Simunye Workers Forum to register as a trade union
The Labour Court has refused the Registrar of Labour Relations leave to appeal an order directing him to register the SWF
office
Introducing “Track It All” – Transforming Business Management Systems for Individual Company Requirements
Track It All, a leading software development company is excited to announce the launch of their highly adaptable system software created to meet the unique needs of your company. With a focus on effortless management, improved productivity, and seamless tracking, Track It All empowers businesses to streamline their operations and optimize efficiency. CEO Jenna Brown …
WHO Role in Advancing Disease Surveillance in South Africa
In a significant stride towards strengthening public health capacities, the World Health Organization (WHO) played a pivotal role in a transformative initiative that underscores its commitment to global health security. The Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) Training of Trainers program recently held in Cape Town, South Africa stands as a testament to WHO's dedication to enhancing disease surveillance capabilities and bolstering national health emergency preparedness.
Collaborating closely with the South Africa National Department of Health and other stakeholders, WHO orchestrated a comprehensive training endeavor that showcased the organization's expertise and dedication to advancing national and global health security. With the successful adaptation of the 3rd Edition Technical Guidelines and Training materials for the IDSR strategy in July 2023, the stage was set for the groundbreaking training event. The National Training-of-Trainers, held from August 7th to 11th, 2023, at the Blue Lagoon Beach Hotel in Cape Town, Western Cape Province, gathered 150 participants from various professional backgrounds across all nine provinces of South Africa.
At the heart of the IDSR Training of Trainers program was the aspiration to build the capacity of identified training coordinators and facilitators. This initiative sought to empower these individuals with the knowledge, skills, and strategies needed to cascade the IDSR training program to a broader spectrum of stakeholders at provincial, district, health facility, and community level. WHO, in collaboration with technical officers from the WHO country office in South Africa, the Brazzaville, the National Department of Health, and the National Institute for Communicable Diseases, curated an multidisciplinary educational experience to align with the IDSR training manual.
The training program was meticulously designed to meet a range of objectives that speak to WHO's commitment to effective emergency management and health systems strengthening:
- Supporting Health Emergency Preparedness: By explaining the integral role of IDSR training within the health emergency preparedness and response cycle, WHO illuminated the crucial synergy between surveillance systems and response strategies.
- Tailoring Learning Principles: Through the adaptation of the IDSR training program based on adult learning principles and local context, WHO showcased its adaptability and nuanced approach to knowledge dissemination.
- Engaging and Interactive Methodologies: WHO, as a facilitator of learning, introduced interactive methodologies that engaged participants and fostered critical thinking and skill acquisition, thereby emphasizing the organization's innovative approach to capacity-building.
- Mastering Training Strategies: By imparting mastery in key training strategies, WHO demonstrated its dedication to sharing globally accepted practices, thereby contributing to the skill enhancement of participants.
- Seamless Coordination and Implementation: WHO's involvement in coordinating the implementation of the IDSR training program underlines its capacity to oversee complex processes and contribute to seamless execution.
- Fostering Personal Development: Through encouraging participants to initiate personal development plans, WHO reinforced its role as a platform for professional growth and advancement.
- Identifying Financial Support: By guiding participants in identifying potential financial support sources, WHO showcased its wide-ranging network and commitment to the sustainability of training programs.
As the training concluded, participants emerged with not only enhanced knowledge and skills in the IDSR strategy but also a profound understanding of how to apply these competencies in real-world scenarios. WHO's commitment to empowering health professionals extended beyond theory and into practical application, allowing participants to bridge the gap between theory and practice seamlessly.
This training-of-trainers initiative aligns with WHO's global mission of achieving better health outcomes for all. By equipping local stakeholders with the tools to improve surveillance and response mechanisms, WHO lays the foundation for a more resilient and prepared health system. The organization's dedication to promoting health security at all levels contributes significantly to national readiness to combat future pandemics and other public health events.
In collaboration with its esteemed partners and stakeholders, WHO continues to shine as a beacon of excellence in advancing global health security, disease surveillance, and response capacities. Through initiatives like the IDSR Training of Trainers program, WHO reaffirms its role as a driving force in fostering a healthier, safer world for all. The training was co-financed by the National Department of Health and Global Affairs Canada support to WHO.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) - South Africa.
AECOM highlights the importance of young talent on International Youth Day
Held this year under the theme of ‘Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World’, globally trusted infrastructure consulting firm AECOM is celebrating International Youth Day on Saturday 12 August by showcasing the important role played by some of its young candidate engineers in sustainable transport. Document Downloads. Chris Britz, Transport Operations Leader and Market …
The Myth of Crypto Being Mainly Used By Criminals
The use of crypto for illegal activities has been a topic of concern since the early days of this new form of digital currency. The public’s perception of cryptocurrencies as being inherently linked to criminal activities (such as money laundering, drug trafficking, and cybercrime) can largely be traced back to the early media coverage around …
Philippi residents roll up sleeves to clean looted library and community hall
“The people behind these attacks need to realise that they are depriving their own communities of vital services” says clean-up volunteer
How does a judge gets impeached
What happens now to “drunk” Judge Nkola Motata
The Strategic Advantage: Why Businesses Choose Self-Storage Solutions
Introduction In a rapidly evolving business landscape, where adaptability and efficiency are paramount, it comes as no surprise that businesses are finding innovative ways to optimise their operations. One such solution gaining increasing popularity is self-storage. With a notable uptick in businesses utilising self-storage facilities, it’s clear that there’s more to it than meets the …
Navigating the Path to Your Dream Home: How to Find the Perfect House Position
Introduction: Embarking on the journey of building your dream home is an exciting endeavour, and at its heart lies a crucial element – the house plan. This blueprint not only serves as a roadmap for construction but also shapes the very essence of your living space. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the intricacies …
Home Affairs opens three offices this Saturday
Home Affairs opens three offices this Saturday
The Department of Home Affairs is continuing to open selected offices on Saturdays to increase access to services mainly for clients who are unable to visit their offices on weekdays.
The extended service is applicable to certain offices and this Saturday 12 August 2023, the following offices will be open from 8am to 1pm:
- the new Home Affairs Menlyn (Menlyn Park Shopping Centre, Pretoria, Gauteng);
- Mmabatho Office (Motswedi House, Dr James Moroka Dr, Montshiwa Unit 2, North West)
- and Mankwe Office (3, Mogwase Complex, Station Road, Mogwase, North West).
The Department will communicate when other offices will be open on the various Saturdays.
“We encourage clients to take advantage of the extended hours on Saturdays to collect documents they have applied for,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Fri, 08/11/2023 - 10:17
SANTACO ends the taxi strike
Mayor describes what has been agreed to
Taxi strike: Women march to demand terminate to violence and looting
Philippi marchers call for City of Cape Town to use its CCTV cameras to bring the perpetrators of crimes committed this week to book
“Disgraceful” conduct of State Attorney to be reported to Minister of Justice
High Court slams “outrageous” attempt by Gauteng MEC to rescind an order that the MEC was liable for a multi-million rand damages claim
Transforming Spaces: Elevate Your Experience with Automated Light & Shading Control
Residential Elegance and Efficiency Discover the magic of automated light and shading control systems that seamlessly enhance your lifestyle and bring comfort and convenience to your home. Whether it’s your home theatre, home office, patio, kitchen, family room, or your entire home, these systems offer customizable solutions to cater to your needs. These smart …
South Africa records 207 Child Marriages in 2021 – Stats SA
South Africa records 207 Child Marriages in 2021 - Stats SA
South Africa recorded 207 child marriages in 2021, with 188 kids taken as brides.
This was revealed on Monday by Statistics South Africa to the African Union Special Rapporteur, who is currently in the country to monitor and evaluate progress on how South Africa is performing in its campaign to end child marriages.
The South African office on the Rights of the Child within the Department of Social Development is hosting the African Union Stakeholder Engagement Mission on Child Marriages and Harmful Practices in Pretoria and Johannesburg.
Stats SA’s Director: Education and Child Statistics, Dr Seble Worku, shared that of the 207 recorded child marriages, 188 were brides and 19 were grooms.
She further revealed that 37 of the child marriages were registered as civil marriages and 19 were customary.
“While Dr Worku showed an improvement in children living in low income households at 2.6 million with 4 million in high income households, pensions and grants were still the highest source of income for children in rural areas.
“She revealed that the number of children who lived with only their mothers continued to rise in the country, while the number of orphaned children declined to 11.5% in 2021 from 14.3% in 2002,” the Department of Social Development said in a statement.
The host, Honourable Takam Kembo of Cameroon, the Special Rapporteur and Social and Health Envoy from the African Union Commission are on a mission to conduct a monitoring visit on the progress that South Africa has made to end child marriages and harmful cultural practices against children.
The mission started its series of high-level engagements with the Departments of Social Development, Basic Education, Home Affairs, and Women, Youth and Persons with disabilities.
Today the delegation will engage human rights institutions, civil society organisations and conclude with a session with children.
These engagements will focus on children's rights to capture current progress, challenges, best practice, lessons learned and make recommendations for fast-tracking progress to end violence against women and children.
This monitoring visit comes before the country launches its Women’s Month programme under the theme, 'Accelerating socio-economic opportunities for women’s empowerment'.
Furthermore, this visit is part of a series of visits that the AU Commission is expected to conclude around the region ahead of the upcoming 4th African Girls Summit in November this year.
They will go to Kenya, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Madagascar, Tunisia, Liberia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Seychelles and Namibia.
This continental perspective will allow them to understand successful strategies and practices in different regions of Africa so that countries can learn from one another.
In 2014, the then Chairperson of African Union Commission, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, launched the campaign to end child marriages in Africa.
At the time, the AU Commission estimated that about 14 million adolescent and teen girls were married. To date, more than 30 Member States have responded by accelerating the implementation of ending child marriage programmes and interventions.
The AU Commission team expressed gratitude for South Africa's hospitality and willingness to share insights into their legislative framework and efforts to protect children.
“The AU mission aims to understand how South Africa is working to protect its children. It focuses on examining the child protection system, its effectiveness, and how it addresses various forms of violence such as child marriage, female genital mutilation, and online exploitation and abuse,” Kembo said.
The monitoring mission will evaluate policies and strategies that the country has in place to end various forms of harmful cultural practices against children.
Kembo noted variations in terms of geographical patterns, provinces with high and low prevalence indicating a need for alignment of strategic interventions to the local context.
The Special Rapporteur is expected to produce a detailed progress report with observations and recommendations for the country within six months. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Tue, 08/08/2023 - 12:06
Bean farmers taste the first fruits of Contract farming in Lesotho
Mamahali Peete, a mother of three children, left her marketing career in the vibrant Johannesburg city in the neighboring South Africa and relocated to Lesotho when she got married. Three years in the country she ventured into farming in the rural area of Bela-Bela, and she has never looked back since. She rotates between growing beans and maize on her 30 acres of land.
“Agriculture was not my first choice of business. But realizing the local demand for food I decided to give it a shot. Living in Africa, I now see a lot of potential in agriculture. There will never be a time when people don't need food. The demand for food is even higher in Lesotho,” said Mamahali.
Lesotho is a net importer of agricultural products, with 30 percent of its total food requirements produced locally and the remaining 70 percent imported.
Building mutually beneficial partnerships
Mamahali is one of the first ever bunch of farmers who signed up for Contract farming – a kind of trading arrangement that is not common in Lesotho. The Contract Farming initiative was pioneered by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in the country as an innovative business model establishing meaningful market linkages between farmers and the market.
Mamahali and 29 other farmers signed the contract with ‘Tasty Food Packers', a leading Pulses supplier in the country. At the end of this season, Mamahali made her first delivery to the company.
“Contract farming brings security and gives us farmers bargaining power. It also motivates us to work hard to honor our portion of the deal. For example, this season we received agricultural inputs late in the season, but I tried everything possible to grow so that I can make delivery,” says Mamahali with a smile of triumph.
Promoting innovations, markets access
Under the agreement, ‘Tasty Food Packers' buys the beans from all the farmers it has contract with at an agreed price for the produce delivered. However, if there are fluctuations in prices during the harvest season, the two parties can revise the prices, and the same can be for the quantities.
“I didn't have a guaranteed market for my beans. Every season we have to look for potential markets. Sometimes we are not sure if our last buyer will be willing to buy from us the next season's harvest. I made my first supply of beans to the buyer. It inspires me to work hard and honor the agreement,” says Tlalane Sebeko, block farmer from Berea.
The farmers and the buyer who signed the contract were trained to increase their understanding and knowledge of Contract farming, and their fields were monitored right from planting to ensure good production and productivity, thanks to the support from the Ministry of Agriculture Food Security and Nutrition of Lesotho in collaboration with FAO.
Collateral to access finance
Most financial institutions in Lesotho just like elsewhere in Africa, have provided limited or no credit and insurance to farmers, although farmers represent the biggest opportunity for scale and impact in financial inclusion today. This is largely due to the fact that agriculture is considered a highly risky business undertaken with limited risk mitigation or sharing measures. About 80 percent of Lesotho's rural population depends on the agricultural sector for their livelihoods. With proper investment and improved access to market agriculture has a huge potential to contribute to economic growth and uplift the livelihoods of the rural populations.
Contract farming assists with credit because most of the time financial institutions accept contracts as collateral for a loan directly to the farmer.
“Access to finance has been a challenge to farmers in Lesotho. Banks and Insurance companies here fear to give us loans, yet our saving capacity is low. However, when Banks learnt about this Contract farming, they told us that they were going to tailor-make a product for farmers. I will be applying for a loan soon using this contract,” says Tlalane Sebeko with excitement.
Integrating actors in the agricultural value chain
Nizam Abubaker, owner of ‘Tasty Food Packers' said the contracts will enable his company to get steady supply as he is currently importing most of the beans from the neighbouring south Africa to meet the demand in Lesotho.
“Communication is important during the season so that if the farmer encounters difficulties let's say unfavourable weather conditions or poor harvest, we are aware and can trigger the ‘force majeure' clause in the contract that protects farmers from uncertainties,” says Nizam Abubaker.
Nizam acknowledges that Contract farming is a win-win arrangement for both the farmer and the buyer, however noting that the government should work to establish laws regulating contract farming to protect and efficiently integrate producers and actors down the value chain, such as agribusiness, processors, exporters, or retailers.
FAO would like to see the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition Expanding Contract farming to other commodities such as vegetables, maize, and others in Lesotho, which would eventually give farmers the opportunity to diversify into new crops, which would not be possible without available and stable market.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of FAO Regional Office for Africa.
Conservation and community are driving investment in billion-rand Renishaw Coastal Precinct
Renishaw Coastal Precinct, the 1 300-ha mixed-use development on the KZN mid-South Coast, is considered one of the country’s biggest developments underway. To date, R500m has been spent on this 25ha Renishaw Hills – the first development within Renishaw Coastal Precinct – out of an anticipated R1 billion, with a total anticipated spend of around …
Nominations or applications asked for appointment to evaluation panel to assess performance of Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) Council
The Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies invites nominations/applications of interested and suitably qualified persons to serve as members of the Evaluation Panel to monitor and evaluate the performance of the Chairperson, and other Councillors of the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA).
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) is a Constitutional Institution, established through section 192 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, Act No. 108 of 1996. Section 192 states that national legislation must establish an independent authority to regulate broadcasting in the public interest and ensure fairness and diversity of views broadly representing South African society.
To promote good governance and accountability by ensuring that Councillors' performance enables the achievement of organisational goals and targets, there is a need to obtain a mixed set of competencies, experiences, and skills to improve performance and ensure that the Authority achieves its objectives.
The nominated persons or applicants must be people with a high degree of integrity, honesty, transparency, ethical leadership, professional competence, and due care, confidentiality, accountability and must understand the public sector governance and legislative requirements. Candidate must have a proven/ successful track record of board/council pe of the following disciplines: -
- Accounting and Auditing;
- Corporate Governance, Legal, and Corporate Law; and
- Civil society or Academia
Nominated persons or applicants must have a minimum of 10 years of Board/Council performance evaluation and at least 10 years of experience in an Executive or Senior Management role in the private and public sector preferably a regulatory environment. Candidates must understand the mandate of ICASA.
Nominated persons or applicants must have a bachelor's degree; a post-graduate qualification will be an added advantage.
The nominated persons must provide the following:
A comprehensive curriculum vitae (CV) supported by a motivation why the candidate is suitable to serve on the Evaluation Panel; certified proof of academic qualifications and an identity document (ID). The CV must include the following information: physical and postal addresses; telephone and e-mail address, previous experience quoting dates, and institutions or organisations concerned and references to the successful board/council performance evaluation.
Preferred candidates will be subjected to security clearance and disclosure of business interests.
Correspondence will be limited to short-listed candidates only. Nominations/Applications must be addressed to:
The Director-General, Department of Communications and Digital Technologies
For attention: Thapelo Mokwana, Deputy Director: Ground Floor, Block B, iParioli Office Park, 1166 Park Street, Hatfield, Pretoria Or Private Bag X860, Pretoria, 0001
Email Address for nominations: nedappointmenticasa@dcdt.gov.za(link sends e-mail)
Enquiries: Ptsolo@dcdt.gov.za(link sends e-mail) or TMokwana@dcdt.gov.za(link sends e-mail)
The Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies reserves the right not to appoint applicants to the Evaluation Panel.
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 08 September 2023
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Department Of Communications and Digital Technologies, Republic of South Africa.
Philippi library closes after robbery and vandalism
“Why vandalise a library that your sister, brother and child needs?” asks ward councillor
We are woefully short of judges
The government needs to act quickly and provide more money to recruit more judges
Step Into The Chelsea Boots Trend That Exudes Contemporary Elegance
FitFlop has disrupted the norm by introducing us to stylish shoes that are also comfortable! As a brand renowned for pushing boundaries and achieving comfort, Fitflop continuously explores new technologies and materials to redefine footwear. The latest addition to their collection is the F-Mode Chelsea Flatform; a line of shoes that incorporates cutting-edge advancements in …
Stalled Limpopo bulk water project leaves 100 homes without tap water
Community leaders say some households in Tshikota near Louis Trichardt have been without water for four years
KZN legislature, six departments commended for receiving clean audits
KZN legislature, six departments commended for receiving clean audits
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube has commended the Provincial Legislature and six provincial departments for obtaining clean audits for the financial year 2022/23.
The Office of the Premier, Economic Development Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Provincial Treasury, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Community Safety and Liaison, Agriculture and Rural Development, have all received unqualified audits with no findings.
“This deepens our resolve and commitment to good, clean, ethical and transparent governance while accelerating service delivery, addressing poverty, unemployment and inequality. We will work hard to ensure that every department in the province achieves a clean audit and work together with those that may have some challenges,” Nomusa-Dube said.
Premier not investigated by SIU
Meanwhile, the Office of the Premier said the Premier is not the subject of an investigation by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), nor under investigation by any agency.
This follows the SIU announcement on Tuesday, that it would investigate allegations of maladministration in the affairs of the Office of the Premier in KwaZulu-Natal, after President Cyril Ramaphosa signed a Proclamation authorising the unit to investigate allegations dating back to 2007.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Office of the Premier noted that a false narrative has been peddled by some mischievous members of the media, analysts and politicians, that the Premier is being probed for wrong-doing.
The provincial government warned that such a narrative is a colossal misrepresentation of facts, which has also been dispelled by the SIU in its announcement of the probe and subsequent media engagements.
“While the Proclamation clearly states that it covers allegations of unlawful and improper conduct that took place between 1 April 2007 and 29 July 2023, the investigation is not targeted at the Premier or Executive Authority, personally.
“Probes of this nature are information seeking based on reports of previous investigations. The SIU is at the beginning of its probe into the office and is not investigating the incumbent during the period of interest. We reject insinuations by members of the opposition that this is about Premier Dube-Ncube or any of her predecessors," the Office of the Premier said.
It added that it views any narrative or reporting that suggests otherwise, when the facts are clear, to be "mischievous and out of order".
“Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube welcomes any probe into any activity covering any period relating to the KwaZulu-Natal Office of the Premier. We wish to assure the people of KwaZulu-Natal that the Office will cooperate fully with the SIU and make sure that all relevant matters are finalised as soon as possible.
“The Premier and her administration will not be distracted from a singular focus and commitment of leading a transparent, ethical and accountable provincial government while accelerating service delivery to our people. This is clearly reflected the Office of the Premier and five other provincial departments, including the Provincial Legislature attaining clean audits for the 2022/23 financial year,” the Office of the Premier said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 08/04/2023 - 13:49
SCTIE consults with national department to uncover potential in KZN South Coast’s fishing sector
The local fishing sector, from small-scale fishing to commercial ventures, is beginning to reap the rewards of a successful Sardine Run in 2023 with netting taking place since the start of June. This annual ocean spectacle, which is also an important element for the tourism economy, is just one of the aspects contributing towards the …