Loved ones who perished in the Joburg building fire
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SA awarded Chairship of the Africa Green Hydrogen Alliance
SA awarded Chairship of the Africa Green Hydrogen Alliance
South Africa will use its Chairship of the Africa Green Hydrogen Alliance (AGHA) to advance the green hydrogen agenda on the continent and support opportunities for peer-to-peer learning, technology transfer, economic and employment opportunities.
This is according to Minister in the Presidency for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, who was handed Chairship of the AGHA on the sidelines of the Inaugural Africa Climate Summit (ACS), which took place from 04-06 September 2023 in Nairobi Kenya.
“Green hydrogen and its associated large scale renewable energy production has the potential to support the expansion of the electricity transmission infrastructure, to add additional renewable energy generation capacity and to support the local development of renewable energy.
“As such it is a key component of South Africa’s future energy mix to achieve sustainable energy security,” the Ministry for Electricity said on Thursday.
AGHA was formed in May 2022 by six African countries, Egypt, Kenya, Mauritania, Morocco, Namibia and South Africa, to drive decarbonisation through green hydrogen.
The alliance seeks to intensify collaboration and supercharge the development of green hydrogen projects on the African continent in line with the Just Energy Transition.
“It focuses on public and regulatory policy, capacity building, financing and certification needs to mobilise green hydrogen production for domestic use and export. The inclusion of the Ethiopia and Angola’s membership were also announced alongside South Africa’s Chairship,” the Ministry for Electricity said.
During the ACS, the Minister participated in panel sessions where he shared lessons on South Africa’s energy outlook and the role of green hydrogen in supporting energy security and driving green industrialisation.
On the margins of the Summit, the Minister engaged in multiple high-level bilateral meetings to explore energy collaborations and meaningful partnerships in the energy space.
The Minister’s participation at the Summit was underpinned by a commitment to consistent, sustainable and affordable energy supply for South Africa. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Fri, 09/08/2023 - 09:30
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SA observes Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
SA observes Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
The Department of Health in collaboration with various local and international stakeholders will spend the month of September creating awareness of the impact of cancer in children and their families around the country.
According to the department, it has collaborated with the likes of CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa (CHOC) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) to ensure children with childhood cancer in the country are diagnosed early for successful treatment.
September marks Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
Childhood cancer is one of the leading causes of disease-related death past infancy in children and adolescents, the department said in a statement.
“Several barriers impede the early diagnosis and referral of the child with cancer to treatment centres. Myths and surrounding the cause of childhood cancer is a major barrier to families seeking medical care timeously.”
Meanwhile, the department has noted a lack of knowledge and fear of the unknown as drivers of the myths, fallacies and stigmas surrounding childhood cancer resulting in missed diagnoses or presentation with advanced disease, which negatively affects outcomes.
“We must educate our communities and primary healthcare workers that children do get cancer, can be treated, and cured.”
In high-income countries with 20% of the world’s children with cancer, the department said survival rates are more than 80% while the situation is different in low- and middle-income countries where survival is as low as 20% to 30%.
“Fortunately, children with cancer in South Africa have much better outcomes of between 55 to 60%.”
According to the Chair of the South African Association of Paediatric Haematology Oncology, Professor Gita Naidu, South Africa aligns with the WHO Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer (WHO-GICC).
The WHO-GICC aims to increase the survival of children and adolescents with cancer globally.
“We need to focus on early diagnosis, referral to specialised treatment centres, ensure access to diagnostics and therapeutics, and emphasise quality of life, supportive, long-term follow-up, and palliative care.”
The WHO-GICC, established in 2018, brings together stakeholders from around the world and across sectors with the joint goal of increasing the survival rate of children with cancer globally to at least 60% by 2030.
CureAll, a strategic and practical approach that involves centres of excellence and care with a sufficient and competent workforce to increase capacity to deliver services, guides the initiative.
The approach also focuses on universal health coverage that ensures access to essential medicines, diagnostics, and technologies.
It also looks at research and innovation that generate evidence-based solutions for local contexts and the empowerment of patients, families, and communities through education, awareness, and advocacy.
CHOC CEO, Hedley Lewis, calls on South Africans to unite and work together to achieve the WHO’s target to ensure at least 60% survival in low- and middle-income countries and to reduce suffering of all children with cancer by 2030 worldwide.
The Medical Officer responsible for non-communicable diseases at the WHO, Dr Kibachio Joseph Mwangi, reckons that the current partnership with the WHO-GICC can lead to improved outcomes for children with cancer by focusing on a prompt, correct diagnosis followed by evidence-based therapy.
The department stresses the importance of the St Siluan warning signs of childhood cancer, which can be accessed at https://choc.org.za/childhood-cancer-early-warning-signs/. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 09/08/2023 - 09:31
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HPCSA addresses backlog of South African foreign-qualified board exams
HPCSA addresses backlog of South African foreign-qualified board exams
The Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) says it empathises with and fully understands the frustration and dissatisfaction among the South African foreign-qualified medical doctors whose registration with the council has been delayed due to administrative challenges.
“The training received by all foreign-qualified medical practitioners is subject to review to measure compliance and equivalence to the prescribed minimum South African requirements.
“This is to establish whether the qualifications meet the evaluation criteria and allow applicants to practice their profession in the country,” the HPCSA explained on Thursday.
A group of jobless doctors, who studied overseas, marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria on Wednesday to raise their grievances about their inability to write their board exams so that they can start practising, News24 reported.
The HPCSA has since explained that the review process considers various elements. This includes the curriculum content, duration of the studies and the recognition of the institution from which training was received by the local regulator and responsible ministry in that particular country.
“Should the review process find that the training was neither equivalent nor satisfactory, registration with the council is denied since a foreign qualification on its own does not guarantee automatic registration.”
The council said an external service provider manages the Medical Board Examinations on behalf of the Medical and Dental Board (MDB).
“Previously, this was conducted by Sefako Makgatho University (SMU) whose contract subsequently expired, following several extensions.
“The HPCSA had already started a supply chain management process to seek a replacement service provider, with initial bids advertised in March 2022. Unfortunately, only one bidder responded but did not meet the supply chain requirements.”
The statement said another closed bid was advertised to all the universities in July 2022, the same institution was the sole respondent and once again did not meet the requirements.
“As a result, a deviation from normal procurement processes was sought to enable negotiations with the same institution to provide guidance and ensure that requirements are met. This process took longer than anticipated but is now nearing completion.”
To address the registration backlog of foreign-qualified medical doctors, the HPCSA said it was still preparing to conduct both theory and practical board examinations before the end of the year.
The HPCSA has committed to exploring a more efficient and effective approach to medical examinations after consultations with all relevant stakeholders, including the universities with Medical School facilities, which will be submitted to the Medical and Dental Board and council for final ratification.
“I would like to apologise to the affected practitioners and assure them that we are working tirelessly to ensure a speedy and permanent solution for all, said HPCSA Registrar, Dr Magome Masike. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 09/08/2023 - 09:59
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Grant recipients forced to produce loans because of “payment glitch”
“It’s my only source of income” says pensioner
Deputy President calls on social partners to tackle joblessness, climate change
Deputy President calls on social partners to tackle joblessness, climate change
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has called on social partners to work with government to deal with the country’s pressing issues, especially unemployment and climate change.
The Deputy President took to the podium at the National Economic Development Labour Council’s (NEDLAC) 28th Annual Summit in Johannesburg on Friday to reflect on the COVID-19 pandemic, which he said intensified economic setbacks, resulting in high unemployment and loss of jobs.
He also spoke about the current condition of the labour market, which he believes is indicative of the legacy of apartheid.
“We have inherited a labour force characterised by racial and gender inequities, skills shortages and high unemployment rates, particularly among Africans,” he told the delegates.
He welcomed the decline in the unemployment rate to 32.6% in the second quarter of this year, this is down from 32.9% in the first quarter.
“The best that can be said here is that the trend is heading in the right direction, albeit at a slow pace. Serious concerns such as job losses in manufacturing remain.
“In this regard, organised business, labour, government and the community sector at NEDLAC have turned to each other to seek ways of turning our economy around, reversing unemployment and building inclusive growth.”
Through collective efforts, one purpose and shared values, he said, they hold the power to determine the trajectory of South Africa.
The Deputy President cited President Cyril Ramaphosa who has called for a social compact between the government and the social partners in his 2022 State of the Nation Address.
He noted that NEDLAC has historically sought to collaborate about the big policy choices that face the country.
“However, in South Africa, where unemployment is so high and those who work support many of those who do not, this type of trade-off may be difficult to attain. The most pressing challenge appears to be one about ideological positions among social partners with respect to the path to growth, which have not shifted despite the enormous crisis the country faces.
“We must summon enough bravery to discuss this matter openly in order to prevent the ticking time bomb of poverty, inequality and joblessness from going off. This is not impossible to achieve.”
Meanwhile, he said the Presidency and Business for South Africa has initiated an important partnership with government to focus on energy, logistics and crime.
“It has offered to bring in resources and expertise to accelerate progress and address the current impediments to economic growth.”
He also urged social compacts to avoid being mere “talk shops”.
“NEDLAC has a responsibility to demonstrate to the nation that there can be win-win situations and that we can proceed with the best potential or least worst outcomes.”
Climate change
He also touched on the impact of climate change whether it is the flooding in KwaZulu-Natal, persistent drought in the Eastern Cape, high temperatures in Upington or poor air quality in Mpumalanga.
“[This makes] it impossible to cultivate fields… climate change is here.”
“Government’s response has been to prepare for a just transition from the world as we know it, to one which is friendlier to the environment and ultimately gives our children a safe future.”
He believes it will only be through partnerships that they can ensure that everyone is supported to transition to new employment or better livelihoods and provided with the necessary social support mechanisms.
“If not, those that are negatively affected now will resist this transition, to the detriment of future generations.”
In addition, social partners should focus on preparing for and building resilience in the face of challenges, especially health crises, natural disasters, deteriorating infrastructure, and rising levels of disruptive crime and vandalism.
“The reality is that some terrible aspects of our country cannot be wished away. Instead, we must indeed prepare for these crises to preserve lives and livelihoods and then address systemic challenges such as climate change and improved water access.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 09/08/2023 - 11:42
393 views
Minister Thoko Didiza welcomes latest figures released by Statistics South Africa on Coarse Domestic Product
The Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Ms. Thoko Didiza has welcomed the latest figures released by Statistics South Africa on the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the second quarter of 2023, showing that the agricultural sector was once again one of the biggest contributors to the country's economic growth. This growth signifies the importance and influence of the sector in our nation's economy.
The agricultural sector grew by 4.2% in the second quarter of 2023, fuelled largely by a good summer harvest of grains, and oilseeds commodities coupled with solid horticultural exports. In the second quarter of 2023, South Africa exported agricultural products worth R60.2 billion, which is almost 13% higher than the corresponding period last year.
Currently, the country is expected to harvest 16.4 million tons of maize and about 743 thousand tons of sunflower, a crop size that will bode well for consumers, as food inflation will subside. Already in July 2023, food inflation had receded to 9.9% providing a much-needed relief to consumers.
“The growth in agriculture and its contribution to the country's economy can be attributed to the increasing footprint of South Africa's agricultural products in the international markets,” said Minister Didiza
This is underscored by the government's decisions to invest resources in opening new export markets while maintaining trade relations with existing markets.
In August 2023, the Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development secured new export markets for avocados, beef, and other animal products to countries such as Saudi Arabia and China.
“The drive to open new export opportunities will continue as the government strives to grow a competitive, resilient, and export oriented agriculture.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development: Republic of South Africa.
President Ramaphosa arrives in New Delhi to attend the G20 Leaders’ Summit
President Cyril Ramaphosa has today, 08 September 2023, arrived in New Delhi, Republic of India to participate in the G20 Leaders' Summit scheduled for 09 - 10 September 2023.
The New Delhi G20 Summit is hosted under the theme “One Earth, One Family, One Future”.
The President will tomorrow, 09 September 2023, participate in the G20 Working Sessions themed “One Earth, One Family, One Future”.
On Sunday, 10 September 2023, President Ramaphosa will also join Heads of State and Government at the Wreath Laying Ceremony taking place at the Rajghat Memorial.
The President will also on the margins of the G20 have bilateral meetings with Heads of State and Government to strengthen South Africa's diplomatic, economic and cultural ties.
The New Delhi Summit will focus on the key pillars of the Indian G20 Presidency, namely;
- Accelerated, Inclusive Sustainable and Resilient Growth;
- Accelerating Progress on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs);
- Mainstreaming Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE);
- Multilateral Institutions for the 21st Century;
- Technological Transformation and Public Infrastructure;
- Building Digital Public Infrastructure;
- Safeguarding International Peace and Harmony;
- Creating a More Inclusive World, Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women and;
- Creating a More Inclusive World.
The Group of Twenty (G20) is the premier forum for international economic cooperation. It plays an important role in shaping and strengthening global architecture and governance on all major international economic issues.
India holds the Presidency of the G20 from 1 December 2022 to 30 November 2023.
The G20 Summit is held annually, under the leadership of a rotating Presidency.
The G20 has since expanded its agenda to include trade, sustainable development, health, agriculture, energy, environment, climate change, and anti-corruption.
South Africa is a member of the G20 and its participation seeks to provide a strategic foresight in establishing an economic and international policy platform that will drive and negotiate the best possible outcomes for the country, Africa and the developing world.
South Africa will assume the G20 Presidency in 2025.
President Ramaphosa is supported by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency: Republic of South Africa.
Go Bokke!
Go Bokke!
Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa has wished the three-time world champions, the Springboks, well as they participate in the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
“On behalf of all South Africans, I would like to wish the Bokke all the best in the World Cup. Do your best and make us proud. Bring it back Bokke!” Kodwa said.
The 2023 Rugby World Cup begins on Friday, with the Springboks playing their first game on Sunday against Scotland. The World Cup fixtures runs from Friday 8 September to Saturday 28 October.
“The Springboks represent the best of South Africa. They inspire national unity, and foster social cohesion and national identity. This was captured by President Nelson Mandela during the 1995 Rugby World Cup, where the Springboks were a key ingredient to his message of national unity.
“The current Springboks represent this country's diversity and represent South African excellence with their performances,” the Minister said.
He made these remarks during a media briefing in Pretoria on Friday.
Earlier this week, SuperSport announced a failure to reach an agreement with the SABC on the broadcast rights to the tournament.
“This week began with much concern that most of the country would be unable to watch the 2023 Rugby World Cup on SABC channels. This followed an impasse in negotiations between SABC and MultiChoice on broadcast rights for the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
“On Monday, I had a discussion with the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, and met with senior executives of the SABC, urging the public broadcaster to find a solution to this impasse with MultiChoice.
“I had made it clear that my interest in this matter was for all South Africans to have access to sport of national interest. I had also made clear the need to find a permanent solution to this matter, as this goes beyond rugby. All South Africans need to be able to watch our sports teams performing on international platforms,” the Minister said.
MultiChoice and the SABC reached an agreement on the matter on Thursday.
“Yesterday’s developments, where MultiChoice agreed to sub-license broadcast rights to the SABC for the 2023 Rugby World Cup means that millions of South Africans will be able to watch this global showpiece, and to see the Springboks go on to defend their world title.
“I reiterate my call for a permanent solution to be found, as we cannot find ourselves in this situation before major sporting events,” Kodwa said.
School Sport Indaba
The Minister announced that the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture will host a School Sports Indaba next Thursday and Friday.
“The aim of this Indaba is to establish a national sports programme for South Africa that is benchmarked against the world's most effective school sports programmes.
“One of the priorities of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture is grassroots sports development. The School Sports Indaba will go a long way towards strengthening our focus grassroots sports development through early identification and nurturing of sporting talent.
“The Sports Indaba will see over 30 organisations, as well as teacher unions, sports federations, international bodies and governments gather to exchange and come up with a blueprint for South African schools sport,” Kodwa said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Fri, 09/08/2023 - 12:08
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Scotland Team Named for RWC 2023 Opener Against Springboks
Head coach Gregor Townsend has named his squad for Scotland’s opening fixture at Rugby World Cup 2023 against South Africa, this Sunday 10 September – kick-off 4.45pm (BST), live on STV and ITV. Captain Jamie Ritchie leads his country in their Pool B clash with defending champions South Africa at Marseille’s Stade Vélodrome, the blindside …
Bring it Back Bokke!
Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa has wished the three-time world champions, the Springboks, well as they participate in the 2023 Rugby World Cup. “On behalf of all South Africans, I would like to wish the Bokke all the best in the World Cup. Do your best and make us proud. Bring it back …
Checkers – driving patriotic spirit and giving away R8 million this Rugby World Cup
Checkers – driving patriotic spirit and giving away R8 million this Rugby World Cup Checkers is going all in to ensure South African consumers have the ultimate Rugby World Cup experience on local soil – just light the fire and Checkers will do the rest! This includes making sure that there are enough beer glasses …
Planning for the future
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde’s Energy Digicon this week looked to the future; more specifically measures the Western Cape Government (WCG) is exploring and implementing to meet the future energy needs of a growing population. A vital component of the Western Cape Energy Resilience Programme is the Provincial Integrated Resource Plan (PIRP). Essentially the PIRP …
GWCCI lead Wales ‘into the fray’ with their latest single, “I’R GÂD”
The Welsh Rugby Union collaborated with Welsh rap band, GWCCI, on a rugby anthem ahead of the rugby world cup. The song entitled, “I’R GÂD”, is a heartfelt tribute to Welsh culture, the nation’s rugby heritage, and to the enduring pride of the Welsh people. Roughly translated as ‘to the fray’ or ‘to battle’, “I’R …
DIRCO Finally Disposing of Some of its Property Portfolio
Dear Editor Despite years of fierce resistance to the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) repeated calls to sell properties abroad and save taxpayers money on maintenance costs, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) is finally taking steps to dispose some of its property portfolio. The DA welcomes DIRCO’s policy shift and we strongly believe that …
Hawks officials to appear for allegations of corruption
Hawks officials to appear for allegations of corruption
Two Hawks officials at the rank of a Sergeant and Captain will appear in the Mthatha Specialised Commercial Crimes Court this morning, 8 September 2023 for allegations of corruption.
This comes after the Mthatha-based Serious Corruption Investigation and Serious Organised Crime Investigation of the Hawks arrested them during an undercover operation on Thursday, 7 September 2023.
“It is alleged that on 31 July 2023, a complainant received a call from the suspect who introduced himself as a Hawks official at the rank of a Captain in Gauteng wanting to meet them because the Department of Labour had opened a case against his company.”
The following month, it is said that the accuser allegedly received another call from the same official demanding R400 000 which the complainant reportedly indicated not to have.
“The complainant further indicated that on 5 September 2023, he received another call from the very same official securing their meeting in Mthatha to bring an amount of R50 000 for the docket to be destroyed and thus close the case.”
The complainant reported the matter to the Hawks and an undercover operation was conducted wherein the suspects were arrested immediately after the transaction.
“An amount of R10 000 was found in their possession. The duo will appear in Mthatha Specialised Commercial Crimes Court this morning.”
The Eastern Cape Hawks Head Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya expressed his satisfaction with the swift response of the joint operation.
“Such conduct by our own bring the name of the Hawks into disrepute,” he said, adding that the Hawks will continue to act without favour, fear or prejudice. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 09/08/2023 - 10:15
280 views
NERSA’s Extortionate National Electricity Tariff Hike – Court Action to Begin
On Monday, 11 September 2023, the DA’s seminal case against this year’s extortionate 30% national electricity tariff hike, by NERSA, will be heard in the North Gauteng High Court. The DA is taking this unaffordable and offensive national increase on review, because people across South Africa can no longer afford the out of control price …
Awards to honour accomplished, inspiring South Africans under 40
Awards to honour accomplished, inspiring South Africans under 40
Deputy President Paul Mashatile will on Saturday, 9 September 2023, attend and deliver the keynote address at the Forty under 40 SA Awards, taking place at Houghton Hotel, Gauteng.
The Forty under 40 SA Awards celebrate and honour the nation’s most influential, accomplished, and inspiring South Africans under 40, across various sectors.
This year more than 350 nominations were received and the final 40 of these will be hailed as the most influential for their achievements in their respective areas.
The awards are hosted by the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, together with the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), in partnership with Xodus Communications.
The awards will be preceded by the Champion Summit, which is an interactive gathering that aims to empower and equip young leaders with the necessary skills, knowledge, and networks to drive positive change in their communities.
“The summit promises to bring inspiring interactions, engaging workshops, and panel discussions, which will foster an environment for the exchange of ideas and personal development,” the Deputy President’s Office said.
During his address, Deputy President Mashatile will highlight how government has placed the education and training of young people at the top of its agenda as one of the most crucial enabling factors for economic emancipation. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 09/08/2023 - 10:22
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Makhanda without a post office since July
People from the town and surrounding areas are having to travel to Port Alfred
Construction of N4 Montrose road infrastructure investment complete
Construction of N4 Montrose road infrastructure investment complete
Minister of Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga will officially open the multi-million rand N4 Montrose Interchange in Mpumalanga on Friday.
“Construction of the Montrose Interchange is now completed and temporarily being used by traffic to service the entire community traversing through between Middleburg and Mbombela as well as the cross-border traffic leading to the neighbouring state, Mozambique through the Maputo Port of Entry,” the Department of Transport said on Thursday.
The department, through the South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) and the Trans African Concessions (TRAC), completed the upgrading of the N4/Montrose/Schoemanskloof Interchange in August 2023 as part of the Maputo Corridor Development initiative.
“Work on the interchange included the construction of four new interchange ramps and the widening of the existing two-lane Crocodile Bridge from two to five lanes.
“Two new arch bridges supported by adjacent rock cut faces have also been constructed to cross the existing Elands Valley section to accommodate two new ramps with Five 25-m-high masts illuminated at the interchange, increasing visibility and road safety,” the department said.
The interchange has already created over 350 jobs and provided subcontracting opportunities for at least ten local companies.
Chikunga will officially open this key economic corridor interchange joined by Mpumalanga Premier Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane, the SANRAL Board of Directors, CEOs of Transport Department roads entities, TRAC CEO, traditional leadership and community members in the Mpumalanga province. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Fri, 09/08/2023 - 09:15
117 views
Afrika Tikkun Celebrates International Literacy Day, Empowering Young Minds Through Books
Afrika Tikkun is proud to join the global community in celebrating International Literacy Day on Friday, 08 September 2023. This annual observance is a testament to Afrika Tikkun’s unwavering dedication to providing quality education and literacy programmes to underserved communities in South Africa. International Literacy Day, established by UNESCO, serves as a reminder of the …
Mfuleni pensioners say they’ve been overlooked for housing
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The scheme has had more than 170,000 appeals from students about allowance payments
Arsene Wenger: I had a chance to create a legacy for developing talented children
The FIFA (www.FIFA.com) Talent Coach programme sits under the umbrella of FIFA's Talent Development Scheme; Twenty-five member associations will benefit from a Talent Coach working with them for two years; Wenger: “We want to develop children, to ultimately make football globally more competitive.”
One afternoon last week at the Home of FIFA, a group of U-14 players were gathered in a huddle. In their midst, an ‘over-age' player could be spotted, linking arms with players less than half his height. FIFA's Chief of Global Head of Development, Arsène Wenger.
Players from FC Zurich's junior teams were supporting the final preparations of FIFA's latest Technical Development programme to be launched, which will see Talent Coaches spend two years each, working together with twenty-five of FIFA's member associations (MAs).
The FIFA Talent Coach Programme is another important pillar under the umbrella of the Talent Development Scheme, following a six-month pilot involving seven countries (Kyrgyz Republic, Costa Rica, Venezuela, Benin, South Africa, Fiji, and Finland).
“We want to develop elite players in countries where there is potential for further development. There are many children in the world who don't get the chance to develop their talent, and the quality of our work can change this,” explained Wenger.
Observing the different coaching sessions taking place, Wenger's engagement was clear. From passing on a tip to one of the coaches, to sharing his philosophy on the game. It felt pertinent to ask: what lies behind his motivation?
“Arsenal is known for giving players a chance but I knew that was not the case everywhere. One of my worries was always to give people who deserve it, a chance in life.
“When I joined FIFA, we analysed football around the world, and realised that the main deficit in football is education, in many, many countries. Look at the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023™. It shows you how quickly women's football has developed at the top level, and what is possible.
“If you love football, you don't just love it at the elite male level. After my competitive career, I had a chance to create a legacy for developing talented children. This doesn't make headlines, but that's not important. What is important is that we are efficient. That we help develop children between the ages of 12-16, to ultimately make football globally more competitive.”
In December 2022, the FIFA Council approved a funding allocation of USD 200 million (https://apo-opa.info/3sNcfXR) to cover the 2023-2026 operational lifecycle of this ground-breaking initiative, and in March 2023, the Council also approved a set of regulations laying out the principles and distribution of funding and the process of approval, as well as the rights and obligations of member associations.
Participating member associations may apply for funding under one or more of the annual bespoke FIFA talent programmes to support specific projects related to their strategic long-term development plan.
Patricia Gonzalez, FIFA's Team Lead of the Talent Coaches programme, is one of the Talent Coach programme leads and admitted that on paper, the key objectives of the Talent Coach programme look simple.
1. To put the best young players with the best in each country
2. Increase the contact time
3. Improve the processes of planning, talent identification and coach education
“By having a dedicated coach on the ground, working in partnership with our MAs, we believe together we can enhance the high-performance environment in each country and give more talent a chance,” said Gonzalez.
“Over the last three years, FIFA conducted a ‘ecosystem analysis' to understand the challenges and strengths of more than 200 MAs, supporting each MA to shape a long-term talent development strategy. It's clear that nations competing for, or winning trophies are offering more and more meaningful contact time to players. This creates a big competitive advantage.”
The main focus of the Talent Development Scheme will be to invest in academies. The objective is that every member association has at least one academy or centre of excellence to develop the most talented players by 2026.
“The majority of Talent Coaches will work in countries where the programme can have more of an impact,” Gonzalez explained. “This player age group – 12-15 – is where a player' brain has a very high plasticity. It's a crucial stage for their development, if they hope to become professional players of the future.”
The Talent Coaches must have a minimum A Licence and relevant prior experience e.g., having previously worked with youth national teams or at academies in a talent development role. Equally important are cultural and personality traits; the selected Talent Coaches in the words of Gonzalez are ‘people who can develop others by coaching, by mentoring. Who care about making other people better.'
“Player Development is very complex, and we need the Talent Coaches to put the process above themselves and their ego. You are the coach and the architect of the environment but cannot influence everything. So, they need to possess ‘soft skills' too,” she expanded.
Ulf Schott, FIFA Head of High Performance Programme concurred, whilst underlining the importance of an additional quality.
“We want these Talent Coaches to be role models,” he said. “Through the ecosystem analysis, it was clear that many MAs don't have enough systems to find their most talented players, so this is the first step. Once you find the players, you can bring them together.
"By having that role model, it will create a ‘ripple effect.' We don't want the Talent Coaches organising admin. We want them on the pitch, showing what high-performance means, inspiring other coaches. We want them to show a dedication to elite football.”
Only a small percentage of talented youngsters will go on to have a professional career. Yet as Schott underlined, in many countries, that possibility is not even currently an option.
“Through this programme, we want to give talented players the chance to live their dream. It's clear not everyone will be able to do that, but the aim is to give everyone a pathway. This will look completely different all over the world. What we really want, is to have a shift in the way of thinking when talking about high performance.
“We are talking about 5-7 training sessions a week for the most talented players, whilst ensuring a holistic approach to the education as a player, and as a person. Fundamentally, this is about players who are dedicated to high performance football.”
The majority of the 25 MAs will be focused on developing boys and girls, though some have requested to specialise. Bhutan for example, are planning a female-only academy.
“We want to work with MAs who are ‘ready, willing and able'," said Gonzalez in conclusion. "MAs who have a Technical Department, youth national teams, domestic minimum playing opportunities and basic Coach Education in place. If you don't have these things in place, you are not ‘willing' and will not be ‘able' to bridge that gap to the top.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of FIFA.
Contact for African media:
AfricanMedia@fifa.org