News

1 November 2023

Black Friday Deals 2023: Up to 47% off on Portable Power Stations with a 5-Year Warranty

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Distributed by APO Group on behalf of EcoFlow.

Media Contact:
Orange Lin
EcoFlow Communications Manager, South Africa
orange.lin@ecoflow.com

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.

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1 November 2023

Call for a realistic 2023 MTBPS

Location: News

Call for a realistic 2023 MTBPS

North-West University Business School Professor Raymond Parsons has called for a realistic and sound Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS), given the additional fiscal and economic challenges facing the country.

“The National Treasury has already warned of the tough decisions that will need to be taken in the medium-term budget. A shortfall of about R100 billion is now widely forecast. Unless remedial steps are taken, the risks of another 'fiscal cliff' for South Africa will rise,” Parsons said.

He said the latest Monetary Policy Review also emphasised that a lack of fiscal sustainability would keep interest rates elevated for longer.

His appeal comes ahead of Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana’s MTBPS, which will be tabled at the National Assembly in Cape Town today.

“It is now generally recognised that the combination of low growth, less-than-expected tax revenues, and continued high government spending means that the economic and financial assumptions on which the 2023 Budget projections in February were based are no longer valid.

“Several of the fiscal risks outlined in the main Budget have materialised. These factors have now severely reduced available fiscal space, necessitating a realistic approach to a less favourable set of circumstances. If the medium-term Budget is not credible in its actions, it will be assumed that there will just be more borrowing or big tax rises to come later,” Parsons said.

He identified government bailouts to struggling state-owned enterprises as a persistent problem.

“Transnet recently asked government for financial support – which is basically a bailout – to implement its turnaround plan. The Bureau for Economic Research has warned that Transnet’s request comes at an inopportune time for the fiscus.

“How the National Treasury decides to respond to Transnet’s need for further assistance will be seen in the MTBPS. South Africa is already at the outer boundary of what it can reasonably do to contain its debt burden and stabilise its public finances. Reducing the deficit inevitably now means recalibrating the broad dynamics of its public finances,” he said.

With the debt-to-GDP ratio now over 70% and expected to increase further, Parsons said South Africa's rising debt bill is already absorbing too large a share of the budget at the expense of other major social spending and infrastructure.

“A long-range fiscal plan is, therefore, now needed to steadily wind down spending and debt and bring them under control in a way that establishes clear priorities for the future.

“Fiscal policy will inevitably have to be pragmatic and realistic to deliver sensible trade-offs in order to project a credible medium-term Budget that offers more predictability and certainty.

“This fiscal balancing act will, therefore, require a skilful but level-headed revised Budget ‘mix’ and projections. It requires successfully managing multiple spending pressures at a time when political elections are pending in 2024,” he said.

Credibility

Parsons emphasised that the medium-term Budget must be a credible fiscal plan that does enough in challenging economic circumstances to placate nervous markets and not allow excessive borrowing to 'crowd out' the private sector.

“It is apparent that, whatever other steps may be needed to 'balance the books', all roads eventually run through inclusive growth if South Africa wants fiscal sustainability in the longer term. And if, through job-rich growth, South Africa can also move more citizens out of welfare and into work, a lowering of the quantum and risks of welfare dependency will also improve the fiscal balance.

“The number of countries that have grown successfully out of large debt is really quite small, whereas the number of economies that got into major fiscal difficulties that ultimately ended in inflation and other economic distortions is quite large.

“This emphasises why there can be no complacency about the immediate medium-term Budget challenges and no doubt about the National Treasury's determination to keep the fiscal situation manageable,” he said.

Parsons said the 2023 MTBPS which is also known as the mini budget, must reinforce the overall message that the trajectory of South Africa’s GDP growth (and potential growth) will, eventually, be driven mainly by the pace at which structural reforms materialise, especially on the energy front.

“The medium-term Budget needs to reflect a renewed commitment to do what is necessary to help reduce South Africa's risk premium by strengthening the pillars of fiscal sustainability,” he said. –SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Tue, 10/31/2023 - 10:30

135 views

1 November 2023

When you win a trophy, you always have a target on your back, no matter whether you are the most loved or the most hated team

Location: Sport

From an interview with CJ Stander and Sean Holley ahead of Round 3 of the Vodacom United Rugby Championship: CJ Stander CJ Stander says winning over in Europe remains a big challenge for the South African sides in the Vodacom URC, but that it’s one they are happy to embrace. No team from the Rainbow …

1 November 2023

Eskom clocks a R24 billion loss but still wants a new logo

Location: Business

Location: News

Operation Shanela nets 597 suspects in the North West

The South African Police Service (SAPS) conducted various high-density operations in the North West province last week, which resulted in 597 suspects being arrested for various crimes.

The suspects were arrested during an Operation Shanela initiative which was held from Monday, 23 October 2023, to Sunday, 29 October 2023.

According to a statement by the police, among others, four arrests were made for drug-related offences, 11 for dealing in liquor, 21 for driving under the influence of liquor, three for possession of firearms and ammunition and 66 were undocumented persons who were handed over to the Department of Home Affairs for further processing.

The following arrests were made for serious and violent crimes: six for murder, four for attempted murder, five for armed robbery, 149 for assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm, three for business robbery, 41 for burglary, 30 for malicious damage to property, 13 for rape and 104 for common assault.

During the operations, two firearms with ammunition, eight cellular phones as well as a variety of drugs and precious metals were confiscated.

Some of the suspects have already appeared before court while others are expected to make their respective court appearances this week in various courts in the province.

During the operations, 93 premises were searched, 12 road blocks were held and 11 unlicensed liquor premises were closed down.

In one of the incidents, a 45-year-old police officer was attacked with a sjambok in Extension 4, in Lebaleng location, Makwassie, by an alleged tuck shop owner while a law enforcement team was conducting consumer inspections.

The suspect attacked the police officer from behind, while he was removing expired products from the tuck shop. The officer was taken to a local clinic for medical treatment.

Investigations are underway and an arrest is imminent, said police.

The Provincial police Commissioner in the North West, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, said an attack on a police officer is an attack against the state and it will not be tolerated.

He warned that consumption of expired goods could cause people to fall ill and even die, therefore the police will continue to work hard together with other government departments to ensure the safety of the community. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Tue, 10/31/2023 - 09:50

601 views

31 October 2023

SASSA gold cards remain valid in December and beyond

Location: News

SASSA gold cards remain valid in December and beyond

Postbank has announced that South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) gold cards will continue to be valid in December and in the months beyond that.

This means that social grant recipients will be able to use their cards as normal.

“This important development means that millions of social grants beneficiaries don’t have to change their SASSA Gold Cards to the cards of the other banks.

“The payments of social grants through SASSA Gold Cards over the years has empowered marginalised populations and made it easier for them to access their funds, especially in rural areas where traditional banking infrastructure may be limited.

“Guaranteeing that SASSA Gold Cards will work beyond December 2023 is one of the highlights of Postbank’s commitment to providing convenient and affordable service quality to the disadvantaged,” the bank’s spokesperson, Dr Bongani Diako said.

He warned beneficiaries not to fall victim to misleading information regarding their cards and unscrupulous retailers.

“Beneficiaries are strongly advised to disregard misleading information that might direct them to change to other card products claiming that the SASSA Gold Cards are being replaced. Postbank is the only bank mandated to replace SASSA Gold Cards.

“No retailer or shop has the right to force beneficiaries to make a purchase: SASSA beneficiaries are advised to report any retailer or shop that forces them to buy goods prior to paying out their SASSA grants. You are entitled to your full SASSA grant payment, and you have every right to use the money as you deem necessary,” Diako said.

The spokesperson explained the benefits of the gold card.

“SASSA Gold Cards can be used to withdraw SASSA grants from a wide network of the country’s ATMs, of any bank, including any retailer, such as Boxer, Pick n Pay, Shoprite, Usave, Spar, and Shoprite.

“This diversity of channels reduces the need for beneficiaries to stand in long queues at Post Offices or cash pay points.

“SASSA Gold Cards offer numerous transaction benefits, including free withdrawals inside retail shops, free 3-month statements and balance inquiries. Beneficiaries are empowered because they get their grants money in full and save on transaction costs,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Tue, 10/31/2023 - 10:09

1059 views

31 October 2023

Permits to change the lives of farmers

Location: News

Permits to change the lives of farmers

By Gabi Khumalo

A group of farmers have dispelled the myth that government initiatives seldom have an impact on the lives of ordinary, real people.

Recently, 664 hemp and cannabis farmers who are on the KwaZulu-Natal Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) database, received permits which grants them authorisation to cultivate, store and transport content with a Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) of not more than 0.2%.

THC is the major psychoactive component and one of the 113 cannabinoids recognised in cannabis.

What does the handing over of the permits mean you ask? It means that the permits, handed over at a provincial Cannabis Expo and Conference, held at Okhahlamba Sports Complex in Bergville, will enable the farmers to have access to cutting edge technology through the Analytical Lab based at Cedara in uMgungundlovu District Municipality, near Pietermaritzburg.

To grow the local sector, the MECs of the provincial Departments of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) and Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) invited captains of industry, including experts, academics, Amakhosi and local growers to a two-day expo and conference to share ideas that will grow the sector to its full potential.

Held under the theme: “One love, one heart,” the event provided a platform for local cannabis and hemp farmers, and others with an interest in the sector to engage with business and academia.

Among the issues under discussion were that of regulations, registration, production, agro processing and exports.

Local business who will be providing services to permit recipients were also granted R300 000 each. Services include processing, erecting tunnels and providing lab equipment, packaging, testing, and finding a market for farmers.

Masterplan

The first citizen of the province, Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube said the expo and conference will be etched in the minds of the people, as the starting point of a “new era for the cannabis sector in the province.”

Dube-Ncube noted that many milestones had been achieved through the KZN Cannabis Masterplan.

“Through DARD we have set aside an amount of R47 million for cannabis research. We have allocated R10 million to assist farmers in cannabis production and hemp permit application.

“We have facilitated an investment commitment of R120 million and we have participated in the Cannabis and Hemp Phakisa Action Lab in order to secure much-needed policy coherence and to ensure closer collaboration amongst government entities," she explained.

This as pilot projects targeting commercial growers are ongoing, and the province has supported several investment leads, which were in the process of rolling out district-based capacity building programmes under the umbrella of the proposed KZN Cannabis Association.

Reaping the rewards

EDTEA MEC Siboniso Duma said, the expo had been a success and that the work by both EDTEA and DARD was just beginning.

“We want our farmers to be the champions of the cannabis sector and we want them to be able to speak for themselves. We are giving them an assignment to come closer to us because what we have started together, will change people’s lives,” Duma said.

Meanwhile, DARD MEC Super Zuma said the province has worked steadfastly and the time to unlock the province’s prosperity through the hemp and cannabis sector, had now arrived.

“We have ensured a smooth process for our hemp permit holders and we covered all their costs. We are winning the fight to alleviate poverty and unemployment and we are extremely proud of the ongoing collaborative work that continues behind the scenes, and I must say all our collaborative efforts have yielded fruit,” Zuma said.

Permit recipient from the Umzinyathi District Municipality, Sphelele Shezi, said this was the beginning of great things for her small business of hair products, noting that the success of the products relies on hemp seed oil.

“I applied for my permit in July because I want to start extracting oil to use in our hairspray. We also manufacture shea butter which will soon be hemp infused.

“This permit will allow my business to grow and I have a vision of owning a manufacturing plant which will open up job opportunities,” Shezi said.

The owner of Old Grey Distillery--which manufactures cannabis infused beverages in Johannesburg-- Derek Collard, said his business has received great exposure at the expo.

“The expo has been superb. We started our business when cannabis became legal and we started experimenting with different cannabis infused gin flavours. We have met incredible contacts that we will be supplying. There are business opportunities as well as local growers that we could potentially partner with,” Collard said.

Nonhlanhla Qhoboshiyane, a hemp and cannabis farmer from Durban, who was introduced to the plants after falling ill, said she was grateful for the opportunity to be part of the informative expo.

“My interest started in 2016 when my husband and I were diagnosed with cancer. We used hemp oil and we would make cannabis leaf tea to help with the pain.

“These plants are from the Lord, created to bring about economic recovery in South Africa, there should be no stigma attached to them. The rural economy will grow because of hemp and cannabis,” she said.

Investment

In the 2023 State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Cyril Ramaphosa reiterated government’s commitment made in 2022 to unlock investment in the hemp and cannabis sector.

During the Phakisa Action Lab gathering held in June 2023, the President said the cannabis and hemp sector is one of 14 priority sectors that have been defined in government’s Country Investment Strategy as holding significant potential to secure investment, job creation and support for sustainable rural livelihoods, in recognition of people’s rights.

“I am confident that the collaborative commitment to work together which characterises our society, will find expression in the Hemp and Cannabis Phakisa, leading to immediate short term regulatory reform, the adoption of a set of foundational policy principles to achieve longer term legislative reform and a detailed plan to achieve inclusive growth and investment,” the President said at the time.

Participants at the Action Lab collectively agreed on the regulatory reforms required to better enable the development of the hemp and cannabis sector.

The reforms will unlock the potential of cannabis in African traditional medicine; pharmaceutical and complementary medicines; and multiple industrial applications.

The regulatory reforms agreed to include reviewing the schedules to the Medicines Act to further enable cannabis grown for non-medicinal uses, including industrial purposes.

The Phakisa Action Lab further resolved to explore mechanisms to fast-track the removal of cannabis from the Drugs Act.

This will be a historic achievement through which the cultivation of non-medicinal cannabis will be legal under the terms and conditions of the Plant Improvement Act, which falls under DALRRD.

The development of the hemp and cannabis industry has so far seen the issuing of 83 cannabis licences, four manufacturing licences and 30 research permits by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) since 2022. The authority is an entity of the Department of Health

The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development has also issued 371 hemp permits, which has enabled significant investment, employment creation, the application of technology, intellectual property development and exports to highly competitive global markets.

And that is no smoke and mirrors story. - SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Tue, 10/31/2023 - 11:43

539 views

31 October 2023

Four CIT robbers killed on N4 during shootout with police

Location: News

Four CIT robbers killed on N4 during shootout with police

Four cash in transit (CIT) robbers were fatally wounded in a shootout with law enforcement agencies in Mmakau in the North West province on Monday afternoon.

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), a multi-disciplinary team received intelligence about a group of suspects planning to commit a cash in transit robbery between the North West and Gauteng.

“The information was operationalised and led the team to the N4 highway where the identified suspects' vehicle was observed.

“The suspects' vehicle was spotted as it turned towards Mmakau. A high-speed chase and shootout ensued as soon as the suspects realised they were about to be captured.

“The suspects lost control of their vehicle and collided with a fence. Four of the suspects were fatally wounded and three unlicensed firearms, two handguns as well as a rifle were recovered from the scene,” said the police.

The suspects are aged between 30 and 45-years-old.

The multi-disciplinary team - comprising the Hawks Tactical Operations Management Section (TOMS), Gauteng Traffic Saturation Unit, Gauteng Traffic Police Chopper, Badboyz Security, Tracker Connect, CAP Specialised Operations, FRS-Falcon Risk Solutions, SAPS PHO Crime Intelligence, SAPS Anti-Gang Unit and SAPS Gauteng Tactical Response Team – have been applauded for foiling the would-be cash in transit heist.

Police said further investigations are ongoing. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Tue, 10/31/2023 - 11:46

524 views

31 October 2023

Kolisi dedicates World Cup win to all South Africans

Location: News

Kolisi dedicates World Cup win to all South Africans

With the melting pot of different cultures in the Springbok team, Captain Siya Kolisi has attributed winning the 2023 Rugby World Cup to the champions working together in pursuit of inspiring the nation.

Addressing a media briefing upon their arrival at OR Tambo International Airport from France, Kolisi thanked South Africans for supporting the team during the tournament and dedicated the win to people who want to achieve their dreams regardless of their circumstances.

“We wanted to make sure that this win was for the people of South Africa because of the diversity in our team. We all come from different walks of life and different races. This trophy is for people who come from tough circumstances and disadvantaged areas… who want to make something out of their lives. This is for you because we also come from those environments. We want people to get a reference point to see how they can make it from their situation. It is also for people who come from rich homes,” Kolisi said on Tuesday.

The national team was welcomed at the airport by scores of jubilant South Africans donning the Springbok colours with hopes of getting a glimpse of the world champions. This is after they triumphed over New Zealand in the final match of the 2023 Rugby World Cup tournament, beating New Zealand 12-11 on Saturday to lift the Webb Ellis Cup once more.

“As a team we had to learn [to work together]. We knew our cultures were different and that comes with differences amongst ourselves. We had a coaching staff who knew how to align us as a group; who knew how to put us together so we can focus towards a common goal, which was the Springboks and the people of South Africa.

“Our coaches taught us about taking care of each other and reminded us about our painful past, which some people have not healed from. We speak about it honestly amongst our team and talk about transformation. It is important to talk about healing from our past. We need to know the way forward; how do get better as South Africa,” he said.

Kolisi said transformation is about people changing internally; understanding each other’s cultures and taking care of each other.

“I know this win is going to inspire the country but it will not change people’s circumstances. For us as players, it will give us a platform that can open opportunities through the work that we do with our foundations,” he said.

Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Zizi Kodwa said the victory paid homage to President Nelson Mandela who had the vision that sport has the ability to unite.

“Your performance both on and off the field has represented you well as ambassadors of the country of our dreams, united as defined in the preamble of our Constitution,” he said.

South Africans will get the opportunity to see the 2023 Rugby World Cup trophy in person when the Springboks embark on a four-day tour from Thursday.

The tour has been meticulously planned to convey the team’s appreciation and proudly showcase the trophy as it embarks on another four-year journey in South Africa.

The tour will start in Pretoria, Johannesburg and Soweto – concluding at FNB Stadium – on Thursday, 2 November. It will then continue in Cape Town (Friday, 3 November) and Durban (Saturday, 4 November) before concluding in the Eastern Cape (East London) on Sunday, 5 November.

“The locations have been selected for population size in the first three instances and because of the Eastern Cape’s rugby significance in the fourth. Satellite tours to Bloemfontein, Nelson Mandela Bay and other centres will be scheduled for 2024. Such tours following the 2019 victory had to be abandoned because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The route for each tour has been prepared in consultation with the respective local authorities and the South African Police Service,” SA Rugby said on Sunday.

Route maps and timings will be published at www.springboks.rugby and on SA Rugby’s social media channels and by local authorities. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Tue, 10/31/2023 - 13:55

290 views

31 October 2023

Hundreds march in the rain in Durban to demand municipal jobs

Location: News

The workers also want the eThekwini municipality to pay them on a higher salary scale

31 October 2023

First day of Matric exams goes well in Gauteng

Location: News

First day of Matric exams goes well in Gauteng

Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane is pleased that the first day of the 2023 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations, which began on Monday, went well in the province.

In a statement, the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) said that a majority of its districts had no issues in facilitating the writing of English Home Language Paper 1 and English First Additional Language Paper 1 on Monday.

The GDE said that most candidates were present and honoured all rules and regulations as expected.

“We have noted a few instances of absenteeism among full-time candidates in our districts. In Tshwane West, a majority of full-time candidates attended.

“However, about eight candidates approached officials, stating that they were not ready to write; two other candidates did not write due to unknown whereabouts, which is concerning. Three other candidates were also hospitalised due to health issues, and were unable to write,” the GDE said.

In Ekurhuleni South, most full-time candidates also wrote their exam. However, one candidate was caught with a cellphone in the exam centre, which is not allowed. In such an instance, the GDE said the candidate might not be resulted on the subject in question, which is disadvantageous towards their final results.

The GDE explained that they also recorded a concerning rate of absenteeism among part-time candidates from all districts as well.

To this end, the department has re-emphasised the commitments which candidates vowed to fulfill by having signed the NSC pledge. Candidates are discouraged from transgressing their pledge. Candidates are urged to always adhere to exam rules and regulations to maintain the integrity of the examinations and their future.

The GDE further emphasised that all candidates must honour their exams and regulations, as outlined in the pledge. Therefore, unwarranted absenteeism is unacceptable.

The department expressed its deep sadness at an incident where a full-time candidate from Unity Secondary School in Daveyton, Ekurhuleni, tragically took her life by allegedly poisoning herself on Sunday, 29 October 2023, a day before the exams.

Candidates are reminded of the Mental Health pledge they signed, urging them to reach out to the support structures and resources that have been made available in instances where they might be facing internal difficulties during these exams.

Such structures include Childline, which can be contacted by dialing 116; and the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG -- 080 045 6789), which is available on all telephonic and online platforms.

“Despite the first day of exams having went smoothly in Gauteng, we are devastated by the loss of one candidate, who took her own life just before her first exam. We wish to convey our sincerest condolences to her family and the school community at large.

“Learners are urged to use our available structures to express any issues they are facing. Our officials are more than happy to help. Candidates are also encouraged to honour their commitments to these exams and refrain from being absent,” Chiloane said. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Tue, 10/31/2023 - 14:48

103 views

31 October 2023

President to update Parliament on accountability of South African (SA) Reserve Bank and efforts to combat violent crime

Location: News

The Presidency: Republic of South Africa
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President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Thursday, 02 November 2023, engage with Members of Parliament (MPs) on diverse national issues when he responds to Questions for Oral Reply in the National Assembly.

Among issues MPs have raised with the President are:
• the mandate of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) and its accountability to Parliament;
• commissions of inquiry established by the President;
• combating violence against women and children;
• insights gained from the Census 2022 for macro-economic policy;
• fiscal discipline within Government.

The President will also discuss the state of readiness of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and its capacity to fulfill its constitutional mandate.

Parliamentary Questions for Oral and Written Reply are one of the mechanisms through which Parliament holds the Executive to account.

The Questions session will start at 14h00.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency: Republic of South Africa.

31 October 2023

Climate Commission to host skills indaba

Location: News

Climate Commission to host skills indaba

The Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) is expected to hold the second annual Skills Indaba in Johannesburg on Wednesday.

The indaba will be held in collaboration with the Department of Higher Education (DHET) and Training and Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority (EWSETA).

“[The] 2nd Annual Skills Indaba will inform the National Skills Development Plan on institutional transformation and funding mechanisms for a rapid response to the skills demand for the decarbonised economy.

“The Skills Indaba will interrogate the skills landscape and its implications of the just transition for future labour market and skills, to understand current or planned research in relation to climate transition, and to explore integration of climate transition into existing skills planning system,” the PCC said.

The indaba will also reflect on the submitted interventions for the Just Energy Transition Investment Plan (JET IP) funding for skills development.

“[The indaba will also] discuss how to initiate long term research programmes for future skills development planning with climate transition considerations into the national skills development plan with particular focus on jobs to support a just energy transition,” said the commission. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Tue, 10/31/2023 - 12:10

224 views

31 October 2023

Spotlight on gender transformation in the mining sector

Location: News

Spotlight on gender transformation in the mining sector

Gender equality transformation hearings in the mining sector, where companies will be accounting for the state of gender transformation in their businesses and workplaces, are expected to kick off this week.

The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) will host the hearings on 31 October 2023 and 01 November 2023 at the commission’s office in Braamfontein, Johannesburg.

They are a follow-up to the research study undertaken by the commission in 2017, entitled Bold Claims and Small Gains: Reluctance to promote gender equality in the mining sector in South Africa.

CGE spokesperson Javu Baloyi said despite a plethora of legislative frameworks and the amended Mining Charter, compliance with gender transformation remains a concern for the commission.

“The study, among other things, found that there is a disproportionate representation of gender on corporate boards of Directors, Executive Management and general workforce at most mining companies,” Baloyi said.

Through the transformation hearings, the commission seeks to assess compliance with employment equity legislation and related policies; address institutional and systematic barriers to economic and gender diversity in the workplace on the progress of women and persons with disabilities as well as raise awareness on relevant international commitments to gender transformation and the importance of compliance.

The hearings will start with Samancor Chrome Limited on 31 October, followed by Wesizwe Platinum and AngloGold Ashanti on 01 November 2023. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Tue, 10/31/2023 - 12:23

155 views

31 October 2023

Communal toilets overflowing with faeces due to extortion

Location: News

About a month ago, Sanitech workers were held at gunpoint and extortionists demanded several thousand rand