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The government entity tasked with promoting productivity and job creation in South Africa, Productivity SA, in partnership with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), will host a workshop aimed at improving the productivity of businesses in the Free State. The Honorable MEC, of the Free State Department: Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism …
Peace and stability key for a better world
Leaders at the BRICS summit have reiterated their commitment to joint efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability, which is key to advancing development and the agenda of the Global South.
Speaking on the second day of the 15th BRICS Summit Open Plenary session in Sandton, Johannesburg, President Ramaphosa said peace and stability are preconditions for a better, more equitable world.
He said the BRICS countries are deeply concerned about conflicts across the world that continue to cause great suffering and hardship.
“As South Africa, our position remains that diplomacy, dialogue, negotiation and adherence to the principles of the United Nations Charter are necessary for the peaceful and just resolution of conflicts,” the President said on Wednesday.
The 15th BRICS Summit is taking place under the theme: "BRICS and Africa: Partnership for mutually accelerated growth, sustainable development and inclusive multilateralism”. South Africa is hosting the summit that is being attended by the leaders of Brazil, Russia, India and China, among other countries.
In recent months, President Ramaphosa has been in conversation with President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine, President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China, leaders of BRICS countries and the Secretary-General of the United Nations regarding efforts to facilitate a peaceful process to end the Ukraine-Russia conflict.
These conversations have been in line with South Africa’s standing as a non-aligned state.
Meanwhile, Brazil President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva used his opening remarks at the summit to express his commitment to work with all countries for global peace and development.
“The quest for peace is a collaborative obligation and an imperative for a fair, developed and sustainable development. It is unacceptable that global military expenditure in one year goes beyond two trillion dollars while 735 million people are in hunger every day in the world,” he said.
With the ongoing war in Ukraine and Russia, da Silva said Brazil is ready to join efforts that can effectively contribute to an immediate cease-fire and fair and everlasting peace.
“As BRICS countries, we all suffer the consequences of the war. The most vulnerable populations in the developing countries are the ones that are hit more in an unproportional way. We do not underestimate the difficulties to reach peace; neither can we be indifferent to the deaths with the destruction that increases every day.
“BRICS should act as a force for understanding and for cooperation. Our willingness is expressed in the contribution that was given by China, South Africa and Brazil in all endeavours to a conflict resolution in Ukraine. We believe that it is positive that a growing number of countries among BRICS countries also are engaged in direct contact with Moscow and Kiev,” he said.
He said the risks associated with conflict are unacceptable for humanity.
“The Ukraine-Russia war shows the limitations of the United Nations (UN) Security Council. Many other crises do not have the same attention. BRICS is a forum to discuss the main issues that affect peace and world security.
“The main conflict that is happening in Ukraine has global effects. Brazil has a historical position to defend the sovereignty and integrity of the territory and the principles that are followed by the UN,” da Silva said. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 08/23/2023 - 14:23
At a meeting of the Western Cape Government (WCG) Cabinet today a position statement on the procurement of electricity from a Karpowership facility was adopted. Cabinet had requested that intensive research be carried out into the possibility of exploring this emergency measure to end the long-running and devastating energy crisis. It was resolved that investment …
The existing State Land Disposal Act could be used to fast track the use of public land for human settlement
BRICS a force to be reckoned with
Russian President Vladimir Putin says the BRICS countries have rightly proved to be an equitable entity on the global arena with ever growing influence in global affairs.
“The strategic course of BRICS is aimed at the future and it meets the aspirations of the main part of the international community, the so-called global majority,” Putin said.
Putin was speaking virtually on the second day of the 15th BRICS Summit, currently underway in South Africa.
By acting in concert on the principles of the equality partner support and the countries which have interest, Putin said Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) deal with the most pressing issues of global and the regional agenda.
“The main important thing is that BRICS stands for a multiple world order that is equitable and build on international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter, including respect. The BRICS countries are building up their potential and home to three billion people.
“Over the past decades, BRICS investments to the global economy have doubled and the cumulative export reached 20 percent of the overall indicator. We are successfully implementing the strategy for the BRICS economic partnership 2025,” Putin highlighted.
He also reiterated the importance of speedy development of trans-continental routes, such as north and south corridor, which will, in the future ensure the annual transit of up to 30 million tons of cargo.
“We believe that it is high time to establish a BRICS permanent commission on transport that will deal, not only with north [and] south projects, but in broader terms, it will deal with logistics and transport corridors development, both inter regional and global ones.
“Should the partners agree to that, the Russian side could work on this idea within its chairmanship in 2024, and certainly we welcome strengthened interaction within BRICS,” Putin said.
In terms of global innovations, Putin said Russia is looking forward to a more active cooperation within the BRICS global research advanced infrastructure network, noting that it could be supported and developed by a special trust fund.
For its part, he said, Russia is ready to share experiences and best practices, including when it comes to digital transformation and the use of artificial intelligence.
He said the country also support the proposal of South Africa to organise a separate Ministry on Women Affairs, saying their role in political, economic and social lives of states should be harnessed.
Putin also commended South Africa for the role it played as chairman of BRICS, noting that it has received positive assessments for the BRICS activities.
He announced that Russia will next year assume BRICS chairmanship, and the country is planning to have 200 political, economic and public events to be hosted by Russian cities, amongst others.
He said the BRICS Summit is scheduled for October 2024 at the city of Kazan in Russia, at a date still to be announced.
Peace and stability preconditions for a better world
Meanwhile, commenting on the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, Putin said Russia decided to support people that fight for their culture, traditions, language, and their future.
“Our actions in Ukraine are guided by only one thing ... to end the war that was unleashed by the West and its satellites against the people who live in the Donbas. We thank our colleagues within BRICS that [have] taken active part in the attempts to put an end to this situation, and to ensure just settlements by peaceful means,” Putin said.
He added that the main thing is that “we unanimously stand for the shaping of the multiple world order, which is genuinely equitable and build on international law”.
President Cyril Ramaphosa in his address at the Open Plenary of the 15th BRICS Summit also shared the similar sentiments saying peace and stability are preconditions for a better, more equitable world.
"We are deeply concerned about conflicts across the world that continue to cause great suffering and hardship.
"As South Africa, our position remains that diplomacy, dialogue, negotiation and adherence to the principles of the United Nations Charter are necessary for the peaceful and just resolution of conflicts," President Ramaphosa said.
He said the new economic, political, social and technological realities call for greater cooperation between nations.
"These realities call for a fundamental reform of the institutions of global governance so that they may be more representative and better able to respond to the challenges that confront humanity."
While firmly committed to advance the interests of the Global South, President Ramaphosa said BRICS stands ready to collaborate with all countries that aspire to create a more inclusive international order. - SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 08/23/2023 - 16:35
FM Solutions, one of South Africa’s leading facility management companies, highlights the critical role of facilities management in driving efficient operations, cost savings, and safe workplaces. With a strong commitment to empowering the local community through effective supplier development, FM Solutions has emerged as a trusted partner in maintaining and enhancing infrastructure across various industries. …
India 'fully supports' BRICS expansion
The Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi has thrown his weight behind the expansion of the BRICS membership.
“India fully supports the expansion of BRICS membership and welcomes moving forward based on this consensus.”
Modi was speaking on Wednesday at the opening plenary session of the 15th BRICS Summit, which is currently underway at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.
The leaders of the emerging economies - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - met for the second day of the BRICS Summit.
Under its chairship in 2016, the Prime Minister said India defined the block as a group building responsive and inclusive collective solutions.
“Seven years later, we can say that BRICS will be breaking barriers, revitalising economies, inspiring innovation, creating opportunities and shaping the future.
“Together, with all BRICS partners, we’ll continue to actively build and make this new definition meaningful,” he said on day two of the three day summit.
Over 20 countries have formally applied to join BRICS and several others have expressed an interest in becoming part of the bloc.
Modi also noted that global south countries have been given “special importance” in BRICS under South Africa’s chairship.
“This is not just an expectation of the present times but a necessity as well,” the Prime Minister said.
Modi said he also proposed that all the BRICS nations and the African Union be permanent members of the G20.
“Under a G20 Presidency, India has given this subject the highest priority based on our core value of one heart and one family and we’re moving forward together with all countries.
“I am sure all the BRICS partners are also together in the G20 and all will support our proposal.”
He has described the last two decades as long and magnificent for BRICS.
Modi also highlighted some of the bloc’s achievements, including the New Development Bank (NDB).
According to Modi, the NDB plays an important role in the development of the countries in the global south through contingency reserve arrangements.
He also spoke briefly about initiatives such as the BRICS satellite constellation, vaccine R&D centre and mutual recognition of pharma products.
“We’re bringing about positive [change] in the lives of ordinary citizens in BRICS countries through initiatives such as the youth summit, BRICS Games, BRICS Think Tanks Council and strengthening people-to-people ties between all countries.”
However, to give the BRICS agenda a new direction, he believes the leaders should push for a railway research network, an online BRICS database and close cooperation between start-up forums.
“I am pleased that significant progress has been made in all these areas.”
He also suggested creating a space exploration consortium that could focus on space research and weather monitoring for global good.
Call for cooperation
Modi also called for cooperation in the areas of education, skills development and technology to make BRICS a future-ready organisation.
To identify each other’s strengths, Modi proposed a skills mapping exercise to complement each other in their development journey.
He also advocated for the protection of big cats between the five countries and building a repository for traditional medicine.
The Prime Minister also congratulated President Cyril Ramaphosa for hosting a successful summit.
“Congratulations and thanks to my dear friend President Ramaphosa for the wonderful arrangements made for the organisation of the 15th BRICS Summit and his hospitality.”
He also reflected on Mahatma Gandhi’s role in South Africa.
“He laid a strong foundation for our unity and mutual harmony,” he said.
In response, President Ramaphosa congratulated India for successfully landing a spacecraft near the moon's south pole, making it the first country to do so. This as India successfully landed the Chandrayaan-3.
“This for us as the BRICS family is a momentous occasion and we join you in the joy of this achievement.”
He said the bloc also supports the skills development proposal and said South Africa was pleased that it donated cheetahs to India and is prepared to provide more.
Meanwhile, President Ramaphosa said the global south should continue to be an area of focus.
“We want to wish you well as you continue to prepare to host the G20 summit… and we will surely participate,” he said.
“We’re heartened to hear that India supports the expansion of BRICS. This is the matter we are discussing and we hope to find a clear solution to this matter as we discuss it amongst ourselves as BRICS leaders.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 08/23/2023 - 16:04
Looking for a career change? This Women’s Month, nine female owners of real estate franchises tell us what they love about the property industry and the opportunities it offers women. As these nine business owners can attest, transitioning from various fields, whether it be secretarial work, finance, architectural design, other sales fields, or even bartending, …
The house of BRICS may be expanding
A decision on the much-speculated possible expansion of the Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) group of countries is imminent.
This according to President Cyril Ramaphosa who was making remarks during the 15th BRICS Summit currently underway at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.
“We stand at the cusp of expanding the BRICS family because it is through this expansion that we will be able to have a much stronger BRICS in these turbulent times that we live in. We await the decision that will be taken by the BRICS leaders in this regard, in due course, as we go on with our Summit.
“We stand at another momentous moment. This is a matter that we are discussing and hopefully we will find a clear solution to this matter as we discuss it among ourselves as BRICS leaders,” President Ramaphosa said.
In its current iteration, the group includes Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa and reports have suggested that in excess of 20 countries – mainly from the global south – have registered their interest in joining the group.
Any announced expansion of the BRICS group is expected to propel the group towards increased global influence in world relations as it already represents more than 40% of the world’s population (at least 3 billion people) and some 31% of the global GDP.
Delivering his remarks, Chinese President Xi Jinping – a known proponent of the expansion – said the process to bring more countries under the BRICS umbrella must be “accelerated”.
“I am glad to see the growing enthusiasm of developing countries about participating in BRICS cooperation and quite a number of them have applied to join the BRICS cooperation mechanism.
“We need to make good use of the BRICS plus cooperation format and accelerate the BRICS expansion process to bring more countries into the BRICS family so as to pool our strength, pool our wisdom to make global governance more just and equitable,” he said.
India Prime Minister Narendra Modi said his country endorses bringing more countries into the fold.
“India fully supports the expansion of BRICS membership and we welcome moving forward on this based on consensus.
“In 2016 during India’s [BRICS] presidency, we had defined BRICS as a group building responsive, collective and inclusive solutions. Seven years later, we can say that BRICS will be breaking barriers, revitalising economies, inspiring innovation, creating opportunities and shaping the future,” he said.
Russia President, Vladimir Putin, who addressed the Summit via video link, said when that country takes the lead of the group next year, any decision taken in this regard will be supported.
“During our chairmanship [of the BRICS group in 2024], we would like to do our utmost to efficiently facilitate the implementation of decisions adopted at this summit including with regard to the expansion of BRICS.”
At the BRICS Business Council on Tuesday evening, Brazil President Lula da Silva hinted that growth of the group will only enhance its relevance.
“BRICS has a unique chance of shaping the global development path. Together, our countries make up a third of the global economy. This relevance will grow with the admission of new full members and dialogue partners. Collaboration between the public and private sector is vital for harnessing this potential and achieving lasting results,” President da Silva said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 08/23/2023 - 15:10
Dear Editor Today marks a full 2 years since Babita Deokaran was ruthlessly assassinated for daring to expose corruption at Tembisa Hospital. And while her six killers pleaded guilty yesterday and were sentenced to between 6 and 22 years in prison, the masterminds of the whistleblower’s assassination still remain at large, as does the individual …
Every two years, over 100 suppliers in the industrial sector gather under one roof to showcase their products, equipment and services to the local market in KwaZulu-Natal. This year’s KZN Industrial Technology Exhibition (KITE) took place from 18-20 July, where providers were exposed to the region’s largest gathering of industrial companies all seeking out their …
Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Metsimaholo Local Municipality welcomed the Free State High Court’s vindication that the Motion of No Confidence (MONC) in Mayor Jeff Zwane was unlawful. We further welcome the Free State High Court’s personal costs order granted against Lucas Fisher, the rogue Speaker of Metsimaholo who stubbornly failed to appreciate …
Today we had a look at our MyPR.co.za web site statistics for the month to date of August 2023. We have deployed our own hosted stats software and have been closely watching and comparing these stats – with Google Ananlytics and our global Server Statistics programmes – in order to check the veracity of the …
Young people call for establishment of BRICS Youth Council
Making their voices heard at the 15th BRICS Summit, young people across the member states have called for the establishment of a BRICS Youth Council.
Addressing the summit currently underway in Johannesburg on Wednesday, National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) Chairperson Asanda Luwaca said the recent 9th BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India China, and South Africa) Youth Summit reached a consensus on the establishment of a Youth Council.
“This will allow us to ensure deeper and stronger collaborations among young people. We thus implore that this summit endorse our proposal for the establishment for the BRICS Youth Council in its final declaration in ensuring that new pathways for positive change and innovation can be realised.
“In doing so, it will further ensure that no young person among the BRICS member states gets left behind. Young people in their collective believe that youth are the present and the future. Our interaction as BRICS member states cannot and should not be limited to an annual summit,” Luwaca said.
Taking place under the theme: "BRICS and Africa: Partnership for mutually accelerated growth, sustainable development and inclusive multilateralism”, the summit is being attended by the leaders of Brazil, India, China, as well as South Africa, as the host.
Noting that young people make up the larger proportion of the population of each of the BRICS countries, Luwaca emphasised that the voices and views of the youth are critical as nations forge a post-pandemic society at the highest making forums.
“We believe that the BRICS countries in general and youth in particular should use their collective strengths to prioritise the development paradigm, using as a guiding principle for our work as we continue the intra BRICS cooperation across areas such as trade, education, skills development and training, economic participation and transformation, health and well-being and social cohesion.
“At our 9th Youth Summit, we presented the draft framework for the establishment of a BRICS Youth Council, which will become the coordination body for youth development between BRICS member countries and will join formations such as the BRICS Business Council, BRICS Women’s Alliance and the new Development Bank,” she said.
Last month, the NYDA hosted the 9th BRICS Youth Summit and the Meeting of Ministers responsible for Youth Affairs, under the theme: “BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development and Inclusive Multilateralism”.
The BRICS Youth Summit is a platform for dialogue for delegates from member states, striving for the promotion of peace, security, development in a multi-polar inter-dependent and increasingly complex, globalizing world.
The objectives of the summit are to bring together youth participants, affording them an opportunity to share ideas and work on a concrete Action Plan for co-operation in economic, humanitarian, mass media, and science sphere.
This year, South Africa as the head of BRICS directed the summit to focus on discussions that aim to encourage young leaders among BRICS nations to actively participate in addressing the most significant global challenges, economic, social issues, and contribute to the developmental agenda.
It further called for a focus on constructive engagements on issues relating to youth empowerment, the advancement of youth development and in creating a conducive environment where youth will devise a path to a brighter and better future.
The Youth Summit preceded the BRICS Ministers responsible for Youth Affairs meeting, which was attended by the Youth Ministers; Heads of Executive Authorities for Youth; Senior Government Officials; and youth.
The outcomes of the BRICS Youth Summit will be presented to the Ministers’ Meeting for decision-making and adoption of the presentations and resolutions made by delegates from the summit. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 08/23/2023 - 12:11
The councillor says jobs are randomised by the Expanded Public Works Programme office and “no politician or councillor has influence in the process”
Copyright-free video B-roll, video and audio interviews in English and French, images, and audio files are available for the media to download and can be freely used without requiring authorization: https://apo-opa.info/3E76AhD
At the forefront of Africa's participation in the 2023 Rugby World Cup, stand South Africa and Namibia, proudly representing the continent. The presence of these nations exemplifies the continent's growing influence on the global rugby stage. Notably, South Africa's current global champion status and its third-time world champion title are a testament to Africa's exceptional skill, determination, and commitment to rugby.
Africa's population is anticipated to double, reaching a staggering 2.5 billion by 2050, and according to the United Nations, the African youth will constitute 42% of the world's population by 2030. This demographic shift carries tremendous potential for the Rugby World Cup viewership growth, as a larger population naturally translates into a larger potential audience.
To seize this extraordinary potential, it is imperative for World Rugby, the governing body of the rugby and the owner of the Rugby World Cup, to invest significantly in Africa, much like other prominent sports organizations such as FIFA for football, NBA for basketball, and even NFL for American football. By strategically tapping into the growing interest and population of Africa, World Rugby can not only boost the viewership of the Rugby World Cup but also foster a lasting passion for rugby within the continent, contributing to the sport's global expansion and long-term success.
“We are very glad to welcome here in Paris, the new President of Rugby Africa. We think that the next Rugby World Cup in France would be a very great opportunity for promoting rugby everywhere in the world, and particularly in Africa,” said the General Manager of the 2023 Rugby World Cup Organizing Committee, Julien Collette.
“A diverse range of African stakeholders, including our community members, esteemed dignitaries, and strategic investment partners, are eager to enhance their involvement in future editions of the Rugby World Cup. This collective enthusiasm is rooted in the understanding that sports, rugby included, offer substantial economic prospects. Recognizing the significant financial potential within the sports industry, there exists a shared ambition to not only participate in upcoming Rugby World Cup events but also to explore opportunities for business expansion and mutual benefits,” stated the recently elected President of Rugby Africa, Herbert Mensah.
The 2023 Rugby World Cup will be the tenth men's Rugby World Cup, the quadrennial world championship for rugby union national teams. It is scheduled to take place in France from 8 September to 28 October 2023 in nine venues across the country.
The Rugby World Cup 2023 Fixtures is available at: https://apo-opa.info/3qxNy0Y
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Rugby Africa.
Media contact:
Nicole Vervelde
Communications Advisor to the President of Rugby Africa
rugby@apo-opa.com
About Rugby Africa:
Rugby Africa (www.RugbyAfrique.com) is the governing body of rugby in Africa and one of the regional associations under World Rugby. It unites all African countries that play rugby union, rugby sevens, and women's rugby. Rugby Africa organizes various competitions, including the qualifying tournaments for the Rugby World Cup and the Africa Sevens, a qualifying competition for the Olympic Games. With 39 member unions, Rugby Africa is dedicated to promoting and developing rugby across the continent.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met H.E. Mr. Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa on 23 August 2023 in Johannesburg on the sidelines of the 15th BRICS Summit.
Both leaders reviewed the progress made in bilateral relations between the two countries and expressed satisfaction at the progress achieved in various fields including defence, agriculture, trade and investment, health, conservation and people to people ties.
Both sides also exchanged views on continued coordination in multilateral bodies and regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest. President Ramaphosa expressed full support for India's G20 presidency and appreciated India's initiative for giving the African Union full membership of G-20. He conveyed that he looked forward to visiting New Delhi for the G-20 Summit.
Prime Minister congratulated President Ramaphosa on the successful hosting of the BRICS Summit. Prime Minister accepted President Ramaphosa's invitation to pay a State Visit to South Africa at a mutually convenient date.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of External Affairs - Government of India.
Chinese donation to aid in load shedding
At least 500 public facilities around the country are set to benefit from a donation from China which will allow them to have uninterrupted alternative power supply and shield them from the effects of load shedding.
The donation includes generators, power supply vehicles and off grid PV energy storage supply systems.
This was announced by Minister in the Presidency for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, during the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) with eight Chinese entities.
The signing ceremony was held on the side lines of the BRICS Summit, currently underway in Johannesburg.
“Yesterday we exchanged letters in relation to the technical equipment that will be assisting us to provide sustainable electricity to some of the major public installations like clinics, hospitals and police stations. We are going to get 552 of those units [and] 450 of them are already on the way.
“It means that over 500 public facilities…are now going to have access to uninterrupted alternative power supply and thank you to the Chinese for the generous contribution. [The equipment] range from 6kw up to 200kw [and] 200kw can support a clinic and a medium sized hospital so this is true relief to the South African people,” he said.
The South African government has already moved to exclude some 76 hospitals from load shedding with work underway to shield at least 46 others from rolling power cuts being implemented in the country.
Cooperation between countries
On the MoC signed by the parties, the Minister explained that the Chinese entities have valuable experience and technology that can assist Eskom and by extension, the country.
The MoC was entered into by Ramokgopa on behalf of the South African government and Chinese entities:
“They have experienced a similar problem that we are experiencing now. Second, they’ve got the biggest coal generation capacity of any country in the world. They’ve got the biggest installed renewable energy capacity of any country in the world…about 688GW.
"The amount of renewables they have is twelve times the size of Eskom. They are sitting on extensive amounts of liquidity. We can tap into that financing which is concessional and cheaper than any other. They [also] have the biggest installed capacity of nuclear of any country in the world.
“Even before today, almost all of them have been helping us on the generation side and have already generated a number of reports on how best we can improve the issues of performance of the coal fired powered stations and also reduce the emissions levels, on how to reduce the technical losses on the grid and also on the transmission side and what is required in relation to planning and accommodating new renewables on the grid,” he said.
Load shedding
Turning to questions on whether this agreement will remove load shedding, the Minister remained coy.
“When I came into office, the President [Cyril Ramaphosa] said we are short of 6000MW. Since March when we were appointed, we have added 4000MW. At Tutuka there’s a potential…there’s three units that must come on stream, they’ll give us 1680MW. We are going to fire one unit at Kusile in October, 800MW. We are going to fire three units…we are getting 2400MW. That…gives you 8940MW or so.
“But we have not resolved load shedding. The first phase is to make sure that what we are going through is eliminated and I am telling you, we are going to get those megawatts. We must build sufficient capacity to allow the economy of the country to grow at the desired rate and the rate of growth of new generation capacity must surpass the rate of economic growth,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 08/23/2023 - 12:35
CareChamp College, a new and accredited training institution in the heart of Cape Town, is set to revolutionise the employment landscape for young women. Focused on addressing the unemployability challenge, the college offers specialised courses in elder care and childcare/early childhood development. These courses provide local job opportunities and pave the way for potential global …
Innovation key to thriving in a changing world, says Minister Patel
Business as usual is no longer an option, and the ability to innovate and adapt in a world characterised by volatility and fractiousness is the key to thriving, says Trade, Industry and Competition Minister, Ebrahim Patel.
"Today, the world is more polarised, climate change is more pressing and the speed of technological innovation is increasing rapidly.
“These trends in turn are reshaping our economies and societies in more profound ways than many could project," Patel said on Tuesday.
The Minister officially opened the BRICS Business Forum as South Africa hosts the leaders of Brazil, Russia, India and China at the 15th BRICS Summit.
The event, which kicked off on Tuesday, will wrap up on Thursday. The summit brings together 1 200 delegates from South Africa, Brazil, Russia, India, China, and several African nations.
Patel used the platform to draw attention to the collective economic might of the BRICS nations, which together account for over a quarter of the world's economic output.
Highlighting South Africa's remarkable achievements in exports, Patel acknowledged the large contingent of exporting firms, noting that South Africa exported goods worth R2 trillion last year, constituting nearly one third of the nation's gross domestic product.
He praised the establishment of significant institutions like the New Development Bank, emphasising the importance of networks for policy exchanges and knowledge-sharing.
He underscored the BRICS countries’ commitment to a worldview founded on the right to develop independently without relying on others.
Acknowledging the transformative power of industrialisation, trade and technological development, Patel hailed the African Continental Free Trade Area, which unites 54 nations and offers a platform to spur African industrialisation and innovation.
He stressed that Africa is no longer just a raw material supplier but an “emerging force of innovation and industrialisation in the global arena”.
He called on the BRICS Business Forum to explore how companies and firms in BRICS economies can grow and prosper through collaboration and partnership.
He urged investment and trade practices that support the industrialisation and welfare enhancement of developing nations.
This forum meeting, Patel said, provides the framework for forging valuable business-to-business partnerships and contributing to the world's shared prosperity.
Notable figures such as Dilma Rousseff, the President of the New Development Bank; Fernando Haddad, the Minister of Finance of Brazil; Mozambican Industry and Commerce Minister Silvino Augusto José Moreno, and the leaders of the respective BRICS Business Council Chapters attended the meeting. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 08/23/2023 - 09:43
Tiger Brands expands its footprint in booming South African informal sector, creates ‘Perfect Outlets’ Tiger Brands is expanding its presence in the local general trade to capture significant growth opportunities identified in the informal sector of the economy, by implementing robust Route-to-Market support and solutions for its general trade customers, including spazas and midi-wholesalers. The …
Creecy lobbies for funding of environmental challenges
Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Barbara Creecy has called on developed countries to meet their commitments to fund the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund, which seeks to address climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.
“South Africa calls on developed countries to meet their commitments to this fund in accordance with the Rio Principles, in particular the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR) and Article 20 of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD),” Creecy said on Wednesday.
The Minister made these remarks as she has travelled to Vancouver, Canada, to participate in the 7th Global Environment Facility (GEF) Assembly.
“The 7th GEF Assembly takes place as the world tackles the triple environmental challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. The assembly provides the international community with an opportunity to discuss the key issue of funding required to meet these challenges through the GEF,” Creecy said.
Taking place from Wednesday until Friday, South Africa will assume a dual role in the GEF as both a recipient as well as a contributor.
“During the Assembly, the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund will be launched. The GEF Council has approved the establishment and the programming direction of this new fund,” the Minister said.
The assembly will feature high-level sessions, roundtables, side events, workshops, and networking opportunities.
The Minister will participate in a panel discussion titled “Solutions for a Healthy Planet: Responsible, Inclusive and Transformative Governance”.
Established on the eve of the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, the GEF is a partnership for international cooperation where 185 countries work together with international institutions, civil society organizations and the private sector, to address global environmental issues.
The GEF Assembly is composed of all 185 member countries and meets every three to four years at a ministerial level to review general policies as well as review and evaluate the GEF's operation based on reports submitted to Council.
They also review the membership of the facility and consider, for approval by consensus, amendments to the Instrument for the Establishment of the Restructured GEF on the basis of recommendations by the Council. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 08/23/2023 - 10:26
Chinese President Xi Jinping received the Order of South Africa from President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday.
The award ceremony came following Xi's meeting with Ramaphosa during his state visit to South Africa, where he will also attend the 15th BRICS Summit and co-chair with Ramaphosa the China-Africa Leaders' Dialogue.
The Order of South Africa is the highest decoration and the highest honor that South Africa awards to an important and friendly head of state.
Speaking at the ceremony, Xi said the China-South Africa comprehensive strategic partnership has entered a "golden era," as political mutual trust between the two sides continues to deepen, and mutually beneficial and practical cooperation in various fields has yielded fruitful results.
The two countries have maintained close coordination and cooperation in international affairs, which has effectively promoted their respective development and revitalization, and made positive contributions to safeguarding the common interests of developing countries, he noted.
Xi reiterated that no matter how the international situation changes, the two sides will remain committed to deepening bilateral friendly cooperation.
Noting that he will treasure the honor, which symbolizes the friendship between the two peoples, Xi pledged to unswervingly push for the continuous development of China-South Africa relations.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The State Council Information Office: The People's Republic of China.
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