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AI is revolutionizing the way the accounting industry works. It is elevating human performance by taking on the burden of repetitive but required tasks, and by accelerating analysis. But accounting is based on trust. So, companies must be totally sure that AI works accurately before they can use it to its full potential. Even the …
Metrorail power failure affects Cape Flats and Southern Line commuters on Tuesday
Professor Brian Ganson is Head of the Centre on Conflict & Collaboration at Stellenbosch Business School, a hub for research and reflection on the private sector, conflict, and human security. We already know that whatever new governments emerge at local, provincial, and national levels due to voting on 29 May, they will face overwhelming challenges …
Mashatile meets with Rand Water leadership to address water challenges
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has stressed the significance of strategic engagement and collaboration in light of the water shortages affecting many municipalities, including those in Gauteng.
The Deputy President was addressing the leadership of Rand Water in his role as the Chairperson of the Water Task Team.
President Cyril Ramaphosa established a Water Task Team under the leadership of the Deputy President to address water challenges in various areas in the country.
Rand Water, according to the Presidency, is the largest bulk water utility in Africa and one of the largest in the world, providing bulk potable water to more than 11 million people in Gauteng, parts of Mpumalanga, Free State and the North West.
“In our efforts to avert a water crisis in Gauteng province and other municipalities around the nation, we must have strategic engagements and collaboration with the Rand Water leadership to urgently find solutions to this pressing issue,” said the Deputy President on Wednesday.
During the engagement, the country’s second-in-command also received an update on Rand Water’s efforts aimed at ensuring the efficient provision of water to Gauteng residents.
With a global reputation for providing high-quality water, its customer base includes metropolitan municipalities, local municipalities, mines and large industries in the province and surrounding areas.
The Deputy President commended efforts by Rand Water to ensure that millions of people have access to water constantly, as this has a significant impact on the wellbeing of the society as it relates to socio-economic factors such as health, food security and general welfare.
As part of his engagement, the Deputy President also visited the Rand Water Zuikerbosch Plant in Vereeniging.
The water purification plant at Zuikerbosch Station 5A was built to ensure a sustainable water supply and meet the current and future water demands.
The water purification plant, according to his Office, is part of the water utility’s capital expenditure projects and seeks to bring more capacity to the water utility system to ensure water security.
“I am eager to collaborate closely with the Rand Water leadership to identify a preventative measure against the impending water scarcity crisis.
“It is widely recognised that water is essential for sustaining life, and ensuring access to an adequate amount of water is a basic duty outlined in the Constitution, which states that ‘Everyone has the right to have access to sufficient food and water’,” said the Deputy President.
The Deputy President was supported by Police Minister Bheki Cele, Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo and Cooperative Governance Deputy Minister Parks Tau. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 05/08/2024 - 15:17
Threats to informal traders will not be tolerated
Ekurhuleni MMC for Community Safety, Sizakele Masuku, has called on the metro police to deal with threats of violence directed at spaza shop owners in townships.
Masuku gave the directive to the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) following a brief visit to a spaza shop owner, Thulani Khumalo, on Tuesday after he allegedly received life-threatening messages from other traders suspected to be foreign nationals.
Khumalo claims he has been receiving threats from unknown people telling him to close down his shop “or else his life would be in danger”.
Last week, one of Khumalo’s friends was shot by unknown gunmen as he was leaving his shop.
Khumalo said he and his family are now living in fear as suspicious armed characters in different cars come to his home and shop looking for him.
Masuku condemned the threats, emphasising South Africa promotes free trade, and everyone entering the space must be allowed to do business and have a fair shot at the market.
“We cannot sit back and allow these threats as a municipality. The EMPD must act swiftly and ensure that those behind this are locked up,” Masuku said.
Masuku said precautionary measures will be taken to protect Khumalo and his family. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 05/08/2024 - 14:22
On 29 May, South Africa faces one of its most important General Elections since 1994. At stake is not only the Presidency but the economic future of South Africa, as there is a desperate need to develop policies that will encourage entrepreneurship and the participation of strong entrepreneurs in economic development. At the recently held …
But the Department of Social Development claims the delay is caused by investigations into the food banks
FNB’s December 2023 Property Barometer shows that “sales attributed to relocation within SA (semi-gration)” were an estimated 11% of the volume of sales (down from a peak of 14% in 3Q22). Lightstone’s 2023 Migration figures show 6,406 new households bought in the Western Cape compared to 1,034 in KwaZulu-Natal and 1,971 in Gauteng. Lighstone noted …
Mobile Home Affairs offices to bring convenience for Mokopane residents
President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday unveiled 100 Department of Home Affairs (DHA) mobile offices in Mokopane, Limpopo.
The unveiling of the new mobile offices is part of the DHA’s Hybrid Access Model, which expands services to areas where the department’s footprint is limited.
This purpose-built offices offers all Home Affairs services in a convenient way, which includes shaded waiting areas and ample parking.
Speaking at the unveiling of the mobile offices, President Ramaphosa said these trucks are assets meant for the benefit of all people and all communities.
“This new fleet of mobile Home Affairs offices won’t be moving constantly around the provinces. They will be available in a village or town at a particular time so that people can know when to go there,” President Ramaphosa said.
President Ramaphosa called on communities to see and treat these new Home Affairs trucks as their own.
WATCH I
He said they should take pride in them and help government to care for them.
President Ramaphosa said apart from the 412 Home Affairs offices in different parts of the country, the Department has been able to expand the reach of services through partnerships with banks, shopping malls and with expanded offices like the one launched in Mokopane on Tuesday.
READ | President launches new Home Affairs offices in Limpopo
“Another way we have taken government’s services to you, the people, is by opening Home Affairs offices in hospitals for birth registrations. This has made a big difference in the rate of civil registrations and we hope it will continue to bring down the number of late registrations of births.
“These trucks are assets meant for the benefit of all people and all communities. The Department of Home Affairs will soon be unveiling a kiosk model that allows you to access services just like withdrawing money at an ATM,” he said.
In total, 100 mobile offices were unveiled and they will be distributed to other provinces.
The mobile offices will help reduce the influx of people at the department's offices. The mobile trucks will take home affairs services to people in rural areas and will ensure services are accessible during load-shedding and times of poor network connection. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 05/07/2024 - 21:25
Gear up for South Africa’s premier gravel cycling event, taking place on 26 & 27 July in the charming town of Swellendam! The B-well Around the Pot, presented by SEESA has quickly become a staple on the cycling calendar and promises an exhilarating and demanding ride for cyclists of all abilities. “After the unfortunate cancellation …
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Emergency personnel "true heroes" as 36 pulled from building site
The number of people retrieved from the collapsed five-storey building in George has risen to 36 as of Wednesday morning.
This means 39 others are currently unaccounted for, while seven people have been declared dead.
According to the Western Cape Premier, Alan Winde, the multi-disciplinary team of more than 200 emergency services personnel continues with its rescue operations at the site of the collapsed building on Victoria Street.
Seventy-five construction workers are said to have been on-site at the time of the collapse, which occurred around 2pm on Monday, 6 May 2024.
The Premier has thanked all those assisting during this tragedy.
“From the first responders who have been working tirelessly since Monday afternoon to save the lives of the trapped construction workers, to residents who turned out in their numbers to offer help in any way that they can. You all make me as your Premier of this extraordinary province humble and grateful for everything you have done and are still doing,” the Premier said after touring the site.
He said the teams on the ground are working tirelessly to rescue the remaining 39 individuals.
“I cannot express the emotions I felt yesterday when the site suddenly went completely quiet in the hope that our teams might be close to locating another survivor.”
READ I George tragedy: Call for organisations to prioritise safety in workplaces
He also took the time to express his gratitude to the Western Cape residents for stepping up when confronted with incidents of this nature.
He added that while an arduous few days still lie ahead as search and rescue efforts continue, the heart and soul that volunteers and non-government organisations (NGOs) have shown in offering support to the families of the affected construction workers has been extraordinary.
“There are so many to thank, and I know that there are countless more organisations and residents that I must still thank. Thank you to LoveGeorge, Gift of the Givers, SARZA, the Lions of George, Garden Route Food Pantry and Food Sock Meals, Neighbourhood Watches and Community Policing Forums, and all the individual residents who have helped.”
“Without us all pulling together, we would not have been able to respond to this incident in the way that we have. We must not give up hope. To all the emergency personnel assisting: you are true heroes,” he said.
Winde said his heart goes out to the families of the deceased.
“I share your pain. We will do everything we can to ensure we determine the exact cause of this incident. Every time one of those huge pieces of concrete is lifted from the site, I hope fervently for good news.”
On Monday, President Cyril Ramaphosa offered his deep condolences to the relatives and friends of the deceased.
“The President’s thoughts are with the families who have lost loved ones as well as the families of close to 50 people who are trapped in the rubble,” his statement read.
He also wished the rescue team the best as they go about their operations and said the investigations into the cause of the incident must aim to bring closure to the community and prevent a repeat of this disaster. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 05/08/2024 - 10:10
The Ford Territory Titanium is the brand-new SUV you have been looking for. Ford’s new Top Spec vehicle, the new Ford Territory Titanium. The Ford Territory Titanium is ready to hit the road. The three new models in the Ford Territory range are now available for a test drive through Nigel Ladwig at the Eastern …
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The Nelson Mandela Bay Half Marathon is set for another thrilling finish, with over a thousand runners expected to line-up to celebrate the 10th edition at Pollok Beach, Summerstrand, on the 1st of June. Race director, Mike Mbambani confirmed that his local organising team is ready to deliver the 10th edition of this successful race. …
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President launches new Home Affairs offices in Limpopo
Through the use of innovation, the Department of Home Affairs aims to offer its services at a quicker pace and closer to where people reside, says President Cyril Ramamphosa.
“The programme we are launching is called Home Affairs on Wheels, and it is going to change the provision of Home Affairs services for the better across South Africa. We don’t just want to make it easier. We want to make it faster and we want to make it cheaper.
“For many people, especially in the rural areas, travelling to reach government services can take a lot of time and be expensive,” the President said on Tuesday.
This as he officially opened the new Home Affairs offices in Mokopane, Limpopo.
“The Department of Home Affairs will soon be unveiling a kiosk model that allows you to access services just like withdrawing money at an ATM.”
President Ramaphosa said once the system is up and running, people will be able to use this walk-in kiosk to do things like applying for replacement copies of a birth, marriage or death certificate.
“You will also be able to use the kiosk to apply for a passport or a smart ID card. Another way we have taken government’s services to you, the people, is by opening Home Affairs offices in hospitals for birth registrations.
“This has made a big difference in the rate of civil registrations, and we hope it will continue to bring down the number of late registrations of births.”
Apart from the 412 Home Affairs offices in different parts of the country, the Department of Home Affairs has been able to expand the reach of services through partnerships with the banks, with shopping malls and with expanded offices like the one launched in Mokopane today.
“I call on each of you to see these new Home Affairs trucks as your own and to treat them as your own. Take pride in them and help us to care for them. These trucks are assets meant for the benefit of all people and all communities.”
He also told those at the venue that 2024 marks 30 years since South Africa attained freedom.
“With the advent of democracy, we set out on the path to restore the dignity of all South Africans. During apartheid, the regime denied black South Africans their dignity by controlling where we lived, worked and travelled.”
He added that since 1994, government has progressively built a Department of Home Affairs that is the custodian and protector of the citizens of South Africa and other people who are legally residing in South Africa.
“By recognising people’s legal identity and by providing them with the necessary documentation, the department is helping them to lead lives of dignity.
“It ensures their right to access public services and social protection. It allows them to vote, to find work, to open bank accounts and to travel beyond our borders.”
Since the dawn of democracy, government have taken important steps to ensure that civil registration is made as accessible as possible.
“The opening of the expanded Home Affairs office here in Mokopane and the introduction of these mobile offices are a great leap forward,” President Ramaphosa said.
Meanwhile, Home Affairs Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, echoed the President’s call in urging communities to look after the mobile offices as they exist to serve them.
“These are for you. They are there to serve you,” the Minister said.
Services closer to home
The launch of the new Home Affairs office and the unveiling of the mobile offices was welcomed by the locals.
Rethabile Masunke from Mahwelereng told SAnews that she is happy that she is now going to get Home Affairs services closer to where she stays.
“I am happy that now I don’t have to spend money to travel to Home Affairs offices which are far,” Masunke said.
Echoing the same sentiments, was Thabo Rabotho who said he is happy with what government has done in bringing services closer to where he stays.
“Now I just walk to Home Affairs offices and apply for whatever document I need,” he said.
According to the Department of Home Affairs, the new 100 mobile offices will extend the reach of the department’s services, especially in remote areas and that the unveiling of these mobile offices is part of Home Affairs’ Hybrid Access Model which expands services in areas where the department’s footprint is limited.
The purpose-built office offers all Home Affairs services in a convenient way which includes shaded waiting areas and ample parking. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 05/07/2024 - 14:16
Programme to bridge gap between research, public policymaking
In a move aimed to enhance collaboration between academia and government, the National Research Foundation (NRF) and the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) have launched the pilot phase of its DSI-NRF Policy Placement Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme.
This initiative is designed to bridge the gap between research and public policymaking, thus addressing societal challenges through evidence-based approaches.
NRF Business Advancement Group Executive, Dr Thandi Mgwebi, said the pilot phase will focus on postdoctoral research fellows and emerging researchers at a postdoctoral level to provide them with a unique opportunity to work within government departments.
“Through close collaboration with key government stakeholders, fellows will engage in policy processes and activities aligned with the thematic areas outlined in the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Decadal Plan 2022-2032.
“These areas include energy, social sciences, agriculture, climate change adaptation and mitigation, health, and other relevant fields,” Mgwebi said.
The pilot phase has seen the appointment of 14 postdoctoral fellows who have been assigned to strategic divisions within the DSI and NRF.
“The DSI fellows will be placed at the Technology Innovation and Research Development and Support divisions, while the NRF fellows will be spread across Business Advancement, Research Analysis and Advice, Knowledge Advancement and Support divisions, as well as Research Chairs and Centres of Excellence,” Mgwebi said.
The fellows will support the human capital development and social grand challenges (HCD and SGCs) five policy focus areas including research impact; internationalisation and partnerships; technology and innovations; and open science.
The fellowship programme is expected to be scaled-up over the next few years, with an open call for postdoctoral researchers to apply for the programme in 2025 and beyond.
The role of research
Mgwebi also noted that in today's complex world, the role of research in shaping public policy cannot be overstated.
She said the DSI-NRF Policy Placement Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme recognises this imperative and seeks to empower outstanding researchers and academics to contribute directly to government institutions.
“This will allow the academics to play a pivotal role in informing policy-making processes. The NRF and DSI are committed to driving national development through research initiatives that have a tangible impact on society.
"Through the creation of opportunities for collaboration between academia and government, we aim to enhance the capacity of researchers in public policymaking, while at the same time ensure that investments towards research culminates into impactful policies,” Mgwebi said.
DSI Research Development and Support Deputy Director-General, Imraan Patel said the programme fills two especially important gaps, one in which they have PhD graduates who have a lot of insight and ways of thinking that can be used by the policy environment effectively, but which cannot be extracted.
“The other in the policy environment where we have the need for deep insight into what is happening, what does the available evidence tells us, etc. This postdoctoral policy fellowship brings together those two needs into what I think is going to be an exciting and innovative programme,” Patel said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 05/07/2024 - 11:48
But lawyer for acting CEO Terrence Magogodela says his client “expects to be a witness for the state”