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South Africa – Fire in a Johannesburg building

Location: News

France Diplomatie - Ministère de l'Europe et des Affaires étrangères
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We were deeply saddened to learn of the fire that broke out in a building in Johannesburg on August 31, killing a very large number of people.

France offers its heartfelt condolences to the victims' families and loved ones. We wish those injured a speedy recovery.

France stands shoulder to shoulder with the people and authorities of South Africa at this difficult time.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of France Diplomatie - Ministère de l'Europe et des Affaires étrangères.

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President Tinubu Offers Condolences to South Africa Following Tragic Fire Incident

Location: News

The State House, Abuja
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President Bola Tinubu expresses his deepest condolences to the government and people of South Africa, following a tragic fire incident at a multi-storey building in Johannesburg's central business district.

“In this moment of tragedy, our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families impacted by this devastating fire incident. The extent of this loss is truly profound, and during this challenging time, please be assured that Nigeria stands in unity with you,” the President said, while praying for a speedy recovery for the wounded.

Reiterating the strong bond shared between Nigeria and South Africa, President Tinubu expresses hope that the collective strength of the South African people, relevant government agencies and the unwavering spirit of Africa will positively impact the healing and rehabilitation of all those affected.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The State House, Abuja.

Read morePresident Tinubu Offers Condolences to South Africa Following Tragic Fire Incident

Cosentino surfaces shined in colourful designs at the Samsung Bespoke Challenge

Location: MyPR

A ‘warm and welcoming’, multifaceted yet tranquil space took top honours in the second Samsung Bespoke Home Challenge, in which up-and-coming South African designers were challenged to create an integrated kitchen/living room inspired by a colour in the Samsung Bespoke range. Zwelibanzi Nzuza, a final-year design student from KwaZulu-Natal, centred his design around a bold …

Read moreCosentino surfaces shined in colourful designs at the Samsung Bespoke Challenge

Sony Introduces World’s Smallest and Lightest[i] Wide-Angle Zoom Lens G-Master FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II with the Acclaimed G Master™ Image Quality and Advanced High-Speed AF

Location: MyPR

Sony Introduces World’s Smallest and Lightest[i] Wide-Angle Zoom Lens G-Master FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II with the Acclaimed G Master™ Image Quality and Advanced High-Speed AF With the introduction of this second generation wide-angle zoom, along with the second generation of standard, and telephoto zoom lenses with a maximum aperture of F2.8, Sony enhances the …

Read moreSony Introduces World’s Smallest and Lightest[i] Wide-Angle Zoom Lens G-Master FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II with the Acclaimed G Master™ Image Quality and Advanced High-Speed AF

Pandor undertakes a working visit to the Comoros

Location: News

Pandor undertakes a working visit to the Comoros

International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor, will pay a working visit to Moroni, Comoros, where she will meet with her counterpart, Dhoihir Dhoulkamal on Friday. 

In a statement on Thursday, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation said the two Ministers will assess the status of the bilateral relations between South Africa and the Comoros.

“They will also share information and exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest. 

“The two Ministers will also sign a General Cooperation Agreement, meant, among other objectives, to establish a Joint Commission at the Senior Official’s Level.” 

Through the Joint Commission, the department hopes that an increased level of cooperation across various sectors between the two nations will occur. 

Pandor will also use the opportunity of her visit to pay a courtesy call to Comoros President Azali Assoumani, the current Chair of the African Union (AU). 

In addition, she will have an engagement with the Comorian business community, women leaders and youth entrepreneurs during lunch. 

The meeting will focus on women and youth as active African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) participants. 

The engagement will be hosted by the Governor of Ngazidja, Madam Sitti Faroutta and be attended by the Comorian Minister of Economy and Investment, Ahmed Ali Bazi, and other dignitaries. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile
Thu, 08/31/2023 - 12:47

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Transforming Breakfast Habits

Location: MyPR

The 2023 Rama Good Breakfast Programme Celebrates Another Successful Year Pretoria, 30 August 2023 – Rama, the beloved fat spread that has been a staple in South African households since 1970, is excited to announce the resounding success of its 2023 Good Breakfast Programme. This innovative initiative, run in partnership with the Department of Basic …

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Building fire tragedy ‘a very difficult lesson’ that must not be repeated: President Ramaphosa

Location: News

Building fire tragedy 'a very difficult lesson' that must not be repeated: President Ramaphosa

The building fire which claimed the lives of at least 74 people in Johannesburg should serve as a “wake up call” for the urgent need to resolve housing challenges in the inner city, according to President Cyril Ramaphosa.

He was addressing the media at the site of the building – called the Usindiso Building – on Thursday evening.

“We are very saddened as government about the passing of so many people here in Johannesburg. This is unprecedented. Johannesburg has never had an incident like this where so many people die as a result of a fire in the centre of the city. This is tragic, this is very sad and I want to pass my condolences and that of the government to the families of those who have passed on and those who are still in hospital.

“We’ve got to [get] to the bottom of what caused this fire. It’s a wake-up call for us to begin to address the situation of housing in the inner city that a building like this…once the lease had expired, it was then hijacked and we need to get on top of this and find effective ways of dealing with problems of accommodation of housing and services in the inner city,” he said.

Swift response

President Ramaphosa said the emergency and social response in the aftermath of the report of the fire in the early hours of Thursday morning was in line with expectations.

He said this demonstrates that the “determination to care for the people of South Africa is…a top priority”.

“I’m told that as soon as the fire was reported at 1:19 in the morning, in ten minutes the firefighters were here. That is a real good and quick response which we must recognise on the part of the province, the city, that they have been ready for calamities and events like this. A response of 10 minutes when such a devastating fire is something that needs to be recognised.

“The sad part is that much as they fought the fire, they were not able to save everyone and some people were saved…but it’s said that we have lost up to 74 people and some of them children who must have died very tragically and this is the type of death that we never wish on anyone.

“The ministers, the MECs and the province and the city are working now full out to make sure that those who need assistance from accommodation to trauma counselling to hospitalisation are being looked after,” he said.

Rooting out criminality

The President addressed the fact that the Usindiso Building belongs to the City of Johannesburg but was hijacked by “criminal elements” who prey on those in desperate need for accommodation.

“The lesson for us is that we’ve got to address this problem and root out those criminal elements because it is these types of buildings that are taken over by criminals who then levy rent on vulnerable people and families who need and want accommodation in the inner city.

“There needs to be law and order in the inner city. The initiatives that we are embarking on through our security forces…one of those, working with the city and with the province, we are going to ensure that we root out all criminal elements and restore the livelihoods of people who live in the city,” he said.

President Ramaphosa emphasised that when dealing with buildings such as the Usindiso Building, government must carefully balance the constitutionally mandated right to housing with dealing with criminality.

“We are not standing here to shift blame and to pass blame on anyone. And if anything, we are all responsible for the calamity that has occurred and we need to take it in [our] stride and say, yes this should never have happened, yes we should be learning a lesson and sometimes these are very difficult lessons that have been sparked off by loss of life.

“But nonetheless, this is a lesson and yes, I repeat, a wake-up call because we don’t want to see a repeat of what has happened here. So therefore, we need to look at…the regulations, the laws and everything.

“We have achieved a great deal. Our constitutional construct has given all of us a right that we’ve always yearned for. But we’ve always found that we go through a number of processes as we try to do the right thing. At the same time, there’s either too many delays, too many detours that then make it difficult for us to do the right thing at the right time,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

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Thu, 08/31/2023 - 20:02

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Kodwa launches Heritage Month

Location: News

Kodwa launches Heritage Month

Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa has officially launched this year’s Heritage Month at the Moletjie Tribal Authority.

Hosted in the rich, unique, and culturally diverse province of Limpopo, the event featured a medley of various components of sports, arts, language, and cultural performances. 

Heritage Month is celebrated annually in September and marks the country’s diverse culture and heritage.

The 2023 National Heritage Month will be commemorated under the ‘Celebrating our cultural diversity in a democratic South Africa’ theme. 

“This year’s theme puts a spotlight on South Africa’s rich and diverse cultural heritage which incorporates African, Asian, and European cultures and traditions,” said the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture.

Minister Kodwa said music and dancing are an important part of many traditional African societies. 

“We do our traditional dance because it gives us our African identity.”

He also touched on the importance of breaking into song and music as Africans. 

“Music is our soul. When we cry, [when we are] happy or saddened, we sing music. Those who do not understand us think when we have bereavement or a death in a family and when we dance, they think we are celebrating. But we’re consoling ourselves.” 

“Many centuries ago, we were not allowed to celebrate what we see here,” he added, pointing to the stage where traditional dancers were performing.

He told attendees that Heritage Day is about “celebrating who we are”. 

Kodwa also called on Africans to tell their own stories.

“Those books must promote the African culture and diversity of our culture,” he stressed, while adding that traditional leadership is crucial to promoting  African culture. 

He also urged all Mayors to organise cultural events leading up to Heritage Day, which will be celebrated on 24 September. 

The event also unveiled publications of Living Human Treasures in honour of the late Koko Meiki Grace Masuku, Themba Patrick Magaisa, Vho Tshimangadzo Esther Sinyengwe, Oom Petros Vaalbooi and Dr Thomas Hasani Chauke. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile
Thu, 08/31/2023 - 18:21

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Committee Receives Briefing from Department on Restructuring of Eskom and its First Quarter Performance

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: The Parliament
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The Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises received briefings from the Department of Public Enterprises on its first quarter performance report for the 2023/24 financial year, and on progress regarding Eskom restructuring yesterday.

Briefing the committee, the Acting Director-General of the department, Ms Jacky Molisane, informed the committee that the department has drafted the National State-owned Companies Bill, which is currently undergoing consultations. She said a draft business case for the proposed holding company has been prepared for consultation.

The committee heard that following broad consultation on the Eskom Debt Relief Bill, it was passed by National Assembly and sent to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) for concurrence in May 2023, where it was passed on 21 June 2023. The Bill was sent to the President for assent and it was assented into law on 5 July 2023 (Act 7 of 2023). The committee also heard that the National Treasury is finalising the strategic conditions of compliance for Eskom to enable the conversion of the loan into equity.

Regarding the three Eskom companies that were separated and operationalised, Ms Molisane said that the National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA) was established, it was registered and incorporated as a wholly owned subsidiary of Eskom. Ms Molisane told the committee that application of approval for the revised transmission licence was submitted to the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) in September 2022.

On 27 July 2023, the NERSA approved the licence of the NTCSA to operate the transmission system (excluding the Trading and the Import/Export applications) within the national boundaries of the Republic of South Africa. NERSA stated that trading and the import/export applications will require further consideration before being submitted to NERSA's electricity subcommittee.

The committee was concerned about the department's delayed processing of the SOC Bill. The committee also questioned the need for Eskom to be unbundled into three companies, including one for distribution, without considering municipalities for distribution. The committee stressed that the municipalities should have full control of the distribution of electricity in communities within their jurisdiction. 

The committee indicated that Eskom supplies electricity to the entire country, converting debt to equity. It said Eskom is not generating revenue, which has a direct impact on Eskom's liquidity, hence the government must intervene all the time.

On Transnet, the committee was of the view that Transnet has made progress in creating space for the private sector to participate, but questioned why the private sector would invest in an unprofitable business and what this says about job security for Transnet employees.

On the issue of the closure of the department, which was announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa when he delivered the 2023 State of the Nation Address, Ms Molisane said they are awaiting promulgation by the President. The department will start the process of closure after that.

The Deputy Minister of the department, Mr Obed Bapela, who led the department during presentations, said: “The DG and the team are engaging officials in that the department is coming to an end, the matter of officials. The process is under way to discuss a way forward, which also includes organised labour.”

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

Read moreCommittee Receives Briefing from Department on Restructuring of Eskom and its First Quarter Performance

Accenture Song Named Digital & Direct Agency Of Record For Telkom

Location: MyPR

Accenture Song has been appointed digital and direct agency partner for Telkom – one of South Africa’s providers of communication services, following a competitive pitch process. This win holds notable significance as it marks the first piece of business for the newly positioned tech-powered creative group, firmly establishing its credentials as a new breed of …

Read moreAccenture Song Named Digital & Direct Agency Of Record For Telkom

Understanding the Krugerrand Market: A Comprehensive Guide to Buying and Selling in South Africa

Location: MyPR

Introduction The Krugerrand, a gold coin that has its roots in South Africa, has been a symbol of wealth and a solid investment opportunity for decades. Whether you’re an investor looking to sell Krugerrand or a potential buyer exploring the market, understanding the intricacies of this gold coin is crucial for making informed decisions.   …

Read moreUnderstanding the Krugerrand Market: A Comprehensive Guide to Buying and Selling in South Africa

Recognising women in science and technology

Location: News

Recognising women in science and technology

By Dimpho Mogale

The South African Women in Science Awards (SAWiSA), which recognises and rewards excellence by women in science and technology, will take place in September.

The Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) will host a two-day celebration from 8 September in Durban.

Themed, ‘Harnessing technological change and innovation to achieve gender equality and empower women and girls,’ the awards recognises younger women who are starting their careers as researchers and scientists, as well as registered master's and PhD students.

Participants will be awarded in the following categories:

  • Distinguished Woman Researchers: winner receives R90 000, first runner-up: R65 000, second runner-up: R40 000;
     
  • Distinguished Young Woman Researchers: winner receives R80 000, first runner-up: R55 000, second runner-up: R30 000;
     
  • DSI-Ndoni Mcunu Fellowship: six participants will receive R70 000 for a master’s degree and six participants will receive R90 000 for a PhD degree.

The category DSI Fellowships was renamed to DSI-Ndoni Mcunu Fellowships in honour of Mcunu’s memory and legacy as a young brilliant scientist and phenomenal woman.

The late Mcunu was one of South Africa's leading young scientists in climate change, a social entrepreneur, and the founder of Black Women in Science (BWIS).  

BWIS has provided developmental training to over 400 postgraduate fellows in business, entrepreneurship and research skills, scientific writing, project leadership, science communication skills and research career preparation.

During her lifetime Mcunu achieved numerous accolades including being named a 2017 Mandela Washington Fellow, receiving an honorary award at the KZN Young Achievers Awards in the Science Research and Entrepreneurship category, winning the Gagasi FM Shero award in the Science and Technology category and recognised as one of the 40 under-40 African Leaders for Climate Resilience in 2019.

The DSI and 2023 SAWiSA has 26 finalists and one of the finalists selected is Gizelle Roque Van Niekerk from the University of Pretoria, who is a second year MSc student.

In 2022, she attended the 14th Green Chemistry Postgraduate Summer School (GCPSS) in Venice, Italy.

“I am grateful to Pietro Tundo for seeing potential in me as a young scientist by selecting me to attend the in-person event on scholarship.

“The 14th Green Chemistry Summer School was a life-changing experience and instrumental to my future career as a chemist. It was an honour to present my research at such a prestigious international summer school.

“The opportunity reinforced my belief that green chemistry solutions are a fundamental course of action for sustainable development in the Global South,” Van Niekerk said in a statement.

She said it was a privilege to engage with postgraduate students from a broad spectrum of countries and found the talks given by highly influential scientists very inspiring.

Networking with people who share the same common goal encouraged her to fervently continue the ground-taking field of green chemistry. – SAnews.gov.za

seshnee
Thu, 08/31/2023 - 14:14

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Pandor undertakes a Working Visit to Moroni, Comoros

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation
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The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, will pay a Working Visit to Moroni, Comoros, tomorrow, 1 September 2023, to have a bilateral meeting with her Comorian counterpart, His Excellency, Dhoihir Dhoulkamal, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

The two Ministers will, among others, assess the status of the Bilateral relations between South Africa and Comoros.

They will also share information and exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest. The two Ministers will also sign a General Cooperation Agreement, meant, among other objectives, to establish a Joint Commission at the Senior Official's Level. Through the Joint Commission, it is hoped that an increased level of cooperation across various sectors between the Comoros and South Africa will take place.

Minister Pandor will also use the opportunity of her working visit to Comoros to pay a courtesy call to His Excellency, President Azali Assoumani, the President of Comoros, who is also the current Chair of the African Union.

On the sidelines of the visit, Minister Pandor will also have an engagement with the Comorian Business Community, Women Leaders and Youth Entrepreneurs during lunch, under the theme: Women and Youth as active participants in the African Continental Free Trade Area.

The engagement will be hosted by the Governor of Ngazidja, Madam Sitti Faroutta and be attended by the Comorian Minister of Economy and Investment, His Excellency, Ahmed Ali Bazi, and other dignitaries.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

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Ramaphosa mourns significant loss of life in Marshalltown fire tragedy

Location: News

The Presidency: Republic of South Africa
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President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his deep sadness at the significant loss of life inflicted by a fire in a residential building in Marshalltown, Johannesburg, in the early hours of today, Thursday, 31 August 2023.

By 08h30 today, the reported death toll stood at 73, while scores more are injured and receiving medical treatment.

President Ramaphosa offers his deep condolences to the families of the deceased and wishes injured survivors a speedy and full recovery.

The President's thoughts are also with households and individuals who have lost their accommodation and possessions in this incident.

The President said: “This is a great tragedy felt by families whose loved ones perished in this awful manner, and our hearts go out to every person affected by this event.

“This incident calls on all of us, from the emergency services and other entities of government to community-based organisations, to reach out to survivors to help restore people's physical psychological wellbeing and offer all material help residents may need.”

President Ramaphosa hopes the investigations into the fire will enable communities and authorities to prevent a repeat of such a tragedy or to bring to book any culpable parties.

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

Read moreRamaphosa mourns significant loss of life in Marshalltown fire tragedy

African Conservation Awards Finalists Announced

Location: News
Game Rangers Association of Africa

This year, the announcement of the winners of the prestigious African Conservation Awards will be held at the Southern African Wildlife College on 16 September 2023 and hosted by the Game Rangers Association of Africa (https://www.GameRanger.org/).

The Awards will take place after a regional event of the Wildlife Ranger Challenge, a Pan-African initiative which will see ranger teams across the continent compete against each other in a 21km race, carrying 22kgs on their backs! The Southern African Wildlife College is a perfect venue to host both these important events on the ranger calendar.  

Each organisation and individual that has been shortlisted has shown remarkable determination to succeed when the odds have often been stacked against them. Conservation areas continue to face many challenges, including limited resources and working against criminal syndicates. Despite this, remarkable people continue to do amazing things for wildlife and the communities who benefit from it.

“The African Conservation Awards showcase extraordinary people doing extraordinary things for nature. It is our privilege to give them the recognition they so richly deserve. Well done to all the nominees who continue to inspire us with their dedicated contribution to conservation. We look forward to celebrating their exemplary efforts!” Andrew Campbell, Chief Executive Officer of the Game Rangers' Association of Africa.

60 nominations from 11 countries across Africa were received this year. What is also very encouraging to see is the increase in nominations of female rangers which resulted in half of the finalists in the Field Ranger and Game Ranger categories being female. We are also excited to see the different countries across Africa represented among the finalists. Highlighting the quality of nominations this year, we have a “Highly Commended” acknowledgment in each of the four categories. Although these are not finalists, they deserve special mention and must be applauded.

The finalists for this year's African Conservation Awards, listed in alphabetical order below, are:

Field Ranger:

  • Givemore Bako, Senior Ranger and Head Rhino Monitor of Anti-Poaching Tracking Specialists, Savé Valley Conservancy, Zimbabwe
  • Nkateko Letti Mzimba, Sergeant of Black Mambas Unit, Olifants West Nature Reserve, South Africa
  • Reginah Smith, Corporal of the Rhino Protection Unit, Pilanesberg Game Reserve, South Africa

Game Ranger:

  • Amos Gwema, Principle Investigation and Security Officer, Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, Zimbabwe
  • Orlat Ndlovu, Head of Ranger Services, Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, South Africa
  • Petronella Chigumbura, Deputy Ranger Supervisor, Akashinga, Zimbabwe

Conservation Team:

  • Majete Wildlife Reserve, Malawi
  • Wildlife Action Group, Thuma Forest Reserve and the Dedza Salima Escarpment Forest Reserve, Malawi
  • Zinave National Park, Mozambique

Conservation Supporter:

  • African Pangolin Working Group, South Africa
  • Joseph Serugo Ssalongo, Honorary Wildlife Officer, Uganda
  • Rhino Man, South Africa

Highly commended nominations by the judging panel for their excellent work were given to Field Ranger Owenyo Alphonse (Uganda) and Marine Ranger Tima Dago (Kenya); Game Rangers Ali Hassan (Kenya) and Simon Ewoi (Kenya); EWT Soutpansberg Rangers (South Africa) for Conservation Team and Johannesburg Wildlife Veterinary Hospital (South Africa) for Conservation Supporter.

These awards are hosted annually by the Game Rangers' Association of Africa (GRAA) and are made possible with the generous support of sponsors CNEI. His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, who is committed to the protection of endangered species through the support of his Foundation, is the Patron of the African Conservation Awards.

The winners of each category will be announced on 16 September at SAWC where they will be celebrated by their ranger colleagues.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Game Rangers Association of Africa.

Contact persons:
Louise de Bruin
info@gameranger.org

Casey Pratt
casey@loveafricamarketing.com

Please join us on social media here:
Facebook: https://apo-opa.info/3ElcHze

Instagram: https://apo-opa.info/3EkEuzF

Information:

  • African Conservation Awards: https://ConservationAwards.Africa/
  • Game Rangers Association of Africa: https://www.GameRanger.org/
  • Sponsors for the event: CNEI
  • Patron: His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco
  • Tagline: Recognising a wide range of exceptional individuals and organisations
    and raising awareness of the amazing work they do.
  • #ACA2023 #AfricanConservationAwards2023

GRAA background:
The Game Rangers' Association of Africa (GRAA) is a non-profit organisation, founded in 1970 which provides support, networks and representation for rangers across Africa. The GRAA is a proud member of the International Ranger Federation (IRF) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) where it serves as the voice of the African ranger.

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Game Rangers Association of Africa
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Bata SA’s strategic creep to Durban North’s Corporate Hub

Location: MyPR

After five decades at its Pinetown facility, Bata South Africa, a leading footwear manufacturer in South Africa, and a subsidiary of the respected global Bata Group, has relocated its head office to the vibrant corporate hub of La Lucia, situated north of Durban. This strategic move aligns with Bata South Africa’s future growth strategy. Renowned …

Read moreBata SA’s strategic creep to Durban North’s Corporate Hub

Communications and Digital Technologies Committee Concludes a Two-Day Symposium

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: The Parliament
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The Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies concluded a symposium on Wednesday in which discussions with industry stakeholders took place on the impact of digital media in misinformation, disinformation and content moderation ahead of the 2024 national elections.

The two-day symposium was held at the Government Communications and Information Systems building in Hatfield, Pretoria. TikTok, Meta, Google and the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) took part in the symposium, among other roleplayers.

Other stakeholders who participated included Media Monitoring Africa, SOS, Research ICT Africa and the National Association of Broadcasters. The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies led all presentations on day one, followed by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa, the Films and Publications Board, SABC and the Independent Electoral Commission. Presentations mainly focused on measures that will be put in place to guard against misinformation, disinformation and content moderation in the 2024 election season.

The Chairperson of the committee, Mr Boyce Maneli, said that the symposium has empowered members of the committee with the knowledge to exercise effective oversight over the department and the entire communications sector. “The past two days have presented us with a unique opportunity to pave a way forward in ensuring that misinformation, disinformation and content moderation never thrive in the upcoming elections,” said Mr Maneli.

Mr Maneli further said that Parliament through collaboration with industry players should ensure strict implementation of sector regulations. He also said that digital skills will go a long way in minimising misinformation, content moderation and disinformation.

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

Read moreCommunications and Digital Technologies Committee Concludes a Two-Day Symposium

COVID-19 Taxi Relief Fund disbursement extended 

Location: News

COVID-19 Taxi Relief Fund disbursement extended 

Cabinet has approved the extension period for the payment of the Taxi Relief Fund for another 12 months. 

Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, explained during a Post Cabinet briefing that the fund was established to assist minibus taxis, cabs and e-hailing drivers who experienced a financial knock during the COVID-19 hard lockdowns, in line with stipulated criteria.

“The extension will provide the Department of Transport sufficient time to assist the many taxi operators who are yet to receive the relief funds,” the Minister said on Thursday. 

To date, she said 88 580 taxi operators have been assisted. 

Ntshavheni was briefing the media on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday.

Tourism 

Meanwhile, Cabinet also approved the publication of the Green Paper on the Development of Tourism in South Africa for public comment. 

“The policy seeks to develop and promote tourism in South Africa, and address barriers to tourism growth.” 

The policy will promote rural and peri-urban tourism by encouraging the profiling and visibility of rural products. 

“Policy proposals also focus on tourism governance and cooperation, safety and security management, transformation, and embracing technology, amongst others.” 

Members of the public have 90 days to make comments on the policy and the Green Paper is available on www.tourism.gov.za. 

National Policy on Theatre and Dance

In addition, the Executive said it also approved the National Policy on Theatre and Dance. 

“The policy seeks to address the historically institutionalised inequalities and disparities, which follow racial and economic access lines in theatre and dance.

“The policy aims to set a vision and practical policies, strategies, implementation mechanisms and time frames that will result in a sustainable and vibrant theatre and dance sector in all nine provinces, with South African dance and theatre makers representing the country with pride continentally and globally.” – SAnews.gov.za
 

Gabisile
Thu, 08/31/2023 - 11:30

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Cabinet notes continued improvement in electricity availability

Location: News

Cabinet notes continued improvement in electricity availability

The Cabinet continues to receive an update on the electricity situation in the country and notes reports of the continued improvement in electricity availability. 

This is according to the Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, who was briefing the media on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday. 

“Although the last few days had recorded an increase in the load shedding stages to Stage 4, the situation has since improved with the return of units to generation and Eskom continues to taper down the load shedding stages,” Ntshavheni said on Thursday. 

The state-owned power entity announced this morning that load shedding would jump to Stage 4 as more generating units failed last night. 

Minister Ntshavheni also spoke about the communities that have no electricity due to power outages and not load shedding.

These power outages, the Minister said, are caused by system overload due to illegal connections, theft or vandalism of sub-stations and transformers, and vandalism of distribution lines. 

The affected communities include parts of Soweto, Tembisa, KwaThema, Komane, Taung and Ditsobotla.

Ntshavheni announced that the Ministers of Electricity and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs have since commenced with a programme to engage with the affected communities to agree on measures to replace damaged infrastructure. 

However, the Minister said this would be linked with the prohibition of illegal connections, community partnerships in the protection of electricity infrastructure, and payment for electricity services.

“South Africa’s agreement with the Chinese companies, on recently signed agreements, will play a significant role in introducing electricity infrastructure with self-preservation capability.” 

Western Cape Provincial Powers Bill

In addition,  Ntshavheni said the Executive has also been briefed about the “unconstitutional” draft Western Cape Provincial Powers Bill.

The Bill creates a framework for the province to fully assert its existing constitutional and legislative powers and to get more powers delegated from the national government. 

“The Draft Bill violates the provisions of Schedules 4 and 5 of the Constitution that set out powers and functions including concurrent powers of both the provincial and national executives.”

“Cabinet has noted that this draft Bill is an attempt to revert to the Democratic Party’s, forerunner to the Democratic Alliance preferred federal approach that seeks to undermine a united and inclusive South Africa,” the Minister explained. 

In addition, she said the Draft Bill ignores the exclusion from access to services of the large Black communities of Khayelitsha, Gugulethu, Nyanga, Langa, the Cape Flats, Delft, and Central Line, among others. 

“Cabinet has mandated the Ministers of Justice and CoGTA to enter into discussions with the Western Cape provincial government in line with the relevant dispute resolution mechanisms as provided for in section 146 of the Constitution and the applicable intergovernmental framework.” – SAnews.gov.za
 

Gabisile
Thu, 08/31/2023 - 11:05

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Scaling Modern Heights: Manaslu 8136m Expedition Transforming Lives of South African Youth

Location: MyPR

Embarking on a remarkable endeavour, Angela Yeung, the visionary founder of the Impilo Collection Foundation and the ambassador of brand South Africa – play your part, is gearing up for an extraordinary climb up the daunting Manaslu, standing tall at 8,136 meters. This challenge surpasses her previous triumph on the Island Peak at 6,200 meters …

Read moreScaling Modern Heights: Manaslu 8136m Expedition Transforming Lives of South African Youth