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Nando’s brings a fresh dose of humour and deliciousness to screens across South Africa with its latest television ad, showcasing the country’s unique ability to embrace life’s challenges with a smile. Known for its cheeky advertising and mouth-watering flame-grilled PERi-PERi chicken, Nando’s continues to capture the essence of South African culture with its new campaign. …
Last week, the Western Cape gave PRASA 24 hours to return the group’s belongings or build them temporary housing
Textile industry remains a priority for government
Due to their labour-absorbing character, the textile, clothing, footwear, leather and general goods sectors remain priority sectors for government.
These sectors have always been supported by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), with an objective to sustain and grow employment, grow output, and enhance their competitiveness.
This is according to the Director of Leather and Footwear at the dtic, Dr Jaywant Irkhede, who was delivering a keynote address at the opening of the AllFashion Sourcing Exhibition held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
A group of manufacturers supported by the dtic are showcasing their proudly South African products at the exhibition.
READ | SA manufacturers to showcase products at the AllFashion Exhibition in Cape Town
The department’s support of the local manufacturers to show off their wares at the exhibition is part of a continuous support to the industry to boost sustainable job creation and to increase exports of locally manufactured products.
The show which kicked off on Tuesday, also offers the dtic an ideal opportunity to engage with a select audience of textile, clothing, footwear, leather and fashion orientated exhibitors and visitors.
Irkhede highlighted the manufacturing sector’s tenacity, resilience and the know-how that enabled the sector to withstand various internal and external economic shocks.
One of the measures that government introduced in order to mitigate the negative impact of the external shocks on the clothing and textile industry was the introduction of two trade remedies, namely the imposition of import quota on clothing imports from January 2006 to December 2008 and an increase in tariffs from 40% to the World Trade Organisation bound rate of 45% on a number of clothing product lines.
These remedies provided some relief.
“The dtic also developed Customised Sector Programmes for Clothing and Textile and Footwear and Leather sectors in consultation with the industry for stabilisation and development of the CTFL (clothing, textile, footwear and leather) sectors. A suite of measures that were introduced as part of the sector programmes contributed immensely in stabilising the sectors and improving their competitiveness,” Irkhede explained.
He said the department was currently in the process of implementing the Retail–Clothing Textile Footwear Leather Masterplan (R-CTFL Masterplan 2030).
“The R-CTFL Masterplan is aimed at encouraging structural changes in the value chain to grow the domestic market, increase purchases from domestic suppliers, access and grow export markets and enhance value chain competitiveness.
“Its vision is to develop a competitive, sustainable and dynamic R-CTFL value chain that provides its customers with compelling products and that is invested in growing employment and advancing inclusion and transformation,” he explained.
The masterplan is aimed to grow employment to 330 000 R-CTFL jobs through growing local retail sales to R250 billion, to expand local retail procurement of local CTFL products from 45% to 65%, equalling an increase from R32 billion to R 66 billion in ten years, and to improve competitiveness, technology, skills and transformation.
Irkhede added that to support the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan, the dtic announced a Clothing, Textiles, Footwear and Leather Growth Programme in 2022.
R2.28 billion was allocated and 154 entities were supported and these employ almost 24 000 people.
“The programme is well-subscribed, indicating the demand for capital to achieve growth, import substitution, new jobs and transformation,” said Irkhede. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Wed, 09/11/2024 - 09:53
President Ramaphosa to sign the BELA Bill
President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Friday sign the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill into law, which aims to strengthen governance within South Africa's education sector.
The President will publicly sign the Bill during a ceremony to be held at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
“The BELA Bill amends sections of the South African Schools Act of 1996 (SASA) and the Employment of Educators Act, 1998 (EEA) to account for developments in the education landscape since the enactment of the original legislation.
“The amendments are a response to court judgments that protect and give effect to the Bill of Rights,” the Presidency said in a statement.
The Bill seeks, among other things, to make Grade R the new compulsory school starting age, to provide penalties for parents and guardians who do not ensure that their children are in school, and to confirm that corporal punishment is no longer allowed in schools, with penalties for those found guilty of such offences. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Wed, 09/11/2024 - 10:16
PIETERMARITZBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) is delighted to celebrate the exceptional achievements of Mfaniseni Hadebe, named the KFC Mini-Cricket Coach...
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Ketamine can be life-saving or lethal The anaesthetic drug ketamine can bring life-saving hope for people suffering treatment-resistant major depression or at severe risk of suicide, but unsupervised use or excessive dosages hold addictive and even lethal risks. This is the warning sounded by the South African Society of Psychiatrists (SASOP) against the “recreational” or …
KIMBERLEY: Beyers Swanepoel starred with bat and ball but South Africa A (SA ‘A’) still found themselves in a difficult position...
The tournament, which started later than scheduled, is underway in Pretoria and ends on Saturday
Trigger, the US-based division of South African Financial Consultants Outsourced CFO, has been awarded the Bookkeeping Partner of the Year Award 2024, recognising excellence in bookkeeping. Outsourced CFO, a leading South African financial consulting firm, is proud to announce that its US-based business, Trigger, has been awarded the prestigious Bookkeeping Partner of the Year Award …
Founders Foundation has opened applications for its Accelerator Programme to Empower young entrepreneurs with essential skills in sales, marketing, and finance. Founders Foundation is excited to announce that applications are now open for its highly anticipated Accelerator Programme. This unique initiative is designed to empower South African entrepreneurs under the age of 35 by providing …
The organisers of South Africa’s most social 5km run, the Boxer Super Run, are thrilled to announce an impressive R147 200.00 prize purse in 2024. “The Boxer Super Run has redefined the standard for 5km events, and we’re proud to raise the bar even higher this year with an unprecedented R147 200.00 prize purse,” says …
Labour Minister pleased with bargaining council collective agreement
Employment and Labour Minister Nomakhosazana Meth has congratulated all the parties at the South African Local Government Bargaining Council (SALGBC), for concluding a multi-year collective agreement.
The landmark five-year agreement signed by the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) which represents 257 municipalities nationwide, the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU) as well as the Independent Municipal and Allied Trade Union (IMATU), will see employees receiving a 6% salary increase effective 1 July 2024, and an additional 1.5% from 1 March 2025.
The department also commended the parties for concluding the collective agreement that provides certainty to the labour market and assures service delivery to communities.
The agreement sets a positive precedent for future negotiations and demonstrates the effectiveness of collaborative problem-solving.
Furthermore, the department said it underscores the importance of maintaining open communication channels and working towards mutually beneficial solutions.
Such agreements not only enhance trust between employers and employees but also contribute to the overall well-being of the broader community, it said.
Furthermore, the department said the successful resolution of this bargaining process reflects a commitment to sustainable development and social cohesion.
“It is encouraging to see parties using social dialogue to resolve their differences. This affirms the truth that social dialogue remains a crucial vehicle for resolving labour market disputes peacefully. When collective bargaining is free from violence and damage to property, it creates labour market stability, which is crucial for attracting the required investment to combat poverty, unemployment, and inequality.
“By addressing the needs and concerns of both parties through constructive dialogue, the agreement paves the way for a more harmonious and productive working environment. This approach will undoubtedly benefit all stakeholders and foster a more resilient labour market,” Meth said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Tue, 09/10/2024 - 14:14
The Portfolio Committee on Mineral and Petroleum Resources has expressed its relief at hearing that TotalEnergies remains a major player in the South African energy sector.
The committee expressed this view after it was briefed by the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources on the impact of TotalEnergies' withdrawal from Block 11B/12B, off the country's southern coastline, and Block 5/6/7 off the West Coast.
Although regretting the cessation on projects with huge potential economic spinoffs to the country, the committee was encouraged that TotalEnergies is still involved in exploration work in South Africa at Block 3B/4B of the orange basin in the West Coast.
The committee is also comforted to hear that Block 11B/12B and Bock 5/6/7 have sufficient resource reserves still open to be explored by other investors.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
Justice Minister appears before Parliamentary Committee on State Capture data access
Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Thembi Simelane has reiterated the department’s commitment to working with the National Prosecuting Authority Investigative Directorate (NPA ID) on the matter of the data of the State Capture Commission.
In August, reports surfaced claiming that the department was hampering the work of the NPA ID by blocking access to the data centre.
The department is the legal custodian of all the assets of the Commission, including the data centre.
Speaking at a meeting of the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development on Tuesday, Simelane said she remains willing to look into the matter.
“I am here because you have called me to account and I’ll always do that. I have not met anyone to block anything. I made a commitment that I am willing to relook into the matter. I can’t block anyone.”
She said she still needed to be taken to the data centre to verify it. “If they say it is sitting in the department, I will say open that room.”
“I have even tried to ascertain with the DG if there are any outstanding requests that have been made by the NPA or any of the state agencies that need any information with regard to State Capture so that at least, I’ll make sure that everything is up to date and try to look into the processes and statements…[that] were agreed,” Simelane said.
NPA National Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Shamila Batohi said the ID requires “unhindered access” in order to fulfil its duties.
“When we talk about access, we talk about unhindered access to the archives but I hasten to add, working within the legal and Constitutional requirements. The ID has been provided levels of access but not the access that it needs,” Batohi said.
In a statement last month, the department said it had responded to requests for data from law enforcement.
It clarified that cooperation between the Ministry and Investigating Directorate of the NPA remain cordial and professional.
“On the 31st of July 2024, the Ministry met with a number of the entities of the department, and it pledged its unwavering commitment to support the work of the NPA and its Investigative Directorate.
“The Commission’s secretariat has consistently supplied the requested data and documents.
“The Secretariat has positively responded to data requests from various law enforcement agencies, including the NPA’s ID, DPCI [Directorate of Priority Crime Investigations], Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU), Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC), South African Revenue Service (SARS), Special Investigating Unit (SIU), and some state-owned enterprises (SOEs).
“The remaining staff that is experienced in data science and programming, continue to support ongoing projects,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Tue, 09/10/2024 - 14:33
SA-Germany to place trade and investment under the spotlight
The promotion of trade and investment linkages between South Africa and Germany will come under the spotlight at an event that will be held on Thursday.
This as the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic), will host a network event in partnership with the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Change as well as the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).
The Partnering in Business with Germany network event will be held over two days at the Southern Sun Sandton in Gauteng from 12-13 September 2024.
“The global programme is designed to promote trade and investment linkages between Germany and South Africa,” said the dtic.
In April, the dtic and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Change signed a Joint Declaration on Cooperation to formalise a programme to train and mentor emerging exporters from South Africa to access the German market.
In a statement on Tuesday, dtic Deputy Director-General for Exports, Lerato Mataboge, said the programme’s objectives is to capacitate small medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) and emerging exporters by allowing them to forge successful business ties with Germany towards securing export orders and investment.
Mataboge pointed out that the programme targets companies to become more resilient through diversification, and also to assist companies that have so far had little experience with foreign markets to internationalise.
“The Partnering in Business with Germany programme focuses on imparting skills required for international business relations and developing companies to be ready for cooperation with German enterprises. In turn the programme also reduces risks and transaction costs for German companies looking at new markets.
“Through the programme participants are prepared to enter the German market and brought into contact with German firms interested in doing business with South Africa. As part of the successful collaboration between the two Ministries an alumni networking event is also held annually. The inaugural event took place in 2023 in Cape Town, attended by 60 past beneficiaries of the programme,” she explained.
The partnership with the German Ministry to mentor South African companies, has resulted in 234 companies traveling to Germany to experience German business culture and engage with potential export partners. -SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 09/10/2024 - 15:05
Sungrow, a global leader in renewable energy solutions, is pleased to announce the resounding success of its participation in Solar & Storage Live, Cape Town’s premier renewable energy exhibition held last week. The event marked a significant milestone in Sungrow’s commitment to driving the energy transition in South Africa, showcasing the company’s advanced solar and …
Owners find their cars burned to cinders
TechNvst, a prominent innovation commercialization firm based in South Africa, has announced an exciting new collaboration with Microsoft through the African Transformation Office (ATO) to launch the TechNvst AI Startups Uhuru Program. This new initiative is set to transform the landscape for AI-focused startups across Africa by providing them with essential resources and strategic support. …
DPWI rejects report on Sarah Baartman Centre of Remembrance
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has rejected a joint report by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure and the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture on the completion of the Sarah Baartman Centre of Remembrance in Hankey, Eastern Cape.
The report was presented to the Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts and Culture on Tuesday morning.
According to the department, Macpherson will soon be meeting with Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie to establish a way forward.
The Sarah Baartman Centre of Remembrance has been plagued by delays since a tender for its construction was issued in April 2014, and to date millions have been spent on the project, but construction remains 37% completed.
“In my discussions with Minister McKenzie, we both agree that the progress which has been achieved in the centre remains wholly inadequate and that serious action needs to be taken to limit any further wastage of taxpayer money.
“Not only have both departments failed to brief the Ministers on the report presented to Parliament, but it furthermore is simply unacceptable that despite three contractors being involved in the project over a period of 10 years, construction has not even been halfway completed with further delays expected,” Macpherson said.
He said the life of Sarah Baartman “remains an important reminder of our painful past, and it is therefore imperative that we give her the respect and dignity she deserves”.
“However, the work which has been done at the Remembrance Centre thus far fails to honour her memory and has instead become a problem which continues to cost taxpayers millions. This simply must end,” the Minister said.
Macpherson emphasised that a meeting with Minister McKenzie will help to resolve any concerns while developing a joint vision of how the construction of the project can be completed in the shortest timeframe possible, thereby possibly providing solutions that can be replicated at other memorial projects across South Africa.
“For too long, the South African State and the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure as implementing agents have spent millions on memorial projects just for the projects to remain incomplete or fall into a state of disrepair.
“This era of this fruitless expenditure has to come to an end, and I know that both Minister McKenzie and I are committed to achieving this goal. Let us Build South Africa,” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 09/10/2024 - 11:36
Suspects arrested in countrywide Operation Shanela crackdown
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has over the past week arrested 13 691 suspects in nationwide Operation Shanela operations.
The arrests were made from Monday to Sunday, 08 September, in various operations that included roadblocks and stop and searches.
According to the SAPS, 1 953 wanted suspects for crimes such as murder, rape, possession of illegal firearms and business robberies were arrested while 149 suspects were arrested for murder.
A total 179 suspects were arrested for rape of which 76 of them were arrested in KwaZulu-Natal while 161 suspects were arrested for being in the illegal possession of firearms.
“Assault GBH [grievous bodily harm] continues to register a large number of arrests with 1 536 suspects arrested,” said the police in a statement on Monday.
In addition, 271 drug dealers were arrested during this period while 404 people were arrested for drunk driving, 107 while 1 460 suspects were arrested for being in possession of drugs.
Meanwhile, 137 firearms were confiscated during operations and 5 922 rounds of ammunition were also confiscated.
“Highlights of major takedowns include six CIT [cash-in-transit] armed robbers [who] were killed in Germiston and three kidnappers [were] arrested in Ennerdale, Gauteng.”
In addition, three alleged extortionists were shot and killed at the National Intervention Unit (NIU) base in Mthatha following an attack on NIU members at the police unit base.
READ | SAPS to 'deal decisively' with extortionists
In addition, six extortionists were shot and killed in Durban through confrontation with police.
All Operation Shanela operations are led by the Provincial Commissioner of each province. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Tue, 09/10/2024 - 09:23
After 12 years in the radio industry, “Hip-Hop mom” and supermom of six children, Lebang Kgosana has finally made it to the big leagues and is set to begin hosting a brand-new drive time show, “The Driver’s seat with Lebang Kgosana” on Johannesburg based radio station, 919fm from the 2nd of September 2024. Previously known …
World-renowned football federation, the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) in partnership with VFS Global (www.VFSglobal.com), concluded extensive coaching courses held in Stellenbosch and in Durban earlier this year. The initiative is in line with VFS Global's community outreach initiatives across the globe with a focus on youth empowerment and skill development.
The KNVB-accredited course conducted under its WorldCoaches Programme in partnership with SAFA eThekwini, saw a total of 56 coaches from across Durban and Cape Town, with almost 50% of the participants being women. The coaches were accredited with a globally recognised certificate, as part of KNVB's WorldCoaches global drive of using football to drive social development.
The five-day workshop saw the coaches being exposed to the latest global trends of youth coaching and equipped with the necessary tools and information to be role models in their respective communities. In addition to tactical knowledge empowerment, key societal topics such as child protection, leadership, and social change formed part of the learning process for the coaches. The course hosted over 265 participating players throughout the two weeks, allowing the coaches to put together sessions they had learnt from the instructors into practice.
“This was truly an eye-opening experience for our coaches. Most of them are keen to learn and empower themselves, and thanks to such a programme, our region is not only producing future coaches. but key role models for our communities, thanks to KNVB”, said SAFA eThekwini Technical Director, Maxwell Ndlovu.
Speaking on behalf of the KNVB, instructor Bert Zuurman said the reception and eagerness shown by the coaches were encouraging and indicative of a bright youth football future for the region.
“We are honoured to share our knowledge and experience with these coaches, who are not just coaches but are now role models. Our programmes are uniquely designed to make use of football as a driver for social change, and it is important that our coaches are receptive to both the tactical and social development divisions of the programme. We wish all the coaches the best of luck, and sincerely thank SAFA eThekwini for providing us with the platform”, said Johan van Geijn, Founder of KNVB WorldCoaches.
“Through this programme, we are not only equipping coaches with the latest in football tactics but also instilling in them a sense of social responsibility. Through such initiatives that also empower young people to stay in school, we're shaping not just athletes, but future leaders by providing coaches with the tools to be role models. Our investment in South Africa underscores our dedication to youth empowerment worldwide, harnessing sports to pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future”, added Nadia Wicks, Head of Operations- Southern Africa, VFS Global.
The goal of the WorldCoaches program is to give participants critical thinking skills and resources required to make critical decisions both on and off the field.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VFS Global.
Media Contact:
George Cherian
Corporate Communications
VFS Global
georgec@vfsglobal.com / communications@vfsglobal.com
Further Enquiries:
Puncho Morajane
puncho@forwardzone.com
071 199 7858
About VFS Global:
As the world's leading outsourcing and technology service specialist, VFS Global embraces technological innovation including Generative AI to support governments and diplomatic missions worldwide. The company manages non-judgmental and administrative tasks related to applications for visa, passport, and consular services for its client governments, increasing productivity and enabling them to focus entirely on the critical task of assessment.
With a responsible approach to technology development, adoption and integration, the company prioritizes ethical practices and sustainability while serving as the trusted partner to 68 client governments. Operating over 3,400 Application Centres in 153 countries, VFS Global has efficiently processed more than 294 million applications since 2001.
Headquartered in Zurich and majority owned through investment funds managed by Blackstone Inc, along with the Swiss-based Kuoni and Hugentobler Foundation and EQT, VFS Global is committed to creating value for all stakeholders and leading in responsible, innovative solutions making government services more effective and efficient.
About KNVB – WorldCoaches:
WorldCoaches is a programme based on the KNVB's extensive international coaching experience and its belief that no matter where in the world, football can be used as a means for social development. Our trained WorldCoaches play a key role in this by inspiring and coaching children in their athletic and social development.
During WorldCoaches courses, youth are trained to become football coaches and role models in their own community. In doing so, the WorldCoaches programme focuses on three themes that directly contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These are: personal development, health and social cohesion. The SDGs were set by the United Nations and aim to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. As such, through the unique and universal appeal of football, the KNVB attempts to reduce the impact of various social challenges and aims to contribute to a better society.
The latest research shows that for the first time, both male and female South African consumers are equally engaged in loyalty programmes, with 76% participation from each gender. This heralds a shift from the historical trend where loyalty programmes were predominantly favoured by women. It also shows how consumer behaviour is evolving and reflects a …