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CAPE TOWN - South Africa was plunged back into stage 5 power cuts at noon on Tuesday.
Load shedding would intensify at 21h00 when Stage 6 power cuts would kick in.
In the short statement from Eskom, the utility said Stage 5 power cuts would be brought back at 5AM on Wednesday and would continue "until further notice".
"In the last 24 hours, six generating units have suffered breakdowns, of which a unit each at Duvha and Hendrina have not yet returned to service," the statement said.
"In addition, a generating unit each at Matla and Arnot had been returned to service. There is a delay in returning a generating unit each at Duvha, Kendal, Grootvlei, and Kriel power stations."
The country was currently without almost 23,000 MW of power due to planned maintenance as well as the breakdowns.
Credit: https://ewn.co.za/0001/01/01/power-alert-sa-plunged-into-stage-5-load-shedding-until-further-notice
Addressing the close of the ANC NEC lekgotla on Monday night, Ramaphosa said party leaders have backed calls for the state of disaster to speedily address South Africa's power crisis in a much shorter period than the 18 to 24 months government had originally communicated to South Africans.
CAPE TOWN - Imposing a national state of disaster similar to the conditions imposed on South Africans during the COVID-19 pandemic would form part of discussion during Wednesday's cabinet lekgotla, President Cyril Ramaphosa has said.
Addressing the close of the ANC NEC lekgotla on Monday night, Ramaphosa said party leaders have backed calls for the state of disaster to speedily address South Africa's power crisis in a much shorter period than the 18 to 24 months government had originally communicated to South Africans.
Ramaphosa and his cabinet are set to meet on Wednesday to thrash out government's priorities for 2023 ahead of next week's state-of-the-nation address.
A national state of disaster would likely top the agenda.
"There's broad agreement that we should move in that direction...work is already underway within government to establish whether the legal requirements for the declaration of a national state of disaster are met," Ramaphosa told the ANC lekgotla.
Ramaphosa said government would also get clarity on the extent of the powers the declaration would give government to eradicate load shedding.
"It was observed that it would be necessary to have a national state of disaster, because that would enable use to have the instruments that would be necessary to fully address the challenge that our nation faces."
Credit: https://ewn.co.za/2023/01/31/ramaphosa-mulls-national-state-of-disaster-over-energy-crisis
NC State football released its full schedule on Monday night, unveiling a winnable non-conference schedule and a favorable home slate.
NEW QB IN TOWN:Former Virginia QB Brennan Armstrong commits to NC State football. What does it mean?
Because Notre Dame previously released its 2023 schedule, we knew the Fighting Irish were headed to Raleigh on Sept. 9, but that doesn’t make this home opener any less exciting.
These teams have only met three times and only once at Carter-Finley Stadium. NC State holds a 2-1 record with wins in 2003 and 2016’s 10-3 victory that was played in a constant downpour amidst Hurricane Matthew. Notre Dame got revenge the next year, 35-14, in South Bend.
The Irish finished 9-4 last year and were 4-0 against ACC opponents. Former Wake Forest quarterback Sam Hartman transferred to Notre Dame during the offseason.
Former quarterback Brennan Armstrong committed to NC State in January and reunited with former offensive coordinator Robert Anae.
Armstrong may be reunited with an angry Cavalier fan base on Sept. 22. The Wolfpack open ACC play at Virginia, and Armstrong could be the team’s starting quarterback, although MJ Morris and Ben Finley might have something to say about that.
Armstrong threw for 4,449 yards and 31 touchdowns in 2021 under Anae. After Anae left for Syracuse last season, Armstrong's production dipped significantly, completing 54% of his passes with seven touchdowns to 12 interceptions.
The ACC announced its new football scheduling model last August, with each team facing three primary opponents every season starting in 2023. That did not include an NC State-Wake matchup that has taken place every year for over a century.
The Wolfpack will face Clemson, Duke and UNC as their three primary opponents while Wake Forest will face Duke, Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech.
NC State fans are known to make the long trips, but that won’t be necessary during conference play. The 2023 road games are at Virginia, Duke, Wake Forest and Virginia Tech, making these games driving-friendly for the Wolfpack faithful.
The longest road trip of the season is Week 1 in a rematch of last season’s 41-10 NC State win in Week 4 at Carter-Finley Stadium.
Credit: https://www.jdnews.com/story/sports/college/acc/2023/01/31/nc-state-footballs-2023-schedule-released-what-you-need-to-know/69856555007/
Film and photo maintenance for Mauritius
Mauritius coast
CAPE TOWN, WESTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA, Dec. 29, 2022 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Mauritius is a country brimming with countless film-related opportunities.
industry. While the industry is far from long established, recent efforts are being made to
boost the performance of the film production sector.
When it comes to improving the quality of the film industry, countries like Mauritius need
Look at two factors: local and international talent. While it is essential to promote local talent
and support future Mauritian writers, directors and actors, the global audience can
significantly boost the performance of the film industry.
By gaining international recognition, Mauritius can build itself as a country with a strong film
productive sector that will help talented people spread their stories nationally and
internationally through cinema.
small beginnings
At first, the film industry barely existed in Mauritius. Some attempts were made to speed up
the development of film productions, but they needed to be more and more spaced out, which resulted
in actions below the average.
However, the Mauritius Film Development Corporation (MFDC) was established in the 1980s.
to continue developing film production in the country.
The impact of the MFDC
The MFDC is fully funded by the government, as the Ministry of Arts and Culture saw the
value in the creation of a sustainable film industry in the country.
This corporation seeks to improve the status of film production in Mauritius by developing
local talent and inviting outside filmmakers to participate in the growth of the industry.
Casting calls, invitations to bid, short film competitions and more are organized by the
corporation. With these developments, the MFDC is well on its way to establishing a
Film industry in Mauritius.
By promoting the cinema, the quality of the production is constantly improving. Local talent is learning
more about cinema, and international talent is creating more recognition for the country.
The corporation has also had a positive impact on the economy. Helping to create and finance
more than a hundred films a year through foreign direct investment, the country is growing
more and more every year.
Growth of the entertainment industry
As Mauritius gains more international traction, the film industry is growing, attracting a
impressive roster of talent. Recently, a 2020 movie, Resort to Love, a
popular streaming service. A team of Americans produced this movie, but it was all shot in
location in Mauritius.
Since this movie premiered on Netflix, it has the potential to be watched by hundreds of millions of viewers.
people. This puts all eyes on the film and on Mauritius as a shooting location. Both sides
benefited, as Maritus production equipment was used, employing many and improving the
economy, while the film benefited from a talented workforce and optimal shooting location.
This is one of many examples of the different facilities and plans that Mauritius has in
place to invite international filmmakers to contribute to the state of film production
industry.
The benefits of working in Mauritius
Mauritius is home to some stunning scenery that can help a director achieve his vision. The
the perfect shooting environment and shooting location can enhance the whole story and production
quality. The diverse and rich landscapes have much to offer.
Additionally, Mauritius has a full movie reimbursement plan with competitive tax rates,
making filming a much cheaper venture for international filmmakers.
Accommodation, equipment and a talented crew are on hand when shooting in Mauritius,
which means the filming process is much easier and more accessible. Filming in foreign countries
It could be complicated, but Mauricio makes it even easier.
Additionally, companies like African Fixer can help international filmmakers make a smooth transition.
to work in a country like Mauritius. International filmmakers can have a stress free experience.
production in Mauritius by providing services related to Visa acquisitions, production equipment
links, catering services, hotel accommodations and more. Filming in Africa is done all the time
easier with your services.
growth potential
It is clear that Mauritius has a lot of potential for local and international filmmakers. For
Mauritius is opening its doors to global talent and is successfully growing through the film industry, paving
the path for local talent to produce meaningful and impactful films.
An impressive film production team, prime locations and unique benefits will ensure
Mauritius remains relevant in the eyes of world filmmakers.
Durand Le Sueur
african fixer
+27 72 382 2681
[email protected]
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December 29, 2022, 10:00 a.m.
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It was also noted that the chairman of the AU Commission, Mr. Mahamat, defended Israel's observer accreditation, noting that 44 member states have diplomatic ties with Israel.
CAPE TOWN, South Africa, February 8, 2022/APO Group/ --The president of the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation, Mr. Supra Mahumapelo, has followed with great interest the developments of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU) during the weekend, when he began its 35th regular session.
The Assembly was held in person, after the 2021 event had to be held virtually due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Mr. Mahumapelo also noted that Covid-19 and security were high on the agenda of the assembly, as was the controversial issue of Israel's observer status in the AU, granted by the Chairman of the Commission of the AU, Mr. Faki Mahamat.
“I watched all the African leaders in the assembly condemning the recent wave of coups and unconstitutional changes of government on the continent and was heartened by the unprecedented number of member states that have been suspended from the AU as they had no immediate guarantees. for a transition. to the civil government,” commented Mahumapelo.
Guinea, Mali, Sudan and Burkina Faso are currently suspended. However, the AU itself has been accused of inconsistencies, failing to suspend Chad after a military council took over in April 2021.
The President applauded the Department of International Relations and Cooperation and South Africa for leading the campaign with Algeria to include the issue of Israel's observer status in the AU on the summit's agenda.
"We have noted with relief that the summit has agreed to suspend a debate on the AU president's controversial decision to grant observer status to Israel, delaying a potentially divisive vote," said Mr Mahumapelo. South Africa and Algeria argued that the decision went against the AU's declarations of support for the Palestinian territories. It was also noted that the AU has launched a committee of six member states to examine this issue and report back to the AU. South Africa is one of the six.
It was also noted that the chairman of the AU Commission, Mr. Mahamat, defended Israel's observer accreditation, noting that 44 member states have diplomatic ties with Israel. To further the committee's oversight interest, the committee will request the Minister for International Relations and Cooperation, Dr. Naledi Pandor, to inform the committee how he intends to address some of the statements on South Africa contained in Mr. Mahamat's statement on the subject.
The Department must collaborate with traditional authorities when conducting land investigation and must respect the role of traditional leadership.
CAPE TOWN, South Africa, February 7, 2022/APO Group/ --The Portfolio Committee on Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development concluded its supervision visit to Gwatyu with a session with the Provincial and National Departments of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (ALRRD) and the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs. After hearing the perspectives of all stakeholders during the week, the committee felt that the various departments involved needed an opportunity to respond to the issues that arose from the meetings held with the king and other traditional authorities and at the public hearing.
The committee informed the ALRRD Department that a multifaceted approach was required to solve the problems in Gwatyu. You must consider existing laws and regulatory frameworks and work quickly to resolve the impasse. This must be done to avoid a court case against you. After meeting with the group of beneficiaries who have formed an association, the committee informed the department that they need to meet with these beneficiaries to reach an amicable solution. These beneficiaries also have usufruct rights to the land.
The committee further advised the department to obtain the Certificate of Chiefship for the Gwatyu area and check the records to determine the allocation of land to the amaTshatshu Traditional Authority and other beneficiaries. The department must also verify if title to the area has been granted to any of the beneficiaries. The department must familiarize itself with Judge Heath's report and determine if there are any resolutions that should be considered.
The committee encouraged the department to pursue job creation in the area. The Department of Agriculture, Agrarian Reform and Rural Development needs to mobilize other departments to provide services such as water, electricity and closed roads for the benefit of the communities living in Gwatyu. Programs such as Narysec and the National Youth Development Agency will enable young people to gain skills and become employable.
The president, Inkosi Zwelivelile Mandela, warned the Department that they operate in the space of traditional authorities. Although the farms are owned by the department, the land is on Amashatshu land. The Department must collaborate with traditional authorities when conducting land investigation and must respect the role of traditional leadership.
The committee also informed the department that they must analyze the reasons why those who had leased farms have stopped paying since 1998. Did they stop paying because the department is seeking to evict them or is the department going to release the land to them, the president said. . order.
The department must keep the committee informed of the progress of its interventions and land investigation on a regular basis.
The committee noted that the African Renaissance Fund has continued to be an important instrument in the pursuit of South Africa's foreign policy, in particular the African Agenda.
CAPE TOWN, South Africa, February 4, 2022/APO Group/ --The International Relations and Cooperation Portfolio Committee received the performance reports for quarters 1 and 2 for fiscal year 2021/22 from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation. The committee urged the department to ensure that in the future it reports more on the achievement of goals and results rather than events.
The Covid-19 pandemic has affected diplomatic operations around the world. It has been noted that the multilateral collaboration that was evident at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic has slowly been replaced by a narrow national interest and protectionism of vaccine availability in the midst of a global pandemic.
Engagements made during the reporting period focused on promoting South Africa's national interests and areas of mutual interest, the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as exchanging views on a broad spectrum of bilateral and international issues of concern. global.
'It is important that the economic diplomacy and image building activities undertaken by South African missions abroad are aimed at promoting, among others, the economic interests of the country, exploring investment opportunities, promoting tourism, skills development and cultural exchanges, to address the mistakes of the past”, said the Chairman of the Committee, Mr. Supra Mahumapelo.
The committee urged the department to stay on top of its game when it comes to hot spots, especially in the Southern African Development Community region. The political conflicts in Lesotho, Eswatini and the insurgency in the Cabo Delgado province of Mozambique needed to be addressed in order to achieve a peaceful and lasting resolution of these conflicts.
The committee noted that the African Renaissance Fund has continued to be an important instrument in the pursuit of South Africa's foreign policy, in particular the African Agenda. In this spirit, South Africa will fund the procurement of 2,030,400 doses of Johnson and Johnson vaccines for 26 African countries. The committee has taken note of this important contribution of South Africa to the fight against covid19 on the continent.
The committee heard that the Cuban government has also requested assistance from South Africa to address shortages of food and medical supplies. "We support this gesture, since it is aggravated by the unilateral economic sanctions of the United States against Cuba," Mahumapelo said.
He said that the African Union summit will be held next weekend. “In keeping with his theme for this year, we hope that the AU will take bold action to address the already dire situation of food insecurity and malnutrition on the continent, before it gets worse,” added Mr. Mahumapelo.
“I am concerned about the increase in unconstitutional changes of government (coup d'état) and the threat of terrorism in our continent. Finding paths towards peaceful solutions will be a crucial test for the African Union as it celebrates its 20th anniversary this year,” he continued.
Mr. Mahumapelo viewed the decision he referred to as controversial by AU Commission Chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat to grant observer status to Israel, as incomprehensible that the AU would recognize and grant observer status to the state of Israel. He expressed his hope that South Africa will ensure that the AU handles this matter with the sensitivity it deserves.
The election of a female leader in this important traditional organization will bring a different set of skills and perspectives that are necessary in our current society.
CAPE TOWN, South Africa, January 27, 2022/APO Group/ --The Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) congratulates Nkosikazi Nomandla Mhlawuli on her historic election as President of the National House of Traditional Leaders (NHTL) and Khoi-San Leaders on Tuesday, January 25, 2022.
The unopposed election of Nkosikazi Mhlawuli as the first female traditional leader to this position signals NHTL's commitment to democratic South Africa's promise to empower the country's women. This recognition by the NHTL is a testament to her abilities as a leader that she is up to the task.
The NHTL has always been perceived as patriarchal and not open to transformation, particularly in terms of gender. The committee congratulates you on this great milestone in what has traditionally been the domain of male primogeniture and a bastion of patriarchy in South Africa. The election of a female leader in this important traditional organization will bring a different set of skills and perspectives that are necessary in our current society.
A series of social problems affect communities, especially in rural areas, which require the intervention of traditional leaders. The committee hopes that Nkosikazi Mhlawuli's election will lead to innovations in finding solutions to these problems. The committee wishes Nkosikazi Mhlawuli success in his role.
The community should be aware that an illegally purchased home would not be beneficial in the long run, as the buyer will not receive title to an illegally purchased home.
CAPE TOWN, South Africa, January 27, 2022/APO Group/ --The Portfolio Committee on Human Settlements has asked the Department of Human Settlements to work with law enforcement agencies to arrest and prosecute criminals selling RDP houses. The committee continues its week-long monitoring visit to Gauteng to assess the implementation of the targets and was briefed on the persistent problem of third parties selling RDP houses to the poor.
“We cannot continue to turn a blind eye to this perennial problem of lawlessness, where criminal elements exploit the desperation caused by the yearning for security of tenure among South Africans. These people are extorting money from the poor who are forced to approach loan sharks for money to access housing. These criminals must be prosecuted through collaboration between the South African Police Service (SAPS), the department and the wider communities,” said Ms. Machwene Semenya, chair of the committee.
The committee heard that people continue to sell RDP houses in the Savanna City Mega Project in the Midvaal Local Municipality. The committee asked the community to actively participate in the fight against this illegality by sharing information with the police and the Department of Human Settlements. “The community needs to be aware that an illegally purchased home would not be beneficial in the long run, as the buyer will not receive title to an illegally purchased home. Buying these houses will lead to financial losses,” Ms. Semenya emphasized.
Consequently, the committee requested the municipality and the department, together with the SAPS, to implement measures aimed at arresting the perpetrator(s) and periodically report to the committee on the progress and plans to stop this illegality.
In the meantime, the committee has called for strategies to eliminate the risk exposure of title holders. While the committee is aware that the Housing Act prohibits the sale of an RDP home within eight years of occupancy, it is also aware that many families are forced, primarily due to economic hardship, to sell their homes. or offer them as collateral for loans. before the expiration of the legal deadlines. This threatens the security of tenure for many. “There is an urgent need to find solutions to the challenge of selling RDP houses, because it perpetuates the inability of many to own their own houses,” stressed Ms. Semenya.
Despite these challenges, the committee appreciates the quality workmanship in developing these properties, especially for the poor. “The projects we have seen so far are of good quality and set the standard for what should be followed throughout the country. We want quality houses and not poor houses that we have become accustomed to. To ensure this, effective monitoring must be done from the development of the foundation to its completion,” said Ms. Semenya.
In the meantime, the committee remains concerned about challenges in the beneficiary lists in Gauteng. Many people who applied and qualified between 1996 and 1998 have not received their homes. The committee reiterated its call for transparency regarding the list of beneficiaries. In addition, the committee has called for the exclusion of politicians at the local level on issues of beneficiary lists. Finally, oversight of officials involved in administering beneficiary lists must be improved to ensure that any corrupt activity is promptly addressed.
We are delighted to add South Africa to the Homes & Villas by Marriott International collection and bring our deep understanding of exceptional hospitality to the table.
CAPE TOWN, South Africa, January 26, 2022/APO Group/ --Homes & Villas by Marriott International (Marriott.com), Marriott International's curated and growing collection of premium and luxury entire home rentals, today announces that nearly 300 unique Cape Town, Johannesburg homes have been added to the platform. and Durban, marking the debut of the collection. In South Africa. Launched in May 2019, Homes & Villas by Marriott International features more than 50,000 premium and luxury entire home rentals located in more than 500 top destinations worldwide.
The launch gives travelers in the South African market more choice, with entire home rentals offering space, privacy and independence, especially for family trips. The collection of home rental properties will complement Marriott International's existing portfolio of hotels in the country, which includes brands such as Protea Hotels, Marriott Hotels, Westin, AC Hotels, Autograph Collection, Sheraton Hotels and Marriott Executive Apartments.
Building on Marriott International's decades of providing an exceptional hospitality experience, each home listed in Homes & Villas by Marriott International is professionally managed and meets the company's standards for design, cleanliness, safety and amenities. Homes & Villas by Marriott International is also the only home rental offering to participate in the award-winning travel program, Marriott Bonvoy, which allows members to earn and redeem points for stays at home rentals and more than 7,000 hotels and resorts in everyone. Each stay also includes 24/7 support, professional cleaning, high-speed Wi-Fi, a fully-equipped kitchen, premium linens, towels, and toiletries, laundry, and kid-friendly items. order.
Chris Stephenson, Vice President, International Markets, Homes & Villas, Marriott International, said, “With quality homes in prime locations, located in world-famous destinations like Cape Town, we are delighted to add South Africa to the list of Homes & Villas. by Marriott International Collection and bring our deep understanding of exceptional hospitality and world-class standards to the country's premium rental market. In addition to amazing contemporary African-chic apartments, tranquil villas with stunning mountain views, and vibrant homes with charming interiors overlooking the ocean, the collection includes some beautiful city homes and apartments, giving travelers more options when explore this amazing country.”
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A tranquil, modern three-bedroom villa with mountain views in the serene neighborhood of Bishopscourt, Cape Town (https://bit.ly/3IHgHd9) The Emerald, a modern luxury two-bedroom apartment with a private balcony. Guests can enjoy lunch at the hotel's restaurant overlooking the green suburb of Hyde Park, Johannesburg. (https://bit.ly/3rUEiAo) A contemporary African beach style four-bedroom home with a pool overlooking stunning Clifton Beach. (https://bit.ly/3fW1qZV)As in all of its other markets, Homes & Villas by Marriott International works exclusively in South Africa with trusted property management professionals who not only provide 24/7 guest assistance, but also ensure that the portfolio of homes meets the standards of products and services of Marriott International in terms of design, cleanliness, safety, reliability and high-end amenities.
Travelers can search for and reserve homes on the Homes & Villas by Marriott International site: www.HomesandVillasbyMarriott.com
