Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla notes with concern and condemns in strong terms the acts of anarchy, violence and criminality targeting healthcare facilities with the intention to disrupt the provision of essential health services, depriving patients of life-saving treatment.

The recent acts of violence committed in Themba Hospital in Mpumalanga which threatened the safety and security of the health workers, patients, service providers and infrastructure is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. These acts disrupt the provision of essential health services, threaten the safety and security of health workers, patients, and health infrastructure.

We welcome the swift response and interventions by members of the South African Police Service and other law enforcement agencies to normalise the situation to enable the health workers to perform their life-saving duties in a safe and protected environment without disruption and acts of violence, and at the same time enable the patients to access essential health service including life-saving treatment.

The government will continue to respond proportionally to these criminal acts to protect those who need help in the hospital, the healthcare workers and the healthcare infrastructure we have. We are already working with the South African Police Service (SAPS) to ensure that healthcare service continues undisrupted and prevent future incidences. We want to assure the healthcare workers and community at large that the similar acts will not happen unattended and will be responded with speed and appropriately.

The National Department of Health (NDOH) and the South African Police Service (SAPS) have signed Memorandum of Agreement in 2019, at which have committed to cooperate to ensure security and safety of patients, workers in the health facility and the entire infrastructure. The SAPS in response to criminality in the health facility will deploy a dedicated team to ensure security of the facility.

We call upon anyone with evidence of unethical behaviour by health officials or concerns about the level of service delivery, operations of the health facility or whatsoever, to raise them through proper channels instead of resorting to violence and intimidation because that will not be tolerated, and the law will take its course.

We will not entertain any form of anarchy and feeling of entitlement in our facilities because we follow normal procurement processes like any other public institution. We implore people to exercise their constitutional rights to protest peacefully within the confines of the law, without infringing the rights to life by others and access to healthcare.

We can confirm that no life has been lost in the facility due to the recent unfortunate violent incidents, but a number of patients couldn’t access their chronic medication, while some planned surgeries had to be rescheduled. Other patients were transferred to nearby hospitals, while stable patients were discharged. The situation is now under control and the hospital is fully operational. Staff members are back at work.

Human Resources for Health

The Department of Health continues with efforts to address the challenge of unemployment of health professionals, including medical doctors who completed statutory community service programme. We are working closely with Provincial health departments focused on all critical vacant posts to strengthen healthcare delivery to adequately respond to the needs of our people. We are making progress in the recruitment of the qualified health professionals across the country. Let me dispel the myths by some critics and allay fears that the department is dragging its feet to recruit and appoint unemployed health professionals.

There are 2012 unfunded vacant posts of medical doctors on the health sector establishment at the current moment across nine provinces which require R2,4 billion to fill them. This numbers excludes other categories of health professionals like nurses, pharmacists, radiographers, dentists et cetera. We are happy to announce that a total of 2066 health professionals have been appointed between January and March 2024 across the country.

This consists of 1121 medical officers on Grade 1 of entry level, 579 professional nurses, 127 Allied Health workers, 100 pharmacists, 91 Radiographers, 23 Dentists Grade 1 and 9 Environmental Health Officers. The recruitment processes are continuing in provinces to finalize more appointments scheduled to enable the successful candidates to assume duties in May 2024.

The Ministry continues to work closely with the provincial Health MECs to activate unfunded vacant posts using the allocated additional budget to enable recruitment of more health workers. It is our wish to employ as many health professionals as possible to play a meaningful role in the public health system of the country. It is important to emphasize that the filling of posts is done in line with the employment guidelines as issued by the Department of Public Service and Administration. This means the applicants should not limit themselves to the provinces or districts of their residence.

Cholera Update

The country has recorded more than 150 suspected cholera cases, 12 laboratory- confirmed cases and one death between 1 January and 18 April 2024. Eleven of these cases were recorded in Limpopo and one in Gauteng. Three of these cases are imported from Zimbabwe, with no definite history of contact with other confirmed cases. The demised patient was a 48-year-old male South African citizen from Musina, in Vhembe District who experienced diarrhoeal symptoms and was admitted in hospital on 16 March, unfortunately he passed away on 21 March 2024 in Pietersburg hospital.
 
The risk of both imported cases and local transmission remains high due the cross- border movements to and from both Zimbabwe and Mozambique. We appeal to the organisers of social gatherings including religious and traditional events to ensure strict compliance with personal hygiene (including handwashing) especially during food preparation and serving, and ablution facilities to prevent possible transmission of cholera and other foodborne and waterborne diseases.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of Health.

South Africa’s state-owned petroleum company the Strategic Fuel Fund (SFF) yesterday met officially with South Sudan’s national oil company Nilepet in Juba, as South African President Cyril Ramaphosa continued his state visit to the country.

SFF, which is the operator of Block B2 in South Sudan and partner of Nilepet in the Nile Orange joint venture, has begun its oil and gas exploration campaign in Jonglei state and finished its initial aerial survey last month. In the meeting, the companies provided updates on activities required to continue work to the next phases.

Over the next six months, an environmental impact assessment will be undertaken. A site visit begins today in Bor, capital of Jonglei.

The leader of the South African delegation, KB Trivedi, said, “We have successfully completed the geophysical survey of the block in March. This is the largest survey ever undertaken in South Sudan, at 47,000 square kilometers, and the data acquired is very good. It was done by the South Sudan Geophysical Company, SSGC, which is a matter of pride for South Sudan, and a matter of pride for us as a partner of the country.”

Trivedi also briefed the group on the ongoing merger of three state companies, PetroSA, iGas and SFF, into the new South African National Petroleum Company (SANPC). SFF CEO Godfrey Moagi has been appointed Interim CEO of SANPC. He added that in addition to petroleum projects in South Sudan, mining would be a very important part of the future bilateral engagement.

Nilepet Managing Director Bernard Makeny expressed his confidence in the partnership and the support of Nilepet for the continuing work, calling attention in particular to the importance of the environmental impact assessment. He reiterated the importance of the mining sector to Nilepet, noting that the company has already opened a subsidiary in this sector.

Nilepet and SFF will be participating in the South Sudan Oil&Power 2024 conference – which is organized by Energy Capital&Power – on June 25-28 in Juba, including the first ever South Sudan Mining Forum. This is the official energy and mining investment platform for the country, now in its seventh edition.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital&Power.

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture is thrilled to announce the 17th edition of the South African Sport Awards (SASA). This year’s awards are themed “Celebrating 30 years of freedom through sporting excellence”. The #SASA17Edition is scheduled to take place on Sunday, 5th May 2024 at the Sun City Superbowl, North-West.

The 30th anniversary of celebrating freedom and democracy through sporting excellence has positioned South Africa on a global stage as a Winning Nation across all sporting disciplines. The three decades of the nation’s sporting journey have seen history-making achievements, from the dismantling of apartheid through negotiations and reconciliation to the establishment of a constitutional democracy founded on the principles of equality, justice, and human rights.

Over the past 30 years, South Africa has achieved more through sport than almost any other area. South African Sports were excluded from international sporting scene during the apartheid era and only started to compete at the beginning of our democracy. However, our nation’s sportsmen and sportswomen, from all walks of life, united on and off field to foster a sporting culture within South Africa that pushes the nation to unite in its diversity. South African sport has played a pivotal role in influencing the country to be a Rainbow Nation and in making each South African to be proud of their flag.

This year’s edition of the awards with the hashtag #IzinjaZegame / #SASA17Edition carry a total of 19 categories, including the Sport Star of the Year, People’s Choice and Journalist of the year. All categories are beamed to recognise performances from individuals, teams, and administrators of the SA sporting landscape for the period under review (i.e.) 01 September 2022 – 31 August 2023.

“The SABC (South African Broadcasting Corporation) is proud to be the host broadcaster for the 17th SA Sports Awards. SABC Sport has always been the ultimate sporting home to the nation and has brought unforgettable sporting events over the years. We are very excited that we are part of this historic moment of honouring key sport talent in the country and we wish the nominees all the best. We are looking forward to broadcasting this event live on our platforms” Nomsa Chabeli SABC Group CEO.

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa says, “The 17th edition of the South African Spors Awards take place in a significant time in South Africa’s history. We celebrate 30 years of democracy, and our national athletes and teams have been raising the nation’s flag sky high. In the South African Sport Awards, we celebrate the role sport continues to play to unite our diverse people, and in lifting the nation’s mood.”

The Minister adds, “South African sport is enjoying unprecedented success. Our athletes and sports teams have made us all so proud with their performances. I congratulate all the nominees for the 17th edition of the South African Sport Awards.”

The #SASA17Edition / #IzinjaZegame Nominees and categories are listed as follows:

SPORT ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR   

    Mark Alexander
    Sibongile Fondini
    Louis Polome

SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR

    Kisten Neuschafer
    Tatjana Smith
    Laura Wolvaardt

SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR

    Andrew Birkett
    Eben Etzebeth
    Sivenathi Nontshinga

SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR WITH A DISABILITY

    Mpumelelo Mhlongo
    Donald Tebogo Ramphadi
    David Watts

SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR WITH A DISABILITY

    Simone Kruger
    Kat Swanepoel
    Kgothatso Montjane

COACH OF THE YEAR

    Jacques Nienaber
    Rocco Meiring
    Jason Sewanyana

SPORTS JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR

    Khanyiso Tshwaku
    Sihle Ndebele
    Vaylen Kirtley

SPORT PHOTO OR VISUAL JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR

    Samuel Shivambo
    Vincent Matlou (Vino Snap)
    Kirsten Olivier

NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR

    Gerald Coetzee
    Manie Libbok
    Karabo Cassius Morapedi
    Elanza Jordaan”

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

    Hubert Oliphant
    Beka Ntsangwese
    Zelma Basson

SPORTS STAR OF THE YEAR

    Siyamthanda Siya Kolisi
    Tatjana Smith
    Simone Kruger

TEAM OF THE YEAR

    Springbok
    T20 Women Cricket team
    Sheep shearing

FEDERATION OF THE YEAR

    South African Rugby Union
    Cricket South Africa
    Cycling South Africa

RECREATION BODY OF THE YEAR

    Amandal WC
    Vakhegula-Vhakhegula
    Made 4 More

INDIGENOUS GAME TEAM  

    KZN Kho-Kho Male Team
    LP  Nvuca Team
    GP Diketo Team

SCHOOL TEAM OF THE YEAR

    Hoer Lanbouskool Oakdale – Tug of War 560kg Men
    Afrikaanse Hoer Meisieskool – netball
    Clapham High School – football

DEVELOPING SCHOOL OF THE YEAR

    Edendale Technical High School -under 15 girls – Sihle Basi sportchairpern
    MM Sebitloane Special School – mr bitso
    Hlabi School

Technical Official of the year

    Sean Rapaport
    Reinet Barnard
    Aimee Barrett-Theron

PEOPLE’S CHOICE Nominees (this category Sport fans are encouraged to participate by voting for their athlete of choice by SMS 120*32020# followed by an alphabet representing their athlete of choice. The nominees are:

A: Eben Etzebeth

B: Gerda Steyn

C: Siyamthanda “Siya” Kolisi

D: Percy Tau

E: Kirsten Neuschafer

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, Republic of South Africa (DSAC).

A UN expert today urged the Lesotho authorities to prioritise removing barriers to the enjoyment of rights by persons with albinism, saying it would vastly improve their lives.

“Concrete measures focused on the specific needs of persons with albinism can have far-reaching impacts including on quality of life and life expectancy,” said Muluka-Anne Miti-Drummond, the Independent Expert on albinism, in a statement at the end of a 10-day visit to the country.

Persons with albinism experience serious barriers including stigma and discrimination due to colour and visual impairment, lack of access to healthcare, including sunscreen and visual aids, as well as lack of access to education and employment which in turn, have led to poverty.

“Many measures to address these barriers are relatively achievable and inexpensive to implement – for instance the provision of sunscreen through the public health system to prevent life-threatening skin cancer, a more affordable option than skin cancer treatment, reasonable accommodation in schools and work-place settings, and having a robust nationwide campaign to educate and raise awareness on the cause of albinism and care for those with albinism,” Miti-Drummond said.

“All these issues intersect and have placed persons with albinism in a continuum of struggles and hardships that has prevented them from enjoying their human rights on an equal basis with others,” the expert said.

Although there were some encouraging testimonies, Miti-Drummond said she heard far more cases involving bullying, microaggressions, othering and emotional trauma.

“I have met people with albinism who are accepted and loved, which has clearly resulted in more successful and fulfilling lives. However, I have also met with others who are segregated within their own homes due to their albinism, mothers who have been abandoned because their children were born with albinism, and young learners who have dropped out of school because of bullying and lack of financial means,” the expert said.

She found that challenges were more acute in rural areas. “In one of the most remote areas of Thaba-Tseka, some people with albinism are not accepted in their communities, have never heard of sunscreen or visited a health care facility,” Miti-Drummond said, describing the case of a young pregnant woman with albinism who had been compelled to walk for two hours through mountainous terrain to get to the nearest hospital to receive maternal care.

“We need to step-up efforts to support, equip and empower persons with albinism. Political will and strong co-ordination among stakeholders is crucial,” the expert said.

“Social protection programmes need to also recognise persons with albinism, who can also be persons with disabilities due to visual impairment and severe susceptibility to skin cancer, when assessing eligibility for financial support and grants,” Miti-Drummond said.

“Including sunscreen in the national Essential Medicines List and subsidising visual aid and devices can go a long way to alleviate hardship for persons with albinism,” she said.

Miti-Drummond added that the lack of attacks in the country should not create a sense of complacency when it comes to addressing the needs of persons with albinism.

She encouraged a multi-sectoral approach to effectively tackle existing challenges and urged all actors, including traditional leaders and community members, to work together.

The expert thanked the Lesotho authorities for initiating the invitation for her visit and for their support and co-operation. She will present her report to the Human Rights Council in March 2025.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).