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RIP Johaar Mosaval

Location: News

South African Government
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The Western Cape Government is greatly saddened to hear of the passing of a remarkable man in the arts – Johaar Mosaval.

Johaar was born in District Six and faced great opposition under the apartheid system when he started dancing in the 1940s. Sadly he was not given the opportunity to perform to his potential in South Africa due to the restrictions on access to theatres and stages. In 1950, two visiting dancers spotted his talent and assisted him to get a scholarship to attend Sadler's Wells Ballet School in London. He would go on to join the Royal Ballet School and within another year he graduated into the Royal Ballet Company. 

In 1956 Johaar was promoted to soloist and performed his first solo for the coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at Covent Garden. She was joined in the audience by an array of royalty from across the world as well as many others world leaders. 

Johaar's ballet career continued for another 25 years as a principal dancer and he returned to South Africa in 1976.  He opened his own ballet school in 1977 but it was shut down by the regime of the day. 

Western Cape Minister of Cultural and Sport, Anroux Marais said: “Johaar Mosaval was a story of triumph in a dark time in our country. He was able to access opportunities for him to follow his passion for dance and he made a huge impact overseas. It is a tragedy and a devastating sign of the cruelty of Apartheid that he was not recognized and celebrated in his own country during that time. We honour him as a legend of our country, who paved the way for other dancers.” 

Our condolences go out to Johaar's family, friends and all those who knew him. He was a true legend of our country and his memory will long live on. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Government.

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President Ramaphosa arrives in Luanda for 43rd Ordinary SADC Summit

Location: News

President Ramaphosa arrives in Luanda for 43rd Ordinary SADC Summit

President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in Luanda, in the Republic of Angola, to participate in a summit of Southern African leaders who will focus on sustainable industrialisation of the region.

The President is accompanied by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Thandi Modise, and the Minister in the Presidency responsible for State Security, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni.

The 43rd Ordinary Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) is held under the theme, 'Human and financial capital: The key drivers for sustainable industrialisation of the SADC Region'.

The Summit will be preceded by the Troika Summit of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation today. President Ramaphosa, as the outgoing Chairperson of the SADC Organ, will also attend the Troika Summit.

“The Organ Troika Summit, will discuss the political and security situation in the region with particular focus on the Kingdom of Lesotho, Kingdom of Eswatini, Mozambique (SADC Mission in Mozambique) and the Democratic Republic of Congo. 

“The Organ Troika Summit will also reflect on consolidation of democracy in SADC and deliberate the socio-economic outlook for the Community,” the Presidency said in a statement. 

Other activities of the Summit will include the announcement of the 2022 SADC Secondary School Essay Competition, the Media Awards and the presentation of the Medal of Honour to one of the SADC Founders – the late and first President of the Republic of Botswana, Sir Seretse Khama. – SAnews.gov.za

DikelediM
Wed, 08/16/2023 - 14:39

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Read morePresident Ramaphosa arrives in Luanda for 43rd Ordinary SADC Summit

Nourishing a nation: Poultry industry’s significant support for Chefs with Compassion’s soup challenge

Location: MyPR

In a demonstration of solidarity and commitment to fighting hunger, key players in the South African poultry industry, led by Poultry Bulletin and the South African Poultry Association, rallied once again this year to support Chefs with Compassion’s #67000litres Challenge. This is the third year of their active support to the cause. This year’s generous …

Read moreNourishing a nation: Poultry industry’s significant support for Chefs with Compassion’s soup challenge

Fraudsters are preying on traditional African beliefs to scam South Africans

Location: MyPR

South Africans are deeply connected to their culture and cultural beliefs. Followers of the fundamental traditional African belief system believe they are watched over by their ancestors, who guide them in times of crisis or when facing an important decision in their lives. Many South Africans are facing harsh economic conditions and would typically seek …

Read moreFraudsters are preying on traditional African beliefs to scam South Africans

BRICS bank issues debut bond in SA market

Location: News

BRICS bank issues debut bond in SA market

The New Development Bank (NDB) has successfully issued its debut ZAR bond in the South African bond market, becoming the highest rated issuer to issue in this market since 2015.

The bond, which was issued on Tuesday, was well supported, with over R2.5 billion in bids across both the three-and five-year tranches.

This allowed the NDB to exercise its option to upsize the trade from R1 billion to R1.5 billion. Ninety-four percent of bids were within or lower than price guidance, with the outcome representing the tightest spreads achieved by any non-government issuer in the South African Debt Capital Markets in 2023.

The orderbook was well diversified, with 71% of bids being allocated to institutional investors and the remainder taken up by local banks.

“The NDB is seeking to increase its presence in the local capital markets of its member countries to fund its robust portfolio of local currency loans. The proceeds will be used to fund infrastructure and sustainable development projects in South Africa and the successful outcome sets the benchmark for future issuances by NDB,” NDB Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer, Leslie Maasdorp, said.

The New Development Bank was established with the purpose of mobilising resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) countries and other emerging market economies and developing countries, complementing the efforts of multilateral and regional financial institutions for global growth and development.

In 2021, NDB initiated membership expansion and admitted Bangladesh, Egypt, United Arab Emirates and Uruguay as its new member countries. – SAnews.gov.za

nosihle
Wed, 08/16/2023 - 10:35

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JCross Unlimited shows us ‘Unlimited Sounds’ with his modern Afrohouse EP

Location: Entertainment, MyPR

Bisho, Eastern Cape – 16 AUGUST 2023– Acclaimed Afro house DJ and producer JCross unlimited released his debut EP, titled “Unlimited Sounds ,” on 13-08-2023. The EP features FIve original tracks, all of which showcase JCross unlimited’s unique blend of soulful vocals, driving rhythms, and intricate melodies. “I’m really excited to finally share this EP …

Read moreJCross Unlimited shows us ‘Unlimited Sounds’ with his modern Afrohouse EP

Hosting of BRICS Summit during Women’s Month commended

Location: News

Hosting of BRICS Summit during Women’s Month commended

The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) has commended the hosting of the BRICS Summit, which coincides with the National Women’s Month celebration in South Africa.

South Africa will be hosting the 15th Annual BRICS Summit from Tuesday, 22 August to Thursday, 24 August 2023. 

The summit is an international conference of BRICS heads of states providing a platform aimed at harnessing economic opportunities, post the COVID-19 pandemic.

DWYPD Director-General, Advocate Mikateko Joyce Maluleke, said although BRICS countries continue to play a critical role through their growing influence in the global economy, women continue to bear the brunt of poverty and inequality.

Maluleke said the hosting of the summit will continue to serve as a beacon of hope to many women who are calling for accelerated socio-economic opportunities, a “clarion call for change and unlocking of both economic and social opportunities”. 

“This clear message from all South African women is in concurrence with the department’s objectives of leading socio-economic transformation, and in fulfilling the constitutional mandate that advocates for non-discrimination against anyone on the grounds of race; sex, gender or sexual orientation,” Maluleke said.

Maluleke also noted that evidence has shown that gender equality, particularly in education and employment, contributes to economic growth. 

“As the BRICS Summit gets closer, we do believe that substantive issues and other policy matters will seek to bridge level of inequality through people to people exchange in the BRICS programme. This should be to the advantage of women and girls in rural areas, especially in accessing quality education, skills development and training, to bolster their opportunities in the employment sector,” Maluleke said. 

In order to achieve the ambitious commitments of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Director-General said, the department encourages mainstreaming of gender issues in all scheduled BRICS business activities during and post the annual summit. – SAnews.gov.za
 

GabiK
Wed, 08/16/2023 - 09:55

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Gerhard Ackerman sentence on charges of possession of child pornography welcomed

Location: News

South African Government
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The Film and Publication Board (FPB) welcomes the 12 life sentences handed to Mr Gerhard Ackerman on charges of possession of child pornography by the South Gauteng High Court today, 14 August 2023. The FPB played a crucial role in conducting analyses of the images found in possession of Mr Ackerman, which were crucial in his successful prosecution. The South Gauteng High Court accepted the FPB's content analysis report drafted by the Child Protection Team.

Both the State and the Defence Lawyer adopted the content analysis report and confirmed its accuracy without any amendments. The charges were brought against Mr Ackerman according to the Films and Publications Act 56 of 1996, as amended, which makes the creation, possession and distribution of child pornography as well as exploitation of children for this purpose, a criminal offence. 386 images found in his possession were confirmed to be Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM).

“We warmly welcome the heavy sentence and hope it sends a strong warning to other offenders out there that we, together with the Law Enforcement agencies and other partners, will sniff them out of the corners wherever they are hiding. We shall never rest until each one of them are behind bars. This is also a historic moment for the FPB as an online content regulator. We wish to congratulate our Child Protection team for working tirelessly in providing quality reports to court, resulting in this prosecution,”, says Chief Executive Officer of the FPB, Dr Mashilo Boloka.

He continues to say, “In our pursuit of eradicating the scourge of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), we employ internationally certified content analysts who are trained to ascertain whether people depicted in suspected content are in indeed children. FPB Child Protection Officers are trained on Safety and Risk Assessment in the field of Child Protection and are Certified Content Analysts. The rise of the digital space has made the work of the FPB and Law Enforcement in fighting CSAM particularly challenging. Sexual predators find an anonymous home on the internet where it is easy to build a persona that is very different from reality that can be used to exploit others”.

The FPB works in partnership with like-minded organisations in South Africa and around the world to close in on the perpetrators of these heinous crimes against children. Working through the International Association of Internet Hotlines (INHOPE) and their links to the International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol), the FPB is able to track CSAM that has been created or distributed through international syndicates and finds its way to South African online perpetrators. The problem of child sexual abuse and CSAM is insidious and requires the vigilance of everyone in society to curb it.

The long-term psychological damage to an abused child is multiplied when the images which have been circulated online are easily accessed. Members of the South African public are urged to report any suspected exploitation or grooming of children or instances of suspected CSAM in circulation to hotline@fpb.org.za

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of South African Government.

Read moreGerhard Ackerman sentence on charges of possession of child pornography welcomed

Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities welcomes hosting of BRICS summit during National Women’s Month in South Africa

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities
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South Africa will be hosting the 15th Annual BRICS Summit from Tuesday, 22 August to Thursday, 24 August 2023. It is an international conference of BRICS heads of states providing a platform aimed at harnessing economic opportunities post the COVID-19 Pandemic. We do appreciate that the hosting of the 15th BRICS summit is coinciding with the celebration of National Women's Month in South Africa. “Although BRICS countries continue to play a critical role through their growing influence in the global economy, women continue to bear the brunt of poverty and inequality,” said the Director-General, Adv Mikateko Joyce Maluleke.

Hosting of the summit will continue to serve as a beacon of hope to many women who are calling for Accelerated Socio-Economic Opportunities, a clarion call for change and unlocking of both economic and social opportunities. This clear message from all South African women is in concurrence with the department's objectives of leading socio-economic transformation, and in fulfilling the constitutional mandate that advocates for non-discrimination against anyone on the grounds of race; sex, gender or sexual orientation. Evidence has shown that gender equality, particularly in education and employment, contributes to economic growth.

“As the BRICS Summit gets closer, we do believe that substantive issues and other policy matters will seek to bridge level of inequality through people to people exchange in the BRICS programme. This should be to the advantage of women and girls in rural areas, especially in accessing quality education, skills development and training, to bolster their opportunities in the employment sector. In order to achieve the ambitious commitments of the Sustainable Development Goals, the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities encourages mainstreaming of gender issues in all scheduled BRICS business activities during and post the annual summit that is taking place in a week's time here in South Africa.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities.

Read moreWomen, Youth and Persons with Disabilities welcomes hosting of BRICS summit during National Women’s Month in South Africa

Apple Music reveals Platform as the next Up Next Artist in East Africa

Location: Entertainment, MyPR

Apple Music today announced Afro-pop singer-songwriter Platform is the latest artist to be featured in its new Up Next artist development program in East Africa. “I’m incredibly proud to be Apple Music’s Up Next artist for East Africa this month. It’s a unique opportunity for me and I can’t put it into words what it …

Read moreApple Music reveals Platform as the next Up Next Artist in East Africa

Ramaphosa to attend 43rd Ordinary SADC Summit in Angola

Location: News

The Presidency: Republic of South Africa
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President Cyril Ramaphosa will undertake a working visit to Luanda, in the Republic of Angola, on 16 and 17 August 2023, to participate in a summit of Southern African leaders who will focus on sustainable industrialisation of the region.

The 43rd Ordinary Summit of the Head of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community is themed “Human and financial capital: The key drivers for sustainable industrialisation of the SADC Region”.

The Summit will be preceded by the Troika Summit of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation on 16 August 2023. 

President Ramaphosa, as the outgoing Chairperson of the SADC Organ, will also attend the Troika Summit.

The Organ Troika Summit, will discuss the political and security situation in the region with particular focus on the Kingdom of Lesotho, Kingdom of Eswatini, Mozambique (SADC Mission in Mozambique) and the Democratic Republic of Congo. 

The Organ Troika Summit will also reflect on consolidation of democracy in SADC and deliberate the socio-economic outlook for the Community.

Other activities of the Summit include the announcement of the 2022 SADC Secondary School Essay Competition, the Media Awards and the presentation of the Medal of Honour to one of the SADC Founders – the late and first President of the Republic of Botswana, His Excellency, Sir Seretse Khama.

The two Summits will be preceded by the SADC Council of Ministers meeting on 13 – 14 August 2023, and a Ministerial Committee of the Organ on 16 August 2023.

President Ramaphosa will be accompanied by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms Thandi Modise, and the Minister in Presidency responsible for State Security, Ms Khumbudzo Ntshavheni.

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

Read moreRamaphosa to attend 43rd Ordinary SADC Summit in Angola

Basic Education Portfolio Committee Disappointed with ‘Expected’ Walkout

Location: News

Republic of South Africa: The Parliament
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The Portfolio Committee on Basic Education today had to adjourn its planned meeting to deliberate on the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Bill after a walkout of three members left the committee without a quorum.

The meeting was scheduled to consider and adopt the draft report on the public hearings earlier this year on the BELA Bill. It was also scheduled to receive a presentation from the department on the financial implications of the Bill and to start clause-by-clause deliberations on the Bill.

Committee Chairperson Ms Bongiwe Mbinqo-Gigaba expressed her disappointed at the walkout of two Members of the Democratic Alliance – Mr Baxolile Nodada and Ms Marina van Zyl – and Ms Marie Sukers from the African Christian Democratic Party. However, Ms Mbinqo-Gigaba said the walkout was expected. “We noted the behaviour already during the public hearings in provinces and the misinformation that was spread. We noted the comments in our last meeting regarding the draft report on the countrywide hearings. The majority of Members present today indicated that the draft report was a fair reflection of what occurred in the public hearings across the country. That is also why we were able to adopt the report,” the Chairperson said.

Ms Mbinqo-Gigaba said it was at this stage, after the adoption of the report and before the deliberations on the Bill could begin that the three members staged a walkout. “It is concerning. As Members of Parliament and public representatives we can differ with each other. It is how we express that difference that is worrying. Members have all the right to raise objections and have it included in reports. It was clear that this was just another attempt of the group to stall the Bill. We saw it during the public hearings with the misinformation that was being spread. We will however not be deterred and will continue tomorrow with our work.”

The Bill proposes to amend the South African Schools Act (SASA) of 1996 and the Employment of Educators Act (EEA) of 1998 so as to align them with developments in the education landscape and to ensure that systems of learning are put in place in a manner that gives effect to the right to basic education enshrined in section 29(1) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996.

Among other things, the Bill seeks to amend certain definitions, to made attendance in Grade R compulsory and to provide for improvements in admissions systems for learners in public schools. It also provides for financial and public accountability frameworks for governing bodies and provincial departments. The Bill further provides the Minister with additional regulatory powers and enhances the decision-making and oversight powers of heads of departments and of members of executive councils.

The Bill further proposes technical and substantive adjustments, clarifies certain existing provisions, inserts provisions not provided for in existing legislation and strengthens enforcement mechanisms for offences and penalties. Some Members previously raised concerns about clauses in the Bill relating to the management of learner pregnancies and the regulation of home schooling.

The deliberations are scheduled to resume tomorrow.

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

Read moreBasic Education Portfolio Committee Disappointed with ‘Expected’ Walkout

President Ramaphosa to attend SADC Summit

Location: News

President Ramaphosa to attend SADC Summit

Southern African leaders are expected to gather at Luanda in Angola for the 43rd Ordinary Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

President Cyril Ramaphosa, in his capacity as outgoing Chairperson of the SADC Organ, is expected to attend the summit.

It will be held on Thursday under the theme “Human and financial capital: The key drivers for sustainable industrialisation of the SADC Region.” It will be preceded on Wednesday by the Troika Summit of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.

“The Organ Troika Summit, will discuss the political and security situation in the region with particular focus on the Kingdom of Lesotho, Kingdom of Eswatini, Mozambique (SADC Mission in Mozambique) and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“The Organ Troika Summit will also reflect on consolidation of democracy in SADC and deliberate the socio-economic outlook for the Community.

“Other activities of the Summit include the announcement of the 2022 SADC Secondary School Essay Competition, the Media Awards and the presentation of the Medal of Honour to one of the SADC Founders – the late and first President of the Republic of Botswana, His Excellency, Sir Seretse Khama,” the Presidency said on Tuesday.

International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor, the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Thandi Modise, and Minister in Presidency responsible for State Security Khumbudzo Ntshavheni will accompany the President. – SAnews.gov.za

 

NeoB
Tue, 08/15/2023 - 09:18

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Marikana anniversary a time to reflect

Location: News

Marikana anniversary a time to reflect

Founder of Africa’s largest independent humanitarian organisation, the Gift of the Givers Foundation, Dr Imtiaz Sooliman says it is time to build the country, build social cohesion and bring people together.

He said this during the 4th Annual Marikana Memorial Lecture on Monday, ahead of the 11th anniversary of the Marikana tragedy.

On 16 August 2012, the South African Police Service (SAPS) opened fire on a crowd of striking mineworkers in Marikana, in the North West, killing 34 people.

The then President, Jacob Zuma, announced the establishment of the Marikana Commission of Inquiry, in terms of section 84(2)(F) of the Constitution.

“As a country, we have learnt from the Marikana tragedy,” Sooliman said, adding that it was not time to live in the past, but to reflect on the past.

He said his organisation was determined to double food parcels to the people of Marikana.

Archbishop Thabo Makgoba said the Marikana tragedy was a painful chapter in the country’s history that brought immense sorrow, challenges and anguish to countless families whose loved ones paid the ultimate price.

“As we remember the fallen, we cannot but be moved by the harrowing journey the families of the victims had to endure on that fateful day,” he said.

Makgoba emphasised the importance of providing a supporting shoulder to the families of the victims of the Marikana tragedy. – SAnews.gov.za

 

Edwin
Tue, 08/15/2023 - 11:12

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It is all systems depart for the start of the 15th BRICS Summit

Location: News

It is all systems go for the start of the 15th BRICS Summit

By Michael Currin

It is Women’s Month and Government is delighted to be hosting an important group of leading emerging markets and developing countries, namely Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa for the 15th edition of the BRICS Summit. Together BRICS has around 42% of the world's population, 27% of global GDP and around 20% of international trade.

It is our third time hosting this important event as a country and South Africa is privileged to be the chair of BRICS this year.

Our theme is "BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development, and Inclusive Multilateralism." This theme reflects our vision of BRICS providing global leadership in addressing the needs and concerns of the majority of the world, namely beneficial economic growth, sustainable development and inclusion of the global South in multilateral systems.

This theme also reflects our belief in the benefits a partnership with Africa can bring to BRICS, with our partners eager to explore opportunities to support, and benefit from, operationalisation of the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Since January 2023, we have held a large number of meetings across all three pillars of cooperation, namely:

1. Political and security,

2. Economic and financial; and

3. Social and people-to-people cooperation.

GCIS has supported various Ministerial meetings held to precede BRICS across all provinces. Our Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni hosted a Friends of BRICS National Security Advisors Meeting with her BRICS Security counterparts, in Sandton, on 24 July 2023.

The Friends of BRICS is a combination of countries who have expressed an interest in joining BRICS, those who chair prominent institutions of the Global South and those invited as per the Chair’s prerogative and henceforth invited as per the consensus reached between the host and fellow BRICS members. The Friends of BRICS countries who attended this meeting are Belarus, Burundi, Cuba, Egypt, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Various other meetings took place headed by various Ministers such as the BRICS Foreign Ministers, the BRICS Civil Forum, BRICS Ministers of Communication, the BRICS Youth Forum, the BRICS Urbanisation, BRICS Ministers of Health, and BRICS Ministers of Science and Innovation have all concluded their meetings.

Cabinet has encouraged BRICS meetings to be held in different towns and cities so that our guests have a wide range of experience of our beautiful country. It is also important that the tangible economic benefits of hosting our BRICS partners are experienced in a variety of communities.

All these activities build up to the XVth BRICS Summit which will provide an opportunity for BRICS Leaders to reflect on all the elements of BRICS cooperation. The XVth BRICS Summit will also provide an opportunity to amplify the voices of our friends in Africa and the global South with the BRICS-Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogues.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has confirmed South Africa’s readiness to host the XVth BRICS Summit in Sandton, Johannesburg and we are running a countdown to hype the upcoming activities of the Summit. South Africa Chairs BRICS in a dynamic global environment where the eyes of the world are on us.

Leading up to the Summit, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition and the BRICS Business Council will be hosting a content-rich BRICS Business Programme from 19 to 23 August which seeks to foster economic growth, promote collaboration, attract investment, and showcase opportunities within South Africa, Africa and BRICS countries.

All the BRICS Business Councils are bringing large business delegations to South Africa. As an outcome of South Africa's Chairing of BRICS in 2013, the BRICS Business Council celebrates its 10th Anniversary in 2023 and we look forward to the celebrations as well as the outcomes of the review of the work of the Council in its first ten years.

The BRICS Summit programme

The first event on the BRICS Leaders' programme is the BRICS Business Forum Leaders Dialogue on the afternoon of Tuesday 22 August. The Leaders will get a report on the outcomes of the deliberations during the BRICS Business Forum and will deliver statements reflecting on BRICS economic relations.

Following the Business Forum, the Leaders move to a quieter venue for the BRICS Leaders Retreat. This is a signature event of South Africa as BRICS Chair. Leaders meet in a comfortable setting in a private venue for an unscripted discussion of contemporary issues of importance. There is no set agenda and Leaders can initiate a discussion on issues of choice such as BRICS membership expansion, reform of global governance, or use of local currencies.

On 23 August, the XVth BRICS Summit continues with a closed plenary followed by an open plenary session.

The BRICS Leaders will deliver national statements which will be followed by reports by the President of the New Development Bank, the South African Chair of the BRICS Business Council and the South African Chair of the BRICS Women's Business Alliance.

It is befitting during Women’s month to re-emphasise my focus on the BRICS Women's Business (WBA) Alliance. This will be the first in-person engagement with BRICS Leaders as it was established in 2020 under the Chairship of Russia during the height of the pandemic. This Alliance aims to empower and advance women entrepreneurs in BRICS to create a vibrant network in partnership with others that facilitates knowledge-sharing, skills development, and business opportunities for women across diverse sectors and industries.

Their flagship meeting is the BRICS-Africa WBA Trade Conference to be held in Durban from 20 to 21 August which brings together over 500 women-owned businesses, including micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, from BRICS and Africa. The conference will include the first in-person joint meeting of BRICS WBA national chapters and develop recommendations to be presented to BRICS Leaders at the Summit.

Following the reports from the New Development Bank, BRICS Business Council and the BRICS Women's Business Alliance, the Summit is expected to adopt the eGoli Declaration as the main outcome document of the 2023 BRICS Leaders’ Summit.

South Africa is also pleased to welcome the first meeting of Ministers responsible for Women Affairs as an important step in mainstreaming women's issues across all areas of BRICS cooperation.

This is also a concrete step forward in addressing the needs of vulnerable groups. As a partnership, BRICS operates on the principles of openness, solidarity, mutual respect and understanding as well as mutually beneficial cooperation that is seen to deliver tangible benefits.

The XVth BRICS Summit is the venue and occasion for the voices of BRICS, Africa and the global South to converge and be heard. We meet to reflect on the status of cooperation, to consider regional and global developments and to assess the status of global governance reform.

The Summit is not the final event of South Africa as Chair of BRICS. We continue our programme of mutually beneficial cooperation until the end of 2023.

We look forward to further meetings including the Ministers for Disaster Management, Ministers of Tourism, possible Ministers of Transport meeting, the BRICS Parliamentary Forum, the Foreign Policy Dialogue, Young Diplomats and the first workshop on incident management later in the year. We particularly look forward to the return of the BRICS Games in October.

We are confident that we will leave 2023 having strengthened the BRICS partnership and having delivered benefits to the people of South Africa, BRICS, Africa and the global South.

Government calls on South Africans to continue to extend the warmest of South African welcomes to the many official delegates, businesspeople, media and civil society who will arrive from various parts of the continent and the world shortly for the Summit.

*Michael Currin is the Deputy Director-General of Intergovernmental Coordination and  Stakeholder Management (ICSM) at Government Communication and Information System (GCIS).

 

Janine
Tue, 08/15/2023 - 09:39

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Read moreIt is all systems depart for the start of the 15th BRICS Summit

‘Tangible progress’ in implementation of State Capture Commission recommendations

Location: News

'Tangible progress' in implementation of State Capture Commission recommendations

President Cyril Ramaphosa says “significant progress” has been made to implement government’s plan in relation to the recommendations set out by the State Capture Commission.

The President was addressing the nation through his weekly newsletter on the eve of the second anniversary of the final public hearing of the commission.

Some 205 investigative and prosecutorial recommendations were given by the commission.

“To undertake this huge amount of work, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the Hawks set up an Integrated Task Force to coordinate investigations and prosecutions. There are currently nine cases in court, involving 41 accused people and 12 companies.

“Significant progress has also been made in recovering the proceeds of crime. Freezing orders to the value of R13 billion have been granted to the NPA. A total of R5.4 billion has been traced and returned to the State. The South African Revenue Service has collected unpaid taxes as a result of evidence before the State Capture Commission,” he said.

President Ramaphosa added that “far reaching legislative and institutional changes to reduce the potential of corruption” are also being undertaken.

“Eight of the 14 new laws or legislative amendments identified in our implementation plan have been approved by Cabinet and tabled in Parliament. These address areas such as public procurement, the involvement of politicians in administrative matters, the conduct of public servants, the intelligence services, money laundering and electoral reforms.

“A further six draft laws are in the process of public consultation with stakeholders. Further research is being done on some of the recommendations of the Commission, such as making the abuse of political power a criminal offence,” he said.

Furthermore, the draft Public Procurement Bill and State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) bills are also in the pipeline to increase transparency in procurement processes, and how boards and executives at SOEs are appointed.

To deal with corruption, the State Capture Commission recommended that additional anti-corruption bodies be formed and according to the President, part of that work “is being led by the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council, which is working across society to build ethical values and mobilise the nation against corruption”.

Whistle blowers

President Ramaphosa thanked the individuals who exposed State capture at the commission and through other means.

“Corruption is one of the greatest challenges our country confronts as we strive to improve the lives of all our people. State capture is one of the worst forms of corruption our country has experienced in recent times. State capture was the orchestrated theft of billions of rand through the capture of state institutions.

“Our country is grateful to the actions of many South Africans who, acting as individuals and through various organisations across society, exposed state capture and in many ways ensured that decisive steps are taken to end it,” he said.

The President emphasised the importance of having whistle blowers who bravely – and sometimes to their own detriment – revealed wrongdoing.

He added that government is working to ensure that whistle blowers are protected.

“While many people contributed to exposing and ending State Capture, the role of whistle blowers was particularly important. Many of the people who revealed wrongdoing suffered victimisation and hardship due to their courageous actions.

“We have put forward clear and effective recommendations on whistle blower protection and incentives. These recommendations propose a range of measures, such as criminalising threats against whistle blowers, creating a fund for whistle blowers dismissed because of their disclosures, and providing State protection for whistle blowers and their families where necessary,” he said.

The President reiterated that government is persevering in its commitment to rid the country of corruption and cut off the tentacles of State Capture.

“In the coming months, many of the processes underway will be completed and much more progress will be recorded.

“While tangible progress is being made, it is clear to me that we will only be able to put state capture firmly behind us if all South Africans work together to rid our society of corruption in all its forms,” President Ramaphosa concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Mon, 08/14/2023 - 09:37

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Read more‘Tangible progress’ in implementation of State Capture Commission recommendations

power2Cloud and Uku Inbound Join Forces to Pioneer Digital Transformation in South Africa

Location: MyPR

[Cape Town, 14 August 2023] – Uku Inbound, a leading HubSpot Partner in South Africa, and power2Cloud, a leader in digital transformation from Italy with a robust technology ecosystem, are thrilled to announce their partnership, a significant milestone for both companies. The partnership positions Uku Inbound as a formidable player in the digital transformation landscape, …

Read morepower2Cloud and Uku Inbound Join Forces to Pioneer Digital Transformation in South Africa

Dtic gears up for BRICS Trade Honest

Location: News

Dtic gears up for BRICS Trade Fair

The Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand will be a hive of activity when the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) and the South African BRICS Business Council host the BRICS Trade Fair.

The fair will run from 19 - 23 August 2023 ahead of the highly-anticipated 15th BRICS [Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa] Summit in Sandton.

The fair will be officially opened by the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Ebrahim Patel, together with his BRICS counterparts on 19 August.

The exhibition will serve as a platform for showcasing products and services from the BRICS countries, as well as business-to-business interaction aimed at increasing intra-BRICS trade and investment.

The fair and the BRICS Business Council Programme will include a series of sectoral sessions that will include, among others:

•            Energy Cooperation Forum;

•            Accelerating Infrastructure Development through Government Business/Private Partnerships;

•            Embracing the Digital Economy for Transformation and Advancement;

•            BRICS Dialogue on Airlift Strategy;

•            Importance of Skills for Emerging and Future Jobs;

•            DFI Funding Instruments;

•            The BRICS Manufacturing Forum;

•            Oceans Economy High Level Dialogue;

•            BRICS Dialogue on Airlift Strategy;

•            Pandemic Preparedness, Prevention and Response (PPPR) - Side Event and

•            Africa’s Economic Place in the BRICS Alliance, which will be hosted by the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency (GGDA).

The fair will be a platform to showcase proudly South African products and services from companies and institutions from South Africa and the rest of Africa, as well as Brazil, Russia, India and China.

These companies and institutions are from sectors such as agriculture and agro-processing, manufacturing, automotives, pharmaceuticals, energy and energy infrastructure.

South Africa, as Chair of BRICS, will host the 15th  BRICS Summit at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg from 22 - 24 August 2023, under the theme, 'BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development, and Inclusive Multilateralism'.

The summit will be preceded by the Inward Buying and Investment Missions from Brazil, Russia, India and China, which will take place in Gauteng, Western Cape, Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal from 13 - 23 August 2023, and the BRICS Business Forum at the Sandton Convention Centre on 22 August 2023. – SAnews.gov.za

Edwin
Mon, 08/14/2023 - 13:25

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Read moreDtic gears up for BRICS Trade Honest

BRICS Summit to boost Gauteng economy

Location: News

BRICS Summit to boost Gauteng economy

The Gauteng Tourism Authority (GTA) has lauded the upcoming BRICS Summit as a significant opportunity to create jobs and boost tourism revenue for the province.

The BRICS Summit brings together governments and their leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

“There is no doubt that many sectors will be positively impacted from accommodation, transportation, food, security, logistics and hospitality establishments, with the majority of them already fully booked. We are excited by the prospects of our visitors and delegates immersing themselves in our food and culinary experiences,” the GTA said.

According to the GTA, this year’s summit brings together Heads of State and from the BRICS countries, ministers, government officials and support staff, as well as “at least 25 other countries represented by their Presidents and ministers”.

“Recent reports have also indicated that more than 40 countries have expressed their interest in joining BRICS, so we can expect many more representatives from countries in the global South to make their way to Johannesburg. Add to this the various observers, business leaders, analysts and civil organisations and members of the media, both local and international, makes up the impressive numbers.

“All these people will be sleeping in the province, eating at the various venues and establishments, buying local products, interacting with our communities, and immersing themselves in our culture and way of life. These are the direct ripple effects of tourism and a growing visitor economy. It is more than just a conference or meeting room. It is social currency in action,” the GTA said.

The authority highlighted that the business, tourism, trade and investment activities expected to take place over the duration of the summit will bring business to the business tourism orientated wing of the sector.

“The formal sessions of this important gathering are expected to be spread across the major economic and business event nodes of the city region with Sandton City, Gallagher Convention Centre, Birchwood and Montecasino, amongst others, playing host.

“This bodes well for the visitor economy and business events sector in the province, as these types of high-profile events generate the much needed jobs and tourism revenue into the economy,” the GTA said.

The authority emphasised that the summit will bring in much needed impetus to the province’s economic recovery efforts for the present and the future.

“The summit comes at a time when the country has shown an impressive 46.5% rise in foreign tourist arrivals when comparing June 2023 to the same period last year, as reported by Statistics SA. A quick glance at these numbers also shows that business travellers tend to stay longer and spend more, with African travellers leading the pack.

“It is for this reason that the GTA, who is the key driver of tourism business growth initiatives in the province, is pulling out all the stops to ensure that this period showcases the best of Gauteng’s attractions to global and local visitors alike.

“For the GTA and many businesses in the province that rely on tourism activities and increased visitors into the province, the summit is not only about the BRICS delegates who will be here, but also potentially future visits from repeat visitors once they have tasted the unique attractions that Gauteng has to offer,” the authority said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Mon, 08/14/2023 - 13:30

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Read moreBRICS Summit to boost Gauteng economy

Beiersdorf announces further funding and strengthens its seven-year partnership with SA community programme, Thanda.

Location: MyPR

Following the success of its 7-year long-standing partnership with the KwaZulu-Natal based non-profit, Thanda, Beiersdorf has further committed a funding donation to address the critical long-term aftershocks of the Covid-19 pandemic. With this commitment, Beiersdorf lives up to its sustainability agenda CARE BEYOND SKIN, which seeks to enhance inclusivity within society and achieve sustainable advancements …

Read moreBeiersdorf announces further funding and strengthens its seven-year partnership with SA community programme, Thanda.