South Africa Vision

Minister of Health and Social Services Dr Kalumbi Shangula has expressed alarm at the impact of oral diseases worldwide , noting that it affects an approximate 3 . 5 billion people globally . In Namibia , Shangula noted that the challenges are significant , indicating that 37 . 8 per cent of children aged one to nine suffer from untreated caries in their deciduous teeth , while 32 . 1 per cent of individuals aged five and older have untreated caries in their permanent teeth . Moreover , severe periodontal disease affects 23 . 6 per cent of people aged 15 and older , while 11 . 2 per cent of adults are affected by edentulism , Shangula said in a speech delivered on his behalf at the launch of the 2024 National Oral Health Awareness Week at Walvis Bay on Tuesday . In response to these challenges , the minister highlighted initiatives implemented by the government . ‘ We have sent students to Cuba to study dentistry , and all 50 of them have returned to join our healthcare system . Furthermore , the University
of Namibia is actively training future dentists , contributing to the nation ‘ s healthcare workforce ,’ he stated . Shangula further added that the ministry has also made significant strides in expanding dental care across the country , adding that to date , 35 out of 36 health districts have stationed dentists , compared to just nine dental clinics at Independence in 1990 . Mobile dental clinics and school health initiatives are also helping to bring essential dental services to underserved areas . Erongo Governor Neville Andre Itope highlighted how dental services provision in the Erongo Region was previously reliant on outreach services from the Swakopmund and Walvis Bay District Hospitals . ‘ It is noteworthy to mention the strides the ministry made in order to strengthen dental services in the Erongo Region . Fulltime dental services were extended to the Omaruru and Usakos Districts since 2017 . Additionally , the communities of Uis , Okombahe , Karibib and Otjimbingwe have so far benefitted from the pr
esence of the dental truck with services such as scaling and polishing and tooth restorations , amongst other services .’ Themed : ‘ A Healthy Mouth is a Healthy Body ‘, the campaign aims to raise public awareness about the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene practices .

Source:The Namibia News Agency

WINDHOEK: Education curriculum development must align with current and future industry needs as employers increasingly prefer graduates who are ready – skilled , University of Namibia ( UNAM ) Professor Frednard Gideon has said . Speaking on behalf of UNAM Vice Chancellor , Professor Kenneth Matengu at the bi – annual education conference in Windhoek on Tuesday , Gideon said many jobs require higher levels of skill than in previous years , which higher education institutions are not providing . The three – day conference is being held by UNAM in collaboration with the Ministry of Education , Arts and Culture under the theme ‘ Higher education curriculum transformation in the context of skilled – based education .’ Gideon emphasised that the growing skills mismatch and shortages of the required skills and competencies have provided the impetus to transform the higher education curriculum in order to meet the needs of the ever changing , complex 21st century society . ‘ Higher education institutions should inte
nsify their contacts with the world of work through processes such as stakeholder consultations to identify the current skills and competences demanded by industries ,’ he noted . Gideon further indicated that traditional degree programmes often take too long to complete as by the time a student graduates , the acquired skills or competencies are no longer needed in the workplace . He said higher education curriculum transformation therefore needs to embrace a paradigm shift towards embracing micro – credentials , in addition to offering traditional degree programmes . At the same event , UNAM Vice Chancellor for Research , Innovation and Development , Professor Cristina Stefan said Namibia must produce citizens who are not only educated , but equipped with the skills , creativity and adaptability founded by research and innovation . She noted that research is the cornerstone of knowledge creation , therefore it is imperative for Namibia and Africa at large to invest in robust research ecosystems . ‘ To prepa
re citizens who are fit for the 21st century , our educational institutions must foster a culture of inquiry from an early age . This begins in our schools and extends to our universities , technical institutions and research centres ,’ she noted

Source:The Namibia News Agency

Compared to other provinces, Mpumalanga had the highest HIV prevalence at 17.4% in 2022, which translates to an estimated 890 000 people, living with HIV (PLHIV) in the province.

The key findings of the Sixth South African HIV Prevalence, Incidence, and Behaviour Survey (SABSSM VI) for Mpumalanga were released by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) on Tuesday.

According to the overall principal investigator of the study, the HSRC’s Professor Khangelani Zuma, the survey showed that, in 2022, HIV prevalence in the province was 7.8% among youth aged 15 to 24 overall, and 1.5-fold higher among males (9.8%) than females (6.3%) in this age group.

Among adults aged 25 to 49, HIV prevalence was 26.4% overall, and 1.6-fold higher among females (31.9%) than males (19.9%).

By locality, HIV prevalence was higher among those residing in rural formal or farms (21.1%) and rural informal areas (18.4%) and lower in urban areas (15.5%).

‘A concerning state is that HIV prevalence peaked at 40.8% among those 45 to 4
9 years in 2022 compared to 39% in 2017 among those 35 to 39 years, suggesting a possibility of continued new infections.

‘There was a notable downward shift in the epidemic curve in 2022 among respondents 15 to 44 years,’ Zuma noted.

The data presented are for three priority districts in Mpumalanga, namely Ehlanzeni, Gert Sibande and Nkangala districts.

In 2022, HIV prevalence among all ages was highest in Gert Sibande (20.5%) and Ehlanzeni (16%) and lowest in Nkangala (13.1%).

Antiretroviral treatment

Meanwhile, according to the data, antiretroviral treatment (ART) coverage in Mpumalanga increased to 81.8% in 2022, from 65.4% in 2017.

This translates to an estimated 630 000 people living with HIV in the province receiving ART in 2022.

In 2022, ART use among all people living with HIV in the province was 56.4% among adolescents and youth 15 to 24 years and 83.9% among those 25 to 49 years.

Among females, ART coverage was substantially lower among those aged 15 to 24 (58.6%) than those aged 25 to 49 (
85.2%).

ART coverage among males from 25 to 49 years was 81.6%, while it was 54.8% for male youth aged 15 to 24.

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.

Knowledge of HIV status

Zuma expressed concern that people living with HIV aged 25 to 49 accounted for most people living with HIV in Mpumalanga who were unaware of their HIV status (62.3%), aware but not on ART (63.5%), and on ART but not virally suppressed (63.4%).

However, adolescents and youth aged between 15 to 24 contributed disproportionally to gaps in treatment, accounting for just 9.4% of all people living with HIV.

In this age group, 16.9% knew their HIV status, 16.7% knew their HIV status but were not on ART, and 13.7% of those on ART were not on viral load suppression (VLS).

People residi
ng in urban areas accounted for the most people living with HIV overall.

Key drivers

Regarding the key drivers of the HIV pandemic, Zuma noted that Mpumalanga had the lowest prevalence of sexual debut among provinces.

The proportion of adolescents and youth aged 15 who reported having sex before the age of 15 years decreased from 13.3% in 2017 to 5.4% in 2022.

However, sexual debut before the age of 15 among adolescents and youth aged between 15 and 24 in 2022 was higher among males (6.1%) than females (4.8%).

The survey revealed that in the province, 5.1% of people aged 15 and older reported having multiple sexual partners in 2022 compared to 7.9% in 2017.

The proportion of people aged 15 years and older who reported having multiple sexual partners was almost three-fold (7.4%) higher in males than among females (2.7%) and was higher among those aged between 15 and 24 (6.2%) compared to other age groups.

Regarding condom use, the survey revealed that 46.1% reported using a condom with the most recent s
exual partner in 2022 compared to 46.3% in 2017.

Condom use was substantially lower among those residing in rural formal or farm dwellings (26.0%) compared to those living in urban areas (50.1%).

Meanwhile, a higher proportion (32.4%) also reported that they never used a condom with their most recent sexual partner.

‘Only 11% reported that they used condoms almost every time … Nearly 50% of youth reported using a condom sometimes or never using a condom.’

Source: South African Government News Agency

Members of the public are being urged to take advantage of the opportunity to have their wills drafted for free during National Wills Week.

Civilians will be able to get a basic will drawn up free of charge during National Wills Week, which started on 16 September and will continue until 20 September 2024.

The week is organised annually by the Law Society of South Africa, and it provides an opportunity for all participating law firms to offer free basic will drafting services.

The attorneys participating in the initiative will not amend or redraft existing wills but will focus on drafting new basic wills for the public.

‘Among other things, making a will assists in ensuring that your assets are disposed of in accordance with your wishes after your death. If a person dies without leaving a valid will, their assets will be distributed according to the provisions of the Intestate Succession Act.

‘The provisions of the Intestate Succession Act are fair, however, if you die without leaving a will, your asset
s may not be left to the person of your choice. It can take a long time to have an executor appointed and there can be extra and unnecessary costs,’ government said.

For more information, members of the public can visit: https://www.lssa.org.za/our-initiatives/advocacy/national-wills-week/

Source: South African Government News Agency

The eThekwini Municipality’s Economic Development and Planning Committee has given the green light to reprioritise over R2 million to fund the refurbishment of chicken houses at the Cato Ridge AgriPark, near Hammarsdale.

The KwaZulu-Natal municipality bought the Cato Ridge Chicken Farm, as part of government’s efforts to fight the scourge of job losses and unemployment.

This forms part of the City’s Agribusiness Masterplan implementation, adopted by the Council in 2020.

The 10-year strategic plan seeks to unlock new investment in the agribusiness value-chain of no less than R1 billion.

In her presentation to the committee, Agri-Business Senior Manager for Business Development and Production, Nkululeko Hlongwane said an assessment indicated the need to improve the production capacity and efficiency of the existing chicken production houses.

She said this will ensure that each production unit can accommodate 25 000 broiler flock per cycle.

‘This improvement will facilitate the Cato Ridge AgriPark Incubat
or Farm to realise its commercial potential by yielding a minimum of 250 000 broiler chickens per cycle being produced in the farm. This translates to an estimated income of R102 million per annum that could be generated by the farm,’ Hlongwane said.

The Cato Ridge AgriPark Incubator broiler chicken production has unlocked commercial economic opportunities for local Agricultural Small, Medium and Micro-Enterprises (agriSMMEs) to participate in the commercial production of broiler chicken and the meat value chain.

There are seven businesses occupying Cato Ridge chicken houses which have created about 17 long-term jobs.

Economic Development and Planning Committee Chairperson, Thembo Ntuli, noted that the committee’s key objective is to facilitate inclusive economic development and job creation.

Refurbishment of Chatsworth ablution facilities

Meanwhile, the ablution refurbishment project has created 23 job opportunities for the community residing in the Bottlebrush Informal Settlement, Chatsworth.

As part
of expediting service delivery in the city, the municipality’s Area Based Management Unit, working with the Water and Sanitation Unit, have recently refurbished the ablutions which were experiencing blockages, resulting in overflowing in informal settlements.

The project included the rehabilitation of 500 collapsed and dilapidated toilets.

Proportional Representative Councillor, Buyisiwe Gumede commended the eThekwini Municipality officials for the project which she said will have a positive impact on residents’ lives.

‘We are pleased that the project has started. There are other pressing needs in the community, including the shortage of housing and water and electricity supply,’ Gumede said.

Ward 71 resident, Sphamandla Msomi, also commended the city for addressing the issue of ablution facilities in the area.

Source: South African Government News Agency

The National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) says it welcomes the judgment against its former CEO, Joyce Mogale, and her co-applicant, the estate of the late former Chief Financial Officer, Sikhumbuzo Zulu, who died before the court proceedings started.

This is after the Labour Court dismissed an unfair dismissal claim against the former officials and ordered Mogale to pay R22 million to the NHLS for losses it incurred because of her conduct.

‘The judgment is a victory for governance and recoups losses which the NHLS has suffered as a result of the conduct of its most senior employees,’ the NHLS said in a statement.

According to the entity, Judge Connie Prinsloo of the Labour Court found the pair’s dismissal to be fair.

‘She used these words to describe their conduct, ‘displayed severe negligence and incompetence … dismally failed to carry out explicit Board resolutions and … blatantly disregarded the limitations contained in the delegation of authority’.’

In her ruling delivered on Friday, 13 Septembe
r 2024, the Judge stated that the pair had breached the lawful, reasonable, and fair instructions of their employer.

She also mentioned that they failed to exercise due diligence and care, and referred to Mogale’s conduct as ‘astonishing’.

‘Judge Prinsloo further stated that Mogale was unable to acknowledge her role in creating her misery – she was constantly shifting the blame, even onto the media.’

According to the NHLS, the Board became aware of irregularities in 2017, and Mogale and Zulu were subsequently suspended and dismissed in 2019 after a disciplinary hearing.

The dismissal of Mogale and Zulu, affirmed by Judge Prinsloo, were based on three separate irregular commercial contracts at the NHLS.

These include the Afrirent vehicle leasing irregularity, in which the former CEO approved a contract for R72 million without a Board and way above the limit of her authority.

She increased the contract even further to R79 million without any due process.

‘She signed a Service Level Agreement with an unwa
rranted penalty clause which ballooned the cost even further. The Afrirent irregularities led to a judgement that Mogale must pay back R22 million to the NHLS,’ the entity explained.

In the Blue Future contract information technology (IT) equipment irregularity, the NHLS Board authorised a procurement of R25 million.

However, Mogale, without a competitive tender, summarily procured R83 million and mostly for goods that had nothing to do with the tender.

In the DV8 wide area network irregularity, the NHLS stated that a R63.5 million addendum was signed to the contract without going through the tendering process and without specifying the goods to be purchased, leaving room for potential malfeasance.

‘In sum, Judge Prinsloo found that Mogale’s conduct violated the Public Finance Management Act, the NHLS Supply Chain Management Policy and her contract of employment,’ the entity explained.

The Chairperson of the Board, Prof Eric Buch, said that at the time of their suspension, the NHLS debt to its suppliers
exceeded R800 million, which surpassed its cash balance.

Since then, Buch said, a diligent effort has steadily turned the NHLS around.

The organisation stated that it now has significant reserves, and its staff have received reasonable annual increases, while annual tariff increases have remained below 5%.

‘This judgement is salient as it provides further evidence of the probity and diligence of the Board and its efforts to hold those responsible to account, however long it takes,’ Buch added.

Meanwhile, Mogale, former Head of Supply Chain Management Graham Motsepe, Manager of Contracts and Tender Compliance Mthunzi Mthimkulu, Legal Manager Sibusiso Mthenjane and the owner of Blue Future Kapai Pierre Petersen are all on trial in the specialised commercial crimes court in Palm Ridge.

Petersen has already been found guilty of fraud in his tender submission to the NHLS and is awaiting sentencing.

Buch said he was still optimistic that those responsible will also be charged on the Afrirent and DV8 matters.

Source: South African Government News Agency