Latest news with #SWIMS
IOL News
3 days ago
- Health
- IOL News
NHI regulations face opposition from Western Cape Government amid digital service expansion
Premier Alan Winde highlights the role of innovation and data-driven solutions in strengthening service delivery for vulnerable communities in the Western Cape. Image: Armand Hough/Independent Newspapers. The Western Cape Cabinet has reaffirmed its opposition to the draft regulations of the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act, warning that the proposed governance arrangements threaten to destabilize the provincial health system. 'The provisions of the act, in its current form, undermine the aim of universal healthcare, particularly in the Western Cape,' said Premier Alan Winde. The Cabinet maintains that the regulations are premature, invalid, and would have a 'significant and detrimental impact on all provinces and service delivery.' The province's objections mirror long-standing concerns raised during public participation, which the national Department of Health has allegedly failed to address. In contrast to its resistance on the NHI front, the provincial government is moving forward with key innovations in social services. Cabinet approved the expansion of the Social Work Integrated Management System (SWIMS) application across government departments. Launched in April 2024 and already used by over 1,000 social workers, the SWIMS app digitises social service case files and significantly reduces paperwork. Premier Winde described the system as transformative. 'Across our departments, we must explore ways to improve services. Our embrace of innovation, technology, and reliance on data and evidence strengthens our ability to boost service delivery, in the case of expanding SWIMS, to the most vulnerable in our province.' Western Cape Minister for Social Development, Jaco Londt, echoed the sentiment, emphasising the app's reach in rural areas. 'If SWIMS is utilised by other social service professionals in government and the NGO space, not only will staff benefit, but it will strengthen our case monitoring systems, we want to mitigate the risk of cases slipping through the cracks.' 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 In a further move to modernise public service delivery, Cabinet noted the implementation of a new Provincial Roads Delivery Model at the district level. The new model, developed by the Department of Infrastructure, is based on a comprehensive five-year review and aims to speed up and improve infrastructure projects across the province. Cabinet also approved the Growth for Jobs (G4J) 2025–2030 Implementation Plan, the next step in a strategic roadmap to stimulate economic growth. 'The G4J strategy is constantly evolving, requiring us to regularly revisit its key priority areas,' Premier Winde said. He acknowledged the volatility of global markets but expressed confidence in the province's ability to adapt and grow. Celebrating the success of the 2025 Premier's Cycle Tour, Winde thanked partners and provincial teams who helped deliver more than 300 bicycles to schools and neighbourhood watch groups in rural areas. 'The tour is a tangible demonstration of the 'power of the pedals' and the importance of partnerships,' he said, highlighting how bicycles can foster connectivity, promote road safety, and unlock economic opportunity. Finally, Premier Winde called for nominations for the 2025 Service Excellence Awards (SEA), which honour Western Cape Government staff who go above and beyond in their roles. 'Our staff are at the heart of our government's commitment to work as hard as we can every day for the residents of this province,' said Winde. The ceremony is scheduled for September 2025, and nominations close on June 30,2025. IOL News Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Ontario County will reimburse teens for lifeguard certification costs to boost staffing
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — A new initiative from Ontario County is aiming to boost staffing at area pools and fill lifeguard positions at pools and beaches across the county — while also helping teens get certified. The county is usings funds from New York Statewide Investment in More Swimming, or SWIMS, to launch the hiring campaign — looking to fill positions in the following positions: Deep Run Park Onanda Park Kershaw Park Sandy Bottom Park Ontario County will reimburse lifeguards for their required certification and costs through SWIMS. 'Lifeguarding is a rewarding summer job that builds confidence, leadership, and lifesaving skills,'said Ontario County Department of Public Works Commissioner Bill Wright said in a statement. 'We know the cost of certification and training can be a hurdle for teens and families, and that's why Ontario County is stepping in to help. We want to make these jobs more accessible to more young people. Lifeguard, Senior Lifeguard, and Aquatics Supervisor are some of the positions open across the county. For more information, visit the Ontario County website. The County notes applicants must be at least 15 years old and possess valid CPR and lifeguard certifications at the time of hire. Anyone looking for more information on the SWIMS program is asked to call (585) 396-4000. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
