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KITKAT South Africa is delighted to announce that they are the exclusive chocolate partner to one of South Africa’s most anticipated music festivals, Hey Neighbour.

Location: MyPR

KITKAT South Africa is delighted to announce that they are the exclusive chocolate partner to one of South Africa’s most anticipated music festivals, Hey Neighbour, set to connect attendees through immersive experiences that recharge their souls and give them a chance to reconnect with themselves, humanity, and the world, much like “Having a break” with …

Read moreKITKAT South Africa is delighted to announce that they are the exclusive chocolate partner to one of South Africa’s most anticipated music festivals, Hey Neighbour.

Game-changing proptech: Lisa smart leasing platform launches in South Africa

Location: MyPR

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA, 11 October 2023 – Dutch-based technology platform Lisa BV will launch its smart leasing platform in South Africa after acquiring its core leasing technology platform from Inospace, South Africa’s largest last-mile logistics operator. Rael Levitt, founder and CEO of Inospace, announced Lisa’s breakthrough market entry today and confirmed that Inospace has …

Read moreGame-changing proptech: Lisa smart leasing platform launches in South Africa

Growthpoint awarded for excellence in developing student accommodation

Location: MyPR

Growthpoint Properties’ (JSE: GRT) purpose-built student accommodation developments excelled at the recent SAPOA Property Awards in Innovative Excellence, winning two prestigious categories that recognise development distinction within the real estate industry. Peak Studios in Observatory, Cape Town, was awarded top place in the Heritage category and Apex Studios in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, won the Student Accommodation …

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Tygerberg MTB Club Members Gear Up for the Ultimate MTB Celebration in Stellenbosch

Location: MyPR

A substantial group of Tygerberg MTB Club members is eagerly awaiting SA’s MTB Party of the year, the Savanna Origin of Trails MTB Experience, that is set to showcase the sport of mountain biking against the backdrop of Stellenbosch’s legendary trails on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 November 2023. “The Savanna Origin of Trails MTB …

Read moreTygerberg MTB Club Members Gear Up for the Ultimate MTB Celebration in Stellenbosch

Government activities for the week, 16 to 20 October 2023

Location: News

Government activities for the week, 16 to 20 October 2023

Government has scheduled the following briefings/activities for the week: 16 to 20 October 2023. 

From Monday, 16 – Tuesday, 17 October, the Ministry in The Presidency for Electricity hosts the second iteration of the South Africa Green Hydrogen Summit (SAGHS). The summit will on Monday be addressed by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

On Monday, 16 October, the Deputy Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Bernice Swarts, will lead the signing of the Dr. Kenneth Kaunda District Development Model (DDM) “One Plan” document in the North West province.

From Monday, 16 October – Wednesday, 18 October, the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Thoko Didiza, will conduct a three-day visit in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District in the North West. The Minister will undertake various activities, including engagements with farmers and communal property associations on challenges facing them in the agricultural sector and the Barolong Boo Modiboa Community.

On Tuesday, 17 October, the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, in partnership with the South African Federation for Mental Health,  will host a webinar to commemorate National Mental Healthcare Awareness Month.

On Tuesday, 17 October, the Minister for Small Business Development, Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, will host the Pitch for Funding Competition in Stellenbosch, Western Cape.

On Friday, 20 October, the North West province will host the second leg of the Presidential Imbizo in J.B. Marks Local Municipality in the Dr. Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality.

Matona
Mon, 10/16/2023 - 11:51

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Choosing the Precise Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) for Your Needs

Location: MyPR

In a world dominated by electronic devices and technology, the need for a constant and reliable power source has never been more evident. Power outages, surges, and fluctuations can wreak havoc on your electronic equipment, causing data loss, hardware damage, and disruption to your daily life. To safeguard your critical devices and maintain productivity, investing …

Read moreChoosing the Precise Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) for Your Needs

Teacher supply and demand by 2030: Securing SA’s future

Location: News

Teacher supply and demand by 2030: Securing SA’s future

South African teachers aren’t operating on survival mode since the public sector has solved the teacher shortages, writes Angie Motshekga.

As South Africa marks Teachers' Month, coinciding with last week's ceremony honouring the best in our teaching cohort, it's imperative to recognise the vital role teachers play in moulding our nation's future. The public sector's successful resolution of teacher shortages means our educators are no longer merely on “survival mode” even though resource constraints remain. Their impact, frequently extending beyond the classroom, is immeasurable. The significance of the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme in bolstering South Africa's teaching profession is commendable. Here in black and white are facts and figures about teachers in SA today.

Since its inception, the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme has facilitated the training and integration of new teachers into our educational system. From 2007, marking the year when bursars completed their studies and became eligible for placement in 2008, up to the most recent data for 2023, a cumulative total of 52 099 teachers have successfully completed their training through the Funza Lushaka programme.

This underscores its success in supporting teachers and rejuvenating the nation’s educational system with well-trained professionals.

The impact of Funza Lushaka on teacher placement: A decade in review

As we delve deeper into the data related to the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme, another significant aspect comes to the fore – the successful placement of these trained educators within our educational system. This ensures that our investment in human capital translates into tangible benefits for our learners and the broader education sector.

From 2013 to 31 August 2023, spanning a decade and seven months, we have witnessed impressive placement rates across our Provincial Education Departments (PEDs).

Eastern Cape: Out of 6 608 trained teachers, 4 869 have been successfully placed, representing a placement rate of 74%. However, 1 739 remain unplaced.

Free State: Here, we see a higher placement percentage. Of the 3 092 educators, 2 752 have found positions, marking an 89% placement rate, leaving only 340 unplaced.

Gauteng: This province has seen the training of 9 423 teachers, with 8 002 of them (or 85%) being effectively integrated into schools. However, 1 421 are still seeking placement.

KwaZulu-Natal: With 9 012 trained educators, 6 908 have been placed (77%), while 2 104 await placement.

Limpopo: This province boasts one of the highest placement rates at 94%. Of 4 623 educators, 4 347 have been placed, leaving a mere 276 unplaced.

Mpumalanga: Here, 4 006 teachers were trained, and 3161 (or 79%) have been placed, leaving 845 awaiting placement.

North West: An impressive 96% placement rate is observed here. Of the 2 543 educators, 2 436 have found their roles in the education system, with only 107 still unplaced.

Northern Cape: Another province with an excellent placement rate of 96%. Of 1 166 educators, 1 115 have been effectively placed, and 51 remain unplaced.

Western Cape: From 6 867 educators, 5,127 have been successfully placed, making the rate 75%. However, 1 740 educators are still seeking placement.

Of the 47 340 educators trained over the past decade and seven months, 38 717 have been effectively placed within our educational system, representing an overall placement rate of 82%. While this achievement is worth celebrating, the data also underscores the need to address the 8 623 educators awaiting placement.

In other words, since 2013, 38 717 out of 47 340 Funza Lushaka graduates have found placement in schools, representing approximately 81.78% of these graduates. This translates to an average placement of about 4 300 graduates per annum. To put this into perspective, Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme graduates placed in schools account for 20-25% of all graduates absorbed into the public education system each year. This figure is a testament to the programme’s significant contribution to rejuvenating the teaching profession.

The financial magnitude of investing in tomorrow’s teachers

However, a programme of this magnitude comes with substantial financial commitment. Between 2007 and 2022, the cumulative financial outlay for the scheme across all participating Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) amounts to a staggering R13 115 645 580.95.

These figures highlight the vast number of future educators being nurtured through the programme and the immense financial commitment to ensuring their readiness to shape the next generation. It’s essential to view this not merely as an expenditure but as a significant investment in the future of South Africa’s basic education system.

Investing in today’s educators for a brighter tomorrow

In 2023 alone, across all HEIs, some 10864 students have been funded to pursue their dreams of becoming educators. This comes at the cost of the fiscus of R1 164 539 332.47. This figure showcases a substantial investment into nurturing teaching professionals who will go on to play an integral role in our basic education system.

It’s worth noting that behind each bursary is an aspiring educator, a beacon of hope equipped to inspire our nation’s youth. This investment signifies belief in the transformative power of education and those who deliver it.

Teacher supply and demand by 2030

The cepartment’s research indicates two major factors: the ageing teaching workforce, which necessitates a new influx of educators, and a surge in learner numbers due to population growth. Given the current learner-educator ratio (LER) of 29.8:1, we employ around 405 000 educators in the public sector. However, by 2030, to maintain this LER, we’d require about 428 000 educators. Failing to meet this could result in the LER spiking to 31.6:1, signifying larger class sizes and potentially diminishing the quality of education. The challenge is further compounded when considering that funding plays a significant role in our ability to recruit and maintain these educators.

But here’s the silver lining: there’s already a surplus. Every year, while 31,000 fresh teacher graduates step out, only 18 000 to 20 000 are absorbed into the public sector, creating a significant reservoir.

However, quantity alone isn’t the solution. As the curriculum evolves with the Three Streams Model focusing on technical vocational and technical occupational streams, the quality and specialisation of training become paramount. Our bursary schemes must pivot, possibly minimising the general academic stream and emphasising the new curricular needs.

*Angie Motshekga is the Basic Education Minister in South Africa.

Matona
Mon, 10/16/2023 - 09:59

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Empowering Tomorrow’s Innovators

Location: Business
Siemens Energy Southern Africa

By Thabo Molekoa, Chairman & Managing Director, Siemens Energy Southern Africa (https://www.Siemens-Energy.com/)

Fostering an environment that promotes a culture of learning, exploration, and technological excellence among the youth, is the key to a more sustainable future.

From 3 – 6 October 2023, the 43rd instalment of Eskom Expo for Young Scientists was held at the Birchwood Conference Centre in Johannesburg. Each year the Expo finds the top young innovators and scientists across South Africa and Internationally, bringing these students together to compete against, and engage with, like-minded individuals on a platform that promotes innovation and scientific excellence. This year the Expo hosted 330 young scientists from 35 regions across South Africa, alongside 20 international students from 10 countries including Mexico, Namibia, Mozambique, and Turkey.

The Expo plays a pivotal role in promoting and sustaining the youth's interests in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Innovation (STEMI) subjects. It provides budding scientists with the opportunity to showcase and demonstrate their problem-solving skills, innovative capabilities, and creative thinking to solve some of the world's biggest challenges. We saw students demonstrate power generation through an electrolysis system using lead pencils and water; we saw them improve the energy generation capacity of solar panels by using mirrors to direct sunrays throughout the day; as well as to identify how we can generate electricity by using the gas released from biodegradable substances. Platforms such as this also gives corporate organizations and educational institutions the opportunity to support the growth of STEMI subject skillsets and training, by providing the youth with the necessary tools to pursue scientific and engineering careers.  

Siemens Energy was proud to participate as one of the main sponsors of this initiative. We sponsored students from Namibia and Mozambique to travel to South Africa and showcase their inventions. We also sponsored laptops to nine rural and underprivileged schools across the country, with two young scientists each receiving full bursaries to study engineering at a university of their choice.

The Expo was an insightful and inspiring event that demonstrated the impressive capabilities of today's young scientists. It allowed the students to showcase their knowledge and skill, in a fun, exciting, and supportive environment.

As global economies rush to enable a shift in energy systems; we need to encourage innovation, knowledge, and continuous revolution in training and education to facilitate progress. Involving the youth in challenges like these, provides the next generation of energy professionals with opportunities to learn and lead in the energy transition.

Siemens Energy recognizes the role of the youth in tackling this problem, our Just Energy Transition Hackathon, held last year is another example of how Siemens Energy is assisting in exposing the youth to a passion for STEMI subjects and energy in an engaging and rewarding format.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Siemens Energy Southern Africa.

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Siemens Energy Southern Africa
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Mashele, Xaba set fastest 5K times for SA Athletes on SA soil at Boxer Super Race

Location: MyPR

Boxer Athletics Club athletes Precious Mashele and Glenrose Xaba showcased their remarkable speed at the inaugural Boxer Super Run in Durban on Sunday 15 October 2023, becoming the fastest South Africans to complete a 5km run on home soil with their astonishing finishing times of 13:44 and 16:03, respectively. According to Mashele, every time that …

Read moreMashele, Xaba set fastest 5K times for SA Athletes on SA soil at Boxer Super Race

South Africa, Namibia highlight areas of partnership

Location: News

South Africa, Namibia highlight areas of partnership

South Africa and Namibia have reached agreements in more than 150 areas which will deepen relations between the two Southern African countries.

This was announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa during the South Africa-Namibia Business Forum held in Namibia.

“Our Ministers of International Relations tabled a report at the Bi-National Commission where they reported on up to 159 areas of agreement that they have worked on in the past few days. This process started after His Excellency Hage Geingob visited South Africa on a state visit earlier this year.

“This business forum was presaged by those agreements that they have been working on for all this time. To have had up to 150-something areas agreement is a truly outstanding feat…that is a result of real good hard work,” he said.

The President said the two countries can use the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area to position themselves as an industrialising hub for the continent with a focus on increased trade between the two countries and with the rest of the continent.

The agreements presented encouraged the two governments to deepen or broaden cooperation in four specific areas including in:

  • Green Hydrogen
  • Developing cross-border value-chains to boost industrialisation and economic development
  • Promoting higher levels of investment in each other’s economies
  • Facilitating deeper private sector relations

On Green Hydrogen, the President said: “South Africa is in the process of considering and finalising a Green Hydrogen Commercialisation Strategy. Namibia too is implementing its green hydrogen strategy. We can either go it alone as South Africa and Namibia or we can position this part of the west coast of the African continent as a key green hydrogen region.”

Turning to cross border value chains, President Ramaphosa said the two countries together have “the key elements of success”.

“We have raw materials, ranging from critical minerals to agricultural raw materials. We have technology, capital, an increasingly skilled and educated workforce and infrastructure. A number of value chains can be identified.

“One of these relate to our use of critical minerals to ensure that manufacturing takes place on the African continent,” he said.

President Ramaphosa highlighted South Africa’s favourability as an investment destination and called on Namibian businesses to do business in the country and called on South African companies to do the same.

“I want to invite Namibian businesses who want to expand their operations to set up businesses in our country. Similarly, South African companies can work with the government of Namibia and local business partners to set up operations here.

“In order to boost investment, we agreed earlier today to request our Ministers of Trade and Industry to work towards establishing a financing facility for industrial and productive development projects,” he said.

President Ramaphosa said business forums like the one held on Friday are an example of platforms that must be created to strengthen “dialogue and stimulate joint ventures” in the private sectors of both countries.

“Namibian businesses must see benefits from the involvement of South African firms in Namibia, and vice versa.

“I wish to welcome two key decisions we made at the Binational Commission today. They are, firstly, to deepen cooperation to attract private sector investment in agreed areas of cooperation.

“Secondly, to establish a South Africa-Namibia Business Council to serve as a public-private sector platform for coordinated and concerted actions,” President Ramaphosa said. - SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Sun, 10/15/2023 - 12:53

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SA condemns violation of the Geneva Conventions

Location: News

SA condemns violation of the Geneva Conventions

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) has condemned in the strongest possible terms Israel’s violation of the Geneva Conventions and the abandonment of International Humanitarian Law in Gaza.

According to the World Health Organisation, the complete blockage of the Gaza Strip announced by Israel remains in effect.

Israeli authorities have stopped their electricity and water supply to the Gaza Strip and no movements of food, fuel, health, other humanitarian supplies or patients are allowed – worsening the already dire situation, said Dirco in a statement.

Article 14 of the Geneva Convention states: “Starvation of civilians as a method of combat is prohibited. It is therefore prohibited to attack, destroy, remove or render useless for that purpose, objects indispensable to the survival of the civilian population such as food-stuffs, agricultural areas for the production of food-stuffs, crops, livestock, drinking water installations and supplies and irrigation works”.

According to the Fourth Geneva Convention, “civilians in areas of armed conflict and occupied territories are protected by the 159 articles of the Fourth Geneva Convention. Civilians are to be protected from murder, torture, or brutality, and from discrimination on the basis of race, nationality, religion or political opinion”.

The UN Commission on Human Rights has previously declared Israel’s “continuous grave breaches” of the Fourth Geneva Convention and Additional Protocol I to be war crimes.

“International Humanitarian Law includes the obligation not to target civilian populations, and the responsibility to protect civilians in armed conflict. Israeli bombardments from the air, sea, and land have continued and intensified across the Gaza Strip for the sixth consecutive day.

“This is an egregious violation of International Humanitarian Law,” said Dirco.

According to the latest report from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the continual bombardment of the Gaza strip has now resulted in over 423 000 internally displaced people, this represents an increase of 24 percent over the past 24 hours. Two-thirds of the IDPs are taking shelter in UNRWA schools.

“[The] announcement by Israel giving 1.1 million Gazans 24 hours to leave the Northern Gaza strip and evacuate to the South of Gaza will lead to further catastrophe as, according to humanitarian organisations on the ground, there are not enough resources to host so many IDPs in other governorates - not enough shelter, aid or water.

“The UN has announced that UN schools turned into shelters are already overrun with shortages in resources, including food, water, medicine, and other humanitarian provisions as required under International Law,” the DIRCO statement read.

The department urged the Israeli government to heed calls to provide services to the Gaza strip.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has stressed that crucial life-saving supplies, including fuel, food and water, must be allowed into Gaza.

Between 100 and 150 Israelis, including soldiers and civilians, some of whom are women and children, as well as some foreign nationals, have been captured and forcibly taken into Gaza. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has also called for the “immediate release of all Israeli hostages, which is also forbidden under International Humanitarian Law”.

“South Africa calls on Israel to immediately heed the calls of the UN Secretary General, the plethora of humanitarian organisation operating in Gaza, and a number of governments around the world to immediately provide water, food, fuel, and electricity to the people of Gaza.

“South Africa also calls for the release of the Israeli hostages taken into Gaza,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Sun, 10/15/2023 - 09:01

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President Ramaphosa on working visit to Namibia

Location: News

President Ramaphosa on working visit to Namibia

President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to lead a delegation of ministers on a working visit to Namibia today.

While there, the President will co-chair the 3rd Session of the Republic of South Africa and the Republic of Namibia Bi-National Commission (SA - Namibia BNC) with his Namibian counterpart, President Hage Geingob.

According to the Presidency, the BNC was inaugurated some 10 years ago at Windhoek with the second session of the BNC held in 2016.

“South Africa and Namibia share a common vision on issues of political and economic integration of the African continent. Both countries pursue Africa’s renewal, South-South cooperation, and the promotion of a rules-based, equitable international system of governance.

“The scope of cooperation between the two countries is expansive, anchored by 74 Memoranda of Understanding and Agreements. The geographical proximity of our countries and the sharing of common borders has over the years presented many opportunities for cooperation and thus benefitted the economies of the two countries,” the Presidency said in a statement.

The Presidency said this third session of the BNC has the following objectives:

  • Evaluate progress on the implementation of commitments made during the 2nd session of the BNC;
  • Consolidate the existing bilateral political, economic and social relations between the two countries and people;
  • Promote cooperation in energy, particularly focusing on electricity and green hydrogen;
  • Deepen existing cooperation and coordination at regional, continental and global levels to advance common positions.

“President Ramaphosa will lead a government delegation comprising of Ministers Naledi Pandor of International Relations and Cooperation; Thoko Didiza of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development; Blade Nzimande of Higher Education, Science and Innovation; and Ebrahim Patel of Trade, Industry and Competition.

“The delegation is also expected to include Ministers Lindiwe Zulu of Social Development; Gwede Mantashe of Mineral Resources and Energy; Barbara  Creecy of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries; Senzo Mchunu of Water and Sanitation; Sandisiwe Chikunga of Transport; Patricia de Lille of Tourism; and Ministers in The Presidency, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa and Khumbudzo Ntshavheni,” the statement read.

Committees that make up the BNC include the Diplomatic, Economic, Social and Defence and Security committees. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Fri, 10/13/2023 - 09:44

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President Ramaphosa: Panel findings on Lady R were “completely rational”

Location: News

President Ramaphosa: Panel findings on Lady R were "completely rational"

President Cyril Ramaphosa has told the National Council of Provinces that he is confident that the independent panel -- which was appointed to investigate the circumstances surrounding the docking of the Lady R vessel in Simonstown in December 2022 -- made rational findings. 

The President was answering oral questions in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on Thursday. 

“I have no reason to believe the findings of the panel were irrational. In fact, I believe the findings of the panel were completely rational. As one went through the report, I could find no irrationality. The panel made no finding of involvement of clandestine parties or illegal transactions," President Ramaphosa said.

President Ramaphosa appointed the panel to investigate claims that South Africa may have exported weaponry and ammunition to Russia, which invaded Ukraine in February last year and is accused of various war crimes.

The panel found no evidence that South Africa sent weapons to Russia.

The President said that the independent panel was led by a respected retired Judge and two prominent and respected legal minds. 

“The extent of the work undertaken and the information the panel sought, obtained and analysed gives me full confidence in the contents of their report. 

“The panel made no finding of involvement by ‘clandestine parties’ or illegal transactions, and no evidence has been presented to contradict the panel’s findings.

“The contents of the shipment carried on the Lady R are kept secret so as not to compromise the work or the safety of our security forces. I have no intention of compromising this under any circumstances,” the President said. 

The President highlighted that Section 23 of the National Conventional Arms Control Act makes it clear that information on the quantity of items is shared with Parliament on a confidential basis.

“Nothing in the Act requires disclosure on the intended use of the controlled items. In fact, the Act expressly states that: 'Information concerning the technical specifications of controlled items may be omitted from a report contemplated in this section in order to protect military and commercial secrets', " the President said. 

He said the work of the National Conventional Arms Control is critical in ensuring that the country abides by its international obligations in relation to the transfer and trade in controlled items, and that "it continues to do this critical work, as provided for in its founding legislation and the relevant United Nations conventions". 

President Ramaphosa said the protection of information related to its work is clearly provided for in the Act and is just as important to its mandate and to national security. 

President Ramaphosa said government will continue to respect the requirements of the law and its responsibility to safeguard the security of the nation. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Fri, 10/13/2023 - 09:54

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GBVF Response Fund 1 partners with Standard Bank Top Women’s Conference

Location: MyPR

The Gender-based Violence and Femicide Response Fund 1 (GBVF RF) is proud to announce its strategic partnership with the Standard Bank Top Women’s Conference. This collaboration is a significant step towards creating a safer and more inclusive society by empowering women and eliminating Gender-Based Violence and Femicide. Sazini Mojapelo, CEO of the Fund, emphasizes the …

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Exit Strategies: The Need for Sustainability in Employment Formation Projects.

Location: MyPR

Beyond Public Employment Programmes to Pathway Participants into viable work and earning opportunities – by Sandy Dlamini Zhanda, Siphesihle Qange & Struan Robertson, Seriti Institute In the realm of employment creation projects, public employment programmes (PEPs) have played a crucial role in providing work and earning opportunities while alleviating the socioeconomic impact of unemployment. Significantly, …

Read moreExit Strategies: The Need for Sustainability in Employment Formation Projects.

Health Department to introduce recent vaccines to improve existing coverage

Location: News

Health Department to introduce new vaccines to improve existing coverage

As part of efforts to improve coverage of existing vaccines, the Department of Health is set to introduce new vaccines to be included in the routine expanded program on immunisation at a cost of R3.5 billion.

Health Minister, Dr Joe Phaahla, made the announcement during a media briefing following a meeting with Health MECs held in Centurion on Thursday.

Phaahla noted that South Africa continues to experience outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases, despite a strong childhood vaccination programme.

He said there is an ongoing need to improve coverage of existing vaccines and add new vaccines to the expanded program on immunisation schedule. 

The Minister said the department is introducing a better packaged/derived vaccine that will prevent Whooping Cough, Tetanus and Diphtheria and reduce the chances of these conditions resurfacing within the communities. 

“We are also introducing a combination vaccine of measles and rubella that will protect young girls, particularly during pregnancy which may lead to birth defects,” Phaahla said. 

He said all these changes, recommended by the Ministerial-appointed National Advisory Group on Immunisation (NAGI), will be implemented with effect from January 2024. 

Expansion of online birth registrations rollout

The Minister also announced that the Department of Home Affairs has made budget provision for the set-up and operational costs for the expansion of Online Registration System by an additional 91 health facilities during 2023/24 financial year.  

This forms part of collaborative efforts between the Departments of Health and Home Affairs to ensure that all births are registered on time, through the Online Birth Registration system, which has been rolled in 161 health facilities with ability to issue birth certificates on the spot.

“These facilities will be allocated full-time Home Affairs officials to provide birth registration service during office hours. The establishment of the system in these new facilities will commence by the end of October 2023. This initiative will go a long way in providing early birth registration,” Phaahla said.

Integration of COVID-19 vaccinations into primary health services

Meanwhile, the Minister announced that the department has decided to make a number of changes related to COVID-19 vaccinations, which include transitioning from a mass vaccination campaign to integrate vaccination into routine primary health care services.

This is in line with World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendations.

Phaahla said the current available Pfizer vaccine stock purchased as part of the COVID-19 national vaccination rollout will expire at the end of October 2023, while the J&J vaccine doses will expire at the end of February 2024. 

The EVDS (Electronic Vaccination Data System) will continue to record all COVID-19 vaccinations until 29 February 2024, thereafter those vaccinated will receive a paper-record of vaccination, but they will still be able to download vaccination certificates as long as they have at least one vaccination code.

“The department plans to procure vaccines for administration in the public sector and will continue to work with the private sector to facilitate availability of vaccines. All restrictions limiting procurement of vaccines by private sector providers will be lifted,” Phaahla explained. 

He added that the investigation and causality assessment of COVID-19 vaccination-related Adverse Events Following Immunisation (AEFIs) will continue and mechanisms for processing No Fault Compensation Scheme claims will be retained. 

Phaahla also gave an update on various issues affecting the public health system, including cost containment measures; audit outcomes and performance against targets; medico-legal claims, among others. – SAnews.gov.za 

 

GabiK
Fri, 10/13/2023 - 10:44

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Inspired Education Group expands groundbreaking VR lessons and metaverse pilot in South Africa

Location: MyPR

Inspired Education Group, the global leader in premium education, is proud to announce the expansion of its Virtual Reality (VR) and Metaverse-based learning programme to selected schools in South Africa. Following a successful pilot in five international schools, Inspired is now taking this innovative approach to education to Reddam House Helderfontein and Reddam House Waterfall …

Read moreInspired Education Group expands groundbreaking VR lessons and metaverse pilot in South Africa

“Closing the care gap – the role of families” in Breast Cancer battle

Location: News

WHO Regional Office for Africa
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The Ministry of Health, Cancer Unit has recorded 577 cases of cancer between January 2023 and June 2023, 33 of which are cancers of the breast. While many cancer patients in middle-income countries succumb to the disease, 50-year-old Fikile Hlatjwayo is lucky to have survived the deadly disease. Hlatjwayo was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 and started treatment, which at that time was only available in South Africa through the Phalala Fund. It was only in 2022 that the Ministry of Health established an oncology unit in Manzini, through support from the Bristol Myer Squibb Foundation (BMSF). This came as a relief to cancer patients like Hlatjwayo as services became available in the country. This enabled patients to receive not only medical support but also support from family, true to this year's theme of Global Breast Cancer Awareness month “Closing the care gap, the role of families”.

The establishment of the oncology unit enabled the Ministry of Health to construct a radiation facility. The official opening of Manzini Oncology Hospital has witnessed an increase in the number of clients accessing services and the only facility that provides strictly cancer in-patient care. This has eased the burden on Mbabane Government Hospital, which was the only center that provided chemotherapy services, and reduced the referral to neighboring countries/private facilities. Currently, the hospital has one Oncologist who works in both Manzini and Mbabane Hospital. Further, the Ministry of Health has assigned some Medical Officers to work in the Oncology Unit.

Hlatjwayo says the availability of cancer treatment in local facilities has lessened the stress of having to spend a lot of time away from her family whilst receiving treatment in neighboring countries. “I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 and I received treatment again in 2022 because some cancer cells were found in my lungs, but now I am okay. I would like to thank my husband and my children for the support that they gave me throughout my journey with cancer,” she said.

During the launch of the Global Breast Cancer Awareness month in Mbabane, Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Health Khanyakwezwe Mabuza mentioned that this year's theme indeed focused on the role played by family in giving hope and support to cancer patients and overcoming stigma. Mabuza said, just like Hlatjwayo's family, awareness and education can enable families to create a better place for all those who need care and support.

“Understanding and acquiring knowledge about the condition of the sick relative, treatment options that are available and the importance of preventive care empowers families to actively participate in the health care discussion. There is no doubt that without families there is no way we can survive or conquer this scourge,” he said.

The PS outlined that families can foster an inclusive natural environment where individuals feel safe to express their needs. He added that having breast cancer is not an easy road, so by promoting open communication, families can contribute to breaking down the barriers and stigma that surrounds the disease.

“There is a lot of misconception with regards to breast cancer, and families become advocates for the loved ones. This allows the individuals to seek healthcare without fear of judgment and discrimination, he said. Mabuza further emphasized that the Ministry of Health has prioritized cancer control and has ensured universal cancer prevention.  He further applauded the Eswatini Breast and Cervical Cancer Network as well as Eswatini Hospice at Home, among others, for ensuring that cancer patients receive the necessary support.

Speaking at the same event, WHO Representative Dr Susan Tembo mentioned that globally, there are more than 2.3 million cases of breast cancer that occur each year, which makes it the most common cancer among adults. In 95% of countries, breast cancer is the first or second leading cause of female cancer deaths, and nearly 80% of deaths from breast and cervical cancer occur in low- and middle-income countries like Eswatini. Dr Tembo reiterated that breast cancer places a tremendous strain on individuals, families, communities, health systems, and economies, hence it must be a priority for the Ministry of Health and Government.

“Cancer in women including breast cancer leaves a devastating impact on the next generation. A study on cancer, suggests that with an estimated 4.4 million women dying of cancer in 2020, nearly 1 million children were orphaned by cancer, 25% of which were due to breast cancer. Children who lose their mothers to cancer experience health and educational disadvantages throughout their lives, triggering generational, chronic social disruption and financial harm in many cases,” she said.

To mitigate the burden of breast cancer, WHO has released a number of tools including the Global Breast Cancer Initiative Framework which provides a roadmap to attain the targets to save 2.5 million lives from breast cancer by 2040. The new Framework recommends that countries implement the three pillars of health promotion for early detection, timely diagnosis, and comprehensive management of breast cancer to reach the targets. Dr Tembo further urged the Government of Eswatini to ensure that this framework is integrated into primary health care, not only to advance health promotion but also to empower women to seek and receive health care throughout the life cycle.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of WHO Regional Office for Africa.

Read more“Closing the care gap – the role of families” in Breast Cancer battle