Dear EditorThe DA welcomes the national intervention in the water crises in Nelson Mandela Bay and Buffalo City following sustained pressure from DA councillors, but it is unfortunately too little too late. Today, 10 March 2022, the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu, the Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, and Executive Mayors Eugene Johnson (Nelson Mandela Bay) and Xola Pakati (Buffalo City) are embarking on a two-day visit to Port Elizabeth to discuss the water crisis. Where … [Read more...] about Public Service Commission must intervene regarding NMB and Buffalo City water crisis
Community
Vodacom URC shake-up on the cards
The Vodacom United Rugby Championship log could see a big shake-up in the next few weeks as the Northern Hemisphere teams start heading south in six of the next seven rounds, which could give the South African sides exactly the boost they need to challenge for places in the top eight.This round marks the first time teams from Europe will play in South Africa this season, and this is sure to spice up the competition further as the tournament reaches a climax. The Cell C Sharks and Scarlets will … [Read more...] about Vodacom URC shake-up on the cards
Fisher folk face uncertain future
Dear EditorMany traditional fisher folk have been left reeling after their applications were rejected by the long delayed Fishing Rights Allocation Process (FRAP). In response to a question from the DA, it was confirmed to the parliamentary portfolio committee on Tuesday that no fishing exemptions would be granted to previous rights holders until the appeal process has been completed. The appeal process will run from 29 March until 29 April 2022, which means that unsuccessful applicants will … [Read more...] about Fisher folk face uncertain future
Building a stronger, more inclusive agriculture sector in South Africa
The importance of the agricultural sector to South Africa extends far beyond its direct contribution to GDP of around 2,5% and was emphasised when agriculture was declared a critical industry and exempted from the harshest COVID-19 lockdown regulations.Agriculture is deeply interlinked with value chains that extend through the manufacturing, food, beverages and chemical sectors. Agriculture also contributes to food security and employment and has the potential to drive transformation imperatives … [Read more...] about Building a stronger, more inclusive agriculture sector in South Africa
Five FNB Varsity Cup players who impressed (Round 4)
VarsityCup.co.za selects the standout players from the five matches played on Monday.CHRIS HUMPHRIES (FNB WITS) FNB Wits scored 53 points and five tries to hand title favourites FNB UFS Shimlas their first defeat of the season. While there were many standouts for the plucky side from Johannesburg, flyhalf Chris Humphries delivered a commanding all-round showing, and contributed 26 points via an accurate goal-kicking performance. ANDRÉ FOUCHÉ (FNB NWU EAGLES) The powerful No 8 has been one … [Read more...] about Five FNB Varsity Cup players who impressed (Round 4)
Sainz hopes F1 drivers don’t have to live with “annoying” porpoising
F1 teams found their first pre-season test at Barcelona in Spain last month over shadowed by their cars suffering from excessive bouncing on the straights. The issue, which is a legacy of the switch to more ground effect aerodynamics for 2022, affected all teams to some extent but a few were able to get a better handle on it. However, getting rid of the porpoising without compromising performance will be quite tricky as teams prepare for the start of the season, and that could leave drivers in a … [Read more...] about Sainz hopes F1 drivers don’t have to live with “annoying” porpoising
Tuks No 8: FNB Varsity Cup keeps you positive
FNB UP-Tuks No 8 Divan Venter tells VarsityCup.co.za about his passion for cattle farming and his rugby journey.Where did you grow up?I was raised in Moot in Pretoria and attended Die Hoërskool Menlopark just up the road. Who inspired you to play rugby?My father, who always told stories of when he played. We are also South African boys, so we grow up with rugby; it’s a natural thing to play. My parents play a big role in my life, especially my mom with my studies. She always tells me … [Read more...] about Tuks No 8: FNB Varsity Cup keeps you positive
Uralkali seeks sponsorship repayment from Haas F1 team
During the Barcelona F1 pre-season test Haas suspended its sponsorship with Russian company Uralkali in the wake of the invasion of Ukraine and after a review announced it had cut ties completely with the brand and driver Nikita Mazepin, son of company boss Dmitry Mazepin. Uralkali has released a statement in reaction to the termination of its contract with Haas and will aim to claim back its full 2022 sponsorship funding from the team. If successful, Uralkali states it will use sponsorship … [Read more...] about Uralkali seeks sponsorship repayment from Haas F1 team
Ramaphosa must stop Cele from capturing SAPS
Dear EditorThe DA has written to President Cyril Ramaphosa asking him to instruct Police Minister Bheki Cele to withdraw his request to the current National Police Commissioner, General Khehla Sitole, to provide him with handover reports on active police investigations. No politician, including President Ramaphosa, should receive any information on active SAPS investigations. This follows media reports that Minister Cele has written to General Sitole requesting a comprehensive handover report … [Read more...] about Ramaphosa must stop Cele from capturing SAPS
Police down to one helicopter
Dear EditorThe Eastern Cape police service is down to one operational helicopter to service the entire province, while only half of the required pilots are available for duty. This is one more than last year, when all four were out of operation. Shockingly, however, two of the three helicopters are only expected to return to operation in June 2023, as there are significant delays in getting them serviced. The latest quarterly crime stats have shown concerning increases in violent … [Read more...] about Police down to one helicopter
801
South Africa has recorded 801 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, which represents a 5.5% positivity rate.A statement issued by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) said South Africa has since the start of the pandemic recorded 3 685 120 laboratory-confirmed cases. The institute noted that due to the ongoing audit exercise by the National Department of Health, there may be a backlog of COVID-19 mortality cases reported. The department reported 62 COVID-19 deaths, and of … [Read more...] about 801
Wales Women focus on health for International Women’s Day
To mark International Women’s Day, the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) is raising the profile of some important female health initiatives.The first 12 full-time contracts were awarded to Wales Women players in the New Year, and 11 players on retainer contracts have since joined the programme. Progress has been made on all fronts since the start of the programme with the focus now moving to a squad-based environment ahead of the Tik Tok Women’s Six Nations. Along with rugby skills and strength and … [Read more...] about Wales Women focus on health for International Women’s Day
What about other sites and museums, Minister?
Editor: Like the Red Location Museum in Gqeberha for example!Dear Editor Following reports that the Liliesleaf Farm is set to receive a bailout of R7 million from the National Treasury, the DA calls on Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa to inform us what he has done to secure the survival of other heritage sites and museums. Last year the DA called on Minister Mthethwa to appear before the Committee to inform Parliament on his plans to revitalise not only Liliesleaf, but all of … [Read more...] about What about other sites and museums, Minister?
FLISP Delinked
Dear EditorI am elated with today’s announcement by the National Minister of Human Settlements, Mmamoloko Kubayi during a virtual briefing to National Council of Provinces (NCOP) that the Finance Linked Individual Subsidy (FLISP) has been delinked and no longer just a mortgage only option. Essentially, as from 1 April 2022, persons who in the past could not qualify for FLISP, due to them not qualifying for a home loan or mortgage, will now be able to utilise other sources of finance to acquire a … [Read more...] about FLISP Delinked
PAIA application submitted to obtain access to the SAA/Takatso sale of agreement
Dear EditorToday, the DA submitted a Protection of Access to Information Act (PAIA) application to the Minister of Public Enterprises, Pravin Gordhan, requesting that he provides the DA with a copy of the sale of agreement between SAA and its new business partner, Takatso consortium. A week ago, following the announcement made by the Presidency that an agreement between the government and Takatso had apparently been finalised, we wrote to Gordhan asking that he tables the sale of agreement in … [Read more...] about PAIA application submitted to obtain access to the SAA/Takatso sale of agreement
