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Doing business in South Africa has long been a challenge for the bravest and boldest brands and businesses, with the last few years serving up a particularly diverse set of obstacles for local commerce to overcome. Between the COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions, ongoing power outages, extreme weather events and road closure caused by a …
Operation Shanela nabs 904 suspects in North West
Operation Shanela continues to make an impact across communities with 904 suspects having been apprehended for various transgressions in the North West province.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the suspects arrested across all districts in the province were held for crimes, including murder, attempted murder, assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm, dealing in drugs, malicious damage to property and driving under the influence of alcohol.
A total of 374 suspects were arrested in raiding operations.
Operation Shanela consists of regular stop and searches, roadblocks, vehicle check points, high visibility patrols including foot patrols, the tracing of wanted suspects with a focus of murder and rape suspects, compliance inspections at liquor outlets and second hand good dealers.
In addition, 43 suspected undocumented foreign nationals were taken in for processing by Immigration Officials.
The police also visited and searched 95 premises while 2 622 persons and 1 477 vehicles were searched.
Seven firearms, 37 ammunition, 11 cellular phones, a variety of drugs and tobacco products were confiscated.
The Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena commended all law enforcement agencies and other role players for their continuous efforts in the fight against criminality. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Thu, 05/02/2024 - 09:50
Cape Town, South Africa – Comic-Con Cape Town kicked off in style with an electrifying media dinner that brought together gamers, influencers, and media personalities, including actor Siv Ngesi, musician Chad Saaiman, and Stormers Rugby player Kuyenzeka Xaba, amongst others courtesy of the event’s ultimate gaming snack Doritos. The second Comic Con Cape Town officially …
Next-generation financial services platform Mukuru (www.Mukuru.com), one of the most recognisable fintech brands on the continent, has announced that it is sponsoring Zimbabwe's national rugby team as it seeks to achieve Rugby World Cup qualification, the first since 1991.
With the hopes of a nation on their shoulders, the Sables, as the national team is known, will run out against Zambia on 4 May sporting Mukuru's branding on the beloved national jersey for the first time.
The Sables are admired in Zimbabwe and around the continent, known for their attacking style of play, technical acuity and sportsmanship. The team, blessed with talent and a rejuvenated system, is confident of its prospects of qualifying for the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Mukuru, which has over 16-million customers in 50 countries, can trace its roots back to Zimbabwe, which remains a crucial and important market for the multinational fintech.
Brandon Mncube, Chief Marketing Officer at Mukuru, says the sponsorship of the Sables made sense as the team displays the same passion and love for the country as Mukuru. “We are incredibly excited to be sponsoring Zimbabwe's national rugby team. The Sables are eyeing World Cup qualification and with their revitalised systems in place and the formidable talent at their disposal, we wanted to give them the best possible chance of living up to their potential,” he says.
“The Sables embody the same passion that has seen Mukuru grow exponentially across the continent. Just as we are passionately driven to provide relevant and competitive financial services products that delight our customers in Zimbabwe and abroad, one gets a real sense of the confidence in this team – all the way down from administrators, to the coaches and of course, the players. Mukuru is backing the Sables to achieve their goal.”
Rugby fans have a great season of excitement in store, as the Sables are set to take on formidable opponents such Zambia, Uganda and the Netherlands over the next few months.
Commenting on the team's new sponsorship, Sables Head Coach Pieter Benade had the following to say: “We are delighted that a financial company as big as Mukuru recognised our commitment and passion to deliver the kind of rugby success that Zimbabweans deserve. Their sponsorship will go a long way towards enabling our journey to achieve our goal of 2027 World Cup qualification.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mukuru.
About Mukuru:
Mukuru is a leading next generation financial services platform in Southern Africa that offers affordable and reliable financial services to a customer base of over 16 million+ across Africa, Asia and Europe.
With over 100 million transactions to date, our core was built providing international money transfers and from this base, we've developed a set of services to address the broader financial needs of our customers. We now operate in over 60 countries and across over 500 remittance corridors.
We are a business that puts the customer at the centre of everything we do, and for that reason, we serve clients across physical and digital channels, by various payment methods (cash, card, wallet) as well as a range of engagement platforms including WhatsApp, USSD, contact centre, App, website, agents and a branch and booth network.
Mukuru has, for the fifth consecutive year, been listed as one of the top 100 Cross Border Payments businesses in the world in the 2024 FXC Intelligence Top 100 Cross-Border Payment Companies, one of only six African companies to receive this accolade.
In 2023, Mukuru officially ranked sixth on the LinkedIn Top Companies List in South Africa.
Mukuru was celebrated for innovation and excellence at the 2023 Africa Tech Festival Awards, receiving the Fintech Innovation of the Year Award - an acknowledgment of the transformative power of financial technology in driving economic growth, financial inclusion, and digital transformation.
Further information can be found at https://www.Mukuru.com.
JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) and Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation Limited are delighted to announce Amul as the team sponsor...
Car audio systems play a significant role in enhancing the driving experience, whether you’re commuting to work or embarking on a road trip adventure. With a plethora of options available in South Africa, selecting the right car audio setup can be a rewarding yet challenging task. Let’s explore the key components and considerations without mentioning …
Kettles are essential appliances in any kitchen, facilitating the quick and efficient boiling of water for various purposes, from brewing a morning cup of tea to preparing instant meals. In South Africa, a diverse selection of kettles is available for sale, catering to different preferences and needs. Let’s explore the top picks in the realm …
All systems go for registered voters to cast ballots abroad
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) says it is confident that all systems are in place for the shipment of voting materials to enable South African citizens living abroad to cast their ballots.
The department and the Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) have met and agreed on the logistics for the dispatching of election materials.
Voting materials will be sent to all 115 South African diplomatic missions using diplomatic airfreight bags.
“A short-term contract for this purpose is in place. The diplomatic bag is protected by diplomatic immunity. DIRCO makes use of diplomatic bags to dispatch official documents and articles to and from South Africa per the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961 and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations of 1963,” the department explained.
According to the IEC, by law, citizens can only vote abroad on the date specified in the election timetable, which is typically 10 days before voting day in the country. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 04/30/2024 - 15:04
Dr Motsuenyane: A torchbearer of black economic empowerment
Small Business Development Minister, Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, has described the late Dr Sam Motsuenyane as a doyen of black business and a torchbearer of black economic empowerment.
“He represents a generation of black entrepreneurs who, despite formidable odds, managed to take their destinies into their own hands and built business empires whose successes defied the apartheid logic,” Ndabeni-Abrahams said.
The Minister said Dr Motsuenyane contributed enormously to the downfall of apartheid and was one of the architects of South Africa’s new democracy.
Dr Motsuenyane died at the age of 97 on Monday.
As a co-founder of the National African Federated Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NAFCOC), he will be remembered as a tireless advocate and defender of the interests of black business in the country, especially during the dark days of apartheid.
“As we proudly celebrate his legacy and the mark he made in pursuit of black economic emancipation, we are also reminded of his pioneering roles, including the establishment of the African Bank. It shall be recalled that the apartheid regime denied the black majority the right to trade and conduct businesses of their choice.
“With the laws of the land and economic policies heavily stacked against them and with policies intended to squeeze them out of economic activity, Dr Motsuenyane and his peers rose and emerged to become business icons of our nation. We salute them for carving their own path despite heavy odds stacked against them,” the Minister said.
Ndabeni-Abrahams noted that Dr Motsuenyane’s exemplary life is that of an ordinary son of the soil who, during his lifetime, demonstrated extraordinary courage and gave his nation hope.
“His towering, yet gentle presence in our midst, always gave us the assurance that we stand on the shoulders of giants [and] as the Ministry of Small Business Development, we are inspired by Dr Motsuenyane’s legacy.
“The best tribute we can pay in honour of his memory and legacy is to devote our collective efforts towards building and sustaining the township and village economy, and to intensify broad-based black economic empowerment.
“In his name and memory, we will intensify our efforts to empower small businesses and promote entrepreneurship,” Ndabeni-Abrahams said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 05/01/2024 - 11:56
In the heart of South Africa, a digital revolution is unfolding. As the digital landscape continues to evolve at a breakneck pace, businesses across the Rainbow Nation are increasingly turning to digital marketing agencies to navigate this complex terrain. These agencies, known for their innovative strategies and cutting-edge technologies, are playing a pivotal role in …
In the dynamic landscape of home entertainment, choosing the right television can be a pivotal decision. With an array of options available in the South African market, navigating through the myriad of specifications and features can seem daunting. This comprehensive guide aims to streamline the process, offering insights into the diverse range of TVs for …
Government pays tribute to South Africa's workers
As South Africa joins the rest of the world in celebrating International Workers’ Day, government has paid tribute to all workers, especially frontline workers who continue to provide essential services on this public holiday.
Celebrated annually on 1 May, International Workers’ Day or May Day, pays tribute to the historical struggle of workers and their trade unions for solidarity and fair employment standards.
This year’s International Workers’ Day is commemorated under the theme: “30 Years of Freedom”.
This year also marks the 133-year anniversary of May Day, a testament to the enduring legacy of the labour movement.
In South Africa, the journey began with the formation of the Congress of South African Trade Union (COSATU) in December 1985. The union’s demand for May Day to be recognised as a public holiday and renamed Workers’ Day was heeded by approximately 1.5 million workers.
The workers were joined by thousands of learners, students, taxi drivers, hawkers, shopkeepers, domestic workers, and self–employed and unemployed people.
Despite being banned in advance by the apartheid government, rallies were held across the country with the majority held in the Pretoria-Witwatersrand-Vereeniging area, now known as Gauteng.
Workers’ Day has been officially acknowledged and commemorated in South Africa since the inaugural democratic government in 1994.
The Department of Employment and Labour said the day serves dual purposes – a celebration of workers’ rights and a poignant reminder of the pivotal role that trade unions, the Communist Party and other labour organisations played in the struggle against apartheid.
“Workers’ Day in South Africa carries its unique cultural significance. The public holiday has come to symbolise not only the sacrifices made in an arduous journey towards fair employment standards but also the fierce battle against apartheid, where trade and labour played a crucial role,” the department said in a statement on Wednesday.
Given that South Africa’s working classes were the most oppressed under apartheid, the department said the fight for improved working conditions and the battle to dismantle systematic segregation became inextricably linked.
“Prior to the 1994 elections, labour and trade groups frequently used Workers’ Day as a rallying symbol against segregation and oppression of the apartheid regime, organising demonstrations and fostering widespread resistance. This day serves as a testament to their resilience and determination,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 05/01/2024 - 10:29
Dingaan Thobela "a champion fighter who captured the hearts of the nation"
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Zizi Kodwa has paid tribute to the late South African boxing legend Dingaan Thobela, describing him as one of the world's standout fighters.
“Thobela fought in some of the most memorable bouts, such as the fights against Tony Lopez for the World Boxing Association (WBA) lightweight title and against Glenn Catley to win the World Boxing Council (WBC) super-middleweight title.
“Through his success and popularity, Thobela was one of the world's standout fighters in a golden period of South African boxing,” the Minister said on Tuesday.
In a professional career which spanned from 1986 until 2006, Thobela was a multiple world-boxing champion, having won the World Boxing Organization (WBO) and WBA lightweight, and World WBC super-middleweight titles.
Also known as the Rose of Soweto, Thobela was a recipient of the Andrew Mlangeni Green Jacket Award.
“Thobela was a champion fighter who captured the hearts and soul of the nation. The Rose of Soweto progressed from a prolific amateur boxer to become a three-time world champion as a professional.
“As we celebrate 30 years of South African democracy, we mourn the loss of an athlete who did so much to elevate South African sport through his success in boxing. We also celebrate a champion boxer who inspired the nation, future boxers and champions from Soweto, Mdantsane, Thohoyandou, and other parts of the country.
"I express my deepest sympathies to the Thobela family and the South African boxing fraternity. I join millions in mourning the passing of the Rose of Soweto," Kodwa said. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Tue, 04/30/2024 - 08:57
Mashatile calls on leaders from all sectors to build SA's economy
Leaders from all sectors of society must join hands to build a resilient economy and fight corruption, says the Deputy President, Paul Mashatile.
“We must collaborate, with each playing a distinctive part, to generate employment and boost trade and investment between our nations, the continent and the world,” he told delegates during a dialogue on the role of leadership in fostering economic growth, hosted by the African United Business Confederation (AUBC).
The roundtable dialogue held on Tuesday focused on the role of leadership in economic growth.
The Deputy President said he believed that effective leadership significantly affects the economic landscape of nations and societies.
“We are convinced that to build our economy, leaders from all sectors, including business, politics, government, and civil society, must work together,” he said.
“Our roles are all important, and if one lags behind, it will affect the growth of our economy. It is our duty as political leaders in government to formulate policies that promote an environment conducive to economic growth.”
The country’s second-in-command said effective economic policies can stimulate innovation, promote entrepreneurship and drive innovation.
“As you may have observed, since the advent of democracy, we have created political stability by promoting free and fair elections, which will continue to be the case in the upcoming election on 29 May 2024.”
The Deputy President said a stable political environment is critical for investor confidence and economic growth.
He told the private sector leaders that they have a responsibility to foster entrepreneurship and innovation, both of which are vital to economic expansion and job creation.
In addition, he said, the private sector is key to enhancing the competitiveness of the South African economy.
“Together, as leaders, we possess the foresight to identify opportunities, mitigate risks, and make strategic decisions that drive sustainable economic development.”
He acknowledged that despite attaining political freedom and substantial advancements since 1994, South Africa is yet to realise economic freedom and an economy that adequately provides for the majority of its population.
“As present-day leaders across various sectors of our society, we must set aside our differences and concentrate on fully rousing the potential of South Africa’s economy.
“We must proactively address socio-economic challenges such as high unemployment, poverty, inequality and corruption.”
Corruption
He added that in order to reach the goal of ending poverty and boosting economic growth set out in the National Development Plan, “we must all work together to fight corruption and support accountability, openness, and good government”.
The fight against corruption should be multifaceted, involving both the public and private sectors.
“We have to strengthen anti-corruption partnerships, intensify efforts, and promote a zero-tolerance approach to corruption led by capable leaders, who are resilient, highly adaptable and willing to implement bold reforms to surmount our challenges and transform the economy.”
Inclusion
In addition, he called on leaders across sectors to be intentional in their inclusion of women, youth and other marginalised groups in economic reform efforts.
He also touched on the Red Tape Reduction Team introduced by President Cyril Ramaphosa to improve the ease of doing business in the country and further stimulate business development.
“The team focuses on reducing red tape in priority areas such as mining rights, tourism operator licenses, travel visas, work permits, and the informal sector, aiming to create a competitive and vibrant economy.”
In addition, he said government has also reduced regulatory hurdles for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs) and cooperatives, reduced VAT refund processing time from 15 weeks to four to five weeks and reduced the corporate income tax audit process from 32 weeks to 17 weeks.
“We have a collective role to play in paving the way for future generations of leaders to contribute to the transformation of our economy. Through strategic leadership, we unlock the countries’ potential, drive innovation, and create a better future.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 04/30/2024 - 12:32
Have you ever wondered what’s driving the cooking oil prices in South Africa Understanding these dynamics can provide valuable insights into not only the global economy, but also the cost of a pantry staple we can’t do without! Let’s take a closer look at some of the factors that affect cooking oil prices, with Morne …
In an effort to assess South Africa’s global reputation in various key areas, Brand South Africa conducted extensive research on the perceptions that other countries have on South Africa. A total of 17 countries were surveyed with over 9800 respondents and focused on brand audiences related to tourism, investment, talent, exports and general reputation. On …
Deputy President Mashatile applauds efforts to keep the lights on
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has applauded the Minister in the Presidency responsible for Electricity Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa’s leadership in striving to find solutions to power cuts and increasing energy availability.
“It is commendable that we have had four consecutive weeks without power interruptions. We equally commend the Eskom team as led by Mr Dan Morakane in this regard,” he said on Tuesday.
Deputy President Mashatile made the comments this morning at a dialogue on the role of leadership in fostering economic growth. The session was hosted by the African United Business Confederation (AUBC) in Sandton.
He emphasised that government will ensure that all power stations have the right leaders who will drive the appropriate discipline within those operations.
“While some think that this is an electioneering strategy, I want to reassure you that this reality is just evidence of improvements in the entity’s operations.”
Last week, Ramokgopa and Eskom leadership attributed the lack of load shedding for over 34 days to sustained available generation capacity and sufficient emergency reserves.
Energy Action Plan
Meanwhile, the Deputy President told delegates that government’s strategy to improve Eskom’s performance has been the implementation of a concerted and deliberate Energy Action Plan (EAP).
The State, he stressed, remains committed to implementing the EAP’s key interventions.
These include fixing Eskom, improving the availability of existing supplies, enabling and accelerating private investment in generation capacity, and unleashing businesses and households to invest in rooftop solar energy.
“Furthermore, we are ensuring that all power stations have the right leaders who will drive the appropriate discipline within those operations.”
The Deputy President welcomed the changes made over the past 18 months in Eskom’s leadership, saying he believed that with the right skills, talent and experience, South Africa will soon achieve an energy-secure future.
“We are similarly committed to implementing all necessary steps to maintain the security of our infrastructure, as it is crucial to attaining long-term economic and social goals.”
Infrastructure Investment Plan
He reminded delegates that in 2020, Cabinet adopted the Infrastructure Investment Plan, which was a demonstration of government’s commitment to infrastructure development.
The plan includes projects from government, state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and the private sector in six sectors. These comprise energy, water and sanitation, transport, digital infrastructure, human settlements, as well as agriculture and agro-processing.
“We are certain that these ambitious projects will boost the economy and reduce unemployment.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 04/30/2024 - 12:52
By Sayeeda Nabi – Student Accounts Manager at Regent Business School Highlighting challenges and opportunities unique to South Africa’s diverse workforce, this thought leadership piece offers strategies for fostering resilience and adaptability. Drawing from global exemplars like Microsoft and Sasol, Sayeeda Nabi, Regent Business School’s Student Accounts Manager underscores the benefits of nurturing a growth …
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) is confident that all systems are in place for the shipment of voting materials to enable South African citizens living abroad to cast their ballots.
DIRCO and the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) have met and agreed on logistics for the dispatching of election materials.
Voting materials will be sent to all 115 South African diplomatic missions using diplomatic airfreight bags. The short-term contract for this purpose is in place.
The diplomatic bag is protected by diplomatic immunity.
DIRCO makes use of diplomatic bags to dispatch official documents and articles to and from South Africa in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961 and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations of 1963.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
By Raymond Langa, Group Chief Executive of Leagas Delaney South Africa In recent years, the world has witnessed a remarkable shift in the global creative landscape, with African creativity arising as a powerful force to be reckoned with. As statistics and industry reports affirm, it is indeed our time to lead, and we have every …
Government creates better life during 30 years of democracy
Over the past 30 years government has empowered its citizens by implementing programmes aimed at improving their lives for the better.
As South Africa celebrates 30 years of freedom and democracy, Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Maropene Ramokgopa has reflected on the country’s development journey and applauded government for making significant strides in improving the lives of its people, while navigating challenges that have impacted South Africa's development trajectory.
“Over the three decades, South Africa has faced systemic and contextual challenges that have impacted the country’s development trajectory,” Ramokgopa said.
In 2023, the National Planning Commission (NPC) released the Ten-Year Review of the National Development Plan (NDP). The review reflects on the nation's progress and assesses the key NDP indicators and targets, such as poverty, inequality and unemployment.
“The NDP set a goal of achieving an annual average of 5.4% GDP growth and aimed to create 11 million jobs. Over the past 30 years, the South African economy has grown and is expected to be Africa’s largest economy in 2024 according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
“Our labour force expanded from 11.3 million in 1994 to 28.3 million in 2023. Due to progressive labour legislation, the race, gender, age, and skills composition of the labour force and employment have altered considerably promoting more inclusive economic development,” the Minister said.
She said government seeks to create an enabling environment for economic growth by addressing obstacles to transformation, innovation, competition and development.
“South Africa's social sector indicates notable progress in education, social wage, and health, with young people benefiting greatly from this progress. The country is moving towards universal access to education at all levels and improved overall educational outcomes.
“More individuals aged 20 and older have attained Grade 12 as their highest level of education, rising from 16% in 1996 to 38% by 2022. In 2002, there were 295 special schools for learners with disabilities. By 2022 there were 489 (435 public and 54 independent),” the Minister said.
The matric pass rate has improved to 82.9% in 2023, from 53.4% in 1995.
“Enrolment in public universities has more than doubled, steadily edging closer to the NDP target of 1.6 million enrolments by 2030. Access to higher education has been bolstered by the establishment of more institutions of higher learning and increased National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funding,” the Minister said.
She noted that South Africa's health system has evolved and has led to improved life expectancy and increased access to Primary Health Care (PHC) services from 68 million in 1998 to 138.8 million in 2022/23.
“Furthermore, South Africa’s social wage is one of the most advanced in the world and has proven to be an effective anti-poverty tool. It grew from 2.9 million beneficiaries in 1994 to more than 18 million in 2022. The COVID-19 grant increased reach to 27.6 million beneficiaries. Studies conducted over the two decades have shown that the child support grant is associated with a decline in incidents of poverty,” the Minister said.
She said government has taken steps to address the youth unemployment challenge.
The Presidential Employment Stimulus has assisted in creating more than 1.7 million work and livelihood opportunities. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Tue, 04/30/2024 - 13:08
President Cyril Ramaphosa is deeply saddened by the passing of black-business pioneer and co-founder of the National African Federated Chamber of Commerce (NAFCOC) Dr Sam Motsuenyane at the age of 97.
President Ramaphosa offers his condolences and those of government to the family, friends and associates of the veteran visionary business leader, farmer and philanthropist.
Dr Motsuenyane was also an Esteemed Member of the National Order of the Baobab (Gold) in recognition of his significant personal achievements – which included leading the establishment of African Bank – and the inspiration and leadership he provided in fostering the development of black-owned businesses and economic liberation more broadly.
He served as a Member of Parliament and as South Africa's first ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
President Ramaphosa said: “The passing of Dr Sam Motsuenyane 60 years after the establishment of NAFCOC is a profound reminder of the breadth, durability and longevity of his vision and passion for self-reliance and development.
“The remarkable sweep of his life as an entrepreneur, leader of organised business, parliamentarian and diplomat among other roles embodied our resilient national character and values of ubuntu.
“His philosophy of self-sufficiency is today entrenched in the constitutional right each of us enjoys to freely choose our trade, occupation or profession and in the socio-economic rights that our constitution safeguards.
“Dr Motsuenyane's passing on the eve of the 2024 National Orders Ceremony causes us to recall the honour bestowed on him in 2002 as the nation paid tribute to an outstanding patriot and source of inspiration for our then fledgling democracy.
“May his soul rest in peace.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
Two years since launching, Growthpoint Student Accommodation REIT has introduced R1.5bn in new investment to this alternative property sector, added 4,000 new beds for students and created a strong pipeline of future developments. Its demonstrated execution has expanded its portfolio value to approximately R3.5bn, representing 12 residences with 9,000 beds in three South African cities …
In 2023 and again in 2024, about half the strikes have been in the public sector, says report