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The Bulls Daises made it 13 in a row in their SA Rugby Women’s Premier Division campaign on Saturday when they outplayed Boland Dames in the first of two semi-finals to set up a home final against DHL Western Province next weekend after the Capetonians beat the Border Ladies in the other playoff. This will …
In this era of advanced pet care, owners are investing more time and resources into ensuring the wellness of their furry companions. One increasingly popular method of boosting canine nutrition is through the integration of vitamin and mineral supplements into their diet. It’s not uncommon for pets to be deficient in essential nutrients, especially vitamins …
President Ramaphosa commends UDF leaders
President Cyril Ramaphosa has commended the leaders who were at the forefront when the United Democratic Front (UDF) was formed 40 years ago.
“You were torchbearers in the onward march towards a free country, and we salute you all,” President Ramaphosa said on Sunday.
Speaking at the 40th anniversary celebration of the founding of the United Democratic Front in Johannesburg, President Ramaphosa said it is heartening that leaders remain committed to playing an active role in the politics of the country.
The UDF was formed at the Cape Flats 40 years ago.
“The UDF was launched as a popular front ‘to bolster the tide of the struggle’ against the great injustice of apartheid. The delegates came from the length and breadth of South Africa,” President Ramaphosa said.
President Ramaphosa said amongst the delegates who supported the UDF when it was formed were some 575 civic organisations, trade unions, student formations, the women’s movement, faith-based groups, anti-apartheid coalitions and community organisations.
“As we know, the launch date of the 20th of August was deliberately chosen. This was the date the regime planned to introduce a constitutional amendment to set up the Tricameral Parliament, a hated structure with its separate Houses for whites, coloureds and Indians. The African majority was left out in the cold.
“It was an attempt to lend legitimacy to an illegitimate system. The very purpose was to divide the ranks of the oppressed.
“In a massive show of defiance, the UDF was introduced to South Africa and the world at a public rally in Mitchell’s Plain attended by 10 000 people,” President Ramaphosa said.
The President told delegates that the new organisation had the potent slogan ‘UDF Unites, Apartheid Divides’.
“The UDF would go on to mobilise communities across South Africa against so-called grand apartheid, a system of brute force and petty laws. The UDF organised protests, rent, consumer and bus boycotts, and strikes and stay-aways.
“Affiliates assisted the families of detainees, campaigned for their release, organised political funerals and conducted political education. What made the UDF unique was its distinct political culture. It was able to forge alliances with organisations that identified with its aims.
“At its height, there were three million community members and more than 400 organisations under the banner of the UDF,” President Ramaphosa said.
President Ramaphosa said it is clear that the UDF transformed the country’s political landscape.
“What is remarkable is that it achieved so much when it was in existence for just eight short years.
“We also remember the many UDF activists who were detained without trial, tortured and killed by the regime, and the many men and women from across South Africa who made up the rank and file of the UDF,” he said. - SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Sun, 08/20/2023 - 20:00
President Ramaphosa sets pace ahead of BRICS Summit
The expansion of the Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa (BRICS) grouping is expected to be one of the key issues to dominate discussions as leaders of the bloc gather in South Africa this week.
More than 30 Heads of State and Government from across Africa will be attending the summit. Furthermore, over 20 countries have formally applied to join BRICS and several others have expressed an interest in becoming part of the BRICS family.
In his address to the nation on Sunday, President Ramaphosa said South Africa supports the expansion of the membership of BRICS.
This is a sentiment shared by China, whose Ambassador to South Africa Chen Xiaodong on Friday said that the body is “a big family of good partners, based on mutual assistance for a win-win cooperation”.
“The value of BRICS extends beyond the interests of its current members. For its efforts to be more effective, BRICS needs to build partnerships with other countries that share its aspirations and perspectives,” President Ramaphosa said, with less than two days to go before the all-important summit.
As a formation, President Ramaphosa said, BRICS plays an important role in the world due to its economic power, market potential, political influence and development cooperation.
“BRICS countries can collectively shape global dynamics and acting together, have the potential to drive significant changes in the world economy and international relations.
“An expanded BRICS will represent a diverse group of nations with different political systems that share a common desire to have a more balanced global order,” President Ramaphosa said.
The South African Head of State said collectively, BRICS members have used their voice to call for a world that is more equitable, balanced and governed by an inclusive system of global governance.
“Being a BRICS member has created positive opportunities for South Africa. It has enabled our country to have a strategic relationship with China.
“Based on the strategic relationship between South Africa and the People’s Republic of China, we will be signing several agreements during President Xi’s State visit.
“We have steadily strengthened trade and investment ties with other BRICS countries alongside collaboration in areas like development, skills, technology, security and innovation,” President Ramaphosa said.
Funding development
The President said South Africa has benefited from the New Development Bank, which was established by the BRICS countries in 2015.
“Our country has been funded by the bank in several infrastructure projects to the value of R100 billion in sectors such as roads, water, transport and energy. South Africa has always championed the interests of Africa within BRICS.
“We want to build a partnership between BRICS and Africa so that our continent can unlock opportunities for increased trade, investment and infrastructure development.
“There are great opportunities for other BRICS countries to participate in the African Continental Free Trade Area by locating production and services in various countries on the African continent, including our own, by partnering with local companies and entrepreneurs,” President Ramaphosa said.
President Ramaphosa explained that the BRICS Summit is particularly important as it is being held as the world is confronted by fundamental challenges that are bound to determine the course of international events for years to come.
“Our world has become increasingly complex and fractured, as it is increasingly polarised into competing camps. Multilateralism is being replaced by the actions of different power blocs, all of which we trade with, invest with, and whose technology we use.
“It is for this reason that South Africa continues to advocate for an open and rules-based global governance, trade, financial and investment system.
“In addition to the other African leaders in attendance, we will also be welcoming leaders from several countries of the Global South. These include countries from the Caribbean and South America, from the Middle East, from West Asia, South Asia and South-East Asia,” President Ramaphosa said.
Supporting global stability
President Ramaphosa reiterated that South Africa is directly involved in a number of efforts to bring peace to Africa.
“We are currently involved in supporting the people of Mozambique and the DRC to ensure that there is peace and stability in their countries,” the President said.
To further strengthen economic ties between African countries and the United States, President Ramaphosa said South Africa is inviting more than 30 African trade ministers and senior US Administration and Congressional representatives to the next forum of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) scheduled for November this year.
President Ramaphosa said that South Africa is a member of the Non-Aligned Movement, a forum of 120 countries that are not formally aligned with or against any major power bloc.
“Our decision not to align with any one of the global powers does not mean that we are neutral on matters of principle and national interest. Our non-aligned position exists alongside our active support for the struggles of the oppressed and marginalised in different parts of the world.
“We have always believed that the freedom we won – and the international solidarity from which we benefited – imposes a duty on us is to support the struggles of those who continue to experience colonialism and racial oppression,” the President said.
On Tuesday, President Ramaphosa will host His Excellency President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China on a State Visit to South Africa.
The welcome ceremony will take place at the Union Buildings in Pretoria ahead of the 15th BRICS Summit set to take place from 22 – 24 August 2023.
Relations between South Africa and the People’s Republic of China are governed by a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), whose programme of action is set out in a Ten-Year Strategic Programme of Cooperation (2020–2029). – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Sun, 08/20/2023 - 21:53
Police Minister to address officers deployed at the BRICS Summit
Police Minister General Bheki Cele will on Monday address all the forces deployed at the 15th Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) Summit, which will be held at the Sandton Convention Centre from 22 to 24 August.
This follows numerous security engagements and briefings by security role-players responsible for safeguarding the upcoming BRICS Summit.
The summit is expected to be attended by over 30 Heads of State and Government from across Africa, scores of government representatives, as well as local and international dignitaries and summit delegates.
The security forces parade will comprise officers from across various disciplines of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and supporting security agencies deployed to safeguard the event.
Last week, the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) affirmed South Africa’s ability to successfully host the 15th BRICS summit.
Together, BRICS has more than 40% of the world's population; makes up a quarter of the global economy and accounts for a fifth of global trade.
BRICS leaders are also expected to discuss the issue of membership expansion. Over 30 African Heads of State and Government are expected to attend the summit, with over 20 countries having formally applied to join BRICS.
In his address to the nation on Sunday, President Ramaphosa said South Africa supports the expansion of the membership of BRICS.
“The value of BRICS extends beyond the interests of its current members. For its efforts to be more effective, BRICS needs to build partnerships with other countries that share its aspirations and perspectives,” President Ramaphosa said.
He said BRICS plays an important role in the world due to its economic power, market potential, political influence and development cooperation.
Only those in possession of accreditation to attend will be allowed near the venue and restricted areas. Those found with fraudulent accreditation will face the full might of the law. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Sun, 08/20/2023 - 21:59
What is a workplace dispute? A workplace dispute refers to a conflict or disagreement that arises between employers and employees or between co-workers within a workplace setting. These disputes can involve a wide range of issues, such as employment contracts, workplace policies, wages and benefits, discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, breach of employment agreements, or violations …
Fifteen learners from the well-known Aitsa! Aftercare Centre in Stellenbosch will live out their MTBing dreams at the 8th annual Fedhealth MTB Challenge that will take place at Root44 on Saturday, 09 and Sunday 10 September 2023. The Aitsa! Aftercare Centre opened its doors in 2014 in the picturesque village of Kylemore. The doors are …
The RUN YOUR CITY (RYC) WARM UP RUN #4 fueled by PUMA Nitro, the final WARM UP RUN before the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series celebrates its Tshwane debut, will take place at the Uitspan, Hillcrest Sports Campus, University of Pretoria, Hatfield at 17:15 on Thursday 24 August 2023. Tshwane residents have one last chance …
Maintenance, debt servicing key to electricity distribution: Ramokgopa
The Minister in the Presidency responsible for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, has emphasised the importance of infrastructure maintenance and the servicing of municipal debt to help keep the lights on.
In his weekly Energy Action Plan briefing in Pretoria on Sunday, Ramokgopa said poor maintenance and lack of servicing debt are among the reasons some communities go without electricity, even long after load shedding.
“…Transformers and substations have failed and blown up [in some communities] as a result of demand that exceeds the capacity of those assets,” Ramokgopa said.
Ramokgopa said in some instances, municipalities are underspending by R2 billion, money which should be spent servicing and maintaining infrastructure.
According to the Minister, municipalities owe Eskom about R63.2 billion.
Ramokgopa said there is a number of municipalities that have entered into agreements to pay their debts. However, some municipalities have defaulted on their arrangements and failed to make payments as agreed.
Ramokgopa said failure to pay Eskom undermines the entity’s ability to service and maintain the electricity distribution network, resulting in replenishment budgets being depleted on fixing repeat breakdowns of sub-stations and other transmission units.
“We are working with Eskom and the Head of Distribution and his team to ensure that we are able to find sustainable solutions to the problem. We are in discussions with colleagues from Distribution, National Treasury and the South African Local Government Association (Salga) to try address the debt of the municipalities.
“Communities are not able to get the electricity they deserve that they have paid for as a result of failure of infrastructure,” Ramokgopa said.
On Friday, Ramokgopa undertook a working visit to Namibia to participate in a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Mines and Energy in Namibia, Tom Alweendo.
The meeting explored opportunities for mutual cooperation between South Africa and Namibia.
The meeting also discussed the development and exploitation of gas reserves from the Kudu fields in the Orange Basin to provide an affordable gas fired base load power of up to 8 40MW for 35 years. South Africa could benefit from up to 600MW of this. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Sun, 08/20/2023 - 13:20
You and your investors post-investment: CONGRATULATIONS! YOU’VE RAISED FUNDING! Your ideas and efforts over the last few years have been recognised by an investor. Now that the celebrations are over, the work starts in delivering on your promises and keeping your investors informed with post-investment financial reporting. Once investors have made the decision to invest …
The importance of maintaining strong finances post-investment Your business journey started with the germ of an idea. You nurtured it, poured your heart and soul and all your spare time into it, and watched it grow into a thriving company. In fact, you even managed to attract outside investors, who saw the potential for growth …
The Ministerial Projects initiated by Tertuis Simmers, the Provincial Minister of the former Department of Human Settlements (now the Department of Infrastructure), have achieved a significant milestone with the successful delivery of homes to nearly 1700 new homeowners in the Western Cape. Upon his appointment, Minister Simmers committed to completing these projects by June 2024 …
Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber quickly put behind him his team’s record victory over Wales in Cardiff on Saturday (52-16) and focused on improving as the Rugby World Cup kick off moved a day closer. South Africa’s 36-point victory surpassed the previous best of 22 points (34-12) recorded in 2007, but Nienaber admitted that better was …
Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber and captain Siya Kolisi hosted a media conference in Cardiff on Saturday following the team’s 52-16 victory against Wales in their Rugby World Cup warm-up match at the Principality Stadium. In the video below Jacques explains the reason why Siya only played for 40 minutes in his first game after injury:
Shops looted as residents take to the streets complaining of racism and neglect
Introduction: When planning a holiday, the comfort and joy of our four-legged friends often top the list of considerations. For many, the allure of foreign lands fades when faced with the complexities of pet travel. But, fortunately, tucked away in the heart of the UK are two idyllic locales that perfectly cater to pet enthusiasts: …
Introduction: In the realm of luxury goods, ostrich leather stands out as a symbol of elegance and sophistication. With its distinctive texture and unparalleled durability, it’s no wonder that ostrich leather products have seen a surge in popularity over recent years. This article delves into the allure of ostrich leather, exploring its unique bags, wallets, …
Boland Landbou kept their cool under pressure to secure a memorable 17-11 victory against rivals Oakdale Landbou in a Sportsmans Warehouse Premier Interschools clash in Riversdale on Saturday, August 19. Boland Landbou hooker, Cilliers Viljoen, was the hero for his side as he scored the winning try with the final move of the game, three …
The ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Americas Qualifier witnessed a dramatic conclusion on Friday, as USA emerged victorious, defeating Canada by seven wickets in a rain-affected winner-takes-all matchup to seal the 16th and final qualification spot at next year’s U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup. Having enjoyed strong performances against the other competitors Argentina and …
Attention all shopping enthusiasts! Get ready to experience your favourite retail destination in a whole new way! Somerset Mall, located in the heart of the picturesque Helderberg region in the Western Cape, understands the need to continually evolve and enhance the shopping environment. This inspired the mall to embark on an ambitious redevelopment project. Brace …
A dynamic partnership between Afrika Tikkun Services (ATS) and Gauteng Enterprise Propeller (GEP) has paved the way for the successful launch and handover of the Scooter Driver initiative, an innovative solution set to revolutionise urban mobility and promote socio-economic development within the Gauteng province. The landmark handover and launch, which took place this week, has …
SA, Namibia talks focus on energy security
South Africa and fellow SADC [Southern Africa Development Community] country, Namibia, have explored areas of mutual cooperation in energy generation at a ministerial level meeting on Friday.
The Minister in the Presidency responsible for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, on Friday undertook a working visit to Namibia to participate in a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Mines and Energy in Namibia, Tom Alweendo.
The meeting explored opportunities for mutual cooperation between South Africa and Namibia in the following areas:
A senior team of Eskom executives formed part of the delegation and shared the work already underway, and future planning to strengthen and expand the existing transmission infrastructure spanning from the Northern Cape in South Africa to Oranjemond in the south of Namibia.
The meeting discussed the development and exploitation of gas reserves from the Kudu fields in the Orange Basin to provide affordable gas fired base load power of up to 840MW for 35 years. South Africa could benefit from up to 600MW of this.
The meeting also took note of opportunities in the green hydrogen sector, including:
“Reiterating our historic political and cultural ties, Minister Ramokgopa expressed the hope that the visit and work around energy security and regional energy sovereignty will further cement the strong bonds between our Republics, in the interest of the development of the Region and its People,” Minister Ramokgopa’s office said in a statement. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Sat, 08/19/2023 - 15:51
President Ramaphosa to host Chinese President
President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Tuesday host President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China on a State Visit to South Africa.
The welcome ceremony will take place on Tuesday morning at the Union Buildings in Pretoria ahead of the 15th BRICS Summit set to take place on 22 – 24 August 2023.
The State Visit takes place within the context of celebrating 25 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries, while historic ties date back to the Bandung Conference of 1955.
Relations between South Africa and the People’s Republic of China are governed by a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), whose programme of action is set out in a Ten-Year Strategic Programme of Cooperation (2020 – 2029).
The State Visit by President Xi on Tuesday will give the leaders and their delegations an opportunity to reflect on developments under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and to consider further deepening of cooperation.
The visit crowns deliberations in which the two governments have been engaging on implementing structures such as the Bi-National Commission, Joint Working Group, People-to-People Exchange Mechanism and Strategic Dialogue.
South Africa and China enjoy vibrant economic relations, and China is South Africa’s largest global trading partner by volume.
China is an important investor in South Africa and provides support on infrastructure development projects including the Small Harbour Development Project, the TVET Refurbishment Project and the Mzimvubu Water Project, all of which are instrumental in job creation.
Discussions during the State Visit will explore further collaboration and partnerships the two nations can leverage on to solidify existing diplomatic, economic and people-to-people relations.
The expected outcomes of the visit include:
It is anticipated that several agreements and memoranda of understanding will be signed during the State Visit, focusing on socio-economic cooperation, which both sides will ensure implementation that yield results for both countries.
South Africa and China will co-host the China-Africa Leaders’ Roundtable scheduled for 24 August, and also engage on cooperation at multilateral level, particularly at the FOCAC level. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Sat, 08/19/2023 - 16:01
More than 24,000 prisoners are likely to be released of whom about 3,000 will be deported