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In the world of corporate gifting, standing out from the crowd is paramount. One way to achieve this is by aligning your brand with the passion and energy of sports. And when it comes to sports that evoke camaraderie, determination, and a fighting spirit, rugby stands tall. This is where rugby corporate gifts come into …
KZN investment projects make a difference
The Deputy Ministers in the Presidency on Friday led a media tour to KwaZulu-Natal to showcase the South African investment projects taking place in the province.
The tour was led by Deputy Ministers Kenneth Morolong and Nomasonto Motaung to the Serenity Hills R800 million eco-estate and the R500 million Renishaw Coastal Precinct respectively.
Speaking after the tour at the Renishaw Coastal Precinct in Scottburgh, Morolong said the community programmes that are linked with the two projects are making a significant impact in the lives of those who were unemployed previously.
According to Morolong, the skills and entrepreneurial opportunities that have been created for young people at both projects are very impressive.
“The investments of both Serenity Hills and Renishaw Coastal will make a serious economic transformation for the country. Government is also committed to continue mobilising investment in order to create sustainable jobs for the future of this country,” he said.
The Chief Executive Officer of Trade and Investment KwaZulu-Natal, Neville Matjie said he was pleased with the progress of the projects which are important for the province.
Open for business
“We have worked with both projects, coordinating the unblocking of bottlenecks in municipal processes so that the developments run smoothly and timeously,” Matjie said.
“As the provincial investment promotion agency, we confirm that KwaZulu-Natal is open for business. We will continue to work and showcase the province’s competitive advantage and position as a world-class investment destination,” he said.
The Serenity Hills R800 million eco-estate in Margate, is meant to attract foreign investment while uplifting local communities in the mid-South Coast. It has been included in the South African Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan after being honoured by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the 5th South African Investment Conference in April this year.
The second project visited was the Renishaw Coastal Precinct, the 1 300 hectares mixed-use development on the KwaZulu-Natal mid-South Coast, is considered as one of the country’s biggest developments.
The projects have employed local communities who have benefited through skills development.
South Africa hosted its fifth South Africa Investment Conference (SAIC) in April 2023 in Johannesburg. The conference was the final leg of the drive to attract R1.2 trillion into the country over a period of five years.
The target of reaching R1.2 trillion worth of investments was successfully reached.
These investments have resulted in new factories, call centres, solar power plants, undersea fibre optic cables, expansion of production lines and the adoption of new technologies.
Serenity Hills was selected for attracting both national and international interest, contributing significantly towards the country’s socio-economic goals of creating sustainable jobs, driving back inequality, and positioning the region as a key investment destination.
Serenity Hills launched Phase 1 in the second half of last year and has already sold 50% of its units, with national and international buyers also coming from Canada, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and Germany.
Community development
Through the Sweetdale Skills Centre, the development committed to investing in local communities to revitalise the area.
There are several community-driven projects already underway, with 100 jobs already created.
Forming part of the Centre is the Sweetbike Community Project, a non-profit organisation that provides vulnerable schoolchildren with bicycles.
Mxolisi Mthwana who fixes bicycles at the centre, told SAnews that his happy with what he is doing.
“It’s been five years now fixing bicycles, I love what am doing,” he said.
According Mthwana, the centre had already donated 50 bicycles to learners in nearby schools.
“We doing this to assist the learners to get to school on time and to encourage them not to abscond,” he said.
Mlonde High School Principal Linda Mkhize told SAnews that there had been an improvement in school attendance since the school received the bicycles.
“I thank the centre with the bicycle donation because even school attendance has improved a lot, with learners no longer coming late,” she said of the bicycles donated to matric leaners.
Quality bicycles are imported from Europe and refurbished at the Sweetbike Workshop, employing and upskilling people from the local communities.
Once ready, these bicycles are donated to the learners attending rural schools from Umzumbe to Port Edward, with recipients given training in mechanics to maintain and look after the bikes. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Sat, 08/05/2023 - 07:51
The Durban Chemicals Cluster (DCC) Accelerator is now in its sixth year and is proud to announce the launch of its next Business Accelerator. Applications from high-potential, Black-owned small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the local chemicals sector are all welcome and will be accepted until 30 September 2023. The DCC Accelerator is a transformative …
Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance is of the strong opinion that the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) Amendment Bill currently serving before Parliament is unconstitutional and will not assist in dealing with police abuse and misconduct within the South African Police Service (SAPS). Last week the Democratic Alliance wrote to the Acting Chairperson of the …
Stillwater Sports, in partnership with Boxer Superstores and Coca-Cola, is excited to launch the Boxer Super Run, a world class 5km road run that is set to captivate entrants, young and old, social, and elite, in the scenic city of Durban on Sunday 15 October 2023. “We’re excited to launch the Boxer Super Run, a …
Dear Editor The United Kingdom (UK) has issued a travel alert to their residents who plan to visit Cape Town. The travel alert warns tourists about the current taxi violence and protest strike action and the potential compromised safety of visitors. Considering that the UK is of the biggest tourism markets, this travel alert is …
Dear Editor The Democratic Alliance (DA) takes serious note of the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Ebrahim Patel’s, intention to end the 12-month hiatus on the egregious anti-dumping duties on chicken imports. We want to be clear: this is a terrible decision. These tariffs, endorsed by the International Trade Administration Commission (ITAC) and the …
Following yesterday’s 25-21 victory over France, Gregor Townsend has reduced his Rugby World Cup training squad to 37. Stafford McDowall, Adam Hastings, Cameron Henderson and Kyle Rowe have returned to their clubs ahead of the match against France in St. Etienne next Saturday and the Rugby World Cup squad being named on Wednesday 16 August. …
Ward Councillor, Peter Helfrich, says “Over my dead body – I will not allow the Cape Coloured Congress or anyone else to disrupt the housing project in Macassar” The ward councillor, Peter Helfrich, for ward 109 in the City of Cape Town, where an R132 million mega housing project is currently underway, which will accommodate …
President Ramaphosa to attend Netball World Cup closing
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to attend and deliver remarks at the final match of the Netball World Cup held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre in the Western Cape.
This has been the first instance where an African country has hosted the tournament.
“As the host nation, we have been honoured to welcome players and supporters from all over the globe and we look forward to an exciting final and the successful conclusion of the tournament.
“Of course we encourage our guests to extend their stay and be inspired in new ways by the many amazing experiences South Africa has to offer,” President Ramaphosa.
On Sunday, the Spar Proteas bowed out of the tournament with a sixth place finish following their defeat to Uganda. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Sun, 08/06/2023 - 13:41
The Springboks proved they are on track with their Rugby World Cup preparations as they delivered a strong second-half performance to overpower Argentina 24-13 in the first of three warm-up games at Velez Sarsfield in Buenos Aires on Saturday. Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber’s men were 10-3 behind on the scoreboard at halftime, but could draw …
Gauteng residents can now report faulty traffic lights on app
A new feature on the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport’s #PotholeFixGP App now allows users to report faulty traffic signals.
This is in addition to the application allowing users to report potholes on Gauteng roads. At least 7418 potholes have been reported since its launch in 2022.
“The added function is intended to enhance user experience of the people of Gauteng. It is ultimately set up to improve service delivery to the people of Gauteng.
“The APP can provide a status update of the traffic signal and potholes ranging from reported, assigned to completed. It further allows for checking and verifying whether a reported traffic signal/pothole is on a municipal, provincial or a national (SANRAL) road.
“PotholeFixGP serves to build relationships with motorists/road users, so they become eyes and ears of the Department in keeping road infrastructure conditions conducive for a safe and pleasant driving experience,” the department said.
Since its launch, the app has garnered at least 9250 download – a feat that MEC Kedibone Diale-Tlabela says is encouraging.
“We are encouraged by the rising numbers of downloads. The department further urges Gauteng residents to download the app and report road maintenance issues that need attention,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Sun, 08/06/2023 - 13:44
Minister reflects on Energy Action Plan implementation
Minister in the Presidency responsible for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, says at least half of the actions set out in the Energy Action Plan (EAP) are either completed or on track.
He was briefing the media on the progress made on the one year implementation of the Energy Action Plan on Sunday.
The EAP was introduced by President Cyril Ramaphosa in July last year and thrashes out work that must be done by both Eskom and government to ensure that load shedding is reduced and eventually eradicated and to ensure energy security for the country in the future.
“About 56% of the work we are doing is either completed or on track. About eight of these actions that the President has set out in the Energy Action Plan we have completed. Twenty of these actions are on track so essentially what that means is that we are in keeping with the timelines that we had set for ourselves.
“Twelve of these actions are delayed but progressing well. Of course that is a dent because what we want to is to be either ahead of time or on time. Eight of those are off-track and intervention is on the way…so we are missing our own targets that we set ourselves,” he said.
All of the actions that government is undertaking are underpinned by five interventions, namely:
According to Ramokgopa, actions that government has taken include:
The Minister said although these interventions are contributing greatly to the reduction of load shedding, South Africans must also contribute by taking actions to reduce demand on the grid.
South Africans can contribute by switching off non-essential appliances, switching off geysers and pool pumps during peak periods and also switching off plugs and lights when not in use.
“Demand management is the fastest and most efficient way to reduce demand particularly during peak hours. There are a few things that we can do and the aggregate of those things is going to lessen the intensity of the demand. It’s quicker because we don’t have to spend money, we don’t have to have new generation capacity [and] we don’t have to improve the energy availability factor.
“It has to do with our own behaviours and how we treat consumption in our own homes. It does not mean we need to deteriorate our quality of life. We can achieve both. Just by switching off lights [you are not using], you are switching on the South African economy.
“By reducing the amount of electricity that we use through simple actions, we can reduce load shedding while saving on energy bills,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Sun, 08/06/2023 - 11:57
Stable municipalities are imperative for South Africa
Deputy President Paul Mashatile says managing coalition governments better remains imperative in stabilising local government and improving service delivery.
He was addressing a media briefing at the National Dialogue on Coalition Governments in Cape Town.
“The Minister of CoGTA [Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs minister Thembi Nkadimeng] remains my key partner in driving this because, as you have seen, we are quite focused at local government where we have more challenges. So the Minister of CoGTA is key because the dialogue itself felt that there is an urgency in addressing challenges at local government level.
“We will definitely be looking at how these engagements will allow us to go down to local government to ensure that we have stable coalitions that are focused on good governance and serving the people even much better than they have been doing up to now,” he said on Saturday
The Deputy President said further engagements will be held in order to thrash out finer details.
“We only finished commissions [on Saturday], the secretariat needs more time to factor in the comments of political parties so they agreed that we will finalise the declaration once we have taken into account [political parties] comments.
“The most important thing is that all those who participated felt that we are going to need more engagements. There were issues where political parties expressed different views…that they felt need further refining.
“But generally, the idea of a national framework is agreed to but the issues of how you are going to implement it, whether you need legislation or regulation, those are the issues that are going to go for further refinement,” he said.
Earlier, during his closing address of the dialogue, the Deputy President called on political parties to work together to bring much needed stability and economic growth to South Africa.
“All what needed to be said this weekend, has been said. We came, we engaged, we listened to one another and we have agreed that this issue of coalitions is something that is with us and needs to be discussed.
“We want stability in the country, we want economic growth [and] we want a South Africa that is prosperous. We want municipalities to be stable… we want to make South Africa work. We can do it if we ensure stability in the country,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Sun, 08/06/2023 - 09:33
President Cyril Ramaphosa will attend the final match of the Netball World Cup 2023 and deliver brief remarks at the Closing Ceremony of the competition in Cape Town on Sunday, 06 August 2023.
South Africa has been the first African host of this global tournament which has been staged at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
President Ramaphosa has commended South Africa's national team, the Spar Proteas, on their gallant progress through the pool stage of the tournament.
President Ramaphosa said: “As the host nation, we have been honoured to welcome players and supporters from all over the globe and we look forward to an exciting final and the successful conclusion of the tournament.
“Of course we encourage our guests to extend their stay and be inspired in new ways by the many amazing experiences South Africa has to offer.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency: Republic of South Africa.
Community leaders say some households in Tshikota near Louis Trichardt have been without water for four years
City has still not upgraded the settlement in spite of a 2016 court ruling
Giyani water project is still on course, Mchunu
Water and Sanitation Minister, Senzo Mchunu, has reassured the community of Giyani and the country that the Giyani Water Project is still on course as outlined earlier this year.
“We have committed ourselves and we are hard at work to ensure that this project reaches completion and within the set timeframes. We have been very transparent concerning the work that has been taking place and we have been conducting regular oversight visits,” Mchunu said.
Mchunu admitted that the department has experienced hurdles along the way, and the project has experienced major delays due to scope of work changes and added packages.
He said access denial by traditional leaders, including community protests and restrictions on the pipe route from Nandoni to Giyani, poor project management and to an extent, and the weather patterns that delayed work progress by not less than four weeks, hindered progress that would ensure that the bulk pipeline was completed within the allocated time.
“As announced in April, the rest of the remaining work is still on course and the work packages are being implemented simultaneously to ensure that the project is completed on time,” Mchunu said.
Mchunu’s statement comes following misleading information spread by a political party on Giyani water challenges.
Mchunu acknowledged that the project had been marred by serious challenges of poor management and corruption that has led to the loss of billions of rands and the project stalling for several years.
“This has been an eyesore, not only to the residents of that area, but also to us as government and the rest of South Africa,” Mchunu said.
Mchunu said upon the department’s appointment in 2021, and having received a report about the project and its events, Lepelle Northern Water Board was instructed, as the implementing agent, to resume the project and ensure that it is fast-tracked and completed.
He said while the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) conducted its own investigation into the loss of billions of rands that could not be accounted for, the department understood that the people of Giyani could not wait any longer to have access to one of their basic human rights.
On the allegation that there is no accountability on the matter, Mchunu said, the SIU has completed its investigations and have instituted legal action for the repayment of over R 2.3 billion by three former Lepelle Northern Water employees.
“The accusation that the President and I lack accountability does not even arise at all. There are four components to the scheme and each with their own timelines. We will always have timeframes attached to projects and consequently, when we fail to meet those deadlines or when we do indeed succeed in meeting them, we will always take the public into confidence, and we have done exactly that,” Mchunu explained.
Mchunu said the people of Giyani are getting water through various means, via boreholes (as a temporary measure), the old system although intermittently, as the system is currently being refurbished, and via water tankers.
In addition to the four components of the project, the villages in Malamulele West will be receiving water from the Nandoni Water Treatment Works, following the laying of a 26.58 km pipeline; reticulation, which Mopani District Municipality is attending to, which is the only outstanding element.
Work packages
The four work packages of the Giyani Bulk Water Supply Scheme include work package 1, which consists of the construction of the 40.5 km raw bulk pipeline which transfers raw bulk water from Nandoni Dam to Nsami Dam, thereby augmenting raw water from the Middle Letaba Dam.
Mchunu said the water will be treated in the Giyani Water Treatment Works situated in Nsami, into potable water, adding that the bulk water infrastructure project was completed on 5 April 2023.
Work package 2 includes construction of a 325 km pipeline to supply bulk water from Giyani Water Treatment Works to 55 villages from the commanding reservoir in Nsami to the reservoirs that will ultimately supply water to the 55 villages.
Mchunu said the project is currently underway, and 300 km of installations have already been covered and the project is at 63% completion.
He said the third package is in 2 phases, with the first being to refurbish the 30 megalitres a day (ml/d) Giyani Water Treatment Works back to its optimal capacity.
“The water treatment is currently functioning at 17 ml/d and is unable to meet the current demand in the area [and] the project is scheduled to be completed in December 2023. The second phase of this work package is to upgrade the water treatment plant with a further 10 ml/d; this is to ensure that it covers villages that are now being included on the network and will start in the new financial year, April 2024” Mchunu explained.
The project is being implemented by the Mopani District Municipality through the Department of Water and Sanitation Water Services Infrastructure Grant (WSIG).
The fourth and last package is a newly added package into the scope of the project that consists of reticulating the potable water to the 55 villages that have been added into the network to increase the level of services from communal taps to yard connections.
Mchunu said the work package is also divided into two phases and is also being implemented by the Mopani District through the funding from the WSIG.
“Phase 1 of the package consists of reticulation to 24 of the 55 villages; 37 contractors have been appointed and are on site in various villages laying the reticulation pipes. The remaining 31 villages will be part of Phase 2, which will start in the new financial year (April 2024).
“All these work packages are on track, and we anticipate that they will be completed within the set timelines. We know that the people of Giyani have been patient and we continue to plead with them for their patience as we work towards providing them with sustainable, reliable and consistent water supply,” Mchunu said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 08/04/2023 - 10:41
Pandor sets sights on increased trade relations with New Zealand
While bilateral economic and trade relations between South Africa and New Zealand continue to increase steadily, more still needs to be done to boost growth.
This is according to the International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor, who was delivering opening remarks during the bilateral meeting with her New Zealand counterpart, Nanaia Mahuta, in Cape Town.
According to the Minister, the total trade between the countries amounts to R3 billion, with exports to New Zealand at a total of R1 billion and imports from South Africa sitting at R2 billion.
South Africa, Pandor said, is currently New Zealand’s 35th export market and the 18th most important source of visitors.
“I’m sure that we can put shoulder to the wheel and work on improving these figures. We have the potential to trade more with each other,” she said on Friday.
New Zealand’s ties with South Africa range from trade and tourism, agriculture, disarmament, fisheries, environment, indigenous and human rights issues, as well as sports.
The Minister reminded delegates that the relations date back to the colonial era and recalled how during apartheid the island country led the way in isolating the regime.
“It’s something we never forget and continue to be grateful for. Who can forget how Labour Prime Minister, the inimitable David Lange in 1984, booted the last apartheid-era Consul General out of Wellington? We were proud to re-establish full diplomatic relations on 19 January 1994.”
She also spoke about how, in line with other Commonwealth countries, New Zealand lifted trade, investment and financial sanctions against apartheid following the inauguration of the first fully democratic South African government in 1994.
New Zealand subsequently established a High Commission in Pretoria in 1996.
“President Nelson Mandela visited your country in 1995 to acknowledge and thank New Zealand for its support during the apartheid regime.
“Your country had one of the strongest and staunchest anti-apartheid movements in the world and the sports boycott that you upheld struck a huge blow to the apartheid regime and helped to bring the world’s attention to our struggle,” Pandor said.
Meanwhile, the Minister said since the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations, the countries have concluded nine signed agreements.
“I am thrilled that we will be signing a Memorandum of Cooperation on Bilateral Cooperation, as this will be another testimony of our growing relations.”
South Africa and New Zealand, she said, work well together in a multilateral arena such as the United Nations (UN) and Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
They also share common views on international issues, such as the protection of the oceans and sustainable agricultural development, and are strong supporters of nuclear non-proliferation.
“We are also two of the five gateway countries to Antarctica. I would like to hear more about how your country unlocks the economic benefits this brings as I am told that Christchurch’s economy thrives as a result, and we would like the same for Cape Town.”
In 2019, Home Affairs Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, announced the changes in visa requirements enabling New Zealanders to enter South Africa for 90 days visa-free for tourism purposes.
Mahuta is expected to attend the Netball World Cup semi-final match in Cape Town on Saturday, 5 August 2023.
“I wish the Silver Ferns well, but not if they are playing against our Proteas,” the Minister quipped.
“I must say that I’m super proud of the way our Proteas played against your Silver Ferns, the reigning champs, and held them to a draw, what an electrifying game.”
Spar Proteas goal attacker, Nichole Taljaard, scored with seconds remaining to earn a 48 - 48 draw against the defending champions New Zealand at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) on Wednesday.
Pandor also congratulated New Zealand for the spectacular opening ceremony of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 08/04/2023 - 10:53
Leaders of African Peace Initiative makes progress
The Leaders of the African Peace Initiative have recognised progress achieved since the proposals discussed with Russian President Vladimir Putin at their first meeting on 17 June 2023 in St. Petersburg.
The leaders made proposals on humanitarian issues, in particular, related to the rights of children in areas of armed activities and prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine, and agreed that humanitarian efforts would continue to bring further results.
The seven African leaders issued a joint Statement on Thursday following the engagement between them and the President of the Russian Federation on 28 July in St. Petersburg, in the Russian Federation.
At that engagement last week, the leaders continued their discussion on the African Peace Initiative, which they started on 17 June 2023.
“The Leaders recognised progress achieved since then on proposals they discussed at the first meeting on 17 June 2023 on humanitarian issues, in particular, related to the rights of children in areas of armed activities and prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine, and agreed that humanitarian efforts would continue to bring further results.
“The Leaders called for specific steps to remove obstacles to Russian grain and fertilizer exports, thus allowing the resumption of the full implementation of the Black Sea package initiative of the United Nations Secretary-General as endorsed on 22 July 2022 in Istanbul,” the statement read.
The leaders further called upon the United Nations to take necessary action in order to release 200 000 tons of Russian fertilizer blocked in European Union seaports for immediate and free delivery to African countries.
The leaders have agreed to continue their dialogue on the African Peace Initiative so that a door to peace can be opened.
African Leaders attending the meeting on 28 July 2023 were:
- President Azali Assoumani of the Comoros in his capacity as Chair of the African Union;
- President Cyril Ramaphosa of the Republic of South Africa;
- President Denis Sassou Nguesso of the Republic of the Congo;
- President Abdel Fattah-el Sisi of the Arab Republic of Egypt;
- President Macky Sall of the Republic of Senegal;
- President Yoweri Museveni of the Republic of Uganda;
- Foreign Minister of Zambia, Stanley Kakubo.
Advancing SA's international interests
President Cyril Ramaphosa has welcomed the 2nd Russia-Africa Summit Declaration that included cooperation in a number of strategic areas, including Science and Technology, Energy, Trade and Investments, and Defense and Security Cooperation.
This after he concluded a successful working visit to the Russian Federation where, together with Leaders of African countries, a clear call for tangible and mutually beneficial and effective cooperation between Russia and the countries of the African Continent was made, during the summit which took place in the country's cultural capital, St. Petersburg.
President Ramaphosa highlighted the importance of a monitoring and evaluation mechanism that will assess the level and pace of implementation of the Summit commitments.
He concluded his working visit to Russia with a meeting at the Konstantinovsky Palace where the two Presidents discussed South Africa and Russia’s bilateral relationship, which is built on strategic partnerships in several areas of cooperation, including energy, industry, and agriculture.
“The discussions further sought to strengthen the two countries’ cooperation in the areas of education, science and technology, with a particular focus on space and satellite technology development,” Magwenya said.
Telephone call with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
Meanwhile on Wednesday, President Cyril Ramaphosa held a telephone discussion with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada.
The Prime Minister expressed his deep appreciation for the 600 South African firefighters that demonstrated excellence and diligence during their support in extinguishing the wild fires that ravaged parts of Canada.
“In turn, Prime Minister Trudeau offered Canada’s support in the event South Africa experiences any form of disaster in the near future.
“The Prime Minister also expressed his appreciation for South Africa’s contribution to the African Peace Initiative to Russia and Ukraine, and committed his support to search for a peaceful solution to the conflict.
Both leaders agreed to continue their bilateral cooperation and to further collaborate in 2025, when Canada hosts the G7 summit, while South Africa will be hosting the G20,” Magwenya said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Fri, 08/04/2023 - 10:54
My Vote Counts has launched a tool to visualize political party funding disclosures
E Cape Premier welcomes DDM Presidential Imbizo
Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane has welcomed the ninth District Development Model (DDM) Presidential Imbizo to be held in Tsomo, Chris Hani District Municipality in the Eastern Cape.
Planned for Friday, 11 August, the engagement will see President Cyril Ramaphosa, together with Ministers, Members of the Executive Council (MECs), Executive Mayors, and councillors from various municipalities, coming together to engage, listen and provide responses in real time to issues affecting communities.
The Presidential Imbizo creates a platform for social partners, including government, traditional leaders, organs of civil society, labour, women, youth, persons with disabilities, business, and communities an opportunity to collectively engage in keeping with the DDM principle of an – All of Society and government approach, to enhance integrated service delivery and create jobs.
Mabuyane has called upon the people of Intsika Yethu Local Municipality to come out in their numbers to engage with the President and raise their concerns.
Mabuyane said the engagement of communities is a critical aspect of our democracy, as it ensures that the principals are inclusive and accessible to citizens.
“This is an opportunity for communities and citizens to add their voices and enrich the work of the President. Through this commitment and partnerships guided by the DDM, communities will surely see enhanced integrated service delivery,” Mabuyane said on Thursday.
The Premier said the provincial government will use the imbizo to continue advocating for the service delivery needs of the people. This includes the acceleration of the government’s response in areas that were affected by disasters, improvements on water reticulation projects, interventions on the management of crime, as well as the accelerated implementation of all the catalytic projects across the province.
“Engagements between the two spheres of government have yielded positive results with massive investment received to improve some of the provincial infrastructure, amongst others the resolution on the funding deadlock for the construction of the R8 billion Umzimvubu Dam and an additional R6.33 billion has been allocated to municipalities in the province through various water infrastructure grants.
“The Eastern Cape provincial government has since the launch of the DDM developed and submitted at least eight DDM One Plans designed to unlock massive growth and socio-economic development across the province,” Mabuyane said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 08/04/2023 - 11:18
SA urged to make smart financial decisions
South Africans have been encouraged to make smart financial decisions by saving for the future as a recent survey on financial behaviours of adults show a concerning pattern.
According to the recent Baseline survey on financial literacy in South Africa, only 46% adults tend to live for today rather worry about providing for their future while 44% stated that they have not been actively saving and a third of South Africans have no retirement plan.
“As the National Treasury, we are worried about the statistics for people who expect to rely on government pension because in the absence of growth, we do not want to end up with a society that relies on government handouts as opposed as to saving money for their own future,” Acting Tax and Financial Sector Policy Division Deputy Director-General, Mmakgoshi Lekhethe, said on Friday.
Lekhethe was addressing the virtual launch of Money Smart Week South Africa 2023 (MSWSA 2023) under the theme “Plan your money, plant your future.”
Money Smart Week is the country’s largest coordinated financial literacy campaign aimed at motivating and empowering South Africans to become better educated about their finances. This year’s campaigns runs from 28 August until 03 September 2023.
South Africa scored at around 51% of individuals that are financially literate in the survey, which was conducted by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) in partnership with the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC).
The survey further indicates that only 26% have funds saved for rainy days but those will last for only three months.
“The financial decisions we make today will make a significant impact on our security and our standard of living given the current economic condition that people find themselves in and therefore saving and being money smart is a strong foundation towards securing your future,” Lekhethe said.
While she acknowledged that financial literacy might not address all of consumers’ vulnerability, Lekhethe said financial literacy could pave the way for positive actions, which are important for wealth creation and preservation.
These actions include saving for a rainy day and for long term goals such as retirement and making an informed decision about retirement.
“As government and regulators, we have to do our best in providing protection to consumers. An informed consumer can demonstrate improved capability in terms of making decisions about their financial future,” she said.
Lekhethe expressed concern about the emergence of fraudulent scams schemes that take advantage of people’s vulnerabilities.
The Baseline survey on financial literacy in South Africa examines the financial knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours of adult South Africans as part of ongoing efforts to better understand, monitor, and promote financial literacy in the country. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Fri, 08/04/2023 - 12:03
Phaahla calls on BRICS to not let guard down against COVID-19
While the world is no longer living in a COVID-19 pandemic crisis mode, Health Minister, Dr Joe Phaahla, has warned BRICS leaders that they cannot afford to let their guard down.
“This virus will still unfortunately continue to cause havoc in our population and in our economy,” he cautioned on Friday.
“We just need to make sure that we are tracking the virus because it will continue to evolve and pose risk in our societies.”
However, he said he was hopeful that the leaders now have the tools and the political will in place to ensure that future waves do not result in more severe diseases and deaths.
Phaahla, together with Health Ministers from Brazil, Russia, India, and China were speaking at the adoption of the declaration of the 13th BRICS Health Ministers Meeting.
Today marked the last day of BRICS health events currently underway at the Durban International Convention Centre in the run-up to the 15th BRICS Summit in August 2023.
The 13th BRICS Health Ministers Meeting was taking place under the ‘Bridging the Gap on Sustainable Health on the Road to Universal Health Coverage 2023’ theme.
The Minister said the bloc partnership has a significant role to play in surveillance, preparedness, and developing health mechanisms to confront pandemics.
Universal health coverage (UHC)
He said over the last decade, the BRICS countries have committed to substantial health-system reforms designed to improve equity in service use, quality, and financial protection, with the ultimate goal of achieving UHC.
Last month, the National Assembly passed the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill paving the way for universal healthcare, bringing it a step closer to being signed into law and being rolled out.
“This is one of the most revolutionary bills ever passed by the National Assembly since the dawn of our democracy in 1994,” he told delegates.
UHC, he said is undoubtedly the cornerstone to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3, on good health and well-being.
“We have an opportunity to make our voices heard as BRICS countries building on our hard negotiated and agreed goals towards universal health agenda.”
He believes that the BRICS nations are a force to be reckoned with, as they carry a great number of the world's population of underprivileged societies.
“So we should leverage our involvement in the G20 to push the global health agenda and related areas for ensuring global health security.”
He also acknowledged that there is still a lot to be done to ensure access and equity to safe and essential medical products for people, especially in developing countries.
Vaccines
Phaahla also touched on the equitable distribution of vaccines and expeditious vaccination, to fill the immunisation gap globally.
“We should, therefore, remain focused on discussions on the importance of the World Trade Organisation on relevant intellectual property waiver proposals, as well as capacity building and strengthening local production of vaccines and other health tools, especially in developing countries,” he stressed, adding that mNRA hubs should be supported.
Phaahla said the leaders have also agreed that they should jointly take proactive and effective measures to prevent and reduce the risk of cross-border transmission of infectious diseases and contribute to improving global health.
Public health emergencies
This year, he said they also added a BRICS Network of Public Health Emergency Centres (PHEOC), serving as nerve centres for preparation and response to public health emergencies.
“This is especially critical as we reflect on the COVID-19 pandemic response and aim to build back better for future outbreaks and pandemics.
“The effective coordination and improved control of outbreaks as evidenced by shorter times from detection to response that a functional PHEOC is valuable in the prompt containment of infectious disease outbreaks in all countries.”
He said the medicines regulatory authorities were also ready to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation.
He said this was a significant step towards realising the objective to work together in the field of medical products regulation.
This, according to Phaahla, will also enable the nations to share regulatory experience and best practices.
It will also enable them to exchange experts for capacity building as well as facilitate the regulatory landscape to promote research and development and adaptation through technology transfer of innovative medical products.
These include drugs, vaccines, medical technologies, and anti-microbial resistance. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 08/04/2023 - 12:19