Mpondoland dagga growers left out to dry
Six years after the Constitutional Court judgment, small-scale dagga growers are sliding deeper into poverty while businesses profit in South Africa’s “cowboy” cannabis industry
ACT
No “secret meetings” held to discuss climate change commitments
No "secret meetings" held to discuss climate change commitments
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) has asserted that it has not conducted any “secret meetings” with business on the review of the country’s climate change commitments.
This comes after the department received a request for access to information related to closed-door meetings and other interactions between government officials and private industry representatives relating to South Africa’s policy and regulatory approach to climate change mitigation and adaptation.
The application also relates to other interactions on South Africa’s energy mix, the Just Transition to a low-carbon economy and any associated infrastructure and resource exploration activities.
The request was received on 25 August 2023 in terms of the Promotion of Access to Information Act, 2000 (Act No 2 of 2000) for information.
“DFFE will respond to the PAIA application from Just Share and the amaBhungane Centre for Investigative Journalism in due course. South Africa concluded its process to develop its national climate change commitments on climate mitigation and adaptation in 2021.
“The process involved rigorous public consultation and the Presidential Climate Commission, a constituency based advisory body, provided valuable advisory inputs that led to the finalisation of the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC),” the department said on Monday.
Through the updated NDC, South Africa has committed to a target range of 420-350 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
“This is consistent with the Paris Agreement limit of a temperature increase well below two degrees Celsius. Since then, there has not been any subsequent discussion to review these targets,” the department said. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Mon, 07/29/2024 - 15:06
148 views
The Awareness Company: Transforming Sustainability Through Data
The Awareness Company, founded by Priaash Ramadeen, Shazia Vawda, and Estelle Lubbe, brings together nearly six decades of collective experience in fields ranging from border control and defense to municipal processes and conservation. Their situational awareness software has been instrumental in protecting over 10,000 rhinos, utilized by more than 200 organizations worldwide. Ramadeen highlights the …
Breastfeeding And Returning To Work – What You Need To Know
Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health coverage, provides tips on balancing breastfeeding with work commitments. Every year, from 1 – 7 August, the world celebrates World Breastfeeding Week, highlighting the importance of breastfeeding for infants and mothers. This year’s theme, Closing the gap: Breastfeeding support for all, resonates deeply with many mothers who …
Tau concludes United States visit
Tau concludes United States visit
Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) Minister, Parks Tau has concluded a successful visit to the United States of America (USA).
The Minister was accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising the Deputy Minister of dtic, Andrew Whitfield, government officials, the private sector and organised labour. The delegation was participating in the 21st Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Forum that ran from 22-26 July 2024.
This followed the successful hosting of the 20th AGOA Forum in November 2023, in Johannesburg.
READ | Patel supports call for reauthorisation of AGOA
The Africa Growth and Opportunity Act is a unilateral trade preference scheme that provides qualifying sub-Saharan African countries with duty-free, quota-free access into the United States market. AGOA remains the cornerstone of the USA’s commercial relations with sub-Saharan Africa.
With AGOA expiring in 14 months, the African Ministers of Trade urged the Biden Administration and the Members of US Congress, for expeditious renewal of AGOA with non-controversial enhancements and amendments for a minimum of 16 years to provide the required predictability and certainty to buyers, exporters and investors.
The Ministers called for the renewal of AGOA to be concluded by the end of 2024. There was an agreement to promote stronger and closer investment relations to complement AGOA and change the structure of Africa’s trade towards value-added exports.
“We welcome the support expressed by both the Biden Administration and Members of Congress for the renewal of AGOA,” said Tau.
The forum also highlighted the critical role that South Africa plays in the development of regional value chains on the African continent in a number of sectors, including the auto sector.
The delegation held extensive engagements with members of the US Congress and House of Representative, US Administration, US private sector and think tanks. The engagements focused on sharing information on the political developments in South Africa in particular the establishment of the Government of National Unity (GNU).
“We welcome the warm reception, as well as productive and constructive discussions we had with Members of Congress across the aisle and with the US Administration. There was a lot of interest in the GNU and its priorities, including efforts to deepen and enhance bilateral relations with the US,” Tau said.
The delegation also used the engagements to advocate for the early reauthorisation of AGOA including exploring enhancements that facilitate greater utilisation and create the necessary policy stability to promote private sector investment and African exports into the US.
There was broad support for strengthening bilateral trade and investment relations between South Africa and the United States.
TIFA
“We welcome the positive discussions with the US Trade Representative, Ambassador [Catherine] Tai and the agreement by both sides to resuscitate the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) at a Ministerial level, that last met in 2014.
“We instructed our officials to prepare for our first meeting which will provide a good platform for constructive discussions and effective resolution of trade related matters from both sides. The resuscitation of the TIFA provides new impetus to our strategic partnership,” Tau said.
The US remains South Africa’s strategic trading partner and South Africa is the largest non-oil Sub-Saharan Africa exporting partner to the US and through AGOA has been able to boost both agriculture and value-added exports, thus creating much-needed jobs for South Africans.
The AGOA Forum is held on an alternate basis between Africa and the US. The 2025 AGOA Forum will thus be held in the Democratic Republic of Congo. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Sun, 07/28/2024 - 13:13
129 views
SA’s 30 years of democracy presents opportunity for reflection
SA’s 30 years of democracy presents opportunity for reflection
South Africa’s 30-years of democracy presents a chance to reflect on how far the country has come while also providing the opportunity to create a path that promotes economic growth and nation-building.
“The thirty-year mark of democracy is a crucial turning point for reflection on both how far we have come and, most importantly, where we are going in the immediate future and in the next 30 years as a nation.
“In my considered view, I believe that we can all play a role in creating the country of our dreams. Not only the Government, but all sectors of society, including politicians, public sector, policy specialists, and the academia, must collaborate to create a path for our country that promotes economic growth, overall prosperity, and nation-building," said Deputy President Paul Mashatile.
The Deputy President was speaking at the BBQ Awards ceremony and Gala Dinner in Kempton Park on Friday.
READ | Deputy President to address BBQ Awards ceremony
With South Africa having held elections on 29 May the Deputy President said: “Once again, as in 1994, we have the opportunity to build a united and prosperous South Africa under the GNU [Government of National Unity]”.
He added that the nation-building process is extensive with government’s vision being to establish a society that is founded on the most superior aspects of human civilisation, including political and human freedoms, socio-economic rights, value systems, and identity.
“Indeed, the 2024 election outcomes present us with an opportunity to return to the task of building a South Africa that will not be defined by race, class, or gender.
“However, we must not ignore the structural and systemic inequality that persists across all sectors of our economy, particularly in business and industry, if we are to build a truly united South Africa. Our dedication to non-racialism and working together does not mean we are unaware that the apartheid legacy still systemically disenfranchises individuals based on race, gender, and class 30 years later. However, we must be positive about our nation's future,”he explained.
He added that government remains committed to investing in people through education, skill development, and high-quality healthcare.
“We aspire to improve our communities' spatial perspectives by constructing inclusive cities and delivering services. We urge all segments of society to work with us to ensure that our democracy is stable, efficient, and effective, bringing all people together.
“The Government remains resolute in its pledge to cultivate an environment conducive to the flourishing of black, youth, and women-led businesses.
Altering SA’s economic growth trajectory
As Government, we are leveraging the black-owned business sector to rebuild after the global economic downturn and COVID-19 pandemic. We are willing to have important conversations about how the informal economy can contribute to building our economy.”
He stressed that increase in the number of unemployed South is a concern.
“The increase in the number of unemployed South Africans, particularly among the youth, necessitates more immediate steps to assist us in fundamentally altering our economic growth trajectory. We must therefore have an open and inclusive conversation about rebuilding, which will result in increased economic activity.
“We must acknowledge that there is a more pressing need to support aggressive means and forms of economic integration for black-owned firms, particularly in the historically untransformed sectors of the economy. We must pay close attention to how governments at all levels can create supportive policies and regulatory environments that support the informal economy.”
Hope and eradicating poverty
He added that amid the current discourse on the country’s economic trajectory, there is room for growth, development, and hope.
“The Government's efforts to restructure the economy through the B-BBEE [Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment] policy, legislative framework, and other interventions have made progress, but further efforts are still required. Despite the obstacles encountered since the passage of the B-BBEE Act two decades ago, our government remains unwavering in its mission to enhance and broaden economic empowerment and inclusion across all sectors.
“This will continue to be the case even under the Government of National Unity.”
The Deputy President also called for collaboration in eradicating poverty.
“If we do not collaborate, the Government alone cannot create stability or fulfil the National Development Plan and Vision 2030 goal of eradicating poverty. We must collaborate to broaden the scope of black-owned businesses beyond the convenience store chain, such as spaza shops.
“Our economy has much to offer, and the informal sector, which is dominated by black-owned businesses, should take advantage of this reality.” -SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Sun, 07/28/2024 - 12:27
233 views
President assents laws advancing ease of doing business
President assents laws advancing ease of doing business
President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed into law amendments to the Companies Act of 2008 that promotes the ease of doing business and imposes greater corporate transparency on the earnings gap between the highest and lowest paid persons in a company.
The Companies Amendment Bill and Companies Second Amendment Bill referred to the President for assent jointly constitute initiatives by government to make the conduct of business less burdensome, to tighten the pursuit of delinquent directors or prescribed officers for wrongdoing, including state capture and addresses disparities in earnings.
The Companies Amendment Act as signed by the President streamlines company law to be clear, user-friendly and less burdensome on the conduct of business. This reform is important for the efficient and effective conduct of the domestic economy as well as the attraction of foreign investment.
The Act is also aimed at achieving equity between directors and senior management on the one hand and shareholders and workers on the other hand.
“In addition, the law addresses public concerns regarding high levels of inequalities in society by introducing better disclosure of senior executive remuneration and the reasonableness of the remuneration.The law requires the preparation of a remuneration report by all public and State-owned companies in respect of the previous financial year,” said the Presidency in a statement.
This remuneration report must be accompanied by the company’s remuneration policy and an implementation report that must set out detail on the total remuneration received by each director and prescribed officer as well as the total remuneration for the employee with the highest and lowest total remuneration.
Among other indicators, companies must report the average and median total remuneration of all employees, and disclose the remuneration gap between the total remuneration of the top 5% highest paid employees and the total remuneration of the bottom 5% lowest paid employees of the company.
Public and State-owned companies are now required to prepare and present a remuneration policy for shareholder approval.
Other provisions include the empowerment of a court to validate the creation, allotment or issue of shares, which would otherwise be invalid, upon application before the court by a company or any person who holds an interest in the company.
The law also requires paid shares to be transferred to a stakeholder and held in terms of stakeholder agreement, until fully paid.
These measures are directed at preventing unethical, reckless and criminal conduct in businesses that will impact negatively on shareholders, workers, clients and customers and the economy as a whole.
Companies Second Amendment Act
The Companies Second Amendment Act signed by President Ramaphosa contains a response by Government to one of the recommendations of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, Corruption and Fraud in the Public Sector, including Organs of State (State Capture Commission).
This law amends the Companies Act to extend the period during which proceedings may be launched to recover any loss, damages or costs for which a person may be held liable under the law.
The State Capture Commission recommended that Section 162 of the Companies Act be amended so as to ensure that an application for a declaration of delinquency may be brought even after two years on good cause shown.
While the recommendations applied to specific cases, the new law extends the time bar for declaring a director of a company a delinquent director, from 24 months to 60 months. It also gives the court the power to extend the period on good cause shown.
This provision ensures that directors and prescribed officers in companies can be held accountable for a significant period after they have committed alleged offences. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Sun, 07/28/2024 - 10:29
106 views
President assents to laws advancing ease of doing business and corporate transparency
President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed into law amendments to the Companies Act of 2008 that promote the ease of doing business and impose greater corporate transparency on the earnings gap between the highest and lowest paid persons in a company.
The Companies Amendment Bill and Companies Second Amendment Bill referred to the President for assent jointly constitute initiatives by government to make the conduct of business less burdensome, to tighten the pursuit of delinquent directors or prescribed officers for wrongdoing, including state capture and address disparities in earnings.
The Companies Amendment Act as signed by the President streamlines company law to be clear, user-friendly and less burdensome on the conduct of business. This reform is important for the efficient and effective conduct of the domestic economy as well as the attraction of foreign investment.
The Act is also aimed at achieving equity between directors and senior management on the one hand, and shareholders and workers on the other hand.
In addition, the law addresses public concerns regarding high levels of inequalities in society by introducing better disclosure of senior executive remuneration and the reasonableness of the remuneration.
The law requires the preparation of a remuneration report by all public and State-owned companies in respect of the previous financial year.
This remuneration report must be accompanied by the company's remuneration policy and an implementation report that must set out detail on the total remuneration received by each director and prescribed officer as well as the total remuneration for the employee with the highest and lowest total remuneration.
Among other indicators, companies must report the average and median total remuneration of all employees, and disclose the remuneration gap between the total remuneration of the top 5% highest paid employees, and the total remuneration of the bottom 5% lowest paid employees of the company.
Public and State-owned companies are now required to prepare and present a remuneration policy for shareholder approval.
Other provisions include the empowerment of a court to validate the creation, allotment or issue of shares, which would otherwise be invalid, upon application before the court by a company or any person who holds an interest in the company.
The law also requires paid shares to be transferred to a stakeholder and held in terms of stakeholder agreement, until fully paid.
These measures are directed at preventing unethical, reckless and criminal conduct in businesses that will impact negatively on shareholders, workers, clients and customers and the economy as a whole.
The Companies Second Amendment Act signed by President Ramaphosa contains a response by Government to one of the recommendations of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, Corruption and Fraud in the Public Sector, including Organs of State (State Capture Commission).
This law amends the Companies Act to extend the period during which proceedings may be launched to recover any loss, damages or costs for which a person may be held liable under the law.
The State Capture Commission recommended that Section 162 of the Companies Act be amended so as to ensure that an application for a declaration of delinquency may be brought even after two years on good cause shown.
While the recommendations applied to specific cases, the new law extends the time bar for declaring a director of a company a delinquent director, from 24 months to 60 months. It also gives the court the power to extend the period on good cause shown.
This provision ensures that directors and prescribed officers in companies can be held accountable for a significant period after they have committed alleged offences.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
The right to protest is being blocked by administrative barriers
Municipal officials often misinterpret the law
KZN works to facilitate economic growth
KZN works to facilitate economic growth
KwaZulu-Natal Finance MEC, Francois Rodgers, says the provincial government is working hard to create an enabling environment to facilitate the growth of the economy through practical plans that focus on creating employment.
The MEC was tabling the R150.5 billion provincial government budget for the 2024/25 financial year at the provincial legislature in Pietermaritzburg on Thursday.
Rodgers said the budget proposals presented, ignites hope in that resources are allocated to bring about direct change to the lives of people.
“It is evident that the provincial government is allocating financial resources to facilitate the journey towards achieving a capable and ethical developmental state. The journey will be a long bumpy road with detours and speed humps but, with the commitment of all politicians and public officials to utilise public funds wisely and effectively in accordance with the Public Finance Management Act, we will not only reach our end destination, but we will arrive with petrol in our tanks,” Rodgers said.
Good governance
Acknowledging the current socio-economic outlook and the direct impact it has on the province and its citizens, the MEC said the current administration has already started to take the necessary tough decisions to turn the tide.
“All government departments and public entities must follow the principles of good governance, good financial management; take a zero-tolerance stance against corruption, fruitless and wasteful expenditure. With tight financial controls, this will allow government to direct more funds towards service delivery.”
The MEC also urged the Heads of Departments, including chief executive officers of public entities, chief financial officers, and senior management officials, to share notes on good practice and experiences to improve the public service.
“Government departments, public entities and municipalities must strengthen the monitoring and evaluation of programmes to assess the measurable impact of the programmes over the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), and to make the necessary adjustments to improve service delivery,” Rodgers said.
Rebuilding the lives of veld fires victims
While acknowledging the immense destruction due to recent veld fires that befell various parts of the province, Rodgers said the incident will not stand in the way of government to grow the province’s economy.
He noted that the destruction impacted people financially and psychologically, and it will take time for those who were affected to recover.
“Government is still assessing the full extent of the damage and the national government will make a determination on whether to declare the incidents as a provincial disaster. Provincial government has allocated resources to rebuild the lives of the victims and reinstate hope in their lives.
“We are extremely encouraged to see that social partners have come closer to partner with government in extending a helping hand to the affected communities. We implore more businesses and social partners to get on board and assist in any way that they are able,” Rodgers said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 07/26/2024 - 14:24
80 views
The Black Business Council (BBC) welcomes the signing into law, by H.E. President Cyril Ramaphosa, of the National Small Enterprise Amendment Act.
The Black Business Council (BBC) welcomes the signing into law, by H.E. President Cyril Ramaphosa, of the National Small Enterprise Amendment Act. The National Small Enterprise Amendment Act, which amends the National Small Enterprise Act of 1996, establishes the Small Enterprise Development Finance Agency (SEDFA) through the incorporation of the Small Enterprise Finance Agency (Sefa), …
President Ramaphosa signs Public Procurement Bill into law
President Ramaphosa signs Public Procurement Bill into law
President Cyril Ramaphosa has assented into law the Public Procurement Bill, which aims to create a single framework that regulates public procurement, including preferential procurement, by all organs of state, with the necessary efficiency, cost-effectiveness and integrity.
“The President has assented to the Public Procurement Bill which complies with the stipulation in Section 217 of the Constitution that [the] contracting of goods and services by organs of state in all spheres of government must occur in accordance with a system which is fair, equitable, transparent, competitive and cost-effective; and that national legislation must prescribe a framework within which a procurement policy must be implemented,” said the Presidency.
As enacted by the President, the Public Procurement Act addresses weaknesses in the procurement of goods and services by organs of state that have in the past enabled various degrees of corruption, including state capture.
The Act also responds to the acknowledgement that legislation regulating procurement by organs of state is fragmented and constrains justified advancement of persons or categories of persons who could provide goods or services.
The Act establishes a single framework that regulates public procurement, including preferential procurement, by all organs of state and promotes the use of technology for efficiency and effectiveness. The law seeks to enhance transparency and integrity, among others, to combat corruption, ensure efficient, effective and economic use of public resources and advance transformation and broadened economic participation.
It foresees that economic development will be stimulated through the procurement of goods that are produced and services that are provided in South Africa, as well as procurement that is developmental in nature.
The Public Procurement Act, which will be administered by the Minister of Finance, applies to departments, constitutional institutions, municipalities, municipal entities, and public entities.
There are also a limited number of clauses which apply to Parliament and provincial legislatures.
The Act applies to all procurement carried out by a procurement institution (including procurement through donor or grant funding) any person who submits a bid or has been awarded a bid and all procurement carried out by any person on behalf of a procuring institution.
Among its wide-ranging provisions, the Act lists persons who may not submit bids including a public office bearer, employees of Parliament or provincial legislatures, and officials or employees of, among others, public entities, constitutional institutions, municipalities and municipal entities. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 07/25/2024 - 10:39
487 views
Department works to secure water for all
Department works to secure water for all
The Ministry and Department of Water and Sanitation, under the new administration, has committed to continue to ensure the implementation of all water projects without delay, and improved water and sanitation services.
Giving an update on the progress made in the water projects, which were previously delayed, Water and Sanitation spokesperson, Wisani Mavasa said in order to ensure water security, government is focusing on investing in additional national water resource infrastructure. This includes building awareness of the need to use water sparingly, and improving municipal water and sanitation services.
Mavasa acknowledged that in the past, water projects have been subjected to unacceptable delays.
However, good progress has since been made in recent years in unblocking and accelerating the delayed projects.
She highlighted that there are currently 14 major national water resource infrastructure projects valued at more than R100 billion, which are in different stages of implementation around the country.
Among the projects which have been unblocked, include the Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase Two, uMkhomazi Water Project and the raising of the wall of the Hazelmere Dam in KwaZulu Natal, construction of Ntabelanga Dam on the uMzimvubu River in the Eastern Cape.
This also includes the raising of the Clanwilliam Dam wall in Western Cape, the Giyani Water Supply Project in Limpopo, and the Loskop Regional Bulk Water Supply Project in Mpumalanga and Limpopo.
“In addition to unblocking and accelerating these projects, Parliament recently passed the National Water Resource Infrastructure Agency Bill, which will result in the establishment of an agency with a balance sheet which will enable substantially more funds to be raised for investment in national water resource infrastructure,” Mavasa said.
Water supply disruptions
Mavasa noted an increase in water supply disruptions in Gauteng and in eThekwini, which has resulted in hardship for residents.
According to the department, the demand for water in both areas is largely due to population growth.
The growth in demand was anticipated by planners, and new national water resource infrastructure projects were planned to meet it, unfortunately, the start of the projects was delayed.
“The new Polihali Dam and associated infrastructure, which is part of Phase Two of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, was due to be completed in 2019 to enable additional water to be supplied to the Integrated Vaal River System, which in turn is the main source of water for Gauteng.
“This project was unblocked, and the main contracts were all awarded in October 2022 and construction is now fully underway and is due to be completed by 2028.
“Similarly, the start of the uMkhomazi project to supply additional water to eThekwini and surrounding municipalities was delayed by nine years, due to concerns about its affordability in terms of the tariffs that would have to be charged to the residents of eThekwini. The affordability problem was resolved in 2023 with the approval by National Treasury of an application by DWS, with the support of the Presidential Infrastructure Fund, for a blended finance solution for the funding of the project which made the tariff more affordable,” she explained.
Among the solutions reached included a 25% interest-free loan and a 25% grant from the national fiscus, and this enabled the eThekwini Municipal Council to approve the water supply agreement on 31 January 2024.
The department has now started to raise the finance for the project and to commence with implementation. Work on the design of the dam and tunnel for the uMkhomazi project has started.
The department also noted the delays in a project to raise the Hazelmere Dam wall to further increase water supply to eThekwini Municipality and surrounding areas in KwaZulu-Natal, which started in 2011. This was due to contractual disputes between the department and the main contractor.
“The contract with the main contractor was terminated in 2018, resulting in a halt to the project. This was resolved in 2021, and the project was completed in 2023.”
Ntabelanga and Clanwilliam Dam upgrades
The department further noted that the construction of Ntabelanga Dam on a tributary of the uMzimvubu River in the Eastern Cape, which was planned to provide additional water for domestic and irrigation use was delayed because the department was unable to successfully motivate for a budget to be allocated to the project.
“The department resolved this blockage in 2023, by reconfiguring the project to reduce its cost while still providing the same benefits. The reconfiguration involved adopting a brown fields approach to water services infrastructure rather than the previous green fields (upgrading existing bulk water supply infrastructure rather than build new infrastructure).
“The reconfiguration of the project resulted in a decrease in the cost of the project from R18 billion to R8 billion, and National Treasury then agreed to fund the reconfigured project from the fiscus. As a result, site preparations and the process to obtain the license to construct the dam are currently underway and construction of the dam wall will commence by October 2024.”
A project to raise the wall of the Clanwilliam Dam in the Western Cape, resulting in a tripling of the volume of water than can be stored in the dam, was also started in 2013, but the implementation of the project was delayed due to budget constraints and several changes in construction approach.
As a result, by 2023 the project was only 10% complete. The delays have since been addressed, and the project is now fully funded and major construction work is currently underway.
Loskop Regional Bulk Water Supply project
The major Loskop Regional Bulk Water Supply project to increase water supply to Thembisile Hani Local Municipality in Mpumalanga and the Moutse-East area under the Sekhukhune District Municipality in Limpopo, has since been unblocked with construction having begun in 2022.
The project was originally planned to commence in 2019 but was delayed because of funding constraints and poor planning by the department.
The construction of a new bulk pipeline from Loskop Dam in Mpumalanga to Thembisile Hani Local Municipality and associated infrastructure is also underway.
Giyani Water Supply project
The Giyani Water Supply Project, which has been delayed for many years, and been the subject of investigations by the Special Investigations Unit, has since been unblocked and accelerated over the last two years.
Mavasa highlighted that the main bulk pipeline from Nandoni Dam to Nsami Dam near Giyani was completed last year, and projects are currently underway to refurbish and increase the capacity of the Giyani Water Treatment Works and to install bulk reticulation lines, bulk reservoirs, service reservoirs and reticulation to households.
“Water has started to flow to households in nine of villages in Giyani and we will strive to ensure a further 15 villages receive water by the end of August this year, and that a further 31 villages receive water within the next two years.”
Water Services Amendment Bill
In addition to assisting municipalities to improve their water and sanitation infrastructure, the department has proposed amendments to the Water Services Act, to address the poor municipal performance illustrated by the results of the Blue, Green and no Drop reports which were issued in December 2023.
“The Water Services Amendment Bill will be submitted to Cabinet shortly for approval for it to be tabled in Parliament.”
Improvement in issuing of water use licence
Meanwhile, the department’s turnaround plan for the issuing of water use licences has seen an improvement in performance from 35% of applications being processed within 90 days to 70% being processed within 90 days.
“In addition, the backlog of more than a thousand applications has been largely eradicated, with no more than 100 applications which have taken longer than 90 days to process,” Mavasa said.
The department has committed that further improvement towards the President’s 2020 State of the Nation Address (SONA) target of processing all applications within 90 days, will be achieved during this financial year. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 07/24/2024 - 10:53
433 views
SA committed to addressing climate change
SA committed to addressing climate change
The signing of the Climate Change Bill by President Cyril Ramaphosa into law, demonstrates South Africa’s commitment to address and respond to the global phenomenon that involves long term shifts in temperatures and general weather patterns.
Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, has welcomed the new law which sets out a national climate change response, including mitigation and adaptation actions, which also constitutes South Africa’s fair contribution to the global climate change response.
“The President’s signing of the climate Change Bill into law marks a significant milestone in our nation's commitment to addressing climate change. This legislation provides a comprehensive framework for climate action across all our society and economy. We are now poised to move forward with its implementation,” George said on Wednesday.
The law also sets out to enhance South Africa’s ability and capacity over time to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and build climate resilience, while reducing the risk of job losses, and promoting opportunities for new job opportunities in the emerging green economy.
The Act will strengthen coordination between national sector departments and provide policy setting and decision-making to enable South Africa to meet the commitments of the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement.
“Through the Act, we aim to show leadership and we look forward to collaborating with all stakeholders to ensure its equitable and ambitious implementation,” the Minister said.
Some of the key provisions of the Act include:
• Mitigation: Establishing a national greenhouse gas (GHG) emission trajectory, requiring several Ministers to develop and implement measures to address climate change through sectoral emission targets, and mandating major emitting companies to comply with mandatory carbon budgets.
• Adaptation: Involving cooperation with provincial and local governments and communities to address climate adaptation challenges.
The Act, in addition to establishing new processes and institutional arrangements, formalises and integrates existing measures to address both mitigation and adaptation.
It also provides a “coordinated and integrated response by the economy and society to climate change and its impacts in accordance with the principles of cooperative governance,” in line with South Africa’s 2011 National Climate Change Response Policy.
The Minister has commended the role played by all South Africans in the formulation of the Act.
“As we implement the Act, we welcome the active engagement of citizens, workers and businesses, to move to low-emissions and climate resilient development,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 07/24/2024 - 11:08
442 views
Judge blocks government plan to tell private hospitals and doctors where they can go
“Certificate of Need” scheme thrown out of National Health Act
National Small Enterprise Amendment Act touted as gamechanger
National Small Enterprise Amendment Act touted as gamechanger
The signing into law of the National Small Enterprise Amendment Bill by President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to revolutionise the small business ecosystem.
“We are confident that the National Small Enterprise Act, as amended, will turn the tide in favour of small enterprises, by levelling the playing fields and enabling the provision of more integrated and effective financial and non-financial support to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and co-operatives,” Minister of Small Business Development Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams said on Tuesday.
The Act establishes the Office of the Enterprise Ombuds Service, redefines and simplifies the term “small enterprises” and empowers the Minister to declare certain trading practices in relation to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as unfair trading practices.
This streamlines the support services that government provides to MSMEs to broaden their participation in the economy in line with government’s commitment towards placing MSMEs at the centre of the reconstruction and recovery of the economy.
The new Small Enterprise Development Finance Agency (SEDFA) will drive economic transformation and inclusive growth in the economy through ensuring the provision of customised financial and non-financial support for MSMEs and cooperatives to enable them to play a strategic role in the value chains of various sectors of the economy.
“The Act also provides for the establishment of the Office of the Small Enterprise Ombud Services which will serve as an impartial mediator in the disputes, especially for small enterprises, thereby avoiding costly litigation processes.
“The lack of effective and affordable access to a justice mechanism for small enterprises has been a matter of grave concern to all in the small enterprise eco-system. Business-to-business disputes and the late and nonpayment of legitimate invoices remain a significant reality in the lives of small enterprises and cooperatives, with very real implications for their growth and sustainability,” the Minister said.
MSMEs will now avoid the litigation route, which is wearisome and costly, and use the alternative dispute resolution mechanism of the Ombud.
“The determinations by the Ombud will be mandatory and binding. The provision will still be made within the act for review specifically on the grounds of illegality, procedural unfairness; or irrationality, thus still protecting the constitutional rights of all persons involved,” she said.
Unfair Trading Practices
The Act also enables the Minister to declare certain trading practices in relation to small enterprises as unfair trading practices on recommendation of the Ombud.
“It sets the parameters and procedures in terms of which the Minister, by notice in the Gazette, may declare certain practices in relation to small enterprises to be prohibited unfair trading practices.
“The unfair trading practices relate to exclusionary compliance requirements for small enterprises, retrospective changes to contracts, ambiguous contracts, sudden and unjustified termination of a commercial relationship or termination without reasonable notice to MSMEs and Cooperatives,” Ndabeni-Abrahams said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 07/24/2024 - 14:16
276 views
New law on climate change response welcomed
New law on climate change response welcomed
The Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) has welcomed the signing of the Climate Change Bill by President Cyril Ramaphosa, into law.
“We welcome this ground-breaking legislation, which not only clearly sets out the functions of the PCC but outlines the role that provinces and municipalities will play in mitigation efforts, to ensure the realisation of the vision for effective climate change response and just transition to a climate-resilient and low-carbon economy and society,” PCC Commissioner and Executive Director, Dr Crispian Olver, said on Tuesday.
The Climate Change Act sets out the legal mandate for countrywide climate change response, to enable the alignment of South Africa’s climate change response policy and actions, including mitigation and adaptation actions, which also constitutes South Africa’s country fair contribution to the global climate change response.
READ | SA’s response to climate change outlined in new law
While a few state departments and other government agencies have just transition outcomes explicitly outlined in their annual performance plans, the Act now clearly instructs every organ of state to review and if necessary, revise, amend, coordinate and harmonise their policies and measures, programmes and decisions in order to ensure that the risks of climate change impacts and associated vulnerabilities are taken into consideration.
Olver said the Climate Change Act is South Africa’s first comprehensive legislation to encourage the development of an effective climate change response.
“To enable the development of an effective climate change response and a long-term, just transition to a low-carbon and climate-resilient economy and society for South Africa in the context of sustainable development.
“Undoubtedly, any successful climate action effort will require alignment of major social-economic, environmental and governance policies. We are entering a new phase of climate action and we believe the Climate Change Act, will foster institutional coherence and enhance climate change adaptation governance across the national, provincial and local layers of government,” Olver said.
The Commission will contribute to strengthen its relations with government, particularly the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) as well as the National Treasury in giving life to the Act and ensuring that a smooth evolution to a public entity. It will also strengthen the work of the commission and improve its partnership with stakeholders and other role-players. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 07/24/2024 - 09:12
113 views
Public consultations on raw water tariffs
Public consultations on raw water tariffs
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) has started public consultation meetings on the proposed raw water use charges for the 2025/26 financial year.
During these meetings, the department will get inputs from various role players within the sector on the proposed raw water charges prior to the finalisation, approval and implementation of the proposed water use charges.
The consultations are also aimed at ensuring transparency in the determination of raw water charges for public buy-in and support.
In terms of the National Water Act of 1998, the department is required to establish an annual raw water pricing strategy after consulting widely with different water users, including mines, industries, agriculture, energy and domestic users.
“Different stakeholders need to be consulted before the final approval by the Minister of Water and Sanitation as mandated by the National Water Act, which states that extensive consultation should be undertaken before an organ of State increases any price of bulk resources supplied to municipalities and municipal entities,” the department said.
The Tuesday, 23 July, a consultation meeting is being held at the MidVaal Water Company in Orkney in the North West.
Wednesday’s meeting will take place at the Loft Guesthouse in Bethlehem, Free State.
The last day of the consultations will be held at the Southern Sun Pretoria, corner of Stanza Bopape and Beatrix Streets, Arcadia, on Friday.
The meetings will start from 10am – 2pm. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 07/23/2024 - 10:21
500 views
Assets worth R52 million seized in alleged COVID-19 corruption case
Assets worth R52 million seized in alleged COVID-19 corruption case
The Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) of the National Prosecuting Authority, the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) on Tuesday seized various assets and properties valued at approximately R52.6 million.
The assets and properties are linked to 22 senior management officials, service providers and entities involved in an alleged corruption network within the Mpumalanga Department of Public Works.
The seizure follows a preservation court order from the High Court of South Africa, Mpumalanga Division, Mbombela obtained by the AFU.
The order allows the AFU, SIU and Hawks to seize various assets in Mpumalanga, Gauteng, the North West and Western Cape provinces associated with personal protective equipment (PPE) corruption.
“The operation included serving orders at 34 locations and capturing inventories of 29 properties, 31 vehicles and a boat trailer.
“The court order freezes properties such as houses, electronics, cars, household items, jewellery, arms, ammunition, bank accounts, salaries and bail monies.
“All internet banking privileges will be removed from the accused as of 23 July 2024. The seized assets and frozen properties belong to employees of the Mpumalanga Public Works, while others belong to service providers doing business with the department,” said a joint statement by the NPA, Hawks and SIU.
The order restrains the following individuals and entities:
Department officials:
- Macdonald Sigudla
- Dorries Mbatha
- Bandile Ngcobo
- Godisamang Molotsane
- Kobus Mkhabela
- Sipho Monareng
Service providers:
- Maganeleni Trading and Projects (Pty) Ltd
- Anthony Maganeleng Mashigo
- Gladness Gugu Bulunga
- Thandolwam Transport and Projects (Pty) Ltd
- Mbombela Integrated Waste Management Services (Pty) Ltd
- Orapaleng Molotsane
- Tsidi Susan Sedibe
- Superia Services Trading CC
- Whisky Delisa Khumalo
- Makulaspan Construction (Pty) Ltd
- Thabang Lebo Andiswa Dibakoane
- Ntando Ms Trading (Pty) Ltd
- Bongani Edward Lukhele
- Ligabho Le'Africa Properties (Pty) Ltd
- Oratile Molotsane
- Ezrom Molotsane
“The order is based on Section 26 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act, 121 of 1998, which prevents a person from dissipating their assets before a confiscation order is made following a conviction,” the joint statement said.
The SIU's investigation into PPE contracts related to the COVID-19 pandemic revealed that senior management officials awarded multi-million Rand COVID-19 PPE tenders to suppliers who did not deliver the services.
“These suppliers paid substantial kickbacks to the senior management officials and their family members in different ways.
“The investigation uncovered multiple instances of corruption, fraud, theft, and money laundering committed by senior managers and service providers involved in procuring PPE disinfection services during the COVID-19 period.
“In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996 (SIU Act), the SIU referred criminal evidence to the NPA and Hawks for further investigation, leading to the arrest of department officials and service providers,” said the statement.
The officials and service providers face criminal charges related to PPE procurement and will appear in the Commercial Crimes Court on charges of corruption, fraud, and money laundering.
President Cyril Ramaphosa directed the SIU, in terms of Proclamation R23 of 2020, to investigate allegations of corruption, maladministration, malpractice, and payments made by State institutions relating to PPE procurement and the conduct of State employees. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 07/23/2024 - 12:43
604 views
Tribunal urged to restore Makhubele’s dignity
Judge was unfairly branded a criminal and a liar, says her lawyer
President Ramaphosa Assents to National Small Enterprise Amendment Bill
President Cyril Ramaphosa has assented to the National Small Enterprise Amendment Bill which streamlines the support services government provided to small and medium businesses as part of broadening participation in the economy by a greater number of South Africans.
The National Small Enterprise Amendment Act signed by the President amends the National Small Enterprise Act of 1996 to establish a new entity, the Small Enterprise Development Finance Agency, which will incorporate the Small Enterprise Development Finance Agency (SEFA), the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) and the Cooperative Banks Development Agency (SEDFA).
SEDA and SEFA are currently located within the Department of Small Business Development.
The new Small Enterprise Development Finance Agency will function as a one-stop-shop for aspiring entrepreneurs and promote the development of the Co-operative Banking Institutions (CBIs).
The Act also establishes the Office of the Small Enterprise Ombud Service which may, as part of dealing with complaints, recommend that the Minister of Small Business Development declare certain practices in relation to small enterprises to be prohibited unfair trading.
Under the new law, the Minister may make regulations setting the criteria to determine the classification of micro, small and medium enterprises as well as any legislation affecting small enterprises.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
President Ramaphosa Assents to Public Procurement Bill
President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed into law legislation that aims to create a single framework that regulates public procurement, including preferential procurement, by all organs of state, with the necessary efficiency, cost-effectiveness and integrity.
The President has assented to the Public Procurement Bill which complies with the stipulation in Section 217 of the Constitution that contracting of goods and services by organs of state in all spheres of government must occur in accordance with a system which is fair, equitable, transparent, competitive and cost-effective; and that national legislation must prescribe a framework within which a procurement policy must be implemented.
As enacted by the President, the Public Procurement Act addresses weaknesses in the procurement of goods and services by organs of state that have in the past enabled various degrees of corruption, including state capture.
The Act also responds to the acknowledgment that legislation regulating procurement by organs of state is fragmented and constrains justified advancement of persons or categories of persons who could provide goods or services.
The Act establishes a single framework that regulates public procurement, including preferential procurement, by all organs of state and promotes the use of technology for efficiency and effectiveness.
The law seeks to enhance transparency and integrity, among others, to combat corruption, ensure efficient, effective and economic use of public resources and advance transformation and broadened economic participation.
The Act foresees that economic development will be stimulated through the procurement of goods that are produced and services that are provided in South Africa, as well as procurement that is developmental in nature.
The Public Procurement Act, which will be administered by the Minister of Finance, applies to departments, constitutional institutions, municipalities, municipal entities, and public entities.
There are also a limited number of clauses which apply to Parliament and provincial legislatures.
The Act applies to all procurement carried out by a procurement institution (including procurement through donor or grant funding), any person who submits a bid or has been awarded a bid; and all procurement carried out by any person on behalf of a procuring institution.
Among its wide-ranging provisions, the Act lists persons who may not submit bids including a public office bearer, employees of Parliament or provincial legislatures, and officials or employees of, among others, public entities, constitutional institutions, municipalities and municipal entities.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
President Ramaphosa Assents to Climate Change Bill
President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed into law the Climate Change Bill which sets out a national climate change response, including mitigation and adaptation actions, which also constitutes South Africa's fair contribution to the global climate change response.
The Climate Change Act, as endorsed by the President, enables the alignment of policies that influence South Africa's climate change response, to ensure that South Africa's transition to a low carbon and climate resilient economy and society is not constrained by policy contradictions.
The law also sets out to enhance South Africa's ability and capacity over time to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and build climate resilience, while reducing the risk of job losses, and promoting opportunities for new job opportunities in the emerging green economy.
The Act has the aim of strengthening co-ordination between national sector departments and provide policy setting and decision-making to enable South Africa to meet the commitments in Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement.
The National Determined Contribution is a set of commitments South Africa has made under the international Paris Agreement to reduce greenhouse greenhouse emissions as part of climate change mitigation.
South Africa is one of more than 190 members of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change who are parties to the eight-year-old Paris Agreement.
South Africa's mitigation measures are a response to climate change impacts that are increasingly experienced across a number of sectors including water resources; agriculture and food production; forestry and fisheries; human health; energy generation; industry; human settlements and migration; disaster management; biodiversity and terrestrial ecosystems.
These impacts will disproportionately affect poor communities and vulnerable groups and could affect South Africa's ability to meet its development and economic growth goals, including job creation and poverty reduction.
The Climate Change Act sets out the functions of the Presidential Climate Commission, which includes providing advice on the Republic's climate change response to ensure the realisation of the vision for effective climate change response and the long-term just transition to a climate-resilient and low-carbon economy and society.
The law also stipulates the role provinces and municipalities will play in mitigation efforts.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
Apartheid-era flats are “a ticking time bomb”
Residents want the broken-down flats fixed; the municipality says the residents must first pay rent