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JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – 19 February 2025: Canon, a global provider of imaging and printing technologies and services, has been honoured for its sustainability journey with a Gold rating from leading sustainability intelligence firm, EcoVadis. The rating places Canon within the top 5% of companies assessed globally with an overall score in the 98th percentile, …
Johannesburg, 19 February 2025 – The 2025 Luxe Restaurant Awards unfolded in spectacular fashion at the exclusive 11th Floor in Johannesburg. Known for its prestige and star-studded guest list, the annual awards once again brought together the country’s most influential chefs, restaurateurs, and culinary tastemakers for an evening of recognition and celebration. The night was …
A panel discussion exploring key issues surrounding the current state of technical skills development and the future needs of local manufacturing industries formed part of today’s official launch of the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber’s Skills Development Programme. The panel featured key industry leaders such as Chamber President and overall Think Tank Lead Kelvin Naidoo; […]
South Africa’s journalists, the time has come to showcase your excellence! The South African National Editors’ Forum (Sanef) in partnership with Standard Bank, sponsors of the Sikuvile Journalism Awards, reminds all journalists to submit their finest work from January 1 to December 31, 2024, for the prestigious 2025 awards. The call for entries officially opened …
The iconic Crocworld Conservation Centre in the coastal town of Scottburgh is an all-year-round escape for memorable family outings and adventures. With its blend of incredible wildlife, serene coastal beauty, and family-friendly events and attractions, one visit is never enough. That’s why Crocworld is excited to offer an affordable annual membership package, with even more …
Reach for the Stars is an inclusive dance competition that aims to inspire upcoming South African dancers across a multitude of styles, empower the youth to reach for the stars, and ultimately elevate their profile on the national and international dance stage. This premier dance event is a collaboration between the Institute for Applied Alchemy …
The Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition (the dtic) and Productivity SA, the government entity tasked with enabling employment growth, invite the media to the Northern Cape Workplace Challenge Programme Virtual Milestone Workshop. This event aims to highlight efforts undertaken to increase the efficiency of Northern Cape businesses thereby enabling economic growth and job creation. …
“The Budget will send a strong signal as to whether the Government of National Unity has been able to unify on spending priorities, focused on the effort needed to achieve the 3% GDP growth target in the economy by the end of this year. The Budget must facilitate an enabling environment for business, to support […]
The Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts are set to host a special and deeply personal performance by renowned Belgian-Dutch singer-songwriter Stef Bos on Sunday, 23 February 2025. With a career spanning over three decades and a profound connection to South Africa, Bos will take audiences on a musical journey honouring his love for the country, its …
Cabinet deliberations will deliver a budget that “works for all”
President Cyril Ramaphosa has in a statement on Wednesday evening moved to assure the nation that Cabinet’s continuing deliberations on the 2025 Budget will deliver outcomes that will protect vulnerable citizens and lay a platform for economic growth.
This as Cabinet on Wednesday postponed the tabling of the 2025 Budget Speech by the Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana to 12 March 2025.
The Minister was scheduled to outline the financial, economic, and social commitments that the government would prioritise in its planned expenditure as part of the 2025 Budget Speech in the National Assembly at 2pm.
However, in an unprecedented move, it was postponed for further deliberation.
President Ramaphosa said the postponement of the tabling of the Budget in Parliament “was the result of disagreement but also collegial and mature consensus within Cabinet that Budget proposals be worked through comprehensively and productively to secure the wellbeing of the economy and individual citizens”.
“We are called upon as the national leadership to pursue all initiatives aimed at growth in order for us to increase employment and alleviate the effects of poverty.
“The Government of National Unity will in the coming days and week intensify our efforts to balance the imperatives that drive the fundamental growth objectives of this administration with the realities of a constrained fiscal environment.
“We are working as partners to ensure that the Budget is one that works for individuals and investors alike,” said the President in the statement.
During the Budget Speech, the Finance Minister indicates the allocation of financial resources to the national government’s priorities outlined by President Cyril Ramaphosa in the State of the Nation Address.
He provides a detailed plan for 2025 spending, including proposals for revenue collection to help fund the government’s planned interventions and commitments.
The Budget Speech, among others, aims to balance economic growth and support for the vulnerable in our society despite limited resources. – SAnews.gov.za
Janine
Wed, 02/19/2025 - 19:26
149 views
The year is well underway and it’s already time to start preparing for the Easter holidays! There’s no better place to book for a fun-filled family getaway than the KZN South Coast, with its warm weather, budget-friendly venues, and great outdoor activities making this a memorable break. “It’s been a great start to the year …
2025 Budget: Close out period extended to 12 March
National Treasury says the embargo on budget documents made available to certain members of the media and economists during the budget lock-up until the Minister was to start his Budget Speech on 19 February 2025, is lifted and reporting thereon is allowed.
“However, officials of the National Treasury will not be providing comments or responding to queries related to the budget documents originally scheduled for release on 19 February 2025,” said Treasury in a statement.
This comes after the Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheniand the Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana announced that the tabling of the 2025/26 annual budget, scheduled for 19 February 2025, was postponed to 12 March 2025.
The Minister was scheduled to outline the financial, economic, and social commitments that the government would prioritise in its planned expenditure as part of the 2025 Budget Speech in the National Assembly at 2pm.
“The close out period that was expected to end on 19 February 2025 is extended until 12 March 2025 in line with the National Treasury’s investor engagement strategy.”
Treasury said during this period, there would be no senior officials available as preparation of the publication of the 2025 budget will be underway.
In a statement, President Cyril Ramaphosa said Cabinet’s continuing deliberations on the 2025 Budget would deliver outcomes that will protect vulnerable citizens and lay a platform for economic growth. – SAnews.gov.za
Janine
Wed, 02/19/2025 - 19:39
22 views
South Africa to host a "fruitful" first G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
South Africa's G20 Sous Sherpas, Ambassador Xolisa Mabhongo and Advocate Nokukhanya Jele, have expressed confidence in the success of the first G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.
International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola will host the meeting on Thursday and Friday at Nasrec, Johannesburg, welcoming his international counterparts.
Ahead of the gathering, Ambassador Mabhongo and Advocate Jele briefed the media on the significance of the event, outlining its objectives, key attendees, and expected outcomes.
“We have every faith and confidence that the next two days will be fruitful, useful and successful,” Jele said.
South Africa assumed the Presidency of the G20 on 1 December 2024, under the theme: “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability”.
The country has successfully hosted its first Sherpa meetings from 9 - 10 December 2024 and has since been conducting various G20 working group meetings.
Jele explained to the media that the G20 comprises two tracks: a Sherpa Track, led by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), which consists of 15 sectoral working groups, and a Finance Track, led by the National Treasury, which includes eight sectoral working groups.
“South Africa's G20 Presidency carries tremendous responsibility, given that the decisions taken by the G20 can impact the lives of all members of the global community, notably the most vulnerable and needy.
“South Africa is the only African country that is a permanent member of the G20 and therefore this is the first time in the G20’s history that an African country will preside over this August bloc of developing and developed countries,” Jele said.
Global Challenges and South Africa’s G20 Priorities
With the world facing multiple challenges, including sustainable development setbacks, South Africa’s Presidency seeks to promote global solidarity and multilateral cooperation.
Advocate Jele emphasised that the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting has become an important platform for discussions on international issues and cooperation.
“The world faces a myriad of global challenges and continued Sustainable Development reversals. The current global situation suggests that the international community requires a profound paradigm shift characterised by solidarity, harmony and mutual respect.
“In this regard, the G20 has a significant role to play in fostering global cooperation, collaboration and partnership to address these challenges and achieve sustainable development,” she said.
At the core of South Africa's G20 presidency, the country aims to secure urgent progress on shared global goals.
“The meeting of G20 foreign ministers has grown in importance and become a valuable forum for discussions on a wide range of international issues and matters of shared concern.
“G20 Foreign ministers are uniquely placed to monitor major global risks, convene dialogs on strategic matters and encourage cooperation to revive multilateralism in addressing global challenges,” Jele said.
Programme of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
Ambassador Mabhongo outlined the programme of the two-day meeting and priorities for South Africa’s G20 Presidency.
President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the opening address at the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, followed by discussions on the global geopolitical landscape.
“This is one of the reasons that we have convened the meeting of foreign ministers, so that they can reflect on the geopolitical situation that the world faces today and see how the G20 can position itself to respond and contribute to that,” the Ambassador said.
The second day of deliberations will focus on South Africa’s overarching priorities, which include strengthening disaster resilience and response, ensuring debt sustainability for low-income countries, mobilising finance for just energy transitions, and harnessing critical minerals for inclusive growth and sustainable development.
Mabhongo explained that these are the four over aching priorities that the President announced as being the guiding light for South Africa’s presidency.
“In addition to this, we have established three high level task forces, the first one is on inclusive economic growth, industrialisation, employment, and reduced inequality. The second one is on food security and the third one is on artificial intelligence for sustainable development,” he said.
The ambassador importantly noted that South Africa’s Presidency is the last in the first cycle of G20 presidencies since the forum was elevated to leaders’ level.
“One of the aims of our presidency is to undertake a review of the G20 at 20. That is, to see what has the G20 achieved during the past 20 years. So this is part of the work that will be done during our presidency,” Mabhongo said.
Addressing debt and economic inequality
South Africa also aims to address the high cost of capital for developing nations, which remains a major barrier to economic growth. The G20 Presidency will also focus on broadening the G20 Compact with Africa, a partnership co-chaired by South Africa and Germany, to enhance its effectiveness.
“When we talk about debt and some of the challenges that are facing developing countries, we cannot shy away from the fact that there is a problem with the cost of capital. Therefore South Africa seeks, during its presidency, to also undertake a review of the cost of capital, why is it that developing countries struggle and have to pay higher when they borrow to finance their debt and other challenges than other countries.
“We also seek to work on a broadened compact with Africa. During our presidency, we therefore wish to also see how we can expand and make this compact with Africa more impactful and more effective,” the Ambassador said.
Furthermore, Mabhongo said discussions on critical minerals, a key topic in global forums like the United Nations and G7, will be prioritised.
In terms of the attendance of the of the meeting, Mabhongo said all G20 members will be represented.
“We also have a list of guest countries or invited countries, all of them have also confirmed their attendance, so we look forward to a very good and successful meeting of foreign ministers at the beginning of our G20 Presidency,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Wed, 02/19/2025 - 14:50
222 views
SA, EU strengthen strategic partnership at Ministerial Dialogue
South Africa and the European Union (EU) have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening their strategic partnership during the 16th Session of the Ministerial Political Dialogue on Wednesday in Cape Town.
International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola, along with the European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas, co-chaired the dialogue in the context of the EU-South Africa Strategic Partnership.
“The EU-South Africa Ministerial Political Dialogue builds on the joint aspiration to further the strategic partnership, which has grown in depth and ambition over the years.
“The political and security cooperation is strong, and so are trade and investment relations: South Africa is the EU’s largest trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa, and the EU is South Africa’s first trade and investment partner,” a joint communique said.
The meeting was also attended by Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuizen, Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gawarube and Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Blade Nzimande.
The High Representative’s three-day visit to Africa at the beginning of her mandate signals the EU’s commitment to the partnership with South Africa and with the continent.
The Ministerial Political Dialogue is a key milestone ahead of the 8th European Union-South Africa Summit, which is scheduled for 13 March 2025.
The political engagements between the European Union and South Africa contribute to the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the European Union’s partnership with Africa.
In this context, both sides underscored the importance of holding the European Union- African Union Ministerial Meeting and Summit in 2025.
“The Ministerial Political Dialogue presented an opportunity for the European Union and South Africa to reiterate their common commitment to multilateralism, a consistent approach to the rules-based international order, and the centrality of the United Nations Charter.
“The parties further agreed on the need to reform the UN Security Council, recognising the urgent need to make it more representative, inclusive, transparent, efficient, democratic and accountable,” a joint communique said.
Addressing global conflicts, both sides affirmed their unwavering commitment to act in accordance with international law, including the Charter of the United Nations and its purposes and principles.
Both sides noted with distress the immense human suffering and the adverse impact of wars and conflicts around the world.
The parties also reaffirmed that all states must act in a manner consistent with the Purposes and Principles of the UN Charter in its entirety.
“In line with the UN Charter, all states must refrain from the threat or use of force to seek territorial acquisition against the territorial integrity and sovereignty or political independence of any state and affirmed that all parties in conflicts must comply with their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law,” the joint communique said.
Both sides further agreed that, guided by these principles, to support efforts towards a just peace in Ukraine, Occupied Palestinian Territory, Sudan, the DRC and other major conflicts around the globe.
The European Union and South Africa also discussed their cooperation in multilateral and regional fora, focusing in particular on their joint efforts to promote human rights and sustainable development and to address climate change.
The European Union emphasised its alignment with and support for South Africa G20’s presidency priorities.
In view of the Summit, the European Union and South Africa also looked at their economic, trade and investment agenda, including outstanding issues on both sides.
“Underlining the importance of a just energy transition, the European Union and South Africa reviewed opportunities to step up cooperation on sustainable value chains, including critical raw materials with a view to further their respective competitiveness, economic security and decarbonisation efforts.
“The parties agreed that critical minerals have emerged as a pivotal topic on the global stage, reflecting a critical role in driving industrialisation, technological innovation, and inclusive economic growth. South Africa underscored the need for the transition to a low carbon economy to be just, enhance energy security and create jobs. The two sides acknowledged the role of regulatory cooperation, investment facilitation, as well as of businesses in driving these initiatives,” the joint communique said.
The European Union and South Africa further welcomed the robust collaboration in the areas of education, research and innovation.
Both sides discussed opportunities to further enhance cooperation on open science and nuclear medical applications, to ensure progress on South Africa joining the Clean Hydrogen Mission of Mission Innovation.
This is to broaden the participation of South Africa in the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (R&I) Horizon Europe and in the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions as well as to promote mobility and cooperation through Erasmus+.
The European Union and South Africa further agreed that international trade is an important engine for inclusive economic growth, combating poverty and hunger and promoting sustainable development and the SDGs.
“The EU and South Africa also stressed that for trade and investment to act as a driver of global growth, well-being and prosperity, a transparent rules-based multilateral trading system, that is non-discriminatory, fair, open, inclusive, equitable and sustainable is a necessity. Both sides reaffirmed that the WTO must be at the core such a multilateral trading system,” said the joint communique. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Wed, 02/19/2025 - 15:48
164 views
Wednesday, 19 February 2025: Eskom is working closely with the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) Energy Safety & Security Priority Committee to address the rising wave of violent crimes targeting its employees. Despite an initial decline earlier in the financial year, these attacks have surged since October 2024, posing significant risks to both...
Budget postponed for further deliberations
Cabinet has postponed the tabling of the 2025 Budget Speech by the Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana to 12 March 2025.
The Minister was scheduled to outline the financial, economic, and social commitments that the government would prioritise in its planned expenditure as part of the 2025 Budget Speech in the National Assembly, on Wednesday.
However, in an unprecedented move, it was postponed for further deliberation.
“The annual budget is tabled by the Minister of Finance but it requires the deliberation of the Cabinet before it is tabled in the National Assembly.
“Cabinet considered that although the tabling of the 2025 budget was scheduled for release at 2pm on 19 February 2025, a postponement is needed to allow for further deliberations to take place on the budget. Cabinet is united in the view that the budget must strike a balance between the interests of the public, economic growth and fiscal sustainability,” Godongwana said in a media briefing on Wednesday afternoon.
Furthermore, the budget is produced and presented before the National Assembly according to the rules outlined in the Public Finance Management Act.
“Section 27 of the Public Finance Management Act requires that the annual budget be tabled prior to the start of the financial year or in exceptional circumstances on a date as soon as possible after the start of the financial year as the Minister of Finance may determine
“Therefore, further discussions in Cabinet will take place in preparation for a new amended or a new budget to be tabled on 12 March 2025,” the Minister said.
Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said the request for a postponement was a Cabinet decision.
During the Budget Speech, the Finance Minister indicates the allocation of financial resources to the national government’s priorities outlined by President Cyril Ramaphosa in the State of the Nation Address.
He provides a detailed plan for 2025 spending, including proposals for revenue collection to help fund the government’s planned interventions and commitments.
The Budget Speech, among others, aims to balance economic growth and support for the vulnerable in our society despite limited resources. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 02/19/2025 - 16:32
54 views
Head Coach Kenny Murray has made five changes to his Scotland U20 side for their 2025 U20 Six Nations fixture against England U20 at Kingston Park, Newcastle on Friday (kick off 7.15pm) – live on BBC iPlayer. All five changes come in the pack as Freddy Douglas makes his return from injury. Douglas won a …
As the Security Council prepared to gather on Wednesday to debate the international community's response to the growing emergency in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the UN's top aid official there urged all warring parties to allow lifesaving relief supplies to reach the most vulnerable.
“The rapid and uninterrupted expansion of the conflict, particularly in South Kivu province, continues to inflict a heavy toll on the civilian population,” said UN humanitarian coordinator for DRC, Bruno Lemarquis. “The population can no longer continue to pay such a heavy price for a conflict that continues to spread and now threatens the stability of the entire region.”
The veteran aid official's appeal came as yet more vulnerable people reportedly fled combat zones amid advancing and heavily armed Rwanda-backed M23 rebels. On Sunday the opposition fighters took control of Bukavu - the second major eastern DRC city to fall, in a matter of weeks.
“It is imperative to put an end to the confrontations” and resume dialogue, Mr. Lemarquis insisted, as he echoed concerns stressed by the UN Secretary-General that the continuing M23 offensive threatens regional stability.
For aid teams who remain committed to helping vulnerable and hard-to-reach communities impacted by the fighting, Mr. Lemarquis signalled that the most urgent priorities include reopening airports for humanitarian flights in Goma – capital of North Kivu and Kavumu in South Kivu, both now controlled by M23.
‘Tense' situation in Bukavu
The security situation in Bukavu remains tense, according to the UN aid coordination office, OCHA, which also reported that commercial boats have resumed services on Lake Kivu between Bukavu and Goma.
Humanitarian partners have also reported widespread looting in various part of Bukavu over the weekend, including a UN World Food Programme warehouse containing 7,000 tonnes of supplies.
“Several churches and collective centres in Bukavu are reportedly hosting displaced people,” OCHA noted in an update, adding that humanitarian assessment activities resumed on Tuesday “and will continue tomorrow as conditions permit”.
In addition to the urgent need for humanitarian supply flights, the UN aid coordinator urged respect for international law regarding the rights of internally displaced people (IDPs). Just last week, relief agencies expressed concern at a 72-hour ultimatum issued by M23 representatives to IDPs in Goma who were told to go back to their villages.
“Any return can only take place on a voluntary basis, under safe, dignified and sustainable conditions, in accordance with international principles,” Mr. Lemarquis explained.
Neutrality at core of mission
The UN aid coordinator also insisted that relief teams' “sole mission” was to provide vital assistance and protection to the most vulnerable, “wherever they may be...This action is guided by the humanitarian principles of neutrality, impartiality, humanity, and independence, without taking sides or engaging in political considerations.”
The DRC emergency is one of the most complex humanitarian crises in the world; it follows decades of clashes between the Congolese armed forces and various non-State armed groups, widespread human rights violations and sexual violence.
Humanitarian needs are staggering and not just in eastern DRC, according to the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, which noted that seven million people within the country are displaced and more than one million have sought asylum beyond the country's borders.
Most of these refugees are hosted by Angola, Burundi, the Republic of the Congo, Malawi, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda, Tanzania and Zambia. At the same time, the DRC – a country seven times the size of Germany – also hosts more than half a million refugees and asylum-seekers.
This latest crisis in DRC's east has already uprooted hundreds of thousands of vulnerable people in a matter of weeks. Between 10 and 15,000 people have now crossed into neighbouring Burundi in a matter of days.
“UNHCR urgently calls for increased support to assist refugees and prevent further suffering,” it said in an online appeal. “We also urge an immediate end to hostilities in eastern DRC to prevent more displacement and civilian harm.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.
Head coach Richard Whiffin has confirmed his Wales U20 men’s matchday squad to face Ireland in round three of the 2025 U20 Six Nations at Rodney Parade, this Friday. (KO 7.45pm, S4C). Whiffin has made four changes, including a positional switch for Dan Gemine, in a side which is aiming to win back-to-back matches in …
After winning gold twice and silver twice at BC Place in Vancouver in earlier versions of the Canadian leg of HSBC SVNS, the Springbok Sevens squad are well aware of their underwhelming performances in recent seasons. According to co-captain Impi Visser, the Blitzboks are adamant to change their fortunes this year and to improve on …
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has invited a group of 26 players consisting mainly of overseas-based players, as well as some talented youngsters and injured players, to the first virtual Springbok alignment camps of the year on Wednesday 27 March, following the first in-person camp in Cape Town from Monday 10 to Wednesday 12 March. Erasmus …
Comedy in South Africa has never been stronger! The nominees for the 12th Annual Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards have been officially announced by two icons at opposite ends of their comedic journeys. The 2024 Hall of Fame winner Marc Lottering and 2024 Newcomer Award winner Callum Hitchcock, a perfect blend of seasoned excellence and …
Wristbands are a practical and versatile accessory that serve multiple purposes in various settings. Whether you’re organizing an event or looking for a way to promote a cause, wristbands are an excellent solution. They can be used for identification, access control, and as promotional tools. This article explores the different types of wristbands and how …
Editor: Many people are referring to this unprecedented and monumental waste of taxpayer’s money as “HISTORIC” and a “VICTORY” – surely we can find another word that is far less positive? Dear Editor The postponement of the Minister of Finance’s 2025/26 National Budget Speech today is a victory for the people of South Africa, as …