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PRASA Western Cape making strides

Location: News

PRASA Western Cape making strides

Acting regional manager of Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) in the Western Cape, Raymond Maseko, says the agency has done much work to recover the province’s network following a series of challenges.

Maseko was speaking on the sidelines of a blitz activation at the Cape Town train station ahead of the State of the Nation Address (SONA) to be held at the Cape Town City Hall on Thursday evening.

“We had a reset. Post-COVID when we started, there were only 14 stations in the Western Cape that had train access…out of 125 stations.

“Last year when we were here, the community of the central line did not have access to trains. As we speak today, we have access to trains up to Nyanga. There are only 11 stations  in the Western Cape out of 125 that do not have train access.

“If you go currently to Phillipi station, there are people working there. If you go to Mandalay station, there are people working there and Kapteinsklip, there are people working there. We are on the cusp of actually recovering the Western Cape network in its entirety,” he said.

Maseko highlighted that despite all the progress made, criminality – specifically copper cable theft – is hampering the agency’s work.

“In South Africa, we have a scourge of cable theft. This is affecting our business [seriously]. Most of the lines that are not available today [is due to] the copper theft that has happened. This morning, we had cable theft at Tygerberg and this… affected the entire system from after 3am. We were only [set] to recover it moments ago. The impact is so severe.

“We need South Africans to partner with us. There is nothing like 'government infrastructure'. In essence, there is just South African infrastructure because all of our taxes are what is creating this infrastructure. It is for South Africans to actually protect the infrastructure. You see something, say something. Do not just keep quiet,” he said.

Maseko said the agency has also completed building student accommodation that will accommodate thousands of students in the city.

“There is student accommodation that we started building just before lockdown… up until now... [some] 3 200 beds. There are already 1 500 students enjoying the benefits that we have put up. The idea from PRASA is densification and its also transport-orientated development.

“That means that we are asking the cities - we are asking that any development that happens - make it around transport hubs. Think about what we have done here. Students from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology can be here... that is somewhere around Belville, and UCT that is around town, they can always live here.

“They get off here, get into a train, get off at the nearest station… and then they go off into their places of higher institutions,” Maseko said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 02/07/2024 - 10:48

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Western Cape on electricity outage progress report

Location: News

Western Cape Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, South Africa
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Premier Alan Winde, Anton Bredell, Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning as well as senior members of the Western Cape Government were this morning updated by Eskom on the electricity outage in the Central Karoo and parts of the Overberg.

The Western Cape Government is monitoring the situation closely and is prioritising safe drinking water, food security and access to critical health care for affected residents. “Thank you to everyone from across government and all our partners for the work you are doing to assist our residents. I am also very grateful to the teams that are keeping our health facilities like our hospitals running and our schools open in the affected areas,” noted Premier Winde.

Premier Winde was tragically informed earlier this morning that an 18-year-old person died, and another adult is in hospital. While the cause of death still needs to be confirmed it is suspected that they may have been overcome by fumes form a generator being run inside a house to power a spaza shop in Leeu Gamka. “My deepest condolences to the family and loved ones. My thoughts are with you. I understand how difficult the situation is for people who have been without power for over four days now. This is why we are meeting with Eskom regularly to ensure that all the repair work is prioritised and supported because we know how critical electricity is for our residents. While I understand how difficult the situation is, I want to appeal to residents to please use any alternative power sources, such as generators, according to the safety guidelines.”

According to Eskom management, essential construction material was delivered on site in the Karoo, and the first of three large construction teams are already active on the site to prepare for the erection of temporary structures needed for the eventual reconnection of the Touwsriver-Laingsburg 132KvH line, which as been down since Saturday, 3 February.

Eskom also reported that the fault on the Hawston Farmer 1 Line has to a large degree been restored. A mini substation still needs to be replaced today, and power should be restored in the entire region by the end of today.

Minister Bredell said that after visiting affected communities in Prince Albert and Laingsburg yesterday, he cannot emphasise enough the urgency needed to restore power to these communities. “As a provincial government, our focus remains the safety and well-being of our residents. We are constantly monitoring the status of essential services. We will continue to offer all possible support to Eskom in repairing the line as fast as possible.”

Minster Bredell confirmed the delivery of several generators to communities to support essential services such as drinking water and sewage management.  “100 kVA generator for Water Treatment in Laingsburg was installed.  A 45 kVA generator for water provision in Matjiesfontein is being installing today. A 100 kVA and a 40kVA generator for water provision in Prince Albert will be delivered today.”

The following large generators will be dispatched for installation in central business areas:

  • Laingsburg will receive a 315kVA and a 350kVA on Thursday, 8 February.
  • Prince Albert will receive a 315kVA and a 650kVA on Thursday 8 February.
  • Ladismith will receive a 315kVA on Friday 9 February.

According to the Provincial Department of Health, the use of generators, open fires, as well gas appliances in poorly ventilated areas brings with it the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, as well as posing as a fire risk. Carbon monoxide is often difficult to detect, due to it having no odour or colour. Exposure to high levels of carbon monoxide leads to it replacing the oxygen in the blood stream. This will lead to progressive onset of symptoms such as headache, weakness, shortness of breath and loss of consciousness. Should carbon monoxide poisoning be suspected, it is important to urgently get the victim out of the poorly ventilated environment. Fresh air is required, and medical assistance should be immediately sought.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Western Cape Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, South Africa.

Read moreWestern Cape on electricity outage progress report

SA rallies behind Bafana Bafana

Location: News

SA rallies behind Bafana Bafana

The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Zizi Kodwa, has encouraged South Africans to get behind Bafana Bafana as they take on Nigeria in the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-finals on Wednesday.

Bafana Bafana have captured the hearts of South Africans and football fans in their performances at AFCON, reaching their first semi-final in the competition in 24 years.

“Bafana Bafana have inspired many at the 34th AFCON. The team has risen from past disappointments to display the winning trajectory being exhibited by South African sport, arts and culture on international platforms.

“They have broken records by keeping four clean sheets in the tournament. The heroics of the Bafana Bafana players during the tournament, including the feats of captain Ronwen Williams in the quarterfinals, will live long in the memories of football supporters,” the Minister said on Tuesday.

Kodwa will be travelling to Cote d’Ivoire to support the team in the semi-final clash.

“Spain and Argentina lost their opening games in the 2010 and 2022 FIFA World Cup, respectively, before winning those tournaments. I believe Bafana Bafana have that champion spirit to replicate this by going the whole way and bringing the AFCON title home.

“I encourage South Africans from all walks of life to rally together and get behind Bafana Bafana, who have been excellent ambassadors for South Africa and have proudly raised the country’s flag high,” the Minister said.

He said it has been great to see South Africans wearing their Bafana Bafana jerseys, and to see the supporters and journalists who have been proudly behind the team in Cote d’Ivoire.

“Let us unite in our support for Bafana Bafana. Let us gather in our homes and in public spaces to show our support to this team, which has done the nation so proud at AFCON. As proud South Africans, let us once again show the power of sport to unite people from all walks of life,” Kodwa said.

The match kicks off at 19:00. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Wed, 02/07/2024 - 11:06

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Durban Automotive Cluster (DAC) Launches Applications for Transformative Business Accelerator

Location: MyPR

DURBAN, February 2024 – The Durban Automotive Cluster (DAC) is delighted to announce the opening of applications for its Business Accelerator. This ground-breaking programme is spearheaded by the unwavering support of the eThekwini Municipality and leading automotive industry giants, including Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM), Hesto Harnesses, and Toyota Boshoku South Africa (TBSA). The DAC …

Read moreDurban Automotive Cluster (DAC) Launches Applications for Transformative Business Accelerator

Firdous Osman joins Boomtown as MD

Location: MyPR

The World Women Leadership Congress’s Global Woman Leader in 2023, South Africa’s Women Leader in 2021 and Africa’s Women Leader in 2020, Firdous Osman, has joined Boomtown as Managing Director. Her role will extend across both the agency’s offices, one in Johannesburg and the other in Gqeberha, as well as servicing clients in Cape Town, …

Read moreFirdous Osman joins Boomtown as MD

Progress in the nation’s recovery and rebuilding documented in summary five-year review

Location: News

Progress in the nation’s recovery and rebuilding documented in summary five-year review

The Presidency has released a five-year review publication that documents the strides made in South Africa’s recovery and reconstruction since 2019, delving into the transformative initiatives undertaken by the Sixth Administration, specifically targeting the pressing challenges confronting the nation.

'Leave No One Behind 2024 – A Five-Year Review', which was released on Tuesday, outlines in summary form the progress made in growing the economy and jobs; fighting corruption; tackling poverty; developing human capital; providing quality health care for all; fighting crime, violence and instability; making communities safer, and investing in infrastructure.

From the outset, the sixth administration has worked to address the immediate challenges facing South Africans and put in place the foundations for sustainable, inclusive growth and job creation into the future.

“Progress in South Africa’s recovery and rebuilding since 2019 has been documented in a new Presidency publication on the impact of the Sixth Administration’s focus on addressing the immediate challenges facing South Africa and putting in place the foundations for better lives and sustainable growth into the future.

“The publication is an exercise in accountability and draws attention to the collective efforts of government and social partners to improve conditions in the country under the leadership of President Cyril Ramaphosa,” Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said in a statement.

The information resource can be accessed on www.stateofthenation.gov.za and http://bit.ly/4blAA93. - SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Tue, 02/06/2024 - 13:44

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President Ramaphosa agrees to delayed departure with SARS commissioner Mr Edward Kieswetter

Location: News

The Presidency: Republic of South Africa
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President Cyril Ramaphosa and the South African Revenue Service (SARS) Commissioner Edward Kieswetter have agreed to extend the tenure of the Commissioner beyond the end of his term to enable an orderly transition in the organisation.

In March 2019, President Ramaphosa appointed Commissioner Kieswetter in terms of Section 6 of the South African Revenue Service Act, for a five-year term that started on 1 May 2019. His contract of employment comes to an end on 30 April 2024.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency: Republic of South Africa.

Read morePresident Ramaphosa agrees to delayed departure with SARS commissioner Mr Edward Kieswetter

President Ramaphosa engages youth ahead of SONA

Location: News

President Ramaphosa engages youth ahead of SONA

President Cyril Ramaphosa has held a pre-State of the Nation Address (SONA) engagement with young people at the Belhar Sports Complex in Cape Town.

The engagement was aimed at taking stock – together with the youth – of the past three years since the commencement of the Presidential Employment Stimulus (PES) and Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI).

The two programmes have created more than 1.7 million job opportunities and provided livelihood support, predominantly benefiting young people.

At the engagement on Tuesday, President Ramaphosa told the youth that the sixth administration has, since it took office, made a decision to “focus on young people" because of the youth unemployment challenge that South Africa faces.

"We are going to craft many programmes and as many as we can. We did so because we wanted to give young people an opportunity to start off with their lives.

“Sitting here, I am rather pleased that we’ve set up this Youth Employment Service,where we’ve said to the private sector: take young people and give them a life chance opportunity by getting them to learn on the job. But we went further and we set up the PYEI, which has opened up enormous opportunities,” he said.

Reflecting on the past 30 years of democracy and how the lives of young people are impacted by this, the President said that since the end of apartheid, government has opened the doors of learning for all school going children, and assisted more than a million older youth in attaining higher education.

“When apartheid ended, we decided that we are going to open the doors of learning for young people to go into learning institutions by their millions and having done so, we opened up no-fee schools… We decided that we are going to feed young people at school. We have the biggest feeding programme on the whole continent, feeding nine million children everyday for five days of the week.

“We focused on higher education, [where]... today NSFAS [National Student Financial Aid Scheme] supports 1.2 million young people. I know of no country on the African continent that does so,” he said.

President Ramaphosa noted that by putting more youth through higher education, more effort needs to be put into creating jobs for those who graduate.

“This is what led to the conceptualisation of all these [employment] programmes. We rely on the private sector to create jobs but they are not creating jobs fast enough so government had to step in to create those job opportunities.

“The vision is to make sure that we prepare the future of South Africa through educating, through skilling and then creating job opportunities for these young people,” he said.

The President assured the youth that government will not stop in its efforts to ensure that the youth are skilled and employed.

“We never had those opportunities but the democratic government has made sure that we open all these opportunities and they are there for you to take…and to make a good start in your own lives.

“But we are going to massify. I want to see millions of young people becoming involved in various opportunities and getting into jobs. Our commitment to you, as young people, is irrevocable, it is permanent, it is there committed like no other,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Tue, 02/06/2024 - 19:18

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Prices of petrol and diesel to depart up from Wednesday

Location: News

Prices of petrol and diesel to go up from Wednesday

Mineral Resources and Energy Minister, Gwede Mantashe, has announced the adjustment of fuel prices for February 2024, which shows a hike in both petrol and diesel prices. 

The price adjustments will come into effect from Wednesday, 7 February 2023. 

Consumers will now pay 75c more for a litre of unleaded petrol of both grades (93 and 95), while the wholesale price of diesel will go up by between 70c and 73c. 

The wholesale price of illuminating paraffin will be increased by 53c a litre and the maximum retail price for LP gas is going up by 37c per kg.

Reasons given for the country’s adjusted prices include international and local factors.

“International factors include the fact that South Africa imports both crude oil and finished products at a price set at the international level, including importation costs, for example, shipping costs,” the department explained. 

The main reasons for the fuel price adjustments, according to the department, are due to the cost of the average Brent Crude oil, which increased from US $ 77.35 to US $ 82.03 in the past month. 

The department also stated that the higher oil prices are attributed to the impact of the geopolitical risk or attacks on oil cargoes in the Middle East, particularly the Red Sea. 

“This has caused an increase in shipping rates as ships are rerouted from the Middle East to Europe, using the longer and more expensive route around Africa since they cannot import from Russia.” 

In addition, the cold weather has also affected production in the United States, which has recently been part of the output used to offset the production cuts by a larger group of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC+). 

“This resulted in more than expected inventory draws.”

Meanwhile, the average international product prices of petrol, diesel and illuminating paraffin increased in line with the higher crude oil prices, while the rand/US dollar exchange rate played a role. 

“The cumulative slate balance on petrol and diesel at the end of December 2023 had a positive balance of R1.1 million. 

“Therefore, there will be no slate levy implemented in the price structures of petrol and diesel with effect from the 7th of February 2024.” – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile
Tue, 02/06/2024 - 14:42

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“Outgrow the System” set to spark sustainability debate.

Location: MyPR

At a time when urgent action is needed on issues like climate change, resource depletion and social upliftment, the insightful Swedish documentary “Outgrow the System” gives voice to innovative ideas and on-the-ground experiments that question the economic status quo. The thought-provoking film explores new perspectives with the potential to positively transform our society and relationship …

Read more“Outgrow the System” set to spark sustainability debate.

Progress in SA’s Recovery and Rebuilding Documented in Summary Five-Year Review

Location: News

The Presidency: Republic of South Africa
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Progress in South Africa's recovery and rebuilding since 2019 has been documented in a new Presidency publication on the impact of the Sixth Administration's focus on addressing the immediate challenges facing South Africa and putting in place the foundations for better lives and sustainable growth into the future.

Leave No One Behind 2024 – A Five Year Review outlines in summary form the progress made in growing the economy and jobs; fighting corruption; tackling poverty; developing human capital; providing quality health care for all; fighting crime, violence and instability; making communities safer; and investing in infrastructure.

The publication is an exercise in accountability and draws attention to the collective efforts of Government and social partners to improve conditions in the country under the leadership of President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency: Republic of South Africa.

Read moreProgress in SA’s Recovery and Rebuilding Documented in Summary Five-Year Review

Task team to review municipalities’ water service delivery mechanisms

Location: News

Task team to review municipalities’ water service delivery mechanisms

A national coordinated task team has been set up to review service delivery mechanisms for water and sanitation services by the Departments of Water and Sanitation (DWS) and Corporative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA).

This was one of the resolutions adopted during a recent water summit hosted by DWS with the 144 municipalities that are water services authorities (WSAs).

The task team which was established to initiate and coordinate Municipal Systems Act Section 78 processes in certain municipalities, aims to address the decline of water and sanitation services, as outlined in the recent Blue Drop, Green Drop and No Drop reports released by the Department of Water and Sanitation. 

The drop reports indicated a general decline in performance.

Water and Sanitation spokesperson, Wisane Mavasa, said the task team will focus on the 105 municipalities that are in the critical and poor performing categories in terms of the Blue and Green Drop reports. 

Mavasa said the DWS, including CoGTA, Municipal Infrastructure Support Agency, Department of Human Settlements, and National Treasury, are providing extensive support to assist water services authorities with the provision of water and sanitation services.

“This includes providing water and sanitation infrastructure grants worth more than R20 billion per annum; providing technical and engineering support and assistance; capacity building and training, and financial management advice and support. 

“However, despite all this support, the drop reports indicate that municipal water services have declined sharply. This indicates that there are limitations to which support from the national government can solve the problems, and that more fundamental reforms are required,” Mavasa said. 

Routine maintenance and operations must be funded by revenue from the sale of water by municipalities to customers, and municipal councils must take the required decisions to prioritise budgets for this. 

She emphasised that the Water Services Act states that the WSA can approve any legal entity to function as a water services provider (WSP) in the municipality, and “almost all WSAs in South Africa are currently both WSA and WSP”.

“The Water Services Act requires the WSA and WSP functions to be managed and accounted for separately by municipalities, but this is generally not happening. The Act states that the key role of the WSA is to ensure that the WSP provides services which meet minimum norms and standards – and this is also generally not happening, as borne out by the results of the Drop assessments,” Wisane said.

Other key decisions taken at the summit include that all WSAs must develop action plans to address their drop results and submit them to DWS by the end of February 2024; training institutions should prioritise the training of uncertified process controllers to enable them to become certified; and that all WSAs must issue advisory notices without fail when their drinking water fails to meet microbiological water standards. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Tue, 02/06/2024 - 11:57

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Global Logistics Execs see coming Surge of African Investment

Location: News

Agility
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Nearly 62% of global logistics professionals say their companies are planning additional or first-time investments in Africa, according to a closely watched yearly industry survey.

The survey of 830 logistics executives is part of the 15th annual Agility Emerging Markets Logistics Index (https://apo-opa.co/4bD4lSW), a snapshot of industry sentiment and ranking of the world's 50 leading emerging markets.

The Index ranks countries for overall competitiveness based on their logistics strengths, business climates and digital readiness -- factors that make them attractive to logistics providers, freight forwarders, air and ocean carriers, distributors and investors. In the 2024 Index, the rankings of most African economies changed little from a year earlier, but businesses indicate they are looking ahead at massive population growth and trade expansion spurred by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).   

“This is the most optimism we've seen about Africa in the 15 years of the Index,” says Agility Vice Chairman Tarek Sultan. “Africa's population will double by 2050, when one in four people on the planet will be African. International businesses realize that the time is now for Africa -- they need to invest, establish their brands, and develop the next generation of African talent if they're going to ride the coming wave of growth.”

China and India were 1 and 2 in the 50-country Index rankings. In Africa, Egypt (20), Morocco (22), South Africa (24) and Kenya (25) were the top performers, followed by Ghana (31), Nigeria (36), Tunisia (37), Tanzania (41), Algeria (42), Uganda (43), Ethiopia (45), Mozambique (46), Angola (47), Libya (50).

Egypt has Africa's highest-ranked domestic logistics opportunities -- 13th in that category; South Africa (15) was tops in Africa for international logistics; Morocco (12) has Africa's best business fundamentals; Kenya (9) is Africa's most digitally ready – and the continent's highest-ranked country in any category.

More than 63% of survey respondents say their companies continue overhauling supply chains by spreading production to multiple locations or relocating it to home markets and nearby countries. China, the world's leading producer, stands to be most affected: 37.4% of industry professionals say they plan move production/sourcing out of China or reduce investment there.

Shipping and logistics costs that soared during the COVID pandemic and its aftermath are still climbing but at a slower rate, the survey found. One way shippers expect to cope is by increasing use of digital freight forwarding from 37.8% today to 52% in five years.

2024 Index Highlights

SURVEY

  • Supply chain restructuring – India, Europe and North America rank ahead of China as destinations executives expect to move production to in 2024 and onwards.
  • China – 40% expect their businesses to be less reliant on China in five years. Leading factors in decisions to de-risk in China: difficulty of doing business; U.S.-China trade friction; a slowing economy; the harshness of China's COVID restrictions.
  • Climate change – 66% say climate change is something they're planning for or already affecting their businesses.
  • Emerging markets – the largest percentage sees increased risk/decreased rewards in emerging markets.
  • India – many see India growing in importance as a producer and market, but cite inadequate infrastructure and corruption as the biggest obstacles there.

COUNTRY RANKINGS

  • In the Middle East and North Africa, overall rankings were: UAE (3); Saudi Arabia (6); Qatar (7); Turkey (11); Oman (15); Bahrain (16); Jordan (17); Egypt (20); Kuwait (21); Morocco (22); Tunisia (37); Lebanon (38); Iran (40); Algeria (42); Libya (50).
  • Rankings in Sub-Saharan Africa: South Africa (24); Kenya (25); Ghana (31); Nigeria (36); Tanzania (41); Uganda (43); Ethiopia (45); Mozambique (46); Angola (47).
  • Index rankings in Asia: China (1); India (2); Malaysia (4); Indonesia (5); Vietnam (8); Thailand (10); Philippines (18); Kazakhstan (23); Sri Lanka (26); Pakistan (29); Cambodia (32); Bangladesh (33); Myanmar (49).
  • Rankings for Latin America: Mexico (9); Chile (12); Brazil (14); Uruguay (19); Peru (28); Colombia (27); Argentina (30); Ecuador (35); Paraguay (39); Bolivia (44); Venezuela (48).
  • In Europe: Russia (13); Ukraine (34).

Transport Intelligence (https://apo-opa.co/4bp0Ijf) (Ti), a leading analysis and research firm for the logistics industry, has compiled the Index since it was launched in 2009.

John Manners-Bell, Chief Executive of Ti, said: “Supply chain managers are still coming to terms with the political and economic instability characterising the post-COVID global economy. Geopolitical relationships are changing rapidly, and this is having a major impact on international trade and risk profiles. Businesses need to be alive to the opportunities and threats that exist in emerging markets and use data, such as that the Agility Emerging Market Logistics Index, to inform agile decision-making.”

2024 Agility Emerging Markets Logistics Index: https://apo-opa.co/3SlOmzK

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Agility.

For more information:
Sabrina Mundy
Man Bites Dog
teamagility@manbitesdog.com
+44 1273 716 820

For more information about Agility, visit:
Website: www.Agility.com
Twitter: https://apo-opa.co/40Ki6Kj
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/49GTqqq
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/3MNqYJr

About Agility:
Agility is a global leader in supply chain services, infrastructure, and innovation with 45,000+ employees across six continents. A multi-business operator and investor, Agility specializes in growing and scaling operating businesses. Agility's companies include the world's largest aviation services company (Menzies Aviation); a global fuel logistics business (Tristar); the market leader in logistics parks across the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa (Agility Logistics Parks); and a commercial real-estate company developing a mega-mall in the UAE (UPAC). Other Agility companies offer customs digitization services, remote-site infrastructure services, defense and government services, and ecommerce-enablement and digital logistics. Agility invests in supply chain innovation, sustainability, and resilience, and has minority holdings in a growing portfolio of listed and non-listed companies.

Read moreGlobal Logistics Execs see coming Surge of African Investment

Health working around the clock to absorb unemployed doctors – Minister Phaahla

Location: News

Health working around the clock to absorb unemployed doctors - Minister Phaahla

Health Minister Dr Joe Phaahla says while there are budgetary constraints when it comes to the employment of doctors who wish to remain in the public service after completing community service, the Department of Health is working around the clock to address this.

“We are doing everything possible, working with the provincial Health Departments, to mobilise resources to fund vacant posts, especially in health facilities in underserved communities,” the Minister said on Monday. 

Phaahla was addressing media on issues related to the employment of medical doctors and other health professionals in the country.

This follows an ongoing public outcry over doctors who have completed statutory community service programmes but remain unemployed.

Phaahla said doctors play a valuable role in the public health system of the country.

He explained that all graduates from medical school must do a two-year internship training in designated health facilities accredited by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). Once they have completed their internship, they must do a one-year community service in health facilities.

“As of now, all those graduates who were eligible for placement to do internship have been placed. Equally, all those who finished the internship and were eligible to start community service have been placed,” said Phaahla.

However, the Minister clarified that once a doctor has finished community service, they are registered with the HPCSA in the category of medical officer independent practice. This means they can work on their own without supervision, including as a single private practitioner.

“We appreciate the fact that there are many medical officers who are now registered for independent practice, who prefer to stay in the public service. 

“Unlike internship and community service, which are a statutory requirement and are subject to placement by the Department of Health, independent practitioners have an individual choice of where to go. We are unable to know how many wish to stay in the public service,” the Minister said.

However, he said the trade union submitted a list of 825 unemployed medical doctors in January 2023. 

The department has since found that out of the 825 doctors on the list, 694 had just completed their community service on 31 December 2023. Most of these have applied for medical officer posts in the various provinces. 

“However, the [provinces] place adverts at varying times, depending on several factors, especially budget availability,” Phaahla said, adding that some doctors on the list still needed to complete their community service obligations. 

Phaahla also touched on the extremely high cost of employment, which can be up to 65% of annual budgets in some instances. 

He also noted that the salary increases of 7.5% and benefits such as overtime put pressure on the fiscus. 

According to the Minister, an entry-level community service doctor earns about R1.2 million per annum, while a chief specialist can earn R3 million a year.

“Given the fiscus challenges the country is facing, as alluded to by the Minister of Finance, the department has had several bilateral engagements with National Treasury to find creative ways to shield the healthcare service and the frontline workforce.” 

In addition, Phaahla noted the rising numbers of unemployed graduates experienced across many sectors. 

However, in the public health sector, the employment of health professionals has been on a steady increase, from 1 472 medical interns appointed in 2018 to 2 101 in 2024. 

“These increases over these years have happened despite the funding constraints,” he said.

Since October 2023 to date, the Minister said 564 medical officer posts were filled, 239 posts are currently advertised in the media, and 375 will be advertised in the next six months.

“It is important that I emphasise that doctors would need to apply like any other person wishing to join the public service. In addition, we are looking at a review of the current dispensation for the employment of doctors, especially medical officers and specialists.” – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Mon, 02/05/2024 - 15:37

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Read moreHealth working around the clock to absorb unemployed doctors – Minister Phaahla

Indaba to spot spotlight on local mining industry

Location: News

Indaba to place spotlight on local mining industry

The 2024 Investing in African Mining Indaba will place the spotlight on the significant potential of the mining sector in fostering economic expansion and employment opportunities, said President Cyril Ramaphosa.

“This week’s Mining Indaba in Cape Town will showcase the enormous potential of the mining industry to drive economic growth and job creation. The actions underway to improve the logistics system will help us to unlock this potential, given that mining companies depend on the rail network and ports to compete in global markets.

“From the work already underway, we have shown that it is possible to overcome the barriers to growth by working together in partnership. We are building momentum and have begun to see the results,” the President said in his weekly newsletter on Monday.

He emphasised that “as more and more of our products leave the country’s shores, whether to the African continent or other parts of the world,” more companies will thrive, more investment will be made and more jobs will be created.

The President’s comments follow on last week’s launch of the first export shipment of goods produced by South African companies destined for other African countries under the preferential trade provisions of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) from the Durban port.

The AfCFTA intends to create a single market for goods and services, facilitated by movement of persons in order to deepen the economic integration of the African continent.

The President who officiated at last week’s shipment of goods said many more products and shipments can be expected to follow as South African companies sell South African made goods into the massive African free trade area. 

Exports to AfCFTA countries already account for nearly a quarter of South Africa’s global exports. The President added that this figure will now increase dramatically. 
 
“South African companies have a great opportunity to take advantage of the AfCFTA by exporting their goods into the rest of the African continent. In order to take this great opportunity up, as a country we need to ensure that our products make it from the factory gate onto the ship and head towards their destinations with the least possible delay and at the lowest possible cost,” he said. 

Ports and rail
 
Turning to ports and rail, the President highlighted that for some years now the efficiency and competitiveness of South African ports and rail network have been in decline. He spoke of the need to fix the country’s logistics architecture.

Transnet, which operates ports and freight rail lines, has had to contend with severe challenges, including the effects of state capture, the impact of the COVID pandemic, natural disasters and the rising levels of theft and vandalism of its infrastructure. 

As a result, the volume of goods transported on the rail network has decreased significantly, forcing more companies to use trucks and causing road congestion.

“Working together with the private sector, we are turning the situation around, guided by the Freight Logistics Roadmap that was crafted by Transnet, government and social partners. The roadmap outlines a clear set of actions to stabilise and improve Transnet’s performance in the short term and to fundamentally reform the logistics system in the long term,” he said. 
 
To ensure this work receives dedicated attention, the National Logistics Crisis Committee (NLCC) has been established which is chaired by the Presidency and brings together all of the relevant government departments to drive a coordinated response to the logistics challenges. 

Corridor Recovery Teams
 
Government has also established Corridor Recovery Teams which bring Transnet, the private sector and independent experts together to improve the performance of strategic rail and port corridors. 
 
The President highlighted that this single-minded approach to improving performance is already showing results.

For example, the number of ships waiting to berth at the Port of Durban – which has experienced severe congestion in recent months – reduced from more than 60 ships in mid-November to just 12 ships at the end of January.
 
At the Port of Cape Town, which is preparing for the important fruit season, Transnet has deployed new leadership and is putting in place several measures to improve its capacity in the short term. Seven new cranes, which are used for moving and stacking containers, were delivered to the port last month, and the number of work shifts is being increased to improve vessel turnaround times. 
 
In addition to these short-term measures, the Freight Logistics Roadmap includes far-reaching reforms to modernise the logistics system and enable much greater investment in infrastructure. 

“These reforms will introduce private sector investment and competition in port and rail operations, improving efficiency and bringing down prices, while ensuring that infrastructure remains owned by the state.
 
“A key milestone in this reform journey will be the implementation of ‘open access’ to the freight rail network, which will allow private rail operators to invest alongside Transnet Freight Rail for the first time,” he said. 
 
Another key step is the introduction of strategic partnerships in container terminals, which will enable new investment to expand port capacity and upgrade equipment.

Progress has already been made with the appointment by Transnet of an international container terminal operator for the Durban Pier 2 terminal. Transnet will retain 51% ownership of the terminal and no workers will lose their jobs once the partnership is established. 

The private partner will have full management responsibility for the terminal and will contribute both capital and expertise to improve its performance.
 
“The process of reform takes time and there are no quick solutions to the challenges facing Transnet. However, the steps we are taking now will not only improve performance in the immediate term but will also create a truly competitive and efficient system into the future,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za 

 

 

DikelediM
Mon, 02/05/2024 - 09:00

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Congratulations Tyla for winning Grammy Award

Location: News

Congratulations Tyla for winning Grammy Award

Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Zizi Kodwa, has congratulated trailblazing South African musician Tyla for winning her first Grammy Award.

Tyla won the Grammy for the “Best African Performance” at the 66th annual Grammy Awards, which took place at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Sunday.

“Tyla’s Grammy Award win once again confirms her status as a music global superstar. Her meteoric success has been truly inspiring, and there is so much more to come. Tyla is a proud ambassador of South African arts and culture. I congratulate Tyla for a historic Grammy Award win, which comes before she has even released a full album. Continue to inspire and to raise the South African flag high,” the Minister said.

South Africa had a notable presence at the Grammys, with Trevor Noah hosting the awards for the fourth time, and nominated for “Best Comedy Album”.

Acapella group Just 6 were nominated in the “Best Arrangement, Instrumental or Acapella” category, while Musa Keys was nominated for “Best African Performance” for his collaboration with Nigerian artist Davido.

“I also congratulate all the South African artists who were nominated for the 66th Grammy Award. Trevor Noah, Just 6 and Musa Keys show the diverse South African artistic talent on display on the world stage. Continue to entertain and showcasing to the world the best of Mzansi,” Kodwa said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

nosihle
Mon, 02/05/2024 - 09:06

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Read moreCongratulations Tyla for winning Grammy Award