My three-month battle with the Unemployment Insurance Fund
Appeal to the new Minister of Labour to fix the problems with the fund
ONE
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Revolutionising Gastrointestinal Care: Austell Pharmaceuticals Launches Tasectan Duo, South Africa’s First Dual-Action Diarrhoea Treatment
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Anastasia Venter and Thomas Lindhorst Are The 2024 SA Surfing Champions.
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Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) Declares Mpox A Public Health Emergency of Continental Security, Mobilizing Resources Across the Continent
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has officially declared the ongoing Mpox outbreak a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS), marking the first such declaration by the agency since its inception in 2017.
This declaration, under Article 3, Paragraph F of the Africa CDC Statutes, empowers the organization to lead and coordinate responses to significant health emergencies. The statute mandates Africa CDC to “coordinate and support Member States in health emergency responses, particularly those declared PHECS or Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), as well as health promotion and disease prevention through health systems strengthening, addressing communicable and non-communicable diseases, environmental health, and Neglected Tropical Diseases.”
The declaration will enable the mobilization of resources across affected countries, unlocking essential funding, strengthening Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE), boosting surveillance and laboratory testing efforts, and enhancing human resource capacities to respond effectively to Mpox through a One Health approach.
Africa CDC Director General Dr. Jean Kaseya emphasized the urgency of swift and decisive action: “Today, we declare this PHECS to mobilize our institutions, our collective will, and our resources to act—swiftly and decisively. This empowers us to forge new partnerships, strengthen our health systems, educate our communities, and deliver life-saving interventions where they are needed most. There is no need for travel restrictions at this time.”
At least 13 African countries, including previously unaffected nations like Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, have reported Mpox outbreaks. So far in 2024, these countries have confirmed 2,863 cases and 517 deaths, primarily in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Suspected cases across the continent have surged past 17,000, a significant increase from 7,146 cases in 2022 and 14,957 cases in 2023. This is just the tip of the iceberg when we consider the many weaknesses in surveillance, laboratory testing and contact tracing.
Dr. Kaseya underscored the gravity of the situation stating “This is not just another challenge; it's a crisis that demands our collective action. Article 3, Paragraph F of the Africa CDC Statutes mandates us to lead and coordinate the response when there is a declaration of a public health emergency of international concern.”
From May 2022 to July 2023, Mpox was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the WHO. However, Africa did not receive the support it urgently needed during this period. As global cases began to decline, the escalating numbers in Africa were largely ignored. Dr. Kaseya emphasized the need for a change in approach: “We urge our international partners to seize this moment to act differently and collaborate closely with Africa CDC to provide the necessary support to our Member States.”
He continued, appealing to global partners: “We call on you to stand with us in this critical hour. Africa has long been on the frontlines in the fight against infectious diseases, often with limited resources. The battle against Mpox demands a global response. We need your support, expertise, and solidarity. The world cannot afford to turn a blind eye to this crisis.”
He explained that the emergency declaration follows wide consultations, including a unanimous decision by the Africa CDC Emergency Consultative Group (ECG), chaired by Professor Salim Abdool Karim, head of CAPRISA, an AIDS research program based in Durban, South Africa.
Prof. Karim highlighted that limited surveillance and evidence suggest the situation could be more severe than currently understood. “The number of cases has significantly increased compared to 2022 when WHO declared Mpox a public health emergency. It's clear that we're facing a different scenario with far more cases, resulting in a higher burden of illness,” he said. He also raised concerns about the rising fatalities, particularly the potential link between HIV and Mpox. “Our concern is that we may be seeing more fatalities in Africa due to the association with HIV,” he noted.
Cross-border transmission to previously unaffected countries was also a concern, prompting the ECG to urge the strategic distribution of the limited vaccines available. The lack of diagnostic capabilities was identified as a critical issue requiring urgent attention, and the ECG encouraged the development of response plans, promising to provide input and support.
To address the Mpox outbreak in Africa, Africa CDC has set up a 25-member Incident Management Team based at the epicenter of the Mpox epidemic with mandate to support affected and at-risk countries. Africa CDC has also signed a partnership agreement with the European Commission's Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA) and Bavarian Nordic to provide over 215,000 doses of the MVA-BN® vaccine—the only FDA and EMA-approved Mpox vaccine. Africa CDC will oversee the equitable distribution of these vaccines, prioritizing local needs across the affected Member States.
MPOX SYMPTOMS, PREVENTION, AND TREATMENT
Mpox is a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus, with two distinct clades: Clade I and Clade II. Common symptoms include a skin rash or mucosal lesions lasting 2–4 weeks, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes. The virus can be transmitted to humans through physical contact with an infectious person, contaminated materials, or infected animals.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
Mpox is still being transmitted across the world, says UN health agency
In an update, the WHO said that an outbreak of mpox was declared in Burundi on 25 July, at around the same time that Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda also confirmed their own cases.
The UN health agency noted that all of these infections – where patients' symptoms included fever, joint pain and a widespread rash - were linked to the “expanding outbreak” in East and Central Africa.
Later in the day, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) officially declared the situation a public health emergency voicing concern over the speed of its spread in the past few weeks.
Every infection was identified after genetic sequencing as clade Ib – one of three recognized variants of the virus, explained WHO, which added that 934 new laboratory-confirmed cases of mpox and four deaths had been reported to the UN health agency from 26 countries in June.
This indicated “continuing transmission of mpox across the world”, it noted.
Endemic problem
Mpox been circulating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) for years, according to the UN health agency, which said that there has been an “unprecedented increase” in the number of countries in Africa reporting mpox, which is mainly spread through sexual contact.
Within the African Region, the WHO said that the DRC reported 96 per cent of the confirmed mpox cases in June. But with limited access to testing in rural areas, less than one quarter of suspected cases there have been tested, so it is very likely that the disease burden is higher than initial estimates.
Data indicates that the DRC has been experiencing “a severe outbreak” of mpox since the beginning of the year, with more than 14,000 cases and 511 deaths reported, the UN health agency said.
Transmission focus
In a related development, WHO said that Côte d'Ivoire is also experiencing an outbreak of mpox, clade II; this was the variant that was responsible for the global mpox outbreak in 2022, the UN health agency said, adding that South Africa has reported two more confirmed cases.
Mpox – formerly monkeypox - is endemic in Central and West Africa. It can be transmitted through physical contact with an infected person, animal or contaminated materials. Symptoms include skin rash or lesions, accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy and swollen lymph nodes.
World trends
Globally, the most affected region in June was Africa with 567 cases of infection, followed by the Americas (175 cases), Europe – excluding the Eastern Mediterranean region - (100 cases), Western Pacific (81 cases) and South-East Asia (11 cases).
From 1 January 2022 to 30 June 2024, a total of 99,176 laboratory-confirmed cases of mpox - including 208 deaths – have been reported to the UN health agency from 116 countries in all WHO regions. Apart from Africa, “the outbreak continues at a low level of transmission” globally, WHO said.
Data for June showed that 16 out of 26 reporting countries showed an increase in cases compared to May. DR Congo reported the highest increase in Africa – with 543 cases in June compared to 459 a month earlier (up 62 per cent) while Spain saw the highest increase in Europe (54 cases, up from 38 in May), Colombia reported the highest increase in the Americas with 11 cases in June and none in May, Australia had the highest increase in the Western Pacific (from 33 cases in May to 64 in June). No country reported an increase in South-East Asia.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.
Litheko And Senokwane Guide SA Emerging To 1-0 Lead
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Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule a beacon of hope: KZN Premier
Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule a beacon of hope: KZN Premier
KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Thamsanqa Ntuli, has extended his heartfelt condolences to the family and colleagues of seasoned radio personality and businesswoman, Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule.
She passed away on Monday after a battle with lung cancer.
Ntuli described Mbokazi-Nkambule as a pioneer of the arts and a respected radio journalist who used her platform to inspire hope.
“Zanele Mbokazi was a pioneer and touched the lives of many. She was a media personality, but many will recall that she was the founder of the Crown Gospel Awards, which are often referred to as the ‘Grammys of gospel music in South Africa’ since their inception in 2007,” Ntuli said.
“Through her show ‘Eshilo’ which was broadcast every Sunday morning from 9am to 12pm, she connected with people on a personal level, making each one feel seen and heard. Her passion for radio and commitment to providing quality content made her an irreplaceable part of our community, and her absence will be deeply felt.”
READ | Government pays tribute to Zanele Mbokazi-Nkambule
For dedicating her life to uplift others by spreading messages of hope, faith, and resilience, Ntuli said Mbokazi-Nkambule deserves to be applauded.
“Her contribution, by promoting gospel music talent from KZN and beyond, through the Crown Gospel Awards certainly changed many people’s lives and fortunes. Her legacy continues to be celebrated in KZN and across South Africa,” Ntuli said.
The Premier added that they had every hope that Mbokazi-Nkambule was going to recover from her illness because she was not “merely a presenter, she was a beacon of hope and inspiration in the broadcasting industry.”
EThekwini Municipality Mayor, Cyril Xaba, has also expressed his heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and relatives of Mbokazi-Nkambule.
“Amongst her many great accomplishments, we will remember her mostly through her contribution to uplifting the creative industry,” Xaba said.
Born and raised in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, the 52-year-old Mbokazi-Nkambule spent most of her life in the province, where she grew in prominence in radio and in the South African gospel music industry.
She was the founder of the Crown Gospel Music Awards, which honoured excelling talent in the gospel music genre. SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 08/13/2024 - 10:54
335 views
Türkiye Preserves Its Historical and Cultural Heritage in South Africa
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) has completed and inaugurated the Hamidiye Mosque Ornamentation Project in Johannesburg, South Africa. The project aims to strengthen the historical and cultural ties between Türkiye and the South African Muslim community.
The Hamidiye Mosque, built in the mid-19th century, holds historical significance as the site where Mahatma Gandhi launched the civil disobedience movement with the pass burning in 1908. In 1980, the mosque was designated as a cultural heritage site and was renovated by TİKA at the request of Jamiatul Ulama. As part of the project, the mosque's main ceiling was adorned with the Surahs of Al-Fath and Al-Fatiha, while the women's prayer space was decorated with traditional Turkish motifs. Sultan Abdulhamid II's tughra was placed at the entrance of the mosque.
Deputy Minister of Social Development, Ganief Hendricks; Turkish Ambassador to South Africa, Ayşegül Kandaş; TİKA's Coordinator in Pretoria, Abdulkadir Abukan; Jamiatul Ulama Secretary General and Hamidiye Mosque Imam, Ebrahim Bham; Muslim MPs, diplomats and representatives from NGOs attended the opening ceremony.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Kandaş highlighted the significance of collaborating with the South African Muslim community and underscored the value of TİKA's projects in South Africa.
Hendricks expressed his gratitude to TİKA for the mosque's ornamentation project and shared his family's historical connection to the mosque. He noted that his great-grandfather was one of the founding members and had organized a fundraising meeting in front of the mosque during the Tripoli War to support the Ottoman Empire.
TİKA's Coordinator in Pretoria Abukan stated that TİKA will continue its efforts to preserve shared heritage in South Africa and strengthen existing connections.
Mr. Bham, Secretary General of Jamiatul Ulama and Imam of Hamidiye Mosque, referred to the congratulatory and welcome letter presented by the mosque community to Ottoman Consul General Mehmet Remzi Bey. He emphasized that the mosque has been a symbol of shared heritage for Turkish and South African Muslims since its establishment.
During the opening ceremony, Islamic calligraphy artist Refik Çarıkçı introduced the project to the guests and demonstrated calligraphy techniques.
This project is viewed as a significant step in strengthening the ties between Türkiye and the South African Muslim community, preserving shared cultural heritage and advancing diplomatic relations.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA).
Government commits to supporting athletes for 2028 Olympics
Government commits to supporting athletes for 2028 Olympics
With South Africa having doubled its tally of medals at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has set his sights on providing financial support to athletes who aspire to participate in the 2028 Olympics.
Addressing a media briefing welcoming the return of team South Africa at the OR Tambo International Airport, the Minister committed to taking 300 athletes to the 2028 Olympic Games taking place in Los Angeles, United States.
“I can promise the nation that come 2028, the athletes will get [financial] assistance. This is a massive opportunity for our country to showcase the best of our athletes. The road to Los Angeles starts now at school sports and community sports,” McKenzie said on Tuesday.
He said he was ecstatic about the performance of team South Africa at the Olympics.
“They have doubled their tally. They got three medals in Toyko, in Paris we [were] standing on six medals. They have done very well under trying circumstances.
“We must invest money in our athletes. We are going to make sure that money goes to the right people. As the sports Minister, I am very proud of what our athletes have achieved in Paris,” McKenzie said.
Swimmer Tatjana Smith, who the Minister described as “our most decorated Olympian” and members of the athletics relay team, returned home to a hero's welcome this morning, after winning medals at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
With her recent achievements, Smith has become the greatest Olympian produced by the country, with two gold medals and two silver medals in breaststroke swimming.
South Africa also secured a historic silver medal in the 4×100 meters relay, with the team comprising Bayanda Walaza, Bradley Nkoana, Shaun Maswanganyi, and Akani Simbine.
“Smith is the most decorated athlete that we have ever produced as a country. You have not only achieved on the field, but you have also achieved off the field. We as a country are proud of you. You have shown us what is possible. We are a sporting nation. You have brought this country together. You are one of the greatest heroes that this country has ever had,” the Minister said.
Sharing experiences
Smith announced her retirement at the Paris Olympics. However, she has offered to share her experience with other swimmers.
“I am happy to engage with athletes and give my perspective on the sport. We can learn from each other. I am happy to inspire. I am available if you want to bounce [off] some ideas. I am willing to help and be there,” she said.
Smith said knowing that this was the last time she gets to wear the country’s colours was a bitter pill to swallow.
“It’s been 22 years since I have been swimming. It’s going to be a whole lifestyle change. I am also giving myself space to figure out what I can do. It was a bitter sweet moment when I made the decision to retire. Going into Paris, I wasn’t planning on retiring. It happened during the competition. I felt a lot of peace knowing that it’s okay.
“Sometimes we don’t want to let go because we are unsure of what the future looks like. I just had peace that I need to trust God in this and the He will provide. It is a bitter pill to swallow that I am finished. This is the last time I will be wearing the green and gold colours,” she said.
The swimmer said while competing in sports comes with a lot of challenges, she managed to overcome them.
“Sport is expensive, and the cost of living is expensive. You need financial backing to compete at international levels. Representing my country has had its challenges but we still rise above them. We need to get more people and more representation into sports. It’s important,” she said. -SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Tue, 08/13/2024 - 13:35
393 views
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University of Cape Town and the Metropolitan University of Hong Kong to sign Memorandum of Understanding
On 16 August 2024, the University of Cape Town and the Metropolitan University of Hong Kong will sign a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which is the first of its kind to establish official working relations between the two universities.
This is one of the projects that the South African Consulate coordinated to promote people-to-people relations as well as relations between institutions of higher learning of South Africa and Hong Kong.
The Consulate has established good working relations with various universities in Hong Kong, including the Metropolitan University of Hong Kong. Recently, the Consulate and the Metropolitan University of Hong Kong collaborated in partnership with Freedom Park to host the 30 Years of Democracy activities that took place in June as well as a month-long 30 Years of Democracy and Mandela legacy exhibition courtesy of Freedom Park, which ended on 31 July 2024 at the University.
The MoU is based on the principle of mutual benefit to promote and enable collaboration for joint educational, cultural interactions, training and research purposes.
The areas proposed for collaboration include:
- Joint activities such as lectures on general topics and topics related to South Africa and the African continent for audiences in Hong Kong
- Introducing study tours and online courses of the Centre for Extra-Mural Studies to learners in Hong Kong
- Exploring possibilities of establishing joint award programmes
- Professional exchanges on university continuing education and lifelong learning for staff of both Parties
- Any other academic activities deemed to be of mutual benefit in promoting lifelong learning exchanges between Hong Kong and South Africa.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
MultiChoice Talent Factory 2025 Calls for Entries
MultiChoice Talent Factory (www.MultiChoice.com) is thrilled to announce that it's once again calling upon all aspiring filmmakers, scriptwriters, producers, and storytellers to apply for entry into the 2025 fully funded academic year.
Whether you're a young professional looking to change careers and expand your horizons or a newcomer eager to make your mark in the TV & Film industry, MTF welcomes applicants from all backgrounds across the 13 countries in Africa: Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, Angola, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi.
Since its inception in 2018, MTF has welcomed 60 students each year giving them an opportunity to reach their dreams and to unleash their potential by providing a platform that nurtures and develops talent across the continent, providing opportunities for growth, networking and success in the entertainment industry.
Through a series of rigorous training programs, MTF believes in using hands-on approach and mentorship from industry experts. Participants not only get a chance to sharpen their craft but also gain invaluable insights into the business of filmmaking. Imagine being chosen as one of the participants to learn from some of the industry's best minds and gaining practical experience in areas such as cinematography, sound design, editing, and more. MTF gives you all these opportunities and does not stop there.
At the end of the programme, top performing students from each academy will get further training, mentorship and internship opportunities with MTF global partners, such as the New York Film Academy (NYFA), Indian-based platform Zee World and will get an opportunity to work on productions in South Africa. Upon completion students receive accredited and recognised qualification and get a chance to produce and direct short films showcased on MultiChoice platforms.
All these initiatives are indicative of MTFs commitment to supporting MultiChoice's content selection of delivering exciting local content, which is rich in culture. Africa has many untold stories and by investing in African talent, MultiChoice gets to uncover and showcase these stories by supporting MTFs students, giving them necessary skills and the platform to produce content that resonates with Africans and the global market. Through this support, MTF alumni's have achieved phenomenal success in their productions.
Just last year, five alumni secured nominations across three categories at the 2023 Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards (AMVCA). In addition to this, Many MTF alumni occupy significant industry roles across the continent, working as directors, producers, sound designers, camera operators, art directors, scriptwriters and editors on major African productions which include Salem, Tempted, Engaito, Mvamizi, Mum vs Wife, Makofi, County 49 and many others. Habtamu S. Mekonen, MTF student from the East Africa Academy in Nairobi, Kenya, recently won an International Emmy Award for a short film that he produced and directed. The success of MTF is best illustrated by the feature films produced by its students. The films highlight the talents and creativity of participants and demonstrate the programme's profound impact.
MTF also fosters entrepreneurial spirit, giving young people the confidence to start their own projects and businesses. To date, thirty of its alumni have registered production houses, creating employment opportunities and contributing to the economy. The knowledge and skills imparted by MTF empowers graduates to be catalysts for economic growth and cultural enrichment in their communities.
Applications are now open and will close on 15 September 2024. Interested candidates can visit https://apo-opa.co/4cjKojb to submit their entries and learn more about the program's requirements.
Are you ready to unleash your talent and step into the spotlight as one of the next generation of filmmakers? Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to ignite your career in film and television with MultiChoice Talent Factory.
Take the first step towards realising your dreams and apply now.
Your journey to success starts here!
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of MultiChoice Group.
African Energy Chamber (AEC) Condemns Dialogue Earth’s Brash Attempt to Use an African Voice to Demonize African Oil and Gas
Independent non-profit organization Dialogue Earth has been accused of attempting to mobilize a smear campaign against Africa's largest refinery - the 650,000 barrels per day Dangote Refinery. The NGO allegedly contacted Nigerian journalist David Hundeyin to produce an article stating that the refinery raises questions about the country's climate ambitions while assessing the implications of increased fossil fuel utilization in Nigeria. In a statement released on X, Hundeyin highlights the article for what it is: an attempt by a western NGO to use an African voice to endorse energy poverty in Africa.
Representing the voice of the African energy sector and a strong advocate for African voices, the African Energy Chamber (AEC) strongly condemns the dirty tactics employed by Dialogue Earth to hire Africans and use them to destroy their own oil and gas industry. The AEC has long-promoted the critical role oil and gas plays in driving economic development and advancing clean-fuel utilization in Africa. Projects such as Dangote – Nigeria's first large-scale refinery – stand to transform West Africa by reducing the reliance on imported fuel, increasing the availability of clean and locally-sourced petroleum while creating jobs and business opportunities. The Dialogue Earth campaign is a clear demonstration of how the west is demonizing the industry and preventing any meaningful progress to alleviate energy poverty in Africa.
Dialogue Earth allegedly offered Hundeyin USD $500 to write the article, with the brief highlighting several contradictions and areas of concern. Firstly, Dialogue Earth allegedly shared that the purpose of the article was to identify the environmental implications of the Dangote Refinery on Nigeria, particularly within the context of the country's energy transition. However, Nigeria has strongly advocated for the role oil and gas plays in its transition, advocating for a just transition whereby the country can reduce emissions in a way that protects the economy and reduces energy poverty. As one of the biggest oil producers in Africa, Nigeria considers oil and gas to be central to creating the conditions by which the country can transition. As the industry grows, it will generate revenue, strengthen economic activities while promoting low-carbon fuel production. As such, the refinery plays an intrinsic part in the Nigerian energy transition, despite what Dialogue Earth is attempting to state.
Secondly, the brief allegedly includes objectives such as investigating the environmental consequences of the refinery within the context of its adherence to emission standards. As Hundeyin so aptly writes in his statement, Nigeria has long-faced that challenge of relying on imported petroleum, owing largely to the lack of facilities such as Dangote. This has led to West African fuel cargoes – refined internationally – featuring toxic waste and sulfur content that is 200 times the European legal limit. Through the Dangote Refinery, Nigeria will not only be able to reduce its reliance on imported petroleum but put in place clear restrictions regarding sulfur content, thereby promoting environmental protection. Yet Dialogue Earth doesn't seem to care about toxic fuel, only that a refinery that will transform West Africa is put to rest.
The story also aims to explore the geopolitical implications of Nigeria's growing oil industry and the motivations of the refinery. This is ironic given the lack of recognition by Dialogue Earth to the critical role the refinery plays in developing the economy, contributing to global fuel stability while strengthening the energy industry in Nigeria. This attempted smear campaign shows that NGOs such as Dialogue Earth are only advocating for climate change when it suites them and that they have no problem keeping Africa in the dark, using African voices to do so.
“The AEC fully supports Hundeyin and commends him for standing up against Dialogue Earth. We are wholly against a western NGO trying to use African voices to advance their own biased agenda. The attempt to get a well-known Nigerian journalist to effectively endorse such a smear campaign shows a cowardly approach by the western NGO to try and destroy the African oil and gas industry, all because they can't do it with their own names or organizations,” stated NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC.
The recent attempt by Dialogue Earth is just one of the many attempts by western-based and funded NGOs to stop oil and gas projects in Africa. From the East African Crude Oil Pipeline in Uganda to offshore exploration in South Africa to LNG projects in Mozambique, such organizations appear committed to restricting access to energy in Africa.
“We have seen how African crude oil has been treated, how funding for Mozambique LNG has been treated, how the west has constantly attacked South Africa as it tries to develop it its natural gas and how they have constantly attacked other gas projects and cut off financing. These tactics are hurtful to African development, our fight against energy poverty and to young people that want to build strong democracies,” added Ayuk.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
Managed Israeli Real Estate: Securing Your Future in Israel
At Hold Real Estate, we understand the significance of a secure investment, especially when it comes to one of the most substantial financial decisions in life—purchasing property. Established in 1975, Hold Real Estate has grown into a prominent boutique Israeli real estate firm renowned for assisting international buyers in securing their ideal homes in Israel. …
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Western Cape Government urges motorists to exercise caution
Western Cape Government urges motorists to exercise caution
The Western Cape Government (WCG) is urging motorists to reduce their speed on the roads after recording a concerning 201 speeding offences on provincial roads.
“This statistic highlights the ongoing challenge of curbing speeding and ensuring road safety across the province,” said the provincial government in a statement.
The speeding offences were recorded between 5 and 11 August.
According to the WCG, speeding remains one of the leading causes of traffic crashes, resulting in preventable injuries and fatalities.
The Mobility Department said it was committed to promoting safer driving habits and urged all road users to adhere to speed limits to protect themselves and others.
In addition to one arrest for speeding, six drivers were also arrested for reckless and negligent driving in the past week.
The provincial department said the highest speed violations recorded between 5 and 11 August include 161km/h in a 120km/h, 144km/h in a 100km/h and 89km/h in a 60km/h zone.
Speeding is not just a violation of traffic laws but a significant threat to public safety.
The department said driving at excessive speeds significantly reduces a driver’s reaction time, increases the severity of collisions, and diminishes the effectiveness of safety features in vehicles.
“In the unfortunate event of an accident, the chances of severe injuries or fatalities rise dramatically with speed. Pedestrians, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users are especially at risk when drivers exceed speed limits.”
To address this issue, the department has intensified its traffic law enforcement efforts, including increased patrols on high-risk routes.
Western Cape MEC of Mobility, Isaac Sileku, commented that enforcement alone is not enough.
“We need a collective effort from all road users to change their mindset and driving behaviour. Road safety is everyone’s responsibility, and adhering to speed limits is a crucial aspect of this responsibility,” said Sileku.
He said his department remains committed to creating safer roads for all residents.
“We urge drivers to take the dangers of speeding seriously and to contribute to the safety of our communities by driving within the prescribed speed limits. Together, we can prevent unnecessary tragedies and make our roads safer for all Western Cape residents,” Sileku added.
Tips for drivers to help avoid speeding:
• Plan ahead: Ensure you leave with enough time to reach your destination without feeling rushed.
• Stay alert: Regularly check your speedometer and adjust your speed according to road conditions and speed limits.
• If available, use cruise control: On freeways, cruise control can help maintain a steady and legal speed.
• Be mindful of speed zones: Pay attention to road signs indicating speed limits and adjust your speed accordingly, especially in areas with high pedestrian activity.
• Avoid aggressive driving: Keep calm and patient, even in traffic or when running late.
-SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 08/13/2024 - 11:13
46 views
“Our constitutional rights have been violated” – Eastern Cape community fed up with poor water delivery
Municipality blames water delivery issues on illegal water connections
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Why a Tax Dispute is Good News for African Penguins
Numbers of breeding pairs in Algoa Bay have bounced back since bunkering stopped