SANEF Should Do Better Than This
Its defensive response to recent criticism does not earn the public’s confidence in news media
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Abaqulusi Municipality Plan’s to Spend R1,3 Million on IDP Planning
In its most recent cost framework, the AbaQulusi Local Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal (Louwsburg, Vryheid) earmarked R1,3 million for the planning process of the Integrated Development Plan (IDP). The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) strongly opposes this exorbitant expenditure. The estimated costs for the planning process, as indicated in the 2026/27 budget, include R50 000 for […]
The post Freedom Front Plus opposes AbaQulusi Municipality’s plan to spend R1,3 million on Integrated Development Plan (IDP) planning appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
Sunday Times Editor Makhudu Sefara Placed on “Special Leave” After SIU Announces Investigation
Sefara was elected chair of the South African National Editors Forum despite concerns raised about his connections to the Lottery
City of Cape Town’s “Lower Rates Claim” Does Not Hold Up
The DA-led City of Cape Town has repeatedly communicated that “lower rates are coming” because of the 2026/27 Draft Budget. This claim is based on the 10.2% reduction in the rate-in-the-rand.
The post THE DA-CONTROLLED CITY OF CAPE TOWN’S “LOWER RATES CLAIM” DOES NOT HOLD UP appeared first on For Good.
Tshwane Metro’s Demand Regarding Historic Harlequin Sports Club Is Unrealistic and Absurd
The Tshwane Metro’s demand that the historic Harlequin Sports Club in Groenkloof, which has operated as a community sports club for 122 years, must be restored to its “original” state as a farm within a few weeks, is unrealistic and absurd. The Club, which was founded in 1902, is an important community institution with hundreds […]
The post Tshwane Metro’s demand regarding historic Harlequin Sports Club is unrealistic and absurd appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
Prophets and Profits: The Art of the Sell in Shepherd Bushiri’s YouTube Sermons
‘Prophetpreneurship’ is a strategic blend of prophecy, charisma and business.
SANRAL Roadworks Stalled for 17 Months
Project to widen R510 in Limpopo has been at a standstill since 2024
Men’s Drinking Harms Women and Children, and the Impact Is Worst in Poorer Countries
Governments across the world must look at alcohol and its related harms through the eyes of women and children who are mostly affected.
Calls for Nestlé to Remove Sugar From Baby Foods
Swiss investigative outlet claims Nestlé is misrepresenting sugar content
Stellenbosch University: “No Whites”
The Department of Agronomy in Stellenbosch University’s Faculty of AgriSciences is currently advertising two internships for junior research assistants. The advertisement states, among other things, that only Black / Coloured / Indian / Chinese South African citizens with a South African identity document will be considered for the positions. In practice, this means any South […]
The post “No whites” – Stellenbosch University in advertisement for internships appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
Public Participation Process Regarding Power Tariffs Just for Show
The so-called public participation process conducted by the ANC/EFF-controlled Ekurhuleni Metro regarding the proposed electricity tariffs for the 2025/26 financial year is just for show and misleading residents. The notice of public meetings issued on 11 September 2025 provides for only three meetings at the Boksburg Civic Centre, the Rabasotho Hall in Thembisa and the […]
The post Ekurhuleni’s public participation process regarding power tariffs just for show appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
South Africa’s Earliest Newspapers Made Money From Slavery
The old dictum that the press promotes the views of those who own and support it was as true during slavery and apartheid as it is now.
Small News Companies PIN Their Hopes on New Google Fund. But Already There’s Controversy
Large chunk of R114-million fund to go to administrators
These Are Our Rights When We Use Medicines
South African law says that we must be informed about our health care options
WHO and UNICEF Warn Parents Against Unethical Baby Milk Advertising In South Africa
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) are today launching a “Babies Before Bottom Lines” manifesto to warn parents in South Africa against false and unethical baby milk advertising. The manifesto was posted online today to call out “predatory and pervasive practices” and has been backed and shared by prominent parenting influencers around the country.
WHO and UNICEF are jointly calling the attention of parents and caregivers to the WHO International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes and its related information sources. The code provides guidelines on stricter regulation of marketing of breastmilk substitutes, to curb harmful effects on babies' short- and long-term health.
WHO's Country Representative in South Africa, Shenaaz El-Halabi, says: “False, incomplete, misleading health and nutrition claims by formula companies should stop now. The WHO calls on formula milk companies to stop presenting incomplete scientific evidence and inferring unsupported health outcomes.”
WHO and UNICEF are specifically calling on local regulators to update Regulations Relating to Foodstuffs for Infants and Young Children (aka R991) to include other advertising techniques and digital marketing practices that have become prevalent in the past few years since the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes of 1981 and local Regulation R991 of 2012 were drafted. Some popular social media platforms, whose algorithms can target specific consumers with specific messages at specific times, were still in their infancy or did not yet exist in 2012. Of particular concern is that parents are often targeted with information that blurs the lines between nutritional facts and promotional pseudo-science and emotional manipulation when they are at their most vulnerable.
The pseudo-scientific health claims made by formula companies discourage mothers from breastfeeding, which should always be a first choice as breastmilk is the most complete and healthiest milk for babies. In addition, widespread evidence exists that women have internalised doubts about the quality and quantity of their breastmilk, mirroring the themes and messaging of formula milk marketing campaigns.
In line with their multi-country study on the impacts of marketing breastmilk substitutes, WHO and UNICEF warn that “inappropriate promotion of breastmilk substitutes negatively impacts breastfeeding practices, and that advertisers are promoting a false choice between formula feeding and breastfeeding, without offering informed choice to parents about the real differences between breastmilk and various brands of formula”.
UNICEF South Africa Representative, Christine Muhigana, notes that: “Government and civil society partners are to be commended for their efforts to address this concerning issue. It is evident that formula milk companies continue to actively target health professionals to convince them to prescribe formula. This Manifesto is part of a broader effort to address these unfair practices so that mothers and caregivers are fully aware of unethical marketing practices.”
Cross promotion, also known as “brand extension” which is a marketing practice whereby one product is used to advertise another product by using similar branding, packaging and labelling (including but not limited to similar colours, design, font types, mascots and logos) has become a common practice by the bay formula companies.
“All families need to be supported with evidence-based information so that they can make the most appropriate and informed decision for feeding their babies. Those choices, however, should never be exploited for corporate profits. We are finding again and again, all around the world, that unethical corporate influence is imposed on caregivers through false advertising. Companies use digital marketing algorithms that exploit parents when they are most vulnerable. They capitalize on parents' doubts and questions. For instance, we see advertisers directing fake science at caregivers in the middle of the night, when they or their babies are struggling, to falsely convince them that bottle-fed babies sleep better than breastfed babies. This is wrong and needs to stop,” says Dr Laurence Grummer-Strawn, who leads WHO‘s work on infant and young child feeding.
WHO and UNICEF have uncovered systematic and unethical marketing strategies by the US $55 billion infant formula industry, finding it uses the “infant formula industry uses pervasive, personalised and powerful methods to target parents when they are at their most vulnerable in the early days of their new babies life, and manipulate scientific claims to promote their products whilst undermining parents' confidence”.
Aqeelah Harron, an online content creator who owns the popular Fashion Breed social media platform, is supporting the campaign. "I'm a mom to a toddler and my child's health matters to me more than anything. I think it's wrong that powerful formula companies with big platforms are preying on parents to manipulate us into falling for fake science. Babies and new parents are vulnerable and should never be exploited. We need to prioritise comprehensive feeding education for all caregivers, free from the influence of profit-driven marketing." Several other online influencers are also backing the campaign.
WHO and UNICEF invite the public to join them in calling for an end to the aggressive marketing of formula milk, and to share their call to action: “Choose babies before bottom lines.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) - South Africa.
Media industry called to transform ownership patterns
Media industry called to transform ownership patterns
With the media industry fighting for its survival amidst the rise of digital media, Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Kenny Morolong, has called on the industry to make deliberate efforts to transform the sector’s ownership patterns.
“Government remains committed to working alongside industry stakeholders to ensure that South Africa's media landscape is inclusive, competitive, and representative of the country's diversity,” Morolong said.
The Deputy Minister was addressing the members of the Print and Digital Media Transformation and Revitalization Steering Committee in Rosebank, Johannesburg, on Friday.
The steering committee was established to drive collaborative efforts towards a transformed media that is inclusive in a digital and multiplatform environment, to sustain and grow the sector’s contribution to the country's Growth Domestic Product (GDP).
The Minister painted a sobering picture of the industry’s current state, noting a dramatic decline in print newspaper (both commercial and local) circulation - from approximately 45 million copies annually to dwindled numbers that were never imagined before, which is "very worrisome for government."
“The current challenges of operating in the digital environment; excess print, distribution and transport cost; reduction in newspaper subscribers; dwindling circulation figures coupled with reduced advertising budgets, both from corporate and government, have forced publishers to close down, while others have become loss-making or liability enterprises. In the mist of all these things, we should not despair, we are a nation that works together to find common solutions,” Morolong said.
The Deputy Minister emphasised the critical role played by the media in society and reaffirmed government’s commitment to revitalise the industry.
“We have a responsibility to save an industry that is ailing and to do so, there needs to be government investment. You can’t put government in a position where it must support an industry that does not want to transform.
“You are running a business, but you are also running an institution which has got a moral obligation to keep society informed. We want to support you because of your role in education and informing society. We have a responsibility to support you and empower you as business,” he said.
The Print and Digital Media Transformation and Revitalization Steering Committee comprises various media executives of print and digital media companies, industry bodies such as the Association of Independent Publishers, Media Development and Diversity Agency and the Press Council.
The committee has been tasked with the following responsibilities:
- Developing a roadmap towards the establishment of the Print Media Charter that will promote B-BBEE in the sector;
- The availability of print and digital media in languages all South Africans speak;
- Specifics of the industry, including setting deadlines and targets to meet transformation objectives, set as commitment by the industry into a diverse and transformed print media in the entire value chain (newsroom, publishing, news sources, printing, distribution and advertising);
- Areas of ownership and control, language, race, gender, employment equity, conditions of employment, skills development, contributions to promoting media diversity (through MDDA), and accord on access to printing and distribution. -SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Fri, 04/11/2025 - 12:10
173 views
Alcohol Industry Used “Regulatory Capture” to Delay Liquor Bill, Say Researchers
Liquor Amendment Bill still not introduced to Parliament after nine years
Lottery Secretary Resigns After Pocketing About R6-Million While on Suspension
Nompumelelo Nene, suspended two years ago, faced 145 disciplinary charges
Advancements in technology should not exclude rural communities
Advancements in technology should not exclude rural communities
Technological advancements including the move to digital radio should not exclude rural and underprivileged communities, Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong said.
“Today, we see new innovations in Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB), internet radio, and mobile-based radio services. These advancements offer greater accessibility and interactivity, allowing audiences to receive and engage news in real-time. However, we must ensure that the transition to digital does not leave behind those in rural and underprivileged areas who still rely on traditional radio as their primary source of information,” the Deputy Minister.
Morolong was speaking at the Northern Conference of the National Community Radio Forum (NCRF) in Kuruman on Friday.
“As you know, media is not just a platform for communication; it is a vital institution that informs, educates, and empowers our people. In South Africa, government recognises the power of the media in strengthening our democracy, fostering dialogue, and ensuring accountability,” he told those attending the conference.
READ | Community media plays a vital role in promoting social change
He said that radio played an important role in the anti-apartheid struggle, providing an alternative voice when mainstream media was restricted.
In post-apartheid South Africa, the sector has grown to reflect the linguistic and cultural diversity of the nation.
“As South Africa celebrate 30 years of Freedom and Democracy, we acknowledge that our celebration coincides with 30 years of community media; 102 years of broadcasting and 21 years since the establishment of the MDDA [Media Development and Diversity Agency]. Community radio is an important and vibrant sector within broadcasting that is philosophically and structurally distinct from both commercial and public service models. It is owned and controlled by the communities, autonomous from commercial interests and maintains a participatory relationship with its constituent communities. Radio remains one of the most powerful and resilient forms of media, adapting to technological advancements while remaining deeply embedded in our communities,” he explained.
He added that the journey of radio can be traced from the early analogue era of AM and FM frequencies to the digital age, where streaming and podcasting have revolutionized the way, we consume audio content.
This as South Africa had a vibrant community radio sector with approximately 285 licenced community stations covering a wide range of geographies, religious and cultural interests, and in various languages.
In addition to the growth in the number of community stations licenced (from 133 in 2012), listenership has also increased.
“However with this growth there are persistent challenges. The battle for survival is the biggest concern for most stations and is more acute for stations serving poor, rural communities.
“This battle can often detract stations from their mandate of improving community involvement, programme quality and relevance. The focus on generating income through selling advertising and airtime, means that other income streams that might enhance and diversify programming (for example, programme sponsorship and membership fees and donations from the community) are often not explored sufficiently.”
He said that a key challenge for the sustainability of community stations is that they are dependent on the discretion of advertisers, the limited resources available to the MDDA and government advertising.
“Part of the problem is that sustainability is often thought of only in terms of finances, yet good governance, quality, entertaining and informative programming are interlinked elements of sustainability.
As the Presidency, we do not take our role at the MDDA for granted, because we are mindful that South Africans are at the heart of all our work, and we are therefore committed to continue to support the MDDA to maintain its agenda of enabling access, ownership, diversity and the promotion of marginalised languages and communities,” said the Deputy Minister.
He added that government values the role of NCRF as a collective voice.
“In strengthening the community radio sector, organisations like the National Community Radio Forum play an indispensable role. The NCRF has been a unifying force, advocating for the rights and sustainability of community broadcasters across the country.”
The NCREF lobbies for the diversification of the airwaves in South Africa.
“As government, we recognise and support the NCRF’s efforts in advancing the interests of community radio. We look forward to strengthening partnerships between government, media stakeholders, and the NCRF to build a robust, independent, and sustainable community broadcasting sector.”
G20
He added that the Government Communication and Information Service (GCIS) has committed to ensuring that South Africa’s G20 Presidency is made known through the use of community media broadly and community radio more specifically.
“In short, community radio will bring the agenda and discussions of the G20 to our people through community radio. This should help our people all over this province and the Republic to get updates on all the G20 meetings taking place this year,” he said.
South Africa is hosting the G20 Presidency under the theme “Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability.” -SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Sun, 03/02/2025 - 16:26
27 views
Government welcomes provisional outcomes of the media market inquiry
Government welcomes provisional outcomes of the media market inquiry
Government says it acknowledges and welcomes the provisional outcomes of the Media and Digital Platforms Market Inquiry (MDPMI), led by the Competition Commission of South Africa.
This week, the preliminary report from the commission regarding the MDPMI) garnered attention for its strong recommendation that Google should pay as much as R500 million yearly to compensate South Africa’s news industry.
The commission believes that South Africa should impose a digital tariff of 5% to 10% on major tech companies such as Google, Meta and Microsoft if they fail to fairly compensate media organisations for the content they distribute on their platforms.
The MDPMI began on 17 October 2023 and aims to investigate the characteristics of digital platforms that distribute news media content.
The focus is on identifying features that may hinder, distort, or restrict competition, or that undermine the objectives of the Competition Act.
The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) has since described the inquiry as a crucial step in ensuring a fair and competitive digital media environment that supports the sustainability of local journalism and promotes media diversity.
“The South African media landscape is evolving rapidly, with digital platforms playing an increasingly dominant role in content distribution and advertising revenue,” a statement from the GCIS on Wednesday read.
Adjunct Faculty Member and Head of the GIBS Media Leadership Think Tank, Michael Markovitz, stated that the report aims to address the root causes of anti-competitive behaviour among big tech companies, and seeks to fundamentally reshape the digital market to foster fairer competitive dynamics.
The inquiry assessed the impact of global digital giants on local media businesses, ensuring that South African publishers, broadcasters and digital content creators can compete on a level playing field.
Government - through the GCIS, in partnership with members of the Print and Digital Media Transformation Steering Committee - said it remains committed to supporting an independent, pluralistic and sustainable media sector, recognising its fundamental role in strengthening democracy and ensuring access to diverse sources of information.
Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, said the GCIS will work with all stakeholders, including media houses, digital platforms, advertisers, and the public on the implementation of the final outcomes of the MDPMI.
“We will also contribute to the solutions proposed for addressing the challenges facing the media sector while unlocking opportunities for innovation and growth,” Morolong said.
The GCIS said the inquiry’s provisional outcome supports efforts for media transformation and sustainability, promoting economic participation and safeguarding public interest journalism, which is vital for a fair and diverse media landscape in South Africa.
White paper
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Communication and Digital Technologies, Khusela Diko, has welcomed the recommendations of the provisional report.
Diko believes that the recommendations strengthen the committee’s call for an urgent publication of a White Paper on Audio and Audiovisual Media Services and Online Content Safety by the Department of Communication and Digital Technologies (DCDT).
“For a very long time, over-the-top (OTT) digital platforms exploited the regulatory gap in the sector to the detriment of the public broadcaster, the South African Broadcasting Corporation, which operates under stringent regulations. We further welcome the recommendation that media houses be remunerated for the content they produce that gets to be exploited by OTT and digital platforms,” Diko explained.
She further said that the recommendations on Google and YouTube, amongst others, will hopefully serve as a deterrent to everyone that the lack of direct regulation in the sector is not "licencee for unscrupulous business practices". – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 02/26/2025 - 15:45
81 views
SIU, Transnet secure settlement agreements worth millions
SIU, Transnet secure settlement agreements worth millions
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) and Transnet have signed multiple settlement agreements totalling over R31.4 million following a Special Tribunal order that set aside several unlawful contracts.
“These agreements, which involve repayments from companies and individuals who benefitted from irregular transactions, form part of ongoing efforts to recover financial losses suffered by the state and uphold accountability in public procurement,” the SIU and Transnet said in a joint statement on Tuesday.
This as the unit and Transnet approached the Special Tribunal following an investigation by the SIU.
This investigation revealed that two former Transnet executives allegedly received unlawful financial benefits totalling approximately R10 million from service providers Superfecta Trading 209 and BBDM Bros Advertising Agency.
The executives are accused of using these unlawful financial benefits to acquire luxury properties.
On 12 February 2025, the Special Tribunal ruled that the decision of the former Group Executive: Transnet Property to award contracts to Superfecta Trading 209 (now Dynamic Power Engineering) for generator installation in 2016 and maintenance services in 2017 at the Carlton Centre precinct was unconstitutional, unlawful and invalid.
Both contracts have been reviewed and set aside.
“The first settlement agreement was concluded between the SIU, Transnet and Dynamic Power Engineering (formerly Superfecta Trading 209). The deal follows the Special Tribunal’s ruling that the contract awarded to Dynamic Power in 2016 for installing two generators at the Carlton Centre precinct was unlawful. Additionally, a contract awarded to the company in 2017 for maintaining electrical and mechanical services at the same precinct was also found to be unlawful and set aside.
“Dynamic Power agreed to repay Transnet R21.4 million in net profits and legal costs as part of the settlement, with payments structured over three months,” the two entities explained.
According to the SIU, a second settlement agreement was reached with former Transnet Group Executive: Transnet Property, Zakhele Ezekiel ‘Thabo’ Lebelo, his wife Aletta Mokgoro Mabitsi and the Thabo Lebelo Family Trust.
“Mr Lebelo was accused of unlawfully receiving bribes and secret profits totalling over R5.2 million while employed at Transnet. Under the settlement terms, the debt will be recovered by selling three preserved properties in Rosebank valued between R3.8 million and R4.2 million, as well as Mr Lebelo’s pension benefits held by the Transnet Retirement Fund.
“Should the proceeds be insufficient, Mr Lebelo and the Trust will remain liable for the outstanding balance.”
Furthermore, Lebelo and the Trust will contribute R250,000 towards the SIU and Transnet’s legal fees.
The third settlement agreement pertains to the former Transnet Regional Manager: Coastal Region, Phathutshedzo and his wife, Matlhodi Phillicia Mashamba.
The Special Tribunal ruled that they were indebted to Transnet. To settle the debt, the agreement provides for recovery through Mashamba’s pension fund and the sale of a preserved property in Dainfern, which has been valued at approximately R6.5 million to R6.8 million.
If these assets do not fully cover the debt, the Mashambas must make additional payments in equal instalments over 12 months.
Furthermore, the Mashambas will contribute R250,000 towards the SIU and Transnet’s legal fees.
“These settlement agreements continue the implementation of the SIU investigation outcomes and consequence management to recover assets and financial losses suffered by State institutions and/or prevent further losses.
“The agreements reinforce accountability and demonstrate the government’s commitment to enforcing transparency and ethical governance within state institutions.”
The Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996 empowers the SIU to institute civil action in the Special Tribunal or the High Court to correct any wrongdoing it uncovers in its investigation.
Where evidence points to criminal conduct, the SIU refers the evidence to the National Prosecuting Authority for further action. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 02/18/2025 - 15:19
112 views
Sustainability of community media is of vital importance – Morolong
Sustainability of community media is of vital importance - Morolong
The Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Kenny Morolong, has urged policymakers, businesses, and civil society to work together to secure the future of community media, by providing the necessary support and resources.
Morolong delivered a keynote address at the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) Community Media Consultative Forum at the Khayelitsha Thusong Centre, on Tuesday.
The Forum aimed to bring government, community media, industry partners, and regulatory bodies together, to reflect on community media's contributions in the past 30 years of democracy in South Africa, while also tackling challenges facing the sector today. These include sustainability and digitalisation, to fortify the sector for the future.
The Deputy Minister highlighted the contributions of the sector in the past 30 years of democracy, while emphasising its role in promoting identity, unity, and local awareness.
“The sustainability of community media is not just a sectoral issue; it is a societal imperative. Policy makers regulators, businesses, and civil society must work together to provide the tools, resources, and framework necessary for community media. As a sector community media is far more important,” Morolong said.
The Deputy Minister also highlighted that community media serves as a platform for people to share their stories in their own words, balancing mainstream stories and ensuring that every citizen has a voice, regardless of their socio-economic status.
He described the sector as a key instrument in shaping public opinion and reinforcing democracy.
“Community media provides a platform for people to tell their stories in their own words, fostering identity, unity, and awareness of local issues. It serves as a counterbalance to centralise narratives, upholding the principle that everyone deserves a voice, regardless of their socio-economic status,” he said.
However, the Deputy Minister acknowledged the pressing challenges facing community media, particularly its sustainability. He stressed that its survival hinges on robust governance, financial innovation, and strong stakeholder support.
“Strong governance is the backbone of community media sustainability. It ensures accountability, transparency, and ethical management. These are essential elements that we trust with communities. Unfortunately, many of our community media organisations lack the skills, policies, and resources to implement effective governance.
“To address this, sector bodies must invest in training board members and leaders in strategic decision making and resource management. Simplifying compliance processes is equally essential, overly complex regulatory frameworks hinder small operations, diverting resources from the primary mission,” he said.
Financial insecurity remains the greatest challenge facing the sector, he noted, as traditional advertising models become less viable.
He also urged community media outlets to explore creative revenue streams, such as partnerships with local businesses, grant funding, and membership programs.
“The greatest challenge facing community media is financial insecurity. Traditional advertising models are no longer viable, necessitating creative revenue streams partnering with local businesses leveraging grant funding and implementing membership programs can provide much needed financial stability,” he said.
Additionally, he added that community events and workshops could serve as both a source of revenue and a way to strengthen ties with the communities they serve.
“Community events and workshops not only generate revenue but strengthen the bond between media outlets and the community they serve.
“Community media is not just a medium of information, it is an instrument of empowerment, it educates, informs, unites and plays a crucial role in supporting democracy and safeguarding marginalised voices. It contributes to the social framework though which social and political formations are shaped. Failing to address its sustainability risks silence of the vital important voices,” the Deputy Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Wed, 02/05/2025 - 06:08
26 views
Health Committee Concludes Provincial Public Hearings on Tobacco Bill
The Portfolio Committee on Health has concluded provincial public hearings on the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill (B33-2022) in Geroge, where it received mixed views on the Bill. The extensive public participation process has demonstrated the value of the involvement of the people in the law-making process.
“The intentions of the drafters of the Constitution were given true meaning through these public hearings, as every individual and organisation was given time to share their views, either in support or against the Bill. The committee is confident that the platform it has provided for the public to share their views is in line with the obligations made by the Constitution,” said Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, the Chairperson of the committee. To conclude the work initiated by the 6th Parliament, the committee held public hearings in Northern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and one session each in Free State and Western Cape.
In George, the committee received mixed reviews for the Bill, with a majority of participants supporting the intentions and benefits of the Bill. They argued that the public health benefits entailed in the Bill far outweigh the suggested negative consequences advocated by those against the Bill.
Supporters argued that the prevalence of products, such as hookah pipes and vapes, are increasingly enticing young people and exposing them to harm. Furthermore, an argument was made that the purported role electronic delivery systems are said to play in giving up smoking are not backed up by tangible evidence. Supporters argued that these products instead encourage the youth to move on to harder and more harmful products.
Also, many said that the possible ill health caused by the consumption of tobacco products is their reason for supporting the Bill. The high cost incurred by the Department of Health to treat ailments arising from smoking tobacco, such as cancer, heart disease, lung disease and diabetes, is unsustainable, supporters of the Bill said, especially considering South Africa's other pressing priorities in a climate of reduced financial resources. As at the hearings in Trompsburg, young people argued that the passing of the Bill will set a clear message about protecting the future of the generations to follow.
Some participants argued that the regulatory mechanism provided by the Bill, such as the banning of advertising at the point of sale, plain packaging and graphic pictorials depicting the dangers of smoking, will reduce the numbers of those taking up smoking in the first place, giving young people a healthier start in life.
While the majority of participants supported the Bill, some people made a strong objection to the feared economic impact of the Bill and the potential threat of adding to the already high unemployment rate in the country.
Small-scale traders had concerns that the prohibition on the sale of single stick cigarettes will have a devastating impact to their livelihoods. They also argued that the ban on advertising at the point of sale will render their businesses inoperable, as they attract customers through the visible display of tobacco products.
Meanwhile, business owners within the vaping industry argued that the current Bill does little to address regulatory loopholes within the sector. They argued that vapes should be regulated under different legislative prescripts, as they are different from the tobacco products currently contained in the Bill.
There was a strong emphasis of the potential risk of the Bill, with many concerns that it will result in an increase in the market share of illicit cigarettes. Some participants argued that the current focus should be on irradicating the illicit market that has taken hold of the sector, especially after the Covid restrictions.
The committee will now schedule oral hearings in Cape Town for those individuals and organisations who previously indicated their desire to make presentations before the committee.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
Financially “stretched” consumers cautioned against using unregistered credit providers
Financially "stretched" consumers cautioned against using unregistered credit providers
With the start of the year being financially demanding, the Gauteng Department of Economic Development has encouraged consumers, who will be borrowing money from credit providers, to be wise and ensure that credit providers do not violate their rights.
This as some consumers could be facing financial challenges to the extent that they might need to apply for credit to meet their financial obligations such as school fees, school uniforms, transport and rent, among others.
Consumers have been cautioned against using unregistered credit providers such as ‘Abomashonisa’ that overcharge interest, and take consumers’ identity documents and their Social African Security Agency (SASSA) cards to enforce payment.
“This is unfair business practice. Sometimes, when consumers’ credit applications decline, consumers resort to borrowing from Abomashonisa. However, this does not help the consumer because of the exorbitant interest rates that are charged by these unregistered credit providers.
“If your application is declined by all registered credit providers, it means that you have a bigger financial problem than you realise. Rather seek assistance by negotiating for lower instalments with your current credit providers, paying off and closing some accounts than accessing more credit through unregistered credit providers,” Gauteng Department of Economic Development Director for Education, Awareness and Stakeholder Relations Milly Viljoen said.
According to the Consumer Protection Act (CPA), consumers have a right to receive information in plain and understandable language.
“Consumers should read and understand the terms and conditions, and further ask questions if they seek clarity. This will allow them to understand Credit Life Insurance, which can be a lifesaver when they are unable to repay the debt due to loss of income, unemployment, disability, etc,” Viljoen said.
Consumers are urged to consider the following tips:
- Borrow only when it is necessary. Avoid using credit for consumables such as groceries.
- Verify the authenticity of credit providers, even the ones that are advertising on social media, by contacting the National Credit Regulator first before applying for credit. Unregistered credit providers will make you more financially constrained by overcharging interest.
- Understand the additional cost that comes with credit. The cost of credit includes interest rates, once-off initiation fees, monthly service fees, credit life insurance, etc. Consumers should read and understand the pre-agreement statement and quotation which will include all the costs involved.
- Do not sign immediately when applying for credit. The pre-agreement or quotation has five (5) days cooling period. Sign ONLY when you understand the terms and conditions.
- Do not sign a blank credit agreement/document. Read, understand, and ask relevant questions if you seek clarity. Sign ONLY when satisfied with the terms and conditions.
- Check your credit report often- You are entitled to a free credit report once a year. You have the right to dispute any information that is wrongfully written on your credit profile.
- Do not agree to pay an ‘upfront fee’ when applying for credit. Fake credit providers may force you to pay a fee before granting you credit.
The Gauteng Office of Consumer Affairs works with different stakeholders in consumer protection to ensure that consumer rights are protected.
Thus, consumers should contact the National Credit Regulator on 0860 627 627 or e-mail complaints@ncr.org.za to report unregistered credit providers or any credit provider that violates their consumer rights in the credit industry. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Fri, 01/24/2025 - 09:57
158 views