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KZN entrepreneurs to showcase wares at Intra–African Trade Objective
KZN entrepreneurs to showcase wares at Intra–African Trade Fair
KwaZulu-Natal Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs MEC, Siboniso Duma, has commended entrepreneurs based in the province that have been selected to showcase their products and services at the 2023 Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) in Cairo, Egypt.
IATF is organised by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), in collaboration with the African Union Commission and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat.
The Intra-African Trade Fair is a trade show that provides a platform for sharing trade, investment and market information and enabling buyers and sellers, investors and countries to meet, discuss and conclude business deals.
The IATF will take place from 09 to 15 November 2023 will provide a unique and valuable platform for businesses to access an integrated African market of over 1.3 billion people with a GDP of over US$3.5 trillion created under the AfCFTA.
Speaking at a send-off ceremony held at Trade and Investment KZN (TIKZN) in Durban, Duma said the 21 entrepreneurs from the province were subjected to a gruelling selection process.
“By and large, the selection process was designed to ensure that we market our products and services from all corners of our province – especially the townships and rural areas. This is in line with our “Buy KZN Product” Campaign. We are happy that today our entrepreneurs gathered at Investment House for a well deserving send-off.”
He noted that through TIKZN which is an agency of government , the department has for a long-time, hosted International Expo Week, as part of creating a demand for local products produced by the province’s entrepreneurs.
“As the previous host of the 2021 IATF Trade Show 2021, we believe that this year’s event will put our entrepreneurs on the pedestal and augment the “Buy KZN Product” Campaign. Critically, we are encouraged by an integrated approach involving the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition and the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA).
“Collectively, we have made it possible to deploy resources to cover logistics and other necessary expenses for our entrepreneurs. This is in addition to the enduring partnership between TIKZN and Transnet Port Terminal. This partnership has helped many entrepreneurs under the export capacity-building programme,” Duma said.
The MEC added that the department is confident that as more entrepreneurs export their products, “we will see a significant increase in foreign exchange earnings.”
“We are saying to our entrepreneurs – the “Sky is not the Limit”. Go there - establish contact with prospective distributors and buyers - ascertain the market demand and trends and promote the Zulu Kingdom,” Duma said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 11/03/2023 - 14:06
534 views
AGOA, AfCFTA can be complementary
AGOA, AfCFTA can be complementary
Secretary General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Wamkele Mene, says the United States of America's African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) initiative and the AfCFTA can be complementary and supportive trade initiatives.
He was speaking at a media briefing on the side lines of the ongoing AGOA forum held in Johannesburg.
At its core, the American driven AGOA is aimed at enhancing market access for countries in Sub-Saharan Africa while the African Union’s AfCFTA is aimed at significantly boosting and enhancing intra-trade across all African states.
“An example of how that alignment can take place is if you look at the protocol on investment which establishes enhanced legal rights for investors but also enables countries to regulate investment inflows in the public interest.
“Similarly in the area of intellectual property rights. The US TR [United States Trade Representative] under Ambassador [Katherine Chi Tai] has been very clear that they support reforms of the global patent system so that it is at the service of public health and at the service, in our case as the continent, at the service of industrial development and job creation.
“These are some of the principles, we believe, should be considered where we are to have a discussion about trade and investment between AGOA eligible countries and the United States. These are some of the complementarities [between AGOA and the AfCFTA] that can be explored,” he said.
Mene said the continent must be “cautious not to create fragmentation within the AfCFTA as we implement AGOA”.
“In the AfCFTA there are countries in North Africa who are state parties to the agreement establishing the AfCFTA. There are also countries that are within AGOA eligibility. So that fragmentation, we have got to address it so that we don’t reverse the gains that we are making in integrating the economy of the African continent.
“I’m very encouraged that the US is willing to listen and is sensitive to this need to progress on integration,” he said at the session.
The Secretary General was emphatic when asked about the possibility of AGOA becoming an obstacle for the implementation of the AfCFTA.
“It’s a technical issue. I don’t think it’s really a political issue, it’s a technical issue about how we make that legal technical alignment between the rules of the AfCFTA and AGOA.
“We are taking measures to ensure that the implementation of AGOA supports industrial development, supports regional integration [and] supports the objectives of the AfCFTA,” he concluded. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Fri, 11/03/2023 - 14:27
514 views
US forges ahead to build stronger relations with Africa under AGOA
US forges ahead to build stronger relations with Africa under AGOA
Amid challenging global economic circumstances, United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai believes there is an opportunity to shape a stronger, new and forward-looking vision for United States-Africa trade, where more segments of society are brought in.
"[A vision] where, as President [Joe] Biden would say, ‘the benefits are realised from the bottom up and the middle out,” Tai told delegates on Friday.
In the words of Tai, the United States remains a committed partner as Africa continues this journey.
Tai was speaking at the three-day African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Forum currently underway at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg.
“As President Biden said at the US-Africa Leaders' Summit last December, ‘the United States is all in on Africa’.”
African Continental Free Trade Area
Tai, who is the principal trade advisor and spokesperson on United States trade policy, announced that her country backs the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) under the US-AfCFTA Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation for Trade and Investment.
This comes after the AfCFTA Secretary General, Wamkele Mene, and Tai signed the MoU during the summit.
“We created four Technical Working Groups, and the US government is providing approximately $160 million to support the negotiation and implementation of the AfCFTA,” Tai said.
This includes support from the United States Agency for International Development, the US Department of Agriculture, and Prosper Africa.
“The United States is here to build and enhance our relationships so that more Africans can enjoy the benefits of economic growth, to empower workers and their communities, and to build fair and equitable societies, not just for today, but for years to come,” Tai said.
She has since called on all stakeholders to work together to further unlock the potential of the partnership to pursue sustainable and equitable growth, especially for women, youth and the African diaspora.
The representative said she was looking to talk about improving utilisation rates, exploring additional trade tools to complement the AGOA relationship, implementing the AfCFTA, and better use of the multilateral trading system for the benefit of underserved groups.
“All of you in this room play such an important part in fully realising this vision. No one government can get there alone, and that is the power of this forum. A committed and thoughtful community with a common goal of strengthening our US-African trade and investment relationship.”
Tai described AGOA as a vehicle for workers and businesses across Africa.
“This is important, as all of us continue our economic recovery from the COVID pandemic.”
She also shifted her focus to challenges following the pandemic that battered economies, climate crisis, growing inequality and economic insecurity.
“But there have also been positive developments,” Tai said.
The green shoots, she said include trading under the AfCFTA since January 2021 and African Union joining G20 in September this year.
Tai cited the African Development Bank’s report that stated that five of the world’s 10 fastest-growing economies are projected to be in Africa.
She singled out South Africa, which is ranked one of the largest AGOA users, with the country being the top exporter in 2022, with $3.6 billion in exports.
“South Africa is leading the continent on other aspects as well, including through its clear commitment to human rights.”
She noted that the total goods imported into the United States under AGOA was about $10 billion in 2022, a significant increase compared to $6.8 billion in 2021.
Meanwhile, the non-petroleum imports – major sources of new investment and jobs in Africa, went up to $5.7 billion in 2022, from $5 billion in 2021.
“The programme has fostered economic growth and development on the continent to increase investment and to create new jobs and opportunities,” Tai said. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 11/03/2023 - 14:27
343 views
Fire victims snooze outside to protect their plots
“We sleep with our kids on our plots because we don’t want other residents to build their own shacks on them”
Africa has products for the global market
Africa has products for the global market
Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni says what African producers seek is increased access to markets.
She was speaking on the sidelines of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Forum held in Johannesburg on Friday.
The Minister explained that producers on the African continent seek even greater access to markets in order to thrive.
“We’ve got a lot of production that is coming from Africa and what we are seeking is more access to markets. There’s been a tendency – and business and organised labour, and also civil society, raised this concern – that the largest trade in AGOA is taking place in minerals and raw products instead of getting the beneficiation.
“We need to get the beneficiation. We need investors to invest here. But there are products from SMMEs, who are now given certification in terms of rules of origin, that they are done on the African continent and therefore they must have access to market there.
“Our agricultural products, for example, were part of the issues that were raised… We’ve got a lot of products not only for the US market but for the global market from the African continent,” Ntshavheni said.
The Minister reiterated President Cyril Ramaphosa’s call for an extended period of extension for the AGOA initiative.
“[During the forum] there were readouts from the various sectors… the private sector, organised labour, civil society, women representatives and the trade ministry and all of them collectively have reiterated the need to make the AGOA extension not a short extension but a longer extension, with a proposal of a 20-year extension so that it can be what the President [Cyril Ramaphosa] deemed the long haul.
“That gives certainty to investors and you can then look in the longer term and a bigger investment. That’s the gist of us being here and we are happy that despite the challenges, the 20th edition of the AGOA Forum is taking place in South Africa,” she said.
The Minister emphasised that Africa is on a growth path that will lead to a strong future.
“We are determined as the African continent that we are going to work together to make sure that Africa is the hub of development. Africa, by 2030, will be the continent with the largest population, therefore it will be the largest market for any global goods and services and therefore, we are going to rely on ourselves,” Ntshavheni said.
The Minister responded to questions related to perceptions of “shaky” relations between South Africa and the US.
“South Africa-US relationships are not shaky. We have South Africans who speak very loudly and express their views, and the Americans also do the same. But the relationship between South Africa and the US has always been solid because they are one of our largest trading partners and we are one of their largest trading partners on the African continent,” Ntshavheni said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Fri, 11/03/2023 - 15:32
309 views
Cosatu backs SA’s continued AGOA membership
Cosatu backs SA’s continued AGOA membership
Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) President Zingiswa Losi says the federation has thrown its weight behind the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and for its renewal as the country continues to fight joblessness.
“As a trade federation movement, our responsibility is towards ensuring we protect jobs and that is why we have always had support for our government.
“But beyond that, we continue to advocate and request our sister federation in the US to be our voice on that side that the United States of America and the Biden administration will be able to renew AGOA for the next 10 years before they go for their elections next year,” she said on Friday.
Losi was speaking during a media briefing on the sidelines of the AGOA Forum, which is currently underway at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg.
Launched in 2000, AGOA grants exports from qualifying African countries duty-free access to the United States market.
She reflected on the impact of the piece of legislation, which has created 450 000 jobs linked to the United States-Africa trade in different sectors. Losi said the mining, manufacturing, auto manufacturing, clothing, agriculture and jewellery industries have benefited from the legislation through exports.
The Cosatu President said the federation supports South Africa’s continued AGOA membership.
“It is also important that that unaligned role is strengthened when we deal with the geopolitics and it’s critical for government and business to simultaneously expand the trade and investment with other large trading partners such as the European Union, China and Japan and as you know we’re also part of the BRICS Trade Union Forum.”
Diversification, Losi believes, will ensure South Africa is able to trade with all countries to address the 42% unemployment rate, of which 60% of those are youngsters.
“Importantly, for us to do that we need to address issues of energy in the country, crime and corruption and also the issues of rail and infrastructure.”
Meanwhile, during President Cyril Ramaphosa’s main address, he said he remains concerned about the negative effects that trade restrictions on products like steel, aluminium or citrus fruit have on AGOA utilisation rates.
President Ramaphosa said he hopes the forum will help lay the basis for these to be addressed in future and that more targeted efforts to promote greater levels of investment can help unlock AGOA’s opportunities. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 11/03/2023 - 15:36
143 views
Rio Perfumes: South Africa’s Leading Online Fragrance Store Expands Delivery Services
Gauteng, South Africa – October 25, 2023 – Rio Perfumes, the number one online fragrance store in South Africa, is excited to announce the expansion of its delivery services. Customers can now enjoy safe and secure door-to-door delivery not only within South Africa but also to Gaborone, Swaziland, Windhoek, and Lusaka. With a commitment to …
Local spice brand announces and celebrates winners after a national search.
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Clanwilliam Dam project revival brings wish to West Coast
Clanwilliam Dam project revival brings hope to West Coast
The resuscitation of Clanwilliam Dam engineering work has sparked optimism among the West Coast corridor communities.
This comes after Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu conducted an oversight visit to the construction work underway at the dam site on Thursday.
The R4 billion project, situated on the Olifants River near the town of Clanwilliam in Cederberg Local Municipality, is one of the biggest government infrastructure investments in the Western Cape.
The project involves raising the dam wall by 13 metres. A total of R400 million has been allocated for the current financial year to implement the project.
The project includes extension of the dam wall on the downstream side, and raising it to a higher level by 13 metres.
The additional yield of water will provide an opportunity to develop resource poor farmers to promote food security and decent employment through inclusive economic growth.
During the visit, Mchunu said, unlocking the bottlenecks that caused the collapse of the project and seeing it to its completion is the biggest priority for the Department of Water and Sanitation.
Mchunu said the yield from the extended infrastructure will bring a lifeline to many livelihoods in this region.
“What we see happening here at the dam construction site is encouraging and there is no stopping until we finish. The dam currently yields about 123 million cubic meters of water and when the project is completed, it is expected to yield 343 million cubic meters of water, thus bringing into the system almost double the current yield,” Mchunu said.
Addressing stakeholders and residents that converged at the town’s local church hall, Mchunu said government is committing many resources to building projects across the country, and that through projects like Clanwilliam, the department strives for quality water to flow to South African households.
“We have built a solid, tight management team for the Clanwilliam Dam project, and we will support them to see it through to the end. The revival of the project is a hit for the Western Cape province.”
Mchunu said government is aware of the delays in the implementation of the Clanwillliam Dam project over the years, and assured that with the recent resuscitation of the project, the department remains committed to completing the work within the revised timeframes, budgets and specifications.
Among the direct benefits associated with the project, include more than 500 job opportunities for skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled workers, and the development of skills and learning opportunities; and new business opportunities for the locals.
Western Cape Infrastructure MEC Tertuis Simmers, who joined Mchunu during the visit, said the province welcomed the resuscitation of the dam project, noting there is a long history associated with the project.
“We welcome that work has commenced and interventions by stakeholders to unbundle the hindrances. This will now further accelerate the hydro-energy projects planned for the West Coast corridor and bolster the agricultural sector.
“As the spheres of government alongside the private sector, we remain committed to the successful delivery of this project,” Simmers said.
Francois Swaartbooi, a local businessperson, said the project has provided renewed hope for stakeholders of the West Coast, and they are happy it is being revived.
Swartbooi said they have established a business forum to ensure that local small medium enterprises benefit from the project.
The current work at the construction site includes excavations to prepare platforms for the drilling and blasting operations; blast proposal and design by the Drill and Blasting sub-contractor, and geologists to inspect the vertical faces of the excavation to determine the rock anchor details. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 11/03/2023 - 15:03
89 views
Runners arrive out in their numbers for 2023 Goss & Balfe Sapphire Coast Marathon
Runners braved the cold weather, having just celebrated the Springboks World Cup win, to compete in the 2023 Goss & Balfe Sapphire Coast Marathon in Amanzimtoti on Sunday. “Congratulations to this year’s race competitors for another successful Goss & Balfe Sapphire Coast Marathon,” commented Romy Wenzel of Sapphire Coast Tourism. “We enjoyed an impressive number …
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President Ramaphosa calls for substantial lengthening of AGOA
President Ramaphosa calls for substantial lengthening of AGOA
An extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) for a longer period of time can act as an instrument to entice investors to pour more resources into the African continent.
“We would like you to look at the extension or renewal of AGOA for a sufficiently lengthy period for it to act as an incentive for investors to build new factories on the African continent.
“As we were going around talking to a number of product producers, the recurring message and word I heard is ‘we can do more…if this opportunity is extended and we can build more capacity if we have certainty that yes, the period of extension will be longer’.
“Shorter periods of extension impede investment ambitions and we therefore want to see a much lengthier period of extension. The United States and Africa… are going to be here for a long time. We are here for the long haul so let us make AGOA a long haul opportunity for all of us,” said President Cyril Ramaphosa at the opening of the AGOA Forum, currently underway at Nasrec in Johannesburg.
The President reflected on the successes that have been made under AGOA for African countries.
“When excluding exports of crude oil under AGOA, the data show that the programme has substantially improved the export competitiveness of certain African products, especially textiles and apparel.
“Apparel exports from Lesotho, Ethiopia, Mauritius, Madagascar and Kenya have not only led to the creation of tens of thousands of jobs but these countries have become reliable producers for American consumers.
“Other parts of manufacturing have also seen success under AGOA. South Africa’s auto exports to the United States under AGOA have contributed to job creation in South Africa and in the auto supply chain within neighbouring countries.
“We value the relationship with the United States, the world’s largest national market, and a country with which we have relationships that go well beyond trade. The African Growth and Opportunity Act – or AGOA – has served as the cornerstone of the US-Africa commercial relationship for more than two decades,” President Ramaphosa said.
Africa on the rise
President Ramaphosa told the forum that trading has been in the DNA of Africans for thousands of years – predating colonial oppression.
“From earlier times, our forebears were already trading not only within Africa but with the rest of the world. They traded right across the continent… but they also traded with the world. Trading is part of our DNA; it is in our blood and it is this trading that we want to modernise and we look for partners to support us in this development as we modernise our trading practices and relations,” he said.
As the continent continues to modernise its trading, it is moving away from being a supplier of raw materials to a producer of ready-made consumer products.
“Africa is an important source of critical raw materials but we do not want to be defined by simply being the producers of commodities. The great industrial opportunity lies instead in the transformation of the rocks that we mine and the metal that we produce into the sophisticated industrial and consumer goods that societies across the world need.
“Gone should be the days when Africa is just seen as a source of rock, soil and dust being exported out of our continent. We now want to produce the products that are finished or near finished, which are utilised in other parts of the world. We want to earn full value for our products,” he said.
President Ramaphosa said he remains concerned about the negative effects that trade restrictions on products like steel, aluminium or citrus fruit have on AGOA utilisation rates.
“We hope that the discussions at this forum will help lay the basis for these to be addressed in future.”
The President said more targeted efforts to promote greater levels of investment can help to unlock AGOA’s opportunities.
The purpose of the forum is to discuss ways to expand trade and investment relations between the United States and sub-Saharan Africa, and the implementation of AGOA, including encouraging joint ventures between small and large businesses. - SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Fri, 11/03/2023 - 13:07
125 views
Boks to receive warm KZN welcome during victory tour
Boks to receive warm KZN welcome during victory tour
The people of KwaZulu-Natal are brimming with pride and anticipation as they prepare to welcome the Springboks for their victory tour on Saturday.
The Bokke, as they are affectionately known, made history by becoming the first team to win the Rugby World Cup four times and only the second to defend the title.
The victory tour is a gesture of appreciation for the millions of South Africans, who unwaveringly supported the team throughout the Rugby World Cup tournament.
The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government and eThekwini Municipality have invited rugby enthusiasts and residents to join them in celebrating the momentous occasion, and to paint the streets of Durban green and gold during the Durban leg of the Webb Ellis Trophy tour.
“The Springboks will be received by KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube, eThekwini Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda and the MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture, Dr Ntuthuko Mahlaba, in true Durban style.
“The celebratory procession will commence at approximately 9am in uMhlanga, proceed through KwaMashu before winding its way towards the picturesque Durban beachfront before culminating at the City Hall balcony, where the coveted Webb Ellis Cup will be proudly displayed,” the provincial government said.
In light of the festivities, the residents and motorists have been urged to exercise patience, as temporary road closures will be in effect from 8:30am to 2pm along the parade route. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 11/03/2023 - 11:42
80 views
Young farmer gets a shot in the arm from government
Young farmer gets a shot in the arm from government
When he started farming vegetables in 2021, Sihle Maseko only had one hectare of land to grow his produce, but his hard work and determination to be successful has resulted in the creation of jobs for others.
Armed with a Diploma in Agricultural Science, the 29-year-old farmer from Keiskammahoek in the Eastern Cape produces a variety of vegetables, including cabbages, butternut and green mealies on 15 hectares of land.
The 15 hectares of land include five hectares, which is owed by his family and a 10-year lease from the community.
With 10 people employed on the farm, Maseko’s market has extended to other District Municipalities, including Chris Hani and OR Tambo.
Maseko has also managed to establish regular buyers in Middledrift, Alice, Keiskammahoek, East London, Peddie and other areas in the Amathole District.
Thanks to the Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (DRDAR) support, Maseko will now be able to produce more and expand his business.
On Thursday, DRDAR MEC, Nonkqubela Pieters handed over a tractor and its implements to Maseko which will help him to grow and become a commercial farmer.
“I want to be able to create more jobs for my community and inspire more youth to join this sector. The youth should realise that they can make a good living out of this sector,” Maseko said.
Speaking at the handing over ceremony, Pieters said, government aims to ensure there are black commercial farmers, who through the support provided, are able to improve their businesses to make more profit, and be able to create jobs.
“We don’t want farmers that are always emerging and waiting for handouts from government. Agriculture is a business and it should not be practiced leisurely, especially with the investment from government - we want to see returns. Government cannot afford to be always pumping money to farmers that are not growing, you need to graduate," Pieters said.
The MEC also urged the youth to follow in Maseko’s footsteps.
“We are here today to assist a young farmer to produce more and excel in farming. If Sihle can do it what prevents other young people to get up and do something for themselves?” she said.
At the event, the MEC also handed over cropping inputs that included maize seeds and fertiliser to Keiskammahek community projects. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 11/03/2023 - 11:17
98 views
CSA To Host Proteas Women National Camp Ahead Of Bangladesh Visit
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Government on course to manage expenditure
Government on course to manage expenditure
The sixth administration is on course to prudently manage government expenditure while retaining the focus on infrastructure, health, education and policing as critical areas of growth and development.
This is according to President Cyril Ramaphosa who was responding to Questions for Oral Reply in the National Assembly on Thursday.
Leader of the opposition party (Democratic Alliance), John Steenhuisen asked the President the reasons for the drastic budget cuts to government departments, which will have an impact on government’s delivery of frontline services at a time when citizens are being battered by the cost-of-living crisis.
The President highlighted that the Minister of Finance tabled the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) on Wednesday, which outlined the country’s fiscal position and provided information on government’s spending priorities over the next three years.
“Among other things, the Minister of Finance indicated in the MTBPS that we are resolved to stabilise public finances while maintaining support for the most vulnerable and protecting frontline services.
“At the same time, we are fast tracking growth-enhancing reforms, which includes a new financing mechanism for large infrastructure projects. Work is underway to reconfigure the structure and size of the state, while strengthening its capacity to deliver quality public services,” the President said.
President Ramaphosa told Members of Parliament that the cost containment guidelines issued by the National Treasury give advice and guidance to government departments to ensure a sound and prudent management of public finances in the context of significant constraints.
“The increase in fiscal constraints is mainly due to reduced revenues. The cost containment guidelines target non-critical spending items such as travel, catering, accommodation and capital items that have not yet commenced,” he said.
Turning to the discussions that the President and Deputy President Paul Mashatile have had with Ministers on an ongoing basis, President Ramaphosa said the meetings are focused on how programmes and activities undertaken by departments advance economic growth, social development and service delivery.
“Ministers and their departments engage with National Treasury on how best to implement any budget restructuring and delay projects where necessary without compromising the needs of communities,” he said. - SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Fri, 11/03/2023 - 09:10
275 views
Roads in Kariega flooded for months
Taxi association in Kariega says: “We were promised that the problem would be fixed but it isn’t.”
AGOA an opportunity to elevate labour standards and social justice issues
AGOA an opportunity to elevate labour standards and social justice issues
The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Forum creates a significant opportunity to elevate issues associated with labour standards and social justice.
This is according to Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi who delivered opening remarks at the Organised Labour and Civil Society AGOA Forum on Thursday.
“We exist within complex social and economic environments that are ever changing. But our goals should be to achieve social justice and decent work for all people through a focus on decreasing unpaid labour, increasing social protection, doing away with employment discrimination, increasing wages, and improving job security.
“Through these efforts we could contribute significantly to raising the standard of living within our communities,” he said.
The Africa Growth and Opportunity Act is a unilateral trade preference scheme that provides qualifying Sub-Saharan African countries with duty-free, quota-free access into the United States market. AGOA remains the cornerstone of the USA’s commercial relations with Sub-Saharan Africa.
The Minister highlighted that an important component of the AGOA built into the AGOA Act are issues of labour, employment and human rights.
He said that each AGOA Forum has had a Civil Society Forum on the fringes which has included organised labour and civil society organisations from AGOA eligible countries.
However, the Organised Labour and Civil Society Forum being hosted in South Africa marks the first time that organised labour is elevated as a separate sector.
“From a South African perspective we see this as a significant step to elevate some key issues in relation to employment, labour rights and trade matters,” the Minister said.
Nxesi said Africa has a youthful workforce and this creates a significant opportunity for the development of the continent.
“To be able to leverage this immense potential it is becoming increasingly important to consider the forces at play in shaping the future of work globally and on the continent.
“The digital transformation and technological advancements in and across sectors create immense opportunities for greater diversification within sectors of the economy however, they also pose challenges to our labour and social fabric.
“Therefore, as we grapple with the integration and mainstreaming of these forces into our communities we should not lose sight of the importance of respecting, promoting and realising fundamental principles and rights at work,” he said.
Guided by international labour standards, the Minister said stakeholders should seek to create resilient, sustainable and inclusive communities with greater levels of equity that lead to the improvement of living standards.
Nxesi said the question that needs to be asked is: “How do we best utilise the opportunities which come with AGOA to expand trade and investment – but in such a way that we create employment, thus improving the conditions of our people – whilst also strengthening human and labour rights?” – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Fri, 11/03/2023 - 09:13
148 views
Where is the Electoral Reform Consultation Panel?
Minister of Home Affairs Aaron Motsoaledi is again blocking electoral reform, by missing a key deadline in the amended law. The deadline in the Electoral Amendment Act for the establishment of the Electoral Reform Consultation Panel has technically passed. As stipulated in the Act, Clause 23 requires that “Within four months after the commencement of …
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Dear Editor The DA welcomes the call by the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation and OUTA, amongst others, for urgent action to rescue Johannesburg. On 4 October 2023, the DA announced that we would table a motion to dissolve the Joburg council because governance has failed in the city of Johannesburg – the City is being run …
Emerging Black Innovator and Entrepreneur Ezra Rasethe: Democratizing Wealth Creation in South Africa through Property Investment
Ezra Rasethe, Founder and CEO of InvestRand, is spearheading a mission to democratize wealth creation in the country. InvestRand empowers ordinary individuals to build long-term wealth through property investment. The innovative marketplace partners with everyday South Africans, providing them with the knowledge and tools to achieve their investment goals, whether it’s capital growth, passive income, …