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De Berg Nature Reserve declared 30th Ramsar site

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De Berg Nature Reserve declared 30th Ramsar site

The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Barbara Creecy, has welcomed the declaration of De Berg Nature Reserve as South Africa’s 30th Ramsar site under the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance.

The Ramsar Convention encourages the designation of sites containing representative, rare or unique wetlands, or wetlands that are important for conserving biological diversity.

“The conservation and restoration of wetlands is crucial to achieving many of our national and global sustainable development goals. Estuaries, marshes and vleis, rivers and lakes, and the biodiversity that they preserve matter for our health, food supply, tourism and jobs.

“Wetlands are vital for humans, ecosystems and our climate, providing essential ecosystem services such as water regulation, including flood control and water purification,” Creecy said on Friday.

Through the Working for Wetlands Programme, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has invested over R1.4 billion in the rehabilitation of 1 873 wetlands and created 43 662 jobs.

The programme commenced in the year 2000 and is being implemented in all nine provinces of South Africa by a dedicated team of experts working closely with communities.

De Berg Nature Reserve is located along the headwaters of the Dwars River in the highest part of Mpumalanga approximately, 20 kilometres north of the town of Dullstroom, and lies adjacent to the Verloren Valei Ramsar Site.

At an elevation of just over 2 300 metres above sea level, the Ramsar site contains the highest altitude wetlands in Mpumalanga, consisting of numerous valley bottom, seep wetlands and mountain streams, and represents some of the most pristine and habitat diverse watercourses in the South African grassland biome.

“The Ramsar site, which is a biodiversity hotspot, not only supports numerous pristine headwater wetlands but also supports numerous threatened, critically endangered, and vulnerable species of plants and animals.

“The site falls within the Lydenburg and Sekhukhune centres of plant endemism, and has a total of 878 indigenous plant species, which includes 30 plant species that are threatened and near threatened, and includes a new species of Bulbine, (B decastroi) which can be found in the valleys of the reserve.

“This site also has 18 species of frogs, 71 reptile species, 432 bird species and a 120 mammal species, including Vandam's girdled lizard (Smaug vandami), various crane species such as blue crane and grey-crowned crane and mountain reedbuck,” the department said.

Many of these species are also rare and vulnerable species. They include flocks of up to 30 of the vulnerable Southern Bald Ibis, which roosts on the cliffs above Ibis Falls, one of 10 iconic waterfalls that can be found at the site.

Although wetlands cover less than 3% of South Africa’s land area, they offer diverse benefits that enrich human well-being.

The department said Wetlands are increasingly regarded in South Africa as socio-ecological systems as opposed to only ecological systems. 

Many of the country’s wetlands are in urban areas and are often the last remaining open areas for recreational use by the public.

“The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) – an entity of DFFE - is also actively contributing to wetland conservation through its comprehensive approach to mapping and understanding this critical ecological infrastructure, emphasizing that informed action today can make a significant difference for the future of wetlands, human well-being and biodiversity.

“Strategic Water Source Areas (SWSAs) are crucial to South Africa’s water security, and various SANBI projects provide insight into land use and protection levels in these strategically important national assets,” Creecy said.

The designation of De Berg Nature Reserve as South Africa’s 30th Ramsar Site under the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance coincides with World Wetlands Day (2 February) which is commemorated under the theme “wetlands and human wellbeing”.

Once designated, these sites are added to the Convention's List of Wetlands of International Importance and become known as Ramsar sites. In designating a wetland as a Ramsar site, countries agree to establish and oversee a management framework aimed at conserving the wetland and ensuring its wise use.

“Through the development of partnerships to monitor, protect and rehabilitate wetlands, by ensuring our wetlands are kept free of litter and invasive alien plant species and by ensuring that we follow best practices to ensure that wetlands are sustainably used for their services we show our appreciation for and acknowledge the value of wetlands and ensure that they remain in place to provide future generations with the same services,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Fri, 02/02/2024 - 09:50

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SA to advance the African agenda with focus on AfCFTA

Location: News

SA to advance the African agenda with focus on AfCFTA

South Africa places great importance on the African Union (AU) Summits, as the country forges ahead with its foreign policy of the advancement of the African agenda.

This is according to International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor, who was briefing the media on Wednesday on developments in her department. 

The summit, which will take place on 17 and 18 February in Addis Ababa in Ethiopia, will focus on education. 

Last year, the AU finalised a 10-year review of Agenda 2063.  

A key recommendation, Pandor explained, is that the AU Member States must accelerate the implementation of the Agenda 2063 flagship projects that are aimed specifically at fast-tracking continental integration. 

The project particularly focuses on trade and market integration, free movement of people and infrastructure development.  

However, top of the agenda is the operationalisation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), in which South Africa is playing a leading role.

“We are especially pleased that President [Cyril] Ramaphosa will officially witness the launch of South Africa’s first shipment and preferential trading under the AfCFTA on 31 January 2024, at the Port of Durban,” she said.

President Ramaphosa is expected to attend and participate in several high-level committee meetings of the Assembly. 

These include the meeting of the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC), which will be held to reaffirm Africa’s position on climate change as advocated during the Conference of the Parties (COP28) held in the United Arab Emirates last year.

In his capacity as the Chairperson of the Presidential Infrastructure Championing Initiative, the country’s First Citizen annually hosts a meeting on the margins of the AU Summit to provide a progress report on infrastructure projects.  

The initiative aims to enhance infrastructure development in sectors such as transport, information communication and technology, water and sanitation, and energy in South Africa and throughout the region and continent. 

These areas, she said, are critical to the implementation of the AfCFTA.

The President is also expected to chair a high-level meeting of the Committee of Five (C5) on South Sudan to review and provide political guidance on the progress made in the implementation of the revitalised agreement on the resolution of conflict in South Sudan.

BRICS

She also announced that Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have confirmed they are joining the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) bloc after being invited to last year. 

“However, you’d be aware that Argentina has written to indicate that they will not act on this successful application by the previous administration to become full members of BRICS. And we accept their decision, particularly given that 30 countries have now written to Russia, expressing interest in becoming members.” 

NAM Summit

The Minister also touched on the recent summits of the Heads of State and Government of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and the Group of 77 and China, convened in Uganda, last month. 

She told journalists that the NAM Summit identified five priority areas. 

These include regional and international peace and security; the fight against terrorism; migration and humanitarian crises; human trafficking; and the Sustainable Developmental Goals.  

“In his statement to the NAM, President Ramaphosa confirmed that South Africa will remain steadfast in advancing its non-aligned approach to the maintenance of international peace and security by advocating for the peaceful political settlement of disputes and inclusive dialogue.”  

Following the NAM meeting, Pandor led the South African delegation to the G77 and China Summit. 

The G77 and China Summit is the largest negotiating bloc in the United Nations (UN) representing most developing countries and over 80% of the world’s population.  

“The focus of the summit was on South-South cooperation in the areas of trade, investment, sustainable development, climate change, poverty eradication, and the digital economy,” she explained. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile
Thu, 02/01/2024 - 12:52

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Oceanside hotel Radisson Blu gets the 360° Plascon Partnership treatment

Location: MyPR

On the ocean’s edge and a stone’s throw away from central Cape Town, the Sea Point Promenade and the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront is one of the most famous hotels in the Mother City. Waves burst against the embankment of this hotel, offering guests the most magnificent views of the Atlantic …

Read moreOceanside hotel Radisson Blu gets the 360° Plascon Partnership treatment

Closing South Africa’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Gap Requires Improving the Quality and Management of Infrastructure and Strategic Investments

Location: News

The World Bank Group
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Closing South Africa's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) gap will require significant infrastructure and related spending, informed by the right objectives and relevant metrics, according to a joint study by the World Bank and the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), launched today. The report, entitled: Going Beyond the Infrastructure Funding Gap - A South African Perspective, quantifies the spending needed in education, transport, and water and sanitation to achieve the related SDGs.

The United Nations adopted the SDGs in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity. South Africa's commitment to the SDGs is embodied in the National Development Plan Vision 2030. While progress has been made, South Africa has significant work ahead to achieve the SDGs. According to the Sustainable Development Report 2022, South Africa ranks 113 out of 161 countries in terms of its performance in the 17 SDGs.

According to the study, South Africa needs to spend between R4.8 trillion and R6.2 trillion ($254 billion to $329 billion) on transport, water and sanitation, basic education, and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) between the years 2022 and 2030, to close the SDGs gap in these sectors. The figures for the infrastructure spending are equivalent to spending between 8.7% and 11.2% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per year on average. The study asserts that the solution is not always to spend more, but to spend better on the right objectives, with the use of relevant metrics.

The study highlights infrastructure cost drivers and the implications of different policy choices. In addition, the sectoral analyses present detailed results on the spending needs under several scenarios and recommendations to close the gap.

“Infrastructure is required to support the progress towards the 2030 SDG agenda. Education, electricity, water and sanitation, and transport infrastructure are required to improve access to basic services and support inclusive economic growth. This innovative study contributes to the evidence-based body of knowledge, towards understanding the service gap, and the ambitions of each sector, in determining where investments should be made,” says Marie Francoise Marie-Nelly, World Bank Country Director for South Africa.

“Closing the SDG gap will require significant infrastructure and related spending,” says Boitumelo Mosako, Chief Executive Officer of the DBSA. “In addition to the sectoral analyses, this study provides an assessment of the exposure of infrastructure assets to natural hazards and the investment needs to increase their resilience. Our joint study further provides a macroeconomic analysis, which examines the growth implications of the proposed spending and the projected funding gap.”

Achieving the SDGs requires adequate infrastructure in various sectors. This includes good-quality school and college facilities to support student outcomes. Reliable transportation infrastructure and affordable services are also essential for people to access basic services and job opportunities, allowing firms to stay competitive and create better jobs. Furthermore, it involves establishing high-quality water and sanitation infrastructure to provide affordable and safe services. Lastly, resilient infrastructure is essential for sustainable progress towards the SDGs, ensuring long-lasting and environmentally responsible development.

A key finding of the study is that poor quality and management of infrastructure and services undermine the achievement of SDGs. Thus, investing in infrastructure must be supported by proper management, maintenance, and good governance.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The World Bank Group.

Read moreClosing South Africa’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Gap Requires Improving the Quality and Management of Infrastructure and Strategic Investments

Condolences for Rand Water employee killed in shooting

Location: News

Condolences for Rand Water employee killed in shooting

Water and Sanitation Minister, Senzo Mchunu, has conveyed his condolences to the family of a Rand Water employee who was killed in a shooting during a community event in Johannesburg on Monday.

Rand Water’s Chief Corporate Shared Services Officer, Teboho Joala, died during a shooting at Zakarriya Park Hall in Vlakfontein, south of Johannesburg, where the entity was handing over school shoes and uniforms.

According to media reports, Joala was killed in front of hundreds of learners after a gunman entered the hall and fired several shots. His protector was also shot and killed at the event while City of Johannesburg Chief Whip Sthembiso Zungu was shot and wounded.

Joala joined Rand Water in 2019, as a General Manager: Communications and Stakeholder Management, and was then appointed to his current position in July 2021.

Mchunu and Deputy Minister, David Mahlobo, as well as Rand Water Board Chairperson, Ramateu Monyokolo, visited the Joala family on Tuesday to pay their respects.

Mchunu said the “savage and heartless” incident is one which should not have occurred.

“Not only has it claimed lives, but it has also traumatised young primary school learners so early on in the new academic year. As a Ministry, we are deeply saddened by this tragic incident.

“Teboho was a dedicated individual, who still had a lot to offer to the sector, but also to the country through his social associations. As a Ministry, we offer our sincere condolences to the Joala family, and to the family that also lost their loved one.” Mchunu said. – SAnews.gov.za

Janine
Wed, 01/31/2024 - 12:29

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World Health Organization (WHO) South Africa’s Swift Response to Imported Cholera Cases in Limpopo Province

Location: News

World Health Organization (WHO) - South Africa
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On 16 January 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) in South Africa, was notified by the National Department of Health (NDoH) of two newly laboratory confirmed cases of cholera in the Limpopo Province. These were from Musina and Blouberg Sub-districts in Vhembe and Capricorn Districts respectively. From 17-20 January 2024, in a swift and decisive move, WHO through its Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) cluster, joined NDoH, and the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) as part of the national team that conducted a support visit to assess and enhance readiness and response to cholera. The assessment was jointly conducted with the provincial health counterparts. This was in recognition of the potential risk for further spread of cholera, both locally and across borders.

As of 20 January 2024, South Africa reported three laboratory confirmed imported cholera cases. These comprised of two cases in Limpopo and one additional case which was reported later from Gauteng province. All cases had recent travel history to Zimbabwe.

The national team assessed various pillars including coordination, surveillance, case management, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), infection prevention control (IPC), and risk communication and community engagement (RCCE) in the readiness and response to cholera at provincial, affected districts, and health facility tiers.

Some of the challenges observed in the field included the need for strengthening triaging, medical waste management at health facility level, and garbage management at community level. In addition, the national team recognized the need to intensify Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials in local languages, improving WASH and a critical need to strengthen cross border collaboration.

WHO's swift involvement and participation in the national team's response to cholera cases in Limpopo, demonstrated continued willingness, dedication, and support to work with the NDoH and partners, to address the risk of Cholera and other public health emergencies in the country.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) - South Africa.

Read moreWorld Health Organization (WHO) South Africa’s Swift Response to Imported Cholera Cases in Limpopo Province

eThekwini allocates R30m to upgrade damaged water pump station

Location: News

eThekwini allocates R30m to upgrade damaged water pump station

A total of R35 million has been allocated towards the upgrading of an entire pump station, which was destroyed by a fire in Ntuzuma, north of Durban.

The Ntuzuma Reservoir 2 pump station was destroyed by a fire in April last year and resulted in additional strain on the already challenged infrastructure.

This was revealed in a joint statement issued following a multi-stakeholder technical team meeting to resolve eThekwini Metro water challenges.

The stakeholders acknowledged that the Ntuzuma water supply system has been experiencing challenges as a result of the damage to the pump station, with the station currently operating at 50% capacity.

“The project [upgrade] will commence in March this year and is planned to be completed by the 2025/26 financial year. This project will start improving water supply to Inanda, Lindelani and KwaMashu by July 2024,” the statement said.

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) Director-General, Dr Sean Philips, attended a multi-stakeholder technical meeting, held between the department, eThekwini Metro and uMngeni-uThukela Water to resolve the current water challenges in eThekwini.

This follows a directive by Water and Sanitation Minister, Senzo Mchunu, that the eThekwini Metro, working with uMngeni-uThukela Water, should urgently come up with long lasting interventions in response to ongoing water and sanitation services in the municipality.

The team noted that water demand in eThekwini has grown rapidly, mostly due to population growth and partly due to increasing leaks in the municipality’s water distribution systems. 

“The planners in DWS anticipated this growth in demand and put in place plans to transfer water from the uMkhomazi River to augment uMngeni Water Supply System (uMWS), through the Umkhomazi Water Project, as well as a project to raise the wall of the Hazelmere Dam,” the statement read.

The team also noted the raising of the Hazelmere Dam wall, which was completed in 2023 and has doubled the amount of water that can be stored in the Dam at a cost of R820 million. 

To enable additional stored water to be treated, the team said, Umgeni-uThukela has completed a project to increase the capacity of the Hazelmere Water Treatment Works from 55 to 75 ML (megalitres) per day, at a cost of R135 million. 

“Umgeni-uThukela will further increase the capacity of the treatment works to 90 ML per day within the next three years, at a cost of R25 million,” the statement read.

The meeting also emphasised that eThekwini water challenges must be addressed by the municipality by decreasing non-revenue water collection in its water distribution system, and water users using water more sparingly to reduce the average consumption of water per capita per day. 

The No Drop audit report, which was released by DWS in December 2023, found that the water user in eThekwini was 298 litres per capita per day (l/c/d), compared to the international average of 173 l/c/d. Non-revenue water also increased from 37% in 2013 to 58% in 2023. 

Some of the municipality measures currently being implemented to increase the supply of water, include groundwater, water re-use and desalination, amongst others. 

The municipality is also implementing a range of interventions to drastically reduce its non-revenue water, including the implementation of a pipeline replacement programme, with a number of projects under the programme being in the final phases of procurement. 

According to the statement, the programme is scheduled to commence by the end of March 2024, and will continue for the foreseeable future. 

“The municipality is implementing projects to replace parts of its old infrastructure on which high levels of water losses are being experienced, including replacing pumping mains on major water distribution systems such as Tongaat, Waterloo, Grange and Hazelmere water distribution systems. 

“The municipality has budgeted approximately R1 billion per annum for these projects, which will continue every year for the foreseeable future. Some of these projects started in the 2022/23 municipal financial year and are being funded from the infrastructure levy which was recently introduced by the municipality,” the statement said. 

The municipality has also constructed 12 new reservoirs in the past two years to the value of R500 million to enhance water supply and implemented an active leak detection and repair programme. 

“Procurement processes for a performance-based contract to detect and repair leaks are currently being concluded and it is envisaged that the contract will commence at the beginning of April 2024. This contract will be funded from the savings resulting from reducing leaks. 

“The municipality is implementing a pressure management programme through installing 108 pressure management valves, in addition to the 3000 that already exist. The purpose of this programme is to reduce water pressures in water distribution systems which reduces the frequency of pipe bursts and extends the useful life of the infrastructure,” the statement highlighted.

In addition, the procurement process for pressure management valves has been finalised and installation of the valves is expected to commence in March 2024. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Mon, 01/29/2024 - 12:17

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SAPS notes report on July unrest

Location: News

SAPS notes report on July unrest

The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola, together with the management of the police service, has noted the report released on The National Investigative Hearing into the July Unrest by the South African Human Rights Commisson (SAHRC) and Cultural, Religious and Linguistic (CRL) Commission.

The report is a detailed look into the July 2021 unrest that unfolded in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), during which some 350 people lost their lives. The full report can be found on https://www.sahrc.org.za/home/21/files/JULY%20UNREST%20REPORT%20FINAL_29%20JAN%202024.pdf.

The report contains various recommendations and findings on the events that took place in July 2021, including the policing of the unrest, the gathering of intelligence and the response of the SAPS.

SAPS said in a statement on Monday that while it will study the report in detail, "it is important to highlight notable progress made where key milestones were achieved to ensure the SAPS is better prepared to respond to such incidents".

READ | SAHRC releases July 2021 unrest report

Crime intelligence

SAPS said the filling of critical and key vacancies within the crime intelligence environment has been addressed, such as the appointment of a permanent Divisional Commissioner and a Deputy National Commissioner for Crime Detection.

All structures within the Crime Intelligence environment are being reviewed to enhance service delivery in all provinces.

"It is also important to note that the Crime Intelligence environment has greatly improved its mandate of detecting and collecting of information on crime, which informs and assists in the coordination and planning of joint multidisciplinary operations with other key role players in the fight against crime," the statement read.

Human and physical resources

Through Project 10 000, the SAPS trained and deployed 20 000 police officers in the last two years to capacitate frontline policing services, as well as specialised units with a key focus on the Public Order Police (POP) unit.

Seventy-nine police officers have been trained and deployed as drone pilots to assist in crime prevention and policing operations.

Public Order Police

In the past year, 5 000 police officers have been trained in crowd management and deployed to serve in the POP unit.

R150 million was also allocated to procure resources to bolster crowd management equipment for the unit.

Training has also been enhanced for members and now includes crowd psychology to improve the management and policing of crowds and gatherings.

The SAPS has also benchmarked and compared with other police organisations, in terms of use of the minimum force to disperse large crowds and found that its current equipment and techniques, such as the use of water canons, rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse violent crowd situations, is in line with international standards.

However, the SAPS is continuously researching and updating training material in respect of techniques and equipment in use during crowd management to minimise the risk of human rights violation and prevent the excessive use of force.

Rebuilding trust between SAPS and communities

The Ministry of Police is continuously taking part in community participation programmes through community engagements during izimbizo, walkabouts and policing operations such as roadblocks.

Various community policing concepts are being implemented by the SAPS.

"Through the Community Police Forum (CPF) and sector crime forums, SAPS is able to forge and promote a shared responsibility on crime prevention and community safety.

"All 1 163 police stations currently have fully functional CPF forums. R70million was allocated in this financial year to resource and capacitate these CPF structures," SAPS said.

Case management

SAPS arrested 5 341 suspects, with 505 of those arrested being found guilty of various charges ranging from murder, attempted murder, arson, possession of stolen property, and malicious damage to property.

A total of 394 cases are still in court

Incitement to commit violence cases

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) is currently investigating eight cases of incitement to commit violence.

The DPCI has arrested 68 suspects, 65 of them were charged for contravening the Protection of Constitutional Democracy against Terrorist and Related Activities Act 33 of 2004 (POCDATARA).

One accused has already been sentenced to 12 years direct imprisonment for incitement to commit public violence and conspiracy to commit public violence.

"The SAPS respects the work done by the two Commissions, especially as they are Chapter 9 institutions and will respond accordingly in terms of the timeframes reflected in the report," said SAPS. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Mon, 01/29/2024 - 15:06

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Basic Education Committee Delegation Visits Kwa-Zulu Natal (KZN) Schools for Readiness Inspection

Location: News

Department of Basic Education: Republic of South Africa
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A delegation of the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education undertook a two-day oversight visit to schools in Kwa-Zulu Natal to assess their readiness for the 2024 academic year. The delegation visited five schools in the uThukela and uMzinyathi education districts over this period and engaged with several stakeholders in the education sector.

The leader of the delegation, Ms Nombuyiselo Adoons, said the delegation focused on areas that included infrastructure, ablution facilities, monitoring of Grade R/early childhood development sites as per the 2022 departmental migration shift; delivery of learner-teacher support material; nutrition, learner transport, special schools support, and meeting with stakeholders to discuss the state of schooling in 2024.

Ms Adoons said several schools that the delegation visited had been damaged by floods and strong winds and they are in need of repairs. She said the temporary measures have been put in place to alleviate the immediate challenges they are facing. “We must commend the provincial department for the speedy action in assisting the schools. However, we realised that this will now impact further on the budget – most probably that of infrastructure and repairs that were planned,” she said.

The delegation commended Muntuza Primary School for its excellent performance. It is a full service school with Grade R facilities and have been piloted for Robotics and Coding. “The school is doing well. The school is clean. It is one of the models that other schools can learn from,” said Ms Adoons.

At Njeza High School the delegation found that the roof of some buildings had been blown off by storms. “It was not in a good shape but mobile classrooms are in place to alleviate the situation. We are grateful for this as it means teaching and learning is not affected.” She said the delegation further noted some pit toilets. However, a contractor was on site and in the process of eradicating the “inappropriate ablution” facilities.

Ngibongeleni High School and Sihayo Technical Comprehensive School have challenges with fluctuating Grade 12 results. “It's like a yo-yo effect. We recommended intervention to assist the schools and it clearly has the potential to improve.”

The delegation also visited Pro Nobis Special School that cater mostly for learners on the autism spectrum. It noted that the school has adequate infrastructure even though it needs some refurbishment or upgrades. The provincial department indicated that new scholar transport will reach the school by the end of February as it is being fitted for the specifications for learners with special needs.

According to her common challenges they noted at many schools they visited were high electricity and water bills, vandalism and burglaries due to lack of security. “Firstly, we would like to appeal to the communities to assist with this. This impacts your children's education and future. Security manpower means extra expenses that could have gone towards the education of our learners. Let's stand together and stand up against criminality in our schools,” stressed Ms Adoons.

The oversight visit was concluded with a meeting with stakeholders, including the MEC for education in the province. Ms Adoons said: “All our concerns over the two days were noted and responded to. The provincial department of basic education indicated that it has been impacted by budget cuts from National Treasury.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Department of Basic Education: Republic of South Africa.

Read moreBasic Education Committee Delegation Visits Kwa-Zulu Natal (KZN) Schools for Readiness Inspection

LG Unveils Latest HVAC Solutions At AHR Expo 2024

Location: MyPR

Company’s Focus on Sustainable Solutions, Whole Home Electrification and Commercial Innovations on Display at World’s Largest HVAC Industry Tradeshow CHICAGO, Jan. 25, 2024 — LG Electronics (LG) unveiled its latest heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) solutions at AHR Expo 2024, taking place in Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A., from January 22-24. LG’s energy-efficient residential and commercial …

Read moreLG Unveils Latest HVAC Solutions At AHR Expo 2024