MyZA
News, Directory, Events and Other Stuff
The following speech was delivered today by the Leader of the Democratic Alliance, John Steenhuisen, during the end of the party’s Rescue South Africa Tour in Soweto: Fellow Democrats, I cannot tell you how wonderful it is to be here with all of you tonight in the City of Gold. In Johannesburg, the beating heart …
Joint civil society statement on the Electoral Commission case at the Constitutional Court We, the undersigned organisations, call on all stakeholders to respect the decision of the Constitutional Court in relation to the Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa’s (IEC) appeal to be heard on 10 May 2024. The IEC is appealing a recent judgment by the …
Introduction In today’s digital age, managing documents efficiently is crucial for any business. Electronic filing and document management systems (DMS) offer a way to streamline processes, reduce clutter, and enhance accessibility. Benefits of Electronic Filing Electronic filing systems allow businesses to store, manage, and retrieve documents with ease. This not only saves physical space …
Dear Editor Today, the Democratic Alliance (DA) in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) opposed the debate on the report of the latest BELA Bill amendments on procedural irregularities that had occurred in the tabling of the Bill before the NCOP House. When the Bill was tabled, the latest amendments were not placed before the …
Introduction Private investigators play a crucial role in modern society, providing services that range from personal background checks to complex corporate investigations. Whether you need a personal investigator near me or specialised surveillance services, understanding what private detectives can offer is essential. Services Offered by Private Investigators Private investigators offer a wide range of …
South Africa’s great climate and beautiful natural resources support a vibrant running community, with trail and road running races popular countrywide. As the Comrades Marathon approaches on 9 June, many runners are preparing to compete in The Ultimate Human Race, and along with increasing endurance, foot care will need to be a priority. Kroko, manufacturers …
Dear Editor The DA welcomes the arrest of a North West Parks Board official for his alleged involvement in the theft of 51 Rhino Horn from parks board vault last year. The DA was the first to raise this matter publicly when the theft took place in June 2023, and successfully requested that the MEC, …
Department of Social Development has not finalised contracts with organisations providing vital services
Divorce Amendment Bill signed into law
President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed into law the Divorce Amendment Bill, which amends the Divorce Act of 1979 to recognise Muslim marriages and safeguard the interests of Muslim women and children of Muslim marriages in the event that marriages are dissolved.
Currently, Muslim couples who choose to marry according to Islamic law can only be afforded the statutory protection of the South African legal system as it pertains to civil spouses if they, in addition to their marriage under Islamic law, register a civil marriage.
“The amended legislation addresses shortcomings in the Divorce Act of 1979, which differentiated between people married in terms of the Marriage Act and people married according to Muslim rites, especially women.
“The amendments enacted by the President provide for a definition of a Muslim marriage in the Divorce Act of 1979; the protection and safeguarding of the interests of dependent and minor children of a Muslim marriage; the redistribution of assets on the dissolution of a Muslim marriage and forfeiture of patrimonial benefits of a Muslim marriage," the Presidency said on Thursday.
The new legislation is a response to an earlier Constitutional Court judgment that recognised the need for and importance of protecting Muslim women and children of Muslim marriages, particularly when a Muslim marriage is dissolved. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 05/09/2024 - 10:32
KZN Premier saddened by Zamimpilo market fire
KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, has expressed deep sadness at the effects of the devastating fire at the Zamimpilo Community Market in Mtubatuba in the uMkhanyakude District Municipality.
The vibrant market, which was established and run by local women was razed to the ground by a raging fire in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Dube-Ncube said the market had positioned itself as a cornerstone of the community self-sustainability, offering fresh produce, beautiful crafts, and a platform for women economic empowerment.
“We understand the immense loss this fire represents, not just for the stallholders who have lost their livelihoods, but for the entire community that cherished this space. However, we are heartened by the fact that no lives were lost during the devastation.”
The Premier said that a thorough investigation will be launched to determine the cause of the fire and how it managed to destroy the entire market.
“We will work with every stakeholder, including the local municipality to establish the causes of the fire and the extent of the damage. Our immediate focus now remains the restoration of the livelihoods of the women and community members who lost everything in the fire,” she said.
The Premier and the provincial government will establish the stallholders’ urgent needs and explore all available avenues to offer support.
“We stand firmly with the women of Zamimpilo and the entire Mtubatuba community. Together, we will rebuild this treasured market and ensure its continued success as a symbol of local resilience and entrepreneurial spirit,” the Premier said.
The Premier said that disaster relief teams are already assessing the situation, and they will provide immediate support to affected families, including temporary shelter, food, and essential supplies.
“The Zamimpilo Community Market has been a beacon of women resilience and unity, showcasing the rich produce and crafts of KwaZulu-Natal. The community market is a testament to the dedication of the women in their quest to support their families and prosper,” Dube-Ncube said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 05/09/2024 - 10:50
Calls for “academic boycott of apartheid Israel”
Pandor condemns killing and silencing of journalists in Palestine
The capacity of journalists to report on events in real-time is crucial, and intimidating or killing members of the media must not be permitted to persist without consequences.
This is according to International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor, who spoke at the second Shireen Abu Akleh Memorial Lecture at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) on Wednesday.
Abu Akleh was a prominent Palestinian-American journalist, who worked as a reporter for Al Jazeera. She was killed by an Israeli soldier while wearing a blue press vest and covering a raid on the Jenin refugee camp in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
The lecture, organised by the Faculty of Humanities at UJ, centred on the role of academic institutions during periods of genocide.
WATCH |
Pandor said the lecture occurs against a “troubling” backdrop of an evident decline in media freedom.
She is of the view that academics and institutions must allocate more time to address the decline and the escalating threat to free expression.
“In the past, journalists knew they would enjoy robust and active protection from fearless colleagues, who would risk their lives to protect them. The decline we are witnessing cannot simply be explained away by citing wireless, social media or other technologies.”
This week marks two years since the assassination of Abu Akleh, who Pandor described as a beloved veteran journalist, who dedicated her life to the pursuit of justice and truth.
“To date, no one has been held accountable for her death despite the global outrage, and there has been no reported progress in the investigation at the International Criminal Court (ICC) and silence with regards to any other investigation,” the Minister said.
She cited the United Nations (UN) Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, which “concluded on reasonable grounds that Israeli forces used lethal force without justification under international human rights law” when they shot and killed the journalist, violating her right to life.
Pandor bemoaned the situation for journalists in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, which she said has become increasingly grave over the past seven months.
She cited Committee to Protect Journalists data which revealed that as of 23 April this year, at least 97 journalists and media workers are among the 35 000 that have been killed in Gaza since 7 October 2023.
Pandor is of the view that the targeting of journalists in the Occupied Territories is part of a pattern of silencing the free press and is an outright contravention of international law.
“International human rights law obligates an occupying power to allow for freedom of expression and protests. The ability of journalists to cover events as they take place is essential, and efforts to intimidate and assassinate members of the media should not be allowed to continue with impunity.”
International human rights law, Pandor said, obligates an occupying power to allow for freedom of expression and protests.
“If Shireen were alive today, she would have been in the trenches in Gaza, reporting day and night on the atrocities taking place in the hopes that the world would take notice and show their solidarity with the Palestinian people.”
Pandor believes that Abu Akleh would have been devastated by the destruction of civilian life in Gaza and the global tolerance of the unending suffering of the Palestinian people, many of whom have died agonising deaths trapped under rubble.
“She would have been reporting on the immense suffering of survivors in Gaza, who are now battling unprecedented hunger and starvation, as well as continuous military assaults by the Occupying Forces.”
Despite the International Court of Justice ruling, the Minister said the Israeli state has continued its murderous assault on the people of Gaza with impunity, killing more civilians, injuring thousands, the continued bombing of homes and other buildings and infrastructure, affecting every possible avenue of life of the residents of Gaza.
“The lack of accountability by Israel is increasingly clear.”
Crimes against humanity
The Minister said the evidence of the mass killings of civilians points to the perpetration of war crimes, crimes against humanity.
International humanitarian law prohibits attacks on civilians and non-combatants, underlining the need to protect human life during times of war, Pandor said.
She stressed that South Africa continues to call on the ICC to prosecute these war crimes and to issue arrest warrants for those leaders in Israel who have ordered and presided over these crimes.
“The slowness to investigate and prosecute those responsible for these war crimes necessitates greater mobilisation among the youth and civil society around the globe to ensure that justice for the Palestinians is realised.
“It is time for collective action and for us to champion the call for the implementation of UN resolutions and rulings of the world’s highest court. We owe this to the people of Palestine and the memory of Shireen Abu Akleh,” Pandor said. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 05/09/2024 - 11:09
Communities eager to see and listen to President Ramaphosa
Communities in Kuruman and the surrounding areas in the Northern Cape have come out in large numbers to listen to what President Cyril Ramaphosa will say at the District Development Model Presidential Imbizo on Thursday.
The imbizo is a government approach to improve integrated planning and service delivery across the three spheres of government, with district and metropolitan spaces as focal points of government and private sector investment.
Various government departments are exhibiting their products and services at the imbizo which was expected to get underway at 11am at the Batlharos Sports Ground.
Community members representing different regions in the province will be given an opportunity to voice their concerns to the President. The President and other leaders in government will then respond to issues.
Many people have gathered and are waiting to see and listen to the President when he give his address.
Government will also use the imbizo platform to take stock of the progress made since the last Presidential Imbizo in the province.
The District Development Model (DDM) enhances integrated and sustainable service delivery through the maximisation of intergovernmental planning, budgeting and implementation towards creating inclusive economic opportunities for locals.
Keorapetse Mothwa from Kuruman told SAnews she was excited that the President was visiting their area.
“I happy that the President is coming to our area. I only see him on TV. I am happy that I am going to see him today,” Mothwa said.
Mothwa said if given an opportunity to speak to the President, she was going to ask him to build more schools and healthcare facilities in her community.
Frank Ratapi told SAnews he would ask the President to create more job opportunities.
“In this area the rate of unemployment is very high and this results in our young people turning to crime,” he said.
Read I President to engage Northern Cape residents on various issues
At the last imbizo, the President heard about concerns such as a lack of service delivery, corruption, inadequate housing, unemployment and crime.
Ministers present at the imbizo had committed to dealing with the pressing matters, including the standard of water and sanitation and the state of roads. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 05/09/2024 - 11:12
President assents to law Bill criminalising hate crimes, hate speech
President Cyril Ramaphosa has given his approval to the Preventing and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill, which criminalises hate crimes and hate speech.
The law also outlines the prosecution process for individuals who perpetrate these offences.
“This legislative measure gives effect to South Africa’s obligations in terms of the Constitution and international human rights instruments concerning racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, in accordance with international law obligations,” the Presidency explained in a statement on Thursday.
According to the statement, the Constitution sets out certain basic values, including human dignity, the achievement of equality and the advancement of human rights and freedoms and non-racialism and non-sexism.
The Bill of Rights, in Section 9 of the Constitution, prohibits direct or indirect unfair discrimination against anyone on the grounds of race, gender, sex, pregnancy, marital status, ethnic or social origin, colour, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, conscience, belief, culture, language and birth.
“The Bill of Rights gives everyone the right to dignity and gives everyone the right to freedom and security of the person, which includes the right to be free from all forms of violence from either public or private sources.”
The President’s Office explained that the new Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Act provides for the prevention of hate crimes and hate speech, effective enforcement measures, and the gathering and recording of data on hate crimes and hate speech.
“A hate crime is committed if a person commits any recognised offence under any law that is motivated by prejudice or intolerance based on one or more characteristics or perceived characteristics of the victim, as listed in the legislation or a family member of the victim.”
The definition of the crime, the Presidency said, extends to offences targeting the victim’s association with or support for a person with one or more of the listed characteristics or a group of persons who share these characteristics.
“The offence of hate speech applies to any person who intentionally publishes, propagates, advocates, shares or communicates anything to one or more persons in a manner that could reasonably be construed to demonstrate a clear intention to be harmful or to incite harm and to promote or propagate hatred based on defined grounds.
“The law also makes it an offence when speech material is intentionally distributed or made available in electronic communication, and the said person knows that such electronic communication constitutes hate speech.”
However, the law does not consider actions undertaken in good faith during engagement as part of hate speech.
These actions include artistic creativity, performance or other form of expression; academic or scientific inquiry; and fair and accurate reporting or commentary in the public interest.
It also excludes interpretation and articulating or espousing of any religious conviction, tenet, belief, teaching, doctrine or writing that does not advocate hatred or constitutes incitement to cause harm.
The law also contains directives on training and other measures to be undertaken by the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to ensure effective processing of the newly defined crimes. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 05/09/2024 - 11:39
Mine told to fix the pollution problem
District Development Model Imbizo kicks off in the Northern Cape
Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Minister Thembi Nkadimeng, says the District Development Model (DDM) izimbizo are critical for ensuring that government serves the people and that no one is left behind.
She was speaking at the DDM Imbizo held at the Batlharos Sports Ground in Kuruman in the Northern Cape.
The imbizo is the 13th that has been held by the sixth administration lead by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
READ | President to engage Northern Cape residents on various issues
The izimbizo, which have been held in all provinces, allow members of communities to interact with leaders from national, provincial and local government on service delivery challenges that communities are facing.
“We are here to listen to you as the people who are supposed to receive government services. President Ramaphosa has come with Ministers, provincial leaders as well as councillors so that they can bring answers and solutions to all of the challenges you have.
“The President has come with his Cabinet so that you can talk to them,” she said.
The Minister told the crowd that the upcoming general election – expected to be held on 29 May – does not have any influence on why the DDM is being held.
WATCH |
“We are not here because of elections. We are here because of COGTA that runs the Presidential Imibizo. It is not many Presidents that come in front of the people to answer. It is about delivery in action… Our intention is to leave no one behind,” Nkadimeng said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 05/09/2024 - 12:24
How does a startup, founded far from the advantages and resources of the world's tech hubs, go on to reach unicorn status? And more deeply, just how far can the drive for meaning and purpose ultimately take you? The inDrive documentary (www.inDrive.com) sets out to answer these questions.
In an exclusive premier in Johannesburg, South Africa, the inDrive documentary offered audiences a rare glimpse into the heart and soul of the company, with never-before-seen footage and candid stories from the individuals at inDrive's roots, including founder and CEO Arsen Tomsky.
Far from being a run-of-the-mill corporate film, this narrative delves deep into the butterfly effect of positive impact, illustrating how inDrive's initiatives have rippled through communities, creating waves of change that extend far beyond their initial touchpoints.
In the frozen Yakutsk winter, a group of people band together against the unfair price collusion of taxi companies that leaves people stranded in the cold. One of them starts a social media group where people can request and offer rides, negotiating prices on their own terms.
It's a simple enough idea, but it carries the potential to be revolutionary. From this frozen seed, a collective stance against injustice, inDrive takes root. Today, the company has grown to become the world's second largest ride-hailing app, operating in over 700 cities in 46 countries, fuelled by deep-seated ideals and ambitions that extend far beyond profit.
inDrive wants to reimagine capitalism, no less: to put people back in control, restore their freedom to choose, and so make their lives better.
Among the heartwarming tales shared, the film follows the journey of Obadiah, a young Nigerian boy once enveloped in the despair of his surroundings. inDrive's Beginit initiative is now paving the way for a brighter future for him and many others.
Reflecting on the film and its message, inDrive Founder and CEO Arsen Tomsky said: “We should focus on the path, on the journey. And if you do something important for you, that is very meaningful for you, and you develop an external environment during that journey, you are getting more and more with each step. And that is something which nobody can take from you. Even if you don't reach a peak, you will have something available to you.”
The production is directed by Lagos/Nairobi-based, Emmy Award winner Dan McCain, and Greek producer and editor Theo Papadoulakis, each renowned for their talents in portraying everyday individuals facing remarkable situations. Dan is a prolific filmmaker who specializes in locally relevant and impactful storytelling, while Papadoulakis, recognized with over 70 international accolades, particularly excels in showcasing the resilience of the human spirit.
"In making this film with inDrive, we hope to honor the resilience and determination of individuals whose dreams lead to something profound. It's a privilege to be part of a multi-country international production, collaborating with other talented directors, where we weave together inspiring narratives that add to the epic tale of human potential," said Dan McCain.
Person by person, the documentary tells inDrive's story. From the remarkable individuals in Nigeria, Indonesia, Mexico and beyond, who use the ride-hailing app to take control of their futures, to the communities who take their chance to move forward.
From Arsen Tomsky, the company's visionary CEO, who overcomes challenges both personal and social to take an idea to the world, to the employees who come on board to help inDrive evolve and grow, fuelled by shared values and a common goal. It's an epic journey, told by connecting people around the world. And it's far from over.
Watch the inDrive movie here: movie.inDrive.com
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of inDrive.
Press Contact:
Public Relations Manager - inDrive Africa
Lineo Thakhisi
Phone: +2781 3636 872
Email: lineo.thakhisi@indriver.com
About inDrive:
inDrive is a global mobility and urban services platform. The inDrive app has been downloaded over 200 million times, and was the second most downloaded mobility app in 2022 and 2023. In addition to ride-hailing, inDrive provides an expanding list of urban services, including intercity transportation, freight delivery, task assistance and courier delivery. In 2023, inDrive launched New Ventures, a venture and M&A arm.
inDrive operates in 749 cities in 46 countries. Driven by its mission of challenging social injustice, the company is committed to having a positive impact on the lives of one billion people by 2030. It pursues this goal both through its core business, which supports local communities via a fair pricing model; and through the work of inVision, its non-profit arm. inVision's community empowerment programs help to advance education, sports, arts and sciences, gender equality and other vital initiatives.
For more information visit www.inDrive.com
George building collapse: numbers revised
A total of 81 construction workers have been confirmed to have been on site at the time a building collapsed in George Municipality in the Western Cape on Monday.
The revised number was confirmed on Thursday following a previous report of 75 people having been reported to have been on site when the incident happened.
Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi visited the site of the collapsed building, where he interacted with the local and provincial government to get an update from rescuers and Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) inspectors from the department, who were dispatched to the site.
Briefing media, Nxesi said the police are currently "in control” at this stage and will be allowed to do their own work unhindered until their investigation is complete.
“At some stage, once they are done with their work, the police will hand over to the Department of Employment and Labour, which will be able to start with its own investigation. Our investigations are informed by the Occupational Health and Safety Act, in particular Section 31 and 32, [which guides what] normally happens when we face such incidents,” Nxesi said.
Giving the different statutory roles played by different levels of government and departments, the Minister said it was agreed that all parties will play their roles collaboratively and in support of one another.
“Any interested parties who want to do their investigations will do them, but we will also do our own investigation and we will be informed by the police once they are done. At the end, once we get the investigation of the police and our investigations, in particular, we will be able to say what we are going to do,” Nxesi said.
He emphasised that the department did not want to speculate on what transpired but will leave everything to the investigations.
“Once the investigations have been able to expose the facts, we will talk to that.”
The Minister noted that a number of national department Ministers, including Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Human Settlements, Police and Social Development, also have interest in the matter.
“We will be following through our people on the ground on what is happening. We were also informed that the Department of International Relations and Cooperation also has an interest because we [will not] be able to communicate with some of the families, in terms of the languages.
“We need to talk to the various missions who are here in South Africa to send their people… so they can communicate properly with the families,” Nxesi said.
He noted that while the department has compensation to give, this can only be done once all the people have been identified.
He said there is no timeline for the investigation, as it will depend on what is uncovered during the investigation, and the police will hand over the site to the department.
The Minister further appealed to the employer of the construction workers or the construction owners to come forward and talk with the families of the workers.
“Thus far, in terms of what I’ve been briefed, we do not know where they are,” Nxesi said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 05/09/2024 - 15:29
Introduction In the complex and demanding world of industrial fluid management, the choice of pump technology plays a pivotal role in ensuring operational efficiency and reliability. This article delves into the significance and applications of key pump technologies such as submersible drainage pumps, slurry pumps, priming pumps, mining pumps, and centrifugal pumps in various …
Introduction In today’s bustling urban landscapes, the demand for reliable, stylish, and technologically advanced vehicles is more prevalent than ever. The Chery Tiggo series, comprising the Tiggo 4 Pro, Tiggo 7 Pro, and Tiggo 8 Pro, embodies the spirit of modern automotive design and technology, making them ideal contenders in the compact and mid-size …
Foot and Mouth Disease detected on Eastern Cape farm
The Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform has confirmed cases of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) on one of the farms in the province.
A case of FMD was confirmed on a dairy herd located at Humansdorp in the Kouga after the National Veterinary Reference laboratory conducted epidemiological investigations.
This after the animals showed clinical signs of the disease and on 1 May 2024, the positive laboratory results confirmed the diagnosis.
The provincial department’s Veterinary Services Chief Director, Dr Cebisa Mnqeta, said the farm initially recorded about 70 animals that were showing clinical signs and has since been recording an average of 10 new cases per day.
Mnqeta said the infected farm, including adjacent neighbouring farms and contact farms, have been put under quarantine whilst waiting for laboratory results to rule out the presence of the disease in those farms.
“The first batch of samples were shipped to the National Veterinary Reference laboratory on 03 May 2024 from three contact farms including an adjacent communal area. All these samples tested negative for the virus.
“The surveillance on neighbouring farms and on any other farm that is reported to have animals showing signs or symptoms of foot and mouth disease is ongoing. We have established a joint operations centre at the Kouga Local Municipality for coordinating work of all key stakeholders to contain [the] further spread of the disease in our province,” Mnqeta said.
Signs and symptoms of foot and mouth disease include hyper salivation, animal refuses to eat and when the mouth is opened vesicles and ulceration in the tongue and buccal membranes are observed, lameness is observed and the drop in milk production especially in the highest producing dairy animals.
Symptoms
Clinical signs can vary from mild to severe, and fatalities may occur, especially in young animals.
Mnqeta has urged farmers, livestock owners and people of the province to be alert and look for any signs and symptoms of the disease in their herds.
“Farmers are advised not to move their animals unnecessarily to avoid the spread of the disease. Should farmers feel obliged to move their animals, they must contact their local veterinarian for advice.”
Tracing and containing the virus
Mnqeta added that the department, collaborating with affected farmers and local stakeholders, continue to investigate the origin or source of the virus through backward and forward tracing.
As part of the strategy to control the spread of infection to the neighbouring farms, Mnqeta said the department will from today start the vaccinating of all cattle in the index farm and associated farms. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 05/09/2024 - 12:28
Introduction Vaping has become a popular trend in South Africa, offering a modern alternative to traditional smoking. For enthusiasts or those new to vaping, finding the right shop is crucial. Enter Downtown Vapoury, a premier vape shop known for its wide selection and excellent customer service. Why Choose Downtown Vapoury? Downtown Vapoury stands out in …
Introduction In recent years, South Africa has witnessed a significant transformation in the residential sector through the integration of smart home technology. This evolution is not just about luxury or an upscale lifestyle; it’s about enhancing daily living through convenience, security, and energy efficiency. Smart home systems have become increasingly accessible, allowing more homeowners …
Public-private partnerships essential to unlock SADC opportunities
Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are essential to unlock economic opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in the transport and logistics industry for the movement of goods across the continent, says the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA).
“Collaboration between the private sector and government is key to unlocking opportunities. For instance, the Lobito Railway Corridor is a brownfield project, where the private sector identified the opportunity and partnered with government,” DBSA Senior Deal Originator Bongo Bacela said on Thursday.
The Lobito Corridor project entails the construction of almost 350 miles of rail line in Zambia, along with hundreds of miles of feeder roads, linking the southern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the northwestern part of Zambia to regional and global markets via Angola’s Port of Lobito.
The Lobito Corridor ushers in myriad new opportunities for economic growth and development that will unlock the region’s commercial competitiveness. This infrastructural investment is a powerful catalyst for the establishment of small businesses along the railway transport routes, fostering local economic growth.
“They [Zambia] entered into a concession agreement because the State-owned enterprise that was running the line was struggling to run it in an efficient manner, so given the experience and the knowledge of the industry by the private sector, they entered into a concession agreement with government.
“We believe that there will be economic opportunities that will be unlocked, traffic will be higher, both the DRC and Angola will benefit from a tax point of view. Jobs will be created and the whole world will benefit from the minerals that will be transported on the corridor," Bacela said.
The bank is involved in a number of transport corridors in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
"We are involved in these projects because we understand the region needs regional integration to promote trade amongst the countries in Africa so we can achieve our developmental goals as the continent and improve economic activity between the various countries in the region.
“Without these [projects], there is now way that the countries can promote trade if we don’t improve our transport infrastructure in the transport sector,” Bacela said during a webinar hosted by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) on Thursday.
The bank is involved in the financing of the Lobito Railway Corridor, together with an American Development Finance Institution.
“We are looking to provide funding to the tune of up to $200 billion. We see this as an important corridor because of the minerals that are coming out of the DRC mines that must be evacuated and exported to markets such as China and the United States
“Our interest is mainly around some of the transition minerals such as lithium and some rare earth minerals that are coming from mines in the Zambia and the DRC,” Bacela said.
The DBSA is a government-owned development finance institution mandated to promote economic growth as well as regional integration for sustainable development projects and programmes across the African continent.
It finances infrastructure projects in six sectors, namely, transport and logistics; Information and Communication Technologies (ICT); water and sanitation; energy, and social housing.
“Government cannot succeed without the private sector and the private sector cannot succeed without government because governments will have to issue licences and permits that are required for the private sector to operate the infrastructure,” Bacela said.
He cited regulations, skills shortage, funding shortages and the currency mismatch as some of the challenges that the transport and logistics sector experience in the region. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 05/09/2024 - 13:47