Day: February 27, 2024

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Une étude menée par ASICS confirme le lien positif entre l’exercice et la santé mentale des femmes, et révèle de manière plus inquiétante que plus de la moitié de la population féminine mondiale lâche prise ou renonce totalement à la pratique d’une activité physique

L’ÉTUDE LÈVE LE VOILE SUR LA PART DES INDIVIDUS ET DES ORGANISATIONS DE BASE DANS LE SOUTIEN À BOUGER ENVERS UN NOMBRE GRANDISSANT DE FEMMES, CE QUI APPARAÎT COMME UN ÉLÉMENT RASSURANT. ASICS SAIT DISTINGUER CEUX QUI FONT LA DIFFÉRENCE.

LONDRES, 27 févr. 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — La plus grande étude mondiale jamais réalisée sur l’écart entre les sexes en matière d’exercice révèle les éléments suivants :

  • Plus les femmes bougent, mieux elles se sentent. Les femmes qui exercent une activité physique régulière sont 52 % plus heureuses que les autres, mais aussi 50 % plus énergisées. Par ailleurs, 48 % d’entre elles se sentent plus sûres d’elles grâce à l’exercice physique, 67 % s’estiment moins stressées, et 80 % moins frustrées.
  • En revanche, une bonne moitié des femmes n’exerce pas autant d’activité physique qu’elle le souhaite et passe à côté des bienfaits physiques et mentaux prodigués par la pratique de l’exercice physique.
  • Toutes les femmes sont confrontées à toute une panoplie d’enjeux et d’obstacles universels à la pratique de l’exercice physique au long de leur vie.
  • Or, la perception masculine de ces freins s’éloigne de la réalité.
  • Des signes encourageants se manifestent néanmoins partout dans le monde. Certains font tomber les barrières auxquelles font face les femmes en matière de sport. ASICS met l’accent sur leurs histoires, et s’engage à travers la campagne Move Her Mind (ou Bouger son esprit).

À l’occasion de la Journée internationale des droits des femmes, ASICS dévoile les résultats de la plus grande étude jamais réalisée sur l’écart entre les sexes en matière d’exercice physique. Du côté des bonnes nouvelles, les conclusions de l’étude confirment le rapport positif entre le niveau d’activité physique des femmes et leur santé mentale, démontrant que les sportives sont plus heureuses à 52 % et 50 % plus énergisées, tandis que 48 % d’entre elles se sentent plus sûres d’elles, et que 67 % s’estiment moins stressées et 80 % moins frustrées lorsqu’elles font de l’exercice.

Menés auprès de 25 000 répondants, ces travaux de recherche indépendants placés sous la direction d’éminents universitaires, à savoir le Docteur Dee Dlugonski et le Professeur Brendon Stubbs, dressent toutefois un constat alarmant. Plus de la moitié de la population féminine mondiale lâche prise ou renonce totalement à faire de l’exercice, ce qui induit des conséquences négatives sur leur mental. En réponse, ASICS salue l’effet positif des individus et des organisations de base qui lèvent les barrières auxquelles les femmes font face en matière de sport, en l’intensifiant pour soutenir et inspirer davantage de femmes à bouger, mais aussi pour les libérer davantage.

Un point d’inquiétude se fait jour dans cette étude d’envergure mondiale : plus de la moitié des femmes sont insatisfaites de leur niveau d’exercice. Toutes les femmes rencontrent des obstacles à l’exercice sportif à toutes les phases de leur vie, depuis l’expérience de la pression relative à un manque de temps (exprimée par 74 % d’entre elles) et d’une moindre confiance en soi (pour 35 %), certaines allant jusqu’à redouter des environnements considérés comme intimidants (dans une proportion mesurée à 44 %) ou ressentir l’impression de ne pas être suffisamment au niveau (pour 42 %). Près des deux tiers des répondantes, soit 61 % d’entre elles, évoquent en outre la maternité comme le principal frein à une pratique sportive régulière, ce qui illustre bien comment l’effet des obligations familiales et des attentes sociétales en matière de parité envers l’activité sportive pèse sur les femmes.

Curieusement, les hommes perçoivent différemment les enjeux auxquels les femmes sont confrontées en réalité. Seuls 34 % des hommes reconnaissent que le manque de temps constitue un frein à l’exercice physique féminin, contre trois quarts (74 %) des femmes. Les hommes estiment au contraire que les complexes physiques représentent le premier problème, 58 % d’entre eux plaçant ce critère en tête des obstacles à l’exercice féminin, contre 36 % chez les femmes. En fait, parmi les cinq freins majeurs à l’exercice physique évoqués par les hommes, un seul figure réellement dans la liste des principaux obstacles aux yeux des femmes, à savoir l’enveloppe budgétaire. Ce constat souligne les différences entre les perceptions masculines et la réalité quotidienne des femmes du monde entier.

La recherche révèle, malgré tout, que plus d’un tiers des femmes voient leurs amies comme des influenceuses de taille en matière d’exercice, relevant qu’elles se sentent plus motivées à l’idée de faire de l’exercice en compagnie de leurs semblables plutôt qu’avec des célébrités. Lorsqu’on leur a demandé quels motifs les pousseraient à pratiquer un sport, les femmes ont universellement évoqué leur santé mentale (à 92 %) et physique (à 96 %), au détriment de critères esthétiques. Le constat s’avère plutôt encourageant.

La chercheuse en chef, le Docteur Dee Dlugonski, Professeur adjoint à l’Institut de recherche en médecine du sport de l’Université du Kentucky, témoigne : « Notre étude révèle qu’en matière d’exercice physique, l’écart entre les genres représente un défi complexe de longue date. Étant donné la variété de ses origines, il n’y aura pas qu’une seule solution. En interrogeant les femmes sur les facteurs qui pourraient jouer en leur faveur, nous constatons qu’elles plaident pour davantage d’accessibilité, d’inclusion et de reconnaissance sous toutes ses formes. La remise en question des attentes sociétales genrées de la société pourrait également les amener à bouger davantage,

ce qui induit de recentrer la pratique sportive sur les femmes elles-mêmes et leurs besoins. Repenser l’éducation des enfants, prendre tous les niveaux d’activité en compte et adapter leurs conditions de travail sont autant de facteurs pouvant les encourager à la pratique sportive et y prendre plaisir sans dépenser trop, tout en se sentant à leur place et en sécurité, libres de tout jugement. Toutes ces mesures, aussi mineures soient-elles, peuvent avoir des effets positifs majeurs, et notre étude dévoile que des milliers d’individus et d’organisations à travers le monde sont déjà moteurs du changement ».

Karen Guttridge fait partie de celles qui, en raison de son âge, et regrettant le manque d’infrastructure locale appropriée à la pratique sportive, a résolu de fonder son propre club de course, en accueillant toute femme de plus de cinquante ans. Elle s’attendait à une participation initiale de cinq personnes, lorsqu’à son immense surprise, plus de soixante-dix femmes partageant ses convictions se sont présentées. En proposant des activités de course ouvertes aux volontaires de tout niveau de manière bienveillante et sans jugement, ce club permet aux femmes de développer des connexions entre elles. Ce projet a connu un succès fulgurant en aidant de nombreuses femmes à bouger en toute confiance.

Aujourd’hui, ASICS souhaite saluer et mettre à l’honneur celles et ceux qui, comme Karen, ont un tel effet positif sur les communautés du monde entier, en plaçant sous les feux de la rampe les personnes et les organisations qui participent activement et admirablement à la démolition des obstacles au sport féminin. Outre relayer les histoires de ceux qui font la différence, la plateforme Move Her Mind proposée par ASICS intègre des ressources, des activités et des conseils pour encourager davantage de femmes à être plus actives et plus souvent.

ASICS a conscience qu’à l’échelle mondiale, une multitude de personnes et d’organisations peuvent vraiment faire la différence. À l’heure de célébrer la Journée internationale des droits des femmes, ASICS invite chacun à partager son histoire et son expérience dans le but d’aider les femmes à se sentir connectées, soutenues et inspirées.

« ASICS a été fondée sur la conviction que le sport et l’activité physique apportent autant de bienfaits corporels que spirituels » remarque Tomoko Koda, Directrice exécutive de ASICS, avant d’ajouter : « ASICS est née de la locution ‘Anima Sana in Corpore Sano’, qui signifie ‘Un esprit sain dans un corps sain’. Bien que notre étude révèle l’insatisfaction de nombreuses femmes à propos de leur niveau d’activité physique, elle démontre l’effet positif considérable qui s’exerce grâce aux individus et aux organisations de base qui encouragent les femmes à bouger.

En lançant la campagne Move Her Mind, nous espérons leur procurer une plateforme pour rassembler et inspirer les autres, et nous aspirons à ce que chacun puisse découvrir les effets d’un esprit sain dans un corps sain. Il est temps que plus de femmes et de jeunes filles ressentent les bienfaits physiques et spirituels de l’exercice. L’heure du changement a sonné. Entrons dans l’ère de Move Her Mind ».

Pour y participer, rendez-vous sur la page http://www.asics.com/us/en-us/mk/move-her-mind.

Remarques à l’attention des rédacteurs :
L’étude codirigée par le Docteur Dee Dlugonski, Professeur adjoint à l’Institut de recherche en médecine du sport de l’Université du Kentucky, et le Professeur agrégé Brendon Stubbs du King’s College de Londres est à l’initiative d’ASICS. Tous deux sont d’éminents chercheurs reconnus en matière d’activité physique et de santé mentale.

L’étude s’est déroulée de juin à septembre 2023. Au total, 26 groupes d’échange se sont rassemblés dans le monde entier et 24 772 personnes de plus de 40 pays ont répondu à l’enquête en ligne, ce qui consacre l’étude comme la plus importante de sa catégorie. Le pilotage de chaque groupe d’échange était assuré par des modérateurs indépendants, y compris des universitaires de premier plan et des experts de l’industrie.

Une photo accompagnant ce communiqué est disponible à l’adresse suivante :

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fe3723d9-16dc-4cb1-ad05-6561904aa4ac

Pour obtenir de plus amples informations ou pour organiser un entretien, veuillez contacter [email protected]

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 1000925585

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Um estudo da ASICS confirma a relação positiva entre atividades físicas e saúde mental feminina. Porém, preocupa o fato de que mais da metade das mulheres de todo o mundo está desistindo ou parando de se exercitar completamente

UM ESTUDO MOTIVADOR MOSTRA O IMPACTO DE INDIVÍDUOS E ORGANIZAÇÕES CIVIS NO APOIO À PRÁTICA DE ATIVIDADES FÍSICAS POR MULHERES; A ASICS RECONHECE QUEM ESTÁ FAZENDO A DIFERENÇA.

LONDRES, Feb. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — O maior estudo global já realizado sobre a disparidade da prática de exercícios físicos entre os gêneros revela:

  • Quanto mais as mulheres se exercitam, melhor elas se sentem. As mulheres que se exercitam regularmente são 52% mais felizes, têm 50% mais energia, são 48% mais confiantes, 67% menos estressadas e 80% menos frustradas.
  • No entanto, mais da metade das mulheres não está se exercitando tanto quanto gostaria e está perdendo os benefícios físicos e mentais da atividade física.
  • Todas as mulheres enfrentam uma infinidade de desafios e barreiras universais para se exercitarem ao longo da vida.
  • Ainda assim, as percepções dos homens sobre essas barreiras são diferentes da realidade.
  • É motivador o fato de que, em todo o mundo, as pessoas estão ativamente quebrando barreiras para as mulheres no esporte. A ASICS destaca suas histórias e se compromete a ajudar a “Move her Mind” (Mudar sua Mentalidade).

Neste Dia Internacional da Mulher, a ASICS revela os resultados do maior estudo já realizado sobre a disparidade da prática de exercícios físicos entre os gêneros, reafirmando a correlação positiva entre os níveis de exercícios das mulheres e sua saúde mental, em que as mulheres são 52% mais felizes, têm 50% mais energia, são 48% mais confiantes, 67% menos estressadas e 80% menos frustradas quando se exercitam.

No entanto, a pesquisa independente, realizada com mais de 25.000 pessoas e liderada pelos renomados acadêmicos Dra. Dee Dlugonski e professor Brendon Stubbs, constatou de forma alarmante que mais da metade das mulheres em todo o mundo está desistindo ou parando de se exercitar completamente, o que afeta negativamente o estado de espírito delas. Como resposta, a ASICS está reconhecendo e ampliando o impacto positivo de indivíduos e organizações civis que estão quebrando barreiras para as mulheres no esporte, para apoiar, capacitar e inspirar mais mulheres a se exercitarem.

O estudo revelou algo preocupante: mais da metade das mulheres está insatisfeita com os níveis de exercício físico que pratica. Todas as mulheres enfrentam obstáculos para se exercitarem ao longo da vida, desde pressões de tempo (74%) e baixa autoconfiança (35%) até ambientes intimidadores (44%) ou por sentirem que não têm aptidão esportiva o suficiente (42%). Além disso, quase dois terços (61%) das mães citaram a maternidade como o principal motivo pelo qual deixaram de se exercitar ou praticar esportes regularmente, mostrando o impacto que as responsabilidades de cuidar e as expectativas sociais sobre os papéis de gênero têm sobre os níveis de atividade física das mulheres.

É interessante observar que as percepções dos homens sobre os desafios enfrentados pelas mulheres são diferentes da realidade. Apenas 34% dos homens reconheceram a falta de tempo como uma barreira à prática de exercícios para as mulheres, apesar de três quartos (74%) das mulheres terem citado essa questão. Em vez disso, os homens consideraram a insegurança com o corpo o principal problema, em que 58% dos homens relataram isso como a principal barreira, em comparação com 36% das mulheres. De fato, das cinco principais barreiras à prática de exercícios percebidas pelos homens, apenas uma (custos) constava na lista dos obstáculos mais comuns relatados pelas mulheres, destacando uma disparidade entre as percepções dos homens e a realidade diária sentida pelas mulheres em todo o mundo.

Apesar disso, a pesquisa constatou que mais de um terço das mulheres diz que suas amigas são as que mais as influenciam a se exercitarem, observando que elas são mais motivadas a se exercitarem por mulheres com as quais se identificam do que por celebridades. Quando perguntadas sobre o motivo pelo qual se exercitariam, as mulheres responderam universalmente que seria pela saúde mental (92%) e física (96%), e não pela estética.

A coordenadora do estudo, a Dra. Dee Dlugonski, professora-assistente do Sports Medicine Research Institute da Universidade de Kentucky, disse: “Nosso estudo mostrou que a diferença de gênero nos exercícios é um desafio complexo que não surgiu da noite para o dia. Como não existe apenas uma causa, o problema não será resolvido com apenas uma solução. Quando perguntadas sobre o que poderia ajudá-las a se exercitar mais, as mulheres observaram: tornar as atividades físicas mais acessíveis, inclusivas e reconhecidas em todas as formas e, ao mesmo tempo, desafiar as expectativas de gênero da sociedade.

“Isso significa fazer com que o foco da prática de atividades físicas seja as mulheres e suas necessidades. Desde cuidar dos filhos e atender a todos os níveis de atividade até se adaptar ao trabalho, ser divertido, acessível financeiramente, seguro, acolhedor e sem julgamento. Todas essas soluções, embora pequenas, podem ter um impacto significativo, e nosso estudo revelou milhares de indivíduos e organizações em todo o mundo que já estão promovendo mudanças”.

Isso inclui pessoas como Karen Guttridge, que, como mulher mais velha, sentia que não havia oportunidades de praticar exercícios em sua localidade e, por isso, decidiu criar seu próprio grupo de corrida para mulheres com mais de 50 anos. Esperando que cinco mulheres participassem da primeira sessão, Karen ficou impressionada quando mais de setenta mulheres com a mesma mentalidade compareceram. Oferecendo programas de corrida para todos os níveis de exercício e um espaço convidativo, seguro e sem julgamentos para as mulheres criarem vínculos, o grupo tem sido um enorme sucesso e ajudou muitas mulheres a se exercitarem e a se sentirem confiantes nessa prática.

A ASICS quer reconhecer e celebrar o incrível impacto de pessoas como Karen em comunidades de todo o mundo. Hoje, a ASICS está destacando os indivíduos e organizações notáveis que estão ativamente derrubando barreiras para as mulheres no esporte e na prática de atividades físicas. Além das histórias de quem está fazendo a diferença, a plataforma Move Her Mind da ASICS contém recursos, atividades e dicas para ajudar mais mulheres a se exercitarem com mais frequência.

A ASICS sabe que há muito mais pessoas e organizações fazendo a diferença em todo o mundo. Neste Dia Internacional da Mulher, a ASICS está convidando as pessoas a enviarem suas histórias e experiências, para que mais mulheres possam se unir, receber apoio e se inspirar.

Tomoko Koda, diretor executivo da ASICS, comenta: “A ASICS foi fundada com a crença de que o esporte e o exercício beneficiam o corpo e a mente. É por isso que nosso nome é ASICS: ‘Anima Sana in Corpore Sano’, ou ‘Mente sã em um corpo são’. Embora nosso estudo tenha constatado que muitas mulheres não estão satisfeitas com seus níveis de atividade física, ele também revelou o enorme impacto que indivíduos e organizações civis estão tendo para ajudar as mulheres a se exercitarem.

Com o lançamento do Move Her Mind, esperamos oferecer a essas pessoas notáveis uma plataforma para se unirem e inspirarem outras pessoas, para que todos possam ter uma mente sã em um corpo são. É hora de mais mulheres e meninas experimentarem os benefícios físicos e mentais positivos dos exercícios. É hora de mudar. É hora de ‘Move her Mind’”.

Acesse a plataforma Move Her Mind em http://www.asics.com/us/en-us/mk/move-her-mind e se envolva

Notas aos editores:
o estudo foi encomendado pela ASICS e liderado pela Dra. Dee Dlugonski, professora-assistente do Sports Medicine Research Institute, da Universidade de Kentucky, e pelo professor associado Brendon Stubbs, do King’s College de Londres. Ambos são pesquisadores renomados em atividades físicas e bem-estar mental.

O estudo foi conduzido de junho a setembro de 2023. No total, 26 grupos de foco ocorreram em todo o mundo, e 24.772 pessoas responderam à pesquisa on-line em mais de 40 países, fazendo deste o maior estudo do gênero. Todos os grupos de foco foram liderados por mediadores independentes, incluindo acadêmicos de destaque e especialistas do setor.

Uma foto que acompanha este anúncio está disponível em https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fe3723d9-16dc-4cb1-ad05-6561904aa4ac

Para obter mais informações ou para organizar entrevistas, entre em contato com [email protected]

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KwaZulu-Natal records high number of rhino poaching cases


While efforts to prevent rhino poaching have resulted in positive outcomes in national parks across the country, South Africa has seen a shift in rhino poaching with the majority of cases in the past year being recorded in KwaZulu-Natal.

‘The pressure again has been felt in the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province with Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park facing the brunt of poaching cases losing 307 of the total national poaching loss. This is the highest poaching loss within this province,’ Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Barbara Creecy said on Tuesday.

Last year, 499 rhinos were poached across South Africa, 406 were killed on state properties and 93 on privately owned parks, reserves and/or farms. This was an increase of 51 in comparison to 448 rhinos poached in 2022.

Addressing a media briefing on the 2023 national rhino poaching statistics in St Lucia, KwaZulu-Natal, the Minister said the province recorded 49 arrests and 13 firearms were seized by multi-disciplinary teams that continue to work tireless
ly in an attempt to slow the pressure on rhino poaching.

The Kruger National Park (KNP) recorded a 37% decrease from 2022 with a total of 78 rhino poached in 2023. No rhinos were poached in any other National Parks.

‘As part of the government’s poverty relief program there are a number of fence monitors employed from neighboring communities that patrol the western boundary fence of the KNP and report fence breakages, illegal tracks and people entering the KNP as well as animals escaping from the KNP,’ Creecy said.

Various interventions can be attributed to the decrease of rhino poached at KNP in 2023:

Strong collaboration between external stakeholders permanently based in KNP and attending to various Wildlife Crime cases such as the Skukuza Stock Theft and Endangered Species Unit, Skukuza SAPS and SAPS forensic teams.

An extensive and ongoing dehorning programme, which focuses on the dehorning of all rhino in core areas.

The continued implementation of the KNP Ranger Services Integrity Management Plan,
which is a holistic approach that assesses the drivers and dynamics of corruption, and then addresses these with a comprehensive set of actions that focuses on building individual integrity and organisational resilience to corruption.

Improved access control through the installation of Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras and gate cameras.

Radar detection systems that remotely track any illegal entry by poachers on foot into the KNP.

The Minister commended the work performed by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation – the Hawks – in several regional and transnational engagements to enhance the government’s integrated approach to combat wildlife trafficking.

‘Responsible partnerships between the public and private sectors, and the financial and transporting sectors remains critical in combating international wildlife trafficking.

‘The approach is not exclusive to South Africa but is followed within the region and transnationally working with the transit and end user countries in Sou
th-East Asia, especially with the People’s Republic of China, Singapore, Qatar, Malaysia and Vietnam,’ she said.

In relation to rhino prosecutions, verdicts were handed down in 36 cases of which 35 resulted in guilty verdicts and one in a not guilty verdict.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Environmental Working Group (EWG) meets on a biannual basis to share best practice in the investigation and prosecution of environmental crime and to address challenges experienced.

These meetings also foster closer collaboration between the provincial conservation authorities dealing with wildlife trafficking cases and to help identify repeat offenders moving around the country to further the implementation of the National Integrated Strategy to Combat Wildlife Trafficking (NISCWT) strategy.

‘Further to this, real time information pertaining to arrest is shared, which enhance collaboration between prosecutors and the law enforcement agencies significantly. A national environmental cases audit has been conduct
ed to establish the number of cases being dealt with by the National Prosecuting Authority of South Africa (NPA).

‘A consolidated list of investigating instructions pertaining to rhino and abalone cases has been developed to ensure that comprehensive investigations are requested,’ the Minister said.

In the 2023/24 financial year, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) embarked on a consultative process to revise both the Black and White Rhinoceros Biodiversity Management Plans (BMP) in line with the provision of the National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act.

‘The revision of the BMP aims to address the needs of both black and white rhino, provide a strategic approach and detailed action plan to conserving rhino in South Africa and for engaging with range States to the north.

It consolidates previous work at policy and planning level on rhino management into a single integrated tool in order to usher in a whole of society approach in the interest of both the rhinos and th
e people of South Africa. The revised draft BMP will be published in a Government Gazette for public participation in the near future,’ Creecy said.

Source: South African Government News Agency

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Current legal framework must transform to respond to society’s current needs – DP Mashatile


Deputy President Paul Mashatile says although much has been done to address challenges in the criminal justice system, the current legal framework requires transformation and amendments that align with society in its current form.

He was delivering the keynote address at the official opening of the National Conference on the implementation of the Integrated Criminal Justice System (ICJS) programme and the review of the Criminal Procedure Act.

The conference is expected to be held over the next three days.

‘For many years, the integrated criminal justice system and the Criminal Procedure Act of 1977 have had a profound impact on how we handle law enforcement, prosecution, and adjudication in South Africa.

‘However, we must examine the current legal framework and identify areas that require transformation or amendment. Our laws must be responsive to the changing needs of society and aligned with international standards,’ he said.

Challenges

Mashatile said the criminal justice system ‘has been put to the t
est due to widespread corruption, criminality, gender-based violence and femicide’ and added that despite government’s concerted efforts, crime remains persistent.

‘The prosecution and judicial systems are overburdened; the correctional service is overcrowded, and the police system continues to be besieged as the state fights to prosecute and punish criminal behaviour, frequently compromising on ‘zero-tolerance’ pledges to ‘punish at all costs’.

‘Looking at these challenges, it is easy to grow despondent, but we must never be discouraged. Instead, we must double our efforts to reach our desired goal,’ he said.

Outlining government’s actions to combat crime and corruption, Mashatile told the conference that tackling lawlessness is government’s top priority.

‘We are tackling significant commercial and serious organised crime through the developed Anti-Corruption Task Team (ACTT) and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Operational Committee, currently known as the National Priority Crimes Operat
ional Committee (NPCOC) under the South African Police Service Act.

‘Through the Integrated Task Force, we are coordinating the implementation of 205 recommendations for criminal investigations made by the Zondo State Capture Commission. As it stands, three convictions secured and 11 cases are currently before court relating to 36 recommendations. The remaining recommendations are still under investigation,’ he said.

Turning to gender-based violence and femicide, Mashatile said the courts are now coming down harder on perpetrators of the scourge.

He said laws that have been passed and Bills at the desk of the National Assembly are enabling the courts to be more efficient and effective in dealing with GBVF.

‘In the 2022-2023 fiscal year, the courts have shown a 27.9% increase in life imprisonment sentences for GBVF at Thuthuzela Care Centres, indicating the courts’ robust approach to combating GBVF. Most significantly, the National Assembly approved the Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Bill, which is cur
rently under the National Council of Provinces review.

‘The government is responding swiftly to the GBVF epidemic by putting an emphasis on robust institutions and solid evidence. In late 2020, the Department of Justice introduced three amendment bills including the Criminal and Related Matters Amendment Act 12 of 2021, the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 13 of 2021, and the Domestic Violence Amendment Act 14 of 2021.

‘The latter Act established an electronic repository for domestic violence protection orders, which became operational on April 14, 2023,’ he said.

Loss of trust

The Deputy President acknowledged that despite government embarking on crime intervention strategies and other initiatives, ‘it is concerning the most recent Statistics South Africa Victims of Crime Survey indicates that confidence in our criminal justice system is declining’.

As a result of this, he revealed that the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) cluster is embarking on key interven
tions to address the challenge of crime.

These include, amongst others:

Maintaining targeted efforts to address gender-based violence and femicide and its impact on individuals and communities.

Establishing an independent entity called the Investigating Directorate against Corruption within the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

Enhancing the effectiveness of the Whistle-Blowers Act.

Finalising revisions to the Criminal Procedure Act to bolster efforts to combat both crime and corruption.

‘As we look towards the future, let us commit to further enhancing and protecting this crucial institution to ensure a just and fair society for all South Africans.

‘I am optimistic about the potential outcomes that will emerge from the conference’s discussions, which will ultimately shape the ongoing evolution of the criminal justice system,’ Mashatile concluded.

Source: South African Government News Agency

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Law must crack down on police killers – Cele


Police Minister Bheki Cele has called for stricter laws to crack down even harder on criminals who murder police officers.

The Minister was speaking during a panel discussion at the National Conference on the Implementation of the Integrated Criminal Justice System (ICJS) programme and the review of the Criminal Procedure Act.

Cele highlighted that between October and December 2023, at least 22 police officers were killed.

‘Our call… is that human rights must be respected. Police are humans and they have rights. I would really like to see [the law] protecting members of the South African Police Service.

‘There has been a call… to say that the law must protect the law enforcers adequately. Sometimes, there is a feeling that criminals are more protected than the law enforcers. As this law, the Criminal Procedure Act, is developed, we wish that it takes that on board that [SAPS] members must find some cushion in the law,’ he said.

He assured that any change in law would not give SAPS members leeway to abuse
their power.

‘The lives of SAPS members cannot be above the citizens of South Africa. But it must also be understood that they stand as a buffer between criminality and the whole of society. If they are pushed to the brink and they fall, these criminals will walk over the community thereafter,’ he said.

Cele also called for increased protection of whistle-blowers and witnesses, as they remain crucial for the criminal justice system to work.

‘We would love to see the law really getting tight on protecting witnesses. Sometimes, witnesses feel that we don’t take care of them. There are witnesses that lose everything for us to win cases, so it would be important that the law… makes sure that those who are prepared [to take the stand are protected].

‘If witnesses fall off, then cases fall off. It’s important that all processes are kept in place so that when the day [a case is in court] and it’s time for the magistrate to pronounce [a verdict], we are all happy,’ he said.

Turning to the issuance of bail for su
spected criminals, Cele said more stringent conditions for the approval of bail must be put into place.

‘[Criminals] go and get bail and the community takes matters into their own hands so the bail issue is one issue that we have to look at,’ he said.

He encouraged all stakeholders to work together for the betterment of the criminal justice system and to make citizens safer.

‘Let’s work together across the board to reduce crime, while police are at the hard end of leading it with all law enforcement. But all other departments and all of us, we can do better to reduce crime and make South Africans feel better,’ he said.

Source: South African Government News Agency

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Boy attacked and killed by crocodileEWSETA introduces specialised training for renewable energy, water management

The Namibian Police Force (NamPol) in the Kavango East Region on Tuesday reported another case of a crocodile attack, this time of a child killed by the reptile.

NamPol acting regional commander in the region, Deputy Commissioner Eino Nambahu told Nampa that on Sunday, 14-year-old Edward Mwambu Katjire was attacked and killed by a crocodile.

According to Nambahu, Katjire went to the Kavango River at Shadjunu village with a friend to fish and bath.

While bathing the crocodile attacked him.

A search was conducted at around 18h00 and his body, severed into two, was recovered.

His next of kin have been informed and police investigations continue.

Meanwhile, Nambahu said they still have not recovered the body of 23-year-old Alberthina Vishoni Ndumbu, who was attacked by a crocodile last week Thursday at Mabushe village.

Ndumbu’s body as well as the reptile that attacked her have not been found yet despite a search party in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism starting Friday,
he said.

It is alleged that Ndumbu went to the river with two other young women to collect water and fish when the crocodile caught and disappeared with her body in deep water.

The incident happened between 18h00 and 19h00.

Investigations in this matter also continue.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

The Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority (EWSETA) has developed and implemented specialised renewable energy and water resource management training programmes, in a bid to align with industry needs and technological advancements.

This was revealed during a media engagement with the organisation in Rosebank, Johannesburg on Tuesday.

EWSETA Chief Executive Officer, Mpho Mookapele, engaged the media on the back of growing research that macroeconomic trends and technological advancements continue to disrupt labour markets worldwide.

Mookapele highlighted some of the courses implemented by the organisation and others currently in the pipeline, including water works management, solar panel installation, wind turbine maintenance and other green energy solutions, among others.

She said as the energy sector is rapidly evolving the EWSETA is currently developing qualifications that will respond to the gaps in the curriculum.

The skills programmes that will be introduced include wind turbine ope
ration, biogas installation, microgrid and battery energy storage operation, solar PV manufacture, design, and installation.

‘When the sector needs certain skills, we are committed to working together with industry to build these capabilities. Ultimately, we exist to ensure industries are successful.

‘As such, we aim to move with agility to ensure that these programmes and qualifications are concluded and submitted for registration with Quality Council for Trades and Occupation (QCTO) and South African Qualification South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA),’ Mookapele said.

She said due to the boom in the photovoltaic sector and more people going solar, the SETA is also currently working with industry to ensure that minimum skills requirements are mandated for the PV Green Card training – a quality assurance standard for solar PV installers.

These minimum requirements will hopefully mitigate against substandard installations.

Mookapela said the EWSETA is looking for partners to enable retro-fitting
technical workshops for TVET colleges to ensure that they are responding to the tech-developments in the industry.

Developing water-related qualifications

The EWSETA has also partnered with water boards, including municipalities and private industries, to develop water-related qualifications that aim to address the challenges around clean drinking water and wastewater treatment plants.

‘In response to the evolving water landscape, a Water Works Management NQF 6 qualification has been registered. EWSETA is in the process of developing a Water Resource Management qualification at NQF level 8 and a skills programme for a Water Conservation Practitioner,’ she said.

Advances in water treatment processes will necessitate the development of qualifications that will respond to the future treatment landscape, and these include biological water treatment and smart water grids, amongst others.

‘As the world transitions to net zero, the traditional career landscape is changing, and it is up to all of us to future-pr
oof our workforce. The Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority is taking strides to harness the opportunities that these exciting changes present,’ Mookapele said.

Skills development initiatives

Meanwhile, Mookapele underscored the importance for businesses to share their skills plans with the EWSETA to enable the organisation to capacitate learners accordingly.

Investing in skills development secures the long-term sustainability of industries and contributes to economic resilience.

‘Together with government and private entities we are collaborating to fast-track skills development initiatives that seek to upskill and reskill employees to meet the workforce demands of the changing energy and water sectors,’ Mookapele said.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) last year revealed that 4.7 million more people were employed in clean energy globally in 2022 than in 2019.

Mookapele noted that concerns around the ‘green skills gap’ have been echoed by a recent report from LinkedIn, which show
s that only 1 in 8 employees globally possess one or more green skills.

‘We don’t want to leave South Africa’s young people and workforce behind; it is important for businesses to share their skills plans with us, so that we can capacitate learners accordingly,’ she said.

EWSETA’s mandate is to participate, build and strategically plan and manage skills development, and training needs in the energy and water sectors, as directed by the National Skills Development Plan 2030.

Source: South African Government News Agency