We will take matters into our own hands, Mr Cele
Police minister and mining officials meet community following protests over violence blamed on informal miners
News
Mashatile calls for ‘unerring focus’ on improving lives of South Africans
Mashatile calls for 'unerring focus' on improving lives of South Africans
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has called on political parties and civil society to craft a way forward for coalition governments that will improve the lives of South Africans.
The Deputy President was speaking at the National Dialogue on Coalition Governments held at the University of the Western Cape, in Cape Town, on Friday.
The two day dialogue seeks to lay a foundation for the creation of a National Framework guiding the effective management and navigation of coalition governments in South Africa.
“[Our] political focus must unerringly remain on the well-being of our people. Our pursuit of national consensus on how to approach coalition governments is a matter of national interest. Properly handled, it has the potential to bring the necessary stability, especially to the local government sphere, despite the intemperance we have witnessed in relation to coalitions.
“This dialogue therefore seeks to promote fidelity to the national interest so that we remain focused on the fulfilment of the constitutional injunction to build a united, democratic, non-racial, non-sexist, and prosperous society,” he said.
Currently, South Africa has at least 70 hung municipalities and this has paved the way for the formation of coalition governments in local municipalities.
Some of these coalitions, particularly those in metropolitan municipalities, have given rise to, amongst others, instability and frequent changes in council leadership structures – ultimately hampering service delivery to citizens.
Deputy President Mashatile told those at the dialogue that in this regard, citizens are demanding accountability from those elected to lead.
“Whatever the configuration of governance, the electorate and the people as a whole expect from those who govern nothing less than the material improvement of their lives, a better future for themselves and their children as well as guarantees for peace and security.
“Those who govern also owe accountability to the people at all times for without accountability, the process of governance is compromised. Additionally, where parties battle it out, like the feuding houses of Verona, other things also get lost: among them, improving the lives of the people is often compromised with negative impacts on the wellbeing of citizens,” he said.
Mashatile said although coalition governments face a raft of challenges, current leaders “may be the generation in our evolving democracy that co-creates and designs resilient solutions to our political architecture”.
“We can ignite the hopes of our people with the demonstration of united leadership, which communicates the message that we have gathered here today as a collective of South African stateswomen and statesmen and not as mere politicians representing their parties.
“This national dialogue will not stop after tomorrow; it is just the beginning. It is the launch of the dialogue that must spread across our nation as we collectively grapple with the most crucial question: what do we do going forward to serve the people even better?
“The motto of this eminent institution of higher learning is Respice Prospice: look back, look forward, and take what is worthy from the past, and build the future. As we grapple with these issues, may we embrace the apposite counsel of the motto of the University of the Western Cape so that we are able to meet the expectations of the people for the material improvement of their lives, and secure a better future for them and their children. So shall we be true to the national interest,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Fri, 08/04/2023 - 12:52
KZN legislature, six departments commended for receiving clean audits
KZN legislature, six departments commended for receiving clean audits
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube has commended the Provincial Legislature and six provincial departments for obtaining clean audits for the financial year 2022/23.
The Office of the Premier, Economic Development Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Provincial Treasury, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Community Safety and Liaison, Agriculture and Rural Development, have all received unqualified audits with no findings.
“This deepens our resolve and commitment to good, clean, ethical and transparent governance while accelerating service delivery, addressing poverty, unemployment and inequality. We will work hard to ensure that every department in the province achieves a clean audit and work together with those that may have some challenges,” Nomusa-Dube said.
Premier not investigated by SIU
Meanwhile, the Office of the Premier said the Premier is not the subject of an investigation by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), nor under investigation by any agency.
This follows the SIU announcement on Tuesday, that it would investigate allegations of maladministration in the affairs of the Office of the Premier in KwaZulu-Natal, after President Cyril Ramaphosa signed a Proclamation authorising the unit to investigate allegations dating back to 2007.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Office of the Premier noted that a false narrative has been peddled by some mischievous members of the media, analysts and politicians, that the Premier is being probed for wrong-doing.
The provincial government warned that such a narrative is a colossal misrepresentation of facts, which has also been dispelled by the SIU in its announcement of the probe and subsequent media engagements.
“While the Proclamation clearly states that it covers allegations of unlawful and improper conduct that took place between 1 April 2007 and 29 July 2023, the investigation is not targeted at the Premier or Executive Authority, personally.
“Probes of this nature are information seeking based on reports of previous investigations. The SIU is at the beginning of its probe into the office and is not investigating the incumbent during the period of interest. We reject insinuations by members of the opposition that this is about Premier Dube-Ncube or any of her predecessors," the Office of the Premier said.
It added that it views any narrative or reporting that suggests otherwise, when the facts are clear, to be "mischievous and out of order".
“Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube welcomes any probe into any activity covering any period relating to the KwaZulu-Natal Office of the Premier. We wish to assure the people of KwaZulu-Natal that the Office will cooperate fully with the SIU and make sure that all relevant matters are finalised as soon as possible.
“The Premier and her administration will not be distracted from a singular focus and commitment of leading a transparent, ethical and accountable provincial government while accelerating service delivery to our people. This is clearly reflected the Office of the Premier and five other provincial departments, including the Provincial Legislature attaining clean audits for the 2022/23 financial year,” the Office of the Premier said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 08/04/2023 - 13:49
Nzimande calls on BRICS partners to invest in science, innovation
Nzimande calls on BRICS partners to invest in science, innovation
Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande, has called on his partners from BRICS to develop science and innovation capacities across Africa for the creation of a better future for all.
Nzimande was speaking on Friday at the 2023 BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India and China and South Africa) Ministerial Meeting on Science and Innovation in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape.
He told his counterparts from Brazil, Russia, India and China that one of the strategic objectives of the annual ministerial meeting is to provide an opportunity for a high-level exchange on science, technology, and innovation policy.
The platform is to also share information on priority investment areas, as well as national progress in the implementation of BRICS partnership initiatives.
He told delegates that in 2022, the country witnessed a historic milestone in science policy development with the adoption of the Decadal Plan.
The Decadal Plan, approved by Cabinet, focuses on growing South Africa by finding sources of new economic growth for a re-industrialised and modern economy.
“Although prepared by my department, it is not only a plan for the Department of Science and Innovation, or for government alone, but for all of South Africa,” he said.
The plan also seeks to put science, technology, and innovation at the heart of South Africa’s growth and development agenda.
Meanwhile, the Innovation and Skills Compact will undertake amongst others a regulatory reform to create a more enabling policy environment for innovation in South Africa.
It will also forge a closer collaboration between higher education and training bodies, and employers, to ensure that skills development better corresponds to the needs of the economy.
“Our plan does not identify priorities [of] scientific disciplines or technology platforms in their own right, but instead focus on the collective and holistic response of South African science and innovation on key societal challenges confronting South Africa.
“This approach notably foresees a central role by the social sciences and humanities, which remains a priority investment area.”
He also touched on the strengthening BRICS collaboration, namely vaccine manufacturing, the hydrogen economy, and the marine sciences.
“The Decadal Plan proposes a new dedicated programme on innovation for a healthy South African population.
“This programme will focus on both physical and mental health; build on our existing successes in for example the fight against infectious diseases such as HIV-AIDS, while also reinforcing our pandemic preparedness.”
The Minister said developing South Africa’s vaccine manufacturing capabilities will be a priority investment area.
“Our objective is to develop a viable local vaccine manufacturing industry in South Africa, which will notably address African concerns regarding the security of supply.”
The plan will also zoom into energy security as a priority, which has led to the implementation of South Africa’s Hydrogen Society Roadmap.
The roadmap also seeks to exploit South Africa’s unique comparative advantage, the endowment of 75% of global platinum metals group reserves.
“We have made excellent progress in developing new hydrogen and fuel cell technologies and are keen to join forces with BRICS partners in this enterprise.
“Opportunities abound in areas such as the decarbonisation of transport and the production of green hydrogen, including as part of a dedicated Platinum Valley, spatial and economic development initiative.”
Nzimande said the country is also committed to the marine sciences and the development of a blue economy.
He explained that cooperation with partners in the Global South and strengthening multilateralism and solidarity through our BRICS science, technology, and innovation partnership is a priority of the highest order.
“I, therefore, have every confidence that our BRICS partners will join us in an effort, within the spirit of generosity President Mandela spoke about, to also develop science and innovation capacities across Africa. This will be a lasting contribution of our shared objective to creating a better future for all, ensuring no one is left behind.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Fri, 08/04/2023 - 13:50
Elevating Your Heritage Day Experience with PGifts’ Range of Branded Braai Accessories
Heritage Day, celebrated annually on 24 September, holds a special place in the hearts of South Africans worldwide. Also known as National Braai Day, this day is not just about recognising the rich cultural history and diversity of the nation, but it’s also a celebration of a beloved South African tradition – the braai. …
Over 190 suspects arrested during police operations in Riverlea
Over 190 suspects arrested during police operations in Riverlea
A total of 194 suspects have been arrested during intensified police operations in Riverlea and surrounding areas to arrest zama-zamas terrorising the communities.
The arrests follow the deployment of Crime Intelligence, Tactical Response Teams “Amaberethe”, National Intervention Unit (NIU) and the Special Task Force (STF) in and around the Riverlea area, including illegal mining hotspot areas in Gauteng.
Police Minister, General Bheki Cele returned to Riverlea in the West of Johannesburg on Friday, to update the community on the police's response to the illicit activities that have left some community members living in fear.
Joined by South African Police Service (SAPS) management from both national and the Gauteng province, Cele engaged the residents of Riverlea and surrounding in an effort to end illegal mining and to find lasting solutions to stabilise the area.
Addressing the community at Riverlea Recreation Centre, Cele said a team from the Minister and the Secretariat would be sent to the Langlaagte Police Station from Monday.
He said the team would report back by Thursday.
“The relationship between the community and the police station must be fixed so that we work together against criminality. We will bring a report back and see who is not doing his or her job, and take action against them,” Cele said.
Cele said the team will also probe allegations that SAPS are getting bribes, and called on the community to report and bring the evidence of the allegations.
“We want to change their blue uniforms for the orange uniforms,” he said.
The Minister also called on the community to stop supporting the criminals, adding that they know the zama-zamas, as they are their next door neighbours.– SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 08/04/2023 - 15:12
Lives of poor and working class people upended by violent taxi strike
“Ordinary people like me are the ones suffering” says patient as clinic services impacted by taxi strike
Minister Marais hosts 1995 South African Netball team
On Friday, 4 August 2023, the Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Anroux Marais, hosted the reunion of the South African netball team who reached sporting glory with their silver medal finish at the World Netball Championships in Birmingham, England in 1995.
The team brought renewed hope to South Africans with their remarkable 1995 campaign. They have now come from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa to reunite and to support the current Spar Proteas team in their Netball World Cup campaign.
Captain Debbie Hamman shared her own reflections on traveling to Birmingham and the team's success at that tournament. Various members of the team also had the opportunity to share their experiences of that time.
Head of Department Guy Redman expressed the power of sport to bring hope to many people across the country and the importance of the legacies of players. “There is a saying that says: If you are traveling a path, you ask those who have gone that way already. You are the ones who have walked the path for others to follow.” he said.
Minister Marais thanked the team and praised them for their achievements: “You were the ones who paved the way for the next generation of netball players in our country. You played in difficult times but you did not let anything detract from your passion and dedication for the sport. Thank you for everything that you have done for netball in South Africa.”
The team will remain in Cape Town to support the last weekend of the Netball World Cup.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Western Cape Government: Department of the Premier.
It’s huge in Japan and will be in Komani too, says dealer principal
The arrival of Mitsubishi in Komani has generated quite a stir among those locals who are faithful followers of the Japanese brand. Ashton Schnehage, dealer principal at the Kelston Motor Group’s new multi-franchise dealership in Cathcart Road, said there were Mitsubishi clients in the area who trusted the brand “fiercely”. At the time of its …
Transport Minister calls for resolution to Cape Town taxi strike
Transport Minister calls for resolution to Cape Town taxi strike
Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga says the Department of Transport expects to meet with both the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) and officials in the City of Cape Town following the taxi industry’s suspension of services in the city.
She was speaking on the sidelines of the National Dialogue on Coalition Governments held in Cape Town.
On Wednesday after the taxi council suspended operations, taxis blocked roads, including major highways, resulting in the burning of buses and intimidation of motorists.
The strike follows a standoff with the City of Cape Town on various issues, including the impounding of taxis and operating license applications.
Chikunga said the department is expecting to convene a meeting with all role players to find a solution to the impasse.
“We have requested the MEC for Transport [in the Western Cape] because we believe the Department of Transport should lead and not the police because this is a matter that requires the Department of Transport nationally and provincially, sitting together with the metro.
“Of course, also the taxi industry itself represented by SANTACO. We have invited the national leadership of SANTACO, also their provincial and local leadership so that we hear exactly what the issues are and find solutions to those problems,” Chikunga said.
The Minister called for taxi operators to reconsider the suspension of services, which has left thousands of commuters without transport.
“We are extremely concerned about what has happened. What we would like SANTACO to do is maybe call off the strike while we are trying to find a solution. The people who become victims are not the people that they are unhappy with, but it is the commuters.
“Of course we would want to protect the Netball World Cup. We have got other events that have to take place in Cape Town. [The taxi industry] plays a key role in the transportation of commuters and we would definitely try to persuade them to consider calling off the strike,” she said.
Chikunga condemned the violence that erupted allegedly at the hands of taxi drivers in the area but also called on city officials to mete out “equal treatment” to all motorists, including those in the transportation industry.
“We are not saying that law enforcement should not enforce the law and we are not saying that the taxi industry should not abide by the law… of the road because that actually leads to accidents.
“However, when that law is meted, it should not just target the taxi industry. We are opposed to that. We can’t have a by-law that is just for the taxi industry. If it is wrong to cross any barrier line, it should be wrong for the bus, the taxi and for everybody. It should not just focus on and target the taxi industry,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Fri, 08/04/2023 - 09:27
60 Minutes Display Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse: A Powerful Tale of Excellent vs Evil
As part of its 10th-anniversary celebration, the 60 Minutes Show partnered with The Cedars South Coast Addiction Treatment Facility to put on a transformative production about the battle against drug and alcohol abuse which was presented at KZN schools from 24 to 26 July. As usual, the production was also opened to the public with …
SCTIE consults with national department to uncover potential in KZN South Coast’s fishing sector
The local fishing sector, from small-scale fishing to commercial ventures, is beginning to reap the rewards of a successful Sardine Run in 2023 with netting taking place since the start of June. This annual ocean spectacle, which is also an important element for the tourism economy, is just one of the aspects contributing towards the …
“Return To The Negotiating Table & Refrain From Resorting To Violence”
Premier Alan Winde has urged mini-bus taxi leaders affiliated with the South African National Taxi Council in the Western Cape (SANTACO-WC), who are behind a destructive province-wide strike, to return to the table and work with the Western Cape Government (WCG) and City of Cape Town (CoCT) to resolve long-standing issues that have confronted the …
Checkmate Gugulethu
Gugulethu Chess College under-11 team to go to provincial tournament
$50000 Ringside Seats Snapped Up
Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), Real Fight Inc. (RFI) and American Airlines Center have today announced that the highly-anticipated Jake Paul vs. Nate Diaz pay-per-view on Saturday, August 5, 2023 will be the second highest recorded gate for a combat sports event at American Airlines Center in history. Surpassing all previously held combat sports events, Paul …
Qatar Contributes to Fundraising Campaign for Orphanage in South Africa
The State of Qatar has contributed to a fundraising campaign for the Utandu Orphanage in Pumalanga, the Republic of South Africa, as part of the celebration of Nelson Mandela International Day.
The State of Qatar was represented at the ceremony by Acting Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy of the State of Qatar in the Republic of South Africa, Khalid Mohammad Al Sharshani. HE Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa Candith Mashego-Dlamini also attended the event.
Al Sharshani said in a speech that the State of Qatar invests in the Nelson Mandela International Day to alleviate poverty and suffering among needy communities, stressing the need to take care of children and ensure the best living conditions for them to grow in a healthy environment.
Mashego-Dlamini hailed her country's partnership with the State of Qatar, noting in this context the distinguished relations between the two countries that began a long time ago.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The State of Qatar.
Thousands of commuters stranded, vehicles petrol bombed and traffic gridlocked as taxi strike causes chaos on Cape Town roads
City seeking urgent interdict against the taxi strike
MyCiTi the focus of Cape Town’s novel public transport business region
A 15-year public transport plan passed by Council focuses on road-based public transport in the face of collapsed rail system
NPA won’t prosecute Mbalula
NPA won't prosecute Mbalula
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has decided it will not prosecute former Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Fikile Mbalula in relation to his family holiday in Dubai.
This matters relates to the Public Protector's report, released on 19 December 2019, that the NPA should look into the allegation that Sedgars Sports funded the Mbalula family holiday in Dubai between December 2016 and January 2017, when he was the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture.
The referral from the Public Protector was to investigate whether the trip was proceeds of money laundering, with the view to prosecute anyone who may have been involved in criminal activities.
A police docket was registered at Brooklyn police station, CAS 158/08/2019.
“After police investigations, guided by the prosecutors in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crime Unit office, and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) office, a decision to decline to prosecute anyone in this matter was taken, as there is no evidence supporting allegations of criminal activity,” the NPA said on Wednesday. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 08/03/2023 - 09:33
Congratulations Banyana Banyana!
Congratulations Banyana Banyana!
Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa has expressed immense pride in Banyana Banyana, South Africa’s national women’s football team, for progressing to the Round of 16 at the FIFA Women’s World Cup taking place in Australia and New Zealand.
In a memorable match on Wednesday, Banyana Banyana beat Italy 3 – 2 in Wellington, New Zealand. With this victory, Banyana Banyana became the first senior South African football team to qualify for the knockout round of a FIFA World Cup.
“Banyana Banyana have not only displayed great talent on the field, but they have also shown great fight. Their match against Italy was a must win game. Banyana Banyana showed just what makes them the pride and joy of South Africa, by matching toe to toe against the world’s top teams and creating history once again.
“I am thrilled that Banyana Banyana found it in them to get the necessary result to qualify for the Round of 16 in the FIFA World Cup. Banyana Banyana is an incredibly special team. All 60 million South Africans are behind this team and want them to do well.
“I would like to congratulate Banyana Banyana on making history. They have shown that they belong on the world’s top football stage. I urge the nation to continue to rally behind the team, as they seek to create even more history,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 08/03/2023 - 09:42
Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi speaks with President of South Africa
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a telephone conversation today with His Excellency, Mr. Matemela Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa.
The two leaders positively assessed the progress in bilateral cooperation, including in the context of the thirtieth anniversary of establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations being celebrated in 2023.
President Ramaphosa invited PM for the BRICS Summit being hosted by South Africa on August 22-24, 2023 and briefed him on the preparations for the same. PM accepted the invitation and conveyed that he looked forward to his visit to Johannesburg to participate in the Summit.
They also exchanged views on a number of regional and global issues of mutual interest.
President Ramaphosa conveyed his full support to India's initiatives as part of its ongoing G-20 Presidency and said that he looked forward to visiting India to attend the G-20 Summit.
The two leaders agreed to remain in touch.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of External Affairs - Government of India.
Advanced metering hardware manufacturing project to be rolled out in SA
Advanced metering hardware manufacturing project to be rolled out in SA
A multimillion rand project set to establish two Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) hardware mass production facilities and 13 distribution satellite warehouses is to be rolled out nationwide.
The project will be administered and managed by Madinda Utilities, a Pretoria-based AMI hardware manufacturer and utilities diagnostics specialist company that has over 25 years of industrial experience in utilities cost-optimisation, diagnostics, sustainable renewable energy resources hardware distribution, installations and administration.
The company pledged an investment of R600 million at the South African Investment Conference that was hosted by President Cyril Ramaphosa in Johannesburg in April.
Madinda Utilities is engaged in the deployment of the African Utilities Distribution Industry – Growth Portfolio Investment (AfUDI-GPI) project aimed at reducing municipal utilities’ revenue collection and distribution losses, token identifier (TID) rollover deadline readiness calibration, distribution asset acquisition and asset exponentiation through the South African Municipal Bond market.
According to the Managing Director of Madinda, Ogi Madinda, the purpose of the project is to roll out advanced metering infrastructure nationally.
“The end product consists of tamper-proof, state-of-the-art electronic/digital hardware and software, which combine interval data measurement with its continuously available remote communications.
“The system is the quintessential full measurement and collection system that includes meters at the customer site, communication networks between the consumer and their distributor, such as an electric, or water utility/distributor, and data reception and management systems that make the information available to both consumers and suppliers,” Madinda said.
He added that the system will allow consumers to receive real-time energy pricing and offers from the utility to manage their meter. This will enable them to benefit from lower bills, while utilities benefit from a stable load on the grid and less need to invest in expensive new capacity.
“This is a turnkey solution for efficiency in the energy sector in South Africa. The project will enable South Africa to manufacture its own smart-grid hardware, which is currently designated for local manufacturing and content and only available through importation, solve a national utilities distribution problem and enable the country to join the global supply chain in this sector by establishing its own mass production plant for DLMS/COSEM compliant AMI hardware,” he said.
He explained that ultimately it will prevent outages, massive revenue collection losses and excessive load shedding with long-term benefits.
The long term benefits include utilities diagnostics integrity, distribution assets security and longevity, revenue collection protection and enhancement, increase in operational efficiency and performance, enhancement of customer service, demand response, demand-side management including outage detection and service restoration, enablement of customer engagement as well as reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
The project's deployment is the African Electro-technical Standardisation Commission’s (AFSEC) recommended solution to prevent the distribution system’s demise resulting in regular and intermittent black-outs, outages, massive revenue collection losses and excessive load shedding.
Gaps to be addressed will include AMI migration, supplier development and localisation contribution, unemployment, skills development contribution and sustainable energy renewable resources distribution and installations, amongst others.
According to Madinda, the AMISA project has already been approved for grant funding from COP24's Sustainable Development Goals to the value of more than $126 million.
The project will be rolled out in two phases, with the first phase expected to create 1 225 direct jobs, 2 770 indirect jobs in construction as well as 2 775 direct operational jobs with 26 576 indirect jobs. Humanitarian benefits will include directly addressing 15 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
“The project will effectively revive the revenue collection systems of municipal distributors to profitability and liquidity; conduct continental hardware calibration and security compliance for the TID Rollover Deadline increase job opportunities, skills transfer and defuse poverty and achieve utilities distribution efficiencies for 186 municipalities and Small Scale Embedded Generation Interconnection Projects that will improve their category grading, rendering municipalities equitable, profitable and sustainable to their constituencies - allowing even the smaller municipalities to benefit from the South African Municipal Bond Market,” Madinda said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Thu, 08/03/2023 - 10:28
Women’s Month highlights advancement in socio-economic emancipation
Women's Month highlights advancement in socio-economic emancipation
KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, says Women’s Month is a time to highlight the plight of women and equally reflect on the strides made as a country in the advancement of women’s socio-economic emancipation.
Dube-Ncube made the remarks as the country kick starts the 2023 Women's Month commemoration under the theme, 'Accelerating Socio-Economic Opportunities for Women’s Empowerment'.
“The 2023 Women’s Month programme gives us an opportunity to shine the spotlight on the role that women can play in the revival of our economy by creating business and job opportunities in all sectors of our economy,” Dube-Ncube said.
The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD), in partnership with the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC), KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government and various government entities, this week launched the 2023 Women’s Month in Durban.
Dube-Ncube said this year’s Women’s Month programme will focus on acceleration of socio-economic programmes and activities that are undertaken across the different sectors to fast-track gender mainstreaming.
Dube-Ncube called on women to grab the opportunities that are available, as South Africa has unique products that can be sold to global markets.
She also urged them to speak out about the various forms of abuse experienced by women, both at home and in the workplace.
“August is a significant milestone in our history, as it marks the commemoration of Women Day in South Africa and we celebrate the historic achievements of women in the fight for justice, equality, sexual and gender discrimination, and human rights abuse,” Dube-Ncube said.
BRICS roadshow
The Women’s Month launch culminated in the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) roadshow, where Dube-Ncube met with BRICS Women Business Alliance (WBA) members and discussed the logistics of the upcoming BRICS Africa Trade Conference, which is scheduled to take place from 20 - 21 August 2023.
“We are not just merely launching the Women’s Month programme. We have brought in business and representatives of BRICS countries to come and have a conversation with us about opportunities that exist for women.
“We are discussing the energy sector and the role that women must play there. We are discussing access to the job market, finance and how we can now aggressively push that envelope to ensure that these things are realised,” Dube-Ncube said.
She said in the last few weeks right up to October 2023, KwaZulu-Natal has positioned itself as the theatre of BRICS conversations.
“On 21 June, we hosted the BRICS Sport Ministers, and on 14 July, it was the BRICS Gender Dividend Dialogue. The BRICS Urbanisation Forum took place on 26 and 27 July and on 20 - 21 August, we are hosting the BRICS Africa Women's Business Alliance Trade Conference and in October, it will be BRICS games,” Dube-Ncube said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 08/03/2023 - 10:38
Exposed: The Sunday World’s lucrative partnership with the Lottery
The newspaper got millions of rands of Lottery advertising and also ran stories to counter exposés of corruption