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Why Location Matters When it comes to recovery, the location of your treatment facility can play a significant role in your journey towards sobriety. If you’ve been asking yourself, “Is there a rehab near me?” then you’re already on the right track. Community Support Systems Being in a treatment facility close to home can …
Hostex 2024, Africa’s food, drink and hospitality trade expo, is gearing up to be an unmissable event for industry professionals. With just months to go, Hostex has announced a significant milestone – an impressive 50% of the exhibition floorspace has already been sold, indicating the industry’s support and excitement surrounding this year’s event. Hostex 2024 …
South Africa’s three time SA Champion in the 1500m, Nkosinathi Sibiya (Sophiatown, Johannesburg), has cast his eye on the fifth and final Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series race in 2023, the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K that will take place on National Heritage Day (Sunday 24 September). Renowned for his tactical acumen, the PUMA …
Minister rejects report he covered up alleged corruption at NW Health Department
The Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla, says he strongly rejects claims that he covered up alleged corruption in the North West Provincial Department of Health.
This is after News24 reported last week that Phaahla suspended Advocate Maile Ngake, who compiled an investigative report which found that the North West Health Department broke several laws when awarding 22 companies with security contracts in September 2019 to guard the province's health facilities and offices.
The publication said Ngake’s report uncovered R1.2 billion in tender fraud, supporting arguments that the Minister was part of a “concerted corruption cover-up”.
The department said it considers the publication’s allegations “scurrilous, defamatory and devoid of any truth”, since the investigation was compiled before the Minister of Health was appointed on 5 August 2021.
“As such, the Minister has no knowledge of such a report and the happenings with regard to how the referred security tender was processed towards the appointment of the preferred bidder.
“It is wholly disingenuous for any person, including the said official, to attempt to link the Minister to these allegations, as they have no basis whatsoever.”
According to the department, the report was never presented to the Minister when he took over the leadership of the department and could have not acted over something that he was unaware of.
“The Minister did not respond to the allegations as requested by the journalist, as he was still inquiring internally about the existence of such referred report, which couldn’t be traced until recently.
“The report was finally traced and was for the attention of the Director-General, as all the administrative matters like this one fall within the scope of the Accounting Officer.
“For the record, the matter referred to in the article has since been dealt with by the North West Provincial Department in accordance with the court order, which reviewed and declared the awarding of the referred contract to be unlawful.”
The provincial department, according to the statement, has since assumed full responsibility for its programmes and activities after the termination of the Section 100 Administration.
“On the matter of suspension of the official, Advocate TM Ngake, in the department, it should be borne in mind that in terms of the Senior Management Handbook, the responsibility to discipline employees in a government department lies with the Director-General, who is the Accounting Officer.
“The Minister of Health, therefore, cannot suspend or take disciplinary action against an employee.
“Thus, the department categorically dismisses the allegation that Advocate Ngake has been suspended by the Minister of Health or even that his precautionary suspension has anything to do with a report that he may have authored.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 09/12/2023 - 11:51
For international investors, the allure of global diversification is often marred by the complexity of foreign tax obligations. One of these obligations is dividend withholding tax, which can vary considerably depending on the jurisdiction. This blog post aims to demystify the dividend withholding tax policies of four major economies: Germany, France, the Netherlands, and the …
Within the last decade, Dingo Dinkelman – aka South Africa’s ‘Steve Irwin’ – has become a globally renowned conservation crusader, leveraging social media to further his causes. He has racked up more than 400 000 subscribers on his Dingo Dinkelman YouTube channel – one of the fastest growing channels in the country – averaging 3 …
Many of the globe’s biggest names have fallen victim to the celebrity death hoax. Russell Crowe, Morgan Freeman, Sir Paul McCartney, and even South Africa’s beloved Sixto Rodrigues were all reported as dead – long before their time. And now, Crocworld Conservation Centre’s cherished Henry the Nile crocodile can be named among them, but the …
Today, Canon (Canon-CNA.com) begins its role as the Official Imaging Supplier of the Rugby World Cup 2023, which will be the third Rugby World Cup tournament it has sponsored. As the Official Imaging Supplier of Rugby World Cup 2023, Canon provides world-leading technology that ensures fans don't miss a moment of the action. Canon will be supplying a full range of support from its diverse businesses, including cameras, lenses, video camcorders and network cameras. As with many major sporting events, Canon Professional Services will be available, where its team members will be providing technical support to more than 800 press, 400+ photographers, 300+ TV crew personnel, 300+ agency staff and 70+ radio personnel. Support includes camera and lens maintenance services and product loans, ensuring they are equipped to capture every nail-biting moment.
AFP Partnership
In addition to its official imaging role, Canon is supporting several activities off the pitch that are designed to champion inclusivity across the sport. This includes an exciting partnership with the AFP, which will see one aspiring young photographer from each of the participating nations partnered with a staff photographer, equipped with a Canon camera.
Earlier this year, ahead of the tournament, each pair worked on an assignment together that illustrated their nation's relationship with the Rugby World Cup through photography. By allowing the next generation to show the world what the tournament means to their nation, we can celebrate the diversity of the sport and inspire a world of change.
Partnership with the Portuguese National Team
At the Rugby World Cup 2023, Canon will be giving members of the Portuguese national team PowerShot V10 (https://apo-opa.info/3VTs35H) cameras and will be featuring their stories on its website, enabling them to catalogue their tournament journey through their own lens.
Let's Celebrate our Differences
Rugby is a universal sport. It brings together women and men sharing key values of the sport such as solidarity, commitment, and respect, no matter where they come from and no matter who they are. These values have been celebrated in a unique international “Celebrating Our Differences” (https://www.LetsCelebrateOurDifferences.com/en/) photography competition, of which Canon is an official sponsor.
Once again, ahead of the tournament, the power was handed to fans across the world, to illustrate what the sport means to them. The winners of the challenge – from France, Argentina, Uganda, India, and Vietnam – were awarded prizes that included 16 Canon cameras: 12 Canon EOS R50s for the winners of each category and 4 EOS R8s for Canon's favourites. The photographs can be found on display on the gates of the UNESCO's headquarters in the seventh arrondissement of Paris until the 6th September, as well as during the tournament at the host cities of this year's Rugby World Cup.
See the winning images here (https://apo-opa.info/3Ewr6Zr).
“We're delighted to be the Official Imaging Supplier of the Rugby World Cup this year, following two great tournaments in England and Japan” says Peter Morris, Brand and Sponsorship Senior Manager, Canon EMEA. “We've also been thrilled to participate in the AFP partnership and the “Celebrate our Differences” photography competition, two initiatives that put the power of imaging in the hands of the diverse fans that help make this tournament such a special event. We hope that these moments, captured through the lens of our iconic imaging equipment, will help drive positive change.”
Rugby World Cup 2023
Host country: France
Tournament period: September 8 – October 28, 2023
Participating teams: 20 (South Africa, Namibia, England, Wales, New Zealand, Japan, France, Australia, Ireland, Scotland, Italy, Argentina, Fiji, Samoa, Uruguay, Georgia, Romania, Portugal, Tonga and Chile.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA).
Media enquiries, please contact:
Canon Central and North Africa
Mai Youssef
E-mail: Mai.youssef@canon-me.com
APO Group - PR Agency
Rania ElRafie
E-mail: Rania.ElRafie@apo-opa.com
About Canon Central and North Africa:
Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) (Canon-CNA.com) is a division within Canon Middle East FZ LLC (CME), a subsidiary of Canon Europe. The formation of CCNA in 2016 was a strategic step that aimed to enhance Canon's business within the Africa region - by strengthening Canon's in-country presence and focus. CCNA also demonstrates Canon's commitment to operating closer to its customers and meeting their demands in the rapidly evolving African market.
Canon has been represented in the African continent for more than 15 years through distributors and partners that have successfully built a solid customer base in the region. CCNA ensures the provision of high quality, technologically advanced products that meet the requirements of Africa's rapidly evolving marketplace. With over 100 employees, CCNA manages sales and marketing activities across 44 countries in Africa.
Canon's corporate philosophy is Kyosei (https://apo-opa.info/3xeczh6) – ‘living and working together for the common good'. CCNA pursues sustainable business growth, focusing on reducing its own environmental impact and supporting customers to reduce theirs using Canon's products, solutions and services. At Canon, we are pioneers, constantly redefining the world of imaging for the greater good. Through our technology and our spirit of innovation, we push the bounds of what is possible – helping us to see our world in ways we never have before. We help bring creativity to life, one image at a time. Because when we can see our world, we can transform it for the better. For more information: Canon-CNA.com.
Boasting a fast, flat route, the inaugural Boxer Super Run is set to make waves in the streets of Durban on Sunday 15 October 2023. “The lightning-fast route is set to inject a thrilling dose of excitement into the Men’s and Women’s Elite Races,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports. “We’re confident the …
SUBTONOMY (https://www.Subtonomy.com/), the world's leading telecoms technical customer support vendor, today reveals new research on the South African market, providing key insights into the online habits and customer support expectations of South Africans.
South Africans are spending increasing amounts of time online
The global shift towards digitalisation hasn't bypassed South Africa. Rather, as South Africans transition to the latest smartphones, they're spending more and more time online. According to a recent ProxyRack report, for example, the average South African now spends 9 hours and 38 minutes per day online – making them the world's heaviest internet users.
A new study by Sweden's Subtonomy, provides unique insights into how South Africans are spending this time, revealing:
What all of these advanced data applications have in common, is that they require a robust, stable and always-available network, and this is precisely where customers say there's a big problem - with 7 in 10 admitting they're frequently experiencing problems with their connectivity.
Excellent customer support has become a critical decision point for customers
In addition to dealing with the demands of more complex services, and responding to changing customer needs, South African service providers have the added challenge of regular and unpredictable load balancing events to cope with. But while South Africans don't necessarily blame their service provider - indeed 8 out of 10 say they're doing a great job supporting them – disruptions to their service have become such a significant issue that customer support quality is now seen as a key decision point when deciding which network to use.
But what does excellent customer service look like to the average South African? Increasingly, they expect it to be fast, convenient, proactive and digital.
Fast, convenient, proactive, digital support is available today
The good news is that the type of fast, convenient, proactive digital support South Africans want has already been developed, tried and tested, and is now being routinely delivered in the advanced mobile markets of Scandinavia. South African service providers are now actively seeking to replicate this type of experience in order to meet customer expectations, drive down support costs, and deliver a world-class experience to customers.
“All networks experience both planned and unplanned problems at one time or another,” explains Fredrik Edwall, EVP Sales & Marketing, Subtonomy. “But what differentiates service providers is the ability to rapidly pinpoint exactly what's causing their customer's problem and then quickly resolve it, while at the same time keeping the customer informed and updated throughout.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Subtonomy.
Contact Tina Rosén to set up an interview: tina.rosen@subtonomy.com
Click here (https://apo-opa.info/48cLpc0) to download a full copy of Market Study 2023: Customer Attitudes to Support in South Africa.
About Subtonomy:
As the only telecoms vendor dedicated to technical customer support, Subtonomy isn't just a solution, we're at the forefront of a customer experience revolution - blending cutting-edge technology with user-friendly tools to break down barriers, streamline and future-proof telecom operators' businesses.
To find out more about how Subtonomy is reshaping customer support and helping deliver stellar customer experiences today see Subtonomy's website (https://www.Subtonomy.com/).
The application raises concerns over water use in the Western Cape
Sony and Zoom partner to bring video conferencing to BRAVIA TVs Connect with family and friends on the TV screen from the comfort of your living room JOHANNESBURG, 12 September 2023 – Sony announced that Zoom Video Communications, Inc. is now available on Sony’s BRAVIA TVs that are compatible with BRAVIA CAM[i]. This partnership will …
Court rules that John Marite has no case against Special Investigating Unit
Beaufort West magistrate committed a litany of errors in sentencing says High Court
President Ramaphosa welcomes inclusion of AU into G20
President Cyril Ramaphosa has welcomed the membership of the African Union (AU) in the G20, the premier forum for global economic, trade and financial dialogue for growth and sustainable development.
President Ramaphosa concluded his working visit to New Delhi, India, from 9 - 10 September, where he addressed the G20 Leaders’ Summit, held under the theme: ‘One Earth, One Family and One Future’.
The inclusion of the AU in the G20 comes after President Ramaphosa advocated for the AU’s membership in the G20 during the 2022 summit in Bali, Indonesia.
The President appreciated India's Presidency in hosting an inclusive summit and placing the interest of the global South firmly on the agenda. He further acknowledged G20 member States, who supported the AU's inclusion.
“The participation of the AU will strengthen global economic governance and allow African countries to own and influence decisions on key issues,” President Ramaphosa said.
On the margins of the New Delhi G20 Summit, South Africa participated in the EU-African Leaders’ Meeting attended by the Presidents of the European Council and Commission; African Heads of State invited to attend the G20 summit; the African Union Commission (AUC); Heads of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the World Bank.
The purpose of the meeting was to, among others, discuss the AU’s G20 membership; food security, grain and fertiliser supply, and the reform of the global financial architecture.
South Africa used the summit to advocate for an enhanced and expanded Global Partnership for Sustainable Development to meet climate change commitments.
“South Africa welcomes the Indian Presidency’s efforts to accelerate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals. The achievement of the SDGs must remain at the centre of international financing discussions to ensure that finance is mobilised in sufficient quantities and of suitable quality to support development in low- and middle-income countries,” President Ramaphosa said.
President Ramaphosa said he looks forward to working closely with President Lula da Silva as Brazil prepares to take over the Presidency of the G20 in 2024, and to build on the foundation laid by India.
South Africa will assume the G20 Presidency in 2025. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Mon, 09/11/2023 - 10:07
Centurion, Pretoria, September, 11, 2023 – Dr. Vicki Ferreira — Your Trusted Chiropractor in Centurion Chiropractor Centurion: Introducing Dr. Vicki Ferreira Centurion, Pretoria—Dr. Vicki Ferreira, a leading chiropractor in Centurion, is pleased to announce her comprehensive range of chiropractic services designed to improve your overall health and well-being. With a Master’s degree in Chiropractic from the …
“We are too unfit to compete against other clubs” says Langa rugby player
Building a better Public Service for a better South Africa
As South Africa marks Public Service Month, President Cyril Ramaphosa has placed a spotlight on the vital role of individuals, who work in the country’s administration, in improving the well-being of citizens.
In his weekly newsletter to the nation on Monday, the President said the task of building a better South Africa is enabled by the diligence, care, ethical conduct and innovation of the country’s 1.2 million public servants.
The President highlighted that public servants are expected to observe Batho Pele principles such as courtesy, openness and transparency, maintaining service standards and giving best value, as they deliver on government’s mandate.
Public servants must uphold the standards expected of them, especially at points of service. The President said that they are expected to advance social and economic development through the services that they provide to citizens.
“We often think that public servants are lacking in the provision of services to citizens and yet there are areas of distinction in the public service that don’t make the headlines.
“One speaks here about the committed civil servants behind frontline service counters, in our community clinics, at our border posts, in our foreign missions around the world, in our police stations and in our classrooms, and at the forefront of scientific endeavour in our various institutions.
“These public servants get on with their tasks in relative anonymity, serving the South African people with diligence. One hears about situations when things go wrong, but one doesn’t hear about the thousands of people who every day apply for ID cards and passports at Home Affairs offices around the country, and who receive their documents in less than two weeks. Little is reported about the improvements brought about by the new Branch Appointment Booking system and e-service,” he said.
The President emphasised that work must continue because “we cannot build an accountable, professional civil service, as long as there are individuals who see public office as a vehicle for self-enrichment”.
At the same time, he said, credit must be given where it is due to the vast majority of civil servants who “rise each day to prepare to go to work, serving the South African people with honesty and integrity”.
“While many citizens daily experience the orderliness, professionalism and courtesy of frontline service officials, the headlines and online debates are often reserved for public servants involved in corruption or mismanagement. It is correct that these activities be exposed and action taken against those responsible.
“We also need to recognise where progress is being made,” the President said.
Professionalising the public service
Last week, President Ramaphosa highlighted in Parliament the commendable work underway in departments to discourage corruption, including the completion of over 11 000 lifestyle audits of public servants in national government.
Later this year, government will gazette several regulations to guide the implementation of the framework for the professionalisation of the public service that was adopted by Cabinet last year.
The President said these regulations will contribute to greater stability in the leadership ranks of the public service, ensure that recruitment processes are more rigorous, and that prospective public servants undergo competency testing before taking up positions.
“The implementation of the framework will improve the conditions of service for public servants and bring stability to departments that have undergone prolonged periods of uncertainty and flux. A better trained civil service, which attracts suitably qualified individuals, will engender greater public confidence,” he said.
While recognising the critical work of the public service and commending the many public servants who diligently serve the nation, the President acknowledged that there is much room for improvement.
“It is for this reason that we have embarked on far-reaching public service reforms that will help build a State that is both capable and developmental; a State that both provides citizens with efficient frontline services and improves the quality of their lives,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Mon, 09/11/2023 - 13:05
26-million people depend on it
CAPE TOWN, SEPTEMBER 11, 2023: A township development organisation is spearheading access to private healthcare for low-income households by providing affordable, accessible, and high-quality primary healthcare services for struggling South Africans. Township Fleva, a social enterprise organisation, funding and running township development programs that solve South Africa’s (SA’s) biggest problems; poverty; unemployment; and inequality, announced …
Sandton City (www.SandtonCity.com), Africa's premium shopping destination, is thrilled to announce its upcoming 50th-anniversary that will be celebrated with an exquisite retail festival. The unique one-day event, taking place on Tuesday 12 September 2023, promises a day filled with an extraordinary shopping experience, outstanding exclusive offers, and a jubilant atmosphere, as the iconic mall marks five decades of exceptional service and superior retail.
Since its inception in 1973, Sandton City, in Johannesburg, has commanded a unique position of high-end retail, drawing shoppers from across the world to experience its diverse array of over 300 premium retailers, that reflect the most beloved brands from both within South Africa and internationally. As the mall reaches this remarkable milestone, the 50th-anniversary retail festival is a tribute to its commitment to offering unparalleled shopping experiences.
Visitors to the centre on the day can expect an array of delights, including:
Irresistible retailer offers, complimentary gifts and added value: Shoppers will be treated to an array of exclusive offers, at over 90 stores in the centre, ensuring that purchases are accompanied by unbeatable value at participating retailers. For example, Alpha Industries is offering a free t-shirt with any jacket purchased; at Fabiani, the first 50 customers will get 50% off anything in store, at Karl Lagerfeld, an exclusive KARL gift will accompany every in-store purchase over R 5 000; and uniQbrows will offer free Iconic Intense brown brow tints, to name a few. These offers are valid on Tuesday 12 September at Sandton City only, terms & conditions apply.
Extended Trading Hours: Sandton City recognizes that celebrations should know no time constraints. To accommodate the festivity, the mall will extend its trading hours, granting guests ample time to explore and enjoy, with most stores in the centre staying open till 9:00 PM on the day.
Live entertainment: From 12 noon, shoppers can enjoy complimentary live musical performances by, some of South Africa's top artists, DJ Zinhle, Goodluck, Holly Rey and Kings of Weekend in the centre court outside Checkers.
Spend and win competition: Shoppers who spend R 500 or more between 1 – 12 September at any of their favourite stores in Sandton City, may enter a competition to win a R 50 000 Sandton City gift card, with the entry box conveniently placed in the centre court.
Additionally, Sandton City will unveil a captivating History Wall installation, on the fourth level, in close proximity to Clicks, Woolworths, Toy Kingdom and Loads of Living, providing visitors with an opportunity to journey through time. This installation showcases the centre's evolution from its inception to the present day, offering a glimpse into the rich history and transformative journey since its development, and how the remarkable centre has stayed at the forefront of African retail.
Dimitri Kokinos, Asset Manager of Sandton City, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming 50th-anniversary retail festival, stating, “We are immensely proud to celebrate five decades of excellence in retail. Sandton City has been an iconic symbol of luxury, innovation, style and community for fifty years. As we embark on this milestone, we are excited to offer shoppers a day filled with exuberant experiences and unforgettable retail moments, while paying tribute to the centre's legacy as a retail haven, offering an unparalleled mix of luxury brands, fashion, lifestyle, and dining experiences.”
For more information and regular updates go to www.SandtonCity.com or follow the centre on social media @SandtonCitymall.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Sandton City.
Notes to Editors:
Entertainment line-up:
12 – 2pm: DJ Soosh
2pm – 2:45pm: Holly Rey
2:45pm – 4pm: DJ Soosh
4pm – 5pm: Kings of The Weekend
5pm – 6pm: DJ Soosh
6pm – 6:45pm: Goodluck
6:45pm – 7pm: DJ Soosh
7pm – 7:45pm: DJ Zinhle
7:45pm – 10pm: DJ Soosh
About Sandton City:
Sandton City Shopping Centre is renowned amongst both local and international visitors as one of Africa's leading retail destinations. With an impressive retail, office and leisure space ranking as South Africa's top performing retail destination in terms of trading density, Sandton City has an effective tenant leasing strategy and a low vacancy level. The shopping centre is home to over 300 of the most exciting local and international brands and presents you with a world of luxury in the exclusive Diamond Walk.
Sandton City is six-star green-star rated by the Green Building Council of South Africa. This is the first super-regional shopping centre on the African continent to achieve such a prestigious rating, representing world leadership in environmentally sustainable operational efficiencies. In accordance with the SHORE accreditation standards by international certification body SAFE Asset Group, Sandton City is certified COVID-19 compliant and has also achieved gold level status as a safe retail destination for its ability to prevent, adapt, respond to, recover and learn from operational disruptions. Adjacent to world-class hotels and mega corporate headquarters, winning multiple Best Shopping Mall awards each year, Sandton City continues to be a leader in mixed-use properties.
Sandton City is co-owned by Liberty Two Degrees, Liberty Group and Pareto Limited, and managed by JHI Retail Proprietary Limited.
For more information, please visit either www.SandtonCity.com, www.Liberty2Degrees.co.za, www.Pareto.co.za.
Moreleta Service Centre: Your Trusted Partner for Quality Car Service in Moreleta Park, Pretoria Pretoria, South Africa, September 11, 2023 — Are you searching for a reliable “garage near me” in the Moreleta Park area Look no further than Moreleta Service Centre located at De Villebois Mareuil Drive, Moreleta Park, Pretoria. Our team of experienced …
September is a time of year that marks the start of all things new. The weather is turning warmer, flowers are blooming, and the smell of spring is in the air. A perfect chance also to do a security Spring clean. “Your security system – at home or at work – is an electronic device …
Runners and walkers can take a positive step by participating in one of the standout challenges of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY (RYC) Series on Strava – the World Cleanup Day Challenge on Saturday, 16 September 2023. “Plastic pollution remains an urgent global concern, especially for our oceans. We’re calling on the RYC Community to …