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Nxesi brings services closer to Bushbuckridge communities

Location: News

Nxesi brings services closer to Bushbuckridge communities

The Department of Employment and Labour has officially launched its 'Taking Services Closer to the People’ campaign this week, focusing on the communities in the Bushbuckridge areas of Casteel, Shatale, and Hluvukani.

The campaign, according to the department, seeks to shorten the travel by community members from remote locations to departmental offices to access the services the department provides. 

The campaign is held year-round in all provinces to ensure accessibility.

Employment and Labour Minister, Thulas Nxesi, who led the drive on Wednesday, said scores of people needed the Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF), Compensation Fund and Public Employment Services (PES) services.

“Therefore, it is imperative that we leave our offices and take all our services closer to communities in the country.”

Nxesi also expressed his admiration for the career counsellors who were offering guidance and advice to the numerous youngsters who were in attendance. 

“This week, we introduced fully integrated services. Our inspectors conducted inspections in the Hazyview and Whiteriver areas.

“Meanwhile, UIF and Compensation Fund received inquiries and processed claims in Bushbuckridge. Lastly, our public employment services were provided,” said the Minister.

The drive in Bushbuckridge precedes the Mpumalanga Jobs Fair, which is an event where job seekers can interact with potential employers and learn about available job opportunities.

Chief Director of Provincial Operations in Mpumalanga, Mandla Sibanyoni, explained that the purpose of the jobs fair is to assist job seekers in locating employment opportunities and assist employers in finding qualified candidates for their job openings.

“All of these channels will be available through the Public Employment Services branch of the Department of Employment and Labour,” Sibanyoni explained. 

The jobs fair takes place on Thursday, 11 January 2024 at the Thulamahashe Stadium in Bushbuckridge. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

Gabisile
Thu, 01/11/2024 - 09:19

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Government welcomes Rooibos tariff reduction decision

Location: News

Government welcomes Rooibos tariff reduction decision

Government has welcomed the decision by the People’s Republic of China to substantially reduce tariff rates on imports of South African Rooibos tea.

“China, the world’s largest tea-market, previously had tariffs ranging from 15% to 30% on rooibos tea. This has now been reduced to 6%,” said the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) in a statement.

The move is with effect from 1 January 2024.

It added that Rooibos tea is a unique South African tea that has gained a strong foothold in global markets with hundreds of millions of rands of annual exports in 2022.

South Africa led efforts at the World Customs Organization (WCO) for a specific tariff code applicable only for rooibos tea.

In August 2023, South Africa’s Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Ebrahim Patel raised the tariff duties on rooibos tea with his counterpart, the Chinese Minister of Commerce, Wang Wentao, during the eighth meeting of the China-South Africa Joint Economic and Trade Commission.

He requested that China considers a request to reclassify Rooibos tea and to reduce the duties.

Following further consideration from the Chinese side, the Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council of China advised it will be adopting the new tariff code of the WCO to categorise Rooibos tea under tariff code HS 1211.90.39 with an import tariff rate of 6%.

“According to the Rooibos Council of South Africa, approximately 20 000 tons of Rooibos is produced in South Africa every year generating employment for more than 5 000 people. China featured as the seventh largest recipient market in 2023 for South African Rooibos out of a total of 45 countries currently importing Rooibos tea,” said the department.

Minister Patel welcomed the decision by the Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council of China.

Commenting on the decision, he said: “Our Rooibos tea is refreshing, delicious and healthy. This decision will enable more South African Rooibos tea to be available to Chinese tea-drinkers, creating more jobs in South Africa. Rooibos exporters can now ramp up their exports of tea to China!”.

“China is currently South Africa’s largest global trading partner, with Chinese customs reporting two-way trade of more than R900 billion. We look forward to continuing our engagements with our Chinese counterparts as we seek to shift our exports from mainly minerals to a greater basket of value-added agricultural and industrial products.

“I wish to commend Minister [of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development] Thoko Didiza and her team for the close collaboration and hard work to get this decision finalised,” Minister Patel said. -SAnews.gov.za

Neo
Thu, 01/11/2024 - 11:17

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How the human element keeps the balance in hiring and DEI when leveraging AI

Location: Business

By Julie Kae, VP of Sustainability and DE&I, Executive Director of Qlik.org As much as the idea of ‘machines’ can evoke a sense of removing human involvement, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) algorithms are not created in a vacuum. These algorithms are created by people. Furthermore, people play a large role in the …

Read moreHow the human element keeps the balance in hiring and DEI when leveraging AI

Well wishes for Bafana Bafana

Location: News

Well wishes for Bafana Bafana

Sport, Arts and Culture Minister, Zizi Kodwa, has wished Bafana Bafana well as the national team left for Côte d’Ivoire where they will participate in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.

“I have no doubt that you will make us proud in the tournament and raise the South African flag high. You carry the hopes and aspirations of the nation. I look forward to seeing you in Côte d’Ivoire ahead of your first game against Mali,” said the Minister in a social media post on X.

The Minister’s comments come as the national football side departed from Johannesburg to Abidjan on Thursday and will make their residence in CAN Village in Korhogo - their home from Friday.

His comments also follow on the back of Bafana Bafana’s training match against Lesotho which was held behind closed doors at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville, on Wednesday in Tshwane.

Bafana Bafana played to a goalless draw against Lesotho ahead of the continental tournament which will run from 13 January to 11 February 2024.

In a statement on Wednesday, Bafana Bafana coach, Hugo Broos shared his thoughts on the injury concerns that have affected his team ahead of the tournament to be held in the west African country.

Captain and goalkeeper, Ronwen Williams is currently being managed by the medical team due to a knee niggle, midfielder Themba Zwane took a knock on the knee a few days ago while Mothobi Mvala had a groin injury.

“Mvala is still part of this team for now. I will not rule him out or think further until I have the full medical details from the team doctor. He is still a part of the AFCON-bound team. Mvala is the type of player that gives everything, both during a match and in practice,” Broos said in a statement issued by the South African Football Association (SAFA).

The players were not part of the South African senior men’s team that faced Lesotho. -SAnews.gov.za

Neo
Thu, 01/11/2024 - 12:59

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‘A thing of beauty’

Location: Sport

Analysing the mighty mauls that produce so many tries in the Vodacom URC. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but there’s no doubting just what a potent weapon the driving lineout maul is in the Vodacom URC. We have all seen the routine. A penalty is awarded, a team kicks to the corner, …

Read more‘A thing of beauty’

Comparing Social Grant Recipients and Taxpayers Across Six Nations: A Statistical Snapshot

Location: Business

South Africans, in an election year, are understandably looking for ways to show that the present Government is doing one of the following: Taxing us into poverty Buying votes by increasing the number of Social Grants Indulging in Wholesale Fraud and Corruption Merely stating for instance that millions of social grant recipients are being supported …

Read moreComparing Social Grant Recipients and Taxpayers Across Six Nations: A Statistical Snapshot

Do the Right Thing Minister Nzimande and follow Ernest Khosa’s lead

Location: News

Dear Editor The DA welcomes the decision of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) chairperson, Ernest Khosa, to take a leave of absence to allow the NSFAS board to investigate allegations against him in leaked recordings presented by OUTA. The DA now calls on Higher Education Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande, to follow suit and …

Read moreDo the Right Thing Minister Nzimande and follow Ernest Khosa’s lead

SA remains committed to creating a conducive environment for business

Location: News

SA remains committed to creating a conducive environment for business

South Africa remains open for business and dedicated to creating a conducive environment for it to strive, says Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana.

The Minister made the remarks on Thursday during an engagement with members of the media ahead of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland. 

“We remain steadfast in carrying out structural reforms to support and accelerate economic recovery. As government, we remain resolved to deal with the energy and logistics challenges that are adversely impacting our economy,” he told the media. 

This year’s meeting, which will take place from 15 to 19 January 2024, will focus on rebuilding trust. 

“It is quite apt, considering the complexity associated with the domestic and transnational headwinds we are facing.” 

He explained that the theme will link four interconnected thematic priorities. 

These include achieving security and cooperation in a fractured world; creating growth and jobs for a new era; artificial intelligence; and a long-term strategy for climate, nature and energy.

According to Godongwana, South Africa remains the gateway to Africa and has called on international investors to invest in Africa and South Africa. 

Meanwhile, he is of the view that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) provides further opportunities for South African businesses to expand and grow their business and for international businesses to partner with local companies to increase their presence in Africa. 

“Many of you have been attending the annual meeting for many years now, and I’m sure you will agree with me that these issues are ones that current and potential investors in our country and continent are interested in.” 

The Minister also took the opportunity to thank the private sector for being a willing partner of government, in addressing the challenges the country faces towards unlocking economic growth.

In addition, he said marketing the country during WEF Davos is another great opportunity for collaboration. 

Structural reforms

Meanwhile, Godongwana said fiscal consolidation is needed to tackle soaring debt levels, while monetary policy should stay the course to bring inflation to target. 

“Structural reforms remain crucial to revive medium-term growth prospects amid constrained policy space. The green transition, increasing resilience to climate shocks, and improving food security for millions of people require strengthened multilateral frameworks and adherence to rules-based platforms for international cooperation.”

He is also of the view that access to competitive international development finance, for developing countries, is imperative to ensure a successful green transition. 

In addition, he said government will also be tabling matching competitive financing for green transitions and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) in international financial institutions and key global economic platforms such as the Group of 20 (G20).

“Today provides a platform for a frank discussion to enable government and business to align their message for Davos.

“As government, we value this engagement. This is a testament to the presence of my colleagues. We are encouraged that business holds the same view given the level of representation. We might not agree on all the policy issues. However, it is important that we find common ground and that we speak as one voice in Davos.” 

He told the media that Treasury, various government departments and Brand SA, have prepared key messages that the State and business can use as a guide for the country's engagement at WEF.

“I would just like to highlight the following. The common message we are taking to the annual meeting is that South Africa remains open for business and is committed to creating a conducive environment.” – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile
Thu, 01/11/2024 - 14:40

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Read moreSA remains committed to creating a conducive environment for business

Medical staff not safe

Location: News

Dear Editor More than 200 incidents of hospital and clinic staff were attacked or threatened by patients or assailants over the past two years. Over half of these took place in KZN. These shocking statistics came to light following a DA parliamentary question and paint a bleak picture regarding the safety of medical staff. Public …

Read moreMedical staff not safe

Premier thanks all disaster management, law enforcement, and tourism sector role players

Location: News

Premier Alan Winde thanked the countless emergency services’ staff who worked long hours, often under difficult circumstances, to keep Western Cape residents and visitors to our province safe over the festive season. “These dedicated and brave women and men continue to make us all very proud. While many of us were able to get some …

Read morePremier thanks all disaster management, law enforcement, and tourism sector role players

Calypso Kings to bring flair to Durban’s Super Giants and MI Cape Town match at Kingsmead

Location: Sport

Kieron Pollard and Nicholas Pooran to make Betway SA20 debuts Thursday, 11 January 2024. Kingsmead will play host to two of the biggest T20 stars in the world game when Durban’s Super Giants and MI Cape Town clash in the Betway SA20 today. Nicholas Pooran will be in the DSG corner and will go head-to-head …

Read moreCalypso Kings to bring flair to Durban’s Super Giants and MI Cape Town match at Kingsmead

SA speaks at ICJ case

Location: News

SA speaks at ICJ case

Israel’s response to the Hamas attack on 7 October 2023 has crossed the line and breaches the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide also referred to as “the Convention”. 

This is according to Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, who delivered his opening remarks at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, Netherlands, on Thursday. 

“Madam President, ‘in extending our hands across the miles to the people of Palestine, we do so in the full knowledge that we are part of a humanity that is at one’. These were the words of President Nelson Mandela. This is the spirit in which South Africa acceded to the Convention,” Lamola told the packed court on Thursday.

South Africa is currently on the floor in the ICJ in a legal battle against Israel, which is accused of genocide in Gaza.  

South Africa approached the ICJ, under the Convention, for acts committed by Israel in its continued attack on Gaza that has claimed thousands of lives and injured many. 

The Convention defines genocide as acts such as killings “committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group”.

The Minister believes that the violence and destruction in Palestine and Israel did not begin on 7 October 2023. 

“The Palestinians have experienced systemic oppression and violence for the last 76 years, on 6 October 2023 and every day since October 7.” 

Meanwhile, he said that since 2005, Israel has continued to exercise control over the airspace, territorial waters, land crossings, water, electricity, civilian infrastructure and other key governmental functions. 

“Given that continuing effective control by Israel over the territory, Gaza is still considered by the international community to be under belligerent occupation by Israel.”

In the same breath, he took the stand to condemn the targeting of civilians by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups and the taking of hostages in October last year.  

“That said, no armed attack on a State’s territory no matter how serious — even an attack involving atrocity crimes — can provide any justification for, or defence to, breaches of the Convention, whether as a matter of law or morality.  

“Israel’s response to the 7 October 2023 attack has crossed this line and gives rise to breaches of the Convention.”

It is for this reason that he believes South Africa has a responsibility to prevent genocide as contained in Article 1 of the Convention. 

He also welcomed Israel’s involvement with the case, to have the matter resolved by the court. 

Legal counsel

South Africa’s case is presented by a team of six legal counsels, including Dr Adila Hassim, Tembeka Ngcukaitobi, Professor John Dugard, Blinne ni Ghrálaigh, Max du Plessis, and Professor Vaughan Lowe.

Hassim accused Israel is committing “acts of genocide” during its war against the Hamas terror group in Gaza.

The advocate also showed the map of Gaza, describing it as one of the most densely populated places in the world and home to about 2.3 million Palestinians, almost half of them children.

She said Palestinians in Gaza are being killed by Israeli weaponry and bombs from the air, land and sea. 

“Israel deployed 6 000 bombs per week. At least 200 times, it has deployed 2 000-pound (907kg) bombs in southern Gaza, which it designated safe.”

According to Hassim, more than 1 800 Palestinian families in Gaza have lost multiple family members. 

“Hundreds of multi-generational families have been wiped out with no remaining survivors – mothers, fathers, children, siblings, grandparents, aunts, cousins, often all killed together. This killing is nothing short of the destruction of Palestinian life. 

“It is inflicted deliberately, no one is spared, not even newborn babies. UN [United Nations] chiefs have described it as a graveyard for children.” 

Ngcukaitobi, who was the second lawyer to take the floor, said South Africa is not alone in drawing attention to Israel’s genocidal rhetoric against Palestinians in Gaza. 

However, he said 15 UN special rapporteurs and 21 members of the UN working groups have warned that what is happening in Gaza reflects a genocide in the making.

Both South Africa and Israel are expected to lay bare their arguments during the two-day public hearing at the ICJ.

The arguments continue. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile
Thu, 01/11/2024 - 13:11

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United Nations (UN) Child Rights Committee to review Congo, Bulgaria, Senegal, Russian Federation, Lithuania and South Africa

Location: News

Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
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The UN Child Rights Committee (CRC) will hold its upcoming session from 15 January to 2 February, during which it will review Congo, Bulgaria, Senegal, the Russian Federation, Lithuania and South Africa.

The six countries are among the 196 States parties to the Child Rights Convention. They are required to undergo regular reviews by the Committee of 18 independent international experts on how they are implementing the Convention, its Optional Protocols, as well as the Committee's previous recommendations. Among them, Senegal is also submitting its initial reports under, respectively, the Optional Protocol on the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography (OPSC), as well as the Optional Protocol on the involvement of children in armed conflict (OPAC), for the Committee to review.

The CRC, which has received the respective country reports and other submissions from non-governmental organisations, will discuss a range of issues with the six State delegations through public dialogues on the following dates at Geneva time:

Congo
15 January 15:00 - 18:00
16 January 10:00 - 13:00

Bulgaria
17 January 15:00 - 18:00
18 January 10:00 - 13:00

Senegal
18 January 15:00 - 18:00
19 January 10:00 - 13:00

19 January 15:00 – 18:00 (OPSC/OPAC)

The Russian Federation
22 January 15:00 - 18:00
23 January 10:00 - 13:00

Lithuania
23 January 15:00 - 18:00
24 January 10:00 - 13:00

South Africa
24 January 15:00 - 18:00
25 January 10:00 - 13:00

The above public dialogues will be held in the Ground Floor Conference Room, Palais Wilson, Geneva. All public meetings are open to accredited journalists and livecast on UN Web TV. More information about the session, including reports submitted by the States and the full schedule of meetings, is available on the session webpage.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

Read moreUnited Nations (UN) Child Rights Committee to review Congo, Bulgaria, Senegal, Russian Federation, Lithuania and South Africa

Ekurhuleni youth urged to sign up for free courses

Location: News

Ekurhuleni youth urged to sign up for free courses

The City of Ekurhuleni is urging the youth, and unemployed residents to take advantage of a series of free online courses tailored to expand one’s knowledge on entrepreneurship and business ventures. 

In a statement on Thursday, the city said the courses are presented by computer information systems company CISCO, an international technology company, in partnership with the City of Ekurhuleni, the National Library of South Africa and the Gauteng Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts, and Culture.

Interested candidates can apply online at https://tinyurl.com/ApplyForCiscoCourses. Applications to free online course closes on Friday, 26 January 2024.

The course will be offered as a two-part series, and the first segment is ‘Discovering Entrepreneurship and Creating Compelling Reports’, which sets the foundation for the second part, namely, ‘Launching a Business Venture and Engaging Stakeholders for Success’.

The duration of the series of courses is about three months in total.

“To ensure that we leave no one behind, candidates who have successfully registered can complete these free online courses at any of the city’s 47 libraries which offer free access to computers and Wi-Fi connection.

“However, those who have access to their own devices can access the relevant cites from anywhere,” said the City’s spokesperson Zweli Dlamini.

Applicants are advised to ensure that all fields of the application form are completed and that copies of their ID, proof of residence and highest qualification (National Senior Certificate or any degree) are uploaded.

To qualify, applicants need to meet the following criteria:

•          Applicants must be a resident of the City of Ekurhuleni

•          Applicants must have completed Grade 12;

•          Applicants must not have a formal business or related qualification;

•          Applicants must be committed to completing the courses and should they have passed the current course, they will be given the opportunity to progress to the next group of courses.

The city said that while all Ekurhuleni residents are encouraged to apply, preference will be given to unemployed youth should there be a course with limited capacity. 

Candidates can e-mail their queries or any clarity seeking questions to info.libraries@ekurhuleni.gov.za. -SAnews.gov.za

 

Neo
Thu, 01/11/2024 - 12:21

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SA presents genocide case against Israel at ICJ

Location: News

SA presents genocide case against Israel at ICJ

It is all eyes on South Africa today as the country presents its genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, Netherlands.

South Africa is currently on the stand this morning in a legal battle against Israel, which is accused of genocide in Gaza.  

South Africa approached the ICJ, under the Genocide Convention, for acts committed by Israel in the context of its attacks on Gaza and the case will be represented by six local legal minds. 

Both South Africa and Israel are expected to lay bare their arguments during the two-day public hearing at the ICJ. 

The Israel-Palestine war that started in October last year has since claimed thousands of lives and wounded many and will force hundreds of thousands of Palestinians into poverty, according to a United Nations (UN) report. 

South Africa’s Justice Minister, Ronald Lamona, is expected to deliver the opening remarks.

Lamola told Al Jazeera that the country has brought the case to the ICJ because “there is a compelling argument that genocide is being committed in Gaza”.

“There is a compelling argument that genocide is being committed in Gaza on the basis that there is an annihilation or cleansing of a civilian population, innocent civilians, children and women that have been displaced [and] the targeting of public infrastructure in Gaza,” Lamola said.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the Minister said the South African government was determined to see the end of the genocide that is currently taking place in Gaza. 

“We are most encouraged by leaders of the world who have not blunted their consciousness and have stood on the right side of history by supporting a case that seeks to protect the rights of human beings, regardless of their nationality or ethnicity,” he added.

Lamola is leading the South African delegation, comprising of local diplomats and officials. 

These include the Director-General in the Presidency Phindile Baleni, Director-General of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation Zane Dangor, and Director-General of the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development and former Deputy Ambassador for South Africa to the United Nations, Advocate Doctor Mashabane.

Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa, said the country approached the court due to its opposition to the ongoing slaughter of the people of Gaza.

The President said this as he was delivering of the eulogy speech at Dr Peter Magubane’s Provincial Official Funeral in Johannesburg. 

“As a people who once tasted the bitter fruits of dispossession, discrimination, racism and state-sponsored violence, we are clear that we will stand on the right side of history. It is our fervent hope that just as we were able to reconcile and make peace, that the peoples of Israel and Palestine will find a lasting, just peace,” the President added.

The ICJ is the is the principal judicial organ of the UN, which was established in 1945 by the Charter of the UN and began work the following year. 

The court’s role is to settle and give advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by authorised UN organs and specialised agencies.

The Court is composed of 15 judges, who are elected for terms of office of nine years by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and the Security Council. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile
Thu, 01/11/2024 - 11:29

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New Year Address from Rugby Africa President, Herbert Mensah

Location: Sport
Rugby Africa

Herbert Mensah, President of Rugby Africa (www.RugbyAfrique.com), the continental governing body of rugby across Africa, issues end of year message reflecting on 2023:

Amidst our joyful farewell to 2023, I am thrilled to share my reflections as the President of Rugby Africa, the continental governing body of rugby in Africa. Together, our collective accomplishments have not only defined this year but have also laid a foundation for the promising future of Rugby Africa.

Milestones and Achievements

As we reflect on the remarkable journey of the past nine months, it is with immense pride that I share the highlights of our accomplishments. From the success of the Rugby Africa Women's tournament in Madagascar to the significant Rugby Africa Men's Olympic qualification tournament in Zimbabwe, the thrilling Rugby Sevens tournament in Mauritius, and the vibrant scene in Tunisia's Monastir, our efforts have truly shone on the rugby stage. Notably, a significant portion of our achievements this year has been dedicated to francophone countries. We celebrate the re-admittance of Nasser Bougja as Vice President, the return of the Moroccan Rugby Federation to Rugby Africa, an established pathway solution for Cameroon, Ghana and management of other upcoming elective Annual General Assemblies and the momentous milestone of signing the long-awaited agreement with the French Development Agency (AFD) to foster the development of women's rugby in Africa.

We have addressed administrative challenges by rectifying loose agreements within Rugby Africa that were either uncontracted or unpaid. Internally, administrative efficiency has been enhanced with the establishment of committees, each equipped with clear terms of reference and KPIs for committee members. Looking ahead, we are committed to annual reassessments, ensuring that our committees maintain the highest standards of performance. It's important to note that accountability remains a cornerstone, and those unable to meet expectations will be subject to be reassigned from their roles.

Commitment to Progress

As President of Rugby Africa, I continue to call for a mindset change recognizing that sport is big business. This plea heralds a new era, challenging the status quo with a comprehensive constitutional review—a ground breaking initiative unprecedented in our history. This review, initiated by Rugby Africa through the Executive Committee, involves input from various committees, our judicial council, external legal experts and a final presentation to member unions for ratification. This transformative process signifies our commitment to transparency and progress, setting a new standard for Rugby Africa.

Strategic Planning

We have successfully developed and received approval for our strategic plan, a blueprint aimed at providing financial support to all 39 member unions of Rugby Africa. Considering the limited funding from World Rugby, which primarily supports 21 out of the 39 Rugby Africa member unions, this strategic plan is a significant milestone for Rugby Africa. The plan, meticulously reviewed and presented across our committees, places a strong emphasis on securing financial backing to ensure that all Rugby Africa member unions have the necessary support to play competitively and thrive in the world of rugby.

Financial Initiatives

In a strategic effort to maximize our resources, Rugby Africa has introduced a series of financial initiatives. For the first time ever, hosts are now entrusted with covering all hosting grants- a move anticipated to result in cost savings. Guided by our Competition Manager, Johnbosco, calculations are underway to access the potential impact of these changes. Furthermore, Rugby Africa is in discussions for multiple sponsorship opportunities, with an official announcement expected mid 2024. These initiatives underscore Rugby Africa's commitment to foster more opportunities for rugby across the continent, reshape competitions and elevating the overall rugby experience. Among our own initiatives, we remain hopeful to receive greater levels of financial support from World Rugby, to further support our development and advance the growth of rugby in Africa.

Unity Among Unions

We approach the future with a sense of optimism and gratitude. My sincere appreciation goes to all the unions that have embraced the challenges. In Southern Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique and Botswana, have successfully organized a spirited competition, reflecting the true spirit of rugby. Burkina Faso actively engaged in a Seven's competition, demonstrating their dedication to the sport. Guinea participated in an international match with Sierra Leone, fostering unity in our rugby community. Over the past two months, Ghana has actively engaged in matches with Benin and Togo. Beyond borders, collaborative efforts between Rwanda, Burundi and Tanzania are gaining momentum as they work towards organizing their own competitions. I was particularly enthused by the huge efforts of Uganda's test matches in Tunisia and Algeria's proposed test match against Senegal. Furthermore, the 2023 Indian Ocean Island Games hosted by Madagascar, with countries such as Mauritius participating, provided an additional opportunity for increased game time. I am deeply grateful for the collective enthusiasm displayed by the unions across the continent. Together, as a federation, we are charting a path of enthusiasm and progress in the world of rugby.

Acknowledgement and Gratitude

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to APO Group, South Africa Rugby Union, French Rugby Federation (FFR), French Development Agency (AFD), and World Flair for their invaluable support. Their commitment and collaboration have provided us with a powerful platform to champion our firm belief that the development of rugby in Africa is not just a sport but an investment in the future of the continent. Together, with the support our partners, we are building a foundation for the growth of rugby, fostering community engagement, and contributing to the overall development and well-being of Africa. Thank you for your unwavering dedication to this shared vision. This year, Rugby Africa has asserted itself on the global stage, making it abundantly clear that Africa is key player in the world of rugby. During the Bloomberg Gateway Conference in Morocco, our message reached an audience of over 3.5 million people, emphasizing the vast business opportunities inherent in investing in rugby across Africa, showcasing our continent at the forefront in the global marketplace. At the Africa Investment Forum in Marrakesh, I had the privilege of engaging in discussions with the President of the African Development Bank, highlighting rugby's potential to drive economic growth through investment opportunities emerging from the continent itself. These events are instrumental in shaping Rugby Africa's global positioning, paving the way to a future where rugby across Africa can ascend to new heights.

We continue to ask ALL to accept a mindset shift to give the opportunity of sports (Rugby) a chance. Sport is NOT a charity it is BIG business!

Reflections and Greetings

A substantial amount of work has been accomplished by members of the executive committee, along with dedicated efforts of staff members and myself. As President of Rugby Africa, I believe it becomes evident that 2023 has been dedicated to laying the foundational groundwork. We anticipate that the fruits of our labour will begin to manifest from the second half of 2024 onwards. In extending my sincere gratitude, I wish season's greetings to everyone, embracing the diversity of religious traditions that enrich our continent. This is a time for unity, for coming together, breaking bread, and celebrating the strides we made collectively.

God be with all of us!

Herbert Mensah
President of Rugby Africa

Download official letter here: https://apo-opa.co/3SdGAsV

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Rugby Africa.

Media contact:
Nicole Vervelde
Communications Advisor to the President of Rugby Africa
rugby@apo-opa.com

About Rugby Africa:
Rugby Africa (www.RugbyAfrique.com) is the continental governing body of rugby in Africa and one of the regional associations under World Rugby. It unites all African countries that play rugby union, rugby sevens, and women's rugby. Rugby Africa organizes various competitions, including the qualifying tournaments for the Rugby World Cup and the Africa Sevens, a qualifying competition for the Olympic Games. With 39 member unions, Rugby Africa is dedicated to promoting and developing rugby across the continent. World Rugby highlighted Ghana, Nigeria and Zambia as three of the six emerging nations experiencing strong growth in rugby.

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Rugby Africa
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NSFAS Board Seat Ernest Khosa takes leave of absence

Location: News

NSFAS Board Chair Ernest Khosa takes leave of absence

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) announced on Wednesday that its board chairperson, Ernest Khosa, has voluntarily tabled a notice of 30 days leave of absence.

This is after the NSFAS Board held a special meeting to discuss the financial aid scheme’s state of readiness for the beginning of the 2024 academic year.

The leave of absence, according to the NSFAS, will enable the board to deal with all the allegations against him as contained in the recordings distributed by the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA).

The OUTA is accusing both Khoza and Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, of defrauding NSFAS through kickbacks from service providers.

“The Chairperson reiterated to the board that he had never received any financial gratification for his personal use or facilitated any for the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation or the South African Communist Party (SACP).

“The Board Chairperson also raised concerns about threats that have been made against his life and that of his family.” 

According to the statement, the board has since informed the Minister of the leave of notice tabled by the board chairperson. 

In terms of the NSFAS Act, the Minister has the fiduciary responsibility to appoint the acting board chairperson in the absence of the chairperson.

“The board takes this opportunity to thank Mr Khosa for his honourable, brave and responsible decision to voluntarily take leave of absence and hails his decision as a responsible and conscious step to advance good corporate governance, transparency and accountability. 

“The board would like to emphasise that this decision should not be interpreted as an admission of guilt on the part of the chairperson.” 

Meanwhile, the board resolved to appoint an independent legal firm to look into the veracity of the allegations against the board chairperson. 

The legal firm, which is yet to be announced, will be expected to submit its findings within 30 days of their appointment.

“The board would also like to assure all South Africans that this process will be handled with due diligence and integrity.” 

NSFAS has since assured all South Africans that it will continue to work with all stakeholders within the post-school education and training sector to ensure that there is a seamless and successful beginning of the 2024 academic year. 

Meanwhile, part of the Board’s pre-occupation will be the appointment of a new chief executive officer.

“The board would also like to report to the public that the 2024 application process is proceeding extremely well, with applications having reached the 900 000 mark.” 

The board is encouraging all prospective students to apply for the bursary while they are awaiting their final matriculation results.

 Applications for financial aid for all learners who wish to enter the post-school system and students who do not have financial assistance to continue their studies in the 2024 academic year officially opened on 21 November 2023.

In a statement issued by NSFAS in November, NSFAS said applications for 2024 funding will close on 31 January 2024.

“Furthermore, the board extends its gratitude to Mr Khosa’s family for having supported him throughout this difficult period.” – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Thu, 01/11/2024 - 10:12

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