the fight against child labour

Location: News

Strengthening the fight against child labour

Children are the future, and it is our responsibility to ensure their safety and well-being by enabling them to grow and develop in a nurturing environment. The sad reality is that many children across the world face a daunting prospect of being drawn into work at a young age often under harmful conditions.

South Africa values the rights of children and has over the past 30 years sought to protect them from harm and promote their development. Protecting children from violence, exploitation and abuse is not only a basic right but an obligation set out in our Constitution.

This is in conjunction with other legislation such as the Children's Act and Basic Conditions of Employment Act which makes it a criminal offence to employ a child younger than 15 or children who are of school going age. The Children's Act also discourages children from working in mines, factories or in hazardous occupations.

In June, South Africa joined the international community in observing the World Day against Child Labour, under the theme: “Let’s Act on Our Commitments: End Child Labour”. The key commitments to end child labour are contained in the Durban Call to Action – a document adopted by various Member States, including South Africa at the 5th Global Conference on Ending Child Labour that was hosted in Durban in May 2022.  The document outlines strong commitments to end child labour through making decent work a reality, ending child labour in agriculture, strengthening the prevention and elimination efforts, realising children's rights to education, achieving universal access to social protection, and increasing financing as well as international cooperation. It is in this regard that this year’s commemoration raised awareness against child labour practices across the world and promoted initiatives to help put an end to this scourge.

In marking the day on 12 June 2024, our country reaffirmed its commitment in the fight against child labour. The day also coincided with the 25th Anniversary of the Adoption of the Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention which sets out to protect children against all forms of child labour. It also aims to prevent the use of children in armed conflict, prostitution, pornography, drug trafficking and participating in hazardous work.

The commemorations gave us an opportunity to reflect on the progress made as well as reaffirm our commitments to put an end to child labour. Despite the significant strides made over time to reduce child labour across the world, much still need to be done to fully eradicate the practice of child labour.

According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), child labour has for the first time in 20 years increased globally. It is noted that the agricultural sectors such as farming, fishing, aquaculture, forestry and livestock farming account for 60 percent of child labourers aged five to 17 years.

In our fight against this plight, South Africa has endorsed the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1995 and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child in 2000 to affirm its commitment to the realisation of children’s rights.

In addition, the Department of Employment and Labour in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation launched the Prevention and Elimination of Child Labour in South Africa project to prevent and eliminate any forms of child labour in the agricultural sector in the country. The project is being piloted in the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.

Delivering the keynote address at the launch, former Minister of Employment and Labour Thulas Nxesi expressed concern on the increase of child labour in the agricultural sector.

He said: “The agricultural sector is the backbone of our economy, providing food security and sustenance, as well as livelihood to millions. Yet, it is disheartening to note that some of the very hands that cultivate the crops and tend to the livestock belong to children who should be in schools, not in the fields. This situation is unacceptable and demands our immediate attention and concerted efforts.”

Despite our best efforts to protect children from abuse, neglect and exploitation, many children remain vulnerable. Tackling the scourge of child labour requires interventions on many fronts, and it is a reality that government on its own cannot curb.  As such, businesses have a responsibility to the elimination of child labour by carrying out due diligence in their operations and supply chains and ensuring responsible and sustainable business practices that address the root causes of child labour.

Let us all work together to prevent and eliminate child labour by reporting such acts of crime to the Department of Employment and Labour, or alternatively to the police. 

*Khethani Hlongwa is Director: Office on the Rights of the Child; Department of Social Development

Neo
Thu, 06/27/2024 - 10:45

546 views
Read moreStrengthening the fight against child labour

Complainants Get R386-milllion Back In Insurance Payouts

Location: MyPR

The Ombudsman for Long-term Insurance (OLTI) and the Ombudsman for Short-term Insurance (OSTI) have published their last joint annual report for 2023, as they have now been incorporated into the National Financial Ombud Scheme South Africa (NFO). From 1 March 2024, the NFO, an industry ombud scheme, commenced operations with the merger of four separate …

Read moreComplainants Get R386-milllion Back In Insurance Payouts

African Development Bank expands urban support program to six new cities

Location: News
African Development Bank Group (AfDB)

The African Development Bank's (www.AfDB.org) Urban and Municipal Development Fund (UMDF) (https://apo-opa.co/4exYmAh) has expanded its African Cities Program to cover six new cities across the continent. The expansion, approved by the Fund's 13th Oversight Committee, will help bolster urban development and address critical challenges faced by rapidly growing African cities.

The newly included cities are:

  • Kolwezi, the Democratic Republic of Congo: mining town grappling with rapid urban growth and environmental issues.
  • Grand Nokoué, Benin: an economic hub with over two million inhabitants.
  • Buffalo City, South Africa: a coastal city prioritizing climate resilience.
  • Joal, Senegal: A medium-sized city focusing on integrating environmental and social issues into economic development.
  • Juba, South Sudan: Prioritizing essential services for a growing, vulnerable population;
  • Nouakchott, Mauritania: Planning to combine projects on climate resilience, urban mobility, and sustainable energy.

The Bank launched the UMDF in 2019 in response to growing demand from countries and cities for urban development support. It receives contributions from the Nordic Development Fund and the governments of Denmark, Spain, and Switzerland, as well as the Walloon Export and Foreign Investment Agency.

The Fund provides financial and technical assistance to national and local governments for improving governance, planning, and to prepare investments in sustainable urban development for more climate resilient, resilient, liveable and productive cities, underpinning national socio-economic development and poverty reduction.

UMDF will provide funding for each of the six cities over several months, including a detailed analysis of the strengths and vulnerabilities, especially regarding economic, social, climate, and gender issues. The goal is to identify transformative infrastructure projects that can attract public and private sector investments.

The committee also reviewed the Fund's progress and approved its 2024 work program, allocating over $4.7 million to identify and develop urban infrastructure projects and bring them to maturity.

Mike Salawou, Director of the African Development Bank's Infrastructure and Urban Development Department, committed to strengthening the Fund's operational effectiveness and capacity to mobilize more funding and partnerships for greater impact.

“The question of urban development is at the heart of the Bank's new ten-year strategy for 2024-2033, of which the Urban and Municipal Development Fund is a strategic implementation mechanism,” he emphasized. The Bank ten-year strategy 2024-2025 (https://apo-opa.co/3L73NIF) includes data and research from publications (https://apo-opa.co/3XEbJbS) financed by the Fund and its partners.

It is hoped that the Fund will act as a catalyst in boosting access of African municipalities to public and private finance, a priority defined by the President of the African Development Bank Group, Akinwumi Adesina, at the Africa Investment Forum (www.AfricaInvestmentForum.com) 2023 Market Days in Morocco.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Media contact:
Communication and External Relations Department
media@afdb.org

About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) is the premier multilateral financing institution dedicated to Africa's development. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NSF). The AfDB has a field presence in 41 African countries, with an external office in Japan, and contributes to the economic development and social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org

Media files
African Development Bank Group (AfDB)
Download logo
Read moreAfrican Development Bank expands urban support program to six new cities

Human capital centres of excellence to benefit disadvantaged communities

Location: News

Human capital centres of excellence to benefit disadvantaged communities

In line with the concept of Smart Cities, the City of Durban has established a number of Human Capital Centres of Excellence (HCCoE) around areas within eThekwini Municipality, which are equipped with computers and free Wi-Fi available for disadvantaged communities.

The City’s Human Capital senior officials recently conducted an oversight visit to the HCCoE situated in communities struggling to access computers and free Wi-Fi.

The site visit started at the flagship centre in Archie Gumede Place, where the team viewed the renovations currently underway, and got a glimpse of how the centre will look like after work completion. 

The team also visited the computer labs in KwaDabeka, Claremont Thusong Centre, Nagina, and Hammarsdale, ahead of a tour at Warwick Triangle (SEDA).

Deputy City Manager of Corporate and Human Capital, Kim Makhathini, said the city has stepped in and provided 25 computer labs in disadvantaged communities, in line with the concept of Smart Cities.

“These facilities are fully functional and equipped with computers and free Wi-Fi which is available to both internal staff and the public. It is important to take these centres to the next level to ensure more community involvement,” Makhathini said.

Head of Human Capital, Sihle Mkhize, has committed to prioritise and address the challenges raised during the oversight visit to ensure that the public gets maximum usage of the computer labs. 

Mkhize said the city is committed to eradicating unemployment and upskilling residents, especially the youth. 

“This is a much-needed resource and widely used by the public. It saves jobseekers from spending money on transport and data costs for their assignments, applying for jobs, bursaries and searching for work and study options,” Mkhize said.

While the centre in Archie Gumede Place is temporarily closed due to renovations, job applications can be dropped off at the SEDA Office, 381 King Dinuzulu Road, Berea. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Wed, 06/26/2024 - 14:06

109 views
Read moreHuman capital centres of excellence to benefit disadvantaged communities

Embrace the Winter Season with Thoughtful Winter Drinkware As Corporate Gifts

Location: MyPR

Winter is a time of year that brings a unique set of challenges and opportunities for businesses. As the days grow shorter and the temperatures drop, it’s the perfect time to show appreciation to your clients, employees, and business partners. One effective way to do this is through carefully selected winter corporate gifts. Not only …

Read moreEmbrace the Winter Season with Thoughtful Winter Drinkware As Corporate Gifts

Enhance Your Home’s Security and Style with Vinyl Frosting from Window Art

Location: MyPR

Johannesburg, South Africa — Home security is a priority for many homeowners, yet finding the perfect balance between maintaining security and preserving the aesthetic appeal of your home can be challenging. Window Art, a leading vinyl frosting company with over 18 years of experience, offers an ideal solution that enhances security without compromising style. Improved …

Read moreEnhance Your Home’s Security and Style with Vinyl Frosting from Window Art

New KZN Finance MEC shuts down Treasury’s secondary office

Location: News

New KZN Finance MEC shuts down Treasury's secondary office

Newly appointed KwaZulu-Natal Finance MEC, Francois Rodgers, has started to demonstrate his commitment to ensure effective spending of the budget by closing down the office on the 9th floor of The Marine Building in Durban.

Rodgers said the closure of the leased offices will save the KZN Treasury an estimated R1 million a year, which will be directed to other strategic service delivery needs of the department in supporting the province.

Rodgers said his main priority was to stabilise the finances of KwaZulu-Natal and work with the Treasury team, as well as Members of the Executive Council (EXCO), to ensure that strategic decisions are being taken in order to safeguard the provincial fiscus.

“During my consultation with my executive team in the department, I directed that business cannot continue as usual and we need to streamline operations. In this regard, I have decided to close the Durban office, which served as a secondary office with an annual lease amount of R1 115 786.40, translating to a total value of just over R5 578 000 over five years that we will save,” Rodgers said. 

He said his team will operate from the Pietermaritzburg office and the team will be as prescribed by the Ministerial handbook.

“My wish is to enhance the transparency of our decision-making in resource allocation and utilisation, and I am prepared to make tough decisions if we are to demonstrate that we mean business when we say we will stabilise the finances in the province with prudent fiscal management. As KZN Treasury, we must lead by example,” Rodgers said.

The MEC said he was committed to stabilising spending, eliminating irregular expenditure in departments, attracting foreign investment, as well as ensuring accountability and transparency.

Rodgers, who is a member of the Democratic Alliance (DA), is among the provincial Cabinet which includes Members of the Provincial Legislature from the Inkatha Freedom Party, African National Congress (ANC), DA and National Freedom Party (NFP), as announced last week by newly-inaugurated KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Thami Ntuli.

Rodgers took over the reins from the ANC’s Peggy Nkonyeni.

The new provincial Cabinet is as follows:

- Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs MEC: Musa Zondi (IFP).
- Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC: Thulasizwe Buthelezi (IFP).
- Health MEC: Nomagugu Simelane (ANC).
- Social Development MEC: Mbali Shinga (NFP).
- Public Works MEC: Marthinus Meyer (DA).
- Finance MEC: Francois Rodgers (DA).
- Agriculture and Rural Development MEC: Thembeni Madlopha-Mthethwa (IFP).
- Transport and Human Settlement MEC: Siboniso Duma (ANC)
- Education MEC: Sipho Hlomuka (ANC).
- Sports Arts and Culture MEC: Mntomuhle Khawula (IFP).

– SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Tue, 06/25/2024 - 11:04

288 views
Read moreNew KZN Finance MEC shuts down Treasury’s secondary office

Capacitating veterinarians in African swine fever prevention and control in resource-limited settings

Location: News

FAO Regional Office for Africa
Download logo

The Southern Africa region is endowed with large numbers of pigs, with Angola, Malawi and Mozambique each recording over two million heads. This pig population in the region is growing at over 6 percent per year, the highest growth rate compared to other species of livestock. Unfortunately, the presence of African swine fever (ASF), the most feared pig disease, constitutes a major challenge to production and market access for the smallholder producers in resource-limited settings. 

Traditional prevention and control approaches would employ humane culling and disposal of affected and in-contact pigs, with resource limitations often making it challenging for governments to provide adequate compensation. This situation often results in pig owners fearing not only the disease but also the measures applied in controlling it, such that they do not report disease outbreaks.

FAO has given particular consideration to the challenges of controlling ASF in resource limited settings, such as some of the small-scale farming systems found in the Southern Africa region. In 2023, FAO published new guidelines entitled: “African swine fever prevention, detection and control in resource-limited settings”, written by a global pool of experts.

These guidelines articulate the vulnerability of smallholder pig keepers and producers in rural settings, characterized by poverty and inability to meet the cost of compliance with national policies and legislation.

A unique new online course has been developed, based closely on the FAO guidelines. The course focuses on a collaborative and discussion-based approach to learning, in which participants co-create solutions in a series of live online workshops, backed by self-paced online learning modules. It emphasizes early warning, biosecurity, and the key features of the ASF virus that can be exploited in developing appropriate prevention and control programmes. The course was delivered from 10 May to 21 June 2024, with 81 participants from Botswana, Eswatini, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe completing the course and obtaining certificates.

“Resource-limited settings have unique barriers to the prevention and control of ASF. Methods for prevention, detection, and control recommended for higher resource settings may be inappropriate or impossible to implement. It is crucial to consider the context when designing control measures. The training course builds on experiences from Africa and elsewhere to provide participants with information and methods that could improve prevention and control of ASF in resource-limited settings,” said Andriy Rozstalnyy, FAO Animal Health Officer based in Rome, coordinating global efforts in the prevention and control of African swine fever.

The online course also included discussions on how to limit culling of infected and in-contact animals to control outbreaks, disposal of carcasses during outbreaks, and aligning national ASF control policies and legislation. Key to all this is the engagement of local communities for buy-in and sustainability.

“Community members have valuable knowledge, hence participatory problem analysis, design of solutions and decision-making, can boost commitment. We have to learn and understand community priorities and realities to identify together the roles and responsibilities of all players, when designing prevention and control measures at community level,” said Extraordinary Professor Mary-Louise Penrith, lead trainer and international expert on ASF.

Awareness raising at national and community levels is necessary to bring on board everyone in the smallholder pig value chain for adoption. Given that traditional approaches have been around in many countries for a long time and are now anchored in policies and legislation, lobbying for the new approaches is a necessity, including the alignment of legislation.

“Under conditions of limited resources, animal disease management approaches that do not place huge financial inputs upfront, but take into consideration the willing participation of communities, offer better chances of success. The approaches employed in this training course, which are backed by science, will alleviate the socio-economic catastrophe that is associated with the disease in this vulnerable group, while also reducing the national disease control burden,” said Patrice Talla, FAO Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa.

Through the Virtual Learning Centres, FAO is committed to support implementation of blended approaches of online and in-person training as they play a pivotal role in capacity development for animal health delivery in the region and globally. The VLCs offer a wide range of courses that aim to build skills related to One Health. Courses are available in a range of formats, including online tutored courses, blended learning, technical webinars and mobile learning.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of FAO Regional Office for Africa.

Read moreCapacitating veterinarians in African swine fever prevention and control in resource-limited settings

Parliament begins setting up internal structures

Location: News

Parliament begins setting up internal structures

With the election of the Presiding Officers and the inauguration of the new President done and dusted, the seventh Parliament will now shift focus to establishing internal structures necessary for Parliament to function.

Among the activities that will unfold are the Rules Committees of the National Assembly (NA) and National Council of Provinces (NCOP) meetings.

“These committees will establish the structures necessary for the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces to function. They also decide on the constitution of the two Houses’ respective committees, the formula for whips, speaking time during debates, and the number of Members that will serve on a committee.

“Whips are important figures in the parliamentary system as they are responsible for discipline within the political parties and ensuring that Members attend and participate in parliamentary sessions. The formula for whips is a strategic determination that influences the dynamics of parliamentary proceedings. On the other hand, setting of speaking times is crucial for maintaining order and decorum in the Houses and ensuring that discussions are productive and focused,” Parliament said.

Constituting the oversight committees is guided by the Cabinet portfolios designated by the President as the committees exercise oversight over each government department.

Parliament said committees are essential in scrutinising the work of government, providing a platform for debate, and ensuring accountability.

“President Cyril Ramaphosa in consultation with the Speaker of the National Assembly (NA) Thoko Didiza and the Chairperson of the NCOP Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane will set the date for the Opening of Parliament Address (OPA).

“The OPA is an important ceremony in the form of a joint sitting of the two Houses that marks the official opening of the seventh Parliament. Unlike the State of the Nation Address that takes place annually in February, the OPA occurs once every five years after elections to announce the new administration’s plans, and it marks the beginning of the new parliamentary term,” Parliament said.

The joint sitting for the Opening of Parliament Address will be at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) in light of the ongoing construction.

The CTICC has been chosen for its capacity, convenience and proximity to the Parliament precinct.

Programme of the new Parliament

Once all the structures of the two Houses are established, the Joint Programming Committee will convene to deliberate on the parliamentary programme.

“The Joint Programming Committee plays a vital role in laying the groundwork for a productive legislative session as it is responsible for drawing up a programme for the first term of the new Parliament. The programme outlines the schedule and priorities for parliamentary activities, ensuring a structured and efficient approach to legislative and oversight responsibilities,” Parliament said.

Orientation programme for MPs

The newly elected Members of Parliament (MPs) will also undergo a structured orientation programme from 2 July to 5 July to induct them into their new roles.

The programme will cover a wide range of topics, including an introduction to the core business of Parliament, the roles and responsibilities of Members and Office Bearers, an overview of MPs’ ethics and disclosures, the Rules guiding the operations of each House, and those that guide Joint Sittings.

“Following the success of the first sittings of the two Houses, the seventh parliamentary administration is ready to take the reins and ensure that Parliament fulfils its constitutional mandate of oversight over the executive and providing a platform for the voice of South Africans in government policy and implementation,” Parliament said.

Meetings and activities scheduled for this week are as follows:

  • On Wednesday, both Houses will hold their respective Rules Committee meetings. The NCOP Rules Committee meeting will start at 10:00, and the NA Rules Committee meeting is scheduled for 15:00.
  • On Thursday at 14:00, the NCOP will convene a hybrid plenary to elect various office bearers for the seventh Parliament, including the Permanent Deputy Chairperson of the NCOP, the Rotating Deputy Chairperson, the Programming Whip, the House Chairperson for Committees and Oversight, the House Chairperson for Parliamentary Diplomacy, the House Chairperson for Internal Arrangements and Members Support, and several other critical positions.
  • During the same session, the Council will also hold elections for the NCOP Permanent Delegates (MPs) to the Pan-African Parliament. Additionally, they will designate members to serve in the Southern African Development Community Parliamentary Forum, the Judicial Services Commission, the Magistrates Commission, and the Political Office-Bearers Pension Fund Trustee. The Council will also consider and deliberate on the revival of the Appropriations Bill.
  • On the same day the Council will convene in the morning and hold the Programming Committee at 08:30. The Programming Committee considers Bills before the House, committee reports and plans the business of the House and the programme. On Friday, the NA at 10:00 will hold its programming meeting.
  • The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) will convene its first of the two annual Plenary Sessions from 24 June to 5 July 2024 at the PAP precinct in Midrand. Among the critical items for discussion and consideration is the budget for the PAP to enable the institution to function optimally.

- SAnews.gov.za

 

nosihle
Mon, 06/24/2024 - 10:02

360 views
Read moreParliament begins setting up internal structures

First National Basketball Association (NBA) Basketball School in Africa to Launch in Egypt

Location: Sport

National Basketball Association (NBA)
Download logo

NBA Africa (www.NBA.com) and New Era Education, a Cairo-based educational services and school management company that seeks to bring high-quality educational institutions to Egypt to provide Egyptian students with the best possible education opportunities, today announced a multiyear collaboration for New Era Education to launch and operate the first NBA Basketball School in Africa. 

Located at Uppingham School Cairo, an international school in New Giza, Egypt, NBA Basketball School will launch in January 2025 for Uppingham School youth ages 5-18. The year-round, tuition-based basketball development program will cover on-court training, skill development and basketball education for all skill levels.

“The launch of Africa's first NBA Basketball School is a significant milestone in our continued efforts to grow the game in Egypt and across the continent,” said Head of NBA Egypt Mohamed Abdel-motaleb Soliman. “This landmark initiative will provide Uppingham School Cairo students with the opportunity to learn the game the right way and progress their development under the guidance of NBA-selected coaches.”

“The collaboration with NBA Africa on the NBA Basketball School program underscores our dedication to providing youth with opportunities for growth and development, both on-and-off the court,” said New Era Education Board Chairman Dr. Tamer Tammam. “Through this initiative, our students and their families will access a world-class training program that fosters leadership skills and promotes overall personal growth.”

NBA Basketball School will build on the league's previous initiatives in Cairo, including the last three Basketball Africa League Nile Conference group phases, Jr. NBA clinics for local youth, the 18th edition of Basketball Without Borders Africa, the launch of the NBA Egypt office in January 2023, and more.

The NBA Basketball School curriculum, which is designed to develop players and provide parents, coaches and organizations with a better understanding of the process of improvement, was created by the NBA's International Basketball Operations department in consultation with current and former NBA coaches, players and player development specialists. Since 2017, NBA Basketball Schools have been launched in Australia, Brazil, China, the Dominican Republic, Greece, India, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Lithuania, Mexico, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Uruguay.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of National Basketball Association (NBA).

Contact:
Chumani Bambani
NBA Africa Communications
cbambani@nba.com
+27 65 548 1031

About NBA Africa:
NBA Africa is an affiliate of the National Basketball Association (NBA), a global sports and media organization with the mission to inspire and connect people everywhere through the power of basketball.  NBA Africa conducts the league's business in Africa, including the Basketball Africa League (BAL), and has opened subsidiary offices in Cairo, Egypt; Dakar, Senegal; Johannesburg, South Africa; Lagos, Nigeria; and Nairobi, Kenya. The league's efforts on the continent have focused on increasing access to basketball and the NBA through youth and elite development, social responsibility, media distribution, corporate partnerships, NBA Africa Games, NBA Stores, the BAL, and more. 

NBA games and programming are available in all 54 African countries, and the NBA has hosted three sold-out exhibition games on the continent since 2015.  The BAL, a partnership between the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and NBA Africa, is a professional league featuring 12 club teams from across Africa concluded its fourth season in June 2024. Fans can follow @ NBA_Africa and @ theBAL on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.

Read moreFirst National Basketball Association (NBA) Basketball School in Africa to Launch in Egypt

Communication is key: Unlock your future at the SU Language Centre’s Communication Lab

Location: MyPR

Are you ready to gain more skills and take your professional communication to the next level? Look no further than the short courses offered by the Communication Lab (Comms Lab) at the Stellenbosch University (SU) Language Centre. In today’s digital marketplace, effective communication is the name of the game. That’s why the Comms Lab’s short …

Read moreCommunication is key: Unlock your future at the SU Language Centre’s Communication Lab

SASSA, departments to offer services to Elandshoek community

Location: News

SASSA, departments to offer services to Elandshoek community

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) in Mpumalanga and other key government stakeholders will provide services to the Elandshoek community, located on the outskirts of the N4 in Mbombela, today.

According to SASSA, the Integrated Registration Outreach Programme (ICROP) aims to bring services closer to people and ensure that communities have full access to SASSA social grant services.

The Departments of Home Affairs, Health and Social Development and the local municipality will be joining SASSA in their outreach programme. 

“The agency identified this area because it is an informal settlement and transport is costly for clients. This community travels 77 kilometres to reach the SASSA Nelspruit service office. 

“The majority of the Elandshoek community depend on social grants and many are foreigners from Mozambique and Eswatini, some are naturalised citizens and make a living through seasonal employment at the agricultural farms,” the agency explained. 

SASSA will be educating the public to empower them about social grant information. 

“Access and equal opportunity are essential human rights, enshrined in the Bill of Rights of the Constitution.” 

The agency will render several services including grant application, Social Relief of Distress Grant (SRD) COVID-19 grant enquiries and change of payment method.

In addition, the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), South African Police Service (SAPS), and the banking institutions will be also servicing the community.

For more information contact the toll-free number during working hours on 0800 60 10 11 or send a WhatsApp message to 082 046 8553. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile
Fri, 06/21/2024 - 10:32

291 views
Read moreSASSA, departments to offer services to Elandshoek community

Condolences for retired judges

Location: News

Condolences for retired judges

The office of the Judge President of KwaZulu-Natal has sent its condolences to the families of two retired judges who passed away recently.

Judges Nic Van Der Reyden and Sham Gyanda passed away this month.

Judge Van Der Reyden died last Wednesday, 12 June 2024 after spending at least 30 years in the legal fraternity and retired in 2010.

“Judge Van Der Reyden will be remembered for his abiding decency and humility…a true salt of the earth. The Judges of the KwaZulu-Natal Division extend their sincere condolences to his wife Dain, his son Nicholas and daughter Marijke and to the wider family and loved ones,” the office said.

Judge Gyanda died on Monday, 17 June 2024 after having spent some 40 years as a thriving advocate and, subsequently, a member of the judiciary.

He retired in 2020 due to ill health.

“He was a valued member of the bench, a trusted colleague and a friend to all. Both at the Bar and on the bench, in addition to sound advice, he always had a kind word and a smile for all who sought his counsel and guidance and if the occasion permitted, a joke, sometimes naughty and sometimes wicked, would be added in.

“We remember our brother with fondness. The Judges of the KwaZulu-Natal Division send their heartfelt condolences to his widow, Shireen, his children Kajal, Sahil and Alka and to the wider family,” the office said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Thu, 06/20/2024 - 09:45

327 views
Read moreCondolences for retired judges

World leaders congratulate President Ramaphosa

Location: News

World leaders congratulate President Ramaphosa

Leaders around the world have rallied behind President Cyril Ramaphosa and offered their congratulations after his inauguration as President of South Africa for a second term, on Wednesday.

Yesterday, international and local guests filled the Union Buildings’ Nelson Mandela Amphitheatre in Pretoria to witness President Ramaphosa take his oath of office.

This, after he was re-elected to serve for a second term on Friday last week at the first sitting of the National Assembly since the highly contested elections in May where he won 283 votes, against Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema who received 44.

United States Ambassador Reuben Brigety congratulated Cyril Ramaphosa on his inauguration as the President of South Africa.

“Witnessing your vibrant democracy is an honour,” he wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Speaking to SAnews yesterday, the diplomat described the Presidential inauguration as “historic” and wished the seventh administration all the best as it works for the good of the nation.

Meanwhile, United States President Joe Biden applauded President Ramaphosa on his re-election as President of South Africa.

President Biden commended all the political parties for working together to form a government of national unity (GNU).

“I also send my warm wishes to the people of South Africa. This year – as South Africa celebrates 30 years of all citizens having the right to vote – they have demonstrated the enduring power of government of the people, by the people, and for the people.

“I look forward to the United States and South Africa continuing our work together, to expand economic opportunity, invest in clean energy solutions, and demonstrate that democracy delivers,” President Biden added.

Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who attended the swearing-in ceremony, took to X to wish South Africa’s First Citizen all the best as he leads the new administration.

“Today, I had the immense honour of attending the Presidential inauguration of His Excellency, President Cyril Ramaphosa.

“Congratulations, President Ramaphosa, on this remarkable achievement. It is a privilege to be part of this historical event and I look forward to working with you for the continued strength and unity between our nations,” he wrote.

Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated President Ramaphosa on his re-election.

“Warm congratulations, Excellency Cyril Ramaphosa on your re-election as the President of the Republic of South Africa. I look forward to working with you to further strengthen the India-South Africa strategic partnership,” said the Prime Minister of India.

On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President Ramaphosa to congratulate him on his re-election.

“The President expressed hope that Russia and South Africa would continue their joint work to further strengthen their strategic partnership across the board. Vladimir Putin also sent a congratulatory telegram to Cyril Ramaphosa,” his Office said on his official website.

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu also extended his warm congratulations to the President on his re-election.

He applauded South Africans on the peaceful and successful conduct of the General Elections.

“While wishing President Ramaphosa a successful term in office, President Tinubu calls for the strengthening of bilateral ties between Nigeria and South Africa as strategic partners in Africa for the overall advancement of the continent,” Special Adviser to the President, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, added. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile
Thu, 06/20/2024 - 12:13

544 views
Read moreWorld leaders congratulate President Ramaphosa

Nigeria-SA relations critical for Africa’s success

Location: News

Nigeria-SA relations critical for Africa’s success

President Cyril Ramaphosa has emphasised that understanding and partnership between South Africa and Nigeria is critical for the success of the African continent.

The President was speaking following a bilateral meeting between him and his Nigerian counterpart, President Bola Tinubu in Tshwane, on the back of the Presidential Inauguration held on Wednesday.

“[F]or me what matters most is to be able to have very good economic links with Nigeria. The two countries – South Africa and Nigeria – are very important in our continent and when the two countries work together, which we are, and we do things together, it benefits Africa.

“It is the two countries that are among the pillars of our continent and I’m particularly pleased that we support each other internationally in various fora, the UN [and other] multi-lateral institutions. Nigeria and South Africa are essentially joined at the hip and we want to engender good economic and trade relations between our two countries to address the challenges that our two countries face,” President Ramaphosa said.

On the domestic front, the President said the African continent has received South Africa’s Government of National Unity positively.

“We’ve set up a Government of National Unity and I’m particularly pleased that the African continent has responded very positively to the news that we will continue stabilising politics of our country. But more importantly, through the Government of National Unity, we’re setting a very strong foundation for economic growth and to be able to attract investments,” he said.

Tinubu – who attended the inauguration held on Wednesday – said discussions between the two heads of government mainly related to the economy.

“I’m here to congratulate my brother for putting together a very impressive outing – particularly for the Government of National Unity to stabilise the politics. That is coming at a very challenging time for the rest of us in Africa to really come up with collaborative economics that will help our downtrodden and vulnerable people,” said President Tinubu.

Wednesday’s inauguration which saw Ramaphosa inaugurated for a second term in office, follows on the 29 May 2024, National and Provincial Elections. The results of the elections produced no outright majority winner, requiring the leaders of different formations to work together in taking the country forward.

READ | GNU to advance the interest of all South Africans

– SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Thu, 06/20/2024 - 13:13

285 views
Read moreNigeria-SA relations critical for Africa’s success

GNU to advance the interest of all South Africans

Location: News

GNU to advance the interest of all South Africans

The Government of National Unity is keen on advancing the interest of all South Africans while also creating employment, President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Wednesday.

“We want to create jobs. We are going to get everyone in the Government of National Unity to create jobs. I am going to make sure that it happens,” the President said in his address to the crowds gathered on the South Lawns of the Union Buildings.

This after taking his Oath of Office as President, marking the advent of the seventh administration.

In his address to those gathered at the South Lawns, the President said the Government of National Unity (GNU) will advance the interests of all South Africans.

“Today we are opening a new chapter in the life of our country. We are going to have a government of national unity where we are going to work together united so that we can advance your interests. Let us not be afraid of what this government of national unity is going to be all about.”

Chief Justice Raymond Zondo administered the President’s oath during Wednesday’s inauguration ceremony.

President Ramaphosa also called on all political parties in the GNU to join hands in advancing the interests of all South Africans.

“The people of South Africa did not give one political party power to rule this country, the people of South Africa wanted a Government of National Unity to rule this country,” President Ramaphosa said.

Many ordinary South Africans turned out to witness the inauguration ceremony attended by the country’s former Presidents as well as members of the international community.

READ | Government of National Unity: A moment of profound significance

While this year's General Election results produced no outright majority winner, the requirement for leaders of different formations to work together is not too unsimilar to what the country had to do to find its way at the inception of democracy.

Addressing the public in his inaugural speech, and essentially the world at large who had been following developments in the country, President Ramaphosa on Wednesday said the formation of the Government of National Unity is a moment of profound significance.

“It is the beginning of a new era,” the President said in his earlier address.

This year’s inauguration coincides with South Africa’s celebration of 30 years of freedom and democracy.

The 27th of April 2024 marked 30 years since the advent of democracy in South Africa. This day marked a historic milestone in South Africa, as all adults were allowed to cast their votes, for the first time, in a free and fair democratic election. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin
Thu, 06/20/2024 - 10:14

101 views
Read moreGNU to advance the interest of all South Africans