MyZA
News, Directory, Events and Other Stuff
Dear Editor Tomorrow, 23 August 2023, the people of Zimbabwe will head to the polls to elect their government. All indications point to yet another ZANU-PF captured election. The run-up to these elections has once again been marred by the jailing of opposition leaders, rife intimidation of opposition supporters, the weaponization of courts against opponents, …
Dear Editor Eskom yesterday served notice that it intends to oppose the DA’s urgent Pretoria High Court application on Thursday, 24 August 2023. See notice here. We will proceed with our case, supported by the Ditsobotla Dienste-vereeniging, to ensure that Eskom never again exploits a similar crisis again at the expense of residents. While Eskom …
Pretoria, 22 August 2023: Range Rover House, the invitation-only experience which presents Range Rover’s vision of modern, sustainable luxury and design leadership, celebrates its return to Monterey, California with a reprise of the exquisitely crafted Range Rover SV Carmel Edition. Range Rover is one of the world’s foremost luxury brands, leading by example since 1970 …
Anyone who has felt hangry (angry as a result of hunger!) or has missed a meal and felt down can attest to the fact that food plays a pivotal role in emotions. The correlation between food and mood is well-documented, but not all food can improve one’s mood. That’s why Tetley partner dietitian, Mbali Mapholi, …
Developing and BRICS economies have opportunity to forge new paths
Mutual cooperation and trust are the key pillars that will thrust the BRICS group of countries as well as the global south towards development and economic growth.
This is the sentiment shared by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi and the President of Brazil, Lula da Silva.
The two world leaders were addressing the BRICS Business Forum Leaders' Dialogue at the 15th BRICS Summit held in Johannesburg on Tuesday.
Prime Minister Modi said the COVID-19 pandemic, which ravaged the global economy and destroyed livelihoods, brought into sharp focus the importance of “resilience and inclusive supply chains”.
“For this, mutual trust and transparency are extremely important. By bringing our strengths together, we can make significant contributions to the welfare of the world, especially the global south.
“In 2009, when the first BRICS summit was held, the world was just coming out of a massive financial crisis. At that time, BRICS emerged as a ray of hope for the global economy. In the present times also – amongst the COVID pandemic, tensions, disputes… [and] economic challenges – in such times, once again, the role of BRICS countries is important,” said Modi.
This as his Brazilian counterpart, President da Silva, concurred – adding that the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) countries and developing countries have an opportunity to forge the way forward in development.
“Since the first summit of heads of state and government, our share in the global economy has been increasing. We have surpassed the G7 already accounting for 32% of the world GDP [gross domestic product] in purchasing power parity and forecasting indicates that emerging and developing markets are the ones that will show the highest growth…in the coming years.
“BRICS has a unique chance of shaping the global development path. Together, our countries make up a third of the global economy. This relevance will grow with the admission of new full members and dialogue partners. Collaboration between the public and private sector is vital for harnessing this potential and achieving lasting results,” President da Silva said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 08/22/2023 - 19:11
President Bola Tinubu is very passionate about empowering Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) for the development of the nation's economy, says Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima.
According to the Vice President, “It is a known fact that the empowerment of the MSMEs is key to empowering our youth and women towards contributing to the nation's economic development.”
The Vice President stated this today when he spoke with journalists during his tour of exhibition stands at the BRICS Trade Fair.
Speaking further about the commitment of President Tinubu towards empowering the MSMEs, he said “ the President is a very compassionate leader and in the coming months, there will be changes in the fortunes of Nigeria.”
Explaining the economic impact of the growth of MSMEs on the economy, VP Shettima said “this will have positive impacts which will enable them to support their families and add value to the nation.”
The Vice President commended the organizer's of the trade fair which had about 180 exhibitors from various sectors of the economy. He stressed that the exhibitions will in the long run serve the purpose of galvanising investment and trade in the continent.
Vice President Shettima who took time to inspect Nigeria's exhibitions lauded the investments of Nigerians in South Africa.
He said “I am quite impressed by the investment Nigerians are making in South Africa. This is the harbinger of greater things to come. I can say that Nigerians are active in digital economy, they are active in fashion, they are equally active in mining.
“I am quite glad that quite a number of our country men are doing well and are willing to partner with the home nation for the greater glory of the African continent.”
While praising Rose Bank, a Nigerian investment outfit in South Africa for the funding of a cassava project worth 40 billion Naira, the Vice President affirmed that “it is game a changer with the cassava value chain with its huge economic benefits. We hope that it will be reflected in other parts of the country.”
The Trade Fair is being organised by the BRIC South Africa & The SA BRICS Business Council (SABBC) in collaboration with the Department of Trade Industry and Competition, on the sidelines of the on-going 15th BRICS Summit.
The exhibition is expected to serves as a platform for showcasing products and services from the BRICS countries as well as business-to-business interaction aimed at increasing intra-BRICS trade and investments.
The Vice President was accompanied to the Trade Fair 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.
Port Shepstone continues to drive business and investment on the KZN South Coast with the latest development – the Port Shepstone Intermodal Facility – further entrenching this coastal town’s status as a business hub. The estimated R550-million facility will increase accessibility to this key financial destination while opening up investment opportunities in the retail sector. …
On invitation of President Cyril Ramaphosa of the Republic of South Africa, President Isaias Afwerki arrived in Johannesburg, South Africa, in early afternoon hours today to attend the BRICS-Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogues which will be convened as part of BRICS Summit on 24 August in Johannesburg.
Upon arrival at the O.R. Tambo International Airport, President Isaias was accorded warm welcome by Dr. Joe Phaahla, Minister of Health of South Africa along with other senior Government officials.
At the sideline of the summit, President Isaias will meet and hold talks with various Government and State leaders.
The presidential delegation includes Mr. Osman Saleh, Minister of Foreign Affairs.
BRICS comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa and currently over 20 countries have formally applied to join the alliance.
The summit is expected to focus on among others sustainable development and inclusion of the global South in multilateral systems and a number of countries have been invited to attend.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.
BRICS countries: A shared history and connected future
The five BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) share a history and connectedness that can spearhead the group into the future.
This is according to Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Ebrahim Patel, who was speaking on the first day of the 15th BRICS Summit held at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.
“It is through trading, through travel and through dialogue that friendships and lasting relationships are formed. And it is remarkable how connected our people, our histories and our economies in BRICS are.
“We are connected by history, but not only by history. Today we look forward to matters relating to the future. Today’s event is held in this industrial heartland of the African continent. An economy with major industrial strengths in traditional sectors but also with technologies in the space and satellite economy, in the digital sector, in new green technologies and advanced manufacturing,” he said.
The Minister said the colonial period and, predating that, trade between the countries and the African continent, has forged ties that have bound the five countries through centuries.
“We have more than 2000 years of trading between Asia and Africa. More than 1000 years ago there was a people who lived in this, the southern part of Africa near banks of the Limpopo. They traded with the outside world with India, Arabia and China – selling ivory and gold, buying pottery from China and glass needs from Persia.
“Our histories converged as large land masses were colonised. Indian slave people were brought from the Malabar Coast to South Africa in the 1600s and 1700s and later in the 1800s, large numbers of Indian indentured labourers were brought to develop South Africa’s sugar industry,” he said.
Minister Patel added that even Russia and Brazil share common moments in history.
“The age of colonialism saw too the start of the industrial scale trans-Atlantic slave trade taking captured Africans across the waters in cramped ships and the modern state of Brazil emerged. And the spirit of Africa is alive in Brazillian culture, the warmth of its people, the music and the samba that had its origins in Angola and Congo.
“Russian history too contains connections. The great Russian writer Alexander Pushkin’s great-grandfather was an African. Abram Petrovich Gannibal, abducted from Cameroon, taken via Constantinople and eventually taken to Russia where he became a nobleman,” Patel said.
He highlighted that during the fight for liberation in South Africa, the BRICS partner countries opened their doors to South Africans fleeing persecution or preparing for the fight against the racist Apartheid government.
“During the struggle against Apartheid, many South Africans stayed in Russia, in China, in India as with many parts of the world, we received material assistance in the struggle for freedom in our land,” Patel said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 08/22/2023 - 18:17
Dear Editor The DA calls for the suspension of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) CEO Andile Nongogo after revelations that he not only participated in the bid evaluation process, but that he and the board lied about it. Leaked recordings revealed that Nongogo was present at all nine presentations for the NSFAS direct …
Dear Editor The DA calls for the dissolution of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) board, as well as the suspension of its CEO, Dr Magome Masike, and head of legal services, Adv Phelelani Khumalo, after revelations that the Council knowingly and intentionally enforced regulations declared illegal by the Competition Commission in 2011 …
South Africa’s Jaco Peyper will referee the Rugby World Cup 2023 opening match between hosts France and New Zealand at Stade de France on 8 September. With global excitement building, World Rugby has announced the Emirates Match Officials appointments for the 40 matches that comprise the pool stage of what promises to be the sport’s …
About 100 people marched in the rain under the banner of #UniteBehind
Hi-Tec and I’m Not Plastic have joined forces for a greener future, and inspire consumers to live an eco-conscious lifestyle through adopting “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Refill”. This powerful movement motivates households and businesses to stride towards a cleaner future, breaking free from single-use plastics. I’m Not Plastic is an organisation that fully embodies this …
There will be good news for the Springbok Sevens squad when they assemble at their base in Stellenbosch on Wednesday for their final camp in the build-up to the Olympic Games qualifying tournament in Zimbabwe next month, but also some bad news for team and country. The return of energetic talisman and playmaker Rosko Specman …
Springbok wing Makazole Mapimpi answers media questions in isiXhosa at a media conference in London on Tuesday in the build-up to Friday’s closing Rugby World Cup warm-up match against New Zealand at Twickenham.
SA charts energy growth path with China
South Africa aims to enhance its energy collaboration with China, focusing on aligning the two countries' shared dedication to environmentally friendly, low-carbon and climate-resilient development.
President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday hosted his Chinese counterpart, President Xi Jinping, on a State Visit in Tshwane, as eminent world leaders converge in Johannesburg for the 15th BRICS Summit in Sandton, Gauteng. Collaboration across a range of fields took centre stage as the two leaders met.
President Ramaphosa extended his heartfelt gratitude to President Xi for China’s acts of generosity and solidarity towards South Africa.
“South Africa deeply appreciates China’s support in addressing our current energy challenges. This includes the donation of emergency power equipment worth R167 million and availing a grant of approximately R500 million as development assistance.
“Energy cooperation with China is a recent development that we look to deepen, particularly in line with our respective commitments to low-carbon, climate-resilient development,” the President said.
President Ramaphosa said the relationship between the people of South Africa and China stretches back many decades, with the Chinese people supporting South Africa during its struggle for freedom and democracy.
China has been a valued friend and developmental partner of South Africa throughout the course of rebuilding South Africa from the "ruins of apartheid".
“I wish to make special mention of China’s support during the COVID-19 pandemic through the provision of personal protective equipment, vaccines and other essential items to South Africa and other African countries. This support extended to the cancellation of the debt of a number of Africa countries,” President Ramaphosa said.
The President told his counterpart that Chinese companies, encouraged by his government, responded with enthusiasm to SA’s investment drive, which has raised more than R1.5 trillion in investment commitments over the last five years.
Building on this firm foundation, President Ramaphosa said the two countries should continue to provide each other with mutual support.
Over the years, the relationship between South Africa and China has been steadily strengthened and has transformed into a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, underpinned by 10-Year Strategic Programmes of Cooperation.
China and South Africa share common goals of economic growth, development and common prosperity for the respective countries and for all countries of the Global South.
“It is this common outlook that has enabled us to deepen our cooperation on several fronts. South Africa maintains high-level cooperation with China in several areas. These include, but are not limited to, international politics, trade, investment, infrastructure development, science, innovation and education,” President Ramaphosa said.
With China being South Africa's largest global trading partner and South Africa being China's biggest trading partner in Africa, the bilateral trade has grown exponentially, from less than R1 billion in 1998 to over R614 billion in 2022.
“As South Africa, we are inspired by China’s common prosperity strategy, and are encouraged that this includes improving the welfare and well-being of all countries of the Global South.
“We welcome the progress that has been made regarding various FOCAC-related infrastructural development projects in South Africa, such as small harbours development and the flagship uMzimvubu Water Development project,” President Ramaphosa said.
He emphasised that South Africa is looking forward to hosting the 15th BRICS Summit, having taken over from China as Chair in 2022.
“We thank China for its support in convening this summit. We share your view, President Xi, that BRICS has a vitally important role to play in the reform of global governance and in the promotion of multilateralism and cooperation throughout the world.
“South Africa and China have similar views on the expansion of BRICS membership and we look forward to the discussions we will have on this matter during the BRICS Leaders’ Retreat,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Tue, 08/22/2023 - 15:05
The Boxer Super Run will create an unforgettable experience for all participants on Sunday 15 October 2023 when it floods the streets of Durban with waves of 5km excitement. “The 5km distance is a global favourite for various reasons,” says Lee-Ann Pillay, Boxer Superstores Head of Department: Marketing. “The popularity can be attributed to its …
Call to support farmers
BRICS countries have been challenged to take the lead and develop a system that can create a resilient farming community.
The call was made during panel discussions focusing on agriculture, held on Tuesday at the Sandton Convention Centre.
The discussions were held at the BRICS (Brazil, India, China, South Africa and Russia) Business Forum, which looked at sustainable development in agriculture across BRICS nations and the promotion of trade and investment in the sector across the bloc of nations.
Emphasising the need for the creation of a reward system, the Indian chapter of the BRICS Business Council chair, Jai Shroff, said food security is a big issue, while climate change has a huge impact on farmers.
“Soil is the biggest thing for government and we need to create a reward system for farmers to sustain agriculture.
“If BRICS can take a lead, we can see a massive change that will really help improve soil and also create a revenue system,” he noted.
He said leaders should also reward farmers for sustaining the environment.
Bruno Ferla, who chairs the Brazil chapter of the BRICS Business Council, said his home country, which is currently one of the powerhouses of agriculture, managed to achieve this with technology to produce food.
Meanwhile, Chief Economist of the Agricultural Business Chamber, Wandile Sihlobo, noted a current change in temperature of certain chemicals and seeds, which are so critical for agricultural productivity.
“BRICS countries have to take [a] particular view on how they think about that,” he said, adding that improving intra-trade is very important, especially for South Africa.
Agreement to export avocados to China
Meanwhile, Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Minister, Thoko Didiza, today signed an agreement with Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi for the export of agricultural products to China.
Didiza expressed excitement on the signing of the agreement with China.
“Gaining access to China is a vital step in driving an export led growth for the South African avocado, which is a commitment the government has made under the Agriculture and Agro-Processing Master Plan.
“In recent years, the avocado industry has expanded by 4 750 hectares increasing the total hectares to over 18 000,” Didiza said.
Didiza added that China is likely to become one of the world’s major consumers of avocados and thus offers an immense opportunity to expand avocado production in South Africa.
The agreement comes as Chinese President Xi Jinping is on a State Visit to South Africa. Xi is also attending the 15th BRICS Summit which is being held at the Sandton Convention Centre. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 08/22/2023 - 15:55
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi arrived at Johannesburg in the afternoon of 22 August 2023.
Prime Minister was warmly welcomed by H.E. Mr. Paul Shipokosa Mashatile, Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa at the airport. A ceremonial welcome was also accorded to Prime Minister Modi.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of External Affairs - Government of India.
Next wave of global economic growth will come from Africa
The next wave of global growth will emerge from Africa, as the continent rises as a bigger player in emerging markets.
This is according to Busi Mabuza, who chairs the South Africa chapter of the BRICS Business Council.
Mabuza was speaking on Tuesday during a panel discussion on unlocking BRICS trade and investment opportunities.
She told delegates that intra-BRICS trade has grown by an average annual rate of 7% in the past 10 years.
“These are very compelling numbers. However, the success of the BRICS formation, especially in the past 10 years is that we have now created a model for the world that moves away from the extractive approach in terms of economic engagement towards a collaborative approach where we can all benefit,” she said.
The BRICS grouping of major emerging economies – Brazil, India, China, South Africa and Russia (BRICS), is holding its summit in Johannesburg from 22-24 August 2023 under the Chairship of South Africa.
In addition, she said the continent still boasts abundant resources, including human capital, especially the youth, mineral resources and others.
“The next wave of global growth will come from this continent,” she stressed.
“It is important that we are sitting here today inviting our BRICS partners because we see that they accept and understand the multilateral approach where there’s mutual respect and all working for a win-win outcome.”
Mabuza has called on the bloc partners to participate in the industrialisation of the African continent.
“This is because this is where the world needs to see the next wave of global growth.”
She also stressed the importance of Africa-intra trade and tangible cooperation and coordination.
“We need to focus on the infrastructure. We need to trade with ourselves in the continent and get services from each other,” she said, adding that people-to-people interaction was also crucial.
The chair also touched on policies such as visa agreements, which has the potential to unlock more opportunities.
The BRICS Business Council is a platform that promotes and strengthens business, trade and investment ties among the business communities of the five countries.
It also fosters regular dialogue between the business communities of the nations and governments of BRICS countries to ensure greater economic, trade and investment ties.
Chair of Brazil’s BRICS Business Council, José Serrador Neto, has described the platform as a strong organisation that has identified intra-trade sector networks, promoted trade missions and displayed successful projects within the bloc.
“It’s important that when you see the BRICS Business Council work that you not only see bold free trade statements but we go into supply chains and identify specific opportunities for integration.”
Serrador Neto emphasised that the intra-BRICS trade includes Africa as a whole.
He announced that they have recommended a connection between the bloc countries through the air to promote more trade and interconnectivity.
Meanwhile, the Russian counterpart, Sergey Katyrin, said he hopes that trade between the bloc will reach 30%. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 08/22/2023 - 14:07
The Ad Hoc Committee to Nominate a Person for Appointment as Public Protector (PP) today received a briefing on the results of the screening process of the eight candidates shortlisted for interviews for the PP position, which cleared all the candidates.
Committee Chairperson Mr Cyril Xaba said the committee was briefed on three reports – from the State Security Agency (SSA), the South African Police Services' (SAPS) Crime Intelligence Unit and one from Human Resources (HR).
According to the report from SSA, no security concerns nor default judgements were picked up for all eight candidates. The SSA further verified that all candidates were South African citizens. The SAPS report stated that no illicit activities were noted for any of the candidates, whilst the HR report verified their qualifications in terms of the criteria.
In terms of the process to be followed tomorrow during the interviews, the committee resolved to restrict each of its 11 permanent members to eight minutes per candidate. This will include any follow-up engagements. It was agreed that permanent members representing smaller political parties on the committee will engage with alternate members to ensure that their contributions are included.
At the start of today's meeting, Mr Xaba informed the committee of a complaint received from Mr Macbeth Ncongwane, a candidate who was nominated but not shortlisted by the committee, in which he questioned the “unfairness” of the process followed. Mr Xaba made it clear that the committee followed strict, predetermined criteria to shortlist candidates. Members of the committee were then granted an opportunity to indicate which of the candidates meeting the criteria they preferred for the shortlist.
“It was then on the basis of the amount of nominations that candidates received by Members in that committee meeting that the final eight candidates were selected and shortlisted. Those candidates that receive more nominations then made the shortlist for interviewing,” said Mr Xaba.
Mr Xaba said the committee had to look for a fit and proper person for the position but as the law does not describe the term fit and proper, the committee used case law, which offers a guide in this regard, specifying character, experience, knowledge and skills. He said the attached document gives insight into the attributes or qualities that guided the shortlisting process: https://tinyurl.com/mr48dvcp
The committee also resolved to finalise its internal process regarding the questions to be posed and the order in which Members will pose them in a closed meeting tomorrow morning, prior to the first interview.
The committee agreed to interview four candidates tomorrow and the remaining four candidates on Thursday. Candidates to be interviewed tomorrow are Adv Tseliso Thipanyane, Adv Kwena Tommy Ntsewa, Adv Oliver Josie and Adv Lynn Marais. The remaining candidates – Ms Muvhango Lukhaimane, Ms Johannah Ledwaba, Prof Boitumelo Mmusinyane and Adv Kholeka Gcaleka are to be interviewed on Thursday.
The committee deliberations on the interviews are expected next week, whereafter the committee is to report back to the National Assembly by 31 August 2023. The term of the current PP comes to an end in October 2023.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
Leonard Ramatlakane argues that if he did anything wrong it was minor and unintentional
The Portfolio Committee on Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has expressed pleasure in acknowledging the significant progress made in considering the input received during countrywide public hearings on the Climate Change Bill.
The Chairperson of the committee, Mr Ntibi Modise, said: “The thorough consideration of public input underscores the committee's commitment to ensuring that the Bill is comprehensive, realistic and effective in addressing climate-related concerns. The committee appreciates the active participation of individuals, organisations and communities who have shared their insights and perspectives on this important Bill.”
The committee has assured the nation that Parliament remains steadfast in its dedication to finalising the Climate Change Bill during the current term. Mr Modise said that the committee aims to enact legislation that not only reflects the concerns of South African citizens but also sets a strong foundation for a sustainable and resilient future.
The committee has committed to working diligently in order to ensure that the final version of the Bill is well-considered, balanced and responsive to the country's needs.
Meanwhile, Mr Modise has further expressed his personal appreciation of well-wishing messages from colleagues and various stakeholders as he recovers from ill health.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.