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In a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing awareness and understanding of FICA compliance, leading South African PR agency Red Ribbon Communications collaborated with DocFox, a pioneer in B2B tech solutions, to shed light on the critical importance of accountability in the financial sector. The placement of South Africa on the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) …
Mpumalanga records highest HIV prevalence rate
Compared to other provinces, Mpumalanga had the highest HIV prevalence at 17.4% in 2022, which translates to an estimated 890 000 people, living with HIV (PLHIV) in the province.
The key findings of the Sixth South African HIV Prevalence, Incidence, and Behaviour Survey (SABSSM VI) for Mpumalanga were released by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) on Tuesday.
According to the overall principal investigator of the study, the HSRC’s Professor Khangelani Zuma, the survey showed that, in 2022, HIV prevalence in the province was 7.8% among youth aged 15 to 24 overall, and 1.5-fold higher among males (9.8%) than females (6.3%) in this age group.
Among adults aged 25 to 49, HIV prevalence was 26.4% overall, and 1.6-fold higher among females (31.9%) than males (19.9%).
By locality, HIV prevalence was higher among those residing in rural formal or farms (21.1%) and rural informal areas (18.4%) and lower in urban areas (15.5%).
“A concerning state is that HIV prevalence peaked at 40.8% among those 45 to 49 years in 2022 compared to 39% in 2017 among those 35 to 39 years, suggesting a possibility of continued new infections.
“There was a notable downward shift in the epidemic curve in 2022 among respondents 15 to 44 years,” Zuma noted.
The data presented are for three priority districts in Mpumalanga, namely Ehlanzeni, Gert Sibande and Nkangala districts.
In 2022, HIV prevalence among all ages was highest in Gert Sibande (20.5%) and Ehlanzeni (16%) and lowest in Nkangala (13.1%).
Antiretroviral treatment
Meanwhile, according to the data, antiretroviral treatment (ART) coverage in Mpumalanga increased to 81.8% in 2022, from 65.4% in 2017.
This translates to an estimated 630 000 people living with HIV in the province receiving ART in 2022.
In 2022, ART use among all people living with HIV in the province was 56.4% among adolescents and youth 15 to 24 years and 83.9% among those 25 to 49 years.
Among females, ART coverage was substantially lower among those aged 15 to 24 (58.6%) than those aged 25 to 49 (85.2%).
ART coverage among males from 25 to 49 years was 81.6%, while it was 54.8% for male youth aged 15 to 24.
The SABSSM VI survey, conducted between 2022 and 2023, aimed to maintain surveillance of HIV infection and behaviours in South Africa, evaluate the progress of the South African national HIV and AIDS, STI and TB Strategic Plan, and monitor HIV indicators for national and international reporting.
Knowledge of HIV status
Zuma expressed concern that people living with HIV aged 25 to 49 accounted for most people living with HIV in Mpumalanga who were unaware of their HIV status (62.3%), aware but not on ART (63.5%), and on ART but not virally suppressed (63.4%).
However, adolescents and youth aged between 15 to 24 contributed disproportionally to gaps in treatment, accounting for just 9.4% of all people living with HIV.
In this age group, 16.9% knew their HIV status, 16.7% knew their HIV status but were not on ART, and 13.7% of those on ART were not on viral load suppression (VLS).
People residing in urban areas accounted for the most people living with HIV overall.
Key drivers
Regarding the key drivers of the HIV pandemic, Zuma noted that Mpumalanga had the lowest prevalence of sexual debut among provinces.
The proportion of adolescents and youth aged 15 who reported having sex before the age of 15 years decreased from 13.3% in 2017 to 5.4% in 2022.
However, sexual debut before the age of 15 among adolescents and youth aged between 15 and 24 in 2022 was higher among males (6.1%) than females (4.8%).
The survey revealed that in the province, 5.1% of people aged 15 and older reported having multiple sexual partners in 2022 compared to 7.9% in 2017.
The proportion of people aged 15 years and older who reported having multiple sexual partners was almost three-fold (7.4%) higher in males than among females (2.7%) and was higher among those aged between 15 and 24 (6.2%) compared to other age groups.
Regarding condom use, the survey revealed that 46.1% reported using a condom with the most recent sexual partner in 2022 compared to 46.3% in 2017.
Condom use was substantially lower among those residing in rural formal or farm dwellings (26.0%) compared to those living in urban areas (50.1%).
Meanwhile, a higher proportion (32.4%) also reported that they never used a condom with their most recent sexual partner.
“Only 11% reported that they used condoms almost every time … Nearly 50% of youth reported using a condom sometimes or never using a condom.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 09/17/2024 - 13:31
Red Ribbon Communications, a leading PR agency specialising in tech PR and sustainability, has achieved a significant milestone through its successful collaboration with Rubicon, a leading South African sustainable technology provider. The strategic partnership has not only solidified Red Ribbon’s position as an expert in providing PR services to renewable energy solutions but has also …
Get your will drafted for free this National Wills Week
Members of the public are being urged to take advantage of the opportunity to have their wills drafted for free during National Wills Week.
Civilians will be able to get a basic will drawn up free of charge during National Wills Week, which started on 16 September and will continue until 20 September 2024.
The week is organised annually by the Law Society of South Africa, and it provides an opportunity for all participating law firms to offer free basic will drafting services.
The attorneys participating in the initiative will not amend or redraft existing wills but will focus on drafting new basic wills for the public.
“Among other things, making a will assists in ensuring that your assets are disposed of in accordance with your wishes after your death. If a person dies without leaving a valid will, their assets will be distributed according to the provisions of the Intestate Succession Act.
“The provisions of the Intestate Succession Act are fair, however, if you die without leaving a will, your assets may not be left to the person of your choice. It can take a long time to have an executor appointed and there can be extra and unnecessary costs,” government said.
For more information, members of the public can visit: https://www.lssa.org.za/our-initiatives/advocacy/national-wills-week/
- SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Tue, 09/17/2024 - 13:30
Red Ribbon Communications is excited to announce the formation of a dedicated consumer tech division to meet the rapidly growing demand for public relations and marketing services in the technology and consumer electronics sectors. Zenahrea Damon, an industry veteran with a stellar track record, heads the division, with support from former Daily Maverick journalist Karabo …
Rising deaths due to non-communicable diseases a concern
The rapid increase in diabetes, particularly affecting women, is a cause for concern, says Deputy Health Minister, Dr Joe Phaahla.
“When looking at gender-specific causes of death, diabetes mellitus is the leading underlying cause of female deaths at 8.2% which increased from 7.7% in 2018. The rate at which diabetes is growing in our country is concerning,” he said on Monday.
Phaahla was speaking during a roundtable discussion on the Healthy Life Trajectories Initiative (HeLTI), a collaboration between national research funding agencies in Canada, China, India, South Africa and the World Health Organisation (WHO).
He took the time to outline government’s plans to address the burden of the emerging non-communicable diseases (NCDs) pandemic, otherwise known as lifestyle diseases.
Diabetes was the second leading underlying cause of death in 2020, accounting for 6.6% of all deaths. COVID-19, first detected that year, became the leading cause of death.
“Non-communicable diseases not only reduce life expectancy but also have a profound economic impact, straining both individuals and our healthcare system.
“We must recognise the gravity of this burden which is deeply interconnected with factors such as unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, alcohol abuse, smoking and social and commercial determinants of health,” he told delegates.
The Deputy Minister told the attendees that the department’s primary focus is prevention and it has implemented campaigns aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles.
In addition, he said early detection of NCDs is key to effective management.
The department has rolled out community-based screening campaigns through community health workers (CHWs) and traditional health practitioners (THPs) targeting the early detection of hypertension and diabetes.
“Our focus is not limited to the detection of diseases but also includes education on risk factors and lifestyle modifications that can prevent the progression of these conditions.”
According to the Deputy Minister, the department recently entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with parkrun South Africa to encourage communities to walk, jog or run on weekends.
However, at the heart of the NCDs response is strengthening the country’s primary healthcare (PHC) services.
“PHC facilities across the country are being equipped to manage and monitor patients with chronic conditions effectively. The department is working to ensure that treatment for NCDs is both accessible and affordable.”
He mentioned regulatory interventions such as the tax on sugar-sweetened beverages, implemented to reduce premature death from NCDs.
There are also regulations relating to trans-fats in foodstuffs which prohibit the sale, manufacture and importation of oils and fats, including continuous phase emulsions, either alone or as part of processed foods.
There are regulations concerning food for infants and young children, as well as the reduction of sodium in certain food items to help lower salt intake to less than 5g per day.
“Excessive salt intake is associated with hypertension which is the second leading cause of death in South Africa and hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.”
Phaahla believes the battle against lifestyle diseases is far from over. However, with the right interventions and a collective effort from all sectors of society, he is of the view that it can reduce the burden in the country.
“The findings of Statistics South Africa survey that deaths due to major non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes and chronic lower respiratory diseases in South Africa increased over 20 years, should be a concern for all of us.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 09/17/2024 - 09:52
As the wider African region experiences an upsurge in mpox cases, South Africa's multi-pronged efforts to bring the outbreak under control are bearing fruit. On 14 August 2024, World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox a public health emergency of international concern and subsequently issued a set of temporary recommendations to scale up the emergency response.
South Africa had previously reported five unlinked mpox cases in 2022. Having confirmed zero cases in 2023, the country has experienced a resurgence of the infectious disease in recent months, reporting 25 laboratory-confirmed cases and three deaths between 8 May and 6 September 2024. These cases have been reported in Gauteng, Western Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal provinces, with local transmission suggested for 24 cases and one imported case.
However, there has been a significant change in the epidemiological data in recent weeks, with just one new case and no deaths reported since 2 August 2024, compared to 12 cases and three deaths in June, so far, the peak of the current outbreak.
“With the support of partners including WHO, we have made significant progress in our efforts to contain mpox in the country,” says Foster Mohale, spokesperson for South Africa's National Department of Health. “But we must not become complacent because viruses mutate from time to time. The recent detection of a new mpox case in Western Cape should be a strong reminder that we must all remain extremely vigilant.”
To coordinate its response to the outbreak, the National Department of Health formed an mpox Incident Management Team comprised of experts from national and provincial levels and partners including WHO. In June, with WHO support, health authorities conducted two remote webinars on clinical management of mpox cases, training over 500 health workers and public health professionals.
The department has also activated provincial response teams to implement priority interventions in hotspots, deployed rapid response teams to support community surveillance and case management, and intensified targeted public awareness campaigns.
In addition to providing technical support and guidelines on mpox treatment to help ensure standardized patient care, WHO has donated 35 treatment courses of tecovirimat, an antiviral that is used to treat severe mpox cases in conjunction with symptomatic and supportive care. The Organization is supporting efforts to stockpile an additional 30 treatment courses of the medication for rapid deployment should further cases arise.
South Africa is one of 14 countries in the African region that will be financially supported by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and WHO from September 2024 until February 2025 to draw up and roll out plans, including vaccination strategies, to continue its fight against mpox. The Mpox Continental Preparedness and Response Plan for Africa will see an estimated US$ 45.5 of a US$ 600-million total budget allocated to South Africa, most of which will be spent on the logistics of rolling out vaccines.
“WHO remains committed to supporting health authorities in containing the mpox outbreak through coordinated efforts in treatment, surveillance, and public awareness,” says Dr Fabian Ndenzako, acting WHO Representative in South Africa. “I am pleased to see mpox control efforts targeting health workers, community members and key risk populations to prevent further transmission and manage this public health issue effectively.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) - South Africa.
Fourteen in hot water over irregular issuing of driver’s licenses
Fourteen traffic officials, including traffic officers and a driving school operator, have been arrested on charges of fraud and corruption relating to the irregular issuing of driver’s licenses and solicitation gratification.
“The investigations started in 2021 where it is alleged that driving school owners in Sabie colluded with departmental officials in issuing learners’ licenses and drivers’ licenses to applicants without following normal processes of conducting routine tests and assisting applicants to write learners licenses,” the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) said on Monday.
Drivers’ licenses were allegedly issued to applicants without being tested after paying exorbitant amount of cash.
The suspects aged between 34 and 59 years were arrested in a joint operation by the Road Traffic Management’s Anti-Corruption Unit (NTACU), the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) and Police Crime Intelligence in Mpumalanga.
“A male and female examiner of licences, together with a driving school operator, were arrested at [the] Sabie driving licence testing centre (DLTC) while four examiners of driving licences were nabbed at Lydenberg DLTC, including two examiners in Graskop DLTC.
“The arrests followed extensive investigations involving the RTMC Anti-Corruption Unit, the Hawks, and Crime Intelligence. The suspects are expected to face charges of fraud, corruption and contravention of the National Road Traffic Act,” the RTMC said.
Meanwhile, four traffic officers in Verena were also arrested for soliciting bribes from motorists who broke the rules of the road, in excessive speed and other related road traffic offences.
They were arrested as part of Operation “Kwanele” in Mpumalanga to clean up fraud and corruption at the DLTCs.
“Members of the public who obtain licences through corrupt means pose a danger to other motorists. Members of the public are encouraged to desist from these corrupt activities. Law enforcement officials will not rest until corrupt elements are eroded from the system,” said the RTMC. -SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Tue, 09/17/2024 - 10:00
Transnet works to curb shipping delays
The Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) has enhanced its ability to curb shipping and cargo-handling delays caused by long waves that impact vessels berthed at its ports, thanks to the delivery of six more hydraulic shore tension units destined for the ports of Cape Town and Ngqura.
From the 52 units procured by TNPA in September 2023, this batch brings the total number of mooring units delivered to 12 and adds to the eight that were installed in the Cape Town and Ngqura ports prior to this acquisition.
In a statement on Tuesday, Transnet said the timely delivery solidifies the execution of the Transnet Recovery Plan, which aims to improve operational efficiencies and increase the value of service to customers.
Shipping and cargo handling operations at the Cape Town and Ngqura ports are often impacted by strong winds reaching 35 to 50 knots and high sea swells exceeding 3.5 meters.
Such inclement weather conditions cause operational and safety disruptions leading to delays in vessel movements.
A hydraulic tension mooring unit is a system placed on the quayside to ensure the safety of docked vessels by mitigating the severity of long-wave effects on vessels. The benefits include minimised downtime and safety incidents during operations.
“The introduction of the shore tension units at the Port of Cape Town has significantly improved our vessel operations,” said National Operations Manager at CMA CGM South Africa, Leon Reddy, commenting on the delivery as one of the shipping lines that are benefiting from the installed shore tensions.
“With the ability to keep our vessels stable and secure alongside the berth, we have seen a notable reduction in vessel movement and ranging.
“This has resulted in increased container productivity and reduced port stay times, leading to improved overall efficiency and reduced costs. We support TNPA's initiative to invest in additional shore tension units and look forward to continued cooperation to enhance port operations," he said.
TNPA has procured 52 shore tension units with an allocation of 16 units for the Port of Cape Town with six delivered, 14 for the Port of Durban, eight for the Port of Port Elizabeth, six for the Port of Ngqura with all six delivered, four for the Port of Saldanha and four for the Port of Richards Bay.
The phased delivery of the rest of the units will be completed by early 2025.
TNPA is responsible for the safe, effective, and efficient economic functioning of the national port system, which it manages in a landlord capacity.
It provides port infrastructure and marine services at the eight commercial seaports in South Africa – Richards Bay, Durban, Saldanha, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, East London, Mossel Bay and Ngqura. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 09/17/2024 - 10:53
Home Affairs needs to embrace automation, digital transformation
Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber says automation and digital transformation is necessary to turn Home Affairs into a department that supercharges economic growth, delivers dignified civic services and secures national security.
“The inefficiency and corruption that has maligned this department can all be traced back to the fact that it still has manual and paper-based processes,” Schreiber said.
Speaking at the RMB Morgan Stanley Investor Conference, Schreiber said Home Affairs sits at the heart of national security apparatus and has much work to do to restore internal security after decades of neglect and institutional vandalism.
He said securing immigration and civics systems through automation and digital transformation will deliver an immediate boost to confidence in South Africa’s ability to re-establish law and order.
“But the role of Home Affairs as an economic enabler goes well beyond the realm of national security. In total, it is in the domain of Home Affairs that we have the potential to triple or even quadruple this country’s annual economic output.
“We can do all of this with very little additional demands on the fiscus, which is already overstretched. To achieve this economic impact, we must address both regulation and administration as a matter of urgency,” the Minister said.
Schreiber said South Africa’s new remote working visa was a game changer.
“My message to remote workers all around the world is simple: there is just no place like South Africa. And with our new user-friendly remote working visa, there has never been a better time to come and spend your hard-earned salary in a beautiful country whose best days are yet to come.
“Even more exciting than the remote working visa, is the new points-based work visa. The points-based work visa is going to revolutionise the South African economy.
“Gone will be the days when highly skilled workers had no pathway to help build this country if their skills happened to not be included in an arbitrary critical skills list,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 09/17/2024 - 10:32
Following the best season of his career, which included his first sub-28-minute 10km at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K in May and a third Olympic appearance in August, Elroy Gelant now has his sights set on making history at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K on National Heritage Day, Tuesday, 24 …
Members of Parliament, Ms Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, Mr Mdumiseni Ntuli, Ms Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, and Mr Vuyani Pambo were today sworn in as members of the Pan-African Parliament (PAP).
The four members were appointed by both Houses of Parliament to serve as members of the continental legislative body. They were sworn in this morning during the sitting of the Pan-African Parliament Committees and other PAP organs currently underway in Midrand, Johannesburg.
The PAP is a legislative organ of the African Union (AU) as set out by the Treaty Establishing the African Economic Community (Abuja Treaty). It provides a platform for people from all African states to be involved in discussions and decision-making on the problems and challenges facing the continent, including matters pertaining to respect for human rights, the consolidation of democratic institutions and the culture of democracy, as well as the promotion of good governance and the rule of law.
The PAP also promotes, among other things, the coordination and harmonisation of policies, measures, programmes, and activities of the Regional Economic Communities and the parliamentary fora on the continent.
During today's plenary session, the Members received presentations on various topics affecting the continent's development, such as peace and security, climate change, and the poor implementation of Agenda 2063.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
Minister congratulates 33 field ranger graduates
Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, has extended heartfelt congratulations to the 33 newly-graduated field rangers of the Kruger National Park (KNP).
The graduates completed a rigorous training regimen and were inaugurated as field rangers at a ceremony in Skukuza, earlier this month.
The Minister commended the dedication and resilience of the new recruits.
"I am proud of the commitment and determination each of these individuals has shown throughout their intense six-week training programme. These new field rangers will provide critical support to our conservation efforts, safeguarding one of South Africa's most treasured natural heritages and playing a vital role in preserving our biodiversity for future generations," the Minister said on Tuesday.
The rigorous pre-selection and selection process, which took place in July 2024, demanded both physical endurance and mental fortitude from the trainees.
The graduates will now join the ranger corps across various sections of the KNP, contributing to law enforcement and biodiversity conservation efforts in the park.
"Our field rangers are at the frontline of the fight against poaching and environmental crime. Their work ensures the integrity of our protected areas, and I trust that their contributions will strengthen our collective efforts to protect South Africa’s wildlife," George said.
The Minister also extended his gratitude to South African National Parks (SANParks) for their continued leadership in conservation and their commitment to maintaining the highest standards in ranger training. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Tue, 09/17/2024 - 10:08
Jozi runners and the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series Team together with event sponsors and partners will unite at a rewarding ‘City Clean-Up’ at Absa Towers West on Saturday, 21 September 2024, between 08:30 – 10:00 in the buildup to the 7th annual Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K, South Africa’s biggest Heritage Day celebration. …
BENONI: Lahiru Udara’s unbeaten half-century led the Sri Lanka A (SL ‘A’) fightback on a shortened day two of the second...
Gauteng features more sweet-scented and bright yellow flowers this year, heralding the end of winter and welcoming the start of spring. These flowers will also attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies in the province, helping to create a healthy and vibrant ecosystem. This is all thanks to the efforts of Emira Property Fund (JSE: …
Cape Town, September, 17, 2024: September is World Suicide Prevention Month, a time to talk about a challenging topic that many avoid. In South Africa, it’s estimated that one person dies by suicide every hour. This heartbreaking statistic affects families, friends, and entire communities nationwide. The Seriousness of Suicide in South Africa South Africa has one …
SA congratulates Algeria on successful Presidential Election
South Africa has extended warm congratulations to President Abdelmadjid Tebboune on his re-election as President of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria.
The presidential election, held on 07 September 2024, was a significant milestone for Algeria.
The South African government has also commended the efforts of the Algerian National Independent Electoral Authority and other national stakeholders for their role in ensuring the elections were conducted in a conducive and peaceful environment.
The successful execution of the electoral process is seen as a testament to Algeria's dedication to upholding democratic principles, not only within its borders but across the African continent.
South Africa and Algeria share a common history forged during the struggle against colonialism and apartheid.
Following the advent of South Africa’s democracy in 1994, the two countries intensified the bilateral cooperation which has been elevated to the Bi-National Commission co-chaired by the two Presidents.
“The South African Government reiterates its commitment to continue working in solidarity with the Government and people of Algeria to strengthen bilateral relations for the mutual benefit of the two countries, to build strong people-to-people ties, and collaborate in the consolidation of the African Agenda,” the Presidency said in a statement. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Mon, 09/16/2024 - 14:59
SA increases recycling capacity
South Africa is increasing its recycling capacity for the management of plastic waste and eliminating plastic pollution, says Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Bernice Swarts.
“There are various activities aligned to the fight against plastics pollution and marine litter,” Swarts said on Monday in Cape Town during the International Solid Waste Association World Congress.
South Africa has a combination of voluntary approaches aimed at tackling plastic pollution to the plastics industry, coupled with improved household and community waste disposal and the creation of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes.
In 2020, government introduced the Extended Producer Responsibility Regulations which called for EPR schemes for plastic packaging and electrical and electronic equipment amongst other prioritised products.
This circular economy and EPR initiatives have resulted in the formation of five registered extended producer schemes that support plastic waste collection and recycling.
The EPR Regulations aim to influence product design to take environmental considerations into account and are currently being implemented for paper, packaging and some single use products, lighting, electrical and electronic products.
“South Africa is also implementing product design regulations on prioritised plastic products. Recyclate content is a regulated requirement for prioritised plastic products as part of improving circularity,” Swarts explained.
In 2023, government put a restriction of a minimum of 50% recycled content as part of the product design measures for plastic carrier bags. The intention is that by 2027, plastic carrier bags and black refuse bags should be made from 100% recycled material.
“The Extended Producer Responsibility Regulations are a critical element of the considerations that are part of the international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, currently being negotiated.
“The International Solid Waste Association should remain resolute, in thought leadership by conducting specialists’ studies that will assist and inform negotiating positions at the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) on Plastic Pollution and including the environment.
In 2022, South Africa supported the development of an internationally legally binding instrument to combat plastic pollution at the Fifth Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly.
“The fiscus is under a lot of pressure here in South Africa and across many other countries and thus the role of the private sector in reducing the burden and shouldering some of the responsibility is key.
“Political will and commitment has seen the translation of the polluter pay principle into operational policies that create a conducive environment for private sector investment in waste management,” the Deputy Minister said. -SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Mon, 09/16/2024 - 15:02
SA students to study scarce skills in China
In a bid to address the skills mismatch, the Department of Higher Education and Training will send a number of local students to China to study scarce and critical skills of the future.
The department will send around 100 students to China next year.
Higher Education and Training Minister, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane made the announcement during a media briefing held in Pretoria on Monday.
This announcement followed the Minister’s return from China, as part of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s delegation to the recent Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit, held in Beijing, China.
READ | China looks to elevate relations with African countries
Nkabane noted that South Africa has a long-standing cooperation with the People’s Republic of China in various areas of higher education and training, which continues to grow and support South Africa’s knowledge and skills development.
“Our engagement during this visit aligns with South Africa’s strategic goals regarding technological advancement and international collaboration in education,” Nkabane said.
WATCH | Higher Education Minister Dr Nobuhle Nkabane briefs the media
The Minister, joined by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) Administrator, Freeman Nomvalo, held a joint media briefing to provide feedback on a four-day Ministerial Stakeholder engagement programme, which started on Thursday and concluded on Sunday.
Nkabane had an extensive consultation with stakeholders in the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) sector on Thursday to solicit inputs and proposals to policy positions on matters that affect the PSET system.
NSFAS participated in the stakeholder engagement meetings where student formations, universities, and Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges posed robust engagements and shared with the department, insights on how best they can turn around the institution.
The Minister also consulted extensively with PSET institutional governance structures, including the South African Union of Students (SAUS), South African Further Education and Training Student Association (SAFETSA), South African Public Colleges Organisation (SACPO), and Universities South Africa (USAF).
2025 NSFAS online applications
“It was due to these critical consultations that we have had to postpone the launch of the 2025 NSFAS online application launch, which is a significant concern for students nationwide. Another reason for postponing the launch of the 2025 NSFAS online application process was to allow NSFAS to do a dry run of the online application system to stakeholders,” the Minister explained.
Nkabane said the feedback received has already informed critical system changes to simplify the online application process making it accessible to all.
The stakeholder engagements also helped enrich the department’s understanding of matters, including addressing NSFAS inefficiencies, challenges confronting NSFAS, the student funding model and its interface with the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), safety and security of Vice Chancellors and students which remains a concern among others.
Having received a presentation during the stakeholder consultations, and having noted the comments received from stakeholders, Nkabane said she is now confident that NSFAS is ready to kickstart the 2025 online application process- effectively on Friday, 20 September 2024.
“I am therefore inviting all students who are siting for their matriculation this year to take this opportunity and apply for either the NSFAS bursary or loan. This invitation is also extended to learners from grade 9, 10, and 11, who would like to enter the Technical and Vocational Education and Training sector,” Nkabane said.
NSFAS is expected to brief the media on the opening of the 2025 online application process on Friday, where detailed information on the process will be shared.
Meanwhile, the Minister said the department intends increasing the intake of the college system by one million enrolments in community colleges and 2.5 million in public and private TVET colleges by 2030.
“In relation to our universities, we will continue to diversify them based on their strengths and the needs of the communities in which they are located by targeting 1.6 million enrolments by 2030. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 09/16/2024 - 15:15
South Africa congratulates President Tebboune and the people of Algeria on the outcome of the Presidential Election.
South Africa extends congratulations to His Excellency President Abdelmadjid Tebboune on his successful re-election as President of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, following the conclusion of the Presidential Election held on 07 September 2024.
The Algerian National Independent Electoral Authority and all national stakeholders are also congratulated for their collective efforts in ensuring a conducive environment in which the elections were conducted.
The success of the elections is an expression of Algeria's commitment to advancing democracy not only in Algeria but on the African Continent.
South Africa and Algeria share a common history forged during the struggle against colonialism and apartheid.
Following the advent of South Africa's democracy in 1994, the two countries intensified the bilateral cooperation which has been elevated to the Bi-National Commission co-chaired by the two Presidents.
The South African Government reiterates its commitment to continue working in solidarity with the Government and people of Algeria to strengthen bilateral relations for the mutual benefit of the two countries, to build strong people-to-people ties, and collaborate in the consolidation of the African Agenda.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
The Presidency is able to announce that the funeral service for former Minister Pravin Gordhan will take place at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban at 10h00 on Thursday, 19 September 2024.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared a Special Official Funeral Category 2 in honour of the late struggle and Cabinet veteran who passed away on Friday, 13 September 2024, at the age of 75, following a period of illness.
Mr Gordhan served as Minister of Finance from 2009 until 2014 and again from 2015 until 2017.
He also served as Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs from 2014 until 2015, and as Minister of Public Enterprises from February 2018 until his March 2024 announcement of planned retirement.
Mr Gordhan was appointed as Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service in 1999, after a period as Deputy Commissioner.
The Special Official Funeral Category 2 will entail ceremonial elements performed by the South African Police Service.
The funeral service will be followed by a private cremation.
Mr Gordhan's family has requested that in lieu of floral tributes, mourners offer donations to charities of their choice, or the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
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