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Introduction Search Engine Optimisation, or SEO as it’s commonly known, has become a buzzword in the digital marketing world globally. But what does the SEO landscape look like in South Africa In this article, we’ll delve into the trends, challenges, and opportunities that define SEO in South Africa. The Growing Importance of SEO In …
Public Protector urged to respect constitutional process on suspension
President Cyril Ramaphosa has outlined to suspended Public Protector Adv. Busisiwe Mkhwebane the constitutional processes that pertain to her suspension or potential removal from office, which therefore prevent her from reporting for duty.
In a letter on Monday, the President set out the conditions preventing Mkhwebane’s return to the office.
“The President was responding to a letter he received from Adv. Mkhwebane earlier on the same day in which she expressed her intention to report for duty today, Tuesday, 5 September 2023, until the expiry of her term of office on 14 October 2023 or any lawful removal in terms of Section 194 of the Constitution, whichever happens first,” the Presidency said.
The President has pointed out to Adv. Mkhwebane that her intention to return to work is misconceived.
This is due to the fact that the proceedings initiated by a Committee of the National Assembly, which has inquired into Adv. Mkhwebane’s fitness to hold office have yet to be completed.
The Presidency said that since the Committee has adopted its report, the proceedings, which it initiated, will be finalised either when the National Assembly does not adopt a resolution calling for the removal from office of Adv. Mkhwebane, or if the National Assembly does adopt such a resolution.
In his letter, the President said: “It is therefore patently clear that the process initiated by the Committee is not completed, (as your letter suggests) when the enquiry by the Committee has been finalised.
“In the circumstances, you have no right or entitlement in law to return to office pending the decisions to which I refer above.
“In the circumstances, while I thank you for your courtesy in informing me of your intention, your interpretation of the Presidential Minute and my letter is wrong, and your intention to return to office is misconceived.
“Your letter states that you were advised on 24 August 2023 that the Committee had completed its part of the process, and that its report would be tabled in the National Assembly. You waited until today to inform me of your intention to return to office tomorrow. Such precipitate action is unjustified on any basis”. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Tue, 09/05/2023 - 11:36
Introduction In today’s digital age, having an online presence is crucial for businesses of all sizes. However, merely having a website or social media account is not enough. To truly stand out and attract a steady flow of traffic, businesses must invest in Search Engine Optimization, commonly known as SEO. But what exactly are SEO …
President Cyril Ramaphosa has outlined to suspended Public Protector Adv. Busisiwe Mkhwebane the constitutional processes that pertain to her suspension or potential removal from office and which therefore prevent her from reporting for duty.
President Ramaphosa set out the conditions preventing the suspended Public Protector's return to office in a letter to Adv. Mkhwebane dated 04 September 2023.
The President was responding to a letter he received from Adv. Mkhwebane earlier on the same day and in which she expressed her intention to report for duty today, Tuesday, 05 September 2023, until the expiry of her term of office on 14 October 2023 or any lawful removal in terms of Section 194 of the Constitution, whichever happens first.
The President has pointed to Adv. Mkhwebane that her intention to return to work is misconceived.
This is due to the fact that the proceedings initiated by a Committee of the National Assembly which has inquired into Adv. Mkhwebane's fitness to hold office have yet to be completed.
Now that the Committee has adopted its report, the proceedings which were initiated by the Committee will be finalised either when the National Assembly does not adopt a resolution calling for the removal from office of Adv. Mkhwebane, or if the National Assembly does adopt such a resolution.
In his letter, the President said: “It is therefore patently clear that the process initiated by the Committee is not completed, (as your letter suggests) when the enquiry by the Committee has been finalised."
“In the circumstances, you have no right or entitlement in law to return to office pending the decisions to which I refer above."
“In the circumstances, while I thank you for your courtesy in informing me of your intention, your interpretation of the Presidential Minute and my letter is wrong, and your intention to return to office is misconceived."
“Your letter states that you were advised on 24 August 2023 that the Committee had completed its part of the process, and that its report would be tabled in the National Assembly. You waited until today to inform me of your intention to return to office tomorrow. Such precipitate action is unjustified on any basis.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency: Republic of South Africa.
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The Western Cape Government is planning and coordinating projects to address the wide-ranging impact of climate change. A formal task team, under the leadership of Minister Bredell, Western Cape Minister for Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, supported by Minister Meyer, Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, met yesterday to discuss progress on several climate change initiatives.
Minister Bredell said that according to the World Economic Forum's Global Risk Report of 2023, the top four global risks for the next decade are all directly linked to the impact of climate change.
“We have developed a Climate Change Response Strategy and Implementation Plan that is based on a provincial vision of being a net zero emissions and climate-resilient region by 2050, while also building an equitable and inclusive economy and society that can thrive despite the shocks and stresses posed by climate change,” Minister Bredell said.
The Plan's focus areas are:
There are several priority focus areas which have been recognised by the Western Cape Cabinet, and climate change response strategies are currently being embedded in each one. As such, a Water Indaba and Infrastructure Indaba were hosted earlier this year.
Looking forward, Minister Bredell said climate change is being mainstreamed throughout the provincial growth strategy, Growth for Jobs (G4J). Climate finance and the role international partners can play is also being addressed.
A partnership between the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning and the University of Stellenbosch will be formalised in October this year. “This is an important partnership for the provincial government and will give us access to the work of leading academics on climate change,” Bredell said.
Minister Meyer said the inter-ministerial committee on climate change signals the seriousness with which the Western Cape Government views climate change and that it is incumbent on all of us to take the necessary steps to mitigate the impact of climate change on the agriculture sector.
Minister Meyer continued: “within the agriculture sector, climate change causes unpredictable weather patterns, a change in the agricultural economy, forced technology adaptation, infrastructure changes on farms, adaptations in the type of input and machinery on farms, and changes on groundwater and surface water availability.”
“Given the potential impact that climate change could have on the agricultural economy, we must take the necessary steps to protect the economy and jobs,” added Minister Meyer.
Minister Bredell said that a Climate Change Indaba is being planned in the near future, where private sector stakeholders will be invited to engage with government on climate change specific projects and proposals. This indaba will be preceded by inter-departmental engagements as well as municipal engagements on climate change.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Western Cape Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, South Africa.
As part of this year’s #CodeLikeaGirl programme, Vodacom is launching a hybrid coding boot camp from 2-6 October 2023 for young women aged between 14 and 18 years old. The on-site training will be hosted at 19 Schools of Excellence across the country, with virtual training accessible to all female learners who meet the criteria. …
De Lille invites comments on tourism Green Paper
To usher in Tourism Month and the upcoming Summer Campaign, Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille has welcomed Cabinet’s concurrence of ‘The Green Paper on the Development and Promotion of Tourism in South Africa’ to be published for public comment.
“The Green Paper comes at a particularly exciting time for tourism globally and in South Africa. Tourism is a growth sector and generator of jobs, and tourist destinations need to position themselves to take advantage of this sector’s recovery growth trajectory,” De Lille said.
The tourism sector has continued to grow for the past decade, earning the reputation of being one of the most significant and fastest-growing sectors before COVID-19.
In 2019, it contributed 3.7% to the local GDP and created 780 096 direct South African jobs. Despite numerous advances, the tourism sector lags relative to its potential.
To respond to this challenge and to accelerate inclusive tourism growth, the Department of Tourism embarked on a process of reviewing the 1996 Tourism White Paper.
The policy review process has yielded the Green Paper on the Development and Promotion of Tourism in South Africa. The Green Paper seeks to sustainably grow a more inclusive tourism sector that creates mass employment, reacts to innovations and adapts to future crises.
“The Green Paper seeks to facilitate growth and transformation of the tourism sector by creating an enabling regulatory environment for the present and future, especially with regards to technological developments.
“The Green Paper further seeks to increase the tourism sector’s contribution to the broader economy and drive employment and entrepreneurship, whilst enabling the sector to adapt to future crises.
“I invite the public to study The Green Paper on the Development and Promotion of Tourism in South Africa and provide us with substantive comments,” the Minister said.
The vision of the Green Paper is to sustainably and competitively grow the South African economy through an inclusive, inspiring, visitor-oriented tourism sector that consistently builds partnerships to strengthen the impact of the sector nationally, regionally and globally.
Its aim is also to address barriers to tourism growth and to respond to the social cohesion imperatives of the country.
Key elements include but are not limited to:
• Implementation of a research-based tourism safety response programme in partnership with relevant agencies.
• Develop and regularly review tourism crisis management framework to enable a response to crises.
• Implementation of Tourism BBBEE Codes & strengthening mechanism for access to finance.
• Facilitation of ease of access to the destination, especially as it relates to immigration and transport.
• Recommitting the sector to the responsible tourism agenda.
• Regulation of short-term rental accommodation to ensure policy certainty.
To enable the sector to reach its potential, The Green Paper focuses on four policy thematic areas with a specific focus under each.
The four thematic areas are:
- Evolving former policy areas: Tourism governance, safety and security management and transformation.
- Emerging policy issues: Embracing technology, crisis management, accessing the destination, quality visitor services, skills supply and employment and tourist services.
- Policy issues for targeted growth: Prioritising rural and peri-urban tourism, enhancing domestic tourism for destination resilience and destination marketing and branding.
- Sustainable growth model: Responsible tourism, knowledge management research and insights, tourism diplomacy, and tourism trade and investment.
The significance of tourism within the South African economy is widely recognised. The New Growth Path, the National Development Plan (NDP) and several State of the Nation Addresses identify the tourism sector among the core contributors to the country's medium to long-term national economic goals.
The 1996 Tourism White Paper predates many of these government frameworks, particularly the NDP, thus necessitating alignment.
The country's Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan (ERRP) identifies tourism recovery as one of the priority interventions to drive the reconstruction and recovery of the economy.
The Tourism Sector's Recovery Plan also identifies the need to review the policy framework to support the sector's growth.
The gazette for public comment was published on Friday 1 September and is available at: www.gpwonline.co.za/Documents/Government/49223%201-9%20Tourism.pdf.
Any person who wishes to submit written inputs in connection with the Green Paper is invited to do so within 60 days from the date of the gazette. Submissions should be:
a) Mailed to the Department of Tourism, for attention: Mr Senzo Nkala, Private Bag x424, Pretoria, 0001
b) Delivered by hand to the Tourism House, 17 Trevenna Street, Sunnyside, Pretoria, 0001
c) Emailed to TourismGreenPaper@tourism.gov.za.
The Green Paper is also available on the Department’s website at www.tourism.gov.za. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 09/05/2023 - 12:11
Siyakhana shack dwellers accuse Mandela Park residents of attacking them
South Africa's GDP grows by 0.6%
Stats SA has announced that South African real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) expanded by 0.6% in the second quarter of 2023, which measured is from April to June.
Six industries on the supply side of the economy grew in the second quarter, with manufacturing and finance driving much of the upward momentum.
“On the demand side, the country benefitted from a sharp rise in investments in machinery and equipment, which included products related to renewable energy. Despite a decline in the overall household consumption, consumers continued to spend more on restaurants and hotels,” Stats SA said on Tuesday.
The GDP growth in the second quarter follows a 0.4% rise in the first quarter.
“Manufacturing production expanded by 2.2%, mainly pushed higher by petroleum, chemical products, rubber and plastic products. Manufacturers in metals, metal products, machinery and equipment also recorded a good quarter, driven in part by increased demand for crude steel.
“Increased investment in South Africa’s automotive sector helped lift the production of transport equipment and motor vehicles. The finance industry edged higher by 0.7%, boosted by financial intermediation, insurance and real estate services,” Stats SA said.
After two consecutive quarters of decline, South Africa’s agriculture sector recorded a positive performance with a 4.2% rise in output, which was driven by increases in the production of field crops and horticulture products.
“Favourable weather conditions, increased cultivation and a rise in export demand provided further support. Mining looked good too, posting a second straight quarter of growth. Platinum group metals, gold, minerals classified in the category ‘other metallic minerals’ and coal helped lift the industry.
“The personal services industry was positive on the back of higher growth in education and health. The rise in general government services was mainly due to an increase in staff numbers.
“Not all industries had a good second quarter. After 18 months of consistent growth, the transport, storage and communication industry stumbled, declining by 1.9%. Transport support services were lacklustre and there were declines in land freight and road passenger transport,” Stats SA said.
The trade industry was down on the back of weaker retail and wholesale figures.
The overall decline was partially offset by increased activities in the motor trade, tourist accommodation and restaurant, catering and fast-food sectors.
“After holding its head above water for nine months, the construction industry lost steam in the second quarter. A decline in economic activity related to non-residential and residential buildings pulled the industry lower. There was a small uptick in construction works, but this was not enough to lift the industry into positive territory,” Stats SA said.
Investments in machinery and equipment
Stats SA noted that a sharp rise in investments in imported machinery and equipment – mostly for electricity infrastructure – drove gross fixed capital formation higher.
“This was supported by an increase in sales of locally produced electric motors, generators and special purpose machinery. The demand for machinery and equipment contributed to the 3.3% rise in imports. Imported products included those related to renewable energy, batteries, vegetable products, artificial resins and plastics, base metals and articles of base metals, and animal and vegetable fats and oils.
“South African exports edged higher by 0.9%, driven by increased trade in chemical products; prepared foodstuffs, beverages and tobacco; vehicles and transport equipment; mineral products and machinery and electrical equipment.
“Household consumption decreased in the second quarter as consumers cut back on a variety of goods and services. Despite the overall decline, households continued to increase their spending on restaurants and hotels, representing a seventh consecutive quarter of growth for this category,” Stats SA said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Tue, 09/05/2023 - 12:29
SA to participate in SA-Uganda Investment Summit
Trade, Industry and Competition Deputy Minister, Nomalungelo Gina, is leading a delegation of 65 South African business representatives to a two-day Uganda – South Africa Investment and Trade Summit which started today in Kampala, Uganda.
The summit brings together trade and investment policymakers, business communities, trade support institutions, regional and multilateral organisations from Uganda and South Africa, to explore investment and trade opportunities.
The main goal is to improve bilateral trade between the two countries and to mobilise higher levels of private sector investments into priority sectors in Uganda.
The summit, which ends tomorrow, is being held at the Speke Resort in Munyonyo, Kampala.
This summit follows a business forum held in February 2023 in Pretoria on the margins of President Museveni’s State visit to South Africa.
This summit has a particular focus on agriculture and agro-processing, Information Communication and Technology, manufacturing, energy and oil and gas.
The current status of bilateral trade is that South African exports to Uganda have decreased from R2.1 billion in 2018 to to R1.7 billion in 2022, while South Africa’s imports from Uganda have increased from R102 million to R304 million during the same timeframe.
There will also be an effort to mobilise higher levels of private investments into priority sectors in Uganda, as identified under the National Development Plan of Uganda (NDP III) and therefore they will ensure that by the end of the two days, a platform for networking and investment facilitation will be created between to fast track trade and business deals. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 09/05/2023 - 10:46
Rhodes Business School (www.RU.ac.za/BusinessSchool/) is recognized for its focus on sustainability and ethical leadership, after having placed highest amongst Business Schools in PMR.Africa's 2022 national survey on Corporate Care – Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) programmes and initiatives in South Africa.
Professor Owen Skae, Director of Rhodes Business School, says “The school is proud of this, especially as this survey is not a ranking, but a recognition of decision-makers as to the contribution that we make achieving our vision of transforming business for a better world”.
Founded in 2000, Rhodes Business School's Mission is to “educate and influence responsible business practice, responsibly”. Rhodes Business School has been applying its mind to sustainability and leadership for a long time. The reason is twofold. “Back in 2004, when this approach was formalized into our curriculum, we saw huge opportunities for all organizations, whether they are private or public, big or small to change the way they did business as this was the only way to grow the economy and narrow the inequality gap that prevailed, whilst ensuring our planet was preserved for future generations. Secondly, we took the view that it could no longer be ‘business as usual' as, the standard approaches to conducting business, were quite simply, unsustainable”, says Skae. “There were sceptics, as there still are today, but we knew we were right and never deviated from what we believed was right.”
The global momentum for ESG reporting is now beyond the point of turning back, bearing in mind that the first International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) standards were released at the end of July. This is on the back of global sustainable investment reaching USD35.3 trillion in five major markets in 2020, a 15% increase from two years prior as reported by the Global Sustainable Investment Alliance in 2020. “It begs the question, where are the leaders, managers and auditors to come from?”, asks Skae.
“ESG is experiencing a backlash though. We would be naïve to think that it will just be implemented and that is the end of it. Today ESG is front-of-mind for everybody, but regardless of whether you believe it is real or not, you don't have to find it, it will find you”.
All of Rhodes Business School's programmes, from its Diplomas to its MBA are committed to making sure that ESG is found, for all the right reasons. “Our graduates have confirmed that our programmes are truly transformative”.
The Rhodes MBA is a coursework degree comprising coursework and a research assignment. The degree is offered on a part-time, modular basis over two years.
The admission requirements are, an Honours degree or Postgraduate Diploma, a minimum of three years' work experience and an admission test such as NMAT, GMAT or GRE. Applications close on 31st October 2023.
Rhodes Business School, Rhodes University is located in the rural city of Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown) in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Its nearest large city is Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth).
It is committed to impact beyond the classroom as evidenced by its commitment to collaboration in the Makhanda Schools' Leadership Project, which has seen a remarkable turnaround in matriculation results in Makhanda schools.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Rhodes Business School.
For more information on how accessible a Rhodes Business School MBA is, email mba@ru.ac.za or visit www.RU.ac.za/BusinessSchool
The Human Side Of Money Deciding when to retire is a massive decision we will all face one day. Apart from preparing ourselves for the lifestyle changes that come with stopping work, we must also make some decisions about our retirement investments. One of these decisions is choosing a life annuity of a living annuity …
Use Heritage Month to build unity and social cohesion
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube has encouraged citizens of the province to use this year’s Heritage Month to foster social cohesion, forge unity and work to promote the country’s democratic values, as enshrined in the country’s Constitution.
The Premier made the call as South Africa marks the beginning of Heritage Month under the theme, 'Celebrating our Cultural Diversity in a Democratic South Africa', which underscores the declaration of the Constitution that South Africa belongs to all who live in it, united in their diversity.
Dube-Ncube said this year’s theme for Heritage Month aims to reinforce the message of building a united and prosperous nation. She said the KwaZulu-Natal provincial government fully embraces this theme and will utilise this year’s celebration to deepen social cohesion, engender solidarity amongst the different communities, and drive growth and prosperity.
“Ours is a province that boasts a rich history and is home to a number of diverse cultures and icons who have helped shape not only our province, but the world. From the founder of the AmaZulu Nation, King Shaka of Senzangakhona, to the global icon of non-violence, Mahatma Gandhi.
“Over the centuries, we have produced women and men who have changed the course of history globally. It is through embracing this diversity that our province has gained recognition as a province where the country and the world’s seminal moments are made,” Dube-Ncube said.
The Premier noted that over the years, the province has seen various cultures, including African, Indian, Afrikaner and English, amongst others, merge into an all-embracing KwaZulu-Natal culture that gives the province its cultural uniqueness.
“It is these various cultures that must come to the fore during this month, proving in the process, the maturity of our democracy.”
She also urged all South Africans to observe this month through events and meaningful engagements, whose aim is to celebrate and show case the provinces’ diverse cultures, forge unity and celebrate the country’s democracy.
The province will kick off its Heritage Month partnering with the Zulu Royal Household in celebrating the Royal Reed Dance (UMkhosi WoMhlanga), which will be presided over by His Majesty, King Misuzulu kaZwelithini.
The two-tiered Reed Festival will be held at Emachobeni Royal Palace in Jozini Local Municipality and at Enyokeni Royal Palace in Nongoma Local Municipality on 2 - 3 September and 9 - 10 September 2023, respectively. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 09/05/2023 - 09:39
The organisers of the Boxer Super Run are thrilled to reveal an unprecedented R142K prize purse for the inaugural event that is set to create a stir within Durban’s running community on Sunday, 15 October 2023. “We are excited to present a prize purse of R142K for the Elite Race at the first-ever Boxer Super …
The waves have been quite strong lately, with a good sandbank forming at the corner at Seal Point. Whenever a good sand bank forms, the rip – the current that washes out alongside the rocks – becomes stronger as there is usually more water heading out the rip alongside the bank due to a higher …
At the end of the day anyone that submits a press release to MyPR wants to know that their article can and will be found by people searching for relevant and timeous information. No matter how you spin it, Google Search is still the benchmark when it comes to finding information and a top of …
Our country’s post-consumer recycling rates for beverage bottles are high but they could be higher if South Africans would learn one simple rule – put nothing in the bottle. This is the view of South African National Bottled Water Association CEO, Charlotte Metcalf, who urges those South Africans who will be actively participating in World …
Fires are a constant threat for people living in dilapidated buildings without electricity
Didiza to lead SA delegation to Trade and Investment Summit in Uganda
Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Minister, Thoko Didiza, will participate in and lead the second Uganda/South Africa Trade and Investment Summit from 5 - 6 September 2023 in Kampala, Uganda.
The summit aims to encourage interaction and dialogue between various entities in the two countries, which may result in sustainable growth in trade and investment.
“The focus of the event is on the agro-industry to reflect on the importance of agriculture in the Ugandan economy, although not to the exclusion of other sectors,” the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development said.
Trade relations between the two countries have been growing until the recent slowdown as a result COVID-19 pandemic.
The department said while South Africa’s businesses are well established -- with the Forum for South African Business in Uganda (FOSABU) as an anchor to the South African business community in Uganda -- Ugandan businesses have had little success in penetrating the South African market due to the poor quality of products exported from Uganda, inadequate phytosanitary standards and high visa costs.
FOSABU is a business association that was formed in 2015. It comprises South African companies doing business in Uganda and other companies operating in Uganda that have strong linkages to South Africa.
The first edition of the Uganda-South Africa Investment and Trade Summit was held in Pretoria in February 2023, and was addressed by both South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and the President of Uganda, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
The Presidents agreed to work together to improve the business operating environment between the two countries, including addressing all challenges affecting the private sector.
The second Uganda-South Africa Investment and Trade Summit 2023 will be held under the theme, 'Accelerating Investments and Trade between Uganda and South Africa'. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 09/04/2023 - 11:01
SABC urged to resolve Rugby World Cup broadcast rights matter
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Zizi Kodwa has urged the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) to reach an agreement with SuperSport to secure sub-licensing of broadcast rights to the highly anticipated 2023 Rugby World Cup.
“I am concerned at how millions of South Africans may be unable to watch the Rugby World Cup should the SABC not be able to broadcast matches in the tournament. My commitment is to give South Africans access to all sports codes,” the Minister said on Monday.
He made these remarks after engaging with Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Mondli Gungubele and the SABC on the 2023 Rugby World Cup broadcasting rights.
SuperSport had announced a failure to reach an agreement with the SABC on the broadcast rights to the tournament.
The Springboks, who are three-time world champions, will be participating in the 2023 Rugby World Cup taking place in France. The World Cup fixtures run from Friday, 8 September to Saturday, 28 October.
Kodwa urged the SABC to find a solution to the matter, so that the public broadcaster can be able to fulfil its mandate to cover sport of national interest.
“I am hopeful that an agreement will be reached between SABC and SuperSport. Rugby plays a critical role in nation building and social cohesion. It is important that millions of South African can watch the Springboks continuing to lift the nation at the Rugby World Cup," Kodwa said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Mon, 09/04/2023 - 12:49
The Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Mr Gwede Mantashe, announces the adjustment of fuel prices based on current local and international factors with effect from the 6th of September 2023.
South Africa's fuel prices are adjusted on a monthly basis, informed by international and local factors. International factors include the fact that South Africa imports both crude oil and finished products at a price set at the international level, including importation costs, e.g. shipping costs.
The main reasons for the fuel price adjustments are due to:
1. Crude oil prices
The average Brent Crude oil price increased from 79.75 US Dollars (USD) to 84.78 USD during the period under review, because of tightening supply resulting from production cuts by Saudi Arabia.
2. International petroleum product prices
The average international product prices of petrol, diesel, illuminating paraffin and LPGas increased during the period under review due to the following factors:
(a) High prices of petrol are as a result of low inventories and refinery outages, which affected the production of blending components used in summer grade petrol making it more expensive to produce.
(b) Diesel and paraffin prices increased because of lower shipments of Russia's Urals crude oil which is rich in middle distillates, as well as rising demand of middle distillates ahead of the winter season in the Northern Hemisphere.
(c) LPGas increased because of higher prices of Propane and Butane.
These led to higher contributions to the Basic Fuel Prices of petrol, diesel and illuminating paraffin by 135.41 c/l, 253.42 c/l and 247.13 c/l, respectively.
3. Rand/US Dollar exchange rate
The Rand depreciated on average, against the US Dollar (from 18.28 to 18.67 Rand per USD) during the period under review when compared to the previous one. This led to higher contributions to the Basic Fuel Prices of petrol, diesel and illuminating paraffin by 29.60 c/l, 31.33 c/l and 31.58 c/l, respectively.
4. Implementation of the Slate Levy
The cumulative slate balance on petrol and Diesel at the end of July 2023 had a positive balance of is R1,3 million. Therefore, there is no slate levy applicable in the petrol and diesel price structure for September 2023.
5. Annual Wages Adjustment for the Forecourt Staff
The Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy approved a 5.0 c/l increase in the price structures of petrol to accommodate the wage increase for Forecourt employees in line with the Motor Industry Bargaining Council (MIBCO) Agreement.
This increase will be implemented from the 6th of September 2023.
Based on current local and international factors, the fuel prices for September 2023 will be adjusted as follows:
The fuel prices schedule for the different zones will be published on Tuesday, the 5th of September 2023.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Department of Mineral Resources and Energy: Republic of South Africa.
Magudumana has “a right to liberty” until convicted, court told
Hawks nab over 600 suspects in 1st quarter
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) has during the first quarter of the 2023/24 financial year arrested at least 611 suspects who have appeared before various courts across the country.
The National Head of the DPCI, Lieutenant General Advocate Godfrey Lebeya, on Monday said during these arrests, the DPCI (also known as the Hawks) seized various exhibits including precious metals and diamonds, endangered species, vehicles, cash, firearms, ammunition, counterfeit goods, explosives and electronic devices worth R6 112 768 985.
Addressing media in Pretoria, Lebeya said of the total number of arrests made, 229 accused persons were convicted and sentenced.
“As the DPCI, we would like to present to the public that our members are hard at work in dealing with national priority offences,” Lebeya said.
Of the 229 convicted persons, 16 were sentenced for money laundering.
“Most of the arrests relate to fraud, which accounts for 203 suspects, while money laundering amassed 48 suspects. Seventy-two suspects were equally arrested for narcotics and endangered species. The remaining 288 suspects were arrested for the other 17 types of national priority crimes,” Lebeya said.
The DPCI continues to deal with those who committed crimes related to the COVID-19 Relief Fund, as coordinated at the Fusion Centre, which is housed at the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC).
According to Lebeya, as at the end of June this year, 190 suspects were secured before various courts. Of these, 64 accused persons were convicted in 49 cases.
“In this brief, I shall only highlight 30 cases which represent 4% of these 840 successes. Of these 30 cases, 19 are for arrest while 11 are for convictions.
“The signing of a new memorandum of understanding between the DPCI and South African Revenue Service (SARS) has bolstered cooperation and collaboration that promotes joint initiatives and effective operational arrangements.
“This important accord boosts the ability of the country’s law enforcement agencies to enhance corruption, contraventions of tax laws, money laundering and other financial crimes.
“Amongst the successes achieved in this quarter is 19 arrests and five convictions for tax administration offences. Over and above, five arrests and a conviction were secured for contravention of the Customs and Exercise Act,” Lebeya said.
Human trafficking
With regard to human trafficking cases, Lebeya said trafficking in persons is modern day slavery and a crime against humanity, and that South Africa has not been spared this twin-pandemic of trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants.
During this reporting period, seven potential victims of trafficking in persons were rescued, while nine suspects were arrested and two life imprisonment sentences secured.
In one case, two females aged 20 and 31 were found at the home of Esther Mwanza (41). They are alleged to have been trafficked from the Democratic Republic of the Congo to South Africa, where they allegedly endured labour exploitation.
Mwanza was arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation based in Klerksdorp. She made a brief appearance before the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court for trafficking in persons.
The victims were interviewed and subsequently taken to a place of safety, which was provided by the Department of Social Development.
Lebeya said 48 suspects were arrested on drug related charges.
“The majority of these suspects were arrested by the South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau (SANEB) within the component Serious Organised Crime Investigation (SOCI) of the DPCI. Drugs valued at R3 642 641 782.41 were seized and five drug laboratories in Gauteng, North West and Western Cape were dismantled,” he said.
Lebeya said cash-in-transit heists continue to be a thorn in the economy of the country and that the DPCI, in collaboration with private organisations such as Cash-In-Transit Association of South Africa continue to strengthen the fight against these crimes. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 09/04/2023 - 13:06