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Rosebank, South Africa: April 15, 2024 – South Africa’s culinary landscape is about to witness a seismic shift with the grand opening of Sec, a groundbreaking restaurant nestled within the sophisticated confines of Clico Boutique Hotel. Conceived by the visionary Chef Dario de Angeli, renowned for his innovative culinary approach, Sec promises to redefine dining …
W Cape State vets at the centre of efforts to increase agricultural exports
Western Cape State veterinarians have been lauded for the province’s efforts to increase agricultural exports.
According to the Western Cape MEC for Agriculture, Dr Ivan Meyer, the province is responsible for 55% of South Africa’s primary agricultural exports, with nearly 50% being livestock or livestock products.
The MEC was addressing 1 500 delegates from 48 different countries attending the 39th World Veterinary Association Congress, which is currently underway at the Cape Town International Convention Centre in Cape Town.
Meyer said the Western Cape Department of Agriculture’s Veterinary Services recently launched its innovative online electronic Export Certificate Office System (ECOS).
“ECOS provides the customer with a 24-hour export facilitation service, reducing the export certificate application process from days to minutes. The platform streamlines the export process and ensures compliance with international standards. Exports contribute to foreign exchange earnings and a 5% increase in exports will lead to approximately 22 000 new jobs in the agriculture sector in the Western Cape,” he explained.
He also announced that the Western Cape Government’s (WCG) R30 million revamp of the Provincial Veterinary Laboratory facilities has been completed and that the South African National Accreditation System (SANAS) and International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) 17025 certificated laboratory re-opened on 1 April 2024.
Expressing his concern about the shortage of veterinarians, Meyer said the international norm for veterinary services is 200 to 400 veterinarians per million of the population. In comparison, South Africa has around 60 to 70 veterinarians per million.
“This represents only 25% of our requirements. Therefore, this is a great concern, which puts the country’s food security and human health at risk. A fully staffed veterinary service is a critical enabler to a thriving agriculture sector in the province. The agriculture sector creates jobs and drives economic growth.”
Commenting further on conditions under which live animals are transported at sea, Meyer stated that the unacceptable conditions in which live animals are transported highlight the need to consider placing a ban on the transport of live animals and the importance of biosecurity.
“This year, the Western Cape Department of Agriculture will prioritise veterinary services and biosecurity. Organisations such as the World Veterinary Association and the South African Veterinary Association (SAVA) will play a key role in strengthening our response to the challenges facing the profession and our sector. We must defend animal welfare and advance biosecurity,” Meyer said. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 04/18/2024 - 09:05
Load shedding continues to be suspended
Power utility Eskom says although reaching 21 days without load shedding is a milestone, it remains committed to ultimately eliminating the rotational power outages.
Eskom has kept the lights on for at least 535 hours – a feat last achieved nearly two years ago.
“This is a result of sustained generation capacity, adequate emergency reserves, and reduced electricity demand from the grid. The last time Eskom achieved a similar milestone was in June 2022, with 20 consecutive days without load shedding.
“While Eskom acknowledges this milestone, it remains committed to the continued implementation of its Generation Operational Recovery Plan to reduce and ultimately eliminate load shedding,” the power utility said.
By Wednesday, unplanned outages at power stations stood at some 14 264MW, with a further 5 370MW unavailable due to planned maintenance.
“Eskom Power Station General Managers and their teams are working diligently to ensure the recovery of additional generating capacity by bringing units from unplanned outages and planned maintenance back into service as soon as possible.
“A total of 2 070MW of generating capacity is planned to be returned to service by Friday,” Eskom said.
The power utility thanked South Africans who are using electricity sparingly.
“We would like to thank those who heed the call to use electricity sparingly and efficiently, including switching off geysers and pool pumps from 5pm to 9pm or during load limiting. This lowers demand and helps alleviate the pressure on the power system, contributing to lower stages of load shedding,” Eskom concluded. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 04/18/2024 - 09:10
City of Ekurhuleni says five families can safely share a chemical toilet
Patel welcomes VW's R4 billion investment in SA
Volkswagen South Africa’s (VWSA) investment of R4 billion in their assembly plant in Kariega, in the Eastern Cape, has been welcomed by Trade, Industry and Competition Minister, Ebrahim Patel.
The investment will introduce a new SUV model built on the Polo platform.
The move also positions the facility as the sole manufacturer of the Polo brand globally and the new SUV model will be exported to global markets.
Patel addressed the public announcement on Wednesday held at VWSA’s facility in Kariega.
He said the investment was a testament to the country’s industrial policy, and it will not only strengthen the assembly plant but also secure the livelihoods of approximately 3 500 people who are directly employed by VWSA.
“Moreover, this investment has rippled through this part of the Eastern Cape, fostering an ecosystem of prosperity and industrialisation, supporting an estimated 50 000 indirect jobs and livelihoods.”
In the last five years, the department said government has undertaken significant work to bolster automotive production in South Africa.
Patel highlighted 10 actions, which have been taken in the sixth administration to support the industry:
• New Automotive Masterplan crafted together with the industry was implemented in July 2021, setting the policy framework for the next decade.
• The African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) has concluded modalities, including rules of origin for a first list of auto products, opening up a vast market.
• A free-trade agreement with the United Kingdom after Brexit was concluded and implemented, which enabled South Africa to retain access to preferential terms in the United Kingdom market.
• The establishment of the R6 billion Auto Industry Transformation Fund, which VWSA and other Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) contribute to bringing Black component manufacturers into the supply chain.
• A major agreement with tier 1 auto component manufacturers has been concluded that will ensure greater opportunities for Black manufacturers in tier 2 or tier 3 levels.
• R50 billion in investment commitments in the auto sector have been secured.
• A landmark agreement with Stellantis for the construction of a new R3 billion plant in the Coega Special Economic Zone has been reached.
• Semi-knocked down (SKD) production by BAIC, also in the Coega Special Economic Zone, has commenced as a first phase toward more value-additive complete knocked down (CKD) production.
• A new Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone has been established, with 10 factories for Ford suppliers already built by March 2024, employing 3 300 workers.
• The Electric Vehicle Policy was finalised by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic), and a new incentive package to assist the transition was announced by the Minister of Finance in the 2024 Budget.
According to the department, the automotive industry plays a crucial role in our economy, contributing significantly to gross domestic product (GDP) and employment.
The manufacturing component of the auto industry contributed 2.9% of South Africa’s GDP in 2022.
With over 115 000 direct employees and an additional 240 000 indirect jobs, the department said the auto industry remains a cornerstone of South Africa's manufacturing sector.
“Despite global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain disruptions, South Africa’s automotive industry has continued to grow.”
Over the past five calendar years, South African OEMs produced 2.7 million vehicles and exported 1.7 million vehicles.
In 2023, South Africa exported a record 399 594 vehicles, a milestone for its industrial resilience and global competitiveness.
Notably, last year, South Africa exported its six millionth vehicle since the start of the democratic era. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 04/18/2024 - 11:14
President Ramaphosa to address Worker Share Ownership Conference
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to address the inaugural Worker Share Ownership Conference to be held in Johannesburg on Tuesday.
In a statement on Thursday, the Presidency said the conference will serve as a platform for “advocacy for Employee Share Ownership Plans” (ESOPs).
“ESOPs gained prominence in South Africa in the late 1980s, notably with schemes introduced by Anglo-American and De Beers. This initiative was fueled by the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act (B-BBEE Act) of 2003 and subsequent amendments, which mandated companies to adopt broad-based ownership schemes, including ESOPs.
“The event will evaluate the regulatory environment and discuss strategies to advance it further. Additionally, it will examine the impact, challenges, and opportunities associated with worker ownership.
“The inaugural conference will facilitate dialogue among trustees, CEOs, labour and business representatives, and company chairs. It aims to foster collaboration and integrate ESOPs into South Africa's economic landscape,” the statement read. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 04/18/2024 - 12:23
IEC issues 14 889 certificates to candidates contesting elections
The Electoral Commission (IEC) has issued certificates to the 14 889 candidates, who will contest 887 seats in the forthcoming elections.
“Nominations of candidates closed on 8 March 2024 and following processes of verification and objections, 70 political parties, and 11 independent candidates were published as final contestants in these elections,” IEC Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Sy Mamabolo said on Tuesday in Centurion.
South Africans will once again get an opportunity to exercise their right to vote in the 2024 National and Provincial Elections (NPE2024) taking place on 29 May 2024.
“Fifteen political parties are contesting all tiers of the elections, which means the compensatory seats in the National Assembly, the nine province-to-national elections, as well as the nine provincial legislatures. A total of 31 political parties will contest the national elections for the first time,” Mamabolo said.
An analysis of the list of candidates reflects that 58.14% (or 8 658) are male, with female candidates at 41. 86% or (6 234).
“Candidates in the age category 40 - 49 are the majority at 4 361, followed by the 3 708 in the 50 - 59 age category and 3 406 in the 30 - 39 age group. Candidates who are over 60 stand at 1 924 and those between the ages of 18 and 29 are 1 493.
“Notably, there are 15 candidates, who at 18 years, are also first-time voters. Of the 15, nine are female and six are male. These candidates are spread across eight political parties. There are 17 candidates who are aged 80 years and more. The majority (16) are male candidates, standing for four political parties, leaving only one female candidate in the age category,” the CEO said.
On gender representation, 15 political parties have a female representation of 50% and above. Seven parties achieved a 40% and a further 14 parties have a 30% female representation on their lists.
“Over 95% percent of logistical supplies for Election Day are already at hand. We are in the process of distributing 1 873 tonnes of material between our different warehousing and storage facilities across the country,” Mamabolo said.
The IEC has reminded voters that they may only vote at a voting station where they are registered.
Voters, who will inevitably be away from their voting districts on election day, 29 May 2024, may give a Section 24A notice of their intention to vote at another identified voting station by no later than 17 May 2024.
“Applications for special votes, for the purposes of home visits and voting station visits, opened on 15 April 2024 and will close on 3 May 2024. Home visits are intended for those voters who are unable to travel to voting stations, while special votes at voting stations are for everyone who is unable to be at the voting station on Election Day. Special voting will be conducted on the two days preceding Election Day, on 27 and 28 May 2024,” the CEO said.
Special votes may be accessed using one of the following modalities:
Special votes will also be administered at South Africa’s diplomatic missions abroad to service 58 000 registered voters. These voters will be provided for at the diplomatic missions of the republic. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 04/18/2024 - 09:33
JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) has announced a 36-player squad for the SA20 Women’s U19 Camp at the CSA Centre...
The post SA20 U19 WOMEN’S CAMP COMMENCES PREPARATION FOR 2025 U19 WORLD CUP first appeared on Cricket South Africa.
After months of uncertainty the magazine has survived a R600,000 cyber theft
W Cape receives record number of Grade 1 and 8 applications for 2025
The Western Cape provincial government has announced that it has received 102 680 applications for Grade 1 and 8 for 2025.
This is an increase of 5 936 on last year’s on-time window, during which applications for 96 744 Grade 1 and 8 learners were received.
The admissions window closed on Friday, 12 April 2024, at midnight.
“We thank the parents who put in the effort to apply on time, helping us to plan for a place for their child in a school next year,” the Western Cape Education Department said on Wednesday.
After the deadline, all late applications will be considered only after those received on time.
Parents will still be able to capture late applications on the online system until 12 May 2024, but they will be flagged as late applications.
The provincial department said parents of students in Grades 1 and 8 who are planning to relocate to the Western Cape, but have missed the online application deadline of 12 May 2024, or have not applied for any other reason, should get in touch with their district office immediately for assistance.
“We urge parents not to wait until the last minute to apply,” the department added.
The window for Grade R applications and transfer requests for Grades 2 to 7 and Grades 9 to 11 will run from 1 to 16 August 2024.
Meanwhile, now that on-time applications have closed, schools will have a little over a month to consider all the applications they have received.
Parents are reminded that they do not need to drop off their certified hard copies at this stage. They will only need to do so once they have received an offer from a school and accepted the offer as their final choice of school.
“Parents will start seeing the outcomes of their applications online from 30 May 2024, and we will remind them of this as the date approaches. The date has been shifted by a day from 29 May 2024 to accommodate the public holiday for the general election.”
Parents must then accept or decline successful offers before 14 June 2024, and the department encouraged them to do so as quickly as possible.
“It is important for parents to confirm their choice of school speedily when they have received offers from multiple schools. These parents are essentially ‘double parking’ on the system, stopping schools from offering these places to other applicants until they make their choice.”
If a parent has not confirmed their choice by 14 June 2024, the system will automatically confirm their top-ranked school that has made an offer.
All other offers will then be removed, so that those places can be offered to other learners.
“Parents who do not receive an offer on 30 May 2024 should not be disheartened as places always open up as parents confirm their final choices. We will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to place every learner whose parents applied on time as quickly as possible.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 04/18/2024 - 09:44
Parents fear their children have lost years of education and will be held back
World Cup police accommodation fraud and corruption case postponed
The case against nine suspects facing charges relating to the R47 million Soccer World Cup police accommodation fraud and corruption investigation has been postponed in the Durban High Court.
The case was postponed to allow for pre-trial conferencing.
The accused in the case include former high ranking police officials including:
The other accused are:
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Investigating Directorate spokesperson Henry Mamothame explained that the nine face at least 275 charges of racketeering offences and fraud, corruption, money laundering and forgery.
“[These were] allegedly committed between March 2009 and April 2010, wherein the prescripts of the Public Finance Management Act were allegedly ignored in procuring accommodation for members of the South African Police Service during the 2010 Soccer World Cup.
“The state alleges Panday’s family [were] party to a common purpose with Toshan and others to defraud SAPS, through their association with entities which were used to score lucrative contracts from SAPS. The policemen who are accused in this matter face accusations of colluding with Panday to receive contracts from the KZN police for an amount of over R47.3 million in fraudulent and irregular tender procedures.
“Judgment on an application for disclosure of certain information is still reserved for a date that will be provided by the court. The state has strongly argued against this application,” he said.
The case is expected back in court on 25 July 2024. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 04/17/2024 - 09:12
Call for calm amid rumours of a Mahikeng shutdown
The North West provincial government has urged residents of Mahikeng and surrounding areas to remain calm and not panic following rumours of a shutdown taking place today, 17 April 2024.
Protest organisers have vowed to close roads leading to the Mahikeng central business district (CBD) due to the decay and lack of services, according to the SABC.
Meanwhile, the provincial government said no application to march has been made by organisers of the purported shutdown.
“While the provincial government respects the rights of any person to march and protest about any grievance, it maintains this should be done within the confines of the law.”
The North West government has since assured residents that measures have been put in place to ensure that the rule of law is enforced and that the safety of residents is prioritised.
In addition, the provincial government urged public servants to treat today as a normal working day, as security in all state buildings in Mahikeng will be intensified to ensure that government properties and employees are protected.
“The provincial government has also received assurance from the South African Police Services that no lawlessness will be tolerated, and action will be taken against those who impede on the rights of others, including threats to human life and property damage,” the statement read. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 04/17/2024 - 09:23
Kodwa welcomes ruling dismissing application by boxing promoters in high court
The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Zizi Kodwa, has welcomed the high court judgment which threw out an application of the National Professional Boxing Promoters’ Association (NPBPA) to declare that the appointment of the Boxing South Africa (BSA) Accounting Authority is irregular and invalid.
The North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria on Tuesday delivered a judgment dismissing with costs the NPBPA’s application based on lack of legal standing.
According to the SABC, the application was also seeking an order to stop BSA from sanctioning boxing tournaments until a legitimate board was appointed.
In December, the promoters successfully interdicted the BSA board appointed by Kodwa. The Minister then appointed Mandla Ntlanganiso in February as the Acting CEO and Accounting Authority, in terms of the Public Finance Management Act, to temporarily replace the board.
Tuesday’s ruling means Ntlanganiso will remain in his position until May 2024, when a full-time board will be appointed.
“The judgement marks a salutary corrective measure on the path to restoring stability and ethical governance at Boxing SA. For too long, Boxing SA has been bleeding as an institution, with athletes losing match time, and promoters and trainers losing their market share,” Kodwa said on Wednesday.
The Minister believes the court’s decision is an opportunity for all stakeholders in South African boxing to link and focus on the roadmap to reset and revitalise the sport in the country.
“I have repeatedly said that let’s box in the ring and not in the courts.”
“Let us focus, engage, and work together to build this sporting code that lies close to the hearts of millions of South Africans. Let us work together to revive South African boxing,” the Minister pleaded.
Reports state that the NPBPA was ordered to pay the respondents’ costs, including those of the Ministers of Sport, Arts and Culture and Finance, BSA, and Ntlanganiso.
They were also ordered to pay the costs of two counsels, including the Senior Counsel. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 04/17/2024 - 10:20
Gary Trappler accused by neighbour of race attack
GBV fight strengthened with opening of Thuthuzela centre
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has launched a state-of-the-art Thuthuzela Care Centre (TCC) in Stellenbosch.
TCCs are a one stop facility for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) where they are able to receive psycho-social support, medical treatment, and legal services.
These centres are also aimed at removing incidents of secondary victimisation and create a platform for building successful cases.
Speaking at the launch of the TCC, NPA National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), Advocate Shamila Batohi, explained that the site became operational in February this year.
“It enables the victims of GBV in Stellenbosch and surrounding communities to access and receive world class GBV services. The TCC model is an international best practice. This model works because it is victim centred [and] court directed which is really important because we need to ensure justice for the victims.
“One of the NPA’s innovative interventions to give effect to these commitments [on the response to GBV] has been the introduction of the TCC model. But now, it is not just an NPA initiative, it is a collaborative initiative by various government departments,” Batohi said.
Reflecting on the statistics of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) in South Africa, the NDPP called on all of society to join hands to fight it.
“Sadly, as we all know, GBV is a scourge in South Africa. The 2023 World Population Review Report notes that South Africa is amongst 10 countries with the highest levels of rape worldwide.
“It is therefore not unexpected that a December 2022 Afrobarometer survey found that South Africans – both men and women – see GBV as the most important women’s human rights issue that government and society must address as a collective.
“The rape and killing of our women is in fact reflective of the society that is devoid of a sense of humanity. It requires that a whole of society approach be adopted in particular by men that we declare war on GBVF,” she said.
Batohi highlighted that in Sexual Offences Courts around the country, the NPA has a conviction rate of at least 70%.
However, she bemoaned the fact that this drops “dramatically” when unreported cases are included.
“If included; the unreported matters; the conviction drops dramatically to under 10%. So, under 10% of victims actually get justice. It’s something that we really need to look at. SAPS have done presentations…where they say that over 50% of these offences are committed by people known to the victim.
“So the question is if over 50% of these offences are committed by people known to the victim, why do we not have at least 50% of cases reported ultimately convicted?
“Children are very often abused because there are not enough care facilities for mothers working and so they leave the young children, with a neighbour [or] family member and very often, these young children are actually then violated by people that are known to the family. So, we really need to look at why that detection rate is still this low,” she explained.
Batohi said that through the more than 60 TCC units across the country, more victims are reporting.
“Besides providing better services to victims of GBV, a larger footprint of TCCs translates into improved reporting. We had 29 593 matters reported in 2020/21 at the 60 TCCs. This increased to 36813 reported in 22/23 at 62 TCCs. In this past eight years combined, TCCs have dealt with 266 593 matters reported at these sites.
“More TCCs means more reporting, more confidence in the system. We also have an increase in convictions rates in cases that are finalised through the TCC process. They have steadily increased from about 60% ...to now sitting around 75, 76%,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 04/17/2024 - 10:45
Cabinet approves Final White Paper On Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection
Cabinet has approved the Final White Paper On Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection.
This is according to Home Affairs Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, who briefed the media on Wednesday.
“The Department of Home Affairs carefully and duly considered all the oral and written submissions. This final White Paper is the product of robust engagements.
“The Cabinet of the Republic of South Africa approved this final White Paper on Wednesday, 10 April…and it has been published in the Government Gazette…today,” the Minister said.
Motsoaledi explained that the department had received an “overwhelming” response to the call for public comments.
“The responses have been overwhelming. Individuals, that is citizens, asylum seekers and refugees as well as public interest groups, companies, national and local government departments, premiers, research institutes, political parties, [international bodies]…and many others made their voices heard and made constructive comments.
“The [department’s] team and I conducted public hearings in all nine provinces. The outcome of the engagements and public comments is that the policy position adopted in the White Paper enjoys wide support.
“Only a handful of public interest groups are opposed to selected policy positions such as the withdrawal of the 1951 Refugee Convention, the 1967 Protocol and re-acceding to them with reservations, proposed repeal of Section 4 (3) of the South African Citizenship Act and the First Safe Country principle,” he said.
International Agreements
Turning to international agreements that South Africa is party to, Motsoaledi explained that the White Paper seeks to open a path for government to exercise its right to make reservations on some elements of the agreements.
“In 1996, two years after the first democratic elections, South Africa acceded to various international agreements such as the 1951 Convention, the 1967 Protocol, the 1969 OAU [Organization of African Unity] Convention and other international instruments. This was done without the government having developed a clear policy on migration, including refugee protection.
“The government did not make reservations and exceptions permitted in terms of international law. The white paper proposes that the government of the Republic of South Africa must review and/or withdraw from the 1951 Convention and the 1967 Protocol with a view to accede to them with reservations like many countries did.
“All the South African government intends achieving is to exercise its right granted in Article 42 of the 1951 Convention and Article 7 of the 1967 Protocol and make reservations accordingly,” he said.
Motsoaledi emphasised that South Africa “does not have the resources” to fulfil all of the requirements of the 1951 Convention.
“The Refugee Protection and Immigration legislation must provide for reservations and exceptions as contained in the 1951 Convention and the 1969 OAU Convention. Particularly in that South Africa does not have the resources to grant the socio-economic rights envisaged in the 1951 Convention,” he said.
The final White Paper can be accessed on the Government Gazette at http://www.gpwonline.co.za/GPWGazettes.htm#:~:text=50530%2017%2D04%20HomeAffairs .– SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 04/17/2024 - 16:28
Nkadimeng to handover Van Schalkwyk Road in Sebokeng, Gauteng
The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Thembi Nkadimeng, will be handing over the Van Schalkwyk Road in Eatonside Sebokeng Unit 6 under the Emfuleni Local Municipality, which is situated within the Sedibeng District in Gauteng.
This event will take place on Thursday and the Gauteng MEC of CoGTA Mzikayifane Khumalo, the Sedibeng Executive Mayor Lerato Maloka, as well as the leadership from the Emfuleni Local Municipality will join the Minister.
The department explained that before the project was implemented, the gravel road often flooded during rainy seasons.
It also experienced sewer spillages, which hindered residents’ access to schools, clinics, and other destinations.
Furthermore, the uneven surface posed challenges for motorists, and stormwater accumulation made crossing the roads difficult.
The Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (MISA), an entity of the Department of Cooperative Governance, provided funding for the construction of the Van Schalkwyk Road through the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG).
According to the department, the road covers 3.46 kilometres by 6 metres wide tarred road.
This project resulted in the construction of a tarred road that is complete with concrete-paved sidewalks and efficient stormwater channels.
The project also benefitted a total number of 4 899 households.
Additionally, the construction of the road created work opportunities for 23 residents and enhanced connectivity and safety for all. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 04/17/2024 - 10:58
Eastern Cape transport and education departments are being taken to court
CPI dips slightly in March
Consumer inflation has marginally dipped from 5.6% in February to 5.3% in March, Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) said on Wednesday.
The Consumer Price Index was 0.8% in March down from 1% in February.
“The categories with the highest annual price changes in March were miscellaneous goods and services up 8.5%, education up 6.3%, health up 6.0% and housing and utilities up 5.9%.
“Education fees are surveyed once a year in March. Overall, education was 6.3% more expensive in 2024 than it was in 2023. This exceeds the 5.7% annual increase in 2023 and is the highest since 2020 when the rate was 6.4%,” Stats SA said.
Stats SA said food inflation in South Africa is now at “at a three-and-a-half-year low”.
“Inflation for food and non-alcoholic beverages slowed to 5.1% in March from 6.1% in February. This is down from its recent peak of 14.0% in March 2023, and is the lowest annual increase since September 2020 when the rate was 3.8%.
“Bread and cereals registered a softer annual print of 5.0% from February’s 6.1%. The rate is substantially lower than the recent high of 21.8% in January 2023. Bread flour, pasta, rusks, maize meal, ready-mix flour and white bread are cheaper than a year ago.
“Meat inflation also cooled in March on the back of lower beef and mutton prices. The annual rate for meat in March was 0.8%, significantly lower than the recent peak of 11.4% in February 2023.
“Annual inflation for sugar, sweets and desserts has remained above the 15.0% level since June 2023. The rate in March 2024 was 17.8%. Products with the most significant annual price increases include brown sugar up 22.0%, white sugar up 20.1%, chocolate slabs up 17.9% and chocolate bars up 15.9%,” the institution said.
According to Stats SA, the increase in excise taxes has fuelled inflation growth for alcohol and tobacco while housing and transport also rose.
“The index increased by a monthly 1.9% in March. This is the highest monthly rise since March last year when excise tax increases led to a 2.2% monthly rise. Prices increased by 4.5% overall in the 12 months to March.
“Housing rents were surveyed in March, rising by 0.8%. The transport index rose by 2.0% between February and March, mainly due to a monthly rise of 5.3% in fuel prices. On average, petrol increased by 5.2% and diesel by 5.3%,” Stats SA said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 04/17/2024 - 11:03
President Ramaphosa to officiate EPWP 20 year celebration
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to officiate over the celebration of 20 years of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) in the Eastern Cape, on Wednesday.
The President will also launch Phase V of the programme.
“The EPWP is a nationwide government programme to create work opportunities and income support to poor and unemployed people through the delivery of public and community assets and services, thereby contributing towards development.
“The programme is one of government’s flagship Public Employment Programmes and has been implemented for the past 20 years since April 2004,” the Presidency said in a statement.
The programme is implemented in the following sectors:
According to the Presidency, since the EPWP’s inception, some 14 million working opportunities have been created through “more than 300 public bodies and non-profit organisations (NPO) implementing the EPWP”.
“The work opportunities were created in sectors such as road construction, road maintenance, construction of schools and clinics, provision of early childhood development services, environmental greening and clean-up projects, fire projects and removal of alien vegetation projects.
“These also include training and skilling in construction skills in painting, brick laying, carpentry; home community care skills and firefighting.
“The launch of the Phase V implemented from 01 April 2024 to 31 March 2029 will be used to unveil millions of more work opportunities to benefit women, youth and poor households for inclusive growth, sustainable development, and community empowerment in the country,” the Presidency said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 04/17/2024 - 12:28
Mashatile to launch second phase of Wi-Fi connectivity project in Limpopo
Deputy President Paul Mashatile will lead the official launch of Phase 2 of the South Africa Connect project on Friday, 19 April 2024.
The project is a flagship programme aimed at bridging the digital divide by providing Wi-Fi access to communities and ensuring universal access to the internet.
The SA Connect Phase 2 launch event is organised by the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies and will take place at the Ephraim Mogale Stadium, Modimolle Local Municipality, Waterberg District, in Limpopo.
The project aligns with the government’s commitment to achieving the National Development Plan (NDP) 2030 goals related to technology.
The programme also aims to create an inclusive information society and enable the government to provide broadband to communities.
By playing an enabling role in the provision of broadband, the Presidency said, government will be better positioned to meet the needs of its citizens.
“It also galvanises the capability, resources, and energy of public and private sectors towards realising a bold vision to reach 80% connectivity by 2024,” the statement read.
Deputy President Mashatile is launching Phase 2 which is expected to connect more than 42 000 government facilities, including schools, health facilities, post offices, police stations, and government offices, to broadband services.
The project will cover eight rural district municipalities.
So far, the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies has successfully confirmed that more than 751 232 households and about 4 366 community Wi-Fi hotspots are connected in 11 district municipalities.
These include Mount Ayliff in the Eastern Cape and Kokstad in KwaZulu-Natal, with other districts to follow.
The Deputy President will also take the opportunity to interact with members of the surrounding communities to witness progress achieved by government in providing core access to network infrastructure to enable broadband connectivity to community Wi-Fi hotspots that connect households.
The Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mondli Gungubele, Members of the Limpopo Provincial Executive Council, District and Local Mayors, as well as senior government officials will support Deputy President Mashatile. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 04/17/2024 - 11:23
Thabong Service Centre, a shining example of excellence
by Simphiwe Mngomezulu
Thusong Service Centre Managers and Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) provincial teams from all corners of the country gathered on Tuesday in the Matjhabeng Local Municipality to learn best practices from the Thabong Service Centre.
The benchmarking programme was hosted by the National Inter-Sectoral Steering Committee (NISSC) which is the national coordination structure of the Thusong Service Centre Programme, chaired by the GCIS at national level.
The vibrant intergovernmental programme took place in the heart of the township at the Boitumelo Junction Mall.
During the event, the Thabong Service Centre was acknowledged as one of the most optimally and efficiently performing Thusong Service Centres in the country. It is also the second urban Thusong Centre to be located within a mall like the centre located at Maponya Mall in Gauteng.
The one-stop-shop provides information and integrated government services from various departments, including the Office of the Premier, South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), Social Development, Labour and Employment, GCIS and the local Councilor.
Lejweleputswa District Municipality Executive Mayor, Veronica Ntakumbana, attended the event and spoke about the importance of bringing services closer to the people.
According to Boitumelo Junction Mall marketing manager, Mampoi Mahasa, the centre services a low-income community that cannot afford to frequently travel to town to access government services.
“The availability of SASSA and the clinic in the centre has been of great help to the community,” said Mampoi.
The Thusong Service Centre programme was first launched in 1999. The Free State province currently has five operational Thusong Service Centers.
The NISSC: Thusong Service Centre programme will run over three days.
On Wednesday, the structure will host a meeting at Mangaung Municipality to provide feedback from the last meeting held in April 2023 and further outline new projects.
On 18 April 2024, the NISSC will host another integrated services outreach at Hoffman Square, in Bloemfontein Central which will be followed by the Annual Thusong Service Centre Awards.
The Awards will take place at the Floreat Hall, Bram Fischer Building, Mangaung Metro, in Bloemfontein. The event will be officiated by the Deputy Ministers in the Presidency and the Premier of the Free State, Mxolisi Dukwana. – SAnews.gov.za
Janine
Wed, 04/17/2024 - 10:04