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Several Mpumalanga farm owners issued with contravention and prohibition notices for violating laws

Location: News

Several Mpumalanga farm owners issued with contravention and prohibition notices for violating laws

The exploitation and ill treatment of workers, as well as disregard of South Africa’s labour laws, continues unabated in some of the agricultural sectors in Mpumalanga. 

This is according to the Department of Employment and Labour Chief Inspector Milly Ruiters who led a weeklong inspection at the Ehlanzeni District. 

The department said it found many employers in the agricultural sector wanting when it comes to compliance with the suite of labour legislation administered by the department.

The inspections were part of an ongoing initiative to ensure compliance with labour legislation and focused on inspections and conducting advocacy. 

The inspections zoomed into the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA), the National Minimum Wage Act, the Unemployment Insurance Act, the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act, and the Occupational Health and Safety Act. 

“The department issued a number of contravention and prohibition notices and plans to conduct follow-up inspections.” 

Inspectors found several non-compliance in areas such as electrical faults, a lack of assessments, no record keeping, non-registration of workers with the unemployment insurance fund and compensation for occupational injuries and diseases acts. 

The other transgressions include paying below the national minimum wage rates, non-provision of personal protective equipment, not informing workers about their rights and lack of compliance with health and safety.

According to the department, several farms were subjected to inspections and continue to fail the tests in compliance with various labour laws. 

“The department’s inspections will continue until Friday and will also focus on the wholesale and retail sectors. The inspections form part of build-up activities including taking services to the people in the province.”

Meanwhile, the department will host a Jobs Fair at Thulamahashe Local Stadium in Bushbuckridge on Thursday to interact with work seekers and a Ministerial session with employers on 12 January at Southern Sun Emnotweni Hotel in Mbombela. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile
Wed, 01/10/2024 - 14:08

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Back To School Frigid. PNA’s Must-Have Supplies for a Fun and Organised School Year!

Location: MyPR

Every mother wants to know how to be a cool mom – the thing is, that most moms over-think the whole “cool mom” persona and in turn, find themselves saying and doing cringe-worthy things according to their mortified children. But being a “cool mom” isn’t as complex as you might expect! It really all comes …

Read moreBack To School Frigid. PNA’s Must-Have Supplies for a Fun and Organised School Year!

President pays tribute to renowned photographer Magubane

Location: News

President pays tribute to renowned photographer Magubane

President Cyril Ramaphosa has paid tribute to globally renowned photographer, Dr Peter Magubane, for fearlessly using his camera to capture the atrocities of apartheid while putting his life in danger.

“Despite all attempts to break his spirit and to take him away from his craft, he would not put his camera down. His work documenting apartheid helped shift global opinion against the regime. We have heard of how he would smuggle his cameras into hollowed out bread, milk cartons and I am told even the Bible, to take pictures without the notice of the authorities,” the President said on Wednesday. 

Delivering the eulogy at Magubane’s Provincial Official Funeral in Johannesburg, President Ramaphosa said the apartheid regime did not care much for the lives it was extinguishing, but it cared a great deal about its image, especially about how it was portrayed to the rest of the world.

“Peter Magubane’s images, and those of his peers, upended Hendrik Verwoerd’s great lie that apartheid was benign benevolence, a system of the separate but equal, and so-called good neighbourliness. He used his camera to record the experiences and struggles of black South Africans during apartheid. These images reached the world’s media and revealed to the international community the injustices that characterised South Africa at that time.

"As The New York Times obituary put it, Peter Magubane’s images documenting the cruelties and violence of apartheid drew global acclaim but punishment at home, including beatings, imprisonment and 586 consecutive days of solitary confinement," he said.

Magubane passed away on 01 January 2024 at the age of 91. His photographic career began in 1955 after he joined Drum magazine as a driver and messenger.

He soon became a darkroom assistant where his major assignment was covering the African National Congress 1955 convention. He used his camera to record the experiences and struggles of black South Africans during apartheid.

“His archive testifies to an extraordinary range. For many years, he was President Mandela’s official photographer. Some of the most enduring images we have of Madiba were taken by his lens.

“He was there at the many turning points in the struggle against apartheid, and covered the various states of emergency during the mid 1980’s. There are his stark images that documented the aftermath of the Sharpeville Massacre in 1960, the 1976 Soweto Uprising, and the many other acts of violence unleashed by the regime.

“Later in life, he would go on to produce photography on heritage and culture. Amongst them is one of my favourite of his works, The Vanishing Cultures of South Africa. It is an extraordinary collection that documents the lives, customs and cultures of our country’s ethnic groups,” the President said.

President Ramaphosa noted that it was his depictions of everyday life for black South Africans living under apartheid for which he was best known.

“These images that he began taking in the 1960’s, appeared in distinguished publications like Drum magazine, Time magazine, the Rand Daily Mail, and others. One of his best-known images is of a black domestic worker stroking the hair of a white child seated on a Europeans Only bench.

“The photograph got worldwide attention for the power of the disturbing scene that it conveyed. That photograph also painted a vivid scene of the meaning of apartheid. It was able to transport the lived experiences of black people in South Africa to many people in distant lands.

“As important as it was to him to document the violence and bloodshed, it was equally important to bring home to readers and viewers the true face of petty apartheid with its convoluted and ridiculous laws and rules,” he said.

The President described him as a freedom fighter and one of the most fearless journalists the country has produced.

“Having read the many written tributes that have been penned over the past week by people who worked alongside him and were mentored by him, it is clear that the description of him as a legend is a fitting one,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

nosihle
Wed, 01/10/2024 - 14:22

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Public comments on White Paper on Citizenship, Migration and Refugee Protection extended 

Location: News

Public comments on White Paper on Citizenship, Migration and Refugee Protection extended 

Home Affairs Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, on Tuesday announced the extension of the closing date for the submission of public comments on the White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection.

Comments on the White Paper have now been extended to 31 January 2024 from 19 January 2024. 

The announcement is contained in Gazette No 49976, published on 8 January 2024.

“The department has received substantial public comments. The extension of the closing date follows requests received from various organisations and individuals for additional time due to the December holidays,” the department said. 

In November last year, Cabinet announced that it had approved the publication of the White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection for public comment.

“The draft policy aims to provide a framework to guide the granting of residency and citizenship to foreign nationals, as well as the protection of refugees and asylum seekers in South Africa, cognisant of the Republic’s national security interests and in compliance with international agreements and protocols on migration that South Africa is a party to,” Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said at that time.

According to the department, the White Paper and the explanatory memorandum can be downloaded at www.dha.gov.za. 

Written submissions should be addressed to the Chief Director of Strategy and Institutional Performance and may be forwarded to the department. 

The submissions can be delivered by hand to the Department of Home Affairs, 230 Johannes Ramokhoase Street, Hallmark Building, Pretoria, for the attention of Mr Sihle Mthiyane. 

They can also be mailed to the department at Private Bag X114, Pretoria, 0001 or emailed to whitepaper@dha.gov.za. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile
Wed, 01/10/2024 - 09:02

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World Court to hear Genocide Case Against Israel

Location: News

Human Rights Watch (HRW)
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The International Court of Justice (ICJ) hearings on January 11 and 12, 2024, on genocide in Gaza will include the first formal response by Israel before an independent and impartial court to allegations of atrocities against the Palestinian people since October 7, 2023, Human Rights Watch said today. On December 29, South Africa filed a case with the court alleging that Israel is violating the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.

On January 2, Israeli officials confirmed that Israel would be represented at the ICJ to oppose the South African government's application. South Africa contends that Israel has violated the Genocide Convention by committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, and by failing to prevent it, including by not holding senior Israeli officials and others accountable for their direct and public incitement to genocide. The case is not a criminal proceeding against individuals but seeks a legal determination of state responsibility for genocide.

“South Africa's case is about Israel's obligations under the Genocide Convention and puts its conduct in Gaza in sharp focus before the United Nations' highest judicial body,” said Balkees Jarrah, associate international justice director at Human Rights Watch. “South Africa has asked the World Court to issue urgent measures to protect Palestinians in Gaza who face catastrophic living conditions as a result of war crimes carried out by Israeli authorities.”

While the case may take several years to reach a final ruling, South Africa has asked the court to order provisional measures to protect the Palestinian people in Gaza from further harm, ensure Israel's compliance with the Genocide Convention, and safeguard South Africa's ability to have the case fairly adjudicated. South Africa has asked the ICJ to issue these measures “as a matter of extreme urgency,” saying that Palestinians in Gaza are in “urgent and severe need of the Court's protection.” Arguments on the request for provisional measures are the subject of the January 11 and 12 hearings.

Among the provisional measures sought are for Israel to immediately suspend its military operations in Gaza and abide by its obligations under the Genocide Convention. South Africa also seeks measures to prevent the destruction and ensure the preservation of any evidence related to the underlying case – including by giving fact-finding missions, international mandates, and other bodies access to Gaza.

South Africa also asked the court to require Israel to report to it on steps taken to carry out a provisional measures order within a week of its issuance and then at regular intervals until the court issues its final ruling. In its oral arguments on January 11, South Africa could specifically ask the court to make Israel's reports public.

In its application to the ICJ, South Africa says that Israel is killing Palestinians in Gaza in large numbers, causing them serious bodily and mental harm, imposing measures intended to prevent Palestinian births, and inflicting conditions of life calculated to bring about the destruction of Palestinians as a group. South Africa cited expulsions and mass displacement; deprivation of access to adequate food and water, medical care, shelter, clothes, hygiene, and sanitation; and the destruction of the fabric of Palestinian life in Gaza.

South Africa further contends that the “acts of genocide” should be placed in “the broader context of Israel's conduct towards Palestinians during its 75-year-long apartheid, its 56-year-long belligerent occupation of Palestinian territory and its 16-year-long blockade of Gaza.”

South Africa contends that numerous statements by Israeli political and military officials amount to evidence of a clear intent to destroy Palestinians in Gaza as a group. It says that the “clear inference from the acts of the Israeli army on the ground…is that those genocidal statements and directives are being implemented against the Palestinian people.” South Africa's application refers to several statements by UN experts who have warned of a risk of genocide.

The court will hear Israel's formal response on January 12. Israel's Foreign Affairs Ministry, in a published statement on December 29, 2023, described South Africa's application as “blood libel” and that the claim “lacks both a factual and a legal basis and constitutes despicable and contemptuous exploitation of the Court.” One media report said that the Israeli Foreign Ministry instructed its diplomats to press officials in their host countries to issue statements against South Africa's case. The Israeli foreign minister has also specifically urged the United Kingdom to oppose South Africa's application. The media reported on January 9 that UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron said that he did not think the ICJ case was helpful. 

The United States National Security Council spokesman described South Africa's application as “meritless, counterproductive, and completely without any basis in fact whatsoever.” The US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said separately that Washington had not “at this point seen acts that constitute genocide” and that the ICJ case was “not a productive step at this time.”

A number of parties to the Genocide Convention have welcomed South Africa's application including Bangladesh, Bolivia, Jordan, Malaysia, the Maldives, Pakistan, Palestine, Turkey, Nambia, Nicaragua and Venezuela. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation also issued a statement in support of the case. France's UN ambassador in New York said France is a strong supporter of the ICJ and would back the court's decisions. Governments should speak out in support of ICJ proceedings and publicly commit to supporting compliance with the court's decisions, Human Rights Watch said.

Israeli authorities and Palestinian armed groups have committed serious abuses during the current hostilities. Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups deliberately killed hundreds of civilians in Israel on October 7 and took more than 200 hostages. The Israeli government then cut electricity, fuel, food and water to Gaza's population and severely curtailed life-saving humanitarian aid, all acts of collective punishment, a war crime. Israeli authorities are also using starvation of civilians as a method of warfare in Gaza, which is also a war crime, Human Rights Watch said.

Past ICJ practice suggests that a decision on provisional measures could be delivered within weeks. Though such an order would be legally binding on Israel, it would not prejudge the merits of the allegations that Israel has violated the Genocide Convention. A provisional measures order is automatically sent to the UN Security Council pending a final decision in the case.

The ICJ is composed of 15 judges elected by the UN General Assembly and Security Council for nine-year terms. When two countries have a dispute and the court does not include their nationals on the bench, the governments can appoint ad-hoc judges to hear that specific matter. In this case, South Africa has appointed Dikgang Moseneke, former deputy chief justice of South Africa, and Israel has appointed Aharon Barak, a retired Israeli Supreme Court president, as ad-hoc judges.

South Africa, which ratified the Genocide Convention in 1998, brought its case under article 9 of the convention, which allows for disputes between parties to be submitted to the ICJ. The court previously confirmed that all member states of the convention have a duty to prevent and to punish genocide. Israel has been a party to the Genocide Convention since 1951.

South Africa together with Bangladesh, Bolivia, the Comoros, and Djibouti also referred the Palestine situation to the International Criminal Court prosecutor in November 2023. South Africa asked the prosecutor, Karim Khan, to investigate the crime of genocide among other grave abuses in Palestine with a view to charging the individuals responsible. Khan confirmed that his office has been conducting, since March 2021, an investigation into alleged atrocity crimes committed in Gaza and the West Bank since 2014, and that he has jurisdiction over crimes in the current hostilities between Israel and Palestinian armed groups that covers unlawful conduct by all parties. He visited Israel and Palestine in December.

In a related matter, in December 2022 the UN General Assembly requested an advisory opinion from the ICJ on the legal consequences of Israel's prolonged occupation of the West Bank and Gaza. The General Assembly first asked the ICJ for an advisory opinion related to the Occupied Palestinian Territory 20 years ago. In 2004, the ICJ's advisory opinion found that the route of Israel's separation barrier violated international law and that it should be dismantled. The December 2022 request is wider in scope. South Africa, among other countries, filed a written statement in the proceeding. The ICJ will convene public hearings on the request starting on February 19.

“How many more alarm bells have to ring and how many more civilians must unlawfully suffer or be killed before governments take action,” Jarrah said. “South Africa's genocide case unlocks a legal process at the world's highest court to credibly examine Israel's conduct in Gaza in the hopes of curtailing further suffering.” 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Human Rights Watch (HRW).

Read moreWorld Court to hear Genocide Case Against Israel

Minister Lamola to guide South Africa’s delegation to the Hague

Location: News

Minister Lamola to lead South Africa’s delegation to the Hague

Minister of Justice and Correctional Services Ronald Lamola will lead South Africa’s delegation to the Peace Palace, which houses the United Nations International Court of Justice, in the Hague.

South Africa has approached the International Court of Justice, under the Genocide Convention, with respect to acts committed by Israel in the context of its attacks on Gaza.

“We are determined to see the end of the genocide that is currently taking place in Gaza. We are most encouraged by leaders of the world who have not blunted their consciousness and have stood on the right side of history by supporting a case that seeks to protect the rights of human beings, regardless of their nationality or ethnicity,” the Minister said on Tuesday.

The South African delegation comprises South Africa’s diplomats and officials, including the Director General in the Presidency Phindile Baleni; Director General of the Department of International Relations and Co-operation Zane Dangor; and Director General of the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development and former Deputy Ambassador for South Africa to the United Nations, Advocate Doctor Mashabane.

Special Advisor to President Cyril Ramaphosa, Advocate Nokukhanya Jele, is also part of the delegation.

Joining the South African delegation at the International Court of Justice will be senior political figures from progressive political parties and movements across the globe, which include among others Jeremy Corbyn, the Former leader of the opposition in the United Kingdom. 

The Ministry will update media activities in the course of the week. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Wed, 01/10/2024 - 09:32

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Brain Drain or Brain Gain: The NHI will either prove to be a blessing or a curse

Location: MyPR

Since 1994, South Africa has emerged as an African economic powerhouse with a healthcare system that was once the envy of the continent. However, the country is facing a significant medical brain drain at a time when there is clear evidence that South African medical professionals possess some of the best skills in the world …

Read moreBrain Drain or Brain Gain: The NHI will either prove to be a blessing or a curse

Poppy Khoza returns as Director for Civil Aviation Authority

Location: News

Poppy Khoza returns as Director for Civil Aviation Authority

Director of Civil Aviation, Poppy Khoza, will lead the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) into a new chapter after being re-appointed to serve another five-year term at the regulator.

“Khoza is an aviation trailblazer who is internationally recognised and supported. It is through her work that our South African aviation sector continues to hold a critical voice on global aviation dialogues,” SACAA Board Chairperson Ernest Khosa said on Tuesday.

Her term in office is effective from 1 December 2023 until 30 November 2028. This will be her third term at the helm of the aviation regulator.  

Khoza carries extensive experience and knowledge in aviation since being first appointed to this pivotal role in an acting capacity in October 2012 and then on a 5-year fixed term basis from December 2013. 

Outside of being the first black female DCA, she was also the first woman globally to be elected to preside over the General Assembly at the ICAO’s 41st Assembly Session in 2022.

Some of SACAA's achievements under Khoza’s tenure at the Authority include: 

  • Achieving ten clean audits in a space of 11 years and the most recent audit (2022/23) attracting zero findings.
  • Achieving 100% implementation of the entity’s targets, eight years in a row.
  • Steering the SACAA to perform exceptionally through several independent international audits on aviation safety and security, elevating South Africa as the top-ranking country on the continent and ranking in the top 20 globally. South Africa is the first country on the continent to surpass the 90% mark in the safety audits. 
  • Retaining the Category 1 Status of the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) assessment, which was concluded in 2022. This ranking, which is highly recognised globally, allows SA operators the freedom to operate to the US without restrictions imposed on them.   
  • Securing recognition agreements with our European counterparts and the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the aviation cargo security system.
  • Transforming the organisation which now boasts 51% competent female employees and 50% female Executives.

This appointment was approved by Cabinet on 20 November 2023.

“As the SACAA Board, we see this as a vote of confidence for the exemplary leadership the DCA has demonstrated over the past 11 years being at the helm of the organisation. I would like to extend my message of support following this announcement from Cabinet.

“The stability we see at SACAA is testament to her great leadership which has equally received positive cheers from staff, the aviation industry, and international counterparts, when we first made this announcement on 20 November 2023,” Khoza said.

Khoza said she is deeply honoured and grateful for this opportunity to again serve as the Director of Civil Aviation.

“It is an exciting time for me personally and I pledge my commitment once again to drive positive change and promoting safety, efficiency, gender equality and innovation in our skies.” –SAnews.gov.za

 

 

nosihle
Wed, 01/10/2024 - 09:51

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Naspers Labs-backed SA Harvest Programme Empowers Youth with Agriculture Skills

Location: MyPR

Ten post-graduate students who were previously unemployed recently embarked on a remarkable journey from Lusikisiki, Eastern Cape, to Tzaneen, Limpopo Province, as part of the SA Harvest entrepreneurial incubator initiative. Supported by Naspers Labs, this programme aims to equip young individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to become self-sufficient agri-food entrepreneurs. These ten students …

Read moreNaspers Labs-backed SA Harvest Programme Empowers Youth with Agriculture Skills

Minister hands over outdoor gym in Mpumalanga

Location: News

Minister hands over outdoor gym in Mpumalanga

Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Zizi Kodwa has handed over an outdoor gym and sporting clothes to a community in Mpumalanga.

“Government’s intervention to build outdoor gyms in Royal Great Places is a commitment to develop sport in rural communities. Further to this, the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture is also building multipurpose sports courts in rural and township communities,” the Minister said on Tuesday.

He said historically, rural communities have lacked these sport and recreational facilities.

“This has meant that there are not enough resources available in these communities for people, and the youth in particular, to exercise and play sport. By focusing on sport development in rural communities, we are inspiring communities to live active lifestyles.

“We are also addressing the issue of youths needing to go to towns and cities to play sport, where there are more resources. By prioritising sport development in rural communities, we are also working to ensure that sport talent is identified in these communities, and that sport talent is given opportunities to flourish. It is in communities such as KwaMhlanga where the next Trevor Nyakane or Caster Semenya will be discovered,” Kodwa said.

He said the outdoor gym, which is located in Royal Great Places, means that communities can exercise in a safe environment, and the gym equipment can be well looked after.

“This year, South Africa celebrates 30 years of freedom. One of the mandates of our government over the past 30 years has been to ensure social transformation in South African society through promoting social cohesion, social integration, and social inclusion.

“Sport plays a critical role in realising this goal. Just as President Nelson Mandela said, sport unifies people in ways little else can. Sport brings hope where there was once despair,” he said. –SAnews.gov.za

 

nosihle
Tue, 01/09/2024 - 13:26

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A Pledge of R8 Million For Back To School To Ignite Wish For South African Learners

Location: MyPR

The Hollywood Foundation is thrilled to unveil the eagerly awaited return of its highly successful “Back to School” campaign. With a remarkable R8 million pledge, the campaign aims to support parents and empower learners from diverse communities across South Africa, at the beginning of the new school year by providing them with essential school supplies. …

Read moreA Pledge of R8 Million For Back To School To Ignite Wish For South African Learners

SA can still expect loadshedding

Location: News

SA can still expect loadshedding

Minister of Electricity Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has reiterated that while Eskom is working hard on improving its generation system, citizens can still expect load shedding.

Providing an outlook on Eskom’s generation capabilities during a media briefing on Tuesday in Pretoria, the Minister explained that the majority of units remain unreliable and this is being addressed through the planned maintenance that Eskom is conducting routinely.  

Due to legacy issues including under investment at Eskom and the entity not having sufficiently planned for maintenance, South Africa’s grid is unreliable.

“We will have periods of days of no load shedding and there will be days of load shedding. Eskom has announced its summer outlook and it makes the point that we should not be at more than Stage 4 level of load shedding.

“While demand was low during the week 22- 29 December 2023, Eskom was working to address issues of its fleet and used the opportunity to carry out planned maintenance.

“We have been working during the festive season to ensure that we address issues of the fleet to continue to perform but also readying the fleet to ensure that once there is a ramp up of demand, the units are able to return back to service and remain in service while delivering efficient megawatts (MW),” Ramokgopa said.

The Minister pointed out that Eskom is beginning to decrease its planned maintenance, as they are expecting demand to increase.

While in December 2022 South Africa experienced load shedding, Eskom had three units back last December at Kusile, which ensured that there were periods of no load shedding.

“If you had to look at the work that has been done at Eskom, they have reduced repeat failures. We have additional buffer for instances of a cluster of units failing where you do not have to initiate load shedding or if you do, it is not at intense levels.

“Unit 1 at Kusile experienced significant delays in relation to the timeline to return to service, which was set for June last year but it returned five months later due to outage slips. We are confident that the work that has been done by the generation team has ensured that we will not have a repeat when we want to return unit 2, which is currently out,” he said.

The Minister reminded citizens that Koeberg unit 1 and 2 were extending the license of the only nuclear power station in the country.

“We had to do a significant amount of work to meet the regulatory requirements and compliance so we can get the license extensions… so these units were out. As part of this robust exercise, unit 1 in Koeberg is now on full load. It has passed the full load tests. There is a plethora of tests that need to be run and the test was passed on 30 December.

“Now unit 1 in Koeberg is unleashing the MWs that are required and we hope it will continue to do that for the next 20 years. Another development is the synchronisation of Kusile Power Station’s unit 5.

“That power is intermittent. It is doing a number of tests, and it will go into full commercial operation for an average period of six months so they continue to do the tests but as they continue to do the tests, it does give us MWs,” Ramokgopa said.

“Unit 5 is running at 60% and there are a lot of things that need to be done such as balancing and optimisation tests so that we are sure when the unit is in commercial operation so essentially giving us MWs uninterrupted.”

Integrated Resource Plan

The Minister called on the public to make submissions on the draft Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) 2023 that was issued by Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Gwede Mantashe, for public comment in Government Gazette no 49974 of 04 January 2024.

“I want to urge that your comments are not restricted to public commentary, engagements and with the media. That does not amount to a submission. A submission means you make a written response of ideas of what you think of the IRP and submit it as required.

“As it stands, the IRP represents the views of Cabinet and we want to know what the public thinks. I want to encourage you to make submissions and as and when the DMRE offers an opportunity to make oral representation, I encourage you to do that as well,” Ramokgopa said.

The IRP is an electricity generation plan that seeks to ensure security of electricity supply by balancing supply with demand, while taking into account the environment and total cost of supply.

The purpose of this publication is to solicit public comments on the assumptions, input parameters, scenarios, and observations made. Comments submitted will be considered when drafting the final policy adjusted plan, which will map out the future energy mix for the country. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Tue, 01/09/2024 - 12:22

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Read moreSA can still expect loadshedding

Fossil Group, South Africa, unveils spectacular store re-opening at Canal Walk Shopping Centre.

Location: MyPR

You were made for going places. For expressing who you are. You were made for this — wherever you take life next. And we were made to be right there with you – Fossil. CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA – 18 December 2023 – Fossil Group, South Africa, is excited to announce the grand re-opening of …

Read moreFossil Group, South Africa, unveils spectacular store re-opening at Canal Walk Shopping Centre.

Some Light at the Beginning of a Dim Business Tunnel

Location: MyPR

Leading truck and trailer manufacturer, Serco, forecasts another challenging year ahead for South Africa. This is based on negative factors such as load shedding and congestion at the country’s ports taking their toll. However, CEO Clinton Holcroft is optimistic about prospects for Serco. He cites innovation and resilience as the company’s beacons of hope and …

Read moreSome Light at the Beginning of a Dim Business Tunnel

Alexandra woman defies the odds

Location: News

Alexandra woman defies the odds

A love for dance has helped Nkateko Emily Mabasa defy the odds to become a community builder.

And we all know just how important a role communities can play in shaping who we become tomorrow. However, like with most things in life, it has not been an easy path for Mabasa.

The now 33-year-old Mabasa was diagnosed with mild spastic diplegia/diparesis Cerebral Palsy. This form of disability is characterised by frequent spasms and muscle tensing which saw her undergo an operation when she was seven years old.

While she had to use a wheelchair as well as go for physiotherapy throughout her school years, Mabasa’s medical condition did not stop her and she learned to walk, using crutches.

“I had difficulty speaking, which required that I get speech therapy. At 12, I was given my first set of crutches, which I have continued to rely on. These crutches has served as an indispensable aid in my day-to-day activities, and I have come to regard them as an essential part of my life,” Mabasa explained.

Growing up in Alexandra township in Gauteng, Mabasa described herself as someone who loves life, and always pursues her goals with vigour.

Armed with a Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Design, Mabasa is a strong believer of an inclusive and secure society, which drives her to show everyone that there is so much “beauty in our differences”.

It is not surprising that with her background, Mabasa is the founder of Phoenix Alexandra - an organisation that provides a range of activities for children and young adults to participate in. These activities include dancing, singing, drama/acting, spelling bees, modelling, a reading club, poetry, and chess club.

The idea to set up the organisation came after her friend, Joseph Setlhake, asked her to arrange a dance group to entertain people at an event in November 2020.

“Knowing that I am a dancer, he thought it would be a good idea to have me handle it. At first, we only had three people, but the number of children quickly grew to 40 before the event. Despite having only six weeks to prepare, we managed to pull it off, and the rest, as they say, is history.”

The organisation’s programmes cater for children between the ages of six and 17, as well as young adults who are committed to their growth and eager to learn about a positive body image, kindness, and the value of hard work.

Challenges

Despite the challenges associated with running an organisation, Mabasa’s Phoenix Alexandra has emerged stronger and continues to work with children to help cultivate their interests.

“As a community leader with a disability, I face challenges in securing funding and space for rehearsals and activities. I have been funding Phoenix Alexandra since its inception, and we utilise a limited space in front of my house for our rehearsals and activities.

“Additionally, to raise funds, I take bookings for motivational talks at corporate events. We have received support from parents through small donations, enabling our organisation to go on educational trips and do local performances for the community in the three years since our establishment,” she said.

The organisation is always looking to form partnerships with companies or like-minded organisations.

By working together, “we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others and create a more inclusive society,” she said.

Making a difference

Apart from having established the organisation, Mabasa is a Gold Award holder in South Africa for the President's Award for Youth Empowerment/Duke of Edinburgh International Award.

President Cyril Ramaphosa is the patron-in-chief of the President’s Award for Youth Empowerment. It is an initiative that encourages young South Africans to embark on a life changing journey that will mould them into responsible and committed individuals.

The Duke of Edinburgh award for its own part, dates back to 1956 and was initially intended for boys between the ages of 14 and 18  to assist in their development post World War 2. In 1958, the initiative was expanded to include girls.

In the 1980s, the scope of the award was broadened to include a skills section and the age limit extended to age 24. In 1994, the award programme was re-branded to cover the entire scope of youth empowerment. The award encourages young people from various backgrounds to become responsible, active citizens within communities.

Mabasa also served as a Director for The President's Award for Youth Empowerment/Duke of Edinburgh International Award Gauteng Youth Committee from 2018 to 2019.

“I am an entrepreneur, poet, dancer, choreographer, fashion designer, motivational speaker, and model. In 2017, I was recognised as a role model by the Valhalla Arts Tributes Awards, and in 2023, I was awarded the Sunday World Unsung Hero for the youth in Sports, Arts, and Culture award. These achievements have motivated me to continue making a difference in the lives of others,” she gushes.

Mabasa’s comments follow on the back of Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga’s address to the Representative Council of Learners Conference last year, in which she said that in the 21st century, South African youth must play a critical role in shaping the country’s future.

“As the generation that will inherit and lead the nation, youth have the potential to drive positive change, overcome societal challenges, and build a more inclusive and prosperous South Africa,” said the Minister in June 2023.

Mabasa is also the author of “Celebrating our differences embracing my superpowers”, a children’s book on disability.

Asked what the future holds for her organisation, Mabasa envisions expanding the scope of the organisation's services to encompass a broader range of underprivileged communities.

“This strategic move is aimed at serving a broader base of individuals who are in dire need of our services. Pursuing this goal, we remain committed to our core values of excellence, compassion, and professionalism.”

Her advice to young people, especially those living in townships and with disabilities, is that “every decision you make can influence your life.”

“Choose wisely and never let uncertainty prevent you from moving forward - because everything starts in your mind. I embrace my disability, but I never let it define my life.” - SAnews.gov.za

 

 

Janine
Mon, 01/08/2024 - 10:57

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New African Magazine reveals the 100 Most Influential Africans of 2023

Location: News
New African Magazine

New African magazine (www.NewAfricanMagazine.com) released its annual listing of the 100 Most Influential Africans of 2023. The list celebrates the achievements and contributions of Africans from various fields and sectors, who have made a positive impact on the continent and the world.

The list features a diverse and inspiring group of men and women, who have demonstrated excellence, innovation, leadership, resilience, and vision in their respective domains. They include politicians, entrepreneurs, industrialists, environmentalists, creatives, scientists, educators, sports personalities, and more.

The list also reflects the shifting trends and priorities in Africa, as the continent faces new challenges and opportunities in the post-pandemic era. Creatives dominate the ranking with 31 representatives, including singer Abel Tesfaye, aka The Weekend, filmmaker Alice Diop and writer Nana Darkoa Sekyiamah.

The second category with the highest number of entries was the Business section, with 25 entries. The section included two behemoths from DFIs, supporting a private sector approach to investing: Samaila Zubairu from Africa Finance Corporation and the President of Afreximbank, Benedict Oramah, undoubtedly Africa's juggernaut from the last few years leading Africa's transformation. Also on the list is the former CEO of Eskom and whistleblower who nearly paid with his life André de Ruyter.

Nigeria was the country most represented on the list, highlighting the country's dominance in the creative sector and business. William Ruto, the President of Kenya, and Bola Tinubu, President of Nigeria, were the only heads of state to make it, along with the Guinean military leader Mamady Doumbouya. Doumbouya created quite a stir at this year's UN General Assembly and appears to have found a solution around the Simandou mining saga.

With Climate Change at the top of the agenda, the list features several players in the environmental space, such as James Mwangi, formerly from Dalberg Group who has set up his own venture fund investing in climate related businesses, and Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, the Executive Secretary of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity.

In the media, we have two media leaders from Côte d'Ivoire, Fabrice Sawegnon, founder of communications agency Voodoo, and Daniel Ahaoussa, serial entrepreneur and founder of a number of websites in West and Central Africa. Also included are the journalist Alan Kasujja, the BBC journalist, and Branko Brkic, founder of Daily Maverick, arguably the most powerful media in South Africa today.

And in sports, record breakers Faith Kipyegon and Kelvin Kiptum make it, as well as the Springboks team, under the leadership of their captain Siya Kolisi. Patrice Motsepe, the President of CAF, a close friend of FIFA president Gianni Infantino and an increasingly influential voice in sports, is also included.

The 100 Most Influential Africans of 2023 is a special edition of New African magazine, which offers a comprehensive and insightful overview of the lives and achievements of the selected individuals. The magazine also provides a platform for the readers to learn from their stories, and to be inspired by their examples.

Download the 100 Most Influential Africans of 2023 special edition of New  African: https://apo-opa.co/4aL1VB7

The 100 Most Influential Africans 2023 List:

Politics and Public Service

William Ruto

Ibrahima Cheikh Diong

Sidi Ould Tah

Akinwumi Adesina

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

Bola Tinubu

Mamady Doumbouya

Ousmane Sonko

Nadia Fettah Alaoui

Tsitsi Masiyiwa

Tidjane Thiam

Business

Mohamed Kande

Sim Tshabalala

Karim Beguir

Didier Acouetey

Olugbenga Agboola

Samaila Zubairu

Prof. Benedict Okey Oramah

Ralph Mupita

Ibrahim Sagna

Simon Tiemtoré

Jules Ngankam

Riham ElGizy

André de Ruyter

Aliko Dangote

Ham Serunjogi

Serge Ekué

Bahija Jallal

Coura Sène

Bernard Koné Dossongui

Hassanein Hiridjee

Shola Akinlade

James Mwangi

Pascal Agboyibor

Science and Academia

Anna Adeola Makanju

Chao Tayiana Maina

Nemat Talaat Shafik

Ismahane Elouafi

Moungi Bawendi

Timnit Gebru

Environmental

James Irungu Mwangi

Ephraim Mwepya Shitima

Wanjira Mathai

Rashid Sumaila

Elizabeth Maruma Mrema

Dr Musonda Mumba

Creative

Kaouther Ben Hania

Danai Gurira

Ncuti Gatwa

Black Coffee

Tyla Laura Seethal

Temilade “Tems” Openiyi

Lesley Lokko

Mulenga Kapwepwe

Alice Diop

Wanuri Kahiu

Bassem Youssef

Malenga Mulendema

Jadesola Osiberu

Editi Effiong

Ali Said Alamin Mandhry

Abel "The Weekend" Tesfaye

Pretty Yende

Julie Mehretu

Pierre Thiam

Teju Cole

Thebe Magugu

David Diop

Burna Boy

Serge Attukwei Clottey

Nana Darkoa Sekyiamah

Aïda Muluneh

Omoyemi Akerele

Mariam Issoufou Kamara

Victor Ekpuk

DJ Snake

Gandhi “Maitre Gims” Djuna

Media

Claude Grunitzky

Chioma Nnadi

Edward Enninful

Alan Kasujja

Wode Maya

Anton Harber

Khabane “Khaby” Lame

Charity Ekezie

Moses “Uncle Mo” Kiboneka

Branko Brkic

Tomiwa Aladekomo

Marie Mbullu

Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard

Daniel Ahaoussa

Fabrice Sawegnon

Sports

Francis Ngannou

Faith Kipyegon

The Springboks, led by captain Siya Kolisi

Patrice Motsepe

Kelvin Kiptum

Victor Osmihen

Biniam Girmay

Yassine Bounou

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of New African Magazine.

For any media inquiries please contact:
c.haasz@icpublications.com

About New African Magazine:
Published continuously since 1966, the English language monthly has consistently brought an African point of view to international news. It is the essential magazine for government officials, businessmen, professionals and Africa-watchers. New African is distributed in over 100 countries, and consulted whenever Africa is mentioned. The leading commentator on African affairs and Africa's best selling magazine.

The December / January 2024 issue of New African is one of the biggest of the year, most of it crammed with scintillating profiles and high-quality portraits of the best and brightest Africans of 2023. This issue will once again be a sure-fire source of animated discussion within Africa and abroad as readers discuss our choice of the 100 Most Influential Africans of 2023.

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BAL Announces Host Cities, Venues and Dates For 2024 Season

Location: News, Sport
Basketball Africa League (BAL)

BAL's Expanded Fourth Season Will Feature Record 48 Games in Pretoria; Cairo, Egypt; Dakar, Senegal and Kigali, Rwanda; Fans Can Visit BAL.NBA.com to Register Their Interest in Tickets; 30 Aspiring Players from Africa, Europe, the U.S. and Around the World to Attend BAL Combine in Rabat, Morocco Jan. 5-7. 

The Basketball Africa League (BAL) today announced that the league's expanded fourth season will tip off on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria, South Africa. The 2024 BAL season will feature the top 12 club teams from 12 African countries playing a record 48 games in Pretoria; Cairo, Egypt; Dakar, Senegal; and Kigali, Rwanda over four months, marking the first BAL games in South Africa and the first time the league will play games in four different countries.  Fans can register their interest in tickets to games in all four markets at BAL.NBA.com.

During the 2024 BAL season, the 12 teams will be divided into three conferences of four teams each.  Each conference will play a 12-game group phase during which each team will face the other three teams in its conference twice.  The inaugural Kalahari Conference group phase will take from Saturday, March 9 – Sunday, March 17 at the SunBet Arena.  The Nile Conference group phase will take place from Friday, April 19 – Saturday, April 27 at Hassan Mostafa Indoor Sports Complex in Cairo.  The Sahara Conference group phase will take place from Saturday, May 4 – Sunday, May 12 at the Dakar Arena in Dakar.  The top two teams from each conference and the top two third-place teams from across the three conferences will travel to Kigali for four seeding games followed by an eight-game, single-elimination Playoffs and Finals from Friday, May 24 – Saturday, June 1.  

The BAL also today announced that the league will host a Combine in Rabat, Morocco from Friday, Jan. 5 – Sunday, Jan. 7, marking the league's first Combine in Africa after previous editions in New York City and Paris.  The three-day scouting event, which will be held at the Ibn Yassine Omnisports Hall, will feature 30 aspiring players from Africa, Europe, the U.S. and around the world taking part in anthropometric and athletic testing, positional skill development, and 5-on-5 games in front of team executives, coaches and scouts.  Former NBA player Robert Pack will serve as Combine Camp Director.  

“We are thrilled to play the first BAL games in Pretoria, South Africa and to return to Dakar, Cairo and Kigali, where we've seen tremendous fan engagement over the past three seasons,” said Fall. “As we get ready for the 2024 BAL season, we remain committed to continuing to improve the quality of our on-court product, and this Combine in Rabat will once again showcase top-flight players, including from across the African Diaspora, who can contribute significantly to BAL teams and further establish the BAL as a world-class professional basketball league.”

On Jan. 5 as part of the Combine, the BAL will host a U-23 “BAL4HER” identification camp that will bring together 20 female players and four female coaches from across Morocco to participate in on-court basketball development programming.  The camp is part of a series to identify 20 of the top female players from across Africa who will participate in a five-day camp in Kigali in conjunction with the 2024 BAL Playoffs and Finals.  The league will also host a coaching clinic for 200 local coaches.  BAL President Amadou Gallo Fall, FIBA Africa and BAL Board President Anibal Manave, and 2011 NBA champion and BAL Ambassador Ian Mahinmi will attend the Combine and interact with all of the participants.

During his 13-year NBA career, Pack played for the Portland Trail Blazers, Denver Nuggets, Washington Bullets, New Jersey Nets, Dallas Mav­ericks, Minnesota Timberwolves and New Orleans Hornets.  He previously served as head coach of Rwanda Energy Group (REG) in the BAL and as an assistant coach for the LA Clippers, Oklahoma City Thunder, New Orleans Pelicans and Washington Wizards in the NBA.

Rwanda Development Board, NIKE, Jordan Brand and Wilson will return as BAL Foundational Partners.  The league's roster of world-class marketing partners also includes Afreximbank, Hennessy and RwandAir.

The 12 BAL teams, conferences, game schedule and additional information about the 2024 BAL season will be announced in the coming months.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Basketball Africa League (BAL).

Contact:
Edwin Eselem
Basketball Africa League
+221 78 615 42 87
EEselem@theBAL.com

About the BAL:
The Basketball Africa League (BAL), a partnership between the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and NBA Africa, is a professional league featuring 12 club teams from across Africa that will tip off its fourth season in March 2024.  Headquartered in Dakar, Senegal, the BAL builds on the foundation of club competitions FIBA Africa has organized across the continent and marks the NBA's first collaboration to operate a league outside North America. Fans can follow the BAL (@theBAL) on Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/3TQoHlc), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3TNa7e0), X (https://apo-opa.co/47j0yqo), and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/3twvshm) and register their interest in receiving more information at BAL.NBA.com.

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