Companies can now register Information Officers through the online PAIA portal.
A survey released by the Ichikowitz Family Foundation shows that unemployment and government corruption are the biggest concerns that youth in South Africa have. The University of Johannesburg now offers a free online Introduction to Sustainable Development Goals programme while the Information Regulator announces that online portals are now available for PAIA section 32 reports. Meanwhile, bus company Putco dismisses 105 employees who ignored “several warnings” around their unprotected strike.
Putco fires 105 workers
Bus company Putco has dismissed 105 employees who have been participating in an unprotected strike over pay increases, since the start of the month.
The company said the workers had “ignored several warnings, a court interdict stating they should return to work, as well as subsequent ultimatums”.
More than 1,000 employees faced potential dismissal over the strike action, in which they demanded a wage increase.
Putco has also obtained a court order interdicting striking employees from blocking or obstructing any street leading to the company premises.
Online portals for PAIA section 32 reports
The Information Regulator has established online portals for public and private bodies to use to submit their Promotion of Access to Information Act 2 of 2000 (PAIA) section 32 reports and to register their information officers (IOs).
The portals are expected to improve efficiency, as they will be user-friendly and afford quick turnaround time for submission of section 32 reports and registration of information officers.
Manual applications will continue to be administered to accommodate special circumstances.
UJ offers free SDGs learning programme
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) has introduced a fully online and free short learning programme, Introduction to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), for students and members of the public.
The course explores the contested nature of the sustainable development discourse by highlighting the core features of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and responses to it, the university says.
Anyone with a Grade 12 certificate or higher can enrol for the course. There are no classes to attend, and all assessments are in the form of quizzes. There are five units to complete, and a digital certificate will be issued on successful completion, which may be viewed and shared with third parties or possible employers through the UJ Digital Certificate platform.
Unemployment tops youth concerns
Unemployment and government corruption are the biggest concerns that youth have, according to a survey released by the Ichikowitz Family Foundation.
The worries of the 18- to 24-year-olds interviewed in Africa’s most industrialised nation were, on average, more pronounced than those in 14 other African nations, reports Bloomberg.
Creation of new, well-paid jobs was a top priority for 30 percent of youth, compared with 28 percent of those surveyed elsewhere on the continent.
Overall the survey found that South African youths were “much less trustful” of leaders than most of those interviewed elsewhere in Africa.
