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SA working to accelerate water and sanitation access by 2030

Location: News

SA working to accelerate water and sanitation access by 2030

South Africa is working to expedite the realisation of Sustainable Development Goal 6 by 2030, paying special attention to the needs of women, girls, and people in vulnerable situations, said Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister, Judith Tshabalala.

In line with the country’s Constitution, South Africa has developed the National Sanitation Policy that endorses the national sanitation targets, as outlined in the National Development Plan (NDP) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, aims to achieve universal access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all by 2030, and end open defecation, paying special attention to the needs of women and girls and those in vulnerable situations.

Tshabalala, together with African Ministers of Water and Sanitation from Egypt, Prof Dr Hani Sewilam and Carl Hermann Schlewein, participated at the Africa Focus Session held during World Water Week Conference in Stockholm, Sweden.

The Africa Focus Session aimed at fostering partnerships for translating water and sanitation commitments into tangible improvements in the lives of all in Africa and beyond. 

The outcomes of deliberations will inform ongoing efforts to accelerate the achievement of water and sanitation goals in Africa.

Tshabalala said the department manages water resources in a balanced approach to ensure their sustainability and economic growth in the country. 

“Our water resources determine how South Africa experience and respond to climate change. The climate challenge has brought innovative approaches to water services, such as looking at water infrastructure and sources from a multiple water-use perspective. 

“The recent water shortages attributed to climate change, saw innovation through partnerships and the use of technology to optimise the use of available water resources and access to new water sources.”

The discussions around Africa Focus Day will foster alliances that transcend beyond borders and also map a trajectory toward a future where sanitation and hygiene are universally attainable, regardless of socioeconomic standing or geographical location. 

The resolutions will be endorsed and adopted by the African Union and African Ministers' Council on Water (AMCOW), as a Ministerial council that engages on all initiatives that will take Africa’s water sector forward, reaffirming the departmental mantra that says “Sanitation is Dignity”.

The Deputy Minister led a South African delegation to the conference, hosted by the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI).

The conference, which ended on Thursday, focused on innovation, particularly at a time of unprecedented challenges facing water security around the world.

The 2023 annual gathering of the World Water Week happened when Africa is at its highest, in rolling out the Africa Investments Programme (AIP), which is led by the International High Panel on Water Investment, comprised of sitting Head of States, UN entities and African Union entities. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Fri, 08/25/2023 - 10:07

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PRASA introduces current Electric Motor Units on the KwaMashu to Durban corridor

Location: News

PRASA introduces new Electric Motor Units on the KwaMashu to Durban corridor

The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has reached another milestone with the approval to run a commercial service with the new Electric Motor Units on the KwaMashu to Durban corridor.

With this service, commuters on the KwaMashu Corridor can look forward to the built-in safety features that come with the new trains such as on-board CCTV cameras, an anti- crash system, wider doors that allow for easy entry and exit and air-conditioning.

The Voice Alert and Information Display Systems will ensure that commuters get off at the right destination.

In a statement on Friday, PRASA announced that following a No-Objection certificate from the Railway Safety Regulator RSR), the new, blue and white modern trains, popularly known as Isitimela Sabantu, will be running on the KwaMashu Corridor between Dalbridge and Bridge City from Friday, 25 August 2023 during off-peak.

The blue and white trains are already running on the Southern Corridor between Durban and Umbogintwini and Durban to Cato Ridge lines.

“The phased rollout of the Electric Motor Units on the recovered corridors is part of PRASA's wider strategy to modernize and improve passenger rail services across South Africa and make rail a safe, reliable, and affordable mode of transport.

“These trains are the most advanced passenger trains in the country and they significantly improve the passenger experience,” PRASA Group CEO Hishaam Emeran said.

Peak services on the KwaMashu Corridor with the new trains will be announced soon, subject to RSR approval.

Plans are also underway to recover the Durban to Crossmoor and Durban to Pinelands services in this financial year. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Fri, 08/25/2023 - 10:29

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Twin chefs Lebo and Tebo Ndala host Women’s Month Rooibos Masterclass

Location: MyPR

Rooibos tea has been enjoyed as a hot or cold beverage by South Africans for centuries, but did you know that this flavourful tea is also a popular ingredient in the culinary world? South African twin chefs and Laager Rooibos ambassadors, @withlovefromthetwins Lebo and Tebo Ndala, decided to kickstart Women’s Month with a Masterclass for …

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New Elite Domestic Competition For Welsh Rugby

Location: Sport

After thorough consultation throughout the game in Wales, the Welsh Rugby Union has announced plans for a new, semi-professional Elite Domestic Competition (“EDC”) to sit below the regional game. Approval has been granted by the Indigo Premiership clubs, Community Game Board, Rugby Management Board, Professional Rugby Board and the WRU Board of Directors to start …

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WP Seek to Trample Daisies

Location: Sport

The Bulls Daisies will be looking to complete an unbeaten 14-match winning streak and claim the SA Rugby Women’s Premier Division title for the first time since 2006 at Loftus Versfeld B in Pretoria on Saturday, but if DHL Western Province have their way, the trophy will be going back to Cape Town with them. …

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Has the Department of Defence been the victim of a ransomware attack?

Location: News

Dear Editor The Minister of Defence and and Military Veterans, Thandi Modise, should urgently provide clarity on unconfirmed reports claiming that the Department of Defence (DoD), possibly including Armscor, has been a victim of ransomware attack which has compromised sensitive military data, potentially placing the country’s national security at severe risk. These unverified reports allege …

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Xi says BRICS expansion historic, recent starting point for cooperation

Location: News

The State Council Information Office: The People's Republic of China
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Chinese President Xi Jinping said Thursday that the BRICS expansion is historic and a new starting point for BRICS cooperation.

Xi made the remarks at a press conference during the 15th BRICS Summit after South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that six countries, namely Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, were invited to become new BRICS members.

China offers its congratulations to these countries, and expresses its high appreciation for the efforts made by South Africa, the chair of BRICS, and President Ramaphosa, Xi said.

The expansion reflects the resolution of the BRICS countries to unite and cooperate with other developing countries, meets the expectations of the international community, and serves the common interests of emerging markets and developing countries, Xi stressed.

He added that the expansion will also inject fresh vitality into the BRICS cooperation mechanism, and further strengthen the forces for world peace and development.

The BRICS countries all hold important influence and shoulder crucial responsibilities for world peace and development, Xi noted.

During this summit, in-depth discussions were held on the current international situation and BRICS cooperation, among others. Broad consensus was reached, a declaration issued, and fruitful results achieved, he said.

Xi said he believes that as long as the BRICS countries pull together, a lot can be achieved in BRICS cooperation, and a promising future awaits the BRICS countries.

The Chinese president also called on BRICS members to work together to write a new chapter of solidarity and cooperation among emerging markets and developing countries for development.

The press conference was hosted by Ramaphosa, and also attended by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Russian President Vladimir Putin participated online. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The State Council Information Office: The People's Republic of China.

Read moreXi says BRICS expansion historic, recent starting point for cooperation

BRICS women business alliance strategic catalysts for economic development

Location: News

BRICS women business alliance strategic catalysts for economic development

KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, has described the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance Africa Trade Conference as a resounding success and economically meaningful for women.

The BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) Women’s Business Alliance Africa Trade Conference was held this week at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli ICC in Durban and brought together over 500 women-led Small Medium Enterprises, from 18 countries, including Zambia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Saudi Arabia, Ghana, Tanzania, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and several other African countries.

The conference saw the signing of several partnership agreements worth billions of rand, which the Premier commended as strategic catalysts for economic development. 

Dube-Ncube said, in the landscape of interconnected economies, multilateral trade and investment play an essential role in forging a path towards inclusive prosperity and a more resilient global economic order.

She said the deals are worth over R48.4 billion and over 120 000 jobs will be created across these projects. 

“This marks a pioneering moment in our shared journey as women,” the Premier said.

Among the strategic partnership agreements that were signed during the conference was the Russia-South Africa Mobility Center on BRICS, with a projected investment value of R47million, which represents a ground-breaking collaboration between the United Immigration Center (Russia) and Africans Do Travel Pty Ltd (South Africa). 

This partnership aims to establish a physical centre in South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal province, with a central goal of facilitating smooth cross-border mobility for education, work, and tourism. 

“This initiative underscores the significant influence of population mobility in advancing global sustainable development and economic stability,” Dube-Ncube said.

In the sphere of infrastructure, the R1.96 billion Innovation and Building Technologies Centre of Excellence is set to be established through Private Public Partnership between Afuraka IBT Consortium, and Russia's Federal Autonomous Institution "RosKapStroy". 

The centre aims to empower micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the construction sector to foster innovation, knowledge exchange, and skill enhancement for MSMEs, facilitating technologies transfer partnerships while promoting sustainable construction practices and eco-friendly technologies. 

The signing of a Memorandum of Agreement also set on a dynamic agriculture and energy venture between China and South Africa. 

The innovative multidimensional project, valued over R45 billion, seeks to seamlessly integrating marigold plantation and processing facility with an advanced 1GW solar production plant and beef production operation. 

The Premier said the project will be established on a vast 3 000-hectare land parcel.

Regarding the medical and digital economy, a strategic joint venture emerged as the Africa-China AI Medics Platform, uniting Meridian Medical Network Corporation, EtaData, and Human Insights (Pty) Ltd. 

The innovative partnership capitalises on expertise from China and South Africa, harnessing artificial intelligence, big data, and traditional medicine knowledge to shape the future of healthcare. 

Dube-Ncube noted this collaboration aims to revolutionise African traditional medicine by creating a bridge to modern healthcare through the Africa-China AI Medics Platform, fostering economic growth, knowledge exchange, and healthcare accessibility. 

“The project will commence with a pilot phase in South Africa, with an initial investment cost of R281.6 million, before expanding to other countries across the African continent,” the Premier explained.

The conference also witnessed the revolutionary IntelliBiz KZN portal geared towards pulsating business intelligence for economic advancement and progress. 

The Premier said the ground-breaking initiative is led by prominent Chinese tech firm and a leading South African enterprise, aimed at shaping the digital economy. 

“This innovative collaboration aims to provide the KwaZulu-Natal Government with valuable insights into a diverse business community across sectors and an estimated investment of over R846 million over three years, creating 61 600 new jobs. 

“Aligned with KwaZulu-Natal Government's growth agenda, this venture seeks to develop a state-of-the-art KZN Smart business cloud platform that will empower enterprises, entrepreneurs, government entities and other stakeholders through corporate and data resources serving as a catalyst of economic development in KwaZulu-Natal,” Dube-Ncube highlighted.

Building upon this foundation, she said, the goal is to foster robust collaboration between the South African government and society, culminating in the establishment of a harmonious business ecological model that facilitates efficient and collaborative development across government and enterprise sectors.

The conference further witnessed multilateral collaboration between Apollo Hospitals Group, the Health Accelerator and Zayna Africa Holdings. 

Dube-Ncube noted that the Health Precinct initiative holds the potential to transform healthcare standards and spur economic growth across India and South Africa. 

With Apollo Hospitals Group's extensive medical expertise, she said the initiative aims to revolutionise healthcare across Africa, beginning in KwaZulu-Natal.

“Focused on health infrastructure development, medical education, combating various disease burdens, public health initiatives, technological innovation, research, telemedicine, medical tourism, and more, this partnership aims to create comprehensive healthcare solutions. 

“By addressing critical aspects of healthcare delivery and accessibility, from education to technology, this project aspires to enhance healthcare across borders and contribute to global advancements in the field,” Dube-Ncube said.

“In the landscape of interconnected economies, multilateral trade and investment play an essential role in forging a path towards inclusive prosperity and a more resilient global economic order,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Fri, 08/25/2023 - 12:03

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15th BRICS Summit: Nigeria Remains Committed to Collaborating with China, Others – Vice President Shettima

Location: News

The State House, Abuja
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Nigeria remains committed to collaborating with China and other African countries to ensure that the partnership's objectives are achieved for the mutual benefit of both parties, says the Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima.

Vice President Shettima, stated this yesterday when he represented President Bola Tinubu at the BRICS Summit, in Johannesburg at the China-Africa Leaders' Roundtable Dialogue Meeting on the margins of the BRICS Summit, Johannesburg, South Africa.

According to the Vice President, “Nigeria welcomes the new initiatives introduced by the Chinese authorities, which include supporting and promoting the modernization of Africa's agriculture and agribusiness sectors; providing robust support for Africa to expedite regional integration and backing Africa's industrialization and infrastructure expansion.”

Vice President Shettima spoke to a large audience including President Xi Jinping of China and some African leaders on the theme “Promoting African Integration and Jointly Building a High-Level Africa-China Community with a Shared Future” at the Sandton Convention Centre.

He commended the existing partnership between China and Africa particularly “the three newly identified initiatives and priority areas of cooperation, between China and Africa in the areas of agriculture, industrialization, and human capacity development.

He said these align with the “Renewed Hope” mantra of Tinubu Administration, the African Union's Agenda 2063, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030”, adding that “they are relevant to our continental and national development aspirations.”

Vice President Shettima praised further the commitment of China stating that “Nigeria firmly endorses China and anticipates forging a close collaboration with the Chinese authorities, the African Union, and all stakeholders.”

He envisioned that this collective efforts will elevate the Africa-China comprehensive strategic and cooperative partnership to unprecedented heights, driven by our mutual pursuit of economic prosperity.

While appraising the partnership further, the Vice President identified critical areas for the prevailing partnership between Africa and China to include “fostering synergy among the pertinent national institutions tasked with formulating, coordinating, and implementing national policies in the three priority areas of cooperation; and encourage efforts that promote African ownership of these initiatives.

Other areas include “the new undertakings should be designed in a manner that acknowledges local particularities, is community-based, and tailors to individual country needs, “amplify international resources for financing education in Africa; Solicit input from pertinent African Union institutions and continental organizations such as the African Development Bank (ADB), the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa, and other related regional bodies.

The VP also stressed the importance of “financing Africa's Infrastructure, with a focus on advancing key infrastructural components like Farm-to-Market Corridors, Farm-to-Ports Corridors, Export Transport Corridors, Railway Networks, Road Network Upgrades and Expansions, Airport Enhancements, including dedicated export-oriented airports, Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution.”

On Nigeria's relationship with the global south, Vice President Shettima told his audience that Nigeria prioritises its relations with the Global South and deeply values all aspects of the South-South Cooperation, noting that the Global South is currently grappling with unparalleled challenges.

Continuing, “we are compelled to devise solutions for climate change and establish security measures to contain and prevent transnational crime, terrorism, and cyberattacks. We are confronted with a significant rate of youth unemployment and disruptive natural disasters.

“This situation provides us with the chance to reassess the challenges we collectively face, as well as those confronting our partners”, he submitted.

In his address, the President of China and co-chair of the Dialogue, Xi Jinping pledged to African leaders who attended the meeting on the sidelines of the Summit that China would launch initiatives to support Africa's industrialization and agricultural modernization.

The Vice President was accompanied to the event by Nigeria's High Commissioner to South Africa, Amb. Muhammad Haruna Manta, the Consul-General, Amb. Andrew Idi and other senior government officials.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The State House, Abuja.

Read more15th BRICS Summit: Nigeria Remains Committed to Collaborating with China, Others – Vice President Shettima

Tax Ombud engages taxpayers at Fourways Mall

Location: News

Tax Ombud engages taxpayers at Fourways Mall

Taxpayers who require assistance with tax matters have been encouraged to visit the Fourways Mall today as the Tax Ombud is there to assist people who have tax complaints against the South African Revenue Service (SARS).

“We are at the Fourways Mall promoting awareness about the free and impartial services we provide to taxpayers with tax complaints against SARS. Being at the mall is part of our concerted efforts to take our services to the doorsteps of communities nationwide,” Tax Ombud Yanga Mputa said on Friday.

The Ombud has been providing status updates on existing tax complaints, but most importantly, help those who want to lodge new complaints.

“The response from taxpayers, tax practitioners and businesses since we have been here has been amazing, and this shows the need for us to go to our communities and empower the public about the much-needed service we provide to those needing assistance,” Mputa said.

Taxpayers have been benefitting from the Tax Ombud’s initiative to take services to the doorsteps of communities since Tuesday, 22 August 2023. The campaign at Fourways Mall ends on Monday, 28 August 2023.

She said that while the Office of the Tax Ombud plans to increase its footprint (it currently has a single office in Menlyn, Pretoria), visiting communities and increasing face-to-face engagements with stakeholders will remain a priority.

“Although we have embraced digitisation enabling taxpayers to lodge complaints and engage with us from anywhere in the country, we also acknowledge the desire for that personal face-to-face engagement from our stakeholders, as well as that some have not embraced technology,” Mputa said.

She encouraged taxpayers to visit the Fourways Mall food court for assistance.

“Our team of operational, legal and communications specialists are ready to answer your tax questions and assist with tax complaints. The Office of the Tax Ombud senior leadership, including the CEO Professor Thabo Legwaila, is also providing full support to our team at the mall. I will also be at the mall on Saturday, 26 August 2023, to assist and provide support,” Mputa said.

She reiterated that the Office of the Tax Ombud is committed to promoting and protecting taxpayer rights but will not assist taxpayers in dodging their tax obligations.

“We have access to the SARS system and can independently verify any information received from taxpayers, which is very important to ensure our impartiality when dealing with complaints,” Mputa said.

The visit to the mall is part of the Making Taxpayers’ Rights Matter educational campaign launched on 1 August 2023 by the Tax Ombud.

Delays in payment of tax refunds and identity theft are some of the typical taxpayer complaints received at the mall. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

nosihle
Fri, 08/25/2023 - 12:27

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Mchunu welcomes appointment of modern Water Tribunal

Location: News

Mchunu welcomes appointment of new Water Tribunal

Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu has welcomed the newly appointed members of the Water Tribunal, a structure set to hear water related appeals against the department or any responsible authority in line with the National Water Act.

The Water Tribunal is an independent body established in terms of Section 146(1) of the National Water Act, 1998 (Act No 36 of 1998) as amended, and members are appointed on a four-year term.

The Act provides for the Minister of Water and Sanitation to establish a Water Tribunal to presides on appeals against the decisions taken regarding declining of water use licence applications, adverse decisions on transfers of water use rights or during the processing of water use authorisations applications, directives issued, as well as claim by a catchment management agency for the recovery of costs.

Welcoming the nine members, Mchunu said their appointment completed the institutional arrangement needed for the water sector to thrive. 

“As you start your four-year term and execute your role, I would like to implore you to be conscious, sensitive and considerate of the role you will be playing in a developmental state this country is. I am looking forward to working with you and hope you will work objectively and within the parameters of the law. 

“We are dependent on you to work with us in continuing to clean the image and the perception that the department had garnered overtime- that of tardiness, delays, inefficiencies and corruption- by promoting good governance, zero tolerance to corruption and ultimately making sure that the country occupies a good space and lead in the continent and globally as a sector,” Mchunu said.

He added that the principals have been working very hard to reposition the department to be where it is now, and “cannot be seen to be going backwards”.

The Minister further implored the newly appointed chairperson of the Water Tribunal to fast-track the finalisation of the amendment of rules governing the processes of structure, as it is one of the main contributors to delays in concluding matters before the Tribunal.

The newly appointed tribunal is composed of nine members, including the chairperson and deputy chairperson, as well as seven additional members.

The newly appointed members are:
•    Advocate Puseletso Loselo (Chairperson)
•    Unathi Mbeki (Deputy Chairperson)
•    Advocate Nomusa Lekgetho
•    Rainy Disebo Mashitisho
•    Maxwell Sirenya
•    Khuliso Mudau
•    Peter-John Veldhuizen
•    Lahlane Malema
•    Emmanuel Mpanza

In terms of the Act, the Water Tribunal has jurisdiction in all provinces of the country and may conduct hearings anywhere within the Republic.

Some of the decisions that can be appealed through the tribunal, include directives issued by a catchment management agency under section 19 (3) or 20 (4) (d) by the recipient; a claim by a catchment management agency for the recovery of costs by affected person; a decision to decline a water use licence application in terms of section 40 of NWA; a decision of a responsible authority on the verification of a water use under section 35 by a person affected; as well as against amendment of a condition of a licence by a responsible authority.

Appeals and applications to the Water Tribunal take the form of a rehearing, written or oral evidence and all parties are given opportunity to make their own representation, question or be questioned in terms Rule 7 of the Water Tribunal Rules. 

The judgment is then sent to the office of the Registrar for publication on the Tribunal website. – SAnews.gov.za

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Fri, 08/25/2023 - 10:36

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United Arab Emirates joins BRICS Group

Location: News

United Arab Emirates Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation
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The United Arab Emirates officially joined the BRICS group after a successful application ratified by the five founding nations, the Federative Republic of Brazil, the Russian Federation, the Republic of India, the People's Republic of China and the Republic of South Africa. The announcement was made as leaders of the five countries met from August 22-24 in Johannesburg for the 15th BRICS summit.

The UAE is committed to multilateral action, and constructive dialogue which is fostered through active platforms that represent developing and emerging economies at an international level. In this regard, becoming a member of an extended BRICS grouping reflects the UAE's keenness to champion the value of multilateralism in supporting peace, and development for the benefit and the wellbeing of peoples and nations across the world.

The UAE has been a long-term partner of the BRICS group, having participated in June's ‘Friends of BRICS' forum in Cape Town, convened as part of the BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting, chaired by the Republic of South Africa. The UAE also joined the BRICS New Development Bank in October 2021, after it was established in 2015 to mobilise resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in emerging markets, developing countries, and BRICS nations.

Commenting on the UAE's successful application to join BRICS, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs, said: “We express our appreciation to the five founding members of this important grouping, with our successful application reflecting BRICs' approach to partnerships and its strong spirit of friendship.”

His Highness added: “This development forms part of the UAE's commitment to promoting constructive dialogue through active platforms that represent developing and emerging economies, and the country's focus on long-term economic prosperity and maintaining balanced strategic and economic relations—including with international organisations—in an ever-evolving world order. The UAE has consistently championed the value of multilateralism in supporting peace, security, and development globally.”

For his part, His Excellency Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State, stated: “We express our appreciation regarding the agreement of the leaders of the BRICS countries on the inclusion of the UAE in this important group as of January 2024, and we are grateful for their confidence in this regard. The UAE seeks to support multilateralism and partnerships to achieve development, prosperity and benefit for all countries and peoples.”

HE Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan continued: ”The UAE's inclusion in the BRICS group reflects its keenness on international and multilateral cooperation to achieve sustainable development for all countries around the world.”

Commenting on this occasion, His Excellency Ahmed Al Sayegh, Minister of State, stressed: “The UAE is a global hub for trade and economic development, with a foreign policy focused on supporting long-term economic prosperity. The country adopts innovative strategies, and is working to build an economy based on knowledge and diversity, reinforced by scientific and technological progress.”

HE Al Sayegh emphasized: “Over the past five decades, the UAE has worked to strengthen international partnerships. Its membership in BRICS reflects the country's open approach to reinforcing collaboration with international economic institutions. The UAE is moving rapidly to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of its economy while exploring new opportunities.”

For her part, Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, said: “We are pleased to join the BRICS group, which the UAE recognizes as a mechanism to promote global peace, stability, and prosperity.”

HE Al Hashimy concluded: “The UAE believes in championing multilateralism and actively contributing to important international arenas. This includes engaging with BRICS, participating regularly in the G20 process, and hosting the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) climate conference in November.

“The UAE stresses that the future of global security and prosperity relies on strong multilateral partnerships and cooperation on the international level, and a shared commitment to achieving stability and development.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Arab Emirates Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation.

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PRASA prioritises full recovery of commuter rail services

Location: News

PRASA prioritises full recovery of commuter rail services

The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has reiterated that the full recovery of commuter rail services nationally is a top priority.

“Considerable progress has been made in restoring commuter services nationally, with 18 corridors recovered nationally, and 16 corridors prioritized for recovery in this financial year,” PRASA said on Friday.

Eight lines have been recovered in the Western Cape region, with six of these lines in operation with the new Electric Motor Units, otherwise known Isitimela Sabantu.

Trains are running on the Central, Southern and Northern corridors, stopping at 88 stations out of 121 stations in the province.

Five corridors in the Western Cape have been earmarked for recovery in this financial year - Nyanga to Philippi; Philippi to Chris Hani; and Philippi to Kapteinsklip; Bellville to Strand; and Cape Town to Muldersvlei.

“We are making steady progress in recovering these lines. PRASA’s interventions to restore and sustain urban passenger rail services aim to ensure that the return of passenger rail to the city is sustainable.

“The plans are part of PRASA's wider strategy to improve passenger rail services across South Africa and make rail a safe, reliable, and affordable mode of transport,” the agency said.

The plans to improve passenger train services for the City of Cape Town include:

  • Increasing the number of trains running on the Cape Town rail network.
  • Improving the frequency of trains, through the recovery of signalling.
  • Upgrading of train stations.
  • Building on the gains in the safety and security of passengers by investing in security and facilities management.

In line with its secondary mandate, PRASA has already contributed to the socio- economic fabric of the mother city with the new multi-use development at the Cape Town Station.

“Together with improvements in the train service, these activities will improve the quality of life for commuters in the city, create jobs, and boost the city’s economy.

“The number of reopened lines and those earmarked for reopening tells the story of solid progress in returning passenger rail to its rightful place as the backbone of public transport in the Western Cape.

“Residents of the city have welcomed the return of the services on several lines, including parts of the all-important Central Line. The recovery and rebuild programme is a priority that PRASA has shared with its stakeholders including parliamentary committees that we have been invited to,” the agency said.

PRASA expressed confidence that it will deliver on its plans given its turnaround momentum.

The latest StatsSA Land Transport survey shows continued strong demand for passenger rail transport.

According to the latest Stats SA Land Transport Survey, the year-on-year demand for passenger services, albeit from a low base, increased by 215% year-on-year.

“Our On-Time performance and Customer Satisfaction Index show gradual improvement. PRASA attends regular meetings at which developments that affect the delivery of train services in Cape Town are discussed.

“These meetings are in line with the provisions of the National Land Transport Act (NLTA) and are designed to keep the City and the Province informed of developments within PRASA. PRASA reiterates its plans and programmes to revitalize passenger train services in Cape Town at these meetings,” the agency said.

The Railway Steering Sub Committee meetings, which is a structure set up in terms of the National Land Transport Act (NLTA), provides a platform for regular updates on the state of the service.

PRASA, the City of Cape Town and Western Cape Departments of Infrastructure and Mobility are also members of an intergovernmental structure for relocating illegal occupants on the Central Line.

PRASA said it will continue to work closely with the City of Cape Town and the Provincial Government during the rebuild and recovery of its infrastructure and services.

“PRASA believes that the shared goal with the city of fully restoring the rail network and train services should remain the top priority between the two entities. Through the various intergovernmental structures and committees, we have full confidence in mutual cooperation and collaboration we share with the City of Cape Town and Western Cape Government for us to deliver on our promises to restore passenger rail services in the province,” PRASA said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

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Fri, 08/25/2023 - 10:47

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Case against Enyobeni Tavern owners to resume in October

Location: News

Case against Enyobeni Tavern owners to resume in October

The case against owners of the infamous Enyobeni Tavern is expected to continue at the East London Regional Court in October for the beginning of the defence.

The owners, Siyakhangela and Vuyokazi Ndevu, were charged with selling or supplying alcohol to teenagers after some 21 young people – some as young as 15 – died while partying at the tavern in June 2022.

The two also face charges of “responsibility for conniving with and permitting employees and agents to sell or deliver intoxicating liquor to persons under the age of 18 years”.

National Prosecuting Authority Regional Spokesperson Luxolo Tyali said the prosecution has completed presenting its case to the court.

“The state has led its last witness in the case against the Enyobeni Tavern couple, Siyakhangela and Vuyokazi Ndevu, in the East London Regional Court. Police Detective Captain Gerhard Swart was the last witness to be led by senior state prosecutor Advocate Tango Pangalele during the trial.

“Among the evidence led was from a neighbour of the Ndevu couple, eyewitnesses who were present at the establishment when the incident occurred, Eastern Cape Liquor Board officials and the CCTV footage taken from the establishment on the fateful night,” he said.

Regarding the main case into the cause of death of the 21 youth, Tyali said an inquest is expected to resume in the East London Regional Court next week Thursday.

“The Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Barry Madolo, decided that an inquest be held by a Regional Court Magistrate, to establish if anyone can be held criminally liable, by commission or omission, for the deaths. At this moment, it is unclear what caused the incident and hence the state declined to prosecute.

“The matter is referred for formal inquest, which is inquisitorial in nature, and will assist the state to establish the cause of death in order to reach the appropriate legal conclusion. More than 30 witnesses, including experts and eyewitnesses, are expected to give evidence,” Tyali said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Fri, 08/25/2023 - 09:12

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