Vuyiswa Ramokgopa, the Gauteng MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, recently visited Parktown Girls High School in Parkview, accompanied by Pan Qingjiang, the Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Johannesburg. The visit aimed to assess the school's readiness for the 2025 academic year. As part of her role in the Gauteng provincial executive council, Ramokgopa has planned several oversight visits to schools across the province this week.



In collaboration with the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Chinese Consulate, Ramokgopa announced a tree-planting initiative to promote environmental sustainability. This initiative will see the distribution and planting of fruit trees at five schools, addressing urban greenery shortages and enhancing community well-being. During her visits, Ramokgopa engages with students, school management, parents, and community members to foster dialogue about urban hunger and explore solutions.



Ramokgopa praised the Class of 2024 for achieving an impressive 87.3 percent pass rate, despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. She highlighted how the pandemic disrupted education in South Africa, leading to school closures and remote learning, which disproportionately affected students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Despite these challenges, the matriculants demonstrated resilience, achieving the highest results in the history of South Africa's democracy.



Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube also noted the significance of the 87.3% pass rate, which marks an increase from 82.9% in 2023. Ramokgopa emphasized the need for collective recognition of the achievements of learners, families, and educators, urging government leaders to create pathways for higher education and vocational training. She stressed the importance of empowering youth to participate in governance and decision-making processes.



During the visit, Pan Qingjiang underscored the importance of education in the bilateral relations between China and South Africa, expressing support for the students and the tree-planting initiative. Ramokgopa's upcoming visits will include several other schools, where she will continue to address educational challenges and promote community engagement.

A global group of experts has proposed an innovative framework for diagnosing and managing obesity, moving beyond the traditional reliance on body mass index (BMI), which has known limitations. The new approach focuses on distinguishing early indicators of obesity (pre-clinical) from more advanced stages (clinical) to enhance understanding and treatment.


This refined method incorporates additional measures of excess body fat along with BMI, as well as objective signs and symptoms linked to individual health concerns. Published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology and endorsed by over 75 medical organizations worldwide, the framework aims to improve obesity diagnosis, reduce stigma, optimize healthcare resources, and promote equitable access to effective treatments.


By addressing shortcomings in traditional methods, this approach seeks to better support the over one billion people living with obesity globally.

A new study suggests that replacing butter with plant-based oils, particularly olive oil, soybean oil, and canola oil, may help reduce the risk of early death.


Researchers found that substituting 10 grams of butter daily with an equivalent amount of plant-based oil was linked to a 17% decrease in overall mortality and a 17% reduction in cancer-related mortality. Experts emphasize the importance of incorporating healthy fats, especially those rich in omega-3 fatty acids, for overall well-being.


The cohort study, recently published in JAMA Internal Medicine, analyzed data from over 200,000 participants across three major long-term studies: the Nurses’ Health Study (1990–2023), the Nurses’ Health Study II (1991–2023), and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study (1990–2023). The research focused on individuals who had no history of cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or neurodegenerative conditions.


Participants’ butter consumption was assessed based on cooking and meal additions, while plant-based oil alternatives included olive oil, soybean oil, corn oil, canola oil, and safflower oil. Over a follow-up period of up to 33 years, participants completed food intake questionnaires at the start of the study and every four years.


Findings indicated that replacing butter with plant-based oils was significantly associated with a lower risk of premature death, reinforcing the benefits of choosing healthier fat sources.

The prestigious Raging Bull Awards, initially set for January 27th, has been rescheduled to Monday, February 17th, in response to popular demand. This change reflects our commitment to hosting an event that truly celebrates excellence in the investment industry.



The adjustment aims to create a more inclusive experience for all attendees and ensure a successful Raging Bull Awards for 2025. We value the feedback and support from our industry partners and participants regarding the new date, which is intended to facilitate an unforgettable experience that honors the remarkable achievements within the industry while fostering meaningful connections and insights for everyone involved.



Despite the date change, all other event details, including the venue and format, will remain the same. Current reservations will still be valid for the new date, and our team is available to assist with any inquiries or necessary adjustments.



We eagerly anticipate welcoming you on February 17th for an evening filled with celebration, recognition, and inspiration at the Oscars of the investment industry.

​On December 14, 2024, the Paterson Park Multipurpose Centre was abuzz with excitement of the grand finale of the Arts Alive Clash of the Regions Performing Arts Talent Showcase. The highly anticipated event hosted by the Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation in collaboration with City of Joburg, brought together talented performers from various Joburg regions, showcasing the rich cultural diversity and artistic excellence of the communities.

The showcase featured an impressive lineup of acts, including music, dance and theatre performances. The audience was left astonished by the sheer talent display as each region presented its unique flavour and flair.

The event was a testament to the power of arts and culture in bringing people together and fostering community spirit, and has undoubtedly become a highlight of the arts and culture developmental calendar in Joburg.

Below are the performers who topped the list in their respective categories.

Hip-Hop

1. Bheki Bila

2. Karabo Mellowood

3. Thuso Kekana

Kwaito/Amapiano

1. Musa Zunguze

2. Kabelo Molefe

3. Luthando Pupu

Dance

1. Gomora Future Stars

2. The Blaq Spider

3. Inkunzi Ezimdaka

Congratulations to the winners and well done to all the finalists, we look ahead to future editions of this remarkable event which continues to shine as a beacon of artistic excellence and cultural pride for our communities.

Gauteng MEC for Health Nomantu Nkomo Ralehoko has called on the public to end all forms of inequalities that hinder access to HIV, TB and STI-related treatment, care, and support.

Addressing this year's, World Aids Day MEC Ralehoko commended the role government has played in ensuring that 96% of people living with HIV/Aids know their status and are receiving the necessary support to fight the disease.

"The province has seen a steady increase in the number of people living with HIV (PLHIV) as the number of people dying from AIDS-related illnesses has also declined. Currently, there are 1.81 million people living with HIV.

She further thanked and called on civil society organisations to continue to play their part in ensuring that government achieves the ambitious targets set in the Gauteng Provincial Implementation Plan (PIP) on HIV, TB and STIs (2023-2028).

She said there is also a need for strengthened governance structures, that is, functional AIDS Councils at all levels, provincial, district and local levels.

"We need strong collaboration and partnership between all spheres of government, civil society sectors, and the private sector.

"Strong AIDS Councils lead to strengthened HIV, TB & STI partnership and collaboration efforts for improved service delivery to our communities."

The MEC said the province has seen a decrease in new HIV/Aids infections, but new infections remain high, and the pace of reduction is very slow.

"If we continue at the current pace, we will most likely not meet our National Strategic Plan or Gauteng Provincial Implementation Plan targets."

The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) survey findings show that social and structural drivers such as multiple and concurrent partnerships, low condom usage, high early sexual debut among young people and gender-based violence remain some of our challenges.

Nkomo Ralehoko said government has endorsed the Gauteng Provincial Implementation Plan (PIP) on HIV, TB & STIs (2023-2028), which is a roadmap towards addressing the challenges related to retention to care for HIV and TB clients as well as social and structural drivers identified in the HSRC survey 2022.

She further urged the public to continue to forge strong partnerships for improved access to HIV, TB & STI services, especially among the key and priority population within our Townships, Informal Settlements and Hostels (TISH) areas.

"Let us continue to pull out all the stops in our determination to strive for a HIV free generation. Working together as partners, we can do more to translate this dream into reality."