Should You Give Handouts at Traffic Lights?
People helping do so out of goodwill and with the best intentions
show
R24-Million Spent on Indwe Stadium With Little to Show for It
Two contractors later, the stadium is far from complete
Play Commemorates 10th Anniversary of Rhodes Must Fall Movement
A reimagined version of the popular 2016 “The Fall” play is being staged at Joburg’s The Market Theatre until 4 May
Meso, Naidu and Smit Receive Maiden Call-Ups for Proteas Women’s ODI Tri-Series Squad
JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) has today named the Proteas Women squad for the upcoming One-Day International (ODI) Tri-Series against...
Pensioner Who Was Allocated an RDP House 15 Years Ago Still Lives in a Mud Hut
Free State Department of Human Settlements has promised to help the 75-year-old from Naledi village in Qwaqwa get a house
14% Increase in Spyware Attacks on Businesses in Africa
As part of the company's participation at the GITEX Africa conference, taking place in Morocco on 14-16 April 2025, Kaspersky (www.Kaspersky.co.za) will address the dynamics for cyberthreats in the African region as per the latest anonymised data from the Kaspersky Security Network (KSN)[1]. From 2023 to 2024 businesses in Africa were targeted by web threats, on-device threats, and attacks aiming to steal data, including spyware and password stealers. Phishing and ransomware continue to be significant threats in the region, with 66 million phishing link clicks seen by Kaspersky in the African region in 2024, including over 14.8 million phishing link clicks by corporate users.
Web-based threats, or online threats, are a category of cybersecurity risks that may cause an undesirable event or action affecting users browsing the Internet. According to Kaspersky data, there were 131 580 587 web threats detected in 2024 in the African region, including almost 20 million attack attempts in Kenya, almost 17 million in South Africa, and 12.6 million in Morocco. Businesses were targeted by web threats more often in 2024 than in 2023, with threat detections increasing by 1.2%.
Local (on device) threats include malware that is spread via removable USB drives, CDs and DVDs, or that initially makes way onto the computer in non-open form (for example, programs in complex installers, encrypted files, etc.). According to Kaspersky telemetry, local (on device) threat detections in organisations in the African region in 2024 increased by 4% compared to 2023. Among the countries that saw growth in local threats detected in organisations were Nigeria (169% increase), Ethiopia (86%), South Africa (32%), Senegal (11%), and Morocco (9%).
There has been a spike of threats related to data theft. According to Kaspersky data, there was a 14% growth in spyware attack detections on businesses in the African region from 2023 to 2024. Spyware is secretly installed on a user's computer to monitor their actions and collect their data. Apart from that, there has been a 26% increase in password stealer detections. Password stealers are a type of malware designed to harvest login credentials and other sensitive data.
“Our statistics show an increase in attack detections for several types of cyberthreats, and the factors driving these increases are multifaceted. In the B2B sector, the continuing shift toward hybrid work models and the rush to digitise operations — often outpacing cybersecurity investments — may leave businesses in Africa exposed to advanced persistent threats. In the B2C space, the explosion of digital financial services, coupled with low digital literacy rates, makes individuals prime targets for opportunistic attacks,” comments Maher Yamout, Lead Cybersecurity Researcher with Kaspersky Global Research and Analysis Team. “Organisations in Africa should prioritise a unified approach by enhancing collaboration, investing in specialised cybersecurity training, and promoting digital literacy to effectively combat the rising tide of cybercrime. Initiatives like the African Cyber Surge operation and targeted educational programs can serve as blueprints for building a resilient digital ecosystem across the continent.”
To stay protected, Kaspersky suggests following the recommendations below.
Individual users:
- Do not download and install applications from untrusted sources.
- Do not click on any links from unknown sources or suspicious online advertisements.
- Always use two-factor authentication when available. Create strong and unique passwords, using a mix of lower-case and upper-case letters, numbers, and punctuation. Use a reliable password manager to help to remember them.
- Always install updates when they become available; they contain fixes for critical security issues.
- Ignore messages asking to disable security systems for office or cybersecurity software.
- Use a robust security solution appropriate to your system type and devices, such as Kaspersky Premium (apo-opa.co/3G2yjUZ).
Organisations:
- Always keep software updated on all the devices you use to prevent attackers from infiltrating your network by exploiting vulnerabilities.
- Do not expose remote desktop services (such as RDP) to public networks unless absolutely necessary and always use strong passwords for them.
- Use solutions such as Kaspersky NEXT EDR Expert (apo-opa.co/4ifQ8NV) for comprehensive visibility across all endpoints on a company's corporate network to get superior defense, automate routine EDR tasks, enable analysts to speedily hunt out, prioritise, investigate, and neutralise complex threats and APT-like attacks.
- Use the latest Threat Intelligence (apo-opa.co/3XVFTa3) information to stay aware of actual TTPs used by threat actors.
- Back up corporate data regularly. Backups should be isolated from the network. Make sure you can quickly access the backups in an emergency if needed.
The Kaspersky stand at GITEX Africa (https://GITEXAfrica.com) in Morocco will be located in Hall 13, 13C-20, while a keynote titled “When AI/ML fails in cybersecurity, humans are the last line of defense” will take place at the Dark Stage on April 15 at 2:10 PM.
Reference:
[1] Data sent to Kaspersky is anonymized and protected, even in transit, in accordance with stringent industry standards including encryption, digital certificates, segregated storage and strict data access policies. Learn more about KSN here: www.Kaspersky.com/KSN
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kaspersky.
For further information please contact:
Nicole Allman
INK&Co. (https://INKandCo.co.za)
nicole@inkandco.co.za
Follow us:
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/3RfDPWG
X: https://apo-opa.co/3XUJzJe
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/4icxu9w
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/3G7fAry
Blog: https://apo-opa.co/44smi5c
About Kaspersky:
Kaspersky is a global cybersecurity and digital privacy company founded in 1997. With over a billion devices protected to date from emerging cyberthreats and targeted attacks, Kaspersky's deep threat intelligence and security expertise is constantly transforming into innovative solutions and services to protect businesses, critical infrastructure, governments and consumers around the globe. The company's comprehensive security portfolio includes leading endpoint protection, specialized security products and services, as well as Cyber Immune solutions to fight sophisticated and evolving digital threats. We help over 200,000 corporate clients protect what matters most to them. Learn more at www.Kaspersky.co.za.
Developer of R300M Stellenbosch Housing Estate Fights Back
Botmaskop Fynbos Estate says a court interdict stopping construction will be “catastrophic”
Department of Public Works Bungles Darling Street Eviction Application
State Attorney did not communicate with residents and failed to enrol the case properly
Government launches R500 million Spaza Shop Support Fund
Government launches R500 million Spaza Shop Support Fund
Government has officially opened applications for the highly anticipated R500 million support fund aimed at increasing the participation of South African owned Spaza Shops in the townships and rural areas retail trade sector.
Addressing the launch of the Spaza Shop Support Fund (SSSF), Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, said the fund will transform the spaza shop landscape by creating jobs, alleviating poverty, promoting economic inclusion and empowerment as well as stimulating local economic growth.
The fund provides for funding of up to R300 000 per shop through a combination of grants and low-interest loans.
It allocates funding specifically for initial stock purchases, infrastructure improvements, business development tools, and Point of Sale (POS) system adoption.
Through the fund, shop owners will be provided with assistance in meeting hygiene and regulatory standards to ensure the provision of safe, high-quality products.
“We are committed to ensuring that every spaza shop that benefits from this fund also gains access to the necessary health and safety training and resources. This holistic approach will help create workplaces that are not only economically vibrant but also secure and sustainable for the future,” the Minister said on Tuesday in Soweto.
He indicated that studies show that small businesses account for a significant portion of job creation in South Africa.
“By equipping spaza shop owners with financial support, infrastructure upgrades, and essential business training, we are setting the stage for sustainable job creation. This means more opportunities for local talent and a reduction in poverty levels, as spaza shops expand their roles as community hubs.
“Every spaza shop supported by this fund is an engine for local growth. When these businesses thrive, they create ripple effects that boost surrounding sectors—be it suppliers, service providers, or local artisans.
“This fund is a catalyst for economic dynamism, injecting energy and resources where they are most needed. It is an investment in our people, our neighbourhoods, and ultimately, the entire South African economy,” he explained.
The fund will be jointly administered by the National Empowerment Fund (NEF) and the Small Enterprise Development Finance Agency (SEFDA).
“We want a South Africa where economic opportunities are available to all, where the informal becomes formal, and where the entrepreneurial spirit of our townships becomes a driving force for national transformation.
“With this fund, we are taking a concrete step to formalise and empower the informal sector. By supporting spaza shops, we are enabling entrepreneurs, often women and young people, to participate fully in the economic process.
“These small businesses generate employment, drive local commerce, and channel much-needed income into communities that have long been underserved,” Tau said.
In order to access the funding, applicants need to apply to the NEF and SEDFA through the prescribed application process outlined on the relevant institution's website.
The following website can be used to apply for funding:
Spaza Shop Support Fund - www.spazashopfund.co.za
NEF - www.nefcorp.co.za
SEDFA - https://systems.sefa.org.za/SMMEPortal/
The contact details for the Spaza Shop Support Fund Call Centre are 01 1 305 8080 or via email: Spazafund@nefcorp.co.za
Contact details for the NEF Call Centre are 0861 843633, SEDFA Call Centre 012 748 9600 or an email can be sent to helpline@sefa.org.za.
-SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Tue, 04/08/2025 - 16:14
365 views
Young voices make their mark at Africa Children’s Summit 2025
Young voices make their mark at Africa Children’s Summit 2025
Children have taken centre stage to address critical issues affecting their lives, from education access to violence prevention, proving that they are not just future leaders but active changemakers.
This is according to the Department of Social Development, which has hosted the Africa Children’s Summit 2025.
Since its opening last week Friday, the summit has brought together some of the brightest and courageous young leaders in person from across Africa, with hundreds joining virtually.
The children who attended in person are from South Africa, South Sudan, DRC, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Ghana, Liberia, Mozambique, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
In a statement, the department said the summit was child-led and child-centred, with its chairperson and programme facilitators all drawn from children invited to the summit.
“Under the theme 'Seen, Heard, and Engaged in Education,' the children have boldly taken centre stage to address critical issues affecting their lives, from education access to violence prevention, proving that they are not just future leaders but active changemakers today,” the department said.
One of the child leaders, 17-year-old Ison Cumbane from Mozambique, captured the spirit of the summit when he said: “Many children don’t have the opportunity to speak about their rights. We are here to give a voice to them and show that we can participate and influence decisions.”
The summit wraps up in Johannesburg today.
The child-led initiative is hosted by the South African Government through the Department of Social Development, in partnership with the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund.
An Outcome Statement will be crafted by the children themselves, which will be handed over to the CEO of the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund and other key policymakers.
“The Outcome Statement outlines actionable recommendations for governments and civil society to implement policies that prioritise children’s voices and rights across Africa,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Mon, 04/07/2025 - 11:12
249 views
West Coast Surfers Go for Gold in Para Surfing Championships
A team from Extreme Abilities in Saldanha Bay will compete in Durban
Former MPs Refuse to Leave Their Subsidised Housing in Parliamentary Villages
State Attorney to take steps to evict them
Here’s How Government Has Progressed on Ending Pit Latrines in Schools
Minister says 93% of identified pit toilets eradicated
Call to scale up cervical cancer interventions
Call to scale up cervical cancer interventions
The international community has been called upon to scale up cervical cancer interventions and progress against the only noncommunicable disease that can be eliminated.
This call was made by the Government of South Africa, Unitaid and the World Health Organization (WHO) at the Group of Twenty (G20) Health Working Group meeting, which took place on Thursday in Zimbali, outside Durban.
According to the Department of Health, cervical cancer is preventable and potentially curable, as long as it is detected early and managed effectively. It is the second most common form of cancer among women in South Africa.
Statistics by the WHO show that the disease claimed the lives of almost 350 000 women globally in 2022.
“New vaccines, tests, and treatment technologies have transformed cervical cancer prevention in recent years, yet the disease continues to disproportionately impact women mostly in low- and middle-income countries where access to primary health care and preventive services are limited. Cervical cancer elimination would address a major gap in Women’s health,” the department said.
Speaking on the sidelines of the G20 health meeting, Unitaid’s Deputy Executive Director Tenu Avafia said Unitaid has invested US $81 million or R1.4 billion to bring down prices, increase volumes and address operational questions involved in cervical cancer screening and treatment to enable countries to scale up proven interventions with minimal risk.
“However, funding shortfalls still pose enormous challenges to building national cervical cancer elimination programs in low- and middle-income countries,” Avafia said.
Unitaid makes health products accessible, available and affordable for people who need them most.
Department of Health’s Director-General Dr Sandile Buthelezi said improving women’s health was not just a health issue but “an economic imperative”.
“It drives social stability, boosts productivity, and breaks the cycle of poverty. Global efforts to combat cervical cancer serve as a concrete illustration of how cooperation can advance women’s health and realize a shared goal to bring about the first-ever elimination of a cancer,” he said.
In 2020, the WHO launched the global strategy for cervical cancer elimination, the first-ever roadmap for the elimination of a cancer. Since then, countries have made enormous strides in rolling out new tools and services.
Vaccination against Human Papillomavirus (HPV) provides protection against infection that causes nearly all cases of cervical cancer.
And a package of screening and treatment tools – including HPV tests with the option for self-sampling and devices for quickly and easily removing pre-cancerous cells – make it possible to make lifesaving services available to women at lower levels of the health care system.
The health working group session called for a coordinated approach drawing on domestic resource mobilization, blended financing, and partnerships with multilateral development banks to scale these solutions, ensure long-term sustainability and reduce dependency on external aid.
Government asserted South Africa’s commitment to scaling up cervical cancer prevention programs nationwide with support from Unitaid, the WHO and other partners.
“The South African G20 health agenda promotes solidarity, equality and sustainability. It complements the African Union’s Agenda 2063, the development agenda of Africa as the world’s fastest-growing continent, and the Lusaka Agenda. It also focuses on rebuilding momentum to reach the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” the department said.
On Wednesday, Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi reiterated the importance of nations reallocating resources towards health, strengthening global health partnerships, and exploring innovative financing mechanisms to address funding gaps.
READ | Motsoaledi urges global action to address health funding gaps
The Minister used the platform to highlight South Africa’s commitment to universal health coverage (UHC) through the National Health Insurance (NHI) system, which aims to provide financial protection and efficient resource utilisation.
The three-day meeting which began on Wednesday, will conclude on Friday, 28 March 2025. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Fri, 03/28/2025 - 10:13
28 views
SA, DRC strengthen ties amid security concerns
SA, DRC strengthen ties amid security concerns
International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola has met with his counterpart from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Thérèse Kayiwamba Wagner, to enhance bilateral cooperation and address ongoing security challenges.
During the political consultations, Lamola expressed his condolences due to the turmoil affecting the Congolese people, particularly vulnerable groups such as women and children.
“The security situation in the eastern Democratic of the Congo is fragile and is cause for concern. Many people have lost their lives and, millions, especially women and children, have been displaced,” he said on Thursday.
He noted that the United Nations Security Council had convened multiple emergency sessions to address the crisis.
“The United Nations Security Council convened no less than three emergency sessions to review developments in the eastern DRC. Similarly, our regional and continental organisations have also met and called for a ceasefire, an end to hostilities, facilitation of humanitarian assistance, and a return to the peace talks.
“The people of the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo are yearning for peace and normalcy. We dare not fail them.”
South Africa has pledged its unwavering support for peace efforts in the region as it backs ongoing mediation initiatives aimed at achieving a long-term resolution to the conflict.
Lamola highlighted the appointment of former President Kgalema Motlanthe to the mediation team, stressing his extensive political experience as an asset in the quest for peace.
“We have no doubt that with his vast political experience, former President Motlanthe will be an asset to the team,” he added.
Lamola and Wagner, the DRC Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Francophonie, reviewed the state of bilateral relations during their meeting and reflected on the commitments made during the recent Bi-National Commission (BNC) session.
“We should examine progress in our joint efforts of promoting trade and investment between our countries, an area which is critical to the growth of our respective economies and the improvement of the lives and livelihoods of our people.”
As South African companies show increased interest in investing in the DRC, Lamola encouraged both nations to create the necessary conditions for these investments and announced that the country’s development finance institutions are also willing to extend and expand their coverage.
“Working together I am confident that we will create the necessary conditions for these investments to be realised,” he added.
The two countries plan to convene a comprehensive review of BNC outcomes in the coming months, setting the stage for the next session later this year.
Lamola said Wagner’s visit was a testament to the commitment of both nations to foster a stronger partnership.
“Senior officials should be directed to put their shoulders to the wheel to follow through all the tasks that have been agreed to but remain outstanding.”
Lamola and Wagner were joined by the Ministers of Defence from both locally and the DRC. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 03/27/2025 - 13:03
198 views
City of Cape Town Proposes Affordable Housing on Prime Green Point Site
The land value of the site ranks “among the highest in the southern hemisphere”
President Ramaphosa concludes visit to the Republic of Namibia
President Ramaphosa concludes visit to the Republic of Namibia
President Cyril Ramaphosa has concluded his working visit to the Republic of Namibia, where he attended the inauguration ceremony of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.
The ceremony which coincided with the Republic’s 35th Anniversary of Independence Day, was held on Friday, 21 March 2025, at the State House in Windhoek.
The President joined other Heads of State and Government who attended the ceremony, to congratulate President Nandi-Ndaitwah on becoming the fifth and first female President of the Republic.
President Ramaphosa has described the occasion as a monumental celebration for women empowerment for embracing and recognising the role women play in the African continent and the opportunities given to women to show their capabilities and leadership.
“Our hearts are warm from what we witnessed here today that the role of women has been fully embraced, and we also embrace it. As many countries on the continent, we wait for the moment, when the women on our continent will rise to the top,” President Ramaphosa said.
The working visit provided an opportunity to reaffirm the strategic nature of the cordial bilateral relations between South Africa and Namibia and further consolidate bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
South Africa and Namibia enjoy excellent bilateral relations due to the deep fraternal and historic relationship cemented during the fight against colonialism and apartheid.
Namibia’s stability and the interrelated ties with South Africa make the country a natural strategic partner not only in the Southern African Development Community (SADC), but also in the broader African Union (AU) context and globally.
President Ramaphosa said he is looking forward to working closely with the new President and her government to advance mutual political and economic interest and the integration of the African continent.
Both countries pursue Africa’s renewal, South-South Cooperation, and the promotion of a rules-based international system.
The President was accompanied by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Sun, 03/23/2025 - 11:51
178 views
Human Rights Festival celebrates liberation heroes
Human Rights Festival celebrates liberation heroes
Constitution Hill will this weekend host one of Gauteng’s key events – the 2025 Human Rights Festival from 20 to 23 March 2025.
“Celebrating it’s 7th year, the event invites the public to commemorate South Africa’s Human Rights Day and celebrate the memory of those liberation heroes who took a stand for human rights in the Sharpeville 1960 massacre.
“The festival aims to build greater awareness and knowledge around human rights and to promote the importance of an active citizenry,” said Constitution Hill in a statement.
This as South Africa marks Human Rights Day on 21 March 2025. Deputy President Paul Mashatile will on behalf of President Cyril Ramaphosa, deliver the keynote address at the commemoration event scheduled to take place at the Derrick Ferreira Stadium, in Kariega.
The 2025 Human Rights Festival serves as both a global inspiration and a display of the strength of South Africa’s ubuntu culture in working towards a just and inclusive society.
Civil society organisations have worked with Constitution Hill to shape a unique programme for the event.
Hosted on the apron of the Constitutional Court and using venues in the Old Fort and Women’s Jail, the festival will bring together a public audience; community-based organisations; social movements; government and non-governmental organisations, and international organisations.
The four-day event is free to all and gates open at 10h00 on all three days.
On Thursday, Gauteng MEC for Economic Development Lebogang Maile will deliver a powerful public lecture at Constitution Hill’s Women’s Jail Museum to honour the life and legacy of Mama Winnie Madikizela-Mandela.
The opening of Qhakaza: Pain Undefined Curated by Gift Kgosierileng, explores how Mama Winnie Mandela used fashion as a form of resistance and empowerment.
“Through carefully selected pieces, photographs, and multimedia installations, the exhibition highlights how her iconic style became a tool for reclaiming agency and asserting dignity in the face of systemic oppression,” said the statement.
There will also be non-governmental organisation (NGO) capacity building sessions; learners programs and public dialogue sessions. The day will end with an NGO and film makers networking session.
On Friday, the official opening ceremony will include the 1000 Drums for Solidarity. Drumming serves as a powerful tool to amplify marginalised voices and foster solidarity within community groups.
There will be multiple interactive sessions including workshops and dialogues; family fun at the children’s village; a local authors book fair and book readings; film festival showcasing local and global talent; live poetry segments and a curated maker’s market.
A live show will take place from 17h00 – 21h00, headlined by renowned jazz artist Mandisi Dyantyis.
On Sunday, Constitution Hill invites the public to the last day of the event to take a stand and join together for Human Rights in the 8km WeThePeopleWalk Walk through the city with a fun filled program kicking off from 7am.
The walk will return back to the site for various activities and a local makers market.
The festival takes place at Constitution Hill, formerly a site of prisons, where many great liberation leaders were incarcerated.
Today Constitution Hill has been transformed into a beacon of light for democracy and social justice. A living museum that executes multiple education, creative development, human rights and constitutional public programs throughout the year.
For more information visits www.humanrightsfestival.co.za. – SAnews.gov.za
Janine
Thu, 03/20/2025 - 10:23
72 views
Water and Sanitation on Mpumalanga Dam Levels
Water levels in the Mpumalanga Province remain stable, consistently above 99%, with slight improvements recorded in key reservoirs. According to the latest Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) weekly state of reservoirs report, the average dam levels in the province increased marginally from 99.2% to 99.3%.
The Water Management Areas (WMAs) showed notable improvements in water levels. The Limpopo-Olifants WMA experienced a slight increase, rising from 95.8% to 96.1%. Similarly, the Inkomati-Usuthu WMA saw a marginal increase, moving from 97.6% to 96.8%. Overall, the average water levels and volumes across the water management areas are higher compared to the same period last year.
In terms of district water levels, Ehlanzeni and Gert Sibande recorded slight improvements, while Nkangala experienced a minor decline. Ehlanzeni increased from 95.0% to 95.2%, and Gert Sibande rose from 100.2% to 100.3%. Meanwhile, Nkangala dropped slightly from 101.6% to 101.3%.
Most listed dams in the Lowveld and Ehlanzeni District maintained stable water levels. Longmere Dam remained unchanged at 101.1%, Klipkopjes Dam at 100.0%, Witklip Dam at 100.4%, Primkop Dam at 100.4%, and Da Gama Dam at 100.3%. Dams that showed improvements include Driekoppies, which increased from 91.6% to 91.8%, and Inyaka, which rose from 92.7% to 93.6%. On the other hand, Kwena Dam saw a slight decline, dropping from 101.3% to 101.0%.
In Gert Sibande District, most listed dams continued to show improvements in water levels, with the exception of Grootdraai Dam, which remained steady at 102.4%. Dams on an upward trend include Nooitgedacht, which increased from 100.0% to 100.4%, Jericho Dam from 92.0% to 92.5%, Westoe Dam from 99.8% to 99.9%, Morgenstond Dam from 93.8% to 95.3%, and Heyshope Dam from 100.9% to 101.1%. However, Vygeboom Dam experienced a decline, dropping from 100.9% to 100.3%.
In Nkangala District, Witbank Dam was the only dam to record an improvement, rising from 98.4% to 99.4%. Rhenosterkop / Mkhombo Dam remained unchanged at 102.2%. On the downside, Middelburg Dam dropped from 99.4% to 98.6%, and Loskop Dam declined from 102.5% to 101.6%.
The Department reminds the public that South Africa is a water-scarce country, urging everyone to use water wisely and sparingly. Despite current water levels remaining stable and higher than last year's, the DWS emphasises the need to intensify water conservation efforts, particularly as the country approaches the dry winter season in most regions.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Government.
Public Service and Administration Committee Will Be the ‘Ghostbuster’ of the Public Service
During the Finance Ministers' Budget Speech, the Finance Minister made a clear commitment that National Treasury will conduct “ghost audits” to eliminate so-called “ghost” employees in public administration.
The Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration agrees that the existence of these public service ghost employees, or, if you will, Casper – the unfriendly public service ghost, creates wastage in the public service wage bill and should be investigated. The ghosts also works directly against the this government's efforts to establish a professional, merit-based and independent public service.
While the committee commends the Minister's intention to hunt down these ghosts, it is also true that part of this committee's oversight duties over the public service and administration should be to join the hunt for Casper.
Members of the Portfolio Committee on Public Service and Administration today, therefore, decided to prioritise its efforts to become the ghostbusters of the public service by prioritising their requests for the following engagements:
- A joint sitting with the finance committee, for a briefing from the Minister of Finance and the Treasury on the strategy, scope and progress of ghost audits throughout the state.
- A oversight visits to all provinces, where the committee will engage with provincial government and other national departments on their strategies, scope and progress of ghost audits throughout the state, starting with the committee's oversight visits to Gauteng and North West next week.
- A special committee sitting with the Public Service Commission and the Department of Public Service and Administration to understand their current strategy, scope and progress of ghost audits throughout government departments.
These are just the initial steps that the committee will take to hunt down the public service ghosts and the puppet masters who sit behind them. We must never forget that behind every Casper sits a criminal who syphons taxpayer money into his pockets. These ghost salaries do not just disappear into the void, they are undoubtably funnelled into the pockets of criminals, who should be identified, arrested and prosecuted.
Public Service and Administration committee members have therefore committed to become Parliament's ghostbusting squad. We will show our sincere and urgent intention to play our part in professionalising the state and eliminating this wasteful expenditure.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
A Competition to Drive Eswatini’s Artisans to Success
The European Union (EU) and International Trade Centre (ITC) launched a unique competition to empower Eswatini's artisans by providing game-changing support to small businesses. This collaboration, with a Toyota 2.8 GD6 vehicle as the grand prize, aimed at driving innovation, market expansion, and new opportunities.
When Bafanabethu ‘Bethu' Gina, Managing Director of Favourite Designs, entered the competition, he saw it as more than just an opportunity to win a vehicle worth close to €18,000 – it was a chance to accelerate his company's expansion.
Favourite Designs, a fast-growing furniture and décor manufacturing enterprise in Eswatini, has been paving its way in the artisan industry. He uses traditional techniques like grass weaving to create baskets, lamp shades and other homewares with a modern sensibility.
‘This vehicle is more than just a mode of transport – it's a game-changer for our business,' says Bethu. ‘It will allow us to reach new customers, access rural suppliers more efficiently, and expand into the South African market. Our goal is to triple our market size by leveraging this opportunity to grow beyond Eswatini.'
Preserving culture with innovation
Founded in Matsapha, Eswatini, Favourite Designs combines modern design principles with traditional Swati craftsmanship. The company works closely with rural artisans, particularly women, sourcing raw materials and helping to preserve Swati cultural identity through handcrafted pieces. Bethu sees his role not only as a designer and entrepreneur but as someone who inspires fellow artisans to integrate design thinking into their craft, making their products more competitive in the global market.
‘I love how Emaswati artisans have preserved our culture through beautiful, handcrafted work, passing down traditions from generation to generation,' he says. ‘I see Eswatini's artisan and design industry growing substantially in the next five years. But we need to inspire artisans – both aspiring and practicing – to intentionally apply design principles from conceptualization to realization. This will enhance product quality and make Eswatini crafts globally competitive while preserving our cultural heritage.'
Plans to scale are in motion
Favourite Designs is a key participant in the EU, ITC, and House on Fire Artisanal Incubator Programme, which nurtures emerging businesses in the handcraft and artisanal food sectors. Through this initiative, Bethu's company has:
- Showcased work at major events like the MTN Bushfire Festival and Standard Bank Luju Food & Lifestyle Festival
- Collaborated with international designers, including Finnish designer Mari Koppanen
- Featured at prestigious international exhibitions, such as the Paris Design Show in 2024
The new Toyota 2.8 GD6 vehicle will expand these opportunities. It will help Favourite Designs connect with international buyers, attend trade shows, and access key regional markets like South Africa. He'd already been saving for a vehicle so that he can meet with his rural suppliers and make deliveries to customers. Now he can use those savings to invest in other parts of his business.
The EU seeks to foster space for enterprise creativity
The EU and ITC structured this competition not just as a giveaway but as an opportunity to reward resilience and innovation.
‘Rather than a simple donation, we designed a competition to reward an entrepreneur who has demonstrated resilience and innovation,' said EU Ambassador to Eswatini, Karsten Mecklenburg. ‘Favourite Designs has shown exceptional growth potential, and we are confident this vehicle will be instrumental in their success.'
Bethu's winning competition entry video creatively told the company's story while addressing the competition's objectives. He structured the submission like a design brief, integrating a script, storytelling elements, and real footage from his journey with ITC since 2023.
‘I wanted to demonstrate the progress we've made as a result of ITC's intervention and how the vehicle would boost our operations and growth,' he explains. ‘The first minute of the video is a skit showcasing how we would use the vehicle, followed by three minutes of our ITC-supported journey, and a final call-to-action statement. I shot and edited everything using just my mobile phone.'
Favourite Designs is a shining example of how local businesses can scale internationally with the right support, vision, and innovation.
With a new vehicle and growing recognition, Favourite Designs is well on its way to becoming an international success story.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Trade Centre.
SASSA’s Plans to Shorten Queues and Improve Grant Payment System
About 1.4-million people still need to replace their SASSA cards before the deadline on Thursday
The “Biggest Trout Farm in Africa” and the Failed R5,000 Community Fund
Lesotho Highlands aquaculture project offers little in return for its licence