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September is not only a celebration of renewal with the arrival of spring, it’s also a commemoration of Tourism Month, Heritage Month, and all the wonderfully unique offerings that South Africa presents. To celebrate this, visitors are encouraged to head to the KZN South Coast where they can uncover adventures from the ocean depths to …
Dear Editor Schools are supposed to be safe havens for learners across the country, unfortunately, it is not. Recent crime statistics have revealed that learners are still facing dangers such as murder and rape at schools. The DA will ask Minister Motshekga to account to Parliament regarding these terrible statistics, as well as her plans …
Alan Meiklejohn, NSRI Gordons Bay station commander, said: On Saturday, 19 August, at 15h28, NSRI Gordons Bay duty crew were activated by NSRI EOC (Emergency Operations Centre) reporting a kite-boarder appearing to be in difficulty at Strand in front of Die Poort. The kite boarder and his sail were in the water without his sail …
Dear Editor South Africa’s military and defence capabilities have declined over the last few years. Recent reports suggest that the cause of this is Armscor’s inability to conclude maintenance contracts for SANDF equipment. The DA will be submitting parliamentary questions to the minister to raise these concerns again and call on her to act urgently …
Dear Editor President Cyril Ramaphosa, Chairperson of the AU, in his remarks ahead of the upcoming BRICS summit failed to offer evidence of measures implemented to advance freedom, peace and security. Despite SA’s moral obligation to speak out against injustice, President Ramaphosa remains silent on human rights abuses by fellow BRICS member states. All South …
Dear Editor Speaking at the United Democratic Front’s 40th anniversary event yesterday, President Cyril Ramaphosa’s hypocrisy and insincerity reached new heights when he conceded that Indian, coloured and white citizens feel excluded in South Africa. Included in his remarks, the President admitted that the ANC has contributed to dividing South Africa along ethnic, racial and …
Dear Editor The first round of public participation hearings regarding the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill was held this weekend in North West. The Bill aims to regulate the tobacco and vaping industries by regulating the sale, advertising, and packaging of products, as well as setting manufacturing standards. The DA has a …
Mafokate’s company invoiced a non-profit organisation over R1-million from a lottery grant for a music festival that never happened
Dear Editor The ANC government has failed to curb load-shedding. The publication of Stage 16 draft load-shedding protocols by the National Rationalised Specifications Association of South Africa (NRS) prove this fact. The only way South Africa will be able to lessen load-shedding is through the liberalisation of the electricity market to allow for more private-sector …
Heads of State arrive in SA ahead of BRICS Summit
A few African Heads of State have already touched down at the OR Tambo International Airport ahead of the much-anticipated 15th BRICS Summit that will kick start on Tuesday, 22 August.
The weekend saw at least two African leaders arrive in the country already.
Minister Aaron Motsoaledi on Sunday welcomed Cameroon Prime Minister, Dr Joseph Dion Ngute, who landed at the OR Tambo International Airport, on Sunday afternoon.
Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera is already on home soil after Minister Angie Motshekga received him at the airport on Saturday.
This comes after President Cyril Ramaphosa invited 67 leaders from Africa and the global South to attend the BRICS-Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogues.
Brazil President Luiz Inácio da Silva accompanied by his wife Rosangela da Silva also landed at the OR Tambo International Airport this morning.
The couple were also on the same flight with Brazil's Former President Dilma Rousseff, who is also the Chair of the BRICS New Development Bank.
Meanwhile, United Arab Emirates President Sheik Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Chinese President Xi Jinping will be arriving later this evening.
The BRICS grouping of major emerging economies – Brazil, India, China, South Africa and Russia, is holding its 15th summit at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg from 22-24 August 2023 under the Chairship of South Africa.
According to President Ramaphosa’s televised speech last night, over 30 Heads of State from across Africa will be attending the summit.
He also announced that over 20 countries have formally applied to join BRICS and several others have expressed an interest in becoming part of the BRICS family.
BRICS expansion is expected to take centre stage as leaders descend on Sandton for a couple of days.
Chinese Ambassador to South Africa Chen Xiaodong on Friday said his country was backing the expansion of the block, describing it as “a big family of good partners, based on mutual assistance for a win-win cooperation”.
Meanwhile, President Ramaphosa believes the value of BRICS extends beyond the interests of its current members.
“For its efforts to be more effective, BRICS needs to build partnerships with other countries that share its aspirations and perspectives,” President Ramaphosa said on Sunday.
The country’s First Citizen is expected to host President Xi on a State Visit on Tuesday, 22 August 2023, at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
It will be President Xi’s fourth Official Visit to South Africa after five years.
BRICS Summit leaders are hoping that the gathering will cement the bloc’s partnership but also benefit the people of South Africa, BRICS, Africa and the global South.
It also seeks to foster economic growth, promote collaboration, attract investment, and display opportunities within South Africa, Africa, and BRICS countries.
The country’s overall trade with its BRICS partners has increased by an average growth of 10% between 2017 and 2021.
Meanwhile, South African trade with BRICS reached R830 billion in 2022 from R487 billion in 2017.
BRICS Business Council, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary, will also be bringing large business delegations to South Africa. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 08/21/2023 - 12:27
BRICS a chance to further electricity sector cooperation
Minister in the Presidency for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, is expected to host and participate in various engagements as part of strengthening the electricity sector cooperation with BRICS member states.
The 15th Summit of Brazil, Russia, India and South Africa (BRICS) countries will get underway in Sandton, Johannesburg, on Tuesday.
The Minister will use the opportunity to host engagements in the interest of the development of new energy generation, forging support for a common position in advancing Africa’s energy security on Just Transition and technical support to transition, access to modern energy sources and advancing a call for a common BRICS position on the transforms of the global energy architect and governance.
According to the Presidency, amongst the engagements for the Minister of Electricity during the BRICS Summit include a bilateral with China State Grid, a meeting with TBEA and China National Electricity Engineering Company and a meeting with CNG.
On Tuesday the Minister will participate in the BRICS Business Forum and on Wednesday the BRICS Cultural Show. – SAnews.gov.za
Janine
Mon, 08/21/2023 - 10:20
Minister in The Presidency for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, will on 21-23 August 2023 host and participate in various engagements as part of strengthening the electricity sector cooperation with BRICS Member States.
These engagements are in the interest of the development of new energy generation, forging support for a common position in advancing Africa's energy security on Just Transition and technical support to transition, access to modern energy sources and advancing a call for a common BRICS position on the transforms of the global energy architect and governance.
Amongst the engagements for the Minister of Electricity during BRICS Summit Week:
Monday, 21 August 2023
- Bilateral with China State Grid
- Meeting with TBEA and China National Electricity Engineering Company
- Meeting with CNG
Tuesday, 22 August 2023
- BRICS Business Forum
Wednesday, 23 August 2023
- BRICS Cultural Show
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency: Republic of South Africa.
SA, China cooperation can bring mutual benefit for the future
Cooperation between China and South Africa can be a source of development and mutual benefit between both countries.
This is according to President Cyril Ramaphosa through his weekly newsletter released ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's Official State Visit to South Africa on Tuesday.
Diplomatic relations between South Africa and the Asian powerhouse span some 25 years with cooperation in several sectors including trade and investment, energy and tourism.
“We are encouraged by China’s ongoing commitment to supporting African countries to meet the aspirations contained in the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and to the success of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
“As we mark this significant milestone in South Africa-China relations, our country stands ready to work closely with the government and people of China towards a shared future of meaningful and mutual benefit,” he said.
The President highlighted that China’s development plan for its people, particularly in tackling poverty, has borne significant fruit – a feat that South Africa can learn from.
“South Africa has a great deal to learn from China’s development path. Among other achievements, China has lifted nearly 800 million people out of poverty over a 40 year period. According to World Bank data, through this China has contributed close to three quarters of the global reduction in the number of people living in extreme poverty.
“South Africa is eager to deepen its collaboration within the frameworks of China’s common prosperity doctrine and strategy and our own National Development Plan and Economic Reconstruction and Development Plan. South Africa is also keen to harness the developmental potential of China’s Belt and Road Initiative announced by President Xi in 2013.
“We are actively collaborating on the design and implementation of poverty alleviation strategies aligned with our respective developmental visions, as well as on women and youth empowerment,” President Ramaphosa said.
Areas for collaboration
Turning to tourism and energy, the President said these sectors offer great opportunities for both countries.
“Energy cooperation between South Africa and China is a focus area that holds great promise. In June this year companies from both countries participated in a New Energy Investment and Cooperation Conference, which looked at opportunities for collaboration in the green economy, the just energy transition and on the transfer of science and technology.
“Tourism promotion is another area of cooperation. With the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, China is an important source for tourism. It is significant that the number of visitors from China in June 2023 was four times higher than the same time last year.
“South African Tourism expects that inbound Chinese tourism will recover to pre-COVID levels by 2026. We will be actively promoting our country as a tourism destination for Chinese tourists at the China International Import Expo, China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo and others. It is encouraging that direct flights between South Africa and China are increasing,” he said.
President Ramaphosa said this week’s Official State Visit will bring an opportunity for the two nations to address the trade deficit between the two.
“Bilateral trade with China has grown exponentially, from less than R1 billion in 1998 to over R614 billion in 2022. We hope to use this state visit to discuss how to narrow the significant trade deficit that exists in China’s favour, mainly through facilitating greater entry of value-added South African goods, products and services into the Chinese market,” he said.
International Affairs
President Ramaphosa highlighted that South Africa and China participate in several groupings on the international stage.
“In addition to a number of structured bilateral mechanisms, South Africa and China collaborate on international strategic platforms such as the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation or FOCAC, BRICS, the G20, the G77 plus China alliance, and others.
“In 2025, South Africa will assume the Presidency of the G20 group of countries, and we are encouraged by China’s support for our Presidency.
“Our collaboration with China in international affairs and on multilateral platforms is underpinned by a commitment to the transformation of global governance institutions to make them more inclusive and to give more developing economy countries a voice,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 08/21/2023 - 09:09
In this era of advanced pet care, owners are investing more time and resources into ensuring the wellness of their furry companions. One increasingly popular method of boosting canine nutrition is through the integration of vitamin and mineral supplements into their diet. It’s not uncommon for pets to be deficient in essential nutrients, especially vitamins …
President Ramaphosa commends UDF leaders
President Cyril Ramaphosa has commended the leaders who were at the forefront when the United Democratic Front (UDF) was formed 40 years ago.
“You were torchbearers in the onward march towards a free country, and we salute you all,” President Ramaphosa said on Sunday.
Speaking at the 40th anniversary celebration of the founding of the United Democratic Front in Johannesburg, President Ramaphosa said it is heartening that leaders remain committed to playing an active role in the politics of the country.
The UDF was formed at the Cape Flats 40 years ago.
“The UDF was launched as a popular front ‘to bolster the tide of the struggle’ against the great injustice of apartheid. The delegates came from the length and breadth of South Africa,” President Ramaphosa said.
President Ramaphosa said amongst the delegates who supported the UDF when it was formed were some 575 civic organisations, trade unions, student formations, the women’s movement, faith-based groups, anti-apartheid coalitions and community organisations.
“As we know, the launch date of the 20th of August was deliberately chosen. This was the date the regime planned to introduce a constitutional amendment to set up the Tricameral Parliament, a hated structure with its separate Houses for whites, coloureds and Indians. The African majority was left out in the cold.
“It was an attempt to lend legitimacy to an illegitimate system. The very purpose was to divide the ranks of the oppressed.
“In a massive show of defiance, the UDF was introduced to South Africa and the world at a public rally in Mitchell’s Plain attended by 10 000 people,” President Ramaphosa said.
The President told delegates that the new organisation had the potent slogan ‘UDF Unites, Apartheid Divides’.
“The UDF would go on to mobilise communities across South Africa against so-called grand apartheid, a system of brute force and petty laws. The UDF organised protests, rent, consumer and bus boycotts, and strikes and stay-aways.
“Affiliates assisted the families of detainees, campaigned for their release, organised political funerals and conducted political education. What made the UDF unique was its distinct political culture. It was able to forge alliances with organisations that identified with its aims.
“At its height, there were three million community members and more than 400 organisations under the banner of the UDF,” President Ramaphosa said.
President Ramaphosa said it is clear that the UDF transformed the country’s political landscape.
“What is remarkable is that it achieved so much when it was in existence for just eight short years.
“We also remember the many UDF activists who were detained without trial, tortured and killed by the regime, and the many men and women from across South Africa who made up the rank and file of the UDF,” he said. - SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Sun, 08/20/2023 - 20:00
President Ramaphosa sets pace ahead of BRICS Summit
The expansion of the Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa (BRICS) grouping is expected to be one of the key issues to dominate discussions as leaders of the bloc gather in South Africa this week.
More than 30 Heads of State and Government from across Africa will be attending the summit. Furthermore, over 20 countries have formally applied to join BRICS and several others have expressed an interest in becoming part of the BRICS family.
In his address to the nation on Sunday, President Ramaphosa said South Africa supports the expansion of the membership of BRICS.
This is a sentiment shared by China, whose Ambassador to South Africa Chen Xiaodong on Friday said that the body is “a big family of good partners, based on mutual assistance for a win-win cooperation”.
“The value of BRICS extends beyond the interests of its current members. For its efforts to be more effective, BRICS needs to build partnerships with other countries that share its aspirations and perspectives,” President Ramaphosa said, with less than two days to go before the all-important summit.
As a formation, President Ramaphosa said, BRICS plays an important role in the world due to its economic power, market potential, political influence and development cooperation.
“BRICS countries can collectively shape global dynamics and acting together, have the potential to drive significant changes in the world economy and international relations.
“An expanded BRICS will represent a diverse group of nations with different political systems that share a common desire to have a more balanced global order,” President Ramaphosa said.
The South African Head of State said collectively, BRICS members have used their voice to call for a world that is more equitable, balanced and governed by an inclusive system of global governance.
“Being a BRICS member has created positive opportunities for South Africa. It has enabled our country to have a strategic relationship with China.
“Based on the strategic relationship between South Africa and the People’s Republic of China, we will be signing several agreements during President Xi’s State visit.
“We have steadily strengthened trade and investment ties with other BRICS countries alongside collaboration in areas like development, skills, technology, security and innovation,” President Ramaphosa said.
Funding development
The President said South Africa has benefited from the New Development Bank, which was established by the BRICS countries in 2015.
“Our country has been funded by the bank in several infrastructure projects to the value of R100 billion in sectors such as roads, water, transport and energy. South Africa has always championed the interests of Africa within BRICS.
“We want to build a partnership between BRICS and Africa so that our continent can unlock opportunities for increased trade, investment and infrastructure development.
“There are great opportunities for other BRICS countries to participate in the African Continental Free Trade Area by locating production and services in various countries on the African continent, including our own, by partnering with local companies and entrepreneurs,” President Ramaphosa said.
President Ramaphosa explained that the BRICS Summit is particularly important as it is being held as the world is confronted by fundamental challenges that are bound to determine the course of international events for years to come.
“Our world has become increasingly complex and fractured, as it is increasingly polarised into competing camps. Multilateralism is being replaced by the actions of different power blocs, all of which we trade with, invest with, and whose technology we use.
“It is for this reason that South Africa continues to advocate for an open and rules-based global governance, trade, financial and investment system.
“In addition to the other African leaders in attendance, we will also be welcoming leaders from several countries of the Global South. These include countries from the Caribbean and South America, from the Middle East, from West Asia, South Asia and South-East Asia,” President Ramaphosa said.
Supporting global stability
President Ramaphosa reiterated that South Africa is directly involved in a number of efforts to bring peace to Africa.
“We are currently involved in supporting the people of Mozambique and the DRC to ensure that there is peace and stability in their countries,” the President said.
To further strengthen economic ties between African countries and the United States, President Ramaphosa said South Africa is inviting more than 30 African trade ministers and senior US Administration and Congressional representatives to the next forum of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) scheduled for November this year.
President Ramaphosa said that South Africa is a member of the Non-Aligned Movement, a forum of 120 countries that are not formally aligned with or against any major power bloc.
“Our decision not to align with any one of the global powers does not mean that we are neutral on matters of principle and national interest. Our non-aligned position exists alongside our active support for the struggles of the oppressed and marginalised in different parts of the world.
“We have always believed that the freedom we won – and the international solidarity from which we benefited – imposes a duty on us is to support the struggles of those who continue to experience colonialism and racial oppression,” the President said.
On Tuesday, President Ramaphosa will host His Excellency President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China on a State Visit to South Africa.
The welcome ceremony will take place at the Union Buildings in Pretoria ahead of the 15th BRICS Summit set to take place from 22 – 24 August 2023.
Relations between South Africa and the People’s Republic of China are governed by a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), whose programme of action is set out in a Ten-Year Strategic Programme of Cooperation (2020–2029). – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Sun, 08/20/2023 - 21:53
Police Minister to address officers deployed at the BRICS Summit
Police Minister General Bheki Cele will on Monday address all the forces deployed at the 15th Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) Summit, which will be held at the Sandton Convention Centre from 22 to 24 August.
This follows numerous security engagements and briefings by security role-players responsible for safeguarding the upcoming BRICS Summit.
The summit is expected to be attended by over 30 Heads of State and Government from across Africa, scores of government representatives, as well as local and international dignitaries and summit delegates.
The security forces parade will comprise officers from across various disciplines of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and supporting security agencies deployed to safeguard the event.
Last week, the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) affirmed South Africa’s ability to successfully host the 15th BRICS summit.
Together, BRICS has more than 40% of the world's population; makes up a quarter of the global economy and accounts for a fifth of global trade.
BRICS leaders are also expected to discuss the issue of membership expansion. Over 30 African Heads of State and Government are expected to attend the summit, with over 20 countries having formally applied to join BRICS.
In his address to the nation on Sunday, President Ramaphosa said South Africa supports the expansion of the membership of BRICS.
“The value of BRICS extends beyond the interests of its current members. For its efforts to be more effective, BRICS needs to build partnerships with other countries that share its aspirations and perspectives,” President Ramaphosa said.
He said BRICS plays an important role in the world due to its economic power, market potential, political influence and development cooperation.
Only those in possession of accreditation to attend will be allowed near the venue and restricted areas. Those found with fraudulent accreditation will face the full might of the law. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Sun, 08/20/2023 - 21:59
What is a workplace dispute? A workplace dispute refers to a conflict or disagreement that arises between employers and employees or between co-workers within a workplace setting. These disputes can involve a wide range of issues, such as employment contracts, workplace policies, wages and benefits, discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, breach of employment agreements, or violations …
Fifteen learners from the well-known Aitsa! Aftercare Centre in Stellenbosch will live out their MTBing dreams at the 8th annual Fedhealth MTB Challenge that will take place at Root44 on Saturday, 09 and Sunday 10 September 2023. The Aitsa! Aftercare Centre opened its doors in 2014 in the picturesque village of Kylemore. The doors are …
The RUN YOUR CITY (RYC) WARM UP RUN #4 fueled by PUMA Nitro, the final WARM UP RUN before the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series celebrates its Tshwane debut, will take place at the Uitspan, Hillcrest Sports Campus, University of Pretoria, Hatfield at 17:15 on Thursday 24 August 2023. Tshwane residents have one last chance …
Maintenance, debt servicing key to electricity distribution: Ramokgopa
The Minister in the Presidency responsible for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, has emphasised the importance of infrastructure maintenance and the servicing of municipal debt to help keep the lights on.
In his weekly Energy Action Plan briefing in Pretoria on Sunday, Ramokgopa said poor maintenance and lack of servicing debt are among the reasons some communities go without electricity, even long after load shedding.
“…Transformers and substations have failed and blown up [in some communities] as a result of demand that exceeds the capacity of those assets,” Ramokgopa said.
Ramokgopa said in some instances, municipalities are underspending by R2 billion, money which should be spent servicing and maintaining infrastructure.
According to the Minister, municipalities owe Eskom about R63.2 billion.
Ramokgopa said there is a number of municipalities that have entered into agreements to pay their debts. However, some municipalities have defaulted on their arrangements and failed to make payments as agreed.
Ramokgopa said failure to pay Eskom undermines the entity’s ability to service and maintain the electricity distribution network, resulting in replenishment budgets being depleted on fixing repeat breakdowns of sub-stations and other transmission units.
“We are working with Eskom and the Head of Distribution and his team to ensure that we are able to find sustainable solutions to the problem. We are in discussions with colleagues from Distribution, National Treasury and the South African Local Government Association (Salga) to try address the debt of the municipalities.
“Communities are not able to get the electricity they deserve that they have paid for as a result of failure of infrastructure,” Ramokgopa said.
On Friday, Ramokgopa undertook a working visit to Namibia to participate in a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Mines and Energy in Namibia, Tom Alweendo.
The meeting explored opportunities for mutual cooperation between South Africa and Namibia.
The meeting also discussed the development and exploitation of gas reserves from the Kudu fields in the Orange Basin to provide an affordable gas fired base load power of up to 8 40MW for 35 years. South Africa could benefit from up to 600MW of this. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Sun, 08/20/2023 - 13:20
You and your investors post-investment: CONGRATULATIONS! YOU’VE RAISED FUNDING! Your ideas and efforts over the last few years have been recognised by an investor. Now that the celebrations are over, the work starts in delivering on your promises and keeping your investors informed with post-investment financial reporting. Once investors have made the decision to invest …
The importance of maintaining strong finances post-investment Your business journey started with the germ of an idea. You nurtured it, poured your heart and soul and all your spare time into it, and watched it grow into a thriving company. In fact, you even managed to attract outside investors, who saw the potential for growth …
Shops looted as residents take to the streets complaining of racism and neglect