Day: May 8, 2024

Aid for Rural Education Access Initiative (AREAi) has launched a multilayered initiative to mitigate the impact of Nigeria’s burgeoning technology ecosystem on the environment.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that AREAi, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), launched the SCALE initiative on Tuesday in Abuja.

The initiative is funded by the Digital Access Programme (DAP) of the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

The Project Manager, Gideon Olanrewaju, said the initiative would improve eco-consciousness and drive responsible digital behaviours in the use and maintenance of digital tools and internet devices.

Olanrewaju said the organisation would leverage its expertise and extensive capacity in digital transformation and sustainability to achieve the project’s objectives.

‘The initiative will champion series of activities that range from evidence generation, knowledge management and mobilisation, incentivised capacity development, media-driven public awareness, and high-level
policy advocacy activities.

‘This move aims at aligning producers, consumers and stakeholders of the technology sector with eco-consciousness, ensuring a greener, more sustainable future for Nigeria’s digital landscape.

‘This initiative, under the theme ‘Smart Climate Awareness, Learning and Empowerment (SCALE) for Net Zero’ program will directly engage information and communications technology companies, digital start-ups, innovation hubs.

‘Other key stakeholders in the tech ecosystem will be engaged to facilitate their understanding about technology’s high negative environmental cost, then mobilise them to collectively commit and act towards reducing their contributions to digital carbon footprint.’

He explained that the initiative would drive citizens’ engagement strategy on a large scale, by providing empowerment to key technology hubs in Abia, Rivers, Lagos, Kaduna and Adamawa states, as well as the Federal Capital Territory.

The project manager added that the organisation would work in collaboratio
n with research institutions, tech startups, government agencies and civil society organisations.

‘To mobilise high level stakeholders engagement in fulfilment of the policy regulatory requirements of the initiative, we will be exploring key partnerships with National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency.

‘Others are, E-waste Producer Responsibility Organisation Nigeria, National Information Technology Development Agency, the Department of Climate Change of the Federal Ministry of Environment, the National Council on Climate Change.

‘The Inter-ministerial Committee on Climate Change and the Nigerian Energy Transition Plan Office’.

Head of the UK Government’s Digital Access Programme and Country Adviser, Idongesit Udoh said that the intervention was a novel effort to leverage evidence-based and citizens-led approaches to promote digital sustainability awareness and progressive use of technology.

Udoh said the progressive use of technology should be environmentally responsible, social
ly equitable, and economically viable.

‘Hence, the UK Government is once again demonstrating timely support, not only for Nigeria’s inclusive economic development but also in building eco-friendliness within its technology ecosystem through energy-efficient technology business operations.

‘Our DAP programme will continue to initiate significant partnerships with local organisations to drive the UK Government’s continued support for Nigeria and its digital sector, recognising the tech ecosystem’ role in net zero transition and sustainable development.’

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

WINDHOEK: Two men, a Namibian and a Congolese national, were arrested Tuesday night after they were allegedly found in possession of drugs valued at N.dollars 5 554 500.

According to Namibian Police Force spokesperson, Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, the suspects aged 33 and 35 were found with 94 parcels of cannabis, weighing a total mass of 111.9kg.

‘Information was received about drug trafficking via the Orange River from South Africa into Namibia, destined for Rundu via Noordoewer. The police officers swiftly attended to the information and the suspects were intercepted after they crossed the border via the river at an illegal point of entry. Consequently, the drugs were seized, and [the] suspects were apprehended,’ Shikwambi said in a statement released on Wednesday.

They were arrested around 23h00.

The suspects are scheduled to appear at the Noordoewer periodic court on Friday.

Police investigations continue.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

The number of people retrieved from the collapsed five-storey building in George has risen to 36 as of Wednesday morning.

This means 39 others are currently unaccounted for, while seven people have been declared dead.

According to the Western Cape Premier, Alan Winde, the multi-disciplinary team of more than 200 emergency services personnel continues with its rescue operations at the site of the collapsed building on Victoria Street.

Seventy-five construction workers are said to have been on-site at the time of the collapse, which occurred around 2pm on Monday, 6 May 2024.

The Premier has thanked all those assisting during this tragedy.

‘From the first responders who have been working tirelessly since Monday afternoon to save the lives of the trapped construction workers, to residents who turned out in their numbers to offer help in any way that they can. You all make me as your Premier of this extraordinary province humble and grateful for everything you have done and are still doing,’ the Premier said
after touring the site.

He said the teams on the ground are working tirelessly to rescue the remaining 39 individuals.

‘I cannot express the emotions I felt yesterday when the site suddenly went completely quiet in the hope that our teams might be close to locating another survivor.’

READ I George tragedy: Call for organisations to prioritise safety in workplaces

He also took the time to express his gratitude to the Western Cape residents for stepping up when confronted with incidents of this nature.

He added that while an arduous few days still lie ahead as search and rescue efforts continue, the heart and soul that volunteers and non-government organisations (NGOs) have shown in offering support to the families of the affected construction workers has been extraordinary.

‘There are so many to thank, and I know that there are countless more organisations and residents that I must still thank. Thank you to LoveGeorge, Gift of the Givers, SARZA, the Lions of George, Garden Route Food Pantry and Food Sock
Meals, Neighbourhood Watches and Community Policing Forums, and all the individual residents who have helped.’

‘Without us all pulling together, we would not have been able to respond to this incident in the way that we have. We must not give up hope. To all the emergency personnel assisting: you are true heroes,’ he said.

Winde said his heart goes out to the families of the deceased.

‘I share your pain. We will do everything we can to ensure we determine the exact cause of this incident. Every time one of those huge pieces of concrete is lifted from the site, I hope fervently for good news.’

On Monday, President Cyril Ramaphosa offered his deep condolences to the relatives and friends of the deceased.

‘The President’s thoughts are with the families who have lost loved ones as well as the families of close to 50 people who are trapped in the rubble,’ his statement read.

He also wished the rescue team the best as they go about their operations and said the investigations into the cause of the incident mu
st aim to bring closure to the community and prevent a repeat of this disaster.

Source: South African Government News Agency

Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi is expected to launch the Labour Activation Programme (LAP) in Kimberly in the Northern Cape.

Friday’s launch will be accompanied by a Jobs/Career fair.

Unveiled in April by Nxesi, the activation programme will afford Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) beneficiaries and unemployed youth with an opportunity to be integrated into the labour market or start their own businesses.

LAP was established within the UIF to enhance the department’s mandate through enhancing the employability of the unemployed through training; enabling entrepreneurship through enterprise development; preserving jobs through the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) and Productivity SA, and collaborating across government departments and entities to massify jobs, skills training and enterprise creation.

An amount of R23.8 billion will be allocated to implement the plan.

The department said the programme will result in the creation of six projects meant to benefit 13
684 people.

‘So far, the programme has been successfully launched in eight provinces marking this the last in the current phase,’ the department said in a statement.

READ | Nxesi launches skills training programme to assist unemployed citizens

Accompanied by Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zamani Saul, Nxesi will also present Jobs/Careers Fairs and Exhibitions under the tutelage of the Public Employment Services branch, which focusses on creating a platform for work seekers to meet prospective employers.

‘Employers [at the Jobs/Careers Fairs and Exhibitions] have the chance to register work and learning opportunities, while work seekers have the chance to register on the department’s database, where they will be matched to opportunities.

‘Work seekers are encouraged to bring along their identity document/card, curriculum vitae and copies of qualifications,’ the department said.

The LAP launch will be held at Mittah Seperepere Convention Centre, West End, and the Jobs/Careers Fairs will take place at Galeshewe
Stadium. Both events are set to get underway at 8am.

Source: South African Government News Agency

While government has made significant progress in improving the lives of its citizens in the past 30 years, President Cyril Ramaphosa has acknowledged that for millions of South Africans, the promise of 1994 has not yet translated into a meaningful change.

‘That is why we must, and we will, continue to work in earnest to resolve the challenges that are holding back our progress,’ the President said on Wednesday in Pretoria.

Addressing the launch of the 30 Year Review Report, he said there is room for improvement in growing the economy, addressing unemployment, poverty, inequality and underdevelopment.

The 30 Year Review Report reflects on the work the country has collectively undertaken to build a democratic, prosperous and free South Africa.

‘We continue our efforts to overcome the energy crisis, to implement structural reforms to boost economic growth, to drive programmes that create more employment, and to improve the capacity of the state to deliver services,’ Ramaphosa said.

He said the democratic b
reakthrough of 1994 represented both a decisive break with a painful past and an opportunity for South Africa to chart a new course.

WATCH | Launch of the of the 30 Years of Democracy Review Report in Pretoria

Strides made

‘South Africa is a vastly different place compared to what it was 30 years ago. Guided by our Constitution and its Bill of Rights, successive democratic administrations have implemented progressive policies and programmes to uplift the material condition of all South Africans, particularly society’s most vulnerable,’ the President said.

These policies have included the provision of basic services, housing, education, health care and social support.

‘We have established a unitary, democratic state and created institutions to uphold democracy and promote accountability.

‘We have an independent judiciary, a robust civil society, a free media and a clear separation of powers between the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government.

‘We have advanced transformative policies
to change the racial and gender composition of the economy and the workplace. We have implemented laws to protect workers and advance their rights.’

Government has restored land to many who had been dispossessed and has provided emerging farmers with the means to productively use their land.

Challenges

‘South Africa today is a valued member of the international fellowship of nations. We pursue a progressive foreign policy rooted in advancing the African Agenda, in social justice and solidarity, and in support of multilateralism. Yet we know that still much more needs to be done.

‘We are contending with slow economic growth, high unemployment, poverty, inequality and underdevelopment. What is made clear by this Review Report is that the task of consolidating our democratic gains is not just the responsibility of the state. It is a responsibility that we all share.

‘Just as we stood together to overcome COVID-19, just as we have united to confront other crises, we can overcome this period of difficulty in
the life of our nation together,’ the President said.

He said government was to create a better South Africa, a transformed South Africa, a South Africa that leaves no-one behind.

‘The story of 30 years of democracy contained in this report is an honest and critical appraisal. It presents both light and shade, both progress and challenges. It is a vital reference for anyone who wants to understand the last 30 years and for everyone who wants to look into our future.

‘It is our hope and expectation that this Review Report will be studied in detail and that its findings will be applied. This 30 Year Review Report is much more than a chronicle of a changing nation.

“As we chart the path ahead for our democracy, we will look to this Report as a valuable instrument for transformation, progress and growth. Let us make this a living document that inspires, encourages and guides us as we continue to build a democratic, prosperous and free South Africa,’ the President said.

Source: South African Government News
Agency

Ekurhuleni MMC for Community Safety, Sizakele Masuku, has called on the metro police to deal with threats of violence directed at spaza shop owners in townships.

Masuku gave the directive to the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) following a brief visit to a spaza shop owner, Thulani Khumalo, on Tuesday after he allegedly received life-threatening messages from other traders suspected to be foreign nationals.

Khumalo claims he has been receiving threats from unknown people telling him to close down his shop ‘or else his life would be in danger’.

Last week, one of Khumalo’s friends was shot by unknown gunmen as he was leaving his shop.

Khumalo said he and his family are now living in fear as suspicious armed characters in different cars come to his home and shop looking for him.

Masuku condemned the threats, emphasising South Africa promotes free trade, and everyone entering the space must be allowed to do business and have a fair shot at the market.

‘We cannot sit back and allow these thre
ats as a municipality. The EMPD must act swiftly and ensure that those behind this are locked up,’ Masuku said.

Masuku said precautionary measures will be taken to protect Khumalo and his family.

Source: South African Government News Agency