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PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA, 4 June 2024 – A million of anything is a huge number. Now imagine one million Ford Rangers being lined up bumper-to-bumper, starting at Ford South Africa’s Silverton Manufacturing Plant in Pretoria and heading due north through Africa. Ford’s segment-defining pick-ups, or bakkies in South African vernacular, would reach all the way …
Pretoria, South Africa, 04 June 2024: JLR’s new support policy will provide employees with menopause symptoms with support and guidance. The policy was developed with help and feedback from colleagues, employee-led diversity networks and was agreed upon jointly with the trade union. Under the new policy JLR employees experiencing symptoms of menopause have the right …
Ninety arrested over the course of 2024 elections
Ninety people were arrested over the three days of elections earlier this week, National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola said on Sunday.
On the first day of special votes on Monday, police registered 26 cases and arrested 24 people.
On the second day of special votes on Tuesday, police logged 32 cases, and nine people were detained.
On Election Day on Wednesday, 29 May, 37 cases were registered, leading to the arrest of 57 individuals.
In total, police arrested 90 people of which the majority have since been released on bail.
“Twenty-two are still inside as we speak and that is all about the matters of cases during the three days of the election,” explained Masemola.
The Commissioner was speaking at the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) media briefing on the third phase of its 2024 National and Provincial Elections operational activities.
The briefing came hours before Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) was set to release the results of the hotly contested elections.
READ | SA awaits election results
The Ministers of the Justice Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) cluster said they had received an evaluation from the NATJOINTS regarding the security situation in the country since the elections.
“We are satisfied with how law enforcement agencies prevented and responded to incidents that would have otherwise tarnished the seventh General Elections in the country,” Police Minister Bheki Cele said at the briefing held in Pretoria.
He said the NATJOINTS also briefed the Ministers of the Security Cluster on their preparedness to assure the safety and security of the country in the post-election phase.
The security cluster stands ready to deal with any instability ahead of the declaration of the election results in Midrand this evening. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Sun, 06/02/2024 - 16:23
Luxury car manufacturer JLR is today announcing significant progress in upskilling its workforce for electrification. More than 20,000 JLR colleagues and partners have been trained in electrification and digital skills as part of JLR’s Future Skills Programme. The UK’s largest luxury car manufacturer has trained: More than 2,400 manufacturing employees in its UK production facilities …
South Africans unite to vote for the country's future
There was excitement in the air as Pretoria residents cast their votes at the Pheasant Hill Boutique Hotel at Doornkloof East, Pretoria, this morning.
Clad in a warm jersey and a coffee in one hand, Zelda Meyer from Irene, joined millions of voters who are making their mark today.
Meyer believes that voting is important regardless of who you are voting for. She told SAnews she was of the view that South Africa needs to grow the economy to create much-needed jobs, especially for the youth.
“Whichever party will be in power, they need to make a change and grow the economy.”
The 60-year-old said she would also like to see a better working public health sector as the cost of living is skyrocketing and salaries shrink.
The Irene resident encouraged those who are still undecided about going to the voting station to do so, for their country.
“If you recycle one beer can, even that makes a difference. You might think it’s just one beer can, but it adds to the manufacturing process...”
She expressed her gratitude to the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) staffers and party agents for running the voting station well.
“It’s efficient, it’s quick. We had a small hiccup with the network but that was sorted out within 10 minutes.”
Another resident, Sam Masha, from Pretoria East, said he was looking forward to exercising his democratic right to vote for his party of choice.
“We’re so privileged that we’re able to vote because so much blood was spilled for us to be here today. I would never just sit at home, complain, and not come to vote. This is my right,” he added.
Despite the challenges in the country, Masha was optimistic about the future.
“I’m happy about some of the progress, especially when it comes to corruption. Even though the wheels of justice are turning slow, there is progress that I see.”
The 49-year-old said he would like to see a future with a functioning Eskom and for the load shedding to end indefinitely.
Eighteen-year-old Nsizwa Ngcobo from Soweto said he found it difficult to decide which party to vote for as a first-time voter.
His biggest dream for whichever leader wins the elections is that they will do the right thing and think about the youth’s future.
“Every party has its pros and cons and I really hope my vote will count,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 05/29/2024 - 11:48
Voters talk about changes they want to see in SA
While government has made significant strides in improving the lives of South Africans since 1994, voters have expressed some of the changes that they would like to see in the country after the 2024 General Elections.
This is as eligible voters across the country are today exercising their right to vote in the country’s seventh democratic elections, which comes 30 years after South Africa held its first democratic election.
“We need to improve the quality of education. The country needs change the curriculum to be more skills based in order for the youth to have access to job opportunities or even start businesses. Creating more employment opportunities is key,” Sbongakonke Shelembe said.
The 41-year-old, who is voting in Pietermaritzburg today, called on government to focus on uprooting corruption in the public service.
“Focus should also be on running efficient municipalities to attract investment. The government also needs to control the influx of undocumented foreign nationals. Various town are run down because there is no proper zoning of businesses,” he said.
Kopano Moumakae, 22, expressed concern about inflation and high food prices.
“If we can control inflation [things would be better for citizens]. Food prices is something that I am very stressed about. I want to see investment into public infrastructure. I would like to see us using what we already have to create more opportunities for people that do not have jobs. Job creation and public infrastructure is something that speaks to me,” Kopano Moumakae said at a voting station in Montana, Pretoria.
Reflecting on the importance of voting, Moumakae said due to the history of the country, it was important for him to exercise his democratic right to vote.
Shelembe noted the myriad of challenges facing the country as his reason for voting.
“Voting is important because it presents an opportunity for one's voice to be heard,” he said.
Phumla Mugeri, a voter in Pretoria, spoke about the progress government has made to improve lives of ordinary South Africans.
“I have seen so many changes since 1994. I come from a rural area; we did not have roads, water and toilets but when you visit the area now you see significant improvements. I believe that in the 30 years of democracy many changes have occurred,” Mugeri said.
Voting is taking place from 7am until 9pm. The Electoral Commission (IEC) has assured citizens that no eligible voter will be turned away and that every voter in a queue by 9pm will be assisted.
Overall, 70 political parties are contesting the elections, 11 independent candidates, and the national contestants are 52. In total, there are over 14 903 candidates vying for 887 seats in the National and Provincial Legislatures. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 05/29/2024 - 09:21
Pretoria elderly man happy to cast his special vote on the last day
Caiphus Rampe, a pensioner from Orchards ext 21 in Arcasia, Pretoria North, was excited after casting his vote this afternoon, which is the last day for special votes.
Rampe is one of those who applied for a special vote. Special votes took place on Monday and continue today for qualifying voters.
For Rampe, casting his vote means a lot, including preparing a better life for all, and a better life for generations to come.
Asked why he applied for special vote, Rampe said he did not want to stand in long queues as he quickly gets tired.
READ | Eastern Cape voting stations operational for special votes
“I am [old] and I don’t have energy to queue with the young ones. I wanted to do it early and get done with voting,” Rampe said.
Asked about the 1994 experience, where millions of voters -- who were previously denied access to voting -- took to the polls for the first time, Rampe said this year’s elections are crucial to deciding a future for all South Africans, regardless of race or colour.
“As South Africans, we are one and we should learn to live together. This is our country. We must work hard to build a better future for our children and the generations to come,” he said.
Echoing the same sentiments, was Ditaelo Ranwedi, also from Orchards, who emphasized the importance of voting.
“Voting is our voice to say what we want and how it must be done. By voting, we have the power to appoint our representatives in Parliament and in the municipalities to represent us and ensure that there is service delivery in our communities,” Ranwedi said.
Ranwedi called on young people and everybody else to go out in their numbers to vote.
“This is the only way we can tell our government what we want and how it must be done,” he said.
Presiding Officer at the Wonderpark voting station at the community hall, Karabo Mtshweni, told SAnews that the station had 140 registered special votes.
“Most of the registered special votes are young people who mostly said they will be working on Wednesday and some said they had other engagements,” Mtshweni said.
Mtshweni said 80% of the registered voters had already cast their votes.
“The turnout yesterday was good compared to today. Today is very slow. We hope towards closing time, there will be more people coming,” she said.
Voting stations for special votes operate from 9am to 5pm.
According to the Electoral Commission, on the first day of special votes on Monday, an estimated 201 794 voting station visits of special votes were processed at 22 626 service points.
The Commission said a total of 624 593 voters will be visited by 62 000 officials from the Electoral Commission, accompanied by political party agents and observers where they are available. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 05/28/2024 - 15:51
Pretoria, South Africa, 27 May 2024: The flagship new Range Rover Sport SV has sparked demand amongst clients in South Africa, with all 35 limited-edition Range Rover Sport SV EDITION ONE units fully reserved when orders opened. Janico Dannhauser, Product and Pricing Manager, JLR South Africa, said: “Close to 200 clients expressed interest in the …
TVET students on NSFAS urged to submit personal banking details
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has reiterated its call for students at Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges to submit their banking details in order to receive their NSFAS allowances.
NSFAS Administrator, Freeman Nomvalo, made the call during a media briefing on progress relating to the disbursement of student allowances, student accommodation, and other related administrative reforms at the scheme, held in Pretoria on Monday.
Nomvalo said the scheme has devised a payment mechanism to address the payment of allowances for TVET students, and payments are currently being made directly to the students’ bank account, as announced on 26 April 2024.
Nomvalo said a total of 211 591 students' bank accounts have been verified, while a total of 7 160 failed the verification checks, due to various reasons, including bank accounts that do not belong to students, like parents’ bank accounts.
Nomvalo emphasised that the banking details provided must belong to the student to enable NSFAS to verify the information against the student’s details on scheme’s record and minimise the potential risks.
“We have requested all TVET students who do not have bank accounts to open the bank accounts with banks of their own choice to avoid delays in the payment of their allowances. I want to call upon all students who have already uploaded their personal banking details and have received a notification through the myNSFAS portal indicating that the verification of their banking details has failed to please re-submit their correct banking details on the portal,” Nomvalo said.
While acknowledging the challenges experienced by university students; Nomvalo said the direct payment mechanism will currently be applicable to TVET college students, and the university students will continue to receive their allowance as through their institutions as arranged.
Addressing concerns on student accommodation
On student accommodation, Nomvalo said NSFAS is dealing with the issues relating to student accommodation, particularly the outstanding payments to private student accommodation landlords.
Nomvalo said a dedicated email and capacity has been established to address all disputes or concerns from landlords.
He called on all landlords to continue to deposit their disputes or concerns “only in so far as outstanding payments are concerned” to the email address.
“The initial call for submission date for the concerns was 10 May 2024. I therefore would like to provide an extension to 31 May 2024, for all the landlords to continue to deposit their concerns to a dedicated email address at NSFASAccomProv@nsfas.org.za.
“All enquiries received will now be processed and will be paid end of May 2024. There may still be outstanding invoices at the end of May which will still need to be processed during the month of June,” Nomvalo said.
As part of proactive planning for future student accommodation, the Administrator said NSFAS have commenced with the planning for the national conference on future student accommodation.
He said NSFAS intend to host the conference in September 2024 involving various stakeholders across the country, including private and public accommodation providers.
“A Task Team involving all the student accommodation stakeholders has been established to serve as a consultative forum to address all issue relating to student accommodation. This Task Team is expected to report back in the September conference. We do so in order to regularise private student accommodation to give greater accommodation,” Nomvalo said.
Additional capacity to address deficiencies
Meanwhile, Nomvalo announced that an additional capacity will be procured by the end of this month, to help strengthen the office of the Administrator, address capacity deficiencies, and deal with long outstanding matters, including the submission of financial statements and the Close Out Report. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 05/27/2024 - 13:59
Renault South Africa, part of Motus, held its Annual Dealer of the Year Awards ceremony recently, honouring dealerships and motor groups for their success in 2023. Held at The Maslow Time Square in Pretoria, the annual gala event shone a spotlight on the top dealers’ unwavering commitment to excellence and outstanding contributions throughout the year. …
The inaugural Shanghai E-Prix saw Jaguar TCS Racing driver Mitch Evans take his second win of the 2024 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, with teammate and Drivers’ Championship leader, Nick Cassidy, finishing in third place. With a second double-podium finish this season, Jaguar TCS Racing extend its lead in the Teams’ World Championship. At …
Government activities for the week 27 - 31 May 2024
On Monday, 27 May, Minister of Social Development Lindiwe Zulu launches the Khuseleka One Stop Centre at the Saartjie Baartman Centre for Women and Children in Manenberg, Cape Town.
Also on Monday, Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and People with Disabilities Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma launches the Demand-LED and job creation programme for persons with disabilities at the Coastlands Unhlanga Hotel and Convention Centre.
On 27 May, NSFAS briefs media on progress relating to the disbursement of student allowances at Tshedimosetso House, Hatfield, Pretoria, starting at 11am.
On Monday, Minister of Health Joe Phaahla casts his special vote in his home village of Ga-Phaahla, Limpopo.
Monday is Day 1 of special voting in the National and Provincial Elections, from 9am to 5pm.
Tuesday, 28 May, is Day 2 of special voting in the National and Provincial Elections, from 9am to 5pm.
On Wednesday, 29 May, is Election Day, from 7am to 9pm.
Janine
Mon, 05/27/2024 - 12:29
South Africans will be safe during and after the elections
Police Minister, General Bheki Cele, has launched the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) Coordination Centre - days ahead of the country's National and Provincial General Elections.
“The NATJOINTS Coordination Centre (NCC) is born from past experiences learnt, when government formulated a coordinated response to the COVID-19 pandemic… as government we soon realised the importance of reconfiguring the way we would deal with the challenges of the deadly virus, as a collective. The NCC underpins the ‘whole of government’ approach to the country’s security,” said the Minister, speaking at the official opening of the NCC, based at the country’s largest training college of the South African Police Service, situated west of Pretoria.
He said the opening of the NCC also came just days before the country prepares for the National and Provincial Elections, on 29 May 2024.
“So while the timing of the opening may be opportune, establishing a nerve centre of such magnitude, to house the National Joint Operational Intelligence Structures, has been a long time coming.”
The centre serves as a central point of contact for the coordination of information.
“It is here where the reporting of incidents and swift, prompt and coordinated response to any and every eventuality within the mandate of NATJOINTS will unfold.
“We are told that this building that houses the NCC has been renovated and repurposed to meet all needs and purposes. This process has taken four months,” Cele said.
Cele said meetings of the NATJOINTS and the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Directors General as well as the Priority Committees and work streams established by the NATJOINTS will take place in the NCC.
“The building layout not only accommodates the National Joint Operational Centre (NATJOC) but also facilities to accommodate one or more Mission Area Joint Operational Centres, known as MAJOC,” he said.
He said the centre has been fitted with the necessary equipment and machinery as well as technology advancements to ensure all agencies work seamlessly “with agility and in unison against any and every threat that may face the country”.
“The facility is fitted with state-of-the-art data network and communication systems as well as audio visual and advanced technical capabilities. Basically, at all times this facility will ensure that optimal situational awareness is never compromised.
“Such is critical for strategic, operational and tactical decision making and command direction of intelligence structures,” the Minister said.
The NCC will serve as the epicentre for the planning of all major events across the country, including the upcoming elections as well as the Presidential inauguration.
“Once fully operational, including for the coming election operations, the NCC will accommodate representatives from 39 government departments, agencies, state-owned enterprises and private sector stakeholders within the NATJOC,” he said.
Post-elections, the NCC will continue to be utilised on a 24/7 and 365 basis as the main centre for NATJOINTS inter-departmental and inter-governmental activities and operations.
“This will benefit citizens of this country who can be assured that the NATJOINTS remains committed to service and protects law-abiding citizens and all those who live within our borders,” the minister said.
Attending the event, was Police Deputy Minister Cassel Mathale, National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola, Home Affairs Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, Defence Minister Thandi Modise, Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu as well as senior government officials. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 05/24/2024 - 12:03
The Ford Wildlife Foundation (FWF) proudly supports Sea Search Research and Conservation (SSRC) NPC, a leading marine research organisation founded in 2014 by Dr Simon Elwen and Dr Tess Gridley. Through the invaluable assistance of the versatile Ford Ranger provided by the FWF, Sea Search has made significant strides in marine research, and conservation across …
Pretoria, South Africa – 23 May 2024: JLR has signed a multi-year deal to use Fortescue’s advanced battery intelligence software, Elysia, in its next-generation electric vehicles. The software will help enhance JLR’s luxury vehicles with improved battery longevity, safety, and performance. Starting with the new Range Rover Electric, launching later this year, Fortescue’s Elysia software …
Top Eight Teams to Compete at BAL Playoffs (www.BAL.NBA.com) and Finals in Kigali, Rwanda from May 24 - June 1; Bank of Kigali Joins BAL's Roster of Marketing Partners for Playoffs and Finals.
The 2024 Basketball Africa League (BAL) Playoffs will tip off on Friday, May 24 at BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda featuring the top eight teams (https://apo-opa.co/3wP67QQ) from the league's Kalahari (https://apo-opa.co/3wCKu6N), Nile (https://apo-opa.co/4awYBbE) and Sahara (https://apo-opa.co/3yxDXuA) conference group phases that were held in Pretoria, South Africa; Cairo, Egypt; and Dakar, Senegal, respectively: FUS Rabat Basketball (Morocco), Petro de Luanda (Angola), Cape Town Tigers (South Africa), Al Ahly (Egypt), Al Ahly Ly (Libya), Rivers Hoopers (Nigeria), AS Douanes (Senegal) and US Monastir (Tunisia).
The complete game schedule for the Playoffs and Finals, which is available at BAL.NBA.com, features four seeding games followed by an eight-game, single-elimination playoffs, culminating with the 2024 BAL Finals on June 1 at 4:00 p.m. CAT. Tickets for the Playoffs and Finals are on sale now at BAL.NBA.com and Ticqet.rw.
In conjunction with the Playoffs and Finals, the BAL and Bank of Kigali today announced a collaboration to drive fan attendance and elevate the in-arena experience throughout the week. Bank of Kigali joins the BAL's roster of partners that also includes Foundational Partners Rwanda Development Board, NIKE, Jordan Brand and Wilson, as well as marketing partners Afreximbank, Castle Lite, Hennessy and RwandAir.
Below are notable facts and figures about the 2024 BAL season:
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Basketball Africa League (BAL).
Contact:
Edwin Eselem
Basketball Africa League
+221 786154287
EEselem@thebal.com
CoGTA Minister welcomes introduction of Coalition Bill
The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Thembi Nkadimeng, has welcomed the introduction of the Local Government: Municipal Structures Amendment Bill, 2024, also known as the Coalition Bill.
This is after the department gazetted the Coalition Bill on Tuesday, which provides a legislative framework to guide the formation and the management of coalition governments.
The Bill also provides systems to minimise the challenges of coalitions within the local government sphere.
“The Bill comes because of a public outcry for a framework, or guidelines or legislation, which was given rise to by the maturing democracy and increased number of hung councils, from 24 in the year 2000, to the recent 81 municipalities affected post the 2021 Local Government Elections.”
The increased number, according to CoGTA, signalled the need to strengthen coalition governance to address challenges related to poor governance, service delivery and instability in municipal councils.
The amendments to the Local Government: Municipal Structures Act, 1998 (“the Structures Act”) is seen as a vehicle or mechanism within which the coalition governments can be institutionalised to address challenges in hung councils.
“In essence, the Bill seeks to amend the Structures Act, to provide for a definition of ‘coalition agreement’ to compel political parties to enter into a written and negotiated binding agreement between parties that form a coalition government in a municipality in which no political party has a majority of seats in council,” the department said
CoGTA believes that the Bill will be able to address resolve towards mitigate the governance challenges related to “unscrupulous manipulation” by parties less represented in the council.
The department also noted coalitions incentivised by promises of senior positions or outright bribes with little thought on the impact of the same on the municipality and its ability to deliver services.
They also cited the infighting in councils characterised by walkouts, resulting in “inquorate” councils failing to execute their legislated mandate and inability to make key appointments and adopt budgets and policies, resulting in an administration that cannot spend its budget to address service delivery backlogs.
“These challenges have a direct impact on society, in particular when a municipality fails to uphold its obligations, which in turn, has repercussions ripple throughout its jurisdiction, affecting the lives and livelihoods of local residents,” said Nkadimeng.
As CoGTA moves forward with the legislative process for this Bill, Nkadimeng encouraged all stakeholders to actively engage and provide valuable input to strengthen local government structures.
The department is inviting the public to provide inputs on the Bill, with the view to address the present implementation gaps and challenges being experienced within the local government sector.
Written submissions or comments may be submitted to the Department of Cooperative Governance at comments.coalitionbill@cogta.gov.za by no later than 5 July 2024.
Comments can also be posted to the department’s Director-General Nhlamulo Mathye, Department of Cooperative Governance, Private Bag X804, PRETORIA, 0001. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 05/22/2024 - 15:04
CoGTA, Defence sign agreement to collaborate on disaster management
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister Thembi Nkadimeng says the Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC) with the Department of Defence is a crucial step in strengthening the nation’s ability to prevent, respond to and recover from disasters.
“We believe that this partnership will harness the strengths and resources of both departments, amplifying our collective ability to safeguard lives and livelihoods,” she said on Wednesday.
Nkadimeng spoke at the launch of the MoC on Disaster Management, where she and Defence Minister Thandi Modise signed the agreement in Pretoria.
Nkadimeng announced that key areas of collaboration outlined in the MoC include the establishment of a Disaster Reserves Assurance Fund, joint development of Emergency Operations Centres (EOCs) and District Integrated Industrial Parks (DIIPs).
Through this MoC, the department would involve Community Work Programme (CWP) participants in disaster preparedness and community development.
Meanwhile, the Department of Defence will be tasked with providing defence capabilities to safeguard the nation and oversee the South African Forces Institute (SAFI), which manages emergency strategic reserves and procurement.
Through this MoC, Nkadimeng said government will also be forging a strategic alliance to revitalise the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC), which is responsible for coordinating disaster management interventions, CWP and SAFI by enhancing the collective ability to deal with disasters.
“We believe that this MoC will go a long way to ensure that reaction to disasters is quick and efficient because we will be pulling resources together, and the skills found in Defence will be very handy in this area.”
Through concerted collaboration, Nkadimeng believes the State is paving the way for a future where disasters no longer wield a devastating impact.
“Instead, we are building resilient communities that can withstand and recover from adversity, propelling our nation forward on a path of sustainable development and prosperity.”
Climate change
The Minister emphasised the catastrophic impact of climate change, referring to it as a nightmare in South Africa.
“We have seen that in recent years, the severity of these occurrences and their impact are progressively increasing because of the inevitable effects of climate change.”
She said these events often strike suddenly, leaving behind devastation that affects communities, families, and livelihoods.
Nkadimeng also spoke about KwaZulu-Natal, which is prone to floods and where the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) was called to assist.
According to the Minister, government is currently in the process of reviewing the entire disaster management system, aiming to create a more adaptable framework that prioritises “resilience building”.
“This comprehensive review seeks to ensure that our disaster management approach is agile and responsive, effectively addressing evolving challenges and safeguarding our communities against future risks.”
Despite these proactive measures, Nkadimeng acknowledged there remains a pressing need to address gaps in post-disaster response.
“Too often, communities find themselves in dire situations, lacking adequate support and assistance in the aftermath of disasters. This has highlighted to us the importance of continuously refining and enhancing our disaster response mechanisms to ensure timely and effective assistance reaches those in need and prevents further hardships.”
She also addressed the man-made disaster of the George collapsed building, which resulted in the loss of 34 lives.
READ | George building collapse: Rescue and recovery operation concluded
“We have been working to have and implement plans to reduce risks, and be prepared. We aim to respond quickly and effectively when disasters happen, keeping everyone safe and minimising the damage they can cause,” she told the media.
Modise believes that government needs to be more organised to deal with disasters. She stated that Treasury is on board and will provide resources to train military personnel for disaster management.
“How much a disaster will cost will not compare to the cost of life. Therefore, we will be talking to Treasury about that... But with us, we’ll want to make sure that we don’t lose South African lives because there’s a shortage of money,” Modise said. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 05/22/2024 - 12:00
PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA – Tuesday, 21 May 2024 – As trust in leadership reaches an all-time low, a new book aims to transform leaders and their impact. ‘Lead Like Morpheus: The Genius of Conscious Leadership’, the debut title from author Ian Hatton, challenges readers to embark on their own journey of conscious leadership. The outcome? …
Nzimande opens first-ever nuclear medicine research facility in Pretoria
The Nuclear Medicine Research Infrastructure (NuMeRI) facility - the continent’s first nuclear medicine research facility, which features a cyclotron for producing isotopes used in radiation therapy – was officially opened on Tuesday, in Pretoria.
The NuMeRI will provide consolidated expertise in nuclear technologies in medicine and biosciences, creating significant research, development and innovation capacity in South Africa and will assist in the treatment of cancer and other diseases.
Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande, who opened the facility, told guests the world-class facility is a product of South Africa’s long-standing cooperation with the European Union (EU) that dates back to 2012.
Under this agreement, the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) collaborated with the EU to develop a South African first Research Infrastructure Roadmap (SARIR) for the country.
“The mobilisation of innovation and technology to address the disease burden and the need to provide quality health care to all South Africans is a key priority of my department’s Decadal Plan on Science, Technology, and Innovation,” said the Minister, adding that the NuMeRI was an important pillar in this effort.
The NuMeRI is a one-stop-shop medical imaging facility dedicated to drug development and imaging-based clinical research and open to all researchers who will benefit from imaging in their product development.
“It will assist in taking bio-innovations further down the value chain from radiolabelling to preclinical testing. It will also contribute to good manufacturing practices and clinical trials,” he explained.
In addition, the NuMeRI’s capabilities will contribute to the precision medicine approach and targeted personalised therapies being developed in South Africa.
Governance
To ensure efficient governance and management, the two partners, the University of Pretoria and Steve Biko Academic Hospital, agreed to the establishment of a NuMeRI not-for-profit company (NPC).
The University of Pretoria and South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa) are founding members of the NPC and draw on the knowledge of officials of the DSI, who are actively involved in the implementation of the NuMeRI.
The first phase of NuMeRI, established and hosted at Necsa for three years was made possible by an investment of close to R150 million between 2016 and 2019. The second phase of implementation at Steve Biko Academic Hospital started in the 2020/21 financial year with an investment of approximately R390 million since 2020 by the DSI.
Meanwhile, the University of Pretoria also received an additional R85 million for the NuMeRI building.
Human resource
According to the Nzimande, it is anticipated that this infrastructure will triple the current clinical PhDs and increase six-fold basic science PhDs.
To date, 20 Masters and 15 PhD students have completed their studies with a further 17 Master’s degrees and 22 PhD students finishing their studies.
Meanwhile, the NuMeRI’s research activities advance the objectives and priorities of the National Department of Health, strengthening the nuclear medicine capacity in South Africa and beyond its borders in Africa.
It also enhances South African research in medicinal chemistry, expediting the development of drugs to address national priority diseases such as cancer and tuberculosis, enabling new pharmaceuticals to reach the market sooner, and giving South African pharmaceutical development a competitive edge with global equivalents.
The research will be mainly in oncology and will cover other communicable and non-communicable diseases.
“The opening of this facility represents yet another important milestone in the development of scientific infrastructure for our country and this is embodied in the fact that the NuMeRI is the first of its kind on the African continent.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 05/21/2024 - 15:51
Mashatile launches SANDF-led youth initiative to create jobs, entrepreneurship
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has called on all South Africans to support the newly launched National Youth Service (NYS) initiative, which aims to address youth unemployment in South Africa.
The Deputy President, together with the Department of Defence and the Department of Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD), unveiled the South African National Service Institution (SANSI) in Pretoria on Tuesday.
The Deputy President said the South African National Defence Force (SANDF)-led NYS is a special project that will be piloted and implemented in the country’s poorest districts, where most youngsters are unemployed.
WATCH | Launch of the South African National Service Institute
Despite interventions such as the Presidential Employment Stimulus, which has created over 1.7 million job opportunities, the country’s second-in-command bemoaned that many young people remain on the margins of real economic participation.
He cited the latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey, which shows that the official unemployment rate stands at 32.9%.
According to the survey, about 3.6 million (35.5%) out of 10.3 million young people aged between 15 and 24 were not in employment, education or training (NEET).
“I am pleased that the DWYPD, in collaboration with the Department of Defence, adopted a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to the skills revolution for the unskilled. This will have a significant impact on restoring livelihoods, creating wealth, and alleviating poverty and hunger among the marginalised.”
READ | Employment programmes make a difference
According to the Deputy President, the initiative aims to optimise government resources by spearheading impactful projects that assist the nation’s most vulnerable citizens.
“We envisaged inviting and encouraging young people to voluntarily join the National Youth Service, beginning with a character-building programme and progressing to industry demand-based education and training, ultimately leading to gainful employment or entrepreneurship.”
The establishment of SANSI aims to develop, capacitate, and empower young unemployed Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and university graduates through a purposeful and smooth skills-to-industry pipeline that will lead to innovative entrepreneurship and long-term, sustainable employment.
The initiative also intends to transform youngsters into courageous agents of change, who will tackle the country’s most pressing issues in strategic work streams.
These include food and agricultural value chain commercialisation, maritime and ocean economy, engineering and construction, manufacturing and infrastructure rollouts, as well as skills of the future, which include digital technologies and electronics.
The initiative, Mashatile stated, represents a massive investment in the effort to get young people trained and capacitated to participate in the economy.
He views the move as a significant milestone in the country’s journey towards a stronger and more resilient society.
In addition, he said the initiative would serve as a hub for nurturing leadership, fostering skills development, and promoting community engagement.
“It will empower our young people to contribute meaningfully to the development of our country and the wellbeing of our communities,” he stressed.
The Deputy President announced that the provincial launches are still to follow, with the project aiming to reach at least 100 000 youth participants in the current fiscal year.
He urged all young individuals who meet the eligibility requirements for the NYS to submit their applications in large numbers.
“The youth must also take advantage of the opportunity presented by the programme to equip themselves with the much-needed skills.”
Minister of Defence Thandi Modise described SANSI as a necessary and important initiative and thanked the DWYPD Minister, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, for rallying her to see the bigger picture.
“It tallied with the call from all society that asked the Defence Force to do something and cries of mothers who had their hands on their heads and those who were trying to fight the nyaope. We see SANSI as that instrument in the hands of the Defence Force that will enable our children to come into their own,” said Modise.
Shifting her focus to the young participants in SANSI, she emphasised that the SANDF will ensure their punctuality, obedience, ability to give and receive instructions, and leadership skills.
SANSI launch in pictures
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“The military will keep an eye on every little cent spent on this project and will go to the future of this country and the skills that we need,” Modise said. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 05/21/2024 - 14:12
The Volkswagen Motorsport Rookie Cup delivered close and exciting second round action as its young guns entertained at Zwartkops’ Extreme Festival on Saturday. All eyes may have been on young Durbanite Dhivyen Naidoo following his dominant performance at Killarney last time out, but fellow former karters Jayden Goosen and Uzair Khan topped qualifying with Naidoo …
Mashatile thanks South Africans living abroad for casting their votes
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has expressed gratitude to all South Africans living abroad who turned out at voting stations to cast their ballots over the weekend.
The Deputy President was speaking at the launch of the National Youth Service (NYS) initiative, South African National Service Institution (SANSI), aimed at tackling youth unemployment in South Africa in Pretoria on Tuesday.
According to the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC), 78 000 citizens were registered to vote in 111 South African missions across the world between 17 and 19 May 2024.
The mission in London (in the United Kingdom) was the only voting station that remained open on Sunday, 19 May, to cater for the more than 24 000 voters who are registered and approved.
The Commission confirmed that the special voting abroad proceeded smoothly with no major incidents.
READ | Overseas special votes conclude
READ | South Africans in London urged to cast their vote
Local special votes
The IEC is now preparing for the in-country special voting, which will take place on 27 and 28 May.
There are 1.7 million approved special votes, with 653 000 of these being home visit special votes while just over one million are voting station special votes.
The Deputy President used his platform to encourage all South Africans to go out in their numbers and vote on 29 May 2024.
“Remember, placing your crosses on the ballot papers will fulfil a task that history has put on your shoulders.
“Most importantly, you will be deciding for yourselves the direction of our country and the path that we should take to get there,” said Deputy President Mashatile.
With only just seven days away from Election Day, the IEC is reminding citizens that voting stations open at 7 am and close at 9 pm. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 05/21/2024 - 14:51
President Ramaphosa, EU Council President hold bilateral call
President Cyril Ramaphosa has held a bilateral telephone conversation with the President of the European Council, Charles Michel.
According to a statement by the Presidency, the conversation was a positive and constructive discussion on bilateral, regional, and global issues.
The statement said the two leaders also discussed the need for more engagement to address global peace and reaffirmed shared respect for international law.
“They both welcomed the recent bilateral South Africa-European Union Political and Security Dialogue Forum, and the Human Rights Dialogue held in Pretoria on 26 and 27 February 2024, and they agreed to continue stepping up cooperation to support stability and prosperity.
“In this regard, both Presidents discussed the importance of upholding the UN Charter and the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity notably in Ukraine. Furthermore, both Presidents stressed the importance of addressing urgently the situation in the Middle East, notably reaching a ceasefire in Gaza, release of hostages as well as the provision of humanitarian assistance, recalling the orders of the International Court of Justice in this respect,” the Presidency said.
On matters relating to tensions in the East of the Democratic Republic of Congo, “both underlined the importance of a political solution” in that country and also called for an “immediate and durable ceasefire” in Sudan.
Globally, the two leaders agreed to closer working relations in the run up to and during South Africa’s upcoming Presidency of the G20 in 2025 “including on the protection and advancement of multilateral cooperation and the international rules-based order”.
The strategic partnership between South Africa and the European Union – which has brought economic and social dividends for both parties – also came under discussion.
“They welcomed recent engagements in Brussels and in Pretoria to deepen and expand the partnership to new areas of mutual interest, such as strategic value chains in the sectors of green hydrogen, critical minerals and vaccines, which will also support progress in regional integration and the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.
“Against this framework of close and regular cooperation, both Presidents agreed to hold a bilateral Summit at earliest convenience,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 05/21/2024 - 09:39