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Call to educate public on national budget process

Location: News

Call to educate public on national budget process

The National Treasury has called on stakeholders and provinces to collaborate with it in hosting events to educate the public on the budget process.

This comes after the National Treasury hosted, for the first time, a successful post-Budget engagement during Youth Month that involved unpacking the national budget to children.

The engagement was in collaboration with the Western Cape Commissioner for Children (WCCC).

The main objective of the outreach programme was to raise awareness about national budget information that is readily available, outline the budget process and to develop a child-centred budget document titled the Coolkid’s Guide to the Budget.

“Public participation in the budget process is essential for transparent and accountable governance. In February, the Minister of Finance tables the National Budget, which includes allocations for children and the youth across various national and provincial departments.

“By involving the public, especially young people, the government fosters inclusive development, builds trust in its resource allocation, and ensures that the budget process is accessible and understandable,” National Treasury said on Friday.

The Children’s Budget Engagement targeted children between the ages of 13 to 17 (Grade 8 – 12 learners).

The engagement took place virtually on Wednesday 26 June 2024 while the nation commemorated the month of the African Child as well as Youth Month.

National Treasury officials presented to the children, who in turn engaged and asked questions that were responded to.

Key focus areas included: how the National Treasury makes sure that the budget is spent effectively on realising child rights, the focus of children’s involvement in the decision-making process, and the prioritisation of children regarding Early Childhood Development (ECD), social welfare, health care, and quality education.

“The National Treasury discussed these topics using creative and colourful infographics and mind-maps that made budget education fun and interactive. The WCCC also developed products displaying their understanding of the budget process; these included a budget recipe poster, and a budget story in English, Afrikaans, Xhosa, and South African sign language.

“The Commissioner for Children commended the National Treasury for making the efforts to make budget information available in a child-centred and child-friendly manner. One of the child government monitors said that they love the layout of the pages of the Children’s Budget, they love that it is easy to understand, entertaining, and makes them look forward to learning about the budget.

“The National Treasury invites other stakeholders and provinces to collaborate in hosting similar engagement events to reach groups that are not necessarily aware of or catered for in the budget documents.

The children’s products can be found on all National Treasury and WCCC social media platforms. The Coolkid’s Guide to the Budget is also available on the National Treasury website (www.treasury.gov.za). –SAnews.gov.za

 

nosihle
Sun, 06/30/2024 - 11:43

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Strengthening the fight against child labour

Location: News

Strengthening the fight against child labour

Children are the future, and it is our responsibility to ensure their safety and well-being by enabling them to grow and develop in a nurturing environment. The sad reality is that many children across the world face a daunting prospect of being drawn into work at a young age often under harmful conditions.

South Africa values the rights of children and has over the past 30 years sought to protect them from harm and promote their development. Protecting children from violence, exploitation and abuse is not only a basic right but an obligation set out in our Constitution.

This is in conjunction with other legislation such as the Children's Act and Basic Conditions of Employment Act which makes it a criminal offence to employ a child younger than 15 or children who are of school going age. The Children's Act also discourages children from working in mines, factories or in hazardous occupations.

In June, South Africa joined the international community in observing the World Day against Child Labour, under the theme: “Let’s Act on Our Commitments: End Child Labour”. The key commitments to end child labour are contained in the Durban Call to Action – a document adopted by various Member States, including South Africa at the 5th Global Conference on Ending Child Labour that was hosted in Durban in May 2022.  The document outlines strong commitments to end child labour through making decent work a reality, ending child labour in agriculture, strengthening the prevention and elimination efforts, realising children's rights to education, achieving universal access to social protection, and increasing financing as well as international cooperation. It is in this regard that this year’s commemoration raised awareness against child labour practices across the world and promoted initiatives to help put an end to this scourge.

In marking the day on 12 June 2024, our country reaffirmed its commitment in the fight against child labour. The day also coincided with the 25th Anniversary of the Adoption of the Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention which sets out to protect children against all forms of child labour. It also aims to prevent the use of children in armed conflict, prostitution, pornography, drug trafficking and participating in hazardous work.

The commemorations gave us an opportunity to reflect on the progress made as well as reaffirm our commitments to put an end to child labour. Despite the significant strides made over time to reduce child labour across the world, much still need to be done to fully eradicate the practice of child labour.

According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), child labour has for the first time in 20 years increased globally. It is noted that the agricultural sectors such as farming, fishing, aquaculture, forestry and livestock farming account for 60 percent of child labourers aged five to 17 years.

In our fight against this plight, South Africa has endorsed the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1995 and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child in 2000 to affirm its commitment to the realisation of children’s rights.

In addition, the Department of Employment and Labour in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation launched the Prevention and Elimination of Child Labour in South Africa project to prevent and eliminate any forms of child labour in the agricultural sector in the country. The project is being piloted in the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.

Delivering the keynote address at the launch, former Minister of Employment and Labour Thulas Nxesi expressed concern on the increase of child labour in the agricultural sector.

He said: “The agricultural sector is the backbone of our economy, providing food security and sustenance, as well as livelihood to millions. Yet, it is disheartening to note that some of the very hands that cultivate the crops and tend to the livestock belong to children who should be in schools, not in the fields. This situation is unacceptable and demands our immediate attention and concerted efforts.”

Despite our best efforts to protect children from abuse, neglect and exploitation, many children remain vulnerable. Tackling the scourge of child labour requires interventions on many fronts, and it is a reality that government on its own cannot curb.  As such, businesses have a responsibility to the elimination of child labour by carrying out due diligence in their operations and supply chains and ensuring responsible and sustainable business practices that address the root causes of child labour.

Let us all work together to prevent and eliminate child labour by reporting such acts of crime to the Department of Employment and Labour, or alternatively to the police. 

*Khethani Hlongwa is Director: Office on the Rights of the Child; Department of Social Development

Neo
Thu, 06/27/2024 - 10:45

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NCOP constitutes key committees

Location: News

NCOP constitutes key committees

The Rules Committee of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) has appointed members to constitute the Select Committees, Subcommittee on the Review of the Council Rules and the Programming Committee of the seventh Parliament.

During its first meeting held on Wednesday, the Committee also agreed to reduce the number of its Select Committees to 10 instead of the previous 11 of the sixth Parliament. 

“These Select Committees are the engine room of the NCOP, as they are responsible for overseeing the performance of various government departments. Select committees are also crucial in ensuring consistent focus on provincial issues,” the Committee said in a statement.

The Rules Committee said the decision to reduce the number of Select Committees to 10 will now mean that the Social Cluster will have two committees. 

“The Select Committee on Education and Technology, Sports, Arts and Culture will oversee the Departments of Basic Education, Higher Education, Science and Technology, Communications and Digital Technologies, and Sports, Arts and Culture. 

“The Select Committee on Social Services will oversee the Departments of Health, Social Development, Women, Youth Development and Persons with Disabilities, and Statistics South Africa,” the Committee explained.

The Committee also announced that Governance Cluster will comprise two committees, including the Select Committee on Public Infrastructure, overseeing the work of the Departments of Public Works and Infrastructure, Transport, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation and the Select Committee on Cooperative Governance and Public Administration.

The committees will also overseeing the Departments of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Public Service and Administration, Human Settlements, and Water and Sanitation.

“The Security Cluster has two committees, namely, the Select Committee on Security and Justice, overseeing the Departments of Police, Justice and Correctional Services, Defence and Military Veterans, Home Affairs, State Security, and International Relations and Co-operation, and the Select Committee on Public Petitions and Executive Undertakings,” the Committee said.

The Economic Cluster will include the Select Committee on Economic Development and Trade, overseeing the Departments of Economic Development, Trade, Industry and Competition, Small Business Development and Tourism, Employment and Labour, and Public Enterprises and the Select Committee on Land and Mineral Resources, overseeing the Departments of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, Mineral Resources and Energy, and Electricity.

The Finance Cluster has the Select Committee on Finance and the Select Committee on Appropriations to oversee the Treasury.

Elections on four NCOP vacancies scheduled for next week

Meanwhile, the elections to fill the four vacancies in the NCOP for Permanent Deputy Chairperson, House Chairperson for Committees, House Chairperson for Members Support and International Relations, and the Programming Whip of the NCOP have been scheduled to take place on Tuesday, 2 July 2024.

The Rules Committee comprises 20 Council members, including the Permanent Deputy Chairperson, NCOP Chief Whip Kenneth Mmoiemang, the House Chairpersons, the Programming Whip, and the Provincial Whips. Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane, who is the Chairperson of the NCOP, chairs the Committee.

The Committee noted that NCOP Rule 133 provides that parties represented in the NCOP that do not have a Provincial Whip, are entitled to be represented in the Rules Committee. 

“The parties without provincial whips are the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), Freedom Front Plus (FF+); uMkhonto Wesizwe Party (MKP), Patriotic Alliance (PA), and the United Democratic Alliance (UDM). The EFF will be represented by Mandisa Makesini, FF+ by Tamarin Breedt, MKP by Seeng Mokoena, PA by Bino Farmer, and the UDM by Mandla Peter.

“The NCOP Provincial Whips are Advocate Mwelo Nonkonyana (Eastern Cape), Mapule Dhlamini (Free State), Mpho Modise (Gauteng), Poobalan Govender (KwaZulu-Natal), Regina Molokomme (Limpopo), Sylvia Nxumalo (Mpumalanga), Solomon Mabilo (Northern Cape), Sylvia Sithole (North West), and Frederik Badenhorst (Western Cape),” the Committee said.

The Committee also noted Rule 137 of the NCOP Rules, which states that the Rules Committee may establish a Subcommittee that can make recommendations on the Council Rules, Orders, proceedings, procedures, and practices. 

For the current purposes, the Committee said the five-member Subcommittee includes the NCOP Chairperson, NCOP Chief Whip, and Bhekizizwe Radebe from the African National Congress; Badenhorst from the Democratic Alliance and Makesini from the EFF.

“The NCOP Programming Committee, in terms of Rule 143, has the same members as the NCOP Rules Committee.” - SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Thu, 06/27/2024 - 11:14

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Everything you need to know about Mpox disease

Location: News

Everything you need to know about Mpox disease

As the number of Mpox cases continues to rise, the Department of Health has urged everyone with symptoms to immediately visit their nearest healthcare facilities for help. 

This week, this department announced that the country recorded three more infections and one death.

The latest figure pushes the total infections to 16 and three deaths since the first case was reported last month.

Of the 16 infections, eight are from KwaZulu-Natal, seven are from Gauteng, and one is from the Western Cape.

All individuals involved in the cases are male and aged between 23 and 43 years old.

What is Mpox?

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus. 

It can be transmitted to a person through contact with the virus from an animal, human, or materials contaminated with the virus.

Person-to-person transmission of the virus could be through close contact, which can be via prolonged face-to-face contact, kissing, sharing clothes or bedding with someone who is infected.

Entry of the virus is through broken skin, the respiratory tract, or mucous membranes (eyes, nose, or mouth).

According to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), a person is contagious from the onset of the rash or lesions through the scab stage. However, once all scabs have fallen off, a person is no longer contagious.

Mpox is preventable and manageable, and treatment for both mild and severe cases is available. People at high risk include those living with chronic conditions such as HIV, tuberculosis (TB) and diabetes.

Anyone can contract the disease regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation and race.

Most people with Mpox will recover within two to four weeks.

Symptoms

Symptoms of the disease include fever and headache.

Other symptoms are:

  • muscle aches
  • backache
  • chills
  • exhaustion
  • swelling of lymph nodes as well as
  • skin lesions or rash that usually develops between one to three days and spread all over the body.

Diagnosis

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), identifying Mpox can be difficult as other infections and conditions can look similar.

However, the WHO said it was crucial to differentiate Mpox from chickenpox, measles, bacterial skin infections, scabies, herpes, syphilis, other sexually transmissible infections, and medication-associated allergies.

Mpox’s rash begins as a flat sore, which develops into a blister, filled with liquid and may be itchy or painful.

In addition, the agency said that people with the disease may also have another sexually transmissible infection such as herpes, while a child with a suspected infection may also have chickenpox. It is for this reason that the WHO believes testing is key for people to get treatment as early as possible and prevent the further spread.

Self-care and prevention

The WHO is recommending steps to take to help the symptoms and prevent infecting others. These are:

  • Stay at home and in your room if possible.
  • Wash hands often with soap and water or hand sanitiser, especially before or after touching sores.
  • Wear a mask and cover lesions when around other people until your rash heals.
  • Keep skin dry and uncovered unless in a room with someone else.
  • Avoid touching items in shared spaces and disinfect shared spaces frequently.
  • Use saltwater rinses for sores in the mouth.
  • Take sitz baths or warm baths with baking soda or Epsom salts for body sores.
  • Take over-the-counter medications for pain like paracetamol or ibuprofen.

Department of Health's response

The department, working with provinces and other stakeholders in the sector, has embarked on health education with funeral parlours on how to handle the human remains of suspected and confirmed cases.

It has also urged travellers from Mpox endemic countries to seek healthcare if they are ill and to alert health officials about their travel for clinical guidance.

Citizens are also encouraged to support all those who are showing symptoms to present at their nearest healthcare facilities immediately for screening and diagnosis, instead of self-diagnosis and using over-the-counter medication.

Last week, the department said it has received a batch of Mpox-specific treatment, Tecovirimat – also known as TPOXX or ST-246, for the treatment of patients who experience severe health complications because of Mpox disease.

The department said it is in the process of securing more treatment, including vaccines.

However, according to the department, all mild cases will continue to be managed with supportive treatment used to manage complications like fever, pneumonia and skin infections. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Thu, 06/27/2024 - 12:03

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Read moreEverything you need to know about Mpox disease

Mpox cases rise to 16, death toll increase to three

Location: News

Mpox cases rise to 16, death toll increase to three

The Department of Health has confirmed that the country has recorded three more cases of Mpox and another death, as efforts to curb the spread of this infectious disease are ongoing in the affected communities.

This brings the total number of laboratory-confirmed cases of Mpox in South Africa to 16 since the outbreak in May 2024, while the death toll is now sitting at three.

According to the department, the latest cases involve a 40-year-old man from Ladysmith in KwaZulu-Natal, who presented with smallpox-like symptoms, including a rash all over his body.

He did not go to the hospital and passed away at home. His results came back positive for Mpox on Sunday, 23 June.

Two additional cases have been confirmed in Gauteng. One case involves a 43-year-old man, who was diagnosed on 22 June at a local private health facility in Johannesburg.

The second case is a 29-year-old male, who was diagnosed at a Mamelodi health facility on 21 June.

“They presented with symptoms indicative of disease and had no international travel history,” the department said.

Of the 16 infections, eight cases are from KwaZulu-Natal, seven cases are from Gauteng, and one case is from the Western Cape.

All individuals involved in the cases are male and aged between 23 and 43 years old.

The department, working with provinces and other stakeholders in the sector, has embarked on health education with funeral parlours on how to handle the human remains of suspected and confirmed cases. 

“The department would like to allay fears of possible travel restrictions or lockdowns due to the Mpox outbreak because the World Health Organisation has not recommended any travel restrictions. However, it is important for travellers from Mpox endemic countries to seek healthcare if they are ill and to alert health officials about their travel for clinical guidance.”

Mpox is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It can be transmitted to a person through contact with the virus from an animal, human, or materials contaminated with the virus. It can cause a painful rash, enlarged lymph nodes, and a fever.

Citizens are urged to support all those who are showing symptoms to present at their nearest healthcare facilities immediately for screening and diagnosis, instead of self-diagnosis and using over-the-counter medication.

“Anyone can contract mpox regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation and race. Mpox is preventable and manageable, and treatment for both mild and severe cases is available. People at high risk include those living with chronic conditions such as HIV, TB and diabetes.” – SAnews.go.za

Gabisile
Wed, 06/26/2024 - 09:37

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Starbucks Champions Young Innovators: Empowering Change Makers to Compete Globally. Be part of this journey

Location: MyPR

Starbucks Champions Young Innovators: Empowering Change Makers to Compete Globally. Be part of this journey. Cape Town, South Africa – On Saturday, June 1st the V&A Waterfront was buzzing with excitement as Starbucks South Africa hosted Booster Kids, a local robotics club, for a day filled with innovation, creativity, and delicious Frappuccino’s! Our store was …

Read moreStarbucks Champions Young Innovators: Empowering Change Makers to Compete Globally. Be part of this journey

Mpox cases rise to 13

Location: News

Mpox cases rise to 13

South Africa has identified six additional laboratory-confirmed cases of Mpox, taking the total number of cases from seven to 13 since the first case was reported last month.

The Department of Health reported new infections in Gauteng and the Western Cape. The death toll is still at two. 

The first case of Monkeypox, now known as Mpox, was reported in South Africa on 9 May 2024, when a 35-year-old male living in Gauteng tested positive.

In the latest statement, the department said it has received a batch of Mpox-specific treatment, Tecovirimat - also known as TPOXX or ST-246, for treatment of patients who experience severe health complications because of Mpox disease. 

“The process to secure more treatment, including vaccines, is underway in case the need arises. However, all mild cases will continue to be managed with supportive treatment used to manage complications like fever, pneumonia and skin infections,” the department explained. 

READ | Mpox cases rise to seven in SA after new infection recorded in W Cape

Government is urging all people regardless of gender, age, or sexual orientation, with suspected Mpox symptoms or who had physical contact with known cases to present themselves at a healthcare facility because anyone can contract this preventable and treatable disease. 

The department stated that hand hygiene is one of the effective ways to protect people from getting sick and prevent transmission of diseases. 

“People are reminded to always wash hands with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser, especially before eating or touching your face and after you use the bathroom.”

Some of the common symptoms of Mpox include a rash, which may last for two to four weeks, fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy and swollen glands. 

“The painful rash looks like blisters or sores, and can affect the face, palms of the hands, soles of the feet, groin, and so on.” – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Fri, 06/21/2024 - 09:25

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Hydrogen Energy Technologies to Drive Demand for Africa’s Platinum Group Metals (PGMs)

Location: News
Energy Capital & Power

The global market for platinum group metals (PGMs) – which include platinum, palladium, rhodium, iridium, osmium and ruthenium – will record a 4.47% increase between now and 2029, according to market research firm Mordor Intelligence. In part, market growth will come from growing demand for PGMs in green technologies, including hydrogen energy technologies, in turn generating opportunities across Africa's mining and hydrogen value chains.

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The Critical Minerals Africa (CMA) Summit, taking place on November 6-7 in Cape Town, will unpack the nexus between PGMs and green hydrogen and their evolving role within the African and global energy transition. The continent is home to the world's largest PGM reserves, with South Africa alone possessing over 80% of global resources and Zimbabwe also holding substantial reserves. These metals play a vital role in fuel cell technology, enabling the production of electricity from hydrogen and oxygen. As African countries – including Namibia, South Africa, Mauritania and Egypt – intensify their green hydrogen activities, long-term PGM demand is expected to grow substantially, powering a wide range of applications from hydrogen fuel cell vehicles to stationary power generation to industrial processes.

Africa's Green Hydrogen Potential

The African continent holds substantial potential for green hydrogen production given its abundance of co-located renewable resources. According to the European Investment Bank, Africa has the potential to produce 50 million tons of green hydrogen per annum by 2035, which could help meet power, transportation and industrial energy needs, decarbonize heavy-polluting industries, as well as be used for global export.

Namibia represents a pioneer of green hydrogen on the continent, having secured billions in investment for green hydrogen projects from various investors, including the USAID, the Development Bank of Southern Africa and Japanese investment firm ITOCHU. Green energy firm Hyphen Hydrogen Energy is implementing a $10-billion project, with the capacity to produce 350,000 metric tons per year using 7 GW of renewable energy and 3 GW of hydrogen electrolyzers. Last May, Belgian port operator Antwerp Bruges partnered with the Namibian Ports Authority to develop a EUR 250-million hydrogen and ammonia storage facility at Walvis Bay Port to facilitate the transport of hydrogen to regional and global markets.  

Realizing the potential of green hydrogen to drive regional energy security, South African tourism, trade and investment agency Wesgro signed an agreement last month with the Northern Cape Economic Development, Trade and Investment Promotion Agency, Namibia's Environmental Investment Fund and infrastructure company Gasunie and Climate Fund Managers. The agreement paves the way for the parties to assess the feasibility of developing a green hydrogen corridor connecting the Western Cape and Northern Cape provinces of South Africa with Lüderitz in Namibia.

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Furthermore, green energy companies Hive Energy UK and Genesis Eco-Energy are developing a R105 billion green hydrogen and ammonia project in the Coega Special Economic Zone in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. The project will add 14,400 MW of electricity to the grid and produce 900,000 tons of green ammonia for export to global markets, increasing the country's export revenue. South Africa has also established a $1-billion fund in partnership with the Netherlands, aimed at accelerating the deployment of green hydrogen projects to feed growing demand in Europe.

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Private and public sector entities in South Africa are demonstrating the potential for synergy between PGMs and green hydrogen, specifically in hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Last October, mining firm Anglo American entered into a partnership with automotive firm BMW South Africa and international energy firm Sasol to develop South Africa's PGMs and green hydrogen value chains. Anglo American will provide PGMs used in hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles, while Sasol will provide the green hydrogen and BMW the vehicles.

https://apo-opa.co/3XBI9UJ

As global demand for green hydrogen rises due to carbon emission reduction policies and growing energy needs, a parallel surge in PGMs demand is also anticipated. Given that Africa is home to the overwhelming majority of these critical minerals, CMA 2024 will explore the latest policies, projects and developments ensuring that the continent capitalizes on green hydrogen as a key growth driver.

Organized by Energy Capital & Power, CMA is the largest gathering of critical mineral stakeholders in Africa. Taking place from November 6 – 7 in Cape Town, the event positions Africa as the primary investment destination for critical minerals. This year's edition takes place under the theme Innovate, Enact, Invest in African Critical Minerals to Sustain Global Growth, connecting African mining projects and regulators with global investors and stakeholders to untap the full potential of the continent's raw materials. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

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Motsoaledi welcomes 18-year sentence of Pakistani national linked to passport-related crimes

Location: News

Motsoaledi welcomes 18-year sentence of Pakistani national linked to passport-related crimes

The Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, has welcomed the sentencing of a Pakistani national, Arfan Ahmed, who was convicted of corruption and bribing Home Affairs officials at the Krugersdorp Home Affairs office for R45 000.

According to the department, Ahmed was apprehended in a sting operation involving the Counter Corruption Branch of Home Affairs, the Hawks, and the Police Crime Intelligence at the Home Affairs office in Krugersdorp in March 2022.

“In the aftermath of his arrest, his home was searched, where multiple passports which were not supposed to be there were found. For this offence, he is serving eight years. As the kingpin of the passport photo swap, the Krugersdorp Regional Court recently sentenced him to another 10 years imprisonment. 

“He is, therefore, serving 18 years for his involvement in the overall passport syndicate activities,” the statement read. 

The department stated that the passport syndicate aims to undermine the country’s laws by fraudulently obtaining South African passports for Pakistani nationals, who did not have a legal right to possess these documents.

Ahmed is said to have been working with some corrupt officials of Home Affairs in a network that spanned Gauteng, Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Western Cape and Mpumalanga provinces. 

Meanwhile, Home Affairs said they have already fired the 12 officials who enabled his scheme after the conclusion of their disciplinary processes. 

Motsoaledi said he welcomed the development and was impressed that the courts are sending a strong message that crime does not pay.

“We’ve been waiting patiently for the sentencing of this kingpin for his role in the Krugersdorp passport syndicate. This is an illustration that in our unflinching commitment to uproot fraud, corruption and all sorts of crimes bedevilling our country, we make sure that kingpins and their 'lieutenants' face the full might of the law.

“Passport fraud is not a victimless crime. Every single South African is a victim because we are now forced to apply for visas when we visit countries such as the United Kingdom. This was not the case before syndicates like these denigrated our passports. We will, therefore, have no mercy to anybody whatsoever, Home Affairs official or outsider, who gets involved in these dastardly acts. We are doing so to protect the interests of all South Africans,” the Minister said. 

He has since urged all citizens to immediately report such acts of crime to the nearest police station or report them to Home Affairs officials and to refrain from such criminal acts of selling identity. 

People who want to report Home Affairs-related crimes can call the national anti-corruption hotline on the toll-free number 0800 701 701 or send an email to report.corruption@dha.gov.za. – SAnews.gov.za 

Gabisile
Tue, 06/18/2024 - 09:20

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President Ramaphosa re-elected to lead South Africa

Location: News

President Ramaphosa re-elected to lead South Africa

Cyril Ramaphosa has been re-elected as the President of the Republic of South Africa, who will lead the seventh democratic administration.

After a full day of proceedings during the first sitting of the National Assembly of the seventh Parliament, Ramaphosa -- the President of the African National Congress -- was on Friday evening nominated for the position of President.

The sitting took place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) in the Western Cape.

Three hundred and thirty-nine ballot papers were issued and counted, with 12 invalid ballots. Ramaphosa received 283 votes against Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema, who received 44 votes.

African National Congress Member of Parliament (MP), Mdumiseni Ntuli, nominated Ramaphosa for the position of President, and was seconded by Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) leader and MP, Velenkosini Hlabisa, during a process that was presided over by Chief Justice Raymond Zondo.

The President’s election came after former Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Minister, Thoko Didiza was elected as the Speaker of the National Assembly after a vote in the House.

READ | Didiza appointed new National Assembly Speaker

Didiza was declared by Justice Zondo as a Speaker after receiving 284 votes against her contestant, Veronica Mente from the Economic Freedom Fighters, who received 49 votes.

The Democratic Alliance's Dr Annelie Lotriet was elected as the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly for the seventh Parliament. This after she received 273 votes, while fellow nominee, Vuyolwethu Zungula, the African Transformation Movement leader, received 54 votes.

The first sitting of the National Assembly took place after the General Election on 29 May. The day’s proceedings started with the swearing in of Members of Parliament, who either took an oath or affirmation that enjoins them to be faithful to the Republic of South Africa, and to obey, respect and uphold the Constitution and all other laws of the Republic.

READ | New Members of Parliament sworn in

South Africa’s recent National and Provincial Elections were the most contested and most compelling since the dawn of democracy in 1994. As in the post-1994 election period, President-elect Ramaphosa is expected to lead a Government of National Unity into the future.

This will be his second term as the leader of South Africa’s government.

He is expected to be inaugurated next Wednesday, 19 June.

Messages of congratulations

After Justice Zondo declared the re-election of President Ramaphosa, various political parties took turns in congratulating him.

Democratic Alliance leader John Steenhuisen said the day is a historic day for the country, and the start for a new chapter of building, cooperation, and putting the country’s interests and future first.

“In these elections, the voters chose not to give any party its own majority, and in doing so, they have told us that they want us to work together to build a prosperous non-racial, united South Africa, with a great economy that works for everybody. We must now rise to the occasion and rise to the call of South Africa,” Steenhuisen said.

EFF leader Julius Malema also congratulated the President, saying his party accepts the results and the voice of people of South Africa expressed during the elections.

“We are going to ensure that this Parliament is functional,” Malema said.

Inkatha Freedom Party leader, Velenkosini Hlabisa, said this is the beginning of a new era.

“The IFP stands ready to serve in the government of South Africa. We enter the government of national unity with an open mind and eyes wide open.”

READ | Date set for Presidential inauguration

Ramaphosa was sworn in as the President of South Africa for the first time on 15 February 2018 and again on 22 May 2019 after the 2019 elections.

The early years

The President was born on 17 November 1952 in Johannesburg. His family was moved from Western Native Township to Soweto in 1962, where he attended Tshilidzi Primary School.

He completed high school at Mphaphuli High School in Sibasa, Venda in 1971.

Ramaphosa began his studies at the University of the North in 1972, where he became involved in student politics, joining the South African Student Organisation (SASO) and the Black People’s Convention (BPC).

The President holds a law degree from the University of South Africa, and has received several honorary doctorates from local and international universities.

He received the Olof Palme prize in Stockholm in 1987 and was awarded the National Order of the Baobab in Silver in 2009 for his contribution to the multiparty negotiations and for chairing the Constitutional Assembly.

Prior to becoming the President of South Africa, Ramaphosa served as the Deputy President since 2012. – SAnews.gov.za

Matona
Sat, 06/15/2024 - 00:09

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Read morePresident Ramaphosa re-elected to lead South Africa

Didiza appointed new National Assembly Speaker

Location: News

Didiza appointed new National Assembly Speaker

The newly elected Speaker of the National Assembly (NA) of the seventh administration, Thoko Didiza, has committed to ensure that Parliamentary debates are conducted within the rule of law, and in a manner that is fair.

Didiza made the commitment as she took the seat of the Speaker of the National Assembly during the first Joint Sitting of Parliament, held at Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) in the Western Cape on Friday.

The outgoing Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development and African National Congress member took the seat of the Speaker after receiving 284 votes against her contestant, Veronica Mente from the Economic Freedom Fighters, who received 49 votes.

Didiza commended Members of Parliament from across the political divide for supporting her nomination, as the new government of national unity starts to take shape, and for participating in the democratic process of electing the Speaker.

“As a country and a democratic State, we have an opportunity to express our views, representing our constituencies, and we have to elect and participate in such process,” Didiza said.

She emphasised that Parliament is an important institution of the country, where members have to pass laws and ensure that they play an oversight role on the Executive.

“I also commit that I will work with all the parties, led by their whips and representatives to make sure that we conduct the business of this parliament in a manner that indeed reflects the will of the people of South Africa,” Didiza said.

Didiza presided over the election of her Deputy, which was contested by African Transformation Movement leader, Vuyolwethu Zungula, and the Democratic Alliance's Annelie Lotriet.

With 273 votes, Lotriet is now the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly. – SAnews.gov.za
 

GabiK
Fri, 06/14/2024 - 19:00

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Read moreDidiza appointed new National Assembly Speaker

Limpopo Legislature elects first female Premier

Location: News

Limpopo Legislature elects first female Premier

History has been made in Limpopo where Health MEC, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, has been elected as the new Premier - the first woman to hold the position in the province.

Ramathuba was elected during a sitting of the seventh Limpopo Legislature in Lebowakgomo on Friday.

She takes over the reins from outgoing Premier, Chupu Stanley Mathabatha, who held the post during the fifth and sixth administration terms.

The Speaker and Deputy Speaker are also women. Makoma Makhurupetje was elected unopposed as the new Speaker of the Limpopo Legislature, and Tebogo Mamorobela was elected as the Deputy Speaker.

In her acceptance speech, Ramathuba said she was humbled and grateful to accept the responsibility entrusted to her as the Premier of “this great province”.

The newly appointed Premier committed the new administration to inclusivity and access to quality basic services.

“I am deeply honoured for the opportunity to lead Limpopo towards a future of progress, prosperity and unity. I am recommitting the new administration to inclusivity, [and] access to qualify basic services,” Ramathuba said.

She also called on the Executives to carry out their duties with diligence.

“I call upon the members of this Legislature to uphold their oversight role with diligence and dedication, ensuring that the administration of Limpopo serves the best interests of all its citizens,” the new Premier said.

She acknowledged the exemplary leadership of the outgoing Premier, saying his stewardship has steered Limpopo through the challenges of the past two administrations.

Ramathuba’s election came as a number of provinces held their first sittings of their respective Legislatures on Friday.

In Mpumalanga, Mandla Ndlovu was elected as the new Premier, taking over from Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane who took office in 2018.

In his acceptance speech, Ndlovu said he was grateful for the opportunity given to him.

“I am committed to upholding and building upon the legacy that the previous premiers have left for us. We are continuing with the journey which was started by Premier Matthews Phosa up until Premier Refilwe. Premier, you have done your part,” Ndlovu said.

Oscar Mabuyane was re-elected as Premier of the Eastern Cape for a second term and MaQueen Joyce Letsoha-Mathae was elected Premier for Free State.

Meanwhile, Alan Winde was re-elected as the Western Cape Premier during a sitting of the Western Cape Parliament on Thursday.  – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Fri, 06/14/2024 - 14:39

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MDDA calls for community media grant applications

Location: News

MDDA calls for community media grant applications

The Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) will this week host the first of two workshops to inform potential and existing MDDA grant funding applicants about the compliance requirements for the 2024/25 grant funding cycle.

The agency recently made a call encouraging community media projects with valid class broadcast service licenses, including radio, TV and community print publications, as well as small commercial print, to apply for the 2024/25 grant funding.

The application window officially opened on 31 May 2024 and will close on 28 June 2024.

The MDDA said community media projects are encouraged to apply.

“The MDDA aims to encourage media ownership, access and control to media, particularly by historically disadvantaged communities and diminished indigenous languages and cultural groups,” it said.

For print and digital publications, this year’s grant funding application call is focusing on Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Free State and the Western Cape.

The virtual workshop will be held from 10am to 1pm on Friday, 14 June 2024, on Microsoft Teams at the following link: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/b5a52a3d-5128-4b2f-87f5-84c3c346c317@be508088-e9e6-4190-b402-329c20fd7bce.

For more updates regarding MDDA-related news and information, go to @MDDA_Media or WhatsApp 0635094934. – SAnews.gov.za

Janine
Thu, 06/13/2024 - 10:25

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Tobacco use in SA remains high, with smokers starting at a younger age

Location: News

Tobacco use in SA remains high, with smokers starting at a younger age

The prevalence of smoking in South Africa remains high compared to other countries, with an average of 8.5 cigarettes smoked per day by daily smokers.

This information is based on the 2021 Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) South Africa report, released by the Department of Health on Thursday.

Based on the most recent data from GATS, sampled from 7 245 households, it was found that the prevalence of tobacco use in South Africa is 29.4%.

The data also revealed that a higher percentage of men (41.7%) are currently using tobacco compared to women (17.9%).

Lead investigator, Dr Catherine Egbe from the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), stated that 21.2% of adults in South Africa smoke daily, while 4.6% smoke occasionally.

The highest prevalence of tobacco is found in the Northern Cape, followed by the Western Cape, while the lowest is in Limpopo.

Shifting her focus to the age of initiation of tobacco use, Egbe said the average age of initiation was 17.6 years old among adults aged between 20 and 34. 

Meanwhile, 20.9% of urban residents and 13.5% of rural residents initiated smoking before the age of 15. 

In addition, Egbe stated that 33.9% of daily tobacco users smoke within five minutes of waking up. 

E-cigarettes and hookah pipe

Meanwhile, 2.2% said they were currently using e-cigarettes, of which 3.8% are men and 0.7% are women. 

Of those using e-cigarettes, 70.3% cited enjoyment, 67.5% cited flavour, 45.1% perceived it as less harmful than tobacco, while 43.5% said their use was influenced by friends or family members who use e-cigarettes. 

The study also found that 3.1% of adults reported smoking hookah pipe or hubbly bubbly. 

“The mean age of initiation for those who have ever smoked water pipe was 21.1 years,” Egbe said. 

For those aged between 15 and 24, the average age of initiation was 17.3 years old. 

Quitting

Among adults currently smoking tobacco, 80.9% attempted to quit without assistance, 4.1% used pharmacotherapy, and 42.9% received advice to stop from their healthcare provider.

Data also shows that 74.4% of adults who visited public places were exposed to second-hand smoke (SHS) at bars, taverns, shebeens or nightclubs. 

Meanwhile, 19.9% were exposed to SHS at school, 16.0% at tertiary institutions and 11.3% in cafes. 

Data indicates that men spent slightly more on cigarettes, R273.20, while women spent around R207.20 monthly. 

Government interventions

The Department of Health’s Deputy Director of General Primary Healthcare, Jeanette Hunter, has noted an increase in the use of hookah, e-cigarettes and vapes, particularly among young people.

“Studies have highlighted health risks associated with the use of e-cigarettes and hookah pipes, hubbly bubbly or shisha, even though they are aggressively marketed as healthier tobacco alternatives,” Hunter said. 

She said scientists have provided enough evidence for countries to act and put measures in place to curb the use of these new-generation products.  

“It is for this reason that we, as a country, amended the existing Tobacco Product Control Act, Act 83 of 1993 to incorporate the control of the use of electronic delivery systems. This amendment Bill is at the stage of going through Parliamentary processes.” 

Hunter also raised concerns about citizens who are now starting to smoke at a younger age. 

“Disappointingly, it reveals that a small percentage, only 42.9% of smokers, were advised by a healthcare provider to quit smoking.” 

Hunter said the department has since identified the need to establish tobacco cessation programmes in primary healthcare facilities and that the feasibility of such programmes is being explored. 

Hunter also highlighted the importance of the proposed ban on smoking in enclosed spaces after it was found that 44.5% of adults in South Africa are exposed to SHS. 

Meanwhile, as part of the recommendations, Egbe emphasised the importance of implementing tobacco taxes, smoke-free laws, graphic health warnings, and total bans on tobacco advertising and promotion to reduce smoking initiation, particularly among young people.

“Effective strategies to reduce tobacco use, including putting in place more comprehensive laws that are compliant with the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, should be implemented to protect more people from exposure to SHS, and provide cessation services to help more people who smoke to quit,” Egbe said. 

In addition, Egbe believes that if Parliament were to pass the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill of 2022, it would help reduce long-term tobacco use and the burden of tobacco-related diseases. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Thu, 06/13/2024 - 12:21

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Read moreTobacco use in SA remains high, with smokers starting at a younger age

Tennis SA And American Express To Host Wimbledon Fan Park In Johannesburg: The Amex Tennis Town

Location: MyPR

Following the announcement of their multi-year partnership in March 2024, Tennis South Africa (TSA) and American Express are pleased to host the Amex Tennis Town, a fan park during The Championships, Wimbledon 2024. American Express is operated in South Africa through its licensee Nedbank. The Amex Tennis Town will be held from 5 to 14 …

Read moreTennis SA And American Express To Host Wimbledon Fan Park In Johannesburg: The Amex Tennis Town

One Mpox patient passes away, while four are still in recovery

Location: News

One Mpox patient passes away, while four are still in recovery

Health Minister Dr Joe Phaahla has announced that one of the five Mpox patients in South Africa passed away on Monday at Tembisa Hospital in Gauteng.

This comes after two cases were confirmed in Gauteng and three in KwaZulu-Natal.

“In all cases, patients are males aged between 30 to 39 years without travel history to the countries currently experiencing an outbreak, which suggests there is local transmission of this infectious disease in the country,” the Minister said on Wednesday.

According to the Minister, the deceased was originally from KwaZulu-Natal but has not been at home since December last year. 

The Minister made these announcements during a media briefing on Wednesday centred on the management of the monkeypox outbreak in the country. 

Phaahla stated that all cases were classified as severe cases, as per the World Health Organisation (WHO) definition requiring hospitalisation.

The patients have comorbidities and have been identified as key populations, including men who have sex with men (MSM).

The Minister told the media that one of the patients has since been discharged, one is isolating at home, while two are still in hospital. 

Phaahla explained that the sequencing analysis of three of the cases revealed Mpox clade IIb, a variant dominant in the multi-country and post-outbreak, which began in 2022. 

The last time South Africa recorded positive cases of Mpox was in 2022, when five cases were confirmed in the Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and Gauteng, with no cases reported in 2023.

“So, the one in our country is consistent with the multi-country outbreaks in various parts of the world and different from the strain variant in the DRC,” he explained. 

Contact tracing 

The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), the Minister said, continues with epidemiological and surveillance activities to identify cases for investigation to estimate the magnitude of disease through systematic data collection and analysis. 

He told the media that 38 contacts were identified in KwaZulu-Natal, while one of the patients indicated to have had sexual contact with multiple partners, including both males and females.

Meanwhile, the Outbreak Response Team have embarked on contact tracing and case finding in the affected provinces.

“Encourage people who may know that in one way or another have been associated with someone with the disease or showing any symptoms of skin lesions or rashes to approach their nearest health facility.”

Vaccine

Currently, there is no registered treatment for Mpox in South Africa. 

However, the Minister said the WHO recommends using Tecovirimat, also known as TPOXX, for treating severe cases, such as in individuals with a CD4 count of less than 350.

He announced that the department has obtained TPOXX via Section 21 South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAPHRA) approval on a compassionate use basis for known patients with severe disease.

The Minister said they are still looking at obtaining vaccines and considering various options, including who will be the priority target in terms of immunisation. 

However, he believes that high-risk groups should be prioritised, including sex workers, MSM, healthcare workers, and laboratory workers. 

The department, working together with partner organisations, has intensified both targeted and public awareness to empower the citizens with crucial information related to Mpox. 

The Minister also emphasised the importance of managing stigma for key populations at risk, while there have been no recommendations for any travel restrictions.  

“I think one can safely say that, especially for adults, anybody who develops those kinds of eruptions on their skin, even if you may think it might be chickenpox, even young people, should seek medical attention.” 

He said government endeavours to prevent any further deaths. 

“We already have one fatality and he was quite sick, and were informed that even though the antiviral agent because of the severity of the sores, he could not swallow his treatment and died within a few days.” – SAnews.gov.za 
 

Gabisile
Wed, 06/12/2024 - 12:50

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Read moreOne Mpox patient passes away, while four are still in recovery