A MyCiTi bus at the Omuramba station in Milnerton, Cape Town, was set alight on Tuesday morning.
Western Cape traffic chief Kenny Africa said the incident took place at around 06:00, and the driver managed to escape unharmed. The bus was empty at the time and there were no injuries.
Africa said the police were investigating the cause of the fire, as well as who was behind it.
City of Cape Town mayoral committee member for safety and security JP Smith said it was not clear who was behind the fire and said there were no protesters in the vicinity at the time of the incident.
There has been an ongoing wildcat strike by bus drivers which recently turned violent.
He added that it “follows a pattern of attacks on isolated buses”.
MyCiti bus drivers embarked on a wildcat strike on October 14, with reports of intimidation and harassment. Several routes were diverted. The workers are demanding better pay and working conditions, as well as an end to the use of labour brokers.
A MyCiTi bus was stoned in Khayelitsha on October 23, and a petrol bomb was thrown at the MyCiTi bus station in Kuyasa. It was not immediately clear whether this was the same incident.
The City of Cape Town obtained an urgent interdict the week before, to stop striking drivers from intimidating, harassing or assaulting MyCiTi passengers or staff. Drivers were also interdicted from damaging MyCiTi stations or buses, and gathering less than 100m from MyCiTi stations or buses.
Part of the conflict between the City and the drivers is that the City wanted to engage with their union representatives, while the drivers said they wanted the EFF to represent them.
Capetonians will have to wait several weeks to hear if water restrictions are to be further relaxed.
Farmers, also waiting to hear if they will be allocated more irrigation water, are getting worried about the effects of the delay.
Rashid Khan, regional head of the Department of Water Affairs and Sanitation, said on Monday officials from the national department would meet on November 14 to decide whether they could increase the water allocation to Cape Town, surrounding towns and to the local fruit and wine farmers who have been badly hit by the drought and the 60% cut in irrigation water.
Municipalities were placed under restrictions to cut water use by 45%.
On November 19 the department officials will meet all the municipalities, irrigation boards and agricultural bodies that depend on the “big six” dams in the Cape water supply system and tell them what their decision is.
“At the stakeholder meeting we will make known the decision from the department, and we will discuss the best way forward. Then what comes out of that stakeholder meeting will go back to national department,” Khan said.
Dams at 74% full
The department will assess the feedback from the stakeholder meeting and make its final decision afterward.
Khan said he was unable to say when the department would announce its final decision, but said it would be before the end of November.
The total amount of water in the big six dams has hovered around 74% of storage capacity for the last two weeks – double the 37% it was this time last year.
Khan said in the meantime the department had released irrigation water for the farmers on November 1 – the start of the new hydrological year.
The Department of Water and Sanitation had cut off irrigation water once agriculture had reached its quota when dam levels were dangerously low.
The water that farmers are getting now is from the new hydrological year’s quota, but for the time being they are still bound by the 60% reduction until the department makes its decision on whether this cut can be reduced.
Delays ‘just not on’
Carl Opperman, CEO of Agri Wes-Cape, said the agricultural sector was not happy with the delays in decision-making.
Opperman had taken the matter up with the water and sanitation portfolio committee in Parliament.
“From our side the delay is just not on. We said in August we would need to know by mid-October by the latest what would happen with the water allocations so we know where we stand for planning purposes. We’re in dire straits here and need our full water allocation,” Opperman said.
Agri Wes-Cape had commissioned two experts to do some number crunching on the water situation.
“Their calculations showed we could get our full allocation this year and so could go back into normal production.”
The wine, grape and deciduous fruit sectors needed normal water allocation to recover from the drought, and from the recent heat wave.
Full effect of drought still unknown
Opperman said the department had models to work out allocations that they should have run on November 1.
“We had a meeting on August 24 with the water department and all the municipalities and irrigation boards, and we put our models on the table. It was agreed then that these would be discussed on September 21, but that meeting never happened.”
Opperman said the full effect of the drought on agriculture would not be properly quantified for the next three years.
“And then only if we get normal rainfall years. There are areas that need to be replanted, there are trees that have to brought back into production, so it will be some time before we know the full effect of the drought.”
Trying to lose weight but struggling? We hear you. But don’t lose heart – you’re likely in one of the four stages of weight loss.
A small study from the University of Copenhagen showed that if you can maintain your weight loss for one year, your body may stop ramping up the hunger hormones that typically make the kilograms return. Past research indicates that those ravenous chemicals persist after you drop fat, though, so more investigating needs to be done. But this got us thinking: What are the other crucial stages in your weight-loss journey?
Day 1 – set a goal
To lean out for life, set a realistic goal. “You can see great improvements in health by losing between five and 15% of your body weight, and you’re more likely to keep those kilos off,” says Donna Ryan, an obesity researcher at Pennington Biomedical Research Center.
Ghrelin, a hormone that revs appetite, begins to spike after you start cutting kilojoules, making it hard to stick to your plan. Stay satiated by “keeping low-kilojoule foods around, like vegetables and fruits, to snack on when your stomach growls,” says Dr Robert Kushner, an obesity specialist at Northwestern University.
Bored with eating the same foods over and over again? Yeah, it’s bound to happen now. Mix up your meals (by, say, adding back brown rice to lunch if you’ve been low-carbing) – the wiggle room will make you less likely to bail, says Dr Kushner.
By this point, you’re probably settling at a manageable weight. Shift your focus from cutting food kilojoules (tough to do forever) to burning the kilojoules you consume by upping exercise. “Aim for an hour a day of moderate activity, six days a week, to keep weight off long-term,” says Ryan.
Gracious and elegant – The Richmond is a new addition to the leafy landscape of historical Kenilworth Upper.
A designer development with finishes that surpass expectations is complete and ready for occupation. In a league of its own this sophisticated one bedroom apartment offers designer living in the heart of the suburbs .
Tall windows allow light to flood through into all the rooms creating a warm and inviting environment. Clean lines compliment the sophisticated lock up and go home.
A premier development offering excellent security, secure parking – all within walking distance of the ever popular Kenilworth Village with its trendy restaurants, coffee shops and convenient amenities
in GLEN HILLS, TONGAAT BEACH, KWAZULU-NATAL, SOUTH AFRICA
2.0 BEDROOM GUEST HOUSE TO LET IN GLEN HILLS
Listing Features
Listing Description
Bedrooms: 2.0
Bathrooms: 1.0
Building Size:
Erf Size
Garages: 1.0
Carports/Parking Bays: 0.0
Pool: Yes
Exterior Wall: Brick/Plaster/Concrete
Domestic Accommodation: 0.0
Flatlet: 0.0
2 Bedrooms, 1 bathroom, lounge and diningroom open plan to kitchen that’s fully fitted. Plumbed for washing machine. Drive in access from automated garage. Use of pool and entertainment area.
Researchers are the first point of contact between Top Media and Communications (Pty) Ltd and our clients. Therefore, it is of great importance that candidates possess a professional conduct/manner across all forms of communication.
Researchers must be able to perform: telephonic research to collect, verify and update, new or existing company information in line with project requirements. General administration. Able to communicate with blue chip companies and government departments.
Company Description
Topco Media is a leader in South African business-to-business communication, where our primary service and product offerings, i.e. events and publishing, aim to reward, celebrate and advertise the best in South African business and government.
Requirements
Excellent telephone manner.
Target driven/ability to perform under pressure.
MS Office literate. Ability to work in Excel and develop methodology.
Ability to do white page and bench marking but not essential.
At least one-year of work experience in related field/or tertiary education.
Candidates must be based in and around Cape Town area.
Posted on 05 Nov 15:16
Apply Fiona
0860009590
Or apply with your Biz CV
Create your CV once, and thereafter you can apply to this ad and future job ads easily.
The Forum company is looking for a young dynamic, driven, flexible individual, with leadership skills to manage the day to day operations of an award-winning conference and event venue. Ideally, the candidate would have experience in a five-star venue, lodge, or hotel.
Responsibilities:
Oversee the day to day operations of a venue including banqueting, catering and sales.
Provide support and guidance to the sales co-coordinators to ensure sales targets are met.
Engage with potential clients on-site inspections and events to building relationships.
Ensure service excellence at every touchpoint of customer interaction.
Ensure there are relevant legally compliant HR practices in place, provide support and guidance to other line managers.
Liaise with HR department with regards to all staff related matters, including monthly payroll.
Manage staff, plan duty rosters
Ensure that the venue is maintained to the highest standard.
Liaison with leaseholder on maintenance and other issues.
Ensure food and beverage margins are met and that controls are in place and adhered to for stock and operational equipment.
Provide weekly report to the MD on sales, staffing and clients.
Ensuring that operational budgets are in place and controlled effectively.
Collating and analysing the revenue generation trends in conferencing, in order to identify critical areas for revenue enhancement.
Ensure compliance to Health, hygiene, housekeeping and customer service standards.
Apply and supervise best staffing practices on an ongoing basis to all staff.
Requirements
Required Skills:
Tertiary diploma/degree – hospitality management
Four to six years of assistant general manager level experience within the hospitality sector.
Exceptional Food and Beverage and Rooms Division knowledge.
Thorough knowledge of labour legislation and disciplinary procedures.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office and Windows-based computer applications
Competencies:
Strong people manager and have solid financial experience.
Effective relationship management skills to be able to inspire confidence across multiple stakeholder groups.
Strong verbal and written English.
Excellent management ability and communication skill.
Emotionally intelligent and able to read and respond to any situation.
Posted on 05 Nov 14:30
Apply by email Nombulelo Zono
Or apply with your Biz CV
Create your CV once, and thereafter you can apply to this ad and future job ads easily.
Medical aid terms can be as difficult to decipher as your doctor’s handwriting. That’s why knowing medical aid speak is essential if you are going to understand your medical cover says Gerhard Van Emmenis, Principal Officer of Bonitas Medical Fund.
1. Medical schemes Medical schemes are not-for-profit and owned by the members of the scheme. In turn the scheme appoints a Board of Trustees to manage the affairs of the scheme to ensure that they are in the member’s best interests. This may also be known as medical aids or funds.
2. Medical scheme administrators Medical scheme administrators are separate entities to the actual medical scheme and operate on a for-profit basis. The medical scheme may go out to tender for an administrator but an existing contract with the administrator may also exist for a certain number of years. The administrator is responsible for managed the administration of the scheme such as processing claims.
3. Medical scheme plans There are usually a number of plans from which to choose. In general, more comprehensive plans are usually more expensive. The cover you need will vary according to your age, family size, dependents and income. It is important to look at your benefits holistically to ensure they offer you real value for money. Plans that offer more benefits in addition to your savings or benefits from risk generally offer more value.
4. Waiting periods when joining a medical aid scheme If you have not been on a medical aid scheme or a hospital plan, there may be a waiting period, which means you will continue to pay premiums but are not covered for a period that is outlined by the scheme. The Medical Schemes Act outlines that medical aid schemes are entitled to impose waiting periods: These vary from a 3-month general waiting period or a condition-specific of up to 12 months.
5. What is a late-joiner penalty? In South Africa, schemes can impose late-joiner penalties on individuals who join after the age of 35, who have never been medical aid members, or those who have not belonged to a medical aid for a specified period of time since April 2001. The reasoning for this is to ensure fairness (whereby members who have been part of a scheme for years are not subsidising newer members who have not contributed to the scheme).
6. Generics These are ‘cost effective copycats’ of the original drug. The pharmaceutical company that develops the original drug spends millions on research and development and so take out a patent to protect themselves for a period of time. After the patent has expired other drug companies can make the generic equivalent without the initial clinical research costs. They have exactly the same dosage, intended use, effects, side effects, route of administration, risks, safety and strength as the original drug.
7. Gap cover At times there may be a shortfall between what the medical scheme pays and what the hospital or specialist charges. As a member you are responsible for paying the difference. Even if you are on a top range medical aid plan, it doesn’t mean there will not be ‘gaps’ between the tariffs your scheme is prepared to pay and the amount your specialist charges.
There is an insurance policy called Gap Cover which you can take out to pay for this shortfall.
8. Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs) PMBs are a mandatory set of defined benefits that medical schemes must provide cover for all medical scheme members. These ensure members have access to a certain minimum level of health services, regardless of the benefit option chosen. It currently covers medical emergencies, 25 chronic and 270 medical conditions. PMBs are being reviewed by the Council of Medical Schemes (CMS) with a view to aligning them with the proposed National Health Insurance.
9. Designated Service Providers (DSP) A DSP is a healthcare provider (doctor, pharmacist, hospital etc) that is the medical schemes’ choice for members to use. If you don’t use the DSP you may have to pay a portion of the bill as a co-payment. You can avoid co-payments and get more value for money by using preferred suppliers and DSPs.
10. Tariffs and rates of payment Each Medical Schemes has a Rate of Payment ie the amount the medical scheme will pay for that service. Providers charge different rates known as the Scheme Tariff. Members often misunderstand that 100% of the Scheme tariff/rate doesn’t necessarily mean 100% of the account or what you will be charged. However, as a patient you can negotiate the best possible rate with your healthcare provider.
“Too often members do not understand what their medical aid option offers and are not familiar with the terminology,” says Van Emmenis. “The best advice I can offer is to be informed. Take the time to read all the information supplied, including the fine print, and compare plans. If you are unsure phone the scheme and ask questions, or check with your broker. Your health and that of your family is important so it is vital that you are comfortable with the choice you make and are confident your healthcare needs will be taken care of.”
A well-known supplier of high-quality products for the past 70+ years is looking for a charismatic, energetic sales representative to develop their business in the Mpumalanga area. Please note:
If you do not fit the specification with the minimum requirements your application will not be accepted for this position. Shortlisted candidates may be required to complete an assessment or test to demonstrate your knowledge of this position.
Requirements:
Matric/grade 12 certificate
Two years of sales experience within the manufacturing industry
Power tools and electrical knowledge
Willing to travel
Valid code eight driver’s license
Applicants must reside in Mpumalanga or surrounding area.
Only South African citizens, who are suitably qualified, live in the applicable area and meet the requirements of the position are eligible to apply for this vacancy.
Please take note: if you have not been contacted within 14 days, please consider your application unsuccessful.
Visit our website to view all of our current vacancies: www.mprtc.co.za
Posted on 05 Nov 13:50
MPRTC Recruitment
The most essential and important resource any company can possess will undoubtedly be the talent that they employ. This is where MPRTC is crucial, in that we specialise in the most diverse and complex resource; we supply people, the right people, for your company.
