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In the dynamic world of gaming, Evo Games stands out as a haven for enthusiasts, offering a diverse array of products and accessories from some of the most sought-after brands in the industry. As a one-stop destination for all things gaming, Evo Games provides a gateway to elevate your gaming experience to new heights. Here’s …
MetPac-SA, a global leader in metal packaging solutions, is thrilled to announce the remarkable success of its fourth Annual General Meeting (AGM), which took place recently. This virtual event was attended by key stakeholders, board members and partners, marking a significant milestone in the association’s journey towards sustainability and excellence. The AGM served as a …
Introduction In today’s tech-savvy world, staying connected and powered up is a priority. Whether you’re a gadget enthusiast or someone who relies on technology for work, travel, or entertainment, having reliable power sources is essential. This blog explores the world of portable power solutions, featuring brands like Ecoflow, Gizzu, Romoss, Oculus, and Bluetti. Ecoflow: Unleashing …
Serco, a leading manufacturer of truck bodies and trailers, is breaking new ground in terms of vehicle weight reduction with its expanded line of refrigerated trailers. The cutting-edge innovations empower customers to tailor their transport solutions, setting a new standard for efficiency and customisation. “Our injected panel technology which we have offered for several years …
The integration of Drone and AI technologies has emerged as a transformative force, reshaping industries and fostering a future marked by enhanced safety measures and sustainable practices. This synergistic alliance offers a myriad of applications across diverse sectors, contributing to a technologically advanced and environmentally conscious landscape. One notable area where this collaboration excels is …
Ezra Rasethe, Founder and CEO of InvestRand, is spearheading a mission to democratize wealth creation in the country. InvestRand empowers ordinary individuals to build long-term wealth through property investment. The innovative marketplace partners with everyday South Africans, providing them with the knowledge and tools to achieve their investment goals, whether it’s capital growth, passive income, …
• MAHLE South Africa has received international recognition by winning the IPRA Golden World Awards for Excellence • The Award was handed over at a glittering Gala Dinner in Barcelona Spain. • MAHLE’s continues to be committed advancing Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths subjects in underprivileged communities. MAHLE South Africa, a subsidiary of the MAHLE …
Government recognises media’s role in advancing democracy
The South African government has joined calls for the protection of journalists’ rights, particularly during a time when South Africa is preparing for national elections.
According the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization UNESCO violence against journalists intensifies during election cycles.
“Professional journalism and a free and objective press are cornerstones of democracy and serve to hold society accountable. We acknowledge the essential role journalists play in our democracy fighting for truth. We condemn any form of violence or intimidation against journalists domestically and internationally.
“South Africa remains committed to supporting a free and independent press. The protection of journalists is of utmost importance, as it is a form of protection of our own rights”, said Acting Director-General of the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) Nomonde Mnukwa on Thursday.
Following the assassination of two French journalists in Mali in 2013, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution A/RES/68/163, which proclaimed November 2 as the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists.
The resolution mobilises United Nations member states to intensify efforts to prevent violence against journalists and create a conducive environment for them to perform their work.
“This day provides an opportunity for all who believe in the advancement of democratic values and the preservation of citizen’s constitutional rights to speak out against any form of violence or harassment of journalists,” Mnukwa said.
Last month, South Africa commemorated Black Wednesday, which aims to raise awareness about the rights of journalists and remembers those who lost their lives fighting for the dignity of the profession.
In August, GCIS hosted a panel discussion with more than 100 journalism and communication students at the Tshwane University of Technology on the topic of Cyberbullying of female journalists, to create awareness on the harassment, discrimination and violence they face in the line of duty.
Furthermore, GCIS is planning to host a webinar on “Violence Against Journalists and the Integrity of Elections,” in the coming week.
“This is to ensure that, leading up to the election period next year, everyone is cognisant that journalists keep society informed, and foster democratic discourse and integrity of electoral processes. Details of the Webinar will be shared shortly.
“Government also commends the work done by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) as well as the South African National Editors Forum (SANEF) and various partners on the workshops they have been hosting across the country to prepare media for reporting on the upcoming 2024 national general elections,” GCIS said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 11/02/2023 - 12:39
Government addressing deficiencies that led to grey listing
Government is working hard to address deficiencies in the fight against organised crime and illegal financial flows, says Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana.
“Since February, when South Africa was grey listed by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a large number of government departments and agencies – including the police and the Hawks, National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Special Investigating Unit (SIU), State Security Agency (SSA), the Reserve Bank, Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) and South African Revenue Service (SARS) – have been working hard to address these deficiencies,” the Minister said.
Delivering the Medium Term Budget Policy Statement on Wednesday in Parliament, he said last week the FATF noted at its plenary meeting that such work is showing positive results.
South Africa has addressed 15 of the 20 technical deficiencies in its legal framework and has made good progress on 17 of the 22 effectiveness action items, including two that are now deemed to be largely addressed.
“However, there is also a significant amount of work that must still be done, particularly with regard to the investigation and prosecution of complex money laundering cases and terror financing, the identification of informal mechanisms for remitting money around the world, and the recovery of the proceeds from crime and corruption,” the Minister said.
Government expects to address all the deficiencies identified by the FATF by early 2025.
“We are also devising ways to make better and more targeted use of the Criminal Asset Recovery Account (CARA) to address crime. Among these efforts, and emanating from the Presidential project on illicit mining strategy, a recommendation has been made for Cabinet to consider using money from the fund to combat illegal mining.
“The South African Police Service, The Defence Force, the Financial Intelligence Centre, the Department of Home Affairs and the Border Management Authority have all received allocations from this fund,” the Minister said.
Improving efficiencies
He said over the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) period, the focus is on improving efficiency and reprioritising funds towards key programmes.
The SAPS will contain costs and streamline operations as headcounts decline due to natural attrition.
“It will foster partnerships with communities and implement reforms to optimise resource allocation, training and technology. Government will continue to fill critical posts in the Border Management Agency and verify assets transferred from departments to the agency.
“To reduce employee compensation pressure, the Department of Defence will implement human resource reforms and review commuted overtime and allowance policies. Furthermore, funds will be reallocated in the Department of Defence to provide for day-to-day maintenance and emergency repairs,” the Minister said.
The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development will reallocate funds over the MTEF period to capacitate the Office of the Legal Services Ombud.
“Funding will also be shifted from the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development to Legal Aid South Africa to improve its capacity to provide legal representation in land rights matters.
“To strengthen its independence, the Judicial Inspectorate for Correctional Services will become a government component in 2024/25. Concomitant resources, currently in the baseline of the Department of Correctional Services, will be transferred with the inspectorate,” the Minister said.
Government will continue to fill critical posts in the Border Management Agency and verify assets transferred from departments to the agency. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 11/01/2023 - 14:04
To reduce the increasing number of zero dose children in the Eastern Cape Province, the National Department of Health, planned a four-day Zero Dose training program for the province, fully funded by the WHO Regional Office for Africa, from 26-29 September 2023. The training took place in collaboration with United Nations (UN) partners, WHO South Africa and UNICEF. The training was designed to benefit senior program managers at the provincial, district, and sub-district levels, as well as facility staff responsible for disseminating knowledge to their constituencies. The training primarily focused on critically evaluating the status of zero dose children and developing micro plans to reach them, with a particular emphasis on the components of the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI).
Immunization is a global health and development success story, saving millions of lives every year and is a key component of primary health care and an indisputable human right. It's also one of the best health investments. Vaccines are also critical to the prevention and control of infectious diseases and outbreaks thereof. While the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI program) responsible for vaccines in South Africa in its schedule covers for eleven vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs), there are still children who do not have access to a single vaccine. These are called zero dose children.
The number of zero dose children has been increasing globally and South Africa is one of the priority countries for high zero dose children. Over the past 5 years, a total number of zero dose children in South Africa accumulated to almost 700,000 (682,967). In 2022 alone, South Africa recorded 147,674 and 19,127(15%) was from the Eastern Cape. The increasing immunity gaps due to the increasing zero dose children has contributed to the recent multiple vaccine preventable disease outbreaks which the country has battled, and this warrants urgent interventions to decrease morbidity and mortality due to VPDs.
The training focused on the all the components of EPI but mainly on critically reviewing where the zero dose children are, and developing micro plans aimed at reaching these children. Other topics covered included:
The way forward from the training was:
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) - South Africa.
Cape Town march in support of Palestine
You’ve probably asked Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant a question at least once. With voice search gaining popularity, it’s crucial that your website is optimised for this trend. But how can you make sure you’re getting the most out of this technology? How do you even start to structure your content or choose the right …
A person’s attention span while watching an advertisement on an average video platform is 2,5 seconds, according to attention technology research conducted by Lumen. What can your customers recall in those few seconds? Post Covid, marketers are under pressure to win back the hearts and minds of their customers – and that job requires more …
As technology continues to transform and disrupt every sector, the health sector is no exception. Digital innovation is having a tremendous impact on the healthcare industry from the way individuals gain access to services, to the breakthrough development of new technology that is radically transforming diagnostic procedures.
Helping Healthcare Professionals Solve Complex Problems
Even more notable is the impact of data in healthcare and how it is helping to solve the most challenging problems in patient health and operational efficiency.
In January 2023, Harvard Business Review Analytic Services conducted a global survey (https://apo-opa.info/3sevpGc) of 757 members of the Harvard Business Review audience who work in the health care industry or in a health care-related industry and are familiar with their organization's use of health data.
Data Accelerating Digital Transformation
The results from the report demonstrate how innovative uses of data in healthcare is helping organizations improve patient health outcomes, enable faster clinical decisions, and improve treatment and hospital workflows.
This year's 8th Healthcare Innovation Summit Africa 2023 (https://apo-opa.info/3FFQCvJ), featuring leading experts, innovators, and stakeholders will be sharing their insights and experiences on topics like digital health, telemedicine, data analytics, and more.
The two-day summit, being hosted at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg, on November 29th and 30th presents an opportunity to network with peers and potential partners, explore the Innovation Showcase, and learn how to overcome the industry specific challenges that have arisen from the rapid technological advancements.
Attendee Testimonials
At the Healthcare Innovation Summit (https://apo-opa.info/3FFQCvJ) held in 2017, CEO of Helen Joseph Hospital in Auckland Park who was in attendance shared his experience after attending the IT Summit in 2015 and why he made the decision to come back.
It was at the IT Summit that he heard about the technology available to improve healthcare management and had the opportunity to have a conversation with an industry expert about the challenges he faced with managing data.
That conversation led to the implementation of a software system that led to the overall improvement of the hospitals performance. In the areas of administration, patient data management, HR and finances. Testifying to the incredible experience, he had which led to his decision to attend the summit in 2017 he said, “When I heard about this conference this year, I decided to come back so that I can learn more about how I can improve the hospital's efficiency.”
Similarly, Managing Director of MediSwitch, Andrew Brown shared his perspective about the impact of the Healthcare Summit, and how important it is to continue to host such events, “I thoroughly enjoyed the event, we've heard from speakers who are really challenging the status quo of the adoption of technology, in the healthcare market in South Africa and in broader Africa and I firmly believe that events like this brings all of those role players together and challenges each one of us to think about what we do on a day to day basis differently so that we can actually go out there and ultimately make a difference to health care in Africa.”
Key Topics to be Addressed
The summit will address key topics like:
This summit will address key topics such as:
The Healthcare Innovation Summit Africa (https://apo-opa.info/3FFQCvJ) 2023, will most benefit individuals interested in learning about the latest African healthcare trends, presented by healthcare experts, policymakers, IT decision-makers, entrepreneurs, and investors to discuss digital transformation.
Don't miss this chance to be part of the pivotal event that assembles a diverse array of stakeholders dedicated to changing the face of healthcare on the African continent. Register now and secure your seat at this exclusive event.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of IT News Africa.
01 NOVEMBER, JOHANNESBURG: South Africa’s tourism industry has not just rebounded from the pandemic, it has found itself in a position to pursue aggressive growth. In the first quarter of 2023, the country welcomed over 2 million visitors. Furthermore, over the next decade, this sector is projected to generate an impressive 800,000 jobs and inject …
You’ve probably noticed that little padlock icon next to a website’s URL and wondered what it’s all about. It’s more than just an icon, it’s a sign of security – the result of something called SSL certificates and HTTPS. But what are they exactly? And why do they matter for SEO? Well, as you navigate …
Permits to change the lives of farmers
By Gabi Khumalo
A group of farmers have dispelled the myth that government initiatives seldom have an impact on the lives of ordinary, real people.
Recently, 664 hemp and cannabis farmers who are on the KwaZulu-Natal Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) database, received permits which grants them authorisation to cultivate, store and transport content with a Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) of not more than 0.2%.
THC is the major psychoactive component and one of the 113 cannabinoids recognised in cannabis.
What does the handing over of the permits mean you ask? It means that the permits, handed over at a provincial Cannabis Expo and Conference, held at Okhahlamba Sports Complex in Bergville, will enable the farmers to have access to cutting edge technology through the Analytical Lab based at Cedara in uMgungundlovu District Municipality, near Pietermaritzburg.
To grow the local sector, the MECs of the provincial Departments of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) and Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) invited captains of industry, including experts, academics, Amakhosi and local growers to a two-day expo and conference to share ideas that will grow the sector to its full potential.
Held under the theme: “One love, one heart,” the event provided a platform for local cannabis and hemp farmers, and others with an interest in the sector to engage with business and academia.
Among the issues under discussion were that of regulations, registration, production, agro processing and exports.
Local business who will be providing services to permit recipients were also granted R300 000 each. Services include processing, erecting tunnels and providing lab equipment, packaging, testing, and finding a market for farmers.
Masterplan
The first citizen of the province, Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube said the expo and conference will be etched in the minds of the people, as the starting point of a “new era for the cannabis sector in the province.”
Dube-Ncube noted that many milestones had been achieved through the KZN Cannabis Masterplan.
“Through DARD we have set aside an amount of R47 million for cannabis research. We have allocated R10 million to assist farmers in cannabis production and hemp permit application.
“We have facilitated an investment commitment of R120 million and we have participated in the Cannabis and Hemp Phakisa Action Lab in order to secure much-needed policy coherence and to ensure closer collaboration amongst government entities," she explained.
This as pilot projects targeting commercial growers are ongoing, and the province has supported several investment leads, which were in the process of rolling out district-based capacity building programmes under the umbrella of the proposed KZN Cannabis Association.
Reaping the rewards
EDTEA MEC Siboniso Duma said, the expo had been a success and that the work by both EDTEA and DARD was just beginning.
“We want our farmers to be the champions of the cannabis sector and we want them to be able to speak for themselves. We are giving them an assignment to come closer to us because what we have started together, will change people’s lives,” Duma said.
Meanwhile, DARD MEC Super Zuma said the province has worked steadfastly and the time to unlock the province’s prosperity through the hemp and cannabis sector, had now arrived.
“We have ensured a smooth process for our hemp permit holders and we covered all their costs. We are winning the fight to alleviate poverty and unemployment and we are extremely proud of the ongoing collaborative work that continues behind the scenes, and I must say all our collaborative efforts have yielded fruit,” Zuma said.
Permit recipient from the Umzinyathi District Municipality, Sphelele Shezi, said this was the beginning of great things for her small business of hair products, noting that the success of the products relies on hemp seed oil.
“I applied for my permit in July because I want to start extracting oil to use in our hairspray. We also manufacture shea butter which will soon be hemp infused.
“This permit will allow my business to grow and I have a vision of owning a manufacturing plant which will open up job opportunities,” Shezi said.
The owner of Old Grey Distillery--which manufactures cannabis infused beverages in Johannesburg-- Derek Collard, said his business has received great exposure at the expo.
“The expo has been superb. We started our business when cannabis became legal and we started experimenting with different cannabis infused gin flavours. We have met incredible contacts that we will be supplying. There are business opportunities as well as local growers that we could potentially partner with,” Collard said.
Nonhlanhla Qhoboshiyane, a hemp and cannabis farmer from Durban, who was introduced to the plants after falling ill, said she was grateful for the opportunity to be part of the informative expo.
“My interest started in 2016 when my husband and I were diagnosed with cancer. We used hemp oil and we would make cannabis leaf tea to help with the pain.
“These plants are from the Lord, created to bring about economic recovery in South Africa, there should be no stigma attached to them. The rural economy will grow because of hemp and cannabis,” she said.
Investment
In the 2023 State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Cyril Ramaphosa reiterated government’s commitment made in 2022 to unlock investment in the hemp and cannabis sector.
During the Phakisa Action Lab gathering held in June 2023, the President said the cannabis and hemp sector is one of 14 priority sectors that have been defined in government’s Country Investment Strategy as holding significant potential to secure investment, job creation and support for sustainable rural livelihoods, in recognition of people’s rights.
“I am confident that the collaborative commitment to work together which characterises our society, will find expression in the Hemp and Cannabis Phakisa, leading to immediate short term regulatory reform, the adoption of a set of foundational policy principles to achieve longer term legislative reform and a detailed plan to achieve inclusive growth and investment,” the President said at the time.
Participants at the Action Lab collectively agreed on the regulatory reforms required to better enable the development of the hemp and cannabis sector.
The reforms will unlock the potential of cannabis in African traditional medicine; pharmaceutical and complementary medicines; and multiple industrial applications.
The regulatory reforms agreed to include reviewing the schedules to the Medicines Act to further enable cannabis grown for non-medicinal uses, including industrial purposes.
The Phakisa Action Lab further resolved to explore mechanisms to fast-track the removal of cannabis from the Drugs Act.
This will be a historic achievement through which the cultivation of non-medicinal cannabis will be legal under the terms and conditions of the Plant Improvement Act, which falls under DALRRD.
The development of the hemp and cannabis industry has so far seen the issuing of 83 cannabis licences, four manufacturing licences and 30 research permits by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) since 2022. The authority is an entity of the Department of Health
The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development has also issued 371 hemp permits, which has enabled significant investment, employment creation, the application of technology, intellectual property development and exports to highly competitive global markets.
And that is no smoke and mirrors story. - SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 10/31/2023 - 11:43
In today’s fast-paced world, having a space to unwind and indulge in top-notch entertainment is crucial. A home theatre system has become an indispensable component for movie enthusiasts and audiophiles alike, providing a cinematic experience right in the comfort of your own home. If you’re looking to elevate your home entertainment, investing in a home …
The fourth generation, family-owned German textile group FALKE has appointed Michael de Koker to manage their South African operations. De Koker has a well-rounded background in the manufacturing, retail, and distribution industries. Having headed up some of the largest and well-known brands specifically Guess SA/Africa, being retail director of Guess Australia and more recently the …
aYo diversifies insurance payment options with Revio: African insurtech aYo Holdings, jointly owned by telecommunications giant MTN and insurer Sanlam Allianz, is pioneering omnichannel insurance premium collections and claims payouts, through a partnership with payment orchestrator, Revio. This development will make it easier for aYo’s millions of customers to pay for life and hospital cash …
On Monday, 30 October 2023, the Western Cape Government signed a Letter of Intent with Hisense South Africa for the establishment of a Tevolution Museum in Cape Town.
This venture stems from the agreement with the Shandong province, which is now in its 25th year. The Director-General for the Department of the Premier, Harry Malila, opened today's engagement by thanking China and the Shandong province for the continued relationship and emphasized the renewed focus on the economy, tourism and growth going forward. Hisense already has a footprint in the Atlantis area and will now build on this partnership through the establishment of this museum, working closely with the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS), which is responsible for museums in the province.
The envisioned museum will tell the story of household appliances in South Africa but will also aim at providing opportunities for youth to go into the field of technology. The museum will incorporate an art studio which will provide opportunities for youth to grow their skills in technology, animation and other related fields such as coding. It will also use technology to bring innovative exhibitions to visitors for them to experience Cape Town's rich and diverse cultural heritage. DCAS will identify potential sites where the museum will be hosted.
Head of Department for Cultural Affairs and Sport, Guy Redman, emphasized the important role that museums play in bringing hope to people. “The museum we are creating is a museum of the future. We want to inspire South Africans to imagine alternate futures for themselves and believe in their abilities to create that desired future. We want them to appreciate what could be, and give them the tools to make it happen.” he said.
Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Anroux Marais, thanked the delegation for the ongoing partnership between the two governments: “It is very important that we have this ongoing relationship and that we continue to strengthen it as it continues to bring new economic opportunities to our youth. We are also looking forward to hosting young people from Shandong later this year for sailing events.” she said.
The Western Cape Government looks forward to this exciting new project, which will not only bring in economic growth through tourism but will also support young people in pursuing new career opportunities.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic Of South Africa: Western Cape Provincial Government.
Given the questionable state of the water many of South Africa’s municipalities are distributing via the ‘tap’ system, it is not surprising the country’s citizens are seeking alternatives. Taking advantage of the opportunity to ‘water the nation’ are entrepreneurs, retailers and restauranteurs who are bottling water using countertop systems and/or running refilling stations. However, these …
You’ve probably heard of Google’s Core Web Vitals, but do you really know what they’re all about? They’re a set of specific factors that Google considers important in a webpage’s overall user experience. Why should you care? Well, these metrics significantly influence your website’s ranking on search engine results. In this article, we’ll break down …
Introduction In the intricate world of Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), the role of link-building is paramount. Links, often deemed as the ‘backbone’ of the internet, play a critical role in determining the authority, relevance, and overall credibility of a website. When one site links to another, it essentially casts a vote of confidence, vouching for the …