South Africa News

Mpumalanga ready to host South African Armed Forces Day amid restrictions

Published

2 years ago

February 21, 2022

The celebrations of Armed Forces Day have once again been limited by the COVID-19 pandemic. The day, commemorated annually, is aimed at showcasing the capabilities of South African Defence Forces and pays tribute to the bravery and sacrifices of the men and women in uniform.

However, with current challenges, which include budgetary constraints and an internal focus on civil unrest, the festivities traditionally scheduled for a week, have been restricted to just three days.

Armed Forces Day in South Africa is celebrated annually on the 21st of February. It is inspired by the worst naval tragedy in the country’s history, the sinking of the troopship SS Mendi in the English Channel, on that date in 1917.

Over 600 SA Native Labour Corps troops drowned when the troopship was struck by the SS Darro on its way to France to participate as an ally in the First World War. Brigadier-General R King recites the story of the SS Mendi.

“The 616 South African souls that were lost aboard the ship that day perished in support of a military effort. The commemoration of the tragedy of the SS Mendi has permeated through South African culture. It has contributed to our understanding of our heritage, our history and our identity as South Africans. During Armed Forces Day, the SANDF honours the memory of the fallen soldiers in various ways to make sure that their legacy is not forgotten Armed Forces Day was made official by former president, Jacob Zuma in 2012.

The event was first hosted in the military suburb of Thaba Tshwane, south of Pretoria. The day sees the showcasing of the weaponry, machinery, military hardware and personnel of the various corps that make up the South African National Defence Force.

However, the last two years have seen much-restrained celebrations, according to the head of the army, Lieutenant General Lawrence Mbatha.

“Armed forces have been celebrated around South Africa since 2013 on a rotational basis allowing each service an opportunity to interact with the SANDF. Thus far eight provinces have been afforded the opportunity to host for Armed Forces Day. Mpumalanga province will be the 9th. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 restrictions, the SANDF has been unable to hold a full Armed Forces Day week for the last two years.”

Notably, Sunday saw an Inter-faith service held by the SANDF, and on Monday Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces President, Cyril Ramaphosa will lay a wreath at the World War Memorial in Barberton, before travelling to the provincial capital to address the military parade of armed forces at the Mbombela Stadium.

Outside the COVID-19 pandemic, budgetary constraints and civil unrest in the country have also conspired to hamstring the SANDF in its mission according to Mbatha.

“The financial constraints that are reflected by the frequent budget cuts experienced by the Department of Defence are well documented. However, what is not discussed in much detail is the corresponding loss in capabilities; its negative impact on the defence force to carry out its mandate; the emerging security threats have had the effect of rendering the SANDF focus within the republic of South Africa in quelling the civil unrest that from time to time emerge.”

Those attending the festivities will be treated to a dazzling spectacle, which will include a flypast of various South African Airforce planes. The South African Military Health Service and Navy will also showcase their moves in the parade.

Source: News365

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South Africa News

Manchester City 0-0 Arsenal

Published

3 weeks ago

March 31, 2024

Addie K

Manchester City 0-0 Arsenal. Manchester City and Arsenal handed Liverpool the advantage in the Premier League title race as they played out a bitterly disappointing goalless stalemate at Etihad Stadium.

Liverpool are now top of the table and two points clear of Arsenal after they came from behind to beat Brighton at Anfield, their delight increased by their two closest rivals cancelling each other out.

This was a game that made a nonsense of its billing as a potential classic, as Arsenal’s containing tactics snuffed out City while the Gunners had only limited chances of their own in a desperately poor affair.

Nathan Ake had an early close-range header saved by Arsenal keeper David Raya before going off injured while former City striker Gabriel Jesus posed an occasional threat, just failing to connect with Bukayo Saka’s cross inches from goal after the break.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will be happier than City counterpart Pep Guardiola with this outcome – but the real winners were Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool.

Guardiola’s side were under greater pressure to win this match but their usual fluent passing game was rarely in evidence, stifled by the visitors’ organisation and infuriated by referee Anthony Taylor’s reluctance to punish the Gunners for a succession of infringements.

It led to a scrappy, disjointed game in which City were never allowed to gather their usual momentum and rhythm, with even the best efforts of master creators Kevin de Bruyne and Bernardo Silva unable to carve out meaningful opportunities for Erling Haaland, who was kept on the margins throughout.

The hosts held sway in possession for most of the second half but it was illustrative of the game that Raya barely had an anxious moment, his counterpart Stefan Ortega also idle for long periods.

Indeed, it is the first time City have failed to score at home in the Premier League since October 2021, a run of 47 games.

The reigning champions, as usual, will remain confident of retaining their title but Guardiola will be bitterly disappointed at his side’s failure to trouble Arsenal, with substitute Jack Grealish on the end of some lengthy post-match advice from his manager.

City are back here at Etihad Stadium to face in-form Aston Villa on Wednesday night knowing they cannot afford any more slip-ups in this tight Premier League title pursuit.

Arsenal arrived at Manchester City with a point to make and a chance to show their improvement at a ground where they have had a miserable record in the past.

The Gunners last won here in January 2015, drawing one and losing eight of their subsequent nine visits before this game.

Here, Arteta set his side out to be fiercely drilled and well-organised to frustrate, a strategy seemingly designed to earn the point they secured rather than risk more for victory.

It was a conservative approach but what it did demonstrate was that Arsenal do have more resilience and character than on previous occasions, when they have sometimes capitulated under City’s attacking assault.

Arteta’s side were composed but also willing to throw bodies on the line when danger threatened, not that they were ever in serious peril of conceding – a tribute to their display in itself.

They have kept clean sheets in both games against Manchester City this season, making them only the fourth team to shut out a Guardiola side twice in the same season.

Whether this is one point gained or two lost remains to be seen, but Arteta seemed satisfied enough at the final whistle.

source – BBC

South Africa News

A Comprehensive launch of New South African Online Casino Portal

Published

4 weeks ago

March 22, 2024

Addie K

Johannesburg, South Africa – In an exciting development for South African online casino enthusiasts, the much-anticipated launch of GamblingSA.co.za marks a significant milestone in the evolution of online gambling in South Africa. Managed by industry veteran Rachel Williams, who brings over 18 years of experience to the table, this comprehensive portal promises to revolutionize the way South African players engage with online casinos.

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GamblingSA.co.za sets a new standard in the online gambling industry with its commitment to providing South African players with the most reliable and up-to-date information on online casinos. Understanding the unique needs of the local market, Williams and her team have curated a platform that prioritizes the preferences of South African players, from offering the ability to play in ZAR to ensuring the ease of deposits and withdrawals.

A Rigorous Review Process

At the heart of GamblingSA.co.za’s offering is its unbiased and thorough review method. “We examine online casinos with a fine-tooth comb to ensure they meet our strict criteria, which includes safe banking options, efficient customer service, fair bonus wagering requirements, and quality game selections,” explains Williams. “Our goal is to recommend only the best online casinos that allow our players to gamble with confidence and convenience.”

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For more information and to explore the world of online gambling in South Africa, visit GamblingSA.co.za.

About GamblingSA.co.za:

GamblingSA.co.za is South Africa’s premier online casino portal, offering comprehensive reviews, exclusive bonuses, and expert advice to South African online casino players. Managed by industry veteran Michelle Williams, the site is dedicated to enhancing the online gambling experience for players across South Africa, ensuring they have access to safe, reliable, and enjoyable online gambling options.

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GamblingSA.co.za

South Africa News

Corps members have been warned against traveling without obtaining permission

Published

2 months ago

February 22, 2024

Nancy M

Corps members have been warned against traveling without obtaining permission from the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC. The Director General of the NYSC, Brigadier General YD Ahmed says such act attracts punishment while addressing Corps members in Oyo and Ogun states orientation camp on Wednesday.

He said unauthorized journey attract sanctions, adding that no employer is allowed to grant permission to Corps members to travel.He informed the Corps members that all services in NYSC are free, warning that they should beware of online advertisers and fraudsters that may offer posting and redeployment to them for a fee.

The DG also implored the Corps members to adhere strictly to the NYSC dress code, adding that improper dressing in NYSC uniform attracts sanctions.

“Don’t dress anyhow. Dress as good ambassadors of NYSC and always abide by all NYSC rules and regulations,

“Respect the culture and tradition of your host communities when you leave camp. Make good impact on the communities and in your place of primary assignments”, the DG said.

He stated that efforts are still on-going towards the signing of the NYSC Trust Fund bill into law.

General Ahmed urged the Corps Members to participate actively in all the camp activities and also ensure that they establish long lasting friendship among themselves before leaving the Orientation Camp.

The Director General admonished them to avoid idleness but rather engage themselves with meaningful activities that will add value to them in addition to their certificates.

The NYSC Oyo State Coordinator, Mr Odoba Abel Oche, while presenting the Orientation Camp brief to the Director General, stated that the Corps members’ behaviour have been very commendable.

Similarly, the NYSC Ogun State Coordinator, Mrs Olayinka Nasamu, said a total of 2,350 Corps members have been registered. 1,318 for Ogun State and 1,032 for Lagos State.

“Ogun registered 496 male and 822 female while Lagos registered 414 male and 618 female”, Nasamu said.

Source: dailypost