Day: September 6, 2024

Basic Education Minister, Siviwe Gwarube, has held meetings with various international partners to reinforce South Africa’s commitment to enhancing the education sector through global collaboration.

In a statement, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) said these discussions which were held at the departmental offices in Pretoria, emphasised the critical role of international partnerships in advancing the country’s educational objectives.

Minister Gwarube met with Andreas Schleicher, Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Director for Education and Skills, to discuss the Joint Work Programme (JWP) between South Africa and the OECD.

The JWP, aligned to South Africa’s National Development Plan (NDP), supports initiatives in early childhood education, career development and curriculum standards.

‘The meeting also covered South Africa’s participation in the 2024 Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS), which offers insights into teacher development and education trends.

Ad
ditionally, the OECD offered support for South Africa’s Education Working Group during its G20 Presidency in 2025,’ the department said.

In her meeting with UNICEF country representative, Christine Muhigana, Minister Gwarube discussed UNICEF’s collaboration with the DBE.

Key focus areas included Early Childhood Development (ECD), quality basic education and adolescent development.

‘UNICEF has played a significant role in supporting South Africa’s efforts to improve ECD, boosting educational outcomes and empowering adolescents, particularly girls, in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). The partnership also aims to strengthen teaching practices and promote skills for the Fourth Industrial Revolution,’ the department said.

Minister Gwarube also met with the European Union (EU) Ambassador, Sandra Kramer, to discuss partnerships with South Africa particularly in the field of education.

The EU has supported South Africa’s education sector through the General Budget Support (GBS) approach s
ince 2009, aligning funding with national priorities.

‘This partnership has notably improved literacy, numeracy and technology education, especially in Grades 7 to 9. The Minister expressed her gratitude for the EU’s 30 years of support whilst highlighting the importance of continued collaboration,’ the DBE said.

The Minister also met with Japanese Ambassador, Ushio Shigeru and JICA Chief Representative, Kaoru Okada, to discuss the long-standing partnership between the DBE and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

‘This collaboration, which commenced in 2012, focuses on improving Mathematics, Science and Technology (MST) education. The Minister sought an extension for JICA to finalise the National Mathematics Improvement Plan and acknowledged Japan’s assistance in rebuilding schools damaged by the 2021 floods in the KwaZulu-Natal Province,’ the DBE said.

The ongoing meetings have highlighted South Africa’s ongoing commitment to leveraging international partnerships to enhance its education sy
stem and address the needs of all learners in a rapidly changing world.

Source: South African Government News Agency

The tourism sector remains a key driver of South Africa’s economy, says Tourism Deputy Minister Maggie Sotyu.

Speaking at the recent Tourism Women’s Stakeholder Engagement, Sotyu said the Department of Tourism, through its programmes, gives expression to its mandate for inclusive economic growth and to grow the tourism sector.

‘It is in this context that government will continue to create a conducive environment for youth, women and people with disabilities in tourism to pursue tourism careers including entrepreneurship.

‘The world’s fastest growing employment sector, tourism continues to adapt to new trends and South Africa is building the sector to ensure its sustainability for future generations. To drive sustained and inclusive growth of [the] tourism sector, we need to boost the talent pool. A demand-led skill supply in the sector is therefore pivotal,’ she said.

Over the years, tourism has experienced continued growth and has undergone diversification to become one of the fastest growing economic s
ectors.

Programmes by the department include the Wine Service Training Programme, Chefs Training Programme, Professional Cookery, Food Safety Quality Assurers Programme, Food and Beverages Training, Tourism Monitors Programme and Tourist Guiding.

Deputy Minister Sotyu said the benefits of these programmes remain economic relief through stipends, placement in tourism establishments for exposure and experience and accreditation ranging from National Qualifications Framework (NQF) level 2 to NQF level 4.

‘We will continue working with social partners to identify essential and demand-led skills required in the tourism sector and build the requisite skills through our departmental funding.

‘The Tourism Incentive Market Access Support Programme offers partial financial support through contribution towards the cost of exhibition space, return airfare and hotel accommodation to qualifying small tourism enterprises to participate and exhibit at selected international tourism marketing platforms,’ Sotyu said.

Tour
ism Month

Tourism Month is celebrated annually in September and provides a heightened month-long focus on the importance of the sector to the South African economy.

It features themed activities that are aligned to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation’s (UNWTO) World Tourism Day celebrations.

This year’s World Tourism Day will be celebrated in the Northern Cape Province under the localised theme: ‘Tourism and Peace – 30 years of connecting People to Places and Cultures’.

The event will be a celebration of the nation’s diverse cultural and historical heritage that continues to foster peace in South Africa, making the country a preferred holiday destination.

This global observance day by The United Nations World Tourism Organisation aims to foster awareness of tourism’s social, cultural, political and economic value and the contribution that the sector can make towards reaching the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.

Tourism Sector Recovery Plan

Tourism Month encourages South Africans
to travel domestically to sustain jobs and support the recovery of tourism in line with the Tourism Sector Recovery Plan.

The department developed the plan with the tourism sector, and it contains a set of interventions to protect and rejuvenate supply, reignite demand and strengthen enabling capability to support the sector’s recovery.

‘Tourism is a significant pillar of our economy and presents us with the best chance of increasing social inclusion by making heritage and tourism work for social, spatial and economic growth. But tourism is so much more than generating revenue. It also generates goodwill. Tourism is about the people of South Africa – united in diversity,’ Sotyu said.

South Africa recently welcomed the latest inscription of the South African human rights and liberation struggle sites in the prestigious list of UNESCO’S World Heritage Sites.

READ | Cabinet commends addition of SA sites to UNESCO list

These heritage listings will add to the nation’s brand value and competitiveness of South
Africa as a sought-after tourist destination as well as greatly support the country’s heritage tourism sector.

Source: South African Government News Agency

The Road Traffic Management Corporation’s (RTMC) Anti-Corruption Unit (NTACU), together with the South African Police Service (SAPS) have arrested 11 traffic officers in Polokwane, for allegedly taking bribes from bus operators, taxi drivers and motorists travelling on the N1 highway between Polokwane and Musina.

RTMC spokesperson, Simon Zwane, said the suspects, arrested on Friday, were identified after a lengthy investigation.

Zwane said the officers have been under investigation since March 2022, as part of an undercover operation called ‘coconut’ which was targeting law enforcement officials involved in unethical and unlawful conduct which led to high crashes on the N1.

‘An investigation by the National Anti-Corruption Unit of the RTMC has so far revealed that Traffic officials operating along the N1 freeway and those inside towns and villages abandon their duties and drive to the N1 to carry out corrupt activities.

‘It is alleged that the officers stopped motorists and conducted inspections, but the
y would demand bribes instead of issuing a traffic fine when they found faults with the vehicles or driving licences,’ Zwane said.

Zwane added that an undercover operation to prevent, detect or investigate the commission of an offence was conducted after an entrapment permission was obtained from the Director of Public Prosecution.

The suspects are expected to appear in the Polokwane Magistrates Court to face charges relating to defeating the ends of justice, extortion, and solicitation of bribes from motorists, bus driver operators, Malaishas travelling from other provinces through Limpopo Province to Zimbabwe along N1 and alternative routes.

‘The arrest of more officials has not been ruled out at this stage as investigations are continuing,’ Zwane said.

Source: South African Government News Agency

The highly anticipated Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) Expo and Air Show, which takes place from 18-22 September 2024, is under no threat from the mpox outbreak, according to the event organisers.

Mpox has seen a resurgence in South Africa in 2024 after no reported cases in 2023.

As of 18 August 2024, South Africa has recorded 24 cases, including three fatalities.

The country has since logged 19 recoveries, and only two active cases are currently undergoing home isolation.

‘While the numbers are low, the re-emergence of mpox underscores the importance of continued vigilance,’ the statement read.

The Department of Health, in collaboration with international organisations such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), has taken robust measures to contain and manage the virus.

These measures include enhanced testing, isolation protocols, and community engagement efforts to educate the public and reduce stigma.

‘Currently, there is no
indication that the mpox virus will significantly impact or pose a direct threat to the upcoming AAD Expo.

‘The low number of active cases and the high recovery rate indicate that the situation is under control. We are closely monitoring developments to ensure the safety of all participants,’ said AAD Exhibition Director, Nakedi Phasha.

Organisers have since reassured expo visitors that there is no need to panic.

‘South African health authorities have effectively managed similar outbreaks in the past and continue to employ effective strategies, such as isolation, contact tracing, and appropriate medical treatment, to contain the virus. By following public health advice and maintaining awareness, the risk of a broader outbreak remains low.’

Meanwhile, the organisers said they are committed to ensuring a safe and successful event for everyone involved.

‘The AAD Expo 2024 will proceed with all necessary precautions in place, and we are confident that, with your cooperation, we can enjoy a productive and mem
orable experience.’

According to the Department of Health, mpox presents with a range of symptoms that can vary in severity.

The symptoms often appear within seven to 14 days after exposure but can take up to 21 days to manifest.

‘If you notice symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, swollen lymph nodes, and especially the characteristic rash associated with mpox, it is crucial to isolate yourself immediately and seek medical attention for a proper diagnosis. Early isolation and treatment are key to preventing the spread of the virus and ensuring your health and safety.’

The department has urged people who experience any of the mpox symptoms, with or without international travel history to present themselves to a health facility for clinical observation and confine themselves to one place until their test results are available.

Meanwhile, to address the mpox outbreak in Africa, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has set up a 25-member incident management
unit to support affected and at-risk countries.

Africa CDC has signed a partnership agreement with the European Commission’s Health Emergency

Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA) and Bavarian Nordic to provide over 215 000 doses of the MVA-BN vaccine.

Africa CDC will oversee the equitable distribution of these vaccines, prioritising local needs across the affected Member States.

Source: South African Government News Agency

Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC, Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has commended law enforcement agencies for the arrest of a 59-year-old suspect linked to the theft of copper worth over R20 million.

The stolen copper was recovered this week from a scrapyard on Martin Drive in Queensburgh, south-west of Durban.

Buthelezi said every year, criminal syndicates cause hundreds of millions of rands in damage to public infrastructure that provides essential services, including water, electricity and sanitation.

‘These criminals sell the stolen metals to unscrupulous scrapyard dealers, severely hampering municipalities’ ability to serve their communities. We are pleased to see that law enforcement is gaining the upper hand in the fight against these criminals who perpetuate economic sabotage through their actions,’ Buthelezi said.

Buthelezi emphasised the importance of community involvement in combating these crimes and urged the public to work closely with law enforcement by reporting any suspiciou
s activities.

‘The fight against crime is a collective effort. We need the eyes and ears of our communities to help us protect our public assets,’ he said.

Source: South African Government News Agency