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“It saddens me that we once again must condemn the criminal behavior of a few individuals whose actions have led to damage of government property and impacted on the delivery of 230 units at the Forrest Village project,” said Minister Tertuis Simmers. I, in the strongest manner, condemn the invasion of the housing units at …
Dear Editor Eskom late last night conceded to Part A of the DA and the Ditsobotla Dienste-vereeniging’s urgent court application to the Pretoria High Court, and is now an order of court. See court order here. In short, Eskom will not suspend electricity supply to Lichtenburg for extended periods of time other than for maintenance …
Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance (DA) notes the admission of Iran and Saudi Arabia into BRICS with concern. While only three of BRICS’s five member states can currently be considered free democracies, namely South Africa, India, and Brazil, the addition of two new member states run by authoritarian regimes with concerning totalitarian tendencies may tip …
Mr Lester Geldenhuis, Chief Engineer at Eskom in the Western Cape, was Premier Alan Winde’s guest at his 22nd Energy Digicon. Mr Geldenhuis shared his insights into the power utility’s transmission grid development efforts, generation forecasting as well as the increasingly important role independent power producers (IPPs) are playing in power generation in the province. …
Looking for the perfect chainsaw that fits your needs? According to Charles Henderson, Business Development Manager at Husqvarna South Africa and a seasoned Tree Professional, the world of chainsaws has come a long way from its traditional roots. It now caters to a wide range of tasks for both homeowners and professionals. “With so many …
The independent Appeal Committee hearing George Moala’s appeal the decision of a Judicial Committee to suspend him for five matches has been dismissed. Tonga centre George Moala’s appeal against the decision of a Judicial Committee to suspend him for five matches arising from an act of foul play contrary to Law 9.18 (lifting tackle) in …
The Medicines Act is being misused while Parliament dithers
Workers say they must submit bank statements for three months and are fired if they earn above this limit
Continental Free Trade Area key for Africa’s growth
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is the engine for African economic and regional integration, President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Thursday.
The President said this during the China-Africa roundtable on the occasion of the State Visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The China-Africa Leaders’ Roundtable Dialogue co-chaired by Presidents Ramaphosa and Xi was held in an effort to further enhance and strengthen multilateral and international cooperation and partnership for the benefit of Africa’s development.
Both sides stressed the importance of the AfCFTA, having the potential to transform and positively impact upon all sectors of African economies once fully operationalised. The Chinese side committed to promote Africa’s regional economic integration by strengthening and integrating intra-Africa trade, promoting investment, facilitating the development of value chains, and boosting mutual capacity to produce and export value-added manufactured products.
President Ramaphosa said Thursday evening’s deliberations had been robust, giving all a sense of the challenges facing Africa and the opportunities for progress.
“The discussions highlight the importance of effective regional coordination to enhance and support continental integration,” President Ramaphosa said at the session held at the Hilton Hotel in Sandton, Johannesburg.
This as South Africa hosted the 15th BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) Summit as well as hosting President Xi who was on his fourth State Visit to South Africa.
President Xi also participated in the three-day summit which wrapped up on Thursday.
President Ramaphosa said that with the support of China and others, regional development and integration will support the diversification of Africa economies. He added that it will enable African countries to shift away from the export of raw materials to the export of high-quality manufactured goods and services.
“We conclude these deliberations with a clear understanding that the African Continental Free Trade Area is the engine for African economic and regional integration. We have discussed that investment in infrastructure in Africa will need to be significantly scaled up.”
The first citizen said sustained engagement with China as one of the principal supporters of strategic infrastructure development projects is critical.
In addition, obstacles in the way of regional integration such as inadequate financial resources, poor infrastructure networks, increasing violence, terrorism, political instability and others have been identified.
“At the same time, the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict have worsened public finances and increased the debt burden of many African countries. This has reduced infrastructure investment in Africa,” said President Ramaphosa.
BRICS Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogues
Meanwhile, the Chinese side expressed its full support for South Africa’s BRICS Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogues, which provides a platform for the African continent to play an even greater role in global governance and international affairs.
China expressed its strong support for the African Union (AU) to become a full member of the Group of 20 (G20) forum. The African side commends China for introducing the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative, in support of strengthening multilateralism and trusts that China and Africa’s development will bring more opportunities for peace and development in the world.
In a joint statement, the two sides agreed that since its inception in 2000, the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) has proved to be an effective platform for south-south cooperation, focused on achieving common prosperity and sustainable development of all the people of Africa and China.
“We have acknowledged the importance of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation as means of deepening collaboration in the cause of development.
"The adoption of our joint statement a few minutes ago will further solidify our resolve and commitment to enhancing China-Africa relations.”
The President added that it is now incumbent upon us all to translate these intentions into concrete regional actions that are time-bound and results orientated.
“We should use all necessary regional and continental tools, through our Regional Economic Communities and the African Union, to realise our commitment to an integrated, dynamic and prosperous Africa,” said President Ramaphosa. – SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Thu, 08/24/2023 - 22:23
Judge “determined not to be misunderstood” in ordering transport minister, Eastern Cape MEC and police to take action
Deputy President Mashatile calls for fair global system
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has called for the elimination of discriminatory trade barriers, policies and border adjustment measures against African countries and the countries of the global South.
Delivering the closing remarks at the 15th BRICS Summit on Thursday, he said the discriminatory elimination should also include punitive measures designed to reduce the competitiveness of countries of the global south and Africa.
“There must be equal opportunities for Africa and countries of the global south to access finance, supply chains, trade and investment opportunities. Africa and the global south must be fully represented in all management bodies, governing councils, institutions and structures.
“There should no longer be job reservations on the basis of one’s nationality. The world has changed and global governments must change. Let us act now and act together to ensure progress and prosperity for all nations and all peoples,” Mashatile said in Johannesburg.
He said BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India China, and South Africa) countries agreed on a fair global system and reform of multilateral institutions.
“We all agreed on a mutual beneficial relationship in our economic relations. We all agree on the need for our countries to be treated with respect in our international relations.
“Let us move forward united in our effort to address our common global challenges. The geo-political and economic shift-taking place across the world means that we must be intentional about how we move forward.
“We have always been clear that BRICS should champion the core interest of the global south, especially in overcoming economic, financial and political marginalisation,” the Deputy President said.
He said there is broad consensus on the need for reform of the architecture of global relations.
“Without that reform, the vision we set out will not be realized. We need to increase the representation of Africa and the south in all in all global structures.”
The three-day BRICS summit has wrapped up with successful outcome including the expansion of six countries to become full members of BRICS, effective from January 2024.
The Argentine Republic, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have been invited to become full members.
This year’s summit took place under the theme: "BRICS and Africa: Partnership for mutually accelerated growth, sustainable development and inclusive multilateralism.” – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 08/24/2023 - 21:02
Tickets now available online for 14th Simola Hillclimb in Knysna, which takes place from 2 to 5 May 2024 Discount on tickets purchased this weekend in celebration of the Simola Hillclimb Track Experience at Kyalami Upgrades available for Pit Access, Turn 2 Grandstand and VIP Parking – all available on simolahillclimb.com Le Mans Hospitality Lounge […]
Egypt appreciative of BRICS membership
Egypt, the new kid in the Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) family has expressed appreciation in becoming a member of the family.
The 15th BRICS Summit held at the Sandton Convention Centre in South Africa under the leadership of President Cyril Ramaphosa announced six new members of the BRICS bloc this morning.
In his remarks, Egypt Prime Minister Dr HE Mostafa Madbouly told delegates that his country will cooperate with the BRICS requirements.
“We welcome the step to be part of the BRICS family. We look forward to contributing to practical solutions,” Madbouly said on Thursday.
Madbouly said they are also looking forward to contributing positively in the areas such as food prices and developing agriculture.
“We look forward to participating positively and enhancing the role of the [New] Development Bank and supporting energy efficiency initiatives,” Madbouly said.
He said Egypt is also willing to support peaceful resolutions in the continent.
The other new members are Argentina, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates and are to become full members of BRICS with effect from 1 January 2024.
Egypt submitted in June 2023 a formal application to join the group following the ratification by the Egyptian leader Fattah al-Sisi of the country’s membership in BRICS’s New Development Bank (NDB).
Russia backed Egypt’s membership application to join the BRICS.
South Africa, as Chair of BRICS, hosted the XV BRICS Summit under the theme: BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development, and Inclusive Multilateralism.
In his remarks this morning, President Cyril Ramaphosa said as the BRICS family they value the interest of other countries in building a partnership with BRICS.
He said the admission of new members to the BRICS family is the first phase of the group’s expansion process.
“We have tasked our Foreign Ministers to further develop the BRICS partner country model and a list of prospective partner countries and report by the next Summit,” President Ramaphosa said.
South Africa’s participation in BRICS is premised on its national interests in line with the National Development Plan and the Medium-Term Strategic Framework (MTSF) 2019 – 2024 Priority 7.
During the summit which concludes today, BRICS leaders engaged with business during the BRICS Business Forum and engaged with the NDB, BRICS Business Council and other mechanisms during the Summit.
The BRICS partnership has grown in scope and depth with BRICS members exploring practical cooperation in a spirit of openness and solidarity to find mutual interests and common values. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 08/24/2023 - 18:17
Expanded BRICS expected to have a firmer say on international agenda
With its large footprint in combined population size and strong world Gross Domestic Product, the BRICS group of countries is expected to shape the international agenda in the coming years.
This assertion was made by the United Arab Emirates’ [UAE] His Highness (HH) Sheik Saud bin Saqr Mohammed Al Qasimi Member of the Federal Supreme Council of the United Arab Emirates, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah.
He was speaking during the BRICS-Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogue held in Sandton on Thursday.
“The BRICS community, which represents a quarter of the world economy and home to half the population of the world, is prepared to play a pivotal role in shaping the international agenda and setting the international agenda in the coming years.
“We would like to take the opportunity to communicate with other groups and peoples within this group and outside this group in order to achieve prosperity at large, a space that includes all the people of this world,” the royal said.
Fresh off an official invitation to join the BRICS group, the leader expressed the UAE’s commitment to the vision of the group.
“We appreciate the position of the BRICS members to include the UAE into this group. In the recent years, the UAE has continued its surge to obtain membership in international organisations while committed to enhancing dialogue.
“Our approach is to follow cooperation in order to find solutions to the problems facing our world such as climate change, poverty, healthcare, education for the most vulnerable segments of our society,” he said.
The expansion of the group to now include the UAE, Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and Saudi Arabia greatly enhances its economic footprint as it now boasts six of the world’s top oil producers.
However, the royal said it will bring more than powerful oil connections to the table.
“It is most important to emphasise that the [UAE] is considered one of the [biggest] investment partners to the members of the BRICS group as the non-oil trade has reached 750 billion dollars and investment 38 billion dollars between the years 2018 and 2023.
“It is worth mentioning that the UAE is the second country that is not a founder to join the New Development Bank in 2020. This emphasises our very early understanding of the role that BRICS can play in enhancing international development and economic growth for all,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 08/24/2023 - 18:42
“The fact that the applicant wants the matter heard urgently does not make it urgent” says judge
Eight finalists emerged from an impressive pool of 1,490 Fintechs drawn from 64 countries in and beyond Africa; the Grand Finale will take place on 6 October at the Ecobank Group Pan African Centre (www.Ecobank.com) in Lomé, Togo; all finalists will be admitted into the Ecobank Fintech Fellowship Programme; the overall winner of the Ecobank Fintech Challenge will receive a cash prize of US$50,000, in addition to being admitted into the Fellowship Programme.
Over 1,400 Fintech startups from 64 countries across Africa and beyond applied for this year's Ecobank Fintech Challenge with eight of them making the cut to the final where they will compete for the ultimate prize. This is the sixth edition of this international competition, with the highest number of applications on record.
Ecobank Group, Africa's leading pan-African banking group, said this year's applications had more than doubled compared to last year's 703 applications received from 59 countries. In 2022 Nigeria's fintech startup, ‘Touch and Pay', wowed the jury with their ‘Cowry App' to win the top prize of US$50,000.
The eight finalists who emerged from the fiercely competitive pool will compete for the coveted top prize of US$50,000 at the Grand Finale, which is scheduled to take place at the Ecobank Pan African Centre in Lomé, Togo, on 6 October 2023.
The 2023 Ecobank Fintech Challenge finalists in alphabetical order are:
Ecobank Group Chief Executive Officer, Jeremy Awori, who will be hosting the Fintech Challenge final for the first time said: “We are encouraged by the very high number of applications received for the sixth edition of our Ecobank Fintech Challenge. The significant increase in the number of participants reflects the growing impact of our investments in the fintech space, and on our operations and fintech initiatives across Africa. The finalists went through a rigorous process, and we look forward to the pitches of the eight competitors vying for the top prize and ultimately partnering with the Ecobank Group.”
On his part, Dr. Tomisin Fashina, Ecobank Group Executive, Operations and Technology, congratulated the eight finalists of the 2023 Ecobank Fintech Challenge and said, “We are proud to support the development of fintechs to drive digital banking transformation across Africa and beyond. The ever-increasing level of participation - from just 412 applications in 2018 to 1,490 submissions this year - reflects the richness of the untapped innovation and talent that exists across our continent.”
As in previous editions, all the finalists in the 6th edition will be inducted into the Ecobank Fintech Fellowship Programme which offers:
The Ecobank Fintech Challenge recognises and promotes groundbreaking African fintech start-ups. The initiative is consistent with Ecobank's Fintech strategy of building partnerships with African fintechs to help transform digital finance and banking.
The 2023 edition of the Ecobank Fintech Challenge is co-sponsored by Huawei, Arise Invest, Asky Airlines and Proparco, and supported by ALX Africa, , ABAN Angels, Africa Fintech Network, MEST Africa, Bluespace, Naija Startups, Jeune Afrique, TechCabal and Konfidants.
For more information on the competition, please visit https://EcobankFintechChallenge.com.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated.
Media Contact:
Christiane Bossom
Group Communications Manager
Ecobank Transnational Incorporated
Email: groupcorporatecomms@ecobank.com
Tel: +228 22 21 03 03
Website: www.Ecobank.com
About Ecobank Group (or ‘Ecobank Transnational Incorporated' or ‘ETI'):
Ecobank Group is the leading private pan-African banking group with unrivalled African expertise. Present in 35 sub-Saharan African countries, as well as France, the UK, UAE and China, its unique pan-African platform provides a single gateway for payments, cash management, trade and investment. The Group employs over 14,000 people and offers Consumer, Commercial, Corporate and Investment Banking products, services and solutions across multiple channels, including digital, to over 32 million customers. For further information, please visit Ecobank.com.
Security Council must reform - UN Secretary General
Continued exclusion of developing countries from holding permanent seats in the United Nations Security Council and under representation in world institutions, is a recipe for serious world fragmentation which could lead already existing tensions to boil over.
This is according to the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres who was addressing the media on the last day of the 15th BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) Summit held at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.
“I believe, two areas require a particularly important reform effort. One is the Security Council; the second, the Bretton Woods system. If we are not able to reform our institutions to make sure they reassume a truly universal character, we risk fragmentation, and fragmentation can be one day, a factor of confrontation.
“[History] has shown time and again that multi-polarity without strong multilateral institutions is no guarantee for stability; it might even become a catalyst for chaos. We must urgently restore trust and reinvigorate multilateralism. This requires the courage to compromise for the common good,” Guterres said on Thursday.
The UN Security Council, considered one of the world body’s most powerful groups, is made up of 15 permanent and non-permanent members. The five permanent members are the United States of America, the United Kingdom, France, China and Russia.
Africa’s 54 states are represented on the council by three non-permanent seats currently held by Gabon, Ghana and Mozambique.
Driving home his point further, Guterres added that reforms in powerful global institutions require “a special focus on Africa”.
“The Security Council, the Bretton Woods system and other international organisations reflect the world of 1945 when many African countries were still part of European empires. To this day, the continent is under represented in the global financial architecture just as it lacks a permanent seat on the Security Council.
“The world has changed and so, global governments, must change with it. It must represent today’s power and economic relations and not the power and economic relations of 1945,” he said.
He further emphasised that these reforms must transverse institutions “at every level” and also bear greater inclusion of long marginalised groups such as women and youth.
“My message to the leaders assembled here was clear. Our world is in dire straits. We face existential challenges from the worsening climate emergency and escalating conflicts to the global cost of living crisis, soaring inequalities and dramatic technological disruptions. So this is the time to come together and work together,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 08/24/2023 - 16:11
“The biggest rivalry in Sporting History” ~ Springbok Captain, Siya Kolisi “We have never had any friendly games against the All Blacks” ~ Siya Kolisi “We are not going to hold back – 82 000 people paid to come and see us” ~ Siya Kolisi Springbok captain Siya Kolisi and assistant coach Mzwandile Stick hosted …
Mukuru (https://www.Mukuru.com), a leading next-generation financial services provider for Africa's emerging consumers, has appointed Zimbabwe-born MMA fighter Themba Gorimbo as its newest brand ambassador to highlight its commitment to supporting top African talent and making a difference in communities across the continent.
Like many youths in Africa, Gorimbo, now a successful welterweight UFC fighter hailing from a rural area called Muvuti in the Bikita District in Zimbabwe, had a rough start in life with the loss of both his parents at an early age. He made his way to South Africa and, while working as a gardener in Cape Town, he joined a local gym which was the start of setting him on a new trajectory.
“I believe God had a role to play in how my life thankfully changed for the better. You could almost say the tribulations of my past have played a big role in giving me the mental strength to achieve what I have so far,” says Gorimbo.
Gorimbo expresses his gratitude for the newfound chapter in his life, one that intertwines with a reputable organisation such as Mukuru. A business deeply rooted in serving its customers, Mukuru has partnered with Gorimbo on his journey of progress as he continues to positively contribute to the well-being of his community. He says that the partnership between him and Mukuru is nothing short of a blessing, as the company's unwavering support continues to provide him with the platform to fulfill his dreams of giving back to his community as he soldiers towards success.
Gorimbo joins rugby legend Tendai ‘Beast' Mtawarira and the Malawian soccer team, The Mighty Mukuru Wanderers, as ambassadors for the brand.
“The decision to partner with Themba as our brand ambassador for Mukuru was easy given that he is the epitome of what a Mukuru customer represents,” says Cindy Klassen, Head of Marketing at Mukuru. Our customers are resilient, they too have journeyed from their homes, some under tough situations, others in search of greater opportunity, but all with the same belief that they will be paving the way for future generations to be beacons of hope and models of success. Gorimbo often says he will become a champion, but to us and the people of Africa, he is one already.”
Gorimbo installed a borehole in his village from the proceeds he received selling his fight kit after his first UFC victory in Las Vegas earlier this year. “As part of the brand partnership, we wanted to match Gorimbo's magnanimous energy, because as a brand we too invest in the communities that we serve, so we partnered with him and donated another borehole to provide clean water and support his community in Bikita District,” says Klassen.
We look forward to collaborating on various brand campaigns in the coming months and hopefully inspire and support more people across Africa in the same way Gorimbo and our customers inspire us,” concludes Klassen.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mukuru.
About Mukuru:
Mukuru is a leading next generation financial services platform in Southern Africa that offers affordable and reliable financial services to a customer base of over 13 million across Africa, Asia, and Europe.
With over 100 million transactions to date, our core was built providing international money transfers and from this base, we've developed a set of services to address the broader financial needs of our customers. We now operate in over 50 countries and across over 300 remittance corridors.
We are a business that puts the customer at the centre of everything we do, and for that reason, we serve clients across physical and digital channels, by various payment methods (cash, card, wallet) as well as a range of engagement platforms including WhatsApp, USSD, contact centre, App, website, agents and a branch and booth network.
Mukuru has, for the fourth consecutive year, been listed as one of the top 100 Cross Border Payments businesses in the world in the 2023 FXC Intelligence Top 100 Cross-Border Payment Companies (https://apo-opa.info/3KW0wwh), one of only six African companies to receive this accolade.
In April 2023, Mukuru officially ranked sixth on the 2023 LinkedIn Top Companies List in South Africa.
Further information can be found at https://www.Mukuru.com.
Introduction In today’s digital age, where the majority of consumers turn to the internet to find products, services, and information, the importance of search engine optimisation (SEO) cannot be overstated. With countless websites vying for the top spot on search engine results pages, many businesses are left wondering: Do SEO services genuinely make a difference? …
In the bustling world of architectural design and construction, Deco Doorware has emerged as a beacon of quality and reliability. Specialising in the specification and supply of architectural hardware, security locks, door handles and hotel locking systems, they have carved a niche for themselves as professional architectural ironmongers. But what sets Deco Doorware apart? …
BRICS partnership is a catalyst for global growth
President Cyril Ramaphosa says the BRICS partnership is a catalyst for global growth and development that responds to the needs of all nations.
“It is the right of Africa and the entire Global South to fully reap the benefits of global trade and investment. Without trade and investment our economies cannot thrive and our peoples’ material conditions cannot improve,” Ramaphosa said.
Ramaphosa was speaking at the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogue, held on the last day of the 15th BRICS Summit on Thursday.
“As the African continent we are determined that the continent’s substantial resources are harnessed for the benefit and development of Africa’s people. The African Continental Free Trade Area, once fully operational, will unlock the benefits of the continental market and generate substantial opportunities for African and other countries,” he said.
To make use of these opportunities, Africa is looking to the BRICS partnership to unlock infrastructure and development financing, noting this was part of the founding vision of the New Development Bank.
He said the Bank is playing a leading role in efforts to increase the resilience of the global South, and to bring fairness to global trading and financial systems by strengthening the use of BRICS currencies.
“We have to reform global economic, financial and political governance, including the multilateral trading system, so that we create a conducive environment for fair trade.”
While many countries of the global South are seeing significant progress in industrialisation, technological development, innovation and the digital economy, they are not fully reaping the economic benefits.
“By working together, by sharing skills and capabilities, by mobilising resources, we will be able to give renewed impetus to global growth and sustainable development. We need to move beyond expressions of solidarity towards inclusion and mutually-beneficial economic cooperation,” President Ramaphosa said.
Call for special attention to global South concerns
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi commended President Ramaphosa for hosting a success summit, noting the summit has given them the opportunity to share views with countries of Africa, Asia and Latin America.
Modi said that in discussions over the last two days, members have emphasised the priorities and concerns of countries in the global South.
“We believe that by calling special attention to these issues by BRICS, is a need of these current times. .. And we welcome all the new member countries [and] this will make global institutions and forums more representative and inclusive, a step towards such efforts of ours.
“When we use the term global South, it is not just a new diplomatic term. In our shared history we have together faced colonialism, [and] it was in this land of Africa that Mahatma Gandhi developed a powerful concept of non-violence and peaceful resistance, tested here and then used them in India’s struggle for freedom. His thinking and ideas inspired great leaders like Nelson Mandela,” Modi said.
Republic of Brazil President, Lula da Silva, said he was very impressed with the maturity of the BRICS Summit, and the results they managed to reach.
“The GDP [gross domestic product] of the BRICS is growing up to 37% of the GDP in terms of the purchasing power and 46% in terms of the world population,” da Silva said.
He also commended the team from the Foreign Affairs Ministers for the extraordinary work they did to conduct the declaration of Johannesburg which was signed on Thursday, adding that BRICS will continue to open to new members and also approve criteria procedures for future members.
Rebuilding of a new multi-polar world order
Russian President, Vladimir Putin also commended South Africa for the efforts made during their joint work.
Putin said BRICS stand for rebuilding of a new multi-polar world order, one that is “truly balanced and takes interest in as many nations as possible.”
He said Russia will always remain a reliable food supplier and continue to support countries who are most in need.
“We will promote the overcoming of all ways of inequality that exists in the world, and BRICS will continue to be the driving force of the new international order," Putin said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 08/24/2023 - 13:39
At Deco Doorware, they pride themselves on offering a diverse range of high-quality doorware products. Whether one is looking for sleek black accessories or the timeless elegance of brass, Deco Doorware has something to suit every aesthetic and functional need. In this guide, we’ll delve into their extensive product range, ensuring you find the perfect …
Rich countries urged to honour $100-billion climate finance goal
United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, António Guterres, has urged developed countries to keep their promises to developing nations by meeting the climate finance commitment of US$100 billion.
This is after rich nations made a pledge in 2009 to the less wealthy countries at a UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark, to assist them in adapting to climate change and alleviate rises in temperature by 2020.
Guterres also called on the wealthy nations to double adaptation finance, replenish the Green Climate Fund, and operationalise the loss and damage fund this year.
“As a matter of justice, Africa must be considered a priority in all these efforts,” he stressed.
He delivered the remarks at the BRICS-Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogue, which was held during the 15th BRICS Summit at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg.
Guterres said the climate crisis was spiralling out of control and urged world leaders to step up their efforts to tackle it.
“I have put forward a Climate Solidarity Pact in which developed countries provide financial and technical support to help emerging economies – in Africa and beyond – to promote an equitable and just transition to renewable energy.”
He told delegates that he presented an Acceleration Agenda, which aims to see developed countries committing to reach net zero by 2040 and developing nations as close as possible to 2050.
The Secretary-General also touched on the crisis of cost of living.
He stated that poverty, hunger, and inequalities are growing against the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development’s objectives.
“Geopolitical divides and conflicts are multiplying with profound global implications, especially the impacts from the Russian invasion of Ukraine.”
Multipolar world
While nations were eyeing a multipolar world, he said multipolarity was not enough to guarantee a peaceful or global community.
“To be a factor of peace, equity, and justice in international relations, multipolarity must be supported by strong and effective multilateral institutions.”
Guterres is advocating for a strengthened and reformed multilateral architecture based on the UN Charter and international law.
“Today’s global governance structures reflect yesterday’s world. They were largely created in the aftermath of World War II when many African countries were still ruled by colonial powers and were not even at the table.
“This is particularly true of the Security Council of the United Nations and the Bretton Woods institutions.”
For multilateral institutions to remain universal, he said they must reform to reflect today’s power and economic realities.
“In the absence of such reform –– fragmentation is inevitable.”
Cooperation
Guterres said the world cannot afford a divided global economy and financial system, diverging strategies on technology, and conflicting security frameworks.
“The IMF [International Monetary Fund] estimates that such a fracture could cost 7% of global GDP [gross domestic product] – a cost that would be disproportionately borne by low-income countries, mainly in Africa.
“And so I have come to Johannesburg with a simple message, in a fracturing world with overwhelming crises, there is simply no alternative to cooperation.”
He advised leaders to urgently restore trust and reinvigorate multilateralism for the 21st century.
“This requires the courage to compromise in the reforms necessary for the common good.
“It requires full respect for the UN Charter, international law, universal values, and all human rights – social, cultural, economic, civil, and political. And it requires much greater solidarity,” he stressed, admitting that none of this was easy.
“But it is essential. And is essential, especially for Africa.”
He acknowledged that Africa, a historical victim of slavery and colonialism, continues to confront grave injustices.
“On average, African countries pay four times more for borrowing than the United States and eight times more than the wealthiest European countries.”
Guterres also noted that African states account for just 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, but are an epicentre of climate chaos.
“Looking ahead, I see two priorities for action and justice. First, on the economic front. Redesigning today’s outdated, dysfunctional, and unfair global financial architecture is necessary, but I know it won’t happen overnight. Yet we can – and must – take practical action now.”
He has since proposed an effective debt workout mechanism, and other steps necessary to multiply the resources available for developing countries are vital for sustainable development in Africa and its people. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 08/24/2023 - 13:42