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Labour dept institutes strict controls for service providers

Location: News

Labour dept institutes strict controls for service providers

Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi has warned service providers linked to the Labour Activation Programme (LAP) that they will not be paid without their performance being checked.

“The department expects delivery, compliance with contractual obligations, professionalism, quality work, measurable outputs and impactful interventions from you,” said Nxesi while delivering his keynote address at the Labour Activation Programme launch in Kimberley, Northern Cape, on Friday.

Nxesi said the department has employed systems and processes to monitor the performance of LAP service providers. 

This comes after eight LAP service providers accepted and signed a pledge to provide training to 23 070 young people in the Northern Cape.

The training, with a budget of R558 million, will focus on sectors including agriculture, construction, hospitality, security, energy, call centres, and new venture creations. 

Nxesi said the department has also been focusing on reconfiguring, along with its entities, to strengthen and improve effectiveness. 

“We are currently implementing the recommendations of an independent review of the Unemployment Insurance Fund and the Compensation Fund, focusing on strengthening service delivery and innovation, and developing effective and efficient business processes and systems.

“This includes an established project management office to monitor projects, enforce contracts and evaluate outcomes,” Nxesi said.

After the LAP launch, Nxesi visited a Jobs/Careers Fair -- also hosted by the department -- at Galeshewe Stadium. 

The event was attended by scores of work seekers from nearby communities. 

IMAGES | Jobs Fair @Galeshewe Stadium

Jobs/Careers Fair @ Galeshewe Stadium, Northern Cape. Jobs/Careers Fair @ Galeshewe Stadium, Northern Cape. Jobs/Careers Fair @ Galeshewe Stadium, Northern Cape.

Nxesi advised job seekers to use their mobile phones to register on the department’s Employment Services of South Africa database, and to apply for LAP opportunities when they are advertised. 

The Minister also advised job seekers to be aware of unscrupulous and bogus employers advertising fake opportunities.

He also urged them to report unscrupulous recruitment agencies, who charge job seekers a fee for employment opportunities, to the department and the South African Police Service. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Sun, 05/12/2024 - 08:28

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IEC to brief on election readiness

Location: News

IEC to brief on election readiness

The Electoral Commission (IEC) will on Tuesday brief media on the general readiness for 2024 National and Provincial Elections at Election House in Centurion.

“The briefing will cover the preparations for out-of-country voting, which is scheduled to take place in 111 foreign missions on Friday, 17 May and Saturday, 18 May 2024,” the commission said in a statement.

More than 78 000 South African citizens living in other countries will cast their vote on 17, 18 and 19 May 2024. 

The Commission also reminded voters that the deadline for applications to vote outside of their district is on Friday, 17 May 2024 at 5pm. 

Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission says it has noted the Constitutional Court ruling on the matters brought before it by three political parties concerning their exclusion from the national and provincial ballots.  

The three parties -- the Labour Party, the African Congress for Transformation Party, and the African Alliance for Social Democrats Party -- approached the Constitutional Court on an urgent basis to re-open the candidate nomination and submission period of the election timetable and/or postpone the elections as proclaimed.

During a hearing on Friday, the Constitutional Court ruled that the three parties will be excluded from the ballot paper of the 2024 elections.

“The ruling by the Constitutional Court allows the Electoral Commission to continue with final preparations for the general elections on Wednesday, 29 May 2024. The Electoral Commission is focused on fulfilling its mandate of delivering free, fair, and credible 2024 National and Provincial Elections,” the Commission said.  – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Sun, 05/12/2024 - 11:15

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Salute to nurses!

Location: News

Salute to nurses!

As the world celebrates International Nurses Day, the South African Nursing Council (SANC) has called on South African citizens to show appreciation for every nurse working tirelessly towards the health of the nation.

International Nurses Day is celebrated annually on 12 May, the birthday of the founder of modern-day nursing Florence Nightingale.

The 2024 International Nurses Day is celebrated under the theme: “Our Nurses. Our Future. The economic power of care”.

Affirming this year’s theme, SANC Registrar and CEO, Professor Ntombifikile Mtshali, said nurses are vital to the sustainability and effectiveness of healthcare systems, making the economic investment in nursing a priority. 

“Without nurses, the right to healthcare for all cannot be achieved. Nursing is a noble profession, which requires the highest degree of professionalism, ethical leadership and practice, resilience, dedication, and care,” Mtshali said. 

Mtshali said the health system cannot function without nursing as its backbone – a lesson that was learnt by all during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

She said reports on the nursing workforce across the world point to a dire and chronic shortage of nurses.

“Never has the time been more apt to invest more in nursing than right now.

“International Nurses Day presents an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the incredible work of all the nurses; their selfless contribution to saving lives and providing quality care to all.  

“To reiterate the words of the ICN President, Pamela Cipriano, nursing is not a cost. It is an investment into our economy, as a healthy economy requires healthy minds and bodies to support it, making nursing’s economic and societal benefits a key consideration,” Mtshali said.

The Council wished all nurses a happy International Nurses Day. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Sun, 05/12/2024 - 12:05

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No lack of investor confidence in SA – Minister Ntshavheni

Location: News

No lack of investor confidence in SA - Minister Ntshavheni

Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshaveni, has reiterated government’s stance that “there are no investors leaving" the country in droves.

This as some media reports stated earlier this month that Shell  is leaving South Africa after operating in the country for over 100 years.

The Minister was speaking on the sidelines of the Presidential District Development Model (DDM) Imbizo held at Kuruman in the Northern Cape on Thursday.

“There are no investors that are leaving the country in droves. You are dealing with commercial transactions which companies look at. One company comes out, another one comes in.

“[There was] a story that VW was leaving South Africa. VW just reinvested R4 billion preparing for a new line of auto-manufacturing vehicles that are coming in 2027 to 2029. So, it’s commercial transactions that happen globally. Every business looks at their own opportunities and says what’s in their own interest and it doesn’t mean it’s a reflection on the investor confidence in the country,” she said.

The Minister said investments “continue to flow into this country” – citing the Boegoebaai green hydrogen project as an example.

“I could churn out the numbers that are invested. The President has mentioned Boegoebaai. There are international investors that have partnered with us on Boegoebaai and there are South African companies themselves.

“What’s important is when your own businesses invest in your own country – that’s most significant than anything else because it shows the international community that we have confidence,” she said.

In the State of the Nation Address (SONA) earlier this year, President Cyril Ramaphosa highlighted that green hydrogen and electric vehicle manufacturing are receiving particular attention.

“We are going to set up a Special Economic Zone in the Boegoebaai port to drive investment in green energy. There is a great deal of interest from the private sector to participate in the boom that will be generated from green hydrogen energy projects,” the President said at the time.

Load shedding and logistics

Addressing the challenge of load shedding and the issues in freight rail to businesses, Ntshavheni said government is steadily working on those challenges.

“Three months ago, the media was saying load shedding is making sure that investors leave but we have handled load shedding up to where we are [more than a month without load shedding].

“There are notions that we are burning diesel. We are not burning diesel. Eskom has told us that they are switching off some [generating units]. They are putting some in maintenance early because we’ve got excess power.

“We have been dealing with the logistics issue with Transnet in Durban in particular and they are back on speed in terms of the backlog that they faced. So, there is no lack of investor confidence in our country.

“In terms of the World Bank, we are still rated the largest economy in Africa…and we compete with other countries toe to toe in terms of attracting investments,” Ntshavheni concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Fri, 05/10/2024 - 09:37

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SASSA Mkhondo office reopens its doors

Location: News

SASSA Mkhondo office reopens its doors

The South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) in Mpumalanga has announced that its Mkhondo office, which was formerly known as Piet Retief, has reopened its doors.

This comes after two senior officials and three unidentified men, who are believed to be traditional healers, were caught on security cameras performing rituals in the office after hours on 17 April 2024.

The senior manager reviewed CCTV footage after staff reported finding residues of needles and other muthi-like substances in the office.

On Sunday, Mpumalanga MEC for Social Development Lindiwe Ntshalintshali and executives from the SASSA held a debriefing with staff.

The leaders also invited local pastors who led a mass prayer session at the office where the rituals were performed in addition to the fumigation and thorough deep cleaning. 

“The intervention led the office to be reopened on Monday and the public was informed through various social media channels and stakeholders,” the statement read. 

According to the agency, services are now back to normal, while staff will continue to receive counselling services through a wellness programme. 

“As part of continuous support, officials have agreed to utilise the services if [they] still need further counselling.”

The Deputy Minister of Social Development, Dr Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu, also held a debriefing session on Thursday with officials to encourage and motivate them to continue serving the community with resilience.

Bogopane-Zulu also committed to providing all the necessary support to staff.

According to SASSA, the incident is currently under investigation to determine the reason for the actual occurrence and appropriate remedies. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Gabisile
Fri, 05/10/2024 - 14:37

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President mourns passing of retired ConCourt Justice Yvonne Mokgoro 

Location: News

President mourns passing of retired ConCourt Justice Yvonne Mokgoro 

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed sadness at the passing of retired Constitutional Court Justice Yvonne Mokgoro, who was also an esteemed member of the Order of the Baobab.

Mokgoro, 73, passed away on Thursday, 9 May 2024, following an extended illness after a car accident.

“On behalf of government, President Ramaphosa offers his deep condolences to Prof Job Mokgoro and the late Justice’s immediate and extended family, as well as her many associates in the legal fraternity in South Africa and abroad,” a statement from the Presidency read. 

Mokgoro was a judge of the Constitutional Court of South Africa from its inception in 1994 until the end of her 15-year term in 2009.

She was South Africa’s first black woman judge to sit on the Constitutional Court’s bench. 

The Justice obtained a Bachelor of Jurisprudence (B Juris) degree at the then University of Bophuthatswana (now North West University) in 1982, a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) two years later, and a Master of Laws (LLM) degree in 1987.

She also studied at the University of Pennsylvania in the United States, where she obtained a second LLM degree in 1990.

Throughout her legal career, she taught several courses, including Constitutional Law, Human Rights Law Jurisprudence, History of Law, Comparative Law, Criminal Law, Private Law and Customary Law at a number of universities in South Africa, the United Kingdom, the United States and the Netherlands.

“She wrote and presented papers, and participated in a myriad of national and international conferences, seminars and workshops in South Africa and internationally, mainly in sociological jurisprudence and particularly on human rights, and customary law, focusing on the impact of law on society generally, and women and children specifically,” said the Presidency.

In 2015, she was inducted as a member of the Order of the Baobab in Bronze for her excellent contribution to the field of law and administration of justice in a democratic South Africa.

President Ramaphosa said: “Justice Mokgoro’s passing deprives our nation of a formidable intellect and impeccable jurist, who served our democracy at its very inception and through the years that followed.

“As we recall the inauguration of our founding President Nelson Mandela 30 years ago on this day, 10 May, we count his appointment of Justice Mokgoro to the Constitutional Court as one of the critical, transformative decisions he exercised in those early days of our liberation.”

As a black woman judge, President Ramaphosa said Mokgoro was a pioneering embodiment of and contributor to the transformation of the country and the legal system and new jurisprudence that enabled transformation.

“Justice Mokgoro distinguished herself as an academic, a justice of our apex court, Chairperson of the South African Law Commission and as a strategic advisor to a diversity of boards in different sectors.

“Her insightful and principled counsel lives on in the thousands of legal careers she shaped in the course of her academic endeavours.

“She has left us under very tragic circumstances, and we, therefore, join the family in their sadness and their prayers that this beloved mother, patriot, leader and citizen of the globe will rest in peace,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Fri, 05/10/2024 - 11:45

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Gauteng legislature committee approves safety plans for elections

Location: News

Gauteng legislature committee approves safety plans for elections

The Gauteng Portfolio Committee on Community Safety has expressed confidence in the ability of the province’s law enforcement agencies to effectively manage any threats to the election process.

The committee has approved the safety and security plans designed to ensure a safe and secure environment during the National and Provincial Elections scheduled for 29 May 2024.

The plans were presented by the provincial Department of Community Safety and the Provincial Police Commissioner. 

Committee chairperson Bandile Masuku said given the crime rate in Gauteng, which is South Africa's largest voting province, the committee had expressed concerns about the impact this might have on the upcoming elections. 

To address these concerns, Masuku said both the Department of Community Safety and Provincial Police Commissioner outlined their comprehensive strategies to ensure the safety of voters and the smooth operation of the election process.

Masuku said the Department of Community Safety shared its approach to managing traffic, ensuring road safety, facilitating the free flow of traffic, escorting ballot papers, increasing police visibility, and preventing crime.

WATCH | Briefing on plans to ensure safe and secure elections 

Gauteng Police Commissioner Tommy Mthombeni also detailed how the South African Police Service (SAPS), in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, plans to maintain public order during the election period through crime prevention, combatting and investigation, and other security measures.

“The goal is to create a secure environment where voters can exercise their constitutional right to vote without fear or intimidation. Following these presentations, the committee expressed confidence in the ability of the law enforcement agencies in Gauteng to effectively manage any threats to the election process,” Masuku said. 

READ | Delivering free and fair elections

The committee also issued a warning to anyone who might consider disrupting the elections.

“Law enforcement will be on high alert and any criminal activities related to election disruptions will be dealt with firmly and legally,” Masuku said.

The committee encouraged all registered voters in Gauteng to turn out in large numbers to exercise the hard-earned constitutional right to vote for the political party of their choice. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Fri, 05/10/2024 - 11:48

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Divorce Amendment Bill signed into law

Location: News

Divorce Amendment Bill signed into law

President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed into law the Divorce Amendment Bill, which amends the Divorce Act of 1979 to recognise Muslim marriages and safeguard the interests of Muslim women and children of Muslim marriages in the event that marriages are dissolved.

Currently, Muslim couples who choose to marry according to Islamic law can only be afforded the statutory protection of the South African legal system as it pertains to civil spouses if they, in addition to their marriage under Islamic law, register a civil marriage.   

“The amended legislation addresses shortcomings in the Divorce Act of 1979, which differentiated between people married in terms of the Marriage Act and people married according to Muslim rites, especially women. 

“The amendments enacted by the President provide for a definition of a Muslim marriage in the Divorce Act of 1979; the protection and safeguarding of the interests of dependent and minor children of a Muslim marriage; the redistribution of assets on the dissolution of a Muslim marriage and forfeiture of patrimonial benefits of a Muslim marriage," the Presidency said on Thursday. 

The new legislation is a response to an earlier Constitutional Court judgment that recognised the need for and importance of protecting Muslim women and children of Muslim marriages, particularly when a Muslim marriage is dissolved. –SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Thu, 05/09/2024 - 10:32

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President assents to law Bill criminalising hate crimes, hate speech

Location: News

President assents to law Bill criminalising hate crimes, hate speech

President Cyril Ramaphosa has given his approval to the Preventing and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill, which criminalises hate crimes and hate speech. 

The law also outlines the prosecution process for individuals who perpetrate these offences.

“This legislative measure gives effect to South Africa’s obligations in terms of the Constitution and international human rights instruments concerning racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, in accordance with international law obligations,” the Presidency explained in a statement on Thursday. 

According to the statement, the Constitution sets out certain basic values, including human dignity, the achievement of equality and the advancement of human rights and freedoms and non-racialism and non-sexism.

The Bill of Rights, in Section 9 of the Constitution, prohibits direct or indirect unfair discrimination against anyone on the grounds of race, gender, sex, pregnancy, marital status, ethnic or social origin, colour, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, conscience, belief, culture, language and birth.

“The Bill of Rights gives everyone the right to dignity and gives everyone the right to freedom and security of the person, which includes the right to be free from all forms of violence from either public or private sources.”

The President’s Office explained that the new Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Act provides for the prevention of hate crimes and hate speech, effective enforcement measures, and the gathering and recording of data on hate crimes and hate speech.

“A hate crime is committed if a person commits any recognised offence under any law that is motivated by prejudice or intolerance based on one or more characteristics or perceived characteristics of the victim, as listed in the legislation or a family member of the victim.”

The definition of the crime, the Presidency said, extends to offences targeting the victim’s association with or support for a person with one or more of the listed characteristics or a group of persons who share these characteristics.

“The offence of hate speech applies to any person who intentionally publishes, propagates, advocates, shares or communicates anything to one or more persons in a manner that could reasonably be construed to demonstrate a clear intention to be harmful or to incite harm and to promote or propagate hatred based on defined grounds.

“The law also makes it an offence when speech material is intentionally distributed or made available in electronic communication, and the said person knows that such electronic communication constitutes hate speech.” 

However, the law does not consider actions undertaken in good faith during engagement as part of hate speech.

These actions include artistic creativity, performance or other form of expression; academic or scientific inquiry; and fair and accurate reporting or commentary in the public interest. 

It also excludes interpretation and articulating or espousing of any religious conviction, tenet, belief, teaching, doctrine or writing that does not advocate hatred or constitutes incitement to cause harm.

The law also contains directives on training and other measures to be undertaken by the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to ensure effective processing of the newly defined crimes. – SAnews.gov.za

Gabisile
Thu, 05/09/2024 - 11:39

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Exploring Vape Options in South Africa: Your Guide to the Best Choices at Downtown Vapoury

Location: MyPR

Introduction Vaping has become a popular trend in South Africa, offering a modern alternative to traditional smoking. For enthusiasts or those new to vaping, finding the right shop is crucial. Enter Downtown Vapoury, a premier vape shop known for its wide selection and excellent customer service. Why Choose Downtown Vapoury? Downtown Vapoury stands out in …

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Public-private partnerships essential to unlock SADC opportunities

Location: News

Public-private partnerships essential to unlock SADC opportunities

Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are essential to unlock economic opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in the transport and logistics industry for the movement of goods across the continent, says the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA).

“Collaboration between the private sector and government is key to unlocking opportunities. For instance, the Lobito Railway Corridor is a brownfield project, where the private sector identified the opportunity and partnered with government,” DBSA Senior Deal Originator Bongo Bacela said on Thursday.

The Lobito Corridor project entails the construction of almost 350 miles of rail line in Zambia, along with hundreds of miles of feeder roads, linking the southern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the northwestern part of Zambia to regional and global markets via Angola’s Port of Lobito.

The Lobito Corridor ushers in myriad new opportunities for economic growth and development that will unlock the region’s commercial competitiveness. This infrastructural investment is a powerful catalyst for the establishment of small businesses along the railway transport routes, fostering local economic growth.

“They [Zambia] entered into a concession agreement because the State-owned enterprise that was running the line was struggling to run it in an efficient manner, so given the experience and the knowledge of the industry by the private sector, they entered into a concession agreement with government.

“We believe that there will be economic opportunities that will be unlocked, traffic will be higher, both the DRC and Angola will benefit from a tax point of view. Jobs will be created and the whole world will benefit from the minerals that will be transported on the corridor," Bacela said.

The bank is involved in a number of transport corridors in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.

"We are involved in these projects because we understand the region needs regional integration to promote trade amongst the countries in Africa so we can achieve our developmental goals as the continent and improve economic activity between the various countries in the region.

“Without these [projects], there is now way that the countries can promote trade if we don’t improve our transport infrastructure in the transport sector,” Bacela said during a webinar hosted by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) on Thursday.

The bank is involved in the financing of the Lobito Railway Corridor, together with an American Development Finance Institution.

“We are looking to provide funding to the tune of up to $200 billion. We see this as an important corridor because of the minerals that are coming out of the DRC mines that must be evacuated and exported to markets such as China and the United States

“Our interest is mainly around some of the transition minerals such as lithium and some rare earth minerals that are coming from mines in the Zambia and the DRC,” Bacela said.

The DBSA is a government-owned development finance institution mandated to promote economic growth as well as regional integration for sustainable development projects and programmes across the African continent.

It finances infrastructure projects in six sectors, namely, transport and logistics; Information and Communication Technologies (ICT); water and sanitation; energy, and social housing.

“Government cannot succeed without the private sector and the private sector cannot succeed without government because governments will have to issue licences and permits that are required for the private sector to operate the infrastructure,” Bacela said.

He cited regulations, skills shortage, funding shortages and the currency mismatch as some of the challenges that the transport and logistics sector experience in the region. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Thu, 05/09/2024 - 13:47

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Putting Clients First: Centurion Law Group Rebrands as CLG

Location: News
CLG

Pan-African legal and business advisory group Centurion Law Group has officially rebranded to CLG (https://CLGGlobal.com), underscoring a firm-wide commitment to innovation and growth. The rebrand aligns closely with the firm's mission to consolidate its position as the leading legal practice and business advisor in an ever-evolving energy environment. With the rebrand, clients can expect expanded service offerings and elevated levels of excellence, as the firm moves to become the go-to legal platform for the African continent.

CLG's rebranding responds to growing client and shareholder demand for leadership in tackling complex legal issues across all energy sectors. As one of the continent's fastest-growing industries, energy is undergoing significant development and rapid change. The rebrand positions CLG to support these developments with a team of internationally-trained lawyers offering a suite of comprehensive services.

The firm's team of experienced legal professionals offers an in-depth understanding of the market and excels at navigating complex operating environments. CLG is the preferred professional services partner in Africa, equipped to offer on-the-ground support across multiple sectors.

CLG's rebranding journey is driven by several key motivations, including strategic differentiation, a more streamlined identity, global appeal and expanded service offerings. The new brand identity reinforces the firm's commitment to excellence, while signaling a fresh perspective and approach to legal services. It also provides a modern corporate identity that resonates with clients and stakeholders across diverse markets and builds broader brand recognition.

As a firm, CLG has a rich history of spearheading transformative oil and gas transactions across Africa, setting it apart as the leading law firm for the oil and gas industry. With extensive experience and deep-rooted technical expertise in the sector, CLG has a proven track record of providing top-tier legal services and strategic advice to clients across the energy spectrum. Its team has successfully guided clients through complex regulatory landscapes, contractual negotiations and large-scale transactions.

The firm's comprehensive understanding of the industry and its nuances ensures it is well-equipped to handle all legal aspects of oil and gas projects. From exploration and production to refining and distribution, CLG offers tailored solutions that address the specific needs and challenges of its clients.

Operating in several markets including South Africa, Nigeria, the Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Mauritius, Ghana, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Mozambique and Germany, CLG prides itself on building lasting relationships with clients and delivering exceptional results. The firm's reputation for excellence and commitment to client satisfaction makes it the trusted choice for businesses operating in the energy sector.

CLG recently achieved several significant milestones, including securing a listing on the Open Market of the Düsseldorf Stock Exchange under Calvert International AG (CIAG). Founded in 2007, the firm has quickly established itself as a leading pan-African legal and advisory conglomerate, dedicated to providing innovative and strategic solutions to clients across the continent. With a focus on excellence, integrity and client satisfaction, CLG has played a central role in driving the growth and success of its clients in an ever-evolving business environment.

The firm's positive track record serves as a cornerstone for future success, and the CLG rebrand marks a pivotal moment in its journey, symbolizing a strategic shift towards greater success, resonance and impact within the global legal and business landscape. This transformation is not only cosmetic, but also underscores CLG's commitment to serving as a modern, dynamic and global-minded legal, business and tax partner.

“While we are proud of our accomplishments, our sights are set on the future, driven by an unwavering commitment to adapt, innovate and position our company for continued growth and success in an ever-changing business environment. CLG stands resolute in our dedication to meeting the evolving needs of our clients and enhancing the scope and quality of our services,” stated CLG CEO Zion Adeoye.

“The rebranding to CLG signifies a new chapter for our clients as we enhance our focus on delivering exceptional legal, tax and business advisory services. Our clients can expect a more streamlined and impactful experience, backed by our unwavering commitment to their success,” Adeoye added.

Visit CLG's new website at https://CLGGlobal.com. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of CLG.

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From Montana, Cape Town to Soweto: Local Basketball Club Aims for National Glory

Location: MyPR

In the heart of Cape Town, the Montana Vikings Basketball Club (MVBC) stands as a symbol of hope for the youth. Driven by a vision to transform lives and make a mark on the global basketball stage, this community-based organization is spearheading a movement that melds sportsmanship with social impact. Under the leadership of Shafiek …

Read moreFrom Montana, Cape Town to Soweto: Local Basketball Club Aims for National Glory

Government committed to resolve SA challenges

Location: News

Government committed to resolve SA challenges

While government has made significant progress in improving the lives of its citizens in the past 30 years, President Cyril Ramaphosa has acknowledged that for millions of South Africans, the promise of 1994 has not yet translated into a meaningful change.

“That is why we must, and we will, continue to work in earnest to resolve the challenges that are holding back our progress,” the President said on Wednesday in Pretoria.

Addressing the launch of the 30 Year Review Report, he said there is room for improvement in growing the economy, addressing unemployment, poverty, inequality and underdevelopment.

The 30 Year Review Report reflects on the work the country has collectively undertaken to build a democratic, prosperous and free South Africa.

“We continue our efforts to overcome the energy crisis, to implement structural reforms to boost economic growth, to drive programmes that create more employment, and to improve the capacity of the state to deliver services,” Ramaphosa said.

He said the democratic breakthrough of 1994 represented both a decisive break with a painful past and an opportunity for South Africa to chart a new course.

WATCH | Launch of the of the 30 Years of Democracy Review Report in Pretoria

Strides made

“South Africa is a vastly different place compared to what it was 30 years ago. Guided by our Constitution and its Bill of Rights, successive democratic administrations have implemented progressive policies and programmes to uplift the material condition of all South Africans, particularly society’s most vulnerable,” the President said.

These policies have included the provision of basic services, housing, education, health care and social support.

“We have established a unitary, democratic state and created institutions to uphold democracy and promote accountability.

“We have an independent judiciary, a robust civil society, a free media and a clear separation of powers between the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government.

“We have advanced transformative policies to change the racial and gender composition of the economy and the workplace. We have implemented laws to protect workers and advance their rights.”

Government has restored land to many who had been dispossessed and has provided emerging farmers with the means to productively use their land.

Challenges

“South Africa today is a valued member of the international fellowship of nations. We pursue a progressive foreign policy rooted in advancing the African Agenda, in social justice and solidarity, and in support of multilateralism. Yet we know that still much more needs to be done.

“We are contending with slow economic growth, high unemployment, poverty, inequality and underdevelopment. What is made clear by this Review Report is that the task of consolidating our democratic gains is not just the responsibility of the state. It is a responsibility that we all share.

“Just as we stood together to overcome COVID-19, just as we have united to confront other crises, we can overcome this period of difficulty in the life of our nation together,” the President said.

He said government was to create a better South Africa, a transformed South Africa, a South Africa that leaves no-one behind.

“The story of 30 years of democracy contained in this report is an honest and critical appraisal. It presents both light and shade, both progress and challenges. It is a vital reference for anyone who wants to understand the last 30 years and for everyone who wants to look into our future.

“It is our hope and expectation that this Review Report will be studied in detail and that its findings will be applied. This 30 Year Review Report is much more than a chronicle of a changing nation.

"As we chart the path ahead for our democracy, we will look to this Report as a valuable instrument for transformation, progress and growth. Let us make this a living document that inspires, encourages and guides us as we continue to build a democratic, prosperous and free South Africa,” the President said. –SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Wed, 05/08/2024 - 13:55

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Restoring SA after apartheid

Location: News

Restoring SA after apartheid

As South Africa celebrates reaching the historic milestone of 30 years of democracy, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, says in their reflections of this journey, South Africans should remember the kind of state that was inherited by government in 1994.

“For some, 30 years may seem like a long time, yet when we consider what the democratic state inherited in 1994, it was always clear that our journey would be long and with many highs and lows. In 1994 we were a fractured nation,” Ntshavheni said on Wednesday in Pretoria.

Addressing the launch of the 30 Year Review Report, the Minister said the very fabric of the country had been torn apart by apartheid’s policies, which had systematically excluded black South Africans to the fringes of society.

“Planning and development in South Africa before 1994 was fragmented, thus enabling their exclusion and marginalisation from developmental opportunities,” the Minister said.

The 30 Year Review Report reflects on the work South Africa has collectively undertaken to build a democratic, prosperous and free South Africa.

“Thirty years of freedom and democracy in South Africa is a journey through triumphs, challenges, and ongoing progress. It's a testament to the resilience and spirit of a nation that has overcome immense adversity to embrace unity, democracy, and equality.

“While milestones like the end of apartheid have been monumental, there's recognition of the work still ahead to address systemic issues and ensure that freedom truly reaches every corner of society. It's a time to celebrate progress, honour those who fought for change, and commit to building a future where every South African can thrive,” the Minister said.

She emphasised that the South Africa of today is much better than the South Africa of 1994.

According to the World Bank, South Africa is the leading economy in the African continent with nominal GDP of over $US373 billion.

“Gross Tax revenue collection increased from R147.3 billion in 1996 to R2.155 trillion in 2023/2024 - the ever growing economy, while facing headwinds at present, has demonstrated the ability to create jobs and employment despite historical and structural challenges. South Africa has 750 000km road network and it ranks 11th amongst the countries with the largest road network,” the Minister said.

South Africa’s road network that is paved and/or tarred is at 159 272 kilometres. It ranks 19th globally.

“It is no small feat that South Africa has achieved universal access to education for children between the ages of 7 - 15 years and we are on track to achieve universal access to Early Childhood Development. Through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme, and its predecessor Tertiary Education Fund of South Africa (TEFSA), the government continues to break generational poverty with families and households having first time graduates -  something many would not have dared dream of," the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

 

nosihle
Wed, 05/08/2024 - 14:17

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Read moreRestoring SA after apartheid

Burning of SA flag is unacceptable: President Ramaphosa

Location: News

Burning of SA flag is unacceptable: President Ramaphosa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the burning of the South African flag in a political advert saying it is “treasonous”.

“The flag of our country is sacred in the life of our country. It is that flag that unites all of us. It is despicable that a political party goes and burns the symbol of our unity, the symbol of our existence as a nation. I think it is treasonous,” President Ramaphosa said.

The President’s comments follow on the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) election advert depicting the burning of the national flag.

Speaking on the sidelines of the official opening of the Department of Home Affairs’ offices in Mokopane, Limpopo, the President said those that were involved in the making of the advert should be ashamed of themselves.

“All we want is to build South Africa and unity … People died for the flag of the nation. People rally around the flag of the nation and it is about us. They are destroying that unity, that identity that we all have. It is totally unacceptable,” President Ramaphosa said.

In a media statement issued by the Presidency later in the day, the President said he believes that the depiction of the burning flag “is desperate and inciteful” and undermines the principles of democracy and unity in the midst of the national celebration of 30 Years of Freedom and the preservation of tolerance and peace in the build-up to the 29 May national and provincial elections.

“All South Africans should deplore this abuse of our national flag for party political purposes.

“Our flag is a symbol of identity, integrity and unity that we fly with a pride and consciousness that transcends party political interests.

“Our flag holds profound significance for the nation as it represents the hard-won freedoms and peace achieved through historical struggles against injustice. 

“As government, we firmly defend the right to freedom of expression, with the expectation that this right be exercised with respect for all people and that it does not incite social upheaval or violence.

“To manipulate or exploit national symbols for personal or partisan gain is disrespectful and also undermines the essence of democracy and civic responsibility.

“It is our shared responsibility to ensure that our elections are free, fair and dignified.”

The President further called on all political parties and South Africans to uphold the dignity of all national symbols and to conduct themselves in ways that foster unity and progress for all. 

Meanwhile, Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Zizi Kodwa has condemned in the strongest terms the political advertisement by the DA.

The Minister said the South African flag will not be used as an instrument to sow division and hysteria.

READ | Minister condemns burning of SA flag in advert

-SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin
Tue, 05/07/2024 - 20:46

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Read moreBurning of SA flag is unacceptable: President Ramaphosa