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In the world of car enthusiasts and do-it-yourself mechanics, aftermarket car parts are a topic of constant discussion. They offer an appealing alternative to original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, usually due to their lower price points and wider range of options. However, for newcomers to the field, the world of aftermarket car parts can be …
Energy One Stop Shop and Energy Resilience Fund launched
Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Ebrahim Patel today launched the Energy One Stop Shop and Energy Resilience Fund.
This is part of the Energy Mitigation Strategy through the National Energy Crisis Committee. President Cyril Ramaphosa had tasked Invest South Africa to establish an Energy One Stop Shop to deal with and fast track applications from energy developers.
The Energy One Stop Shop is expected to input to the streamlining of regulatory processes required for private investment in electricity generation, facilitate pre-investment screening for all energy projects and thereby fast-track the approval of energy applications.
This is to be achieved through timely intervention on blockages and red tape, and consequently reduce both the time and cost of getting energy projects onto the grid.
The requirement for predictable energy availability has led the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) to formulate a series of interventions, including alternative energy generation solutions, storage and efficiency measures aimed at supporting businesses to become energy resilient.
Speaking during the launch, Minister Patel said the Energy One Stop Shop was developed to address a key constraint that energy developers face, namely that the many regulatory and other measures that need to be complied with, can and do slow down approval of energy supply projects.
“The Energy One Stop Shop and Energy Resilience Fund are critical steps towards alleviating the challenges faced by our industries during this energy crisis. We are committed to fostering a resilient business environment and accelerating private-sector investment in electricity generation to secure a stable energy future,” Patel said.
Patel said government is committed to fostering a resilient business environment and accelerating private-sector investment in electricity generation to secure a stable energy future.
“While the Presidency is exploring ways to simplify these processes we have seen that having a dedicated resource available to the private sector, to address blockages, has worked in other parts of the economy.
“It is worth noting that we have also put in place several other instruments to support the energy transition – from new standards on light-bulbs issued in May this year, to exemptions granted to companies to collaborate on both the supply of energy and on demand-measures,” Patel said.
Acting Director-General at the dtic, Susan Mangole: Energy Resilience Fund Launch, said the dtic acknowledges the need to assist businesses in alleviating the impacts of load shedding through the implementation of alternative energy systems or processes.
“To contribute towards easing the impacts, the dtic, Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and the National Empowerment Fund (NEF) established a blended funding facility, the Energy Resilience Funds (ERF) to support companies affected by loads shedding,” Mangole said.
Mangole said the support is provided to assist companies with alternative energy solutions including inverters, batteries, related electrical wiring and components, solar energy systems and any other energy efficient interventions.
“The supported alternative energy systems should not have any additional costs to operate. ERF supports any business adversely affected by the energy crisis across all sectors of the economy.
“The alternative energy interventions must be meaningful for a company to largely remain operational in times of loads shedding. Entities supported through this scheme must retain the same number of jobs or increase jobs for the duration of the term of the funding,” Mangole said.
Chief Executive Officer of Energy Council of South Africa James Mckay said South Africa is re-shaping the regulatory landscape to facilitate the energy transition to distributed, decentralised and traded energy.
“There is significant reform still required and the One-Stop-Shop will play a significant role in developing this evolving landscape,” Mckay said.
Mckay said they need all technologies, collaborative partnerships and significant investment.
The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition said it had availed R240 million to be administered by the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) under the Manufacturing Competitiveness Enhancement Programme’s Energy Resilience Fund to support companies through interest-free loans, while R150 million will be dispersed in partnership with the National Empowerment Fund (NEF) to support businesses operating in townships. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 07/27/2023 - 13:04
In the digital age, managing paperwork can be an enormous task, especially for businesses that handle countless documents daily. Here’s where document management systems (DMS) step in, offering a seamless way to organise, store, and track electronic documents. Even better, when you pair a robust DMS with electronic signatures, you have a recipe for optimal …
As the nation honoured the legacy of Nelson Mandela on July 18th, hundreds of Southern Sun employees went out into their local communities to volunteer at the many projects that are regularly supported by the group’s more than 90 hotels and resorts in South Africa, Africa, Seychelles and the Middle East. Heeding the call to …
Netball World Cup to boost Cape Town economy by R68 million
The highly anticipated 2023 Netball World Cup is expected to contribute about R68 million to Cape Town’s economy.
Taking place on African soil for the first time ever, the tournament will start on Friday, 28 July and will end on 6 August at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
South Africa will be competing against 16 countries for the prestigious trophy to become world champions. The SPAR Proteas will play their first match of the tournament against Wales on Friday.
While all matches are being played in Cape Town, the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) has partnered with municipalities across the province to host public viewing centres so that residents everywhere can have access to watching the live matches.
“We encourage members of communities across the province to use these public viewing centres to support our SPAR Proteas as they compete for the World Cup. We have seen the unique atmospheres that these centres can bring at past events and we hope to see the same enthusiasm for this event! Thank you to all the municipalities for their support in hosting these centres,” Western Cape MEC for Cultural Affairs and Sport Anroux Marais said.
Details on tickets and travel packages and more information on the Netball World Cup 2023 are all available on the official tournament website (www.nwc2023.org.za) with a range of tickets and packages still on offer.
The following viewing centres will be available:
Eden
Central Karoo
Overberg
Cape Winelands
West Coast
- SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 07/27/2023 - 11:49
Services restored to Lillian Ngoyi Street residents following explosion
The City of Johannesburg has restored electricity, water and sewerage services to residents living at Lillian Ngoyi (Bree) Street and surrounding areas after an explosion in the area disrupted services since last week.
The explosion claimed the life of one person and injured 48 others.
“As a city it has been of paramount importance for us to restore our services to the residents in the area as a matter of urgency and that is the reason [for] the level of commitment from our officials…to restore that we restore these services to the people.
“We wish to thank the residents of the area for their patience and their consideration and we will continue to monitor the area for any disruptions that may occur as a result of some of the work that is still being undertaken in that area,” City manager Floyd Brink said.
Brink said although investigations continue, the cause of the blast remains “inconclusive”.
“We continue to receive regular updates from the experts on site and are concurrently pushing to restore services and to prepare for the rehabilitation and reconstruction work of the road and the underground tunnels,” he said.
The city manager added that a team has been assembled to thrash out the scope and extent of the work needed in this regard.
“We have now established a team of engineers from various entities in the city to begin the planning and the scoping of that work that will be undertaken. It is evident to us that [in] rehabilitating the road surface and the underground tunnels, we will have to implement new standards of how we manage the underground services.
“Our work will then now seek to set the standard of what should be the most suited, safe and appropriate layout of the services as a city,” he said.
Brink assured citizens that any procurement undertaken in the process will be within the prescripts of the law.
“[City CFO] Tebogo Moraka…will oversee a team of persons from the various teams to manage and oversee any procurement that must be undertaken to facilitate the work in response to the disaster.
“He will be chairing the committee to ensure a level of compliance with relevant legislations, regulations and prescripts. The mandate is to ensure we comply with all legislated procurement rules and for us to be audit ready as and when we will be audited during this process,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 07/26/2023 - 11:52
Minister Pandor outlines key elements ahead of 2nd Russia-Africa Summit
By Dikeledi Molobela
St. Petersburg, Russia - A number of key elements in areas of collaboration, including digital innovation, space science, as well as strengthening people-to-people exchange will form part of the subjects to be discussed at the second Russia-Africa Summit in St. Petersburg.
The summit, which aims to foster mutually beneficial cooperation and partnerships between Russia and the African continent, was first convened in October 2019, with a commitment to continue meeting every three years.
Speaking to SAnews in St. Petersburg, Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor, said that a wide spectrum of areas of partnership are a rationale for South Africa’s presence at the summit.
The Minister reflected that through the first summit held in Sochi, Russia, an agreement was reached to continue to have contact between African countries, the African Union and the Russian Federation to cement and strengthen relations between the continent and Russia.
“There are a range of aspects that will form part of our deliberations here. There are a number of areas of collaboration that we have agreed particularly in the areas of digital innovation, collaboration in space science, as well as strengthening people to people exchange.
“We've also added a much stronger focus on matters of trade. All of these will be part of the subjects that we will discuss during this second summit,” Pandor told SAnews.
The Minister emphasised that it was important to mention that for the first time, it is not just Heads of State attending the summit, but there are also a number of enterprises from various African countries as well as the Continental Development Finance institutions present.
“Interestingly, we also have the brand new president of the New Development Bank or the BRICS Bank, as it is sometimes called. This will be President Dilma Rousseff's first detailed interaction with African leaders, particularly the BRICS leaders. This (meeting comes ahead of the) BRICS summit that will occur in Johannesburg in South Africa, next month,” Pandor said.
The summit comes a month after seven African Heads of State embarked on a peace initiative mission to Ukraine and Russia concerning the war in Ukraine.
The Minister said she believes the African Heads of State will use their time in St Petersburg to continue the discussions they began earlier this year in seeking a peaceful outcome in the war between Russia and Ukraine.
“The seven Presidents from the African continent are part of an Africa led peace initiative that seeks to encourage the beginning of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in order to end the conflict between the two countries, to start a process of returning the world to a context in which we have peace and stability.
“And thus allow for economic growth and development which are urgently necessary for many countries in the world, but most particularly for us in the developing world,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Wed, 07/26/2023 - 20:49
Go for gold, SPAR Proteas!
Messages wishing the SPAR Proteas everything of the best are pouring in from all over the country, with the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Zizi Kodwa, encouraging the national netball team to represent South Africa well in the Netball World Cup.
“Know that 60 million South Africans are behind you. Know that you represent the hopes of the nation. I wish you well,” the Minister said on Wednesday.
He was addressing the SPAR Proteas at a breakfast reception for the team in Cape Town.
The reception served as the official send-off for the SPAR Proteas to the Netball World Cup. It included a ceremonial flag handover by the Minister to the SPAR Proteas team.
“You have represented our nation proudly on the global stage. It is not only a significant moment for the country to host the Netball World Cup, but it is also significant in that South Africa will be represented in this global showpiece by the SPAR Proteas who are the top ranked African netball team, and are ranked fifth in the world.
“The SPAR Proteas represent what we want to see for this country – that goal of forging strong unity and social cohesion in the country. You are a team of leaders, a team of players who perform their role well as a collective. The results of this are reflected in your status as one of the best netball teams in the world,” the Minister said.
Taking place on African soil for the first time ever, the tournament will start on Friday, 28 July and will end on 6 August at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. South Africa will be competing against 16 countries for the prestigious trophy to become world champions.
The Minister described the occasion of the handover as an emotional moment.
“The protea, a flower native to South Africa, is an important national symbol. It represents the beauty and harmony of the country’s diverse cultures and signifies South Africa’s growth as a nation. Like the protea flower, South Africa blossoms with unity and strength when her various cultures come together.
“It is a moment not to be taken lightly. As you will be representing the country in a global sport showpiece, I have the duty, on behalf of the people of South Africa, to hand you, Captain Bongi Msomi, the South African flag. A flag of a Nation is the key symbol of patriotism,” he said.
The SPAR Proteas will play their first match of the tournament against Wales on Friday.
Public viewing areas available for Netball World Cup
The City of Cape Town’s Recreation and Parks Department will bring the Netball World Cup action to communities with four public viewing areas (PVAs).
Admission to all PVAs is free. Each viewing area will be equipped with seating, surround sound and live uninterrupted streaming of the games so there is no need to worry about load shedding.
Refreshments and snacks will be available for purchase at affordable rates and local entertainment will take place at each location.
As per the official match schedule for the Netball World Cup (NWC) 2023, each PVA will be accessible from 28 July to 6 August from 9am until the end of the last match for the day.
PVAs are equipped with ample parking and ablutions, and can accommodate a maximum capacity of 500 people at a time.
Below are the four PVA locations:
• Proteaville Recreation Centre, c/o Peter Barlow and Abdurahman Streets, Bellville South.
• Langa Civic Hall, c/o Church and Washington (King Langalibalele).
• OR Tambo Multi-Purpose Centre, Jeff Masemola Street, Khayelitsha.
• Portland Indoor Centre, Address: c/o Merrydale & Hazeldene Avenues, Portland, Mitchells Plain.
Details on tickets and travel packages and more information on the Netball World Cup 2023 are all available on the official tournament website (www.nwc2023.org.za) with a range of tickets and packages still on offer. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 07/26/2023 - 14:50
Minister Creecy participates in G20 meeting on climate sustainability
Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Barbara Creecy, is travelling to India to participate in the G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Ministerial meeting in Chennai, India, later this week.
“Climate change issues are mainstreamed in discussions across the thematic working groups of the G20 and will therefore also feature prominently in the Environment and Climate Sustainability Ministerial meeting,” the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment said on Wednesday.
The Ministerial meeting will consider recommendations prepared by senior officials in the G20’s Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG).
The Indian G20 Presidency has focused on three priority issues under the ECSWG, namely:
“South Africa has an important role to play in the G20 in advancing an ambitious environment and climate agenda in the context of sustainable development and seeks to ensure that priority issues of African and fellow developing countries are included in G20 outcomes.
“In this regard, developing countries are keen to ensure that our approach to building environmental sustainability assists with addressing developmental challenges including addressing poverty and ensuring shared prosperity. The support from developed countries for the climate transition and biodiversity agendas of developing countries remains a priority,” the department said.
The Group of 20 (G20) is an intergovernmental forum comprising 19 countries and the European Union.
The Minister Creecy will have an opportunity in India to meet face to face with Minister Dan Jorgensen from Denmark to take forward the task assigned to the two Ministers by Dr Sultan Al Jaber, the incoming COP 28 President to facilitate discussion on the Global Stocktake.
The two Ministers hope to begin consultation with some of the parties attending the G20 on an approach to the Global Stocktake. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 07/26/2023 - 11:59
The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) has noted the devastation caused by an explosion in Johannesburg City Centre and can confirm that there are no old mines in the area at which the explosion occurred.
The DMRE is confident that investigations led by the relevant authorities which include the Gauteng Provincial government and the City of Johannesburg, will be able to ascertain the actual cause of the tragedy.
The DMRE regulates and promotes legitimate mining operations in South Africa and has a record of all legally operating and non-operating mines. The department is steadfast in ensuring that all licensed mining operations comply with the provisions of the law.
The Department stands ready to cooperate with the relevant authorities in finding the actual cause of the explosion.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Department of Mineral Resources and Energy: Republic of South Africa.
NPA probes fake document
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has launched a probe into a document circulating on social media purporting to be from its Eastern Cape office instructing prosecutors not to enrol drug related matters due to what the letter calls “high volume of the matter” on court rolls.
“The DPP [Director of Public Prosecutions] Barry Madolo has never issued such an instruction. The Chief Prosecutor (CP) for the Mthatha Cluster, under whose letterhead the letter is written is also not aware of it as he is not the author,” NPA Regional Spokesperson Luxolo Tyali said.
Tyali assured members of the public that the NPA will continue to prosecute such matters.
“The NPA wishes to allay the fears of the public, justifiably raised by the letter, and make a commitment that there will be consequences should anyone be found to have improperly and mischievously caused the panic.
“The NPA works closely with SAPS [South African Police Service] and if such shocking 'guidance' had been brought to its management, they would have raised it with the DPP, and such has not happened,” he added. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 07/25/2023 - 08:50
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Over 23 000 Western Cape learners attend holiday classes
A total of 23 447 learners in Grades 7, 8, 10 and 12 attended ‘Back on Track’ and matric support classes over the holiday period in the Western Cape.
“Parents will be familiar with our successful winter school classes for matric learners which take place every year,” the Western Cape Education Department said on Tuesday.
This year, according to the department, 10 842 matric learners attended ‘Back on Track’ classes, which are targeted to the schools that need the extra support the most, while 7 109 joined the district-based classes.
That means that nearly 18 000 matrics have received extra academic support over the holiday period.
“What the ‘Back on Track’ does differently is to expand support to other key grades, so that learners are already in a better academic position by the time they reach matric.
“This is the first time we have held holiday classes for Grades 7, 8 and 10,” the department added.
Of these, a total of 1 665 learners are Grade 7s and 2 113 Grade 8s went to camps and classes over the holidays, which focused on mathematics and language, along with psychosocial well-being and life skills sessions.
“Our Grade 10 learners participated in a unique mathematics intervention, with 1 734 Grade 10s attending extra classes across the districts.
“This intervention has been designed given the performance of last year’s Grade 9s in our annual systemic tests, which showed that they need extra support in mathematics.”
Western Cape Education MEC David Maynier also visited some of the Grade 10s at the University of the Western Cape, which hosted classes for the Metro South Education District.
“The learners I engaged with said that they were finding these classes extremely helpful and that the tutors had given them a new perspective on the material covered.
“What struck me was how optimistic the learners were, and the level of commitment they were showing to the programme. I was also impressed by the commitment of their parents, some of whom travelled with the learners and accompanied them to the classes,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, the department noted that the teachers also form part of this intensive mathematics intervention.
“I visited the 140 Grade 10 maths teachers who attended training at the Cape Teaching and Leadership Institute (CTLI) by our maths experts during the holidays.
“We thank all of the officials, schools, tutors and parents who made this holiday period a successful one for the learners and teachers participating in the ‘Back on Track’ programme.”
He believes that their hard work will go a long way toward improving learning outcomes and giving our children a better future in the Western Cape. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 07/25/2023 - 12:18
Multi-asset broker Exness (www.Exness.com) successfully completed its Partnership seminar held on July 15, 2023 at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg. The seminar attracted hundreds of our South African partners who gained insightful knowledge and actionable tips to grow their business with Exness, from acquiring new clients to enhancing retention rates.
Covering a diverse range of industry-related topics, esteemed industry experts and thought leaders made the event invaluable. FX Goats (Emmanuel and Thapelo Mabitsela), Christopher Bredel, and Dwayne Schoombie, as well as Exness' own Paul Margarites and Sihle Tuta, gave invaluable keynotes, equipping attendees with practical knowledge, from client acquisition strategies to emerging trends in trading.
“The Partnership seminar in Johannesburg was a great success”, said Paul Margarites, Exness Regional Commercial Director. He added: “We were incredibly happy to see such engagement from existing partners working with Exness for some time and potential new partners who value and want to grow their business with Exness. We have always prioritized their growth and by bringing together a lineup of superstars we have empowered them ready for their next steps.”
Exness is a global multi-asset broker which uses a unique combination of technology and ethics to create a favourable market for traders and raise the industry benchmark. Exness' ethos and vision revolve around the concept of offering its clients a frictionless trading experience, by bringing to life the financial markets in the way they should be experienced.
Exness has obtained a number of licences from local financial authorities in the sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) region, including the Financial Sector Conduct Authority in South Africa and the Capital Markets Authority in Kenya. Today, Exness records over $3 trillion in monthly trading volumes and has a client base of over 500,000 monthly active traders.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Exness.
The Government of the Kingdom of Lesotho and the Orange – Senqu River Commission (ORASECOM) signed an agreement for the Hosting of the Project Management Office (PMO) in Lesotho at the event held in Maseru on Monday.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Mr. Lejone Mpotjoane said the formal ties of November 2000 between the Governments of Lesotho, Botswana, South Africa, and Namibia integrated the principles of water resource management of the Orange-Senqu River Basin under the umbrella of ORASECOM, saying these ties are also an affirmation of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Revised Protocol on Shared Watercourses.
He noted that even though the Secretariat`s Seat is in Centurion in the Republic of South Africa and has already been granted the immunities and privileges under the Diplomatic Immunities and Privileges Act No. 37 of 2001 of South Africa, the Government of Lesotho is pleased to extend similar immunities and privileges to host the PMO under the Secretariat of the ORASECOM.
He expressed hope that this PMO is not only for the establishment of the Framework for the Study on the provision of water to Botswana from Lesotho highlands but also constitutes a step in the development of sustainable renewable water projects for the benefit of Basotho and those on the Senqu River Basin.
He stressed that this signed Agreement does not only provide the PMO with the legal personality to enter into International Agreements but also provides for the juridical capacity to acquire and institute legal proceedings, dispose of immovable and movable property in accordance with the laws of Lesotho or under such arrangements as may be agreed upon.
“It should be noted that the privileges and immunities are accorded to the PMO and as such are not for the personal benefit of individuals or representatives in the office, however, these privileges will safeguard the independence of the exercise of the representatives' functions in connection with the PMO`s projects,” he added.
He, therefore, urged stakeholders to work concretely to ensure that the PMO`s mandate is geared towards job creation, fighting against poverty and gives more prominence to sustainable renewable projects for the four state parties under the ORASECOM Agreement.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the Orange – Senqu River, Mr. Thamae Lenka said the journey of the corporation of water began in Lesotho when SADC established a dedicated committee where Lesotho coordinated the committee, saying Senqu River is the implementation of the Signing.
Mr. Lenka expressed gratitude to the government of Lesotho, saying this milestone will benefit all member states in the long run.
Therefore, he urged Basotho to study Water-related courses to be the maximum beneficiary of this project.
The agreement between Lesotho and South Africa for managing the Orange-Senqu River is crucial for maintaining a sustainable water supply and ensuring equitable sharing of water resources between the two countries.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Government of Lesotho.
As global awareness about climate change and the importance of sustainable practices grows, so does the relevance of carbon credits. At the intersection of environmental science, finance, and corporate social responsibility, carbon credits play a pivotal role in the fight against global warming. These tradable permits represent the right to emit a certain amount of …
Spotlight on global challenges at Friends of BRICS meeting
Global challenges, such as counter-terrorism, transnational crimes and cybersecurity, have taken centre stage at the Friends of BRICS National Security Advisors Meeting with her BRICS Security counterparts in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Minister in the Presidency responsible for the State Security Agency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, on Monday hosted a Friends of BRICS National Security Advisors high-level Meeting to discuss national security and global challenges, among other issues.
The Friends of BRICS meeting is convened as a build-up to the upcoming 15th BRICS Leaders' Summit and is constituted of all Security Ministers of the BRICS countries and Friends of BRICS countries which include Belarus, Burundi, Cuba, Egypt, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
The Friends of BRICS are a combination of countries who have expressed an interest in joining BRICS; those who chair prominent institutions of the Global South and those invited at the Chair's prerogative. They are invited after consensus is reached between the host and fellow BRICS members.
Among the issues discussed at this meeting were the agreement amongst all delegates that cybersecurity remains a crucial element of cooperation and that the architecture supporting a safer cybersecurity environment needs to be inclusive and accessible to all countries.
While there are both new and old challenges confronting BRICS, Ntshavheni said these present an opportunity to create an environment and world order that reinforces mutual benefit and global development that is inclusive.
“There are also challenges that are persistent and affect all of us as a global family. We must reinforce the way we do things through both the BRICS and the multilateral system of the United Nations, as we deal with challenges such as counter-terrorism, transnational crimes and cybersecurity,” the Minister said.
In welcoming the delegates to the meeting, Ntshavheni hoped that the day’s engagements would generate an enduring partnership among all countries involved.
"We hope that the engagements we are going to have today on issues that are common to all of us will generate an enduring partnership and commitment to a friendship that will ultimately result in enhanced global development and strengthened global resilience and global peace,” she said.
The Minister said the historic meeting is held during a time when geopolitics have taken centre stage and are affecting and impacting the development of national interests.
“It is a historic meeting because it is a first physical meeting after three years of the COVID-19 pandemic and a meeting that includes the friends of BRICS to focus on matters of common interest and mutual benefit. This will generate enduring partnerships resulting in enhanced global development and strengthened global resilience and global peace”
“This is a time for us to seek resilience and extend friendship to our people, and it is for that reason that South Africa deemed it fit to invite the Friends of BRICS to join us so that we can converge as a family and chart a way forward together for global resilience and global peace and for mutual development and innovation,” Ntshavheni said.
Following the closed meeting held earlier in the day, the BRICS members held several bi-laterals amongst themselves and Friends of BRICS countries on various other issues and interests that concern the individual countries. It is expected that such engagements will continue into the future on matters of common interest between these countries.
Ntshavheni said the Friends of BRICS platform offers an opportunity for a mutually inclusive, secure and beneficial environment, which is conducive for global peace and development.
"Where a child of Africa can develop and have access to opportunities like a child of China, India, Brazil and Russia and other countries under conditions of meaningful cooperation," she said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Mon, 07/24/2023 - 15:52
President Cyril Ramaphosa will participate in the 2nd Russia-Africa Summit which takes place in St. Petersburg in the Russian Federation on 27 and 28 July 2023.
The Summit, which aims to foster mutually beneficial cooperation and partnerships between Russia and the African continent, first convened in October 2019 with a commitment to continue meeting every three years.
This 2nd Summit is expected to consider four declarations and a three-year Action Plan, which will be presented for consideration.
These submissions will focus on strengthening cooperation between Russia and African states in politics, security, trade, science, IT, humanitarian support, education, culture, sports, youth and the environment.
The declarations also seek to strengthen cooperation in the fight against terrorism, the prevention of an arms race in outer space, and in information security.
Scheduled side events will include an exhibition to showcase investment opportunities in Russia and Africa, an innovation space to demonstrate new technologies, and a Business Development and Social Partnership Zone for networking between the heads of global corporations, government officials, business and the media.
The summit background will also offer an opportunity to African Heads of State who are part of the African Leaders Peace Mission to continue talks with President Putin on the confidence-building measures that will create conducive conditions for a path to peace between Russia and Ukraine.
South Africa will use the summit backdrop to further engage Russia at a bilateral level to finalise the contents and substance of the upcoming BRICS summit.
President Ramaphosa will lead the South African delegation to the Summit, and will be accompanied by Dr Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation; and Ms Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, Minister in The Presidency.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency: Republic of South Africa.
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CoGTA to host BRICS Urbanisation Forum in Durban
The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Thembi Nkadimeng, is gearing up to host the BRICS Urbanisation Forum in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
The forum, which will take place from 26 to 27 July 2023, will be under the ‘Advancing urban resilience for sustainable cities and towns for future generations’ theme.
The BRICS Summit is preceded by several events and activities taking place in the host country.
“To this effect, the BRICS Urbanisation Forum will precede the BRICS Summit, which is scheduled for August 2023,” the statement read.
The Ministry said the BRICS Urbanisation Forum provides a platform for governments, organisations, experts and scholars from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa to engage with some of the issues expected to arise at the BRICS Summit, and subsequently provide policy advice to the leaders.
“The BRICS Forum also intends to ensure that key issues of urbanisation are placed on the global agenda of the BRICS member countries.”
Areas of discussion will include building productive and sustainable urban economies and livelihood survival strategies in urban environments.
The platform will also share insights, exchange best practices, and foster collaboration on urban development challenges.
“South Africa will utilise this opportunity to also showcase the country's achievements in urbanisation, highlighting successful projects that have contributed to sustainable development and inclusive growth.”
According to the Ministry, the forum acknowledges the global trend of increasing urbanisation, with a significant influx of people migrating to cities worldwide.
“It further acknowledges that cities must transform into centres of innovation and creativity to overcome the challenges that arise from rapid urbanisation, rural-urban migration, climate change, and limited resources.”
The leaders, the statement said, also noted that an increasing number of cities chose to employ smart technologies and promote innovative practices as part of their endeavours to enhance resilience and liveability.
They also use such technologies in response to challenges such as congestion, rising crime rates, growing urban poverty, and the need for more efficient service delivery.
Nkadimeng said she was looking forward to hosting the forum.
“South Africa is honoured to welcome distinguished delegates from BRICS countries as well as other African countries for this vital gathering that will dissect some of the key urban development issues to understand how globally cities are becoming more resilient towards these challenges,” the Minister added.
Participants will also engage in panel discussions and knowledge-sharing sessions centred on various thematic areas such as the localisation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, digital transformation, sustainable human settlements, climate change, urban water resilience and urban resilience – governance perspective.
“The exchange of ideas and experiences will contribute to the development of effective policies, strategies, and interventions that can be adapted to each nation's unique circumstances.
“The eThekwini Metro has been chosen to host the forum and the metro to showcase its response to urban resilience, including its response to the devastating floods experienced in 2022 and various other urban resilience initiatives.”
The metro as a District Development Model (DDM) pilot site will also showcase the role of the DDM and the “One Plan” as comprehensive blueprints for integrated and sustainable development, bringing together all of government and society to collaborate and align efforts toward achieving common goals. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 07/24/2023 - 09:35
Boohle, a South African multi-platinum selling artist, will mesmerise runners and walkers at the Totalsports Women’s Race in Johannesburg on National Women’s Day, Wednesday, 09 August 2023. “I am really excited to join thousands of Women on 9 August as we celebrate our month,” says Boohle. “Prepare for a wonderful blend of dancing and singing. …
Public urged to report fraud and corruption
The Special Investigative Unit (SIU) has called on the public to come forward and report incidences of fraud and corruption.
In a recent interview with Capricon FM, SIU spokesperson, Kaizer Kganyago, assured members of the public who come forward with information on fraud and corruption, that they will be protected.
“We are saying to South Africans, come and talk to us, we will protect you,” Kganyago told the Limpopo based radio station.
He also warned the public to be wary of imposters who purport to be representatives from the SIU.
“Do not allow anyone who come to you and say they are from the SIU, we can make this to go away.”
The SIU he said, continues to unravel many cases of fraud and corruption.
Among the many cases of success, Kganyago cited the investigation conducted in Limpopo on the water project and fraud and corruption cases at Eskom.
“By reporting fraud and corruption, we are protecting future generations. Corruption is starting to be a problem, people think they need to be compensated for doing their job, this is greed,” he said.
The Special Investigating Unit is an independent statutory body with its primary mandate being to investigate serious allegations of corruption, malpractice and maladministration in the administration of State institutions, State assets and public money as well as any conduct which may seriously harm the interests of the public, and to recover any financial losses suffered by State institutions through civil ligation.
It is empowered to take civil action to correct any wrongdoing it uncovers in its investigations.
The SIU investigations are dictated by the issuing of a Presidential Proclamation, and then to institute civil litigation proceedings either in a Special Tribunal or a High Court for the prevention or recovery of financial losses suffered by the State.
Once the investigation is completed, a final report is submitted to the President with an overview of the investigation and its findings, as well as the various recommendations made and their outcomes.
The SIU receives allegations either through its whistle-blower hotline, which is managed by an independent service provider; directly from state institutions themselves or alternatively through direct approaches from whistle-blowers, be it through walk-ins offices throughout the country, telephone calls or emails. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 07/21/2023 - 11:12
JOHANNESBURG, July 21st , 2023 – “Among the common major mental health issues and changes that have seen in South Africa over the last few years, are depression and schizophrenia. The increase that we’ve seen in recent years was probably aggravated by the social isolation brought about by the lockdowns of 2020.” , So says …
DPWI minister to conduct inspection at Port Shepstone Magistrate construction site
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Sihle Zikalala together with Justice and Constitutional Development Deputy Minister John Jeffery will conduct an inspection at the Port Shepstone Magistrate construction site in KwaZulu-Natal.
The visit is part of Minister Zikalala’s Operation Siyahlola, where he inspects unfinished and stalled construction projects under the DPWI.
Minister Zikalala has prioritised unblocking of blocked projects and driving accountability as part of efforts to turn around the public works and infrastructure sector and respond to service delivery needs.
“The failure to complete the construction of the court on time has had a negative impact in bringing justice to the citizens and creating safer communities,” the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure said in a statement.
Last month, Zikalala visited the Free State province and conducted inspections on unfinished and blocked projects.
The projects visited included the Parys correctional facility and Park Road police stations that ought to have been completed by but remain incomplete while monies have already been spent.
The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure is a cog in the delivery of services in South Africa as it builds and delivers infrastructure from which all departments render services to the citizens. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 07/21/2023 - 14:58