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CENTURION, 17 March 2024 – Centurion Mall, the iconic retail hub nestled in the heart of Centurion, is thrilled to announce its 40th-anniversary celebration, marking four decades of delivering unmatched shopping adventures to the community. The mall invites shoppers to celebrate 40 Years of Shopping, taking a journey through its illustrious history while highlighting its …
They have been demanding that government use the State Land Disposal Act of 1961 to rapidly free up land for housing
Zikalala hosts Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Sihle Zikalala will host the Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium South Africa (SIDSSA) 2024 between 17 and 19 March 2024 in Century City, Cape Town.
SIDSSA is a pioneering event aimed at bringing together key stakeholders, experts and decision-makers in the field of infrastructure development.
President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the keynote address at the symposium on Tuesday, 19 March, while Deputy President Paul Mashatile will deliver an address at the stakeholder dinner on Monday.
Various Ministers and Deputy Ministers will anchor panel discussions and technical discussions throughout the symposium.
“The symposium serves as a platform to explore partnerships between the public and private sectors, as well as pivot investment opportunities in infrastructure in South Africa. Additionally, the symposium is intended to shape the conversations about regulatory and policy reforms, innovative funding models for infrastructure, and investing in infrastructure for a shared prosperity for all,’’ the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure said.
This year, the symposium will feature the following milestones:
• Launch of the construction book: A repository of infrastructure projects going into procurement/construction in the 2024/2025 financial year.
• Leaders forum: A gathering of South African Ministers with other Ministers invited from the continent.
• Top 12 infrastructure project priorities: These projects will receive project preparation funding from Infrastructure South Africa.
• Signing of MOUs with important partners and stakeholders.
The symposium will also provide the following updates:
• Update on the gazetted Strategic Integrated Projects.
• Update on the projects already receiving project preparation support.
• Infrastructure Fund Project Pipeline.
- SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Sun, 03/17/2024 - 11:11
Mashatile reiterates commitment to accelerated service delivery in N West
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has reaffirmed government’s commitment to continue to provide basic services to its people and ensure that all South Africans have equal rights, as outlined in the Freedom Charter.
Mashatile said government recognises that accelerated service delivery is not just about efficiency and convenience; it is also about creating a society where every individual has equal access to basic services.
“Improving the delivery of basic services in South Africa is more than just a question of duty; it is also about social fairness, equality, and dignity. By ensuring that everyone has access to essential services, we can empower people, strengthen communities, and create a more successful and inclusive country,” he said.
The second-in-command was leading the Thuntsha Lerole Accelerated Service Delivery programme in Rusternburg, North West, on Friday.
Thuntsha Lerole is an initiative led by the North West provincial government aimed at confronting the critical issue of service delivery in communities through strengthened partnerships with government, the private sector as well as civil society organisations.
The programme is in accordance with the District Development Model (DDM), which aims to tackle service delivery issues by facilitating collaboration and coordination among all levels of government, from local municipalities to the national government.
It is currently in its third phase, which aims to launch and hand over service delivery projects in identified communities, running from March to May 2024.
READ | District Development Model: A game changer
The Deputy President said they support the 'Early Warning System' in the form of an electronic dashboard that will monitor municipal performance and reporting in a more coordinated manner.
The Thuntsha-Lerole mobile app, which has now gone live, will provide an interactive communication platform to connect government with citizens, allowing them to report service delivery challenges in real time in their localities.
Through this app, communities will have the ability to promptly escalate service delivery issues to the appropriate department and municipal officials.
“This will enable speedy responses to challenges such as water disruptions, sewer spillages, electricity outages, and more. Given the high cost of data in our country and the prevalence of poverty in our society, we anticipate that the application will soon become accessible without requiring data, hence enhancing access for individuals, especially those residing in rural areas and townships,” the Deputy President said.
READ | Mashatile calls for accelerated service delivery in communities across SA
Mashatile visited several sites in Tlhabane, including a newly-built school and the Tlhabane Community Health Centre, unveiling a state-of-the-art X-ray machine.
He handed over the R2.2 million modern technology X-Ray machine, which was donated to the Health Centre by Glencore Mine. The machine allows doctors and radiographers to view patient scans on display, reducing hospital referrals and wait times. It also stores X-ray records for up to five years, enhancing patient care.
“Let me express our deepest gratitude, as government, to Glencore Mine for this donation, which will go a long way towards improving the health of our people. It is through working together as social partners that we will attain our country’s developmental aspirations and a better life for all,” Mashatile said.
The Deputy President said these initiatives are just part of providing solutions to the service delivery challenges faced by the North West community.
“We are aware that a lot still needs to be done to meet the needs of our people. Greater and more focused endeavours are required, particularly in addressing the reversal of the governance collapse in the province,” he said.
He highlighted that the 6th administration of government faced difficulties related to the stability and collapse of administration and as a result, the President and Cabinet utilised Section 100 of the Constitution to intervene in the province.
“Nevertheless, I was pleased to hear Acting Premier Nono Maloyi's State of the Province Address, in which it was said that despite these difficulties, your determination remains unshaken and your commitment to serving the people of the North West has been fortified.
“We applaud your ability to successfully implement a sustainable turnaround strategy in all 22 municipalities in the province, using the District Development Model (DDM),” he said.
READ | Mashatile officiates launch of North West service delivery programme. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Sun, 03/17/2024 - 14:57
Spotlight on women empowerment at CSW68
National Council of Provinces (NCOP) Deputy Chairperson Sylvia Lucas has told delegates at the 68th annual Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68) that advancing gender transformation necessitates parliaments to regularly assess prevailing gender norms in communities.
This, she stated, will ensure that policy interventions are targeted for each community to improve the efficiency of policies.
Lucas addressed the second session of the gathering on the theme, 'Gender-sensitive Institutions to Break the Poverty Cycle'.
In her address, she said parliaments’ capacity to craft gender responsive law-making and policy interventions is a critical area that needs attention.
Parliaments should also continue to build women’s capacity to advocate for gender-responsive oversight and law-making processes across important sectors like development and transformation.
The Deputy Chairperson is accompanying National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula to the CSW68, which is organised by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and United Nations (UN) Women. It is taking place in New York until 22 March.
Lucas said parliaments have a critical role to play in reducing poverty through gender transformation by enacting laws that are gender-responsive and which are framed with dexterity to disrupt gender-regressive norms and behaviors across society at large.
“In working towards achieving gender transformation, we must continue to be guided by existing international and national protocols and legal frameworks, including prescribed norms of gender transformation, which can be used to strategically shape policy-making and promote gender equality,” she said.
Lucas told the session that South Africa has recently adopted the 2021 Women’s Charter for Accelerated Development. This charter is based on international best practice and mandated by South African women. It outlines critical areas for parliamentary intervention in policy, legislation and programming. The charter’s goal is to meaningfully advance gender transformation and reduce poverty.
“To this end, critical policy areas highlighted through our Women’s Charter Review process include the recommendation for the amendment of budget policies, money bills, fiscal policies and tax laws, including macroeconomic policies, which we view as critical areas for sustained and high-level analysis and amendment.
“If amended to make them more gender-responsive in their shape, form and content, these policies and legislative instruments will serve as enabling instruments to achieve poverty reduction and gender transformation objectives,” Lucas said.
Lucas said some of the capacities and resources parliaments should continue to invest in include gender-responsive budget analysis capabilities and law-making, gender-responsive oversight and oversight agenda-setting, and increasing capacity to use gender-disaggregated data to shape budget decisions and commitments. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Sun, 03/17/2024 - 14:59
Parliament calls for intensified training on domestic violence among officers
The Portfolio Committee on Police has directed South African Police Service (SAPS) senior managers to increase and enhance training for SAPS members to ensure compliance with the Domestic Violence Act (DVA).
This comes after the committee received a report on compliance with the Act and complaints against SAPS members, as contemplated in Section 18(4)(a) of the Act.
The committee said non-compliance with the Act undermines the fight against gender-based violence, and that increased training will equip police officers with the tools necessary to ensure proper reporting and investigation of domestic violence.
“It is unacceptable that in a country like South Africa, with abnormally high cases of domestic violence, there are still some members of the SAPS that are not compliant with the Act. While there is a general improvement in the number of complaints received, complete compliance is non-negotiable, according to the committee,” the chairperson of the committee, Nocks Seabi, said.
SAPS and the Civilian Secretariat for Police Service informed the committee that from 1 April to 30 September 2023, 60 complaints were reported. Fifty of those cases involved failure to complete a SAPS 508(a) form (a domestic violence form used to descriptively register the incident of domestic violence received) and the Domestic Violence Register (SAPS 508(b)).
Seven cases involved the failure to record domestic violence incidents in the occurrence pocketbook, and two cases concern failure to assist a complainant to open a case.
While the committee acknowledged that various actions have been taken, including the issuing of verbal warning and final written warnings, the committee believes continuous training will assist police officers to properly handle cases of domestic violence and comply with legislation.
The committee has also urged departmental investigations to be speedily concluded to ensure that members are held accountable.
The committee was also critical of the high number of police officers accused of perpetrating domestic violence in the period under review.
“It is alarming that 165 members of SAPS are accused of being perpetrators of domestic violence. How can we expect perpetrators to assist and protect the most vulnerable? This is unacceptable and urgent strategies must be developed and implemented to remedy this concern,” Seabi emphasised.
The committee has also called for enhanced psycho-social support for members to help them cope with the violent environment in which they operate.
Another concern for the committee is that 116 police stations are still without victim-friendly rooms. While the committee acknowledges that there are measures to mitigate this gap, it emphasised the need for more focus on capital projects to develop such rooms.
Meanwhile, the committee also received a report on the outcomes of Safer Festive Season operations. It said it is "generally pleased" with the police visibility and operations during the festive season.
While the committee acknowledged that budgetary constraints hinder the continued roll-out of similar operations, it requested a budgetary estimation on the costs involved for Parliament to consider. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Sun, 03/17/2024 - 15:01
Motsoaledi clarifies allegations on the processing of tourists
Home Affairs Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi has clarified allegations that his department is “chasing away tourists from South Africa” following an internal circular that was issued by the department on 21 December 2023.
Briefing media on Sunday in Pretoria, Motsoaledi explained that the circular was directed to the Commissioner of the Border Management Authority (BMA), as well as managers of ports of entry. The circular was also sent to Provincial Inspectorate and Visa Facilitation Centres.
Motsoaledi said the circular was meant to guide BMA officials at the ports of entry on what to do when they encounter nationals of other countries falling within particular categories at the borders. This includes individuals who have applied for visa extensions, waivers or appeals and have not yet received their outcomes - negative or positive.
“I wish to emphasise that this circular was an internal communications document. It was targeted for Home Affairs and BMA officials, who I have mentioned.
“Rather than guide anybody, unfortunately this document raised a storm in the media and within establishments that have to do with tourism,” he said.
The Minister said the Department of Home Affairs was accused of “chasing away tourists from the country”, and in the process weakening, and even risking the collapse the tourism industry.
“One specific group of tourists mentioned in this regard are called ‘Swallows’. These are people who move between the northern and the southern hemisphere in search of sunny days and they are regarded as very important to the tourism industry.
“I wish to state categorically that the Department of Home Affairs would gain nothing by destroying the tourism industry, which is regarded as one of the pillars of the economy, not only in South Africa but in many other countries,” he said.
Motsoaledi further explained that the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Tourism always work in partnership on issues of tourism because both departments are important in this regard, and this particular issue is no exception.
The Minister said he has contacted Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille to discuss the matter and after this consultation, he tried to clarify the matter in the debate of State of the Nation Address on 14 February 2024.
“In my input, I did concede that this was a very unfortunate circular, which should not have been issued because the matters it was trying to clarify could have… been addressed in the normal course of operations between BMA and the department.
“I further clarified this matter on the occasion of the responses to oral questions by the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster (JCPS) during plenary in Parliamentary on 28 February 2024.
“Judging by the reactions, it appears that my explanation in Parliament was not enough. We arrived at the conclusion that if indeed the circular had the effect of chasing tourists out of the country, we needed to find a way to resolve that. Hence, we needed to check at the borders if there was a significant spike of people who had visited South Africa as tourists and are leaving. If there was such a spike, we wanted to act in mitigation.
“In this regard, we reasoned that if tourists are in trouble, their first port of call will be the tourist industry operators and the ministry of tourism. If the industry feels threatened, they will approach the Tourism Ministry. It is with that in mind that we approached Minister De Lille to find out how many people approached her as a consequence of actions emanating from this circular,” he said.
Motsoaledi said De Lille informed the department that only one case was referred to her department and she immediately contacted the Department of Home Affairs and the matter was resolved to the satisfaction of the individual concerned.
He said they also scouted ports of entry, especially the airports, to see if such individuals were encountered.
“It was at the Cape Town International Airport where five people are said to have encountered problems because they were declared undesirable due to their overstay in the country. We have instructed officials to take steps so that this undesirability status could be lifted without any waste of time,” he said.
Declaring people ‘undesirable’
Turning to the concept of declaring people undesirable, Motsoaledi said the word ‘undesirable’ is perhaps by itself unfortunate, but it is the term used when the Immigration Act of 2002 was enacted in Parliament.
He explained that in all the ports of entry in and out of South Africa, they have an electronic movement control system (MCS). When people enter the country, the MCS electronically records the date and time of entry.
“As you would know, your passports and visas indicate the number of days you have been allocated to be in South Africa. If you exceed your allocated days, even by just one day, the MCS at the borders will pick it up, regard it as an overstay, and automatically declare you undesirable.
“Fortunately, lawmakers in this country also realised that there could be myriad reasons that may cause a person to exceed their allocated days. Hence in the Act, the legislature empowers the Minister to review and set aside an undesirability status on application by the affected individual if cogent reasons are provided,” he said.
The Minister explained that when one applies for the extension of their visa before it expires, they are given a receipt, which has a reference number with which they can trace their application.
“In case your visa expires before the department has responded to your application, that receipt will act as an extension of your visa until such time you get a response, negative or positive. This means that no law enforcement officer, immigration officer or officials at the port of entry may trouble you while you are carrying such a receipt.
“As I said earlier on, when the circular was issued, it was an attempt to guide BMA officials because they were regarded as new at the borders.
“If there is anybody who was declared undesirable whilst they were carrying their receipt, they need to present themselves to the department so that their undesirability status can be removed,” he said.
The Minister said given that they have identified only one person from the Department of Tourism and five at the Cape Town International Airport, they are not in a position to conclude that these were the only people who were negatively affected by the circular.
“So today, we are making a call to the people in the industry or any other institution which is in a position to identity such people, so that we can immediately resolve their issues. Up [till now], the accusations directed at Home Affairs are full of generalities, anecdotes and no specific cases were given to us.
“We are pleading today, that anybody who wants to [make accusations] must please be specific because accusations without providing specific details won’t help the individuals affected…” Motsoaledi said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Sun, 03/17/2024 - 13:32
Mineral Resources and Energy committee chair welcomes passing of ERA Bill
The chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Mineral Resources and Energy, Sahlulele Luzipo, has welcomed the passing of the Electricity Regulations and Amendment (ERA) Bill by the National Assembly (NA).
In a statement, Luzipo said the Bill is a product of the collective wisdom of everyone who participated in the process, including the public hearings held in all nine provinces and those who made written submissions.
The provincial public hearings were held from 26 September 2023 to 29 January 2024 and the majority of those who participated supported the Bill.
The Bill seeks to amend the Electricity Regulation Act of 2006 and once enacted into law, it will enable the transformation of the country’s electricity sector to ensure electricity sustainability, supply and affordability.
READ | National Assembly passes Electricity Regulation Amendment Bill
“It proposes an end to the monopoly-driven market and allows competition through key legislative reforms. This move is underscored in the Department of Public Enterprises’ 2019 Roadmap for Eskom in a Reformed Electricity Supply Industry.
“The Bill, however, does not propose the privatisation of Eskom, which the majority of participants in the public hearings said they opposed,” the statement read.
Furthermore, the Bill proposes the establishment, within five years, of a State-owned Transmission System Operator (TSO) that is legally distinct from Eskom; the expansion and alignment of the powers of the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) to regulate the competitive market and the empowerment of NERSA to set and approve tariffs and prices, as well as regulate the participation of independent power producers (IPPs), among other things.
In the interim, it authorises a ring-fenced subsidiary of Eskom Holdings, in the form of the National Transmission Company of South Africa, or NTCSA, to fulfil the functions of the TSO.
The TSO is an enabler of a competitive market. Therefore, the functions of the TSO are grid ownership and operation, system operation, market operation, and the creation of a Central Purchasing Agency that will take care of the legacy and vesting contracts.
“I am happy that the NA has passed the Bill that is responding to the people’s concerns about the need for setting parameters on the competitive behaviour of IPPs [independent power producers], as this will ensure that the sector delivers sustainable electricity at competitive prices,” Luzipo said.
According to Luzipo, this is important not only for competition but also because it addresses global commitments around climate change issues with regards to the country’s transition within the context of the Just Energy Transition framework. This is because the participation of multiple players will result in diverse electricity generation technologies, such as renewable energy.
“It is anticipated that, in the long-term, the Bill will drive down the cost of electricity generation, which will be passed on to consumers in the form of lower electricity bills.
“Further, new investment in the industry will bring new technologies and multi-year capital programmes that will enable new local industries and local businesses to empower youth and create new-age skills and digital capabilities because individuals who generate electricity for their use will be allowed to sell surplus to the government,” Luzipo said.
The ERA Bill criminalises the unlawful destruction and damage of electricity infrastructure, inclusive of transmission, distribution or generation equipment and infrastructure.
This provision ensures that cable theft and unlawful electricity damage, amongst other things, are decisively addressed.
The Bill states that if a person is convicted of these offences, a fine not exceeding R1 million will be imposed.
If a person is found guilty of unlawful trading of the electricity infrastructure as listed above, a fine not exceeding R5 million will be charged, or imprisonment not exceeding 10 years, or both such a fine and imprisonment.
Luzipo said that the committee intends for the Bill to not only address the immediate electricity challenges and load shedding but also to enable long-term electricity supply for businesses and the broader society.
He thanked all political parties that supported the Bill in the NA and for putting the interest of the country and its citizens ahead of their political interests in the forthcoming elections.
Luzipo further thanked members of the committee and the staff for their dedication. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Sun, 03/17/2024 - 12:14
A visionary and a freedom fighter: President Ramaphosa pays homage to King Dinuzulu
President Cyril Ramaphosa has lauded King Dinuzulu ka Cetshwayo as a visionary and freedom fighter, who fought and greatly sacrificed for the freedom enjoyed by the country today.
President Ramaphosa was paying tribute to King Dinuzulu at the 110th commemoration of the death of the former Zulu monarch at KwaCeza Sports Field in northern KwaZulu-Natal.
The President commenced the commemoration by paying his respects at the King Dinuzulu Memorial in Emakhosini, where the honours of a wreath laying ceremony took place.
Reflecting on his legacy, the President said it was an honour that the late King’s life is being celebrated at a time when the country is also celebrating 30 years of democracy and freedom.
“...The honour is even greater in that as we commemorate and celebrate the life of King Dinuzulu, we are also celebrating 30 years of democracy and freedom in South Africa.
“It is a freedom that many, including iSilo uDinuzulu, fought for and greatly sacrificed for. We are here to pay homage to Inkosi Yamakhosi, a visionary and a freedom fighter, who, despite the yoke of oppression and bondage inflicted on him and his people, never wavered,” President Ramaphosa said on Saturday.
The President said like many before him and elsewhere who led their people in fighting against colonial invaders, his fight was not only for one group of people, in one area. He said it was a collective struggle for freedom for all the oppressed people of South Africa, even though his battle theatre was in KwaZulu.
“Since the colonisers first arrived on our soil, our forebearers, the Khoi, the San, the amaXhosa, the amaZulu, AbeSotho, Batswana, BaVenda, BaShangane, ba Dzonga, BaPedi, the Xhu and the Khwe, Ama Swati all took up arms in defence of our sovereignty, in defence of the land, and in defence of our people.
“Long before the founding of the African National Congress in 1912, it was traditional and indigenous leaders at the forefront of the resistance against colonialism,” the President said.
The President further elaborated on King Dinuzulu’s love for education and music, which went on to have a big impact on the Zulu Royal Household.
He said that he embraced education and his children, including Princess Magogo and her brother King Solomon, were all sent to school.
“He became deeply involved in the arts. Earlier in his life, he had been a prolific composer of Amahubo esiZulu. On St Helena [where he was exiled], he played the piano and the organ, and developed a love for church hymns that he sang in isiZulu and English.
“This love for music led to the spread of choral music and other transitional styles like isicathamiya, maskandi and others, which are unique to the Zulu Kingdom,” he said.
President Ramaphosa described King Dinuzulu as one of the country’s greatest forebears.
“On this 110th anniversary commemoration of one of our greatest forebears, we must ensure that the story of this son of the African soil is not lost in the annals of history, but that it continues to be told by generations to come.
“As government departments, provinces and municipalities, we continue to embrace our cultural heritage and liberation history,” he said.
The President told the gathering that liberation tourism has a key role to play in developing the economy of the province and the country as a whole. He called on the private sector to be part of this endeavour aimed at preserving the story of South Africa's liberation.
“It is important that these events and activities be translated into sustainable socio-economic endeavours aimed at job creation in the related sectors.
“It will also be important that our academics and intellectuals are engaged in the documentation of our history. For us to know where we are going, we have to know where we come from as a people,” he said.
President Ramaphosa emphasised that with the foundation laid by forebears such as King Dinuzulu, the country shall overcome poverty, inequality, unemployment and underdevelopment.
“We are mindful that the struggle for liberation was waged by those who were robbed of enjoying their own youth, as was the case with Inkosi uDinuzulu.
“We shall not fail to make them proud. We shall ensure that their struggle and sacrifice was not in vain. We shall ensure that we leave no-one behind,” he said. - SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Sun, 03/17/2024 - 09:58
Dr Phil Mjwara takes a bow as Director-General of Science and Innovation
Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister, Professor Blade Nzimande has announced the retirement of Dr Phil Mjwara, the country's longest-serving Director-General, from his role as Director-General of the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI).
In a statement on Friday, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation said Dr Mjwara has a long and distinguished career as a senior public servant. With 18 years of service, he holds the distinction of being the country’s longest serving Director-General.
“He played a leading role in shaping the policy and institutional architecture of South Africa’s National System of Innovation (NSI). He led the establishment of some of our country’s key science institutions, such as the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) and the South African National Space Agency (SANSA).
“He also played a leading role in laying the basis for and repositioning our NSI through policy interventions such as South Africa’s first national Science and Technology Foresight Exercise in the 1990s and later, the White Paper on Science, Technology and Innovation and the Decadal Plan for Science, Technology, and Innovation,” the ministry said.
As chairperson of the Forum of South African Directors-General (FOSAD), he also played a critical role in coordinating some of the key projects of government and ensuring inter-departmental synergies.
“Dr Mjwara leaves the public service with a solid reputation of visionary and ethical leadership,” said Nzimande.
READ | Dr Phil Mjwara honoured for promoting science, technology and innovation in SA
Nzimande also announced that Mr Daan Du Toit has been appointed as acting Director-General for the Department of Science and Innovation,for a period of 12 months.
Du Toit brings with him a wealth of experience. He started his career in government at the then Department of Foreign Affairs, where he trained as a diplomat. Since 2002, he has been attached to the Department of Science and Innovation and served as the department's representative in Europe.
Du Toit is currently the Deputy Director-General at the Department of Science and Innovation, responsible for International Cooperation and Resources. Through this position, he has played a significant role in initiating and maintaining some of South Africa’s key global engagements and partnerships in the area of science, technology and innovation.
“The Minister thanks Dr Mjwara for his service to the nation, and wishes Mr Du Toit well on his appointment as Acting Director General,” the Ministry said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Sun, 03/17/2024 - 08:59
South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver a keynote and open the Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium of South Africa (SIDSSA) 2024, taking place on March 17-19 at the Century City Conference Center in Cape Town. Poised to showcase updates and announcements on new international partnerships and joint ventures in South Africa, SIDSSA 2024 is set to gazette opportunities for investing in infrastructure for stakeholders in the region.
The symposium will feature the participation of South Africa's Deputy President Paul Mashatile, who is expected to showcase the country's long-term plan for driving public and private sector-led infrastructure development while reaffirming the President's stated goal of reaching 5.5% year-on-year economic growth. The Deputy President will deliver a keynote during the SIDSSA 2024 stakeholder dinner.
Taking place on March 17-19 at the Century City Conference Center in Cape Town, the SIDSSA will bring together key stakeholders in South Africa and across the continent with the aim of driving infrastructure development. SIDSSA 2024 serves as a crucial platform for discussions and partnerships in the infrastructure investment landscape, with a focus on accelerating economic recovery through strategic infrastructure plans. For more information, visit https://SIDSSA.org.za/.
This year, the symposium will be held under the leadership of South Africa's Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Sihle Zikalala, who is expected to address regulatory and policy reforms, explore innovative funding models, showcase the strength of the emerging 2024/2025 pipeline and highlight opportunities for investing in infrastructure in the country. Minister Zikalala will be accompanied by the department's Deputy Minister Bernice Swartz.
Supporting some of South Africa's largest infrastructure projects, including the $34 million Musina Ring Road project and the transformation of the N3 highway into a Smart Freight Corridor, the symposium will feature the participation of the country's Minister of Transport Sindisiwe Chikunga and the department's Deputy Minister Lisa Mangcu. Set to facilitate greater economic activity between South Africa and neighboring countries and positioning the country as a freight and logistics hub for Africa, respectively, the Musina Ring Road and N3 highway projects are poised to drive connectivity and cultivate collaboration throughout the region.
Meanwhile, the participation of South Africa's Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Thembi Nkadimeng promises to showcase and gazette investment opportunities in the country's infrastructure projects for the benefit of all stakeholders. Further bolstering confidence in South Africa's ability to fuel investment in its key sectors, the country's Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille and Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Technologies add to the symposium's impressive roster of speakers from the South African Cabinet while facilitating synergy between the objectives of the country's Sustainable Development Plan.
In addition to members from South Africa's Cabinet, SIDSSA 2024 will also feature a strong line-up of international ministers, including Namibia's Minister of Works and Transport John Mutorwa, who is expected to showcase investment opportunities in the country's sustainable mobility systems. Meanwhile, with second phase of the Lesotho Highlands Water project currently underway, the participation of Lesotho's Minister of Home Affairs Lebone Lephema adds to the symposium's theme of inclusive growth in the southern African region.
In alignment with the event's promise to contribute to the accelerated delivery of infrastructure throughout Africa, key infrastructure initiatives in some of Africa's most promising investment destinations will be showcased by Senegal's Minister of Infrastructure, Land Transport and Opening-Up Amadou Mansour Faye and Algeria's Minister of Public Works and Basic Infrastructure Lakhdar Rakhroukh. Additionally, Swaziland's Minister of Work and Transport Chief Ndlaluhlaza Ndwandwe rounds off the southern African region's esteemed host of ministerial delegates.
Serving as the launchpad for major energy project's in South Africa's 2024/2025 pipeline, SIDSSA 2024 will also feature the attendance of South Africa's Deputy Minister in the Presidency Kenny Morolong. The Deputy Minister's participation works in alignment with the event's promise to showcase South Africa's pipeline of 12 infrastructure projects due to start development in 2024/2025.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.
About SIDSSA 2024:
SIDSSA 2024 is organized by the Investment and Infrastructure Office under the Presidency, in collaboration with the Association of African Exhibition Organizers and Energy Capital & Power. The National African Federation for the Building Industry joins as an association partner, while the Development Bank of Southern Africa is the official sponsor of the event.
Minister Sihle Zikalala has promised the Vuwani police station will be completed in 2025. Work on it started in 2012.
Portfolio Committee welcomes SAA, Takatso deal announcement
Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises has welcomed the announcement of the termination of the South African Airways (SAA) and Takatso Consortium deal.
The collapse of the deal was initially announced by Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan on Wednesday evening and confirmed by Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni during a post Cabinet media briefing on Thursday.
Committee chairperson, Khaya Magaxa, said the committee remains committed to fostering transparency in the aviation sector.
“We welcome the decision by Cabinet to terminate the Takatso Consortium deal. This allows us to re-evaluate and refine the processes we have been undertaking to ensure the best outcomes for our South African Airways. We remain committed to promoting transparency and accountability in the sector.
“We remain committed to promoting transparency and accountability in the sector, as we continue with the investigation, as instructed by the Office of the Speaker. Our aim is to uncover the truth and ensure that the best interests of the public are protected,” Magaxa said.
A statement by the committee said the termination “aligns with the committee's objective of safeguarding the public interest” and will give the airline space to evaluate other options.
“The committee acknowledges the importance of a thorough and comprehensive evaluation of any proposed partnership or agreement involving government as a shareholder in State-owned companies. This termination allows for further scrutiny and exploration of alternative options that will ensure the sustainability and growth of South African Airways.
“The committee remains dedicated to promoting good governance, transparency and accountability within the public enterprises sector. The committee will closely monitor the developments following the termination of the Takatso deal, and will actively engage with relevant stakeholders to ensure the best outcomes for the sector and the public at large,” the committee said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Fri, 03/15/2024 - 09:29
The 14th season of South Africa’s biggest pitching competition, Pitch & Polish, promises to be another nail-biting instalment. While the programme will follow the same winning formula as last year, where contestants engaged in a gripping battle of business pitches as they competed for the ultimate prize, there will be a notable change: a new …
Starbucks launches Summer A.S.A.P. (As Summer As Possible): Last Friday, 8 March 2024, Starbucks kicked off the arrival of the second half of our South African summer. From 9-13 March, Gold Members were invited to indulge in the much-anticipated return of the limited edition Salted Caramel Cream Cold Brew before its nationwide release on 14 …
Mayor says it will take two weeks to clear waste backlog
Society urged to condemn violence against women and children ahead of Human Rights Day
President Cyril Ramaphosa has reiterated his call for society to frown upon the scourge of violent crimes committed against women and children as the country marks National Human Rights Day next week.
This is according to Presidential Spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, who was briefing media on the President’s public programme, on Friday at the Union Buildings.
Magwenya said the President is pleased with the journey travelled to ensure the promotion and protection of human rights in all facets of society, particularly for women, the elderly and children.
“We mark this Human Rights Day under the recurring and persistent scourge of attacks on the basic rights of vulnerable groups in society.
“Hence, the President reiterates his call for society to frown upon the scourge of violent crimes committed against women and children, which is a direct onslaught and threat to the progress we have made in the adherence of human rights.
“The President believes that everyone must enjoy their constitutionally given rights freely as the inherent basic principles of freedom and democracy,” Magwenya said.
He emphasised that President Ramaphosa remains committed to the protection of rights not only for this month of March, but as a continuous daily practice in South Africa.
“We look forward to the President delivering the key note address during the national Human Rights commemoration on 21 March,” he said.
Magwenya highlighted that the Constitution enshrines the rights of all citizens and affirms the democratic values of human dignity, equality and freedom, irrespective of race, sex, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion, or any other status.
He further urged all South Africans to commemorate and remember all those gallant men and women, whose blood, sweat and tears secured today’s freedom.
“We are united in the progress we have made and unified in the work we need to do to address the lingering socio-economic challenges,” he said.
Human Rights Day is commemorated to honor the Sharpeville massacre of 1960, where peaceful protestors marched against discriminatory pass laws and were fatally shot by police.
Fighting GBVF
Government continues to intensify the fight against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), which the President has described as the country’s ‘second pandemic’.
As part of interventions, Magwenya said government has introduced new laws to protect women and children in South Africa from abuse and violence.
“We are implementing new legislation which has strengthened the criminal justice system, put more effective deterrents in place to promote accountability, and enabled better protection and support for survivors.
“These include the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act, which regulates the reporting obligation on people who are aware that sexual offences have been committed against persons who are vulnerable,” Magwenya said.
READ | Government committed to ending GBV
He further emphasised that the Criminal Law (Forensic Procedures) Amendment Act is vital, as it introduces mandatory DNA collection for certain crimes.
The Domestic Violence Amendment Act and Criminal and Related Matters Amendment Act are further interventions that will help in protecting vulnerable groups in South Africa. - SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Fri, 03/15/2024 - 14:27
Pretoria, South Africa – In a digital landscape saturated with cookie-cutter websites, standing out from the competition has never been more crucial for businesses. Click Results, a leading digital marketing firm based in Pretoria, South Africa, unveils the keys to website distinctiveness in their latest industry insights. Have you ever scrolled through your competitor’s websites …
National Assembly passes Electricity Regulation Amendment Bill
Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe says the Electricity Regulation Amendment (ERA) Bill will “radically transform the structure of the electricity sector” for the better.
The bill was passed through a majority in the National Assembly on Thursday.
The bill seeks to, amongst others:
In his written remarks for the debate of the adoption of the bill, Mantashe said the ERA Bill will have a positive impact on future generations.
“Notwithstanding the divergent views raised by the public on the introduction of a competitive market, the establishment of the TSO, and on offences and penalties for those who vandalise electricity infrastructure, we are of a firm view that the changes to the regulatory framework will radically transform the structure of the electricity sector for future generations,” his speech read.
The ERA Bill went through a rigorous parliamentary process including public consultation since its introduction to the house.
“In keeping with the Batho Pele Principles, the Bill went through extensive consultations…including periods for public comments initiated by both the DMRE [Department of Mineral Resources and Energy] and Parliament. In addition, the Portfolio Committee on Mineral Resources and Energy (PCMRE) conducted physical public hearings on the ERA Bill in all provinces. We are buoyed by the overwhelming support for the amendments to the ERA Bill by the citizens of this country.
“Cognisant of the concerns raised by some members of this house regarding NERSA retaining the powers to ‘set and approve prices and tariffs’, we are in full support of the Portfolio Committee’s view that end-users need to be protected from possible price manipulation by market participants and therefore NERSA needs to retain the powers to intervene when necessary,” Mantashe said.
The Minister said the adoption of the Bill is “yet another significant milestone in the performance of the sixth administration”.
“We are, therefore, convinced that the adoption of this Bill will not only give effect to Eskom unbundling reforms, but it will also encourage private sector participation in the electricity industry and thus introduce competition in the industry,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Fri, 03/15/2024 - 10:29
The case of the missing six-year-old, Joslin Smith, starkly exposes the Democratic Alliance (DA) as a party more concerned with political maneuvering and slander than with genuine empathy and care for the communities it claims to represent. The plight of little Joslin’s disappearance should have evoked immediate compassion and support. In such unfortunate times, there …