Day: August 29, 2024

KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Thamsanqa Ntuli, says the provincial government is making significant strides towards advancing the lives of women and putting them at the forefront of the economic mainstream.

This follows an announcement the Premier made during his State of the Province Address that within the first 100 days in office, he would unveil the KwaZulu-Natal Women Advancement Fund (KZNWAF).

The KZNWAF is a pioneering initiative designed to empower and support women entrepreneurs in the province by addressing the unique challenges they face in business.

The Premier is expected to launch the fund on Friday.

‘This launch will provide a platform to connect visionary women entrepreneurs with corporate and government leaders, promoting long-term investments, collaboration, and innovation,’ said the Premier.

Meanwhile, a lack of funding, limited support, gender bias, and access to markets which result in exclusion from the mainstream economy are among the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs.

Ntuli said
the fund will provide women with financial resources, mentorship, and business development services.

‘We are excited to be launching this fund which is led by the Office of the Premier and is a result of engagements with the private sector and leading women, who saw a need to empower and develop other women.

‘We appreciate the partnership between government and the private sector. This partnership will support our vision of ensuring that women do not remain disenfranchised, but they become active participants in our economy,’ Ntuli said.

At Friday’s launch, the Premier will present the private sector partners who collaborated with government to support women entrepreneurs.

The KZNWAF launch will be held at Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban, under the theme ‘Igniting Her Future: A Catalyst for Economic Empowerment.”

‘Various women entrepreneurs will speak about their business journeys through a panel discussion. About 15 women-owned businesses chosen from across the province
will exhibit their products,’ Ntuli said.

Source: South African Government News Agency

In an address to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on Wednesday, Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa, shared his vision for a robust and resilient local government system.

The Minister participated in the Three Sphere Planning session with the theme: ‘Towards an Oversight Agenda for the Seventh Parliament: Delineating Key Oversight Priorities for the NCOP in the Seventh Parliament’.

The session forms part of the NCOP’s objective to promote cooperative governance and intergovernmental relations and ensure that the three spheres of government work together when they fulfil their constitutional functions.

The Minister emphasised local government’s key role in delivering services and as a foundation for democratic governance, social development, and community empowerment.

Highlighting the importance of Sections 152, 153, and 154 of the Constitution, Hlabisa reiterated that municipalities must focus on meeting community needs, promoting economic and
social development, and actively engage in national and provincial initiatives.

‘He stressed that national and provincial governments have a duty to support municipalities to ensure effective governance and sustainable development,’ said the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs in a statement.

Hlabisa also noted the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) and the National House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders.

This partnership aims to strengthen collaboration between traditional leaders and municipal councils, enhancing governance in rural areas.

‘This MoU marks a significant step towards better communication and mutual respect between municipal councillors and traditional and Khoi-San leaders,’ the Minister said.

He also presented the State of Local Government Report 2023, noting progress in reducing the number of distressed municipalities and increasing those classified as stable.

However, he acknowledged that
challenges remain, particularly in financial management and infrastructure.

Municipal infrastructure

Turning to municipal infrastructure, Hlabisa acknowledged ongoing challenges and highlighted the support provided by the Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (MISA).

Despite the long road network and improvements in electricity access, issues such as deteriorating water and sanitation infrastructure and inadequate waste management persist.

‘Support through MISA and increased funding are crucial, but we must also address the underlying issues impacting infrastructure performance.

‘Our focus will be [on] improving infrastructure conditions, particularly in distressed municipalities, and integrating climate change adaptation into planning.’

Hlabisa concluded with a call for continued collaboration and commitment to overcoming challenges.

‘Together, we will build a local government system that is resilient, responsive, and capable of meeting the needs of all South Africans,’ he said.

Source: South Afric
an Government News Agency

A groundbreaking initiative, BEAT-Tuberculosis, has become the world’s first programme in the battle against drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) for all population groups, influencing the international TB treatment policy of the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The principal investigator leading this study, Dr Francesca Conradie, explained that the study’s success in demonstrating the safety and effectiveness of the new short oral regimen in these key populations marks a pivotal step toward a more comprehensive and equitable healthcare strategy for TB.

‘The BEAT-Tuberculosis study represents a groundbreaking approach in the fight against tuberculosis, particularly with its inclusive research methodology.

‘By incorporating pregnant women and children into the clinical trials, the study has expanded the understanding of TB treatment’s efficacy and safety across broader demographics,’ said Conradie.

The primary aim was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a novel shortened treatment regimen for DR-TB
compared with the established standard of care.

The standard treatment consisted of a regimen of seven drugs administered over a minimum of nine months, in comparison to a regimen of four to five medications, which included newer agents like bedaquiline and delamanid, and was administered over only six months.

The BEAT-Tuberculosis clinical study was conducted at the Clinical HIV Research Unit (CHRU) Isango Lethemba TB Research Unit in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal over the past six years.

The study began in 2019 and despite the formidable challenges posed by COVID-19, over 400 participants were enrolled across study sites in both provinces.

The study’s other objective was to build research capacity for DR-TB in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, through community engagement and training healthcare personnel in clinical research methodologies for TB treatment.

‘This collaborative effort received crucial support from the National and Provincial Departments of Health that provided essential medicatio
n and laboratory infrastructure for safety and efficacy assessments,’ said Conradie.

The local research study was made possible by the collaboration of the National Department of Health, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and executed by the University of the Witwatersrand.

The results from the study have influenced the WHO policy on the treatment of TB, and at the same time put the Global South centre stage for driving improved treatment for all.

National Department of Health’s Chief Director of TB Control and Management, Professor Norbert Ndjeka, said that in 2022, an estimated 280 000 people developed TB in South Africa, while 54 000 died from the disease.

TB remains a threat to global public health and the second leading cause of death in South Africa.

‘With this concerning observation in mind, we acknowledge the BEAT Tuberculosis project as an exemplary and concerted effort to advance TB treatment and research capabilities, poised to bring about transformative c
hanges in RR-TB management worldwide.

‘While the study was originally intended to inform local treatment guidelines, the results are now set to benefit patients everywhere.’

USAID Southern Africa Mission Director, Leslie Marbury, believes that the National Department of Health and his organisation have improved TB patient care worldwide.

Marbury said the organisation celebrates the 400 participants who made this trial possible and brought the world closer to ending TB.

‘We also thank all BEAT Tuberculosis stakeholders, including the National Department of Health, the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal Health Departments, and local medical facilities, for their dedication and commitment to this globally recognised study,’ she added.

TB symptoms

The most common symptoms of TB are a cough that lasts more than two weeks, weight loss, drenching night sweats and a fever.

Anyone with these symptoms is urged to go to their local clinic.

‘You will be asked to produce sputum or phlegm which will be tested for TB. I
f the test is positive, the correct treatment will be started.’

Source: South African Government News Agency

Compared to other provinces, Gauteng had the third-lowest HIV prevalence at 11.9% in 2022 which is slightly lower than the 12.1% reported in 2017.

This translates to an estimated 1 720 000 people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Gauteng in 2022, representing an insignificant 0.2% decline from the 1 780 000 reported in 2017.

This is according to the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), which released the key findings of the Sixth South African HIV Prevalence, Incidence, and Behaviour Survey (SABSSM VI) for Gauteng on Thursday.

The findings also showed that, in 2022, HIV prevalence in the province was disproportionately higher among those aged 25 to 49 (20.0%), for females (24.9%) and males (14.1%).

HIV prevalence was also higher among those residing in rural formal or farm areas (12.7%).

According to the overall principal investigator of the study, the HSRC’s Professor Khangelani Zuma, the HIV prevalence peaked at 32.2% among those who are 50 to 54 years old in 2022.

In 2017, the prevalence peak was in a
younger age group, at 31.9% among those aged 35 to 39.

‘There was a decrease in HIV prevalence in 2022 among all age groups younger than 40 years compared to 2017. It is, however, concerning that even though the epidemic is ageing, there seems to be a possibility of new infections still happening in the older age groups,’ Zuma noted.

The data presented are for five priority districts of Gauteng, namely the City of Tshwane, the City of Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni, Sedibeng and West Rand.

Among the five districts, the highest HIV prevalence was found in Sedibeng (13.2%).

The SABSSM VI survey, conducted between 2022 and 2023, aimed to maintain surveillance of HIV infection and behaviours in South Africa, evaluate the progress of the South African national HIV and AIDS, STI and TB Strategic Plan, and monitor HIV indicators for national and international reporting.

The survey’s key objectives included estimating HIV prevalence and incidence, viral load suppression, and exposure to HIV-related services among adul
ts and children.

Antiretroviral treatment

The data also shows that Gauteng’s antiretroviral treatment (ART) coverage increased to 73.4% in 2022 from 56% in 2017.

The ART coverage translates to an estimated 1 210 000 PLHIV in the province receiving treatment in 2022.

ART use among all PLHIV in the province was lowest among those aged 15 to 49 (72.4%) compared to other age groups.

‘ART use in Gauteng was consistently lower among males compared to females in all the age groups, however, it was lowest in the West Rand (73.4%) and Ekurhuleni (73.6%) districts.’

Knowledge of HIV status

Zuma expressed concern that PLHIV aged between 25 and 49, which accounts for most PLHIV in Gauteng who are unaware of their HIV status (61.8%), are aware of their HIV status but not on ART (64.6%), and ART but not virally suppressed (64.6%).

He also noted that adolescents and youth aged from 15 to 24 contribute disproportionally to gaps in treatment, accounting for just 6.8% of all PLHIV.

However, 20% of those unaware of the
ir HIV status, 13.4% of those aware of their HIV status but not on ART, and 12.1% of those on ART but not virally suppressed.

According to the study, females aged 15 to 24 account for the minority of all females living with HIV (6.4%), but a relatively larger proportion of those who do not know their status (15.2%), not on ART (13.4%), and ART but not virally suppressed (12.1%).

Males aged 15 to 24 years account for just 7.8% of all males living with HIV, but 27.3% of those unaware of their HIV status, 19.4% of those who are aware but not on ART, and 18.9% of those who are on ART but not virally suppressed.

The survey further revealed that, among all districts, Ekurhuleni accounts for just 30.6% of all PLHIV, but 47.4% of all PLHIV do not know their status.

Sexual debut

Regarding the key drivers of the HIV pandemic, Zuma noted that there was a change in the proportion of Gauteng adolescents and youth aged 15 to 24 who reported having sex before the age of 15 in 2017 (14.8%) compared to 2022 (13.2%).

In
2022, the percentage of adolescents and youth aged 15 to 24 who had their sexual debut before the age of 15 was higher among males (17.8%) than females (7.9%).

The prevalence was lowest in Ekurhuleni (9.5%) and highest in West Rand (18.1%), followed by the City of Johannesburg (14.1%).

Multiple sexual partners

The survey revealed that in Gauteng, 7.8% of people 15 years and older reported having multiple sexual partners in 2022 compared to 12.8% in 2017.

The proportion of people aged 15 years and older who reported having multiple sexual partners was four-fold higher among males (12.3%) compared to females (3.1%), and two-fold higher among those aged 15 to 24 (17.1%) compared to those aged 15 to 49 (8.6%).

The proportion who reported having multiple sexual partners was highest in the City of Tshwane (13.7%) and lowest in West Rand (2.9%).

Condom use

Regarding condom use, the survey found that, in Gauteng, 30.3% reported using a condom with the most recent sexual partner in 2022 compared to 36.3% in 201
7, representing a decline of six percentage points.

Condom use with the most recent sexual partner among people 15 years and older was lower among those aged between 25 and 49 years (29.6%) compared to other age groups, females compared to males (27.6% versus 32.9%), and those residing in rural formal, or farm areas (18.9%) compared to other localities.

Condom use with the most recent sexual partner among people aged 15 years and older ranged from 24.7% in the City of Tshwane to 37.9% in West Rand.

In Gauteng, a higher proportion (53.8%) also reported that they never used a condom with their most recent sexual partner. Only 4.7% reported that they used a condom almost every time.

Consistent condom use with the most recent sexual partner among people 15 years in the province was higher among adolescents and youth aged 15 to 24 (32.1%) compared to those aged 25 to 49 (19.3%).

However, over 70% of those aged 25 to 49 years reported only using a condom sometimes or never.

Consistent condom use with the most
recent sexual partner among people aged 15 and older was highest in Sedibeng (23.4%) and lowest in the City of Tshwane (17%).

‘We also recommend enhancing prevention efforts targeted at groups that are disproportionately affected by the drivers of HIV infection, such as women and young people,’ concluded Professor Zuma.

Source: South African Government News Agency

KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Thamsanqa Ntuli, has commended the team in the Office of the Premier – for its dedication and diligence in obtaining clean audit outcomes for the 2023/24 financial year.

The Auditor-General has awarded the Office of the Premier a clean audit for the 2023/2024 audit cycle, marking a significant achievement in governance and financial management.

‘This accomplishment, confirmed by the Auditor-General’s report, highlights the office’s adherence to sound financial practices and unwavering commitment to transparency,’ Ntuli said.

The 2023/24 audit outcome is particularly noteworthy as it comes with a clean audit opinion, which includes no unauthorised expenditure, no irregular expenditure, no fruitless and wasteful expenditure, no material irregularities, and no emphasis of matter.

Ntuli said the audit outcome, achieved for the second consecutive year, following the clean audit in 2022/23, underscores the consistent and disciplined approach to financial management within the Office of t
he Premier.

“This clean audit is a testament to our unwavering commitment to good governance, accountability, and the responsible management of public resources. The audit result reflects the province’s ongoing efforts to ensure that all departments operate with the highest levels of integrity and efficiency.

‘The audit covered all aspects of the office’s financial management, including procurement processes, expenditure control, and compliance with relevant laws and regulations. The Auditor-General’s findings confirmed that the Office of the Premier had not only complied with all statutory requirements but also demonstrated prudent financial planning and execution,’ Ntuli said.

The Premier added that the clean audit was particularly significant as it underscored his commitment to building a government that is transparent, accountable, and focused on delivering services efficiently to the people of KwaZulu-Natal.

It also sets a benchmark for other provincial departments and entities, reinforcing the impor
tance of financial discipline and accountability in the public sector.

‘The Office of the Premier continues to prioritise good governance as a cornerstone of its operations. This achievement is expected to enhance public confidence in the administration and inspire further efforts to improve service delivery across the province,’ Ntuli said.

Director-General at KZN Office of the Premier, Dr Nonhlanhla Mkhize, who has been at the forefront of implementing robust financial controls within the office, attributed the success to the strong leadership and the dedicated efforts of the finance and management teams.

“Achieving a clean audit requires a collaborative effort, and I am incredibly proud of the team for maintaining the highest standards of financial management. This clean audit assures the public that we are using their resources effectively and for the intended purposes,” Mkhize said.

Source: South African Government News Agency

President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to attend and deliver the keynote address at the signing of the Cooperation Agreement to Combat Crime to be held in Cape Town on Friday.

The signing is expected to be led by Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, Western Cape Premier Alan Winde and City of Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis.

‘The cooperation agreement aims to enhance collaboration and coordination among all stakeholders in the region to address safety and security concerns effectively. It will also focus on community-driven initiatives, the integration of resources, and the development of innovative strategies to combat crime and promote public safety.

‘This is also in line with the Constitutional mandate of the South African Police Service, which is to prevent, combat, and investigate crime and to protect the inhabitants of the Republic of South Africa,’ the Presidency said in a statement.

The signing of the cooperation comes after engagements with community this week.

‘This significant event follows a stak
eholder engagement held on the 27th of August 2024, which saw a robust and productive dialogue with representatives from Community Policing Forums (CPF), spiritual organisations, and the business community,’ the Presidency said.

Source: South African Government News Agency