Lottery corruption: Alfred Nevhutanda goes to court
Former Lotteries boss wants to stop probe launched by President Ramaphosa
Pretoria
Siyavela Impact Launches Online to Connect and Support Changemakers Globally
Johannesburg – 5 August 2024 – Siyavela Impact, a newly-founded nonprofit company aiming to connect and support changemakers from across the sectors of Corporate Social Investment (CSI), nonprofits (NPO/NPC) and grassroots development projects, will host its global online launch on Thursday, 8 August. Siyavela Impact’s online launch will introduce the inspiration, ethos and value of …
Proteas Women Gear Up For T20 World Cup With Skills Camp In Tshwane
TSHWANE: The Proteas Women have gathered in Tshwane for a specialized skills training camp at the CSA Centre of Excellence...
Outcomes Of Cricket South Africa’s Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion Indaba
TSHWANE: Cricket South Africa (CSA) hosted the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Indaba, from 26 to 28 July 2024, in Tshwane....
Justice department condemns alleged racism incidents
Justice department condemns alleged racism incidents
The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DJCOD) has condemned the alleged acts of racism at South African schools and committed to intensify the awareness of constitutional rights, including the prohibition against hate crimes and hate speech and the prevention and combating of these offences.
A racism row erupted at the Pretoria High School for Girls following the discovery of a WhatsApp group in which a group of white pupils allegedly sent messages to each other with racial undertones.
This was followed by the revelation of an incident at Table View High School where a substitute teacher allegedly used the ‘k’ word during a history lesson and another incident at Pinelands High School involving a ‘slave auction’ of black learners by their coloured counterparts. Both those schools are in the Western Cape.
“The [department] unequivocally condemns any acts of racism and racial discrimination and will intensify its efforts, in collaboration with the South African Human Rights Commission, the Commission for Gender Equality and the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities, to promote awareness of constitutional rights, including the prohibition against hate crimes and hate speech, aimed at the prevention and combating of these offences.
“The [department] is engaging the Department of Basic Education and will be monitoring how these matters will be handled and eagerly awaits the outcome thereof,” the DJCOD said in a statement.
The department emphasised that there remains no place in South African society for the use of racist language and behaviour.
“Our courts, especially our designated Equality Courts have pronounced on the use of the derogatory k-word - there is no place for such in a constitutional democracy which seeks to foster unity in diversity. Indeed, there is no place for racism or any other form of related intolerance in our constitutional democracy, which is anchored on the supremacy of the Constitution. Such incidents perpetuate harmful racial discrimination, and are stark and painful reminders of our Apartheid past.
“This year South Africa marks 30 years of freedom and democracy since the country’s democratic elections in 1994. The advent of our constitutional democracy 30 years ago, ended decades of oppression under white minority rule, based on the racist ideology of black inferiority and white superiority, and ushered in a transition to a society “based on democratic values, social justice and fundamental human rights”,” the department added.
The department said hate speech and hate crimes have been declared an offence following the operationalisation of the Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Act 16 of 2023.
This, notwithstanding the Constitutional imperatives on unfair discrimination and obligations of the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act, 2000.
“South Africa’s National Action Plan to Combat Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance [NAP] was approved by Cabinet in 2019. The NAP gives effect to South Africa’s constitutional and international obligations, thus signifying government's commitment to achieving the objectives of the NAP at the highest level.
“The [department], as the focal agency tasked by Cabinet to lead and coordinate the implementation of the NAP, in line with its constitutional mandate, unequivocally condemns all and any acts of discrimination, in whatever form they occur.
“It is of great concern that learners, almost all of whom were born in a country that is democratic and more inclusive, have to both experience racism and some still continue to hold such beliefs of racism, intolerance, hurtful and demeaning behaviour,” the DJCOD said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Fri, 08/02/2024 - 09:27
414 views
3rd Annual B Lab Africa Summit 2024 to be hosted in South Africa
PRETORIA, South Africa – Themed Resilience and Growth in Africa: Leading Sustainable Businesses, Driving Change, and International Opportunities, the summit is gearing up for its 3rd annual edition, its first in South Africa, addressing the continent’s critical challenges by bringing together industry, academia, and government stakeholders to discuss innovative solutions and strategies for building a …
Chikunga reflects on 30 Years of Democracy as Women’s Month gets underway
Chikunga reflects on 30 Years of Democracy as Women's Month gets underway
By Khanyisile Rasmeni
Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, has delivered a compelling address to mark the launch of National Women’s Month, which is being observed under the theme: “Celebrating 30 Years of Democracy towards women’s development”.
The launch took place at Tshedimosetso House in Pretoria on Thursday.
Chikunga said this year’s observance is not only a tribute to the strides made over the past three decades but also a moment for introspection and continued commitment to gender equality.
“August has long been a month of reflection and tribute to the invaluable roles women have played in the fight against discrimination and exploitation.”
The commemoration of Women’s Month serves as a platform to pay tribute to the role played by women in the decades of struggle against all forms of discrimination, subordination and exploitation.
The 30-Year Review Report underscores the progress achieved in women empowerment. Notably, women’s representation in Parliament increased from 28% in 1994 to 45% in 2019.
“Similarly, their presence in senior management roles rose from 20% in 2001 to 36% in 2021. Furthermore, as of 2017, women accounted for approximately 61.5% of university graduates, surpassing their male counterparts,” said the Minister.
READ | Cabinet approves 30-Year Review Report for publication
Despite these advancements, Chikunga emphasised that “while these are significant strides, a lot more still needs to be done”.
The year 2024 marks the 101st anniversary of women entering the legal profession in South Africa. Reflecting on this milestone, the International Association of Women Judges noted a dramatic shift from 1994, when the judiciary was overwhelmingly male and predominantly white.
“As of February 2023, 45% of judges are women, and the composition has diversified significantly. This transformation was further celebrated with the appointment of Chief Justice Mandisa Maya, the first South African woman to lead the Constitutional Court. Chief Justice Maya stands tall as an inspiration to all South Africans, especially women from all walks of life,” Chikunga remarked.
READ | President Ramaphosa appoints Justice Maya as next Chief Justice
In addition to these judicial achievements, Chikunga praised Tatjana Smith for winning South Africa’s first gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, showcasing the nation's growing prominence in global sports.
Gender-based violence and femicide
The Minister said the fight against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) remains a critical focus. The National Strategic Plan on GBVF aims to rally societal support and intensify efforts against persistent violence.
Chikunga underlined the importance of a “whole-of-society and whole-of-government response”.
She used the occasion to ring the alarm on the rising trend of extortion and fraud targeting employed women.
“We alert South African women not to be victims of such extortion and fraud,” she advised.
The year 2024 also marks 70 years since the adoption of the Women’s Charter, a pivotal document in the struggle for women’s rights in South Africa. The Minister invoked the Charter’s call for the removal of discriminatory laws.
“We, the women of South Africa, hereby declare our aim of striving for the removal of all laws, regulations, conventions, and customs that discriminate against us as women.”
She said the voices of the women who gathered at the First World Conference on Women in 1975 must be echoed throughout the month of August.
“In the world outside, we are ignored. We are invisible, we are not important... We've got to change these attitudes toward us — smilingly, if necessary, angrily if necessary, and aggressively if necessary. Otherwise, there will be no such thing as true equality.” - SAnews.gov.za
Matona
Fri, 08/02/2024 - 12:41
202 views
Officials attacked at Mamelodi court
Officials attacked at Mamelodi court
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Thembi Simelane, has strongly condemned an attack on a prosecutor and a stenographer at the Mamelodi Magistrates’ Court yesterday.
According to the department, a suspect convicted of common robbery and damage to property allegedly attacked the two with a broken bottle immediately after their verdict was handed down.
“We will not tolerate such acts of violence in our courts. The suspect will be prosecuted for committing this crime. It is essential that our courts remain free to fulfil their constitutionally mandated role in administering justice without fear of harm. Any assault on court officials undermines the authority of the state and will not be tolerated,” Simelane said of Thursday’s incident.
The Mamelodi Magistrates’ Court is in Pretoria, Gauteng.
The department added that an investigation into the incident is being conducted.
“As the police are currently investigating the matter, the department is unable to disclose further details at this time. However, senior management from the department has visited the Mamelodi Court and all staff affected by the incident will receive trauma counselling support.
“In response to this incident, the Minister has directed the department to urgently conduct a comprehensive security and risk assessment, identify any potential lapses and implement immediate measures to address any gaps,” the department concluded. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Fri, 08/02/2024 - 10:21
202 views
Empowering digital tools for your job search
No matter whether your looking at jobs in Cape Town, fondly referred to as the Mother City, or a brand new start further north in South Africa (say, Gauteng’s Jacaranda City of Pretoria), there’s no denying the changes that have transpired in the job search niche since your student days. Gone are the days when …
DCS responds to Thabo Bester allegations
DCS responds to Thabo Bester allegations
The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has hit back at allegations by convict and alleged prison escape artist Thabo Bester regarding his incarceration at the Kgoši Mampuru II Correctional Facility in Pretoria.
In June this year, Bester told the pre-trial court in his escape case that, amongst other allegations, he was being kept in solitary confinement for 23 hours of the day and was not given adequate time to consult with his lawyers.
The department has dismissed those allegations – insisting that everything surrounding his incarceration has been done by the book.
“As DCS, it is clear that we are dealing with an inmate capable of engineering elaborate means to escape from lawful custody. Hence, we are duty-bound to employ strict security measures, within the confines of the law, in order to prevent any chance of him escaping once again.
“Apart from these security measures aimed at preventing an escape, the department has, since Thabo Bester’s admission at Kgoši Mampuru II Correctional Facility, treated him in the same manner that it treats other inmates at the said facility,” DCS said in a statement.
The department was at pains to explain that although imprisonment does not strip individuals of their rights, in the context of imprisonment, some rights “are given effect to differently where it is possible, practical and safe to do so, while others inconsistent with imprisonment do not enjoy recognition for instance the right to liberty”.
“Equally, the department recognises that the conditions of detention of inmates should be consistent with human dignity, including at least an opportunity to exercise and provision of adequate accommodation, nutrition, reading material and the opportunity to access legal advice.
“That said, inmates are not entitled to be imprisoned with all the comforts they have enjoyed before their incarceration. A Correctional Centre is not akin to one's own private residence. Therefore, those amenities that a person would ordinarily enjoy outside the Correctional Centre are not necessarily available in a correctional facility. That is an invariable consequence of being imprisoned,” the department added.
Solitary confinement and access to legal representation
The DCS pointed out that there is “no practice of solitary confinement in South Africa” and dismissed Bester’s allegations that he was kept in that state as “incorrect and fallacious”.
“C-Max, at Kgoši Mampuru, is a high security facility. It comprises only single cells. Hence, all inmates in the facility do not share a cell. Therefore, the impression created by Thabo Bester that he is in a single cell, as a form of solitary confinement, is, with respect, disingenuous.
“Thabo Bester gets an opportunity to exercise for an hour every day. That is the minimum time of exercise permitted by Section 11 of the Correctional Services Act. The exercise always takes place in open air, unless the weather does not permit. During the time allocated for exercising, an inmate has an option to participate in other recreational activities.
“Thabo Bester and other inmates in C-Max are also afforded a reasonable opportunity to have telephonic contact with and to be visited by their families when such visits are properly arranged with the centre. Equally, Thabo Bester’s assertion that he is segregated is not correct. The facility comprises only single cells,” the department said.
On the issue of whether Bester is allowed access to legal advice and representation, the DCS said Bester had made “hundreds of telephone calls to various lawyers” for the period 12 October 2023 until 16 July 2024.
“Thabo Bester is asking for ‘an in-person or physical legal consultations' of not less than seven hours on prior arrangements and to allow him to use a laptop/tablet or any suitable gadget. He complains about a consultation using [a] wall steel telephone, whilst separated by a glass with his legal representatives, is not meaningful.
“Thabo Bester suggests that he should be afforded an opportunity to consult with his legal representatives in a specific office at the centre. With respect, there is no merit in Thabo Bester’s request. To be succinct, the request is unreasonable. Thabo Bester’s legal representatives can communicate with him during the consultation and take down the necessary notes.
“A consultation with his legal representatives from 09:00 - 16:00 on a daily basis is neither reasonable nor practical. Kgoši Mampuru houses hundreds of inmates who also need to use the consultation rooms. The Regulations allow for consultations on a daily basis from 08:00 until 15:00 in the afternoon. Therefore, if Thabo Bester’s request is acceded to, it will mean that one of the consultation rooms will be occupied by him the whole day,” the department asserted.
Other allegations
In respect of Bester’s request to access electronic gadgets or equipment and the use of hand and leg cuffs the DCS said:
• Thabo Bester’s request for gadgets will pose a security risk to the centre and might enable him to orchestrate another escape.
• The use of hand and leg cuffs on Thabo Bester is justified under section 31 of the Correctional Services Act. Before his incarceration at Kgoši Mampuru, Thabo Bester had escaped from a maximum-security prison. Without a doubt, the department is justified in having an apprehension that Thabo Bester might attempt to escape again.
“The manner in which Thabo Bester has been treated is consistent with what is prescribed by the Correctional Services Act and the regulations promulgated under the Act. Basically, safe and humane custody of inmates is at the centre of the correctional system.
“The Act provides that the aim of a correctional system is to contribute to maintaining and protecting a just, peaceful and safe society by enforcing sentences of the courts in a manner prescribed by the Act and detaining all inmates in safe custody whilst ensuring their human dignity,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 07/31/2024 - 14:38
293 views
DPWI Minister commits to expedite development of EduPark in Mamelodi
DPWI Minister commits to expedite development of EduPark in Mamelodi
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has vowed to expedite the development of the EduPark community project in Mamelodi, east of Pretoria.
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has vowed to expedite the development of the EduPark community project in Mamelodi, east of Pretoria.
“The EduPark and Mamelodi Skate Club, which forms part of it, is an example of how we need to accelerate development in our communities using State assets,” Macpherson said.
“The EduPark development has the financial backing of international donors to develop sports, education and agricultural facilities, but has been waiting for the release of unused State land in Mamelodi for the development to take place.
“For us to use public assets for public good, we will need to increase the number of partnerships the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure has with private and non-profit role players, such as EduPark, to utilise unutilised public land for the best interest of communities.
“When the State does not utilise or protect State land, it often becomes a dumping ground for rubbish or illicit activities, where the municipality is then accused of not taking action to clear and protect the property, when it is not their responsibility.
“Going forward, we need to work together with municipalities to identify problematic properties and see how they can be used for public good,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 07/31/2024 - 10:40
27 views
World faces era of new economic challenges
World faces era of new economic challenges
The world is entering an era of new economic challenges, even as the recent ones have yet to be overcome, says South African Reserve Bank (SARB) Governor Lesetja Kganyago.
“The global economy continues on a long recovery path from the pandemic. This path has been a troubled one, and despite better prospects in recent months, remains beset by risks and vulnerabilities built up during the pandemic.
“Inflation remains stubbornly high, and public debt levels globally are at record levels,” the Governor said on Tuesday.
Addressing the 104th annual Ordinary General Meeting of the SARB shareholders in Pretoria, Kganyago asserted that technological development carries both risks to cybersecurity and the hope of large and sustained boosts to global productivity.
“Inflation remains a major policy concern for central banks globally. Although global inflation declined from 8.7% in 2022 to 6.8% in 2023 and continues to ease in 2024, it remains high relative to the 2–3% inflation targets that many countries are trying to achieve.
“Restrictive monetary policy, along with the recovery in supply chains and other pandemic-related bottlenecks, has helped inflation to recede from its 2022 highs. However, global disinflation has slowed recently, as is well illustrated by consumer price inflation in the United States (US) still sitting at 3% relative to their 2% target,” Kganyago said.
He said the slow pace of disinflation reflects a pattern of lower imported inflation but higher services inflation across most economies.
“In some [economies], rising wages and sustained pent-up demand for services have been key factors. In emerging markets specifically, fiscal challenges and sustained currency depreciations have played more of a role.
“Policy commitment to reduce inflation back to targets has been strongly signalled around the globe, and central banks have generally been cautious in their approach to policy. Deepening geo-economic fragmentation, higher temperatures and other supply-related risks raise concerns about the long-term prospects for inflation, and considerable effort is going into reassessments of neutral real rate levels,” the Governor said.
While inflation remains higher than desired, global economic activity has proven to be more resilient than expected.
“Global growth surprised higher at 3.3% in 2023, despite considerable divergence in growth across individual economies. Generally, however, global growth rates are expected to remain below pre-pandemic trends. This reflects the impact of protectionist measures on global trade, relatively tight financial conditions as well as uncertainty of future policy trajectories,” Kganyago said.
Domestic real economy developments
Despite South Africa’s low economic growth, employment levels have recovered the 2.2 million jobs lost during the height of the pandemic.|
“As of the first quarter of this year, total employment surpassed its 2019 level. Nonetheless, job creation has been too slow and not enough to offset the growth in the labour force, leaving the unemployment rate elevated at 32.9% in the first quarter of this year,” the Governor said.
The South African economy slowed to 0.7% in 2023 from 1.9% in 2022, and remains well below growth in peer emerging markets.
“Load shedding and logistical challenges have been weighing heavily on economic activity, depressing the credit appetite of businesses and the spending of households.
“South Africa’s tailwind for growth coming from strong terms of trade continued to fade, despite still remaining at historically good levels. Exports also suffered over the past 12 months from energy and logistics challenges as much as price factors. Imports were also muted by logistics.
“As energy and logistics constraints continue to ease, the growth outlook will also improve. The domestic economy is expected to grow by 1.1% this year, rising to 1.7% by 2026, as both household spending and investment start to strengthen,” Kganyago said.
Domestic inflation dynamics
As with the global trend of moderating inflation, South Africa’s headline inflation decelerated over the past year, falling from 6.9% in 2022 to an average of 6% in 2023.
“These annual averages, however, hide the ongoing volatility in the underlying components of inflation, in turn demonstrating the risks and uncertainty marking the disinflation path.
“Since September of last year, headline inflation has been fluctuating between 5% and 6%, with frequent monthly setbacks coming from fuel, food and services prices.
“In February, core inflation rose by 0.4 percentage points to 5%, propelled sharply higher by medical insurance inflation. Encouragingly, as of June, core inflation has moved to 4.5%,” Kganyago said.
The SARB sees core inflation averaging 4.6% this year, from 4.8% last year. Inflation expectations eased in the first half of this year, but still remain well above the midpoint of the target band.
“While headline inflation came out between 5% and 6% for much of the past year, our current forecast shows it easing to 4.9% this year, pulled lower mainly by softening food and fuel inflation, and resting at the midpoint in 2025 and 2026.
“Even with some quantitative and qualitative adjustments to risk perceptions over time, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has felt it appropriate to maintain the repurchase (repo) rate at 8.25% – a level set in May of 2023,” he said. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Tue, 07/30/2024 - 14:14
308 views
MONC misuse
Dear Editor The recent motion of no confidence (MONC) against Mayor Cilliers Brink highlights the urgent need for the re-introduction of the DA’s coalition stability bills. The attempt by the ANC to oust Mayor Brink was once again a clear example of how such motions can be misused by political parties seeking to disrupt effective …
Criminal charges brought against Tshwane council racist
[Listen to Cllr Kwena Moloto – DA Tshwane Spokesperson on this] [Related: Willie Aucamp on EFF’s Hate and Racism] Dear Editor On 29 July, the Democratic Alliance (DA) in Tshwane filed a case with the South African Police Service (SAPS) against Economic Freedom Fighter (EFF) Tshwane Councillor Obakeng Ramabodu for his racist remarks during July’s …
Government activities for the week 29 July – 02 August 2024
Government activities for the week 29 July – 02 August 2024
On Monday, 29 July, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, the Minister of Electricity and Energy, will hold a regular media briefing to update the public on energy and electricity related issues at the GCIS in Pretoria.
On Tuesday, 30 July, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Njabulo Nzuza, will lead the ”Home Affairs Services on Wheels” outreach in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality in the Eastern Cape.
On Wednesday, 31 July, the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities and the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture will host a media briefing on the 2024 Women’s Month campaign.
On Thursday, 01 August, is the start of World Breastfeeding Week, which takes place from 1 to 7 August.
Janine
Mon, 07/29/2024 - 10:22
161 views
Minister welcomes arrest of 95 Libyans in Mpumalanga
Minister welcomes arrest of 95 Libyans in Mpumalanga
Home Affairs Minister, Dr Leon Schreiber, has welcomed the arrest of 95 Libyan nationals who are alleged to have been receiving training at an illegal military training camp in White River, Mpumalanga.
The Libyan nationals allegedly entered the country with visas that were acquired through misrepresentation in Tunis, Tunisia.
“One operation at a time, we must restore the rule of law. Following a major joint operation by Home Affairs, [the] South African Police Service (SAPS) and other law enforcement authorities, the department is on the ground ensuring that anyone who breached immigration laws is processed through the court. Respect our laws, or there will be consequences,” said the Minister in a statement on Saturday.
The Minister said that the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has already cancelled the irregularly acquired visas and is working with other law enforcement authorities to look at all options, including deportation.
The visa cancellation means that all the affected Libyans are now undocumented foreign nationals.
Schreiber has instructed the department to provide full support to this multidisciplinary effort.
This as as the National Commissioner of the SAPS, General Fannie Masemola assured the nation that the SAPS will ensure a thorough investigation into allegations that the Libyan nationals were allegedly receiving military training at the site.
General Masemola welcomed the intelligence driven operation that led to the takedown operation on Thursday morning by a multidisciplinary team including detectives and specialised units within the SAPS.
A team of detectives is investigating alleged suspicious activities that are taking place at the farm in White River.
“When a team led by SAPS detectives arrived at the farm they found the Libyans housed in military tents. Military training equipment was also found including licensed firearms. SAPS detectives cannot rule out the possibility that the farm that is accredited as a security training site is allegedly being utilised as an illegal military training camp,” said the SAPS which is working closely with the DHA on the case.
General Masemola said the police will leave no stone unturned in getting to the bottom of what kind of activities have been taking place on the farm.
“During the takedown operation, police also found dagga and cocaine. Some of the other drugs found in their possession are being sent to the SAPS Forensic Science Laboratory in Pretoria to identify them as illegal substances,” he said.
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu conducted a walkabout of the site on Saturday.
“Thorough investigations by various law enforcement agencies are underway,” he said in post on social media platform, X.
Masemola said the safety and security of citizens is of paramount importance and that the SAPS remains committed to dealing decisively with transnational organised crime.– SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Sun, 07/28/2024 - 10:59
79 views
SA Emerging Men’s Squad Announced For Zimbabwe Tour
JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) has today announced a 14-player SA Emerging Men’s squad for a two-format tour of Zimbabwe...
35 Years of Discovery
Pretoria, South Africa, 26 July 2024 – This year Discovery celebrates 35 years of ingenious versatility with a new special edition version of its luxurious full-size seven-seat SUV. Discovery remains an exceptional family SUV that’s been setting the standard for versatility and all-round breadth of capability since its world premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show …
EFF Tshwane hate speech affirms their chaos, hatred and destruction
[Listen to a soundbite by Willie Aucamp MP] Dear Editor The DA condemns in the strongest possible terms the abhorrent and inflammatory remarks made by an EFF councillor Obakeng Ramabodu during today’s Tshwane Council Sitting. The councillor’s statement, expressing a desire to “moer a boer” and his utterance that he “wants the blood of an …
Thabo Bester to launch new bid to postpone trial
Case postponed to 31 July
Judge blocks government plan to tell private hospitals and doctors where they can go
“Certificate of Need” scheme thrown out of National Health Act
Ayashisa ama-tekkie for growing Sneaker Cleanic
Ayashisa ama-tekkie for growing Sneaker Cleanic
In South Africa the word tekkie is generally used to describe sneakers, but Lesego Gumede’s Sneaker Cleanic business has ignited a flame of hope for a better future to his employees who wash sneakers on a daily basis.
Sneaker Cleanic is a shoe-cleaning business that started as a casual conversation between colleagues.
“I realised that my [former] boss’s sneakers were clean when I was still working at a major clothing store. I questioned her about who cleaned them, and she told me that she paid someone R50 per pair to clean them. This made me decide to resign from my job and invest R2500 to launch Sneaker Cleanic,” he said.
What some may have considered a chore turned into a pot of gold for the 28-year-old who is determined to break new ground in the sneaker-cleaning business.
“All I saw was a hot business, ayashisa ama-tekkie,’’ he chuckled.
Shisa is an isiZulu word which loosely means something hot.
Gumede started the business in 2021 and now has two branches in Mabopane and Mamelodi, in Pretoria Gauteng.
With its steady growth, the business has created seven jobs. It has also received assistance from the Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda) in the form of marketing and product testing.
Gumede said to move the business forward, he decided to create his brand of sneaker cleaning products which are used at Sneaker Cleanic.
“Our Sneaker Cleanic journey is turning out better than I imagined. Two of our core values are customer service and quality work delivered on time.”
He added that his customers appreciated the Sneaker Cleanic staff who can clean shoes without damaging them.
“Another value that we have is accountability. Customers know that if mistakes occur on their shoes, we can certainly fix them.”
Despite the success of Gumede’s business, he too has been met with challenges along his journey.
“Some of our major challenges include financial assistance and mentoring. There is also a stigma associated with the sneaker-cleaning industry that it is not a sustainable business,” he said.
While complex challenges remain in this relatively new industry, Gumede’s dream remains simple.
“[My dream] is for the business to outlive me.”
Gumede is determined to succeed and create jobs for his community.
Find more information on Sneaker Cleanic or to use their services visit @Sneaker_Cleanic on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. Reach them via WhatsApp/phone on 068 299 5933.
Small business owners who are interested in receiving assistance from Seda should vist their local Seda office, contact 0860 103 703, logon to www.seda.org.za or send an email to info@seda.org.za.
*This story first appeared in Vukuzenzele
Janine
Wed, 07/24/2024 - 12:22
87 views
Local company to showcase wares at Essential and Vegetable Oils conference
Local company to showcase wares at Essential and Vegetable Oils conference
Dinda Technologies, a distinctly South African company and role-player in harnessing the power of indigenous plants for modern uses and purposes, will display its innovative approach at the third South African Conference on Essential and Vegetable Oils.
The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) will host the conference in partnership with the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), and the Southern African Essential Oils Producers Association (SAEOPA).
The two-day conference will be held at the South African National Botanical Gardens in Pretoria on Thursday and Friday, said the dtic in a statement.
The gathering will bring together key stakeholders in the essential and vegetable oils industry.
Dinda Technologies' participation underscores the company’s commitment to sustainable practices and the advancement of this dynamic field.
Dinda Technologies' story is one of passion and dedication. Founded by entrepreneur Patrick Mthebule, the company is built on the core principle to bridge the gap between traditional knowledge of indigenous plants and contemporary needs.
Mthebule's focus on sustainable practices has positioned Dinda as a distinct role player in developing plant-based solutions across diverse categories. The company champions the sustainable use of Africa's rich botanical heritage.
“Dinda Technologies was born from a deep respect for indigenous knowledge systems and wisdom. We translate age-old practices into the development of effective and sustainable plant and herb-based products. From cosmetics and haircare solutions to household detergents, our creations cater for modern needs while honouring our roots.”
Showcasing it's products at the conference underscores the Tshwane-based company’s unwavering commitment to elevating the status of indigenous plant-based products within South Africa.
“I believe that Africa's indigenous plants hold immense potential to contribute to individual well-being and economic prosperity.
“By showcasing Dinda Technologies’ work at this popular conference, we aim to connect with a wider audience and inspire a movement towards a more sustainable and empowered future,” Mthebule said.
He said their participation at the conference was a significant step towards achieving their vision.
“It will assist us to unlock the full potential of indigenous plants for a sustainable future through the joining of forces with industry leaders and fostering collaboration with other like-minded entrepreneurs,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 07/23/2024 - 09:53
602 views
Public consultations on raw water tariffs
Public consultations on raw water tariffs
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has started public consultation meetings on the proposed raw water use charges for the 2025/26 financial year.
During these meetings, the department will get inputs from various role players within the sector on the proposed raw water charges prior to the finalisation, approval and implementation of the proposed water use charges.
The consultations are also aimed at ensuring transparency in the determination of raw water charges for public buy-in and support.
In terms of the National Water Act of 1998, the department is required to establish an annual raw water pricing strategy after consulting widely with different water users, including mines, industries, agriculture, energy and domestic users.
“Different stakeholders need to be consulted before the final approval by the Minister of Water and Sanitation as mandated by the National Water Act, which states that extensive consultation should be undertaken before an organ of State increases any price of bulk resources supplied to municipalities and municipal entities,” the department said.
The Tuesday, 23 July, a consultation meeting is being held at the MidVaal Water Company in Orkney in the North West.
Wednesday’s meeting will take place at the Loft Guesthouse in Bethlehem, Free State.
The last day of the consultations will be held at the Southern Sun Pretoria, corner of Stanza Bopape and Beatrix Streets, Arcadia, on Friday.
The meetings will start from 10am – 2pm. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 07/23/2024 - 10:21
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