Latest news with #Sala
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
SA Literary Awards extend submission date, calls for more submissions in indigenous languages
The extension is to give authors and nominators who may not have been aware or failed to beat the first deadline another chance to submit. Despite a fair rate of submissions from English and Afrikaans literature, the South African Literary Awards (Sala) have extended the submission date, encouraging work in indigenous languages to be submitted. 'It has been our experience in the past years that we attract small numbers of work written in indigenous languages than in Afrikaans and English,' Sala executive director, Morakabe Raks Seakhoa tells The Citizen. The original submission date was 8 May, and authors have been given until 9 June to submit their works so they can be recognised for this year's edition of the awards. Seakhoa says the extension is to give authors and nominators who may not have been aware or failed to beat the first deadline another chance to submit. Founded by the wRite associates, in partnership with the then national Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) in 2005, the main aim of Sala is to pay tribute to South African writers who have distinguished themselves as groundbreaking producers and creators of literature. Sala celebrates literary excellence in the depiction and sharing of South Africa's histories, value systems, and philosophies, as well as art inscribed and preserved in all the languages of South Africa, particularly the official languages. ALSO READ: South African literature celebrated at 19th Literary Awards Indigenous work Seakhoa says there may be various reasons why authors of indigenous works haven't submitted their work for consideration at this year's awards. 'The reasons may be many,' he says as he shares some insight. 'Inadequate resourcing of writing in these languages; the misguided notion among some writers that their work stands a better chance of reaching wider markets,' shares the Executive Director. This year marks 20 years of Sala. 'We are planning a special occasion for Sala when [it] celebrates 20 years, as that'll be marking a coming of age for this prestigious Awards scheme. For this year, considerations are being entertained, including increasing the number of Lifetime Achievement Literary Award category celebrants.' The ceremony is expected to be held in November this year. ALSO READ: A spy's story – David Africa's book 'Lives On The Line' thrills Sala's 20-year journey When the literary awards were established, there was only one award, the South African National Poet Laureate Prize. Sala now has 16 categories, which range from the Children's Literature Award to the Nadine Gordimer Short Story Award. According to Seakhoa, some of the most hotly contested categories are the Regional and National Poets Laureate Prize, followed by the Novel, First-time Published Author and Creative Non-Fiction Literary categories. 'There have been a number of calls to include, expand, realign, reconfigure and rename other categories, so these will certainly be considered for the coming years, as well as working very hard to attract more financial support to increase awardees' cash prizes,' shares Seakhoa. The cash prizes for all categories are R30 000, except for the National and Regional Poets Laureate, who receive R100 000 and R50 000 respectively. Last year's Sala coincided with the 12th Africa Century International African Writers Conference, which celebrates the 33rd International African Writers' Day and 30 years of South Africa's democracy. In 1991, the Conference of African Ministers of Education and Culture in Cotonou, Benin, voted to designate November 7th as International African Writers' Day, which is currently observed across the continent. NOW READ: 'It cannot carry on as things have been' – Gayton McKenzie as he cuts funding for Downtown Music Hub
Winnipeg Free Press
4 days ago
- Business
- Winnipeg Free Press
NDP asks auditor general to probe failed IT project at Manitoba Public Insurance
The NDP government has asked the provincial auditor general to probe Project Nova, the doomed technology project undertaken by Manitoba Public Insurance. In a letter to auditor general Tyson Shtykalo, which was obtained by the Free Press, Finance Minister Adrien Sala stated that after spending $165 million on Nova, most of the promised features — including full online access for Autopac customers — remain unfulfilled. Manitoba auditor general Tyson Shtykalo. (File) Manitoba auditor general Tyson Shtykalo. (File) Sala stated in his letter that an internal government review identified a number of 'concerns' about MPI's management of Nova. 'A review by Treasury Board Secretariat identified concerns about the selection of the software and the system integrator, terms of the vendor contract and irregularities in contract practices,' Sala wrote. 'In addition, MPI is expected to continue paying software licences that will not be used in the future years.' If Shtykalo decides to do a deep dive on Nova, he will be examining one of the most costly and controversial projects undertaken by a Crown corporation. First announced in 2020 at a cost of $107 million, Nova was supposed to allow Autopac and commercial customers to renew or amend insurance policies and driver's licences online while providing connections between MPI and repair shops to speed up claims processing. All of these new features, former MPI CEO Eric Herbelin said, would be offered within three years. However, in less than 24 months the cost of the project had risen to $290 million and the timeline was extended to five years. At the same time, concerns arose about costly untendered management contracts and the hiring of hundreds of additional staff in contravention of a government-wide hiring freeze. In the spring of 2023, the board of MPI fired Herbelin after an internal performance review. In March, current CEO Satvir Jatana announced the total price tag to complete Nova had risen to $435 million, or 50 per cent more than the previous estimate. As a result, Jatana said all work on Nova had been terminated. In May, MPI disabled one of the few parts of Nova that had become operational because it wasn't functioning properly. JOHN WOODS / FREE PRESS FILES In March, CEO of Manitoba Public Insurance Satvir Jatana said all work on Nova had been terminated. JOHN WOODS / FREE PRESS FILES In March, CEO of Manitoba Public Insurance Satvir Jatana said all work on Nova had been terminated. Jatana and other senior MPI officials will confirm the audit and discuss its consequences at a media event on Thursday. In the letter, Sala noted the treasury board review concluded that of the $165 million spent to date, only '$46.5 million of value was derived from the project.' The letter did not elaborate on which parts of Nova were up and running. The idea of having the auditor general examine Nova was raised last month by the Consumers' Association of Canada. On May 21, the Manitoba branch of the association wrote to Shtykalo asking that he undertake an audit 'to prevent repetition of past mistakes by MPI and other public institutions and to complement the Public Utilities Board's protection of Manitobans' interests in setting auto insurance rates.' The association had previously criticized MPI for using reserve funds normally dedicated to lowering Autopac rates to help pay for Nova cost overruns. The request for a full audit was made under Section 16 of the Auditor General Act, which states that the auditor general may, by request from the minister of finance or lieutenant governor in council, 'examine and audit the accounts of a government organization, recipient of public money or other person or entity that in any way receives, pays or accounts for public money.' The act says the auditor general 'is not obliged to do so if he or she is of the opinion that it would interfere with the primary responsibilities of the auditor general.' If an audit is undertaken, findings will be reported to the minister who requested the review and to the minister responsible for 'any government organization concerned.' If the auditor finds it to be in the public interest, a report can be submitted to the legislative assembly no later than 14 days after it is provided to the minister responsible for the government entity. The office of the auditor general not only reviews government financial accounts on an annual basis, it is also empowered to examine the finances and operations of any entity operated and funded by the province. Although unusual, it is not unprecedented for the auditor general to delve into the activities of a government entity or Crown corporation at the request of a government minister or MLA. In 2021, Shtayko investigated allegations made by the NDP, which was in opposition at the time, that former premier Brian Pallister had interfered with the management of Manitoba Hydro. However, no report was produced from that probe. Dan LettColumnist Dan Lett is a columnist for the Free Press, providing opinion and commentary on politics in Winnipeg and beyond. Born and raised in Toronto, Dan joined the Free Press in 1986. Read more about Dan. Dan's columns are built on facts and reactions, but offer his personal views through arguments and analysis. The Free Press' editing team reviews Dan's columns before they are posted online or published in print — part of the our tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Global News
21-05-2025
- Business
- Global News
Manitoba government says it's working to get promised tax credit to homeowners
The Manitoba government faced more questions about its property tax reforms Tuesday after some homeowners did not receive a promised $1,500 credit on their annual bill. Finance Minister Adrien Sala said there was a problem with some homeowners not registering their properties as their primary residence, which is a condition to get the credit. He put part of the blame on municipal governments. 'We know that some municipalities were more effective at communicating with residents than others and in some instances, we are seeing individuals who did not register their residence as their principal residence,' Sala said. The province is working with municipalities on a solution to get the problem fixed soon, but there was no word on when people might expect to get their money. Dave Routhier, a Winnipeg homeowner, said he was shocked when he opened his bill. It was not immediately clear that the credit was missing, and he was told to pay $1,300 more than last year. Story continues below advertisement 'We're blessed that we are able to absorb the impact to our cash flow … but individuals that cannot — lower-income individuals, people on fixed incomes, retirees — it's a huge hit to them,' Routhier said. Like many Manitobans, Routhier opts to divide his bill into monthly payments. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy The Opposition Progressive Conservatives said they have heard from dozens of other homeowners in the same situation. Routhier said when he inquired about how to get the issue fixed, he was guided to online information that said he could submit for the credit on his income tax return next spring. Sala said he aims to have things sorted out much more quickly. 'We're currently in conversation with the City of Winnipeg and other municipalities,' he said. The issue is the latest flare-up in an ongoing political battle over education property taxes. Unlike some other provinces, Manitoba has a dedicated property tax to help fund schools. The NDP government, elected in 2023, has eliminated a system implemented by the former Tory government that provided a 50 per cent rebate to residential property owners and an additional $350 credit for people's primary residence. In its place, the government introduced a flat $1,500 credit that, unlike the former rebate, does not rise with higher property values and is not available to cottages, apartment buildings and other properties not occupied by the owner as a primary residence. Story continues below advertisement The NDP has touted the move as a tax savings for most Manitobans, because the credit can eliminate education property taxes for lower-value homes. But overall, the government estimated it would pay out $148 million less in the initial year. And that figure would rise as annual property taxes increase. The Tories have said it amounts to a tax hike for a large number of people. Routhier, who has lived in his home since 2010, said he had no idea he was supposed to register his home as a primary residence. Other people may not even realize they are missing out on the credit, he said. 'There's going to be a certain number of people that may never get this addressed.'
NZ Herald
13-05-2025
- Automotive
- NZ Herald
Audi offers a sporty spin on city driving with the A3 Sportback and S3 Sportback
Living in the city makes you hyper-aware of the car you drive. Navigating narrow streets, apartment parking, shared spaces and the odd surprise means you value something nimble and nippy. The close-quarters nature of urban driving also lends added appreciation for the open road when you get the chance. All of the above are on the cards for my Audi test drive, as well as a jam-packed schedule, and I'll be doing it all in the new Audi A3 Sportback and S3 Sportback, both of which have just enjoyed a makeover, with an enhanced inside and out. Auckland's waking up as I drive the elegant A3 to Ponsonby for an early yoga class at boutique exercise studio Sala, and early morning is a great time to experiment with the ambient lighting – you can design your own colour profile. With the sound system off for now, the silence gives me a chance to pay attention to the car. I'm immediately drawn to the sporty steering wheel. It's an abbreviated circle that's satisfying in hand, I notice, as I parallel park – easily, even in the neighbourhood's narrow streets, due to the A3's size (and its parking assistance). Also sporty is the curvaceous S-line exterior, which I eye up as I lock the A3. Class over and floating out of Sala, it's time to get back in the A3. Entry is keyless, and I toss my stuff in the spacious boot – the A3 is a five-door hatch – slide into the (heated) front seat and head to Florets in Grey Lynn to have a coffee and do some writing. Back behind the wheel, it's time to try the sound system. Syncing my iPhone takes only a couple of button taps (the interface incorporates MMI or the My Audi app technology for a personalised driving experience and individualised display options). I queue up a long podcast about digital innovation in media, since I have the time to focus. I'm heading out to Piha for a walk with a friend, which also means plenty of open road en route to test the A3. Zooming out west, from the North Western Motorway to those windy Waitākere roads, the A3 handles it all thanks to its S tronic seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. On the motorway I can take it up to 100km/h and the A3 is a breeze to drive, and navigate, thanks to the easy-to-use GPS. (I always need the help of a map when going further afield) making all the twists and turns of West Auckland stress free, meaning I can enjoy the handling and view rather than worry about where I'm going. On the return journey, I make a quick stop in Titirangi at Te Uru Contemporary Gallery – there's something I want to see for a story – before heading back to the city. Enjoying driving on the motorway so much, I skip my usual turn-off and keep going, before doubling back to drop off a roll of film on Newton Road. Handily the Audi office is around the corner and it's time to swap cars, so I pick up the S3 Sportback for the afternoon. This is the A3 Sportback's performance-based sibling, and while they have similar Audi DNA and sleek European styling, design details and technology is next level. The S3 Sportback is perfect for those who like their cars with a sportier look and a bit more punch. It's waiting for me, gleaming in the sun with its Ascari Blue finish. There's a variety of paint colours available for this model, including that trendy shade of grey. Another option, if it's your thing, is to have the brake callipers painted a dashing red. It's a sexy car with a big grill and, I admire sliding into the driver's seat, a particularly sporty quality to the Nappa-leather seat upholstered with rhombus patterned quilting. There are also the L-shaped inlays and racy multi-spoke wheels. Beyond appearances, how sporty is she? First I take the S3 to the Auckland Domain, navigating the curving inclines of the park's roads as I scout potential locations for a shoot. In typical Auckland fashion, beaming sun has turned to rain. No matter, the automatic sensor starts the wipers (thinking for me) and the S3's high-calibre tyres handle the wet, winding roads with aplomb, gripping the tarmac. Next I jump on the motorway and head east – I need to see how this car feels at 100km/h. Getting up to speed is no problem; accelerating the S3 is swift and powerful (it goes from zero to 100 km/h in only 4.7 seconds) and breaking feels even swifter – even in the wet. Another handling attribute is Audi's signature quattro technology (that famous all -wheel drive technology first introduced in 1980) that also facilitates superior safety. It feels so smooth, and it's perfect for the changeable conditions on the road today. Speaking of which, it's time to nip home to my apartment building. I send a few emails, and start writing up this story while still fresh in my mind, before freshening up and getting dressed for the evening. Date in tow, I drive uptown for an exhibition on Karangahape Road, squeezing into a park and thankful again that the S3 isn't a huge vehicle. With an appetite well and truly worked up after a day of driving – which always makes me hungry – it's time for dinner, which is downtown at Britomart restaurant Mr Morris. Sated by their beautiful food and a brief post-meal walk around the precinct, we wander back to where we've parked the car, settling into the sporty cockpit as the city glitters in dark. Deciding to end the night with some music – one really has to test the S3's Sonos 3D premium sound system speakers and subwoofer – I turn the volume up and hit the road to go home. With two cars in one day, which did I prefer? I hate to pick favourites, but the S3 won me over with that extra power and sporty design details.
The Star
30-04-2025
- Business
- The Star
STMicro rejects call to let shareholders vote on Italian board candidate, sources say
A logo is pictured on the factory of STMicroelectronics in Plan-les-Oautes near Geneva, Switzerland, December 6, 2016. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse ROME (Reuters) -STMicroelectronics has rebuffed a fresh Italian government attempt to appoint its candidate to the chipmaker's supervisory board, two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters on Wednesday. The Italian and French governments indirectly own a combined 27.5% stake in STMicro but Italy is increasingly unhappy with CEO Jean-Marc Chery and wants Paris to join efforts to replace him. However, the French government is standing by Chery. STMicro employs 50,000 people worldwide and has seen demand for its products hurt by a sustained downturn in its key automotive and industrial markets. Earlier this month, STMicro's supervisory board rejected the nomination to its ranks of Marcello Sala, who was head of an Italian economy ministry department responsible for state-backed firms before he resigned on Wednesday. But Reuters reported on Tuesday that Rome, keen to have more influence at the chipmaker, would not back down and had made a request to the board to call an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) to let shareholders decide on the appointment of Sala. Asking not to be named, the two sources said on Wednesday that the board had rejected the call for the EGM, without giving further details. The company did not reply to a request for comment. As a close aide to Italian Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti, Sala helped the government deal with some of its most delicate corporate issues, including the re-privatisation of bailed-out bank Monte dei Paschi di Siena. STMicro's annual general meeting (AGM) on May 28 will vote on the appointment of Simonetta Acri, championed by the Italian industry ministry, to the supervisory board. However, it is too late to amend the agenda in order to vote on Sala, hence the request for the EGM. (Reporting by Giuseppe Fonte; Editing by Kirsten Donovan)
