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Local Government Association, South African Local Government Association (SALGA) Calls for Adequate Funding

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: The Parliament
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The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) has called for more funding to improve the financial sustainability of municipalities. SALGA briefed the Standing Committee on Appropriations on the 2024 Budget and the Division of Revenue as part of the Money Bills and Related Matters Act on Tuesday, 12 March.

SALGA welcomed the increased allocation of R177 billion to local government. However, they argued that this still did not address the broader issue of inadequate funding at the local level. Ms Lerato Phasha, the representative from SALGA, highlighted the struggles many local municipalities face in covering their expenditures due to high levels of unemployment, poverty, and reluctance to pay for services by communities.

According to SALGA, the R484 million in conditional grants allocated for the financial year 2024/25 was inadequate considering the substantial infrastructure backlogs in municipalities. The organisation called for more funding for local government to address the infrastructure backlogs and cover expenditures in the face of high unemployment rates and poverty levels.

The committee, in response, recommended public-private partnerships with local spheres of government. This approach would involve redirecting revenue from companies operating in provinces toward the areas they operate in and in so doing, they contribute to local investment and development.

The committee also suggested that the local government sphere should not solely rely on the national government but should work towards revitalising and mobilising local businesses to attract local investment. By doing this, municipalities can strengthen their revenue streams and ultimately improve the quality of services they provide to communities. The committee told SALGA that a comprehensive strategy would help alleviate the financial burdens of municipalities and enable them to address their infrastructure backlogs more effectively.

Meanwhile, SALGA also welcomed the rollout of smart meters to the tune of R2 billion for its members in the local government sphere. However, SALGA wants all member municipalities to benefit from this rollout without restricting it to defaulting municipalities that fall under the Eskom debt relief package.

According to SALGA, the rollout should not be left to municipalities alone, but there should be end-to-end support until municipalities can run the installation themselves.

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

Read moreLocal Government Association, South African Local Government Association (SALGA) Calls for Adequate Funding

Dipula and REO’s innovative approach to tenant installation for EOH grows a sustainable furniture initiative

Location: MyPR

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, 11 March 2024 — Dipula Income Fund’s (JSE: DIB) new lease with EOH for the Montrose Place at Waterfall Park in Midrand’s Vorna Valley has led to an innovative and high-impact corporate social responsibility project. The entire 4,000qm building was fitted out by REO, using small contractors who not only completed the …

Read moreDipula and REO’s innovative approach to tenant installation for EOH grows a sustainable furniture initiative

SA, UK explore use of data to boost local economies

Location: News

SA, UK explore use of data to boost local economies

The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) and National Treasury have invited the United Kingdom’s National Statistics (ONS) to participate in launching a community of practice to explore how local data can be used to support local economies.

The community of practice aims to generate new knowledge and facilitate the exchange of ideas about strengthening the economic performance of South African cities. 

“The purpose is to widen the circle of researchers, policymakers and practitioners interested in the economy of cities by building a vibrant network of enthusiasts and experts,” the HSRC explained in a statement. 

Following the launch of the Spatial Economic Activity Data – South Africa (SEAD-SA) in June 2023, there have been discussions between SEAD-SA and the HSRC’s Policy Action Network (PAN) project about sustaining and expanding the impact of this work among the policy and data community. 

The two-day workshop, which is being held today and tomorrow, has since identified strategic objectives, which will be fleshed out during discussions. 

The group will also discuss and share the best practices to effectively deliver local data insights, including administrative data. 

They will look at alternative methods and techniques to measure local economies, especially where economic shocks are more likely, including the experiences and approach to using private sector data sources. 

The event will also discuss options for training and skills transfer such as an online data masterclass to improve data awareness and literacy among senior leaders, exchange insights to identify user requirements, and deepen and widen the production of local economic data from tax data through the SEAD-SA portal. 

The HSRC said the workshop is the culmination of a lengthy engagement between the South African government, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) based in South Africa and the ONS, which began in 2023 to explore opportunities to share expertise and provide technical assistance to the South African government.

The HSRC will host the workshop with the National Treasury, UK-FCDO, and their partners. These include the South African Revenue Service, the United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research, Statistics South Africa, the South African Local Government Association, South African Cities Network, and the University of the Free State. 

The HRSC explained that the SEAD-SA project aims to address the gaps that exist between the local economy of cities and the wider economic geography of the country by leveraging tax and other administrative data sources. 

The data provide the government, business, and civil society with reliable evidence on which to base crucial developmental decisions. 

The Minister of Finance formally launched SEAD-SA and the Spatial Tax Portal last year. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Gabisile
Tue, 03/12/2024 - 10:50

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Read moreSA, UK explore use of data to boost local economies

Mulaudzi eyes sub-28 time and prepares to challenge Mashele at Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K

Location: MyPR

After taking second place at the ASA 10km Championships on Sunday 10 March, Kabelo Mulaudzi has confirmed that his next road race will be the much-anticipated Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K on Sunday 7 April 2024. On the back of a breakthrough 2023 season which saw him run a maiden sub-28-minute clocking to win …

Read moreMulaudzi eyes sub-28 time and prepares to challenge Mashele at Absa RUN YOUR CITY GQEBERHA 10K

Set your sights on Vision 24 – performances, workshops, visual art and more that will bring the Deep South alive on 21 and 22 March 2024

Location: Entertainment, MyPR

An exciting arts and culture event brimming with activities for young and old will take place at the Generations school campus at Imhoff on the Kommetjie Road this month. Think live performances, music, stand-up comedy, pottery workshops, sound journeys, art exhibitions, chef-led food offerings and more… With its motto ‘the art fair for everyone’, Vision …

Read moreSet your sights on Vision 24 – performances, workshops, visual art and more that will bring the Deep South alive on 21 and 22 March 2024

Frequent testing for prostate cancer remains critical

Location: MyPR

JOHANNESBURG, March 11th, 2024 – Men’s healthcare should be under the spotlight more often, said Vanessa Snow, Head of Medical Affairs at Janssen South Africa. Differences between the sexes mean that men are more likely to suffer from a variety of conditions. Challenges that men are most likely to encounter, include diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancers …

Read moreFrequent testing for prostate cancer remains critical

St Benedict’s Top SA Boy’s Rowing School For 30th Consecutive Year

Location: MyPR

They’ve done it again! St Benedict’s College remains unbeaten, holding onto the coveted title of South Africa’s School Rowing Champions, for the 30th consecutive year. Despite fierce competition at the annual schools’ regatta (1-3 March 2024), the Johannesburg boys’ school placed first in the lion’s share of the events, out rowing teams from the best …

Read moreSt Benedict’s Top SA Boy’s Rowing School For 30th Consecutive Year

20 Outdoor adventures to try this Easter on the KZN South Coast!

Location: MyPR

The subtropical climate and breathtaking scenery make the KZN South Coast a must-visit destination this Easter. From the Blue Flag beaches to the lush hinterland, this action-packed destination is an outdoor adventurer’s dream! “There is a growing trend of travel-based experiences that can either be relaxing or adrenaline-inducing – but all fun!” says Deborah Ludick, …

Read more20 Outdoor adventures to try this Easter on the KZN South Coast!

PSC study makes recommendations on hybrid work arrangements

Location: News

PSC study makes recommendations on hybrid work arrangements

The Public Service Commission (PSC) has completed a study on the impact of hybrid work arrangements on service delivery in the public service.

PSC Commissioner Anele Gxoyiya says the COVID-19 pandemic forced most organisations, including government, to consider alternative working arrangements in order to limit human and physical interaction.

“This resulted in the introduction of hybrid workspaces and the working from home (WFH) option that was new for most employees, as only a few private companies offered this option pre-COVID-19,” Gxoyiya said at a briefing in Pretoria on Monday.

The study focused on the shutdown period from March 2020 and the subsequent lockdown levels as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gxoyiya explained that the purpose of the study was to investigate the actual and perceived impact that the introduction of hybrid work and work from home arrangements had on service delivery in the public service in selected departments, with a view to formulate recommendations that could assist the public service to adapt.

He said the study focused on six service delivery departments/institutions in the public service, which are Education, Employment and Labour, Health, South African Social Security Agency, Home Affairs and the South African Police Service.

The report of the study makes the following recommendations:

•           The Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) should benchmark with other countries to determine how the hybrid work arrangement was managed during the pandemic and how it is being taken forward as a basis to review relevant legislation, regulations, directives, policies and conditions of service for different categories of occupations and/or employees.

•           The public service, led by the DPSA, National Treasury and the Department of Communications and Digital Services, must take the lead in digitising government operations and prioritising access to tools of trade that will enable the effective implementation of hybrid work arrangements, where feasible.

•           Departments, in collaboration with the National School of Government, should incorporate continuous training programmes on new technologies that are necessary to facilitate remote work arrangements, online collaboration and remote access to centralised systems as well as other emerging innovations for employees to stay abreast of the new developments.

•           National Treasury, in collaboration with departments such as the DPSA and  Public Works and Infrastructure, must conduct a cost-benefit analysis of implementing hybrid work arrangements for selected non-essential service departments in order to identify possible cost-saving measures and possible once-off cost drivers as a basis to generate resources to fund critical areas of need, including the rapid adoption of technology-enabled solutions and provision of other essential services to the public.  

Gxoyiya noted that the findings of the study suggest that existing primary legislation and policies were and are still silent on the practice of working from home or hybrid work arrangements.

“During the lockdown period, the gap had to be addressed through the passing of new regulations, directions and guidelines to enable departments to put measures in place to comply with the COVID-19 regulations whilst still ensuring work continuity.

“The study documents a combination of positive and negative practices/experiences, including notable innovative measures that were put in place by public service departments, as well as the commitment of many employees who put their lives at risk in order to provide services to the public,” Gxoyiya said.

Gxoyiya said there were challenges noted with regard to the implementation of the hybrid work arrangement which included, amongst others, capacity constraints; additional expenses that were not budgeted for; inaccessibility of some service sites when some staff members tested positive for COVID-19; inconsistent practices in granting employees permission to work from home between and within departments, and lack of appropriate tools of trade for some employees.

“Performance was managed differently according to the different departments and in some instances, it varied within the different units in the respective departments,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Mon, 03/11/2024 - 13:16

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Read morePSC study makes recommendations on hybrid work arrangements

Transnet to invest in Durban Port road rehabilitation

Location: News

Transnet to invest in Durban Port road rehabilitation

Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) says it will invest some R233 million in the comprehensive rehabilitation of the Durban Port road.

TNPA said the project is expected to be implemented over a two-year period, with a traffic management plan in place to redirect traffic flow.

TNPA Port Manager for the Port of Durban, Nkumbuzi Ben-Mazwi, said: “Embarking on this road rehabilitation journey will ensure that we deliver on our mandate of providing port infrastructure to ensure the port’s efficient functioning as the economic gateway to our South African economy.”

The TNPA explained that this comes on the back of the “intensified pressure posed by an influx of trucks on the Port of Durban’s road infrastructure”.

“The Port of Durban is a crucial contributor to the South African economy, handling approximately 60% of the country’s total container volumes. Most of the container volumes handled are moved through the Southern Road Network of the port and over the years, the influx of trucks entering the port has substantially increased. The intensified surge has led to the deterioration of the overall road infrastructure.

“The improved condition of port roads will positively impact on port operational efficiencies and the smooth flow of traffic in the targeted precincts. The Maydon Wharf will take precedence, with 16 roads set for repairs, followed by Island View with three roads and two on Bayhead.

“In addition to repairing the structural defects, the restoration of functional defects, such as surface drainage issues due to damaged manholes and inlets caused by heavy vehicles, is included in the project scope,” the TNPA said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Mon, 03/11/2024 - 14:41

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Read moreTransnet to invest in Durban Port road rehabilitation

Ramadaan Kareem!

Location: News

Ramadaan Kareem!

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his well wishes to South African Muslims on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadaan.

The month of prayer, fasting, reflection and community work is expected to end on April 9th.

“Ramadaan is a special period of spiritual devotion, physical sacrifice and charitable outreach for Muslims. But it is also an expression of faith that is embraced with tolerance and Ubuntu by all communities of faith.

“In our 30th year of freedom, the advent of Ramadaan gives us an appreciation of the freedom of religion, belief and opinion enshrined in our Constitution and the richness of our nation’s diversity,” the President said.

He added that the month also “connects the local Muslim community more closely with their brethren around the world at this time” and paid homage to those Muslims going in to month under challenging conditions.

“We remember that for millions of people, Ramadaan is being observed under conditions of conflict, war, displacement and oppression. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the peoples of Palestine, Yemen, Sudan, the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, Western Sahara, Mali and others - for whom this holy month is a time of great hardship and suffering.

“May the message of Ramadaan, of peace, tolerance and unity serve as an impetus for us as the international fellowship of nations to do all within our means to protect the most vulnerable, and put an end to conflicts and wars everywhere,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Mon, 03/11/2024 - 12:10

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Government, private sector partnership yields positive results

Location: News

Government, private sector partnership yields positive results

Over the last nine months, the partnership between government and business has made significant strides in addressing the electricity supply crisis, the severe challenges in freight rail and port operations, and crime and corruption.

“Since the partnership began, the private sector has contributed more than R170 million of direct support and has mobilised over 350 technical experts. More than 130 CEOs of the country’s leading companies have pledged their support,” President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Monday in his weekly newsletter.

The partnership was established in June last year to tackle challenges that were an obstacle to faster growth and job creation.

“Since November 2023, load shedding is 61% lower than the same period a year ago. Among other things, this has been made possible by the return of units at Kusile power station and the impact of new generation capacity from rooftop solar and private sector investment.

“Under the leadership of its new Group CEO, Eskom is finalising an agreement with business to deploy additional independent skilled experts to support Eskom.

“Business is supporting a number of the workstreams of the National Logistics Crisis Committee (NLCC), providing technical, security and operational expertise to Transnet’s efforts to improve the performance of ports and freight rail,” the President said.

With all stakeholders working together, Transnet has achieved a 45% reduction in vessels anchored outside the Port of Durban and a 36% reduction in the waiting time to anchor for container vessels.

“A major success has been the provision of security by business on the rail network, which has resulted in a 65% reduction in criminal incidents on the Northern Corridor, reducing the number of trains cancelled. Work is currently underway to ramp up the deployment of South African Police Service (SAPS) resources to secure network infrastructure in the longer term.

 “Steady progress has been made in the crime and corruption focal area. Through the Joint Initiative on Crime and Corruption (JICC), the private sector is providing business information and resources to assist with the fight against infrastructure crime,” the President said.

Support has also been provided to modernise the 10111 helpline, with a pilot project initiated at the main call centre in Midrand, and the establishment with the Hawks of a forensics analysis centre.

“Building on this progress, government and business are now focused on actions that will make a considerable and lasting difference over the course of the next few months.

“Among other things, we are working to increase electricity generation capacity from different sources by up to 10 600 MW, which will enable a significant reduction in the severity of load shedding by the end of this year.

“This includes improved Eskom plant performance, additional private investment in rooftop solar and large-scale power projects, and connecting projects from previous renewable energy bid windows to the grid,” the President said.

Following the recent appointment of permanent executive leadership, Transnet is focused on rebuilding internal capacity and drawing on private sector technical resources to restore the operational performance of strategic rail corridors.

“An important part of the work to tackle crime and corruption will be the passage of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Amendment Bill, which will strengthen the independence and investigating capacity of the NPA.

“It will also enable the establishment of additional infrastructure to support the Investigating Directorate as a permanent entity, including a dedicated forensics laboratory. A key focus of the partnership is to secure South Africa’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force grey list by at least June 2025,” Ramaphosa said.

While this partnership between government and business has been focused on specific immediate actions, the President said the broader work to grow the economy and create jobs draws on the contributions and capabilities of all social partners and stakeholders.

“As we work to rebuild our economy, we will strive to deepen these partnerships and to reach out to all South Africans to be involved in these efforts. By broadening the involvement of all social partners in this work, we will continue to build durable social compacts that make a real difference in people’s lives.

“We have long believed that it is only by working together that we can make progress. The partnership between government and business has shown what is possible when we are focused and committed towards the achievement of a common goal,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

nosihle
Mon, 03/11/2024 - 09:34

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Read moreGovernment, private sector partnership yields positive results