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And Then…, the latest iteration in an award-winning dance series, opens at the Artscape Arena Theatre on 29 November 2023. jackï job is an accomplished artist known for constantly raising the bar of contemporary dance performance. Her dance series And Then… began in 2018. It has taken on many forms – each one planting the …
Life insurer Bidvest Life says that speed makes all the difference when it comes to paying claims. This is particularly important for income protection which is purchased to replace lost earnings when the life insured is unable to work. In 2022, the average time from lodging an income protection claim until the first payment was …
Durban beaches closed following damage to shark nets
The eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality has closed all Durban beaches until further notice after the recent heavy rains in some parts of KwaZulu-Natal.
The municipality said the decision to close the beaches follows advice from the Natal Sharks Board.
Murky water which is full of logs and other unsafe objects, as a result of the heavy rains, has resulted in the shark nets at most beaches breaking - making beaches unsafe for the public to use.
“All water activities are prohibited. However, residents can still enjoy other activities along the beach that do not require them to come into contact with sea water,” the municipality said in a statement.
The municipality said teams are hard at work fixing the nets and infrastructure that was damaged by the heavy rains and urged the beachgoers to heed the warning.
All city’s beaches are therefore closed until further notice.
Camps Bay tidal pool
Meanwhile, the City of Cape Town has announced that the city’s Coastal Management branch will commence with work at the Camps Bay tidal pool on Monday, 23 October 2023.
The city will be levelling the beach that was badly washed out due to the recent storms.
The City’s Deputy Mayor Eddie Andrews said during the recent storms the adjacent river flooded and washed away a significant portion of the northern section of the Camps Bay tidal pool beach, depositing a significant amount of sand in the near shore.
“This has resulted in a large sand bank that is impacting the functional space of the pool. On Monday the city will commence mechanical activities to remove as much of the sand bank as practically possible and to reinstate the beach.
“These works will require lowering the water level in the pool. As such, the pool will experience lower water levels during the execution of the works and will take a day or two to fill up to capacity depending on the tides and swell size post the work,” Andrews said.
The Deputy Mayor urged all visitors and regular users of the tidal pool to visit another facility, while the work is underway.
“While the pool will not be closed in its entirety, it is recommended that the public consider visiting one of the city’s other facilities during this period, such as Maidens Cove, Saunders Rocks or Milton Pool. We thank the public for their patience while we do our best to restore this facility as efficiently as possible,” Andrews said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 10/20/2023 - 11:04
Once revolutionary in the mobile landscape, flip phones are now an integral part of our daily lives. From their early inception to modern iterations like the Galaxy Z Flip series, these iconic devices have transformed how we communicate, interact and express ourselves. Over the years, the Galaxy Z Flip has evolved from a compact communication …
Within the Winnie Madikizela Mandela Jewelry Training Project, put into practice by Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency, 10 South African women received jewelry-making training.
TİKA completed the Winnie Madikizela Mandela Jewelry Training organized in Mbizana municipality of Eastern Cape province in the Republic of South Africa.
10 women received jewelry-making training in the OR Tambo Cultural Precinct in Mbizana, the center of the anti-apartheid movement, within the project.
Main equipment, such as leather sewing kits, equipment used in leather embroidery, laser cut and engraving machines, jewelry-making sets, earring sets, and soft and hard leathers, were provided to the women who completed the training successfully to support their start on production.
Mbizana Mayor, T.D. Mafumbatha attended the certificate ceremony and thanked TİKA for their contribution to the local community improvement projects. In his speech, TİKA's Coordinator in Pretoria, Abdulkadir Abukan, informed the audience about TİKA's activities in the Republic of South Africa and emphasized the importance of their comprehensive projects aiming to create a positive change.
Another person to attend the ceremony was the successful designer and artisan Thuthula Nyameka Madikizela living in Mbizana. Madikizela was one of the attendants of a training program organized by TİKA previously, and now she is a teacher in her field.
Thuthula thanked the generous people of Türkiye, expressed her gratitude to TİKA and said: "We did not just make Jewelry together, but at the same time, we knitted the threads of our hope towards future by strengthening the togetherness of our community with the support of Türkiye."
Putting women's entrepreneurship training projects into practice in South Africa since 2021, TİKA provided skill and competence-improving projects for nearly 100 trainees from Johannesburg to Pretoria, from Durban to neighboring countries.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA).
In today’s world, sustainability and energy efficiency are at the forefront of technological advancements. One area where these principles shine—quite literally—is in the realm of outdoor lighting. Solar lights have emerged as a beacon of hope, offering an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution to illuminate our outdoor spaces. As the world turns toward cleaner and greener …
When the sun sets and darkness descends, the need for outdoor illumination becomes evident. While traditional lighting solutions rely on electricity and add to your utility bills, there’s a greener, more cost-effective way to light up your yard – solar-powered outdoor lights. These innovative fixtures harness the power of the sun, offering an eco-friendly and …
“I’ve fallen down carrying a bucket of water with no one here to help me”
The significant advantages of nuclear energy in addressing Africa's energy needs and eradicating energy poverty was highlighted during a panel discussion at African Energy Week, in Cape Town.
Enobot Agboraw, Executive Secretary of the African Commission on Nuclear Energy noted factors including longevity, cost-effectiveness and the environmental resilience of nuclear power as reasons why more African states needed to consider investing in this energy source, underscoring its importance in ensuring a stable energy supply for the rapidly growing African population.
"Africa realizes that the issue of energy poverty is an emergency. With our population expected to double to 3 billion by 2050, we need to introduce energy solutions fast. Nuclear power, with its long lifespan and reliability, stands out as a key pillar in Africa's energy transition efforts," he said.
He added that although most countries in Africa would not be able to finance such projects on their own, he believed that through combined efforts, such as multilateral approaches, countries looking to invest in nuclear energy would be pooling their resources, reducing financial and proliferation risks.
Meanwhile, Sayed Salah Eldin Motyaser Aly, NNP Egypt chief of sector, shared updates on Egypt's nuclear initiatives, as the northern African country is currently constructing its first nuclear energy plant in El Dabaa. “This nuclear project represents the start of our future industrialization. It has created the opportunity for highly skilled jobs and the development of local industries and Egypt has invested in many initiatives such as the dedicated El Dabaa vocational school, as well as a training program implemented with our strategic partner to ensure we have the skills needed to take this project forward.”
Also speaking during the panel discussion, Keith Featherstone, Chief Nuclear Officer at Eskom, highlighted South Africa's potential for extending the lifespan of existing nuclear plants, adding that it was currently the only country on the continent which had nuclear energy generation capacity. He highlighted the opportunities presented by small modular reactors (SMRs), which had been placed on hold, and the potential use of nuclear energy to repurpose fossil fuel sites, contributing to cleaner energy production. "I personally am hopeful that the future requests for proposals will allocate more capacity to nuclear as it definitely is one of the most reliable baseload energy options we've got, especially in the South African energy sector.”
Emphasizing the need for sustainable energy solutions, Vassily Savin, Head of Power and Utilities at KEPT, noted although African states could rely on its natural resources of sun, wind and water to provide alternative power sources, a recent analysis focused on South Africa and East Africa showed that it would not be enough to allow for industrialization. "Our modeling shows that achieving this only on renewables is not achievable at all. Africa needs a sustainable grid and sustainable sources of energy. Nuclear energy is a reliable, low-carbon source that could replace retiring fossil fuel plants and allow for the integration of renewables.
"The main bottleneck here is financing. Fossil fuels are not favored by multilateral banks, and surprisingly, neither is nuclear. But if multilateral banks would finance nuclear, it would dramatically help eliminate energy poverty in Africa,” he concluded.
#AEW2023 – organized by the African Energy Chamber takes place this week in Cape Town under a mandate to make energy poverty history by 2030. Keep following www.AECWeek.com for information and updates about Africa's premier energy event.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
KZN Executive commits to continued improved audit outcomes
The KwaZulu-Natal Executive Council says provincial departments will continue to improve their audit outcomes in future administrative terms.
“In keeping up with the improved audit outcomes for the 2022/23 financial year where, among others, 86% of the auditees submitted financial statements free from material misstatements, compared to 50% in the previous administration, the Executive Council declared that there will be more positive outcomes in the future,” said KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube.
She said while the Executive Council had laid a solid foundation for future clean audits, there was a need to provide guidance to those departments that were struggling to realise positive outcomes.
“This is about service delivery to our people and a government that is responsive to the needs of the people, anchored on compliance, accountability and transparency, among other pillars,” Dube-Ncube said.
The KwaZulu-Natal Business Unit Leader for the Auditor-General Nomalungelo Mkhize presented awards to the departments and entities that received clean audit outcomes during a ceremony on Wednesday.
The awards recognise good performance and good governance in the financial management.
Six departments, including the Office of the Premier; Provincial Treasury; Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs; Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism; Community Safety; and Agriculture and Rural Development, received clean audit outcomes for the 2022/23 audit cycle.
The KwaZulu-Natal Legislature also received a clean audit.
Twelve provincial public entities - including 10 which are under the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, one in Human Settlements and one in Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs - also received awards from the Auditor General for attaining clean audits.
The Auditor General lauded the provincial coordinating departments, including the Office of the Premier and the Provincial Treasury, for maintaining clean audit status thus setting a commendable example for the province.
The Auditor General said by coordinating departments the leadership had assisted other departments to improve undesirable or sustain positive audit outcomes though the various initiatives deployed.
The Premier commended the Director-General of the Province, Dr Nonhlanhla Mkhize, for providing seamless interaction between the Executive Council and government.
“Dr Mkhize is a diligent public servant and a strong bridge that not only connects government, through Heads of Department and Cabinet, but ensures that there is implementation of resolutions of the Executive Council. Clean governance is one of the core resolutions of Cabinet,” Dube-Ncube said.
The Premier said government’s full migration to digitisation will eliminate human errors and assist the Auditor General perform its duties with ease, speed and diligence. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 10/19/2023 - 11:55
President Ramaphosa calls for international peace
President Cyril Ramaphosa has reiterated the South African government’s calls for an immediate end to “hostilities” not only between Israel and Palestine but also in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The President was speaking during Official Talks with the Kingdom of Netherlands King Willem-Alexander on the occasion of that country’s State Visit.
“We are meeting at a time when our resolve to build a peaceful, equal future is being sorely tested, and where reconciliation and healing is most sorely needed.
“The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the devastating events unfolding in Israel and Palestine have left many of us saddened. They have left us fearful for the future of international cooperation and for our common aspiration to realise a world free of conflict.
“As South Africa we have reiterated that there should be an immediate cessation of hostilities between the warring parties, that the tenets of international law should be upheld, and that the international community has a responsibility to help bring about favourable conditions for negotiation and dialogue,” he said.
President Ramaphosa said South Africa’s painful history and now democratic present is proof that peace – in a time of great conflict – can be achieved.
“As a country that chose the path of reconciliation over conflict, and peace over war, we believe it is indeed possible for adversaries, even those that share bitter histories, to come together for the sake of peace. We believe change can never come too late, and that it is indeed possible.
“The relationship between our two countries is testament to this. The Netherlands is a former colonial power but is now supporting development and economic growth across the developing world, including in former Dutch colonies,” the President said.
Bilateral relations
President Ramaphosa praised the relationship between South Africa and the Netherlands – highlighting in particular the Netherlands’ place as a major investor into the country.
South Africa, in turn, is a leading destination for tourists from the European country.
The President said this relationship is one from which South Africa derives “great benefit”.
“Our bilateral relationship spans agriculture, education and skills development, transport and logistics, science and innovation, water management and a number of other areas.
“Our energy cooperation is increasing, notably in the fields of green hydrogen and renewable energy,” he said.
The President said South Africa looks forward to “expanding the horizons of this relationship well into the future”.
“Ours is a strategic partnership and we can be proud of it. It has evolved, matured and I see it growing exponentially in the next coming years. May our shared values and common commitment to development guide us as we write what I would believe is a new history and a new chapter in our relations,” he said.
Historical ties
President Ramaphosa reflected on the history between the two countries which began with the arrival of Dutch settlers in the Cape in 1652.
He said traces of Dutch culture can still be found in South African society.
“More than 200 years since the Dutch ceded sovereignty of the Cape, there are a number of Dutch influences that still play an important part in the cultural and linguistic life of many South African communities.
“The Afrikaans language has much of its origins in Dutch and is the third most widely spoken national language of South Africa. Our country’s Muslim community can trace its origins to the arrival in 1658 of free labourers and political exiles from the-then Dutch East Indies. There are distinct Dutch influences in the cuisine and customs of our country,” he said.
The President emphasised that despite this colonial past, the strong bilateral relations between the two countries “reflect a commitment to acknowledge and confront the injustices of our past”.
“We are determined to forge a new path for our respective countries based on shared values, and a common commitment to human rights, equality, development and prosperity for all.
“We are determined to build the bridges of tolerance and understanding in pursuit of a better future and better world.
“In this regard, Your Majesty, I wish to acknowledge the apology that you have made for your country’s role in the slave trade, including in South Africa. This was an important step towards promoting reconciliation, restoration and healing old wounds,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 10/19/2023 - 12:30
“Believing that one pursues a worthy cause in the public interest does not justify publishing false statements about another party”
Multi-planting season to ensure sustainable food security
The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government has once again placed agriculture at the centre of its efforts to ensure sustainable food security, job creation and economic growth.
Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube unveiled the 2023/2024 Provincial Multi-Planting Season, a "government turnkey, fool-proof solution-driven campaign", aimed at mobilising resources, providing support, and access to finance, information and markets in the agricultural sector.
The Multi-Planting Season, led by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, is a holistic approach to aid communities and smallholder farmers by ensuring that they have sufficient, safe and nutritious food.
Dube-Ncube emphasised the need to find creative ways to cushion the country’s economy, ensure food sustainability and create jobs.
The Premier said this as the country grapples with rising food costs and high levels of unemployment, exacerbated by global geopolitical and market dynamics, including severe weather patterns.
“Agriculture is at the forefront of our strategy. Therefore, launching the multi-panting season is not just an event, but a programme that will change the lives of our people, especially the youth and rural communities,” Dube Ncube said.
The Premier said over 20 000 hectares of land will be planted this season throughout KwaZulu-Natal, with yellow maize, dry beans and all kinds of vegetables. Farmers will be linked to markets where they will sell their quality produce.
She said through the District Development Model, all champion MECs will be rolling out the provincial programme within their respective districts and communities.
Local communities will also be afforded opportunities to partner with the department to receive expert advice, farming implements, seedlings and traditional land for cooperative projects.
“Food security is a national challenge. KwaZulu-Natal province has several households in the poorest rural areas that are facing food insecurity. Therefore, the intervention by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to assist indigent families and farmers, affording them an opportunity to participate in the mainstream economy of the province is timely.
“This is a season for food security. We will do away with poverty and hunger and we want our people to create their own wealth through working the soil. We also want to further support the youth, who are interested in the agricultural sector, realise success and benefit from the sector’s value chain,” the Premier said.
Dube-Ncube also encouraged communities to work together with ward committees to access information about the provincial government’s programmes.
Agriculture and Rural Development MEC, Super Zuma, said the rain that fell over Impendle this week was a significant sign of success for the planting season.
Zuma reiterated his department’s commitment to continue to assist the rural communities to fight poverty and inequality.
“We will fight hunger and provide food security with our One Home One Garden Programme. There must not be a home without a garden,” Zuma said.
He said the department has been speaking to religious leaders to promote the One Church One Garden programme to their congregants and they have made a plea to them to partner with the department.
The department has also taken the programme to schools - One School One Garden - and has created jobs through the programme.
Zuma has visited the Ntshiyabantu Communal Estate, a 110-hectare cooperative which will be planting yellow maize this season, where he distributed tractors, fertiliser, manure and other chemicals to benefit all 67 members.
Cooperative Chairperson, Reuben Nkontwana, expressed his gratitude to the department’s intervention, noting the high level of unemployment in rural areas.
“Now that we have land and guaranteed assistance from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, not one family will go hungry. We are hoping for more rain so that we have plenty produce that will bring us enough money to support our families and have food to eat,” said an elated Nkontwana. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 10/19/2023 - 14:02
NSG celebrates 10 years of excellence
Public Service and Administration Minister Noxolo Kiviet says the mandate of the National School of Government (NSG) is to ensure that it provides education, training and development (ETD) interventions to appointed public servants and elected public representatives.
According to Kiviet, this is to ensure that they can fulfil their responsibilities.
Addressing the 10th anniversary celebration of the NSG virtually, Kiviet said the NSG continues to strengthen its partnerships domestically and internationally towards leveraging the relevant expertise.
“Through the initiatives of the National School of Government and its partners, our elected public representatives and appointed public servants continue to gain significant insights in improving public service delivery and responding to the needs of our people,” Kiviet said.
The NSG continues to grow its global footprint of partnerships playing a role in knowledge exchanges through training exchanges and influencing public sector discourse.
“It has created linkages and collaborations with like-minded institutions in the world to work closely to build the capacity of the public sector to promote good governance in public administration.
“The NSG has scored several achievements in the past 10 years. The institution has delivered training programmes reaching more than 526 000 learners, generating revenue from course fees of more than R1 billion.
“It has become a highly regarded ETD institution within the public sector, with a growing reputation as a platform for thought leadership and robust engagements and debates within government and academia.
“It continues to register good progress and impressive performance on its mandate. The school has proven to be resilient during difficult times. Through innovation and agility, it overcame the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The NSG quickly developed the COVID-19 response plan, which prioritised digital and online learning interventions,” the Minister said.
Kiviet said because of this quick response, the institution saw an unprecedented number of online enrolments for eLearning courses.
Also in attendance at the anniversary celebration was DPSA former Minister Faith Muthambi, who wished the institution well on its journey to educating public servants.
The NSG turns 10 this month and a number of activities are taking place this week to mark the milestone, as well as the contribution of the school towards public sector capacity-building and performance.
The NSG came into existence through a proclamation by the President, which was gazetted on 21 October 2013, replacing the then Public Administration Leadership and Management Academy (PALAMA). The proclamation made the NSG a national government department under the portfolio of the Minister of Public Service and Administration.
The work of the NSG has also been enhanced by the decision of government to make building a capable, ethical and developmental State the number one priority among the seven priorities outlined in the 2019 - 2024 Medium Term Strategic Framework (MTSF).
The NSG offers training in the three spheres of government to all levels - from the cadet and foundation phase, to middle and senior management as well as executive management.
Its expanded mandate also includes Directors-General, Deputy Directors-General and political office-bearers, where the focus includes building expertise on economic governance, political oversight and accountability.
The past three years have seen Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Mayors and councillors participating in the programmes of the school as part of the concerted effort at improving State capacity at the highest level.
The NSG committed in its Strategic Plan 2019-2024 to use partnerships with public and private institutions in South Africa and the rest of the world to deliver quality education, training and development interventions to expand learning opportunities through access to international expertise and represent the NSG in the global knowledge exchange network in order to position it globally and expand its international footprint and recognition as a thought leader.
The school works with Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and other Management Development Institutes in South Africa, Africa and around the world.
Also in attendance was the Chairperson of the Public Service Commission (PSC) Professor Somadoda Fikeni, as Deputy Chairperson of the Public Service Commission (PSC).
The Public Service Commission derives its mandate from Sections 195 and 196 of the Constitution. The Commission is tasked and empowered to investigate, monitor and evaluate the organisation and administration of the public service.
The Commission also has an obligation to promote measures that will ensure effective and efficient performance with the public service and to promote values and principles of public administration, as set out in the Constitution, throughout the public service. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 10/19/2023 - 14:51
Durban ICC scoops major accolades at World Travel Awards
KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, has congratulated Durban and Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (ICC) for scooping major awards at the World Travel Awards held in Dubai.
The ICC walked away with Africa's Leading Meetings and Conference Centre and Africa’s Leading Festival and Event Destination Awards, beating the likes of Accra (Ghana), Lagos (Nigeria), Marrakech (Morocco), Nairobi (Kenya), Zanzibar (Tanzania), Kigali (Rwanda), Cape Town and Johannesburg in both awards.
The glittering 30th World Travel Awards, held on Sunday, marked seven years on the trot since Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, has been winning this award back-to-back from 2017.
The World Travel Awards are regarded as the most prestigious event in the global travel calendar, attended by the industry's key decision-makers, influencers and media. They serve to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the global travel and tourism industry.
Dube-Ncube said the awards are a great vote of confidence by the global travel and tourism sector in KZN province, the City of Durban, and the Durban International Convention Centre facility.
“We appreciate this honour but importantly value the sterling and untiring work put in by our entity, KwaZulu-Natal Convention Bureau for continuously attracting business events to our province. Such achievements are not a given nor come to us for free, we have to work hard to achieve them” Dube-Ncube said.
The Premier also noted with excitement that in the 23-year history of Africa’s Leading Meetings and Conference Centre Award category, the Durban ICC has won this title for the 18th time.
“This vote of confidence by the World Travel Awards organisation in the Durban ICC is as bold and significant as the establishment of the Durban International Convention Centre itself. During the formative years of our democracy the city’s fathers took a daring and futuristic view of making the Convention Centre one of the single largest investments in the future growth and development of the city.
“Today we are reaping the rewards of such decisions. Naming it after Africa’s first Nobel Laureate, Inkosi Albert Luthuli is indicative of the global stature of this facility. Hosting these awards in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli ICC will be a befitting tribute to the vision of our forebears,” the Premier said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 10/19/2023 - 12:36
Will there also be a good news story about Metrorail?
Uber Eats recently hosted its inaugural Merchant Awards in South Africa, celebrating outstanding restaurants and other non-food merchants on the platform. The ceremony took place at The Roof in Bryanston, Johannesburg, where industry leaders, partners, and esteemed guests gathered to honour these remarkable achievements. The public had the opportunity to participate by nominating their favourite …
In a world driven by our constant connection to digital devices, a reliable power bank has become an essential companion. Whether you’re traveling, working on the go, or simply spending a day out, power banks ensure that you never run out of battery on your smartphone, tablet, or other gadgets. With a wide array of …
In today’s fast-paced world, staying connected and productive on the go is essential. For professionals, students, and anyone who relies on their laptop, a reliable power source is a must. This is where a laptop power bank comes to the rescue. These portable devices have revolutionized the way we use our laptops, ensuring that we’re …
Southern African Litigation Centre says reports of war crimes must be probed
Water project for Libode started in 2016
Are you a student in Cape Town, Pretoria, or Johannesburg looking to boost your academic performance and understanding of challenging subjects? Private tutors and online schools can be excellent resources to aid you on your educational journey. These supplementary tools provide additional support and personalised attention, ensuring you grasp the concepts and excel in your …
In the realm of education, the terms “tutoring,” “private tutoring,” and “high school tutors” often surface, each embodying distinct connotations and purposes. Understanding the subtle differences among them is pivotal in making informed decisions regarding educational assistance. Let’s delve into each concept to elucidate their unique characteristics. Tutoring: A Generalised Educational Support Tutoring is …
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