South African Journalists hold vigil in solidarity with Palestinian journalists
Committee to Protect Journalists has recorded 83 deaths since 7 October but is investigating many other unconfirmed deaths of reporters
office
Hundreds evicted from buildings in Cape Town city centre
Many of the evictees slept outside with their belongings, saying they have nowhere else to go
Premier Bushy Maape pays courtesy visit to Ambassador Darkey Ephraim Africa in Thailand
Yesterday, 25 January, the Premier of North West, Kaobitsa Bushy Maape paid a courtesy visit to the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of South Africa in Thailand, H.E. Mr. Darkey Ephraim Africa. Premier Maape is in Thailand for medical assessment. Despite his tight medical programme, the Premier made time to visit the South African Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand to explore opportunities for the Province.
During their meeting, both Premier Maape and Ambassador Africa discussed a wide rage of issues, more specifically the economic challenges of the North West Province and its impact on the youth. They agreed on the need to identify trade and investment opportunities in Thailand for the North West Province. They further agreed on the need to invite investors from Thailand in the areas of agriculture, infrastructure automotive, renewable energy and tourism.
On his part, Ambassador Africa acknowledged Premier Maape's desire to mobilise trade and investment for his Province. He requested the South African Embassy to invite various agencies such as North West Development Corporation, the North West Housing Corporation and other business people to Thailand to further explore opportunities in trade and investment following his engagement with Ambassador Africa. The Ambassador and the Political Counsellor, Mrs. Thobeka Dlamini assured the Premier that the Embassy will invite the Province at the appropriate time for engagement. Premier Maape accompanied by the Ambassador, also met Mr. Ravi Puri, a prominent businessman in real estate and hospitality to explore other opportunities in real estate. The Premier will depart Bangkok after completion of his medical engagement.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of North West Office of the Premier, Republic of South Africa.
Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) committed to promoting dignity and well-being of girl learners
With the 2024 school year in full swing, the Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) is doing its part in ensuring the well-being and dignity of girls across the province through its Sanitary Dignity Project.
In partnership with the Western Cape Education Department (WCED), DSD has delivered more than 3.432 million packs of sanitary pads to learners across the province since the inception of the project in 2019/2020.
A breakdown of the distribution figures over recent years, shows that in:
- 2022/2023: a total of 27 817 boxes or 1 335 216 packets were distributed.
- 2023/2024 (1st to 3rd quarter): a total of 25 847 boxes or 1 240 656 packets were distributed.
The Department intends to distribute a further 8 734 boxes or 419 323 packets during the last quarter of the current financial year.
Since 2020/21, DSD has increased the number of beneficiaries from 94 817 learners at 220 schools, to 130 396 learners at 365 schools during 2023/2024. These include farm schools, special needs schools, and DSD-funded child and youth care centres.
Just this week, Provincial Minister of Social Development Sharna Fernandez's office visited Dorothea Special School in Stellenbosch, for children with disabilities, to deliver sanitary dignity packs.
“The donation will definitely make a difference in our girls' personal hygiene as most of our learners are dependent on SASSA grants and parents struggle to afford to buy them toiletries. I also try to give the girls a packet each month, but we are lucky to have donors supporting us,” says Sister Linda Carelse, Dorothea Special School Nurse.
“Girls from impoverished communities already face immense societal and economic challenges, and those with special needs are in an even more vulnerable position. We cannot let a natural bodily function like menstruation be another barrier to their learning. We can all do our part. I call on citizens who can and the private sector to play their role in assisting schools in disadvantaged areas to level the playing field for all girls,” says Provincial Minister Fernandez.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic Of South Africa: Western Cape Provincial Government.
Judge Makhubele threatens urgent court application to postpone conduct inquiry
She must be ready to give evidence on Thursday, tribunal rules
The Codeine Care Initiative could keep lives
The Codeine Care Initiative could save lives Better monitoring of the purchase of codeine can help to stem a growing substance abuse problem. Fueled by popular music, the promise of escapism and the fact that it’s relatively cheap, some of South Africa’s youth have become increasingly addicted to codeine-based over-the-counter products which can be purchased …
Plastics SA Hosts Successful General Plastics Industry Meeting: A Pivotal Event For The Future Of The South African Plastics Industry
Plastics SA, the umbrella body representing the local plastics industry, successfully hosted a General Plastics Industry Meeting at its head office in Midrand, Johannesburg, on November 30, 2023. The hybrid meeting witnessed enthusiastic participation from representatives spanning various sectors of the South African plastics industry. The meeting commenced with a warm welcome from Deputy Chairman …
Investment in transmission critical
Investment in transmission critical
Minister in the Presidency for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, says on boarding new generating capacity – particularly renewable energy – is critical to ensuring that additional capacity is added to the national grid.
He was speaking during an update on the implementation of the Energy Action Plan on Tuesday.
The expansion is critical to on boarding new generating capacity – particularly renewable energy – onto the national grid to relieve pressure on the electricity system.
Ramokgopa explained that “tremendous progress” is being done to ensure that solutions are found for transmission.
“As the President said last week, the Minister in the Presidency responsible for Electricity is now given the responsibility to ensure that we are able to go into the market to procure or to access the financing in relation to the transmission side.
“We have been doing an extraordinary amount of work. The team was [at the World Economic Forum annual meeting] in Davos. Part of those conversations was to enter into bilateral discussions with some of the potential financiers.
“We have...financing. That is private sector willing to come into the space of transmission. We had conversations...with the heads of missions that are represented here in the country and they did confirm that availability of that financing,” he said.
Ramokgopa assured that although private sector participation is being encouraged in the transmission space, the South African government will remain the owner of the grid through the Eskom owned and newly established National Transmission Company of South Africa.
“What we have been doing is to find an architecture and legal configuration on how best we are going to access [funding] and one of the areas that is receiving attention is the possibility of us putting together…something that is akin to the IPP [Independent Power Producer Procurement] office on the generation side…an Independent Transmission Project office.
“[This is] to ensure that we are able to procure with speed, agility, applying some degree of innovation and ensure that we are able to access that liquidity that’s sitting with the private sector without relinquishing state ownership of the grid,” he said.
The minister acknowledged that transmission expansion is facing challenges. However, he emphasised that government is tackling these challenges.
“The challenges on the transmission side are almost equivalent to the ones on the generation side and in fact, if they are not tackled immediately they are likely to be even more catastrophic compared to the challenges on the generation side because those are likely to undermine our ability to maintain the integrity of the system.
“We are not waiting for the crisis to confront us. We are going to address that situation immediately. This is in support of Eskom’s work…consistent with their transmission development plan which advocates for the expansion of the network,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 01/23/2024 - 14:41
308 views
People queue from 2:30am at Goodwood Labour office
The department encourages the use of its online system but many can’t use it
Cathay Pacific’s first ferry lounge at Shenzhen’s Shekou Cruise Home Port opens
Cathay Pacific’s first ferry lounge at Shenzhen’s Shekou Cruise Home Port opens. Strengthening its position in the wider Greater Bay Area and enhancing customers’ intermodal travel experience Cathay Pacific is delighted to announce that its first-ever lounge outside of an airport is now open to guests at the Shekou Cruise Home Port in Shenzhen. This …
Maape appoints MEC Nono Maloyi as Acting North West Premier
Maape appoints MEC Nono Maloyi as Acting North West Premier
The North West Premier Kaobitsa Bushy Maape is out of the country until 31 January 2024, following advice and referral by his doctor to seek further medical treatment in Thailand.
During his absence, the MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Nono Maloyi, will act as Premier.
Maloyi has since been sworn in by the Judge President of the North West Division, Ronald Hendricks.
“Lastly, the Office of the Premier wishes to confirm that a formal notification of Premier Maape’s travel has been sent to both the President and the Speaker of the North West provincial legislature,” the statement read.
Maape resumed his duties in November after he fell ill following minor orthopaedic surgery in June 2023.
“He was subsequently advised by his medical team to take a rest while receiving medical attention,” the Premier's Office said at that time. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 01/22/2024 - 12:57
103 views
Premier Bushy Mabe appoints MEC Nono Maloyi as Acting North West Premier
The North West Premier Kaobitsa Bushy Maape will be out of the country from 21 January until 31 January 2024 following advice and referral by his doctor to seek further medical treatment in Thailand.
During his absence, the MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs Patrick Dumile Nono Maloyi will act as Premier. MEC Maloyi has since been sworn in by the Judge President of the North West Division, Ronald Hendricks.
Lastly, the Office of the Premier wishes to confirm that a formal notification of Premier Maape's travel has been sent to both the President and the Speaker of the North West Provincial Legislature.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of North West Office of the Premier, Republic of South Africa.
Mashatile to welcome Duke of Edinburgh on working visit to S Africa
Mashatile to welcome Duke of Edinburgh on working visit to S Africa
Deputy President Paul Mashatile will on Tuesday welcome His Royal Highness Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, on a courtesy call at the OR Tambo Official Residence in Pretoria.
The Duke of Edinburgh is on a working visit to South Africa on 22 and 23 January 2024.
According to the Deputy President’s Office, the visit follows the successful State Visit that President Cyril Ramaphosa undertook to the United Kingdom in 2022 at the invitation of King Charles III.
“The visit also indicates the strong bilateral relationship that the United Kingdom and South Africa share,” a statement from the Deputy President’s Office read.
During his visit, His Royal Highness will meet stakeholders from WWF South Africa, Endangered Wildlife Trust, GreenMatterZA, TRAFFIC, International Union for Conservation of Nature, Birdlife, and Conservation South Africa.
Prince Edward will also meet the Forestry, Fisheries and Environment Minister, Barbara Creecy, for a tour of the Pretoria National Botanical Garden.
He will be accompanied on the tour by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) CEO, Shonisani Munzhedi.
This comes after President Ramaphosa visited the Royal Botanical Garden, Kew, in November 2022, and will mark the long-term collaboration between Kew and SANBI to ensure the survival of South Africa’s rich plant diversity.
Prince Edward is also expected to engage with Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister Blade Nzimande at a dinner marking the deep partnership between South Africa and the United Kingdom in the field of science and innovation.
In addition, the Duke of Edinburgh will meet the awardees of the President’s Awards, the international arm of the Duke of Edinburgh Awards, of which President Ramaphosa is a patron.
“Both countries share a strong commitment to youth empowerment,” the statement said.
During the courtesy call, Deputy President Mashatile will also hold discussions with the Duke and his delegation on key areas of importance in the bilateral relationship between South Africa and the United Kingdom. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 01/22/2024 - 09:51
231 views
Multimillion-rand Gauteng beauty academy grant under investigation
Four officials of the provincial Department of Social Development already “under precautionary suspension”
Tax Ombud secures taxpayer’s refund and interest of more than R135 000
Tax Ombud secures taxpayer’s refund and interest of more than R135 000
The Office of the Tax Ombud (OTO) does not only help speed up the resolution of taxpayer complaints and gets the South African Revenue Services (SARS) to pay monies due.
According to OTO, there are also instances where it secures them thousands of rands worth in interest.
The Ombud has cited the latest case involving a complaint about SARS’ “repeated” inability to finalise a taxpayer’s verification of the 03/2023 value-added tax (VAT) declaration.
“The OTO investigated the complaint and discovered that the taxpayer had filed the VAT return on 14 April 2023, reflecting a refund of R5 398 613.44.
“The return was selected for verification and the taxpayer uploaded the supporting documentation requested, all on the same day. SARS, however, did not request additional information or finalise the verification within the turnaround time of 21 business days,” the OTO explained.
As a result, the taxpayer complained to the SARS Complaints Management Office in May last year.
However, according to the statement, SARS proceeded to request additional information in June 2023.
“After the taxpayer submitted the documentation on 20 June 2023, SARS again did not finalise the verification within 21 business days. The taxpayer complained with the OTO on 7 August 2023, and the complaint was accepted on 11 August 2023.”
The office recommended that SARS finalise the verification of the 03/2023 VAT declaration and pay out the refund with interest if applicable or provide valid reasons for not doing so.
Meanwhile, the verification of the 03/2023 VAT declaration was finalised in August 2023.
Although SARS issued an additional assessment, the OTO stated that a refund of R4 255 398.20 was paid in September last year and the taxman paid the taxpayer interest of R135 152.62 the following month.
The Ombud explained that if a VAT refund is not paid out within 21 business days, SARS is obliged to pay interest at a prescribed rate on the amount refundable.
“There are, however, certain circumstances that will delay the accrual of interest. Where for instance a taxpayer submitted a defective or incomplete return, where SARS requested information from the taxpayers about the return in question, or where a taxpayer did not provide SARS with confirmed banking details,” the statement read.
The OTO said the 21 business days will only start counting on the date on which the taxpayer provides SARS with the correct return, information or banking details.
“It is therefore extremely important for taxpayers to ensure that they act promptly to comply with SARS’s requests.”
The OTO’s services are free, and the organisation continues to make a massive difference in taxpayers’ lives with tax complaints against SARS. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 01/19/2024 - 10:54
286 views
Thousands of unplaced high school learners in the Western Cape
Province’s learners struggle for a school place, but KZN and Gauteng claim to be okay
Celebrating Admire and Appreciation: Valentines Day Corporate Gifts by Perkal Promo
Valentine’s Day, also known as Saint Valentine’s Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine, is a time-honoured tradition celebrated on February 14th each year. Originating as a Western Christian liturgical feast day honouring early saints named Valentinus, this day has evolved into a global cultural and commercial phenomenon. It’s a day where love, affection, and …
Immediate and comprehensive ceasefire required in Gaza – President Ramaphosa
Immediate and comprehensive ceasefire required in Gaza - President Ramaphosa
President Cyril Ramaphosa has reiterated South Africa’s unequivocal call for an “immediate and comprehensive ceasefire” in Gaza, Palestine.
The President on Friday delivered the country statement of South Africa during the 19th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit being held in Uganda.
The Israeli-Palestinian war erupted in October 2023 when militant group Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel – killing at least 1200 people.
The Israeli retaliation on Palestine has been far greater with estimates that more than 20 000 Palestinians have been killed with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reporting the internal displacement of some 1.9 million people in Gaza.
“South Africa calls for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza. We call for the release of all hostages and the resumption of talks on a just solution that will end the suffering of the Palestinian people. We further call for unhindered and expanded humanitarian access to allow for vital aid and basic services to meet the needs of everyone living in Gaza.
“As a consequence of the ever-worsening situation of the people of Gaza, South Africa has asked the International Court of Justice to issue provisional measures ordering Israel to stop its military campaign in Gaza. This is necessary to protect against further, severe and irreparable harm to the rights of the Palestinian people,” President Ramaphosa said.
The President said the ongoing conflict lays bare the “inadequacy” of global governance organisations such as the United Nations (UN).
“South Africa recently made financial contributions to the UN Relief and Works Agency and the UNHCR [United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees] to support their humanitarian operations in Gaza and the broader Palestinian refugees. In addition, many ordinary South Africans and NGOs have mobilised resources to assist the people of Gaza.
“The conflict has again illustrated the inadequacy of the United Nations, in particular the UN Security Council, in maintaining international peace and security. We should establish a system of global governance that is fair and equitable, and has the capacity to respond to the needs of all persons in situations of threat and harm,” he said.
World challenges
Fixing attention on the Summit, President Ramaphosa said the gathering takes place at a time when international challenges – “exacerbated by geopolitical dynamics and conflicts in various regions of the world” – are abound.
“The wars taking place in Ukraine and Palestine are causing grave humanitarian and health crises and contributing to international instability. The supremacy of multilateralism as embodied by the United Nations Charter and international law is being undermined exactly when it is needed most.
“At a time when the world appears to be once again divided between east and west, the Non-Aligned Movement should continue to assert its independence based on our common values.
“South Africa remains steadfast in advancing its non-aligned approach in the maintenance of international peace and security and advocating for inclusive dialogue and the peaceful political settlement of disputes,” he said.
President Ramaphosa called on the NAM to work together in pursuance of:
- the right to self-determination of the peoples of Palestine and Western Sahara;
- the lifting of the economic blockade against Cuba and unilateral sanctions against Iran, Venezuela and Zimbabwe;
- reaffirmation of the inalienable right of access to nuclear materials, equipment and technology for peaceful purposes;
- upholding the centrality of the UN Charter and international law in the peaceful resolution of conflict;
- defeating the scourge of terrorism and its root causes; and,
- the alleviation and eradication of poverty and underdevelopment.
“This interconnected world calls for a collective determination to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and to address the economic, social, health and environmental challenges that every country faces.
“We need to give dedicated attention to the reform of global governance institutions, including the United Nations. We must give meaning to the principle of sovereign equality of nations and ensure that the voice of the African Continent and the Global South is strengthened in the broader multilateral system,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Fri, 01/19/2024 - 13:03
108 views
Nelson Mandela Bay Runified 50km returns
After 3 successful years which saw the event break 5 world records alongside numerous world age bests and national and continental records, the Nelson Mandela Bay Runified 50km returns to the beautiful Pollock Beach in Summerstrand, Gqeberha on Sunday 25 February 2024 and this time a little different from before, which will also include a …
President Ramaphosa travels to Uganda for NAM and G77 summits
President Ramaphosa travels to Uganda for NAM and G77 summits
President Cyril Ramaphosa has travelled to Kampala in Uganda to attend the 19th Non Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit.
The two-day NAM Summit is being held under the theme “Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence”.
According to the Presidency, the summit is the highest decision making body of the NAM.
“The summit is also the occasion when the movement formally rotates its Chair to the Head of State of the host country of the summit, who then holds office until the next summit. Azerbaijan has been the Chair since 2019 and will hand over the position to Uganda in 2024 for the next three years (2024-2027).
“The Government of Uganda has identified five focus areas and priority goals of its Chairship and they are: regional and international peace and security; the international fight against terrorism; international migration and humanitarian crises; human trafficking and drug smuggling; as well as Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals,” the Presidency said.
The summit is expected to adopt a Final Outcome Document, the Kampala Declaration and the NAM Ministerial Declaration on Palestine.
“With its 120 member states, the NAM is the largest grouping of countries outside of the UN, making it an important roleplayer in global and multilateral affairs.
“Since its inception in 1961, the movement has played a crucial and obvious political role in representing the interests of developing countries, particularly in the eradication of colonialism, supporting struggles for liberation and self-determination, the pursuit of world peace and the search for a more equitable and just global order,” the Presidency said.
Following the conclusion of the NAM Summit, the President – accompanied by Department of International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor – is expected to attend the Group of 77 (G77) Third South Summit also to be held in Uganda.
That summit will be held under the theme “Leaving No One Behind” and is aimed at boosting South-South cooperation, including in the areas of trade, investment, sustainable development, climate change, poverty eradication, and digital economy.
“The Group of 77 plus China is the largest negotiating bloc of developing countries in the United Nations, which provides the means for the countries of the South to articulate and promote their collective economic interests and enhance their joint negotiating capacity on all major international economic issues within the United Nations system, and promote South-South cooperation for development.
“South-South cooperation remains an important pillar for strengthening the economic independence of countries of the South as a complement and not a replacement to North-South cooperation. South Africa participates in the work of the G77 to ensure its strength, unity and cohesion in pursuit of the vision of a fair and equitable multilateral system,” the Presidency said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Fri, 01/19/2024 - 10:06
174 views
Condolences for Violet Siwela
Condolences for Violet Siwela
Minister of Small Business Development Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams has paid tribute to the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Small Business Development, Violet Siwela, for serving the committee with distinction.
In a statement on Thursday, Ndabeni-Abrahams expressed her heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, comrades and her political home, the African National Congress.
“Her sad passing marks the end of a life that was selflessly dedicated to serving the people of South Africa, in particular the informal traders, cooperatives, micro, small and medium enterprises ecosystem.
“Inspired by her proud legacy, we pledge to continue working tirelessly to ensure the growth and sustainability of small businesses. In her name and in honour of her legacy, we commit to ensure that the National Small Enterprise Amendment Bill is passed,” the Minister said.
The Bill seeks to amend the National Small Enterprise Act to provide for the establishment of the Small Enterprise Development Finance Agency (SEDFA) and the subsequent disestablishment of the Small Enterprise Financing Agency (Sefa), the Co-operative Banks Development Agency (CBDA) and the Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda); and for the establishment of the Office of the Small Enterprise Ombud Service.
The Bill further enables the Minister to declare certain practices in relation to small enterprises to be prohibited as unfair trading practices and to make regulations with regard thereto.
“The successful passing of this Bill will be a fitting tribute to her commitment, dedication and passion for small business development,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Fri, 01/19/2024 - 10:50
40 views
Workers take newly merged Heineken-Distell to the CCMA
Unions say merger conditions set by Competition Tribunal have not been met
Parents try to force Gauteng high school to admit their kids
About 30 parents from a neighbouring suburb insist their children be allowed to attend Florida Park High
Pietermaritzburg township plagued by raw sewage spills
Msunduzi Municipality blames ageing infrastructure, improper waste disposal, and illegal connections