“Silent disease” outed at African Hepatitis Convention
Many South Africans with hepatitis go undiagnosed
South Africa
Hard work at Eskom keeps the lights on
Hard work at Eskom keeps the lights on
Minister in the Presidency for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, says the current improved electricity performance in South Africa is in large part thanks to the hard work of officials at Eskom.
The Minister was briefing the media at Megawatt Park on Monday on the latest developments in the implementation of the Energy Action Plan which was unveiled by President Cyril Ramaphosa in July 2022.
The country has experienced at least 54 days of no load shedding.
“What we are seeing now is an exceptionally improved energy situation...is as a result of [a] constellation of efforts on the part of Eskom. It’s [also] an all-of-government effort to ensure that we resolve the challenges that are facing the country…the resolution of an energy deficit.
“We are not yet out of the woods but we can see the trend line. We know that we are going to have momentary setbacks. It is the nature of this, but we must be fixed on...returning units on time. And where there are periods of failure, you mustn’t be despondent,” he said.
Ramokgopa moved to dispel the reports claiming that Eskom is burning diesel at a high rate to keep the lights on.
“The [Open Cycle Gas Turbines] are part of the fleet. They are designed…that during afternoon peak, when you have elevated demand, if you are struggling to meet that demand then you engage the OCGTs.
“If you look at the period that they were on load on average was previously about 17% and then now, we are just shy of 6%. So it’s a considerable drop on the usage. From the 1st of April 2024 to the 16th of May, Eskom spent R1.24 billion in engaging the OCGTs. The same period last year…we had burnt R5.2 billion worth of diesel. Essentially, we have seen a drop of 78%,” he said.
Ramokgopa said solar energy remains part of the strategy to combat load shedding and Eskom’s performance is not necessarily as a result of the performance of the renewable energy projects.
“If you go to the Energy Action Plan and you look at Outcome 4, it says…we have to introduce incentives to make it possible for us to aggressively roll out rooftop solar solutions by both industry and households. We have been able to double the amount of rooftop solar solution megawatts that can be drawn from that intervention from about 2100MW to 4400MW,” he said.
Turning to Eskom employees, the Minister encouraged them to continue working hard to ensure that the challenge of keeping the lights on is resolved.
“As consummate professionals, you have done very well to get us to where we are. We are still looking for additional improved performance on your side. On behalf of Cabinet, we want to say thank you very much,” Ramokgopa said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 05/20/2024 - 10:57
367 views
Pandor mourns Iran’s Foreign Minister after helicopter crash
Pandor mourns Iran's Foreign Minister after helicopter crash
International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor, has offered her condolences to the government and people of Iran following the passing of Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian.
Amir-Abdollahian died in a helicopter crash alongside Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi and several other officials while travelling in the East Azerbaijan province.
Their bodies were recovered in a mountainous region on Monday.
“The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, has expressed her deepest sympathy and condolences to the government and the people of the Islamic Republic of Iran following the shocking and sad news of the passing of her counterpart, Dr Hossein Amir-Abdollahian,” a statement by the department said.
The Minister also conveyed her sympathies to the colleagues and family of Amir-Abdollahian and wished them comfort and solace.
According to the department, last year in Pretoria, Pandor co-hosted the 15th Session of the Joint Commission of Cooperation with the late Amir-Abdollahian.
On that occasion, the late Foreign Minister also paid a courtesy call to President Ramaphosa.
“The Ministers also met several times on the margins of multilateral forums, including during the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ meetings in 2023. Minister Pandor remembers the late Dr Amir-Abdollahian as a brilliant and astute counterpart whose presence will be deeply missed,” the department added.
Amir-Abdollahian became Foreign Minister under President Raisi with his election in 2021.
Meanwhile, President Ramaphosa has also offered condolences to the Supreme Leader of Iran, The Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei, and the government and people of Iran.
President Ramaphosa said his thoughts are with the families of the late President and Foreign Minister as well as the relatives of the personnel and aircrew who perished.
President Ramaphosa, who as Deputy President paid a working visit to Iran in November 2015, said: “This is an extraordinary, unthinkable tragedy that has claimed a remarkable leader of a nation with whom South Africa enjoys strong bilateral relations and with whom we were honoured to welcome to the BRICS fold in Johannesburg in 2023.
“Our hearts go out to the affected families and the administration of the Islamic Republic of Iran. We join Iran in this moment of mourning.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 05/20/2024 - 14:14
69 views
A journey towards the elimination of cancer
JOHANNESBURG, May 20th, 2024 – While cancer may not be a thing of the past in the very near future, pharmacological science advancements have intensified their efforts, targeting one of humanity’s most formidable adversaries with precision. Several forms of cancer are already manageable as chronic conditions while treatment protocols continue to improve patient quality of …
The Interconnected World of Biodiversity and Tourism
Makhanda, 20 May 2024 : Biodiversity, the rich variety of life on Earth, forms the foundation of the intricate ecological networks that support life. It is not only crucial for the environment but also for the tourism industry, which relies heavily on the allure of pristine natural habitats and the diversity of species they support. …
Impressive Prize Purse revealed for 2024 Totalsports Women’s Race
Stillwater Sports, the organisers of one of South Africa’s largest Women’s Month celebrations, are excited to announce that the iconic Totalsports Women’s Race will boast an impressive, combined prize purse of R 412,500.00 in 2024. “We are excited to announce that the prize purse for the Totalsports Women’s Race will more than double in 2024, …
SA bank executives coined it during Covid
Banks paid out hefty bonuses, though performance targets were not met
Quenellx95 | Biography, Music, Media, fact
Kwanele Vuyani Mbonambi (born 20 Aug 1995), known professionally as Quenellx95, is a South African Hip-Hop artist, songwriter, record producer and record label X95WORLDMUSIX. He was raised in Durban, KwaZulu Natal. Quenellx95 Birth name : Kwanele Vuyani Mbonambi Also known as : Triple coma, Karly Minashly, Den xjey & Quenell Minashly Born : 20 Aug …
NHI does not signal end of private healthcare – President Ramaphosa
NHI does not signal end of private healthcare - President Ramaphosa
President Cyril Ramaphosa has dismissed claims that the National Health Insurance (NHI) will signal the end of private healthcare.
“To the contrary, the NHI aims to use the respective strengths and capabilities of both the private and public health sectors to build a single, quality health system for all,” the President wrote in his weekly newsletter on Monday.
He explained that the NHI Fund will procure services from accredited public and private service providers for every person in need of health care.
“The NHI will be a lifeline for millions of poor South Africans whose resources will be freed up for other essential needs. It will also alleviate the burden on those who are increasingly paying more in medical aid premiums for increasingly fewer services.”
According to the President, South Africa’s private health sector has world-class expertise and is a major source of domestic and foreign investment.
He also praised the public sector, which also has numerous centres of excellence and is staffed by well-trained and experienced personnel.
While there may be different views on how NHI will be progressively implemented, the reality is that the current healthcare system is unsustainable.
Access to quality, decent healthcare should not depend on one’s ability to pay, he said, adding that the “current situation does not serve the poor, does not serve the middle class and does not serve the country.”
However, with careful planning, effective oversight and monitoring, and the strategic allocation of resources, the country’s commander-in-chief believes that South Africa can achieve universal health coverage (UHC).
“Working together in partnership, as both the public and private sectors, we can make the dream of quality health care for all a reality.”
This as the country edges closer to affordable quality healthcare for all after the President signed the NHI Bill into law last week.
“For many years, we have had parallel healthcare systems operating in our country. The majority of the population, 84%, uses public health facilities, while 16% are covered by medical schemes, enabling them to access private healthcare facilities. A small percentage of people use both,” he added.
The President is of the view that this has perpetuated inequality, with the quality of healthcare one receives being determined by one’s ability to pay.
“This runs contrary to our aspiration to be a society that is just and equal.”
While achieving social justice is a key objective of NHI, he stated that efficiency and better resource allocation are equally important.
“We have said that the challenge in implementing NHI lies not in the lack of funds but in the misallocation of resources that currently favour the private health sector at the expense of public health needs.
“There is a misconception that the private health care sector operates and is funded completely independently of government.”
However, he said the training of doctors, nurses and other healthcare personnel who work in both the public and private sectors is subsidised by the State.
Secondly, the State pays billions of rands annually in subsidies for employees who are members of various public sector medical aid schemes.
“Thirdly, taxpayers claim tax rebates for medical aid expenses amounting to approximately R37 billion. This is the money the state should earn in taxes which it foregoes to subsidise private health care.
“We therefore have a situation where the state both directly and indirectly helps to fund a private health care sector that serves only a minority of society.”
In addition, he said access to private healthcare through medical aids is also costly for users.
“It is said that without the tax rebate private healthcare would not be affordable to the majority of users. Medical aid contributions are increasing faster than inflation. At the same time, benefits are being reduced.”
The President cited the 2016 Healthcare Market Inquiry, which found that private healthcare services and medical scheme coverage are frequently over-used without clear improvements in health outcomes.
“The resources that are spent both by the state and private individuals can, therefore, be more efficiently used to build a single, unitary health care system that serves all.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 05/20/2024 - 10:03
325 views
RS Africa Export Solutions now caters for different currencies for added customer convenience
RS South Africa (https://Africa.RSdelivers.com/), a trading brand of RS Group plc (LSE: RS1), a global provider of product and service solutions, is showcasing the significant updates to its Africa Export Solutions website that came into effect last year.
The updates have enhanced customer convenience by enabling purchases in various currencies, explains Sales Director Erick Wessels. “Essentially our ecommerce platform now allows clients to transact in a range of popular currencies.” This can be done easily by means of a simple dropdown menu.
“We initially only had U.S. dollars as it was the main forex reserve currency in Southern Africa,” explains Wessels. However, customer feedback from various key corporates indicated a preference to be able to transact in different currencies such as euros and pounds.
“We then decided to introduce this added functionality online as our offline SAP system has historically allowed customers to trade in any currencies. It meant it was not difficult to integrate and certainly did not require any major overhaul of our website, which is highly user-friendly and simple to navigate,” adds Wessels.
Many British businesses set up operations in lucrative African markets like Kenya and remit to their home office in the UK in pounds, so it made sense for RS to facilitate that process and assist such customers specifically.
“It was mainly a question of enhancing our customer experience and responding to feedback, especially in the face of a dynamic and ever-shifting online trading environment, where responsiveness, user-friendliness and flexibility are key,” highlights Wessels.
This, in turn, also allows such companies to trade with each other in the currency of their respective head offices, especially in Germany and France, where many of RS's major suppliers are headquartered. “By differentiating our currency base on our ecommerce platform, we are able to accommodate these customers directly and thereby grow our market share and customer loyalty throughout the region,” says Wessels.
The Institute of Export & International Trade, comparing RS Export Solutions with an average exporter, has established that it can cut costs by 20% and increase processing efficiencies by 15%. “This reiterates that we are experts at export,” adds Wessels.
RS has the expertise to ensure the prompt delivery of trusted brands across the globe. Using direct export or via its third-party distributor network, RS can meet diverse customer requirements with a complete end-to-end solution or support with advice and paperwork, transforming processing times and guaranteeing compliancy.
Find out more about RS Africa Solutions (https://apo-opa.co/4bNUzN3) here.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of RS South Africa.
PR Contact Person – RS South Africa:
Princess Tlou
Communications & Content Specialist
Africa Exports
Princess.Tlou@rsgroup.com
+27 11 691 9366
Media Contact Person – NGAGE:
Thobile Ndlovu
PR Account Executive
thobile@ngage.co.za
+27 11 867 7763
Further information is available via these links:
Twitter : https://apo-opa.co/3T0ICwS
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/3I5UIyE
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/3T2j16J
RS Africa Exports: https://apo-opa.co/42GY3gZ
RS South Africa: https://apo-opa.co/48m0si7
DesignSpark: https://apo-opa.co/4bJaCwo
RS Group plc: https://apo-opa.co/49isz2Z
About RS:
RS is a trading brand of RS Group plc, providing product and service solutions that help our customers design, build, maintain, repair and operate industrial equipment and operations, safely and sustainably. We stock more than 750,000 industrial and electronic products, sourced from over 2,500 leading suppliers, and provide a wide range of product and service solutions to 1.1 million customers.
We support customers across the product lifecycle, whether via innovation and technical support at the design phase, improving time to market and productivity at the build phase, or reducing purchasing costs and optimising inventory in the maintenance, repair and operation phase. We offer our customers tailored product and service propositions that are essential for the successful operation of their businesses and help them save time and money.
RS Group plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange with stock ticker RS1 and in the year ended 31 March 2023 reported revenue of £2,982 million.
Is Your Instant Porridge Worth Its Oats?
Oats are recognised as being a super grain based on their nutritional value. In South Africa, oat porridge has been a breakfast staple for over 100 years, especially on chilly Winter mornings, providing warmth and energy to kick-start the day. However, with the pace of modern life, convenience has become key and that’s where hassle-free …
Government activities for the week 20 – 24 May 2024
Government activities for the week 20 - 24 May 2024
On Tuesday, 21 May, the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development will visit the Thornveld farm (portion 1 of farm Welgewagd 233 KB) located in Dwaalboom farming area near Thabazimbi, Waterberg District.
On Wednesday, 22 May, the GCIS in collaboration with the Department of Tourism and Brand South Africa invite members of the media to participate in a virtual panel discussion on tourism opportunities in the SADC region during Africa Month.
Also on Wednesday, the Electoral Commission officially launches the National Results Operation Centre (ROC) ahead of the upcoming 2024 National and Provincial Elections.
On Thursday, 23 May, the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation will be hosting a roundtable discussion on Perspectives on the 30 Year Review Report and the road ahead.
From Thursday, 23 May, to Friday, 24 May, the Department of Employment and Labour will be hosting a joint interdepartmental Jobs Fair in the Limpopo province.
Janine
Mon, 05/20/2024 - 10:20
84 views
Huge turnout for SA Agulhas II tour
Huge turnout for SA Agulhas II tour
Members of the public turned out in their numbers for free guided tours of South Africa’s polar research and supply vessel – the SA Agulhas II, during an open day in Gqeberha.
“This event provided a fantastic platform for the public to learn about the important research conducted aboard the SA Agulhas II and the critical role it plays as a supply vessel to the three research bases in Antarctica, Marion and Gough Islands in the Southern Ocean," Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Barbara Creecy said on Saturday.
The event hosted by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) in the Eastern Cape, drew an impressive crowd of more than 3 000 members of the public who had the unique opportunity to tour the renowned research vessel.
The vessel arrived at the Port of Port Elizabeth on 16 May and on the 17 May 2024, 1000 learners from 40 schools around the metro were hosted.
In addition to exploring the SA Agulhas II, visitors on both days were able to engage with a diverse range of exhibits and interactive displays at an expo organised by DFFE and its partners.
The expo showcased the vital work being done in marine research, conservation, and environmental stewardship.
"We are thrilled with the overwhelming response by the residents of Gqeberha to the SA Agulhas II Open Day in Gqeberha. The open day offered a valuable opportunity for members of the community to gain insight into the cutting-edge research and innovation driving South Africa's efforts in marine conservation,” the Minister said.
The vessel plays a crucial role in supporting research.
“It therefore plays a crucial role in supporting the country's research in Antarctica, the sub-Antarctic Islands and the Southern Ocean. The SA Agulhas II has just completed a relief voyage to Marion Island and is heading back to its home port in Cape Town.
“Through the open day concept, which is usually hosted in Cape Town, thousands of South Africans in different coastal cities have an opportunity to experience and learn about South Africa’s marine research, the SA Agulhas II as a mobile research laboratory and a supply vessel. The ports previously visited by the vessel include, Port Elizabeth (2015), Durban (2018), Dar es Salaam (2018), Comoros and East London (2019),” the department said. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Sun, 05/19/2024 - 12:41
400 views
Government launches Child Protection Week
Government launches Child Protection Week
The Department of Social Development has launched the annual Child Protection Week campaign saying that while has much has been achieved in protecting the rights of children, challenges remain.
“We have come a long way and achieved much as a nation in protecting and promoting the rights of our children, although we still have a number of serious challenges that confront us,” said the department on Sunday.
This as Minister Lindiwe Zulu launched the campaign in Kimberley in the Northern Cape on Sunday.
This year’s Child Protection Week is being observed under the theme: “Protecting South African Children, 30 years on.”
“South Africa had to go through deliberate transformation and one of the key priorities for government was to ensure the protection and upholding of human rights including the rights of children,” the department said.
WATCH | Protecting children
Government has invested in children through various services like education, health, access to clean water, health, and electricity as well as the biggest social assistance programme aimed at protecting children.
“As Government, our vision is to make South Africa a place where all children and young people are loved, confident, happy and healthy, and are empowered to reach their full potential,” said the department on Sunday.
Speaking at the launch Minister Zulu said that the “one thing parents said they really want is for their children to take education seriously and that their children remain in school to improve their chance to build a brighter future for themselves and their country."
The Minister bemoaned the high levels of violence against children.
“One of the major concerns for me is the unacceptably high levels of violence against children in our country. We have all heard of the tragic story of the 6-year-old Joslin Smith who went missing from Saldanha Bay on 19 February and to this day has not been found. Hers is a sad story of many children in our country whose rights are violated and robbed of their childhood,” said the Minister.
READ | Cabinet concerned about safety of children
READ | Safeguarding the future
Teenage pregnancy was also another issue raised by the Minister.
“We are also deeply concerned about the alarming number of teenage pregnancies across the country, including here in the Northern Cape, with John Taolo Gaetsewe and Frances Baard as leading districts.
“We must act now to stop this! While we encourage teenage mothers and fathers to remain in school and complete their studies, we must work together to stop teenage pregnancy in the first place,” she said.
The department further stressed the importance of family as the “best first line of defence and support in the protection of children.”
“That is the reason why over the years we have taken deliberate and decisive action to implement child-and family-oriented programmes,” it said.-SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Sun, 05/19/2024 - 13:24
79 views
Communities warned against vandalising election posters
Communities warned against vandalising election posters
The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) has cautioned communities against vandalising, defacing and removing posters of political parties ahead of the 2024 National and Provincial Elections.
“Anyone found to be tampering with these posters or vandalizing them will be arrested. Such cases have been reported and arrests have been made,” Deputy National Commissioner of the South African Police Service, Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili said on Sunday in Pretoria during a media briefing.
Led by the South African Police Service (SAPS), the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and the State Security Agency (SSA), the NATJOINTS reminded communities that the Constitution protects citizens’ rights to make political choices.
WATCH | NATJOINTS media briefing
These rights, includes the right to participate in the activities of, or recruit members for a political party and to campaign for a political party or cause.
In addition, the Electoral Act 73 of 1998 prohibits the unlawful removal and defacing of posters published by a registered party.
On 29 May 2024, South Africans will once again get an opportunity to exercise their right to vote in the 2024 National and Provincial elections, which marks the country's seventh democratic elections.
READ | NATJOINTS to ensure peaceful elections
Fake news
The NATJOINTS has urged members of the public to fact-check information first before sharing it on social media platforms.
“One of our biggest threats at the moment is fake news. We strongly condemn the spreading of fake news, unverified information, rumours or threats as this seeks to cause panic and confusion, and in some instances incite possible violence.
“Those who are found to be sharing inflammatory messages and inciting violence will be charged accordingly. We, therefore, urge prompt reporting of these incidents to ensure that law enforcement deals with such issues,” Mosikili said.
She called on political leaders to be responsible in the manner in which they communicate on public platforms.
“We have noted an increase in the number of service delivery related protests. To mitigate this, increased police visibility through the deployment of the public order policing unit has been made to potentially volatile areas to address large crowds.
“We will continue to work closely with key role players to monitor developments and attend to them. Law enforcement agencies are on the ground and will continue to apply fundamental policing principles, guided by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. Every law enforcement officer has a responsibility and an obligation to execute their mandate, professionally, impartially and with integrity, and to do so within the confines of the laws of the country,” the Deputy National Commissioner said.
The NATJOINTS said measures that have been put in place to ensure that the country’s upcoming general elections proceed without any incidents of crime and disruptions.
“Having conducted a national security assessment with key role players in the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster, we are satisfied with the operational plan that is currently being implemented, and can assure South Africans that a conducive environment for a peaceful election has been prepared.
“While measures have been put in place, the ultimate responsibility of a safe and secure election lies with each one of us. It is a partnership that is required to create harmony, respect for self and others even as we make our way to the polls and back home,” Mosikili said. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Sun, 05/19/2024 - 12:28
144 views
Special Official Funeral for retired ConCourt Justice Yvonne Mokgoro
Special Official Funeral for retired ConCourt Justice Yvonne Mokgoro
President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared that the late retired Constitutional Justice Yvonne Mokgoro be honoured with a Special Official Funeral Category 1.
Justice Mokgoro, who was an esteemed member of the Order of the Baobab, passed away on 9 May 2024 at the age of 73.
“In recognition of her distinguished career and contribution to the nation, President Ramaphosa has declared, in terms of Chapter 1.3.2(a) of the State, Official and Provincial Funeral Policy Manual, that the late justice be accorded a Special Official Funeral Category 1.
“The distinguishing features of a special official funeral in this category include ceremonial elements by the South African National Defence Force,” the Presidency said on Saturday.
President Ramaphosa has also declared that the national flag be flown at half-mast at all flag stations around the country from Sunday, 19 May 2024, until the evening of the funeral on Thursday, 23 May 2024.
Further details of the funeral, which will be held in Johannesburg, will be made known in due course.
“Justice Mokgoro, one of the first Justices to be appointed to the Constitutional Court when it was established in 1994, was also the first black woman judge of the apex court.
“During her legal career, she taught a number of law courses at universities in South Africa, the United States, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.
“She was a member of the International Women's Association (Washington DC), the International Association of Women Judges, the International Federation of Women Lawyers and the South African Women Lawyers Association. In 2006, she was selected as an icon of the history of Women Lawyers in South Africa,” the Presidency said.
READ | President mourns passing of retired ConCourt Justice Yvonne Mokgoro
-SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Sun, 05/19/2024 - 10:15
146 views
Late Justice Yvonne Makgoro honoured with Special Official Funeral Category
President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared that the late retired Constitutional Justice Yvonne Mokgoro be honoured with a Special Official Funeral Category 1.
Justice Mokgoro, who was an Esteemed Member of the Order of the Baobab, passed away on 9 May 2024 at the age of 73.
In recognition of her distinguished career and contribution to the nation, President Ramaphosa has declared, in terms of Chapter 1.3.2(a) of the State, Official and Provincial Funeral Policy Manual, that the late justice be accorded a Special Official Funeral Category 1.
The distinguishing features of a special official funeral in this category include ceremonial elements by the South African National Defence Force.
President Ramaphosa has also declared that the national flag be flown at half mast at all flag stations around the country from tomorrow morning, Sunday, 19 May 2024, until the evening of the funeral on Thursday, 23 May 2024.
Further details of the funeral, which will be held in Johannesburg, will be made known in due course.
Justice Mokgoro, one of the first Justices to be appointed to the Constitutional Court when it was established in 1994, was also the first black woman judge of the apex court.
During her legal career, she taught a number of law courses at universities in South Africa, the United States, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.
She was a member of the International Women's Association (Washington DC), the International Association of Women Judges, the International Federation of Women Lawyers and the South African Women Lawyers Association. In 2006, she was selected as an icon of the history of Women Lawyers in South Africa.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
MEC Mireille Wenger on growth and development of South African economy
South Africa and the Western Cape in particular, is a destination of choice for many respected and market-leading global business process outsourcing (BPO) companies. Many of these businesses base some of their global operations here in the Western Cape, where they employ, train and upskill tens of thousands of local South Africans to provide world-class professional business services to clients across the world.
According to CapeBPO, the Western Cape's strategic business partner responsible for the growth and development of the BPO industry, for every offshore BPO job based in South Africa, R350 000 of foreign revenue is injected into our economy.
“This means that for the approximately 100 000 BPO jobs country wide, the majority of which (approximately 60 000) are right here in the Western Cape, R35 billion goes into our national economy. The value that our talented people contribute on the world's stage is impressive,” explained Provincial Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, Mireille Wenger.
“The growth of the BPO sector in the Western Cape is a testament to the hard work and perseverance put into the promotion and mobilisation of the industry by our private and public sector stakeholders. The investment in skills development has created a steady and world-class supply of talent to cater to the clear international demand, supported through our agile public/private partnership between our local and provincial government partners (the City of Cape Town and Western Cape Government) and our Operator community. Based on our shared vision to enable meaningful careers, we are tackling the challenge of unemployment head on, with each job created contributing to a solution we as proud South Africans want to see manifested,” added CEO of CapeBPO, Clayton Williams.
The Western Cape Government's (WCG) ambitious economic plan of action, ‘Growth for Jobs' is focused on enabling the private sector to grow and create jobs.
“As the WCG, we are immensely proud to partner, through our dedicated programmes, with the determined and dedicated people investing in the BPO sector. BPO is a thriving and growing industry that must be nurtured if we are to enable the private sector to establish, expand and – critically – employ many more hundreds of thousands of South Africans. At the end of the day, this is why we do what we do – to give more South Africans, and particularly our young people, the opportunities they need to live up to their full potential,” concluded Minister Wenger.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Western Cape Finance and Economic Opportunities, South Africa.
Quenellx95
Kwanele Vuyani Mbonambi (born 20 Aug 1995), known professionally as Quenellx95, is a South African Hip-Hop artist, songwriter, record producer and record label X95WORLDMUSIX. He was raised in Durban, KwaZulu Natal. Quenellx95 Birth name : Kwanele Vuyani Mbonambi Also known as : Triple coma, Karly Minashly, Den xjey & Quenell Minashly Born : 20 Aug …
Hundreds picket outside Gauteng social development offices
Protest highlights the catastrophic mess the department has made of funding for non-profit organisations
Elections out of the country commence
Elections out of the country commence
Today is the first of two days South African citizens abroad can cast their vote in the National and Provincial Elections 2024.
“South African citizens living in other countries will cast the first ballots on 17 May 2024. Nine countries will cast ballots on Friday while the rest of the 102 will cast ballots on Saturday, 18 May 2024,” Electoral Commission (IEC) Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo said.
Given the high numbers of expected voters in London at 24 194, this station will operate on both the 18 and 19 May 2024.
The international segment of the voters roll for out-of-country voters has 56 698 voters, but the total number of people expected to vote is 76 580.
“This comes after the approval of 20 886 VEC10 notifications from voters who informed the Chief Electoral Officer of their intention to vote outside of the country due to temporary absence,” Mamabolo said.
The commissioner said the IEC was ready to ensure that voting goes smoothly in 111 foreign missions around the world.
“All missions have already received the election materials, which include ballot papers, voting booths, ballot boxes, envelopes and a voter list.”
Voting stations will be open from 07:00am to 19:00pm, allowing 76 580 voters to exercise their right to vote in South Africa’s 2024 National Elections.
“On both voting days abroad, the Electoral Commission will keep extended hours to assist voters with any enquiries,” he said.
WATCH | Full IEC briefing
SA citizens voting out-of-country in the 2024 National Election can only vote on one day at their mission:
- Missions with a work week from Sunday–Thursday vote on Friday, 17 May, from 7am to 7pm. The following countries are determined to vote on this Friday: Algiers, Amman, Cairo, Damascus, Jeddah, Kuwait City, Ramallah, Riyad and Teheran.
- Missions with a work week from Monday–Friday vote on Saturday, 18 May, from 7am to 7pm.
Two days of special votes have been determined for the UK based on the number of voters who will vote at that mission. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Fri, 05/17/2024 - 09:38
688 views
When words aren’t enough: Parties falling short on climate action
In the midst of political alliances with coal lobbyists, environmentalists are urging strategic voting and active citizenship to address the deepening climate crisis and stave off the collapse of natural systems. Voting is crucial, but South Africa’s political parties are falling short on addressing urgent climate and ecological challenges. In reality, many are “schizophrenic”, “bipolar”, …
Safeguarding the future
Safeguarding the future
As the country celebrates 30 years of freedom and democracy, the Department of Social Development will launch the country’s Child Protection Week on Sunday, 19 May 2024.
According to the department, South Africa has undergone a deliberate transformation, with one of the key priorities being to ensure the protection and upholding of the human rights of children.
The previous laws, according to the department, were informed by colonial and apartheid systems, which brought the provision of services based on race and colour.
These laws, amongst others, included the Group Areas Act, Bantu Local Authorities Act and the 1923 Native Areas Act, which segregated urban residential space and created “influx controls” to reduce access to cities by Blacks.
“All these and other pieces of legislation had a negative impact on the lives of Blacks, Coloureds, and Indian communities who were discriminated against because of their colour and were categorised as minority groups without access to basic services, including, clean water, quality education, and their right to dignity.
“The South African family was disintegrated and separated through migrant labour laws leaving children with one or no caregiver or parent,” the statement read.
In its efforts to advance the dignity and human rights of the people, the democratic government has since prioritised the development of the Constitution which was signed into law in 1996.
Section 28 of the Bill of Rights in the Constitution guarantees children their rights, including the right to a name, citizenship, education care and support.
According to the Constitution, children need food and shelter for their development and survival. They should also be protected from maltreatment, neglect, abuse, or degradation as well as from exploitative labour practices.
“When Nelson Mandela became President, he committed to creating and leading a people-centred society and spoke to the needs of caring for children and young people.
“The youth of our country are the valued possession of the nation. Without them, there can be no future. Their needs are immense and urgent. They are at the centre of our reconstruction and development plan.”
To demonstrate the commitment of the new government to the rights of children, in his first State of the Nation Address, President Mandela ordered the release of children who were incarcerated by the oppressive government.
The department said before 2005, the Child Care Act, which was later overhauled and replaced by the Children’s Act 38 of 2005, regulated children’s services.
“The introduction of the Children’s Act brought in a paradigm shift in the provision of child protection services and put the best interest of all children at the centre.”
As a result, the strengthened child protection measures saw the introduction of services that were geared towards care and protection of children, cushioning orphans, and vulnerable children as well as the protection of children in need of care and protection.
In celebrating the country’s 30 years of freedom and democracy, Social Development Minister, Lindiwe Zulu, will launch the Child Protection Week campaign to reflect on the gains of the country and to promote the rights of children.
This year, the campaign was brought forward due to the national elections and will be commemorated under the ‘Protecting South Africa’s Children 30 years on’ theme.
South Africa through the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Rights of the Child and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child is obligated to look after every child within its borders.
The department said government has invested in children through various services like education, health, access to clean water, health, and electricity and currently has the biggest social assistance programme aimed at protecting children. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 05/17/2024 - 09:39
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