News

Law enforcement officials will maintain high visibility on foot and vehicle patrols during the 2023 Netball World Cup in Cape Town.

In a statement on Friday, the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NatJOINTS) assured participants and the public that plans are in place to ensure a safe and secure 2023 Netball World Cup.

“This essential security approach is to establish uncompromising security measures, limiting the impact of any incidents occurring through contingency planning and limiting the probability of incidents occurring before, during and after the World Cup,” NatJOINTS said on Friday.

NatJOINTS comprises various government departments, led by the South African Police Service (SAPS), the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and State Security Agency (SSA).

A committee under the auspices of the NatJOINTS, working closely with Netball South Africa, the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture and the City of Cape Town, has been meeting regularly with relevant role players to develop a security plan for the World Cup.

“The security plan will ensure team security, accommodation security, route security, city security, venue security as well as crowd management. The presence of law enforcement officials for the duration of this World Cup will serve to enhance day-to-day policing in all the identified areas.

“Traffic disruptions can be expected around the World Cup venue [Cape Town International Convention Centre], given the large number of delegates in attendance. Motorists are advised that some streets surrounding the ICC will either be closed or the flow of traffic restricted for the duration of the World Cup,” NatJOINTS said.

Only accredited people and vehicles will be allowed within restricted areas. Therefore, people that are not yet accredited, including media, are urged to make the necessary arrangements to obtain their accreditation.

All eyes will be on the SPAR Proteas as South Africa takes on Wales in their first match at the 2023 Netball World Cup, set to get underway in Cape Town this evening. 

South Africa will be competing against 16 countries for the prestigious trophy to become world champions. 

The much anticipated match this evening will begin at 6pm.

The game will be broadcast live on SABC Sport Channel,  SABC 2, SABC Radio Stations and SABC plus. – SAnews.gov.za

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) Minister, Thembi Nkadimeng, says BRICS must prioritise the objectives of a just transition as the countries transition to low carbon economies.

“As the world is in the midst of significant transformation, the concept of a just transition is increasingly taking centre stage and so as our countries transition to low carbon economies, we must acknowledge the urgent need to achieve a just transition in our respective countries,” Nkadimeng said.

Nkadimeng was speaking at the 2023 BRICS Urbanisation Forum in Durban, held under the theme, 'Advancing urban resilience for sustainable cities and towns for future generations'. The two-day forum got underway on 26 July.

Nkadimeng said by embracing renewable energy, circular economies and sustainable practices, the bloc can mitigate the negative impacts of urbanisation on the environment, and ensure a harmonious coexistence between nature and cities, thereby strengthening resilience to withstand climatic shocks.

The countries' efforts to build resilient cities must be underpinned by social equity, ensuring that every citizen, regardless of their background, has equal access to opportunities, services, and a dignified standard of living.

“The challenges posed by urbanisation are not confined to national borders. By uniting as the BRICS bloc, we possess the strength to address these issues collectively, drawing from our diverse experiences and innovative ideas. 

“Our ability to collaborate and share knowledge will be the key to tackling common challenges and unlocking new possibilities for our urban landscapes. It is heartening to witness the exchange of best practice and the formation of partnerships that have taken place over the past two days,” Nkadimeng said.

The Minister said as governments representing their respective countries, they have a crucial leadership and policy formulation role to play. She encouraged the delegates to capitalise on their connections to develop robust strategies that integrate sustainability, resilience, and the imperatives of a just transition into their urban planning and governance systems.

“By learning from each other, we can accelerate progress towards our shared objectives. As we return to our nations, I urge each of you to keep the spirit of collaboration and innovation alive in your work. 

“Let us be agents of change, advocating for policies that prioritise the well being of our urban communities and the protection of our planet. By working hand in hand, we can inspire others and build a network of like-minded nations committed to the greater good,” the Minister said.

The Minister commended the BRICS delegates for their valuable contributions during various sessions held at the forum. She said their insights have enriched their collective understanding in advancing, strengthening and building urban resilience.

“Your insights have shed light on the innovative approaches being implemented in urban water resilience projects, human settlements and alternative infrastructure provision, and have brought to the fore the critical role of data as a critical component of urban infrastructure and a foundational resource to enhance the effectiveness and productivity of urban environments,” Nkadimeng said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

St. Petersburg, Russia – President Cyril Ramaphosa has boldly declared Africa’s intention to prioritise the export of valuable finished products instead of raw materials from the continent’s minerals. 

President Ramaphosa told his Russian counterpart, President Vladimir Putin, that Africa wants to export finished products, which will set Africa on a path to unlock unparalleled opportunities for the continent’s economies. 

The President was speaking during a plenary session at the second Russia-Africa Summit held in St. Petersburg in the Russian Federation. The two-day summit kicked off on 27 July. 

“We no longer want to export ore, soil, dusts and rocks from the minerals of our continent. We want to export finished products that have value. 

“There must be respect also for what we do as countries, and we must stop those countries that count their wealth and their assets in terms of minerals that reside in the African soil like they did in the past when they counted their wealth in the number of slaves that they owned, taken from the African continent. 

“Respect and mutual benefit underpin what we as Africa do when we relate to other countries in the world,” the President said. 

President Ramaphosa expressed Africa’s pursuit of a balanced and mutually beneficial trade and investment. 

He emphasised that the continent’s aspirations for its goods, products and services to compete on an equal footing in the global economy. 

This stance underscores Africa’s determination to establish a reciprocal relationship, advocating for a fair and level playing field in international trade. 

“African countries should, as sovereign States, be able to pursue their own independent foreign policy approaches that are not beholden to any of the major global powers or blocs. 

“This second Russia-Africa Summit is an opportunity to further enhance and strengthen international cooperation and partnership for Africa’s development,” he said. 

President Ramaphosa welcomed the focus on further cooperation between Russia and Africa to promote investment, facilitate the development of value chains and boost capacity to produce and export manufactured products. 

He asserted that the proposed Russia-Africa Action Plan for the coming years should align with the second Ten-Year Implementation Plan of the AU’s Agenda 2063 to ensure better coherence and more action-orientated interventions. 

“We should also ensure joint monitoring and evaluation of the Action Plan. We need to jointly allocate the necessary funding for implementation and be accountable for concrete deliverables,” the President said. 

Focus on cooperation

Touching on the current geopolitical tensions, the President told the session that the ripple effects are causing distress and negatively affecting countries across Africa. 

“As part of Russia-Africa cooperation, we must repeat our call for existing global institutional mechanisms to be both strengthened and reformed. Greater participation of countries in the Global South will promote inclusiveness and engender trust. 

“In this regard, the reform of the multilateral financial institutions and the reform of the United Nations Security Council remains a priority for us. It is totally unfair, inequitable and unacceptable that a continent that represents 1.3 billion people continues to not be represented at the UN Security Council,” the President said. 

President Ramaphosa emphasised that in the interlinked global community, the repercussions of conflict and instability in other parts of the world have far reaching consequences and affect everyone. 

He told the session that all nations have a responsibility to work for peace, support peacebuilding, and lend every effort to bring an end to conflict and war. 

“As South Africa, we are steadfast in our position that negotiation, dialogue and adherence to the principles of the United Nations Charter are necessary for the peaceful and just resolution of conflict. 

“It is our hope that constructive engagement and negotiation can bring about an end to the ongoing conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine. As South Africa, our own history has taught us that this is indeed possible,” he said. 

The President concluded that he looks forward to the second Russia-Africa Summit playing a key role in supporting objectives of African integration, economic growth, peace and common prosperity.

In response to President Ramaphosa's remarks, President Putin said that Russia shares the same views when it comes to the prospects of development of Russia-Africa relations. 

"We are constantly keeping in touch and we will continue to do so, as I have already mentioned, today. We will focus on the situation related to Ukraine," President Putin said. 

On the BRICS summit scheduled to take place in August in South Africa, President Putin wished the summit every success, saying he is confident that the meeting will be held at the highest level. – SAnews.gov.za 

 

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has, in terms of Section 30C(1)(b), read with section 30C(3) of the Pension Funds Act 24 of 1956 (Act), appointed Naheem Ebrahim Essop as a Deputy Pension Funds Adjudicator.

The appointment is for a term of three years and is effective from the date of assumption of duty, which is expected to be 1 August 2023.

The Office of the Pension Funds Adjudicator (OPFA) was established in terms of the Pension Funds Act. The OPFA is required to dispose of complaints lodged in terms of Section 30A(3) of the Act in a procedurally fair, economical, and expeditious manner.

Essop holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree and is an admitted attorney. He started his career as a candidate attorney in 2004.

Thereafter, he practiced as an attorney from 2006 to 2015. He then joined the Financial Services Board (now the Financial Sector Conduct Authority) as a Specialist Analyst in the Pension Funds Department in 2015, where he worked until 2020.

He is currently a Senior Legal Advisor at the OPFA. Essop is an alternate member-elected trustee of the Financial Sector Conduct Authority Pension Fund in which the OPFA participates.

He also serves as the OPFA Deputy Information Officer, registered in terms of the Protection of Personal Information Act.

The Minister would like to congratulate Essop on his appointment to this important position which is crucial in contributing towards the integrity of financial markets and institutions, and the fair treatment of customers by retirement funds and all other stakeholders in the industry. – SAnews.gov.za

 

The Gautrain has announced the provision of a free bus service for ticket holders attending the Springboks Rugby Championship match against Argentina at Emirates Airline Park in Johannesburg on Saturday, 29 July 2023.

Gautrain Management Agency Chief Operating Officer, Tshepo Kgobe, said the provision of free bus service to rugby fans this weekend, follows a similar initiative during the Nedbank Cup Final, when Gautrain trains and busses were released to ferry spectators to Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Hatfield, free of charge. 

“Our provision of these free services is in tandem with and support of the province’s strategy of rebuilding the economy of Gauteng, with big sporting events as a great tool to boost the economy of the province. Gautrain would like to reposition itself as a mobility of choice in the province as we transport people in the province to work, but also places of fun and entertainment,” Kgobe said.

Kgobe emphasised that the free bus transfer from Gautrain Park Station to Emirates Airline Park is only for match ticket holders who travel by Gautrain, and standard train and parking fees will apply.

“The first bus will leave Gautrain Park Station for Emirates Airline Park at 1pm. The last bus will leave Emirates Airline Park for Gautrain Park Station at 8pm. Standard Gautrain rules will apply, including no eating or drinking on the train, bus or at stations,” Kgobe said.

The build-up to match will start at 4pm, with the match starting at 5pm – SAnews.gov.za

By Dikeledi Molobela 

St. Petersburg, Russia – President Cyril Ramaphosa, along with other African Heads of State and Government, were this evening hosted at a Welcome Reception by Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg, Russia. 

President Ramaphosa is leading a delegation at the second Russia-Africa Summit which aims to foster mutually beneficial cooperation and partnerships between Russia and the African continent. 

Delivering his opening remarks, President Putin told the African leaders that he was glad that the Heads of State and Government, leading politicians and statesmen from almost all African countries have arrived in his country.

“This august assembly that gathered in our northern capital is a brilliant testimony of the neutral willingness of Russia and the African continent to reinforce and deepen mutually beneficial ties and contacts. 

“This is also testimony to our real willingness and our joint determination to propel relations between Russia and African countries to renew advanced level in politics, security, economy and the social sphere. 

“We cast an optimistic glance into the future because Russian-African relations are founded upon the indivisible ties of friendship and neutral help that has been accumulated as well as the experience of joined work and our rich history full of events,” he said. 

He highlighted that the Soviet Union provided an important support to African countries in the fight against colonialism, racism and apartheid, adding that Russia will continue to sustain these good traditions.

“It is also worth noting that currently Russia and the African countries are working together advocating a just multipolar world, based on such principles as sovereign equality of countries, non-interference within their domestic affairs, and also respect for the rights of countries to set their own future and of course, our country is going to make a real contribution to settling the current crises and preventing the emergence of new ones,” he said. 

He added that Russia is willing to work for the future, building a genuinely strategic, mutually beneficial partnership.  

African Peace Initiative

Earlier in the day, President Cyril Ramaphosa met with African Heads of State who are part of the African Peace Initiative on the Russia-Ukraine War. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the second Russia-Africa Summit. 

This meeting precedes the Working Dinner, which the African Peace Initiative will have with President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation on Friday. 

The Heads of State involved in the peace initiative include President of Senegal Macky Sall, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, President of the Union of the Comoros and chairman of the African Union Azali Assoumani, President of Uganda Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and President of the Republic of the Congo, Denis Sassou Nguesso who was represented by  Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jean-Claude Gakosso.  

Last month, the seven African Heads of State embarked on a peace initiative mission to Ukraine and Russia in a bid to foster peace between the two countries.  

Following the meeting with the African Heads of State, President Ramaphosa held a bilateral meeting with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi of the Arab Republic of Egypt. 

South Africa and Egypt share good diplomatic ties and both countries are part of the African Peace Initiative which is in pursuit of a peaceful end to the Russia-Ukraine War. – SAnews.gov.za 
 

Transformation must take place via opportunities being made available, and not by dismissal or retrenchment of any group, stakeholders in the labour sector say.

This is the message that resonated during a joint workshop with the Department of Employment and Labour and Commission for Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) on the recent amendments to the Employment Equity (EE) Act and setting of EE targets.

The workshop was held in Rustenburg, North West, on Wednesday. 

Employment and Labour Deputy Director of Employment Equity, Niresh Singh, said in implementing employment equity and affirmative action, race alone should not be a qualification, but competence and ability should take priority. 

“Since 1998 when the EE Act was introduced, we are still found wanting when it comes to equity implementation. We need more African and coloured-owned businesses in place. 

“Government needs to put programmes in place. We need to be aggressive, go a step further by empowering women-owned businesses and those owned by people with disabilities,” Singh said. 

Singh was addressing the workshop held under the theme, 'Real transformation makes business sense'.  
 
The department and CCMA are currently conducting the 2023 EE roadshows in the form of national workshops. 

The focus of this year's workshops is to create awareness on the recently promulgated EE amendments, sector targets and regulations.

Singh said the country’s laws in the main are about inclusivity, and acknowledged that there may be “unintended consequences” in implementing the EE plan.

Employers must strive to achieve the Economically Active Population (EAP) stats, among other factors, to deal with underrepresentation of various population groups at the different occupational levels and for people with disabilities, Singh said. 

According to the Commission for Employment Equity (CEE), the EAP is used as a benchmark to assist employers in the analysis of their workforce to determine the degree of under or overrepresentation of the designated groups in the workforce. 

It also guides employers in the setting of numerical goals and targets for the achievement of an equitable and representative workforce. 

In the 22nd CEE report, Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) figures showed that in 2021, Africans accounted for 79.4% of the EAP, compared to 9.1% of coloureds; 2.7% Indians and 8.8% whites. 

Singh said it is not an “unreasonable request to ask employers to transform”. 

The EE workshops are targeted at employers or heads of organisations, academics, assigned senior managers, consultative forum members, human resource practitioners, trade unions, and employees and other interested stakeholders. 

The national series workshops started on 18 July 2023 in Thohoyandou and will end in Durban on 29 August 2023. – SAnews.gov.za
 

The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) has encouraged young people in rural areas, who want to participate in the National Rural Youth Service Corps (NARYSEC) programme, to submit their applications before the closing date of 8 August 2023.

NARYSEC, which was established in September 2010, is one of the department’s contributions towards alleviating the high levels of unemployment among young people in rural areas.

NARYSEC is linked to the National Development Plan (Vision 2030) and Comprehensive Rural Development Programme (CRDP).

The primary objectives of the programme are:
•    Recruiting unemployed rural youth as part of the District Development Model (DDM) and other approved government programmes and initiatives, working with provinces, the private sector, municipalities and local traditional councils.
•    Building the capacity of rural youth through various skills development interventions.
•    Facilitating the transition of the recruited youth to participate in economic activities.
•    Providing post-programme support to youth who have exited the programme and linking them to economic opportunities.

NARYSEC is recruiting for the 2023/2024 fiscal year. The two intakes will be in September 2023 to December 2023.

The nature and duration of the skills development opportunities will be determined by the skills requirements of the identified exit opportunities (jobs or enterprise development) that the youth have been recruited for in a specific province and district municipality.

“Skills development opportunities will be provided by public Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and agricultural colleges. Recruitment is linked to the priority skills and occupations deemed as critical to the Republic of South Africa, with a specific focus on the Agriculture and Agro-Processing Master Plan (AAMP), and priority areas in the Built Environment. 

“Skills development interventions will relate to agricultural production, processing and equipment maintenance, solar installation and maintenance, automotive motor mechanics, construction, welding, pharmacy assistance, phlebotomy, security services, tourism and hospitality and environmental practices, etc.

"Business development and work readiness interventions will be provided in accordance with confirmed economic opportunities,” the DALRRD explained.

Selection criteria

The programme targets unemployed rural youth aged 18 to 35 years old of all demographics.

Youth must be South African citizena residing in a rural area.

The minimum required qualification is Grade 9.

Youth with disabilities and females are encouraged to apply.
 

Application procedure

•    Download the application form from the department's website - www.dalrrd.gov.za.
•    Complete the application form in full and attach the required documents.
•    Submit to the email address allocated to the district you reside in. – SAnews.gov.za