Small farmer makes a comeback after devastating floods
Genadendal farmer Johannes Arendse sells his produce in Cape Town
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GWM donates over R100 000 in personalised goodie bags to vulnerable children
GWM South Africa has given the less fortunate a reason to smile this festive season. The company on Tuesday donated gifts and goodie bags worth over R100 000 to The Cradle of Hope, a not-for-profit organisation in Johannesburg that cares for vulnerable women and children. The donation, which GWM dubs “Smile in a Bag” consisted …
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African Development Bank approves $300 million for energy governance and climate resilience
The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) has approved a $300 million loan to South Africa to implement its Energy Governance and Climate Resilience Programme.
The Programme prepared in collaboration with other development partners including the World Bank and KfW Development Bank (KfW), will help advance South Africa's energy transition.
It will spur economic growth by furthering structural reforms to restore energy security, promote private sector participation in the electricity market and enhance the operational efficiency of the national power utility Eskom in line with South Africa's Energy Action Plan and the Just Energy Transition Investment Plan (JET IP) 2023–2027.
The Programme will accelerate mitigation and adaptation efforts by promoting renewable energy generation and shifting businesses to low-carbon activities, resulting in lowering the carbon footprint of the South African economy and improving financing for green projects. These expected outcomes align with South Africa's updated Nationally Determined Contribution and the country's Long-term Low-Emissions Development Strategy.
It will ensure the security and affordability of energy for families and small businesses. It will enable the government to increase budget allocations to connect electricity to poor households and establish a mechanism to encourage families and micro- and medium-sized businesses to invest in renewable energy.
The reform priorities discussed with the Government are designed to complement and create synergies with existing support from the African Development Bank and other development finance institutions for the Just Energy Transition.
Through a $629 800 (470 000 UA) grant with co-financing from the Climate Insurance Fund, the Bank will provide support to ensure affected communities are not left behind, crowd in more women as decision-makers and support young entrepreneurs, especially women, to build skills and create jobs for the green economy.
South Africa's country's Energy Governance and Climate Resilience Programme aligns with the African Development Bank's ‘High 5' strategic priorities, especially "Light up and Power Africa", "Industrialise Africa", and "Improve the quality of life for the people of Africa".
Welcoming the operation, Mrs Leila Mokaddem, Director General for Southern Africa, noted the Bank's long-term support to South Africa's energy sector. Energy has the largest share of the Bank's portfolio at 43.4%. The programme complements this support and aligns with the recently approved Country Strategy Paper (CSP) for South Africa, which recognizes the centrality of Energy reforms to achieve economic growth and improve business confidence.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
Editor's note: A previous version of this press release issued 31 October 2023, included references to potential contribution from the Government of Canada. This has been removed.
Media Contact:
Mansour Diouf
Communication and External Relations Department
Email: media@afdb.org
About the African Development Bank Group:
The African Development Bank Group is Africa's premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org.
Holidaying in SA this December – Ensure you acquire safe drinking water
Three separate audit reports have shown that over 50% of South Africa’s municipal water systems are not treated to safe drinking standards or, in the worst-case scenarios, are polluted by sewage and other effluents. In both instances, they are unsafe for human consumption. Critically, water experts also warn that a Blue Drop score of less …
Building a Strong Personal Brand in the Digital Age: Insights and Strategies
By Prabashni Reddy – Marketing Manager at Regent Business School The world we live in has become a hyper-connected world, a strong personal brand is not just a nice-to-have; it’s an essential tool for professional growth and success. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the way we present ourselves online can significantly impact our …
Seeds for a better 2024 believe been sown – President Ramaphosa
Seeds for a better 2024 have been sown – President Ramaphosa
Although South Africa continues to face challenges from various quarters, the ground work for a better 2024 has been laid.
This is according to President Cyril Ramaphosa who addressed the nation through his weekly newsletter.
The President acknowledged that 2023 has been a testing year for the country – with intense load shedding, Transnet’s challenges and a sluggish economy being just some of the worst challenges faced.
“Our economy has been weighed down by international events, including the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and instability in the global economy. Like many across the world, South Africans have faced a substantial rise in the cost of our living. Our post-COVID recovery has been held back by continuing load shedding and inefficiency at our ports and railways.
“Yet, even in these circumstances, companies have continued to invest in our economy. At the fifth South Africa Investment Conference earlier this year, we surpassed our target for new investment commitments over five years. Our economy has grown, albeit too slowly and far below its potential. The number of people in employment has returned to pre-COVID levels, but jobs are still not being created fast enough to reduce levels of our unemployment,” he said.
President Ramaphosa conceded that the electricity crisis is “currently the main threat to our country’s progress”.
However, the work of the Energy Action Plan – launched in July 2022 – is beginning to show results, “giving us greater confidence that we will bring load shedding to an end”.
“While we experienced some of the worst load shedding ever in the first few months of the year, there has been a measurable and steady decline in the severity of load shedding over the last few months.
“Although electricity supply is still not stable, as we experienced in the last few weeks, the overall trend is towards less severe load shedding. Damaged units at the Kusile power station have been returned to service ahead of schedule and plant maintenance has received close attention.
“What gives us hope for even further improvements is the progress that has been made in bringing new electricity generation online. Regulatory reforms we have initiated have enabled a massive increase in private investment in electricity generation, with over 12 000 MW of confirmed projects in development. Following the introduction of tax incentives and financing mechanisms, the amount of installed rooftop solar has more than doubled to over 4 500 MW in the last year,” he said.
Tackling challenges
President Ramaphosa listed several interventions and measures that have been taken to address the country’s challenges including:
- Government working closely with Transnet, industry and other social partners to relieve congestion at ports and increase the volumes of freight being carried on key rail corridors
- Significant infrastructure projects in areas including social housing, road construction, rural bridges and dams which contribute to greater economic activity and provide much-needed infrastructure for economic growth and the needs of citizens
- Undertaking reforms in other areas to improve the competitiveness of the economy in areas such as proceeding with the digital migration of broadcasting service to free up broadband spectrum and reduce the cost of data
- The continuation of the special Social Relief of Distress grant introduced during COVID-19 which has kept millions of people out of poverty
On employment, President Ramaphosa said the Presidential Employment Stimulus has created work and livelihood opportunities for some 1.2 million people.
He added that breakthroughs have been made in combatting crime with governance improvements also recorded.
“The SAPS’ economic infrastructure task teams have made important breakthroughs and arrests for illegal mining, cash-in-transit hikes, cable theft, drug smuggling and similar crimes. We have recruited and trained thousands of new police personnel to further strengthen the fight against crime.
“We are implementing legislation to build a more professional, ethical and capable public service. There has been important progress in other areas, including towards the introduction of a National Health Insurance to ensure greater equity in the provision of health care,” he said.
The President said that while “times are still tough” much progress has been made but there is “still some way to go”.
“What is most important is that we have done much of the ground work needed to put our economy on a path of faster growth and job creation. By working together, by staying the course, we have used the last year to lay the basis for a better 2024.
“On Friday this week, we will mark a special public holiday to celebrate the historic victory of the Springboks in the Rugby World Cup. Their victory, alongside many other achievements by South Africans on the global stage, is a reminder of our country’s tremendous strengths and the promise that it holds.
“Let us come together on Friday to remind ourselves of everything that we love about South Africa. Let it be a day of hope, celebration and unity. I wish all South Africans a safe, peaceful and restful festive season as we all prepare for a successful new year,” President Ramaphosa concluded. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 12/12/2023 - 11:14
373 views
The Dynamic World of Dietary Supplements
In an era where health and fitness are paramount, dietary supplements have become integral to many individuals’ wellness regimes. Their diverse range caters to various health goals and lifestyles. Protein Supplements Protein supplements, including whey, plant-based, and casein, are popular among fitness enthusiasts. They aid in muscle building, recovery, and provide a convenient source …
President establishes Presidential PhD Initiative to boost innovation
President establishes Presidential PhD Initiative to boost innovation
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Tuesday that government has established the Presidential PhD Initiative through an initial R1 billion investment from the National Skills Fund in efforts to boost science and technology.
“The first phase aims to expose our country’s brightest young minds to cutting-edge thinking and research by negotiating opportunities at world-leading universities and research centres,” he explained.
President Ramaphosa announced the initiative during the inaugural Presidential Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Plenary in Pretoria.
The President told the attendees that the studies will be to large scale and established research programmes in public research facilities and industry.
The initiative will build critical skills in artificial intelligence research, advanced biotechnology, fuel cell development, battery storage, and next-generation mining.
The country’s first citizen has since called to extend a call to the private sector and international partners to assist in growing the investment for the Presidential PhD Initiative fund to R5 billion by 2030.
He said collaboration is needed to ensure synergy between programmes across the national innovation system.
“We must harness education, science and innovation to protect our natural environment, drive inclusive economic growth and enrich all areas of human endeavour.”
The country’s Commander-in-Chief described the first plenary as an important initiative that brings together government, academia, civil society and industry to collectively drive South Africa’s National System of Innovation (NSI).
In November 2022, the Cabinet adopted the STI Decadal Plan to guide the first 10 years of implementing the 2019 White Paper on STI.
“Science, technology and innovation are essential for economies to thrive and for societies to prosper.
“In the new world of work, in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, science, technology and innovation determine which countries move forward and which are left behind. Our country has several strengths.”
Citing the 2022 Global Innovation Index published by the World Intellectual Property Organisation, he said South Africa ranked above the upper-middle-income group average in three areas.
These include market sophistication, knowledge and technology outputs, and creative outputs.
According to the index, South Africa also improved the number of patents by origin, citable documents, intellectual property receipts, high-tech manufacturing and high-tech exports.
“However, our performance is mixed for the factors that drive innovation, such as education expenditure, expenditure on research and development and access to information technology.”
The President also highlighted significant strides in higher education including the number of students graduating from public universities from about 60 000 in 1994 to around 230 000 by 2018.
“The share of graduates in science, engineering and technology fields has been increasing compared to graduates in the humanities.”
He also acknowledged that the State needed to significantly increase investment in research and development.
In 2021, gross expenditure on research and development (R&D) in South Africa was 0.6% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), far below the targeted 1.5%.
“By comparison, in 2022, the United States spent 2.6% and South Korea spent 5% of their respective GDPs on research and development.
“This is a situation that we are determined to turn around. Through greater cooperation between government and industry, we can reverse this trend.”
President Ramaphosa is of the view that the potential of science, technology and innovation to modernise and expand the productive sectors is vast.
He cited the Mandela Mining Precinct and the South African Mining Extraction Research, Development and Innovation initiative, which are aimed at revitalising our mining industry.
Shifting his focus on vaccines, he said Afrigen Biologics, a South African company part-owned by the Industrial Development Corporation, is working on a new tuberculosis vaccine using mRNA technology.
Meanwhile, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation recently allocated US$5 million to Biovac to develop mRNA vaccines using a local platform.
“This grant enables our researchers and scientists to strengthen the pharmaceutical research and vaccine production ecosystem so that we can address both current and future health challenges.”
He said he views innovation as the driver of sustainable job creation and small business development and tackles the realities of climate change.
“From these examples, it is clear that we are certainly progressing, but not at the pace we should be,” he admitted.
“For science, technology and innovation to serve South Africa’s economy and society effectively, we need to aggressively and strategically invest in education and skills development because this is the lifeblood of a modern economy.
“We know that nations such as Japan, South Korea and Germany have science, technology and innovation in the service of their societies, with commendable results.”
However, Nzimande qualified that when they talk about STI, they refer to both the natural and social sciences and humanities.
“For it is only possible to understand, let alone solve the major developmental and existential challenges of the 21st century through invoking the insights of trans-disciplinary knowledge.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 12/12/2023 - 13:58
521 views
The Evolving Realm of Property Companies in South Africa
Introduction In the dynamic landscape of South Africa, property companies play a crucial role in shaping the economic and social fabric of the nation. The Diverse Spectrum of Property Companies South African property companies encompass a wide array of entities, including residential and commercial real estate developers, property management firms, real estate investment trusts (REITs), …
Constitutional Court win for asylum seekers
Provisions in the Refugees Act introduced in January 2020 struck down for violating a number of fundamental rights
Exposed: Dubious Tender Worth R83 Million
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Health Ombud releases findings on Zenizole Vena case
Health Ombud releases findings on Zenizole Vena case
The Health Ombud, Professor Taole Mokoena, on Tuesday released the findings of the investigation into the allegations of a patient denied provision of care at the Motherwell NU 11 Clinic in the Eastern Cape.
Mokoena said his office was requested by the Minister of Health, Joe Phaahla, to investigate potential negligence and suboptimal care at the clinic.
The complaint alleged that the clinic denied provision of healthcare to Zenizole Vena, a 15-year-old, which resulted in her death.
Vena had gone to the clinic, accompanied by an elderly woman, seeking healthcare after being sexually assaulted.
The investigation established that Vena was turned away by healthcare workers at the clinic and that she later died at the Motherwell Police Station Community Service Centre (MPSCSC) where she had sought assistance.
The allegation that Vena was denied provision of care at Motherwell NU 11 Clinic was substantiated and confirmed based on the information gathered during the investigation, said Mokoena.
It was also established that two nurses did not arrange transport to take both the elderly escort and the victim to MPSCSC or call the police to come to Motherwell NU11 clinic to take over the case.
The investigation further revealed additional findings, such as the failure of the Motherwell Police Station Community Service Centre to assist Vena upon her arrival at the charge office.
At the station, she was told to wait and was attended to her after she waited for one hour and 30 minutes. During this time, she experienced seizures and was foaming at the mouth. She was later found dead on the floor in the charge office.
“The investigation was conducted through analysis and triangulation of information and documentary evidence received from Motherwell NU 11 Clinic, the Eastern Cape Provincial Department of Health (ECDoH), Nelson Mandela Bay District Health (NMBDH), onsite visits and interviews with relevant personnel,” Mokeona said.
Interviews were conducted with 13 witnesses between 28 February 2023 to 27 March 2023 by the investigation team from the Office of the Health Ombud.
“A further 10 interviews were conducted by the Ombud and the investigation team from 15 to 19 May 2023. This included eight witnesses, who were re-interviewed and they did not contradict themselves. Statements from three witnesses were also received from the Motherwell Police Station.
“It is important to mention that before the Office of the Health Ombud investigation, the Eastern Cape Provincial Department of Health had conducted an internal investigation in November 2022 and shared their report with the Office of the Health Ombud,” Mokoena said.
He said it was quite disturbing that a basic human instinct to assist a person in distress, particularly a child, does not seem to exist within the South African Police Service (SAPS) at Motherwell Police Station.
“The allegation that Motherwell NU 11 Clinic failed to refer Ms Z Vena to the next level of care was substantiated and confirmed.
“Based on the evidence obtained, it can be concluded that Ms Z Vena was not attended to in a manner that is consistent with the nature and severity of her health condition at Motherwell NU 11 Clinic,” Mokoena said.
The complaint was lodged by the Democratic Alliance’s Shadow Minister of Health, Michéle Clarke, in September 2022 against the Motherwell NU 11 Clinic.
In his remarks, Minister Phaahla said it is totally unacceptable for someone to be denied healthcare.
Recommendations include, among others, that the District Manager of the NMBDH should institute a disciplinary inquiry within one month against various personnel; the District Manager must, within two months, ensure that mentoring is provided to the healthcare workers to ensure that all the nurses are kept abreast of the new developments in the management of sexual assault cases; the District Manager of NMBDH and the Head of Department must, within six months, procure a service provider to install the Service/Notice Board at the Motherwell Clinic that indicates the health care services provided by the clinic and indication of working times at the clinic; the District Manager must within one month ensure the Standard Operating Procedure for the management of sexual assault cases is developed and in-service training is provided to the staff at Motherwell NU 11 Clinic.
The report with findings and recommendations was handed over to Health Minister for further analysis. It can be found on www.healthombud.org.za. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 12/12/2023 - 14:40
131 views
Navigating the World of Insurance: A Comprehensive Guide
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Poor municipal budgeting needs to be punished
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National Treasury mum on conditional bailout
Dear Editor Last week, as per Section 152 of the Companies Act, creditors of the South African Post Office (SAPO) voted and approved its business rescue plan. As has been mentioned, the plan seeks to close 420 branches and retrench 6 000 workers. Importantly, the plan is also conditional on the R3.8 billion bailout from …
Navigating the Landscape of Property Development in South Africa
Introduction Property development in South Africa presents a dynamic and evolving landscape, rich with opportunities and challenges. This blog aims to delve into the various facets of this industry, offering a broad perspective on trends, challenges, and future prospects. Our focus will remain on the industry at large, steering clear of specific company mentions, to …
President establishes Presidential PhD Initiative to boost innovative
President establishes Presidential PhD Initiative to boost innovative
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Tuesday that government has established the Presidential PhD Initiative through an initial R1 billion investment from the National Skills Fund in efforts to boost science and technology.
“The first phase aims to expose our country’s brightest young minds to cutting-edge thinking and research by negotiating opportunities at world-leading universities and research centres,” he explained.
President Ramaphosa announced the initiative during the inaugural Presidential Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Plenary in Pretoria.
The President told the attendees that the studies will be to large scale and established research programmes in public research facilities and industry.
The initiative will build critical skills in artificial intelligence research, advanced biotechnology, fuel cell development, battery storage, and next-generation mining.
The country’s first citizen has since called to extend a call to the private sector and international partners to assist in growing the investment for the Presidential PhD Initiative fund to R5 billion by 2030.
He said collaboration is needed to ensure synergy between programmes across the national innovation system.
“We must harness education, science and innovation to protect our natural environment, drive inclusive economic growth and enrich all areas of human endeavour.”
The country’s Commander-in-Chief described the first plenary as an important initiative that brings together government, academia, civil society and industry to collectively drive South Africa’s National System of Innovation (NSI).
In November 2022, the Cabinet adopted the STI Decadal Plan to guide the first 10 years of implementing the 2019 White Paper on STI.
“Science, technology and innovation are essential for economies to thrive and for societies to prosper.
“In the new world of work, in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, science, technology and innovation determine which countries move forward and which are left behind. Our country has several strengths.”
Citing the 2022 Global Innovation Index published by the World Intellectual Property Organisation, he said South Africa ranked above the upper-middle-income group average in three areas.
These include market sophistication, knowledge and technology outputs, and creative outputs.
According to the index, South Africa also improved the number of patents by origin, citable documents, intellectual property receipts, high-tech manufacturing and high-tech exports.
“However, our performance is mixed for the factors that drive innovation, such as education expenditure, expenditure on research and development and access to information technology.”
The President also highlighted significant strides in higher education including the number of students graduating from public universities from about 60 000 in 1994 to around 230 000 by 2018.
“The share of graduates in science, engineering and technology fields has been increasing compared to graduates in the humanities.”
He also acknowledged that the State needed to significantly increase investment in research and development.
In 2021, gross expenditure on research and development (R&D) in South Africa was 0.6% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), far below the targeted 1.5%.
“By comparison, in 2022, the United States spent 2.6% and South Korea spent 5% of their respective GDPs on research and development.
“This is a situation that we are determined to turn around. Through greater cooperation between government and industry, we can reverse this trend.”
President Ramaphosa is of the view that the potential of science, technology and innovation to modernise and expand the productive sectors is vast.
He cited the Mandela Mining Precinct and the South African Mining Extraction Research, Development and Innovation initiative, which are aimed at revitalising our mining industry.
Shifting his focus on vaccines, he said Afrigen Biologics, a South African company part-owned by the Industrial Development Corporation, is working on a new tuberculosis vaccine using mRNA technology.
Meanwhile, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation recently allocated US$5 million to Biovac to develop mRNA vaccines using a local platform.
“This grant enables our researchers and scientists to strengthen the pharmaceutical research and vaccine production ecosystem so that we can address both current and future health challenges.”
He said he views innovation as the driver of sustainable job creation and small business development and tackles the realities of climate change.
“From these examples, it is clear that we are certainly progressing, but not at the pace we should be,” he admitted.
“For science, technology and innovation to serve South Africa’s economy and society effectively, we need to aggressively and strategically invest in education and skills development because this is the lifeblood of a modern economy.
“We know that nations such as Japan, South Korea and Germany have science, technology and innovation in the service of their societies, with commendable results.”
However, Nzimande qualified that when they talk about STI, they refer to both the natural and social sciences and humanities.
“For it is only possible to understand, let alone solve the major developmental and existential challenges of the 21st century through invoking the insights of trans-disciplinary knowledge.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 12/12/2023 - 13:58
14 views