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What happens to financial losses suffered by banking customers following a kidnapping? According to media reports there has been a significant increase in kidnappings in South Africa, where criminal syndicates have targeted South African entrepreneurs. The banking division of the National Financial Ombud Scheme (NFO) has received some complaints relating to kidnappings where consumers disclose …
President Ramaphosa to attend farewell dinner in honour of Chief Justice Zondo
President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Tuesday attend a farewell dinner held in tribute to Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, who is retiring at the end of August 2024.
The Chief Justice, who is retiring after a distinguished judicial career spanning 27 years, will be celebrated at the Marriott Hotel in Johannesburg.
The farewell dinner will take place on the eve of a Special Ceremonial Sitting of the Constitutional Court, at which the Judiciary, the Executive, Parliament, and the legal profession will honour Chief Justice Zondo’s contributions to the justice system and the country.
President Ramaphosa appointed Justice Zondo as the Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa in 2022.
“The position of Chief Justice carries a great responsibility in our democracy. As the head of the Judiciary, the Chief Justice is a guardian of our Constitution and the laws adopted by the freely elected representatives of the people.
“The Chief Justice stands as the champion of the rights of all South Africans and bears responsibility for ensuring equal access to justice,” President Ramaphosa reflected on the significance of this role.
During his term, Chief Justice Zondo has been pivotal in advancing the transformation of the judiciary, leading the Labour Appeal Court through significant challenges, and presiding over the State Capture Commission.
His leadership ensured that the findings and recommendations of the Commission had a lasting impact on South Africa's fight against corruption. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Mon, 08/19/2024 - 09:58
Stanbic Bank in South Sudan, NBA Africa (www.NBA.com) and the Luol Deng Foundation today hosted the first edition of the Stanbic Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA Finals, which took place at the Nimra Talata Basketball Stadium in Juba, South Sudan. Juba One 76ers were crowned the inaugural season's champions, with Khalid Jibrin named the finals' Most Valuable Player.
Notable attendees included Stanbic Bank South Sudan Head of Business Fred Ouko, Luol Deng Foundation Founder and two-time NBA All-Star Luol Deng, Luol Deng Foundation CEO Arek Deng, 1995 NBA All-Star and 1992 Slam Dunk champion Cedric Ceballos, Basketball Africa League President Amadou Gallo Fall, and South Sudan national team members Wenyen Gabriel, Kuany Kuany and Nuni Omot. The event builds on Stanbic Bank and NBA Africa's multiyear collaboration, which launched in 2022 and featured the unveiling of a new outdoor basketball court at St. Mark's Orthodox School in Juba last December.
“The remarkable performance of the South Sudan national basketball team at the Paris Olympics highlighted the tremendous sporting talent within South Sudan,” said Stanbic Bank Chief Executive for Kenya and South Sudan Dr. Joshua Oigara. “Through our collaboration with NBA Africa and the Luol Deng Foundation, we are supporting the country to build on this potential and remain committed to driving South Sudan's growth through meaningful collaborations and initiatives.”
“The success of the first Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA league season in Juba speaks to the great passion for the game of basketball in South Sudan and its impact on local communities,” said NBA Africa CEO Clare Akamanzi. “The South Sudan national team's performance on a global stage in recent months demonstrated how much the sport is growing in the country and we look forward to further collaborating with Stanbic Bank and the Luol Deng Foundation to make the game even more accessible for young people here.”
“I knew South Sudanese children had what it takes when the stage is set right for their learning, so I was not surprised about the talent,” said Deng. “What impressed me the most is the improvement in coaching and seeing how each school showed up to support players. The joy, the competitive, but yet peaceful spirit that the spectating students showed was so amazing to see.”
“This is my first visit to South Sudan, and it was incredible to see all the excitement on the court this afternoon,” said Ceballos. “I have seen firsthand the impact basketball can make on young people's lives and continuing to build on such platforms for boys and girls to play the game will be paramount to their success on the court, and in life.”
The Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA is the league's global youth basketball program for boys and girls that teaches the fundamental skills and core values of the game – teamwork, respect, determination and community – at the grassroots level in an effort to help grow and improve the youth basketball experience for players, coaches and parents. The Jr. NBA/Jr. WNBA program has been launched in 19 African countries, reaching more than 170,000 youth from across the continent last year.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of National Basketball Association (NBA).
Contacts:
Rachel Nderitu
Stanbic Bank
NderituR@stanbic.com
+254723710540
Pawel Weszka
NBA Africa
pweszka@nba.com
+27 10 007 2666
About Stanbic Bank:
Stanbic Bank is a member of the Standard Bank Group, Africa's largest bank by assets. Stanbic Bank is licensed and regulated by the Bank of South Sudan and has provided banking services in South Sudan since 2004, before the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in 2005. The bank provides corporate, business and personal banking services to the key sectors that drive the South Sudan economy, including Oil & Gas, Power & Infrastructure, Humanitarian & Development Assistance, Government, Telecommunications and Insurance.
About NBA Africa:
NBA Africa is an affiliate of the National Basketball Association (NBA), a global sports and media organization with the mission to inspire and connect people everywhere through the power of basketball. NBA Africa conducts the league's business in Africa, including the Basketball Africa League (BAL), and has opened subsidiary offices in Cairo, Egypt; Dakar, Senegal; Johannesburg, South Africa; Lagos, Nigeria; and Nairobi, Kenya. The league's efforts on the continent have focused on increasing access to basketball and the NBA through youth and elite development, social responsibility, media distribution, corporate partnerships, NBA Africa Games, NBA Stores, the BAL, and more.
NBA games and programming are available in all 54 African countries, and the NBA has hosted three sold-out exhibition games on the continent since 2015. The BAL, a partnership between the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and NBA Africa, is a professional league featuring 12 club teams from across Africa that concluded its fourth season in June 2024. Fans can follow @ NBA_Africa and @ theBAL on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
About Luol Deng Foundation:
The Luol Deng Foundation (LDF) was established in 2005 to empower youth to realize their limitless potential through sport and development. LDF creates pathways to opportunity through sport, education, wellness, and equality. Over the years, LDF has grown beyond basketball and expanded its reach into areas of education, wellness, and equality for young South Sudanese. We believe youth are the key to transforming our country and our world.
For more information visit www.LuolDeng.org, follow @ ldengf on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.
BULAWAYO: A middle-order collapse proved to be the downfall of South Africa Emerging as they suffered a three-run defeat in their...
The esteemed Woman of Stature™ Awards South Africa proudly launched their 10th Awards season, kicking off Women’s Month with a prestigious event held on Thursday, August 1st, at the Eagle Canyon Golf Estate. In a fitting tribute to a decade of empowering and celebrating South Africa’s phenomenal women, the VIP Media Launch was an afternoon …
Home Affairs finalises deportation of Libyan nationals
The Department of Home Affairs says it has concluded its preparations to deport the 95 Libyan nationals who were arrested in White River, Mpumalanga, last month.
This comes after charges were dropped against 95 men who were arrested on suspicion of receiving training at an illegal military camp.
“They are scheduled to leave South Africa from the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport this morning in a flight that has been paid for by the Libyan government,” the department said in statement on Sunday.
The Home Affairs Minister, Dr Leon Schreiber, has since welcomed the swift conclusion of the deportation.
“I commend the Home Affairs officials and other law enforcement officers who worked tirelessly to ensure an expeditious deportation.
“We will continue to deploy all resources at our disposal to ensure that the country’s immigration laws are respected and observed,” said Schreiber.
READ | Home Affairs welcomes court decision on 95 Libyans
Last week, the Minister said his department will not hesitate to act decisively to ensure that anyone who breaches the immigration laws of the country is processed through the courts and accordingly faces the consequences.
“Respect for the rule of law is sacrosanct,” the Minister added. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Sun, 08/18/2024 - 13:44
Government outlines further plans to commemorate Women’s Month
Government departments will continue to host a variety of activities to commemorate Women’s Month.
On 9 August, South Africa commemorated Women’s Day in the Northern Cape under the theme: “Celebrating 30 years of democracy towards Women’s Development”.
READ | President Ramaphosa pays tribute to women
This follows the launch of Women’s Month on 31 July.
This year’s Women’s Month marks the 68th anniversary of the historic march of thousands of South African women from all walks of life to the Union Buildings in 1956. The march was in protest of the introduction of apartheid pass laws for Black women in 1952.
“During Women’s Month, we celebrate women as active agents of change and social transformation. The commemoration also allows us to take stock of achievements and the challenges that remain while mobilising support for the further development of women,” the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) said in a statement.
The GCIS believes this year’s Women’s Month marks an important juncture for collective reflection on how South Africa has empowered and advanced the rights of women over the past three decades.
“We also celebrate 30 years of the Women’s Charter, which was established to drive equality.”
Government said it will advance the Women’s Charter for Accelerated Development that was formulated in 2021 to accelerate economic reforms to unlock women’s economic progress.
Several socio-economic empowerment programmes and events will take place during the month including a trade expo, fashion show, and social dialogues.
Advancing women
The Women Economic Assembly (Wenoca) will launch its research project findings on the ‘Economic Empowerment of Women in South Africa’s Property Sector’ at the University of South Africa (Unisa) in Pretoria.
The Wecona study focuses on using evidence-based methods to explore and address the challenges faced by women in the property sector and sub-sectors and identifies opportunities for economic empowerment.
The Charlotte Mannya Maxeke Foundation and Freedom Park in promoting social cohesion and discussing issues that delay women’s empowerment as a threat to gender equality, will host a Women Inclusivity Dialogue.
The dialogue will focus on assessing progress 30 years later and celebrating women's empowerment.
The session will also seek to find solutions to justice and equality for women led by women.
Meanwhile, the Department of Transport will host an information-sharing session for Cross Border Women Operators, to increase the participation of women in the cross-border market leading to the transformation of the industry. It will also encourage them to consider other sectors within the cross-border market.
In addition, the Department of Mineral Resources will host a Women in Energy and Mining Symposium to share opportunities in the energy and mining sector for women and the youth.
Youth initiatives
On 12 August, the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) in partnership with the National Youth Development Agency launched the Job Shadowing Programme in all nine provinces through the respective Offices of the Premier.
In addition, the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative (PYEI) first-quarter report was released last week.
The PYEI is South Africa’s most comprehensive effort to address youth unemployment to enable more young people to move from learning to earning.
The GCIS said the PYEI is committed to addressing the gender gap in employment and a significant achievement of the intervention is that 70% of the opportunities have been secured by young women.
Women in law enforcement
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) Parade is the celebration of women in uniform supported by men in solidarity with the Women, Peace and Security Agenda and United Nations Security Council resolution 1325 on women, peace and security that was adopted by the United Nation (UN) Security Council on 31 October 2000.
The resolutions acknowledge the disproportionated and unique impact of armed conflict on women and girls.
In the Northern Cape, a provincial law enforcement parade will be held in Kuruman, to display a disciplinary approach which encourages service delivery in various sectors of government and further advocates the empowerment of women.
The South African Police Services (SAPS) has also started a campaign to highlight and celebrate women in the service who are behind major crime operations and also various fields within law enforcement such as forensics, crime intelligence and criminal investigations.
Public engagements and awareness campaigns
Across provinces, various community dialogues and workshops will take place on gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) initiatives.
Government in partnership with civil society will hold the 3rd National Men’s Day Against GBVF which will be officiated by Deputy President Paul Mashatile and His Majesty the King Misuzulu kaZwelithini on 24 August 2024.
The event led by the Goodmen Foundation in partnership with DWYPD seeks to use this event to increase awareness about the impact of GBVF on society, educate citizens about gender equity and profile support available for survivors and facilitate healing.
READ | President speaks out on gender-based violence
Women in transport
The National Aviation Gender Summit (NAGS) 2024 themed: ‘Lift as we rise: The journey towards 2030!’ will examine the progress made by the South African civil aviation industry towards this goal.
The summit will focus on addressing gender transformation gaps within the sector and emphasise the significance of mentorship in promoting gender equality.
The NAGS 2024 is targeting female aviation professionals and various industry representatives with responsibilities and a personal stake in issues of gender equality and diversity.
Women in the public service
Various provincial heads of departments and Directors-General with senior women managers will host the Public Service Women Management Week to evaluate and monitor progress on the implementation of women empowerment and gender equality programmes in departments.
“Ending the scourge of GBVF requires the efforts of government, private sector, civil society and every member of society. It is the responsibility of all South Africans to end the culture of silence around gender-based violence and protect the women and children.”
In elevating the fight against GBV in his 2024 State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Cyril Ramaphosa initiated the anti-GBV campaign, in which he called upon all South African men to unite to end GBV.
“Government continues to uphold its constitutional responsibility and national priority to protect, promote and advance the rights of women and persons with disabilities and the 2024 Women’s Month programme seeks to shine a spotlight on women in diverse fields and the strides made for advancing gender equity in the past 30 Years of Freedom and Democracy,” said the GCIS.
Further details on the events listed above as well as additional events are listed on the Women’s Month calendar which can be located at www.gov.za. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Sun, 08/18/2024 - 13:27
The healthcare industry in South Africa faces numerous challenges, from managing patient records to ensuring accurate and timely billing. One of the critical solutions to these challenges is the adoption of advanced medical billing software. This technology offers numerous benefits, including improved accuracy, enhanced efficiency, and better financial management for healthcare providers. Streamlining Operations …
President Cyril Ramaphosa has this morning, 17 August 2024, arrived in Harare, in the Republic of Zimbabwe to attend the 44th Ordinary Summit of the Southern African Community (SADC) Heads of State and Government.
The 44th Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government will take place today under the theme: “Promoting Innovation to unlock opportunities for sustained economic growth and development towards an Industrialised SADC”.
As South Africa commemorates the 30th Anniversary of its democracy and freedom, it will equally marks the 30th Anniversary of its membership and active participation in SADC, since it joined this regional body in August 1994.
The Summit will provide an opportunity for SADC leaders to assess and review progress made in terms of the region's flagship integration agenda, the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020-2030, which is about promoting peace and security, good governance, socio-economic development and integration in the region.
The President will participate in discussions on the agenda of the Summit that include the Status of Member State Contributions; Regional Food and Nutrition Security, Status of health in the region, Implementation of the SADC Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap as well as candidatures to continental and international organisations.
The President will also sign two SADC legal instruments; the SADC Declaration on Accelerating Action to End AIDS as a Public Health Threat in the Region by 2030 as well as the Agreement Amending the SADC Protocol on Gender and Development.
During the Summit, the Republic of Zimbabwe will assume the Chairpersonship of SADC, taking over from the Republic of Angola, which chaired SADC since the previous Summit held in Luanda, in August 2023.
The Summit is preceded by the SADC Council of Ministers Meeting which took place from 13-14 August 2024.
A SADC Organ Troika Summit was also held on 16 August 2024.
President Ramaphosa is supported by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ronald Lamola and the Minister of Finance, Mr Enoch Godongwana.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
A good day at the office for South African sport
It has been a good weekend for South African sport.
In a social media post on X, President Cyril Ramaphosa congratulated mixed martial artist, Dricus Du Plessis, for retaining the United Fighting Championship (UFC) Middleweight title.
“Congratulations Dricus Du Plessis, on retaining your UFC middleweight world championship with a submission in #UFC305.
“As a bonus, you kept our Flag flying hours after the Springboks scored an historic a 2-0 series win in Perth as well. We couldn’t wish for a better day in the office,” the President said on Sunday.
This as Du Plessis defeated Israel Adesanya in Perth, Australia.
Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie also congratulated Du Plessis.
“This is who we are as a South Africans, one nation and sport crazy. Thank you Dricus Du Plessis, my voice is gone!” said the Minister in a post on X.
The Proteas Men also made the nation pride in their match against the West Indies.
“Winning is what we do! South Africa’s test series win yesterday was the 10th consecutive win against the West Indies! The Proteas made us so proud with an incredible team effort and clinical bowling when it mattered! Well done once again,” said Cricket South Africa on X on Sunday.
On the rugby front, the Springboks claimed victory in their bout against Australia in Perth on Saturday. The Springboks beat the Wallabies 30-12 in the second Castle Lager Rugby Championship Test.
In a post on X, the South African government congratulated the Springboks.
“You’ve made South Africa proud!,” it said. -SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Sun, 08/18/2024 - 11:08
President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Ms Angie Motshekga to serve as Acting President today, Saturday, 17 August 2024.
The appointment has been made in view of the President's Working Visit today to Harare, Zimbabwe, to participate in the 44th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
Load shedding suspension continues
Load shedding remains suspended, with Eskom providing uninterrupted power supply for over 142 consecutive days since 26 March 2024, including over 108 days of constant supply throughout the winter period.
There has been no load shedding since the start of Eskom’s financial year on 1 April 2024.
According to Eskom, the Generation Operational Recovery Plan continues to enhance efficiencies for Eskom, resulting in a R10.21 billion reduction in Open-Cycle Gas Turbines (OCGTs) diesel expenditure from 1 April 2024 to 15 August 2024.
“This represents approximately a 74% decrease compared to the same period last year,” the power utility explained.
Eskom said the last time South Africa experienced over four months of load shedding suspension was more than four years ago, from 16 March 2020 to 9 July 2020, when load shedding was suspended for 116 days.
Eskom has maintained an average Energy Availability Factor (EAF) of 67% over the week.
In addition, over the past seven days, Majuba, Lethabo, Kendal, Kusile, and the peaking stations have recorded an EAF greater than 70%.
In addition, four more power stations have achieved an EAF above 60%.
“Notably, five of these stations were part of the priority list in our recovery plan. Eskom’s operational efficiency continues to surpass its winter assumptions, with current unplanned outages averaging between 9 800MW and 12 400MW since 01 April 2024 – the start of Eskom’s Financial Year 2025,” the organisation added.
Friday’s figures were sitting at 10 145MW, which according to Eskom was still significantly lower than the winter 2024 forecast.
However, the winter forecast, published in April, anticipated a likely scenario of unplanned outages at 15 500MW and load shedding limited to Stage 2 still remaining in force.
Eskom is expected to announce on 26 August 2024, its outlook for the summer period from 1 September 2024 to 31 March 2025. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Sun, 08/18/2024 - 09:46
The Fabulous Girls Foundation recently hosted its 12th Annual Fabulous Woman Awards with 9 categories that recognised and honoured excellent and outstanding women leaders and girls making a difference in communities. The event was held at Seven Villla Hotel and Spa in Sandton, Johannesburg. The Awards certificates were endorsed by Dr Esther Mahlangu, the globally …
President Ramaphosa arrives in Zimbabwe for Ordinary SADC Summit
President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in Harare, in the Republic of Zimbabwe to attend the 44th Ordinary Summit of the Southern African Community (SADC) Heads of State and Government.
The President arrived in neighbouring Zimbabwe on Saturday morning.
READ | President Ramaphosa appoints Minister Motshekga as Acting President
The 44th Ordinary Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government will take place today under the theme: “Promoting Innovation to unlock opportunities for sustained economic growth and development towards an Industrialised SADC”.
The President will participate in discussions on the agenda of the Summit that include the Status of Member State Contributions, Regional Food and Nutrition Security, Status of health in the region, Implementation of the SADC Industrialisation Strategy and Roadmap as well as candidatures to continental and international organisations.
“As South Africa commemorates the 30th Anniversary of its democracy and freedom, it will equally mark the 30th anniversary of its membership and active participation in SADC, since it joined this regional body in August 1994.
“The Summit will provide an opportunity for SADC leaders to assess and review progress made in terms of the region’s flagship integration agenda, the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020-2030, which is about promoting peace and security, good governance, socio-economic development and integration in the region,” said the Presidency.
The President will also sign two SADC legal instruments; the SADC Declaration on Accelerating Action to End AIDS as a Public Health Threat in the Region by 2030 as well as the Agreement Amending the SADC Protocol on Gender and Development.
During the Summit, the Republic of Zimbabwe will assume the Chairpersonship of SADC, taking over from the Republic of Angola, which chaired SADC since the previous Summit held in Luanda, in August 2023.
The Summit is preceded by the SADC Council of Ministers Meeting which took place from 13-14 August 2024 which was attended by South Africa’s International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Ronald Lamola.
Lamola commended the SADC for taking steps towards regional stability and economic integration.
READ | Lamola commends SADC’s steps towards regional stability and economic integration
A SADC Organ Troika Summit was also held on 16 August 2024.
President Ramaphosa is supported by Minister Lamola and the Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana. -SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Sat, 08/17/2024 - 09:23
President Ramaphosa appoints Minister Motshekga as Acting President
Defence and Military Veterans Minister, Angie Motshekga, has been appointed as South Africa’s Acting President.
“President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Ms Angie Motshekga to serve as Acting President today, Saturday, 17 August 2024,” said the Presidency in a brief statement on Saturday.
The appointment has been made in view of the President’s Working Visit today to Harare, Zimbabwe, to participate in the 44th Ordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
President Ramaphosa arrived in Harare on Saturday morning to attend the Summit that will be held under the theme: “Promoting Innovation to unlock opportunities for sustained economic growth and development towards an Industrialised SADC”. -SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Sat, 08/17/2024 - 09:02
President Ramaphosa signs Electricity Regulation Amendment Act into law
President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed into law the Electricity Regulation Amendment Act which sets out far-reaching reforms of the country’s electricity sector, including the establishment of a competitive electricity market.
In a statement on Friday, the Presidency said the bill assented to by the President amends the Electricity Regulation Act of 2006. This is so as to respond to current realities in the electricity sector.
It also opens up pathways to greater competition and reduced energy costs; increases investment in new generation capacity to achieve energy security; establishes an independent transmission company as the custodian of the national grid; and imposes severe penalties for damage to and sabotage of infrastructure.
The Electricity Regulation Amendment Act provides for the establishment, duties, powers and functions of the Transmission System Operator SOC Ltd (TSO) – which must be established as an independent entity within five years – and for the National Transmission Company of South Africa to act as the TSO in the interim.
It also provides for an open market platform that allows for competitive, wholesale or retail buying and selling of electricity.
The Act provides for market operation as a new activity that may be licensed by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA).
In addition, it requires the development of a Market Code that will establish rules to govern the future competitive market and outlines the process through which the code will be approved.
The Act further clarifies the principles that apply to the setting or approval of prices, charges and tariffs, providing, among others, that NERSA must enable an efficient licensee to recover the full cost of the licensed activity, must allow for a reasonable return proportionate to the risk of the licensed activity, and may provide for incentives for continued improvement of technical and economic efficiency.
As it does so, the regulator may consider factors such as security of supply, the diversity of supply and the promotion of renewable energy.
In addition, the Act distinguishes between tariffs that must be set or approved by the regulator, such as network charges, and those which are subject to a direct supply agreement or arise as an outcome of a competitive market.
“To ensure a level playing field for competition between multiple electricity generators, the Act provides that the system operator shall not discriminate between different generators or customers in relation to dispatching or balancing the system, except for objectively justifiable and identifiable reasons approved by the regulator.
“Access to the transmission and distribution power system must be objective, transparent and non-discriminatory,” said the Presidency.
These changes are in line with the broader reforms guided by the Energy Action Plan and the Eskom Roadmap, which aim to modernise and transform South Africa’s electricity system to end load shedding and ensure long-term energy security.
It is anticipated that diversity of supply and the promotion of renewables will stimulate a demand for new skills, innovation and technology in the electricity sector, which will generate new industrial activity and in turn mitigate unemployment.
Reinforcing the protection of public infrastructure as part of the fight against crime, the law provides for fines of up to R1 million or five years in prison – or both – for persons who, among other offences, damage, remove or destroy any transmission, distribution or reticulation cable, equipment or infrastructure.
Penalties for persons who unlawfully receive such cables, equipment or infrastructure face fines of up to R5 million or 10 years in prison, or both.
Going forward, the Act will lead to long term energy security, a more competitive energy system, more rapid uptake of renewable energy sources, and ultimately lower energy prices for all South Africans.
The Electricity Regulation Amendment (ERA) Bill was passed through a majority in the National Assembly in March.
READ | National Assembly passes Electricity Regulation Amendment Bill
-SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Sat, 08/17/2024 - 08:32
UNESCO World Heritage Site status granted to three rock shelters
In an awkward, live conversation with Manchester United legend, Eric Cantona - in his debut appearance on Matchday Live - host Julia Stuart and Owen Hargreaves attempted to placate the notorious Red Devils' captain. Their efforts were in vain, as the Frenchman eventually tired of the conversation and stormed off the set. He offered a rambling monologue about revolution as his parting shot.
Stuart says, "What can you and the millions of Manchester United fans around the world expect; what will be unfolding as the season progresses on their television sets?"
Cantona sarcastically chuckles and says, "television" a few times before standing and removing his microphone, jacket and tie, and proceeding to deliver a concluding monologue to camera.
He says, "How many people in this world don't even own a television? What of [sic] them? To be truly beautiful, the game should be everywhere. It cannot be stuck on the wall - or just in the bar - no, it must fly. Then my friends, no one, no one should believe the Premier League is out of their league. It must be for everyone."
He concludes, "And this marks the beginning; the revolution has begun."
As he walks off-camera, we hear Julia Stuart asking Owen Hargreaves, "what must I do?", before the broadcast cuts to a test pattern.
The show returns after the ad break with what appears to be a Cantona-led pirate broadcast.
Cantona defiantly declares, "The revolution will not be televised; the revolution will be live."
In what is possibly the greatest live TV stunt ever staged, Showmax.com revealed to all 44 of its African markets - simultaneously, via linear TV, its streaming platform and YouTube Live - that football will never be the same again. Quite literally, because it has the most compelling Premier League offering in the world.
GSMA Intelligence data (https://apo-opa.co/3M8cl2B) suggests there are more than half a billion unique mobile subscribers in sub-Saharan Africa, alone. This is seven times greater than the predicted number of television sets in the same region (74.76m according to Statista.com).
Hundreds of millions of people will finally be able to consume the greatest football league on the planet, for a fraction of what it costs to attend a live match in England, while cheering on hundreds of African players, in real time.
It's the Premier League in your pocket. Welcome to the revolution!
Pricing structure:
|
Country |
Showmax Entertainment |
Showmax Entertainment Mobile |
Showmax Premier League |
Showmax Entertainment + Premier League |
Showmax Entertainment Mobile + Premier League |
|
South Africa |
ZAR 99 |
ZAR 45 |
ZAR 69 |
ZAR 140 |
ZAR 99 |
|
Nigeria |
NGN 3500 |
NGN 1600 |
NGN 3200 |
NGN 5400 |
NGN 4000 |
|
Kenya |
KES 650 |
KES 300 |
KES 500 |
KES 1000 |
KES 700 |
|
Namibia |
N$ 99 |
N$ 45 |
N$ 69 |
N$ 140 |
N$ 99 |
|
Botswana |
BWP 70 |
BWP 36 |
BWP 55 |
BWP 110 |
BWP 80 |
|
Ghana |
GSH 59 |
GSH 27 |
GSH 55 |
GSH 105 |
GSH 75 |
|
Tanzania |
TSH 12000 |
TSH 7300 |
TSH 9800 |
TSH 19800 |
TSH 15000 |
|
Uganda |
UGX 19000 |
UGX 11400 |
UGX 15200 |
UGX 31200 |
UGX 24000 |
|
Zambia |
ZMW 110 |
ZMW 90 |
ZMW 70 |
ZMW 175 |
ZMW 135 |
|
Rest of Africa |
USD 5 |
USD 3 |
USD 4 |
USD 8 |
USD 6 |
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Showmax.
About Showmax.com:
Showmax, launched in 2015 and available in more than 40 markets across the continent, is a leading African streaming service. It offers a unique combination of original African content, first and exclusive international series, popular movies, premium documentaries, and the best kids' shows, as well as a world-first Premier League live-streaming mobile plan.
SA ONLY:
Get your Showmax Premier League mobile subscription for just R69 at https://apo-opa.co/4fQryD2. Capitec customers can subscribe to Showmax Premier League via their Capitec app for just R34 per month.
Women still face barriers in accessing land
The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) has recommended that the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development takes the lead in ensuring the introduction of necessary national legislative reforms related to communal land.
The recommendation follows the commission’s reports, which found that women in rural areas still face discriminatory and patriarchal challenges that pose significant barriers in gaining access to land.
The Commission launched the reports titled: “Exploring Barriers to Women’s Access to Land in selected Provinces of South Africa” and “The State of Maternity and Neonatal Health Care in the Eastern Cape Province” on Thursday.
The study was conducted in accordance with the CGE mandate to investigate the obstacles to women’s access to communal land in rural South Africa.
The research focused on the Eastern Cape, North West, and Limpopo provinces, examining legislative, procedural, cultural, and socio-economic factors that impede women’s access to communal land in the country.
According to the research findings released on Thursday, there is a fragmented approach to the allocation of communal land in the three sampled provinces.
This is due to each senior traditional leader and their traditional councils adhering to their own cultural norms and beliefs, leading to disparities even within the provinces.
Findings
The study found that traditional leaders play a significant role in the allocation of land in all the communities visited.
Despite their involvement in traditional leadership structures at the local, provincial, and national levels, the study found that there is no coordination or consolidated framework to guide the allocation of communal land.
“It appears that the repeal of CLaRA (Communal Land Rights Act) created a legislative gap in the administration of communal land, with traditional leaders left to oversee processes, however, in an unguided and unregulated manner.
“There were no standard national guidelines or a policy for communal land allocation, resulting in corruption, gender discrimination, and queer invisibilising, resulting in inequitable access to land,” the report revealed.
The research findings indicated that traditional leadership structures, such as councils and land committees, did not fully represent all interest groups, despite being constituted through democratic processes such as elections and representative quotas.
The report noted that women in these structures did not always effectively represent the views of other women in the community, perpetuating inequality, and gender discrimination in some cases.
However, it noted that this is not universally true, as in some instances, women’s representation positively contributed to change.
Discrepancies
The study also revealed significant discrepancies in the procedures and costs attached to communal land applications, with no clear justification.
“While applicants in the North West paid a consistent fee of R500, those in Limpopo paid a fee ranging from R500 to R15 000 and from R100 to R100 000 in the Eastern Cape. In some cases, applicants were also required to pay application fees with sheep, chickens, and alcohol, particularly in the Eastern Cape.
“In Limpopo, communal land became increasingly expensive when designated for entrepreneurial activities, with traditional leaders and headmen demanding a 50% share of the business. In contrast, land for entrepreneurial purposes was provided at no cost in the North West,” the report said.
Allegations of corruption and unfair pricing of communal land in Limpopo, along with claims of judgments based on appearance, were also heard.
During the research, one member of a traditional leadership structure in the province confirmed that land that was designated for residential purposes [and] was assigned a standard fee of R1 000 and R5 000 for entrepreneurship.
“The widespread corruption and deception had a negative impact on the economic situation of women in the province. In some areas, the allocation of communal land could take two weeks to three months, while in other cases, applicants had been waiting for years.
“Cultural practices that required women to adhere to certain dress and behavioural expectations also affected their access to communal land [and] clothing and behavioural expectations were used to marginalise queer persons in these communities, particularly transgender and gender non-conforming individuals,” the report reads.
In the Eastern Cape, transgender and gender non-conforming individuals were ostracised, and this indicated that requests by queer persons for communal land access would not even be considered.
There are also cases where cultural norms required women to obtain access to communal land through their fathers or a male relative.
“In a village in the North West, it was mandated that land be allocated to the eldest male child in the family. Inheritance also posed challenges, especially in Limpopo, where women were at times denied the opportunity to claim property inheritance under the pretext of preserving the family legacy by passing properties to male children.
“Issues of marital status also discouraged women from independently accessing communal land. In some villages, women had a better chance of accessing communal land if they were married with children.
“In Limpopo specifically, a married applicant was considered ‘stable’ and therefore allocated land [while] unmarried women were often disadvantaged and risked losing their undeveloped land to reallocation and felt pressured to live with men for security as traditional leaders, who were often men, would grab their land,” the report said.
Age requirement
In some villages in the North West, rules state that women had to be 40 years old and men between 40 and 45 years old to qualify for communal land allocation.
In the Eastern Cape and Limpopo, the age requirement was either 18 or 21 years.
These age restrictions, especially in the North West, delayed individual development and served as an economic stumbling block, particularly given that land is an economic resource.
The Commission said the legislative reforms must address existing challenges of patriarchal practices, gender discrimination, and exclusions that are currently being justified under the guise of cultural beliefs and norms, which subjugate women and queer persons.
“Such reforms must be in accordance with the Constitution, including the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act,” the Commission said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 08/16/2024 - 11:50
Justice Department forges ahead with plans to extradite Bushiri and Gupta brothers
Justice and Constitutional Development Minister, Thembi Simelane, announced on Friday that the department is actively addressing Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters and Extradition requests involving South Africa.
“We are committed to fulfilling our treaty and extradition obligations to ensure that justice is served in all relevant cases,” she told journalists.
The Minister was speaking during a media briefing where she outlined the priorities of her department in the seventh administration.
She told journalists that recent developments include ongoing efforts to extradite Prophet Shepherd Bushiri and his wife from Malawi, as well as the Gupta brothers from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
“These cases have faced several challenges, but we remain steadfast in our pursuit of accountability. Our teams are working diligently through diplomatic and legal channels to bring these matters to a resolution.”
Bushiri fled South Africa while he was out on bail for fraud and money laundering charges.
Meanwhile, Atul and Rajesh Gupta are accused in South Africa of profiting from their close links with the former President Jacob Zuma and exerting unfair influence.
She also touched on the case involving Kiernan ‘AKA’ Forbes and his friend Tebello ‘Tibz’ Motsoane, who were murdered in Durban in February last year.
The Minister said they were awaiting the judgment, which was heard this morning, on the main extradition application case involving Siyabonga and Malusi Ndimande in Eswatini.
The Manzini Magistrate’s Court has since granted the application to extradite the Ndimande brothers to South Africa in connection with the murder of the two friends.
According to reports, the two accused were arrested in Mbabane and have been in police custody ever since. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 08/16/2024 - 11:53
Today, 15 August 2024, the IAB South Africa Bookmark Awards hosted its second Finalists’ Showcase, supported by Google, Nielsen and Rainmaker Media, ShopriteX, ahead of the awards ceremony celebrating South Africa’s digital media and marketing industry. Host and moderator Ann Nurock, Cannes Lions Trend Spotter for the Creative Circle, Ster Kinekor and Bizcommunity and Partner …
City is offering “Safe Space” shelters but some people don’t want to go there
Nuclear power procurement Ministerial Determination withdrawn
Minister of Energy and Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, has announced that the Ministerial Determination for the procurement of 2 500MW of nuclear energy, has been withdrawn.
The Minister was speaking during a media briefing held on Friday in Pretoria.
The determination, and the National Energy Regulator of South Africa’s (Nersa) concurrence of the process, had come under legal pressure with groups contending that, amongst others, public comments had not been sought and the procedure had not been fair.
“I have taken the decision…to withdraw the gazette to allow for that public participation to happen.
“The only time we got to know and be alerted that the process was not subjected to a public consultation process is when the [court] papers were filed and the Minister took the decision that we are withdrawing the gazette; we allow for that public participation so that the process is clean…and transparent,” he told media.
WATCH | Minister Ramokgopa briefs media
In December last year, the Minister announced that South Africa would soon begin the procurement process for some 2 500MW of nuclear energy.
At a media briefing at the time, the Minister explained that the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) had to satisfy a raft of rigorous National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) suspensive conditions, which took into account various factors before the go-ahead could be issued.
As a result of the withdrawal, the Minister said, the process for the procurement will be delayed.
“Of course, there’s a penalty you pay as a result of this decision [in] that you are delaying the process. But we are happy to delay the process so that we are able to allow for each and every party in the country that wants to add a voice in how we are going to procure this process for them to be given the opportunity to be able to make that submission.
“So it will add another three to six months in the process. We are happy to do that for as long as we protect the integrity of the process; for as long as we cement the transparency of the process so that there’s general public confidence in the work that we are doing.
READ | Nuclear power build will be at a scale "we can afford" - Minister Ramokgopa
“I want to give confidence to the South African public that we will take you every step of the way. We will carry South Africans every step of the way to preserve the integrity of any procurement process, including the nuclear procurement process especially given its checkered history,” he explained.
Energy mix
Despite the withdrawal, the procurement of nuclear energy still remains a government plan for the country’s energy security.
Nuclear energy forms part of government’s Integrated Resource Plan 2019’s envisaged energy mix for South Africa.
“Nuclear is part of the mix. Nuclear is part of the future but it’s important that as we go out…the procurement process must be able to stand the test of time. In this instance, it’s the ability to be able to subject itself to scrutiny.
“Let’s go back to that process; accord the public an opportunity to scrutinise, respond and then on the basis of that [Nersa] can make a determination on concurrence. Once we receive that, we’ll issue the gazette and ensure that we procure,” he said. - SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Fri, 08/16/2024 - 13:27
TikTok has grown into a worldwide sensation, becoming one of the most popular social media platforms in South Africa since its 2016 inception. Among the dance routines, TikTok challenges, and funny videos, lies a wealth of great recipe content and foodie trends for families. Some of the trends are relevant for local audiences while others …