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Pretoria: 11 September 2024 An oil spill from a cargo vessel in Algoa Bay at the weekend, and which has since been confirmed to have affected local wildlife, continues to be investigated, even as its spread at sea and along local beaches seems limited, according to the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA). In an … Continue reading Algoa Bay weekend oil spill still under scrutiny: SAMSA
Strike continues after Labour Court ruling
Wednesday, 11 September 2024: Following a notice given on 2 July 2024 to the National Treasury and Emfuleni Municipality (Emfuleni), Emfuleni is no longer a beneficiary of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) 124 Debt Relief program due to multiple breaches. Consequently, the Sheriff of the Court has successfully attached Emfuleni’s four bank accounts to...
NBA Africa (www.NBA.com) today announced the 10 startup companies from seven African countries that have been selected to pitch their products to a panel of international industry leaders at a Demo Day at the NBA headquarters in New York City on Wednesday, Sept. 25 as part of “Triple-Double: NBA Africa Startup Accelerator (http://apo-opa.co/47lTICe),” which the league launched in April 2024 to support Africa's technology ecosystem and the next generation of African entrepreneurs.
The panel will then determine the four winning companies that will be awarded financial support and mentorship, including an opportunity to participate in workshops and development programs facilitated by NBA Africa or its partners. Below are the 10 startups that will compete for the four prize-winning spots.
“We have been inspired by the level of talent and creativity from all of the applicants, and we congratulate the 10 deserving finalists who will showcase their innovative solutions at Demo Day later this month,” said NBA Africa CEO Clare Akamanzi. “NBA Africa is committed to supporting the continued growth of startups on the continent, including the four prize-winners whose innovative solutions will further elevate the sport and creative industries in Africa for years to come.”
Operated by ALX Ventures, “Triple-Double: NBA Africa Startup Accelerator” was open to early-stage startups in Africa that develop solutions in event management and ticketing, youth development, AI, and digital marketing. The initiative will support Africa's tech ecosystem and the next generation of African tech entrepreneurs by providing them with access to mentorship and capital that will help drive growth in the sports and creative industries.
The four prize-winning startups will be announced at Demo Day.
Video (http://apo-opa.co/4d2bY4w): Triple-Double: NBA Africa Startup Accelerator Reveals 10 Finalists for Demo Day
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of National Basketball Association (NBA).
Contact:
Pawel Weszka
NBA Africa Communications
pweszka@nba.com
+27 10 0072666
About NBA Africa:
NBA Africa is an affiliate of the National Basketball Association (NBA), a global sports and media organization with the mission to inspire and connect people everywhere through the power of basketball. NBA Africa conducts the league's business in Africa, including the Basketball Africa League (BAL), and has opened subsidiary offices in Cairo, Egypt; Dakar, Senegal; Johannesburg, South Africa; Lagos, Nigeria; and Nairobi, Kenya. The league's efforts on the continent have focused on increasing access to basketball and the NBA through youth and elite development, social responsibility, media distribution, corporate partnerships, NBA Africa Games, NBA Stores, the BAL, and more.
NBA games and programming are available in all 54 African countries, and the NBA has hosted three sold-out exhibition games on the continent since 2015. The BAL, a partnership between the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and NBA Africa, is a professional league featuring 12 club teams from across Africa that concluded its fourth season in June 2024. Fans can follow @ NBA_Africa and @ theBAL on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube
MEC takes heed of Umbilo’s Sydney Road concerns
KwaZulu-Natal Finance MEC Francois Rodgers has undertaken to escalate calls for relief on Umbilo’s Sydney Road in eThekwini amid worsening truck congestion near the port precinct.
The congestion threatens local business operations and disincentivises investment in the area.
The MEC recently held a meeting with the Umbilo Business Association (UBA) to discuss the revitalisation of the Umbilo business precinct for a thriving entrepreneurial and residential community, amongst others.
The UBA is a voluntary business association formed in 2010 with its membership comprising business owners operating in Umbilo, Glenwood and the Berea areas of eThekwini.
The organisation has over the years established various community and outreach projects aimed at empowering destitute residents from nearby hostels and informal settlements.
During the meeting, the UBA pointed out that the number of trucks, many of them superlinks or tri-axles, which enter the area daily cannot be unloaded or loaded quickly enough at the receiving sites to prevent illegal parking along Sydney Road or in some streets.
Rodgers commended the UBA for various community projects which include the revitalisation of Congella Park, the establishment of community gardens for the benefit of previously unemployed residents, and the establishment of some parking facilities for trucks.
“From a government perspective, it appears that the proposed public-private partnership will be a unique opportunity to revitalise the Umbilo area. This will ultimately create jobs and stimulate investment as well as ensure that the area is thriving,” Rodgers said.
The MEC also undertook to discuss the proposal within government structures in a bid to secure the UBA the assistance that it requires.
UBA Chairperson, Doran Subiah, said the meeting was most encouraging and positive for their precinct.
“There was a distinct synergy in our approaches to the solutions that will alleviate the challenges we face and ensure sustainable economic growth,” Subiah said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 09/11/2024 - 11:47
President Ramaphosa hosts dinner with leaders of GNU
President Cyril Ramaphosa will this evening host an engagement over dinner with all the political leaders of parties that are signatory to the Government of National Unity (GNU).
Presidential Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said the purpose of the dinner is to provide an opportunity for a review on the functioning of the GNU thus far and to discuss in detail the formulation of a dispute resolution mechanism.
Magwenya was addressing a media briefing on Wednesday as well as updating the public on President Ramaphosa’s programme, and addressing topical issues of interest.
The dinner is taking place as the President is set to sign the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill into law, which aims to strengthen governance within South Africa's education sector.
In light of recent public statements relating to President Ramaphosa’s decision to sign into law the Basic Education Laws Amendment Bill, Magwenya said it was necessary to restate the President’s constitutional responsibilities in this regard.
Quoting Section 79(1) of the Constitution he said: “The President must either assent to and sign a Bill passed in terms of this Chapter or, if the President has reservations about the constitutionality of the Bill, refer it back to the National Assembly for reconsideration.”
“The President is not entirely surprised that there's a dispute. The President anticipates there will be many other disputes in the course of the term. However, he expects that there is maturity, that there is ongoing commitment to the country such that we find ways of resolving these disputes without having to threaten the stability and the sustainability of this GNU.
“So that is important to underscore and as I've mentioned. Tonight, there will be an engagement over dinner with all leaders of parties who are signatory to the GNU, and they'll all have an opportunity to express their concerns, but more constructively, to look at the way forward, to look at how these issues of disputes are resolved,” Magwenya said.
According to the Constitutional Court case in Doctors for Life International v Speaker, Magwenya highlighted that the President cannot refuse to sign the Bill for political reasons.
The only ground upon which the President can refuse to sign the Bill is constitutional reservations.
The Presidential spokesperson said President Ramaphosa remains satisfied with the work of the GNU and this evening is an opportunity for all party leaders to provide their own assessments and give feedback to the President.
Leaders will also be able to raise any issues of concern.
“The President is also enthused with the level of dedication and commitment that has been demonstrated by members of his national executive, as well as the level of collaboration that Ministers from different parties have applied in resolving challenges facing the government and the country,” he said.
Magwenya highlighted one example of such collaboration, which is the partnership between Minister John Steenhuisen and Minister Ronald Lamola in securing the new trade dispensation with China on South African beef.
He said the President believes this dispensation will transform the South African beef industry and will create more participation opportunities for small scale black farmers.
Threats made to the stability of GNU
Magwenya said it was disturbing that whenever there is a dispute, one will hear threats being made to the stability of the GNU.
“It is disturbing because such threats are not only directed to the president, they are directed to the stability of the country. There are threats directed to South Africans.
“The GNU must remain stable, must remain united, as it is called the GNU for the benefit of the country. It is not there for the benefit of any individual political leader. It has been formulated for the benefit of all South Africans,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Wed, 09/11/2024 - 15:37
President receives report on Justice Minister's VBS allegations
President Cyril Ramaphosa has received a report from the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Thembi Simelane, on her alleged involvement in the VBS Mutual Bank looting scandal.
This according to Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya who briefed the media on the President’s public programme on Wednesday.
In recent weeks, allegations have surfaced in the media that Simelane, while she was Mayor of Polokwane Municipality in Limpopo, received at least R575 000 in a loan from a company intimately linked to VBS bank.
She has appeared before Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development on the matter, where she denied having any improper relation with the company.
“As stated before, the President will apply his mind over the matter. In doing so, the President will not engage issues that he manages with Ministers – including Minister Simelane – in the public domain,” Magwenya said.
He added that President Ramaphosa appreciated the “importance of the Justice Ministry in the Justice, Security and Crime Prevention Cluster”.
“The President is committed to ensure the highest level of integrity within the national executive. He will consider all the facts on the matter before making a determination,” he said.
Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to appear in the National Council of Provinces on Thursday.
“The President will brief the [NCOP] in Parliament on various national developments including government’s response to incidents of extortion against businesses and individuals and progress in the fight against unemployment and poverty.
“In his response to NCOP’s questions for oral reply, the President will also answer questions on progress in the delivery of infrastructure to communities and stakeholder concerns around the second Presidential Health Compact,” Magwenya said.
The President is expected to “outline the principles and policy direction underlying the Government of National Unity” during his NCOP appearance. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 09/11/2024 - 14:52
The trial of 17 police officers for the death of Regan Naidoo in 2018 has been postponed repeatedly for years now
President Ramaphosa to attend BMW 'start of production' event
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to attend the start of production event for BMW’s new generation X3 plug in hybrid model vehicle.
This is according to Presidential Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya.
During the South Africa Investment Conference last year, the company announced that it will pour in some R4.2 billion in investment to equip its Rosslyn Plant in Tshwane, Gauteng to build the next generation vehicle.
“The President is pleased that this vehicle will be exclusively built here in South Africa at the BMW Plant here in Rosslyn for the rest of the world.
“The President noted with appreciation BMW’s long history in South Africa and its footprint that has grown significantly over time. BMW’s investment in its Plant in Rosslyn dates back five decades,” Magwenya said at a media briefing on Wednesday.
The event is set to be held on 11 October.
READ | BMW to invest R4.2 billion into its Tshwane plant
The spokesperson highlighted that some 95 000 direct and indirect jobs have been created by the company’s activities in the country.
READ | President sets R2 trillion investment target
“BMW’s investment supports the South African government’s industrial and economic policy objectives of ensuring job creation, increased industrial output and export income, transformation, and the future sustainability.
“BMW Group announced a R4.2 billion investment in its plant operations in Rosslyn during the President’s Investment Conference held on 13 April 2023 as a demonstration of that commitment to South Africa and its people. This investment is now complete, and the President will be pleased to see the BMW state-of-the-art plant during this Start of Production Event,” Magwenya said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 09/11/2024 - 15:10
Pretoria, Gauteng – TT Waterproofing, a leading provider of roofing and waterproofing services, continues its commitment to protecting homes, businesses, and industrial properties from the damaging effects of moisture. With over nine years of industry experience, TT Waterproofing has established itself as a trusted name in Pretoria and beyond, delivering reliable waterproofing solutions that safeguard …
Nelson Mandela Bay partners with Zhuhai City
The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality and Zhuhai City from the People's Republic of China have expressed their intention to collaborate and cooperate in various fields to carry forward friendly exchanges and cooperation.
Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Mayor, Gary van Niekerk, and Vice Mayor of Zhuhai Municipal Government, Yang Chuan, signed a letter of intent which establishes a relationship between the two municipalities, which will bring mutual beneficial business investment opportunities.
Through constructive discussions, both cities have expressed their intention to collaborate and cooperate in various fields to carry forward friendly exchanges and cooperation.
Both cities, under the principles of mutual respect, trust, fairness, and benefit, will proactively engage in various forms of exchanges and cooperation.
According to the agreement, the cities will prioritise exchanges and cooperation in various areas to facilitate tangible results.
These include strengthening economic ties and industrial collaboration to create job opportunities and boost economic growth, enhancing port operations and promoting tourism to benefit both cities, and fostering educational exchanges to enrich cultural understanding and knowledge sharing.
The cities will also exchange and cooperate in promoting cultural exchange and cooperation in the manufacturing sector to drive innovation and development, emphasising technology exchange to advance innovation and technological progress, and focusing on sustainable development to ensure long-term environmental and economic sustainability.
City leaders and relevant government departments of both cities will maintain frequent contacts to discuss and address issues of mutual concern, ensuring continuous and effective cooperation.
To facilitate communication and information exchange, both sides agree to explore appointing the Nelson Mandela Bay and the Zhuhai Foreign Affairs Office.
Speaking at a signing ceremony at Gqeberha City Hall, Van Niekerk said the partnership represented a significant step towards enhancing the city’s international relations and creating opportunities for the communities.
"I am thrilled that we are embarking on this journey of collaboration with Zhuhai. By working together, we can share knowledge, drive economic growth, and promote cultural understanding.
“I am confident that this cooperation will bring about positive changes and strengthen the bonds between our cities," Van Niekerk said.
He added that the intention to collaborate and cooperate marks a significant milestone in the relationship between Nelson Mandela Bay and Zhuhai, emphasising the critical importance of international relations and cooperation.
“By working together, both cities aim to create job opportunities, strengthen economic ties, promote cultural exchange, enhance trade and investment, education, drive innovation in manufacturing, advance technological progress, and ensure sustainable development,” the Mayor said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 09/11/2024 - 13:11
The Hollywood Foundation Iqhawe Week, the brain child of the Cell C SA Rugby Legends Association, a prestigious rugby tournament dedicated to nurturing young talent, celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. Set to take place at Queens High School in Johannesburg from 22 to 26 September 2024. Since its inception with just eight provincial teams, …
Peace and safety are key to growing tourism sector
With the country commemorating Tourism Month in September, peace and safety have been highlighted as catalysts to grow the tourism sector, says Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Deputy Mayor, Babalwa Lobishe.
At an event to celebrate Tourism Month which is commemorated annually in September, Lobishe called on all stakeholders to collaborate in ensuring peace and safety.
Tourism Month promotes domestic travel, showcasing the country's diverse tourism offerings, and to highlight the sector's significant contribution to the South African economy.
This year’s Tourism Month is celebrated under the theme: "Tourism and Peace-30 years of connecting people and cultures”.
Lobishe said the metro’s focus area for this year is not only tourism safety but also diversification of tourism products to bring about memorable experiences for tourists.
"We have a past where there was no peace and safety was only for a few. Some people were not allowed to travel freely and be tourists in their own country.
“In recognising our past and embracing our future, we need to work collaboratively to create a conducive environment for the world to come to our city and celebrate with us,” Lobishe said.
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To deliver a memorable Tourism Month, Lobishe said the metro has mobilised critical stakeholders in the areas of business, and these include safety and security such as the South African Police Service (SAPS), private security, the tourism industry like the Eastern Cape Tourism Board, and relevant government entities and local based tourism practitioners.
Lobishe said the municipality prides itself as the best in delivering cultural experiences, “an element that sets the metro apart from its competitors.”
She highlighted another positive addition to the metro tourism offerings, the booming cruise industry. Last year, the metro received 36 cruise vessels with a 45 80 0 combined number of passengers, with an estimated economic impact of R77 million.
This year, the metro expects a slight increase of 40 cruise vessels.
“We also want to improve on the number of days these cruise vessels spend in our metro so that more jobs can be created. It then becomes important that we improve on our offerings,” Lobishe said.
Tourism ambassadors
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Economic Development, Tourism and Agriculture Shuling Lindoor said that as part of the metro’s efforts to improve on tourism safety, the directorate has hired more tourism ambassadors to work with the security cluster.
"Our primary focus is safety. We have put resources to complement the Tourism Month Safety Plan that is already in place, led by SAPS and the metro police. For tourists to have a memorable experience, safety is paramount,” Lindoor said.
Events
Meanwhile, as part of this year’s Tourism Month celebrations, the metro will host a National Cruise liner workshop to build relations and engage tourism operators on some of the metro’s unique tourism offerings.
The workshop will be held from 26-27 September and the Green Flag Trials - an offering that seeks to promote sustainable tourism - will be held on 28 September at the Van Stadens Reserve.
“Nelson Mandela Bay tourism offering would not be complete without good traditional food and heritage. Kasi Food Festival will give tourists that special experience that will also offer a good platform for township tourism to benefit.
“This event will be held in Zwide Township on 28-29 September 2024. The month will be closed on a high note at the Mendi Arts Centre through an interactive of the story of New Brighton,” the municipality said.
In between the planned major events and programmes, the metro will be partnering with different entities to deliver an exciting Tourism Month, and these include Tourism Awards, Premier Soccer League games and cultural events. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 09/11/2024 - 10:26
Despite having several crucial injuries in his side, UWC head coach Lwando Mdleleni will be looking to fire UWC into the finals of Varsity Football 2024 on Thursday. The 2015 champions were the only team to beat Tuks in the round robin stages and will be on the hunt to repeat their success of round …
Deputy President to speak at Ronnie Mamoepa Inaugural Annual Lecture
Deputy President Paul Mashatile is scheduled to deliver the keynote address at the Ronnie Mamoepa Inaugural Annual Lecture on Friday, 13 September 2024.
The lecture will take place at the Tshwane University of Technology’s Pretoria campus.
The Presidency described the late Mamoepa as one of the most esteemed struggle heroes, a defender of freedom and democracy, a respected figure in government communications, and a dedicated public servant.
Hosted by the Ronnie Mamoepa Foundation, the inaugural annual lecture will honour the struggle hero, whose work in government communications helped shape the democratic narrative in South Africa.
The Deputy President’s address will centre around the “30 Years of Democracy: Reflection and Citizen-Centered Government Communications”.
“The theme underscores the importance of accountable communication between government and its citizens, in line with Mamoepa’s legacy,” the statement read.
The lecture aims to reflect on the progress made since the advent of democracy in 1994, emphasising the ongoing need for citizen-focused communication and engagement between government and the people.
Mamoepa passed away in July 2017 after a long illness at the age of 56.
His last position was as the spokesperson for the Deputy President at that time, Cyril Ramaphosa. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 09/11/2024 - 11:36
Gauteng Education hosts successful Sign Language Festival
The Gauteng Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation Department hosted a successful Sign Language and Music Enhancement Mini Festival on Tuesday at the Transoranje School for the Deaf in Pretoria.
The Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Matome Chiloane, was joined by Miss South Africa, Mia Le Roux, at the festival.
The event was part of a series of mini festivals hosted by the Gauteng Department of Education to showcase the diverse range of certified skills learners acquire through the Multi-Certification Skills Programme.
The department said the festival highlighted one of the most significant achievements of the Multi-Certification Skills Programme - the introduction of Basic South African Sign Language (SASL) to hearing learners from Grade 5.
“While SASL is typically taught at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Levels 4 and 5, the department has adapted the curriculum for Grade 5 learners, ensuring that inclusivity begins early in the education system.
“This initiative aims to bridge the gap between the deaf and hearing communities by providing foundational skills in Sign Language, thereby fostering empathy and understanding from a young age,” the department said.
Miss South Africa supported the event as an honoured guest, celebrating the remarkable efforts of both deaf and hearing learners.
The learners showcased their newly acquired skills in SASL and music, emphasising the importance of communication and the inclusion of all individuals, regardless of their abilities.
"The festival exemplifies our commitment to inclusivity, breaking barriers, and building a society where no learner is left behind. Through SASL, we are fostering empathy and understanding between hearing and deaf learners, providing them with opportunities to become advocates for the Deaf community," Chiloane said.
The festival featured a music enhancement segment that incorporated innovative techniques allowing deaf participants to experience music through vibrations.
The department said this effort ensures that the power and joy of music are accessible to everyone, further uniting learners through the universal language of rhythm and sound.
September has been a significant month for the department, as it continues to nurture the talents, creativity, and academic excellence of learners across the province.
The festival concluded with a call to continue creating inclusive learning spaces where all learners can thrive and contribute to building a more connected society. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Wed, 09/11/2024 - 12:09
A group of Suzuki Griquas players will join the DHL Stormers squad for their pre-season preparations as part of the development agreement between the two teams. The agreement, announced earlier this year, enables players to move easily between the two squads to their mutual benefit via a loan structure. It also includes collaboration on staff …
UIF announces extended operating hours
The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) has announced that selected service points will be open on Saturdays to render services to clients and employers during the month of September.
“A decision to extend operating hours at UIF service points and to ramp up capacity was taken in anticipation of increased demand for real-time services, after the Pretoria High Court at the end of August 2024 issued an interim interdict preventing a service provider from implementing a new contract for support and maintenance services to the uFiling platform,” the Department of Employment and Labour said in a statement.
uFiling is an online platform used by clients and employers to apply for UIF benefits or to register companies with the UIF, declare employees and pay over contributions to the Fund.
The platform is not connected to the main UIF system used to adjudicate and process claims.
“Due to the uFiling platform not having any support or maintenance at this time, its services was suspended. The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) has since the suspension of uFiling processed more than 181 000 claims at service points around the country, totalling a pay out of R419 607 185,” the department said.
Extended operating hours will be rendered from 07:30 until 16:00 at UIF service points within labour centres during September month as follows:
• In Gqeberha, East London and Qonce in the Eastern Cape province.
• At the Pietermaritzburg and Richards Bay labour centres in KwaZulu-Natal.
• At the Emalahleni, Secunda, Middleburg, Malelane and Mbombela labour centres in Mpumalanga province.
• At Mahikeng, Potchefstroom, Lichtenburg, Klerksdorp, Vryburg, Christiana, Brits, Taung and Rustenburg labour centre in the North West province.
• Cape Town, Paarl, Mitchells Plain and Bellville in the Western Cape.
Registration of employers
New employer registrations can be done through BizPortal, available on https://www.bizportal.gov.za/services.aspx.
The department has urged its clients to note that BizPortal is only for employer registration and will not be able to register employees. Employee registration can be undertaken at a nearby labour centre.
Registration can also be done by downloading UI.8 and UI.19 forms from www.labour.gov.za and submitting the completed forms to e-mail address newui8registrations@labour.gov.za.
Declaration of employees
Employers with electronic payroll systems may declare their employees by sending live payroll files to e-mail address Declarations@labour.gov.za or by visiting a nearby labour centre for services.
In case of a manual declarations an employer can download a UI.19 form from www.labour.gov.za and submit a completed form via email to uif.declarations@labour.gov.za.
Regarding contributions, the department said an employer pays contributions to the UIF before the 7th day of each month. Where the 7th day is not a “business day” such as a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday, payments must be made on or before the last business day.
“UIF contributions are made up of 2% of an employee’s salary. 1% is deducted from the salary of an employee and 1% contributed by the employer.
“Employers who are registered for tax purposes and/or the Skills Development Levy (SDL), must pay their contributions directly to the South African Revenue Services (SARS),” the department said.
Employers can also pay contributions using bank details provided on the Department of Employment and Labour website www.labour.gov.za and use their UIF reference number as the reference for payment.
“Through queue management, monitoring of operations and staff repurposing the UIF has been able to adequately handle claim volumes around the country. The Fund is confident that by extending working hours it will be able to maintain the status quo whilst developing alternative online solutions for clients and employers,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Wed, 09/11/2024 - 09:51
Nando’s brings a fresh dose of humour and deliciousness to screens across South Africa with its latest television ad, showcasing the country’s unique ability to embrace life’s challenges with a smile. Known for its cheeky advertising and mouth-watering flame-grilled PERi-PERi chicken, Nando’s continues to capture the essence of South African culture with its new campaign. …
August has been a whirlwind of excitement with GAC MOTOR arriving on South African soil. Video Link to GAC Motors Brand Launch in South Africa. GAC Motor South Africa and Salvador Caetano are both driven by a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. GAC Motor, aiming to establish itself as a world-class enterprise, focuses on …
Last week, the Western Cape gave PRASA 24 hours to return the group’s belongings or build them temporary housing
Textile industry remains a priority for government
Due to their labour-absorbing character, the textile, clothing, footwear, leather and general goods sectors remain priority sectors for government.
These sectors have always been supported by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), with an objective to sustain and grow employment, grow output, and enhance their competitiveness.
This is according to the Director of Leather and Footwear at the dtic, Dr Jaywant Irkhede, who was delivering a keynote address at the opening of the AllFashion Sourcing Exhibition held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
A group of manufacturers supported by the dtic are showcasing their proudly South African products at the exhibition.
READ | SA manufacturers to showcase products at the AllFashion Exhibition in Cape Town
The department’s support of the local manufacturers to show off their wares at the exhibition is part of a continuous support to the industry to boost sustainable job creation and to increase exports of locally manufactured products.
The show which kicked off on Tuesday, also offers the dtic an ideal opportunity to engage with a select audience of textile, clothing, footwear, leather and fashion orientated exhibitors and visitors.
Irkhede highlighted the manufacturing sector’s tenacity, resilience and the know-how that enabled the sector to withstand various internal and external economic shocks.
One of the measures that government introduced in order to mitigate the negative impact of the external shocks on the clothing and textile industry was the introduction of two trade remedies, namely the imposition of import quota on clothing imports from January 2006 to December 2008 and an increase in tariffs from 40% to the World Trade Organisation bound rate of 45% on a number of clothing product lines.
These remedies provided some relief.
“The dtic also developed Customised Sector Programmes for Clothing and Textile and Footwear and Leather sectors in consultation with the industry for stabilisation and development of the CTFL (clothing, textile, footwear and leather) sectors. A suite of measures that were introduced as part of the sector programmes contributed immensely in stabilising the sectors and improving their competitiveness,” Irkhede explained.
He said the department was currently in the process of implementing the Retail–Clothing Textile Footwear Leather Masterplan (R-CTFL Masterplan 2030).
“The R-CTFL Masterplan is aimed at encouraging structural changes in the value chain to grow the domestic market, increase purchases from domestic suppliers, access and grow export markets and enhance value chain competitiveness.
“Its vision is to develop a competitive, sustainable and dynamic R-CTFL value chain that provides its customers with compelling products and that is invested in growing employment and advancing inclusion and transformation,” he explained.
The masterplan is aimed to grow employment to 330 000 R-CTFL jobs through growing local retail sales to R250 billion, to expand local retail procurement of local CTFL products from 45% to 65%, equalling an increase from R32 billion to R 66 billion in ten years, and to improve competitiveness, technology, skills and transformation.
Irkhede added that to support the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan, the dtic announced a Clothing, Textiles, Footwear and Leather Growth Programme in 2022.
R2.28 billion was allocated and 154 entities were supported and these employ almost 24 000 people.
“The programme is well-subscribed, indicating the demand for capital to achieve growth, import substitution, new jobs and transformation,” said Irkhede. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 09/11/2024 - 09:53
President Ramaphosa to sign the BELA Bill
President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Friday sign the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill into law, which aims to strengthen governance within South Africa's education sector.
The President will publicly sign the Bill during a ceremony to be held at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
“The BELA Bill amends sections of the South African Schools Act of 1996 (SASA) and the Employment of Educators Act, 1998 (EEA) to account for developments in the education landscape since the enactment of the original legislation.
“The amendments are a response to court judgments that protect and give effect to the Bill of Rights,” the Presidency said in a statement.
The Bill seeks, among other things, to make Grade R the new compulsory school starting age, to provide penalties for parents and guardians who do not ensure that their children are in school, and to confirm that corporal punishment is no longer allowed in schools, with penalties for those found guilty of such offences. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Wed, 09/11/2024 - 10:16
PIETERMARITZBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) is delighted to celebrate the exceptional achievements of Mfaniseni Hadebe, named the KFC Mini-Cricket Coach...