MyZA
News, Directory, Events and Other Stuff
Social media and other forms of technology are a great way to reach large numbers of people. But technology has an equally—or perhaps more—important role in helping people access help or knowledge that is hard to come by in the real world. That’s particularly true for women and girls, who continue to find it hard …
Shell still has one more shot at seismic exploration authorisation
Buffalo City search and rescue operations continue
Search and rescue operations continue in the Buffalo City Metro in the Eastern Cape which has been hit by inclement weather.
“The Buffalo City Metro is intervening in areas that have been impacted by floods… Rescue operations are continuous as emergency teams remain on high alert. Search and rescue teams are still searching for a missing 20-year-old who was washed away near Dawn in East London,” the metro said in a statement on Monday.
The metro reported that a pedestrian was fatally knocked down in a flooded street in Westbank over the weekend while a 13-year-old was recued in Amalinda Forest.
In an update at 1:30pm, the metro said that 1300 people had been displaced by the floods.
“Displaced residents have been accommodated in community halls in Mdantsane, Braelyn and Mzamomhle whilst others are being moved to chalets, old age homes and temporary housing structures.”
Eleven wards across the metro have been affected including areas like Ducats, Pefferville, Duncan Village, Cambridge Location, Mzamomhle, Reeston, Stoney Drift, Mdantsane and Gompo.
The metro is also working with the Department of Social Development together with non-government organisations Gift of the Givers and Living Hope to assist with clothes, groceries, blankets and food parcels.
The metro’s executive Mayor Princess Faku visited Duncan Village, Mdantsane and Stoney Drift with Gift of the Givers on Monday morning.
In addition, the metro is engaging with the Department of Human Settlements to avail temporary relocation structures.
“Thus far, 800 temporary structures are being verified to be included in the database.”
This as the metro is dealing with 379 electrical fault cases in various areas in East London, Mdantsane and eQonce.
“All teams have been assigned to the different regions. The main challenge is fallen electrical poles leading to cables and transformers being dysfunctional.”
Rescue operations
In East London yesterday, the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), South African Police Services (SAPS), Police Dive Unit, Police K9 Search and Rescue responded to a sailing yacht with a jetty saving a passenger barge from sinking.
Also, Priority Care Ambulance Services, Buffalo City Metro (BCM) Traffic Services and Emergency Services responded to 10 flood-related incidents at various locations around East London.
In one scene, six people (four adults, one aged 80, and two children) were rescued from a flooded home, where their two dogs drowned.
Roads and beaches
The heavy rains have posed challenges for the city's storm water drainage systems resulting in the blockage of major roads such as Settlersway, Biko Bride from Westbank to East London CBD, Cambridge Cemetery, Duncan Village, Cc Loyd Township, Parkridge and Scenery Park.
The Disaster Management Service has conducted an initial damages assessment and the city's Infrastructure, Traffic, Fire and Rescue Services have been instrumental in clearing of blockages.
“The metro is advising motorists to be cautious around flooded roads and bridges. Communities and motorists are urged to be extra cautious and report any incidents.”
The metro has urged residents to contact emergency services call centre on (043) 705 9000 and their respective ward councilors for assistance.
The city has set up a Disaster Management Operations Centre which is being chaired by the Mayor and includes disaster management, law enforcement, traffic, fire, police lifesaving, EMS Ambulance services and the NSRI.
Meanwhile, all metro beaches remain closed.
The metro is still urging residents to be on high alert as more disruptive rain is predicted.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has sent his condolences to the families who have lost loved ones in the floods. This as seven lives have been lost in the Eastern Cape. - SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 06/03/2024 - 14:25
Ten years after winning his first Nelson Mandela Bay Half Marathon title, Elroy Gelant turned back the hands of time with another memorable performance at South Africa’s premiere 21km race. The Nelson Mandela Bay Half Marathon, incorporating the Athletics South Africa (ASA) Half Marathon Championships, got off to a wet and windy start on Marine …
Residents and visitors to the stunning Scottburgh on KZN South Coast can now enjoy world-class coffee and a healthy meal in the stylish setting of the newly launched Wild Coffee Shop. Started by three local entrepreneurs, Wild Coffee Shop opened its doors to patrons at its corner location on Scott Street (opposite the Blue Marlin …
The organizers of the Totalsports Women’s Race proudly welcome NIVEA, a global skincare and personal care brand, as the official skincare partner for one of South Africa’s most iconic women’s celebrations. “We are thrilled to partner with NIVEA as the official skincare sponsor for the Totalsports Women’s Race in 2024,” says Nikki Crous, Head of …
Glitches and slow queues need to be seen in light of IEC’s budget cuts
Government activities for the week 03 - 07 June 2024
On Monday, 03 June, there are no events are confirmed.
On Tuesday, 04 June, Statistics South Africa will release the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) quarter one 2024.
On Wednesday, 05 June, there are no confirmed events.
On Thursday, 06 June, there are no confirmed events.
On Friday, 07 June, there are no confirmed events.
Neo
Mon, 06/03/2024 - 11:10
Springbok Women's Sevens head coach Renfred Dazel said they will have to take their HSBC SVNS relegation on the chin, regroup and give their season a fitting finish at their first appearance at the Olympic Games later this year.
The South Africans lost their status as a core team after Spain beat them in Madrid on Sunday, and the Bok Women's Sevens will now have to qualify for the World Rugby Challenger Series again via the continental route.
“We will take a week or so off to clear our heads and then start our Olympic preparations in all earnest,” said Dazel.
“As bad it is for us losing our core status, as exciting it is to go and compete as part of Team South Africa at the Paris Olympics and we need to make the most of that special moment.”
With regards to the 2024 season, Dazel feels that the inconsistency during the series came back to haunt them on Sunday, when they had to beat Spain to retain their status as core team.
“Look, we can try and find excuses like the lack of a pre-season for the squad going into the series or the availability of some players, but that is not going to solve our problem of having to qualify again,” said Dazel.
“This is not the first time we lost our status and I know how despondent everyone is feeling. Thanks to SA Rugby's support of the sevens programme, we can remain competitive and qualify to play in the Challenger Series by winning the Africa Cup Sevens in September. So, there is some light at the end of the tunnel.”
Dazel said the next cycle will involve finding new players to join the fray as well as creating opportunities to play sevens rugby: “We need to find the next group of young players who can take the system forward and that is an exciting prospect.
“We will also need to sit down and look at our personnel for the Africa Cup and start preparing for that with enough time in hand. It was disappointing to lose like this today, especially as we lost our way in the second half again. That dogged us all season and cost us dearly today.”
Against Spain, the South Africans clearly felt the pressure of the knock-out phase of the final tournament of the season and conceded four tries without firing any real shots.
Spain, spurred on by a lively home crowd, scored two tries on each side of the halftime break, a clear indication of their dominance in this game. They were on the attack from the outset and although the Bok Women defended well, the host team hit gaps and after four minutes, Juana Stella scored their first try.
South Africa got their hands on the ball, but more mistakes followed and a try by Paula Requena after hooter saw Spain finish the first half with a 10-0 lead.
Requena's second try, 90 seconds into the second half, all but sealed the deal for the Spanish, and although South Africa had a few more opportunities, they were let down by their handling, with too many knock-ons costing them dearly.
Beatriz Dominguez then put the final nail in the South African coffin with a break-out try from their own 22, to ensure Spain play on the world series again next season, even though they finished one spot lower than the Bok Women in 2024.
South Africa won three out of five times against Spain during the 2024 season, but looked nothing like the team that started the tournament with two dominant performances on Friday, and failed to gain ascendency in any area of play.
Their defence was frantic, they conceded numerous penalties at the breakdown and hardly worked themselves into attacking positions, and when they did, handling errors came at a huge cost.
Spain played with much more composure, passion, and direction in the most important match of the season for both teams.
Scorers:
South Africa 0
Spain 22 (10) – Tries: Juana Stella, Paula Requena (2), Beatriz Dominguez. Conversion: Stella.
Issued by SA Rugby Communications
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Rugby.
Note to editors: Audio notes of Renfred Dazel can be downloaded here (https://apo-opa.co/3X311vh).
JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) has today named a 16-player squad for the Proteas Women’s outbound tour to India, beginning with...
A conversation that challenged my belief in relationships sticks vividly in my memory. My acquaintance or someone I care about was describing her recent encounter with her boyfriend and how she had pressured him into sex despite his initial refusal. She laughed it off, saying, ‘What kind of man refuses sex? What kind of man …
SAHRC gives 2024 elections the thumbs up
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has endorsed the 2024 National and Provincial Elections as having been free and fair.
“The South African Human Rights Commission endorses the 2024 National General Elections as free and fair,” the commission said on Sunday.
The commission’s comments come as the Electoral Commission (IEC) is set to announce the results of the elections this evening at 6pm. South Africans went to the polls in the seventh national elections on Wednesday, 29 May.
The SAHRC observed the elections from 27- 29 May 2024.
During this period, the commission observed 161 voting stations and gathered 98 reflections from human rights officials and champions, resulting in a significant national footprint across 259 voting stations.
Reflections
“Our preliminary observations revealed that operationally, 83% of voting stations observed opened on time, and 98% of ballot boxes were assembled in the presence of party agents and observers, although some party agents arrived late.”
In its preliminary reflections, the commission said that 95% of stations had all essential materials, including ballot papers and pens.
It said that most voters took more than 30 minutes to complete their voting process; 16% took two hours or longer, 46% took 30-90 minutes, and 38% took less than 10 minutes.
“We observed that 70% of voting stations experienced connectivity issues. In terms of accessibility, 83% of people with disabilities were able to vote independently, though only 40 stations scored a 10/10 for accessibility.
“Furthermore, 87% of polling stations had measures in place for the elderly, pregnant persons, and other special categories. Security incidents were minimal; no significant issues were observed and minor issues such as inebriated voters, raised tempers, or party agent interference were promptly addressed by SAPS [South African Police Service].”
The SAHRC added that it was aware that the elections “do not occur without minor glitches”.
“Some voting centres experienced slow-moving queues extending into the early hours of the following day, and some voters were turned away, unable to exercise their democratic right due to administrative challenges of registration.
“In some areas voters could not cast their vote due to strike. The Electoral Commission also reported a missing ballot box in Umhlathuze Ward 14, KwaZulu-Natal, which fortunately had already been counted.”
“Our preliminary concerns include the adverse impact of the three-ballot process on turnaround time, the lack of understanding and proper implementation of the Section 24A process, and the lack of uniformity in certain processes, with some stations using one ballot box for mixed votes and others using three separate boxes.”
It further added that accessibility for people with disabilities remains a challenge, privacy in voting booths was a concern, and connectivity issues required officials to alternate between online and manual systems.
“Overall, the Commission observed that the elections proceeded smoothly, without major concerns. The minor challenges monitored do not impact the overall declaration of the elections as free and fair. The SAHRC is further committed to producing a comprehensive final report that reflects the full extent of its observations during the 2024 general elections.”
READ | SA elections were held under “peaceful” conditions – African Union Mission
READ | SADC electoral mission gives Elections 2024 seal of approval
The commission expressed gratitude to South Africans who participated in large numbers to exercise their democratic right to vote.
“We remain committed to ensuring that the civil and political rights of all participants are upheld throughout the electoral process,” it said. - SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Sun, 06/02/2024 - 16:17
Sun sets on 2024 elections
The sun has set on the most arguably contested election in the history of South Africa, with voting, vote counting and the capturing of results completed.
The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) declared the official results during a ceremony at the national Results Operations Centre on Sunday, attended by, among others, President Cyril Ramaphosa.
This paves the way for the seventh administration, which will lead South Africa for the next five years.
South Africans on 29 May voted using three ballots for the first time because of the inclusion of independent candidates on the ballot. These were the National Ballot, National Regional Ballot and the Provincial Legislature Ballot.
No less than 16 million South Africans made their mark, translating into a voter turnout of 58.61%.
The parties which received the most votes and thus garnered seats in the 400-member National Assembly are as follows:
Winners of the National Assembly votes by each region are as follows (percentages as at 7pm on Sunday):
The winners of the provincial legislatures are as follows:
“After carefully considering the extensive measures put in place and acknowledging the provisions of section 57(3) of the Electoral Act 1998, the commission declares the results of the 2024 National and Provincial Elections, free and fair,” IEC Chairperson Mosotho Moepya said during the results announcement programme.
The list of elected public representatives was handed over to President Cyril Ramaphosa at the ceremony.
On Thursday, Chief Justice Raymond Zondo is expected to officially receive the lists of designated Members of Parliament from the IEC in preparation for the first sitting of the National Assembly, which he will preside over. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Sun, 06/02/2024 - 19:30
Elections tested the country’s institutions, citizens' resolve
The 2024 Elections have tested the strength of the country’s institutions, the integrity of systems and the resolve of citizens, says Electoral Commission of South Africa Chairperson Mosotho Moepya.
“These elections were undoubtedly the most highly contested,” Moepya said, speaking at the announcement of the results of the National and Provincial Elections at the national Results Operations Centre (ROC) in Midrand this evening.
Moepya, who declared the elections free and fair, said there were many challenges the commission had to overcome during the voting process.
“As a nation, we have emerged triumphant, having conducted these elections with the utmost transparency, fairness and adherence to the highest standards of democratic practice,” Moepya said.
The path to this moment, he said, has been paved by the sacrifices of those who came before and the unwavering belief in the power of the people's will.
“Just as the watershed elections of 1994 laid the foundation for our democratic order, the 2024 elections mark a milestone in the continued growth and maturation of our nation's electoral process.
“Throughout this endeavour, the Electoral Commission of South Africa has never sought to waver from its commitment to deliver elections compliant with South Africa’s constitutional order. To do this, the Electoral Commission put significant measures in place to safeguard these elections.”
Moepya said journey to this point was not without its challenges.
“It sometimes entailed concerted [and] significant attacks on members and key staff of the commission, attempts to undermine the credibility of this institution, relentless and targeted social media attacks, disinformation campaigns, unwarranted allegations and sometimes what appeared to be acts of intimidation.
“As an institution with an enormous amount of responsibility to the nation we all love and proudly call home, we persevered and remained focused on the challenges before us.
“We remain grateful to all of you, for your kind thoughts, encouragement, correction and prayers throughout this journey.”
He said the commission remained steadfast in the country’s Constitutional mandate, rising above the distractions, to ensure that the will of the people was accurately reflected in the results of these elections.
“In any election, the most anxious moments come with the declaration of the election results. South Africa’s nascent democracy has experienced one of the most peaceful electoral periods in recent times.
“For this, we thank all her people. You have enabled us to truly capture a climate in which elections could be held,” he said.
Held on Wednesday, 29 May 2024, the elections saw millions of eligible voters across the country making their way to more than 23 000 polling stations to cast their votes in the much-contested seventh democratic elections. Citizens living abroad and those requiring special votes cast their votes ahead of the main Voting Day, ensuring that all eligible voters have a chance to make their voices heard and play a part in strengthening democracy. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Sun, 06/02/2024 - 19:50
Security Cluster ready to enforce law and order
The Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster says it stands ready to deal with any threats of instability ahead of the declaration of the election results in Midrand this evening.
“As the Security Cluster, we assure South Africans that law enforcement agencies stand ready to maintain peace and stability, as they have done throughout the election period.
“Any attempt to undermine the authority of the State and South Africa’s constitutional order will not be tolerated and will be dealt with accordingly,” Cele assured citizens on Sunday.
The Minister outlined measures taken by law enforcement agencies to maintain peace and stability during the election process.
WATCH |
As the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) prepares to announce the election results, Cele stated that the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) has confirmed its readiness to ensure a peaceful environment following the election results declaration.
“We would like to assure the country that the Constitution provides the mandate to manage the elections to the IEC. Therefore, the decision to declare the results rests solely with the IEC, in accordance with the law.”
In addition, the Minister said the law provides mechanisms to raise disputes with the electoral processes and only those prescribed processes must be followed.
“As such, there cannot be any room for threats of instability to register objections or concerns about the electoral process.”
READ | IEC receives 579 objections
Defence and Military Veterans Minister Thandi Modise emphasised respect for the Constitution and each other’s rights.
She told journalists that while they have not singled out any party for engagement ahead of the release of the results, they have reiterated their calls for the respect for the rule of law.
“We have, before the elections, called for calm. We have also asked people not to do that which is not legal in this country. We had also indicated that we would not tolerate anybody breaching or tarnishing the name of South Africa thus far because we have always behaved according to our Constitution in the past elections.”
Modise appealed to all parties and citizens to respect the rights of others.
“We are hoping that our plea to all parties involved will be heard by everybody involved… We do not think that we want to have a conversation across or with one individual party. We are appealing to South Africans to respect the laws of South Africa,” the Defence Minister pleaded.
Modise said her department had learnt lessons from the unrest in July 2021.
“There were some issues [during the July 2021 unrest]. We arrived a little bit late as the Defence Department. I can assure you that that was a good lesson. We are not late these days. We get there on time, when needed. We are prepared. We don’t have to have help from somewhere else to get to where we are going. We have said that we will not tolerate anybody interfering with the rights of the rest of the citizens,” Modise said.
Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, emphasised that nobody was exempt from the law.
“… Anybody who threatens the security or the stability of the country, anybody who wants to undermine the constitutional order of the country, irrespective of who they are… the law enforcement will have to deal with them.”
According to Ntshavheni, all political parties signed a code of conduct that prescribes how they must conduct themselves.
“… The violation of the code of conduct will then be enforced because that’s what all political parties agreed to before we entered this phase of the elections.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Sun, 06/02/2024 - 16:19
They claim they should be allowed to move into the houses. But the municipality says they’re not the rightful beneficiaries.
18 officers face trial over death-in-custody of Regan Naidoo in 2018
Villages around Cofimvaba in the Eastern Cape battle for water
Do you want a deeper understanding of the outcome of the 2024 General Election? RICI will be hosting a conference entitled POST-ELECTION REFLECTIONS AND SCENARIOS on Wednesday 19 June, at the Bishop’s Lodge Conference Centre in Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) and streamed. The May 29 general election presents the country with many firsts, including the …
Tales of Turning – an organisation which harnesses research, social media, and technology for good – has partnered with the Center for an Informed Public at the University of Washington, and the Media Forensics Hub at Clemson University to conduct a field experiment focused on preventing mis- and disinformation over South Africa’s election period. Digital …
South Africa is abuzz with discussions, debates and decisions as the nation awaits the outcome of the 7th democratic elections. Every citizen’s vote will shape the country’s trajectory, making this period critical for our democracy. While parties presented a variety of platforms and promises, one issue stands out prominently: education. For many South Africans, the …
As the subtropical climate, natural beauty, and affordable property prices continue to attract investors to the KZN South Coast, estate developments are being constructed to provide secure, holistic living options. The multi-billion-rand Bahari Bay eco-estate in Shelly Beach has renowned architect and project manager, Vinodh Bridglall, on board, with a vision to emulate the real …
On Thursday 30 May 2024 at 2:45 pm Straton Prepaid despatched a parcel from their offices in Gqeberha to another business offices in Johanneburg via parcel delivery service provider, The Courier Guy. The item despatched went door to door ordinary delivery – NOT ‘express’ or ‘overnight’ or ‘urgent’ or any of those other words used …
Experts alarmed by government move to drop statutory requirements for some developments in the park