Nov 2018 1st Edition

Nov 2018 1st Edition vuyelwan

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"Slangman" and his slithering sidekicks

"Slangman" and his slithering sidekicks Londekile
Written by Galoome Shopane
Snakes are among the most feared and misunderstood of all animals, but a Mpumalanga-born man is determined to change the myth that ‘the only good snake is a dead snake’.

With a pet boa constrictor called Cecilia, it is little wonder Harry Baloyi (34) has earned the nickname “Slangman”.

Baloyi is committed to changing perceptions about snakes and his job at the Bloemfontein Zoo gives him the perfect platform to do so.

Baloyi was introduced to reptiles by his grandfather who bred snakes and crocodiles.Herpetologist Harry Baloyi with his pet Cecilia.

“My family is part of a community that lives near the Kruger National Park and I became a student guider at around 13 years old.”

Baloyi has been bitten many times but says only three were significant because the other bites came from “baby snakes who didn’t know what they were doing”.

“I have been bitten by a cobra a puff adder and an African rock python but I’m still here and my love for snakes hasn’t changed,” he explained.

As the temperatures rise, snakes become more active. Baloyi advises that if you are bitten by a snake, you should seek medical help as quickly as possible. He strongly advises against using a tourniquet (a tight, restricting bandage or piece of cloth) to prevent blood flow because the resulting concentration of poison may lead to an amputation.

According to Baloyi, Math, Science And Biology are compulsory subjects if you want to become a herpetologist like him.

A herpetologist specialises in the study of amphibians which include reptiles.

Working with reptiles has taught Baloyi the importance of treating animals in a humane and respectful way.

Among his many achievements, Baloyi was named the Best Reptile Keeper in 2008 by the National Zoo and he was the one who found the black mamba that was lost at Pretoria Zoo in 2013.

Baloyi’s future plans include running an institution that preserves and breeds reptiles while teaching members of the public more about these interesting but often feared creatures.

He said that his love of snakes can be compared to his love for his children and he is certain that creating awareness about them is his God-given purpose.

“People don’t realise that animals are beings created by God, hence they treat them with cruelty.  Snakes are not evil.  They are part of the ecosystem; if they weren’t there, the ecosystem would be incomplete.  Mice would run havoc and as human beings, we would get very sick because both humans and rats are mammals and we can pass diseases easily between each other.  So in essence, snakes help keep us safe,” he said.

General

A ray of hope for Khayelitsha girls

A ray of hope for Khayelitsha girls tsoana
Written by Allison Cooper

Khayelitsha’s first low-fee private school for girls Molo Mhlaba believes that people living in poor communities deserve safe, affordable and quality education.

Molo Mhlaba is steadily closing the gap by offering quality education that can set girls up for life.Plagued by escalating crime, poverty and inequality, it was tough to find good education for girls in a safe environment in the Khayelitsha township. This is no longer the case as Molo Mhlaba is steadily closing the gap by offering quality education that can set girls up for life.

Headed up by Dr Rethabile Sonibare, Molo Mhlaba – which means 'hello' world in English - opened its doors with a mere handful of learners aged between three and six in January 2018. A short ten months later, it has 38 foundation phase learners in its charge.

Inspired by the Montessori approach and a fun, playful and creative environment, the school provides quality science, technology, engineering, art and design and maths (STEAM) education, through innovative teaching and learning strategies, by teachers from the community. It is a dual English and Xhosa medium school.

“As a STEAM school, we offer subjects such as robotics and coding to three and four year olds,” Dr Sonibare confirmed.

In an area where sexual abuse is one of the biggest social ills, Molo Mhlaba provides a safe haven and enables young girls to be themselves without having to fit into specific gender norms.

“Our classrooms are named after women from the continent to celebrate their legacy, which is often not told.

“Women are hidden figures in our history. They are citizens but are never considered as such. We are always considered second-class citizens, but we are full citizens and we want this school to provide a space for women to actively take part in citizenship,” Dr Sonibare said.

The school has already had a massive impact in the community and parents have to spend a certain number of hours a year actively assisting the school and supporting their children.

Molo Mhlaba is the brainchild of Sonibare, her colleague Athambile Masola and board members of a non-profit organisation that the two women established called the Thope Foundation.

“The idea grew from an after-school programme we devised and ran for Khayelitsha girls, focusing on science and technology. But we soon realised that not all of them had access to quality education,” said Sonibare.

“That’s when we started talking about a school that offers not only quality education, but that encourages girls to be passionate about freedom and independence as well,” she added.

Although the school is private, its school fees are minimal. Molo Mhlaba has received some grant money and is hoping to qualify for education subsidies in 2019. It also conducts its own fundraising campaigns.

Looking ahead, the school has applied to the Department of Education to offer classes up to Grade 7. “We also aim to open ten Molo Mhlaba schools in the next ten years,” Dr Sonibare confirmed. 

 

Education

A young person’s guide to NYDA funding

A young person’s guide to NYDA funding Londekile
Written by More Matshediso
The youth organisation plays a leading role in developing youth in business.

With the youth unemployment rate reaching 27.2 percent in the second quarter of 2018, many young South Africans are venturing into the world of entrepreneurship with the assistance of the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA).

The NYDA was established to address the challenges faced by the nation’s youth. Previously, the organisation provided loans to young entreprenuers but changed in recent years to provide micro-finance grants for survivalist youth entrepreneurs. They also provide co-operative grants.

The objective of the grant programme is to provide entrepreneurs an opportunity to access both the financial and non-financial business development support to establish their survivalist businesses.

How much grant can I receive from the NYDA?

The grant finance starts from R1 000 to a maximum of R200 000 for any individual or youth co-operative, but for agriculture and technology-related projects, the maximum amount is R250 000.

Young people whose business ideas qualify for the Grant Programme, depending on their individual needs, will also receive some of the NYDA’s non-financial support services that include:

  • Mentorship
  • Business Consultancy Services
  • Market Linkages
  • Business Management Training Programme
  • Youth Co-operative Development Programme

What are the criteria for application?  

In order to meet the criteria, applicants must be between the 18 and 35 years old. They must also have skills, experience or  potential skills, appropriate for the enterprise that they conduct or intend to conduct.

Most importantly, applicants must be South African citizens who live in the country and operate a business within the borders of country. Applicants must also be involved in the day-to-day operation and management of the business with at least one or more of the members being a fulltime employee of the business, especially the main applicant.

For more information on services offered by the NYDA call 0800 52 52 52

General

Africa’s first draughts world champion

Africa’s first draughts world champion Londekile
Written by Jauhara Khan

Lubabalo Kondlo has done South Africa and the continent proud by becoming the World Draughts Champion.

Kondlo recently beat Italian draughts Grandmaster Michele Borghetti 5 - 0 to take the title in Mississippi, in the United States (US). His win makes him the first African to win the world championship. Africa’s first World Draughts Champion Lubabalo Kondlo is sharing his passion for the game with South Africans.

“The final score was 5-0 with 15 drawn games. I was so happy because I am the first and only grandmaster and world champion on the African continent,” said Kondlo of his win.

Born in New Brighton, Kondlo began playing draughts at the age of seven he later joined the Vulindlela Draughts Club. The road to the title has not been an easy one for the Port Elizabeth resident.

In 1997, Kondlo moved to Johannesburg to look for work.

“I went there because everyone goes there for opportunities, but I also knew that if I wanted to play overseas I had to be in Johannesburg,” he said.

Kondlo went on to join Mind Sports SA, an affiliate of the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee and began playing in provincial tournaments in Gauteng. His talent for the game led him to win the Gauteng Draughts Championship every year from 1997 to 2003.

He began playing internationally in 2001, playing in his first International Draughts Test against world number two Hugh Develin from Ireland.

“I beat him and I was so excited because even though he was number two in the world, we are very good at draughts here in South Africa,” Kondlo said.

In 2007, Kondlo became the first and only draughts Grandmaster in South Africa and on the African continent after winning the World Qualifier in Las Vegas (US).

Kondlo has represented South Africa in international tournaments that have taken him to the USA, Europe and China.

Kondlo has also worked hard over the past few decades to make sure that the game of draughts receives recognition in South Africa as an official sport.

He is a coach at the same club he first began playing draughts in New Brighton, teaching his award-winning strategies and tactics to young people. Kondlo believes that draughts trumps chess in stimulating the mind.

 

 

General

Ambition drives people with special needs to get behind the wheel

Ambition drives people with special needs to get behind the wheel tsoana
Written by Dale Hes

Disability Awareness

A driver training programme for quadriplegics and paraplegics using specially-adapted vehicles makes it easier to learn to drive.

People with special needs often find it difficult to access the same opportunities as able-bodied people.

One of these is learning to drive a vehicle. But a unique programme by the QuadPara Association of South Africa (QASA), has taught 120 people who are living with a disability how to drive adapted vehicles, with 80 of these pCarol Khoza is one of 80 people with a disability who got their driver's licence thanks to QASA's Driving Ambitions programme.eople achieving their driver’s licence.

“People living with a disability are often faced with tremendous challenges in getting around, mainly because they are not able to use the vast majority of public transport systems. We wanted to solve this problem and, most importantly, make people employable,” said QASA CEO Ari Seirlis, who is also paraplegic. 

This was the inspiration behind the Driving Ambitions programme, established in 2013. QASA met with car hire company Avis to discuss teaching disabled people how to drive vehicles adapted to their needs.

“Avis understood the need, and also saw the value for them, as they rent out vehicles with hand controls. They agreed to donate our first vehicle to be used for driving lessons,” said Seirlis.

Applications for the programme are open to quadriplegics and paraplegics who already have a learner’s licence.

“They go for an assessment with an occupational therapist to ensure that they have the agility and ability to drive with adapted controls without risk. A means test is then done to determine how much the participants can pay towards the programme, and the rest is funded,” Seirlis explained.

Participants have a full series of driving lessons, until they are ready to take their test.

One of QASA’s success stories is Carol Khoza, who was involved in a car accident two years ago. She was left a paraplegic.

“Public transport became terrible for me. I remember once when I got on a taxi, they put me in and left my wheelchair outside to fill up the taxi,” said Khoza.

With the support of Driving Ambitions, Khoza achieved her dream of getting a driver’s licence.

“I thank QASA for restoring my freedom, independence and self-confidence.”

For more information about applying for the Driving Ambitions programme contact QASA on 031 767 0348/0352 or email: info@qasa.com

General

Dti workplace programme sustains jobs

Dti workplace programme sustains jobs tsoana

The Workplace Challenge Programme equips small and medium enterprises with the means to reduce poverty, unemployment and inequality

The Department of Trade and Industry has through the Workplace Challenge Programme (WPC) sustained over 50 000 jobs while a further 250 have been created over the last two decades.

Speaking at the 20-year anniversary celebrations of the WPC in Botshabelo in the Free State, the department’s Chief Director of Space Affairs Nomfuneko Majaja said the programme has made remarkable progress.

“These figures are a sure sign of progress and we must sustain it and forge partnerships with the WPC programme to support our flagship programmes such as the Black Industrialists Programme, the Industrial Park Revitalisation Programme and the Special Economic Zones Programme.

“We also see the WPC Programme building a competitive manufacturing sector within the Industrial Policy Action Plan,” she said.

The programme is a joint initiative of the Department of Trade and Industry (dti) and Productivity South Africa (Productivity SA). The programme is implemented over a 24-month period with the aim to encouraging and supporting negotiated workplace change to improve productivity and job creation.

Majaja further mentioned that enterprises that had participated in the WPC programme had been collectively funded to the tune of R151 million and had generated more than R1.88 billion in total turnover.

Majaja further outlined that a web-based monitoring and evaluation system has since been launched in order to measure the impact of the WPC on participating companies. 

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Productivity SA Mothunye Mothiba appealed to prospective entrepreneurs to generate ideas amongst each other, to test the feasibility of success of these ideas and to pursue those that demonstrate potential of success.

“We must accept that productivity is the most effective tool to maximise production, especially amongst our small and medium enterprises as they are the catalysts for economic growth. By helping our enterprises enrol on the WPC Programme we will be equipping them with the means to reduce poverty, unemployment and inequality,” said Mothiba.

How to join
Any stable enterprise, from micro, small, medium sized, up to large or corporate companies, in the manufacturing, agriculture and agro processing, mining and beneficiation sectors may approach the WPC Programme contacts in the Regions to sign a contract with Productivity SA (the WPC Programme) for participating in the 24 months programme.

For more information contact:
Justice Tshifularo: Senior Manager WPC Programme
011 848 5315

Manuel Netili: Gauteng Regional Project Manager
011 848 5364

Phila Ngcobo:
KwaZulu Natal Regional Project Manager
031 268 9770

Pieter de Bruyn: Western Cape Regional Project Manager
021 910 8149

General

Eastern Cape women’s rights champion

Eastern Cape women’s rights champion Londekile
Written by Siya Miti

Giving vulnerable women the chance to improve their lives.

Dr Lesley Ann Foster has a passion for women’s rights and her legacy is measured in the positive feedback she receives from the people whose lives she has touched.

Earlier this year, Dr Forster – who founded Masimanyane Women’s Rights International – intervened in a case involving domestic worker Phumza Kadeni, whose baby girl  was taken away from her by her employer. The case was made  more complex because the employer is a magistrate who had bonded with the baby.Dr Lesley Ann Foster founded the Masimanyane Women’s Support Centre and is known as a champion for women's rights.

When Kadeni took her baby back, she was arrested. To add to this a social worker had reportedly written a report saying that Kadeni’s shack was not suitable for a baby and the courts gave her daughter back to the employer.

“I was furious when I heard the story. Since when does being poor disqualify a woman from being a mother? I wrote to the magistrate, quoting international and domestic law and highlighting that it is in the best interests of the baby to be with her mother. I made a very strong case and the baby was returned home,” said Dr Foster.

Dr Foster started Masimanyane in 1996, after working with street children for seven years and realising that it was often an unfavourable home environment that forced them to live on the streets.

Masimanyane has a 10-bed shelter in East London which provides a sanctuary for female victims of domestic violence and their children. “We provide temporary accommodation, meet basic needs and offer counselling and life skills programmes,” she said.

Masimanyane has a 10-bed shelter in East London which provides a sanctuary for female victims of domestic violence and their children. “We provide temporary accommodation, meet basic needs and offer counselling and life skills programmes,” she said.

Masimanyane is funded by the Department of Social Development and employs about 42 people.  It also offers medical and legal services and 24-hour counselling.

For more information about Masimanyane Womenís Rights International call 043 743 9169.

General

Economics graduate beefs up the KZN cattle sector

Economics graduate beefs up the KZN cattle sector Londekile
Written by Hlengiwe Ngobese

Agriculture is an exciting sector filled with career opportunities that are perfect for motivated, skilled and experienced young men and women.

Thabiso Sithole is adamant that farming is a specialised business and not just a job for people with limited options.

The 27-year-old from Nyamvubu obtained degree in economics from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and he has used this knowledge to establish himself as a successful farmer in the province.

He currently owns a herd of 500 strong cattle.The young livestock farmer Thabiso Sithole sees farming as a business.

The youngster, who entered the agricultural sector in 2016, employs six people.

 “I have a degree in economics and here I am. For me, farming is a business,” he said. Sithole added that agriculture is a highly specialised field but one that is accessible to anyone not afraid of hard work and learning.

He explained that proper costings are essential when raising cattle. For instance, you need to balance the cost of the cattle feed and operational costs against the price paid by the abattoir to ensure that a profit is realised.

He cautioned that livestock farming generates income only at a specific time of the year.

Sithole acknowledged the help he received from government. He explained that the provincial department of agriculture bought a 825-hectare farm which was equally divided between members of the Nyamvubu co-operative of which he is a part. Beef cattle are kept and vegetables grown by the men and women who are members of the co-operative.

 “Working together as a co-operative helps us a lot as it encourages each one of us to work hard. Even though we work as individuals, from time-to-time we meet to share challenges and find solutions together. If we need to buy medication, we all contribute and do a bulk purchase at a discounted rate.”

Sithole said he owes his success to hard work, dedication and the mentorship he has received from other farmers. He said one of his priorities now is to increase his livestock to at least 5 000.

“Government has helped us; I now need to step up and do what it takes to grow my business,” he said.

 Sithole’s advice to aspiring farmers is to work hard and be 100 percent committed to what they do.  “Livestock farming needs you all the time, so it is important to love what you do,” he said.

Rural development

Fast food king received a sizzling start from ECDC

Fast food king received a sizzling start from ECDC Londekile
Written by Siya Miti

An Eastern Cape government funding agency enabled a youngster to embrace his passion for entrepreneurship.

The Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) has beeninstrumental in helping an entrepreneur tuck into the fast food industry with gusto.Sicelo Mntonga the franchise king creating jobs in the Eastern Cape.

The R12 million in financing that Mthatha-based entrepreneur Sicelo Mntonga received from the provincial economic development agency has enabled him open a number of Famous Brands restaurants over the past 13 years.

He currently operates several Debonairs Pizza, Wimpy, Steers and Mugg & Bean franchises.

Of the eight Debonairs Pizza restaurants he operates, five are in Mthatha, one in Dutywa, one is in Butterworth and one in Kokstad. Mntonga is partnered with long-time friend Onke Mankahla in three of the Mthatha franchises.

Mntonga and Mankahla’s journey with the ECDC started in 2009 when they sought financing to buy two existing Debonairs outlets in Mthatha. The ECDC financed R2.2-million of the R2.8 million needed.

Today, Mntonga employs over 350 people which, given his passion for education and personal development, is highly satisfying for him. Nothing pleases him more than seeing people grow, especially when they have had to overcome the challenge of poverty.

“There are a number of people who only had a Grade 12 education when employed. Through our assistance, they have managed to further their studies and they now have tertiary qualifications either in the hospitality industry or other fields. That makes us happy,” he said.

Prior to becoming an entrepreneur, Mntonga worked as an accountant. He completed his articles at Deloitte in KwaZulu-Natal.

ECDC head of development finance and business support Tandeka Rozani said the support given to Mntonga is in line with its commitment to extend its reach to deserving entrepreneurs in all corners of the province.

“This is particularly true for those entrepreneurs based in underserved and largely rural areas. Loan funding helps businesses in these areas to grow, stimulates local economic activity and facilitates job creation,” said Rozani. 

In the 2016/17 financial year, the ECDC disbursed R168 million to 263 enterprises, benefitting 118 youth-owned businesses.

If you are interested in receiving assistance from the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC), you can visit one of their offices.

Head office

Email info@ecdc.co.za

Ocean Terrace Park, Moore Street, Quigney, East London

PO Box 11197, Southernwood, East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa, 5213

Telephone: +27(0)43 704 5600 ï Facsimile: +27(0)43 704 5700

Butterworth

24 High Street Butterworth

PO Box 117, Butterworth, Eastern Cape, South Africa, 4960

Telephone: +27(0)47 401 2700. Facsimile: +27(0)47 491 0443

King Williamís Town

75 Alexander Road,
King William's Town

PO Box 498, King Williams Town, Eastern Cape, South Africa, 5600

Telephone: +27(0)43 604 8800 ï Facsimile: +27(0)43 642 4199

Port Elizabeth

68 Cape Road,
Mill Park, Port Elizabeth

PO Box 1331, Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, South Africa, 6000

Telephone:

+27(0)41 373 8260 ï Facsimile: +27(0)41 374 4447

Queenstown

22 Cathcart Street,Queenstown

Private Bag X7180, Queenstown, Eastern Cape, South Africa, 5320

Telephone: +27(0)45 838 1910 ï Facsimile: +27(0)45 838 2176

Mthatha

7 Sissons Street,
Fort Gale, Mthatha

Private Bag X5028, Mthatha, Eastern Cape, South Africa, 5099

Telephone: +27(0)47 501 2200 ï Facsimile: +27(0)47 532 3548

For general information, please contact an ECDC branch nearest you or email us on info@ecdc.co.za

General

Former domestic worker turns manufacturer

Former domestic worker turns manufacturer Ursula
Written by Siya Miti

A Mthatha woman comes clean on what it took to go from domestic worker to the owner of a brand of cleaning products.

A dream came true for Nonceba Sobai, who runs a business that manufactures cleaning products.Nonceba Sobai (30) went from being a domestic worker to a manufacturer.

Sobai said she registered her business, Sobag Trading, in 2009 after doing some research on what it takes to manufacture cleaning products.

“I was a maid and the household I worked in used cleaning products I had not seen before. I found out they were manufactured in Pietermaritzburg and got in touch with the factory. Soon I was buying and reselling some of their products.”

She did so well that she resigned and became her own boss. Her new supplier, based in East London – closer to where she lived, sold products she considered inferior and at inflated prices.

So this bold woman visited a nearby internet café and found out where she could be trained to make her own cleaning products.

After completing training course, she realised that the training provider had not been accredited and that she still lacked adequate skills to manufacture quality products.

Determined to do things properly, she found an accredited training provider which had chemical engineers as instructors. Once properly skilled, she encountered another hurdle – the raw materials, which were needed in large volumes, were very expensive.

It was clear she needed to source start-up funding but discovered that funders were reluctant to ‘start from scratch with you’.

A chance meeting with OR Tambo district mayor Nomakhosazana Meth changed her life. She shared her vision with the mayor and showed her samples.

“It was a Friday and the following Monday people from the Local Economic Development (LED) unit called me.”

The rest, as they say, is history. Sobai impressed the LED team and soon received the funding she needed to buy raw materials, packaging and labels. When her business picked up, she was able to acquire further funding from the NYDA as well as the Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism, which gave her the R750 000 she needed to procure her own production facility.

Sobai now markets her products under the Cleanex brand and employs five full-time workers and a young chemical engineer on a part-time basis.

Jobs / Vacancies

From breast cancer survivor to carer

From breast cancer survivor to carer Ursula
Written by Allison Cooper

Breast cancer survivor Johanna Francis (56) shares her story and urges women to conduct breast self-examinations once a month.

Johanna is a breast cancer survivor who is also a beacon of hope for the community.Francis, a wife and mother of three adult children and four grandchildren, was diagnosed with breast cancer on 1 September 1999, at the tender age of 37.

“I had a radical modified left mastectomy. My children were only 16,13 and seven and the thought of not seeing them grow up pained me.

“In 2003 I had a local recurrence, which was even more traumatic because cancer appeared on the cutline of the old mastectomy. The medication I was taking, which was a hormonal cancer blocker, was not right for me. I thus had six courses of chemotherapy and 35 days of radiation,” she explained.

Fortunately, Francis was blessed to have a supporting husband and family to see her through her ordeal and she went into remission.

“In April 2016 I was again told, ‘you have cancer’. I lost my right breast. It was half expected, but I was hoping that it would not happen.

“I cannot tell you that I know it all, because there is no graduation from the school of life. But, I learnt that year that I fall into the triple negative breast cancer group,” she said.

Francis, who has endured a long and hard road to recovery, is adamant that breast cancer is not a death sentence. “It is an opportunity to become a care worker and to motivate and educate communities about the disease,” she said.

This is exactly what Francis does at the Keurboom Care Home, in Belgravia, Johannesburg. The home, sponsored by Rotary, is one of 11 Cancer Association of South Africa care homes.

It has 30 beds and services mostly state patients who are receiving radiation and chemotherapy treatment. “Our criteria is simple, clients must be cancer survivors who are undergoing daily treatment over a four to six week period,” Francis explains.

Keurboom relies on the public for sponsorship and donations because some of its clients cannot afford to contribute financially. The home takes referrals from Gauteng hospitals and people can also contact the centre directly for assistance.

Francis urges women, who are 20 and older, to do monthly breast self-examinations, at the same time every month following their menstrual cycle.

Some signs and symptoms of breast cancer include a lump or thickening in an area of the breast; a change in the shape of the nipple, particularly if it turns in, sinks into the breast or has an irregular shape; blood stained discharge from the nipple; rash on a nipple or surrounding area; swelling or lump in the armpit and nipple tenderness or a lump or thickening in or near the breast or underarm area.

“These signs do not necessarily mean that a woman has cancer but any changes or concerns should be reported to a professional nurse or doctor straight away,” said Francis. 

Health

GO GEORGE leads in empowering people with disabilities

GO GEORGE leads in empowering people with disabilities tsoana
Written by: Dale Hes

Disability Awareness

George in the Western Cape has been dubbed one of the friendliest cities for people with special needs.

Access to public transport is often a challenge for people with disabilities, as many buses and minibuses do not have the facilities needed to transport passengers with special needs.

Municipalities around the country are now jumping on board to solve this problem. And the George Local Municipality is setting new standards for how public transport systems can be of service to to people with disabilities.

Funded through a grant from the National Department of Transport, the GO GEORGE bus rapid transport (BRT) system currently has a fleet of 35 minibuses, 36 standard buses and 33 midi buses. All of these vehicles are equipped to accommodate wheelchairs.The GO GEORGE minibuses were the first of their kind with features designed to transport people in wheelchairs.

The standard and midi buses are equipped with electronic ramps, special seating and other standard features. Special attention was put into the minibuses, which, at the time of rollout in 2015, were the first in South Africa to feature a hoist system to lift up passengers with wheelchairs. They also have a wheelchair bay and doors operated by hydraulics, making it easy for disabled passengers to get into the bus. 

“This is the only bus service in South Africa that is completely accessible,” said GO GEORGE manager James Robb.

“This is one of the key pillars of the GO GEORGE system. It is critical that every single person in George has access to public transport in order to access opportunities for work, shopping, religion, recreation and services such as healthcare.

“Passengers with special needs appreciate the consideration of their needs and day-to-day struggle to get to places away from home, and the independence that comes with travelling on their own.”

Rodrique Felix, one of the users of the bus service, was involved in a motorcycle accident 18 months ago. He is currently confined to a wheelchair but says that the bus service has made it easy for him to get to hospital.

“In fact, the entire city of George is extremely wheelchair friendly, which is a great advantage,” Rodrique said.

The municipality also has a number of other support systems in place for people with special needs, including a read-speaker function on the municipal website that converts text to speech.

General

Help for mine workers

Help for mine workers Ursula

Relief is on the way for mine workers who contracted silicosis and tuberculosis while working for gold mines.

A trust, which will disburse funds for mine workers who contracted silicosis and tuberculosis, is to be established in April 2019 according a statement issued by the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on the revitalisation of distressed mining communities.

This follows the historic class action settlement reached on 3 May between mining companies and claimants’ attorneys. This action involved mining companies African Rainbow Minerals, Anglo American SA, AngloGold Ashanti, Gold Fields, Harmony and Sibanye-Stillwater.

Also involved are current and former workers from the six mining companies from 12 March 1965 to 3 May 2018, who were certified as having contracted silicosis, as well as those who contracted certain severe forms of tuberculosis.

The settlement needs to be approved by the South Gauteng High Court, which could take several months.

Government will implement the required support to ensure ex-mineworkers receive their funds.

“The tracking and tracing of ex-mineworkers, who are to be compensated for having contracted lung diseases while working for gold mines, gives effect to the successful implementation of the out-of-court silicosis class action suit. The R5 billion out-of-court silicosis settlement will be presented to the court for acceptance,” said the IMC in connection with the settlement.

Four functioning One-Stop centres provide health services to mining communities and ensure that retirement benefits are easily accessible to ex-mineworkers.

In June, a new website www.SilicosisSettlement.co.za and a Facebook page www.facebook.com/silicosissettlement were launched to assist former mineworkers and their dependents who may be entitled to compensation.

The IMC, which is chaired by Minister in the Presidency: Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME) Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, expressed concern about unclaimed social protection benefits for ex-mineworkers in the Southern African region.

To date, there is:

  • R45 billion unclaimed for 4.2 million workers overall (pension/provident funds), R4 billion unclaimed by miners (pension/provident funds);
  • R1.2 billion unclaimed compensation funds for miners and
  • R1.6 billion unclaimed by former civil servants.

 The IMC is mandated to achieve integrated and sustainable human settlements, improve the living and working conditions of mineworkers and health of mining communities, and advance the socio-economic development of mining towns.  

SAnews.gov.za

Health

Hope for unemployed South Africans.

Hope for unemployed South Africans. tsoana

Union Buildings

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unemployment is the biggest challenge facing our country and it has a devastating effect on the economy and communities.

One of the main contributing factors to unemployment is an economy that has not been inclusive. This means that most people don’t have the opportunity to own assets or develop skills. When you want to start a business for example, you need cash.

Historically, this means those who have access to capital and property will always be at an advantage. 

While progress has been made in lifting millions of people out of dire poverty, many South Africans still face great hardship.

The jobs that have been created over the past few years have not kept pace with the growth of the population or the expansion of the workforce. 

South Africa’s Gross Domestic Product needs to grow at a minimum of three percent per year to create basic jobs for people. Because our growth rate is less than 1.5 percent this has become a real problem.

However, we are rising to the challenge of unemployment by working together, as we did at the recent Presidential Jobs Summit that brought together government, labour, business and community-based organisations.

The Summit was fruitful and proved that by working together we can make progress in eradicating the burden of joblessness.

At the end of the Summit, we signed agreements that have the potential to create about 275 000 jobs per year.

The framework agreement and the Summit deliberations will provide hope and dignity to unemployed South Africans and inject new energy into the economy, alongside government’s recently announced economic stimulus and recovery plan.

Some of the agreements include the following:

■ Investment of R100 billion (over five years) in black enterprises and firms in the industrial sector.

■ Bizniz in a Box Youth Empowerment Programme to equip young people with entrepreneurial skills and actual business opportunities.

■ Companies will buy goods and services from South African businesses – big and small - to create more jobs and save those that already exist.

■ Finfind youth employment and SMME funding to provide training for unemployed youth.

■ R1.5 billion for a new Smallholder Support Fund and R1.5 billion for the Township Enterprise Fund.

■ Various interventions to create career pathways for the youth through programmes at TVET Colleges, the Installation Repair and Maintenance Initiative, and in the fields of health and, travel and tourism.

■ Expansion of a Hub Model and incubators for SMME development.

■ Harambee, working with all social partners, will strengthen its pathway management system to ensure that 1.5 million young people are part of an active network of work seekers and, that 500 000 young work-seekers are able to enter first jobs or on pathways to generating an income to sustain themselves.

■ Making sure that government sticks to its promise to spend 30 percent of its procurement on SMMEs and cooperatives.

■ Strong focus on Early Childhood Development (ECD), including the KYB Enterprise Incubator, to support women-owned ECD centres.

■ Building of 48 human settlement projects which will provide 635 0000 housing opportunities by 2019.

Social partners also made firm commitments to strengthen the Buy South African campaign by encouraging all citizens to support local business by buying goods that are manufactured in our country.

By doing this we will be playing our part in creating the environment that we believe will grow the economy.

The Buy South African campaign will also motivate government and the private sector to buy locally made products, which increase domestic demand and creates more jobs.

The Summit was just the beginning. Just a few days ago we held an international investment conference in our quest to create jobs in our country.

The investment conference is part of the drive to get $100 billion in new investment – by international and domestic investors - into our economy over the next five years. South Africa is a good destination for investors and we are looking to make it easy for investors to invest so that they can create jobs.

You can also play your part in improving and growing our economy. The most important contribution every individual can make is to buy locally produced goods by, for example, choosing to purchase fruits and vegetables grown in South Africa help to grow the agricultural industry.

It is equally important for South Africans to support the small business sector. Support entrepreneurs in their endeavours as small and micro enterprise are central to inclusive growth and job creation.

Together we can unlock the full potential of small and micro enterprises through increased localisation.

Local is not just lekker. Local saves businesses, jobs, lives, families and communities.

Look out for our flag or “made in South Africa” when you’re out shopping.

General

Jobs: Department of Justice and Constitutional Development - Nov 2018

Jobs: Department of Justice and Constitutional Development - Nov 2018 vuyelwan

Master

Reference: 18/194/Mas
Salary: R1 005 063 – R1 183 932 per annum
(All Inclusive Remuneration Package). The successful candidate will be required to sign a performance agreement.
Requirements: An LLB Degree or 4 years recognized legal qualification at NQF level 7; 5 years’ experience should be at middle/ senior management level; Knowledge and experience in the functional fields and services provided by the Masters of the High Court; Knowledge of the Administration of Estate, Mental Health, Insolvency, Companies, Close Corporations, Trust Property Control Act and other relevant legislation; A valid driver’s licence.
Enquiries: Mr. M Lehong (012) 315 1264

Principal Legal Admin Officer

Reference: 18/137/CLO
Salary: R1 005 063 – R1 183 932 per annum
(All Inclusive Remuneration Package). The successful candidate will be required to sign a performance agreement.
Requirements: An LLB or appropriate equivalent 4 year legal degree (NQF7); A post graduate qualification in international Law/Relations will be an added advantage; A minimum of 5 years at middle/Senior Management Level; Knowledge of the South Africa legal system, legal practices and related spheres; Knowledge of the Constitution, 1996, the Institution of legal proceedings against certain organs of State Act, 2002, Public Finance Management Act 1999, Truth Reconciliation and the State Liability Act, 1957; Knowledge and experience in office administration; A valid driver’s licence.
Enquiries: Ms. K. Ngomani (012) 357 8661

Regional Audit Manager

Reference: 18/169/IA
Salary: R697 011 – R821 052 per annum
(All Inclusive Remuneration Package). The successful candidate will be required to sign a performance agreement.
Requirements: An appropriate 3 year B Degree or National Diploma with majors in Auditing/Internal Auditing and Accounting; At least 5 years experience in Internal Auditing of which 2 years should be at a supervisory level or completed articles with 3 years relevant internal audit experience of which one year should be at a supervisory level; Must be pursuing either the Chartered Accountant (CA) or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) designation and must also be a member of the Institute of Internal Auditors; A valid driver’s licence.
Enquiries: Mr. O Melato (012) 315 1351

IT Project Manager: Business Solutions (3 Posts) (1 Year Contract Appointment)

Reference: 18/185/ISM
Salary: R697 011 - R821 052 per annum
(All Inclusive Remuneration Package). The successful candidate will be required to sign a performance agreement.
Requirements: A National Diploma/Degree in Information Systems/Technology/Computer science or equivalent qualification NQF6; Three years’ experience within the Information Systems Environment; Five year’s experience in IT environment of which 3 years should be in IT project Management related practices; Knowledge/experience of Project Management in IT Public Sector; Knowledge of application development, architecture, infrastructure and software package development projects; A valid driver licence.
Enquiries: Ms. E. Zeekoei (012) 315 1436

Deputy Director: Business Intelligence Analyst (12 Month Contract Appointment)

Reference: 18/186/ISM
Salary: R697 011 - R821 052 per annum
(All Inclusive Remuneration Package). The successful candidate will be required to sign a performance agreement.
Requirements: A National Diploma/Degree in Information Systems/Technology/Computer Science/Industrial Engineering or equivalent qualification at NQF Level 6; A minimum of 5 years’ experience in a business analyst role, with proven business intelligence experience; Knowledge and experience of data analysis/mapping, interpretation and presentation is essential; Knowledge and experience in large data extraction, cleansing and migration (ETL process) is essential; Knowledge coupled with experience in working in an agile design & development environment will be an added advantage; Experience/Exposure (with certification) in designing and executing SQL scripts will be an added advantage; Experience/Exposure in designing operational reports and dashboards in POWER BI will be an added advantage; A valid driver’s licence.
Enquiries: Ms. E Zeekoei (012) 315 1436

Deputy Director: Business Process Analyst (2 Posts) (12 Months Contract Appointment)

Reference: 18/187/ISM
Salary: R697 011 – R821 052 per annum
(All Inclusive Remuneration Package). The successful candidate will be required to sign a performance agreement.
Requirements: A National Diploma/Degree in Information Systems/Technology/Computer Science/Industrial Engineering or equivalent qualification at NQF Level 6; IIBA or similar certification will be an added advantage; A minimum of 5 years’ experience in a process analyst or business analyst role; Knowledge / experience in applying formal business process modeling and process re-engineering methods; Experience in the implementation of ICT solutions in a solution analyst design capacity; Knowledge coupled with experience in working in an agile design and development environment will be an added advantage; Knowledge in working with business process management tools/repositories will be an added advantage; A valid driver’s licence.
Enquiries: Ms. E Zeekoei (012) 315 1436

Senior Assistant State Attorney, (LP5-LP6)

Reference: 18/158/SA
Salary: R482 907 – R1 133 979 per annum
(Salary will be in accordance with OSD determination). The successful candidate will be required to sign a performance agreement
Requirements: An LLB or 4 year recognized legal qualification; Admission as an Attorney; At least 4 years appropriate post qualification legal/litigation experience; The right of appearance in the High Court of South Africa will be an added advantage; Admission as a conveyancer will be an added advantage; A valid driver’s licence.
Enquiries: Mr. E. Seerane (012) 315 1780

Senior Assistant State Attorney (LP5-LP6)

Reference: 18/195/SA
Salary: R482 907- R1 133 979 per annum
(Salary will be in accordance with OSD determination). The successful candidate will be required to sign a performance agreement
Requirements: An LLB or 4 year recognized legal qualification; Admission as an Attorney; At least 4 years appropriate post qualification litigation experience and conveyancing experience; A thorough knowledge of legal practice, office management, accounting systems and trust accounts; The right of appearance in the High Court of South Africa; Knowledge of the government prescripts and transformation objective as well as the Constitution of South Africa; A valid driver’s licence.
Enquiries: Ms. K. Ngomani (012) 357 8661

Deputy Master MR-6 (03 Posts)

Reference:18/161/Mas: (Grahamstown) (1)
Reference:18/193/Mas: (Pretoria) (2)
Salary: R448 269 – R1 084 437 per annum
(Salary will be in accordance with OSD determination). The successful candidate will be required to sign a performance agreement.
Requirements: LLB degree or a four year recognized legal qualification; 8 years appropriate post qualification legal experience; Knowledge of the Administration of Estates, Mental Health, Insolvency Act, Companies, Close Corporations, Trust Property Control Acts and other relevant legislations; Experience in the functional fields of the services provided by the Masters of the High Court; A valid driver’s licence.

Enquiries: Mr .C Msiza (012) 315 4754 & Mr. M Lehong (012) 315 1264

Court Manager (2 Posts)

Reference: 18/Va28/NW
Reference: 18/68/KZN
Salary: R444 693 – R523 818 per annum.
The successful candidate will be required to sign a performance agreement.
Requirements: A 3 year qualification in Administration and/or a National Diploma in Service Management (NQF Level 5) plus module in Case Flow Management or equivalent qualification; At least 3 year’s managerial or supervisory experience; Knowledge and experience in office and district administration; Knowledge of the Public Financial Management Act (PFMA); Experience in managing Trust (Third Party Funds) and Vote Account; Experience in the Court environment will be an added advantage; A valid driver’s license. Skills and Competencies: Strong leadership and management capabilities; Strategic capabilities; Good communication (written and verbal); Computer literacy.

Enquiries:  Mahikeng: Ms. L Shoai (018) 397 7054
KwaZulu-Natal: Mr J.N. Mdaka (031) 372 3000

Office Manager (2 Posts)

Reference: 18/173/Mas: Pietermaritzburg (1)
Reference: 18/178/Mas: Johannesburg (1)
Salary: R356 289 – R419 679 per annum.
The successful candidate will be required to sign a performance agreement.
Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree/National Diploma in Office Administration or equivalent qualification; At least 3 years’ experience in Administration environment; Knowledge of finance and procurement directives and procedures; Knowledge of all legislation and policies that inform the Department’s administrative support activities; Knowledge of the core functions of the Masters Office; A valid driver’s licence.
Enquiries: Mr. M. Maeko Tel (012) 315 1996 or Mr. C Msiza (012) 315 4754

Assistant Director: Monitoring and Evaluation (02 Posts)

Reference:18/138/DG
Salary: R356 289 – R419 679 per annum.
The successful candidate will be required to sign a performance agreement.
Requirements: 3 years Degree/ National Diploma in Public Administration, Monitoring, Evaluation and Quality Management or equivalent; 3 years relevant experience in Performance Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation; Knowledge of the framework for strategic plan and annual performance plans; Knowledge of the framework for managing programme performance information and other relevant prescripts; Knowledge of policy development; A valid driver’s licence.
Enquiries: Ms. D. Modibane (012) 315 1668

Assistant State Attorney, (LP3-LP4)

Reference: 18/175/Sa
Salary: R283 854 – R805 179 per annum.
(Salary will be in accordance with OSD determination). The successful candidate will be required to sign a performance agreement.
Requirements: An LLB or 4 year recognized legal qualification; Admission as an Attorney; At least 2 years appropriate post qualification legal/litigation experience; Right of appearance in the High Court of South Africa will be an added advantage; A valid driver’s licence.
Enquiries: Mr Kooko (012) 315 1164

Assistant Master: Mr3- Mr5 (5 Posts)

Reference: 18/171/Mas Pietermaritzburg (1)
Reference: 18/179/Mas Johannesburg (1)
Reference: 18/192/Mas Pretoria (3)
Salary: R242 064 – R867 399 Per Annum.
(Salary will be in accordance with OSD determination). The successful candidate will be required to sign a performance agreement.

Requirements: LLB Degree or four years recognized legal qualification; At least 2 years appropriate post qualification legal experience; Knowledge of the Administration of Estate Act, Compliance Act, Mental Health Act, Insolvency Act, Companies Act, Close Corporations Act, Trust Property Control Act and other relevant legislation; Experience in the functional field and services provided by Master’s of the High Court.

Enquiries:

Pietermaritzburg: Mr. S. Maeko (012) 315 1996

Johannesburg: Mr. C. Msiza (012) 315 4475

Pretoria: Mr. M Lehong (012) 315 1264

Assistant Director (3 Posts)

Reference: 18/166/Mas Grahamstown (1)
Reference: 18/191/Mas Pretoria (2)
Salary: R356 289 – R419 679 per annum.
The successful candidate will be required to sign a performance agreement.
Requirements: 3 years Bachelor’s Degree/ National Diploma or equivalent qualification in Finance; 3 years relevant experience in Finance environment; Knowledge of Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), Treasury Regulations, Departmental Financial Instructions (DFI), Public Service Act and other relevant legislation; Knowledge/ experience in government or recognized Accounting software will be an added advantage.

Enquiries:
Grahamstown: Mr. C. Msiza (012) 315 4754
Pretoria: Mr. M Lehong (012) 315 1264

Estate Controller Ec1, (03 Posts)

Reference: 18/172/Mas: Kimberley (1)

Reference: 18/176/Mas: Johannesburg (1)

Reference: 18/190/Mas: Pretoria (1)

Salary: R186 828 per annum.

(Salary will be in accordance with OSD determination).

The successful candidate will be required to sign  a performance agreement.

Requirements: An LLB degree or recognized four years legal qualification.

Enquiries:

Kimberley: Mr. S. Maeko (012) 315 1996

Johannesburg: Mr. C. Msiza (012) 315 4754

Pretoria: Mr. M. Lehong (012) 315 1264

Closing date: 19 November 2018

Note: Interested applicants may visit the following website: www.justice.gov.za or www.dpsa.gov.za to view the full job specification of the above positions. Applications must be submitted on Form Z83, obtainable from any Public Service Department or on the internet at www.gov.za. A Z83 form & CV must be accompanied by original certified copies of qualifications, identity document and a driver’s licence where necessary. A SAQA evaluation report must accompany foreign qualifications. Applications that do not comply with the above mentioned requirements will not be considered. All shortlisted candidates for SMS posts will be subjected to a technical and competency assessment. Candidate will complete a financial disclosure form and also be required to undergo a security clearance. The foreigners or dual citizenship holder must provide the Police Clearance certificate from country of origin. The DOJ&CD is an equal opportunity employer. In the filling of vacant posts the objectives of section 195 (1) (i) of the Constitution of South Africa, 1996 (Act No: 108 of 1996), the Employment Equity imperatives as defined by the Employment Equity Act, 1998 (Act No: 55 of 1998) and relevant Human Resources policies of the Department will be taken into consideration. Reasonable accommodation shall be applied for People with Disabilities including where driver’s license is a requirement. Correspondence will be limited to short-listed candidates only. If you do not hear from us within 3 months of this advertisement, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful. The department reserves the right not to fill these positions. Women and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply and preference will be given to the EE Target.

Tel: 012 315 1111 Private Bag X81, Pretoria, 0001 Momentum Centre, 329 Pretorius Street, Pretoria www.justice.gov.za @DOJCD_ZA at DOJCD

Jobs / Vacancies

Jobs: Department of Labour - Nov 2018

Jobs: Department of Labour - Nov 2018 vuyelwan

Principal Psychologist

Centre: Provincial Office: Free State
Reference No: HR 4/4/8/208
Salary: Commencing: R 974 634.00 (OSD)
Enquiries: Ms. E Maneli, Tel: (051) 505 6350
Provincial Office: Chief Director: Provincial Operations: P O Box 522, Bloemfontein, 9300

Principal Inspector: Employer Audit

Centre: Provincial Office: Mmabatho
Reference No: HR4/4/9/40
Salary: Commencing:  R 444 693.00 per annum
Enquiries: Mr. ABM Mampuru, Tel: (018) 387 8100
Provincial Office: Chief Director: Provincial Operations: Private Bag X 2040, Mmabatho, 2735

Deputy Director: COID

Centre: Provincial Office: Free State
Ref No: HR 4/4/8/207
Salary: All inclusive: R 826 053.00 per annum
Enquiries: Dr. N Kahla, Tel: (051) 505 6397
Provincial Office: Chief Director: Provincial Operations: P O Box 522, Bloemfontein, 9300 
 

Principal COIDA: Employer Auditor

Centre: Provincial Offi ce: Free State
Ref No: HR 4/4/8/206
Salary: Commencing: R 444693.00 per annum
Enquiries: Ms. A Mantutle, Tel: (051) 505 6210
Provincial Office: Chief Director: Provincial Operations: P O Box 522, Bloemfontein, 9300

Assistant Director: Training and Performance Management

Centre: Provincial Office: Mpumalanga
Reference No: HR 4/4/7/45
Salary: Commencing: R 356 289.00 per annum
Enquiries: Mr. LM Nkotsoe, Tel: (013) 655 8762
Provincial Office: Chief Director: Provincial Operations, Private Bag x 7263, Witbank, 1035

Deputy Director: HRD and Performance Management

Centre: Provincial Operations: Gauteng
Ref No: HR 4/4/4/10/09
Salary: All inclusive package: R 697 011.00 per annum
Enquiries: Ms. K J Ntshingane, Tel: (011) 853 0300

Provincial Office: Chief Director: Provincial Operations: PO Box 4560, Johannesburg, 2001

Psychometrist / Registered Counsellor

Centre: Labour Centre: Dundee
Reference No: HR4/4/5/86
Salary:
Commencing: Grade 1 (R 547 917.00 - R 608 103.00) (OSD)
5 years relevant experience
Commencing: Grade 2 (R 626 481.00 - R 695 295.00) (OSD)
8 years relevant experience
Commencing: Grade 3 (R 712 950 .00 - R 791 253.00)
(OSD) 16 years relevant experience

Provincial Office: Chief Director: Provincial Operations: PO Box 940, Durban, 4000

Closing date for applications: 19 November 2018 | For full details of the advertised posts visit our website: www.labour.gov.za

Applications must be submitted on form Z83, obtainable from any Public Service Department or on the internet at www.gov.za/documents. The fully completed and signed form Z83 should be accompanied by a recently updated, comprehensive CV as well as recently certified copies of all qualification(s) including a Senior Certificate and ID-document [Driver’s license where applicable]. Non-RSA Citizens/Permanent Resident Permit Holders must attach a copy of their Permanent Residence Permits to their applications. Should you be in possession of a foreign qualification, it must be accompanied by an evaluation certificate from the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA). Applicants who do not comply with the above-mentioned requirements, as well as applications received late, will not be considered. The Department does not accept applications via fax or email. Failure to submit all the requested documents will result in the application not being considered. Correspondence will be limited to short-listed candidates only. If you have not been contacted within eight (8) weeks after the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful. Suitable candidates will be subjected to a personnel suitability check (criminal record, citizenship, credit record checks, qualification verification and employment verification). Where applicable, candidates will be subjected to a skills/knowledge test. All shortlisted candidates for SMS posts will be subjected to a technical competency exercise that intends to test relevant technical elements of the job, the logistics of which be communicated by the Department. Following the interview and technical exercise, the selection panel will recommend candidates to attend generic managerial competencies using the mandated DPSA SMS competency assessment tools. Successful candidates will be appointed on a probation period of 12 months. The Department reserves the right not to make any appointment(s) to the above post. The successful candidate will be expected to sign a performance agreement. The Department of Labour is an equal opportunity affirmative action employer. The employment decision shall be informed by the Employment Equity Plan of the Department. It is the Department’s intention to promote equity (race, gender and disability) through the filling of this post(s) with a candidate whose transfer / promotion / appointment will promote representativity in line with the numerical targets as contained in our Employment Equity Plan.

Jobs / Vacancies

Jobs: Government Communications (GCIS): Nov 2018

Jobs: Government Communications (GCIS): Nov 2018 vuyelwan

Post: Chief Director: Communication Service Agency

Salary: An all-inclusive salary package of R1 189 338 per annum of which 30% may be structured according to the individual’s needs.

Centre: Pretoria

Reference Number: 3/1/5-18/32

Closing Date: 9 November 2018

Note: Applications must be submitted on form Z83, obtainable from any Public Service department or at www.gov.za/documents. The completed and signed form must be accompanied by an updated comprehensive CV and certified copies of all qualification(s) and identity document. The certification must be within three months.

Applications: The Director-General, GCIS, Private Bag X745, Pretoria 0001, or hand deliver to Tshedimosetso House, 1035 Cnr Frances Baard and Festival streets, Hatfield, Pretoria.

Enquiries: Ms T Carrim, Tel: 012 473 0298

 

Jobs / Vacancies

KZN land claim a wild success

KZN land claim a wild success tsoana
Written by: Hlengiwe Ngobese

With support from KZN Wildlife and other conservation entities, a group of land claimants are now the proud owners of a 12 000-hectare game reserve in the heart of Zululand.

Successful land claim by the KwaGumbi Community led to the establishment of the Somkhanda private game reserve in northern KwaZulu-Natal.

Situated in Mkhuze, it is named after Somkhanda Gumbi, the great grandfather of Inkosi Zeblon Gumbi.

The land was forcibly taken in 1960, resulting in 250 people losing their homes. The community’s Inkosi Gumbi said people were relocated elsewhere, with some going as far as the uMkhanyakude District.

“In 2003, we registered our claim with the Land Commission and two years later, our land was returned to us. It took us eight years to decide what we were going to do with the land as some of us wanted it to be a farm, while others were insisting on maintaining it as a game reserve,” he said.

 “In 2013, we partnered with the Wildlands Conservation Trust which helped us to secure grant funding to upgrade fencing and other infrastructure.”

The funding also allowed community members to be trained in management, tourism and hospitality.

Wildlands is still responsible for the day-to-day running of the game reserve, but suitable community members are being trained to take over this function in the future

Gumbi said the game reserve has provided 40 employment opportunities for community members. 

“These young people were hired after they had been trained as field rangers and in hospitality services,” he said.

The reserve is home to the big five and also has African wild dog, spotted and brown hyena, giraffe, zebra, kudu, nyala, blue wildebeest, impala, bush pigs and warthogs, as well as some rarer species such as jackals, honey badger and caracals. There are also more than 230 bird species.

A variety of accommodation options is available, as well as activities that give visitors insight into contemporary Zulu culture. An annual ceremony is held, to which amakhosi from neighbouring countries are invited.

Rural development

Locally designed ethnic wear for kiddies

Locally designed ethnic wear for kiddies Londekile
Written by More Matshediso

A female owned cooperative is looking to improve the economy of Queenstown in the Eastern Cape through manufacturing ethnic clothes for children. Sikhona cooperative is a clothes manufacturing company that focuses on designing school uniforms and ethnic clothes for children. It was established in 2007 by five women in the area.

Sikhona Managing Director Khosi Jayiya said the cooperative initially designed ethnic clothes for adults women but decided to focus on childrens wear and school uniforms because they saw a gap in the market.

“The beauty of our work is that children will always need clothes and new school uniform every year,” she added.Sikhona Managing Director Khosi Jayiya saw a gap in the market and decided to manufacture ethnic clothes for children.

Jayiya is a qualified fashion designer, who used to own a boutique but decided to partner with four other women from her area to start the co-operative.

“It was difficult in the beginning as we had different visions about the direction that we wanted our co-operative to take. We have fallen many times but we never stopped rising and now our business is starting to grow,” she said.

The high rate of unemployment in their small town encourages them to keep going so that they can contribute towards in their community.

The co-op has so far created five permanent jobs for women in the area.

“We started as a small business but we have grown to and we now a factory, which was made possible by Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality,” she said.

The factory comprises 371 square metres with part of it being used for manufacturing clothes. The rest of the space is used for NQF level 1 clothing manufacturing classes, which are offered by members of the co-operative.

Jayiya said the co-operative has trained about 20 people in clothing manufacturing.

“Our goal is to have a vibrant and successful business that contributes to the development of our community. We want to improve the economic conditions in our small town, starting with ourselves and those around us,” she said.  She said the co-op has clients from all over the country and caters for diverse cultural and ethnic groups.

Jobs / Vacancies

Lubabalo is Africa’s first world Draughts champion

Lubabalo is Africa’s first world Draughts champion vuyelwan
Written by Jauhara Khan

Lubabalo Kondlo has done South Africa and the continent proud by becoming Africa's first world draughts champion, but the road to the title has not been an easy one for this Port Elizabeth resident.

Kondlo recently beat Italian draughts Grandmaster Michele Borghetti 5 - 0 to take the title in Mississippi. This win made him the first African to become the world champion.

“The final score was 5 - 0 with 15 drawn games. I was so happy because I am the first and only grandmaster and world champion on the African continent,” said Kondlo about his win. Africa’s first World Draughts Champion Lubabalo Kondlo is sharing his passion for the game with South Africans.

Born in New Brighton, Kondlo started playing draughts at the age of seven and later joined the Vulindlela Draughts Club.

In 1997, Kondlo moved to Johannesburg in search of work.

“I went there because everyone goes there for opportunities, but I also knew that if I wanted to play overseas I had to be in Johannesburg,” he said.

Kondlo went on to join Mind Sports SA, an affiliate of SASCOC, and started playing in provincial tournaments in Gauteng. His talent for the game led him to win the Gauteng Draughts Championship every year from 1997 to 2003.

He started competing internationally in 2001, playing his first International draughts test against world number two Hugh Develin from Ireland.

“I beat him, and I was so excited because, he was number two in the world. We are very good at draughts here in South Africa and he had played me here at home. He was surprised that I had won, but he had already heard that there were good players in South Africa,” Kondlo said.

In 2007, Kondlo became the first and only draughts Grandmaster in South Africa and on the African continent after winning the World Qualifier in Las Vegas.

Kondlo has represented South Africa in international tournaments that have taken him to the USA to Europe and China.

Kondlo has also worked hard over the past few decades to make sure that the game of draughts receives recognition in South Africa as an official sport.

He is a coach at where the same club he first started playing draughts in New Brighton, teaching young players his award-winning strategies and tactics. Kondlo believes that draughts trumps chess in stimulating the mind.

 

 

 

General

MaSisulu was a woman of fortitude

MaSisulu was a woman of fortitude vuyelwan

While important strides have been made regarding the emancipation of women, South Africa still needs women of fortitude like Albertina Sisulu.

Energy Minister Jeff Radebe has called on women to draw strength from the life and legacy of Mama Albertina Sisulu.

“Mama Sisulu was… in her own right an activist for the total liberation of our people from the yoke of apartheid and emancipation of women,” Radebe said recently. Albertina Sisulu played an integral role in the struggle for liberation.

He was speaking in his capacity as the chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on the Centenaries of Mama Sisulu and President Nelson Mandela.

The event to mark MaSisulu’s 100th year birthday was held at the Holy Cross Anglican Church in Orlando, Soweto.

Born on 21 October 1918, the liberation heroine passed  away peacefully at home in Linden Johannesburb on 5 June 2011.

Radebe praised MaSisulu for having waged a relentless struggle for political freedom and the emancipation of women.

 “When we say Mama Sisulu is a woman of fortitude, it is precisely because of the hardships she endured to raise her voice against the apartheid tyranny.”

Radebe added that while democracy has made important strides the emancipation of women is still unfinished business.

“Women of fortitude, imbokodo, are women who must fearlessly fight for the radical socio-economic transformation of our country.”

Radebe also called on young people, both male and female, to learn from the lifelong stewardship of Mama Sisulu and her generation, who relentlessly fought for freedom and democracy.

Communications Minister Nomvula Mokonyane described MaSisulu as a woman who had a vision and determination.

“She was strong and her views were always respected. She had the determination and courage to fight the apartheid government," said Minister Mokonyane.

The commemoration of MaSisulu’s 100th year started with a visit to the cemetery where she and her husband, Walter Sisulu, are buried.

Family members laid a wreath, along with Radebe, who laid one on behalf of government and the people of South Africa. The ceremony was attended by senior government officials, family members and politicians.

From the cemetery, guests proceeded to the church, where a service was conducted in honour of MaSisulu.

Congregant Cynthia Thabethe, said she learnt a lot from MaSisulu. “I admired her courage. She was not afraid of anything. She groomed us as young women to be strong for our families,” she said.

From the church, guests proceeded to a nearby crèche that MaSisulu helped to establish. She also assisted with providing food for the children. The crèche has been renovated and now has 37 children.

Guests then proceeded to a nearby library established for children and a clinic where MaSisulu worked for many years.     

SAnews.gov.za

 

General

Meet the best tour guide in the North West

Meet the best tour guide in the North West Ursula
Written by More Matshediso

A love for tourism spurred Thambe to make a success of his tourism business.

Mncedise Thambe winner in the Culture Guide category.Its lights, camera action for Mcedise Thambe, the best tour guide in the North West, when he takes to the stage of giving tourists the best experience while guiding them through the beauty of his province

“As a trained actor and entertainer, I always infuse the entertainment element in tourism and that is what makes me stand out over and above knowing which places to take tourists to and what to teach them about the North West,” he explained

Mcedise Thambe of Swaartkopfontein village in the North West was the winner in the Cultural Guide category of the 2018 Lilizela Tourism Awards.

The awards are aimed at honouring the best in the industry and most importantly to motivate the industry to be competitive.

Thambe said his love for tourism started back in 2008 when he toured all over the province as part of the crew member of a reality series It’s for Life that aired on SABC 2.

“That was my first tourism experience and I was fascinated by the beauty of learning about different cultures and the heritage sites in our province,” he reminisced.

The following year he applied for an internship with the provincial Department of Tourism which kept the tourism spark in him alive.

He also received training from the Moses Kotane Municipality as a tourist guide in 2013 and registered as a tour guide upon completion of his training.

Mcedise proceeded to work with the Mphebatho Cultural Museum as a senior tourist guide and entertainment manager.  A few years later he started operating independently as a freelance tour guide and has never looked backed.

The North West MEC for Tourism Desbo Mohono said everybody has a duty to ensure that they create conditions suitable for the needs of tourists.

“We all have to constantly be bold and innovative thinkers that can be catalyst in this industry. Government can only go so far in terms of helping our people, but an essential first step in developing appropriate solutions that map the way forward together,” she said.

General

Nengwenda makes a clean sweep

Nengwenda makes a clean sweep Londekile
Written by More Matshediso

When Kholofelo Nengwenda (28) moved from Limpopo to start a job in Mpumalanga four years ago, she struggled to find a domestic worker. This motivated her to start a cleaning service and a domestic worker placement company called Mukhoni Cleaning Specialists.

She said her company has grown to create jobs for about 50 people in just a few years of operation.

“Soon after registering my company the demand became so high that I ended up resigning as a school teacher,” she said.Some of the workers that fall under the Mukhoni Cleaning Specialists banner who are now able to provide for their families.

“In the beginning, the business focused more on household cleaning services and domestic worker placement, but two years later we had to expand our services to the commercial and industrial market too,” she added.

In 2016, Nengwenda attended entrepreneurial training at the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), which empowered her as a business woman.

While she was still attending training, she learned that the NYDA had a grant programme for budding entrepreneurs and she applied for it.

“I specifically applied for grants to purchase equipment for my business because after winning a tender to provide services for the South African Revenue Services (SARS), we struggled to reach windows that were up high on the building,” she said.

“The application process took about a year. I received an amount of about R49 000 grant from the NYDA in 2017 to buy equipment for my company. This helped my business to advance because we were able to provide services at SARS and the Steve Tshwete Municipality in the past year,” she added.

Her company recently expanded its services adding office cleaning, commercial and industrial cleaning to its list.

Among the 50 workers employed by Nengwenda, 35 are permanent. Her company has also made it possible for close to 20 household domestic workers to be placed.

She said her future plans are to grow the business. “I would like to expand my services into training cleaners in the hygiene field and also to become a business improvement coach or a business mentor at the NYDA,” she said. 

Jobs / Vacancies

One month left to apply for NSFAS bursaries

One month left to apply for NSFAS bursaries vuyelwan

With just one month left till the closing date, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is urging South Africans who wish to study in 2019 to apply for bursaries.

Applications for funding to study at accredited tertiary institutions opened in September and will close at the end of November.

NSFAS has a duty to ensure that young people from disadvantaged backgrounds  access higher education or further their studies despite their financial backgrounds, giving them the same chance to be educated as those who are able to afford tertiary education.

To date more than three million South Africans across the country have received funding which enabled them to study a qualification of their choice at any public university or TVET college.

Who can apply for NSFAS funding?

  • Students from families with a combined household income of not more than R350 000 per annum, registering at TVET colleges and public universities for the first time
  • Students from families who are recipients of government grants through South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) will automatically qualify for NSFAS funding
  • Students returning to TVET colleges and public universities to complete or continue their first undergraduate qualification
  • Students who first registered at a public institution prior to 2018 who are from families with a combined household income of R122 000 returning to TVET colleges and universities after a gap year or two to complete their first undergraduate qualification.

Where and how to apply?

There are four channels to apply for the NSFAS bursary:

  1. Online applications: this is where an applicant can apply on their own on the NSFAS website. This is the most recommended method of application as it is easy and quicker to complete.
  2. Students can go to any National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) office closest to them and apply with the help of NSFAS agents stationed there.
  3. Several public universities and TVET colleges are allowing learners and students to make use of their computer labs and the financial aid offices to apply. You may contact the public institution closest to you to find out if they are open for NSFAS applications on campus.

You need the following documents to apply:

  1. Certified copy of your South African ID or birth certificate
  2. Certified copies of proofs of income if your parent/s or guardian are employed
  3. Certified copies of your parent/s or guardian/s ID
  4. A completed consent form signed by your parent/s or guardian/s
  5. If you are an orphan, a Declaration Form available from the NSFAS website www.nsfas.org.za must be signed by your social worker.
  6. If you have a disability, you need to complete the Disability Annexure A, also available on the website www.nsfas.org.za.

All applications without any of the required documents listed above will not be accepted. No emailed or posted applications will be accepted.

When to apply?

NSFAS Applications are currently open and will close on 30 November 2018. No late applications will be accepted.

For more information call NSFAS on 0860 067 327 or 021 763 3200

Education

Protecting the eyes and ears of children

Protecting the eyes and ears of children tsoana
Written by: Dale Hes

An NGO wants children from disadvantaged communities to receive better hearing and eyesight screening.

HearX is seeking to be the eyes and ears of children through new technologies that identify health problems related to hearing and sight. The HearX Group is a social enterprise which uses smartphone hearing tests to provide low-cost screening to disadvantaged communities.

The technoloHearX ensures that children receive the necessary care if they have any vision or earing impairmentsgy, called hearScreen, uses a mobile app to provide valid screening, through pure tone audiometry which is a global hearing test to identify hearing loss.

To detect vision impairment the group has partnered with UK-based social enterprise PeekVision, which  developed an app that offers a mobile eye test.

The app automatically sends results to an eye-care professional for further assessment.

Since 2017, the project has reached 3 800 children from pre-schools and schools in the Tembisa and Ivory Park areas of Gauteng.

“Our Tembisa project is part of our wider aim of empowering individuals with hearing and vision impairments in lower income communities using innovative technology. Working at the local early childhood development (ECD) centres and primary schools, our three screeners are using mobile devices to test children for both hearing and vision quality,” said hearX Group’s founder Nic Klopper.

 He said children who need further diagnostic hearing and vision assessments are linked to the appropriate follow-up care, and provided with hearing aids or spectacles.

Kenilwe Mahlangu is the mother of seven-year-old Ofentse, a Grade 1 pupil who underwent the tests. She said that she suspected something was wrong even before the hearX Group arrived at her son’s school.

“Just before the campaign started I was actually going to take him for a screening myself. He would squint when watching TV or would hold a book very close to his face when reading. So the test happened at a very good time,” said Mahlangu.

Once the eye test was conducted by hearX Ofentse went for an appointment at SpecSavers, who referred him to a specialist.

He was fitted with a pair of spectacles, which were provided free of charge. Mahlangu said that she noticed a big difference in her son after since he started wearing the spectacles.

Health

Start-up timber company branches out into China

Start-up timber company branches out into China Londekile
Written by Hlengiwe Ngobese

Exporting to China can be an uphill battle for many small and medium-size businesses, but for KwaZulu-Natal businessman Xolani Ntuli it is a winnable battle with the right partners at his side.

Ntuli (40) owns XKG, a timber and logistics company that recently secured a contract to supply timber to a furniture manufacturing company in China.

It was a dream come true for Ntuli who, after working in the timber industry for many years, aspired to be his own boss. In 2015, he took a leap of faith by starting his own business. Within months, he secured a contract to export pine timber to Dongguan, a manufacturing hub in China’s Guangdong province.

Ntuli said winning the contract would not have been possible without the support of Trade and Investment KwaZulu-Natal through its Emerging Exporter Programme.

The incubation programme focuses on export and market opportunities. Ntuli received step-by-step mentorship. “They even went with me to the forest to help me choose the right product for my client,” he said.

The first shipment of 10 tons of pine timber was sent in June and his clients wanted another eight tons in September.

“The first shipment was a headache because I didn’t have the R500 000 to cover the shipping costs. I had many sleepless nights trying to figure out what to do and eventually used all my savings for my kids to get the job done,” he said.

Ntuli is one of the people who heeded government’s call to consider entrepreneurship as a way of helping the economy to grow. He employs five young people and plans to open a satellite office in Nelspruit as he gets most of his timber from Mpumalanga.

“I’m a strong believer in outsourcing as a means of supporting other black-owned businesses,” he said, citing the trucks that transport his timber to the port and the machines used to load timber in the forest as examples. 

Ntuli has this message for entrepreneurs: Work hard on your dreams and be willing to learn and make sacrifices.”

Jobs / Vacancies

Sweet potato drinking yoghurt the healthier choice

Sweet potato drinking yoghurt the healthier choice Ursula
Written by More Matshediso

A young entrepreneur from Limpopo is producing yoghurt made with sweet potatoes.

Edward Molatela Kgarose is the founder of Kgarose Kgaros a company that produces sweet potato yoghurt in three flavours.A local entrepreneur from Ga Molepo in Limpopo has identified a gap in the market and is using sweet potatoes to provide consumers with a healthier choice for drinking yoghurts.

Edward Molatela Kgarose (29) is the founder of Kgarose Kgaros (Pty) Ltd, a company that produces sweet potato yoghurt in three flavours, namely banana, strawberry and apricot.

Kgarose, who has qualifications in marketing management, told Vuk’uzenzele that he saw a gap in the food sector. He researched the health benefits of sweet potatoes and started his business in 2016.

He found out that sweet potatoes are a low-sugar vegetable, a good blood regulator while also high in fibre, vitamins and calcium.

“Sweet potatoes have a neutral flavour, and easily blend with other flavours. They also have high plant protein levels and low calories, which make them a healthy and smart choice compared to other starchy root vegetables,” he said.

Kgarose said the product is lab tested and is safe for human consumption.

He is one of the young people who have heeded government’s call to consider entrepreneurship as a way of helping the economy grow, create jobs and fight youth unemployment.

In the two years that his business has been in operation, he has employed four people in his province and has plans to open a mini factory in Germiston, Gauteng soon.

Currently, his product is available at two retail stores in Polokwane.

Over the years, government has urged the private sector to support emerging small businesses to assist South Africa with economic growth by generating meaningful economic activity in townships, rural villages and towns.

Kgarose has received support of about R70 000 from the Shoprite Hustle competition.

His company also won about R50 000 from SABC1’s Making Moves entrepreneurial show.

“With all the funds I received, I managed to buy some small equipment that has enabled me to produce 500 units of 385g of yoghurt per day,” he explained.

Jobs / Vacancies

This month in history

This month in history vuyelwan

Tuesday, 15 November 1938 - Anti-apartheid activist Ronnie Kasrils is born

South African anti-apartheid activist Ronnie Kasrils was born in the Johannesburg suburb of Yeoville. The Sharpeville massacre and its aftermath drew him closer to the African National Congress (ANC). He was renowned for perfectly executing tasks entrusted to him by the leadership of the party. He was a member of the South African Communist Party (SACP) and Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK). He personally executed acts of sabotage.

Kasrils was constantly on the run from government law enforcement agencies. In 1963, he skipped the country to Dar es Salaam. He has travelled to several foreign countries on ANC missions.

After the country's first democratic elections in 1994, he was appointed as the Minister of Defence in President Nelson Mandela's Cabinet. He later became Minister of Water Affairs and Forestry under President Thabo Mbeki. He served his second term in Mbeki's Cabinet as Minister of Intelligence.

 

General

Thuma Mina express at your service

Thuma Mina express at your service Londekile
Written by Nonkululeko Mathebula

Thuma Mina Express Services is changing the life of Thabang Dlamini.

Prior to starting the business, Dlamini was unemployed but had the idea to start a business that would make life easier for his community.

Established almost three years ago, Thuma Mina is based in Tsakane, which is part of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality.

Its core service is to run errands and make small deliveries around the township with a bicycle.

Dlamini said being unemployed pushed him to think out of the box and consider the idea of starting his own business.

“I was inspired by the township residents who often don’t have time to run their own errands, either because of poor health or work commitments. 

“I thought to myself, seeing that I’m unemployed and have all the time in the world, why not start my own business, which would allow me to help those who have too much on their plates,” said Dlamini.

He added that most of his clients are women who often don’t have the time to go to the shops because of their work schedule, chores or old age.

“Women over the age of 60 form my biggest client base. I assist them by collecting their medication or purchasing groceries. Some of these women stay alone and have no one to turn to.”

He delivers anything from vegetables, to small amounts of groceries, fast food and medication. In fact, anything that can be transported on a bicycle.

“I honestly find this job fulfilling. Not only do I have my own business and create employment, but I get to help my community.

“Knowing that I bring about certain change in their lives is what keeps me going and I’ll forever appreciate their support,” said Dlamini.

Dlamini and his employees share three bicycles and are constantly on the go, making deliveries, doing shopping for their clients or even standing in long queues to make payments at different retail stores.

He charges R20 for normal deliveries and R50 for express deliveries. Dlamini urges young people who are not employed to look around and identify possible gaps – especially in areas that lighten the load for people – and start their own businesses.

Jobs / Vacancies

Yamama Gemmer goes international

Yamama Gemmer goes international vuyelwan

International Relations / General

The fair has about 7 000 companies from over 109 countries presenting their products to retail and food service professionals.

A South African ginger beer manufacturing company Yamama Gemmer is set to break into the European beverage sector after showcasing their goods at the Salon International de l’alimentation (SIAL) international food innovation exhibition that recently took place in Paris France.

Mosibudi Makgato founder of Yamama Gemmer is among the 38 South African enterprises that showcased their products and services at the 27th edition of the SIAL. Yamama Gemmer is set to break into the European beverage sector after showcasing their goods at the Salon International de l’alimentation (SIAL).

The Department of Trade and Industry (dti) led a delegation of local agro-processing companies to the world’s largest food products exhibition to be held this year.

Back in 2010, Makgato and her sister Rosemary Padi were experimenting with a catering business, which resulted in the pair introducing ginger beer as part of their offering.

“We began noticing that ginger beer was flowing more than alcoholic beverages.”

“We also loved the idea because it had a nostalgic element to it and that was when we grasped that there was a gap in the market for ginger beer beverages,” said Makgato.

Makgato’s Yamama Gemmer is sold in both concentrated and in ready-to-drink form and is marketed as a healthy lifestyle drink.

The company participated in SIAL through the dti’s Export Marketing and Investment Assistance (EMIA) scheme. The objective of the scheme is to develop export markets for South African products and services, and to recruit new foreign direct investments into the country.

SIAL is the global showcase for the food industry with unrivalled geographic coverage of Europe and the rest of the world, which specialises in the food processing industry.

The trade show is dedicated to the agri-food industry, food retail, and institutional and commercial catering.

South African Marketing Officer responsible for Economic Affairs in France, Mustapha Adams, said the exhibition is a strategic gateway for local companies into the European market.

 “If one is looking for any agro-processing products or services SIAL is the platform to find them and the advantage for South African companies on show is that they will be able to measure how their products fare both comparatively and competitively against those from other countries,” said Adams.   

SAnews.gov.za

Jobs / Vacancies

Youth Olympics headed for Senegal

Youth Olympics headed for Senegal vuyelwan

International Relations / General

Dakar will come alive and make history in 2022 when young people from all over the world flock to the city in a quest of good sportsmanship.

Senegal will be flying their flag high as the host nation for the 4th Summer Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in 2022.

The event which takes place every four years will be hosted on African soil for the first time.

Three other African countries namely Botswana, Tunisa and Nigeria were also on the shortlist to host the Olympics but Senegal emerged as the winner.

The announcement to host YOG was made by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

“The IOC was fortunate to have four quality partners representing the African continent in the YOG 2022 Host Selection Process. All four candidates have the capability of delivering successful Youth Olympic Games and offer many opportunities,” the IOC said in a statement.

Botswana, the smallest of the four candidate countries, proposed a compelling project based in the capital Gaborone that would help achieve the country’s long-term vision for young people and sport.

Nigeria proposed a very solid and compact project in the capital Abuja, a project also fully aligned with the national sports and youth strategy.

“Tunisia presented a robust project involving the seaside tourist resort of Yasmine-Hammamet. The project’s vision is in line with the government’s goal to empower young people.”

In taking its decision, the IOC recognised that Senegal offers a strong project and the greatest opportunities at this moment in time.

The country’s bid tied closely with the West African country’s overarching development strategy in line with the government’s “Emerging Senegal’’ plan, which envisions major economic and infrastructure improvements.

IOC President Thomas Bach said, “It is time for Africa…Africa is the home of many successful and prominent Olympic athletes. Africa is a continent of youth. That is why we want to take the Youth Olympic Games 2022 to Africa and to Senegal.” 

General