Cape Town’s Urgent Need to House Homeless People
Shelters and Safe Spaces are only stop-gap solutions. Transitional accommodation and support is needed, say experts.
Shelters and Safe Spaces are only stop-gap solutions. Transitional accommodation and support is needed, say experts.
The Haven Night Shelter will stage the “Dignity in Motion” show next week
Private sector an important player in education sector
Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has called on the private sector to consider taking their involvement in the education sector to the next level.
The Minister highlighted that the private sector has the resources, expertise, and capacity to make an enormous impact on the education landscape.
In addition, the country has seen more private sector entities involved in education initiatives investing in infrastructure, providing technology, supporting teacher training, and even partnering with educational institutions to design relevant, future-oriented curricula.
The Minister was addressing the Partnerships for Education Business Breakfast held at the Johannesburg Council for The Disabled (JOCOD) in Lenasia on Monday.
The business breakfast was designed to foster meaningful dialogue and establish partnerships to alleviate budgetary constraints in the education sector.
Minister Gwarube used the event to outline her strategic priorities for the seventh administration and to discuss how the public-private sector collaboration can drive sustainable improvements in the education system.
“Today, I want to call on our private sector partners to consider taking their involvement in the education sector to the next level.
“As South Africa’s seventh administration in the Government of National Unity [GNU], we are fully committed to improving education outcomes across the country.
“We recognise that this cannot be achieved by government alone. The private sector has a significant role to play, and we are here to facilitate, support, and collaborate with you in ways that make the greatest impact,” she said, adding that a step-change investment in education means more than just financial support, it means active participation.
The Minister invited the private sector partners to work closely with the Department of Basic Education (DBE) to co-create programs that build the skills needed for a competitive and productive economy.
“We need your input, your insights, and your innovation to help shape our education system in a way that prepares learners for real-world challenges and opportunities.”
Investing in quality education
With the country having ushered in a GNU in May, the Minister emphasised that education was an important issue that everyone can agree on, regardlessof their political inclinations.
She said every single South African has a vested interest in the quality of the nation’s education sector while adding that since the dawn of democracy, much has been done to provide access to basic education.
However, 30 years later, she said the nation now needed to shift its focus to quality education.
The Minister referred to an international study that revealed that about the 80% of learners who were tested (as a sample) could not read for meaning in any language.
While this was a small sample, she said that this was gravely concerning.
“If we do not fix literacy – which is reading, writing and counting – the DBE had failed on its core function. This is why every single priority in the seventh administration speaks to this goal.
“We must make sure through early child learning; we can achieve the goal of reading for meaning by Grade 4. Government has a tendency to focus only on the quality of outcomes like the matric pass rate – but not on the foundations of learning.
“I endeavour to reorientate this planning and thinking. Let us get the basics right and we will achieve a great deal in the education sector,” the Minister said.
Minister Gwarube emphasised that quality education is the foundation upon which the country can build a prosperous future.
“It is the tool that will empower our young people to innovate, to lead, and to contribute meaningfully to their communities and economies.
“However, to achieve this, our education systems must be strong, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of a modern workforce.”
She further emphasised the need to provide not only foundational literacy and numeracy but also the skills necessary for the jobs and challenges of the 21st century which are digital literacy, critical thinking, adaptability, and creativity.
Priorities
Touching on the priorities, the Minister said the 7th Administration has identified several key priorities which include improved access to and strengthen the quality of Early Childhood Development (ECD).
“A strong foundation is important for literacy and numeracy. Early Childhood Development sets the stage for lifelong learning and personal development. We want every child in South Africa to leave our ECDs with a solid foundation in reading and counting,” the Minister said.
Other priorities are improving literacy and numeracy across all phases of schooling, special education, accelerated teacher development and safety in schools.
“Learners need safe, conducive environments where they can focus on their studies without interruption. This includes basic facilities such as dignified flushing toilets, but also learning environments free from crime, extortion rackets, contaminated food products and other dangerous chemical,” she said.
The Minister noted the high number of learners who have fallen ill and children from Naledi in Gauteng who tragically lost their lives due to food bought from local spaza shops and consumed on school premises.
“Last week Wednesday I began a process to ban the dangerous chemical known as organophosphate from all schools in South Africa. This is a proactive measure to prevent the risk of this chemical ever being used as a pesticide in any of our schools,” she said.
READ | Food poisoning incidents managed at highest level, says President Ramaphosa
– SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Mon, 11/11/2024 - 14:39
Pledge to improve working conditions in the construction sector
A nationwide pledge aimed at creating safer, healthier working environments for those working in the construction sector is set to be signed this week.
The Department of Employment and Labour said the Decent Work in Construction Pledge will be signed at roadshows in Cape Town on Wednesday and in George on Friday.
Wednesday’s roadshow will take place at the Aspired Country Manor in Philippi and Friday’s roadshow will take place at the Protea Hotel King George.
“Each roadshow stop will feature informative presentations, interactive sessions, and the opportunity to sign the Decent Work in Construction Pledge.”
The department and its partners, including the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Federated Employers Mutual Assurance Company (FEM) and the Compensation Fund (CF), have united to support labour rights and ethical business practices in the construction sector.
The partnership focuses on advancing labour rights, eliminating exploitative practices and enhancing productivity in a sector that is vital to the country's economic growth. The recently signed Construction Health and Safety Accord plays a vital role in advancing the decent work agenda in the sector.
This agreement between government, organised labour and organised business aims to create safer, healthier working environments.
It also promotes collaboration among all parties to prioritise workers' safety while enhancing business efficiency.
“The construction sector is one of the largest employers in South Africa, generating thousands of jobs annually. However, it is also an industry where decent work challenges, such as safety risks, informal labour practices and wage exploitation, are prevalent,” the department said.
“The objective of this initiative is to change this narrative by promoting fair, compliant, and fulfilling work conditions for construction workers, while simultaneously boosting productivity for businesses.
“Decent Work advocates for employment that respects the dignity, safety, and rights of all workers. It defines decent work in the construction sector as employment that is fulfilling, compliant with regulations, and free from exploitation,” the department explained.
Establishing a foundation for meaningful transformation within the construction sector, the Decent Work in Construction campaign promotes:
“By signing, businesses and individuals commit to promoting fair, safe, and compliant working conditions. Workers and the public are also urged to report any instances of exploitation, non-compliance, or unsafe conditions to their nearest labour centre,” the department said.
These reports will help identify and address unfair practices, ensuring workers' rights are upheld.
The department said the benefits of decent work extend beyond individual workers, helping businesses thrive, reducing turnover, and enhancing overall industry productivity. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 10/29/2024 - 10:07
Inmates ready for upcoming National Senior Certificate exams
Matriculants from Correctional Services schools are fully prepared for the upcoming National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations, set to run from 21 October to 27 November 2024.
A total of 173 inmates will sit for these exams, marking an important step in their pursuit of a Senior Certificate.
In a statement, the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) said it was pleased with the level of preparedness, as inmates have completed the academic syllabus on time and have undergone various assessments throughout the year.
Educators from the department's 18 schools remain optimistic, having made significant efforts to ensure that all candidates are thoroughly prepared.
Additionally, the department ensured that all required textbooks and stationery were delivered to schools timeously.
Correctional Services National Commissioner Makgothi Samuel Thobakgale has praised the educators for their dedication and hard work in preparing the inmates for this important milestone.
“Education not only empowers offenders with knowledge but also offers them a path to a new life. It remains our commitment to provide growth and development opportunities for every inmate, as we believe in the power of education to transform lives,” he said.
Formal education plays a crucial role in rehabilitating offenders while they are in correctional centres.
In collaboration with the Department of Basic Education, DCS has consistently produced strong academic results, often exceeding the national pass rate.
In 2023, DCS schools achieved an impressive 93% overall pass rate, with nine schools attaining a 100% pass rate.
READ | Correctional Services class of 2023 achieves 93.2% pass rate
The department attributed the results to the conducive learning environment it fosters within correctional centres, as well as its commitment to providing offenders with education and skills that will help them reintegrate into society after their release.
The department has also embraced technological advancements in education. In 2024, the Intelsat Telematics System was introduced at the Johannesburg Correctional Centre, offering both inmates and educators access to valuable study materials.
The department is proud to maintain an incident-free record for NSC examinations, reflecting the professionalism and dedication of the officials, as well as the strict adherence to exam protocols set by the Department of Basic Education.
“We encourage all matriculants in our schools to seize this opportunity as part of their personal development journey,” Thobakgale concluded.
READ | Countdown to final exams for Class of 2024
– SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 10/03/2024 - 09:56
By Dr Ridwaan Asvat (Director Student Services – Regent Business School) Investing in employee education is no longer just about personal development; it’s a powerful way to advance a company’s goals. HR managers are increasingly tasked with ensuring these investments align with the company’s strategic objectives. By tailoring learning paths to support business strategies, companies …
Minister Macpherson welcomes Castle of Good Hope court order
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister, Dean Macpherson, has welcomed a court order which stipulates that those occupying the Castle of Good Hope have to vacate the property by 17 October.
The eviction order was granted to the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) by the Western Cape High Court.
The order stipulates that those occupying the Castle of Good Hope have to vacate the property by 17 October 2024, following which an eviction may occur as needed for any remaining unlawful occupants.
The City of Cape Town has a standing offer to unlawful occupants to take up dignified transitional shelter at the city-run Safe Space facilities.
Safe Spaces offer warm beds, ablution facilities, meals, access to medical care, substance abuse treatment, Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) work, personal development planning and more, to help people leave the streets.
“The eviction order serves as a boost for Cape Town’s economy ahead of the busy summer tourism season in the city and reinforces our position that state assets should be looked after and be used for public good.
“We simply cannot allow state assets to be occupied and vandalised, such as the Castle of Good Hope during the COVID-19 pandemic. The occupation and decay of state buildings nationwide create issues for the municipalities by attracting crime and grime which we have also seen at the Castle of Good Hope,” Minister Macpherson said.
He added that the castle is an important part of South Africa’s history, and it is therefore important that it be safeguarded and maintained to ensure that future generations can learn from the past to build a better future.
He added that the castle is also an important tourism attraction in the City of Cape Town and thereby plays an important role in the local economy which helps to create jobs which are sorely needed.
Meanwhile, the Minister will be joining City of Cape Town Executive Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis on Friday afternoon, to tour the Grand Parade next to the Castle of Good Hope, as well as the Hout Bay Harbour.
The Minister will also address the media on efforts by the DPWI to address hijacked and decayed State-owned properties in the city.
The Minister said he is committed to working with all municipalities to turn South Africa into a construction site and use public assets for public good.
“Similarly to the Memorandum of Understanding that I will soon be signing with the Mayor of eThekwini, I look forward to concluding an agreement with the City Of Cape Town, to work closer together with the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure to address hijacked and decaying state-owned buildings, but also to contribute to economic growth and job creation. Let’s Build South Africa,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Fri, 09/20/2024 - 09:44
NBA Africa (www.NBA.com) today announced the 10 startup companies from seven African countries that have been selected to pitch their products to a panel of international industry leaders at a Demo Day at the NBA headquarters in New York City on Wednesday, Sept. 25 as part of “Triple-Double: NBA Africa Startup Accelerator (http://apo-opa.co/47lTICe),” which the league launched in April 2024 to support Africa's technology ecosystem and the next generation of African entrepreneurs.
The panel will then determine the four winning companies that will be awarded financial support and mentorship, including an opportunity to participate in workshops and development programs facilitated by NBA Africa or its partners. Below are the 10 startups that will compete for the four prize-winning spots.
“We have been inspired by the level of talent and creativity from all of the applicants, and we congratulate the 10 deserving finalists who will showcase their innovative solutions at Demo Day later this month,” said NBA Africa CEO Clare Akamanzi. “NBA Africa is committed to supporting the continued growth of startups on the continent, including the four prize-winners whose innovative solutions will further elevate the sport and creative industries in Africa for years to come.”
Operated by ALX Ventures, “Triple-Double: NBA Africa Startup Accelerator” was open to early-stage startups in Africa that develop solutions in event management and ticketing, youth development, AI, and digital marketing. The initiative will support Africa's tech ecosystem and the next generation of African tech entrepreneurs by providing them with access to mentorship and capital that will help drive growth in the sports and creative industries.
The four prize-winning startups will be announced at Demo Day.
Video (http://apo-opa.co/4d2bY4w): Triple-Double: NBA Africa Startup Accelerator Reveals 10 Finalists for Demo Day
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of National Basketball Association (NBA).
Contact:
Pawel Weszka
NBA Africa Communications
pweszka@nba.com
+27 10 0072666
About NBA Africa:
NBA Africa is an affiliate of the National Basketball Association (NBA), a global sports and media organization with the mission to inspire and connect people everywhere through the power of basketball. NBA Africa conducts the league's business in Africa, including the Basketball Africa League (BAL), and has opened subsidiary offices in Cairo, Egypt; Dakar, Senegal; Johannesburg, South Africa; Lagos, Nigeria; and Nairobi, Kenya. The league's efforts on the continent have focused on increasing access to basketball and the NBA through youth and elite development, social responsibility, media distribution, corporate partnerships, NBA Africa Games, NBA Stores, the BAL, and more.
NBA games and programming are available in all 54 African countries, and the NBA has hosted three sold-out exhibition games on the continent since 2015. The BAL, a partnership between the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and NBA Africa, is a professional league featuring 12 club teams from across Africa that concluded its fourth season in June 2024. Fans can follow @ NBA_Africa and @ theBAL on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube
World-renowned football federation, the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) in partnership with VFS Global (www.VFSglobal.com), concluded extensive coaching courses held in Stellenbosch and in Durban earlier this year. The initiative is in line with VFS Global's community outreach initiatives across the globe with a focus on youth empowerment and skill development.
The KNVB-accredited course conducted under its WorldCoaches Programme in partnership with SAFA eThekwini, saw a total of 56 coaches from across Durban and Cape Town, with almost 50% of the participants being women. The coaches were accredited with a globally recognised certificate, as part of KNVB's WorldCoaches global drive of using football to drive social development.
The five-day workshop saw the coaches being exposed to the latest global trends of youth coaching and equipped with the necessary tools and information to be role models in their respective communities. In addition to tactical knowledge empowerment, key societal topics such as child protection, leadership, and social change formed part of the learning process for the coaches. The course hosted over 265 participating players throughout the two weeks, allowing the coaches to put together sessions they had learnt from the instructors into practice.
“This was truly an eye-opening experience for our coaches. Most of them are keen to learn and empower themselves, and thanks to such a programme, our region is not only producing future coaches. but key role models for our communities, thanks to KNVB”, said SAFA eThekwini Technical Director, Maxwell Ndlovu.
Speaking on behalf of the KNVB, instructor Bert Zuurman said the reception and eagerness shown by the coaches were encouraging and indicative of a bright youth football future for the region.
“We are honoured to share our knowledge and experience with these coaches, who are not just coaches but are now role models. Our programmes are uniquely designed to make use of football as a driver for social change, and it is important that our coaches are receptive to both the tactical and social development divisions of the programme. We wish all the coaches the best of luck, and sincerely thank SAFA eThekwini for providing us with the platform”, said Johan van Geijn, Founder of KNVB WorldCoaches.
“Through this programme, we are not only equipping coaches with the latest in football tactics but also instilling in them a sense of social responsibility. Through such initiatives that also empower young people to stay in school, we're shaping not just athletes, but future leaders by providing coaches with the tools to be role models. Our investment in South Africa underscores our dedication to youth empowerment worldwide, harnessing sports to pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future”, added Nadia Wicks, Head of Operations- Southern Africa, VFS Global.
The goal of the WorldCoaches program is to give participants critical thinking skills and resources required to make critical decisions both on and off the field.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VFS Global.
Media Contact:
George Cherian
Corporate Communications
VFS Global
georgec@vfsglobal.com / communications@vfsglobal.com
Further Enquiries:
Puncho Morajane
puncho@forwardzone.com
071 199 7858
About VFS Global:
As the world's leading outsourcing and technology service specialist, VFS Global embraces technological innovation including Generative AI to support governments and diplomatic missions worldwide. The company manages non-judgmental and administrative tasks related to applications for visa, passport, and consular services for its client governments, increasing productivity and enabling them to focus entirely on the critical task of assessment.
With a responsible approach to technology development, adoption and integration, the company prioritizes ethical practices and sustainability while serving as the trusted partner to 68 client governments. Operating over 3,400 Application Centres in 153 countries, VFS Global has efficiently processed more than 294 million applications since 2001.
Headquartered in Zurich and majority owned through investment funds managed by Blackstone Inc, along with the Swiss-based Kuoni and Hugentobler Foundation and EQT, VFS Global is committed to creating value for all stakeholders and leading in responsible, innovative solutions making government services more effective and efficient.
About KNVB – WorldCoaches:
WorldCoaches is a programme based on the KNVB's extensive international coaching experience and its belief that no matter where in the world, football can be used as a means for social development. Our trained WorldCoaches play a key role in this by inspiring and coaching children in their athletic and social development.
During WorldCoaches courses, youth are trained to become football coaches and role models in their own community. In doing so, the WorldCoaches programme focuses on three themes that directly contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These are: personal development, health and social cohesion. The SDGs were set by the United Nations and aim to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. As such, through the unique and universal appeal of football, the KNVB attempts to reduce the impact of various social challenges and aims to contribute to a better society.
The reality for many schools in South Africa is bleak and often dire. Many students are forced to learn in makeshift classrooms under trees or in mud rondavels. South Africa’s most disadvantaged students attend schools that are severely under-maintained and under-resourced. This stands in stark contrast to research highlighting the critical role that a proper …
Corporate Mental Health Week 1 – 5 July 2024: According to the latest Gallup report, 36% of the South African workforce experience excessive daily stress and more than 71% are either disengaged or actively disengaged at work – some of the alarming signs of burnout. This is not surprising considering that according to the Mental …
All systems go for Youth Day commemoration
The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) in partnership with the Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture, the Presidency and Limpopo Provincial Government are ready to host the commemoration of Youth Day on Sunday.
This year marks the 48th anniversary of the 16 June 1976 student uprising in Soweto, when young people protested against the Bantu Education Act, which enforced Afrikaans as a medium of instruction in schools and apartheid laws that oppressed black South Africans.
The 2024 Youth Day and Youth Month aim to promote the Sport for Youth Development (S4YD) agenda as a tool for social cohesion and solidarity in South Africa.
The 2024 commemoration of Youth Month, which will be held under the theme “Actively advancing socioeconomic gains of our democracy”, will have added significance as it coincides with the celebration of 30 years of freedom.
NYDA Executive Chairperson, Asanda Luwaca, said among other key areas, this year’s Youth Month focuses on sports for development of the youth and the nation.
Various developmental activities that will be held around the country in the lead up to Youth Day.
As this year’s Youth Month is anchored around the role of sport as a transformative tool to build an inclusive and socially cohesive society, Luwaca said the proposed intervention is for government across all spheres to identify various sporting codes that will feature in programmes and projects planned to commemorate the Youth Month.
Luwaca said the NYDA will be hosting the National Youth Day Careers and Opportunities Expo in Polokwane.
“Over the last two years and post-COVID-19 pandemic there has been a reimagining of what the commemorative days ought to look like as previous Youth Day approaches were no longer relevant to young people.
“The focus has instead been on having a large-scale career and opportunities expo for young people that offer as many live opportunities as possible. This is more relatable to young people, as this is what interests them – opportunities for study, volunteerism, service, employment, and entrepreneurship,” Luwaca said.
She said the expo will include “opportunity providers” from the private sector, government departments, civil society, academia, and development partners.
“It is important that young people are provided with platforms to access opportunities for their personal development, so that they can become active participants in the economy,” Luwaca said.
The agency has confirmed over 110 opportunity providers to be joining the National Youth Day commemoration to be held at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane from 9am.
Other programmes taking place in Limpopo are anchored on the provision of access to opportunities as well as celebrating youth excellence.
Certification ceremony of young welders
Meanwhile, the NYDA, in collaboration with the Department of Correctional Services, and the Department of Labour and Employment will today host the certification ceremony of young welders who have completed their accredited welding courses.
This ceremony will take place at Fhulufelo Secondary School, where young people will also be given their start up toolboxes for their personal enterprises and cooperatives.
The agency will also on 15 June support the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture at its annual Creative and Cultural Industries Youth Expo to be held at the University of Limpopo, Mankweng. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 06/14/2024 - 09:32

Dutch therapist Dr Ard Nieuwenbroek will he coming to Gqeberha to host two talks based on his latest book Guiding Elvis Children. There is emerging research on the unseen and unconscious impact that the loss of a child can have on the family system, especially on the child born after the loss. Author: Tanya Defferary
