Cable theft and shootings force Cape Town library closures
But the people who work at the libraries in Hanover Park and Bellville are determined to continue creating safe spaces for their communities
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Here’s how the Western Cape can prepare better for weather like we had in September
Climate change may bring more variable weather but we can reduce the risk of disasters
Inter-faith community called on to encourage crime afflicted communities
Inter-faith community called on to help crime afflicted communities
KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, has reiterated the call to the inter-faith community to continue praying for all communities afflicted by crime, gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), rape and murder.
“It is my view that crime prevention cannot be left to be the responsibility of government alone. Let us all hold hands and work together,” Dube-Ncube said.
Dube-Ncube made the call during the Provincial Youth Committee Gospel Arts and Culture Competition, held in Mthwalume, South Coast on Sunday. Participants in the competition showcased their talents and competitive spirit in gospel music, arts and culture.
The Premier said violence meted out against women in particular, is a shame and is a threat to all social cohesion and nation-building efforts.
“Today’s event reminds us that our communities are plagued by the scourge of GBVF and Crime in general. Crime here in the Mthwalume area in recent years and GBVF in particular has been a major worry.
“While the Minister of Police, Bheki Cele has assured me that the crimes of murder especially GBVF are being attended to, I urge the community to work closely with the SAPS [South African Police Service] to do everything to address all the sources of crime in this area and in the rest of the province,” she said.
The Premier said the advent of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), places power in the hands of artists.
“With access to technology artists can now interact directly with their audience, create songs and post to all streaming platforms without the help of a manager or record label. This can take place whether you are Johannesburg or New York or even in a backroom here in Mthwalume.
“While the labels and record companies still do have a place, artists are now positioned better to attract success before labels get to them. Today’s event is therefore more than just entertainment or competition, but is an opportunity to minister, and also to provide economic empowerment opportunities in music and the performing arts to artists from all over our province,” the Premier said.
She added that bringing a gospel competition to Mthwalume is a demonstration that gospel music, which is one of the most popular genres in South Africa, belongs to the people. She said it underlines her belief that development of rural areas is as important as addressing the issue of services in rural areas. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 10/23/2023 - 09:51
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Almost a third of Limpopo residents have no access to piped water
Human Rights Commission report slams failure of water supply in Limpopo
Late entries are still available for the Goss & Balfe Sapphire Coast Marathon this Sunday
Runners looking to compete in one of the country’s most scenic races still have a chance to enter the Goss & Balfe Sapphire Coast Marathon in Amanzimtoti on Sunday, 29 October. With a new route along the Amanzimtoti coastline, this early qualifier for the Comrades Marathon has already attracted a number of top competitors. “There …
Mompati Mall opens in Vryburg on 26 October
Mompati Mall is set to transform Vryburg in the North West province with its brand-new shopping experience that will launch to the public on 26 October 2023 with a spectacular grand opening. Vryburg’s very first mall, the ground-breaking new 22 700sqm shopping centre development by Twin City, is set to be a retail game-changer, introducing …
Win a Giant Stance 2 mountain bike at the Savanna Origin of Trails in 2023!
One lucky Savanna Origin of Trails MTB Experience entrant will go home with a brand-new Giant Stance 2 mountain bike to the value of R31 090.00 on Sunday 19 November 2023. “We’re proud to continue enhancing the experience of SA’s MTB Party of the year by offering entrants the exciting opportunity to win an incredible …
Deadline looms for KZN emerging designer incubation applications
Deadline looms for KZN emerging designer incubation applications
Emerging designers in KwaZulu-Natal have only four days left to submit their applications to be part of the Emerging Designers Incubation Programme.
The Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) is looking for KZN-based emerging designers who are currently running a formal or informal creative design business, including crafters, fashion designers, and accessories designers, among others, to take part on the incubation programme.
To apply for the programme, applicants should click on the link: https://forms.gle/PZgeNDyTR2J1Ng2L6.
The closing date for application submissions is 27 October 2023.
Global exporter passport programme
Meanwhile, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition in partnership with KwaZulu-Natal Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs; KZN Trade and Investment, and Zululand Chamber of Commerce have invited prospective Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) within and around Richards Bay to participate in the Global Exporter Passport Programme.
The programme is designed to provide exporter development training to enterprises that wish to expand their export opportunities and be export ready and sustainable in export markets.
Thr programme will be undertaken in three phases, including introduction to exporting; planning for exports and market selection; and market entry analysis. Phase one of the programme will take place from 21 to 24 November 2023, phase two will be from 30 January 2024 to 02 February 2024, while phase three will take place from 20 February to 21 February 2024.
Consideration will be given to SMEs that are in existence and have been operational for at least one year and enterprises belong to a previously disadvantaged population group.
“Applicants must be directly involved in the daily operations of the business,” the department said.
Applicants must send an email to Gugulethu.Gumede@kznedtea.gov.za requesting an assessment form.
The closing date is 03 November 2023. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 10/23/2023 - 12:51
167 views
Klaasen Ton Helps Proteas Thump England In Mumbai
MUMBAI: A sizzling maiden ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup century by Heinrich Klaasen helped the Proteas demolish defending champions England in...
SA Emerging Crowned Division 2 CSA 1 Day Cup Champions
BLOEMFONTEIN: South Africa (SA) Emerging were crowned champions of the Division 2 Cricket South Africa (CSA) 1 Day Cup after a...
Brevis Ton Anchor Titans’ Innings In Western Province Clash
TSHWANE: Dewald Brevis provided an anchoring performance for the Momentum Multiply Titans in the much-anticipated encounter against Western Province at SuperSport...
Co-cultivating Excellence in Agricultural Firefighting
Veld fires pose a great threat to farmers as uncontrolled blazes can quickly engulf vast stretches of farmland, consuming crops, livestock and essential infrastructure, wiping out years of hard work in mere minutes. However, the future of farming preparation against veld fires has had a major boost with a proudly South African pioneering solution. Husqvarna …
Western Cape prepares for record-breaking summer tourism season
Western Cape prepares for record-breaking summer tourism season
With preparations for the summer tourism season underway, the Western Cape province will - for the first time ever - have more than one million in-bound international seats, breaking the record for travellers during the festive season.
“Looking ahead, Cape Town International Airport’s seat capacity for summer 2023/24 is estimated to increase by an impressive 25%, compared to the same period last year. This means that inbound international seats this summer will exceed 1 million, for the first time ever,” the MEC for Finance and Economic Opportunities, Mireille Wenger, said on Sunday.
She said the province is pleased with the significant progress made over the past year in bringing the private and public sectors together to implement practical solutions to combat and pre-empt safety risks for visitors.
"Over the 2023/24 season, 250 tourism monitors will be deployed across the Western Cape to identified hotspots, and will be trained and equipped with mobile apps to link them to critical security services,” she said.
In addition, the Department of Economic Development and Tourism and Cape Town Tourism will implement tourist-in-distress programmes, which ensure that visitors have professional support available when they most need it.
“I am also pleased that the Department of Tourism has secured a commitment from South African Police Service (SAPS) that police reservists will be available during the summer season to assist with tourism safety,” she said.
The MEC said work is being prioritised to ensure a successful upcoming season, as well as future seasons.
“At the top of my list is making it as easy as possible for international visitors to holiday in the Western Cape and South Africa. I am determined to work with our national government partners to fix the inefficiencies. I therefore welcome the commitment from the Department of Home Affairs that the long overdue Remote or Digital Nomad Visa will be live by the end of March 2024,” Wenger said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Sun, 10/22/2023 - 10:38
714 views
Thousands march in Cape Town, calling for ceasefire in Gaza
Protesters demand that South Africans who join Israeli Defence Force be prosecuted
Intensifying efforts to combat illegal cross-border operations
Intensifying efforts to combat illegal cross-border operations
The net is closing in on unscrupulous operators, as the Cross-Border Road Transport Agency (C-BRTA) launches its law enforcement unit this week.
On Monday, the C-BRTA will officially launch the unit, leading the way to intensifying efforts to deal with the prevailing scourge of illegal cross-border operations and ensure road safety by the Road Transport Inspectorate (RTI).
The agency will use the launch to inform the public about the RTI and its operations, following its return from the Road Traffic Management Corporation on 1 April 2023.
The primary role of the inspectorate is to ensure compliance on cross-border road transport through inspections and prosecutions of illegal operators.
Furthermore, during the launch, the Agency will promote its legislative mandate, which includes law enforcement.
Activities for the day will include the unveiling of the law enforcement badge, handing over of law enforcement vehicles and showcasing of the law enforcement official uniform.
This event also serves as one of the C-BRTA’s October Transport Month (OTM) campaign activities.
OTM is recognised as one of the flagship programmes of the National Department of Transport. Its aim is to highlight the important role that transport plays in the economy and society in general.
This year’s campaign takes place under the theme: “Sakhile - we have built better infrastructure, growing South Africa Together”. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Sun, 10/22/2023 - 13:48
165 views
Unlocking the Potential of Garage Doors: More Than Meets the Eye
Garage doors are often overlooked and underestimated when it comes to home improvement projects. Many homeowners tend to focus on the aesthetics of their living spaces, neglecting the potential that garage doors hold in enhancing the overall appeal and functionality of their homes. However, these humble doors are more than just a means to secure …
Calling All KZN Entrepreneurs! Play Your Fraction Ignite is here to give your business conceit a boost!
Johannesburg 20 October 2023 – Sometimes, all a great idea needs is a little fine-tuning to give it the confidence and gravitas it needs to succeed. A nudge in the right direction can be life-changing for many aspiring entrepreneurs in South Africa. Brand South Africa, through their Play Your Part Ignite roadshow, have been travelling …
Global Conflict Threatens Local War On Hunger Warns Development Group
Agripreneurship: a solution to enhance food security as global conflict proves a recurring threat to SA’s vulnerable food supply chain. 19 October 2023: Recent global conflicts such as the Ukraine-Russia War continue to send shockwaves throughout the world. Their impact has laid bare the critical need for developing African markets, such as South Africa (SA), …
Rugby World Cup Semi-Final Victory: Message from Rugby Africa President Herbert Mensah to South Africa’s Springboks
Celebrating South Africa's victory against England in the semi-final of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Herbert Mensah, the newly elected President of Rugby Africa, (www.RugbyAfrique.com), the continental governing body of rugby across Africa, issues a message of congratulations addressed to Mark Alexander, President of the South Africa Rugby Union (SARU):
Dearest Mark, My Brother
Congratulations to YOU, Mark. Congratulations to the Springboks. In a tournament that began back in September, dedication and unity of the Springboks have been nothing short of extraordinary.
The path you've walked is not a sprint but a steady and relentless race. YOU have faced the world's best with unparalleled speed, tenacity and power.
The Springboks move as one, whether on the field with seven, fifteen or twenty-three players, or behind the scenes with the dedicated staff and medics.
Your achievements have not only left us in awe but have ignited a curiosity to the power of the Springboks. The greatest moments of rugby history have featured the Springboks, and now YOU have reached the final. Our pride in YOU knows no bounds.
From the very beginning to the end, it is the enduring spirit of positivity that will see us through. Mark, YOU and your team have embodied that spirit.
In all our languages, with all our spirits and power, we say congratulations to YOU and wish YOU the very best of luck in the final.
Go Springboks, go!
Herbert Mensah,
President, Rugby Africa.
Download official letter here: https://apo-opa.info/4070l7N
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Rugby Africa.
Media contact:
Nicole Vervelde
Communications Advisor to the President of Rugby Africa
rugby@apo-opa.com
About Rugby Africa:
Rugby Africa (www.RugbyAfrique.com) is the continental governing body of rugby in Africa and one of the regional associations under World Rugby. It unites all African countries that play rugby union, rugby sevens, and women's rugby. Rugby Africa organizes various competitions, including the qualifying tournaments for the Rugby World Cup and the Africa Sevens, a qualifying competition for the Olympic Games. With 39 member unions, Rugby Africa is dedicated to promoting and developing rugby across the continent. World Rugby highlighted Ghana, Nigeria and Zambia as three of the six emerging nations experiencing strong growth in rugby.
Gauteng launches auto body workshop for its fleet management entity
Gauteng launches auto body workshop for its fleet management entity
The Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport has launched a state-of-the-art Panel Beating and Apprenticeship Training Workshop, which is set to benefit graduates, informal businesses and entrepreneurs.
Addressing the launch on Friday in Johannesburg, Department of Roads and Transport Director of Fleet Maintenance Unit at g-FleeT Management Sifiso Mhlongo explained that the new Panel Beating Workshop will offer full cycle panel beating services for all g-FleeT vehicles involved in accidents.
G-FleeT Management is a Trading Entity of the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport and is a provider of vehicle leasing and fleet management services for the public sector in South Africa whose clients include National, Gauteng Provincial and local government departments.
Historically, accident repairs have been outsourced through the RT46 Transversal Contract by the National Treasury of South Africa.
“Accident repairs are one of the major cost drivers for g-FleeT. Therefore, the main objective of the New Panel Beating Workshop is to assist g-FleeT to be in total control of a major part of its value chain, which impacts on the quality of fleet, turnaround times, customer satisfaction and g-FleeT’s self-sustainability,” Mhlongo said.
The anticipated benefits of the workshop include improved cost control, quality of repairs, skills development for qualified artisans and experienced staff as well as satisfied clients and self-sustainability of the entity.
“The Panel Beating facility would be manufacturer approved, and this would enable all repairs to be carried out at the manufacturer’s strict criteria and standard, with a plan to obtain industry Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), South African Motor Body Repairers' Association (SAMBRA) and Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services SETA (MERSETA) accreditation.
“It also has a built-in Training Facility for technical training and skills development, which would help g-FleeT contribute to the development of technical skills categorized as critical and scarce in the country.
“The Entity plans to operationalise the panel beating workshop, gradually build up internal capacity, and consider adopting a hybrid approach for in-sourcing and outsourcing of accident repairs,” he said.
G-FleeT has partnered with the Automotive Industry Development Centre (AIDC) to operationalise the Panel Beating Workshop, as the entity does not have the necessary skills internally.
“AIDC is a subsidiary of the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency, which is an agency of the Gauteng Department of Economic Development. They specialize in both Automotive Hub establishment and Technical Skills Development, which made them a strategic fit for the operationalization of the Panel Beating Workshop, with an In-house Training Facility,” Mhlongo said. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Fri, 10/20/2023 - 13:58
379 views
One train a day for Eastern Cape commuters
Since Monday you can now leave Kariega for Gqeberha by train at 6:15am and take the return trip at 5:15pm
Potchefstroom community raises concerns
Potchefstroom community raises concerns
Members of the community in Potchefstroom in the North West have raised various service delivery challenges with President Cyril Ramaphosa and the leadership from the three spheres of government during the District Development Model (DDM) Presidential Imbizo held at the Ikageng Sport Complex.
The President kicked off the second round of the District Development Model (DDM) Imbizo in the North West province after visiting all nine provinces to address service delivery challenges.
This visit provides an opportunity for the President to assess progress made in implementing the interventions pronounced during his visit on 12 March 2022 in Mahikeng.
Major service delivery challenges raised by community members at the Presidential Imbizo include basic services such as water and electricity, housing, the neglect of NGOs for disabled people, disabled people not being considered for employment, poverty and unemployment, corruption, dilapidated infrastructure in schools and limited healthcare facilities.
One of the community members, Edith Ndindwa, from Ward 15 in Jacaranda pleaded with the President to assist with her RDP house, which has been in construction for over two years.
“The project has now stopped Mr President. Please assist us with this project to be completed. We do not even have toilets. We do not have electricity and water. Disabled people help themselves outside their houses. Please assist us in this regard,” she said.
Another resident, Maki Ntayi, asked the President to assist with funding for NGOs for disabled people in the North West.
“We can’t get funds for the NGOs we run to assist disabled people. I am pleading that you assist us with electricity connection. President please take disabled people into consideration. Our centre is not in a good condition,” she said.
The President and various Ministers provided some solutions to the issues that were raised by the community and also gave an update on progress made since the last Imbizo visit in the province.
“I thank you for giving yourselves time to come and listen to government’s plan and to voice your concerns to us. Plans to improve your lives in the North West. When we hold Izimbizo we allow everybody to speak so that we can get a clear understanding of what their concerns are,” said the President.
“We have heard you clearly, even I have written down what you are saying and the officials present have listened and taken note of your concerns. Now we have a clear understanding of how life is in this district. You all share similar concerns including the sewerage system, water, roads, jobs and housing.”
Some of the other issues raised included red tape when starting farming businesses and mining rights.
The president said he would call different Ministers to respond to the issues that are relevant to their departments.
“Almost all of Cabinet is here to listen and respond to the various issues raised and explain what the State’s plans are.”
President Ramaphosa started his morning with an oversight visit at the Potchefstroom Water Reservoir Project in Ikageng, in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality in the North West.
The upgrading of the Potchefstroom Water Treatment Works project will see a 25 megalitre reservoir that will convey water to Ikageng Proper, Ikageng Ext. 1,4,5 9,12, Potchindustria, Mohadin and the Northern portion of Ikageng Ext. 7.
The position of the new reservoir site is also suited to cater for any future developments once the urban edge is extended to the northwest of the reservoir site.
President Ramaphosa was received by Acting Premier Nono Maloyi and Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu. Also, attending were Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Thembi Nkadimeng and Deputy Minister Parks Tau. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Fri, 10/20/2023 - 15:00
354 views
Work underway for better water provision in the North West
Work underway for better water provision in the North West
The Department of Water and Sanitation has rolled up its sleeves to accelerate the provision of water in the North West, through an initiative geared towards enhancing access to consistent and reliable water supply in the province.
This is evident in the construction of the Ikageng 25 mega litres ground reservoir in the JB Marks Local Municipality.
The reservoir construction forms part of the Potchefstroom Water Treatment Works project upgrading which consists of six phases, including the refurbishment and upgrading of the treatment plant, the extension of AC pipeline, upgrading of the Ikageng Pump Station, and the construction of a New Rising Main and Bulk Distribution Pipeline in Ikageng.
The project is one of several mega water projects which are being accelerated by the department and other role players, through the Operation Bulela Metsi initiative, to ensure reliable water supply in the province.
The department said the construction of the reservoir is funded through the department’s Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant (RBIG), with the municipality as the Water Services Authority (WSA) appointed as the implementing agent.
The construction of the reservoir commenced in January this year and is expected to be completed by July 2024, with more than 100 job opportunities for local people in the pipeline.
“The reservoir and the new bulk distribution (gravity) pipeline will supply water to communities in Ikageng Proper, Ikageng Extension 1,4,5 9, 12, Potchindustria, Mohadin, as well as the Northern portion of Ikageng Extension 7.
“The project came about as a result of the decommissioning of the Ikageng West Reservoirs, which rendered the Ikageng Proper and Potchindustria networks without any storage capacity.
“A new reservoir had to be constructed to meet the required storage capacity, with special care taken to position a new reservoir to ensure that it is not constructed in a dolomite risk zone. Close to 22 000 households and a population of 94 201 will benefit from the successful completion of the reservoir,” the department said.
The department added that the reservoir site is suitable to cater for the future developments at Mooibank to the south of the N12 and the platform will be ready to accept additional ground reservoirs.
“The position of the new reservoir site is also suited to accommodate any future developments once the urban edge is extended to the northwest of the reservoir site, as proposed in the recent Spatial Development Framework,” the department said.
Operation Bulela Metsi project is a culmination of the hard work carried out by technical task team established by Water and Sanitation Minister, Senzo Mchunu and the Provincial Government in January this year to conduct an assessment on the state of water and sanitation services provision in the province, and come up with measures to address the challenges and ensure sustainable provision of the services.
Meanwhile, during President Cyril Ramaphosa’s oversight inspection of the construction site on Friday, as part of the District Development Module (DDM) Presidential Imbizo in North West, Mchunu made a commitment to fast-track the implementation of bulk water projects in water strained communities.
The department said it was working with the provincial government and its entities, as per the Minister’s directive, with an aim of ensuing water security in the province and across the country. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 10/20/2023 - 15:16
191 views
Rugby World Cup Semi-Final: Message from Rugby Africa President Herbert Mensah to South Africa’s Springboks
As South Africa reaches the semi-final of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Herbert Mensah, the newly elected President of Rugby Africa (www.RugbyAfrique.com), the continental governing body of rugby across Africa, issues a message of support addressed to Mark Alexander, President of the South Africa Rugby Union (SARU):
Dearest Mark, My Brother
YOU have carried the hopes and dreams of an entire continent on your shoulders, and your journey to this point has been nothing short of spectacular. The Springboks are not just a team; YOU are a symbol of resilience, unity and determination.
As reigning World Champions, YOU have already achieved greatness, we have every confidence in your abilities and unwavering spirit.
Africa stands with YOU, proud of your achievements and excited for what the future holds. Together, we grow, we fight, and we stand as one, crafting a spirit that defines Africa's strength.
Show the world the power of the Springbok spirit, and may your performance be a source of pride all of us.
Go Springboks, go!
Herbert Mensah,
President, Rugby Africa.
Download official letter here: https://apo-opa.info/47guu79
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Rugby Africa.
Media contact:
Nicole Vervelde
Communications Advisor to the President of Rugby Africa
rugby@apo-opa.com
About Rugby Africa:
Rugby Africa (www.RugbyAfrique.com) is the continental governing body of rugby in Africa and one of the regional associations under World Rugby. It unites all African countries that play rugby union, rugby sevens, and women's rugby. Rugby Africa organizes various competitions, including the qualifying tournaments for the Rugby World Cup and the Africa Sevens, a qualifying competition for the Olympic Games. With 39 member unions, Rugby Africa is dedicated to promoting and developing rugby across the continent. World Rugby highlighted Ghana, Nigeria and Zambia as three of the six emerging nations experiencing strong growth in rugby.