Department of health fails to buy life-saving device for diabetes patients
Using vials and syringes instead of pens can lead to insulin dosing errors which can be fatal
Pretoria
President to lead Freedom Day celebrations
President to lead Freedom Day celebrations
President Cyril Ramaphosa will lead the 2024 Freedom Day national celebrations at the Union Buildings in Pretoria this weekend.
“This commemoration calls on all South Africans to honour our past, celebrate our achievements, and collectively build a future where everyone enjoys equal rights,” the Presidency said on Wednesday ahead of Saturday’s celebrations.
This year’s Freedom Day marks the 30th anniversary of South Africa’s democratic dispensation and commemorates the nation’s first democratic election on 27 April 1994.
Celebrated Under the theme: “30 Years of Democracy, Partnership, and Growth,” this year's Freedom Month celebrations hold special significance as they also coincide with the 28th anniversary of the enactment of the South African Constitution as the supreme law of the land.
“Reflecting on the strides made over the past three decades, we honour the sacrifices of those who fought tirelessly for a democratic, equal, and discrimination-free nation. The Freedom Day event will unite all spheres of government and stakeholders and partners from all sectors of society in celebrating our democratic journey,” the Presidency said.
VIEW | Read our Special Feature on the 30 Years of Freedom and Democracy
The observance of this historic milestone comes as preparations are being finalised for the 2024 National and Provincial elections taking place on Wednesday, May 29.
“Freedom Day and Freedom Month seek to deepen understanding of South Africa's history and development, foster dialogue on our constitutional journey, and mobilise the public and private sectors towards addressing pressing challenges.
“Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture Zizi Kodwa, Premier of Gauteng Province Panyaza Lesufi, and Members of the Executive Council, along with mayors and senior government officials, will join President Ramaphosa on this momentous occasion,” the Presidency said. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 04/25/2024 - 09:51
727 views
Deputy Minister pays visit to Pretoria Magistrates’ Court
Deputy Minister pays visit to Pretoria Magistrates’ Court
Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development John Jeffery has paid an unannounced visit to the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court following reports of alleged service delivery issues at the court.
According to the department, challenges at the court include “infrastructural concerns, such as certain non-functioning air conditioners, improved lighting and water supply on the upper floors”.
These are to be followed up with the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure.
“As is the case, with all Magistrates Courts, our department will continue to monitor the delivery of justice services being offered at the courts, as well as continuing to attend to issues such as the maintenance of infrastructure and the provision of staff.
“With regards to the number of active court hours, these are continuously being monitored and our department continues to work with all other role-players in the justice system, such as the Magistracy, the National Prosecuting Authority, Legal Aid SA and private legal practitioners, to ensure that our courts run smoothly and efficiently,” Jeffery said.
The Deputy Minister visited the court on Tuesday.
The department explained that a large part of the court is under construction since it was ravaged by fire in 2010 which made the building uninhabitable.
“With regards to the construction, a restoration project was registered to bring the building back to its original state and construction commenced in 2015.
However, hazardous black mould and asbestos was detected in certain areas of the building and the Department of Labour issued a Prohibition Notice to vacate the site. Construction work recommenced in 2017, but the contractor’s appointment was later terminated due to poor performance.
“A replacement tender was advertised in 2020 and a new contractor was appointed in 2023. The anticipated completion date is May 2025 and the anticipated handover is August 2025,” the department explained.
The Deputy Minister expressed confidence that the restoration will be at an advanced stage in the next year.
“We are confident that by this time next year the restoration and refurbishment of the court will be far advanced and, once completed, the new court will greatly enhance the further delivery of services to the public,” said Deputy Minister Jeffery. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 04/25/2024 - 11:11
829 views
What people are saying about D&D
With 2024 marking the 50th celebration of Dungeons & Dragons, both newbies and old hats are more excited than ever. Since Covid, the game has increased in popularity, with people getting together at someone’s home or joining a tabletop gaming event to play and meet with other fans. The game has reached a new peak …
New Defender OCTA
Pretoria, South Africa – Thursday 25 April 2024: New Defender OCTA, the high-performance all-terrain hero from original British adventure brand Defender, will be revealed on 3 July 2024, following a series of exclusive client preview events and the completion of its exhaustive testing and development programme. Ahead of the global reveal, prospective clients for the …
Pavilion Home Affairs office hailed as a game-changer
Pavilion Home Affairs office hailed as a game-changer
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube says the opening of a Home Affairs office at the Pavilion Shopping Centre in Westville, Durban, is a game-changer in how government provides services to the citizens.
Dube-Ncube joined Home Affairs Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, to officially open the new Home Affairs office at the Pavilion Shopping Centre as part of the department’s ongoing efforts to make services easily accessible to the public.
The new office will offer application and collections services for IDs and passports. Clients will have the convenience of applying for these services as they do their shopping at the centre.
Dube-Ncube said the initiative aims to revolutionise citizen services, emphasising convenience, dignity, and efficiency.
“The office will bring services closer to where our people shop, bank, eat, stay, play and work. For us, first and foremost, this office will bring dignity to our people,” Dube-Ncube said.
The Premier said the strategic location of the office at the shopping centre is expected to alleviate the burden of long queues experienced at other Home Affairs offices in uMngeni, Pinetown and the Durban city centre.
“By integrating government services into everyday spaces that people already frequent, the initiative aims to streamline processes and enhance the overall experience for citizens. Moreover, the presence of a government office within a bustling shopping centre is poised to redefine the public's perception of and interaction with government services.
“To have a government office in a shopping centre will change how people perceive and interact with government and it will bring efficiency and agility. By embracing innovation and adapting to contemporary needs, the initiative seeks to foster a culture of responsiveness and accessibility within the public sector,” Dube-Ncube said.
WATCH | Opening of the Pavilion Shopping Centre Home Affairs office
Motsoaledi reiterated that the department wants to ensure that it brings services to the people where they are.
“We promised Parliament that we are going to expand the platforms where South Africans receive Home Affairs services. One of those platforms is to expand to malls,” Motsoaledi said.
The opening of Home Affairs office follows the launch of offices at Menlyn Shopping Centre at Pretoria East in March 2023, and Cresta in April 2024.
READ | Home Affairs opens three offices this Saturday
In his 2023 Budget Vote Speech, Motsoaledi announced that his department wants to create multiple platforms to assist people with applications for their IDs, passports, and other essential documents. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 04/24/2024 - 12:03
530 views
Addressing the Epidemic of Poor Posture: The Chiropractors Offer Solutions
Pretoria, South Africa – In today’s fast-paced world, where hours are spent hunched over desks, staring at screens, and contorted into awkward positions, it’s no wonder that back and shoulder pain have become endemic. The Chiropractors, with their years of experience and commitment to holistic wellness, are stepping forward to address this pressing issue. “Has …
Chikunga extends well wishes to aspiring traffic officers
Chikunga extends well wishes to aspiring traffic officers
Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga has conveyed her well wishes to trainee officers, who will be embarking on the final selection process to train as traffic officers.
These officers are part of the national recruitment drive undertaken by the Road Traffic Management Corporation to reduce unemployment and create job opportunities for the youth, women and persons with disabilities
“We anticipate enrolling 600 trainee traffic officers to officially commence training on 1 June 2024. It is pleasing to note that about 40% of traffic officer recruits who are due to start training this year are females. Traffic law enforcement has historically been the domain of men,” the Minister said on Wednesday.
These trainees will enroll on a three-year traffic officer’s curriculum at a National Qualification Framework (NQF) level six, which is an equivalent of a national diploma. The NQF level six qualification was introduced in 2019 and the first cohort of 257 traffic officers trained on this curriculum graduated in 2023.
Addressing the trainee officers in Pretoria, the Minister explained that the training comprises compulsory knowledge modules (which is theory), practical modules, and work experience modules. Crime prevention forms an integral part of the training.
“This new qualification will go a long way towards the professionalisation of the road traffic law enforcement sector, ensuring respect, integrity, discipline, ethics and regaining public respect, as well as improving the ability of officers to enforce the law and reduce road traffic crashes.
“Traffic law enforcement training in our country has undergone a fundamental change to ensure that we produce well equipped officers who are able to effectively contribute to efforts to deal with the scourge of lawlessness which leads to the high number of crashes and fatalities on the roads.
“Poor ethical conduct has severely tainted the reputation of traffic law enforcement among road users, and the public in general. This also contributes largely to the lawlessness on the roads as many road users believe they can get away with transgressions through bribery and corruption,” Chikunga said.
She said she is certain that the recruitment process has been rigorous enough to uphold high ethical standards.
“All recruits, without exception, have undergone a pre-selection vetting process to check criminal records, verification of qualifications and checking biographical history to determine suitability for selection into the training programme.
“All the candidates will have to undergo medical assessment and only those who pass the assessment will be enrolled. After completing the course and on appointment as traffic officers, they must again be vetted in their first year of operation as officers and this must be repeated every five years to ensure that they remain on the straight and narrow. This is the only way to restore dignity and respect to our officers,” the Minister said.
The event took place at the newly upgraded Boekenhoutkloof Traffic Training Academy, which is set to serve as a Centre of Excellence in traffic training in South Africa, once construction of the second phase and third phase are completed.
“The accepted cohort of recruits will be the first ones to undertake training in these awe-inspiring premises when they officially open their doors in the next few weeks.
“Since 2019, training of our traffic officers was taking place at rented facilities while this 21st century academy was under construction. We commend the RTMC for their visionary insight in construction of these facilities as the outstanding home for traffic officer training in the country,” Chikunga said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 04/24/2024 - 12:15
194 views
NPA ‘a long way down the road’ on its vital rebuild
NPA 'a long way down the road' on its vital rebuild
National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), Advocate Shamila Batohi, has stated that despite unrelenting pressure and the devastation of State capture, the turnaround of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has been remarkable.
Batohi was speaking during a media roundtable on the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) priorities and strategic initiatives held at the entity’s headquarters in Pretoria.
Batohi – who was appointed as NDPP in 2019 – said the rebuild of what was then a “fractured” organisation, truly began when a full leadership was appointed.
“In March of 2021 we had, finally, the full leadership in place. We could really start properly, as a full leadership team, thinking about this rebuilding process. What we have achieved in that just over three years, is nothing short of remarkable.
“The NPA now is a well run constitutional entity. We have a solid strategy. There are many incredible strategic initiatives… that put the NPA firmly on track to deliver to the people of this country,” she said.
Reflecting on her tenure so far at the entity, Batohi said she came in believing that State capture cases in particular would have moved faster.
“When I came back from the International Criminal Court [where I was a senior legal advisor to the Prosecutor], I had a sense of the challenge and I thought, 'how difficult is it going to be to get one really big corruption case that’s going to swing sentiment around very quickly'?. I was really quite wrong about that.
“In so far as State capture related cases… I thought we would have been further down the line. For everything else in the NPA, I’m incredibly proud of what we have achieved and how far we’ve come since the new leadership came in,” she said.
Stated objectives
Batohi looked back on some of the objectives that she set when she took office, including:
- Addressing the leadership crisis of the NPA.
- Conducting a review of high profile cases relating to the decision to prosecute or not.
- Reviewing the structure of the NPA.
- Securing sufficient budget for the NPA and expanding its partnerships.
- Managing cases related to State capture.
- Creating the Investigative Directorate (ID).
- Stakeholder management.
- Strengthening staff morale and empowerment.
- Instilling the value support of the Independence, Professionalism, Accountability and Credibility pillars.
“It’s not been easy. We’ve been, in the past five years, really hard at work under a lot of pressure. The pressure… in the past five years, has been unrelenting, mainly with regard to State capture. But in the middle of all of this, we’ve been doing incredible work to turn this ship around.
“We’ve stabilised the leadership of the NPA. [The NPA executive]… are the people of the highest standards of integrity, who will do only what the Constitution and the rule of law demands. We have increased staff capacity and capability. We’ve partnered with civil society and the private sector to secure specialist skills that we need in certain very high profile and complex corruption related matters.
“We’ve established the office of ethics and accountability in the NPA. We’ve developed a very forward looking organised crime strategy. We have really focused a lot on building the NPA into a strong entity once more. We’ve come a long way to do that,” she said.
Batohi said since the objectives were set out in 2019, the global landscape has changed dramatically with “deeply troubling” geopolitical tensions, outbreak of conflict and a world impacted by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are working in an environment where… it’s a complex political environment. We have a country where we have load shedding, the poorest and most vulnerable are without basic amenities. We have a country that is wracked by the highest levels of various types of crimes.
“It is in this context… that, as the NPA and as a country, we can’t give up hope. We have to… keep fighting the good fight. And that we have to, as the NPA, being a vital Constitutional entity that’ll contribute to the rebuilding of this country… [we have to] keep fighting the best we can and [the best] we know,” Batohi said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 04/24/2024 - 12:57
79 views
Enhance Your Food Storage Game with Polystyrene Containers in South Africa
Pretoria, April, 23, 2024: As food becomes an essential element of modern living, maintaining freshness and safety during transportation and storage is of utmost importance. From catering businesses and fishing enthusiasts alike to picnic enthusiasts and individuals looking for reliable food storage containers choose our top-quality polystyrene containers for sale in South Africa for its …
Harsh Arctic Test for Electric Range Rover
Pretoria, South Africa, 23 April 2024: Range Rover Electric will lead the way for electric propulsion capability, refinement and luxury travel, with the first vehicle prototypes now deployed at some of the world’s most challenging test locations. The all-electric drivetrain is now being put through its paces at extremes of temperatures, from -40°C in the …
PRASA’s efforts to ensure trains run on time
PRASA’s efforts to ensure trains run on time
The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa's ongoing efforts to re-signal its network in phases will go a long way to improving efficiency and making sure that commuter trains are reliable and punctual.
PRASA embarked on a journey to upgrade its near obsolete and outdated signalling system.
“When PRASA suffered massive theft and vandalism of the rail infrastructure, the newly installed state-of-the-art electronic interlocking and signaling equipment was not left unscathed. In rebuilding the rail infrastructure, PRASA is re-installing the stolen and vandalized signaling equipment. Through a project that would take seven years to complete, PRASA is re-signaling the network in phases. Nationally, PRASA has re-signalled six of the lines recovered,” Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga said on Tuesday in Cape Town.
The Minister made these remarks during the launch of the train production of 200 modern high-tech Electric Multiple Units (EMUs), which are manufactured locally in Gauteng.
The launch marked significant progress towards PRASA's overarching goal of producing 600 X’Trapolis Mega Trains.
“PRASA is installing a state-of-the-art signaling system, including PRASA train control systems in line with the European Rail Traffic Management System. This will ensure that PRASA runs trains more efficiently, improving service frequency and enhancing the safe passage of trains on the rail network.
“PRASA has re-signaled 24 of the 39 stations from Cape Town to Simonstown. This means the train speed has been increased from 30km/hr to 75km/hr and commuters getting to their destination much faster. When there was no signaling on the line, trains were running every 90 minutes and the trip to Cape Town station was one hour and ten minutes. PRASA has reduced the journey time to 45 minutes and trains run every 20 minutes,” Chikunga said.
In real terms, this means that PRASA has now increased the number of trains it runs during peak from three to nine trains.
“No more will a commuter who missed a train, have to wait for one-hour and ten minutes to catch the next train, because another train will be available within 20 minutes. We are improving efficiency and making sure that PRASA delivers a reliable and punctual commuter rail service that commuters can depend on, improve on-time performance and minimize disruptions,” the Minister said.
The six re-signalled in the country include, Mabopane – Pretoria; Saulsville – Pretoria; Pretoria – De Wildt; Cape Town – Simonstown; Mutual – Langa and Umlazi – Reunion.
“Work is underway to upgrade signaling in KwaZulu Natal. The installed signaling nationally is the latest state of the art compatible with automatic train protection (ATP) systems, GSM-R/FRMCS Digital Radio Network Communication.
“The organization is also working on installing its own PRASA Train Control System (PTCS) for the KwaZulu-Natal Region. This system will bring the operations of the Region in line with the modern urban railways around the World,” the Minister said.
This morning Chikunga was accompanied by the PRASA Board of Control and Management during a train ride on the Southern Line in the Western Cape from Fish Hoek to Cape Town Station.
“PRASA is making significant strides in restoring passenger rail services. To date, 31 of the 40 lines it operates in have been partially recovered. The region has 14 lines across five municipalities, not just in the City of Cape Town. To date, PRASA has partially recovered 12 of the 14 lines.
“Of the 39 stations on the corridor, only 13 stations were operational. To date, all the 39 stations are operational, with a full train service. To date, PRASA has transported over 13 million commuters, with more than half (57%) transported on the Southern Line.
“Progress is being made to recover the Central Line from Phillippi to Nolungile and trains are expected to run by the May this year, adding to the services already running from Cape Town to Nyanga on the Central Line. At that time, trains will be running from Cape Town to Nyanga and all the way to Nolungile,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Tue, 04/23/2024 - 12:51
206 views
Government makes progress in recovering rail services
Government makes progress in recovering rail services
While commuter rail services have deteriorated due to criminal syndicates over the years, government is making significant strides in restoring passenger rail services that are reliable, safe, modern and affordable.
“To date, the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has restored 31 of the 40 lines nationally, with over 263 of the 463 stations that were vandalised refurbished to basic functionality,” Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga said on Friday.
The Minister made these remarks after taking a trip on a train from the Nancefield to Johannesburg line, which was reopened recently.
In Gauteng, PRASA has recovered six more lines that were targeted for the 2023/24 financial year.
Trains are now running from Hercules to Belle Ombre, Pretoria to Kaalfontein, Leralla to Germiston, Germiston to Johannesburg, Germiston to Elsburg, Johannesburg to Naledi, Johannesburg to Nancefield, Johannesburg to Florida, connecting the three great municipalities of Gauteng: Pretoria, Ekurhuleni, and the City of Johannesburg - all the way to the West Rand.
“I am also pleased to tell you that since the recovery of the passenger rail services in the 2020/2021 financial year, over 70 million passenger trips have been made to date, from a low base of 7.4 million passenger trips made in the 2020/21 financial year. That is more than a tenfold increase and that makes us proud.
“Since the recovery of the Nancefield line, this service alone is making over 1 000 passenger trips per day. Though we are not where we should be, this marks a significant improvement, and illustrates the demand for the service. It also tells the story that people are gradually choosing rail as their preferred mode of transport,” the Minister said.
PRASA anticipates that the numbers will steadily increase as more lines and stations are reopened.
“With the reopening of the Nancefield to Johannesburg railway line, we are seeing the transformative power of commuter rail services.
“Residents from Klipspruit, Mlamlakunzi, Sebokeng, Orange Farm, can now travel to industrial parks in Braamfontein, Germiston and various destinations by train. We are connecting people to places of work and economic opportunities - affordably.
“For soccer fans who enjoy watching games at the stadium, they can now travel to their favourite stadium via the Orlando station,” she said.
Chikunga said commuters have expressed that they are relieved now that the trains are back and can get to their various destinations on time, without the stress and uncertainty that came with the old PRASA train services.
“The people I have interacted with through this recovery journey appreciate the new high-tech trains, Isitimela Sabantu that we are rolling out on our corridors, proudly manufactured right at our backyard in Dunnottar, Gauteng.
“The people love the security features that come with the trains, they love the automated doors, the voice command that tells them of the next stopping stations and the air-conditioning system. More importantly, they appreciate the savings they make on travelling costs. They can now put more money back into their pockets,” the Minister said.
Chikunga said by providing affordable and efficient transportation options, government has empowered marginalised groups, improved access to opportunities, and fostered greater social and economic inclusion.
“Our people now have access to comfortable, modern trains that get them to their various destinations on time with the comfort of knowing that there is security onboard the train and on the station platforms.
“Work continues on these lines and the stations. Soon, residents from Katlehong, Springs, Midway, Roodepoort to Residentia, will be able to access these services.
“Our work now is to increase the frequency of the trains and reduce the waiting times for the next train to arrive. It is what they are asking for. The National signalling project has started in earnest,” the Minister said.
The new modern signalling system will ensure that trains run frequently and safely and this is while work continues to rehabilitate the stations.
“As national government, we made a commitment to not only empower our people but transform their lives. The investment made through our capital projects ensure that the economy continues to be the beacon of hope for many South Africans.
“Through the passenger rail capital projects, around R30 billion has been invested over the last two years to stimulate the economy, and over 5000 jobs have been created nationally just this last financial year,” the Minister said.
Another 312 jobs were created just on the rebuilding of the Nancefield line and16 local Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) appointed, boosting the local economy in these areas.
“The skills and on-job experience acquired go a long way in improving the lives of our people. The reopening of train services has also breathed in new life to the secondary/informal economy that was almost decimated when train services were suspended.
“Traders can now earn a living at our stations selling their products to commuters and visitors of various stations. We are making a positive impact on their well-being,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Fri, 04/19/2024 - 11:14
508 views
Pandor welcomes Egypt into family of BRICS nations
Pandor welcomes Egypt into family of BRICS nations
International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor, has welcomed Egypt into the family of BRICS nations.
“This development further enhances the role the South plays in global matters,” she said on Friday.
The BRICS grouping of major emerging economies – Brazil, India, China, South Africa and Russia – has admitted four new members. These include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates.
Pandor was speaking in Pretoria where she was co-chairing the 10th Session of the Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC) with her counterpart, Egypt Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sameh Shoukry.
Meanwhile, Pandor said South Africa and Egypt need to exponentially increase trade and investment.
“In this regard, partnerships between our private sectors and Sstate-owned entities are crucial. This also entails the need to formally establish and launch a Business Council,” she said.
The Minister announced on Friday that a decision on the Business Council has been taken and once operational, this structure will go a long way in coordinating and galvanising trade and investment opportunities.
She also asked her counterpart to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), which will facilitate easier trade.
“As an important blueprint and contributor to integration, the AfCFTA lessens the barriers towards trade, promotes preferential trade and provides an enabling framework, which will be mutually beneficial to both our two countries and the continent in general.”
She stated that long bonds of friendship, solidarity and collaboration underpin their relationship.
Pandor also paid tribute to Egypt for supporting the country’s anti-apartheid movement, which eventually led to the demise of the old order and the creation of a democratic and free South Africa.
Pandor believes that the depth and impact of the bilateral relationship is very important. “The Cape to Cairo nexus should not only be one of our guiding lights but should highlight the importance of regional integration.”
JCC
Meanwhile, Pandor said the framework provided by the JCC entails that the constituent committees cover a wide range of areas of bilateral cooperation.
These include trade and investment, agriculture and agro-processing, infrastructure development, water resources management, health, financial services, tourism, transport, information technology, communications, women and people with disabilities, judicial matters, sport, arts and culture, people-to-people links and consular issues.
She also announced that several Agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) are expected to be concluded during the session.
Conflict
She highlighted several conflicts and wars that have erupted and called on the international community to be vigilant and redouble its efforts to promote peace, stability and development.
“The United Nations, our premier guarantor of global order as enshrined in its charter, and the regional organisations should remain seized and be decisive in addressing these matters.”
However, Pandor said the world was witnessing an attack on the global system of multilateralism and its institutions of governance.
“The world is seeing the rise of unilateralism and impunity that threatens to erode the very foundations of multilateralism, international law and the creation of a just and equitable world.”
South Africa, she said, is deeply concerned about the unfolding tragedy that has befallen the people of Palestine.
“The catastrophe that is happening before our eyes in the Gaza Strip, with the destruction carried out by the occupying state of Israel, and the humanitarian disaster therein, is a collective blemish on the moral conscience of the world.”
She also spoke about the unresolved plight of the Saharawi people.
“Silencing the Guns on our continent is a pressing challenge that the African Union and the Regional Economic Communities should continue to address.”
She reiterated South Africa’s position, which views dialogue, mediation and negotiations as vital for the peaceful resolution of conflicts.
“In this regard, it is important not to further delay the reforms needed to transform the United Nations, particularly the United Nations Security Council, and for it to reflect the realities of today. In this endeavour, although North-South collaboration remains important, the Global South should remain united in ensuring that its voice is resoundingly clear.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 04/19/2024 - 15:32
83 views
El Niño effect on Southern Africa to be addressed by government agencies, partners
El Niño effect on Southern Africa to be addressed by government agencies, partners
Southern Africa is in the grip of an urgent crisis, according to the Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN).
According to the FANRPAN, a record-breaking dry spell lasting over 30 days is scorching countries – Angola, Botswana, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
“El Niño and climate change are fuelling this disaster, inflicting severe damage on crops and livestock over the past five years,” the institution said.
The FANRPAN is a pan-African network that provides independent evidence to inform policy processes at national and regional levels.
Its mandate is to co-ordinate policy research and dialogue and recommend strategies for promoting food, agriculture and natural resources sectors in Africa.
“The situation is dire and demands immediate attention. Widespread crop failure looms in Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Livestock are dying at alarming rates due to a lack of water and vegetation.
“The movement of desperate people and animals is spreading diseases, including those transmissible to humans.”
Meanwhile, over 9 000 cattle deaths have been reported since October 2023.
“This is a humanitarian crisis demanding immediate action. Without urgent intervention, the suffering of affected communities will only worsen.”
The FANRPAN and its partners will have a media briefing on Tuesday, 22 April 2024, at the Agricultural Research Council in Hatfield, Pretoria, to address the matter.
The media briefing will shed light on the scale of the drought in Southern Africa and the steps governments, donors, and international actors must immediately take to save lives and avoid further catastrophes. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 04/19/2024 - 12:49
44 views
First green shoots of recovery in Tshwane
Dear Editor For a municipality that faced serious headwinds across many fronts a year ago, the efforts by the DA-led coalition in Tshwane – under Mayor Cilliers Brink, to register the first green shoots of recovery in the metro is commendable. The mission to rescue the capital city is well underway. All stakeholders in the …
52 Players from 11 Countries to Compete in Basketball Africa League Nile Conference in Egypt
2024 BAL Season (BAL.NBA.com) Continues Friday, April 19 with Nile Conference Group Phase in Cairo; 24 Players with NBA, NBA G League and NCAA Experience to Feature on Nile Conference Rosters; Tickets on Sale Now at BAL.NBA.com and Tazkarti.com; Fans Can Save Up to 35% On Group Packages.
Download document: https://apo-opa.co/4d5ATpa
The Basketball Africa League (BAL) today announced the 52 players from 11 countries across Africa, Europe and the U.S. who will compete in the 2024 Basketball Africa League's (BAL) Nile Conference group phase, which will take place from Friday, April 19 – Saturday, April 27 at the Hassan Mostafa Indoor Sports Complex in Cairo, Egypt*.
The four teams (https://apo-opa.co/3T0x5w8) competing in the Nile Conference group phase feature seven players with NBA and NBA G League experience, 17 former NCAA Division I players, four current NBA Academy Africa prospects, two NBA Academy Africa graduates, six former Basketball Without Borders (BWB) campers, nine players who have participated in the FIBA Basketball World Cup, and 28 players with FIBA AfroBasket experience.
The opening game of the Nile Conference group phase will feature first-time BAL participants Al Ahly Ly (Libya) and Bangui Sporting Club (Central African Republic) facing off at 4:00 p.m. local time / 10:00 a.m. ET. In the second game, home team and defending BAL champion Al Ahly (Egypt) will begin its title defense against two-time BAL participant City Oilers (Uganda) at 7:00 p.m. local time / 1:00 p.m. ET. The complete game schedule is available at BAL.NBA.com.
Tickets are on sale now at BAL.NBA.com and Tazkarti.com, starting at 75 EGP with up to 35% off single game ticket prices by purchasing group packages by emailing BalTickets@thebal.com.
Following the Nile Conference, the 2024 BAL season will continue with the Sahara Conference group phase, which will take place from Saturday, May 4 – Sunday, May 12 at the Dakar Arena in Dakar, Senegal, and feature 2022 BAL champion US Monastir (Tunisia), home team and 2023 BAL runner-up AS Douanes (Senegal), 2021 BAL participant Rivers Hoopers (Nigeria), and first-time BAL participant Armée Patriotique Rwandaise Basketball (APR; Rwanda). Tickets for the Sahara Conference group phase are available at Teewtickets.com, with up to 20% off single game ticket prices when purchasing packages for two, four or all 12 games.
Fans who purchase tickets will also have free access to BAL Fan Zones at the arena in each market.
FUS Rabat Basketball (Morocco; 3-1) and Petro de Luanda (Angola; 2-2) finished as the top two teams at the inaugural Kalahari Conference group phase in Pretoria, South Africa last month. The top two teams from each conference and the top two third-place teams from across the three conferences will travel to BK Arena in Kigali for four seeding games followed by an eight-game, single-elimination Playoffs and Finals from Friday, May 24 – Saturday, June 1. Ticket sales information for the Playoffs and Finals will be announced in the coming weeks.
The 2024 BAL season is reaching fans in 214 countries and territories in 17 languages through free-to- air and paid TV broadcast partnerships with the African Union of Broadcasting, American Forces Network (AFN), Canal+, NBA TV, Tencent Video, TSN, TV5 Monde, Visionary TV and Voice of America (VOA), and livestreaming on the NBA App (https://apo-opa.co/43eJtgR), NBA.com, BAL.NBA.com and the BAL's YouTube channel (https://apo-opa.co/43gfoxt).
Linked here (https://apo-opa.co/4d5ATpa) please find select Nile Conference group phase player and coach storylines.
*Rosters are subject to change and will be updated in real-time on the team roster pages on BAL.NBA.com.
View Nile Conference Group Phase Rosters (https://apo-opa.co/3T0x5w8)
Basketball Africa League Season 4 Nile Conference Hype Video (Credit: Basketball Africa League) (https://apo-opa.co/4avTsAM)
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 will tip off its fourth season in March 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/3IryMxW), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/48G8a76), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/49zyG3f), X (https://apo-opa.co/3wLTzd4), and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/43gfoxt) and register their interest in receiving more information at www.BAL.NBA.com.
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Kodwa welcomes ruling dismissing application by boxing promoters in high court
Kodwa welcomes ruling dismissing application by boxing promoters in high court
The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Zizi Kodwa, has welcomed the high court judgment which threw out an application of the National Professional Boxing Promoters’ Association (NPBPA) to declare that the appointment of the Boxing South Africa (BSA) Accounting Authority is irregular and invalid.
The North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria on Tuesday delivered a judgment dismissing with costs the NPBPA’s application based on lack of legal standing.
According to the SABC, the application was also seeking an order to stop BSA from sanctioning boxing tournaments until a legitimate board was appointed.
In December, the promoters successfully interdicted the BSA board appointed by Kodwa. The Minister then appointed Mandla Ntlanganiso in February as the Acting CEO and Accounting Authority, in terms of the Public Finance Management Act, to temporarily replace the board.
Tuesday’s ruling means Ntlanganiso will remain in his position until May 2024, when a full-time board will be appointed.
“The judgement marks a salutary corrective measure on the path to restoring stability and ethical governance at Boxing SA. For too long, Boxing SA has been bleeding as an institution, with athletes losing match time, and promoters and trainers losing their market share,” Kodwa said on Wednesday.
The Minister believes the court’s decision is an opportunity for all stakeholders in South African boxing to link and focus on the roadmap to reset and revitalise the sport in the country.
“I have repeatedly said that let’s box in the ring and not in the courts.”
“Let us focus, engage, and work together to build this sporting code that lies close to the hearts of millions of South Africans. Let us work together to revive South African boxing,” the Minister pleaded.
Reports state that the NPBPA was ordered to pay the respondents’ costs, including those of the Ministers of Sport, Arts and Culture and Finance, BSA, and Ntlanganiso.
They were also ordered to pay the costs of two counsels, including the Senior Counsel. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 04/17/2024 - 10:20
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