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Pact to fund STEM postgrad students 

Location: News

Pact to fund STEM postgrad students 

The National Research Foundation (NRF) and the Energy Mobility Education Trust have concluded a three-year partnership agreement to fund postgraduate students in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and commerce fields. 

The agreement is said to focus on traditionally marginalised groups and contribute to the transformation of the education landscape, with a specific focus on South Africans who are Black, female or people with a disability. 

According to the Energy Mobility Education Trust CEO, Vuyo Mwase, the move will promote academic, scientific, and technological cooperation by supporting full-time studies for South African postgraduate students at the Honours level for the first year and Master’s and Doctoral levels from 2024. 

“The Energy Mobility Education Trust has championed the attainment of formal qualifications in STEM and commerce for over years,” said Mwase. 

The CEO also noted the lack of funding for postgraduate studies. 

“As such, this complementary and strategic partnership with the NRF strengthens our position and commitment to narrowing this gap. Additionally, our partnership will augment the much-needed innovation in developing and managing the current and emerging renewable energy systems,” Mwase explained.  

The programme will initially provide funding opportunities for 38 Honours students for the 2023 academic year, with an initial investment of R6.8 million, with Master’s and Doctoral programmes to start in 2024. 

Funding for postgraduate students will be made available in the STEM disciplines, with a specific focus on mathematical science, data science, computer science, green economy, renewable energy and climate change studies. 

The first phase of the programme will support students from the Universities of Fort Hare, Limpopo, Pretoria, Witwatersrand, Western Cape and Johannesburg. 

The NRF’s Dr Mbulelo Ncango is of the view that the scholarship programme comes at a critical time as South Africa strives to respond to energy and climate change challenges amongst many other national concerns. 

“This partnership is aligned with national policy goals on higher education, science, and technology such as the strengthening of human resource development and the creation of an enabling environment for innovation in South Africa,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Fri, 10/06/2023 - 15:00

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Read morePact to fund STEM postgrad students 

Mop up operations continue across Western Cape

Location: News

Mop up operations continue across Western Cape

The Western Cape Provincial Government says it has been working around the clock to re-open roads and assist communities that have been badly affected by the recent heavy rains and flooding.

Giving an update on mop up operations, Head of the Department of Infrastructure, Jacqueline Gooch, said while the province has been working around the clock to re-open the roads along with their partners, some mop up operations are taking some time to complete due to the extent of the damage.

“While main routes and alternatives to main routes are prioritised, at times, despite being a high priority, we have to wait for the flood water to subside. This is in the case where a road remains under water or where landslips have occurred. For example, both Clarence Drive and Franschhoek Pass have significant landslips, and repair work cannot commence until the slips have stabilised,” Gooch said.

Gooch explained that when prioritising the road repairs, the provincial government considers the main routes and alternatives to main routes; access to communities that have been cut off completely for humanitarian relief, food and emergency services; and roads which are of economic importance, such as those needed for movement of goods/exports, among other things.

On the estimated total cost of storm damage, Gooch said the costs for repairs cannot be confirmed at this stage, until all inspections and assessments of damage have been carried out. 

“It is likely to be a considerable amount, when taking into account for example among other costs the number of bridges and roads that have been completely washed away,” she said.

Gooch urged residents to pay attention to road closure signs, as they are in place for their safety.

With saturated ground, she said, water causes expansion in certain cases and when an area dries, it contracts again. 

“While much has been done in terms of mop-up operations and responding to communities’ needs, we are still in the process of our disaster response and will be for some time. As we further inspect the road network, we are discovering additional damage to infrastructure,” Gooch said.  
 
Meanwhile, the provincial government has appealed to citizens who assist displaced families with donations in the form of blankets, water, dry and non-perishable food, baby food and toiletries.

Citizens who are able to donate towards relief efforts are requested to drop off any donations at the following offices of the SA Red Cross Society:
 
•    Wynberg: 21 Broad Road, Wynberg
•    Greyton: 11 Pointers Way, Heuwelkroon, Greyton
•    Hermanus: 2A Aberdeen Street, Hermanus
•    Knysna: 25 Trotter Street, Knysna
 
The province has expressed its appreciation to all officials, including teams on the ground and partners, for hard work thus far and the work currently underway. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Thu, 10/05/2023 - 15:10

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Western Cape Premier set to open pan-African clean tech pitch event at Green Energy Africa Summit

Location: News
Green Energy Africa Summit

On 11 October 2023, the Premier of the Western Cape, Alan Winde, will provide the opening remarks at Green Energy Africa Summit's (https://GreenEnergyAfricaSummit.com/) high-octane deal pitching platform, the Energy Investment Village.

A selection of ten African clean-tech start-ups will pitch their clean-tech solutions before a panel of judges and a room full of potential international investors on day 2 of the highly anticipated Green Energy Africa Summit. The Premier's presence at the Energy Investment Village signals the growing interest in - and serious consideration of - African clean-tech start-ups as viable clean energy investment assets.

This is the second year that Green Energy Africa Summit (https://apo-opa.info/3PLZHI8) has hosted the Energy Investment Village. The initiative was developed in partnership with Freeport Saldanha's Innovation Campus (https://www.InnovationCampus.co.za/) and advisory firm, the Research Institute for Innovation and Sustainability (RIIS) (https://EnablingInnovation.Africa/) and Anza Capital (https://Anza.holdings/), an early-stage tech start-up investment company. The Energy Investment Village is supported by Africa Scotland Business Network, JSE, Oceanhub-Africa, Savant, Firecracker, CHIETA, and Sasol.

The Green Energy Africa Summit itself provides an important role in enabling international investors to originate projects that will reduce the energy deficit whilst also contributing to developing low-carbon pathways. The Energy Investment Village is the action-based aspect of the Summit, providing a key moment for African clean energy projects and international investors to have direct sight of one another.  

According to a report by the International Energy Agency, African energy investment needs to double to over USD 200 billion per year by 2030, for the continent to meet its energy-related development goals. However, emerging and developing economies (except for China) remain stuck at 2015 levels, with no increase since the Paris Agreement was reached. 

Premier Winde says, “Our energy demands are currently outstripping supply. When ramping up capacity, clean energy solutions must be a priority. This is particularly important for South Africa if we are to reach our goal of net zero emissions by 2050, to which we've committed in our Low-Emission Development Strategy as part of the UNDP Climate Promise, and the Western Cape Government is committed to supporting. Initiatives such as the Green Energy Africa Summit's Energy Investment Village are excellent vehicles to enable clean energy innovation to flourish. As the Western Cape Government, we are investing heavily in making our province energy resilient. This involves striking a balance between driving economic growth while at the same time developing and harnessing renewable energy solutions.”

As well as finding potential investor-start-up linkages and synergies, the competing start-ups can win valuable prizes provided by the Energy Investment Village sponsors. This includes capacity-enhancing programmes such as:

  • Pitch preparation training programme sponsored by CHIETA (for all finalists);
  • JSE's Enterprise Acceleration Programme;
  • Build Acceleration Programme 2024 by Savant;
  • Enterprise Supplier Development Programme by Sasol; and
  • a half day brand workshop valued at R25k by Firecracker Events and Marketing.

Additionally, up to R5 million in VC funding (dependent on terms & conditions and company audit) will be made available by Anza Capital, and corporate membership to an international network worth R9k will be given to the top start-up by Africa Scotland Business Network. A cash prize of R100k from Sasol for a selected start-up.

Energy Investment Village finalists for 2023

  • Therm, pioneers in sustainable heating solutions, utilizing innovative technologies for efficient energy consumption. 
  • AET Africa, providers of renewable energy systems, specialising in solar and wind power generation across the African continent.
  • Ceneco Green Power, developers of environmentally friendly power plants focused on reducing carbon emissions.
  • Energy Cubes, innovators in energy storage, offering scalable and cost-effective solutions for optimising power distribution.
  • Powerstove, providers of clean cooking solutions in the form of efficient and clean-burning stoves for households and communities.
  • Revive Earth, turning organic waste into renewable resources while mitigating environmental impact.  
  • Green Share, providers of a decentralised energy management system, enabling communities to generate, store, and share renewable energy.
  • Think Bikes, providing sustainable urban transportation through the design and manufacture of electric bicycles for eco-conscious commuters.
  • Flx, offering cutting-edge electric vehicles with a focus on performance, affordability, and sustainability.
  • Impact-free Water, providers of sustainable solutions for clean and accessible water in resource-challenged regions.

Find out more about attending Green Energy Africa Summit and take part in the excitement as the Energy Investment Village finalists battle it out for pole position: https://apo-opa.info/3Q6u6Cp

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Green Energy Africa Summit.

Media Contact:
Amie Sparrow
PR Manager
amie.sparrow@hyve.group

About Green Energy Africa Summit:
The Green Energy Africa Summit is a high-level gathering advocating for policy reforms and the harmonisation of Africa's natural resources, to help pave the way for a just energy transition to ensure Africa remains competitive and attractive to global finance. The Green Energy Africa Summit takes place in the heart of Cape Town at the Cape Town International Convention Centre 2 (CTICC2) from 10-11 October 2023.

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Green Energy Africa Summit
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Sigma Connected donation boosts Western Cape baby support centre

Location: MyPR

A specialist home which provides temporary safety care for orphaned and relinquished babies has benefited from a kind-hearted donation from a local business. Tiny Owls Baby Home in Durbanville, has been boosted by a R20,000 donation from business outsourcing company, Sigma Connected. The funding from Sigma Connected, which offers contact centre services from its offices …

Read moreSigma Connected donation boosts Western Cape baby support centre

Why you need to sign up with SEIFSA

Location: MyPR

The Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa (SEIFSA) has been very vocal in articulating the concerns of the sector in the media and with various influential stakeholders, including Government. The next round of industry negotiations are due in 2024 and SEIFSA is working hard to ensure that these negotiations are not a repeat …

Read moreWhy you need to sign up with SEIFSA

Western Cape launches innovative Export Certificate Office Scheme (ECOS)

Location: News

Republic Of South Africa: Western Cape Provincial Government
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The Western Cape Department of Agriculture's Veterinary Services recently launched its innovative Export Certificate Office System (ECOS). The launch coincided with the Western Cape's inaugural Veterinary Week, which focused on state veterinary services' role in the agriculture sector. One such role is export facilitation.

Dr Vincent Henwood, Western Cape Department Head of the Veterinary Export Certification Office, explained that ECOS is an online electronic system which seeks to ensure compliance in South Africa's food and animal products industry.

Dr Henwood said, “The platform provides permit templates aligned with importing countries' import permits, streamlining the export process, and ensuring compliance with international standards. ECOS enables tracking of products, including animal-derived ones, back to their source farms, thus ensuring transparency throughout the supply chain.”

Speaking at the launch, the Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Dr Ivan Meyer, welcomed ECOS as an innovative platform which focused on improving the Western Cape Government's services to our customers.

Minister Meyer said, “ECOS provides the customer with a 24-hour export facilitation service which reduces the export certificate application process from days to minutes. The Western Cape currently exports 55% of South Africa's primary agricultural products. ECOS will also assist in increasing these exports to at least 60%. Exports contribute to foreign exchange earnings and a 5% increase in exports will lead to approximately 22 000 new jobs in the sector.”

“Due to the location and history of South Africa, we have an extremely diverse set of products, factories, and processes.  We also have a complex food and export legislative system with different authorities (6 religious, state, and authorised signatories). This creates the possibility for synergies between authorities as they are often working on similar products and in the same locations,” continued Minister Meyer. 

“In light of our endemic diseases, our rich diversity of wildlife, and our animal health system we need to have a systems approach to disease (human and animal) risk mitigation and international trade in animal products. Due to the many role-players communication and coordination is key. This is challenging in a resource-constrained environment. ECOS can help to coordinate communication and increase cooperation at food processing establishments between authorities,” added Minister Meyer.

Heidi Fourie from La Montanara (Pty) Ltd, a cheese factory in Ashton, has already been using the ECOS.

Heidi Fourie said,” As a small dairy business we do not have time to struggle to complete the significant paperwork that accompanies an export certificate application. The wait often negatively impacts product shelf life and quality. ECOS has changed this. While uploading my company's profile onto the ECOS platform was initially time-consuming, it now takes approximately five minutes to get an export certificate approved.”

Minister Meyer remarked: “We appreciate the feedback from our clients in the Western Cape, which has been invaluable in refining ECOS. Their feedback and support are crucial as we work together to revolutionize compliance, traceability, and export control in South Africa's food and animal products industry.”

Commenting on the future of ECOS, Minister Meyer said that with the support of the National Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, ECOS should and could be rolled out nationally.

Minister Meyer said, “This will create a comprehensive system that ensures the traceability and compliance of all relevant products on a national scale. It will also greatly enhance the smooth movement of products and reduce the administrative burden and access to veterinary certification to rural producers.”

This year's Veterinary Week ended with a visit to the Department's Veterinary Export Certification Office in Milnerton and the Spar, one of the Veterinary Export Certification Office's biggest clients, Western Cape Distribution Centre in Philippi.

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

Read moreWestern Cape launches innovative Export Certificate Office Scheme (ECOS)

Home Affairs Minister welcomes sentencing of corrupt official

Location: News

Home Affairs Minister welcomes sentencing of corrupt official

Home Affairs Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, today welcomed the lengthy sentences recently meted out to two South Africans and a Pakistani national in two different cases in Durban and Johannesburg, respectively, for passport related crimes.

Arfan Ahmed, a Pakistani national who was arrested in a sting operation that included the Counter Corruption Branch of Home Affairs, the Hawks and the Police Crime Intelligence on 24 March 2022 at the Home Affairs office in Krugersdorp, has been sentenced to eight years imprisonment by the Brixton Magistrate Court.

He was sentenced for the passports that were found in his house following his arrest in Krugersdorp. The department awaits his sentencing for his role in the Krugersdorp passport syndicate.

Ahmed is a kingpin of a passport syndicate that sought to undermine the country’s laws by fraudulently procuring South African passports for Pakistani nationals who did not have a legal right to possess South African passports.

He was working with some corrupt officials of Home Affairs in a network that spanned Gauteng, Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Western Cape and Mpumalanga.

While the Pakistani is languishing in jail, the 12 corrupt Home Affairs officials who enabled his scheme have already been fired and submitted to the Hawks for criminal investigations.

In another important development, the Durban Magistrate Court sentenced Anda Ngozi and Nomathandazo Mboyane to 26 and 24 years, respectively. The two were officials of the Department of Home Affairs employed at the office in Queenstown, in the Eastern Cape.

They used to travel 650km each way at a time during the night to Home Affairs offices in Commercial Road and in Prospecton in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, to fraudulently process 52 passports for foreign nationals, mostly from the DRC, who are not legally entitled to them.

They were paid between R3 000 and R5 000 for each passport. South Africans who were prepared to lend their identities for this nefarious scheme were paid a paltry R500. These were usually young people who were on nyaope.

The two were arrested in November 2022 by Counter Corruption Branch of Home Affairs and the Hawks following the conclusion of an internal investigation led by the Counter Corruption Branch.

Ngozi was sentenced for eight years for fraud, as well as for contravention of the:

•            Identification Act – four years

•            Immigration Act – four years

•            Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act – 10 years

Mboyane was sentenced for eight years for fraud, as well as for contravention of the:

•            Identification Act – four years

•            Immigration Act – four years

•            Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act – eight years

The sentences of the two will run concurrently, practically meaning that Ngozi will spend 10 years, while Mboyane will spend eight years.

“I am extremely pleased that the courts are meting out lengthy sentences to those who seek to undermine the integrity of Home Affairs systems. It is worth noting that the courts had refused bail to all three after their arrests.

"I am also happy the collective work of the multidisciplinary law enforcement teams has ensured that these rascals face the full might of the law for their criminal actions,” said Minister Motsoaledi.

Minister Motsoaledi added that he was looking forward to the sentencing of more people related to these two cases as the Hawks haven't yet closed their investigations.

“Once again, I want to reiterate that we shall stop at nothing in ensuring that all Home Affairs officials who engage in malfeasance face the full might of the law. If you are at Home Affairs and are corrupt, expect our knock at your door," said Minister Motsoaledi.

He added that the actions of corrupt officials, kingpins, South Africans and corrupt foreign nationals have the following consequences for the country:

•            People who don’t qualify for South African passports are legitimised through these actions to the detriment of the sovereignty of our country.

•            They can use these documents to travel the world as South Africans, and in the process, they may be committing acts that are detrimental to the reputation of the country.

•            More worrisome is the fact that even those who claim to be asylum seekers or refugees use these passports to travel back to their home countries proving that the whole claim of asylum was just a rouse.

•            South Africans will find it difficult to travel the world as the authenticity of their documents will be questioned.

"South Africans who stupidly lend their identities to be utilised in this manner end up suffering serious prejudice when trying to do transactions with other State institutions, banks and some industry associations.

“This is because the SA Social Security Agency (SASSA), banks and the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA) verify the identity of the people they transact with through the Home Affairs National Population Register (NPR).

"Every time you apply for an ID or passport you are required to take a photo. The latest photo you take becomes the one in our database and all previous ones are automatically deleted.

"So, if a South African sells their identity in this way, it means that the photo in the Home Affairs system is that of the foreign national. So, institutions verifying through NPR refuse to deal with people whose identity at Home Affairs have pictures that don't look like the person in front of them," said Motsoaledi.

The Durban Magistrate Court also ordered that the 52 passports be surrendered to the State.

Because of this abuse of the passport application system, Home Affairs has drastically changed the processes through which passports are acquired in the country. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Mon, 10/02/2023 - 13:28

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Police Deputy Minister sends condolences to slain officer’s family

Location: News

Police Deputy Minister sends condolences to slain officer's family

The Deputy Minister of Police, Cassel Mathale has sent his condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of his close protector, Warrant Officer Lindela Mraqisa.

Mraqisa is among the five people that were shot and killed on Saturday evening in Gugulethu.

The member was attached to the Western Cape’s Protection and Security Service (PSS) Division and served as a close protector to Mathale since 2019.

Police have since mobilised maximum resources to trace and apprehend those behind the attack and killing of four men and a woman.

Mathale has described the late member as dedicated, humble and hardworking.

“The number of police officers killed on and off duty remains a concern for the leadership of the SAPS. We need the whole of society and government to fight this scourge.

“Mraqisa was a soft spoken, dedicated and focused police officer who was always punctual and professional in his conduct. We hope police will find and bring to book those responsible for his death. My condolences go to his family,” he said.

Police Minister General Bheki Cele and the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola will lead a delegation of senior police officers to Cape Town today where they will interact with the investigating team and also visit the bereaved family.

They will thereafter proceed to the family of another off-duty member who was found killed in Mfuleni on Sunday morning.

The 29-year-old policewoman was attached to the Samora Machel Police Station. The circumstances surrounding her death are a subject of a police investigation. One suspect has been arrested in connection with her death.

The SAPS appeals to members of the public to assist with information that will lead to the arrest of the perpetrators of mass shooting behind bars. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Mon, 10/02/2023 - 10:49

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Jabaar Mohamed shines at SAFTAs

Location: News

Jabaar Mohamed shines at SAFTAs

‘Accessibility With Jabaar’ TV talk show host, Jabaar Mohamed, could hardly believe it when he received news of his SAFTA nomination.

“When I got the email that I had been nominated, I was like, ‘for real? Me Jabaar, a Deaf person in the SAFTAs? Many in our society still see and treat our deafness and disability as a limit,” Mohamed told SAnews a day after being honoured with the Outstanding Person With Disability Contributor Award at the 2023 edition of the South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs) held in Midrand, Gauteng.

The SAFTAs honour and celebrate excellence, quality and innovation in South African cinema and television.

Mohamed, the Provincial Director of DeafSA Western Cape, was nominated for the award by Cape Town TV, the station that airs ‘Accessibility With Jabaar’ (previously called the ‘Disability Show’. He has been with the channel since 2018. During COVID-19, in July 2020, the show’s name was changed to ‘Accessibility With Jabaar’.

Mohamed said in all his time doing the show, he never thought he would one day be at the SAFTAs. He ventured into the TV show because he felt marginalised because of his disability.

“Imagine feeling marginalised because of a disability that you are living with. As unfair as this sounds, it is the reality for many South Africans trying to access opportunities in an environment that doesn’t cater for their special needs.

“People with disabilities constantly have to prove their capabilities to an often prejudiced and ignorant world, leaving many of them feeling that they can’t reach their full potential.

“‘Accessibility With Jabaar’ is a talk show that confronts misconceptions about ‘disabilities and the disadvantaged’ community through informative and engaging conversations so that the broader public can see the benefits of having an inclusive society,” Mohamed said.

‘Accessibility With Jabaar’ plays a role in changing the narrative of people with disabilities by highlighting powerful universal stories that make for uplifting content.

“The show plays the role of informing members of the community about opportunities and tips on not only coping with a disability but flourishing with it.

“Guests come into the studio to discuss issues pertaining to disabilities, which also features documentary inserts, where the show gets out into the field to interact with the disability community and uncover the issues that they confront in their daily lives,” Mohamed said.

Opening up views

Mohamed said ‘Accessibility With Jabaar’ is about being open minded, and educating audiences to avoid the word "shame".

“I have been doing this from 2018 and will continue for life, where my aim is to break the barriers and open more doors... as well to train other people to be producer or TV presenter one day,” he said.

Currently, Mohamed is working as a member of the Deaf Education Task Team for the Western Cape Education Department with the DeafSA expert team, and on a committee for the Provincial Department of Health.

He is also an ambassador for the Universal Accessibility Hub. He serves on many events as Motivational Speaker, Master of Ceremonies (MC) and Guest Speaker.

Mohamed completed his BCom Public Management degree, without the South African Sign Language Interpreter (SASLI), at University of the Western Cape. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Sun, 10/01/2023 - 12:10

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The Mother City Radiates in a Sea of Pink at the Totalsports Women’s Race

Location: MyPR

On Sunday, 01 October 2023 the streets of the Mother City were immersed in a sea of pink as runners and walkers from all walks of life toed the line at the much-anticipated Totalsports Women’s Race in support of PinkDrive and Breast Cancer Awareness Month. What made the day even more special this year was …

Read moreThe Mother City Radiates in a Sea of Pink at the Totalsports Women’s Race

Funda Mzantsi marks 13 years of championing literacy

Location: News

Funda Mzantsi marks 13 years of championing literacy

Funda Mzantsi Championship -- a collaboration between the Department of Correctional Services (DCS), the National Library of South Africa (NLSA) and George Local Municipality -- is turning 13, with this milestone set to be commemorated from 2 - 6 October in George, Western Cape.

Funda Mzantsi is a prestigious championship that celebrates literacy and fosters a love for reading. For the past 12 years, Funda Mzantsi has been an exciting and educational experience for readers and spectators alike.

A total of 299 inmates, representing all nine provinces, will once again face-off with book clubs from universities, public schools and the community.

Participants are assessed in four categories: impromptu reading, debating, spelling bee and book reviewing.

Imizila Yegazi, Indodana yoNongo, Umandisa, Small Things, Om op eiers te dans, Tshedza tsho tovhowa and Ngaka Mosadi mooka are some of the books prescribed for this year’s championship.

What makes Funda Mzantsi Championship unique is its feature of a direct interplay between book clubs from diverse backgrounds.

The initiative is aimed at enhancing the culture of reading and eradicating illiteracy in South Africa. The involvement of the NLSA ensures that there is harmonisation and proper coordination with other programmes sharing a similar objective.

The programme further equips inmates with the best possible opportunity for a second chance in life, the ability to make better choices and be more discerning citizens.

“It is through reading that we acquire knowledge, learn about different cultures, explore scientific discoveries, and understand the wisdom of the ages. Whether it is reading textbooks for academic excellence or diving into literature to cultivate empathy and creativity, reading is the bridge to a brighter future,” the Department of Correctional Services said in a statement. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin
Sun, 10/01/2023 - 12:29

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Read moreFunda Mzantsi marks 13 years of championing literacy

W Cape calls for caution on the roads

Location: News

W Cape calls for caution on the roads

The MEC of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning in the Western Cape, Anton Bredell, has called for holidaymakers to plan their travels carefully as several roads remain closed following the floods.

“It is the start of the school holidays in the Western Cape, and we are asking people to consider their plans for traveling very carefully, as several roads are still closed, have only limited lane access, or stop-go arrangements in place,” Bredell said at a briefing on Friday.

Bredell said currently, there is a stop-go arrangement on the N1 in De Doorns, which will be in place for at least three months. The N2 is closed outside Botriver; the R43 is closed in the direction towards Villiersdorp; Hemel and Aarde Road is closed towards Hermanus, and the R321 is closed from Molteno in the direction of Villiersdorp.

Updates on road closures can be viewed at: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/news/latest-road-closures.

“Hermanus suffered extensive damages to water supply infrastructure during the floods, and emergency services are currently supplying water with trucks and tankers for the entire community.

“If you are planning to visit, please be considerate to water trucks on the road. Please bring water along for your own needs, and it would be much appreciated if you could also bring a few litres extra for someone in the affected community,” Bredell said.

The City of Cape Town has updated its numbers of communities in need. Bredell said 21 011 people and 6 906 structures have been confirmed as impacted. Assessments are still outstanding for Covid Settlement, LA Burundi, and Strongyard in Mfuleni.

The MEC said relief efforts continue to reach rural communities still cut off due to roads being washed away.

“We are concerned about farm worker families, especially in the Breede River Municipality, and are doing everything in our power to connect and support everybody in need.”

Bredell said the severe storm has kept 16 Western Cape schools closed, down from 39 closed on Tuesday and 21 closed on Wednesday. We are pleased that the recovery effort is proceeding quickly, allowing schools to reopen successfully.

“Our officials are working with schools to ensure that all can reopen as soon as possible, and we encourage parents to keep in contact with their school for updates regarding closures.

“We thank the emergency services, our government and NGO partners, and our schools for the assistance they are rendering to our teachers, learners, and parents as we recover from this devastating storm,” said David Maynier, the Western Cape MEC for Education.

Bredell thanked Eskom for working 24/7 to rectify faults and repair damaged infrastructure caused by the severe weather.

“We know there are still problems in the system, but we were assured by Eskom that they are working as fast as possible under difficult conditions to address these outstanding problems,” Bredell said.

Local disaster centres

To stay up to date with events in your immediate area, Bredell gave out the following contact details:

Cape Winelands: 021-886-9244 / 021-8874446

Eden District: 044 805 5071                                    

Central Karoo: 023 449 8000

West Coast: 022 433 8700                                     

Overberg: 028 4251690

City of Cape Town: 107 landline or 021 480 7700 and 080 911 4357 (City of Cape Town Disaster Management Centre).

NGOs, including the SA Red Cross Society, Gift of the Givers, Islamic Relief, and Mustadafin are providing support in the Cape Winelands District Municipality, Overberg District Municipality, Breede Valley Municipality, Drakenstein, and towns in the Langeberg Municipality, such as Ashton and McGregor.

 

This includes support extended to agri-workers and their families:

  • 186 families, and 741 individuals in small towns and farms have been reached with aid.
  • In the City of Cape Town, 10 282 people were provided with meals.
  • Social workers and community development workers are conducting outreaches with local municipality officials. 

Donation drop-off points 

Donations required include blankets, water, dry and non-perishable food, baby food, toiletries and dignity packs.

If you would like to drop off donations, please feel free to contact the following SA Red Cross Society offices: 

 

1.Wynberg Provincial Office

21 Broad Road, Wynberg

021 7975360 / 0609037473

 

2. Greyton

11 Pointers Weg, Heuwelkroon, Greyton

028 254 9378 / 0761335777

Charanine Cupido

 

3. Hermanus Office

2A Aberdeen Street,

Hermanus

072 609 8655

Angela Heslop

 

4. Knysna Office

25 Trotter Street, Knysna

044 382 1244

Tania Cole

 

 - SAnews.gov.za

 

Matona
Sat, 09/30/2023 - 15:13

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Read moreW Cape calls for caution on the roads

W Cape records increase in dam levels after heavy rains

Location: News

W Cape records increase in dam levels after heavy rains

The national Department of Water and Sanitation’s hydrological report of 26 September indicates significant improvement across the Western Cape dam system following the disruption of heavy rainfall in the past few days.

The Cape Town System Dams increased by more than 7% compared to last week, the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) said on Friday.

The Western Cape Water Supply System (WCWSS) -- comprising six dams (Theewaterskloof, Bergriver dam, Upper and Lower Steebras, Voelvlei and Wemershoek dams) supplying water to the City of Cape Town and its surroundings -- is sitting at 109.38%, a significant improvement compared to 85% same time last year.

On individual dams, Theewaterskloof, the biggest dam in the Western Cape, which accounts for 54% of the province's water supply, is at 100% and spilling.

Other dam levels are standing as follows: Misverstand Dam 152.67%; Brandvlei Dam 80.91%; Ceres Dam 101.16%; Gamka Dam 102.49%; Clanwilliam Dam 101.38% and Miertjieskraal 111.71%.

The Olifants / Doorn River Catchment has reached the 100% mark, a very healthy water yield compared to 86.71% of last year.

“It is pleasing to see that Gouritz River Catchment is hovering above 80%, as the system was below 50% at the same time last year.

“Some dams have sluice gates, while others do not have sluice gates. When the dams are full or overflowing, water is automatically released through spillways to control the flow downstream,” the department said.

While DWS is pleased with the significant rainfall, it has acknowledged that the heavy rains and adverse weather conditions have led to significant damage of infrastructure and detrimentally affected lives and livelihoods, especially those in riverbanks and low-lying areas.

“DWS continues to urge citizens to be careful near water resources and facilities, including crossing low-lying bridges.

“The department is currently conducting assessments on the infrastructure and there are no immediate reports of extensive water infrastructure (gauging stations) being damaged or washed away.

“DWS, together with other stakeholders, is monitoring the situation.” – SAnews.gov.za

Matona
Sat, 09/30/2023 - 15:44

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Read moreW Cape records increase in dam levels after heavy rains

Western Cape working to restore services after severe storm

Location: News

Western Cape working to restore services after severe storm

The Western Cape Provincial Government has urged flood-ravaged municipalities to compile damage assessments for provincial government to present a disaster declaration motivation to the National Disaster Management Centre. 

Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning MEC, Anton Bredell, said the provincial government needs a national disaster declaration in order for the municipalities to qualify for potential assistance.

Bredell said the provincial government is working to restore services and calculating the costs of the severe storm.

He said the City of Cape Town’s assessment shows that 3 986 structures and 4 449 people are in need of assistance, with more than 30 areas still needing to be formally assessed.

“The South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) reported that a stop-and-go is in place on the N1 at De Doorns. The N2 section that washed away at Botriver has been visited by engineers, and there are discussions with the SANDF to provide a temporary solution with a mobile bridge for the short-term. 

“Sir Lowry’s Pass is confirmed open. Pringle Bay and Bredasdorp are still without cell reception and a helicopter has been made available to assist restoring the infrastructure located in mountainous area,” Bredell said.

Noting some of the interventions by provincial government, Bredell said water tankers from other municipalities are being sent to Overstrand Local Municipality to assist.

In Breede River Municipality, the MEC reported that several farms are still inaccessible due to roads being washed away. He said plans are being made to provide the affected people with food and other essentials.

“Work is progressing in Franschhoek, which is currently divided into two inaccessible parts, and the CBD is still without electricity. Road access should be restored in the next 24 hours.

“Eskom reported that major faults are being restored, and power in affected areas in Khayelitsha and Caledon should be restored by [Thursday night]. Smaller faults will be attended to as soon as possible,” Bredell said.

Bredell said he has also written to President Cyril Ramaphosa requesting assistance with humanitarian aid. 

“This is now the number one priority, and we need urgent support from the Department of Social Development and the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) to reach especially people in rural and isolated areas. We are also requesting engineering support from the SANDF to help with temporary roads and bridges, as well as aerial support to help with evacuations and logistics in inaccessible areas.

“Donations are being coordinated by the Red Cross, and anyone wishing to donate is encouraged to contact them. Relief work is being conducted throughout all the affected areas, with 3 250 people currently receiving food from aid agencies, as coordinated by SASSA,” Bredell said. – SAnews.gov.za 

GabiK
Fri, 09/29/2023 - 12:01

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Read moreWestern Cape working to restore services after severe storm