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Media urged to submit entries to SADC Media Awards competition

Location: News

Media urged to submit entries to SADC Media Awards competition

South African media practitioners have been called to submit their entries to the 2025 Southern African Development Community (SADC) Media Awards competition.

“To promote regional integration and cooperation (cross-border issues), the awards aim to recognise excellence in journalism in the area of print, photo, television, radio as well as to encourage media practitioners in member states to cover issues pertaining to the region,” the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said on Wednesday.

The SADC Media Awards competition is open to journalists/media from the SADC Member States.  

They were established in 1996 to recognise best media work in disseminating information on SADC to support the process of regional cooperation and integration in the region. 

The first prize winners will receive their prizes and certificates on the margins of the SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government, which will take place in August 2025. 

The first prize winner in each category receives US$2 500 and the runner-up receives US$1 000.

The awards were established following a decision by the SADC Council of Ministers to establish a sector that deals with matters relating to, amongst others, information, culture and sport.

They present a unique opportunity for the SADC region’s journalists to be celebrated and recognised by their peers.

These awards are one of the mechanisms to ensure a link, coordination and synchronisation between formal structures of SADC governments, civil society, academia, labour and the media.

Journalists who wish to enter the competition can access more information about the competition from https://www.gcis.gov.za/sites/default/files/docs/SADCEntryform2025.doc.

Rules of the 2025 competition are available on: https://www.gcis.gov.za/sites/default/files/docs/SADC2025RulesCompetition.pdf.

Entries need to be posted or delivered to MDDA or any GCIS offices nationwide marked:

MDDA Offices                                              GCIS Offices

SADC Media Awards Entry                 or      SADC Media Awards Entry

GSM Building                                               Government Communications (GCIS)

SABC Auckland Park Campus                      1035 Francis Baard Street

Johannesburg                                              Hatfield, Pretoria

2006                                                             0028

NB: All entries must be submitted no later than 28 February 2025. - SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Wed, 12/04/2024 - 10:21

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Read moreMedia urged to submit entries to SADC Media Awards competition

Pan-African Legal Group CLG Announces Appointment of Leon Van der Merwe as Partner

Location: Business
CLG

A distinguished Attorney of the High Court of South Africa with over 12 years of legal expertise, specializing in Corporate Law, Commercial Law, Litigation and Regulatory Compliance Leon Van der Merwe has joined pan-African legal and advisory group CLG (www.CLGGlobal.com) as a Partner.

A distinguished Attorney of the High Court of South Africa, Van der Merwe brings over 12 years of experience in Corporate Law, Commercial Law, Litigation and Regulatory Compliance. His areas of specialization include Contract Law, General and Commercial Litigation, Insolvency, Compliance, Property Law, Regulatory Law, Competition Law, Company Law and Risk Management.

Throughout his career, Van der Merwe has provided strategic counsel to national and international corporations, as well as African Governments, across various industries such as forestry, mining, construction, engineering, and retail. He holds an LLB Degree (Cum Laude) from the University of Pretoria.

“Leon's promotion to Partner is a reflection not only of his exceptional professional skill but also of the trust he has earned from our clients, colleagues, and partners. His dedication and hard work are unmatched, and he exemplifies the core values that define CLG,” said Zion Adeoye, CEO and Managing Partner of CLG. “I am thrilled to welcome him as Partner and look forward to seeing his leadership continue to shape our journey. His elevation is more than deserved, and I know he will bring even greater value to our firm and our clients in this role.”

Oneyka Cindy Ojogbo, CLG Deputy Managing Partner, added, "It gives me great joy to welcome my friend and colleague into the partnership at CLG. His dedication to the firm and unwavering commitment to our clients have been the bedrock of his practice, and I couldn't be more excited to see him take on this well-deserved role. His leadership and passion will be invaluable as we continue to grow together and build Africa's largest professional service firm."

Mr. Van der Merwe's appointment reinforces CLG's commitment to providing impactful and innovative legal solutions across Africa. His expertise will enhance the firm's service offerings, further solidifying its position as a leading pan-African legal and advisory group.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of CLG.

About CLG:
CLG, a leading pan-African legal, tax and business advisory firm, has established offices in Germany, Nigeria, South Africa, Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Mauritius, Ghana, Cameroon, Namibia and Equatorial Guinea, amongst others, and is the first Africa focused professional service firm listed on the German stock exchange.

This expanded footprint enables CLG to deliver seamless professional services, facilitate cross-border transactions and provide expertise in diverse jurisdictions and sectors, while fostering strong in-country relationships.

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Read morePan-African Legal Group CLG Announces Appointment of Leon Van der Merwe as Partner

Type Zero Zero

Location: Business

PRETORIA, South Africa – 03 December 2024: Introducing an unmistakable, unexpected and dramatic physical manifestation of Jaguar, as the brand continues its transformation. Type 00 (pronounced Type Zero Zero) embodies Jaguar’s creative philosophy of Exuberant Modernism following the debut of its new brand identity. The world premiere of the design vision concept at Miami Art …

Read moreType Zero Zero

The City of Tshwane Signs a Payment Arrangement Plan to Settle Its R6.6 Billion Debt

Location: Business

Monday, 2 December 2024: Eskom is pleased to announce that the City of Tshwane has signed a payment arrangement plan to settle its R6, 661 123 246. (Six billion, six-hundred and sixty-one million, one-hundred and twenty-three thousand two hundred and forty-six) debt owed to the power utility. Eskom had taken Tshwane to court for bulk...

Read moreThe City of Tshwane Signs a Payment Arrangement Plan to Settle Its R6.6 Billion Debt

Government activities for the week 2 – 6 December 2024

Location: News

Government activities for the week 2 – 6 December 2024

On Monday, 2 December, the Commissioner of the Border Management Authority, Dr Michael Masiapato, holds a media briefing to outline the festive season control measures at all ports of entry.

On Monday, 2 December, International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Ronald Lamola, and his Nigerian counterpart co-chair the Ministerial Session of the 11th Session of the SA-Nigeria Bi-National Commission in Cape Town.

On Monday, 2 December, Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development, Mzwanele Nyhontso, leads the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the Restitution of Land Rights Act under the theme: Dignity Restored through the Land Restitution Act.

On Tuesday, 3 December, President Cyril Ramaphosa launches South Africa's G20 Presidency at the Imbizo Media Centre in Cape Town.

On Tuesday, 3 December, President Cyril Ramaphosa will co-chair the 11th Session of the Bi-National Commission between South Africa and the Federal Republic of Nigeria, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at Tuynhuys in Cape Town.

On Tuesday, 3 December, the 2024 Science Forum South Africa (SFSA) event will kick off at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research International Convention Centre in Pretoria. Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof. Blade Nzimande, will deliver the keynote address. SFSA 2024 concludes on 6 December.

On Wednesday, 4 December, the Electoral Commission of South Africa conducts municipal by-elections in Thabazimbi Local Municipality, Limpopo.

On Thursday, 5 December, the Gauteng e-Government will unveil more sites connected with Government Free Wi-Fi. The connected sites include schools, libraries, hospitals, clinics, and community centers. A media tour will take place at Daveyton Main Clinic, Ekurhuleni.

From Thursday, 5 December to Friday, 6 December, the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Velenkosini Hlabisa, will lead the Fire Services Indaba in George, Western Cape, under the theme “Repositioning Fire Services in South Africa”.

Matona
Mon, 12/02/2024 - 12:57

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Read moreGovernment activities for the week 2 – 6 December 2024

Afrobarometer Connects Early-Career Researchers With Established Scholars to Build Analytical Capacity in Africa

Location: News
Afrobarometer

Afrobarometer (www.Afrobarometer.org) held its inaugural Emerging Scholars Workshop in November, bringing together early-career researchers and established scholars to enhance analytical skills and support the next generation of African researchers. This initiative aligns with Afrobarometer's objective of strengthening the continent's research ecosystem.

The workshop, held at the University of Pretoria's Future Africa campus, brought together 12 emerging scholars – half of them women – representing nine countries: Botswana, Benin, Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, South Africa, and Uganda.

Participants presented research papers covering diverse topics, received feedback from their mentors and peers, and engaged in professional development sessions designed to propel their academic and professional growth.

According to Jason Owen, Afrobarometer capacity building manager (advanced track), the workshop is in line with Afrobarometer's commitment to providing professional development opportunities for young African researchers.

“The emerging scholars that attended the workshop received detailed comments on their research from a panel of experienced academic mentors and peers,” he said. “The aim was to sharpen their analytical skills and to enable them to publish high-quality research using Afrobarometer data. We hope this type of workshop will foster a growing research and mentoring network that helps to build analytical capacity across Africa.”

The workshop also facilitated networking and collaboration. Nicole Beardsworth, a lecturer at the University of the Witwatersrand, highlighted the value of such gatherings. “PhD journeys can be isolating and lonely, but opportunities like the Afrobarometer Emerging Scholars Workshop provide a window for young scholars from around the continent to meet each other, find commonalities, forge collaborations, and create community,” she said.

A section of participants also noted that the workshop provided them with a transformative platform to engage with established academics, gain constructive feedback, enhance research skills, and build professional networks critical for advancing their academic and career aspirations.

“I was attracted to this workshop because it provides a unique opportunity to engage with seasoned scholars, participate in sophisticated research discussions, and develop essential skills for my professional growth,” said Mbiydzenyuy Courage Sevidzem from the University of Bamenda in Cameroon.

Over the past two and half decades, Afrobarometer has trained hundreds of young researchers, civil society activists, journalists, and parliamentarians through several capacity- building initiatives, including French- and English-language summer schools, thematic workshops, mentorships, university outreach initiatives, and staff development fellowships.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afrobarometer.

For more information, please contact:
Daniel Iberi
Communications coordinator for East Africa
Email: diberi@afrobarometer.org
Telephone: +254 725 6744 57
Visit us online at www.Afrobarometer.org.

Follow us:
Facebook: Afrobarometer
Twitter: @ Afrobarometer
YouTube: @ Afrobarometer
Follow our releases on #VoicesAfrica. 

About Afrobarometer:
Afrobarometer (AB) is a trusted source of high-quality data and analysis on what Africans are thinking. With an unmatched track record of 388,000+ interviews in 42 countries, representing the views of 80% of the African population, AB is leading the charge to bridge the continent's data gap. AB data inform many global indices, such as the Ibrahim Index of African Governance, Transparency International's Global Corruption Barometer, and the World Bank's Worldwide Governance Indicators. The data are also used for country risk analyses and by credit rating and forecasting agencies such as the Economist Intelligence Unit. All AB data sets are publicly available on the website (www.Afrobarometer.org) and may be analysed free of charge using AB's online data analysis tool (https://apo-opa.co/3Vf0pB6).

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Minister announces 24/7 road safety operations at accident hotspots

Location: News

Minister announces 24/7 road safety operations at accident hotspots

Law enforcement authorities will be policing 20 of the country’s routes that have been identified as high-risk zones for accidents 24 hours a day, seven days a week, during the festive season to ensure road safety and compliance with the law. 

“The best research available tells us that most crashes occur during weekends, late at night and in the early hours of the morning. Accordingly, 24/7 traffic policing will be conducted on these routes over the festive season,” Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy said on Sunday in Pretoria.

She was addressing the launch of the Festive Season Road Safety Campaign, which will be heightened in high-risk zones.

“Law enforcement will focus on ensuring that drivers stick to the speed limits. Traffic officers will also inspect vehicles and lock up those caught in the act of drunk driving. Law enforcement will also be focused on border posts which experience a large increase in traffic during this time of year.

“We are working together with the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) as well as municipal and provincial departments responsible for transport and road safety to ensure that government does its utmost to enforce the law,” the Minister said.

With traffic volumes expected to increase ahead of the Christmas and New Year’s long weekends, the Minister called on all road users, drivers and pedestrians to take the necessary action to keep safe and ensure a reduction in the number of crashes on the roads.

In addition to the human cost, the cost of crashes includes vehicle repair costs and related incident costs.

Last year, road crashes cost the economy R205 billion, which translates into a whopping 2.74% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for 2023.

“Government alone cannot change this reality. We can only save lives if road users change their behaviour, because it is the behaviour of people that led to most of the 11 883 deaths on our roads last year. Even though the number of road fatalities/deaths decreased by 4.4% from 2022 to 2023, one death is one too many,” the Creecy said.

So far this year, in 2024, 10 154 people have already died on South Africa’s roads.

“To those who will be travelling to various destinations across the country let us remember that road safety is everyone’s responsibility, your behaviour determines whether you and your loved ones arrive alive.

“When using the roads this festive season take your safety and the safety of others seriously. Before you embark on any journey, make sure your vehicle is roadworthy. Carry your driver’s license and your driving permit if you need one.

“If you are a pedestrian, please cross the road at places that are designated for pedestrian crossings. Don’t walk in the centre of the road in the middle of the night, wear bright coloured clothing at night so that drivers can see you,” the Minister said.

She said fatigue is a silent killer. 

“If you are on a long journey, break the journey every two hours. Have a rest and something to eat before getting back on the road. Wear your seatbelt and stay within the speed limit. Don’t overtake on the barrier line. Travel during the day is much safer than travelling at night.

“If you are a pedestrian and you have been drinking alcohol, sleep where you are because many of the pedestrians that are killed late at night have been consuming alcohol and are not entirely clear of where they are walking.

“Do not drink and drive. If you are going to drink alcohol, make a plan to use public transport or designate the responsibility of driving. Ensure that you and your loved ones are alive,” Creecy said.

She said the Festive Season Road Safety Campaign was based on four pillars that include responsible driving, pedestrian safety, enforcement and education as well as partnerships and collaborations

“Alongside our patrolling interventions, we have also undertaken a campaign focusing on messaging on radio and social media. We have partnered with civil society and private sector to spread the message in every corner of our country.

“Given the data and our limited resources, we have set to implement targeted interventions for the festive season that are aimed at changing driver behaviour and enforcing enhancements,” the Minister said. - SAnews.gov.za

 

nosihle
Sun, 12/01/2024 - 13:33

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Read moreMinister announces 24/7 road safety operations at accident hotspots

Law enforcement authorities remove 264 unroadworthy taxis in Pretoria

Location: News

Law enforcement authorities remove 264 unroadworthy taxis in Pretoria

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has vowed to intensify road safety operations across the country this festive season.

This comes after law enforcement authorities in Pretoria removed 264 unroadworthy taxis from the road during an operation in Soshanguve on Friday. 

The operation identified vehicles that were unroadworthy or suspected to be stolen as well as drivers operating without a driving licence or public driving permit. 

“Fines were issued in terms of the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences for cracked windscreens, expired vehicle licence discs and driving without driving licence and operating public transport without a professional driving permit.

“Eighteen vehicles were impounded for various defects and one driver was arrested for possession of fraudulent documents,” RTMC said. - SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Sun, 12/01/2024 - 11:43

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Read moreLaw enforcement authorities remove 264 unroadworthy taxis in Pretoria

From Leopards to Cheetahs, Penguins to Vultures, Turtles to Whales, and Grasslands to Drylands…

Location: Business

PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA, 29 November 2024 – Ford’s stated objectives are to create a better world by providing customers with innovative products and services, enhancing peoples’ lives, and making a difference in the regions in which it operates. The latter two goals are especially true of its wide range of community empowerment and upliftment initiatives, …

Read moreFrom Leopards to Cheetahs, Penguins to Vultures, Turtles to Whales, and Grasslands to Drylands…

Have your say on the draft Biodiversity Management Plan

Location: News

Have your say on the draft Biodiversity Management Plan

The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dion George, has published the draft Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) for Pelargonium Sidoides in South Africa in the Government Gazette No. 51662 Notice No. 5592 for public comment. 

The draft BMP was published in terms of sections 43(1)(b), 43(3), 99 and 100 of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act, 2004 (Act No. 10 of 2004) (NEM: BA).

It aims to ensure that all sub-populations of Pelargonium Sidoides continue to persist in nature across its extent of occurrence in South Africa through effective conservation management and sustainable consumptive utilisation for both traditional and commercial purposes with equitable benefits accruing to rightful beneficiaries.

“The draft BMP for the Pelargonium Sidoides will replace the BMP for the period 2011 – 2020 published in Government Notice No. 433, Government Gazette No. 36411 on 26 April 2013. 

“This BMP is focused on ensuring the long-term survival of Pelargonium Sidoides in the wild, whilst ensuring that the livelihoods of stakeholders are respected. 

“In terms of section 43(2) and 43(3)(c) of NEM: BA, the Minister intends to assign the responsibility for the implementation of the draft BMP for Pelargonium Sidoides to Pelargonium Sidoides Working Group which is already established through the first iteration of the BMP for this purpose,” the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment said on Thursday.

Members of the public are invited to submit written comments on the draft BMP for Pelargonium Sidoides, within 30 days from the date of publication of the notice in the Government Gazette or in the newspaper, whichever date is the last date, to any of the following addresses: 

  • By post to: The Director General: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment 

     Attention: Ms Humbulani Mafumo

    Private Bag X447

    Pretoria

     0001 

  • By hand at Environment House, 473 Steve Biko Road, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0083. 
  • By email to ConservationManagement@dffe.gov.za 

Enquires can be directed to Mashudu Mahada at mmahada@dffe.gov.za or 012 399 9586.

Electronic copies of the draft BMP for Pelargonium Sidoides can be downloaded at https://www.dffe.gov.za/legislation/gazetted_notices.

Comments received after the closing date may be disregarded. - SAnews.gov.za

 

nosihle
Thu, 11/28/2024 - 12:48

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Read moreHave your say on the draft Biodiversity Management Plan

Ambassador Wu Peng Meets with South African Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton Mckenzie

Location: News

Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the Republic of South Africa
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On the morning of November 25, Chinese Ambassador to South Africa Wu Peng met with South African Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture Gayton Mckenzie at Freedom Park in Pretoria. The meeting was also attended by the Minister's Chief of Staff, Ms Bakang Lethoko, and the Director of Bilateral Affairs at the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture, Mr John Mogashoa.

Ambassador Wu congratulated Gayton Mckenzie on his appointment as Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture. He noted that there is significant potential for future cooperation between China and South Africa in the fields of sports, arts, and culture. Wu expressed China's willingness to work with South Africa to further explore opportunities, deepen collaboration in these areas, and achieve more fruitful results that benefit the people of both countries.

Minister Mckenzie expressed his willingness to strengthen cooperation with China, further advancing the implementation of projects in the fields of sports, arts, and culture. The Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture highly values its friendly relationship with China and hopes that through joint efforts, the two countries can explore new models of collaboration in various fields, bringing more tangible benefits to their people.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the Republic of South Africa.

Read moreAmbassador Wu Peng Meets with South African Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton Mckenzie

Deputy Minister Moraka Hosts the Sixth South Africa-Vietnam Partnership Forum

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation
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The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Thandi Moraka, will co-host the Sixth South Africa-Vietnam Partnership Forum with the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Ms Nguyen Minh Hang, on Tuesday, 27 November 2024, in Pretoria.

It is expected that the Sixth Partnership Forum will reflect on the dynamically growing relations between South Africa and Vietnam. Key topics of discussion will include cooperation in trade, investment, agricultural market access, minerals, combating transnational crime and wildlife offences, as well as collaboration in higher education and training. This forum represents a continued commitment to fostering strong bilateral relations and exploring new avenues for mutual benefit and development.

This significant meeting follows the exchange of Official Visits in 2023 with Vice-President Vo Thi Anh Xuan of Vietnam visiting South Africa in September 2023, and Deputy President Paul Mashatile visiting Vietnam in December 2023. The visits marked thirty years of diplomatic relations between South Africa and Vietnam, aiming to reinvigorate and strengthen the ties of friendship and solidarity between the two nations.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

Read moreDeputy Minister Moraka Hosts the Sixth South Africa-Vietnam Partnership Forum

Deputy Minister Botes to Co-chair the South Africa-Poland Political Consultations

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation
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The Deputy Minister Alvin Botes will co-chair the South Africa-Poland Political Consultations with his counterpart, HE Mr Andrzej Szejna, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland, on 29 November 2024, in Warsaw, Poland.

The consultations will provide an opportunity for the Deputy Minister and his counterpart to review the state of bilateral political relations with a view to consolidating and further enhancing diplomatic and political cooperation between the two nations.

The Deputy Ministers will also share perspectives and deepen their understanding of regional, multilateral and global issues of mutual concern.

As part of the aim to promote economic diplomacy, the consultations will also seek to catalyse progress towards the inauguration of the Joint Commission for Economic Cooperation (JCEC), which is an important structured mechanism for the coordination of economic activities between the two countries.

The Bilateral Political Consultations between the two countries take place annually based on the Protocol on Consultations signed in Pretoria on 19 September 1995. The last session of the consultations was held on 2 December 2022, in Pretoria.

Poland views South Africa as its priority partner in Africa, both with regard to bilateral relations and South Africa's strategic partnership with the EU. South Africa is also Poland's most important trading partner in Africa.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

Read moreDeputy Minister Botes to Co-chair the South Africa-Poland Political Consultations

SA’s MSME celebrated for their resilience and job-creation efforts

Location: News

SA’s MSME celebrated for their resilience and job-creation efforts

In a room alive with entrepreneurial energy and determination, South Africa's Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) were celebrated for their resilience and job-creation efforts at the Presidential MSMEs and Cooperatives Awards. 

Hosted by the Department of Small Business Development, the awards aim to spotlight and reward South Africa’s top-performing MSMEs, cooperatives, and ecosystem enablers driving growth and transformation. 

The Minister of Small Business Development, Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, led the event at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, with President Cyril Ramaphosa delivering the keynote address. 

The ceremony honoured businesses that embody innovation, commitment to local development, and entrepreneurial spirit. 

Two Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to business icons Dr. Mike Nkuna, the founder and Executive Chairman of the Masingita Group of Companies, and Dr. Gloria Serobe, the co-founder of Women Investment Portfolio Holdings (Wiphold) and Chancellor of the Tshwane University of Technology. 

Arion Power, a start-up founded by three young entrepreneurs, Brian Gadisi, Alan Gie, and Themba Hadebe, emerged as a major winner. 

Their product, WiBox, a mini-UPS that powers routers during outages, has earned them two prestigious awards -- Youth-led MSME of the Year and MSME of the Year. 

Speaking to SAnews, Gadisi expressed pride in their achievement. 

“This award reassures the hard work we've put into research and development, the sleepless nights, and our efforts to crack technology often dominated by the East and West. It shows that Africa has the capability to innovate on par with global leaders,” he said. 

Another standout was Kedibone Segole, the 30-year-old founder of Moipone Aesthetics, a black-owned township start-up based in Mabopane, Pretoria. Her company, which manufactures high-quality natural personal care products, won the Township MSME of the Year award and a cash prize of R200 000. 

Speaking to SAnews, Segole encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to start small and stay persistent. 

“What I would like to say to young and upcoming entrepreneurs, along with unemployed graduates and youth, start something, work on it and believe in it. Push. Your breakthrough will come. Whatever you have, the little you have, use it. It can make you reach boundaries that you have never even imagined. 

Segole said winning the award means that they are recognised, acknowledged and important. 

“The President acknowledges our efforts, and he believes in the strides that we are making in an effort to come out of poverty, unemployment and the social ills we are affected by in the townships. It's in our hands. Vuk' uzenzele (get up and do it for yourself)!” she said. 

Segole revealed her business journey began with just R600 from a UIF payout after losing her job in 2016. With support from stakeholders like the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) and Innovation Hub, her perseverance has transformed her business into a success story. 

“I was fortunate enough that along the way there has been government assistance from the NYDA, as well and the Innovation Hub, among other stakeholders. As a started, I used the little that I had and look where it has gotten me today,” she said. 

Another inspiring recipient was Dimakatso Kanyane, the 32-year-old founder of Dillets Sanitary Towels. Her innovative product, designed for African women, won the Start-up Business of the Year Award. 

Motivated by her own experience with her cycle, Kanyane developed a product that addresses a critical need. 

Kanyane told SAnews that the award was a full circle moment for her. 

“This award affirms a lot of things, that no matter how hard the journey is, with authenticity and perseverance, you can overcome any obstacle. To those who are aspiring to be on this journey -- stay ambitious, trust and believe that perseverance will lead you to the fulfilment of your dreams. 

“I used to have heavy flows and severe period pains and there wasn’t a sanitary towel that catered to my specific needs. It was this search that eventually led me to the development of Dillets Sanitary Towels, a sanitary towel designed for African women by an African woman,” she said. 

The Presidential MSMEs and Cooperatives Awards underscore the vital role of small businesses in driving economic growth, fostering innovation, and creating sustainable opportunities across South Africa. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Sat, 11/23/2024 - 00:26

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Read moreSA’s MSME celebrated for their resilience and job-creation efforts

Suspected serial house robbers arrested in Pretoria

Location: News

Suspected serial house robbers arrested in Pretoria

South African Police Service (SAPS) members have apprehended four suspects believed to be responsible for multiple house robberies in Rietgat and Jukulyn in Pretoria.

The police members from Rietgat conducted a successful track-and-trace operation, following an intensive investigation on Wednesday, at approximately 02:00.

“The operation commenced after the verification of intelligence, confirming the suspects' location. The team executed a takedown at the identified property, apprehending the startled suspects without any resistance or incidents.

“A thorough search of the premises resulted in the recovery of an unlicensed firearm, which was subsequently confiscated. Additionally, a white BMW believed to have been used in the commission of the robberies was seized,” said the police.

The suspects have been linked to at least nine known cases of house robberies. Investigations are ongoing to determine if they may be connected to other criminal activities.

The confiscated firearm will undergo ballistic testing to establish whether it has been used in other crimes.

District Commissioner of Tshwane, Major-General Samuel Thine, has commended the team for their dedication and swift action in securing these arrests, contributing to the safety and security of the community.  – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Fri, 11/22/2024 - 09:31

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Read moreSuspected serial house robbers arrested in Pretoria

Basketball Africa League to Tip off Milestone Fifth Season on April 5 With First Games in Morocco

Location: Sport

  • South Africa to Host BAL Playoffs and Finals for the First Time 
  • Fans Can Visit BAL.NBA.com to Register Their Interest in Tickets

The Basketball Africa League (BAL) (www.BAL.NBA.com) today announced that the league's milestone fifth season will tip off on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat, Morocco and culminate with the 2025 BAL Finals on Saturday, June 14 at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria, South Africa, marking the first BAL games in Morocco and the first time the BAL Finals will be held in South Africa.  The 2025 BAL season will feature the top 12 club teams from 12 African countries playing 48 games in Rabat; Dakar, Senegal; Kigali, Rwanda; and Pretoria.

The 12 teams will once again be divided into three conferences of four teams each.  Each conference will play a 12-game group phase during which each team will face the other three teams in its conference twice.  The Kalahari Conference group phase will take place from April 5 – Sunday, April 13 in Rabat.  The Sahara Conference group phase will take place from Saturday, April 26 – Sunday, May 4 at the Dakar Arena in Senegal.  The Nile Conference group phase will take place from Saturday, May 17 – Sunday, May 25 at BK Arena in Kigali.  Eight teams from across the three conferences will qualify for the Playoffs in Pretoria, which will tip off on Friday, June 6 and culminate with the 2025 BAL Finals on Saturday, June 14.  Beginning today, fans can register their interest in tickets to games in all four markets at BAL.NBA.com.

“We have seen tremendous growth over the BAL's first four seasons in the level of on-court competition, attendance, and engagement from fans and partners in Africa and globally,” said BAL President Amadou Gallo Fall.  “Our milestone fifth season will build on that momentum and further showcase the level of talent and passion for basketball in Africa, including through the first BAL games in Morocco and the first BAL Finals in South Africa.”

“The Kalahari Conference marks another expansion of the BAL into a new country on our continent, and we are more than satisfied,” said Anibal Manave, President of FIBA Africa.  “Year after year, this competition grows, giving greater exposure to our sport and helping to elevate the level of basketball in Africa by making the league more and more competitive.”

This season, the national league champions from seven countries – Angola, Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, and Tunisia – will automatically qualify for the BAL.  The other five teams will qualify through the Road to the BAL qualifying tournaments (http://apo-opa.co/3B0yqhx) conducted by FIBA Africa across the continent from October – December 2024. 

In addition to the games, the BAL will once again collaborate with its partners to conduct youth development and social impact programming in all four markets, including Jr. NBA, coaching and referee clinics, environmental days of service, the fourth BAL Innovation Summit, networking sessions to engage with members of the media, and a series of camps and workshops for young women as part of BAL4HER, the league's platform for advancing gender equality in the African sports ecosystem. 

Rwanda Development Board, NIKE, Jordan Brand, and Wilson will return as BAL Foundational Partners.  The league's roster of marketing partners also includes Castle Lite, Hennessy and RwandAir. 

On June 1, Angola's Petro de Luanda became the first sub-Saharan African team to win the BAL Finals after previous champions from Egypt and Tunisia.  The 2024 BAL season reached fans in 214 countries and territories in 17 languages, set an attendance record of more than 120,000 fans across the four host countries, and generated more than 1.2 billion impressions across NBA and BAL social media channels.  

Additional information about the 2025 BAL season will be announced in the coming months.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Basketball Africa League (BAL).

Contact:
Edwin Eselem,
Basketball Africa League,
+221 78 615 42 87,
EEselem@theBAL.com

About the BAL:
The Basketball Africa League (BAL), a partnership between the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and NBA Africa, is a professional league featuring 12 club teams from across Africa that completed its fourth season in June 2024.  Headquartered in Dakar, Senegal, the BAL builds on the foundation of club competitions FIBA Africa has organized across the continent and marks the NBA's first collaboration to operate a league outside North America.  Fans can follow the BAL (@ theBAL) on Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/3ZkyXTZ), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3Z2tuRc), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/3ZkyZez), X (https://apo-opa.co/3Zlxn5u), and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/3Z2L7jY) and register their interest in receiving more information at BAL.NBA.com.

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SAPS: We expect everyone to cooperate in compliance inspections

Location: News

SAPS: We expect everyone to cooperate in compliance inspections

National Police Commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, has warned that the police will, through the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS), monitor adherence to the law.

This comes as integrated multidisciplinary teams undertake compliance inspections of food handling facilities, manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers and retailers. This includes spaza shops and general dealers.

The President last week announced that a massive campaign of door-to-door inspections of all spaza shops, tuck shops and other informal traders will be undertaken, starting with Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. 

This will be undertaken by teams consisting of the South African Military Health Services, environmental health practitioners, the South African Police Service, the National Consumer Council, labour inspectors and others.

The initial phase of inspections is expected to be completed within a month.

“As the police we expect everyone to cooperate. We will continue to visit warehouses countrywide to ensure that we know what is contained there, to ensure that we know what is being transported and to ensure that there is no illegal stuff that proliferate in the country,” General Masemola said.  

He was briefing media in Pretoria on Thursday, along with various Ministers who are leading the multidisciplinary teams in government, responsible for the national response to instances of food borne illnesses.

General Masemola warned that the police would not hesitate to take action if people are not cooperating or where there is non-compliance. 

The NATJOINTS has further encouraged communities to register their businesses and be responsible citizens.

“Government appeals to members of the public not to disturb the process of registration by blocking certain shop owners from participating in the process, this includes conducting unlawful inspections by members of the public and other unauthorised bodies,” NATJOINTS said.

Last week, President Cyril Ramaphosa called for all spaza shops and food-handling facilities to register with their respective municipalities within 21 days. 

Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau emphasised the importance of registering businesses and ensuring compliance.

“If you continue to trade while unregistered, you are operating outside the framework that allows government to execute its responsibility to the necessary standard that has been set. We need to ensure that there is compliance. This is to protect our people,” Tau said.

He said unregistered enterprises in the townships and in the rural areas are not able to get support from government.

“When you are registered, it is possible for us to provide the necessary support. Our laws are clear on who qualifies to register a business, including a spaza shop,” the Minister said.

The Minister of Small Business Development Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams stressed that only individuals and businesses that meet the legal requirements and regulations stipulated by South African laws will be permitted to operate businesses in the country. 

Ndabeni-Abrahams said all must be onboard to address the crisis the country is faced with.

“We need to think bigger and look at the broader picture if we want to deal with the challenge and not only target one aspect of the challenge,” the Minister said.

She said the law stipulates who can do business, whether you are South African or non-South African. “Our laws don’t change because we are faced with a crisis. If you don’t meet the requirements, you won’t be able to trade,” the Minister said.

Minister Ndabeni-Abrahams said municipalities on their own cannot verify the authenticity of all businesses and individuals.

She said they do not have the capacity to conduct identity authentication and hence they were bringing in other departments, like the Department of Home Affairs.

“Everybody running a business in the township, in the village, whether it’s a butchery or a wholesale, you have a responsibility to go and register your business. We appeal to South Africans not to take the law into their own hands,” the Minister said. - SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Thu, 11/21/2024 - 12:50

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Foodborne illnesses declared a National Disaster

Location: News

Foodborne illnesses declared a National Disaster

South Africa’s National Disaster Management Centre has, in terms Section 23 of the Disaster Management Act 57 of 2002, classified the recent uptick in foodborne illnesses across the country as a national disaster.

This was announced by Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Thembi Simelane, during a media briefing held in Pretoria on Thursday.

This after a spate of foodborne illnesses as a result of several factors have claimed the lives of some 22 people including children this year and left others hospitalised.

Since September this year, at least 890 incidents of foodborne illnesses have been reported.

The President addressed the nation on government’s response to the recurring instances of foodborne illnesses.

On Thursday, Simelane said measures to standardise municipal by-laws regulating businesses will be expedited to clamp down on the problem.

“The implementation of the standard by-laws for rural and township economies, which among others, advocate for mandatory proper waste disposal and recycling practices to ensure that business areas are free from obstructions and pollutants will be expedited. 

“This will also go a long way in dealing with the issue of rat infestations in our communities, which gives rise to the harmful use of dangerous and banned chemicals like pesticides. 

“Several Municipal Councils around the country have already adopted standard by-laws. We urge other municipalities who are yet to adopt the by-laws to urgently do so, to assist the compliance process and save lives,” she said.

Health interventions

Simelane told the media briefing that a team of health experts who will serve in the Ministerial Advisory Committee is being appointed with an announcement in this regard due in the next few days.

She explained that the committee is expected to, among other things, develop medium-to-long-term prevention measures to curb the incidents of foodborne illnesses in the country.

“The directive to notify the deaths of patients 12 years and below is a critical one and will be implemented as a matter of urgency. This will help us to understand the burden of disease and the population at risk in real time instead of waiting for a long period of time.

“The Department of Health is currently amending the Notifiable Medical Conditions Regulations such that the death of anybody 12 years and younger becomes notifiable. The Regulations may be published based on the State of Disaster being declared by the Minister of COGTA,” she said.

On the shortage of environmental health inspectors, Simelane assured that the issue is receiving urgent attention to capacitate all districts and metropolitan municipalities to effectively enforce inspections across the country. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Thu, 11/21/2024 - 10:34

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