Mapepeza Vol.9 Issue 12 - November 2022 (2nd edition)

R2.4 billion budget to fund Gauteng plans for improving lives!

Finance MEC Jacob Mamabolo increased Gauteng’s budget for this financial year by R2.4 billion, saying the money will be used to improve the lives of people in townships, informal settlements and hostels, fighting crime and supporting economic growth initiatives.

The MEC (pictured) was presenting his first 2022 Medium Term Budget Policy Statement and the Adjustments Budget to the Gauteng Provincial Legislature on Thursday, November 24.

He said the total annual budget of the provincial government increased from R152.9 billion presented in March this year to R155.3 billion.

“The Adjustments Budget is about making permissible amendments, which includes unforeseeable and unavoidable expenditure in the budget of the

current financial year. Put differently, the budget adjustment gives us an opportunity to already be planting the seed for the medium- and long-term funding of the Five Elevated Priorities,” MEC Mamabolo said.

To intensify the fight against crime, corruption, vandalism and lawlessness, MEC Mamabolo allocated a total of R173 million to Department of Community Safety.

These funds will be used to recruit and train peace wardens, tools of trade, procurement of 10 drones, 50 vehicles and 500 000 panic buttons.

As part of efforts to develop integrated human settlements and transform the spatial landscape of Gauteng, the Department of Human Settlements is allocated R100 million to complete incomplete infrastructure projects in the province.

MEC Mamabolo said as part of efforts to grow the economy and create jobs, the Department of Economic Development is allocated R60 million.

“A total of R40 million of this amount will be used to fund the costs of diesel to alleviate the existing electricity supply challenges

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No fees or waiting period to enter state rehab center!

The Gauteng Department of Social Development has dismissed reports on social media that you have to wait for more than two years to get space at state rehabilitation centers.

The Department says any other person in need can access rehabilitation for free at state-run drug rehabilitation centers and those run by NonProfit Organizations subsidized by the government.

The Gauteng Provincial Government still invites young people who are struggling with drugs and alcohol addiction to come forward and get help.

The Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi and Social Development, Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, MEC Mbali Hlophe have recently launched a new initiative to rehabilitate the youth addicted to the notorious street drug nyaope at Dr Florence & Fabian Ribeiro Treatment Centre in Tshwane.

In a build-up to the launch, the Gauteng Provincial Government launched a substance abuse helpline after several calls for help with teenage substance abuse.

The helpline is a bid to intensify the fight against substance abuse across the province. The 24 hours anti-substance abuse call center service is a platform for parents and caregivers to apply for rehabilitation for their children or adults addicted to drugs.

Applicants, if successful, will be enrolled at a state rehabilitation center.

The helpline can be accessed at 0800 228 827 or by email:

GPAntiSubstanceAbuse@gauteng. gov.za or USSD *134*47472# and follow the prompts.

Kathorus police seeks assistance with wanted suspects!

Increase in COVID-19 infections brings new wave in Mzansi!

It may be a seasonal flu or sign and syptoms of the Coronavirus, as you’ve recently witnessed many South Africans falling ill recently.

Suspect 1: Wanted by Vosloorus SAPS for Assault and Rape. A male South African (about 30-35 years old), has a tall build and dark brown complexion. He has a Chico-style haircut, a short mustache and a goatee. The suspect was wearing a green top and black denim pants and speaks isiZulu and last seen in a Mercedes-Benz vehicle.

Suspect 2: Wanted by Eden Park SAPS for sexual assault. The man is a Pakistani national (about 30 years old), light skin and has a short, slender build. He has short hair with a bald patch near his forehead, his face is well shaved. He was last seen wearing a black and white top and is said to speak isiZulu and English.

Suspect 3: Wanted by Zonkizizwe SAPS for Assault and Rape. The suspect is estimated to be in his late 20s and has a tall and slender build. He has medium light brown complexion, no visible facial hair and was last seen wearing a t-shirt, blue denim and a grey cap.

Suspect 4: Wanted by Katlehong North SAPS for Rape. The suspect is a Lesotho national with a bald head, a short mustache and has a medium light brown complexion. He has a short, muscular build and was last seen wearing a t-shirt and denim pants.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of these suspects, please contact investigating officer Detective Sargent W.T. Khanye on 0780723967.

Cops warn against carrying large sums of cash!

With the festive season approaching, police have warned members of the public not to carry or keep large amounts of cash at home.

There are safer options that are lower risk.

“Carry as little cash as possible and consider making use of cellphone banking and internet transfers to pay accounts. Bank accounts must be opened and transfers should be done at a bank to avoid robberies,” explained police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Nqobile Gwala.

This is very important as many savings clubs and stokvels will be sharing their savings with members and placing themselves at risk by withdrawing cash.

In most cases the venues and times for these activities are shared with criminals who then rob them of their cash.

People are being robbed of their hard-earned cash and there have been instances in the past where people have been killed during

robberies.

Tips to avoid being a victim of cash robberies

• Alternate the days and times on which you deposit cash

• Refrain from making cash deposits

• Never make your bank visits public, even to people close to you

• Do not openly display the money you are depositing while you are standing in the bank queue

• Avoid carrying money bags, briefcases or openly displaying your deposit receipt book

• It’s advisable to identify another branch nearby that you can visit to ensure that your banking pattern is not easily recognizable or detected

• If the amount of cash you are regularly depositing is increasing as your business grows, consider using the services of a cash management company

• Refrain from giving wages to your contract in full view of the public rather make use of wage accounts that can be provided by your bank

• Refrain from driving to the bank in your company branded vehicle on a typical ‘pay day’

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Senior Researcher, Dr Ridhwaan Suliman, says that COVID-19 infections are again on the rise in South Africa, with the country entering another wave.

However, according to Suliman, this was expected.

“Promisingly, COVID-19 hospitalisations and deaths remain fairly flat,” he said on Twitter.

South Africa recorded a 16.9% increase in the number of new cases detected in week 45 of 2022, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) said on Thursday, November 17.

The latest data show that the country now has 4 034 234 laboratoryconfirmed COVID-19 cases, 2 938 of which were logged since the last report.

The report is based on data collected up to 12 November 2022.

“The new cases are now defined as cases detected in the past epidemiologic week, based on the date of sample collection or sample receipt,” the NICD explained.

According to the NICD, KwaZuluNatal recorded the highest weekly incidence risk, followed by Gauteng and the Western Cape.

“The other provinces reported weekly incidence below 4.0 cases per 100 000 persons,” the public health institute said.

In addition, in the past week, seven

out of the nine provinces reported a surge in weekly incidence risk. Data show that the increases range from 0.1 cases per 100 000 people (6.6%) in Free State, to 3.4 cases per 100 000 people (64.4%) in KwaZulu-Natal.

According to the statistics, the highest weekly incidence risk is among cases detected in patients aged 80 and above, while the lowest was in the five to nine-year-old age group.

According to the NICD, in week 45, the percentage-testing positive was 12.8%, which increased significantly from the previous week.

“In week 45, compared to the previous week, the percentage testing positive increased significantly in the Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, North West and Mpumalanga. The percentage-testing positive did not change in all other provinces.”

However, in the same week, there was a 40% decrease in the number of new hospital admissions compared to the previous week.

KwaZulu-Natal had the highest number of admissions in the past week (97 admissions out of 286 cases, or 33.9%), followed by Gauteng (82 admissions out of 286 cases, or 28.7%) and Western Cape (51 admissions out of 286 cases, or 17.8%). North West had the lowest number of admissions (five admissions out of 286 cases, or 1.7%).

Police stations in the Kathorus region, south of Ekurhuleni, are seeking assistance from the community in identifying these four suspects wanted for various crimes in the area.

Note the pictures provided are made from the police's facial composition and are not actual pictures of the suspects.

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resemble or likely promote the related reduced-risk products.

This is according to the new Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill, which is currently before Parliament.

South Africa is forging ahead with proposed legislation that introduces strict new anti-smoking rules and regulates e-cigarettes.

The bill proposes the legislation of electronic nicotine and non-nicotine cigarettes for the first time and the introduction of 100% smoke-free areas, including in some public areas, workplaces or vehicles.

It also seeks to change how cigarettes are packaged and recommend the use of graphic warnings and a total ban on the display points of sale and vending machines for tobacco products.

Speaking during the tobacco control webinar on Wednesday (November 17), Health Department’s Dr Tshimi Lynn Moeng-Mahlangu said the draft bill seeks to repeal the current Act of 1993.

The new bill, according to MoengMahlangu, also aims to promote public health and align with the World Health Organization (WHO) WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) treaty.

“When amendments were introduced in the old Act, we realized that the amendments were more than 50%, which means that it would be more like a new Act altogether. So, we were legally advised that we need to come up with a completely new bill so that we

R48.1bn allocated to women empowerment initiatives!

that are affecting the operations of tenants at the Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone (TASEZ). This is an interim measure while the City of Tshwane addresses the bulk electricity infrastructure,” he said.

In addition, the OR Tambo International Airport SEZ has been allocated R20 million to complete the top structure at the Jewellery Manufacturing Precinct.

The OR Tambo International Airport SEZ is a multi-site development project focusing on different sectors including, jewellery and diamonds, agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, advanced manufacturing and capital equipment.

Turning to women empowerment, MEC Mamabolo announced that Gauteng has significantly increased the budget directed towards women empowerment initiatives from R46.2 billion in 2021/22 financial year to R48.1 billion in 2022/23 financial year.

This is a 4% increase year on year. Equally important is that the increase in the budget has been accompanied by a rise in spending on related budget items, which demonstrates provincial government’s push towards Gender Responsive Budgeting.

He said Gauteng’s drive to mainstream gender issues in budgeting processes is in line with the Gender Responsive Budgeting, Monitoring and Evaluation Framework, which was passed by National Cabinet in 2019.

“In this 2022 MTBPS, we are committing ourselves to continue in our efforts to drive Gender-Responsive Budgeting and ensure that the fiscal framework contributes to the empowerment of women.

can then repeal the current Tobacco Act,” she explained.

Electronic nicotine cigarettes

In addition, she told attendees that the current Act also does not allow the regulation of e-cigarettes and vaping products.

“So, the other challenge is that there’s easy access at the moment of all these new products, increasing exposure to children and everyone. There’s no control,” she added.

Moeng-Mahlangu believes that if the country maintains the status quo, e-cigarettes will continue to flood the market and government will fail to enforce these products if they remain unregulated.

“Another option that I think a lot of industry players would promote is that we should educate people, do more research and monitor.”

However, she believes that education alone will not deter people from using these products.

“Therefore, you need to also create an environment that is inhibiting access to these products. This option is not comprehensive and will not single-handedly achieve the desired outcomes of limiting access and demand.”

She thinks that government needs to control the marketing and use of all emerging new innovative products, which have proved to be harmful.

The City of Ekurhuleni joined the world in observing the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children on Friday, November 25, by bringing social workers closer to communities.

In lending a hand to the fight against gender-based violence, the city has urged victims of Gender-Based Violence or GBV, including people in distress to use social workers now available at Customer Care Centres (CCC) across the City.

The 16 Days of Activism For No Violence Against Women and Children starts on Friday, November 25 until December 10.

The theme for this year is: ‘SocioEconomic Rights and Empowerment to Build Women’s Resilience Against Gender-Based Violence

and Femicide: Connect, Collaborate, Contract!’.

“The city strongly condemns any acts of violence and given the scourge of GBV in the country. The city works closely with civil society and non-profit organizations to ensure no violence throughout the year,” said Ekurhuleni in a statement.

The social work services are available free of charge at the city’s CCCs include:

●Individual counseling; ●Victim empowerment counseling; ●Shelter placements; ●Couples counseling; and ●Family preservation and counseling service.

Residents may also contact their nearest social workers for any enquiries or assistance:

Ratanda Clinic host successful open day!

Cancer campaign paints Katlehong pink!

While the pink colour has been stereotypically associated with feminism for the longest time, the Pink Drive Cancer Awareness Campaign broke the stereotype by attracting menfolk who came to get screened for cancer on Monday, November 21, at DH Williams Hall in Katlehong.

The City of Ekurhuleni in partnership with Sasol painted Katlehong pink as health practitioners provided cancer screening services as part of the campaign.

The key feature of the campaign is a pink bus that drives to different locations to provide cancer screening services. The bus has a sonar, mammogram and cervical cancer screening facilities.

Speaking during the campaign, MMC for Health and Social Development Cllr Jennifer Glover said the partnership with Sasol is a start of a long-term relationship that will see the pink bus visiting all three regions of Ekurhuleni in an effort to reach as many people as possible.

“As a City we want to save as many

lives as possible and we need the support of strategic stakeholders in the private sector if we are to achieve this,” she said.

Health promoters were pleased that many men turned out for the prostate cancer test, and attributed the positive response to the simplified test method of a finger prick blood test known as the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test, instead of the rectal exam.

The PSA test measures the amount of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) or abnormalities in one’s blood.

The symptoms and signs of prostate cancer may include:

• Frequent urination;

• Weak or interrupted urine flow or the need to strain to empty the bladder;

• The urge to urinate frequently at night;

• Blood in the urine; and

• Blood in the seminal fluid.

The City would like to encourage people who experience any of these symptoms and signs, to urgently seek medical attention.

Ratanda Clinic hosted their annual Open Day recently to showcase the various health services available for the community, accessible to people of all ages. Learners and residents were invited to attend and spent the day touring and learning about healthcare plus the operations at the institution. This year’s focus was to attract men to know and utilize the clinic with no fear of embarrassment.

Apart from providing primary health services, the local clinic has counseling and support groups that help people recovering from addiction or depression, amongst others. The main clinic, located at Boschhoek Street near the stadium, is the largest of the three primary healthcare clinics in the Ratanda area. Everyone in the community is encourgaged to visit and get their health checked.

Govt. to deal with scrap metal trade!

Minister in the Presidency Mondli Gungubele says Cabinet has considered and approved a comprehensive package of measures to address damage to public infrastructure and the economy by restricting the trade of waste scrap and semi processed metals.

The Minister hosted a briefing in Pretoria on Friday, November 18, following the week’s Cabinet meeting. He said the meeting considered the policy measures to restrict trade in scrap metal to limit damage to public infrastructure and the economy.

This follows the gazetting on August 5 for public comment of the “Draft Policy Proposals on Measures to Restrict and Regulate Trade in Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals Waste, Scrap and Semi-Finished Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metal Products to Limit Damage to Infrastructure and the Economy” by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Competition; and consideration of the extensive public comments received.

“Details of the measures to be implemented will now be processed for publication in the Government Gazette by the relevant Ministries and a detailed media release containing details of the measures will be released by GCIS as soon as the necessary legal work has been finalized,” said the Minister.

South Africa will also engage with the SADC, African Union and the Southern African Customs Union to ensure a coordinated approach to fight this crime collectively as a region.

Transnet’s regularly published cable theft statistics show that during a single week in April this year there were 123 attacks on South Africa’s rail infrastructure, including the theft of 39.4 km of copper cable.

It is estimated that between 2017 to 2021, the length of cable annually stolen from Transnet’s lines increased from 120 km to 724 km, and the number of incidents rose from fewer than 2 000 to almost 4 500.

Research found that the export of metal provides a crucial monetization channel for criminals, and South Africa’s ports and borders are not adequately resourced to prevent the export of stolen scrap and semi-finished metal products.

The sheer size of public infrastructure across the country made it necessary to identify additional measures that, together with improved policing, can be effective in protecting public assets in the national interest.

In 2020, export duty on scrap metals was introduced in the Customs and Excise Act (1964), (the Act) by the South African Revenue Service (SARS).

The duty on the exportation of scrap metals has become compulsory for imported scrap metal cleared for home consumption and subsequently cleared for export and on locally obtained or manufactured scrap metal, effective from August last year.

As of this date, certain ferrous and non-ferrous waste and scrap metals will be subject to an ad valorem (or according to value) duty rate from SARS.

Some of the Katlehong residents who took the cancer test giving thumbs up to the process.

Petition demanding immediate ban of Pit bulls goes viral!

A petition calling for the immediate ban of pit bulls has been gaining momentum recent attacks on innocent citizens, including young children.

The Sizwe Kupelo Foundation says that the call has been necessitated by the attacks which seem to continue unabated over the years. It has seince received over 20,000 signatures in its first two weeks going online.

Most recently, a woman in Mpumalanga was mauled by a pit bull. In another separate incident, the canine’s bite ended in the unfortunate death of a 10 year old in Gelvandale, Gqeberha.

Foundation founder and patron Sizwe Kupelo has called on the SA government to follow countries that has prohibited the dog from being owned by anybody.

Russia, Finland, Denmark, United Kingdom, Portugal, parts of Germany, parts of China, parts of Brazil and parts of Australia, are among a host of states have either banned, put restrictions on ownership of the breed or its importation.

“The defence by pit bull lovers that it is how you raise the dog does not hold water. So many people, including joggers have been attacked and killed by pit bulls. It is time that the South African government takes decisive steps and impose

a complete ban on the ownership of pit bulls as domestic animals. Such a move would prevent further attacks and unnecessary deaths. We cannot continue sending out messages of condolences for something that can easily be prevented.”

"We are calling on other animal lovers and organizations to make similar calls so as to put more pressure on government to ban these vicious animals, soon," Kupelo concluded.

Another petition against the petition by Kupelo was established by pitbull lovers.

According to the petition owner, Theo Kruger, the pit bull is a great breed of dog and a very lovable pet. “ We are tired of these so called experts who has no idea about pit bull breeds then want to ban them..... like Sizwe Kupelo Foudation,” say the petition page.

The Pit Bull Federation of South Africa (PBFSA), an organization made of breeders, owners and trainers of the dog have also joined the call against the call to ban pit bull dogs in the country.

“Due to calls for us to also do a petition we had a meeting in October 2022 with our board and the decision was made to expand our database to all owners, stakeholders, breeders and rescuers of

the breed.If we are going to take any kind of action, we will need to be able to back our claims that will represent every responsible pitbull and pit bull cross owner,” said the organization.

The government has urged pit bull owners to take extra care of their dogs.

What No One Tells You About Foreigners in South Africa!

Op-ed piece By Ndoh Mengen

African immigrants in South Africa have been nicknamed "kwerekwere".

They are scapegoated by community residents, workers, politicians and public officials in South Africa. Fear and hatred against foreign nationals in a given population is Xenophobia.

For example, most South Africans mistakenly believe that foreigners are the cause of crime, poverty or inequality, nor worsened healthcare service provision in South Africa. Immigrants’ share of prisoners is far below their share of the overall population.

It is not the existence of immigrants or for some, their lack of proper documentation, that government and society should be paying attention to, rather the Department of Home Affairs' breakdown of immigrant services should be a concern. According to XenoWatch, over 630 people have died as a result of Xenophobia in South Africa since 1994, about 124, 000 people have been displaced, and 4, 849 shops have been looted.

The toll bared the difference between Western Caucasian immigrants and African immigrants, who have been negatively stereotyped as "criminals", "job stealers" and "diseased".

Nearly three decades after the end of Apartheid in 1994, South Africa is faced with a triple threat of challenges; inequality, unemployment and poverty. About 7.5 million young people in South Africa are unemployed. More than half of the population lives in poverty, and about 12 million people are hungry. South Africa has a Gini coefficient of 0. 65 - 10% of the population in South Africa enjoys 80% of the country's wealth. The vast majority of South Africans under this degree of socio-economic pressure usually blame the "other".

The general population in South Africa view foreigners as a threat to national sovereignty. They have been influenced by inflammatory remarks by public officials and politicians who reinforce misconceptions about foreigners.

Misconceptions that foreigners contribute significantly to crime in South Africa, increase the level of inequality, occupy jobs that have belonged to locals and put a strain on the healthcare system of South Africa.

This paper will debunk these public misconceptions while referencing data and statistics that may point the reader in the 'right' direction. It is a general social consensus in South Africa that the country is full of foreigners.

According to the 2021 South African

No evidence proves that foreign-born nationals are criminals or commit most crimes in the country.

Social Attitudes Survey, nearly half the sample thinks there are 17- 40 million immigrants in South Africa. This notion is incorrect. According to Statistics South Africa, foreigners make up just about 6. 5% of the population in South Africa, with about 3. 95 million foreigners.

Arguably, the most serious complaint locals have concerning foreigners is that they take their jobs. While most of the evidence of this claim is based on accounts of personal experiences. Research has shown that, generally, foreign nationals generate jobs for locals in South Africa. Foreigners are more likely to start a business and employ South Africans.

A common misconception is that foreigners cause high crime in South Africa. In 2016, 66% of locals

believed that foreigners were the common perpetrators of crime in the country. However, when people were asked who the main perpetrators of crime are in their neighbourhoods, they said locals.

According to ISS, at the beginning of 2015, foreigners were targeted by police and 15 396 undocumented foreign nationals were repatriated from South Africa however, over the past five years, murders and robberies have increased significantly. On these bases, there is no relationship between international migration in South Africa and the crime rate.

Recently, Police Minister Bheki Cele spoke concerning crime in South Africa and said that foreign nationals are not the problem in South Africa. No evidence proves that foreign-born nationals are criminals or commit most crimes in the country.

Also, there have been heated sociopolitical debates regarding the existence of immigrants, particularly undocumented immigrants in South Africa.

The Soweto Parliament and Operation Dudula called for the deportation of all undocumented immigrants, and the highly controversial Dudula movement seemingly calls for the deportation of all foreigners living in South Africa.

While it is true that there are illegal immigrants in South Africa, most enter South Africa legally but fail to regularize their stay in South Africa due to the poor management of the immigration policy in South Africa.

The Department of Home Affairs struggles with a visa backlog partly owing to departmental dysfunction and corruption which also affects South Africans. The cost of a visa application is exorbitant.

Another misconception South Africans have concerning foreigners is that they affect the national health-

care system negatively. The health MEC, Dr Phophi Ramathuba was recently under the spotlight for berating a foreign woman in a viral video. In the video she remarked that the woman was part of a wider problem in South Africa, that is, foreigners, overburdening the national healthcare system.

However, foreigners who make up under 10% population cannot be the cause of the ailing healthcare system in South Africa.

The removal of undocumented and or documented immigrants in South Africa will not result in reduced crime, poverty and inequality nor, an improved healthcare service provision. Instead of calling for the removal of foreign nationals in South Africa, the government should consider implementing proper management of immigration policy in South Africa.

Also, the broad working class of South Africa who feels so threatened by the existence of foreigners in the country should hold the government accountable for the problems in South Africa.

Ndoh M. Mengen is a postgraduate African Studies student at the University of Johannesburg.

The South African Post Office (Sapo) has encouraged customers who live in remote areas or lead busy lives to make use of its online platform to renew their car licence.

“The organisation launched its online platform for renewing car licences early in 2022 and more than 58 000 motorists have already used it to renew their vehicle licences,” the post office said.

Transactions for the car renewal platform can be done at any time on any device.

“It also saves you money. There is no charge if you collect the new licence from a nearby post office, and only R75 for delivery to your address,” the post office said.

Payment is done safely and securely through Masterpass, which

the user can download from the Google Play Store for Android devices and the Apple App Store for Apple devices.

The service is available for vehicle owners in all provinces of South Africa except, the Western Cape. The post office is working to extend the service to this province as well.

“The renewal service at selected post office branches remains available. Customers who renew a vehicle licence at a post office branch pay the licence renewal fee and leave with the new disc immediately.

“The post office also offers bulk motor vehicle licence renewal for fleet operators and businesses. This entails the collection of all necessary documentation from company premises, taking them back to the post office for processing, printing of the discs and

delivery back to the offices of the customer,” Sapo said.

To renew a car licence online customers need the following:

●ID copies must be certified (certification not older than 3 months)

●The application must be signed

●Proof of address must not be older than 3 months.

To renew a company-owned vehicle, the following requirements apply:

●The proxy letter must be on the company letterhead and signed by the proxy.

●BRNC form must be attached (this is the Business Register Number form – essentially, it is an ID document for businesses).

●The ID of the proxy must be certified.

●Proof of address of the company must be submitted.

NRF-funded postgraduate study opportunities now open!

The National Research Foundation (NRF) has recently announced the implementation of its Global Knowledge Partnerships (GKP) programme for the 2023 academic year.

The programme places exceptional doctoral students, postdoctoral fellows and early career researchers (ECRs) that are funded by the NRF at several international universities and research institutions.

The pool of these partner institutions is spread across various countries including Germany, Austria, the United States, Japan, Singapore, Canada, and universities across Africa.

The programme is aimed at accelerating the development of a diverse young researcher cohort into world-renowned experts and a globally competitive workforce.

This is done through the provision of platforms and pathways that offer opportunities for outstanding young researchers to access international networks, mentorship, global research funding streams, industry partnerships, and research infrastructure.

“The Global Knowledge Partnerships programme is one of the NRF’s most prominent initiatives. It is meant to ensure that the NRF achieves its goal to expose students it funds to scientific practices globally,” said Acting Group Executive Strategy, Planning and Partnerships, and Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships, Dr Aldo Stroebel.

According to Stroebel, international exposure for doctoral students, postdoctoral fellows and ECRs is an integral component of the NRF’s strategic goal to create an internationally competitive, transformed, and representative researcher cohort.

“The benefits of such exposure to the researchers and also to South Africa and Africa cannot be understated,” he added. This NRF initiative, which was implemented in 2020, is also working with the higher education sector in South Africa.

The recipients spend between three and 12 months for doctoral students and up to 18 months for postdoctoral fellows and ECRs in universities, research performing entities, science councils and the industry abroad.

Criteria

●The applicant must be a South African citizen or permanent resident. However, this requirement will not apply to students funded under the NRF-MINDS scholarship programme.

●Be a currently NRF-funded doctoral student or postdoctoral fellow or ECR.

●Have a research plan developed for the time abroad, which is signed by the South African supervisor and international host supervisor.

●Produce evidence of demonstrated leadership abilities or potential guided by the questions or requirements set out in the application form (requirement is for NRFMINDS programme only).

●Applications must be submitted through the international partner’s online portal for specific programmes.

●Meanwhile, with specific programmes, the international partner and the NRF will conduct the reviewing and selection of applications jointly.

Further details for students and their home universities are contained in the Global Knowledge Partnerships Programme Implementation Framework for the 2023 academic year, which is accessible on the NRF website at https://www.nrf.ac.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Global-KnowledgePartnerships-Implementation-Frameworkfor-2023.pdf.

Ratanda youth empowered through Tshepo 1Million!

Young people from across the Ratanda township in Heidelberg were visited by the team from Tshepo 1Million as part of the Kasi Unlimited event on Thursday, November 10.

Despite the rainy weather, the youth were not deterred from accessing a range of opportunities in skills development, careers and entrepreneurship.

The event was held at the Ratanda Taxi Rank (4 way stop Car Wash) and was attended by senior high school learners, unemployed youth and active members of the community.

Tshepo 1Million is the brainchild of the Gauteng Provincial Government. It is a youth empowerment initiative that supports young people, with any education level from Grade 10 to graduates, on their journeys to learning and earning.

Through a network of partners, Tshepo 1Million offers young people between the ages of 18 to 34 - whether a work-seeker, hustler or entrepreneur - FREE resources, support and access to a range of opportunities through the programme.

The Tshepo 1Million team started the day off with a wonderful performances of acting and dancing. They also shared an entertaining play that captures the struggles of young people in need of

opportunities. The team then got the residents of Ratanda involved in a Q&A session where young people in attendance got a chance to ask anything about jobs and other earning avenues.

Local empowerment partners also joined the Kasi Unlimited event. Non-profit training centre, Meshack Thabudi Foundation was one of the partners that got an opportunity to share some of the available skills courses.

Busi, a young resident in Ratanda, says that she learnt a lot from the Tshepo 1Million team. “We were informed that as job seekers, there’s a lot we can do while waiting for that call. While

T.R.E.P supports township enterprises

Since it is Youth Month, government has unveiled a lot of opportunities for young people to get employment and entrepreneurship opportunities to better their lives.

Unemployment is more prevalent in townships across the country than in any other community.

The Department of Small Business Development has made available the Township and Rural Empowerment Programmes (TREP), meant to support informal, micro and small enterprises and co-operatives in the rural and township economies.

The Programme covers:

• Cost of production inputs, e.g., material, equipment, machinery, tools, etc.

• Working capital including salaries, rent, etc.

• Assistance with compliance and technical skills improvement, e.g., labeling, industry standards, quality, etc

• Business and financial management training, including productivity management.

• Facilitated market access.

Apply Today using this link: https://t.co/shdb8u6tH6

President Cyril Ramaphosa in the UK

you’re waiting, you can enter the Tshepo website and get skills and things to do like volunteer or start your own hustle,” she said.

Those in attendance also got a chance to win great prizes for their participation throughout the day. The Tshepo 1Million ambassadors also got to register young people on the Tshepo 1Million site, which helps connect opportunities that match their respective skillsets and goals.

If you are young, unemployed and looking for learning and earning opportunities register on Tshepo 1Million’s DATA FREE mobi site, [https://tshepo.mobi] to access resources and support to help you level up your hustle. The website does not charge data for usage, so it's available to all who need access to business, jobs, skills and more.

Opportunities Plug

FREE certified Microsoft courses such as Software Development, Data Analyst, and Information Technology (IT) Administration. To choose the learning path that is appropriate for you, sign up here www. digiskills.careers

SAYLOR provides free online courses. You can study on your schedule, at your own pace, and all for free. Earn certificates to boost your résumé and/or earn transferable college credit to reduce the cost of your degree. Learn more, LINK: http://saylor.org

Do you have any business or services that you wanna advertise? Look no further. Advertise with us on the Gauteng Digital Market Place, free of charge.

To register your business on Digital Market place, follow this LINK: https://bit.ly/3migu7k

Afrika Tikkun Services and Microsoft are ready to assist you in adapting to the digital world! You can improve your digital skills with us, putting you in a good position to take advantage of job opportunities. Sign up for a FREE accredited course in Data Analysis at this LINK www.mzansidigitallearning.co.za.

The Afrika Tikkun’s Work Readiness Programme provides youth with opportunities to gain practical work experience by being placed with host organisations for six to twelve months. They receive on-the-job training as well as guidance and support in adapting to a working environment.

LINK https://afrikatikkunservices.com/careers/ to kickstart your career.

President Cyril Ramaphosa, at the invitation of His Majesty, King Charles III, conducts a State Visit to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK) recently.

Royal State Visits are the highest honor bestowed on a country by the United Kingdom in the furtherance of bilateral relations and as a symbol of respect and of the importance the UK ascribes to its relations with a particular country.

[Photo: GCIS]

Sports Sports

Team SA selected for 2023 FootGolf World Cup!

FootGolf South Africa (FGSA) hosted its final FootGolf World Cup Qualifier Tournament at the Serengeti Golf Estate in Kempton Park (City of Ekurhuleni) on Saturday, November 19.

After months of the Round of 16 League games since tee-off in April, over 30 players participated in the Tournament where players were contesting to be part of team South Africa for the 2023 Federation for International FootGolf (FIFG) World Cup.

“This is the first time FootGolf South Africa will be taking a team to the World Cup that is planned to take place from 27 May – 06 June 2023 in Orlando, Florida (USA). It was and still is our intention to select players who will best represent the country and the continent. The National Executive Committee will officially sign-off the list of all selected players before the announcement.” said Mr Norman Mphake, President – FootGolf South Africa.

The Federation for International FootGolf granted South Africa nineteen (19) spots comprising four (4) females, four (4) seniors and eleven (11) male players.

With players representing Eastern

Cape, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu Natal, North-West and Northern Cape provinces, Gauteng dominated the chart in both male and female categories with the Angolan guest player Carlos Gaião taking the Masters/Seniors category win home.

Gaião travels around the world to play FootGolf as it is not yet available in his home country, Angola.

“I had a great experience and hope this is the first tournament of many to build FootGolf in Africa for International competitions. I have been talking a lot about FootGolf in all areas I have access to and a lot of people from Angola have been asking about it. Next year, I will be coming back again to participate in the Championship in March to prepare for the 2023 FootGolf World Cup.” said Gaião.

Vincent Mabusela, former Black Leopards player, won the males category with Sesebo Mokhopa retaining her first position in the females category.

Footgolf is a sport in which players kick a football into a cup in as few shots as possible. The name is a mix of football and golf, and the game combines the two sports, being more closely related to golf.

Mzansi remain undefeated after Angola, Mozambique friendlies!

The South African national team ends the year on a good note by remaining undefeated four matches in a row.

Hugo Broos’ squad have once again added a victory after defeating neighbors Mozambique in a friendly clash at the Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga on Thursday, November 17. The national football ended the match on a 2-1 victory with a brace from Bongokuhle Hlongwane, netting both goals in the second half. Later on Sunday, November 20, Bafana were held to a 1-1 draw by the Palancas Negras (Giant Sable Antelopes) of Angola during a friendly international played at the same stadium.

The winning streak began in September when Broos’ charges beat Sierra Leone and Botswana in two friendlies played at FNB Stadium.

Coach Hugo Broos would have wanted his charges to end the year with a fourth win in a row, but he will be happy that they fought their way back from a goal down to force a share of the spoils in Mpumalanga.

Minister Nathi Mthethwa and the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has joined South Africa in congratulating the national team for winning the friendly against the Mambas of Mozambique.

Minister further explaining the importance of sport says the following: “Sporting events even if they are friendlies help to deepen and cement the relationship between nations, it is against this background that we always encourage our national teams to engage their counterparts from across the globe”.

The iconic Mandela Remembrance Walk and Run returns!

The Nelson Mandela Foundation (NMF) and the Gauteng Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation (SACR) will host the 9th edition ‘Mandela Remembrance Walk & Run’ at the Union Buildings, Tshwane, on Sunday, December 11.

Firmly becoming one of South Africa’s major social and recreational, the event honours the contribution of the global human rights icon, Nelson Mandela and commemorates his passing at the age of 95 in December 2013.

The Walk and Run event caters for the avid runner/walker and novice with a 21km run, 10km run, and 5km fun run/walk on offer.

Running enthusiasts from across the country will be treated to a picturesque trail along breathtakingly charming gardens and historic landmarks of Pretoria, the country’s ad-

ministrative capital city. The event is ideal for bringing together the family and community with plenty of entertainment for the kids, refreshments and food on sale and a music concert on the lawns as well as fitness displays.

“As Madiba once said, Sport has the power to change the world and unite people in a way that little else does,” explains Sello Hatang, Chief Executive of the Nelson Mandela Foundation. “Sport has contributed to peacebuilding, promoted gender equality and health and supported education initiatives while opening up new prospects for development actors. I hope as participants trace these routes of historic significance they will begin to reflect on our common past and heritage and recommit to the ideals of a just and equitable society.”

MEC Morake Mosupye adds, “As the Department, we are thrilled that

this event is back, and we believe the event forms part of our social cohesion programme. The Walk and Run has the ability to bring people from all walks of life together promoting reconciliation and intercultural learning. We look forward to gathering in numbers to celebrate Madiba’s massive contribution to our nation”.

The entry fee to the Mandela Remembrance Walk and Run is R50 for the 5km walk, R100 for the 10km run and R150 for the 21km run.

The event is open to abled and disabled individuals and registration is now open at www.mandelawalkandrun.com.

All proceeds will go towards the work of the Nelson Mandela Foundation to promote social justice and the sanctuary of Madiba’s legacy.

Follow the Mandela Remembrance Walk & Run on social media:

• Facebook - @MandelaRW

• Twitter - @mandelarw

• Instagram - @Mandelawalk

Bafana Bafana players pose for a picture at Mbombela Stadium during their International Friendly with Mozambique. Source: SAFA

Players who were part of the FootGolf SA World Cup Qualifiers pose with their prizes after a successful contest to select those who will represent the country at next year’s FootGolf World Cup. Source: FootgolfSA