Africa

19 August 2023

SA, Namibia talks focus on energy security

Location: News

SA, Namibia talks focus on energy security

South Africa and fellow SADC [Southern Africa Development Community] country, Namibia, have explored areas of mutual cooperation in energy generation at a ministerial level meeting on Friday.

The Minister in the Presidency responsible for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, on Friday undertook a working visit to Namibia to participate in a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Mines and Energy in Namibia, Tom Alweendo.

The meeting explored opportunities for mutual cooperation between South Africa and Namibia in the following areas:

Energy Generation – focusing on how natural resource endowments can be leveraged to support energy generation, regional sovereignty and regional energy security.
Transmission infrastructure planning – regional interconnectivity in the context of the SADC Power Pool.
Hydrogen Economy – benefaction to support regional socio-economic development.

A senior team of Eskom executives formed part of the delegation and shared the work already underway, and future planning to strengthen and expand the existing transmission infrastructure spanning from the Northern Cape in South Africa to Oranjemond in the south of Namibia.

The meeting discussed the development and exploitation of gas reserves from the Kudu fields in the Orange Basin to provide affordable gas fired base load power of up to 840MW for 35 years. South Africa could benefit from up to 600MW of this.

The meeting also took note of opportunities in the green hydrogen sector, including:

Trading of green hydrogen-based products, such as green ammonia and green steel.
Supply of components such as solar panels, electrolysers and wind turbines.
Development of requisite infrastructure from a corridor perspective.
Cooperation to introduce affordable technology for the electrolysis process.
Collaborative funding and deliberate project preparation to ensure shared benefit for all.

“Reiterating our historic political and cultural ties, Minister Ramokgopa expressed the hope that the visit and work around energy security and regional energy sovereignty will further cement the strong bonds between our Republics, in the interest of the development of the Region and its People,” Minister Ramokgopa’s office said in a statement. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Sat, 08/19/2023 - 15:51

343 views

19 August 2023

President Ramaphosa to host Chinese President

Location: News

President Ramaphosa to host Chinese President

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Tuesday host President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China on a State Visit to South Africa.

The welcome ceremony will take place on Tuesday morning at the Union Buildings in Pretoria ahead of the 15th BRICS Summit set to take place on 22 – 24 August 2023.

The State Visit takes place within the context of celebrating 25 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries, while historic ties date back to the Bandung Conference of 1955.

Relations between South Africa and the People’s Republic of China are governed by a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), whose programme of action is set out in a Ten-Year Strategic Programme of Cooperation (2020 – 2029).

The State Visit by President Xi on Tuesday will give the leaders and their delegations an opportunity to reflect on developments under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and to consider further deepening of cooperation.

The visit crowns deliberations in which the two governments have been engaging on implementing structures such as the Bi-National Commission, Joint Working Group, People-to-People Exchange Mechanism and Strategic Dialogue.

South Africa and China enjoy vibrant economic relations, and China is South Africa’s largest global trading partner by volume.

China is an important investor in South Africa and provides support on infrastructure development projects including the Small Harbour Development Project, the TVET Refurbishment Project and the Mzimvubu Water Project, all of which are instrumental in job creation.

Discussions during the State Visit will explore further collaboration and partnerships the two nations can leverage on to solidify existing diplomatic, economic and people-to-people relations.

The expected outcomes of the visit include:

Reaffirming the close and historic political ties underpinned by solidarity, a win-win partnership and people-to-people cooperation – within the framework of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and in celebration of 25 years of diplomatic relations.
Underscoring the urgent need to address the trade balance and diversify South African exports to China by identifying broad market access for value-added products.
Highlighting the importance of sustainable foreign direct investment through supporting manufacturing, infrastructure, and beneficiation and encouraging close private sector engagement from both countries.
Acknowledging the support of China on bilateral technical cooperation under the Forum for China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in addressing South Africa’s domestic imperatives.
Exchanging views on regional issues in support for development, peace and security.
Enhancing multilateral cooperation, specifically within the context of BRICS, the G77 plus China, and the G20, and to seek Chinese support for South Africa and Africa’s call for the reform of global governance institutions, notably the United Nations Security Council.

It is anticipated that several agreements and memoranda of understanding will be signed during the State Visit, focusing on socio-economic cooperation, which both sides will ensure implementation that yield results for both countries.

South Africa and China will co-host the China-Africa Leaders’ Roundtable scheduled for 24 August, and also engage on cooperation at multilateral level, particularly at the FOCAC level. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Sat, 08/19/2023 - 16:01

65 views

19 August 2023

Thousands of non-violent offenders due for early release from prison

Location: News

More than 24,000 prisoners are likely to be released of whom about 3,000 will be deported

19 August 2023

SA participates in World Water Week

Location: News

SA participates in World Water Week

South Africa is set to participate in the World Water Week Conference in Stockholm, Sweden, which gets underway on Sunday.

Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister, Judith Tshabalala, will lead a South African delegation to the conference, which wraps up next week Thursday.

World Water Week 2023, hosted by the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI), is focused on innovation, particularly at a time of unprecedented challenges facing water security around the world.

The annual conference is the global leader on water issues and attracts diverse participants and global professionals in the water sector.

The year’s theme for the conference is, ‘Seeds of Change: Innovative Solutions for a Water-Wise World’, which invites global leaders to rethink how to manage water and come up with ideas, innovations and governance systems required in a more unstable and water scarce world.

Tshabalala will participate in several panel discussions with her counterparts from across the globe, and among her engagements will be Africa Focus Day, a high-level ministerial panel session aimed at addressing pressing water challenges faced by the African continent.

Africa Focus Day also serves as a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration and to bring together water leaders, policymakers, civil society and academia across Africa and beyond.

“We, as the Department of Water and Sanitation, will use this opportunity to participate in various sessions to demonstrate to the world how South Africa is managing the imbalances of the energy and water usage by both households and businesses.

“We will also demonstrate how the department is working to achieve its vision of being a recognised world leader in water management, of course through positive inputs by SA’s Water Boards, research and academic institutions, business and other partners within SA’s water sector participation,” Tshabalala said.

Tshabalala will also be accompanied by two learners, Kelebogile Abrahams and Mahlohonolo Mosia from Emang-Mmogo Comprehensive School in Kimberley, Northern Cape.

The learners will represent South Africa in the Stockholm Junior Water Prize Competition for outstanding young learners participating in science-based projects aimed at improving water management in communities.

The two South African learners won the National South African Youth Water Prize Competition, held by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) in May this year.

The aim of the programme is to encourage learners to protect water resources, use water efficiently, and furthermore, motivate them to pursue careers in the water sector. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Sat, 08/19/2023 - 15:30

22 views

19 August 2023

Ramaphosa to host Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China on a State Visit

Location: News

The Presidency: Republic of South Africa
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President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Tuesday, 22 August 2023, host His Excellency President Xi Jinping of the People's Republic of China on a State Visit to South Africa.

The welcome ceremony will take place on Tuesday morning at the Union Buildings in Pretoria ahead of the 15th BRICS Summit set to take place on 22 – 24 August 2023.

The State Visit takes place within the context of celebrating 25 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries, while historic ties date back to the Bandung conference of 1955.

Relations between South Africa and the People's Republic of China are governed by a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), whose programme of action is set out in a Ten-Year Strategic Programme of Cooperation (2020–2029).

The State Visit by President Xi on 22 August will give the leaders and their delegations an opportunity to reflect on developments under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and to consider further deepening of cooperation.

South Africa and China enjoy vibrant economic relations and China is South Africa's largest global trading partner by volume.

Discussions during the State Visit will explore further collaboration and partnerships the two nations can leverage on to solidify existing diplomatic, economic and people-to-people relations.

EXPECTED OUTCOMES

a. To reaffirm the close and historic political ties underpinned by solidarity, win-win partnership and people-to-people cooperation – within the framework of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and in celebration of 25 years of diplomatic relations.

b. To underscore the urgent need to address trade balance and diversify South African exports to China by identifying broad market access for value-added products.

c. To highlight the importance of sustainable foreign direct investment through supporting manufacturing, infrastructure, and beneficiation and encourage close private sector engagement from both countries.

d. To acknowledge the support of China on bilateral technical cooperation under the Forum for China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in addressing South Africa's domestic imperatives.

e. To exchange views on regional issues in support for development, peace, and security.

f. To enhance multilateral cooperation, specifically within the context of BRICS, the G77 plus China, and the G20 and to seek Chinese support for South Africa and Africa's call for the reform of global governance institutions, notably the United Nations Security Council.

It is anticipated that several Agreements and Memoranda of Understanding will be signed during the State Visit, focusing on socio-economic cooperation which both sides will ensure implementation that yield results for both our peoples.

South Africa and China will also co-host China-Africa Leader's Roundtable scheduled on 24 August, and also engage on cooperation at multilateral level, particularly at the FOCAC.

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

18 August 2023

Event Marvels: The 5 Astonishing Titles for a South African Event Planning Business.

Location: MyPR

Event Marvels: The 5 Astonishing Titles for a South African Event Planning Business. South Africa welcomes you to a diverse land full of life and beauty, stretching from its golden savannas to its mesmerizing blue coasts. In this realm of Event Management, creativity and culture intertwine harmoniously, leading to extraordinary celebrations that are nothing short …

18 August 2023

Tshwane, the Capital City, gears up to host the inaugural Absa RUSH YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K

Location: MyPR

The Capital City of South Africa, Tshwane will become the backdrop for an unforgettable experience on Sunday 27 August 2023 as the city prepares to host the inaugural Absa RUN YOUR CITY TSHWANE 10K! “We’re thrilled to celebrate the debut of the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series in Tshwane on August 27,” expresses Michael Meyer, …

18 August 2023

No intention to formalise illegal miners who are armed to the teeth – DMRE

Location: News

No intention to formalise illegal miners who are armed to the teeth - DMRE

Government has no intention to formalise illegal mining in South Africa, which is wreaking havoc in some parts of the country, says the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy’s Nqobile Khanyile.

“There’s no way that limited State resources could be spent trying to legalise illegal miners, who are armed to the teeth. This is a different illegal criminal activity,” the Director for Enforcement and Compliance at the DMRE said on Thursday.

However, the official said her department was not closing the door on small-scale miners, who want to be granted permits.

Khanyile announced the department has since received applications from over 101 artisanal miners.

According to Khanyile, the department also offers funding for those who want to purchase equipment and non-financial support.

Khanyile was speaking at a webinar on the impact and implications of illegal mining in South Africa, hosted by the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS).

She said the issues of human trafficking and gang wars have also infiltrated illegal mining.

“It’s a dangerous environment and this is the reason why the police and the National Prosecuting Authority are playing an active role to assist us to deal with this issue and we highly appreciate the effort taken by them.”

Khanyile explained that the State is the custodian of all mineral resources, under the Minister of Mineral Resources, to ensure the economic benefit of the exploitation of minerals is equitably distributed to all South Africans.

She told the webinar’s attendees that South Africa is a mining jurisdiction with a history of exploitation of migrant labour, which dates back to apartheid.

However, she said the regulation of mining has since changed where the environmental dispensation is concerned, which came from legislation in 1991.

“This is the only time the South African government realised there’s a need for some environmental governance in the mining industry.”

However, Khanyile described illegal mining as a difficult and complex operation.

She reiterated that criminal syndicates, who are exploiting people and children, are driving illegal mining.

“Some of them [children] have been taken forcefully from neighbouring States. The unfortunate part is that once it’s a criminal activity, it doesn’t only compromise the health and the safety of the people who work in these operations, but it also compromises the safety of the environment.”

Khanyile also noted that it hampers the integrity of infrastructure.

“We have already seen the impact, where sections of the roads are [impacted]. Surface infrastructure gets to be damaged, and all of this has a catastrophic impact not only the livelihood but the economic growth of the country.

“At the State’s cost, such remedial measures will have to be managed and this will eventually have a catastrophic impact on the fiscus to try to fix the problem that is caused by illegal mining.”

Khanyile said the department will continue to condemn illegal mining in its strongest terms.

“Illegal mining does not take place only in abandoned mines. It also takes place in other areas, where there are no deposits of minerals.”

In addition, the department has also noted a trend for operational mines being invaded by criminals at a huge cost to spend on security.

“Some take place closer to human settlements and public infrastructure, such as gas pipelines, roads and electricity structures.

“The scourge of illegal mining should be a concern to the country and all South Africans.”

She also dispelled reports that zama zamas are only illegal foreigners.

“We have seen the statistics on people who have been arrested and pursued. While a greater majority are those who are undocumented and in the country illegally, there is a growing population of South Africans who are participating in these illegal operations.”

Khanyile believes that the State needs to address unemployment and poverty to fight the issues of illegal miners.

She also called on companies to rehabilitate and safeguard their old mine dumps and punish non-compliant businesses.

She said this requires cooperation between mining companies, departments and the community. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Fri, 08/18/2023 - 15:55

162 views

18 August 2023

Operation Shanela helps to drive crime down

Location: News

Operation Shanela helps to drive crime down

The police’s intensive campaign, Operation Shanela, continues to make a positive contribution to the decline of crime in the country, the latest crime stats have revealed.

According to crime statistics released by Police Minister Bheki Cele on Friday, Operation Shanela has netted 99 754 suspects for various crimes, including murder, rape, assault and other serious charges.

The quarterly crime statistics reflecting on crimes reported and detected by the South African Police Service (SAPS) from 1 April to 30 June 2023, showed that for the first time since COVID-19 reached the country’s shores in 2020, the murder rate of the country has declined in a single quarter.

Between April and June this year, police recorded 6 228 counts of murder, a 196 decrease compared to the same time last year.

Out of the 6 228 people killed between April and June, 1 188 were women and children.

Cele said apart from Mpumalanga and the Northern Cape, all provinces recorded decreases for murder in this quarter.

“While the Northern Cape recorded a 11.1% increase in murder, much welcomed double-digit percentage declines were noted in Limpopo and North West. Murder (from April to June 2023) in those two provinces dropped by 10.0% and 11.5%, respectively,” Cele said.

The Minister said the aggressive policing approach has also been bolstered through Operation Shanela, which was launched on 8 May 2023.

While it’s still early days, the Minister said the effectiveness of the high-density operations is showing in the decline of crime figures.

“While the declines cannot all be attributable to Operation Shanela, its value and impact to the overall policing strategy is noticeable. Communities have so far welcomed the aggressive approach to crime and it is on this score that the policing strategies that are leading us in the right direction will be intensified for more favourable results.”

Cele assured that Operation Shanela is here to stay, and urged the provincial commissioners to continue to lead from the front.

“Work with your members on the ground and sweep clean all crime-ridden areas in your provinces.”

Cele also commended police officers for their dedication, determination and hard work, noting that the decreases in many of the crime categories would not have been achieved without them.

Police killings

However, Cele noted that keeping South Africa safe and going toe-to-toe with criminals is also coming at a high cost for the police service.

He said the Ministry remains very concerned about the rate at which police officers are being killed in the line of duty.

“It cannot be normal that 31 police officers are killed in three months,” Cele said.

He said the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) continues to arrest those who choose to undermine the State by targeting the police for their criminal gains.

“Through the diligent investigative work of the directorate, nine convicted police killers were handed nine life imprisonment sentences, and sum total of 158 years imprisonment. Far too many of our officers are also dying off duty.”

Addressing the National Police Commissioner, Cele said: “This must push you and your management team to double up your efforts in the improvement of the wellness of officers. Police are assets of this nation and must be taken care of physically, mentally and psychologically so they can serve their communities better,” Cele said.

The Minister also commended ordinary South Africans in fighting crime together with the police and all law enforcement agencies.

“We also salute structures in communities, such as Community Police Forums, for their conviction and their participation in the battle against criminality. We have long ago realised that fighting crime is not only the business of the police.

“This government is continually working to make our streets, communities and cities safer places. It is work in progress and we believe that it is not something we will be able to achieve overnight, but it can and it will be done,” Cele said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Fri, 08/18/2023 - 13:30

167 views

18 August 2023

What Are The Types Of SEO?

Location: MyPR

You’re keen to improve your website’s ranking, aren’t you? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Here, we’ll break down the different types of SEO strategies that can help boost your site’s visibility. Whether it’s on-page techniques or mobile-friendly approaches, we’ve got you covered. So buckle up and let us guide you through …

18 August 2023

China in favour of BRICS expansion ahead of Summit

Location: News

China in favour of BRICS expansion ahead of Summit

The upcoming BRICS Summit will usher new steps towards expanding the membership of BRICS countries, says Chinese Ambassador to South Africa Chen Xiaodong.

Xiaodong confirmed on Friday that Chinese President Xi Jinping will be attending the upcoming 15th BRICS Summit, which will get underway next week.

The BRICS grouping of major emerging economies - Brazil, India, China, South Africa and Russia, is holding its 15th summit at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg from 22-24 August 2023 under the Chairship of South Africa.

He told the media that China was actively pushing for the strengthening of partnerships with other nations.

“As the world faces rising exclusiveness and protectionism, President Xi Jinping pointed out that BRICS is not an exclusive club or small circle, but a big family of good partners that is based on mutual assistance for a win-win cooperation.”

This is after, according to the ambassador, the BRICS leaders reached a consensus on the bloc’s expansion.

“The leaders supported discussions on the criteria and procedure for expansion.”

The ambassador said the international community voted in strong favour of BRICS cooperation, countries that have formally applied to join the five-country bloc.

“BRICS expansion has become the top trending issue at the moment. Expansion is key to enhancing [the] BRICS mechanism’s vitality. I believe that this year’s summit will witness a new and solid step on this front,” he stressed.

Cooperation

He also touched on BRICS cooperation, which he is of the view that this year’s summit will send signals for solidarity and its commitment to make the world a better place.

“Over the past 17 years, BRICS countries have focused on shared development. BRICS continues to advance cooperation in areas such as trade and investment, energy and resources, as well as finance and monetary matters.”

In addition, they are looking to grow in other areas. These include supply chain, logistics, agriculture, food security, local settlement and cross-border payment, vaccines and public health.

“President Xi Jinping put forward four major goals of building an integrated big market, ensuring sound circulation and transport connectivity at all levels and strengthening cultural exchanges for BRICS.”

He told the media that the leaders would also draw a sharp focus on the youth and people with disabilities.

State Visit

According to a Presidency media advisory, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to host President Xi on a State Visit on Tuesday, 22 August 2023, at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.

The ambassador said it would be his President’s fourth Official Visit to South Africa after five years.

He described the visit as significant as China and South Africa celebrate 25 years of diplomatic relations this year.

He told the guests that both countries had built a “comrade plus brothers special bond”.

The ambassador also reflected on the partnership that the two nations enjoy.

“China-South Africa ties have set a fine example for China-Africa relations and South-South cooperation.”

Xiaodong said under Presidents Xi and Ramaphosa, the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has moved to greater heights.

“On the political front, the two countries have strong mutual respect and trust. We firmly support each other on issues of our respective core interest and major concerns.”

In addition, he said on the economic and trade front, the relationship is mutually beneficial.

During the State Visit, he said both Presidents would have wide-ranging and in-depth exchanges on China-South Africa and China-Africa relations, BRICS cooperation, and international and regional issues of common interest.

They are also expected to witness the signing of bilateral cooperation documents and hold a press briefing.
The two Heads of State will also co-chair the China-Africa Leaders’ Dialogue.

“All eyes will be on how stronger BRICS cooperation, China-South Africa relations and China-Africa relations will continue to contribute to regional and global peace and development.” – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Fri, 08/18/2023 - 13:36

55 views

18 August 2023

Xi encourages faculty, students to contribute to China-South Africa friendship, cooperation

Location: News

The State Council Information Office: The People's Republic of China
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In reply to a letter from the faculty and students of the Confucius Institute at Durban University of Technology in South Africa, Chinese President Xi Jinping encouraged them to learn the Chinese language well and contribute to carrying forward the China-South Africa friendship and promoting friendly cooperation between the two countries.

In his letter, Xi said that he witnessed the establishment of the Confucius institute 10 years ago and was pleased to see that, through the joint efforts of both sides, the educational and cultural exchanges between the two countries have yielded fruitful results.

A multitude of South African youths have got a glimpse of China's history and culture, increased their career options, and realized their dreams by learning Chinese, he said.

Both important developing countries, China and South Africa have forged a special comradely fraternal friendship. Learning and understanding each other's language and culture contributes to facilitating mutual understanding and cultivating ever-lasting friendship between the people of the two countries, said the Chinese president.

While having a good command of the Chinese language, the teachers and students are welcome to visit China more often and have a deeper understanding of China, share a true, multi-dimensional and panoramic view of China with more friends, and strive to be envoys for inheriting and developing the friendship between the two countries, so as to contribute to promoting China-Africa friendship and cooperation and building a community with a shared future for mankind, Xi said.

During his visit to South Africa in March 2013, Xi witnessed the signing of an agreement on the joint establishment of the Confucius Institute at Durban University of Technology between China and South Africa.

Since its establishment 10 years ago, the institute has trained nearly 10,000 students. Fifty teachers and students of the institute have lately written a joint letter to Xi, sharing their experience, harvest and feelings in learning Chinese, thanking Xi and the Chinese government for providing more opportunities for African youths to pursue their dreams, and, with eager anticipation, looking forward to Xi's visit to South Africa again.

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

18 August 2023

Government pays out more than R330m to Marikana victims

Location: News

Government pays out more than R330m to Marikana victims

Government has paid more than R330 million in claims related to the Marikana tragedy.

This was revealed by Solicitor-General Fhedzisani Pandelani during a media briefing on Thursday.

Claims payments have been disbursed to claimants through their legal representatives, including the Wits Law Clinic, as well as the Socio Economic Rights Institute of South Africa (SERI).

The tragedy occurred in 2011 at the North West town when police officials shot and killed some 34 miners during a labour-related strike at Lonmin Mine.

Some 78 others were injured, with a further 10 people – including law enforcement officials – dying in clashes before the tragedy.

“The Marikana incident of 16 August 2012 is a painful and significant and solemn chapter in our nation’s history. It is something that we cannot downplay because people are still impacted emotionally and it casts a sombre shadow over the tragic clash between striking miners and law enforcement, resulting in multiple fatalities.

“As a result of which, we, as government lawyers, are now seized with having to meet the lawful demands that have been lodged with us. These funds have served to address a spectrum of claims that relate to legal consideration stemming from the Marikana incident,” Pandelani said.

In relation to the 10 people who died in earlier clashes, Pandelani said that no claim has been laid against government.

“There is always a narrative of confining the fatalities to only 34 individuals. In our book, it’s actually 34 plus another 10 who are never accounted for. We also need to take that into account. In relation to the 10 who died before the other miners, we’ve got no claim that has been lodged against government.

“The other 10 people who died, there was no causation on the death itself that was attributable to government or the State. Their settlements might have been settled by other individuals,” Pandelani said.

Constitutional damages

Turning to the potential constitutional law damages that may be lodged against the state, Pandelani said the Solicitor-General’s office currently does not have the mandate to deal with those matters.

He said upon instruction to do so, “it is an issue that we are prepared to explore”.

“Where a new concept… is introduced, such as constitutional litigation, which was not existing at the time of incident, you find a situation where you are applying the law retrospectively. We need to get instructions from the South African Police Service and everybody else.

“We are having to deal with the… concept of constitutional litigation. Why was it not pleaded as and when the matters started? And as creatures of instruction, where do you then derive the powers to settle on an aspect using taxpayers’ money on an issue which has not been ventilated in court? Until and unless there are new developments and there is cogent argument that is presented before any court of law about any novel or new issue that arises out of the Marikana litigation, I think we have done enough.

“Remarkable strides have been realised in the strategic orchestration and harmonisation of the Marikana litigation. The resolution of numerous claims stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to justice and due process,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Fri, 08/18/2023 - 08:59

258 views

18 August 2023

African leaders engage on environmental matters

Location: News

African leaders engage on environmental matters

Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Barbara Creecy has emphasised the importance of accelerating work on reducing vulnerability to climate change impacts.

This work must focus on delivering key mandates such as the operationalisation of the Global Goal on Adaptation; the Loss and Damage Fund; the Mitigation Work Programmes as well as the adoption of the modalities and scope for the Just Transition Work Programme.

Creecy made these remarks at the Nineteenth Ordinary Session of the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN), in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, that kicked off on Thursday.

The two-day session is providing a platform for strengthening Africa’s collective engagement in the global environmental agenda under the theme: “Seizing opportunities and enhancing collaboration to address environmental challenges in Africa.”

Ministers will consider a declaration and decisions prepared by senior officials during the expert segment on a number of issues including preparations for the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC COP28).

They will also consider Africa’s participation in the development of an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment and preparations for the sixth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) among other agenda items.

As part of the engagements, there will be a number of Ministerial dialogues including on climate finance and protecting human health and the environment from the adverse effects of plastic pollution in Africa.

“It is critical that the UNFCCC COP28 accelerates work on reducing vulnerability to climate change impacts,” the Minister said on Thursday.

She emphasised that Africa’s approach to climate change must be premised on the principle of equity and the recognition of Africa’s Right to Development.

She further noted the critical links between building low carbon, climate resilient societies and sustainable development necessary to address Africa’s triple challenges of poverty, inequality and unemployment.

“South Africa looks forward to the inaugural African Climate Summit to be hosted in Kenya next month and the role this summit can play in the adoption of a well-coordinated Common African Position ahead of COP 28,” the Minister said.

Creecy will also take the opportunity to engage with fellow African Environment Ministers, to obtain their approach to the Global Stocktake, as requested by the COP 28 President.

Plastic pollution and pesticides

On the issue of Africa’s participation in the development of an International Legally Binding Instrument on Plastic Pollution, including in the Marine Environment, Creecy said South Africa remains deeply committed to the development of a comprehensive agreement to end plastic pollution.

In this regard, South Africa has shared the domestic experience of the Polluter Pays Principle and its usefulness in holding producers of plastic products accountable through the Extended Producer Responsibility Regulations.

South Africa supports the establishment of a Global Alliance to encourage partnerships and actions on highly hazardous pesticides.

Furthermore, South Africa supports the need for transparency to be able to manage chemicals safety through amongst others labelling, the Global Harmonised System, strengthening customs control, and other relevant measures.

The AMCEN was created in 1985 to promote regional cooperation between African governments in addressing environmental challenges confronting the continent. –SAnews.gov.za

Location: MyPR

The R1.9-billion Giba Business Estate, the largest light industrial and logistics development to break ground within Durban’s Outer West in more than three years, will not only create hundreds of short term and permanent jobs but also significantly boost the greater eThekwini region’s GDP. Speaking at the official sod turning for the development on Wednesday, …

17 August 2023

FAME Week Africa Partners with CreateSA.tv

Location: Entertainment, MyPR

FAME Week Africa, the premier cultural and creative event celebrating African and global creatives, is proud to announce its partnership with CreateSA.tv, a leading advocate for diversity, equality, and inclusion (DEI) in the entertainment industry. This collaboration marks a significant step towards promoting representation, equitable opportunities, and inclusive dialogue within the creative world. CreateSA.tv will …