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Dr Nkateko Msimeki, General Manager Health Policy and Medical Advisory from AfroCentric writes about the state of TB in South Africa and what we need to do to bring an end to this age-old disease. As we all mark World TB Day, it’s not only a time for reflection but also a moment to galvanise …
President Ramaphosa congratulates Senegal President-Elect
President Cyril Ramaphosa has congratulated Senegal’s President-elect, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, following that country’s recent elections.
Faye won at least 54% of the vote in Senegal’s presidential elections.
“The Senegalese people have [lit] a beacon which will usher in a new hope in the journey of rebuilding Africa by opting for a peaceful change of government as opposed to violence,” President Ramaphosa said.
A statement released by the Presidency reflected on the close relations enjoyed by South Africa and its West African counterpart.
“South Africa and Senegal enjoy close political, trade and social relations deepened by strong historical ties rooted in the anti-apartheid struggle. President Ramaphosa has committed to strengthen the bilateral relationship between South Africa and Senegal in pursuit of a better and peaceful continent.
“The outcome of the election bears testimony to the resilient spirit of the Senegalese people, who preferred the democratic course of change of government, through voting. The President applauded the other contestants for displaying maturity in accepting the election outcome,” the statement read. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 03/28/2024 - 08:04
Fired head of legal Martha Ngoye’s reinstatement overturned on appeal
Atlanta, 28 March 2024: ProfitShare Partners, a leading advocate for African SMEs, is in Atlanta at the Atlanta Phambili event. Represented by CEO and Founder Andrew Maren, the company is showcasing its dedication to supporting South African SMEs on a global scale. Andrew Maren will take the stage to shed light on ProfitShare Partners’ commitment …
Call to use child car seats
In anticipation of the increase in traffic volumes this Easter long weekend, the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has called for an investment in child car seats and restraints to ensure the safety of children in vehicles.
“The RTMC calls for greater cooperation from motorists to reduce the number of children who are injured or killed on the roads,” RTMC Spokesperson Simon Zwane said on Wednesday.
South African regulations state that (a) all adults must use seat belts if available; (b) the driver must ensure a child aged between three to 14 uses a child restraint, if available, or seat belt if available; and (c) infants under three must be strapped into a car seat where possible. Drivers may be held accountable for failure to comply.
“We know that seatbelts save children’s lives, because every day we see children who are severely disabled or who die due to road accidents because they were not wearing a seatbelt.
“Children who are not properly restrained in a car are catapulted out of the car on impact, and the consequences can be devastating; nothing but a seatbelt/car seat can prevent that. Making sure a child is properly restrained is the easiest thing parents can do to ensure their child’s safety,” Associate Professor Ursula Rolhwink of the University of Cape Town (UCT) Neuroscience Institute and spokesperson for the African Brain Child Initiative said.
Executive Director and Spokesperson for ChildSafe South Africa Zaitoon Rabaney said the number of lives lost on the roads, particularly among children, is unacceptable and preventable.
“This Easter, we urge drivers to reflect on their road behaviour and commit to making the necessary changes. By simply buckling up, respecting speed limits, and ensuring our children are safely secured in appropriate car seats, we can dramatically reduce the risk of fatalities and severe injuries,” Rabaney said.
The World Health Organisation Road Traffic Injury fact sheet 2022 shows the use of a seat belt reduces the risk of fatal injury by 40 - 50% for drivers and front-seat occupants and by up to 25% for rear-seat occupants.
According to the African Brain Child's report, 96 out of every 100 children who are admitted to ICU because they were involved in a motor crash have a moderate or severe injury to the head because they were not wearing a seat belt. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 03/28/2024 - 08:37
Happy and safe Easter holidays
President Cyril Ramaphosa has wished the nation a peaceful and safe Easter period.
“The prayers and reflection that define Easter renew the spirit of the nation. This period also allows us to connect with family, friends and the community around us and to explore our most beautiful country.
“We must, however, remain mindful of and reach out to people in our families and communities who are needy and who will appreciate our support,” the President said on Thursday ahead of the Easter long weekend.
In offering his best wishes to South Africa’s diverse Christian denominations for their Easter observances, President Ramaphosa urged the nation to “do our best to make this a safe Easter.”
“Easter does not have to be a time where we sit back and wait to see statistics on tragedy or injuries on our roads or at places where people come together in large numbers.
“This should be a time where each of us evaluates our own attitudes and behaviours and conduct ourselves in ways that build our society and make the country safe for everyone. This applies especially to our obligation to end violence against women and children.”
The President urged the country to “make this a time to exercise our spirituality, enjoy our country and care for everyone around us.” -SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Thu, 03/28/2024 - 11:51
Heightened police visibility this Easter weekend
Law enforcement and border security measures are in place to ensure the safety of all this Easter holiday period, Cabinet said on Thursday.
“There will be heightened police visibility across the country aimed at preventing, combating and at the same time, countering serious and violent crime during the holiday period and beyond,” said Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni.
Ntshavheni addressed the media on Thursday the outcomes of the last official Cabinet meeting of the sixth administration held yesterday.
She also took the time to extend Cabinet’s best wishes to the Christian and Jewish communities as they observe the religious Easter and Passover holidays this weekend.
“During this time, many South Africans will travel around the country to visit their families and friends, resulting in increased traffic volumes,” said Ntshavheni.
She used the platform to appeal to those travelling during this holiday period to exercise caution on the road, adhere to traffic rules, and respect other road users.
“Law enforcement has adopted a zero tolerance for road users who drive recklessly and are negligent and those who use excessive speeds.”
She also reminded parents and caregivers to always be aware of their children’s whereabouts and ensure that their children are only left with responsible adults.
The Minister also advised them to be extra vigilant while supervising children around swimming pools or anywhere near water.
Shifting her focus to border security management, she said the Executive further welcomed the Border Management Authority’s (BMA) efforts to increase security control measures and reducing congestion.
She also announced that the BMA would extend the operating hours at critical ports of entry and deploy an additional 400 border guards to deal with the expected increase of travellers this Easter weekend.
The South African Police Service (SAPS), South African Revenue Service (SARS), South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and Cross-Border Road Transport Agency (C-BRTA) are supporting this Easter operational plan.
The Executive applauded the work of the BMA, which will on 1 April 2024, mark one year since it was established.
The agency has intercepted over 270 000 people who tried to enter South Africa illegally and helped curb illegal migration, human smuggling, trafficking and cross-border crime.
Gaza conflict
Cabinet has also welcomed the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution that calls for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip for the Holy month of Ramadan and the unconditional release of all hostages.
The resolution also notes the urgent need to expand the flow of humanitarian assistance.
“This resolution is the affirmation of the correctness of South Africa’s position on the need to prevent genocide and the violation of human rights of the people of Palestine and the release of hostages by Hamas.”
According to the Minister, she said these resolutions are binding and that the UNSC should ensure compliance.
“Therefore, adoption of this resolution is a critical step to also enable the flow of humanitarian assistance to the Gaza area,” she said.
READ | President welcomes UNSC resolution on Gaza ceasefire
Gender-based violence (GBV) prevention, corruption, and municipality officials arrested for corruption were some of the issues discussed by Cabinet.
30 Years of Freedom
Meanwhile, on 5 April 2024, South Africa will launch the 30 Years of Freedom commemoration which also coincides with Freedom Month in April.
“The occasion forever reverberates in the history of our nation as a month that gave birth to our freedom and constitutional democracy. The commemoration of 30 Years of Freedom is an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable journey we have traversed to create a vibrant democracy where the lives of all people are valued and people treated with respect,” said the Minister.
Other matters
Meanwhile, Cabinet said the signing of the agreement between South Africa and Zimbabwe to transfer treated water from Beitbridge Water Treatment Works in Zimbabwe to Musina, Limpopo, will alleviate water supply challenges in Musina.
“There will be further socio-economic benefits from the construction of a 20km pipeline and pump stations to transfer this 41 mega litres of water per/day to ensure Musina has sufficient water supply for the medium term.”
In addition, she said South Africa aims to promote industrialisation, competition, and job creation through seven master plans in different sectors.
The seven master plans are being implemented through the deployment of industrial policy tools, to develop capacity, increase investment and localisation, expand exports, and preserve and grow jobs.
In addition, she stated that Cabinet received an update on progress towards digital migration, with the final analogue switch set for December 2024. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 03/28/2024 - 11:55
X marks the spot
With the clock inching closer to Voting Day when citizens will mark their X next to the name of their preferred candidate in the 2024 general elections, it is important that we all go into the various voting booths across the country armed with all the relevant information to make an informed choice, writes Neo Semono.
The 2024 National and Provincial Elections coincide with the 30 years of freedom and democracy celebrations that the country is observing this year.
Young and old registered voters will make their mark in South Africa’s seventh democratic elections on 29 May after which the seventh administration will come into being.
While we are accustomed to receiving two ballots in national and provincial elections, things will be a little different this Voting Day.
Instead of the usual two - registered voters will this time around receive three ballot papers - wherein to mark their X.
The three ballots are the result of the passing of the Electoral Amendment Act of 2023.
The Electoral Amendment Act of 2023 which President Cyril Ramaphosa signed into law on 17 April 2023, gives effect to the Constitutional Court judgment handed down in June 2020.
The judgement declared the Electoral Act of 1998 unconstitutional for stipulating that election to the National Assembly and provincial legislatures may only be attained through membership of political parties.
The court gave Parliament two years to remedy the defects. Since the court decision, the Electoral Bill was born and extensive public consultations on the bill were held by Parliament’s National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces.
This prompted Parliament to request two deadline extensions from the court with the final deadline for Parliament to pass the bill having been set at 28 February 2023.
And while there were hiccups, the Act finally became law in June 2023.
Less than a year later since becoming law, South Africans will be voting in elections that include independent candidates.
Come Wednesday, 29 May, voters will receive three ballots - the first being for the election of the compensatory 200 members of the National Assembly, which is only contested by political parties on a closed list basis.
According to the Electoral Commission (IEC), the second ballot will be for the regional elections of the 200 members of the National Assembly. This ballot will vary from region to region, depending on which parties and independent candidates contest the relevant regional election. Only the names of political parties and independent candidates that have met the requirements to contest each regional election will appear on this ballot.
According to the commission, in the national elections, independent candidates will contest the 200 regional seats alongside political parties, while the other 200 seats will be compensatory to bring back general proportionality for political parties.
This means that the total votes for a party in a region determine the number of seats they hold.
The third ballot which is the provincial ballot, will be for electing the members of the provincial legislature in each of the nine provinces. It contains the names of the political parties and independent candidates that have met the requirements to contest each provincial election.
However, while independent candidates can contest in multiple regions, they are limited to winning just one seat in the National Assembly.
The participation of independent candidates in the country’s elections for the very first time, is a feather in South Africa’s cap. It’s a reflection of a democracy in action.
And while the country is not without its faults, including corruption and the continued impact of the state capture years among a list of things that need attention, our democracy is a robust one and very much alive with individuals and organisations able to approach the courts for relief.
The judgment in the matter of the New Nation Movement NPC & others V President of the Republic of South Africa & others where the Electoral Act of 1998 was declared unconstitutional for stipulating that election to the National Assembly and provincial legislatures may only be attained through membership of political parties, is one such example.
The year of the three ballots at the polls is also the year wherein the South African voters’ roll which was first compiled ahead of the 1999 national and provincial elections, has swollen to 27.79 million registered voters.
In 1999, the voters’ roll stood at 18.17 million registered voters.
While it is not a perfectly hung portrait, the South African canvass is continually being improved upon with the flair and outspokenness that we’re known for.
Let us go out and exercise our right to vote. The South African Inc picture is far from being complete, it needs you and I. -SAnews.gov.za
Neo Semono is a Features Editor at SAnews.
Neo
Thu, 03/28/2024 - 08:44
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Looking for a holiday with a difference? Tired of the same ol’ same ol’ family trips and fancy the idea of trying something new these school holidays? Then perhaps you should consider embarking on an outdoor adventure to explore magnificent sights, often only accessible by hiking. With the cooler autumn season upon us, it’s a …
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20-year sentence for July 2021unrest killing
A 38-year-old man, Joel Pillay, has been sentenced to 20 years imprisonment for a murder he committed during the KwaZulu-Natal public unrest in July 2021.
Pillay was sentenced in the Scottburgh High Court.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Natasha Ramkisson-Kara, said Pillay was found guilty of murdering Lindani Mthethwa while he was walking down a street in Verulam when Pillay drove past him.
“Pillay, who was driving a marked vehicle owned by a security company, turned his vehicle around and drove back towards Mthethwa. When he was alongside Mthethwa he lowered the window of his vehicle and shot him in the head. Mthethwa died on the scene.
“The NPA commends the work done by the prosecution and other stakeholders in securing the conviction,” Ramkisson-Kara said.
The state’s case was led by Advocate Thabani Buthelezi who led evidence from two eyewitnesses.
“Buthelezi also submitted a Victim Impact Statement compiled by Mthethwa’s sister and facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Thandeka Mofokeng. In her statement the woman said Mthethwa was a responsible and hardworking person. She said that her family has been financially and emotionally affected. She added that the incident was traumatic, as she still has flashbacks.
“In sentencing Pillay, the court deviated from the minimum sentence of life imprisonment, citing that he was a first offender when he committed the offence. Pillay was sentenced accordingly, and the court found him unfit to possess a firearm,” Ramkisson-Kara said.
Some 350 people lost their lives during the July 2021 unrest that unfolded in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.
The violence and destruction also caused damage to infrastructure and businesses costing South Africa’s economy some R50 billion, with a further two million jobs being lost or affected. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 03/27/2024 - 09:49
With under 75 days to #Comrades2024 race day, the Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) has announced that South Africa’s largest fuel and convenience company, Engen has partnered with the Comrades Marathon as the Official Fuel Supplier this year. CMA Race & Operations Manager, Ann Ashworth confirmed the partnership, saying, “It is really pleasing to see the …
The 7th annual Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K returns to the majestic city on Sunday, July 7, 2024, and entries are now officially open. “We are thrilled to open entries for the 7th annual Absa RUN YOUR CITY DURBAN 10K,” says Michael Meyer, Managing Director of Stillwater Sports and Series Founder. “Although it’s established …
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PRASA committed to protecting commuters
The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all individuals visiting its stations following a disturbing incident of a woman that was parked outside Park Station in Johannesburg.
“In light of a troubling viral video featuring a female motorist recounting a distressing experience outside Park Station while awaiting her family inside her vehicle, we urge everyone visiting our stations to park in designated areas within our station premises,” PRASA said on Wednesday.
PRASA said adequate security measures are in place to safeguard everyone visiting its stations.
The premises outside of Park Station falls under the jurisdiction of the municipality, the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD).
The agency said these entities will be engaged further to strengthen security outside the station premises.
“We would also like to clarify that the designated parking inside Park Station, we do not make use of car guards. Additionally, we have Protection Services Personnel who wear distinct security apparel and not reflector jackets.
“Our Protection Services Personnel have been briefed to remain on high alert and take immediate action in response to any suspicious activity, following our established security protocols. Ensuring the safety and security of our passengers, employees, and patrons are of outmost importance to us,” PRASA said on Wednesday. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 03/27/2024 - 14:22
Nowadays, the phrase ‘home is where the tech is' defines modern living, as South Africans increasingly (https://apo-opa.co/3TSowVR) adopt smart home innovations. These advancements are continuing to adapt and evolve in their capabilities which not only improve convenience and security but can also decrease energy consumption, contributing to cost savings.
This is according to Dr Andrew Dickson, Engineering Executive at CBI-electric: low voltage (www.CBI-LowVoltage.co.za/), who says that, in 2024, homes will become even more high-tech in terms of the efficiency, functionality, and personalised living experiences they provide. “We may still be a few years away from homes resembling those dreamed up by sci-fi movies, but we are already heading in the direction of smart technology becoming less of a luxury and more of a staple in modern homes.”
Below, he shares four trends that will help make South African homes smarter this year:
In addition, WiFi-7 is set to roll out in the country this year which will improve internet connectivity to devices in the home, extend range and promises to deliver nearly five times the speed of Wi-Fi 6. This, however, is also reliant on the release of more spectrum and regulatory approvals.
In the future, generative AI will make smart homes even smarter. Soon, these tools will not only help to identify appliances that require preventative maintenance but also set up appointments with service providers for their upkeep based on the homeowner's schedule and availability.
Additionally, as more South Africans embrace rooftop solar (https://apo-opa.co/3IUS6DT), smart technology enables the effortless integration of renewable energy sources to combat the impacts of load shedding while also ensuring that the power produced is used effectively and efficiently.
“In 2024, smart homes will become sanctuaries of innovation, enriching the lives of South Africans and heralding a future where homes understand, adapt and even pre-empt the unique needs of their residents," concludes Dr Dickson.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of CBI-electric: low voltage.
For more information, go to https://CBI-LowVoltage.co.za or follow CBI-electric: low voltage on Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/3vvHgRW), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/43Cr9hY), LinkedIn (https://apo-opa.co/4atY8Y6), X (https://apo-opa.co/4aw8czw), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/3VBbqxv) or YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/3IWb2Ce).
About CBI-electric: low voltage:
Investing in an offshore retirement fund is one way of growing your wealth in a stable economy over the longer term, or even gaining residency in a foreign country. However, for South Africans, this scenario presents as many challenges as it does opportunities, and should only be considered after consulting with a financial adviser and …
Call for responsible driver behaviour
Motorists have been warned against violating traffic laws this Easter weekend as law enforcement officials intensify their operations to ensure the country’s roads are safe.
“Roadblocks will be staged on all major routes and within residential areas to address deviant behaviours by those who think that long weekends are a license to break the rules of the road and undermine our national effort to make our road safe,” Minister of Transport Sindisiwe Chikunga said.
Traffic volumes are expected to start increasing on Thursday, 28 March, from about 10:00 and will stay high until about midnight.
“On Friday, 29 March, traffic volumes will start increasing early in the morning and will return to normal after 14:00. Return traffic will commence with worshippers from Moria City and other places of worship on Sunday, 31 March.
“All other main routes are expected to be extremely busy throughout Monday, 01 April. We appeal for motorists to stagger their traveling,” Chikunga said.
Addressing the 2024 Easter Road Safety Campaign in Mpumalanga the Minister said government has set a target to reduce road fatalities by 15% this Easter.
“We have mapped the routes, sharpened our strategies, and prepared our battle plan. With Gauteng being home to 40% of South Africa’s vehicle population, we expect a substantial number of motorists to leave Gauteng to different holiday destinations.
“The N1 towards Polokwane, especially the road to Moria City in Limpopo and to Beit Bridge, will be heavily policed. The N3 to the coastal city of Durban and N1 to the Free State, Western Cape, particularly Cape Town to Eastern Cape will be no exception.
“Here in Mpumalanga, on the N4 we expect heavy traffic especially on stretches leading to border gates and around toll gates,” the Minister said.
She called on the religious community, especially those that will be travelling to different places of pilgrimage, to ensure that the busses and taxis they hire are roadworthy and fit to be on the roads.
“Attention must be paid to ensure that the bus has two drivers who will relieve each other during the trips to avoid fatigue. Vehicle must also have proper permits that allow them to travel outside of their normal routes. This will help to avoid conflict with other operators and inconvenience to passengers when the vehicles are stopped by law enforcement authorities,” the Minister said.
She said government is committed to improving performance on road safety.
This endeavour will be achieved by integrating law enforcement efforts and avoiding fragmentation, improving community understanding of factors behind road carnages and the role they can play to reduce as well as placing road safety on the national agenda.
“We are warning those who are a law unto themselves to obey traffic rules or else they will face the full might of the law. The message is simply that if you are reckless and irresponsible you will be locked up in jail, for in our view you are danger to society… if you drive drunk, if you drive at excessive speed, you drive a vehicle without number plates, you drive without a driver’s licence,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 03/27/2024 - 10:46
The businesses were chosen from 173 applications following a rigorous selection process. The chosen projects come from the energy, transportation, agriculture, forestry and other land uses, circular economy and water sectors.
The businesses concerned will receive tailored one-to-one and group support from financial, technical and gender equality and social inclusion experts to help increase their chances of securing finance from South African and international investors. For the first time, two separate cohorts have been created to trial providing capacity building to promising early-stage projects.
So far, almost a third of projects from the first two phases of CFA South Africa have found investment since participating in the programme.
British High Commissioner to South Africa, Antony Phillipson said:
"South Africa has a huge number of companies and organisations with innovative ideas on how to tackle climate change. Support provided to these projects will help them secure investment, deliver green growth and jobs and contribute to South Africa meeting its climate commitments."
The 10 core cohort projects will undertake intensive capacity building before pitching to investors at an event in July, which early-stage projects will also be invited to attend.
The 5 projects selected in the early-stage pilot will have the opportunity to attend elements of the core capacity building training and will be encouraged to share their experiences with members of the core cohort, who may act as mentors.
CEO of the National Business Initiative (NBI), Shameela Soobramoney said:
"NBI believes that identifying and supporting innovative, low carbon companies across key green economy sectors is not just a strategic initiative, but a moral imperative. These companies represent the vanguard of progress, offering solutions to some of the most pressing challenges facing our country and the globe."
"Initiatives like CFA illustrate how targeted support, collaboration, innovation, and unwavering dedication can pave the way for a brighter, greener future for generations to come. If we don't create the future we want, the one we get will be worth infinitely less."
CEO of GreenCape (GC), Michael Mulachy said:
"Food systems, rare earth metal beneficiation, storage, e-mobility, waste and sanitation are all featured in this year's CFA finalists. This incredible cohort have solutions to some of the most pressing green economy challenges globally."
"Each finalist has found its niche in South Africa and has the potential to scale up rapidly – creating much needed jobs and investment in South Africa's green economy. The CFA programme has been an incredibly effective launch pad for these innovative green companies and GreenCape is eager to see the impact of this cohort."
The 10 core cohort projects are:
The 5 early-stage cohort projects are:
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of British High Commission Pretoria.
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