African

21 September 2023

President Ramaphosa concludes participation in UNGA78

Location: News

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

DikelediM
Thu, 09/21/2023 - 11:47

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21 September 2023

Ramaphosa concludes participation in 78th United Nations General Assembly

Location: News

The Presidency: Republic of South Africa
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President Cyril Ramaphosa has concluded a 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.

The President delivered South Africa's National Statement on Tuesday, 19 September 2023, 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, 20 September 2023, President Ramaphosa participated in the Financing for Development Summit.

President Ramaphosa said developing countries must participate equally and meaningfully in the decision-making process of the international economic world order.

The President also addressed the Climate Change Summit, hosted by the UN Secretary-General António Guterres, where the President 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: “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.

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 Cyril Ramaphosa held several bilateral meetings aimed at strengthening strategic political, diplomatic, and trade ties.

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 to 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.

The President was accompanied by a delegation of Ministers that included 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.

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

21 September 2023

SARS confirms vessels detained over fuel bunkering supply chain

Location: News

SARS confirms vessels detained over fuel bunkering supply chain

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has confirmed the detention of several vessels involved in the fuel bunkering supply chain.

Responding to a media report concerning the detention of five bunker barges at the Algoa Bay anchorage by Port Elizabeth, over alleged illegal bunker operations, SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter said from 2016 SARS has been engaging with the fuel industry to encourage compliance with the legislation concerning the importation, the trading in and other operational activities of vessels engaged in the supply of fuel.

Alongside these engagements, Kieswetter said, SARS has also been conducting investigations around compliance in fuel bunkering, and the detention of the vessels mentioned in the media article is part of the ongoing investigation.

Kieswetter confirmed that several vessels were detained in terms of the Customs and Excise Act, 91 of 1964, and this was done in the normal course of investigating whether the provisions of the Act have been contravened.

He said SARS is of the view that the detention is lawful and as the investigation is ongoing, “no decision to seize such vessels has been taken”.

“SARS is obliged to administer the law fairly, without fear, favour or prejudice and to conduct investigations in a responsible manner, in accordance with fair procedure. SARS has no interest in jeopardising economic growth or of contributing to the problem of unemployment, poverty and inequality,” Kieswetter said in a statement.

The Commissioner implored taxpayers and traders to comply with their tax and customs obligations, warning that SARS will not hesitate to act firmly and robustly to ensure that “non-compliance is hard and costly for those that wilfully and intentionally ignore their obligations”.

“The clarion call to all taxpayers and traders is - comply or face the consequences,” Kieswetter warned. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Thu, 09/21/2023 - 10:46

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21 September 2023

KZN Premier calls for urgent action to respond to climate change

Location: News

KZN Premier calls for urgent action to respond to climate change

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube has called for urgent and collective action in order to respond to the impact of climate change.

This, the Premier said during an engagement with various strategic and alliance partners at the 2023 Climate Week in New York, must be accompanied by meaningful funding and the implementation of commitments.

Dube-Ncube bemoaned the fact that those who have contributed the least to climate change and are the most vulnerable -- mainly residing in the developing world -- have been the most affected by the impact of climate change.

“Governments must strengthen the implementation of current policies and strategies to hold corporates responsible for their contribution to the climate change impacts and to ensure their accountability.

“The corporates, on the other hand, must put their money where their values are. We urgently need collective action to mitigate, while we largely adapt to the climate change impacts,” Dube-Ncube said.

In its 15th year, Climate Week is regarded as the largest annual climate event of its kind, bringing together some 400 events and activities across the City of New York – in person, hybrid and online.

Each year, business leaders, political change makers, local decision takers and civil society representatives of all ages and backgrounds, from all over the world, gather to drive the transition, speed up progress, and champion change that is already happening.

KwaZulu-Natal is one of the co-chairs of the Climate Group. The group acts as the Secretariat of the Under2Coalition, the largest network of subnational governments committed to reaching net zero emissions by 2050 or earlier.

KwaZulu-Natal represents the voices of the vulnerable people of Africa, as the Premier is the co-chair for the Africa Region.

This year, Climate Week NYC is being held from 17 - 24 September 2023.

At the event, the Premier met with the Governor of California, Gavin Newsom, and the two discussed issues of common interest, including lessons on climate insurance, and establishing learning platforms, which will be shared by both KwaZulu-Natal and the California subnational government, to push the urgency of action.

The two leaders also discussed climate risks and vulnerabilities, as both California and KwaZulu-Natal share similar experiences, which is flash floods, droughts and sea level rises.

Dube-Ncube said Climate Week and the engagement with the Governor could not have come at a more poignant time, as KwaZulu-Natal and the rest of Africa are more susceptible to violent weather patterns.

The Premier said while making good progress, the province is still reeling from the April 2022 floods and its infrastructure has not yet fully recovered.

“Just this weekend, we witnessed devastating tidal waves in the south coast of KwaZulu-Natal which destroyed infrastructure and saw a number of people injured. This clearly demonstrates that our province is in the eye of the storm and, as a result, urgent action is required from all stakeholders,” Dube-Ncube said.

On behalf of the provincial government, the Premier conveyed a message of support and condolences to the families of the victims of the high tidal waves, which left a trail of destruction in its wake.

Dube-Ncube said the conversations at the 2023 Climate Week will not end at the event but will shape the onward conversations of COP28, scheduled to take place in November/December 2023 in the United Arab Emirates.

“This is where governments and non-parties will be advancing the voice of inclusivity.

“As part of the underdeveloped and developing worlds, we carry a clear mandate to advance the aspirations of our regions and in particular, the African continent, for environmental justice, food security and financing of mitigation efforts,” the Premier said. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Thu, 09/21/2023 - 10:02

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20 September 2023

Protest at Parliament goes ahead after last-minute deal with City of Cape Town

Location: News

Activist organisation #UniteBehind wants MPs to fire former PRASA chair Sfiso Buthelezi

20 September 2023

South Africa continues to advocate for dialogue

Location: News

South Africa continues to advocate for dialogue

President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged the international community to do everything within its means to enable meaningful dialogue between warring parties, while refraining from actions that fuel the conflict.

The President was delivering a statement to the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA78) at the United Nations headquarters in New York.

“Democratic South Africa has consistently advocated for dialogue, negotiation and diplomacy to prevent and end conflict, and achieve lasting peace.

“It is these principles that inform South Africa’s participation in the African Peace Initiative, which seeks a peaceful resolution of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. In this conflict, as in all conflicts, we have insisted that the UN Charter’s principle of respect for the territorial integrity of every country should be upheld,” the President said.

President Ramaphosa told the world leaders that SA’s participation in the African Peace Initiative is informed by a desire to see an end to the suffering of those most directly affected by the conflict and the millions on the continent and across the world who, as a result of the conflict, are now vulnerable to worsening hunger and deprivation.

“As the international community, we must do everything within our means to enable meaningful dialogue, just as we should refrain from any actions that fuel the conflict.

“As we confront other conflicts in several parts of the world, including on our continent Africa, we need to be investing in prevention and peacebuilding,” he said.

The President said South Africa supports the call by the UN Secretary-General in the New Agenda for Peace for Member States to provide more sustainable and predictable financing to peacebuilding efforts.

He called on the global community to be concerned by recent incidents of unconstitutional changes of government in some parts of Africa.

He emphasised that the global community needs to work alongside the African Union to support peace efforts in the eastern DRC, Libya, Sudan, Somalia, Mali, Central African Republic, South Sudan, northern Mozambique, the Great Lakes Region, the Sahel, Niger and the Horn of Africa.

The President highlighted that the African Union Peace and Security Council has declared that it stands ready to deepen its cooperation with the UN Security Council to silence the guns on the African continent and to achieve peace, stability and development.

“We are called upon to remain true to the founding principles of the United Nations, by recognising the inalienable right of the people of Western Sahara to self-determination, in line with the relevant UN General Assembly resolutions.

“We must work for peace in the Middle East. For as long as the land of the Palestinians remains occupied, for as long as their rights are ignored and their dignity denied, such peace will remain elusive,” he said.

President Ramaphosa said that the actions of the Government of Israel have imperilled the possibility of a viable two-State solution.

“The principles of the UN Charter on territorial integrity and on the prohibition on the annexation of land through the use of force must be applied in this situation,” he said.

President Ramaphosa said South Africa continues to call for the lifting of the economic embargo against Cuba, which has caused untold damage to that country’s economy and people.

He said sanctions against Zimbabwe should also be lifted as they are imposing great suffering on ordinary Zimbabweans.

“As many people around the world are confronted by hunger and want, the essential human qualities of cooperation and solidarity must be evident in the actions we take to bridge the divide between wealthy and poor.

“We must summon the necessary will and resolve to regain the momentum towards the achievement of the 2030 Agenda.

“This means that we must address the fundamental development challenges that have long characterised our unequal world,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Wed, 09/20/2023 - 09:59

502 views

20 September 2023

President Ramaphosa calls on wealthy countries to meet financial commitments on climate

Location: News

President Ramaphosa calls on wealthy countries to meet financial commitments on climate

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on partners from wealthy countries to meet the climate financial commitments they made to tackle global warming in developing countries.

“We call on our partners from wealthier countries to meet the financial commitments they have made. It is a great concern that these wealthier countries have failed to meet their undertakings to mobilise 100 billion dollars a year for developing economies to take climate action,” the President said.

President Ramaphosa was speaking during the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA78) at the United Nations headquarters in New York on Tuesday.

He told world leaders that Africa is warming faster than the rest of the world, with 17 of the 20 climate hotspots around the world found in Africa.

“Africa is least responsible for the climate damage that has been caused and yet it bears the greatest burden.

“Centuries after the end of the slave trade, decades after the end of the colonial exploitation of Africa’s resources, the people of our continent are once again bearing the cost of the industrialisation and development of the wealthy nations of the world,” he said.

President Ramaphosa stressed “this is a price that the people of Africa are no longer prepared to pay”.

“Many countries in the North count their assets in the mineral resources that are beneath the African soil. The wealth of Africa belongs to Africans. The mineral wealth that is beneath the soil of Africa must in the end accrue to Africans,” he said.

The President urged global leaders to accelerate global decarbonisation while pursuing equality and shared prosperity.

He underscored the need to advance all three pillars of the Paris Agreement – mitigation, adaptation and support, with equal ambition and urgency.

“African countries, alongside other developing economy countries, need increased financial support to both implement the 2030 Agenda and achieve their climate change goals in a comprehensive and integrated manner.

“We need to operationalise the Loss and Damage Fund for vulnerable countries hit hard by climate disasters, as agreed at COP27,” the President said.

Reform of global institutions

President Ramaphosa called on the global community to ensure the essential qualities that define humanity are evident in the institutions that manage the conduct of international relations.

“We require institutions that are inclusive, representative, democratic and advance the interests of all nations. We require a renewed commitment to multilateralism, based on clear rules and supported by effective institutions.

“This is the moment to proceed with the reform of the United Nations Security Council, to give meaning to the principle of the sovereign equality of nations and to enable the council to respond more effectively to current geopolitical realities,” he said.

He said he is pleased that the Common African Position on the reform of the Security Council is increasingly enjoying wide support.

He further advocated that the process must move to text-based negotiations, creating an opportunity for convergence between Member States.

“We must ensure that the voice of the African continent and the global South is strengthened in the United Nations and broader multilateral system. All the peoples represented here in this United Nations had their origins in Africa,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Wed, 09/20/2023 - 10:48

361 views

20 September 2023

NSFAS collaborates with government agencies to identify unqualifying students

Location: News

NSFAS collaborates with government agencies to identify unqualifying students

Higher Education and Training Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande, says the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) will continue its collaborative work with other government entities to verify all applications for funding.

Nzimande said the scheme is working with the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), South African Revenue Service (SARS), and the Department of Home Affairs to verify information submitted by students applying for funding.

A report from the NSFAS Board shows that 45 927 students were correctly or erroneously disqualified for funding due to processing gaps, which fall under three broad categories. The three categories include Hybrid Applications, Missing Parental Relationships, and Latency Data from the Higher Education Information Management System (HEMIS).

Hybrid Applications are continuing students who applied, while Missing Parental Relationships are first-time entering students, who were previously funded and later rejected because of additional parental relationships that were verified, based on additional information sourced from government agencies.

On Hybrid Applications, Nzimande said, the report shows that about 14 703 records were continuing students who applied erroneously because of migrating from the old to the new system, and in some instances, it was students panicking because they did not see their funding status and applied for funding.

“I can confirm that all these students are now funded. The balance of 31 224 students remains not funded and this is due to the assessment of financial eligibility, as NSFAS continues to pick up additional parental relationships and academic ineligibility,” Nzimande reported at a briefing on Tuesday.

On the Missing Parental Relationships, Nzimande noted that some students had initially declared one parent or the “incorrect” parent, who was not picked up by the Department of Home Affairs, and as such, a decision was made to initially fund the student.

“However, based on review of this trend, through a relationship matrix that is built internally at NSFAS, we established additional parental relationship of students. This was exposed to SARS verification and SARS came with the feedback that the combined family income of these families exceeds the threshold. This led to the discontinuation of funding for some of the students.

“Another criterion is the Academic Eligibility review, which was incomplete due to the delays in data received from HEMIS and this impacted the N+Rule (the number of years students will receive funding to obtain a qualification),” the Minister said.

Over 170 000 appeals received

Nzimande said NSFAS has received a total of 178 426 appeals due to the disqualifications, and these include 63 331 appeals that were approved and 8 528 that were rejected.

“Out of these 178 426 appeals received, 30 712 were invalid appeals, meaning students either withdrew or their appeals were duplicated. Then there are 41 438 appeals that required the submission of external dependencies, such as submission of documentation.

“About 20 908 are awaiting supporting document appeals, meaning the student submitted incorrect documents at the time of appeal and were requested to provide further documents. In addition, 20 530 students, through results from Higher Education and Training and our institutions, indicate that they did not progress. Students appealed the decision and indicated that they have passed,” Nzimande explained.

The Minister said 11 284 appeals are currently in evaluation, which are assigned to a case worker to process each appeal.

He assured that all the appeals will be attended to urgently. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Wed, 09/20/2023 - 10:51

334 views

20 September 2023

Stellantis Invests ZAR 3 Billion in South Africa, Establishing State-of-the-Art Automotive Plant in Coega

Location: News

Stellantis (www.Stellantis.com) MEA COO Cherfan and SA Minister of Trade, Industry & Competition Patel shake hands on a new manufacturing plant in South Africa; Rapid progress has been made since the MOU signing in March 2023 with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic); this bold initiative reinforces Stellantis MEA Region's Dare Forward 2030 ambition to sell one million vehicles by 2030 with 70% regional production autonomy.

Stellantis has confirmed its intention to develop a greenfield manufacturing facility in Coega in South Africa with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic). Minister Ebrahim Patel, senior officials from the IDC and Mr. Samir Cherfan, Stellantis Middle East and Africa Chief Operating Officer met at the Parliament Buildings in Cape Town to agree on investment in the South African motor industry.

“It is a wonderful day for all South Africans when a global company of Stellantis' proportions decides to expand its manufacturing footprint in South Africa, to assemble completely knocked down units,” said Mr. Ebrahim Patel, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition. “South Africa currently has the capacity to produce close to 700 000 vehicles annually. This will add considerable additional capacity, just as we prepare to implement the African Continental Free Trade Area. The country remains a great investment destination and this commitment from Stellantis to invest in our local motor industry highlights the success of our manufacturing sector policy, its capability and potential. We look forward to welcoming Stellantis to South Africa and sharing in the detailed plan for employment and investment”.

“We are delighted with the speed at which we are progressing on this project, thanks to the commitment of Minister Patel and the great collaboration with IDC, CDC and dtic teams,” commented Samir Cherfan-Chief Operating Officer Stellantis Middle East and Africa. “This project reflects our focus and trust in South Africa as one of the most important markets in Africa & Middle East. It is also the execution of our Dare Forward 2030 Strategy to reach over 22% Market Share in the region by 2030 with 70% regional localization of our sales leading to over 1 million units produced. We believe in South Africa and we intend to develop industrially and commercially bringing value to our customers”.

The manufacturing plant will be built in the South African Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Coega situated near Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. The greenfield manufacturing project is planned to complete by the end of 2025. The first launch planned early 2026 is a 1 T pick-up truck with volumes expected to reach up to 50,000 completely knocked down (CKD's) units annually including export, in line with the industry masterplan, known as the Automotive Production Development Program (APDP). The plant will be predisposed in terms of space and painting to go up to 90K units / year.

Direct employment to support the first capacity step is expected at 1000 jobs. Stellantis will be massively investing in over 500 000 hours in training and skills to develop and support the local teams to the level of global standards. We are targeting a localization rate over 30%.

“The Coega Development Corporation (CDC) is enthralled for Stellantis to have chosen the proposed site in Coega for their Southern African manufacturing operations. Joining other major manufacturers in the area makes the Coega region the primary automotive hub in the country. The investment in the plant, employment, training and skills transfer will certainly benefit the region tremendously. “This is a much needed and welcomed economic boost for the Eastern Cape Province with an anticipated economy wide impact on the province's GDP of R 664 million. Household income is anticipated to increase to R558.4 million within the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) and R577.4 million for the entire Province. Most importantly, an anticipated 1800 jobs will be created in the Metro and around 2 097 for the EC Province,” said Khwezi Tiya, CEO the CDC.

Stellantis continues to work closely with the IDC in developing a viable joint venture (JV) partnership that will be evaluated by appropriate credit committees. “Stellantis' success with similar manufacturing plants around the world is well-known and our planned JV with Stellantis to build another greenfield plant in South Africa is progressing well. The investment is in line with IDC's intent to drive investment that supports the development of the regional automobile value chain,” said Mr. TP Nchocho, CEO of the IDC.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Stellantis.

For more information, contact:
Tshepo RAMODIBE
+27 269 3106
TshepoR@idc.co.za

Deidre Du PLESSIS
+27 10 252 5000
deidre.duplessis@stellantis.com

communications@stellantis.com
www.Stellantis.com

Social Media:
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Facebook: https://apo-opa.info/3Pcrv8c
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.info/3PGD2OG
YouTube: https://apo-opa.info/3EDsBF6

About Stellantis:
Stellantis N.V. (NYSE: STLA / Euronext Milan: STLAM / Euronext Paris: STLAP) is one of the world's leading automakers and a mobility provider. Its storied and iconic brands embody the passion of their visionary founders and today's customers in their innovative products and services, including Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroën, Dodge, DS Automobiles, Fiat, Jeep_®, Lancia, Maserati, Opel, Peugeot, Ram, Vauxhall, Free2move and Leasys. Powered by our diversity, we lead the way the world moves – aspiring to become the greatest sustainable mobility tech company, not the biggest, while creating added value for all stakeholders as well as the communities in which it operates. For more information, visit www.Stellantis.com.

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20 September 2023

Tuskers Announce Division 1 Arrival In Style

Location: Sport

PIETERMARITZBURG: AET Tuskers registered an impressive win in their opening match in the top division, with a commanding nine-wicket victory over...

20 September 2023

Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) Announces Finalists for 2023 AWIEF Awards

Location: News

The Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) (https://www.AWIEForum.org) is delighted to announce the finalists for its 2023 AWIEF Awards.

Launched in 2017, the prestigious annual AWIEF Awards is an initiative to recognise, honour, and celebrate women entrepreneurs and business owners in Africa across various industry sectors for their achievements and contribution to the continent's inclusive economic growth and social development.

An international and independent Panel of Judges selected the twenty-four (24) finalists across eight (8) categories. These outstanding women founders and business leaders operate in a diverse range of sectors and represent companies from fourteen (14) different African countries: Cameroon, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

The 2023 AWIEF Awards winners will be announced and celebrated at a special ceremony and gala dinner at the AWIEF2023 Conference and Awards, taking place on 9 and 10 November at the Kigali Convention Centre, Kigali, Rwanda.

AWIEF Founder and CEO, Irene Ochem, said: “Given the huge number and calibre of the nominations received this year, it is clear that female entrepreneurship and business leadership is thriving across Africa. It is our honour to recognise and celebrate the achievements and contributions of these women to the inclusive growth of their respective sectors, their countries and the continent's economy.”

A member of the 2023 AWIEF Awards Panel of Judges, John-Paul Iwuoha, Founder of Smallstarter Africa, said: "As a Judge, I was thoroughly impressed by the quality of applications in all the categories. It is great to see how AWIEF continues to attract innovative women across Africa who are creating enormous value for society."

The finalists for the 2023 AWIEF Awards are (listed in alphabetical order):

Young Entrepreneur Award

Salamba Diene, CEO, BIOSENE SARL, Senegal

Joyce Kamande, Co-founder & CEO, Safi Organics, Kenya

Jovia Kisakye, CEO, Sparkle Agro Brand, Uganda

Tech Entrepreneur Award

Norah Magero, Founder & CEO, Drop Access Limited, Kenya

Kathryn Malherbe, CEO, Med Sol AI Solutions, South Africa

Kidist Tesfaye, Founder & CEO, YeneHealth, Ethiopia

Agri Entrepreneur Award

Chinwendu Nweke, CEO, Bridge Merchant Enterprise, Nigeria

Forget Shareka, Founder, Chashi Foods, Zimbabwe

Nonopa Tenza, Founder & MD, Kevinot Farming, South Africa

Energy Entrepreneur Award

Linda Mabhena-Olagunju, Founder & CEO, DLO Energy Resources Group, South Africa

Ifeoma Malo, CEO, Clean Technology Hub, Nigeria

Margaret Yainkain Mansaray, Founder & CEO, Women in Energy Sierra Leone Limited, Sierra Leone

Creative Industry Award

Yasmina Belahsen, Founder, MayaDigital, Morocco

Gladys Chibanda, Founder & CEO, Krafted Ink, Zimbabwe

Ararat Tamirat, Founder & GM, Tuba By Ararat, Ethiopia

Social Entrepreneur Award

Damilola Aminat Adeyemi, Co-founder & CEO, D-Olivette Global Enterprise, Nigeria

Kayumba Chiwele, Founder & Principal Psychologist, MindAid Zambia, Zambia

Mundih Noelar Njohjam, Medical Doctor, Epilepsy Awareness, Aid and Research Association, Cameroon

Empowerment Award

Aya Chebbi, Founder & President, Nalafem Collective, Tunisia

Zulfat Mukarubega, Founder, University of Tourism, Technology and Business Studies, Rwanda

Catherine Wijnberg, Founder & CEO, Fetola, South Africa

Lifetime Achievement Award

Rina Gunter, Founding Partner, Gunter Attorneys, South Africa

Dalia Ibrahim, CEO, Nahdet Misr Publishing House, Egypt

Anke Weisheit, Co-founder & Chair, PHARMBIOTRAC, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Uganda

Tickets for the AWIEF2023 Conference and Awards are available online at: https://apo-opa.info/3JHKUem

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF).

For more information and media enquiries, email: info@awieforum.org

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Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF)

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20 September 2023

Apple Music announces Cassper Nyovest as the featured artist for this month’s Rap Life Africa as he releases 7th studio album ‘Solomon’

Location: Entertainment, MyPR

Apple Music’s Rap Life Radio, presented by Global Editorial Head of Hip-Hop and R&B, Ebro Darden will feature South African superstar, chart-topping rapper and business man Cassper Nyovest on this week’s episode. Ebro and Africa Now Radio host, Nandi Madida, chat about his latest single “018” feat. Maglera Doe Boy which is available to stream …

20 September 2023

Taxis bring traffic on active uMhlanga road to a standstill

Location: News

To restore calm to the area, authorities agreed to temporarily allow taxis to park near Ocean Mall

20 September 2023

Celebrate Negroni Week With The Perfect Negroni Serve!

Location: Entertainment, MyPR

Join us on a journey through flavour and time as we celebrate an iconic cocktail – the Negroni! The negroni is a cocktail that has surpassed trends and time for over a century, dating all the way back to the early 20th century Florence. It was born at the hands of Count Camillo Negroni when, …

20 September 2023

SANTACO, Labour meet to ensure compliance in taxi industry

Location: News

SANTACO, Labour meet to ensure compliance in taxi industry

The Department of Employment and Labour, through its offices across the country, will delegate officials to help the taxi industry to fast track the process of compliance with labour legislation through their respective cooperatives.

This comes after a recently held meeting between the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) with both the Minister of Employment and Labour Thulas Nxesi and Deputy Minister Boitumelo Moloi.

The department on Wednesday said the meeting was converged to discuss the taxi industry’s efforts to ensure that it complies with all the relevant labour legislation that regulates the industry.

“The organisation’s leadership alluded that the harshest lesson they drew from the COVID-19 pandemic was when the majority of their employees couldn’t claim the available monetary benefits due to their industry’s non-compliance.

“Whilst the organisation is overseeing a bigger industry formalisation project, the Department of Employment and Labour has committed to support and empower the taxi industry to fast track compliance with all the related labour legislation,” the department said.

The department explained that the urgency of the collaboration is backed by the taxi industry’s current contravention of existing legislation, which is unprecedented. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Wed, 09/20/2023 - 11:49

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20 September 2023

Entries Closed For Rip Curl GromSearch Seal Point presented by The Cape St Francis Resort

Location: MyPR

Entries Closed For Rip Curl GromSearch Seal Point presented by The Cape St Francis Resort Seal Point, Cape St Francis – it only took a few days for the entries to max out for the Rip Curl GromSearch Seal Point. This popular tournament is the final contest in a 5-event series and will …

20 September 2023

Electricity Minister to co-host South African Transmission Financing Seminar

Location: News

Electricity Minister to co-host South African Transmission Financing Seminar

Minister in The Presidency for Electricity, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, is expected to co-host a Transmission Financing Seminar with the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) on Thursday.

The Minister will deliver a keynote address at the seminar.

According to a statement, the seminar is aimed at galvanising “discussions on 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 development and expansion of South Africa’s electricity transmission infrastructure is a critical cog to enabling diverse energy solutions, which are geographically located in various parts of the country, to contribute to the country’s electricity grid.

“This will significantly strengthen and increase South Africa’s electricity supply and capacitate the energy sector in meeting global decarbonisation targets and ensuring South Africa’s long-term energy security and energy sovereignty,” the statement read.

Various industry stakeholders are expected to attend the seminar.

“The seminar will bring together government, energy industry veterans and potential private sector investors to engage in a critical conversation on South Africa’s transmission infrastructure requirements for long-term energy security; explore alternative funding mechanisms for maintaining, modernising and expanding the national grid and an exchange on international experience of countries that have had similar challenges and what models were pursued to overcome these challenges,” the statement read. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Wed, 09/20/2023 - 09:25

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20 September 2023

Cybersecurity Summit Heads to Johannesburg

Location: News

In a digital landscape fraught with cyber threats, the imperative for updated cybersecurity strategies in public institutions has never been more pressing. Recent high-profile cyber incidents, such as the ransomware attacks targeting key South African entities including the City of Johannesburg (https://apo-opa.info/3LvDAnI), Transnet (https://apo-opa.info/3Lwf1r3), and the Department of Justice (https://apo-opa.info/44Yl6U6), have underscored the vulnerability of public sector organizations and State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) to the relentless pursuits of hackers and cyber criminals. To address this critical issue head-on, the stage is set for the upcoming Public Sector Cybersecurity Summit 2023 (https://apo-opa.info/3rc4GK1) (#PubliSec2023), scheduled for October 3rd in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Download the document: https://apo-opa.info/3t0Z7hY

Interpol's African Cyberthreat Assessment Report for 2021 (https://apo-opa.info/3t0Z7hY) cast a stark light on the situation, revealing that cyber attacks exact a staggering R2.2 billion toll on South Africa annually. Further compounding this statistic, an insightful report by Accenture on digital safety (https://apo-opa.info/3ZoGVuB) divulged that South Africa contends with an average of approximately 577 malware attacks per hour.

The significance of the cyber threat is neither localized nor restricted. The African Union encountered a crippling cyber onslaught (https://apo-opa.info/3rnX4Eb) earlier this year, resulting in the paralysis of its systems and rendering employees bereft of access to both work emails and the broader internet. Meanwhile, efforts to disrupt the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) (https://apo-opa.info/46iSXIo) and the country's major financial institutions were thwarted by Ethiopian authorities in 2022. Shumete Gizaw, the director-general of the Ethiopian Information Network Security Agency (INSA), underscored the gravity of the situation, revealing that a staggering 37,000 interlinked computers used by financial institutions had been targeted in the failed cyber attacks.

In the wake of this alarming surge of cyber incursions on public sector domains, the clarion call for proactive cybersecurity strategies has become resonant. Government departments, agencies, and State Owned Enterprises must now recalibrate their cybersecurity outlooks and undertake substantial investments in infrastructure, skills development, and cutting-edge technology. These proactive measures will be pivotal in not only mitigating existing vulnerabilities but also in erecting robust barriers against potential future attacks.

The Public Sector Cybersecurity Summit 2023 (https://apo-opa.info/3rc4GK1) offers a rallying platform for stakeholders invested in safeguarding public sector interests against the escalating tide of cyber threats. By participating in this significant event, attendees will gain exposure to the latest insights, best practices, and case studies that collectively form the bedrock of effective cybersecurity measures. The summit also presents an invaluable networking opportunity, where attendees can connect with peers and solution providers to exchange perspectives, challenges, and innovative strategies.

To register for the summit and secure your seat among the vanguard of cybersecurity resilience, visit https://apo-opa.info/3rc4GK1.

For organizations aiming to amplify their participation and engagement in this pivotal cybersecurity discourse, sponsorship opportunities are available. To explore these avenues further, download the summit brochure at https://apo-opa.info/3rc4GK1. The Public Sector Cybersecurity Summit 2023 is a watershed moment in fortifying the digital defenses of government entities and State Owned Enterprises. The journey towards cyber resilience begins here.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of IT News Africa.

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20 September 2023

Does Branded Merchandise Still Maintain A Space In Modern Marketing?

Location: MyPR

In today’s ever-evolving marketing landscape, where digital strategies often dominate the conversation, one element continues to stand the test of time – that of branded merchandise. International research shows that this steadfast pillar of modern marketing, commonly known as promotional products, has remained a powerhouse in successful campaigns for decades. In fact, according to Chris …

19 September 2023

African solidarity key to future pandemic preparedness

Location: News

African solidarity key to future pandemic preparedness

Africa’s pandemic prevention, preparedness and response should be characterised by unity, solidarity and coherence between countries as was the case during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This according to President Cyril Ramaphosa who was addressing the Uniting Behind a Common Africa Position on Pandemic Preparedness, Prevention and Response (PPPR) Summit on the sidelines of the ongoing United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

“In the same way as we responded to COVID-19, Africa’s pandemic prevention, preparedness and response efforts should be defined by unity, solidarity and coherence. As far as I know, we in Africa are possibly the only continent that succeeded and managed to develop a clear strategy on how to respond to COVID-19. A well-articulated strategy, well developed strategy that enabled our continent, in more ways than one, to navigate its way through COVID-19.

“Likewise, Africa should set its own agenda to fit into the global plans. Africa is justified in wanting to have self-reliance in pandemic prevention, pandemic preparedness and response, or PPPR. Africa experiences over 100 infectious disease that have broken out quite often in a year, most of which we manage to contain,” he said.

Leaning further into Africa’s response to COVID-19, President Ramaphosa reminded those gathered at the PPPR Summit about the strides the continent made during the height of the pandemic.

“During COVID-19, Africa emerged as a leader in genomic surveillance. On two occasions, we were the first to alert the world to new COVID-19 variants.

“The relative success of Africa’s COVID-19 Response Strategy should be studied and documented. We need to understand the effect of factors such as the high degree of cross-border cooperation, local expertise, the relatively young population and the impact of partnerships. These learnings can form the basis of an informed, proactive strategy.

“Together, we built a solid foundation for PPPR…by strengthening our public health institutions. We initiated a pharmaceutical manufacturing strategy, established a model for continent-wide pooled procurement and exposed African products to the global market through the Africa Medical Supplies Platform.

“If ever there was a moment when our continent really showed positive signs of integration in practical terms, going just beyond talking about integration, it was during the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.

President Ramaphosa emphasised that a combination of climate change and the increased movement of people has caused an increase in the frequency of outbreaks worldwide – making the need for pandemic preparedness a pressing matter.

“This means preparation is urgent and will not wait for us to make up our minds at the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body.

“It is for this reason that we support the establishment of an interim medical countermeasures coordination mechanism. However, it must correct the mistakes of ACT-A [Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator] and be founded on a firm principle of accountability and fair governance characterised by a partnership of equals.

“We support the WHO consultative process towards establishing this mechanism and that it should align with the determinations of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body,” he said.

Building preparedness capacity

President Ramaphosa said the continent now has a “window of opportunity to maintain political will and investor interest to drive significant investments towards developing regional PPPR capacity”.

He added that this will require focus on critical areas:

“Firstly, we need strong, sustainable, digitally-empowered primary health care systems and we need community-responsive national public health institutes. Because outbreaks happen at the community level, information must travel faster than the pathogen. Health services must be able to reach vulnerable groups on our continent, including those in conflict settings. Secondly, we need real-time surveillance and good cross-border cooperation.

“Thirdly, we need a capable and fit-for-purpose workforce. We need to urgently establish the health workforce task team to operationalise health workforce development. With such a large young population, Africa can be the hub of health workforce production to close the global health workforce shortage.

“Fourthly, we need equitable access to medical countermeasures, including vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics, through local manufacturing and functional last-mile delivery of goods and services. Fifthly, we need predictable financing for pandemic prevention, preparedness and response systems,” he said.

President Ramaphosa said Africa needs to speak with a “unified voice” but further emphasised that that voice must having a stronger say international fora.

“As we build our regional capacity, we must also position ourselves prominently in the global PPPR negotiations. We need a unified voice as well as demonstrate that we have common positions to advance the interests of our continent but more particularly, the people who live on our beloved continent Africa.

“Africa needs to be well represented in key global fora, like the World Health Organisation’s consultative process towards an interim medical countermeasures coordination mechanism, the G20 as part of the AU’s new membership, the G7 MCM Delivery Partnership and the informal Johannesburg process,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Tue, 09/19/2023 - 10:27

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19 September 2023

Illuminating South Africa’s Future: The Solar Revolution

Location: MyPR

South Africa is witnessing a transformative shift in the energy landscape, and at the forefront of this change is a dedicated team committed to saving South Africans one solar installation at a time. Welcome to the heart of the country’s solar industry, where innovation, sustainability, and a brighter future unite. In this blog, we delve into the ethos …

19 September 2023

Telkom partners with app-based delivery service SME to boost its expansion into the township market

Location: MyPR

Telkom FutureMakers donates 10 motorbikes to help Delivery Ka Speed achieve its expansion strategy Telkom announced that it has appointed Delivery Ka Speed, a 100% black youth-owned and township-based fast food delivery service Small & Medium Enterprise (SME), as one of its strategic consumer dealers to deliver its products in townships of Gauteng, Limpopo and …

19 September 2023

Gary Kirsten announced as ambassador for The Guardian safeguarding organisation

Location: MyPR

Despite the words of former president Nelson Mandela: “There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children” – The sad reality is that South Africa’s children remain victims, facing constant threats at home, in schools, on sports fields, and on the playground. In an effort …

19 September 2023

Mantashe to Speak at Africa Oil Week

Location: News

Africa Oil Week
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South African Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy Hon. Gwede Mantashe will be a keynote speaker at Africa Oil Week (AOW) (www.Africa-OilWeek.com), to be held in Cape Town next month.

AOW is the continent's leading event in the African upstream and it sees representatives of more than 25 African governments coming together with energy policymakers, financiers and dealmakers to share insights and to map a sustainable roadmap for the responsible development of Africa's natural resources.

Announcing Minister Mantashe's participation, Yemi Ibidunni, Event Director, AOW said that the involvement of the minister and South Africa's Department of Mineral Resources and Energy confirmed the role of AOW as a critical platform for driving energy investment and shaping the future of Africa.

“As Minister Mantashe said at last year's Africa Oil Week, developing Africa's oil and gas resources can help guarantee the continent's energy security while enhancing regional economic development,” says Yemi Ibidunni, Event Director, AOW. “Bringing together leading energy thought leaders like Minister Mantashe and others, helps build the partnerships and develop the knowledge that will drive this process.'

This year's AOW takes place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre 2 in Cape Town, from October 9 – 13, with the theme “Maximising Africa's Natural Resources”.

The event is a global platform driving collaboration, reputable deals and transactions between the public and private sector, shaping the future of the African upstream, and positioning the continent as a stable destination for international investment.

This year's AOW will connect more than 50 ministers and government leaders, 125+ leading speakers, and more than 2 000 senior delegates across five days of industry-leading insight and elite networking opportunities to delivering deals and investments.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Oil Week.