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In an African retail first, Checkers has launched Xtra Savings Plus, a monthly subscription offering unlimited free Sixty60 grocery deliveries, even more personalised offers and an additional in-store discount. After a successful beta trial with customers, the subscription offer is now being made available to all its consumers, at the same price of only R99 …
The 2023 Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series will culminate with the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K on Sunday 24 September 2023, and promises to be an extraordinary final with a star-studded field of elite athletes ready to light up the streets of Jozi. Leading the charge in the men’s race will be the in-form …
Be vigilant of cybercrime
Gauteng MEC for Community Safety, Faith Mazibuko, has called on the public to be wary of cybercriminals targeting unsuspecting individuals on various social media platforms.
“The public must be aware of cybercriminals, who target unsuspecting individuals on various social media platforms with the purpose of causing harm, demanding ransoms and scamming,” the MEC said on Thursday.
This follows the kidnapping of a University of the Witwatersrand student on Tuesday in Johannesburg.
The student was reported missing by his roommate on Tuesday in Johannesburg.
According to reports, the student was lured to the suspects through the dating site, Grindr. The suspects demanded an amount of R30 000 from the student’s family for his safe return.
A team comprising members from Gauteng Crime Intelligence, Organised Crime Investigations, Hillbrow Detectives, Johannesburg Trio Detectives, Johannesburg Metro Police K9, security companies - including Vision Tactical, JT VIP, CAP Security, Fidelity Strategic Team - and Cellular Data Investigation, operationalised the information that led them to an ATM, where one of the suspects was expected to withdraw the ransom money on the M2 Road.
The police held an observation and placed the suspect under arrest as soon as he arrived. He then led the team to Denver Men's Hostel, where the victim, aged 18, was found bound and unconscious.
Seven suspects were arrested, while three knives and the student’s personal items were also recovered. The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Gauteng, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela, has commended the swift response by a multi-disciplinary team for the rescue.
The MEC commended the rescue team for their efforts.
“I would like to commend the heroic law enforcement officials, who carried out the rescue operation. The successful apprehension of the suspects is a result of collaborative efforts by various law enforcement agencies and private security companies,” said MEC Mazibuko. – SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Fri, 09/22/2023 - 09:38
The population of black rhinos declined dramatically in the 20th century at the hands of European hunters and settlers. Between 1960 and 1995, black rhino numbers dropped by a sobering 98%, to less than 2,500 individuals. Since then, the species has made a tremendous comeback from the brink of extinction. Thanks to persistent conservation efforts across Africa, black rhino numbers have doubled from their historic low 20 years ago to more than 6,000 today. However, the black rhino is still considered critically endangered, and a lot of work remains to bring their population up to even a fraction of what it once was—and to ensure that it stays there. Wildlife crime—in this case, poaching of rhinos for the illegal international market for their horns—continues to plague the species and threaten its recovery.
The Namibian government and its partners in conservation, including communal conservancies have been at the cutting edge of efforts to relocate, protect and expand the range of rhinos in the country. While the threat of poaching persists, the impact of these efforts is dramatic. Namibia is now home to the largest population of black rhino left on earth.
TACKLING WILDLIFE CRIME
Poaching remains the deadliest and most urgent threat to black rhinos. WWF is working with government agencies, local communities and other partners in Namibia, Kenya, and South Africa to support law enforcement agencies, develop and build on innovative tech solutions, and equip and train rangers to stop poachers.
In Namibia, WWF, with support from the USAID funded Combatting Wildlife Crime Project and INL projects, is working across sectors, agencies, and borders to help implement the country's ambitious law enforcement strategy to combat wildlife trafficking. WWF also supports the Namibian government in the implementation of its national black rhino strategy, in part by moving rhinos from parks with significant populations to other areas that historically held rhinos but currently do not—a process known as translocation. WWF is also working with the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism and other conservation partners to protect both black and white rhinos, including the maintenance of a comprehensive DNA databank used for forensic investigations and research, and the use of sniffer dogs.
PROTECTING AND MANAGING KEY POPULATIONS
WWF supports aerial population surveys at key sites such as Etosha National Park in Namibia. The surveys are critical for evaluating breeding success, deterring poachers, and monitoring rhino mortality. WWF is also working with partners to develop and implement cutting-edge technologies in range states to closely monitor key populations. When paired with boots-on-the-ground, innovative solutions like electronic identification and tracking tags, radio and satellite collars, night vision cameras, and camera traps provide critical data that is used to make important decisions for black rhino populations going forward.
COMMUNITY-BASED CONSERVATION
Namibia was the first African country to incorporate protection of the environment into its constitution. In 1996, the new Namibian government granted communities the right to create conservancies — areas with defined borders and governance and management structures outside of parks — where communities have the right to manage and benefit from their natural resources. With long-term support from IRDNC, NNF, SRT, WWF and other NACSO partners, robust conservation efforts including community game guards, monitoring, community engagement campaigns, partnerships between the communities and private sector tourism, and translocation projects, which relocate species into new habitats so that they have more space to breed, have made enriched landscapes and lives in rural Namibia.
On World Rhino Day, we join our Namibian partners in recognizing their efforts to protect black rhinos – against tremendous odds. Not only does Namibia have the largest population of black rhinos in the world, but communal conservancies have allowed rhinos to roam free, outside of national parks. These communal conservancies—working with the government, nonprofit organizations and others—have restored populations of black rhinos, creating a rhino-based economy that benefits both people and wildlife!
For more information on WWF Programs in Namibia, visit https://www.wwfnamibia.org.
For more information on U.S. global climate and environmental priorities, visit Climate and Environment – United States Department of State.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of U.S. Embassy in Namibia.
The Portfolio Committee on Tourism received a briefing from the Department of Tourism and South African Tourism on Tuesday on the implementation of the Budget Review and Recommendation Report (BRRR) recommendations for the 2021/2022 financial year and implementation of the recommendations made in the Limpopo and North West oversight visits reports.
Responding to the presentations delivered by the department and the South African Tourism (SAT), the committee expressed its dissatisfaction with how the recommendations have been implemented. The committee was of the view that the department did not respond to the recommendations as it provided general responses to specific recommendations.
In some instances, the department just indicated that the recommendation was noted without tangible explanation of its translation into action. The committee said the responses were incomplete and lacked detail. The committee called on the department to furnish it with a comprehensive report that addresses matters raised in the BRRR and given it until Friday, 22 September 2023 to submit adequate responses to the committee.
The committee will also afford the department an opportunity, in a closed meeting session, to provide an update on the outcomes of its forensic audits and consequence management taken against companies and officials who have been found to have committed financial malfeasance in the implementation of tourism infrastructure projects and other departmental programmes. This decision was taken after relentless, but futile efforts by the committee to get an update on the forensic audit report commissioned by the department.
The committee expressed its concern and shock when it was informed that the moratorium has not been fully lifted on the appointment of staff at SAT. The committee was assured by the Minister of the department that the moratorium had been lifted and that the entity will be able to start the recruitment process. However, on Tuesday 19 September 2023, it emerged that the moratorium has only been lifted on critical posts only.
The committee learned that the former Acting CEO was removed by the board based on the whistle-blower alert that led to an investigation. The committee acknowledged that the whistle-blower information was about an alleged bribe taken by the former Acting CEO. The committee accepted the decision of the board in bringing somebody without a cloud hanging above to allow a full investigation. However, the concern is not about the replacement of the former CEO, but rather about appointing the CFO as an Acting CEO of the organisation.
The Chairperson of the committee, Ms Tandi Mahambehlala, voiced her concern after the committee learnt that the Acting CFO at SAT, Ms Nombulelo Guliwe, has been appointed as Acting CEO at the entity. She said: “There is something problematic about this appointment and arrangement.” The committee raised an issue with financial delegations of the CFO as an Acting CEO in that there will be no clear demarcation if the Acting CEO who is the CFO takes financial decisions with organisational implications.
Ms Mahambehlala said the appointments of the CFO and the CEO should be corrected. She said good governance does not allow the CFO to act as CEO. “It is a wrong practice and as a committee we will stand by our conviction. This is an unfortunate situation where governance has been compromised at SAT, where someone is a referee and a player something which compromises the entity. We are a committee vested on knowledge and education, hence today we can refer to King IV report on the principles of governance.”
The King IV code of governance and principles assist the country and everyone in public administration for effective governance. National Treasury subscribes to these codes and implements them accordingly. “We now have an entity that disregards such important aspects as if it has no capacity. We take this matter seriously,” said Ms Mahambehlala.
On continued underperformance by SAT, the committee was concerned that although the entity has developed an audit action plan and a monthly dashboard to track performance, it was still underperforming whilst incurring over expenditure.
Regarding the first presentation that was delivered by the National Heritage Project Company, which has a monumental procession of 100 life size bronze statues located at Century Cit, Ms Mahambehlala said: “We note what the Director-General of the department suggested, in saying the government cannot fund establishments if the land of the tourist attraction or business is being run and operated privately.”
She added: “For the state to be able to assist, the Heritage Monument Project needs to have land that is leased by government. The committee will advise the National Heritage Project Company to approach the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure to identify and provide a suitable land to support the project."
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Ms Barbara Dallas Creecy, hereby gives notice of her publication of the draft Policy Position on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Elephant, Lion, Leopard and Rhinoceros (the draft Policy Position), in the Government Gazette 49322 (Notice No. 3889). A copy of the Government Notice is available at www.gpwonline.co.za(link is external) or https://www.gov.za/sites/default/files/gcis_document/202309/49322gon3889....
The draft Policy Position is informed by the White Paper on Conservation and Sustainable Use of South Africa's Biodiversity which was published for implementation on 14 June 2023, under Government Notice No. 3537, Government Gazette, No. 48785; the High Level Panel (HLP) report; the recommendations of the Committee of Inquiry (CoI) that was appointed to advise on the possibility of proposing legal interventions on international trade in rhino horn to the 17th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES); and the Colloquium report on captive lion breeding for hunting.
The draft Policy Position focuses primarily on correcting unsustainable practices, promoting conservation and sustainable use of the five species (elephant, lion leopard, black and white rhinoceros), and providing policy direction for international commercial trade. It proposes three conservation and sustainable use policy objectives to enhance species management as follows:
(a) To end the captive keeping of lions for commercial purposes and close captive lion facilities, put a halt to the intensive breeding of lion in controlled environments, and end the commercial exploitation of captive and captive-bred lions;
(b) To phase out the domestication and intensification of management of rhinoceros; and
(c) To enhance the conservation and sustainable use of leopard.
The draft Policy Position also proposes three international commercial trade-related policy objectives as follows:
(a) To promote live export of the five species only to range states or any other appropriate and acceptable destinations with suitable habitats on the African continent;
(b) South Africa will work with range states to support a proposal for international commercial trade in rhinoceros horn from protected wild rhinoceros, for conservation purposes, when conditions become favourable; and
(c) Consider international commercial elephant ivory trade only when conditions become favorable.
Members of the public are invited to submit, within thirty (30) days from the date of publication of this Notice in the Government Gazette or in the newspaper, whichever date is the last date, written comments to this Notice, to any of the following addresses:
By post to: The Director-General: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
Attention: Dr Tsepang Makholela
Private Bag X447
PRETORIA
0001
By hand at: Environment House, 473 Steve Biko Street, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0001
By e-mail to: policyposition@dffe.gov.za(link sends e-mail)
Any inquiries in connection with this Notice or in connection with obtaining a copy of the Socio-Economic Impact Assessment Study (SEIAS) on the draft Policy Position, can be directed to Dr Tsepang Makholela at +27 71 608 4556.
Comments or inputs received after the closing date may be disregarded.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic Of South Africa: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.
SA reiterates support for continental initiatives to ensure peace in South Sudan
Deputy President Paul Mashatile has emphasised that South Africa is committed to supporting all regional and continental initiatives to silence the guns on the continent, in support of Agenda 2063.
“We will continue to support the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and African Union-led initiatives aimed at ensuring peace and prosperity in South Sudan and the Horn of Africa,” Mashatile said.
The Deputy President was briefing Members of Parliament in the National Assembly on efforts to find lasting peace for the people of South Sudan, among other issues.
Supported by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, the Deputy President undertook a working visit to the Republic of South Sudan from 29 - 31 August 2023.
He said the visit to South Sudan enabled him to familiarise himself with the South Sudan peace process and its challenges.
The Deputy President held extensive and fruitful discussions with President Salva Kiir Mayardit and met with the First Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan and leader of Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Opposition, Dr Riek Machar; Vice President Taban Deng Gai; Vice President Dr. James Wani and Vice President Hussein Abdelbagi, among other stakeholders.
During these discussions, Mashatile highlighted that the key issue Sudanese actors and others raised was the need to fully implement the Transitional Security Arrangements contained in Chapter 2 of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan.
“The South Sudanese have requested assistance from South Africa in this area, and the Departments of Defence and Police will be consulted regarding assistance in implementing Chapter 2, including a holistic Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration process.
“South Africa is committed to supporting South Sudan to conclude the implementation of the revitalised transitional phase to hold peaceful national elections by December 2024,” the Deputy President said.
Mashatile told MPs that another outstanding issue is the promulgation of electoral and political party legislation to enable the reconstitution of electoral institutions such as the National Elections Commission (NEC) of South Sudan.
To prepare for the organisation of national elections by December 2024, he said, the NEC will require capacity building and training for its officials. In addition, it was noted that substantial electoral funding will be required, particularly if national, provincial and local elections will take place simultaneously.
South Sudan is due to undertake a permanent constitution-making process under Chapter 6 of the R-ARCSS.
The Deputy President noted that this process attaches with substantial legal work and is necessarily time-consuming.
He said a broader nationwide consultative process must still be undertaken to build on the modest work already commenced.
South Sudan further requires assistance with Transitional Justice matters and Judicial Reconstitution and Reforms under Chapter 5 of R-ARCSS, which focuses on Transitional Justice, Accountability, Reconciliation and Healing.
“South Africa has been requested to share our Truth and Reconciliation Commission experience as South Sudan prepares to undergo its national reconciliation and healing journey. They are also intent on establishing a Compensation and Reparation Authority and an independent Hybrid Court of South Sudan with support and assistance from the African Union,” the Deputy President said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Fri, 09/22/2023 - 12:49
Applications open for bursaries in environmental field
The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has invited full-time students to apply for bursaries, to be awarded in the 2024 academic year, in various fields of study.
The department said the minimum requirements to apply for the bursary is Grade 12, and consideration will be given to previously disadvantaged and people with disabilities, who are South African citizens.
“This advert only applies to full-time students enrolled with an institution of higher learning or currently doing Grade 12 (Matric) and not employed. Please indicate clearly on the application form the reference number and the study field,” the department said in a statement.
The bursaries will be awarded to students in study fields including Environmental Programmes; Forestry Management; Regulatory Compliance Sector Monitoring; Fisheries Management; Oceans and Coasts; Biodiversity and Conservation; Climate Change and Air Quality Management, and Chemicals and Waste Management.
The maximum amount of the bursary is R50 000.
The department said students who have previously participated in the public service internship programme are not eligible for consideration.
“Upon completion of your studies, participation in the internship programme is mandatory, as part of the bursary contract agreement. It is important to note that regulations prohibit participation in the programme more than once,” the department said.
All applications should be accompanied by the following documents:
• Motivation as to why the bursary should be awarded to you.
• Certified copies of qualifications and recent academic records.
• Certified copies of Identity Document (applicant and both parents or guardians).
• Proof of registration (if already enrolled with an institution of higher learning).
• Latest Grade 12 results (if currently in high school).
• Proof of parents or guardians' income.
• Proof if parents are deceased.
• Affidavit if parents are not working.
Hand deliveries or courier applications should be sent to:
Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
Environment House
473 Steve Biko Street
Cnr Steve Biko and Soutpansberg Road Arcadia
Pretoria
OR
Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
63 Strand Street
13th Floor Nedbank Building
Cape Town
For enquiries, applicants should contact Joshua Moepya on 012 399 8682/067 417 3739; Busisiwe Stemele on 012 399-8685/066 156 0042; Mokhobo Putu on 012 399 9018/066 081 2662; Kgomotso Moela on 021 402 3329/081 492 5570; Mooketsa Mabe on 021 402 3412/ 071 540 2685 and Neliswa Magwala 021 814 8089/066 081 9858.
The postal address is: The Director-General (for the attention of the Learning and Development - Bursary Section), Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Private Bag X447, Pretoria, 0001.
Applications closes on 27 October 2023. Faxed or emailed applications will not be accepted.
“Correspondence will be limited to successful applicants only. If you have not been contacted by end of January 2024, please accept that your application was unsuccessful,” the department said.
Successful applicants will be expected to sign a bursary contract. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Fri, 09/22/2023 - 10:16
The recent signing of an agreement to develop what has been called South Africa's largest liquified natural gas project in Mpumalanga province has emphasised the potential of natural gas as a viable energy source for the country.
The agreement, a “non-binding term sheet” (https://apo-opa.info/3PN65zR), is a partnership between South Africa's Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and Afro Energy, a subsidiary of Australian gas explorer Kinetiko Energy. The initiative is projected to generate 50MW of equivalent energy, growing to 500MW over time. There are also options for the development of further LNG gas equivalent projects.
The deal comes amidst renewed interest in onshore gas, as South Africa's power crisis shows few signs of easing. TotalEnergies has won approval (https://apo-opa.info/48phiOs) to search for oil and gas off South Africa's west coast, and in May, the South African government even announced plans to revisit the idea of shale-gas exploration in the Karoo region.
The Mpumalanga discovery is relatively advanced, and involves an innovative public-private partnership approach. However, the resource – estimated at 3.1 billion cubic feet of natural gas – pales in comparison to the gargantuan gas reserves in other parts of Africa.
Africa's natural-gas reserves have been estimated at around 620 trillion cubic feet (https://apo-opa.info/46iQ4qU), with the largest resources in Nigeria, Algeria and Senegal.
Thanks to its proximity to Europe, and well-developed LNG infrastructure, Algeria is currently Africa's largest exporter of natural gas, and the fourth largest gas export in the world (https://apo-opa.info/46m7Zgw), with the 10th largest proven natural gas reserves on the planet.
As Europe looks to wean itself off Russian energy, following that country's invasion of Ukraine, North and West Africa are well positioned to fill the gap. Established trans-Mediterranean gas pipelines can facilitate this, and several more pipelines are in the planning stages.
Supply bottlenecks and political challenges need to be resolved, but the upside for African oil-and-gas exports to Europe is enormous.
Natural gas has also long been heralded as a “transition fuel”, that can help ease the move from oil and coal towards renewable energy. By some measures (https://apo-opa.info/3sZeMy5), gas is a cleaner-burning, efficient fuel that produces fewer carbon-dioxide emissions than other fossil fuels.
It is abundant, and can be compressed, liquified and stored. This storage capability gives natural gas the advantage over forms of renewable energy like solar and wind, which are less easily dispatchable. Storing and providing renewable energy as and when required necessitates complementary technology like batteries, hydrogen or pumped storage.
Gas resources can simply be integrated into the well-developed global natural-gas infrastructure – through pipelines, and the international shipping. This means frontier natural-gas territories – such as South Africa – would be able to “plug in” to this system and begin supplying gas to where it is needed relatively soon after fields are established.
Ghana provides an instructive example of what is possible. The country's oil-and-gas industry launched with its first discoveries around 2006, and it was able to produce its first product within 40 months (https://apo-opa.info/3rkEXz1). In 2021, the country produced 2,4 million metric tons of gas (https://apo-opa.info/3PY0as9).
The imperative to minimise global greenhouse gas emissions to meet Paris 2050 commitments and to reverse climate change is a serious concern, which must be balanced against Africa's development imperatives.
Almost half of Africa's people remain without electricity (https://apo-opa.info/48BiLS2). The Africa Energy Commission (https://apo-opa.info/3ZtYv0d) has confirmed that it still sees a role for natural gas in the continent's evolving energy mix.
In a context where Africa still generates only four percent of global carbon emissions, and the majority (https://apo-opa.info/46oImM7) of its people still rely on biomass to meet their energy needs, a move to natural gas would still represent a net improvement (https://apo-opa.info/3RzRGIH).
That is the domestic scenario. Globally, the planet is hungry for natural gas. Africa is sitting astride enormous resources, but currently only provides 6% of global gas exports (https://apo-opa.info/46ioryf).
The opportunities are significant. There is worldwide gas activity going on, and Africa needs to come to the party.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Oil Week.
Three quarters of public schools still don’t have libraries, in spite of a 2013 promise
Lawyers warn of “dire consequences” for South African road users
Urgent need to address Eskom transmission to deal with load shedding
Electricity Minister, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, has described load shedding as an economic problem that government is urgently addressing, as his department relentlessly tackles generation and transmission challenges.
“It's a structural constraint to the economy of the country and therefore it's indispensable to the resolution of the economic question in the country,” he said on Thursday.
The Minister is hosting a Transmission Financing Seminar with the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE).
The gathering will discuss the financing of South Africa’s Transmission Development Plan, which seeks to expand, support and secure the sustainability of South Africa’s energy mix and electricity supply.
The seminar brings together government, energy industry veterans and potential private sector investors to engage in a critical conversation on South Africa’s energy crisis.
Ramokgopa touched on the country’s Energy Action Plan (EAP), a comprehensive response by government to address the challenge of power cuts.
“In 1997, we were told that at the rate at which you are connecting households to the grid and the economy is growing, you're going to run into a generation problem, a capacity problem 10 years later, and we know that we ran into that problem.”
This is the reason he believes the country needs to speedily attend to transmission with the same vigour it is handling generation capacity.
“We are saying also now if you don't resolve the issues on the transmission side, having that problem today might not be as pronounced and I want to argue that it will be pronounced in the next six to 12 months.
“The similar amount of effort and exertion you’re placing on the generation side requires that they be placed also on the transmission side.”
Eskom's transmission has the mandate to reliably control, maintain, plan, expand and provide access to an interconnected transmission system.
Ramokgopa told the summit that part of the problem that is confronting Eskom is structural constraint primarily presented by two issues – energy deficit and issues of logistics.
The Minister spoke frankly about the impact of load shedding.
He highlighted agriculture and manufacturing as sectors that are heavily impacted by severe shortages in power generation capacity.
“And what this does really borrows from the modelling that has been done by the South African Reserve Bank, which begins to illustrate the kind of injury that is inflicted by load shedding on the South African economy, potentially contracting the economy.”
The Minister has since called for all hands on deck to contribute towards the resolution of this “bleak picture”.
Ramokgopa, who has visited all power plants to better understand the challenges, said there are communities and businesses that have not had electricity for about six years.
“This is not an exaggeration. And so as a result of the failure of the distribution infrastructure, I'm talking about transformers and substations, and this comes about as a result of municipalities being financially unviable.”
The Minister said he will introduce regular updates on the transmission side.
“[This] is after we've gone to Cabinet [to present] the options that are available to us. Once that is adopted, then we will give feedback and then we're doing a significant amount of work on the distribution side (sic).”
These interventions will see the country significantly strengthen and increase South Africa’s electricity supply and capacitate the energy sector in meeting global decarbonisation targets, thereby ensuring South Africa’s long-term energy security and energy sovereignty. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 09/21/2023 - 11:17
Developed economies urged to accelerate climate action
President Cyril Ramaphosa says developed economy countries, in particular, must act with urgency to accelerate the reduction of emissions, fulfil their obligations and honour past promises.
The President was speaking at the Climate Ambition Summit on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, USA.
The President told world leaders that Africa has witnessed with increasing alarm the effects of climate change, environmental degradation, unsustainable production and resource scarcity on human health and well-being.
“As countries across the globe seek practical ways to build back better from the COVID-19 pandemic and multiple crises, we are presented with an unprecedented opportunity to set the global economy on a more equitable, environmentally sustainable and low-carbon developmental trajectory.
“Despite having little responsibility for causing global warming, Africa is warming faster than the rest of the world. Like other parts of the Global South, the continent is significantly affected by climate change. As such, climate actions cannot be separated from the drive for sustainable and inclusive development,” President Ramaphosa said.
The President science sends a clear message that the world is not on track to meet the goals contained in the Paris Agreement. He emphasised that this Climate Ambition Summit must instil the necessary urgency and propel the actions that are needed now to prevent the destruction of the planet and the devastation of societies.
Earlier this 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.
To achieve this vision of economic transformation, African leaders have called on the international community to support efforts to massively increase Africa’s renewable energy capacity by 2030.
“They are seeking investment in smart, digital and efficient green technologies to decarbonise the transport, industrial and electricity sectors in African countries.
“They have called for support to strengthen actions to halt and reverse biodiversity loss, deforestation and desertification. And to boost agricultural yields through sustainable agricultural practices,” the President highlighted.
Structural reform to promote just and inclusive transitions
President Ramaphosa said structural reform is needed to promote transitions that are just and inclusive.
He said global and regional trade mechanisms must enable products from Africa to compete on fair and equitable terms.
“Trade related environmental tariffs and non-tariff barriers must be the product of multilateral agreements. They must not be unilateral, arbitrary or discriminatory.
“The multilateral financial system must build resilience to climate shocks and better leverage the balance sheets of multilateral development banks to scale up concessional finance. Developing economy countries also require new, predictable public finance to support climate adaptation and build resilience to loss and damage.”
The system, President Ramaphosa said, needs to provide interventions for debt management and relief to prevent debt default.
“The actions necessary now must not place an undue burden on the citizens of tomorrow.”
The President emphasised that financing for climate action should respect the right of all countries to pursue their own development pathways, while taking into account their specific national circumstances.
“As South Africa implements its ambitious Nationally Determined Contribution, which is aligned to the Paris Agreement temperature goals, we see new opportunities for green growth and development.
“With abundant solar and wind resources, with significant reserves of critical minerals, South Africa is positioning itself to be a leader in renewable energy, green hydrogen and sustainable industrialisation,” he said.
Due to regulatory changes and a surge of investment, South Africa has a confirmed pipeline of renewable energy projects in development that are expected to produce in excess of 10 gigawatts of electricity.
South Africa has also established a Just Transition Framework to ensure that climate actions adhere to principles of procedural, restorative and distributive justice.
“We are committed to building resilience to the impact of climate change and reducing our emissions in ways that are appropriate to our national circumstances and development pathways.
“As South Africa, and as the African continent, we are working to give substance to our assertion that no country should ever have to choose between development aspirations and climate action,” he said.
President Ramaphosa called on the summit to demonstrate that the leaders of the world are committed to ambitious climate actions that are inclusive, comprehensive and leave no one behind. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Thu, 09/21/2023 - 11:24
With over 300,000 Saffas (South Africans) proudly calling the United Kingdom home, it’s no secret that living abroad comes with its share of longing for the taste of home. Whether it’s the braais, the warm sun or even iconic South African brands, we know you miss it all. That’s why Bokomo is here to bring …
Reform the international financial architecture – President Ramaphosa
President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for the reform and strengthening of financial architecture where developing countries participate equally in the decision making process of the international economic order.
The President said he welcomes the numerous initiatives to assist the most pressing needs of countries in dire stress. These include the Food Shock Window, Resilience and Sustainability Trust and the G20 Common Framework for Debt Treatment.
“However, sustainable and inclusive growth requires that more be done. We must strengthen and reform the international financial architecture. Developing economy countries must participate equally and meaningfully in the decision-making process of the international economic order,” he said.
President Ramaphosa was delivering remarks at the High-Level Dialogue on Financing for Development Summit on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, USA.
The statesman told world leaders that humanity is confronted with the convergence of a climate crisis, recession, increasing conflict, environmental degradation, rising food insecurity, deepening poverty and unacceptable levels of hunger.
He highlighted that when the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was agreed upon, the overarching principle was that the most vulnerable would receive the support they needed.
“Yet, at a time when solidarity was needed most, agreed international commitments were not honoured. Principles such as common but differentiated responsibilities are not being respected.
“Four decades since the right to development was established by the United Nations as a human right, the failure to act on commitments to support development is deepening the divide between the global north and south.
“The Addis Ababa Action Agenda provides concrete plans for supporting development and we again call on our partners to support these plans,” the President said.
President Ramaphosa further called for the mandates of multilateral development banks to be reframed to respond to the needs of developing economies.
He emphasised that “we must assert the principle of country ownership”.
“Multilateral development banks should support projects and programmes that are aligned to the development priorities and climate commitments of these countries.
“The international tax system must reflect the diverse needs and capacities of both developed and developing economies,” he said.
The President added that more innovation is required to enable the private sector to play a greater role in addressing the finance gap. He said this includes a new approach to blended finance with a focus on the developmental impact of investments.
He underscored that credit ratings of developing economies, and African economies in particular, need to be based on economic fundamentals and not on subjective assessments.
Public finance is critical for development
President Ramaphosa said developed economy countries need to fulfil their commitment to contribute at least 0.7 percent of their gross national income towards official development assistance.
They also need to fulfil their commitment to mobilise $100 billion a year to tackle climate change.
“As South Africa, we therefore welcome the recommended actions contained in Secretary-General’s Report on ‘Our Common Agenda’. In the interests of our common progress and the survival and prosperity of future generations, we must act now.
“South Africa encourages all world leaders, global institutions and private sector partners to work together to address the current crises, close the finance divide, reduce inequality, eradicate poverty and make sure that no-one is left behind,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
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Thu, 09/21/2023 - 11:26
Heritage Is Not Just A Matter Of Aesthetics But A Useful Tool For Sustainable Development 24 September 2023 is South Africa’s Heritage Day to observe the nations rich and diversified people, traditions, and cultures whose continuities survive history. Under the theme “Reclaiming, Restoring, and Celebrating our Living Heritage” the National Movement of Rural Women will …
Tyson Properties’ chairman, Chris Tyson, and chief executive, Nick Pearson, have welcomed today’s decision by the South African Reserve Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee to keep the key repo rate unchanged at 8.25%. Although this means that the prime lending rate remains at a 14-year high of 11.75%, both Tyson and Pearson said that the decision …
Tenacity, attention to detail, the courage to persevere and overcome seemingly massive obstacles are just some of the characteristics of good entrepreneurs. It comes as no surprise, then, that many members of the Deaf community have overcome tremendous challenges to not only succeed in business, but even set up their own businesses to create jobs …
Officials working to ensure smooth payment of grants in October
Communications and Digital Technologies Minister Mondli Gungubele says officials are working around the clock to ensure that next month, social grant beneficiaries are not affected by payment delays experienced this month.
Gungubele said that the two departments -- Social Development, and Communications and Digital Technologies -- and their agencies, understand the regrettable strain that the grant payments challenges experienced this month has caused the most vulnerable in society.
In this regard, he reiterated government’s sincerest apologies to all social grants beneficiaries, who have encountered difficulties accessing their social grants this month.
The Minister said he was pleased to report that Postbank assured them that all South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) grant beneficiaries, who were affected by the system challenge, have now been corrected.
“Today, we are delighted to report that Postbank has provided us with the assurance that, according to their records, all SASSA grant beneficiaries, whose accounts were adversely affected by these system challenges on the 5th and 6th of September, have now been corrected.
“These funds are readily available in the accounts of these beneficiaries and if not withdrawn, can be accessed through bank ATMs, retailers and Post Office branches,” the Minister said.
Gungubele said once the beneficiaries’ money is paid into their Postbank bank accounts, they can access the money at any time convenient to them.
He said that this is a normal bank account and clients do not need to withdraw their money all at once. Clients can also use the SASSA gold card to purchase goods at merchants.
Responding to a question on why other beneficiaries remain without their September payments, the Minister said they are going to follow up on the recipients that have not received their grants.
Hijacking grant challenge for personal gain
Gungubele addressed numerous accounts and statements circulating on various platforms, misrepresenting the root cause of the Postbank system challenges that affected social grant recipients’ Postbank accounts this month.
“We want to place it on record that these stories are false and generally fabricated. The root cause of Postbank’s system challenges that affected the September social grants payments to some beneficiaries, which have now been resolved as of the 6th of September, relate to Postbank’s migration to a new system,” he said.
The Minister said Postbank’s systems upgrade programme, of which the recent migration forms a component thereof, has been unfolding for a while in line with its 2022/23 as well as 2022/23 Corporate Plans, and it is also a South African Reserve Bank requirement, as part of Postbank’s banking license application process.
“Social grant beneficiaries are also urged to ignore the false information that the September payments challenges are as a result of the expired SASSA card. The Reserve Bank has granted extension for the SASSA cards to continue to work until December 2023, so beneficiaries can continue to use the same cards,” he said.
The Minister said that the departments and their entities will regularly update SASSA beneficiaries on the details of the card replacement programme.
New Postbank Board to be appointed
Gungubele has assured social grant beneficiaries and the nation that the changes in the Postbank Board will not have an impact on any of the banking operations or the capacity of the Postbank.
Gungubele explained that the Postbank Board is an oversight body appointed by the Minister as non-executive directors, so they are not involved with the executive level of decisions or day-to-day operations of the bank.
“The ministry has already commenced with the process of filling the vacant Postbank Board vacancies, and an advertisement for nominations has been issued.
“In the interim, and to ensure that decisions that reside within the delegation of authority of the board are enabled, the ministry has appointed Khayalethu Ngema as the Postbank Administrator until a new Board is appointed,” Gungubele said.
The Minister concluded that they are actively taking measures to prevent future challenges in the banking ecosystem, and in particular for social grant account holders.
“Our commitment to the welfare and well-being of our social grants beneficiaries remains unwavering.
“We are investing in robust technology infrastructure, enhancing communication and collaboration among relevant agencies, and strengthening oversight mechanisms to ensure the uninterrupted flow of grant payments to those who depend on them most,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Thu, 09/21/2023 - 14:28
As South Africa gears up for the much-anticipated Heritage Day, Uber is delighted to announce a special mobility activation that will allow South Africans and international visitors to connect with the country’s rich cultural heritage. From September 23rd to 30th, users will be able to enjoy discounted rides to some of the most iconic Heritage …
Names of officials who died in SA Navy submarine disaster released
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has named the officials who lost their lives on Wednesday in a navy vessel incident off Kommetjie, near Cape Town.
The SANDF identified the submariners as Lieutenant Commander Gillian Elizabeth Hector, Master Warrant Officer William Masela Mathipa and Warrant Officer Mmokwapa Lucas Mojela.
The three submariners died when a high wave swept seven crew members out of the sea.
According to the SANDF, the SA Navy submarine was en route to Cape Town while conducting a vertical replenishment submarine by means of a SA Air Force Maritime Lynx helicopter when the incident occurred.
“A distress call was made to Cape Town Radio ,who were then dispatched to the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) from Kommetjie.
“All seven members were recovered but sadly there were three fatalities, with one senior official in critical condition,” the SANDF said.
The remaining members, including the surface swimmer, are currently being treated in hospital.
According to the NSRI, the SANDF, SA Air Force, SA Navy, military medical personnel and military police responded, while SA Navy vessels in the area replied to the call as well.
“Two NSRI Kommetjie rescue craft arrived on the scene, one nautical mile off-shore of Slangkop Lighthouse, where three male casualties were rescued onto one NSRI rescue craft and four male casualties were rescued onto one NSRI rescue craft.
“CPR [cardiopulmonary resuscitation] efforts were initiated on two of the men and once ashore at the Kommetjie slipway, CPR was continued on both men by paramedics who, after all CPR efforts were exhausted, sadly they were both declared deceased.”
The NSRI said one SA Navy officer remained on board the naval vessel and in a coordinated operation, where the adult female was extricated from the vessel and CPR efforts were commenced.
“NSRI Hout Bay dispatched a NSRI rescue craft and crew to assist at the Navy vessel.
Sadly, despite extensive CPR efforts, the female officer was declared deceased.”
An inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the incident will be convened in due.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans and her Deputy, Chief of the SANDF, Chief of the SA Navy and Flag Officer Fleet have since extended their sincere condolences to the family members of the deceased.
“The SANDF further extends its sincere thanks and appreciation to the emergency services who assisted in the recovery of the stricken submarines.”
According to the SA Navy, the bereaved families have requested privacy during this difficult time and have asked media and the public to respect their wishes. – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 09/21/2023 - 15:06
It is with deep sadness that the SANDF announces the tragic loss of three SA Navy submariners off Kommetjie on 20 September on board the SAS MANTHATISI. The families of the diseased members have been notified and military Chaplains and Social Workers are offering support to the family.
The names of the submariners who died are: Lieutenant Commander Gillian Elizabeth Hector (Executive Officer), Master Warrant Officer William Masela Mathipa (Coxswain) and Warrant Officer Class One Mmokwapa Lucas Mojela (Coxswain under training).
The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms Thandi Modise, Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Thabang Makwetla, Chief of the South African National Defence Force, General Rudzani Maphwanya, the Chief of the South African Navy, Vice Admiral Monde Lobese and Flag Officer Fleet, Rear Admiral Musawenkosi Nkomonde have extended their deepest condolences to the bereaved families, friends, and colleagues of the submariners who tragically lost their lives.
The bereaved families have requested privacy during this difficult time, and we ask the media and the public to respect their wishes.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Department of Defence, Republic of South Africa.
As Commander-in-Chief of South Africa's Armed Forces, President Cyril Ramaphosa is deeply saddened by the loss of three crew members of the South African Navy submarine SAS Manthatisi who perished at sea off Kommetjie near Cape Town on Wednesday, 20 September 2023.
The SAS Manthatisi was en route to Cape Town while conducting a vertical transfer (VERTREP) by means of a SA Air Force Maritime Lynx helicopter, when high waves swept seven crew members out to sea.
Rough seas affected the rescue and recovery operation in which the National Sea Rescue Institute assisted.
While all crew members were recovered, three fatalities were recorded. Other crew members, including a senior officer in a critical condition, are being treated in hospital.
President Ramaphosa said: “This is a sad loss for our nation and for our brave armed forces in particular who routinely face danger in order so that all of us can be safe and secure.
“My thoughts and prayers go out to the families, friends, commanders and colleagues of the crew members we have lost.
“We wish the injured personnel a full recovery from the physical and psychological trauma they experienced during this tragedy.
“We also appreciate the efforts of all role players who, at great risk to themselves, undertook the rescue and recovery operation.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency: Republic of South Africa.
President Ramaphosa concludes participation in UNGA78
President Cyril Ramaphosa has concluded his working visit to the United States of America, where he led South Africa’s participation in the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA78) in New York.
President Ramaphosa was accompanied by a delegation of Ministers, including the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor; Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Ebrahim Patel; Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, Barbara Creecy; Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla; Minister in The Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, and Minister in The Presidency for Planning Monitoring and Evaluation, Maropene Ramokgopa.
The President delivered South Africa’s National Statement on Tuesday under the theme: 'Rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity: Accelerating action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development towards peace, prosperity, progress and sustainability for all'.
On Wednesday, President Ramaphosa participated in the Financing for Development Summit.
The President joined United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and the President of the UN General Assembly, Ambassador Dennis Francis, in advocating for the strengthening and reform of the international financial architecture.
President Ramaphosa said developing countries must participate equally and meaningfully in the decision-making process of the international economic world order.
"Four decades since the right to development was established by the United Nations as a human right, the failure to act on commitments to support development is deepening the divide between the global north and south," said President Ramaphosa.
The President also addressed the Climate Change Summit, hosted by the UN Secretary-General António Guterres, where he joined the call by African leaders for action in the implementation of the recently adopted Nairobi Declaration on Climate Change and Call to Action.
The declaration recognises that decarbonising the global economy is an opportunity to contribute to equality and shared prosperity.
President Ramaphosa said that financing for climate action should respect the right of all countries to pursue their own development pathways while taking into account their specific national circumstances.
“As South Africa implements its ambitious Nationally Determined Contribution, which is aligned to the Paris Agreement temperature goals, we see new opportunities for green growth and development.
“With abundant solar and wind resources, with significant reserves of critical minerals, South Africa is positioning itself to be a leader in renewable energy, green hydrogen, and sustainable industrialisation,” the President said.
The President described South Africa's participation at the UNGA78 as progressive, as it continued to advocate for the reform of the United Nations Security Council and reiterated South Africa’s support for the United Nations Secretary-General's ambition of U$ 500 billion a year to meet the UN-driven global sustainable development goals.
On the sidelines of UNGA78, President Ramaphosa held several bilateral meetings aimed at strengthening strategic political, diplomatic and trade ties.
These included discussions with the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu; Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy; President Abdelmadjid Tebboune of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria; President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Türkiye, and President Emmerson Mnagangwa of the Republic of Zimbabwe.
Another highlight of the President’s working visit to the United States was the joint announcement by the South African and United States governments of South Africa’s hosting of the 20th US-Sub-Saharan Africa Trade and Economic Cooperation Forum, (AGOA Forum) in Johannesburg from 2 - 4 November 2023.
President Ramaphosa welcomed this development as an expression of South Africa's intention to remain part, beyond 2025, of the trade partnership enabled by the United States’ Africa Growth and Opportunity Act.
This trade relationship carries mutual benefit for South Africa and the United States, as part of the broader cordial and strong relations between the two countries.
In his assessment of UNGA78, President Ramaphosa said: “The United Nations General Assembly is an important and strategic platform for South Africa, where we are able to interact at a high level multilaterally and bilaterally.
“We have engaged in meaningful discussions that will contribute to the development of our country and our continent. I go home with my spirits lifted and enthused that the challenges we face will be resolved as we continue working with our social partners and business at home, and our trade and diplomatic partners globally." – SAnews.gov.za
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Thu, 09/21/2023 - 11:47