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Introduction As the holiday season draws near, the quest for the perfect Christmas gift becomes a delightful yet sometimes challenging endeavor. Amid a plethora of options, one timeless and universally cherished Christmas gift idea stands out: chocolates. Whether you seek a small token of appreciation or a grand expression of affection, chocolates hold a special …
Cabinet welcomes measures put in place by Transnet
Cabinet has welcomed measures and plans put in place by Transnet to resolve the backlog at ports in Durban and Richard’s Bay.
Briefing the media on the Cabinet meeting that took place on Wednesday, Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, said Transnet is making intensive efforts to mobilise equipment, such as cranes, from all over the world to ensure a successful execution of its implementation plan.
“The progress made by Transnet in clearing most of the backlog at the Cape Town Container Terminal, with only one vessel at anchorage, is encouraging. Transnet remains committed to working with all role-players to address the challenges within the logistics sector,” the Minister said on Thursday.
Last week, Transnet said it was implementing a number of urgent interventions to address the backlogs at the Port of Durban and to ease the congestion at Richards Bay.
At the time, Transnet said the backlog was being caused by factors including inclement weather conditions and equipment availability.
Transnet Board Chairperson, Andile Sangqu, said: “The problem of port congestion is a complex one and it is something that was due to happen at some point, as a result of many years of underinvestment in equipment and its maintenance.
“We are working on a number of measures to turn the situation around. We need to caution that this is going to take some time as the lead times for some of the equipment is anything from 12 to 18 months. The team is working around the clock to procure this important equipment, to ensure our port facilities are in line with global best practice”.
Infrastructure development
Meanwhile, Cabinet has welcomed progress that is being achieved in the development and revitalisation of infrastructure for social development.
“In this regard, Cabinet is pleased by the opening of Dr Pixley Ka Isaka Seme Memorial Hospital in eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal. The hospital, which was opened by President Cyril Ramaphosa, will service the growing healthcare needs of the approximately 1.5 million residents of Inanda, Ntuzuma and Kwa-Mashu, and communities in adjacent areas,” Ntshavheni said.
In addition, Cabinet has also welcomed the opening of the uMgungundlovu Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college (Msinga campus) in KwaZulu-Natal by the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, Dr Blade Nzimande.
The TVET college campus that was built at a cost of R143.5 million offers training in areas such as Farming Management and Mechatronics, amongst others.
“This campus is part of government’s commitment to ensure that there is at least one TVET college per district, and more than one in districts with a larger geographic spread. It is part of government’s continued and intentional investment to improve access to post-matric education, as part of equipping the nation for the future,” Cabinet said. - SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Thu, 11/30/2023 - 15:43
Tourism is the lifeblood of the KZN South Coast economy, and while significant strides are being made in various key investment sectors, there is still massive potential yet to be uncovered for tourism beyond the coast. Two new Buy Local members, Monate Outdoor Activities and Kasified Eksperience, are providing visitors with completely unique cultural and …
The Disciplinary process related to Eli Snyman’s (Benetton Rugby) Red Card in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship Round 6 game against Edinburgh Rugby on Friday, November 24 has resulted in a three game suspension. After an act of foul play by Benetton player No 5 (Eli Snyman), referee Aimee Barrett-Theron showed the Player a Red …
Summer is on the doorstep and the holidays are beckoning! Now is the time to start planning that year-end, family holiday and where better to relax and cool off than the KZN South Coast? “Our tourism establishments are geared up and ready to welcome our many holiday visitors to the KZN South Coast this festive …
The one consistent among South Africa’s trio of BKT United Rugby Championship coaches in Jake White, John Plumtree and John Dobson, was the size of their smile in welcoming back their World Cup title-winning Springboks. Munster’s Graham Rowntree also grinned in welcoming Bok World Cup winner Jean Kleyn back into the team. The Emirates Lions …
South Africa, 29 November 2023 – The Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection (MISTRA), in partnership with the University of Johannesburg, is set to host the 11th annual Mapungubwe Lecture on Wednesday, 06 December 2023. The annual lecture is the institute’s flagship event and has been happening annually since 2012. A highlight on the academic and …
Cabinet reaffirms BRICS' call to end Israel-Palestine war
Cabinet has reaffirmed the call made by the BRICS nations for a comprehensive ceasefire and an end to the violence in the Israel-Palestine conflict.
This is according to the Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, who addressed media on Thursday on the outcomes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday.
Ntshavheni said Cabinet has also called for an end to the “deplorable” killings of civilians and indiscriminate attacks that also target civilian infrastructure.
Meanwhile, she said the Executive welcomed the convening by President Cyril Ramaphosa, as Chair of the BRICS [Brazil, Russia, India and South Africa] group of nations, of an Extraordinary Joint Meeting on the Middle East Situation, which was also joined by the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, António Guterres.
“As a prominent voice of the Global South, the outcome from the extraordinary meeting bolsters the international call for solidarity, tolerance and dialogue for the people of Palestine and Israel.
“The BRICS leaders unanimously called for accountability in the conflict, which claimed the lives of thousands of people and left many displaced,” she told the media.
The BRICS leaders expressed concerns about the latest escalation of violence since the 7 October 2023 attack and the grave deterioration of the situation in the region, in particular the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and the rest of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem and Israel.
Cabinet, Ntshavheni said, was hopeful that the exchange of hostages and the temporary pause in the hostilities for humanitarian assistance to reach Gaza would provide an opportunity to negotiate a comprehensive ceasefire and a more permanent solution to the plight of Palestinians and the security concerns of the people of Israel.
According to reports, more than 15 000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since October 7, while the death toll in Israel stands at about 1 200. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 11/30/2023 - 16:00
Uganda have beaten Rwanda by nine wickets, ensuring a top-two finish in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa qualifier and have officially locked in their place in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the USA and West Indies. This will be their first appearance in a senior ICC World Cup. They join …
Premier Alan Winde has welcomed the pilot energy project Hessequa Municipality is implementing to reduce power cuts and ultimately make the town of Riversdale load shedding-free. This was announced today, 30 November 2023, at a media briefing hosted by Premier Winde and Executive Mayor of Hessequa Municipality, Grant Riddles, Deputy Mayor, Tinus van den Berg, …
Dear Editor Today, 30 November 2023, the newly upgraded Beachfront Court Crescent was launched with much fanfare in East London, while many issues regarding maintenance, safety and security, shoddy workmanship and the scope of work remain unanswered. The court crescent, that has been renamed Leighandre “Baby Lee” Jegels Park, has cost the municipality more than …
The festive season has arrived bringing with it family, friends, and the hot South African summer! Hosting over the holidays can become quite expensive, especially with food and drinks to accommodate, but fortunately, there is a way to keep everyone refreshed and healthy this festive season without breaking the budget. “This really is such a …
Call to end discrimination against people with albinism
The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities has joined the National Albinism Task Force of South Africa (NATF) in calling for the end of discrimination, hostility and violence against people with albinism.
The call was made ahead of the court appearance of South African traditional healer Bongolethu “Dr Khehlelezi” Mzozo over a video shared on YouTube in April 2023 that spreads misinformation about people with albinism.
Following the release of the video, in line with Section 20 of the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act 2000 (PEPUDA) (No 4, 2000), the Thembisilemadlala Albinism Foundation, supported by the NATF, lodged a case with the Equality Court against Khehlelezi, arguing that the video was discriminatory and amounts to “hate speech” against people with albinism.
While the case involving Khehlelezi is the issue at hand, the department noted there is a more significant need for addressing discrimination and hate speech against people with albinism.
The department said the approach by the NATF, in collaboration with the KwaZulu-Natal Sport, Arts and Culture is to initiate stakeholder engagement conversations, with the aim of having a National Safety Plan for Persons with Albinism.
The department said it has since begun working closely to collaborate with the NATF and Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (KZN) to initiate the conversation by facilitating the first Social Cohesion Community Outreach programme.
“The programme aims to raise awareness of the underlying traditional myths and practices that potentially perpetuate stigma and discrimination against, and the persecution of persons with albinism,” the department said.
Meanwhile, people with albinism and organisations, will today convene at Gandhi Park in Verulam, KwaZulu-Natal for the continuation of the equality court case hearing between the albinism sector and Mzozo, which is taking place at the Verulam Magistrate Court.– SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 11/30/2023 - 09:26
With the digital age in full swing, having a reliable internet connection at home or in the office is more crucial than ever. In South Africa, the demand for high-speed internet has surged, making the role of wifi routers increasingly significant. This guide aims to provide essential insights into what you should consider when looking …
If FICA cannot prevent this kind of fraud then its use is questionable
For the second year in a row, the ordinary people’s bank Ithala SOC Ltd clinched the Customer Champion prize at the annual Naledi Awards event hosted by short-term insurer Mutual & Federal Risk Financing. Aaron Pather, executive head of insurance at Ithala, said: “We were ranked the number one cell captive insurer in the category …
Mason Grady says he has his mojo back and he will be out to prove it as he goes in search of revenge in this weekend’s Vodacom URC Welsh derby. By his own admission, the 21-year-old Cardiff Rugby threequarter didn’t have the World Cup he had been hoping for. He only started the one game …
SA makes progress in addressing anti-money laundering systems
South Africa has made progress in addressing the 20 technical compliance difficulties in its anti-money laundering system.
This is according to the National Treasury following the release of the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) technical compliance re-rating follow up report.
“On 27 October 2023, the FATF Plenary formally re-rated 18 of the 20 deficiencies, based on the progress made by the South African authorities in the two-year period following the 2021 mutual evaluation (MER). Of these, fifteen were upgraded to be no longer deficient, as 14 recommendations were now fully or largely compliant, and one recommendation was rated as not being applicable to South Africa.
“Following these re-ratings, South Africa is now deemed to be fully or largely compliant (or not deficient) in 35 of the 40 FATF Recommendations, including in five of the six core FATF Recommendations. This means that South Africa is left with five deficiencies in technical compliance (including three of the 18 which were upgraded from non-compliant to partially compliant), and two which remain as partially compliant since 2021,” the statement read.
National Treasury emphasised that the FATF follow up report does not “address the progress made by South Africa to improve the effectiveness deficiencies” that were identified in the mutually agreed upon Action Plan following South Africa’s grey listing by FATF earlier this year.
“Overcoming the effectiveness deficiencies is essential for South Africa to exit the FATF “grey list”.
This assessment is a distinct process from addressing technical compliance and is conducted under FATF’s International Co-operation Review Group Joint Group (ICRG JG) process.
“South Africa’s progress against its Action Plan is reviewed by the FATF Africa/Middle East Joint Group (FATF AME JG). The Joint Group meets every four months, where South Africa is expected to report on progress in addressing the 22 action items in the Action Plan,” National Treasury said.
The department thrashed out the steps that government has taken to implement the Action Plan.
These steps include the establishment of the Interdepartmental Committee on Anti-Money Laundering and Combating of Terrorism Financing (IDC-AML/CFT) that is chaired by the Director-General of National Treasury.
The IDC-AML/CFT includes government departments and agencies including the:
“Cabinet has been closely monitoring progress by the IDC-AML/CFT and government departments and agencies, as noted in the Cabinet statement of 18 October 2023.
“Through the IDC-AML/CFT, South Africa has reported on its progress against the Action Plan at two AME Joint Group meetings in May and September 2023, and is currently preparing to engage on a third report to the Joint Group. Completing the implementation of the Action Plan is essential for South Africa to exit the FATF grey list,” Treasury said.
On the action items set out by the FATF following South Africa’s grey listing, Treasury said FATF’s October Plenary statement noted that South Africa has recorded “positive progress”.
“However, addressing the remaining actions within the agreed timelines will require a significant effort from all the relevant South African authorities. In doing so, the South African authorities will also need to demonstrate that the improvements are sustainable, before South Africa will be deemed by FATF to have adequately addressed all the action items,” Treasury concluded. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 11/30/2023 - 09:42
On the second Sunday in March each year, thousands of cyclists hit the roads of Africa’s most beautiful city for the biggest social occasion in Lycra. The Cycle Tour will be held for the 46th time in 2024. It now boasts two events; the classic 109km route around the peninsula, and the 42km route that …
Verdant Capital (www.Verdant-Cap.com) is pleased to announce a USD 2.5 million revolving credit facility for Enable Capital of South Africa. Enable Capital specialises in providing short-term funding solutions to SME subcontractors involved in the physical construction and deployment of local, regional, and national fibre network infrastructure across South Africa.
Enable Capital has built up a successful track record since inception in 2018 - it has provided financial support of more than ZAR 1.5 billion to more than 250 SMEs. In doing so, it has facilitated meaningful growth for businesses in South Africa's SME sector, where access to finance remains a key inhibitor. Enable Capital aims to be the primary funding partner on major projects that have been officially approved by fibre network owners (e.g., Vumatel and Metrofibre).
Enable Capital's funding solutions specifically help address challenges faced by SME subcontractors such as equipment hire, supply of building materials and diesel where Enable Capital deals with suppliers and service providers directly in bulk, to the benefit of the subcontractors.
Enable Capital has a proven track record helping small business in the country grown significantly, transitioning from small subcontractors to large primary contractors, creating many new jobs in the process.
The partnership with Verdant Capital will allow Enable Capital to continue to support SMEs involved with the deployment of fibre while impacting economic growth in areas and communities where it is most needed. This includes the rollout of fibre network infrastructure outside of affluent areas where there is unequal access to the internet, thereby increasing access to the internet for all.
The funding was provided through Verdant Capital's investment partnerships strategy supporting high-impact businesses and financial institutions operating in the African continent.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Verdant Capital.
Media enquiries:
Verdant Capital
Liezel van Greunen
T : +27 10 140 3700
E : liezel.vangreunen@verdant-cap.com
About Verdant Capital :
Verdant Capital is an investment manager and investment bank specialising in the private capital markets and operating on a pan-African basis. www.Verdant-Cap.com
In South Africa, landlords have a number of rights and remedies available when tenants fail to pay their rent or utilities. However, there are also strict legal restrictions. This article explains what landlords can and can’t do if a tenant does not pay their rent or utilities and what tenants can do if they are …
Dear Editor The DA condemns the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Social Development’s adoption of a motion that the Children’s Amendment Bill (B19-2023) is not desirable. While both the committee as well as the Department of Social Development ostensibly supported the content of the DA’s private members bill, where they admitted that there are shortcomings and …
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