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By Debra Lalla (Senior Academic – Regent Business School) The role of women in global leadership has become increasingly significant. Women bring unique perspectives and qualities that are not only transforming businesses but also shaping the future of industries and societies at large. Despite the considerable progress made in recent years, female leaders continue to …
JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) has today announced the match officials for the 2024/25 season, with Stacey Lackay appointed as the...
Children and vulnerable communities are at the sharp end of an expanding outbreak of mpox in Eastern and Southern Africa. More than 200 confirmed cases have been detected across five countries (Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, South Africa), UNICEF reported today.
The new variant of the mpox virus (clade Ib) has been identified in all affected countries except South Africa, which is causing concern due to its potential for wider transmission across age groups, particularly young children.
Burundi is reporting the highest number of infections across the region. As of 20 August 2024, 170 confirmed Mpox cases have been detected across 26 out of the 49 districts in the country, of whom 45.3% are female. Children and adolescents below 20 years of age constitute nearly 60% of cases detected, with children under 5 comprising 21% of cases.
The risks for children in Burundi are heighted because of the simultaneous occurrence of measles outbreaks due to low routine childhood immunization and high malnutrition rates. Although the response is ongoing, the country continues to face multiple challenges including a shortage of diagnostic test kits and medicines, low community awareness, high operational costs, and risks of disruption to the continuity of essential healthcare services.
“The new strain of Mpox is a serious threat to vulnerable children and families. Aside from immediate lifesaving response, risk communication efforts & cross border collaboration, investments in overall Health System Strengthening, continuity of essential services and targeted focus on programmes that support overall child wellbeing must be prioritized,” said UNICEF Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa, Etleva Kadilli.
Beyond the direct effects of the disease, concerns remain over the secondary impact of Mpox outbreaks on children and adolescents, including stigma, discrimination and disruptions to schooling and learning. For women and girls, the risk/threat of gender-based violence (including sexual abuse and exploitation) remains high as their burden of care includes caring for sick family members and supporting the basic needs for their families' survival, as seen in previous public health emergencies. Drawing from experiences gained during responses to HIV, COVID-19 and Ebola outbreaks, there must be a collective effort to prioritize plans for supporting survivors, combating stigma and facilitating continuity of basic social services especially learning and children's reintegration into school and community.
In addition to the immediate concerns posed by the virus, Kenya, Burundi and Uganda have been struggling with multiple emergencies including drought and floods.
"In the fight against the Mpox outbreak, prioritizing the needs of children is not just necessary—it's urgent. Their heightened vulnerability requires that we dedicate our full attention and resources to ensure their protection and well-being in this critical response phase,” added Kadilli.
Across the region, UNICEF is responding to the Mpox outbreak alongside WHO and Africa CDC, as part of government response plans with local partners. For example, UNICEF is supporting local communities to intensify risk communication and community engagement through local media and awareness interventions. This includes prioritizing care and proper personal hygiene as an effective infection prevention and control measure.
UNICEF is currently appealing for an urgent $16.5 million to scale up the response and preparedness across the region. The funding needs will be revised on a regular basis as the situation is fast evolving.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UNICEF Eastern and Southern Africa.
Poverty rates are rising but fewer babies are getting the grant, a UCT study finds
Hats off to a winning nation
Cabinet has praised the nation’s sportsmen and women, who continue to proudly fly the flag high in various sporting codes around the world, and further unite the country.
This follows a series of remarkable victories recently, for South African athletes on the global stage.
“These victories demonstrated the power of sport to unite and transcend all boundaries.
“Cabinet encourages South Africans to use unifying moments as an opportunity to reach out to fellow South Africans to build the society that we want to live in,” Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said during a post Cabinet media briefing, on Thursday.
The Springboks, South Africa's rugby world champions, defeated Australia for the second time at the weekend, maintaining their unbeaten record in the Rugby Championship.
In Perth, Dricus du Plessis defended his Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) middleweight title with a stunning win over Nigeria’s Israel Adesanya.
The Proteas continued with the winning streak by defeating the West Indies in the second cricket test in Guyana, clinching the series 1-0.
Meanwhile, Team SA made history at the 2024 Paris Olympics, securing 1 gold, 3 silver, and 2 bronze medals, doubling their medal tally from the 2021 Tokyo Games.
“This achievement will live long in our collective memories,” Ntshavheni said.
She further celebrated the South African relay team -- Bayanda Walaza, Bradley Nkoana, Shaun Maswanganyi and Akani Simbine -- for winning silver in the men's 4x100m relay final, setting a new African record of 37.57 seconds.
Additionally, Jo-Ane van Dyk earned a silver medal in the women's javelin event. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Thu, 08/22/2024 - 14:09
Hop aboard the health train
Residents of Tembisa and surrounding areas turned up in their numbers today for free health services offered by the Phelophepha Train.
Thulo Letsoalo, a mother of three, told SAnews that she felt she should take advantage of the train services, as she cannot afford to go to specialists.
Letsoalo said over the past few years, she has been unwell, suffering from various ailments.
“I came here this morning just before 6am and I am confident that I am going to be assisted. I thank our government for bringing the Phelophepha services to us, as some of us cannot afford to pay for specialists,” Letsoalo told SAnews on Thursday.
Clive Tsheka, who has been having problems with his eye sight, commended the services provided by the healthcare train.
“I have been struggling with my eyes for years. I last visited an optometrist when I was still working and after that, I could not afford it anymore. I am happy that our government has brought free services to us,” Tsheka said.
The Phelophepha Train, which is currently stationed at Oakmoor train station in Gauteng, is Transnet’s flagship Corporate Social Investment project, which started in 1994 as a three-coach eye clinic. It operated successfully between 1995 and 2009.
Due to its reach and success around the country in providing eye care to the country’s most vulnerable communities in rural areas, Transnet decided to add other critical services to the first train, such as nursing, dentistry and an on-board pharmacy.
Over the years, Phelophepha Trains have expanded their service offering to include education/awareness/testing and screening for cancer (cervical, prostate and breast), and wellness for chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes.
The Department of Public Enterprises Acting Director-General, Jacky Molisane, told SAnews that the provision of healthcare is a crucial element to development at community level.
“We are bringing services at grassroots level, providing comprehensive services free of charge. People are given services such as dentistry and other services, free of charge. This shows that government cares for its people,” Molisane said.
She commended the hard working men and women, who provide healthcare on the train in a professional manner.
“This shows that our government is responsive and caring,” she said.
Senior Manager responsible for Health Initiatives at Transnet Foundation, Shamona Kandia, said through the Phelophepha Train, the Transnet Foundation is able to give back to communities.
“The Phelophepha Train has, for the past 30 years, been providing healthcare services to communities. Today, we here in Tembisa as part of Transnet's schedule of bringing healthcare services to the people,” Kandia said.
She said Transnet has been supporting government to provide healthcare services to communities.
The Transnet Foundation’s two healthcare trains, Phelophepa I and II, are designed to provide basic medical help and education.
Each train has a permanent staff of 22 healthcare professionals, including nurses, healthcare educators, opticians and dentists. The trains also carry managers, translators and security staff. Local workers are hired on a temporary basis.
Since the beginning of the Phelophepa programme, the trains have reached many people, changing lives and bringing healing and healthcare education to communities in great need of care.
The Phelophepha Train healthcare services form part of build-up events for the District Development Model Presidential Imbizo, which is taking place on Friday, 23 August, in the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality at Tsakane Stadium. President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to interact with communities and stakeholders in the metro.
Themed: "Leave No One Behind”, the Presidential Imbizo promotes participatory democracy and inclusive development by allowing community members and stakeholders to voice proposals and express any concerns or dissatisfaction they may have about conditions in the district or province.
At an event at a community hall, locals, especially those in need, were given wheelchairs, walking sticks and hygiene packs. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 08/22/2024 - 14:14
Cape Town, South Africa – Designer Pool Covers Cape Town, a leading provider of high-quality pool covers, is proud to announce its continued commitment to enhancing pool safety and efficiency in the region. With over a decade of experience, the company has established itself as a trendsetter in the industry, offering a wide range of products …
Cabinet calls on men to sign pledge against GBVF
Cabinet has reiterated its call on South African men to join the initiative by President Cyril Ramaphosa to take a stand against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) by signing the virtual pledge to take a decisive stand against the scourge.
President Ramaphosa launched the call to action by signing the pledge alongside men from all sectors of society in Pofadder, Northern Cape, during the 2024 Women's Day celebration on 9 August.
READ | President speaks out on gender-based violence
Briefing media on the outcomes of the Cabinet Meeting in Pretoria on Thursday, Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said by signing the pledge, men commit to be part of the solution by maintaining positive behaviour and attitudes, and to take responsibility for their actions.
“It also commits men to never raise a hand against a woman, to treat women as equals, respect their rights, and to treat them with dignity. Managing GBVF as a collective will result in healthier, safer and more peaceful communities in which women and children can thrive,” Ntshavheni said.
The virtual pledge can be signed at www.stateofthenation.gov.za/endGBVF
Cabinet has also commended the opening of the 65th Centre at the Mitchells Plain Hospital in Cape Town earlier this week, to support victims of GBVF.
Ntshavheni said government’s establishment of the Thuthuzela Care Centres across the country is a response to the urgent need for prevention, response and support for victims of violence, especially women and children.
Concern over teenage pregnancies
Cabinet has further urged society and parents to help solve the challenge of adolescent pregnancies, by reporting anyone who engages in sex with a minor (a child under the age of 16) as it is a criminal offence.
This follows concern over the alarming statistics of adolescent pregnancies, where children as young as 10 years of age are prematurely becoming parents.
“If the country does not work together to address this challenge of teenage pregnancies, women and young girls will continue to be trapped in a vicious cycle of poverty, lack of educational and economic prospects,” Ntshavheni said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 08/22/2024 - 13:04
Young perfumer’s sweet smell of success
By Khanyisile Rasmeni
Phumulile Mkhonza of Nelspruit in Mpumalanga is growing as a perfumer and revolutionising the African fragrance industry.
Mkhonza is the owner of PSD Scent Perfumes, a business that she started in 2019 but only registered in 2022.
It specialises in high quality personal care products including perfumes for men and women, body lotions, body butters, tissue oils, home diffusers, and car air-fresheners.
Mkhonza enrolled for a three-month perfume-making course while studying at the University of Johannesburg for a degree in political science.
“I decided to launch my own perfume brand due to my love for perfume making. I registered the business while I was still employed. In August 2023, I decided to resign from my job and focus solely on my business,” she said.
The 31-year-old Mkhonza said she has distributors across the country who buy her products in bulk and resell them. Her footprint also spans across three African countries including Swaziland, Mozambique and Nigeria.
Mkhonza was guided by the Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda) to start exporting her products beyond South African borders.
“I was able to establish relationships with other entrepreneurs based in these countries through the entrepreneurship development programmes [offered by Seda] that I have been part of,” she said.
In 2022, she received R671 000 from the Mpumalanga Office of the Premier’s Youth Development Fund Programme.
She further received financial assistance from Seda to purchase assets for the business in 2024.
Her business currently employs eight people.
The entrepreneur also holds an honours and master’s degrees in public management and governance.
For more information, contact PSD Scent Perfumes on 064 505 4838, or on WhatsApp at 072 060 6093 or on email at info@psdscent.co.za and www.psdscent.co.za.
You can visit the Mpumalanga Office of the Premier website at www.mpumalanga.gov.za or call 013 766 0000/2473. Visit Seda by logging on to www.seda.org.za or call 087 158 7991.
*This article first appeared in Vuk’uzenzele
Janine
Thu, 08/22/2024 - 10:05
TikTok (www.TikTok.com) is taking major steps to boost safety on its platform across Sub-Saharan Africa with the launch of its inaugural Safety Advisory Council and the expansion of its #SaferTogether community education campaign. By partnering with key stakeholders, including policymakers, members from academia, NGOs, and community leaders, TikTok aims to foster a collaborative approach to ensuring a secure and positive platform environment. This announcement was made at TikTok's Safety Summit held in Nairobi, Kenya.
A Continuous Investment: The Safety Advisory Council
Since 2020, TikTok has established nine regional Safety Advisory Councils alongside the U.S. Content Advisory Council, each composed of experts in areas such as youth safety, free expression, and hate speech. These councils play a vital role in shaping TikTok's policies, product features, and safety processes, ensuring the platform remains responsive to evolving challenges.
The newly launched Sub-Saharan Africa Safety Advisory Council will further this effort by bringing together local experts who will collaborate with TikTok to develop forward-looking policies and address regional safety concerns. Their input will help TikTok manage current issues and anticipate future challenges, reinforcing the platform's commitment to user safety and fostering a positive online environment.
Members of the Sub-Saharan Africa Safety Advisory Council are:
"With the launch of the Sub-Saharan Africa Safety Advisory Council, we are demonstrating our commitment to including expert African voices in our Trust and Safety work. This group of leaders was chosen for their broad range of expertise and experience, and we look forward to working with them over the coming years." - Valiant Richey, Global Head of Outreach and Partnerships, Trust and Safety, TikTok
#SaferTogether: A Community-Centric Approach
This iteration of the #SaferTogether campaign is designed to engage the community actively in promoting a basic understanding of the platform's community guidelines and safety features. This initiative will include workshops, social media outreach, and partnerships with key stakeholders to raise awareness about the importance of following TikTok's community standards. The campaign aims to foster a collaborative effort to ensure a secure environment for creative expression.
Fortune Mgwili-Sibanda, Director of Government Relations & Public Policy for Sub-Saharan Africa emphasised, “The community empowerment campaign highlights the importance of safety being a shared responsibility. This part of the campaign will speak directly to the TikTok community, to join us in making TikTok a safer space for all by ensuring they follow the Community Guidelines and use the safety features available to them. With the additional layer that the Safety Advisory Council presents, we believe that safety can be achieved, collectively.”
Understanding TikTok's Community Guidelines
TikTok's Community Guidelines (https://apo-opa.co/4dT5vdm) are integral to the platform's safety efforts. Developed through comprehensive research and input from various stakeholders, including safety experts and community members, these guidelines set the standard for acceptable behaviour and content on the platform. They are designed to foster a safe and welcoming environment, ensuring that everyone can express themselves freely and creatively while staying protected from potential harm. The guidelines are continuously updated to address emerging safety concerns and support a respectful online community.
Impact of the #SaferTogether Partnerships in Sub-Saharan Africa
In Kenya, TikTok has so far achieved remarkable milestones with its flagship #SaferTogether workshops (https://apo-opa.co/3Ayt4cZ).
In 2022, the #SaferTogether workshops and campaign launched in Nigeria.
Earlier this year, TikTok announced the official partnership with the African Union Commission's Women, Gender, and Youth Directorate (https://apo-opa.co/3XhbDGU) (WGYD) at the inaugural TikTok Safer Internet Summit in Ghana. This partnership will help deliver digital literacy programmes across Africa, guiding young people and their caregivers on how to diversify their livelihoods using digital platforms, in a safe and engaging way.
Safaricom has been a long-standing strategic partner of TikTok, collaborating on a number of mobile and network initiatives over the past several years, including TikTok data bundles and participating in the #LevelUpAfrica Creator event. In light of these ongoing collaborations, Safaricom expressed strong support for TikTok's recent efforts to enhance online safety in Africa. "At Safaricom, we see the internet as a resource that everyone should have access to, safely. Having witnessed the announcement of the TikTok Safety Advisory Council and the launch of the #SaferTogether campaign, we commend TikTok's efforts in bringing together various stakeholders for a common goal – ensuring online safety and promoting the safe use of its platform across Africa," said Fawzia Ali, Chief Consumer Business Officer, Safaricom PLC.
More information about the work of the Safety Advisory Councils can be found on TikTok's Transparency Centre (https://apo-opa.co/3MmsGAJ).
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of TikTok.
August must be used to condemn acts of violence against women
Acting Executive Director of the Centre for Public Service Innovation (CPSI) Lydia Sebokedi says it is imperative to use the month of August to condemn all acts of violence against women.
“We need to unite as a nation to fight gender-based violence in our society,” Sebokedi said.
Speaking at the 18th Public Sector Innovation Conference being held in Durban, Sebokedi said there will be no freedom for any woman in this country until the scourge of gender-based violence against women is decisively dealt with permanently.
“As we all know, in our country, August is a month dedicated to us, women. We look back with immense pride and sincere reverence, to those women and matriarchs of our nation who led a march in the 50s against the unsavoury laws that were in place then thus shaping our destiny as a country,” Sebokedi said.
Many of those women never lived long enough to experience freedom.
“At the same time, lest we forget, we are in a society which has practically declared a cruel war against its women, where gender-based violence and femicide have reached a pandemic status.
“Let us all take a stand and say ‘no’ to violence against women and girls,” Sebokedi said.
She called on the conference delegates to engage on ways to integrate innovation and innovative thinking in order to improve public services.
“Let us also use this platform to network and forge working partnerships for innovation,” she said.
Sebokedi told the delegates that the CPSI has been sustaining various innovation platforms and initiatives to capacitate government institutions to improve service delivery to citizens.
“This work was deeply rooted in our belief as an institution, that innovation is a pivotal catalyst that enables us to meet the needs of our citizens.”
She said there was a need to find innovative solutions and approaches to deliver services better.
“There is a call for strong inter-governmental relations and the denouncement of silo mentality within government departments.”
Sebokedi said there was also a need to forge cross-sectorial partnerships with business, academia, civil society, particularly the youth, to allow for mutual exchange of knowledge and expertise in innovation.
“We come together to explore new and innovative solutions to service delivery, this time using mission-oriented innovation.
The CPSI reports to the Minister of Public Service and Administration and was established with a mandate of nurturing innovation in the public sector. It was established in 2001 by the Minister for Public Service and Administration as a Section 21 company. In 2008, the CPSI became the first Government Component listed in the Public Service Act. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 08/21/2024 - 12:25
August musts be used to condemn acts of violence against women
Acting Executive Director of the Centre for Public Service Innovation (CPSI) Lydia Sebokedi says it is imperative to use the month of August to condemn all acts of violence against women.
“We need to unite as a nation to fight gender-based violence in our society,” Sebokedi said.
Speaking at the 18th Public Sector Innovation Conference being held in Durban, Sebokedi said there will be no freedom for any woman in this country until the scourge of gender-based violence against women is decisively dealt with permanently.
“As we all know, in our country, August is a month dedicated to us, women. We look back with immense pride and sincere reverence, to those women and matriarchs of our nation who led a march in the 50s against the unsavoury laws that were in place then thus shaping our destiny as a country,” Sebokedi said.
Many of those women never lived long enough to experience freedom.
“At the same time, lest we forget, we are in a society which has practically declared a cruel war against its women, where gender-based violence and femicide have reached a pandemic status.
“Let us all take a stand and say ‘no’ to violence against women and girls,” Sebokedi said.
She called on the conference delegates to engage on ways to integrate innovation and innovative thinking in order to improve public services.
“Let us also use this platform to network and forge working partnerships for innovation,” she said.
Sebokedi told the delegates that the CPSI has been sustaining various innovation platforms and initiatives to capacitate government institutions to improve service delivery to citizens.
“This work was deeply rooted in our belief as an institution, that innovation is a pivotal catalyst that enables us to meet the needs of our citizens.”
She said there was a need to find innovative solutions and approaches to deliver services better.
“There is a call for strong inter-governmental relations and the denouncement of silo mentality within government departments.”
Sebokedi said there was also a need to forge cross-sectorial partnerships with business, academia, civil society, particularly the youth, to allow for mutual exchange of knowledge and expertise in innovation.
“We come together to explore new and innovative solutions to service delivery, this time using mission-oriented innovation.
The CPSI reports to the Minister of Public Service and Administration and was established with a mandate of nurturing innovation in the public sector. It was established in 2001 by the Minister for Public Service and Administration as a Section 21 company. In 2008, the CPSI became the first Government Component listed in the Public Service Act. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 08/21/2024 - 12:25
Hlengwa elevates gender equality in aviation
As South Africa commemorates Women’s Month, Deputy Minister of Transport, Mkhuleko Hlengwa, has advocated for gender equality in the aviation sector.
Addressing the National Aviation Gender Summit in Durban, Hlengwa said gender equality in the aviation sector can only be accomplished through strategic planning and a commitment to achieving these objectives.
“It is important that we remain accountable to ensure that we achieve our long-term vision for gender equality in aviation. Empowering women has a significant ripple effect, not only within our organisations, which are key drivers of economic growth and critical components of international trade and tourism, but also at the grassroots level, impacting the very fabric of our society,” the Deputy Minister said on Wednesday.
He said gender parity needs new innovative ways to bring women into formal employment.
“In South Africa, out of the 25 830 licensed personnel at the end of July 2024, only 5 067 are female. This includes pilots, engineers, air traffic officers and cabin crew. Of course, we must celebrate this improvement, [with] almost 20% of women occupying technical roles in the industry but we have a challenge here.
“In a country greatly affected by unemployment and its affects being continuously higher amongst women, especially the youth, the aviation sector is presented with a unique opportunity to empower young women from all walks of life who wish to be a part of this sector.
“We truly can make a difference as decision makers and as citizens in our immediate environments, at home, at work and everyday interactions. South African women are strong, capable and dedicated,” Hlengwa said.
Over 60% of women in Africa are currently working in the informal sector. That's more than half of our continent’s talent pool.
“At the current rate of progress, it will take 102 years to close the gender gap in Sub-Saharan Africa. This is a statistic that should awaken our fires to act I think that we often find acting a mammoth task, but it begins with all of us implementing change in our immediate environments, every day wasted is a day added to 102 years,” he said.
Skills development
The Deputy Minister said he is encouraged by the ongoing bursaries, mentorship and skills development programs that have been initiated by all the aviation entities to encourage a new generation of professionals, especially in previously disadvantaged communities.
“We acknowledge the efforts from entities such as the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA), who have dedicated funds and personnel in creating initiatives such as the career awareness programmes, where there has been a concerted effort to drive and promote female participation in this industry.
“Proactive measures are crucial in reshaping a sector that has traditionally been dominated by men. The dedication to creating opportunities and fostering a more inclusive environment is commendable and marks a significant step forward.
“Across the broader transport sector, encompassing taxis, railways, and bus operations - aviation stands out amongst the leading modes of transport in its commitment to gender diversity and inclusion,” the Deputy Minister said.
He said transformation in the aviation sector is crucial not only for industry to grow, but the economy to grow.
“It is crucial that we move from having exemplary laws on paper to realising tangible results on the ground. To this end, we will work tirelessly to bridge the gap between policy and practice, ensuring that our aviation sector not only meets but exceeds expectations in all areas and set mandates. Even on matters of diversity and inclusion, I pledge my support in every way that matters,” the Deputy Minister said. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 08/21/2024 - 13:44
South African women are exiting their businesses at a higher rate than they are starting and running businesses indicating they need more support in growing start-ups to the established stage of more than 3.5 years. This is a key finding of the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) South Africa Report 2023/2024 by Stellenbosch Business School, launched …
SAPS celebrates its women in blue
This year, the South African Police Service (SAPS) is observing Women's Month by celebrating its women in blue, who do not only bring inclusivity and empathy to the table, but who also go beyond the call of duty to serve and protect the people of South Africa.
Today, SAPS introduces the nation to Sergeant Silindile Njilo, a crime prevention member attached to the Ntuzuma police station in KwaZulu-Natal.
Njilo and baby “Tholakele” captured the hearts and minds of the nation when a video clip of them trended on social media platforms earlier this year. Loosely translated, the name Tholakele means ‘being found'. The real identity of the toddler is being withheld.
Little did Njilo know how her day shift would unfold when she reported for duty on 05 May 2024 and found an abandoned baby girl at the Client Service Centre (CSC). The baby was brought to the police station during the previous shift by the owner of a local tavern after the biological mother had left the baby at his establishment.
Wasting no time, Njilo went home to get a wash basin and returned back to the police station where she bathed Tholakele, changed her into a new set of clothes and fed her while waiting for social services to arrive.
It was as if the baby instinctively realised that she was safe in the arms of Njilo and a bond immediately formed between them.
Baby Tholakele, a name Njilo gave her, has since been placed at a place of safety. Njilo visits often and says she continues to love and care for Tholakela as if she were one of her own.
Njilo, a devoted wife and mother of two, also says her act of humility that day was merely a reflection of her humble upbringing as she knows how it feels to 'come from nothing'.
Her mother single handedly raised Njilo and her siblings with no steady income. Njilo says she will never forget her late mother's words: "Be a light and take care of those who need help".
She often takes out money from her own pocket to buy basic essentials and food to support poverty-stricken community members.
Joining the Service 14 years ago was a dream come true for Njilo, as she believes there is no greater calling than to be of service to her community.
As a crime prevention member, her duties include dealing with general enquiries and complaints lodged by the public, attend to crime scenes, effecting arrests and detaining suspects as well as carrying out patrol duties.
"I urge our community members to support and stand alongside members of the South African Police Service. Because, together we can achieve more towards a safer country for all," said Njilo.
Nothing short of a heroine, Sergeant Njilo continues to be a shining light in the community she serves. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 08/21/2024 - 10:16
Durban, South Africa – At the heart of Durban’s thriving culinary landscape, Zai Restaurant has emerged as a beacon of excellence, cultural richness, and top-tier dining experiences. Spearheading this success is 25-year-old Akhona Yedwana Ndlovu, one of Durban’s youngest and most dynamic Managing Directors. Akhona is not only revolutionizing the hospitality industry but is also …
JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) is thrilled to announce Dafabet as the official Team Associate Sponsor for the Proteas Men’s...
The safety of our members is also important, says SAPS spokesperson
Department of Co-operative Governance wants to end “double-dipping”
Empowering women entrepreneurs: A dynamic business event in Cape Town, featuring top female leaders and invaluable networking opportunities. Founders Foundation, in partnership with Outsourced CFO, will be hosting their much-anticipated annual Women In Business event, set to take place on 29 August 2024. This empowering gathering will be held in the vibrant and picturesque city of Cape …
This year, the South African Police Service (SAPS) is observing Women's Month by celebrating its women in blue who do not only bring inclusivity and empathy to the table, but who also go beyond the call of duty to serve and protect the people of South Africa.
Today, we introduce the nation to Sergeant Silindile Njilo, a crime prevention member attached to the Ntuzuma police station in KwaZulu-Natal.
Njilo and baby “Tholakele” captured the hearts and minds of the nation when a video clip of them trended on social media platforms earlier this year. Loosely translated, the name Tholakele means ‘being found'; the real identity of the toddler is being withheld.
Little did Njilo know how her Day Shift would unfold when she reported for duty on 05 May 2024 and found an abandoned baby girl at the Client Service Centre (CSC). The baby was brought to the police station during the previous shift by the owner of a local tavern after the biological mother had left the baby at his establishment.
Wasting no time, Njilo went home to get a wash basin and returned back to the police station where she bathed Tholakele, changed her into a new set of clothes and fed her while waiting for social work services to arrive. It was as if the baby instinctively realised that she was safe in the arms of Njilo and a bond immediately formed between them.
Baby Tholakele, a name Njilo gave her, has since been placed at a place of safety. Njilo visits often and says she continues to love and care for Tholakela as if she is one of her own.
Njilo, a devote wife and mother of two, also says her act of humility that day was merely a reflection of her humble upbringing as she knows how it feels to 'come from nothing'.
Her mother single handedly raised Njilo and her siblings with no steady income and adds by saying that she will never forget her late mother's words: "Be a light and take care of those who need help". She often takes out money from her own pocket to buy basic essentials and food to support poverty-stricken community members.
Joining the Service 14 years ago, was a dream come true for Njilo as she believes there is no greater calling than to be of service to her community.
As a crime prevention member, her duties include dealing with general enquiries and complaints lodged by the public, attend to crime scenes, effecting arrests and detaining suspects as well as carrying out patrol duties.
"I urge our community members to support and stand alongside members of the South African Police Service. Because, together we can achieve more towards a safer country for all," said Njilo.
Nothing short of a heroine, Sergeant Silindile Njilo continues to be a shining light in the community she serves!
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Police Service.
#WomensMonth: SAPS honours outstanding veterinary nurse
This year, the South African Police Service (SAPS) is observing Women's Month by highlighting the work of its women in blue, who are not only game changers in their respective fields, but who also go beyond the call of duty to serve and protect South Africans and visitors.
Today, the SAPS introduces the nation to Captain Mariaan Nel, a qualified veterinary nurse attached to the SAPS Veterinary Services in Bloemfontein, Free State.
The Veterinary Services is a specialised unit that resides within the component, Visible Policing and Operations.
Nel joined the service 13 years ago as a veterinary nurse at the rank of captain shortly after she obtained a National Diploma in Veterinary Nursing from the University of Pretoria. She also holds a degree in Accounting.
She is one of five female veterinary nurses in the Service and currently the only nurse based in the Free State province as part of a pilot project. In total, there are eight veterinary nurses nationwide in the SAPS.
As a veterinary nurse in the SAPS, Nel's duties include the following:
* Execute primary health care support to SAPS animals;
* Monitor the primary health status of SAPS animals and report epidemiological phenomena;
* Conduct veterinary inspections at SAPS K9 and Mounted Units; and
* Present veterinary and animal handling courses to SAPS members
Being based in Bloemfontein, Nel travels vast distances to ensure the welfare of 37 dogs and nine horses attached to the various K9 and Mounted Units within the Free State.
Police dogs and horses not only enhance police visibility but they are also deployed during crime prevention operations. They assist with investigations on crime scenes, trace suspects, detect narcotics and assist with search and rescue operations.
Nel says her profession may not place her at the forefront of fighting crime, but it gives her satisfaction to ensure the SAPS’s four-legged crime fighting heroes stay in tip top shape.
"I am passionate about the well-being of animals, in particular SAPS animals. I encourage girls and young women to pursue a career in the police, as it is rewarding to know your services make a valuable contribution towards a safer country for all," said Nel.
A dog may be a man’s best friend, but Captain Nel is certainly any SAPS dog and horse’s best friend. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 08/20/2024 - 11:53
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