Joburg residents march over water outages and unreliable electricity
The protesters say they are also fed up with illegal rubbish dumping and potholes in their streets
ONE
Consumers Come Out Tops With Formation Of New One-Stop Ombud Scheme
1 March 2024, Johannesburg, South Africa – The newly-formed National Financial Ombud Scheme (NFO) today announced the commencement of operations as a single, one-stop, all-in-one dispute resolution service made up of the four (4) former existing services – the Ombudsman for Banking Services (OBS); the Credit Ombud (CO); the Ombudsman for Long-Term Insurance (OLTI); and the Ombudsman …
Unlock Savings: Embrace the Benefits of Unboxed Deals with RS Imports
In the world of retail, the term “unboxed deals” often raises eyebrows and piques curiosity. What exactly are unboxed deals, and why are they gaining popularity among savvy shoppers? At RS Imports, we’re here to demystify the concept and shed light on the benefits of embracing unboxed deals for your shopping needs. What Are Unboxed …
Local movies are the flavour of the month on the big screen from March to May
Local movies are the flavour of the month in March when Ster-Kinekor releases a number of homegrown films and a new title from our Namibian neighbour. These films, which celebrate our local cultures through creative and authentic storytelling, will be released in select Ster-Kinekor cinemas, with the Namibian title also being screened in the two …
eThekwini Municipality obtains court interdict against striking workers
eThekwini Municipality obtains court interdict against striking workers
The eThekwini Municipality has obtained an urgent Labour Court interdict against striking employees, including the South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU) members, who are taking part in the ongoing illegal and unprotected industrial action.
The interdict prohibits any unlawful conduct, acts of violence and interference with the city's activities, services and operations.
In a joint media briefing held on Monday to update the public on the ongoing strike, which started on 27 February 2024, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube issued a firm warning that lawlessness will not be allowed to prevail.
Dube-Ncube noted that while one of the rights in the Constitution provides that everyone has the right to fair labour practice; right to form and join a trade union and to participate in the activities and programmes of a trade union and the right to strike, the Constitution is also clear on the limitations of rights.
“It does not give the right to infringe on the rights of other citizens or the right to destruction of infrastructure and property just because one is exercising their other right. That must be clear,” Dube-Ncube said.
Dube-Ncube said the violent nature of the strike has resulted in essential municipal services being severely impacted, as some employees are fearing for their lives after seeing their colleagues being attacked and infrastructure being vandalised.
She said the strike action came at a time when the municipality was making progress in repairing the infrastructure that was damaged by the consecutive severe disasters over the past five years, including COVID-19, July 2021 civil unrest, 2022 and 2023 floods.
Noting some of the damage caused by the strike, the Premier said there has been continued intimidation and attacks on non-striking employees, resulting in the city’s failure to respond to faults and restore basic services, including water, refuse collection and electricity in the entire city.
“Access to primary healthcare services has also been hampered by the intimidation of health workers in various municipal-run health facilities, putting the lives of ordinary citizens in danger. In the case where the public cannot access the city’s health facilities, we are redirecting them to the provincial clinics.
“We have observed with great concern the attacks of city employees at service delivery sites. Some have been shot while attending to service delivery complaints and a number of water and sanitation, electricity infrastructure, including vehicles, have been damaged or completely destroyed,” Dube-Ncube said.
The Premier condemned the cruel actions inflicted by strikers on patients and ordinary citizens, which has seen blockages of access to State buildings, including several clinics, potentially endangering the lives of innocent patients.
Dube-Ncube warned that the provincial government will no longer tolerate the atmosphere of fear, trespassing on premises and forceful removal of staff from their work posts, denial of patients' rights to gain access to healthcare facilities, including vandalism of critical infrastructure such as water and electricity.
“Communities who have been without water and electricity for several days are bearing the brunt of this unlawful strike action. Scenes witnessed over the past few days are pure criminality, economic sabotage and tantamount to treason.
“Government is extremely concerned and upset about the violence accompanied by intimidation and extensive damage to property caused in the name of striking workers. The municipality is currently conducting an assessment on the impact and financial implications of the strike,” Dube-Ncube said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 03/05/2024 - 13:45
48 views
Anti-vaxxers thrashed in court
Application to stop Covid vaccine slammed as “manifestly unfair”, fatally defective and dismissed with costs by Pretoria High Court
Police seize counterfeit goods, dismantle illegal crossings near Beitbridge
Police seize counterfeit goods, dismantle illegal crossings near Beitbridge
A successful operation conducted by a border police team at Musina near the Beitbridge Port of Entry on Sunday has resulted in the seizure of counterfeit goods.
The team also recovered an inflatable boat believed to be used for illegal crossings of the Limpopo River between Zimbabwe and South Africa.
“During the operation, members of the SAPS OR Tambo International Airport Border Police intercepted a smuggling attempt and seized one inflatable boat, 25 litres of diesel, counterfeit cigarettes and liquor that were being smuggled between South Africa and Zimbabwe.
“Despite some suspects managing to evade arrest by fleeing on foot and crossing the Limpopo River, homemade wooden bridges used for illegal crossings were successfully dismantled during the operation,” said the police in a statement.
In a separate incident, nine male Zimbabwean nationals were apprehended by the Vhembe District Proactive Police for contravening the Immigration Act during a separate Vala Umgodi operation.
These individuals were arrested less than 10km from Beitbridge.
The Department of Home Affairs Immigration Office was engaged for immediate deportation of the illegal immigrants. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 03/05/2024 - 10:59
359 views
In the race to digital wallets, don’t forget cash (By Juan Seco)
Success in the digital payment space will hinge on the ability of new players and incumbents to converge the physical and digital experience into a seamless continuum for the customer. Extending the digital solution to a cash-based customer requires a “phygital” approach, writes Juan Seco, Chief Growth Officer at Mukuru (www.Mukuru.com).
Digital wallet use, especially in Africa, makes sense when so many people live in rural areas where there isn't easy access to another way of accessing money, such as through ATMs. Bank of America predicts that (https://apo-opa.co/49Y1X7z) by 2026, digital wallets will be used by more than 5.3-billion people, which is more than 50% of the world's population. Other estimates suggest this number may even be as high as two-thirds of the world's population, growth that is being driven by emerging markets, particularly African economies.
Globally, the main driver for digital products was COVID-19, which forced people indoors and encouraged the use of digital products. This, says Bank of America, was particularly prevalent globally among older customers and those who had previously stuck to traditional ways of purchasing goods or banking.
In Africa, the local e-payments market is likely to see revenues gain by around 20% percent a year, according to McKinsey (https://apo-opa.co/49PsfJ8). This means that the market will be worth about $40-billion by 2025. By comparison, the global market is expected to grow at 7% a year over the same time.
However, cash is still king. McKinsey (https://apo-opa.co/49PsfJ8) says that while digital is growing rapidly as a payment form, cash is still used for 90% of all transactions on the continent, adding that because cash still dominates, offline channels and large cash network points such as Mukuru's 320,000 access points where people can interact with cash at a booth or through an agent are still vital.
It is also important to recognise that not having a smartphone or access to 4G shouldn't be a limiting factor for financial inclusion, which is why making use of USSD and WhatsApp (which consumes less data) is often a critical factor determining whether a financial service provider will be relevant in many African markets.
Convergence and continuum from cash to digital
As eWallets have evolved, they have moved on from being a cash-in and cash-out system to a system that enables and unlocks financial inclusion digitally. The transition happened organically because trust was built over time on the ability to move and store cash seamlessly, making life easier for cash-based customers. As trust grew, more digital financial products have been offered to customers. As customers transact, they build a financial record that can unlock multiple products, as well as access to credit.
At Mukuru, we have remained focused on this layering of services, underpinned by trust and market education. As customers have become more digitally savvy, we were able to offer insurance and then loans, leveraging the customer's transaction history to assess their credit capacity.
McKinsey calls this Wallet 2.0 and points out that there is now a move to Wallet 3.0, which is an offering that adds in-app shopping.
Mukuru customers can access multiple billers through digital channels, such as airtime, utilities or DSTV, and more services will be added in the future. The objective is to enable the other side of the equation, so to speak, by empowering merchants whose customers have more solutions and options to use their digitally stored money.
In practice, we have found that most merchants still prefer cash due to its immediacy and perceived lower cost of business — they have to pay to accept card or mobile money and sometimes that payment is not received until several days after the transaction.
The International Monetary Fund (https://apo-opa.co/49D6NaB) says that the informal economy is a large part of most economies in sub-Saharan Africa. This sector accounts for between 25% and 65% of GDP, and between 30% and 90% percent of all non-agricultural employment. This situation is not likely to change any time soon and so merchants would do well to offer both digital and cash options, in other words take a phygital approach, to take advantage of the growth opportunity in sub-Saharan Africa.
Transforming a cash-based economy into a digital one requires multiple actors in the economy to act in unison, but when done deliberately, it becomes an extension of people's natural behaviour, taking them from cashing out transfers to the realisation they can store money digitally, transfer it to another person or seamlessly pay for any goods or services.
However, without understanding that cash still plays an important role in this process, those who only operate in the digital space will be confined to a niche market and be left behind in Africa's fast-paced digital revolution.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mukuru.
About Mukuru:
Mukuru is a leading next generation financial services platform in Southern Africa that offers affordable and reliable financial services to a customer base of over 13 million across Africa, Asia and Europe.
With over 100 million transactions to date, our core was built providing international money transfers and from this base, we've developed a set of services to address the broader financial needs of our customers. We now operate in over 50 countries and across over 300 remittance corridors.
We are a business that puts the customer at the centre of everything we do, and for that reason, we serve clients across physical and digital channels, by various payment methods (cash, card, wallet) as well as a range of engagement platforms including WhatsApp, USSD, contact centre, App, website, agents and a branch and booth network.
Mukuru has, for the fourth consecutive year, been listed as one of the top 100 Cross Border Payments businesses in the world in the 2023 FXC Intelligence Top 100 Cross-Border Payment Companies (https://apo-opa.co/48HwI0k), one of only six African companies to receive this accolade.
In April 2023, Mukuru officially ranked sixth on the 2023 LinkedIn Top Companies List in South Africa.
Further information can be found at www.Mukuru.com.
NSA Jazz & Pop Extravaganza: A Showcase of Next-Gen Leading Lights, Advocacy, and Legacy Celebration Featuring Pilani Bubu and Noxolo Seti
The National School of the Arts, renowned for being an incubator of the stars of tomorrow, brings to the magnificent Mandela Stage at the Joburg Theatre – The NSA JAZZ & POP Ensembles – in Concert for two unforgettable nights on the 8th and 9th March. Flavoured with South African music, the NSA band will …
EcoFlow Launches PowerStream, Helping Home Stay Powered During Load Shedding
EcoFlow (za.EcoFlow.com), a leading eco-friendly energy solutions company, has reached a new milestone with the launch of its latest innovation, the PowerStream (https://apo-opa.co/3Tiz7Jv), a mini home solar system that potentially helps users save on energy bills. This groundbreaking expandable system can also provide backup power when connected to a portable power station, making it a simple, flexible, and reliable energy source at home.
With over 2.5 million users worldwide, EcoFlow has established itself as a leader in the portable power industry. During load shedding last year, the EcoFlow portable power stations helped power over 50,000 families in South Africa. The PowerStream marks the company's expansion into the home solar energy solutions market, responding to the growing demand for sustainable and reliable energy solutions that households can depend on.
“Home solar energy solutions play an increasingly important role in an age of frequent energy crises, and that's what inspired the EcoFlow PowerStream,” said Bradley Chetty, Key Account Director at EcoFlow South Africa. “EcoFlow is committed to a future where everyone can care for their families and combat climate disasters, aging grids, and rising energy bills, and PowerStream is our first step towards that future."
Keep Home Powered During Load Shedding
The PowerStream is an expandable system that includes the EcoFlow PowerStream Microinverter, solar panels, and EcoFlow portable power stations if users want to store excessive energy generated through the system.
When incorporating portable power stations into the system, the stored energy can continue to power the home throughout the night, and provide users with peace of mind during load shedding by keeping the essential devices up and running - from heavy-duty appliances like air conditioners and refrigerators to low-wattage devices like phones and tablets.
With a maximum 800W solar input, the PowerStream generates around 1277kWh[1] of electricity annually, covering a great amount of electricity an average household consumes yearly. Using the EcoFlow app, users can keep track of the solar energy captured, and the estimated saving on energy costs, and get a clear picture of their home energy usage.
A Plug-and-Play System with High Compatibility
The PowerStream is designed for the users to install by themselves as the microinverter, solar panels and portable power stations are all plug-and-play. The solar panels also fit in different scenarios, including flat or house balconies, house gardens, and house Façades. Using the EcoFlow super-flat cables, users don't need to drill through walls or windows to connect the system outdoors to indoors.
The system is compatible with 99% of solar panels on the market and works with all EcoFlow portable power stations, including the DELTA Pro, if users want to store more surplus energy and save more on energy bills. With a base capacity of 3.6kWh and expandable up to 7.2kWh, the DELTA Pro provides reliable power for 99% of home appliances, making it one of the best companions for the PowerStream.
An Entry-level System for Every Home
The PowerStream is an ideal home solar system for beginners, especially if they have already been using solar panels and EcoFlow portable power stations at home. The PowerStream microinverter features a compact design and is lightweight. It can easily blend in users' houses or apartments.
Plus, when users look to enjoy outdoor activities, they can disconnect the portable power station and use it on the go. If moving to new apartments or houses, the entire system can be easily unplugged and packed to go.
Price and Availability
Currently available on the EcoFlow South Africa website (https://apo-opa.co/48AtQ4B), the PowerStream comes in different kits with an Early Bird discount till 31st March 2024.
The No-Storage Kit includes only the PowerStream microinverter, two EcoFlow 400W Rigid Solar Panels, one solar cable, and one EcoFlow AC cable. The kit is priced at R 14,999 for an Early Bird discount.
The 3-kWh Storage Kit includes the PowerStream microinverter with the EcoFlow solar cable and AC cable, an EcoFlow DELTA Pro portable power station with an EB cable and two EcoFlow 400W Rigid Solar Panels. The kit is currently priced at R 61,999 for an Early Bird discount.
To learn more about kits with different storage options, please visit: za.EcoFlow.com
Specs
|
EcoFlow PowerStream Microinverter |
|||
|
Weight |
Approx. 3 Kg |
Waterproof |
IP67 |
|
Dimensions |
242 × 169 × 33 mm |
Max. Charging & Discharging Power |
600W |
|
PV Input Power |
400W x 2 |
DC Input Output |
600W |
|
Max. Input Voltage |
55Vd.c. (PV Port)/ 59Vd.c. (DC Port) |
Max. Input Current |
13A |
|
AC Output-Grid Tied |
600W |
Max. AC Output Current |
2.8A |
|
Charging Voltage |
30 – 58 Vd.c. |
Communication |
Wi-Fi & Bluetooth |
[1] The amount of electricity generated by PowerStream a year is based on internal testing in Johannesburg. Actual user experiences may vary.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of EcoFlow.
About EcoFlow:
EcoFlow is a leading eco-friendly energy solutions company with the vision to power a new world. Since its founding in 2017, EcoFlow aims to become a reliable and trusted energy companion for individuals and families across the world, providing accessible and renewable power solutions at home, outdoors, and in mobile spaces. Today, with operational headquarters located in the USA, Germany, and Japan, EcoFlow has empowered more than 2.5 million users in over 100 markets worldwide.
Outsourced CFO Celebrates Milestone: Welcomes 100th Team Member
Cape Town, 4 March 2024 – Outsourced CFO, a leading financial management and advisory firm, is thrilled to announce a significant milestone in its journey of growth and excellence. The company has officially welcomed its 100th team member, marking a pivotal moment in its history and setting the stage for further expansion and success. Louw …
EPA Track & Field Championships 2024
After a challenging Track and Field season, the EPA Championships was a great success this past weekend. The EPA Championships, which form part of the NMB Legacy Project sponsored by the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, attracted an impressive 330 athletes, aged between 12 to 73, participating in 535 events. “Due to ongoing protests at the …
After 25 years, 81-year-old Mthatha widow finally gets an RDP house
“I don’t have much but I’m happy for a decent house,” says Ndenzeni Njwenene
SA commemorates World Obesity Day
SA commemorates World Obesity Day
As the country joins the global community to mark World Obesity Day, the Department of Health has urged people to engage in regular physical activity and follow a balanced eating plan.
World Obesity Day is aimed at raising awareness and improving understanding of obesity root causes and actions needed to address them, and tackling the associated stigma.
Obesity has become one of the biggest health crises faced by people today around the world.
According to the World Health Organization, obesity has reached epidemic proportions globally, claiming at least 2.8 million lives annually, while 1 in 8 people in the world were living with obesity in 2022.
“Evidence shows that interventions (such as improved diet and physical activity) introduced to tackle obesity have the potential benefits to reduce the incidence of NCDs and its burden on healthcare spending, individuals and their families.
“The Department of Health urges people to engage in regular physical activity; drink [sufficient] water; serve the correct amount of food to avoid overeating; limit the consumption of foods and drinks high in sugar, salt and fat, and snack on fresh vegetables and fruits instead of salty snacks or sugary treats,” the department said in a statement.
The department highlighted that the rise in obesity poses a serious challenge to public health worldwide, with South Africa being amongst the countries with the highest overweight and obesity rates.
According to the 2016 national survey, 68% of women and 31% of men are either overweight or obese, while 13% of children under the age of 5 are overweight.
In terms of obesity, at least 41% of women have obesity, with 20% of them falling in the severe obesity category. In contrast, only 11% of men have obesity. The prevalence of obesity among women rose from 27% in 1998 to 41% in 2016. There was very little change in obesity amongst men, with only a 2% increase during the same period.
“These worrying figures underscore the need for effective prevention interventions to address obesity and promote healthier lifestyles and setting nutrition standards for food and beverages provided in places like Early Child Development Centres, schools, community nutrition development centres and other feeding programmes,” the department said.
The department said the increased prevalence of overweight and obesity among people contributes to the onset of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension and cancer, which are currently the biggest threats to health and development among populations.
Women with obesity are at increased risk of miscarriage, pre-eclampsia, induced labour, and are less likely to initiate breastfeeding. On the other hand, obese men are at a higher risk of developing cancers of the colon, rectum and erectile dysfunction.
“The words obesity and overweight are often confused and used interchangeably. However, these are two related health conditions with slightly different meanings. Overweight is when a body mass index (a value derived from the mass and height of a person) is greater than or equal to 25, whereas obesity is a BMI greater than or equal to 30,” the department explained.
The department said while many people exercise day and night to keep fit and healthy, it is important to know the 80/20 rule for weight loss, which emphasises that nutrition contributes 80% and routine exercise contributes only 20% when it comes to losing weight.
“This means that as long as you don’t make healthier food choices, physical activities will do less to reduce obesity.
“The department urges employers to support efforts by government and other stakeholders by creating healthy and productive working environments for employees as part of health and wellness programmes.
“This includes establishing wellness centres and serving healthier food menus in their canteens,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Mon, 03/04/2024 - 11:54
653 views
Free State focuses on job creation
Free State focuses on job creation
Free State Premier Mxolisi Dukwana says the province is hard at work to lessen the burden of unemployment.
In his State of the Province Address on Friday, Dukwana said unemployment fell from 38.5% in the third quarter of 2023 to 37% in the fourth quarter.
“Our Expanded Public Works Programme and the Presidential Employment Stimulus is a demonstration of our efforts to ignite economic growth,” he said.
Dukwana said since 2019, the province has created 282 907 work opportunities against a five-year target of 260 000 work opportunities through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP).
“The Presidential Employment Stimulus enabled us to benefit from the creation of 87 357 job opportunities, supporting 24 733 livelihoods and retaining 1 680 jobs in the period between April to December 2023.
“These statistics include the 6 964 Education Assistants and 8 285 General School Assistants in the Department of Education. At the core of this education programme is the placement of unemployed youth in schools.
“This further illustrates how we give practical effect to our commitment to address youth unemployment. We must strengthen the coordination and maximise our participation in this programme,” Dukwana said.
He said a strong agricultural sector is key for food security, job creation, poverty alleviation and rural development.
“Work is underway to position the Free State as the champion of the agricultural green revolution in the country. A total of 4 543 producers were trained, and 249 students graduated from the Glen Agricultural College.
“We facilitated 19 023 export certificates, 29 419 hectares of land was rehabilitated and 987 hectares was cultivated using conservation practices. This will preserve the environment and increase production of organic products.
“Work is underway to avail provincial and municipal land for youth, women, people with disabilities and military veterans for farming purposes. We will increase investment to support the commercialisation of black farmers, investment in agro-logistics infrastructure and open new markets,” he said.
Dukwana said the province is hard at work to position the Free State as the country’s central energy logistics, distribution and beneficiation hub.
“The province has immense opportunities in natural gas, solar, coal, ethanol, wind, uranium, hydropower and hydrogen to power the future of our country,” he said.
30 Years of democracy
Dukwana said with 2024 marking 30 years of freedom and democracy, there is much to take note of.
“It is a year that builds a bridge between our tragic past, encouraging present and a brighter future... With the birth of democracy, the stage was set to carve a path anchored firmly on democratic values, social justice and fundamental human rights,” Dukwana said.
The Premier said central to the democratic transformation process is improving the living conditions of South Africans and fostering shared economic growth.
“Driven by the relentless desire for a better life for all, we have over the past 30 years, invested time, resources and commitment in fighting the triple challenge of unemployment, poverty and inequality.
“The courage of our people continues to be rewarded. Their hopes and dreams continue to be the spark that impels us to even greater heights. Signs are everywhere that the Free State is a province on the move, confident in our actions and optimistic in our future trajectory.
“We are making the most of our potential, harnessing our development efforts and leaving no one behind in a Social Compact with our people,” Dukwana said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 03/04/2024 - 13:28
1190 views
SAPS and Public Works called to Parliament over Telkom Towers debacle
Trade union Solidarity says it’s been complaining about the deplorable state of the police building for years, but to no avail
Skin cancer vs skin colour – More melanin may mean more protection, but risks remain.
As summer wanes, South Africans are advised to always exercise caution when out and about. Skin cancer ranks as one of the most common cancers in South Africa, but what does that mean for a country with such a diverse array of skin colours? According to Functional Head: Oncology Management Dr Jenni Noble at the …
Over one million students provisionally funded by NSFAS
Over one million students provisionally funded by NSFAS
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has received a total of 1 936 330 applications for funding, as of 16 February 2024.
Briefing the media on the registration process and payment of allowances on Monday, NSFAS Acting Chairperson, Professor Lourens Van Staden, said that of the 1 936 330 applications received, 1 244 854 are provisionally funded as of 1 March 2024, with 108 345 registrations received, 59 723 awaiting evaluations, and 94 816 awaiting supporting documents.
Van Staden said a total of 84 225 applications have been withdrawn by students, while 52 038 are in progress, and 136 468 are on the not-started status, as applicants only created profiles and did not submit applications.
“NSFAS has rejected 243 113 applications and 15 174 appeals have been lodged to date,” Van Staden said at a briefing held at the Government Communication and Information System in Pretoria.
The briefing comes after the applications for funding closed on 15 February 2024.
Van Staden said the scheme is determined to improve its systems, including applications processes, to enable a smooth and seamless application process.
The chairperson said the scheme is also committed to continue working with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) to verify the financial eligibility criteria of all the applicants, by ensuring that the consent form is submitted by non-South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) applicants.
He reiterated the call to applicants to submit accurate information when applying, as this assist in reducing the timelines to make funding decisions.
Through third party verifications, Staden said NSFAS has processed about 23 000 applications per day and has prioritised applicants who have received firm offers of admission from universities, or who were enrolled at Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges.
Over 30 000 loan applications received
On the 2024 loan applications, Van Staden said NSFAS has received 30 728 loan applications as of 16 February 2024.
Van Staden said the scheme has pre-assessed and determined students who pre-qualify for the loan, and communication was sent to the affected students via the student portal, to confirm whether or not they were accepted for NSFAS to process their loan application.
He stressed that this is specifically for students who had applied for a bursary, but were above the income threshold for the bursary, but within the loan threshold.
“The next step would be for NSFAS to communicate with institutions, to request them to submit admission data for registered students in line with the requirements of the loan of the 70 vs 30 split in STEM [Science, technology, engineering and mathematics] and social sciences respectively.
“At the completion of this process, we envisage that a total of 31 800 missing middle students will be provided with student loans,” Van Staden explained.
The loan applications also closed on 15 February 2024. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 03/04/2024 - 14:27
879 views
Rubber crumb bitumen – where Mathe Group’s recycled rubber hits the road.
The use of large amounts of recycled rubber crumb for the manufacture of road surfaces and related products is propelling South Africa towards a circular economy. Waste products are usefully used to address key infrastructure needs, says Dr Mehran Zarrebini, CEO of Hammarsdale-based radial truck tyre recycler, Mathe Group The company recycles approximately 1 000 …
Institutions submit registration data to NSFAS
Institutions submit registration data to NSFAS
Twenty-nine institutions that have submitted registration data for catch up payment for the 2024 academic year allowances, will be paid by Friday, says the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).
The acting Chairperson of the NSFAS, Professor Lourens Van Staden, said following delays in the 2024 academic year, mainly due to registration, the NSFAS board took a decision to request institutions in the interim to operate as a channel to pay the February and March allowances.
“Communication was therefore sent to all universities notifying them of this decision. We also sent another communication to indicate the 2024 academic year allowances type distribution channel.
“Financial aid managers were asked to confirm the universities allowances payment commitment dates. For Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, we will be paying through the direct payment channel,” Van Staden said on Monday.
To support institutions and students, Van Staden said the scheme made two upfront payments to all institutions, including the first upfront payment, which was disbursed on 31 January with the second upfront payment disbursed on 29 February 2024.
“These upfront payments were made to institutions for them to use the funds to distribute students’ allowances. The majority of institutions committed to paying students from the last week of February 2024,” Van Staden said at a media briefing held in Pretoria.
The first upfront payment was administered to cover the book allowance which was calculated at half of the 2023 academic year cost.
The payment included funds to cover one month of accommodation costs. For medical students, provision was made for two months’ worth of allowances, to assist select institutions that registered medical students whose academic year starts in January.
The second upfront payment includes book allowances, which is calculated for the second half of the 2024 academic year based on the 2023 payments made; accommodation allowances to cover the accommodation allowances for the second month (March) of the 2024 academic year; transport allowances, which is calculated to cover February 2024 allowance.
The NSFAS advanced an upfront payment to both universities and TVET colleges.
For universities, Van Staden said the NSFAS disbursed R2.8 billion in January 2024.
The chairperson noted that this disbursement does not include the calculation of the tranche payments, which “NSFAS will disburse at the beginning of April 2024.”
“This upfront payment covers one month of student accommodation and the book allowance. The book allowance is calculated at half of the total cost, whilst the accommodation is calculated as one month of the accommodation cost.
“For TVET colleges, a total of R580150 950.00 was paid to colleges as tuition upfront in January 2024. An additional R1 billion is earmarked for three months’ worth of allowances to be paid based on registration from the January-March period,” he explained.
He emphasised that all the upfront payments are meant to enable institutions to register all NSFAS-approved students for the 2024 academic year.
“We all know that in February, the university sector commences with its registration. This means that by the time the first payment is made (usually at the beginning of February), the majority of the students have already registered and are already attending classes.
“This is the reason why the board ensured that the upfront payments are inclusive of the registration period commencing in January for medical students in the university sector.”
He further explained that NSFAS requested institutions to pay allowances for both February and March due to challenges experienced at the beginning of the 2024 academic year, which led to delays in receiving registration data from institutions.
He said institutions were also requested to allow direct payment service providers to conduct the process of onboarding students, whilst they continue with payments.
“The direct payments of allowance for the 2024 academic year will commence in April 2024 and institutions will administer the payment of allowances for only two months (February and March) because the third allowance will be made on the direct payment platform. No exceptions or deviations will be allowed.”
Van Staden has encouraged all other institutions to submit registration data, to enable NSFAS to make a catch-up payment. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 03/04/2024 - 15:12
254 views
2024 Simola Hillclimb primed for a classic battle
Thrilling tussle expected between Andre Bezuidenhout and Franco Scribante, along with a brace of other serious challengers, for Classic Car Friday glory Exceptional line-up of cars across the nine classes, from thoroughbred single-seaters to legendary tin-tops, ranging from 1926 to 1994 14th edition of the Simola Hillclimb takes place in Knysna from 2 to 5 […]
Yoliswa Dwane, education activist who condemned John Hlophe, is remembered at UCT event
She “dedicated her life to advancing social justice” but died “too young, too early”
Probe into SANDF deaths
Probe into SANDF deaths
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has convened a Board of Inquiry with the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) to investigate an incident which led to the deaths of two defence force members.
“The incident occurred when one of them [SANDF member] shot and killed the other with their service weapon before turning the weapon on themselves with fatal consequences,” said the SANDF of Thursday’s incident.
In a statement on Friday the defence force said it has convened a Board of Inquiry to work with the MONUSCO command to investigate the incident and the circumstances that led to it.
Meanwhile, Defence and Military Veterans Minister Thandi Modise has expressed her shock at the incident that involved the two officials deployed to the central African country.
The remains of the officials will be repatriated to South Africa in due course and all families have been informed of the unfortunate incident.
Minister Modise, the Deputy Minister Thabang Makwetla, the acting Secretary for Defence, Dr Thobekile Gamede and the Chief of the SANDF, General Rudzani Maphwanya have expressed their condolences to the families of the deceased.
Last month, the SANDF repatriated and officially handed over the mortal remains of Captain Simon Mkhulu Bobe and Lance Corporal Irven Thabang Semono to their families.
Bobe and Semono were killed and three of their colleagues injured in the DRC after a mortar bomb landed inside one of the South African contingency military bases.
The soldiers were part of the Southern African Development Community Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) deployed to support and assist government of the second-largest country in Africa to restore peace, security and stability. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 03/04/2024 - 10:17
327 views
Applications Open for the Sixth Edition of Africa’s Biggest Entrepreneurial Competition
The Africa's Business Heroes (ABH) Prize Competition has launched its sixth annual continent-wide search for 10 exceptional entrepreneurs who are striving to make a positive impact in their local communities. The application form can be accessed for free on ABH's official website (https://AfricaBusinessHeroes.org/) starting today.
Since its inception in 2019, ABH has spotlighted and supported some of Africa's brightest entrepreneurial minds. The ABH top 10 finalists (Heroes) over the last five years:
- have created 123,000 direct and indirect jobs in Africa
- are serving over 37.5 million customers in Africa and beyond
- have raised over US$153 million (not counting debt raises)
- operate in 52 African countries
In 2023, ABH published a five-year impact report that details the impact ABH Heroes have had. The full report can be accessed here: https://apo-opa.co/3T4mErL
As ABH enters its sixth year, it is calling on entrepreneurs across Africa to pitch on the biggest entrepreneurial stage in the continent. ABH encourages applicants from all 54 countries, from all business sectors, of all ages and genders, to submit their applications in English or French. Along with invaluable benefits such as training, exposure and networking opportunities, the top 10 finalists will also compete for their share of US$1.5 million in grant money.
“Over the past five years, we've had the privilege of witnessing the incredible growth of our Heroes. Many of our Heroes have leveraged the grant funds to expand their geographic footprint, hire talent, grow their operations and invest in new products and services. It's been heart-warming to see our Heroes collaborate with each other and to tap into the ABH network of judges and experts. We are motivated to continue to play our part in supporting the African entrepreneurial ecosystem. We are calling on all eligible African entrepreneurs who are creating positive impact to join us in this journey!” says Zahra Baitie, Head of Partnerships & Programs, Africa's Business Heroes.
To date, nearly 100,000 entrepreneurs have participated in the ABH Prize Competition. Last year's winners were chosen from 27,267 applicants from sectors spanning agriculture, education and training, energy, financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, and retail. The competition cumulated in the Grand Finale, where the top 10 finalists mounted Africa's largest augmented reality-powered stage to present their businesses to a panel of esteemed judges.
Dr. Ikpeme Neto, CEO and Founder of Wellahealth Technologies, ABH 2023 First Prize Winner says: “Participating in the ABH Prize Competition has been a transformative experience for Wellahealth Technologies, profoundly impacting our journey as a startup. ABH not only provided us with financial assistance but also offered unparalleled opportunities for entrepreneurship training, networking, and exposure. I urge fellow entrepreneurs across Africa to seize this extraordinary opportunity to enjoy a wealth of benefits that can catalyze growth and success for your ventures.”
WellaHealth (www.WellaHealth.com) provides affordable healthcare plans that start at less than a dollar a month to cover care common conditions delivered via pharmacies and remote doctors. The company serves over 300,000 individuals and is aiming to reach one million within 18 months and expand to 10 million within the next five years, extending its services in Nigeria and throughout Africa.
ABH constantly explores effective ways to help the participating entrepreneurs take their businesses to the next level. As with previous years, the journey to this year's Grand Finale will also include access to a community of business leaders, innovators, industry experts and investors as well as multi-disciplinary boot camps and training sessions.
To better facilitate the engagement with entrepreneurs and facilitate applications, this year ABH will organize a series of roadshows in multiple countries, including Cameroon, Cote d'Ivoire, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania and Zambia. These events will be conducted in collaboration with local entrepreneur organizations and ABH community members. Participants will gain valuable insights into the ABH initiative as well as enhance their chances of success in the competition. Further details regarding the roadshows and information sessions will be disseminated via ABH's official social media channels and newsletters.
Applications for ABH 2024 are open from now until May 19, 2024. The top 50 finalists will be announced in July, followed by the announcement of the top 10 in September. The final winners will be unveiled at the Grand Finale in November.
To apply, and for more information about ABH 2024, please visit ABH's website (https://apo-opa.co/3uUYEPD) and follow ABH on Twitter (@africa_heroes), Instagram (https://apo-opa.info/3KZTXKa), TikTok (https://apo-opa.co/48DjD7o) and YouTube (https://apo-opa.info/3YDG5bH).
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH).
Press Contact:
Africa's Business Heroes Press Room
abh.press@list.alibaba-inc.com
For media inquiries or interview requests, please contact:
English: Tracy Walakira
tracy.walakira@apo-opa.com
French / Arabic: Malika Bouayad
malika.bouayad@apo-opa.com
About Africa's Business Heroes:
The Africa's Business Heroes Prize Competition is a philanthropic initiative sponsored by the Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Philanthropy. It aims to support, inspire and enable the next generation of African entrepreneurs across all sectors who are building a brighter future for the continent, by offering grant funding, training programs and support for the development of an entrepreneurial ecosystem. Over 10 years, each year the ABH Prize Competition features 10 entrepreneur finalists as they pitch their business to win a share of US$1.5 million in grant money.