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Water is one of our most precious resources, yet it is often wasted in daily activities. With increasing demands on water supplies and the ongoing challenges posed by climate change, recycling water has become an essential practice for sustainability. By reusing water, we can significantly reduce our environmental footprint, conserve natural resources, and ensure that …
Institutionalisation of lifestyle audits improves in the public service
The Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) says the institutionalisation of lifestyle audits in the public service continues to improve with 147 out of 160 national and provincial departments finalising their lifestyle audits by the end of July 2024.
Addressing the media in Pretoria on Monday, the department’s Chief Director of Public Administration, Ethics, Integrity and Disciplinary Technical Assistance Unit, Dr Salomon Hoogenraad-Vermaak, reported that 191 senior managers or Senior Management Services (SMS) members were referred for investigations.
“These SMS members are from seven national departments and 20 provincial departments. The investigations include conflicts of interest but also includes serious allegations of unexplained wealth and conducting business with the state,” Hoogenraad-Vermaak said.
He said the DPSA was awaiting information on 39 SMS members in national departments and 31 SMS members in provincial departments.
“These departments will be issued with non-compliance letters.”
The Public Administration Ethics, Integrity and Disciplinary Technical Assistance Unit (PAEIDTAU) provides support to departments with training on lifestyle audits. The unit was assisted in developing material by the World Bank, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the Strengthening Ethics and Integrity Program and the Special Investigating Unit (SIU).
Hoogenraad-Vermaak said during the Public Service Month, held in September, various sessions will be conducted regarding departmental investigations.
“Discipline management is a decentralised function, meaning departments are responsible for the management of their own disciplinary cases and that the DPSA can not interfere in that.
“However, the PAEIDTAU is supporting departments with discipline management, as the unit has a mandate to set norms and standards on discipline, to build capacity within institutions to initiate and institute disciplinary proceedings into misconduct, to strengthen government oversight of discipline and to provide technical assistance and support to institutions in all spheres of government regarding disciplinary matters relating to misconduct in the public administration,” he said.
The department reminded public servants that it was a criminal offense for public service employees to conduct business with the state.
It warned that any public servant found guilty of such offenses was liable to a fine or imprisonment for a period not exceeding five years or both.
Regulation 13 (c) of the Public Service Regulations, 2016, prohibits public service employees from conducting business with an organ of state. Section 8 of the Public Administration Management Act, 2014, criminalises the conducting of business with the state for public administration employees and for special advisors.
The recently launched PAEIDTAU is a Chief Directorate within the DPSA which monitors the implementation of this prohibition and provides implementation support to departments.
In July 2020, the Ministers of Police, Justice, and Correctional Services and Public Service and Administration met with the Directors-General from their departments in order to devise strategies to eliminate the challenge of employees doing business with the state.
An agreement was reached that a multi-departmental team, consisting of DGs and senior management from these departments be established to ensure the implementation of this prohibition.
PAEIDTAU’s mission is directly aligned with the National Anti-Corruption Strategy 2020-30 (NACS), which aims to, among others, enhance governance, oversight, and consequence management in the public administration. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 09/02/2024 - 13:40
The kitchen is a significant water user in the house, but there are many ways to reduce your kitchen water usage. Like other areas around the house a few simple changes can make a big difference and help cut down on your water usage in the kitchen. Here are some simple tips to help you …
Showers are one of the most water-intensive activities in the home, but there are many ways to reduce your water usage. Here are some tips on how to save water in the shower: Install a low-flow showerhead: Replace old showerheads with low-flow models. Look for showerheads with the Water Sense label. Take shorter showers: Consider …
China to assist SA in alleviating poverty
By Nosihle Shelembe
Beijing, China - As part of ongoing efforts to improve the lives of South Africans, China has committed to assist the country in tackling poverty.
This commitment was revealed in a joint statement by President Cyril Ramaphosa and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the occasion of President Ramaphosa’s State Visit to the People’s Republic of China.
“China is committed to sharing with South Africa its experience in poverty alleviation and rural revitalisation; in building poverty alleviation model villages and offering support for South Africa's coordinated urban and rural development,” the statement said on Monday.
During the State Visit, the two countries recommitted to working together towards building a high-quality China-South Africa community, with a shared future.
“To carry forward the friendship, consolidate mutual trust, expand cooperation and enhance coordination, the two Heads of State agreed to elevate the bilateral relationship to an All-round Strategic Cooperative Partnership in a New Era, underpinned by strong political ties and focused on a prosperous future with balanced trade, and accelerated transformative economic growth,” the statement said.
Improving lives
China expressed its firm support of national unity and the path of economic and social development that South Africa has chosen. It also said it respects efforts by the South African government to safeguard its national interests to improve the lives of all South Africans.
“The two sides agreed to work on strengthening cooperation and synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan and to continue implementing the 10 Years Strategic Programme of Cooperation between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of South Africa (2020-2029), as a blueprint towards more substantive outcomes on priority political and socio-economic issues between the two sides.
“The two sides agreed to fully leverage the role of mechanisms such as the China-South Africa Joint Working Group (JWG) and the Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETC) to further expand economic and trade ties by improving the current trade structure, increasing market access and the export of value-added goods from South Africa,” the statement said.
Trade and investment
China is South Africa's largest trading partner globally, while South Africa is China’s number one trading partner in Africa. Total bilateral trade grew from R614 billion in 2022 to R692 billion in 2023.
“The two sides encouraged the respective business communities to enhance new two-way investments and increase their manufacturing bases within the proximity of the relevant source of raw materials to enable the transfer of skills technology and job creation.
“The two sides committed to providing a stable, fair and enabling business environment for companies from both sides and to ensure the safety and legitimate rights and interests of the relevant personnel, projects and institutions.
“The two sides encouraged mutual visits by economic and trade delegations, including co-hosting the New Energy Investment Conferences with South Africa and holding the Jobs Fair of Chinese-invested Enterprises in South Africa to boost local employment and improve people’s lives,” the statement said.
READ | President calls for narrowing of SA, China trade deficit
Deepening cooperation
The two sides agreed that promoting modernisation is the joint goal in building a high-level South Africa-China community, with a shared future.
“The two sides will deepen cooperation in traditional fields such as agriculture, health, medical sciences and infrastructure development. However, they will further seize opportunities presented by the new scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation, focusing on key areas such as the digital economy, new energies and artificial intelligence, boost cooperation on quality productive forces, and further expand mutually beneficial cooperation in renewable energy, energy storage and power transmission and distribution,” the statement said.
The two sides further agreed to continue to strengthen exchanges and cooperation in the areas of culture, women, health, youth, education, sport, media, tourism and other people-to-people cooperation fields.
As part of the State Visit, the two Presidents jointly witnessed the signing of several bilateral cooperation instruments in the following areas:
• Cooperation of the Application of BeiDou Navigation Satellite System;
• Sustainable Housing and Human Settlements Development;
• Deepening Bilateral Trade Cooperation;
• Cultural Heritage;
• Cooperation in Prevention and Control of Foot-and-Mouth Disease;
• Inspection, Quarantine and Sanitary Requirements for Dairy Products Exported from the Republic of South Africa to the People’s Republic of China; and the Protocol on Greasy Wool. -SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Mon, 09/02/2024 - 14:41
Toilets are one of the biggest water users in the home, but there are many ways to reduce their water consumption. Here are some simple fixes and smart tips to help you save water in the toilet: Fix leaks: A single leaking toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water per day. Check for …
Eskom lights the way to women empowerment
Following the conclusion of Women’s Month, President Cyril Ramaphosa has praised the leadership of Eskom and other state-owned entities for their efforts in promoting gender equality in the workplace.
In his weekly newsletter to the nation, the President called on other companies, both public and private, to put in place deliberate programmes to eradicate workplace discrimination and make workplaces more conducive to women’s participation and development.
“Companies need to empower women in decision-making and technical roles. This is to ensure that every workplace and every occupation reflects the demographics of our country.
“We must commend the leadership of Eskom and of other state-owned entities, as well as many other businesses, for all they are doing to advance gender equality in the workplace.
“By continuing and intensifying this work, we can make sure that we have more and more to celebrate during Women’s Month in the years to come,” the President said in his newsletter on Monday.
During Women's Month, President Ramaphosa said the nation has celebrated the remarkable achievements of South African women in various aspects of life, acknowledging the significant progress made in advancing women's positions in society.
However, the President said government also recognises the persistent challenges and the crucial work ahead to achieve a truly non-sexist and equal society.
Keeping the lights on
Concurrently, the country has surpassed 150 days without load shedding. The President said this is a testament to the dedicated efforts of Eskom's leadership and staff in improving the performance of its power stations.
While there is much attention on what Eskom is doing to stabilise the electricity system, President Ramaphosa said another significant change has been quietly underway at the company over the course of the last few years.
He noted that women are taking a more prominent role in the work of Eskom and are playing a pivotal role in keeping the country’s lights on.
Transformation
“Two years ago I met with Eskom’s power station managers and I was pleased to see that a number of them were women. I found this to be a complete departure from the past where power station managers were always white men. This represented tremendous transformation on a demographic as well as gender basis.
“The inspiring story of Maserati Lesolang, the general manager of the Matla power station in Mpumalanga, is a demonstration of Eskom’s successes in growing a new generation of female leaders. Under Lesolang’s able leadership, Matla power station has implemented a turnaround plan resulting in it now being among Eskom’s better performing power stations,” he said.
The President further noted that at a number of state-owned enterprises, women are excelling not only in management and leadership positions, but also in technical roles and occupations that were previously the preserve of men.
Women Advancement Programme
He highlighted that within Eskom itself, women are working as power station managers, engineers, artisans, operators and technicians.
“This is the result of a deliberate and sustained initiative to increase female representation in the form of Eskom’s Women Advancement Programme. The programme was launched ten years ago to redress the under-representation of women in leadership and technical roles at Eskom,” the President said.
The programme’s focus has been on creating a pipeline of female leaders. It has also focused on transforming workplace culture to make it more gender-friendly, on skilling and training more women to occupy specialist roles, to conduct outreach in communities where Eskom operates, and to address issues of equal work for equal pay.
Among the achievements of the programme since its inception has been that just over 33% of Eskom’s workforce is now female, 20% of Eskom executives are women, and women occupy approximately 43% of senior management roles.
The President said this is important progress, but there is still same way to go to achieve gender parity.
“Eskom has succeeded in narrowing the gender pay gap from 41% to below 6%. The company’s procurement spend on black-women owned businesses has increased from R6 billion in 2013 to over R16 billion by 2022.
“The national power utility continues to invest heavily in skilling and training for women, with just over half of further study opportunities at Eskom taken up by women,” he said.
Another key focus area of the programme is conducting outreach at schools and in communities to encourage female learners to consider future careers at Eskom.
Earlier this year Eskom also launched a Young Professionals Development Programme, a graduate trainee programme that places participants in positions across the span of its operations. Eskom has made a concerted effort to encourage female graduates to apply.
South Africa commemorates Women’s Month annually in August.
This year’s commemoration of Women’s Day on 9 August, marked 68 years to the day since 20 000 women of diverse backgrounds from across South Africa marched on the Union Buildings to protest against the extension of pass laws to women. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Mon, 09/02/2024 - 13:45
The bathroom is one of the most water-intensive rooms in the house, but there are many simple changes you can make to significantly reduce your water usage. Here are some effective tips to help you save water in the bathroom: Fix leaks: Check your taps, toilets, and showerheads for leaks and fix them promptly. You …
Deputy President Mashatile to continue engagements with Ministers
Deputy President Paul Mashatile is expected to meet with Ministers in the different portfolios in Cape Town on Tuesday.
According to the Deputy President’s Office, this will be a continuation of his engagements with the core ministries that have a direct bearing on his delegated responsibilities by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The meetings - which will be held at Tuynhuys - will discuss and agree on a common programme of action for the seventh administration.
The Deputy President will meet the Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga, Rural Development and Land Reform Minister Mzwanele Nyhontso, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa, and Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina.
Last week, the Deputy President met with the Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen at Tuynhuys.
At the time, the Presidency said the meeting was a continuation of engagements by the Deputy President with the core Ministries that have a direct bearing on his delegated responsibilities by President Ramaphosa.
The sessions will get underway at 9am . – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 09/02/2024 - 14:02
Public Service Month to kick off on a high note
Public Service and Administration Minister, Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi, has outlined a series of activities his department will spearhead as part of this year’s Integrated Public Service Month (IPSM).
Activities will kick off on Thursday and will feature among others, roadblock inspections, service delivery site spot checks and an imbizo which will be led by the Minister.
Speaking at a media briefing at the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) in Pretoria on Monday, Buthelezi said during the course of the month, government will introduce the Ethics Committee Procedure and provide training on Lifestyle Audit Investigations and Discipline Management.
This is aimed at reinforcing the ethical foundations of the public service.
“In collaboration with The Ethics Institute, we will conduct an independent survey to assess the state of ethics in public administration,” the Minister said.
September marks public service month in South Africa. The IPSM serves as a reminder of what it means to serve communities and to also look at the impact the government has, especially around issues of service delivery.
As part of Public Service Month, public servants are expected to roll up their sleeves and spring-clean their service delivery points and unblock the bottlenecks and red-tape in the delivery of services, among others.
On Thursday,12 September, the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) will host a dialogue focusing on enhancing services for persons with disabilities. The dialogue is aimed at improving the lives of those living with disabilities and informing policy recommendations.
The Service Delivery Monitoring Week will be held from 16-22 September.
The Minister explained that the initiative will emphasise the importance of intergovernmental collaboration to ensure effective service delivery and this will include visits to key facilities which include:
• Presidential Hotline visit in Centurion on 17 September at 9 am
• Site visit at Maponya Mall Thusong Centre on 18 September at 9 am
• Bronkhorstspruit Hospital on 19 September at 9 am
Also as part of the IPSM, Batho Pele Week (hybrid events) will be held.
These include:
• Dialogue on Public Service Charter (Gauteng) - hybrid event on 25 September.
• Batho Pele – Walkie Talkie – physical event in Rustenburg on 27 September.
The final week of the IPSM week will include:
• International Conference on Theory and Practice of Electronic Governance (ICEGOV) four-day conference in Gauteng – physical event from 1-5 October 2024
• Centre for Public Service Innovation (CPSI) Hackathon weekend in the Northern Cape - physical event from 4-6 October 2024
• GEMS Big Walk for all government employees – Sunday, 6 October 2024
Buthelezi said the wellbeing of public servants remains a priority and that government is committed to addressing the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, including developing integrated mental health strategies.
“As we move forward, we invite all stakeholders to join us in our efforts to strengthen the public service and restore trust in our institutions,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 09/02/2024 - 12:30
President calls for narrowing of SA, China trade deficit
By Nosihle Shelembe
Beijing, China - While China is South Africa's largest trading partner globally, President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for the narrowing of the trade deficit that exists between both countries.
Delivering opening remarks during the official talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday in Beijing, President Ramaphosa emphasised the importance of addressing the structure of South Africa’s trade.
“We have witnessed an increase in our bilateral trade. However, as South Africa, we would like to narrow the trade deficit and address the structure of our trade,” the President said.
China is South Africa's largest trading partner globally, while South Africa is China’s number one trading partner in Africa. Total bilateral trade grew from R614 billion in 2022 to R692 billion in 2023.
“As we enter a new phase of our partnership, we should continue to consult closely in pursuit of a just, equitable and prosperous world.
“I believe that our elevated levels of mutual trust will accommodate each other's interests, views and concerns – and deepen our cooperation as we build a shared future,” the President said.
President Ramaphosa is on a State Visit to the People’s Republic of China where he will also participate at the Forum on China – Africa Cooperation Summit (FOCAC).
South Africa and China’s bilateral relations are maintained at the level of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), underpinned by a Ten-Year Strategic Programme of Cooperation (2020 – 2029).
President Ramaphosa welcomed the proposal to upgrade the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to an All-Round Strategic Cooperative Partnership in a New Era.
“This will elevate our mutually beneficial political and economic ties for the benefit of both our countries and our people.
“We were encouraged by the inward procurement mission of Chinese companies last year. We urge for more sustainable manufacturing and job-creating investments,” the President said.
He said the development cooperation between the two countries continues to grow, covering many areas.
“Our two countries share many common objectives. Building on the firm foundation of solidarity, we continue to provide support in promoting our interests, those of the African Continent and the Global South.”
The newly formed Government of National Unity continues to place the achievement of the African Union's Agenda 2063 and the pursuit of a better Africa and world at the centre of its foreign policy.
“As our history demands, South Africa will continue to pursue progressive internationalism. We remain firmly committed to the One China Policy.
“South Africa will use the opportunity of hosting the G20 Summit next year to focus global attention on the developmental challenges confronting Africa and the countries of the Global South,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za
Janine
Mon, 09/02/2024 - 12:18
LG Electronics South Africa (www.LG.com/global/) recently took a giant leap into the future of shopping with their online store which will forever change how South Africans buy their favourite tech. This is not just another e-commerce site—it is a bold move, changing the digital landscape and marking a new chapter in LG's South African journey, says Mr Jinkook Kang, Subsidiary President at LG Electronics South Africa.
“Now live at LG.com/za, our online store brings LG's innovative gadgets straight to your fingertips, showcasing our unwavering commitment to putting customers first in ways never before seen in the local market.”
As only the third market in the Middle East and Africa region to launch a brand-specific online store, LG South Africa is pioneering a new era of digital retail excellence. This achievement not only shows LG's status as a technology leader but also shows its commitment to meeting the changing needs of South African consumers.
Mr Kang shared his excitement about the launch: “We did not just open an online store; we are unlocking a portal to the future of retail in South Africa. This platform represents a fusion of LG's pioneering technology with the vibrant spirit of South African consumers. It's more than a shopping destination—it's a digital playground where innovation meets aspiration, where every click brings you closer to experiencing the extraordinary.”
The new e-commerce hub is a treasure trove of LG's most sought-after products, from breathtaking OLED and QNED televisions that redefine visual experiences to futuristic home appliances that transform everyday tasks into moments of joy. Tech enthusiasts can explore an array of state-of-the-art monitors, while eco-conscious shoppers will delight in the energy-efficient air conditioning units.
To celebrate this digital milestone, LG is rolling out the red carpet with an irresistible offer which is music to every shopper's ears. From August 27 to September 30, 2024, if you make an online purchase of R7,000 or more, LG will give you a free LG XBOOM XG2T speaker (http://apo-opa.co/4g5wpAv), valued at R1,199. This limited-time offer is exclusively available through the online store, giving customers more reason to explore LG's digital shop.
But the excitement does not stop there. The company's renowned Premium Service is available for select items bought through the online store. This white-glove treatment includes complimentary delivery, expert installation, and dedicated ongoing support, ensuring that every LG product becomes an integral part of your lifestyle with ease.
LG has created a variety of payment options to meet the different needs of South African consumers. From interest-free instalments to credit alternatives, LG is making premium technology more accessible than ever before.
“We're not just selling products; we're crafting experiences that resonate with the South African spirit,” says Mr. Kang. “Our online store is a digital embodiment of our ‘Life's Good' philosophy—a place where technology enhances life, where innovation meets inspiration, and where every purchase is a step towards a brighter, more connected future.”
As LG Electronics South Africa starts a new digital journey, the company remains committed to its core values of innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction. The online store is more than just a way to sell things. It shows that LG cares about making life better for every South African through easy-to-use, innovative technology.
“This launch is just the beginning of an exciting new chapter,” Mr. Kang concludes. “We're not just reimagining retail; we're redefining the very essence of how South Africans interact with technology. Every click, purchase, and unboxing is a chance to experience something amazing. Welcome to the future of shopping—welcome to the LG online store!”
Visit LG.com/za to explore LG's new online store and experience the future of electronics shopping.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of LG Electronics.
Home Affairs announces mechanism to boost tourism
In a critical step to reform the visa system and position the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) as an economic enabler by supercharging job creation in the tourism sector, the department has announced the creation of an innovative new Trusted Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS).
The scheme is set to be implemented from January 2025.
“With an initial focus on the burgeoning tourist markets of China and India, the TTOS will remove some of the key obstacles standing in the way of South Africa becoming a favoured tourism destination for the second and fifth largest economies in the world,” said the DHA in a statement on Monday.
Chinese tourists made over 100 million outbound trips in 2023, with South Africa receiving a 93,000 of these arrivals.
In comparison said the department, a country like Australia attracted over 1.4 million visitors from China in 2023.
At the moment, Indian tourists account for only 3.9% of all international visitors to South Africa – and China for only 1.8%.
In collaboration with the Department of Tourism, as well as the Presidency and Operation Vulindlela, the Department of Home Affairs has resolved to play its role in “rectifying the unacceptable economic under-performance by urgently clearing obstacles to tourism from these two major source-markets.”
After seeing the positive impact made by the Trusted Employer Scheme (TES), which provides swift and simplified visa processing services to vetted and approved businesses to attract critical skills, Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber has directed that the same principle be applied to cutting red tape and improving efficiency for tourists from non-visa exempt countries like China and India.
Group applications
Through TTOS, vetted and approved tour operators from these countries will be invited to register with the department.
In exchange for undergoing thorough screening upfront and assuming responsibility for travellers in their groups, the department will for the very first time process group applications from Chinese and Indian tourists travelling with approved operators.
Tourist visa applications processed through TTOS will be handled by a dedicated and skilled team of adjudicators to ensure swift and reliable processing, and will also benefit from the removal of restrictive red tape that currently “suffocates South Africa’s tourism potential”.
State Visit to China
“I am particularly pleased that we are able to make this announcement during the President’s State Visit to China, as it sends a powerful message that the Government of National Unity is serious about unlocking our country’s vast tourism and economic potential,” said Minister Schreiber.
READ | President Ramaphosa to lead SA delegation to China for State Visit
“Research indicates that boosting tourism by only 10% per year can boost annual economic growth by 0.6% and create tens of thousands of new jobs for South Africans. Travelling in large groups is the preferred option for many tourists from some countries and it is time for our visa system to adapt in order to reflect and capitalise on this reality.”
READ | Ministers discuss SA, Chinese relations ahead of State Visit
“This is only the start of Home Affairs’ embrace of our role as an economic enabler. Exciting as it is, TTOS is itself but an interim measure to boost tourism while we move with speed to digitally transform Home Affairs.
“Ultimately, our vision is for a fully automated process that delivers secure tourist visa outcomes digitally and within seconds to tourists from around the world,” the Minister said.
The regulations for the TTOS will be published shortly, as well as information on how tour operators can apply with the Department of Home Affairs ahead of the scheme’s rollout in January 2025. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 09/02/2024 - 09:08
Justice college, SABRIC sign MoU
The Brigitte Mabandla Justice College has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the South African Banking Risk Information Centre – laying the path to working together to step up the fight against financial crime and corruption.
The MoU was signed at the college by Justice department Director General, Advocate Doc Mashabane, and SABRIC CEO Nischal Mewalall.
The MoU outlines several areas of cooperation, including:
Mashabane highlighted that the rise of cybercrime has made it critical for those working within the legal sector – including those in law enforcement – to acquire skills in learning how to prosecute cyber crimes – where financial crimes are pervasive.
“We have already got some funding from the CARA [Criminal Assets Recovery Account] fund to train and build capacity on digital forensic investigation. We need to retrain [officials] to appreciate what you need in order to successfully prosecute cyber crime.
“You need to have judicial officials…magistrates and judges exposed to some form of capacity building [to understand] challenges of the cyber space as well as the crimes that are committed there. Equally, even lawyers. The entire legal profession will require some form of capacity. SO we will have to be bold in our thinking and be ambitious,” he said.
The DG added that even members of the public themselves are at risk of falling victim to cybercrime.
“Beyond the capability of the state to address [cybercrime] I think awareness raising is very important for all South Africans. As we move forward with technological advancements…all of us have to appreciate that there are major risks associated with [it].
“Unfortunately, we cannot opt out. The least we can do is identify these risks and part of it is what this college would have to subject all of us to some form of awareness; to some form of training so that even members of the public can also benefit,” he said.
Mashabane said the MoU signed between the two institutions will not “gather dust in the cupboards”.
“We will have to really rapidly implement this. By February when the colleagues…admit students, we must commit ourselves that we will already have some basic introduction programme that will begin to expose people…particularly in the criminal justice system in relation to the challenges of cybercrimes,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 09/02/2024 - 11:29
Motsoaledi to open Pharmacists International Federation Congress
South Africa is hosting the first-ever International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) Congress in sub-Saharan Africa.
The four-day congress, which kick-started on Sunday, 1 September 2024, is also part of the Pharmacy Month commemorative activities to raise patient awareness of the vital role pharmacists can play in the community’s healthcare and to improve communication between patients and pharmacists and pharmacy support personnel.
The gathering brings together pharmacists from all over the world to share expertise, network, share knowledge technology innovations and experience.
Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, is expected to deliver a keynote address at the official opening of the congress today. The gathering is being held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
The FIP is a non-governmental organisation representing over four million pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists and has been recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) since 1948.
It partners with some of the world’s leading health, policy-making, education and science institutions.
“During the congress, pharmacists from different backgrounds will have the opportunity to share expertise and knowledge to advance the profession to meet the healthcare needs in the challenging environment of endless disease outbreaks.”
According to the Department of Health, pharmacists play an important role in the healthcare sector as they also foresee innovation in medicine such as vaccines which are critical in saving people’s lives, especially during outbreaks and pandemics as was the case during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pharmacists are often the first point of contact for medicines dispensation due to their medication expertise, patient access, and medication management responsibilities.
This year’s Pharmacy Month is commemorated under the theme: ‘Let’s Talk About Vaccines’.
Meanwhile, the FIP Congress’ theme will focus on innovating for the future of healthcare.
The theme is based on the conviction that improving vaccination coverage and promoting a life-course approach to vaccination are global imperatives to which pharmacists can greatly contribute.
Pharmacists play an important role in promoting vaccination, raising awareness and educating the population about the health, social and humanistic benefits of vaccines, including gains in quality of life.
Participating stakeholders at the congress include the South African Pharmacy Council, the Pharmaceutical Society of South Africa and the Independent Community Pharmacy Association. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 09/02/2024 - 09:59
Join us for an engaging and impactful event as Productivity SA, in collaboration with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) and the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC), present the Eastern Cape Workplace Challenge Programme Milestone Workshop. • Date:: Tuesday, 03rd of September 2024 • Venue: ECDC Boardroom, One Stop shop, Coutts St, …
Transport department announces preferred bidder to print new driving licence card
The Department of Transport has announced the appointment of IDEMIA Identity and Security - South Africa as the preferred bidder to produce new smart driving licence cards.
The appointment was approved on 8 August 2024.
IDEMIA is expected to enter into a service level agreement with the department before commencing with its work to put in place the infrastructure and systems.
More information in terms of the timeframes will then be made available to the public once the service agreement has been signed.
“The new licence card will incorporate new security features aimed at eliminating the ever-increasing risks of fraudulent and counterfeit driving licenses.
“Considering the cost drivers of producing the driving license and the risk of fraud and corruption, the new driving license will continue to be manufactured centrally,” the department said.
The department embarked on a process to find a service provider with a tender advertisement in the government tender portal on 5 April 2023, which closed on 5 May 2023.
This resulted in five bidders’ responses that were received and subjected to a thorough and transparent process of evaluation and adjudication by the bidding committee.
“It was also subjected to a probity/audit process - the probity conclusion being that all the processes were in compliance with prescribed legislation and policies,” the department said.
On 30 August 2022, Cabinet of the 6th administration approved a proposal by the department to produce a new driving license card for the country. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Mon, 09/02/2024 - 10:00
Verdant IMAP (www.Verdant-Cap.com) has advised Germany-based DEKRA SE on the sale of DEKRA Automotive (“DEKRA”), the largest independent vehicle testing group in South Africa.
South Africa-based DEKRA specialises in legislated automotive roadworthy testing through its vehicle inspection and testing stations nationwide and also provides other non-regulated inspection services such as certification services, condition reports and technical inspection checks.
DEKRA SE, headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany with operations in 60 countries, completed over 31 million vehicle tests in 2023.
The transaction attracted strong interest from private equity and strategic buyers alike.
The transaction reinforces Verdant IMAP's position as a leading advisor in the industrials sector, as well as its success supporting M&A exits for a broad range of clients, including leading multinationals, private equity and owner managers.
Terms for the transaction were not disclosed.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Verdant Capital.
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Ministers discuss SA, Chinese relations ahead of State Visit
Beijing - Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola has met with his Chinese counterpart, Foreign Affairs Minister Wang Yi, to exchange views on bilateral, multilateral and geopolitical matters of mutual interests.
The meeting took place on Sunday in Beijing ahead of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s second State Visit to China and the Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) scheduled for this week.
“In this inaugural meeting, the two Ministers discussed the enduring ties between the two nations, spanning many areas of cooperation.
“They agreed to address issues such as structure of bilateral trade significantly and to increase mutually beneficial investments in areas such as agriculture, energy, manufacturing, the automotive sector, green technologies and infrastructure,” the Department of International Relations and Cooperation said.
The talks focused in particular on South Africa’s beneficiation efforts, market access, economic growth, local job creation and the transfer of skills.
READ I President Ramaphosa to lead SA delegation to China for State Visit
China is South Africa's largest trading partner globally, while South Africa is China’s number one trading partner in Africa. Total bilateral trade grew from R614 billion in 2022 to R692 billion in 2023.
“In terms of Africa-China cooperation, South Africa believes that FOCAC must align with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, especially the Second Ten- Year Implementation Plan.
“South Africa believes implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will promote intra-Africa trade, boost economic growth and address the continent’s infrastructure deficit.
“Through FOCAC, China offers a unique platform to contribute to continental and regional initiatives including continental integration. The Minister inter alia reflected on cooperation within the multilateral context and through their membership of fora such as BRICS and the G20,” the department said.
The Minister welcomed China’s recent initiatives to facilitate a reconciliation agreement among Palestinian factions, who signed the Beijing Declaration.
“These efforts will contribute to peace building and demonstrate China’s significant role in this regard. The Minister further highlighted the need to also focus on conflicts on the African continent.”
Furthermore, both Ministers concurred that the United Nations, including the Security Council must be comprehensively reformed to bolster its ability to respond to global challenges and amplify the developing South’s representation within the Council’s memberships.
“This would better support the legitimate aspirations of emerging and developing countries from Africa, Asia and Latin America to assume a large role in international affairs, particularly the United Nations,” the department said. - SAnews.gov.za
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Sun, 09/01/2024 - 18:35
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