Housing in South Africa: How have we done since 1994?
We’ve made progress but the quality of the data is poor, especially the latest census
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Government partners with business to tackle economic challenges
Government partners with business to tackle economic challenges
Government has established a partnership with business to work together in four critical areas, including energy, logistics, crime and corruption, and employment to give impetus to efforts currently being undertaken.
President Cyril Ramaphosa said this while delivering an address to the nation updating on the Economic Recovery progress on Monday.
“We continue to collaborate with organised labour and civil society to ensure a whole-of-society approach to addressing the most important challenges our country faces. All of this gives us hope that we are turning the tide on the many challenges that we face,” the President said.
This month marks three years since government embarked on the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan, which outlined the actions that it would take to rebuild the economy and create jobs in the wake of the COVID pandemic.
The President acknowledged that the last three years have been extremely challenging, as the country emerges from more than a decade of stagnant economic growth, compounded by the impact of the pandemic.
“We are working to reverse the legacy of the past era of corruption and mismanagement of our State-owned enterprises, which has left us with a persistent energy crisis and an inefficient ports and rail network.
“And we are contending with a range of global and domestic pressures which have set back our economic recovery. And yet, there are clear signs that our efforts are showing results. Electricity supply is improving. Jobs are being created.
“Houses, roads, bridges and dams are under construction. Law enforcement agencies are cracking down on criminal syndicates. The proceeds of State capture are being recovered. These are reasons for hope,” President Ramaphosa said.
Since then, in the midst of severe load shedding and increased global volatility, he highlighted that the economy has continued growing, albeit too slowly. He added that the economy has shown a significant degree of resilience and is now larger than it was before the pandemic.
Reforms – Energy Action Plan
Turning to one of the main challenges in the country, President Ramaphosa told the nation that progress is being made towards ending load shedding.
“We are making progress towards ending load shedding. Our greatest priority has been to reduce the severity and frequency of load shedding to achieve energy security. Over the last few months, there has been a measurable decline in the severity of load shedding,” the President said.
He noted that the Energy Action Plan he announced in July last year is showing positive results, “giving us greater confidence that we will bring load shedding to an end”.
The President said that regulatory reforms that have been initiated have enabled a massive increase in private investment in electricity generation, with over 12 000MW of confirmed projects in development.
Following the introduction of tax incentives and financing mechanisms, he said that the amount of installed rooftop solar has more than doubled to over 4 500MW in the last year.
“The steady progress we are making in resolving the energy crisis is a reason for hope,” he said.
Infrastructure
Another commitment made in the Reconstruction and Recovery Plan was to fix South Africa’s infrastructure through renewed investment in maintenance and construction of new projects.
The President highlighted that several significant infrastructure projects are underway.
“These projects are both contributing to greater economic activity and jobs, and providing much-needed infrastructure for the growth of our economy and the needs of our people.
“These infrastructure projects range from social housing, road construction, rural bridges, and dam constructions,” he said.
President Ramaphosa further highlighted that the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa has to date restored operations on 26 out of 40 commuter rail corridors.
To continue with the restoration of the country’s commuter rail corridors, he said R50 billion will be spent over the next three years to modernise the passenger rail network.
As part of the infrastructure build, the President said that the sixth administration is undertaking significant water infrastructure projects. These include Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project and the Mzimvubu water project in the Eastern Cape, which will involve an investment of R17 billion.
“Around the country, water treatment works are being upgraded, pumping stations are being repaired, and pipes are being laid to get water to under-serviced areas,” he noted.
Logistics system
President Ramaphosa said the country is making progress in restoring its logistics system to world-class standards, so that SA can export goods to global markets.
The National Logistics Crisis Committee is overseeing a range of interventions to stabilise and improve the performance of the logistics system in the short term, in addition to ongoing reform to improve its efficiency and competitiveness in the long term.
He said the Transnet board has developed a turnaround plan, which aims to increase volumes transported on SA’s network.
“Progress is also being made with the introduction of private sector participation in container terminals. I want to make it clear that South Africa’s port, rail and electricity infrastructure are strategic national assets, and that they will remain in public ownership.
“However, introducing competition in operations – both in electricity and logistics – will create greater efficiency and reduce prices in the long term, just as the introduction of competition in the telecommunications sector has led to greater choice and enormous benefits for consumers,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Mon, 10/30/2023 - 21:50
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Social protection key to SA’s ongoing recovery position
Social protection key to SA’s ongoing recovery plan
The introduction of measures designed to cushion the effects of the economic downturn exacerbated by the COVID pandemic has played a substantial role in keeping millions out of poverty in South Africa.
Speaking to the nation on Monday evening, President Cyril Ramaphosa said one of the key pillars of the reconstruction and recovery plan, post COVID-19, was the expansion of social protection and public employment.
The President was frank about the mammoth task that lies ahead in moving the country forward, in terms of creating the requisite jobs and expanding the economy. However, he commended the role played by the country’s commitment to strengthening social protection through initiatives designed to propel the recovery trajectory.
“Over the last two years, the number of people with jobs has increased by two million, bringing the level of employment close to its pre-pandemic level.
“The special SRD [Social Relief of Distress] Grant, known as the R350 grant, which we introduced in 2020, has kept millions of people out of poverty, and continues to provide much-needed support for those who are unemployed.
“The Presidential Employment Stimulus has created over 1.2 million opportunities since its establishment, representing the largest expansion of public employment in South Africa’s history,” the President said.
To date, over four million young people have registered on the SAYouth online platform, and more than one million of them have been able to access opportunities for learning and earning.
“Every one of those jobs created is a reason for hope. Every person who no longer lives in poverty is a reason for hope,” President Ramaphosa said.
Acknowledging the sustained challenges imposed by domestic and global pressures on the South Africa economy, the President made it clear that constraints to growth, including load shedding and the underperformance of the ports and rail network, must be overcome if the country is to realise its own economic growth targets.
Government spending, the President noted, has exceeded revenue since the 2008 global financial crisis, without a commensurate increase in economic growth.
“As the Minister of Finance has noted, for every rand that government collects in revenue, 18 cents go towards servicing our national debt. This means that we are now paying more in interest on our national debt than we are budgeting for the police force.
“Ultimately, more rapid and inclusive growth is the only solution to unemployment, poverty and inequality. Growth is also necessary for the sustainability of public finances.”
The President reiterated the commitment to stabilising the levels of debt and adopting a responsible fiscal policy, saying that the Minister of Finance will set out government’s plans to achieve this trajectory in the Medium Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) on Wednesday, 1 November.
Strengthening municipal performance
The President said urgent and necessary interventions are being undertaken at municipal level in order to improve service delivery in the areas of water and sanitation, electricity, roads and waste collection.
“These interventions are accelerating service delivery where basic services have collapsed.
“While addressing the immediate problems, we are introducing necessary institutional reforms and professionalisation in the appointment of senior municipal officials.”
Spending on health, education, policing and other essential services will be protected as far as possible, the President said.
“As we move to target spending on programmes that are working for the poor, we need to acknowledge that our social grants, including the SRD Grant, as well as our public employment programmes, are vital in supporting those who are vulnerable.
“These programmes have not only reduced poverty, but have enabled recipients to search for jobs and to engage in other economic activity to support their livelihoods.”
The Minister of Finance is expected to provide more details on these and other spending priorities when he presents the MTBPS on Wednesday.
Tackling crime and corruption
The President said the South African Police Service has established 20 Economic Infrastructure Task Teams throughout the country to protect critical infrastructure and tackle the “construction mafia”.
“We are seeing results in arrests for illegal mining, cash-in-transit heists, cable theft, drug smuggling and similar crimes. Increasing the number of police men and women will further strengthen our capacity to curb acts of criminality.
“I have also extended the employment of 880 members of the SANDF [South African National Defence Force] to support the police in combating criminal activity that targets critical economic infrastructure. The police have arrested several people for extortion at construction sites and made over 3 000 arrests for illegal mining.
“Through the intensive efforts of our law enforcement agencies, dozens of illegal mines, unregulated coal yards and unregistered second hand dealers have been shut down.”
Additionally, the Economic Infrastructure Task Teams have confiscated significant quantities of copper cable, rail tracks, coal and other metals.
Turning to State capture, the President acknowledged that over the last four years, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Investigating Directorate has taken 34 State capture and corruption cases to court, involving 205 accused persons.
Freezing orders of R14 billion have now been granted to the Asset Forfeiture Unit for State capture related cases. Around R5.4 billion has to date been recovered and returned to the State.
“As recommended by the State Capture Commission, we are putting in place laws, institutions and practices that reduce the potential for corruption of any sort and on any scale.
“We are continuing to build meaningful compacts with key stakeholders in a number of areas,” said President Ramaphosa. – SAnews.gov.za
Matona
Mon, 10/30/2023 - 22:13
296 views
Wits lawyers apply to join Ugandan court case on Anti-Homosexuality Act
Centre for Applied Legal Studies argues that the Ugandan Parliament violated its own rules of procedure to pass the law
President Ramaphosa declares 15 December a public holiday
President Ramaphosa declares 15 December a public holiday
President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared the 15th of December 2023 as a public holiday in celebration of the Springboks’ momentous achievement at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in Paris, France.
On Saturday night, South Africans watched with pride and joy as the national rugby team became the world champions for the fourth time since the advent of democracy in the country.
Addressing the nation on Monday evening, the President explained that as much as many want a holiday now, most can agree that matriculants must be given time to focus on their exams, after which the celebrations will continue.
“In celebration of the Springboks’ momentous achievement and the achievements of all our other sports men and women, and as a tribute to the resolve of our united nation, I am declaring Friday the 15th of December 2023 as a public holiday.
“We declare this to be a day of hope, a day of celebration and unity. Our sports men and women have shown us what is possible. We will succeed and we will ensure that we leave no one behind,” President Ramaphosa said.
The Springboks will return home on Tuesday and the country will welcome them with great joy and jubilation. They will conduct a victory tour around the country and President Ramaphosa will receive them at the Union Buildings later this week.
The President urged the country to now rally behind the Proteas in the same way as they have given their support to the Springboks.
“I want us all to embark on a period of celebration culminating in a celebratory holiday after our matriculants have finished their exams and the Proteas have done the country proud at the Cricket World Cup,” he said.
Today marks the start of the 2023 National Senior Certificate exams for close on one million learners.
“Over the next weeks, our learners will prove the value of hard work, dedication and the investment that we have made as a nation in the education of our young people.
“We wish them the very best, confident that they will make the country proud,” President Ramaphosa said.
Stronger Together
President Ramaphosa took the opportunity to urge the nation to draw hope and encouragement from the determination and the performance the Springboks and the Proteas have displayed.
The victory by the Springboks and the performance of the Proteas follows the victory of Banyana Banyana in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and their progress to the knockout stages of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The country’s spirits were similarly lifted by the achievements of the national squad at the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin in June.
“The determination and resilience of our teams have given credence to Madiba’s words that sports unites the nation. In their achievements, they have revealed much about the unity of the people of the country they represent.
“As a people, we have shown before what is possible when we are united, when we are determined, when we try hard and when we refuse to give up. Together, we overcame apartheid, ended centuries of conflict and gave birth to a thriving democracy. Together, we confronted and overcame the deadliest global pandemic in over a century. We are indeed stronger together,” he said.
President Ramaphosa emphasised that the Springboks’ victory rightfully calls for a moment of national recognition and celebration.
“As we all watched their progress towards the championship, we marvelled at their resilience and determination to overcome some of the best teams in the rugby world. At moments when their cause seemed lost, they fought back and they emerged victorious,” he said.
The President further applauded the cricket team who have been performing well in the Cricket World Cup. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Mon, 10/30/2023 - 22:30
176 views
Class of 2023 sit for their first paper
Class of 2023 sit for their first paper
With the start of the National Senior Certificate examinations today, Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, has expressed confidence in the work done by the Department of Basic Education, schools management and educators to prepare the Class of 2023 for their final exams.
“We are also confident that the learners are ready and have prepared for this crucial examination period. As we wish the Class of 2023 all the best, we take this opportunity to remind them that it is their determination and hard work that will yield positive results,” the Minister said in a statement.
More than 95% of registered matric exam candidates (almost a million learners) will sit for the English additional language paper today.
Government has called on parents, guardians, and society as whole, to support these learners as they get tested to become future leaders and impactful role-players in communities.
More than 717 377 full time candidates and 181 143 part-time candidates in the public education system alone are registered to write the final examinations across 6 898 centres nationwide.
At the end of this examination period, the Class of 2023 will have collectively written 207 exam papers.
Government has urged parents and guardians to play a supportive role in their children’s academic journey and create a stress-free environment for studying.
“It is common for learners to feel anxious or overwhelmed during this time and learners are advised to talk to their parents, teachers, someone they trust or contact the South African Depression and Anxiety Group on 0800 567 567.
“The country has a collective responsibility to ensure that the first day of the National Senior Certificate (Matric) examinations are not disrupted,” the Minister said.
Government also extended well wishes to the more than 72 500 invigilators in 6 898 exam centres, who carry the responsibility of ensuring the integrity of the exams at the coal-face of the examinations. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Mon, 10/30/2023 - 09:22
639 views
Concourt slaps Home Affairs minister with personal cost order
Minister Aaron Motsoaledi and Director-General Livhuwani Makhode must pay from their own pockets part of legal costs for Lawyers For Human Rights
Springboks to embark on a four-day trophy tour
Springboks to embark on a four-day trophy tour
South Africans will get an opportunity see the 2023 Rugby World Cup trophy when the Springboks rugby team tour the country this week.
The world champions will embark on a four-day Trophy Tour to major regional population centres from Thursday. The team arrives back in South Africa on Tuesday (10:55am) at OR Tambo International Airport and will commence the tour 48 hours later.
This as the national side triumphed over New Zealand in the final match of the tournament, beating New Zealand 12-11 on Saturday to lift the Webb Ellis trophy.
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, on SA Rugby’s social media channels and by local authorities in due course. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Mon, 10/30/2023 - 09:34
1537 views
Navigating the Jewellery World with The Gold Avenue
The Gold Avenue provides a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to navigate the complex world of jewellery. Whether you’re buying, selling, or simply seeking knowledge, their articles offer invaluable insights. Below, we highlight key resources to enhance your understanding and confidence in jewellery transactions. Ethical and Sustainable Jewellery Choices Learn how to make responsible …
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Eskom implements load shedding
Eskom implements load shedding
Eskom has implemented Stage 2 load shedding in a bid to replenish emergency reserves ahead of the colder weather expected this week.
Today (Monday), Stage 2 is being implemented until 4pm and will be followed by Stage 3 until 5am.
Thereafter Stage 2 will return during the day with that pattern repeating until further notice.
“Breakdowns are currently at 16 150MW of generating capacity while the capacity out of service for planned maintenance is 5 950MW. Over the past 24 hours, a generation unit each at Duvha, Grootvlei, Kusile and Matimba power stations was taken offline for repairs.
“In the same period, a generation unit at Kriel Power Station was returned to service. Eskom teams are working tirelessly to ensure that additional generating units are returned to service as soon as possible,” the power utility said.
Eskom has urged consumers to use power sparingly during this week.
“Eskom’s load forecast for the evening peak demand is 24 824MW and Monday’s peak demand is anticipated to be 27 557MW. We appeal to the members of the public to continue reducing demand by switching off non-essential appliances.
“We would like to thank those who do heed the call to use electricity sparingly and efficiently, including switching off geysers and pool pumps from 5pm to 9pm, as this lowers demand and helps in alleviating the pressure on the power system and contributes to lower stages of load shedding,” Eskom said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Mon, 10/30/2023 - 09:40
507 views
B-well Collaborates with CANSA to create the Smart Choice Cookbook, Packed with Cancer-Preventing Recipes
Cape Town, October 2023 – In the quest for a healthier lifestyle, small changes in your diet can make all the difference. By changing something as simple as your cooking oil, you may reduce your risk of getting certain cancers. Throughout the month of October, in alignment with Cancer Awareness Month, B-well took an even …
Why the Western Cape’s industrial property sector is booming
Cape Town industrial property continues to see positive growth as the city is seen as the better place to live and do business. Urban Growth Property Group (Urban Growth) is not letting this opportune moment pass it by and is taking the lead and growing its property portfolio. Urban Growth is an independent property investment …
Petrol price set to decrease by R1.78
Petrol price set to decrease by R1.78
Cash-strapped motorists will breathe a sigh of relief at the pumps on Wednesday as the price of petrol is set to come down by R1.78 a litre.
According to the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy Gwede Mantashe, both grades of petrol (93 and 95 ULP & LRP) will decrease by R1.78 cents per litre, while the price of Diesel (0.05% sulphur) will come down by 85.08 cents a litre.
This means that a litre of 95 which currently costs R25.68 in Gauteng will come down to R23.90.
The price of Diesel (0.005% sulphur) will come down by 82.08 a litre. The price of Illuminating Paraffin (wholesale) will decrease by 97 cents per litre and the Single Maximum National Retail Price (SMNRP) for illuminating paraffin will come down by 1.30 cents
Meanwhile, the Maximum retail price for LP Gas will see a 1.49.00 per kilogram increase.
The fuel price adjustments were due to crude oil prices, Rand/US Dollar exchange rate and the implementation of the Slate Levy.
“The average international product prices of petrol, diesel, illuminating paraffin followed the decreasing trend of crude oil while LPGas increased due to higher prices of propane and butane during the period under review. These led to lower contributions to the Basic Fuel Prices of petrol, diesel and illuminating paraffin by 207.06 c/l, 115.15 c/l and 105.18 c/l, respectively,” said the Minister on Monday.
The adjustment of fuel prices will be effective from 1 November.
On crude oil prices, the department said the average Brent crude oil price decreased during the period under review.
This was mainly due to the rise in global crude oil inventories because of increased production from non-OPEC + producers, the lifting of sanctions on Venezuela by the US, creating a positive outlook on supply as well as the low impact of Israel-Hamas conflict as it has not yet affected flow of crude oil even though it is happening in the oil rich region of the Middle East.
On the Rand/US Dollar exchange rate, the department said the the Rand depreciated slightly on average, against the US Dollar during the period under review when compared to the previous one.
“This led to higher contributions to the Basic Fuel Prices of petrol, diesel and illuminating paraffin by 6.34 c/l, 7.57 c/l and 7.61 c/l, respectively,” the Minister said.
On the implementation of the slate levy, the cumulative slate balance on petrol and diesel at the end of September 2023 had a negative balance of R6.2 billion.
“Therefore, the slate levy will increase by 21.92 cents per litre to 52.62 cents a litre. This will be implemented in the price structure of petrol and diesel with effect from 1 November 2023.” –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Mon, 10/30/2023 - 12:42
532 views
Tenderstem Broccoli: The brand that’s elevating South African palates with a veggie sensation!
South Africans are developing an ever-growing fondness for this extraordinary vegetable, and its popularity is soaring in households. Unlike its plain cousin, regular broccoli, Tenderstem® is the lush, luxurious, and leggy vegetable that stands head and shoulders above all others. David Samuels, EMEA Brand Director for Tenderstem®, expresses his delight: “We’re thrilled see the Tenderstem® …
“A Stone in the Mouth of the Ocean”
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Stronger Together…. In a Coalition
Dear Editor The Multi-Party Charter wholeheartedly congratulates the Springboks for their glorious victory in the Rugby World Cup. Through sheer courage, tenacity and teamwork, they overcame every hurdle they faced, to bring the cup home. We stand with the whole of South Africa in being immensely proud of them and overjoyed by their wonderful success. …
Good Luck 2023 Matrics
Dear Editor The DA would like to wish the 2023 matric class the best of luck as they write the first of their National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations today. We believe that all their hard work and preparation will pay off. We would also like to express our gratitude to the many teachers that have …
South Africa calls for International World to hold Israel Accountable for breaches of International Law
Save the Children has reported that the number of children killed in Gaza over the last three weeks has surpassed the annual number of children killed across all the world's conflict zones since 2019. Since 07 October, more than 3 257 children are reported to have been killed. This includes at least 3 195 in Gaza, 33 in the West Bank and 29 in Israel. Children make up more than 40% of the 7 703 people killed in Gaza. Save the Children estimates that these numbers are likely to go up given that over 1000 children are missing with many trapped under the ruins and rubble as a result of Israel's indiscriminate airstrikes on Gaza.
All of these children killed since 7 October are non-combatants and those responsible for their deaths must be held accountable for war crimes, crimes against humanity and in the case of the scale of deaths in Gaza and increasingly in the West Bank, the crime of genocide must also be investigated. The scale of deaths in Gaza are a direct result of the unlawful actions by Israel on the peoples of Gaza. As South Africa and the majority of countries stated at the United Nations General Assembly on 27 October 2023, as part of the debate on a resolution where more than two-thirds of the General Assembly responded positively to a call for an immediate ceasefire, under the laws of occupation, which forms part of the law of armed conflict, Israel does not have the ‘right to defend itself' using military means as Israel is an occupying power. This is a fact, not an allegation. It has been confirmed by the International Court of Justice. As the occupying power, Israel can use tools applicable to the rule of law, including policing powers to deal with criminal actions. An occupying state cannot exercise control over territory it occupies and simultaneously militarily attack that territory on the claim that it is “foreign” and poses an exogenous national security threat. The notion of Israel's right to defend itself through military means has been used erroneously by some, and deliberately by others to justify the unlawful use of force by Israel on people of Palestine in Gaza and the West Bank.
Those that have encouraged and materially supported the unlawful use of force by Israel in the current situation should therefore be investigated for aiding and abetting the breaches of international law. The numbers of non-combatants killed, especially the numbers of children killed, requires that the world to show that it is serious about global accountability. The ICC has charged Russian President Vladimir Putin with unlawfully taking children out of Ukraine to Russia. Consequently, the wilful killing of children in Gaza surely requires the ICC prosecutor to use his independent powers to initiate prosecutions urgently. Failure to do so will serve to exacerbate the growing cynicism that international criminal law is applied selectively for political purposes.
While we cite numbers, which some world leaders shamefully sought to minimise, as a means to illustrate the scale of the atrocities, this should not mask the very real human tragedy. Entire generations of families have been wiped out in Gaza over the last three weeks. It is estimated that over 80 entire families have been wiped out by Israeli armed action over the last three weeks. On Sunday 29 October, members of the family of one of a senior Palestinian diplomat based in Pretoria were killed in an Israeli air strike in their apartment building in Gaza. Another member of the Palestinian community living in Johannesburg had 25 members of their family killed in an Israeli air strike this morning. South Africa extends its deepest condolences to the families of all victims.
It is in the light of these atrocities that the unethical way the Deputy head of the South African Jewish Board of Deputies, Mr Zev Krengel's, commentary on South Africa's stance on this matter should be condemned. Mr Krengel has repeated discredited information related to the beheading of children in Israel. This disinformation is part of the arsenal of dehumanisation tactics used to justify a ‘by any means necessary' approach to dealing with Hamas, which has resulted in the huge casualties we see today. He also misled the South African public about the nature and process of Minister Naledi Pandor's call from Hamas and of her official visit as an envoy to Iran. Given the potential libellous nature of his utterances, more commentary on this will be done at a later stage. It is important to raise it as Krengel and the organisation on whose behalf he represented these views are out of step with the views of most South Africans and people across the world. This includes scores of Jewish people in South Africa and across the world who have called out the actions of Hamas and the Government of Israel. Millions of people, many under the banners of Jewish Voice for Peace, have marched in New York, London, Turkey and other cities over the last few days. They have all called for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza and called for investigations into the breaches of international crimes.
One of these crimes, the crime of genocide, sadly looms large. President Lula da Silva of Brazil has called the attacks on Gaza a genocide. Minister Pandor too, reminded the international community not to stand idle while another genocide is unfolding. At the United Nations Security Council debate in New York last week, she stated the following: “We all recall that in 1994 a genocide occurred on the African continent with much of the whole world watching as innocent people were massacred. History cannot keep repeating such cruelty, we should establish a system of global governance that is fair, equitable, and has the capacity to respond to the needs of all persons in situations of threat and harm – a system that is not just a tool for the most powerful countries of the world but that provides protection for the most vulnerable”.
South Africa echoes the United Nations General Assembly's resolution that called for an immediate ceasefire and the immediate opening of a humanitarian corridor to provide food, medical supplies and fuel. South Africa also calls on the United Nations to deploy a rapid protection force to protect the civilian population from further bombardment.
All countries genuinely committed to a rules-based system underpinned by international law must act immediately.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
An Alternative Medium Term Budget Policy Statement to tackle cost-of-living crisis
Dear Editor Today, the DA presented its Medium Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) for 2023. Our Alternative proposes policy changes that would enable our economy to grow and generate the jobs South Africans so desperately need. Adjustments to Government spending can redirect our fiscal trajectory from the cliff towards more sustainable budgeting and provide urgent …
FALKE South Africa Appoints Modern CEO
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30+ Records Broken at 2023 Rugby World Cup
To highlight a few records broken, South Africa became the nation with the most title wins at the Rugby World Cup (4), they became only the second nation to ever win successive titles in RWC and they became the first nation to achieve a rare feat twice – they won the World Cup after previously …
Warning against circulating harmful information
Warning against circulating harmful information
The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) has warned the public against sharing a message that is circulating and promising free data.
“The department would like to warn members of the public to desist from participating in sharing the false information and cautions against opening such links as they are fake and harmful,” the DCDT said on Monday.
The department said government is striving to ensure that it brings about digital equilibrium by ensuring that it embarks on various activities aimed at connecting the unconnected and leveraging opportunities for everyone to participate in the digital economy.
“DCDT has been by far deliberate on digital inclusion by spearheading programmes such as South Africa Connect Phase 2, which seeks to fast track internet penetration in all public institutions and the community at large.
“The 2 step approach towards the conclusion of Broadcast Digital Migration is another example of moving our country towards a digital economy as this will see the roll out of the High Demand Frequency Spectrum and will result in the decrease of data costs,” it said. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Mon, 10/30/2023 - 14:49
212 views
aYo diversifies insurance payment options with Revio
aYo diversifies insurance payment options with Revio: African insurtech aYo Holdings, jointly owned by telecommunications giant MTN and insurer Sanlam Allianz, is pioneering omnichannel insurance premium collections and claims payouts, through a partnership with payment orchestrator, Revio. This development will make it easier for aYo’s millions of customers to pay for life and hospital cash …