Department of Health in last-minute bid to avoid stand-off with nurses over uniforms
Union says nurses will work in their own clothes if uniform allowance is not sorted out
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Choose Life Beach – a rehab centre with a disagreement
Choose Life Beach – a full-time private specialist addiction recovery clinic in Widenham, Umkomaas near Durban – opened its doors to the public and medical fraternity for the first time during a Wellness Day on October 1. This is the newest rehabilitation centre to be added to a group of facilities owned by the respected …
ACTOM rolls out R100m investment in plant expansion
ACTOM rolls out R100m investment in plant expansion
ACTOM, a major supplier of electrical equipment, services and balance of plant to the renewable energy sector, is rolling out a R100 million investment in plant expansion in Pretoria.
The investment was announced as one of the pledges worth billions of rands that were made at the fifth South African Investment Conference held in Johannesburg in April this year.
This contributed to bringing the total value of investment pledges over a five-year investment mobilisation period to R1.51 trillion, thereby exceeding the initial target of R1.2 trillion set by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
According to the Group Chief Executive Officer, Mervyn Naidoo, ACTOM is a well-positioned South African company that provides energy solutions through its businesses and partners.
He said they offer market-leading technology and advanced products to address the issues facing the electro-mechanical industry, from large-scale infrastructure installations to smaller projects and support services.
“We are a leading stockist and supplier of competitively priced quality electrical equipment through our extensive Southern and Sub-Saharan African distribution network comprising13 branches across the country,” Naidoo said.
“We have earnestly started expanding our plant and this will contribute to growing the economy of Gauteng in particular, and the country in general, by building local capacity in manufacturing in the electro-mechanical equipment,” he said.
He said the company made the R100 million investment with an intention of taking advantage of some of the growing sectors like the renewable energy, and for contributing to creating jobs.
The expansion of the Pretoria plant will result in 30 people being employed.
The company is employing more than 7 000 people in their 34 operating units, 53 production, service and repair facilities and more than 33 distribution outlets throughout Southern Africa. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 10/03/2023 - 11:04
361 views
Spring has arrived – and so acquire the G-Star RAW Kairori jeans
With the warmer weather finally gracing us with its presence, who says you have to put away your denims? G-Star RAW has debuted their new Kairori 3D slim jeans just in time for all your Spring festivities. The inspiration Revered motocross racer Tony Cairoli is the muse behind the collection’s name – with his career …
President honours SA Special Olympics Team
President honours SA Special Olympics Team
President Cyril Ramaphosa has commended the outstanding performance of South Africa’s national team, which excelled at this year’s Special Olympics World Games.
Competing against 7 000 athletes from over 180 countries at the Special Olympics World Games in Germany in June 2023, the national team returned with 22 gold, 20 silver and seven bronze medals.
Special Olympics is a global movement of people creating a new world of inclusion and community, where every person is welcome, regardless of ability or disability.
“Our success in the Special Olympics shows what happens when government and civil society – represented here by Special Olympics South Africa – work together to ensure that we leave no one behind.
“South Africa is honoured to be one of the first countries to support the Special Olympics Global Leadership Coalition for Inclusion, which reflects our commitment to the inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities in all areas of our society,” the President said on Tuesday.
Having hosted a number of national teams at the Union Buildings as part of government’s celebration for outstanding achievements by athletes in various sporting codes, the President expressed pride in Team South Africa’s performance.
“We are proud that Team South Africa flew the flag for social inclusion and the advancement of human rights, which are a hallmark of the nation we have built during nearly 30 years of freedom.
“Team South Africa are heroes we can look up to and be inspired by in athletic arenas and in every walk of life in our country. May our commitment to inclusion as a nation shine as brightly as the achievements of our Special Olympics Team,” President Ramaphosa said.
He said the team’s dedication, perseverance and unwavering commitment to their sport has not only brought glory to the nation but it has also shattered the barriers that once confined them.
The team is being led by Chairperson of Special Olympics South Africa, Dr Mathews Phosa, who was recently honoured at the 19th Special Olympics Africa Leadership Conference in Addis Ababa.
“With such a hard-working and distinguished captain at the helm of Special Olympics South Africa we can only expect even greater things from Team South Africa,” the President said.
Phosa spoke about the importance of the inclusion of people with an intellectual disability.
“Our athletes want to be heard and they demand inclusion, respect and equal opportunities. They declare that they are here to show the world their talents and abilities. They deserve nothing else but our unwavering support,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Tue, 10/03/2023 - 13:06
218 views
The Importance of Choosing the Precise Rehabilitation Centre
When facing addiction, one of the most critical decisions an individual or their loved ones can make is selecting the right rehabilitation centre. With numerous options available, it’s essential to find a facility that offers personalized care, a holistic approach, and a supportive environment. Why Rehabilitation Matters Addiction is a complex issue that affects …
Kubayi calls for partnerships to increase affordable housing stock
Kubayi calls for partnerships to increase affordable housing stock
Human Settlements Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi, has urged the private sector to continue to work in partnership with government to increase affordable housing stock in the major metropolitan and secondary cities.
This is so as to prevent a repeat of recent disasters.
Kubayi made the call as South Africa joined the global community in celebrating World Habitat Day on Monday.
The United Nations designated the first Monday of October of every year as World Habitat Day to reflect on the state of habitats, and on the basic right of all to adequate shelter.
This year's World Habitat Day was commemorated under the theme: “Resilient Urban Economies. Cities as Drivers of Growth and Recovery.”
Kubayi noted that the metropolitan and intermediary cities have, according to recent figures, experienced rapid urbanisation than major metropolitan cities and therefore putting pressure on infrastructure and the provision of sustainable human settlements.
She reiterated South Africa’s commitment to the upgrading of informal settlements, which was one of the resolutions adopted at the 2023 UN-Habitat Assembly held in June, to “Accelerating the Transformation of Informal Settlements and Slums by 2023”.
“Sustainable human settlements affect every aspect of people’s lives and communities’ development.
“Creating and managing better places to live, not only addresses economic opportunities, poverty and inequality but also fosters inclusion through provision of dignity, access to basic services and transport and creating improved living environments that foster food security, education, health, gender equality, resilience, and the protection of vulnerable groups,” Kubayi said.
The UN-Habitat Assembly adopted numerous critical resolutions to change the trajectory for the achievement of sustainable human settlements and adequate housing, in the context of rapid urbanisation and climate change.
One of the resolutions identifies key actions to be undertaken globally to accelerate the transformation of informal settlements, as a vital entry point and catalyst for sustainable development by addressing the needs of the most vulnerable.
The Minister highlighted that during 2023/2024 financial year, over R4 billion has been allocated towards the upgrading of informal settlements.
“Additionally, over R7 billion Urban Settlements Development Grant (USGD) has been allocated to Metropolitan Municipalities to increase housing stock and deliver basic services of the cities’ residents,” Kubayi said.
Commenting on the recent fire at Cemetery View in Pretoria East, Tshwane that affected over 2 000 households, the Minister said the location of the informal settlements is an indication that people want to live closer to places of work.
However, she underlined that government initiatives working with the private sector are meant for qualifying beneficiaries.
Title Deeds Friday Campaign
Meanwhile, Kubayi has announced that the department will during the month of October, launch a Title Deeds Friday Campaign, aimed at mobilising the beneficiaries of fully subsidised houses to collect their title deeds at municipality offices.
The campaign, which was part of the outcomes of a recent meeting held between the Minister and MECs responsible for Human Settlements in provinces, will also see the MECs and councillors setting aside part of their Fridays to dispatching and encouraging beneficiaries to collect their title deeds.
“We must never be in a position where we unnecessarily keep people’s title deeds in our buildings. Our aim is to have cleared over 30 000 title deeds currently at our disposal by February 2024,” Kubayi said.
The Title Deeds Friday Campaign is expected to be launched with communities of MAWIGA (Mabopane, Winterveld and Ga-Rankuwa), north of Tshwane in Gauteng. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 10/03/2023 - 08:56
129 views
Unmatched Asia: Top destinations for South Africans to visit in 2023.
Unmatched Asia: Top destinations for South Africans to visit in 2023: South Africans in need of a break or holiday should look no further than alluring Asia, offering striking scenery, a smorgasbord of unique culinary experiences, and some of the most wonderful travel experiences. South Africans may be spoiled for choice when it comes to …
What is the Best Product for Hair Growth?
Hair loss is a concern that affects millions of people worldwide. Whether it’s due to genetics, stress, hormonal imbalances, or other factors, the quest for the best hair growth solution is never-ending. With the myriad of products available in the market, how do you determine which one is the best for you? Let’s delve into …
Tshwane’s derelict homeless shelter
“These children grow up in a dirty and dangerous place”
Salt River heritage festival: knowing the past to shape a better world
On Saturday new giant murals were unveiled in the historic suburb
What Are the Methods of Property Valuation in South Africa
Introduction Property valuation plays a crucial role in the real estate industry. It is the process of determining the economic value of a real estate property. Whether you’re buying a new home, selling an investment property, or even insuring your property, a proper valuation can help you make informed decisions and ensure you’re getting the …
Western Cape launches innovative Export Certificate Office Scheme (ECOS)
The Western Cape Department of Agriculture's Veterinary Services recently launched its innovative Export Certificate Office System (ECOS). The launch coincided with the Western Cape's inaugural Veterinary Week, which focused on state veterinary services' role in the agriculture sector. One such role is export facilitation.
Dr Vincent Henwood, Western Cape Department Head of the Veterinary Export Certification Office, explained that ECOS is an online electronic system which seeks to ensure compliance in South Africa's food and animal products industry.
Dr Henwood said, “The platform provides permit templates aligned with importing countries' import permits, streamlining the export process, and ensuring compliance with international standards. ECOS enables tracking of products, including animal-derived ones, back to their source farms, thus ensuring transparency throughout the supply chain.”
Speaking at the launch, the Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Dr Ivan Meyer, welcomed ECOS as an innovative platform which focused on improving the Western Cape Government's services to our customers.
Minister Meyer said, “ECOS provides the customer with a 24-hour export facilitation service which reduces the export certificate application process from days to minutes. The Western Cape currently exports 55% of South Africa's primary agricultural products. ECOS will also assist in increasing these exports to at least 60%. Exports contribute to foreign exchange earnings and a 5% increase in exports will lead to approximately 22 000 new jobs in the sector.”
“Due to the location and history of South Africa, we have an extremely diverse set of products, factories, and processes. We also have a complex food and export legislative system with different authorities (6 religious, state, and authorised signatories). This creates the possibility for synergies between authorities as they are often working on similar products and in the same locations,” continued Minister Meyer.
“In light of our endemic diseases, our rich diversity of wildlife, and our animal health system we need to have a systems approach to disease (human and animal) risk mitigation and international trade in animal products. Due to the many role-players communication and coordination is key. This is challenging in a resource-constrained environment. ECOS can help to coordinate communication and increase cooperation at food processing establishments between authorities,” added Minister Meyer.
Heidi Fourie from La Montanara (Pty) Ltd, a cheese factory in Ashton, has already been using the ECOS.
Heidi Fourie said,” As a small dairy business we do not have time to struggle to complete the significant paperwork that accompanies an export certificate application. The wait often negatively impacts product shelf life and quality. ECOS has changed this. While uploading my company's profile onto the ECOS platform was initially time-consuming, it now takes approximately five minutes to get an export certificate approved.”
Minister Meyer remarked: “We appreciate the feedback from our clients in the Western Cape, which has been invaluable in refining ECOS. Their feedback and support are crucial as we work together to revolutionize compliance, traceability, and export control in South Africa's food and animal products industry.”
Commenting on the future of ECOS, Minister Meyer said that with the support of the National Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, ECOS should and could be rolled out nationally.
Minister Meyer said, “This will create a comprehensive system that ensures the traceability and compliance of all relevant products on a national scale. It will also greatly enhance the smooth movement of products and reduce the administrative burden and access to veterinary certification to rural producers.”
This year's Veterinary Week ended with a visit to the Department's Veterinary Export Certification Office in Milnerton and the Spar, one of the Veterinary Export Certification Office's biggest clients, Western Cape Distribution Centre in Philippi.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic Of South Africa: Western Cape Provincial Government.
Why Asset Valuation is Critical for Financial Reporting Success
Asset valuation is the process of determining the worth of an asset, such as property, equipment, or investments, at a specific point in time. This is often done for financial reporting purposes, and the resulting value is used to report the asset’s value on financial statements like the balance sheet. The process of asset valuation can …
“I want to catch my last breath in this house” says Cape farm dweller facing eviction
The families are refusing the leave, saying life on the farm is all they’ve ever known
Public Works leads DDM outreach in N West
Public Works leads DDM outreach in N West
Public Works and Infrastructure Deputy Minister, Bernice Swarts, has interacted with the community of Leeudoringstad in the North West.
The Deputy Minister, in her capacity a champion of the Presidential District Development Model (DDM), visited Leeudoringstad on Friday, where the community voiced a plethora of issues affecting their daily lives.
Swarts explained that government, through the DDM, has planned a range of interventions to address challenges in the community.
“We are looking at packaging a plethora of interventions to address the issues that you have raised. On the issue of unemployment in the area, we are looking at a range of measures such as training young people on firefighting, so that they can assist the area during fire season.
“When we talk about creating work for our people, especially our youth and women, we must look at implementing projects that can create employment at a mass scale. We will also look at engaging the private sector to assist with the creation of work for our people,” Swarts said.
She pointed out that to create more work opportunities for the residents of Leeudoringstad, the DDM team would also look at implementing the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP).
The Deputy Minister said they have a long-term programme to create jobs in the area, which includes a plan to resuscitate the fresh produce market, as well as bringing back trains in the area.
“These initiatives can create jobs in the long term,” she said.
On the issue of collapsing road infrastructure, Swarts said government, through the DDM, will revisit the model used to construct roads.
“We must construct roads that will remain strong and stable for a long time. We are also looking at rolling out paved roads for a longer life span. These kind of roads will also assist with the creation of work opportunities for residents,” the Deputy Minister said.
Swarts appealed to residents to look after the public infrastructure that was being implemented by the government.
“We have to work with you in ensuring that we bring development in the area. You, as residents, have a duty to protect the assets that are being implemented by your government,” she said.
Turning to the issue of overcrowded schools, Swarts said the DDM team will engage schools in the area to understand what can be done to deal with overcrowding, and the possible construction of a “smart school” in the area.
“You have raised concerns that you have three primary schools and one secondary school. We will have to attend to this as the DDM Team.
“We will work with you all the way to ensure that we attend to this matter. If need be, we must look at the possibility of building a smart school in the area,” Swarts said.
Swarts commended the young people who volunteer in projects aimed at tackling the cleanliness of the municipality.
“The greening programmes that you spoke about respond to the issue of climate change. The work you are doing in this area shows that together, we can respond to climate change,” she said.
She praised both the Executive Mayor of Dr. Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality, Nikiwe Num, and the Executive Mayor of Maquassi Hills Local Municipality, Mzwandile Feliti, for driving the development of the community of Leeudoringstad.
During the event, the political principals participated in service delivery activities, such as pothole patching and litter picking.
One of the residents, Voster Makola, thanked Swarts for visiting the area.
Swarts’s visit to the area is a precursor to the Presidential Imbizo that will be held in the North West this month. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 10/02/2023 - 10:12
501 views
Art Valuations: How To Determine The Proper Worth Of Your Artwork
Have you ever wondered what your artwork is worth? As an artist, it’s important to know the true value of your work. Art valuation is a complex process, but one that can be done with care and attention. In this article, we’ll discuss how to determine the true worth of your artwork and make sure you …
Rising to the challenge of mental health, one step at a time
In an era increasingly attuned to the significance of mental health and hospice care, the Pineapple Walk, hosted by Club 100, emerges as a beacon of hope, unity, and the collective strength of action. This annual 5-kilometer walk unites individuals from diverse backgrounds, fostering a sense of community and belonging, all while championing two critical …
RAPT Creative: Adland newcomer proves its mettle, again
RAPT Creative, the agency that opened its doors with three employees just months before the global Covid-19 lockdowns yet emerged from the pandemic years having added international brands like Sol, Miller, Fox, Strongbow, Ballentine’s and Windhoek to its stable and over 100 people to its staff complement, has proven its mettle – again. This achievement, …
Bellingham celebrates outstanding achievements in the 2023 Tim Atkin Report
With the release of the highly esteemed 2023 Tim Atkin Report, a definitive benchmark in the world of South African wines, the Bellingham team is thrilled to unveil their long list of worthy awards and accolades. The Bellingham Founders Series achieved an impressive, 94-point score for the 2020 Pod Red Blend and 93 Points for …
Home Affairs Minister welcomes sentencing of corrupt official
Home Affairs Minister welcomes sentencing of corrupt official
Home Affairs Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, today welcomed the lengthy sentences recently meted out to two South Africans and a Pakistani national in two different cases in Durban and Johannesburg, respectively, for passport related crimes.
Arfan Ahmed, a Pakistani national who was arrested in a sting operation that included the Counter Corruption Branch of Home Affairs, the Hawks and the Police Crime Intelligence on 24 March 2022 at the Home Affairs office in Krugersdorp, has been sentenced to eight years imprisonment by the Brixton Magistrate Court.
He was sentenced for the passports that were found in his house following his arrest in Krugersdorp. The department awaits his sentencing for his role in the Krugersdorp passport syndicate.
Ahmed is a kingpin of a passport syndicate that sought to undermine the country’s laws by fraudulently procuring South African passports for Pakistani nationals who did not have a legal right to possess South African passports.
He was working with some corrupt officials of Home Affairs in a network that spanned Gauteng, Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Western Cape and Mpumalanga.
While the Pakistani is languishing in jail, the 12 corrupt Home Affairs officials who enabled his scheme have already been fired and submitted to the Hawks for criminal investigations.
In another important development, the Durban Magistrate Court sentenced Anda Ngozi and Nomathandazo Mboyane to 26 and 24 years, respectively. The two were officials of the Department of Home Affairs employed at the office in Queenstown, in the Eastern Cape.
They used to travel 650km each way at a time during the night to Home Affairs offices in Commercial Road and in Prospecton in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, to fraudulently process 52 passports for foreign nationals, mostly from the DRC, who are not legally entitled to them.
They were paid between R3 000 and R5 000 for each passport. South Africans who were prepared to lend their identities for this nefarious scheme were paid a paltry R500. These were usually young people who were on nyaope.
The two were arrested in November 2022 by Counter Corruption Branch of Home Affairs and the Hawks following the conclusion of an internal investigation led by the Counter Corruption Branch.
Ngozi was sentenced for eight years for fraud, as well as for contravention of the:
• Identification Act – four years
• Immigration Act – four years
• Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act – 10 years
Mboyane was sentenced for eight years for fraud, as well as for contravention of the:
• Identification Act – four years
• Immigration Act – four years
• Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act – eight years
The sentences of the two will run concurrently, practically meaning that Ngozi will spend 10 years, while Mboyane will spend eight years.
“I am extremely pleased that the courts are meting out lengthy sentences to those who seek to undermine the integrity of Home Affairs systems. It is worth noting that the courts had refused bail to all three after their arrests.
"I am also happy the collective work of the multidisciplinary law enforcement teams has ensured that these rascals face the full might of the law for their criminal actions,” said Minister Motsoaledi.
Minister Motsoaledi added that he was looking forward to the sentencing of more people related to these two cases as the Hawks haven't yet closed their investigations.
“Once again, I want to reiterate that we shall stop at nothing in ensuring that all Home Affairs officials who engage in malfeasance face the full might of the law. If you are at Home Affairs and are corrupt, expect our knock at your door," said Minister Motsoaledi.
He added that the actions of corrupt officials, kingpins, South Africans and corrupt foreign nationals have the following consequences for the country:
• People who don’t qualify for South African passports are legitimised through these actions to the detriment of the sovereignty of our country.
• They can use these documents to travel the world as South Africans, and in the process, they may be committing acts that are detrimental to the reputation of the country.
• More worrisome is the fact that even those who claim to be asylum seekers or refugees use these passports to travel back to their home countries proving that the whole claim of asylum was just a rouse.
• South Africans will find it difficult to travel the world as the authenticity of their documents will be questioned.
"South Africans who stupidly lend their identities to be utilised in this manner end up suffering serious prejudice when trying to do transactions with other State institutions, banks and some industry associations.
“This is because the SA Social Security Agency (SASSA), banks and the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA) verify the identity of the people they transact with through the Home Affairs National Population Register (NPR).
"Every time you apply for an ID or passport you are required to take a photo. The latest photo you take becomes the one in our database and all previous ones are automatically deleted.
"So, if a South African sells their identity in this way, it means that the photo in the Home Affairs system is that of the foreign national. So, institutions verifying through NPR refuse to deal with people whose identity at Home Affairs have pictures that don't look like the person in front of them," said Motsoaledi.
The Durban Magistrate Court also ordered that the 52 passports be surrendered to the State.
Because of this abuse of the passport application system, Home Affairs has drastically changed the processes through which passports are acquired in the country. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 10/02/2023 - 13:28
288 views
Swifties, Are You Ready For Tay-Tay’s ’Eras Tour’ Concert Film On The Biggest Screen?
Catch Taylor Swift’s’ The Eras Tour’ in Ster-Kinekor’s IMAX and select cinemas nationally from 13 October… Get ready Swifties, TayTay is coming to South Africa… well, her new Eras Tour concert film is, and it will be releasing in Ster-Kinekor’s immersive IMAX and luxurious Cine Prestige cinemas on 13 October, to coincide with the release …
Savanna Origin of Trails brings a “taste” of the MTB Party of the Year to Bloemendal Trail Park
Mountain biking enthusiasts are invited to join the organisers of the Savanna Origin of Trails MTB Experience at a fun Training Ride #1 that will take place at the Bloemendal Trail Park in Durbanville on Saturday 07 October 2023 starting with coffee at 07:00. “We are thrilled to offer local mountain biking enthusiasts a sneak …
DPWI warns public of job scams ahead of the festive season
DPWI warns public of job scams ahead of the festive season
The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) has in a statement warned members of the public to be vigilant of fraudsters.
As the festive season approaches, fraudsters have increased their unscrupulous methods of tricking unsuspecting South Africans to part with their hard earned money. One of these methods, which is currently on the rise, is to fraudulently advertise jobs, falsely claiming they are at the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure.
Unsuspecting job seekers are prompted to send their applications to a website bearing the name of the department but has slight difference from the official site.
Once the application is received by the fraudsters, applicants are requested to deposit money for a purported verification fee. Applicants are requested to make the deposit via cell-phone generated money transfer known as E-Wallets and at supermarkets like Spar, Shoprite, Pick ‘n Pay, etc.
After the money is deposited, fraudsters disappear with the money never to be seen and heard from again. This leaves the potential job seekers broke and their sensitive personal information at the hands of fraudsters who could further use the information to commit more fraud.
“The department will never ask for payment for any jobs advertised. DPWI only advertises jobs through the DPSA circular and on the official DPWI website www.publicworks.gov.za,” the department said.
The website, application links and the email addresses always end with gov.za and never with .org as advertised in the latest fraudulent advert.
“We urge all job seekers to always verify all advertised vacancies by going to the official websites as highlighted above. Job seekers are also advised to visit DPWI offices to verify any vacancies advertised.
“The current vacancy scam that has been doing the rounds, is for 85 Data Capturing Clerks. The DPWI has not advertised this and warns the public NOT to click on the link and send their sensitive information,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 10/02/2023 - 14:15
65 views