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Infrastructure investment central to achievement of SA’s development goals
Infrastructure investment central to achievement of SA’s development goals
President Cyril Ramaphosa says investment in infrastructure is central to the achievement of the country’s development goals.
“Infrastructure is an enormous economic multiplier, providing dividends for an economy long after the infrastructure has been built,” President Ramaphosa said.
Addressing the 2024 Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium of South Africa (SIDSSA) currently underway at the Century City Conference Centre in Cape Town, President Ramaphosa said the symposium is an important part of government’s effort to close the infrastructure spending gap in the country.
“It is estimated that to achieve our infrastructure goals, we need an additional R1.6 trillion in public sector infrastructure investment and a further R3.2 trillion from the private sector by 2030,” President Ramaphosa said.
A number of bold initiatives are being implemented to deliver infrastructure at the required scale and pace.
“We are working on reforms to develop sustainable infrastructure, lift business confidence and encourage investment.
“These reforms include the amendment of the Division of Revenue Act to enable provincial governments to use their infrastructure grants and budget allocations to crowd-in private sector finance for large social infrastructure programmes,” President Ramaphosa said.
READ | National Assembly approves Division of Revenue Amendment Bill
The President said amendments to the public-private partnership regulations, which have recently been published for public comment, are part of broader reforms to mobilise and pool public and private sector resources for infrastructure.
“The operationalisation of the Infrastructure Fund has seen a steady growth in the portfolio of blended finance projects that use relatively small fiscal allocations to de-risk public infrastructure projects and raise finance in debt capital markets.
“Through the work that has been done in transforming the infrastructure landscape, the total value of the country’s Strategic Integrated Projects has grown from R340 billion in July 2020 to R540 billion now.
“Eighteen projects, valued at around R10 billion, have been completed, covering human settlements, roads, water and sanitation,” President Ramaphosa said.
According to the President, the value of projects currently in construction is over R230 billion.
“Projects worth nearly R170 billion are currently in procurement. In this calendar year, 11 such projects, with a total investment value of R45 billion, are expected to reach financial close.
“To date, Infrastructure South Africa has unblocked a total of R25 billion worth of projects in the renewable energy space using the Infrastructure Development Act to fast-track government authorisations,” the President said.
Hosted by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI), the symposium, in its third iteration, is intended to shape the conversations about regulatory and policy reforms, among them, innovative funding models for infrastructure development.
Ministers and Deputy Ministers are expected to anchor various panel discussions and technical discussions throughout the symposium.
SIDSSA 2024 will showcase the following outcomes :
- Launch of the construction book: a repository of infrastructure projects going into procurement/construction in the 2024/2025 financial year.
- Leaders forum: A gathering of South African Ministers with 22 participating Ministers from the African continent.
- Top 12 Infrastructure project priorities: These projects will receive project preparation funding from Infrastructure South Africa.
- Signing of MOU’s with important partners and stakeholders.
The Symposium will also provide the following updates:
- Update on the gazetted Strategic Integrated Projects.
- Update on the projects already receiving project preparation support.
- Infrastructure Fund Project Pipeline.
- SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 03/19/2024 - 12:05
133 views
Why should you employ a content writing professional for your web site copy?
How to get “The Write Stuff“ There are several advantages to hiring a content writer for your website copy, even if you feel confident about your own writing abilities. Here are some key reasons: Expertise in persuasion: A professional writer understands how to craft website copy that not only informs visitors but also compels them …
Mashatile to attend Iftar dinner at Nizamiye Mosque in Midrand
Mashatile to attend Iftar dinner at Nizamiye Mosque in Midrand
Deputy President Paul Mashatile will on Wednesday be the guest of honour at the Iftar dinner marking the breaking of the fast of Ramadan for the Muslim community at the Nizamiye Mosque and Complex in Midrand, Johannesburg.
“Deputy President Mashatile will join the Muslim community and guests in prayer, reflection, gratitude and generosity as they together break the fast of Ramadan and observe key Islamic principles of community, faith and sharing in the form of the Iftar dinner,” a statement from the Presidency said.
The breaking of the fast during Ramadan is an important occasion for Muslims around the world.
“It marks the end of a day of fasting and devotion during Ramadan, a month known for fostering compassion and strengthening bonds of community,” the Presidency explained.
The ottoman-style complex is situated in Midrand in the north of Johannesburg and was officially opened in 2012.
The mosque serves the Muslim communities in South Africa and neighbouring countries, providing quality education in Islamic and modern sciences.
It also consists of a complete primary and high school, a bazaar and a madrasah.
President Cyril Ramaphosa tasks the Deputy President to facilitate dialogue and foster social compacts with key sectors of South African society, including faith-based institutions and communities, to promote social cohesion and support nation-building initiatives nationwide. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 03/19/2024 - 09:54
269 views
Graduation Day for 20 Aghuhlas Peace Officers
The Cape Agulhas municipal area is now in a stronger position to combat crime after 20 Peace Officers (PO’s) graduated in Bredasdorp yesterday from the PO-programme. For the Overberg region, we have now completed PO training and placement of 73 PO’s. This includes the 19 in Swellendam, 18 in Theewaterskloof, who graduated in December 2023, …
Upgrade of Main Road P2-53 to boost economy in uPhongolo Municipality
Upgrade of Main Road P2-53 to boost economy in uPhongolo Municipality
Residents and businesses within Nongoma, uPhongolo and surrounding areas stand to benefit from a multimillion rand upgrade of the Main Road P2-53, which will not only improve local infrastructure, but create employment and contribute to economic growth in the area.
The Main Road P2-53 53 in uPhongolo Local Municipality serves as a crucial feeder road to the National Road, N2-32.
Its resurfacing, at a cost of over R329 million, is aimed at enhancing accessibility, benefiting numerous residents and businesses within Nongoma, uPhongolo and surrounding areas.
The development of the road will also improve road safety in the area, and also help to boost the local economy by making it easier for people to travel to and from the area.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube said the development of the road not only promises better accessibility, but also aims to bolster road safety within the region.
Dube-Ncube said the upgraded road is also expected to catalyse the local economy by facilitating smoother travel for residents and visitors alike.
“Moreover, the upgraded road provides vital access to numerous communities, social facilities, and businesses, including educational institutions like Petergate Primary, Empakama Public, KwaMagwaza Combined Primary, and others.
“It also serves as a gateway to essential amenities such as healthcare facilities, police stations, places of worship, and recreational areas like the Mkhuze Game Reserve,” Dube-Ncube said.
To ensure the inclusivity of the project, the Premier said a combination of established contractors and emerging contractors was enlisted through the Contractor Participation Goal (CPG).
“Contracts were strategically grouped to maximise employment opportunities, aligning with the objectives of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) and contract participation goals, thus fostering job creation within the area,” the Premier said.
The section of the road undergoing upgrades falls under the governance of Mgazini Traditional Council, under the leadership of Inkosi Ntshangase, and Osuthu Traditional Council, under the auspices of His Majesty King Misizulu kaZwelithini, covering Ward One and Ward 18. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 03/19/2024 - 09:55
114 views
Mosiako aims for fourth Sub-28-minute finish at Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K
After breaking the 28-minute barrier for the first time in his adopted hometown last year, Thabang Mosiako is set to return to the scene of his triumph as he confirms his participation in the Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K on Sunday, 7 April 2024, aiming to repeat his stellar performance. “I’m really excited about …
R233 Billion Project Pipeline in Construction
South Africa's Deputy President Paul Mashatile announced that the country currently has R233 billion worth of infrastructure projects currently in construction, with R170 billion worth in the procurement phase and R10 billion completed. Speaking during the Stakeholder Dinner at the Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium of South Africa (SIDSSA) on March 18, Deputy President Mashatile underscored the significant opportunities on offer for the private sector in the infrastructure space.
With government seeking to close the infrastructure investment gap, mobilizing private-led investment has emerged as a top priority. The Deputy President highlighted that through platforms such as SIDSSA, government can connect private investors to strategic projects, ensuring development leads to job creation, industrialization and long-term economic growth.
“The activities of the symposium today have set the tone for government accountability, as shown during the media briefing this afternoon as well as through collaboration and partnerships, and through the memorandum of understanding signed between government and private sector partners. Most importantly, this symposium sets the tone for collaboration and cooperation in the continent,” stated Deputy President Mashatile.
Taking place on March 17-19 at the Century City Conference Center, SIDSSA brings together key stakeholders in South Africa and across the continent with the aim of driving infrastructure development. SIDSSA 2024 serves as a crucial platform for discussions and partnerships in the infrastructure investment landscape, with a focus on accelerating economic activity through strategic infrastructure plans. Energy Capital & Power – the leading investment platform for the African energy sector – is a media partner for this important platform. For more information, visit https://SIDSAA.org.za.
Uniting regional government, global partners and private investors, SIDSSA 2024 brings together critical role-players in the infrastructure investment space, who are galvanized around a key goal of accelerating an infrastructure-led economic recovery plan. The event serves as a springboard for collaboration in Africa.
According to Sihle Zikalala, South Africa's Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, “We have gathered here from all over the world to learn from each other on what we can do better to unleash a continental wide infrastructure development. We have often said Africa must be connected from Cape to Cairo, and we believe that we should lead the way to connect Africa.”
To bolster infrastructure development, significant levels of capital are required – both in South Africa and regionally. Institutions such as the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) offer the finance needed to get large-scale projects off the ground.
The project pipeline, according to Zodwa Mbele, Group Executive: Chief Financial Officer at the DBSA, “was also dependent on institutions like the DBSA who were expected to provide and unveil the pipeline to the potential investors. It's very important that we get [projects] off ground and make sure that the infrastructure is developed because we also know that infrastructure is a [catalyst] for economic development.”
As such, South Africa's infrastructure development will largely center around public-private collaboration. John Humphrey, the UK's Trade Commissioner for Africa, explained that “partnership and collaboration sit at the heart of the UK approach to infrastructure globally, and that's why we're here today, to support the South African Government's National Infrastructure Plan and the priorities outlined in President Ramaphosa's recent address to the nation, including job creation, economic growth, solving the energy crisis, and improving public services.”
Closing off the evening, South Africa's Deputy Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Bernice Swarts underscored that, “Getting construction projects off the ground to build social and economic infrastructure is fundamental in building the Africa we want, improving services and creating jobs.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.
SIDSSA 2024 is organized by the Investment and Infrastructure Office under the Presidency, in collaboration with the Association of African Exhibition Organizers and Energy Capital & Power. The National African Federation for the Building Industry joins as an association partner, while the Development Bank of Southern Africa is the official sponsor of the event. The Masterclass on Sustainable Infrastructure Development is held in collaboration with the National School of Government.
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Police Whisk Water Minister Mchunu Away From Angry Crowd In Musina
Residents were demanding a lasting and immediate solution to the area’s water crisis
297 suspects arrested in N Cape
297 suspects arrested in N Cape
The South African Police Service's Operation Shanela has netted 297 suspects in the Northern Cape.
The suspects, who were arrested last week, were nabbed for a variety of crimes including trio crimes (robbery at non-residential premises, mainly small businesses; robbery at residential premises and carjacking), contact crimes, drug and alcohol related offences and property related crimes.
Of the 297 suspects, 136 are wanted persons arrested by detectives during tracing operations.
The suspects were arrested for the commission of serious crimes, including aggravated robbery, attempted murder, rape, attempted rape, assault GBH [grievous bodily harm] and robbery.
Roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints and high visibility patrols were executed, whereby 4 432 persons and 2 366 vehicles were stopped and searched.
Compliance inspections were conducted at second hand goods dealers, firearms dealers, formal and informal businesses and liquor outlets, resulting in the closure of five unlicensed outlets and the confiscation of a significant amount of liquor and gambling machines.
High visibility patrols were conducted in rural areas, where several farms and mines were visited.
The actions resulted in the confiscation of a considerable amount of liquor, drugs and dangerous weapons.
Northern Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola, expressed her gratitude towards all the commanders and members who contributed to the successes achieved, as well as the communities for their cooperation. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 03/18/2024 - 09:28
587 views
South Africa and Zimbabwe enter landmark water sharing deal
South Africa and Zimbabwe enter landmark water sharing deal
Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu and the Zimbabwean Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Development, Dr Anxious Jongwe Masuka, have signed an agreement for the transfer of treated water from Beitbridge Water Treatment Works to Musina.
The agreement is the product of the bilateral agreement of cooperation on water resources management, and the establishment and functioning of the Joint Water Commission established by the two countries in 2015.
The transfer of treated water from Beitbridge Water Treatment Works in Zimbabwe to Musina, Limpopo, is a medium-term solution to address water supply challenges in the area.
The capacity of the Beitbridge Water Treatment Plant is 35 million cubic metres/annum (96 Ml/day) and is currently not fully utilised in Zimbabwe, with only 10% of the capacity used for Beitbridge.
Mchunu has welcomed the signing of the agreement and assured the community of Musina that the transfer of water from Beitbridge will alleviate water supply challenges in the area, as the quantities to be supplied are more than the current demand.
According to the agreement, the two countries will kick-start an implementation plan and oversee the construction of a pipeline and of pump stations to transfer 15 million cubic metres (41 ML/day) of treated water from Zimbabwe to Musina.
The two implementing agents to oversee the construction projects include the South African Development Bank and the Zimbabwe National Water Authority. The project is expected to be completed in 2026.
The treated water to be transferred is expected to comply with South Africa’s water quality standards (SANS 241), set by the South African National Bureau of Standards (SABS), which is informed by World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines.
Mchunu said in the interim, the Department of Water and Sanitation is working with the Vhembe District Municipality, which is the Water Services Authority for Musina Local Municipality, in addressing challenges with the existing water infrastructure, including rehabilitating the existing but non-functional boreholes, while the project is being implemented.
“We are looking at operationalising the non-functioning boreholes in Musina and we believe that with the transfer of water from Beitbridge Water Treatment Works, the challenges of water supply in Musina will be a thing of the past.
“...We are thankful to the government of Zimbabwe to be able to expedite this water sharing deal, which will change the lives of the people of Musina,” Mchunu said.
Masuka also welcomed the contribution of the government of Zimbabwe to ensure that economic development is sustainable in Musina.
“I am very pleased that this day has come to fruition. It has taken years of negotiation and I thank the technical team for having put their very best for their countries to ensure that we come to this level today,” Masuka said.
The Minister reiterated that Zimbabwe is committed to supplying the maximum 15 million cubic metres of treated water per year to Musina town for the duration of the agreement. He is hopeful that the contribution will alleviate the water challenges in Musina, and also contribute to the economic development of the region.
As part of the two-day programme, Mchunu, accompanied by Deputy Minister Judith Tshabalala, held a meeting with Vhembe District and Musina Local Municipality leadership on Friday to discuss immediate, medium- and long-term solutions to water and sanitation challenges affecting the region.
The leaders later held an imbizo, where they gave an update to the community of Musina on the plans underway to provide them with water, as well as interim measures to alleviate intermittent water provision. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 03/18/2024 - 09:47
1180 views
Human Rights for only some, are Human Rights for none – President
Human Rights for only some, are Human Rights for none – President
Ahead of Human Rights Day later this week, President Cyril Ramaphosa has reminded the country that “we cannot truly be free until all people are free”.
Speaking to the nation through his weekly newsletter, the President said all people, everywhere, have basic rights and should be free to exercise them.
“As we continue to work towards realising the basic human rights of all South Africans, we are reminded that these rights are universal. That all people, everywhere, have basic rights and should be free to exercise them. We are reminded that we cannot truly be free until all people are free,” he said.
President Ramaphosa stressed the importance of being aware of the worsening human rights situation globally.
“When we consider the deteriorating state of human rights and fundamental freedoms in many parts of the world today, we are mindful that we have a moral responsibility to strive for the achievement of human rights not just for our own people, but for all people across the world.
“As we commemorate the tragic events that took place in Sharpeville in 1960, and recommit ourselves to the cause of human freedom, we stand firm in our position that human rights for only some are human rights for none. Let us all continue to advance and protect the human rights of all who live in South Africa,” the President said.
President Ramaphosa further reflected that over the past three decades, the country has worked together to undo the terrible legacy of apartheid.
However, he said, the effects of apartheid persist across society – whether it is in health, educational and developmental outcomes, access to basic services and infrastructure, or in the racialised nature of poverty, unemployment, inequality and exclusion.
“Human Rights Month is an opportunity to assess the progress we have made over the past three decades to advance the Bill of Rights set out in our Constitution, as well as to reflect honestly on where we have fallen short,” he said.
He added that the results of Census 2022 released last year highlight the progress made as a country in giving effect to the rights contained in the Constitution.
The pro-poor policies of the democratic state have lifted millions out of absolute poverty, expanded access to basic services, improved educational and health outcomes for the country’s majority, and broadened participation in economic activity.
“As we head into our country’s 7th democratic election this year, we are further reminded of the fundamental freedoms South Africans enjoy today. These include freedom of conscience and opinion, the right to assembly and demonstration, freedom of association, and wide-ranging political rights.
“We also have a free, independent media that plays a critical role in promoting transparency and accountability.
“We have to stand together united as we work for the realisation of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all. We should not be in denial about our shortcomings and strive to overcome them with urgency. For millions of South Africans, lack of access to basic services, unemployment and lack of opportunity affect the most fundamental of human rights – the right to dignity,” he said. - SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Mon, 03/18/2024 - 10:52
537 views