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South Africa
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LG’s Commitment to Innovation is Recognised with Numerous Awards at CES 2024
LG Continues Long-Standing History of Honours at World’s Preeminent Consumer Technology Show With More Than 200 Awards & Accolades LAS VEGAS, Jan. 26, 2024 — At this year’s CES®, LG Electronics (LG) was honoured with more than 200 awards and recognitions for a wide range of innovations and technologies across the home appliance, home entertainment …
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The Homecoming Revolution: A Journey Back to the Heart of South Africa
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Labour takes services closer to Southern Cape communities
Labour takes services closer to Southern Cape communities
The Department of Employment and Labour in the Western Cape will next week embark on a series of service delivery activities in the Southern Cape as a build-up towards a Jobs Fair to be held in George next month.
The department said among the services to be provided during next week’s activities include the processing of Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) applications, claims assessment, resolving UIF inquiries, and the processing of occupational injuries and diseases claims and inquiries.
“Also on offer will be the Public Employment Services (PES), where job-seekers will be afforded, amongst other services, an opportunity to register their CVs on the Employment System of South Africa (ESSA) database, through which they can be matched with prospective recruiters,” the department said.
Employer breakfast session and Jobs Fair
Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi will host employers and engage with aspirant workers at an employer breakfast session and Jobs Fair to be held in George from 5 - 6 February 2023.
An initiative championed by the PES branch, the Jobs Fair seeks to create opportunities for work-seekers and provide a platform to interact with prospective employers.
The two-day event will commence with the employer breakfast session, where Nxesi will lead discussions on labour market issues and address unemployment in the province.
“Through the use of innovative solutions, the department continues to make strides in addressing the crippling high unemployment rate,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 01/26/2024 - 14:20
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President welcomes ICJ ruling
President welcomes ICJ ruling
President Cyril Ramaphosa has welcomed the ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the Gaza genocide case against Israel.
This comes after the United Nations (UN) top court ordered Israel to take steps to prevent acts of genocide in Gaza and do more to help Palestinian civilians, as Israel continues to wage war against Hamas militants.
In a landmark judgment, the ICJ determined that it was “plausible” that Israel has committed acts that violate the Genocide Convention.
“We have called Israel’s attacks on Gaza genocidal acts; acts for which Israel should and must be held accountable. Today the International Court of Justice has vindicated us,” President Ramaphosa said on Friday.
The country’s First Citizen was speaking to the nation in a televised address following the landmark ruling by the ICJ.
The war which began in October last year has already claimed more than 25 000 lives in Gaza, of which more than 16 000 of the dead are women and children.
The President cited the UN Children’s Fund, which labelled Gaza as a “graveyard for thousands of children”.
It is for this reason the President believes today’s judgment marks an important first step in the quest to secure justice for the people of Gaza.
The President said South Africa stands on the side of freedom and justice for all.
“Thirty years ago, following our first democratic elections, President Nelson Mandela declared, ‘Let there be justice for all. Let there be peace for all. Never, never and never again shall it be that this beautiful land will again experience the oppression of one by another’.”
South Africa approached the ICJ in December last year, under the Genocide Convention, for alleged attacks committed by Israel in Gaza.
In its application, South Africa pleaded with the court to indicate provisional measures to “protect against further severe and irreparable harm to the rights of the Palestinian people under the Genocide Convention”.
The country also requested the ICJ to ensure Israel does not engage in genocide.
Handing down the court’s unanimous decision, ICJ Judge President Joan Donoghue said it was necessary pending its final decision to indicate certain measures to protect the rights claimed by South Africa.
Donoghue also stated that Israel must per its obligations under the Genocide Convention take all measures within its power to prevent the commission of all acts within the scope of Article II of the Convention.
Acts of genocide named in the convention include the killing members of the group; causing serious bodily or mental harm to the members of the group; deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part; and imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group.
“We firmly believe that following this judgment there should now be a more concerted effort towards a ceasefire and negotiations should commence on a permanent two-state solution, to enable Israel and Palestine to live side by side as independent states,” said the President.
President Ramaphosa thanked the international community who have supported the country’s application and those who declared their intention to be part of the application.
“We will not waiver in our commitment to the Palestinian people and their quest for self-determination. Our own painful history obliges us to do no less.”
He also thanked the World Court for holding those guilty of genocide accountable and thanked the lawyers and the Ministers of International Relations and Cooperation and Justice and Correctional Services.
“It is our earnest hope and wish that this court order paves the way for an end to this crisis, for an end to the terrible loss of life and hardship, and for the crucial first steps to be taken towards reconciliation and a just, lasting peace.”
The transcript of proceedings can be accessed at https://www.icj-cij.org/sites/default/files/case-related/192/192-20240126-ord-01-00-en.pdf. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 01/26/2024 - 18:31
269 views
Exploring the Future of Automotive Excellence in South Africa
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Unchanged repo rate suggests greater stability says Tyson Properties CEO
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Growing the Economy is the Only way to Fix South Africa
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International Relations on South Africa welcoming provisional measures ordered by International Court of Justice against Israel
Today marks a decisive victory for the international rule of law and a significant milestone in the search for justice for the Palestinian people. In a landmark ruling, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has determined that Israel's actions in Gaza are plausibly genocidal and has indicated provisional measures on that basis. For the implementation of the international rule of law, the decision is a momentous one. South Africa thanks the Court for its swift ruling.
The United Nations Security Council will now be formally notified of the Court's order pursuant to Article 41(2) of the Court's Statute. The veto power wielded by individual states can not be permitted to thwart international justice, not least in light of the ever-worsening situation in Gaza brought about by Israel's acts and omissions in violation of the Genocide Convention.
Third States are now on notice of the existence of a serious risk of genocide against the Palestinian people in Gaza. They must, therefore, also act independently and immediately to prevent genocide by Israel and to ensure that they are not themselves in violation of the Genocide Convention, including by aiding or assisting in the commission of genocide. This necessarily imposes an obligation on all States to cease funding and facilitating Israel's military actions, which are plausibly genocidal.
Above all else, the provisional measures are directly binding on Israel, which is required pursuant to the Court's order and to the Genocide Convention itself, to stop all acts by it that are plausibly genocidal, such as those raised by South Africa in its Application and request for the indication of provisional measures. There is no credible basis for Israel to continue to claim that its military actions are in full compliance with international law, including the Genocide Convention, having regard to the Court's ruling.
South Africa sincerely hopes that Israel will not act to frustrate the application of this Order, as it has publicly threatened to do, but that it will instead act to comply with it fully, as it is bound to do.
South Africa will continue to act within the institutions of global governance to protect the rights, including the fundamental right to life, of Palestinians in Gaza – which continue to remain at urgent risk including from Israeli military assault, starvation and disease – and to obtain the fair and equal application of international law to all, in the interest of our collective humanity. Notably, South Africa will continue to do everything within its power to preserve the existence of the Palestinian people as a group, to end all acts of apartheid and genocide against the Palestinian people and to walk with them towards the realisation of their collective right to self-determination, for, as Nelson Mandela momentously declared, “our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians”.
The indication by this Court of provisional measures pursuant to the Genocide Convention marks a significant historical step towards that goal.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
SA citizens in foreign countries urged to register to vote
SA citizens in foreign countries urged to register to vote
Over 18 469 South African citizens living in 101 countries around the world have started registering to vote using the Electoral Commission’s newly launched online registration portal system.
“The Electoral Commission has enabled an online registration facility for the first time to allow South Africans outside the country to easily register for the 2024 National Elections,” Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of the Electoral Commission Sy Mamabolo said.
Addressing the media in Pretoria on Thursday, Mamabolo said the commission hoped that the introduction of an online registration system will attract citizens from abroad.
Citizens living abroad must register as voters either online or in person at their nearest South African mission. South African high commissions, embassies and consulates will be open during working hours.
“Eligible voters are encouraged to check with their nearest mission on the registration dates and times. Registration requires a South African identity document as well as a South African passport.
“A special two-day voter registration event for South African citizens abroad will take place between 26 and 28 January 2024, depending on the configuration of weekend days.
“In countries where Friday and Saturday are weekends, the two special days designated will be Friday 26 January, and Saturday 27 January 2024,” Mamabolo said.
The countries with the most people registering online include the United Kingdom (5938), the Netherlands (1844), Germany (746), the United States (821), Ireland (675), United Arab Emirates (1068), China (515), Australia (588), New Zealand (314), Cuba (293), Portugal (284) and Belgium (280).
In the African continent, South Africans have begun to register in 28 countries, including Mauritius (316), Lesotho (224) Namibia (148), Botswana (170), Zambia (96), Zimbabwe (77), Kenya (73), Ghana (45) and Tanzania (40).
A full list of South Africa’s missions is available on the website of DIRCO at https://www.dirco.gov.za/webmissions/index.html.
The commission advised South Africans who are already registered to vote – either on the national or international segment of the voters’ roll - to check their registration status and to update their voters’ roll address if they intend to vote abroad in the 2024 National Elections.
Mamabolo said the commission has put in place all necessary measures to ensure that no one is left behind and that all citizens vote in the 2024 National Election.
“The upcoming 2024 National Elections offer an important opportunity for all South Africans to have their voices heard, regardless of geographic location,” he said.
The commission pleaded with businesses and organisations around the world to encourage their South African employees to register during this registration weekend. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 01/26/2024 - 09:03
457 views
Boland Park to host clash
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Premier Bushy Maape pays courtesy visit to Ambassador Darkey Ephraim Africa in Thailand
Yesterday, 25 January, the Premier of North West, Kaobitsa Bushy Maape paid a courtesy visit to the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of South Africa in Thailand, H.E. Mr. Darkey Ephraim Africa. Premier Maape is in Thailand for medical assessment. Despite his tight medical programme, the Premier made time to visit the South African Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand to explore opportunities for the Province.
During their meeting, both Premier Maape and Ambassador Africa discussed a wide rage of issues, more specifically the economic challenges of the North West Province and its impact on the youth. They agreed on the need to identify trade and investment opportunities in Thailand for the North West Province. They further agreed on the need to invite investors from Thailand in the areas of agriculture, infrastructure automotive, renewable energy and tourism.
On his part, Ambassador Africa acknowledged Premier Maape's desire to mobilise trade and investment for his Province. He requested the South African Embassy to invite various agencies such as North West Development Corporation, the North West Housing Corporation and other business people to Thailand to further explore opportunities in trade and investment following his engagement with Ambassador Africa. The Ambassador and the Political Counsellor, Mrs. Thobeka Dlamini assured the Premier that the Embassy will invite the Province at the appropriate time for engagement. Premier Maape accompanied by the Ambassador, also met Mr. Ravi Puri, a prominent businessman in real estate and hospitality to explore other opportunities in real estate. The Premier will depart Bangkok after completion of his medical engagement.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of North West Office of the Premier, Republic of South Africa.
Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) committed to promoting dignity and well-being of girl learners
With the 2024 school year in full swing, the Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) is doing its part in ensuring the well-being and dignity of girls across the province through its Sanitary Dignity Project.
In partnership with the Western Cape Education Department (WCED), DSD has delivered more than 3.432 million packs of sanitary pads to learners across the province since the inception of the project in 2019/2020.
A breakdown of the distribution figures over recent years, shows that in:
- 2022/2023: a total of 27 817 boxes or 1 335 216 packets were distributed.
- 2023/2024 (1st to 3rd quarter): a total of 25 847 boxes or 1 240 656 packets were distributed.
The Department intends to distribute a further 8 734 boxes or 419 323 packets during the last quarter of the current financial year.
Since 2020/21, DSD has increased the number of beneficiaries from 94 817 learners at 220 schools, to 130 396 learners at 365 schools during 2023/2024. These include farm schools, special needs schools, and DSD-funded child and youth care centres.
Just this week, Provincial Minister of Social Development Sharna Fernandez's office visited Dorothea Special School in Stellenbosch, for children with disabilities, to deliver sanitary dignity packs.
“The donation will definitely make a difference in our girls' personal hygiene as most of our learners are dependent on SASSA grants and parents struggle to afford to buy them toiletries. I also try to give the girls a packet each month, but we are lucky to have donors supporting us,” says Sister Linda Carelse, Dorothea Special School Nurse.
“Girls from impoverished communities already face immense societal and economic challenges, and those with special needs are in an even more vulnerable position. We cannot let a natural bodily function like menstruation be another barrier to their learning. We can all do our part. I call on citizens who can and the private sector to play their role in assisting schools in disadvantaged areas to level the playing field for all girls,” says Provincial Minister Fernandez.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic Of South Africa: Western Cape Provincial Government.
Secretary Blinken’s Call with South African Minister Pandor
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Naledi Pandor today regarding the conflict in Gaza, including the need to protect civilian lives, ensure sustained humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians, and work towards lasting regional peace that ensures Israel's security and advances the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
The Secretary reaffirmed support for Israel's right to ensure the terrorist attacks of October 7 can never be repeated. Secretary Blinken and Minister Pandor also reaffirmed the importance of the U.S.-South Africa partnership and cooperation on shared priorities, including health, trade, and energy.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of U.S. Embassy & Consulates in South Africa.
Make Your Company’s Training Pay for Itself
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Call for balance in investments for road and rail infrastructure
Call for balance in investments for road and rail infrastructure
With South Africa deepening its efforts towards shifting freight from road to rail, the Department of Transport (DOT) Freight Logistics Specialist, Mihlali Gqada, says there needs to be a balance in investments that are made in rail and road infrastructure.
Addressing the colloquium on the Freight Road to Rail Migration Plan (FRRMP), Gqada said the amount of rail infrastructure investment pales in comparison to road.
According to National Treasury and the Minister of Transport’s Budget Vote Speech (2023/24), the allocation for roads (transfers and subsidies) is R42.4 billion, and for 2024/25, the estimate is R42.4 billion. This figure excludes the equitable share grant that provinces and municipalities get for infrastructure development.
“Rail infrastructure investment is limited to the allocation for the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) from the DOT (+/-R7 billion), whilst freight rail relies on Transnet investment and competes with Ports and Pipelines. It is therefore imperative that a balance in investment be fostered so that the shift can be realised.
“Historically, public sector investment has largely been skewed towards road infrastructure investments, and going forward, there is a need to leverage a wide range of public and private investment tools to finance the construction and operation of rail freight infrastructure.
“The national freight transportation system requires investment to maintain performance at high levels, upon which the country's economic growth depends,” Gqada said on Thursday in Pretoria.
She said private sector and private investments must find expression in the railway sector.
“These investments must be in the form of infrastructure and operations as Transnet would not be in a position to meet all the investment required to get the railways competitive and responsive to the country's growth needs and demand.
“Historically the public and private sectors have collaborated clearly, and both played divided roles in relation to freight transport whereby the public sector has built, owned, and operated transport infrastructure on behalf of government, predominantly railways and highways. Furthermore, the private sector has used that infrastructure to conduct freight operations.
“This division of roles provides opportunities for government to leverage private sector efficiencies and expertise in the construction and operation of freight infrastructure,” Gqada said.
She said South Africa holds immense potential to become the gateway to the African market, boasting a well-developed network of ports and a robust logistics infrastructure.
“The country's transportation system offers several advantages compared to other African nations. Despite its potential, South Africa's freight transport system faces significant challenges in meeting the growing demand for freight movement, especially on rail. These challenges stem from operational and infrastructure deficiencies in the road, rail and port sectors, which hinder the competitiveness of the South African economy,” Gqada said.
She said poor rail performance has rendered the country unable to fully participate in the recent commodity boom.
As the country tries to deal with the lack of investment in rail, Gqada said it must not stop investment in road infrastructure, as this is currently the backbone of South Africa's trade success.
“We, however, need to be cautious of the role that the South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) is being given by several provinces to manage their road network as this may overburden SANRAL.
“This gradual migration of provincial networks onto the portfolio of SANRAL must be managed very well and must not undermine the effectiveness of SANRAL in infrastructure development and maintenance,” she said. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 01/25/2024 - 13:30
216 views
Pullman Cape Town appoints Raynor Damons as Director of Food and Beverage as it continues executive team expansion
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