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Pamper your fur babies with The Crazy Store
Pamper your fur babies with The Crazy Store Our pet promotion features beds, blankets, grooming products and more! If you treat your pets like they’re your children – you’re our kind of people. As their paw-rent, you have to make sure you have blankets to keep them cosy, toys to keep them occupied and treats …
Mashatile thanks South Africans living abroad for casting their votes
Mashatile thanks South Africans living abroad for casting their votes
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has expressed gratitude to all South Africans living abroad who turned out at voting stations to cast their ballots over the weekend.
The Deputy President was speaking at the launch of the National Youth Service (NYS) initiative, South African National Service Institution (SANSI), aimed at tackling youth unemployment in South Africa in Pretoria on Tuesday.
According to the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), 78 000 citizens were registered to vote in 111 South African missions across the world between 17 and 19 May 2024.
The mission in London (in the United Kingdom) was the only voting station that remained open on Sunday, 19 May, to cater for the more than 24 000 voters who are registered and approved.
The Commission confirmed that the special voting abroad proceeded smoothly with no major incidents.
READ | Overseas special votes conclude
READ | South Africans in London urged to cast their vote
Local special votes
The IEC is now preparing for the in-country special voting, which will take place on 27 and 28 May.
There are 1.7 million approved special votes, with 653 000 of these being home visit special votes while just over one million are voting station special votes.
The Deputy President used his platform to encourage all South Africans to go out in their numbers and vote on 29 May 2024.
“Remember, placing your crosses on the ballot papers will fulfil a task that history has put on your shoulders.
“Most importantly, you will be deciding for yourselves the direction of our country and the path that we should take to get there,” said Deputy President Mashatile.
With only just seven days away from Election Day, the IEC is reminding citizens that voting stations open at 7 am and close at 9 pm. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 05/21/2024 - 14:51
S Africans urged to adopt and foster children to ensure the protection of youngsters
S Africans urged to adopt and foster children to ensure the protection of youngsters
With the Child Protection Week campaign in full swing, the Department of Social Development (DSD) has encouraged South Africans to seek alternative care for their children if they are unable to care for them.
Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu launched Child Protection Week on Sunday in Kimberley, Northern Cape.
The department is currently on a drive to raise awareness on upholding the rights of children, mobilising society to protect children against violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation.
Since the dawn of democracy, the department said South Africa has designed the child protection system to provide for children to be fostered or adopted, and enable children to remain within families.
“Adoption, which is viewed as the most permanent placement option for children who are orphaned and vulnerable, remains underutilised in South Africa and this leaves children for whom there is no immediate alternative care within their extended families exceptionally vulnerable to the long-term effects of institutionalisation,” the DSD said.
According to Section 28 of the Bill of Rights, Chapter Two of the Constitution of South Africa, every child has the right to parental and family care or to appropriate alternative care when removed from family care.
As per this constitutional provision, government has to provide alternative care for children when their parents or families cannot fulfil their duties of care.
Meanwhile, Section 233 of the Children’s Act also stipulates that if the parent is a child, a guardian must assist that child.
The department stated that adoption is one of the alternative care placement options and forms part of the comprehensive child protection system.
South Africa currently has orphaned children due to factors such as violent crime, gender-based violence (GBV), HIV/AIDS, and the COVID-19 pandemic, which has claimed many lives worldwide.
“On the other hand, some children are abandoned due to the triple challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality which culminate into multiple social ills including unwanted pregnancy.
“Adoption, therefore, serves as the best possible option or alternative for these children, only if there are no prospects to reunite them with their parent(s) or families.
“Although adoption is a person’s or a family’s choice, it is important to promote adoption services and recruit prospective adoptive parents within the country.”
The department acknowledged there could be barriers, which may prevent people from adopting children, such as cultural obstacles.
“This suggests that there is a need for increased awareness of this tool of child protection. South Africans are, therefore, encouraged to look into adoption as one of the child protection measures to increase the number of prospective adoptive parents who are willing to adopt children in need of permanent and stable families.”
Between April 2010 and March 2024, the department recorded 16 593 national adoptions. Additionally, there were 2 239 inter-country adoptions, which brought the total of registered adoptions to 18 832.
The department announced it has employed 412 social workers registered with the South African Council for Social Service Professionals (SACSSP) and have since been armed to provide adoption services.
Foster care
The Children’s Act also makes provision for foster care as an alternative form for children who cannot be cared for by their biological parents.
“Foster care is a court-ordered care of a child that needs care and protection, placing the child in a cluster foster care scheme or a suitable person other than a biological parent or a guardian,” the department explained.
As part of foster care, the Children’s Act introduced the concept of cluster foster care placement which is aimed to maximise the available resources, strengthening the provision of foster care services to children including those with special needs within a community-based setting.
The department explained that children who are placed in foster care with a valid court order gain access to the package of government services that include therapeutic services, psychosocial support services, education, healthcare and foster child grants.
“The purpose of foster care is to create an opportunity for children in need of care and protection to live in a protective, nurturing, stable and secure family environment. It requires the facilitation of reunification of the child with the parents or other safe and nurturing family relationships that will ensure stability in a child’s life.”
By February 2008, the number of children in foster care was 454 000, and by the end of March 2024, it had decreased to 306 683, with the recipients receiving grants.
“With the introduction of the comprehensive legal solution to foster care prompted by the litigation on lapsed foster care orders, the Children’s Amendment Act 2022 makes a provision to prevent the lapsing of the foster care orders, by enabling the presiding officers to issue interim orders.”
Meanwhile, the Social Assistance Amendment Act increases access to social assistance for orphaned children in the care of relatives through the Child Support Grant-Top Up. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 05/21/2024 - 09:37
Tshwane abandons Marry Me settlement: Broken promises leave 450 families in limbo
City says the land is private and is not in the process of being formalised
DWS one step closer to establishing national water agency
DWS one step closer to establishing national water agency
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) says it is one step closer to establishing the National Water Resource Infrastructure Agency (NWRIA) to ensure sustainable, equitable and reliable supply of water from national water resources infrastructure.
The NWRIA Bill was recently adopted by the Select Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Water and Sanitation and Human Settlements and the National Council of Provinces.
This follows the Bill’s adoption by the Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation and the National Assembly.
READ | National Water Resource Infrastructure Agency Bill: Explanatory Summary
The Bill seeks to establish the NWRIA, which will result in the ownership of national water resources infrastructure, as well as its asset management and revenue collection-related functions being integrated under one entity.
Departmental spokesperson Wisane Mavasa said the agency will raise funding for the development of national water resources infrastructure.
The NWRIA Bill was initially drafted in late 2021, after which it received preliminary certification from the Office of the Chief State Law Advisor in April 2022.
The certification set the wheels in motion for the Department of Water and Sanitation to commence with the Cabinet process and seek approval to conduct public consultations.
The department had comprehensive, all-inclusive public consultations for a period of 120 days aimed at soliciting meaningful inputs from the public, as the key water sector stakeholders, to enhance the legislation and echo the voices of South Africans.
Mavasa said the department received over 80 comments, and these include comments from the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC), National Treasury, Labour Unions, and Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA), a departmental entity responsible for financing and implementing bulk raw water infrastructure projects.
The comments were taken into consideration when the Bill was being refined, and in June 2023, Cabinet approved the Bill for introduction to Parliament.
“Now that the Bill has been adopted, this means that we will submit it to President Cyril Ramaphosa for his sign-off. Once that happens, the Bill will become law, which will entail that we move with the establishment for the agency,” Mavasa said.
The department reiterated the assurance that the agency will significantly improve the provision of reliable water supply through effective rollout of national water resource infrastructure projects.
The main mandates of the NWRIA are to:
• Implement water resource management infrastructure as identified by the department’s water resources planning processes;
• Manage national water resources infrastructure;
• Generate and collect revenue from the sale of water as its primary source of income, and
• Raise commercial funding on the strength of its balance sheet and operational cash flows (actual and projected) for commercially viable projects. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 05/21/2024 - 09:52
Two more suspects arrested in connection with Ditebogo Phalane’s murder
Two more suspects arrested in connection with Ditebogo Phalane’s murder
The Hawks' Pretoria-based team, together with the Arcadia Crime Prevention Unit and Tshwane District Crime Intelligence, have arrested two more suspects in connection with the murder of Ditebogo Phalane Junior.
Ditebogo, aged five, was killed during the hijacking of his father’s car in Soshanguve, Tshwane.
The two suspects, aged 29 and 30, were arrested on Monday in Soshanguve and Atteridgeville, where two unlicensed firearms were recovered, with one firearm alleged to be the murder weapon used in the murder of Ditebogo.
The arrest brings to four the number of suspects arrested in connection with Ditebogo’s murder.
READ | Two suspects arrested in Soshanguve fatal child shooting
In a statement, the Hawks said the arrest followed information received by the team from Crime Intelligence on the whereabouts of the suspects linked to the murder of the little boy.
“Information received from Crime Intelligence was operationalised late yesterday [Sunday] leading the multi-disciplinary to Soshanguve and Atteridgeville respectively where two suspects were arrested, and two unlicensed firearms were recovered.
“One of the firearms is alleged to be the murder weapon used in the murder of Ditebogo Phalane but that will be confirmed once the firearms have been sent for testing. One of the suspects is believed to have been out on bail for alleged hijacking, attempted murder, and possession of unlicensed firearm,” Hawks spokesperson, Warrant Officer Wendy Nkabi, said.
The suspects are expected to make their first appearance at the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 05/21/2024 - 10:19
Save the date for the milestone 2024 Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill
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MPA Day attracts international support from world-renowned conservationists
The 4th annual Marine Protected Areas (MPA) Day on 1 August 2024 welcomes even more support from around the world as the event continues to grow. Themed Celebrating MPAs – for People and for Nature, MPA Day invites people across the globe to recognise the importance of these ‘nature reserves of the sea’. Joining the …
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KZN Government sends condolences to families of Ballito wall collapse
KZN Government sends condolences to families of Ballito wall collapse
The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government has sent condolences to the families of four construction workers who died during the tragic Ballito wall collapse on Saturday.
Five construction workers were trapped when a wall collapsed at the Ballito construction site in Zen Drive, Durban, and claimed the lives of four workers.
One construction worker survived and is recovering in hospital.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, expressed her sadness at the incident, which she described as “yet another tragedy in the built environment and construction sector”, following the multi-storey building collapse in George, Western Cape, which to date has claimed the lives of 33 people.
“It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that I extend my deepest condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the four construction workers who tragically lost their lives when a wall collapsed at a construction site on Zen Drive in Ballito on Saturday. This devastating incident has cast a shadow of grief over our community, and we mourn alongside those who are suffering this unimaginable loss,” Dube-Ncube said.
READ | George building collapse: Rescue and recovery operation concluded
Dube-Ncube said while awaiting the results of the police investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident, the provincial government is committed to ensuring that the families affected receive the support and assistance they need.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the loved ones of the deceased during this incredibly difficult time. We also wish to extend our support to the one worker who survived this tragic event and is currently recovering from the ordeal.
“The bravery and dedication of the search and rescue teams, who worked tirelessly to rescue the workers, do not go unnoticed and are deeply appreciated,” Dube-Ncube said.
The Premier also emphasised the safety and well-being of the workers as a priority, adding that government will work diligently to prevent such tragedies in the future.
“In this time of sorrow, let us come together as a community to support those who have lost their loved ones and to honour the memory of those who perished. Their hard work and dedication will not be forgotten. May their respective souls rest in peace,” Dube-Ncube said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 05/20/2024 - 09:38
Designing Dreamy Spaces: The Best Beds and Furniture for Your Child’s Room
Introduction Choosing the right furniture for a child’s room is more than just a matter of style; it’s about fostering a safe, functional, and inspiring environment where children can rest, play, and grow. From transitioning from a crib to a toddler bed to maximising space with clever furniture choices like bunk beds, each piece plays …
A journey towards the elimination of cancer
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Explore the Latest Trends in Lash Beauty Enhancements
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The Interconnected World of Biodiversity and Tourism
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Impressive Prize Purse revealed for 2024 Totalsports Women’s Race
Stillwater Sports, the organisers of one of South Africa’s largest Women’s Month celebrations, are excited to announce that the iconic Totalsports Women’s Race will boast an impressive, combined prize purse of R 412,500.00 in 2024. “We are excited to announce that the prize purse for the Totalsports Women’s Race will more than double in 2024, …
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Quenellx95 | Biography, Music, Media, fact
Kwanele Vuyani Mbonambi (born 20 Aug 1995), known professionally as Quenellx95, is a South African Hip-Hop artist, songwriter, record producer and record label X95WORLDMUSIX. He was raised in Durban, KwaZulu Natal. Quenellx95 Birth name : Kwanele Vuyani Mbonambi Also known as : Triple coma, Karly Minashly, Den xjey & Quenell Minashly Born : 20 Aug …
NHI does not signal end of private healthcare – President Ramaphosa
NHI does not signal end of private healthcare - President Ramaphosa
President Cyril Ramaphosa has dismissed claims that the National Health Insurance (NHI) will signal the end of private healthcare.
“To the contrary, the NHI aims to use the respective strengths and capabilities of both the private and public health sectors to build a single, quality health system for all,” the President wrote in his weekly newsletter on Monday.
He explained that the NHI Fund will procure services from accredited public and private service providers for every person in need of health care.
“The NHI will be a lifeline for millions of poor South Africans whose resources will be freed up for other essential needs. It will also alleviate the burden on those who are increasingly paying more in medical aid premiums for increasingly fewer services.”
According to the President, South Africa’s private health sector has world-class expertise and is a major source of domestic and foreign investment.
He also praised the public sector, which also has numerous centres of excellence and is staffed by well-trained and experienced personnel.
While there may be different views on how NHI will be progressively implemented, the reality is that the current healthcare system is unsustainable.
Access to quality, decent healthcare should not depend on one’s ability to pay, he said, adding that the “current situation does not serve the poor, does not serve the middle class and does not serve the country.”
However, with careful planning, effective oversight and monitoring, and the strategic allocation of resources, the country’s commander-in-chief believes that South Africa can achieve universal health coverage (UHC).
“Working together in partnership, as both the public and private sectors, we can make the dream of quality health care for all a reality.”
This as the country edges closer to affordable quality healthcare for all after the President signed the NHI Bill into law last week.
“For many years, we have had parallel healthcare systems operating in our country. The majority of the population, 84%, uses public health facilities, while 16% are covered by medical schemes, enabling them to access private healthcare facilities. A small percentage of people use both,” he added.
The President is of the view that this has perpetuated inequality, with the quality of healthcare one receives being determined by one’s ability to pay.
“This runs contrary to our aspiration to be a society that is just and equal.”
While achieving social justice is a key objective of NHI, he stated that efficiency and better resource allocation are equally important.
“We have said that the challenge in implementing NHI lies not in the lack of funds but in the misallocation of resources that currently favour the private health sector at the expense of public health needs.
“There is a misconception that the private health care sector operates and is funded completely independently of government.”
However, he said the training of doctors, nurses and other healthcare personnel who work in both the public and private sectors is subsidised by the State.
Secondly, the State pays billions of rands annually in subsidies for employees who are members of various public sector medical aid schemes.
“Thirdly, taxpayers claim tax rebates for medical aid expenses amounting to approximately R37 billion. This is the money the state should earn in taxes which it foregoes to subsidise private health care.
“We therefore have a situation where the state both directly and indirectly helps to fund a private health care sector that serves only a minority of society.”
In addition, he said access to private healthcare through medical aids is also costly for users.
“It is said that without the tax rebate private healthcare would not be affordable to the majority of users. Medical aid contributions are increasing faster than inflation. At the same time, benefits are being reduced.”
The President cited the 2016 Healthcare Market Inquiry, which found that private healthcare services and medical scheme coverage are frequently over-used without clear improvements in health outcomes.
“The resources that are spent both by the state and private individuals can, therefore, be more efficiently used to build a single, unitary health care system that serves all.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 05/20/2024 - 10:03
Visitors to NAMPO Score Big with Rugby Star Kwagga Smith at Husqvarna Stand
On Thursday, 15 May 2024, over 25,000 people passed through the gates of NAMPO, an increase of more than 8,000 compared to Day One. Was it the appeal of meeting rugby star Kwagga Smith at the Husqvarna stand that drew so many people? “We will never know,” says Timothy Isabirye, Marketing Manager. “What I can …
Is Your Instant Porridge Worth Its Oats?
Oats are recognised as being a super grain based on their nutritional value. In South Africa, oat porridge has been a breakfast staple for over 100 years, especially on chilly Winter mornings, providing warmth and energy to kick-start the day. However, with the pace of modern life, convenience has become key and that’s where hassle-free …
Government launches Child Protection Week
Government launches Child Protection Week
The Department of Social Development has launched the annual Child Protection Week campaign saying that while has much has been achieved in protecting the rights of children, challenges remain.
“We have come a long way and achieved much as a nation in protecting and promoting the rights of our children, although we still have a number of serious challenges that confront us,” said the department on Sunday.
This as Minister Lindiwe Zulu launched the campaign in Kimberley in the Northern Cape on Sunday.
This year’s Child Protection Week is being observed under the theme: “Protecting South African Children, 30 years on.”
“South Africa had to go through deliberate transformation and one of the key priorities for government was to ensure the protection and upholding of human rights including the rights of children,” the department said.
WATCH | Protecting children
Government has invested in children through various services like education, health, access to clean water, health, and electricity as well as the biggest social assistance programme aimed at protecting children.
“As Government, our vision is to make South Africa a place where all children and young people are loved, confident, happy and healthy, and are empowered to reach their full potential,” said the department on Sunday.
Speaking at the launch Minister Zulu said that the “one thing parents said they really want is for their children to take education seriously and that their children remain in school to improve their chance to build a brighter future for themselves and their country."
The Minister bemoaned the high levels of violence against children.
“One of the major concerns for me is the unacceptably high levels of violence against children in our country. We have all heard of the tragic story of the 6-year-old Joslin Smith who went missing from Saldanha Bay on 19 February and to this day has not been found. Hers is a sad story of many children in our country whose rights are violated and robbed of their childhood,” said the Minister.
READ | Cabinet concerned about safety of children
READ | Safeguarding the future
Teenage pregnancy was also another issue raised by the Minister.
“We are also deeply concerned about the alarming number of teenage pregnancies across the country, including here in the Northern Cape, with John Taolo Gaetsewe and Frances Baard as leading districts.
“We must act now to stop this! While we encourage teenage mothers and fathers to remain in school and complete their studies, we must work together to stop teenage pregnancy in the first place,” she said.
The department further stressed the importance of family as the “best first line of defence and support in the protection of children.”
“That is the reason why over the years we have taken deliberate and decisive action to implement child-and family-oriented programmes,” it said.-SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Sun, 05/19/2024 - 13:24