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ChommY set to change young lives in Manenberg

Location: News

ChommY set to change young lives in Manenberg

Excitement filled Silverstream Primary School in Manenberg as 100 boys and girls between the ages of 10 and 14 prepared themselves for the launch of the social and behavioural change (SBC) programme, ChommY.

Social Development Deputy Minister, Dr Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu, in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), launched ChommY at Silverstream Primary School in Manenberg in the Western Cape on Saturday.

ChommY is a social and behavioural change programme for boys and girls between the ages of 10 and 14 years.

Manenberg is a community on the Cape Flats that has been plagued by gang-related violent crimes and drug abuse. 

ChommY, a colloquial term for “friend”, seeks to build positive friendships among children, and encourages young boys and girls to motivate one another to minimise risky behaviour and social ills, including bullying. 

Themed 'Invest in my Future… Protect me Today', ChommY aims to generate knowledge, develop skills and empower young people to make informed choices and contribute to reducing the high prevalence of HIV infection, substance abuse and prevention of teenage pregnancy.

Exploring social ills that affect Manenberg children during the dialogue, 13-year-old Zainab Williams* recalled a chilling incident where she witnessed a woman being fatally wounded during a drive-by shooting. 

“I saw this lady die in front of me. I went home afterwards as if nothing happened. I wish the violence could stop," Williams said. 

When asked if they had lost anyone they knew due to violence in the area, more than half the children raised their hands, with most saying they have lost an uncle, close friend, mother or grandfather. 

Bogopane-Zulu said she felt it was important to visit Manenberg to try to find solutions for the struggles that the children are exposed to.

“We brought this programme here so you can have a day to be children and to remind you that your dreams are valid. Do not let your circumstances define your future,” Bogopane-Zulu said.

Founder of Mothers4Justice, Vanessa Andriaase, thanked the Deputy Minister for revisiting Manenberg.

“We really feel our community is forgotten and such programmes do not reach our children. Programmes such as ChommY have the potential to change the narrative for the boys and girls sitting in this hall," Andriaase said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Sun, 02/11/2024 - 09:22

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Various peanut butter brands recalled

Location: News

Various peanut butter brands recalled

The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has urged consumers in possession of various peanut butter brands manufactured by House of Natural Butters to return them to the point of purchase.

Acting Commissioner Thezi Mabuza said the manufacturer informed the Commission that the products from Pick n Pay’s No Name brand, Eden All Natural brand, Wazoogles Superfoods and Dischem’s Lifestyle brand were found to have higher than legally acceptable levels of Aflatoxin, as set out under R1145 Regulation Governing Tolerance of Fungus-Produced Toxins in Foodstuffs.

The recalled products are Dischem’s Lifestyle 400 grams Smooth and Crunchy, Dischem’s Lifestyle 800 grams Smooth and Crunchy, Wazoogles Superfoods (all sizes starting from 32g to 20kg), Pick n’ Pay’s No Name 1kg Smooth, and Eden All Natural.

“Pick n Pay, Eden All Natural, and Dischem’s Lifestyle brands were distributed nationally, while Wazoogles Superfoods products were distributed mainly in the Western Cape,” Mabuza said.

Mabuza urged consumers in possession of these products to immediately stop consuming them and return them to the point of purchase for a full refund “with or without proof of purchase”.
 
While the Commission is investigating the affairs of the manufacturer, House of Natural Butters (Pty) Ltd, Mabuza said the NCC will also conduct a nationwide assessment to establish whether other brands are affected. 

“The Commission urges the manufacturers, distributors and suppliers of peanut butter to comply with regulations and conduct urgent tests to assess the safety of the products on their shelves and take immediate corrective steps, if found to be unsafe,” Mabuza said.

The Commissioner reiterated that the Consumer Protection Act requires that goods that pose any risk of harm to the consumer be recalled, and “it is the responsibility of the manufacturers, importers, and retailers to ensure that goods comply with all applicable laws and standards of the Republic".

“Aflatoxin may lead to health complications not limited to nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. We, therefore, urge South African consumers, who have the recalled products, to immediately stop consuming these products and return the products to the point of purchase for a full refund, with or without proof of purchase,” Mabuza said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Sun, 02/11/2024 - 08:53

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Deputy Minister Bogopane-Zulu to launch ChommY in Manenberg

Location: News

Deputy Minister Bogopane-Zulu to launch ChommY in Manenberg

Following the State of the Nation Address on Thursday, Social Development Deputy Minister, Dr Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu, in partnership with USAID, will on Saturday launch ChommY at the Silverstream Primary School in Manenberg, in the Western Cape.

ChommY is a social and behavioural change programme for boys and girls between the ages of 10 and 14 years.

Manenberg is largely a coloured community on the Cape Flats that has been characterised as an area plagued by gang-related violent crimes and drug abuse.

ChommY, a colloquial term for “friend”, seeks to build a positive friendship among children and encourages young boys and girls to motivate one another to minimise risky behaviour and social ills, including, bullying.
 
“The programme gives children the opportunity to develop a personal plan for their lives and emphasises the importance of support from parents and communities to enable young people to make informed decisions. The programme forms part of a basket of social and behavioural change programmes offered by the Department of Social Development,” the department said in a statement. 
 
Observed under the theme: “Invest in my Future…Protect me Today”, ChommY aims to generate knowledge, develop skills, and empower young people to make informed choices and contribute on reducing high prevalence of HIV infections, substance abuse and prevention of teenage pregnancy.
 
Bogopane-Zulu will facilitate dialogues with the children as they share their social experiences and solutions.

Bokamoso - the programme’s mascot - will interact with the children as they participate in indigenous games. – SAnews.gov.za

 

DikelediM
Fri, 02/09/2024 - 10:25

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MEC Mireille Wenger invites citizens to comment on proposed amendments to Immigration Regulations

Location: News

South African Government
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The Department of Home Affairs has released the draft second amendment of the Immigration Regulations, dealing with two key categories of visas - the remote working and critical skills visa, and ancillary matters for public comment.

This comes after extensive lobbying by the Western Cape Government since 2021 for the introduction of a digital nomad visa and reforms to the visa regime to enable South Africa to attract skilled individuals to South Africa, to help develop and grow the economy.

“To boost tourism, facilitate foreign investment, and allow digital nomads to work in South Africa, while spending their earnings here, we need to make it as easy as possible for them to access South Africa,” said Minister Wenger. “At the same time, it is essential that South Africa can attract and welcome skilled individuals that will contribute to growing the complexity of our economy, facilitate new industries and thereby create new South African jobs” she continued. 

“The longer it takes to implement necessary changes to the current disastrous visa regime in South Africa, the more opportunities we miss out on to grow the economy and create jobs. While I welcome the progress signalled by the call for comments by the Department of Home Affairs, time is really of the essence, ” said Provincial Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, Mireille Wenger.

“I strongly encourage all those who wish to see our economy grow and thrive, creating hundreds of thousands of new jobs, not just in the Western Cape, but across this incredible country, to review the draft second amendments and submit their comments to the Department of Home Affairs, by the deadline of 29 March 2024,” concluded Minister Wenger.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Government.

Read moreMEC Mireille Wenger invites citizens to comment on proposed amendments to Immigration Regulations

Cape Town Citizens Oral Submissions on the General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: The Parliament
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The Ad Hoc Committee on the General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill today continued with the second leg of the public hearings in the Western Cape. Today, approximately 170 members of the public attended the public hearings at the Belthorn Recreation Centre in Athlone.

During their oral submissions, some residents asked that clear definitions be included, especially on national security, threat to national security, security competency test, and opportunity or potential opportunity in the Bill. Members of the public said that these definitions are vague, too broad and do not provide sufficient clarity to ensure that state intelligence services operate within their Constitutional mandate.

Some residents also raised concerns that the Bill fails to provide the Inspector General of Intelligence (IGI) with the independence required to conduct oversight over the intelligence services. Some said that the IGI's recommendations should be legally binding and that legislation about vetting, vetting oversight and appeals be strengthened.

There were members of the public who also raised concerns about the enhancement of the State Security Agency's powers of mass surveillance through the National Communications Centre, particularly after the Constitutional Court's judgement that ordered changes to the Regulation of Interception of Communications and Provision of Communication-Related Information Act 70 of 2002 (RICA) to ensure bulk surveillance is regulated.

The committee is grateful to the citizens of the Cape Town Metro for their inputs on the Bill. This weekend, the committee will continue with public hearings in KwaZulu-Natal.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

Read moreCape Town Citizens Oral Submissions on the General Intelligence Laws Amendment Bill

Western Cape on imposed budget cuts

Location: News

Republic Of South Africa: Western Cape Provincial Government
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Joint media release by Premier Alan Winde and Mireille Wenger, Provincial Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities; National budget process causing budget cuts to health, education, social services and more.

The impact of the nationally imposed budget cuts on healthcare provision, as outlined in an open letter signed by hundreds of health workers, academics, doctors, professors and clinicians this week, is simply devastating.

The excellent work done day in and day out by the vital people who are integral to the lives of millions of South Africans in the face of significant challenges, does not go unnoticed, nor unappreciated. These dedicated public servants are at the very heart of the frontline services relied upon by our residents, especially the most vulnerable in our society.

The implications of the nationally imposed cuts go beyond health care services and have hit education and social development services - and every other provincial department. This is exactly what the Western Cape Government warned of and which it is now fighting to stop and reverse.

“The mission of the Western Cape Government is to do all we can, using all available levers, to cushion these blows. However, the hard truth is that the quantum of the budget cuts is now so large that it will be almost impossible to fully mitigate the loss of funding from the national purse” said Premier Alan Winde.

“The fact is that these budget cuts are beyond the control of the provinces because we rely almost entirely on funding from the nationally collected tax revenue. This is then allocated to each of the nine provinces by the National Treasury through the Provincial Equitable Share (PES), to fund the core constitutional mandates of providing, amongst others, health care, education and social development services,” added provincial Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, Mireille Wenger.

In the Western Cape, the PES accounts for approximately 75% of the budget while Conditional Grants amount to approximately 18% of the total budget. These sources, determined by national government, therefore make up the vast majority (93%) of the budget in the Western Cape.

As things stand, a total of R6.7 billion has been reduced from the Western Cape's PES over the 2024 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) over the next three financial years as part of nationally imposed fiscal consolidation. This amounts to more than the total combined budgets of the provincial Departments of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Economic Development and Tourism, and Cultural Affairs and Sport.

Currently, the Department of Health and Wellness receives 37% of the total Western Cape Provincial budget.

“Over and above these devastating reductions, provinces have not been fully compensated by national government for the 2023 public sector wage agreement, that was centrally negotiated without consultation, and unilaterally imposed on provinces” added provincial Minister Wenger.

Only Health and Education received partial funding of the wage agreement of which Health received 70% and Education received 64.5% of what is required, while all other departments/services have had to absorb the full cost of the wage agreement. In total the funding shortfall of the wage agreement amounts to R1.1 billion for the 2022/23 financial year and recurs over the MTEF.

“The impact of these budget cuts will have a direct impact on critical service delivery in the Western Cape and we are doing all we can to protect these services” said provincial Minister Wenger.

Premier Winde went on to emphasise that “This is why, in November last year, we formally declared an intergovernmental dispute (IGD) with the national government, to fight for the residents of this province, particularly the most vulnerable who rely heavily on these services. Our residents must get their fair share of funding. As much as we are fighting for our vulnerable residents, we are also fighting for our public servants like our health professionals so that they can focus on their critical work. As we head into the next phase of the IGD with the mediations upcoming, we will not back down.”

Minister Wenger confirmed that “There are also other serious concerns regarding the PES. As it stands, the latest census data has not been incorporated into the PES calculations. The result of which is that while the Western Cape is the third largest province in South Africa by population, we only get the fifth largest budget allocation.”

“This government is fighting for our residents to protect our frontline services, our children, those who depend on the public health system, and the most vulnerable in our society” concluded provincial Minister Wenger.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic Of South Africa: Western Cape Provincial Government.

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PRASA Western Cape making strides

Location: News

PRASA Western Cape making strides

Acting regional manager of Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) in the Western Cape, Raymond Maseko, says the agency has done much work to recover the province’s network following a series of challenges.

Maseko was speaking on the sidelines of a blitz activation at the Cape Town train station ahead of the State of the Nation Address (SONA) to be held at the Cape Town City Hall on Thursday evening.

“We had a reset. Post-COVID when we started, there were only 14 stations in the Western Cape that had train access…out of 125 stations.

“Last year when we were here, the community of the central line did not have access to trains. As we speak today, we have access to trains up to Nyanga. There are only 11 stations  in the Western Cape out of 125 that do not have train access.

“If you go currently to Phillipi station, there are people working there. If you go to Mandalay station, there are people working there and Kapteinsklip, there are people working there. We are on the cusp of actually recovering the Western Cape network in its entirety,” he said.

Maseko highlighted that despite all the progress made, criminality – specifically copper cable theft – is hampering the agency’s work.

“In South Africa, we have a scourge of cable theft. This is affecting our business [seriously]. Most of the lines that are not available today [is due to] the copper theft that has happened. This morning, we had cable theft at Tygerberg and this… affected the entire system from after 3am. We were only [set] to recover it moments ago. The impact is so severe.

“We need South Africans to partner with us. There is nothing like 'government infrastructure'. In essence, there is just South African infrastructure because all of our taxes are what is creating this infrastructure. It is for South Africans to actually protect the infrastructure. You see something, say something. Do not just keep quiet,” he said.

Maseko said the agency has also completed building student accommodation that will accommodate thousands of students in the city.

“There is student accommodation that we started building just before lockdown… up until now... [some] 3 200 beds. There are already 1 500 students enjoying the benefits that we have put up. The idea from PRASA is densification and its also transport-orientated development.

“That means that we are asking the cities - we are asking that any development that happens - make it around transport hubs. Think about what we have done here. Students from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology can be here... that is somewhere around Belville, and UCT that is around town, they can always live here.

“They get off here, get into a train, get off at the nearest station… and then they go off into their places of higher institutions,” Maseko said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 02/07/2024 - 10:48

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Western Cape on electricity outage progress report

Location: News

Western Cape Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, South Africa
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Premier Alan Winde, Anton Bredell, Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning as well as senior members of the Western Cape Government were this morning updated by Eskom on the electricity outage in the Central Karoo and parts of the Overberg.

The Western Cape Government is monitoring the situation closely and is prioritising safe drinking water, food security and access to critical health care for affected residents. “Thank you to everyone from across government and all our partners for the work you are doing to assist our residents. I am also very grateful to the teams that are keeping our health facilities like our hospitals running and our schools open in the affected areas,” noted Premier Winde.

Premier Winde was tragically informed earlier this morning that an 18-year-old person died, and another adult is in hospital. While the cause of death still needs to be confirmed it is suspected that they may have been overcome by fumes form a generator being run inside a house to power a spaza shop in Leeu Gamka. “My deepest condolences to the family and loved ones. My thoughts are with you. I understand how difficult the situation is for people who have been without power for over four days now. This is why we are meeting with Eskom regularly to ensure that all the repair work is prioritised and supported because we know how critical electricity is for our residents. While I understand how difficult the situation is, I want to appeal to residents to please use any alternative power sources, such as generators, according to the safety guidelines.”

According to Eskom management, essential construction material was delivered on site in the Karoo, and the first of three large construction teams are already active on the site to prepare for the erection of temporary structures needed for the eventual reconnection of the Touwsriver-Laingsburg 132KvH line, which as been down since Saturday, 3 February.

Eskom also reported that the fault on the Hawston Farmer 1 Line has to a large degree been restored. A mini substation still needs to be replaced today, and power should be restored in the entire region by the end of today.

Minister Bredell said that after visiting affected communities in Prince Albert and Laingsburg yesterday, he cannot emphasise enough the urgency needed to restore power to these communities. “As a provincial government, our focus remains the safety and well-being of our residents. We are constantly monitoring the status of essential services. We will continue to offer all possible support to Eskom in repairing the line as fast as possible.”

Minster Bredell confirmed the delivery of several generators to communities to support essential services such as drinking water and sewage management.  “100 kVA generator for Water Treatment in Laingsburg was installed.  A 45 kVA generator for water provision in Matjiesfontein is being installing today. A 100 kVA and a 40kVA generator for water provision in Prince Albert will be delivered today.”

The following large generators will be dispatched for installation in central business areas:

  • Laingsburg will receive a 315kVA and a 350kVA on Thursday, 8 February.
  • Prince Albert will receive a 315kVA and a 650kVA on Thursday 8 February.
  • Ladismith will receive a 315kVA on Friday 9 February.

According to the Provincial Department of Health, the use of generators, open fires, as well gas appliances in poorly ventilated areas brings with it the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, as well as posing as a fire risk. Carbon monoxide is often difficult to detect, due to it having no odour or colour. Exposure to high levels of carbon monoxide leads to it replacing the oxygen in the blood stream. This will lead to progressive onset of symptoms such as headache, weakness, shortness of breath and loss of consciousness. Should carbon monoxide poisoning be suspected, it is important to urgently get the victim out of the poorly ventilated environment. Fresh air is required, and medical assistance should be immediately sought.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Western Cape Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, South Africa.

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Over one million novel voters added to the voters’ roll

Location: News

Over one million new voters added to the voters’ roll

The Electoral Commission says 1.2 million new voters have been added to the voters’ roll since November 2023, as the country prepares for this year’s National and Provincial Elections.

Briefing the media on the outcomes of the final voter registration weekend on Tuesday, Chief Electoral Officer, Sy Mamabolo, said the two registration weekends have given the country a growth of 1.2 million citizens on the voters’ roll. 

“Following these two registration drives, the voters’ roll now stands at 27.4 million. Regarding the past registration weekend, over 2 million (2 060 754) citizens interacted with the commission by either visiting the 23 303 voting stations or using the online voter registration portal. 

“The interactions ranged from applying for registration as new voters or updating the registration details in the case of those already registered. Of the 2 million transactions recorded this past weekend, 457 384 or 22% were new entrants on the voters’ roll,” Mamabolo said.

Of the new registrations, 77% are young people under the age of 29 entering the voters’ roll for the first time. New registrations for young people stands at 352 524.

Mamabolo said a total of 1 606 370 or 88% voters inspected and updated their registration details, and this is in line with the message that a voter must register and vote in the voting district where they reside, unless they notify the commission of an intention to vote elsewhere.

A total of 1 818 379 applications were also captured at the voting stations, while 240 789 were recorded online.

KZN records highest number registrations

Mamabolo said KwaZulu-Natal recorded the highest number of registrations with 2 510 670 transactions, followed by Gauteng which recorded 452 596, while the Eastern Cape came third with 305 460 transactions recorded.

KwaZulu-Natal also recorded the highest number of young people registered at 103 647 followed by Gauteng at 82 168, and the Eastern Cape at 43 673.

The gender of the new registrations was evenly split with female registrations accounting for 233 364, which is 51%, while the male new registrations account for 224 020, which is 49%. 

Mamabolo noted that Gauteng remains the province with the biggest voting population at 6.4 million voters, followed by KwaZulu-Natal at 5.7 million, then the Eastern Cape at 3.4 million voters. 

“The age category 20-29 at 4.3 million now represents 48% measured against the voting age population. The online registration portal has greater usage in the province of Gauteng at 99 522, followed by KwaZulu-Natal at 43 240 and the Western Cape at 33 822. 

“Young persons under the age of 29 account for 47% usage of the online registration portal. Females are more likely to use the online portal more than males do at 58% or 139 313. With two registration weekends under its belt, the commission now turns its focus on ramping up preparations for the National and Provincial Elections 2024,” Mamabolo said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Tue, 02/06/2024 - 14:53

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Parliament introduces modern rules for SONA proceedings

Location: News

Parliament introduces new rules for SONA proceedings

Parliament has introduced a set of new joint rules designed to regulate proceedings during the joint sitting of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) and which prohibit disruptions.

Addressing a media briefing on preparations to host SONA 2024, National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula said the new joint rules are aimed at maintaining order, decorum in the Chamber, and promoting civility among members.

“These rules, set to be implemented for the first time during this State of the Nation Address, are an essential step in ensuring that the proceedings, including the SONA, and the opening of Parliament are conducted with the respect and seriousness they deserve.

“In terms of the new rules, no member is allowed to interrupt the President while delivering the State of the Nation Address. Similarly, interruptions are prohibited during the President’s speech at the opening of Parliament. Additionally these rules stipulate that no other business may be considered during a joint sitting other than the specific business for which the joint sitting is convened.

“These measures are critical in ensuring that these important national events are conducted in an orderly and respectful manner, reflecting the dignity of Parliament and the importance of these addresses in setting the nation’s legislative and development agenda,” she said on Tuesday in Cape Town.

Scheduled to take place on 8 February at 7pm at Cape Town City Hall, this will be the last SONA for the sixth administration.

The event will take place under the theme: “Following up on our commitments: making your future work better”.

SONA is a joint sitting of the two Houses of Parliament – the National Assembly and the NCOP - presided over jointly by the Speaker and the Chairperson of the NCOP. It brings together the three arms of the state under one roof.

Convened by the President as per the Constitution, SONA serves to update the nation on government commitments and to outline the government’s programme of action for the new financial year.

“The President’s speech is the sole agenda item. Following this, Members of Parliament will engage in a two-day joint debate on the address, with the President’s reply scheduled for the subsequent day.

“As of February 1, Cape Town City Hall has been designated as the parliamentary precinct, in accordance with Section 2 of the Powers, Privileges, and Immunities of Parliament and Provincial Legislatures Act,” she said.

SONA will be broadcast live on radio and TV and streamed live on Parliament’s website, the DStv channel (408), and YouTube channel.

“The Cape Town City Hall will also host the two-day debate on the President’s address, featuring a joint sitting of the Houses, and the President’s reply to the debate.

“Additionally, it will be the venue for the Minister of Finance’s Budget Speech, scheduled a few days later. All attendees, including Members of Parliament (MPs) and invited guests, will be attending physically,” Mapisa-Nqakula said.

Approximately 490 Members of Parliament and representatives of the South African Local Government Association will be seated in the chamber.

“These SONA proceedings will maintain the full ceremonial format of previous years. The activities include a 21-gun salute, an aircraft flypast, a ceremonial guard, the step guard salute, the singing of the national anthem, a full military band, and ceremonial processions involving provincial Speakers, Premiers, the judiciary, the Deputy President, and the President.

“The President will take a salute on the platform in front of the Madiba statue, located on the City Hall balcony. This position offers an optimal view of the national anthem performance by the South African National Defence Force military band, synchronised with the 21-gun salute and fly-past,” the Speaker said.

The critical element of public participation of the involvement of the junior guard of honour and eminent persons has been reinstated. The Junior Guard of Honour consists of 100 learners, selected from four schools in the Western Cape.

“The praise singer tasked with ushering the President into the House is Senziwe Hatty Maliba, also known as Nkosatane Nziwe, a 24-year-old young woman from the Nkomazi Municipality in the Mpumalanga province. The choice of language for the Imbongi is determined through a rotational selection process, and SiSwati has been chosen as the language for this occasion,” Mapisa-Nqakula said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

nosihle
Tue, 02/06/2024 - 13:52

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W Cape Second Chance Matric Programme registration closes on Friday

Location: News

W Cape Second Chance Matric Programme registration closes on Friday

The Western Cape Education Department has encouraged all learners, who want to register for the Second Chance Matric Support Programme, to do so before the closing date of 9 February 2024.

The programme is aimed at those who have not met the requirements to pass the National Senior Certificate (NSC) or the extended Senior Certificate (SC) examinations.

The programme is also open to those who want to improve their results.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to obtain one’s NSC and it should not be missed. The content is fresh in the candidates’ minds, so it would be beneficial to register to write sooner, rather than having to wait a whole year. Every candidate that did not pass should continue doing whatever they can to complete Grade 12,” Western Cape Education spokesperson Bronagh Hammond said. 

Hammond said approximately 30% of the candidates in the Western Cape who did not pass required one more subject to pass, and about 20% needed two subjects. 

In order to prepare for these examinations, Hammond said candidates can take advantage of various matric resources on the department’s website: https://wcedonline.westerncape.gov.za/matric-support, and these includes study guides, video tutorials and examination papers and memos.

Hammond said the programme in the province also offers private candidates who are registered to write the May/June examinations free tutoring classes.

The tutoring classes will cover subjects, including Afrikaans First Additional Language; Agricultural Sciences; Business Studies; Economics; English First Additional Language; Geography; History; Life Sciences; Mathematics; Mathematical Literacy, and Physical Sciences

Hammond noted that Second Chance Matric Support Centres have been established in selected areas in the province and all tuitions are offered for free.

Registration to enter the programme has started. Information on registration and tutoring venues can be found at: https://wcedonline.westerncape.gov.za/second-chance-matric-programme.

Registration forms can be found on the WCED website: https://wcedonline.westerncape.gov.za/national-senior-certificate-nsc-exams 

The programme is expected to start at the beginning of March 2024. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Mon, 02/05/2024 - 12:05

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Sharna Fernandez conducts oversight visits at South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) offices

Location: News

Republic Of South Africa: Western Cape Provincial Government
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On 02 February 2024, Western Cape Minister of Social Development, Sharna Fernandez, visited different SASSA offices in Cape Town.

These oversight visits follow last month's reports of at least 150 000 SASSA grant beneficiaries not receiving their payouts for January. SASSA is a national agency of the South African government, yet the Western Cape Department of Social Development (WCDSD) receives regular complaints and queries about SASSA from beneficiaries in the province and even from other parts of the country, and the department does everything it can to step into this service delivery gap left my national government.

The only course of action available to the provincial department is to refer the matter directly to SASSA's regional staff so that they may look into the matter.

While the operations of SASSA fall outside of the mandate of WCDSD, Provincial Minister Fernandez felt it was important to hear from residents directly on their experiences.

Speaking to Old Age Grant beneficiaries, they commented that they had been queueing at pay points in Mitchells Plain from as early as 4am. There were many who complained about the poor service they have experienced at their local SASSA office, from unhelpful staff to systems regularly being offline and only a limited number of people being helped at a time.

At the Mitchells Plain SASSA office, there was no one to engage with, as the manager was in a meeting. The Western Cape Department of Social Development staff share a building with SASSA and beneficiaries often seek help from them if they get turned away by SASSA or aren't helped. On certain days there are long queues of people standing outside the office waiting to be helped, with no shelter from inclement weather like extreme heat or rain.

In Wynberg, SASSA staff and management were open to engage with Provincial Minister Fernandez, sharing their challenges and wins. National Minister of Social Development Lindiwe Zulu was at this office on 26 January 2024.

“My office has contacted Minister Zulu several times on previous occasions to meet about SASSA. The fact that the Minister was in Cape Town, meeting with a SASSA local office, without extending an invitation to my office is disheartening as I believe a collaborative approach is best to serve vulnerable citizens. We wish to work with Minister Zulu for the benefit of all those who are dependent on grants, for all those who wake up before the crack of dawn and walk far distances in the dark to withdraw their money. It seems however that the Minister is content to maintain the status quo of poor services to the most vulnerable,” says Provincial Minister Fernandez.

Provincial Minister Fernandez was impressed with the orderly way the Wynberg SASSA office was being run, although management said staff shortages and load shedding sometimes negatively impacted service delivery.

“I will be meeting with SASSA's provincial management next week. I hope to discuss these on the ground experiences and other issues beneficiaries and staff have raised with us. I trust that through teamwork and collaboration we can work together to ensure beneficiaries receive quality services and are treated with respect, with their dignity protected,” says Provincial Minister Fernandez.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic Of South Africa: Western Cape Provincial Government.

Read moreSharna Fernandez conducts oversight visits at South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) offices

Register to vote at your local municipal offices

Location: News

Register to vote at your local municipal offices

The Electoral Commission is urging those who could not make it to their local voting stations to register or rectify their details to visit its online facility and local municipal offices for assistance.

“The Commission extends its gratitude to thousands of South Africans who have gone online and visited our registration stations to register, re-register or check their details.

“Our online facility and local municipal offices will remain open for registration and verification of details until the date of the elections is proclaimed by the President,” said the Commission.

This as the Commission held its second Voter Registration Weekend on 3 and 4 February.

The registration weekend was held in preparation for the country’s 2024 National and Provincial Elections.

The Commission extended its gratitude to the thousands of South Africans who have gone online and visited the registration stations to register, re-register or check their details.

In a statement on Sunday, the Commission said day two of the registration weekend went well.

According to the Commission, by 8am, over 99% of the 23 303 voting stations had opened with the remainder opening before 8:30am.

“At 1pm … a total of 564 715 registration transactions had been recorded at voting stations,” said the Commission.

Meanwhile, on Saturday the Commission recorded 67 200 online registration transactions. The figure for online registrations on Sunday stood at 34 293.

The provincial breakdown of the registrations recorded is as follows:

Province                     F                         M                       Grand total

Eastern Cape             50 504                43 335                93 839

Free State                  17 496                16 462                33 958

Gauteng                     55 990                60 294                116 284

KwaZulu-Natal           68 305                63 126                131 431

Limpopo                     32 166                25 276                57 442

Mpumalanga              20 426                21 367                41 793

North West                 18 963                17 871                36 834

Northern Cape           6 827                  6 869                  13 696

Out Of Country          519                     494                      1 013

Western Cape           18 781                19 644                 38 425

                                  289 977              274 738               564 715

The Commission reminded eligible voters of the general rule in elections.

“That is, a person votes at a voting station where they are registered. The only exception to the general rule is that a voter may vote outside of the voting district of registration upon notification to the Commission by a date to be regulated by the Election Timetable,” the Commission said.

Details of the modalities of notification will be outlined after the registration process.

The Commission held the first voter registration weekend from 18 - 19 November 2023. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

Edwin
Mon, 02/05/2024 - 09:56

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Home Affairs pleased with response to extension of operating hours

Location: News

Home Affairs pleased with response to extension of operating hours

The Department of Home Affairs has assisted more than 33 500 people in its offices and 105 mobile units that were deployed in the first two days of the service delivery blitz during the Voter Registration Weekend.

 
The majority of the people, that is, more than 25 700, visited on Saturday, 03 February 2024. Nearly 7 900 visited during the two additional operating hours from 4pm to 6pm on Friday, 02 February 2024.

 
“This public response is galvanizing us to do more as we prepare to welcome those people who want to visit our offices today. We are open from 8am until 5pm,” Deputy Minister Njabulo Nzuza said on Sunday.

This as the Electoral Commission is holding the country’s second Voter Registration Weekend ahead of the national elections.

According to the department, the overwhelming public response led to two offices and four mobile units operating beyond 5pm in the Eastern Cape.

One office in the Western Cape operated beyond the closing time while there were three offices and two mobile units that did the same in Mpumalanga. In Gauteng, four offices operated beyond 5pm while one office did in KwaZulu-Natal.

 
Over the two days, nearly 23 400 people came to collect their IDs. Another 9 100, mostly first-time applicants, came to apply for IDs. More than 920 people applied for and received their Temporary Identification Certificates on the spot.

There were 148 people who were referred by the Independent Electoral Commission to Home Affairs to update their status on the Voters’ Roll. People who came to collect their passports were also assisted.

 
“We continue to encourage first-time applicants to come and collect their documents. Home Affairs takes up to 13 working days to deliver an ID from the day of application. Therefore, if it has been more than two weeks since you applied, please come back and collect your ID,” Nzuza said. 

The department has further set up dedicated queues for collection in offices that have space for such, to make the collection process faster. – SAnews.gov.za

 

DikelediM
Sun, 02/04/2024 - 13:39

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Condolences for Tony Cedras

Location: News

Condolences for Tony Cedras

The Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport says it has learnt of the passing of internationally renowned jazz artist Anthony ‘Tony’ Cedras. 

Cedras passed away on 29 January 2024 after a battle with emphysema. 

In 2022, the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport bestowed the Ministerial Legacy Award on Cedras in recognition of his outstanding achievements and contribution to South African music and jazz in particular, during the pre-democracy era.

Born in Elsies River, Cape Town, Cedras was a sought-after session player who toured the world as part of the Graceland Show Band, and before that, as a member of the Amandla Cultural Ensemble in exile.

After initially touring South Africa, Cedras relocated to Gaborone in Botswana in the early 1980s. 

There, he met trombonist and band leader Jonas Gwangwa. Gwangwa was the musical director of the Amandla ensemble, which Cedras joined, travelling not only in Africa but also in Europe, Canada and Brazil.

While working with Amandla, Cedras spent time in London, where he connected with other South African artists who were part of the expatriate South African music scene.

He moved there in 1985 and soon formed the group Kintone. 

Later, while Cedras was working in Zimbabwe, Hugh Masekela recommended to Paul Simon that Cedras could provide valuable musical input into Simon’s Graceland project. 

The renowned musician toured with Simon between 1987 and 1989 and then from 1990 to 1992 with Simon’s Born at the Right Time tour. 

Cedras worked extensively with Masekela and Miriam Makeba. He also toured with Harry Belafonte in 1993 and Henry Threadgill in 1994.

Western Cape MEC of Cultural Affairs and Sport Anroux Marais said: “The Western Cape government, and I personally, want to express our deepest condolences to the family, friends and fans of Tony Cedras. He will be sorely missed, but his sound will live on, He was a true jazz legend”. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

Gabisile
Fri, 02/02/2024 - 08:47

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Minister Marais expresses condolences on the passing of Tony Cedras

Location: News

Western Cape Government: Department of the Premier
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It was with great sadness that the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport learnt of the passing of internationally renowned jazz artist Anthony (Tony) Cedras. He passed away on 29 January 2024 after a battle with emphysema. In 2022, the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport bestowed the Ministerial Legacy Award on Mr Cedras in recognition of his outstanding achievements and contribution to South African music, and jazz in particular, during the pre-democracy era.

Born in Elsies River, Cape Town, Tony Cedras was a sought-after session player who toured the world as part of the Graceland Show Band, and before that, as a member of the Amandla Cultural Ensemble in exile. 

After initially touring inside South Africa, Cedras relocated to Gaborone in the early 1980s. There, he met trombonist and band leader Jonas Gwangwa. Gwangwa was the musical director of the Amandla ensemble, which Cedras joined, travelling not only in Africa, but also in Europe, Canada and Brazil. 

While working with Amandla, Cedras spent time in London, where he connected with other South African artists who were part of the expatriate South African music scene. He moved there in 1985, and soon formed the group Kintone. Later, while Cedras was working in Zimbabwe, Hugh Masekela recommended to Paul Simon that Cedras could provide valuable musical input into Simon's Graceland project. Cedras toured with Simon between 1987 and 1989, and then from 1990 to 1992 with Simon's Born at the Right Time tour. Cedras worked extensively with Hugh Masekela and Miriam Makeba. He also toured with Harry Belafonte in 1993 and Henry Threadgill in 1994.

Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport Anroux Marais said: “The Western Cape Government, and I personally, want to express our deepest condolences to the family, friends and fans of Tony Cedras. He will be sorely missed, but his sound will live on, He was a true jazz legend."

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Western Cape Government: Department of the Premier.

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AU Roundtable at Africa’s Green Economy Summit aims to catalyse investments, partnerships to combat climate change

Location: MyPR

CAPE TOWN, 30 January 2024: The Africa Union (AU) “Scaling Up Green Investments to Address Climate Change” roundtable taking place at Africa’s Green Economy Summit in Cape Town next month offers AU member states and high-level stakeholders the opportunity to explore the potential of green investments and funding instruments to combat climate change on the …

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