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In a world increasingly plagued by pressing societal issues and environmental concerns, conscious individuals and companies are re-evaluating our roles and responsibilities, seeking ways to positively impact a better future. Post-COVID, this sentiment has only grown stronger, with a heightened awareness of the need to address sustainability, social well-being, and the welfare of our children …
President Cyril Ramaphosa wishes Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi a speedy recovery.
Prince Buthelezi has been unwell and is hospitalised in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
President Ramaphosa has communicated with the Buthelezi family, who have briefed him about Prince Buthelezi's health condition.
The President has expressed his well wishes and conveyed that his heartfelt prayers are with Prince Buthelezi and the family.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency: Republic of South Africa.
[Durban – 02 August 2023] Corovoca Primary School, in Avoca, was a lucky winner of R30 000 cash in the Bata Toughees “It’s your time to shine” competition. The school had old, rusted and broken fencing along the main corridor, which posed a danger to the 800 pupils on site. “When I saw the competition, …
Methane gas identified as cause of Joburg CBD explosion
An investigation has found that methane gas was the cause of the deadly Lillian Ngoyi Street (formerly known as Bree Street) explosion that rocked the Johannesburg city centre last month.
This was revealed by City of Johannesburg City Manager, Floyd Brink, during a media briefing on Wednesday.
The explosion killed one person, injured several others, caused infrastructure damage and disrupted services in the area.
“Methane is lighter than air so usually methane…will go up. It travelled up all along the service tunnel from an unknown source to the crest of the tunnel near the Von Brandis Street. There were always questions around why did we not see any fire…if you look at the low explosive level, there’s a threshold of between 5 and 15%. If it’s between 5 to 15% it will be an explosion, anything above 15% will then create a fire.
“This one was between the threshold of between 5 to 15%, therefore it was an explosion. As we flew…our drones into those tunnels, we could not pick up any indication of black scorch from a fire,” he said.
Brink added that the investigation ruled out several other suspected causes – including that the explosion was caused by a gas leakage, illegal mining underground or negligence.
The city manager said repair work to rehabilitate and reconstruct the area is currently estimated to stand at more than R100 million.
“Our rough estimate at this point currently sits around R178 million and that is based on work that has been done but it’s based on preliminary designs. We will indicate…as we are moving closer with detailed designs. That amount may increase based on the designs that we will have.
“That is preliminary to look at what it will cost us for the road, what it will cost us for any other infrastructure damages and also to reconstruct that particular tunnel,” Brink said.
He revealed that following the explosion, the City of Johannesburg spent close to R4 million on “professional experts, services, the cordoning off of the site, technology that we’ve used and the provision of temporary relief”.
Brink said the city has learnt several lessons following the explosion with plans coming to avoid future reoccurrence.
“The tunnel designs will be upgraded based on current international codes for tunnels to reduce the risk of severity for these types of explosions. We will also introduce continuous gas detection, alarms, sensors and monitors for all staff working in the tunnels.
“As we move forward to reconstruct and to upgrade these particular areas, we would need to upgrade to ensure that we use technology. Our tunnels designs will be based on international relevant standards… that focusses specifically on tunnels and explosion prevention with accidental combustible gas release in tunnels and/or cavities,” he said.
Brink emphasised that the work to secure the tunnel will not only be concentrated on Lillian Ngoyi Street but other projects will also commence at other streets in the area to “look at gas detection and any other issues”. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 08/02/2023 - 15:15
AARTO Act expected to improve driver behaviour
The Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) Act is expected to play a role in changing the behaviour of South Africa’s road users for the better.
“More than 12 000 road users perish on our roads annually. AARTO will play a critical role in changing the behaviour of road users for the better. We all need to strive towards zero fatalities in our roads. One road death is one too many,” says Monde Mkalipi.
Mkalipi is the spokesperson of the Road Traffic Infringement Agency (RTIA) which has been given the mandate to continue with the implementation of the AARTO Act.
This comes after the Constitutional Court confirmed the legality and validity of the Act and the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences Amendment Act 4 of 2019.
Government has welcomed the July judgement on the constitutionality challenge brought by civil action group, OUTA (Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse). The OUTA brought an application calling on the highest court in the land to confirm the Pretoria High Court’s 2022 judgement which found the AARTO legislation to be unconstitutional and invalid.
According to OUTA, the legislation “unlawfully intrudes upon the exclusive executive and legislative competence of the local and provincial governments envisaged in the Constitution, preventing local and provincial governments from regulating their own affairs.”
However, in its judgement, the Constitutional Court disagreed. In welcoming the court’s July judgement, Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga said the ruling affirms government’s long-held view that this is a necessary law to advance the state’s efforts in arresting the carnage on the country’s roads.
The Minister said the implementation of this law across the country has been pending for 25 years, with pilots in place in the Cities of Johannesburg and Tshwane.
The Amendment Act intends to establish and administer rehabilitation programmes; to provide for the apportionment of penalties; to provide for the establishment of the Appeals Tribunal and add to the functions of the RTIA among others.
Speaking to SAnews, Mkalipi added that it is government’s long held view that AARTO is a necessary road safety intervention to curb fatalities.
How it will work
The ruling paves the way to penalise drivers and operators of motor vehicles who are guilty of traffic or road infringements through a system of demerit points, which may result in the suspension or cancellation of driving licences.
Chikunga said government would move with speed with the implementation of the demerit system which is an important cornerstone of the AARTO Act. The system will involve demerit points being allocated according to the severity of infringements committed.
The AARTO Act provides for a system whereby a person, operator or juristic person who is not an operator, pays the penalty and incurs points when a traffic infringement is committed.
Under the demerit system, vehicles are not punished by the system, but the operator /juristic person is held responsible for the use of the vehicle.
Upon implementation of the demerit system, everyone will commence with zero points.
A 2020 government gazette details the Schedule 3 demerit points and penalties and according to the document, an offender will receive a penalty, and in addition to the penalty, the offender also receives demerit points to the specific infringement or offence.
If the demerit points exceed the maximum 15 points, a person, operator or juristic person who is not an operator will be disqualified from driving or using the vehicle for three months for every point surpassing the 15 points.
According to the gazette’s Explanatory Memorandum on Schedule 3 demerit points and penalties, points for offences and infringements range between one and six.
If demerit points are allocated to a person or vehicle and no further demerit points are accrued in three months after receiving the previous demerit point, a reduction of one point on the total number of demerit points will be recorded on the system.
A person's driving licence card and the operator card of a motor vehicle must be handed in for the disqualification period. Upon a third disqualification, the licence will be cancelled.
This then means that an individual must apply for a new learner's licence and driving licence once the disqualification period ends.
Clarity on function
The judgement provides clarity on Schedule 4 matters of concurrent function between the national and provincial sphere as well as on Schedule 5.
Schedule 4 of the Constitution lists the functional areas in which Parliament and the provincial legislatures jointly have the right to make laws. Schedule 5 of the Constitution lists the functional areas in which only the provincial legislatures may make laws.
Mkalipi clarifies that the AARTO Act will by no means displace national and provincial laws and municipal bylaws.
“But [it] will rather encourage compliance with these laws. Voluntary compliance with traffic laws is the new culture AARTO seeks to instil among our road users.”
Compliance
As an entity of the Department of Transport which is mandated with assisting motorists in managing and resolving AARTO fines, the RTIA says the AARTO seeks to encourage compliance with road traffic laws.
“It is our hope that [the] reduction in traffic violations will automatically also result in reduction of road crashes, injuries and fatalities,” he said.
The agency offers road users the various legislated AARTO elective options ranging from a 50% discount, nomination of driver in charge of vehicle, submission of representations to dispute an infringement and the request to pay in instalments.
Implementation
In addition, the agency is reviewing its AARTO Master Implementation Plan to determine the shape and form of the AARTO national rollout. Previously, the department had said implementation would follow a phased-in approach.
“Currently consultations are underway with members of the AARTO National Steering Committee who are representing various issuing authorities (national road traffic agencies, provinces and municipalities) to determine the most feasible way to kick-start the AARTO national rollout,” said Mkalipi.
At a recent media briefing, Chikunga said motorists can expect the nationwide full implementation of the AARTO Act in July 2024.
The agency said the testing of the implementation of the AARTO Act in Gauteng’s Tshwane and Johannesburg in 2008, has provided a firm commitment that the agency is ready to rollout AARTO throughout the country.
While the agency continues to engage with stakeholders to ensure that they have a thorough understanding of how the act and its amendment will work, it will also continue educating road users on the legislation and its implications for those who do not comply.
While there has been some sentiment that the AARTO will be hard to implement, the RTIA is of a different view.
“With the eagerness to rollout AARTO by various partners, the RTIA strongly believes the AARTO rollout will be a great success. As we speak, we have the NaTIS [National Administration Traffic Information System] that is active in all municipalities across the country. Since AARTO is a highly automated system, the RTIA should be able to rollout AARTO with existing network on the NaTIS.
“We have prepared so well for the implementation of AARTO which includes the Points Demerit System and the Rehabilitation programme. All these elements of AARTO are being packaged for automation and loading into the NaTIS,” Mkalipi explained.
The rehabilitation programme will see habitual infringers who have their licenses cancelled, attending rehabilitation programmes to be allowed back into the driving fold. –SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Wed, 08/02/2023 - 13:24
CHASING THE UNICORN – A MOZAMBICAN SURF STORY Pictured: Sung Mini Cho (MOZ) driving through the African Kirra. @ Alan Van Geysen A film by Now Now Media presented by Monster Energy In association with O’Neill Chasing the Unicorn traces the history of surfing in post-war Mozambique while searching for a mythical …
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The five countries of MIKTA, such as Mexico, Indonesia, Türkiye, and Australia held the Batik and Wire Jewelry in cooperation with North West Province Government, South Africa (27-28/7) at Sun City Convention Center, Rustenburg.
The training which was held within the framework of Indonesia's chairmanship in the intra-regional forum for middle-power countries, raised the theme of inclusive economic recovery as one of Indonesia's chairmanship priorities in 2023.
The cooperation between MIKTA and North West Province was done by recruiting 50 training participants from the province who came from vulnerable groups economically affected after the Covid-19 pandemic, consisting of women, youth and disabled.
The participants of the two-day training for both batik and jewelry appeared highly enthusiastic, as conveyed by Ellen Modi, one of the local designers who participated. “As a participant, we are very happy with this activity which gave us new insights about Batik. This is a chance for us to develop our design skills, especially in Batik".
The training activities involved Indonesian instructor, Venny Afwany Alamsyah from Batik House Indonesia and were witnessed by officials of embassies from every MIKTA country in Pretoria, South Africa, namely Republic of Korea Ambassador, Chull-joo Park; Türkiye Ambassador, Ayşegül Kandaş; and Australia Ambassador, Tegan Brink, and Chargé d'Affaires ad Interim of the Embassy of Mexico, Elía del Carmen Sosa Nishizaki; KUAI Indonesian Embassy (KBRI) Pretoria, Victor J. Sambuaga. These officials also had the opportunity to try making batik on the sidelines of the activity.
To represent his colleagues, the heads of representatives of MIKTA country members, Victor J. Sambuaga, the Indonesian Embassy in Pretoria welcomed the activities initiated by both parties, MIKTA and North West Province. “This is clear evidence of MIKTA country members' contributions as international entities toward accreditation areas, such as South Africa, especially in North West Province. These kinds of activities can hopefully impact the development of small and medium enterprises which of course we all hope together could push the community's economic growth, especially in the North West Province.
In line with Sambuaga, Thabo Mabe, Chief Director of the North West Province Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation expressed his belief that this activity, which is also a form of cultural exchange for the two countries will produce good results for the beneficiary communities. “We warmly welcome this activity, especially since it will be advantageous for women, youth, and the disabled. The goal is to empower the community through capacity building which is expected to create jobs for the community."
As it is known, Indonesia has set 3 priorities for its chairmanship in 2023, consist of Strengthening Multilateralism, Inclusive Economic Recovery, and Digital Transformation. The echoes of Indonesia's chairmanship began since continuing as chairman of the MIKTA forum from Türkiye since March 2023.
The event was concluded with a recorded message from high-ranking Indonesian officials, the Director General for Multilateral Affairs of the Indonesian Foreign Ministry, Tri Tharyat, and the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of South Africa, Y.M. Candith Mashego-Dlamini.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs Republic of Indonesia.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has welcomed the review report of the National Development Plan (NDP) presented by the National Planning Commission (NPC) on Tuesday, 1 August 2023 at the Union Buildings.
The NPC briefed the President about their findings having reviewed the country's progress against the objectives and targets of the National Development Plan: Vision 2030 (NDP) in the past decade. The NDP, which was drafted by the first Commission in the 2010-2012 period and adopted by all parties represented in Parliament in 2012, is the long-term plan for national development. It provides guidance for all Government policy formulation and implementation.
In this regard, Government uses the Medium-Term Strategic Framework in order to implement the NDP in a structured manner, across Government departments and spheres. It is also used to mobilise all South Africans to take ownership of the country's long-term plan, its objectives, and targets.
One of the main findings made in the Ten-Year Review of the NPC was that the economy was not only failing to grow at the rate required for the objectives of NDP to materialise, but the economy was also not structured to serve the interests of all South Africans, resulting in poverty and inequality remaining extremely high and persistent.
The report further stated that the economic, social, and spatial legacies of apartheid, inappropriate economic policies that prevent redistribution, and the hollowing out of state capacity during the state capture years continue to undermine both South Africa's competitiveness and the potential of its people.
The review recommended that planning be institutionalised and made a cross-cutting imperative across the state and Government sector to enable the country to make the necessary progress towards the attainment of the NDP goals and targets.
“We need to embark on a course of action to get the country back on the developmental path envisaged by the Plan and place more focus on resolving key issues related to the provision of energy, addressing infrastructure backlogs including transport and freight, building state capacity, and addressing the apartheid spatial legacies,” said Prof Tinyiko Maluleke, Deputy Chairperson of the Commission.
“Despite the challenges experienced, the objectives of eliminating poverty, and reducing unemployment and inequality, which are the overarching goals of the NDP, should and must remain the country's priority if it is to uplift the conditions of its people,” said Hon. Maropene Ramokgopa, Minister in The Presidency responsible for Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation and Chairperson of the Commission.
“The 10 Year Review of the NDP will assist us in identifying the systemic issues that limit the effectiveness of the state and its social partners in making greater progress. We need to be able to plan better, to integrate and coordinate the work of different departments and institutions, and to ensure that we are using our limited resources most effectively.
It is important that the State has the capacity to meet its developmental responsibilities, that it is appropriately structured that has the right people in the right places with the appropriate skills and ethos” said President Ramaphosa.
President Ramaphosa committed his administration's support to the commission and to ensure that the proposals presented are incorporated into Government across all departments and spheres.
The President further underscored the importance of strong leadership and partnership with, labour, civil society, communities and business in effecting the envisaged change.
The NPC is an independent planning body, comprising a diverse group of experts in various fields, appointed by the President to advise Government on the country's long-term development as contained in the National Development Plan.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency: Republic of South Africa.
Petrol, diesel prices to increase from Wednesday
The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) has announced that the price of all grades of petrol and diesel will increase from Wednesday this week.
The price of illuminating paraffin is also expected to rise with the only decrease to be implemented on the price of LP gas.
Adjustments to the prices will be as follows:
The department explained the reasons for the price adjustments.
“The average Brent Crude oil price increased from $75.10 US Dollars [USD] to $79.75 USD during the period under review. The average international product prices of petrol, diesel and Illuminating paraffin followed the increasing trend of crude oil prices during the period under review. These led to higher contributions to the Basic Fuel Prices of petrol, diesel and illuminating paraffin by 63.59 c/l, 99.09. c/l and 98.71c/l, respectively. However, LP Gas decreased due to lower prices of Propane and Butane.
“The Rand appreciated on average, against the US Dollar [from R18.68 to R18.26 per USD] during the period under review when compared to the previous one. This led to lower contributions to the Basic Fuel Prices of petrol, diesel and illuminating paraffin by 27.64 c/l, 27.36 c/l and 27.10 c/l, respectively.
“The cumulative slate balance on petrol and Diesel as at the end of June 2023 had a positive balance of is R2.69 million. Therefore, there is no slate levy applicable in the petrol and diesel price structure for August 2023,” the DMRE said. - SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 08/01/2023 - 08:52
In line with Section 12 of the Public Service Act as amended, North West Acting Premier Nono Maloyi and MEC for Social Development Lazarus Mokgosi and Social Development Head of Department Relebohile Mafokane have reached a mutual agreement for the latter's temporary transfer to the Office of the Premier.
This is a lateral transfer which is aimed at stabilising the Department of Social Development. Mr Mofokane's terms and conditions of employment remain the same and his transfer does not mean any wrongdoing on his part. The transfer is with effect from 02 August 2023.
Acting Premier Maloyi and MEC Mokgosi have subsequently appointed Dr Fezile Ngqobe to act as Head of the Department of Social Development until the post is filled.
MEC Mokgosi would like to thank HoD Mafokane for his understanding and cooperation in reaching this decision.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of North West Office of the Premier, Republic of South Africa.
The inaugural Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K will get off to an explosive start as South Africa’s 10km Queen, Glenrose Xaba and Lesotho’s three-time National Record Holder, Neheng Khatala confirm their entries for Sunday 27 August 2023! Xaba and Khatala have met three times at the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series in 2023 and …
Johannesburg, 01 August 2023: Sello’s Gutters is a proudly black owned South African-based gutter company that manufactures stainless steel, galvanised steel, and colour material. Founded in 1998 by Sello Senyatsi, a self-taught gutter installer and now a manufacturer. Sello’s Gutters first made its mark in the guttering industry pioneering the use of premium sheet metal …
Join us on the 9th of August as we celebrate and equip women in Business at the Women’s Business Club Conference – locally under the leadership of the inspiring Michelle Austin and Angie Wells – Women’s Business Club directors Bringing together influential professionals, entrepreneurs, and aspiring business-women for a day of networking, the Women’s Business …
SA ready to host Netball World Cup 2023
By Anele Zikali
As the country prepares to host the first ever Netball World Cup (NWC2023) in Africa from 28 July to 6 August 2023, it is all systems go for South Africa’s netball team, the SPAR Proteas.
The team’s head coach Norma Plummer said the 15-member squad’s preparations for the tournament are well on track.
“We are working on two training sessions a day now, just to fast-track the combinations on the court ... We will drop to one training session a day and focus more on the analysis of other teams going forward,” said Plummer.
She has a wealth of experience to draw on as she readies the team for NWC2023, which is being hosted by the City of Cape Town.
The netball veteran, who features in the Australian Netball Hall of Fame, has more than 50 years’ experience and is a former world cup winner as a player and coach for the Australian team.
With the SPAR Proteas playing on home soil, Plummer reflected on the pivotal role Netball South Africa has played in ensuring that the public gets behind the team.
“When we walk into the stadium it will be a great thing for them [the players] to have the support that they normally would not have. The visitors will enjoy [what] has been put together by the organisation [Netball South Africa].”
She said there has been growing support and publicity for netball in the country.
“I get surprised when I see a lot of men on the court, watching the games or even playing. They are not shy to raise their hands and play netball. It shows that this game is as tough and competitive as men’s sport. This will help to bring in more sponsors,” she added.
SPAR Proteas team manager Nisha Rupnarain thanked the sponsors that have helped the team with resources.
“The City of Cape Town has done a lot of hard work in preparation. The excitement is building up. We are absolutely grateful to the city for making sure that this event is a success. We are thankful to the sponsors, Netball South Africa and government for their support,” added Rupnarain.
For the latest updates, follow Netball South Africa on Twitter: @Netball_SA or Facebook: Netball South Africa. – SAnews.gov.za
*This article first appeared in Vukuzenzele
Janine
Mon, 07/31/2023 - 10:21
Fight against corruption making strides
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Ronald Lamola, says the National Prosecuting Authority Asset Forfeiture Unit (NPA AFU) has recovered billions of Rands stolen from the state through corrupt activities.
The Minister was speaking during the opening of the Association of African Anti-Corruption Authorities’ (AAACA) 6th General Assembly in Gauteng on Monday.
“The finalisation of two high value corruption cases has contributed to the AFU recovering R2.83 billion in corruption and related matters during the financial year, and a total of R10.2 billion has been frozen over the past four years. In state capture cases alone, the NPA has recovered R2.55 billion.
“Over the past four years, we have seen 13 new investigations, totalling 97 matters. The previous year, the NPA’s Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) secured freezing orders worth R570 million to recover the stolen monies from the corrupt and those who facilitated state capture.
“The Special Investigating Unit and the Special Commercial Crimes Unit’s collaboration is essential in fighting money laundering and illicit financial flows. This led to the finalisation of 364 cases in the last financial year and a conviction rate of 87.6%,” he said.
The Minister said the department is hard at work implementing plans to strengthen the fight against corruption in the public sector.
“Firstly we are looking at various measures to enhance the efficacy of our whistle-blowing framework and ensure that whistle blowers are adequately protected.
“Secondly, we have set up a National Council Anti-Corruption Advisory Council…to advise the government on the critical preventative measures, institutional capabilities and resources that are required to curb a recurrence of state capture proactively and to prevent fraud and corruption in South Africa.
“Thirdly, we are currently busy with inter-departmental consultations to strengthen our Investigative Directorate within the National Prosecuting Authority to enable it to have dedicated capacity to resolve cases identified by the judicial commission,” he said.
Lamola said in the context of The Corruption Perceptions Index – which ranks countries based on public sector corruption – countries on the continent are facing challenges in the battle against the scourge.
“The report highlights that the battle against corruption faces significant obstacles due to conflicts and political instability. It reinforces the idea that democracy and its associated values play a crucial role in establishing transparency and accountability within institutions.
“Put another way; corruption flourishes in places where democracy is weakened. Implementation is key. Without it, policies remain non-existent, and the fight against corruption lacks substance,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 07/31/2023 - 12:35
Suspects arrested for kidnapping
Concerted efforts by the provincial multi-disciplinary anti-kidnapping task team to curb incidents of kidnapping in the Western Cape and bring the perpetrators to book yielded positive results with the rescue of a kidnapping victim and arrest of 11 suspects over the weekend.
The suspects are expected to appear in the Blue Downs Magistrate Court today.
On 26 July 2023, a business robbery was perpetrated at a supermarket in Kuilsrivier, where the suspects took cigarettes, smoking equipment, substantial amount of cash and kidnapped a 34-year-old businessman.
Upon reporting of the crime, the multi-disciplinary team sprang into action and an investigation commenced.
All available leads were followed up which led to the arrest of ten suspects.
Further investigation into the matter led the multi-disciplinary team to an address in Tamrisk Street, Delft, where they found the hostage, rescued him and a suspect was subsequently arrested.
The efforts of the team comprising the Hawks investigators, Special Task Force members, Provincial Organised Crime detectives, hostage negotiators, Crime Intelligence and the City of Cape Town commended the management of SAPS in the Western Cape as the team’s efforts are gaining momentum in dealing with kidnappings. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 07/31/2023 - 10:08
SA, Russia cement bilateral relations
By Dikeledi Molobela
St. Petersburg, Russia – As south Africa prepares to host the 15th BRICS summit in August, President Vladimir Putin has expressed his full support and confidence in the summit’s success.
The Russian Head of State stressed the close collaboration between Russia and South Africa in various international fora like the United Nations, G20 and other multilateral organisations such as BRICS, which is currently being chaired by South Africa.
“We closely and constructively cooperate within this grouping in order to extend our strategic cooperation between the five countries [Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa].
“I am convinced that the meeting you are currently preparing for will be held on the highest level possible. I have no doubts about this and we will spare no effort in giving our assistance to you,” he said.
President Putin was speaking on Saturday during a bilateral meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa at Konstantinovsky Palace in St. Petersburg. The gathering was held to discuss South Africa and Russia’s bilateral relations.
In response, President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his sincere appreciation, underscoring the longstanding history of collaboration between the two nations.
He emphasised that their cooperation goes back to their joint efforts within the G20, where they have successfully worked together on numerous critical issues.
Additionally, President Ramaphosa said, the partnership extends to the BRICS platform, where they have actively engaged in addressing matters of mutual interest.
“We are delighted to have your support as we are going to host BRICS in a few weeks. We agree with you that BRICS should be held at an appropriate level.
“We are in the process of preparing for BRICS and we thank you for the support you are giving and that you are willing to give. As it is, a number of Russian officials and Ministers have been to South Africa to attend the various preparatory meetings that are taking place for BRICS. We are hoping that the participation of all the BRICS countries will lead to a valuable outcome. We are looking forward to a successful summit,” President Ramaphosa said.
Turning attention to the recently concluded second Russia-Africa Summit, President Ramaphosa lauded President Putin for hosting a successful summit, with a declaration that was “well negotiated and well crafted”, representing the views of various countries.
President Ramaphosa took the opportunity to express gratitude to his counterpart for hosting a successful and well organised summit.
“We believe the summit was successful and well organised. The outcome was very good and the declaration was well negotiated and well crafted.
“It represents the views of various countries that were here and put together with your views. I believe that we have a declaration that can take forward our relationship between Africa and Russia.
“What is particularly pleasing is that Russia conducts its relationship with Africa at a strategic level, with a great deal of respect for and recognition of the sovereignty of African States,” the President said.
President Ramaphosa acknowledged that Russia's support for Africa has remained steadfast over time, dating back to the days of the Soviet Union. He expressed satisfaction that the spirit of cooperation between Russia and Africa endures to this day.
Trade ties
Regarding the bilateral relationship between Russia and South Africa, President Ramaphosa affirmed that the two nations share and uphold strong ties.
“It’s a multi-level relationship. On an investment level, there are quite a number of companies in the South African market that are also invested in the Russia market,” he said.
The President emphasised that South Africa is presently grappling with an energy crisis and could gain valuable insights from Russia's experience.
“Currently, South Africa is going through an energy crisis and we could learn a lot and do a lot together with Russia on the energy side. On the science and technology side, there's a great deal that we can learn from each other. We can learn a lot from you,” he said.
The President mentioned his interest in exploring fields such as space, noting the presence of a Space Institute in South Africa.
“You have advanced a great deal in space, and that is one area in which we could cooperate.
“We appreciate the support we received from Russia during the COVID-19. Your innovation when it came to COVID-19 helped to inspire our own scientists. I remember you [President Putin] and I having a conversation after our scientists discovered Omicron and we spoke on the phone. You sent Russian scientists to South Africa so that we could exchange views. I do believe that that was really impactful. We thank you for that,” the President said.
Regarding education, the President expressed South Africa's deep appreciation for the support received from Russia. He conveyed his desire to encourage an increasing number of students to pursue studies in various disciplines in Russia.
President Ramaphosa acknowledged the value of the extensive support provided by President Putin to many South Africans who have been educated in Russia, and expressed his wish to see this support continue.
Furthermore, President Ramaphosa praised President Putin's stance on the representation of Africa at the United Nations level.
“We'd like to appreciate your position on the issue of the representation of Africa at the UN level. We continue to be a continent that is not represented in the key structures of the UN. Thank you for being supportive in that regard,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Sat, 07/29/2023 - 21:24
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Task team to resolve Sol Plaatje Municipality water challenges
A steering committee has been established to deal with water and sanitation challenges at the Sol Plaatje Local Municipality in Kimberly, Northern Cape.
This comes after Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu and Northern Cape Premier Dr Zamani Saul met with Sol Plaatje Local Municipality leaders to find long lasting solutions to the current water and sanitation challenges in the area.
During the discussions on Thursday, the municipality outlined its challenges relating to bulk water supply and reticulation to communities.
The steering committee, which includes a technical team from Water and Sanitation and the municipality, will provide a turnaround strategy on the municipality’s water challenges.
The committee will also have a political oversight of the Minister and provincial political leadership.
Mchunu said as a Water Services Authority (WSA), Sol Plaatje Local Municipality is responsible for waste water management and treatment of raw water and its reticulation.
However, he said, through routine inspections and interactions with the municipality, the department identified poor operation and maintenance on both water and sanitation infrastructure, which contributes to sewage spillages, water leaks and water interruptions in the municipality.
Mchunu said the department has issued several directives that the spillages of wastewater from the overflowing sewer network and pump stations were ponding inside the Kamfersdam and Platfontein pans. However, the municipality indicated that it has financial challenges affecting its ability to address the problems.
The Minister said the committee will also address issues of high levels of water losses as non-revenue water is estimated at 64% due to old aging bulk and reticulation infrastructure.
He said he is endorsing the steering committee and is confident that it will improve the services of water and sanitation in the city.
“Various issues that include operation and maintenance, loss of water through leaks and ageing infrastructure will be dealt with decisively. We need to improve water and sanitation services in this municipality and ensure that the people get clean, running water in their homes,” Mchunu said.
Vaal project
Both the Minister and the Premier have also undertaken to expedite the progress of the Vaal Gamagara Phase 2 project, which will be a joint venture between the department and the Mine Leadership Forum in the Northern Cape.
The project will entail the laying of a 260-kilometre pipeline from the Vaal River Pump Station and will service the communities of John Taolo Gaotsewe District Municipality.
The eradication of the bucket system in the Norther Cape Province was also placed under the spotlight during the discussions.
There are currently 7 600 buckets in the province, and Mchunu and Saul said they will soon sign a memorandum of understanding to eliminate the bucket system, particularly in Campbell under Siyancuma Local Municipality.
Meanwhile, Mchunu is today visiting Lichtenburg to meet with representatives of the North West business sector to discuss sustainable solutions to the provision of water and sanitation in the province – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 07/28/2023 - 14:50
Plans in place to ensure safety at Netball World Cup
Law enforcement officials will maintain high visibility on foot and vehicle patrols during the 2023 Netball World Cup in Cape Town.
In a statement on Friday, the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NatJOINTS) assured participants and the public that plans are in place to ensure a safe and secure 2023 Netball World Cup.
“This essential security approach is to establish uncompromising security measures, limiting the impact of any incidents occurring through contingency planning and limiting the probability of incidents occurring before, during and after the World Cup,” NatJOINTS said on Friday.
NatJOINTS comprises various government departments, led by the South African Police Service (SAPS), the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and State Security Agency (SSA).
A committee under the auspices of the NatJOINTS, working closely with Netball South Africa, the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture and the City of Cape Town, has been meeting regularly with relevant role players to develop a security plan for the World Cup.
“The security plan will ensure team security, accommodation security, route security, city security, venue security as well as crowd management. The presence of law enforcement officials for the duration of this World Cup will serve to enhance day-to-day policing in all the identified areas.
“Traffic disruptions can be expected around the World Cup venue [Cape Town International Convention Centre], given the large number of delegates in attendance. Motorists are advised that some streets surrounding the ICC will either be closed or the flow of traffic restricted for the duration of the World Cup,” NatJOINTS said.
Only accredited people and vehicles will be allowed within restricted areas. Therefore, people that are not yet accredited, including media, are urged to make the necessary arrangements to obtain their accreditation.
All eyes will be on the SPAR Proteas as South Africa takes on Wales in their first match at the 2023 Netball World Cup, set to get underway in Cape Town this evening.
South Africa will be competing against 16 countries for the prestigious trophy to become world champions.
The much anticipated match this evening will begin at 6pm.
The game will be broadcast live on SABC Sport Channel, SABC 2, SABC Radio Stations and SABC plus. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Fri, 07/28/2023 - 13:12
President Ramaphosa calls for shift to high value exports
St. Petersburg, Russia – President Cyril Ramaphosa has boldly declared Africa’s intention to prioritise the export of valuable finished products instead of raw materials from the continent’s minerals.
President Ramaphosa told his Russian counterpart, President Vladimir Putin, that Africa wants to export finished products, which will set Africa on a path to unlock unparalleled opportunities for the continent’s economies.
The President was speaking during a plenary session at the second Russia-Africa Summit held in St. Petersburg in the Russian Federation. The two-day summit kicked off on 27 July.
“We no longer want to export ore, soil, dusts and rocks from the minerals of our continent. We want to export finished products that have value.
“There must be respect also for what we do as countries, and we must stop those countries that count their wealth and their assets in terms of minerals that reside in the African soil like they did in the past when they counted their wealth in the number of slaves that they owned, taken from the African continent.
“Respect and mutual benefit underpin what we as Africa do when we relate to other countries in the world,” the President said.
President Ramaphosa expressed Africa’s pursuit of a balanced and mutually beneficial trade and investment.
He emphasised that the continent’s aspirations for its goods, products and services to compete on an equal footing in the global economy.
This stance underscores Africa’s determination to establish a reciprocal relationship, advocating for a fair and level playing field in international trade.
“African countries should, as sovereign States, be able to pursue their own independent foreign policy approaches that are not beholden to any of the major global powers or blocs.
“This second Russia-Africa Summit is an opportunity to further enhance and strengthen international cooperation and partnership for Africa’s development,” he said.
President Ramaphosa welcomed the focus on further cooperation between Russia and Africa to promote investment, facilitate the development of value chains and boost capacity to produce and export manufactured products.
He asserted that the proposed Russia-Africa Action Plan for the coming years should align with the second Ten-Year Implementation Plan of the AU’s Agenda 2063 to ensure better coherence and more action-orientated interventions.
“We should also ensure joint monitoring and evaluation of the Action Plan. We need to jointly allocate the necessary funding for implementation and be accountable for concrete deliverables,” the President said.
Focus on cooperation
Touching on the current geopolitical tensions, the President told the session that the ripple effects are causing distress and negatively affecting countries across Africa.
“As part of Russia-Africa cooperation, we must repeat our call for existing global institutional mechanisms to be both strengthened and reformed. Greater participation of countries in the Global South will promote inclusiveness and engender trust.
“In this regard, the reform of the multilateral financial institutions and the reform of the United Nations Security Council remains a priority for us. It is totally unfair, inequitable and unacceptable that a continent that represents 1.3 billion people continues to not be represented at the UN Security Council,” the President said.
President Ramaphosa emphasised that in the interlinked global community, the repercussions of conflict and instability in other parts of the world have far reaching consequences and affect everyone.
He told the session that all nations have a responsibility to work for peace, support peacebuilding, and lend every effort to bring an end to conflict and war.
“As South Africa, we are steadfast in our position that negotiation, dialogue and adherence to the principles of the United Nations Charter are necessary for the peaceful and just resolution of conflict.
“It is our hope that constructive engagement and negotiation can bring about an end to the ongoing conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. As South Africa, our own history has taught us that this is indeed possible,” he said.
The President concluded that he looks forward to the second Russia-Africa Summit playing a key role in supporting objectives of African integration, economic growth, peace and common prosperity.
In response to President Ramaphosa's remarks, President Putin said that Russia shares the same views when it comes to the prospects of development of Russia-Africa relations.
"We are constantly keeping in touch and we will continue to do so, as I have already mentioned, today. We will focus on the situation related to Ukraine," President Putin said.
On the BRICS summit scheduled to take place in August in South Africa, President Putin wished the summit every success, saying he is confident that the meeting will be held at the highest level. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Fri, 07/28/2023 - 14:18
African Heads of State and Government receive warm reception in Russia
By Dikeledi Molobela
St. Petersburg, Russia – President Cyril Ramaphosa, along with other African Heads of State and Government, were this evening hosted at a Welcome Reception by Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg, Russia.
President Ramaphosa is leading a delegation at the second Russia-Africa Summit which aims to foster mutually beneficial cooperation and partnerships between Russia and the African continent.
Delivering his opening remarks, President Putin told the African leaders that he was glad that the Heads of State and Government, leading politicians and statesmen from almost all African countries have arrived in his country.
“This august assembly that gathered in our northern capital is a brilliant testimony of the neutral willingness of Russia and the African continent to reinforce and deepen mutually beneficial ties and contacts.
“This is also testimony to our real willingness and our joint determination to propel relations between Russia and African countries to renew advanced level in politics, security, economy and the social sphere.
“We cast an optimistic glance into the future because Russian-African relations are founded upon the indivisible ties of friendship and neutral help that has been accumulated as well as the experience of joined work and our rich history full of events,” he said.
He highlighted that the Soviet Union provided an important support to African countries in the fight against colonialism, racism and apartheid, adding that Russia will continue to sustain these good traditions.
“It is also worth noting that currently Russia and the African countries are working together advocating a just multipolar world, based on such principles as sovereign equality of countries, non-interference within their domestic affairs, and also respect for the rights of countries to set their own future and of course, our country is going to make a real contribution to settling the current crises and preventing the emergence of new ones,” he said.
He added that Russia is willing to work for the future, building a genuinely strategic, mutually beneficial partnership.
African Peace Initiative
Earlier in the day, President Cyril Ramaphosa met with African Heads of State who are part of the African Peace Initiative on the Russia-Ukraine War. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the second Russia-Africa Summit.
This meeting precedes the Working Dinner, which the African Peace Initiative will have with President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation on Friday.
The Heads of State involved in the peace initiative include President of Senegal Macky Sall, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of the Union of the Comoros and chairman of the African Union Azali Assoumani, President of Uganda Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and President of the Republic of the Congo, Denis Sassou Nguesso who was represented by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jean-Claude Gakosso.
Last month, the seven African Heads of State embarked on a peace initiative mission to Ukraine and Russia in a bid to foster peace between the two countries.
Following the meeting with the African Heads of State, President Ramaphosa held a bilateral meeting with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi of the Arab Republic of Egypt.
South Africa and Egypt share good diplomatic ties and both countries are part of the African Peace Initiative which is in pursuit of a peaceful end to the Russia-Ukraine War. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Thu, 07/27/2023 - 21:41