Elections 2024: South Africa is one of the few African countries where prisoners can vote
But the right of prisoners to vote has at times been resisted by the government and the Independent Electoral Commission
Western Cape
Africa’s Children lend their voice to the continent’s future Focusing on Education, the child-led Africa Children’s Summit 2024 will host 500 children from over 25 countries across the continent to begin leading child welfare in a more meaningful way
JOHANNESBURG – April 2024: Africa’s children continue to have their voices heard in impactful policy-making forums across the continent with the launch of the second annual Africa Children’s Summit (ACS), set to take place between 9 and 12 August 2024. Facilitated by The Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund (NMCF), the ACS will be organised, hosted, and …
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PRASA’s efforts to ensure trains run on time
PRASA’s efforts to ensure trains run on time
The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa's ongoing efforts to re-signal its network in phases will go a long way to improving efficiency and making sure that commuter trains are reliable and punctual.
PRASA embarked on a journey to upgrade its near obsolete and outdated signalling system.
“When PRASA suffered massive theft and vandalism of the rail infrastructure, the newly installed state-of-the-art electronic interlocking and signaling equipment was not left unscathed. In rebuilding the rail infrastructure, PRASA is re-installing the stolen and vandalized signaling equipment. Through a project that would take seven years to complete, PRASA is re-signaling the network in phases. Nationally, PRASA has re-signalled six of the lines recovered,” Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga said on Tuesday in Cape Town.
The Minister made these remarks during the launch of the train production of 200 modern high-tech Electric Multiple Units (EMUs), which are manufactured locally in Gauteng.
The launch marked significant progress towards PRASA's overarching goal of producing 600 X’Trapolis Mega Trains.
“PRASA is installing a state-of-the-art signaling system, including PRASA train control systems in line with the European Rail Traffic Management System. This will ensure that PRASA runs trains more efficiently, improving service frequency and enhancing the safe passage of trains on the rail network.
“PRASA has re-signaled 24 of the 39 stations from Cape Town to Simonstown. This means the train speed has been increased from 30km/hr to 75km/hr and commuters getting to their destination much faster. When there was no signaling on the line, trains were running every 90 minutes and the trip to Cape Town station was one hour and ten minutes. PRASA has reduced the journey time to 45 minutes and trains run every 20 minutes,” Chikunga said.
In real terms, this means that PRASA has now increased the number of trains it runs during peak from three to nine trains.
“No more will a commuter who missed a train, have to wait for one-hour and ten minutes to catch the next train, because another train will be available within 20 minutes. We are improving efficiency and making sure that PRASA delivers a reliable and punctual commuter rail service that commuters can depend on, improve on-time performance and minimize disruptions,” the Minister said.
The six re-signalled in the country include, Mabopane – Pretoria; Saulsville – Pretoria; Pretoria – De Wildt; Cape Town – Simonstown; Mutual – Langa and Umlazi – Reunion.
“Work is underway to upgrade signaling in KwaZulu Natal. The installed signaling nationally is the latest state of the art compatible with automatic train protection (ATP) systems, GSM-R/FRMCS Digital Radio Network Communication.
“The organization is also working on installing its own PRASA Train Control System (PTCS) for the KwaZulu-Natal Region. This system will bring the operations of the Region in line with the modern urban railways around the World,” the Minister said.
This morning Chikunga was accompanied by the PRASA Board of Control and Management during a train ride on the Southern Line in the Western Cape from Fish Hoek to Cape Town Station.
“PRASA is making significant strides in restoring passenger rail services. To date, 31 of the 40 lines it operates in have been partially recovered. The region has 14 lines across five municipalities, not just in the City of Cape Town. To date, PRASA has partially recovered 12 of the 14 lines.
“Of the 39 stations on the corridor, only 13 stations were operational. To date, all the 39 stations are operational, with a full train service. To date, PRASA has transported over 13 million commuters, with more than half (57%) transported on the Southern Line.
“Progress is being made to recover the Central Line from Phillippi to Nolungile and trains are expected to run by the May this year, adding to the services already running from Cape Town to Nyanga on the Central Line. At that time, trains will be running from Cape Town to Nyanga and all the way to Nolungile,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Tue, 04/23/2024 - 12:51
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Cabinet welcomes R3.4bn terminal project
Cabinet welcomes R3.4bn terminal project
Cabinet has welcomed the opening of the R3.4 billion Newlyn Park Bayhead Rail Terminal project at the Port of Durban, which consists of 640 000 square metres of warehousing, rail sidings and open storage.
“The new terminal will facilitate the efficient movement of sea, rail and road cargo through the Port of Durban, and help address the recent challenges experienced in the logistics, infrastructure and network industries,” a Cabinet statement said on Monday.
WATCH |
The investment resulted in 4 013 direct construction jobs and the full-time employment of more than 1 000 people, with this number expected to grow as the facility handles more cargo.
“In revitalising our country’s rail network, Cabinet also welcomed the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa’s (PRASA) successful restoration of five crucial Metrorail services across Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape.
“PRASA effectively brought 31 of its 40 lines back into partial operation and is working on achieving full operational status. The milestone demonstrates government’s commitment to revitalising passenger rail services and providing an efficient public transport option for South Africans,” Cabinet said.
WATCH | Transport Minister briefs on improvements at PRASA | 
Cabinet held a special Cabinet Meeting on Wednesday, 10 April 2024.
In a related development, Cabinet welcomed the announcement by the South African National Roads Agency that it would inject over R50 billion into road infrastructure development in the Eastern Cape.
READ | SANRAL invests R2 billion in Eastern Cape road maintenance
This infrastructure investment is geared towards the construction of new facilities, road improvements and strengthening, and special maintenance of the national road network in the province. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Mon, 04/22/2024 - 14:59
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Trains are running again on Metrorail’s Southern Line but the embankment needs attention
The Transport Minister is due to catch a train from Fish Hoek to Cape Town on Tuesday
Southern Oil Promotes Canola Oil as the Ultimate Choice for Health-Conscious Consumers
With a mission to be a sustainable leader in the development and production of high-quality healthier alternative oils, Southern Oil (SOILL) continues to champion the benefits of canola oil as the go-to choice for consumers. “We are proud to promote canola oil as a cooking oil alternative for the health-conscious consumer” says Morne Botes, Commercial …
Nxesi calls on all spheres of government to work together to fight unemployment
Nxesi calls on all spheres of government to work together to fight unemployment
Employment and Labour Minister, Thulas Nxesi, says government spheres must do away with a “silos mentality” as it prevents service delivery programmes from reaching ordinary citizens.
In an effort to eradicate unemployment in South Africa, particularly among the youth, Nxesi engaged several potential employers and work-seekers at the Saldanha and Vredenburg areas in the Western Cape on Thursday.
The Department of Employment and Labour is hosting a two-day jobs fair and service delivery initiative, where Nxesi has paid a visit to work-seekers at the local Vredenburg Sports Ground.
The two-day event commenced with an Employer Breakfast Session where the Minister led discussions on labour market issues and addressing unemployment in the province.
Nxesi said unemployment and employment have nothing to do with politics.
“I want to repeat this, employment or no employment knows no politics. It is a crisis facing our young people. Therefore, when we deal with the issue of unemployment, we must know that we are dealing with a crisis, which is facing our young people.
“And we are saying, we are interacting with all the Premiers, but our intention is very simple because the Premiers have the authority to talk with their departments and their municipalities. At the end of the day, if we want these programmes to be relevant they must come to the district and local municipalities and that is our logic,” he said.
He is of the view that the problem with the state is not allowing each sphere of government to conduct programmes in provincial, district and local government.
“The District Development Model (DDM) says we must come down to the people to talk with them. The President said he wants integration and coordination of all the programmes between national and all spheres of government.
“We should do away with the silos. The problem with government is silo mentality and territorial,” he added.
The department and the Minister have since embarked on the initiative to provide a platform for employers to share information, engage with stakeholders and develop partnerships.
The jobs fair initiative is championed by the department’s Public Employment Services (PES) branch and seeks to create opportunities for work seekers and provide a platform to interact with prospective employers.
“These efforts should be understood against President [Cyril] Ramaphosa’s 2019 Budget Speech in which he committed government to the roll-out of a new integrated district-based approach – popularly known as the DDM tailored to promote and support local businesses and local communities.”
Nxesi raised concerns about the unemployment rate on the West Coast, which he said was “alarmingly high”.
“In an attempt to mitigate this, the department has considered the Jobs and Careers Fair as a useful platform where the unemployed, especially the youth, can meet with prospective employers from different sectors to access both jobs and learning opportunities,” said the Minister.
The inter-departmental jobs fair involves the Departments of Small Business Development and Higher Education, Science and Innovation.
The session also provides a platform where people can get access to career information and employment counselling; registration of work-seekers and exhibitions by various departments; registration of vacancies and or recruit work-seekers on the Employment System of South Africa. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 04/19/2024 - 09:09
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Shelters for homeless families a rarity
The Somerset West Family Shelter is one of few in the country
W Cape State vets at the centre of efforts to increase agricultural exports
W Cape State vets at the centre of efforts to increase agricultural exports
Western Cape State veterinarians have been lauded for the province’s efforts to increase agricultural exports.
According to the Western Cape MEC for Agriculture, Dr Ivan Meyer, the province is responsible for 55% of South Africa’s primary agricultural exports, with nearly 50% being livestock or livestock products.
The MEC was addressing 1 500 delegates from 48 different countries attending the 39th World Veterinary Association Congress, which is currently underway at the Cape Town International Convention Centre in Cape Town.
Meyer said the Western Cape Department of Agriculture’s Veterinary Services recently launched its innovative online electronic Export Certificate Office System (ECOS).
“ECOS provides the customer with a 24-hour export facilitation service, reducing the export certificate application process from days to minutes. The platform streamlines the export process and ensures compliance with international standards. Exports contribute to foreign exchange earnings and a 5% increase in exports will lead to approximately 22 000 new jobs in the agriculture sector in the Western Cape,” he explained.
He also announced that the Western Cape Government’s (WCG) R30 million revamp of the Provincial Veterinary Laboratory facilities has been completed and that the South African National Accreditation System (SANAS) and International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) 17025 certificated laboratory re-opened on 1 April 2024.
Expressing his concern about the shortage of veterinarians, Meyer said the international norm for veterinary services is 200 to 400 veterinarians per million of the population. In comparison, South Africa has around 60 to 70 veterinarians per million.
“This represents only 25% of our requirements. Therefore, this is a great concern, which puts the country’s food security and human health at risk. A fully staffed veterinary service is a critical enabler to a thriving agriculture sector in the province. The agriculture sector creates jobs and drives economic growth.”
Commenting further on conditions under which live animals are transported at sea, Meyer stated that the unacceptable conditions in which live animals are transported highlight the need to consider placing a ban on the transport of live animals and the importance of biosecurity.
“This year, the Western Cape Department of Agriculture will prioritise veterinary services and biosecurity. Organisations such as the World Veterinary Association and the South African Veterinary Association (SAVA) will play a key role in strengthening our response to the challenges facing the profession and our sector. We must defend animal welfare and advance biosecurity,” Meyer said. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 04/18/2024 - 09:05
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Small pet foods business gets a power boost from the Shoprite Group
Small pet foods business gets a power boost from the Shoprite Group “Our business would not survive another 12 months with constant rolling blackouts. We had to find an alternative solution,” said Harvard-trained entrepreneur, Nhlanhla Dlamini, who founded Maneli Pets in 2016. The small, Johannesburg-based pet foods manufacturer uses refrigeration and dehydration machines that run …
W Cape receives record number of Grade 1 and 8 applications for 2025
W Cape receives record number of Grade 1 and 8 applications for 2025
The Western Cape provincial government has announced that it has received 102 680 applications for Grade 1 and 8 for 2025.
This is an increase of 5 936 on last year’s on-time window, during which applications for 96 744 Grade 1 and 8 learners were received.
The admissions window closed on Friday, 12 April 2024, at midnight.
“We thank the parents who put in the effort to apply on time, helping us to plan for a place for their child in a school next year,” the Western Cape Education Department said on Wednesday.
After the deadline, all late applications will be considered only after those received on time.
Parents will still be able to capture late applications on the online system until 12 May 2024, but they will be flagged as late applications.
The provincial department said parents of students in Grades 1 and 8 who are planning to relocate to the Western Cape, but have missed the online application deadline of 12 May 2024, or have not applied for any other reason, should get in touch with their district office immediately for assistance.
“We urge parents not to wait until the last minute to apply,” the department added.
The window for Grade R applications and transfer requests for Grades 2 to 7 and Grades 9 to 11 will run from 1 to 16 August 2024.
Meanwhile, now that on-time applications have closed, schools will have a little over a month to consider all the applications they have received.
Parents are reminded that they do not need to drop off their certified hard copies at this stage. They will only need to do so once they have received an offer from a school and accepted the offer as their final choice of school.
“Parents will start seeing the outcomes of their applications online from 30 May 2024, and we will remind them of this as the date approaches. The date has been shifted by a day from 29 May 2024 to accommodate the public holiday for the general election.”
Parents must then accept or decline successful offers before 14 June 2024, and the department encouraged them to do so as quickly as possible.
“It is important for parents to confirm their choice of school speedily when they have received offers from multiple schools. These parents are essentially ‘double parking’ on the system, stopping schools from offering these places to other applicants until they make their choice.”
If a parent has not confirmed their choice by 14 June 2024, the system will automatically confirm their top-ranked school that has made an offer.
All other offers will then be removed, so that those places can be offered to other learners.
“Parents who do not receive an offer on 30 May 2024 should not be disheartened as places always open up as parents confirm their final choices. We will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to place every learner whose parents applied on time as quickly as possible.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 04/18/2024 - 09:44
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DPD Laser and Multiserv partner to democratise parcel delivery to all South Africans
South Africans live busy lives and the massive growth in online retail and associated deliveries since the COVID-19 pandemic really does show just how much they’ve come to depend on the convenience it makes possible. The only part of the online shopping process that some consumers may find less than ideal is being tied to …
Elections 2024: What the independent candidates have to say
We put five questions to each of the five independent candidates
Stellenbosch University senate members call for ceasefire in Gaza
Thuli Madonsela is one of more than 100 signatories
Housing activists lose Tafelberg case
The Supreme Court of Appeal has ruled the sale of the site for private development was lawful
Creecy extends West Coast Rock lobster fishing season
Creecy extends West Coast Rock lobster fishing season
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has granted a short extension of the Nearshore West Coast Rock Lobster fishing season.
“I received a number of urgent verbal and written requests from the small-scale fishing cooperatives that were particularly hard hit by the extreme weather conditions, preventing them from catching their full allocations,” Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Barbara Creecy said on Friday.
The Minister, in consultation with the relevant officials, requested the Deputy Director-General responsible for Fisheries Management, Sue Middelton, to grant a short extension of the Nearshore West Coast Rock Lobster fishing season from 15 - 19 April 2024.
This extension is in recognition of the extreme adverse weather conditions experienced in the Western Cape over the past week.
The Public Notice, granting the extension, will be issued by the Department on Friday 12 April 2024 and will be communicated to the Chairpersons of the Western Cape Small-scale cooperatives and the Nearshore Commercial right holders.
“It should also be noted that the DDG: Fisheries Management has already granted an exemption to allow for fishing over this coming weekend of 13 and 14 April 2024,” Creecy said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Fri, 04/12/2024 - 10:25
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Research at Outeniqua Research Farm benefits the dairy industry
Earlier today, Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Dr Ivan Meyer, visited the Western Cape Department of Agriculture's (WCDoA) Outeniqua Research Farm, outside George, which is known for its research on dairy production from planted pasture. Results on pasture and the concentrate component of the dairy feed provide guidelines to producers in the Southern Cape.
Minister Meyer said, “Agriculture is a science, and science must be backed by evidence-based research. Our research aims to help grow the agricultural sector and support producers in developing their businesses and creating jobs. By providing our producers with high-quality scientific support, we aim to work with our producers to find innovative solutions to ensure that the sector can flourish.”
Specialist dairy researcher at the Outeniqua Research Farm, Professor Robin Meeske highlighted that the profitability of milk production is under pressure due to increasing input costs. As a result, research projects at Outeniqua Research Farm focus on sustainable profitable dairy production from pastures.
“The main profit drivers are pasture production per hectare, cows per hectare and milk production per cow. High-quality pasture is the greatest contributor to the cows' daily nutrient requirements. To meet their energy requirements, high volumes of concentrates are fed to cows which are often three times more expensive than pasture.”
“Pasture research focuses on optimal pasture yields from known pasture species, especially the various ryegrass species. Animal research is conducted into the supplementary concentrate that is fed to the cows. We are looking into possible alternatives for some of the ingredients to make the cost per kilogram of feed lower without compromising milk yield or milk composition,” added Professor Meeske.
Researchers at Outeniqua are in contact with industry role-players, and this ensures that the research being conducted is relevant to the dairy producers.
“Research findings at Outeniqua Research Farm contribute to improving pasture quality and yield on farms. More efficient use of concentrates and adjusting concentrate composition and level of concentrate feeding is key to the profitability of milk production from pasture. The industry is kept up to date with our latest finding at the annual Farmers' Days hosted by the research team at the Outeniqua Research Farm,” concluded Minister Meyer.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic Of South Africa: Western Cape Provincial Government.
Business confidence in the Western Cape highest in South Africa
According to the most recent RMB/BER Business Confidence Index (BCI), business confidence in the Western Cape is higher than any other province and higher than South Africa's business confidence level.
The BCI reported a 3-point uptick in confidence levels in Western Cape's from 2023Q4 to 2024Q1, improving from 37 points to 40, out of a possible 100.
Provincial Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, Mireille Wenger announced that “When we combine the BCI with the fact that 4 out of 5 (78.9%) of all net jobs created over the 5 years were in this province, we get a good indication that our economic action plan, ‘Growth for Jobs', which seeks to enable private-sector led growth to achieve a R1 trillion, jobs-rich, diverse, resilient and thriving economy, growing at between 4% and 6% by 2035 – is having an impact.”
“This is the third consecutive increase in business confidence in the province and the longest sustained increase in Western Cape business confidence since quarter two of 2018. It is also notable that the Western Cape business confidence far exceeds its provincial counterparts, Gauteng and Kwazulu-Natal, who are at 23 and 18 points, respectively, for the same period,” Minister Wenger added.
“Make no mistake, we have a lot more work to do. But this tells us that the policies, plans and actions taken by the Western Cape Government to enable the private sector to do what it does best – grow and create jobs – are having a positive impact on businesses in the province,” she continued.
The Western Cape is showing resilience to national challenges, as seen in the divergence from the national trend and may be due to the strong tourism sector recovery, and spending in related sectors.
“The Western Cape Government is more determined than ever to attract and welcome business and investment to our province. We know that it's only with the right policies, the right plans and decisive action toward a clear goal of economic growth, that leads to prosperity. We will continue working to create more jobs that improve the lives of the people of the Western Cape as a priority,” she concluded.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic Of South Africa: Western Cape Provincial Government.
The exciting PEP mini Netball programme is back, bigger and better!
PEP mini Netball expands to three additional provinces April 2024, Johannesburg: Demonstrating a steadfast commitment to inspiring and empowering young girls, PEP, Africa’s largest single brand retailer in partnership with South African Schools Netball (SASN) has decided to expand the footprint of the PEP mini Netball programme to three additional provinces following on from last …
I’m a monster killer, Philippi extortionist tells GroundUp
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