Month: June 2024

The public is advised that numerous road closures will be in effect around the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) ahead of the first sittings of the two Houses of Parliament.

Parliament is gearing up to host the first sittings of the two Houses of Parliament scheduled for Friday and Saturday at the CTICC.

Friday’s proceedings will see Members of Parliament (MPs) electing a President who will form the seventh administration to govern the country.

The City of Cape Town’s Traffic Service advises motorists to plan their routes accordingly and to avoid the foreshore where possible.

The following road closures will take effect:

Two left lanes on Walter Sisulu Avenue at Lower Long Street, towards Heerengracht Street. Only the right lane will be open to traffic. However, on Friday and Saturday, this lane could be closed as needed.

Lower Long Street is closed from FW De Klerk Boulevard towards Walter Sisulu Avenue.

FW De Klerk Boulevard is closed at Heerengracht Street, with local access only.

The left lane along Heerengracht Street between the Walter Sisulu Avenue traffic circle and FW De Klerk Boulevard.

The right lane at the MyCiti depot along FW De Klerk Boulevard.

The left lane on the elevated freeway next to the Convention Centre will be closed from 9 am this morning.

The closures will be in place until the events at the CTICC have concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: South African Government News Agency

Mr Li Xuda, Director of Chinese cultural centre in Nigeria on Thursday called on Africa to use photo exhibitions to project the continent’s image positively to attract tourists and potential investors.

Li made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on the sidelines of a photo exhibition titled, ‘A Renewed Glimpse into Africa: Exhibition of Chinese Artist Works Inspired by Their Trip to Africa’.

According to Li, photography engages storytelling through interactive displays that captivate visitors and inspire them to explore the beauty and richness of a country.

He added that evolving the stories told in and about African culture by distributing accurate and empowering stories is key to reshaping Africa’s narrative and attracting tourists to the region.

‘We believe that exhibitions are valuable in showcasing the diverse cultures, landscapes, and people of Africa in a positive light.

‘Through these photos, we can see the beauty, resilience, and vibrancy of African communiti
es shedding light on their unique traditions, customs, and way of life.

‘Africa is a land of culture with splendid civilisation and abundant natural resources.

‘We also believe that this exhibition will strengthen ties between China and Africa and pave the way for increased tourism and economic opportunities,’ he said.

NAN reports that the photographs were taken by Duan Tiejun, Chairman of Tianjin Culture, Tourism, and Photographers’ Association, among others who visited Senegal, Tanzania, Nigeria, Mauritius, and many other African countries.

NAN also reports that about 70 students from various schools were in attendance for the photo exhibition. (NAN)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister, David Mahlobo, has challenged the youth to help find solutions to the global water woes.

Mahlobo made the call during the Wetskills Challenge Awards Ceremony held at Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in eThekwini on Wednesday.

The Deputy Minister officiated the Wetskills Challenge, a two-week programme for students and young professionals with a passion for water from all over the globe to work in transdisciplinary and transcultural teams on challenging water cases.

The participants’ challenge is to find innovative solutions for the water challenges facing the world.

Several teams competed for the number one spot and came up with solutions to various topics, including water security within the green hydrogen industry; developing a business model for non-governmental organisations, and innovative sanitation solutions in schools.

Speaking at the event, Mahlobo reminded the youth that science must be used for humanity, and that they will help to fin
d solutions to the global water woes.

Mahlobo said he trusts that with the calibre of young men and women who participated in the challenge, the future of the water sector is in good hands.

‘Your trade is about humanity and humanity is to improve conditions. We all have shared aspirations and dreams.

‘We all want to live in peace and harmony, with development. At this point, we are carrying a treasure and inheritance for the next generations, as we inherited from our forebearers,’ Mahlobo said.

He called on government to create opportunities for the ideas presented to be realised, and to foster talent and innovation.

‘What we need to do is to support you in implementing the strategies you have come up with, and create pace for your development and an opportunity to pilot these ideas. As government, we need to say, ‘now that the seed has been planted, how do we water and nurture it?’,’ Mahlobo said.

The Deputy Minister congratulated the winners who came up with solutions to the pit latrine problem in rur
al areas in South Africa.

Emerald Reddy, Rafael Tembe, Shongile Chauke and Tasmiyah Ismail presented a study that investigates integrating the innovative Larvae’d toilet system with the existing WASH solution in South Africa’s rural schools.

The proposed solution aims to resolve these facilities with sustainable and hygienic sanitation solutions.

The team said the innovation will leverage community involvement and the use of recycled materials.

The initiative also ensures students health and safety, and explores business for those who will be supplying for the schools. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: South African Government News Agency

Troops of the Nigerian Army on Thursday neutralised six terrorists, recovering a substantial cache of arms in a counter-terrorism operation at Birnin Gwari in Kaduna State.

A statement by the army posted on its official X Handle said the operation targeted identified terrorists hideouts in the Birnin Gwari general area.

‘It is part of a special clearance mission aimed at restoring peace and security in the state.

‘The troops conducted thorough clearance across Maidaro, Ngade Alha, Dogon Dawa, Damari, Saulawa, Farin Ruwa, Maganda, Sabon Layi, and Kampanin Doka villages.

‘The troops made initial contact with the terrorists in Saulawa, where two terrorists were immediately neutralised with recovery of a Baofeng Radio and a motorbike.

‘The mission continued with further combat engagements in Farin Ruwa, where the troops neutralised additional four terrorists.

‘The gallant troops also recovered a General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), two AK-47 rifles, six AK-47 magazines, one FN rifle magazine, 22 rounds of 7
.62mm (NATO) ammunition, 51 rounds of 7.62mm (special) ammunition and another motorbike.

‘The successful clearance operation underscores the army’s commitment to eradicating terrorism and ensuring safety and security of citizens in Kaduna State and other troubled spots,’ it said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

History has been made in Limpopo where Health MEC, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, has been elected as the new Premier – the first woman to hold the position in the province.

Ramathuba was elected during a sitting of the seventh Limpopo Legislature in Lebowakgomo on Friday.

She takes over the reins from outgoing Premier, Chupu Stanley Mathabatha, who held the post during the fifth and sixth administration terms.

The Speaker and Deputy Speaker are also women. Makoma Makhurupetje was elected unopposed as the new Speaker of the Limpopo Legislature, and Tebogo Mamorobela was elected as the Deputy Speaker.

In her acceptance speech, Ramathuba said she was humbled and grateful to accept the responsibility entrusted to her as the Premier of ‘this great province’.

The newly appointed Premier committed the new administration to inclusivity and access to quality basic services.

‘I am deeply honoured for the opportunity to lead Limpopo towards a future of progress, prosperity and unity. I am recommitting the new administrati
on to inclusivity, [and] access to qualify basic services,’ Ramathuba said.

She also called on the Executives to carry out their duties with diligence.

‘I call upon the members of this Legislature to uphold their oversight role with diligence and dedication, ensuring that the administration of Limpopo serves the best interests of all its citizens,’ the new Premier said.

She acknowledged the exemplary leadership of the outgoing Premier, saying his stewardship has steered Limpopo through the challenges of the past two administrations.

Ramathuba’s election came as a number of provinces held their first sittings of their respective Legislatures on Friday.

In Mpumalanga, Mandla Ndlovu was elected as the new Premier, taking over from Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane who took office in 2018.

In his acceptance speech, Ndlovu said he was grateful for the opportunity given to him.

‘I am committed to upholding and building upon the legacy that the previous premiers have left for us. We are continuing with the journey whic
h was started by Premier Matthews Phosa up until Premier Refilwe. Premier, you have done your part,’ Ndlovu said.

Oscar Mabuyane was re-elected as Premier of the Eastern Cape for a second term and MaQueen Joyce Letsoha-Mathae was elected Premier for Free State.

Meanwhile, Alan Winde was re-elected as the Western Cape Premier during a sitting of the Western Cape Parliament on Thursday. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: South African Government News Agency

Chief Justice Raymond Zondo has urged newly sworn-in Members of Parliament to reflect on past mistakes and commit to improving democracy in South Africa.

The Chief Justice on Friday presided over the swearing in of hundreds of Members of Parliament (MPs) at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) during the first sitting of the National Assembly of the seventh Parliament.

Zondo described the first sitting of Parliament after the General Elections last month as an important milestone for South Africans.

‘We get an opportunity to look back on the road we have travelled and see where we have made mistakes, and see where we have done well and make sure that in the fourth decade of our democracy, we will not repeat those mistakes,’ he told the House.

Zondo took the time to congratulate the MPs who were sworn in and reminded them of the position they occupy in the National Assembly.

‘They make laws for our country and in that way, shape the future of our democracy. Therefore, as you take the oat
h or make the affirmation that you will make today, you will recall the responsibility that the people of South Africa have placed on your shoulders and the honour that you have been given, and the privilege to be part of this very important body in our country.’

The Chief Justice stressed the importance of the oath taken by MPs, which enjoins them to be faithful to the Republic of South Africa, and to obey, respect and uphold the Constitution and all other laws of the Republic.

Zondo reminded MPs that the oath or affirmation is “binding… on their conscience”.

The election of the Speaker of the National Assembly is now underway after two nominations were put forward for this position. After this process is concluded, the elected Speaker will preside over the election of the Deputy Speaker.

Today, MPs will also elect a President to form the seventh administration for the nation, and a government of national unity after the ruling party did not secure an absolute majority. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: South
African Government News Agency