MyZA
News, Directory, Events and Other Stuff
Proactive financial management is more than just good business practice, it’s a strategic approach that involves anticipating future financial challenges and opportunities, rather than merely reacting to them. Proactive financial management involves a comprehensive approach, encompassing everything from budgeting and cash flow forecasting to strategic planning and careful risk assessment. Unlike reactive management, which deals …
SA welcomes adoption of the UNSC resolution on Gaza ceasefire
South Africa has expressed its support for the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
This comes after the adoption of Resolution 2728 (2024) by the UNSC on Monday, which demands an “immediate ceasefire” in the Gaza Strip for the duration of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which ends in two weeks.
While the United States abstained from the vote, the 14 other council members all voted in favour to none against the Security Council ceasefire resolution.
“South Africa is pleased that the Security Council has, at long last, demanded an immediate and lasting ceasefire for the month of Ramadan and the resolution must also propose that this ceasefire should lead to a lasting sustainable ceasefire,” said International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor.
“It is now the responsibility of the United Nations Security Council to ensure that there is compliance with the resolution, which is binding on the parties,” said the Minister in a statement on Monday.
Pandor said South Africa remains concerned that in the over five months since the conflict began, thousands have lost their lives, including over 13 000 children.
READ | SA stands by decision to file lawsuit against Israel
Resolution 2728 also notes an “urgent need to expand the flow of humanitarian assistance to and reinforce the protection of civilians in the entire Gaza Strip”.
“It is, therefore, vital that the parties comply with the Security Council,” the Minister added.
The Council also demanded the “lifting of all barriers to the provision of humanitarian assistance at scale, in line with international humanitarian law, as well as Resolution 2712 (2023) and 2720 (2023)”.
Secretary-General of the UN, António Guterres, tweeted: “The Security Council just approved a long-awaited resolution on Gaza, demanding an immediate ceasefire, and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. This resolution must be implemented. Failure would be unforgivable.”
Guterres also called for the fight in Gaza to end now.
“The hostages must be released now. And we must not lose sight of the big picture. A lasting end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can only come through a two-State solution.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 03/26/2024 - 09:20
Agriculture in South Africa is growing. The primary agricultural sector has increased by an average of 7.5% per year since 2008, outpacing the total economy, which grew by 6.6% on average per year over the same period. Despite its relatively small share of the total GDP, primary agriculture is a significant provider of employment, and …
Dealing with recurring calluses can be incredibly frustrating. Despite our best efforts to treat them, they seem to come back time and time again, causing discomfort and hindering our daily activities. However, there is hope. By understanding the root causes of callus recurrence and implementing preventive measures, we can maintain optimal foot health and say …
Call for inclusivity in efforts to grow biodiversity economy
President Cyril Ramaphosa has emphasised that previously disadvantaged individuals and communities must be at the centre of efforts to fully harness the benefits of the biodiversity economy.
“We must put rural communities at the centre of every decision making process, and ensure we are empowering and equipping them for the new opportunities in the biodiversity sector,” President Ramaphosa said on Tuesday in Boksburg.
Addressing the Inaugural Biodiversity Economy and Investment Indaba, the President called on industry, finance institutions, philanthropies, civil society and traditional leaders, healers and practitioners to collectively embrace government’s vision for a transformed biodiversity economy.
“For us to fully harness the benefits of the biodiversity economy, we have to understand its scope and breadth. Work is underway to develop Natural Capital Accounting for the biodiversity sector.
“This is being done through a partnership between the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Statistics South Africa and the South African National Biodiversity Institute. This initiative will ensure that the contribution of the biodiversity sector, including its entire value chain, is formally recognised.”
He said today, sustainable use of biodiversity is a pillar of rural economies across South Africa, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs.
Beneficiation
“Sustainable biodiversity use also contributes to urban economies. For example, traditional medicine markets exist in nearly every major urban centre in South Africa.
“The trade in indigenous medicine plants is a multi-million-rand industry that supports jobs and livelihoods across the value chain. As a country, we have been firm that communities must benefit in a tangible manner when plant and animal species are harvested for commercial gain,” the President said.
He mentioned that Rooibos as a product is popular not just in South Africa but around the world.
“Four years ago, the first industry-wide benefits sharing agreement was launched between the South African Rooibos Industry and the Khoi and San Councils.
“This agreement has to date distributed a total amount of R28 million to the two councils in recognition of the communities’ indigenous knowledge of the Rooibos species.”
There must be tangible beneficiation in communities when indigenous plant species are harvested for commercial benefit, whether it is for medicine, cosmetics or other purposes.
“Sustainable mass cultivation of indigenous plant species must support the creation of businesses, factories and value chains that allow for end products to be exported to the rest of the continent and abroad.
“This mass cultivation can also assist land restoration and rehabilitation, as well as carbon sequestration, which is important in the context of climate change. To ensure a more holistic approach to access and benefit sharing, we are developing nurseries for the production of indigenous species, so these can be cultivated for medicinal and cosmetic purposes,” Ramaphosa said.
There are already a number of commercially successful game meat production facilities in several parts of the country.
“For many decades, fishing was the preserve of commercial enterprises only. This is something we are working hard to change. In January this year, we allocated 15-year fishing rights to the small-scale fishing sector in the four coastal provinces. We must build on this,” said the President.
Job creation
“Job creation must be at the centre of our efforts. As with our mineral resources, we cannot simply be mere exporters of raw materials so that jobs and industries can be created elsewhere. Jobs and opportunities must remain here, in South Africa, in our communities. This is what the revised Biodiversity Economy Strategy aims to address,” the President said.
He said when it comes to animal species, beneficiation must result in the establishment of community-run businesses, be they lodges or game meat butcheries and production facilities.
“We have a Game Meat Strategy that is focused on scaling economic enterprises for communities and previously disadvantaged individuals and providing land use patterns that are compatible with conservation.
“It aims to synergise our economic and conservation objectives by emphasising that a successful biodiversity economy must be linked to the restoration of ecosystems. It broadens the existing terrestrial goals and adds marine, coastal, estuarine and freshwater opportunities,” the President said.
Transformation
This strategy places the transformation of the biodiversity sector at the centre of efforts to fully harness the benefits of the biodiversity economy.
“Rural communities, disadvantaged individuals and traditional leaders must be part of devising new approaches to investment in community-owned land for biodiversity-based enterprises.
“The work to conserve and restore our biodiversity takes place as the world is experiencing the increasingly destructive effects of climate change. African countries are among the most vulnerable to the effects of a rapidly changing climate. They have to adapt and build resilience within the context of historically low levels of development and severely limited capacity,” the President said.
The Climate Change Bill, which is currently before the National Council of Provinces, seeks to enable a just transition towards a low-carbon, climate-resilient society.
“This just transition must contribute toward the creation of decent work for all, social inclusion and the eradication of poverty. A just transition puts people at the centre of decision making, especially those most affected by the transition, by empowering and equipping them for new opportunities of the future,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Tue, 03/26/2024 - 13:08
This Easter break, enhance your television viewing experience with breathtaking 4K visuals, vibrant colours, and immersive sound. After a tiring day at work, there is nothing quite like settling in with your favourite snacks and hitting play. For true relaxation, immersing yourself in a new season of your beloved series or a highly recommended movie …
Minister conducts site inspection at Lighthouse Precinct project
Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille visited the Lighthouse Precinct project in the Cape Agulhas National Park on Tuesday to inspect progress on site and to impress on all stakeholders the importance of working together to grow the country’s tourism offerings.
The project is one of many being implemented by the Department of Tourism across the country as part of the Tourism Sector Master Plan’s objectives to stimulate demand by investing in new and maintaining existing tourism infrastructure and attractions.
The Lighthouse Precinct Project in the Agulhas National Park in the Western Cape is a R54.9 million investment by the department into the area to ensure that the site remains attractive to visitors and supports tourism development in the surrounding communities.
The project is being implemented together with the SANParks and overall progress on site is now at 73% and it is anticipated that it will be completed in June this year.
The park is located in the Southern Overberg region of the Western Cape and stretches along the coastal plain between the towns of Gansbaai and Struisbaai and includes the southern-most tip of Africa.
“Investment in infrastructure by government shows the private sector that we are serious about growing our tourism offering and by government investing, we are creating the conditions conducive for further investment by the private sector.
“As a top tourist destination, we remain committed to constantly diversifying and growing our tourism offering so that we remain an attractive destination that keeps visitors coming back,” de Lille said after the visit, along with the Mayor of the Cape Agulhas Municipality, Paul Swart, the Deputy Mayor of the Overberg District Municipality, Helen Coetzee and other councilors from the region.
The project was funded in two phases. Phase 1 was completed in 2018. Phase 2 is currently under construction and includes:
• Construction of a restaurant
• Interpretation centre (including vendor stalls, ablution facilities, curio shops, booking office and lecture theatre)
• Construction of reception area/offices
• External works and bulk infrastructure
The project also has a significant socio-economic benefits as so far the project has employed 77 people including 48 youth, 50 women and two persons with disabilities during construction.
Eight sub-contractors from surrounding communities were also employed on the project to do work such as brick and steel work, stone cladding, laying of kerbs and channels.
De Lille said all stakeholders were pleased with the progress of the project and have agreed that they must continue working as partners, the department, SANParks, the Cape Agulhas and the Overberg District Municipalities to ensure that the project continues to benefit the area for many years to come.
“We must work together to ensure its continued success and to ensure that the attraction is properly maintained and looked after so that it can bring economic benefits to tourism and the surrounding communities,” de Lille said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 03/26/2024 - 14:06
South Africa’s largest Women’s Day celebration, the Totalsports Women’s Race, will triple the excitement in 2024 with the iconic event being celebrated in three major cities on three separate dates in the month of August. The festivities will begin in Durban on Sunday, August 4th, followed by Cape Town on Friday, August 9th, before culminating …
The following speech was delivered today by the Leader of the Democratic Alliance John Steenhuisen during an address to the Cape Town Press Club: Ladies and gentlemen, It is an honour to be back at the Cape Town Press Club. The last time I spoke at the august institution, was at the end of 2020. …
Dear Editor The DA Abroad calls on the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to ensure that voting days overseas is on non-working days as has been the case in the 2014 and 2019 elections. This follows contradicting information from several diplomatic missions regarding voting days overseas opening times for applicable embassies and high commissions. The DA …
Pay your customs tax!
Taxpayers have been reminded to settle their tax and customs payments as well as their tax and customs debt to the South African Revenue Service (SARS) by or on Thursday this week.
“Tax payments can be made via a bank, electronic funds transfer (EFT), via eFiling or the SARS MobiApp Customs payments can also be made at any SARS customs office.
“It is important that taxpayers and traders perform the payment transaction during business hours to authorise their banking institutions to release the payment to SARS - a required step if the payment is made via eFiling and the MobiApp.
“Balance amount enquiries may be made by requesting a statement of account on eFiling or the SARS MobiApp or by SMS to SARS on 47277,” the revenue service said in a statement.
Employment statistics
Meanwhile, Statistics South Africa’s latest Quarterly Employment Statistics shows a decrease in total employment during the last quarter of 2023.
Despite this, year-on-year December 2022 to December 2023, total employment has increased.
“[According] to the report total employment decreased by 194 000 or -1.8% quarter-on-quarter, from 10 899 000 in September 2023 to 10 705 000 in December 2023. This was due to decreases in the following industries: community services -214 000 or -6.8%, construction -19 000 or -3.1%, business services -12 000 or -0.5%, manufacturing -7 000 or -0.5%, and mining -1 000 or -0.2%. However, there were increases in the following industries: trade 56 000 or 2.4%, transport 2 000 or 0.4% and electricity 1 000 or 1.6%.
“Total employment increased by 98 000 or 0.9% year-on-year between December 2022 and December 2023,” the institution said.
Fulltime employment showed an increase of some 12 000 jobs between December 2022 and December 2023 while part-time employment increased by 86 000 during the same period.
On a quarter to quarter basis, however, downturns were experienced.
“Full-time employment decreased by 5 000 or -0.1% quarter-on-quarter, from 9 498 000 in September 2023 to 9 493 000 in December 2023. This was due to decreases in the following industries: construction -13 000 or -2.4%, manufacturing -12 000 or -1.0%, community services -11 000 or -0.5%, business services -3 000 or -0.1%, and mining -1 000 or -0.2%. However, there were increases in the following industries: trade 31 000 or 1.5%, transport 3 000 or 0.7%, and electricity 1 000 or 1.6%.
“Part-time employment decreased by 189 000 or -13.5% quarter-on-quarter, from 1 401 000 in September 2023 to 1 212 000 in December 2023. This was due to decreases in the following industries: community services -203 000 or -27.2%, business services -9 000 or -3.8%, construction -6 000 or -7.8%, transport -1 000 or 5.3%. Electricity industry reported no change. However, there were increases in the following industries: trade 25 000 or 10.4%, and manufacturing 5 000 or 6%,” Stats SA said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 03/26/2024 - 14:23
Judge upholds dismissal of Judith van Schalkwyk, who also took money from an attorney to travel to the US
President Cyril Ramaphosa has welcomed the adoption of Resolution 2728 (2024) by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on 25 March 2024, which demands an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip during the Holy Month of Ramadan.
President Ramaphosa said," We must seize the opportunity presented by this Security Council Resolution to create a firm foundation for a permanent ceasefire and the resumption of negotiations. We need to stop the carnage and begin walking a path to peace".
The President called on the United Nations Security Council to ensure that there is compliance with the resolution, which is binding on the parties.
South Africa remains concerned that in over five months, since the escalation the conflict, thousands have lost their lives, including over 13 000 children.
As Resolution 2728 notes, there is an “urgent need to expand the flow of humanitarian assistance and to reinforce the protection of civilians in the entire Gaza Strip”.
It is therefore vital that the parties comply with the Security Council, “demand for the lifting of all barriers to the provision of humanitarian assistance at scale, in line with international humanitarian law, as well as Resolution 2712 (2023) and 2720 (2023)”.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
According to Just Property, 295,989 residential properties changed hands in South Africa during 2023. If you include the old owners moving out and the new owners moving in, that’s 591,978 households that were potentially uninsured for at least a portion of their move. King Price Insurance’s partner of client experience Wynand van Vuuren says that …
Dear Editor Today the Standing Committee on Finance voted on the motion of desirability on the DA’s Responsible Spending Bill. As anticipated, the ANC and EFF jointly opposed the Bill’s desirability, despite broad support from the National Treasury and other stakeholders who have South Africa’s fiscal health at heart. In fact, Treasury endorsed the Bill …
Pretoria, South Africa – 26 March 2024: Original British adventure brand Defender will introduce a new high-performance, all-terrain hero in 2024: New Defender OCTA. The new flagship Defender will be the toughest, most capable and luxurious model in the line-up, charting new territory for the brand. Mark Cameron, Managing Director, Defender, said: “Defender has been …
For the First time in South Africa! One of the world’s most celebrated illusionists, Rob Lake will be in Cape Town with his internationally acclaimed show, “The Magic of Rob Lake” at Grand Arena, GrandWest on Saturday, 5 October and Sunday, 6 October 2024. Thereafter the show moves to Montecasino’s Teatro, Johannesburg from Wednesday, 9 …
Higher Education deregisters four private institutions
The Department of Higher Education and Training has cancelled the registration of four Educor institutions after failing to submit proof of their financial viability to the department.
Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande, announced the deregistration of City Varsity (Pty) Ltd, Damelin (Pty) Ltd, Icesa City Campus (Pty) Ltd and Lyceum College (Pty) Ltd during a media briefing held in Pretoria on Tuesday.
Nzimande said the four private institutions failed to comply with the requirements of the 2016 Regulations for the Registration of Private Higher Education Institutions and the applicable sections of the Higher Education Act.
The new regulations outline the application process, requirements for registration, responsibility of an institution and the appeals procedure that must be followed by individuals or entities that wish to register a private higher education institution.
Further to this, the Higher Education Quality Committee (HEQC) of the Council on Higher Education (CHE) is responsible for the accreditation of higher education programmes.
Nzimande said the Educor institutions failed to submit their annual financial statements and tax clearance certificates for the 2021 and 2022 years as proof of their financial viability.
According to the Minister, the four institutions were required to lodge an appeal with him on or before 26 September 2023.
“They then requested an extension to 28 February 2024, and are now seeking a further extension. In addition to failing to submit evidence of their financial viability to the department, the four Educor brands can be deemed as dysfunctional and this is mainly measured against the daily complaints and grievances received from students, most of which remain unresolved,” Nzimande said.
The complaints include poor quality of teaching and learning; lack of proper administrative support; poorly qualified staff; corruption and bribery; lack of response for requests for refunds and lack of professionalism.
The students also complained about exploitation of poor students; non-payment of staff salaries; and under-payment of staff salaries.
“These complaints extend to the other brands such as INTEC College (Pty) Ltd and Damelin Correspondence College (Pty) Ltd, which fall under the jurisdiction of the Quality Council of Trades and Occupations (QCTO). The QCTO has not been able to restore stability within these two institutions and students continue to be exploited.
“These complaints also extend to the offering of the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETA) accredited programmes. The SETAs have not been able to restore stability with the Educor institutions and students continue to be exploited,” Nzimande said.
He said the Higher Education Quality Committee has withdrawn the accreditation of some programmes for City Varsity (Pty) Ltd, Damelin (Pty) Ltd and Lyceum College (Pty) Ltd.
The Minister also accused the institutions of misrepresenting student enrolment, by submitting incorrect information, which claimed to have 50 000 learners in the system.
The 2022 annual reports indicated a total of 13 096 students enrolled; City Varsity with 540, Damelin with 4 012, Icesa with 145, and Lyceum with 8 399 enrolled students.
Nzimande announced that some of the institutions’ sites have closed suddenly after failing to pay the rent, staff salaries and/or the municipality.
These institutions include City Varsity (Pty) Ltd at Braamfontein, which closed because staff withdrew their services for non-payment of salaries and students were left stranded; and Damelin (Pty) Ltd sites at Braamfontein, Port Elizabeth, Cape Town, East London, which were closed suddenly as they were in arrears with the municipality and rental, leaving students stranded.
The only site of Lyceum College (Pty) Ltd was closed due to an eviction order by the landlord for failure to pay the rent.
“On 08 January 2024, our Directorate: Registration of Private Colleges wrote to these four Educor institutions and requested them to respond to a list of allegations of corruption against them. To date, they have not responded,” Nzimande said.
As a way forward, Nzimande said Educor will be given a period in which to phase out pipeline students and Educor would have to reimburse students where it is due.
“The latest numbers of enrolled students as per the 2022 annual report is 13 096, not 50 000, as Educor claims; one challenge for students is the transfer of credits considering the RPL [Recognition of Prior Learning] and Credit Accumulation Transfer policy; and another challenge could be students repeating some modules or paying extra fees,” Nzimande said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 03/26/2024 - 14:53
President welcomes UNSC resolution on Gaza ceasefire
President Cyril Ramaphosa is the latest world leader to back the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) decision which demands an “immediate ceasefire” between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas in Gaza.
This follows the UNSC’s adoption of Resolution 2728 (2024) on Monday, which demands an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip for the duration of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, ending in two weeks.
The United States abstained from the vote, with the 14 other council members all voting in favour to none against the Security Council ceasefire resolution.
“We must seize the opportunity presented by this Security Council resolution to create a firm foundation for a permanent ceasefire and the resumption of negotiations. We need to stop the carnage and begin walking a path to peace,” said President Ramaphosa in a statement.
READ | SA welcomes adoption of the UNSC resolution on Gaza ceasefire
The recent passing of this resolution marks the first of its kind in the nearly six-month-long war.
Resolution 2728 also notes an “urgent need to expand the flow of humanitarian assistance and to reinforce the protection of civilians in the entire Gaza Strip”.
The Council also demands lifting all barriers to providing humanitarian assistance in line with international humanitarian law, as well as Resolution 2712 (2023) and 2720 (2023).
The first citizen has since called on the UNSC to ensure compliance with the resolution binding on the parties.
Meanwhile, he said South Africa remains concerned that in over five months since the escalation of the conflict, thousands have lost their lives, including over 13 000 children.
As per a Reuters article, at least 32 333 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s retaliatory military campaign in Gaza, with thousands more feared buried under rubble.
“It is, therefore, vital that the parties comply with the Security Council,” the President added. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 03/26/2024 - 13:12
The Indalo Association’s Stance on Albany Wind Farm: A Call for Comprehensive Evaluation Makhanda, 26 March 2023: In response to recent claims made by EDF Renewables regarding the Albany Wind Farm development, the Indalo Association underscores the need for a thorough and holistic evaluation of the project’s environmental and socio-economic impacts. Statement 1: Scoping & …
JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) has today announced the Proteas Men and Women’s contracted squad for the 2024/25 season, starting...
Have your say in eThekwini service delivery plan
Residents of eThekwini are invited to submit their comments on the draft Integrated Development Plan (IDP) for the 2024/2025 financial year - a key city strategy that informs and guides all service delivery and development in the region.
All planning, including budgeting, management and decision-making related to delivering services and development in the municipal area, is considered in this important city business plan.
“The IDP considers the challenges facing the city and the strategic approach to resolving these as underpinned by city’s long-term development plan and informed by global, national and provincial policies such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the National Development Plan (NDP) and the provincial Growth and Development Strategy,” the municipality said in a statement.
The IDP consists of eight plans that will help the city achieve its vision of becoming Africa’s most caring and liveable city.
“These plans are all inter-related and include actions to develop and sustain our spatial, natural and built environment; develop a prosperous, diverse economy and create employment; and creating a quality living environment.
“The IDP also takes into consideration building a socially cohesive environment, developing the skills of our communities, fostering good governance, ensuring a financially accountable and sustainable city,” the municipality highlighted.
The municipality added that each plan has a set of deliverables which informs the city’s budget and with which its performance is monitored.
“A Service Delivery Budget Implementation Plan (SDBIP) is thereafter compiled to monitor the implementation of the various programmes and projects contained within each plan. The SDBIP provides both financial as well as non-financial performance indicators which are used to monitor and evaluate quarterly and yearly service delivery targets,” the municipality said, adding the document also forms part of the IDP.
The municipality said public consultations on the draft plan will be taking place together with the draft budget.
“It is a critical opportunity for the public to provide input into the future development of the city and make sure that their community needs are raised.”
The draft IDP is available on the municipality’s website: durban.gov.za.
Comments can be sent to comments2021@durban.gov.za
The closing date for comments submission is 23 April 2023. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 03/26/2024 - 10:07
Traditionally, the Chief Financial Officer or CFO was seen primarily as guardians of the company’s finances, focusing on cost control, budgeting, and financial reporting. However, in today’s fast, digital business environment, the role of the CFO has expanded significantly, and they are expected to contribute to organisational growth, beyond just managing the financials. It involves …
Kanana Park residents from Thulamntwana township brought traffic to a standstill on Monday