Africa

27 August 2023

Agreements to aid energy solutions

Location: News

Agreements to aid energy solutions

Minister in the Presidency for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has emphasised that the agreements signed in the past week with Chinese state owned entities and the donation by the People's Republic of China are to address this country’s emergency energy solutions.

South Africa concluded a significant amount of agreements with Chinese state owned entities (SOEs) with the signing of two overarching memoranda that were witnessed by President Cyril Ramaphosa and President Xi Jinping.

South Africa hosted the 15th BRICS Summit last week and the country also hosted President Xi on his fourth State Visit to South Africa ahead of the Summit.

Addressing the media on the Energy Action Plan on Sunday, Ramokgopa explained that the two agreements include amongst others, addressing issues of green energy solutions, exploitations of renewable energy sources and the use of modern technology.

“The two agreements – the first one addresses issues around green energy solutions- the partnership agreement we will be entering in relation to the exploitation of renewable energy sources in our country; the use of modern technology and the degree to which we are able to connect renewable energy onto the grid.

“The rationale for entering with the Chinese in this regard is because they are a dominant player on the renewable energy space. They have 688 gigawatts of installed capacity of renewables, a combination of PV and wind. They have done one of the biggest expansions of transmission and they have also worked on the kind of transmission modernisation required to be able to accommodate the intermittency of renewable sources,” the Minister said.

In regards to the donation by the People's Republic of China, the Minister said this is aimed at addressing South Africa’s emergency energy solutions, which is targeted at key public facilities such as police stations, health institutions and correctional centres.

Minister Ramokgopa emphasised that provincial departments will play a role in identifying the key public areas.

“The second one, was an exchange of letters in relation to a donation that we are receiving from the People’s Republic of China that is meant to help us in addressing the emergency energy solution in the country.

“I did indicate that it’s likely going to be targeted in key public facilities such as hospitals, clinics, correctional services, and police stations. In this regard, we will be working with the nine provincial governments for them to be able to identify sites that are suitable for this.

“We already have a technical capacity that is supporting us in relation to the appropriateness of the technology solutions that are given to us and those that have been agreed upfront,” he said.

Ramokgopa further announced that the first shipment of the technology solutions by China is en route and an announcement will be made when it arrives in the country, having left Chinese shores on 14 August.

“We will announce at the right time when the first shipment lands and give an indication of the first public facilities that will benefit from this generous donation.”

Turning to the performance of the system for the past week, the Minister said that the available capacity has come down.

“I did indicate that we are beginning to normalise being above 28 000 megawatts on average. We have kept close to that most of the week and the average is about 27 561 megawatts,” he said.

“We did indicate that we were going to slow down planned outages and once we get out of a very difficult winter we are going to ramp up because we need to protect these machines, generation and units to ensure their sustainability and reliability going into the future.

“We still remain above 15 000 megawatts in relation to unplanned capacity lost factor. I made a point that we want to bring it down,” the Minister said.

Load shedding

On load shedding, Ramokgopa said government was confident the system was stabilising and the country will continue to have lower stages of load shedding as the system recovers.

“On the issue of performance, we are more that satisfied. We have shown where we moved from a historic low of 48% of energy availability factor. We have been averaging 60% energy availability factor.

“When we went to the winter period, the worst case scenario was Stage 8. We only had 30 hours of Stage 6. You can see the intensity of load shedding is coming down. The issues of outage slips, I have shown to you, they have come down from a high of 3 300 megawatts to 766 megawatts,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Sun, 08/27/2023 - 13:07

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27 August 2023

Truck drivers learn about risks of human trafficking

Location: News

United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG)
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Truck drivers in southern Africa who have been recruited to traffic or smuggle people illegally are learning about the risks involved thanks to the UN drugs and crime agency, UNODC.

“I used to transport sugar from Malawi,” said an anonymous driver, who was arrested for migrant trafficking. “In 2016, I had to wait for several days at a border crossing in Tanzania for customs checks. I was approached by a man who offered me a lot of money to transport goats.”

His story is not unique.

Malawi is located at the crossroads of several significant flows of people fleeing conflict, instability, and poverty in Central Africa and the Horn of Africa.

Such movements provide lucrative opportunities for smugglers and traffickers and for Malawi's 5,000 registered international truck drivers.

The driver who shared his story said he was paid in advance, and the man who offered him the deal took photos of both him and his truck. The driver proceeded to spend some of the money and send more to his wife.

“On the day I was due to leave, the man told me the ‘goats' were actually 30 illegal migrants from Ethiopia,” he said. “They looked very sick, tired, and malnourished. He said I had to take them to a location in Malawi that's close to a large refugee camp.”

Smuggler threats

When the driver tried to protest, the smuggler demanded his money back and threatened to take the truck and share photos of him with the authorities.

“This is how it all started, and soon it became my main business,” he said. “The man would pay me a lot of money and escort me in a small car, so he could bribe corrupt police and immigration officers along the way.”

According to the driver, he was initially not aware that what he was doing was illegal.

Then, in 2019, he was arrested in Mozambique while transporting 72 migrants from Malawi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

“Now I'm sick, unemployed, and divorced,” the driver said.

Trafficking risks

Truck drivers based in Malawi are now learning about the risks of transporting migrants and trafficking victims, thanks to a programme supported by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The courses, which began in February, are already proving to be a success.

Feckson Chimodzi, a truck driver who transports farming products from countries in Southern Africa into Malawi and also participated in the course, said drivers who work with smugglers and traffickers often do it “out of necessity” to supplement their low salaries.

“Our employers need to improve our working conditions and give us comprehensive training about the dangers of getting involved in these crimes,” Mr. Chimodzi said.

Strict penalties

Criminals who smuggle or traffic humans within countries or across borders use all possible routes and modes of transportation to transfer people for profit and exploitation.

If apprehended by authorities, the truck drivers are usually arrested and imprisoned, explained Maxwell Matewere, a UNODC National Project Officer on trafficking in persons.

“There's a lack of understanding of human trafficking and migrant smuggling in the region, and payment for illegally transporting people is much larger than the regular truck driver's salary,” said Mr. Matewere, who conducts the training.

“Most drivers know what they're doing is illegal, but are told that when they cross borders, corrupt officials will let them pass,” he said. “So, they take the money and the risk.”

Vehicle confiscations and arrests

Following a series of vehicle confiscations and arrests in neighbouring countries, the Professional Drivers Association of Malawi asked UNODC to train its members on the dangers of transporting smuggled migrants and victims of trafficking.

A total of four courses for around 400 drivers have been conducted, with further sessions scheduled in October. The participants are informed about the penalties they face if caught, including the loss of both their truck and employment, a criminal record, and potential imprisonment of up to 14 years in a foreign country.

Positive impact, new allies

Since the start of the UNODC courses, the Professional Drivers Association has reported a reduction in the number of arrests of Malawian drivers on charges of migrant smuggling and human trafficking.

Many drivers who attended the training are proving to be “very useful allies” in the prevention and detection of cases of migrant smuggling and human trafficking, said Mr. Matewere said.

“We explain that migrant smuggling and human trafficking are serious organized criminal activities punishable by laws in Malawi and the countries the drivers transit, such as Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania, and Mozambique,” he said.

“Furthermore, the drivers are told that these crimes are linked to exploitation, abuse, and violence and can even result in death, and we tell them about the connections to other illicit activities such as drugs and firearms smuggling,” he added.

Last year, Malawi's Ministry for Homeland Security appointed a new group of law enforcement officers to counter the increasing cases of migrant smuggling and human trafficking.

“We've established contact between the truck drivers we trained and this specialised unit, so they now know who to inform when they've been approached by criminals to carry people in their vehicles,” Mr. Matewere said.

Since May, seven attempts of human trafficking and migrant smuggling have been stopped by authorities at border crossings due to information from truck drivers. A recent case involved 40 Malawians, including children, who were being taken in three trucks to South Africa and intercepted on the border with Zambia.

The awareness-raising courses are organized through UNODC's human trafficking and migrant smuggling section, with the cooperation of Malawi's Ministry of Homeland Security and financial support from the Government of Sweden.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG).

27 August 2023

Call to address Limpopo water challenges

Location: News

Call to address Limpopo water challenges

Officials involved in the Olifantspoort and Ebenezer upgrade project have been urged to move with speed in resolving water challenges.

Minister of Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu, his deputy, David Mahlobo, as well as Polokwane Local Municipality Mayor Mosema Mpe echoed this sentiment during a meeting with Lepelle Northern Water in Pretoria.

The aim of Thursday’s meeting was to receive progress report on the Olifantspoort and Ebenezer upgrade project that is meant to address water challenges in the Capricorn and Sekhukhune Districts, Polokwane Local Municipalities and surrounding areas in Limpopo.

The project entails the refurbishment and upgrading of aging water infrastructure to meet the current water demands of the increasing population.

Phase 1A of the Olifantspoort and Ebenezer upgrades includes the refurbishment of the water scheme to function at full capacity of 114 m/l per day by October 2024. This is to be increased to 144 m/l per day by 2026, depending on the funding.

Meanwhile, phase 1b is aimed at increasing the capacity to 180 m/l per day by 2027. Phase 2 of the project is earmarked to increase production to 270 m/l per day by 2029.

“Giving marching orders to the officials from the department, Lepelle and Polokwane Local Municipality, Minister Mchunu said they need to revise the plans to implement the project and come up with workable solutions that will address the current challenges,” said the Department of Water and Sanitation.

Deputy Director-General responsible for Water and Sanitation Services, Risimati Mathye presented a12-point plan that is set to unlock challenges facing all stakeholders directly involved in the project.

These include amongst others, concrete partnership with Development Bank of Southern Africa, improved contract management, improved capacity, improved decision making and good governance.

Minister Mchunu implored all those involved in the project to take their work seriously with dedicated project managers to oversee the work done on the ground.

He asked for regular updates with clear timelines on when certain aspects of the project will be completed. –SAnews.gov.za

Neo
Sun, 08/27/2023 - 13:22

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27 August 2023

Presidency and National Treasury release pace report outlining advances in economic reform through Operation Vulindlela

Location: News

The Presidency: Republic of South Africa
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The Presidency and National Treasury have today, Sunday 27 August 2023, released a progress report for Q2 2023 on the implementation of economic reforms through Operation Vulindlela.

In October 2020, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the establishment of Operation Vulindlela as a joint initiative of The Presidency and National Treasury to accelerate the implementation of reforms to revive economic growth and create jobs.

The progress report outlines several key milestones that have been reached as part of government's economic reform agenda, including the following:

● Gazetting of the final date for analogue switch-off (ASO), which has enabled analogue transmission to be switched off for all frequencies above 694 Megahertz (MHz) on 31 July 2023 to enable the use of spectrum for mobile telecommunications. This key reform will improve network quality, reduce data costs and expand digital access for all South Africans.

● Selection of an international terminal operator to partner with Transnet at the Durban Pier 2 container terminal. This will crowd in private investment and management expertise to improve the performance of South Africa's largest container terminal, handling 72% of the Port of Durban's throughput and 46% of South Africa's port traffic.

● Establishment of the National Logistics Crisis Committee (NLCC) to oversee short and long-term interventions to fix South Africa's freight logistics system. The NLCC has eight work streams focused on immediate operational improvements in the logistics system as well as longer-term reforms to improve efficiency and competitiveness, and will report to the President.

● Approval of the National Water Resources Infrastructure Agency (NWRIA) Bill for tabling in Parliament. The establishment of the NWRIA as a dedicated agency to manage and invest in bulk water resource infrastructure is the centrepiece of institutional reforms in the water sector.

● Establishment of the One Stop Shop for energy projects to accelerate private investment in new generation capacity. The One Stop Shop will facilitate regulatory authorisations for energy projects, with the aim of establishing a single, fully electronic application process.

● Progress in procuring new generation capacity to close the gap in electricity supply, with nine projects from Bid Window 5 having reached financial close to date and a further four expected to close by September 2023.

The report provides a detailed update on each of the priority reform areas in Operation Vulindlela, including reforms to the energy, logistics, telecommunications, and water sectors as well as the visa regime.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency: Republic of South Africa.

27 August 2023

Call to support the environment clean

Location: News

Call to keep the environment clean

Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Makhotso Sotyu has called on all South Africans to do their part in keeping the environment clean and habitable.

“All South Africans have the responsibility to ensure that their environment is clean, green and habitable. Poor waste management poses health and environmental risks. Everyone can do something to attain clean-living spaces.”

The Deputy Minister made this call during a clean-up and greening activity in Bothaville in the Free State on Friday.

The Constitution of South Africa guarantees everyone the right of access to an environment that is not harmful to their health and well-being and to have the natural environment protected for the benefit of current and future generations.

She said the collaborative effort between the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment and Lejweleputswa District and Nala Local Municipalities aims to emphasise the importance of active citizenry involvement in safeguarding natural resources and curbing waste pollution in communities.

“What we are doing here today epitomizes the Good Green Deeds programme, a ground-breaking Presidential initiative that seeks to mobilise all sectors of South Africa to become more environmentally conscious, leading to a deal for nature.”

The Good Green Deeds programme seeks to change people’s attitudes, behaviours towards responsible management of waste, and keeping their neighbourhoods clean, green and safe.

“This is a clarion call to all sectors in society to do their part to contribute to Good Green Deeds. Where there is litter, society is urged to work together to clear litter and rubble that threatens our efforts to build a healthy South Africa.”

She added that illegal dumping and littering are some of the most common problems in the country and affect all municipalities alike.

“The prevalence of ineffective waste management practices is being witnessed in many parts of the country. This trend, unfortunately, affects the well-being of communities, as it has indeed resulted in the mushrooming of pockets of illegal dumping and littering sites.

“More emphasis is required to ensure that citizens are mobilized to take a firm position against such activities in their respective communities.”

She said a departmental team working together with the provincial Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Lejweleputswa District Municipality and Nala Local Municipality, has spent the past few days conducting clean-up and greening activities at different identified spots in this municipality.

In-House Model

In addition to Friday’s clean-up, the Deputy Minister also handed over personal protective equipment (PPE) to the In-House Model participants to heighten the cleaning and greening programme.

“Through the environmental programmes, we have conceptualised the In-House Model which allows the department to implement and manage its projects using its own staff. This model enables the department to employ more Expanded Public works Programme (EPWP) participants due to ‘savings’ on project management fees. It enables the department to be in control and ensures timely payment of wages.”

The In-House model facilitates direct partnership with local government. In so doing, the department pays stipends, Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) and Compensation for Occupation Injuries and Diseases (COID) whilst the municipalities provide PPE, tools of trade and commit to pick up collected waste.

“I am pleased to announce that we have recruited 517 participants as part of the In-House Model to address service delivery and waste management in partnership with the Lejweleputswa District Municipality,” she said. –SAnews.gov.za

Neo
Sun, 08/27/2023 - 12:50

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27 August 2023

Operation Vulindlela reaches several key milestones

Location: News

Operation Vulindlela reaches several key milestones

Operation Vulindlela has made significant progress by reaching several key milestones in the second quarter of 2023.

The Presidency and National Treasury on Sunday released the progress report for quarter two of 2023 on the implementation of economic reforms through Operation Vulindlela.

According to the report, over 70% of the reforms have have been completed or are on track to be finalised within the next year.

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the establishment of Operation Vulindlela in October 2020, as a joint initiative of The Presidency and National Treasury to accelerate the implementation of reforms to revive economic growth and create jobs.

“Operation Vulindlela is now approaching its third anniversary. In that time, progress in the implementation of priority structural reforms has gathered pace. As it stands, over 70% of OV [Operation Vulindlela] reforms have now either been completed or are on track to be finalised within the next year.

“A minority of reforms – those in the municipal space and the additional reforms that Operation Vulindlela has taken on in the last year – will run beyond the 2023/2024 fiscal year,” stated the report.

The progress report outlines several key milestones that have been reached as part of government’s economic reform agenda.

The first of these came with the gazetting of the final date for the analogue switch-off (ASO) on 15 June 2023.

“Gazetting of the final date for analogue switch-off, has enabled analogue transmission to be switched off for all frequencies above 694 Megahertz (MHz) on 31 July 2023 to enable the use of spectrum for mobile telecommunications. This key reform will improve network quality, reduce data costs and expand digital access for all South Africans,” the report said.

In the transport sector, President Ramaphosa directed the establishment of the National Logistics Crisis Committee (NLCC) to oversee implementation of the Freight Logistics Roadmap, which is being developed by government and Transnet.

The roadmap incorporates proposals to resolve the immediate operational challenges while developing interventions to fundamentally restructure the logistics sector to support inclusive economic growth.

“A key milestone was reached with the selection of an international terminal operator to partner with Transnet at the Durban Pier 2 container terminal. This will crowd in private investment and management expertise to improve the performance of South Africa’s largest container terminal, handling 72% of the Port of Durban’s throughput and 46% of South Africa’s port traffic,” the report said.

Another key milestone was reached in the establishment of the NLCC to oversee short and long-term interventions to fix South Africa’s freight logistics system.

The NLCC has eight work streams focused on immediate operational improvements in the logistics system as well as longer-term reforms to improve efficiency and competitiveness, and will report to the President.

In the water sector, the National Water Resources Infrastructure Agency (NWRIA) Bill received approval from Cabinet to proceed to Parliament.

The Bill, which seeks to establish an agency to manage national bulk water resource infrastructure and attract investment in water resource development, is expected to be tabled in Parliament by August 2023.

“The establishment of the NWRIA as a dedicated agency to manage and invest in bulk water resource infrastructure is the centrepiece of institutional reforms in the water sector,” the report said.

Another milestone reached is the establishment of the One Stop Shop for energy projects to accelerate private investment in new generation capacity. The One Stop Shop will facilitate regulatory authorisations for energy projects, with the aim of establishing a single, fully electronic application process.

“Progress in procuring new generation capacity to close the gap in electricity supply, with nine projects from Bid Window 5 having reached financial close to date and a further four expected to close by September 2023.”

The full Operation Vulindlela 2023_24 Q2 Report can be downloaded at https://www.stateofthenation.gov.za/operation-vulindlela . – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Sun, 08/27/2023 - 10:33

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27 August 2023

Wonderful blog websites about pool covers that are informative and enjoyable to read

Location: MyPR

Wonderful blog websites about pool covers that are informative and enjoyable to read In the beginning… In the modern, ever-changing world, the possession of a swimming pool is considered a luxury that many people covet. It is absolutely necessary to make an investment in a pool cover in order to guarantee that your pool will …

26 August 2023

President Isaias Afwerki returns home

Location: News

Ministry of Information, Eritrea
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President Isaias Afwerki returned home concluding his visit to the Republic of South Africa to attend the BRICS-Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogues on the invitation of President Cyril Ramaphosa of the Republic of South Africa which was held on 24 August in Johannesburg.

At the summit in which leaders of 65 countries and heads of regional and global organizations took part, President Isaias addressed the summit focusing Eritrea's stance on the flaws and deficits of the prevailing global governance architecture and attempts to impose uni-polarity in its sequel in the past thirty years whose defining features are dysfunctional.

On the sideline of the summit, President Isaias met with President Cyril Ramaphosa of the Republic of South Africa, Mr. Sergie Aleinik, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus, President Salva Kiir Mayardit of the Republic of South Africa, Mr. Saleh Kebzabo, Prime Minister of Chad, and Mr. Yvan Gil, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Venezuela and discussed on the development of bilateral ties and on issues of common interest.

Mr. Osman Saleh, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Mr. Saleh Omar, Eritrea's Ambassador to South Africa attended the meetings.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

26 August 2023

Mashatile undertakes Official Visit to South Sudan

Location: News

The Presidency: Republic of South Africa
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Deputy President Paul Mashatile, in his capacity as a Special Envoy to South Sudan, will undertake an official visit to the Republic of South Sudan from 28 – 31 August 2023.

Deputy President Mashatile will meet with His Excellency President Salva Kiir Mayardit, Vice Presidents, Ministers, South Sudan elders, and representatives of relevant organisations.

Other activities of the Deputy President include the laying of a wreath at the Dr. John Garang Mausoleum and delivering official remarks at the South African Police Contingent Medal Parade in Juba.

The visit by Deputy President Mashatile is aimed at taking stock of the latest developments in the implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS), to monitor preparations for the national elections, to recommit South Africa's support for the transition in South Sudan and to further strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.

South Africa has a long-standing relationship with South Sudan, which predates its independence in 2011. Since the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in 2005, South Africa has been involved in post-conflict reconstruction and development in South Sudan and the wider region. Our country has committed to and supports reconciliation, reconstruction, nation-building, and economic development for the people of South Sudan.

Deputy President Mashatile will be accompanied by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Dr. Naledi Pandor, and Mr. Mahlodi Muofhe, South Africa's Ambassador to South Sudan.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency: Republic of South Africa.

26 August 2023

Iran deputy Foreign Minister, BRICS Recent Development Bank (NDB) chief hold consultations in South Africa

Location: News

Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Islamic Republic of Iran
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Mahdi Safari Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Economic Diplomacy and Ms. Dilma Rousseff President of the New Development Bank (a multilateral development bank established by the BRICS states) met on the sideline of the BRICS summit in South Africa.

In the meeting, the two sides discussed the process of Iran joining the bank.

During the talks, the Iranian official said talks got underway in 2017 on Iran joining the New Development Bank (NDB), calling for the negotiations to gather pace.

Rousseff, in turn, congratulated Iran on its membership in BRICS, welcoming Iran's joining the NDB.

She said the presence of Iran will boost the power and international status of the bank.

In the meeting, the two sides designated their representatives to follow up on Iran's NDB membership bid.

Safari also invited Rousseff to visit Iran. Accordingly, the NDB president announced her readiness to travel to Iran in the near future.

It is noteworthy that the NDB was established in 2015 by five member states of BRICS, namely Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa with a capital of $100 billion.

The United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bangladesh later joined the bank.

Uruguay has also completed talks on its joining the bank.

Former Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff heads the bank, which is headquartered in the Chinese city of Shanghai.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Islamic Republic of Iran.

25 August 2023

Eritrean President Isaias meets with South African President

Location: News

Ministry of Information, Eritrea
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President Isaias Afwerki in the morning hours of today met with President Cyril Ramaphosa of the Republic of South Africa in Johannesburg.

President Isaias Afwerki and President Cyril Ramaphosa discussed bilateral ties and international and regional issues of mutual interest. The two leaders also exchanged views on imperative of coordination between the African Union and BRICS to advance lofty objectives of inclusive growth.

President Isaias also held meetings with President Salva Kiir Mayardit of the Republic of South Africa, Mr. Saleh Kebzabo, Prime Minister of Chad, and Mr. Yvan Gil, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Venezuela.

The meetings with President Salva Kirr and Prime Minister Saleh Kebzabo were centered on stepping up efforts by Sudan's neighbors to put an end to the crisis in Sudan.

The discussion with Foreign Minister Yvan Gil was centered on advancing integrated global cooperation and improving political and economic ties between Eritrea and Venezuela.

President Isaias Afwreki and his delegation also visited, later in the day, the Hydraform Technological Plant, in the environs of Johannesburg that specializes in housing construction materials.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

25 August 2023

DPE, China Development Bank sign agreement

Location: News

DPE, China Development Bank sign agreement

The Department of Public Enterprises has entered into a Collaboration Framework Agreement with the China Development Bank (CBD) which the department says will enhance the sustainability of State Owned Companies (SOCs).

The CBD already has funding agreements with Eskom and Transnet for locomotives and the building of power stations, Medupi and Kusile.

“We are laying the foundation for a more sustainable path to ensure that our developmental goals as a country stay on track. This agreement is also a sign of our commitment as government to create an enabling environment for our SOCs. They are a critical lever to drive service delivery and economic opportunity to improve the lives of millions of South Africans,” DPE Minister Pravin Gordhan said.

He added that the agreement will open new paths for SOCs.

“This agreement is a culmination of the discussions and engagements that we conducted with the CDB during our visit to Beijing in May this year. The DPE is confident that this agreement will allow us to better position our SOCs for future growth as we leverage the exchange of expertise, technical skills and other strategic catalysts that this collaboration framework agreement makes possible,” Gordhan added.

The agreement was signed on the side lines of the 15th BRICS Summit held in Johannesburg and is one of the key initiatives to deepen China-South Africa relations following Chinese President Xi Jinping’s Official State Visit to Pretoria on Tuesday.

CBD Vice Chairman and President, Tan Jiong, said: “We view this agreement as one more step in our efforts to enhance cooperation across a range of key strategic sectors to enable further development that is underpinned by a strong relationship between our two countries".

“The CDB already has a close relationship with Transnet and Eskom, but now we also have the opportunity to work with the DPE in other areas of mutual interest, including mining and forestry”. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Fri, 08/25/2023 - 09:06

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25 August 2023

Hollywoodbets elevates sports development through strategic partnership with Harlequins Rugby Club

Location: MyPR

Renowned sports betting operator Hollywoodbets has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to sports development through the official launch of a strategic partnership with Harlequins Rugby Club. On 25 August 2023, Hollywoodbets was announced as the official naming rights sponsor of Harlequins Rugby Club and the stadium during the launch held at the club. The …

25 August 2023

BRICS nations urged to build structures to prepare for future pandemics

Location: News

BRICS nations urged to build structures to prepare for future pandemics

BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) member states have been urged to solidify efforts to promote the use of digital health technologies to strengthen sharing of information that may be useful for pandemic preparedness, prevention and response (PPPR) between the nations.

“At a country level, there is a commitment to develop and implement legislative measures for PPPR,” said Health Minister, Dr Joe Phaahla.

“This is borne out of the devastating experience the world went through with the outbreak of COVID-19.”

Phaahla was speaking on Thursday at the BRICS Business Council SA Chapter on PPPR for Health Security: Closing the Gap in Preparation for Future Pandemics in Sandton, Johannesburg.

The three-day BRICS Summit led by bloc leaders of emerging economies – Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa – wrapped up on Thursday.

The Minister told the delegates that the COVID-19 outbreak caught the world off guard in terms of preparedness, causing major economic shock.

“The experience during the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted weaknesses in health systems while at the same time taught us that international collaboration and partnerships offered important benefits for all of humankind and ensured that ‘no one is left behind’.

“Any health emergency is not to be over until we ensure that everyone is safe, so it is imperative that we are fully prepared to prevent and rapidly respond to any future global pandemic.”

He acknowledged that South Africa, like many low- and middle-income countries, faces inadequate expertise and capacity in epidemiology and surveillance, health economics, governance and community participation in times of health emergencies.

“That is why WHO [World Health Organisation] supported us with a big team of field epidemiologists and surveillance specialists to enhance our capacity for early detection, tracing and management of cases.”

Meanwhile, he said significant work on the PPPR in South Africa has received attention from the highest office seeking to close the gap and to ensure that the country is fully prepared for any future pandemics.

In addition, South Africa in collaboration with the WHO embarked on the process of strengthening the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response System (IDSR).

This move aims to establish a national integrated surveillance system with capacities for forecasting and early detection to reduce morbidity, mortality, disability, and socioeconomic losses due to epidemics, pandemics, and other public health emergencies.

As part of the recently agreed 15th BRICS 2023 declaration, he said members are ready to institute the BRICS Integrated Early Warning Systems to prevent infectious disease.

“This is aimed at providing early warnings and effective response measures to prevent any possible local and cross-border spread of infectious diseases and minimise the occurrence of pandemics.

“This was a principled decision of supporting the country’s existing systems while enhancing a collaborating platform to facilitate sharing of necessary information.”

This includes establishing Public Health Emergency Operation Centres to form part of the Network of BRICS Public Health Emergency Operations Centres (EOCs).

“These will be platforms for supporting BRICS countries in building their public health EOC capacity,” Phaahla explained.

It will entail communication, information management, mobilisation, coordination, and collaboration with other partners as part of their national emergency response framework.

On the other hand, the Minister said leaders should continue to support the BRICS Virtual Vaccine Research and Development (R&D) Centre.

“We must recognise the excellent scientific potential existing in our countries and we should utilise it to contribute to the advancement of medical science, improve public health, and foster scientific cooperation among BRICS nations.”

He also stressed the importance of manufacturing, information, and resource sharing among BRICS nations in preparation for any future pandemics.

“South Africa is in support and in the process of strengthening the guaranteed availability of essential supplies and pharmaceuticals based on its risk profile.”

He said the importance of the pharmaceutical industry was amplified during the global health crises.

“With the ongoing development of local manufacturing capacity and capabilities, local pharmaceutical companies are set to play a pivotal role in the production and supply of affordable medicines for the domestic market and the rest of Africa.” – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Fri, 08/25/2023 - 09:45

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25 August 2023

President Xi Jinping and South African President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa Co-chair China-Africa Leaders’ Dialogue

Location: News

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China
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On the evening of August 24 local time, President Xi Jinping and South African President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa co-chaired the China-Africa Leaders' Dialogue in Johannesburg.

President Xi Jinping delivered a keynote speech entitled “Joining Hands to Advance Modernization and Create a Great Future for China and Africa”. (Full text of the speech was released separately.)

President Xi Jinping pointed out that it was his 10th visit to the continent. In 2013, he was there in Africa for his first foreign visit after becoming Chinese President and announced the principle of sincerity, real results, amity and good faith for China's Africa policy. Over the past 10 years, China has stayed committed to this principle. Together with the African friends and drawing strength from the spirit of China-Africa friendship and cooperation, the two sides have pressed ahead on the path of solidarity and cooperation, stood for justice amid shifting global dynamics, and looked out for each other in face of the COVID-19 pandemic. The two sides have taken China-Africa relations to new heights and entered the new stage of jointly building a high-level China-Africa community with a shared future.

President Xi Jinping pointed out that China is pursuing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts through a Chinese path to modernization. Africa is making all-out efforts to build a new Africa that enjoys peace, unity, prosperity and strength. China and Africa must work together to create a sound environment for realizing their respective development visions; to promote a just and equitable international order, unequivocally oppose vestiges of colonialism and hegemonism in all forms, firmly support each other in defending core interests, and stand strong by the just calls of developing countries; to safeguard a peaceful and secure global environment, implement the new vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, advocate the resolution of differences and disputes through dialogue and cooperation, facilitate the political settlement of international and regional hotspot issues, safeguard world peace and stability, and protect the security of the global eco-environment; to build an open and inclusive world economy and an open world economy where developing countries are better involved in the international division of labor and share the fruits of economic globalization, and to overcome estrangement between civilizations through exchanges and promote inclusiveness and mutual learning between civilizations.

President Xi Jinping emphasized that there are various paths leading to modernization. The African people have the most say on which path suits Africa best. Advancing modernization through integration is the independent choice made by African countries and people. On this path to modernization, China has all along been a firm supporter, and walking side by side with Africa. Looking ahead, China will work with Africa to enhance the synergy of their development strategies and continue to support Africa in speaking with one voice on international affairs and continuously elevating its international standing. China will work actively to support the AU's full membership in the G20. China supports making special arrangements on the U.N. Security Council reform to meet Africa's aspiration as a priority. China will call on multilateral financial institutions to enhance the say of African countries.

To chart the course for China-Africa practical cooperation in the next stage and assist in Africa's integration and modernization, President Xi Jinping made the following three proposals:

First, China will launch the Initiative on Supporting Africa's Industrialization. China will better harness its resources for cooperation with Africa and the initiative of businesses to support Africa in growing its manufacturing sector and realizing industrialization and economic diversification. In implementing the nine programs under the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), China will channel more resources of assistance, investment and financing toward programs for industrialization.

Second, China will launch the Plan for China Supporting Africa's Agricultural Modernization. China will help Africa expand grain plantation, encourage Chinese companies to increase agricultural investment in Africa, and enhance cooperation with Africa on seed and other areas of agro-technology, to support Africa in transforming and upgrading its agricultural sector. China will host the second Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Agriculture in Hainan this November and will provide additional emergency food assistance to some African countries in need.

Third, China will launch the Plan for China-Africa Cooperation on Talent Development. China plans to train 500 principals and high-caliber teachers of vocational colleges, and 10,000 technical personnel with both Chinese language and vocational skills for Africa every year. China will invite 20,000 government officials and technicians of African countries to participate in workshops and seminars. To support Africa in strengthening education and innovation, China will launch the China-Africa Universities 100 Cooperation Plan and 10 pilot exchange programs of China-Africa partner institutes.

President Xi Jinping noted that the world today is undergoing transformation and turmoil, and changes unseen in a century are unfolding at a faster pace. At this point of history, all countries face the tasks of how to address the deficit in development, overcome security challenges and increase mutual learning between civilizations. China and Africa, through their creative explorations for modernization, are giving answers to the questions of the times, and making joint efforts to advance the great endeavors of win-win cooperation, harmonious coexistence and shared prosperity of civilizations.

President Xi Jinping highlighted that next year, China will host the FOCAC meeting, where China and Africa may come together again and draw up new plans for development. He expressed confidence that China and Africa will carry forward the traditional friendship, strengthen solidarity and coordination, and bolster cooperation across the board. As China and Africa join hands to advance modernization, they will deliver a better future for the Chinese and African people, and set a fine example in the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

The African leaders spoke highly of the China-Africa Leaders' Dialogue co-hosted by China and South Africa, and thanked China for supporting African integration and assisting African countries in times of need. Africa-China relations are based on solidarity, friendship and mutual respect. Chinese investment in and cooperation with African countries has played an important role in boosting Africa's development, and China is Africa's indispensable cooperation partner in its quest for modernization. The African side highly commended and welcomed the new initiatives put forth by President Xi Jinping, namely, the Initiative on Supporting Africa's Industrialization, the Plan for China Supporting Africa's Agricultural Modernization, and the Plan for China-Africa Cooperation on Talent Development. These three proposals once again show that China is a genuine friend and partner who always bears in mind Africa's concerns and needs. The African side spoke highly of and expressed full support for the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative put forth by President Xi Jinping, and expressed readiness to build a strong synergy between the AU's Agenda 2063, the national development strategies of African countries and the BRI. The FOCAC is an efficient platform for South-South cooperation, and the African side is ready to work with China to continue advancing the forum's institutional development. The African side is firmly committed to the one-China policy. Africa and China will firmly support each other in upholding their sovereignty, security and development interests, strengthen collaboration in international affairs and on multilateral occasions, raise the representation and voice of developing countries, and uphold the common interests of the developing world.

The meeting adopted and issued the Joint Statement of the China-Africa Leaders' Dialogue. The Chinese side released the Initiative on Supporting Africa's Industrialization, the Plan for China Supporting Africa's Agricultural Modernization, and the Plan for China-Africa Cooperation on Talent Development.

Cai Qi and Wang Yi were present at the Dialogue.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China.

25 August 2023

SA working to accelerate water and sanitation access by 2030

Location: News

SA working to accelerate water and sanitation access by 2030

South Africa is working to expedite the realisation of Sustainable Development Goal 6 by 2030, paying special attention to the needs of women, girls, and people in vulnerable situations, said Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister, Judith Tshabalala.

In line with the country’s Constitution, South Africa has developed the National Sanitation Policy that endorses the national sanitation targets, as outlined in the National Development Plan (NDP) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, aims to achieve universal access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all by 2030, and end open defecation, paying special attention to the needs of women and girls and those in vulnerable situations.

Tshabalala, together with African Ministers of Water and Sanitation from Egypt, Prof Dr Hani Sewilam and Carl Hermann Schlewein, participated at the Africa Focus Session held during World Water Week Conference in Stockholm, Sweden.

The Africa Focus Session aimed at fostering partnerships for translating water and sanitation commitments into tangible improvements in the lives of all in Africa and beyond.

The outcomes of deliberations will inform ongoing efforts to accelerate the achievement of water and sanitation goals in Africa.

Tshabalala said the department manages water resources in a balanced approach to ensure their sustainability and economic growth in the country.

“Our water resources determine how South Africa experience and respond to climate change. The climate challenge has brought innovative approaches to water services, such as looking at water infrastructure and sources from a multiple water-use perspective.

“The recent water shortages attributed to climate change, saw innovation through partnerships and the use of technology to optimise the use of available water resources and access to new water sources.”

The discussions around Africa Focus Day will foster alliances that transcend beyond borders and also map a trajectory toward a future where sanitation and hygiene are universally attainable, regardless of socioeconomic standing or geographical location.

The resolutions will be endorsed and adopted by the African Union and African Ministers' Council on Water (AMCOW), as a Ministerial council that engages on all initiatives that will take Africa’s water sector forward, reaffirming the departmental mantra that says “Sanitation is Dignity”.

The Deputy Minister led a South African delegation to the conference, hosted by the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI).

The conference, which ended on Thursday, focused on innovation, particularly at a time of unprecedented challenges facing water security around the world.

The 2023 annual gathering of the World Water Week happened when Africa is at its highest, in rolling out the Africa Investments Programme (AIP), which is led by the International High Panel on Water Investment, comprised of sitting Head of States, UN entities and African Union entities. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Fri, 08/25/2023 - 10:07

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25 August 2023

The Rise of Digital Marketing in South Africa

Location: MyPR

In recent years, South Africa has witnessed a significant surge in the realm of digital marketing. As businesses adapt to the digital age, the strategies to reach consumers have evolved, paving the way for innovative marketing techniques tailored to the South African audience. The evolution of digital marketing in South Africa can be traced …

25 August 2023

PRASA introduces current Electric Motor Units on the KwaMashu to Durban corridor

Location: News

PRASA introduces new Electric Motor Units on the KwaMashu to Durban corridor

The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA) has reached another milestone with the approval to run a commercial service with the new Electric Motor Units on the KwaMashu to Durban corridor.

With this service, commuters on the KwaMashu Corridor can look forward to the built-in safety features that come with the new trains such as on-board CCTV cameras, an anti- crash system, wider doors that allow for easy entry and exit and air-conditioning.

The Voice Alert and Information Display Systems will ensure that commuters get off at the right destination.

In a statement on Friday, PRASA announced that following a No-Objection certificate from the Railway Safety Regulator RSR), the new, blue and white modern trains, popularly known as Isitimela Sabantu, will be running on the KwaMashu Corridor between Dalbridge and Bridge City from Friday, 25 August 2023 during off-peak.

The blue and white trains are already running on the Southern Corridor between Durban and Umbogintwini and Durban to Cato Ridge lines.

“The phased rollout of the Electric Motor Units on the recovered corridors is part of PRASA's wider strategy to modernize and improve passenger rail services across South Africa and make rail a safe, reliable, and affordable mode of transport.

“These trains are the most advanced passenger trains in the country and they significantly improve the passenger experience,” PRASA Group CEO Hishaam Emeran said.

Peak services on the KwaMashu Corridor with the new trains will be announced soon, subject to RSR approval.

Plans are also underway to recover the Durban to Crossmoor and Durban to Pinelands services in this financial year. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Fri, 08/25/2023 - 10:29

533 views

25 August 2023

Taxi strike cost Western Cape R5-billion MEC tells Parliament

Location: News

The strike was called without notice and badly affected businesses, learners, clinics and government services

25 August 2023

Xi says BRICS expansion historic, recent starting point for cooperation

Location: News

The State Council Information Office: The People's Republic of China
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Chinese President Xi Jinping said Thursday that the BRICS expansion is historic and a new starting point for BRICS cooperation.

Xi made the remarks at a press conference during the 15th BRICS Summit after South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that six countries, namely Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, were invited to become new BRICS members.

China offers its congratulations to these countries, and expresses its high appreciation for the efforts made by South Africa, the chair of BRICS, and President Ramaphosa, Xi said.

The expansion reflects the resolution of the BRICS countries to unite and cooperate with other developing countries, meets the expectations of the international community, and serves the common interests of emerging markets and developing countries, Xi stressed.

He added that the expansion will also inject fresh vitality into the BRICS cooperation mechanism, and further strengthen the forces for world peace and development.

The BRICS countries all hold important influence and shoulder crucial responsibilities for world peace and development, Xi noted.

During this summit, in-depth discussions were held on the current international situation and BRICS cooperation, among others. Broad consensus was reached, a declaration issued, and fruitful results achieved, he said.

Xi said he believes that as long as the BRICS countries pull together, a lot can be achieved in BRICS cooperation, and a promising future awaits the BRICS countries.

The Chinese president also called on BRICS members to work together to write a new chapter of solidarity and cooperation among emerging markets and developing countries for development.

The press conference was hosted by Ramaphosa, and also attended by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Russian President Vladimir Putin participated online.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The State Council Information Office: The People's Republic of China.

25 August 2023

BRICS women business alliance strategic catalysts for economic development

Location: News

BRICS women business alliance strategic catalysts for economic development

KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, has described the BRICS Women’s Business Alliance Africa Trade Conference as a resounding success and economically meaningful for women.

The BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) Women’s Business Alliance Africa Trade Conference was held this week at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli ICC in Durban and brought together over 500 women-led Small Medium Enterprises, from 18 countries, including Zambia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Saudi Arabia, Ghana, Tanzania, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and several other African countries.

The conference saw the signing of several partnership agreements worth billions of rand, which the Premier commended as strategic catalysts for economic development.

Dube-Ncube said, in the landscape of interconnected economies, multilateral trade and investment play an essential role in forging a path towards inclusive prosperity and a more resilient global economic order.

She said the deals are worth over R48.4 billion and over 120 000 jobs will be created across these projects.

“This marks a pioneering moment in our shared journey as women,” the Premier said.

Among the strategic partnership agreements that were signed during the conference was the Russia-South Africa Mobility Center on BRICS, with a projected investment value of R47million, which represents a ground-breaking collaboration between the United Immigration Center (Russia) and Africans Do Travel Pty Ltd (South Africa).

This partnership aims to establish a physical centre in South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal province, with a central goal of facilitating smooth cross-border mobility for education, work, and tourism.

“This initiative underscores the significant influence of population mobility in advancing global sustainable development and economic stability,” Dube-Ncube said.

In the sphere of infrastructure, the R1.96 billion Innovation and Building Technologies Centre of Excellence is set to be established through Private Public Partnership between Afuraka IBT Consortium, and Russia's Federal Autonomous Institution "RosKapStroy".

The centre aims to empower micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the construction sector to foster innovation, knowledge exchange, and skill enhancement for MSMEs, facilitating technologies transfer partnerships while promoting sustainable construction practices and eco-friendly technologies.

The signing of a Memorandum of Agreement also set on a dynamic agriculture and energy venture between China and South Africa.

The innovative multidimensional project, valued over R45 billion, seeks to seamlessly integrating marigold plantation and processing facility with an advanced 1GW solar production plant and beef production operation.

The Premier said the project will be established on a vast 3 000-hectare land parcel.

Regarding the medical and digital economy, a strategic joint venture emerged as the Africa-China AI Medics Platform, uniting Meridian Medical Network Corporation, EtaData, and Human Insights (Pty) Ltd.

The innovative partnership capitalises on expertise from China and South Africa, harnessing artificial intelligence, big data, and traditional medicine knowledge to shape the future of healthcare.

Dube-Ncube noted this collaboration aims to revolutionise African traditional medicine by creating a bridge to modern healthcare through the Africa-China AI Medics Platform, fostering economic growth, knowledge exchange, and healthcare accessibility.

“The project will commence with a pilot phase in South Africa, with an initial investment cost of R281.6 million, before expanding to other countries across the African continent,” the Premier explained.

The conference also witnessed the revolutionary IntelliBiz KZN portal geared towards pulsating business intelligence for economic advancement and progress.

The Premier said the ground-breaking initiative is led by prominent Chinese tech firm and a leading South African enterprise, aimed at shaping the digital economy.

“This innovative collaboration aims to provide the KwaZulu-Natal Government with valuable insights into a diverse business community across sectors and an estimated investment of over R846 million over three years, creating 61 600 new jobs.

“Aligned with KwaZulu-Natal Government's growth agenda, this venture seeks to develop a state-of-the-art KZN Smart business cloud platform that will empower enterprises, entrepreneurs, government entities and other stakeholders through corporate and data resources serving as a catalyst of economic development in KwaZulu-Natal,” Dube-Ncube highlighted.

Building upon this foundation, she said, the goal is to foster robust collaboration between the South African government and society, culminating in the establishment of a harmonious business ecological model that facilitates efficient and collaborative development across government and enterprise sectors.

The conference further witnessed multilateral collaboration between Apollo Hospitals Group, the Health Accelerator and Zayna Africa Holdings.

Dube-Ncube noted that the Health Precinct initiative holds the potential to transform healthcare standards and spur economic growth across India and South Africa.

With Apollo Hospitals Group's extensive medical expertise, she said the initiative aims to revolutionise healthcare across Africa, beginning in KwaZulu-Natal.

“Focused on health infrastructure development, medical education, combating various disease burdens, public health initiatives, technological innovation, research, telemedicine, medical tourism, and more, this partnership aims to create comprehensive healthcare solutions.

“By addressing critical aspects of healthcare delivery and accessibility, from education to technology, this project aspires to enhance healthcare across borders and contribute to global advancements in the field,” Dube-Ncube said.

“In the landscape of interconnected economies, multilateral trade and investment play an essential role in forging a path towards inclusive prosperity and a more resilient global economic order,” she said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Fri, 08/25/2023 - 12:03

433 views

25 August 2023

15th BRICS Summit: Nigeria Remains Committed to Collaborating with China, Others – Vice President Shettima

Location: News

The State House, Abuja
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Nigeria remains committed to collaborating with China and other African countries to ensure that the partnership's objectives are achieved for the mutual benefit of both parties, says the Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima.

Vice President Shettima, stated this yesterday when he represented President Bola Tinubu at the BRICS Summit, in Johannesburg at the China-Africa Leaders' Roundtable Dialogue Meeting on the margins of the BRICS Summit, Johannesburg, South Africa.

According to the Vice President, “Nigeria welcomes the new initiatives introduced by the Chinese authorities, which include supporting and promoting the modernization of Africa's agriculture and agribusiness sectors; providing robust support for Africa to expedite regional integration and backing Africa's industrialization and infrastructure expansion.”

Vice President Shettima spoke to a large audience including President Xi Jinping of China and some African leaders on the theme “Promoting African Integration and Jointly Building a High-Level Africa-China Community with a Shared Future” at the Sandton Convention Centre.

He commended the existing partnership between China and Africa particularly “the three newly identified initiatives and priority areas of cooperation, between China and Africa in the areas of agriculture, industrialization, and human capacity development.

He said these align with the “Renewed Hope” mantra of Tinubu Administration, the African Union's Agenda 2063, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030”, adding that “they are relevant to our continental and national development aspirations.”

Vice President Shettima praised further the commitment of China stating that “Nigeria firmly endorses China and anticipates forging a close collaboration with the Chinese authorities, the African Union, and all stakeholders.”

He envisioned that this collective efforts will elevate the Africa-China comprehensive strategic and cooperative partnership to unprecedented heights, driven by our mutual pursuit of economic prosperity.

While appraising the partnership further, the Vice President identified critical areas for the prevailing partnership between Africa and China to include “fostering synergy among the pertinent national institutions tasked with formulating, coordinating, and implementing national policies in the three priority areas of cooperation; and encourage efforts that promote African ownership of these initiatives.

Other areas include “the new undertakings should be designed in a manner that acknowledges local particularities, is community-based, and tailors to individual country needs, “amplify international resources for financing education in Africa; Solicit input from pertinent African Union institutions and continental organizations such as the African Development Bank (ADB), the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa, and other related regional bodies.

The VP also stressed the importance of “financing Africa's Infrastructure, with a focus on advancing key infrastructural components like Farm-to-Market Corridors, Farm-to-Ports Corridors, Export Transport Corridors, Railway Networks, Road Network Upgrades and Expansions, Airport Enhancements, including dedicated export-oriented airports, Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution.”

On Nigeria's relationship with the global south, Vice President Shettima told his audience that Nigeria prioritises its relations with the Global South and deeply values all aspects of the South-South Cooperation, noting that the Global South is currently grappling with unparalleled challenges.

Continuing, “we are compelled to devise solutions for climate change and establish security measures to contain and prevent transnational crime, terrorism, and cyberattacks. We are confronted with a significant rate of youth unemployment and disruptive natural disasters.

“This situation provides us with the chance to reassess the challenges we collectively face, as well as those confronting our partners”, he submitted.

In his address, the President of China and co-chair of the Dialogue, Xi Jinping pledged to African leaders who attended the meeting on the sidelines of the Summit that China would launch initiatives to support Africa's industrialization and agricultural modernization.

The Vice President was accompanied to the event by Nigeria's High Commissioner to South Africa, Amb. Muhammad Haruna Manta, the Consul-General, Amb. Andrew Idi and other senior government officials.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The State House, Abuja.

25 August 2023

United Arab Emirates joins BRICS Group

Location: News

United Arab Emirates Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation
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The United Arab Emirates officially joined the BRICS group after a successful application ratified by the five founding nations, the Federative Republic of Brazil, the Russian Federation, the Republic of India, the People's Republic of China and the Republic of South Africa. The announcement was made as leaders of the five countries met from August 22-24 in Johannesburg for the 15th BRICS summit.

The UAE is committed to multilateral action, and constructive dialogue which is fostered through active platforms that represent developing and emerging economies at an international level. In this regard, becoming a member of an extended BRICS grouping reflects the UAE's keenness to champion the value of multilateralism in supporting peace, and development for the benefit and the wellbeing of peoples and nations across the world.

The UAE has been a long-term partner of the BRICS group, having participated in June's ‘Friends of BRICS' forum in Cape Town, convened as part of the BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting, chaired by the Republic of South Africa. The UAE also joined the BRICS New Development Bank in October 2021, after it was established in 2015 to mobilise resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in emerging markets, developing countries, and BRICS nations.

Commenting on the UAE's successful application to join BRICS, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs, said: “We express our appreciation to the five founding members of this important grouping, with our successful application reflecting BRICs' approach to partnerships and its strong spirit of friendship.”

His Highness added: “This development forms part of the UAE's commitment to promoting constructive dialogue through active platforms that represent developing and emerging economies, and the country's focus on long-term economic prosperity and maintaining balanced strategic and economic relations—including with international organisations—in an ever-evolving world order. The UAE has consistently championed the value of multilateralism in supporting peace, security, and development globally.”

For his part, His Excellency Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State, stated: “We express our appreciation regarding the agreement of the leaders of the BRICS countries on the inclusion of the UAE in this important group as of January 2024, and we are grateful for their confidence in this regard. The UAE seeks to support multilateralism and partnerships to achieve development, prosperity and benefit for all countries and peoples.”

HE Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan continued: ”The UAE's inclusion in the BRICS group reflects its keenness on international and multilateral cooperation to achieve sustainable development for all countries around the world.”

Commenting on this occasion, His Excellency Ahmed Al Sayegh, Minister of State, stressed: “The UAE is a global hub for trade and economic development, with a foreign policy focused on supporting long-term economic prosperity. The country adopts innovative strategies, and is working to build an economy based on knowledge and diversity, reinforced by scientific and technological progress.”

HE Al Sayegh emphasized: “Over the past five decades, the UAE has worked to strengthen international partnerships. Its membership in BRICS reflects the country's open approach to reinforcing collaboration with international economic institutions. The UAE is moving rapidly to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of its economy while exploring new opportunities.”

For her part, Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, said: “We are pleased to join the BRICS group, which the UAE recognizes as a mechanism to promote global peace, stability, and prosperity.”

HE Al Hashimy concluded: “The UAE believes in championing multilateralism and actively contributing to important international arenas. This includes engaging with BRICS, participating regularly in the G20 process, and hosting the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) climate conference in November.

“The UAE stresses that the future of global security and prosperity relies on strong multilateral partnerships and cooperation on the international level, and a shared commitment to achieving stability and development.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Arab Emirates Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation.