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Introduction Indoor light fixtures play a crucial role in setting the tone and ambience of your home. Whether you’re looking to create a cosy atmosphere or a bright, modern space, the right lighting can make all the difference. Types of Indoor Light Fixtures Ceiling Lights: Including chandeliers, pendant lights, and flush mounts, ceiling …
The South African rowing team delivered commendable performances in their respective semifinals, leaving South Africa proud of their dedication to a world-class representation of their country on the greatest sporting stage. Paige Badenhorst triumphed in the women’s single scull semifinal C/D, crossing the finish line in first place to secure her seat in the C …
Introduction Johannesburg is renowned for its rich mineral wealth, making it a prime location for selling gold and diamonds. Whether you have inherited jewellery or are looking to liquidate assets, understanding the process is crucial to getting the best value. Why Sell Gold and Diamonds in Johannesburg? Established Market: Johannesburg has a long …
Find your zen at Hyde Park Corner, where the spotlight is on self-care this Women’s Month. Made to Move sunrise Yoga sessions are the perfect opportunity to show yourself some love and celebrate Women’s Month with wellness and joy! Every Saturday from 3 August to 31 August, join us for a rejuvenating morning of yoga, …
Some streets in the metro have been dark for years
Marshalltown Fire Justice Campaign calls for City to compensate victims and release remaining bodies at the morgue
SA to further focus on manufacturing and exports to grow economy
Trade, Industry and Competition Deputy Minister Andrew Whitfield says it is essential that South Africa’s economic growth is grounded in manufacturing-led growth and export-oriented economy.
To this end, the department will support local industries to increase their manufacturing capacity and volumes, enhance their competitiveness and identify suitable export markets for their manufactured products.
Whitfield was speaking during a debate on the Budget Vote of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) in Parliament on Tuesday.
“It is essential that South Africa’s economic growth is grounded in manufacturing-led growth.
“Manufacturing is indeed less volatile and less vulnerable to economic downturns and will create real, sustainable and decent paying jobs for our people.
“South Africa must also create an export-oriented economy. A dedicated focus on manufacturing growth will also lead to export growth,” he said.
Whitfield said one of the dtic’s key focus areas under the new administration will be a renewed export drive to lower the risk of slow domestic growth, while also identifying high growth opportunities.
“The creation of an export-oriented economy can be realised through a dedicated focus on implementing measures to boost the competitiveness of local industries in global markets, streamlining export processes, lowering trade barriers, offering financial and technical assistance to exporters and cultivating beneficial trade alliances with other nations,” explained Whitfield.
He said South Africa’s exports in May this year totalled over R178 billion and the country recorded a trade surplus of over R20 billion, significantly higher than forecast, and the widest trade surplus in six months.
“This is commendable and illustrates the important contribution that exports can make to our fiscus. We will support local industries by building a supportive and competitive ecosystem to drive manufacturing growth.
“We will also identify intermediate goods that could make our manufacturers more competitive; as well as identify products that we produce competitively and the markets that consume those products in large and/or growing volumes,” Whitfield said.
Earlier this month, dtic Minister Parks Tau reiterated the commitment to “smart industrial policy”, which will support the successful implementation of government’s development imperatives.
READ | The dtic to support programmes outlined by the President
“In line with what the President said [during the Opening of Parliament Address] when talking about smart industrial policy, the dtic group will implement sectoral plans building on the successes recorded in the automotive, clothing and textiles, retail and agro-processing sectors.
“Smart industrial policy speaks to underlining beneficiation and export-led growth. It highlights the imperatives of the Public Procurement Act that will complement the essential legislative tools to unlock localisation and transformation.
“Every year the South African economy spends 25% of the national wealth created on imported goods. Not only is this propensity to import much greater than our competitor countries, it is also out of sync with our developmental needs,” Tau said.
The Minister said government will reverse this in pharmaceuticals and medical devices, green industries, food products and manufactured goods, among others. He noted that smart industrial policies and programmes are being implemented to respond to the global market trends towards electric vehicles. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 07/31/2024 - 14:31
DCS responds to Thabo Bester allegations
The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has hit back at allegations by convict and alleged prison escape artist Thabo Bester regarding his incarceration at the Kgoši Mampuru II Correctional Facility in Pretoria.
In June this year, Bester told the pre-trial court in his escape case that, amongst other allegations, he was being kept in solitary confinement for 23 hours of the day and was not given adequate time to consult with his lawyers.
The department has dismissed those allegations – insisting that everything surrounding his incarceration has been done by the book.
“As DCS, it is clear that we are dealing with an inmate capable of engineering elaborate means to escape from lawful custody. Hence, we are duty-bound to employ strict security measures, within the confines of the law, in order to prevent any chance of him escaping once again.
“Apart from these security measures aimed at preventing an escape, the department has, since Thabo Bester’s admission at Kgoši Mampuru II Correctional Facility, treated him in the same manner that it treats other inmates at the said facility,” DCS said in a statement.
The department was at pains to explain that although imprisonment does not strip individuals of their rights, in the context of imprisonment, some rights “are given effect to differently where it is possible, practical and safe to do so, while others inconsistent with imprisonment do not enjoy recognition for instance the right to liberty”.
“Equally, the department recognises that the conditions of detention of inmates should be consistent with human dignity, including at least an opportunity to exercise and provision of adequate accommodation, nutrition, reading material and the opportunity to access legal advice.
“That said, inmates are not entitled to be imprisoned with all the comforts they have enjoyed before their incarceration. A Correctional Centre is not akin to one's own private residence. Therefore, those amenities that a person would ordinarily enjoy outside the Correctional Centre are not necessarily available in a correctional facility. That is an invariable consequence of being imprisoned,” the department added.
Solitary confinement and access to legal representation
The DCS pointed out that there is “no practice of solitary confinement in South Africa” and dismissed Bester’s allegations that he was kept in that state as “incorrect and fallacious”.
“C-Max, at Kgoši Mampuru, is a high security facility. It comprises only single cells. Hence, all inmates in the facility do not share a cell. Therefore, the impression created by Thabo Bester that he is in a single cell, as a form of solitary confinement, is, with respect, disingenuous.
“Thabo Bester gets an opportunity to exercise for an hour every day. That is the minimum time of exercise permitted by Section 11 of the Correctional Services Act. The exercise always takes place in open air, unless the weather does not permit. During the time allocated for exercising, an inmate has an option to participate in other recreational activities.
“Thabo Bester and other inmates in C-Max are also afforded a reasonable opportunity to have telephonic contact with and to be visited by their families when such visits are properly arranged with the centre. Equally, Thabo Bester’s assertion that he is segregated is not correct. The facility comprises only single cells,” the department said.
On the issue of whether Bester is allowed access to legal advice and representation, the DCS said Bester had made “hundreds of telephone calls to various lawyers” for the period 12 October 2023 until 16 July 2024.
“Thabo Bester is asking for ‘an in-person or physical legal consultations' of not less than seven hours on prior arrangements and to allow him to use a laptop/tablet or any suitable gadget. He complains about a consultation using [a] wall steel telephone, whilst separated by a glass with his legal representatives, is not meaningful.
“Thabo Bester suggests that he should be afforded an opportunity to consult with his legal representatives in a specific office at the centre. With respect, there is no merit in Thabo Bester’s request. To be succinct, the request is unreasonable. Thabo Bester’s legal representatives can communicate with him during the consultation and take down the necessary notes.
“A consultation with his legal representatives from 09:00 - 16:00 on a daily basis is neither reasonable nor practical. Kgoši Mampuru houses hundreds of inmates who also need to use the consultation rooms. The Regulations allow for consultations on a daily basis from 08:00 until 15:00 in the afternoon. Therefore, if Thabo Bester’s request is acceded to, it will mean that one of the consultation rooms will be occupied by him the whole day,” the department asserted.
Other allegations
In respect of Bester’s request to access electronic gadgets or equipment and the use of hand and leg cuffs the DCS said:
• Thabo Bester’s request for gadgets will pose a security risk to the centre and might enable him to orchestrate another escape.
• The use of hand and leg cuffs on Thabo Bester is justified under section 31 of the Correctional Services Act. Before his incarceration at Kgoši Mampuru, Thabo Bester had escaped from a maximum-security prison. Without a doubt, the department is justified in having an apprehension that Thabo Bester might attempt to escape again.
“The manner in which Thabo Bester has been treated is consistent with what is prescribed by the Correctional Services Act and the regulations promulgated under the Act. Basically, safe and humane custody of inmates is at the centre of the correctional system.
“The Act provides that the aim of a correctional system is to contribute to maintaining and protecting a just, peaceful and safe society by enforcing sentences of the courts in a manner prescribed by the Act and detaining all inmates in safe custody whilst ensuring their human dignity,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 07/31/2024 - 14:38
dtic welcomes signing into law of the Companies Amendment Act
Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau has welcomed the signing into law of the Companies Amendment Act by President Cyril Ramaphosa last Friday.
Tau was addressing the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) during the debate on his department’s Budget Vote on Tuesday.
“In the spirit of transparency and in the hopes that we further improve the ease of doing business, we welcome President Ramaphosa’s ascension to the Companies Amendment Act. The Act aims to improve the ease of doing business by ensuring that our company law is consistent with well-established principles that are not over-burdensome on businesses,” he said.
Tau said the new Act is also aimed at achieving equity between directors and senior management on the one hand, and shareholders and workers on the other hand, as well as addressing public concerns regarding high levels of inequality in society.
“The Act will go a long way in ensuring adherence to sound corporate governance, accountability and transparency, and that directors carry their duties with integrity and care,” he said.
READ I President assents laws advancing ease of doing business
Tau also welcomed President Ramaphosa’s signing of the Climate Change Bill into law, saying that all South Africans needed to celebrate its ascension.
The Climate Change Act sets out South Africa’s national climate change response, including mitigation and adaptation actions, which also constitutes South Africa’s fair contribution to the global climate change response.
“The signing of the law came at an opportune moment because as the department, we had already taken significant steps towards identifying opportunities in industrial decarbonisation and manufacturing of green products for both local and export markets,” he said.
The Act makes provision for an active role by provinces and municipalities in coordinating the country’s climate change responses, as well as setting emissions targets for manufacturing and related sectors.
“In this regard, our department has developed the Green Hydrogen Commercialisation Strategy, which will be implemented.
“In the next few weeks, we will be meeting with provinces and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) to map these out further and ensure that we all channel our energies towards building a greener and climate-resilient South African economy,” Tau said.
During his speech, Tau said the department will accelerate the roll out of the Special Economic Zones (SEZ) programme in order to achieve better spatial equity.
“Fortunately, there are local success stories we can learn from to accelerate the SEZ model in other under-serviced areas,” he said.
He cited the Coega Industrial Development Zone, which is presently home to 63 firms, employing approximately 10 000 people and with cumulative investments of about R11.5 billion.
Tau told the NCOP that his administration will ensure that industrial opportunities resulting from policy, regulatory and private-sector decisions were maximised to enable manufacturing-led growth.
“Manufacturing induces or catalyses growth and jobs in upstream and downstream sectors. These jobs are typically permanent, pay relatively decent wages and provide workers with sustainable careers. And as you would agree, these jobs offer a sense of dignity to our citizens and communities,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 07/31/2024 - 14:42
Cofimvaba, Eastern Cape, 31 July 2024 – Investment in education was highlighted as one of the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited’s (SANRAL) strategic considerations during a career expo that took place at the Cofimvaba Senior Secondary School yesterday (Tuesday, 30 July). Attended by more than 1 500 Grade 7 to 12 learners from …
Introduction When it comes to diagnosing breast conditions, an MRI breast scan is one of the most advanced and accurate tools available. This sophisticated imaging technique provides detailed images that are crucial for early detection and treatment planning. What is an MRI Breast Scan? Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses powerful magnets and radio …
Eurorepar, a new independent aftermarket brand of Stellantis, has launched in South Africa. Initially designed to cater to the needs of Stellantis (Opel, Peugeot, the Jeep® brand, Citroën, Abarth, Alfa Romeo and FIAT) owners whose vehicles have surpassed the initial warranty and service plan period, Eurorepar offers a comprehensive range of high-quality, cost-effective parts and …
President Ramaphosa assents to IPID Amendment Bill
The Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) Amendment Bill has been signed into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
According to the Presidency, the new law is aimed at “affirming the institutional and operational independence” of IPID and empowers the directorate to “investigate serious alleged offences committed by police officers, whether they were off duty or not”.
“The new law entrenches the institutional and operational independence of IPID and makes it clear that the directorate must be independent, impartial and must exercise its powers and functions without fear, favour or prejudice.
“This amended law gives effect to an earlier Constitutional Court judgment in the McBride v Minister of Police and Another matter, which invalidated provisions in the IPID Act that enabled the Minister of Police to take disciplinary measures against the Executive Director of IPID without parliamentary oversight,” the Presidency said.
The newly assented to law also amends provisions in certain appointments, what the IPID can investigate and savings provisions for officials working in that office.
This includes:
“The newly enacted Independent Police Investigative Directorate Amendment Act is an outcome of a comprehensive review of the principal IPID Act of 2011 initiated by the Civilian Secretariat for Police Service.
“The Civilian Secretariat provides the Minister of Police with policy advice and research support; develops departmental policy; provides civilian oversight of the South African Police Service and mobilises stakeholders outside the department around crime prevention and policing matters,” the Presidency said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 07/31/2024 - 15:21
Chery continues to add more and more charitable causes to its roster under its With Chery With Love (#WCWL) programme. For its latest initiative, the Chinese brand mobilised dealers, head office staff and international team members to collect and distribute food and clothing to Mother of Peace, a group of orphanages with homes in Northriding …
Court proceedings so far this year have dealt with ironing out pre-trial matters
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus said his 33-member squad were beaming with excitement for what he anticipates will be a challenging tour to Australia as they prepare to depart Down Under for the Castle Lager Rugby Championship late on Wednesday afternoon. The Boks will launch the 2024 edition of the southern hemisphere series against the Wallabies …
Dear Editor The DA extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the two SAPS officers who lost their lives this past Sunday in a tragic shooting incident in Limpopo. This event follows closely on two similar incidents in the North West in May 2024, when two more SAPS officers took their lives over a …
To be part of an event where 65 000 people vocally rooted for women’s sevens rugby was a feeling that she cannot describe, but close to that was the way the South African team fought for one another and their first victory at their first Olympic Games. That was the view of Nadine Roos, the …
Dear Editor “Over the past month, we have engaged with a number of internal and external stakeholders where the issue of electricity pricing has been a focal point. It is abundantly clear that the current situation is untenable, and we have undertaken to do a comprehensive review of electricity pricing and tariff structures….to ensure universal …
President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed into law legislation affirming the institutional and operational independence of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) and empowering IPID to investigate serious alleged offences committed by police officers whether they were off duty or not.
The newly enacted Independent Police Investigative Directorate Amendment Act is an outcome of a comprehensive review of the principal IPID Act of 2011 initiated by the Civilian Secretariat for Police Service.
The Civilian Secretariat provides the Minister of Police with policy advice and research support; develops departmental policy; provides civilian oversight of the South African Police Service and mobilises stakeholders outside the department around crime prevention and policing matters.
The new law entrenches the institutional and operational independence of IPID and makes it clear that the directorate must be independent, impartial and must exercise its powers and functions without fear, favour or prejudice.
This amended law gives effect to an earlier Constitutional Court judgment in the McBride v Minister of Police and Another matter which invalidated provisions in the IPID Act that enabled the Minister of Police to take disciplinary measures against the Executive Director of IPID without parliamentary oversight.
The updated legislation amends provisions relating to the appointment of the Executive Director of IPID and broadens the Executive Director's responsibilities in respect of the referral of recommendations on disciplinary matters.
The Amendment Act provides for pre-employment security screening investigations to be conducted by the directorate.
The law now empowers IPID to investigate any deaths caused by the actions of a member of the South African Police Service or a member of a municipal police service, whether such member was on or off duty.
IPID is enabled to investigate rape by a member of the SAPS or a member of a municipal police service, whether such member was on or off duty.
The law also provides for a savings provision in the conditions of service of existing IPID investigators and provincial heads.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
The NPL FemmeFit Fest shook off the mid-year winter blues on Saturday, 27th July. The wellness day was filled with activities aimed at keeping women active and motivated throughout the season, and it delivered exactly that! Attendees started the day with a high-energy HIIT workout, enjoyed a lively rebounding class, showed off their moves in …
Padel is one of those sports that’s been gaining quite a bit of traction lately. If you’re new to the game or just curious about getting started, one of the first things you’ll need is a good padel racket. Let’s dive into what makes a padel racket tick and how to choose one that fits …
Bitlauncher has unveiled a groundbreaking investment platform aimed at democratizing access to early-stage AI startups. This innovative platform is designed to offer investors the opportunity to engage with promising AI ventures that have the potential to become the next billion-dollar companies. Transforming the Investment Landscape At the core of Bitlauncher’s approach is the implementation of …
Whether you’re a matriculant with limited work experience or someone who didn’t have the opportunity to study further after school, the global business services (GBS) sector offers opportunities for young people from communities throughout South Africa to build successful careers. So, brush aside the belief that traditional career paths, like accounting or law, are the …