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A software development company is a hub of innovation and technology. It is a place where ideas are transformed into reality, where problems are solved with creative solutions, and where businesses are empowered to reach their full potential. But what exactly does a software development company do? Let’s delve into the details. Academy A …
Over 60 exhibitors, including South Hill Vineyards showcased their products and services to eager brides at this year’s annual Winelands Bridal Fair from the 29th till the 30th of July 2023. This event turned out to be a remarkable success for South Hill, leaving a positive impact on attendees and creating memorable experiences for all …
If you’re moving home with elderly or senior citizens, it’s important to plan ahead and make sure they’re comfortable, safe, and taken care of during the move. Here are a few tips to make the process easier: involve them as much as you can, if possible. Listen to what they want and need, as it’s …
Introduction: As the world embraces sustainable and renewable energy solutions, solar power has emerged as a game-changer in the quest for clean electricity. With solar panels becoming more accessible and cost-effective, many homeowners and apartment dwellers are exploring the benefits of harnessing the sun’s energy. However, there are distinct differences between implementing solar power on …
Introduction: In the realm of modern living, having access to the right products is essential to enhance comfort, convenience, and enjoyment in various aspects of life. This blog uncovers the diverse offerings of chairs, houseware, tents, camping & outdoor gear, and braai stands, highlighting how each category caters to specific needs and contributes to a …
Kubayi calls for tough action against poor performing contractors
Human Settlements Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi, says the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) must probe projects that are affected by poor performance, as contractors who under-deliver or abandon projects must be brought to book.
Kubayi made the call to the Free State Human Settlements Department during a recent oversight visit to Mangaung Metropolitan and Matjhabeng Municipality to assess performance, including delivery of housing units and basic services.
Together with Free State Premier, Mxolisi Dukwana, and Human Settlements MEC, Ketso Makume, Kubayi visited blocked housing projects with the aim of finding solutions.
The department has prioritised the completion of blocked projects, which are expected to deliver close to 10 000 units in the province. The eradication of rural mud houses and asbestos roofs; the provision of basic services and infrastructure in informal settlements and homes for military veterans are also top priority.
During the visits to both municipalities, Kubayi expressed her disappointment with the staggering number of incomplete projects, which deny the poor and vulnerable access to a decent homes.
She raised concern about State funds, amounting to hundreds of millions, that have been spent on incomplete projects.
She further expressed her disappointment at the number of unscrupulous contractors, who were comfortable with siphoning State funds without having delivered a single project milestone.
Kubayi warned that the delivery of houses on time and within budget is non-negotiable.
“We allocated resources and those are meant to change the lives of the people. Poor performance by contractors is a slap in the face of those who live in squalor,” Kubayi said.
She said the department, together with the Free State government, agreed that there must be consequences for those who have denied people their right to dignity.
“When I joined the department, I called on the contractors to return to the abandoned sites and make good on their contractual obligations. We have now resolved that we will go after those who have vanished with government resources.
“The poor performance of one province affects the entire sector and hence the need for all provinces to crack the whip on poor performing contractors to ensure that targets are met,” Kubayi said.
The Minister said for the financial year 2023/24, the department has allocated R19.2 billion to provincial grants and R12.5 billion for municipal grants.
With its budget allocation of close to R1 billion, the Free State has committed that during this financial year, it will deliver close to 10 000 housing units, including the eradication of mud houses and asbestos roofs; providing basic services and infrastructure in informal settlements, and accelerating the delivery of houses for military veterans and completing blocked projects.
In an effort to assist the province to achieve its set targets, the Minister announced that she has agreed to a request to second two officials from the National Human Settlements to provide additional capacity to the provincial department.
She said the two officials are expected to be in the province as early as next week.
Responding to a recent land invasion in Botshabelo in Mangaung, the Minister called on community members to partner with government to deliver sustainable human settlements.
She also warned against “shack lords” and illegal occupation of land, saying it affects service delivery.
The communities were also reminded that the occupation of land unsuitable for human settlements development in many instances results in loss of lives due disasters.
Over 600 title deeds given to elderly women
The oversight visit also included the handing over of 600 title deeds to mostly elderly women beneficiaries.
Kubayi urged the beneficiaries not to fall into the temptation of selling their newly acquired homes or to give them to loan sharks.
“This is proof that a house is yours and belongs to you and your loved ones. Hold on to it and hand it over to your next generations,” Kubayi told beneficiaries.
The Minister also commended women’s contribution to providing sustainable human settlements in many parts of the country, and called for increased allocation of projects towards women contractors, as part of the 40% set aside policy. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 08/07/2023 - 10:41
TNPA, CSIR to address extreme wind disruption in Port of Cape Town
Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to address extreme wind disruption to operate in the Port of Cape Town (PoCT).
The TNPA and the CSIR-hosted programme, the Alliance for Collaboration on Climate and Earth Systems Science (ACCESS), and the other institutions intend to establish a series of research projects aimed at understanding the impact of extreme wind disruption on operations for the integrated maritime transport logistics chain at the PoCT.
In the past few years, according to the joint statement, the PoCT lost an average of 1 200 hours per year of operational time due to extreme wind disruption.
“Extreme wind gusts can result in terminal equipment becoming unsafe to operate, thereby impacting terminal operations.
“This sometimes leads to congestion inside and outside the port, resulting in vessels being at anchorage for extended periods. Several industries, including the time-sensitive fruit industry, are severely impacted by wind disruptions in the port,” the statement read.
The parties said experts in various institutions who possess the skills required to address the problem are conducting the research.
Meanwhile, the University of the Witwatersrand’s experts are studying the seasonal climate patterns that result in these extreme winds to establish whether there are trends and whether the wind is indeed intensifying with time.
They are also looking into how wind patterns in the Cape Peninsula and the port are likely to change because of climate change.
In addition, the University of KwaZulu-Natal and the University of Cape Town (UCT) researchers are examining the current and future economic impact of these disruptions on specific value chains to estimate the financial losses and assess the required investment into adaptation measures to deal with the problem.
“The CSIR and UCT are focusing on feasible engineering and operational adaptations to address the challenge.”
TNPA Managing Executive for Western Region ports, Advocate Phyllis Difeto, said the institution appreciates the increasing risk of environmental challenges to port operations.
“Unless these are carefully understood and managed, they can add a burden to the smooth management of the ports, which are vital to the functioning of the country’s economy.
“Climate change presents a growing challenge to shipping and ports in that it impacts the state of both land and sea operations,” Difeto said.
CSIR Senior Researcher and ACCESS Director, Dr Neville Sweijd, noted that extreme weather is the way in which climate change manifests.
“The extreme wind problem in the PoCT is a classic example. It is not a new problem, but potentially a worsening one, and so it will increasingly have an impact on lives and livelihoods all around the Western Cape, especially for those people who are involved in the fruit export industry,” Sweijd added.
He explained that the project seeks to produce solutions that can be used to adapt to and manage extreme wind impacts for the next two years.
“We cannot turn the wind off, but we can learn to better work with it,” he said.
The MoA between TNPA and the research consortium will provide researchers with access to valuable data sources that are required for the study, while national ports authority will facilitate engagements with their key clients and stakeholders.
“Strategic partnerships are critical for a successful and integrated maritime transport logistics chain, and the TNPA continues to collaborate and partner with all stakeholders to optimise the value proposition of the port and the western region,” said Difeto. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 08/07/2023 - 13:36
GQEBERHA – Vodacom Eastern Cape is taking significant steps to address the escalating issue of vandalism and battery theft at base station sites in the region. On average, 120 sites on average per month experience vandalism, while approximately 62 lithium batteries are stolen each month, with Kei County being one of the worst areas affected. …
Introduction: Unica Plastics, the pioneer in injection moulded plastic furniture, unveils a remarkable collection of seating solutions that redefine comfort, style, and practicality. With an extensive lineup of chairs and stools designed to cater to various needs, Unica Plastics has earned accolades for their commitment to quality, expert craftsmanship, and innovative designs. In this blog, …
Kubayi calls for tough actions against poor-performing contractors
Human Settlements Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi, says the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) must probe projects that are affected by poor performance, as contractors who under-deliver or abandon projects must be brought to book.
Kubayi made the call to the Free State Human Settlements Department during a recent oversight visit to Mangaung Metropolitan and Matjhabeng Municipality to assess performance, including delivery of housing units and basic services.
Together with Free State Premier, Mxolisi Dukwana, and Human Settlements MEC, Ketso Makume, Kubayi visited blocked housing projects with the aim of finding solutions.
The department has prioritised the completion of blocked projects, which are expected to deliver close to 10 000 units in the province. The eradication of rural mud houses and asbestos roofs; the provision of basic services and infrastructure in informal settlements and homes for military veterans are also top priority.
During the visits to both municipalities, Kubayi expressed her disappointment with the staggering number of incomplete projects, which deny the poor and vulnerable access to a decent homes.
She raised concern about State funds, amounting to hundreds of millions, that have been spent on incomplete projects.
She further expressed her disappointment at the number of unscrupulous contractors, who were comfortable with siphoning State funds without having delivered a single project milestone.
Kubayi warned that the delivery of houses on time and within budget is non-negotiable.
“We allocated resources and those are meant to change the lives of the people. Poor performance by contractors is a slap in the face of those who live in squalor,” Kubayi said.
She said the department, together with the Free State government, agreed that there must be consequences for those who have denied people their right to dignity.
“When I joined the department, I called on the contractors to return to the abandoned sites and make good on their contractual obligations. We have now resolved that we will go after those who have vanished with government resources.
“The poor performance of one province affects the entire sector and hence the need for all provinces to crack the whip on poor performing contractors to ensure that targets are met,” Kubayi said.
The Minister said for the financial year 2023/24, the department has allocated R19.2 billion to provincial grants and R12.5 billion for municipal grants.
With its budget allocation of close to R1 billion, the Free State has committed that during this financial year, it will deliver close to 10 000 housing units, including the eradication of mud houses and asbestos roofs; providing basic services and infrastructure in informal settlements, and accelerating the delivery of houses for military veterans and completing blocked projects.
In an effort to assist the province to achieve its set targets, the Minister announced that she has agreed to a request to second two officials from the National Human Settlements to provide additional capacity to the provincial department.
She said the two officials are expected to be in the province as early as next week.
Responding to a recent land invasion in Botshabelo in Mangaung, the Minister called on community members to partner with government to deliver sustainable human settlements.
She also warned against “shack lords” and illegal occupation of land, saying it affects service delivery.
The communities were also reminded that the occupation of land unsuitable for human settlements development in many instances results in loss of lives due disasters.
Over 600 title deeds given to elderly women
The oversight visit also included the handing over of 600 title deeds to mostly elderly women beneficiaries.
Kubayi urged the beneficiaries not to fall into the temptation of selling their newly acquired homes or to give them to loan sharks.
“This is proof that a house is yours and belongs to you and your loved ones. Hold on to it and hand it over to your next generations,” Kubayi told beneficiaries.
The Minister also commended women’s contribution to providing sustainable human settlements in many parts of the country, and called for increased allocation of projects towards women contractors, as part of the 40% set aside policy. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 08/07/2023 - 10:41
Luvme Hair South Africa, a leading brand in premium quality human hair wigs in South Africa, is thrilled to announce a special Women’s Day promotion that will surely delight and empower women across the nation. In honor of Women’s Day, Luvme Hair is offering a limited-time offer of “Buy 1 Wig, Get 2nd Wig at …
Cloudmania, launched by Liquid C2 in 2021 to support Africa's digital transformation journey, opens its doors for the Mauritius channel partner ecosystem. With partners in 22 countries across the continent, Cloudmania is committed to providing cloud and cyber security services to partners within an ecosystem defined by support, expertise, and enablement.
Vinay Hiralall, Managing Executive of Cloudmania, said, “Our operations have grown exponentially, in the last year itself, we have grown from 100 partners to over 500. This highlights that our value proposition resonates with channel partners across the continent. We have a deep understanding of the channel ecosystem and work with partners to provide the technical enablement, operational efficiency, and solution portfolio to drive their businesses forward. Winning the Microsoft Partner of the Year award in Ethiopia and Côte d'Ivoire in 2022 and 2023, respectively, reinforces our commitment to delivering solutions that propel cloud adoption and partner growth and accelerate digital transformation for businesses in Africa”.
All resellers that partner with Cloudmania receive access to a suite of market-leading solutions tailored to suit their customers' needs. Cloudmania aims to help channel partners better manage their business by creating a single-pane view via an always-on platform that assists with billing and subscription management services. In addition to providing partners with programmes that drive sales enablement, they also have access to our marketing initiatives and technical advisories. By alleviating the backend operations, partners can focus more on their core business of expanding their operations and increasing their customer base.
Cloudmania understands the critical role cloud and cyber security technologies play in today's digital economy. “Being recognised by one of the largest global hyper-scalers like Microsoft as ‘Partner of the Year' is testimony to Cloudmania's unwavering commitment towards ushering change, development, and progress through technology, and we hope to win next year's award for Mauritius,” concluded Hiralall.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Liquid Intelligent Technologies.
About Cloudmania:
Launched by Liquid C2 in 2021, Cloudmania is a Cloud Services and Solutions provider extending convenience, diversity, and a range of services. The company has opened its doors to numerous countries across the African continent, including South Africa, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Nigeria, Ghana, Mauritius, Ethiopia, Côte d'Ivoire, Senegal, Cameroon, Botswana, and the Democratic Republic of Congo serving the mission to bring about digital disruption using the power of the cloud. Cloudmania offers cutting-edge solutions to provide a full suite of partner-focused products and services. The organisation was awarded a Microsoft Partner of the Year in Ethiopia 2022 and Côte d'Ivoire in 2023. For more information: https://Cloudmania.Africa/
About Liquid C2:
Liquid C2 is a business of Liquid Intelligent Technologies, a pan-African technology group, offering managed cloud and security services, product solutions, and related professional and advisory services in 22 African countries. It operates Africa's widest Azure Stack deployment across four countries and deployed the only African Cyber Security Fusion Centres in South Africa and Kenya, with another four to be launched in 2023. Liquid C2 was selected as an Operator Connect launch partner by Microsoft in six countries. The organisation was a finalist in the Microsoft Partner of the Year 2021 in South Africa and Microsoft Partner of the Year in Ethiopia and Côte d'Ivoire in 2022 and 2023. https://LiquidC2.com/
Introduction: In South Africa, there exists a team of leak detection specialists with an impressive 41-year track record. Their unparalleled experience, coupled with the use of the latest equipment, makes them the go-to professionals for leak detection services. With their ability to precisely pinpoint leak locations, clients can bid farewell to the frustration of searching …
The Durban Chemicals Cluster (DCC) Accelerator is now in its sixth year and is proud to announce the launch of its next Business Accelerator. Applications from high-potential, Black-owned small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the local chemicals sector are all welcome and will be accepted until 30 September 2023. The DCC Accelerator is a transformative …
Police minister and mining officials meet community following protests over violence blamed on informal miners
Mashatile calls for 'unerring focus' on improving lives of South Africans
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has called on political parties and civil society to craft a way forward for coalition governments that will improve the lives of South Africans.
The Deputy President was speaking at the National Dialogue on Coalition Governments held at the University of the Western Cape, in Cape Town, on Friday.
The two day dialogue seeks to lay a foundation for the creation of a National Framework guiding the effective management and navigation of coalition governments in South Africa.
“[Our] political focus must unerringly remain on the well-being of our people. Our pursuit of national consensus on how to approach coalition governments is a matter of national interest. Properly handled, it has the potential to bring the necessary stability, especially to the local government sphere, despite the intemperance we have witnessed in relation to coalitions.
“This dialogue therefore seeks to promote fidelity to the national interest so that we remain focused on the fulfilment of the constitutional injunction to build a united, democratic, non-racial, non-sexist, and prosperous society,” he said.
Currently, South Africa has at least 70 hung municipalities and this has paved the way for the formation of coalition governments in local municipalities.
Some of these coalitions, particularly those in metropolitan municipalities, have given rise to, amongst others, instability and frequent changes in council leadership structures – ultimately hampering service delivery to citizens.
Deputy President Mashatile told those at the dialogue that in this regard, citizens are demanding accountability from those elected to lead.
“Whatever the configuration of governance, the electorate and the people as a whole expect from those who govern nothing less than the material improvement of their lives, a better future for themselves and their children as well as guarantees for peace and security.
“Those who govern also owe accountability to the people at all times for without accountability, the process of governance is compromised. Additionally, where parties battle it out, like the feuding houses of Verona, other things also get lost: among them, improving the lives of the people is often compromised with negative impacts on the wellbeing of citizens,” he said.
Mashatile said although coalition governments face a raft of challenges, current leaders “may be the generation in our evolving democracy that co-creates and designs resilient solutions to our political architecture”.
“We can ignite the hopes of our people with the demonstration of united leadership, which communicates the message that we have gathered here today as a collective of South African stateswomen and statesmen and not as mere politicians representing their parties.
“This national dialogue will not stop after tomorrow; it is just the beginning. It is the launch of the dialogue that must spread across our nation as we collectively grapple with the most crucial question: what do we do going forward to serve the people even better?
“The motto of this eminent institution of higher learning is Respice Prospice: look back, look forward, and take what is worthy from the past, and build the future. As we grapple with these issues, may we embrace the apposite counsel of the motto of the University of the Western Cape so that we are able to meet the expectations of the people for the material improvement of their lives, and secure a better future for them and their children. So shall we be true to the national interest,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Fri, 08/04/2023 - 12:52
Heritage Day, celebrated annually on 24 September, holds a special place in the hearts of South Africans worldwide. Also known as National Braai Day, this day is not just about recognising the rich cultural history and diversity of the nation, but it’s also a celebration of a beloved South African tradition – the braai. …
Over 190 suspects arrested during police operations in Riverlea
A total of 194 suspects have been arrested during intensified police operations in Riverlea and surrounding areas to arrest zama-zamas terrorising the communities.
The arrests follow the deployment of Crime Intelligence, Tactical Response Teams “Amaberethe”, National Intervention Unit (NIU) and the Special Task Force (STF) in and around the Riverlea area, including illegal mining hotspot areas in Gauteng.
Police Minister, General Bheki Cele returned to Riverlea in the West of Johannesburg on Friday, to update the community on the police's response to the illicit activities that have left some community members living in fear.
Joined by South African Police Service (SAPS) management from both national and the Gauteng province, Cele engaged the residents of Riverlea and surrounding in an effort to end illegal mining and to find lasting solutions to stabilise the area.
Addressing the community at Riverlea Recreation Centre, Cele said a team from the Minister and the Secretariat would be sent to the Langlaagte Police Station from Monday.
He said the team would report back by Thursday.
“The relationship between the community and the police station must be fixed so that we work together against criminality. We will bring a report back and see who is not doing his or her job, and take action against them,” Cele said.
Cele said the team will also probe allegations that SAPS are getting bribes, and called on the community to report and bring the evidence of the allegations.
“We want to change their blue uniforms for the orange uniforms,” he said.
The Minister also called on the community to stop supporting the criminals, adding that they know the zama-zamas, as they are their next door neighbours.– SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 08/04/2023 - 15:12
Transport Minister calls for resolution to Cape Town taxi strike
Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga says the Department of Transport expects to meet with both the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) and officials in the City of Cape Town following the taxi industry’s suspension of services in the city.
She was speaking on the sidelines of the National Dialogue on Coalition Governments held in Cape Town.
On Wednesday after the taxi council suspended operations, taxis blocked roads, including major highways, resulting in the burning of buses and intimidation of motorists.
The strike follows a standoff with the City of Cape Town on various issues, including the impounding of taxis and operating license applications.
Chikunga said the department is expecting to convene a meeting with all role players to find a solution to the impasse.
“We have requested the MEC for Transport [in the Western Cape] because we believe the Department of Transport should lead and not the police because this is a matter that requires the Department of Transport nationally and provincially, sitting together with the metro.
“Of course, also the taxi industry itself represented by SANTACO. We have invited the national leadership of SANTACO, also their provincial and local leadership so that we hear exactly what the issues are and find solutions to those problems,” Chikunga said.
The Minister called for taxi operators to reconsider the suspension of services, which has left thousands of commuters without transport.
“We are extremely concerned about what has happened. What we would like SANTACO to do is maybe call off the strike while we are trying to find a solution. The people who become victims are not the people that they are unhappy with, but it is the commuters.
“Of course we would want to protect the Netball World Cup. We have got other events that have to take place in Cape Town. [The taxi industry] plays a key role in the transportation of commuters and we would definitely try to persuade them to consider calling off the strike,” she said.
Chikunga condemned the violence that erupted allegedly at the hands of taxi drivers in the area but also called on city officials to mete out “equal treatment” to all motorists, including those in the transportation industry.
“We are not saying that law enforcement should not enforce the law and we are not saying that the taxi industry should not abide by the law… of the road because that actually leads to accidents.
“However, when that law is meted, it should not just target the taxi industry. We are opposed to that. We can’t have a by-law that is just for the taxi industry. If it is wrong to cross any barrier line, it should be wrong for the bus, the taxi and for everybody. It should not just focus on and target the taxi industry,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Fri, 08/04/2023 - 09:27
New go-to-market strategy addresses channel partners’ increased demand for higher power and three-phase UPS to meet customers’ growing digital demands Vertiv (NYSE: VRT), a global provider of critical digital infrastructure and continuity solutions, has announced key enhancements to its dedicated offering for channel distributors and resellers. According to Omdia, Vertiv is already ranked #1 in …
