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An exhilarating Sportsmans Warehouse Premier Interschools derby between Hoërskool Waterkloof and Hoërskool Monument in Pretoria ended in Waterkloof taking a 26-22 victory to secure bragging rights and a spot in the SDC Noordvaal Cup semi-finals. Waterkloof trailed 14-5 at half-time, but a clinical second half performance, that included a blitzkrieg of three tries in 10 …
Home Affairs opens three offices this Saturday
The Department of Home Affairs is continuing to open selected offices on Saturdays to increase access to services mainly for clients who are unable to visit their offices on weekdays.
The extended service is applicable to certain offices and this Saturday 12 August 2023, the following offices will be open from 8am to 1pm:
The Department will communicate when other offices will be open on the various Saturdays.
“We encourage clients to take advantage of the extended hours on Saturdays to collect documents they have applied for,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Fri, 08/11/2023 - 10:17
The Women’s Premier Division semi-final lineup will be confirmed following the final round of the league phase of the competition this weekend, with the top four teams already confirmed for the playoffs. The Bulls Daisies have clinched top spot in the Premier Division standings – as well as the right to host a semi-final and …
Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hossein Amirabdollahian, who is in Pretoria for the 15th meeting of the Joint Commission of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of South Africa, met with President Ramaphosa of South Africa on Thursday afternoon.
The Iranian Foreign Minister expressed satisfaction with the strong and expanding relations between the two countries and the successful outcome of the 15th meeting of the Joint Economic Cooperation Commission. He emphasized the importance of the constructive agreements reached across different sectors and the preparation of multiple cooperation documents.
Amirabdollahian also announced the Islamic Republic of Iran's acceptance of the invitation to participate in the BRICS summit. President Raisi of Iran will attend the meeting.
He highlighted Iran's vital role in West Asia and South Africa's influence in the African continent, emphasizing the potential for collaboration between Tehran and Pretoria in various fields given their capacities. The top Iranian diplomat warmly welcomed the development of cooperation between the two nations.
President Ramaphosa, in turn, conveyed his greetings to the Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and expressed satisfaction with his acceptance of the invitation to attend the BRICS summit and his upcoming official visit to South Africa in the fall. He described President Raisi's visit as important and stressed the significance of his Iranian counterpart's presence at the BRICS summit and South Africa's keen interest in Iran's participation in the event.
Ramaphosa noted that the BRICS summit holds significant global attention and South Africa fully supports Iran's inclusion as a friendly nation. He stated, "We are pleased with the agreements reached at the joint commission meeting and we are ready to implement them."
Ramaphosa expressed hope that during the upcoming official visit of the Iranian President, several cooperation documents would be signed, leading to the effective implementation of bilateral cooperation agreements across various fields.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Islamic Republic of Iran.
Government to close open shafts, mine holes
The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) has committed to closing all derelict open shafts and mine holes in Riverlea by the end of September 2023, while finalising plans to do the same across the country.
This is due to the illicit activities that have left some communities living in fear.
“Cabinet welcomed the deployment of a special police unit, which is supported by the military, in Riverlea, Johannesburg, to deal with illegal mining in the area.
“In addition, Cabinet commended the arrest of over 194 suspects over illegal mining activities and directed law-enforcement agencies to urgently clamp down on this and other serious crimes in the country,” Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, said on Thursday.
She was addressing a media briefing in Pretoria on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Cabinet has approved the pre-release calendar for the publication of the quarterly crime statistics for the 2023/24 financial year.
“The crime statistics will be released in August and November 2023 for quarters one and two, and February and May 2024 for quarter three and quarter four, respectively. The frequent release of crime statistics is important for monitoring crime trends and better decision-making in the fight against crime,” Ntshavheni said.
Cabinet also approved the submission of the draft National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Amendment Bill of 2023 to Parliament.
“The Bill amends the NPA Act, 1998 (Act 32 of 1998) to provide for the establishment of the Investigating Directorate as a permanent entity within the NPA, and to also strengthen its investigative powers,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 08/10/2023 - 11:29
SA ready to host BRICS Summit
It's all systems go for the 15th BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) Summit, which will be held in Johannesburg later this month.
Taking place from 22 to 24 August, government has indicated that it has concluded the BRICS outreach programmes for various sectors and communities.
“Cabinet was apprised that it is all systems go in terms of South Africa’s readiness to host the 15th BRICS Summit. The last of the BRICS Ministerial Meetings – the BRICS Ministers of Agriculture Meeting – is currently underway, while the Ministerial Meetings of Foreign Affairs, Security, Trade, Industry, Education, Science, Labour, Communications, Health, and Urbanisation Forum have concluded their reports for the Leaders’ Summit.
“These engagements provided governments, organisations, experts and academics from the BRICS nations an opportunity to discuss issues of mutual interest that will enable informed decision-making during the BRICS Summit,” Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, said on Thursday.
She was addressing a media briefing in Pretoria on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on Tuesday.
Russia-Africa Summit
Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa and Russian President Vladimir Putin recently held a bilateral meeting and discussed opportunities to increase trade between the two countries, and for the Russian Federation to increase investments in South Africa.
This meeting took place during the Second Russia-Africa Summit in St. Petersburg, Russian Federation, on 27 and 28 July 2023. Ramaphosa was amongst other African leaders who attended the summit.
“This summit adopted the Russia-Africa Partnership Forum Action Plan, which focuses on strengthening cooperation in areas of politics and security, economics, humanitarian matters, and interests of mutual benefit and prosperity.
“On the sidelines of the summit, African Heads of State and Government, who are part of the African Peace Initiative on the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, held follow-up talks with President Putin on the previously discussed confidence-building measures that will create conditions for a negotiated settlement to ending the war,” Ntshavheni said.
Security in Niger
Cabinet also has noted the impact the security situation in Niger is having on air travel between South Africa/Southern Africa and Western Europe, with negative implications for business and individuals alike and the airline industry, which is just starting to recover from the devastating ravages of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
“Cabinet reiterated government’s condemnation of the coup in Niger and the call for the speedy restoration of a democratic order, and also noted the initiative to restore normality under the Economic Community of West African States,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 08/10/2023 - 11:47
SA universities at risk of losing 10% of academics as they near retirement
Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande, has cast the spotlight on investing in young scholars, as a number of academics in public universities are nearing retirement.
Citing the 2023 Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Indicators Report, Nzimande noted that the proportion of staff over the age of 60 increased from 7.3% in 2011 to 10.4% in 2020.
“This trend implies that public universities will lose about 10% of permanent staff with doctoral qualifications due to retirement within the next five years,” he said on Thursday.
The report found that the percentage of staff aged 20 to 29 declined from 7.9% in 2011 to 5.8% in 2020.
“Although there is an increase in the proportion of staff aged 30 to 39, this increase is lower than that of staff aged over 60. Therefore, there is a need to intensify support to young academic staff through instruments such as the New Generation of Academics Programme,” Nzimande said.
He was speaking at the launch of the annual STI Report in Pretoria.
Commissioned by the National Advisory Council on Innovation (NACI), the report examines investment in research, development and innovation, STI human resources, innovation in manufacturing, digital competitiveness, and the distribution of research and development (R&D) in provinces.
NACI is a leading advisory body to government on science, technology and innovation, and provides evidence-based advice to the Minister.
Because of the department’s various programmes aimed at developing future generations of academics and building staff capacity, Nzimande said the gender gap among academic employees is gradually closing.
“The proportions of male and female researchers are approaching parity,” the Minister said.
However, he noted that the proportion of staff in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields has remained consistent over time.
“This finding is, on reflection, not surprising.
“South African academics, once appointed on a permanent basis, cannot easily be replaced. Given that the typical academic career is around 40 years, universities have often been compared to large tankers, which change course slowly, and with difficulty.”
For the percentage of staff in the STEM fields to increase in relation to non-STEM employees, the Minister believes it would require many universities to change their organisational design, creating more medical schools, engineering faculties, and larger science faculties.
He told delegates that the establishment of the new University of Science and Technology in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng, is an example of the type of intervention that is required.
“The goal of increasing the numbers of graduates in science, engineering and technology (SET) has been stated and repeated in multiple national policy documents since 1994.
“Despite various initiatives over the years to increase the output of SET graduates, the percentage of SET graduates, as a proportion of all graduates, has remained unchanged over the past 12 years.”
On a positive note, indicators show some growth in black doctoral graduates in STEM fields, constituting an increase of about one-third of all doctoral graduates in 2010 to 44% in 2020.
Nzimande said the university would play a leading role in enhancing the growth of critical skills in the STEM fields needed to create jobs, boost the economy, and improve the lives of citizens.
“One manifestation of the multiple crises of social reproduction is that of gender-based violence and the subordinate position of women in society generally.
“The interrelated crises of unemployment, poverty, inequality, and social reproduction also manifest in high incidents of criminality and different forms of violence afflicting many of our communities.”
South African scientists, Nzimande said, have increased their research collaborations with other countries.
He noted that about 20% of the country’s population was counted as “extremely poor” in 2021.
Nzimande is of the view that the STI, with the country’s policy agenda, will require developing solutions to these socio-economic challenges.
“I can assure you today that through our new ten-year plan for STI, we will respond to these challenges.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 08/10/2023 - 12:30
Africa CDC donates vaccine manufacturing equipment to SAHPRA
The Africa Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) on Thursday officially handed over equipment worth US $750 000 (R14 083 950) to the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA), the first recipient in the continent.
According to a joint statement, the tools will support SAHPRA with its regulatory functions relating to vaccine manufacturing.
Africa CDC Director-General, Dr Jean Kaseya, and SAHPRA CEO, Dr Boitumelo Semete-Makokotlela, attended the ceremony in Pretoria.
The African Union (AU) Heads of State established the Partnerships for African Vaccine Manufacturing (PAVM), under the Africa CDC launched in 2021 and its Framework for Action in 2022.
The PAVM aims to steer a bold goal that will enable the African vaccine manufacturing industry to develop, produce and sustainably increase supply, currently sitting at less than 1%.
It is also looking to prop up the National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs) to ensure safe and quality vaccines.
The Africa CDC is working with four other NRAs to boost their capacities to achieve the ambitious goal of manufacturing 60% of vaccine needs on the continent by 2040.
“This donation is a proverbial breath of fresh air for SAHPRA and more importantly, the African continent. This stellar initiative will provide much-needed impetus for SAHPRA to take bold steps to capacitate the authority and the continent in paving the way for renewed vigour and innovation on the continent,” said Semete-Makokotlela.
Meanwhile, Kaseya said Africa CDC’s mission of safeguarding Africa’s health from disease threats such as pandemics would require viable and sustainable manufacturing of health products and technologies on the continent.
“To achieve this noble mission, NRA are our key partners. Today’s ceremony marks an important step in our commitment to support African manufacturing to ensure safe and effective vaccines are produced on the continent,” he said.
The Africa CDC worked with the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) to set priorities such as regulatory process harmonisation, engaging with and strengthening NRAs directly, supporting and strengthening the Regional Centres of Regulatory Excellence (RCORE) platform to facilitate vaccine regulatory oversight, as manufacturing of health products expands in Africa.
Africa CDC is a continental autonomous public health agency of the African Union.
It supports member States in their efforts to strengthen health systems and improve surveillance, emergency response, prevention and control of diseases. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 08/10/2023 - 14:31
Cabinet has zero tolerance for violation of traffic laws
Cabinet has directed the Minister of Transport, Sindisiwe Chikunga, to ensure that any taxi operating in contradiction with the laws of the Republic is removed from the road.
This follows the ongoing impasse between the SA National Taxi Council (SANTACO) Western Cape and the City of Cape Town, which has escalated into a violent strike due to the impounding of taxi vehicles by the City of Cape Town.
While Cabinet noted that there have been no violent incidents in the last 48 hours, Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, said Cabinet condemned the violence and anarchy in Cape Town.
Cabinet also called on SANTACO to ensure that its protest action is peaceful and does not interfere with the rights of others.
“Members of the South African Police Service and other law-enforcement agencies have been directed to ensure the violent situation is under control to allow residents safe movement to school, work and their normal daily activities.
“Cabinet was also briefed about the City of Cape Town’s imposing of taxi operating conditions which are at variance with both the National Road Traffic, 1996 (Act 93 of 1996) and the National Land Transport Act, 2009 (Act 5 of 2009), which regulate traffic offences and the applicable penalties, including the impounding of vehicles,” Ntshavheni said on Thursday.
She was briefing media in Pretoria on the outcomes of a Cabinet meeting that was held on Tuesday. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 08/10/2023 - 11:20
The streets of Johannesburg and Durban resembled a ‘sea of pink’ on Wednesday 09 August 2023 with runners and walkers coming out in their masses to participate in the iconic Totalsports Women’s Race, South Africa’s largest Women’s Day celebration. Irvette Van Zyl was the athlete to beat in Johannesburg, while Cacisile Sosibo showed the ladies …
Government pilots online platform for protection orders
Government is piloting a system in a number of provinces that will enable victims of domestic violence to apply for protection orders online.
“The violence perpetrated by men against women and girls is an assault on our common humanity. Women do not feel safe in their homes, on the street, in places of work and study and worship,” President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Wednesday.
The President made these remarks during his keynote address at the commemoration of Women’s Day at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
He told South Africans that government has responded to the call for tougher bail conditions for perpetrators of gender-based violence (GBV).
“Effective from earlier this month, no police bail may be granted to persons charged with rape or if the victim was in a domestic relationship with the perpetrator. Such bail applications must be formally applied for in court. If the accused was in a domestic relationship with the alleged victim, the court has to issue a protection order against them before releasing them on bail.
“Also effective from earlier this month, gang or serial rapists face life imprisonment, as do perpetrators of date rape, marital rape, child rape and incest,” the President said.
In addition, as of earlier this month, gang or serial rapists face life imprisonment, as do perpetrators of date rape, marital rape, child rape and incest.
This year’s Women’s Month is being celebrated under the theme: ‘Accelerating Socio-Economic Opportunities for Women’s Empowerment'. This theme highlights the need to ensure that all women have access to participate equally in all areas of human endeavour.
“Women do not feel safe in their homes, on the street, in places of work and study and worship. It was in response to this crisis that the first Presidential Summit on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide in 2018 made a firm commitment to undertake a comprehensive, effective and united response.
“Through an extensive consultative process, the National Strategic Plan to Combat Gender-Based Violence and Femicide was launched three years ago. Since then, it has made important progress,” the President said.
More than 12 000 police members have received training to respond effectively to gender-based violence and to focus on the needs of victims.
More than one million DNA collection kits have been delivered to police stations around the country since 2019 and there are now just over 1 000 victim friendly rooms at police stations countrywide.
“Over the last year, we opened three new Thuthuzela Care Centres for victims of gender-based violence, bringing the national total to 62. We are improving access to shelters and associated services for survivors of gender-based violence.
“In January last year, I signed into law three key pieces of legislation, namely the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act, the Criminal and Related Matters Amendment Act, and the Domestic Violence Amendment Act,” the President said.
He said these new laws provide greater protection to survivors of gender-based violence, to ensure that perpetrators are no longer able to evade prosecution, and to strengthen measures to prevent gender-based violence.
Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, said while South Africa has made strides to improve the lives of women since democracy a lot more still needs to be done.
“South Africa is not free…it will only be free when we are free as women. Let us take the District Development Model approach to address GBV. In every ward, every councillor must be at the forefront of the fight against GBV and the religious leader in that ward must also be at the forefront of fighting against GBV.
“Women must have access to justice. They are very serious problems with women accessing justice. The lgbtqia+ community must stop being killed and discriminated against,” the Minister said.
Women in sport
The President paid tribute to the women of the country who are excelling in sport.
“Banyana Banyana and the Protea Netball Team did our country proud recently. Banyana Banyana won the African Women’s Cup and reached the top 16 in the Women’s FIFA World Cup and our Netball Team played very well and are now ranked 6th in the world.
“As a country, we are very proud of our women as they fly South Africa’s flag high. We need to pay them well and their pay must be equal to that of men and even exceed what we pay men,” Ramaphosa said.
Dlamini Zuma echoed the President’s sentiments as she congratulated Banyana Banyana for making history under difficult conditions.
“There is no women soccer league in the country and they get paid less than their male counterparts. The wage gap in South Africa is still there. Our ancestors are happy because Banyana Banyana has made history,” the Minister said.
Premier of Gauteng Panyaza Lesufi said the 9th of August is an affirmation that women are special.
“The 9th of August is not a ritual. It is an affirmation that we will empower women, it is an affirmation that will empower and support women,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 08/09/2023 - 15:48
Government committed to advancing the lives of women
President Cyril Ramaphosa has used his address at the Women’s Day event to encourage all sectors of society to advance and improve the lives of the women and girls of South Africa.
“We must mobilise all of society to support the women of our country on their road to empowerment and the improvement of their lives. As government, we are irrevocably committed to continuing the process of advancing and improving the lives of the women and girls of South Africa,” the President said on Wednesday in Pretoria.
He was addressing the commemoration of Women’s Day, which is being celebrated under the theme, ‘Accelerating Socio-Economic Opportunities for Women’s Empowerment’.
This theme highlights the need to ensure that all women have access to participate equally in all areas of human endeavour.
“We call upon other key role players who control resources and can open opportunities for women to do so. Business is well placed to play a key role in this process of helping to improve the lives of the women of South Africa,” Ramaphosa said.
The President outlined a number of areas that government and the private sector can address to advance and improve the lives of women.
He emphasised the importance of increasing the representation of women in all structures of society.
“Women must be well represented in key positions in government, in management, in the judiciary. The representation of women in decision-making structures continues to improve.
“In Cabinet, half of the Ministers are women. In Parliament, in the judiciary, in the public service, in the armed forces, in the police and in many local councils, we are getting closer to gender parity,” Ramaphosa said.
Acknowledging these gains, he said more needs to be done to achieve a society of true gender equality.
“There must be policies and laws that focus and advance the lives of women. Our laws and policies must have a bias towards improving the lives of women.
“Since the advent of democracy in 1994, we have put policies and laws in place to empower women, improve their lives and advance gender equality,” the President said.
While he called for the prioritisation of the advancement in education, he noted some achievements in that area.
This, as more female learners sit for matric than males. Female learners are achieving more Bachelor’s passes.
In addition, young women make up the majority of students enrolled in higher education institutions.
The President expressed concern on girls dropping out of school, often due to domestic responsibilities.
“As a society and as families and as a nation we must ensure that our girls stay at school and finish school. Women’s health outcomes continue to improve as a result of progressive policies around reproductive health, antenatal care, HIV/Aids and other communicable diseases.
“Even though women’s health outcomes have improved by a number of indicators, women still carry the largest share of the burden of HIV and are more vulnerable to sexually transmitted diseases.
“Despite our laws, women and girls in many parts of the country still struggle to access reproductive health services,” the President said.
Equal representation in the economy
He called for the participation of women in the country’s economy to be improved.
“Our economy remains dominated by men. More women are unemployed than men. Women are more likely to work part-time, unskilled and semi-skilled jobs and for lower pay. Women are disproportionately responsible for unpaid care work.
“As a result of all these factors, women are more vulnerable to poverty, food insecurity and hunger. Even today, nearly three decades after the dawn of democracy, the face of poverty is a black women.
“The emancipation of women therefore cannot be achieved without economic empowerment. Women must also be breadwinners. They must have equal job opportunities and equal pay. They must be able to start, own and manage businesses,” the President said.
He said women need to have the financial security and independence to have control over their lives.
“We are determined to make the most of available resources to make a difference in the lives of young women, women with disabilities, rural women and LGBTQI+ women. We are making a difference in the lives of women in Small, Medium and Micro enterprises (SMMEs), in cooperatives and in the informal sector,” the President said.
Among other things, government is supporting women’s economic empowerment through public procurement.
Government has made a commitment to allocate at least 40% of public procurement to women-owned businesses.
“While government departments are working in earnest to award more contracts to women-owned businesses, we need to do much more. As things stand, less than a third of the companies listed on the government’s central supplier database are women-owned.
“We have trained more than 6,000 women entrepreneurs to take part in public procurement opportunities. The success of this programme has convinced us of the need to train many more entrepreneurs in their thousands.
“The African Continental Free Trade Area will give women-owned businesses in South Africa and across the continent access to new markets and opportunities. We are working with partners on opportunities for women’s employment and entrepreneurship in agriculture, manufacturing, technology, the oceans economy and others,” the President said.
He also mentioned that the green economy presents immense potential for women’s entrepreneurship and empowerment, especially in renewable energy.
“In a number of cities and towns there are many women who are established as green entrepreneurs working in recycling, in greening, in climate-smart agriculture and a number of other avenues.
We call on the business community to support women’s economic empowerment by partnering with small businesses as part of their green economy plans. There is also immense opportunity for young women in public employment initiatives,” the President said.
Presidential Employment Stimulus
Since it was established in 2020, the Presidential Employment Stimulus has provided work and livelihood opportunities to more than 1.2 million people. Of the participants in the programme, more than 60% are women.
The President has reiterated that the just transition to a low-carbon, climate resilient society protects the interests of women, as it does for all those affected, and that it offers opportunities for women workers and women-owned businesses.
Government is supporting women-owned businesses to expand and diversify. We are specifically increasing our support for women-owned SMMEs through the National Empowerment Fund, the Small Enterprise Finance Agency and others.
“Working with the financial services sector, we are looking to close the gender gap so that women can access banking services and credit for their businesses.
“As a country, we have the right policies and programmes in place. Led by the women of our country, we continue to develop policies that will advance their interests.
What we need now is to intensify the collective efforts of all social partners, including business, to do more to financially empower women,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 08/09/2023 - 14:57
Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Nasser Kanaani has announced that Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian will visit South Africa.
The spokesman said, “Mr. Amirabdollahian will leave for Pretoria on Wednesday with the aim of holding a joint commission on cooperation between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of South Africa.”
The foreign ministers of the two countries are in charge of the Joint Commission for Economic Cooperation Between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of South Africa.
This round of meeting will be held after a three-year hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Islamic Republic of Iran.
South Africa records 207 Child Marriages in 2021 - Stats SA
South Africa recorded 207 child marriages in 2021, with 188 kids taken as brides.
This was revealed on Monday by Statistics South Africa to the African Union Special Rapporteur, who is currently in the country to monitor and evaluate progress on how South Africa is performing in its campaign to end child marriages.
The South African office on the Rights of the Child within the Department of Social Development is hosting the African Union Stakeholder Engagement Mission on Child Marriages and Harmful Practices in Pretoria and Johannesburg.
Stats SA’s Director: Education and Child Statistics, Dr Seble Worku, shared that of the 207 recorded child marriages, 188 were brides and 19 were grooms.
She further revealed that 37 of the child marriages were registered as civil marriages and 19 were customary.
“While Dr Worku showed an improvement in children living in low income households at 2.6 million with 4 million in high income households, pensions and grants were still the highest source of income for children in rural areas.
“She revealed that the number of children who lived with only their mothers continued to rise in the country, while the number of orphaned children declined to 11.5% in 2021 from 14.3% in 2002,” the Department of Social Development said in a statement.
The host, Honourable Takam Kembo of Cameroon, the Special Rapporteur and Social and Health Envoy from the African Union Commission are on a mission to conduct a monitoring visit on the progress that South Africa has made to end child marriages and harmful cultural practices against children.
The mission started its series of high-level engagements with the Departments of Social Development, Basic Education, Home Affairs, and Women, Youth and Persons with disabilities.
Today the delegation will engage human rights institutions, civil society organisations and conclude with a session with children.
These engagements will focus on children's rights to capture current progress, challenges, best practice, lessons learned and make recommendations for fast-tracking progress to end violence against women and children.
This monitoring visit comes before the country launches its Women’s Month programme under the theme, 'Accelerating socio-economic opportunities for women’s empowerment'.
Furthermore, this visit is part of a series of visits that the AU Commission is expected to conclude around the region ahead of the upcoming 4th African Girls Summit in November this year.
They will go to Kenya, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Madagascar, Tunisia, Liberia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Seychelles and Namibia.
This continental perspective will allow them to understand successful strategies and practices in different regions of Africa so that countries can learn from one another.
In 2014, the then Chairperson of African Union Commission, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, launched the campaign to end child marriages in Africa.
At the time, the AU Commission estimated that about 14 million adolescent and teen girls were married. To date, more than 30 Member States have responded by accelerating the implementation of ending child marriage programmes and interventions.
The AU Commission team expressed gratitude for South Africa's hospitality and willingness to share insights into their legislative framework and efforts to protect children.
“The AU mission aims to understand how South Africa is working to protect its children. It focuses on examining the child protection system, its effectiveness, and how it addresses various forms of violence such as child marriage, female genital mutilation, and online exploitation and abuse,” Kembo said.
The monitoring mission will evaluate policies and strategies that the country has in place to end various forms of harmful cultural practices against children.
Kembo noted variations in terms of geographical patterns, provinces with high and low prevalence indicating a need for alignment of strategic interventions to the local context.
The Special Rapporteur is expected to produce a detailed progress report with observations and recommendations for the country within six months. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Tue, 08/08/2023 - 12:06
Introducing Loadit: The ‘Uber’ of Goods Transportation in South Africa Johannesburg, August 07 2023 – Imagine a world where transporting goods is as easy as hailing a taxi on your smartphone. Welcome to the reality of Loadit, South Africa’s premier goods transportation service operating in the vibrant cities of Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, and Durban. …
The Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies invites nominations/applications of interested and suitably qualified persons to serve as members of the Evaluation Panel to monitor and evaluate the performance of the Chairperson, and other Councillors of the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA).
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) is a Constitutional Institution, established through section 192 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, Act No. 108 of 1996. Section 192 states that national legislation must establish an independent authority to regulate broadcasting in the public interest and ensure fairness and diversity of views broadly representing South African society.
To promote good governance and accountability by ensuring that Councillors' performance enables the achievement of organisational goals and targets, there is a need to obtain a mixed set of competencies, experiences, and skills to improve performance and ensure that the Authority achieves its objectives.
The nominated persons or applicants must be people with a high degree of integrity, honesty, transparency, ethical leadership, professional competence, and due care, confidentiality, accountability and must understand the public sector governance and legislative requirements. Candidate must have a proven/ successful track record of board/council pe of the following disciplines: -
Nominated persons or applicants must have a minimum of 10 years of Board/Council performance evaluation and at least 10 years of experience in an Executive or Senior Management role in the private and public sector preferably a regulatory environment. Candidates must understand the mandate of ICASA.
Nominated persons or applicants must have a bachelor's degree; a post-graduate qualification will be an added advantage.
The nominated persons must provide the following:
A comprehensive curriculum vitae (CV) supported by a motivation why the candidate is suitable to serve on the Evaluation Panel; certified proof of academic qualifications and an identity document (ID). The CV must include the following information: physical and postal addresses; telephone and e-mail address, previous experience quoting dates, and institutions or organisations concerned and references to the successful board/council performance evaluation.
Preferred candidates will be subjected to security clearance and disclosure of business interests.
Correspondence will be limited to short-listed candidates only. Nominations/Applications must be addressed to:
The Director-General, Department of Communications and Digital Technologies
For attention: Thapelo Mokwana, Deputy Director: Ground Floor, Block B, iParioli Office Park, 1166 Park Street, Hatfield, Pretoria Or Private Bag X860, Pretoria, 0001
Email Address for nominations: nedappointmenticasa@dcdt.gov.za(link sends e-mail)
Enquiries: Ptsolo@dcdt.gov.za(link sends e-mail) or TMokwana@dcdt.gov.za(link sends e-mail)
The Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies reserves the right not to appoint applicants to the Evaluation Panel.
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 08 September 2023
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Department Of Communications and Digital Technologies, Republic of South Africa.
The inaugural Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K is set to see some incredible racing on Sunday 27 August 2023 as the next generation of athletes, Nicholas Seoposengwe and Kabelo Seboko, both running in the colours of Boxer Athletics Club, enter the fray. Nicholas proved that he should not be underestimated when he claimed victory …
Over 100 domestic workers marched to the Union Buildings in Tshwane on Friday
The Organizers of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K are excited to offer a special 10% discount to all companies, clubs, families and friends that enter 10 people or more into this exciting event that will make its Tshwane debut on Sunday 27 August 2023. “The Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series offers the ultimate …
Pretoria, 07 August 2023 – Jaguar TCS Racing has announced Nick Cassidy will join the team’s driver line-up for the 2024 season of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, the second year of the Gen3 era of Formula E. The Formula E race winner and 2023 title challenger will join fellow New Zealander Mitch …
A strong contingent of female elite athletes will commemorate National Women’s Day on Wednesday 09 August 2023 by participating in South Africa’s largest Women’s Day celebration, the Totalsports Women’s Race in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban in support of PinkDrive. Somerset West based athlete Kyla Jacobs will make her Totalsports Women’s Race debut in Cape …
Call for nominations for National Orders
The Presidency has reminded South Africans to nominate candidates, either South African nationals or eminent foreign nationals, for National Orders, as the closing date for nominations approaches.
The closing date for nominations is 31 August 2023.
National Orders are the highest awards that an individual can receive in South Africa for serving the country or attaining personal achievement – both nationally and internationally – “in exceptional ways”.
Director General in the Presidency, Phindile Baleni, reflected on the importance of the awards.
“The National Orders are a platform for the recognition of fellow South Africans and persons globally who, in exceptional ways, have historically made or are currently making important or interesting contributions to all aspects of our national life.
“From politics to popular culture, as well as the recognition of bravery, the National Orders give us an opportunity annually to be inspired by and grateful for people who have done outstanding things to shape our past and our future.
“We therefore invite people from all walks of life and backgrounds – including the youth of our country - to identify from their communities and sectors persons who, on the basis of exceptional achievements or contributions, deserve the honour of a National Order,” Baleni said.
The Presidency explained the different orders that can be obtained:
“National Orders are the highest awards that a country, through its President, bestows on its citizens and eminent foreign nationals.
“The President as the fount of honour in the country bestows these Orders and Decorations and is assisted by the Director-General in The Presidency, who is the Chancellor of National Orders and an Advisory Council on National Orders, in the execution of this responsibility,” the Presidency said.
Nomination forms can be obtained at https://www.thepresidency.gov.za/download/file/fid/2785 and submissions must include:
Nominations can be sent to:
NeoB
Mon, 08/07/2023 - 09:22
Pandor sets sights on increased trade relations with New Zealand
While bilateral economic and trade relations between South Africa and New Zealand continue to increase steadily, more still needs to be done to boost growth.
This is according to the International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor, who was delivering opening remarks during the bilateral meeting with her New Zealand counterpart, Nanaia Mahuta, in Cape Town.
According to the Minister, the total trade between the countries amounts to R3 billion, with exports to New Zealand at a total of R1 billion and imports from South Africa sitting at R2 billion.
South Africa, Pandor said, is currently New Zealand’s 35th export market and the 18th most important source of visitors.
“I’m sure that we can put shoulder to the wheel and work on improving these figures. We have the potential to trade more with each other,” she said on Friday.
New Zealand’s ties with South Africa range from trade and tourism, agriculture, disarmament, fisheries, environment, indigenous and human rights issues, as well as sports.
The Minister reminded delegates that the relations date back to the colonial era and recalled how during apartheid the island country led the way in isolating the regime.
“It’s something we never forget and continue to be grateful for. Who can forget how Labour Prime Minister, the inimitable David Lange in 1984, booted the last apartheid-era Consul General out of Wellington? We were proud to re-establish full diplomatic relations on 19 January 1994.”
She also spoke about how, in line with other Commonwealth countries, New Zealand lifted trade, investment and financial sanctions against apartheid following the inauguration of the first fully democratic South African government in 1994.
New Zealand subsequently established a High Commission in Pretoria in 1996.
“President Nelson Mandela visited your country in 1995 to acknowledge and thank New Zealand for its support during the apartheid regime.
“Your country had one of the strongest and staunchest anti-apartheid movements in the world and the sports boycott that you upheld struck a huge blow to the apartheid regime and helped to bring the world’s attention to our struggle,” Pandor said.
Meanwhile, the Minister said since the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations, the countries have concluded nine signed agreements.
“I am thrilled that we will be signing a Memorandum of Cooperation on Bilateral Cooperation, as this will be another testimony of our growing relations.”
South Africa and New Zealand, she said, work well together in a multilateral arena such as the United Nations (UN) and Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
They also share common views on international issues, such as the protection of the oceans and sustainable agricultural development, and are strong supporters of nuclear non-proliferation.
“We are also two of the five gateway countries to Antarctica. I would like to hear more about how your country unlocks the economic benefits this brings as I am told that Christchurch’s economy thrives as a result, and we would like the same for Cape Town.”
In 2019, Home Affairs Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, announced the changes in visa requirements enabling New Zealanders to enter South Africa for 90 days visa-free for tourism purposes.
Mahuta is expected to attend the Netball World Cup semi-final match in Cape Town on Saturday, 5 August 2023.
“I wish the Silver Ferns well, but not if they are playing against our Proteas,” the Minister quipped.
“I must say that I’m super proud of the way our Proteas played against your Silver Ferns, the reigning champs, and held them to a draw, what an electrifying game.”
Spar Proteas goal attacker, Nichole Taljaard, scored with seconds remaining to earn a 48 - 48 draw against the defending champions New Zealand at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) on Wednesday.
Pandor also congratulated New Zealand for the spectacular opening ceremony of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 08/04/2023 - 10:53
Centurion – Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA) closed off Mandela month at the Edutak Pre-primary Training Centre in Pretoria last weekend. More than a 120 Volkswagen employees and their loved ones volunteered to create a conducive training and learning environment for early childhood development educators. They were joined by Edutak staff and early learning development …