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New online system for housing subsidy applications set to launch
New online system for housing subsidy applications set to launch

IOL News

time05-07-2025

  • Business
  • IOL News

New online system for housing subsidy applications set to launch

The Department of Human Settlements partnered with the State Information Technology Agency (SITA) to develop the National Digital Human Settlements Management System, which will enable beneficiaries to apply online for government housing subsidies. Image: Parliament / Zwelethemba Kostile Housing beneficiaries will soon be able to apply online for government housing subsidies and be informed about the outcome of their applications. This comes after the Department of Human Settlements partnered with the State Information Technology Agency (SITA) to develop the National Digital Human Settlements Management System. Human Settlement Minister Thembi Simelane announced the new initiative when she presented the department's R101.2 billion budget for 2025/26 in the National Assembly earlier this week. Simelane said the department developed the Housing Subsidy System a few years ago, which is a portal meant to serve as a housing needs register database and information system. 'However, it is a legacy system which is not compatible with the latest technologies and lacks the critical component of citizen engagement,' she said. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Simelane also said her department, working with SITA, was in the process of developing the National Digital Human Settlements Management System, which will modernise the way they manage human settlements data and improve coordination across departments. 'This initiative will address current inefficiencies by providing a centralised platform for better resource management and service delivery. This system aims to improve efficiency, transparency, and accountability in the management of construction projects, ensuring the timely completion of projects and accurate allocation of resources.' The minister said the integrated software solution aimed to streamline and automate various processes related to managing human settlements. 'It will help government housing authorities, urban planners, and city administrators to efficiently manage housing, land, infrastructure development, housing beneficiary lists, and related aspects of human settlements. 'The development of a comprehensive, integrated online national digital Human Settlements Management System will further enable citizens to apply online for a housing product and be informed about the outcome of their applications,' she added. Simelane revealed that the Housing Development Agency has also developed and piloted a digital platform to monitor beneficiary experience of those who have received a housing subsidy from the state. 'This allows us to understand the impact of state subsidies through a spatial transformation framework of analysis.' In its 2025/26 annual performance plan, the department said the current National Needs Register was providing portals for housing application, status tracking, and subsidies. However, there was slow pace of adapting to new technology and implementing digital transformation. It said opportunities existed in the 'creation of a digital platform for human settlements delivery to streamline housing applications and approval and management process improving efficiency and accessibility while enhancing transparency and user engagement'. Simelane stated that her department plans to build 41,944 housing units, create 32,250 fully serviced sites, develop 4,282 units through the First Home Finance programme, construct 3,000 social housing units, and eradicate 8,047 mud houses in the 2025/26 financial year. 'Central to us achieving these targets, is building, and sustaining partnerships with strategic stakeholders within the human settlement value chain,' she said. She also said her visits to six provinces had showed that there were similar challenges across the whole country. 'These are informal settlements, unfinished or stalled housing projects, budget constraints and its negative impact on the housing delivery chain and a housing backlog. The challenges we have identified are not insurmountable,' she said.

Pre-Registration of Super Terminal Expo 2025 Is Now Open Shaping the Future of Intermodal Transportation Hubs
Pre-Registration of Super Terminal Expo 2025 Is Now Open Shaping the Future of Intermodal Transportation Hubs

Yahoo

time25-06-2025

  • Business
  • Yahoo

Pre-Registration of Super Terminal Expo 2025 Is Now Open Shaping the Future of Intermodal Transportation Hubs

HONG KONG, June 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Super Terminal Expo (STE) 2025 will bring together global aviation and transportation leaders at Hong Kong's AsiaWorld-Expo from 4-6 November. This landmark event, backed by Hong Kong International Airport, offers a comprehensive platform focused on the planning, design, and development of efficient intermodal transportation hubs. The expo will attract 120+ exhibitors and 4,000+ professionals from across APAC and globally, including terminal operators, ground handlers, logistics providers, airlines, and aviation authorities. Attendees will explore cutting-edge solutions for passenger and cargo operations, smart terminal automation, AI-enhanced cargo management, and rail/metro integration within intermodal hubs. Secure early access to innovation showcases and networking opportunities by pre-registering today. Industry Titans Converge: Where Innovation Meets Implementation Technological Vanguards Redefining Tomorrow's Terminals STE 2025 brings together an elite cadre of technology pioneers in a realm where innovation transcends imagination. Industry powerhouses including Telebooth, CIMC-Pteris, and Weihai Guangtai Equipment will showcase alongside global giants NEC, Nuctech and SITA, etc. These leaders are presenting transformative solutions that don't just improve operational excellence but fundamentally reimagine it. Global Gateways Unite: A Masterclass in Terminal Evolution The event features an unprecedented gathering of the world's most influential aviation hubs converging to shape the future of intermodal connectivity. Asia's aviation titans Beijing Capital Airport and Shenzhen Airport Aerotropolis Development Co., Ltd. will join the Middle East's crown jewel, Europe's efficiency champion Munich Airport International and Brussels Airport. These global powerhouses bring centuries of combined expertise to the conversation. Their collaboration extends beyond sharing insights to crafting future terminals where boundaries between transportation modes dissolve and seamless passenger journeys become reality. Connect with industry-leading technology providers and global airport authorities by securing your place today. Pre-register NOW! Premier Thematic Forums at Super Terminal Expo Conference to Shape Tomorrow's Transportation Ecosystem Engage with global leaders in curated dialogues where cutting-edge trends, decision-maker networks, practical insights, and cross-ecosystem collaboration converge to shape the next generation of intermodal infrastructure. Featured forums include: Airport Leaders Forum Cargo & Logistics Forum sponsored by Cathay Cargo Design & Development Forum sponsored by AtkinsRéalis Airport Non-Aeronautical Revenue Forum co-hosted by Airpo Ground Handling Forum Rail & Metro Forum While these established forums continue to set the industry agenda, STE 2025 breaks new ground with pioneering additions to its programme. This year's edition introduces transformative features that push the boundaries of transportation innovation. See the Conference agenda at here. Reserve your seat at these industry-shaping forums. Groundbreaking Additions for 2025 Low Altitude Economy Forum × Aviation Week Network Air Mobility Awards (AAM) Awards The low altitude economy refers to the emerging economic ecosystem centred around activities, businesses, and services conducted at altitudes below 1,000-3,000 meters above ground level. This is a multi-billion-dollar market reshaping urban logistics, emergency response, surveillance, and passenger transport worldwide. With Hong Kong prioritising regulatory sandboxes and infrastructure investments, the region is at the forefront of this new mobility era. As Asia's first dedicated platform for terminal design, construction, and operations, the STE LAE Forum brings together global and regional leaders to define harmonized safety standards, accelerate policy frameworks, and shape the next generation of integrated, scalable, and sustainable AAM infrastructure. Co-organized by Aviation Week Network, the Aviation Week Network Advanced Air Mobility Awards 2025 will honour best-in-class achievements in technology, operations, infrastructure, and outreach within the rapidly evolving Advanced Air Mobility sector. Learn more about the LEA Forum & AAM Awards here. Be part of this groundbreaking addition to Super Terminal Expo. Register NOW! Exclusive Professional Experiences with STE Hosted Buyer Programme The Hosted Buyer Programme at Super Terminal Expo carefully selects top executives in airports and operators who possess a strong commitment to excellence. By seamlessly integrating an exhibition, a conference agenda and awards, we provide a platform that empowers companies aspiring to expand their business worldwide. Exclusively for eligible buyer: Airport showcase: a complimentary sharing slot and/or a tabletop to showcase your airport or latest innovations. Hong Kong Internation Airport Tours: A chance to be part of an exclusive tour and get the behind the scenes of one of Asia's top airports. Airport Dialogues: Priority access to a series of intimate and closed-door roundtable discussions specially designed for REAL conversations. Flight & Accommodation Sponsorship: Round trip economy flight tickets plus 2-night stay with venue transfers. Email visit@ to apply for being hosted! Pre-Registration Is Open—Secure Your Place in Aviation's Future Don't miss your chance to be part of Asia's premier transportation hub event. Join 4,000+ industry professionals, explore cutting-edge solutions, and network with global leaders reshaping the future of intermodal transportation. Pre-register now at here and stay ahead of the curve in aviation innovation. Co-located Events GAD AsiaGAD (Global Airport Development) Asia is a unique event dedicated to sustainable airport business growth and infrastructure development through best practice financing, management and strategy. The forum brings together stakeholders from all sides of the airport business from public and private airport operators, financial and strategic investors, regulators and industry experts from around the world. GAD is an unmissable opportunity to identify new investment opportunities, partners and business prospects. TAPA Workshop The Transported Asset Protection Association (TAPA) workshop is designed to help organisations identify and address potential risks in supply chain logistics. This interactive session will equip participants with the tools and insights necessary to strengthen supply chain resilience, safeguard operations, and align with globally recognized standards. About Super Terminal Expo Super Terminal Expo is a three-day event held on November 4 - 6, at AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong. It focuses on intermodal terminal design & development, exploring the unique challenges and opportunities in intermodal transportation hubs, with a focus on airports. Expecting more than 4,000 attendees, the event offers a comprehensive platform encompassing a dynamic exhibition showcasing the latest innovations from more than 120+ exhibitors and brands, an insightful conference featuring expert presentations and thought leadership, interactive airport dialogues fostering in-depth discussions, and a prestigious awards ceremony recognising industry excellence. Attendees will also benefit from valuable networking opportunities to connect with peers and leaders, and gain exclusive behind-the-scenes tours of Hong Kong International Airport. About Informa Markets Informa Markets creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate and grow. We provide marketplace participants around the globe with opportunities to engage, experience and do business through face-to-face exhibitions, targeted digital services and actionable data solutions. We connect buyers and sellers across more than a dozen global verticals, including Pharmaceuticals, Food, Medical Technology and Infrastructure. As the world's leading market-making company, we bring a diverse range of specialist markets to life, unlocking opportunities and helping them to thrive 365 days of the year. For more information, please visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Super Terminal Expo Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data

Lost bag rate improves as passenger traffic soars
Lost bag rate improves as passenger traffic soars

West Australian

time18-06-2025

  • Business
  • West Australian

Lost bag rate improves as passenger traffic soars

In good news for airline passengers, the rate of mishandled baggage is coming down despite air traffic reaching record levels, with technology and automation increasingly playing a role. The latest Baggage IT Insights report by air transport IT provider SITA, based on data from 280 airlines, shows that the mishandling rate dropped to 6.3 bags per 1000 passengers in 2024, down from 6.9 the previous year and a 67 per cent improvement since 2007. The improvement comes despite 2024 being a record-breaking year for air travel, with global passenger numbers reaching 5.3 billion. SITA reports 33.4 million bags were mishandled in 2024, with 22 million of these or 66 per cent resolved by SITA's WorldTracer global baggage tracing and matching system within 48 hours. Of the 22 million, 25 per cent were resolved within 12 hours, 38 per cent within 24 hours and 37 per cent within 48 hours. Delayed bags are the most common issue, accounting for 74 per cent of mishandled baggage, down from 80 per cent the previous year, followed by lost or stolen bags at 8 per cent, while damaged or pilfered bags increased from 15 per cent in 2023 to 18 per cent in 2024. Transfer mishandling was the biggest cause of the problem, accounting for 41 per cent of incidents, an improvement on 46 per cent the previous year. Tagging or ticketing errors, security issues and similar factors rose slightly to 17 per cent — up three percentage points — while loading failures remained steady at 16 per cent. Operational issues including customs delays, weather and capacity constraints increased to 10 per cent from 8 per cent in 2023. The Asia-Pacific region has the best baggage report card, with just 3.1 mishandled bags per 1000 passengers, while North America improved to 5.5 bags per 1000 passengers. Europe improved its performance, but still reported 12.3 mishandled bags per 1000 passengers. 'We're making progress, but baggage still causes stress,' says Nicole Hogg, director of baggage at SITA. Lost baggage cost the airline industry an estimated $US5 billion ($7.6b) in 2024, with airlines and airports turning to new technology to bring this figure down and to meet passengers' growing service expectations. 'We've seen a radical shift with automation and the widespread use of real-time tracking. Passengers now expect their baggage experience to be as easy and transparent as using a rideshare or delivery app,' says David Lavorel, SITA CEO. Real-time tracking, artificial intelligence-powered analytics and self-service solutions are all having a positive effect, according to SITA. In 2024, 42 per cent of passengers had access to real-time baggage updates, up from 38 per cent in 2023. Nearly half of travellers questioned say mobile tracking would boost their confidence in checking in a bag, while 38 per cent value the addition of digital ID tags. In response, airlines are making the baggage journey more visible, with 66 per cent offering automated bag drop and a further 16 per cent planning to do so by 2027. SITA highlights the integration of Apple's Share Item Location feature with SITA WorldTracer as a game changer. Airlines including British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Lufthansa, Qantas and Virgin Atlantic are among those that have adopted the feature, allowing passengers to share the location of their Apple AirTag with airlines, enabling quicker baggage recovery. A new Modern Baggage Messaging standard was recently approved by the air transport industry, which is expected to enhance data quality and reduce baggage mishandling by a further 5 per cent. 'Every bag matters. This isn't just about reducing errors, it's about creating trust in the journey, and the technology is clearly making that possible,' says Hogg.

The emotional journey of lost luggage: Stories of reunion and heartbreak
The emotional journey of lost luggage: Stories of reunion and heartbreak

IOL News

time17-06-2025

  • IOL News

The emotional journey of lost luggage: Stories of reunion and heartbreak

For countless passengers, the excitement of travel is often laced with anxiety about their bags. Image: Pexels/Nappy The airport - a bustling nexus of dreams and departures - can also be the site of emotional turmoil when luggage goes missing. For countless passengers, the excitement of travel is often laced with anxiety about their bags. While some stories celebrate joyous reunions, others reflect the heartbreak of lost belongings, highlighting the human experience that can easily get overlooked in the hustle and bustle of air travel. According to recent findings from SITA, the world's leading specialist in air transport communications and information technology, 5.3 billion passengers travelled by air in 2024, marking an 8.2% increase from 2023. As passenger numbers rose, so did the volume of checked luggage; however, the global rate of mishandled luggage has seen significant improvement, dropping to 6.3 bags per 1,000 passengers, down from 6.9 in 2023. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Particularly in the Africa - Middle East region, the rate stood at an impressive 6.02 bags per 1,000 passengers. These statistics point towards a remarkable 67% improvement in luggage handling since 2007, showcasing the effectiveness of advanced technologies such as SITA's WorldTracer. In 2024 alone, over 33.4 million bags were mishandled, but more than 66% were resolved within 48 hours. Airlines invested over $5 billion in tracing and reconciling baggage, a commitment to addressing the growing demands of air travel. However, behind the numbers lie personal narratives that illustrate the emotional stakes involved. One such story is that of Thembi Basi, who shared her harrowing experience on TikTok after her luggage got stuck in Johannesburg while she flew to Cape Town. The chaos of the baggage claim escalated her stress as she faced the prospect of missing out on her holiday plans. Her travels were intertwined with her birthday celebrations, adding to the urgency of the situation. Thankfully, Basi's suitcase was found, allowing her to enjoy her trip, albeit with plans for an AirTag on her next journey for peace of mind. After two canceled Southwest flights, Patrick Keane was finally reunited with his bag at Midway, and he let the entire airport know how it felt. @cbschicago — Noel Brennan (@Noeltbrennan) December 28, 2022 Across the ocean, Patrick Keane's viral video documented his cheerfulness when he was finally reunited with his lost suitcase after enduring 17 hours stranded at Denver International Airport. His joyous scream and energetic leap on the baggage carousel resonated with viewers, underscoring the intense relief and celebration that comes with finding a lost bag. Comments poured in, with many empathising with Keane's plight, displaying a collective understanding of the emotional rollercoaster that mislaid luggage can cause. Conversely, Bianca Beemer's ordeal serves as a cautionary tale. Moving from Toronto to Berlin, Beemer lost nearly all she owned in a checked bag, valued at around $7,000 (approximately R125,000). Despite her optimism, she's still grappling with the absence of her belongings four months later, detailing her struggle with airlines in search of answers on TikTok. The emotional weight of this situation - losing your entire life's worth of belongings during a significant transition - is a stark reminder of how critical our possessions can be in our lives. I got my bag!!! @British_Airways even though I had to drive 2hours to the courier depot because they just didn't deliver my bag to my address after changing the delivery times every hour keeping me on edge and not knowing how to move 'incase' they showed up which they never did.… — Minnie Dlamini (@MinnieDlamini) July 15, 2024 South Africa's own Minnie Dlamini recently faced a frustrating experience with British Airways when her luggage failed to arrive on her birthday trip to London. Landing without her belongings disrupted her plans, and despite numerous attempts to retrieve them, the bags didn't arrive until the final hours of her trip. These stories, though varied, echo a common sentiment - that luggage is not just a collection of garments but a storage of memories and essentials that accompany us on our journeys. While the statistics illustrate improvements in baggage handling, the emotional ramifications of lost luggage reveal a deeper connection we share with our belongings.

Egypt Introduces Smart Baggage Tech as 11 Airports Undergo AI Overhaul
Egypt Introduces Smart Baggage Tech as 11 Airports Undergo AI Overhaul

CairoScene

time17-06-2025

  • Business
  • CairoScene

Egypt Introduces Smart Baggage Tech as 11 Airports Undergo AI Overhaul

Egypt is modernising 11 airports with smart baggage systems and AI oversight to reduce mishandling and improve passenger flow. Jun 17, 2025 Egypt's plans to modernise 11 of its major airports are accelerating with the rollout of smart baggage handling systems and AI-driven analytics. The upgrades aim to streamline check-in and baggage operations, reduce mishandling, and improve real-time tracking for millions of travellers. At the heart of the transformation is Cairo's newly launched Smart Control Centre, which enables live monitoring of airport operations and enhances coordination across terminals. Supporting the shift, EgyptAir has signed a major network upgrade agreement with aviation technology provider SITA, whose AI tools are powering much of the new infrastructure. The initiative is part of a broader collaboration with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, which is helping Egypt attract private investment through public-private partnerships focused on infrastructure and service upgrades. According to SITA's 2025 industry report, airports in the Middle East and Africa maintained one of the world's lowest rates of mishandled bags in 2024—just 6.02 per 1,000 passengers—despite rising travel demand. With global baggage mishandling still costing airlines USD 5 billion annually, Egypt's efforts to implement smarter systems reflect a wider push to improve travel reliability and reduce costly inefficiencies.

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