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Simple, convenient, and secure self-custodial wallet offers everyday users a seamless connection between Web3 and the Binance ecosystem South Africa , November 8, 2023 – Binance, the global blockchain ecosystem behind the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, is excited to announce the launch of its Web3 Wallet. The product, which was officially unveiled …
The Portfolio Committee on Police has today resolved not to include the National Preventative Mechanism's (NPM's) preventive monitoring obligations in the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) Amendment Bill. The committee was of the view that this decision does not cause any prejudice, as the directorate already conducts regular inspection of police cells. The committee took this resolution during its deliberation on the Bill.
The NPM is an independent mechanism for the prevention of torture, designated or established in accordance with Article 18 of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (OPCAT). In terms of the protocol, state parties are required to establish a system of regular visits to places where people are deprived of their liberty, in order to prevent torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment. Parliament ratified OPCAT in 2019. However, there is no domestic legislation currently that regulates the NPM.
Furthermore, the committee held the view that because the NPM membership consists of the South African Human Rights Commission, the Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services, the Military Ombud, IPID and the Health Ombud, it is desirable to have an inclusive Bill to enforce, observe and promote OPCAT obligations. Therefore, the committee committed to consult and engage with various portfolio committees to discuss legislation dealing with OPCAT obligations to ensure that the matter is not dealt with piecemeal.
Meanwhile, the committee requested the Civilian Secretariat for Police to provide progress on the review of the South African Police Service Disciplinary Regulations to ensure that there is alignment with the Bill. The committee will schedule a meeting and has requested a presentation to address the question of the Minister's role in processing the Bill.
To highlight the importance of public participation in the law-making process, the committee acknowledged the insertion of various recommendations made during public hearings, particularly in relation to the appointment of the executive director and definitions within the Bill.
The committee will on Friday consider the Bill clause by clause and will next week, on Wednesday, consider the A version of the Bill.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
Patel unveils strategy charting the course for SA's Global Business Services
Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Ebrahim Patel on Tuesday unveiled a forward-looking strategy charting the course for South Africa's Global Business Services (GBS) sector.
Patel made the announcement during his opening address at the annual BPESA [Business Process Enabling South Africa] GBS | BPO Conference, which took place in Cape Town.
Patel highlighted the sector's pivotal role in job creation and economic expansion, emphasising the vital partnerships between government, private sector and employees.
He noted the GBS sector's achievements, citing its contributions to job growth, geographic expansion and its impact on the national economy.
Government has invested more than R3 billion since 2016 in the sector, which currently employs more than 31 000 employees in firms receiving national government support, earning significant sums of foreign exchange to the country. The industry has a Sector Masterplan that drives its growth and development.
Patel outlined the next phase of the GBS sector, focusing on expanding operations across provinces and towns, with a strong emphasis on high-value services in services in Information Technology, finance, health, legal and retail.
The sector will need to address the challenges of artificial intelligence in consumer servicing markets. Underlining the importance of language and technical skills, he stressed the need to tap into South Africa's diverse talent pool and the country's robust customer service culture.
He noted a number of strengths in the local economy that international investors pointed to as reasons for choosing SA as a destination for their GBS-centres.
South Africa now services markets in the United Kingdom, United States of America, Canada, Australia, China, Mauritius, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and France.
The sector was youth-focused, with 90% of employees being young people, and six out of ten employees being women.
“The face of the industry is female and young people, which fits in well with our national priorities,” Patel said.
Addressing the crucial issue of ethical sourcing, Patel acknowledged consumers' growing awareness of social and environmental conditions.
He emphasised the industry's commitment to ethical practices and called for improved social impact and strengthened labour relations and decent working conditions, in line with the principles enshrined in the South African constitution.
"Ethical sourcing presents both a market challenge and a tremendous opportunity. As consumers demand transparency in production conditions, we must showcase our strengths while enhancing their impact in local operations," Patel said.
With a government allocation of R569 million to the GBS sector this financial year, these initiatives mark a significant stride toward ensuring the sector's resilience, competitiveness and positive impact on both the national economy and the workforce. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 11/08/2023 - 14:19
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Mchunu congratulates Rand Water on its Fitch rating
Water and Sanitation Minister, Senzo Mchunu, has lauded Fitch Ratings affirmation of Rand Water's National Long-Term rating at 'AA+ (zaf), with a Stable Outlook.
Rand Water is an entity of the Department of Water and Sanitation that provides bulk water supply services to more than 16 million people in Gauteng and parts of Mpumalanga, the Free State and North West provinces of South Africa.
The Fitch Ratings released a statement on 6 November 2023, detailing the key rating drivers, further stating the elements that would result in a Negative Outlook rating, which include "...if significant water losses (within municipalities water distribution network) contributes to lower profitability and increasing municipality arrears".
In his congratulatory message, Mchunu said the department is proud of Rand Water’s rating by Fitch, which reaffirms that the entity has a long-term positive and stable outlook.
Mchunu said Rand Water is one of the best performing entities, and its 120 years of existence is a testament to its excellence.
He said there is a lot that goes into the sustainability of any organisation, amongst others, the dedication of its leaders and members, good governance, transparency, liquidity and an overall focus on the organisation’s mandate.
While acknowledging there is still a lot of work to be done, the Minister said this "cannot take away the fact that the organisation has continued to perform in a stellar manner”.
“I would like to urge Rand Water to keep it up! One of the many things that we can commend Rand Water on is its ability to be forward-thinking, whether be it in terms of actual water supply or the maintenance of water and sanitation infrastructure – Rand Water has continued to ensure that it keeps its eye on the mandate which it is tasked to carry out,” Mchunu said.
He said the ministry and the department continue to pledge their support to Rand Water as they continue to be in service of the citizens of the country. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 11/08/2023 - 15:44
In an era marked by a global “trust deficit disorder” as commented by the Secretary General of the United Nations, a collaboration between VUKA Group and The Global Trust Project stands out as a necessary and timely endeavour. Together, they will work with leaders, organisations, governments and societies to foster a shared understanding of, and …
Embark on an extraordinary journey that combines the rich tapestry of Jewish traditions with the breathtaking landscapes of Africa. These Kosher Safari Tour Packages promise an adventure of a lifetime, where the natural world’s wonders meet the warmth of shared values. Let’s delve into the captivating tracks that await your exploration: Gold Track: Prepare …
Climate Loss and Damage Fund to be established for developing countries
Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Barbara Creecy has welcomed the agreement by the Transition Committee of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) on the operationalisation of the Climate Loss and Damage Fund.
The purpose of the Fund is to assist developing countries that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change in response to economic and non-economic loss and damage associated with those harmful effects, including extreme weather events and slow-onset events.
Creecy noted that developing countries, Africa in particular, have borne the brunt of the adverse effects of climate change and have not received the required multilateral support to face the climate challenge, including for addressing loss and damage.
The agreement on the recommendation comes only weeks ahead of the 28th Conference of Parties to the UNFCCC in Dubai.
Creecy said the governing instrument of the Loss and Damage Fund presents a clear pathway to operationalising this historic milestone in the multilateral climate negotiations.
The delivery on the Sharm El-Sheik COP27 decision to operationalise a new fund for loss and damage in the context of the scale and increasing severity of loss and damage impacts in the near-term scenario of temperature increase to 1.5 degrees or above.
Loss and damage is generally defined as the impacts of climate change, which are not avoided, by mitigation, adaptation and other measures, such as disaster risk management.
The scope, eligibility and operational elements have been defined in order for the Fund to provide direct support in the form of largely grant-based and non-debt finance to reconstruction and rehabilitation.
This includes addressing relocation, lost livelihoods and non-economic losses after extreme weather and significant slow-onset events.
“The projected economic cost for loss and damage by 2030 alone has been estimated to be between $290 and $580 billion in developing countries alone. By 2050, the economic cost for loss and damage in developing countries is estimated to be between $1 trillion to $1.8 trillion.
“The new Loss and Damage Fund will have a Board, balanced between developed and developing countries and will take its guidance from the parties to the UNFCCC and Paris Agreement.
“The Committee also proposed that the Fund be designated as an operating entity of the Financial Mechanism of the Convention and will allocate resources based on triggers that includes inter alia severity of the impacts on people, communities, infrastructure ecosystem of the climate-related event,” the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment said on Wednesday.
It includes flexibility to address the variation in these impacts across developing countries and time, from cyclones and flooding, to slow onset droughts and land degradation, as well as sea-level rise and glacier retreat.
“The final approval of this agreement at COP28 presents the international community with a critical global solidarity moment to ensure the Fund is capitalised at a scale necessary to respond to the costs and impacts already borne by developing countries,” said Creecy.
The demonstration of solidarity to the vulnerable countries and communities will be assessed by both the scale of resources committed to the Fund.
“South Africa urges the COP28 presidency to launch a process for the initial core capitalisation from developed countries supplemented by financial inputs from a variety of other sources in line with the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities. It must also engage with all other relevant actors to support aligning their efforts to leverage the impact of the Fund in addressing loss and damage,” Creecy said.
The Transitional Committee was established at COP27 in Egypt last year with a mandate to present governance documentation to operationalise the Fund in 2023.
The Committee of 24 experts was co-chaired by Outi Honkatukia of Finland and Richard Sherman of South Africa.
The Minister has extended her appreciation to the co-chairs and the Developing Country Committee members for developing a robust and transparent instrument for the Fund. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 11/08/2023 - 12:44
People gathered at Parliament and at the University of Cape Town to express solidarity with Palestine
CAPE TOWN – SOUTH AFRICA – A host of South African celebs have taken up the challenge to #StepItUp for children born with clubfoot. Kicking off Disability Awareness Month, which runs from 3 November to 3 December, Britain’s Got Talent finalist Musa Motha has co-choreographed a TikTok dance routine to the sound of an original …
South Africans play a greater role in becoming scam victims than they care to admit The South African fraud landscape is becoming increasingly risky as fraudsters and scammers look to target individuals with highly sophisticated scams in an environment where it is becoming increasingly difficult for lawmakers and authorities to bring these criminals to justice. …
A major new report published today finds that governments plan to produce around 110% more fossil fuels in 2030 than would be consistent with limiting warming to 1.5°C, and 69% more than would be consistent with 2°C.
This comes despite 151 national governments having pledged to achieve net-zero emissions and the latest forecasts which suggest global coal, oil, and gas demand will peak this decade, even without new policies. When combined, government plans would lead to an increase in global coal production until 2030, and in global oil and gas production until at least 2050, creating an ever-widening fossil fuel production gap over time.
The report's main findings include:
The 2023 Production Gap Report: “Phasing down or phasing up? Top fossil fuel producers plan even more extraction despite climate promises” is produced by Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI), Climate Analytics, E3G, International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). It assesses governments' planned and projected production of coal, oil, and gas against global levels consistent with the Paris Agreement's temperature goal.
“Governments are literally doubling down on fossil fuel production; that spells double trouble for people and planet,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres. “We cannot address climate catastrophe without tackling its root cause: fossil fuel dependence. COP28 must send a clear signal that the fossil fuel age is out of gas — that its end is inevitable. We need credible commitments to ramp up renewables, phase out fossil fuels, and boost energy efficiency, while ensuring a just, equitable transition.”
July 2023 was the hottest month ever recorded, and most likely the hottest for the past 120,000 years, according to scientists. Across the globe, deadly heat waves, droughts, wildfires, storms, and floods are costing lives and livelihoods, making clear that human-induced climate change is here. Global carbon dioxide emissions — almost 90% of which come from fossil fuels — rose to record highs in 2021–2022.
“Governments' plans to expand fossil fuel production are undermining the energy transition needed to achieve net-zero emissions, throwing humanity's future into question,” said Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP. “Powering economies with clean and efficient energy is the only way to end energy poverty and bring down emissions at the same time."
“Starting at COP28, nations must unite behind a managed and equitable phase-out of coal, oil and gas — to ease the turbulence ahead and benefit every person on this planet,” she added.
The 2023 Production Gap Report provides newly expanded country profiles for 20 major fossil-fuel-producing countries: Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Germany, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Mexico, Nigeria, Norway, Qatar, the Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the United States of America. These profiles show that most of these governments continue to provide significant policy and financial support for fossil fuel production.
“We find that many governments are promoting fossil gas as an essential ‘transition' fuel but with no apparent plans to transition away from it later,” says Ploy Achakulwisut, a lead author on the report and SEI scientist. “But science says we must start reducing global coal, oil, and gas production and use now — along with scaling up clean energy, reducing methane emissions from all sources, and other climate actions — to keep the 1.5°C goal alive.”
Despite being the root cause of the climate crisis, fossil fuels have remained largely absent from international climate negotiations until recent years. At COP26 in late 2021, governments committed to accelerate efforts towards “the phasedown of unabated coal power and phase-out of inefficient fossil fuel subsidies”, though they did not agree to address the production of all fossil fuels.
“COP28 could be the pivotal moment where governments finally commit to the phase-out of all fossil fuels and acknowledge the role producers have to play in facilitating a managed and equitable transition,” says Michael Lazarus, a lead author on the report and SEI US Centre Director. “Governments with the greatest capacities to transition away from fossil fuel production bear the greatest responsibility to do so while providing finance and support to help other countries do the same.”
More than 80 researchers, from over 30 countries, contributed to the analysis and review, spanning numerous universities, think tanks and other research organizations.
Reactions to the 2023 Production Gap Report
"The writing's on the wall for fossil fuels. By mid-century we need to have consigned coal to the history books, and slashed oil and gas production by at least three quarters — well on the way to a full fossil phase-out. Yet despite their climate promises, governments plan on ploughing yet more money into a dirty, dying industry, while opportunities abound in a flourishing clean energy sector. On top of economic insanity, it is a climate disaster of our own making.” – Neil Grant, Climate and Energy Analyst, Climate Analytics
"Despite governments around the world signing up to ambitious net zero targets, global coal, oil and gas production are all still increasing while planned reductions are nowhere near enough to avoid the worst effects of climate change. This widening gulf between governments' rhetoric and their actions is not only undermining their authority but increasing the risk to us all. We are already on track this decade to produce 460% more coal, 82% more gas, and 29% more oil than would be in line with the 1.5°C warming target. Ahead of COP28, governments must look to dramatically increase transparency about how they will hit emissions targets and bring in legally binding measures to support these aims." – Angela Picciariello, Senior Researcher, IISD
“With demand for coal, oil and gas set to peak this decade even without additional policies, it's clear that the new economic reality is becoming one of clean energy growth and fossil fuel decline — yet governments are failing to plan for the reality of the inevitable energy transition. Continuing investments into new fossil fuel production as global demand for coal, oil and gas narrows is a near term economic gamble for all but the cheapest producers. And climate damages will be aggravated further unless we stop fossil fuel expansion now. The time is now for governments to take control of the clean energy transition and align their policies with the reality of what's needed for a climate-safe world.“ – Katrine Petersen, Senior Policy Advisor at E3G
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
In 2006, the Santa Shoebox Project began with a modest 180 shoeboxes in Cape Town, South Africa. Over the past 17 years, it has blossomed into an annual tradition of generosity and kindness, amassing an astonishing 1,152,587 shoebox donations. This heartwarming initiative now touches the lives of over 1,000 recipient facilities annually, employing a network …
Come and experience the vibrant energy of Hout Bay’s, Bay Harbour Market, where the festive season is an eclectic fusion of creative flair and local spirit. Tucked away inside a working harbour, this bustling marketplace is a hub of activity where people from all walks of life gather to celebrate all that makes South Africa …
The 2023 Overseas Chinese World Conference for Promoting Peaceful Reunification of China was held Tuesday in Johannesburg, South Africa, with the theme of "Adhering to the 1992 Consensus and striving for the early realization of the great cause of China's reunification."
Su Hui, vice chairperson of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and vice chairperson of the China Council for the Promotion of Peaceful National Reunification, attended the conference and delivered a speech.
Su stressed that the reunification of the two sides of the Taiwan Strait is the trend of the times and the aspiration of the people, and represents the fundamental interests of the Chinese nation, which cannot be stopped by anyone or any force.
In the great struggle to oppose "Taiwan independence" and promote reunification, the compatriots from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan and overseas Chinese have played a vital role in advancing the great cause of peaceful reunification of the motherland, Su said.
"In the face of new circumstances and challenges, we must fully recognize the legitimacy and righteousness of opposing 'Taiwan independence' and promoting reunification, accurately grasp the principles and flexibility in defeating separatism and external interference, deeply understand the importance and urgency of promoting cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation, effectively enhance the effectiveness and precision of external communication and exchanges, actively recognize the breadth and representativeness of the forces to oppose 'Taiwan independence' and promote reunification and promote the further development of global anti-independence and reunification movements," Su said.
"As we comprehensively advance the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts through a Chinese path to modernization, we must unswervingly advance the cause of national reunification," she said.
More than 800 representatives from over 100 organizations promoting China's peaceful reunification in more than 30 countries and regions attended the conference in person, and around 200 people were present online at a parallel session in Taiwan.
The conference adopted the Johannesburg Declaration.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.
Cyber risks could derail the adoption of the Production Possibility Frontier Plenty of literature has been written about the challenges facing the South African economy and the fact that there are no immediate solutions to fast-track economic growth. The biggest challenges facing the South African economy are the Energy Crisis and the Logistics Crisis, a …
SA remains the preferred investment destination in Africa
President Cyril Ramaphosa has emphasised that South Africa remains one of the preferred investment destinations and is an important gateway for markets and other business opportunities throughout the continent.
The President was delivering remarks at the Procter & Gamble Plant launch in Kempton Park, in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng.
“As a clear demonstration of the value of trade between African countries, Procter & Gamble currently exports from South Africa to Namibia, Swaziland, Mozambique and Botswana. We understand that the company is set to supply the African continent from South Africa through the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
“The African Continental Free Trade Area will unlock opportunities for the development of export markets, enhance industrial bases and regional value chains.
“We expect the continental free trade area to reduce the cost and improve the ease of doing business in Africa,” he said, adding that government wants to make the movement of products, processes and people seamless as companies increase their footprint on the continent.
Over the years, P&G has been a valuable partner to the South African government through the South Africa Investment Conference (SAIC), continually announcing new investments.
Procter & Gamble stands behind many brands that are household names in South Africa, such as Vicks, Old Spice, Gillette, Oral B and Pampers, amongst others, and has a strong manufacturing footprint in the country.
The company has been in Africa for over 50 years. It has manufacturing operations in South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Egypt and Morocco, and has distributor operations in over 45 countries.
The President said that it has been greatly encouraging to see the company’s response to South Africa’s ambitious investment drive and the investment commitments made by the company at the five South Africa Investment Conferences that we have held since 2018.
“It is a pleasure being here today with all of you to launch this state-of-the-art production line of Pampers Premium Care. The timing of this launch is very opportune.
“South Africa has just hosted the 20th AGOA Forum. It was an opportunity to showcase the capabilities of the African continent to the United States, the world’s largest consumer market. I was pleased to see that leading companies that have an established presence on our continent, like Procter & Gamble, were represented,” he said.
The launch of Tuesday’s production line is the latest in a number of projects that have given effect to Procter & Gamble’s investment pledges.
Through these and other investments, Procter & Gamble is contributing to the reindustrialisation of South Africa’s economy.
“To drive growth that is sustainable and inclusive, we are working to expand and diversify our manufacturing base, and improve its competitiveness and dynamism,” he said.
The President noted that disruptions to global supply chains caused by COVID-19 lockdowns have highlighted the imperative for companies all over the world to diversify their sources of supply.
Investment
“Just as we have seen the benefits of nearshoring and localisation for South African manufacturers, we can appreciate its value to broader global supply stability.
“South Africa is an investment destination with significant untapped potential. We have the ability to attract higher levels of investment and we look forward to working with Procter & Gamble on its future pipeline of investments,” he said.
While investment decisions often take several years to reach fruition, the President said that the investment commitments made to date have already resulted in substantial investment into the productive economy and have created jobs.
He highlighted that Procter & Gamble has heeded government’s call and has sought to increase the participation of small South African businesses in its value chains.
“We are encouraged by the company’s commitment to sourcing local materials, reducing waste, promoting skills development and creating more roles for women in the company.
“We welcome the work the company has undertaken alongside government departments in expanding access to menstrual hygiene products and supporting Early Childhood Development centres.
“We see these partnerships as a testament to the continued commitment of Procter & Gamble to South Africa and the African continent,” the President said.
The President emphasised that government will continue to support Procter & Gamble to increase its footprint through local sourcing and to contribute to job creation, technological development and sustainability.
He congratulated the Procter & Gamble team, from the shop floor to the senior executives, on the launch of this production line.
The President further congratulated the team for the continuous stream of investments being made to increase the company’s footprint on the continent.
“Through the launch of this production line, Procter & Gamble is making a worthy contribution towards our vision of African producers supplying quality goods to African markets.
“This is the vision of a continent that is emerging as the next frontier of global production, meeting the needs of its own people and the peoples of the world,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Wed, 11/08/2023 - 15:55
And its website is out-of-date and poorly maintained
“We want people to have a say in decisions that affect their lives, and you are in that equation, contributing to ensure that we advance the agenda and amplify the voices of citizens on the continent,” Afrobarometer (https://www.Afrobarometer.org/) CEO Joseph Asunka told participants in the network's summer school on Monday in Pretoria, South Africa.
“The contributions that you make to publications will be helpful in making sure that we take our data and analysis to new audiences, driven by new actors like yourselves,” Asunka added in his video message.
The summer school is Afrobarometer's flagship capacity building event, aimed at equipping African scholars with solid skills in research design, survey methodology, and the use of social statistics as part of a broader effort to strengthen research capacity on the continent.
Over the next three weeks, Afrobarometer will be hosting the free training programme in collaboration with the University of Pretoria's Future Africa, a pan-African research institute pioneering approaches to research and innovation on the continent and beyond. At the end of the summer school, participants are expected to produce a research paper.
Describing the summer school, Capacity Building Manager Thomas Isbell said, “One of the core objectives of Afrobarometer is to strengthen capacity for survey research, analysis, and communication on the African continent. In a world that is increasingly dependent on credible data, these skills are needed more than ever to ensure that this work continues to be for Africans and by Africans.”
The 18 participants – 50% women – represent 11 countries: Benin, Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda.
This year's summer school marked the introduction of an online component to allow participants to build their research skills and understanding of Afrobarometer prior to arriving on campus.
“You are the pioneers of this new model, and I hope that you will set a good example and a good bar for future iterations of the programme,” Asunka said.
Reflecting on the importance of summer school, Adivhaho Florence Ramaite, research officer at the Institute for Security Studies and a 2023 summer school participant, noted, “Afrobarometer aims to be the voice of the people. As researchers, it's crucial we grasp and effectively communicate these findings to policy makers, policy advocates, and NGOs for the promotion of the well-being of Africans.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afrobarometer.
For more information, please contact:
Asafika Mpako
Afrobarometer communications coordinator for Southern Africa
Email: ampako@afrobarometer.org
Telephone: +27 83979 8299
Visit us online at www.Afrobarometer.org
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Visit us online at www.Afrobarometer.org
Follow our releases on #VoicesAfrica.
About Afrobarometer:
Afrobarometer (AB) is a trusted source of high-quality data and analysis on what Africans are thinking. With an unmatched track record of more than 370,000+ interviews in 42 countries, representing the views of 75% of the African population, AB is leading the charge to bridge the continent's data gap. AB data inform many global indices, such as the Ibrahim Index of African Governance, Transparency International's Global Corruption Barometer, and the World Bank's Worldwide Governance Indicators. The data are also used for country risk analyses and by credit rating and forecasting agencies such as the Economist Intelligence Unit. All AB data sets are publicly available on the website (https://www.Afrobarometer.org) and may be analysed free of charge using AB's online data analysis tool (https://apo-opa.info/3lVrwlT).
About Future Africa at the University of Pretoria:
The University of Pretoria established the Future Africa initiative as a platform to develop leadership in transdisciplinary research in Africa. Future Africa is a hub for African and global research networks to address the challenges that hamper transformation toward a prosperous, equitable, and sustainable future in Africa.
SA records over 7 400 malaria cases
South Africa has recorded over 7 400 malaria cases between January and October this year, with only 17% of these having been locally acquired.
This means that more people got infected while out of the country, while the country logged at least 66 deaths during the same period.
The Department of Health has since urged all people travelling to and from malaria-endemic or high-risk areas to take the appropriate precautionary measures to prevent possible infection, as the country enters malaria season.
“Summer season marks the start of the malaria period in South Africa due to higher temperatures and increased rainfall in the malaria transmission areas,” the department explained.
Cases are starting to rise in some parts of the country, especially in high-risk areas.
Malaria symptoms include headache, fever, chills, and muscle and joint pain. The department advised citizens, who experience these signs, to visit their local health facility without delay for effective treatment.
“Late presentation to a health facility with symptoms is one of the contributing factors to increasing malaria morbidity and mortality rates,” the department said.
Malaria is defined as a life-threatening, but preventable and curable disease.
“Early detection saves lives,” the department stressed.
The department has since intensified its malaria response plan through screening and testing around borders in high-risk provinces such as KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Limpopo throughout the year for early detection of imported cases.
The department is also embarking on public education campaigns and indoor residual spraying in high-risk areas every year from September until the beginning of the following year.
The department warned pregnant women and children under five years to avoid visiting malaria-endemic areas, unless they take extra caution.
As the Southern African Development Community (SADC) observed Malaria Day on Monday, the Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) said it continues to target public transport nodes, such as taxi ranks and bus stations, to heighten education among the public on prevention measures.
This comes as Gauteng hospitals reported 1 105 malaria cases and 10 deaths from January to September 2023, as a result of the life-threatening disease spread to humans by mosquitoes in endemic areas.
“The majority of people who were admitted and those who have demised as a result of the disease had travelled to Mozambique, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Angola,” the GDoH said, adding that these countries are known to be malaria-endemic regions. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 11/07/2023 - 10:08
Crown Relocations South Africa is a leader in global mobility, providing relocation and moving services for individuals, families, and businesses worldwide. With a commitment to talent development and a passion for excellence, Crown Relocations South Africa is dedicated to helping individuals thrive in the relocations industry. The dynamic and thriving relocations industry encompasses a vast …
Nzimande conferred with honorary professorship
Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande, has been awarded an honorary professorship by the Beijing Jiaotong University in China.
The awarding of the professorship is in recognition of his contributions to education, and is a symbol of strengthening ties between South Africa and China.
In his acceptance speech, Nzimande said he was deeply honoured and grateful for the honour bestowed upon him by such a prestigious institution.
“Professor YU Zujun, President of Beijing Jiaotong University and dear colleagues, it is with the greatest humility, cognisant of the significance of the award, and with gratitude for China’s friendship and support throughout my career, that I am privileged to accept the honorary professorship.
“This award is further evidence of the enduring friendship between South Africa and China, a strategic partnership in which the Beijing Jiaotong University could play an even more important role that I am determined to help facilitate,” Nzimande said.
The Minister said the university is a model of excellence in collaboration and innovation. This is demonstrated by the success in combining its capacities in transport systems, information and communication technologies, as well as the economics and management sciences, to support China’s progress in the development of one of the world’s leading rail networks for both passenger and freight transport.
“I am also eager to learn about Beijing Jiaotong University’s success in combining advanced scientific research and post-graduate programmes, undergraduate studies, as well as vocational training in a holistic manner.”
Over the past 120 years, the Beijing Jiaotong University has developed a comprehensive and coordinated education system, with strength disciplines in information and management, characteristic disciplines in transportation, and other diversified disciplines, including engineering, management, economics, science, liberal arts, law and philosophy.
The university's position in international rankings of world-leading universities and disciplines is steadily on the rise, maintaining its position in the top 500 in the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU).
Currently, the university has 16 888 undergraduate students, 2 763 Doctoral students, 9 933 Master's students, and 3 389 adult college students. The total number of international exchange students amounts to 1 142.
The Departments of Higher Education and Training, and Science and Innovation have congratulated the Minister on his conferral of the honorary professorship. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 11/07/2023 - 10:08
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