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Deputy President Paul Mashatile has today, 20 July 2023, held a fruitful dialogue with business leaders, organised by the French South Africa Chamber of Commerce and The African Storyteller, a public affairs consultancy with representatives of large European companies in Johannesburg, Gauteng Province.

The meeting was attended by almost forty Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and senior leadership from companies such as AB Inbev, Alstom, B Braun SA, BMW, Bureau Veritas, Engie, Grupo Pereira, Gran Solar, Heineken, Ibercham Group, Interwaste, Mazars, South African Breweries, Siemens, Swissport South Africa, TOTAL Energies Unilever, and Volkswagen, amongst others.

The aim of this session was to engage in robust and progressive discussions between business leaders and the Deputy President as facilitator of dialogue among key sectors of South African society. This was a platform for a meeting of minds and for harnessing available expertise to advance the efforts of Government in growing the economy to prosperity and producing the much-needed jobs.

The CEOs raised issues of concern and sought Government's intervention particularly on the energy crisis, logistics challenges especially on the rail network, skills development to fast track the absorption of young people into jobs and business, and long periods attached to getting business visas. 

Commenting on the need for Government and business to engage continuously and constructively, the Managing Director of the African Storyteller, Ms Thuli Phiri said it was important for a Government and Business relationship to be nurtured for the broader benefit of the economy and the people of South Africa.

On behalf of CEOs, Dr Yves Guenon, Chairperson of the French South Africa Chamber of Commerce and Industry said: “For our businesses to grow and further contribute to growing the economy we need to have regular touch points with Government as everything that Government does has a direct or indirect impact on our ability to succeed”. 

Addressing the gathering, Deputy President Mashatile recognised that “investor confidence is essential for driving economic growth and development, creating jobs, and ensuring our nation's prosperity”. 

Additionally, he commended big business for their resilience through the COVID-19 pandemic period and through the slow economic growth cycle. He noted that this demonstrated the value that business leaders attach to South Africa as an investment destination of choice.

In this regard, the Deputy President highlighted to the meeting that Government was streamlining the regulatory procedures through the Red Tape Task Team, established by President Cyril Ramaphosa to reduce excessively complex rules, regulations, procedures, and processes that impede economic growth and job creation in key economic sectors.

The dialogue concluded with the following resolutions:

•    Government commits to building a stronger and intentional working relationship with businesses in order to improve the country's competitiveness and rebuild the economy.
•    Notes that the economy is driven in the main by private sector investments, which provide jobs and revenues to the state through tax collection and through enabling broader economic participation such as the inclusion of SMEs into the economic value chain.
•    Acknowledges that investors from the European Union are key stakeholders, accounting for 25% of South Africa's GDP and 75% of Foreign Direct Investment or FDI's. The main European investors represent more than 300,000 direct jobs, and in total more than 1,5 million jobs including indirect jobs.
•    The European Union business leaders commit to growing South Africa's economy amidst challenges, which must be addressed and discussed openly, to collectively seek their resolution.

In welcoming the resolutions, Deputy President Mashatile said, “Let us remember that creating a conducive environment for business to thrive is not a single-side responsibility, it requires collaboration, partnership, and a shared vision. Together, we can build a South Africa where opportunities abound, businesses thrive, and everyone shares in the prosperity.”

To this end, a follow-up meeting with the European investors will be scheduled in the near future.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency: Republic of South Africa.

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The members of the Rules Committee of the Parliament of South Africa continued their benchmarking study tour in the United Kingdom Parliament's House of Commons. The study tour aims to explore and consider the oversight mechanisms of the presidency, with the goal of enhancing the effectiveness of parliamentary oversight in South Africa. The delegation, consisting of senior Members of Parliament from various parties in the National Assembly, yesterday engaged in productive discussions with independent experts who closely monitor and follow the work of the UK Parliament.

The delegation conducted a fruitful discussion with Ms Alice Lilly, a senior researcher from the British Institute of Government, which is the UK's leading independent think tank focused on making government more effective. With its in-depth analysis, expert commentary, and influential public events, the institution seeks to understand and improve the functioning of government. Their rigorous evidence-based research and data analysis, coupled with insights from key decision-makers, enable them to propose fresh ideas and constructive recommendations for enhancing government processes.

The discussion delved into the intricate historical link between the work of Parliament and the Office of the Prime Minister and critically analyzed the challenges and successes of the existing oversight mechanisms in the UK House of Commons. The dialogue also sheds light on the persistent political tensions that surround the relationship between the Prime Minister's office and Parliament, which are not uncommon in a robust parliamentary oversight system.

In addition, the Rules Committee met with Sir Malcolm Jack, a retired long-serving clerk of the House of Commons who shared his invaluable insights and experiences regarding the parliamentary oversight systems and procedures, particularly in relation to the Office of the Prime Minister. Drawing upon his years of service, he provided the delegation with a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms at play and the challenges encountered.

These engagements with independent experts and the information gathered, in addition to the information gleaned with engagements with representatives of the House of Commons, will greatly assist the Rules Committee in formulating an improved mechanism for parliamentary oversight over the executive branch. The committee's objective aligns with the recommendations put forth by the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, Corruption and Fraud in the Public Sector, Including Organs of the State. By examining the lessons learned from the UK House of Commons, independent bodies and research conducted on the oversight system of 12 sister parliaments internationally, the Rules Committee aims to develop a tailored and effective oversight system unique to the South African context.

The study tour concludes this morning with discussions on taxation and policy at the Institute for Fiscal Studies, an economic research institute specializing in taxation and public policy. The delegation will also engage with the UK Office of Budget Responsibility, which serves as the equivalent of the South African Parliamentary Budget Office. These discussions will provide further insights into budgeting, independent economic and fiscal forecasting, offering valuable perspectives for enhancing the South African Parliament's oversight over budgetary processes.

The South African Parliamentary Rules Committee expresses its gratitude to the United Kingdom Parliament's House of Commons, the British Institute of Government, and all the experts and institutions involved for their unwavering support and cooperation throughout this benchmarking study tour. The delegation is confident that the knowledge gained, and the lessons learnt will contribute significantly to strengthening parliamentary oversight in South Africa, fostering good governance, and ensuring accountability to the citizens we serve.

Said the leader of the delegation and National Assembly House Chairperson for Committees, Oversight and ICT, Mr Cedric Frolick: “The experience from this exercise has reaffirmed the importance of continuous learning and knowledge exchange in shaping effective parliamentary oversight. The insights gained from our engagements with independent experts and the in-depth analysis of parliamentary systems have provided us with a solid foundation to chart a way forward for our own oversight mechanisms. Moving forward, we are committed to leveraging the lessons learned and implementing necessary reforms to strengthen our parliamentary oversight systems. Our aim is to ensure transparency, accountability, and good governance within our democracy. We will take into account the successes, challenges, and best practices observed during this study tour, as well as draw upon our own unique context, to develop an enhanced framework for parliamentary oversight in South Africa.

“The public can expect a more robust and efficient Parliament that is dedicated to serving their interests. We understand the importance of their trust and confidence in our democratic institutions. Through the implementation of effective oversight mechanisms, we will strive to protect their rights, address their concerns, and hold the executive branch accountable. We are committed to ensuring that our Parliament remains a strong pillar of democracy, serving as a platform for open dialogue, inclusivity, and effective decision-making. Together, we will work towards a better future for our democracy, guided by the principles of transparency, accountability, and good governance."

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

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The weekly status of reservoirs released by the Department of Water and Sanitation reflects that most reservoirs in the country remain on a stable balance albeit downswing in water levels when compared to same period last week. This week, the overall storage capacity of the country's water level sits at 94.4%, a modest decline from last week's 94.7%, and a somewhat improvement from last year's 93.1%.  The persistent reduction of water levels is attributed to the dry winter season.

Water Supply systems on the upward movement are Klipplaat from 100.2% to 100.4%, Bloemfontein from 98.1% to 98.4% and the troubled Algoa in the Nelson Mandela Bay which continues to improve week on week, moving from 31.0% to 34.8%. This is a welcome relief to the residents of the area after severe drought for a number of years. 

The following Water Supply Systems are on the decreasing mode: the Integrated Vaal River System (IVRS) diminished from 97.2% to 96.6%, Amathole decreased from 101.4% to 100.9%, Butterworth recorded a minor dip from 99.4% to 99.0%, Cape Town shrunk from 99.2% to 99.0%, Crocodile West declined from 100.1% to 99.9%, Umgeni recorded a drop from 96.0% to 95.4%, Orange lessen from 99.0% to 98.6%, Both Luvuvhu and Polokwane witnessed faints reductions from 100.4% last week to 100.3% this week. 

The Crocodile East and Umhlathuze Water Supply Systems are fixed and unchanged at 100.2%, and 100.1% respectively.

A total of seven (07) out of nine (09) provinces have recorded reduction in water levels namely, Free State moved down from 98.4% to 97.9%, KwaZulu Natal recorded a tiny reduction from 90.2% last week to 90.1%, Gauteng decreased from 99.2% to 97.9%, Limpopo contracted slightly from 87.9% to 87.7%, Mpumalanga dropped from 98.0% to 97.9%, Northern Cape dipped from 91.6% to 91.5% and North West also scaled down a little bit from 89.2% to 89.1%. 

Provinces that witnessed upward movements are Western Cape and Eastern Cape expanding from 89.4% to 89.5% and 79.6% to 80.2%.

Vaal and Grootdraai Dams which are part of the IVRS have slightly dropped from 92.0% to 91.0% and 94.5% to 94.4%. Gariep which is part of Orange River Water Supply System have recorded a decline from 99.0% to 98.2%, however Vanderkloof which is in the same system has increased somewhat from 99.1% to 99.2%.

In KwaZulu Natal, Albert Falls Dam, an integral part of the Umgeni Water Supply System which supplies water to eThekwini Metro and surrounding areas dropped from 99.3% to 99.0%. Midmar which is also part of Umgeni moved down moderately from 95.6% last week to 95.3% this week while Woodstock Dam is unchanged at 99.8%.

Kouga Dam which is part of Algoa Water Supply System continues to soar from 36.2% last week to 42.2% while Gcuwa Dam which forms part of Butterworth Water Supply System is decreased from 101.8% to 101.2%.

Roodeplat which is the component of Crocodile West supplied by Pienaars River are expanded from 100.4% to 100.6%. 

In the Western Cape, which is a combination of parts that experience rainfall in winter and those that receive rainfall during other seasons; Berg River dropped from 101.3% last week to 100.7%, and Clanwilliam Dam upped from 96.5% to 96.7%.

Flag Boshielo which is part of Polokwane Water Supply System has decreased from 101.4% to 101.2%, De Hoop narrowly decreased from 100.1% to 100.0% and Nandoni is sitting at the same level at 100.8%.

In Mpumalanga, Jericho Dam which is part of the IVRS supplied by Mpama River has decreased marginally from 87.0% to 86.4%, Nooigedacht diminished from 97.4% to 96.8%, Kwena Dam which is part of Crocodile East Water Supply System is sitting at 100.2%.

The Department of Water and Sanitation persists in pleading with the public to utilise the available water with caution since we are still in the middle of dry winter season.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Department of Water and Sanitation, Republic of South Africa.