MyZA
News, Directory, Events and Other Stuff
Shipping containers have evolved far beyond their original use for transporting goods across the world. Today, these sturdy and versatile structures are being repurposed for a wide range of applications, from storage solutions to innovative architectural projects. This article delves into the many uses of shipping containers, the availability of shipping containers for sale, and …
A Last Will and Testament is one of the most important documents you can create in your lifetime. It ensures that your wishes are carried out after you pass away, providing clarity and peace of mind to your loved ones. Despite its importance, many people delay the process of drafting a will, often due to …
Need to replace the Lead Acid Batteries in your old inverter? Then the Hubble S100A Lithion Ion Battery is just for you. We know of many people who bought ‘Eskom in a Box’ to tide them over during loadshedding. Most of those trolley inverters contained Lead Acid Batteries – replacing them has become an expensive …
Interventions to make housing affordable
Human Settlements Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi, says the department is forging ahead to implement several interventions to redress the unaffordability of houses for the missing middle.
Announcing government plans and developments in the human settlements sector at a media briefing held in Pretoria on Monday, Kubayi said the department has recognised that the gap market or missing middle continues to face challenges in accessing adequate affordable housing.
“These are the households earning between R3 501 and R22 000 per month, who neither qualify for mortgage finance nor fully subsidised houses,” Kubayi said.
WATCH | Minister Kubayi briefs media
Kubayi said the interventions include First Home Finance, social housing and the Rapid Land Release Programme to encourage people to build for themselves.
Government will also develop a policy to encourage employers to provide housing to their employees and housing access for government employees through the Government Employees Housing Scheme. Government will also strengthen partnerships with stakeholders to collaboratively deliver housing solutions.
Progress
The Minister highlighted that since April 2023, First Home Finance (FHF) has been providing grants for non-mortgage products, and the National Housing Finance Corporation (NHFC) has seen a significant increase in applications from individuals who want government assistance to buy their first properties through FHF.
“Since April 2024, the NHFC has approved about 1 151 of the non-mortgage subsidies at a value close to R160 million. The majority of these are from KwaZulu-Natal (283), Gauteng (160) and Limpopo (263),” Kubayi said.
Kubayi added that the NHFC action plan has identified potential partners who can partner with the corporation as subsidy origination and distribution channels to support the non-mortgage housing programme. This has also been warmly welcomed by traditional authorities, mainly in the Free State, Limpopo, and KwaZulu-Natal.
She said the department will soon launch its first rural First Home Finance housing project at Inanda, north of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
Partnerships
“Over the next five years, the NHFC will also intensify its working relationships with traditional leaders to increase the delivery of affordable housing in rural areas. Another category of partners in the action plan is of building merchants and employers keen on assisting their employees to access adequate housing.
“The recently unveiled strategic partnership between the NHFC with Cashbuild and Capitec for the Zakhelikhaya initiative is a great step towards strengthening partnerships with this category. Cashbuild formulated this programme so that its staff and clients could build their own homes using the First Home Finance grant and a purpose loan from Capitec,” Kubayi highlighted.
By partnering with NHFC, the minister said the programme has been widened to include the broader Cashbuild clientele that qualifies for the subsidy.
She explained that the NHFC and Cashbuild will collaborate in assisting Zakhelikhaya customers to apply for and access First Home Finance subsidies.
“Capitec has partnered with Cashbuild to provide purpose loans to the Zakhelikhaya Project, meaning that the grant will get to its intended beneficiaries a lot quicker than has been the case with just the mortgage products.
“The partnership will also facilitate payment of subsidies to assist Zakhelikhaya clients to buy material and be assisted to build their homes.”
Transfer of old government property
The Minister and Members of the Executive Council (MINMEC) responsible for Human Settlements took a decision earlier this year, to have the old government housing stock to be given back to municipalities or to the people who have been staying there for a long time, by 31 March 2025.
Kubayi said people who have been occupying these houses for more than 20 years will be given the preference to take ownership.
She said all provinces have commenced their work to ensure that they meet the deadline of 31 March 2025.
“All provinces have met municipalities to agree on the transfer of properties to beneficiaries and devolution of vacant land to municipalities. Provinces will continue to engage individual beneficiaries to conclude transfer processes, and we will be monitoring the progress,” Kubayi said.
Once completed, the transfer will economically empower beneficiaries who mostly fall within the gap market. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 08/26/2024 - 15:02
Wendy houses have become a popular choice for many homeowners seeking additional space without the need for extensive renovations or costly construction projects. These versatile structures offer a wide range of uses, from extra storage to a comfortable living space, making them an ideal solution for various needs. In this article, we will explore the …
Gender dynamics and South African societal roles can hinder women’s healthcare as one-in-three women suffer from urinary incontinence, and one-in-four have pelvic floor disorders, conditions often overlooked, leaving many to suffer in silence. Additionally, CANSA reports breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers as the top three cancers affecting women. “At Urology Hospital we aim to dispel …
Creating an engaging and memorable trade show booth is crucial for making a strong impression at any event. Whether it’s a bustling industry expo or a focused trade fair, the design of your display can significantly influence the success of your participation. This guide explores various aspects of trade show design, from booth construction to …
The annual Waterblommetjie Festival returns on Saturday 7 September. Windmeul Kelder and Rhebokskloof Estate outside Paarl will host a fun-filled day of festivities suitable for the whole family. The waterblommetjie (also known as Cape Pond Weed, Water Hawthorne, Vleikos, Aponogeton distachyos (Aponogetonaceae) is an indigenous delicacy that is only found in the Boland area of …
Access to safe and professional abortion services is a critical aspect of healthcare. In areas like Soweto, Randfontein, and Germiston, finding a reliable abortion clinic is important for those who need it. Understanding the Role of Abortion Clinics Abortion clinics provide essential services for individuals seeking to terminate a pregnancy safely and legally. These …
The streets of Jozi are set to come alive with athletic energy and community spirit on Tuesday, 24 September 2024, as thousands of runners gather to participate in one of the city’s most iconic Heritage Day celebrations, the iconic Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K. “The final event in a series of five, the Absa …
In the hospitality industry, guest comfort is a top priority, and the quality of bedding and towels plays a significant part in achieving this. From the choice of mattress protectors to the selection of hotel linen and blankets, each element contributes to the overall experience. Mattress Protectors: A Key Component of Hotel Bedding Mattress …
Get ready for an electrifying return of the Kat Gilardi and Manila von Teez Drag Show at Bay Harbour Market on 20 August 2024! Fresh off their appearance on the Showmax series Beaulah: Queens van die Kaap. Kat and Manila’s preparation for this show is nothing short of meticulous. Every element, from the song choices …
AI and other Tech are fast becoming the biggest sales enablers on the block Sales is a pressure game. You’re juggling leads, chasing targets, and dealing with the endless cycle of follow-ups. But high-performers don’t just work harder—they work smarter by leveraging tech that delivers results. Jacqueline van Rooijen, Owner and Business Growth Consultant at …
First Group’s Chef Samantha Stone serves up inspiration this Women’s Month In the culinary world, the competition can be as intense as the heat in the kitchen. Chef Samantha Stone, Group Food and Beverage Development Manager at First Group, one of South Africa’s leading leisure and hotel management companies, knows this firsthand. Having risen through …
Get ready to groove to the rhythm of spring and indulge in a culinary and shopping adventure like no other at Rosebank Mall’s Spring Street Feast on Saturday, 7 September 2024. From 10h00 to 19h00, the vibrant space adjoining the mall on Bath Avenue will come alive with the sights, sounds, and flavours of this …
We all know that clutter has a way of creeping up on us. Whether it’s the pile of sports gear that’s taken over the garage or those sentimental items that you can’t bear to part with, finding a place for everything can be a challenge. That’s where Crown Relocations South Africa’s new Self-Storage Cube comes …
Innovation is the cornerstone of success in the restaurant industry, where staying ahead of trends and continually improving offerings is vital. Visionary Chef Dario de Angeli, renowned for his innovative culinary approach, shares insights drawn from years of experience in conceptualising and managing successful dining establishments, and now a boutique hotel. He explores the importance …
Johannesburg, South Africa – In the vibrant landscape of South African marketing, Isilumko Activate stands as a beacon of innovation, celebrating over 29 years of excellence in experiential marketing. With a strategic presence in Johannesburg, the company has redefined how brands connect with consumers through dynamic promotions and the effective use of brand ambassadors. Isilumko …
Cabinet welcomes outcomes of the 44th Ordinary SADC Summit
Cabinet has welcomed the outcomes of the 44th Ordinary SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government held in Harare, Zimbabwe, on 17 August 2024.
The Summit had amongst others, urged Member States to implement the SADC Regional Humanitarian Appeal to the El Niño-induced drought and floods, and to continue monitoring weather and climate risks, including the forecasted La Niña event, and develop contingency measures to mitigate the impact of disasters.
The Summit also took note of the coming into effect of the Agreement establishing the Tripartite Free Trade Area among the COMESA, the East African Community and SADC which will provide opportunities for SADC members to tap into an expanded market of 26 countries with a population of about 700 million and a gross domestic product of US$1 trillion.
“On the Israel war against Palestinian, the Summit noted with concern the continuing relentless attack on civilians in Palestine which has resulted in the loss of lives, destruction of property and deteriorating humanitarian conditions and called for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages and the commencement of talks to bring a lasting solution to the conflict,” Cabinet said.
Southern African Railways Association (SARA) Conference
Cabinet has also welcomed the deliberations during the 13th SARA Conference to uplift the rail sector within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) with an aim of facilitating greater trade within the region and take advantage of trade opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Cabinet said a thriving SADC rail industry requires greater rail investment and collaboration within the SADC region to address its many challenges.
“The region’s rail industry has over the years been faced with challenges such as crime, theft and vandalism.
“South Africa is committed to doing its part to create an efficient, connected and modern rail sector, and is implementing policy and interventions, such as the Freight Logistics Roadmap, to revive, support and modernise the capacity and competence of our railways,” Cabinet said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Thu, 08/22/2024 - 13:47
Gauteng’s property market presents a mix of opportunities with varying trends across its regions. Despite modest inflation figures, the demand for property remains strong, especially among first-time buyers and those seeking investment opportunities. Lara-Rachel Spronk, Franchise Sales Manager at Just Property Head Office, looks at the current market and the opportunities available. Overall, Gauteng’s annual …
Cape Town Mayor commits to social housing but residents believe they will be kicked out
To bring this new activation to life, World Champion and net-zero racing team Envision Racing, the greenest team on the grid of the world’s greenest motorsport championship, joins forces with Cartoon Network EMEA, Warner Bros. Discovery’s animated series network, to engage children in the race against climate change. Part of the Cartoon Network Climate Champions …
Centurion, South Africa, 22 August 2024 – The annual Race of Gratitude at Centurion Mall was an electrifying success! On Saturday, 29 June 2024, fitness fanatics and fun-loving walkers gathered to turn the heart of Centurion into a vibrant celebration of community and connection. This wasn’t just any race—it was a powerful gathering where fitness …
The dust on the national elections has finally settled with the newly formed government of national unity described as a ‘market-friendly outcome’ by Business Day. This is good news for those who have been holding off on property investments as real estate interest picks up, particularly in secure estates. “There’s definitely a positive sentiment being …