SA News

4 September 2023

Condolences for traffic officer

Location: News

Condolences for traffic officer

The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has expressed deep sorrow over a brutal attack that left one of its National Traffic Police officers dead and another recovering in hospital.

The attack took place in the early hours of Sunday morning when the officers, who were on duty near Diepsloot in Johannesburg, went to get food at a nearby filling station.

“It is believed that a crime was in progress when the officers unknowingly drove into the filling station. They came under fire from the criminals, and one [officer] was fatally wounded and died at the scene,” the RTMC said.

Another officer suffered severe injuries and was airlifted to hospital, where he is in critical condition.

“The RTMC is deeply saddened by the tragic event and sends its sincere condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased officer.

“We pray for the speedy and full recovery of the injured officer. The RTMC will provide psychosocial support to the affected families. Counselling will also be extended to other NTP officers as well,” the RTMC said. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Mon, 09/04/2023 - 09:44

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4 September 2023

Electricity Minister attends African Climate Summit

Location: News

Electricity Minister attends African Climate Summit

Minister in the Presidency for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, has arrived in Nairobi, Kenya, to participate in the inaugural Africa Climate Summit (ACS).

The summit takes place from 4 – 6 September under the theme, ‘Green Growth and Climate Finance for Africa and the World’.

“The summit is hosted by the government of Kenya as the African Union (AU) Chair of the Committee of African Heads of States on Climate Change (CAHOSCC).

“The ACS will draw African Heads of State, global leaders and multiple stakeholders to deliberate, collaborate and exchange knowledge and experiences on climate change action and sustainability in Africa,” the Ministry said in a statement.

The statement outlined the Minister’s participation at the summit.

“Joining the South African delegation - led by the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Barbara Creecy - Minister Ramokgopa has been invited to participate in a ministerial panel focusing on ‘Africa’s Green Hydrogen, Industry & Trade Potential’.

“This session, which takes place today, will outline Africa’s potential for green industrial production and massive untapped green hydrogen production potential, providing the opportunity to meet local, regional and global demand for energy, industrial feedstock and derivative products such as fuels and fertiliser, and to drive significant economic growth.

“On Tuesday, the Minister will participate in the Africa Green Hydrogen Alliance (AGHA) forum, where he will engage in a panel session on ‘Financing Green Hydrogen in Africa – from Bridgetown to Nairobi’,” the statement read.

The proceedings of the summit can be viewed on the following livestreaming links set up by the ACS:

LinkedIn Live Schedule: https://www.linkedin.com/events/7103313166712864768/
YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/CCXHKjaH0F0?feature=share
Website: https://acs23.org/live-stream

Meanwhile, the Ministry said Ramokgopa is concerned following the ramping up of load shedding to Stage 5 on Sunday.

“The Minister is concerned about the current load shedding Stage 5 situation and is in constant contact with the leadership of Eskom’s Generation team to ensure that units are returned to service as speedily as possible,” the ministry said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Mon, 09/04/2023 - 09:37

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3 September 2023

15th BRICS Summit heralds current chapter for the group

Location: News

15th BRICS Summit heralds new chapter for the group

The 15th BRICS Summit held at the Sandton Convention Centre during August was a success that 'heralded a new chapter' for the group.

This is according to President Cyril Ramaphosa who addressed the nation on Sunday evening.

“It was a historic Summit that heralded a new chapter for BRICS.

“The summit was attended by the five BRICS member countries along with representatives of 61 other countries. Forty-six of the countries that attended were from our continent, Africa. This included 20 Heads of State and Government. We were also honoured by the attendance of the United Nations Secretary-General Mr Antonio Guterres.

“The success of the summit is a credit to our country and its people. It is another demonstration of our ability to host major international gatherings that have a significant impact on the conduct of international affairs far beyond our borders. Overall, many people have said that this was a most successful BRICS Summit,” he said.

The President honed in on key decisions and outcomes that were taken during the summit, including the call for a comprehensive reform of the United Nations, including its Security Council.

“This was a most significant decision in view of the fact that it was supported by two BRICS members who are permanent members of the UN Security Council. The reform of the United Nations is important for South Africa and our continent Africa because we stand to benefit from a world that is more fair and from international institutions that are more democratic and more representative.

“In taking this position, the BRICS leaders recognised the desire of many other countries to contribute to redefining the terms of international relations,” he said.

On the second key outcome of the summit – which was to expand BRICS membership invitations to Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates – President Ramaphosa said: “Through an expanded BRICS, we will be able to better align the voices of those countries that seek a fairer global governance, financial, investment and trading system based on clear rules that apply equally to all countries.

“An expanded BRICS also means that we will be able to export more of our products to major markets and, as a result, we will be able to produce more and create more jobs. While an expanded BRICS will be an important champion for the Global South, South Africa stands to benefit from its relationship with these countries.”

International relations

President Cyril Ramaphosa also used his address to reaffirm South Africa’s non-aligned stance in international relations.

“South Africa’s participation in BRICS and its support for the expansion of BRICS does not detract from the good and strategic relations we have with many other countries around the world.

“From the advent of our democracy, we have always sought to develop ties of friendship, cooperation and respect with all nations. We have never aligned ourselves with any one global power or bloc of countries. Our non-aligned approach has enabled us to pursue an independent foreign policy and to forge our own developmental path.

“We have consistently advanced the articles of the United Nations Charter, including the principle that all members shall settle their international disputes by peaceful means,” he said.

The President emphasised the importance of South Africa’s relations with our other countries and reflected on its impact on ordinary South Africans.

“[Our] country’s relations with other countries and the conduct of our foreign policy affects our lives as South Africans in many ways, such as in trade and investment, sport, peace and security, technology, education, and many other areas. As we have said before, our international work cannot be separated from our efforts to end poverty, to create jobs and to reduce inequality in South Africa.

“Through stronger investment and trade relations with other countries, we are able to grow our economy, create more opportunities for new businesses and reduce unemployment. By supporting peace and stability on our continent, and by promoting Africa’s development, we are able to improve social cohesion in our own country.

“By encouraging greater cooperation between countries in areas such as investment, financing for development, international crime, fighting terrorism, climate change and vaccine production, we are able to strengthen our efforts to tackle these challenges in our own country,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Sun, 09/03/2023 - 21:33

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3 September 2023

No evidence of weapons loaded for export onto Lady R

Location: News

No evidence of weapons loaded for export onto Lady R

An independent investigation into the docking of the Lady R vessel at the Simon’s Town Naval Base in the Western Cape has found no evidence to support allegations that South Africa supplied weapons to Russia during the current Ukraine-Russia conflict.

This was revealed by President Cyril Ramaphosa during an address to the nation on Sunday evening.

In May, the President appointed an independent panel led by Judge Phineas Mojapelo to investigate the allegations.

“From its investigation, the panel found no evidence that any cargo of weapons was loaded for export onto the ship Lady R. The panel found that there was no evidence to support the claim that the ship transported weapons from South Africa destined for Russia,” he said.

The President laid out what, according to the panel’s investigation, the purpose of the docking was.

“The panel established that the ship docked at Simonstown to deliver equipment that had been ordered for the South African National Defence Force in 2018 by Armscor, the country’s arms procurement company. In terms of the contract for the supply of the arms, neither Armscor nor the South African National Defence Force had any control over the means through which the supplier of the ordered equipment would transport them to South Africa.

“In its report, the panel outlined the circumstances that led to the docking of the vessel in Simonstown, as well as the type of goods supplied and the reasons why the goods were unloaded at the time they were offloaded,” he said.

The President lamented the damage the allegations have had on South Africa.

“In recent months, statements from several quarters have used these allegations to call into question South Africa’s commitment to its position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The allegations levelled against our country had a damaging effect on our currency, economy and our standing in the world. In fact, it tarnished our image as a country.

“When all matters are considered, none of the allegations made about the supply of weapons to Russia have been proven to be true, and none of the persons who made these allegations could provide any evidence to support the claims that had been levelled against our country,” he said.

Investigation and recommendations

President Ramaphosa delved deeper into the report and shared that extensive evidence was collected.

“During the course of its work, the panel visited the Simonstown naval base and obtained evidence under oath from nearly 50 people in every relevant component of government. More than 100 documents were submitted to the panel for examination.

“A number of entities and persons that had publicly claimed to have information on this matter were invited to make submissions to the panel. Many of those invited either failed to do so or said they had no independent knowledge of the relevant facts,” he said.

The President added that beyond its findings, the panel made recommendations with “an implementation plan be developed to address these”.

“The panel did not find any evidence of criminal conduct by any persons involved. However, the panel made findings and recommendations with respect to the functioning of the National Conventional Arms Control Committee.

“It also made recommendations about the improvement of communication between Ministers and government officials, including the adequacy of the relevant administrative processes,” President Ramaphosa said.

The full details of the report will not be made public due to its classified nature. However, an executive summary is expected be made available to the public. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Sun, 09/03/2023 - 21:36

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3 September 2023

Eskom planned maintenance outages aimed at improving performance

Location: News

Eskom planned maintenance outages aimed at improving performance

Minister in the Presidency for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, says the current intensity of load shedding is due to planned maintenance outages to fix generating units.

These maintenance outages are aimed at reducing the incidence of units tripping on their own and improve performance.

He was speaking on Saturday during a media briefing to present an update on the implementation of the Energy Action Plan.

“The current intensity of load shedding as we are seeing it now is primarily on the back of us ramping up on planned outages.

“It could be expedient for us to continue to run these generating units and undermine philosophy maintenance, the fact that they’ve been able to carry us through the winter period. Of course the attraction is that continue to run them and of course you’ll…reduce the intensity of load shedding.

“But we have taken a view that when the generating unit needs to be taken out, we are going to take them out. Of course we’ll do a computation of what that means in relation to the intensity of load shedding and where we are, we’ve felt that because this is short term planned maintenance…we don’t foresee this to be long outages and that’s why we chose to take them out.

“Planned maintenance, we are ramping it up so that when these units come back, they come back healthy and they are able to give us a significant amount of hours and also performing at their designed capacity. As a result of that action, we are beginning to see that the units tripping on their own is coming down and of course that is going to help us to address the available capacity and we should be able to meet the peak focus especially during this period when demand is tapering,” he said.

He added that Eskom will “continue to ramp up almost at this scale or even a bit higher”.

“This is controlled intensity of load shedding to allow us the opportunity to really get these machines to be fixed and as a result of this intervention, you can see it also in the unplanned capacity loss factor…it’s beginning to come down.

“I did say that our intention is to keep it at sub 15000MW. You can see that from the 1st to the 31st again, we are at lower than 15000MW. When we went into the baseline period of May, this was upwards of 17000MW, when we did the winter outlook the worst case scenario was saying that the rate at which these units could be failing on their own could take out potentially about 18000MW,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Sat, 09/02/2023 - 10:33

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3 September 2023

Criminals must acquire “no space to operate in”

Location: News

Criminals must have "no space to operate in"

President Cyril Ramaphosa has issued a call to the South African Police Service (SAPS) to demonstrate that they can take on criminals and protect South Africans as well as the authority of the state.

The President was speaking on Sunday at the SAPS National Commemoration Day honouring the lives of police officials and reservists who died in the line of duty between 1 April 2022 and 31 March 2023.

President Ramapohosa’s call comes just two days after some 18 suspects – who were allegedly planning a cash in transit heist – were killed during a shootout with police in Limpopo.

“We must all unite and work together to ensure we leave no space for criminals to operate in. The time has come for the police to demonstrate to the South African people that indeed, we can gird our loins and indeed we can take on these criminals. Just like the police did in Limpopo 48 hours ago.

“It is now time to show that the authority of the state cannot be disrespected. It cannot and must not be disregarded. The authority of the state is the authority of the people of South Africa as a whole. We are the people.

“Therefore anyone who disrespects and disregards the people of South Africa collectively, under the umbrella of the state, must know that they’ve crossed the line and we will not allow them to do as they wish and we will not allow them to kill those whose job is to protect, defend the people of South Africa,” he said.

The President told the gathering that deadly attacks on police officers are once more on the rise.

“The Constitution mandates police to prevent, combat and investigate crime. It mandates them to maintain public order and protect the inhabitants of the Republic and their property. Theirs is the noble duty of ensuring that all people in South Africa are safe and feel safe.

“The officers we are commemorating today lost their lives to criminals who have no regard for the rule of law. The increase in the killings of police officers, whether on or off duty, demonstrates the level of desperation of criminals to remove any obstacle that is in the way of their criminal intent. Attacks on police officers must come to an end,” President Ramaphosa said.

Honouring fallen heroes and heroines

Some 34 police officials and reservists were honoured during the commemoration ceremony with their names etched on the Memorial Wall at the Union Buildings in Tshwane.

President Ramaphosa assured that “there must be justice and there will be justice for the families of our fallen heroes and heroines”.

“The hard work of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations, known as the Hawks, has resulted in the arrest of 76 suspected police murderers over the past year. These cases are currently before different courts.

“A total of 488 suspects have been arrested for deaths of police officers since 2018. Through diligent investigative work, nine convicted police killers were handed down nine life sentences, a sum total of 158 years imprisonment. We must continue to arrest, prosecute and convict those who wilfully undermine the authority of state.

“The members we are remembering today were spouses, parents, sons and daughters, siblings, colleagues, and so much more. Many of them were breadwinners. Although the convictions of these criminals can never bring their loved ones back, it will comfort them knowing that justice has been served,” he said.

The President passed on his condolences to the families that lost loved ones while serving the South African public through their work.

“On behalf of the government and the people of South Africa, we thank the 34 fallen heroes and heroines posthumously for their bravery and service to the country, which they rendered diligently.

“We want to thank their families who supported them throughout their careers in the SAPS, for having been their strength, their support and their comfort. To the families of the fallen officers, we pray that you find peace and healing.

“May their souls rest in peace,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Sun, 09/03/2023 - 11:58

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3 September 2023

Two SAPS members to be sentenced for rape

Location: News

Two SAPS members to be sentenced for rape

Sentencing procedures against two members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) convicted of rape are expected to commence on Monday.

According to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), the two members raped a woman in 2017 after they offered her a lift home.

Sergeant Simphiwe Ncube stationed at Northern Cape Border Policing (Nakop Port of Entry) and Constable Andile Ntshweza stationed at the Upington police station were convicted of rape on 4 May 2023.

“The suspects are alleged to have both raped the...victim on 3rd of April 2017 at the house of one of the suspects after she was offered a lift from Upington town to her place in Rosedale.

“The accused first took her to Ncube’s house and raped her before she left and opened a case of rape. The case was investigated until the accused were convicted at the Upington Special Offences Court in May 2023.

“Both accused have since been disciplined by their Employer and have been sanctioned two months’ suspension without salary sometime in 2018,” IPID said in a statement. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Sun, 09/03/2023 - 09:50

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3 September 2023

Lessons to be learnt from tragic building fire

Location: News

Lessons to be learnt from tragic building fire

President Cyril Ramaphosa has reiterated that the tragedy in which 74 people died during a fire in Johannesburg must not be allowed to happen again.

He was speaking during a meeting of the Presidential Coordinating Council (PCC) at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest House in Tshwane on Friday.

The PCC meeting was attended by Cabinet members and provincial Premiers and was preceded by a moment of silence for the victims of the fire.

“We are meeting here just a day after a catastrophic building fire in central Johannesburg claimed the lives of more than 70 people. As we await further information on the cause of the fire and the huge loss of life, we must ask hard questions about the effectiveness of our interventions to improve the living conditions of our people.

“As we grieve this devastating loss, let us learn from this tragedy and make sure that it never happens again,” President Ramaphosa said.

According to the Presidency, the meeting discussed various issues of national importance including service delivery, the District Development Model and crime and “the need to continue enhancing intergovernmental coordination”.

“The meeting…deliberated on service delivery constraints and proposed interventions; the implementation of the District Development Model (DDM); and corrective action plans to address the worst performing municipalities in terms of the Blue Drop and Green Drop assessments of water and wastewater treatment quality.

“The meeting reaffirmed the need to continue enhancing intergovernmental coordination, with a particular focus on infrastructure development and related financing mechanisms in view of the constrained fiscal environment. The meeting also welcomed proposals on the institutionalisation of the District Development Model and the roll out of the DDM support tool that will enable more focused and improved serviced delivery.

“On the ongoing fight against crime, the PCC resolved to strengthen the partnership between law enforcement agencies and the various provincial crime fighting initiatives to address illegal mining, intimidation of contractors and other security threats, and to bolster community based crime fighting capacity,” the Presidency said.

The PCC is the President’s platform for consultation and engagement with provinces and local government in order to raise matters of national interest, ensure alignment of strategic priorities, strengthen coordination, and discuss performance.

The PCC transcends local boundaries and coordinates action across spheres of government in a holistic and transversal manner, according to the Presidency. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Sun, 09/03/2023 - 10:16

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3 September 2023

Independent Power Producers programme reaping rewards

Location: News

Independent Power Producers programme reaping rewards

The Renewable Energy Independent Power Producers Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) is having a positive socio-economic impact on the industry and the economy.

This is according to the Minister in the Presidency for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, who was speaking during a media briefing on the Energy Action Plan on Saturday.

Thus far, some 134 IPPs have been selected as preferred bidders, 11 904MW have been procured with 6180MW already operational and investment of R334.5 billion has been attracted for energy infrastructure.

Ramokgopa said that through the programme, “about R85 billion…has been placed in the hands of black business”.

“This is significant if we talk about the deracialisation of the South African economy. We are able to use our transition towards cleaner forms of energy to ensure that they provide significant meaning on this agenda of the deracialisation of the South African economy and we are having new participants, new entrants in the form of black players so that the democratic dividend is equitably distributed to all South Africans.

“[The programme] has been able to produce over 72 153 job years. It is a computation that we are using for us to be able to account for the number of employment opportunities that have been created in the South African economy as a result of the interventions of the Renewable Energy Programme. This speaks to the areas of during construction and also during operations.

“The Rand value of about R3.2 billion is what has been accumulated to the South African economy and this has got to significant impact in relation to socio-economic development and the areas of enterprise development so that we are able to expand the floor of opportunities to local communities, we are able to provide new skills that helps them to participate in this energy transition,” he said.

Ramokgopa revealed that some R69 billion actual spend has been spent on local content.

“There’s been a significant industrialisation on the back of the localisation of the components that are necessary to help us to decarbonise and transition. Our view is that on the back of this transition, on the back of this crisis, we must be able to expand the industrial base of the country.

“And on the back of this decarbonisation, on the back of this resolution of this crisis, we are also able to address the challenge of unemployment, we are able to address the challenge of structural unemployment in the form of the skills that are required to support the kind of economy that we are constructing and this economy will be underpinned by renewable energy sources,” he said.

On the environmental side, the Minister said REIPPPP projects have been able to offset some 97Mton of Carbon Dioxide with 114.7 million kilolitres of water saved.

“This is meaningful. There’s a multiplicity of matrices that underpin the renewable agenda. It’s not just only on the complexion of the generation mix, on the reduction of the emission levels but it also plays an important role on the deracialisation of the work that we are doing,” Ramokgopa said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Sat, 09/02/2023 - 11:12

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1 September 2023

Joburg fire victims’ families can identify bodies at Diepkoof morgue

Location: News

Joburg fire victims' families can identify bodies at Diepkoof morgue

Families who lost loved ones in the Johannesburg Usindiso Building fire can go and identify their family members at the Diepkloof mortuary from today.

At least 74 people died in the tragic incident when a fire broke out in the building they were living in on Thursday.

“A family member or relative who wishes to identify their loved one should have their original Identity Document (ID), ID of the deceased or birth certificate if the deceased is a child.

“If the deceased is a foreign national, a passport, asylum seeker certificate or a letter from [the] country of origin confirming who the deceased is and to whom the remains should be handed over to is needed. The Diepkloof Forensic Pathology Service (FPS) is located at 2 Collinder Road Berthsam, Diepkloof, Soweto.

“Identification of the deceased bodies at the Diepkloof FPS will take place on Friday. The facility will also open on Saturday and Sunday from 9am and 3pm. Counselling services will be offered to the bereaved families,” the Gauteng Provincial Health Department said in a statement.

Those who died include at least ten people whose gender could not be identified because of the extent of their burns.

In this regard, the department will use other means in an attempt to identify them.

“The Gauteng FPS will use the Digital Fingerprint System to identify unknown bodies who have visible fingerprints. The system uses biometric scanners and third-party access to the databases of Department of Home Affairs, South African Police Service and National Credit Bureau to identify deceased bodies.

“Bodies that been burnt beyond recognition and without fingerprints will be identified through DNA process,” the department said.

Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko said: “As soon as we learned of the incident, we immediately activated our emergency protocols to ensure that we respond as speedily as possible to those that needed medical attention. The Gauteng Emergency Medical Services has been on the ground contributing to emergency and rescue efforts as part of the provincial disaster management response.

“We have further deployed counselling and other psycho-social support services to compliment interventions from the City of Joburg and provincial department of Social Development”.

Those family members who are looking to trace loved ones can call the toll-free hotline number on 0800 203 886 or direct line during office hours on 0113553048/0112415707.

“Those enquiring would need to provide their personal details including the name and last name of the family member they are tracing,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Fri, 09/01/2023 - 08:48

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1 September 2023

Prof Jill Adler receives Lifetime Achiever Award

Location: News

Prof Jill Adler receives Lifetime Achiever Award

The National Research Foundation (NRF) has awarded Witwatersrand University’s Distinguished Professor, Jill Adler, the Lifetime Achiever Award at the 2023 NRF Awards ceremony held on Thursday in Durban.

Introduced to the NRF Awards in 2004, the Lifetime Achiever Award recognises an individual who has demonstrably made extraordinary contributions to the development of science in and for South Africa.

These contributions, according to the NRF, must be of international standard and impact. The NRF is a government mandated research and science development agency.

Adler expressed her gratitude for the special recognition.

“This award for me gives recognition to the importance of educational research and educational research that is grounded in the realities of our mathematics classrooms. It gives meaning to the NRF vision for science and service of society,” she said.

Adler said the NRF has been one of the most important institutions throughout her academic journey.

The Professor was born and raised in Johannesburg and completed a BSc in Mathematics and Psychology at the University of the Witwatersrand in 1972.

She pursued a teaching Diploma at the University of Cape Town in 1973 before taking up a teaching post at Harold Cressy High School in Cape Town.

In 1977, she returned to Johannesburg and joined the SACHED Trust, an educational non-government organisation (NGO) concerned with enriching the quality of education of those disadvantaged in apartheid South Africa.

She first taught mathematics to youth who were out of school following the Soweto uprising in 1976.

“Her work at the NGO over the next 10 years enabled her to further her social justice advocacy, seeking to address the educational inequalities in South Africa by improving mathematics education through the development and evaluation of distance education courses,” the NRF said.

At the same time, she studied for her Master of Education, graduating cum laude in 1985.

It was in 1987 that she moved into academia, lecturing in the Department of Professional Studies at the Johannesburg College of Education for two years before moving to Wits University’s Education Department as lecturer, Head of Department and Professor.

She was also a Chair of Mathematics Education at the South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI) between 2010 and 2019.

“Prof Adler completed her PhD in 1996 with a thesis that looked at the dynamics of teaching and learning mathematics in multilingual classrooms, specifically examining secondary teachers’ knowledge in this context,” said the NRF.

Her theoretical and practice-based innovations paved the way for new and transformative approaches in mathematics education, addressing two fundamental research problems.

“The complexities and challenges of teaching and learning mathematics in multilingual classrooms, and the enhancement of professional education for mathematics teachers. The latter came to the fore in the mid-1990s with the demand for ‘upgrading’ the qualifications and teaching quality of secondary mathematics teachers in post-apartheid South Africa.”

Working alongside a dedicated cohort of students, she spearheaded efforts to position mathematics education as a robust research domain within the university, and more broadly in the country.

In 2005, Adler led the renowned Marang Centre for Mathematics and Science Education at Wits University.

The centre quickly gained a reputation for excellence in postgraduate research and development, attracting students from across the African continent.

Between 2010 and 2019, as the DSI-NRF SARChI Research and Development Chair in Mathematics Education at Wits, she directed a large professional development project.

The programme reached over 200 secondary mathematics teachers and many learners across 80 schools in Gauteng and researching its impact together with a large research team of doctoral and postdoctoral fellows.

She is an Honorary Professor at Oxford University and University College London both in the United Kingdom.

She has published more than 60 peer-reviewed articles and four books, co-edited two special journal issues and contributed 50 book chapters, achieving more than 7 000 citations and has published 37 papers that have each been cited at least 37 times.

Over the course of her 45-year career in teaching and academia, she has garnered numerous accolades in recognition of her contributions to education. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Fri, 09/01/2023 - 13:30

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1 September 2023

Government working to empower women

Location: News

Government working to empower women

Women’s Month is not only a platform to commemorate the heroic contributions of women in South Africa’s liberation struggle but also serves as a mechanism to assess progress made to date.

“Our government focuses its attention on the rights of women and to assess how far we have come as a nation on the journey towards women empowerment and gender equality,” said Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Nomasonto Motaung.

The Deputy Minister was speaking at the Marketing, Advertising and Communications (MAC) Charter B-BBEE Council Women’s Day event held in Sandton on Friday.

She said that government continues to pursue programmes, policies and activities that seek to create a better Africa and a better world.

“Government believes that democracy has registered significant progress in restoring the dignity of women through various measures introduced by government, and this has contributed towards the empowerment of women, including availing more opportunities and access to services for women.”

Government is painfully aware that the struggle for women emancipation is far from over.

“Women still bear a disproportionate burden of the triple challenges of poverty, inequality and unemployment. Poverty and unemployment in South Africa continue to paint and portray a black female face,” she said.

“We are proud to be a country that is renowned as a multi-ethnic society. At the same time, we must all work together to end inequalities, poverty and social fragmentation.”

In 2022, working with the private sector, government appointed and launched the Marketing, Advertising and Communication Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Charter Council.

“We have 14 women in the council and many of whom, are chairpersons and deputies of committees.

“... there is an opportunity to learn from experienced members to impart knowledge and experiences, since the advertising sector is largely youthful.

“The assumption is that these young people, who are mainly women, derive invaluable experience from knowledge that will come from the sector.

“We are here to grow South Africa together and particularly, to grow our media, advertising and communication sector because this is a stream that shapes and is shaped by our national identity, cultures and ambitions.”

Economic growth

The Deputy Minister said South Africa through the MAC Charter Council must focus all its attention on economic growth and the key problems affecting the South African economy.

“One area of interest to us as government and to South Africans at large is that of advertising. It is an open secret that advertising is an integral part of everyday life and continues to be an important influence on people’s behaviour and attitudes, and on-demand creation in the consumer economy.”

Social cohesion

Meanwhile, Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) Acting Director-General, Nomonde Mnukwa, said social cohesion, nation building and promoting national identity are all high on the list of South Africa's priorities.

“The pillars to eradicate poverty, unemployment and inequality are based on our quest to achieve a socially cohesive nation,” she told those attending the event.

She added that job creation, reducing unemployment and inequalities are key economic and social challenges facing South Africa.

“This is clearly articulated by the National Development Plan (NDP) vision of a more unified South Africa in which the life experiences of South Africans will progressively undermine and cut across the divisions of race, gender, disability, space and class.

Madoda Dhlamini, Municipal Development Director at JCDecaux, said challenges facing society cannot be addressed in silos.

“[The] empowerment of women must be accelerated, the time is now, tomorrow is too late,” he said.

The event was attended by representatives from various advertising and communications companies, including final year Journalism students from the Tshwane University of Technology.

The MAC Charter Council, is tasked with monitoring transformation of the sector by facilitating the implementation of the B-BBEE sector code.

In addition, the Council, which has representatives from government, women, youth and organised labour, measure transformation progress made by the MAC sector. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Fri, 09/01/2023 - 14:42

28 views

1 September 2023

Gauteng Dept of Transport making inroads

Location: News

Gauteng Dept of Transport making inroads

Gauteng MEC for Transport and Logistics, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, has reflected on the strides the Department has made during the 2022/23 financial year.

Tabling of the 2022/23 annual report, the MEC said the Department has been bestowed with the most improved Department in the Province on Audit Outcomes for the year under review.

“Our fleet management entity g-Fleet was also recognised for improvements in audit outcomes, while our Gautrain Management Agency maintained its clean audit outcome. All this is the testament to our clear strategy and efforts by our officials to transform this department into a capable arm of the state that is fit to deliver services to the people of our province efficiently and without wastage,” Diale-Tlabela said on Thursday.

In the Department’s pursuit of economic revival, it embarked on significant infrastructure projects, including the rehabilitation of key roads such as P39/1 and P156/3.

These endeavours have not only contributed to economic resurgence but have also ignited the flames of job creation and community empowerment.

“We recognised the pressing need to address unemployment head-on, a consequence of the pandemic's impact. To this end, we harnessed the power of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), launching initiatives like the COVID-19 Transport Cadet Programme and the Departmental Internship Programme. Through these efforts, we have not only provided employment opportunities but have also nurtured skill development, particularly among our youth, women, and persons with disabilities,” the MEC said.

She affirmed that safety has remained paramount in the Department's endeavours.

“The establishment of impound facilities, the introduction of the Public Transport Arbitration Office, and the implementation of a new Vehicle Number Plate System showcase our resolute commitment to combating crime and ensuring the well-being of all who utilize our transportation systems.

“I am immensely proud to highlight that despite challenges such as cash flow issues, community stoppages, and disruptions from external factors like load shedding, our Department has demonstrated strategic acumen, fostering engagements with stakeholders and forming partnerships within our communities. These interventions have enabled us to navigate these challenges effectively and emerge stronger,” the MEC said.

She said through efficient revenue collection, tariff reviews, and collaborative efforts with stakeholders, the department has achieved financial resilience and this has allowed the Department to maintain a robust revenue contribution to the provincial government.

“This, in turn, strengthens our capacity to continue uplifting our beloved province. The Department of Roads and Transport in Gauteng stands as a beacon of resilience, adaptability, and dedication. Our initiatives have aligned seamlessly with the province's priorities, resulting in tangible contributions to economic growth, job creation, and public safety.

“Our achievements in infrastructure development, smart mobility solutions, and revenue generation reflect our unyielding commitment to the well-being and prosperity of our citizens,” the MEC said. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Fri, 09/01/2023 - 11:23

253 views

1 September 2023

Call to educate communities on legislation

Location: News

Call to educate communities on legislation

Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi has spoken of the need to educate communities on the recently amended Employment Equity Act.

The Minister was addressing the Chatsworth community and communities from adjacent areas in KwaZulu-Natal.

The Minister spoke to communities on the recently updated Employment Equity Act (EEA), workplace equity, affirmative action, and related topics. He said that there is still a long way to go towards emancipation, and acknowledged that the pace of transformation of workplaces remains at snail’s pace.

Nxesi noted that the Commission for Employment Equity (CEE) Report released in June showed that employment equity (EE) in the workplaces is unfolding at a snail pace, with top management still occupied by Whites at 62.9%, followed by Africans at 16.9%.

This, according to CEE is despite the fact that Africans constitute 80% of the national economically active population (EAP), followed by Coloureds at 9.3%, Whites at 8%, and Indians at 2.7%.

He added that the representation of people with disability in the workplaces is an indictment on government.

The Minister also bemoaned the economic sectors that have abandoned their charter commitments to transform, noting that corruption has seemingly taken over and destroyed communities.

“We had to postpone the promulgation of [Employment Equity] EE Regulations to first hear the voices of people. Transformation is painful and not nice,” he said.

The EE Act is interpreted in compliance with the Constitution and in compliance with the international law obligations of the Republic, in particular those contained in the International Labour Organisation Convention, 1958 (No. 111) concerning Discrimination in Respect of Employment and Occupation.

The International Labour Organisation’s (ILO), Discrimination (Employment and Occupation) Convention, places an obligation on ILO member countries to elimination of discrimination in employment and occupation and the promotion of equality.

Nxesi emphasised that the Convention prohibits all discrimination exclusion on the basis, including race or colour, sex, religion, political opinion, national or social origin in employment, and requires states to enact legislation that is based on equal opportunities.

“On the other hand, the purpose of the Employment Equity Act is to achieve equity in the workplace by – promoting equal opportunity and fair treatment in employment through the elimination of unfair discrimination and implementing affirmative action measures to redress the disadvantages in employment experienced by designated groups, in order to ensure their equitable representation in all occupational categories and levels in the workforce.

“In the advancement of elimination of unfair discrimination, the EE Act places the responsibility on the employer to take steps to promote equal opportunity in the workplace by eliminating unfair discrimination in any employment policy or practice,” Nxesi explained.

In the prohibition of unfair discrimination, the Act prescribes that no person may unfairly discriminate, directly or indirectly, against an employee, in any employment policy or practice, on one or more grounds.

These include race, gender, sex, pregnancy, marital status, family responsibility, ethnic or social origin, colour, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, HIV status, conscience, belief, political opinion, culture, language and birth.

The next EE workshop will be held in Cape Town in the Western Cape on 13 September 2023.

The EE workshops target employers or heads of organisations, academics, assigned senior managers, consultative forum members, human resource practitioners, trade unions, employees and other interested stakeholders.

EE reporting season opens

Meanwhile, the department has announced that 2023 EE reporting season opens on 1 September 2023 for both manual and online reporting.

“In terms of reporting timeframes, the manual reporting will close on 2 October 2023 and the online reporting closes on 15 January 2024. SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Fri, 09/01/2023 - 12:02

237 views

1 September 2023

Deputy President concludes working visit to South Sudan

Location: News

Deputy President concludes working visit to South Sudan

Deputy President Paul Mashatile has concluded a successful working visit on Thursday to South Sudan.

The purpose of the visit was to assess the latest developments and progress in the implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS).

This is where they discussed challenges to the peace process, and discussed solutions with all stakeholders.

“A second, but critical objective of the Deputy President’s visit was to strengthen long-standing bilateral relations between South Africa and South Sudan,” the Deputy President’s Office said.

During his visit, the Deputy President, as President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Special Envoy to South Sudan, met with President Salva Kiir Mayardit.

“President Salva Kiir raised concern regarding the implications that the ongoing conflict may have in neighbouring countries and the region at large.”

He outlined the challenges hindering the implementation of the R-ARCSS and reemphasised the need for South Africa to be more involved in the peace process by assisting the various parties to resolve their disputes.

Deputy President Mashatile also held talks with four of South Sudan’s five Vice Presidents.

“In the main, the Vice Presidents acknowledged remaining gaps and challenges to the full implementation of the R-ARCSS including lack of required financial resources, the arms embargo and sanctions imposed on the government of South Sudan by the United Nations (UN).”

Despite this, the Vice Presidents also appreciated that notable milestones had been achieved on the road to lasting peace.

“A key milestone to the achievement of peace in South Sudan is the holding of the country’s first democratic elections since its independence in 2011.

“Holding this founding election is a goal whose importance is acknowledged by all the participants in South Sudan’s ongoing national dialogue.”

The Deputy President had engagements with various Ministers in charge of critical portfolios and also spoke to Cabinet Affairs and the High-Level Standing Committee for the Implementation of the R-ARCSS.

The country’s second-in-command also held extensive consultations with regional and global multilateral formations with a role to play in resolving the conflict in the country.

Among these were the African diplomatic corps in Juba, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development-East Africa Regional Economic Community (IGAD), Troika- Ambassadors of the USA, United Kingdom and Norway, the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC), and the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

“Deputy President Mashatile commended South Sudan on the progress made thus far and reaffirmed South Africa’s support for the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU).”

Additionally, he called on strengthened commitment by the RTGoNU and all other relevant parties to the R-ARCSS to implement its outstanding provisions, particularly the security arrangements.

These include community disarmament, demobilisation of ex-combatants and their reintegration into peaceful civilian life, and the integration of remaining combatant forces into a national force with a single command structure.

“Failure to find common ground on these and other contentious points will keep South Sudan in limbo, and its economic development as well as the development of its people will be stillborn.”

During his three-day stay, the Deputy President also took time to lay a wreath at the Dr John Garang Mausoleum in honour of South Sudan’s founding leader, and bestowed medals on the South African Police Service (SAPS) contingent stationed in the country as part of the UN Peacekeeping Mission.

In his last act before departure, the Deputy President paid a courtesy call on two of South Sudan’s Elders and veterans of liberation.

“In conclusion, Deputy President Mashatile made a call to all parties to adhere to the revised deadlines of the roadmap to a peaceful and democratic end to the current transitional period and the holding of national elections by December 2024 as envisaged.” – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Fri, 09/01/2023 - 09:27

117 views

1 September 2023

Cabinet sends condolences to Joburg fire victims

Location: News

Cabinet sends condolences to Joburg fire victims

Cabinet has expressed its condolences to the family and friends of the 73 people who died when a five-story building burnt down in Marshaltown, Johannesburg.

The building was engulfed by a fire in the early hours of Thursday morning. At least forty three others were injured.

Responding to questions on the fire, Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, stressed that government has a disaster management center nationally, with provincial disaster management centers and local disaster management centres in municipalities.

“We have first respondents who are fire fighters and medical rescue teams who are currently on the ground working with the City of Johannesburg and provincial government. If they need reinforcement from the national disaster management centre, such assistance is offered.

“On our part as government, the President continues to be updated of the situation but for now it is still in the realm of the local government and the provincial government of Gauteng. We continue to work as an integrated government to make sure that we respond to such incidences,” she said.

The Minister said that without attempting to preempt what would have been the cause of the fire, they will allow the investigations from the relevant authorities to take place and issue them with a report. She said that government will take the necessary actions thereafter. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Thu, 08/31/2023 - 12:37

575 views

31 August 2023

Pandor undertakes a working visit to the Comoros

Location: News

Pandor undertakes a working visit to the Comoros

International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor, will pay a working visit to Moroni, Comoros, where she will meet with her counterpart, Dhoihir Dhoulkamal on Friday.

In a statement on Thursday, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation said the two Ministers will assess the status of the bilateral relations between South Africa and the Comoros.

“They will also share information and exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest.

“The two Ministers will also sign a General Cooperation Agreement, meant, among other objectives, to establish a Joint Commission at the Senior Official’s Level.”

Through the Joint Commission, the department hopes that an increased level of cooperation across various sectors between the two nations will occur.

Pandor will also use the opportunity of her visit to pay a courtesy call to Comoros President Azali Assoumani, the current Chair of the African Union (AU).

In addition, she will have an engagement with the Comorian business community, women leaders and youth entrepreneurs during lunch.

The meeting will focus on women and youth as active African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) participants.

The engagement will be hosted by the Governor of Ngazidja, Madam Sitti Faroutta and be attended by the Comorian Minister of Economy and Investment, Ahmed Ali Bazi, and other dignitaries. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Thu, 08/31/2023 - 12:47

546 views

31 August 2023

Expansion project to address DNA backlogs

Location: News

Expansion project to address DNA backlogs

President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday commended the South African Police Service (SAPS) for their hard work and commitment to addressing backlogs in the analysis of DNA retrieved from crime scenes.

This, after the President Ramaphosa officially opened the DNA expansion project at the Forensic Science Laboratory at the Eben Donges Building in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape.

With the new and enhanced capacity in the Eastern Cape Forensic Science Laboratory, police can expect faster turnaround times, especially with respect to the investigation of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) cases.

“The improved forensic capabilities should expedite investigations and help our police build strong cases with solid evidence to enable the successful conviction of perpetrators,” he said.

He added that people who commit crimes against women and children have no place in society.

“We depend on this and other forensic science laboratories across the country to make sure that these criminals are put [in] prison and remain there.

“It is impressive that the construction of this upgraded facility, which started during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, was completed at six months ahead of the projected completion time and below budget,” President Ramaphosa said.

President Ramaphosa used the occasion to commend and appreciate all women in the integrated security and law enforcement agencies across all the ranks.

“It is these women who continue to make significant strides in what was previously considered to be male-dominated environments.

“Women are increasingly present in national intervention units, special task forces, bomb disposal units, tactical response teams, search and rescue teams, flying squads and highway patrol units.

“More and more women are becoming pilots and airborne law enforcement officers; forensic, ballistic and DNA analysts; and crime scene reconstruction experts,” President Ramaphosa said.

President Ramaphosa said there should no longer be any area of police and security work that is closed to women and no area where they are not able to excel.

“Let me commend the Ministry of Police and the management of the SAPS, and all the heads of other law enforcement agencies, for ensuring that the goal of gender equality in the workplace is closer to becoming a reality.

“Let me also recognise and commend efforts by other departments like the SANDF, Correctional Services, metros and traffic police who are also working to make sure that women have equal opportunities for career advancement.

“We appreciate the struggles of women over the generations that laid the foundation for these accomplishments. We welcome this kind of integration of multiple forces and capabilities led by women in the security and law enforcement space,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Thu, 08/31/2023 - 18:06

336 views

31 August 2023

Building fire tragedy ‘a very difficult lesson’ that must not be repeated: President Ramaphosa

Location: News

Building fire tragedy 'a very difficult lesson' that must not be repeated: President Ramaphosa

The building fire which claimed the lives of at least 74 people in Johannesburg should serve as a “wake up call” for the urgent need to resolve housing challenges in the inner city, according to President Cyril Ramaphosa.

He was addressing the media at the site of the building – called the Usindiso Building – on Thursday evening.

“We are very saddened as government about the passing of so many people here in Johannesburg. This is unprecedented. Johannesburg has never had an incident like this where so many people die as a result of a fire in the centre of the city. This is tragic, this is very sad and I want to pass my condolences and that of the government to the families of those who have passed on and those who are still in hospital.

“We’ve got to [get] to the bottom of what caused this fire. It’s a wake-up call for us to begin to address the situation of housing in the inner city that a building like this…once the lease had expired, it was then hijacked and we need to get on top of this and find effective ways of dealing with problems of accommodation of housing and services in the inner city,” he said.

Swift response

President Ramaphosa said the emergency and social response in the aftermath of the report of the fire in the early hours of Thursday morning was in line with expectations.

He said this demonstrates that the “determination to care for the people of South Africa is…a top priority”.

“I’m told that as soon as the fire was reported at 1:19 in the morning, in ten minutes the firefighters were here. That is a real good and quick response which we must recognise on the part of the province, the city, that they have been ready for calamities and events like this. A response of 10 minutes when such a devastating fire is something that needs to be recognised.

“The sad part is that much as they fought the fire, they were not able to save everyone and some people were saved…but it’s said that we have lost up to 74 people and some of them children who must have died very tragically and this is the type of death that we never wish on anyone.

“The ministers, the MECs and the province and the city are working now full out to make sure that those who need assistance from accommodation to trauma counselling to hospitalisation are being looked after,” he said.

Rooting out criminality

The President addressed the fact that the Usindiso Building belongs to the City of Johannesburg but was hijacked by “criminal elements” who prey on those in desperate need for accommodation.

“The lesson for us is that we’ve got to address this problem and root out those criminal elements because it is these types of buildings that are taken over by criminals who then levy rent on vulnerable people and families who need and want accommodation in the inner city.

“There needs to be law and order in the inner city. The initiatives that we are embarking on through our security forces…one of those, working with the city and with the province, we are going to ensure that we root out all criminal elements and restore the livelihoods of people who live in the city,” he said.

President Ramaphosa emphasised that when dealing with buildings such as the Usindiso Building, government must carefully balance the constitutionally mandated right to housing with dealing with criminality.

“We are not standing here to shift blame and to pass blame on anyone. And if anything, we are all responsible for the calamity that has occurred and we need to take it in [our] stride and say, yes this should never have happened, yes we should be learning a lesson and sometimes these are very difficult lessons that have been sparked off by loss of life.

“But nonetheless, this is a lesson and yes, I repeat, a wake-up call because we don’t want to see a repeat of what has happened here. So therefore, we need to look at…the regulations, the laws and everything.

“We have achieved a great deal. Our constitutional construct has given all of us a right that we’ve always yearned for. But we’ve always found that we go through a number of processes as we try to do the right thing. At the same time, there’s either too many delays, too many detours that then make it difficult for us to do the right thing at the right time,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Thu, 08/31/2023 - 20:02

239 views

31 August 2023

Burnt Joburg building was hijacked

Location: News

Burnt Joburg building was hijacked

The building in which 74 people died as a result of a fire belongs to the City of Johannesburg but was “invaded and hijacked” some years ago.

This is according to City of Johannesburg city manager Floyd Brink who was addressing the media on Thursday afternoon.

“I wish to…confirm that the affected building belongs to the City of Johannesburg. It is a building that was previously leased to the provincial Social Development Department and used as a shelter for abused women. At the conclusion of the lease, some challenges were encountered with the occupants and as a result of the hostilities and stalemate, the building was invaded and hijacked.

“In October 2019, the City through its Group Forensics and Investigation Services raided the building and as part of the operation realised the arrest of over 140 foreign nationals by Home Affairs and a suspect was incarcerated and charged for illegally collecting rental from tenants at the building. The case is with SAPS and no update is immediately available at this stage,” Brink said.

The 74 people confirmed to have died in the blaze include 24 females, 40 males and 10 with undetermined gender because they were burnt beyond recognition. Of these, 12 are children.

The city manager told the media briefing that the city is working to wrestle back control of hijacked buildings in the area.

“Let me at this stage express our condolences to the families of the deceased and hasten to add that all efforts are being put in place to provide the families and all affected with the relevant social and psychological support through the City’s Disaster Management and Social Development department.

"Our Social Development Department has deployed 16 social workers to provide assessment, trauma counselling and psychosocial support.

“As earlier stated, this is a tragic event and incident and one that is unprecedented given the number of lives lost. We will do our best to ensure that we act diligently in investigating the fire and equally, in our pursuit to reclaim hijacked and illegally occupied buildings in the city,” Brink said.

Survivors

More than 50 people have been injured with many others displaced and Brink said three emergency accommodation sites have been identified for survivors and those affected.

These sites are:

Hofland Recreation Centre in Bez Valley
Ekhaya shelter in Hillbrow
Impilo shelter in Fairview / Jeppestown

“After 72 hours the Human Settlements Department will advise on where they will be taken to once all logistics and related verifications have been finalised. At this stage, we believe a total of 200 or more families were residents at the building.

“At this stage, Fire Safety has commenced with investigations into the cause of the fire and has been part of the rescue operation from the morning. There is at this stage no preliminary reports.

“As the City we appreciate the assistance that we have received thus far and we continue to coordinate all efforts via the Joint Operations Centre of the City in response to this disaster,” Brink said.

The K9 unit of the South African Police Service is expected to be deployed to inspect the building to find any additional bodies or body parts.

The call centre numbers for assistance about missing family members are:

0800 203 886
011 355 3048
011 241 5707 - SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Thu, 08/31/2023 - 18:50

149 views

31 August 2023

Kodwa launches Heritage Month

Location: News

Kodwa launches Heritage Month

Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa has officially launched this year’s Heritage Month at the Moletjie Tribal Authority.

Hosted in the rich, unique, and culturally diverse province of Limpopo, the event featured a medley of various components of sports, arts, language, and cultural performances.

Heritage Month is celebrated annually in September and marks the country’s diverse culture and heritage.

The 2023 National Heritage Month will be commemorated under the ‘Celebrating our cultural diversity in a democratic South Africa’ theme.

“This year’s theme puts a spotlight on South Africa’s rich and diverse cultural heritage which incorporates African, Asian, and European cultures and traditions,” said the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture.

Minister Kodwa said music and dancing are an important part of many traditional African societies.

“We do our traditional dance because it gives us our African identity.”

He also touched on the importance of breaking into song and music as Africans.

“Music is our soul. When we cry, [when we are] happy or saddened, we sing music. Those who do not understand us think when we have bereavement or a death in a family and when we dance, they think we are celebrating. But we’re consoling ourselves.”

“Many centuries ago, we were not allowed to celebrate what we see here,” he added, pointing to the stage where traditional dancers were performing.

He told attendees that Heritage Day is about “celebrating who we are”.

Kodwa also called on Africans to tell their own stories.

“Those books must promote the African culture and diversity of our culture,” he stressed, while adding that traditional leadership is crucial to promoting African culture.

He also urged all Mayors to organise cultural events leading up to Heritage Day, which will be celebrated on 24 September.

The event also unveiled publications of Living Human Treasures in honour of the late Koko Meiki Grace Masuku, Themba Patrick Magaisa, Vho Tshimangadzo Esther Sinyengwe, Oom Petros Vaalbooi and Dr Thomas Hasani Chauke. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Thu, 08/31/2023 - 18:21

72 views

31 August 2023

Call for swift arrest of suspects behind councillors’ murders

Location: News

Call for swift arrest of suspects behind councillors’ murders

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube has called on the police to leave no stone unturned to catch the attackers and killers of councillors in the province.

The call follows the recent attack of National Freedom Party (NFP) councillor Mphathiseni Manqele from Ward 4 in KwaNongoma, who was attacked by a suspected hitman.

The suspect was apprehended by the community who handed him over to the police.

Manqele’s attack was followed hot on the heels by the murder of an African National Congress (ANC) Msunduzi Local Municipality Councillor, Mabhungu Mkhize, who was killed last Friday.

Speaking at the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature hybrid sitting on Thursday, Dube-Ncube said drastic measures need to be taken to curb the murder and attack of councillors in the province.

“The killings of councillors are senseless and barbaric, and have no place in our society. As government [we] are not going to tolerate such violence and will do all in our power to bring the perpetrators to justice.

“We call on the police to work swiftly so that the perpetrators are brought to justice. We also urge the communities to work with law enforcement authorities to prevent such crimes from happening,” Dube-Ncube said.

Dube-Ncube has conveyed condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Mkhize, and wished Manqele a speedy recovery.

Multi-stakeholder crime summit

Giving an update on the outcomes of the multi-stakeholder crime summit, held on Tuesday to discuss crime fighting strategies, Dube-Ncube reported that various crime issues were discussed, with participants highlighting how crime chase away investors from the province.

The summit, which was convened by the Department of Community Safety and Liaison, in collaboration with the Office of the Premier, was attended by representatives from government, the private security sector, civil society, and religious organisations.

Dube-Ncube said, the summit participants also considered ways to improve community safety and to build trust between the police and the public.

The summit was a follow-up on the commitments made during the State of the Province Address, where provincial government pledged that each provincial department will set aside R10 million, earmarked to curb and conquer crime in the province.

“One of the key collaborative areas with the private security sector emphasising the effective use of the Community Policing Forum (CPF) as a pivotal link between the community and the police, involving the KwaZulu-Natal Crime Prevention Association (KZN CCPA), an organisation formed by amalgamating community-initiated associations with a shared goal of combating crime, and also to use technology used by the private security sector,” Dube-Ncube said.

Condolences to Gauteng fire victims' families

Meanwhile, Dube-Ncube has send her deepest condolences to the people of Gauteng for the tragic fire that engulfed a Johannesburg building in the early hours of the morning, and reported to have claimed 73 lives with several others injured.

“We are saddened and we will continue to pray for all the survivors and wish them a speedy recovery,” the Premier said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Thu, 08/31/2023 - 14:58

41 views

31 August 2023

Recognising women in science and technology

Location: News

Recognising women in science and technology

By Dimpho Mogale

The South African Women in Science Awards (SAWiSA), which recognises and rewards excellence by women in science and technology, will take place in September.

The Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) will host a two-day celebration from 8 September in Durban.

Themed, ‘Harnessing technological change and innovation to achieve gender equality and empower women and girls,’ the awards recognises younger women who are starting their careers as researchers and scientists, as well as registered master's and PhD students.

Participants will be awarded in the following categories:

Distinguished Woman Researchers: winner receives R90 000, first runner-up: R65 000, second runner-up: R40 000;
Distinguished Young Woman Researchers: winner receives R80 000, first runner-up: R55 000, second runner-up: R30 000;
DSI-Ndoni Mcunu Fellowship: six participants will receive R70 000 for a master’s degree and six participants will receive R90 000 for a PhD degree.

The category DSI Fellowships was renamed to DSI-Ndoni Mcunu Fellowships in honour of Mcunu’s memory and legacy as a young brilliant scientist and phenomenal woman.

The late Mcunu was one of South Africa's leading young scientists in climate change, a social entrepreneur, and the founder of Black Women in Science (BWIS).

BWIS has provided developmental training to over 400 postgraduate fellows in business, entrepreneurship and research skills, scientific writing, project leadership, science communication skills and research career preparation.

During her lifetime Mcunu achieved numerous accolades including being named a 2017 Mandela Washington Fellow, receiving an honorary award at the KZN Young Achievers Awards in the Science Research and Entrepreneurship category, winning the Gagasi FM Shero award in the Science and Technology category and recognised as one of the 40 under-40 African Leaders for Climate Resilience in 2019.

The DSI and 2023 SAWiSA has 26 finalists and one of the finalists selected is Gizelle Roque Van Niekerk from the University of Pretoria, who is a second year MSc student.

In 2022, she attended the 14th Green Chemistry Postgraduate Summer School (GCPSS) in Venice, Italy.

“I am grateful to Pietro Tundo for seeing potential in me as a young scientist by selecting me to attend the in-person event on scholarship.

“The 14th Green Chemistry Summer School was a life-changing experience and instrumental to my future career as a chemist. It was an honour to present my research at such a prestigious international summer school.

“The opportunity reinforced my belief that green chemistry solutions are a fundamental course of action for sustainable development in the Global South,” Van Niekerk said in a statement.

She said it was a privilege to engage with postgraduate students from a broad spectrum of countries and found the talks given by highly influential scientists very inspiring.

Networking with people who share the same common goal encouraged her to fervently continue the ground-taking field of green chemistry. – SAnews.gov.za

seshnee
Thu, 08/31/2023 - 14:14

225 views

31 August 2023

President mourns loss of lives in fire tragedy

Location: News

President mourns loss of lives in fire tragedy

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his deep sadness at the significant loss of life inflicted by a fire in a residential building in Marshalltown, Johannesburg.

The fire in the early hours of today claimed 73 lives with several others injured; while at least some 141 families have been displaced.

In a statement on Thursday, President Ramaphosa offered his deep condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured survivors a speedy and full recovery.

The President’s thoughts are also with households and individuals who have lost their accommodation and possessions in this incident.

“This is a great tragedy felt by families whose loved ones perished in this awful manner, and our hearts go out to every person affected by this event.

“This incident calls on all of us, from the emergency services and other entities of government to community-based organisations, to reach out to survivors to help restore people’s physical and psychological wellbeing and offer all material help residents may need,” the President said.

President Ramaphosa hopes the investigations into the fire will enable communities and authorities to prevent a repeat of such a tragedy or to bring to book any culpable parties. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Thu, 08/31/2023 - 14:25

100 views