MyZA
News, Directory, Events and Other Stuff
The 59th edition of the South African Surfing Championships will take place at the popular right-hand point break of Victoria Bay from 2 – 4 August. After 58 years of the tournament, this contest is rich in history. Out of those years, the event has been held at Vic Bay five times, with the 2024 edition …
SA Masters Surfing Championships Heads to Victoria Bay Victoria Bay – The 2024 SA Masters Surfing Championships will take place this weekend in Victoria Bay. With five full days of surfing ahead, it will be an exciting weekend of surfing. The best masters surfers in the country will be surfing in the following divisions: Men’s: Over 35, …
LaMuse Classic 2024 This weekend, the iconic shores of Surfers Corner, Muizenberg, will come alive as we celebrate Women’s Day with the much-anticipated LaMuse Classic, proudly supported by the Department of Arts and Culture, Surfing South Africa, and The Store. Seventh Anniversary This year, we mark the seventh anniversary of this extraordinary ‘for women, by …
Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health coverage, explores 10 health tips for navigating menopause. As we celebrate Women’s month in August, it is essential to acknowledge the significant milestones in a woman’s life, one of which is menopause. “According to the National Institute on Aging, menopause is a natural part of life that …
Mens finalists © Zane De Lange Victoria Bay: In an exciting finish to the 59th SA Surfing Championships, Anastasia Venter is the new Women’s Champion, and defending Men’s Champion Tom Lindhorst retains his title. Buffalo City wins the coveted President’s Cup, and Tyrell Johnson wins the Surfer Of The Contest Award Women’s Finalists © Zane …
JOHANNESBURG: White-ball head coach Rob Walter has today named the 15-player squad for the upcoming three-match T20 International (T20I) series...
BULAWAYO: A 153-run opening stand between Modiri Litheko and Lesego Senokwane helped South Africa Emerging storm to a seven-wicket victory in...
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) has completed and inaugurated the Hamidiye Mosque Ornamentation Project in Johannesburg, South Africa. The project aims to strengthen the historical and cultural ties between Türkiye and the South African Muslim community.
The Hamidiye Mosque, built in the mid-19th century, holds historical significance as the site where Mahatma Gandhi launched the civil disobedience movement with the pass burning in 1908. In 1980, the mosque was designated as a cultural heritage site and was renovated by TİKA at the request of Jamiatul Ulama. As part of the project, the mosque's main ceiling was adorned with the Surahs of Al-Fath and Al-Fatiha, while the women's prayer space was decorated with traditional Turkish motifs. Sultan Abdulhamid II's tughra was placed at the entrance of the mosque.
Deputy Minister of Social Development, Ganief Hendricks; Turkish Ambassador to South Africa, Ayşegül Kandaş; TİKA's Coordinator in Pretoria, Abdulkadir Abukan; Jamiatul Ulama Secretary General and Hamidiye Mosque Imam, Ebrahim Bham; Muslim MPs, diplomats and representatives from NGOs attended the opening ceremony.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Kandaş highlighted the significance of collaborating with the South African Muslim community and underscored the value of TİKA's projects in South Africa.
Hendricks expressed his gratitude to TİKA for the mosque's ornamentation project and shared his family's historical connection to the mosque. He noted that his great-grandfather was one of the founding members and had organized a fundraising meeting in front of the mosque during the Tripoli War to support the Ottoman Empire.
TİKA's Coordinator in Pretoria Abukan stated that TİKA will continue its efforts to preserve shared heritage in South Africa and strengthen existing connections.
Mr. Bham, Secretary General of Jamiatul Ulama and Imam of Hamidiye Mosque, referred to the congratulatory and welcome letter presented by the mosque community to Ottoman Consul General Mehmet Remzi Bey. He emphasized that the mosque has been a symbol of shared heritage for Turkish and South African Muslims since its establishment.
During the opening ceremony, Islamic calligraphy artist Refik Çarıkçı introduced the project to the guests and demonstrated calligraphy techniques.
This project is viewed as a significant step in strengthening the ties between Türkiye and the South African Muslim community, preserving shared cultural heritage and advancing diplomatic relations.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA).
Miss South Africa redefines what it means to be a queen, Chikunga
Minister in Presidency responsible for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, has congratulated Mia Le Roux who was recently crowned Miss South Africa 2024.
The 28-year-old Le Roux who was born in Sasolburg, Free State, and raised in Oudtshoorn, Western Cape, was crowned Miss South Africa during a glittering ceremony held at the Sun Bet Arena in Menlyn, Pretoria East, on Saturday night.
Le Roux, who is deaf, became the first Miss South Africa and differently abled finalist in the history of the pageant.
READ | Mia Le Roux wins Miss South Africa
Prior to entering the competition, Le Roux worked full-time as a marketing manager for a start-up company. She is also studying a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing part time at Unisa.
In her congratulatory message, Chikunga said Le Roux’s incredible achievement speaks volumes, not just for her beauty and grace, but for her strength, resilience, and determination.
“You have shown the world that true beauty shines from within, and that our differences only make us stronger. You have broken barriers and redefined what it means to be a queen.
“May your reign be filled with joy, pride, and the knowledge that you are a beacon of hope and inspiration to countless others. Wishing you continued success and happiness in all your future endeavours,” Chikunga said.
The Minister also noted that her win will assist to carry the baton of hope and trust among young people.
“We also wish to encourage Le Roux to become an ambassador to address the rights of persons with disabilities, while also assisting with dismantling social, psychological, and structural barriers, which remain major challenges for people with disabilities,” Chikunga said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 08/13/2024 - 13:56
President Cyril Ramaphosa is leading the call to men across South Africa to take a stand against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) by signing a virtual pledge at https://www.stateofthenation.gov.za/endGBVF.
President Ramaphosa launched the call to action by signing the pledge alongside men from all sectors of society at Pofadder, Northern Cape, on the occasion of Women's Day on Friday, 09 August 2024.
Among signatories who joined the President were Northern Cape Premier Dr Zamani Saul, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Alvin Botes, members of the provincial executive, local government leadership and representatives of community- and faith-based organisations and learners.
The pledge commits men to be allies and part of the solution by maintaining positive behaviour and attitudes and to take responsibility for their actions.
The pledge commits men to never raise a hand against a woman, to treat women as equals, to respect the rights of women and relate to women with dignity.
President Ramaphosa urges all of society to work together to end gender-based violence and calls on men who live by positive values to assist other men to mend their conduct and to report instances of abuse and related wrongdoing.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
Prize-Winning Pastry Chef Celebrates Social Change With Coffee-Inspired Creations. Johannesburg, August, 2024 – This Women’s Month in South Africa, Nespresso ZA is partnering with rising culinary star MOTHEBA MAKETHA to integrate Nespresso coffee into culinary experiences within the South African context while highlighting the exceptional talent of women in the culinary sector. Currently the pastry …
Lamola to use economic diplomacy to tackle poverty and unemployment
International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Ronald Lamola, has pledged that his department will use economic diplomacy to tackle the underlying challenges of poverty, inequality, and unemployment in South Africa.
“I look forward to working with all of you in the seventh administration to make international relations more accessible to every South African. International relations is not abstract, it affects us in our everyday lives,” he said on Monday.
Lamola was speaking during a media briefing where he was updating the public on his programme and topical issues.
He also emphasised the consistent goal of achieving a more just and equitable African continent and world.
“DIRCO’s [Department of International Relations and Cooperation] work is crucial in realising this grand vision every day. We have reassured everyone that there will be continuity in foreign policy, aligned with the Government of National Unity's (GNU) vision.”
He told journalists that parties in the GNU have agreed to work together to address the nation’s most pressing challenges.
“President Cyril Ramaphosa indicated in his inauguration speech that the parties have committed to pursuing a foreign policy based on human rights, solidarity, and peace.
“They will also promote multilateralism for a fairer, more equal, just, and compassionate world.”
In addition, he said the GNU was committed to the well-being and professional growth of the team, encouraging them to take advantage of learning and development opportunities provided by the department.
Other issues
On Israel, he said South Africa “strongly” condemns the attack on a school turned shelter for displaced Palestinians in Gaza that has killed more than 100 people, including women and children.
This is after the Israeli military claimed its air force on Saturday struck a “command and control centre” that “served as a hideout for Hamas terrorists and commanders” at Al-Tabaeen school.
However, the department said they had not provided evidence to qualify the harming of defenceless civilians in its dangerous escalation.
“South Africa is gravely concerned at the continuous targeting of schools, hospitals, medical infrastructure, and holy sites that are a source of shelter and protection for the civilian population who bear the brunt of the inhumane attacks in the Gaza Strip.”
The Minister said South Africa continues to maintain that there is no legal, ethical, or moral justification for the bombardment of non-combatants and destruction of civilian sites.
Lamola called on the international community to act decisively against this deliberate attempt to derail the ceasefire negotiations and the unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe due to the ongoing violations of international law.
“South Africa once again calls on the United Nations to deploy a rapid protection force to protect the civilian population from further bombardment.”
He also welcomed the ceasefire agreement between the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, which Angola facilitated.
In addition, he said South Africa was monitoring developments in Venezuela following the recent elections.
Lamola has welcomed that President Nicolás Maduro was declared the winner and reaffirmed South Africa’s support for the people of Venezuela to self-determination without the interference of external forces. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 08/13/2024 - 09:35
Entrepreneurship can be used to lift more women out of poverty, says President
President Cyril Ramaphosa has emphasised that through stronger collaboration between government and business, along with the backing of labor and civil society, entrepreneurship can be a powerful tool to lift more women out of poverty.
The President said this in his weekly newsletter to the nation on Monday.
“With greater collaboration between government and business, together with the support of labour and civil society, we can use entrepreneurship to lift more women out of poverty. We can create more jobs for women and help more women secure their financial freedom,” the President said.
President Ramaphosa said the private sector is playing an important role in guiding these entrepreneurship journeys through start-up incubators, women entrepreneurship awards and programmes such as the Youth Employment Service.
With the help of the Social Employment Fund and others, government is enabling women entrepreneurs to employ workers and provide mentorship to trainees.
“There is much more that the private sector can do. Access to financial resources, including credit lines, is vital to the viability of women-owned businesses.
“Another important area is access to tools of financial inclusion like bank accounts and mobile money and payment technologies. It will be critical to broaden the reach of financial services to include women in the informal sector and in rural areas.
“Empowering women contributes to thriving economies, spurs productivity and boosts economic growth,” President Ramaphosa said.
Last week, the country commemorated the Women’s March to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956. This historic protest by more than 20 000 South African women was a response to the cruel and dehumanising practices of the apartheid regime.
READ | Parliament committed to advancing gender equality
Thirty years into democracy, the President highlighted that government has made impressive strides in advancing gender equality across society, however we still have a long way to go in broadening women’s economic participation.
This is borne out by a recently published Gallup study titled ‘Gender Power in Africa’. The report analyses the disparities and imbalances that shape the lives of women in five African countries, including South Africa.
South Africa ranks the highest of the countries surveyed with respect to the rate of female participation in political decision-making, low rates of child marriage, and the participation and completion rates of girls in primary and secondary education.
However, of the countries surveyed, South Africa has the highest rate of unemployed women and women not in the workforce. The percentage of South African women considered to be self-employed or entrepreneurs is the lowest, at 5%.
“In this respect, we lag behind the rest of the continent. According to the World Economic Forum, women constitute 58% of self-employed people across Africa.
“In a country such as ours, with a high unemployment rate, entrepreneurship is an important tool to empower more women and broaden their participation in the economy. This includes in the informal sector, which accounts for 18% of total employment in the country,” the President said.
WATCH |
Through its various departments and entities, the President highlighted that the State provides financial support to women to enable them to start their own businesses and to sustain existing businesses.
Women-owned businesses are also able to access training in business and project management, IT and other skills.
“We have set a target to allocate at least 40% of public procurement spend to women-owned businesses. In 2021, we launched a Women’s Economic Assembly to enable women-owned enterprises to participate in local industry value chains. Since its inception this programme has yielded promising results in a number of key economic sectors, notably the automotive sector,” he said.
He further highlighted that government is striving to expand women’s access to economic activity through land ownership, enabling female farmers to own land through the state’s land redistribution programme and supporting them with equipment and other agricultural inputs.
“From citrus farmers in the North West, cooperatives making affordable school furniture in KwaZulu-Natal, to cosmetics companies and tech start-ups in the Western Cape, women-owned enterprises all across the country are benefiting from an integrated approach to supporting small businesses,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Mon, 08/12/2024 - 10:15
Emergency housing team dispatched to assist collapsed dam victims
Human Settlements Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has dispatched an emergency housing team to urgently assist displaced families whose homes were flooded when the walls of a dam collapsed in the Swartland Municipality in the Western Cape.
Kubayi said the ongoing assessment will inform what interventions required for all the affected households.
The Minister highlighted there are four categories of interventions provided by the department and these include restoration, relocation, rebuilding and repairs.
“We have directed the team to ensure that the affected households are assisted with emergency accommodation, particularly the vulnerable groups. It is unfortunate that we now have to deal with this incident, while we are still reeling from another recent disaster that left people homeless,” Kubayi said.
Kubayi said the families whose homes were affected by last week's disaster in Riverlands are being provided shelter at Riverlands Community Bakery Centre and Riverlands Church.
READ | Emergency spillway under construction to avoid further Riverlands disaster
“The team from human settlements has compiled a list of approximately 100 displaced people, who have expressed their reluctance to be moved to safer temporary accommodation, citing a need to take care of their livestock,” Kubayi said.
The Minister said the National Home Builders' Registration Council (NHBRC), which forms part of the disaster team, is currently on site will assess the structural integrity of damaged properties as soon as the water subsides.
The department commended NGOs that are already on the ground to assist victims.
Transparency in allocating houses
Meanwhile, Kubayi has reiterated the importance of transparency in allocating houses and delivering other housing programmes within the human settlements sector.
During her engagement with listeners on the Power FM breakfast show last week, Kubayi confirmed that the department is fully committed to dealing with any allegations of fraud and corruption, mainly in the allocation of fully subsidised houses, also known as Breaking New Ground (BNG).
“We are rectifying and reconfiguring our human settlements delivery system. Digitising the beneficiary list system is our main priority because it will radically improve our operations as a department.
“We have been entrusted with over R31 billion during this financial to respond to the housing needs of our people. Every cent must be accounted for and effectively used to restore the dignity of the poor and the vulnerable among us,” Kubayi said.
Kubayi was on Power FM as a special host of the breakfast show, as the country commemorates Women’s Month.
The Minister used the opportunity to invite listeners to give her tips to improve the delivery of sustainable human settlements.
Listeners raised several issues, including government's response to land invasions by capacitating municipalities to effectively deal with this challenge; conducting an audit to determine if BNG houses have been given to the rightful owners, and attending to blocked projects.
Kubayi also interviewed the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Thembi Simelane, on justice for women and the Deputy Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, on the scourge of teenage pregnancy. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 08/12/2024 - 12:26
After an impressive third-place finish at the Totalsports Women’s Race in Cape Town on National Women’s Day (Friday, 9 August 2024), where she competed against the exceptional Christine Njoki (Kenya) and Tadu Nare (Ethiopia), South Africa’s national record holder Glenrose Xaba is more determined than ever to seize gold at the final event of the …
Government activities for the week 12- 16 August 2024
On Monday, 12 August, Minister of Health Aaron Motsoaledi engages with Limpopo stakeholders on the National Health Insurance.
Also on Monday, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation will host a media briefing to update the public on the Minister’s programme and other topical issues related to international relations and cooperation.
Tuesday, 13 August, no confirmed events.
On Wednesday, 14 August, the Electoral Commission holds six municipal ward by-elections in the Eastern Cape and Limpopo.
On Thursday, 15 August, Gender Equality launches reports on Women’s Access to Land and State of Health Care in the Eastern Cape.
Friday, 16 August, no confirmed events.
Neo
Mon, 08/12/2024 - 11:13
BULAWAYO: Centuries by openers Modiri Litheko and Lesego Senokwane ensured South Africa Emerging responded strongly against Zimbabwe Emerging on day two...
BULAWAYO: South Africa Emerging and Zimbabwe Emerging played out a draw on the final day of the unofficial second Test at...
BULAWAYO: Lesego Senokwane produced an excellent double century to put South Africa Emerging in a strong position after day three of...
Understanding Laser Hair Growth Treatment Hair growth light therapy, or laser hair growth treatment, has become increasingly popular for addressing hair loss issues. This non-invasive treatment uses low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to stimulate hair follicles, promoting hair growth and preventing further hair loss. The procedure involves exposing the scalp to red light, which penetrates the …
Northern Cape residents emphasise role of women in society
With Women’s Month in full swing, residents of the Northern Cape say that while strides have been made to uplift women, more needs to be done to win the fight against gender-based violence.
“Today as women, government recognises us and listens to our voices, and we are represented in government departments and in Parliament. However, women still suffer at the hands of the perpetrators of gender-based violence, and many have been killed by those who do not understand the role or the importance of women in communities. We wish government can do more to protect women,” Sandra Booi, a resident of Pofadder, told SAnews.
Booi was one of hundreds of citizens who attended the national commemoration of Women’s Day at Denis Nel Stadium in Pofadder, Northen Cape, on Friday.
Lettie Swart, a resident of Upington, told SAnews that the commemoration of Women’s Day demonstrates government’s commitment to the cause of women.
“Women are the pillars of every society. Women played a crucial role during the struggle against the apartheid regime. Women were at the forefront and they deserve to be recognised,” Swart said.
Echoing the same sentiment, Johannes Matsaboge said: “It’s time that women are recognised and occupy senior positions in government. Women are capable of doing what men can do.”
President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the celebrations under the theme: "Celebrating 30 Years of Freedom Towards Women’s Development".
The President, joined by Northern Cape Premier Dr Zamani Saul and other government officials, signed a pledge for South African men to end gender-based violence and femicide.
The national event marks 68 years to the day since 20 000 women of diverse backgrounds from across South Africa marched on the Union Buildings to protest against the extension of the pass laws to women. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 08/09/2024 - 11:05
President Ramaphosa pays tribute to women
President Cyril Ramaphosa has paid tribute to South Africa’s women, saying that they have played their part in building the country.
“We salute their resilience and their dignity,” he said on Friday.
Addressing the Women’s Day celebration at the Dennis Nel Stadium in Pofadder, Northern Cape, President Ramaphosa said each year on Women’s Day, government commemorates the historic march of more than 20 000 women to the Union Buildings on 9 August 1956. The women were protesting against the pass laws of the apartheid era.
“Today, as we celebrate 30 years of freedom and democracy, we should take stock. We should reflect on how far we have come, and we should deliberate on the challenges that stand in the way of the emancipation of South Africa’s women.”
President Ramaphosa said to move forward as a country, the nation must understand its past.
“South Africa remains a highly unequal country. Poverty still has the face of a black woman. Black women are more likely to be unemployed, to be poor and to be unskilled.
“Apartheid broke up families. Men were recruited as migrant labourers, leaving women and children behind to fend for themselves. Young girls were brought up for marriage. They did not go to school. They were confined to the home.
“Over 30 years, through the struggles of women, we have done much to improve the status and circumstance of South African women. We have built on the struggles of many decades.”
Rights and freedoms
The President said that women now have the right to vote.
“They have the right to equal work for equal pay. They have the right to equality before the law. We have made great progress in providing for the protection of mother and child. As the Women’s Charter demands, we have worked to provide proper homes for all. But much is still to be done.
“Women in South Africa enjoy rights and freedoms under our Constitution. They benefit from progressive legislation. Women today are significantly represented in Parliament, in government and in the judiciary.
“Women in South Africa enjoy the right to quality healthcare, including reproductive health care. Millions of South African women are supported every month with social grants to enable them to care for their families and support their children,” the President said.
The President also added that South Africa has one of the highest rates of female literacy “in our region.”
“There is parity between girls and boys in primary school enrolment. Female learners achieve more bachelors passes. Young women make up the majority of students in higher education institutions.”
Improving the lives of women
President Ramaphosa said that government has prioritised women and youth in its public employment programmes. This, as around 66% of participants in the Presidential Employment Stimulus are women.
“Yet, we still have much further to go. As the Government of National Unity, we are united across the political spectrum by our common commitment to improve the lives of South African women.
“To grow our economy and accelerate development, women must take their rightful place as active participants in the economy. Women must be business owners, producers, employers and employees.”
To support this effort, in 2021 government launched the Women’s Economic Assembly.
The Assembly aims to secure procurement opportunities for women-owned businesses in different industries.
Through the Women’s Economic Empowerment Programme approximately 8000 women have been trained to establish and manage businesses.
“With funding from government and development finance institutions, we are increasing the support provided to women-owned enterprises,” said President Ramaphosa.
Government is also working to ensure that more women can own land, especially in rural areas.
This is so that they can farm and have assets they can use to build and grow businesses. - SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 08/09/2024 - 13:28
Understanding the Need for Accessible Abortion Clinics The journey of reproductive health is a deeply personal one, and access to safe and legal abortion services is a crucial part of this journey. In South Africa, abortion clinics provide essential services, ensuring women have the support and care they need. Why Accessibility Matters Accessibility to …
Jo-Ane van Dyk earns Team SA’s sixth medal at Olympics
South African athlete Jo-Ane van Dyk has earned Team South Africa’s sixth medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics Games.
Van Dyk won a silver medal during the women's javelin on Saturday at the Stade de France, Paris, on Saturday night.
“At a packed Stade de France on the final night of track and field action at these Games, she produced a third effort of 63.93m, which highlighted the form she’d shown all week, and moved her up into the silver medal, behind Japan’s Haruka Kitaguchi, who had opened with a winning 65.80m.
“It was an emotional evening all round, because Van Dyk is coached by Terseus Liebenberg, who also guided Viljoen to the silver medal at Rio 2016,” the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) said.
Van Dyk had attended her first Olympics in Tokyo, and there she was eliminated in qualifying with a best of 57.69m.
“Here, she is three years older, three years wiser and a different athlete entering the prime of her career. The South African’s first throw of 59.72m had been below par by her standards. She upped it by exactly two metres to 61.72m, which still wasn’t enough to get into medal contention on a stacked leaderboard.
“However, her third throw was another two metres further and that 63.93m was to be 25cm better than bronze medallist Nikola Ogrodnikova, and 53cm better than the fourth-placed finisher, Sara Kolak,” SASCOC said.
Meanwhile, high jumper Brian Raats couldn’t better his first jump, where he cleared 2.17m, and ended up in 12th place, with the gold going to New Zealand’s Hamiush Kerr with 2.36m.
“Team SA’s men’s 4x400m took to the track having been reinstated into the final after the referee intervened on Friday following interference and a tumble in their heat. Gardeo Isaacs, in lane one, took the opening, which he covered in 45.67sec, leaving Zakhiti Nene at the back of a nine-country field.
“However, Nene again scorched around the track and has been Team SA’s best 400m athlete at these Games. He made up four places with a lap of 43.81. Lythe Pillay kept the momentum with a 43.97 run and at the changeover, South Africa were still fifth. And that’s where they stayed as Antonie Nortje finished off with a 44.67.
"With the United States winning gold in an Olympic record 2:54.43, South Africa’s quartet set a national record 2:58.12,” SASCOC said. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Sun, 08/11/2024 - 11:20