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21 former MK freedom fighters honoured
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has officially handed over headstones to 21 affected families of fallen former Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) operatives who died between 1986 and 1990.
The Deputy President described the occasion in Soweto, Johannesburg, as an important and historic moment that must go down in the annals of history.
“We are living up to the constitutional injunction which enjoins us to, ‘recognise the injustices of our past, honour those who suffered for justice and freedom in our land, and to heal the divisions of the past and establish a society based on democratic values, social justice and fundamental human rights’,” he said on Tuesday.
He said he hoped that the unveiling would bring closure to the suffering and agony of the families who endured the pain.
The Deputy President told the families and the other attendees that the liberation heroes had made enormous sacrifices, including disintegrated families to secure the freedom many enjoy today.
He took the time to pay tribute to the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the country.
“We will never forget their selflessness, courage, and commitment to defending our nation. They demonstrated remarkable courage and strength in the face of adversity, showing unwavering determination and fortitude in the most difficult of situations.”
He believed that it was unfortunate that many liberation heroes never saw the dawn of democracy ushered in 1994. “However, they have paid the ultimate price with the hope of a South Africa that we have today.”
He recounted the journey of South Africans before 1994 as challenging and arduous.
The country’s second-in-command said the apartheid system robbed black South Africans of the right to exercise fundamental human rights.
These include the right to vote, access to equal access and quality education and healthcare, and the freedom to move around freely throughout the country without restriction.
Despite facing immense challenges and brutal crackdowns, he said South Africans never gave up their fight for freedom and equality.
“As we remember and commemorate their sacrifice, it is important for us to not only honour their memory but also to ensure that their legacy lives on. We must continue to support and care for our veterans and their families. We must strive to create a society that values and respects the sacrifices made by MK veterans and their families.”
He said the country has a collective duty to protect the democratic gains and break free from the shackles of poverty and high levels of inequality.
Deputy President Mashatile said under-development was now the common enemy, which needed a more focused response.
Meanwhile, he expressed regret that some veterans and their families were still struggling with poverty after 30 years of democracy.
“Sadly, most of these brave men and women were never able to save for retirement or their children’s futures by funding health care plans or pensions, or by looking into different options for skills development or financing for their schooling.”
He said government was actively working to bring about the change it deserves.
Through the Presidential Task Team on Military Veterans, he said the state was committed to addressing the concerns and needs raised with the government regarding veterans’ benefits, support, and improving access and services to military veterans.
“We are committed to providing support to the families of MK veterans in various ways, including financial assistance, to ensure they can lead fulfilling lives.”
A wreath-laying ceremony took place at five cemeteries, including one headstone in Ga-Rankuwa, two at Crystal Park, four in Tembisa, seven at Avalon and eight at Westpark. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 05/23/2024 - 15:34
A connection to nature in the city is not easy to make. Finding a residential estate just 15kms from the centre of Sandton CBD seems like an impossible find. Yet Helderfontein Residential Estate in Fourways (opposite Dainfern Shopping Centre) offers a unique living experience that harmonises luxurious living with a carefully considered connection to nature. …
SA tops African tourism index
SA tourism ranks high in tourism index on the continent
South Africa has ranked the highest in the African region on the 2024 Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI) by the World Economic Forum.
“We are extremely pleased with this ranking as it affirms our commitment and work to elevate the significance and contribution of the tourism sector in South Africa,” Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille said on Thursday.
South Africa was ranked 55 among 119 countries and emerged as the leading country in the rankings for the African continent in the second edition of an index by the World Economic Forum.
The report, which was released earlier this week, revealed that South Africa is home to the largest Travel and Tourism Economy in Africa. It measures the set of factors and policies that enable the sustainable and resilient development of the travel and tourism sector, which in turn contributes to the development of a country.
In 2023, South Africa welcomed close to 8.5 million international visitors of which 6.4million were from the African continent. This represents a significant increase of 48.9% compared to 2022 arrivals.
During the first quarter of 2024 – January to March – South African welcomed 2.4million visitors from the rest of the world. This represents a notable 15.4% increase when compared with the same period in 2023.
“The tourism sector has achieved robust growth over the past year and this is due to closer partnerships and collaborations with the private sector to grow tourism to its full potential,” De Lille said.
In the 2024 Index, South Africa moved up seven places compared to its previous ranking and scored high for price competitiveness, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) readiness, natural resources and travel and tourism socio-economic impact.
“We are delighted by the growth and our mission remains to exponentially grow arrival numbers and the overall performance of the tourism sector. The sector already makes a significant contribution to South Africa’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and job creation efforts but there is still so much more to be done.
“We have been working closer with the private sector and we are bearing fruit. I want to acknowledge and thank the tourism private sector stakeholders for all their hard work and collaborating with government to grow this exciting and important sector. The South Africa tourism sector’s greatest asset is our people and we will continue working to grow tourism’s contribution to the prosperity of people and the planet,” the Minister said. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 05/23/2024 - 13:47
Universal Ballot Template widens access to democracy
The Electoral Commission (IEC) says the Universal Ballot Template, a voting aid designed to empower persons with disabilities and special needs, will help this section of the population to exercise their democratic right independently and with the utmost secrecy.
This, according to the Commission, was developed in collaboration with the South African National Council for the Blind.
Speaking at the launch of the National Result Operation Centre (ROC) in Midrand on Wednesday, the Electoral Commission Chief Electoral Officer, Sy Mamabolo, said on 27 and 28 May, the Commission will accept Special Votes from the 1 668 076 South Africans who were approved for this category of votes.
“The Commission will visit 624 593 voters at their homes or places of confinement, and 1 043 483 will be assisted at voting stations where they are registered,” he said.
Mamabolo said in addition to trained staff, agents from political parties and independent candidates, as well as accredited observers will be present when the special votes are cast.
“As we embark on this momentous journey, we find inspiration in the unwavering commitment of our staff, who will be present at all 23 303 voting stations, diligently attending to the needs of those unable to visit the stations, ensuring a seamless and inclusive voting experience for all,” Mamabolo said.
Mamabolo said the appointment of 202 500 voting officials, including a new category of staff dedicated to enhancing the counting quality, underscores the Commission’s resolute dedication to upholding the integrity of the electoral process.
“The Commission takes immense pride in announcing the completion of ballot printing and delivery of over 90 million ballots meticulously prepared for this historic occasion.
“Voters will be presented with three ballot papers: The National Compensatory Ballot for political parties, the Provincial Ballot, and the Regional Ballot for parties and independent candidates. We remind all voters of the sacred principle, 'One ballot, One Mark'," Mamabolo said.
According to Mamabolo, provinces with the most approved special votes for both home visits and voting station visits are Gauteng (335 480), KwaZulu-Natal (320 010), Eastern Cape (286 059), Limpopo (159 800), Western Cape (137 558), North West (132 627), Mpumalanga (126,112), Free State (86,908), and Northern Cape (83,504).
“It is important to point out that in addition to our trained staff, agents from political parties and independent candidates, as well as accredited observers, will be present when the special votes are cast,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 05/23/2024 - 10:55
There has been only partial compliance by the municipality, while numerous dumpsites continue to plague residents
"Nerve centre" ready for capturing, auditing, collating elections results
The National Result Operation Centre (ROC) for the 2024 national elections has been launched in Midrand.
The ROC, at Gallagher Estate in Midrand, will be the nerve centre for capturing, auditing, collating and announcing the election results next week after Election Day.
Speaking at the official launch of the results centre on Wednesday, the Electoral Commission (IEC) Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo said it will serve as the “beating heart of the democratic process”, bringing together commission members, operational areas, representatives of political parties and independent candidates, observer missions and media representatives from across the globe.
There will also be ROCs across all the nine provinces, Mamabolo said.
He said it was an honour to welcome a record-breaking 160 organisations, collectively deploying over 5 000 observers from around the world to witness and validate the integrity of the commission’s electoral process.
“This includes esteemed international bodies such as the African Union, The Carter Centre Democracy Program, and the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, alongside a legion of domestic observers committed to upholding the principles of transparency and accountability.”
He reminded all voters of the principle that governs the elections - a person votes at the voting station where they are registered.
“The only exception to this rule is for those who have duly notified the commission of their intention to vote outside their registered voting district,” he said.
With less than a week before Election Day, Mamabolo called on all South Africans, both at home and abroad, to participate in this defining moment for the nation.
Chairperson of the Electoral Commission Mosotho Moepya said the ROC was not merely a physical space but was a testament to the unwavering commitment to transparency and integrity in the electoral process.
“The ROC stands as a beacon of transparency and accountability, illuminating the path toward a future characterised by free and fair elections. Here, within the walls of what we affectionately call ‘The ROC’, South Africa's commitment to free and fair elections finds its stronghold,” Moepya said.
Moepya said the results centre would witness the announcement and certification of results in national, provincial, and local elections and that it symbolised the nation's steadfast dedication to democratic principles.
“I extend a warm welcome to representatives from all political parties and independent candidates participating in these elections.
“Your presence here underscores the collaborative effort required in the management of elections. Through the National Political Liaison Committee, we have engaged transparently at every stage of the electoral process, ensuring inclusivity and fairness,” he said.
Moepya said each voting station result undergoes rigorous audit authentication before being posted, ensuring accuracy and accountability.
“The capture and verification of results at each voting station, independent audits, and real-time accessibility of data to stakeholders exemplify our commitment to integrity,” he said.
Special Votes
On 27 May and 28 May, the commission will accept special votes from the 1 668 076 South Africans who were approved for this category of votes.
The commission will visit 624 593 voters at their homes or places of confinement and 1 043 483 will be assisted at voting stations where they are registered.
The province with the most approved special votes for both home visits and voting station visits is Gauteng with 335 480.
The rest are as follows: KwaZulu-Natal with 320 010, the Eastern Cape with 286 059, Limpopo with 159 800, the Western Cape with 137 558, North West with 132 627, Mpumalanga with 126 112, Free State with 86 908 and the Northern Cape with 83 504.
The ROC is supported by nine other provincial elections centres across the country. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 05/22/2024 - 21:33
[Johannesburg, SA]: Investigation Discovery, the leading true crime network, announced Fallen Idols: Nick and Aaron Carter, a four-part docuseries that delves into the lives of Nick and Aaron Carter. From their outsized fame in the late 1990s and early 2000s to their headline-making struggles in recent years, the docuseries pulls back the curtain on the …
Cape Town, South Africa – Against the backdrop of one of Africa’s most vibrant cities, Decorex Cape Town returns from 6 to 9 June 2024 at the CTICC, showcasing cutting-edge design, curated exhibitions, inspiring talks, and product launches. As part of RX Africa’s commitment to sustainability, Decorex Cape Town 2024 marks a significant step towards …
90 Minutes v 2 Minutes Deep research v Clicking a button To the uninitiated recognising an AI generated article can sometimes be difficult. At MyPR we do see a number of such submissions and present the findings below as a guide to the reader on what to look for when trying to spot an AI …
Media challenged to promote tourism within SADC region
Various stakeholders in the tourism sector have challenged media to use their space to promote tourism in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Region.
The call was made during a virtual panel discussion on tourism media opportunities in the SADC Region, hosted by the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), in collaboration with the Department of Tourism and Brand South Africa, on Wednesday.
The panel discussion, which coincides with Africa Month, forms part of the series of conversations that will be facilitated by GCIS to showcase some of the success stories within the SADC Region.
Tourism Business Council CEO, Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa, said while the numbers may currently look good in terms of the tourists travelling to South Africa from the region and the continent, given the effects of COVID-19, there is a need to do more to bring young people in the region back into the toursim industry.
“Our job should be to make sure the region itself is attractive to international tourists. It is important to ensure that as a region, we get together and pull together our resources.
“To be attractive to the world, we need our journalists within the region and within various countries to cover tourism in way that is appealing to the international markets, in a way that it promotes travelling from those countries to South Africa, and in a way that will increase the level of tourists that are looking into South Africa,” Tshivhengwa said.
Tshivhengwa said journalists should look at how the region is building in terms of various aspects in tourism development, including issues of socio-economic development, the impact of tourism on communities, and how tourism is helping with early childhood development in various communities by way of donations and other means.
“We need to look for those things and cover them as well. There are many projects that are being done by government to uplift communities close to tourism attractions. We need to keep in mind that... it is our responsibility to promote [our region].
“Look for those stories that may not be popular in terms of selling advertising space, so that we can put those out there because as more people come in, more jobs will be created and the more prosperous the region is going to be,” Tshivhenga said.
GCIS Acting Director-General, Nomonde Mnukwa said South Africa is committed to promote and achieve the objectives of the SADC institution, and the region remains a foreign policy priority for South Africa to achieve regional development and integration.
Mnukwa said the tourism sector is considered as one of the cornerstones of the SADC regional economy, and the sector directly contributes around US$19.4 billion of the total SADC GDP.
“The tourism sector directly sustained around 2.5 million jobs in the region and a total of more than 6.3 million jobs depend on tourism, which includes direct and indirect jobs in the tourism sector.
"Travel and tourism is an important driver for job creation across the world, and our government is committed to partner with the stakeholders to invest in projects that work for people, the planet and prosperity,” Mnukwa said.
Mnukwa also echoed the sentiment that media plays a critical role in promoting tourism opportunities in the SADC region, noting that the sector has the potential to provide opportunities for all people, build resilience, and accelerate climate action and greater sustainability for the planet.
According to Statistics SA, tourism continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic levels and already contributes around 3.7% to the country’s GDP. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 05/23/2024 - 09:08
The provincial social development department must provide funding contracts to successful organisations by the end of May
And the R2,180 monthly amount is too little to cover the costs of caring for a child with disabilities
President to deliver eulogy for late retired ConCourt Justice Mokgoro
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to deliver the eulogy at the funeral of late retired Constitutional Court Justice Yvonne Mokgoro.
Mokgoro will be buried in a Special Official Funeral Category 1 on Thursday following her passing at the age of 73 earlier this month.
The distinguished legal trailblazer was born in Galeshewe, Kimberley, in the Northern Cape.
She completed her Bachelor of Law Degree (B.luris), the Bachelor of Law (LLB) and Masters of Law (LLM) at the University of Bophuthatswana (now known as the North West University) and was appointed as South Africa’s first black female justice of the Constitutional Court in 1994.
She served for 15 years at the apex court.
“Justice Mokgoro, during her legal career, taught a number of law courses at universities in South Africa, the United States, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.
“She was a member of the International Women's Association (Washington DC), the International Association of Women Judges, the International Federation of Women Lawyers and the South African Women Lawyers Association. In 2006, she was selected as an icon of the history of Women Lawyers in South Africa,” the Presidency said in a statement.
READ I President mourns passing of retired ConCourt Justice Yvonne Mokgoro
On Saturday, the Presidency explained that a Special Official Funeral Category 1 bears some distinguishing features, including ceremonial elements by the South African National Defence Force.
“President Ramaphosa has also declared that the national flag be flown at half mast at all flag stations around the country from tomorrow morning, Sunday, 19 May 2024, until the evening of the funeral on Thursday, 23 May 2024,” the Presidency said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 05/22/2024 - 09:50
New housing development will not only be for the backyarders, says the City
International Day for Biodiversity calls for collective action to protect biological resources
As the world celebrates International Day for Biodiversity (IDB), Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment Barbara Creecy, has called on all South Africans to participate in restoring and protecting South Africa’s biological resources.
The United Nations (UN) has proclaimed May 22 as International Day for Biodiversity to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues.
This year’s theme, ‘Be Part of the Plan’, focuses on everyone’s commitment to preserve biodiversity and stop and reverse biodiversity loss.
The department said Cabinet recently approved the White Paper on the Conservation and the Sustainable Use of South Africa’s Biological Diversity as the guiding framework, which sets out the goals and objectives aligned with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF).
“South Africa is rich in biodiversity, which is crucial for our ecosystems to function effectively, providing us with clean air, water and medicinal resources amongst the many benefits we derive. The White Paper is a milestone achievement for South Africa, as it is aspirational and advocates for a society where all people have a high quality of life, a voice and a nurturing earth supporting them,” said Creecy.
According to the department, the White Paper also promotes the equitable benefits of biodiversity for South Africa’s current and future generations.
Strategic objectives have been set, including the improvement of biodiversity management to strengthen the economy, rural development, job creation, and social well-being.
“The IDB celebration complements South Africa’s initiatives aimed at realising the White Paper’s objective for the conservation and sustainable use of our biodiversity to have an inclusive, transformed society living in harmony with nature,” Creecy explained.
As countries gear up for the 16th meeting of the Conference of Parties to the Convention to Biological Diversity (CBD COP16) to be held in Colombia later this year, the Minister said it was imperative to remind the international community of their commitments to the GBF.
This includes adequately funding and capacitating developing countries to ensure they can implement their National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs).
The NBSAP includes mobilising the public towards practices that sustain biodiversity’s long-term benefits by incorporating indigenous knowledge and citizen science which are essential to support the sustainable management and use of biodiversity.
“I encourage business, environmentalists, academia and civil society to engage with the policies and strategies to determine how each can contribute to the targets of conserving our precious natural assets. Your actions, no matter how small, can make a significant impact on preserving the diversity of life on our planet for current and future generations.
“Together, let’s celebrate biodiversity and work towards a sustainable future,” Creecy said. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 05/22/2024 - 09:54
Homes handed over to workers of Phase 1 of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project
Water and Sanitation Minister, Senzo Mchunu, in partnership with the Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA), has donated 40 houses to families living in the Kgubetswana Township in Clarens, Free State.
The residential houses were built by TCTA as accommodation for out-of-town staff members working on the construction of the Ash River Outfall during the implementation of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase 1 (LHWP-1).
The organisation started leasing out the houses to the residents of Kgubetswana with the intention of selling them to occupying residents at a discounted price.
However, according to TCTA Chief Executive, Percy Sechemane, the TCTA struggled to sell the houses to the resident occupants over the last 28 years due to affordability issues, as most of the occupants were either elderly or unemployed.
After consultations between the department and TCTA, the parties decided to donate the houses to their original occupants who were part of Phase 1 of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project.
Speaking at the event on Tuesday, Mchunu emphasised government’s commitment to ensuring the upliftment of communities.
“The donation of these houses demonstrates our commitment to better the lives of citizens, wherever we can. Through the TCTA, we will continue to develop initiatives that bring dignity and progress to our communities. This quality and the size of houses is the best, and I would have loved to do more, but that in the hands of the mayor now, the standard has been set,” Mchunu said.
In 2006, the houses were valued between R65 000 and R85 000, however, a recent valuation in preparation for the transfer of ownership to the beneficiaries indicated that the current value of the houses was between R380 000 and R640 000.
“The value of the properties being donated to the 39 families and an NGO servicing persons living with disabilities is R16 720 000. The property sizes range from 208m² to 302m²,” Mchunu said.
Sechemane said the process of property transfer is currently being finalised at the Deeds Office, and all new owners will be receiving their title deeds in the next six weeks.
“It is believed that such a massive transfer of property ownership to these families and the escalation of the property value to multiple times the original value, will make a significant contribution in boosting the property values in the area,” said Sechemane.
One of the beneficiaries and a local community leader, Sonwabo Morgan Ngubane, expressed the beneficiaries’ profound gratitude for being granted the opportunity to own their homes.
“Today we made history. We have been working diligently with TCTA over the years, helping to resolve all the outstanding issues to ensure that the organisation can reach this day,” Ngubane said.
The handover of houses to new owners was preceded by an engagement between the Minister, TCTA and representatives from Free State municipalities on water and sanitation services in the province.
During the engagement, Mchunu implored municipalities in the province to do all it can to overcome any challenges hindering water and sanitation services provision in the province.
TCTA re-assured municipal representatives that the Lesotho Highlands Tunnel closure from October 2024 to March 2025 for maintenance, will not adversely affect water provision in both Free State and Gauteng provinces.
“We continue to work with the DWS provincial office in Free State and local municipalities to explain all the processes we are following to ensure that water provision will continue uninterrupted during the six-month period of maintenance,” Sechemane said.
TCTA is a state-owned entity under the Department of Water and Sanitation and is responsible for financing and implementing bulk raw water infrastructure in South Africa, including the South African portion of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project.
The Lesotho Highlands Water Project is a multi-phased initiative established by a 1986 treaty between the governments of Lesotho and South Africa, designed to provide water to South Africa’s Gauteng region and generate hydroelectricity for Lesotho.
The project includes the construction of a series of dams to harness the waters of the Senqu/Orange River in Lesotho’s highlands, for the mutual benefit of both countries.
Phase I of the project was completed in 2003 and inaugurated in 2004, with Phase II currently underway and expected to be completed by 2028. The project is envisaged to yield a capacity of 14 cubic metres per second to the Vaal River System. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 05/22/2024 - 10:07
High schools called to participate in youth water prize competition
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) in Gauteng has called on local high schools to participate in the South African Youth Water Prize (SAYWP) competition.
The department made the call during a recent District Eskom Expo held at Johannesburg Sci-Bono Discovery Centre.
The South African Youth Water Prize competition is an important part of the department's education programme and it aims to educate learners and society on various water resource management issues, including water use efficiency, water quality monitoring, protection of water resources, public health and hygiene awareness, and identification of invasive species.
The competition targets Grades 9, 10, and 11 learners who possess innovative ideas and projects that can help tackle the water and sanitation crisis in their communities.
The competition starts at the provincial level to the national level, and then proceeds to the global level in Stockholm, Sweden.
Mphothulo Eulicia from the department’s Gauteng regional office said taking part in the South African Youth Water Prize is a step towards empowering youth to become future leaders in water resource management.
“By encouraging innovation and creativity, the department is nurturing a new generation of problem solvers who can help create a sustainable water future for South Africa,” Eulicia said.
During the District Eskom Expo, the department presented the SAYWP to mobilise schools for the 2025 adjudications and encouraged them to start their preparations early.
Eulicia said that out of the 11 schools who were present at the expo, only five were recognised for the 2025 South African Youth Water Prize, which indicates the high level of competition and the need for schools to immediately start planning and working on their projects.
She said participating in the SAYWP can potentially change the life of a learner for the better, and emphasised the importance of not letting such opportunity slip by.
“The prizes awarded to winners of the competition are quite substantial, including bursaries, laptops, trophies, and cash prizes, among others. These prizes can serve as a stepping stone for the youth towards a brighter future.
“By engaging in these competitions, students not only have the opportunity to showcase their innovative solutions to water and sanitation challenges but also stand a chance to win valuable prizes that can positively impact their educational and career trajectories,” Eulicia said.
A Grade 10 learner from Greenside High School in Johannesburg earned the top spot in the provincial leg of this year’s National South African Youth Water Prize competition with his innovative approach to water resource management.
Yaseen’s brilliant water and sanitation innovation idea won him a prize of R6000, a first-place trophy, and a bursary.
The second place went to Good Hope Secondary School with an awareness project. The school walked away with a prize of R5 000 and a second-place trophy.
The Greenside Secondary School also scooped third place with an awareness project and won a prize of R4 000.
Interested schools can access more information at https://www.dws.gov.za/Projects/SAYWP/contact.aspx or contact Reshoketswe Malepe at MalepeM@dws.gov.za or on 083 8643 493. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 05/22/2024 - 10:49
But the Eastern Cape Department of Health says there’s no money to renovate the clinic
“Significant progress” recorded in Operation Vulindela reform initiative
Director-General (DG) in the Presidency Phindile Baleni says Operation Vulindlela has made significant progress in reforming the economy since its announcement nearly four years ago.
She was speaking during a media briefing aimed at providing an update on progress in the implementation of economic reforms through Operation Vulindlela.
Operation Vulindlela is a government-driven initiative aimed at accelerating the implementation of structural reforms in key sectors to achieve inclusive growth in the economy.
“Significant progress has been made in reforming our economy since the President announced the establishment of Operation Vulindlela in October 2020.
“Our economic challenges are complex and deep rooted. However, the progress that we have made in implementing the economic reforms through Operation Vulindlela give us confidence that they will be overcome. While the impact of these reforms may not be immediate, they will be significant.
Electricity
In the electricity sector, government has moved to do away with some barriers to private electricity generation – resulting in massive investment in that space.
“In the energy sector, regulatory changes have resulted in a massive increase in private investment in electricity generation with a pipeline of more than 22 500MW of confirmed projects in development.
“The reform of the energy system has now far advanced with the passage of the Electricity Regulation Amendment Bill and the establishment of the National Transmission Company of South Africa, amongst other key milestones.
“We are already seeing the impact of these reforms in reduced load shedding and in the proliferation of new energy projects across the country,” Baleni said.
Logistics
Regarding logistics, Operation Vulindlela is aimed at growing exports in the country through the improvement of efficiency.
“Greater private participation in port terminal operations has been enabled and the freight rail network is being opened to competition. These reforms will allow more volumes to be transported via rail and support export growth while making our logistics systems more efficient and competitive.
“The Freight Logistics Roadmap, which was adopted by cabinet in December last year, continues to guide the implementation of these reforms,” the DG said.
Telecoms and water sector
Baleni asserted that strides made through Operation Vulindlela in the telecoms sector are already bearing fruit with decreased costs in data just but one example.
“One of the earliest milestones in the economic reform programme was the completion of the spectrum auction – ending a more than 10 year delay and contributing to reduced data costs and improved network quality and reach,” she said.
Turning to the water sector, Baleni said reforms have led to the clearing of the backlog in water use license applications which stood at more than 1000.
“[The] license application system has been improved to reduce processing times. Concrete steps have been taken to strengthen institutions in the water system, to improve regulation as well as to encourage investment in the infrastructure,” she said.
Visa reforms
Government has also embarked on reforms for South Africa’s visa regime in order to attract skills and to encourage growth in tourism to the country.
“The e-Visa system is now available in 34 countries while visas have been waived for visitors from 135 countries. The recommendations of the work visa review task team, which was completed last year, are now being implemented including the establishment of the Trusted Employer Scheme and a points based system for work visas,” Baleni said.
Working together
The DG emphasised that one of the key drivers to achieving the progress that Operation Vulindlela has produced is collaboration.
“Perhaps the most important lesson of Operation Vulindlela is that we can achieve significant progress by enabling collaboration across government and putting in place clear, time bound plans and by establishing systems to support delivery and ensure accountability.
“More than 15 government departments and entities have contributed to the implementation of these reforms through new ways of working and a singular focus on implementation and results. Above all, this report demonstrates that government is fully committed to staying the course on the reform agenda and removing constraints on growth,” Baleni said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 05/22/2024 - 13:02
World Rugby has proudly announced the selection of Nigerian Princess Alban Ugonwaezeh-Agugo for the Capgemini Women in Rugby Leadership Programme for 2024 and 2025. This prestigious program aims to elevate the visibility of female leaders within the rugby community and accelerate the development of the women's and girls' game, in the lead-up to the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025.
Princess Ugonwaezeh-Agugo, 37, hails from Adazi-Nnukwu, Anaocha LGA in Anambra State, Nigeria. She is one of only four individuals selected from Africa and one of 25 chosen globally by World Rugby to participate in this groundbreaking initiative. Joining her from Africa are Ingrid Sibusisiwe Mangcu from South Africa, Nour Khaled from Tunisia, and Menna Sedky from Egypt.
Participants in the Capgemini Women in Rugby Leadership Programme will gain access to top-tier learning opportunities through the Capgemini University. Each scholar will be paired with a mentor appointed by World Rugby as well as a Capgemini coach. Additionally, they are eligible to apply for an extra discretionary grant of up to £5,000 to support their development and learning.
An excited Princess Ugonwaezeh-Agugo shared her enthusiasm with NRFF media, stating, "This is a significant achievement for Nigeria, and it will help inspire other women to reach for the sky. I am really excited about this program because it means so much to me and for the growth of the game in my locality and Nigeria at large. I hope I can bring whatever I learn back home and implement it to foster the development of rugby in the country."
Earlier this year, Princess Ugonwaezeh-Agugo was awarded a similar scholarship by Rugby Africa to study Sports Management at the Lunex University of Luxembourg. This accolade marked the first time a Nigerian received such recognition from Rugby Africa, highlighting her pioneering role in advancing the sport within her country.
Under the leadership of Dr. Ademola Are, the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF) is opening new opportunities for Nigerians to embrace rugby and encouraging greater female participation in the sport. The federation's efforts are paving the way for the next generation of female leaders in rugby, ensuring the sport's growth and development across Nigeria and beyond.
Princess Ugonwaezeh-Agugo's selection for this international program not only brings honor to Nigeria but also underscores the country's potential to produce world-class talent and leaders in the sport of rugby. As she prepares to embark on this journey, the entire nation watches with pride and anticipation, eager to see the positive impact she will make on the global stage and back home.
Office of the President of
Nigeria Rugby Football Federation
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF).
Franschhoek, 22 May 2024 — Last night, the enchanting Monument House in Franschhoek played host to the 2024 Luxe Restaurant Awards, an illustrious celebration of South Africa’s finest culinary talent. The event, known for its prestige and star-studded guest list, did not disappoint, bringing together luminaries from across the gastronomic world for an unforgettable evening …
CoGTA Minister welcomes introduction of Coalition Bill
The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Thembi Nkadimeng, has welcomed the introduction of the Local Government: Municipal Structures Amendment Bill, 2024, also known as the Coalition Bill.
This is after the department gazetted the Coalition Bill on Tuesday, which provides a legislative framework to guide the formation and the management of coalition governments.
The Bill also provides systems to minimise the challenges of coalitions within the local government sphere.
“The Bill comes because of a public outcry for a framework, or guidelines or legislation, which was given rise to by the maturing democracy and increased number of hung councils, from 24 in the year 2000, to the recent 81 municipalities affected post the 2021 Local Government Elections.”
The increased number, according to CoGTA, signalled the need to strengthen coalition governance to address challenges related to poor governance, service delivery and instability in municipal councils.
The amendments to the Local Government: Municipal Structures Act, 1998 (“the Structures Act”) is seen as a vehicle or mechanism within which the coalition governments can be institutionalised to address challenges in hung councils.
“In essence, the Bill seeks to amend the Structures Act, to provide for a definition of ‘coalition agreement’ to compel political parties to enter into a written and negotiated binding agreement between parties that form a coalition government in a municipality in which no political party has a majority of seats in council,” the department said
CoGTA believes that the Bill will be able to address resolve towards mitigate the governance challenges related to “unscrupulous manipulation” by parties less represented in the council.
The department also noted coalitions incentivised by promises of senior positions or outright bribes with little thought on the impact of the same on the municipality and its ability to deliver services.
They also cited the infighting in councils characterised by walkouts, resulting in “inquorate” councils failing to execute their legislated mandate and inability to make key appointments and adopt budgets and policies, resulting in an administration that cannot spend its budget to address service delivery backlogs.
“These challenges have a direct impact on society, in particular when a municipality fails to uphold its obligations, which in turn, has repercussions ripple throughout its jurisdiction, affecting the lives and livelihoods of local residents,” said Nkadimeng.
As CoGTA moves forward with the legislative process for this Bill, Nkadimeng encouraged all stakeholders to actively engage and provide valuable input to strengthen local government structures.
The department is inviting the public to provide inputs on the Bill, with the view to address the present implementation gaps and challenges being experienced within the local government sector.
Written submissions or comments may be submitted to the Department of Cooperative Governance at comments.coalitionbill@cogta.gov.za by no later than 5 July 2024.
Comments can also be posted to the department’s Director-General Nhlamulo Mathye, Department of Cooperative Governance, Private Bag X804, PRETORIA, 0001. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 05/22/2024 - 15:04
Johannesburg, South Africa, 22 May 2024 – Topco Media, a leading B2B media, digital and events company, proudly announces that Nedbank returns as the platinum partner of the highly anticipated Nedbank Top Empowerment Conference scheduled for the 17th and 18th of July 2024, in Johannesburg. This year’s conference holds special significance as it coincides with …