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A common theme when dealing with transactional intellectual property (“IP”) matters in South Africa, where one party to a transaction is not a South African resident, is exchange control. The issue of exporting intellectual property assets by South African exchange control residents is a topic that is receiving increasing attention as companies seek to expand …
Call to reduce carbon emissions
Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environmental Affairs, Barbara Creecy, has called for nations to move with speed to reduce carbon emissions to limit the severity of climate change impacts.
“Simultaneously, we have to adapt and build resilience to the impacts that will occur, even in a 1.5 degree world. The Sixth Report of the International Panel on Climate Change shows us that the world is already dangerously close to an average temperature increase of 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial times,” the Minister said on Tuesday.
She was addressing the National Assembly debate on the Climate Change Bill, which will enable the orderly reduction of greenhouse gas emissions through the implementation of sectoral emission targets to guide the journey to the mid -century net- zero commitment.
The Bill will also ensure the country reaches its Nationally Determined Contribution by assigning individual enterprises carbon budgets and facilitating public disclosure of the progress.
“We know climate change impacts will hit the most vulnerable communities first, and will hit them the hardest. A key part of building climate resilience is to set up 'early-warning' systems so that communities can prepare for disasters before they happen,” the Minister said.
According to the Global Commission on Adaptation, knowing that a natural disaster event will happen 24 hours before it occurs can reduce damage by 30 percent.
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment and the South African Weather Service (SAWS) currently provide regular weather updates and have technology that can give South African communities advanced warning of extreme weather events.
“Our fundraising efforts aim to improve existing infrastructure and replace outdated and dysfunctional systems. Responding to climate change is not the responsibility of government alone.
“Every aspect of society and the economy will be impacted upon. Consequently, the Bill will formally establish the Presidential Climate Commission as a statutory body to mobilise communities, organised labour, business and civil society to represent a whole of society response to future challenges,” Creecy said.
Last month, African leaders adopted the Nairobi Declaration on Climate Change and Call to Action, which recognises that decarbonising the global economy is an opportunity to contribute to equality and shared prosperity on our continent.
“In support of this vision, President Cyril Ramaphosa, at the United Nations Climate Summit, called on developed countries to meet the need for new, predictable public finance to support climate adaptation and build resilience to loss and damage in developing countries so that no country should ever have to choose between development aspirations and climate action.
“With abundant solar and wind resources, and significant reserves of critical minerals, South Africa is positioning itself to be a leader in renewable energy, green hydrogen and sustainable industrialisation.
“The Just Transition Framework developed by the Presidential Climate Commission aims to ensure that climate actions adhere to principles of procedural, restorative and distributive justice. Consequently as our country develops our vision of a Just Transition to a low carbon economy and climate resilient society we will ensure it is sustainable, inclusive, comprehensive and leaves no one behind,” the Minister said.
The Climate Change Bill will provide impetus for mainstreaming the country’s climate and disaster response by placing a legal obligation on every organ of state to coordinate and harmonise policies, plans, and programmes, to make sure climate change risks and associated vulnerabilities are acted upon by national, provincial and local government.
“Because sub national governments already face financial shortfalls, the Bill provides mechanisms for national government to provide additional support for our climate change response. Already the Department has mobilised finances to assist municipalities to prepare climate response strategies.
“Honourable members, government and society have already achieved a great deal through voluntary co-operation. With this important legal instrument, we are approving today, much more can be achieved for both people and nature,” the Minister said. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 10/25/2023 - 09:37
Kodwa attends International Convention Against Doping in Sport
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Zizi Kodwa is leading the South African delegation at the Ninth Session of the Conference of Parties (COP9) to the International Convention Against Doping in Sport.
The conference, which starts on Wednesday until Thursday in France, will consider issues of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), compliance to the International Convention Against Doping in Sport, and governance in anti-doping policies.
Kodwa will also attend COP9 in his capacity as Vice-President of the International Conference of Ministers and Senior Officials Responsible for Physical Education and Sport (MINEPS).
The Minister was elected to this role at MINEPS VII, the Seventh International Conference of Ministers and Senior Officials Responsible for Physical Education and Sport.
As Vice-President of MINEPS, Kodwa plays a leading role in the only global platform of its kind, which engages governments, intergovernmental organisations, the sport movement, academia and non-government organisations in intellectual, technical and strategic exchanges in the field of physical education and sport.
At COP9, Kodwa will advance South Africa’s position to encourage the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) to improve and strengthen its compliance mechanism.
The Minister Kodwa will also play a leading role in uniting African states at this gathering. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Wed, 10/25/2023 - 09:48
Pandor responds to UNSC's failure to agree on resolution calling for 'humanitarian pauses' in Israel-Palestine war
International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor, says South Africa is not pleased with the failure of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to agree on a unified resolution that signals a full commitment to ending the killing and suffering in the Israel-Palestine war.
This comes after the UNSC failed to adopt a resolution calling for humanitarian pauses in the Israel-Palestine crisis, on account of a veto by the United States.
“There can be no compromise when this Council is faced with a crisis of such proportion. We urge the Council to do its work,” she said on Tuesday.
Pandor was speaking during the open debate of the UNSC on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.
She told the Member States that the country agreed with many speakers who said the ultimate solution to the conflict is finalising the question of the two-State solution.
“We must work hard through the UN to create two States, Palestine and Israel, living side by side in peace and security, and this must be in accord with the established UN resolutions on the two-State solution. The Palestinian State should be created along the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.”
She told the Member States that the conflict has again illustrated the “inadequacy” of the UN, especially the UNSC, which has the mandate of maintaining international peace and security.
“We all recall that in 1994 a genocide occurred on the African continent with much of the whole world watching as innocent people were massacred.
“History cannot keep repeating such cruelty; we should establish a system of global governance that is fair, equitable, and can respond to the needs of all persons in situations of threat and harm – a system that is not just a tool for the most powerful countries of the world but that provides protection for the most vulnerable.”
South Africa, she said, would join urgent calls for an immediate ceasefire and for humanitarian corridors to open for aid and other basic services.
“Most importantly we call on all parties to exercise restraint and to desist from fuelling this patently unjust war and human suffering,” she pleaded.
She also expressed her condolences to the Palestinians and Israelites for the lives lost during the past two weeks.
According to reports, at least 5 791 Palestinians, including 2 360 children, have been killed since the Israeli strikes on 7 October.
Over 1 400 people in Israel have been killed, according to Israeli officials, mostly civilians who died in the initial Hamas rampage.
“We are horrified at the blatant targeting of civilians, a clear violation of International Humanitarian Law, the Geneva Convention, and its protocols. Both Hamas and Israel have committed these violations,” Pandor said.
Meanwhile, she said the killing of civilians and destruction in Gaza by Israeli forces goes against the tenets of international law, which forbid the targeting of non-combatants, especially women, the aged and children.
“There is an added obligation on an occupying power over the people and territory it occupies in terms of the Geneva Conventions, including a prohibition against collective punishment.
“This does not detract from South Africa’s concern at the actions of Hamas, which also targeted non-combatants.”
Pandor said while South Africa is concerned about the current violence and deaths, the State cannot ignore the fact that one more day of continued occupation has bred hatred, suffering and pain.
“Just as Israel deserves peace and security, so are Palestinians deserving of sovereignty, peace and security. For international law to be credible, it should be uniformly applied and not selective.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Wed, 10/25/2023 - 10:00
The ‘Southern Africa Europe CEO Dialogue' is a powerful forum that has stimulated billons of rands in business and investment and as it marks its 10th anniversary it has attracted over 200 CEO's and influential public and private sector leaders this year.
The summit, taking place in Johannesburg's Melrose Arch on November 9 and 10, has become the key annual event for European and African political and business leaders to strengthen their strategic relationships.
The Southern Africa Europe CEO Dialogue was founded and organised by leading global think tank, The European House – Ambrosetti (TEHA), in collaboration with the Gauteng Province, the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency (GGDA), and a selection of international public and private stakeholders, including CLN-MA, Danieli, DHL, Aspen, Musina-Makhado SEZ, Italian Trade Agency, Brand SA and Italtile.
Confirmed speakers for this year's invitation only event includes Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, former Prime Minister of Italy Enrico Letta, Thebe Chairman Nhlanhla Nene, Angola's Secretary of State for Finance, Ottoniel dos Santos, the CEO of South African Breweries, Richard Rivett-Carnac, as well as the Director of Women in Capital Growth, Nomatemba Tambo among others.
Not to be missed this year is a special high-level political discussion on the state of South Africa, featuring President of the Economic Freedom Fighters Julius Malema, Action SA President Herman Mashaba, Democratic Alliance Leader John Steenhuisen, Inkatha Freedom Party President Velenkosini Hlabisa, and senior leadership of the ruling African National Congress.
“We are looking forward to an extraordinary 10th Anniversary, in times of unprecedented socio-economic changes and unexpected challenges such as the ongoing energy crisis, rising inflation, and geopolitical crises. In the last decade, our CEO Dialogue has demonstrated capacity to build an exclusive and influential community of leaders from SADC and Europe, able to partner together and foster the regional economic development. The aim is also to draw positive attention on strategic areas of economic cooperation and develop international partnerships,” said Pietro Mininni, CEO, TEHA Africa, ahead of the summit.
Some of the topics to be covered in the 2023 agenda are:
- The African geopolitical, business and investment outlook
- CEO's views on African business
- Perspectives and development of the agroindustry in SADC - Energy transition and critical raw materials
- The future of South Africa.
This edition of the Southern Africa Europe CEO Dialogue will be enhanced with side events on these themes:
- Doing business in Gauteng
- Young business leaders today
- High-level bilateral business meetings
The summit's primary goal is to foster in-depth interaction among peers and government officials and promote growth with a multi-stakeholder approach.
For further information about the summit go to: www.Ambrosetti.EU
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The European House - Ambrosetti.
Contact:
Johannesburg
The European House – Ambrosetti
Filippo.malinverno@ambrosetti.eu
Hailed as one of the finest Bulk Vehicle Operators (BVO), Cynthia Noneka Thala (40) is the IVECO #ThankYouTrucker top award winner for 2023. Thala, who started her career as a bus driver, was first employed within the Unitrans Total Alrode Operations in 2019. She is the first female BVO at Total Witbank. Her cash award …
Mop up operations, assessments to continue until all victims are accounted for
As mop up operations and disaster assessments continue following torrential downpours in some parts of KwaZulu-Natal, Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube has called on all dedicated teams on the ground, including speakers and mayors, to ensure that every affected citizen is profiled.
According to reports, over 600 households across the province have been reported damaged - this includes over 134 houses reported to be destroyed in Somkhele and KwaMyeki in Mtubatuba Local Municipality areas. Some of the houses were completely damaged, leaving families homeless. Residents have also reported the loss of valuable livestock, including goats, chickens and cows.
During a visit in Mtubatuba, Dube-Ncube said the province has pledged psychological support to all those affected, and the assessments will continue until all victims are accounted for.
"We are grateful that the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has stepped in to assist in clearing the affected areas, as some roads are blocked by fallen poles and cables, with debris scattered throughout.
“We also appreciate the speedy responses by other social partners like the South African Red Cross who are on the ground with government. While we cannot determine the full extent of the damage, from the reports we have received, it is substantial," Dube-Ncube said.
The provincial Department of Human Settlements will fast track the process of providing temporary structures to families whose houses were completely destroyed.
Other areas, including the Harry Gwala District and the Greater Kokstad Municipality suffered massive destruction due to heavy rains and hailstorm in the Pakkies Location.
Dube-Ncube noted that about six households were affected, and “fortunately, no fatalities, injuries, or displaced people have been reported at this stage”.
“In the Umzimkhulu Municipality, four households were affected by heavy rains in Madakeni location, with no fatalities at this point. In the Umgungundlovu District, 23 households in the Rosetta informal settlement under Mpofana Local Municipality were affected.
“In Ulundi, under the Zululand District Municipality a block of rental rooms was blown away by the strong winds. The storm also caused damage in some parts of uThukela District Municipality,” Dube-Ncube said.
She encouraged all affected citizens to reach out to their ward councillors or other public representatives as the province prepares interventions.
“On behalf of the provincial government, we wish to convey our sincere condolences to all those who have lost their loved ones in this disaster,” the Premier said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Wed, 10/25/2023 - 10:45
The eleventh edition of the COSAFA Women's Championship was held in Gauteng, South Africa between 4 - 15 October 2023; FIFA (www.FIFA.com) provides USD 1.25 million annually to COSAFA for the organisation of tournaments through FIFA Forward; For the fourth consecutive year, a research project dedicated to female health was conducted during the competition.
For the first time ever, Malawi were crowned COSAFA (Council of Southern Africa Football Associations) champions, thanks to a 2-1 win over defending holders and FIFA Women's World Cup debutants, Zambia in the final.
This year marked the eleventh edition of the tournament, which provides crucial playing opportunities for women's national teams and players in southern Africa. Malawi's triumph came at a tournament that featured two teams who had qualified for the Round of 16 of the FIFA Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand: Zambia and South Africa..
Since 2017, FIFA has provided USD 1 million annually to COSAFA through its Forward programme to organise tournaments for senior women and youth (boys/girls) and USD 1.25 Million for the cycle starting in 2023.
"COSAFA is very happy with the year-on-year improvement in the level of play. This year we have seen a marked improvement by Malawi and Mozambique, as well as Eswatini and Lesotho,” said COSAFA Secretary General Sue Destombes.
“This development is largely due to FIFA's Forward grant to the Zonal Unions and the ability to organise consistent annual tournaments."
In addition to the COSAFA Women's Championship, FIFA Forward zonal funding also supported the hosting of the COSAFA qualifying tournament for the CAF Women's Champions League (from 30 August - 8 September 2023) in Durban, South Africa.
Working on initiatives that stimulate more women's national team activity is part of FIFA and COSAFA's ongoing commitment to promote the development of women's football competitions and advance the professionalisation of women's football in member associations in Southern Africa and around the world.
“We are proud that the FIFA Forward programme continues to contribute to women's football development in the COSAFA region. The 2023 edition of the COSAFA Women's Championship lived up to its elite status with all 12 teams performing well and new stars announcing themselves on the international stage," says Solomon Mudege, Head of Development Programmes – Africa.
"Congratulations to the Malawi women's team who emerged victorious. It's a fitting reward for all the efforts that the Football Association of Malawi is making for the development of talent in women's football and providing tailored support for female football players – under the FIFA Women's Football Development Programme and other related initiatives.
"Our sincere thanks also go to CAF and COSAFA for hosting this tournament and giving teams and officials the first-ever opportunity to work with VAR at this tournament. We are committed at FIFA to women's football development and will continue our work with CAF, the zones and FIFA member associations across Africa.”
During the tournament, COSAFA also began to implement elements of FIFA's Women's Health, Wellbeing, and Performance project (https://apo-opa.info/40afIMI). For the fourth year in a row, Dr Nonhlanhla S. Mkumbuzi has conducted extensive research on women's health. Her area of expertise is the health of female athletes - in particular the intersection between the biology of female athletes and the socio-economic, religious and cultural context in which they live.
“This Project demonstrates FIFA's dedication to increasing awareness and fostering a deeper understanding of this subject, thereby enhancing the confidence, health, well-being and performance of female players worldwide. Our goal is to highlight the importance of tailoring training and support for women, ensuring their holistic needs are met”, said Belinda Wilson, FIFA Senior Technical Development Manager.
“We know that we have a shortage of research on women and girls in sport: Most of that research has been conducted on women and girls from high income countries; women and girls from the global north," explains Dr Mkumbuzi. And this is where her research comes in. Her main motivation is to provide a research database so that in future, more accurate decisions can be made.
"Analysis where they can say for example in Africa the problem is ankle sprains; in Europe the problem is knees; in Asia the problem is concussions. Therefore, when we direct our resources for Africa, we are making sure we direct them towards the most relevant topics, instead of having a broad approach that benefits some, but doesn't quite provide the resources that you need for everyone," Dr Mkumbuzi continued.
"That's where we are coming from and I think it's a bit like Neil Armstrong. It's a tiny little step. We hope that somewhere we have a giant leap forward with other people taking on the same type of research - but in our case it a small little contribution that we hope can then lead to smaller contributions elsewhere and collectively we have a big research database."
The full interview with Dr Nonhlanhla S. Mkumbuzi on women's health and cultural differences will be available on FIFA.com soon.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of FIFA.
Contact for African media:
AfricanMedia@fifa.org
The South African Weather Service warns of possibly hot and dry summer ahead
JOHANNESBURG: Having left cricket at 19 to pursue her Architectural Technology studies, recently-capped Proteas Women wicket-keeper Mieke de Ridder made...
SAA to be officially relaunched
Government is expected to officially relaunch South African Airways (SAA) in Cape Town on Thursday.
The event – which will mark two years since SAA returned to the skies – will also be used to announce the restart of the state-owned airliner’s direct flights to São Paulo, Brazil.
Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan said the relaunch was a milestone for the airliner which had run into turbulence after it was grounded for 16 months and underwent business rescue and averted liquidation.
“The upcoming event marks a very significant step in the resurgence of South African Airways. We look forward to the official relaunch of SAA, along with the introduction of its first intercontinental flight to São Paulo, Brazil,” Gordhan said.
In a statement earlier this year, SAA revealed that it will fly four times a week to São Paulo with two flights each departing from Cape Town and Johannesburg.
At the time, SAA Interim CEO, Professor John Lamola, said the airliner took the decision to introduce the long haul flight following thorough sustainability analysis.
“We are overjoyed to announce São Paulo as our first international destination since the airline successfully emerged from an intensive Business Rescue process and COVID-19 lockdown. It also marks our return of our long-haul service out of Cape Town. The teams at SAA are working hard behind the scenes to gear our operations for this much-anticipated route launch to South America.
“Our decision to begin the relaunch of our long-haul service with São Paulo was taken based on a rigorous analysis of the viability of the route. Sustainability has been at the heart of SAA’s approach since our restart,” he said.
The first flight to the South American country is expected to depart from Cape Town next Tuesday with the Johannesburg flight to follow suit on November 6. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB
Wed, 10/25/2023 - 10:02
MUMBAI: A sublime third century in five innings by Quinton de Kock at the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup helped...
AMCU claims that miners are voluntarily protesting underground at Gold One but there are definitely people being held hostage
SA urges BRICS collaboration for tourism
South African Tourism Minister, Patricia de Lille, says the BRICS partnership is enough reason for Tourism Ministers and countries to come together and work in collaboration to grow their sectors and economies.
De Lille made the remarks during the opening session of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) Tourism Ministers meeting held in Cape Town on Tuesday.
Held under the theme: "Sustainable and inclusive tourism recovery", the meeting builds on South Africa's 2023 BRICS Summit held in August under the theme: "BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development and Inclusive Multilateralism".
De Lille noted that in the Summit Declaration, BRICS Heads of State acknowledged the urgent need for tourism industry recovery and the importance of increasing mutual tourist flows.
“We are here today to agree on a way forward and action plan. The BRICS Tourism Ministers Meeting will exchange information and experiences in our tourism sectors.
“It is also an opportunity for BRICS Members to reach a consensus on key policy priorities for a more just and sustainable tourism recovery. We do so because we know that poverty, unemployment and inequality are the biggest problems the world faces,” De Lille said.
According to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), international arrivals could reach 80% to 95% of pre-pandemic levels in 2023.
In South Africa, the tourism sector has risen from January to August 2023, with a total of 5.5 million international tourists arriving in the country, signifying a remarkable 70.6% surge compared to the same period in 2022.
While this resurgence is encouraging, the Minister noted these figures still lag behind the pre-pandemic levels of 2019 by a 19.0% shortfall.
However, she said the figures are encouraging, noting that within the 5.5 million arrivals, “the African region has the biggest share.”
The Minister noted that tourism can be an engine of growth of our economy, and it is also a key part of our country's Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan.
“We have seen similar growth in our fellow BRICS countries. This recovery provides an opportunity to implement transformational shifts as the travel and tourism sector creates a more resilient and inclusive future.
“As international arrivals are forecast to reach 1.8 billion by 2030, this growth should be sustainable and inclusive and contribute positively to the communities, natural ecosystems, and cultural heritage,” the Minister said.
Aligning tourism strategies
De Lille also called on BRICS Members to align tourism strategies with the six lines of action, as recommended by the UNWTO's One Planet Vision for a Responsible Recovery of the Tourism Sector.
These include public health, social inclusion, biodiversity conservation, combating climate change, ensuring a circular economy that empowers all, and a commitment to fair and transparent governance and finance.
“Our collective recovery of tourism must be measured beyond economic impacts. A fairer development model is called for.
“It involves stakeholders at different levels in its planning and implementation and provides decent work conditions and opportunities for all, including women, youth, people with disabilities and indigenous communities,” De Lille said.
She said the meeting will explore cooperation priorities for BRICS Members to achieve a resilient, sustainable and inclusive tourism recovery.
“We will look at mainstreaming sustainable policies and practices so we can take steps to support better the transition to a green, low emissions and climate-resilient tourism economy.
“We will look at developing more sustainable tourism business models using technology to manage visitor flows better. We will encourage a paradigm shift by reconsidering perceptions of tourism success. Is it just arrival numbers or the actual impact on communities?” she asked. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 10/24/2023 - 14:14
If you’re looking for a place to enjoy delicious PERi-PERi chicken and admire stunning Southern African art, look no further than Nando’s Silverlakes Drive-Thru (DT). This fresh joint, located at the intersection of Solomon Mahlangu Drive and Stellenberg Road in Pretoria, is more than just a dining spot; it’s a destination that celebrates the diversity …
Ensuring education for all
While challenges in the education sector remain, gains are being made to ensure learning for all.
The results of Census 2022 released recently, not only revealed that the country’s population grew to 62 million from 51.7 million in 2011, but also that the population remains relatively youthful. The data showed that 61.2% of the population is under the age of 35.
Of key interest of the data released is that of accomplishments in the education sector, given the country’s history of the exclusion of the majority.
Section 29 of South Africa’s Bill of Rights speaks to the fact that everyone has the right to basic education, including adult basic education; and to further education, which the state, through reasonable measures, must make progressively available and accessible.
Since South Africa attained democracy close to 30-years ago, government has put in place various measures to ensure access to education for all. These measures include the introduction of no-fee schools, school nutrition programmes and access to scholar transport.
The 2022 Census - which is the fourth to be conducted in democratic South Africa - notes that access to educational institutions is an important step to universal education, but that “the ultimate goal would be to keep children at school until completion of their education.”
According to the census, in 2022, 73.4% of the population aged 5-24 years were attending school, up from the 70.1% recorded in democratic South Africa’s first census in 1996.
The census plays an essential role in planning, policy formulation, evaluation and budget allocation of the country.
It also revealed that the percentage of those aged 20 years and older who completed secondary education more than doubled from 16.3% in 1996 to 37.6% in 2022.
This as the Department of Basic Education has acknowledged a slight rise in the number of those not attending educational institutions.
“We do acknowledge that there has been a slight increase in the number of 5-24-year-olds not attending an educational institution since the last census in 2011, of about 200 000. However, this is partly due to population growth (the number of 5-24-year-olds attending has increased by even more) and [is] partly due to earlier completion of schooling,” said the department’s spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga.
Additionally, the data showed that over 14.1 million of those aged 20 and above, completed secondary education in 2022, followed by 11.9 million who achieved some secondary education and 4.6 million who attained post-school education.
Mhlanga said the average age of youths successfully completing a National Senior Certificate or equivalent qualification has been gradually lowering over the years.
“The result is an astonishing trend over time; the percentage of 22-25-year-olds attending education actually decreased from 16.4% in 2002 to 15.8% in 2021. Yet, over the same period, the percentage of 22-25-year-olds having completed grade 12 increased dramatically from 39% to 62%.”
He pointed out that the country’s school system used to be far more inefficient, with many children staying in school into their twenties but then exiting without having completed Grade 12.
“These days, children repeat less, are less likely to be in school into their twenties, but most important of all, they are much more likely to successfully complete a National Senior Certificate or equivalent qualification,” he explained.
COVID-19 and challenges
He also touched on the impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic, which disrupted schooling.
“The Minister’s [Angie Motshekga] move to reopen schools in spite of the fear and criticism has now been fully vindicated. The spread of the virus was not affected by reopening schools, and despite worries about increased dropping out of school during the pandemic, the opposite happened; more candidates wrote and passed the matric exams in 2020, 2021 and 2022 than ever before.”
He added that the department is well aware of the challenges in the education sector.
“The quality of learning in the early grades, especially in foundational literacy and numeracy, remains a critical priority, and was negatively impacted by the pandemic.
“Another challenge, or rather opportunity, is to improve the quality of Early Childhood Development opportunities now that this responsibility has been shifted from the Department of Social Development to Basic Education.”
Census 2022 revealed that 3.4 million children aged 0–4 years participated in the Early Childhood Development (ECD) programme.
Last year, government moved the responsibility of the provision of the ECD programme from the Department of Social Development to the Department of Basic Education. In June, Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Basic Education received a progress report from the Department of Basic Education (DBE).
“We must acknowledge the challenges that exist in South African education, but all the trends in access, equity, quality and efficiency are overwhelmingly positive,” said Mhlanga.
Development
Reacting to the census results, Cabinet said the country has been developing over the course of the last 29 years.
This is in addition to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s call to government departments, policy makers, researchers, civil society organisations and international organisations to use information from Census 2022 to collectively strive to improve people’s lives.
“Census 2022 has told us where we are making progress, but it has also laid bare the challenges that remain. It will be an invaluable tool in meeting those challenges. We now have the information we need to ensure that as we build this country, we leave no one behind,” the President said as he received the results of the count from Statistician-General Risenga Maluleke.
The population and housing census was conducted in February 2022 and provides comprehensive data on population size, demographic trends and other service delivery related information. - SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Tue, 10/24/2023 - 14:50
SA enters documentary on Dr Joseph Shabalala to compete at Oscars
South Africa has submitted a film about Ladysmith Black Mambazo founder and musical director Dr Joseph Shabalala for consideration to compete in the International Feature Film category for the 96th Annual Academy Awards (Oscars).
“Music is My Life tells the story of the late South African musician Shabalala, who rose to international acclaim with his band Ladysmith Black Mambazo and contributed to Paul Simon’s successful Graceland album,” the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) said.
Produced by the seasoned award-winning producer, Carolyn Carew, the feature documentary film was shot over a period of five years and Shabalala’s creative process through the inspiring lense of his life.
“It is always a great and privileged opportunity to have a South African film represent the country at the global industry’s foremost awards. The fact that this particular film tells the authentic South African story of the iconic Dr Shabalala, is even more special,” NFVF Acting CEO Thobela Mayinje said.
The NFVF said the film is an engaging tribute to South Africa’s diverse culture, one of South Africa’s most distinct traditional musical forms, isicathamiya, and the man with a remarkable voice who made it globally relevant.
“Since its release, the film has screened at a number of local and international film festivals and has garnered critical acclaim by audiences in countries like America, New Zealand, Australia and Spain, to name a few. Locally, Music is My Life screened at the Labia Cinema for over five days and on what would have been Dr Shabalala’s 83rd birthday, the public broadcaster’s SABC 1 channel aired the film,” the foundation said.
The decision to enter the film was made after a rigorous judging process by the South African Academy Awards Selection Committee.
This year’s committee comprised a diverse group of seasoned industry professionals from various fields within the film industry, who were submitted to and approved by the Academy.
“Once the call for submissions closed on 10 August 2023, the committee evaluated a total of four film submissions from 18 to 22 September 2023, at Nu Metro cinemas in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.
“The submissions were evaluated based on the Academy Awards’ Best International Feature Film eligibility criteria. The NFVF appointed a reputable firm, SNG Grant Thornton to assess the overall judging process and ensure the integrity of the process.
“Once the committee had deliberated in its meeting held on 22 September 2023, the submission Music is My Life - Joseph Shabalala and Ladysmith Black Mambazo received the highest votes as the official selection once the scores were tallied and vetted by the auditors,” the foundation said.
The official nominations for the 96th Annual Academy Awards will be announced on 23 January 2024. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Tue, 10/24/2023 - 14:53
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Liquor Amendment Bill under the spotlight
Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu has acknowledged the message of the 7th Bi-Annual Global Alcohol Policy Conference (GAPC) to pass the Liqour Amendment Bill.
“I hear you and that is the message “Pass the Liqour Amendment Bill now.” From the department of Social Development and all other government people that are here, [we] take note of what has been brought to us here. This is a positive message and a message that says to us we must listen when you stand up to talk to us.
"Let us make the 7th Bi-Annual Global Alcohol Policy Conference remarkable by accomplishing the things we collectively pledged to achieve and for collective action to put the needs of the world’s most vulnerable citizens ahead of profit,” Minister Zulu said.
The Minister was delivering the keynote opening remarks on the occasion of the 7th GAPC held in Cape Town on Tuesday.
GAPC is the leading forum for the world’s alcohol policy makers, advocates, researchers, civil society activists and practitioners.
The official launch was hosted by the Minister and attended by congregants from over 50 countries around the globe. Some of the key concerns that stood out from some speeches from keynote speakers, were the fact that profits are being put ahead of lives.
Zulu emphasised that the country’s approach to alcohol policy has to shift from one where the objectives revolve around economic growth to the interest of public health, with specific focus on reducing alcohol-related harms.
“I hope the conference will be an important turning point that will provide impetus for the much-needed focus on the World Health Organisation’s Global Strategy to Reduce the Harmful Use of Alcohol.
Draft Policy on the Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Use Disorders
The Minister said that the conference came at a perfect time after a month of government tabling the Draft Policy on the Prevention of and Treatment for Substance Use Disorders to Cabinet for public consultation.
The policy provides a framework for decision-making within the whole sector about where the greatest drug-related harms are occurring, and identifying the best means to address those harms.
“We are pleased that Cabinet approved the Policy for public consultation and recommended the establishment of a special committee of Cabinet Ministers to ensure coordination, strategic alignment and decision making in harm prevention and reduction strategies across government.
“I am therefore confident that this policy conference under the theme ‘Investing in People Before Profits: Building momentum towards the Framework Convention on Alcohol Control,’ will provide the necessary political impetus and generate new research and evidence-based ideas in drug and alcohol policy,” the Minister said.
Addiction
The Minister highlighted that government is concerned that up to one in three teenagers are addicted to drugs and alcohol in South Africa.
This figure is based on the numbers of young people presenting themselves to treatment facilities.
‘While we are concerned about the harm that all drugs have on individuals, families and or society as a whole, there is a significant body of evidence from research institutions such as the South African Medical Research Council and Soul City that suggest that alcohol is one of the most abused substances that causes the most harm to the most people in our country,” Zulu said.
The Minister further highlighted to delegates that research further shows that alcohol fuels crime, mortality rates and fatal injuries, and contributes to the unacceptably high levels of vehicle crashes in South Africa.
At the same time, she said, alcohol significantly contributes to gender-based violence and risky sexual behaviours associated with sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.
The Minister added that time and again, the quarterly crime statistics show that alcohol abuse is one of the main contributors to crime around the country.
She said that government is concerned about the emerging trends among young people of mixing alcohol with energy drinks.
“In the face of these growing challenges, our people have demanded that government take necessary measures to address the harmful use of alcohol.
“I must acknowledge that this has not been the easiest of tasks. Any measures to prevent and reduce alcohol harm has been met with a monumental and well-resourced push back that seem to put commercial interests before people from the alcohol industry.”
The Minister emphasised that government’s objective is to regulate the sale and supply of alcohol to the public, not motivated by revenue collection, but rather by purely by the interests of public health and wellbeing, with the particular purposes of protecting children and young people, reducing alcohol consumption, and preventing violent crime and other forms of alcohol related harm.
She said this objective arises from the overwhelming evidence of significant harm to individuals and society caused by the harmful use of alcohol. –SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Tue, 10/24/2023 - 15:42
Government committed to dealing with challenges facing traditional leaders
Government remains committed to swiftly addressing issues confronting traditional and Khoi-San leaders.
This is according to Deputy President Paul Mashatile, who was speaking at a gathering on Tuesday called by the National House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders in Bloemfontein, Free State.
“We will continue to support initiatives that benefit our indigenous communities. We will also continue to provide sufficient funding for education, healthcare, and social services so that no one falls behind,” Mashatile told the leaders.
Mashatile, who was leading the meeting in his capacity as chairperson of the inter-ministerial task team on matters of traditional and Khoi-San leaders, called on the private sector to actively engage with traditional communities through investing in local businesses and projects.
“Through initiatives such as skills development programmes, entrepreneurship training and mentorship, we can collectively unlock the entrepreneurial spirit that resides within our traditional communities,” the Deputy President stressed.
As government works towards the promotion of development and social cohesion in traditional communities, Mashile reminded the leaders that the journey requires collective effort.
“Let us recognise the immense potential that lies within our traditional communities, waiting to be unleashed. Together, we can create a future where traditional and modern ways of being thrive side by side, where development and social cohesion go hand in hand.”
The Deputy President said he was inspired by the unwavering commitment to overcoming the complex developmental challenges that traditional communities face.
“It is important for all of us to come together and collaborate in order to achieve a future that is not only prosperous but also united in diversity and anchored on the prospects of a greater South African nation that has, at its core, the interests of improving and nurturing the lives of those in our rural communities.”
President Cyril Ramaphosa established the inter-ministerial task team in 2020 to consolidate all efforts and unblock issues that impede the resolution of matters.
“We are also committed to play our part in supporting this institution of traditional leadership, for the advancement of all our people.”
Providing support for traditional authorities and rural communities is, according to the Deputy President, of paramount importance.
He also vowed that the state will find ways to bridge the gap between traditional and modern practices to strike a delicate balance that preserves cultural heritage while propelling the nation forward.
“We must preserve our history and knowledge systems, such that these may also shape the future that we imagine, a future that is both inclusive and progressive.
“The South African government remains committed to protecting the rights of traditional authorities and their communities.”
He also spoke about dealing with discrepancies between the rural and urban, in terms of development, service delivery and overall well-being.
Mashatile acknowledged that rural communities still face several challenges.
These, he said, include limited access to information and communication technology services in rural communities, gender-based violence and femicide, teenage pregnancy, drugs and substance abuse, unemployment, HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis, and inadequate access to water and electricity.
In the same breath, however, he said the government has made some progress over the years.
According to Mashatile, government has provided water between 1996 and 2022, with the percentage of households with no access to piped water dropping from 19.7% to 8.7%.
“This is a significant milestone and has improved the lives of our communities, especially women and girls in rural areas,” he said, adding that the State was looking to fast-track development in rural areas.
On technology, he said it was crucial to strategically allocate investments towards the infrastructure networks in rural regions.
He believes that this will enable people to attain essential amenities, including water and sanitation facilities, reliable electricity supply and maintained road networks.
In addition, Mashatile said it would establish connectivity between their residences, workplaces, educational establishments, and healthcare facilities. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Tue, 10/24/2023 - 14:19
Kubayi leads SA delegation to Ghana
Human Settlements Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi, is leading a government and business delegation on an official visit to the Republic of Ghana to participate in government-to-business engagements focused on creating an environment for investment conducive for affordable housing development.
The high-level engagements between the Ghanaian and South African government, which get underway from 25-27 October 2023, will focus on policy and technical exchanges, including a bilateral between Kubayi and the host Minister of Works and Housing, Francis Asenso- Boakye, to review areas of mutual interest.
“The visit will contribute to the strengthening of partnerships between South Africa and Ghana's business sector, while promoting South Africa’s capabilities and policy expertise in the development of human settlements and infrastructure development in general,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 10/24/2023 - 12:48
JOHANNESBURG: The Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers claimed victory at SuperSport Park this past weekend, defeating the Fidelity Titans...