Author: Tshegofatso Letsie

The Department of Sports, Arts and Culture has vowed to support plans aimed to transform the country’s museums. Minister Gayton McKenzie used his address during the Heritage Sector Bosberaad in Cape Town, to implore the sector’s practitioners and experts to compile a transformation strategy of museums which he said the Department will support He also used the engagement to ascertain himself with the current state of museums in the country, as well as challenges faced by the sites’ management. McKenzie believes that the refurbishment of museums will not only strengthen social cohesion and community participation but will also accelerate global…

The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has ramped up interventions to contain the spread of the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD). This follows the spread of FMD to other nearby farms within Ventersdorp, at the JB Marks Local Municipality. According to the Director of Veterinary Services Dr Langa Madyibi, the disease was detected after animals displayed clinical signs of FMD and tested positive based on tissue samples. Despite this, he guaranteed that strict measures continue to be in place across farms in the province. “The Veterinary teams are conducting their work under strict biosecurity protocols, including disinfecting…

The North West Provincial Skills Development Forum is anticipated to accelerate growth and progress across the province. The Premier’s Office Director General, Paul Mogotlhe opened the Forum’s induction session in Sun City, near Rustenburg. Mogotlhe used his address to reiterate the significance of bridging the skills gap in the province. “Without a skilled workforce we cannot grow our economy, reduce unemployment or fight poverty and inequality. Through this Forum we want to ensure that the people of the North West have access to quality skills that improve their employability and entrepreneurship,” said Mogotlhe. He expanded more on the issue of…

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) is calling on government and relevant partners to strengthen measures towards protecting the country’s water infrastructure. The Commission released its policy brief on recommendations on how to tackle water mafias and what it termed as the systemic sabotage of essential water infrastructure on Wednesday. The policy brief covers a wide range of aspects including the impacts of water infrastructure vandalism on the public and economic costs thereafter. SAHRC spokesperson, Wisani Baloyi provided an overview of some of the recommendations the commission made in the brief. ‘’The policy brief seeks to be a clarion…

Banyana Banyana Head Coach, Dr Desiree Ellis has named the final squad of 26 players who will represent the country at the 2024 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) to be played on 5-26 July 2025 in Morocco. Ellis believes the squad has the required flexibility to clinch the title. “Getting the right mix of players was very important for us. Our recent friendlies showed the versatility within our ranks and our versatility will be key for us in Morocco. Refiloe Jane for example has played every position on the field except as goalkeeper. Lebohang Ramalepe can play both…

The Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen has assured the country that the meat consumed from animals infected with Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is not a threat to human health and safe to consume. Steenhuisen alongside Gauteng Agriculture MEC, Vuyiswa Ramokgopa conducted an oversight visit at Karaan Beef Feedlot in Heidelberg to witness the vaccination of cattle as part of government’s fight against FMD. The visit comes after the country received the first batch of about 900 000 vaccine doses from Botswana. According to Steenhuisen, a second batch will be ordered to continue responding to the outbreak particularly in KwaZulu-Natal and…

The South African government is optimistic that the signed $1.5 billion Development Policy Loan Agreement will help the country unlock key infrastructure advancements aimed at improving the country’s economy. The National Treasury has through a statement, welcomed the agreement describing it as a positive step towards addressing the high unemployment rate. “The financing forms part of the government’s broader efforts to implement structural reforms that strengthen public institutions, crowd in private investment, and improve service delivery across priority sectors of the economy. “The loan support is anchored on three key pillars of structural reform, i.e., improving energy security, enhancing the…

Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has implemented what it described as a comprehensive infrastructure maintenance programme across all nine of its airports. According to the entity, this is part of reinforcing its commitment to operational excellence and long-term economic growth. ACSA CEO Mpumi Mpofu said most of the projects are expected to be completed between late 2025 and 2027, adding that they will boost infrastructure development. “This program is a strong signal of ACSA’s recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic. It reflects our return to financial sustainability and our ability to reinvest in critical infrastructure that will serve the aviation industry…

South Africa’s F1 Bid Steering Committee has noted an announcement by the International Automobile Federation (FIA) that it has approved the design proposals to upgrade the Kyalami circuit to Grade 1 status. The circuit, which currently holds the FIA Grade 2 certification, was last upgraded in 2016, and has been given three years to complete the upgrades According to the committee, Grade 1 is the highest international standard required for a circuit to qualify to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix. The committee said this is encouraging and bodes well for the country’s bid to host a race in the…

The Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training, has welcomed the submission of the names of the panel members appointed to oversee the selection and recommendations of board chairpersons for the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs).This after the Department’s Minister, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane appeared before the committee to respond to questions related to the board chairpersons, following public outcry over alleged political interference. Committee Chairperson, Tebogo Letsie said the Minister’s submission of the names is long overdue. “We are pleased that sanity has prevailed and that the Minister has now compllied with this requirement. The committee believes this disclosure…