“We are back”: Khulumani pensioners snooze outside Constitutional Court
They say they are owed apartheid reparations
Cybercriminal for hire
Ransomware attacks are a global concern, with a shocking 40% increase in both frequency and severity over the last year. “South Africans are at significant risk due to the increasing use of Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS),” warns Anna Collard, SVP Content Strategy & Evangelist at KnowBe4 AFRICA (www.KnowBe4.com). Using RaaS also increased by 40% (https://apo-opa.co/49Bynp3) over the last year. Threat actors now sell their sophisticated ransomware solutions and services, keeping up to 80% of the profits.
Ransomware attacks are rapidly posing a greater threat due to the availability of RaaS solutions on the dark web. These solutions can be purchased at varying prices, ranging from less than $100 to thousands of dollars. The ease of access to these kits, coupled with the fact that they often come with customer support, allows attackers to quickly set up and execute multiple ransomware attacks with little to no technical skill.
This accessibility to RaaS solutions has led to the evolution of ransomware, with cybercriminals focusing on enhancing its sophistication and capabilities. The aim is to create a product that is highly effective and profitable, catering to the demands of potential buyers in the cybercriminal market. They readily select their ransomware from a shopping list, pay the creators, and go. This represents the epitome of commodity attacks — a matter of utmost concern, especially for South Africa.
“One of the key factors contributing to South Africa's vulnerability to these types of attacks is the widespread use of English,” explains Collard. “Attackers often need to negotiate with their victims, which means they need to speak a common language. It is difficult to negotiate with someone whose culture and language you do not understand. As a result, Western countries are more frequently targeted because of a higher percentage of threat actors originating from Europe. South Africa, with its strong English speaking business culture, advanced digital infrastructure, and thriving financial services ecosystem, is consequently at risk of being targeted by these attacks.”
In South Africa, both the private and public sectors rely significantly on digital infrastructure for their critical operations. Companies are prioritising digitalisation efforts to maintain their competitiveness in the local and global markets. This strategic investment in digital technologies has proven invaluable, enabling companies to navigate through the challenges posed by the pandemic and fostering remarkable innovation. In fact, South Africa was recognised as the most innovative country in Africa in 2022 (https://apo-opa.co/3SJXgJ8). However, this increased reliance on digital platforms has also exposed the country and its companies to vulnerabilities and risks.
“North America was the primary ransomware target for a long time but there has been a downward trend because the government has come down hard on these criminal organisations,” says Collard. “They have the resources, law enforcement, and probably the budgets to clamp down on cybercrime syndicates that South Africa does not. In short, countries like the United States have become more responsive to threats and so the bad actors are turning to countries that do not have these resources or systems in place.”
When we combine this significant change in targeting, as highlighted in the recent Cy-Xplorer 2023 report by Orange Cyberdefense (https://apo-opa.co/3R2aboD), with the swiftly evolving RaaS market, it is obvious why South African organisations need to stop and pay attention to the rising ransomware threat. It has been commoditised and simplified, turned into a solution as easy to use and implement as an app for a smartphone. Plug, play, steal.
“RaaS presents a very real and constantly evolving challenge to cybersecurity specialists and organisations,” concludes Collard. “The methods of attack, the approaches, the level of sophistication—it is very easy for anyone to be caught out. End users must remain vigilant to ensure that they do not become the reason a company falls victim to ransomware, and companies must continually train and remind employees of the risks to prevent complacency.”
User awareness is critical. If people can recognise threats, they will not click on links or make mistakes. If people are aware of how easy it is to be fooled by fake emails and sites, they will be cautious with their passwords and their information. If companies constantly reinforce these messages, they are protecting their data, their people and their systems from an onslaught of RaaS threats that are only set to get even better and more prevalent in the future.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of KnowBe4.
President Ramaphosa concludes Official Visit to Qatar
President Ramaphosa concludes Official Visit to Qatar
President Cyril Ramaphosa and his Qatari counterpart His Highness Sheik Tamim bin Hamad al Thani have agreed to expand the scope of economic relations between their two countries.
President Ramaphosa travelled to Doha for a State Visit from 14-15 November. The Republic of South Africa and the State of Qatar will in 2024 celebrate their 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
During the State Visit, the President held a bilateral discussion with His Highness, Sheik Tamim bin Hamad al Thani and deliberated on various geopolitical issues that are currently impacting the world and ways to further strengthen economic ties.
“On bilateral trade, both leaders agreed to expand the scope of economic relations. In this regard, the State of Qatar will soon dispatch a delegation to South Africa that will assess potential investment projects,” the Presidency said.
The President and His Highness, Sheik Tamim bin Hamad al Thani deliberated on the situation in the Middle East and agreed on the urgent need for the international community to support efforts by the State of Qatar to end the devastating onslaught by Israel against the people of Gaza and to find a lasting solution to the Palestine-Israel conflict.
President Ramaphosa commended Qatar for its forefront position in mediating the release of civilian captives held by Hamas in Gaza as part of a concerted de-escalation effort.
“The President and His Highness also discussed the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Both South Africa and Qatar expressed related positions on the conflict, which is to support a peaceful resolution through diplomacy, inclusive political dialogue, and negotiations, preferably facilitated through the Office of the United Nations Secretary-General. President Ramaphosa also briefed His Highness on the African Peace Initiative,” the Presidency said.
Furthermore, the two leaders deliberated on the reform of the United Nations Security Council and the urgent need to make the organ reflective of current geopolitical realities and the pivotal role that Africa and other countries of the global south can play in global governance, peace and security matters.
Addressing the Qatari and South African business community, President Ramaphosa urged Qatari companies to explore more partnerships with their South African counterparts and invest in developmental projects in South Africa.
The President enumerated several features that make South Africa an attractive investment destination of choice for Qatari businesses.
“Key amongst these, is South Africa’s industrialised economy driven by well established companies, the development of greater market access through the African Continental Free Trade Area, the endowment of vast resources of critical minerals that will be used as the world embraces cleaner, greener growth and the far-ranging economic reforms that provide opportunities for partnership between foreign investors and domestic firms in South Africa,” the Presidency said.
During the visit, three bilateral agreements were signed between the State of Qatar and the Republic of South Africa and they covered cooperation in the fields of education, the empowerment of women and people with disabilities and the establishment of a mechanism for bilateral consultations.
President Ramaphosa congratulated the State of Qatar for the successful hosting of the FIFA 2022 World Cup, an experience that is shared with South Africa. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Thu, 11/16/2023 - 11:52
155 views
Mchunu affirms traditional leadership role in Mzimvubu Water Project
Mchunu affirms traditional leadership role in Mzimvubu Water Project
Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu has assured the traditional leadership in the Joe Gqabi, OR Tambo and Alfred Nzo District Municipalities that they will be fully involved in the implementation of the multibillion Mzimvubu Water Project.
Following years of delay due to a deadlock about funding, the project has since been reconfigured to make it more affordable, with the cost been reduced from R18 billion to R8 billion.
During a recent meeting with district municipalities’ mayors and traditional leaders, Mchunu reported that the Ntabelanga Dam project, which is one of the Mzimvubu Water Project components, has since commenced its implementation in the Ntabelanga mountains, along the Tsitsa River, Tsolo, in the cross boundary of Elundini and Mhlontlo Local Municipalities in the Joe Gqabi District.
Stage one of the dam component, which includes the construction of access roads to the dam wall site, is currently sitting at over 90%, while pegging of the dam wall site, identification and pegging of land and households that will be affected by the dam impoundment, is underway.
“Other components of the Ntabelanga project include construction of a water treatment plant, primary and secondary reservoirs, and bulk pipelines for treatment, transfer and storage of potable water to enable the water services authorities to reticulate to communities earmarked to benefit from the project.
“Meanwhile, the overall Mzimvubu water project will look at the existing water supply schemes within the Mzimvubu Catchment Area, in order to optimise and harness them to benefit the communities in the three districts,” Mchunu said.
The Minister said the resuscitation of the multibillion Mzimvubu project confirms that people in rural areas also have constitutional human rights, which include the right to have access to clean, potable water for their basic needs, like the rest of the citizens who reside in urban areas.
“Through this project, we as the national, together with the provincial government and the responsible districts as water services authorities as well as relevant municipalities, should make sure that there are no more hindrances to the progress of this project to its completion. Like many other projects that have been unlocked, what is happening on this site is a beginning of a new era and makes us happy,” Mchunu said.
To ensure transparency and prevent unnecessary disruptions and delays to the project implementation, Mchunu said all relevant stakeholder representatives are going to form part of the Political Steering Committee.
The Minister and Eastern Cape Premier, Oscar Mabuyane, will establish and co-chair the committee. The members of the steering committee will include both Water and Sanitation Deputy Ministers, David Mahlobo and Judith Tshabalala, two representatives from the provincial executive cabinet, three mayors of the affected districts and two local municipalities, representatives from the Kingdom, and affected traditional councils.
The Minister said the Technical Task Team, led by the department’s Acting Deputy Director-General of Infrastructure Management, Leonardo Manus, will be formed and include the Public Liaison Committee (PLC) members and community representatives.
“The task team will deal with the technical implementation of the project including issues of relocation and compensation of households that will be affected by the dam impoundment. The task team will be expected to provide an update on the progress of the project and will report to the Steering Committee on regular basis,” the Minister explained.
Mchunu noted that with the structures setting up, the department is going to correct all the errors made previously, and will ensure that all the issues raised in the meeting receive necessary audience to ensure the continuation of the project implementation without unnecessary disruptions.
“Ultimately, the communities in the districts will receive the much needed clean, drinking water through proper infrastructure,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 11/16/2023 - 10:52
109 views
Mykonos: Child missing
Nic Stevens, NSRI Mykonos station commander, said: At 17h51, Wednesday, 15 November, NSRI Mykonos duty crew were activated by the SA Police Services responding to Veldrift, Laaiplek, following eye witness reports of a drowning in progress. The SA Police Services, SAPS WPDS (Water Policing and Dive Services), NSRI Mykonos rescue swimmers (who were conducting routine …
Komati power station repurposing on PCC agenda
Komati power station repurposing on PCC agenda
The Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) is expected to convene its 12th Ordinary Quarterly meeting in Johannesburg at Constitution Hill Precinct tomorrow.
The PCC said Friday’s meeting will consider the final draft for adoption of the Komati Power Station decommission and repurposing process report and review the progress on its work.
The power station was decommissioned in October last year with plans to repurpose it into a renewable energy site with 150MW of photovoltaic energy, 70MW wind generating capacity, 150MW of Battery Energy Storage System and synchronous condenser.
In November last year, Eskom announced that the World Bank approved a $497 million concessional loan facility to the power utility for the repurposing project.
The PCC described other issues on the agenda for the upcoming meeting
“The meeting will also receive a progress report on the status of the Just Energy Transition Investment Plan (JETIP), which comes at the back of the latest findings of the PCC commissioned Climate Finance Landscape Report and the mooted Just Transition Finance Mechanism (JTFM) which the commission will consider for a release for public comments.
“Key on the Commission agenda is the issues of climate awareness and misinformation and to this end the Commission will also receive and consider the findings of the first ever South African Social Attitudes Survey by the Human Science Research Council (HSRC) focusing on “Attitudes towards Climate Change and the Just Transition” as well as a report on the anticipated impact of El Nino on South Africa’s medium-term weather forecast by the South African Weather Services,” the Commission said.
The meeting is open to the public and can be accessed on the following platforms:
Website: https://www.climatecommission.org.za
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/climatecommission
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@presidentialclimatecommiss407 - SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 11/16/2023 - 10:19
166 views
World Diabetes Day – SA should know the risks and respond with urgency
As we recognise World Diabetes Day, the 2023 “Know your risk, know your response” theme resonates profoundly in South Africa, especially considering the rising prevalence of type 2 diabetes in the country. According to Aimee Wesso-Roberts, Head of Lifestyle and Wellness Management at the AfroCentric Group, the landscape of diabetes in our nation is intertwined …
South Africa and UAE are Sustainability Leaders
South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Saudi Arabia are doing the most to combat climate change in the Middle East and Africa, according to a new report that compares government and business sustainability policies, investment and actions.
Download document: (https://apo-opa.co/49FTzKm)
The Middle East and Africa Environmental Sustainability Scorecard (https://apo-opa.co/49Bcfeq), released Thursday, is ta detailed examination of country performance in environmental sustainability outcomes, government policies, and corporate practices in the two regions.
The report concludes that the 17 countries covered “are relative ‘late comers' to global sustainable development but at the same time represent regions that are rapidly stepping-up their sustainability strategies, programs and investments.”
The report was commissioned by Agility (www.Agility.com), a global supply chain services company based in Kuwait. It was compiled by Horizon Group (www.Horizon-Group.ch), a Geneva-based firm that specializes in research and analysis for governments, international organizations, and leading businesses worldwide.
South Africa is among the leaders in four of six pillar categories. It is 2nd in Sustainable Energy & Transport; 5th in Energy Transition; 2nd in Environmental Ecosystems; and 2nd in Circularity. Among African countries, South Africa is 3rd in Green Investment & Technology behind Morocco and Egypt.
Among the factors driving South Africa's performance: a national Biofuel Industrial Strategy; formal code of corporate governance; ESG reporting requirements and transparency and accountability standards for companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange; a World Bank energy transition partnership to decommission a coal-fired power plant and replace the power supply with renewable energy and batteries; and steps to protect habitat and cut pollution.
Egypt ranks 3rd overall in the scorecard. It is 5th in Green Investment & Technology; 7th in Sustainable Infrastructure & Transport; 5th in Governance & Reporting; 3rd in Environmental Ecosystems; and 1st in Circularity, which measures resource use and waste management.
A food security and African displacement launched by Egypt contributed to its ranking, along with its participation in a Qatar-led carbon credit program.
Other top performers in Africa: Morocco is 3rd in Green Investment & Technology and 3rd in Governance & Reporting; Rwanda and Kenya are 5th and 6th in Sustainable Infrastructure & Transport.
African countries dominate the energy transition, mainly on the strength of their green transport and energy conservation efforts. Uganda, Nigeria, Rwanda, Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, Tanzania, Mozambique, Cote d'Ivoire, Egypt and Morocco are Nos. 1 through 11 in Energy Transition.The scorecard uses 48 performance and progress indicators to compare countries. The indicators include data, regulatory frameworks, policy assessments, incentives and corporate practices across six pillar areas: green investment and technology; sustainable infrastructure and transport; governance and reporting; energy transition; environmental ecosystems; and circularity. To capture corporate practices and progress, Horizon surveyed 647 business executives in the 17 countries.
Overall, 1 through 17, here's how the countries rank: South Africa, UAE, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, Morocco, Qatar, Tanzania, Nigeria, Bahrain, Kuwait, Cote d'Ivoire, Oman, Mozambique.
Key Findings
• Business isn't paying attention to COP. Eighty-two percent of African businesses and 49% of Middle East businesses are not aware of the UN-led COP process that nations are using to push and measure efforts to tackle climate change. Few companies use COP to set their sustainability targets.
• Climate change is hurting businesses. Ninety-seven percent of companies say their business has been affected by climate change, and 49% say climate change has caused “severe damage” or has a “significant and growing” impact on them.
• Governments are leading as businesses play catch up. When it comes to climate action, governments are outpacing the private sector in both the Middle East and Africa.
• No one size fits all. Different countries have different sustainability priorities based on income, economic strengths, energy dependency, and other factors. High-income, energy-producing Gulf countries generally invest more in sustainable infrastructure and ecosystems. African economies perform best in energy conservation and consumption.
• Green investment is expensive. High- and middle-income countries are investing the most: Qatar, UAE, Morocco and Saudi Arabia.
• Africa is focused on green transport. African countries topped the scorecard in the move to non-fossil fuels for transport. Hydrocarbon producing Gulf countries are focused more on green buildings. For Gulf countries, the transition to cleaner energy is complicated by energy-intensive national priorities: the desire to boost manufacturing and the need for desalinated water.
• Waste management, consumption are tied to wealth. High-income countries are doing more to manage waste sustainably. Poorer ones do more to constrain consumption. Overall Egypt, South Africa, Bahrain and UAE perform best in “circularity” – cutting waste, encouraging recycling and sustainable production, and lowering consumption.
Agility was recently named the No. 3 Middle East “Sustainability Leader” for Transport & Logistics by Forbes Middle East. Vice Chairman Tarek Sultan said the company's strategy and investment decisions are increasingly shaped by the urgency of the climate fight.
“As a supply chain operator and investor in the Middle East and Africa, we want to know what governments and businesses are prioritizing, and where they're putting resources in the climate change battle,” Sultan said. “We want to know who we can partner with in green infrastructure and transport, alternative fuels, and supply chain services that reduce environmental impact without sacrificing performance.”
Horizon, which compiled the scorecard report for Agility, said its intent was to look “beyond the selective characteristics of the Middle East being fossil fuel-dependent with high greenhouse gas emissions per capita, and African countries being low emitters of greenhouse gases but taking relatively little action on the environment.”
The scorecard report comes on the eve of COP28, the UN-led global climate change conference convening from Nov. 30 to Dec. 12 in Dubai. Its findings amplify those in a World Economic Forum (WEF) report (https://apo-opa.co/3MKvh8d), issued in October, on decarbonization and energy transition in the Middle East and North Africa.
The WEF report concluded that “MENA countries trail behind comparable regions in terms of their sustainability progress. While local governments have pledged in the past 24 months to bring 60% of MENA's emissions under the net zero ambition, businesses overall have yet to follow suit and bridge the gap with comparable global markets –12% have set up a net zero target and 6% have established a roadmap to reach net zero.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Agility.
Media contact:
Sabrina Mundy
Man Bites Dog
teamagility@manbitesdog.com
+44 1273 716 820
For more information about Agility, visit:
Website: www.Agility.com
Twitter: https://apo-opa.co/40Ki6Kj
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/49GTqqq
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/3MNqYJr
About Agility:
Agility (www.Agility.com) is a global leader in supply chain services, infrastructure, and innovation with 45,000+ employees across six continents. A multi-business operator and investor, Agility specializes in growing and scaling operating businesses. Agility's companies include the world's largest aviation services company (Menzies Aviation); a global fuel logistics business (Tristar); a leading logistics parks developer and operator across the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa (Agility Logistics Parks); and a commercial real-estate company developing a mega-mall in the UAE (UPAC). Other Agility companies offer customs digitization services, remote-site infrastructure services, defense and government services, and ecommerce-enablement and digital logistics. Agility invests in supply chain innovation, sustainability, and resilience, and has minority holdings in a growing portfolio of listed and non-listed companies.
Quiz – Which Prepaid Water Meter is Best For Your Property?
A simple Google Search for a Prepaid Electricity and Water Meters will serve up many results from different manufacturers, wholesalers, suppliers and installers. The choices can be bewildering. At Straton Prepaid we are quite conservative with the equipment that we supply and install – 5 decades of experience have led us to stick to tried …
Call for a national early childhood feeding scheme
There is no government nutrition programme for children before they enter formal schooling
Cash reward place out for Soweto serial rapist
Cash reward put out for Soweto serial rapist
Gauteng police are offering a cash reward of R50 000 for information that could lead to the arrest and successful conviction of a man linked to 42 cases of rape.
The suspect is operating mostly in Orlando and Diepkloof, Soweto, where he accosts his victims, demands money and cellphones before committing sexual assault.
The armed suspect targets his victims on the streets, in their homes, shops and entertainment areas, where he coerces them to secluded places.
The victims consist of females ranging from 14 to 53 years of age.
Police have mobilised maximum resources to search for the suspect, including offering a R50 000 cash reward to anyone who can urgently assist with information that could lead to the apprehension and prosecution of the alleged serial rapist, believed to be in his late 30s.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the investigating officer, Sergeant Ramathavhana, on 079 890 7696 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111. Alternatively, use the My SAPS App to submit information. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 11/16/2023 - 09:23
20 views
Balwins Green Edge: Sustainable Homes and Trade-In Program
Balwin Properties, a prominent JSE-listed residential property developer in South Africa, has made significant strides in offering a range of sustainable and modern living solutions. Here’s an overview of their recent developments, innovative trade-in program, and sustainability initiatives: Current Developments Balwin Properties offers a range of apartments for sale across various locations in South Africa, …
Why Resorts Are The Perfect Venue For A Destination Wedding
The rising trend amongst couples looking for unique wedding experiences on their special day to create lasting, magical memories, is a key reason why destination weddings have become so popular. And there’s one setting that has proven time and again to be perfect for creating these unforgettable moments – resorts. Shaun Lamont, the Managing Director …
QUIZ: Which Brushcutter Is Best For You?
Whether you’re a homeowner looking to maintain your garden or smallholding, or a professional with demanding landscaping projects, a brushcutter can make all the difference. However, choosing the correct brushcutter to suit your specific needs and ensure optimal results can often be daunting to the uninitiated. “And, one size does not fit all” says Wynand …
Shack dwellers want sand mining halted
They say the sand is damaging their shacks. The City of Cape Town says the affected households will only be relocated in 2024
Activists doorstop police to demand answers for brutal barbershop assault
Police and IPID silent on the investigation into the assault of Juma Igiranieza on 7 November
62 small-scale fishing co-operatives obtain fishing rights in W Cape
62 small-scale fishing co-operatives get fishing rights in W Cape
Government has allocated 15-year fishing rights to 62 small-scale fishing cooperatives, with a total membership of 3 850 declared fishers, in the Western Cape.
This marks the final province where these rights have been granted for the first time in South Africa's history.
“This achievement signifies the end of the interim relief era and the formal inclusion of Western Cape fishing communities, whose livelihoods have been intertwined with fishing for centuries. Historically, these communities faced systematic exclusion due to past injustices, hindering their participation in fishing operations.
“From today, the fishing cooperatives will promote employment and economic development in fishing communities, as well as support food security, and decriminalise traditional fishing.
"The department is [aware] that much more needs to be done to support the sector's growth and development, and we are very committed to this process,” Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Barbara Creecy, said on Wednesday.
She made these remarks during a virtual media briefing on the finalisation of the appeals on the verification of small-scale process and the allocation of small-scale fishing rights in the Western Cape.
In the lead-up to fishing rights allocation, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) worked with community-based organisations and fishing communities to register cooperatives and identify suitable species and fishing areas to be used by the cooperatives.
The department has also commenced with providing two-day training workshops aimed at registering cooperatives as community-based legal entities earmarked for the allocation of small-scale fishing rights.
The Minister said the department is still in the process of developing a sustainable and financially viable basket of species for the small-scale sector.
Some of the species that have been granted to date include commercial traditional line-fish species, West Coast Rock Lobster, Seaweed, bait species, abalone aquaculture ranching sites, net-fish species, white mussels, oysters and hake handline.
A few years ago, the DFFE conducted a survey to understand the challenges facing small-scale fishers in the Western Cape. This survey revealed a lack of access to markets, suitable infrastructure, and access to the broader fishing value chains.
“Consequently, the department developed a support strategy, which includes formalised agreements with the Department of Small Business Development and with one of the maritime academies.
"Many other partners, such as the National Development Agency, the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) and South African International Maritime Institute (SAIMI) have committed their support to the small-scale fishing co-operatives of the Western Cape,” the Minister said.
The DFFE will appoint 62 mentors so each cooperative will have dedicated direct support for the next three years.
Before 2014, the fishing rights framework only acknowledged access rights in the recreational, commercial and subsistence sectors, thus marginalising many local fishing communities.
During this time, small-scale fishers were often deemed illegal fishers, as they were not authorised to participate in regulated fishing sectors.
In 2019, the Marine Living Resources Act was amended to include small-scale fishers and to recognise an individual as a small-scale fisher if that person is “a member of a small-scale fishing community engaged in fishing to meet food and basic livelihood needs, or directly involved in processing or marketing of fish”.
During the period between 2016 to 2019, the DFFE initiated a process to allocate of small-scale fishing rights, nationwide. Rights were finalised in the Northern Cape in 2018, and in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape in 2019 and 2020, respectively.
In 2019, the department received a total of 8 646 applications from individual applicants seeking to be recognised as small-scale fishers in the Western Cape alone.
Only 29% of the applicants were allocated rights.
In 2020, as a result of several fishing communities submitting complaints against the verification process and its outcomes in the Western Cape, the Minister called for an audit inquiry into the findings of the verification process.
Based on audit findings, the Minister sought an order from the Western Cape High Court to review and set aside the verification process for the Western Cape and to remit the verification process to the department for reconsideration.
Working collaboratively with community-based organisations, the department redesigned a fair process on the verification of small-scale fishers, resulting in over 5 000 applications from 109 fishing communities in the Western Cape.
The Delegated Authority’s final list declared over 84% of applicants successful, a significant improvement from the 2019 process success rate of 29%.
Aggrieved applicants were again entitled to lodge an appeal against the decision taken by the Delegated Authority to refuse their application. The department worked closely with the communities to provide the necessary information, support and guidance to enable appellants to lodge their appeals in an administratively and legally sound manner.
“The department received a total of 461 appeals and I considered each of these appeals on its own merits. In my consideration of these appeals, I followed the principle that all applicants are successful unless they were unable to provide proof that they met all the required criteria as set out in the Small-Scale Regulations.
“I was also mindful of the unique circumstances of fishing communities and that the completion of application forms may have been a challenge for certain individuals. I am satisfied that the process was inclusive, addressed various historical imbalances, and therefore the outcome is fair and correct.
"Four hundred and thirty-one of these appeals were upheld and this translates into a success rate of 93%,” Creecy said.
The launch of the small-scale fisheries sector in the Western Cape coincides with the commencement of the West Coast Rock Lobster fishing season.
For the full “General Published Reasons for Decisions on for the Verification of Small-Scale Fishers in the Western Cape Province” click on this link. https://www.dffe.gov.za/sites/default/files/legislations/appeals/13nov23gpr_smallscalefisheries_reallocation.pdf. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 11/15/2023 - 10:54
1213 views
Eskom lays out on transmission expansion
Eskom lays out on transmission expansion
Eskom Managing Director of Transmission, Segomoco Scheppers, says the power utility is working hard to expand transmission lines and unlock future generation capacity for the power grid “as fast as possible”.
He was addressing the Transmission Development Plan (TDP) Implementation Forum held at the Eskom Academy of Learning on Wednesday.
Previously, the power utility said it needed to augment the transmission network by approximately 14 200km by 2032 to ensure energy security in the country.
“[There] are currently 46 expansion projects in execution, of which 26 will deliver 1 632km of transmission lines, 11 290MVA and enable over 15 000MW of generation capacity. Of these 26 projects, 50% will deliver 890km of transmission lines, 3 290MVA of transformer capacity and enable the safe and reliable operation of over 10 000MW of new generation.
“This includes specifically Medupi and Kusile [power stations] as well as the Garob 267MW project connecting at Kronos substation in the Northern Cape. The other 50%... are in different phases of procurement and will deliver 435km and 8 000MVA, enabling 4 975MW of new generation capacity, mainly in the Northern and Western Cape,” he said.
Scheppers assured the forum that Eskom is “very focused on ensuring that we expand the grid as fast as possible, while safely managing the power system”.
Into the future
Looking into the future of Eskom transmission, Scheppers said Eskom has approved “the execution of R26 billion in capital investment” for transmission, with two priority programmes already in the pipeline to “accelerate the delivery of the transmission infrastructure”.
“These programmes entail, firstly, the development of 25 projects in existing substations… which will unlock 13 000MW of new generation in the next five years; secondly, 22 expedited transmission projects that will unlock 24 000MW of grid connection capacity by 2033.
“We are developing these 47 projects, which have the potential to unlock 37 000MW of grid connection capacity between 2025 and 2033. These projects are at different stages of implementation in terms of design, procurement and construction,” he said.
Scheppers called on all stakeholders to support the power utility in its plans.
“I cannot overemphasise the fact that the successful roll out of our plans will require continued support from all key stakeholders, including relevant authorities unlocking bottlenecks, as well as the market in terms of construction, contractors, suppliers and consultants.
“We are very grateful for the various NECOM [National Energy Crisis Committee] initiatives, which are proving very effective in addressing some of our historical challenges,” he said.
National Transmission Company SA
Scheppers gave the forum an update on the legal separation of Eskom into the Generation, Distribution and Transmission entities.
According to Scheppers, the separation of transmission entity – dubbed the National Transmission Company South Africa SOC Ltd (NTCSA) – is fully underway.
“We are in the process of getting final approval from the Minister of Public Enterprises for the independent board of directors for this new company. A binding merger agreement has already been signed with suspensive conditions to be fulfilled… in order to transfer the current transmission business into the new subsidiary.
“Following the fulfilment of the suspensive conditions, NTCSA will then be operationalised and employees transferred to the new company on the same conditions of service and without disrupting their years of service. We are busy with the lender engagements that are required for us to obtain consent, and these are already at an advanced stage,” he said.
The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) has already approved licences for operating the transmission system, trading in electricity, and for import and export.
“The final licences and associated conditions are being finalised and in fact, we expect that we’ll be in possession of these licences before the end of this month,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 11/15/2023 - 11:41
535 views
South African Jews call for ceasefire in Gaza
“We are a diverse group of South African Jews who are dismayed by the situation that is unfolding in Israel and Palestine”
Handwoven success: Sisters’ journey to AGOA opportunity
Handwoven success: Sisters’ journey to AGOA opportunity
Sisters Mo Morongwe Mokone and Michelle Mokone have elevated South Africa’s innovative décor scene by breaking into the lucrative United States of America (USA) market.
However, they are not stopping there and are now planning to grow their footprint beyond the USA and enter new markets, such as Europe and the United Arab Emirates.
The pair are the co-owners of Mo’s Crib, a company that produces a range of handmade home décor products. Their product range includes handwoven baskets, planters, trays, wall art and outdoor items.
Michelle, who is the Operations and Supply Chain Director of Mo’s Crib, said their products are manufactured from unique materials such as ultra-durable polyvinyl chloride plastic, reclaimed from landfills and construction sites throughout South Africa, and various types of grass.
In 2021, the pair decided to take advantage of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) – a United States Trade Act which was enacted in May 2000.
AGOA allows 35 qualifying Sub-Saharan countries to export 1 835 tariff lines duty-free to a significant consumer market in the USA.
“We managed to benefit from the AGOA only through our shipping agent. We had already registered and received an export certificate in 2019, and by the time we were ready to export, the certificate came in very useful. It was a relief to learn that we were from an AGOA-benefiting country and that our products will not be subject to any import duties,” Michelle said.
Since 2021, the business has shipped a total of eight containers full of products to the USA.
“We are on track to ship two more containers before the end of 2023. We also regularly ship a container to fulfil our orders for our online store, which is fulfilled through our warehouse in New Jersey.
“Although shipping is relatively expensive, especially for a small business that is 100% self-funded, we have benefited from the AGOA through significant market access. Currently, the USA orders constitute 60% of our overall revenue,” she said.
Taking it back to why they started the business, Michelle said the idea of Mo’s Crib dates back to the 90s when Mo used to make homemade art crafts by crocheting strips of reused plastic bags into rugs.
“The actual business, however, started as a hobby in 2016 when we took part in an annual Christmas market while working full-time in our corporate jobs. The first product sold was Origami Art, which Mo learnt in London, and what we thought would be a slow sale quickly became a phenomenon, selling out within days of the market,” she explained.
“We introduced new products every year for two years until we decided to quit our full-time jobs in 2019 and focused on the business full-time,” she added.
Before starting the business, the Mokone sisters worked full-time in their respective corporate careers. Mo was an executive assistant and a human resource personnel at a corporate firm while Michelle was working as an agricultural economist for a farmer association.
Meanwhile, Michelle was busy completing her master’s in international Trade Law at the University of Bern in Switzerland.
“Our unique skills and qualities have contributed to building the business to where it is and driving growth within the homeware industry,” Mo explained.
Mo’s Crib, which is 100% self-funded from inception, employs 12 full-time staff and 86 artisans. The pair have an internal plan to create 20 new jobs within the next two to three years.
You can contact Mo’s Crib on 0877007161 or email: hello@moscrib.com
Instagram: @mos.crib
Twitter/X: @moscrib
Facebook: Mo’s Crib
LinkedIn: The Alice Group (Mo’s Crib) https://agoa.info/about-agoa.html
DikelediM
Wed, 11/15/2023 - 11:41
442 views
eThekwini residents urged to apply for city’s debt relief
eThekwini residents urged to apply for city’s debt relief
The eThekwini Municipality has encouraged its ratepayers, who are struggling to pay their bills, to apply for the city’s Debt Relief Programme before the year ends.
The city recently reinstated the Debt Relief Programme, which allows ratepayers struggling with their municipal bills to settle their outstanding debt over a maximum period of 36 months.
The programme, which ends on 31 December 2023, is targeting residential and business customers, who are finding it difficult to service their debt to the municipality.
In order to qualify for the relief, the debt must be 90 days or older, and a down payment of 5% deposit for residential and 10% for business customers must be made.
The city’s Head of the Revenue Management Unit, Lihle Ndzelu said, an agreement will be signed and the accumulated interest will be written off.
“Customers have up to 36 months to settle all outstanding debt. Once the arrangement is made, customers have to honour it and if a customer defaults on payment or pays less than the required instalment, all written-off interest will be reinstated,” Ndzelu explained.
Ndzelu said the programme also benefits non-profit organisations, including old age homes and homes for people with disabilities, mental hospitals and Early Childhood Development centres.
“They will be granted a substantial 50% capital debt write-off once they enter into a payment arrangement. This benefit is conditional on these organisations not falling into arrears within a period of 12 months after settling their debts.
“The municipality recognises the severe financial strain that some residents are facing. As a caring city, we must do all we can to alleviate the financial burden on the municipality's valued residents,” Ndzelu said.
The municipality has previously approved and implemented the programme from December 2022 to February 2023, but decided to reinstate it after the customers requested it.
For more information on the programme, customers may approach their nearest Sizakala Centre and provide all supporting documentation when applying for the programme. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 11/15/2023 - 11:54
372 views
SA, Qatar bolster relations
SA, Qatar bolster relations
President Cyril Ramaphosa has deemed his visit to Qatar as significant, saying it serves as an opportunity to discuss and share views on the recent international developments.
“This visit is very significant, not only as an opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations between our two countries, but also to share views on recent international developments.
“The events in Palestine, and the growing deaths of civilians, particularly children, grieves us all. South Africa supports all efforts to secure an immediate and full ceasefire, with talks on a political solution to address the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people for statehood,” President Ramaphosa said.
The President was delivering remarks at the Qatar - South Africa Business Roundtable in Doha, Qatar, on Wednesday.
President Ramaphosa is currently on a two-day State Visit in Qatar at the invitation of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar.
The visit occurs in the context of three decades of diplomatic relations. The two countries will celebrate the 30th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations on 11 May 2024. This is President Ramaphosa's first visit to the State of Qatar as Head of State.
President Ramaphosa told the roundtable that while the political relationship between the two countries is strong, much more can be done with each other in areas of trade, investment and economic development.
“For this reason, I am particularly pleased that I have had an opportunity to engage with both the Qatari Business Association and the Qatar Chamber of Commerce earlier. I want to point to five features of the South African economy that offer us the opportunity to build and expand our economic relationship,” he said.
Firstly, the President highlighted that South Africa is Africa’s most industrialised economy with well-established companies.
He told the roundtable that many of these companies are active in the Middle East and Qatar. The President mentioned companies like Sasol in the petro-chemical sector with its advanced technologies and iconic consumer brands such as Nandos and Ocean Basket.
“South African has well developed manufacturing and services sectors. South African agriculture and agro-processing companies are world class, and we can support the Food Security Program of the State of Qatar.
“Beyond these, South Africa is developing its expertise in areas such as pharmaceuticals, the space industry and advanced manufacturing,” he said.
Secondly, the President said South Africa is developing greater market access across the world.
He mentioned that the country has free trade agreements in place with the European Union and the United Kingdom and is about to implement the African Continental Free Trade Area, uniting 54 economies into a large tariff-free market intended to cover 1.3 billion consumers.
In addition, South Africa currently has access to the US market on preferential terms through the African Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA) and preferential access to certain Latin American markets.
Thirdly, President Ramaphosa emphasised that the African continent has vast resources of critical minerals that will be used as the world embraces cleaner, greener growth.
With Qatar’s experience, technology and capital in the petrochemicals, natural gas and energy infrastructure, President Ramaphosa said government is looking to companies from Qatar partnering with South Africa as it implement its just energy transition.
Fourthly, the President highlighted that the country is embarking on far-ranging economic reforms that provide opportunities for partnerships between foreign investors and domestic firms in South Africa.
He said the energy market is being restructured. The public electricity utility, Eskom, which faced severe challenges, has improved maintenance of its generation fleet and has received debt relief from the State to strengthen its financial position.
“Private energy generation, specifically in renewables, constitutes a growing share of total energy generated. Since the implementation of regulatory changes, the pipeline of private sector generation projects has increased to over 100 projects representing more than 10,000 MW of potential new capacity,” he said.
Fifthly, the President told the business roundtable that the country has a stable legal system, strong protections of property rights, a deep capital market with Africa’s largest stock exchange, and a growing pool of skilled employees.
“South Africa is ready to build partnerships for faster, sustainable and inclusive growth. South Africa is keen to deepen our bilateral relationship with Qatar. We look forward to partnering in sectors such as agro-processing, automotive, aquaculture, manufacturing, hydrocarbons, infrastructure, hospitality and tourism, to mention a few.
“I invite Qatar to join us in developing a portfolio of South African investments that your sovereign wealth fund and your private sector can participate in,” the President said.
President Ramaphosa commended the business delegations from South Africa and Qatar for their engagement, adding that he look forward to successful outcomes. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Wed, 11/15/2023 - 15:20
464 views
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