Proteas Women Outclass Scotland as Kapp and Mlaba Steal the Show
DUBAI: Marizanne Kapp excelled with the bat, followed by Nonkululeko Mlaba’s brilliance with the ball, as the Proteas Women secured a...
DUBAI: Marizanne Kapp excelled with the bat, followed by Nonkululeko Mlaba’s brilliance with the ball, as the Proteas Women secured a...
Cabinet urges public to monitor weather warnings
Cabinet has encouraged South Africans to remain alert and adhere to weather warnings from the South African Weather Service (SAWS).
“The country continues to experience inclement weather conditions ranging from unusual snowfalls, flooding, rainstorms, damaging winds and heat waves due to the effects of climate change,” Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said on Thursday during a media briefing in Pretoria.
Last week, SAWS encouraged the public to remain vigilant as the upcoming months of October and November could be affected by heatwaves, severe storms and the possibility of damaging winds.
The weather alerts are communicated across all media platforms, including community radio stations.
The Minister said Cabinet would soon receive a revised Integrated Disaster Management and Response Strategy that will cover disaster mitigation and response, including funding for disaster recovery. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 10/10/2024 - 11:53
Cabinet welcomes UNGA resolution on Israel’s occupation
Cabinet has welcomed the United Nations General Assembly’s (UNGA) historic resolution that declared Israel’s occupation of East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza unlawful, and mandating the complete withdrawal of Israeli settlers and soldiers.
“This resolution is not only significant for South Africa’s case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) but that developed countries such as Spain, Belgium and Japan joined most of the countries of the global South in supporting the resolution,” Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said on Thursday in Pretoria, during a media briefing.
With the escalation of conflict in Sudan, Cabinet has called on all Sudanese to adhere to the guidelines of the African Union and Intergovernmental Authority on Development to end the conflict.
“South Africa stands ready to offer its expertise to assist parties, role players and other relevant stakeholders to collectively work towards finding lasting peace in the Sudan,” the Minister said.
Meanwhile, Cabinet noted President Ramaphosa’s Working Visit to the Kingdom of Lesotho at the invitation of King Letsie III.
“During the visit, the President attended the 58th Lesotho Independence Day and Bicentennial Celebration, and also delivered remarks during the celebrations to commemorate the Basotho Nation’s rich heritage,” Ntshavheni said. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 10/10/2024 - 12:03
SA Petroleum Company Bill to be submitted to Parliament
Cabinet has approved the submission of the South African National Petroleum Company (SANPC) Bill of 2024 to Parliament.
The Bill provides for the establishment of a state-owned company, giving effect to the Cabinet decision of 10 June 2020 to merge PetroSA, South African Gas Development Company (iGas) and the Strategic Fuel Fund Association.
“Local refining capacity in South Africa is largely held by international oil companies (IOC), which poses a risk to security of liquid fuels as IOCs are shutting down refineries.
“The proposed Bill positions the company as the national champion that will hold oil and gas exploration rights on its own and hold shares through State carry method in privately held rights,” Minister in The Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said on Thursday in Pretoria during a media briefing.
In addition, Cabinet has approved the publication of the draft Petroleum Products Bill for public comments.
“The purpose of the Bill is to ensure security of petroleum products and orderly development of the petroleum products sector, including the introduction of modern, cleaner products and renewable components which will improve the energy mix.
“The Bill will contribute towards the government priorities on economic transformation and job creation in the South African petroleum products sector governance and will address several concerns that were raised in relation to the administration of the Petroleum Products Act, 1977 (Act 120 of 1977),” the Minister said.
Meanwhile, Cabinet has approved the submission of the draft Mine Health and Safety Amendment Bill to Parliament.
“The draft Bill seeks to amend the Mine Health and Safety Act, 1996 (Act 29 of 1996) by streamlining administrative processes, strengthening enforcement provisions, reinforcing offences and penalties, and amending certain definitions.
“The draft Bill will, among others, guarantee that health and safety standards are effectively implemented, enforced and improved in mines, thereby reducing fatalities, injuries and occupational diseases,” the Minister said. - SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Thu, 10/10/2024 - 12:16
African energy demand is projected to more than double by 2050, with fossil fuels anticipated to account for up to 60% of the continent's energy mix by 2040. This trend highlights the growing importance oil and gas will continue to hold in Africa. In partnership with international oil companies and private E&P firms, the continent's national oil companies (NOC) are responding to this projection by prioritizing fast-tracked project development, promoting collaborative exploration and production to bring new reserves online.
The upcoming African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energy conference – scheduled for November 4-8 in Cape Town – features a strong lineup of African and global national oil companies (NOC). This lineup reflects a strong intention by NOCs to collaborate, unlock additional reserves and drive oil and gas projects forward across both emerging and mature markets in Africa.
AEW: Invest in African Energy is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit http://www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.
Southern Africa has yielded some of Africa's biggest oil and gas finds in recent years. Namibia – which featured a string of offshore finds since 2022 – has rapidly emerged as an oil and gas hotspot, with Galp Energias' Mopane discovery estimated to hold 10 billion barrels alone. In South Africa, the 2019 Brulpadda discovery accounted for 10% of the overall discovered volumes in Africa that year while the Luiperd find accounted for 80% of the continent's volumes discovered in 2020. Mature producers such as Angola also continue to unlock additional reserves, with ExxonMobil announcing a discovery at the Likember-01 research well in Block 15 this year. At AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024, Angola's NOC Sonangol, Namibia's NAMCOR and South Africa's SANPC will speak on these discoveries and future opportunities.
East Africa is one of the world's final frontiers for oil and gas exploration, with major discoveries made in recent years showcasing the potential for billion-barrel projects. In exploration, offshore basins in Tanzania have shown trillions of cubic feet of gas while onshore acreage in Uganda holds the promise of new oil supplies. While various cross-border infrastructure projects, LNG facilities and field developments are underway, the region offers significant potential for exploration. During AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024, East African NOCs including the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation; Uganda National Oil Company; and National Oil Company of Malawi will unpack this potential, sharing insight into ongoing projects and untapped investment opportunities.
Contrastingly, West Africa holds some of the biggest oil and gas producing markets on the continent. These include the Republic of Congo – which is diversifying its energy matric through billion-dollar gas investments; Equatorial Guinea – which is diversifying LNG feedstock through agreements signed with regional neighbors; and Gabon – which aims to boost production to 220,000 barrels per day. Concurrently, markets such as Cameroon, Liberia and Ivory Coast hold strategic potential for exploration firms, with recent finds underscoring opportunities in frontier drilling. At AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024, NOCs to the likes of Société nationale des pétroles du Congo; GEPetrol; Gabon Oil Company; and Ghana National Petroleum Corporation are participating. Additionally, the National Hydrocarbons Corporation of Cameroon; the National Oil Company of Liberia; and Petroci have joined.
While West African countries account for a large share of African hydrocarbon production, the same can be said for North Africa, with Algeria representing the largest natural gas producer in Africa. The country's production measured over 100 billion cubic meters (bcm) in 2023, with ambitions to exceed 200 bcm in production over the next five years. During 2024, up to 8 oil and gas discoveries have been made, with the NOC Sonatrach signing several exploration agreements with the likes of TotalEnergies, ExxonMobil and more to unlock additional basins. Sonatrach is participating at AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024.
In addition to African NOCs, global counterparts including the respective NOCs of Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan have also joined the conference to discuss investment opportunities, future collaborations and how knowledge-sharing can support the next generation of oil and gas projects. Saudi Aramco, for example, which represents one of the biggest gas producers worldwide, offers a wealth of expertise for African NOCs. Similarly, the National Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic, an expert in refining and infrastructure development, stands ready to support Africa as it scales-up domestic refining capacity.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
Cabinet calls on South Africans to support Ronwen Williams
Cabinet calls on South Africans to show their support for Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, who has been nominated as one of the 10 best goalkeepers in the world, at the Ballon d'Or awards for the Yachine Trophy.
South Africans are urged to vote by casting their votes on https://www.lequipe.fr/en/special/selection/ballon-dor-2024/section/the-yachine-trophy
Williams is the first South African player to be nominated for the Yachine Trophy at the Ballon d'Or awards.
“The 68th edition of the awards ceremony will take place on 28 October 2024 in Parys. Until then, we can vote for Williams in both English and French,” Cabinet said in a statement.
Williams, who won the Goalkeeper of the Tournament award in the January/February 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, has unexpectedly jumped ahead in the polls, leading the pack by 69.6% thus far.
Ronza, as he is referred to with great affection, received nominations for one of the top 10 goalkeepers in the world due to his exceptional play at both the club and international levels.
The 32-year-old goalie will face off against some of the greatest players in the world, including Mike Maignan of AC Milan, Andre Lounine of Real Madrid and Emiliano Martinez of Argentina, who won the World Cup. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 10/10/2024 - 12:52
Tributes for distinguished former Judge Willem Heath
The Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Development has paid tribute to former Judge Willem Hendrik Heath who died this week.
Heath died in Cape Town on Thursday.
“Judge Willem Hendrik Heath embodied the highest principles of justice and integrity. His relentless fight against corruption established a gold standard for accountability in South Africa, leaving an indelible mark on our legal landscape. We have lost a remarkable advocate for transparency and good governance.
“On behalf of the Ministry, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Judge Heath's family, the Judiciary, his friends, and colleagues. His lasting impact on the legal landscape and his relentless pursuit of justice will always be remembered. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Thembi Simelane said.
The Ministry hailed Heath’s contribution to the South African law fraternity.
“The Ministry…expresses profound sorrow at the passing of Judge Willem Hendrik Heath, a distinguished legal figure whose unwavering commitment to combating corruption and maladministration will resonate throughout South Africa’s history.
“Judge Heath began his career as a prosecutor before establishing a successful private practice, where he made significant contributions to the legal field. Appointed by former President Nelson Mandela in 1995, he played a pivotal role in establishing the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), one of the country’s foremost corruption-fighting agencies. Under his stewardship, the SIU undertook critical investigations that set new benchmarks for public sector accountability, ensuring that justice and integrity prevailed.
“Judge Heath’s dedication to the rule of law was evident throughout his illustrious career. His legacy continues to inspire legal professionals committed to justice. His courage and integrity in the face of adversity, along with his significant contributions to legal reform and public sector accountability, are widely recognised,” the Ministry said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Thu, 10/10/2024 - 10:42
Department announces gazetting of Remote Work Visitor Visa
The Department of Home Affairs has announced the gazetting of the highly anticipated Remote Work Visitor Visa as well as the new points-based system for work visas.
In July 2024, President Cyril Ramaphosa outlined the Government of National Unity’s (GNU) collective mandate in this area through his call to “overhaul the visa regime to attract skills and investment and grow the tourism sector”.
Just three months later, the Department of Home Affairs says it has delivered on this mandate through a set of worldclass reforms.
“The gazetting of all required elements for the Remote Work Visitor Visa and the new Points-Based System for Work Visas amounts to the single most progressive and pro-jobs regulatory reform South Africa has seen in decades,” said Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber.
He said the department’s meticulous attention to detail to ensure that these reforms are fit-for purpose and market-friendly has resulted in two products that begin to reposition South Africa as a world-class destination for investment and tourism to create thousands of new jobs for South Africans.
“Importantly, the new points-based system also introduces a transparent framework to adjudicate visas in order to tackle corruption,” he said.
According to the department, the Remote Work Visa “enables highly paid individuals who are employed abroad and thus do not compete with local workers, to spend their valuable foreign currency right here in South Africa, pay Value-Added Tax into the South African fiscus, eat at South African restaurants and buy South African goods and services from South African producers”.
The new Points-Based System for Work Visas combats corruption and inefficiency by cutting red tape and introducing a transparent points scale to objectively determine who qualifies for a Critical Skills or General Work Visa.
Additionally, for General Work Visa applications submitted outside of the Trusted Employer Scheme, a newly introduced threshold of R650 796 in gross annual income – which amounts to double the median income in the formal sector – will better protect existing jobs at the lower end of the market while injecting skills at the top.
Independent research commissioned by the Reserve Bank and the International Food Policy Research Institute shows that growing the number of high-end skills as a share of the total South African population by just 0.02%, can boost annual economic growth by up to 1.2%.
The same research projects that an enhanced visa regime can create seven new jobs for every additional skilled worker attracted into the economy.
“By harnessing the power of market-based regulatory reform to cut red tape and enhance transparency, Home Affairs is fighting corruption in our immigration system while delivering on the GNU’s apex priority to grow the economy and create thousands of new jobs for the people of South Africa.
“I want to thank the Presidency and Operation Vulindlela for their valuable support and I look forward to continue working together to roll out further reforms that combat corruption and create jobs,” Schreiber said.
As an interim measure, while the department lays the foundation for digital transformation to shift exclusively to online application and adjudication, applicants for the Remote Work Visa as well as for the Critical Skills Visa and General Work Visa under the new Points-Based System, can continue to submit applications through the relevant service providers and South African missions abroad.
The relevant documents can be accessed at dha.gov.za. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 10/09/2024 - 12:11
With over 14 years' experience in sales and management across Africa, Prosper Shoniwa has built a reputation for driving business growth and operational excellence. As the Export Sales and Operations Manager at RS South Africa (www.za.RS-online.com/web), Prosper combines his in-depth knowledge of international trade with a nuanced understanding of African market dynamics, positioning him as a key figure in the company's expansion efforts across the continent.
Prosper is an accomplished professional with a proven track record in export management and sales, having successfully navigated the complexities of diverse African markets throughout his career. His expertise spans multiple industries, where he has consistently demonstrated the ability to develop and execute strategies that achieve significant growth. His formal qualifications, including a Diploma in International Trade Management from the International Trade Institute of Southern Africa (ITRISA) and a Diploma in Marketing from the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), form the foundation of his business acumen.
Currently pursuing a BCom in International Business at MANCOSA, Prosper continues to enhance his skills to stay ahead in Africa's rapidly evolving business landscape. Fluent in English and French, Prosper has cultivated strong relationships across Sub-Saharan Africa, working with stakeholders ranging from corporate clients and distributors to EPCs and water utilities. He also has extensive experience consulting with engineers and working at the highest level with governments, making him a versatile leader in cross-border partnerships. His multilingual proficiency and deep cultural understanding have been instrumental in bridging gaps and fostering collaborations that transcend borders.
At RS South Africa, Prosper leads the company's export operations with a focus on delivering Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) solutions tailored to the unique needs of the African market. His leadership approach goes beyond delivering products; he is committed to building long-term partnerships that drive operational efficiencies and provide value-driven, sustainable solutions. Prosper's ability to anticipate market trends, negotiate deals, and implement innovative strategies ensures that RS South Africa's clients gain a competitive edge.
Prosper's vision for RS South Africa is one of transformation, where MRO solutions are not only efficient and value-driven but also innovative and responsive to the changing demands of African industries. His focus on client satisfaction, coupled with his strategic insight, positions RS South Africa as a preferred partner across Southern, East, and West Africa. Under Prosper's leadership, the company is set to redefine how businesses across Africa approach their operational needs, delivering customised solutions that enable seamless operations and continuous improvement.
With a commitment to operational excellence and a passion for driving growth in challenging markets, Prosper Shoniwa is at the forefront of RS South Africa's mission to expand its influence and deliver impactful MRO solutions across the continent.
For more information about RS Africa export solutions, visit their website (www.Africa.RSdelivers.com) and follow them on LinkedIn (https://apo-opa.co/4gQsIiq) for regular updates on their impactful work.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of RS South Africa.
PR Contact Person -
RS South Africa:
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RS South Africa
Princess.Tlou@rsgroup.com
+27 11 691 9366
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NGAGE:
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RS:
RS is a trading brand of RS Group plc, providing product and service solutions that help our customers design, build, maintain, repair, and operate industrial equipment and operations, safely and sustainably. We stock more than 750,000 industrial and electronic products, sourced from over 2,500 leading suppliers, and provide a wide range of product and service solutions to 1.1 million customers.
We support customers across the product lifecycle, whether via innovation and technical support at the design phase, improving time to market and productivity at the build phase, or reducing purchasing costs and optimising inventory in the maintenance, repair, and operation phase. We offer our customers tailored product and service propositions that are essential for the successful operation of their businesses and help them save time and money.
RS Group plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange with stock ticker RS1 and in the year ended 31 March 2023 reported revenue of £2,982 million.
Further information is available via these links:
The pipeline of gas projects being developed in Africa has never been stronger. However, if the continent is to be competitive in an extremely dynamic international gas market, it must ensure that it offers value.
This means shaping an offer that meets the financial and environmental sustainability needs of stakeholders. Africa's gas investment proposition must be relevant and future-proof, if it is to continue to attract global capital.
This was the consensus at a panel discussion on Day 1 of AOW: Investing in African Energy – Africa's leading oil, gas and energy event.
Over the past few years, gas development ambitions have grown – in the public and private sector – supported by renewed exploration and production activity and pragmatic energy transition plans. This is especially true now, with gas increasingly accepted as the ideal bridging fuel, balancing the continent's growing energy needs with its decarbonisation commitments.
“Natural gas is at the centre of what we are doing in Africa,” said Mario Bello, Head of Sub-Saharan Africa Region at Eni. “It's the cleanest fossil fuel, producing fewer emissions than coal, so it plays an important role as we transition to renewables.”
Eni enables this through its Floating Liquified Natural Gas (FLNG) projects, particularly in Mozambique and the Republic of Congo. Bello emphasised the technology's ability to unlock stranded offshore gas resources, accelerate project timelines, and contribute to both domestic energy security and export revenue. “Floating LNG is the key to unlocking the region's gas potential, making it easier and faster to develop offshore resources,” Bello explained.
However, financing these ambitious projects remains a significant hurdle. Paul Eardley-Taylor, Head of Oil & Gas, Southern Africa, at Standard Bank, emphasised the need for bankable projects that address investor concerns, particularly around sovereign risk. He highlighted the transformative potential of both large-scale LNG projects and smaller, domestically focused gas ventures.
“The impact of these projects in African markets is incalculable,” Eardley-Taylor said, citing the potential for job creation, economic growth, and improved energy access. He further emphasised the importance of small-scale LNG and helium projects, particularly in markets like South Africa and Namibia.
Equinor's Senior Vice President for Africa, Nina Birgitte Koch, stressed the importance of a stable investment climate to attract international capital. She highlighted the need for competitive projects with strong environmental credentials, particularly in reducing carbon emissions. “CO2 is the key criteria,” Koch said. “It's not just a ‘nice to have' any more. I don't think it's possible to get capital to a big LNG project unless it's highly competitive when it comes to CO2."
The panel also discussed the critical role of technology and regional cooperation in maximising the benefits of Africa's gas resources. Gianluca Ciricugno, Africa Director, Enterprise Customer Solution at Baker Hughes, emphasised the need for a long-term vision and collaboration between governments, investors, and technology providers.
“It requires a broader vision, probably government and all the people around the table, with a long-term approach… and not just four-year terms,” Ciricugno urged, highlighting the need for stable regulatory frameworks and a commitment to infrastructure development.
Dr Tshepo Mokoka, Group COO of South Africa's Central Energy Fund (CEF), echoed the call for government intervention to address market failures and unlock investment. He outlined CEF's role in enabling critical gas infrastructure projects, such as the Romp pipeline and LNG import terminals. “We need to solve the market failure,” Dr Mokoka said, highlighting the need for government-backed gas offtake agreements and risk-sharing mechanisms to attract private capital.
ExxonMobil's Executive Director Global, LNG Marketing, Deri Irawan, emphasised the importance of a holistic approach to project development, considering not just the technical and economic aspects but also the social and political landscape. He highlighted the need for strong partnerships and stakeholder engagement to ensure long-term project success. “It is insufficient to just bring a commodity to the doorstep,” Irawan explained. “You also need to unlock that value chain.”
With Africa on the cusp of a gas revolution, the panel's message was clear: the continent has the resources, the ambition, and the opportunity to become a major player in the global gas market.
However, success hinges on creating a stable and attractive investment climate, embracing technological innovation, and fostering regional collaboration to ensure that Africa's gas resources benefit both its people and the planet.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of AOW: Investing in African Energy.
Owned by Sankofa Events, AOW (https://apo-opa.co/3ZVcWNe): Investing in African Energy is Africa's leading oil, gas & energy event, uniting industry leaders to develop policy, share discoveries, secure investment, and shape Africa's energy future. The event runs from 7 – 10 October 2024 at the CTICC 2, Cape Town.
Call to declare crypto assets with SARS
The South African Revenue Service has encouraged taxpayers with various digital currencies, which includes crypto assets, to declare these with its Voluntary Disclosure Programme (VDP) to facilitate compliance.
This comes as the South African Revenue Service (SARS) has noted the phenomenal growth in the use of various digital currencies by many South Africans.
Prominent amongst these is the prevalence of crypto assets. A staggering number of more than 5.8 million South Africans hold a crypto asset, with Southern Africa boasting the largest uptake of Bitcoin in the world.
SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter once more reminded taxpayers to honestly and dutifully honour their legal obligations by declaring all their income.
“SARS has been working ceaselessly to ensure compliance by all taxpayers, and those who are evading their responsibility make the burden of compliance difficult for compliant taxpayers.
“This is not only unfair to honest taxpayers but affects the vulnerable in society disproportionately by limiting the state’s ability to deliver social grants and other much needed social benefits.
“Let all know that technology has enhanced SARS’ ability to root out non-compliant taxpayers. Be warned, SARS will pursue all without fear, favour or prejudice,” the Commissioner said on Wednesday.
SARS is legally obligated to account for any income or assets held by taxpayers and had previously invited crypto exchanges and those involved in trading or holding crypto assets to disclose related activities on a voluntary basis.
“As a follow up, SARS will be including crypto assets into its compliance programmes. Consequently, SARS is engaging with the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) regarding the provision of information on registered Crypto Asset Service Providers (CASPs). SARS is also receiving information directly from the local exchanges.
“Importantly, it must be underscored that through multilateral agreements SARS is exchanging information with other tax authorities globally,” SARS said.
The provision of offshore crypto accounts will be the subject of a multilateral agreement to be signed by Ministers of Finance in November 2024, which will catalyse the cross jurisdictional exchange of such information in respect of South African taxpayers.
“SARS believes that most taxpayers and traders are honest and that they expect to be assisted to fulfil their legal obligations. Pursuant to our legal mandate, SARS provides certainty and clarity about all legal obligations for taxpayers and traders.
“SARS is also working assiduously to make it easy and simple for taxpayers and traders to seamlessly comply with their obligations.
“Critically, it is our strategic objective to make it hard and costly for those who are willfully non-compliant. These efforts are intended to support our Strategic Intent of fostering a culture of voluntary compliance,” SARS said.
Resultantly, in addressing crypto compliance SARS is increasing capability in its audit teams to support enforcement initiatives.
SARS has resorted to greater use of artificial intelligence, machine learning and algorithms to process its work.
“In implementing our mandate, SARS has recently issued query letters to taxpayers with crypto assets. These letters aim to gain an insight into taxpayers’ investment in crypto assets and the trades undertaken to enable SARS to assess taxpayers’ compliance in this regard,” the revenue service said.
SARS warned taxpayers that the VDP, which facilitates compliance, has strict conditions.
“One being that taxpayers must approach SARS first. Once SARS has identified the taxpayer for audit, they are precluded from applying for the VDP,” the revenue service said. -SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 10/09/2024 - 09:58
SAWS warns of severe thunderstorms in KZN
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has warned of potentially severe thunderstorms over the northwestern parts of KwaZulu-Natal with damaging winds, excessive lightning and hail on Wednesday.
“Scattered showers and thundershowers are expected over the western parts of KwaZulu-Natal, otherwise isolated,” the weather service said on Wednesday.
The impacts of these weather conditions include localised damage to infrastructure, settlements, vehicles, livestock and livelihoods.
SAWS has warned of localised injuries and danger to life due to lightning, as well as power surges due to excessive lightning.
Last week, SAWS encouraged the public to remain vigilant as the upcoming months of October and November could be affected by heatwaves, severe storms and the possibility of damaging winds.
READ | Weather Service warns of severe weather conditions
Seasonal Climate Watch
According to the Seasonal Climate Watch, dated October 2024 to February 2025, minimum and maximum temperatures are expected to be mostly above-normal countrywide for the forecast period.
“The El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is currently still in a neutral state and is predicted to weaken further. Current predictions indicate the development of a La Niña state during the start of the summer season. However, there is still significant uncertainty in the predictions.
“It is advised to monitor the ENSO system during the start of the summer season, as it may change the rainfall outlook for the summer rainfall regions, if and when the La Niña materialises,” SAWS said.
Current predictions focus on the early- and mid-summer seasons and indicate wetter conditions over the interior of the country.
“The northeastern parts, however, at this stage indicate drier conditions extending through to the mid-summer period. These predictions may change if the ENSO predictions become more certain towards a La Niña state and as such, continued monitoring of future seasonal climate watches are advised.
“The anticipated wetter conditions over the interior of the country during the early- and mid-summer seasons may improve water levels, particularly in regions that receive most of the rainfall in the summer season.
“Drier conditions, coupled with above-normal temperatures in the northeastern parts of the country, are likely to increase water loss and reduce water storage levels through evapotranspiration and drought, among other factors,” SAWS said.
The predicted wetter conditions during early- and mid-summer seasons over the interior of the country are likely to increase the likelihood of flooding in areas with inadequate drainage, posing immediate health risks such as drowning, injuries and hypothermia.
SAWS has encouraged the public to take precautionary measures and follow the guidance of local authorities.
“The forecast indicates nationwide temperatures above the average, heightening the risk of prolonged ultraviolet (UV) exposure, potentially exceeding level 3 on the World Meteorological Organisation's UV Index. This elevated UV exposure could result in a greater incidence of sunburn and other UV-related health issues.
“Moreover, the increased temperatures are expected to heighten pollen levels and heat exposure, enhancing the likelihood of skin and eye allergies, and accelerating the growth of food-borne pathogens.
"This escalation poses a heightened risk of foodborne illnesses. The public is advised to maintain strict food hygiene and adhere to local health guidelines under these conditions,” SAWS said.
Agriculture
Above-normal rainfall is forecasted for the central parts and the southeastern coastal areas of the country during the early and mid-summer seasons.
“This above-normal rainfall forecast for these summer rainfall regions will likely have a positive impact on crop and livestock production. However, below-normal rainfall is expected over most parts of the northeastern areas of the country, including Limpopo, Mpumalanga and the northern parts of KwaZulu-Natal.
“Therefore, it is recommended that the relevant decision-makers advise farmers in these regions to implement soil and water conservation measures, proper water harvesting and storage techniques, establish effective drainage systems, and adopt other appropriate farming practices,” SAWS said. -SANews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 10/09/2024 - 10:51
Department announces gazeting of Remote Work Visitor Visa
The Department of Home Affairs has announced the gazetting of the highly anticipated Remote Work Visitor Visa as well as the new points-based system for work visas.
In July 2024, President Cyril Ramaphosa outlined the Government of National Unity’s (GNU) collective mandate in this area through his call to “overhaul the visa regime to attract skills and investment and grow the tourism sector”.
Just three months later, the Department of Home Affairs says it has delivered on this mandate through a set of worldclass reforms.
“The gazetting of all required elements for the Remote Work Visitor Visa and the new Points-Based System for Work Visas amounts to the single most progressive and pro-jobs regulatory reform South Africa has seen in decades,” said Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber.
He said the department’s meticulous attention to detail to ensure that these reforms are fit-for purpose and market-friendly has resulted in two products that begin to reposition South Africa as a world-class destination for investment and tourism to create thousands of new jobs for South Africans.
“Importantly, the new points-based system also introduces a transparent framework to adjudicate visas in order to tackle corruption,” he said.
According to the department, the Remote Work Visa “enables highly paid individuals who are employed abroad and thus do not compete with local workers, to spend their valuable foreign currency right here in South Africa, pay Value-Added Tax into the South African fiscus, eat at South African restaurants and buy South African goods and services from South African producers”.
The new Points-Based System for Work Visas combats corruption and inefficiency by cutting red tape and introducing a transparent points scale to objectively determine who qualifies for a Critical Skills or General Work Visa.
Additionally, for General Work Visa applications submitted outside of the Trusted Employer Scheme, a newly introduced threshold of R650 796 in gross annual income – which amounts to double the median income in the formal sector – will better protect existing jobs at the lower end of the market while injecting skills at the top.
Independent research commissioned by the Reserve Bank and the International Food Policy Research Institute shows that growing the number of high-end skills as a share of the total South African population by just 0.02%, can boost annual economic growth by up to 1.2%.
The same research projects that an enhanced visa regime can create seven new jobs for every additional skilled worker attracted into the economy.
“By harnessing the power of market-based regulatory reform to cut red tape and enhance transparency, Home Affairs is fighting corruption in our immigration system while delivering on the GNU’s apex priority to grow the economy and create thousands of new jobs for the people of South Africa.
“I want to thank the Presidency and Operation Vulindlela for their valuable support and I look forward to continue working together to roll out further reforms that combat corruption and create jobs,” Schreiber said.
As an interim measure, while the department lays the foundation for digital transformation to shift exclusively to online application and adjudication, applicants for the Remote Work Visa as well as for the Critical Skills Visa and General Work Visa under the new Points-Based System, can continue to submit applications through the relevant service providers and South African missions abroad.
The relevant documents can be accessed at dha.gov.za. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 10/09/2024 - 12:11
Carbon pricing poses threat to economies of developing countries
While South Africa is committed to the decarbonisation agenda, Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Narend Singh has raised concern that a carbon price to the production of emissions-intensive goods could exacerbate inequality, poverty and unemployment in developing countries.
“There are many hurdles which industry will be confronted with in their efforts to decarbonise, particularly in developing countries such as South Africa. Key for us is to take the necessary key steps to transition, without adversely affecting the competitiveness of such industries and leaving no one behind,” the Deputy Minister said on Tuesday.
He made these remarks during an Industry Conference on bridging compliance: Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), environmental, social, and governance (ESG) and the South African metals and engineering sector.
The Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa (SEIFSA) in collaboration with the Danish Industry (DI) hosted the conference.
It was attended by senior government officials, industry leaders, policy makers as well as sustainability experts who explored the intersection of the looming CBAM and ESG reporting requirements from the European Union and how this is likely to affect the metals and engineering sector which is an export intensive sector. It is also a heavy emitter of greenhouse gas emissions.
ESG sustainability reporting requirements by business, point to responsible business conduct that includes taking measures to lower pollution, and carbon dioxide (CO2) output, and reducing waste.
“We remain concerned that outside of multilateral processes such as the United National Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), discussion and agreement [on] the CBAM policy design of using market principles to cut GHG [greenhouse gas] emissions will create a direct impact on developing countries’ such as South Africa, exacerbating inequality, poverty and unemployment. This we should take all measures to guard against,” Singh explained.
Carbon border adjustment mechanisms (CBAMs), or border carbon adjustments (BCAs), are mechanisms that aim to increase the consistency in the application of carbon pricing between goods produced in different jurisdictions but traded between those jurisdictions.
Most commonly, they involve a jurisdiction that applies a carbon price to the production of emissions-intensive goods, such as through an emissions trading system (ETS) or carbon tax, seeking to apply an equivalent carbon price to imports of those goods from overseas jurisdictions.
Carbon cost liability, reflections
Practically, this could mean that South African exports of carbon-intensive goods would face an extra carbon cost liability in some jurisdictions.
“The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has been actively engaged in the decarbonization of the steel sector. As you are well aware, the steel sector, is one of the hard to abate sectors, and is highly energy intensive.
“The department, in collaboration with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition and in partnership with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), has been working closely with industry association, the South African Iron and Steel Institute (SAISI), and industry partner, ArcelorMittal, together with other players, to determine what may be the low hanging fruit for a low carbon transition.
“The entire value chain has to be reflected upon - both upstream and downstream players. This is work in progress, and indeed comes with its own set of challenges, in the form of necessary research and development, capacity development, and the much-needed capital investment,” Singh said.
Green steel
He mentioned green hydrogen, as an option for the production of green steel.
“Sectoring scrap metal market as input material for the steel sector to lower the carbon footprint, would be another option. Refurbishment of existing technology and investment into new and energy efficient technologies are other options.
“Downstream industries are also faced with competition on imports. Therefore, compliance and enforcement are important, and so is the provision of the necessary legislative measures,” the Deputy Minister said.
Just Transition
South Africa recognises the need for climate action to be centred on a Just Transition, meaning a transition to net-zero carbon emissions society that accommodates the needs of workers and communities, which may be negatively affected through the loss of jobs or activities as a result of a move to a lower carbon economy.
“The Climate Change Act, which was signed into law by President Ramaphosa in July 2024, sets out South Africa’s national climate change response, including mitigation and adaptation actions, which also constitutes South Africa’s fair contribution to the global climate change response.
“The Climate Change Act enables the alignment of policies that influence South Africa’s climate change response, to ensure that South Africa’s transition to a low carbon and climate resilient economy and society is not constrained by policy contradictions.
“The Climate Change Act also sets out measures to enhance South Africa’s ability and capacity over time to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and build climate resilience, while reducing the risk of job losses, and promoting new job opportunities in the emerging green economy,” said the Deputy Minister.
He added that the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) for South Africa have been informed by peak, plateau and decline in terms of carbon emissions reduction.
The NDC cover adaptation, mitigation as well as finance and investment requirements and is based on equity.
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“The recent Bid Window of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP), the work of the Just Energy Transition (JET), green hydrogen generation, are key steps in a positive direction.
“South Africa remains committed to stabilising the GHG concentration in the atmosphere and contribution to the global temperature goal of keeping temperature well below 2 °C and pursuing efforts to 1.5 °C below preindustrial levels in line with the principle of common but differentiated responsibility and respective capabilities (CBDR-RC),” he said. -SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 10/09/2024 - 09:04
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Operation Shanela nets over 12 000 suspects
Through various high-density operations, commonly known as Operation Shanela, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has arrested 12 187 suspects from Monday, 30 September to Sunday, 6 October 2024.
Through Operation Shanela, SAPS has taken a bold and decisive approach to dealing with crime in the country through tracking and tracing operations, roadblocks, high visibility patrols, as well as stop and searches.
All Shanela operations are led by the Provincial Commissioner of each province.
Just this week alone, the following successes were recorded:
Under recoveries and confiscations, police registered the following successes:
A highlight of major takedowns and other successes include the following:
National Commissioner of SAPS, General Fannie Masemola, applauded SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) detective, Warrant Officer John Tlala Mokoena, for securing 42 life terms and 791 years for serial rapist Nkosinathi Phakathi.
The North Gauteng High Court, sitting in the Palm Ridge Magistrates’ Court, sentenced Phakathi on Friday.
More boots on the ground
On Friday, 4 October, 1 812 graduates who underwent a six-month Introductory Police Learning Development Programme (IPDLP) stood on parade during passing out parades held at various SAPS academies.
This is the first at batch of the 2024/2025 Project 10 000 cohort to graduate from Police College. They will be deployed at various police stations across the country to capacitate and boost grassroots level policing.
Meanwhile, Operation Vala Umgodi continues to make significant strides in preventing and combating illegal mining activities in the country.
This past week, 93 illegal miners were arrested, and 58 of them were arrested in Mpumalanga.
“Police will continue with their operations by asserting the authority of the state to ensure the safety and security of all South Africans and visitors to the country,” the South African Police Service said in a statement. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 10/08/2024 - 09:56
NBA Africa (https://Africa.NBA.com/) and Opportunity International, a global nonprofit organization that develops innovative programs that use financial services, training and support to address some of the greatest challenges facing those living in poverty around the world, today announced a collaboration to build outdoor basketball courts and conduct youth clinics in Nairobi, Kenya and Kigali, Rwanda next year. The collaboration will support NBA Africa's commitment to build 1,000 courts in Africa over the next decade, including 100 in Kenya.
As part of the collaboration, NBA Africa and Opportunity International will also hold a development program for coaches and teachers in both cities aimed at providing them with skills and best practices in coaching, refereeing, game operations, event management, program administration, and more.
The announcement was made today by NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum, Opportunity International CEO Atul Tandon and five-time NBA champion Derek Fisher at a press conference in Nairobi.
“Our collaboration with Opportunity International reflects our commitment to investing in local basketball ecosystems across Africa and providing youth with the resources and opportunities to develop their leadership and basketball skills,” said Tatum. “We look forward to working together to create safe spaces where Kenyan and Rwandan youth can play the game and participate in programs that help develop the next generation of coaches and mentors.”
“We are absolutely thrilled to work with NBA Africa to bring world-class basketball courts and coaches to Africa,” said Tandon. “This initiative is key to our longstanding commitment to bring more education and more opportunities to the youth of Africa, and we are grateful to NBA Africa, NBA Deputy Commissioner Tatum, and our longtime friend and partner Sam Garvin for coming together to help build a rising Africa.”
The Jr. NBA, the league's global youth basketball participation program for boys and girls, teaches the fundamental skills as well as the core values of the game at the grassroots level in an effort to help grow and improve the youth basketball experience for players, coaches and parents. Last year, Jr. NBA programming directly reached more than 170,000 youth across Africa.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of National Basketball Association (NBA).
About NBA Africa:
NBA Africa is an affiliate of the National Basketball Association (NBA), a global sports and media organization with the mission to inspire and connect people everywhere through the power of basketball. NBA Africa conducts the league's business in Africa, including the Basketball Africa League (BAL), and has opened subsidiary offices in Cairo, Egypt; Dakar, Senegal; Johannesburg, South Africa; Lagos, Nigeria; and Nairobi, Kenya. The league's efforts on the continent have focused on increasing access to basketball and the NBA through youth and elite development, social responsibility, media distribution, corporate partnerships, NBA Africa Games, an NBA Store, the BAL, and more.
NBA games and programming are available in all 54 African countries, and the NBA has hosted three sold-out exhibition games on the continent since 2015. The BAL, a partnership between the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and NBA Africa, is a professional league featuring 12 club teams from across Africa that concluded its fourth season in June 2024. Fans can follow @ NBA_Africa and @ theBAL on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
About Opportunity International:
Opportunity International is a global non-profit that has been equipping people to build sustainable livelihoods and educate their children for 53 years. Opportunity works across 30 countries to provide over 20 million families with innovative financial resources, training, and support to grow their small businesses and send their children to school.
SA, AU Commission to hold consultative meeting on the G20
The Director-General of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), Zane Dangor, who serves as South Africa’s G20 Sherpa, will host consultations on the G20 with his African Union Commission (AUC) counterpart, Ambassador Albert Muchanga.
The session will be held on Thursday.
Muchanga is the G20 Sherpa and Commissioner of Economy, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals (ETTIM).
It is expected that the two leaders will exchange views on the approaches to the G20 and identify areas of cooperation on the draft outcomes of the Leaders’ Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
They will also talk about the envisioned priorities of South Africa’s G20 Presidency, which South Africa will assume on 1 December 2024, and other possible areas of cooperation during South Africa’s G20 Presidency.
At the recent G20 High-Level Opening Session in New York, held on the margins of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA79), President Cyril Ramaphosa reiterated the timeliness and necessity of the G20’s “Call to Action on Global Governance Reform”.
The President highlighted South Africa’s commitment to the revival and strengthening of multilateralism and the reform of global governance institutions to make them more representative.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) believes that South Africa’s Presidency of the G20 presents a unique opportunity to place Africa’s developmental priorities at the top of the agenda, as well as advocating for economies of the Global South Africa.
“It will enable South Africa to build on the efforts and successes of the Indonesian, Indian and Brazilian G20 Presidencies,” DIRCO said in a statement.
The G20 Summit, which was held in India in September 2023, granted the African Union (AU) permanent membership of the G20.
“Thus, the inclusion of the AU will allow African countries to own and influence decisions on key issues on the agenda of the G20.
“South Africa has been the only African member of the G20 and advocating for the interests of Africa in the G20. The inclusion of the AU in this important forum will no doubt boost Africa’s voice,” DIRCO said in a statement.
Dangor will be joined by senior officials from various government departments.
The G20 Leaders’ Summit is set to be held on 18 and 19 November in Brazil. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 10/08/2024 - 10:05
Municipality condemns murder of young woman by metro officer
Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB) Municipality has condemned the killing of a young woman in Motherwell, allegedly by an off-duty Metro Police member.
NMB Metro Police Acting Commissioner, Advocate Andrew Moses, said the incident took place in Maku Street, Motherwell NU2, on Sunday afternoon.
The officer, who is now facing a murder charge, is believed to have been in a relationship with the deceased.
The Acting Commissioner has, on behalf of the Metro Police management expressed shock and dismay at the incident and sent condolences to the family of the deceased.
“As a department, we are saddened by this incident, but we want to assure the community that we will work with the South African Police Service during the investigation,” Moses said.
The suspect is detained at Ikamvelihle police station, where he had handed himself over to the police.
"We wish to reiterate to the community that as a department, we condemn any and all kinds of violence, especially against women and children... We will be seeking the immediate suspension of the member to allow the legal process to unfold without any undue delays or interferences,” Moses said.
The Acting Commissioner noted that the police member was not on duty at the time of the incident.
“The preliminary report suggests that it was not an official firearm that was used, but rather an illegal firearm,” Moses said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 10/08/2024 - 10:19
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Government discussing reduction in administered prices, including petrol
Government is in discussions to intervene in the reduction of administered prices, including the petrol price, in South Africa.
This is according to Minerals and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe, who was delivering the welcome address at the Africa Oil Week 2024 on Tuesday in Cape Town.
Mantashe explained that the price of fuel directly influences the cost of living for South Africans.
“If the fuel price goes up, the cost of living goes up, which is not good for our society. To make life more affordable for all South Africans, we have already begun discussions on reducing administered prices, including the price of fuel and electricity. Included in the discussions of fuel prices are discussions on, but not limited to, the general fuel and the Road Accident Fund levies.
“In the fuel price, there is the general fuel levy, there is the Road Accident Fund linked to the price of fuel. Our argument is that you are distorting the price of fuel. Let’s find a formula of separating them and have the price of fuel visible, and when there is intervention in the fuel price, we can see it (sic),” the Minister said.
He said government intends to conclude those discussions “in the shortest possible time”.
Boosting economic growth
Mantashe said government is making concerted efforts to develop the country’s petroleum resources in an equitable way.
In that regard, he said, the Upstream Petroleum Resources Development Bill is ready for assent by President Cyril Ramaphosa after it was passed by both Houses of Parliament.
“This is the first of its kind in South African history as the Upstream Petroleum Industry has always been regulated as an appendage to other industries.
“We are convinced that once the bill is enacted into law, it will not only pave the way for an orderly development of the Upstream Petroleum Industry but will boost the country’s economic growth to 8% as is the case with Namibia which increased its potential to double its economy by 2040 on the back of its recent discoveries of oil and associate gas,” he said.
The South African National Petroleum Company (SANPC) has also been established to “ensure that South Africans enjoy maximum benefits from their national patrimony, their petroleum resources” and to “carry the State share in petroleum projects and exploit some resources in its own right”.
“The [SANPC] Bill is undergoing Cabinet processes ahead of its onward transmission to Parliament for consideration and adoption. The enactment of the bill into law will enable the SANPC to operate as South Africa’s leading player in the petroleum industry, thereby ensuring energy security, foster partnerships, and propel economic growth on the back of petroleum resources.
“Additionally, the Petroleum Products Amendment Bill is also undergoing Cabinet processes for approval to publish for stakeholder comments. The bill seeks to, firstly, promote the transformation of the petroleum and liquid fuels sector by encouraging participation and equity; secondly, ensure that the persons involved in the manufacturing or sale of liquid fuels are regulated, and lastly, to ensure that the petroleum sector contributes to the country's economic development,” Mantashe said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 10/08/2024 - 11:12
