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South Africa
Nzimande to address the world’s largest astronomy meeting
Nzimande to address the world’s largest astronomy meeting
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister, Professor Blade Nzimande, will give the opening address at the world’s largest astronomy meeting, the 32nd General Assembly of the International Astronomy Union (IAU).
The two week-long meeting will kick off on Tuesday, 6 August, in Cape Town, South Africa.
Hosted for the first time in Africa, the in-person and virtual global gathering of astronomers and other experts in the field will also provide open access for anyone to attend from anywhere in the world.
According to the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), world-renowned astronomers Dr Mae Jemison and Dr Sian Proctor will address the assembly.
Jemison became the first female African American commercial astronaut and mission pilot to travel into space when she went into orbit aboard the National Administration and Space Administration’s (NASA) Space Shuttle Endeavour on 12 September 1992.
Proctor is an astronaut and was the first female pilot of a commercial spaceship.
The department said the two renowned experts will speak to over 2 000 astronomers from around the world at this event, which takes place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
“The assembly is an opportunity for astronomers to address key topics in contemporary astronomy and assess the latest scientific progress in various specialised areas,” the statement read.
This year’s General Assembly represents a significant milestone, highlighting Africa’s growing role in the global astronomical community and its potential for major contributions to astronomical research and development.
Meanwhile, the Minister’s address will underscore the commitment to advance Africa’s astronomy and science on the global stage as well as highlight South Africa’s massive investments in skills and infrastructure development.
His speech will also touch on the geographical advantages of clear southern skies in the Karoo, its engineering and scientific base, and its growing international ranking and partnerships.
“One highlight will be the opportunity for attendees to speak to the astronauts on board the International Space Station live from the conference venue via ham radio, in partnership with Amateur Radio on the International Space Station.”
Other guests include the former director of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), Dr Bernie Fanaroff, who will deliver a talk on ‘Innovating at the periphery: the development of SKA and MeerKAT’.
The IAU General Assembly is held every three years and is led by the African Astronomical Society.
Each event advances the astronomical sciences through international collaboration and celebrates Africa's rich astronomical heritage and commitment to advancing the field.
The hybrid event is being hosted by the National Research Foundation, supported by the DSI.
The academic programme will include over 2 000 presentations scheduled across more than 300 sessions.
The General Assembly will include six symposia and 12 multi-session focus meetings. There will also be poster sessions and prize lectures given by recipients of prestigious awards in astronomy.
According to the department, this meeting will have a societal impact that goes beyond national barriers in a continent-wide celebration of astrology.
Exhibitors will include the South Africa Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO), the South African Astronomical Observatory, NASA, the European Space Agency and the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, the US National Radio Astronomy Observatory, and several South African agencies. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 08/05/2024 - 11:26
4 views
Calling All Lucky Dube Fans to Share Their Story
With more than 22 albums and 20 awards internationally, South Africa's Lucky Dube is still one of the most streamed and celebrated artists across the continent. He continues to grow an international following, with his message and evergreen lyrics resonating across generations, race, religion and language.
To celebrate his life and the impact of his music across the world, the Lucky Dube Legacy Company is encouraging fans to share the moment Lucky's music mattered!
“We know that Lucky's music has had a deep and lasting personal impact on many of you. We also know that his music inspired hope, political and social activism in many places around the world – often the common unifier amongst those who heard and loved his music.
This year, Lucky would have turned 60, and we want to hear about the times made significant with his music. Maybe it was after listening to or seeing Lucky play live or even encountering him in person. Or maybe you shared a moment with a fellow fan by chance. It could be something that you experienced yourself or perhaps it is a story that you've heard from others.
Whatever it is, no matter if it is big or small, we want to hear about it.”
Your story could be selected to feature in a commemorative anthology of Lucky's life in music that will be made available world-wide.
It may also be featured in Lucky's social media posts, as well as future projects!
To participate, you can send a DM to Lucky's social platforms listed below or send an email to stories@luckydubelegacy.com
The Legacy company knows the importance of Lucky's fans are to the ongoing success of his music. He loved his fans and repeatedly attributed his success to you the people who enabled him to continue sharing his message of equality, peace and love.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Lucky Dube Legacy Company.
Official Social Media:
Instagram: @lucky_dube_official – https://apo-opa.co/3WPYrZf
Facebook: @Lucky Dube Legacy – https://apo-opa.co/4d6COJR
YouTube: @officialluckydube – https://apo-opa.co/4dcXz6O
Listen to Lucky Dube on your favourite platform here: https://apo-opa.co/4dplEHH
About The Lucky Dube Legacy Company:
The Lucky Dube Legacy Company was founded by his Estate after the artists death to preserve his legacy and music, as well as continue to share Lucky's message with the world. If you worked with Lucky at any time in his career, or have anything you'd like to share, please contact us – we would love to hear from you.
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DPWI to institute a commission of inquiry into Telkom headquarters building
DPWI to institute a commission of inquiry into Telkom headquarters building
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson says he will commission an independent report into the purchase of the former Telkom headquarters building in 2016 for R695 million and its subsequent renovation for R250 million.
The commission is meant to provide the Minister with recommendations within 60 days following its appointment and the necessary steps to address and remedy the situation.
Joined by the City of Tshwane Mayor, Cilliers Brink, on an oversight visit to the building on Thursday morning, Macpherson said it is unacceptable that for the past eight years, the building complex has barely been utilised and has been left vacant.
“It is disheartening that so much public funding has been spent to purchase and renovate the building, [and it has been] vandalised and occupied by criminal elements, thereby creating an additional burden for the City of Tshwane,” Macpherson said.
“We simply cannot spend more than eight years trying to establish how to secure public property while it deteriorates into lawlessness,” he said.
The Minister said the terms of reference for the independent investigation will be to provide him with answers to the following questions:
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What led to the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure buying the Telkom Tower complex and whether the purchase was necessary?
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What was the process which was followed for contracts to be appointed and whether the contractors were fit for purpose?
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Whether the purchase of the complex by the Department of Public Works was the best option for the South African Police Service?
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Whether any officials should be held accountable for the position the department finds itself in, in relation to the purchase and renovation of the building?
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Are there any grounds to reclaim any monies paid to contractors where work was not done, or not done according to building standards or health and safety standards?
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What will be the best way forward considering the current state of the building?
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What steps can be taken to avoid the situation from occurring again?
“As the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, we need to start moving faster to ensure that public investments are secured and utilised to avoid the wastage of any public monies in a fiscally constrained environment.
“We simply cannot be spending millions to repair and address vandalism, and poor planning and spending by the department,” the Minister said.
“We will have to start working closer with role players such as the City of Tshwane to ensure our buildings are used for the public good and do not fall into disrepair and cause a burden for the municipality. By working together, we can reclaim these buildings, unleash infrastructure investment and turn the country into a construction site. Let’s Build South Africa,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 08/02/2024 - 09:23
708 views
Tatjana Smith a “shining example of humility with a killer competitive spirit”
Tatjana Smith a "shining example of humility with a killer competitive spirit"
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has congratulated South African swimmer Tatjana Smith for scooping the silver medal in the 200m breaststroke at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Smith was beaten to the wall by 0.36sec by the American Kate Douglass at the La Défence Arena on Thursday evening.
“It was Smith’s second medal of the 2024 Paris Games, after taking the 100m gold, and a flip reversal of what she produced at her first Olympics in Tokyo on that occasion, taking silver in the 100m and gold in the longer, more favoured 200m.
“In elevating herself to greatest-ever South African Olympian status, she joined Chad le Clos on four medals, but outweighs him by virtue of her two golds and two silvers.
“While Penny Heyns, in 1996, remains the last women’s breaststroker to do the double, Smith tied with Japan’s Kosuke Katajima as the only four-time breaststroke medallists in Olympic history, both men and women,” the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) said.
The Minister said Smith’s achievements stand as an elegant example of the power of women in sport.
“Tatjana, as a nation we are bursting with pride tonight. You fought to the end and were beaten only in the turns by a classy American competitor, Kate Douglass. I applaud you for your warm smile and your honest congratulations for your gold-medal rival in the lane next to you.
“Being able to stay gracious in victory and defeat is what the world will remember most about you, and it is a quality that defines most South Africans. You are a shining example of humility with a killer competitive spirit and undying will to win. May all our young people look up to your example and try to equal or surpass you in future,” McKenzie said.
The Minister said South Africa must continue to bring more women into all sports and support them to break every record. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Fri, 08/02/2024 - 09:24
769 views
Justice department condemns alleged racism incidents
Justice department condemns alleged racism incidents
The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DJCOD) has condemned the alleged acts of racism at South African schools and committed to intensify the awareness of constitutional rights, including the prohibition against hate crimes and hate speech and the prevention and combating of these offences.
A racism row erupted at the Pretoria High School for Girls following the discovery of a WhatsApp group in which a group of white pupils allegedly sent messages to each other with racial undertones.
This was followed by the revelation of an incident at Table View High School where a substitute teacher allegedly used the ‘k’ word during a history lesson and another incident at Pinelands High School involving a ‘slave auction’ of black learners by their coloured counterparts. Both those schools are in the Western Cape.
“The [department] unequivocally condemns any acts of racism and racial discrimination and will intensify its efforts, in collaboration with the South African Human Rights Commission, the Commission for Gender Equality and the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities, to promote awareness of constitutional rights, including the prohibition against hate crimes and hate speech, aimed at the prevention and combating of these offences.
“The [department] is engaging the Department of Basic Education and will be monitoring how these matters will be handled and eagerly awaits the outcome thereof,” the DJCOD said in a statement.
The department emphasised that there remains no place in South African society for the use of racist language and behaviour.
“Our courts, especially our designated Equality Courts have pronounced on the use of the derogatory k-word - there is no place for such in a constitutional democracy which seeks to foster unity in diversity. Indeed, there is no place for racism or any other form of related intolerance in our constitutional democracy, which is anchored on the supremacy of the Constitution. Such incidents perpetuate harmful racial discrimination, and are stark and painful reminders of our Apartheid past.
“This year South Africa marks 30 years of freedom and democracy since the country’s democratic elections in 1994. The advent of our constitutional democracy 30 years ago, ended decades of oppression under white minority rule, based on the racist ideology of black inferiority and white superiority, and ushered in a transition to a society “based on democratic values, social justice and fundamental human rights”,” the department added.
The department said hate speech and hate crimes have been declared an offence following the operationalisation of the Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Act 16 of 2023.
This, notwithstanding the Constitutional imperatives on unfair discrimination and obligations of the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act, 2000.
“South Africa’s National Action Plan to Combat Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance [NAP] was approved by Cabinet in 2019. The NAP gives effect to South Africa’s constitutional and international obligations, thus signifying government's commitment to achieving the objectives of the NAP at the highest level.
“The [department], as the focal agency tasked by Cabinet to lead and coordinate the implementation of the NAP, in line with its constitutional mandate, unequivocally condemns all and any acts of discrimination, in whatever form they occur.
“It is of great concern that learners, almost all of whom were born in a country that is democratic and more inclusive, have to both experience racism and some still continue to hold such beliefs of racism, intolerance, hurtful and demeaning behaviour,” the DJCOD said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Fri, 08/02/2024 - 09:27
414 views
Afreximbank’s African Quality Assurance Centre receives international accreditation from South African National Accreditation System (SANAS)
African Export-Import Bank's (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) first African Quality Assurance Centre (AQAC), implemented in Ogun State, Nigeria, in partnership with Bureau Veritas (BV) has been awarded the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation by the South African National Accreditation System (SANAS), one of the key accreditation bodies in Africa responsible for carrying out conformity assessments as mandated under South Africa's Accreditation for Conformity Assessment, Calibration and Good Laboratory Practice Act (Act 19 of 2006).
ISO/IEC 17025 is the recognised international standard for testing and calibration laboratories and sets out requirements for the competence, impartiality and consistent operation of laboratories, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of testing and calibration results. The standard enhances the credibility of testing and calibration work by laboratories, by fostering trust among clients and regulatory authorities. Compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 demonstrates a laboratory's commitment to quality, technical proficiency and scientific rigour.
Commenting on the accreditation, Ms. Oluranti Doherty, Managing Director Export Development at Afreximbank said that the accreditation served to validate AQAC's capabilities and expertise and would provide new opportunities to expand the centre's reach.
“By aligning its practices with international standards and best practices, AQAC is well-positioned to attract new clients, foster partnerships with industry stakeholders, and contribute to the advancement of quality assurance practices in Africa,” said Ms. Doherty.
“The impact of this accreditation extends beyond the laboratory as it also contributes to the overall advancement of quality assurance practices in Nigeria. By demonstrating compliance with international standards and best practices, AQAC will help in reducing the rejection rates for Nigerian and African exports,” she said, mentioning that the Bank has committed up to US$100 million to support the development of new AQACs across the continent, with projects being considered in Benin, Chad, Gabon, Kenya and Tanzania.
Jean-Michel Perret, Managing Director, Bureau Veritas Nigeria said, “We are incredibly proud to have achieved the ISO 17025 accreditation for the African Quality Assurance Centre. This milestone reflects our steadfast commitment to providing the highest standards of testing and inspection services. It also demonstrates our dedication to supporting Nigeria's AgroFood industry in meeting international quality benchmarks, thereby facilitating greater access to global markets for ‘Made in Africa' products.”
The accreditation by SANAS amplifies AQAC's ability to offer internationally accredited services for food and agri products and paves the way for a more reliable and robust testing environment in Africa.
SANAS is a signatory to the International Accreditation Forum which gives it world-wide recognition as a competent body for carrying out independent evaluation of certification bodies against recognized standards. It is also a signatory to the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation Mutual Recognition Arrangements, the African Accreditation Cooperation Mutual Recognition Arrangements and the SADCA Mutual Recognition Arrangements, for specific scopes.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.
Afreximbank Media Contact:
Vincent Musumba
Manager
Communication and Events (Media Relations)
Email: press@afreximbank.com
Bureau Veritas Media Contact:
Selin Dincer Cinar
+905 308 61 59 94
Email: selin.dincer-cinar@bureauveritas.com
Seseselelo Matlapeng
+27 (0)78 451 5331
Email: seseselelo.matlapeng@bureauveritas.com
About Afreximbank:
African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra-and extra-African trade. For 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa's trade, accelerating industrialization and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A stalwart supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank is setting up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries effectively participating in the AfCFTA. At the end of December 2023, Afreximbank's total assets and guarantees stood at over US$37.3 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$6.1 billion. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by GCR (international scale) (A), Moody's (Baa1), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-) and Fitch (BBB). Afreximbank has evolved into a group entity comprising the Bank, its impact fund subsidiary called the Fund for Export Development Africa (FEDA), and its insurance management subsidiary, AfrexInsure (together, "the Group"). The Bank is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt.
For more information, visit: www.Afreximbank.com
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ABOUT BUREAU VERITAS:
Bureau Veritas is a world leader in inspection, certification, and laboratory testing services with a powerful purpose: to shape a world of trust by ensuring responsible progress. With a vision to be the preferred partner for customers' excellence and sustainability, the company innovates to help them navigate change.
Created in 1828, Bureau Veritas' 83,000 employees deliver services in 140 countries. The company's technical experts support customers to address challenges in quality, health and safety, environmental protection, and sustainability.
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3rd Annual B Lab Africa Summit 2024 to be hosted in South Africa
PRETORIA, South Africa – Themed Resilience and Growth in Africa: Leading Sustainable Businesses, Driving Change, and International Opportunities, the summit is gearing up for its 3rd annual edition, its first in South Africa, addressing the continent’s critical challenges by bringing together industry, academia, and government stakeholders to discuss innovative solutions and strategies for building a …
Chikunga reflects on 30 Years of Democracy as Women’s Month gets underway
Chikunga reflects on 30 Years of Democracy as Women's Month gets underway
By Khanyisile Rasmeni
Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, has delivered a compelling address to mark the launch of National Women’s Month, which is being observed under the theme: “Celebrating 30 Years of Democracy towards women’s development”.
The launch took place at Tshedimosetso House in Pretoria on Thursday.
Chikunga said this year’s observance is not only a tribute to the strides made over the past three decades but also a moment for introspection and continued commitment to gender equality.
“August has long been a month of reflection and tribute to the invaluable roles women have played in the fight against discrimination and exploitation.”
The commemoration of Women’s Month serves as a platform to pay tribute to the role played by women in the decades of struggle against all forms of discrimination, subordination and exploitation.
The 30-Year Review Report underscores the progress achieved in women empowerment. Notably, women’s representation in Parliament increased from 28% in 1994 to 45% in 2019.
“Similarly, their presence in senior management roles rose from 20% in 2001 to 36% in 2021. Furthermore, as of 2017, women accounted for approximately 61.5% of university graduates, surpassing their male counterparts,” said the Minister.
READ | Cabinet approves 30-Year Review Report for publication
Despite these advancements, Chikunga emphasised that “while these are significant strides, a lot more still needs to be done”.
The year 2024 marks the 101st anniversary of women entering the legal profession in South Africa. Reflecting on this milestone, the International Association of Women Judges noted a dramatic shift from 1994, when the judiciary was overwhelmingly male and predominantly white.
“As of February 2023, 45% of judges are women, and the composition has diversified significantly. This transformation was further celebrated with the appointment of Chief Justice Mandisa Maya, the first South African woman to lead the Constitutional Court. Chief Justice Maya stands tall as an inspiration to all South Africans, especially women from all walks of life,” Chikunga remarked.
READ | President Ramaphosa appoints Justice Maya as next Chief Justice
In addition to these judicial achievements, Chikunga praised Tatjana Smith for winning South Africa’s first gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, showcasing the nation's growing prominence in global sports.
Gender-based violence and femicide
The Minister said the fight against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) remains a critical focus. The National Strategic Plan on GBVF aims to rally societal support and intensify efforts against persistent violence.
Chikunga underlined the importance of a “whole-of-society and whole-of-government response”.
She used the occasion to ring the alarm on the rising trend of extortion and fraud targeting employed women.
“We alert South African women not to be victims of such extortion and fraud,” she advised.
The year 2024 also marks 70 years since the adoption of the Women’s Charter, a pivotal document in the struggle for women’s rights in South Africa. The Minister invoked the Charter’s call for the removal of discriminatory laws.
“We, the women of South Africa, hereby declare our aim of striving for the removal of all laws, regulations, conventions, and customs that discriminate against us as women.”
She said the voices of the women who gathered at the First World Conference on Women in 1975 must be echoed throughout the month of August.
“In the world outside, we are ignored. We are invisible, we are not important... We've got to change these attitudes toward us — smilingly, if necessary, angrily if necessary, and aggressively if necessary. Otherwise, there will be no such thing as true equality.” - SAnews.gov.za
Matona
Fri, 08/02/2024 - 12:41
202 views
Nespresso And Chef Mory Sacko Unveil Master Origins Zambia, A New Co-Created Coffee Celebrating Zambia
Johannesburg, July, 2024 – Nespresso South Africa is proud to announce the launch of a new coffee in the Master Origins Collection: MASTER ORIGINS ZAMBIA. Zambia’s altitude, proximity to the equator, and plentiful freshwater sources in the northern province make it ideal for cultivating the finest Arabica coffee. The exceptional terroir produces a coffee with …
iSchoolAfrica Education Trust Celebrates 15 Years of Transforming Education in South Africa
On 1 August 2024, iSchoolAfrica (www.iSchoolAfrica.com) proudly commemorates 15 years of driving educational change across South Africa. Since its inception, iSchoolAfrica has leveraged the world's best technology and educational practices to reduce inequalities, enhance opportunities for exceptional employment, and stimulate economic growth.
iSchoolAfrica's 15 years of success and sustainability stem from an unwavering commitment to making quality technology affordable and accessible. A key element of the programme is the rotation of mobile iPad labs from classroom to classroom – ensuring accessibility, security, longevity, usability, and durability.
The technology solution has a remarkable 5% failure rate, which demonstrates the reliability and durability of their technology. With iPads lasting an estimated 5-6 years within school environments, iSchoolAfrica ensures minimal downtime in schools, contributing to uninterrupted learning and significant cost savings on technical support. This is boosted by the iPads' Mobile Device Management system, which allows for quick and easy remote support.
By upskilling and empowering project champions to execute programs independently, iSchoolAfrica ensures lasting, impactful education solutions with zero compromise on quality and best practices. The fact that there is no compromise gives educators and learners alike the confidence that they matter and this is seen through the improved engagement and performance of the students.
“Over the last 15 years, against all odds we've achieved some incredible things, inspiring teachers to love their jobs again, helping children discover their love of learning through iPad lessons, while sparking hope for countless young learners' futures,“ says Michelle Lissoos, Executive Director of iSchoolAfrica.
Through strategic collaborations with partners, iSchoolAfrica equips South Africa's youth with the tools needed to thrive. The initiative focuses on under-resourced township and rural schools, from Early Childhood Development (ECD) to Grade 12, including mainstream and special needs education. Each school receives a secure mobile lab of 20 iPads, loaded with curriculum software and teacher training and mentoring. The built-in accessibility features of iPads also support children with disabilities, ensuring inclusive education for all.
Another key aspect to iSchoolAfrica's endurance has been the partnerships it has formed along the way. Growthpoint is one such long-term partner, having supported over 25 schools since 2014.
Commenting on their involvement, head of Growthpoint CSR Shawn Theunissen, says: “In order for us to provide support for education, we also needed to ensure that we provide a digital solution. You want to ensure that you are future proofing the youth of South Africa.”
Since its launch, iSchoolAfrica has reached all nine provinces in South Africa, impacting 341 schools and training over 3,000 teachers — impacting over 100,000 learners. Later this year, in partnership with the Imbeleko Foundation, they plan to launch the first Apple Training Authorised Centre in Africa, located in rural Kwa-Zulu Natal.
Key Educational Programmes
iSchoolAfrica is focused on four key educational programmes. These include:
1. Early Learning
Recognising the critical importance of a child's early years, iSchoolAfrica integrates technology into preschool and Grade R to help teachers address core developmental skills essential for young learners. The Early Learning Programme supports the NCF and CAPS curriculum frameworks through interactive social stories and learn-through-play activities.
2. Numeracy and Literacy
iSchoolAfrica addresses South Africa's literacy and numeracy crisis by ensuring learners grasp foundational skills. Partnering with the Unlocking Talent Through Technology Initiative, iSchoolAfrica brings the one billion numeracy programme to primary schools, achieving an average increase of 15% in numeracy results since 2009.
3. Disability and Inclusion
The Inclusion Programme provides solutions for children with various disabilities, including autism, low vision, and cerebral palsy. With 36 special needs schools, iSchoolAfrica has the distinction of having the first Apple Distinguished Special Needs School in the world. Collaborations with CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation SA and CORE have also helped introduce iPads to hospital schools in Gauteng, supporting paediatric oncology patients' education during treatment.
“We have seen a total change in the nature of our learners. They have become a lot more disciplined, creative and enthusiastic. Our kids now have a sense of pride. It empowers them,” says Ishwarlal Reggie, Deputy Principal, MCK Special School.
4. Coding and Robotics
Empowering learners to become innovators, leaders, and builders of their futures, iSchoolAfrica introduces coding and robotics through Apple's Everyone Can Code Curriculum. This program, spanning from ECD to higher education, exposes learners to coding and app design via interactive puzzles and code walkthroughs.
“As iSchoolAfrica celebrates this milestone, our commitment to educational excellence and reducing inequalities remains stronger than ever. We look forward to continuing this journey of empowering South Africa's youth and transforming the educational landscape for years to come,” concludes Lissoos.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of iSchoolAfrica.
NOTE TO EDITORS
MEDIA CONTACT:
Ima Peter
+27 11 268 6388
ima.peter@razorpr.co.za
About iSchoolAfrica:
Since 2009, iSchoolAfrica has provided over 100 000 South African learners, from ECD to Grade 12, with state-of-the-art technology and education practices. Together with our partners, school leaders and educators, we have changed teaching and learning in the most under resourced and vulnerable communities across South Africa, giving youth the opportunity to learn, create and succeed.
Impact and Awards
· Active in nine provinces
· 341 schools in the programme
· 300+ trained teachers
· 200+ rural youth facilitators
· 500+ trained media changemakers
• 22 Excellence in Education Awards
• 2023 Foundation Disability Empowerment Award
• 2023 Gauteng Women's Excellence Award for Innovation
• 2018 New Generation Award
• 2017 Eduweek Award, Inclusion
Programmes
• Early Learning
• Numeracy and Literacy
• Disability and Inclusion
• Coding and Robotics
• Media Changemaker
Marine Protected Areas: Protection from whom?
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Empowering digital tools for your job search
No matter whether your looking at jobs in Cape Town, fondly referred to as the Mother City, or a brand new start further north in South Africa (say, Gauteng’s Jacaranda City of Pretoria), there’s no denying the changes that have transpired in the job search niche since your student days. Gone are the days when …
Appeal for more organ donors
Appeal for more organ donors
The Department of Health has appealed to citizens to sign up to become organ and tissue donors in a bid to improve someone’s quality of life or even save someone’s life, especially those who are very sick or dying from a life-threatening disease or organ failure.
“Organ donation is when organs such as the heart, lungs, liver and kidneys are removed from one person and transplanted into another person,” the department explained, adding that one donor can save up to seven lives and transform over 50 lives.
Meanwhile, tissue donation is when tissues in the body such as skin, corneas and bone are removed from one person and transplanted into another person.
It is estimated that over 2 500 people are on the active waiting list for organ and tissue donation, while others lose their lives while waiting to receive a lifesaving gift.
“Currently, organ donors are in very short supply because of limited knowledge amongst citizens,” the department said.
The department, in collaboration with various non-governmental organisations, said they will use the month of August as part of Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Month.
According to the department, anyone aged 18 years or older can become an organ or tissue donor without expecting financial reward, and subject themselves to certain medical conditions that require one to wait or be physically well.
“One can donate organs such as the kidney and liver lobe and continue to live a normal and healthy life because organs like the liver regenerate over time.”
However, it is illegal in South Africa and other parts of the world for anyone to sell or trade human organs or tissues as that can perpetuate organ and human trafficking.
“An organ transplant takes place in both government and private hospitals after an individual has been declared circulatory (heart stopped beating) or brain dead, but is still being supported by artificial life support.
“The tissue donation and retrieval can still take place several hours and even days after death, but consent from the loved ones must be given.”
Potential donors can go to their nearest public or private hospital to ask for assistance on the steps to follow for one to donate, alternatively, call the Organ Donor Foundation on 0800 22 66 11 or visit www.odf.org.za.
Those interested can also contact the SA Bone Marrow Registry at 021 447 8630 or the Centre for Tissue Engineering at Tshwane University of Technology at 012 349 3500 or visit www.tissuedonation.org.za. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 08/02/2024 - 09:37
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