Latest news with #R600m
The Citizen
13-06-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
New Covid variant raises concern over vaccine access
Experts urge South Africa to license updated vaccines as a new Covid variant spreads globally but hasn't reached SA yet. If South Africa wants to intensify its fight against the new Covid variant that might hit the country, it should consider having vaccines available and licensed locally, according to health experts. The World Health Organisation recently announced that the new variant, which was detected in Asia a few weeks ago is gaining momentum globally. The National Institute for Communicable Diseases has confirmed the NB.1.8.1 variant has not yet been detected in South Africa. New Covid variant not yet detected in SA Prof Shabir Madhi, a health expert from Wits University, said: 'Unfortunately, there are no Covid vaccines available or licensed in SA. This is concerning, as highrisk people do require at least annual boosting with the most recent variant vaccine. 'The vaccine currently available elsewhere would provide some protection against NB1.8.1, but less so compared to the variant (JN) which is targeted at.' ALSO READ: The price of distraction: South Africa's allergy to the truth He said licensing the vaccines in the country was important because the high-risk individuals still remain susceptible to severe disease and it's the only option that can reduce their risk of severe illness from Covid. Madhi said the surveillance for Covid has significantly diminished over the past few years in SA, while there was data to support the virus has been circulating at low intensity since 2023. 'We have recently had an annual outbreak of respiratory syncytial virus, which is on the decline. Also, there is an increase in influenza over the past two weeks, which is now beginning to dominate,' he said. Proactive planning and investment Dr Bandile Masuku, chief patron of the national campaign for epidemic preparedness funding and budgeting, said it was important for the country to conduct proactive planning and investment, particularly in Gauteng. 'South Africa, and especially Gauteng, learned hard lessons from the Covid pandemic,' said Masuku. ALSO READ: Special Tribunal declares R600m AngloGold Ashanti Hospital contracts unlawful 'Today, we are better equipped, but we must not be complacent. Preparedness is not a luxury; it is a necessity. Let us not wait for a crisis to occur. Let us fund, plan and prepare because preparedness saves lives.' Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi has urged the public not to panic. He said South Africa was actively monitoring the emergence of the variant and had a robust surveillance system in place. Don't panic – Minister Motsoaledi 'Currently, our data shows very low Sars-CoV-2 activity. While we are observing a seasonal increase in influenza, we are well-prepared to manage this,' said Motsoaledi. He said at this stage, no specific new public health actions are required from the public. ALSO READ: Covid pupils triumph with record matric results Motsoaledi also urged the public to maintain good hygiene practices, such as hand-washing, covering coughs and staying home when not feeling well.
The Citizen
11-06-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Record sales to international buyers in Cape Town hotspots this year
Correlating strongly with City of Cape Town reports of a record-breaking summer tourism season, international property buyers have invested in record numbers in the City's hotspots, according to the Seeff Property Group. Propstats data shows that sales worth almost R2.462b were concluded in the first five months of this year, the highest in the last five years. The total value for the whole of 2024 was R3.4b, and it was similar in the prior year, 2023. Sales to international buyers reached a record R600m in February, and R700 in April across the whole city. More than two thirds (67%) of the total value were generated by sales across the Atlantic Seaboard and City Bowl. Ross Levin, licensee for Seeff Atlantic Seaboard, says sales activity has been up quite notably this year. For the Atlantic Seaboard alone, sales to international buyers amount to about R530m for April. Overall, there were sales in just about all of the suburbs. The highest values recorded are in Camps Bay and Bantry Bay, and the highest volumes in Sea Point (27) and the CBD (32). Buyers from more than 40 countries invested in property across the Cape this year. The highest volume is attributable to buyers from Germany, followed by the UK, Netherlands, Switzerland, and other European countries. There has also been a notable uptick in sales to American buyers who bought predominantly in Sea Point, Bantry Bay, Mouille Point and in the City Bowl. Buyers from other African countries have also made a welcome return. These include some 12 countries, being Angola, Cameroon, Congo, eSwatini, Gabon, Ghana, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Zambia with Nigeria the stand-out in terms of the volume of sales. Levin says the whole market across the Atlantic Seaboard and City Bowl has been very active and there is a shortage of stock, thus presenting good opportunities for sellers right now. Notable recent Seeff sales to foreign buyers include two sales to German buyers at R21m in Camps Bay and R29m at the Waterfront as well as a R29.5m sale at the Waterfront to a buyer from eSwatini. Other areas where international buyers have been active include Constantia and Bishopscourt in the Southern Suburbs, False Bay areas such as Muizenberg and Fish Hoek, Southern Peninsula suburbs such as Kommetjie and Scarborough, Hout Bay, and Blouberg where Marlene Picksley, an agent with Seeff Blouberg concluded a record sale of R16.5m in Sunset Beach to a buyer from the USA. Hout Bay has seen particularly strong demand from international buyers with as much as 37 sales to buyers from a number of different countries, especially Germany, Netherlands, UK, Denmark, and other European buyers, and the USA. According to Stephan Cross, manager for Seeff Hout Bay and Llandudno the buyers spent between R5m to R25m. He says the Hout Bay market has been particularly hot this year with high sales activity and a shortage of stock, thus good opportunities for sellers, he adds. Propstats shows that total sales across the whole Hout Bay market already tops R600 million for this year following a record R1.3b last year, notably higher than for 2023, and similar to the 2022 Covid-boom sales levels. Levin says Cape Town is particularly attractive to international buyers, including those from the African continent for its Mediterranean climate, cosmopolitan lifestyle, and access to good amenities. International buyers are not only keen investors in property, but also tend to spend more on a per capita basis, and often invest even more in upgrades and their lifestyle, all of which amount to a notable injection of foreign income for the local economy. Issued by Gina Meintjes
The Citizen
07-06-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
All systems go for Comrades Marathon
This year's Comrades Marathon promises more than just a gruelling test of endurance — participants can expect a 'buffet' along the route and a 'jol' at the finish, according to the organisers. At the final media briefing held in Durban yesterday, the Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) declared that it's all systems go for the iconic ultramarathon, which starts in Pietermaritzburg and ends in Durban tomorrow. The Witness reports that CMA general manager Alain Dalais assured athletes that the route is fully prepared, with water stations fully stocked to keep runners hydrated. 'There will be about 47 water stations between Pietermaritzburg and Durban. They are all well-equipped and fully stocked with everything [runners need] until they cross the finish line. 'I can offer assurance that all the water tables will be loaded with every type of hydrating liquid you can think of. 'We also brought in plenty of bananas, potatoes, snacks and different kinds of bites or eats that are needed to keep the runners going or energised until the end. So, the runners are expected to have a buffet on the route while they enjoy the race,' said Dalais. He added that the finish line will offer a party atmosphere, with innovations designed to enhance the overall experience. 'Also, at the end of the race, our new changes and innovations at the finish will be exciting and everybody will enjoy it,' he said. One of the most significant changes is a street finish, bringing the Comrades in line with other major global marathons. 'I am glad to announce that this year's Comrades Marathon finish will be on the street. We all know that it is already happening with other international marathons like the London Marathon, New York Marathon and others,' Dalais said. The event is expected to be the largest in the race's history, with CMA chairperson Mqondisi Ngcobo confirming a record-breaking 22 000 runners are set to take part. 'We have never experienced anything like this before, and that's why we spent long hours and weeks making sure that everything is in order,' Ngcobo stated. He emphasised that the latest changes were implemented with runner safety, security and enjoyment in mind. The KZN Tourism and Film Authority anticipates a significant economic boost, projecting an increase on last year's R600m economic spin-off. Hotels and other accommodation across Durban and Pietermaritzburg are expected to be fully booked. Msunduzi Municipality has undertaken extensive preparations for the start of the race, including road repairs, verge clearing and stormwater drain maintenance. 'Msunduzi Municipality has completed all route preparations and is ready to welcome thousands of athletes and spectators to Pietermaritzburg,' said municipal spokesperson Ntobeko Mkhize. Dalais confirmed a record number of international participants, with 3 063 runners from outside South Africa — 1 282 from the rest of Africa and 1 781 from overseas. An additional 3 000 international supporters are expected to accompany them. 'Many runners and their supporters — particularly the international visitors — spend extra time in the province after the race, booking game drives and safari visits to wildlife conservation areas,' Dalais added. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.
TimesLIVE
15-05-2025
- Business
- TimesLIVE
KZN transport MEC raises alarm over R1.5bn payment delays to service providers
KwaZulu-Natal's MEC for transport and human settlements Siboniso Duma has voiced concerns over payment delays amounting to more than R1.5bn, affecting more than 2,000 construction companies and service providers across the province. In a media statement, Duma said the delays were the result of technical glitches stemming from the implementation of a new version of the Standard Chart of Accounts (SCOA V6), introduced by the National Treasury on April 1. The system replaces SCOA V5, which had been in use since 2017. 'In particular, we are extremely worried about the delays in the payment of service providers who are rendering services to the department across all corners of the province. To date, there are pending payments for more than 2,000 service providers in our system, totalling more than R1.5bn,' said Duma. According to Duma, payments have been delayed since January, affecting road and bridge construction firms, public transport service providers and numerous small businesses that rely on government contracts for their livelihoods. 'About R600m is waiting to be cleared this week, and the balance of R700m is to be cleared over the next two weeks,' he said. The delays are not only affecting cash flow for businesses but are also threatening to stall vital infrastructure projects.
