International Press Release Submissions

Ramokhele appointed as chairperson of SANAC Trust Board

Tuesday, April 5, 2022: Deputy President David Mabuza, in his capacity as the Chairperson of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), has appointed Bonolo Ramokhele as the Chairperson of the SANAC Trust Board of Trustees effective immediately. Ramokhele is a Chartered Accountant by profession, and has been serving on the SANAC Board as a Chairperson of the Audit & Risk Committee. The appointment is subsequent to the resignation of the former Board Chairperson, Dr Yacoob Abba Omar, who has been appointed to the National Planning Commission. Due to term expiration of some former Trustees, the Deputy President also appointed the following Trustees to fill the vacancies that have been opened up in the Board: Adv. Amelia Motsepe Bishop David Nhlapho Ms. Pearl Moroasui Mr. Molemo Mogolane Dr. Nokukhanya Msomi Ms. Phuthanang Motsielwa “Our commitment to realise the global vision of ending HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by the year 2030 still remains, and a stable SANAC is critical to realising this goal. Therefore, these appointments will ensure that SANAC is strengthened and enabled to implement the country’s National Strategic Plan towards achieving these goals,” Deputy President Mabuza said in a statement on Tuesday. The Deputy President has availed his office as well as the SANAC Secretariat to support the Chairperson and members of the SANAC Trust in the execution of their important mandate. He further thanked the outgoing Board Chairperson, Dr Abba Omar, for his leadership and commitment in steering the SANAC ship during his tenure. The South African National Aids Council is a Multi-Sectoral body that brings together government, civil society and the private sector to create a collective response to HIV, TB and STIs in South Africa in order to have a South Africa free from the burden of HIV and Aids. CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za International/. Ramokhele appointed as chairperson …


Source: MyPR International

Extended operating hours for Home Affairs offices

Tuesday, April 5, 2022: Due to an increase in demand for services, the Department of Home Affairs is again extending operating hours at its offices across the country. “The Department of Home Affairs is extending operating hours until Friday, 08 April 2022, to deal with queues at offices following an increase in demand for services. During this period, offices will open until 18:30,” said the department in a statement. At the weekend, the department announced that it was extending operating hours on Monday after its systems went offline due a cable breakage last Friday. Home Affairs Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, instructed the department to extend Monday’s operating hours to 18:30 in order to ensure that all clients that visited the offices on Friday were served. At the time, Motsoaledi, said department owes it to the public to extend operating hours to compensate for the unfortunate network failure incident. CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za International/. Extended operating hours for Home Affairs offices Submission Details Author: SA Gov from SAnews.gov.za. More Info link: Images: For a high res version of THIS image please contact SAnews.gov.za Facebook: Twitter: …


Source: MyPR International

The National State Of Disaster Ends On 5 April, But Serious Concerns Remain Over National Health Act Regulations Amendments

5 April 2022: President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the end of the National State of Disaster effective on 5 April. The announcement concludes South Africa's lockdown 738 days after its implementation. DearSA instituted legal proceedings to end the State of Disaster in February. By 25 March Minister Dlamini-Zuma had not responded to our court papers as per the deadline. DearSA's legal counsel then sent her office a rule 30A non-compliance notice that gave her ten days to rectify. Minister Dlamini-Zuma took no action in this regard. Instead, the president announced the lifting of the State of Disaster. Therefore the DearSA legal challenge against the State of Disaster will no longer be going ahead. DearSA sees this as a welcome and significant victory for civil society. But we are very concerned with the government's telegraphed intentions to move certain far-reaching restrictions to the National Health Act. Doing so would effectively make these lockdown regulations permanent. And effectively allow the State of Disaster to continue indefinitely. Because regulatory amendments are subordinate legislation delegated to the Minister of Health, they can be implemented immediately upon approval. "The President ending the National State of Disaster is an incredibly welcome and long-overdue development. However, the proposed regulatory amendments to the National Health Act are deeply concerning. The government is essentially clinging to the extraordinary emergency powers they would now have to surrender. There is no disaster, hence there is no honest reason to amend regulations." Said DearSA CEO Gideon Joubert on Tuesday evening. DearSA launched a formal public participation campaign in response to the Minister of Health's call for public comment on the proposed Health Act regulations. More than 132 000 citizens have so far given input regarding the regulations and voiced their concerns. Comments on the proposed regulations close on 15 April. We believe active …


Source: MyPR International

Suzuki joins industry in celebrating strong sales in March

New all-time record for Suzuki More than 30 000 units sold in last financial year Dealer sales close in on 3 000 units in one month Suzuki Auto South Africa joined the industry in celebrating a return to pre-COVID sales levels in March. The company recorded a new domestic sales record of 3 347 units for a near-10% share of the passenger vehicle market and a top five position among South Africa’s best-selling brands. The industry business council, naamsa, reported on Friday that the industry sold a combined 50 607 units in March. That makes it the best sales month for the entire industry since October 2019 and the start of the pandemic. “March is traditionally a strong sales month for the South African Automobile Industry, which in conjunction with a slightly healthier stock supply, enabled a 16.5% increase in overall sales. “We are very happy to see the market perform so well, because it signals a return to health for the industry, the dealer network and customers.” says Henno Havenga, manager for auto dealer sales at Suzuki Auto. While most popular vehicle brands had a good sales month in March, Suzuki outperformed most with a new overall sales record, a new dealer sales record and a new record for the 2021/2022 financial year. naamsa reported that Suzuki sold 3 347 vehicles and exported a further 17 for a new all-time record of 3 364 units. This is the brand’s fifth time in a mere seven months that it managed to sell more than 3 000 units. The dealer network set its own record. In the month of March, Suzuki welcomed its 80th dealer, and together the network sold 2 933 units. This is a new all-time record and is within touching distance of the 3 000-unit mark. “The interest from investors who would like to open a Suzuki dealership is at an all-time high and enquiries for new Suzuki dealerships continue to stream in. We will continue to expand our network but will do so in a responsible way to ensure that all our dealers stay …


Source: MyPR International

FNB launches new lifestyle solutions and partnerships to help customers beyond banking

New lifestyle solutions: Starbucks, Udemy, GuardMe, eBucks Games and new FNB Connect device deals 04 April 2022: FNB has launched a comprehensive range of new lifestyle solutions and partnerships that are designed to help its customers beyond financial services. The new lifestyle solutions include: Starbucks: Customers can recharge with a complimentary coffee weekly on FNB. Udemy: giving FNB customers affordable access to hundreds of online courses. GuardMe: a medical and personal armed response service at a tap of a button on the FNB App. eBucks Games: a world of ad-free games with no monthly subscription. FNB Connect 'Hero Device Deals': High end smartphones, laptops and iPads from Apple, Samsung and Lenovo at a price point that is cheaper than buying from retail stores. SLOW Lounge: FNB announces the official acquisition of the SLOW Lounges. Jacques Celliers, CEO of FNB, says, "Our expanded lifestyle solutions demonstrate our commitment to delivering contextual innovations to our customers via our trusted digital platform. In keeping with our status of providing customers with the best value-added services in financial services, we are once again shifting into high gear in our efforts to offer customers exponential help. We are delighted to have like-minded partners as we are significantly scaling our unique ability to enable customers to manage both the financial and lifestyle facets of their lives by using the power of our integrated platform." Raj Makanjee, FNB Retail CEO, says, "As South Africa's largest provider of transactional banking services, we are acutely aware of the areas where our customers spend the majority of their money. As a result, our new solutions and partnerships are informed by a combination of our big data and analytical capabilities, which enables us to meet our customers' needs. By providing integrated solutions and low-cost devices for accessing education, security, entertainment, and staying connected, we …


Source: MyPR International

Jaguar TCS Racing ready to restart in Rome

Jaguar TCS Racing will return to Rome for the fourth and fifth rounds of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship The team has worked hard to use the six-week gap between races to consolidate and improve the Jaguar I-TYPE 5’s performance Jaguar TCS Racing is looking to replicate its double podium success from last year Both qualifying sessions and races will be aired live on SuperSport this weekend, 9 and 10 April Pretoria, 4 April 2022 – Jaguar TCS Racing returns to the streets of the eternal city, Rome, this weekend for the second double-header of the 2022 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. The Rome circuit has delivered excellent results for the team which secured its first Formula E win there with Mitch Evans in 2019. Further success continued in season seven with Jaguar TCS Racing’s first double podium in Formula E, with drivers Sam Bird and Mitch Evans finishing second and third respectively. Following a challenging race in Mexico – where a fearless race strategy didn’t pay off for Jaguar TCS Racing – the team has worked tirelessly during the six-week gap between races to enhance and improve the performance of the Jaguar I-TYPE 5. Racing in the heart of the Italian capital, the Rome E-Prix is one of the longest tracks of the Formula E season measuring 3.83km. The circuit has 19 corners of varying speeds and with plenty of opportunities to overtake, drivers and engineers must ensure the set-up is perfect to deliver a strong performance. James Barclay, Jaguar TCS Racing Team Principal: “There is a lot of excitement within the team to return to Rome this weekend; it is a track that has delivered great results for us in the past and we are working hard to continue our good form in Italy. Over the past six weeks, the entire team at Jaguar TCS Racing has been focussed on ensuring we extract the best performance possible from our I-TYPE 5 race car. The break in the season has been a good time to reset and get our championship fight back on …


Source: MyPR International

SA’s smooothest drink announces the host for Tropika Island of Treasure ALL STARS Season 10

Winning the treasure on the island has always been the most celebrated moment of the series; so bringing back a triumphant winner as the host will cement the celebrations of the ALL STARS 10th season. Anga Makubalo, also known popularly as NaakMusiq, is the host of the new season of Tropika Island of Treasure. Anga won Season 7 in the Seychelles with his contestant partner Bonginkosi Ndima. “The show has had various hosts throughout the seasons including DJ Fresh, Nicole Flint, Lalla Hirayama, Pearl Thusi, Minnie Dlamini and Katlego Maboe. Now bringing back a past winner returning as the host is a smoooth way to celebrate the past winners of the show,” says Miantha Roux, Clover Beverages Marketing Manager. Anga also recorded the theme song for this years’ ALL STARS season – the song is upbeat, energetic and captivating – and will be released soon for fans to download. “I’m really looking forward to hosting this ALL STARS season. Tropika Island of Treasure has had incredible hosts in the past and I can only be excited to be part of that tapestry in the celebration of 10 seasons. Most of all, I’m excited to observe the ALL STARS celebrities and new contestants that will feature on this new season, competing to unlock the treasure,” says Anga Makubalo. Anga is a South African musician and actor who is best known for his roles in the popular TV programs Generations, Z’bondiwe and Isidingo. He did a collaboration with Black Coffee with the song Angelina on his album called Pieces of Me. Anga is also a talented singer/songwriter and has hit songs like Call Out, Mamelani, Camagu (feat. Nichume & Blomzit Avenue), Ndakwenza Ntoni and AmaBenjamin. There’s no doubt that Anga is the right man for the job and South Africans will be looking forward to hearing his smoooth voice and seeing his dynamic personality on their screens soon. Tropika fans can join Anga on the island by auditioning: WhatsApp an audition video to 082 857 8054 or uploading it on …


Source: MyPR International

SA Sailing signs MOU with the Department of Transport and TETA

On 17 March 2022 SA Sailing signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Transport and the Transport Education Training Authority (TETA) – for the purposes of supporting the promotion of sailing and boatbuilding, which all forms part of the department’s efforts to meet its goals on the Comprehensive Maritime Transport Policy (CMTP). The planned objectives for 2022 include: Stakeholder Engagement Initiatives Maritime Value Chain Partnership Strengthening Environmental Sustainability Programme by Exploring Further Partnership Sailing Community Engagement Skills and Capacity Building Entrepreneurship Development Efficient Resource Planning Through Partner Project Development Water Safety Focus CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za International/. SA Sailing signs MOU with the Department of Transport and TETA Submission Details Author: SA Sailing from SA Sailing. More Info link: Images: For a high res version of THIS image please contact SA Sailing Facebook: Twitter: …


Source: MyPR International

Focus Will Be On Local Businesses, Products And Services At Upcoming Automechanika Johannesburg

Wide-ranging participation by large numbers of overseas exhibitors from a host of countries has been a feature of Automechanika Johannesburg since the first of these trade shows for the automotive aftermarket was staged at Expo Centre, Nasrec, in 2009. This all changes in favour of local exhibitors at Automechanika Johannesburg 2022, which takes place at the same venue from June 7-10. “Although the only international exhibitors currently signed up to come to Automechanika Johannesburg this year are from Germany, the United States of America, United Kingdom, India, Pakistan, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates there is a strong drive by our organising team to encourage the participation of exhibitors and visitors from Sub-Saharan Africa,” explained Tracy Gounden, Show Director of Automechanika Johannesburg. “This Africa-centric programme includes promotional road shows to Tanzania, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Egypt, Botswana, Namibia, Mozambique and Lesotho where a great deal of interest and a positive vibe is being shown, particularly with the ongoing roll out of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, which offers many profitable business opportunities. “We see the 7th Automechanika Johannesburg trade show as the ideal meeting place for key buyers and exhibitors from the automotive aftermarket sector across Africa. There is a VIP programme for visitors from Africa, where we, as the organisers, will be assisting in setting up business-to-business meetings including matchmaking, with discounted flights and accommodation available to bona fide African visitors and exhibitors,” added Gounden. “Our head office in Johannesburg is well geared for the return to one-on-one trade fairs that are now being rolled out worldwide after two years of uncertainty with intermittent lockdowns worldwide in response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Michael Dehn, the Managing Director of Messe Frankfurt South Africa. “For instance, Automechanika Frankfurt, our premier …


Source: MyPR International

National State Of Disaster To End On 5 April, But Covid Regulations May Become Permanent

31 March 2022: COGTA Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma has announced that the government intends to end the National State of Disaster on 5 April. Therefore, the government will lift all regulations presently enforced under the Disaster Management Act. This announcement comes after DearSA instituted legal proceedings to end the State of Disaster in February. Minister Dlamini-Zuma did not respond to the court papers by the 25 March deadline. DearSA's legal counsel then sent the Minister's office a rule 30A non-compliance notice. This gives her office ten days to rectify the issue, which coincides with 5 April. DearSA sees this development as a small victory in the fight to end the State of Disaster, but concerning developments indicate it is far from over. It has become evident that the government seeks to move certain far-reaching restrictions to the National Health Act, effectively making them permanent. This allows the State of Disaster to effectively continue as part of the regulations under the National Health Act. Because amendments to these regulations are subordinate legislation delegated to the Minister of Health, they are not tabled in parliament. The Minister can implement them immediately upon approval. "It is very concerning that the government is trying to retain these extraordinary emergency powers that they would otherwise have to surrender with the State of Disaster's end. And that this process appears to be implemented deceptively, in bad faith, and by stealth. It completely contradicts rationality and flows contra to international trends." Said DearSA CEO Gideon Joubert on Wednesday. In response to the Minister's call for public comment on the proposed Health Act regulations, DearSA launched a formal public participation campaign. More than 79 000 people have given their input and voiced their concerns. Active and engaged citizens are the foundation of a healthy democracy. And we are heartened by the scale of the public's response to …


Source: MyPR International