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In the realm of smart homes, there’s a lot of buzz about various gadgets and devices. From smart lighting to intelligent security systems, the options are endless. However, there’s one element that often goes unnoticed but is crucial to the seamless functioning of all these devices: the Home Automation Operating System. Let’s dive deep into …
Presidency responds to UDM abandoning load shedding case
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s spokesperson Vincent Magwenya has responded to the United Democratic Movement (UDM) and other applicants abandoning their load shedding court case.
The UDM and its co-applicants, which included the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) and Build One South Africa, had taken government to court on an urgent basis, on an issue that required government to coordinate numerous department responses in relation to the “very complex matter” of load shedding.
“This legal challenge questions the lawfulness and constitutionality of the Just Energy Transition Investment Plan,” said Magwenya.
He was speaking on Thursday during a regular press briefing with media houses to update them on the President’s diary.
Magwenya said the process to coordinate government’s response required government to “spend a great deal of energy, time and money to respond in detail, as it always does on any matter before the courts”.
“This process has cost taxpayers money and to some extent taken attention away from the urgent related issues to which government has to attend operationally.”
He said the UDM, Building One SA, Numsa and others made government spend public funds and time on this gathering of information before suddenly withdrawing the application.
Government, according to Magwenya, always approaches such matters with a view that it is not only responding to the applicants, but it is responding to the public, while attending to the underlying issues in the normal course of the administration.
“Therefore, for all these applicants to take up time and taxpayers' money to then simply walk away because they finally appreciated the detailed substantive and indisputable response submitted by government is in fact an insult to both the court and the South African public.
“In particular, the UDM is well represented in Parliament where government continuously accounts to elected representatives of the people in work in progress and challenges faced,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 09/14/2023 - 15:44
In today’s fast-paced digital era, the concept of a home has evolved beyond four walls and a roof. Modern homes are now integrated with technology, offering residents unparalleled convenience, security, and entertainment. But what exactly is in a fully smart home? Let’s delve into the world of home automation and discover the wonders of a …
The Prestige of Gold in Johannesburg Johannesburg, often referred to as the City of Gold, has a rich history intertwined with the allure and value of gold. From the gold rush era to the modern-day, the city has been the epicenter of gold trading, making it a prime location for selling gold jewellery and gold …
Dear Editor Today, the Ministers of Social Development and Communications and Digital Technologies, Lindiwe Zulu and Mondli Gungubele, addressed the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) grant payment chaos of the past two weeks which was apparently caused by a payment glitch of Postbank’s own making and affected more than 500 000 vulnerable beneficiaries. The …
President Ramaphosa to deliver eulogy at Prince Buthelezi's funeral
President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the eulogy at the special official funeral of the late Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi in Ulundi, KwaZulu-Natal on Saturday.
Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya confirmed this during a press briefing with media houses to update them about the President’s diary at the Union Buildings on Thursday.
Buthelezi passed away on 9 September 2023, at the age of 95.
President Ramaphosa has honoured Buthelezi by declaring his funeral a special official funeral category 1.
“In accordance with the state, official, and provincial official funeral policy of the government, a special official funeral category 1 is a recognition reserved for individuals of extraordinary distinction as designated by the President of the Republic of South Africa,” Magwenya explained.
The funeral, according to the President’s spokesperson, will include elements of military honours.
“The President has directed that flags be flown half-mast at flag stations around the country until the evening of Saturday, which is the day of the funeral,” he added.
G77+China Summit
The First Citizen has delegated International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor, to lead South Africa’s delegation to the Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Group of 77 and China.
The gathering, which will be held on 15 and 16 September, will focus on the role of science, technology and innovation.
“President Ramaphosa values the importance of the Group of 77 and China as the largest intergovernmental organisation of developing countries in the United Nations (UN).”
The platform, according to Magwenya, is where Global South countries can articulate, promote collective economic interests and enhance their collective negotiating capacity.
“This capacity is brought to bear on global issues that are deliberated within the UN system and on the advancement of South-South cooperation for development.
“The President welcomes the opportunity for South Africa to contribute to the Group’s debates, analysis and consensus on the main challenges facing the South,” he added.
UNGA78
Meanwhile, it was announced that President Ramaphosa will lead South Africa’s delegation to the General Debate of the 78th Session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA78) which takes place from 18 to 26 September 2023 in New York, in the United States.
The President will deliver the South Africa statement to the UN General Assembly on Tuesday, 19 September 2023.
A number of high-level engagements will precede the address to the UN General Assembly.
These include summits on Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health; Sustainable Development Goals; a High-Level Dialogue on Financing for Development; Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response; and Climate Ambition to be hosted by the UN Secretary-General.
President Ramaphosa will also lead discussions during the Presidential Roundtable that will hosted by the United States Chamber of Commerce and the US-Africa Business Centre.
His programme will also include several bilateral meetings on the sidelines of UNGA.
South Africa’s participation at the UN, Magwenya said, is directed by its international relations policy objectives, among others. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 09/14/2023 - 15:22
Dear Editor Parliament’s 6th Parliament legislative is a poor reflection of the institution Chairperson, As the sixth Parliament winds down its business, we should take a long and hard look at the work we have done to improve the lives of the South Africans we represent in this House. Have we sufficiently held the executive …
Nestled along the Dolphin Coast in KwaZulu-Natal, Ballito has steadily transformed from a sleepy holiday town into a burgeoning property hotspot. With its stunning beaches, dynamic culinary scene, and promising real estate market, the town beckons both holiday-goers and serious property investors. But what makes Ballito stand out when it comes to purchasing property? Let’s …
Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance (DA) is deeply concerned to learn that the Post Bank Board has resigned en masse, citing a “hostile and oppressive” work relationship with the Minister of Communications & Digital Technologies, Mondi Gungubele. The DA had written previously to the Minister and Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee, asking for accountability regarding …
A moment of solidarity will be observed ahead of the anthems at the France v Uruguay Rugby World Cup 2023 Pool A match in Lille on Thursday to remember those affected by the floods in Libya and earthquake in Morocco. Rugby World Cup 2023 and the global rugby family stands in solidarity with the people …
Dear Editor As the country goes through a punishing and economically destructive stage 7 load-shedding schedule, it is now abundantly clear that the Minister of Electricity – Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, has failed. His appointing authority, President Cyril Ramaphosa, has adopted a ‘hands-off’ approach on the electricity crisis, further underlining the fact that the ANC has run …
Edinburgh hooker Stuart McInally has been called up into the Rugby World Cup 2023 squad to replace David Cherry who has left the tournament through injury. To ensure a full front row complement McInally, who is playing in his second Rugby World Cup, joined the Scotland squad today after initially being put on standby following …
Premier Alan Winde is delighted that the Western Cape Government (WCG) has been recognised as a Top Employer in South Africa for 2023. “I am very proud of all 80 000 members of our WCG family. Your dedication and commitment to serving the residents of our province never goes unnoticed and is always appreciated,” Premier …
14 September 2023 – FNB, recently declared South Africa’s Most Valuable Brand*, has delivered strong results for the financial year ending 30 June 2023, boosted by sustained growth in customers, deposits, transactional activity, and take-up of its comprehensive product range. Against the backdrop of a tough economic climate that has strained the finances of households …
Gold is not just a precious metal; it’s an investment, a hedge against inflation, and a symbol of wealth and prosperity. Among the many ways to invest in gold, one of the most recognized and esteemed is the Krugerrand coin. If you are looking to understand the gold Krugerrand price today to sell or the …
SA economy demonstrates resilience through multiple gains
Despite the prevailing difficult global economic conditions, South Africa’s economy continues to demonstrate its resilience, with multiple gains being achieved towards the country’s economy, investment and trade.
These include the 0.6% expansion of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the second quarter of 2023, a R5 billion investment pledge by auto component manufacturers, job creation at the Rainbow Chickens facility in Hammarsdale and an investment by Stellantis to develop a greenfield manufacturing facility.
“Cabinet is pleased with the resilience of the South African economy as shown by South Africa’s GDP second quarter data, as released by StatsSA. This is despite the prevailing difficult global economic conditions and the persistence of the electricity situation in the country,” Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said on Thursday.
According to Stats SA, six industries on the supply side of the economy grew in the second quarter, with manufacturing and finance driving much of the upward momentum.
“The manufacturing industry increased by 2.2% in the second quarter, contributing 0.3 of a percentage point to GDP growth. The continued improvements in manufacturing data indicates improvements in the production capacity, which in turn contributes to an increase in total manufacturing employment.
“The petroleum, chemical products, rubber and plastic products division made the largest contribution to the increase in the second quarter. The basic iron and steel, non-ferrous metal products, metal products and machinery division also made a significant contribution to the growth in this industry,” the Minister said.
The finance, real estate and business services industry increased by 0.7% in the second quarter, contributing 0.2 of a percentage point to GDP growth while the agriculture, forestry and fishing industry increased by 4.2%, contributing 0.1 of a percentage point to GDP growth.
The personal services industry increased by 0.7% in the second quarter, contributing 0.1% of a percentage point to GDP growth.
The Minister made these remarks during a media briefing in Pretoria on the outcomes a Cabinet meeting that was held on Wednesday.
Cabinet had at the meeting also welcomed a pledge for an investment worth approximately R5 billion by auto component manufacturers made at the National Association of Automotive Component and Allied Manufacturers (NAACAM) show recently.
“These pledges by companies operating in South Africa show the confidence of the industry in the South African market and the opportunities to localise the production of components, providing auto assemblers with a more resilient supply base.
“Shortly after the announcement, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition officially opened the Benteler plant extension in the Eastern Cape, producing components for local car assemblers. The expansion of production is estimated to replace imports worth R1 billion and the workforce grew to 743 workers,” Ntshavheni said.
Gains in poultry sector
Cabinet said the recent job creation for 750 people at the Rainbow Chickens facility in Hammarsdale demonstrates the success of the implementation of the Poultry Masterplan.
“During 2017, Rainbow Chickens had retrenched more than 1 000 workers and closed operations. After adoption of the masterplan, government implemented a variety of measures to safeguard the local poultry industry including placing anti-dumping duties on poultry imported from producers in five countries.
“This, together with increased investment and measures to transform the industry and bring more black-owned firms into the market, has seen real successes,” Ntshavheni said.
Rainbow Chickens has since re-opened and invested R220 million.
In addition, the overall employment within the poultry industry has been reported to have increased by 2 780 jobs and more than R2 billion in fresh investment has been implemented.
Meanwhile, Cabinet welcomed the confirmation by Stellantis of its intention to develop a greenfield manufacturing facility in Coega, South Africa. The greenfield manufacturing project is planned to be completed by the end of 2025.
“The first launch, planned for early 2026, is for a 1 T pick-up truck, with volumes expected to reach up to 50 000 annually, including for export, in line with the industry masterplan, known as the Automotive Production Development Program (APDP).
“Direct employment to support the first capacity step is expected at 1 000 jobs. Stellantis will be massively investing in over 500 000 hours in training and skills to develop and support the local teams to the level of global standards. We are targeting a localisation rate over 30%,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 09/14/2023 - 11:19
Pretoria East, located in South Africa’s northern Gauteng Province, is quickly emerging as one of the top residential and investment areas in the region. Boasting a mix of historical significance, modern amenities, and a serene suburban setting, the question arises: Is Pretoria East truly a commendable place to call home? Let’s dive into the details. …
“I believed they were going to injure me, take my gun and shoot me”
The allure of coastal living, combined with the comforts of urban sophistication, makes Umhlanga a unique and sought-after location in South Africa. But what truly defines this coastal town? Is Umhlanga genuinely a great place to reside? Let’s explore. Coastal Charm with Modern Amenities Umhlanga seamlessly merges the best of both worlds. On one …
Cabinet firmly committed to NHI implementation - Minister Ntshavheni
Cabinet is forging ahead with “its firm commitment for the implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI)”.
This according to Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, who held a post-Cabinet media briefing on Thursday.
Ntshavheni explained that the NHI represents a way to ensure that all South Africans have access to quality healthcare.
“The commitment to NHI is premised on the fact that both public and private health sectors are not sustainable. The current parallel and fragmented systems must be integrated into a national system so that all resources are accessible to all people.
“The implementation of the NHI is premised on the implementation of a comprehensive approach to accelerating infrastructure improvement in the public sector. This is not something that should be contemplated separately from the reforms in the NHI Bill,” she said.
Ntshavheni explained that through the NHI, the pressure on “congested public facilities” will be lifted.
“Focusing narrowly on the intended reforms of private financing of healthcare has detracted from the Bill’s intended reforms of public and private provision of services. It is in reforming the service platform that space will be created for decongesting public facilities.
“When the NHI Fund is able to purchase services from both public and private providers, we will begin to see the pressure lifted from highly pressured public facilities,” she said.
The Minister emphasised that during every phase of implementation of the NHI, progress is monitored.
“The intentional distortion that the passage of the Bill will reform everything overnight is mischievous at best. The transitional provisions are clear that the implementation will take time and that the reforms will be implemented in phases.
“At each and every phase there will be evaluation of the impact and the necessary gaps and corrective measures will be taken,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 09/14/2023 - 11:30
Global Unity Initiative In early September 2023, business leaders from Guernsey’s financial sector assembled in Cape Town to rekindle ties with South African businesses and with sport for development programme CoolPlay. A team from WE ARE GUERNSEY, along with 20 delegates from the island, were back in Cape Town to promote Guernsey’s financial services sector, …
Many are keen to create vibrant gardens with the arrival of spring, but the start of the El Niño weather cycle and the anticipated hot, dry weather need to be considered when choosing plants. Renowned South African botanist, landscaper, and author of best-selling field guides on wildflowers and trees, Dr Elsa Pooley, has shared her …
Cabinet kept abreast of Eskom maintenance plans
Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, says Cabinet has been updated on Eskom’s current planned maintenance plan which has resulted in higher stages of load shedding.
The increased maintenance is aimed at ensuring the sustainability of Eskom’s plants.
“The concerted implementation of the planned fleet maintenance programme has resulted in increased stages of load shedding in recent days.
“The implementation of Stage 6 load shedding in the last week was a regress from the trends that prevailed in the previous weeks of lower stages of load shedding,” she remarked.
The Minister was briefing the media following this week’s Cabinet meeting.
She said “the current implementation of increased stages of load shedding is a short-term phase as Eskom prepares for more sustained and lessened stages of load shedding in the not-so-distant future”.
“The Minister in the Presidency for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, will continue to update the nation on the progress being made to address the current electricity challenges and the steps being taken to ultimately end load shedding,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 09/14/2023 - 11:44
South Africa is a diverse country made up of vibrant, multicultural communities. This cultural richness is evident in the many languages, dialects, phrases, and expressions that make South Africa so unique. The recent addition of South African Sign Language to the country’s 11 existing official languages creates even more opportunities to connect. To celebrate the …