NATIONAL

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced the allocation of funds on Wednesday during the 2024 Budget Speech. He shared that these allocations include R11.6 billion for the 2023 wage agreement, R27.3 billion for infrastructure, and R1.4 billion for the NHI.

The government will be investing R943.8 billion in infrastructure in the next three years, as per the 2024 Budget Review. These investments include R486.1 billion from state-owned companies and public entities, R213.8 billion from municipalities and R224.8 billion from provincial and national governments.

Talking about the long-term plan, the minister said that 14,000 kilometers of new transmission lines are yet to be developed across South Africa to ensure that the renewable energy projects are well-connected to the grid.

Ramaphosa said that this fund will help to bring together all spheres of government and the private sector, adding that South Africa "will have collaborative efforts to build resilience and respond to climate change" by coordinating financial mobilization from both sectors.

Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) head Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya stated that a total of 229 individuals were found guilty and received sentences, out of which 220 were natural persons and nine were juristic persons.

Nkomo-Ralehoko has appealed to parents, caregivers and legal guardians to sign the consent form - if they have not done so already - to protect young girls in the country.

The power utility said that instead of load-shedding stages, customers who have smart meters can limit their own electricity consumption. The announcement came after Eskom successfully implemented the project in another Eastern Cape town, Adelaide.

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lusufi expressed his excitement regarding the government's partnership with the security system supplier company and called it a huge milestone for the security campaign.

Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe said that the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy has generated 13,266 MW from 140 Independent Power Producers (IPPs), which are based on renewable energy sources like diesel and battery energy storage.

The spokesperson of SIU said that the seven contracts include procurement of legal services, event organizing and management services, consultancy services, security services, services relating to the Riemvasmaak Tourism Master Plan, catering services and an audio-visual system.

Lethabo, Matimba, Duvha, Majuba, Camden, Grootvlei, Kriel and Medupi power station units contributed to 4,400 megawatts to the power grid in South Africa.

President Ramaphosa also spoke about the government's plan to prioritize basic education of children at an early stage, underscoring the progress that is already underway showing the administration's commitment to this area.

President Cyril Ramaphosa also announced that the SAPS will get an additional 10,000 officers by the end of this year, noting that South Africans deserve to feel and be safe while walking in their neighborhoods and public spaces.

Ramaphosa, 71, must rally support behind the scandal-tainted African National Congress in the speech to lawmakers at Cape Town City Hall at 1700 GMT, according to analysts.

The event aimed to discuss the commencement of the Presidential Employment Stimulus (PES) and Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI) programs that created over 1.7 million job opportunities.

Electoral Commission said that a political party that wants compensatory seats in the National Assembly and in all the nine regions requires a R300,000 deposit while the party will also require to have R50,000 for each of the provincial legislatures.

Phaahla noted that many doctors complete statutory community service programs but stay unemployed, adding that doctors play an important role when it comes to the public health system of the country.

During the opening of the 30th Investing in African Mining Indaba held on Monday in Cape Town, the president acknowledged that persistent challenges are impeding mining performance.

The second voter registration weekend was held on Feb. 3 and Feb. 4 in the wake of upcoming general elections of the National Assembly and Provincial Legislatures.

SAUS and NSFAS noted that those students who have already submitted their application for the NSFAS bursary scheme do not need to submit a new application for the student loan scheme.

Telkom noted that the company is working towards the development of solutions to enrich customers' lives alongside helping the growth of enterprises and small businesses in South Africa.

South Africa and other African countries will benefit from the start of preferential trade as it will create great opportunities for growth and development, as per South African President.

Called the Seafarer Employment and Development Program, the initiative is expected to provide training, mentorship and job placement assistance to seafarers.

There are many fake Facebook and LinkedIn accounts of the deputy minister and it seems to be a well-coordinated plan by con artists to attack small business owners, as per the department.

The water pump system has been operating at 50% capacity since the Ntuzuma Reservoir 2 pump station was damaged by a fire in April last year.

The voter registration for inmates is scheduled from Jan. 20 to Feb. 1. The department explained that at the time of arrest, many offenders didn't have their identity documents with them. Hence, the families are requested to provide the documents including green-barcoded ID, smartcard ID or temporary identification certificate (TIC).

The International Court of Justice will hand down a highly anticipated ruling on Friday in South Africa's case against Israel over alleged genocidal acts in Gaza.

Israeli flag carrier El Al said Friday it will scrap direct flights to South Africa following "a significant fall in demand by Israeli travellers" to the country and other destinations.

Minister of Health Joe Phaahla recalled that German and South African governments have enjoyed a very fruitful relationship across several departments over the years.