Latest news with #R64
The Citizen
a day ago
- Health
- The Citizen
Suikerbos Aftreeoord launches appeal to renovate frail care floors
Heidelberg Society for the Aged (HSA) – Suikerbos Aftreeoord has launched an appeal to the community, businesses, and supporters nationwide to assist with the much-needed renovation of the flooring in its Silwer Akker Frail Care Unit. With over 30 years of dedicated service, the facility has become a haven for elderly residents who need 24-hour care. However, the infrastructure, especially the flooring, requires urgent updating to ensure the safety, hygiene, and dignity of residents. 'We invite everyone to become part of this campaign to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our elderly residents,' Jannie Kotzé, manager of Suikerbos Aftreeoord, said. 'Your support will help us create a safer and more caring environment.' Buy a block, make a difference To fund the renovation, the floor area has been divided into approximately 2 267 blocks, each measuring 0.323m², covering 732m². One sponsorship block costs only R265. Initial goal is R600 000 Community members, businesses, friends, and donors across South Africa are invited to sponsor one or more blocks to help reach the goal. As an Article 18A registered non-profit organisation (NPO), Suikerbos Aftreeoord can issue official tax-deductible donation receipts. Why the renovation is critical The renovation includes: Removal of old vinyl flooring. Surface preparation and installation of new tiles. Replacement of floor and wall tiles in 19 bathrooms and four additional toilets. Tiling in four single-bed units, 10 double-bed units, and 11 four-bed units. Upgrading floors in passages, the lounge, the office, the reception, and other essential areas. A special challenge is the existing underfloor heating system, which may be damaged during renovations, adding both complexity and cost. Medical equipment is still needed In addition to flooring upgrades, Suikerbos Aftreeoord urgently needs new medical equipment to care for its frail residents. Donations toward the following items are welcome: Two toilet assistance chairs. Two patient hoists. Two Drive Medical Akku-lifts. Two elderly turning devices. The estimated cost of medical equipment is R64 000 and the total campaign goal is R664 000. Every donation brings Suikerbos Aftreeoord closer to its goal of creating a safe, dignified, and caring home for its elderly residents, many of whom rely solely on Sassa pensions and cannot contribute financially. To donate, sponsor a block, or find out more, visit the campaign page. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
TimesLIVE
6 days ago
- Business
- TimesLIVE
'The rifle is boosting South Africa's rural economy': NWU study on hunting tourism
Hunting tourism may not be everyone's idea of a sustainable economy, yet, in South Africa's post-pandemic landscape, it is delivering where others have faltered. It supports rural economies, funds conservation and employs tens of thousands of people, many of them low-skill workers with few alternatives. This is according to a North West University (NWU) study led by Prof Peet van der Merwe and Prof Andrea Saayman, titled 'Assessing the contributions of hunting tourism to the South African economy: a post‑Covid analysis'. They calculate hunting tourism's annual contribution to South Africa's economy at about R44.03bn. Local hunters, who constitute mostly middle-aged men from provinces such as Gauteng, make up most of this economic activity. With each local hunter spending an average of R64,410 per season, their collective annual spend tops R12.86bn. International hunters, often affluent retirees from the US, spend far more per trip — an average of R585,375 — mainly on game, trophies, accommodation and daily rates. Though fewer in number, their spending adds another R3.02bn to the tally. But the significance goes beyond raw expenditure. Employing a social accounting matrix, the researchers found a production multiplier of 2.97. In lay terms: for every $1 (R17.92) spent, an additional $1.97 (R35.30) is generated in economic activity. The ripple effect spreads across agriculture, trade, accommodation, transport and personal services. Perhaps the most striking finding is employment. About 95,000 jobs in South Africa depend on hunting tourism. Many of these roles such as trackers, farm hands and cleaners require limited formal education, making the sector a vital source of income in a country grappling with a 32.9% unemployment rate. More than 60% of these jobs fall within low-skilled categories, underscoring hunting tourism's outsize impact on South Africa's most vulnerable workers. Hunting tourism's lifeblood flows into rural economies, often bypassed by mainstream tourism. Provinces such as Limpopo benefit enormously from the inflow, with private game farms — many converted from struggling livestock operations — thriving through sustainable use. Notably, South Africa's wildlife population on private land now exceeds that in national parks and the study argues hunting revenue has underwritten significant rewilding efforts. The researchers also point to a powerful conservation dividend. Contrary to popular belief, regulated hunting creates financial incentives for landowners to protect and repopulate wild species. Without such incentives, many might revert to traditional farming, leading to habitat loss and diminished biodiversity. To some, hunting remains morally fraught, but the study emphasises economic survival for many rural communities hinges on this industry. Importantly, the research does not gloss over ethical concerns. Instead, it calls for measured policy, recognising hunting tourism's proven contribution to jobs, conservation and poverty alleviation. Moreover, the sector's resilience post-Covid is telling. As international travel resumes, South Africa has found in hunting tourism a niche that not only endures but thrives. It speaks to a broader shift in post-pandemic tourism: towards immersive, exclusive and, at times, controversial experiences. With sectors such as agriculture, hospitality and logistics feeding off the hunting economy, the study urges policymakers to acknowledge and protect this value chain. Legislation around land use, conservation and hunting quotas must be grounded in economic realities, not just ideological preferences. Missteps could jeopardise wildlife and livelihoods. In a world seeking green growth with social equity, the rifle may be a more unexpected ally than critics care to admit.
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The South African
25-06-2025
- Business
- The South African
Sports betting addiction rising in SA [video]
Latest report finds sports betting is starting to overtake the National Lottery for popularity in the R64-billion industry. Image: Pexels A new survey into sports betting in South Africa says the industry is experiencing a massive online boom. Particularly among gamblers aged 18 to 34, online sports betting is even starting to challenge the popularity of the National Lottery. ADVERTISEMENT South Africa's gambling revenue – including casinos and online sports betting – is projected to touch R64 billion in 2025. Nevertheless, there are concerns that gamblers are endangering their finances by using essential or borrowed funds for sports betting. Accordingly, InfoQuest, tracked the habits and attitudes of 300 local gamblers for a period of one year, reports Daily Investor. Its study found that sports betting was the most frequent gambling transaction per month. With an average occurrence 11 times per month. Read the full version of the 'South Africans are becoming addicted to sports betting' article. SPORTS BETTING IN SOUTH AFRICA Meanwhile, the National Lottery, saw an average occurrence 10 times per month. And is more popular with older gamblers (35 to 65). However, while the industry is generating significant revenue and employment opportunities, there are heightened concerns about addiction and illegal operators. ADVERTISEMENT Interestingly, InfoQuest found that in-person gambling at casino tables declined from 7 to 5 occurrences per month. However, 48% of South African gamblers said they're engaging in sports betting and other activities more often than they were one-year ago. As such, the growing engagement – enabled by easily accessible online platform – represents shifting social norms towards gambling. WATCH MORE VIDEOS FROM THE SOUTH AFRICAN Looking for quick updates? Watch News in a Minute videos on The South African's YouTube page for all the key stories you need to know! Catch all the latest videos on news, lifestyle, travel, sports and more – there's always something to watch! ADVERTISEMENT Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and BlueSky to stay connected and get your news on the go!
The South African
25-06-2025
- Business
- The South African
South Africans are becoming addicted to sports betting
A new survey into sports betting in South Africa says the industry is experiencing a massive online boom. Particularly among gamblers aged 18 to 34, online sports betting is even starting to challenge the popularity of the National Lottery. South Africa's gambling revenue – including casinos and online sports betting – is projected to touch R64 billion in 2025. Nevertheless, there are concerns that gamblers are endangering their finances by using essential or borrowed funds for sports betting. Accordingly, InfoQuest, tracked the habits and attitudes of 300 local gamblers for a period of one year, reports Daily Investor . Its study found that sports betting was the most frequent gambling transaction per month. With an average occurrence 11 times per month. Meanwhile, the National Lottery, saw an average occurrence 10 times per month. And is more popular with older gamblers (35 to 65). However, while the industry is generating significant revenue and employment opportunities, there are heightened concerns about addiction and illegal operators. Who needs a 'hot machine' at a casino when you can gambling all day long online? Image: File Interestingly, InfoQuest found that in-person gambling at casino tables declined from 7 to 5 occurrences per month. However, 48% of South African gamblers said they're engaging in sports betting and other activities more often than they were one-year ago. As such, the growing engagement – enabled by easily accessible online platform – represents shifting social norms towards gambling. Moreover, only 37% of surveyed gamblers claim they use surplus funds – money they don't need for anything else – to gamble. Therefore, 63% are using essential money meant for food or savings on sports betting and other activities. In turn, 'this underscores the need for closer monitoring of gambling behaviour and its broader societal impacts in South Africa,' finds the report. 50% of gamblers say they incorporate gambling into their monthly budgets 16% of gamblers say they have borrowed money to fund their gambling. 15% of gamblers say they have been unable to control their desire to engage. 20% of gamblers say they have sought help or are currently seeking help for their gambling addiction. If you think you're struggling with sports betting or other forms of gambling, you can contact Gamblers' Anonymous HERE. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
19-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Proteas secure huge payday after winning World Test Championship
THAT WINNING FEELING The Proteas are set to receive over R64 million from the ICC for winning the World Test Championship, with the funds likely to be distributed among players, staff, and Cricket SA, while the team celebrated their victory at Lord's by defeating Australia. Picture: BackpagePix While the SA government have not yet revealed if the Proteas team and management will receive bonuses for winning the World Test Championship (WTC), they are still in store for a sum of over R64 million. The ICC will pay out not less than R64 million to the Proteas, depending on the exchange rate, as the winners will pocket $18m for their efforts. The breakdown of what players will receive has not been detailed, but the money will likely be split among the players, coaching and support staff, and Cricket SA. It also will probably never be publicly confirmed, but the players will receive the major share of the hefty sum.
