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News, Directory, Events and Other Stuff
Dear Editor Yet again, the DA has been inundated with calls from young doctors that need placement for their community service year being left in the lurch by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). Every year leading up to January and July, many young doctors either get placed too late or not at …
In an exciting development for sustainable energy enthusiasts and homeowners alike, Hohm Energy, a leading provider of solar energy solutions in South Africa, has announced its new end-of-year holiday marketing campaign, “Light Up Your Holidays with Solar Man and Hohm Energy.” This innovative campaign not only promises to add a sparkle to the festive season …
Dear Editor The DA has written to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Nosiviwe Mapisa Nqakula, requesting that she urgently intervenes in reversing a decision denying members of the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises an opportunity to conduct an oversight visit at the Durban and Richards Bay ports. Last week, the Portfolio Committee on Public …
In a significant stride towards combating gender-based violence, the "Layita Khayelitsha" campaign is set to illuminate the streets of Cape Town's Khayelitsha township. This groundbreaking initiative, spearheaded by inDrive (www.inDrive.com) in collaboration with the local NGO Light UP, focuses on installing solar street lights across the community. Timed to launch in alignment with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on November 25, the campaign marks a pivotal moment in the fight against one of the most pressing social issues of our time.
The project's commencement during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is more than symbolic; it represents a beacon of hope for the residents of Khayelitsha, an area burdened with high rates of gender-based violence. The installation of solar street lights is a concrete measure to enhance the safety and security of the community, shedding both literal and metaphorical light on a global challenge. This initiative underscores the commitment of inDrive and its partners to empower and protect vulnerable populations, casting a spotlight on the crucial need for such interventions worldwide.
Adding a unique twist to the campaign, inDrive has partnered with popular Amapiano singer Khanyisa Jacen as well as producers Beats Slide and Sbuda Maleather. Streaming her song “Layita Khayelitsha” on platforms such as Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Music will directly contribute to the lighting project. For every 2000 streams of the track, one solar light will be installed, aiming for a total of 50 street lights.
Khanyisa Jaceni, whose name means 'to light up', is at the heart of this campaign. Her connection to the local culture and popularity in South African townships make her a powerful voice for this cause, ensuring the message of “Layita Khayelitsha” reaches and resonates with its target audience.
The goal is to install and maintain 50 advanced solar lights by February 2024, focusing on key areas in the township. This initiative will not only improve safety in public spaces but also create local employment opportunities for those who will be installing the lights and maintaining them for the coming years.
Since its launch in South Africa in 2019, inDrive has been actively involved in community development. With operations in nine cities, the company is dedicated to innovative solutions that address local challenges and promote safety.
“inDrive's mission to combat societal challenges in areas where it operates is exemplified by 'Layita Khayelitsha'. This crucial initiative demonstrates the power of collaborative efforts to create meaningful change in underprivileged communities, as well as the importance of empowering citizens as active participants for social change. It serves as a symbol of hope not only for Khayelitsha but also for other townships across South Africa, it offers a sustainable approach to improving community wellbeing and safety.” said Vincent Lilane, Business Development Representative for inDrive Southern Africa.
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 headquartered in Mountain View, California, USA. The inDrive app has been downloaded over 200 million times, and was the second most downloaded mobility app in 2022. In addition to ride-hailing, inDrive provides an expanding list of urban services, including intercity transportation, freight delivery, task assistance, courier delivery and employment search.
inDrive operates in over 45 countries. It supports local communities via its peer-to-peer pricing model and community empowerment programs, which help advance education, sports, arts and sciences, gender equality and other vital initiatives.
For more information visit www.inDrive.com
For more information about New Ventures visit https://Ventures.inDrive.com
04 December 2023: For decades, stokvels have played a significant role in encouraging the culture of saving and helping people achieve their financial goals. Despite the challenging economic environment, stokvels continue to show growth and evolve as they continue to serve additional purposes other than what they were traditionally created for. With the festive season …
Pullman Hotels and Resorts has announced the appointment of Stefan Lourens as General Manager at Pullman Cape Town, the first property in South Africa under the Pullman brand from Accor. Lourens brings more than 30 years of hospitality experience to the Pullman Cape Town team with a proven track record across local and international brands …
President Ramaphosa mourns passing of Prof Harry Seftel
President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed sadness at the passing of veteran clinician, researcher and academic, Prof Harry Seftel, who passed away less than a month before his 95th birthday.
In a statement, the President sent his deep condolences to the Seftel family and the late Dr Seftel’s friends and associates around the country and internationally.
Seftel spent more than 50 years in the Department of Medicine at the University of the Witwatersrand.
“Prof Seftel’s passing at the end of an extended life with which he was blessed is another instance of loss among a generation that defined the South Africa of the 20th century.
“Prof Seftel’s life journey includes his university-days friendship with Nelson Mandela. Harry Seftel’s journey was one of continuous curiosity and discovery, with the aim of assisting individuals and entire communities to make healthy lifestyle choices and enjoy a healthy life.
“He was a relentless achiever, who passionately educated generations of medical practitioners and researchers. He will be remembered for sharing his knowledge in the most accessible and entertaining ways, which endeared him to his students and millions of people who learned from him via public platforms,” President Ramaphosa said.
The President said Seftel was a national treasure, whose love for his work and for the people of South Africa must be celebrated at this time of mourning and remembrance, and must live on in the ethos of all health care professionals. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Mon, 12/04/2023 - 10:48
Two-way passengers through the Cape Town International Airport’s (CTIA) international terminal surpassed 2 million two-way passengers between January and October 2023, exceeding pre-pandemic levels and growing by 57%, when compared to the same period in 2022. On the domestic front, over 5.5 million two-way passengers passed through the CTIA domestic terminal between January and October …
• SAE International chooses the MAHLE positioning system as the global standard solution for the wireless charging of electric vehicles • Key technology closes the crucial gap in standardization • Cross-manufacturer solution enables a comprehensive and rapid market launch • MAHLE CEO Arnd Franz: “A strong impetus for e-mobility.” Inductive – i.e. wireless – charging …
Government activities for the week 04 December – 07 December 2023
On Monday, 04 December, the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development will host the 28th session of the African commission on agricultural statistics at Birchwood Hotel, Boksburg.
On Tuesday, 05 December, the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu, will release the Drop Reports on drinking water quality, provision and waste water management in the country.
On Wednesday, 06 December, Deputy Minister of Small Business Development Dipuo Peters will officially launch the Shared Economic Infrastructure Facility project and hand over business equipment to over 70 beneficiaries who are operating around Mangaung, Free State.
On Thursday, 07 December, the Presidential District Development Model Oversight Imbizo will be taking place in the Matjhabeng Municipality in the Lejweleputswa District in the Free State Province.
Janine
Mon, 12/04/2023 - 10:09
South Africa's Blitzboks overcame a spirited Argentina 12-7 to lift their fifth straight Emirates Dubai 7s trophy – equaling the record for successive titles at a single location. Although Argentina had to settle for silver it represented their best ever result in Dubai.
Interview of the Captain of South Africa is available for media to download and use for free, without authorization: https://apo-opa.co/49YdpRv
Watch the video B-roll: https://apo-opa.co/3GsZtBp
The women's final was another epic encounter between the top two teams in the world. In a replay of last years final, Australia overcame their arch rivals 26-19 to end New Zealand's winning run on 41 matches, which spanned since their loss in the Dubai final last year.
Teagan Levi touched down either side of halftime as Australia ended New Zealand's 41-match winning streak to claim their fourth consecutive title in Dubai, as the HSBC SVNS 2024 got off to an electric start.
Not to be overshadowed by her younger sister, Maddison Levi broke her own tournament try record, her 12th try of the weekend in the 13th minute was the decisive one.
The match kicked off at an astonishing speed – and did not let up. Bienne Tarita scored the opening try with just 23 seconds on the clock to set Australia on the road to the title in the 23rd final meeting between the two sides.
But the Black Ferns Sevens made it difficult for the champions. Jorja Miller touched down twice in the first five minutes en route to a hat-trick in a losing cause, before Maddison Levi settled the tournament in the closing minutes.
Australia's captain Charlotte Caslick had only praise for the younger Levi. “She's unbelievable. She's had an amazing pre-season so we're all just getting to see the hard work that she's done this year.”
And she explained the game plan for becoming the first team to beat New Zealand since last year's final in Dubai: “We wanted to hold the ball as much as possible because we know when they touch it they're dangerous. That was key for us – restarts and holding on to the ball.
“We love coming to Dubai, we love the fans here, playing in front of you guys. It's a great team and we're so proud of them. We worked really hard for this, so it's really special for us.”
New Zealand's passage to the final saw them beat Brazil 26-14 in the quarter-final before overcoming Canada 21-19 in a nail-biting finish the an exhilarating match.
Australia began the day with a convincing 32-5 quarter-final win over USA before running out 21-14 winners over France in a high quality semi-final.
Canada missed out on their first medal since winning silver in Sydney in 2020 as they were well beaten 26-5 by France who claimed the bronze medal and put in a strong performance throughout the weekend with the returning Anne-Cécile Ciofani contributing to building excitement ahead of the Olympic Games in Paris next July.
The men's final was a tense affair as South Africa narrowly overcame Argentina 12-7. Impi Visser had already crossed for the Blitzboks when Shilton van Wyk, player of the final in 2022, went over in the fifth minute to take the score to 12-0.
Argentina's Matias Osadczuk cut the deficit to five points early in the second half, after Ryan Oosthuizen was yellow carded for a dangerous tackle.
Rosko Specman came within inches of a spectacular score, but lost the ball – and ploughed into a steward – in the corner, as South Africa held off the Argentinian fightback.
With the series heading to South Africa next week, their run to the title in Dubai could not have come at a better time. Fans will be hoping they can go back to back in Cape Town next weekend.
South Africa's acting head coach Philip Snyman hailed his squad's, "amazing performances throughout the weekend".
“We said we wanted to leave everything on the field,” he said. “It doesn't matter what happens with the result – we want to look each other in the eye and have smiles on our faces. Even with the yellow card tonight, they really played each other, they played for their jersey and they restored the pride in the Springbok Sevens jersey.”
South Africa started the day strongly with a 24-7 quarter-final defeat of Australia, before overcoming Fiji 14-7 in an intense semi-final.
Argentina overcame Samoa 21-14 in the quarter-final before narrowly beating New Zealand's All Blacks Sevens 21-19 in a pulsating semi-final.
New Zealand recovered from the disappointment of their semi-final defeat to take home the bronze medals with a 17-12 victory over Fiji.
The pool draw for the next round of HSBC SVNS in Cape Town on 9-10 December took place on the pitch in Dubai following the end of play and produced some exciting match-ups as fans can now look ahead and get excited to welcoming world class rugby sevens back to the Mother City.
Women's Pool A: Australia, Fiji, Japan, Spain. Pool B: New Zealand, Ireland, Brazil, Great Britain. Pool C: France, Canada, USA, South Africa.
Men's Pool A: South Africa, Ireland, USA, Great Britain. Pool B: Argentina, Fiji, France, Spain. Pool C: New Zealand, Samoa, Australia, Canada.
Fans are encouraged not to miss the two-day extravaganza with incredible food, fitness, non-stop music including live music acts from DJ Zinhle, Jack Parow, Sun El-Musician and more, alongside the world class rugby sevens action. Tickets are available from only R150 at Ticketmaster.co.za.
The HSBC SVNS 2024 is set to supercharge the sport's global appeal and is taking place across eight iconic destinations. The new look HSBC SVNS 2024 features seven regular season events – in Dubai, Cape Town, Perth, Vancouver, Los Angeles, Hong Kong and Singapore - before the Grand Final in Madrid.
The top eight placed teams based on cumulative series points after seven events will compete in the new ‘winner takes all' Grand Final, where the women's and men's champions will be crowned.
Madrid will also play host to the high stakes relegation play-off competition where teams ranked ninth to 12th will join the top four teams from the World Rugby Sevens Challenger, with the top four placed teams securing their place on HSBC SVNS 2025.
The reimagined competition model means fans can expect even more excitement, entertainment and nail-biting jeopardy. And with the clock counting down until rugby sevens kicks off the Olympic Games in Paris on 24 July 2024, the action will be hotter than ever on and off the pitch.
In line with World Rugby's commitment to grow the women's game, all HSBC SVNS events will see men's and women's teams sharing the platform equally to showcase their incredible strength, speed and skill on the biggest stages around the world.
HSBC SVNS events deliver the ultimate in immersive experiences, a unique festival of sport, entertainment, music, culture and cuisine alongside the world's best men's and women's athletes set against the spectacular backdrops of some of the most stunning locations around the globe.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Rugby.
JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) has today named the Proteas squads for the all-format inbound tour against India from 10 December...
Dear Editor In a written reply to a DA parliamentary question Minister of Police, Bheki Cele, revealed that of the 5 489 SAPS members arrested since 2019 for various crimes, 3 981 of these members are still currently employed by SAPS – despite their arrests. In yet another indictment on both the Justice system and …
Spencer Oldham, NSRI Hout Bay station commander, said: NSRI hout Bay were alerted at 17h40, Saturday, 2 December, by Hout Bay CCP (Community Crime Prevention) control room of a group of hikers, locals, 2 adult females, an adult male and their dog, who had lost their way and were reporting to be dehydrated on the …
Matric exams enter final week
Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga says the department has done all it can to ensure that the final matric examinations for this year go smoothly.
This as the matriculants enter the final week of exams with only six National Senior Certificate (NSC) papers left to write.
The Minister was briefing the media in Pretoria on Sunday.
“At all times we aim to conduct our exams error free and uphold the integrity of our certificate. We did all we could possibly do to support the children.
“We provided them with materials to support them and we know provinces and schools went out of their way to have matric camps and all the necessary support that our learners needed,” she said.
The NSC examinations commenced on Monday, 30 October 2023 with government having said that more than 717 377 full time candidates and 181 143 part-time candidates in the public education system were registered to write the final examinations across 6 898 centres nationwide.
“We can confirm that indeed these exams went well. By Friday the 1st of December, we were on day 25 and we are only left with three days to finish the exams. Up to date, 225 papers have been written. We are only left with six papers before we finish the exams.
“We are very grateful to all stakeholders who have played a role in making sure that we run these exams as well as we did.”
The Minister warned the matriculants to “stay safe” as they celebrate the end of exams.
“There are lots of…disturbing incidents that we see on social media. We really appeal to our kids to avoid. We have noted with concern learners hosting and attending what they call ‘pens down’ parties all over the show.
“What is clear is that as much as it really is the time for celebrating, hundreds of our children are overindulging in alcohol, binge drinking and even finding themselves [against] the law. At this stage we want to urge parents, communities and care givers to support their kids to stay safe and grow,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Sun, 12/03/2023 - 13:29
BENONI: Shorna Akter produced career-best figures of five for 28 to help lead Bangladesh to a memorable 13-run victory over the...
Sting operation prevents trafficking of 443 children
A joint sting operation between the Border Management Authority (BMA), Home Affairs and the South African Police Service has stopped more than 40 buses travelling into South Africa through the Beitbridge Border Post carrying children who are alleged to have been trafficked.
This was revealed by Commissioner of the BMA Dr Michael Masiapato during a press briefing on Sunday.
“They were able to stop and search about 42 buses trying to enter the republic and out of that we found about 443 children under the age of eight that were in those buses without any parent or any guardian. Fairly, they were being trafficked into South Africa.
“We were able to take them out of those buses. We were then able to engage with the Zimbabwean officials and we handed them back to Zimbabwe for processing back into the country,” he said.
Masiapato also revealed some of the successes that the BMA were able to achieve in their work protecting the country’s borders.
These include the interception of more than 44 000 thousand individuals attempting to illegally enter South Africa.
“We got them arrested. We got them fingerprinted, we declared them undesirable, and we got them deported on the spot. Further, about 100 452 individuals overstayed in the country. We got the hit from our movement control system when they arrived at the ports. We then declared them undesirable, and we banned them from entering South Africa for the next five years.
“About 98 150 individuals were refused entry into the country for various reasons. Some of them were criminal elements who are listed on the Interpol list for having committed different types of crimes in other jurisdictions in the world,” he said.
Other achievements by the BMA are:
“This is a summary of some of the key success of the [BMA] having been realised in a short space of time. We however commit to do more and fully address the country’s perennial problem of porous borders,” Masiapato said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Sun, 12/03/2023 - 12:19
Matric final exams enter final week
Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga says the department has done all it can to ensure that the final matric examinations for this year go smoothly.
This as the matriculants enter the final week of exams with only six National Senior Certificate (NSC) papers left to write.
The Minister was briefing the media in Pretoria on Sunday.
“At all times we aim to conduct our exams error free and uphold the integrity of our certificate. We did all we could possibly do to support the children.
“We provided them with materials to support them and we know provinces and schools went out of their way to have matric camps and all the necessary support that our learners needed,” she said.
The NSC examinations commenced on Monday, 30 October 2023 with government having said that more than 717 377 full time candidates and 181 143 part-time candidates in the public education system were registered to write the final examinations across 6 898 centres nationwide.
“We can confirm that indeed these exams went well. By Friday the 1st of December, we were on day 25 and we are only left with three days to finish the exams. Up to date, 225 papers have been written. We are only left with six papers before we finish the exams.
“We are very grateful to all stakeholders who have played a role in making sure that we run these exams as well as we did.”
The Minister warned the matriculants to “stay safe” as they celebrate the end of exams.
“There are lots of…disturbing incidents that we see on social media. We really appeal to our kids to avoid. We have noted with concern learners hosting and attending what they call ‘pens down’ parties all over the show.
“What is clear is that as much as it really is the time for celebrating, hundreds of our children are overindulging in alcohol, binge drinking and even finding themselves [against] the law. At this stage we want to urge parents, communities and care givers to support their kids to stay safe and grow,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Sun, 12/03/2023 - 13:29
Interfaith leaders urged to help address societal difficulties
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has encouraged the church to help government to tackle societal challenges.
“We strongly encourage the church, in its capacity as a moral and social leader, to engage in a collaborative effort with us to effectively tackle any societal difficulties. The government relies on you as the religious sector to point out mistakes in a constructive manner and recommend solutions,” the Deputy President said on Sunday.
The second in command was addressing the Twelve Apostles Church in Christ (TACC) International Thanksgiving Day celebrations held at the Absa Stadium in East London, in the Eastern Cape.
“There is an open-door policy in my office, so you can come in whenever you want to talk about the problems you are having and how to fix them,” he said adding that despite the challenges South Africa faces, the country has much to be grateful for.
He included gender-based violence as some of the challenges facing South Africa.
“We need you to be part of our initiatives to fight gender-based violence in our society and promote equality. We need you to be the voice of women and children who are abused. We need you to be the refuge and defender of women's and children’s rights.
“We must speak against sexual violence and rape of young children and women. We must not be silent when we witness acts of abuse or rape against women and children by our brethren or family members.”
He also reflected on the role played by the church in the fight against apartheid.
“We have achieved democratic freedom, which entails the freedom to practice any religion without fear of persecution among others. Collectively, we can agree that South Africa is a better place than it was three decades ago.
“Despite the significant progress our great nation has undeniably made over the years, it is of utmost importance to conscientiously acknowledge that we have not yet fully attained our desired goal, including complete economic freedom for our people.”
He said that government together with the church, wants to establish an atmosphere favourable for growth and development.
“It is widely acknowledged that social cohesion is a fundamental element of each society, necessitating the active participation of every member in the joint goal of establishing a cohesive community.
“We must steadfastly persevere in our collective efforts to promote a spirit of inclusivity amongst all individuals, regardless of the diverse tapestry of our racial, religious, or cultural origins, for in the divine gaze of the Almighty, we are all the same.”
Mashatile said without the cooperation of interfaith leaders, “I will not be able to successfully carry out my assigned role of promoting social cohesion”.
“As a government, we need interfaith and traditional leaders to strengthen relationships and the sense of solidarity among community members,” he said. -SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Sun, 12/03/2023 - 14:14
Border Management Authority ramps up festive season operations
The Border Management Authority (BMA) says it is implementing a comprehensive plan including longer border post operating times and more boots on the ground for its festive season operations.
This according to the BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato who was addressing a media briefing in Pretoria on Sunday.
He said the BMA expects at least six million people to move through South Africa’s borders during the festive season.
Masiapato said the BMA has engaged with South Africa’s six immediate neighbouring countries on the “synchronisation of processes and other work modalities” including working hours.
“While some of our busiest ports already operate on a 24-hour basis, the Minister of Home Affairs Dr Aaron Motsoaledi has already approved our request to extend the operating hours on other identified critical ports on certain dates that we agreed with our immediate neighbouring countries,” he said.
The following working hours will now be operational at ports of entry:
“In addition, we will be deploying about 380 additional personnel at the selected busiest ports of entry to assist with the delivery of services and provision of technical support during this period. There are also a number of senior members from the Border Technical Committee (BTC) who have been allocated individual ports for their visitation during the identified critical dates to provide support to the operational teams on the ground,” he said.
Load shedding
Masiapato said additional infrastructure has also been sought including generators to mitigate the effects of load shedding on operations.
“After engagement with the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI), they will be providing additional infrastructure such as temporary lighting, ablution facilities, special temporary barricades, Jojo tankers for the provision of water to the travellers at the identified critical land ports.
“In addition, generators with the appropriate un-interrupted power system are well serviced ready to provide required energy during instances of load shedding. We have also deployed additional IT support teams to various ports to immediately address any kind of system glitches experienced on the ground,” Masiapato said.
Illegal activities
He emphasised that the BMA will also be keeping a close eye on any illegal activity.
“We would also be focusing on curbing illegal movement of persons and goods with specific focus on cross-border organised criminal elements and other general crimes perpetrated in the ports of entry and border law enforcement area.
“We have put all measures in place to detect and confiscate narcotics, contraband, illicit goods, and even stolen vehicles. We therefore want to urge all travellers to desist from committing any act of criminality as they will be detected, arrested, declared undesirable, and then deported.
“On the corridors leading to our land ports of entry, we would like to urge all drivers to desist from disregarding existing traffic laws, including instructions from the traffic officers on the ground as that has the potential to cause traffic jams which poses serious challenges of traffic flow towards our ports entry. Drivers are encouraged to accordingly follow the que and in no time, they would be assisted,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Sun, 12/03/2023 - 12:21
President Ramaphosa pleased with milestones at COP28
President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed satisfaction with the level of engagements at the Conference of Parties (COP28).
This as the President concluded his official visit to Dubai, United Arab Emirates on Saturday.
The COP28 outcome also included the setting up of a loss and damage fund.
"South Africa applauds the landmark decision of COP28 to operationalise the new fund on loss and damage and welcomes the pledges that have already been made. We would like to see the fund growing along with the implementation of all other commitments that have been made thus far”, said President Cyril Ramaphosa.
President Ramaphosa also presented to the United Nations Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, South Africa’s Implementation Plan of the Just Energy Transition (JET) Investment Plan.
The plan has also been shared with some of the JET Partners who have committed up to 8.5 billion US dollars towards South Africa’s efforts in decarbonising the economy and mitigating the effects of climate change.
The President also called for more countries to participate in efforts to end the effects of climate change in developing economy countries.
"We are calling for more countries to participate, as our Just Energy Transition Plan requires much more funding, so that we can enable a more effective and positively impactful transition, particularly with respect to communities that are going to be affected as we transit from fossil fuel sources of energy to renewables.
As the Summit continues in the next two weeks, we want to see sharper focus coming from developed economies with respect to living up to their Paris commitments. We still expect the 100 billion dollars that was promised to be made available to support countries that are least responsible for climate damage manage the effects of climate change”, said President Ramaphosa.
The President asserted the role of multilateralism and solidarity as central to global climate action and cautioned against unilateral, coercive, and trade-distorting approaches, such as carbon adjustment measures that are going to be severely detrimental to developing economies.
The conference underway, commenced on 30 November and will end on 12 December 2023, brings together world leaders to discuss progress and ambition across all pillars of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) as adopted in the Paris Agreement in 2015.
The conference seeks to provide momentum and guidance for the remainder of the COP and is presided over by COP28 President-Designate Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber of the United Arab Emirates.
In a statement on Sunday the Presidency said the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Barbara Creecy will lead the country’s participation for the remainder of the conference until 12 December 2023.
South Africa’s participation at the conference is in the context of its national determination as set out in the Just Energy Transition Investment Plan, to significantly reduce emission in line with the Paris Agreement adopted in 2015.
COP28 presents an opportunity to fast-track the energy transition by building the energy system of the future, while rapidly decarbonising the current energy system to keep 1.5°C target within reach. -SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Sun, 12/03/2023 - 11:43
Developing countries must stand as one - President Ramaphosa
President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged member countries of the G77+China to “stand together in solidarity, to support each other and to speak with one voice at COP 28”.
The President was speaking at the inaugural G77+China Summit on Climate Change held on the sidelines of the Conference of Parties (COP28) held in Dubai.
“Every region and country represented in this group is already experiencing the impact of climate change and its associated loss and damage. This means that we need to stand together in solidarity, to support each other and to speak with one voice at COP 28. We need to contribute our best efforts and to act with urgency.
“Transformative climate action is taking place alongside our efforts to eradicate poverty and inequality. We should therefore coordinate our positions on the transformation of the global financial architecture and reform of the multilateral development banks so that they can support sustainable development,” President Ramaphosa said.
He added that countries who are endowed with mineral resources that are critical for energy transitions need to work together to “ensure that the new economy is fairer, more equitable and offers equal opportunity for all”.
“We should forge a united platform against unilateral coercive and trade distorting measures under the guise of climate action. These include carbon border taxes that have the effect of reversing climate finance flows to the Global North.
“We need to reframe the climate action narrative to better address the realities of developing economy countries, to give appropriate recognition to their rights and to acknowledge their contributions to the global fight against this existential threat,” he said.
The President reiterated South Africa’s position that developed countries must support the energy transitions of developing countries.
“Since developing economy countries are the least responsible for climate change but the most affected, it is critical that the enabling means of implementation support is provided by countries with developed economies.
“The G77 and China, representing the overwhelming majority of the world’s population who live in developing economies, has the opportunity to infuse this vision into the mandate and scope of the new work programme on Just Transition Pathways,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Sun, 12/03/2023 - 09:32
The financial aid scheme has already received over 200,000 applications since 21 November
In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, the way information is conveyed plays a crucial role in capturing audience attention and delivering a compelling message. As traditional press releases evolve to meet the demands of modern communication, video press releases have emerged as a powerful and effective method for delivering impactful messages. Here are 8 reasons why …