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Have your say on Scrap Metal Policy

Location: News

Have your say on Scrap Metal Policy

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) has published a request for comments from interested parties on key aspects of the Scrap Metals Policy.

These aspects include:

  • the proposal to extend the temporary prohibition of the export of certain ferrous and non-ferrous waste and scrap metal;
  • the extension of the temporary suspension of the Price Preference System insofar as it relates to certain ferrous and non-ferrous waste and scrap Metal;
  • a further restriction on the export of copper semi-finished products, and
  • temporary prohibition of the export of used or second hand rails and subject rails to Export Control.

On 15 June 2023, a trade policy directive and notice were published that ferrous and non-ferrous waste and scrap metal may not be exported from South Africa for six months from June to December 2023.

In addition, the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (ITAC) suspended the operation of the Price Preference System for the exportation of ferrous and non-ferrous waste and scrap metal for the same period.

The trade directive and notice forms part of Phase 1 of the Policy Implementation Actions on Measures to Restrict and Regulate Trade in Ferrous and Non Ferrous Metals Waste, Scrap and Semi-Finished Ferrous and Non Ferrous Metal Products to Limit Damage to Infrastructure and the Economy published in Government Gazette No. 47627.

Last year Cabinet considered and approved a comprehensive package of measures to address damage to public infrastructure and the economy by restricting the trade of waste scrap and semi processed metals.

Below is the link to the new gazette:

http://www.thedtic.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/Scrap-Metals-Gazette-49765.pdf

Comments can be hand delivered to the Director General of the dtic at 77 Meintjies Street, BlockA, 1st floor, Sunnyside, Pretoria or via email on scrapmetalpolicy2023@thedtic.gov.za. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Fri, 11/24/2023 - 10:42

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Review of the progress towards the International Health Regulations (IHR) (2005) implementation in South Africa

Location: News

World Health Organization (WHO) - South Africa
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The National Department of Health (NDOH) , in collaboration with provincial health departments, the World Health Organization (WHO) in South Africa and partners such as John Hopkins  Program for International Education in Gynecology and Obstetrics (Jhpiego), the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) and the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), convened the National International Health Regulations (IHR) Committee to review progress toward IHR (2005) implementation. The review meeting took place from November 20 to 22, 2023, at The Capital Menlyn Maine Hotel in Pretoria, Gauteng Province.

This review meeting was a follow up of the National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS) meeting which was held May 25 and 26, 2022 in South Africa. The review's objectives were to:

  • Provide feedback on the Program Management for Epidemic Preparedness (PMEP) workshop, held between 1-6 October, 2023 in Nairobi Kenya.
  • Orient the IHR committee members on the NAPHS process.
  • Review and document progress report of IHR (2005) implementation using the electronic State Party Annual Reporting Tool (eSPAR) for 2023
  • Review progress on the implementation of the recommendations of the Joint External Evaluation (JEE) as detailed in the NAPHS.
  • Update the existing NAPHS using the updated NAPHS matrix and prioritize activities for the annual operational plan (AOP) of 2024.
  • Discuss the plans for the country's second JEE that is slated for the second quarter of 2024.

The facilitators included technical officers from WHO South Africa, the NDOH, and the NICD. Participants were multi-disciplinary and included the National IHR Focal Points, Epidemiologists, Communicable Disease Control Coordinators, Disease Surveillance Officers, Laboratory personnel, Port Health Officers, Environmental Health Practitioners from the Department of Health and Border Management Authority, Food Control experts, Antimicrobial Resistance Specialists, Animal Health, Infection Prevention and Control experts, State Security Civil Aviation Authority, and experts from other departments and partners critical to the implementation of the IHR in the country.

During the meeting, participants were updated on the WHO perspective on IHR (2005), as well as the country road map. Participants were also taken through the prioritization, assessment synthesis for quality planning, costing, resource mapping, and budget advocacy processes. The review methodology included plenary updates on the progress report for 2022, as documented on the eSPAR, as well as the status of NAPHS implementation. The participants then worked in groups corresponding to their respective technical areas to update the eSPAR for 2023, review the NAPHS matrix, and develop the annual operational plan for 2024. The recommendations from the first JEE, the after-action review reports, simulation exercises, the one-health national bridging workshop, and the IDSR strategic plan served as the source documents for updating the 2023 eSPAR and the 2024 NAPHS AOP.

This review meeting provided an opportunity for stakeholders to improve their knowledge of IHR and to commit to jointly strengthening the country's preparedness and response by applying lessons learned from recent emergencies and outbreaks such as COVID-19, cholera, and listeriosis outbreaks. The following proposals from the National IHR Focal Point were adopted by the participants:

  • Preparing a debriefing report to the Director-General for Health on the country IHR implementation progress, challenges and key recommendations.
  • Finalizing and submitting the 2023 eSPAR country report before the due date in compliance with the IHR requirements
  • Conduct a follow up national IHR committee meeting in February 2024 to review progress on the SPAR, the NAPHS AOP, and preparations for the second JEE.
  • Conducting self-assessment for JEE in June 2024.
  • Conducting the second JEE in August 2024.
  • Holding a Public Health Security Conference in November 2024.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) - South Africa.

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Leading Spinal Health in Centurion

Location: MyPR

Centurion, November, 2023: Dr. Vicki Ferreira Chiropractor – Leading Spinal Health in Centurion Centurion, South Africa – Dr. Vicki Ferreira, a renowned chiropractor based in Centurion, Pretoria, is pleased to announce her commitment to providing exceptional chiropractic care for the entire family. With a Master’s degree in Chiropractic from the University of Johannesburg, Dr. Vicki specializes …

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Brooklyn Care: A Sanctuary Where Residents Become Family

Location: MyPR

Pretoria, November, 2023: Frail Care Pretoria – Brooklyn Care: A Sanctuary Where Residents Become Family Pretoria, South Africa – Frail Care Pretoria – Brooklyn Care, a premier luxury frail care facility, is proud to announce its commitment to providing professional 24-hour nursing care in a setting where dignity and comfort are paramount. Situated in the …

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Your Gateway to Pain-Free Living

Location: MyPR

Pretoria, November, 2023: Joint Health Chiropractic Pretoria – Your Gateway to Pain-Free Living Pretoria, South Africa – Joint Health Chiropractic Pretoria, led by the esteemed Dr. Nerina le Roux, is proud to announce its continued commitment to providing exceptional chiropractic care to the residents of Pretoria. With a natural approach to health care, the clinic stands …

Read moreYour Gateway to Pain-Free Living

Beautifying Centurion One Garden at a Time

Location: MyPR

Centurion, November, 2023: Super Green Garden Services – Beautifying Centurion One Garden at a Time Centurion, South Africa – Super Green Garden Services, the premier garden maintenance provider in Centurion, is proud to announce its continued commitment to bringing professional and hassle-free garden care to the community. With nearly a decade of experience, Super Green Garden …

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Excellence in Automotive Service and Repair

Location: MyPR

Pretoria, November, 2023: Moreleta Service Centre: Excellence in Automotive Service and Repair Moreleta Service Centre, Pretoria’s premier RMI Approved Car Service and Repair Centre, is proud to announce its continued commitment to providing exceptional automotive care and customer service. With a focus on quality, affordability, and expertise, Moreleta Service Centre stands as a beacon of trust …

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Your Partner in Ensuring a Pest-Free Environment

Location: MyPR

Pretoria, November, 2023: Pest Control Experts: Your Partner in Ensuring a Pest-Free Environment Gauteng – Pest Control Experts, Gauteng’s premier pest management service, is dedicated to providing top-tier pest and vermin extermination services, ensuring peace of mind for homeowners, office spaces, and industrial premises. With a highly trained team of exterminators, Pest Control Experts are …

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The Smart Way to Plod, Remove, or Deliver Anything Anywhere

Location: MyPR

Gauteng, Cape Town, Durban, November, 2023: Loadit: The Smart Way to Move, Remove, or Deliver Anything Anywhere Loadit, the innovative logistics platform, is revolutionizing the way South Africans handle their delivery and removal needs. With a commitment to convenience, reliability, and efficiency, Loadit offers a seamless solution for moving, removing, or delivering items with just a …

Read moreThe Smart Way to Plod, Remove, or Deliver Anything Anywhere

Condolences for Commission for Gender Equality Commissioner

Location: News

Condolences for Commission for Gender Equality Commissioner

Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, has joined the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) in mourning the passing of Commissioner Lindiwe Octavia Ntuli-Tloubatla.

The Commissioner passed away on Monday following a long illness.

Ntuli-Tloubatla joined CGE after her appointment as Commissioner by President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2019.

Within the Commission, she served in various committees, including Human Resource, Education and Research and Legal. 

A graduate of the University of Limpopo, University of Pretoria, University of South Africa, and Regenesys School of Public Management, Ntuli-Tloubatla had  extensive knowledge and experience in gender transformation and women empowerment.

Dlamini-Zuma said together with other Commissioners, Ntuli-Tloubatla championed the constitutional mandate of the Commission for Gender Equality and its obligations by ensuring an organisational framework for compliance, governance, and effective functioning, which are today the strategic pillars for implementation of the Commission’s mandate.

“It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we lose a dedicated individual who was dedicated to advancing the course of gender equality in South Africa. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and colleagues during this difficult period,” Dlamini Zuma said.

Also sending its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and relatives of the late Commissioner, the CGE said Ntuli-Tloubatla was a committed leader and passionate gender activist, and will be dearly missed by the Commission and society.

“She was so passionate about human rights and human capacity development. As the Commission we mourn and henceforth celebrate a life well lived. Indeed, the country will surely miss her.

“Her memory and what she laboured for will be her legacy. We shall never forget the footprints she left behind,” CGE Chairperson, Advocate Nthabiseng Sepanya-Mogale said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Thu, 11/23/2023 - 11:39

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The Philippine Embassy Participates in First ASEAN Film Festival in South Africa

Location: News

Department of Foreign Affairs, Republic of the Philippines
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The Philippine Embassy in Pretoria jointly organized the inaugural ASEAN Film Festival (AFF) in South Africa which was held from 17 to 19 November 2023 at The Bioscope Independent Cinema in Johannesburg.

The Embassy took the lead in the preparations for this flagship cultural diplomacy project which was also participated in by resident diplomatic missions of Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand  and Viet Nam. 

The AFF formally kicked off with a simple ceremony on 17 November 2023 which was attended by government officials, members of the diplomatic corps and the general public. The highlight of the program was the delivery of speeches by Ambassador Myint Swe of Myanmar on behalf of the ASEAN-Pretoria Committee (APC), and Director for Southeast Asia Raymond Medhurst of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) representing the South African government. The screening of Bad Genius of Thailand immediately followed the ceremony.

In true ASEAN style, participating missions took the opportunity to showcase their respective culinary heritage, with the Philippines serving puto (steamed rice cake) and pichi-pichi (grated cassava).

The Philippines' Ang Dalawang Mrs. Reyes (The Two Mrs. Reyes) was the closing film of the AFF. Released by Star Cinema in 2018, it is a good representation of the emerging mainstream LGBTQI+ cinema in the Philippines. The film revolves around the themes of love, acceptance and forgiveness, which resonate well with the South African audience. 

Members of the Filipino community in South Africa also attended the screening who appreciated the film's modern and progressive view on gender and human relationships.

In his brief description of the film before the start of the screening, First Secretary and Consul Maurice A. Tiempo highlighted Philippine cinema's independent and rebellious spirit. He remarked:

Philippine cinema is always about pushing boundaries. Since the country produced its first film in 1919, Filipino filmmakers have experimented with various themes, narrative structures, as well as visual styles and techniques. Filipino filmmakers are also not afraid to tackle polarizing or taboo subjects.

There is also that strong tradition in Philippine cinema to use the powerful medium of film as a form of social commentary. Through the years, the Philippine film industry has produced a significant number of films which convey the aspiration of the Filipino people for a more inclusive and progressive Philippines.

To the delight of the crowd, the Embassy ended the screening by giving away Philippine home decors and other Filipiniana items as raffle prizes.

Reflecting on the Embassy's successful participation in the AFF, Philippine Ambassador to South Africa Noralyn Jubaira Baja said “The AFF offered a special platform for the Philippines and other ASEAN countries in showcasing, sharing and honoring the diverse and rich cinematic cultures of the region. Film has the transformative power to enhance cultural and people-to-people understanding between South Africa and the ASEAN region”. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Department of Foreign Affairs, Republic of the Philippines.

Read moreThe Philippine Embassy Participates in First ASEAN Film Festival in South Africa

Government committed to rooting out illegal mining

Location: News

Government committed to rooting out illegal mining

The deployment of some 3 300 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) personnel in the fight against illegal mining is an indication of government’s seriousness of rooting out the scourge.

This is according to Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni.

“Cabinet welcomed the deployment of 3 300 members of the [SANDF] from 28 October 2023 until 28 April 2024, to  support the  South African Police Service  and other law enforcement agencies to deal with illegal mining in the country.

“This deployment affirms government’s commitment to put an end to illegal mining and create conditions for inclusive growth and transformation of the economy,” the Minister said at a post-Cabinet media briefing in Pretoria on Monday.

Turning to crime and corruption, Ntshavheni said Ministers forming  part of the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) cluster have made “progress with work underway to fight against crime” with Police Minister Bheki Cele having already provided an update to the nation on quarterly crime statistics.

Furthermore, Cabinet has welcomed the “successful hosting” of the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council’s (NACAC) National Dialogue.

The dialogue was held last week and deliberated on progress in implementing the National Anti-Corruption Strategy and recommendations of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture.

“The progress includes 8 out of 16 recommended pieces of legislative reforms to address specific recommendations of the State Capture Commission that are now before Parliament. These Bills cover areas such as public procurement, administrative reform, conduct of public servants, reform of intelligence services, money laundering and electoral reform.

“The Asset Forfeiture Unit has been granted freezing orders worth R14 billion for state capture related cases and recouped R5.4 billion of the ill-gotten gains. In addition, the Investigating Directorate has taken 34 state capture and corruption cases to court, involving 205 accused persons,” Ntshavheni said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Mon, 11/20/2023 - 13:06

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Navigating Risk In An Evolving Marketplace

Location: MyPR

3 Key Strategies for Business Consultants to Adopt in Mitigation In the ever-changing landscape of the marketplace, business consultants find themselves facing an array of challenges. Diversifying risk is a key strategy that can be employed to safeguard their practices and ensure long-term success. Jacqueline van Rooijen, Sales Enablement and Growth Specialist explores three effective …

Read moreNavigating Risk In An Evolving Marketplace

SA can expected heat waves this summer

Location: News

SA can expected heat waves this summer

South Africa can expect warmer than normal conditions, with a high chance of the occurrence of heat waves over the interior during the summer season of 2023-2024.

“Temperature wise, the likelihood for warmer than normal conditions is high, with the highest chance over the interior regions of South Africa. From this prediction, it can be inferred that there is a high chance of the occurrence of heat waves over the interior,” South African Weather Service (SAWS) Lead Scientist: Long Range Prediction, Dr Christien Engelbrecht, said on Thursday in Pretoria.

He said South Africa will be affected by the El Niño during the summer season of 2023-2024.

“El Niño events are typically warmer and drier over southern Africa during the summer months. However, current seasonal predictions indicate uncertainty for the typical drier conditions over the north-eastern parts of the country where the current prediction indicates low probabilities for above-normal rainfall.

“Over the remaining parts of the country below-normal rainfall is predicted. Current predictions of the El Niño event indicate that it can become a strong event during the mid-summer months,” Engelbrecht said.

As SAWS continuously monitors the development of El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), Engelbrecht advised the public to follow the monthly updates of the seasonal prediction as the El Niño event can still manifest its influence and change the outlook of the rainfall prediction to become more in favour of below-normal rainfall.

“It is also strongly advised to follow regular updates of the short-term weather forecasts as well as the observed climatic conditions,” he said.

Following Monday’s severe thunderstorm in parts of Gauteng and Mpumalanga, SAWS explained that it was not an unusual event that can only be attributed to climate change.

Monday’s thunderstorm unleashed a hailstorm in the City of Johannesburg in Gauteng and a tornado in the Lekwa Local Municipality in Mpumalanga.

In the Johannesburg area, Midrand was the hardest-hit, with damages that included shattered windshields of motor vehicles and broken windows of residences.

“Isolated incidents cannot be directly attributed to climate change. An increased probability of ‘normal’ severe weather events is most likely to be the result of climate change. However, this does not mean that specific severe weather events can solely be attributed to climate change. Specifically, the storm in question occurred due to a range of factors favourable for its development,” SAWS Senior Manager: Disaster Risk Management, Tshepho Ngobeni said.

On Monday morning, SAWS issued a Yellow Level 2 impact-based warning, or a high likelihood of minor impacts, for severe thunderstorms for districts and metropolitan municipal areas such as Govan Mbeki District in Mpumalanga and the City of Johannesburg. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Thu, 11/16/2023 - 14:08

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Brooklyn Studios student apartments benefit from 360° Plascon Partnership treatment

Location: MyPR

Brooklyn Studios in Pretoria is a complex of fully furnished private studio rooms and apartments offering upmarket student living close to the University of Pretoria’s Lynnwood Road entrance. Its onsite facilities and communal spaces include a clubhouse and swimming pool, indoor gym, yoga square and green room, complemented by spacious rooms and beautiful interiors. Through …

Read moreBrooklyn Studios student apartments benefit from 360° Plascon Partnership treatment

SAWS warns of severe thunderstorms

Location: News

SAWS warns of severe thunderstorms

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a warning for severe thunderstorms resulting in strong, damaging winds and possible large amounts of small hail.

This is expected to cause damage to infrastructure, flooding, damaging winds over the North West, Gauteng, north eastern parts of the Northern Cape, Free State and south western KwaZulu-Natal.

“This warning remains valid until 11pm tonight. In addition, a Yellow Level 1 warning for severe thunderstorms was issued with damaging winds and hail expected over the northern and eastern parts of the Eastern Cape.

“On Friday and Saturday, we expect showers and thundershowers over the central interior extending to the east,” SAWS Senior Manager: Disaster Risk Management, Tshepho Ngobeni.

He was addressing a media briefing in Pretoria on Thursday.

“South Africa, like many other countries across the globe, is prone to hazardous weather events. These include heavy rainfall, severe thunderstorms, droughts, floods, storms and wildfires. Consequently, the need for the people of South Africa to be WeatherSMART cannot be stressed enough.”

He said a WeatherSMART person is safe, more informed, alert, resilient, and has timely access to relevant information and services where matters of weather and climate are concerned. – SAnews.gov.za

 

nosihle
Thu, 11/16/2023 - 14:40

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Balwins Green Edge: Sustainable Homes and Trade-In Program

Location: MyPR

Balwin Properties, a prominent JSE-listed residential property developer in South Africa, has made significant strides in offering a range of sustainable and modern living solutions. Here’s an overview of their recent developments, innovative trade-in program, and sustainability initiatives: Current Developments Balwin Properties offers a range of apartments for sale across various locations in South Africa, …

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Tourism safety a top priority

Location: News

Tourism safety a top priority

The National Tourism Safety Strategy is aimed at fostering a public-private sector partnership to address issues of tourism safety in a more coordinated manner.

“The measures aim to provide an enhanced visitor experience and in the long-term, change perceptions of South Africa as an unsafe destination,” Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille said on Tuesday.

She was addressing members of the Diplomatic Corps in Pretoria on tourism safety issues.

De Lille explained that the National Tourism Safety Strategy is centered on three key themes which include proactive measures, responsive measures and aftercare programmes.

“It is about putting in place mechanisms to ensure that tourists, both domestic and international, feel safe even before arriving at the destination,” she said, adding that the mechanisms seek to ensure quick and effective turnaround time to attend to tourists in distress should an incident of crime occur. 

“This is about stakeholder coordination and communication in terms of messaging and protocols to follow. We have since set up a committee led by the private sector under Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) to develop clear Crisis Management Communications Plan and Protocols. 

“This will ensure that there are clear protocols in place during an incident and that the messaging is same,” de Lille said.

The department has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the South African Police Services (SAPS) on collaboration towards the prevention, investigation and combating of crimes impacting on the tourism industry and the safety and well-being of tourists.

“The MoU Action Plan is being implemented through the Tourism Safety Technical Committee comprising of the Department of Tourism and SAPS. The MoU is currently undergoing revision to ensure that other initiatives being implemented with private sector on safety and security are considered and strengthened. 

“The action plan incorporates both initiatives identified by the Department and by the South African Police Services and to be handled at a bilateral level,” the Minister said.

The Tourism Monitors Programme (TMP) is part of the broader government intervention that involves training, mentorship and deployment of unemployed youth in identified tourism attractions and sites. 

“Government has invested R174 Million for the deployment of Tourism Monitors in this financial year. The key objectives of the programme include: enhancing tourism safety awareness at key tourism attractions and sites, upskilling of unemployed youth and reducing tourist vulnerabilities.”

The Minister said the department will deploy 2 300 Tourism Monitors nationally in entities managed by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) Gardens, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Ezemvelo Nature Reserve, in the national parks managed by the South African National Parks (SANParks), and at airports managed by Airports Company South Africa (ACSA). – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

Edwin
Tue, 11/14/2023 - 15:12

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