Month: October 2023

The sight of schoolchildren crossing swelling and dangerous rivers in the country’s rural areas is expected to be a thing of the past, thanks to the R3.3 billion budget allocated to build 134 Welisizwe bridges in six provinces.

Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Sihle Zikalala made the announcement during the launch of Welisizwe bridges construction project on Friday.

The Welisizwe bridges project is a government initiative aimed at addressing the backlog of bridges infrastructure in rural and disadvantaged communities.

The bridges will improve communities’ access to health facilities, schools and economic amenities.

The project involves the Public Works and Infrastructure Department, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and provincial Transport Departments.

Zikalala said R1.1 billion will be spent per year in the Eastern Cape – which is the pilot for Welisizwe Bridges Programme, KwaZulu-Natal, Free State, Mpumalanga, Limpopo and the North West.

The programme targets rural provinces where there is a backlog in the construction of bridges and a threat of life during rainy seasons.

“Welisizwe Bridges not only makes access possible to many communities, but also is labour intensive, creating a number of working opportunities through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP).

“A number of skills like welding, ground work and soil retention are transferred to the workers. Each bridge site has seven SANDF members who oversee all the projects, five artisans and 40 EPWP workers,” Zikalala said.

The launch was held at two construction sites in Port St Johns, Eastern Cape.

Accompanied by the Eastern Cape Transport MEC Xolile Nqatha and Port St Johns Local Municipality Mayor, Nomvuzo Mlombile-Cingo, Zikalala visited the sites of the Sunrise and Ntlenga bridges, which are 50% complete.

“The Department of Defence (SA Army) has committed to providing assistance with regards to construction vehicles, construction machine operators, artisans and the expansion of the Military Temporary Bases where necessary.

“Since the programme is expected to deliver 48 legacy bridges plus 96 bridges initially announced by the President for the 2023/24 financial year, phased construction will take place simultaneously at all bridge sites with augmented resources to a total of 100 bridges in all six provinces,” Zikalala explained.

The Welisizwe Rural Bridges Programme was initiated to respond to emergency situations in relation to river-crossings. In 2020, Cabinet supported the Welisizwe Implementation Model. The programme was gazetted in July 2020 as Strategic Integrated Project (SIP) No 25 as part of the Infrastructure Development Stimulus Package to boost the economy.

Planned ctheonstruction of bridges in the MTEF 2023/24 -2025/26 is as follows:

48 bridges in each of the six provinces, totalling 288 bridges by end of 2025/2026 financial year.

Job opportunities in each province in one financial year will be: 64 artisans, 960 EPWP participants, 21 graduates, totalling 1045. A total of 6270 job opportunities will be created per financial year.

17280 job opportunities will be created in the MTEF

510 training opportunities will be created in the MTEF

Source: South African Government News Agency

Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo will participate in a high-level ministerial panel discussion at the sixth edition of Cairo Water Week (CWW2023) in Cairo, Egypt this week.

The conference, to be held from 29 October to 2 November 20203, is organised by the Egyptian Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation and will be attended by ministers, water experts, stakeholders, and academics from around the world.

Held under the theme: “Action on Water Adaptation for Sustainability”, the conference will focus on fostering cross-sectoral cooperation and present innovative solutions for the sustainable management of water resources.

Over the past five years, Cairo Water Week has evolved into a prominent global platform for addressing pressing water-related challenges.

The Department of Water and Sanitation said through its diverse workshops, seminars, and knowledge exchanges, it has played a pivotal role in shaping innovative solutions and collaborative strategies to tackle issues such as water scarcity, climate change, and ecosystem resilience.

The Deputy Minister will engage in constructive discussions on vital issues, including policies, strategies, plans, and measures related to water adaptation, to ensure sustainability for the Arab, Mediterranean, African, and worldwide regions.

“Among the issues to be discussed is technologies of reclamation and desalination of water in the African region, which can increase freshwater supplies to areas that are experiencing decreased water supply and water quality,” the department said in a statement.

The department noted that the current installed desalination inventory in South Africa is very modest in comparison to other parts of the world like the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, Australia and the United States of America.

“There are about 33 plants that have been built over several years, with a combined capacity of not exceeding a total of 200 Ml/d to treat various types of waste water, including seawater and mine water for mostly domestic consumption.

“The plant capacities range from 1 kl/d to 47 Ml/d, but the vast majority are smaller than 10 Ml/d and were implemented as emergency drought response projects. Such plants are generally not deemed viable for continued operation when the drought breaks and conditions returned to normal. For comparison some of the new schemes coming up in MENA region are in the order of 600 Ml/day,” the department said.

Mahlobo said South Africa needs to increase projects for the reuse, reclamation, and desalination of seawater to strengthen its water resilience.

This is in line with the country’s National Water and Sanitation Master Plan. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: South African Government News Agency

Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille has commended the opening of the Saudi Arabia e-Visa system to South Africans.

This makes it easy for tourists from South Africa to apply for an e-visa for their travels to Saudi Arabia.

This follows de Lille’s recent official visit to Saudi Arabia to strengthen tourism relations with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced recently that it was expanding its visitor e-Visa programme to travellers from eight more countries, bringing the total to 57.

“I am extremely pleased with this development as South Africa also became the first African country to be added to the list. This will certainly bring immense benefits for leisure and Umrah travellers and for our efforts to grow tourism between South Africa and Saudi Arabia,” de Lille said.

The multi-entry eVisa is valid for one year and allows travellers to visit the Kingdom for up to 90 days at a time. It costs 535 Saudi riyals, which includes medical insurance.

The tourist visa allows travellers to take part in tourism-related activities such as events, family and relative visits, leisure, and Umrah (excluding Hajj) and excludes other activities such as studying.

In terms of the South African visa system, travellers from Saudi Arabia are part of the visa exempt countries and do not require a visa to travel to South Africa for a period of up to 90 days.

De Lille said Saudi Arabia is fast becoming an attractive tourist destination and is a key partner in department’s efforts to grow tourism between South Africa and the rest of the world.

The Department of Tourism has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Department which outlines their joint objectives to grow tourism between the two countries.

The Minister recently undertook an official visit to Saudi Arabia to attend the International World Tourism Day conference where various engagements took place to strengthen tourism relations and cooperation with Saudi Arabian stakeholders.

At the conference, the Minister met with a range of Saudi Arabian stakeholders, including the Air Connectivity Programme team within the Ministry of Tourism, as well as the Saudi Tourism Authority.

Discussions covered actions needed to improve air connectivity between Saudi Arabia and South Africa and a joint marketing strategy to promote both destinations to travellers in both countries.

Saudi Arabian Airlines has further announced the recommencement of a direct flight between Jeddah and Johannesburg starting on 1 December 2023.

“During our engagements, we shared research with the Saudi Air Connectivity Team to motivate for a direct flight between Jeddah and Cape Town. The e-Visa development is significant for South Africa as many Muslim citizens travel for religious purposes. Along with the direct flights, this will ease travel for many tourists but especially for religious tourism and pilgrimages.

“Through the fast and easy-to-use online portal, South Africans can apply for an e-Visa and discover the warm hospitality of Saudi people the rich heritage, vibrant culture, and diverse and breath-taking landscapes; from the mountains of Abha to the beaches of the Red Sea to the shifting sands of the Empty Quarter,” the Minister said.

De Lille added that South Africa will continue working with its counterparts in Saudi Arabia, through the Minister of Tourism, Ahmed Al Khateeb to look at new and innovative ways to grow tourism between the two countries, as “this key sector is an important part of our countries’ economies and a key job creator”. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: South African Government News Agency

TotalEnergies EandP Nigeria, on Saturday donated N1 million each to two charity homes – The Care People Foundation and Galilee Foundatio in Lagos.

Its Managing Director, Mr Matthieu Bouyer, announced the donation during the 27th TotalEnergies Charity Golf Tournament at Ikoyi Club 1938.

Bouyer said the activity was deliberately organised to gradually eradicate poverty and help the less privileged in the society.

According to him, more danations realised from individuals who participated in the tournament would also be given to the charity homes.

“This event evokes the essence of giving, echoing the profound truth in the inspirational words of Horace Jackson Brown Jr – “Remember that the happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more.”

“Drawing inspiration from the teachings that span across faiths and humanity, we believe that all participants in this charity tournament continue to experience the unique joy derived from selfless giving.

“Beyond the exhilaration of golf, a sport that enriches life and relationships, the act of contributing to charity adds a fulfilling dimension to our collective experience.

“TotalEnergies places premium on a healthy work-life balance, and it remains a steadfast supporter of sports and games, recognising their social benefits in fostering unity, solidarity, networking, leadership and promoting good mental health.

“The beneficiaries for 2023 edition are the Care People Foundation, Ibadan and Galilee Foundation, Ibadan, Oyo State,” he said.

Bouyer noted that the annual recurrence of the event on the company’s calendar was a testament to its unwavering commitment to giving, especially to the less privileged.

According to him, this was in aligning seamlessly with TotalEnergies overarching goal of becoming the world’s most responsible energy company.

He said TotalEnergies’ involvement in golf sponsorships was extensive as the company’s charity golf tournament hold a special place in its events calendar.

“So, we count on your generous spirit to contribute to the identified charity homes.

“Our sponsorship extends to various events, including the TotalEnergies AFCON, National Men’s Division One and Two Basketball Leagues, Nigeria Oil and Gas Industry Games (NOGIG), and the OML 58 football tournament.

“Golf legend Arnold Palmer proclaimed, ‘In charity, there is no excess’.”

He applauded the collective efforts of everyone who had worked tirelessly to ensure the success of the event as well as the golf section of Ikoyo Club 1938, for providing the venue and support for the charitable endeavour.

Mrs Favour Tioluwani, Vice President of The Care People Foundation, said TotalEnergies had been of tremendous help to the charity homes, haven supported the home with several materials.

Tioluwani said recently, TotalEnergies gave out 50 wheelchairs to the home.

“TotalEnergies has been so consistent in supporting our children for the past 15 years, in the area of academics, feeding and all. We say thank you, we are grateful and May God continue to promote your company.”

Also, Dr Gregory Egbadon, Executive Director, Galilee Foundation, said: “We are really grateful for this donation and a lot more you have done for us; we get subvention every year from you, infact TotalEnergies has been so wonderful to us.”

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that 98 players participated in the tournament while Adebayo Alli emerged overall winner with 37 points; John Vassaur, the first-runner-up with 33 points and Folabi Balogun, the second-runner-up with 32 points.

Also, for TotalEnergies staff, Mr Paul Brisibe emerged overall winner in the male category with 31 points while Adesua Adewole won the female category with 23 points.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Director-General of the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP), Dr DanAzumi Ibrahim, has bowed out of office after successfully serving out two terms of four years.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ibrahim assumed office as director-general of NOTAP on Oct. 15, 2015 for his first term of four years, which was renewed by former President Muhammadu Buhari on Oct. 15, 2019.

According to a statement by NOTAP’s Deputy Director, Public Relations and Protocol, Solomon Nshem, Ibrahim handed over to the Director, Technology Innovation and commercialization, Dr Idoreyin Imiyoho.

Nshem said that Imiyoho, the most senior director in the office took the baton of leadership in acting capacity and commended the outgoing director-general for the successes recorded by the office during his tenure.

He said that earlier, Ibrahim had expressed appreciation to the management and staff of the agency for the support accorded him throughout his tenure and prayed for greater successes in the office.

“During Ibrahim’s tenure, NOTAP witnessed the exponential growth of patenting research results as the agency had recorded 320 patents as of date.

“NOTAP also leveraged partnerships with industries through technology transfer agreements in the implementation and boost of the NOTAP-Industry Technology Transfer Fellowship (NITTF) in knowledge-based institutions across Nigeria.

“His tenure was also able to save the country N140 billion through technology transfer agreements which would have left the country via capital flight,” he said .

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

A non-governmental organisation, Prince Adeyinka Illo Foundation, on Sunday distributed no fewer than 300 packs of food items to residents of Ikeja Local Government Area of Lagos State, to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the food items distributed to the beneficiaries include garri, rice, cooking oil and beans.

Speaking during the exercise in Ikeja, Prince Adeyinka Illo, Chairman of the foundation, said the gesture was to support residents in the face of the present economic situation of the country.

He said that the gesture was also to complement government’s efforts in providing succour to Nigerians, owing to the effects of subsidy removal.

According to him, well-meaning Nigerians will be helping a lot by supporting the poor and the vulnerable in this present situation.

“Today we have put together 300 food packs to support the government, and to help Ikeja residents to cushion the effect of subsidy removal.

“The foundation will soon come start a medical outreach that will move from ward to ward in Ikeja, bringing medicare to the underserved communities in the state capital.

“This is besides a programme to distribute free UTME forms and free tutorials that will be unveiled in the coming year to help students of the local government get ahead and not have their education stopped for lack of funds,” Illo said.

Illo said he was passionate about the welfare and welfare of the people of Ikeja and would continue to do his best to impact lives in the area.

The National President of the Awori Welfare Association of Nigeria (AWAN), Chief Ajibola Aragbaye, praised Illo for the gesture, saying it would go a long way to help the beneficiaries.

Aragbaye urged other well- meaning Nigerians to join hands with the government in improving the lot of the people and making life bearable for the less privileged.

Prince Adekunle Apena, The Regent of Ikeja, urged the beneficiaries to pray for the donor.

“We can only urge all of you the beneficiaries to make good use of it. Please don’t sell it. And please, don’t collect it if you do not need it.

“Remember there are people who may not have as much as you and who might be going through tough times,” the community leader said.

Mrs Tawakat Alebiosu, one of the beneficiaries, thanked the foundation for the gesture.

Alebiosu,a septuagenarian, said that food items would help to take care of herself and family.

“I really appreciate the kind gesture given to elderly at this point in time.The quality of the palliatives can not be over- emphasised.

“The food will sustain me for two weeks,” she said.

Mr Friday Ijuh, also a beneficiary, hailed the foundation for remembering the community and for supporting residents.

Ijuh urged other NGOs to emulate the gesture, to make life better for the vulnerable.

Mr Jimoh Taofeek,another beneficiary, while showing his appreciation to the foundation, prayed that God will continue to bless it and its founder.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria