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Justice and Constitutional Development Committee Chairperson Welcomes Legal Sector Code

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: The Parliament
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The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development, Mr Xola Nqola, today welcomed the approval of the Legal Sector Code of the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) Act.

Mr Nqola said the Code will go a long way in transforming the sector and will do so speedily. He said drafting the Legal Sector Code started in the previous administration. “This process has paved the way for the legal sector to achieve its B-BBEE objectives and will lead to faster transformation of the sector, which has thus far been very unequal, especially in complex legal matters and state procurement,” he said.

The objectives of the Code, which was approved by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr Parks Tau, yesterday, include a target of 50% black representation and 25% black women ownership over five years, as well as management control in executive and board participation. The Code also targets 50% representation of black practitioners and 25% for black women practitioners, particularly as equity partners and associates.

“These targets will clearly drive transformation of the legal sector at a much faster pace than what has been happening up to now,” said Mr Nqola.

The Code is aimed at a skills development target of 3.5% expenditure on training programmes for black candidates. The aim is also to ensure training in specialised skills for black legal practitioners, candidate legal practitioners and black junior advocates within the designated categories: black women, black youth, black people with disabilities, and black people from rural areas. The Code also has a procurement target of 60% for the private sector, and a target of 80% is to be achieved through the specialised procurement scorecard applicable to the public sector.

Mr Nqola said this would ensure black practitioners have better opportunities to specialise in specialised areas of law when the state procures legal services from black legal entities. “This is a step in the right direction. Transformation in this sector has been too slow, leading to black practitioners being overlooked due to either lack of experience or exposure,” he said.

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

Read moreJustice and Constitutional Development Committee Chairperson Welcomes Legal Sector Code

Police to intensify operations to root out crime

Location: News

Police to intensify operations to root out crime

The police will intensify compliance inspections at all police stations and service points in a bid to continuously improve service offering to communities, said the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola.

“Our responsibility as a police service is to keep all people living in South Africa safe and as the South African Police Service we will continue to act without fear, favour and prejudice to realise this vision,” said Masemola.

The Commissioner addressed the media in Johannesburg on Thursday.

“The SAPS remains at the coalface of the criminal justice system, and it is upon our members to ensure that the work that they do continues to inspire confidence in the system,” he said, adding that the police’s ongoing operations are yielding the desired results.

This as the police is continuously implementing an “all hands-on deck approach” that leaves no one behind.

“It is a joint effort working closely with other law enforcement agencies, other government departments, the business sector, our community police forum structures and private security.

“At the heart of it all, lies our communities. Through community participation and through the tip-offs that we continue to receive, criminals are feeling the heat. There is no longer much room and space for criminals in all provinces including KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Western Cape and [the] Eastern Cape to operate because that space has been squeezed,” Masemola said.

According to the Commissioner, ongoing takedowns and the arrests of wanted suspects is sending a firm and stern warning to all criminals that police are hitting the ground running and that the men and women in blue will continue to sniff out criminals.

“We do believe that we are registering progress in destabilising the work of organised crime syndicates as well as ruthless criminals in all forms and shape.

“Since our last briefing four weeks ago, 85 000 more suspects have been arrested for various crimes ranging from murder to rape, kidnapping and extortion. This brings the total number of suspects arrested since the launch of Operation Shanela to 850 375.

“During this period, 824 illegal and unlicensed firearms with more than 17 282 rounds of ammunition [were] seized,” the Commissioner said.

Extortions

Regarding extortions, the SAPS is working hard to bring an end to extortion related crimes.

He added that communities should report these crimes to police.

“We have developed an Extortion Action Plan and thus far, we are pleased with the manner in which this plan is being implemented throughout the country. As management, we are particularly encouraged with how our police officers are addressing the crime of extortion across all provinces that have been identified as hotspots. 

“We are following up on tip-offs and information shared through our hotlines and crime stop number. We are fetching each of these extortionists, one by one,” he said.

In the past two weeks, 14 extortionists were shot and killed during confrontation with police in various provinces.

The most brazen of these alleged extortionists were in the Eastern Cape in Mthatha where three followed and tailed the National Intervention Unit (NIU) members to their base.

“Our members had been conducting stop and searches in Mthatha during tracing operations and had earlier confiscated firearms from these alleged extortionists. These extortionists indeed got what they were looking for. They shot at our police officers who were ready to defend and assert the authority of the state.”

READ | SAPS  to 'deal decisively' with extortionists

Masemola said the crime of extortion requires a specialised investigative capacity and that is why police have deployed specialist teams led by the Directorate of Priority Crime Investigations (DPCI), crime intelligence and organised crime units to lead these investigations. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Thu, 09/12/2024 - 15:11

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Read morePolice to intensify operations to root out crime

Sector master plans critical to investment, boosting exports, creating jobs

Location: News

Sector master plans critical to investment, boosting exports, creating jobs

By Edwin Tshivhidzo 

Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau has consistently emphasised the need to accelerate the implementation of the sector master plans as one of the key priorities of the seventh administration.

Since his appointment two months ago, the Minister has reiterated the critical role of the master plans in increasing investment, boosting exports, creating jobs, promoting localisation and facilitating transformation.

One of the interventions initiated by partnerships in the Retail–Clothing Textile Footwear Leather Master Plan, where more than 20 000 jobs have been created as a result of its roll-out, is the redesigned Clothing Textile Footwear Leather Growth Programme (CTFLGP), which was launched in 2022. 

Import substitution, creation of new jobs, transformation and competitiveness improvement are the main objectives of the programme.

One of the beneficiaries of the programme that is being implemented by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) through the Industrial Development Corporation, is R and L Apparel. It is a woman-owned company based in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal. 

The company received financial support for the purchase of equipment and machinery, as well as for initial working capital, in order to grow their Cut, Make, Trim (CMT) manufacturing capacity.

Managing Director of R and L Apparel, Solis Benjie Dolores, said the support from government has enabled the company to increase its production, improve product quality, create jobs and extend its clientele, which now includes The Foschini Group, which they supply through Celtico, one of the CMT suppliers in the Newcastle clothing industry.

“The funding assisted us greatly in creating additional jobs. We had only 17 workers when we applied for the programme. As of August 2024, we were able to reach a staff complement of 103 employees, 98 of whom are women. As a matter of fact, we are looking forward to achieving the additional 150 jobs that we have committed to,” Dolores said.

“The CTFLGP is a great initiative. The programme opened new doors for our company's growth. Without the funding, we might have just stayed on 17 workers, because our machinery and working capital were very limited. 

“Before we received the funding, we were running a hand-to-mouth operation that was kept going only by the dedication and endeavours of our team.  Now the company is on a positive growth trajectory,” she said. 

Dolores said the company is planning to acquire automated machinery to expand its production capacity based on the market demands, as local retailers are increasingly embracing Proudly South African products.

“We are happy to contribute in import substitution, growing the economy, and more importantly, creating jobs for the local people, both skilled and unskilled, assisting them to earn a decent living,” she said. 

Managing Director of Argento, Joudalle Govender, also bears testimony to the positive impact of the CTFLGP on her company, which is based in Mandeni, KwaZulu-Natal. 

The company manufactures apparel and corporate clothing for a major retailer and numerous corporate clients. 

“We used the funding for operational expenses and to re-tool the factory with new machinery. The funding allowed us to create 45 new jobs. 100 people are currently employed in our company, 80 of whom are women.

"Our profit margins increased and we had a rapid growth in production due to the extra capacity,” Govender said.

She said the company is planning to expand its product lines, adopting sustainable practices, improving its manufacturing efficiency and exploring new markets.

“Our future plans include expanding our current building and creating 100 more jobs. We are also looking into exporting our local garments and creating more awareness on local manufacturing with South Africa,” Govender said.

She emphasises the importance of the Retail-Clothing, Textile, Footwear and Leather (R-CTFL) Masterplan in promoting sustainability and innovation within the industry, which she said  is crucial in adapting to the changing market demands and consumer preferences.

“I love the fact that the plan focuses on several key objectives, such as job creation and increasing local production. Argento is a local champion because we produce our own local fabric in the rural area of Isithebe. 

“My favourite part is that the plan enhances competitiveness in the global market, by fostering collaboration between government, labour, and industry stakeholders. That is important for our economy,” said Govender.

The stories of two companies that operate in the clothing and textile sector undoubtedly illustrate the critical importance of the master plans, and the positive impact of the collaboration between government, business and labour on the South African economy.

According to the Director of Clothing and Leather at the dtic, Dr Jaywant Irkhede, more than R1.87 billion had been approved for 154 businesses employing almost 24 000 people and R1.41 billion was disbursed by July this year. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Thu, 09/12/2024 - 11:03

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Read moreSector master plans critical to investment, boosting exports, creating jobs

Regaining Trust Between Communities and Police Central to Effective Policing

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: The Parliament
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The Portfolio Committee on Police has reiterated that regaining trust between the police and communities will encourage increased reporting of crimes. The committee received a detailed briefing on the Victims of Crime 2023/24 survey from Statistics South Africa and the overwhelming view was that the survey gives a different perspective, from the eyes of the victims of crime, and will enhance the response from the South African Police Service (SAPS).

The committee highlighted aspects such as the police responsiveness rate, the availability of resources such as vehicles, and the adequacy of investigations as central to resolving the question of trust. “The deficiencies currently with regards to the 10111 call centre and lack of vehicles directly impacts on the ability of SAPS to respond to acts of crime quickly. If the SAPS address these deficiencies, it will be a step in the right direction to resolving the question of trust,” said Mr Ian Cameron, the Chairperson of the committee.

It was also emphasised that the lack of trust in the police has led to an increase in vigilantism. The committee highlighted that vigilantes are inherently problematic as communities operate outside the boundary of the law and in many cases has led to innocent people being victimised.

In line with this, the SAPS must incrementally investigate and remove corrupt members of the SAPS among its ranks. “We commend the arrest of seven members of SAPS in Durban in connection with allegations they attempted to extort R100 000 from a Phoenix businessman. The commitment we have witnessed by the Minister of Police and SAPS management to arrest corrupt and criminal elements within its ranks will greatly assist in rebuilding trust,” Mr Cameron emphasised.

The committee highlighted, though, that an element that undermines trust in the crime fighting effort is the efficacy of the entire justice system value chain. The committee's view is that currently the SAPS arrest many criminals, but the disjuncture is the inability to effectively prosecute those cases. “Operation Shanela is a case in point, where the police have arrested in excess of 800 000 suspects, but the prosecution rate cannot be measured. The entire justice crime prevention and security cluster must work in tandem to ensure effectiveness that will build confidence and might lead to an increase in reporting of crime,” Mr Cameron said.

Meanwhile, the committee highlighted concern with the increase with violent crime against women and children and underscored the inadequacy with the response to protecting vulnerable groups within our communities. “It is unsurprising to learn that 45% of women felt unsafe walking alone in their neighbourhood. The recent murder of Nomsa Jass highlights the vulnerabilities that women in our country continue to face and requires concerted efforts to remedy. Police visibility has largely been inadequate, and criminals are able to terrorise communities at a whim,” Mr Cameron said.

The committee emphasised the need for enhanced collaboration with other government departments such as the Department of Social Development to enhance counselling for victims of crime. According to the committee, it is unacceptable that 92.6% of victims of crime did not receive counselling after an incident, which perpetuates trauma. “We are however hopeful that the discussions between the SAPS and the DSD will yield the necessary intervention required, such as availing social workers at police stations to help victims of crime and alleviate the burden from police officials,” Mr Cameron said.

Regarding gang violence, the committee reiterated its concern that there remains a need to find workable solution to the escalating gang violence. “In Atlantis alone this past weekend there were reported six deaths as a result of gang violence, which continue to escalate at an alarming rate. Despite this, we welcome the intention by the Minister of Correctional Services to stop the movement of crime-related communication from prisons that lead to murders on our streets,” Mr Cameron said.

The committee acknowledged that the statistics give a framework on what trends of crime must be focused on. But most importantly, the committee highlighted the effective functioning of the justice crime prevention and security cluster in the effort to fight crime.

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

Read moreRegaining Trust Between Communities and Police Central to Effective Policing

National Basketball Association (NBA) Africa Announces Finalists for Triple-Double Startup Accelerator Demo Day

Location: Sport

NBA Africa (www.NBA.com) today announced the 10 startup companies from seven African countries that have been selected to pitch their products to a panel of international industry leaders at a Demo Day at the NBA headquarters in New York City on Wednesday, Sept. 25 as part of “Triple-Double: NBA Africa Startup Accelerator (http://apo-opa.co/47lTICe),” which the league launched in April 2024 to support Africa's technology ecosystem and the next generation of African entrepreneurs.

The panel will then determine the four winning companies that will be awarded financial support and mentorship, including an opportunity to participate in workshops and development programs facilitated by NBA Africa or its partners.  Below are the 10 startups that will compete for the four prize-winning spots.

  • Backrest (Rwanda) provides a wearable technology solution called WristWrist for venues and event organizers to facilitate cashless payments at event venues.  WristWrist provides a payment system whereby attendees can load money onto wristbands before an event and spend it at the event venue through seamless, quick transactions.
  • Buzza (Nigeria) helps sports organizations improve their operations through digital solutions, including enabling organizations to transition from paper-based to digital management, setting up websites, collecting payment, and growing revenue.  Athletes can also sign up for the platform to track their matches and scores and build their profiles to become more prominent sports figures and influencers across Africa.
  • Festival Coins (Nigeria) is an event technology company that offers a customizable, no-code event registration and ticketing platform called Tix Africa for events in Nigeria and Ghana.  It enables event organizers to sell tickets online, process payments, and handle on-site registrations.
  • Gara (Côte d'Ivoire) is a pan-African video gaming and comics platform that encourages and facilitates the distribution of digital entertainment experiences on the continent.  Through culturally relevant products, including games featuring local celebrities and adaptable payment systems for local currencies, Gara aims to facilitate greater reach and monetization of the creative and cultural industries on the continent.
  • HustleSasa (Kenya) provides live event services that support payment processing, attendee check-in, merchandise sales, customer data management, influencer tracking, and more.
  • Naemo Global (Nigeria) aims to revolutionize sports scouting on the African continent through its proprietary scouting software Afriskaut, which utilizes data analytics and AI.  The Afriskaut platform processes football match videos and extracts critical data, which it makes available to clients via a platform and application programming interface (API) to support scouting the next generation of elite talent.
  • Power to Girls Foundation (Ghana) provides a social connection and mentorship platform called My Power App dedicated to empowering and supporting girls and women ages 13-20.  The platform provides educational resources, connects users with mentors, offers a confidential helpline, and fosters a supportive community of like-minded girls, addressing critical growth areas such as education, mental health, and personal development.
  • Salubata (Nigeria) creates modular shoes repurposed from plastic waste.  With a global patent and two design rights for its innovation, the company aims to reduce the global carbon footprint through its environmentally friendly products.
  • UBR VR (Egypt) delivers state-of-the-art, fully immersive, in-person virtual reality (VR) experiences across Egypt.  Its rich historical and fantasy VR worlds are culturally relevant and localized, allowing players to roam freely in enclosed spaces and interact with each other in a designated play area.  These VR experiences are unparalleled in the country and foster a sense of connection to both the local community and fellow players.
  • Vambo Technologies (South Africa) provides a digital language technology platform that leverages AI to provide real-time translation, content creation, and language learning technology.  Not only does Vambo AI offer widely spoken languages such as Amharic, Yoruba, French and Portuguese, it also offers more niche languages spoken across Africa to facilitate true digital inclusion on the continent.

“We have been inspired by the level of talent and creativity from all of the applicants, and we congratulate the 10 deserving finalists who will showcase their innovative solutions at Demo Day later this month,” said NBA Africa CEO Clare Akamanzi.  “NBA Africa is committed to supporting the continued growth of startups on the continent, including the four prize-winners whose innovative solutions will further elevate the sport and creative industries in Africa for years to come.”

Operated by ALX Ventures, “Triple-Double: NBA Africa Startup Accelerator” was open to early-stage startups in Africa that develop solutions in event management and ticketing, youth development, AI, and digital marketing.  The initiative will support Africa's tech ecosystem and the next generation of African tech entrepreneurs by providing them with access to mentorship and capital that will help drive growth in the sports and creative industries.

The four prize-winning startups will be announced at Demo Day.

Video (http://apo-opa.co/4d2bY4w): Triple-Double: NBA Africa Startup Accelerator Reveals 10 Finalists for Demo Day

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of National Basketball Association (NBA).

Contact:
Pawel Weszka
NBA Africa Communications
pweszka@nba.com
+27 10 0072666

About NBA Africa:
NBA Africa is an affiliate of the National Basketball Association (NBA), a global sports and media organization with the mission to inspire and connect people everywhere through the power of basketball.  NBA Africa conducts the league's business in Africa, including the Basketball Africa League (BAL), and has opened subsidiary offices in Cairo, Egypt; Dakar, Senegal; Johannesburg, South Africa; Lagos, Nigeria; and Nairobi, Kenya.  The league's efforts on the continent have focused on increasing access to basketball and the NBA through youth and elite development, social responsibility, media distribution, corporate partnerships, NBA Africa Games, NBA Stores, the BAL, and more. 

NBA games and programming are available in all 54 African countries, and the NBA has hosted three sold-out exhibition games on the continent since 2015.  The BAL, a partnership between the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and NBA Africa, is a professional league featuring 12 club teams from across Africa that concluded its fourth season in June 2024.  Fans can follow @ NBA_Africa and @ theBAL on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube

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Celebrating a Decade of Rugby Excellence and Youth Empowerment

Location: MyPR

The Hollywood Foundation Iqhawe Week, the brain child of the Cell C SA Rugby Legends Association, a prestigious rugby tournament dedicated to nurturing young talent, celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. Set to take place at Queens High School in Johannesburg from 22 to 26 September 2024. Since its inception with just eight provincial teams, …

Read moreCelebrating a Decade of Rugby Excellence and Youth Empowerment

Shumani Industrial Equipment Celebrates Diversity and Inclusion on Women’s Day

Location: MyPR

Observed on 9 August, Women’s Day serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing journey toward gender equality. A proudly Level 1 B-BBEE company, Shumani Industrial Equipment continuously strives to empower its employees through continuous training and development. “We are a truly diverse and inclusive business across all our areas of operation,” says MD Victor …

Read moreShumani Industrial Equipment Celebrates Diversity and Inclusion on Women’s Day

Boxer Super Run Durban Announces an Impressive r147K Prize Purse in 2024!

Location: MyPR

The organisers of South Africa’s most social 5km run, the Boxer Super Run, are thrilled to announce an impressive R147 200.00 prize purse in 2024. “The Boxer Super Run has redefined the standard for 5km events, and we’re proud to raise the bar even higher this year with an unprecedented R147 200.00 prize purse,” says …

Read moreBoxer Super Run Durban Announces an Impressive r147K Prize Purse in 2024!

Sosibo Targets Maiden Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series Podium Finish in Joburg

Location: MyPR

Fresh off a silver medal at the ASA Cross Country Championships, Cacisile Sosibo is now focused on adding another podium finish to her accomplishments, aiming for success at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K on National Heritage Day, Tuesday, 24 September 2024. Sosibo claimed the runner-up position behind Cian Oldknow in the senior women’s …

Read moreSosibo Targets Maiden Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series Podium Finish in Joburg

Rural food hubs to improve EC food security

Location: News

Rural food hubs to improve EC food security

The Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) plans to establish food hubs in rural areas, which will enable subsistence and home-based vegetable producers to collect, store and process their produce for the local market.

Unpacking the department’s food security plans for this term on Tuesday, Rural Development and Agrarian Reform MEC, Nonceba Kontsiwe, said the department will support communities to grow their own food through home-based gardens and improving food access and income.

“This initiative will focus on sustainable agriculture, water conservation, and youth entrepreneurship in rural areas. Investing in our people will reduce living costs and promote self-sufficiency, thus community resilience,” she said.

Kontsiwe noted that the department is part of a coordinated effort by the provincial government to contribute to eradicating poverty and malnutrition in the province.

She acknowledged that the department alone cannot solve the food security issue, noting that despite having various programs and initiatives, the lack of a unified strategy has led to a fragmented and less effective approach.

The Office of the Premier has coordinated government departments and agencies to develop a Provincial Food and Nutrition Security Plan, and the department’s primary goal is to guarantee food security in the province.

The MEC said the department is committed to support people to cultivate the land, regardless of its size, and produce their own food.

She said the initiative will focus on sustainable agriculture, water conservation, and youth entrepreneurship in rural areas.

According to Kontsiwe, investing in people will reduce living costs and promote self-sufficiency  and community resilience.

The department is planning to expand household food production in rural and peri-urban areas on a large scale.

She said the initiative will include establishing small-scale vegetable nurseries to provide high-quality seedlings, which will reduce production costs.

“DRDAR and the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) are collaborating to support 42 000 households (30 000 from the Siyazondla Program and 12 000 from PES3) in growing their own food in the 2024/25 financial year.

“We invite all sectors of society to join us in addressing food insecurity and malnutrition in districts, metros, local municipalities, and wards. We are fast-tracking the spring water protection program to ensure villages have access to water for food production,” the MEC said.

For the 2024-25 financial year, the department plans to implement 10 spring water projects in five districts, including two in Alfred Nzo, Amathole, Chris Hani, Joe Gqabi, and OR Tambo.

The MEC highlighted that in the previous 2023/24 financial year, the department successfully completed 10 projects, installing 290 taps in 12 villages, benefiting 2 263 households and creating 729 jobs.

Embracing innovation and technology

Kontsiwe emphasised the importance of embracing innovation and technology to reduce production costs and mitigate the impact of climate change.

She said the department will this financial year launch a pilot program, which will see the installation of 14 tunnels with 3 720 climate-smart boxes in all districts and colleges.

The MEC said this initiative will allow vegetable producers to cultivate crops throughout the year in a controlled environment.

“We anticipate that this project will encourage more young people and women to engage in agriculture in our province. We invite people of all ages, including elders, churches, schools, health facilities, and traditional leaders, to support and promote community food production.

“We will collaborate with the private sector to assist households in growing their own food. These initiatives will be carefully planned, organised into projects, and implemented gradually with available resources,” the MEC said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

GabiK
Tue, 09/10/2024 - 14:36

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VFS Global and Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) Support the Ethekwini South African Football Association (Safa) And Stellenbosch Region, With Extensive Coaching Courses

Location: Sport

VFS Global
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World-renowned football federation, the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) in partnership with VFS Global (www.VFSglobal.com), concluded extensive coaching courses held in Stellenbosch and in Durban earlier this year. The initiative is in line with VFS Global's community outreach initiatives across the globe with a focus on youth empowerment and skill development.

The KNVB-accredited course conducted under its WorldCoaches Programme in partnership with SAFA eThekwini, saw a total of 56 coaches from across Durban and Cape Town, with almost 50% of the participants being women. The coaches were accredited with a globally recognised certificate, as part of KNVB's WorldCoaches global drive of using football to drive social development.

The five-day workshop saw the coaches being exposed to the latest global trends of youth coaching and equipped with the necessary tools and information to be role models in their respective communities. In addition to tactical knowledge empowerment, key societal topics such as child protection, leadership, and social change formed part of the learning process for the coaches. The course hosted over 265 participating players throughout the two weeks, allowing the coaches to put together sessions they had learnt from the instructors into practice.

“This was truly an eye-opening experience for our coaches. Most of them are keen to learn and empower themselves, and thanks to such a programme, our region is not only producing future coaches. but key role models for our communities, thanks to KNVB”, said SAFA eThekwini Technical Director, Maxwell Ndlovu.

Speaking on behalf of the KNVB, instructor Bert Zuurman said the reception and eagerness shown by the coaches were encouraging and indicative of a bright youth football future for the region.

“We are honoured to share our knowledge and experience with these coaches, who are not just coaches but are now role models. Our programmes are uniquely designed to make use of football as a driver for social change, and it is important that our coaches are receptive to both the tactical and social development divisions of the programme. We wish all the coaches the best of luck, and sincerely thank SAFA eThekwini for providing us with the platform”, said Johan van Geijn, Founder of KNVB WorldCoaches.

“Through this programme, we are not only equipping coaches with the latest in football tactics but also instilling in them a sense of social responsibility. Through such initiatives that also empower young people to stay in school, we're shaping not just athletes, but future leaders by providing coaches with the tools to be role models. Our investment in South Africa underscores our dedication to youth empowerment worldwide, harnessing sports to pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future”, added Nadia Wicks, Head of Operations- Southern Africa, VFS Global.

The goal of the WorldCoaches program is to give participants critical thinking skills and resources required to make critical decisions both on and off the field.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VFS Global.

Media Contact:
George Cherian
Corporate Communications
VFS Global
georgec@vfsglobal.com / communications@vfsglobal.com

Further Enquiries:
Puncho Morajane
puncho@forwardzone.com
071 199 7858

About VFS Global:
As the world's leading outsourcing and technology service specialist, VFS Global embraces technological innovation including Generative AI to support governments and diplomatic missions worldwide. The company manages non-judgmental and administrative tasks related to applications for visa, passport, and consular services for its client governments, increasing productivity and enabling them to focus entirely on the critical task of assessment.

With a responsible approach to technology development, adoption and integration, the company prioritizes ethical practices and sustainability while serving as the trusted partner to 68 client governments.  Operating over 3,400 Application Centres in 153 countries, VFS Global has efficiently processed more than 294 million applications since 2001.

Headquartered in Zurich and majority owned through investment funds managed by Blackstone Inc, along with the Swiss-based Kuoni and Hugentobler Foundation and EQT, VFS Global is committed to creating value for all stakeholders and leading in responsible, innovative solutions making government services more effective and efficient.

About KNVB – WorldCoaches:
WorldCoaches is a programme based on the KNVB's extensive international coaching experience and its belief that no matter where in the world, football can be used as a means for social development. Our trained WorldCoaches play a key role in this by inspiring and coaching children in their athletic and social development.

During WorldCoaches courses, youth are trained to become football coaches and role models in their own community. In doing so, the WorldCoaches programme focuses on three themes that directly contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These are: personal development, health and social cohesion. The SDGs were set by the United Nations and aim to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. As such, through the unique and universal appeal of football, the KNVB attempts to reduce the impact of various social challenges and aims to contribute to a better society.

Read moreVFS Global and Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) Support the Ethekwini South African Football Association (Safa) And Stellenbosch Region, With Extensive Coaching Courses

A New Era of Gender Balance and Income Diversity in SA Loyalty Programmes

Location: MyPR

The latest research shows that for the first time, both male and female South African consumers are equally engaged in loyalty programmes, with 76% participation from each gender. This heralds a shift from the historical trend where loyalty programmes were predominantly favoured by women. It also shows how consumer behaviour is evolving and reflects a …

Read moreA New Era of Gender Balance and Income Diversity in SA Loyalty Programmes

North West provincial government advertises over 160 jobs

Location: News

North West provincial government advertises over 160 jobs

The North West Provincial Government has advertised the first batch of over 160 vacant positions across provincial departments. 

According to the statement, this is part of strengthening the provincial government’s capacity to deliver services and open the public service to capable professionals, graduates, youth and women.

North West Premier Lazarus Mokgosi said the recruitment drive which started over the weekend aims to create work opportunities for qualifying youth unemployed graduates and fight the scourge of unemployment in the province.

“We are embarking on a developmental trajectory that is aimed at capacitating the State and will see to the full implementation of the plans we have set out for ourselves in the seventh administration. But of critical importance is to take a lead as government in job creation,” Mokgosi explained. 

Through the implementation of the province’s growth and developmental strategy, the province will be guided by the newly instituted Investment and Economic Advisory Council (IEAC).

The plan is to create over 100 000 jobs in tourism, agriculture and construction in the next five years.

“The creation of jobs must be a multifaceted approach which must include the private sector. We initiated engagements with various stakeholders on how best we can respond to the astronomical figures of unemployment in the province, and I believe that all our efforts will yield the desired results,” Mokgosi added. 

The vacancies have been advertised in national and provincial newspapers and at www.nwpg.gov.za and www.dpsa.gov.za. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Tue, 09/10/2024 - 10:20

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Saluting the power of sport

Location: News

Saluting the power of sport

Sport has a cunning, yet magical way of bringing people together, no matter one’s race, creed or colour.

Recent impressions on the official South African Government X account which is managed by the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), has shown that a social media post on swimmer Tatjana Smith clinching gold in the women’s 100m breaststroke at the 2024 Olympics garnered 68,144 impressions. 

The post also garnered 65,794 engagements on Facebook. 

Likewise, when Team South Africa secured silver in the men’s 4x100m relay at the same Paris Olympics, the subsequent post garnered 50,104 impressions on X and 12,211 post engagements on Facebook.

And that is quite impressive for social media pages owned by government, as some people may shun government messaging for different reasons.

While citizens may have negative feelings towards government, people do engage with what our government has to say. The figures generated above are indicative of this.

Despite the challenges that hammer society, including inequality and unemployment, sport mends and stitches together the fabric of society despite the trials.

In his congratulatory message to our sporting stars, when he was Acting President, Deputy President Paul Mashatile said that sport has a “unique ability to bring South Africans together and uplift the nation's spirit, even amidst our challenges.” 

Mashatile’s comments came as our athletes made the nation proud, including sprinter Mpumelelo Mhlongo who secured South Africa’s first medal at the now concluded 2024 Paris Paralympic Games, winning gold in his 100m event. 

Bayanda Walaza made history in Peru, becoming the fastest young man on earth with remarkable times of 10.19 seconds in the 100m sprint and 20.52 seconds in the 200m sprint.

What Mashatile said goes hand in hand with President Nelson Mandela’s address to the first Laureus World Sports Awards back in 2000, wherein he said that sport has the “power to inspire” and the “power to unite people in a way that little else does.” 

The awards honour and celebrate the world’s greatest sportspersons and what the Laureus organisation terms “the inspirational power of sport and its ability to change lives.”

Prior to democracy, one’s skin colour dictated every aspect of life and what one could and could not do, even aspects of playing sport. Much has changed since those dark apartheid years, and all of South Africa’s people can now participate in the sport of their choice.

Now that the Paralympic and Olympic Games have ended, I carry a sense of sadness of no longer being able to watch (for the next four years, that is,) the human spirit’s strength in overcoming adversity to overcome and win, in addition to many hours athletes put in to hone their craft.

While I will have to wait for years for the next summer Olympics in Los Angeles in the United States, what is pleasing to the eye is that South Africa claimed six medals in five sporting codes, including a gold earned by swimmer Tatjana Smith, three silvers earned by the Smith, the men's 4 x 100m relay team, and Jo-Ane van Dyk, who participated in the javelin throw.

The Paralympic team also made the nation proud with a tally of six medals, of which two are gold and were earned by discus thrower Simone Kruger and Mhlongo. The country also earned four bronze medals at the games, in which 168 countries participated.

To top that off, monetary incentives for medallists in the Paralympics are the same as those who participated in the Paris 2024 Olympics. 

This goes to show that differently abled athletes are being seen and heard just as other athletes.
South Africa’s National Sport and Recreation Plan (NSRP) makes reference to the government placing a special emphasis on “the inclusion, empowerment and promotion of the government’s priority groups”, that also includes people with disabilities.

The courage showed by para-athletes is evidence that anyone can achieve their dreams.  This goes some way in encouraging those living with a disability not to hide who they are, but to explore their abilities, which could one day put them on the world stage.

The Paralympics have come a long way since the ninth International Stoke Mandeville Games—considered to have been the first Paralympic Games—took place in 1960 with just 23 nations participating at the time.
As a society we need to learn more not only about the sporting codes our para-athletes play but also about how we can be considerate of the needs of people living with disabilities while also being supportive.

However, the conclusion of the games does not mean the end of the magic of the mesmerising power of sports. The sounds of blaring whistles and red and yellow cards bandied about on the pitch continue, and it requires our collective support.

The past weekend saw our sportsmen and women claim glory on the pitch with the Springboks triumphant in their second clash against the All Blacks in the 2024 Castle Lager Rugby Championship. 
On the same day, the Springbok Women won their match against the Barbarians Women’s side.

Not wanting to be left out, Bafana Bafana equalised in their clash against Uganda; the men’s national football side drew 2-2 with their counterparts in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier at Orlando Stadium.

While the national men’s side has had struggles, they continue to flight, and Friday’s draw shows their efforts to claim glory.

Previously, Bafana coach Hugo Broos had raised concern about the little fan support the team was garnering at matches. We can play our part by supporting the national team as they aim to qualify for the AFCON in Morocco in 2025.

The qualifiers will determine the 24 teams that will contest the 35th edition of the AFCON tournament.
As fans, we have magical powers that can egg on our teams to reach victory, which not only leaves us with an exhilarating feeling, but also helps to build national pride.

Just as South Africa is a melting pot of diverse cultures, we ought to support all our athletes and sporting codes. After all, variety is the spice of life, and every egg and piece of steak needs some spice. -SAnews.gov.za 

Neo Semono is a Features Editor at SAnews.gov.za

 

 

Neo
Tue, 09/10/2024 - 09:11

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465 000 people living with HIV in the North West

Location: News

465 000 people living with HIV in the North West

The North West had the fifth highest HIV prevalence rate in the country at 12.3% in 2022, with HIV prevalence in the province at 20.8% among those aged 25 to 49 years old overall.

In addition, a large number of people living with HIV (PLHIV) in the province were women. 

This is according to the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), which released the key findings of the Sixth South African HIV Prevalence, Incidence, and Behaviour Survey (SABSSM VI) for the North West on Monday. 

According to the overall principal investigator of the study, the HSRC’s Professor Khangelani Zuma, the survey showed that in 2022, HIV prevalence in the province was 20.8% among those aged 25 to 49 overall and more than two-fold higher (29.0%) among females than among males (13.4%). 

Among adolescents and youth, HIV prevalence was 2.5-fold higher among females (8.3%) than among males (3.3%) of the same age.

The survey revealed that the HIV prevalence peaked at 31.4% among those 40 to 44 years in 2022 compared to 36.8% among those 45 to 49 years in 2017.

However, there was a decrease in HIV prevalence in 2022 among those aged 30 to 39 and 40 to 49. 

“Of great concern is the worsening situation among adolescents and youth, with HIV prevalence being worse or similar to that of 2017. 

“The prevalence of HIV among adolescents 15 to 19 is higher (4.5%) in 2022 than in 2017 (3.2%), indicating continued infections among adolescents and youth,” Zuma noted.

The data presented are for three priority districts in North West namely, Bojanala, Dr Kenneth Kaunda and Ngaka Modiri Molema, where oversampling was undertaken to enhance the precision of the HIV prevalence estimates. 

By district, in 2022, HIV prevalence among all ages was highest in Bojanala (15.4%), followed by Ngaka Modiri Molema (12.1%) and Dr Kenneth Kaunda (11.9%). 

Antiretroviral treatment

Antiretroviral treatment (ART) coverage in North West increased from 60.7% in 2017 to 78.9% in 2022. 

This means an estimated 324 000 people living with HIV in the province received treatment in 2022.

ART use among those 15 to 49 years was 76.1% overall, 81.8% among females, and 63.0% among males. 

ART use was 73.8% in urban areas and at or above 85% in rural informal and formal or farm areas. 

By district, ART use ranged from 81.5% in Bojanala to 84.9% in Dr Kenneth Kaunda.

Meanwhile, Zuma expressed concern that people living with HIV aged 25 to 49 accounted for most people living with HIV in the North West who were unaware of their HIV status (68.4%), aware but not on ART (70.1%), and on ART but not virally suppressed (71.3%). 

However, adolescents and youth aged 15 to 24 contributed disproportionately to gaps in treatment, accounting for just 6.4% of all people living with HIV, but 15.8% of those unaware of their status, 15.6% of those aware but not on ART and 12.9% of those on ART but no viral load suppression (VLS).

Key HIV drivers

Shifting the focus to key drivers of the HIV pandemic, Zuma noted that in the North West, the proportion of adolescents and youth aged 15 to 24 who reported having sex before 15 years declined from 12% in 2017 to 8.8% in 2022.

In 2022, sexual debut before the age of 15 years among adolescents and youth aged 15 to 24 was four-fold higher among males (14.0%) than females (3.5%). 

The survey revealed that in the North West, 9.5% of people 15 years and older reported having two or more sexual partners in 2022 compared to 11.1% in 2017. 

The proportion of people aged 15 and older who reported having two or more sexual partners was higher among males (33.7%), compared to females (30.6%), and those 15 to 24 years (50.1%) compared to other age groups.

The proportion who reported having two or more sexual partners was highest in rural informal or tribal areas (34.8%) and in Bojanala district (12.7%).

Regarding condom use, the survey revealed that in North West, 32.2% of respondents reported using a condom with their most recent sexual partner in 2022, a 12.5% decline from the 44.7% reported in 2017. 

Condom use with their most recent sexual partner among people aged 15 and older was similar among both females (30.6%) and males (33.7%), and higher among youth aged 15 to 24 (50.1%) than adults aged 15 to 49 (30.6%).

The professor recommended a long-term strategy to care for individuals in an ageing HIV epidemic as well as tailored interventions to address gaps in the clinical cascade by district, locality and subpopulation.

“We also recommend a continued focus on increasing coverage and demand for medical male circumcision among males aged 15 and older. We must also enhance public awareness and uptake of effective HIV prevention measures, such as regular HIV testing, condoms and PrEP,” he added. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Mon, 09/09/2024 - 12:34

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