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Qatar and Angola are two key markets where the SUV brand Jetour has secured a leading position, with similar success anticipated in many other territories soon. Since its debut in the Angolan market in 2019, Jetour has introduced a range of models and consistently achieved record-breaking sales. This success is driven by its unique advantages, …
NSG, KZN Legislature partner to strengthen governance through training
To enhance governance and service delivery, the National School of Government (NSG) has partnered with the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature to roll out targeted capacity-building training for its members and employees.
This strategic collaboration, formalised on Wednesday at the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature, signifies a shared commitment to strengthening governance through education, training, and the development of both elected public representatives and legislative employees.
The NSG will provide targeted training focused on improving ethical leadership and oversight, creating effective policies to enhance service delivery and engaging citizens in decision-making.
Speaker of the KZN Legislature, Nontembeko Boyce, emphasised that this initiative aligns with the Legislature’s ongoing programme of creating platforms to empower its members and employees so that they can serve with greater efficiency and impact.
“We believe that a well-capacitated Provincial Legislature can only be achieved through strong partnerships with institutions of learning, bodies supporting parliamentary democracy, and the broader community of KwaZulu-Natal,” Boyce said.
She said ongoing training would sharpen lawmakers' ability to create impactful legislation, enhance public participation and strengthen oversight mechanisms, which will ultimately drive better service delivery.
A vision for a stronger province
Boyce stressed the importance of continuous professional development, saying that staying ahead in governance requires lifelong learning.
“By investing in continuous learning, we aim to ensure that our members are not just well-informed but fully equipped to address the evolving needs of the people they serve.”
Professor Busani Ngcaweni, Principal of the NSG, echoed this sentiment, expressing enthusiasm about the potential impact of the partnership.
“This collaboration is more than just training -- it’s about shaping a more accountable, efficient, and citizen-focused government. By addressing the unique challenges faced by the Provincial Legislature, we are paving the way for stronger governance, improved service delivery, and policies that truly make a difference,” Ngcaweni said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 03/06/2025 - 09:42
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The gloves will be off when the Hollywoodbets Sharks and Emirates Lions clash in Durban on Saturday – the only Vodacom United Rugby Championship game of the weekend – in a repeat of last weekend’s match-up, but this time with silverware up for grabs. After this rescheduled first round encounter – which is scheduled to …
Chery South Africa is pleased to announce a new partnership with the National Premier League (NPL). The partnership aims to provide opportunities for fledgling players nationwide and nurture their talent. The cooperation between Chery South Africa and the NPL comes from their shared values, which come from creating an empowering and inclusive environment for all …
The Africa Green Economy Summit (AGES), which took place in Cape Town recently, reinforced a crucial message, that sustainability is not just a responsibility; it is an opportunity. By working together, businesses, financial institutions, and policymakers can turn the transition to a green economy into a driver of long-term growth. The summit highlighted how innovation, …
SA hosts first G20 Tourism Working Group meeting
Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille has urged the G20 to find ways to use tourism to change the lives of communities around the world.
“As you convene during the first Tourism Working Group, I implore on all delegates to focus on how we can use tourism to change people’s lives, communities and the world,” she said in a video-recorded message.
The Minister was addressing the first G20 Tourism Working Group meeting held virtually from the Head Office of the Department of International Relations and Co-operation (DIRCO) in Pretoria.
Wednesday’s meeting was the first of a series of engagements that will take place throughout the year, ahead of the G20 Tourism Ministers’ Meeting in September 2025.
“South Africa is excited to welcome all G20 delegates, member states and organisations to our beautiful country and proud to host the G20 for the first time,” she said.
The Director-General at the department, Nkhumeleni Victor Vele, chaired the meeting which was attended by senior officials and experts in the tourism sector of the G20 countries, invited guest countries and international organisations.
At the meeting, delegates deliberated on and agreed to work on four priorities for the year namely:
• People-Centered Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Innovation to enhance Travel and Tourism Start-Ups and SMMEs,
• Tourism Financing and Investment to Enhance Equality and Promote Sustainable Development,
• Air Connectivity for Seamless Travel, and
• Enhanced Resilience for Inclusive, Sustainable Tourism Development.
The Tourism Working Group will exchange knowledge and best practices among the member countries with a view of crafting actionable deliverables. The group is among the 16 working groups of the G20 during South Africa’s Presidency focusing on solidarity, equality and sustainability.
In its statement, the Department of Tourism said that as the first African country to preside over the G20 Presidency, South Africa is utilising its term to drive a developmental agenda to benefit the African continent.
Going forward, the following G20 Tourism Meetings are planned in South Africa:
• 2nd G20 Tourism Working Group Meeting from 11 to 13 May 2025 in KwaZulu Natal province.
• 3rd G20 Tourism Working Group Meeting from 10 to 11 September 2025 in Mpumalanga.
• G20 Tourism Ministers’ Meeting on 12 September 2025 in Mpumalanga.
The G20 economies represent around 85% of the global gross domestic product (GDP), over 75% of the global trade and about two-thirds of the world population.
In 2023, the G20 welcomed 69% of all international tourists and accounted for 71% of tourism exports worldwide. In 2023 Tourism Direct GDP reached 3.1% of the G20 economies.
The department added that tourism plays a critical role in the global economy and is one of the vital economic sectors contributing significantly to socio-economic development but remains vulnerable to natural and manmade hazards.
For many countries, the tourism economy is growing faster than most other economic sectors. With its extensive value chain and labour absorption capacity, it is acknowledged as a tool for inclusive economic development, playing a significant role in responding to socioeconomic challenges.
“Tourism is an important economic sector in Africa. In 2023 the continent’s tourism direct gross domestic product reached 85 US billion [dollars] representing 3.5% of the region’s GDP. This value is still below the pre-pandemic 94 US billion [dollars] reached in 2019 (4.3% share).”
The challenges facing the African travel and tourism sector include air connectivity, limited investments, financing for tourism development, positioning and marketing, social and environmental sustainability, as well as safety and security, among others.
South Africa’s tourism priorities for the 2025 G20 Presidency are aligned with the continental priorities as expressed in Agenda 2063 as well as with the core objectives contained in the UN Tourism Agenda for Africa – Tourism for Inclusive Growth, the strategic roadmap guiding the promotion of sustainable tourism development across the African continent.
The meeting also appreciated South Africa’s intention to build on the efforts and successes of the last three G20 Presidencies of the Global South and to champion Africa’s developmental agenda. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 03/06/2025 - 10:09
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“Customer- and people-centric” is how Operational Director Luca Smargiasso describes industry stalwart, automotive component manufacturer Malben Engineering, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary. The company, which operates two state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Nigel, Gauteng, is very well-known and respected for its strong tool design and manufacturing capabilities; as well as the supply of high-level welded …
Standard Bank, the biggest bank in Africa by assets, is gearing up to host its first African Markets Conference (AMC). The Conference, which will be held in Cape Town later this month, is a key element of Standard Bank’s drive to improve integration and ease of doing business across the continent. “This game-changing conference will …
The road to qualification for the Carling Currie Cup Premier Division kicks off in Mpumalanga on Friday with the start of the second edition of the SA Cup, with 10 provincial sides battling it out for supremacy and the prestigious trophy, and four places at the top table of the oldest provincial competition in the …
Dept seeks declaratory order for irregular tender for Driving Licence Card Machine
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has instructed her department to lodge a high court application for a declaratory order regarding the Driving Licence Card Machine (DLCM) tender found to have been irregular by the Auditor-General South Africa (AGSA).
The department on Wednesday said the declaratory order is being sought to get guidance on how to proceed, given the findings of the AGSA audit report.
In September last year, the Minister requested the AGSA, who at the time was undertaking an audit of the procurement process for the new DLCM, to widen the scope of the audit process to include whether Supply Chain Management (SCM) prescripts were followed to the letter, and if the specs of the project included adequate measure to protect the safety of personal data, given the sensitivity of information and security features involved in this project.
The AGSA identified instances of non-compliance with the required procurement processes.
“The non-compliances emanated from transgressions of SCM prescripts (Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), Treasury Regulations and Driving Licence Card Account (DLCA) SCM policies, rendering the procurement process irregular,” the Department of Transport said on Wednesday.
The AGSA audit of the DLCA SCM processes revealed irregularities in the tender evaluation.
IDEMIA, the winning bidder, failed to meet key bid technical requirements. Additionally, the AGSA review confirmed that the other bidders were not unfairly disqualified, as they also did not meet the bid technical specifications.
All bids submitted exceeded the R486 385 million budget set by the DLCA, indicating inadequate market analysis and budgeting.
The AGSA found that the DLCA used outdated pre-COVID-19 prices, and the budget they submitted to Cabinet for approval did not include all the costs for the contract, leading to Cabinet approving a memo that was not a true reflection of the cost of the contract.
"This poses the risk of the project being delayed or cancelled due to insufficient funds," the AGSA said in its report.
The AGSA also noted that the bid specifications included an adequate assessment of the ability of the system to protect personal data. All bidders were evaluated on this criterion, and some were responsive.
According to the AGSA, the Bid Evaluation Committee (BEC) deviated from assessing the bids using the exact criteria set out in the bid specifications when evaluating documents provided by bidders.
“The BEC members had to use their judgement and make executive decisions on how to assess the bids due to ambiguous bid specifications, which did not clearly address the DLCA requirements. This ambiguity led to discrepancies identified by the AGSA, resulting in an unfair and non-transparent procurement process.
“The inconsistencies extended beyond technical evaluation to site visits conducted by the DLCA. During these visits, the DLCA was supposed to confirm that the MX8100 machine proposed by the bidder, IDEMIA, had the required capacity and capability to deliver on the requirements. The DLCA chose to inspect an unrelated machine”.
The AGSA said the deviation from the bid specifications and the use of ambiguous criteria undermined the fairness and transparency of the procurement process.
“It is on the basis of the above that the department is in no position to turn a blind eye on the findings of the AGSA that points to irregularities in the tender process and the transgressions of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).
“In terms of section 81 (1) of the PFMA, an accounting officer for a department or a constitutional institution commits an act of financial misconduct if that accounting officer wilfully or negligently... makes or permits an unauthorised expenditure, an irregular expenditure, or a fruitless and wasteful expenditure.
“Consequently, Minister Creecy has instructed the department to lodge a high court application for a declaratory order for guidance on how to proceed, given the AGSA audit report,” the department said. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 03/06/2025 - 09:21
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Accounting and auditing are some of the most crucial processes for business operations as they deal with financial activities and records of a company. These two functions deal with the overall finance activities and ensure that good financial management practices and risk mitigations strategies are employed to ensure business continuity and avoid business interruption. Roy …
GQEBERHA: Beyers Swanepoel produced scarcely believable bowling figures to keep the Dafabet Warriors alive in the hunt for the 1 Day Cup...
Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance (DA) Gauteng has written to the Public Protector to request an urgent investigation into the suspicious payment of over R1.8 billion to Matthew Goniwe School of Leadership and Governance (MGSLG) by the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE). The DA recently discovered, through a response from the MEC for Education, Matome …
RTMC refuses to disclose how transaction fees are determined, choosing secrecy and legal battles over public accountability OUTA has battled for more than two years to find out how the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) determines its transaction fees for motorists, yet the RTMC remains determined to keep this information from the public – even …
In Mpumalanga, farmers and transporters are battling what they claim are criminal syndicates hijacking truckloads of grain. It’s an elaborate scam that hinges on a flaw in the way the grain is bought and sold. We travelled to Delmas - arguably the grain hijacking capital - and caught one suspected ringleader red-handed..
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Fear of a surge in new infections as antiretroviral medicines become harder to get
Production debuts at the Lesedi Theatre in Johannesburg this April “Letters of Reflection” by WGRUV Dance company will take to the stage of the Lesedi at Joburg Theatre over five performances from 9-13 April 2025. The performance highlights seven original works created by Holly and Lex Gruver, as well as highlighting a much-loved piece by […]
Sithembiso Mbutho died crossing the Mthwalume River. Residents have been pleading for the government to build a bridge
Killer hit musical CHICAGO returns to razzle dazzle SA again! It would be criminal to miss it! CHICAGO – The Musical returns! Owing to popular demand, Showtime Management is pleased to announce that CHICAGO is back in 2025 and sexier than ever before! The award-winning Broadway and West End musical will be on stage at […]
CNN’s Marketplace Africa explores South Africa’s e-waste opportunities In the latest episode of Marketplace Africa, CNN delves into the opportunities being established in South Africa to tackle the growing problem of e-waste. According to the Global E-waste Statistics Partnership as of 2022, of the estimated 3.5 million metric tonnes of e-waste generated in Africa, less …
An often overlooked aspect of home ownership is the value that landscaping brings to a property. Landscapes must create a harmonious connection between the home and natural surroundings, while ensuring minimal maintenance for the homeowner. Sustainable landscaping in an estate will benefit the area’s biodiversity, support a connection with the natural world, and enhance property …
Johannesburg, 5 March 2025:- In today’s political landscape, managing your reputation is like walking a tightrope over a pit of snapping alligators. One wrong step, and you’re in for a world of trouble. Here’s why it’s best to keep your personal political views to yourself and off the internet. The Perils of Political Posting 1. …
Teamwork makes the dream work for New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra, who is eyeing ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 glory on Sunday. The opening batter scored 108 as New Zealand beat South Africa by 50 runs to set-up a mouth-watering Final with India. Ravindra and Kane Williamson (102) both scored centuries as New Zealand made 362 …
Centuries from Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson inspired New Zealand to a 50-run victory over South Africa and a place in the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 Final. The two hundreds, combined with a flurry of late boundaries from the lower order, helped the Kiwis reach a total of 362 for six – the highest …
