Money starts flowing at last to Gauteng care organisations
The Department of Social Development has been scrambling to comply with a court order
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Treverton kayak cross event
Recently Treverton pupils went to the Cooper’s gorge section of the Umzimkhulu River near Creighton in southern KZN to participate in an informal kayak cross event. This discipline involves running a section of river of about 200m where certain obstacles in the form of pipes suspended above specific points on the river need to be …
“Each time we try to get comfortable, the police come to demolish our home”
Families living in Lindokuhle Mnguni informal settlement in Johannesburg say they’re being harassed by police and AmaPanyaza
Health Minister to brief media on Mpox outbreak
Health Minister to brief media on Mpox outbreak
Health Minister, Dr Joe Phaahla, will hold a media briefing on Wednesday to provide an update on the outbreak of Monkeypox disease, also known as Mpox.
According to the statement, the Minister will outline plans by the department in collaboration with various stakeholders in the sector to curb further spread and prevent mortality.
Last week, the department reported that two more cases of Mpox had been detected at Addington and St Augustine Hospitals in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
Additionally, the country recorded two infections last month, one in Durban and the other in Gauteng.
The briefing will be joined by experts from the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD), the World Health Organisation (WHO), and senior managers from the department.
Some common symptoms of Mpox include a rash lasting for two to four weeks, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen glands.
The department explained that the painful rash looks like blisters or sores and can affect the face, palms of the hands, soles of the feet, groin, genital, and/or anal regions.
The briefing is scheduled to take place on 12 June 2024 at Tshedimosetso House, 1035 Francis Baard Street, Hatfield, Pretoria, starting at 10am. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 06/11/2024 - 14:59
134 views
Arrival of the famous Sardine Run concludes Scottburgh’s Ocean Festival programme
For the second year running, the globally renowned Sardine Run arrived on the final day of the Ocean Festival on the KZN South Coast’s Scottburgh. This is a fitting gesture for the festival, which commemorates World Oceans Day (8 June) while encouraging ocean conservation through its themes ‘Engagement, Education, and Economics’. The dynamic event programme, …
Johannesburg Water to be impacted by Rand Water maintenance
Johannesburg Water to be impacted by Rand Water maintenance
Johannesburg Water has reminded customers to store enough water in preparation for the upcoming one-month planned maintenance to be undertaken by Rand Water.
This as Rand Water will be conducting extensive maintenance on its infrastructure from 22 June to 29 July 2024 to improve reliability and efficiency of water infrastructure.
The maintenance work will affect Johannesburg Water’s systems that are supplied by the Palmiet and Eikenhof pump stations, and the Daleside Booster Station.
The work will impact some of its customer’s systems, including Johannesburg Water and other municipalities and industries.
The systems to be impacted during the maintenance period include all Sandton and Midrand systems, the South Hills Tower, as well as the Alexandra Park, Randjieslaagte, and Linksfield reservoirs.
“This kind of preventative maintenance is imperative to make Rand Water’s systems more efficient and reliable for their customers, such as Johannesburg Water. During this time, Johannesburg Water customers will be impacted by low pressure to no water supply.
“Johannesburg Water will make arrangements for alternative water supply at strategic areas like hospitals, clinics, schools, municipal offices, police stations and shopping centres. However, residents are encouraged to store water in preparation for the maintenance,” said Johannesburg Water.
During the maintenance period, pumping at Rand Water’s Palmiet Pumpstation – which feeds several of Johannesburg Water’s systems – will be reduced as follows:
- 1 July 2024, Palmiet System - Palmiet will be pumping at 60% for eight hours.
- 15 July 2024, Palmiet System - Palmiet pumping will be reduced to 68% for 50 hours.
- 29 July 2024, Palmiet System - Palmiet pumping will be reduced to 76% for 40 hours.
– SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 06/11/2024 - 12:06
25 views
Mining is destroying crucial Eswatini nature reserve
The mine has the king’s blessing but no environmental authorisation
Mop up operations continue across KZN
Mop up operations continue across KZN
Mop up operations continue across KwaZulu-Natal following heavy rains, which wreaked havoc in various parts of the province.
Last Monday’s heavy rains, accompanied by strong winds, wreaked havoc in various parts of the province, affecting the districts of eThekwini Metro, Ilembe, King Cetshwayo, Umzinyathi, Amajuba and Umkhanyakude District Municipalities.
At least 11 people lost their lives, including seven people from uThongathi in the north of Durban, and four in Nquthu, Eshowe and KwaHlabisa, respectively.
Over 55 people were also reported to have suffered minor to moderate injuries and are receiving medical treatment in hospital.
The storm also left extensive damage to schools and power lines, leaving many parts of eThekwini without electricity.
The eThekwini Metro was hardest hit, with dozens of people treated for injuries in health care facilities.
The eThekwini Municipality said relief intervention in the form of food, blankets, mattresses and building material is underway to assist displaced residents in eMagwaveni, uThongathi.
“eThekwini teams and volunteers are working together to clear debris in preparation for rebuilding. Water standpipes and water tankers have been provided to ensure an interim water supply. The restoration of electricity is also in progress,” the municipality said.
The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) has also deployed community works participants playing a crucial role in helping affected families.
KwaZulu-Natal Social Development MEC, Nonhlanhla Khoza and eThekwini Municipality Mayor, Mxolisi Kaunda, has also conducted an assessment on the restoration of basic services in eMagwaveni, uThongathi.
Khoza said social workers have been deployed to provide relief and support, including assistance with important documents and school uniforms for affected learners.
“Partnerships with organisations like the Hollywood Foundation and South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) ensured immediate aid, including meals and shelter in community halls.
“The government pledged to construct proper homes for victims and increase disaster relief coordination efforts. Despite ongoing relief efforts, more aid is needed for affected areas like uThongathi, Osizweni, and Eshowe,” Khoza said.
Other interventions include assessment of the families who have lost loved ones and construction of temporary residential units (TRUs) for displaced families. Debris and fallen trees on the roads has been cleared; and electricity supply has been restored to certain areas.
A command centre has also been established on site to assist community members, and Social Relief of Distress grants are being disbursed by SASSA and the Department of Social Development.
Relief, in the form of building material, food, blankets and mattresses is being provided to residents of uMgababa, Ward 98, who were also affected by the heavy rains and strong winds.
eThekwini Deputy Mayor, Zandile Myeni, and Chairperson of the Governance and Human Capital Committee, Nkosenhle Madlala, recently visited the area to assess the extent of the damage.
About 30 families from the area lost their homes to the storm. While injuries were reported, no deaths have been recorded in the area.
Myeni said eThekwini Municipality, including provincial government, non-profit and non-governmental organisations are working together to provide relief to the affected families, and work to restore services is also underway.
Jozini Municipality responds to tornado disaster
Meanwhile, Jozini Local Municipality Mayor, Mfananaye Mathe, visited the KwaJobe area in northern KwaZulu-Natal to address the aftermath of a devastating tornado that struck the area leaving more than 59 families displaced.
The Gumede family, where nine children aged between four and 10, along with their grandmother, saw their RDP house collapse while they were inside.
Two of the children are hospitalised, with one admitted at Obonjeni Hospital and the other at Ngwelezane Hospital in Mpangeni.
Mathe has provided essential supplies, including groceries, blankets, and sleeping sponges to support the affected families.
The Jozini Local Municipality Disaster Management Team has also supplied temporary tents to all those impacted by the tornado.
While acknowledging the challenges in providing immediate assistance to everyone, Mathe emphasised the municipality's commitment to swiftly intervening where possible.
The mayor also expressed his gratitude to the Department of Community Services for its ongoing support during this crisis. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 06/11/2024 - 10:26
109 views
Two for Joy Triumphs in 2024 Khabba Cup
Two for Joy have emerged as the champions of the 2024 Khabba Cup, defeating Star Pirates on 4-2 penalties after a 1-1 draw in a thrilling final and thus concluding an exciting weekend of top-tier youth football sponsored by South Africa’s premier sports betting operator, Hollywoodbets. They walk away with R 120 000 while the …
These Inanda families have to walk to a primary school to use the toilet
Victims of 2022 floods are still living in a “transit camp”
Paddlers race for the KZN Champs title with Nisbet and Chiazzari taking line honours
Top paddlers came out in force on Sunday, 9 June 2024 to compete in the 2024 Leatherback Rum Surfski Challenge at Scottburgh on the KZN South Coast. This doubles race saw Luke Nisbet (Durban) and Brent Chiazzari (Salt Rock) in first place with the ladies’ race won by Saskia Hockly (uMdloti) and Christie Mackenzie (uMdloti). …
Progress in payment of private student accommodation
Progress in payment of private student accommodation
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) Administrator, Freeman Nomvalo, says a bulk payment of accommodation allowances was processed by the end of May 2024 and beginning of June 2024, with the next scheduled payment expected by mid-June 2024.
Nomvalo said NSFAS has been consulting with various stakeholders since his appointment as the Administrator, and one of the critical stakeholders consulted are the landlords for private student accommodation who raised concerns regarding the outstanding payment of student accommodation allowances.
Nomvalo has assured the stakeholders that a bulk payment of accommodation allowances has been processed by the end of May 2024.
“The next scheduled payment will be not later than 18 June 2024 to clear all legitimate claims. These interventions are intended to provide the much-needed relief to private student accommodation landlords,” Nomvalo said.
The Administrator has urged the landlords, who still have outstanding payments, not to evict students, as NSFAS is committed to ensuring that all legitimate claims are resolved not later than 18 June 2024.
He encouraged landlords who did not submit their claims for outstanding payments to refer their queries to NSFASAccomProv@nsfas.org.za.
Nomvalo reiterated his call to all Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college students, who still do not have bank accounts, to open them with banks of their own choice and submit their bank accounts on the NSFAS established portal in order to avoid delays in their payment allowances.
“The banking details provided must belong to the student to enable NSFAS to verify these against the student's details on our record and minimise potential risks,” Nomvalo said.
The Administrator also encouraged members of the public to only rely on official communication from NSFAS, as opposed to deliberate misinformation about the work of the scheme, which often appears in various social media platforms.
The Administrator further reiterated his commitment to constructively engage with all stakeholders to find workable solutions for the stability of the Post-School Education and Training in South Africa system and success of the students. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 06/10/2024 - 10:19
568 views
Hank and Pippa McGregor take on KZN doubles title at the Leatherback Rum Surfski Challenge
World-class surfski paddlers are heading to Scottburgh on the KZN South Coast this Sunday (9 June 2024) to compete in the Leatherback Rum Surfski Challenge doubles race – paddling power couple Hank and Pippa McGregor among them. This epic contest forms part of the second annual Ocean Festival, running from 6 to 9 June 2024, …
Backyarders vs City of Cape Town in court
Judgment reserved in Belhar occupation case
Congratulations to Comrades Marathon runners
Congratulations to Comrades Marathon runners
Acting Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Maropene Ramokgopa has congratulated all participants and organisers of the 2024 Comrades Marathon on a successful event.
Popularly known as the “ultimate human race”, the 103rd edition of this epic endurance race took place in KwaZulu-Natal on Sunday, 9 June 2024.
South Africa’s Gerda Steyn made history when she won her third Comrades Marathon in a row and broke her record to win the women’s race, while Pete Wiersma from the Netherlands won the men’s race.
“The Comrades Marathon represents the best of South Africa, and the power of sport to foster national unity and social cohesion. A signature event in South African sport, the Comrades Marathon brings together people from all walks of life, and from all parts of the world to tackle one of the world’s most famous running routes.
“I am pleased to see the Comrades Marathon continuing to draw runners and visitors into the country from all over the world. This is why this marathon is important in boosting sports tourism in the country,” Ramokgopa said on Monday.
As South Africa celebrates 30 years of freedom and democracy, the country’s cultural, creative, and sports sectors continue to raise the country’s flag sky high.
“Amapiano artist Kabza de Small and orchestral conductor Ofentse Pitse have collaborated for a spectacular show at the Red Bull Symphonic South Africa. DJ Black Coffee showcases the best of South African music in Ibiza, while many of the country’s creatives continue to make their mark locally and abroad.
“In the sports sector, South African tennis ace Kgothatso Montjane recently competed in the French Open final in the women’s wheelchair doubles draw. The Proteas Men, the national men’s cricket team, is competing in the World T20 World Cup in the United States and West Indies, while Bafana Bafana continues to fight for a place in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers when they face Zimbabwe in Bloemfontein on Tuesday, 11 June 2024,” the Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Mon, 06/10/2024 - 11:27
541 views
Daybreak Foods Announces Partnership With Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme To Address Critical Issue Of Youth Unemployment
Johannesburg, 10 June 2024: Daybreak Foods, a prominent player in the agribusiness sector, has taken a commendable step towards addressing the critical issue of youth unemployment in South Africa. The company is launching a partnership with the Youth Employment Service (YES) Programme, an initiative that is a beacon of hope for many young individuals who …
Parenting Unplugged: How ‘Life with Lebang’ Connects and Heals New Parents
Navigating the modern suburban life, Lebang Kgosana, a dynamic hip-hop mum of six, has seamlessly blended her personal and professional passions. At just 33, Lebang has carved out a unique niche in the podcasting world with her show, “Life with Lebang,” focusing on providing support and insights to new parents. We met her at Smile …
Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series heads to the City of Gold on National Heritage Day!
The iconic Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series heads to the City of Gold to celebrate the 2024 season finale, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K on National Heritage Day, Tuesday 24 September. Taking place on National Heritage Day, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K celebrates Johannesburg’s vibrant culture and history. The race offers …
BRICS gathered in Geneva to discuss a new digital order
The UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Webinar on Competition law and policy approaches towards digital platforms and ecosystems in cooperation with the BRICS Competition Law and Policy Centre (https://www.BRICSCompetition.org/) and the Brazilian Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE) was held on June 3, in Geneva, Switzerland.
The digitalization of the economy - legislature, trade, customs, logistics, etc. - is just entering its most active stage of development, itself a preparatory stage for the automation of the economy. One of the most pressing issues now, at the initial stage of digitalization, is still the streamlining and creation of a regulatory framework for future global processes. This includes the issue of antitrust regulation, both within individual countries and various interstate associations, such as the EU or BRICS.
"Today, the actions of antitrust agencies in different countries remain disparate and fragmented. Lack of consensus leads to weakened enforcement, and ecosystems increase anti-competitive pressure on the market. Antitrust law is on the verge of losing its relevance and strength in the digital economy. We need some form of international agreement on the regulation of digital ecosystems, especially given the development of AI technologies,” emphasized Alexey Ivanov, Director of the BRICS Competition Law and Policy Center.
As the expert explained, each BRICS jurisdiction has its own objectives with regard to competition law. There is a common core, which has been defined as consumer welfare, efficient allocation of resources and economic freedom. But so far, one of the bottlenecks in dealing with digital markets is market definition - the application of traditional market definition tools is challenged by the tendency of digital markets to be highly innovative and dynamic.
The development of new definitions and indicators is one of the most important tasks of the meeting. As part of the presentation, Victor Oliveira Fernandes, Commissioner of CADE, stated that within their organization a number of new indicators have already been developed to define the platform market: for example, the ability to unilaterally impose conditions, including as a show of bargaining power, ownership of key datasets, ability to influence choice through online platform architecture, lack of transparency.
Since this year, the number of BRICS member countries has grown, and further expansion is being discussed. Moreover, the association, which remained formal for a long time, is beginning to work more actively. The more active the more real contradictions and problems. Nevertheless, experts noted that there is a significant convergence among BRICS jurisdictions in recognizing the importance of certain essential standards, such as consumer welfare standards, but there are also some differences that are worth highlighting. Authorities in different countries, especially Brazil, Russia, China and South Africa, recognize other objectives, such as ensuring economic freedom or a level playing field for small and medium-sized enterprises. And these goals can somehow be translated into more elaborate legal standards for assessing abuse of dominance.
Alexey Ivanov also focused the participants' attention on the fact that cooperation exactly within the framework of supranational associations can give real results in the fight against violations of fair competition rules by global monopolists in local markets. "Much more opportunities for developing countries lie in the area of cooperation. BRICS, as you know, is expanding and working in the area of developing joint enforcement actions, remedies, investigations, case reviews, because this is how you essentially balance the playing field in the fight against global companies,” Ivanov explained.
The meeting was attended by a wide pool of international experts and representatives of national and international competition authorities: Victor Oliveira Fernandes, Commissioner, CADE; Rajinder Punja, Economic Director, CCI/ Representative from SAMR (tbc); Masako Wakui, Professor of Law, Kyoto University; Maria Ioannidou, Professor, Queen Mary University of London; Deni Mantzari, Associate Professor, University College of London; Alexey Ivanov, Director, BRICS Competition Law and Policy Center. The experts agreed to continue working on the creation of a harmonized system of supranational instruments of antitrust regulation.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of BRICS Competition Law and Policy Centre.
About BRICS Competition Law and Policy Centre:
The BRICS Competition Law and Policy Centre was established in 2018 by the BRICS competition authorities. The Centre's work is aimed at collecting and analyzing information from competition agencies, identifying best practices, but primarily at preparing recommendations and developing approaches to competition policy that reflect the interests of the development of the BRICS economies. The key mission of the BRICS Competition Centre is to advance the development agenda and strengthen the role of competition regulation in overcoming imbalances in the global economy. The Centre brings together leading international universities and independent researchers who are actively involved in the Centre's main research projects: on global food chains, on sustainability policy and on new approaches to antitrust regulation of the digital economy.
City of Tshwane, Water and Sanitation sign agreement to address water issues
City of Tshwane, Water and Sanitation sign agreement to address water issues
The City of Tshwane has set the wheels in motion towards formalising partnerships that will contribute towards addressing the city’s water and sanitation related challenges.
The National Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) is among the strategic partners which the city has approached not only to be involved as a regulator, but to also collaborate on various issues and leveraging the department’s technical and financial resources to jointly address the metropolitan municipality’s other challenges, including the Hennops River pollution, Rooiwal Wastewater Treatment Works and inadequate human resources.
The City of Tshwane and the department have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on various strategic areas including infrastructure planning and development, water resource planning and infrastructure solutions, and capacity building for the municipal officials.
The agreement was signed on Monday by Tshwane City Manager, Johann Mettler and Deputy Director-General for Water and Sanitation Services, Dr Risimati Mathye, at the city’s headquarters in Tshwane House.
The parties said discussions are at an advanced stage to finalise a flagship engineering candidacy development programme, which will see the secondment of candidate engineers to the City of Tshwane, as well as professional engineers who will be contracted to the city for a three-year period.
A team of engineers has undergone training under the department.
In addition, the Department of Water and Sanitation will offer free mentorship through its database of mentors to the candidate engineers to assist them to obtain their professional registration with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA).
Once implemented successfully, the programme will assist the city in complying with the new ECSA Identification of Engineering Work Regulations.
Mathye said collaboration between the two entities is significant, particularly on the Water and Sanitation side, to fulfil its role as a regulator of the water and sanitation sector.
“Addressing our major water challenges requires a collaborative effort between the city and key water stakeholders and the DWS is one of those key players.
“We have been facing significant water challenges which have been affecting some of our residents for a longer period [and] some of these challenges can be linked to ageing infrastructure and maintenance challenges at some of our Water Treatment Plants.
“We are pleased by the will and zeal that has been shown by the city in ensuring collaborative efforts and allow us to work together in different spheres of government to ensure efficient services to the residents of Tshwane. It has always been our intention to work with local government across to capacitate them where we can, to achieve Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 6, to realise clean water and decent sanitation provision to communities,” Mathye said.
Other key areas of collaboration that the MoU will focus on include:
• Water resource planning and infrastructure solutions in line with the city’s Climate Action Plan.
• Infrastructure planning and development.
• Collaboration on water and sanitation-related programmes.
• Sustainable Development Goal 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation.
• Training and capacity building including secondment of staff between the parties.
• Education and awareness campaigns.
• Knowledge-sharing.
• Benchmarking of programmes like Green Drop, Blue Drop, No Drop.
• Joint enforcement programmes for water pollution prevention.
• Exploration of alternative water and sanitation technologies with DWS and its entities.
• Key bulk infrastructure in line with the Metropolitan Spatial Development Framework and Regionalised Spatial Development Framework.
• Any other additional area that the parties may agree to collaborate on in future.
The signed MoU reinforces the ideal of the Intergovernmental Relations Act, Act No. 13 of 2005 which implores a concerted effort by government in all spheres to work together and to integrate as far as possible their actions in the provision of services, the alleviation of poverty and the development of society. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 06/10/2024 - 12:41
185 views
Super Rent joins Totalsports Women’s Race as official Logistics Partner
The organisers of the iconic Totalsports Women’s Race are thrilled to welcome Super Rent as the official logistics partner for South Africa’s premier Women’s Month Celebration. “We are thrilled to partner with Super Rent as the official logistics partner for the Totalsports Women’s Race,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports. “For the first …
Giving Durban’s NPOs a chance to shine
Following on last year’s first successful Change in Action NPO Fair, Gateway Theatre of Shopping, We are Durban, the Hollywood Foundation have partnered once again to create a platform for Non-Profit Organisations (NPO) to strengthen their capacity and reach out to the public. The initiative culminates with 20 NPOs in Greater Durban showcasing their organisation’s …
Platters for Sale: Perfecting Your Event Catering
Introduction Hosting an event can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to catering. One solution that has gained popularity is offering platters for sale. These pre-arranged selections of food can make your event both elegant and hassle-free. Types of Platters Cheese and Fruit Platters: A classic choice that combines sweet and …
KZN Premier congratulates Comrades winners
KZN Premier congratulates Comrades winners
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube has congratulated Comrades Marathon champions, Piet Wiersma of the Netherlands and South Africa’s Gerda Steyn, for winning the 97th edition of the marathon on Sunday.
Wiersma won the men’s race ahead of South Africa’s Dan Moselakwe, while Steyn won the women’s marathon, clocking a time of 5 hours 49 minutes.
“I am elated to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the winners of the 2024 Comrades Marathon. All who participated in the 97th edition of the Comrades Marathon are champions in their own right and their efforts have made the country and the province proud.
“On behalf of the provincial government and the people of KwaZulu-Natal, we congratulate the over 20 600 runners from different countries of the world who came to KwaZulu-Natal to participate in this gruelling 86-kilometre uprun marathon from Durban to Pietermaritzburg. We also appreciate the spectators who lined up along the route to cheer up the runners and kept them motivated” Dube-Ncube said.
READ | Well wishes for officers in Comrades
The Premier also acknowledged the 5 000 volunteers, who kept the runners safe and hydrated throughout the marathon and worked tirelessly to ensure the success of the event.
She said the race is indeed not just a race, but a celebration of human potential and community made possible by the runners’ unwavering commitment and hard work.
“This race continues to be a beacon of hope and a symbol of what is possible when we come together in the spirit of unity and perseverance. The Comrades Marathon is often revered as the ultimate human race, and is a unique and historic event that transcends the boundaries of sport.
“It embodies the very essence of human endurance, camaraderie, and the pursuit of excellence. This year’s marathon has once again highlighted the remarkable feats that can be accomplished through perseverance and an unwavering commitment to one’s goals.
Dube-Ncube also noted that this year’s Comrades brought a much-needed economic boost to the economy of the province, with both Pietermaritzburg and Durban reporting high accommodation occupancy rates.
The Premier further acknowledged the sponsors who continue to make the Comrades Marathon a global iconic event. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 06/10/2024 - 09:27
52 views