MyZA
News, Directory, Events and Other Stuff
Dear Editor The Police Portfolio Committee on Police today approved a motion of desirability on the IPID Amendment Bill which was found to be unconstitutional by the Office of the Chief State Law Advisor (OCSLA), a Parliamentary Legal Advisor and an Advocate outside of government. The OCSLA refused to certify this unconstitutional Bill yet the …
Dear Editor The DA has been inundated by complaints from desperate South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) grant beneficiaries who are struggling to withdraw their funds from ATMs and retailers due to technical glitches from Postbank. This is particularly worrying as yesterday was allocated for the payment of old age grants and many seniors were …
Cele briefs on KZN political killings
The Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Political Killings in KwaZulu-Natal has urged political parties to strengthen their internal mechanisms in order to defuse inter- and intra-tensions and instability, which may escalate and lead to political attacks and killings.
Addressing media on Wednesday following the committee’s meeting in Durban, Police Minister and IMC chairperson, Bheki Cele, said as the country gets closer to the National General Elections next year, efforts are being solidified to boost the work of the IMC, as well as investigations.
“In enhancing the work of the task team, the IMC has resolved that there will be dedicated courts to speedily prosecute these matters,” Cele said.
The IMC -- which consists of the Ministers of State Security Agency, Defence, Justice and Correctional Services and Police -- remains committed to encouraging political tolerance by individuals and parties, whether before, during or after the election period.
Cele said through the integrated work of the task team, the IMC is committed to arresting those who use violence to settle political scores.
The task team includes the South African Police Service (SAPS), National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) - supported by the State Security Agency and Correctional Services, the KwaZulu-Natal Premier, and KZN Community Safety and Liaison MEC.
Progress on cases
Giving the latest developments around the investigation of politically linked violence in KZN, Cele said since 4 July 2018, a total of 321 cases have been investigated.
Cele said the cases under scrutiny by the team include 155 cases of murder; 51 attempted murder, 77 intimidation, 12 cases of conspiracy to commit murder and 26 other ad hoc cases.
“So far, the work of the task team has resulted in the arrest of 348 suspects, who have already been charged on 233 cases. Sixty-two suspects have been convicted, while 155 are going through the court processes. Seventeen arrested suspects have since died during the court processes,” Cele said.
Cele noted that firearms are the most used weapon in the majority of the attacks on councillors, office bearers and municipal officials.
He said the team has recovered 46 firearms from suspects, which are linked through ballistics to multiple political murder cases before the task team.
In a continuous effort to reduce political killings and at same time, reduce the proliferation of firearms within the province of KwaZulu-Natal and country at large, Cele said the task team is also investigating parallel cases that are not related to the task team’s mandate but are linked with politically related cases with similar suspects and ballistic analysis.
He said 85 such cases have so far been registered, and efforts to rid the streets of illegal firearms do not end here.
Over and above these parallel cases, Cele said the team continues to conduct intelligence driven operations, targeting unlicensed firearms, which has resulted in 86 cases being registered in this regard.
“The task team is conducting intelligence driven operations targeting the possession of unlicensed firearms, which has resulted in 172 cases. Over 250 unlicensed firearms have been taken off the streets through police operations,” the Minister said.
Region stabilisation
Cele said since the implementation of an integrated multi-disciplinary investigation approach, eight of the province's 11 regions have since stabilised.
However, he said, the eThekwini Metropolitan remains an area of concern, and the focus is now on the region to bring much needed stability.
“The IMC is encouraged that interventions are in place to deal with all forms of politically related crimes, proactively and reactively in the eThekwini and in the Zululand District.”
Political killings
The investigations of the political killings revealed that the most affected political parties are the African National Congress (ANC), Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) and National Freedom Party (NFP), with 52 murder cases of councillors, including 31 councillors from the ANC, 14 from the IFP, and four from the NFP.
“While 52 councillors have been gunned down since 2011 to date, alarmingly 103 officials working within municipalities as political office bearers and officials in political offices were killed.
“Causative factors for these crimes are linked to intra-political conflicts, with a few cases linked to other motives, such as taxi violence, domestic related issues, business competition and traditional leadership competition, as well as family feuds.
“Murder cases that were reported before the 2016 and 2021 Local Government Elections were mainly as a result of fighting over councillors’ positions; where candidate councillors were eliminated.
“The majority of the murder cases reported after the 2016 and 2021 Local Government Elections were associated with infighting within structures and municipalities over positions,” Cele said.
High profile cases
Sentences handed down in high-profile cases include:
• Mfanafuthi Zulu (notorious hitman): found guilty and sentenced to a total 10 years imprisonment for the murder of ANC Member Bongani Mhlongo.
• Kingdom Phoswa (hitman): found guilty and sentenced to a total of 18 years imprisonment for the murder of ANC Ward Councillor Njabulo Dlamini.
• Bongekile Ngcwaba and Thuthukani Mzolo: found guilty and sentenced to 20 years imprisonment each for the murder of ANC Ward Councillor Kheyelethu Mngcwaba.
• Ntsazane Mthetiswa, Gutshana Zwelandile, Mcobhoti Aphelile and Ntsethe Bonasile (ANC members): found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment (25 years each) for the murder of EFF member Sbusiso Mbhobo.
• Mxolisi Mzokhona Gcabashe (hitman): found guilty and sentenced to a total of 28 years for the murder of ANC Councillor Minenhle Mkhize.
• Nkosinathi Mantengu (land grabber): found guilty and sentenced to a total of 36 years imprisonment for the murder of IFP member Philangenkosi Nkundlane and his son Bongani (on three counts).
• Thanda Chamane (hitman): found guilty and sentenced to a total of 42 years imprisonment for the murder of IFP Councillor Mfazo Nzuza (on three counts).
– SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 09/06/2023 - 14:51
Laurian Johannes-Haupt, who had been acting as interim assistant coach for the Springbok Women’s team this year, has been formally recruited by SA Rugby to join the team as assistant coach, leading up to the WXV tournament in October. Johannes-Haupt, a former national player, was named interim forwards coach in March and travelled with the …
KZN youth-owned businesses to benefit from R90m fund
Fifty-nine youth-owned businesses are set to benefit from the R90 million KwaZulu-Natal Youth Empowerment Fund.
Announcing the youth businesses approved for funding during a ceremony held in Durban on Tuesday, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube said the event marks an important milestone in government’s quest to push back the frontiers of the stubbornly high rate of youth unemployment in the province.
She said moment marks the fulfilment of a pledge made during the State of the Province Address earlier this year, which was delivered under the theme, ‘Taking Decisive Action in the time of Renewal and Hope as we Rebuild a Better, Prosperous, and Resilient KwaZulu-Natal’.
The Youth Fund was established by the Office of the Premier in 2018 as part of government’s concerted efforts to crank up youth development and empowerment in the province.
According to the fund structure, 90% of the fund received by each beneficiary is channelled to buy equipment in order to lower their cost of business, while 10% is for working capital.
Dube-Ncube said during the first phase, R60 million was disbursed to 51 youth-owned businesses. In the current phase, which was opened in July 2021, a total of 4 016 applications were received for funding.
“Of those applications, 2 854 were disqualified for various compliance and other reasons while 1 162 were processed by the KwaZulu-Natal Growth Fund, an entity of government that is responsible for the disbursement process and management of the Youth Fund.
“A further rigorous evaluation process was undertaken, and 352 applications were shortlisted for the due diligence stage. Ultimately, site visits were conducted, which resulted in the 59 [businesses] that are today the recipients of the funding. The funding ranges from R200 000 to R2 million,” Dube-Ncube explained.
The Premier said youth-owned businesses that benefited from the current window operate in various strategic sectors, including water security, transport and logistics, farming technology, the digital economy, automotive and maritime industries.
“We could not have asked for a better present to mark the close of Women’s Month, as evidenced by the fact that 42% of the approved applicants are women. This is a significant improvement, if we consider that only 15% women applicants had benefitted previously.
“Our goal, moving forward, is to ensure at least a 50-50 access between men-owned and women-owned businesses,” the Premier said.
The Premier said they are encouraged by the fact that there is adequate geographic spread in terms of the distribution of beneficiaries as they come from across all the districts in the province.
She said the provincial government is decisively addressing the divide between urban and rural, the poor and affluent. They believe that all people must benefit equally from government’s interventions.
The Premier noted that the fund also approved businesses that are owned and managed by unemployed graduates and youths from professional sectors, including medical, engineering and accounting disciplines.
The Premier also announced that the new window (for R100 million funding) will be opened soon. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 09/06/2023 - 13:04
Ahead of the 10th Rugby World Cup, Bettingexpert.com have collected a list of all of the records that could possibly be broken at this year’s tournament in France. To highlight a few, South Africa or New Zealand could break their tie (3 wins) and become the nation with the most titles won since the tournament’s …
What if you could travel to a new country, meet new people, and taste new flavours? That’s what Nando’s Make the Table Bigger (MTTB) campaign offered to South Africans who wanted to expand their horizons, forge new connections, and revel in the joy of exploration. Launched on Freedom Day 2022, this campaign was inspired by …
In the current era of digitalization, where people store sensitive information online, account takeover (ATO) attacks have become a growing concern. Data breaches have increased, with attackers constantly looking for vulnerabilities to exploit. Due to the growing sophistication of attackers, the shift to remote work and digital transactions, and the increasing value of stolen data, …
Postbank says problem has mostly been resolved
Authenticity, hyperlocal stories, and a visceral understanding of the audience are pivotal indicators for success in the African television and film landscape.
While various insights, overwhelmingly practical and actionable, were shared during a MultiChoice panel discussion at MIP Africa this week, these three indicators served as a throughline for how content creators could successfully pitch to become part of MultiChoice's creative ecosystem.
The panel discussion, Unlocking Opportunities: MultiChoice and the African Film & TV Industry, took place at MIP Africa, an annual opportunity for African content creators, producers, and sellers to present their work to a global array of buyers, investors, and potential co-production partners. MIP Africa forms part of Fame Week Africa, a week-long festival focusing on African television, music, and film. MultiChoice plays a key role as a sponsor of both events.
According to Waldimar Pelser, Channel Director: Premium Channels at MultiChoice, their most valuable content creators understand their market. “The most productive conversations we have are with producers that consume our content and on a visceral level know who our audience is. (Our partners) have to understand who they're making content for.”
In terms of what that content looks like, Pelser shared that content that can only be made locally, and that viewers would not be able to find elsewhere, reap the most success.
Popular genres include drama and unscripted reality, with the consensus being that while successful themes are universal, viewers want something “uniquely South African,” with the setting being locally specific and the story and storytelling showcasing an understanding of who the audience is.
Viewers also tend to gravitate toward dramas with authenticity, warmth, and optimism, while there is generally a low tolerance for gimmicks – in any genre. In unscripted reality, shows where the audience can see themselves on screen generally enjoy success. “For unscripted it's a mirror,” said Pelser. “We want to see ourselves on screen. (Shows) that remind us who we are – those tend to work.”
Tebogo Matlawa, Head of Scripted Content: Middle & Mass: South Africa at MultiChoice, echoed Pelser and said that while the audience wants to see themselves on screen, producers should also “look outside the bubble of their own existence” when working on content.
“Our audience likes to be involved and go on the journey” and for that reason, they've found that very family-orientated shows, with a female point of view, and generally not risqué, do well. While action and dramas have seen success, there isn't much of an appetite for violence. “Always think, would you watch this with your grandmother?” he advised when considering pitches for scripted content for middle and mass markets.
Victor Sanchez Aghahowa, Head of Production, West Africa for MultiChoice Africa, as well as Nicola van Niekerk, Head of Content for Premium Channels and co-productions, reiterated MultiChoice's success with hyperlocal content. “We need the connection; people need to feel. If not, what are you doing?” said Aghahowa. “Compelling characters in compelling situations that anybody can relate to – that's what we're looking for. Anything inauthentic will immediately be sniffed out by our younger audience.”
According to Van Niekerk, Showmax, specifically, has seen significant success with documentaries as well as dramas.
In terms of co-productions, Van Niekerk pointed to the necessity for producers to have an in-depth understanding of both the local and the international audience before pitching a project. “As a producer, you need to assess your story and say, ‘Where will this story work?' Will it work in a very specific demographic hyper locally in South Africa, but where else will it work? Which other broadcaster will like that? And to know that you need to understand all of the broadcaster's strategies (on a global level).”
She warns against assuming that what works locally will work elsewhere. This helps to secure funding if the appetite and interest have already been assessed.
Van Niekerk said popular co-productions generally have three things in common: “It's crime, it's English and it's in a beautiful setting. We can tell that those work the best.”
Lerato Moruti, Senior Manager: Reality and Entertainment for Middle & Mass: M-Net, said that successful reality shows provide a sense of tabloid voyeurism, with family-based reality shows that rate high with viewers. But, said Moruti, South Africans look for meaning in content, and respond well to “help TV”, specifically referring to the popular Mzansi Magic reality show Abandoned about orphaned children that seek out family members later in life.
For more on MultiChoice at MIP Africa visit: https://www.MultiChoice.com/Fame-Week
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of MultiChoice Group.
SARS Commissioner calls for tax administrators to be excluded from budget cuts
South African Revenue Service (SARS) Commissioner Edward Kieswetter has called on National Treasuries to exclude tax administrations from across-the-board austerity measures, as it poses a threat to innovation, fiscal integrity and sovereignty.
“Once you suspend funding, the end result will always be the suspension of innovation and regression against the progress of other administrations. This goes against the intrinsic value of digitalisation in improving tax compliance and detecting tax non-compliance,” Kieswetter said on Tuesday in Cape Town.
He was addressing the 2nd Network of Tax Organisation (NTO) Technical Conference, which took place under the theme: ‘Digitalisation of Tax Administrations and Contemporary Issues’.
“As more financial transactions are taking place digitally, more third party data sources are shared with tax administrations, and central bank digital currencies are emerging, the importance of digitalisation and consequently the use of data science, and artificial intelligence have become central to revenue collection, compliance and trade facilitation.
“So, in short, whenever budget cuts are required, National Treasuries – Budget Offices are advised to avoid across-the-board cuts and ensure a more prudent approach to invest to build enabling and productive economic capacity, create employment, and thus expand the tax base.
“This secures fiscal integrity and sovereignty in the long run. Tax administrations should be excluded from across-the-board austerity measures. The investment in digitalisation should not be disrupted. The cost of recovery is simply too high in every respect,” Kieswetter said.
He said the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the modernisation and digitisation of work at SARS.
“COVID-19 inadvertently took us to the drawing board to think from first principles, and very quickly accelerated our response towards reprioritising our technology investment to enable our employees to work during the hard lockdown and to allow taxpayers to continue to fulfil their tax obligations,” the Commissioner said.
Although SARS has made progress, he explained that much more still needs to be done, as the revenue service is behind in its digitalisation journey.
“I want to pause here and focus on one element as a critical enabler of the digitalisation journey - and that relates to funding. Before State capture, SARS was a leader in digital modernisation for many years.
“However, partly due to financial constraints, but also a short-term approach, budgets were then frozen for a number of years and SARS fell behind in driving technological innovation. We have now managed to restore some additional funds to continue our modernisation, but we are still substantially underfunded to move at the necessary speed in an environment that is changing exponentially, business models are being disrupted, and tax crime proliferating at an alarming rate,” he said.
SARS faces the challenge of not only having to play catch-up after many years of underinvestment, but also of accelerating modernisation simply to remain relevant.
“We are at a point where we can again focus on innovation. The important lesson here is that the digitalisation journey is not a finite project, but a new way of being. It is an ongoing journey. Once you suspend funding, the end result will always be the suspension of innovation and regression against the progress of other administrations,” the Commissioner said. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 09/06/2023 - 10:08
The Springbok Women will face the world famous and star-studded Barbarians Women in Cape Town in two weeks’ time, while also playing Test matches against Kenya and Samoa as part of their preparations for the WXV 2 tournament in October. The South Africans will open their warm-up campaign with a Test against African opponents Kenya …
6 September 2023 – In an era when the health of people and our planet demands immediate attention, the EduPlant Programme emerges as a beacon of hope, offering a fresh perspective on education that intertwines learning with sustainability. After 28 years and the creation of thousands of school food gardens across the country, the EduPlant …
Govt reviews Intergovernmental Relations Framework Act
President Cyril Ramaphosa says government has embarked on a comprehensive review of the Intergovernmental Relations Framework Act of 2005, to ensure that the different spheres of government work in a joined-up and coordinated manner to secure the well-being of the people of South Africa, among other things.
“In the design of our democratic unitary state, we introduced cooperative governance to ensure that the three spheres of government worked together to meet the needs of the people. Each sphere of government has constitutionally assigned powers and functions that cannot be encroached upon, but need to be mutually respected.
“Chapter 3 of the Constitution requires all spheres of government to cooperate with one another in mutual trust and good faith by, among others, fostering friendly relations and assisting and supporting one another. Importantly, the Constitution says that all spheres of government must secure the well-being of the people of the Republic,” President Ramaphosa said.
The President said the District Development Model (DDM) is geared towards improving and strengthening the intergovernmental relations system as an approach towards giving effect to the Constitutional principles of cooperative governance.
“The District Development Model approach has made great strides in ensuring that the principles of cooperative governance guide how we plan, budget and implement key government programmes and projects across the country. This is demonstrated through the Presidential Izimbizo and implementation of key catalytic projects identified in intergovernmental long-term One Plans.”
To date, the President said, experiences in the implementation of the DDM have placed greater emphasis on the requirements to undertake a review and re-look at the policy instruments framing and guiding of intergovernmental relations system, and cooperative governance.
Progress in addressing challenges identified at Imbizos
President Ramaphosa highlighted some of the progress made and key service delivery interventions through Izimbizo, and these include road maintenance projects in Mpumalanga, the provision of title deeds in North West, measures to tackle livestock theft in the Free State, and the provision of water in North West, Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal.
The President said through the Izimbizo government has further identified opportunities for skills development in key economic sectors in districts such as mining and agriculture in North West and Limpopo and energy programmes in Northern Cape.
“Through the information and contribution collected during the various Izimbizo, it has been possible to identify interventions that are required in many localities across the country. The benefit of these engagements therefore extends beyond the communities in which they take place as they are able to improve service provision more generally,” President Ramaphosa said.
He added that the documenting and tracking of key resolutions emanating from the Izimbizo are part of the design of the Izimbizo.
“Quarterly implementation reports indicate that measurable progress is being made in addressing the challenges identified, which are done in an intergovernmental manner. The various intergovernmental platforms established through the Izimbizo protocols are also tasked to address challenges where these occur.
“District Development Model political champions are assigned for each district and metro, and are tasked to provide regular updates not just to the established intergovernmental platforms but also to the respective communities,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 09/06/2023 - 10:01
Lady R executive summary report released
The executive summary of the independent panel’s investigation into the December 2022 docking of the Lady R vessel at Simonstown has been released.
The Presidency on Tuesday evening said that due to the classified nature of the evidence that informed the report, “government will not publicly engage further on the substance of the report”.
The vessel’s docking gave rise to public controversy, when now debunked allegations suggested that South Africa had loaded weapons onto the ship bound for Russia to assist in that country’s current conflict with Ukraine.
In the executive summary, the panel – led by Judge Phineas Mojapelo – explained that cargo was only offloaded from the vessel.
“The details of the equipment offloaded and its intended use were made known to the panel. In light of this classified information, the panel accepted the reasons provided for the decision to offload the equipment at night.
“This, as well as the nature and purpose of the equipment, are aspects which may need to be considered when the President decides what may be published.
“Despite some rumours that some equipment or arms were loaded on the Lady R, the panel found no evidence to substantiate those claims. Available evidence only confirmed the offloading and that there was nothing loaded,” the summary reads.
The executive summary is available for download here https://www.presidency.gov.za/download/file/fid/2862.
During his address to the nation on Sunday, President Cyril Ramaphosa highlighted that the allegations had done damage to South Africa’s image.
“In recent months, statements from several quarters have used these allegations to call into question South Africa’s commitment to its position on the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The allegations levelled against our country had a damaging effect on our currency, economy and our standing in the world. In fact, it tarnished our image as a country.
“When all matters are considered, none of the allegations made about the supply of weapons to Russia have been proven to be true, and none of the persons who made these allegations could provide any evidence to support the claims that had been levelled against our country,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 09/06/2023 - 10:04
MyPR was initially started as a resource for us to gather re-useable South Africa and Africa focused content to re-publish on numerous web properties that we own. We figured that our social contract between PR Professionals seeking to get their clients messages out (without being too ‘mangled’ by journalists re-writing releases!) and providing a platform …
President condemns attacks on judiciary
President Cyril Ramaphosa has reiterated his condemnation of the attacks on the judiciary.
“All the citizens of South Africa are enjoined to respect, protect and promote our Constitution and the rule of law by respecting and protecting the judicial authority of our courts.
“This is important to ensure that our constitutional democracy continues to thrive,” President Ramaphosa said on Tuesday in Cape Town.
Participating in a Questions for Oral Reply session in the National Assembly, the President explained that the judiciary is an essential part of the democratic order.
“The Constitution clearly states that the courts are independent and subject only to the Constitution and the law, which they must apply impartially and without fear, favour or prejudice.
“I have often spoken out publicly against attacks on our judiciary. Unless supported by evidence, such claims undermine confidence in our courts and weaken our Constitutional order,” he said.
The President acknowledged that the Constitution guarantees of freedom of expression and opinion. However, he reminded South Africans that these freedoms should not undermine the Constitutional order, as this may lead to the erosion of trust in the judiciary.
Section 165(3) of the Constitution states: “No person or organ of State may interfere with the functioning of the courts”.
President Ramaphosa encouraged anyone who feels aggrieved by the conduct of any member of the judiciary to approach any of the relevant bodies to lodge a complaint.
“In the case of judges, this body is the Judicial Service Commission and in the case of magistrates, it is the Magistrates Commission. If the grievance is about a court’s decision, there are processes of review and appeal available.
“The Chief Justice is tasked with the development, implementation and monitoring of the norms and standards applicable to the Judiciary and therefore the Chief Justice can also be approached to ensure that the norms and standards are adhered to,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 09/06/2023 - 09:10
“There is currently no legislation that prescribes what quantities of cannabis may be possessed or cultivated”
Judge Anton van Zyl retired in 2021 despite having eight outstanding judgments
A MUST: 5 THINGS TO DO IN CAPE TOWN THIS SPRING Visiting Cape Town, South Africa in spring is an unparalleled experience. As the Mother City sheds its winter cloak, it comes to life with a burst of vibrant wildflowers, breathtaking scenery, and a mild and inviting climate. Spring here promises the allure of colorful …
Agency accused of turning down too many applicants
SA strives to meet national ambient air quality standards
While South Africa’s air quality monitoring network shows that the country has not yet met the national ambient air quality standards, significant strides to attain improvements in the quality of air have been made.
Addressing the National Air Quality Governance Lekgotla, Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Makhotso Sotyu, said despite government’s efforts over the years, particulate matter, sulphur dioxide and ozone remain the key pollutants of concern, especially in metropolitan municipalities and the air quality priority areas.
“Large scale industrial activities, power stations, vehicles, waste burning, and the burning of open veld continue to be major causes of air pollution. Recently, load shedding has increased the country’s reliance on alternative energy sources such as generators, coal, wood, charcoal, and paraffin in communities. The reliance on these alternative energy sources not only poses health hazards to the individuals themselves, but also exacerbate the deterioration of air quality,” Sotyu said on Monday.
Since the promulgation of the National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act, South Africa has made significant strides to attain improvements in the quality of air.
“Our country has progressively facilitated the realisation of the Constitutional Right to an environment that promotes sustainable, equitable and inclusive growth that is not harmful to the health and well-being of citizens.
“We have advanced these constitutional rights to a safe and healthy environment with strong laws, vibrant cooperative governance, and innovative tools on air pollution management. These laws and tools must be supported by an effective and proactive enforcement to reduce harmful levels of air pollution and ensure a safe and healthy environment,” Sotyu said.
She further noted that South Africa’s quality monitoring stations continue to face increasing pressure due to escalating operational and maintenance costs and ageing infrastructure.
“At a time when the country is faced with economic and social challenges, and fiscal constraints, the national Department has had to find new ways to meet monitoring objectives through the support of the South African Weather Service (SAWS).
“We will be calling upon the entity to assist all spheres of government in managing several strategic stations for the foreseeable future. Such an intervention must ultimately build the much-needed technical capacity in government that will be sustainable,” she said.
The National Air Quality Governance Lekgotla took place in Polokwane, Limpopo, under the theme: “Scalable Emission Reductions by 2030.”
“While capacity at local government remains a challenge, the implementation of the Special Cabinet decision to assist struggling municipalities with the administrative function of processing atmospheric emission licences has enabled significant improvements in this regard.
“The sector has achieved an efficiency of 88% in processing atmospheric emission licences in the last financial year, compared to 63% achieved in the previous financial year,” Sotyu said.
The Deputy Minister said the department is developing priority area regulations to implement and enforce Priority Area Air Quality Management Plans.
“I am happy to report that these regulations have undergone extensive public consultations and will be considered for publication soon. These regulations will intensify accountability and a shared responsibility across all sectors of society in improving the quality of air,” the Deputy Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Tue, 09/05/2023 - 09:51
Setting up an effective SEO strategy for your business is no longer optional; it’s a necessity. With the digital landscape becoming increasingly competitive, businesses need to be proactive in ensuring they are easily discoverable online. But how do you go about setting up SEO for your business? In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through …
Introduction When it comes to digital marketing, Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a term that’s often thrown around. While most businesses understand the importance of SEO, many are left wondering about the costs involved. The truth is, the cost of SEO can vary widely depending on a range of factors, including whether you’re planning to …