MyZA
News, Directory, Events and Other Stuff
Dear Editor StatsSA confirmed that South Africa barely skirted a technical recession. At 0.1% growth in the fourth quarter of 2023, our economy is at a standstill, and South Africans are becoming poorer. The status quo will prevail as long as the ANC remains in power. In February, Treasury National Budget estimated a growth rate …
SANDF deployment not done without planning
By Siphiwe Dlamini
The deployment of a contingent of the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) as part of the SADC Mission to the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) and the subsequent tragic deaths of Captain Simon Mkhulu Bobe and Lance Corporal Irven Thabang Semono have provided plenty of grist to the opinion mill.
It should. We are a democracy and this is a people’s defence force – and its role and its use should be debated.
There are major and justifiable concerns about budget implications. The lack of sufficient air cover for the mission and that this deployment might be fatally overstretching the SANDF’s capacity has been raised by some as a concern.
None of these are new concerns; successive chiefs of the SANDF have raised these precise issues in the past, along with their chiefs of service.
But these concerns ignore the reality that this deployment was not done in haste, nor without the requisite planning. There have been numerous discussions at the highest echelons of government about the need to support the SANDF in all its needs, including funding. There is a real commitment to do this.
We should also not forget three critical points in the current discourse, well intentioned or otherwise, about the SANDF.
The first is that the mission in the DRC is not solely a South African tasking but a request from the greater Southern African Development Community to ensure the stability of the region as the United Nations began its well-publicised drawdown of Monusco, its 20 year-long mission to stabilise the DRC, in December last year.
Secondly, there are other countries that will be also contributing to this mission, some of whom will be able to directly address the issue of air cover through the capabilities of their own air forces.
Thirdly, the SANDF has been part of Monusco since its inception, commanding the mission and regularly providing commanders for the smaller three-battalion strong multinational Force Intervention Brigade, the only UN force mandated to use force offensively.
The biggest issue of all though is peacekeeping. SA is a continental leader and has never shied away from the often onerous responsibility to lead these processes, participating from the front, if necessary, putting its money and its troops where its mouth is.
This is not an easy decision and it is not without risks, all of which weigh very heavily upon our commander-in-chief, President Cyril Ramaphosa; the political head; Defence and Military Veterans Minister Thandi Modise; and chief of the SANDF, General Rudzani Maphwanya, before deploying these national assets.
These soldiers are not conscripts, they are volunteers, but all of us know the risks that they will face in the field – and the sacrifices they may well be asked to make – to keep this peace.
It is easy for the keyboard warriors to argue that our horizons should be limited to our land, sea and air borders, but the reality is that the beating of a butterfly’s wings in Kivu or Goma could very well create an unstoppable tsunami in Johannesburg or Cape Town.
It’s too late to deal with an insurgency not just on your doorstep but within your borders. This is part of the rationale for the SANDF’s participation in the SADC Mission in Mozambique (Samim) to keep the insurgency in Cabo Delgado at bay.
That is the apex threat – of war and terror in our cities and countryside, but there are other threats, too, of even more refugees seeking a better life in SA, potential economic and criminal risks which put further strain on our law enforcement agencies, the home affairs department, the department of social security and, indeed, our fiscus.
It is said that a stitch in time saves nine. It doesn’t help to just create nonporous borders, where the SANDF is already performing a yeoman and unheralded service as part of the ongoing Operation Corona.
We have to try to resolve issues and create the conditions that are crucial to allowing a sustainable and enduring state of peace on the continent that could otherwise threaten the way of life we aspire to, even though they are not our direct neighbours.
It is this philosophy that has guided the SANDF ever since the days of our first commander-in-chief Nelson Mandela, when he worked tirelessly to bring peace to the Great Lakes Region.
*Siphiwe Dlamini is Head of Communications at the Department of Defence.
**This article first appeared in The Citizen on 1 March 2024.
Janine
Tue, 03/05/2024 - 09:54
Success in the digital payment space will hinge on the ability of new players and incumbents to converge the physical and digital experience into a seamless continuum for the customer. Extending the digital solution to a cash-based customer requires a “phygital” approach, writes Juan Seco, Chief Growth Officer at Mukuru (www.Mukuru.com).
Digital wallet use, especially in Africa, makes sense when so many people live in rural areas where there isn't easy access to another way of accessing money, such as through ATMs. Bank of America predicts that (https://apo-opa.co/49Y1X7z) by 2026, digital wallets will be used by more than 5.3-billion people, which is more than 50% of the world's population. Other estimates suggest this number may even be as high as two-thirds of the world's population, growth that is being driven by emerging markets, particularly African economies.
Globally, the main driver for digital products was COVID-19, which forced people indoors and encouraged the use of digital products. This, says Bank of America, was particularly prevalent globally among older customers and those who had previously stuck to traditional ways of purchasing goods or banking.
In Africa, the local e-payments market is likely to see revenues gain by around 20% percent a year, according to McKinsey (https://apo-opa.co/49PsfJ8). This means that the market will be worth about $40-billion by 2025. By comparison, the global market is expected to grow at 7% a year over the same time.
However, cash is still king. McKinsey (https://apo-opa.co/49PsfJ8) says that while digital is growing rapidly as a payment form, cash is still used for 90% of all transactions on the continent, adding that because cash still dominates, offline channels and large cash network points such as Mukuru's 320,000 access points where people can interact with cash at a booth or through an agent are still vital.
It is also important to recognise that not having a smartphone or access to 4G shouldn't be a limiting factor for financial inclusion, which is why making use of USSD and WhatsApp (which consumes less data) is often a critical factor determining whether a financial service provider will be relevant in many African markets.
Convergence and continuum from cash to digital
As eWallets have evolved, they have moved on from being a cash-in and cash-out system to a system that enables and unlocks financial inclusion digitally. The transition happened organically because trust was built over time on the ability to move and store cash seamlessly, making life easier for cash-based customers. As trust grew, more digital financial products have been offered to customers. As customers transact, they build a financial record that can unlock multiple products, as well as access to credit.
At Mukuru, we have remained focused on this layering of services, underpinned by trust and market education. As customers have become more digitally savvy, we were able to offer insurance and then loans, leveraging the customer's transaction history to assess their credit capacity.
McKinsey calls this Wallet 2.0 and points out that there is now a move to Wallet 3.0, which is an offering that adds in-app shopping.
Mukuru customers can access multiple billers through digital channels, such as airtime, utilities or DSTV, and more services will be added in the future. The objective is to enable the other side of the equation, so to speak, by empowering merchants whose customers have more solutions and options to use their digitally stored money.
In practice, we have found that most merchants still prefer cash due to its immediacy and perceived lower cost of business — they have to pay to accept card or mobile money and sometimes that payment is not received until several days after the transaction.
The International Monetary Fund (https://apo-opa.co/49D6NaB) says that the informal economy is a large part of most economies in sub-Saharan Africa. This sector accounts for between 25% and 65% of GDP, and between 30% and 90% percent of all non-agricultural employment. This situation is not likely to change any time soon and so merchants would do well to offer both digital and cash options, in other words take a phygital approach, to take advantage of the growth opportunity in sub-Saharan Africa.
Transforming a cash-based economy into a digital one requires multiple actors in the economy to act in unison, but when done deliberately, it becomes an extension of people's natural behaviour, taking them from cashing out transfers to the realisation they can store money digitally, transfer it to another person or seamlessly pay for any goods or services.
However, without understanding that cash still plays an important role in this process, those who only operate in the digital space will be confined to a niche market and be left behind in Africa's fast-paced digital revolution.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mukuru.
About Mukuru:
Mukuru is a leading next generation financial services platform in Southern Africa that offers affordable and reliable financial services to a customer base of over 13 million across Africa, Asia and Europe.
With over 100 million transactions to date, our core was built providing international money transfers and from this base, we've developed a set of services to address the broader financial needs of our customers. We now operate in over 50 countries and across over 300 remittance corridors.
We are a business that puts the customer at the centre of everything we do, and for that reason, we serve clients across physical and digital channels, by various payment methods (cash, card, wallet) as well as a range of engagement platforms including WhatsApp, USSD, contact centre, App, website, agents and a branch and booth network.
Mukuru has, for the fourth consecutive year, been listed as one of the top 100 Cross Border Payments businesses in the world in the 2023 FXC Intelligence Top 100 Cross-Border Payment Companies (https://apo-opa.co/48HwI0k), one of only six African companies to receive this accolade.
In April 2023, Mukuru officially ranked sixth on the 2023 LinkedIn Top Companies List in South Africa.
Further information can be found at www.Mukuru.com.
Task team established to clear alien invasive plants in Vaal River
The Ministers of Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu, and Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Barbara Creecy, have established a Technical Task Team to identify interventions with clear outcomes to manage the clearing of alien invasive plants at the Vaal River.
This follows public concerns relating to the use of the chemical, glyphosate, to clear alien invasive plants from the Vaal River by Rand Water.
In a joint statement, the departments said the task team, led by the Directors-General of the two departments and Chief Executive Officer of Rand Water, have identified immediate short- and long-term interventions with clear outcomes to manage the situation.
The immediate short-term interventions identified by the task team include the revision of the integrated control approach, which will assess the use of an herbicide that is registered with the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development.
In the medium-term, compliance and enforcement interventions will be intensified against the sources of pollution that are driving this situation, while the long-term interventions include the review of the Vaal River Catchment Strategy relating to invasive alien aquatic species, in order to implement a strategy that will holistically address the situation.
“Lastly, the refurbishment of the Rietspruit, Sebokeng and Leeukuil Wastewater Treatment Works will be fast-tracked to reduce pollution that is also contributing to the high eutrophication of the Vaal River System.
“Multiple control strategies deployed simultaneously (biological, chemical and manual removal of alien invasives) are currently under investigation by the task team since a sustainable solution is required to manage the situation,” the departments said.
The spraying of glyphosate over water hyacinth choking up the Vaal River has been stopped due to safety concerns. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 03/05/2024 - 10:18
The National School of the Arts, renowned for being an incubator of the stars of tomorrow, brings to the magnificent Mandela Stage at the Joburg Theatre – The NSA JAZZ & POP Ensembles – in Concert for two unforgettable nights on the 8th and 9th March. Flavoured with South African music, the NSA band will …
Coleus Packaging, the metal crown manufacturer in South Africa, is on track to benefit from its deal with Greek company Astir Vitogiannis through the investment in a new PMC 500 crown manufacturing machine. “Previously, we were majority owned by SAB but in mid-2022 Astir Vitogiannis acquired 75% shareholding in Coleus, and left the remaining 25% …
Over 80 000 beds registered on NSFAS portal
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has recorded a total of 88 705 beds that have been registered on the scheme portal and accredited for both Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges and universities.
Briefing media on the student accommodation pilot project in Pretoria on Monday, NSFAS Acting Chairperson, Professor Lourens van Staden, said the Student Accommodation Unit has to date received lists from 28 out of 40 institutions, which were subjected to verification processes, in terms of funding status.
Van Staden said 10 institutions submitted their lists in batches, while others requested assistance from NSFAS in order for them to submit their lists, with some still engaging NSFAS owing to their contractual obligation.
“To date, out of 40 institutions in the pilot, 30 have placed students in accredited properties. Out of 10 institutions, five supported by the NSFAS team will continue with placements, while three are still in discussion with NSFAS. Two will submit once placements have happened,” van Staden said.
He said the Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) and University of Mpumalanga will submit their lists when students are placed in accommodation.
Van Staden also reported that NSFAS, in collaboration with institutions, portal providers, and accommodation providers, is onboarding students onto the portal system to ensure that NSFAS-funded students are residing in accredited accommodation.
To date, he said, 18 institutions have onboarded students onto the portal, while the rest are yet to do so or are still onboarding.
“The NSFAS Board wishes to encourage all institutions that have not been onboarded to do so urgently, as this might impact the on-time rental payments. Equally, landlords are requested to ensure that leases that are generated through the portal are signed by all students in their residences,’ van Staden said.
No arrangements with unaccredited accommodation providers
Van Staden also put it on record that the scheme does not have any arrangements with unaccredited accommodation providers.
“Institutions apply different approaches to manage unaccredited accommodation, and it is in the resolve of NSFAS that in the near future, no NSFAS-funded student will be residing in unaccredited accommodation.
“Where accommodation providers have applied to NSFAS for accreditation, they are encouraged to consult the portal to check their statuses. Students who have been provided with accredited accommodation and are unwilling to utilise those, NSFAS and the institution will allocate transport allowance to those students,” van Staden said.
Warning against corruption and bribery
Meanwhile, van Staden has warned that NSFAS will not tolerate corruption and bribery, and anyone found in the wrong will be reported to the law enforcement agencies.
This follows a report received by NSFAS on the alleged corruption and bribery between accrediting agents and landlords.
“If this is indeed true, we wish to reiterate that this will not be tolerated by the scheme and that should anyone be found in the wrong, NSFAS will report them to law enforcement agencies. Any suspected fraud should be raised through our whistleblowing hotline, Vuvuzela, toll-free number 0860 247 653. SMS 'call back' to 30916. Fax: 086 726 1681,” van Staden said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 03/04/2024 - 15:41
EcoFlow (za.EcoFlow.com), a leading eco-friendly energy solutions company, has reached a new milestone with the launch of its latest innovation, the PowerStream (https://apo-opa.co/3Tiz7Jv), a mini home solar system that potentially helps users save on energy bills. This groundbreaking expandable system can also provide backup power when connected to a portable power station, making it a simple, flexible, and reliable energy source at home.
With over 2.5 million users worldwide, EcoFlow has established itself as a leader in the portable power industry. During load shedding last year, the EcoFlow portable power stations helped power over 50,000 families in South Africa. The PowerStream marks the company's expansion into the home solar energy solutions market, responding to the growing demand for sustainable and reliable energy solutions that households can depend on.
“Home solar energy solutions play an increasingly important role in an age of frequent energy crises, and that's what inspired the EcoFlow PowerStream,” said Bradley Chetty, Key Account Director at EcoFlow South Africa. “EcoFlow is committed to a future where everyone can care for their families and combat climate disasters, aging grids, and rising energy bills, and PowerStream is our first step towards that future."
Keep Home Powered During Load Shedding
The PowerStream is an expandable system that includes the EcoFlow PowerStream Microinverter, solar panels, and EcoFlow portable power stations if users want to store excessive energy generated through the system.
When incorporating portable power stations into the system, the stored energy can continue to power the home throughout the night, and provide users with peace of mind during load shedding by keeping the essential devices up and running - from heavy-duty appliances like air conditioners and refrigerators to low-wattage devices like phones and tablets.
With a maximum 800W solar input, the PowerStream generates around 1277kWh[1] of electricity annually, covering a great amount of electricity an average household consumes yearly. Using the EcoFlow app, users can keep track of the solar energy captured, and the estimated saving on energy costs, and get a clear picture of their home energy usage.
A Plug-and-Play System with High Compatibility
The PowerStream is designed for the users to install by themselves as the microinverter, solar panels and portable power stations are all plug-and-play. The solar panels also fit in different scenarios, including flat or house balconies, house gardens, and house Façades. Using the EcoFlow super-flat cables, users don't need to drill through walls or windows to connect the system outdoors to indoors.
The system is compatible with 99% of solar panels on the market and works with all EcoFlow portable power stations, including the DELTA Pro, if users want to store more surplus energy and save more on energy bills. With a base capacity of 3.6kWh and expandable up to 7.2kWh, the DELTA Pro provides reliable power for 99% of home appliances, making it one of the best companions for the PowerStream.
An Entry-level System for Every Home
The PowerStream is an ideal home solar system for beginners, especially if they have already been using solar panels and EcoFlow portable power stations at home. The PowerStream microinverter features a compact design and is lightweight. It can easily blend in users' houses or apartments.
Plus, when users look to enjoy outdoor activities, they can disconnect the portable power station and use it on the go. If moving to new apartments or houses, the entire system can be easily unplugged and packed to go.
Price and Availability
Currently available on the EcoFlow South Africa website (https://apo-opa.co/48AtQ4B), the PowerStream comes in different kits with an Early Bird discount till 31st March 2024.
The No-Storage Kit includes only the PowerStream microinverter, two EcoFlow 400W Rigid Solar Panels, one solar cable, and one EcoFlow AC cable. The kit is priced at R 14,999 for an Early Bird discount.
The 3-kWh Storage Kit includes the PowerStream microinverter with the EcoFlow solar cable and AC cable, an EcoFlow DELTA Pro portable power station with an EB cable and two EcoFlow 400W Rigid Solar Panels. The kit is currently priced at R 61,999 for an Early Bird discount.
To learn more about kits with different storage options, please visit: za.EcoFlow.com
Specs
|
EcoFlow PowerStream Microinverter |
|||
|
Weight |
Approx. 3 Kg |
Waterproof |
IP67 |
|
Dimensions |
242 × 169 × 33 mm |
Max. Charging & Discharging Power |
600W |
|
PV Input Power |
400W x 2 |
DC Input Output |
600W |
|
Max. Input Voltage |
55Vd.c. (PV Port)/ 59Vd.c. (DC Port) |
Max. Input Current |
13A |
|
AC Output-Grid Tied |
600W |
Max. AC Output Current |
2.8A |
|
Charging Voltage |
30 – 58 Vd.c. |
Communication |
Wi-Fi & Bluetooth |
[1] The amount of electricity generated by PowerStream a year is based on internal testing in Johannesburg. Actual user experiences may vary.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of EcoFlow.
About EcoFlow:
EcoFlow is a leading eco-friendly energy solutions company with the vision to power a new world. Since its founding in 2017, EcoFlow aims to become a reliable and trusted energy companion for individuals and families across the world, providing accessible and renewable power solutions at home, outdoors, and in mobile spaces. Today, with operational headquarters located in the USA, Germany, and Japan, EcoFlow has empowered more than 2.5 million users in over 100 markets worldwide.
Cape Town, 4 March 2024 – Outsourced CFO, a leading financial management and advisory firm, is thrilled to announce a significant milestone in its journey of growth and excellence. The company has officially welcomed its 100th team member, marking a pivotal moment in its history and setting the stage for further expansion and success. Louw …
In the world of retail, presentation is everything. A product in pristine condition, encased in an immaculate package, is the standard expectation. But what happens when that standard is not met? Enter the realm of unboxed deals and damaged packaging appliances—a niche market that offers a unique opportunity for savvy shoppers to snag incredible deals …
In the dynamic landscape of education, students often encounter challenges that require personalized attention and support to overcome. This is where tutoring services play a crucial role, offering tailored guidance and instruction to help students excel in their academic pursuits. From mathematics to languages, sciences to humanities, tutoring services cover a wide range of subjects …
In the ever-evolving landscape of South African healthcare, technology plays a pivotal role in enhancing both operational efficiencies and patient care. As medical practices seek to navigate the complexities of modern healthcare delivery, the adoption of specialised software and services becomes essential. This blog explores the key technology solutions reshaping healthcare in South Africa, from …
After a challenging Track and Field season, the EPA Championships was a great success this past weekend. The EPA Championships, which form part of the NMB Legacy Project sponsored by the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, attracted an impressive 330 athletes, aged between 12 to 73, participating in 535 events. “Due to ongoing protests at the …
“I don’t have much but I’m happy for a decent house,” says Ndenzeni Njwenene
“I am a proudly gay man,” city councillor Rob Quintas tells crowd
SA commemorates World Obesity Day
As the country joins the global community to mark World Obesity Day, the Department of Health has urged people to engage in regular physical activity and follow a balanced eating plan.
World Obesity Day is aimed at raising awareness and improving understanding of obesity root causes and actions needed to address them, and tackling the associated stigma.
Obesity has become one of the biggest health crises faced by people today around the world.
According to the World Health Organization, obesity has reached epidemic proportions globally, claiming at least 2.8 million lives annually, while 1 in 8 people in the world were living with obesity in 2022.
“Evidence shows that interventions (such as improved diet and physical activity) introduced to tackle obesity have the potential benefits to reduce the incidence of NCDs and its burden on healthcare spending, individuals and their families.
“The Department of Health urges people to engage in regular physical activity; drink [sufficient] water; serve the correct amount of food to avoid overeating; limit the consumption of foods and drinks high in sugar, salt and fat, and snack on fresh vegetables and fruits instead of salty snacks or sugary treats,” the department said in a statement.
The department highlighted that the rise in obesity poses a serious challenge to public health worldwide, with South Africa being amongst the countries with the highest overweight and obesity rates.
According to the 2016 national survey, 68% of women and 31% of men are either overweight or obese, while 13% of children under the age of 5 are overweight.
In terms of obesity, at least 41% of women have obesity, with 20% of them falling in the severe obesity category. In contrast, only 11% of men have obesity. The prevalence of obesity among women rose from 27% in 1998 to 41% in 2016. There was very little change in obesity amongst men, with only a 2% increase during the same period.
“These worrying figures underscore the need for effective prevention interventions to address obesity and promote healthier lifestyles and setting nutrition standards for food and beverages provided in places like Early Child Development Centres, schools, community nutrition development centres and other feeding programmes,” the department said.
The department said the increased prevalence of overweight and obesity among people contributes to the onset of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension and cancer, which are currently the biggest threats to health and development among populations.
Women with obesity are at increased risk of miscarriage, pre-eclampsia, induced labour, and are less likely to initiate breastfeeding. On the other hand, obese men are at a higher risk of developing cancers of the colon, rectum and erectile dysfunction.
“The words obesity and overweight are often confused and used interchangeably. However, these are two related health conditions with slightly different meanings. Overweight is when a body mass index (a value derived from the mass and height of a person) is greater than or equal to 25, whereas obesity is a BMI greater than or equal to 30,” the department explained.
The department said while many people exercise day and night to keep fit and healthy, it is important to know the 80/20 rule for weight loss, which emphasises that nutrition contributes 80% and routine exercise contributes only 20% when it comes to losing weight.
“This means that as long as you don’t make healthier food choices, physical activities will do less to reduce obesity.
“The department urges employers to support efforts by government and other stakeholders by creating healthy and productive working environments for employees as part of health and wellness programmes.
“This includes establishing wellness centres and serving healthier food menus in their canteens,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Mon, 03/04/2024 - 11:54
Free State focuses on job creation
Free State Premier Mxolisi Dukwana says the province is hard at work to lessen the burden of unemployment.
In his State of the Province Address on Friday, Dukwana said unemployment fell from 38.5% in the third quarter of 2023 to 37% in the fourth quarter.
“Our Expanded Public Works Programme and the Presidential Employment Stimulus is a demonstration of our efforts to ignite economic growth,” he said.
Dukwana said since 2019, the province has created 282 907 work opportunities against a five-year target of 260 000 work opportunities through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP).
“The Presidential Employment Stimulus enabled us to benefit from the creation of 87 357 job opportunities, supporting 24 733 livelihoods and retaining 1 680 jobs in the period between April to December 2023.
“These statistics include the 6 964 Education Assistants and 8 285 General School Assistants in the Department of Education. At the core of this education programme is the placement of unemployed youth in schools.
“This further illustrates how we give practical effect to our commitment to address youth unemployment. We must strengthen the coordination and maximise our participation in this programme,” Dukwana said.
He said a strong agricultural sector is key for food security, job creation, poverty alleviation and rural development.
“Work is underway to position the Free State as the champion of the agricultural green revolution in the country. A total of 4 543 producers were trained, and 249 students graduated from the Glen Agricultural College.
“We facilitated 19 023 export certificates, 29 419 hectares of land was rehabilitated and 987 hectares was cultivated using conservation practices. This will preserve the environment and increase production of organic products.
“Work is underway to avail provincial and municipal land for youth, women, people with disabilities and military veterans for farming purposes. We will increase investment to support the commercialisation of black farmers, investment in agro-logistics infrastructure and open new markets,” he said.
Dukwana said the province is hard at work to position the Free State as the country’s central energy logistics, distribution and beneficiation hub.
“The province has immense opportunities in natural gas, solar, coal, ethanol, wind, uranium, hydropower and hydrogen to power the future of our country,” he said.
30 Years of democracy
Dukwana said with 2024 marking 30 years of freedom and democracy, there is much to take note of.
“It is a year that builds a bridge between our tragic past, encouraging present and a brighter future... With the birth of democracy, the stage was set to carve a path anchored firmly on democratic values, social justice and fundamental human rights,” Dukwana said.
The Premier said central to the democratic transformation process is improving the living conditions of South Africans and fostering shared economic growth.
“Driven by the relentless desire for a better life for all, we have over the past 30 years, invested time, resources and commitment in fighting the triple challenge of unemployment, poverty and inequality.
“The courage of our people continues to be rewarded. Their hopes and dreams continue to be the spark that impels us to even greater heights. Signs are everywhere that the Free State is a province on the move, confident in our actions and optimistic in our future trajectory.
“We are making the most of our potential, harnessing our development efforts and leaving no one behind in a Social Compact with our people,” Dukwana said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 03/04/2024 - 13:28
Government activities for the week 04 March to 07 March 2024
On Monday, 04 March, the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture in partnership with the Department of Justice and Correctional Services will launch the 2024 Human Rights Month at Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre.
Also on Monday, Eastern Cape Rural Development and Agrarian Reform MEC Nonkqubela Pieters hands over industrial machines, agricultural inputs, and tools to business owners in Bathurst.
Monday also marks World Obesity Day.
From Monday, 04 March to Thursday, 7 March, the Department of Employment and Labour will be taking a basket of its services to the communities of eMalahleni Local Municipality, Mpumalanga.
On Tuesday, 05 March, the Electoral Commission will launch its annual national Civic and Democracy Education Tertiary institutions campaign to improve youth understanding and participation in the country’s democratic processes, in Limpopo.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Gwede Mantashe will deliver a keynote address at the 16th annual edition of Africa Energy Indaba in Cape Town.
On Thursday, 7 March, the District Development Model Presidential Imbizo will take place in the eMalahleni Local Municipality, Nkangala District in Mpumalanga.
Neo
Mon, 03/04/2024 - 14:19
Trade union Solidarity says it’s been complaining about the deplorable state of the police building for years, but to no avail
As summer wanes, South Africans are advised to always exercise caution when out and about. Skin cancer ranks as one of the most common cancers in South Africa, but what does that mean for a country with such a diverse array of skin colours? According to Functional Head: Oncology Management Dr Jenni Noble at the …
Over one million students provisionally funded by NSFAS
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has received a total of 1 936 330 applications for funding, as of 16 February 2024.
Briefing the media on the registration process and payment of allowances on Monday, NSFAS Acting Chairperson, Professor Lourens Van Staden, said that of the 1 936 330 applications received, 1 244 854 are provisionally funded as of 1 March 2024, with 108 345 registrations received, 59 723 awaiting evaluations, and 94 816 awaiting supporting documents.
Van Staden said a total of 84 225 applications have been withdrawn by students, while 52 038 are in progress, and 136 468 are on the not-started status, as applicants only created profiles and did not submit applications.
“NSFAS has rejected 243 113 applications and 15 174 appeals have been lodged to date,” Van Staden said at a briefing held at the Government Communication and Information System in Pretoria.
The briefing comes after the applications for funding closed on 15 February 2024.
Van Staden said the scheme is determined to improve its systems, including applications processes, to enable a smooth and seamless application process.
The chairperson said the scheme is also committed to continue working with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) to verify the financial eligibility criteria of all the applicants, by ensuring that the consent form is submitted by non-South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) applicants.
He reiterated the call to applicants to submit accurate information when applying, as this assist in reducing the timelines to make funding decisions.
Through third party verifications, Staden said NSFAS has processed about 23 000 applications per day and has prioritised applicants who have received firm offers of admission from universities, or who were enrolled at Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges.
Over 30 000 loan applications received
On the 2024 loan applications, Van Staden said NSFAS has received 30 728 loan applications as of 16 February 2024.
Van Staden said the scheme has pre-assessed and determined students who pre-qualify for the loan, and communication was sent to the affected students via the student portal, to confirm whether or not they were accepted for NSFAS to process their loan application.
He stressed that this is specifically for students who had applied for a bursary, but were above the income threshold for the bursary, but within the loan threshold.
“The next step would be for NSFAS to communicate with institutions, to request them to submit admission data for registered students in line with the requirements of the loan of the 70 vs 30 split in STEM [Science, technology, engineering and mathematics] and social sciences respectively.
“At the completion of this process, we envisage that a total of 31 800 missing middle students will be provided with student loans,” Van Staden explained.
The loan applications also closed on 15 February 2024. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 03/04/2024 - 14:27
Johan Nolan, a seasoned property practitioner hailing from the scenic coastal town of Velddrif, has marked a historic milestone by becoming the first South African eXp agent to attain ICON Status. This achievement underscores Johan’s unwavering dedication and expertise in the real estate industry. Andrew Thompson, Country Leader at eXp Realty South Africa shared, “Johan …
Progress made in reforming the public service
President Cyril Ramaphosa has in his weekly newsletter to the nation, touched on the recent progress that has been made in reforming and professionalising the public service.
“Several important milestones have been reached in the last week as part of the work underway to reform and professionalise the public service. These developments are vital both to advancing the goal of a capable developmental state and give effect to recommendations of the State Capture Commission,” he said.
In his weekly newsletter on Monday, the President said the National Assembly had passed two important pieces of legislation that will improve the functioning of the public service, strengthen accountability and increase efficiency.
These bills, the Public Administration Management Amendment Bill and the Public Service Amendment Bill will now go to the National Council of Provinces for consideration.
Also, the Department of Public Service and Administration published a new directive to guide departments in implementing the framework for the professionalisation of the public service.
“This directive, together with the draft legislation, will have a far-reaching impact on the functioning of the public service. They give effect to some of our most important tasks.
“Firstly, these reforms will help ensure that the best people are appointed to the public service and that they are given support to perform effectively,” the President said.
He highlighted that the directive, for example, requires that a person can only qualify to be appointed to senior management in the public service if they have successfully completed the pre-entry programme known as Nyukela.
The course, which is provided by the National School of Government and takes about 120 hours to complete, aims to ensure that all applicants to senior management positions have the knowledge and capabilities they need to succeed. The course aims to ensure that prospective senior managers are grounded in the values of good citizenship, ethical leadership, and developmental public administration.
All shortlisted candidates must undertake two pre-entry assessments – a practical exercise that tests their competencies, and an integrity assessment that establishes their grasp of ethical principles and ability to take ethical decisions.
All new employees must undergo a compulsory induction programme within six months of appointment, and all current public servants must attend a compulsory re-orientation programme once every five years.
“To ensure continuous learning and development throughout a public servant’s career, every department must spend at least 1% of their wage bill on training. To support this effort, the draft legislation currently in Parliament establishes the National School of Government as a national department to provide education and training to employees in all spheres of government, including municipalities and public entities,” he said.
National School of Government
During the State of the Nation Address last year, President Ramaphosa announced that the National School of Government will work with the Human Sciences Research Council to undertake a skills audit in selected infrastructure and frontline services departments.
The first phase of the project has now been completed, giving valuable insights into potential critical skills gaps in these departments.
In infrastructure departments, for example, the report highlighted the need to improve knowledge of modern engineering practices, sustainable construction methods and environmental impact assessment.
“The results from the frontline services departments will support the work being done to improve the administration of public services and the quality of services provided. These skills audits have been well received and will help us to get the best that each public servant can offer.”
Work experience
Another important part of the most recent directive is that the requirement of work experience has been waived for entry level posts in the public service.
This must be accompanied by in-service training and support such as coaching and mentoring. Departments are also instructed to establish graduate recruitment schemes to attract young people leaving higher education institutions into the public service.
Political interference and delineation of powers
“Secondly, the reforms contained in the draft legislation will significantly reduce the potential for undue political interference in the administration of government,” President Ramaphosa said.
He further highlighted that the Public Service Amendment Bill makes a clear distinction between the powers of elected officials, such as Ministers, and professional public servants, such as Directors-General or Heads of Department.
The elected officials, legally defined as the Executive Authority, provides strategic and political direction, while heads of department are granted full administrative powers to run their departments.
“This clear delineation of powers will make for a more professional and efficient public service. It will also help to prevent the kind of undue political interference in the administration of the state that the State Capture Commission found sometimes enabled corruption. Another important change proposed in the legislation is to prohibit a head of department or an employee directly reporting to them from holding political office. This is to strengthen the distinction between political and administrative roles.”
Thirdly, the President said these reforms will improve coordination and accountability.
Among other things, the draft legislation will enable the transfer of public servants between national and provincial governments and municipalities.
This will help to ensure that people with technical and scarce skills and capabilities can be moved to where they will have the greatest impact. This is important for supporting municipalities, which often suffer from a shortage of skilled employees.
The draft legislation also assigns additional functions to the Director-General in the Presidency, in line with the National Development Plan, to create an administrative head of the public service to whom Directors-General would report on operational, organisational and administrative matters.
Corruption
Fourthly, the President emphasised that these reforms will strengthen the fight against corruption.
As part of the draft legislation, public servants who leave government may not, within 12 months of leaving, accept employment or appointment to the board of a service provider to which they were involved in awarding a contract.
They may not perform any paid work or receive any other payment. Service providers or employees who contravene this provision would have committed a crime and could be fined up to R1 million.
To improve accountability and tackle corruption, an inter-departmental task team has developed a central register to track all dismissals and resignations with disciplinary cases pending in national and provincial government. This register currently has over 12,000 records.
“Work is underway to include information from local government and public entities. This will prevent public servants with disciplinary records being appointed in another part of the State.
“All of these reforms will contribute to building a more effective and efficient state that is responsive and accountability. They will enable public servants to do their work without interference and with the necessary support. And they will provide impetus to our collective efforts to build a capable state that is better equipped to fundamentally transform and develop our society,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Mon, 03/04/2024 - 14:30
The vibrant Mother City is gearing up for a series of eight exciting PUMA NITRO™ RUNS leading up to the 9th annual Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K that is set to coincide with Mother’s Day. These runs are open to all, whether you are part of a running club or just enjoy a …